Manila Standard - 2024 July 2 - Tuesday

By Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz and Othel V. Campos

MINIMUM wage earners in Metro Manila will get a P35 hike in their daily salary starting July 17, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region said. The new wage order raised the daily minimum wage in NCR from P610 to P645 for the non-agriculture sector, and from P573 to P608 for the agriculture sector, service and retail

establishments employing 15 or less workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than 10 workers.

The Makabayan bloc, however, called the wage hike a “mere pittance” amid the inflation and as the family living wage stands at P1,200 – or a wage gap of more than P500.

“This P35 increase is an insult to Filipino workers. It’s even lower than the P40 hike granted last year. How can the government expect NCR workers to survive

‘Not only one POGO fixer’ Lobbyists mobbed Pagcor chief for licenses—official

PBBM, Speaker commit more funds for AFP

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Monday vowed the government’s commitment to lift the Philippine Air Force’s capabilities as he joined in the celebration of the 77th anniversary of PAF in Pampanga President Marcos outlined efforts to bolster the PAF, including acquiring new

aircraft and radar systems, enhancing cyber warfare capabilities, and implementing base development programs.

“We have likewise acquired additional aircraft, as well as advanced radar systems, which have transformed our operational readiness and enhanced our operational reach,” President Marcos said.

PH, Japan to have bilateral war games with VFA-type pact

PARTICIPANTS to the Philippineshosted Balikatan military exercises is expected to grow even further with the anticipated inclusion of the Japan SelfDefense Forces (JSDF) once a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between Manila and Tokyo is signed.

In an interview on Saturday, AFP

Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that the JSDF may take part in the next iteration of the annual war games, which was traditionally exclusive between the Philippines and the United States.

“We will have a Balikatan Exercise every year and for next year– 2025–

we are expecting that we will again have a big exercise and hopefully we will have other nations joining us,” Brawner said. He said that the Philippines will continue to host the large-scale mili tary exercises with more allied coun tries in defiance of persistent protests

from Beijing. “These are not only the United States and Australia, but we are also trying to get Japan, be -

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel Cruz

MONEY may have changed hands for illegal POGOs to get support from former government officials, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said, as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation said there were several other lobbyists aside from an exCabinet secretary.

“That (report on POGO lobbyists) shows that money really changed hands that is why these POGOs are able to get the support of former officials,” Angara said. Pagcor chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco last week said a former Cabinet official tried to facilitate the grant of gaming licenses to some of the illegal POGOs that have been recently raided.

On Monday, the gaming regulator said “several government officials” approached the state gambling agency to lobby for the license of some POGOs.

“The Chairman himself got calls and hints from those officials. There

IT REMAINS to be seen whether Vice President Sara Duterte and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will sit next to each other during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said it will be decided by the inter-agency committee working on the SONA seat plan.

For now, the seating arrangement for the VIPs have yet to be finalized, he added.

“We have an interagency committee, wherein the Office of the President and the Senate counterparts are there. So, we will decide on that, the seating plan for the VIPs. As of now, wala pang decision,” Velasco told

Don’t believe all Sara says— Rody

TARGET PRACTICE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. watches a Philippine Air Force jet bomb a target during the 77th Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. He was joined by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Defense Secretary Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. in the ceremonies. Ver Noveno

Gov’t frees oldest political prisoner

By Rey E. Requejo

MALACAÑANG has ordered the release from the New Bilibid Prison of the country’s “oldest person deprived of liberty (PDL)” last Sunday.

Kapatid, a support group for socalled political prisoners and their families, confirmed the release of 85-yearold Gerardo dela Peña, the former head of Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA).

“We are very happy that Tatay Gerry can finally return home to his family and reunite with his wife Pilar in their

Caceres prelate gets ‘pallium’ from Pope Francis

By Vito Barcelo

ARCHBISHOP

Rex Andrew Alar-

con of Caceres was among around 40 archbishops appointed over the past year who received a pallium from Pope Francis, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The Pope handed Alarcon the newly blessed pallium folded up in a small wooden box tied with a brown ribbon during Mass for the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican.

The pallium is a woven band of lambs wool that serves as a sign of their communion and pastoral responsibility as shepherds. About two inches wide and worn on the shoulders, it is a stolelike vestment worn by metropolitan archbishops over their chasuble when celebrating Mass.

The Pope in his homily invited them to be “zealous shepherds who open the doors of the Gospel, and through their ministry, help to build a Church and a society of open doors.”

Traditionally, new bishops were invested with the pallia by the pope at the same June 29 Mass. In 2015, however, the Pope changed this policy so that bishops would be invested with the pallia in their archdioceses by the local apostolic nuncio, as a sign of “synodality” with local churches.

“The investiture of the pallium will take place here in Caceres at a later date,” the archdiocese posted on social media. Alarcon, 53, was appointed by the pope as archbishop of Caceres on February 22. He was installed to his new post on May 2. Domestic pump prices go up for third week

twilight years. His release is a milestone for human rights campaigns, but also serves as a stark reminder of the obstacles that impede the release of political prisoners,” Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim said in a statement.

Lim expressed Kapatid’s gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for facilitating dela Peña’s release, the

Commission on Human Rights for its support, and “everyone here and abroad who helped in this collective effort.”

Dela Peña, who was arrested on March 21, 2013, was convicted of murder. Kapatid said he was convicted “despite evidence of his innocence and the admission of the New People’s Army (NPA) that it committed the crime.”

“Tatay Gerry’s journey to freedom was very difficult because of systemic challenges and bureaucratic delays,” Lim said.

She said the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) could not immediately implement its own resolution that allowed executive clemency be granted to prisoners

who reached 70 years of age and served 10 years of their sentence.

Lim said Kapatid received a letter from BPP which stated the board had recommended the commutation of the sentence of dela Peña to 12 years in accordance with the resolution.

“The fact is, Tatay Gerry had already overserved his commuted sentence, serving exactly 12 years and 2 months as of June 12, aside from the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) he accrued,” Lim lamented.

“Every additional minute behind bars is a gross injustice for an innocent man,” she added.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri added:

Gatchalian said Tengco’s revelation was “deeply alarming.”

“Let the axe fall as it may...if it can be proven that they indeed facilitated for the illegal POGOs.”

were many who reached out to the Chairman, to Pagcor, for their request to get a license because as you know, a big sum of money is involved in this,” Pagcor Assistant Vice President Catalino Alano Jr. said.

Senate President Francis Escudero said in case Tengco declines to identify the ex-Cabinet official, the Upper Chamber is ready to start its own probe.

“Pagcor should name the ‘official!’ If not, [the] committee chaired and headed by Senators [Risa] Hontiveros and [Sherwin] Gatchalian should unmask this official so that not all ‘former high ranking cabinet officials’ will be looked upon with suspicion to and find out if he or she violated any laws,” Escudero said.

eral Jerome Adonis said the P35 wage increase cannot even cover the price of one kilo of rice.

on P645 a day when the Family Living Wage stands at P1,200 and when prices continue to accelerate?” said Rep. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party. Brosas reiterated Gabriela’s commitment to push for the passage of House Bill 7568 or the P750 across-the-board wage hike bill. Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary gen-

The labor group called on Filipino workers to join the mass mobilization during the President’s State of the Nation Address on July 22.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) also criticized the meager wage hike, vowing to push for the passage of House Bill No. 7871 that seeks a P150 across-the-board wage increase.

Hontiveros, who has been leading the Senate investigation into the raided POGOs, underscored the need for Tengco to attend the hearing and “reveal what he knows.”

Alano said Tengco will divulge what he knows in the next Senate hearing on July 10 if he will be invited.

“Whoever that ex-Cabinet official turns out to be, the fact remains: POGOs are being used as a legal cover for scam hubs. The Senate investigation has proven that even licensed POGOs are involved in criminal activities,” Hontiveros said.

“So Pagcor should not distinguish between illegal POGOs and legal POGOs,” she added.

The bill, also known as the Wage Recovery Act, is pending in the House Committee on Labor and Employment. The Senate earlier passed a P100 across-the-board wage hike.

The wage order is expected to directly benefit around 988,243 minimum wage earners in Metro Manila.

About 1.7 million full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage may also indirectly benefit as a result of upward adjustments at the enterprise level arising from the correc-

fense talks are scheduled between Japan and the Philippines on July 8.

“This proves POGOs’ link to high government officials. Any conflicts of interest or breaches of legal and ethical standards must be fully addressed with the utmost severity. Pagcor must disclose all information and reveal other personalities involved to aid in the ongoing investigations,” he said.

“These officials, whom we trusted to lead with integrity, have the bigger responsibility to do what is right. Any violation of laws on their part is a betrayal of public trust,” Gatchalian said.

Senator Joel Villanueva said the ties with former government officials “should be enough proof to permanently ban POGOs in the country.”

“They have infiltrated not only the business and gaming industries but also our government, allegedly with local and

tion of wage distortion.

The new wage rates translate to about a 5.7 percent increase from the prevailing daily minimum wage rates in Metro Manila.

Leaders from the Employer Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), for their part, expressed concerns on the impact on the wage hike on businesses even as they said they are obliged to follow the approved minimum wage hike.

Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DOMESTIC pump prices went up for the third consecutive week starting 6am Tuesday by as much as P0.95 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market . The oil firms hiked pump prices by P0.95 per liter for gasoline, P0.65 per liter for diesel and P0.35 per liter for kerosene.

Shell Pilipinas Corp., Jetti Petroleum, PetroGazz, Petron Corp., Cleanfuel and Chevron Philippines issued separate advisories of the latest oil price hike.

This developed as the oil firms also increased the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or cooking gas by P0.55 per kilogram effective 12:01 am July 1 to reflect the international contract price of LPG for July.

This is equivalent to an increase of P6.05 per liter for every 11-kilo tank. Department of Energy director Rodela Romero attributed this week’s oil price hike to higher crude oil futures as the global supply outlook remained threatened by “the potential escalation of geopolitical unrest, due to the drone attack of Ukraine hitting Russian refineries, the production restriction of OPEC and the forecast for the peak summer season demand starting third quarter of this year.”

On June 25, 2024, the oil companies implemented an increase on the prices of petroleum products.

The consumers raised the price of gasoline, diesel and kerosene by P1.40, P1.75 and P1.90 per liter, respectively.

Year-to-date, total adjustment of gasoline, diesel and kerosene stand at net increase of P8.30 per liter, P7.75 per liter and P1.40 per liter, respectively.

even high-ranking officials serving as their protectors. Our duty as public servants is not to protect these illegal activities, but to put our people’s welfare as our main priority,” Villanueva said.

“POGOs, whether licensed, legitimate, or illegal are nothing but fronts for criminal activities. Ranging from money laundering, drug trafficking, human trafficking, protecting criminal syndicates engaged in murders, kidnapping, torture, rape and up to engaging in POGO politics, name it and surely it is all there.”

“Indeed, these assets contribute to an agile Air Force—capable of protecting our nation, our people, and our resources; and dedicated to ensuring that we are ready to face challenges with advanced precision, speed, and force,” he added.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who accompanied the President in the ceremonies, assured the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the armed forces in general that the House of Representatives would ensure their modernization and welfare programs are fully funded in the annual national budget.

According to Romualdez, the House stands firmly behind the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the entire armed forces.

soon,” Brawner continued.

It can be recalled that during the 39th iteration of the Balikatan Exercises earlier this year, Philippine and U.S. forces were joined by counterparts from Australia and France as well as military representatives from 14 other nations taking part in an observer program.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that high-level de -

Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and their Filipino counterparts are expected to discuss “defense and security issues affecting the region,” the DFA noted. The high-level meeting is widely seen to be a forerunner to the RAA’s signing.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. clarified that the Manila’s RAA with Tokyo is not the same as the country’s

an interview that her relationship with the Vice President soured after the latter’s family accused the President of using narcotics.

“It’s not the same as a Visiting Forces Agreement… it’s very, very different from what the Reciprocal Agreement will be with the Japanese,” Marcos said during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines 50th Anniversary talks.

“It’s not going to be as if it’s their base… and they, their seamen, will come down and will go into the city… I don’t think that that’s a part of the agreement,” he pointed out.

Duterte and his daughter were both last-minute candidates for national positions and had initially filed candidacies for mayor of Davao City.

On June 25, Vice President Duterte disclosed that her father and two brothers Baste and Paolo would be running for senator in 2025, saying that was what her mother told her.

The Vice President’s pronouncements revived discussion of dynastic politics in the Philippines and the failure of Congress, also dominated by political clans, to pass legislation to enable a ban on political dynasties laid down in the 1987 Constitution. Duterte said it would be “bizarre” to have him and his two sons in the Senate. But the Duterte patriarch said he no longer has the political capital, nor the funds, to reenter the political arena after his term ended in 2022. He also said “”my time is over.” “I will not return to politics. I do not have money or anything else. Maybe all that’s left of me is my confidence,” the former president said.

Araneta-Marcos said Vice President Duterte “crossed the line” by laughing

along at comments made by his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte accusing Marcos Jr. of supposedly being a drug addict. Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte — the second in command’s younger

brother — meantime, called for Marcos Jr.’s resignation.

Last month, Vice President Duterte resigned from Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet as Secretary of the Department of Education.

“POGO is the one-stop-shop of criminal activities. If we continue to allow their operations, we will all be consumed by its corrupt and criminal system until it becomes the accepted norm and our society becomes worthless. POGOs are a curse that have to be taken out from our system,” Gatchalian added. the media on Monday. In April, the First Lady admitted in

COURTESY CALL. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, is ushered in the Malacañang Palace yesterday for his courtesy call on the President. PPA Pool

Tingog party opens cancer screening hub in Visayas

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Tingog Party-list group led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez; the group’s nominees in Congress, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre, in partnership with Roche and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) has launched a stateof-the-art HPV-DNA Screening platform for cervical cancer, Cobas 5800, the first fully automated one in the Eastern Visayas region.

The party-list group’s project for women, dubbed “2030 Mission Leapfrog Philippines” (MLP) is a groundbreaking move towards improving women’s healthcare as the screening platform represents significant advancement in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. Moreover, the new facility aims to provide women with access to the most modern and effective diagnostic tools available.

”Tingog’s unwavering support to advancing public health through Leapfrog underscores shared commitment among Roche and EVMC in enhancing healthcare services and improving health outcomes for women in Eastern Visayas,” said Acidre.

“The launch of this screening platform is a big step in ensuring that women in our region receive the best possible care.” Acidre, along with the chairman of the EVMC Department of Pathology, Dr. Cleocita A. Portula; the head of the EVMC Medical Center, Dr. Joseph Michael A. Jaro; the Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino; and the chairman of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Dr. Rufina Lynor Barrot-Gler attended the launching on June 29.

The EVMC and Roche partnership aims to support the 2030 World Health Organization elimination of Cervical Cancer that aims to have 90 percent of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by the time they reach age 15, 70 percent of women are screened with a highperformance test by age 35 to 45, precancerous lesions are treated early, and 90 percent of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment. Roche aided the installation of the Cobast 500 system and accessories at the EVMC premises.

By Rey E. Requejo

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has successfully secured the conviction of 19 officers and employees of the Rural Bank of Subangdaku, Inc. (RBSI) after they were found guilty of falsification of public and commercial documents.

This came after the Mandaue Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) found RBSI personnel guilty beyond reasonable doubt for conspiring to defraud the bank billions of pesos, convicting all of them for 34 separate counts of falsification of documents.

The court ruled that RBSI officers and personnel made it appear that certain individuals obtained a loan from RBSI when in truth and in fact, never did nor even participated in the preparation of the documents related thereto.

The Mandaue court sentenced all accused to suffer an indeterminate penalty of one (1) year and one (1) day of prison correccional as minimum, to three (3) years, six (6) months and twenty-one (21) days of prison cor-

CHR supports PBBM on food security program

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure food security and proper nutrition through a whole-of-government approach as part of the Philippine Development Plan to combat hunger and poverty.

“The Commission is one with the government in its initiative to combat hunger and malnutrition in the country. By prioritizing several policies that address these issues, we reflect our unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and healthy nation,” it said.

reccional as maximum and to pay a fine in the amount of three thousand pesos (P3,000) with subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency.

The controversy arose when a complaint was filed before the DOJ by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), which investigated the RBSI following RBSI’s declaration of bank holiday early in 2009.

Court documents showed that account holders of the bank tried to withdraw their money after RBSI’s declaration of bank holiday, but were too late after the bank denied the same due to alleged lack of financial capability.

The court ruled that the prosecution sufficiently established the participation and probable guilt of all

Rural bank workers convicted of document falsification

“Through programs like these, we are optimistic about creating a society that completely eradicates poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Together, we aim to realize the aspiration that no Filipinos, especially children, will experience the debilitating effects of hunger and malnutrition,” the CHR said.

“We envision a future where every citizen has access to nutritious food and opportunities for a better quality of life. Let us work hand in hand to make this vision a reality,” it added.

All government agencies and local government units are responsible for assisting with the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty program that institutionalize efforts to alleviate hunger and promote food and nutrition security.

the accused, falsifying several public and commercial documents.

The court also held that the defense failed to persuade the court of their innocence by merely denying their involvement in the massive fraud without being backed by clear and substantial evidence.

Besides, the chain of events surrounding the involvement of all the accused was all supported by tangible proof.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that any person who will be caught defrauding the public will severely suffer the consequences of their action.

“Banking and financial institutions play a crucial role in nation building to fuel the needs of every person, business and organizations. To defraud the same is far worse than stealing from every Filipino, taking away their dreams, future and very own lives,” Remulla said.

This conviction demonstrates our firm resolve to go after those who defy our laws to the prejudice of our financial institutions and the general public, as well,” Remulla added.

Parañaque preps for learning camp

TEACHERS are holding their kick-off ceremonies and finalizing learning materials as schools across Parañaque prepare for the National Learning Camp (NLC) on Tuesday, July 2.

Select students from Grades 1 to 3 and Junior High School lacking competencies in key subjects will be given learning intervention during the 3-week camp.

At Parañaque National High School - Main, one of Metro Manila’s densely populated high schools, students who have failed to excel in either Mathematics, Science, or English will be given focus in the activity.

According to Richie Belloy, focal person of the campus-wide NLC, while the actual teaching will be done inside the classroom, camp-like activities will be held outside.

Moreover, she stressed the inclusion of ways that would help troubled learners cope with the needed skills through nontraditional methods, such as games.

Asked about the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, Assistant Principal Kirk Magdamit is optimistic that the camp would “fill the gap” in addressing the said concern.

School chief Gerry Lumaban admits the camp’s limitations given the limited, voluntary service of teachers compared to the entire population of the campus.

“There might be a possibility that we will be doing this school-based, where we can offer materials and activities for the succeeding semester as an intervention program,” Lumaban said.

With Rolando Ng III

IN BRIEF

LTO apprehends 23 trike drives in QC

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in coordination with the local government, on Monday apprehended 23 tricycle drivers in Quezon City in its implementation of the no-plate no-travel policy.

“This is welcome to our friends in the tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODAs) of Quezon City because we have not only explained the importance of this policy properly but they themselves are complaining about the colorum tricycles that are grabbing the income that should be for them,” LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said. Based on reports, in the first hours of the implementation, a total of 16 drivers were apprehended after their trikes were found to be unregistered. The implementation of the policy was consulted with and was agreed upon not only by the Quezon City government but also the leaders and members of different TODAs. Based on the policy stipulated in the memorandum signed by Mendoza, “all tricycles must display valid and authorized licensed plates at all times while plying the road.” The license plates “must be clearly visible and properly attached to the tricycles. Rio N. Araja

MMDA set to limit operations starting July 2

THERE will be limited transactions at the main office of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Pasig City starting July 2, Tuesday, following the announcement from Malacañang which declared this date as a special non-working day in the city.

Despite this, the agency’s Metrobase and Digital Media Group will continue to provide traffic updates to the public for traffic conditions on major streets in Metro Manila, as well as operations in other MMDA satellite offices.

The public is advised to call the MMDA Hotline 136 and MMDA’s official social media platforms for inquiries about traffic, road assistance, travel restrictions, traffic laws, number coding schemes, and more.

BI halts 3 Pinays from leaving PH

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) barred three Filipino women from leaving the country after the women presented marriage certificates indicating they were married to Chinese nationals. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said one of them a 29-year-old attempted to board a China Eastern Airlines flight to Shanghai when she was intercepted by members of the BI’s immigration protection and

HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUSPECTS. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director

Jaime Santiago presented to the media ve Filipinos and Chinese nationals allegedly involved in human tra cking activities said to be headed by Russian and Chinese members of organized crime groups. Manny Palmero

UNIFORM FITTING. A mother helps her daughter try on a school uniform at the Divisoria Market in Manila on Monday. The old school calendar is reinstated beginning July 29. Danny Pata

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024

Five suspected smugglers nabbed off Sarangani Is.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao

(NFEM) reported on Thursday the apprehension of three Indonesians and two Filipinos suspected of smuggling goods using a motorized banca in Glan, Sarangani province.

NFEM spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Jerome Bryan Mauring said the BRP Artemio Ricarte, with the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 13 and the Philippine National Police Regional Maritime Unit 12, intercepted last June 23 the motorized banca named ‘Blessing’ loaded with smuggled goods and manned by the three Indonesians and two Filipinos.

“The banca was found carrying 54 sacks of undocumented assorted products and five boxes of medicine intended for fighting cocks, with an estimated total value of P216,600 including the motorized banca,” Mauring said.

The Indonesians were identified as Repli Mananoma, the boat skipper, and his crewmen Yopi Ifandi and Reinaldy Meidi Rembaen.

The suspects and the seized goods, along with and the motorized banca, were taken to PNP Maritime 12 for proper disposition.

The case has been turned over to the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration preparatory to the filing of appropriate charges.

“This successful apprehension underscores the ongoing efforts of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and collaborating agencies to secure the region’s maritime boundaries and enforce laws against smuggling and illegal entry,” the NFEM said.

DENR rolls out drive to educate LGUs on environmental protection IN BRIEF

Marine cadet dies amid training in Cavite

THE Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) confirmed on Monday the death of one of its cadets during a practical swimming exercise in Ternate, Cavite.

In an interview, PMC spokesperson Capt. Marites Alamil said cadet Joel Jimena suddenly collapsed while swimming early morning of Wednesday.. He was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation) among other lifesaving measures, but to no avail.

According to Alamil, Jimena was rushed to the San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital in Naic, Cavite, but was declared dead on arrival. His family requested an autopsy from the Philippine National Police-Scene of Crime Operation to determine the actual cause of his death.

The PMC is also conducting its own investigation. “We will take [the] necessary actions regarding this incident aside from the investigation of the SOCO. We are also awaiting the results of the autopsy,” said Alamil. Rex Espiritu

BOC: 294 balikbayan boxes remain unclaimed

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has appealed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families to claim the 294 remaining balikbayan boxes currently in BOC custody which were stored in a warehouse for more than a year now.

In an advisory, the unclaimed balikbayan boxes, identified with Bill of Lading numbers ONEYKW1TA1994400, ONEYKW1TA1968500, ONEYKW1TA1998800 and consigned to Mediacom Express Cargo and Pinoy Network Cargo WLL, arrived in the Philippines from Kuwait on Feb. 12, 2023.

The BOC said the boxes were abandoned by the forwarder after collecting payments from abroad, leaving the OFWs and their families without their hardearned balikbayan boxes.

Of these abandoned balikbayan boxes, the BOC has already facilitated the release and distribution of over 450 balikbayan boxes, bringing the total number of successfully distributed boxes to 10,084.

BI collars 9 unwanted Chinese nationals

NINE Chinese nationals were arrested by Immigration agents while disembarking from three motorboats near a shoreline fishport in Paranaque City for alleged violation of the conditions of their stay.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the Chinese men were arrested by agents of the BI’s intelligence division, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

According to BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., they conducted months of surveillance and intelligence gathering after receiving reports of Chinese nationals boarding and disembarking vessels along Manila Bay.

Four of the individuals were found to possess passports and hold 9G visas petitioned by an engineering company in the Philippines, while the remaining five were found to be undocumented. Vito Barcelo

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has spearheaded a campaign to educate local government units (LGUs) on best practices in environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

“Project TRANSFORM puts LGUs

at the center of community-based disaster resilience programs. The critical role of local stakeholders in environmental protection and climate action cannot be minimized,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga said.

To develop Project TRANSFORM, the DENR partnered with the National Resilience Council, the First Philippine Holdings Corp., the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Peace and Equity Foundation, and the Zuellig Family Foundation.

TRANSFORM is an acronym for Transdisciplinary Approach for Resil-

ience and Environmental Sustainability through Multi-stakeholder Engagement with the theme “From Science to Action: Transformative Pathways toward Resilience and Environmental Sustainability.”

The program provides a scientific and strategic mechanism among stakeholders, highlighting the importance of locally driven solutions as well as a participatory approach for achieving environmental sustainability and resilience.

Loyzaga cited the need to prioritize the development of individual and institutional capacities of the LGUs for

Solon scores Sara over claims she seeks no confidential funds in ’25

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Deputy Minority Leader France Castro has criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for bragging about not having requested for confidential funds for 2025, calling it an “empty gesture” that fails to address lingering issues of accountability.

“Why should she request for confidential funds when her office is not mandated to have such funds? Besides, she is just afraid that Congress will again take it away along with other civilian agencies that are not mandated for

confidential funds,” said Castro, nominee of ACT Teachers party-list group. Castro emphasized that the Vice President still has unresolved issues regarding her previous use of confidential funds. “Also up till now she has not satisfactorily explained the P125 million confidential funds she illegally acquired and spent in 11 days

evidence-informed decision-making, and to invest in increasing capacity for implementation of policies, plans and programs.

A strong multi-stakeholder collaboration, community-driven innovation and knowledge development and sharing would be the LGUs’ help to attain community resilience.

“While every LGU has its different exposure and vulnerability, all experience challenges on how to manage their water, forest and soil resources, and coastal and marine environments,” Loyzaga said.

DOH raises alarm on rise of dengue cases in W.Visayas

By Caloy Lozada

THE Department of Health’s (DOH) Western Visayas Center for Health and Development (WV CHD) has raised the alarm over apparent rise dengue cases, with 360 new patients and one fatality recorded in the region last June 16- 22.

This brought the total number of dengue cases in the region to 4,030 during the year.

A 36-year-old man from Antique became the latest victim, succumbing to the disease on June 22, according to the DOH medical bulletin.

This latest death raises the total number of fatalities in the region to ten. The number of cases has increased by 25 percent, or 817 cases, compared to the same period last year, which saw 3,213 cases.

The DOH data indicated that children aged one to ten were the most vulnerable, accounting for 39% percent of the total cases. Among the provinces, Iloilo recorded the highest number of new cases with 135, followed by Negros Occidental with 65 cases, Aklan with 53, Guimaras with 47, Capiz with 31, and Antique with 29 cases.

Currently, 54 barangays across Western Visayas have been identified as having a breakout of dengue cases. The DOH has declared Barangay Odiongan in Badiangan, Iloilo, a “hotspot area” due to the high number of cases and the clustering, which included fatalities.

Reacting to the surge, the DOH urged the public to strictly implement the 4S strategy, meaning Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure self-protection measures, Support fogging and spraying in hotspots, and Seek early consultation when symptoms arise.

In an effort to combat the spread of dengue, the Iloilo City Government has launched a city-wide clean-up drive every Saturday, targeting 180 barangays to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.

Similarly, the Iloilo provincial government pressed its “Limpyo Iloilo” program, which aimed to identify and destroy possible mosquito breeding places to prevent further the spread of dengue.

Health officials called on the residents to remain vigilant and proactive in following dengue prevention measures to safeguard their communities and ward off the spread of the disease in the region.

CLOSING ONE DO0R AND OPENING ANOTHER. Graduates of the Caloocan City University exude extreme happiness as they end one academic journey and about to

exercise at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Lino Santos

DENGUE BREAKOUT IN WESTERN VISAYAS. The Department of Health’s Western Visayas Center for Health and Development raises the alarm over the rising incidence of dengue cases in the region as evinced by this graph 360 new cases and one death recorded last June 16-22. Caloy Lozada

LOST AND FOUND CHILDREN. Elements of the Philippine Coast Guard in Bohol set up for

search and rescue operation for a minor reported lost at the Tubang Cave in Antequera town. When the team arrived at ground zero, they learned

OPINION

Dutertes

making 2025 polls a farce; BBM should ban all POGOs

IN MY earlier column about the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from the Marcos Cabinet as secretary of education, the days ahead will be interesting in politics.

With the Duterte father and two sons running for office, it will be a political ramble.

The Dutertes -- former President Rodrigo Duterte running for the Senate, and with a son, Baste, now mayor of Davao City, running for the presidency and Paolo, now a representative of the same city, also running together with the father for the Senate, all gloves will be off as far as anti-Dutertes are concerned.

Santa Banana, I must say it’s better said in the vernacular, “ Masyadong bilib sila sa sarili!” (They really believe in themselves).

In politics, the news that Baste is being groomed for 2028 for the presidency is something like a teaser.

It’s all part of a script since everybody knows that it is Sara Duterte being groomed to run for president.

Mark my words, Sara and supporters will initiate a clamor for Sara to run in 2028, and Baste will give way. My gulay, the Dutertes must think the electorate are all stupid.

The question now is whether all the Dutertes will make it to the Senate.

Santa Banana, never in the history of Philippine politics are there as many members of a family running for the Senate. Yes, there are the brother and sister Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia, mother and son Cynthia and Mark Villar in the Senate, but not an entire family!

How about their cats and dogs, are they also running?

I said the 2025 poll would be a ramble.

Santa Banana, the Dutertes are making fun of the Senate race. Do they really believe all of them can make it?

For one thing, the opposition are now maneuvering to stop the Dutertes from making the 2025 polls a mockery and a historical comedy.

There’s for instance a move to have a united ticket, hopefully, with the alliance of the Marcos administration to stop the Dutertes, realizing the Dutertes are making the polls a mockery.

The Dutertes are truly trying to make us, I mean the nation, a big laughing stock in this part of the world.

Ban the POGOs

The outcry for the banning of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) can no longer be ignored by President Marcos Jr., not only because of social costs to the country, but because of the threat to national security, after criminal syndicates from China entered the coun-

In

try and had connections with local criminal syndicates, engaging in kidnap for ransom, torture , human trafficking and other criminal activities.

I can believe what the Department of National Defense and the National Security Council had said that POGos have become a threat to national security.

Santa Banana, following all our troubles with China at the West Philippine Sea and our own Exclusive Economic Zone over disputed waters, POGOs are actually a hole in the head.

Now the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has joined the clamor to ban POGOs.

The big question is: Is the reported

—“—

The Dutertes are truly trying to make us, I mean the nation, a big laughing stock in this part of the world

P20 billion the government is collecting from POGO worth all the social costs that the country is facing because of the POGOs?

Santa Banana, it is even said that at so many police raids, even uniforms of members of the People’s Liberation Army of Communist China were found.

This means some of the POGO workers who entered the country from mainland China are “sleeper cells” from China.

In other words, POGOs have become a means of China invading the country without our knowledge.

Is there no better argument for President Marcos Jr. in exercising his political will finally to ban POGOs once and for all?

China itself bans illegal gambling, and we are tolerating illegal gambling where its social and economic costs far outweigh what the government is getting from them.

My gulay, even the Chinese Embassy in Manila has sought banning the POGOs because the POGOs are promoting illfeelings between China and the Philippines.

Would you believe, Santa Banana, there are at least 300 POGOs operating illegally.

And with the 2025 polls coming up, it would not even be surprising that illegal POGOs will interfere with the results of the election, my gulay, considering that the local government people will need POGO money.

Go for it Bongbong, ban the POGOs. It’s the call of the hour! What are you waiting for?

divided France, far-right victory is feted and mourned

HENIN-BEAUMONT, France — The champagne is flowing, the cheers are echoing and the Marseillaise is resounding.

“Marine! Marine! Marine!” chant the crowd in triumphant mood as the results of France’s first round of legislative elections stream in, showing a clear win for the farright National Rally.

They do not have to wait long before the icon of the French far-right, three-time presidential candidate and woman credited with turning the party into a competitive political force declares the party is seeking an absolute majority and the post of prime minister in round two.

The results mark a “determination to turn the page after seven years” of rule by President Emmanuel Macron, Marine Le Pen tells the crowds, adding that she wants her protege Jordan Bardella to be prime minister. She declared an outright victory in the first round for her seat of Henin-Beaumont, a gritty area in northern France and typical of the regions where the RN has thrived in recent years.

The RN has promised to boost purchasing power, drastically curtail immigration and restore law and order, with Le Pen seeking to moderate past extremes even as opponents accuse it of still being racist.

“We’ve tried everything and it doesn’t work, so why not try the National Rally?” said Jonathan, who asked his last name not be given, at an industrial estate in the area.

“Act on security, employment for young people, give more purchasing power, especially petrol which is too expensive. Some people can’t go to work because they don’t have enough money to put petrol in their car.”

‘Disrupt the way of life’

“I’m waiting for Mr Bardella or other people to maybe take a bit of a look at things and

Supporting PH sovereign rights over WPS

WE ADD our voice to the statement of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines which declared the Philippines has sovereign rights over its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea.

The area, which has seen Filipinos being harassed by Chinese during humanitarian missions, has been the site of rising tensions despite the grant by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Seas to states sovereign rights over their exclusive economic zones.

This means 200 nautical miles from the baselines of the countries: the disputed territory of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is 105 nautical miles from Palawan and 621 miles from China’s southern Hainan island.

The other day, the mandatory association of lawyers, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, which has nearly 79,000 members, said the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, to which the Philippines and China are both signatories, “granted coastal states sovereign rights over their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), extending up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines.”

“Therefore, the West Philippine Sea is inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Eco-

nomic Zone to the extent of 200 miles measured from our country’s archipelagic baselines,” the IBP said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself continues to stand firm in defending the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea amid reports the Chinese increased their electronic communication jamming activities against Philippine vessels in the area.

We endorse the IBP’s observation the area disputed by China is well within Manila’s exclusive economic zone

In an earlier interview, President Marcos expressed his apprehension over the aggressive maneuvers of Chinese nautical assets in the WPS, saying China is now deploying its Navy ships to support the Chinese Coast Guard vessels already deployed there.

The IBP backed its support for the Marcos’ administration’s stance with the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration confirming the Philippines has sovereign rights over its EEZ in the West Philippine Sea. We endorse the IBP’s observation the area disputed by China is well within Manila’s exclusive economic zone and Filipino fishermen are exercising their

THE Philippine political landscape is once again in flux as former President Rodrigo Duterte and his children prepare for potential Senate bids.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded to this political maneuvering with a nonchalant “It’s a free country,” reflecting the uncertainty that often accompanies preelection periods.

But beneath this seemingly casual statement lies a complex web of political strategies and historical precedents that could shape the nation’s future.

Historical background

The Philippines’ political party system has evolved significantly since the country regained its independence in 1946.

Initially dominated by the Liberal Party and the Nacionalista Party, the system saw a major shift during the martial law era under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

redefine purchasing power a bit,” said Gilles Janiaczyk, self-employed, 60.

“Maybe we should put things back in order with the people who live here and can’t adapt to our country,” he added.

But Lydie Maffeis, a pensioner, 79, who voted for the presidential alliance, said: “My generation has known parties that were, shall we say, a little more moderate. And now we’ve gone to the extremes. And that’s the problem.”

They do not have to wait long before the icon of the French far-right, threetime presidential candidate...declares the party is seeking an absolute majority and the post of prime minister in round two

At the other end of the country, in France’s Mediterranean port city of Marseille, in its densely populated districts with large immigrant populations, the mood is often quite different.

“I’m worried about the possibility of the far right because we’re in a working-class, cosmopolitan city and it could disrupt the way of life we have here. We risk the spread of racist speech in public services,” said Jean-Francois Pepin, 49, a special needs educator.

The introduction of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan reshaped the political arena, centralizing power and diminishing the influence of traditional parties.

Post-martial law, the re-emergence of democracy saw a proliferation of political parties, leading to a fragmented but vibrant multiparty system.

The 1987 Constitution further decentralized political power, but this also gave rise to the phenomenon of political dynasties and shifting alliances. Today, the Philippine political party system is characterized by fluid alliances and the dominance of political dynasties.

Parties such as Lakas-CMD, PDP-Laban, and the Nacionalista Party have become vehicles for powerful families rather than ideologically distinct entities.

The UniTeam coalition, which brought Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte to power in 2022, exemplifies this trend of strategic partnerships over ideological commitments.

Advantages of the administration during midterm elections

Historically, midterm elections have favored the incumbent administration in the Philippines.

The control of executive resources and influence over local government units often translates into electoral advantages.

For instance, the 2007 midterm elections saw then President Gloria Macapagal-Ar-

In front of a school in the Cite des Oliviers, in the north of Marseille, “we’ve never seen a queue like that to vote, and so much the better” said the presiding officer as voting took place.

Many were motivated to vote by the risk of the RN taking power, even those that shunned European elections earlier in June.

“As long as we have the choice, it would be better to go and vote,” said Nabil Agueni, 40.

right to a livelihood within the country’s EEZ.

The IBP was to the point in bold and clear letters of its statement when it said it also “supports the legitimate stand of the Philippine government in asserting our country’s lawful and sovereign rights over the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea.”. It cited the cited the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and the Spanish-United States Treaty of Washington in 1900 as the basis for its argument.

The IBP said Article III of the Treaty of Paris “clearly delineated the territorial boundaries of the Philippine archipelago” when Spain ceded to the US all rights of sovereignty over the Philippines, including the waters surrounding the islands.

The Spanish-US Treaty of Washington supplemented this by clarifying and affirming the cession of additional islands to the US as part of Philippine territory, it said.

The Treaty of Washington documented Spain’s cession to the US “of any and all islands of the Philippine Archipelago lying outside of the lines described in Article III of the Treaty of Paris of December 10, 1898.”

“When the Philippines gained independence, all these islands covered by the Treaty of Paris and Treaty of Washington that form part of the Philippine archipelago became part of our country’s territory,” it said.

IBP also said the Permanent Arbitration Court ruling “clarified the Philippines shall enjoy all economic rights within its EEZ, including fishing, resource exploration and marine conservation.”

Dutertes eye 3 Senate seats: What it means for PH politics

royo’s allies securing significant victories, leveraging state resources and political machinery.

However, administrations also face substantial challenges during midterms.

Public dissatisfaction, economic downturns, and corruption scandals can erode the ruling party’s popularity.

The potential Senate bids of the Dutertes are a testament to the enduring influence of political dynasties in the Philippines

The 2019 midterm elections, for example, saw President Rodrigo Duterte’s candidates struggling in some areas despite his widespread popularity, due in part to controversies surrounding his administration’s policies.

Likelihood of three Dutertes running for senator

Strengths:

• Political Clout: The Dutertes have a strong political base, particularly in Mindanao, and their brand of politics has national appeal.

• Name Recognition: The Duterte name carries significant weight, bolstered by Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure as president and Sara Duterte’s current role as vice president.

Weaknesses:

• Fragmented Alliances: Sara Duterte’s departure from the UniTeam coalition and her shifting political allegiances may weaken their collective power.

• Public Perception: The Duterte administration’s controversial policies, particularly the war on drugs, have left a divisive legacy.

Opportunities:

• Voter Base: The Dutertes can capitalize on their established voter base and leverage local government support in Davao and surrounding regions.

• Strategic Alliances: Forming new political alliances could bolster their chances, as

“I came to counter the FN because it will remove all assistances. The country needs help, we are not all equal,” he said, referring to the party by its old name of the National Front. Ines Daoud voted for the first time, at 19, with her mother Ouahiba. “Honestly, we don’t want the RN. We don’t have a party in particular, but in the family there is a mix, from Algeria, the Comoros, Morocco,” Ouahiba said.

indicated by their potential to align with parties like NPC and NUP.

Threats:

• Vulnerability in Hometown Positions: The Dutertes’ dominance in Davao City could be challenged by strong local candidates, jeopardizing their control over key political positions.

• National Opposition: A potential coalition of opposition forces, including remnants of the Liberal Party and other anti-Duterte groups, could pose significant threats.

Recommendations

For the Duterte camp:

• Solidify Alliances: Strengthen political alliances to ensure a unified front. This might involve mending fences with former allies or forging new partnerships.

• Focus on Governance: Demonstrate effective governance at the local level to maintain voter confidence and counter opposition narratives.

For the Marcos administration:

• Maintain Coalition Stability: Ensure the stability of the UniTeam coalition by managing alliances and addressing internal conflicts promptly.

• Leverage Executive Resources: Utilize executive resources effectively to support allied candidates and reinforce political influence across regions.

• Address Public Concerns: Tackle key issues such as inflation, unemployment, and social welfare to maintain public support and counter any opposition narratives.

For the opposition:

• Unified Front: Form a broad coalition to present a formidable challenge. Historical examples, such as the 2010 election of Benigno Aquino III, show the effectiveness of a united opposition.

• Public Engagement: Engage with the electorate through grassroots campaigns and address key issues like corruption and human rights to sway public opinion. The potential Senate bids of the Dutertes are a testament to the enduring influence of political dynasties in the Philippines.

As the nation heads towards another pivotal election, the intricate dance of alliances, strategies, and voter sentiments will determine the outcome. The landscape remains as unpredictable as ever, and the stakes could not be higher.

After voting in Wissembourg in France’s eastern corner close to the border with Germany, Thierry, 58, would not say how he voted but said he believed Macron’s decision to hold the polls was a good idea. “I hope that it will result in something coherent capable of responding to the wishes of the French. Whether it’s Pierre, Paul or Jacques who wins, we have to be respectful of the choice,” he said.

Fighting rages in Gaza’s Shujaiya for 4th day

PALESTINIAN Territories — Heavy battles and bombardment hit Gaza City’s Shujaiya district for a fourth day on Sunday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged his forces were engaged in a “difficult fight.”

N. Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles

SEOUL — North Korea fired two shortrange ballistic missiles but one launch failed, South Korea’s military said Monday, a day after Pyongyang warned of “fatal consequences” following major joint exercises in the South.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military had detected two launches, the first at 5:05 am and the second around 10 minutes later.

“The short-range ballistic missile launched at around 05:05 flew approximately 600 km,” it said, adding the second one travelled 120 km.

JCS spokesperson Lee Sung-jun said the second missile appeared to fly abnormally in an early stage of flight, adding that if it had exploded in midair, its trajectory indicates debris could have landed over North Korea.

Seoul’s military has “strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches”, JCS said in a statement.

North Korea is accused of breaching arms control measures by supplying weapons to Russia to use in its war in Ukraine, and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a summit with leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in June in a show of unity.

The JCS’s Lee declined to comment when asked whether the North’s latest launch could have been a test of missiles intended for delivery to Russia.

The launch also comes after Pyongyang on Sunday denounced joint military exercises by South Korea, Japan and the United States, calling them an “Asian version of NATO” and warning of “fatal consequences”.

The three-day “Freedom Edge” drills, which ran from Thursday to Saturday last week, included preparation in ballistic missile and air defenses, anti-submarine warfare and defensive cyber training. AFP

area of Khan Yunis. A number of the projectiles were intercepted and some of the projectiles fell inside southern Israel,” the military said, reporting no casualties.

The armed wing of Islamic Jihad said it had fired the salvo that targeted several southern Israel communities along the border with Gaza.

“We bombed ... the settlements along the Gaza Strip with a missile barrage in response to the crimes of the Zionist enemy against our Palestinian people,” the Al-Quds Brigades

said in a statement.

Months of on-and-off talks towards a Gaza truce and hostage release deal have meanwhile made little progress, with Hamas saying Saturday that there was “nothing new” in a revised plan presented by US mediators.

The Israeli military reported clashes in central Gaza and the southern Rafah area, a week after Netanyahu declared that the “intense phase” of the war raging since October 7 was nearing an end. The United Nations humanitarian

agency OCHA estimated that “60,000 to 80,000 people were displaced” from Shujaiya since new fighting broke out there on Thursday and the army issued evacuation orders.

For those who remain, “our lives have become hell”, said 50-year-old Shujaiya resident Siham al-Shawa. She told AFP people were trapped as strikes could happen “anywhere” and “it is difficult to get out of the neighbourhood under fire”.

“We do not know where to go to protect ourselves.” AFP

Macron seeks to thwart French far-right in poll 2nd round

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron and his allies were on Monday beginning a week of intense campaigning ahead of the second round of legislative elections to prevent the far right in a historic first from taking an absolute majority and control of government.

The far-right National Rally (RN) party of Marine Le Pen won a resounding victory in the first round of the polls Sunday, with Macron’s centrists trailing in third behind a left-

‘RULE FOR AGES.’ People react after former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was convicted in his criminal trial outside of Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 30, 2024. A panel of 12 New Yorkers were unanimous in their determination that Trump is guilty as charged -- but for the impact on his election prospects, the jury is still out. The Republican billionaire was convicted of all 34 charges in New York on May 30, 2024, and now finds himself bidding for a second presidential term unsure if he’ll be spending 2025 in the Oval Office, on probation or in jail. AFP

wing coalition. But the key suspense ahead of the second round on July 7 was whether the RN would win an absolute majority in the new National Assembly, as well as the largest number of seats. That would enable the party of farright figurehead Le Pen to be certain of taking power and for her protege Jordan Bardella, 28, to become prime minister.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who is likely to be forced to resign

after the second round, warned that the far right was now at the “gates of power”. The RN should not get a “single vote” in the second round, he said.

“We have seven days to spare France from catastrophe,” said Raphael Glucksmann, a key figure in the left-wing alliance.

Macron had stunned the nation and baffled some allies by calling snap polls after the RN trounced his centrist forces in European Parliament elections this month. AFP

Supreme Court ruling on

Trump immunity looms in what justices call ‘rule for ages’

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Supreme Court is expected to rule Monday (Tuesday in Manila) on the most highly anticipated decision of its term -- a ruling “for the ages” on whether Donald Trump, as a former president, is immune from prosecution.

Even if the ruling is likely to reject Trump’s claim he should enjoy absolute immunity, the decision will be key in whether his trial for conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss can go ahead before this year’s election, in which he is the Republican candidate.

“We are writing a rule for the ages,” said conservative justice Neil Gorsuch, who was appointed by Trump, as arguments were heard in April.

“This case has huge implications for the presidency, for the future of the presidency, for the future of the country,” added justice Brett Kavanaugh, another Trump appointee.

Trump’s original trial date in the election case had been for March 4, well before his November rematch with President Joe Biden.

But the Supreme Court -- dominated by conservatives, including the three appointed by Trump during his term in office -- agreed in February to hear his argument for presidential immunity, putting the case on hold while they considered the matter in April.

That means the trial has already been considerably delayed.

The court is unlikely to rule that Trump has complete immunity. During the April arguments, the justices appeared largely skeptical of his claims, with some questioning whether it meant a president could “commit crimes with abandon.”

However, the scope and wording of the decision could further postpone the trial -- shrinking the odds that Trump will face prosecutors before the Nov. 5 vote.

For instance, justices could send the case back to lower courts to sort out which of the special counsel’s allegations against 78-yearold Trump concern official acts, and thus could be immune from prosecution. AFP

both citing unnamed officials. That level is ordered when “an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” the US Army says on its website. The highest level “Delta” is applied when a terrorist attack has occurred or one is “imminent.” The US European Command (USEUCOM) did not confirm the status change when contacted by AFP, but said: “we remain vigilant.” The Pentagon meanwhile said that “due to a combination of factors potentially impacting the safety and security of US service members and their families stationed in the European theater, US European Command is redoubling its efforts to stress vigilance during the summer months.” The US State Department currently advises American citizens in Germany, where the USEUCOM is headquartered, to exercise increased caution due to terrorism. AFP

BUDAPEST — Hungary takes over the EU’s rotating presidency on Monday, promising to be an “honest broker” despite widespread concerns over what critics see as an authoritarian, Russiafriendly government.

Nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has run the central European country since 2010 aiming to transform it into an “illiberal democracy”, frequently clashes with Brussels over rule-of-law and human rights issues. He is also the only EU leader who has maintained ties with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine. He has refused to send arms to Kyiv and repeatedly slammed sanctions against Moscow over the war. Last year, the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution highlighting Hungary’s “backsliding” on democratic values, and questioning how it could “credibly” assume the bloc’s sixmonth presidency. Budapest insists it is ready to assume “the duties and responsibilities” steering the bloc of 27 countries.

“We will be honest brokers, working loyally with all member states and institutions,” Hungarian EU Affairs Minister Janos Boka said in mid-June as he unveiled the presidency’s program. AFP

GAZA FIGHTING RAGES. A Palestinian man who had been detained by Israeli forces is welcomed by family and well-wishers as he arrives after his release for a check-up at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on July 1, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. The war started with Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. AFP

Biles books Paris Olympics berth with US gymnastics trials victory

MINNEAPOLIS—Four-time Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles is headed to the Paris Games with a resounding all-around victory at the US gymnastics trials on Sunday.

Biles capped her trials with another electrifying floor routine, her highflying tumbling bringing the crowd to its feet. She piled up 117.225 over two days of competition to earn an automatic berth on the five-strong team for Paris.

Three years after a bout of the disorienting “twisties” cut short Biles’s Tokyo Games campaign, the gymnast considered the best of all time will return to the Olympic stage looking stronger than ever.

“I knew I wasn’t done after the performances in Tokyo,” Biles said. “I

knew I’d be back.”

Since returning to competition last August, she has captured world championships all-around gold and three weeks ago she grabbed her ninth national all-around title.

Biles launched her night with a soaring version of her Yurchenko double pike vault, and even though she skittered backwards a few steps on landing she scored 15.50 points for a vault so difficult that no other woman has attempted it in competition.

After a sub-par balance beam performance on day one left her clearly furious, Biles was rolling through an

More aggressive Miado seeks upset vs. Minowa

UNLIKE in his last fight, Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado believes that he’s better equipped this time when he steps back inside the ring for the second time this year.

Having a longer camp is integral for “The Jaguar,” as he’s not only looking to end his threefight slump but will also be shooting for the upset against no. 4-ranked contender Hiroba Minowa at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov this Saturday at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

“Medyo mas ok yung preparation ko ngayon. Medyo mahaba unlike sa previous fight natin,” he said. To him, this isn’t just a chance for redemption but to also correct the mistakes he made in his last three outings.

“‘Yung mga mistakes ko lang, yun ang pinagaaralan namin. ‘Yung mga kulang ko last fight, ‘yun ang pinaghahandaan namin para di na maulit ‘yung nangyari lalo na ‘yung positioning sa ground. Dapat may proper game para maiwasan ‘yun,” he stated.

Miado has certainly learned his lesson after losing two of his last three fights via submission as he focuses more on his ground game and defense.

“Medyo mas nagbabad tayo sa ground, ‘yung mga reflexes ko and sprawl,” he said. “Bawat situation, pinagaralan namin para pag nag-sprawl agad o nag-shoot, ‘di na tayo pupunta sa grappling. ‘Yun ang priority natin.”

But the Jaguar MMA representative is not just planning to be reactive as he aims to set the tone in the Minowa match and be audacious with his strikes. He knows that tentativeness cost him greatly in his last fight at ONE 166: Qatar versus Keito “Pocket Monk” Yamakita, and he plans to avoid it this time around. .

“Tingin ko ngayon, ‘di na ako mahihiya pumasok. Kung ano ‘yung game ko, ipapakita ko rin agad para mailang din siya at mag-dalawang isip mag-shoot pag natikman niya ‘yung power ng strikes ko,” he said.

impressive routine when she lost her balance and fell off the beam -- still scoring an impressive 13.900.

Suni Lee, the Tokyo Olympics allaround gold medalist who is back as she manages not just one but two career-threatening kidney diseases, finished second overall with 111.675 points and was named to the team— which in fact turned out to be the topfive all-around finishers.

Also Paris-bound are Jordan Chiles, part of the silver medal-winning US team in Tokyo who was third, Tokyo floor gold medallist Jade Carey who was fourth and 16-year-old Hezly Rivera—who was buoyed by a strong showing on balance beam and capped her night with a solid vault.

It was a triumphant and emotional night for Lee in front of ecstatic fans in her home state of Minnesota.

“I was reminded of my goals every day and constantly surrounded by people who never let me give up,” Lee said, breaking down in tears as she recalled that a year ago she didn’t think a return to the Games would be possible.”

Chiles said she was doing it for “the two I lost last year, my grandpa and my aunt.

“They always believed in me and that’s what made me continue to push my dream, push to another olympics which is crazy to say,” she said.

All eyes in Paris, however, will be on Biles, who heads to France an overwhelming favorite to add to the four golds she won in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“I love these girls, and I’m going to take care of them in Paris,” Biles said. AFP

McLaughlin-Levrone sets 400m hurdles world record to secure Olympiad berth

LOS ANGELES—Sydney

McLaughlin-Levrone smashed her own 400m hurdles world record on Sunday to book her place at the Paris Olympics in sensational style at the US trials in Eugene, Oregon.

McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated her rivals to power home in an astonishing 50.65sec, bettering her previous best of 50.68, also set at Hayward Field, during the 2022 World Championships.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion, was out of the blocks quickly and then produced a devastating burst of speed down the stretch to finish ahead of Anna Cockrell (52.64sec) and Jasmine Jones (52.77sec).

“Honestly, praise god,”

McLaughlin-Levrone said after her jaw-dropping performance.

“I was not expecting that, but he can do anything -- anything’s possible in Christ. I’m just amazed, baffled and shocked.”

The 24-year-old’s victory sees her safely through to her third

Olympic Games after appearances at the 2016 Rio Games and pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games.

On Sunday’s evidence, McLaughlin-Levrone will once again be the overwhelming favourite to add to her collection of major championship victories following gold medals in Tokyo three years ago and world championships two years ago.

In the men’s 400m hurdles, meanwhile, Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Rai Benjamin sealed his place in Paris with a commanding victory in a world-leading 46.47sec. Benjamin hammered down the back straight to build an early lead and then flew out of the final bend with an injection of pace to torch the field, crossing around 10m ahead of his nearest rivals, C.J. Allen (47.81sec) and Trevor Bassitt (47.82sec). The 26-year-old is hoping to emerge from the shadow of Norwegian hurdling king Karsten Warholm, the reigning Olympic and world champion over the discipline. In the women’s 100m hurdles,

Davis wins 2nd PGA Detroit title in 4 years

WASHINGTON—Australia’s Cam Davis hung tough down the stretch as rivals faltered to capture his second US PGA Tour Rocket Mortgage Classic in four years by a stroke on Sunday. American Akshay Bhatia missed a par putt from just outside four feet to bogey the 18th hole and hand the Aussie a one-stroke victory at Detroit Golf Club.

Davis fired a two-under-par 70 in the final round to finish 72 holes on 18-under 270 with Bhatia settling for a share

“I

hole and to all of a sudden do that, it’s pretty good.” Davis, whose only other PGA win came in 2021 at Detroit, had not managed a top-10 finish all year and was overcome with emotion after seeing the victory was his.

“I had a lot of support to get me out of the doldrums there. I saw a little bit of a spark last week but nothing to show this coming. This is crazy,” Davis said.

“I started working with a hypnotherapist a couple of weeks ago just to take another angle in trying to get myself sorted out.

“From where I was a couple weeks ago until today, just a completely different person.”

It was heartbreak for Bhatia, who sought a third PGA title in 12 months after wins at last July’s Barracuda Championship and April’s Texas Open.

“It sucks, no other way to put it. I mean, just sucks,” Bhatia said. “Just a little bit of nerves, honestly. I’m human.”

Bhatia, who shared the lead when the day began, suffered his first bogey of the week at the par-4 third hole, answered with birdies at the par-5 fourth and seventh holes, then parred 10 holes in a row before his first three-putt bogey of the week on the hardest hole of the last round. AFP

Yin capture LPGA pairs’ crown

WASHINGTON—Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul sank a 10-foot birdie putt at the par-3 18th hole on Sunday to give herself and China’s Yin Ruoning the victory at the LPGA Great Lakes Bay Invitational.

The 21-year-old Asian stars combined for an eight-under-par 62 in the four-ball final round at Michigan’s Midland Country Club to finish 72 holes on 22-under 258 and edge Americans Jennifer Kupcho and Ally Ewing by one stroke.

“We just had a lot of fun,” Yin said.

“We keep each other accountable.” Yin and Atthaya each made four birdies on the round, with Atthaya sinking three of hers on par-3 holes, the most tension-packed at the last.

“I was so nervous,” Atthaya said of the final putt. “I knew this putt was for both of us. I wanted to make it so bad and I made it for us.”

Atthaya collected her third career LPGA title after the 2022 JTBC Classic and 2022 Northwest Arkansas Championship.

Yin also took her third career LPGA triumph after the 2023 LA Open and the 2023 Women’s PGA Championship, her first major victory. Teams played alternate shot in the first and third rounds and four-ball in the second and fourth rounds of the $3 million pairs event. Ewing and Kupcho fired a 64 to finish second with third shared on 261 by the Danish

of

and

Simone Biles competes in the floor exercise

at Target Center in Minneapolis,

GOLF CHAMP. Forest Hills captured the opening leg of the 2024 Goodwill Cup, edging out Camp John Hay via a countback. The next leg is at Manila Southwoods on July 12.

duo

Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Nicole Broch

who closed with a 63,

the South Korean pairing of Kang Hae-ji and Kim In-kyung, who shot 65. AFP

Masai Russell produced the race of her life to book her ticket to Paris, winning

McLaughlin-Levrone AFP

Jeremy Miado

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Air France cuts summer tra ic to Paris due to games

PARIS—Air France-KLM warned Monday that the Olympic Games would lead to a drop in revenues of up to 180 million euros ($193 million), due to a decline in travel to Paris over the summer.

Some 15 million visitors are predicted to attend the Games, including two million from abroad, according to the Centre for Law and Economy of Sport (CDES), which has been monitoring the Paris Games for the IOC and the Paris 2024 organisers.

But there have been concerns that the Games may keep other travellers from visiting Paris, which is a major tourist destination during the summer.

“International markets show a significant avoidance of Paris,” the airline said in a statement.

“Travel between the city and other destinations is also below the usual June-August average as residents in France seem to be postponing their holidays until after the Olympic Games or considering alternative travel plans,” it added.

Air France-KLM said it currently estimates the negative impact on its unit revenues for the June until August 2024 period but that it had no plans to scale back capacity.

It said it would provide more details when presenting half year results on July 25th.

“Travel to and from France is expected to normalise after the Olympic Games, with encouraging demand levels projected for the end of August and the month of September,” it added. AFP

PSA Forum welcomes Gilas girls

THE Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) welcomes to its weekly Forum the victorious Gilas Pilipinas girls’ team that got promoted in the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup come its session on the first Tuesday of the month (July 2) at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Coach Julie Amos and the rest of the team headed by captain Ava Fajardo will be gracing the public sports program along with consultant and Gilas Pilipinas women’s coach Pat Aquino, fresh from their successful campaign in the Asia Cup tournament in Shenzhen, China where they achieved promotion in Division A.

The Filipina cagebelles claimed the Division B crown following a four-game sweep of the meet, capped by a 95-64 rout of Lebanon in the finale at the Futian Sports Park.

The team returned to the country early Tuesday morning.

The journey of these lovely, but gritty girls also began at the PSA Forum where they guested a month ago as the team was about to embark on its campaign in the SEABA U18 tournament in Ratchaburi, Thailand that serves as qualifier to the Asia Cup.

Presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and ArenaPLus, the Philippines’ 24/7 sports app, the program starts at 11 a.m.

PSA President Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, enjoins members to attend the session that is also livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation. The Forum is likewise aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2 and shared on its official Facebook page Radyo Pilipinas 2 sports

Gilas’ Olympic mission tough, but not impossible, says Cone

By Peter Atencio

LOSSES to Turkey and Poland in their earlier tuneup games are already a thing of the past as Gilas Pilipinas braces for action in Group A of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament set this week in Riga, Latvia.

With Brownlee slowly heating up and peaking at the right time after two competitive Gilas tuneup games, the Philippine team meets host Latvia on July 4, hoping to pull off a king-sized upset win against the world’s no. 6 team in the latest FIBA rankings.

Resident Ginebra import and naturalized player Brownlee shot 30 points when Gilas fell to world No. 15 Poland by just two points, 82-80, in their final friendly on Sunday morning (Manila time) at Arena Sosnowiec in Poland.

“The task ahead is not impossible. It’s hard, it’s tough, but it’s not impossible,” said Gilas coach Tim Cone after his team lost to Poland.

The Latvians still are a powerhouse team even without NBA star Kristaps Porzingis around.

Porzingis, one of the key players of newly crowned NBA champion Boston Celtics, will be resting this summer to recover after he underwent successful surgery to repair a torn retinaculum

and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon.

The 7’2” Porzingis went down with a combination of left ankle injuries, which he suffered during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9.

The Latvians will field in two experienced guards Arturs Zagars and Rihards Lomazs, who are returning from injuries.

Gilas’ game with Latvia will be more challenging considering they are taking on the Latvians on their home soil. Latvia is also four steps away from reaching its first Olympics since 1936.

Before losing to Poland, Gilas defeated Asian club team Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, but lost to Turkey, 84-73, in earlier friendlies.

Team Philippines is ranked 37th in the world, needing to secure just one win in Group A to secure a spot in the crossover semifinals.

Bernardino pulls ahead in heated JPGT Negros battle

BACOLOD—Tiffany Bernardino clinched the upper hand in a tightly contested four-way battle at the challenging Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club course here, scraping through with an 86 to secure a one-stroke lead over Alexie Gabi at the start of the ICTSI JPGT Visayas Series 3 yesterday (Monday).

Starting at the backside of the tricky par-70 layout, Bernardino narrowly edged out Gabi, 44-45, and endured a shaky finish at the front to match Gabi’s closing 42, netting her a slight cushion in one of the most competitive age categories of the four-division series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Bernardino, who bested Gabi and Rane Chiu by a single stroke in last week’s Bacolod leg of the three-stage regional series in Murcia, now leads the race for the top two spots for the national finals. But Gabi, who topped the first leg in Iloilo, stood just a stroke behind with 87, while Chiu and Louise Jalandoni posted 91 and 99, respectively.

The upcoming rounds of the 54-hole tournament are critical for the trio in their quest for the two coveted spots in the Match Play finals for the Visayas series.

Jalandoni remained in contention, finishing the backside with a 44, while Chiu posted a 47. However, Jalandoni faltered in the last nine holes, ending with a

Manila honors SMC’s Ramon Ang with topmost Gawad Manileño trophy

RAMON S. Ang, a prominent businessman and sports enthusiast from San Miguel Corporation, recently received the “Gawad Gat Andres Bonifacio” trophy—the highest accolade awarded during the Gawad Manileño 2024 ceremony at the Metropolitan Theater.

The owner of three Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams—San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra, and Magnolia Hotshots—Ang was commended for his significant contributions to Tondo and Smokey Mountain. Through San Miguel Corporation, of which Ang is President and Chief Operating Officer, he established Better World community centers in these areas, offering meals, education, and tools for self-improvement to local families.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from the city that raised me. Growing up in Tondo taught me the values of life, unity, and helping one another. These principles inspire our initiatives at San Miguel

to uplift the lives of many Filipinos,” said Ang.

“This award not only acknowledges my efforts but also the values instilled in me by Manila. I share this recognition with everyone at San Miguel who is dedicated to creating a brighter future for the Philippines. Let’s continue to support each other so every child and family in Manila, and across the country, can thrive. The possibilities are endless when we join hands,” added the staunch supporter of Gilas Pilipinas.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna celebrated ‘Outstanding Manilans’ who have excelled and made significant contributions to the city through their respective fields. She was joined by Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto and other city officials, City Councilors, and members of Congress, among others.

“We honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and served as role models and inspirations to our fellow citizens. They are our Modelong Manileño,”

53 for a 99, while Chiu fought back with a 44 for a 91. In the boys’ 13-15 division, Bacolod leg winner Nyito Tiongco took the lead with an even frontside 35, capitalizing on Gabriel Handog’s double bogeys in the last two holes to pull ahead by two strokes with a 75. Tiongco highlighted his round with a birdie on No. 14 after nearly hitting a marshal with a sliced drive, but recovered with a precise pitch into the hole. He aims to play safe, saying, “I’ll try to play safe tomorrow, hit the fairways, and putt better.” In the premier 16-18 division, Dominique Gotiong maintained her momentum from her runaway victory in Bacolod, establishing an early 20-stroke lead with an 82 as Breanna Rojas and Rhiena Sinfuego struggled with 102 and 103, respectively. Gotiong noted her challenges, saying, “My driving and second shots were good, but I struggled with my short game. I need to improve my chipping from 50 yards and below.”

The boys’ 16-18 race began with Del Monte’s Simon Wahing taking the lead with a closing frontside 35, finishing with a 74. He leads by three strokes over Azie Acuña IV, who scored a 77. Cody Langamin, the early leader, fell to third with a 78, followed by Bryce Lacida (79), Eddie Gonzales, Jr. (80), and Keith Pagalan (81).

OLYMPIC FLAME. Former French basketball player Cyril Julian (center) carries the Paris 2024 Olympic flame to the Verdun battlefield during the Olympic torch relay, in Verdun, northeastern France, ahead of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. AFP

Lacuna said.

Tim Cone

Nyito Tiongco Manny Marcelo

San Miguel Corporation’s Ramon Ang and his granddaughters with Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto Photo by Bong Son

MPTC, GIC sign $1-b deal to take 35% stake in Indonesian toll firm

By Darwin G. Amojelar

METRO Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) through its subsidiaries PT Margautama Nusantara (MUN) and PT Metro Pacific Tollways Indonesia Services (MPTIS), and its partner GIC of Singapore signed a deal to acquire a 35-percent stake in an Indonesian company that runs over a dozen toll roads.

MPTC and GIC, a Singaporean sovereign wealth fund, signed the deal worth about $1 billion with Jasamarga Transjawa Tol (JTT)— a subsidiary of leading Indonesian state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk (Jasa Marga).

“This expansion in Indonesia aligns well with our commitment to improve our regional presence in toll road operations,” he said.

MPTC said that with a long and strong track record as a leading regional toll road operator, the addition of JTT toll roads would further boost its portfolio to 1,130 kilometers connecting various economic zones in the Philippines and Indonesia.

The investment will also allow Jasa Marga to raise capital, maintain a healthy leverage level and continue expanding toll road networks across Indonesia — enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for future economic development.

Factory gauge fell to 3-month low in June, —S&P Global

By Othel V. Campos

“This deal fortifies MPTC’s goal to expand in Southeast Asia and enhance our infrastructure portfolio,” MPTC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said.

JTT is a network of 13 toll roads in the provinces of West Java, Central Java and East Java. The combined 676-kilometer long road is considered Indonesia’s crown jewel that allows the efficient flow of 850,000 vehicles daily across the country’s economic powerhouse of Java Island.

By bringing in MPTC, a leading international toll road operator, and GIC, a highly experienced global infrastructure investor, as new and value-adding partners, Jasa Marga can maintain full control over JTT’s strategic infrastructure assets and solidify the quality of its services.

A GAUGE of manufacturing growth in the Philippines fell to a three-month low in June 2024 on weak demand, according to a survey by S&P Global. The headline S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Index (PMI)—a composite singlefigure indicator of manufacturing performance—decelerated to 51.3 in June from 51.9 in May.

“While the latest reading signaled a softer rate of growth, it nonetheless marked a tenth consecutive monthly improvement in the health of the Filipino manufacturing sector,” S&P said. An index above 50.0 suggests continued growth.

“Propping up the manufacturing sector was the sustained rise in production levels. Output rose solidly and at the strongest pace in six months,” it said.

S&P noted, however, a cooldown in new order growth, indicating a weaker improvement in underlying demand trends in June.

Easing further from April, the latest upturn was the secondweakest in the ten-month sequence of growth, it said.

“Additionally, foreign demand for Filipino manufactured goods also eased on the month. The rate of growth in new export orders slowed from May’s recent high, to a threemonth low,” S&P said.

“With demand trends cooling, manufactures were able to keep on top of their workloads. Backlogs were depleted at a quicker rate, which was the most pronounced in three months,” it said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Citicore teaming up with San Miguel unit for 153-MW solar project

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) said Monday its board approved the proposed joint venture with San Miguel Global Light and Power Corp. (SGLP) for the 153.5-megawatt solar power project in Barangay Lucanin, Mariveles, Bataan.

CREC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange it signed on June 28 an investment and shareholders agreement with SLGP to jointly develop, build and operate the solar power plant. It said the parties should collaborate and cooperate in the financing, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of the plant through the subscription to a special purpose entity.

CREC said that upon reaching the construction phase, it would subscribe to additional shares, resulting in an ownership split of 50 percent each between CREC and SGLP.

CREC will initially own 49 percent and SGLP will take 51 percent of the total issued and subscribed capital stock of the joint venture company.

Medical Philippine Inc. as one of the locator companies in FPIP-SEZ “emphasizes our commitment to attracting high-tech manufacturing investments and fostering a conducive environment for technological advancement.”

Microcatheters, which are essential in various medical procedures, represent a sophisticated and critical segment of the medical device industry.

The manufacturing plant in the FPIP-SEZ is expected to significantly contribute to the global supply chain, PEZA said.

Kaneko’s investment is one of the pledges secured by PEZA through an investment mission to Tokyo in September 2023.

The special purpose entity’s board will consist of six directors, where each of the parties will be entitled to nominate three directors each. CREC said the transaction would increase the company’s attributable solar energy capacity in line with its goal of contributing 1 gigawatt of

ready-to-build/under construction solar energy capacity a year for the next five years

“The joint venture will add approximately 76.75 MW to the company’s attributable solar energy capacity,” it said.

SMC Global Light and Power, a unit of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., is engaged in power generation such as the exploration, development and utilization of renewable energy resources.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila bids adieu after 48 years of operations

SOFITEL Philippine Plaza Manila closed its doors on July 1, 2024, after 48 years of operations. The five-star hotel overlooking Manila Bay, located across the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, announced that it ceased operations Monday.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila made a brief social media post to thank its patrons and announce its formal closure.

“Where moments were made magnifique. Where memories last. Your smiles and stories have left an indelible mark on our hearts. We hope these memories stay with you as fondly as they will with us. Sofitel Manila bids

you adieu. Merci beaucoup, and à bientôt in new adventures,” the hotel said. A part of France’s Accor Group, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila sits on a property owned by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The hotel’s

Jasamarga Transjawa Tol. Signing the agreement are (from left) MPTC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson, MUN director Charly Espanola, PT Jasa Marga president and director Subakti Syukur, PT JTT president and director Rudi Kurniadi and KKJM Cooperative chairman Bayu Nurbaya. MPTIS director Francis Rojas was also a signatory.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila announces its closure on July 1, 2024, after 48 years of operations.

PEZA deputy director-general Vivian Santos

DoubeDragon gets SEC nod for its P10-b bond program

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the P10-billion bond shelf registration program of DoubleDragon Corp., the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

DoubleDragon said it would issue P3 billion worth of bonds due 2028 with an over subscription option for another P3 billion as first tranche for the offering. The bonds will carry an interest rate of 8.008 percent per annum.

Offer period commenced on June 28, 2024 and will run until July 10,

PH stocks drop on profit-taking after market rally

PHILIPPINE stocks started the trad-

ing week in the red largely as investors took profits after previous week’s rally.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index declined by 13.14 points, or 0.20 percent, to close at 6,398.77, while the broader all-shares index dipped 7.19 points, or 0.21 percent, to settle at 3,479.47.

“Philippine shares started the second half of 2024 softly as investors brace themselves for a new batch of economic data,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.

Limlingan said investors would await the release of US manufacturing data, the Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes and other key economic data

Investors will monitor the release of June inflation rate data slated on Friday.

Among the six sectoral indices, only financials managed to end in the green, rising by 0.12 percent.

Holding firms declined 0.56 percent, followed by service which dropped 0.47 percent and mining and oil by 0.24 percent.

Value turnover was thin at P3.34 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers by P88.92 million.

Meanwhile, the euro rose and Paris equities surged Monday on signs France’s far right would not win enough seats for an overall majority in legislative elections.

The single currency had come under pressure in recent weeks on worries Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) would storm to victory and push through big-spending policies that could put the country on a collision course with the European Union.

However, while polls suggested the party was on course to win the most seats in the 577-member National Assembly, it was unclear if it could garner enough to take full control.

President Emmanuel Macron called for a “broad” alliance against the far right in the second round, which will see run-off votes where there was no outright winner in the first round.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

2024. The bonds will be listed in the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on July 16, based on the final prospectus posted on its website.

DoubleDragon said it planned to use the proceeds from the fundraising activity to partially refinance

the redemption of its P9.7-billion fixed rate bonds which will mature this month.

“We are glad to tap the peso retail bond market again after over five years. We believe that the pricing of this DD retail bond offering at 8.008 percent will enable a wide range of people to avail of the good coupon rate for a Triple A rated retail bond and given the minimum investment size of only P50,000,” said DoubleDragon chairman Edgar Sia.

“On top of that, 8 is also believed by many to be an auspicious or ‘swerte’ number and having two 8’s in the coupon rate could be even more

auspicious,” he said. The bonds obtained a PRS Aaa rating from the Philippine Rating Services Corp.

DoubleDragon hired RCBC Capital Corp., Unicapital Inc. and Development Bank of the Philippines as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters, bookrunners and selling agents for this transaction.

DoubleDragon’s total equity is set to exceed P100 billion for the first time this year.

The upcoming DoubleDragon’s hotel unit Hotel101 Global listing in the USNasdaq Stock Exchange is also expected to further strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

PARTNERS. BDO Unibank Inc.

its

is

initiatives that yield significant environmental and socio-economic

the Philippines, leveraging cutting-edge

accuracy.

Globe transfers

GLOBE Telecom said Monday it transferred another 187 cell towers in a deal worth P2.38 billion to Frontier Towers Associates Philippines Inc.

Globe said it had closed 2,492 towers worth P31.64 billion out of 3,529 towers to be acquired by Frontier Towers.

“The transaction will result in availability of funds for Globe to support future capital expenditures, debt repayments and debt avoidance with the expectation to improve the balance sheet health of the company,” the company said.

Globe agreed to sell then leaseback all its 5,709 telecommunications tower and relative passive infrastructure in two deals worth a total of P71 billion in August 2022.

It said of the total, 2,180 towers would be sold to MIDC for P26 billion, while the remaining 3,529 towers would be sold to Frontier Towers.

Globe earlier reported a net income of P6.8 billion from January to March, down by 7 percent from P7.3 billion in the same period last year.

Excluding the one-time gain from the tower sale, normalized net income would have been P5.8 billion, a 13-percent increase from the previous year.

Globe’s core net income soared to P5.8 billion in the first quar

ter, up 13 percent compared to the same period last year.

Consolidated gross service revenues grew P41.1 billion in the first three months, despite the decline in home broadband and nontelco services. Darwin G. Amojelar

Afante

“ALWAYS be in good faith. Do what is right, and not what is convenient.”

In our fifth CEO Series class, we had the privilege of learning from the remarkable journey of Mr. Richard Anthony Tagle. His story, from a student at Ateneo to a leader in America, is not just fascinating, but also deeply inspiring. His leadership philosophy, shaped by his personal journey and the lessons he has learned, is a beacon of hope for all of us on our own leadership paths. When asked about his aspirations beyond his achievements, Mr. Tagle expressed his enduring dream of creating a more significant impact in the community. He envisions a future where more students achieve higher levels of education and where Public-Private Partnerships are significantly improved. His dedication to education and community development is evident, and it’s clear that his work is driven by a passion to make a lasting difference.

Mr. Tagle shared insights into what he believes constitutes a winning culture. Having held four president and CEO positions, he candidly discussed his mistakes in his first CEO role. He admitted that initially, he needed to fully understand the responsibilities of a CEO

and made numerous errors, particularly in fostering open communication with his team.

According to Mr. Tagle, a leader’s number one responsibility is to ensure that the team is fully aware of the organization’s current status. This involves transparently sharing what the organization excels at and where improvements are needed. He believes that when people are aware of the organization’s challenges, they are more inclined to contribute to overcoming them. If the problems are not communicated, employees are unable to assist in finding solutions.

Reflecting on this, I find this aspect of leadership incredibly important. My previous blog entry mentioned my recent transition to a new company after six years with my former employer. One instance that stands out is when my previous company was striving to hit its first billion-peso revenue. My manager informed our department about the concern of failing to meet the annual goal due to some delayed orders, leaving us 40 million pesos short.

Armed with this knowledge, I aimed to help bridge the gap and was able to double my annual target booking, contributing an additional 32 million pesos. This significantly helped the company achieve its annual revenue goal. Open

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen disaster resilience among small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The partnership underscores a collective effort to empower MSMEs, the backbone of the Philippine economy, by equipping them with disaster preparedness knowledge and tools, said DTI Secretary Afredo Pascual.

“Aligned with one of our strategic priorities, we are elevating enterprises and entrepreneurs, particularly MSMEs, to ensure their inclusive, innovative and sustainable development,” Pascual said in his message.

The MOU also provided a similar partnership with ARISE Philippines through SM Prime.

Pascual said the partnership with ARISE Philippines, the local network of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (UNDRR), would bolster collaborative efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ resilience against natural disasters.

Pascual said the Philippines remains the most at-risk country in the world, making the need for such initiatives pressing.

He said the MOU is a proof of the power of public and private partnerships to address the country’s hazardous vulnerabilities.

SM Prime Holdings demonstrated its leadership and commitment to operationalizing a disaster risk reduction and resiliency program, engaging in multisectoral partnerships for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the DTI is committed to actively initiating and implementing programs that address the needs of SMEs.

communication played a crucial role in aligning our efforts toward a common goal.

Mr. Tagle also emphasized the importance of policies that help employees prioritize their work and personal lives. While he acknowledged the concept of work-life balance, he argued that no policy can truly balance your life for you. Instead, individuals must take responsibility for managing their priorities. He stressed that while skills can be taught, policies alone cannot instill passion.

I resonate deeply with Mr. Tagle’s perspective on personal responsibility. We have unique situations and priorities and must recognize that we are responsible for managing our lives. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the notion of a strict work-life balance because, as a sales professional, I often spend more time working than at home. I greatly appreciate the flexibility in my role, where I am measured by my output rather than office hours. It allows me to manage my time effectively and meet professional and personal obligations.

My current company has policies that offer flexible working hours, such as starting early and leaving early to avoid traffic or adjusting work hours to accommodate personal commit-

ments like dropping kids off at school. This flexibility significantly impacts employees’ lives, allowing them to fulfill family responsibilities without sacrificing their professional performance.

Mr. Tagle’s insights highlight the importance of open communication, personal responsibility, and flexibility in creating a successful and fulfilling work environment. His experiences and reflections serve as valuable lessons for any aspiring leader. As I continue to navigate my own leadership journey, I am inspired to foster transparent communication, support my team in balancing their priorities, and uphold the values that drive both personal and organizational success.

The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He wrote this reflection paper for her class on Trends and Issues in Business and Management: CEO Series. He can be reached at mark_anthony_afante@dlsu. edu.ph.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

-

GREEN LIGHT

Mark Anthony

LOGISTICS

(BDO)

bolstering

partnership with FAST Logistics Group to support more

benefits. FAST Logistics is a pioneer in voice pick technology in

technology to enhance its warehouse management and achieving greater efficiency and

FOOD SHED. Residents of Barangays Caub and Halian in the fifth-class municipality of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte receive over two food sheds from representatives of Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc., the philanthropic arm of Sun Life Philippines. The project aims to provide the low-income barangays with improved food security and a sustainable agriculture-based livelihood.

BUSINESS

Farmers ask gov’t to review EO on tariffs

By Othel V. Campos

AGROUP of farmers and agricultural stakeholders

called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revisit Executive Order (EO) 62 which modifies tariff rates amid concerns about its impact on Filipino rice farmers.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI), in an open letter, underscored the lack of transparency in crafting the EO, particularly the supposed public consultations conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

EO 62, issued on June 29, 2024, ordered the modification of nomenclature and tariff rates on various products to ensure continues supply

of goods and to protect the purchasing power of the Filipino people.

The group said the consultations were insufficient and failed to adequately address the potential negative consequences on the rice sector.

PCAFI urged the government to invoke safeguards against import surges, as mandated by the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

This will involve setting clear

guidelines for activating the special rice safeguard based on pre-determined volume or price triggers.

The open letter stressed the need for increased financial resources for agriculture.

PCAFI recommended programs that offer enhanced credit and insurance guarantees for farmers and rice millers.

The letter proposed collaboration with progressive local government units (LGUs) to directly procure rice from farmers and cooperatives, particularly during periods of surplus harvest or market downturns.

It also suggested a program that allows Filipinos with the financial means to directly sponsor individual farmers or cooperatives, supporting both production and marketing

efforts. The group expressed concern about the perceived National Economic Development Authority’s bias against local producers and its historical focus on import liberalization over domestic support programs.

PCAFI cited the need to address the structural issues affecting Philippine agriculture and encouraged the DA to increase the financial and storage capacity of the National Food Authority (NFA) to procure more palay.

It also stressed the importance of investing in domestic production and modernization to reduce reliance on imported rice and create a more sustainable food security strategy.

EPI, Shell seek approval for dedicated connection facility

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Isidro Solar Power Corp. (SISPC) asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to approve its application to develop a point-to-point limited facilities costing P1.659 billion to connect its 280-megawatt peak solar plant to the Visayas grid.

SISPC said in a filing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) it plans to connect the San Isidro solar facility in Leyte to the existing 230 kV Tabangao substation for the interim connection and the proposed Tugas substation of the National Grid. Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for the final connection.

The dedicated facilities will connect to the Visayas grid via the 230 Tabangao substation using a 22-km line and double circuit conductors on steel towers.

SSPC said that upon completion of the Tugas substation by 2030, it would connect the solar plant through a 19km. line.

The San Isidro solar project is targeted to commence commercial operations by 2025, while the dedicated facility is eyed for completion this year.

“Needless to state, the construction of the dedicated facility project is a prerequisite for the testing and commissioning, and ultimately, the com-

DoF launches Green Climate Fund handbook to streamline financing

THE Department of Finance (DOF), in partnership with the Global Green Growth Initiative (GGGI), launched the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Handbook for the Philippines and the GCF Philippines website during the first “National Stakeholders Conference on the GCF in the Philippines” on June 27, 2024.

The GCF is the largest multilateral climate fund in the world, established to serve the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) to support low-emission development and climate resilience projects in developing countries.

The conference, with the theme “Driving Collective Action through Accessible Climate Finance,” gathered representatives from the Philippine government, civil society organizations, local government units, private sector, indigenous peoples (IPs), academe and multilateral institutions to exchange insights on leveraging the GCF to accelerate climate action and identifying opportunities for fostering synergy among stakeholders.

The GCF handbook for the Philippines is expected to streamline, simplify and broaden access to a rich mix of blended financing for a pipeline of bankable projects and cross-cutting climate solutions in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the GCF Philippines website can be an instrument in amplifying the Fund’s visibility in the country and enhancing transparency from project conception to implementation and evaluation.

The conference was led by Finance Undersecretary Joven Balbosa of the International Finance Group (IFG).

PH, South Korea agree to renew cooperation

THE Philippines and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to commit on the renewal of their bilateral cooperation.

The MOU, signed in Seoul, South Korea on June 11, 2024 during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations, elevates bilateral collaboration and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable agricultural development, food security and economic growth.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco

Tiu Laurel, Jr. and Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) Song Miryung signed the MOU and underscored the mutual benefits of working together.

National Economic and Development Authority

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (left) and Office of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go discuss the updates on proposed measures to address inflation and ways, support projects in renewable energy and pharmaceuticals and expedite exports during the Joint Meeting of the Economic Development Group (EDG) and the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO) on June 28, 2024.

mercial operations of the San Isidro SPP project. A provisional authority and/ or interim relief is thus urgently needed to enable SISPC to achieve the target commercial operations date of the San Isidro SPP Project by 2025,” the company said.

SISPC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greenlight Renewables Holdings Inc., the joint venture of Emerging Power Corp. and Shell Overseas Investments B.V.

Emerging Power is the renewable energy arm of listed Nickel Asia Corp.

The estimated cost of the construction of the interim connection for the dedicated facility project is around P1.659 billion.

Tiu Laurel expressed optimism about leveraging the MOU to pursue new technical projects and secure market access for key Philippine agricultural exports, such as calamansi and poultry products, in the Korean market.

The MOU signing builds on the strong foundation established since the creation of the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul under agriculture attaché Aleli Maghirang in 2016.

Tiu Laurel noted the milestone of exporting Hass avocado fruits and fresh okra from the Philippines in 2023 and 2021, respectively.

The DA also inaugurated the Philippine pavilion at Seoul Food Expo 2024, which showcased products from the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association and a delegation of DA agribusiness exporters.

The agency also held meetings with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO) and potential investors for a broader collaboration in the agricultural sector. Othel V. Campos

ECONOMIC MEETING.

Century Pacific allocates up to P5b for 2024 capex

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CANNED food manufacturer Cen-

tury Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) of the Po family said Monday it allotted between P4 billion and P5 billion for 2024 capital expenditures to support the expansion of its meat, coconut, pet food businesses.

CNPF president and chief executive Teodoro Alexander Po said during the company’s annual stockholders meeting that bulk of this year’s capital spending would support the expansion of its coconut processing capacity.

The group plans to spend $40 million to increase the capacity of coco-

SEC supports gov’t efforts to exit FATF gray list

THE Philippines is moving closer to exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, according to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Emilio Aquino, who attended the FATF plenary meeting in Singapore last week.

The global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog acknowledged the substantial progress made by the Philippines including demonstrating an increase in money laundering (ML) investigations and prosecutions in line with risk; enforcing beneficial ownership transparency obligations and ensuring law enforcement access to beneficial ownership data records; implementing risk-based supervision of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).

“The SEC remains dedicated to sustaining the gains made in beneficial ownership transparency and compliance,” Aquino said in a statement.

“The recognition of these significant milestones by FATF underscores the SEC’s commitment to being a reliable partner in the global fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. It also demonstrates our full support for the government’s effort to get out of the FATF grey list,” he said.

The SEC said to address some of the concerns, it mandated the declaration of beneficial ownership in the general information sheets (GIS) of domestic and foreign corporations and made the same available to competent authorities of law enforcement among which includes the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Jenniffer B. Austria

By Alena Mae S. Flores

nut processing by 90 million liters to serve the increasing demand from export and domestic business.

CNPF signed a long-term agreement with Vita Coco Company Inc., one of the world’s leading coconut water brands in March this year.

The agreement is expected to create at least 1,500 quality new jobs and support the growth of the local coconut industry in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Po said the company is also expected to sustain its doubledigit growth in revenues and profit this year despite the challenging market conditions.

“We are cautiously optimistic because there are challenges that appear

in the horizon. Inflation continues to linger in the Philippine market so the consumer weakness is still very much felt by our business,” Po said.

Po said while there were still challenges in the second quarter brought about by higher inflation and increased freight costs, the company is expected to weather these challenges if they turn out to be temporary.

“We are observing and still watching for these cost pressures. We are hoping for recovery going forward into the third quarter,” Po said.

CNPF booked net income of P1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024, up 15 percent year-on-year as revenues grew 16 percent to P18.2 billion.

MWSS prepares security plan to save watersheds

STATE-RUN Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) announced a plan to safeguard the country’s natural resources, with a focus on water security.

MWSS administrator Leonor Cleofas unveiled the initiative during the second anniversary of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) held at the MWSS compound in Balara, Quezon City.

“The MWSS, as the primary water security provider for Metro Manila, parts of Cavite and Rizal, and Bulacan province, shares this mission with its environmental and social arm, the Million Trees Foundation,” Cleofas said.

Cleofas noted the importance of environmental stewardship fostered through the AMTC’s various initiatives.

“The seed we planted in 2017 has flourished, impacting countless lives and reminding everyone of their environmental responsibility,” she said.

“This success stems from our initiatives, including the development of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. [MTFI], a nursery, an Eco Learning Center and a growing network of partners,” Cleofas said. “These partners include national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and schools supporting our

GT CAPITAL Holdings Inc., the listed holding company of the Ty family, appointed investment banker George Uy-Tioco Jr. as its new chief financial officer effective July 1, 2024.

He will replace Francisco Suarez Jr., 64, who retired after 12 years in the company.

“We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr. Suarez for his dedication and valued contribution to GT Capital. We also warmly welcome Mr. Uy-Tioco, Jr. to the company and look forward to his valuable insights and contributions to our conglomerate, given his wealth of experience in finance and investment,” GT Capital president Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said.

Uy-Tioco was the head of corporate finance of ING Bank N. V. Ma-

nila Branch from June 2021 to March 2024. Prior to this, he was the head of mergers and acquisitions of BPI Capital Corp. from 2013 to 2021.

He has a proven, robust finance and investment background with over 25 years of experience in investment banking, asset management, business development and general management.

He has handled key transactions on mergers and acquisitions and possesses invaluable financial advisory experience across various sectors, including banking, energy and telecommunications, among others.

He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Darden Graduate School of Business of the University of Virginia in the US and a Bachelor of Science degree in Man-

agement Engineering from the Ateneo de Manila University. Suarez helped GT Capital’s initial public offering, two top-up private placements, two retail bond issuances, multiple bilateral fixed-rate peso term loans, two series of perpetual preferred shares, and a Japanese yendenominated loan.

He successfully managed the execution of GT Capital’s investments in operating companies during the conglomerate’s consolidation period.

He held positions as director and adviser on the boards of several GT Capital Group operating companies, where he actively guided the management of their financial performance and the securing of funding requirements. Jenniffer B. Austria

tree-planting and greening projects in critical watersheds.”

Cleofas said these watersheds include Angat, Ipo, Kaliwa, La Mesa, Laguna Lake, Umiray and Upper Marikina. These areas are crucial for the region’s current and future water sources.

Cleofas also underscored the MWSS’s commitment to watershed management. “A 25-year Integrated Watershed Management Roadmap is in place for Angat, Ipo and La Mesa,” she said. “This roadmap aims to ensure the sustainable development and management of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa Republic of the Philippines MWSS Corporate Office Watersheds, providing clean and safe water by 2047.” Similar roadmaps are being developed for the Umiray-Kaliwa-Kanan Watersheds and Laguna de Bay and Upper Marikina Watersheds, said Cleofas.

“These efforts represent significant steps toward achieving an integrated watershed management roadmap, combining local and scientific knowledge while encouraging collaboration across all societal levels,” she said. Ben Cal

IN BRIEF

Co.

(Meralco) said Monday customers paying through the Meralco Online website or app using the Bayad ewallet as a payment method are not subject to any convenience fees. Meralco

charged to customers using third-party options like GCash, Maya, Visa, Mastercard and JCB Bankcards for bill settle-

ments through Meralco Online.

“We would like to reiterate that there is no charge if customers use Bayad e-wallet and that convenience fees for other providers go to our payment partners. We do not earn a single centavo from these convenience fees contrary to what was inaccurately stated,” Zaldarriaga said.

Meralco said using e-wallets such as GCash and Maya incurs convenience fees of P6 and P7 respectively, while Visa, Mastercard and JCB cards charge P15.

It said these convenience fees are collected by the respective payment partners such as banks and card networks and are simply processed by Meralco and Bayad.

QR Ph in markets, public transport and other businesses in the city on June 17, 2024. The program will also strengthen the access of Tabaco City residents to a variety of financial services and products. SHARED DEDICATION. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco calls

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Gov’t agencies chart measures against La Niña

THE government is gearing up for the La Niña weather phenomenon and planning long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding in the Philippines.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) directed field offices to prepare all mitigation measures for the potential impact of heavy rains while the Department of Energy is preparing contingency measuress to shield the power industry and avoid electricity outages.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the government was doing everything it can to prepare for La Niña, which is expected to be affect the country shortly.

La Niña may start at a later time this year, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration climatologist Ana Solis.

“There is a 50 percent possibility of La Niña developing in SeptemberOctober-November 2024 but there is high uncertainty in climate forecast around this time of the year,” says Solis. She added a weak La Niña will most likely prevail by the last quarter of the year through the first quarter of 2025

The DENR directed the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and field offices to prepare for La Niña.

IN BRIEF

Protect endangered marine turtle—DENR

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) appealed anew to the public last week to protect the nesting site of marine turtles following the latest incident of egg laying of the critically endangered Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province. The marine turtle laid eggs for the third time along the shoreline in Barangay Centro, about six kilometers from Palaui Island Protected Landscapes and Seascapes.

Citing a study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said a sea turtle takes 20 to 30 years to mature and can lay several times during nesting.

“When a female sea turtle is ready to lay eggs, she returns to the nesting beach where she was born according to NOAA. This gives us more reason to pursue our goal to put up a marine scientific research station in the said town,” Loyzaga said. Following the order of Loyzaga, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan reported that two coastal protection officers were hired by DENR in Cagayan province to work on the protection and patrolling of the nesting sites.

“We are expecting about a hundred hatchlings in two to three months so we appeal for the support of the coastal community, the local government, and law enforcement agencies to help the DENR protect the nesting sites,” Bambalan said. DENR News

Arbor Day 2024

MORE than 90,000 tree seedlings were planted in 200 hectares of land during a simultaneous tree-growing activity held in 205 sites nationwide led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in celebration of Arbor Day last week.

DENR Undersecretaries Jonas Leones and Marilou Erni, and DENR CALABARZON Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria led the treeplanting ceremony in Tanay, Rizal. They were joined by participants from local government units, private corporations, non-government organizations, youth groups and DENR offices.

This Project TRANSFORM initiative spanned across the five towns of Rizal, namely Tanay, Antipolo, Baras, San Mateo and Rodriguez with a total of over 1,543 volunteers joining the activity.

The activity is part of the Philippines’ contribution to global efforts to reverse global warming caused by the increase in greenhouse gases due to deforestation, transportation and agriculture, burning of fossil fuels and the manufacturing industry. It is also a major step toward re-greening the environment and promoting a healthy ecosystem.

Some 6,600 native tree seedlings including narra, apitong, and molave and fruit-bearing trees like guyabano (soursop or graviola) were planted during the activity.DENR News

The department advised the MGB to equip concerned local government units (LGUs) with updated geohazard maps and conduct information, education and communication (IEC) activities in anticipation of La Niña.

The DENR has long set strict safety rules and regulations on largescale mining operations. DENR Administrative Order No. 2000-98, or the Mine Safety and Health Standard, specifically provides for the mine safety and health standards in mining operations.

It advised for the creation of a multi-partite monitoring team composed of representatives from the MGB, concerned local government units, the operating mining company, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and other concerned agencies and entities, tasked to regularly conduct inspection to check on environment and safety measures in the mines site.

Mining projects are also mandated to employ at least one full time safety engineer and safety inspector to oversee the implementation of safety measures in the mines site.

Toyota initiates reforestation, livelihood projects

THE country’s automotive leader, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP), expands its nature conservation efforts with an upland tree planting over a 50-hectare adopted area in Siniloan, Laguna. The company recently mobilized a group of volunteers to plant 1,000 native tree seedlings with the aim of boosting potential livelihood source for the locals, enhancing biodiversity and developing future carbon sinks at the same time.

Fifty-six volunteers representing TMP’s workforce, GT Capital Holdings Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Sta. Cruz, Laguna and the People’s Organization of Siniloan ascended to the uplands of Barangay Magsaysay in Siniloan that is part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

The site is part of a critical ecosystem, being home to the Philippines’

ROME—Rural livelihoods are quite intertwined with urban centers, with mid-sized cities playing an extraordinary role in providing required services, including for food security, agricultural livelihoods and viable rural development, according to a new study by researchers at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other institutions.

Some two-thirds of the world’s population, or more than 5 billion people, live within one hour of travel time—using locally available means of

The

world’s

transportation—of an urban center with a population of at least 250,000. Of these, about half have access to more than one urban center, relying on smaller nearby centers for basic services.

Often, the paper notes, “large cities are found to be less relevant than smaller ones in engaging populations.”

About three times as many people live in or have easier access to urban centers with populations under one million compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Those are key takeaways from “Worldwide Delineation of Multi-Tier

corals are bleaching fast —what it means for the ocean’s future

First of four parts

TWO prominent research organizations confirmed a few weeks ago what scientists had long thought: the world’s warm water coral reefs are bleaching en masse for the fourth time in 25 years.

Corals are collections of hundreds of thousands of tiny animals. Often a riot of colors, they turn a boney white when they are under stress, which can be a precursor to their death.

Scientists believe surging ocean temperatures, driven in part by climate change, are responsible for the latest bleaching event, which has spanned from Panama to Australia― and is getting worse.

Experts say corals are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet to climate change. These

undersea cities, which support 25 percent of marine life, could virtually disappear by the end of this century.

“The loss of corals would be a true tragedy from a biodiversity and economic perspective,” says Leticia Carvalho, the head of the marine and freshwater branch of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). “It would be devastating for one of the richest ecosystems on our blue planet and hundreds of millions of people around the world who depend on coastal fisheries.”

Corals can be found throughout the ocean, from the balmy waters of the Red Sea to the frigid depths of the North Atlantic. But perhaps the best known live in the warm, shallow waters of the tropics, where they form stunning, multi-colored reefs.

(To be continued) UNEP News

president Masando Hashimoto spearheads volunteers in planting 5,000 native tree seedlings. oldest forests and a habitat for megadiverse endemic flora and fauna.

The initiative converges with the DENR’s National Greening Program (NGP), a massive forest rehabilitation program aimed at reducing poverty, promoting food security, conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change in the country.

In its five-year implementation, TMP will provide upfront financial compensation to the People’s Organization of Siniloan for every hectare that the local members will nurture, monitor and maintain. Upon successful completion with a high survival rate, the tree species that were selected by the DENR are expected to eventually generate income for the residents through agroforestry. To date, TMP has planted 21,000 out of the 25,000-target total number of native fruit-bearing and timber tree seedlings since it began its initial rehabilitation efforts on the same site in 2022. Reforestation is one of the prime examples of nature-based solutions, particularly in carbon sequestration. According to the World Bank, these solutions could deliver up to 37 percent of the emission reductions the world needs by 2030 to maintain global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius.

Singapore foundation bares program to focus on water and climate change

THE Singapore International Foundation (SIF), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, launched last week a regional multi-stakeholder platform to address the critical challenges of climate change, with a focus on water-related issues.

The Southeast Asia Partnership for Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW) is the first platform in the region to focus on strengthening water resilience as an approach to climate change adaptation.

SEAPAW will galvanize action among stakeholders in support of a shared vision, fostering cross-border projects, and accelerating adaptation financing through public-privatephilanthropic models. Stakeholders include knowledge partners, solution providers, financial institutions and

City-Regions,” published in the journal Nature Cities.

“Our approach represents the first systematic worldwide delineation of city-regions across multiple urban tiers,” said lead author Andrea Cattaneo, a senior economist at FAO. “This unprecedented dataset offers a powerful tool for understanding how societies are organized around urban centers, unlocking new insights for sustainable development strategies.”

The study is accompanied with a robust data base that greatly deepens

philanthropies, as well as governments and policymakers.

SEAPAW will focus on growing the community and identifying projects in key areas of interest to drive climate resilience in Southeast Asia. It will also report on the region’s progress in waterrelated resilience goals and climate adaptation, which will help identify areas of need for further action.

SEAPAW was officially launched at a dialogue hosted by the SIF, the World Economic Forum, and the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW). The event was held alongside the Singapore International Water Week 2024.

SEAPAW’s aims are in line with the GCEW’s call to collective action—to turn the tide and build a sustainable and equitable water future.

earlier research by Cattaneo and co-authors on spatial patterns that impact rural livelihoods. That previous pioneering work found that 92 percent of people live within an hour of an urban center. That so many in fact live within one hour of several such centers has major ramifications for policy makers and planners assessing where to locate various services ranging from specialized full-spectrum hospitals and international airports to cultural institutions, supermarkets and employment opportunities.FAO News

BEFORE AFTER

Volunteers during the upland tree planting in Siniloan, Laguna.

TMP

The images show corals before, during and after bleaching events. If water temperatures remain too high for too long, corals will die, becoming a muddy brown. UNEP

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

SSHOWBIZ

GMA Network unveils station ID

TATION IDs for TV networks in the Philippines play a crucial role in establishing and maintaining strong brand recognition among viewers. Over the years, they have evolved into more than just promotional tools, becoming ingrained in popular culture.

With catchy lyrics, anthemic melodies, and the presence of beloved stars and personalities, these Station ids create emotional connections with audiences. They serve as a reflection of the network’s culture and values, encapsulating the essence of what the network stands for.

By featuring prominent personalities, these ids not only promote the network but also highlight the star power and influence of those involved. Thus, Station ids have become iconic representations of Philippine television, blending entertainment with a powerful branding tool.

On Friday, GMA Network, in anticipation of the network’s 75th anniversary next year, unveiled its Station id. In a statement, the network said, “ It is not merely a lyrical celebration of GMA Network’s legacy in the broadcast media industry; it delivers a powerful message that serves as a promise and a call to always stand united with Filipinos.”

Bannered by some of GMA’s biggest stars and personalities, “Isa Sa Puso ng Pilipino” is performed by Julie Anne San Jose and other Kapuso singers, and was accompanied by the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY), a full orchestra under the organization Ang Misyon Inc., dedicated to offering free music education and support to talented, underprivileged Filipino youth.

GMA stars Marian Rivera and Dingdong

V, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards, Barbie

and Julie Anne.

In the field of news, notable broadcast journalists including Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, Howie Severino, Vicky Morales, Kara David, Atom Araullo, Sandra Aguinaldo, Susan Enriquez, Ivan Mayrina, Maki Pulido, Mariz Umali, Raffy Tima, and Emil Sumangil are prominently featured.

INSIDE Out 2 kept its number one spot at North American box offices for the third weekend, stalked closely by the latest Quiet Place horror franchise installment.

The film pulled in $57.4 million over the weekend, for a total haul of $469 million since its June 14 theatrical release – continuing its sweep despite struggles in the overall market, noted analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.

“In spite of record-breaking numbers from Inside Out 2 and an excellent performance by Planet of the Apes, the June domestic (box office) was down -20.8 percent compared with the prepandemic average,” Gross said.

The coming-of-age film again takes place largely inside the mind of a girl named Riley, as she grapples with new feelings on starting high school.

Emotions such as Envy and Anxiety join her young head’s existing, talkative residents, including Joy and Sadness, all of them voiced by actors including Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith Close behind was Paramount’s A Quiet Place: Day One, the third installment in the apocalyptic horror series, starring

Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o, which garnered $53.0 million in its debut weekend.

Also debuting was Horizon: An American Saga, from Warner Bros., which took third in box offices with a much smaller $11.0 million.

The American Western epic is the first installment in the new series, directed by and starring Kevin Costner, with a sequel expected in August.

Meanwhile the rowdy Will Smith action comedy Bad Boys: Ride or Die dropped from second to fourth place, with the feature pulling in $10.3 million.

Sony’s fourth installment of the series is a major step in Smith’s career rehabilitation after he slapped Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in 2022 – a sign that audiences are ready to welcome him back.

Fifth place went to Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu-language science fiction film from India’s Prathyangira Cinemas, which earned $5.5 million.

The mythological tale, with a blockbuster Indian cast, is the first film in a larger cinematic universe planned by the creators. AFP

Boy Abunda, Heart Evangelista, and Bea Alonzo had solo spots, while Pokwang and Kim Atienza appeared together.

The network’s rising stars—Jillian Ward, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, and Kyline Alcantara were also featured along with Sanya Lopez, Gabbi Garcia, Mikee Quintos, Rochelle Pangilinan, and Glaiza de Castro.

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee shared the spotlight with Kylie Padilla and Andrea Torres Now, one question remains: did ‘Isa Sa Puso ng Pilipino’ resonate with its audience?

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reaction from netizens, the network effectively solidified its position as the Philippines’ leading network, showcasing its commitment to crafting relevant stories that connect with viewers’ emotions. In less than 24 hours, the video had already raked in 1 million views.

By Angelica Villanueva

JUST when people thought Kris Aquino was going steady with Batangas Governor Mark Leviste , Bimby , the son of the host-actress, reveals that she has found a new love.

In a YouTube interview, talent manager and entertainment columnist Ogie Diaz asked Bimby if his mom had found a new love. Bimby shared that Kris is happy and content. He added that his mom has a “non-showbiz” boyfriend.

“ Meron. Non-showbiz. Makulit lang . But a very good guy,” said the teenager. Kris then joined the interview stating that her new partner is a doctor, who is based in the Philippines.

“It just flowed. He’s a doctor and I think that’s part of the reason why it was easy, kasi alam niya kung ano ‘yung pinagdadaanan ko ,” answered Kris. “He’s part of the reasons why I’m confident na pwede akong umuwi, kasi alam ko na there’s someone who will help in taking

care of me. So obviously, by saying that, alam na nila na he’s a doctor based in the Philippines— in Makati,” she added. She later explained that her relationship with Governor Levister had already ended. “Five months na yan. Ang tagal na nun. Nagkakalabuan na kami mula November. Sinubukan naming ayusin pero may mga nalaman ako na hindi ko gusto. Pero ayoko na magsabi more than that, because part of the reason why it did not work is because mas gusto ko ng tahimik,” Kris stated.

Under the baton of Gerard Salonga and the guidance of professional mentors, the OFY curriculum is specifically curated for a high-quality youth orchestra. The lyrics were penned by Brian James Camaya, Christine Autor, Samantha Toloza, and Rina L. Mercado, with composition by Rina L. Mercado and arrangement by Roxy E. Fabian and Joe L. Cruz. The jingle was produced by Rocky S. Gacho

Dantes led the roster of stars who headlined the video followed by Michael

Forteza,

Kris Aquino (left) with her son Bimby during an interview with Ogie Diaz

Alden Richards is set to star in upcoming series ‘Pulang Araw’ as Eduardo Dela Cruz

Heart Evangelista is one of the few people given solo shots in the video

Bea Alonzo plays Samantha Castillo-Palacios in Zig Dulay’s ‘Widows’ War’

Marian Rivera took on the lead role in the recently concluded series ‘My Guardian Alien’ Award-winning actor Dingdong Dantes is known as the Kapuso Primetime King

The station ID also features some of GMA Network’s rising stars

From left: Broadcast journalists Emil Sumangil, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, and Kara David are featured in the new station ID

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Barbie Forteza gushes over comparisons to Kathryn Bernardo

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

FBarbie praised Kathryn’s exceptional ability to manage her career and personal life, attributing these qualities to Kathryn’s success and numerous product endorsements. She found it inspiring how the actress carries herself both on and off the screen and felt honored to be compared to her.

“For me, being compared to her is really a huge honor. I really hope that we’d be given a chance to work together on one project in the future since she is one of the actresses I admire in our generation,” she said during the press conference for her upcoming film, That Kind of Love , opposite David Licauco

The movie is their first movie together after starring in highly successful TV projects like Maria Clara at Ibarra and Maging Sino Ka Man . They will be seen next in the historical war drama Pulang Araw

Asked what kind of love she has for David, Barbie said:

“It’s something that’s not an overnight thing. When we reached the level of friendship that was needed to make the partnership work, I felt that I was the one who guided or supported him. I experienced that when we flew recently to Canada for our Sparkle tour.

“I really went out of my way to support him on stage as we all know that David is still a bit shy facing a large crowd. So, it’s more of that – showing my support to him in the best way I can so that our love team will truly work!”

By Abigail Adriatico

ANS have been comparing Barbie Forteza ’s romantic comedies to Kathryn Bernardo ’s. When asked about these comparisons, Barbie just gushed about her admiration for Kathryn, calling her a role model.

Migui Moreno is proud to be part of the play

Ka.SEEN.halaga ( HPV Out! ), presented by Frontline Production, Inc. and the Rotary Club of South San Francisco, California. The play will be staged at the RCBC Theater in Makati City on July 14.

“I love this play because of its advocacy—to spread awareness and information on the Human Papilloma Virus. That’s why I said yes to Direk Rodel Mercado when the project was offered to me. Actually, I opted to do this one than another play offered to me at the same time,” he averred.

What does he like about his character in the play?

“The role of Roger, a father who has throat cancer because of HPV, attracted me most because it is a huge challenge for me as an actor. Portraying a person who has throat cancer that he got from HPV gives me a better understanding of the disease and how one copes with this situation.”

The play will have its rounds on various campuses and universities.

“That’s right! We will also have outreach performances. These will happen in September. The show will run until June next year. I think it’s timely so that kids will be informed early about HPV. We want to educate them,” Migui ended.

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has expressed concerns about her health condition talking about her struggles with scoliosis.

her queen diagnosed she

The beauty queen revealed that her perfect posture isn’t natural. In a video wearing a striped shirt, Gray showed her relaxed stance, where she leans slightly due to the noticeable curve in her spine.

Gray shared that she was diagnosed with scoliosis when she was 12. Despite her early diagnosis, she was unable to pursue a brace to correct her spine since she had already undergone her growth spurt.

“My condition, most especially during my stint in international pageantry, put me on the receiving end of countless body shaming comments because of the “unflattering” angles my body creates,” the beauty queen admitted.

Gray stressed the importance of having an early diagnosis for scoliosis as it can help in limiting its progression as well as the pain that comes with the condition. Partnering with Scoliosis Philippines, the beauty queen hoped to spread awareness by encouraging people to wear a fitted striped shirt and check if there are any changes or irregularities in their posture.

“Scoliosis doesn’t have to be a limiting condition,” said Gray.

“I hope in my story - you can find the encouragement. That despite chronic pain, different shapes and sizes, proportions and angles - that YOU are capable of whatever dream arises in your heart! We’re #BentButNotBroken,” she added.

Scoliosis Philippines is a nonprofit organization aimed at raising awareness about scoliosis and supporting those with incurable conditions.

Catriona Gray opens up about health condition end of for shapes Maria topic in June.

THE video teasers for Lavender Fields starring Jericho Rosales, Janine Gutierrez , and Jodi Sta. have already garnered over ten million views on social media, making the series a top trending

The action-drama series promises a grand story with a stellar cast, including Philippine drama icons and new-gen actors. Alongside the main stars, the series features Jolina Magdangal, Albert Martinez, Edu , and Maricel Soriano In the script reading and look test

videos released by ABS-CBN recently, viewers already got a glimpse of the artists getting into character as they exchanged lines and got all dressed up in glam and chic outfits.

Nakakatuwang experience ang first script reading because we didn’t know what to expect. Everybody brought something different to the table. I am proud to be working with these brilliant actors who will breathe life to the characters that shape the story of Lavender Fields ,” shared Jodi in a post on Instagram along with photos from the look test.

Apart from this being Jodi’s firstever action-drama series, Janine’s first kontrabida role, and Jericho and Jolina’s comeback teleserye after many years, viewers are also excited to watch former child stars Jana Agoncillo, Krystal Mejes, Miguel Vergara, and Marc Santiago Lavender Fields also includes Justine Luzares, Pamu Pamorada, Thou Reyes, Benj Manalo, Cheena Crab, Biboy Ramirez, Bernard Palanca, and Lotlot De Leon. It is directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and Jojo

Saguin

Manzano

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has been suffering from scoliosis since she was 12 years old

From left: ‘Lavender Fields’ cast Janine Gutierrez, Edu Manzano, Maricel Soriano, Jodi Sta. Maria, Jericho Rosales, Albert Martinez, and Jolina Magdangal at the script reading for the show

Action-drama series ‘Lavander Fields’ stars Jodi Sta. Maria (left) alongside Jericho Rosales (center) and Janine Gutierrez (right)

Actress Barbie Forteza stars in ‘That Kind of Love’ alongside David Licauco

Kathryn Bernardo recently starred in Petersen Vargas’ film ‘A Very Good Girl’ together with Dolly De Leon

TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Abigail Adriatico

REGULAR shopping is about buying things you like. Sustainable shopping, on the other hand, is about considering how those things affect the environment, which is why more people are changing the way they purchase goods.

Shopping sustainably involves making informed choices that consider a product’s environmental and social impact throughout its lifecycle. Green stores go beyond by offering a curated selection of items that embody these principles. In essence, green stores are like shops for people who want to help the planet.

To encourage more consumers to go green, Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, has recently opened its first “greener” store in San Pedro, Laguna.

The Watsons Greener Store is a pioneering project, utilizing renewable energy, sustainable store materials, and energy-efficient appliances. The store’s materials and fixtures adhere to greener building standards, earning certification from Pi Energy Inc. This ensures that the store’s operations align with environmental standards, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The store opening was attended by Jin P. Jimenez, Director for Store Operations, Alisandrea Coloma, Senior Manager for Sustainability alongside local government officials Hon. Ramil Hernandez, Governor of the Province of Laguna, and Mayor Art Francis Mercado of San Pedro, Laguna.

“This store sets a new standard in sustainable retailing, embodying our dedication to fostering a vibrant culture of sustainability in every facet of our operations. By empowering our customers to embrace sustainable products and practices, we aim to make a meaningful impact on our planet,” said Jimenez during the program.

The store, according to the executive, is powered primarily by solar energy, effectively reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 7.5 tons annually, which is equivalent to the CO2 absorption capacity of about 377 trees each year.

To use sustainable materials throughout the

Green store for sustainable shopping

store, Watsons has opted for Solidus material instead of PVC-containing Sintra board for marketing materials, while all paper and boards used are recycled and carry FSC® certification. Display racks and fixtures are crafted from responsibly sourced wood, further enhancing their commitment to sustainability. Energy efficiency is prioritized with LED lighting that is both non-toxic and recyclable, reducing energy consumption by up to 33 percent. Additionally,

Safe space

Telco reaffirms commitment to creating a home for LGBTQIA+  members in the workplace

IN ALL of his 12 years in Globe, Ericson Blue Sta. Maria has never witnessed any form of exclusion against individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sta. Maria, a Senior Expert in People Engagement & Capability Enablement in Globe’s Network Technical Group (NTG), said Globe makes people from his community feel that they belong, with all the benefits it provides and initiatives it undertakes to support queer people.

“The majority of our colleagues are inclusive and supportive of community members. This inclusive environment allows us to thrive in our respective roles and ensures equal opportunities for all,” said Sta. Maria.

Mark Anthony Dimaisip, Senior Manager for Employee Engagement, echoed this, saying Globe is “one of the safest spaces for queer people.”

“We’ve had drag queens performing in our events years and years before we had Drag Race Philippines. We allow employees to dress according to the gender that they identify with. We accept all types of hairstyles, nail colors, or piercings. But most importantly, queer people already thrive and excel here,” he said.

For Anne Calma, Director and Head of Globe’s Subcultures team, the company serves as an “ally” for the queer community.

“Not only is this a space where creative and tech queer talents are seen but also where representation and opportunities in leadership positions serve as an inspiration for the next generation like me, who aspired to create change, unbound by gender identity. Globe is an ally and it’s exciting to welcome the growing queer community in the workplace today and in the years to come,” she said.

Globe’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community has been on full display this Pride Month, celebrating with a host of events and activities aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace environment to queer community feel more at home.

inverter air conditioners and refrigerators are employed, consuming 40 percent less energy than traditional models. Watsons also offers a variety of sustainable product options, including items promoting Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, Refill Packs, and Better Packaging from responsibly sourced materials.

A notable initiative includes a refill station outside Metro Manila where customers can

replenish Naturals by Watsons bottles with body wash and shampoo variants, reducing packaging waste. The store also sells refillable bottles with screw caps, allowing customers to save up to 40 percent compared to standard purchases. Jimenez emphasized that Watsons actively promotes waste reduction, segregation, and recycling, encouraging customers to use reusable shopping bags and participate in sustainable shopping practices.

“Being promoted twice in five years is a testament to Globe’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding employees based on performance and merit rather than gender or personal preferences,” he said.

In June, the telco launched a campaign to encourage employees to express their authentic selves on social media and in real life. Employees chose identity magnets from the #IBelongAtGlobe wall at The Globe Tower, affirming their personal identities. Similar initiatives were also held in Globe offices across the country.

Globe’s progressive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policy

makes it stand out in the industry, and it has become known as a workplace where employees from the LGBTQIA+ community feel embraced and supported.

“At Globe, we are intentional in making everyone feel embraced, included, and supported. We celebrate diversity beyond PRIDE Month, and we make sure that people from the queer community feel that they belong every day,” said Renato Jiao, Globe’s Chief Human Resource Officer.

To inclusivity to practice, Globe has expanded benefits to include same-sex legal spouses for companyinitiated benefits like healthcare and insurance.

Beginning in 2023, common-law/ domestic partners, regardless of gender, are also recognized as qualified dependents for medical insurance. Globe has introduced 47 inclusive restrooms across its offices, including 20 in Metro Manila at its Taguig headquarters and 27 in regional offices. These facilities are part of Globe’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). During Pride Month, Globe celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community with learning sessions, community events, and support from employee resource groups, fostering a culture of acceptance and freedom of expression.

Globe’s ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+ community reflects its core values and enhances its ability to innovate and succeed, benefiting both its workforce and the communities it serves.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Watsons’ first ‘greener’ store is located in San Pedro, Laguna

Representatives from the local government unit of San Pedro, Laguna joins Watsons officials in the ribboncutting ceremony

Watsons Director for Store Operations Jin P. Jimenez expounds on the retailer’s commitment to sustainability