Manila Standard - 2024 July 17 - Wednesday

Biz groups push for 21 key bills

Urge President to prioritize economic measures during SONA

By Othel V. Campos and Maricel Cruz

Aof the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, the business groups and Joint Foreign Chambers called on President Marcos to prioritize 21 crucial legislative measures that will stimulate economic growth, enhance global competitiveness, and promote inclusive development.

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Undersecretary Michael Poa, also

DepEd’s current spokesperson, said he is among those leaving the department on Friday (July 19), which is also Vice President Sara Duterte’s last day as education secretary.

FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto said every peso collected by his agency is being stretched to fund education, food security, social protection and infrastructure programs in line with the administration’s goal of producing a generation of globally competitive Filipinos.

“Education must be a top priority of the government. And it is the last

expenditure upon which the Philippines should be willing to economize,” he said during the 2024 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Annual Convention and General Assembly at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday.

“Because a country’s progress hinges on the quality of its human

By Caloy Lozada and Charles Dantes

ILOILO—President Marcos led the ceremonial opening of the floodgates for the Jalaur River Multi-purpose

Project Stage II (JRMP II) in Calinog, Iloilo, marking a significant milestone for the region’s agriculture and infrastructure.

The P20 billion project is expected to increase Western Visayas' rice production by 160,000 metric tons, or 20

percent of the region’s annual rice requirement.

The JRMP II includes three main

spokesperson Camile Ting on

said the panel headed by Senator Risa Hontiveros was given 10 days to respond to Guo's petition for certiorari and temporary restraining order. The petition for certiorari also sought to annul the panel’s subpoena and exclude Guo as a resource person in future hearings on POGOs.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz

Maimona Lao

Dengue cases up by 30% amid rainy season

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE number of dengue cases has increased by 30 percent as of last month amid the rainy season, the Department of Health reported Tuesday.

Citing its latest data, the DOH said from 6,323 dengue cases reported last May 19 to June 1 or the start of the rainy season, the figure rose to 8,246

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Of the total, funding for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) reached P132.9 billion, a double-digit or 19.3 percent increase from last year.

This includes a P21.7 billion allocation for SUCs to provide free tertiary education to over 3.1 million students across the country, a law Recto championed in 2017 during his tenure as a legislator.

“It was my goal to ensure that every student who cannot make it to college on his own receives a helping hand from the government. After all, building the country's talent pool is not the responsibility of families alone. The government has to be proactive and give its share,” he said.

With the Philippines currently enjoying a demographic sweet spot or a median age of only 25 years old, the Finance chief said having more workers with college diplomas could fuel a transformative surge in productivity, innovation, and economic growth–breaking the cycle of poverty in the country.

To fully harness this potential, he said the government is also equally prioritizing social protection, food security, and physical infrastructure to ensure that Filipinos are not just welleducated but are healthy and thriving.

This year, the government is spending around P440 billion on social protection programs like “ayuda” (assistance); P221.7 billion on the agriculture sector to improve agricultural productivity; and P1.47 trillion on infrastructure projects to enhance the country’s logistics backbone, including disaster-resilient school buildings.

To prepare the next generation of students for a future driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the government is also working on bridging the digital divide from Luzon to Mindanao through the Philippine Digital Infrastructure Project and the National Broadband Program, Recto said.

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“This dam is just the beginning of our efforts to develop the country’s water resources,” said President Marcos during the unveiling of the project marker.

The project will benefit 7,000 farmers across 17 municipalities in Iloilo's first to fifth districts. It will also provide 86 million liters of water daily for commercial and industrial needs in Iloilo province and Iloilo City.

“On top of its use for irrigation, a portion of the water from the High Dam’s reservoir, or around 86 million liters per day, will be utilized to supply the commercial and industrial bulk water requirements of Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities,” added Mr. Marcos.

The JRMP II is also set to generate 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power, contributing to Panay Island’s electricity supply. Future plans for the project include the development of inland fisheries, floating solar energy systems, and eco-cultural tourism.

Mr. Marcos named the project “Katuwang sa Kauswagan” or “Partner in Progress,” expressing hope that it will serve as a benchmark for similar large-scale projects.

“Let this project serve as a benchmark and an inspiration for all endeavors of this scale and of this magnitude,” he said.

The President expressed gratitude to Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa for South Korea’s partnership in this and other significant projects in the Philippines.

The President committed to accelerating the completion of JRMP II.

“I think it is entirely too long that Phase I, completed in my father’s time, should now see Phase II completed in my time. We should not have waited that long. We need to accelerate the process a little bit,” he said.

The JRMP II is set to become the largest water reservoir project built by the National Irrigation Administration outside Luzon.

from June 2 to June 15.

“Dengue cases are rising as expected due to the rainfall, which allows more water to pool and be stag-

HONORARY COAST GUARD.

First Lady Liza Marcos joined the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary with the honorary rank of Vice Admiral. The donning of rank ceremony is administered by Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and PCG commander Admiral Ronnie Gavan. PCG Photo

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nant. Left unchecked, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue will breed in these stagnant pools of water,” the DOH said.

The total number of dengue cases since the start of the year has totaled to 90,119, with at least 233 deaths. This is 19 percent higher than the previous year’s tally of 75,968 over the same period, the DOH said.

Based on the epidemic curve, the department noted that cases on a

weekly basis from Jan. 1 to May 11 in 2024 went above what was observed during the same period in 2023.

From May 12 to June 29, on the other hand, the weekly case numbers have returned to either below or just slightly above what was recorded in 2023.

The DOH said this may be attributed to the ongoing intensified efforts of local governments to kill mosquitoes by searching and destroying their breeding water.

property, pensions, apprenticeship programs, agriculture, and maritime trade.

measures which they said would significantly impact job creation, poverty reduction, and overall competitiveness.

Among the key legislative priorities include the Konektadong Pinoy Bill that lowers the barriers and costs for data service providers to improve internet access and affordability; the Promotion of Digital Payments; CREATE MORE and PEZA Act Amendments that will allow flexible work arrangements for locators to attract investment and talents; and the Freedom of Information Act, which will ensure transparency and access to information in government offices.

Additional measures include reforms in taxation, banking, disaster resilience, e-commerce, pandemic preparedness, holiday rationalization, infrastructure development, intellectual

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Guo’s camp cited the physical and mental toll the much-publicized Senate inquiry has taken on the mayor as reason for her absence in the last two hearings

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday inspected the detention room intended for Guo, her parents and three siblings in case they are arrested Escudero said once caught, the Guos will be kept in a room near the Philippine National Police (PNP) Detachment inside the Senate compound until the next hearing set on July 29. The air-conditioned room reserved for the Guos is located outside the sixstorey Senate building.

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aides and waved at supporters on the opening day of what is expected to be a triumphalist gathering.

Trump, who is due to give a formal acceptance speech on Thursday, took his seat to the sound of country singer Lee Greenwood's patriotic hit "God Bless the USA" without delivering any remarks but appeared markedly moved by the rapt ovation he received from a packed venue.

"It was absolutely amazing. I mean, just thinking about what he's been through, and to come here today because he really cares," Illinois delegate Susan Sweeney told AFP on the convention floor.

It was the second huge moment of the day for the Republican crowd, which erupted into cheers earlier as Trump announced Vance, just 39, as his vice presidential pick, rewarding a one-time harsh critic who has become one of his most uncompromising supporters.

While Trump, 78, is increasingly

For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said while the SONA will largely reflect on the successes of the Marcos administration, it will also outline the President’s plans for the coming years, including the role of Congress in bringing government programs to fruition for the Filipino people.

“This important address will provide a comprehensive overview of the administration's progress and set the stage for future legislative initiatives that will shape the nation’s path forward,” he said.

“And we at the House of Representatives are united with the President in his desire to advance the many reforms and programs he will announce during the SONA. This is a time for unity, and we fully support our President,” Romualdez said.

He said the House of Representatives has set a grand stage for another

Escudero guaranteed the safety of the Guo family and other resource persons who will be called to testify in the ongoing investigation into POGOs.

To encourage the mayor's cooperation, Escudero said she can even be released on her own recognizance if she appears, but emphasized the leniency will still be on Hontiveros’ discretion.

As of the moment, only Nancy Gamo, the accountant of Guo, is detained at the Senate

For his part, Office of the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) Chief Roberto Ancan assured that the Guos will be provided security “24/7.”

"I’ve done it before. I was a commander before, and I assured the people within my area of responsibility that they are safe,” said the retired lieutenant general.

confident of a shock return to the White House – despite multiple legal problems and two impeachments clouding his first term – President Joe Biden is reeling from weak polls and Democratic concerns over his health.

The standard-bearer for a new kind of populism that has come to the fore under Trump, Vance is also one of the least experienced VP picks in modern history.

But he embraces the ex-president's isolationist, anti-immigration America First movement and is even further to the right than his new boss on some issues – including abortion, where he embraces calls for federal legislation.

He initially made his name with the 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," a best-selling account of his Appalachian family and modest Rust Belt upbringing that gave a voice to rural, working-class resentment in left-behind America. Turning his back on previous Republican opposition to Trump, whom he once said might be "America's Hitler," Vance reinvented himself and ultimately won the ex-president's endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate

Over the past six weeks prior to June 29, the department monitored a spike in dengue cases in the regions of Mimaropa, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the National Capital Region.

“With rain comes the rise of dengue. We know what works, and that is to kill mosquitoes,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

First Lady joins PCG, gets Vice Admiral rank

THE Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) on Tuesday welcomed First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to their ranks.

Mrs. Marcos joined the PCGA Executive Squadron as an Auxiliary Vice Admiral during a ceremony on board the BRP Gabriela Silang in Manila.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan lauded the First Lady for her efforts to support the Coast Guard.

"Recently, the First Lady participated in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, which is in tune with the PCG’s efforts to preserve our rivers and seas," Gavan said.

historic speech on July 22 following the final meeting among the Office of the President, both Houses of Congress, and other agencies on Monday.

“It fills me with immense pride to recognize the significant role that the House of Representatives has played in crafting legislation and policies that promote the welfare of all Filipinos. We are excited for the President’s SONA because we know he has many positive developments to share with the nation,” he said.

House Sergeant-at-Arms retired Police Maj. Gen. Napoleon Taas confirmed that detailed security arrangements have been made to ensure a peaceful and orderly event, involving multiple security agencies.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said detailed medical protocols have likewise been established to handle any health emergencies, with medical teams and facilities on standby to ensure the well-being of participants.

Ancan said Guo and the others will be allowed visitors within visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. He said the Senate would provide them with food three times a day, but they can also bring their own food and even their own beddings.

At the Lower House, a lawmaker urged concerned government authorities to look into how foreign nationals like Guo managed to secure fake government documents.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said authorities should find out how foreign nationals have been able to secure official documents from the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) or the Bureau of Immigration (BI) as he raised concerns that shady foreign nationals can pass themselves off as legitimate Filipinos.

race, launching his meteoric rise.

Some 50,000 Republicans descended on the shores of Lake Michigan for the four-day convention, four months before election day.

The gathering comes with the country reeling from a botched attempt by a gunman to kill Trump at a rally in Butler, western Pennsylvania on Saturday.

The attack – which killed one bystander and left Trump with the bloodied ear that required the bandage – was expected to dominate proceedings.

Leading in multiple polls, despite being convicted in his hush-money criminal case in New York, Trump is exuding confidence.

At 81, Biden meanwhile is facing calls from his own side to quit the race over concerns around his age.

His campaign released a statement saying the Trump-Vance agenda would "take away Americans' rights, hurt the middle class, and make life more expensive – all while benefiting the ultrarich and greedy corporations."

Trump told the New York Post he had "prepared an extremely tough

"Like the Philippine Coast Guard, the First Lady embodies the highest ideals of service, dedication, and patriotism, and does so with unmatched grace and sophistication," he added.

Mrs. Marcos thanked the Coast Guard for ensuring maritime safety, security, and upholding the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez

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Also leaving the agency are Undersecretary Nolasco Mempin (Administration), Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda (Office of the Secretary), Assistant Secretary Reynold Munsayac (Procurement), and Assistant Secretary Noel Baluyan (Administration).

“We respect the decision of the DepEd Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries who tendered their courtesy resignations ahead of our assumption as Secretary of Education. We eagerly anticipate taking on our new role this Friday. Any appropriate appointments will be announced soon as we intend to hit the ground running and drive immediate progress,” Angara's office said in a statement.

Poa, who concurrently serves as chief of staff to Duterte, said in a Viber post that their decision to resign is meant to give way for Angara “to choose people that will form part of his team.”

Duterte handed in her “irrevocable” resignation as DepEd secretary and vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on June 19. The Vice President said she prepared a “30-day transition plan” to ensure a proper and orderly turnover at the department. Rolando Ng III

speech" about Biden's "horrible administration" to deliver at the convention. As some Republicans – including Vance – sought to blame Democrats' anti-Trump rhetoric for the attack, Trump said he had torn up that version in favor of one he hopes will "unite our country."

Still, that means him having to rein in the instinct to settle scores – demonstrated by his cry for supporters to "fight" in the seconds after Saturday's attack.

A diminished figure after his 2020 election loss and a subsequent riot at the Capitol by his supporters, Trump has spent much of the last four years reshaping Republican politics. Installing loyalists including his daughter-in-law Lara Trump atop the Republican National Committee, the billionaire has effectively crushed dissent within the party. He scored another victory Monday as a judge dismissed one of the criminal cases against him, concerning accusations he endangered national security by holding on to top secret documents after leaving the White House. AFP

Rep. Ambrosio ‘Boy’ Cruz Jr.: Bulacan’s progressive and visionary leader

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

NESTLED north of Metro Manila, the province of Bulacan has long been a breeding ground for revolutionaries and patriots. From Marcelo H. del Pilar, a prominent figure in the Propaganda Movement, to Gregorio del Pilar, the youngest hero to fight in the Philippine Revolution, Bulacan sons have consistently stood at the forefront of the fight for freedom. This tradition of leadership continues today, with many Bulakeños holding influential positions in government and society.

In the modern world, Bulacan’s Fifth District thrives under the transformative leadership of Rep. Ambrosio Cruz, Jr., fondly known to many as “Boy.” He spearheaded the ABC experience, which stands for “Alagang Boy Cruz,” that many of his constituents know and appreciate.

The district representative graduated from the University of the East Manila with a degree in Accountancy. He used his academic breakthrough to support his siblings in finishing their studies, as their family is not well-off. He relentlessly worked in Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation until he could finance his businesses. However, Rep. Cruz Jr. knows he has a different calling, as public service shone a beacon on a path he would eagerly pursue.

In 1998, through the encouragement of his fellow members in their civic group, coupled with his zeal in helping his fellow Guiguinteños, the district representative commenced his political career as the Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Guiguinto. He has envisioned this municipality as the Gateway to the North due to its topography vis-à-vis NCR and other Northern provinces.

Alongside his political career, Rep. Boy Cruz was able to build his connections with fellow public servants and with the community through several civic groups and organizations. He was then the

President of the Rotary Club of Guiguinto, the President of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines –Bulacan Chapter, and the Honorary Chairman of the Sugod Guiguinto Movement. His memberships in these organizations were not a political maneuver but an avenue to connect with the people on the grassroots level, ensuring that his political decisions duly consider the necessities of his constituents and not just on a whim.

As he fulfilled his plans for the municipality of Guiguinto, he saw the probability of extending his political and social influence to nearby cities. Thus, when the municipalities of Balagtas, Bocaue, Guiguinto, and Pandi experienced redistricting through legislation, Rep. Cruz Jr. sought this opportunity to continue making a difference in a much broader political landscape and jurisdiction. He ran for a seat in the House of Representatives and is now a member of the esteemed 19th Congress.

While relatively new in the legislative department, this district representative has imprinted his legacy as the first Congressman of the newly established Fifth Legislative District of the province of Bulacan. He has essentially made accessible all national government programs through various agencies to his constituents in the Fifth District. He implemented several social amelioration programs

in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other agencies. These programs were vital in providing relief to his constituents, especially since the Philippines is still recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic caused by COVID-19.

Rep. Cruz Jr. utilized his position as a lawmaker in crafting bills that would bring transformative changes to Filipinos within and outside his jurisdiction. As of writing, he was able to principally author 247 bills and coauthored 90 bills.

When he was still a municipal mayor, he focused on seven vital areas of development, also known as 7K. As he ran for a congressional seat, he promised that he would utilize these areas in implementing his advocacies: Kabuhayan, Katahimikan at Kaayusan, Kalinisan at Kapaligiran, Kalusugan, Karunungan, Kabataan, and Kahandaan at Kaunlaran.

As part of his commitment to his so-called 7K agenda, he has drafted several bills that are of local and national importance. He has drafted and filed House Bill No. 2536, which aims to turn the Ospital ng Guiguinto into a district hospital. He also filed

House Bill No. 2540, which directs all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals to establish a dialysis ward. He likewise principally authored House Bills 2538 and 2539, which mandate the creation of the Department of Water Resources Management and the Department of Emergency and Disaster Resilience, respectively.

The district representative has also consistently and actively participated in the committee hearings in the House of Representatives. He is the Vice Chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Committee on Housing and Urban Development. Rep. Cruz Jr.’s other committee memberships include the Committee on Energy, Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Committee on Public Order and Safety, among his other appointments. Rep. Cruz Jr. has also expressed his support for the national government’s infrastructure plan, which redirects a portion of the flood mitigation budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the water impounding system of the National Irrigation Administration. He has seen the adverse effects of flooding in his district, and this water impounding system can mitigate or eliminate the problem while benefitting our irrigator farmers.

Besides setting a benchmark for good governance, Rep. Cruz also serves as an inspiration for his daughter, Guiguinto Mayor Agatha Paula A. Cruz, on how public leaders can empower their communities and guide its members to unlock their potential as capable Filipinos. Even though Rep. Cruz Jr.’s term is nearing its end, he has no plans to stop serving his public. He knows the call for public service is neverending, and establishing a better Bagong Pilipinas is a long way to go. But one thing is sure: He will, at the best of his abilities, religiously champion bills and programs that would create an impact, from one generation to another. That, in a nutshell, is Alagang ABC.

Bulacan’s 5th District shines in Bagong Pilipinas

By Peter Paul Duran

BULACAN’S 5th congressional district, represented by Rep. Ambrosio Cruz Jr., is a microcosm of the province’s rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic economy. Comprising the municipalities of Balagtas, Bocaue, Guiguinto, and Pandi, this district showcases the best of central Bulacan, contributing significantly to the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.

Balagtas

Balagtas, formerly known as Bigaa, holds a special place in Philippine history as the birthplace of the renowned poet Francisco “Balagtas” Baltazar, after whom the town is named. The Balagtas Monument and Francisco Balagtas Shrine stand as testaments to his legacy, attracting literary enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Balagtas is also home to the St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish Church, a historical and cultural landmark that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. The church’s intricate architecture and serene surroundings offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past.

Bocaue

Bocaue is famously known as the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines, where the tradition of pyrotechnics manufacturing dates back decades. Every year, the town lights up during the Bocaue River Festival, also known as the Pagoda Festival, which features a grand fluvial parade celebrating the town’s patron, St. Martin of Tours. This vibrant event draws thousands of visitors who come to witness the spectacular display of fireworks and the town’s rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, Bocaue’s Church of St. Martin of Tours is a historic site, reflecting the deep-rooted faith of its people. The church, with its impressive façade and significant religious artifacts, is a must-visit for those exploring the district.

Guiguinto

Guiguinto, derived from the word “Guintong,” meaning gold, has transformed from a small agricultural town to a bustling hub of industry and commerce. The town is renowned for its ornamental plant industry, making it a leading producer of high-quality ornamental plants and flowers in the country.

The Guiguinto Garden City festival, held annually, showcases the town’s horticultural prowess. This event not only celebrates the town’s primary industry but also promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices among its residents.

Pandi

Pandi is a town steeped in history, known for its significant role in the Philippine Revolution. The Pandi Church, also known as the San Roque Parish Church, stands as a silent witness to the town’s storied past.

Its baroque-style architecture and historical significance make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts.

Pandi is also home to several thriving industries, including agriculture and handicrafts. The town’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while fostering economic development exemplifies the spirit of Bagong Pilipinas. Under the leadership of Rep.Cruz, Bulacan’s 5th congressional district continues to thrive, balancing progress with the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. Each municipality contributes uniquely to the district’s vibrancy, from the historical landmarks of Balagtas and Pandi to the industrial innovations of Guiguinto and the cultural festivities of Bocaue.

As the district moves forward, it remains a shining example of how communities can honor their past while embracing the future, embodying the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

IN BRIEF

‘OFWs data info safe despite hacking bid’

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has given assurance that the data information of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are safe following a ransomware attack, prompting the agency to shut down its online systems.

In an advisory posted on its social media pages, the DMW said that due to the attack, its Management Information Technology System had to take pre-emptive measures to protect overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) data and information, such as taking the systems offline.

The agency said it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs. Vito Barcelo

3-way tie-up forged on disaster readiness

THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) have tied up anew with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a three-year collaboration to enhance the Philippines’ preparedness against natural calamities, notably earthquakes and tsunamis.

To commemorate the 34th anniversary of one of the most destructive earthquakes in the Philippines, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol and JICA chief representative Takema Sakamoto on Tuesday inked a partnership at the Phivolcs headquarters in Quezon City.

They joined forces to beef up capacity for geohazards monitoring and information dissemination through “Project for Capacity Development for Monitoring and Information Dissemination of Earthquake, Tsunami and Volcano.” Rio N. Araja

18 PH Marines taking part in RIMPAC 2024

EIGHTEEN Philippine Marines are participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2024 in Hawaii Islands and Southern California. According to Marines spokesperson Capt. Marites Alamil, the RIMPAC which is being held biennially, is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, bringing together military forces from around the globe. The Philippine Marines will join their counterparts from the United States Marine Forces Pacific and other nations’ marines and naval infantries in a series of complex and rigorous training drills. Rex Espiritu

ROTC Games kick off in Tagaytay on July 18

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino has agreed to host the Philippine ROTC Games (Luzon, NCR Leg and National Championships in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Reserved Command.

Tolentino signed the memorandum of agreement with Maj. Gen. Romulo Manuel, commander of Philippine Navy Reserve Command and Brig. Gen. Vicente Ronatay Jr , commander of the AFP Reserved Command for the ROTC Games 2024 in Tagaytay.

The sports fests are scheduled for the Luzon and NCR leg on July 28 to August 3, 2024 and August 18 to 24, 2024 for the National Championship stage.

Some 1,000 student-athletes are expected to compete in the games that will kick off at the Tagaytay City Oval on Sunday, July 28. Dennis Abrina

Group urges gov’t to boost broadband connectivity

A CONSUMER advocacy group urges the government to collaborate with the private sector to improve broadband connectivity to enhance the quality of education and catch up with the digital world.

“Another academic year is starting and alongside the usual issues of congested classrooms, poor infrastructure and inadequate facilities, digital readiness – non-readiness, in fact -- has become a glaring issue in Philippine schools. We need to act fast on this,” said CitizenWatch Philippines co-convenor lawyer Tim Abejo.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian in a recent public hearing pointed out that according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) data as of September 2022, only 1.8 percent of 47,421 public schools nationwide had access to free Wi-Fi, with the quality and speed of connections varying significantly.

“Those in urban areas have a distinct advantage while students in the rural areas lack reliable internet connection, if they have it in the first place,” Abejo said. Meanwhile, the approximately 14,000 private schools have a higher percentage of connectivity, with 85 percent having internet access due to better funding and resources, enabling them to invest in the necessary infrastructure and technologies.

Comelec employees rally behind Garcia; voter registration hits

House panel okays plan to divert idle GOCC funds

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday endorsed a plan by the Department of Finance (DOF) to tap billions of pesos in unused funds allotted for government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) to help agencies like the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) deliver much needed health and social services and other crucial public sector projects. “This initiative will re-channel billions of dormant funds to help millions of Filipinos enjoy better healthcare and social services, and bolster

economic activity by investing more in social services and infrastructure projects at no extra cost to government,” said the panel’s head, Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, whose committee is preparing for government’s submission of the 2025 National Expenditure Program.

The Department of Finance said the redirection of idle funds of GOCCs for public interest projects to alleviate poverty and foster economic growth is allowed under the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

As example, the DOF has identified the P500-billion reserve of the PhilHealth as among those that could be reallocated under strict legal

Speakers aid caravan in Leyte hits San Miguel town, enters 2nd week

THE aid caravan initiated by the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has provided various aid packages to 16,114 Leytenos as it continues to deliver assistance to disadvantaged residents of the province.

This developed as the aid caravan rolled out aid benefits to 2,000 qualified residents of the municipality of San Miguel, Leyte under the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displace Workers (TUPAD) during a payout held Tuesday morning at the town’s gym.

Each beneficiary received P4,050 for 10 days of work under the emergency employment program, or a total of P8.1 million in cash aid. “We remain committed to delivering

targeted assistance to our citizens in need, particularly in the province of Leyte, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision for ‘Bagong Pilipinas’,” sai Romualdez, Leyte’s first district representative and leader of the 308-strong House of Representatives.

The San Miguel aid payout was led by lawyer Mark Reyes, district chief of staff of Speaker Romualdez, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment, represented by DOLE North Leyte Field Office head Engr. Emmanuel Dela Cruz. They were assisted by San Miguel Mayor Norman Sabdao and several members of the municipal council. Maricel V. Cruz

guidelines without affecting PhilHealth operations. The use of PhilHealth reserves for other projects has been approved by the boards of entities like PhilHealth and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. Co stressed that the funds being transferred to the treasury are excess funds of GOCCs. “These are not derived from member contributions but are, in fact, unutilized funds provided by the national government. It is essential to understand that these funds are distinct and separate from any contributions made by PhilHealth members and are meant to be used for the country’s development” he explained.

By Vito Barcelo

TCommission on ElectionsEmployees’ Union (Comelec-EU) on Tuesday rallied behind their embattled boss, chairman George Erwin Garcia, amid allegations of graft linked to the poll body’s automation contract for the

ahead of next year’s polls.

“We agree with Chairman Garcia that this is a well-oiled demolition job that is clearly meant to erode the public’s trust on the automated election system. As election frontliners, we cannot stand by idly as our beloved institution and our leaders are maligned with allegations and insinuations that are so blatantly unfounded and absurd,” the union said.

It added that the allegations are a direct affront to the “credibility of the elections that we have worked so hard to uphold and preserve.”

Garcia is being linked to million-dollar foreign bank accounts, allegedly from South Korean firm Miru Systems, the accredited automation service provider for the 2025 polls. Garcia had vehemently denied the accusations.

Based on data as of July 13, a total of 4,565,405 applications have been processed since the resumption of registration on Feb. 12.

The regions with the most number of applicants were Region 4-A (Calabarzon) with 768,899; National Capital Region (Metro Manila) with 634,881; and Region 3 (Central Luzon) with 534,782.

The Cordillera Administrative Region remained at the bottom with 60,696 applicants. The poll body projected that about three million would apply for registration until sign-up ends in September. The target was already met in May.

FREE NOTEBOOKS. Students of the President Corazon Aquino High School in Port Area, Manila receive their notebooks free of charge, courtesy of the Manila City government ahead of the reopening of classes on July 29. Norman Cruz

NEW MMDA BUILDING COMING UP. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., incoming Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, and Malabon Mayor Jeannie Sandoval grace the ground-breaking for an annex building of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority that will serve as communications and command center, particularly for efficient monitoring of traffic situations in the

Capital Region. Manny Palmero

OPINION

Transparency should be the norm

GOOD corporate governance requires that records and processes are transparent and available to stakeholders.

Transparency also means stakeholders should be informed of key corporate decisions.

If we demand transparency and accountability as hallmarks of good governance in the public sphere, we should also demand this from the private sector.

We wish to underscore this close on the heels of the blistering heat we had to endure in the last three months that triggered a spike in energy demand and in turn led to the urgent need to boost electricity supply by as much as 3,000MW.

It is in the country’s main economic hub, the National Capital Region, where the energy supply must always be adequate. We rely on the Manila Electric Company or Meralco for our power needs.

The government requires Meralco to procure power supply through a competitive selection process based on the criterion of cost-effectiveness.

Hence, early this year, Meralco opened bids for additional power supply. What happened was that at least 2,400 MW out of 3,000 MW was snapped up by power plants running on natural gas.

But the bid winners only use imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of indigenous gas from the Malampaya reserve. Is there something amiss here?

Definitely, since imported LNG costs more than indigenous gas.

The preference for imported LNG that costs more will be reflected in higher monthly billings of Meralco customers. Meralco’s terms of reference for taking part in bidding for power supply agreements defined a qualified plant as one that is less than 10 years old.

This automatically disqualified power plants that are more than 10 years old but still operating efficiently on indigenous gas since the 2000s.

Newer plants fuelled by imported LNG were therefore qualified to bid for PSAs.

The clear preference for imported LNG raises serious concerns, especially since this is likely to lead to higher electricity costs.

The discrepancy between declared and actual costs remains hidden from the public, leading consumers to ultimately bear the burden of added expenses. The apparent favoritism towards newer power plants fuelled by imported LNG thus disqualified the more established plants running on local gas sources.

LNG imports mean additional expenses, including shipping and conversion costs that inflate the actual cost of producing electricity.

In March 2024, the effective rate of local gas barely reached PhP5 per kWh while the effective rate of imported LNG was more than PhP6 per kWh.

The records indicate in January 2024, the average cost of power generation us-

ing local gas was only a little over PhP5 per kWh and imported LNG at more than PhP7 per kWh.

In other words, the real cost of imported LNG is not clearly stipulated.

The cost of imported LNG cited in bids is only cost at port of origin, meaning it is priced as a raw material that it really is.

Undeclared, whether intentional or not, are the actual costs of importing LNG.

By the time it reaches Philippine shores, we’re told, LNG from foreign countries would have accumulated added costs from freight, shipping and the process of converting it from liquid to gas form usable for power generation.

The expense involved in this process is nearly as much or more than the basic cost of the fuel.

By the time imported LNG goes through the operational processes of power plants, its cost has more than doubled or at least tripled.

—“—

By exposing hidden costs and advocating for fair assessments of energy sources, we can hold stakeholders accountable and promote a more equitable energy landscape

Who would ultimately bear the burden of added expenses? The power consumers like you and me.

The plain truth is that using local gas for electricity generation is more costeffective than relying on imported LNG.

The systematic preference for imported fuel not only imposes financial burdens on consumers but also challenges the integrity of the bidding process within the CSP framework.

Transparency is paramount in rectifying these disparities.

By exposing hidden costs and advocating for fair assessments of energy sources, we can hold stakeholders accountable and promote a more equitable energy landscape.

What should be done?

The only rational course of action is to do away with the rules of the socalled competitive election process that features a built-in bias for imported liquefied natural gas.

There should be a mechanism that would ensure public oversight and accountability, uphold transparency in energy supply, and ultimately, protect the interests of ordinary consumers who have to contend with higher prices of goods and services at this point. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Biden campaign upended by Trump shooting, for now

WASHINGTON, DC – The assassination attempt on Donald Trump has forced Joe Biden’s campaign to dial down its attacks for now, with the US president admitting he was wrong to say his rival should be put in the “bullseye.” But Biden has more broadly defended his rhetoric describing his Republican predecessor as a threat to democracy, and is signaling he will not hold back for long while criticizing the man he beat in 2020. When Biden urged Americans to “lower the temperature” in a rare Oval Office speech on Sunday (Monday Manila time) after the Trump shooting, it seemed it could deprive him of his core attack line.

Just last week the 81-year-old had tried to pivot his campaign back on to his Republican rival, following weeks of turmoil in the Democratic Party over his age and health after a disastrous debate performance.

In the light of the Trump attack, Biden told broadcaster NBC on Monday that was a “mistake” to say in a call with donors a week ago that it was “time to put Trump in the bullseye.”

The Democrat said he had meant that the party should “focus on what he’s doing” instead of calling him to quit after the debate.

Republicans have pointed to the bull-

seye comment in particular as they accuse Biden himself of creating the political conditions that led a shooter to try to kill Trump -- ignoring their own candidate’s history of encouraging violence.

Biden also slammed Trump for pledging to pardon those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack by proTrump supporters and for joking about former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband being attacked with a hammer

But while Biden’s campaign has toned down its language in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Biden himself hinted that he would not hold back. “How do you talk about the threat to democracy, which is real, when a president says things like he says. Do you just not say anything because it may incite

Let’s save coastal communities

WITH the rainy season in the Philippines in its first gear, the country, which averages 20 typhoons a year, is once more on the waterfront facing rising sea level.

At the recent UN Security Council meeting on sea level rise and its implications for international peace and security, the Philippines, with a coastline of 36,289 kilometers, warned rising sea level threatens the stability of its boundaries.

The archipelago extends about 1,850 kilometers from north to south and almost 1,127 kilometers from east to west.

Ambassador and deputy permanent representative Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, chargé d’affaires of the Philippine mission to the United Nations, told the Council the convergence of scientific opinion should guide UN member states in pursuing a common security agenda on sea level rise.

He said the Philippines, with more than half of its cities and communi

ties along its coasts, is one of the most

vulnerable to sea level rise due to anthropogenic or man-made climate change, has observed sea level rise at 60 centimeters, about three times that of the global average.

Peñaranda noted the impacts of sea level rise threaten all the elements that encompass the national security of the Philippines.

This country of 115 million from Batanes to Tawi Tawi is expected to experience more frequent and severe flooding as a result of sea level rise and more frequent cyclones.

The challenge of rising sea level is within eye range and must not be ignored

According to the World Bank, its urban population is expected to account for 75 percent of the national population by 2035.

Available figures show the Philippines’ urban population for 2022 was 55,441,746, a 2.1 percent increase from 2021. Its urban population for 2021 was 54,302,696, a 2.1 percent increase from 2020.

Verily, the sovereignty and territo -

IN THE the annals of Philippine democracy, the party-list system was conceived as a bastion of hope, a mechanism to amplify the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented.

Enshrined in the noble intentions of Republic Act 7941, its promise was clear: to provide a platform for those sidelined by the powerful elites dominating traditional politics.

Yet, as we stand on the precipice of its 30th anniversary, the system meant to be a bastion of equity has devolved into a grotesque parody of its original purpose.

Promise betrayed

Enacted in 1995, the Party-list Law aimed to allocate 20 percent of congressional seats to parties representing sectors often ignored by mainstream politics: the impoverished, the indigenous, the voiceless.

It was a legislative leap towards inclusion, crafted to counterbalance the overwhelming influence of established political clans.

However, its journey from idealism to perversion has been swift and sinister.

Cacophony of corruption

Recent revelations, typified by the lamentations of Comelec Chairman George Garcia, reveal a stark reality: the party-list system has been hijacked by the very forces it sought to counter. Political dynasties, whose insatiable appetite for power knows no bounds, have woven a web of deception through loopholes in the law.

They exploit the system’s flexibility

somebody?” he told NBC.

“I have not engaged in that rhetoric. Now my opponent has engaged in that rhetoric, he talks about how there’ll be a bloodbath when he loses.”

He also slammed Trump for pledging to pardon those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack by pro-Trump supporters and for joking about former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband being attacked with a hammer.

‘Changes the calculus’

Facing repeated questions over Biden’s comment at a White House briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was “OK to speak to someone’s record, speak to someone’s character.”

Despite canceling a trip to Texas on Monday, Biden is continuing with a planned visit to the battleground state of Nevada, setting up a split-screen with Trump’s convention appearances.

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, political columnist Karen Tu-

to substitute nominees at will, rendering a mockery of electoral integrity.

What once harbored aspirations of justice now festers with the stench of opportunism.

The sinister deception unmasked

The malignancy runs deep.

The Supreme Court’s baffling rulings have catalyzed this decay, permitting nominees with scant connection to their supposed sectors to ascend to power.

This betrayal is not merely legalistic but moral, as those entrusted to uplift have instead conspired to exploit.

The mandate is clear: amend with purpose, enforce with vigilance, and reclaim the promise of the partylist system for those it was intended to serve

The statistics are damning: over half of the current party-list entities bear ties to established political clans or vested business interests, their purported advocacies mere facades for familial ambition and economic gain.

Arguments for abolition From every vantage point, the clarion call for abolition resounds with urgency.

multy wrote that there could “hardly be a worse moment for Biden to be compelled to redraw his strategy against Trump.”

The Trump shooting could, however, help Biden as he fights for his own political survival.

“Obviously this changes the calculus for people calling for Biden to stand down,” Peter Loge, a political scientist at George Washington University, told AFP.

“It buys Biden some time.”

The Democratic meltdown over Biden’s age following the debate had dominated the airwaves for weeks, but with the gunshots on Saturday the revolt over his candidacy fell abruptly silent.

Biden has also sought to strike a presidential tone over the shooting, coming out quickly to react on Saturday and addressing the nation Sunday in just the third Oval Office speech of his presidency.

rial integrity, the people’s well-being, core values and the way of life are being threatened especially in the coastal areas.

Given this scenario, disaster risk experts say poor urban planning and land use policies in Metro Manila, the country’s national capital region of 13 million, are factors that increase its vulnerability to climate change and deepen the inequalities among the population who live in the national capital and will affect their capacity to withstand shocks.

Engineering approaches, like the construction of sea walls and dikes, and flood control pumps, are necessary mitigations.

We agree with disaster risk experts who say the government should be taken to task if the communities these measures seek to protect were displaced or alienated in the process. Nature-based solutions, like planting mangroves to protect coastlines, should complement these engineering strategies, said Rosalie Reyes, who leads the Coastal Sea Level Rise Project Philippines that studied the sea level changes in the country’s coasts.

The challenge of rising sea level is within eye range and must not be ignored.

Philosophically, the system’s original ethos lies shattered, replaced by avarice and manipulation. Legally, amendments have proven inadequate against the onslaught of vested interests, necessitating radical reform.

Politically, the presence of dynastic elites distorts democratic representation, disenfranchising the very souls the system was sworn to empower. Towards redemption In this crucible of moral decay, redemption demands decisive action. Unity, not division, must guide us. Patriotic fervor must reignite the flames of reform, demanding legislative fortitude to dismantle the corrupted edifice and rebuild on principles of integrity and equity. The mandate is clear: amend with purpose, enforce with vigilance, and reclaim the promise of the party-list system for those it was intended to serve.

As we confront this dark chapter in Philippine democracy, the echoes of betrayal reverberate through the halls of power. Let us heed the warning signs of history and summon the courage to act. The marginalized await our deliverance from the clutches of deception. Let justice prevail, and let our unity as a nation triumph over the shadows cast by the powerful few. As we stand at the threshold of reform, the imperative is clear. The challenge to eradicate injustice is urgent, and the restoration of hope compels us to stand resolute.

But if the shooting could unify Democrats, it could also doom Biden’s reelection bid, with the president already behind in most polls.

Iconic images of a bloodied Trump waving his fist after the shooting are already galvanizing Republican hopes that voters will further rally behind him for a landslide victory in November. Loge, however said there may be little effect as “a lot of voters see Trump as too nuts and Biden as too old, and an assassination attempt doesn’t change that.”

He added that focusing on the immediate impact of the shooting on the campaigns was the “wrong question” and missed the wider need to tackle the threats and violence plaguing US politics.

“If we make political violence part of a campaign strategy we miss the point of political violence, and we end up kind of normalizing it,” he said. AFP

Betrayal of the marginalized

Tulfo wants Senate probe on PH airport problems

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo

is pushing for an urgent Senate investigation on the problems hounding airports in the Philippines.

Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Services, filed on July 15 Senate Resolution No. 1069 to investigate the issues hounding the country’s gateways. Among these problems, Tulfo said, include the long passenger lines and persistent malfunctioning of electronic gates at the Ni-

noy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), causing some travelers to miss their flights.

Tulfo said that he also found out that airport e-gates scanners for arriving passengers often fail to read passports and boarding passes. Due to this, passengers are forced to queue for manual processing instead, which doubles the time spent at the counters, he said, adding that this can also cause passengers to fail to catch their connecting flights.

Commotions also occur at the airport since passengers who are weary from their overseas journey start to get mad or argue with others in the queue, he said.

Tulfo noted that the experience is similar for departing passengers who were not able

Gabriela rep Brosas eyes Senate seat in 2025 polls

By Maricel V. Cruz

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas on Tuesday announced her bid for a Senate seat in the 2025 elections.

“I am deeply grateful to the Committee of 100 Women—representing various sectors and professions—who will lead the charge in bringing Gabriela from Congress to the Senate,” Brosas stated.

Brosas said her senatorial bid is backed by a diverse coalition of women leaders and various women’s groups across the country.

“This decision is driven by the urgent need to defend women’s rights against the ongoing onslaught of patriarchal and anti-women policies,” the female legislator said.

Brosas, with over two decades of experience as an activist and eight years as a representative in Congress, emphasized the urgency to field genuine leaders given the current socio-political climate and the intensifying attacks on women’s rights and welfare.

“The unprecedented crisis doubly burdening women, the severe oppression and discrimination, and the various forms of state-sponsored violence give me even greater determination to serve the oppressed and those in need,” she declared. “We are witnessing a systematic attempt to roll back hard-won gains for women’s rights, and we must resist this with all our might.”

PH, Australia team up on Islamic schools dev’t plan

By Rachelle Tonelada

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with Australian counterparts on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Madrasah Education Strategic Plan.

The landmark agreement paves the way for inclusive education in Islamic schools within the region, the DepEd said.

Historically, education in Muslim Mindanao has faced significant challenges. The Islamic context was not integrated into the existing K-12 curriculum used in the BARMM. Additionally, madaris (Islamic schools) do not receive sufficient

subsidies and budgets compared to state schools. Many madaris in the Philippines also struggle with poor educational facilities and buildings that are not conducive to learning. The new BARMM Madrasah Education Strategic Plan aims to standardize madrasah education by strengthening “quality, accessibility, and inclusivity,” the DepEd said. Once implemented, the plan seeks to improve key priority areas in madrasah education. These include increasing the enrolment of Bangsamoro learners by 30%, aligning all learning materials for every subject with the new curriculum, and increasing the number of madaris with permits to operate by 15%.

IN BRIEF

Groups slam DOJ on tobacco donation

HEALTH advocates were dismayed by the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent legal opinion that tobacco industry donations to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other government agencies are “acceptable.”

Rebie Relator, president of Parents Against Vape (PAV), described this opinion as “alarming,” and expressed concern about “public health and the people’s welfare taking a backseat.” The group also described it as a dangerous irony, given that tobacco use is a leading cause of seven out of the top ten non-communicable diseases in the Philippines.

Former Health Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral noted how the opinion detracts from the Philippines’ national and international commitments. “This is against civil service rules and Articles 5.3 and 13 of the WHO FCTC,” Cabral said.

Dr Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, said tobacco companies have been known to donate medical supplies, support grassroots non-profit organizations, and provide funding for development-oriented projects in a bid to buy credibility and polish their public image.

The DOJ noted that the Joint Memorandum Circular by the Civil Service Commission and the Department of Health, prohibiting unnecessary interactions with the tobacco industry, only applies to individual government officials and not government institutions. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Mindoro, Cotabato ood plans completed

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of two flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro and North Cotabato province with a combined project cost of P154.53 million.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that the project involves the completion of a 95.48-lineal meter concrete revetment pavement that will mitigate the risks of flooding and water overflowing to low-lying communities in Barangay San Luis, Oriental Mindoro, protecting agricultural lands, livestock, and other infrastructure properties.

The completed project is one of the numerous flood mitigation interventions that the department has established along the Bucayao River, including the construction of flood control projects in the essential areas of the municipalities of Calapan and Naujan.

Meanwhile, travelers are now safer from rockfall and soil erosion with the recently completed installation of a road slope protection structure along a major thoroughfare in the municipality of President Roxas, North Cotabato province.

Prone to landslides during rainy days, the road section has been closed frequently, causing inconvenience to students, delivery truck drivers, and employees traversing the road daily. Vito Barcelo

to board their international flights due to prolonged immigration screenings. Adding to their burden are a number of non-operational escalators, walkalators, carousels, and tubes.

Tulfo lamented that “passengers are the ones carrying the burden of the inconvenience, as they had to spend extra money to re-book their tickets and stay extra hours at the airport’s lobby, even when they are not the ones at fault.”

As such, he urged airport authorities to post signages at the Arrival and Departure areas of the airport terminals, informing passengers of their rights in cases of missed flights due to immigration lines and other boarding problems.

Defense chief: Continuous resupply mission in WPS

THE government will conduct continuous Rotation and Resupply (RORE) missions to BRP Sierra Madre in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of National Defense (DND) said. This is after Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad’s explanation that the last RORE mission in the area was the Ayungin clash incident.

DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Tuesday said the department is waiting for guidance from the National Maritime Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs for the next RORE mission.

“Right now, we are going to do the RORE as routinely as possible but we will wait for the National Maritime Council to give us the appropriate guidance, in terms of timing, and the DFA and the NMC,” Teodoro said.

There is no date yet for the next RORE mission but Teodoro believes the DFA is well aware of what to do next amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The DND chief acknowledged that there is a need to rotate troops stationed on BRP SIerra Madre but that those there “can stay and to defend it as long as possible.” Rex Espiritu

A8 SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Benilde

clips pesky Letran, bags Shakey’s volley bronze

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde turned to Wewe Estoque in the nip-and-tuck deciding frame to defeat pesky Letran in a thrilling 23-25, 25-14, 19-25, 25-20, 1715, marathon Game 2 escape to bag the bronze medal in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The wing spiker scored the Lady Blazers’ last four points capped by back-to-back aces to complete a sweep of the best-of-three series.

CSB, the reigning three-peat NCAA champion, clawed its way back from a 1-2 match deficit for its first-ever podium finish in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Team Rebel Sports and Mikasa. Estoque scored two of the Lady Blazer’s three unanswered points in the fifth set that gave her squad a 13-12 lead but the Lady Knights fired back with consecutive hits from Nizelle Martin and Gia Maquilang that pushed Letran at matchpoint.

Lady Knights middle blocker Angelique Ledesma committed an error in the next play that extended the set before Maquilang scored on a kill for the matchpoint advantage.

Estoque knotted the game at 15 off a tip before sealing the deal at the service line to finish off the same team CSB beat in the NCAA Season 99 finals.

Rhea Densing fired 24 points off 20 kills and four kill blocks, Estoque had 18 points while Zamantha Nolasco and Clydel Catarig added 14 markers apiece for the Lady Blazers, who took the series opener, 21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, last Monday.

“Nagtiwala lang kami sa sarili at sa team and teamwork din. Kung ano ang mali namin sa court pinag-uusapan namin na kailangan naming dumepensa kasi ‘yun ang kulang namin and sa opensa din,” said Densing, who scored four of CSB’s last five points in the fourth set that shattered a 20-20 deadlock to force a fifth set.

Suzuki forges 3-way tie for Splendido lead

LAUREL, Batangas – Daiya Suzuki birdied the 18th hole, delivering an eaglespiked 67 to catch Clyde Mondilla and Min Seong Kim at the helm at the start of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Championship here yesterday (Tuesday).

Mondilla and Kim had earlier endured last-hole mishaps on opposite nines to match five-under cards under preferred lies, enabling Suzuki to gain a share of the lead in what promises to be a wild, wide-open battle for glory in the $2 million championship marking the resumption of the Philippine Golf Tour after a five-week hiatus.

Aidric Chan rattled off six birdies after a bogey start, showcasing a stellar performance since topping the PGT Q-School. However, the former national team standout closed out with another bogey on the 18th to card a 68, slipping to joint second with Angelo Que and Tae Soo Kim, who both matched 32-36 nines.

Que, winner at the Philippine Masters, also marked his round with an eagle on No. 2, while Tae Soo Kim shot eight birdies, including four straight from the second, against four bogeys.

Building on the momentum of his pro-am victory on Monday, Tony Lascuña birdied seven of the first 11 holes in breezy conditions under varying skies. However, he faltered with three straight bogeys from No. 12 and though he recovered his composure with a birdie on the 15th, the four-time Order of Merit winner overshot the demanding par-3 17th and ended up with a double-bogey for a 69. He dropped to joint seventh with Fidel Concepcion, who parred the last nine holes for a 33-36.

Tolentino: PH will surpass Tokyo haul

TEAM Philippines will surpass its best-ever showing, achieved in the Olympic Games in Tokyo three years ago.

This was the fearless forecast of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol” Tolentino, who was both fearless and realistic with his projection for the coming Paris Olympics.

“Definitely, we will deliver. Definitely, we will surpass Tokyo (Olympics),” Tolentino told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Team Philippines reached its highest point in the Olympics three years ago in Tokyo when it won its first gold courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz on top of two silvers and a bronze courtesy of boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial.

Tolentino said everything points to a similar or better medal haul in Paris, where 22 Filipino athletes led by world No. 2 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and world

champion gymnast Carlos Yulo and the fivestrong boxing team will shoot for fame, fortune and glory along with other athletes in track and field, gymnastics, weightlifting, swimming, rowing, golf and fencing.

Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Roman Prospero

The Filipino athletes are no longer lacking in support, training and motivation unlike during the years when the country couldn’t win any medal — of any color — in the Olympics.

Members of Team Philippines have spent the past couple of weeks in Metz in France, which is only 90 minutes by train to Paris, and 30 minutes by land to Germany and Belgium, for the last phase of their training and acclimatization.

“With this template, with this preparation, we will deliver,” said Tolentino during the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment in the Philippines.

The Paris Olympics will take place from July 26 to Aug. 11, and based on schedule, Yulo will get the chance to deliver the first medal for the country in the

French capital.

“One week na lang. Excited na lahat. May mga hindi na makatulog,” said Tolentino.

The POC chief, who was in charge when the country won four medals in Tokyo, expects a similar or even better haul this time.

“Pinaka-magandang conservative (forecast) is that we will surpass the Tokyo (haul). Actually, we surpassed the number of athletes from 19 to 22. My target was 25 if cycling and skateboarding (made it). Kung pumasok ang basketball ibang usapan,” he said.

“But definitely we will surpass Tokyo. Bahala na kayo kung one gold, two golds or three golds basta ma- surpass natin ‘yung Tokyo. We’re all excited. Iba na ‘yung mood ng athletes, level up na lahat. So, I’d like to thank the Philippine Sports Commission and our private partners and the Office of the President,” said the POC chief.

Jordan tops 1st Newgen-ABP Golf Invitational

ASIALINK

CEO Robert Jordan emerged as the overall champion of the first Newgen-ASEAN Business Partners Golf Invitational held at Manila Southwoods’ Legends course in Carmona, Cavite last weekend, finishing with a net 69 and securing victory via a lower handicap.

Singer-artist Chad Borja clinched the Class A title with a net 69, edging out ABP CEO Jun de Dios, who posted a net 71, while Carlo Enanosa claimed the Class B trophy with a net 72, nipping fellow Union Bank official AJ Atienza, who scored a net 73, in the 18hole tournament.

The event saw almost full participation from invited guests, featuring 46 top executives and industry leaders from major organizations such as GSIS, Union Bank, RCBC, Philippine National Bank (PNB), BDO Life, Insular Life, Malayan Insurance, Allianz PNB, Etiqa Insurance, First Philippine

Lee shines in challenging conditions, leads by 1

LAUREL, Batangas—Young Jiwon

Lee lived up to her promise and potential, overcoming a late stumble with a crucial birdie on the last hole, salvaging a 73 and a one-stroke lead over Florence Bisera after the first 18 holes of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Championship here yesterday.

Building on her previous success at the Lakewood Championship, which she won as an amateur, Lee took charge midway through the round with a frontside 35. However, she encountered challenges with bogeys on Nos. 13, 15, and 17, exposing some vulnerabilities in the game of the 16-year-old Korean.

Nevertheless, Lee regained her composure and birdied the tough finishing hole to separate herself from flightmate Bisera, who had mounted her own comeback with

back-to-back birdies from No. 15.

The Davaoeña finished with a 74, securing her position as the main challenger in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI.

“I really wanted to finish at twounder today after a strong frontside 35. But unfortunately, I made several bogeys on the back nine. The greens were very challenging,” said Lee.

The change in weather also impacted her performance, differing from her experience when she won the Junior PGT Luzon Series 1 last May.

“With the rainy weather, the ground is very soft, and the greens don’t offer much roll. The course plays longer under these conditions, making it more difficult,” Lee said.

Boasting drives of 240-250 yards, Lee plans to improve in the next two rounds, emphasizing the importance

of staying on the fairways to avoid the difficulties of the rough.

Marvi Monsalve, who initially led with a birdie on No. 10, stayed close to Lee despite bogeys on Nos. 16, 18 and 1. She battled through the winds and birdied Nos. 2 and 7 but faltered with a double bogey on the ninth, missing a chance to share the lead.

Holdings Group, National Development Corporation, various fintechs, and many others.

The tournament transcended the sport itself, serving as a melting pot for ideas and innovations. Discussions centered on cutting-edge AI solutions poised to revolutionize the digital landscape in the Philippines.

“The event offered an ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations about the future of technology and business integration,” said Pramod Kumar, Head of Business – APAC, Newgen Software. “Newgen Software and ASEAN Business Partners remain committed to leading digital transformation across the region.”

The success of the tournament marked the beginning of a series of initiatives designed to integrate these technologies, setting the stage for a future where AI plays a crucial role in business transformation.

to finish with a 76, ty-

“The weather is very challenging, with constantly changing wind directions,” said Monsalve, who fell to joint third with Chihiro Ikeda, who recorded a 38-37. Mikha Fortuna briefly held the lead with an even-par score after 12 holes. However, the Match Play Championship winner last year struggled with the challenges of Splendido Taal, bogeying four of the last six

POC president Bambol Tolentino

The College of Saint Benilde Lady Generals celebrate after beating the pesky Letran Lady Knights and securing the bronze medal in the 2024 Shakey’s

Robert Jordan (second from right) holds his trophy as he poses with (from left) Chad Borja, Pramod Kumar, vice president and head of Business –APAC Newgen Software, and Group CEO and ABP founder Sumit Dutta during awards rites.

Daiya Suzuki Manny Marcelo

holes

Jiwon Lee Manny Marcelo ing for fifth with Kayla Nocum. Nocum, who had a promising start with a one-over card after 10 holes, also stumbled in the final stretch, conceding three strokes in the last five holes for a pair of 38s.

BUSINESS

SMIC taps 6 foreign, local banks to arrange dollar bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE SM Invest-

ments Corp. (SMIC) said Tuesday it mandated four foreign and two local banks to arrange a series of fixedincome investor meetings for its planned offshore bond offering.

SMIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it tapped HSBC, J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS as joint lead managers and joint book runners, together with BDO Capital Corp. and Chinabank Capital as joint lead managers to conduct investor meetings in Asia and Europe beginning July 16.

SMIC said a US dollar-denominated benchmark-sized Regulation

S offering of five-year senior notes by SMIC SG Holdings Pte. Ltd. may follow, subject to market conditions. The notes are expected to be drawn from the company’s $3-billion Euro

Medium Term Note (EMTN) program. The notes are guaranteed by SMIC. SMIC and its property unit SM Prime Holdings Inc. created in May 2024 a $3-billion EMTN program to fund expansion plans.

Meanwhile, SMIC said it bagged seven prestigious awards at the 14th Asian Excellence Awards, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine.

These accolades, SMIC said, highlight its unwavering commitment to corporate excellence, environmental stewardship, and sustainable business practices.

“We are deeply honored by these recognitions. They motivate us to serve our customers better, create more value for our shareholders, and create greater impact in the communities we serve,” said SMIC president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio.

Aguda steps down as UnionDigital CEO B3

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue

(BIR) said Tuesday it started the collection of withholding taxes on online platforms on July 15, 2024 after a 90day grace period.

“No more extensions will be given after the previous 90-day extension under RMC [Revenue Memorandum Circular] No. 55-2024,” BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said in a statement.

“Electronic marketplace operators will begin imposing withholding tax against their sellers/merchants start-

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

“We have shaved

from 6.3 percent to 6.1

which is in light of the

that comes out in the

[quarter] of the year. So as I said before, we are always looking at the data very closely and reviewing them” AMRO chief economist Hoe Ee Khor said in a briefing for the

AMRO shaves 2024 PH growth forecast to 6.1% on

group’s July 2024 quarterly update.

The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Philippines expanded 5.7 percent in the first quarter, below the government’s target range of 6 percent to 7 percent for the year.

AMRO also cut the 2025 GDP growth outlook for the Philippines

to 6.3 percent from 6.5 percent. The group said this might be further revised depending on the data in the second half of 2024. It said the infrastructure gap is one of the weaknesses of the Philippine economy. “I think the government is very conscious of that and is trying to fill the gap. Unfortunately, I think the fiscal space has been used up to some extent during the pandemic, but our assessment is that there’s still a moderate business space in the Philippines and that they need to probably get more foreign investments to help complement

BIR begins collection of withholding taxes from online sellers

ing July 15, 2024. We have already extended this by 90 days. No further extensions will be given,” he said.

The BIR granted a 90-day extension, prior to RMC No. 79-2024. The previous extension was given in recognition of the compliance needed with the policies or requirements of other government agencies and to give the affected parties an opportunity to adjust with the provisions of RMC 16-2023.

“Withholding tax is not a new tax. It’s merely a system of taxation where taxes are collected at source, which will be credited against the total in-

come tax liability of the sellers/merchants,” Lumagui said.

He said the BIR aimed to level the playing field between brick-and- mortar stores, which are regularly complying with their tax obligations, and online market places.

“Whether their business is operated online or through physical stores, sellers and merchants have to pay their taxes,” he said.

RR No. 16-2023 and RMC No. 8-2024 are the regulations issued by the BIR that explain the withholding tax of online sellers. It covers the definitions, taxations and the obligations

of online sellers and online platforms on the withholding tax system.

The BIR said earlier that smallscale online sellers with annual transactions below half a million would be exempted from the creditable withholding tax under Revenue Regulation No. 16-2023 and RMC 8-2024.

This is in relation to the creditable withholding tax of 1 percent on one-half of the gross remittances by e-marketplace operators and digital financial services providers to sellers/ merchants for the goods or services sold/paid through their platform/facility.

BOI hikes 2024 investment target to P1.6t

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) is revising its 2024 target investment approvals to P1.6 trillion from P1.5 trillion, following a strong first-half performance and a robust pipeline of projects eyed for registration.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary and BOI chairman Ceferino Rodolfo expressed confidence in achieving the revised target, citing a significant P1 trillion worth of projects in the pipeline and continued aggressive investment promotions.

“On top of that, approved green lane projects had investments climbing to P2.33 trillion as of June 20,

domestic savings,” Khor said. Khor said the investment climate in the Philippines remained more restrictive than other countries in the region. “We see there are some steps they can take to liberalize the measures and manage to attract quite a bit of investments in the first half of this year. We think the policy measures by the government will continue to attract more investment, and also the improvement in infrastructure gap will help to lift the growth potential,” Khor said.

NEDA approves longer Laguna Lakeshore road

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the adjustments to three key transportation infrastructure projects.

The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., approved modifications to the phase 1 scope of the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project, which now includes the development of connecting roads and interchanges in various locations. These locations encompass Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa City, San Pedro, Biñan and Cabuyao in Laguna. Initially approved in 2021, the project entails the construction of a 37.5-kilometer primary road and a 12.0-kilometer viaduct from Lower Bicutan, Taguig to Tunasan, Muntinlupa, along with a 25.5-kilometer shoreline viaduct and embankment from Tunasan, Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna. Upon its completion in 2027, this project is expected to stimulate economic activity in the National Capital Region, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.

“The NEDA Board recognizes the significant potential of this project in reducing transportation constraints on existing road networks, promoting economic development in the region, and providing safer, more convenient, and faster travel for road users coming from the north and south to various tourist and business destinations in Laguna and nearby provinces,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. Darwin G. Amojelar

NexGen rides RE wave, raises P504m from IPO

NEXGEN Energy Corp. listed its shares on the Philippine Stock Exchange, capitalizing on renewable energy wave.

NexGen, owned by the Tiu family, is the sixth renewable energy firm to list on the local bourse in the past four years. It raised P504 million in proceeds from the sale of 300 million primary common shares at P1.68 apiece. It was listed on the Small and Medium Enterprise board of the PSE under the trading symbol “XG”.

NexGen president Eric Peter Roxas said during the listing ceremony Tuesday the IPO supports the company’s thrust to diversify, grow and expand to other more complex and renewable technologies such as floating solar, onshore wind and offshore wind and to provide future generations renewable, sustainable and secure power supply.

“The successful race for our IPO is a testament of support and confidence of given to us by our shareholders. Although our IPO is a small issue, the funds raised will jumpstart a basket of projects with our target of developing over 1,600 megawatts composed of several solar energy service contracts and 12 energy service contracts,” Roxas said.

Meanwhile, PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon welcomed NexGen as the first renewable energy company to list on the SME board.

Monzon said NexGen’s IPO serves as a reminder to other small companies that the SME Board is a very practical and feasible listing route.

“This market debut may just be the beginning of even more exciting things to come for XG, whose goal is to scale its assets to contribute to the growth of the wind and solar industry and address the challenges of climate change by supplying clean and sustainable energy,” Monzon said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PH stocks snap 3-day rally amid profit-taking

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks succumbed to profittaking after three days of gains.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index slid by 22.28 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 6,667.09, while the broader all-shares index shed 8.29 points, or 0.23 percent, to settle at 3,585.93.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi corrected slightly lower—a healthy profit-taking after rising for three straight trading days.

A-FLOW Properties I Corp. (AFLOW), a joint venture of AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. (ALLHC) and FLOW Digital Infrastructure, secured a P2.4-billion loan from Land Bank of the Philippines.

The loan represents the first tranche of a P10.8-billion 10-year financing facility for A-FLOW.

The funds are earmarked for the construction of inaugural phase of A-FLOW’s expansive data center campus in Biñan, Laguna. The initial phase aims to deliver a robust 6-megawatt IT capacity spread across three state-of-the-art buildings and set to commence operations by year-end.

“This agreement signifies our unwavering commitment to establishing the foremost carrier-neutral data center campus in the Philippines,” said A-FLOW president Amandine Wang.

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), the parent company of ALLHC, said in a statement the collaboration between A-FLOW and LandBank signifies a milestone in fostering innovation and sustainable growth, underscoring the transformative power of publicprivate partnerships in achieving national development goals.

As the project progresses, stakeholders anticipate its pivotal role in

fortifying the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for digital innovation and economic growth.

“Ayala Land is proud to be participating in this new opportunity leveraging our land and our lucrative abilities to contribute to the country’s move towards a digital economy,”

ALI president and chief executive and ALLHC chairman Anna Ma. Margarita Dy said.

“Like any other infrastructure project, capital is key. So, we thank LandBank for the P10.8 billion loan facility to A-FLOW, a critical enabler for this project,” she said.

LandBank president and chief executive Ma. Lynette Ortiz also expects A-FLOW’s project, the first data center to be financed by the bank, to yield significant economic benefits.

“In this era of rapid digitalization, we are likewise ready to drive investments into the local data center market, alongside other sectors contributing to our nation’s technological progress,” she said.

ALLHC teamed up with FLOW, a regional platform providing customized solutions to meet the growing demand for digital infrastructure in Asia-Pacific in 2022, to develop data centers across the country. Jenniffer B. Austria

Ricafort said the bellwether also fell, after the failed assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump boosted his chances of being elected later this year, which could lead to higher inflation due to higher tariffs on some US imports from China.

Ricafort said reports of higher electricity rates and possible lower target for local electronic exports also affected investor sentiment.

Except for the property index which climbed 1.73 percent, all sub-indices ended in the red.

Financials dropped 1.33 percent, followed by services and mining and oil which declined 0.85 percent and 0.57 percent, respectively.

Newly-listed firm NexGen Energy Corp. closed higher by 1.79 percent

on its maiden listing to close at P1.71 despite the market’s decline.

Value turnover reached P4.96 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers with total net inflows amounting to P304.96 million. Meanwhile, Asian markets fluctuated Tuesday as rising expectations that Donald Trump will return to the White House played up against fresh hopes that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at least once this year.

Traders struggled to extend gains on Wall Street, where the Dow chalked up its first record since May, while the dollar rose with Treasury yields on speculation that another Trump tariff battle with China and likely tax cuts could push inflation higher. With AFP

Prime Infra waste unit’s financing deal with HSBC wins ‘Green Project of the Year’

PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc. and its waste business unit, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PWS), received the “Green Project of the Year” from The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2024 for their project financing transaction with HSBC.

Prime Infra and PWS were recognized for utilizing a green loan from HSBC to finance its acquisition and transformation of a waste management facility in Cebu.

Prime Infra head of treasury Emma Villa del Rey and treasury manager Kaila Marie Almendarez received the award during a ceremony in Singapore on July 9, 2024.

“This award affirms our commitment to partnering with organizations who have a strong sustainability

MANILA Water Co. Inc. aims to expand its services to more than 700,000 additional Taguig customers with the construction of the P577-million Long Term East 3 (LTE 3) Ruhale-Bambang Felix Line.

The 3.45-kilometer Ruhale-Bambang Felix Line pipelaying project will pass through the areas of Ruhale M. Natividad, Bambang Felix, DM Cruz, F. Manalo, Bantayan Extension and Cayetano Blvd. and will provide potable and continuous water supply to the

agenda. We are grateful to HSBC for providing the support needed to initiate our agenda of delivering proper and modern waste management solutions,” said Prime Infra president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci.

The Green Project of the Year award cited HSBC as the transaction’s green loan structuring bank and sole lender, and Picazo Buyco Tan Fider & Santos as the legal adviser.

PWS was established in response to the increasing demand for proper waste management and resource recovery solutions in industrialized and fast-growing cities in the Philippines.

Using state-of-the-art equipment for waste segregation and storage, PWS’ modern materials recovery facility (MRF) in Cebu processes 1,000 tons of municipal solid waste daily.

barangays of Calzada, Hagonoy, IbayoTipas, Napindan, Palingon, Sta. Ana, Tuktukan, Wawa and Ligi Tipas.

It is projected to convey an additional 200 million liters per day of treated water coming from new water sources to Taguig, Pateros, Pasig and portions of Paranaque as part of long-term supply augmentation.

The company is using a conventional open-cut pipelaying methodology with trenchless pipelaying for some segments of the project to minimize its im-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission partially granted Ingrid Power Holdings Inc.’s motion to reconsider its five-year ancillary services procurement agreement with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. The ERC increased the allowable recovery for IPHI to P4.19 per kilowatt-hour from the previous P1.50, citing concerns raised by the company.

IPHI said the higher rate would ensure the plant’s viability amid increased costs.

The regulator had previously granted interim relief to IPHI and NGCP to implement their agreement for the 179.824-megawatt Pililia Diesel Power Plant in Rizal, subject to approved rates and conditions.

The approval doesn’t affect the evaluation of NGCP’s compliance with the Department of Energy’s ancillary service-competitive selection process.

IPHI said the ERC’s initial order substantially reduced and capped the rates, differing from its bid and the basis for NGCP’s award. The company argued the ERC’s denial of adjustments in variable operations and maintenance costs would force it to absorb losses and risks not contemplated in the agreement.

IPHI’s motion said its rates shouldn’t be compared with older agreements because of different conditions.

pact on daily road users. About 180 pipes with 1400-millimeter diameters have already been laid along Ruhale to Natividad streets and along Cayetano to Bantayan streets. “This project in Taguig is a testament to Manila Water’s commitment to securing robust water service to our evergrowing customer base. The LTE3 Ruhale-Bambang Felix Line will be a vital part of Metro Manila’s water security,” Manila Water corporate communication affairs group director Jeric Sevilla said.

GASTRONOMY FORUM. Tourism Secretary Ma. Christina Garcia Frasco (fifth from left), together with Mang Inasal team, attends the 1st United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy

DOE, ADB in talks to support more geothermal projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are in talks with financing institutions to support geothermal projects and establish a geothermal resource de-risking facility (GDRF).

“[We are] under discussion with various financial and agencies that can be partners. What we are de-risking is the most expensive, the riskiest part of geothermal development which is really the exploration. Part of that is the de-

Cebu Pacific rolls out piso fare for Clark flights

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific has rolled out piso fare for flights departing from Clark International Airport, which is reopening routes to several domestic destinations.

The low-cost airline said that from July 15 to July 22, 2024, passengers may book flights from Clark to select domestic destinations for as low as P1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will run from Oct. 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

The promo includes flights between Clark and Puerto Princesa starting Oct. 2, 2024 as well as flights between Clark and General Santos and Iloilo that will restart on Oct. 21, 2024. Travelers may also choose flights between Clark and Davao, which will start on Oct. 22, 2024.

Passengers may use their existing travel funds to book flights and avail of add-ons. Cebu Pacific also offers multiple payment options, including payment centers, credit or debit cards and e-wallets.

Cebu Pacific flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

The airline announced on July 2 that it signed a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft for $24 billion or P1.4 trillion based on list prices, the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

With Joel E. Zurbano

risking tool that we will be using. When we find the ideal partner for de-risking, then we will launch it,” DOE assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol said. Under the project brief, the proponents are looking for an entity that

would house the GDRF, with stateowned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), National Development Co. (NDC) and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp.

“The study is almost complete so we’re just looking for a partner financing or an agency that will co-manage the fund or the facility…The general framework is private financing, and we want to address the risk through de-risking tool. A sort of a guarantee for the project,” Capongol said.

The proposed GRDF will share exploration drilling cost with qualifying private developers to de-risk geothermal resourc-

es at the pre-development stage.

Geothermal exploratory drilling costs up to $5 million per megawatt based on industry estimates.

The DOE will arrange funding to capitalize the facility with the support of ADB as its anchor partner.

The cost-shared mechanism, through the Resource Risk Mitigation Window, will cover a proportion of the exploration drilling costs (test and confirmation wells including associated investments/activities) to incentivize developers to proceed with resource confirmation by reducing their exposure to potential financial loss.

INFRA DEALS. Security Bank Corp. vice president and relationship manager Martin Joseph Leones receives on behalf of the bank the Telecom Deal of the Year at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2024 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore on July 9, 2024. Security Bank also wins the Transport Deal of the Year for its role as one of the senior syndicated term lenders of P100 billion to complete San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) Mass Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) project.

Aguda quits as UnionDigital president, CEO

By Jenniffer B. Austria

UNION Digital Bank said Tuesday its board accepted the resignation of Henry Aguda as president and chief excutive effective Aug. 1, 2024.

Aguda will hand over the leadership of UnionDigital to Danilo Mojica II, currently a director of the UnionDigital board. Mojica brings with him over 35 years of local and international C-level corporate and consulting experience in various fields and industries like FMCG, airline, telecommunications, financial services and in financial technologies.

“We respect Henry’s decision to pursue opportunities that are more aligned to his personal development goals, and we wish him the best. Our appointment of Bong, who is close to UnionDigital’s business and operations as a board director, will ensure continuity and the uninterrupted execution of the bank’s plans for growth and its strategic initiatives,” said Justo Ortiz, chairman of UnionDigital board of directors.

Aguda also submitted his resignation as senior executive vice president of Union Bank of the Philippines. This was also accepted by the UnionBank board and will be effective Oct. 1, 2024, to allow Aguda to have enough time for an effective turnover and transition to Mojica as UnionDigital president and CEO successor.

UnionDigital is one of the six Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinaslicensed digital banks in the Philippines and is a subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines.

PCIC asked to modernize operations, develop affordable crop insurance

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE

Secretary

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called on the state-run Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to modernize its operations and develop more affordable insurance products and services tailored to the needs of farmers, fishermen and livestock raisers.

The PCIC, which recently returned to the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) purview, should prioritize digitalization, technology upgrades and innovative insurance product development, according to Tiu Laurel.

The agency, with an annual budget of P4.5 billion, focuses on indemnifying insurance claims,

The proposal sought to better protect the agency’s vital sectors from natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other risks.

Green energy advocacy groups, communities and multisectoral representatives launch a campaign to put up 10 million solar rooftops across the Philippines as a call for cheaper and more reliable electricity. Manny Palmero

Various groups launch 10 million solar rooftop challenge

GREEN energy advocacy groups, communities and multisectoral representatives on Tuesday launched an ambitious initiative urging the widespread adoption of solar rooftop to combat rising electricity costs and other power problems. The 10 Million Solar Rooftop Challenge, unveiled at the “Summit for Clean and Affordable Renewable Energy” in Quezon City, calls on businesses, government agencies, organizations, schools, establishments, churches, offices, individuals, households and agencies to contribute to or promote the installation of 10 million solar rooftops nationwide through multisectoral collaboration.

The groups estimate that with an average capacity of 1 kilowatt per solar rooftop, the challenge could generate at least 10 gigawatts of

clean energy directly accessible to households and communities, surpassing one-third of the country’s current installed capacity.

“The Philippines boasts abundant renewable energy potential, including 91 gigawatts from solar rooftops alone. Many communities and organizations are already harnessing solar power to reduce electricity costs compared to fossil fuel-based generation. This challenge highlights these citizen efforts while seeking our national leaders’ urgent support for Filipinos’ aspirations for more affordable and reliable electricity,” said Avril De Torres, deputy executive director of the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development.

The challenge comes amid rising electricity rates. Manila Electric Co. this month announced a

rate hike of more than P2 kilowatthour on increased fossil fuel and spot market costs, translating into a P430 increase for households consuming 200 kilowatt-hours.

De Torres said while no specific timeline was set, a commissioned report projected a 25-gigawatt contribution from solar rooftops by 2030.

Solar rooftops can generate significant savings, with a 1-kilowatt system estimated to save households about P16,800 annually. Senator Loren Legarda, coauthor of the Renewable Energy Law of 2008, expressed support for the 10 Million Solar Rooftops Challenge, calling it a pivotal step toward energy independence, environmental protection, and economic resilience.

Alena Mae S. Flores

having serviced 744,000 farmers in the previous year. It aims to extend coverage to 1.2 million farmers, 21,000 livestock raisers and fisheries stakeholders this year.

“We’re doing it the way we’ve been doing it for years. It’s time for PCIC to level up,” Tiu Laurel told PCIC executives in a recent meeting, stressing the need to enhance indemnification processes.

He also highlighted the potential for insurance to serve as collateral for farmers and fisherfolk to access financial services, suggesting the expansion of PCIC’s reinsurance strategies to effectively manage the agency’s risk profile. He said the DA would ensure that the PCIC continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the livelihoods of rural communities across the Philippines.

CROSS-BORDER

CLASHES. Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on Sunday amid ongoing crossborder clashes between Israeli troops and Lebanon’s Hezbollah fighters.

Meanwhile, the United States has strongly defended Israel since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, in which 1,195 people,

IN BRIEF

China, climate loom over summit in Japan

TOKYO – Japan on Tuesday welcomed Pacific island leaders for a three-day summit on issues from rising sea levels to security as Western countries vie with China for influence in the region.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also expected to seek to soothe concerns about the ongoing release of treated wastewater from Japan’s crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific. Kishida said ahead of the 10th triennial PALM summit that Japan and the participants “have worked hand in hand to tackle common challenges such as climate change and disaster management”.

“As we adapt to changing circumstances... Japan will continue to stride forward together with Pacific island countries and regions,” he wrote in a Japan Times article published Monday. AFP

Musk pledges $45 m a month for Trump

WASHINGTON, DC – Tech billionaire Elon Musk said he plans to commit roughly $45 million each month to a new fund backing Donald Trump for US president, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Musk’s donations will go to a political group dubbed America PAC, which will focus on promoting voter registration, early voting and mail-in ballots among residents in swing states ahead of the November general election, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Musk is one of several major backers of the new fund, with others reportedly including Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, former US ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft and cryptocurrency investors Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss.

The Tesla founder formally endorsed Trump’s candidacy for US president on Saturday after the former president survived a shooting at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on the social media platform X, which he acquired in 2022. AFP

Pyongyang diplomat in Cuba defects

SEOUL – A high-ranking North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba defected to South Korea last November -- just months before Seoul and Havana established diplomatic ties, a report said Tuesday.

North Korean diplomat Ri Il Kyu had been responsible for political affairs at Pyongyang’s embassy in Cuba since 2019, tasked specifically “with obstructing the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba”, the Chosun Daily reported.

Ri defected to South Korea with his wife and children in early November, the report said, making him the highest-ranking North Korean diplomat known to have defected since Thae Yong Ho, Pyongyang’s deputy ambassador to Britain, in 2016.

South Korea’s unification ministry and foreign ministry both told AFP they were unable to confirm the defection.

Seoul’s unification ministry has previously flagged a rising number of defections by North Korean elites, which they said made up around 10 of the 196 defections in 2023, the highest in years. AFP

mate question to ask.”

Biden’s interview was the latest attempt by the White House to assuage growing fears over the Democrat’s age and mental state following the dismal debate performance on June 27. AFP

US to top Israeli officials: Gaza toll ‘unacceptable’

WASHINGTON, DC – US Secretary of

State Antony Blinken told two top Israeli officials Monday (Tuesday Manila time) of the “unacceptably high” civilian casualties in Israel’s bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip, his spokesman said.

The Israeli military has launched several deadly attacks in recent days including on a refugee camp and multiple UN-run schools where civilians were sheltering.

In response, Hamas said it was pull-

ing out of ceasefire negotiations, causing prospects for a truce and hostage release deal to dwindle further.

Blinken received two influential Israeli officials -- Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi -- “to express our serious concern about the recent civilian casualties in Gaza.”

Casualties “still remain unacceptably high. We continue to see far too many civilians killed in this conflict,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

On Saturday, Israeli strikes killed more than 90 people in the Al-Mawasi camp near Khan Yunis, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said.

AFP reported sirens wailing and women screaming as children were pulled bloody and unmoving from the wreckage in Al-Mawasi, which Israel

had declared a “safe zone.”

The Israeli military said the bombardment targeted two people -- the head of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Deif, and his close associate Rafa Salama who the army said was killed.

A Hamas official said Sunday that Deif was “well and directly overseeing” operations, though doubts remained.

The two Israeli officials told Blinken that “they do not have certainty yet” about Deif’s fate, according to Miller.

The bilateral discussions also focused on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, humanitarian aid for Gaza and post-war plans, he said.

The visit comes several few days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the US Congress on July 24.

“We continue to hear from Israel directly that they want to reach a ceasefire

LONDON – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer -- just back from a NATO summit -- launched on Tuesday a review of Britain’s armed forces to set out a path to increasing defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP.

The ministry of defence said the “Strategic Defence Review” would begin work “immediately in recognition of the

urgency of the threats facing the UK”, and aim to deliver a report in the first half of 2025. Launched less than two weeks after coming to power, prioritizing the review is the government’s response to Conservative Party efforts to cast doubts about Labor’s commitment to defense.

During the election campaign, popu-

‘Shocking’: UN details all-embracing forced labor, enslavement in N. Korea

GENEVA – The UN warned Tuesday of a deeply institutionalizsed system of forced labor in North Korea, which in some cases could amount to the crime against humanity of enslavement.

In a damning report, the United Nations rights office detailed how people in the reclusive and authoritarian country were “controlled and exploited through an extensive and multi-layered system of forced labor.”

lar attack lines from the Tories included Starmer’s lack of time frame for increasing defense spending and claims that Labor was a “danger” to national security.

At last week’s NATO summit in Washington, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Western military alliance and its “serious commitment” to spending 2.5 percent of its GDP on defence. AFP

and that they’re committed to the proposal that they put forward,” Miller said.

The United States has strongly defended Israel since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, in which 1,195 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

During the attack, the militants also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom are still in Gaza including 42 the military says are dead.

Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 38,584 people, also mostly civilians, according to data provided by the Gaza health ministry.

US President Joe Biden has been under mounting political pressure over the plight of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

“We are incredibly troubled by the ongoing deaths of Palestinians in Gaza,” Miller said Monday, when asked about US weapons provided to Israel. AFP

KYIV --Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia should be represented at a second summit aiming to secure lasting peace with the Kremlin, after more than two years of war. Both sides have shunned direct peace talks since negotiations between Russian and Ukraine delegations fell through in the early weeks of Russia’s invasion launched in February 2022. But dozens of world leaders voiced support for a just resolution to the fighting in Ukraine after a high-level summit convened by Zelenskyy last month in Switzerland. Russia was not invited.

During a press conference in Kyiv following his visit to the United States for a NATO defense alliance summit, Zelenskyy opened the door to direct talks with officials from Moscow.

“I believe that Russian representatives should be at the second summit,” Zelenskyy said, describing preparations for a follow-up gathering of Ukraine’s allies. AFP

“The testimonies in this report give a shocking and distressing insight into the suffering inflicted through forced labour upon people,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

“These people are forced to work in intolerable conditions -- often in dangerous sectors with the absence of pay, free choice, ability to leave, protection, medical care, time off, food and shelter,” he said. Many faced regular beatings and women were “exposed to continuing risks of sexual violence”, he added. AFP

SPOTLIGHT

PNP Chief Marbil’s vision: Transforming policing through innovation and community engagement

By Peter Paul Duran

IN A significant move to reshape the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil assumed command as the 30th Chief on April 1, 2024. With a focus on practicality, efficiency, and community engagement, Marbil brings a fresh perspective to the role, emphasizing innovative reforms and the restoration of public trust.

Marbil, who prides himself on his non-political background, is dedicated to transforming the PNP through thoughtful and incremental changes. “Being Chief PNP is destiny,” he said, highlighting his commitment to bringing about meaningful innovations for the betterment of the police force.

Under Marbil’s leadership, the PNP is undergoing significant policy revisions aimed at enhancing efficiency without overwhelming the force. One of his key initiatives includes adjusting the timing of flag-raising ceremonies and discontinuing the police band except when necessary. These changes are designed to maximize the productivity of police personnel.

Marbil is also keen on digitalization. He plans to streamline processes such as obtaining firearms permits and licenses, which previously required multiple trips to Camp Crame. By digitalizing these services, Marbil aims to make the PNP more efficient and accessible to the public.

Focus on Community Relations and Technology

Restoring public trust is a top priority for Marbil. He recognizes that the honor traditionally associated with being a police officer has been tarnished by past incidents and negative perceptions.

“In the past, the word ‘police’ was associated with honor, but now it has become questionable because of recent negative stories,” Marbil shared. To counter this, he emphasizes the importance of community relations, making police officers more visible and approachable.

Marbil is an advocate for incorporating advanced technology into law enforcement. He supports the use of CCTV cameras and AI to improve crime prevention and response. He is also working with legislators to enhance interconnectivity among surveillance systems across the country.

“Digitalization improves crime prevention,” Marbil said, pointing out the benefits of AI in streamlining PNP operations and emergency response. These technological advancements are part of his broader vision to modernize the police force.

Support for Police Personnel

Understanding the importance of well-being among police officers, Marbil aims to provide comprehensive health services, including accessible health cards and outsourced legal assistance.

“We support our communities, especially in times of crisis,” he said, emphasizing the PNP’s focus on the welfare of its personnel.

Despite the challenges of a short tenure, Marbil is confident in the capabilities of his team. He believes in the continuity of reforms initiated by his predecessors while introducing new measures to enhance the PNP’s efficiency and service quality.

“In a new Philippines, the police force wants its people to be safe,” Marbil stated. His vision for the PNP is clear: a safer, more progressive nation where the police force is trusted and respected by the community.

Chief Marbil’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the PNP. Through practical reforms, technological integration, and a strong focus on community engagement, he aims to build a more efficient and trustworthy police force. His dedication to innovation and public service is set to transform the PNP, ensuring a safer and more progressive Philippines for all its citizens.

IN BRIEF

NHCP unveils ‘Remedios Gomez-Paraiso’ historical marker

THE National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led by Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, unveiled the “Remedios Gomez-Paraiso” historical marker on July 10, 2024. The marker commemorates Remedios Gomez-Paraiso, a guerrilla leader during World War II and advocate for women’s rights. The marker states in Filipino: REMEDIOS GOMEZ-PARAISO Guerrilla leader during World War II and advocate for women’s rights. Born in Anao, Mexico, Pampanga, on July 12, 1918. Active in advancing farmers’ rights in Central Luzon. Member of Frente Popular, Anak Pawis, and Aguman ding Maldang Talapagobra. Fought Japanese occupation as a member of Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon (HUKBALAHAP), known as “Commander Liwayway.” Leader of Squadron 3-V in the Battle of Talampas ng Camansi, May 1943. Emphasized Filipino women’s role in the fight for national freedom. Advocated for recognition of Huk veterans and their contributions post-war. Passed away on May 15, 2014.

Radiant Photo launches at Ayala Museum

RADIANT Photo, the latest innovation in photo and video editing software, will launch in the Philippines on July 20, 2024, at the Ayala Museum. This event will unveil Radiant Photo’s advanced features and unique tools to media, dealers, and photography enthusiasts.

The day will begin with a media and dealer roundtable, offering a unique opportunity to interact directly with the Radiant Photo team. In the afternoon, the consumer launch will feature free workshops, photo contests, portfolio reviews, and interactive touch-and-try areas, showcasing Radiant Photo’s capabilities.

“Radiant Photo is here to transform the tedious editing process into an efficient, enjoyable experience,” says Elia Locardi, founder of Radiant Photo and renowned landscape photographer. “Our software offers unmatched customization and quality, ensuring photographers can achieve their vision with ease.”

National Disability Rights Week celebrations start today

TODAY marks the beginning of National Disability Rights Week, led by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) under the theme “Promoting Inclusion: Celebrating Abilities and Advocating Access.” Running from July 17 to 23, 2024, the event highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) nationwide.

The Philippine Disability Convention and Expo (ConEx) at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), NCDA, and Project Inclusion Network, kicked off the celebration.

The three-day event which started July 15 and concludes today, features 70 exhibitors, learning sessions, job fairs, and workshops, offering valuable resources for PWDs and their advocates.

Noteworthy activities include a Drum Circle at UP Solair, a Return-To-Work Assistance Program launch by DOLE-ECC, and a Fun Run and Zumba event for DPWH employees. Additionally, there are workshops on neurodiversity, a Persons With Digitabilities Workshop and Film Festival, and a basic sign language skills workshop by the NHCP.

A RECENT study by the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) highlights the urgent need for local government units (LGUs) to address the increasing number of marine mammal strandings in the Philippines.

Researchers, including Dr. Lemnuel Aragones and colleagues from various institutes, assessed marine mammal strandings from 2005 to 2022. They identified 35 LGU hotspots, with 24 located in Luzon, particularly in Regions 1 and 2. Marine mammal strandings occur when these creatures are found on seashores or in shallow waters and cannot return to deeper waters. The study emphasized that fisheries production and interaction are major contributors to these strandings. This includes entanglement in fishing gear and illegal fishing activities.

Dr. Aragones, president of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN), explained, “Strandings can be of natural causes, but when marine mammals with good body condition strand, it could imply habitat compromise from human activities such as pollution and overexploitation.”

‘Animal Welfare is human welfare’

(First of two parts)

BIYAYA Animal Care stands at the forefront of transforming companion animal welfare in the Philippines. Committed to rescuing and protecting abused, neglected, and mistreated animals, Biyaya also addresses the veterinary needs of pet owners.

Their mission is clear: to create a #StrayFreeRabiesFreePhilippines by 2030. With 3,332 animals rescued, 100,510 total kapon (neutering), 411 adoptions, and 41,517 low-cost kapon clinics, Biyaya’s impact is evident. Their efforts also include 3,557

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) procedures and outreach programs benefiting 55,436 individuals. “Animal welfare is human welfare; you cannot interchange the two,” said Rina Ortiz, co-founder of Biyaya Animal Care, in

an interview with Manila Standard at their Mandala Park Branch in Mandaluyong. Ortiz emphasized the importance of animal welfare for human well-being, highlighting the risks posed by free-roaming dogs and cats in transmitting diseases in rural areas. “Vaccinating dogs is cheaper than humans, and it’s essential to protect both from rabies,” Ortiz noted. Biyaya Animal Care also addresses the need for responsible pet ownership. “Stray dogs are not the only cause of rabies, irresponsible pet owners are also responsible,” Ortiz stated. Dogs should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of rabies, especially if they live in close contact with humans.

IN A heartfelt act of compassion, Ms. Anna Donita S. Tapay celebrated her special day by supporting the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation (KALINGA), coinciding with their 9th anniversary. A longtime advocate of KALINGA’s mission, Donita funded activities that emphasized the foundation’s commitment to providing holistic care to those in need.

The celebration began with a feeding program that served nutritious meals to 300 beneficiaries, reflecting KALINGA’s dedication to holistic transformation. Donita’s involvement ensured that the event shared not only food but also hope and love, strengthening the community’s spirit.

In addition to the feeding program, KALINGA offers education and other vital services. Donita expressed her deep connection to the foundation’s values, stating, “It’s faith transforming lives. We’ve introduced values formation and education systems through ALS…” Her support aligns with KALINGA’s comprehensive care approach. The foundation’s mission is rooted in imparting the love of God through their work, embodied in the 7 Stations of AJKC: Welcoming, Profiling, Clothing, Bathing, Grooming & Affirmation, Meals & Bonding, and Sending Off. Donita’s support ensures the continuation

of these inspiring and affirming services.

On July 13, 2024, Donita sponsored a large-scale medical mission with Hospital on Wheels, offering free major surgery to 100 patients, dental check-ups to 500, and eye check-ups to 300. These services are crucial for those who cannot afford medical treatment.

Ms. Tapay’s unwavering support for KALINGA underscores her commitment to uplifting the lives of the underprivileged, providing immediate relief and inspiring long-term change. Her partnership with the foundation continues to serve with compassion and love, offering hope and opportunities for a brighter future

Biyaya’s work extends beyond rescue to advocating for responsible pet ownership. The organization stresses the importance of proper care and registration of pets to avoid abandonment and disease spread. “Responsible pet owners limit the number of animals they can care for,” Ortiz said. A growing number of people are putting up their own shelters, but many remain unregistered. Guidelines for running animal shelters, proper regulation, and financial accountability are essential to ensure the well-being of animals. Ortiz pointed out the need for efficient shelter management to prevent disease transmission and ensure animals’ health.

By Huey Zacarias

SINCE 1975, Pansit ni Mang Biko in Taal, Batangas, has been managed by Evangeline Militar-Pasumbal, the youngest daughter of Mang Biko. Starting at five in the morning, they cook 80 kilos of pansit, usually selling out by eight. It’s a breakfast tradition for locals, who say their day isn’t complete without it. Regular customers return year after year for this beloved dish. Besides pansit, they also offer homemade tamales, often paired with the noodles. Evangeline shares that the business has been their family’s livelihood, helping many relatives complete their education. If you visit Taal, tasting their pansit is a must.

LAWSON, a renowned Japanese convenience store chain with over 20,000 stores across six countries, has partnered with Levanga Hokkaido, a professional basketball team based in Sapporo, Japan. Dwight Ramos, who began his professional basketball career in the Philippines, has been playing with the team for two years and has made significant waves in Japanese basketball. As part of Lawson Creations, a brand featuring products crafted by celebrities, content creators, and athletes, special Hokkaido-inspired products have been crafted for “St. Dwight” Ramos. Fans can enjoy these all-star creations in Lawson stores nationwide: the California Style Naked Burrito, an open-faced burrito with seasoned pork, salsa, tortilla chips, and Mexican rice topped with cilantro, served with garlic sauce;Hokkaido Style Double Cream Éclair, a choux pastry filled with custard cream, dipped in white chocolate, topped with sweet cream, and drizzled with milk chocolate; and the Hokkaido White Chocolate Espresso, a blend of white chocolate, full cream milk, and espresso made from 100% Ethiopian arabica beans, finished with whipped cream and milk chocolate. This treat is available at Cup & Go coffee bars until August 4.

Fans purchasing any Lawson x Levanga Hokkaido collaboration products can collect limited edition Dwight Ramos photo cards. Collecting three photo cards offered a chance to join a grand fan meet event at One Ayala, featuring a meet-andgreet and signed merchandise.

Biyaya Animal Care’s dedication to transforming companion animal welfare in the Philippines goes beyond rescue operations and veterinary care. Pictured left most is Rina Ortiz, co-founder of BAC, holding ‘Pogi,’ one of its resident furbabies. Peter Paul Duran

SHOWBIZ

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Celebrating the golden era of MMFF

By Nickie Wang

THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) returned to its roots in Manila as the city hosted the grand launch of the festival’s 50th edition at Antonio Villegas Hall in Manila City Hall yesterday.

The event was graced by distinguished guests, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The launch emphasized MMFF’s significant role in shaping the country’s cultural landscape over the past five decades.

Attorney Romando Artes from MMFF and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chaired the event and outlined the festival’s ongoing support for the film industry.

“Since 2016, all amusement taxes waived by local government units during MMFF have been allocated to beneficiaries such as the Movie Workers Welfare Fund (MOWELFUND), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Motion Picture Anti-Film Piracy Council, Optical Media Board (OMB), and Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP),” noted Artes.

“Last year’s MMFF grossed over 1.2 billion pesos and featured the highest-grossing film of all time. This tradition will continue to inspire future generations,” added the MMDA chairman.

The first batch of official entries, selected from 39 finished scripts, was also announced. The entries include: And the Bread Winner Is by Jun

Robles Lana, produced by ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. & The Ideafirst Company, starring Vice Ganda and Eugene Domingo; GMA Pictures’ Green Bones, starring Sofia Pablo and Dennis Trillo; Reality MM Studios, Inc.’s Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital featuring Jane de

Leon, Enrique Gil, Alexa Miro, and MJ Lastimosa; Himala Isang Musikal, produced by Kapitol Films/ Unitel and starring Aicelle Santos and Bituin Escalante; and ATP/Mzet and MQuest’s The Kingdom, starring Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual Hosted by Belle Daza and Jake

and international

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

During the event, a commemorative video traced MMFF’s impactful journey through the years, complemented by the unveiling of its 50th-anniversary logo, symbolizing its profound influence on Philippine cinema. As a ramp-up event leading to the culmination of the festival in December, the MMFF is holding onground activities.

In August, a special MMFF classic poster mural will be revealed in collaboration with i-Academy. September will feature ‘SineSingkwenta,’ offering screenings of 50 beloved Filipino classics nationwide for just P50 per ticket.

In October, MMFF50 will have its regional launch at Universidad de Manila, featuring a Student Film Caravan that includes directing and acting masterclasses in partnership with the FDCP. This initiative provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn from industry professionals, though it may be challenging for those with limited access to attend. November will bring a celebrity golf tournament and a fundraising masterclass, offering a unique way to engage and support the film community, although it might not appeal to everyone.

Finally, December will culminate in the highly anticipated Parade of Stars, Sponsors Night, and Gabi ng Parangal (Night of Awards), marking the pinnacle of the festival’s celebrations. While these events promise excitement and recognition for Filipino cinema, they could also present logistical challenges and increased costs.

Under the theme “Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta,” this year’s festival celebrates 50 years of Filipino culture and pride. The announcement of a new trophy designed by Filipino-American visual artist JEFRÉ added to the anticipation of the upcoming festivities.

ABS-CBN bags six nods at 2024 ContentAsia Awards

AT A recent afternoon meeting, former action star Bambi Moreno

left showbiz reporters puzzled. Her publicist mentioned her past fame, leading reporters to search online for more information.

When Bambi finally arrived, she greeted everyone warmly and confirmed she used to be an action star. Among her contemporaries were Lotlot De Leon, Jestoni Alarcon, Jojo Alejar, and Janice De Belen She’s back in the country to revive

Former

action star, now transgender Bambi

Moreno eyes showbiz return

Male Lead in a TV Programme’

her showbiz career, aiming to appear on TV or in movies as Bambi Moreno, not using her former identity, Arthur Benedicto

“Arthur is dead,” Bambi said in jest, alluding to Rustom Padilla’s statement when he transitioned to BB Gandanghari Masarap maging babae and I have no regrets changing my identity.”

“I hope I can appear in Batang Quiapo. It is very popular in Japan and has many viewers. I also like Coco Martin,” Osaka’ Japan-based

Bambi said adding that is ready to do everything to revive her career.

Bambi realized she was gay at the age of seven. However, due to her strict parents, she chose to conceal her true identity.

At the age of 17, Bambi entered showbiz using the screen name Arthur Benedicto. She slowly rose to fame as an action star and appeared in numerous television series and movies in the ‘80s.

It was in 2004 when she decided to travel to Japan, where she underwent gender confirmation surgery. She also had a procedure in Singapore.

“Sometimes, the pain makes me cry. But I really wanted to be a woman.

That’s why I fought the pain I used to feel.

But I’m okay now,” Bambi said.

Bambi is also currently in the country scouting talents for her upcoming bar in Osaka. With everything meticulously planned, she aims to create a venue that appeals to both locals and Filipinos.

“I believe in showcasing Filipino talents, which Osaka currently lacks in terms of music and comedy.

That’s the essence of the bar I envision,” she explained.

ABS-CBN, the country’s leading content provider, has secured six nominations at the prestigious 2024 ContentAsia Awards, which celebrates excellence in regional production across Asia.

Leading the nominations is the Dreamscape series Linlang, with Kim Chiu nominated for Best

Arjo Atayde follows with a nomination for Best Male Lead in a TV Programme for his performance in ABS-CBN International Production’s psychological thriller Cattleya Killer All three stars are competing against top talents from China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and India.

Meanwhile, Star Cinema’s revengethriller film A Very Good Girl, topbilled by Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, earned a nomination for Best Asian Feature Film/ Telemovie competing against works from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan.

in a TV Programme, Kaila Estrada recognized for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Programme/Series for her role in the

ABS-CBN’s original shows also received nominations from the prestigious award-giving body. The youth-oriented digital series Zoomers is nominated for Best Asian Shortform Drama/Series and the reality queer-dating show Sparks Camp is running for Best Original Reality and Competition Programme.

The winners will be announced in the awarding ceremony on Sept. 5 during the 2024 Trendy Taipei music, arts, and innovation festival. The ContentAsia Awards annually recognize media and productions that showcase authentic Asian stories and entertainment to worldwide screens.

Bambi Moreno looks forward to reviving her career through her new identity

Bambi rose to fame as action star Arthur Benedicto

‘Cattleya Killer’ star Arjo Atayde receives a nomination for ‘Best

The executives of GMA Pictures and Kapitol Films/Unitel

Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan (left) with MMDA’s

Romando Artes announcing this year’s entries Jake Ejercito (left) and Belle Daza serve as the event’s hosts

Ejercito, the event revisited MMFF’s rich history and honored its past editions, including its highly successful summer

editions.

Kim Chiu is nominated for the Best Female Lead in a TV Programme

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (seventh from left) with Attorney Romando Artes (sixth from left), and the executives from the first five film entries

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

Editor Writer Writer

Two decades of Filipino flair

Largest Filipino lifestyle retailer celebrates culture and craftsmanship with a showcase of artisanal excellence

Rediscovering Manila

Glazing Life

Glaiza Lee

WHEN the pandemic hit the Philippines, everything seemed to be at a standstill. Being a person imbued with wanderlust, being unable to travel made me restless. But I made do with whatever opportunities we had back then.

After the restrictions were slowly lifted and outdoor activities were allowed, my friends and I started rediscovering Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. We went around Intramuros, explored Fort Santiago, walked around the walled city, and discovered hole-in-thewall and hidden dining places.

I’ve worked in Intramuros for some years, but there is always something to rediscover. I had never been to Baluarte de San Diego, until the Cultural Center of the Philippines presented the outdoor staging of Isang Gabi ng Sarsuwela, which was part of the first edition of CCP Out-Of-The-Box Series, back in 2023.

I have yet to visit the new museums inside the historic walled city such as the Centro de Turismo, which is built in the former site of San Ignacio Church, one of the seven original churches inside Intramuros and was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The interactive digital museum is right beside the Museo de Intramuros.

The three National Museums of the Philippines are a few minutes away – the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Head to the NM Fine Arts if you want to learn about the evolution of Philippine art. The museum has 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising 19th-century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers. Don’t forget to see The Solarium by Juan Luna Built in the former building of the Department of Tourism with neoclassical architecture, the National Museum of Natural History has 12 permanent galleries that display the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines.

Go deeper into the heart and soul of the Philippines when you visit

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

AS A brand, Kultura has established itself as a steadfast advocate for Philippine culture and craftsmanship. And behind each product bearing the brand’s logo on its shelves lies a story of community, identity, and sustainability.

The store showcases a diverse array of local art from across the Philippines, featuring handmade souvenirs, eco-friendly decor, traditional clothing such as Filipiniana and Barong, and artisanal chocolates.

In essence, Kultura is committed to preserving Filipino heritage, supporting communities, aiding the growth of small businesses, and protecting the environment.

Originating from the Philippine Crafts section at SM Department Store, Kultura has grown significantly since opening its first standalone store at SM Makati in 2004. Today, with over 48 locations nationwide, Kultura offers a rich assortment of products that celebrate Filipino heritage.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Kultura looks back on two decades of honoring the craftsmanship and stories of Filipino artisans. It continues its mission to celebrate and sustain Filipino culture, offering a piece of home for Balikbayans, tourists, and locals alike.

The 20th anniversary also marks the return of award-winning actress and entrepreneur Marian Rivera as Kultura’s brand ambassador.

“Proud to be the face of Kultura once again. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent a brand that I truly believe in. Mabuhay ang gawang Pilipino,” said the 39-year-old TV and movie personality in a social media post after the announcement of her partnership with the country’s largest Filipino lifestyle retailer.

After the grand reveal, Marian toured the refreshed Mall of Asia flagship store, meeting the creators behind popular products like South Sea pearls, hand-embroidered barongs from Taal, quilts and native bags from Bicol, and totes made from upcycled juice packs by Payatas communities.

As brand ambassador, Marian will introduce new collections of South Sea, freshwater, and baroque pearls throughout the year.

This season’s jewelry lines include fun shapes, textures, colors, and sizes, giving a modern twist to classic gems. Expect bold square and coin pearl pieces, colorful stackable bangles, elegant dangling earrings, and long opera-length necklaces.

With Marian’s style and love for local products, she will promote Filipiniana and share tips on how to wear it every day. Fans of athleisure and t-shirts can also look forward to new designs inspired by the actress.

To explore more uniquely Filipino items visit www.kulturafilipino.com.

The National Museum of Anthropology. It’s all about cultures and traditions, literally a treasure trove of cultural artifacts that showcase the Philippines’s rich history and diverse ethnolinguistic heritage.

To reach these museums, take the NLEX Connector España Exit going to Quiapo, Manila, then head towards Ermita and find the three interconnected National Museums. Start your museum-hopping at T.M. Kalaw Avenue, where the NM Fine Arts is located, then walk towards the National Museum of Natural History at Agrifina Circle inside Rizal Park, and finally, the National Museum of Anthropology, located at the P. Burgos Drive, also within Rizal Park.

While in Manila, visit the oldest existing museum in the Philippines, the UST Museum. Established in 1867, the university-based museum showcases pre-colonial artifacts, the Philippine Revolution era, and an ethnographic collection. It is also rich in collections of flora and fauna specimens, including fossils, insects, and marine life.

Another must-visit is the Malacañang Museum, located inside the official residence of the Philippine President. By heading towards the Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila via the NLEX Connector Magsaysay Ave Exit, you will find a cluster of heritage houses that shows a glimpse of how the past presidents lived their lives and the Filipino culture. There is the Bahay Ugnayan; The Goldberg Mansion, a French-inspired mansion; and the Teus Mansion, a 19th-century

historical residence that now serves as the Presidential Museum. Do some forest bathing at Manila’s Last Lung, the Arroceros Forest Park. The park is located at Antonio Villegas St., Manila (near the corner of Padre Burgos Ave. and Taft Ave.); accessible via the NLEX Connector España Exit. I do hope the local government will do something to preserve this forested area, with over 3,000 trees surrounding the area, giving that fresh air in a quite polluted area.

You can cap the night with a good show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Better check the CCP website and social media accounts to know what’s showing. Or you can watch Dagitab

at the Liwasang Kalikhasan or the seasonal

at the façade of the CCP Main Building. Just take a stroll and watch out for works of art displayed around the CCP Complex.

The main building might be undergoing rehabilitation, but there are still lots of activities around the complex you can do.

Whether you’re up for unwinding at Arroceros Park or you’re enthusiastic to learn more about the Philippines, there are so many great places to explore in Manila. The capital city has been one of the key cities that sits at the forefront of important historical events that shaped our nation. As NLEX Connector streamlines your travel between these destinations, you can now truly get lost in these cultural treasures and natural beauty.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines features a captivating display at night

The facade of the National Museum of Natural History

Kultura brand ambassador Marian Rivera (fourth from right) with the brand’s executives

The Arroceros Forest Park is considered as the Last Lung of Manila

The Malacañang Complex features an array of heritage houses which showcase how previous presidents of the country lived

Marian Rivera (left) is named as Kultura’s brand ambassador once again

Kultura features high quality traditional Filipino pieces such as the Barong and the Filipiniana