Manila Standard - 2024 June 28 - Friday

By Rachelle Tonelada

PRESIDENT Marcos said Thursday that the Philippines needs to do more than protest Beijing's "illegal actions" in the West Philippine Sea.

"We have filed over a hundred protests. We have already made a similar number of demarches," Mr. Marcos told reporters.

"We have to do more than just that," he said, without specifying what other steps Manila might take.

The Philippines this week filed a diplomatic protest over a brutal incident in Ayungin Shoal between Filipino troops and China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia personnel on June 17, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Wednesday.

Chinese coast guard personnel wielding knives,

Timor-Leste grants extradition of Teves

By Rey Requejo

TIMOR-LESTE’S Court of Appeals granted the Philippine government's request for the extradition of fugitive and former Negros Oriental Rep.

Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face trials for multiple murder charges, the Department of Justice said.

“The Department of Justice confirms the grant of the extradition request made by the Philippine government. The information

was relayed to us by the AttorneyGeneral of Timor Leste,” DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano said in a text message to reporters. “We have won,” he added.

Townships with Golf Courses

Six out of Megaworld’s current 32 townships across the country feature their own golf course. These are Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal; Southwoods City in Biñan, Laguna and Carmona, Cavite; The Hamptons Caliraya in Cavinti, Laguna; Sherwood Hills in Trece Martires, Cavite; Lialto Beach and Golf Estates in Lian, Batangas; and Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan. Forbes Town in Fort Bonifacio, meanwhile, while it does not have its own golf course, delights residents with unobstructed views of the nearby Manila Golf and Country Club.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey Requejo

THE fingerprints of suspended Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese national, are the same based on findings of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday.

"Mayor Alice, there is no secret that does not come to light," Hontiveros said in Filipino.

By Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

"Indeed, the NBI has confirmed that the fingerprints of Mayor Alice Guo and Guo Hua Ping match," she added.

According to the senator, the NBI findings confirmed what she suspected all along – that the suspended mayor is a Chinese national masquerading as a Filipino citizen.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier revealed the mayor could be Guo Hua

‘Trabaho’ plan to help create 3m jobs by ‘28

Philippines is working and the country does not need the intervention of the International Criminal Court, President Marcos said yesterday. “Maybe this is something we should show the ICC. The judiciary Next page

JOB GENERATION. President Marcos is joined by Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (right), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual (left) and NEDA chief Arsenio Balisacan (2nd from left, partly hidden) in opening the first-ever 2024 National

MegaStan

Eastland Heights

Boracay Newcoast

‘The Monster’ likely resupplied in WPS

By Rex Espiritu

CHINA'S biggest coast guard vessel, dubbed “The Monster” may have made a resupply mission while entering Kagitingan Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

PCG spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said the government used Canada's Dark Vessel Detection

Month-long toll holiday starts July 1 in Cavitex

P RESIDENT Marcos on Thursday announced a 30-day suspension of toll fee collection for vehicles passing through the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) starting July 1.

In a statement posted on social media, Mr. Marcos said the Toll Regulatory Board approved the recommendation of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, the operator of Cavitex, for the month-long toll holiday in the expressway until July 30.

“We thank the TRB for their prompt action on this recommendation of the PRA. We also thank the MVP Group for supporting this proposal,” he said.

Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), which maintains the expressway, is a unit of the Manny Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

During the inauguration of new Cavitex segments last week, the President said the toll holiday will help motorists mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.

Marcos brings El Niño aid in Western Visayas

PRESIDENT Marcos on Thursday distributed over P200 million in assistance to individuals affected by the dry spell in Western Visayas.

Mr. Marcos visited San Jose de Buenavista, Antique to turn over farm machinery and equipment, as well as cash assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and families, as part of his promise to provide relief to all Filipinos greatly affected by the extreme drought during the El Niño months.

Marcos distributed P10,000 each to 50 select beneficiaries from Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, and Aklan.

Likewise, the five provincial governments received the following substantial amount: P50 million each to Antique, Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan, while P28,410,000 was given to Guimaras.

“Trust that we will strive to reach our remote communities in every corner of the country so that no one will be left behind, and together we will journey toward Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos said in his speech.

Timor-Leste...

From A1

Teves is wanted for the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and others at the home of the slain governor on March 4, 2023.

“We look forward to the arrival of Mr. Teves so that he may finally face the charges against him in our local courts,” Clavano said.

The DOJ official, however, did not say when Teves can actually be extradited to the Philippines.

The Teves camp has yet to issue a statement on the court decision.

Clavano said Timor Leste authorities were likewise ordered to secure all borders air, land and sea to ensure Teves will not get out of Dili.

"We are working closely with our international counterparts in Timor

technology to track the movement of CCG 5901 as it passed through 12 features of the WPS in the past 10 days.

PH...

From A1

sticks and an axe surrounded and boarded three Filipino navy boats last week, foiling what the Armed Forces of the Philippines said was a resupply mission to troops manning the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

Mr. Marcos also reiterated that while the June 17 incident did not constitute an armed attack, it was deliberate and illegal.

"It's not armed. There was no gunshot. They did not point a gun at us, but it was a deliberate action to stop our people," the commander-in-chief said.

"So, although there were no arms involved, nonetheless, it is still a de-

Mayor...

From A1

Ping based on the documents he gathered from the Board of Investments and the Bureau of Immigration.

"This is a big insult to Bamban voters, to our government institutions and to every Filipino," Hontiveros said.

"Guo Hua Ping, soon, we will know the full extent of your deception," she added, vowing to continue

Dutertes...

From A1

"And the only real situation will become clear in October, during the filing. That's when we'll truly see if they're really running, who's really running, who's joining them, which parties are involved, which parties are in alliance. We'll only see that in October, so let's see if all these announcements will push through when October comes," he added.

Addressing the political positioning of the PDP-Laban and its potential implications for the administration's coalition, Mr. Marcos pointed out the Duterte party was never a part of the Uniteam coalition during the 2022 elections.

"The PDP was never a part of the Uniteam even during the election, so it does not change anything for the Uniteam," the President said.

Senator Robin Padilla, meanwhile, said it is "very good news" that the former president and two of his sons will run for senator in 2025.

Padilla, acting president of the PDP-Laban party, said he would have three more allies in the Senate, in addition to Senators Christopher Go, Ronald dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino. Charles Dantes and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Leste to ensure that the Philippine government may attain justice for the alleged victims of Teves crying for justice despite the evasive attitude of fugitive/terrorist designated and former lawmaker," he said.

“The obvious goal of the other camp is to leave Timor Leste and rejoin his family in another country. This is why all boarders have been notified that Teves is a flight risk. However, the Timor Leste government assures us that he will not leave,” Clavano said.

Aside from the murder of Degamo, Teves and others have also been charged for the deaths of three individuals in Negros Oriental in 2019.

The legislator was expelled by the House of Representatives in August last year for disorderly conduct and continued absence despite an expired travel authority.

Tarriela said the 12,000-ton ship departed on June 17 from Hainan, China and directly encroached upon the territorial waters of the Philippineoccupied features of Parola and Pagasa Islands.

On June 20, the monster ship entered Kagitingan Reef and “possibly resupplied for logistics” before continuing on its voyage, entering the exclusive economic zones of Malaysia and Brunei, respectively.

CCG 5901 went north, re-entered

liberate action and it is essentially an illegal action that was taken by Chinese forces."

The June 17 incident was the latest and most serious in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships as Beijing steps up efforts to push its claims to nearly all of the strategically located waterway.

The clashes have raised concern the conflict will draw in the United States, which is bound by a 1951 mutual defense pact to come to Manila's aid in case of an "armed attack" on its forces or vessels in the Pacific theater.

In a readout, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said he reaffirmed Washington's “ironclad” commitment under the Mutual Defense Treaty during a call with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

the Senate probe on Guo's possible connection to illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in Bamban.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) on Wednesday said it is considering filing a petition seeking to cancel the birth certificate of Mayor Guo.

"We are seriously considering the PSA’s (Philippine Statistics Authority) recommendation to file a petition for the cancellation of Mayor Guo’s

‘Trabaho’...

From A1

Mr. Marcos said the TPB is a 10-year roadmap that will serve as the national guide toward greater employment generation and recovery.

The President also gave assurances that the administration is dedicated to addressing underemployment and unemployment.
“The TPB Plan will be one of the driving forces to help create at least three million new jobs by the year 2028,” Marcos said.

The President noted that beyond generating employment, the government is also seeking to create “quality jobs, with special emphasis on ensuring workers’ welfare, empowerment, competitiveness, and security in all sectors of our labor sector.”

This is why, according to Mr. Marcos, the government is working doubly hard to address job-skills mismatch, underemployment, and unemployment through the reforms in the basic education curriculum, the embedding of TVET or Technical and Vocational Education and Training in

De Lima’s...

From A1

is working properly, our investigative services are working properly,” Mr. Marcos said.

"Former Senator De Lima has been acquitted. I don’t know what further comments there could be. She went through the process, and then got acquitted,” he added.

The Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 on Monday cleared De Lima of the third and last charge of the series of drug-related cases filed against her in 2017, ending years of legal battles for one of the most vocal critics of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his deadly drug war.

The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity under Duterte's controversial drug war.

“We still stay with our position that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the Philippines because we have a working police force, we have a working judiciary, and do not require any assistance in that regard,” the President said.

For her part, House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas urged the administration to reconsider and

the Philippine EEZ, and passed through Rizal Reef until it made another supply stop at Panganiban Reef on June 23, Tarriela said.

“The following day, she continued to navigate within the Philippines EEZ, selectively passing through Lawak and Patag, and then making a quick southeasterly turn to pass through Escoda Shoal,” he said.

The vessel went directly toward El Nido, Palawan, maintaining a distance

Manila likewise raised concerns that Chinese forces might take action against BRP Sierra Madre, where a small garrison of Filipino Marines stationed aboard the decrepit vessel relies on frequent resupply for survival.

On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told a Senate hearing that Manila hopes to convene a meeting with Beijing early next month "specifically to discuss the recent incidents."

Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.

China deploys coast guard and other boats to patrol the waters around the shoal and has turned several reefs into artificial militarized islands. With AFP

birth certificate," Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said.

The OSG has already formed a team to conduct an investigation into Guo's identity. During Wednesday's Senate hearing, it was discovered that a different "Alice Leal Guo" existed in the database of the NBI. Both "Alice Leal Guo" – the mayor and the other one in the NBI database – were born on the same date and year.

the Senior High School curriculum, and the implementation of employment facilitation initiatives.

Most of the labor statistics improved from April 2023 to 2024, according to the Labor Force Survey as of June 6 this year, with the employment rate slightly up from 95.50 percent to 96 percent, and employed individuals increasing from 48.06 million to 48.46 million. The country’s unemployment rate also decreased from 4.5 percent to 4 percent.

However, the Labor Force Survey showed the underemployed individuals increased from 12.90 percent to 14.60 percent, while the labor force participation rate rose from 64.10 percent to 65.10 percent.
“This is why the government is working doubly hard to address the proverbial problems that we have always faced – job-skills mismatch, underemployment, [and] unemployment through the reforms in our basic education curriculum, the embedding of TVET in the Senior High School curriculum, and the implementation of employment facilitation initiatives,” Mr. Marcos added. Charles Dantes

allow the ICC to investigate Duterte's alleged human rights violations.

"Committee hearings can only do so much. The government must decisively act to provide justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings under the Duterte regime's brutal drug war," Brosas said.

"We need a thorough, impartial investigation by the ICC to uncover the full extent of the human rights violations committed and to hold the perpetrators accountable. Moreover, if the ICC decides to issue a warrant of arrest, the government must turn over Duterte and others who were involved," she added.

Earlier, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said Duterte will not attend the House justice committee on the drug war.

"It would be unfair to him. I was the chief of the Philippine National Police and implementer of the war on drugs. If there are questions on the level of chief of PNP, I can answer,” Dela Rosa said.

But Dela Rosa said he is also not keen on attending the House probe.

"But the problem here, I choose not to attend. We have an option, they can invite us and we can also invite them, but we have the option not to attend," he added.

of 34 nautical miles before turning toward Bajo de Masinloc.

As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, CCG 5901 was monitored at a distance of 46 nautical miles southeast of Sanya, Hainan.

In May, the CCG vessel also conducted an "intrusive patrol" in Scarborough Shoal.

Scarborough Shoal, also known as Panatag Shoal, is within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile EEZ.

Probe foreigners buying Palawan land—bishop

By Vito Barcelo

A CATHOLIC prelate urged the national government to investigate foreigners who are frequently visiting and actively buying lands in Taytay, Palawan, which faces the West Philippine Sea directly.

"There are no sightings of ships, but I’ve been hearing of people buying land. They might be Chinese nationals or agents, especially since we are a coastal area facing the West Philippine Sea," Catholic Bishop Broderick Pabillo Pabillo said in a phone interview with ABS-CBN.

"These buyers of lands should be investigated. They will of course use a dummy, and they quickly pay in cash," he added.

Taytay is a first-class municipality with 31 barangays encompassing a total land area of 134,238 hectares. Altogether, it accounts for almost a tenth of Palawan’s land.

The municipality with a population of 88,416 (as of December 2021) is located in the north side of the archipelagic province.

"People have been reporting that there are individuals going around, asking for lands for sale. Of course, the Chinese will not be in front, they will try to find a Filipino. But who is really behind them? That should be investigated," Pabillo said.

"This time is more fearsome. Before, lands were bought because of the sea, tourism. But now the agenda is already different," he added.

New...

From A1

Because education is that important. So no matter the change of leadership within the department, we still have to carry on,” Mr. Marcos told Palace reporters. “I would like to be able to announce the appointment of the DepEd Secretary by the end of the week. We cannot leave it open. We cannot just leave it like that – vacant without a secretary.”

“Do we need a teacher? Do we need an administrator? Do we need an accountant? What do we need? ... That's what we're trying to figure out right now," he added.
Duterte resigned as DepEd Secretary and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) last week, essentially leaving the Cabinet of the Marcos administration. In her resignation letter, Duterte said she prepared a 30-day plan to ensure the seamless transition of the DepEd portfolio. The President said Duterte did not provide any reason for stepping down from his Cabinet.

“She didn’t give any reason. I asked her, is there any particular reason why she has chosen to resign from the Department of Education and the NTF-ELCAC? And she said, ‘Wag na lang nating pag-usapan.’ So I did not force the issue,” he said. President Marcos and Duterte ran and won under the UniTeam coalition during the 2022 elections.

Asked if there is still a UniTeam, Mr. Marcos said it is up to Duterte. “It depends on Inday Sara's position when the election comes. Is she in the administration or is she in the opposition? That will be the only major determinant. But as the parties involved, the UniTeam is still the same, it hasn't changed,” he said.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

IN BRIEF

4 SWAT men under probe over FB posts

FOUR operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Pasig City were relieved from their posts amid ongoing investigation into their presence at a private event of a networking company in the city and subsequent posting of their photos on Facebook.

In an interview Thursday, Eastern Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta clarified that the involved SWAT members are from Pasig City, not from Batangas province as reported earlier.

Initial report showed that the incident happened about 1 p.m. on June 22, when the SWAT team’s patrol vehicle stopped in front of a bank along San Miguel Ave. in Barangay San Antonio.

A woman later identified as an employee of a nearby networking firm Prime Z approached one of the team’s members, a certain “Police M/Sgt. Noche” who was then sitting at the back of the patrol vehicle, and asked him if they can take pictures with the SWAT team as they were holding an event for their opening.

PH, Indonesia, Japan to protect vital seas

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (DGST) of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) have committed to protecting vital seas, such as the Sulu and Celebes Seas, maintaining rulesbased order, and enhancing oil spill response capabilities along major sea lanes. This pledge was made during the ongoing Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2024 where the PCG, DGST, and JCG conducted joint exercises on firefighting, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and oil spill response at the v waters off Guimaras in Western Visayas on Wednesday, 26 June 2024. The capability building exercises were witnessed by PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. The drills involved the PCG’s BRP Gabriela Silang, BRP San Agustin, BRP Habagat and BRP Kalanggaman, Indonesia’s KN TRISULA P111, and Japan’s PLH 02 TSUGARU. Vince Lopez

LTO, Baguio digital tie-up for road safety

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO)

has tied up with Baguio City for digital interconnectivity to promote road safety

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II and Mayor Benjamin Magalong forged an agreement meant to link the agency’s data to the city government “to pave the way for a hasslefree enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.”

“Baguio is the first major city in Northern Luzon that will now interlink with our information system and I’m sure that this exchange of information will be both helpful in terms of traffic management in terms of disciplining our drivers, in terms of streamlining the payment of penalties,” Mendoza said.

The interconnectivity program is essential in the ongoing program of Baguio City toward smart mobility. Rio N. Araja

SPD nabs five in drug raids in P’que, Taguig

THE Southern Police District (SPD) has apprehended two drug traffickers in Paranaque City in an intensified drive against illegal drugs.

The SPD carried out another buy-bust operation in Barangay Tuktukan, Taguig City, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, including a minor, and the seizure of 30 grams of shabu valued at PP224,000.

SPD director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete reported that the latest anti-narcotics operation also led to the seizure of more than P1 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, from the suspects identified as Marjorie Ilagan, 40, and Novarico dela Cruz, 27. The buy-bust operation was carried out in Barangay San Dionisio last Wednesday.

“We are grateful to the community for their support and cooperation in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs, with the aim of creating a safer and more prosperous future for all residents of southern Metro Manila,” said Rosete. Joel E. Zurbano and Vince Lopez

Army kills seven Reds in N. Ecija

By Rex Espiritu

SEVEN suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were reported killed in an encounter with Army troopers on Wednesday in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

The bodies of the slain insurgents were recovered, with three of them identified as members of the Central Luzon Regional Committee of the

DOH cautions against contact with leptospirosis

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Thursday advised the public to avoid wading in floodwaters following reports of escalating leptospirosis cases with 84 deaths recorded from January to June 15 this year.

“Do not wade or play in the flood to prevent leptospirosis. If it cannot be avoided, use boots or wash your body with soap and clean water immediately,” Herbosa said. He also urged local government units (LGUs) to declog their drainage systems and implement rodent control.

The Department of Health (DOH) noted that the weekly case count of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by animalssuch as rodents and other vermin, started rising during the rainy season. Based on its monitoring as of June 15, the total number of leptospirosis cases stands at 878. Herbosa said this is only around one-half of the number of cases (1,769) in the same period last year. Six cases were recorded between May 5-18, but this number surged to 60 from May 19 to June 1, until it reached 83 cases in the first two weeks of June.

Case counts may still increase with delayed reports, the DOH said. Except for the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao regions, all regions had a spike in leptospirosis cases over the previous month.

Communist Party of the Philippines, according to Maj. Jimson Masangkay, public affairs chief of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division. There were no casualties on the government side.

In a statement, Masangkay said the troops also seized some firearms from the insurgents. These included three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one lowpowered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

“Hot pursuit operations are ongoing to clear the encounter site and ensure the safety of the community.” state-

ment said. Masangkay said the 84th Infantry Battalion encountered around 20 NPA members. so it was possible there were more rebels killed. However, the total number of deaths has not been determined.

“We stopped their plan to regain their influence in the community using intimidation. Actually, we chased them from Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya, now here in Nueva Ecija,” said Lt. Col. Jeraid Reyes said, chief of the 804th IB. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, commander of the 703rdIB, said the troops will maintain

their “strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years.”

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has waged one of the world’s longest Maoist insurgencies.

The Philippine military estimates there are fewer than 2,000 guerrillas left, and firefights have become less frequent.

Hundreds of communist rebels have surrendered in recent years in exchange for financial assistance and livelihood opportunities, according to the government. AFP

medical mission groups, San Miguel Food Inc. and Pro Green Agricorp.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aims to extend the ongoing voluntary price freeze on essential goods by at least one or two months, according to Trade Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection Group Amanda Nograles. “We are currently working on an extension of the voluntary price freeze. Our current effort is to appeal to manufacturers for an additional period of 30 to 60 days since the existing freeze is set to expire on July 10th,” Nograles said. The move comes after the initial success of the voluntary price freeze program launched in May 2024. The program is a collaborative effort between the DTI and major manufacturers to address rising prices of goods. Earlier

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

EMBELLISHED TRIKE.

tricycle is emblazoned with Sinulog stickers and other decals created by SignDepot during the 27th Graphic

2024 at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. In photo are Wilson Liao and Kyla Mandia of Sign Depot. Revoli Cortez

by the PhilHair

Norman Cruz

OPINION

Requiem for PDP-Laban

THE Partido Demokratiko Pilipino or PDP was founded on Feb. 6, 1982 by Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. as a political party firmly opposed to authoritarianism or despotic rule.

Later, it merged with the Lakas ng Bayan (Laban) founded by former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and later headed by Lorenzo Tañada, often described as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine politics.”

The PDP-Laban became part of the country’s ruling party coalition from 1986 to 1992 and played a big role during the Cory Aquino administration in expanding the democratic space in the post-EDSA People Power era.

Today, sadly, the PDP-Laban of long ago is not even a shadow of its former self.

While Nene Pimentel’s son, Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, still leads a faction within the party, he appears to have failed to stop the hijacking of the political formation that defended Philippine democracy against great odds.

The PDP has officially dropped the Laban from its official name, and rightly so, because it is unwilling to uphold democratic ideals but is singularly focused on maintaining themselves in public office for as long as they can.

That the current PDP is a misnomer and far from being a political party of real democrats but of fake ones is clearly shown by the selection of former president Rodrigo Duterte as its chairman. That he has been elected to the PDP hierarchy as its top leader at this point boggles the imagination.

Why did somebody who singlehandedly bring Philippine democracy to its lowest point or nadir with his bloody war on drugs from 2016 to the end of his term in 2022 with no less than 20,000 extrajudicial killings during his six years in office deserve to be installed as leader of what was intended as a real democratic party in word and in deed?

What’s even more worrisome is that this same political party originally organized along libertarian and democratic principles will quite possibly do the opposite, which is to upend our cherished democratic ideals and bring this country to situation where transparency and accountability would be the exception rather than the rule.

We are just as worried that the PDP would be dominated by politicians who cannot be expected to uphold the rule of law and good governance anchored on transparency and accountability.

We expect our political parties to offer the electorate a comprehensive and coherent platform of governance and possess the right qualifications for both local and national positions, rather than mere popularity because of exposure in

show business.

Lawmaking and executive leadership are too serious a concern to be left to active and former show business personalities.

We should not vote for people with the propensity to subtract rather than add to the sum of human knowledge every time they open their mouths.

The late Nene Pimentel and Lorenzo Tañada must be turning in their graves out of sheer disgust and horror over the coup d’etat mounted by rabid antidemocracy politicians eager to capture the levers of political power for their own self-interests instead of working for a better future for the nation and our people.

—“—

The PDP of today can hardly be called ‘democratic’ when most of its new leaders have neither cut their teeth in the struggle to defend Philippine democracy in the past...

Let us not forget that the key word in the party’s name is “demokratiko” or “democratic.” If we go by the Lincolnian notion of democracy, it’s a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

The PDP of today can hardly be called “democratic” when most of its new leaders have neither cut their teeth in the struggle to defend Philippine democracy in the past, nor shed their image as dyed-in-the-wool traditional politicians eager to prolong their grip on power.

The PDP has been transformed from a powerful battering ram against dictatorship and political dynasties into a convenient vehicle for vested interests and perpetuation of power by both old and new politicians.

Internet research on the PDP yielded this interesting observation from a PDPLaban community leader in a northern province and a dedicated party cadre since its founding in 1982: “Party newcomers and interlopers are now trying to wrest control of the party…We are wondering why we now have so many politicians who have emerged to claim that they are PDP-Laban members but we, who are original members, are now being eased out.

“We will not allow these hitchhikers to gain control of the party that we established.” (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Connecting the islands

THE Department of Transportation is on the right track in targeting the immediate development of 10 seaport terminals across the archipelago to further enhance economic growth.

The Philippine Ports Authority is now crafting the master plans to develop 10 seaport terminals in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Taytay, Palawan; Buenavista, Guimaras; San Carlos, Negros Occidental; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Lazi, Siquijor; Catbalogan, Samar; Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur; and Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.

The PPA is reportedly finalizing discussions with a sole bidder that has expressed intent to acquire the P32.29million consultancy services contract for the conduct of feasibility studies and formulation of master plans covering the seaports.

The general objective of the package of feasibility studies and master plans, we’re told, is to meet the increasing

port services required for various regions’ agri-industrial development and tourism enhancement.

The DOTr actually plans to construct 200 new seaports across the country by 2028 to improve connectivity for remote islands. Each terminal is estimated to cost P20 million to P80 million.

Connecting the more than 7,000 islands that make up the archipelago will require the PPA to operate a rationalized national port system

The agency is also keen on building and expanding 14 roll-on/roll-off ports across the archipelago.

These include San Vicente Roro Port, Maconacon Port, and Palanan Port in northern Luzon; Dilasag Port, Baler Port, Infanta Port, and Catanauan Port in eastern Luzon; Cadiz Port, Ajuy

RECENT events in the South China Sea, particularly China’s aggressive actions against Philippine vessels at the Second Thomas Shoal, have reignited the debate over the applicability of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States.

Law professors from San Beda University assert the conditions for invoking the MDT have been met, urging the United States to respond to what they perceive as common dangers.

This commentary will analyze the arguments for and against this assertion, referencing historical and legal precedents, and evaluate whether the Philippines could indeed invoke the MDT.

We will conclude with a call for peace, diplomacy, and adherence to the rule of law, and offer recommendations for moving forward.

Arguments supporting the invocation of MDT

• Legal Provisions and Historical Context

WARSAW – Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, tipped to be the European Union’s next foreign policy chief, is a trenchant Russia critic and a stalwart europhile long touted as a potential candidate for international top jobs.

The daughter of former premier and EU commissioner Siim Kallas, she was born when Estonia was still a part of the Soviet Union before it regained independence in 1991.

The 47-year-old lawyer was first elected to parliament in the Baltic nation in 2011 for the liberal Reform Party founded by her father.

Kaja Kallas: Estonia’s ‘Iron Lady’ favorite to be EU’s top diplomat —“—

She later won a seat in the European parliament and was repeatedly included on lists of the most influential MEPs.

In Brussels, Kallas earned a reputation as a passionate proponent of innovation, focusing on digital and communications policies.

After her EU stint, Kallas made a comeback to national politics in 2018, taking the helm of the Reform Party and became the first woman prime minister of Estonia in 2021.

A hawkish critic of the Kremlin and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the EU and NATO, Kallas rallied behind embattled Ukraine as the country was faced with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in Feb. 2022.

The Baltic state of only 1.3 million people has emerged as proportionally one of the most generous Ukraine do-

nors, with its support exceeding one percent of its GDP.

Despite her country’s small size, Kallas has punched above its weight on the EU stage -- championing plans to ramp up artillery shell supplies to Kyiv and bolster Europe’s defenses.

“If this aggression pays off in Ukraine, then it serves as an invitation to use it elsewhere,” Kallas -- whose nation borders Russia -- told AFP last year.

One of the downsides of a political career, Kaja Kallas, a trenchant Russia critic, sometimes complains, is never having enough time to dance

Urging Europe to not allow fear of Russia to dictate decision-making and undermine its support for Ukraine, Kallas said Russia “only understands strength.”

‘Not considered equal’

In a symbolic act of breaking with its past, the Estonian government led by Kallas has been removing Soviet-

The Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, is a key document underpinning the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

Article IV of the MDT commits both nations to act to meet common dangers if an armed attack occurs in the Pacific Area.

Article V expands this to include attacks on either party’s metropolitan territory, island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific, or armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific.

The law professors argue the June 17 incident, where Chinese personnel used bladed weapons against Philippine inflatable craft, constitutes an armed attack as defined by the MDT.

They also reference the 2023 Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which clarify an armed attack includes incidents in the South China Sea involving Philippine or US armed forces, coast guards, aircraft, or public vessels.

• Historical and Legal Precedents

The invocation of the MDT can be supported by historical precedents

era war monuments, a process that gained momentum after the invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow reacted by placing her on a list of “wanted” criminals.

“When we regained our independence, we had so many other worries. Now, when the war started, it actually opened all the wounds,” said Kallas, nicknamed “the Iron Lady of Estonia” at home.

But she had to face a crisis of confidence in 2023 after local media reported that a company partly owned by her

That’s not all.

The DOTr also plans tap the privatesector to develop a ferry system that traverses Manila Bay, Pasig River, Marikina River, and Laguna de Bay. The goal is to provide alternative routes that link the east and west corridors of Metro Manila.

According to the PPA, passenger traffic on sea terminals surged by 24 percent to 73.61 million last year from 59.19 million in 2022.

However, this was still below the 2019 level of 83.72 million passengers. We cannot overemphasize the importance of developing more seaports across the country as this is crucial in accelerating economic and social progress.

Connecting the more than 7,000 islands that make up the archipelago will require the PPA to operate a rationalized national port system that will promote regional development through the dispersal of industries and economic activities in the different regions and establish port facilities and services at par with global best practices.

Bedan professors: MDT terms for US action already met

where mutual defense treaties were activated or considered in response to aggression.

For instance, during the Cold War, the US invoked similar treaties to provide military support to allies under threat.

The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines invalidated China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea, reinforcing the legal basis for Philippine actions and justifying a robust defense response under the MDT.

Arguments opposing the invocation of MDT

• Interpretation of ‘armed attack’ and diplomatic nuances Opponents might argue the MDT’s invocation requires a clear and unequivocal armed attack.

The path forward should emphasize diplomacy, international law, and strategic partnerships to ensure peace and stability in the region

The confrontation at the Second Thomas Shoal, while aggressive, may not meet the threshold of an armed attack involving significant use of force.

The use of non-lethal weapons and the absence of fatalities or severe injuries could be viewed as insufficient to trigger the MDT.

Moreover, invoking the MDT could escalate tensions and provoke a broader conflict, contrary to the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes.

Historical instances like the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 highlight the risks of military escalation and the importance of diplomatic channels to defuse potential conflicts.

• Strategic and Political Considerations

From a strategic perspective, the US

husband was continuing to operate in Russia.

Defying the calls to step down, Kallas was re-elected as the Reform Party leader, with her international image largely untarnished by the scandal.

Kallas, who speaks English, Russian and French in addition to her native Estonian, was tipped as a contender to replace Jens Stoltenberg at NATO’s helm.

But despite openly expressing interest in the job, Kallas failed to gain traction with more cautious allies who saw her as

may be hesitant to commit to a military response in the South China Sea, considering the complex geopolitical dynamics and the risk of direct confrontation with China.

The US might prefer a combination of diplomatic measures, economic sanctions, and increased military presence as a deterrent without formally invoking the MDT.

Can the Philippines invoke the MDT?

The arguments presented by the San Beda professors are compelling, especially given the MDT’s provisions and the 2023 Bilateral Defense Guidelines. However, the interpretation of what constitutes an ‘armed attack’ and the broader strategic implications of invoking the MDT require careful consideration. While the conditions for MDT invocation could arguably be met, the decision hinges on a complex interplay of legal definitions, historical context, and strategic calculations.

Call for peace, diplomacy, rule of law

In light of these developments, it is crucial to prioritize peace, diplomacy, and adherence to international law.

The Philippines should continue to assert its rights under the 2016 PCA ruling and explore diplomatic avenues to resolve disputes.

Engaging the United Nations Security Council, as recommended by the San Beda professors, could garner international support and pressure China to comply with international norms.

While the MDT provides a framework for mutual defense, invoking it requires careful deliberation.

The path forward should emphasize diplomacy, international law, and strategic partnerships to ensure peace and stability in the region.

By balancing assertiveness with prudence, the Philippines and its allies can navigate these challenges while upholding the principles of sovereignty and international cooperation.

The goal should always be to resolve disputes through peaceful means, reinforcing the commitment to a stable and just international order.

too outspoken on Russia.

“The worry for our side of Europe is that we have been in these organizations, NATO and European Union, for 20 years next year, and we are not considered equal candidates when it comes to top positions,” Kallas told AFP in December.

The mother of one son, Kallas belonged to a folk dancing ensemble in her youth, performing both in Estonia and abroad.

One of the downsides of a political career, she sometimes complains, is never having enough time to dance. AFP

Port, and San Fernando Port in Central Visayas; and Lupon Roro Port and Sta. Ana Roro Port in Mindanao.

IN BRIEF

Israel ‘can send Lebanon back to Stone Age’ with border hits

ISRAEL said it does not want war in

but could send its neighbor “back to the Stone Age,” as the UN’s humanitarian chief warned such a conflict would be “potentially apocalyptic.”

The border between the two countries has seen daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants ever since the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hezbollah’s ally Hamas, which triggered the war in Gaza. Fears those exchanges could escalate into full-blown war have only grown in recent weeks as cross-border

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said during a visit to Washington on Wednesday his country could “take Lebanon back to the Stone Age, but

“Hezbollah

nationalist premier Viktor Orban making plain their outrage at being left out in the cold. AFP

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has seized 106 containers of dangerous electronic waste over the last three months and busted an illegal waste import syndicate after a tip-off from a watchdog group, a minister said. Tens of millions of tons of e-waste are produced globally every year, and many discarded devices and appliances can leak heavy metals, plastics and other toxic chemicals.

Many countries, including Malaysia, have banned the import of e-waste, though illegal shipments remain a problem. Between March 21 and June 19 this year, Malaysian inspectors found 106 shipping containers filled with e-waste, authorities said Wednesday. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, said the containers will be sent

SEOUL – North Korea claimed to have successfully tested its multiple-warhead missile capability, state media said Thursday, as dozens more trash-laden balloons from Pyongyang landed in the South. Relations between the two Koreas are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang ramping up weapons testing while bombarding the South with balloons full of trash it says are in retaliation to similar missives sent northwards by activists in the South.

The balloons briefly forced Seoul’s major hub Incheon Airport to close on Wednesday, and in response to the successive launches, South has fully suspended a tension-reducing military treaty and restarted propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts and live-fire drills near the border.

North Korea claimed it had “successfully conducted the separation and guidance control test of individual mobile warheads”, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Thursday.

The “separated mobile warheads were guided correctly to the three coordinate targets” during the test, carried out the day before, it said.

“The test is aimed at securing the MIRV capability,” KCNA added, referring to multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle technology -- or the ability to fire multiple warheads on a single ballistic missile.

This emerged as South Korea, the United States and Japan kicked off major new military exercises on Thursday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, as the allies seek to counter growing threats from Pyongyang.

ATLANTA – Joe Biden and Donald Trump square off for a historic US presidential debate Thursday (Friday Manila time), with the stage set for what could be an inflection point in the 2024 race as millions of voters tune in to the clash of rivals.

The showdown -- between the oldest-ever incumbent and a convicted felon -- fires the starting gun on what promises to be a bruising summer of campaigning in a deeply polarized and tense United States still convulsed over the chaos and violence that accompanied the 2020 election.

With only two debates this election cycle, Thursday’s highstakes event takes on heightened significance, and both candidates have stepped up their personal attacks, with national polls showing the pair neck and neck.

As the candidates applied finishing touches to their debate strategy, one critical question remained: Will Trump the political pugilist rein in his aggressive tendencies or unleash his

The drills, dubbed “Freedom Edge,” will focus on ballistic missile and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare and defensive cyber training, among other areas, the JCS said in a statement.

The three countries’ leaders held a summit last year and agreed to conduct drills every year to demonstrate unity in the face of North Korea’s nuclear threats and China’s rising regional influence. Similar combined military exercises in the past have infuriated Pyongyang, which sees them as rehearsals for an invasion.

The drills, which are set to wrap up Saturday, will involve the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, Japan’s guided-missile destroyer JS Atago, and Seoul’s KF-16 fighter jet, among other assets. AFP

Israel’s allies, including key defense backer the United States, have been keen to avoid such an eventuality. A US official said Washington was engaged in “fairly intensive conversations” with Israel, Lebanon and other actors, and believed that no side sought a “major escalation”.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Gallant on Tuesday that another war with Hezbollah could have “terrible consequences for the Middle East,” and urged a diplomatic solution. Germany on Wednesday, echoing a Canadian warning from the day before, “urgently requested” its citizens in Lebanon leave the country.

“The current heightened tensions in the border area with Israel could escalate further at any time,” updated foreign ministry advice in Berlin said.

UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths told reporters in Geneva on Wednesday that Lebanon was “the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints.” AFP

‘POTENTIALLY APOCALYP TIC.’ Relatives and supporters of Israelis taken hostage by Palestinian militants in Gaza in October demonstrate calling for their release in the Israeli central city of Tel Aviv on Wednesday amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas group. UN humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths told reporters in Geneva meanwhile Lebanon was ‘the flashpoint beyond all flashpoints and is potentially apocalyptic.’ AFP

IN BRIEF

SC opens regional court office in Davao City

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday inaugurated the country’s first Office of Regional Court Manager (ORCM) at Davao City’s Arcadia Event Center.

“With great anticipation, we open today the ORCM, which is empowered to directly resolve many of the administrative concerns our trial courts regularly face,” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said during the launch of the country’s ORCM in Mindanao.

In his message, the Chief Justice said the establishment of ORCMs will help ease the administrative work of judges, enabling them to focus on adjudication. “The ORCM will be the efficient judicial machinery that will support our judges in their main function of adjudication,” Gesmundo said.

The top magistrate added that the decentralization of administrative matters from the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to the ORCMs will promote efficiency, thereby improving the performance of courts and the delivery of justice.

Rey E. Requejo

CHR lauds QC Police

‘Project Green Camp’

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday lauded the first-ever green camp in Metro Manila via Project Green Camp Karingal of the Quezon City government and QC Police District to promote environment-friendly workspaces in other police districts.

“The Commission fully supports this partnership between the local government and QCPD as it demonstrates their full commitment towards actively taking an effort to address the climate crisis in the country,” it said. It invoked Article II, Section 16 of the Constitution providing that “[t]he State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

Along with QCPD director Rederico Maranan, Mayor Joy Belmonte spearheaded the launch of the partnership in Camp Karingal and underscored the overall goal to shift toward a green, resilient, and sustainable city under the city government’s One Million Trees Initiative. Rio N. Araja

Taguig City LGU takes part in Arbor Day

TAGUIG City local officials led by Mayor Laarni Cayetano took part in the celebration of National Arbor Day 2024 by organizing a treeplanting event.

Over 200 seedlings and saplings of Tabebuia Rosea, also known as pink trumpets, were planted along the center island of C6 Road, Laguna Lake Highway in Barangay Lower Bicutan.

National Arbor Day is observed annually on June 25 and aims to encourage Filipinos to plant trees and ornamental plants to help foster a healthier ecosystem through environmental rehabilitation and re-greening efforts.

More than 200 participants from city offices, including the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Agriculture Office, Lake and River Management Office, and City Parks and Recreation Office, worked together to plant the seedlings along the highway. Joel E. Zurbano

DRIVEN BY POVERTY. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago presented the mother and aunt of an 11-year-old child after they were arrested for selling explicit videos of the

REHEARSALS. Members of a group performing at the Panagkakadua-an Festival of San Felipe, Zambales conduct a final rehearsal at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City for the Aliwan Festival Street Dance Competition on Saturday, June 29. Norman Cruz

Lawmakers approve VAT on digital service firms

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Bicameral Conference Committee approved a 12 percent Value Added Tax on non-resident digital service providers on Thursday.

The approval came as the committee achieved consensus on two remaining issues: the withholding tax on percentage taxpayers as proposed by the Department of Finance (DOF), and the earmarking of funds for the local creatives sector.

“The bicam quickly agreed on two remaining items. On withholding taxes for percentage taxpayers, we agreed with the DOF proposal, which will allow the Secretary of Finance to set withholding tax rates for those who are

HANG TIME. Workers perch on a scaffolding while painting a building in Quezon City. According to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), for eight consecutive years, the Philippines has been listed among the 10 worst countries for working people according to their 2024 Global Rights Index. Manny Palmero

not VAT-covered,” Rep Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay, chair of the House committee on ways and means, announced.

“We obtained assurances that small taxpayers will not be subject to excessive audits or complicated compliance,” he added.

Salceda filed the first version of the VAT on digital service providers in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But during the pandemic, at the peak of the displacement of traditional goods by digital services, we

allowed foreign digital service providers unfettered and untaxed access to the Philippine market. While resident content producers were subject to VAT and income taxes, foreign service providers were not.”

Salceda said that protections for small businesses, such as the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise Law, and the Ease of Paying Taxes with respect to risk-based audits will still apply.

“What the DOF proposal simply does is instead of paying their percentage taxes at the end of the year, the taxes will be withheld by the e-commerce site,” Salceda stressed.

Taxpayers subject to percentage tax are those who fall below the P3 million VAT threshold set under the TRAIN law.

THE Liberal Party (LP) remains part of the opposition and has no plans of forging an alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. even if his administration has been instrumental in securing the freedom of former Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima, who serves as the party’s spokesperson, made this categorical statement herself in an interview aired

Thursday morning on GMA News. She said the political stance of LP has not changed and any proposal to collaborate with the Marcos government is not being discussed.

“On the part of the Liberal Party, we have no such plans. We are not discussing it. If we have, our position there is no. We will not form an alliance (with

By Maricel V. Cruz

A BILL filed at the House of Representatives imposes stricter penalties-including jail term and perpetual disqualification--against local government officials who are “selective” in giving assistance to their constituents.

A group of legislators led by House Deputy Majority Leader and ACTCIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo filed the proposed “Act Penalizing Selective, Discretionary, and Discriminatory Acts in the Delivery of Cash, Livelihood, or Relief Assistance Programs of Local Government Units (LGUs).”

According to Tulfo, the measure prescribes a jail term of six months to one year along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

“We always hear of the problem that public officials choose whom to give government aid to during calamity, but nothing happens to these complaints as we lack a law against this,” Tulfo told reporters in Filipino.

He said in his bill there are instances when local government officials select and prioritize the recipients of the assistance programs based on personal considerations.

“It is a trend in our country that the official only chooses who will be given aid because they are not supporters... Aid should not favor a certain color.

Regardless of your party, whether red, green, yellow, pink, white, it does not matter,” Tulfo said.

The lawmaker said he believes that such an abhorrent practice is directly violative of the principles of accountability and transparency in government service.

the Marcos administration) because we are in the opposition,” she explained.

De Lima noted, however, that they will support the President on key issues as long as his position aligns with the party’s views like in handling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute, for example.

“If there are issues that fit with our per-

spective, why not? I mean, that’s why we don’t just criticize for the sake of nitpicking,” she said mostly in Tagalog.

As such, De Lima said the LP is not interested in picking a side between the Marcos and Duterte factions because they don’t want to engage in mere politicking leading up to the 2025 midterm polls. With Rolando Ng III

By Vito Barcelo

THE proposed new immigration law was among the 28 priority bills set for approval within the 19th Congress, according to Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

In a statement, Tansingco expressed his gratitude to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for the inclusion of a new immigration bill in the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA), which is aimed to be passed by June 2025.

Among these is the long-awaited reform to the Philippine Immigration Act, which has remained unchanged since its enactment in 1940.

“We are deeply thankful to LEDAC for recognizing

the urgent need to update our immigration laws. The current law has been in place for 84 years, and it is high time for us to modernize it to address the evolving challenges in immigration and border security,” he said.

The proposed new immigration law seeks to provide a more responsive framework for immigration management, enhancing the capacity of the Bureau of Immigration to safeguard the country’s borders and protect the rights of migrants.

Tansingco emphasized the importance of this legislative reform, stating, “Updating our immigration law is crucial for us to effectively combat human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and other transnational crimes. It will also improve our services to both foreign visitors and our fellow Filipinos.”

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

Asst. Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG,

Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Eala takes on Swiss-Kiwi bet, shoots for historic Wimby slot

By Peter Atencio

ALEX Eala faces world no. 220

Lulu Sun in the third round of the Wimbledon qualifiers, with a win allowing her to reach the main draw at the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

Eala earlier pounced on errors committed by world No. 22 and 2021 French Open semifinalist Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia, to post a 1-6, 7-6 (9), 6-3 win in the second round Wednesday (Thursday) in Manila.

Sun, a Swiss-Kiwi netter, moved to the third round after disposing of Czech netter Gabriela Knutson, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (6).

With the win, the 19-year-old Eala advanced to the third round at the end of their two hour and 33-minute match.

Eala is now within a win of becoming the first Filipina to make it to the main draw of a Grand Slam event.

During her clash with Zidansek, Eala scored 11 net points out of 23 net attacks.

She won the ninth game of the last set on Zidansek’s two unforced errors, 6-3.

It was close between Eala and Zidansek in the second set.

But a pair of errors and a double fault handed Eala the set, after taking the tiebreak in the 13th game at 11-9.

Eala reached the second round after getting past France’s Jessika Ponchet, 7-6, 6-4.

Last month, Eala almost made it to the French Open main draw.

BUSINESSMAN and football supporter Jeff Cheng was all over the news for the past several days in the local football universe. His resignation as the manager of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team took almost everyone by surprise. Almost because we already had inkling before then that this will eventually happen. His resignation letter confirmed the struggles between him and the current leadership and some people running the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

“For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation is not workable,” Cheng said in a statement given to the media last Sunday.

“Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is compatible with current methods,” he added.

From what The Designated Kit Man heard, the

Dignadice’s daughter Sophie eligible to join PH cage team

By Randy Caluag

FIL-AMERICAN athlete Sophia Yve

Dignadice, the daughter of former Philippine basketball star Yves Digna

dice, is now eligible to join the national girls’ basketball team after recently receiving her Philippine passport.

The 15-year-old has been on the radar of national women’s team head coach Patrick Aquino, who first noticed her at a Fil-Am National Select basketball showcase organized by Cris Gopez.

Aquino had long awaited the day when Dignadice could process her dual citizenship.

Sophia’s father, Yves Dignadice, is a former professional basketball player who spent 14 seasons in the Philippine Basketball Association, primarily with the San Miguel Beermen, winning nine championships. He was also a member of the esteemed NCC-national team under the late Ron Jacobs.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles recently launched an information campaign about citizenship and birth reporting for Filipinos

The last straw

final straw that figuratively broke Cheng’s back and probably his patience too, came recently.

The PWNT is supposed to conduct an ID and training camps next month in the United States.

The activities, however, reportedly got scuttled after the PFF said no, citing rules. The PFF allegedly said that Cheng and company must seek the Federation’s approval at least 30 days before conducting any activity. Moreover, plans to conduct activities or anything related to the PWNT should be discussed first, and more importantly, approved by the PFF leadership for them to push through. Any activities that didn’t pass the requirement will be put on hold as the reports claim.

The Malditas, and eventually Filipinas, rose from being virtually unknown into the feel good story of the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia last year. Long the laughing stock of regional football and even in the whole world, the PWNT became one of the success stories of the “beautiful game.” A World Cup win and AFF title were made possible because of Cheng. Part of the success is most likely, too, due to the system and the operations Cheng and his team has implemented in the past and until he made his intention of leaving the team known.

Tambalque repels Wahing; Gotiong cruises in Jr PH Golf Tour Visayas

BACOLOD—Patrick Tambalque and Dominique Gotiong delivered standout final round performances to spike their respective title runs in the 16-18 age category of the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Visayas Series in Murcia, Binitin here yesterday (Thursday).

While Gotiong maintained a commanding lead throughout the girls’ division, Tambalque faced a challenging journey in the boys’ class, overcoming a tough competition from Simon Wahing with a gritty even-par 70 to clinch a six-stroke victory on a sevenover 287 total at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club.

“Overall, I played very good, made birdies I didn’t expect,” said Tambalque with a sense of accomplishment. His game was a delicate blend of successes and setbacks, as he managed to score four birdies, offsetting an equal number of bogeys.

The 16-year-old Tambalque viewed the experience as a valuable lesson. “It’s a good learning experience. I learned how to be patient – even if I made a mistake, there is still a chance to recover,” he said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

Earlier, Gotiong made a successful JPGT debut with an 86 for a total of 331, finishing 18 strokes ahead of Iloilo leg winner Rhiena Sinfuego, who scored a 349 after an 87. Breanna Rojas shot a 99 and placed third with a 400.

and Filipino-Americans in California. Sophia was one of the first to take advantage of the program.

After her parents reported her birth and she received her first Philippine passport, she became eligible to join the Philippine national girls’ basketball team, according to a post by the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles.

The Consulate General noted that many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans are unaware that they and/or their children are entitled to Philippine citizenship.

Often, by the time they visit the Consulate to report births and secure passports, they are under significant pressure to meet various deadlines.

The Consulate hopes that Philippine citizenship and possessing a Philippine passport will open up additional opportunities for Fil-Am children in sports, education, careers, and investments, among other fields.

“Despite being just 12 years old, Sophia showed maturity beyond her years,” said Aquino about Sophia, who was a varsity member of Madrona Middle School in Torrance.

The PFF, I’m sure, has its reasons for doing so. Heck, they have the right as the national sporting association governing football for one. I’m just hoping that the reasons are not because of whims, power tripping, that “homegrown priority first” mantra or that “having Fil-foreign players has served its purpose” crap. The last two are impractical and annoying now to a fault. We should assemble and send the best team in every competition regardless of whether they were born in the country or somewhere else as long as they are Filipinos.

I just hope this will not be the norm in choosing the members of our youth teams, and even the seniors in both men’s and women’s squads, in the future. Having said this, equal opportunities must also be given to all Filipinos, whether born here or somewhere else, who want to try out and play for the flag and country.

Having an All Filipino team is the ideal, but can we afford to do that now? Just take a look at our team which is playing in the 2024 ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship. Reportedly made out of the best of more than 1,000 players who tried out for the team, the Philippines remains winless, goalless and eliminated in Indonesia after just two games. Some would argue that the team played poorly because some of the players were not in their natural positions when they took the pitch among other reasons. So why pick these players in the first place and what happened to the rest who

Stalwarts score elims sweep in Batang

SEMIFINAL-BOUND PBA Stalwarts completed a sweep of its assignments by routing Rain or Shine, 57-44, at the end of the 2024 Batang PBA 11-under elimination round on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Martheus Oriel scored 10 points while Ivan Ace De Leon and Neil Jared Pose had eight and seven points, respectively, as the Stalwarts won all their four games in Group A.

The Stalwarts, who also toppled Meralco, NorthPort and NLEX, will face the PBA Greats (Group B second placer) in the knockout semis on Thursday. Group B topnotcher TNT, which also completed a sweep, takes on Group A No. 2 seed NLEX in the other pairing.

In the other 11-Under game Wednesday, Northport escaped Meralco, 52-47, for a graceful exit. Juan Matteo Puno and Joachim Almeda fired nine and eight points, respectively, while Antonio Aceveda and Robin Carl Marquez had six each for the Batang Pier, who closed the tourney at 1-3 record in Group A.

tried out for the team?

Correction, we scored a ridiculous own goal that has drawn so much mention and noise in social media by someone, who is not even part of the team. Pakiusap lang po, just accept what happened, learn from it and shut up. Someday, we will eventually have a team that everyone will accept, support and love. But this is not the day.

Going back to Cheng’s resignation, what will happen now to the Filipinas’ and the youth teams? Concerns are now being raised not only by players, but also by parents who have invested much time, effort and resources just to support their daughter’s wish to play football for the country. Cheng is not the perfect manager, who is anyway? I may have two or three things to say about him, but he has done a lot for women’s football. No arguments there.

In most cases, you can’t argue with failure much more with success, but when it comes to the powers at be, this is not possible. Either you follow them or leave. And Cheng chose to leave. It will do him good, physically, mentally and financially. It is, however, bad, very bad for Philippine football. Kumusta

sa Calax? Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

pala ang traffic

Patrick Tambalque is doused with water by his peer after winning the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Visayas Series in Murcia, Binitin on Thursday. Manny Marcelo

Father and daughter Yves and Sophia Dignadice

Alex Eala

WHAT’S INSIDE?

DBCC revises economic targets B3

DA to blacklist 4 agri traders

B4

billion

billion P382.1 billion Budget deficit in May 2024

Gov’t spending in May 2024 Revenue collection in May 2024

TREE PLANTING. Cargil, in celebration of its 75th anniversary in the Philippines, plants 7,500 trees to demonstrate its enduring commitment to nurturing the planet and its stakeholders.

Bangko Sentral keeps interest rates steady

Higher spending pushed 5-month deficit to P404b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

TPhilippine government posted a budget deficit of P174.9 billion in May 2024, up by 43.10 percent from a year ago on the back of higher spending, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said Thursday.

“The higher deficit resulted from an acceleration in government spending, pushing disbursement growth for the month to 22.24 percent, as against revenue expansion of 14.59 percent,” the BTr said.

Government spending surged to P557 billion in May from P455.7 billion it spent a year ago, driven by the implementation of capital outlay projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of National Defense as well as the social and health programs of the Department of Social Welfare and

Development, and the Department of Health, respectively.

“The higher national tax allotment shares of LGUs and increased budgetary support to GOCCs also contributed to the notable growth of disbursements in May,” the BTr said.

Disbursements in the first five months reached P2.3 trillion, or 17.65 percent faster than the 2023 spending performance.

This brought the cumulative budget deficit in the five-month period to P404.8 billion, or 24.06 percent more than the P326.3-billion gap recorded

Reforestation for the birds and turtles of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park

WHILE accustomed to a life on the move below water, female sea turtles use their geomagnetic abilities, or an internal GPS, to return to their place of birth and lay their own eggs.

At the same time, way above, migratory birds also possess their own inner compass, which guide them in moving from low resource areas to areas with high or increasing ones.

For both species, food and nesting locations are major considerations when determining where to go. This puts a premium on places that are bustling with plant life—mangroves for the turtles and trees for the birds— which host fishes and insects for their consumption. This puts emphasis on the importance of conserving and protecting these special sites.

At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary for sea turtles and various bird species, owing to initiatives to populate the site with more trees and mangroves, as well as conscious efforts to conserve and protect wildlife.

Sea turtles and mangroves Sea turtles can lay over 150 eggs at a time. Beaches with mangroves are among the suitable sea turtle nesting sites since the mangroves’ roots and dense vegetation offer safety and protection from predators and the sea waves.

In some cases around the world, mangroves provide temporary

shelter, hiding spots, and ample food for the sea turtles. Mangrove ecosystems foster a rich biodiversity of marine organisms, like small fish and crustaceans, making it an ideal breeding and feeding area.

At Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, park personnel patrol its beach to monitor sea turtle nesting activities. A team from Davao Light, an Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utility, along with the Aboitiz Foundation and volunteers, help protect the area through educational campaigns, coastal cleanups, and mangrove planting. Further,

when the turtle eggs are seen to be vulnerable to being caught by the sea waves, they are transferred to the park’s turtle hatchery.

The park held its most recent sea turtle hatchling release last April, involving 90 hatchlings from a nest found in February. In total, 9,507 hatchlings have been released from the area since 2014. These turtles are immediately greeted by a rich coral reef surrounded by a 37-hectare Marine Protected Area.

While only a few will survive into adulthood, conservation efforts and proper waste management remain

in the same period in 2023.

The government collected P382.1 billion in revenue in May, or 14.5 percent higher than a year ago. “The robust outturn for the month was underpinned by higher non-tax collections,” the BTr said.

This pushed five-month collection to P1.9 trillion, outperforming the previous year’s outturn by 16.34 percent.

Tax collection hit P1.6 trillion, accounting for 85.59 percent of total revenues and was 11.18 percent higher than the 2023 figure.

Meanwhile, non-tax collection contributed 14.41 percent, exceeding last year’s outcome by 60.58 percent or P100.7 billion.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) raised P219.2 billion in May after netting P717.0 million in tax refunds. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) collected P81.3 billion, also up by 4.33 percent year-on-year.

in the financial markets,” he said. The BSP said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook shifted to the downside for 2024 and 2025 on the impact of lower rice import tariffs under EO 62, but higher prices of other food items, transport charges and electricity rates continued to pose upside risks to inflation.

It said inflation was moving closer to the midpoint of the target range. The risk-adjusted inflation forecasts eased to 3.1 percent for both 2024 and 2025 from 3.8 percent and from 3.7 percent, respectively. Ralph Harvey Rirao

important to ensure that these endangered creatures can thrive in the oceans. Sea turtles help maintain the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs. Hawksbill sea turtles, in particular, live on coral reefs and, in their own way, give back to the environment by eating overgrown sponges that suffocate slow-growing corals, resulting in a healthy reef. They also help prevent the overpopulation of jellyfishes in the ocean.

To date, over 21,448 mangroves have been planted at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest. However, several natural and manmade factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30%, which emphasizes the need for continuous collaborative efforts to plant more mangroves and increase awareness of its importance to sea turtles and the rest of the natural world.

Birds and trees

Similarly, birds have a symbiotic relationship with trees. Most build their nests in trees as strong branches and dense canopies can keep their eggs and themselves safe from predators and other external threats. Barks are also adequate materials for building nests.

When it comes to food, flowers and leaves attract insects which are critical to a bird’s diet. Trees also provide other varieties of food, including sap, nuts, and fruit, as well as water that collects on its leaves, which birds use for drinking and bathing.

Aside from the mangrove reforestation site, the eight-hectare Aboitiz Cleanergy Park also propagates multiple native tree species. Consequently, many species of

to localized endemics—consider it their home.

Following a recommendation by the University of the Philippines Mindanao and the University of Southeastern Philippines back in 2013, the park steadily propagated trees in the area through years of joint efforts from the public and private sectors, enabling an increase in the number of bird species residing there—rising from just five in 2015 to 108 in 2024. As observed by birdists who frequent the park, more trees meant more food and shelter that accommodated the influx of more bird species. This growth was further sustained by habitat conservation activities and proper biodiversity management which made it a safer reserve for the birds, especially as too few people move around the area.

In other parts of the country, other AboitizPower business units in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao also consistently champion initiatives throughout the past few years to plant more trees and mangroves and produce carbon sinks within their host communities.

With its efforts, Aboitiz Cleanergy Park continues to be a model of habitat conservation and biodiversity management in an urban setting. It affirms the collective vision of various stakeholders—AboitizPower and the rest of the Aboitiz Group, the local and national government, the academe, and other friends and volunteers—to create a positive impact by preserving the environment and nurturing wildlife.

birds—from migrants, residents,

Hatched. A total of 9,507 sea turtle hatchlings have been hatched and released from the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park since 2014, according to Davao Light. Photo is courtesy of the distribution utility.

Mangrove boardwalk. Visitors of Aboitiz Cleanergy Park can tour the site’s mangrove reforestation site and coastal forest — home to 108 different bird species — and, at the right timing, maybe even participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings on its beach.

An absolute hoot. The nocturnal gould’s frogmouth, a near threatened species solely found in Southeast Asia, rests on a tree branch at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park. Photo is courtesy of Davao Light.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. set the rates for its planned P5-billion

Construction of CALAX Cavite segment on track

it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to refinance its debt and fund business development opportunities and other general purposes.

The company said it would refinance P3.492 billion worth of maturing corporate notes obtained from eight financial institutions including Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., Philippine National Bank, LandBank of the Philippines and Union Bank of the Philippines.

The rest of the proceeds from the bond offering will finance the construction of multi-tower residential development in Cavite and storage and warehousing projects as well as pre-development expenses for pipeline projects, it said.

NBI leases nine floors at Filinvest Cyberzone in Pasay

FILINVEST Land Inc. said Thursday its office business unit Filinvest Cyberparks Inc. (FCI) secured the lease for office space to host National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) main office.

FLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange NBI would lease nine floors with a gross leasable area of 23,595 square meters in two buildings located within Filinvest Cyberzone Bay City (FCBC) in Pasay City. FCI’s proposal emerged as the most compelling, having the lowest calculated quotation among 11 submissions from 10 participants, it said.

Its offered leased spaces were then post-qualified and resolved to be compliant with NBI’s requirements contained in the bidding documents.

NBI issued the notice to proceed on June 24, 2024 and conducted another site inspection headed by newly appointed director Jaime Santiago The NBI will occupy new offices from the 3rd to the 9th floors of Building C and the 8th and 9th floors of Building D.

It will also have 464 parking slots to ensure seamless accessibility for NBI personnel and visitors.

“Following our recent lease agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry [DTI], we are now privileged to partner with the NBI,” said FLI president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar

MPCALA Holdings Inc. said Thursday it is on track to complete the Cavite segment of the Cavite Laguna Expressway (Calax) by the third quarter of 2025.

“We are still working on the right of way, but it’s progressing. There are two remaining subsections —subsection 1 and subsection 2,” said MPCALA president and general manager Raul Ignacio. Ignacio said the government deliv-

ered 100 percent right of way (ROW) for segment 3 (Governor’s Drive Interchange to Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange and 76 percent for segment 1 (Kawit Interchange) and 2 (Open Canal Interchange). Ignacio said the company expects

to open the Governor’s Drive Interchange to Silang Interchange by August this year.

MPCALA opened the Silang Interchange, a 3.9-kilometer, 2x2 lane subsection of the CALAX Cavite segment in November last year. It will be crucial in decongesting the busiest highway in Cavite, offering a faster route to the emerging tourism destinations of Silang town and Tagaytay City. It is expected to cater to additional 5,000 daily motorists, providing them with convenient access to these vibrant areas.

legendary results in 2023.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ACEN Corp. and its joint partner installed 14 wind turbines with a capacity of 5 megawatts for the 70-MW Capa wind project in Caparispisan, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte which it targets to complete this year.

“This is ACEN’s fourth wind farm in the province. Once operational, Capa Wind can supply 217 gigawatt-

hours of clean energy annually to help augment the much-needed capacity in the Luzon grid,” ACEN said.

ACEN, through subsidiary Capa Wind, signed an agreement with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Technology (SGRE) for the supply and installation of 14 wind turbines for the project.

ACEN said the project would help deliver its supply commitments under

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—H&M posted on Thursday a 52-percent jump in net profit for the second quarter as the world’s second biggest fashion retailer pressed on with efforts to control costs.

Chief executive Daniel Erver said the company had achieved its “best profit and cash flow for many years” in the April-to-June period, with profit after tax reaching five billion Swedish kronor ($473 million).

He said the group’s profitability performance was strong in the first half of the year thanks to “gradual improvements in sales develop-

the first round of the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP). ACEN owns an 81-percent economic stake in the project, with Diamond Generating Asia Ltd. holding the remaining interest. The Capa project supports the government’s aim to increase the country’s renewable energy share to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

ment” and “continued good cost control”.

Sales rose by three percent to 59.6 billion kronor at the world’s second biggest fashion retailer after Zara owner Inditex. Its operating profit rose to seven billion kronor but it was lower than the 7.5 billion kronor expected by analysts surveyed by financial data firm FactSet. “With a sharp increase in profit for four consecutive quarters, we are well on the way to achieving our long-term goal of profitability exceeding 10 percent over time,” Erver said.

said Wall Street ended higher on positive expectation over US personal consumption expenditure inflation report for the month of May.

Investors are hoping that the report will show an easing of inflation rate, which could push the US Federal Reserve to lower rates in the second half. Trading value however was thin at P3.86 billion as investors stayed on the sidelines while waiting cues from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas regarding rate cuts. The BSP maintained its policy interest rates Thursday. Foreign investors were net sellers, with total net outflows reaching P96.30 million.

All sectoral indices ended in the green led by financial, which climbed by 2.5 percent, industrial by 1.07 percent and property by 0.93 percent. Meanwhile, the yen edged back slightly Thursday after hitting a 38year low against the dollar, putting investors on alert for a possible intervention by Japanese authorities, while investors awaited US inflation data that could spark another round of volatility.

The Japanese unit’s latest retreat came as uncertainty surrounded the Federal Reserve’s timetable for cutting interest rates, and the Bank of Japan’s caution in tightening monetary policy.

Traders were also selling equities across Asia as tech firms came under pressure amid concerns that a long-running rally in the sector may have been overdone and profit-takers stepped in.

Focus has turned to Tokyo, where vice finance minister Masato Kanda said this week that authorities were keeping a close eye on movements in forex markets and were ready to step in with yen support 24 hours a day. Their determination was put to the test after the yen fell to 160.87 per dollar late Wednesday -- its weakest since 1986 -- as US Treasury yields spiked.

Analysts say it is possible traders will keep pushing the envelope to see at what point the government will act, with some saying the unit could hit 170. But Royal Bank of Canada’s Alvin Tan told AFP: “Tokyo is not so much worried about any particular dollaryen level, but the speed and volatility of the move.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

“However, the conditions for achieving that level this year have become more challenging,” he said.

Erver said external factors that influence the group’s purchasing costs and sales revenues, including materials and foreign currency exchanges, “will have a more negative impact than we expected in the second half of the year”. Sales in June are expected to fall by six percent compared to the same period last year as “unstable weather” hit many of the group’s large markets at the start of the month, H&M said. AFP

MERALCO’S SUPPORT. Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan (left) welcomes members of Alas Pilipinas led by its team captain Jia de Guzman (right) and head coach Jorge Souza de Brito during a recent courtesy call at the Meralco headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig City. The company solidified its support for the Philippine women’s volleyball team as the squad prepares for the 2024 Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup from July 4 to 7, 2024.

SPECIAL AWARDS. Several branches of Texas Roadhouse Philippines receive special awards from Texas Roadhouse International that gives out annual recognition to stores worldwide for their outstanding performance and highest sales since their opening. The citations are given to Texas Roadhouse Okada, Shangri-la Plaza, Uptown Mall, Conrad and Greenbelt branches for their legendary achievement based on monthly sales in December 2023 and Robinsons Magnolia in July 2023. Overall, Texas Roadhouse Philippines/The Bistro Group were cited for their

BUSINESS

Economic managers revise inflation, economic targets

THE government’s economic managers on Thursday revised the official inflation, fiscal and macroeconomic targets.

“In line with the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s [DBCC] proactive efforts to continuously adapt to emerging domestic and global developments, the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions, growth targets and fiscal program for fiscal years 2024- 2028 have been reviewed, and further recalibrated,” Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary and DBCC co-chair Amenah Panganda-

NGCP asks ERC to approve more transmission lines

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said Thursday it sought the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval for the 500-kV backbone looping and extensions in Luzon and the Leyte-Cebu Interconnection Lines 3 and 4. It said in a statement the move is a part of the company’s program to continuously expand the power grid through various transmission projects

The NGCP also reiterated its call for a whole-of-government approach to address the growing demand for electricity following the Department of Energy’s (DOE) projection that the country’s peak requirement would double in the next 12 years.

The transmission company said the country should double its power output through the installation of additional power plants to keep up with the economy-driven rise in demand and the continuing capacity degradation of aging power plants to ensure an adequate supply of electricity.

“Objective and informed policy regulation and a fair, investor-friendly recovery process for implemented power transmission projects must also be given priority,” it said.

It gave assurance it is more than ready to accommodate additional generation capacity following the completion of its latest transmission backbone projects.

man said in a statement.

The 2024 inflation target was revised to between 3.0 and percent 4.0 percent from the original assumption of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent.

“We are determined to achieve price stability and return to the target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent from 2025 to 2028 through the proactive implementation of monetary policy measures and well-targeted government interventions that address the

primary drivers of inflation,” the DBCC said.

The peso-dollar exchange rate assumption for 2024 was adjusted to 56 to 58 against the US dollar from 55 to 57 previously. “This is expected to broadly stabilize at 55 to 58 against the USD for the remainder of the medium term, given increasing tourism receipts, growing BPO revenues and robust overseas Filipinos remittances that will support and keep the currency stable and resilient against persisting global headwinds,” the DBCC said.

The DBCC revised the goods exports growth target to 5.0 percent

from 3.0 percent in 2024, rising to 6.0 percent in 2025 to 2028.

The growth projections for goods imports were revised downwards to 2.0 percent in 2024 and 5.0 percent in 2025 amid moderation in international commodity prices alongside the impact of tight monetary policy tempering consumption and investment activity.

The DBCC expects the country’s gross domestic product to grow between 6.0 percent and 7.0 percent in 2024, expanding further to 6.5 to 7.5 percent in 2025, roughly consistent with the average growth forecasts of multilateral organizations.

Delbros Group of Companies, a leader in logistics and innovative solutions, takes a significant step towards sustainable energy practices with the launch of the Philippines’ first solar-powered generators for refrigerated containers. The group unveils the initiative at the Dole Farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, in collaboration with Dole Philippines Inc.

Cebu hosts gastronomy tourism forum

By Othel V. Campos

CEBU City played host to the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific on June 26, 2024. The Philippines held the honor of hosting the inaugural event after being elected chair of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific during the 55th Meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization Regional Commission last year.

“We’re excited to celebrate gastronomy, develop and promote tourism and cultivate a symbiotic relationship between the various sectors for mutual success,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Co-organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center, the forum served as a platform to celebrate gastronomy tourism. It brought together international experts and destinations to share knowledge and best practices, aiming to harness the transformative potential of this sector for local communities and the environment.

More than 600 delegates from UN member states, affiliate members and tourism stakeholders gathered for the event. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili cited the Philippines’ leadership and proposed establishing an educational gastronomy center in Cebu.

“This event here is a historical day because we are celebrating the first time-ever gastronomy forum in the region, and it’s not only gastronomy, it’s culture. We know that education is the top priority for your tourists, and we will support this initiative to help the progress of UN Tourism,” he said.

Delbros launches solar-powered generators for refrigerated containers

DELBROS Group of Companies, a leader in logistics and innovative solutions, launched the Philippines’ first solar-powered generators for refrigerated containers.

As one of the world’s pioneers running a comprehensive trial, the unit will be used in farms at different locations for the next few months, as the technology is fine-tuned in preparation for a full roll-out.

The initiative was recently unveiled at the Dole Farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, in collaboration with Dole Philippines Inc., ITOCHU, USAID-

Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci (third from left) and Ayala Land Inc. head of leasing and hospitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala (fourth from left) formalize their partnership for sustainable waste solutions. ALI and its real estate investment trust AREIT Inc. (AREIT) teamed up with Prime Infra subsidiary Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS) to have their waste processed at an advanced resource recovery facility, in line with their sustainability objectives.

Ayala Land taps Prime Infra unit to handle waste in Cebu facility

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and its real estate investment trust AREIT Inc. (AREIT) teamed up with Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS) to have their waste processed at an advanced resource recovery facility.

Prime Infra president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci and ALI head of leasing and hspitality Mariana Zobel de Ayala signed the agreement. Under the deal, waste generated by eight office buildings owned by AREIT were brought to PWS Cebu’s facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City for processing.

Using state-of-the-art equipment, PWS implements a sustainable waste management process focused on resource recovery.

“The municipal solid waste and industrial waste is really a crisis in the country―a very significant crisis, social and environmental, among others. The release of methane has had tremendous impact on climate and thus, Prime Waste Solutions and Prime Infra are making efforts to industrialize waste management at the national level,” Lucci said.

“All of these are aligned with the government’s efforts to fight climate change and prepare the country for the challenges of climate adaptability…With that, we are focused on providing quality service for Ayala Land. We’re going to provide it in a very sustainable and socially relevant way, and we very much look forward to a long-lasting relationship,” he said.

Energy Secure Philippines (ESP) and Go Gridless.

The event showcased Delbros’ commitment to sustainability, reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

The project features a solar-powered energy storage system utilizing lithium batteries, designed to replace traditional diesel generators. This innovation not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of cold chain logistics. With Dole Philippines Inc., Go Gridless and Delbros all pio-

Makati City, Metro Manila Tel. No. 8814-7800; Fax No. 8814-7820

neering this regional project together, the larger vision is to impact the overall global supply chain logistics.

Jose Paolo Delgado, president and chief executive of Delbros Group, provided an overview of the project, highlighting its potential to revolutionize energy usage in the logistics industry. “

“The solar genset project embodies our commitment to sustainability and innovation. By harnessing solar energy, we are setting a new standard for environmental responsibility in logistics, and we are proud to lead this

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 25 July 2024 at 3:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ ATRAMDollarMFASM2024. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 04 August 2023

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 27 May 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 15 July 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 19 July 2024. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati City, Philippines, 30 May 2024.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MA. ALICIA

change not only in the Philippines but also across the region and around the world,” Delgado said

“This project successfully demonstrates the application of renewable energy-based solutions to displace existing diesel power generators and offset approximately five hundred to seven hundred and fifty thousand pesos worth of fuel every month, fuel that is directly consumed by existing refrigerating containers,” said Dr. Matthew Kupchik, acting director of the USAID Philippines’ Environment Office.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 25 July 2024 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar. Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ ATRAMDollarMFASM2024. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 04 August 2023

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2023

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2024

IX. Other Matters

X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 27 May 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 15 July 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary by 19 July 2024. Successful registrants will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to access an online web address which will allow them to join the meeting and cast votes in absentia or by proxy in favor of the Chairman of the meeting.

The procedures for participating in the meeting through remote communication and for casting their votes in absentia are set forth in the Information Statement. Makati

Philippines,

DA to blacklist 4 commodity traders for alleged smuggling

By Othel V. Campos

Tiu-Laurel said two of the companies import fishery products, while the other two are involve in rice and sugar trade. He warned errant importers of dire consequences as the DA vowed to go after smugglers, regardless of professional and personal relations.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the damaging effects of agricultural smuggling which is tantamount to economic sabotage.

Gaming platform

Creta to list token on PH exchanges

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CRETA, a leading multiverse gaming platform based in Dubai, is set to debut its token on local exchanges starting with Coins.ph, followed by the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX).

Ray Eiichiro Nakazato, partner and chief creative officer of Creta, said in a media conference Thursday that the token would be listed on Coins.ph on July 8, 2024, with plans for a PDAX listing later.

Creta aims to revolutionize digital entertainment and interactive media as a pioneer in the metaverse gaming industry. Headquartered in Dubai, it comprises top-tier global developers, publishers and blockchain experts.

Coins.ph, with 16 million users, is the Philippines’ leading cryptocurrency brand and trading platform. It operates under full regulation by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, holding licenses as both an electronic money issuer and a virtual currency exchange.

Nakazato n0oted the importance of launching in the Philippines first to engage with Filipino gamers and communities.

“We are launching our services in the Philippines first. So the initial community and gamers, all are Filipino gamers, Filipino people. So we thought that it’s necessary to be listed on a major exchange in the Philippines,” Nakazato said.

The DA has not identified the companies, as investigations are ongoing. Being blacklisted will mean the companies’ import permits will be revoked, effectively barring them from importing agricultural products.

The agency earlier blacklisted a rice importer for suspicious activity such as misdeclaration of the volume of its imports. Tiu Laurel said the company declared only 20 percent of its actual rice importation.

He said to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, the DA implemented stricter import declaration procedures.

Importers are now required to declare valid sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) via email to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the DA Inspectorate and Enforcement team within 24 hours of a shipment’s departure from the country of origin.

The system is expected to close a loophole and make it harder for smugglers to slip through the cracks, he said.

The DA chief also revealed attempts to bribe him in exchange of allowing entry of smuggled goods for P200,000 per container.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Friday reported lower average prices in the retail market in the first quarter 2024, leading to more consumers exercising their right to choose their own suppliers.

It said in a statement the Meralco Group retained its position as the top retail electricity supplier (RES) in terms of the number of customers, while the Aboitiz Group has the highest market share in terms of demand.

A report prepared by the ERC’s Market Operations Service-Retail Market Division (MOS-RMD) on the

competitive retail electricity market (CREM) shows that the supply prices of RES in the first quarter of 2024 varied from P3.57 per kilowatt-hour to P7.67/kWh, with a weighted average price of P5.49 per kWh.

The ERC said this was lower than the 2023 weighted average generation charges of distribution utilities (DU) for captive customers in the main grids of Luzon (P7.0665), Visayas (P7.7093) and the national average (P6.7460).

It said the benefits of CREM rates in 2023 became more apparent when viewed against the 2022 average generation charges of DUs in Luzon (P8.0408), Visayas (P8.4941) and

BDO

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender, asked its customers to be cautious of text or email messages that spread fake information, incite panic and prompt hasty actions such as clicking on included links.

These fraudulent messages may come from unknown 11-digit numbers or email senders, or they may even appear to be from legitimate sources, using a technique known as “spoofing”, the bank said in an advisory. It said messages claiming a login attempt on an online bank account from an unfamiliar device and urging immediate action to “remove” the device are likely scams.

Mindanao (P7.8813) or the national average of P8.1388 per kWh.

“This is consistent with the 2023 report published by the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation noting that, in 2023, CREM customers realized an estimated total savings of P46 billion because the rates in the CREM are 23 percent lower compared to the DU average rates,” it said.

PEMC is the governing body of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the trading floor of electricity.

The total number of registered CREM customers also increased from 1,918 in 2022 to 1,999 by March 2024, while there are now 330 GEOP customers.

“Another modus is a fraudulent text message that claims the recipient’s online bank account will be deactivated unless the mobile number is updated, supposedly ‘as part of a new online system’ by clicking on the link provided. A variation of this scheme is a text that claims the recipient’s email address has been updated, while also providing a clickable link to ‘change back’ to the previous email address,” it said.

“Always remember, if the message or the sender urges you to click a link or scan a QR code, it’s a scam,” BDO said. “Delete such messages immediately and report them to the bank.”

program

joins First Lady’s LAB for

PAG-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta joined other government agencies in supporting First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos’ Lab for All program at Mandaluyong College in Mandaluyong City to bring social and medical services more accessible to communities nationwide.

Pag-IBIG brought its Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels or LPOW to assist members with their membership registration, cash loans, housing loan applications, issuance of Pag-IBIG Loyalty Plus cards and address membership queries.

“As Lingkod Pag-IBIG, we are committed to ensuring that our members are able to utilize our programs and services, whenever it is needed, wherever they may be. Our LPOW is prepared to be mobilized nationwide and participate in future Lab for All deployments,” Acosta said. Acosta also showed her support to the members of the LGBTQA+ who joined the event in celebration of the PRIDE month.

“Our Lingkod Pag-IBIG mantra --Tapat na Serbisyo, Mula sa Puso, does not discriminate against anyone,” she said.

IN BRIEF

MBC welcomes Trabaho Act IRR

THE Makati Business Club (MBC) expressed support to the National Economic Development Authority’s (NEDA) issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TBP) Act.

NEDA director Girlie Grace Casimiro-Igtiben presented the law’s IRR to business groups during the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) quarterly meeting.

“We recognize that your [private sector] role is very critical in improving the implementation of the act. Insights from you on how you view the conditions of the present employment landscape are very important in the development of the master plan,” she said.

The TBP Act, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2023, empowers NEDA to create a national employment generation and recovery plan. The MBC commended the law’s focus on high-value employment opportunities.

It said that by equipping the Filipino workforce with advanced skills and improving competence, the TBP Act could address emigration issues and incentivize skilled Filipinos to stay in the country.

Othel V. Campos

Factories asked to build own power supply

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging factories in the Philippines to consider setting up their own power supply.

DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the government is trying to address a recurring concern among foreign investors over high electricity costs.

“We’re encouraging companies that set up factories here to have their own power supply,” Pascual said.

“Foreign investors have consistently complained about high power costs in the Philippines. Setting up their own renewable power source, such as a solar farm, allows them to secure a stable and potentially cheaper source of energy,” he said. He said independent power generation could significantly reduce costs for manufacturers, making the Philippines a more attractive investment destination.

Othel V. Campos

IPOPHL signs deal with Korean school

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and Chungnam National University (CNU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for joint activities that strengthen IP education and research in the Philippines and South Korea.

The landmark partnership marks IPOPHL’s first collaboration with an international academic institution.

“I am confident this collaboration will help us to build a stronger relationship be-

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta joins other government agencies in supporting First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos’ Lab for All program at Mandaluyong College in Mandaluyong City.

LANDBANK SUPPORT. From a single restaurant with 30 employees, Antonio Escalante expanded his love for cooking into a culinary empire of multiple

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

NSCR to ease Manila traffic by 2029

The government expects the P874-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) to significantly reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila by December 2029.

According to the Department of Transportation, the Valenzuela to Clark section of the project is expected to open first by December 2027 or first quarter of 2028.

As of May 2024, the construction progress of Tutuban to Malolos segment reached 42.1 percent; Malolos to Clark, 31.25 percent; and Manila to Calamba, 5.87 percent.

“Based on the adjusted schedule in 2023, we are on time in terms of construction, and we are confident to say that we are gaining ground in our construction,” the DOTr said. “We are definitely moving faster based on our current status.”

NSCR is one of the key projects that would help decongest Metro Manila roads. “With the NSCR, being one of the country’s biggest inter-provincial rail projects,

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)

Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan

Filipinos from Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Laguna can now go to and from these provinces in just a few minutes, or less than two hours max, if they take the full trip from Clark to Calamba,” the agency said.

It said the Clark to Calamba travel would be shortened from the current four hours via road.

“NSCR is a comfortable, accessible, affordable, safe and environmentally friendly rail transport that will positively impact our transport sector and the economy– generating jobs and decongesting Metro Manila traffic,”it said.

A flagship project under the “Build Better More” program, it is a mega railway network spanning 148 km., with 37 stations and 464

Filipino seafarers hailed as heroes of global trade

FILIPINO seafarers are lauded by the government for their vital role in keeping global trade flowing smoothly through their efficient transport of goods.

“Our continuous inclusion in the whitelist of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) manifests our strict compliance to high standards in maritime education, training, and certification,” Transportation

Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said.

“The recognition shows that our seafarers, who were trained and certified in the Philippines, meet the rigorous international standards by the IMO,” he added.

For her part, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan emphasized the need to equip seafarers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and

Metro Comet to modernize public transport

METRO Comet Transport Service Cooperative has acquired 15 brand-new Isuzu Modern PUV Class 2 units as part of its strategy to modernize public transportation. The turnover of the new PUV bodies manufactured by Centro Manufacturing Corporation was held at Ayala Mall Solenad in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa.

tools for safety.

“Safety is an integral part of our seafarers’ everyday lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate their duties safely. As we celebrate, let us reinforce our commitment to creating a safer maritime environment, where every seafarer is protected, valued, and empowered,” Malaluan said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged the role and efforts of MARINA in promoting a highly skilled and competitive maritime workforce and adopting an efficient maritime administration governance system.

“I laud the MARINA for complying with international standards and keeping at par with other nations when it comes to this specialized

industry,” President Marcos stated.

“Rest assured that this administration, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), continues to work conscientiously in ensuring the advancement of our maritime industry and securing the best interest of all Filipino seafarers as we sail onward to our dream of a Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos added.

MARINA celebrated the Day of the Filipino Seafarer on 25 June 2024, with a series of events that honored the invaluable contribution of seafarers to international trade and the global economy.

The celebration emphasized the importance of safety at sea, aligning with the 2024 campaign theme and the World Maritime theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First,” alongside the digital campaign #SafetyTipsAtSea.

train cars and encompassing three segments―the PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba (Solis-Calamba).

The mass transport project will run across 26 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon, National Capital Region and Calabarzon.

The project aims to serve over 800,000 passengers daily once it becomes fully operational.

Darwin G. Amojelar

LRT-1 receives technical assistance from Japan

THE Light Rail Manila Corp., Sumitomo Corp., and Hankyu Corp. has inked an agreement for the technical assistance for the LRT-1 system’s operations and maintenance.

Under the agreement, Hankyu Corp. will provide technical assistance to LRMC to help evaluate LRT-1’s operations and improve its processes and personnel training.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista described the agreement as timely as partial operations for the LRT-1 Cavite extension is set in the latter part of 2024.

“This added layer of assistance will be most helpful especially at this time when the Cavite Extension is about to start partial operations very soon,” Bautista said.

The agreement, according to the transport chief, is also expected to woo Japanese firms to invest in the Philippine mass transport systems.

Divine Quemi, chief executive of Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving transportation modernization.

“The partnership between Metro Comet, Isuzu, and Centro Manufacturing Corporation exemplifies the power of cooperative efforts in driving progress and innovation in the public transportation sector,” Quemi said.

LTFRB Region 4A Director Radm. Loumer P. Bernabe commended the

“This turnover of 15 Isuzu Modern PUV units is a pivotal moment for Metro Comet. It underscores our commitment to providing modern, safe, and reliable public transportation for our community. We are dedicated to improving the commuting experience and supporting sustainable transport initiatives,” Ed Comia, chairman of Metro Comet said.

initiative, noting,

“Modernizing our public utility vehicles is a key component of our transportation strategy. Metro Comet’s proactive steps towards this goal are commendable, and we anticipate the positive impact these new units will have on our transportation system.”

The newly delivered Isuzu Modern

PUV Class 2 units are designed to offer enhanced comfort, safety, and efficiency, ensuring a superior commuting experience for passengers. These units are expected to serve the community effectively, contributing to the ongoing efforts to modernize the Philippines’ public transportation infrastructure.

“This latest partnership for LRT1’s operations and maintenance serves as showcase to convince new Japanese investors to seriously consider Philippine mass transport projects,” he said.

Masayoshi Uemora, Hankyu Corp Senior Managing Director said constructing railway systems in the Philippines is “of vital importance to mitigate traffic congestion.”

“Railway service plays an increasingly important role in helping solve this crisis,” he said.

With over a century of railway experience, Hankyu Corp. has been operating 190 kilometers of railway lines in Japan’s Kansai region.

AirAsia wins Skytrax’s world’s best low-cost airline

AIRASIA celebrates a remarkable feat – winning the Skytrax World Airline Award for Best Low-Cost Airline for an unprecedented 15th year in a row. This achievement underscores their unwavering commitment to innovation and value within the budget carrier market.

“Skytrax champions global standards for airline quality and excellence, and we are thrilled to have

to

benchmark for the 15th consecutive year,” Tony Fernandes, Capital A chief executive said. “No other companies come to my mind in having achieved such a winning streak, and we are very proud of it. Our guests mean the world to us, and we are reinvigorated by the confidence they have shown by voting for us again. We look forward to continuing to

with

at the

By Abigail Adriatico

ATwenty beauties vie for Reyna ng Aliwan 2024 title

LIWAN Fiesta, an annual event celebrating the numerous vibrant cultural festivals in the Philippines, has returned for its 21st year with its fun festivities, highlighting our country’s rich and diverse cultures.

Today, one of the main highlights of the festival is the highly anticipated Reyna ng Aliwan pageant, which will feature 20 lovely beauty queens representing the various cultural festivals in the country and competing for the title of the Aliwan Fiesta 2024 Festival Queen.

Those who will be vying for the crown this year are Kristine Dineros (Makati City - Caracol Festival), Zarina Mayor Ayub (Iba, Zambales - Dinamulag Mango Festival), Prima Joy Narag Alamban (Malabon City - Tambobong Festival), Arrabelle Mangahas (Malolos, Bulacan - Fiesta Republica), Resalina Toledo (Pasay City - Dayang Dayang Festival), Raeley Jane Vilaray (Nueva VizcayaGrand Ammungan Festival), Ameera Sulaiman Said D. Almamari (Atimonan, Quezon Province - Tagultol Fishing Festival), Michele Angela Okol (Manila City - Lakbayaw Festival), Mia Loureen Tamayo (Cebu Province - Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival), and Maria Sophia P. Reyes (Guiguinto, Bulacan - Halamanan Festival).

Also contending for the crown are Nicole Grencio (Parañaque City - Sunduan Festival), Kate Winslet Villa (Ilocos Norte - Tan-Ok Ni Ilocano Festival), Rizty Espleguira (Antipolo CityAntipolo Maytime Festival), Mariel Bogert (Cebu City - Sinulog Festival), April Joy Tañafranca (Lucena, Quezon Province - Pasayahan Festival), Michaela Reen Egay (Polomolok, South Cotabato - F’lomlok Festival), Juliana Louise H. Martinez (Pagbilao, Quezon Province - Niyogyugan Festival), Suyhen Luxnie Del Rosario (Taytay, Rizal - Hamaka Festival), Prianka Elina Laurena

THE Parade of Beauties for the forty lovely candidates of Bb. Pilipinas 2024 halted traffic as it passed by the streets in Araneta City, swarmed by a big crowd of enthralled fans and passersby on Sunday.

The motorcade of the competing Binibinis, wearing blue swimsuits by Justine Aliman and purple, light pink floral, and Anahawinspired headdresses, culminated with a runway presentation at The Lagoon in Gateway Mall 2.

The much-anticipated Parade of Beauties was the latest component event of the Bb. Pilipinas search, leading to the ‘60th Diamond Anniversary’ Coronation Night, set on July 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where more than a hundred past winners will gather on one stage for a grand historic reunion of Bb. Pilipinas queens.

Getting big cheers from the crowd and pleasant reviews from pageant experts were candidates Myrna Esguerra of Abra, Samantha Acosta of Bulacan Province, Marikit Manaois of Baguio, Vera Dickinson of Tarlac Province, Trisha Martinez of Pila, Laguna, Liezle Jones of Ormoc City, Monica Acuno of Kalayaan Laguna, Phoebe Godinez of Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Shaira Marie Rona of Mandaluyong, and Christal Dela Cruz of Zambales.

Joining the parade were Bb. Pilipinas International 2023 Angelica Lopez and Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Lakrini, along with Bb. Pilipinas 2023 first runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson and second runner-up Atasha Reign Patani

Glitz and glamor

(San

Angel Jed Zaragoza Latorre (Iloilo City - Dinagyang Festival).

During the press conference for the prestigious event, it was announced that the pageant will be held at the Aliw Theater.

The 20 candidates will be showcasing their beauty and wit through various competitions brandishing their festival gowns, swimsuits, and evening gowns, with the latter including a Q&A portion.

Apart from the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant, the Aliwan Fiesta will have a float parade competition on June 29 where 8 teams are set to compete. These teams are the Bahay Pangisdaan from Muntinlupa City, Halamanan Festival from Guiguinto, Bulacan, Republica Filipina - Fiesta Republica from Malolos, Bulacan, Panagkakadua-an Festival from San Felipe, Zambales, Ilwan a Inaul sa Kutawato from Cotabato, Guinakit from Cotabato, Adat Betad sa Maguiranun from Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte, and Lamin o Bidadari from Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.

The third day of the festival will also hold the much-awaited street dance championships, which will be joined by various groups such as the Lakbayaw Festival from Manila, Panagbenga Flower Festival from Baguio, Bodong Festival from Rizal, Kalinga, Halamanan Festival from Guiguinto, Bulacan, Dinamulag Mango Festival from Iba, Zambales, Panagkakadua-an Festival from San Felipe, Zambales, Antipolo Maytime Festival from Antipolo, Hamaka Festival from Taytay, Rizal, Niyogyugan Festival from Pagbilao, Quezon, Kaogma Festival from Baao, Camarines Sur, Casagwa Festival from Daraga, Albay, Dinagyang Festival from Iloilo, Tultugan Festival from Iloilo, Sinulog Festival from Cebu, and Meguyaya Festival from Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.

There will also be a photography competition on the final day and the Aliwan Fiesta Awarding ceremony, which rapper Tom Taus and Rocksteady will grace

The Aliwan Fiesta 2024 runs at the CCP Complex in Pasay City until June 29.

Abra’s Myrna Esguerra is one of

BEVY OF BEAUTIES. The 20 candidates of the Reyna ng Aliwan 2024 during the media conference

Pagbilao’s Niyogyugan Festival is represented by Juliana Louise H. Martinez

Mariel Bogert represents Cebu City’s iconic Sinulog Festival

Atimonan’s Ameera Sulaiman Said D. Almamari represents the province’s colorful Tagultol Fishing Festival

Goswami

Juan, La Union - Ayat Festival), and

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Parokya frontman Chito Miranda featured in rock-inspired ad

By Angelica Villanueva

PAROKYA Ni Edgar ’s Chito Miranda is the star in a new commercial where he plays a sales officer for a Leading building solutions provider.

In the latest ad, he confidently guarantees potential customers – a homeowner, an architect, and a contractor – that Holcim Philippines has the right solution for constructing homes, buildings, and roads. The commercial features punk rock music with crunchy guitar riffs and powerful vocals to further reinforce Holcim Philippines’ bold message.

Beyond showcasing Holcim’s range of high-performance building solutions for major construction projects, the commercial highlights how the company’s offerings are maaasahan ,” and “ okay sa kalikasan ” in line with its promise of reliable supply and sustainable products.

“It’s a privilege to work with Chito on this campaign. We are excited to have rock legends help us creatively communicate to the public the value of using Holcim cement solutions,” said Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Retail Sales Albert Leoveras Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Infrastructure and Industrial Sales Ramakrishna Maganti added, “We put together a top-notch team to produce this video, and we’re very pleased with the final result. We hope this ad further inspires confidence in our diverse line of products. Sa Holcim, basta konstruksyon, may solusyon !”

The commercial features a diverse array of the brand’s innovative building solutions. Leading the pack is Excel ECOPlanet, an environmentally friendly cement specifically formulated for homes and low-rise buildings. For infrastructure and road projects, Solido is the ideal solution. The lineup also features specialized building solutions like Optimo, the sustainable cement for high-rise building projects, and WallRight, a high-quality masonry cement. Lastly, Holcim introduces its new skim coat and tile adhesive product lines, TectorPlast and TectorCeram.

S N A P S H O T

DESPITE being celebrated as this generation’s “Comedy Queen” by fans and colleagues, comedienne Melai Cantiveros has expressed reservations about embracing the title.

At a recent media conference for her upcoming Bisaya-language talk show, Kuan on One, Melai conveyed her gratitude for the recognition while also acknowledging the significant contributions of her predecessors in the comedy industry.

“Thank you so much sa mga nagsasabi. I love you all pero nahihiya ako sa nagsasabi. Sobra akong hiya sa sinabi na ganyan kasi siyempre ‘di ko naman masabi na ano,” said Melai.

The Magandang Buhay host further emphasized her respect for the legendary comediennes who paved the way for her success.

“Sobra akong happy eh. Hindi ako pwedeng hindi mahappy kasi para ka namang sino. Pero para sa akin siyempre ang dami ko pang dadaanan na mga butas bago ko pa makamit yung mga ganyan

The comedy actress also addressed the online clamor for her to star in a remake of the popular 2003 comedy film “Ang Tanging Ina” which starred Ai-ai de las Alas. While she expressed her willingness to take on the project if given the opportunity, she also emphasized her respect for the original cast and the legacy of the film.

“Pero siyempre hindi natin pwede iAi De las Alas kasi siya talaga ang ating comedy’ so hindi natin pwede imadaming napatunayan na kuan talaga Melai.

She also mentioned other comedy icons like Pokwang and Eugene Domingo, acknowledging their significant contributions to the industry.

With a touch of humor, Melai even proposed a title for herself if she were to star in her own comedy project.

“Kuan-ang Ina? Char char lang ano. Char char lang, Kuanizens,” she stated.

Foundation recently joined the University of Santo Tomas’ Miguel de Benavides Library in marking another illustrious milestone: the Excelsior Magazine , the finest Spanish language magazine in the Philippines.

Shown in the photo are (from left): Prefect of Libraries

Rev. Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., Vibal Foundation’s Prof. Mojarro and Kristine Mandigma; Proprietor of Excelsior Magazine Jose M. Cabarrrus, Chief Librarian Maria Cecilia Lobo, MLIS; and Proprietor of Excelsior Magazine Alberto M. Montilla (seated).

The successful completion of this digitization project “demonstrates the Library’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and making historical information accessible to all.”

The magazine, published from 1905 to 1940, has been digitized with the support of benefactors including Vibal Foundation Inc. During the turnover of digital copies to the proprietors and benefactors held recently, Vibal was represented by its Executive Director Kristine Mandigma and editor Prof. Jorge Mojarro, who contributed in the description and indexing of the magazine.

NHCP holds commemoration program for Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day celebration

By Abigail Adriatico

THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has held a program commemorating Lt. Col. Simon Tecson at the Simon Tecson house in San Vicente, San Miguel Bulacan. Held as part of the celebration for the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day and the126th Anniversary of the Start of the Siege in Baler, the event was led by NHCP executive director Carminda R. Arevalo with the first secretary Alvaro Garcia of the Spanish Embassy. Also in attendance to the ceremony were the Philippine National Police-San Miguel, the descendants of Simon Tecson, as well as Crispin de Luna and Ferdinand Tiongson

who serve as representatives for Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson, respectively. The commemorative program was part of the various activities by the NHCP in celebration of the 22nd Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day. Observed every June 30, the PhilippineSpanish Friendship day commemorates the decree by President Emilio Aguinaldo which ordered the survivors of the Siege of Baler to be treated as friends instead of prisoners of war. Tecson and several soldiers from Bulacan were notably sent by Aguinaldo to end the siege following the proclamation of the country’s independence.

The commemoration rites were held at the Simon Tecson House in Bulacan

The Parokya ni Edgar’s frontman convinces customers about the effectivity of the brand’s products in the ad

Chito Miranda takes on the role of a sales officer in the TVC

Melai Cantiveros is hosting the upcoming talk show ‘Kuan on One’

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

MANY of us pursue our childhood dreams and interests, but some individuals find successful careers that are not pre-determined by their academic backgrounds. Seasoned talent manager Ramel “Rams” David is a perfect example.

A BS Tourism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1991, Rams initially aimed to work in the tourism industry as a tour operator. However, fate had other plans for him – to break into showbiz.

“It was a leap of faith for me. I’m not a Mass Communications graduate, and I didn’t know much about TV when I entered showbiz in ‘91,” Rams revealed.

His entry into television was unconventional, starting as an apprentice at GMA Network after his aunt encouraged him to apply for an office staff position. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually replacing Lilybeth Gomez (now Rasonable ) as a program coordinator. From 1991 to 2010, Rams steadily climbed the corporate ladder through hard work and perseverance, handling iconic shows like That’s Entertainment GMA Supershow , Vilma , and Eye to Eye

His university years at UST played a crucial role in shaping Rams’ skills and interests. His involvement in Teatro Tomasino, the university’s theater organization, provided valuable experience in production and technical assignments, laying the groundwork for his future career in television and artist management.

In 2010, Rams transitioned to artist management when TV and film producer Antonio Tuviera invited him to head Triple A (All Access to Artists). Under Rams’ leadership, Triple A managed major industry names like Marian Rivera and Maine Mendoza Rams also established his own talent management company with his sisters, specializing in female soap opera stars. Rams expressed gratitude and pride for his contributions to Triple A. “I am proud of what I have contributed to Triple A. For ten years, I was able to help the company. I was there for Marian and Maine. I am proud of them. They are responsible for their successes, and I was just there to guide them and help them build their careers. I am thankful to Mr. [Tony] Tuviera, Mike Tuviera, Jojo Oconer. They are like family. I love them.” His approach to talent management is rooted in Rams’ desire to help and nurture his artists. He sees their success as his own and finds fulfillment in their achievements. “Why?,” Rams asked. “Because I want to help. Well, aside from earning commissions, it’s fulfilling to see your artists play different roles in various projects. Their success is my success.” He admitted it has not always been easy, as most of his artists are older than him, requiring him to always be on his toes and on top of his game. In 2021, Rams resigned from Triple A and rebranded his agency, AGT House of Characters, to Artist Circle. Artist Circle aims to provide comprehensive support to its artists and develop new talents, emphasizing honesty, openness, and effective communication within the growing management team. Rams takes great pride in having veteran artists under his management. “We have Celia Rodriguez, Chanda Romero, Odette Khan, Sheryl Cruz, Ces Quesada , and now Liza Lorena . I’m just so happy because we get to give them projects.

Rams David’s journey as a talent manager was filled with many unexpected twists and turns

Rams David: Coming full circle

The

celebrity manager reflects on his cycle of success and growing roster of artists

Random Talk

Kate Adajar

That’s the legacy I wish to leave, being able to help artists.”

Nay [short for Nanay which means mother] Rams is how many of us call him in the industry. His effectiveness as a talent manager can likely be attributed to Rams’ motherly and caring nature. He believes in being sensitive to the needs and feelings of his artists, offering them not just professional guidance but also emotional support. “You should always check on your artists, even the status of their love lives,” Rams explained. “You don’t have to meddle, but your presence is crucial. That’s a tip to aspiring managers. It would help if you’re motherly, sensitive, and caring.”

The upbringing in Tondo with business-minded parents instilled in Rams certain values and a strong work ethic. He

learned the importance of hard work from an early age. Rams shared, “My dad was a retailer, and my mom was a dressmaker. I went through so much as a kid. I was immersed in a lot of things like selling and doing chores.”

Through years of hard work, Rams developed a leadership style grounded in humility and a willingness to learn from others.

“You cannot be a leader if you’re not a good follower. I listen to my people. I learn from them. Being the CEO or owner of the company does not guarantee being right all the time,” he explained. “I treat them as my family.” Rams chuckled and subtly corrected himself, noting that his team is primarily composed of actual family members.

In the cutthroat and ever-changing showbiz industry, Rams’ dedication to his artists and nurturing approach make him a standout talent manager. He is a manifestation of perseverance, hard work, and a genuine desire to help others succeed in a fiercely competitive environment. Through his talent management agency and the help of his family, Rams continues to support talents and lead them to achieve their goals and dreams. Success, as they say, does come in circles.

San Miguel Brewery kicks off event series featuring fresh beer and bold music

THE country’s top beer producer, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB), continues to provide unique and authentic experiences to its consumers as it taps CC:Concepts, known for the UNKNWN event series, to host its draft event series launching San Miguel Cerveza Blanca and San Miguel Cerveza Negra draft beer.

TILT // On Tap On Tour brings together bold and edgy music with a fresh draft beer experience, with the event series kicking off with an intimate party on June 21 at Izakaya Geronimo in Bonifacio Global City.

The affair saw a special food pairing menu – a collab between SMB Brewmaster Alan Sienes and Izakaya Geronimo’s Chef Christian Manawis, allowing the attendees to further appreciate the taste of the authentic local wheat beer – San Miguel Cerveza Blanca, and the full-bodied dark lager – San Miguel Cerveza Negra, fresh from the tap. This will be followed by performances from the Moving Parts Crew, as doors open to the public.

The event series continues throughout June and July across various venues in Metro Manila. Today, June 28, get a healthy dose of electro music from Poison x Mother Crew at Moonshine P.U.B. x Public Urban Bar in Ortigas.

On July 5, groove to the chill house music of Sounds Nais at Brick and Mortar in BGC. Then, on July 13, enjoy an indie-garage music party hosted by LockedDown Entertainment at Bar IX in Alabang. Finally, on July 20, a party with techno disco music from Medusa x House Collab at BSK Manila in BGC. Surprise yourself with the flavors of authentic local wheat beer blended with citrus, spices, and coriander through San Miguel Cerveza Blanca, and indulge in the premium dark lager with the bold flavor of roasted malt and notes of caramel with San Miguel Cerveza Negra. Experience San Miguel Brewery’s fresh draft beer, now available in select outlets nationwide.

Attendees try out the new authentic local wheat beers fresh from the tap

The ‘TILT // On Tap On Tour’

San Miguel Cerveza Bianca and San Miguel Cerveza Negra