Manila Standard - 2024 July 31 - Wednesday

ICC CAN INTERVIEW ‘PERSONS OF INTEREST’ IN DRUG WAR—SOLGEN

US extends $500m in military funding

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor can interview persons of interest in its investigation of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said.

He said there are many ways by which the prosecutor can engage witnesses and suspects alike.

“The Philippine government cannot stop him from proceeding in

any way he wants. He can directly interview persons of interest online, through the phone, by email, or face to face, subject to the consent of these persons,” he said. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier said the ICC considers Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and four other former ranking police officials as suspects

Blinken: Once in a generation investment will modernize PH military, coast guard

By Charles Dantes, Rachelle Tonelada and Rex Espiritu

THE United States will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, as Washington boosts ties with Manila in the face of China's growing assertiveness.

Blinken was in Manila with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as part of an Asia-Pacific tour to strengthen Washington's latticework of alliances aimed at countering Beijing.

"We're now allocating an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region," Blinken told a joint news conference.

Blinken described it as a "once in a generation investment" to help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The US officials met with President Marcos, who has taken a strong stand against Chinese actions in the South China Sea, before holding "2+2" talks with their Philippine counterparts Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto

Teodoro.

“I'm always very happy that these communication lines are very open so that all the things that we are doing together, in terms of our alliance, in terms of the specific context of our situation here in the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific are continuously examined and re-examined so we are agile in terms of our responses,” Mr. Marcos said.

Blinken described the meeting "historic," noting that it was the first time the 2+2 meeting took place in Manila.

Austin reaffirmed Blinken's views, emphasizing the strong ties between the Philippines and the US.

“We’re more than allies -- we’re family and it always feels that way,” Austin said.

By Riera U. Mallari

PARIS (Via PLDT Home)

—Boxer Nesthy Petecio and swimmer Kayla Sanchez carried the torch when two of their teammates fell by the wayside in the Paris Olympic Games here on Tuesday (Paris time).

Petecio, who has made it a mission to finally snag a gold here after a silver-medal finish three years ago in the Tokyo Olympiad, began her quest with a scintillating unanimous decision win in the Round of 32, 57-kg division over Indian Jaismine Lamboria.

The 32-year-old Petecio toyed with her lanky, taller Indian foe, a Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, despite her smaller reach. Using her speed and cunning, Petecio came with solid combinations, and deftly danced away from Jaismine's wayward strikes.

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rex Espiritu

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

TREATY ALLIES. President Marcos greets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (right) during a courtesy visit at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. AFP

By Vince Lopez, Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PUNCHING HER WAY TO VICTORY. Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio (blue) wins via unanimous decision over Indian Jaismine Lamboria. AFP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31,

NEWS

Marcos vows to improve maritime education

PRESIDENT Marcos on Tuesday vowed to continue pushing for the advancement of maritime education in the country.

In his message during the 201st Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, read by Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino, Mr. Marcos expressed confidence that the initiatives his government is taking will usher in the “new breed of Filipino sailors" that will change the local maritime landscape.

“We assure you that we will continue to improve our country’s mari-

PCG:...

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carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil, capsized and sank on Thursday, July 25.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the oil slick from the sunken motor tanker has reached several coastal barangays in his province.

Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, mobilized Tuesday his colleagues to help thousands of fisherfolk in four provinces affected by the recent oil spill.

“We will not wait for them to ask us for help. We will approach them to find out what help they need from us and the government,” Romualdez told his fellow lawmakers. "The livelihood of our fisherfolk is at stake. We must act quickly to mitigate the damage and provide the necessary support.”

The House leader urged representatives from Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Cavite to coordinate with the concerned people to determine the assistance they need and the total number of affected fishermen.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said regulations covering maritime transport of petroleum products should be improved to prevent oil spills due to the extent of environmental damage that such incidents cause.

The Philippines' proximity to the hotly contested South China Sea, as well as self-ruled Taiwan, would make it a key partner for the United States if a conflict were to break out in the region.

Beijing claims almost the entire waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and considers democratic Taiwan to be part of its territory. Under their mutual defense treaty, the Philippines and the United States are required to come to the other's defense in case of an "armed attack" against vessels, aircraft, military, and coast guard anywhere in the Pacific theater, which Washington says includes the South China Sea. Beijing's actions in the strategic waterway have been high on the agenda for Blinken's Asia-Pacific trip, which has included the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos and "2+2" talks in Japan.

A Filipino sailor lost a thumb in a June 17 confrontation near the flashpoint Ayungin Shoal in the West Phil-

House...

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“No doubt, I think each member of the majority bloc would be in full support of the President in giving more support to the Philippine Coast Guard and all other agencies that would help protect… especially our fisherfolks in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate next week on the 2025 NEP.

The Marcos administration is seeking some P256.1 billion pesos for defense spending in 2025.

The amount accounts for four percent of the proposed NEP and represents a 6.4 percent increase from this year’s defense budget.

Of the total proposed defense allocation, P204.4 billion will go to land, air, and naval forces defense programs, the budget department said, while P50 billion will help fund the Armed Forces'

time education sector to make it more responsive to the evolving needs of our nation and the global maritime industry,” Mr. Marcos told the “Mandagayan” Class of 2024.

Among government initiatives to advance maritime education are the revised standards for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering programs issued through a joint memorandum by the Maritime

Industry Authority and the Commission on Higher Education.

The policy includes the procedures for monitoring and evaluating maritime higher education institutions to ensure that they “meet the highest global standards in line with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.”

In February this year, Marcos issued Executive Order 55, laying out the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 aimed at upskilling and reskilling the maritime workforce, improving their employability, and ensuring their continuous growth

and development.

“With all the initiatives the government is pursuing in the maritime sector, I am certain that we will be ushering in a new breed of Filipino sailors who will change our maritime landscape and even the rest of the world for the better,” the President said.

In the same message, the President also urged the PMMA graduates to be courageous and strong in character as they now “belong to the elite few who have endured the rigorous formation of this prestigious institution.”

“No matter where your future takes you —whether in the merchant fleets, in the Philippine Navy, in the

ippine Sea.

Chinese coast guard members wielding knives, sticks and an axe foiled a Philippine Navy attempt to resupply Filipino troops stationed on the crumbling ship.

The two sides subsequently agreed to a "provisional arrangement" for the delivery of food and water to the BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded in 1999 to assert Manila's claims to the area.

The Philippines said it had carried out a resupply mission on Saturday without "untoward incident."

Meanwhile, Manalo said the deployment of a US mid-range missile system in the country would not lead to an arms race with China.

“All I can really say is that first, these missiles are meant for our own defensive capabilities, our own ability to improve our defensive deterrence, and they are not meant for any offensive purposes," Manalo said.

"I really can’t see, on that basis, how it would lead to an arms race,” he added.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier expressed concern over the presence of the US intermediate-range Typhon missile system. With AFP

revised modernization plan, which reflects a shift in priorities to external defense.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. awarded 28 Navy personnel erstwhile stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal.

He welcomed the returning sailors as they arrived at the Naval Detachment Oyster Bay Pier in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The group completed their deployment aboard the marooned ship, which serves as an AFP outpost in the West Philippine Sea, on July 27.

Brawner commended the troops for their dedication and commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests amid China’s aggression.

"The AFP extends its heartfelt gratitude to these valiant men and women for their unwavering service and sacrifices. Their dedication ensures the integrity of our territory, sovereignty, and sovereign rights, reflecting the true spirit of patriotism," he said.

Petecio,...

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Petecio is the second member of the boxing team to advance, after Aira Villegas.

Earlier, Sanchez made a splash in her Olympic debut for the Philippines, while rower Joanie Delgaco and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe were eliminated from contention, becoming the fifth and sixth Filipino athletes to fall by the wayside.

Born in Singapore to Filipino parents Noel and Susana, the 23-year-old Sanchez, who helped Canada win two medals at the Tokyo games in 2021, before earning Filipino citizenship two years ago, broke her own national record and secured a spot in the women's 100m freestyle semifinals.

Sanchez timed an impressive 53.67 seconds to rip her own record of 54.25 seconds set in June, finishing fourth in her heat and securing a top 10 overall position.

The top qualifier was world record holder Sarah Sjoestroem (51.71) of Sweden, followed by Siobhan Haughey (53.02 of Hong Kong and Junxuan Yang of China (53.05).

Sanchez will compete in the semifinals on Wednesday morning at 3:33 a.m. (Philippine time) with a chance to advance to the final round on August 1 at 2:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Del-

Villanueva:...

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Villanueva's resolution called for the permanent cancellation of POGO licenses issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and economic zones.

The proposed law also gave POGOs 30 days after it takes effect to shut down their operations. Failure or refusal of the firms to close operations shall subject the responsible officers to imprisonment of 12 to 20 years or a fine of P100 million or both.

Under the bill, the Bureau of Internal Revenue will have continuing authority to collect the POGO's unpaid

Coast Guard— I hope you will bring the same grit you had shown when you first decided to set foot in this Academy,” he said.

Of the 303 MANDAGAYAN class members, 285 of them eyed to pursue careers in shipping companies and manning agencies; 12 in the Philippine Coast Guard; and six in the Philippine Navy.

MANDAGAYAN stands for “Magigiting na Mandaragat Tagapagpanatili ng Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran ng Bansang Laya.”

Some 24 master’s degree graduates also joined the PMMA’s 201st commencement exercises.

Trillanes posted a supposed redacted copy of an order by the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) on X which also names former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Romeo Caramat Jr., former National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and former PNP Intelligence Officer Eleazar Mata as suspects. Guevarra said the document was supposed to be confidential but Trillanes’ revelation forced him to make an explanation.

“The ICC prosecutor was requesting assistance from the Philippine government to facilitate the interview of the prosecutor on these five people named in the communication,” he said. However, Guevarra said the Philippines has disengaged from the ICC and has no legal duty to lend the body any assistance.

“The ICC prosecutor cannot expect that the Philippine government will facilitate for him,” he said.

Dela Rosa dismissed Trillanes' post, saying there was nothing new to it.

“My name [has] always [been] mentioned since 2016. Seems like a broken record that keeps on repeating the same lines,” he said.

Albayalde, on the other hand, said he is ready to face the ICC.

gaco finished last in her quarterfinals heat of the women's single sculls, clocking a time of 7:58.30 at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium and falling short of the top three finishers who advanced to the semifinals.

Reigning Olympic champion Emma Twigg of New Zealand dominated the heat, while Switzerland's Katharina Janzen and Spain's Virginia Diaz Rivas also secured their spots in the next round.

Despite the result, Delgaco's participation in the Paris Olympics marked a historic moment for the sport as she became the Philippines’ first female rower to make it to the Olympiad.

“Great effort Joanie. We are very proud of you,” said rowing president Patrick Gregorio of Delgaco’s showing, which nearly netted for her a place in the semis.

“Nag-cramps si Serbia sa last 200 meters. Muntik pa mahabol ni Joanie,” said Gregorio. “Two- second lead lang. She could have placed 4th. Malapit din nya sa Azerbaijan, who placed fourth. Once again, mabuhay ka. Onward tomorrow for world ranking.”

Along with Delgaco, Diana Dymchenko of Azerbaijan (7:53.76) and Jovana Arsic of Serbia (7:56.18) were also eliminated from medal contention after finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

taxes even after the repeal of the tax law.

The measure also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other relevant agencies to provide a Workers' Transition Program for displaced Filipino POGO employees. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe on Tuesday said the House of Representatives will continue its key committee investigations even as it begins deliberations on the proposed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget.

The continuing probes will include those on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) related to the previous administration's drug war and violence linked to PO-

Government records show that some 6,200 drug suspects were killed during the Duterte administration but human rights organizations say that the actual number is closer to 30,000. At the lower house, Santa Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said the findings of the House Committee on Human Rights could serve as evidence in the ICC’s probe into alleged crimes against humanity by Duterte and his close associates.

“The outcome of this investigation can be used in filing in different courts, and can be used also as evidence in the ICC,” Fernandez said, after former senator Leila De Lima—who testified before the committee for the first time—expressed concerns about thoroughness and impact of local investigations into the bloody drug war of the previous administration,” he said during Tuesday’s resumption of committee hearings on alleged EJKs. Fernandez also addressed recent comments by Dela Rosa, Duterte’s former police chief, questioning the House panel’s authority to conduct the probe.

“We are an independent body, and we are discussing this thoroughly. It will be dependent on the chairman what to do with the committee report. And that can be used by anybody, particularly those victims of the [war on drugs],” the Laguna solon said. Fernandez also indicated his willingness to cooperate with the ICC probe, potentially diverging from the executive department’s stance of noncooperation.

GOs. “Our committee chairmen are asking that they be allowed to continue their committee hearings. Committee hearing rooms used to be our problem. We are always running out of committee hearing rooms, but thankfully this year we have new spaces for committee hearings,” Dalipe said. Following the directive from Speaker Martin Romualdez, additional spaces, particularly in the new building at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, have been made available for committee use. Dalipe disclosed that Secretary General Reginald Velasco has already been instructed to make the venues available to the various committees presently conducting probes.

AERIAL DRILLS. Two FA-50PH jets of the Philippine Air Force participate in the PEGASE 2024 aerial drills with their French counterparts in Zambales on July 30, 2024. French Embassy in the Philippines

Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy embodies strength from compassionate leadership

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

ALTHOUGH many view compassion as a soft quality, it can be a powerful tool in a leader’s toolbox. In nation-building, where uniting a populace and fostering a sense of shared purpose is crucial, compassionate leadership can be a game-changer.

By acknowledging the struggles and aspirations of their citizens, leaders build trust and encourage cooperation. It fuels a sense of shared responsibility for the nation’s progress. When people feel their needs are understood and addressed, they’re more likely to invest their energy into building a better future for themselves and their communities.

In Caloocan’s Second Congressional District, Rep. Mary Mitzi “Mitch” Cajayon-Uy stands out for her warmth, efficiency, and unwavering dedication to public service–proving that compassion can efficiently empower her constituents. Known for her heartfelt commitment to uplifting her constituents, Rep. Cajayon-Uy focuses on comprehensive health programs, substantial social services, and strategic infrastructure projects. Since her election, she has been a voice for her district in the legislative halls and a beacon of hope and compassion for the people she serves.

Coming from a background that values community and collective growth, Rep. Cajayon-Uy’s passion for service is both personal and profound. She often shares how her upbringing instilled in her the importance of helping others, recalling her mother’s words: “Anak, ang tunay na lider ay ‘yung may kalinga at malasakit sa kapwa.” Her constituents fondly know her as “Ang Darna ng Distrito Dos ng Caloocan” because her heroic efforts and dedication to uplifting her community shine through every initiative. Rep. Cajayon-Uy’s approach to leadership transcends traditional political responsibilities. She maintains a proactive stance in the House of Representatives, where,

as of this writing, she has principally authored 249 bills and resolutions and co-authored 49 others. As Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Metro Manila Development, and Committee on Labor and Employment, she ensures that every decision favors her constituents’ welfare and development.

One of her notable priority bills is House Bill 00240, which aims to create a high school for the arts known as the Caloocan High School for the Arts to foster creative freedom among the youth while preserving local culture and embracing the ever-evolving nature of art.

There’s also House Bill 07441, an act increasing the maximum value of family homes. It amends Article 157 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

Rep. Cajayon-Uy’s other filed bills include House Bill 07440, which reclassifies legitimate children into marital children and illegitimate children into non-marital children, amending the pertinent provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines, and other laws on the distinction between marital and non-marital children; and House Bill 04591, which aims to strengthen the Council for the Welfare of Children by expanding the Regional Committee/Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RC/SCWC), where Rep. Cajayon-Uy chairs the Technical Working Group.

Besides her constant efforts in the 19th Congress, Rep. Cajayon-Uy actively ensures that her constituents in Caloocan’s Second District feel her care and compassion.

Among her many initiatives, health programs stand out as a top priority for Rep. Cajayon-Uy. The Malasakit

Health Desk

is a flagship project providing easier access to Guarantee Letters for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients, inclusive medical services, and free medications for illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. Essential medicines and vitamins are readily available, and the provision of nebulizers and wheelchairs highlights her dedication to ensuring the wellbeing of every resident. She also took the necessary steps to provide social services within her community. Understanding the immediate needs of her constituents, Rep. Cajayon-Uy has directed significant funds toward social services. The Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) has served over 40,000 clients with financial assistance ranging from P2,000 to P5,000. Moreover, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program has empowered more than 20,000 beneficiaries, providing them temporary employment and a path toward economic stability. Additionally, the MitchKolar Program offers

financial assistance to deserving students, paving the way for their educational aspirations and future success. The district representative also understands the relevance of establishing infrastructures in fostering growth within her community. She strategically allocated resources to projects that promote economic development and ensure public safety. Rep. Cajayon-Uy launched almost 200 infrastructure projects, focusing on road safety, economic opportunities, and efficient traffic flow in her first year alone. These projects aim to attract investors, generate employment, and create a robust local economy. Specific projects that improve road networks in vital areas and develop public safety infrastructure have significantly improved daily life in Caloocan’s Second District. The strategic placement of these projects ensures maximum benefit, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Rep. Cajayon-Uy’s compassionate approach truly sets her apart. Her leadership is deeply rooted in empathy and genuine concern for her constituents. The Caloocan Second District Representative’s initiatives reflect a leader who listens to her community, understands their need, and acts decisively to address them. Her holistic approach to governance—balancing health, social services, and infrastructure— demonstrates her commitment to creating a better, more inclusive Caloocan.

Distrito Dos, led by Rep. Mary Mitzi “Mitch”

Cajayon-Uy, affectionately known as “Ang Darna ng Distrito Dos ng Caloocan,” radiates with her dedication to the community. The district covers South Caloocan barangays south of Circumferential Road 4 (including EDSA).

BONIFACIO MONUMENT (MONUMENTO)

Standing tall at the intersection of Rizal Avenue and EDSA, the Bonifacio Monument honors Andres Bonifacio, the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.” Created by Guillermo Tolentino, this 13.7-meter obelisk features intricate bronze sculptures depicting the valor of Filipino revolutionaries.

SAN ROQUE CATHEDRAL

Founded on April 8, 1815, San Roque Cathedral showcases stunning Baroque architecture. This historic church played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution and was declared a Jubilee Church in 2000. It became a cathedral in 2003, symbolizing faith and resilience. STO. NIÑO DE PAJOTAN FESTIVAL

The annual Sto. Niño de Pajotan Festival celebrates the child Jesus and the local variety of mango, Pajotan. This vibrant event features a colorful procession, Ati-atihan music, and various community activities, strengthening the community’s spiritual and cultural bonds.

The Heart of Caloocan’s 2nd District

Caloocan’s 2nd District is emerging as the Motorcycle Parts Trading Capital of the Philippines. The bustling marketplace offers a wide array of motorcycle parts and accessories, fostering a community of enthusiasts and boosting the local economy. Efforts are underway to officially recognize the district’s prominence in this industry. The district is not just a marketplace but a vibrant hub for motorcycle culture, drawing enthusiasts from all over the country. Here, vendors and buyers interact in a dynamic environment, where the latest in motorcycle technology and accessories are showcased. This unique feature of the district not only promotes commerce but also builds a strong community spirit among motorcycle aficionados.

Additionally, initiatives are in place to further enhance the infrastructure and services supporting this trading hub. This includes plans for better facilities, more organized trading spaces, and support services for both vendors and buyers, aiming to make the district a leading example of organized and thriving specialty marketplaces in the Philippines.

Caloocan City’s rich heritage and dynamic community spirit, under Rep. Cajayon-Uy’s leadership, continue to thrive. As the district blends its proud past with a promising future, its contributions to a Bagong Pilipinas showcase the heart and resilience of its people.

sa Caloocan

(MCHD)

Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy

CALOOCAN’S

MOTORCYCLE PARTS TRADING HUB

‘Floods in NCR for 11 more years’

By Vito Barcelo and Rex Espiritu

MOST parts of the National Capital Region or Metro Manila will continue to experience flooding reminiscent of the Monody days for another 11 years, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

This after the DPWH admitted on Tuesday that full implementation of the flood control master plan will only be realized in 2035 because it involves some large-scale infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, the damage to agriculture caused by the recent weather disturbances has breached the P545million mark, affecting 23,580 farmers and fishermen. In a television interview, Public

IN BRIEF

Tourist spots to have first aid facilities—DOH

TOURIST first aid facilities will soon rise in key tourist destinations like Boracay, Siargao, Panglao, La Union, Palawan, and Puerto Galera, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH said such medical facilities will also be built in other areas of the country with a high concentration of tourists.

The Tourist First Aid Facilities program is another flagship project of the Marcos administration which aims to enhance the safety standards of tourist destinations.

The facilities will serve as emergency response centers for tourists who figured in accidents or injuries during their visit.

They will be staffed by well-trained healthcare professionals equipped with essential medical supplies and medicines to ensure prompt and effective emergency assistance. Macon Ramos-Araneta

PH, France conduct jet fighting exercise

PHILIPPINE Air Force (PAF) jet fighter pilots on Tuesday honed their aerial defense capabilities by holding "basic fighter maneuvers" (BFM) over western Zambales with their counterparts from the French Air and Space Force (FASF).

In a statement, PAF acting spokesman Col. Rifiel Santiago said the two Rafale jet fighters of the FASF joined the drills. "Both Air Forces demonstrated their tactical manuevering skills and techniques in a simulated combat scenario, showcasing their proficiency in air-to-air combat," he said.

On Monday, two FA-50PH jets of the PAF, along two Rafale jets, an A330M transport aircraft, and an A400M Airbus military transport aircraft from the FASF, held a joint flight over western Zambales to demonstrate the Rafale jets’ air-to-air refuelling capabilities. Rex Espiritu

Firm apologizes over ‘Gil Tulog’ ad mess

GIGIL, the ad agency that recently sparked controversy after changing Makati’s Gil Puyat street signs to “Gil Tulog,” has issued a public apology for its campaign.

“We sincerely apologize to the Puyat family and everyone affected by our campaign... We recognize the issues caused by our recent campaign,” Gigil posted on Tuesday.

The agency said although it secured all the necessary permits and clearances, its “approach had resonated differently and so the campaign was immediately discontinued.”

“Understanding the distress the project caused, we have personally reached out to members of the Puyat family to convey our regrets and express our respect for former Senate President Gil Puyat’s legacy,” Gigil wrote.

The agency concluded its statement by saying it will put in place “more stringent measures” to prevent a similar incident.

Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted that the master plan on flood management in Metro Manila is not even 30 percent complete, more than a decade after it was approved.

Bonoan said the DPWH has already completed 5,000 flood control projects since he assumed office but with the onslaught of typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or habagat last week, floodwaters con

tinued to inundate a large area of the metropolis.

The DPWH chief did not identify where in the country the 5,000 flood

control projects were constructed or implemented. Around P255 billion was allocated for the DPWH’s flood control program in the P5.768-trillion national budget for 2024, which he said was disproportionately large compared to other critical sectors.

Bonoan, however, defended that flood waters in many parts in the National Capital Region after typhoon Carina hit Metro Manila receded faster—about three days—compared to the previous years which took at least two weeks to resolve.

SC reaffirms FDA powers over tobacco industry

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday reaffirmed the powers of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate the tobacco industry.

“All products affecting health, including tobacco products, are covered by the FDA’s mandate to ensure the safety, efficacy, purity, and quality of health products,” the SC said in a news release.

The High Tribunal cited its 2021 decision penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen denying the motions for reconsideration filed by Philippine Tobacco Institute, Inc. (PTI) and Albay Rep, Edcel Lagman.

In that ruling, the SC declared that “tobacco products are undoubtedly health products” within the definition provided under Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, due to their harmful effects on health.

It added that “as to their health aspect, tobacco products fall under the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration.”

In its petition, the PTI argued that the Department of Health was responsible for regulating tobacco products through the FDA.

The PTI has also claimed that the Inter-Agency Committee Tobacco (IAC-Tobacco) has exclusive jurisdiction over tobacco products, including its health aspect.

In denying the motions for reconsideration, the SC ruled that the IAC-Tobacco does not have sole and exclusive jurisdiction over tobacco products and the tobacco industry.

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued a warning to the public regarding the display of campaign materials or commercial advertisements on its lampposts.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 24-001 Series of 2024, it is strictly prohibited to rent lampposts for advertising or private announcements. Only the MMDA, organizers of the Metro Manila Film Festival, and government agencies are permitted to attach informative announcements to the lamp posts owned and maintained by the MMDA.

Additionally, election campaign posters are prohibited, and all materials for hanging or posting on lamp posts must be approved by the director of MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group (MPCG).

MMDA spokesperson Sharon Gentalian told Manila Standard that they came up with this warning after a private company installed an unauthorized commercial advertisement on a lamp post situated on a major thoroughfare in the metropolis. The MMDA emphasized that all materials to be attached to the lamp post must be approved by the MMDA, and unauthorized materials

will be immediately removed.

Violators will be fined P5,000 for each lamppost used, and could face criminal, civil, and administrative charges.

This early, election campaign materials such as streamers and posters have already begun to appear across Metro Manila and several provinces, featuring faces and names of candidates eyeing the May 2025 midterm elections.

In Laguna, for instance, posters and tarpaulins of three congressmen and the wife of a party-list representative, who are planning to run for local positions next year, have been posted in various locations in the province.

BAI: No confirmation of bird flu in Tarlac

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on Tuesday clarified that there has been no official reports or confirmed laboratory results about bird flu in Tarlac as reported by the media.

The last officially confirmed case in the province was recorded in December 2023, the BPI said.

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the Department of Agriculture was closely monitoring reports from the province, citing updates from the ground that certain areas have started restricting the transport of live and dressed chicken from Tarlac.

“We’re still waiting for the confirmatory results of the tests on alleged AI infection on Tarlac poultry,” he said.

OPINION

Was the bidding above-board?

TS website clearly states the company

“strictly conforms [with] relevant laws, regulations, contracts, strategies, and policies governing its operations.”

Further on, it declares: “Through [a] strong culture of good governance and responsible management practices, we maintain our firm commitment to our social, organizational, and environmental responsibilities while ensuring that our long-term strategic goals and objectives are achieved.”

That’s the publicly stated corporate philosophy of Meralco, the giant power distribution facility in the National Capital Region and outlying provinces.

But is this corporate philosophy really followed down to the letter?

Hmm. At a recent joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy and Committee on Ways and Means, it appears the company might require remedial lessons in Transparency 101 to make the lives of its captive customers really bright.

At issue is whether the terms of reference set by Meralco for its competitive selection process is fair.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, for one, doesn’t think so. He has asked the Energy Regulatory Board to defer its bidding for an additional 600 MW of electricity.

The lawmaker underscored the pressing need to address the lingering issue of high electricity cost that affects both investors and consumers: “This is not only about the high cost of power but it’s also about energy security.”

Cayetano said a phrase in Meralco’s TOR could be discriminatory because it effectively disqualified Malampayafueled power plants.

He pointed out the phrase “if the plant is more than 10 years old” indicated that older power plants were automatically disqualified from taking part in the CSP.

Meralco Senior Vice President and Head, Regulatory Management Office Jose Ronaldo Valles initially denied the TOR stipulated this condition, but later admitted it when pressed by the lawmaker.

“The point I am driving through is because of that simple decision, you disqualified those plants using Malampaya gas, is that right? That’s the net effect of that,” Cayetano pointed out.

“I am not an expert here but it doesn’t really take an expert to see that Meralco seems to have favored someone just [from] the TOR,” he added.

Meralco justified its exclusion from the CSP of efficient plants that run on much-cheaper indigenous gas by citing technical terms like greenfield, which means plants newly-built or still up for construction.

But the real issue is those running on indigenous gas can offer lower cost

because of its fixed price and are good for the economy because of the billions in revenue they generate for the government.

The award of a substantial amount of electricity --1,200 MW – to a power generation company using imported LNG, a more expensive fuel, will mean the public will bear the cost of higher electricity prices.

Imported LNG’s real cost is not just the one written on bidding papers but the one arrived at after computing freight and regasification,

Sen. Cayetano has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to suspend the Aug. 2 bidding for 600 MW.

This means distribution utilities, like Meralco, are now required to open to public scrutiny the ownership structures of companies from which it buys electricity

This is a step in the right direction until all issues surrounding CSP are resolved. This includes Meralco’s broad authority to determine who qualifies or not.

The proposed deferment makes sense now that President Marcos Jr. has signed a law mandating disclosure of beneficial ownership information of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and consultants that would take part in government procurement.

This means distribution utilities, like Meralco, are now required to open to public scrutiny the ownership structures of companies from which it buys electricity.

This also means the new law will include companies covered by the socalled cross ownership provision of the EPIRA law which had expanded into so-called associated firms, or generating companies with financial ties to the distribution utility which is Meralco.

What’s really needed at this point is to uphold public interest and consumer welfare through a transparent and fair process.

As it stands, the so-called competitive selection process appears to be discriminatory and could run counter to what the power distribution company claims is its “strong culture of good governance and responsible management practices.”

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Supreme Court reforms a long shot in current US political environment

WASHINGTON, DC

– The US Supreme Court has become a political flashpoint in recent years, triggering growing calls for reform, but enacting substantive institutional change in such a polarized climate is close to impossible, analysts say. Democratic President Joe Biden unveiled proposals Monday (Tuesday Manila time) to reform the nine-member court, which has lurched sharply to the right with the nomination of three conservative justices by his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

Wielding a 6-3 majority, conservatives have stripped the nationwide right to abortion, weakened environmental protections and federal agencies and granted Trump’s claim that an ex-president has broad immunity from prosecution.

Tracy Thomas, a law professor at the University of Akron, said a substantial proportion of the American population has lost confidence in the court, a view borne out by recent opinion polls.

A Marquette Law School poll released in May found that just 39 percent of American adults approve of the job the Supreme Court is doing, while 61 percent disapprove.

A majority of Republicans -- 57 percent -- approved of the court’s performance, as opposed to just 23 percent of Democrats.

“This all really started with Bush versus Gore,” when a conservative-majority court settled a 2000 election dispute between Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore in favor of the Republican candidate, Thomas said.

“That is the first time in my lifetime that we started to see the court as blatantly partisan,” Thomas said.

Six current members of the court were nominated by Republican presidents, while three were named by Democrats.

Keith Bybee, a Syracuse University law professor, said 6-3 rulings such as the immunity decision make the court appear more partisan in its decision-making.

The last major push to reform the Supreme Court, which has been comprised of nine justices since shortly after the Civil War, came during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt

“But also, this majority is quite emboldened,” he said, rendering decisions that are “quite sweeping and overturn decades-old precedents” such as in the case of abortion.

“Those two factors together prompted a lot of concern among the Democratic Party about the power of the court,” Bybee said.

Biden’s proposals call for 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices, who are currently appointed for life, an enforceable ethics code and a constitutional amendment that would reverse the court’s presidential immunity ruling.

A constitutional amendment is a “long shot” in the current political climate, legal

The grind has begun

THE wheels of justice have started rolling, with government lawyers formally filing a petition to oust suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, from her post.

The Office of the Solicitor General filed a 46-page quo warranto petition with the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 34 to declare Guo ineligible to hold office as mayor since she is not a Filipino citizen.

Under the Rules of Court, the solicitor general may initiate a quo warranto petition against government officials who may be unlawfully holding office, or who commit or allow an act that could be a ground for forfeiture of office.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said Guo “is unlawfully holding the position and illegally exercising the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac.”

“Her continuous discharge of the duties, powers and responsibilities of the

Office of Mayor of Bamban, Tarlac is tantamount to usurpation of such office,” the petition said.

We know many are watching developments in this case, which some analysts and other opinion makers have described as perhaps just the tip of a greater iceberg

Guevarra added: “(S)he is not a Filipino citizen. She is a Chinese national. Thus, she is ineligible to run for any elective public office,..(S)he has committed acts which, by provision of law, constitute a ground for the forfeiture of her office. More specifically, she has committed acts of serious dishonesty which, under the local government code, warrant her removal from office.”

We cannot second guess how soon the court will make a ruling after the

FOLLOWING Super Typhoon Carina

and the relentless southwest monsoon, the Philippines finds itself grappling with the all-too-familiar devastation of widespread flooding.

Senate President Francis Escudero’s impassioned plea, “What happened to ‘building back better’?” captures the nation’s frustration and despair.

This sentiment is echoed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers, who are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s flood control systems.

The urgent question is: can the Philippines finally break free from this vicious cycle of calamity?

Typhoons are not merely weather events in the Philippines; they are cataclysmic forces that reshape lives and landscapes.

The archipelago, in the typhoon belt of the Western Pacific, endures about 20 typhoons annually, with a handful being particularly destructive.

The harrowing memories of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 still haunt the nation, underscoring the urgency of robust flood control measures.

Comparatively, nations like China, Taiwan, and Japan, which also face frequent typhoons, have made significant strides in mitigating their impact.

China’s extensive network of dams and levees, Taiwan’s advanced early warning systems, and Japan’s state-of-the-art drainage infrastructure serve as models of resilience.

Yet, despite various initiatives and significant financial allocations, the Philippines continues to struggle.

Call for accountability

Escudero’s demand for a thorough investigation into flood control projects is both logical and necessary.

With P255 billion allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways for flood control out of the P5.768 trillion national budget, the public deserves transparency and accountability.

This inquiry could unveil inefficiencies, corruption, or simple mismanagement, providing a roadmap for future improvements.

Romualdez’s call to update and fully implement the flood management master plan is a pragmatic approach.

experts say, in that it would require passage by two-thirds of both chambers of Congress and three-fourths of the state legislatures.

“That’s why we have so few amendments of the Constitution,” Bybee said, calling it a “very high barrier.”

‘Ethical crisis’

Mustering congressional approval for term limits is also doubtful with Democrats holding only a slim majority in the Senate and being in the minority in the House of Representatives.

“Republican leaders... see no reason to restrain the court when it’s finally doing what they want it to do,” Bybee said.

Sept. 18 haring, but we know many are watching developments in this case, which some analysts and other opinion makers have described as perhaps just the tip of a greater iceberg.

Guo and several others are facing human trafficking complaints before the Department of Justice.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed the complaint against Guo and her co-accused for their alleged involvements in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in her municipality.

The OSG also cited various government records stating that Guo is Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, the daughter of two Chinese citizens, Lin Wenyi and Guo Jian Zhong, holder of a Chinese passport and was born on Aug. 31, 1990 in Fujian, China.

“There is no credible official record or document establishing that respondent Guo Hua Ping is a citizen of the Philippines, either by birth or by naturalization,” it said.

In early July, the OSG filed a petition before a Tarlac trial court seeking to cancel Guo’s birth certificate on the grounds of her failure to comply with the legal requirements of late birth registration.

Can PH break free from its calamity cycle?

As climate change intensifies, stronger storms and heavier rainfall are inevitable.

The master plan, if rigorously followed and updated with the latest data and technologies, could significantly enhance the nation’s preparedness. Philippine laws, like the Climate Change Act of 2009 and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, mandate the government to build resilient infrastructure and mitigate disaster risks, bolstering the lawmakers’ stance. Limits of human effort

Critics might argue that no amount of planning or funding can fully eliminate the threat of typhoons.

The devastation wrought by Typhoon Carina serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective flood management —“—

The sheer scale of these natural disasters can overwhelm even the most sophisticated systems.

This perspective is not without merit.

The unpredictable nature of climate change means storm patterns and intensities are constantly evolving, raising challenges to develop foolproof solutions.

Additionally, the bureaucratic inertia and fragmented implementation of projects often lead to suboptimal outcomes.

The Supreme Court has recognized these systemic challenges in G.R. 185375, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations and incremental progress.

The complexities of coordinating among multiple agencies, ensuring proper use of funds, and maintaining infrastructure amidst ongoing urban development further complicate the issue.

Both Escudero and Romualdez raise valid points that underscore the need for a multifaceted approach to flood management.

The emphasis on accountability, trans-

However, a code of ethics has a “better than you might think chance of passing,” Thomas said.

Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor, noted that every federal appellate and district court judge is subject to “an enforceable ethical code of conduct.”

The Supreme Court adopted an ethics code in November following reports of luxury vacations received by two conservative justices -- both of whom have denied any impropriety -- but it was criticized for lacking an enforcement mechanism.

Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, thanked Biden for “highlight-

parency, and continuous improvement aligns with best practices and legal mandates. However, the inherent unpredictability of typhoons and the systemic challenges within the government machinery cannot be ignored.

Recommendations

Comprehensive Review and Update: Initiate a detailed review of the current flood management master plan, incorporating the latest climate models and technological advancements. International experts and successful models from countries like China, Taiwan, and Japan should inform this process.

Strengthening Oversight: Establish robust oversight mechanisms to ensure effective use of public funds. This includes regular audits, public reporting, and stringent penalties for mismanagement.

Enhanced Coordination: Foster better coordination among the DPWH, MMDA, LGUs, and other relevant agencies. Clear roles and responsibilities, coupled with effective communication channels, are essential.

Public Engagement: Increase public awareness and engagement in flood preparedness and response. Community education on evacuation procedures, flood-resistant construction practices, and drainage system maintenance is crucial. Climate Change Adaptation: Integrate comprehensive climate change adaptation measures into flood management strategies. This encompasses infrastructure improvements and sustainable land use policies to minimize flood risks.

The devastation wrought by Typhoon Carina serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective flood management.

Escudero and Romualdez’s calls for accountability and action are not just timely but essential.

However, the path forward must be realistic, recognizing the limits of human effort against nature’s fury while striving for continuous improvement.

By learning from global best practices, strengthening oversight, and fostering a culture of preparedness, the Philippines can build a more resilient future. In this relentless battle against the elements, the true measure of leadership will be the ability to turn crises into opportunities for lasting change.

ing the Supreme Court’s ethical crisis.” “If Chief Justice (John) Roberts won’t use his existing authority to implement reform, Congress should use its established Constitutional authority to require the Court to implement ethics reforms consistent with every other federal court,” Durbin said. The last major push to reform the Supreme Court, which has been comprised of nine justices since shortly after the Civil War, came during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose New Deal policies were facing opposition. Roosevelt proposed expanding the court but eventually abandoned the plan. AFP

Senate to start budget deliberations

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATE President Francis Escudero said the upper chamber will start on August 13 the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) deliberations on next year’s proposed P6.35-trillion budget.

The Senate is also committed to pass the 2025 budget before Congress goes on break ahead of Christmas, Escudero said. This will include the bicameral conference committee report to be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Escudero added that the national

Cayetano seeks to postpone Meralco bidding

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has filed a resolution to postpone the bidding for the Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) 600-megawatt and 400-megawatt power supply requirements until its terms of reference (TOR) are reviewed to ensure fairness in the selection of bidders and arrive at the true lowest cost for the supply of energy.

Cayetano introduced Senate Resolution 1090 on July 29 urging the Senate to call on Meralco to defer its competitive selection process (CSP), saying the current rules remain unclear and may put certain bidders at an advantage at the expense of power suppliers that use indigenous natural gas.

“The Terms of Reference (TOR) of CSP 1 and CSP 2 do not reflect the real preference afforded to indigenous natural gas and its full utilization,” he wrote in the resolution.

Cayetano had initially raised these concerns during a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Energy on July 18 on the impending depletion of Malampaya gas and the country’s transition to cleaner fuel sources.

During the hearing, he noted that Meralco appears to favor power generation companies that utilize imported coal.

budget is an “election budget” since the midterm elections will be held on May 12. He warned that no government fund should be used for election purposes.

He noted that the 10% increase is justified due to the current economic inflation. Escudero also vowed to scrutinize

the proposed budget.

Earlier, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) transmitted to Congress the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for 2025, marking the start of the legislative process for the upcoming fiscal year.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed optimism the budget will contribute to achieving a singledigit poverty rate and transforming the Philippines into an upper-middleincome economy.

“Together, let us fulfill the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people to achieve a Bagong Pilipinas for our citi-

zens and the future generations” she said.

Pangandaman said confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) in the proposed 2025 national budget fell significantly compared to its allocation in the 2024 General Appropriations Act.

She said the agency approved a total proposal of P10.29 billion budget for CIFs, P4.37 billion of which are for Confidential Expenses and P5.92 billion for Intelligence Expenses.

In the 2024 budget, the CIF was given an allocation of around P12.38 billion.

“The allocation for confidential and intelligence funds in the 2025 NEP decreased by 16 percent,” she said.

ARTISTIC TOUCH.

Fifteen-yearold artist Kira Uygongco paints and designs a bike repair station in Iloilo City. This bike station post is the first of its kind to be installed throughout the city. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

DepEd to submit position on new school sched

THE Department of Education (DepEd) is expected to submit its position on the proposal to suspend the regular school schedule for 8 weeks to 12 weeks to implement a learning recovery program.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), during a House Committee on Basic Education and Culture hearing on Monday, said DepEd welcomes House Resolution No. 1805, which aims to improve the literacy and numeracy competencies of K to 12 learners.

“We [at DepEd] welcome the resolution, your Honor. We spoke about this with the Secretary and the ExeCom. The whole DepEd is open to working with you [Congress] and EDCOM on thinking about how to operationalize this resolution,” DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong, quoted by GMA News, said.

Caloocan inaugurates UCC engineering college

CALOOCAN City Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan led the inauguration of the new University of Caloocan City (UCC) - College of Engineering on Monday at Barangay 176 Bagong Silang.

He said the new College of Engineering will further bolster the college programs offered at the city university, setting up new courses including BS Electronics Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, and BS Industrial Engineering.

Malapitan reminded the new students to take advantage of the free tuition offered for the new engineering programs.

The local chief executive thanked everyone who supported the said project and assured his constituents that the quality of education in the city will continue to reach new heights, not just with UCC but with all city schools. Jun David

General Trias will now have LTO district office

GENERAL TRIAS CITY ,Cavite. - The local government unit (LGU) will officially inaugurate the Land Transportation Office (LTO) - General Trias District Office on July 31 located at Bypass Road, Barangay San Juan II.

Mayor Luis Ferrer IV, previously a congressman, filed House Bill 7070 in 18th Congress seeking to establish an LTO district office in General Trias City to serve the residents efficiently and help decongest the workload of district offices in the province.

The current LTO Driver’s Licensing Renewal Office (DLRO) at Robinson’s Place GenTri in Bgy. Tejero does not provide other services such as vehicle registration, new driver’s license application, among others.

VP says supporters need not worry after PNP personnel recall

By Rachelle Tonelada

VICE President Sara Duterte assured the public that they need not worry following the removal of 75 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who were previously assigned for her protection.

Duterte said she is making the appeal for protection for her family from personal attacks and attacks from the internet.

Duterte expressed her gratitude to the public and Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Robin Padilla for their support concerning her security pleas.

Duterte also said the public should not be compelled to contribute financially toward her security. She further emphasized the importance of her family’s safety, urging the public to protect them from any form of violence, whether physical or online.

Zubiri bats for P100 wage hike anew

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

During Monday night’s interpellation on the counter-SONA delivered by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, Zubiri pointed out that it would reflect highly on the administration if the legislated wage hike bill is passed into law.

He pointed out this would do a great service to millions of Filipino families reeling from the high prices of goods and low salary rates.

Zubiri raised the issue of the very low minimum wage rates now prevailing all over the country, especially in Mindanao.

In an open letter published on her Facebook page, Duterte denounced Marbil’s public statements, saying they were inconsistent and “deceptive.”

“Let us spare our people from all the lies. Let us call it what it is—a clear case of political harassment,” the Vice President said. Marbil earlier ordered the removal of

Duterte earlier appealed to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Monday to spare her from supposed political harassment and lies.

75 police personnel from the Vice President’s security detail. The said personnel were transferred from Mindanao to Metro Manila.

Duterte noted that the relief order came after she resigned from the Department of Education after she compared the State of the Nation Address to a “catastrophic event,” and after a deepfake video of President Marcos surfaced on social media.

Pangasinan runner stamps class in athletics of ROTC Luzon

INDANG, Cavite—Pangasinan run-

ner Mary Rose Frias shone brightest as the inaugural gold medalist in the 2nd Philippine Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games Luzon NCR leg at the Cavite State University (CvSU) track oval here Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Frias clocked 5:07.2 in the women’s 1,500-meter run to capture the gold medal ahead of teammate Mary Ann Delos Reyes (5:30.3) and Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific’s bet Jeralyn Madamecilla (6:19.0)

“Nung July 28 lang po ako dumating dito, pagkatapos ng National PRISAA Games sa Legazpi, Albay. Hindi ko nga po alam kung tutuloy ako dahil nga may bagyo,” said Frias, a second year student of Virgen Milagrosa University

A Business Administration student, Frias also took home the gold medals in the women’s 1,500-meter and 800-meter in the PRISAA.

In the women’s long jump, Macailla Jane Requierme of Malaybalay Bukidnon posted 5.33 on her fourth jump to claim the gold medal.

“Sobrang saya ko po kasi nakuha ko yun personal best ko, kasi ang goal ko talaga mas mag-improve pa ako,” said Requierme, the 20-year-old first year student of Rizal Technological University.

Requierme edged teammate Bernadeth Batoy and Jhancel Santos of Tarlac State University, who settled for the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Also in athletics, Jean Claire Agawin of Fullbright College (6:56.5) and Angeline Platilla of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (5:48.2) topped the 1,500m for Air Force and Army.

Agawin bested Dorothy Grace Draper, Philippine State College of Aeronautics - FAB Campus (7:01.7) and Rio Crystelle Ariate, Philippine State College of Aeronautics - FAB Campus (7:12.8)

Other winners were Clarissa Pineda of Westmead International (3.85m) and Nikka Ann Magdato of Fullbright College (3.98m), who won the golds for Philippine Navy and Air Force, respectively.

In the men’s 1,500m run, Zhedrac Dave Fagsao (4:39.4) of Mountain Province State Polytechnic College stamped his class for Army as did Edu Garibay (4:25.4) of Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation for the Navy; and Ronnel Gonzales (4:30.4) of Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa for the Air Force.

In swimming, Kirk Dominique Reyes and Janelle Kyla Chua of the Philippine Navy swam their way to three gold medals at the De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

Boxers Paalam, Bacyadan plunge into action in Paris

By Riera U. Mallari

PARIS (Via PLDT Home)—Boxers

Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan begin their Olympic journeys on Wednesday as they face tough challenges in the Round of 16 at the North Paris Arena.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Paalam collides with Jude Gallagher

of Ireland at 9:30 p.m. (Philippine time) in the men’s 57kg class in a fight the former garbage scavenger from Cagayan de Oro can’t afford to take lightly.

The 26-year-old Paalam went through lots of adjustments after going up from flyweight to featherweight, but managed to survive all of them.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Bacyadan, who hails from Tabuk, Kalinga, will be pitted against Olympic top seed Chinese Li Qian earlier at 6:04 p.m. (Philippine time) in the round-of-16 of the women’s 75kg class.

At 5-foot-10, the Chinese enjoys

tremendous advantage over the 5-foot-6 Bacyadan, both physically and mentally.

A bronze medalist in the Rio de Janeiro Games and a silver finisher in the Covid-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, Li is expected to go flat out in Paris for that elusive gold.

Both Paalam and Bacyadan, however, are riding high on the momentum of Aira Villegas’ recent victory, determined to contribute to the Philippines’ rich boxing history.

The Philippines has earned eight of its 15 Olympic medals in the sport, a testament to the nation’s boxing prowess.

Champs collide in top V-League showdown

A CLASH of collegiate champions highlights the second playdate of the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge as UAAP titlist National University faces long-time NCAA king University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at the Paco Arena in Manila today (Wednesday).

The match, set for 10 a.m., also ushers in another explosive four-game bill, offering fast, high-octane action from the country’s premier collegiate players.

This exciting matchup marks a new era for the Bulldogs, who will be without three-time Spikers’ Turf and two-time UAAP Best Setter Owa Retamar and ace spiker Nico Almendras. In their absence, UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Finals MVP Jeffe Gallego, the standout setter of the Bullpups last season, is expected to take the spotlight as he makes his collegiate debut.

Obiena in great shape

By Peter Atencio

FILIPINO pole vault star EJ Obiena feels good and in great shape as he prepares in the men’s pole vault event of the Paris Olympics athletics meet at the Stade de France in Paris.

The 28-year-old Obiena, who is set to enter the Athletes Village on Wednesday, as stayed focused on his moves over the last two month.

A new set of pole made him confident for what lies ahead.

“I’m physically in good shape, and I feel that I am capable of winning,” said Obiena, the world no. 2 ranked pole vaulter.

After breaking his poles last month, and getting a new set of eight afterwards, Obiena, with his coach Vitaly Petrov, got to test the stability of his equipment when he joined four meets before the Olympiad.

The last time he competed using his new set of poles was against rivals who are also getting ready for the Paris Olympics.

Obiena missed a podium finish in the Meeting de Paris in France, when he settled for fourth when he cleared 5.75 meters on in his final tournament before the Olympics.

He was tied with Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis in French leg of the Diamond League leg series. Reigning Olympic champion and

world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden dominated, and took his 10th gold medal for the season when he soared to 6.00 meters.

To win a podium finish, Obiena will have to deal with Duplantis Duplantis, a Swedish-American pole vault champion known by his nickname “Mondo,” currently holds the world record in the sport with 6.23 meters. And Obiena’spersonal best of 6 meters stands as the Asian record.

DAVAO—Zero Plete minimized her mistakes and surged into the lead with a strong frontside finish, carding an 81 to overtake Rose Wacan and Johanna Uyking in the girls’ 13-15 category after 18 holes of the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates here yesterday (Tuesday).

Held back by an erratic backside start (43) marred by three straight double bogeys from No. 12, the 14-year-old contender from Cagayan de Oro steadied herself in the last nine holes, finishing with just two bogeys to surge past Wacan and Uyking, who matched backside 41s but faltered with closing scores of 42 and 43 for 83 and 84, respectively. “I struggled on my first nine holes,

“It’s easier to be an underdog. You aren’t expected to do much, but there’s always a fight in you. It’s easier to upset than to be expected,’’ said Obiena.

Aside from Dupantis, Obiena’s other challengers are no. 3 Christopher Nilsen of the United States, and world No. 4 Sam Kendricks, also of the United States.

Australia’s Kurtis Marschall (no. 5) is also in the mix, along with another American, KC Lightfoot.

making three double bogeys in a row,” said Plete. “I want to make up for that tomorrow (Wednesday).”

However, it didn’t take her long to rebound and seize control as she managed to control her errors, finishing with seven pars and two bogeys, while watching her rivals falter one after the other.

Wacan dropped two strokes on No. 1 and yielded four shots in the last four holes, while Uyking, who defeated Wacan by 24 shots at Apo last week, wavered with seven bogeys at the front, including five straight from No. 3. This enabled Plete to wrest the lead, which she vowed to keep in pursuit of top honors in the 54-hole tournament sponsored by ICTSI, the second leg of a four-stage series making up the na-

The Altas, on the other hand, are entering a new chapter as they seek to move forward without Louie Ramirez, who has played out his eligibility with the Las Piñas-based squad. Meanwhile, a rivalry game between top UAAP schools Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas is expected to draw attention, with the Golden Spikers playing without two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez, who is currently committed to the Alas Pilipinas squad. They clash at 12 noon. In the women’s division, the FEU Lady Tamaraws will square off against fellow UAAP school UP Fighting Maroons at 3 p.m., while defending VLeague champions St. Benilde Lady Blazers battle the UE Lady Warriors.

The Lady Blazers face a tough matchup as they will be without the talented quartet of Clo Mondonedo, Gayle Pascual, Michelle Gamit and Jade Gentapa, who have all transitioned to the pro ranks with ZUS Coffee in the Premier Volleyball League. Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors will welcome back Jelai Gajero, who is expected to have fully recovered after suffering an ACL tear in this same tournament last year.

The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back after a tough fiveset loss to the Letran side last Sunday.

Fans can catch all the games live on Solar Sports, vleague. ph/live, and the V-League’s YouTube channel.

tionwide junior circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“I’ll just take it shot by shot and not overthink,” said Plete of her plans for the next two rounds. “Playing here at South Pacific is fun, but the greens are very hard and difficult to pitch and putt on. I hope to make up for my mistakes since I’m getting used to it.” She added that she finds it “nervewracking playing in the Junior PGT,” saying, “I just hope to enjoy myself and if I win, that would be a bonus.” Meanwhile, three players from Del Monte made good on their vow to dominate the series ahead of their hosting of the third stop next week. The Batican siblings, Ralph and Rafella, took charge in the 1012 division, and Alexis Nailga secured the lead in the boys’ 13-15 play.

Fighting in heavier weight categories, Eumir Marcial (right) and Hergie Bacyadan start their grind in boxing competition at the Paris Games

(Photos from Eumir Marcial page)

EJ Obiena is confident of his chances in men’s pole vault

Mary Rose Frias of Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Inc, won gold medal in womens 1,500m run for Navy Team in the Philippine ROTC Games held at CVSU Indang, Cavite

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Diaz coming to Paris to boost PH athletes

PARIS (Via PLDT Home)—The Philippines’ first and so far only Olympic gold medalist in Hidilyn Diaz is coming to the games, not as an athlete, but as a member of the International Weightlifting Federation Athletes’ Commission.

This was confirmed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Dicky Bachmann on Tuesday as the PH team braced for a hectic schedule.

“She’s arriving either on Aug. 3 or Aug. 4,” said Bachmann in a text message, adding that Diaz’s arrival will be a great source of inspiration for other Filipino athletes still contention, including her fellow weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno.

“Her presence will definitely add a much-needed inspiration to all our athletes competing in these Games especially that we have a very good start in this Olympics,” said Bachmann. “She is the face of Philippine sports.”

Weightlifting boss Monico Puentevella concurred.

“Her presence alone is enough to give other Filipino athletes the extra boost,” said Puentevella.

The Zamboanga native Diaz, who captured the country’s first Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, remains a towering figure in Philippine sports as her feat has become a shining moment for the nation, while her humility and grace have made her a role model for millions.

Marking a new chapter in her journey to develop future Filipino champions, Diaz inaugurated her weightlifting academy on July 26, the third-year anniversary of her golden conquest in the Tokyo games. Riera U. Mallari

Yulo begins gold hunt in all- around gymnastics

By Riera U. Mallari

PARIS (Via PLDT

Home)—Carlos Yulo begins his Olympic quest for glory on Wednesday in the all-around gymnastics competition at the Bercy Arena.

But temper you expectations, folks. The all-around ain’t Yulo’s strongest suit.

“He will not win,” bluntly said Gymnastics’ Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion.

“But he will give it his all,” added Carrion.

While the Filipino gymnast is expected to face stiff competition from a strong field of Chinese and Japanese athletes, including a Filipino-British darkhorse, the event serves as a warm-up for his floor exercise and vault finals.

“But in the exercise and vault, that’s where he is strongest,” said Carrion of Yulo, who was so focused on the two competitions that he forgot his accreditation ID at the Athletes’ Village when he went for

training, forcing the gymnastics’ chief to secure him a new one.

Daiki Hashimoto of Japan aims to become the third consecutive Japanese all-around champion, following in the footsteps of Sawao Kato and Kohei Uchimura. Kato achieved the feat in 1968 and 1972, before Uchimura replicated it in 2012 and 2016.

Shinnosuke Oka is another Japanese contender in the all-events, topped by Boheng Zhang of China in the qualifying, with compatriot Ruoteng Xiao coming at fourth.

Zhang had a qualifying score of 88.597, against Yulo’s 83.631. Oka scored 86.865, Hashimoto

85.064, Xiao 84.898 and Fil-British Jake Jarman 84.897. Also in the mix in the finals are Great Britain’s Joe Fraser, Ukraine’s Oleg Verniaiev and Illia Kovtun, Italians Yumin Abbadini and Mario Macchiati, Americans Frederick Richard and Paul Juda, Swiss Matteo Giubellini and Florian Langenegger, Hungarian Krisztofer Meszaros, Australia’s Jesse Moore, the Netherland’s Casimir Schmidt and Frank Rijken, Kazakh Milad Karimi, Brazil’s Diogo Soares, Canada’s Felix Dolci and Rene Cournoyer, and Germany’s Nils Dunkel. “Caloy is relaxed and happy,” said Carrion. “Let’s wish him luck.”

Meralco studies building larger nuclear power plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.

(Meralco) is studying the development of bigger nuclear power plants including conventional nuclear facilities to secure the country’s future energy requirements, top executives said Tuesday.

Meralco and US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) began conducting a feasibility study on the use of micro modular reactor (MMR) facilities for power generation, but now also consider small modular reactors (SMRs) with bigger capacity.

“You are well aware of this MMR program of Meralco with USNC, but we’re looking beyond [that] because we know that if the government has this plan to have 1,200 megawatts of nuclear [power] by 2032, micromodular is not enough,” Meralco chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said.

“We need to look into SMR and

maybe the conventional nuclear,” Aperocho said, adding the building nuclear facilities and other power plants supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s mandate of critical infrastructure development.

Meralco chairman Manuel Pangilinan said company officials visited South Korea, particularly Busan, to study Doosan’s nuclear manufacturing facility.

Pangilinan said they also visited Korean companies that are doing the SMRs with US nuclear companies.

“They said it’s turned out to be more difficult than anticipated,” he said.

“So the timetable for deployment of SMR or MMR, micromodular or small modular reactors, could be moved back as far as 2032, 2035,” he said.

Pangilinan said they were also studying the capacity of MMRs and SMRs pegged at about 20 MW, and 50 MW to 70 MW, respectively.

P15.48 trillion

Gov’t debt as of June 2024

P15.35 trillion

Gov’t debt hit P15.48t in June on weak peso, new borrowings

By Darwin G. Amojelar

It also jumped by P1.33 trillion, or 9.4 percent, from P14.15 trillion in June 2023.

Gov’t debt as of May 2024

TP14.15 trillion

HE national government debt climbed to P15.48 trillion as end-June 2024, a 0.9-percent increase from the previous month on new borrowings and the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar, data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) show.

Gov’t debt as of June 2023

CLEANUP DRIVE.

More than 40 employees of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) participate in ‘Cleantramuros’, a weekly cleanup drive in the historic walled city of Intramuros as part of the company’s efforts to support Philippine tourism. During the activity led by the Intramuros Administration, One Meralco Foundation (OMF) donated cleaning materials such as brooms, dustpans and trash bins. Meralco also kicked off its anti-dangling and unauthorized wire attachments operations in Intramuros to help improve the aesthetic appeal and preserve the heritage of the popular tourist site.

“This was partially offset by the impact of third- currency depreciation on the valuation of corresponding debt denominated in those currencies,” the BTr said.

The BTr said of the total debt stock, 31.71 percent was external debt, while 68.29 percent represented domestic borrowings.

Domestic debt reached P10.57 trillion as of endJune, or 1.2 percent higher than the end-May 2024 level. It climbed by P870 billion, or 9.0 percent, from P9.7 trillion a year ago.

The increase in domestic debt was led by the P129.89 billion net issuance of government securities and the P0.39 billion effect of peso depreciation on foreign-currency-denominated domestic debt, according to the Treasury.

Meanwhile, foreign debt amounted to P4.91 trillion as of end-June, up by 0.1 percent from the end-May 2024 level. It was P465 billion, or 10.5 percent, higher than the June 2023 level of P4.44 trillion.

The month-on-month increment was traced to the P7.95 billion in net availment and the P11.23-billion upward revaluation of US dollar-denominated debt due to peso depreciation. This was partially offset by the P13.56 billion effect of favorable third-currency adjustments.

Data show that since the beginning of the year, external debt has increased 6.8 percent from its endDecember 2023 level.

Government guaranteed obligations fell 1.9 percent to P343.65 billion as of end-June 2024 from the previous month. The decline was driven by the net repayment of both domestic and external guarantees amounting to P5.02 billion and P0.73 billion, respectively.

The impact of third-currency adjustments against the US dollar amounting to P1.18 billion offset the P0.37 billion increase caused by peso depreciation.

PEZA puts up green lane for pharma projects, accredits Tarlac site

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a green lane for pharmaceutical investments.

PEZA also accredited the Victoria Industrial Park in Victoria, Tarlac as the country’s first pharmaceutical manufacturing zone.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said the country’s first pharma-

ECO REWARDS. Fisher

Mall introduces ‘Eco Rewards: Transforming Trash into Opportunities’ to promote effective waste management at the source. In support of the Trash-to-CashBack Campaign of the Quezon City Climate Change and Environment Sustainability Department and in collaboration with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc. (BEST) and BXtra Philippines, the initiative aims to engage mall tenants and local communities in environmental conservation efforts while providing economic benefits to residents.

the agreement are (from

ceutical manufacturing zone would provide a platform for Indian pharmaceutical companies to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines and forge partnerships with local stakeholders.

“We are confident that this project, combined with other initiatives like the ecozone program, CREATE More, and the upcoming PhilippinesIndia bilateral investment agreement, will encourage more Indian investment in our local pharmaceutical manufacturing industry,” he said.

The MOA outlines a streamlined process for registered business enterprises (RBEs) to obtain permits and approvals, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and expediting the establishment of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities within the designated zone.

Located in Victoria Industrial Park in Tarlac, the pharma zone will also host an FDA laboratory to ensure quality control and compliance with international standards.

The initiative syncs with the President’s directive to prioritize local

production of essential medicines, making them more accessible and affordable for Filipinos.

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the third largest globally by volume, supplying about 20 percent of the world’s generic medicines.

PEZA actively engaged with major Indian pharmaceutical players, many of whom have expressed interest in establishing manufacturing facilities in the Philippines during a trade mission organized by Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp.

THE Department of Finance (DOF) said Tuesday the utilization of idle funds from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is a more strategic approach to funding government projects than raising taxes or borrowing.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the agency is merely adhering to Congress’ order under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024, adding that the benefits and contributions of PhilHealth members would remain untouched, and that the projects to be financed by the excess funds would create more jobs and accelerate the country’s economic growth.

“To fund the unprogrammed appropriations, Congress determined that there is another way aside from new taxes as well as debts. This is through the collection of idle and unused funds from GOCCs whose

DOE may include LNG in 4th green energy auction

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday it plans to include other technologies such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA) 4 in the fourth quarter of 2024.

It said the auction is designed to cover integrated renewable energy and energy storage system (IRESS), a comprehensive energy solution that combines renewable energy technology with energy storage systems (ESS).

It said IRESS involves the integration of renewable energy sources with energy storage technologies like batteries, flywheel or pumped storage hydropower systems.

The agency said the integration allows renewable energy plants to optimize their operations by storing excess energy generated during peak production periods and utilizing it when needed, thus reducing the required capacity from the grid.

The DOE said that by combining renewable energy (RE) and energy storage, IRESS enhances the stability and reliability of the energy system, enabling a more consistent and efficient supply of power.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said the DOE, in collaboration with development partners, is studying the design and economic viability of IRESS.

Flores

Alena Mae S.

interest rate is being paid by the government. This is contained in the 2024 GAA, which we are following,” Recto said in a statement.

Recto addressed erroneous statements making rounds in social media, emphasizing the legal basis behind the use of the PhilHealth’s unutilized funds to finance projects under the Unprogrammed Appropriations. He said the DOF moved in line with Republic Act No. 11975 or the GAA 2024, which was approved by Congress.

The DOF first reviewed and studied the provision to determine its merit, assessing if it would help in growing the economy. The DOF also consulted the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) and sought the legal opinions of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to ensure full compliance with the law. Darwin G. Amojelar

YOKOHAMA EXPANSION. Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. starts the construction of a P3.5-billion

expansion project of its tire plant in Clark Freeport Zone that will increase daily production capacity to 34,100 tires from 32,300 and

Nakazawa, Mabalacat

Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) chairman Edgardo Pamintuan, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, CDC president and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr.

Executives of PH1 World Developers (PH1WD), the property development company of engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide Construction Corp., signs a loan agreement with Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) for the development of Northscapes, in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. The

4.6-hectare residential development will feature 338 energyefficient housing units and brings sustainable living to Bulacan.

Vista Land raises $300m from foreign bond market

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PVista Land & Lifescapes

Inc., the real estate arm of the Villar family, raised $300 million from the issuance of US-denominated unsecured fixed-rate notes.

Vista Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday its wholly-owned VLL International Inc. (VLL) completed the issuance of $300-million 9.375 percent senior guaranteed notes due 2029. It said it would use the net proceeds for refinancing, working capital, investment and other general corporate purposes. The notes were issued under VLLI’s $2-billion medium term note program and were listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd. The notes are guaranteed by the company and subsidiaries Brittany Corp., Camella Homes Inc., Com-

munities Philippines Inc., Crown Asia Properties Inc., Vista Residences Inc. and Vistamalls, Inc.

Vista Land tapped DBS Bank Ltd. and HSBC as the joint global dealers for the transaction and Union Bank of the Philippines as the domestic lead manager.

Vista Land last issued dollar denominated bonds in 2020 when it raised $200 million which it used to refinance loans.

Vista Land also raised P6 billion in December 2023 from the issuance of peso-denominated fixed-rate bonds.

The property developer plans to spend P30 billion for 2024 capital

expenditures primarily to finance the construction of residential projects and land development.

Vista Land’s net income jumped 11 percent year-on-year to P3 billion in the first quarter of 2024 on higher revenues from residential and leasing businesses. First-quarter consolidated revenues reached P10 billion, up 11 percent from a year ago.

Villar earlier said Vista Land would also continue to launch master-planned developments through Vista Estates.

It had 26 master planned developments under Vista Estates as of end2023.

said Tuesday it obtained a P500-million loan from Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). PH1WD said in a statement it would use the loan to develop its house-andlot project called Northscapes in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan.

“We thank BPI for their vote of confidence in both PH1WD and Megawide, through Northscapes, and our goal to bring energy-efficient communities to emerging locations such as San Jose Del Monte,” said PH1WD president Gigi Alcantara.

The property firm said the funding will expedite PH1WD’s value creation drive, projected to be a major growth source of growth of Megawide in the next two years.

“Our commitment to buyers is to build homes with superior quality and offer an excellent community experience, expected from PH1WD—the real estate arm of the country’s most innovative engineering company Megawide. This partnership with BPI will ensure that we will deliver on our promise and is a testament to the collaborative mindset of both our organizations to promote accessible green and modern living,” said PH1WD general manager for horizontal developments Eric Gregor Tan.

BPI said the funding is aligned with the bank’s vision to support sustainable housing projects in the country.

“We look forward to more collaboration with PH1WD to further advance our shared goal of creating positive change and developing sustainable communities,” said BPI head of commercial banking relationship management group Luis Cruz. Jenniffer B. Austria

Robinsons Retail booked 36% profit growth in second quarter

ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc.

(RRHI) of the Gokongwei Group said Tuesday its net income attributable to equity holder of the parent company surged 36.2 percent in the second quarter to P1.72 billion from P1.27 billion in the same period last year, driven by higher gross profit and operating efficiencies.

RRHI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange higher dividend income from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and lower losses from associates augmented its strong secondquarter earnings.

Second-quarter core net income jumped 15.3 percent as net sales climbed 3.1 percent to P47.83 billion.

Net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company soared by 278.1 percent to P6.8 billion in the first half from P1.8 billion a year ago due to one-time gain from the merger of Robinsons Bank with BPI.

First-half core net earnings grew 12.1 percent to P2.6 billion.

RRHI said food, drugstores and department stores delivered strong revenues in the second quarter of the year.

Blended same-store sales growth (SSSG) in the second quarter rose 0.5 percent despite the persistent inflation, while first-half

blended SSSG reached 0.7 percent.

“We continue to generate earnings growth by focusing on controllable factors such as opening stores in strategic locations, enhancing our merchandise mix, and streamlining costs. We are confident that we can sustain the earnings momentum in the latter half of the year as we accelerate store openings, while moderating inflation should be a boon for consumer spending,” said RRHI president and chief executive Robina Gokongwei-Pe.

Operating income continued to accelerate relative to the topline, attributed to improvements in the sales mix, higher vendor support and optimized costs. Jenniffer B. Austria

LOCAL farmers and entrepreneurs are finding a bigger market through the SM Weekend Market, a joint venture of SM Foundation and SM Supermalls.

The initiative aims to integrate local producers into the retail industry while boosting economic growth and community development.

SM Investments Corp. said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to economies, including the Philippines. The company launched the SM Weekend Market to help these businesses, especially farmers.

“Our goal is to transfer modern, science-based agritechnology skillsets to our farmers. Once equipped with these advanced skills and knowledge, we link them to the available market,” SM Foundation assistant vice president Cristie Angeles said. Since its inception, the market has welcomed more

than 100 local farmers, offering them a platform to connect with diverse customers, from weekend shoppers to mall employees and tenants.

This exposure has not only expanded their market reach but also significantly boosted their profitability. The daily sales among local enterprises vary significantly, reflecting a broad spectrum from modest to substantial earnings.

“The SM Weekend Market provides MSMEs the strategic venues or marketplaces to showcase their products and engage directly with consumers,” SM Supermall president Steven Tan said.

Local farmers, actively involved in the SM Weekend Market, attribute their improved profitability to the market’s support and opportunities.

At the heart of the SM Weekend Market’s success lies SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan— Sustainable Livelihood Program (KSK-SLP).

Local farmers from SM Calamba display their fresh produce at the SM Weekend Market. Developed as a collaborative effort between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls, the initiative is a strategic move to integrate local producers into the retail ecosystem while bolstering economic resilience and community development.

BUSINESS

2 energy companies pursue oil, gas exploration in Palawan

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday two companies completed the 3D seismic surveys in Palawan in line with the government’s efforts to boost petroleum exploration, enhance energy security, unlock untapped resources and drive oil and gas exploration and development in the country.

tion Corporation (PNOC-EC) in the Northwest Palawan Basin under SC 57 completed their offshore 3D seismic surveys.

(SC) No. 76 and PNOC Explora-

BCDA, K-Water sign deal on water plans for Clark, John Hay

By Othel V. Campos

STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-Water) signed two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to develop comprehensive water resource plans for New Clark City in Tarlac province and Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

“We are excited to partner with K-Water, a global leader in water management and technology. This collaboration will help us develop innovative solutions to address the water needs of our growing communities in New Clark City and Camp John Hay,” said BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang.

K-Water, a leading South Korean government agency specializing in water resource development, will conduct feasibility studies and provide expertise on smart water sourcing and sewage monitoring systems.

The partnership aims to ensure the sustainable and efficient management of water resources in these key BCDA developments.

“We look forward to working with BCDA to develop comprehensive water resource plans that will benefit the people and communities in these areas,” said K-Water vice president Song Yon Han.

Ratio, an Israeli company and PNOC-EC engaged Shearwater GeoServices to deploy the seismic survey vessel SW Thuridur and acquired 3D seismic data over the SC blocks 76 and 57, respectively.

These seismic surveys were approved by the DOE as part of their work commitments in their service contracts.

Both work activities were also conducted with the full support of the provincial government of Palawan and government agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of

National Defense (DND), National Security Council (NSC), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD).

The surveys, conducted from March 18, 2024 to June 20, 2024, utilized state-of-the-art technology and methodologies to capture high-resolution images of the subsurface geology. They covered 1,619 square kilometers in SC 76 and 1,519 sq. km. in SC 57.

ERC lifts order suspending reserve market

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday lifted a suspension on the billing and settlement of the price determination methodology (PDM) in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The move allows the full resumption of reserve trading in the WESM for contracted and merchant plants.

The ERC, in a July 26 resolution, said it determined that the grounds for the suspension no longer exist after the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) and Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) complied with the agency’s directives on the proposed amended PDM. PDM is the mechanism used to determine prices and settlements in the WESM, as outlined in the market manual.

The ERC imposed the suspension on March 26, affecting all reserve market capacities except those covered by the ancillary services purchase agreement (ASPA) and included in commission rulings. The agency cited pending compliance issues as the reason for the suspension.

The ERC also extended an interim relief for the proposed PDM’s adoption and implementation, with additional conditions. It had granted initial interim relief in August 2023 to assess the outcome of the reserve market’s trial operations program. It ordered IEMOP to recalculate reserve trading amounts for February and March and adjust the value for the remaining 70 percent of March’s billing. It also directed the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to align its non-compliance submission timeline with IEMOP’s.Alena Mae S. Flores

New property valuation law to boost real estate market—Santos Knight Frank

THE recently-enacted Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (PRVARA) will revitalize the Philippine property sector by increasing transparency and competitiveness, real estate consultancy Santos Knight Frank said.

PRVARA introduces several key changes including the standardization of appraisal and valuation practices, a nationwide update of market values and the creation of a comprehensive

real property information system.

“PRVARA is a crucial step in raising valuation standards and promoting transparency in the Philippine real estate sector. Global investors value market transparency, and PRVARA will play a vital role in driving increased investment into the country,” said SKF chairman and chief executive Rick Santos in a briefing Tuesday.

The measures aim to provide greater clarity and efficiency in the real es-

Digido teams up with Dragonpay, adopts national QR standard

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DIGIDO, a

electronic wallets or banking apps. This facilitates open banking and financial inclusion, ensuring seamless and stress-free transactions within minutes.

Under Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular No. 1055, all participating payment service providers, including banks and non-bank electronic money issuers (EMIs), are required to adopt QR Ph, also referred to as the National QR Code Standard. Aside from ensuring the safety, reliability and efficiency of operations of payment systems, having a national QR standard has transformed the fragmented QR-driven payment services in the country into interoperable payment solutions.

“This initiative gives our clients much more flexibility when using their cash loans as well as facilitating

positive loan repayment behavior. The growing trust and preference for digital channels, including lending, should be met with integrations like these to increase access to timely financing options,” said Digido business development manager Rose Arreco.

Dragon founder and chief executive Robertson Chiang said the partnership highlights the company’s commitment to expanding digital payment access, aligning seamlessly with Digido’s mission to ensure underserved Filipinos gain safe and inclusive entry into the nation’s digital financial ecosystem.

tate market, attracting both domestic and international investors, he said.

The real estate industry is closely watching proposed amendments to the Condominium Act, Santos said. If passed, House Bill 10173 would streamline the process of dissolving struggling condominium corporations and introduce regulations for the maintenance and redevelopment of existing properties.

The proposed changes could ad-

dress land scarcity issues in Metro Manila, improve urban resilience and ensure the safety and longevity of future developments.

SKF sees both PRVARA and the proposed amendments to the Condominium Act as positive developments for the local real estate sector that may lead to increased investment, improved transparency and better management of existing properties.

Othel V. Campos

Marcos signs Negros Electric franchise as power distributor

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the franchise for Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) to manage and operate the electricity distribution system in Central Negros, guaranteeing continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply across the franchise area.

The President signed Republic Act Number 12011 on July 26, 2024, just a day before it would have lapsed into law. The legislation will come into effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

The bill originated in the House of Representatives and was introduced by Representatives Stephen Paduano, Jose Francisco Benitez, Juliet Marie Ferrer and Greg Gasataya. It was approved by the House on

February 21, 2024, amended by the Senate on May 20, 2024, and further concurred by the House on May 22, 2024, before being forwarded to the Office of the President.

NEPC, also known as Negros Power, is a joint venture company between Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI) and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), established to enhance power distribution and customer service for over 220,000 active accounts in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, Silay and municipalities of Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

PHI will acquire all power distribution assets of CENECO valued at over P2 billion, with 70 percent in cash and the remaining 30 percent as CENECO’s share in NEPC.

The DOE said in a statement Ratio Petroleum Ltd. (Ratio) in East Palawan Basin under Service Contract

MSME SUMMIT. GCash, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc., joins the National MSME Summit 2024 organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with Go Negosyo. The event, themed ‘Innovate to Elevate MSMEs’ drew in entrepreneurs seeking the mentorship and expertise of leaders in the business and digital finance space including GCash’s general manager for B2B Jong Layug.

PHINMA TOWNSHIP. PHINMA Property Holdings Corp. breaks ground for its newest township, Saludad, a 21-hectare community in Bacolod City. Joining the groundbreaking ceremony are (from left) PHINMA Properties vice president and chief township officer Paolo Reyes, chairman Roberto Laviña, JEPP Property Corp. architect Noli Puentevella, Carisse Echaus, PHINMA Properties president and chief executive Raphael Felix and PHINMA Hospitality Inc. president and chief executive Jose Mari del Rosario.

HEDCOR CONTRIBUTION. Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio Quiño (fourth from left) receives the municipality’s

Taiwan’s President Lai calls for unity in face of China ‘threat’

TAIPEI—Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-

te said Tuesday “a threat from China to any country is a threat to the world”, emphasizing to lawmakers of more than 20 countries that global democracies must unite against “authoritarian expansion.”

China has in recent years stepped up military and political pressures on democratic Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.

While Taipei officially only has a dozen diplomatic allies, it has strengthened partnerships with democracies around the world—especially the United States, its largest weapons provider—as Beijing ups the rhetoric of unification being “inevitable”.

On Tuesday, Lai attended a summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China—a group of parliamentarians hailing from Uruguay and Canada to Japan and Britain concerned about how democracies interact with Beijing.

Praising the 49 lawmakers from 23 countries and the European Parliament for making the journey to Taipei, Lai said the delegation demonstrates “the importance and support” that various countries have for Taiwan.

“They send a crucial message to demo-

IN BRIEF

Clock ticking for Harris to name running mate

WASHINGTON, DC—Newly thrust into the race for the White House, Kamala Harris embarks Monday (Tuesday Manila time) on a pivotal week for her campaign as she intensifies the search for a running mate. The US vice president, who is all but certain to secure her party’s official nomination to challenge Donald Trump this November, is set to announce the number two on her ticket in the coming days.

Choosing a vice president is a critical step for any presidential hopeful, a chance to broaden their appeal to the electorate with a complementary partner. It is a process that normally spans several months, involving meticulous vetting of contenders’ experience, their finances, hobbies —and any lurking scandals.

But with Biden’s late exit from the race, Harris faces a “compressed timetable” of mere weeks, says Joel Goldstein, a scholar of vice presidencies at Saint Louis University. Harris is reportedly expected to reveal her choice by Aug. 7—less than 20 days after launching her campaign.

Speculation is rife about who will be selected, with political observers suggesting a likely choice will be a white man with executive experience “beyond the Beltway”—meaning outside Washington.

If she wins in November, Harris would make history as the first woman, the first person of South Asian descent, and the second Black person to serve as US president. AFP

Lebanon on alert as Israel vows response

MAJDAL SHAMS—Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed a “severe” response to a deadly strike that killed youths in the annexed Golan Heights, as diplomats raced to contain escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

On a visit to the site of the rocket strike which killed 12 children in the town of Majdal Shams, Netanyahu said: “The State of Israel will not, and cannot, let this pass. Our response will come and it will be severe.” He was greeted by protests during the visit, which came after mourners gathered in the Druze Arab town to bury the last victim, 11-year-old Guevara Ibrahim. Israel and the United States have blamed the strike on Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which has traded neardaily fire with Israeli forces since war in Gaza began between Hamas militants and Israel in early October. In Lebanon, Israeli missiles struck two air defense bases in southern Syria overnight, a war monitor said Tuesday, as tensions surge on Israel’s northern border after a deadly rocket strike on the annexed Golan Heights. AFP

Grilled eel leaves

1 dead, 140 sick TOKYO—Grilled eel, a popular summer delicacy in Japan, is behind a department store food poisoning incident that has left more than 140 people sick and one dead, the store’s president said. Shinji Kaneko of Keikyu Department Store in Yokohama—about an hour from Tokyo—apologized after the customers, who last week bought lunch boxes containing eel, suffered vomiting and diarrhea. One of the customers—reportedly a woman in her 90s—died, Shinji Kaneko told reporters on Monday, bowing deeply and offering “our most sincere condolences”. The products included eel cooked in the

and

cratic partners worldwide: democracy requires unity and protection,” he said.

“I want to emphasize that a threat from China to any country is a threat to the world. Taiwan will do everything to join democratic partners to uphold the umbrella of democracy, (and) protect democratic nations from the threat of authoritarian expansion.”

Lai, who took office in May, is regarded by China as a “dangerous separatist” for his staunch defence of Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Three days after later China launched war games, encircling the island with fighter jets and naval vessels, as a “punishment” for Lai’s inauguration speech which Beijing said was a “confession of Taiwan independence”.

Lai has repeatedly made overtures for dialogue with Beijing -- severed after his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen came into office in 2016 for her stance that Taiwan is not part of China.

But like Tsai, he has also maintained that the island must be united in ensuring its sovereignty by building up its defence capabilities, as China maintains a near-daily military presence by deploying warships, fighter jets and drones around Taiwan. AFP

Destructions as California’s largest fire of year rages, 26,000 evacuated

LOS ANGELES—Throngs of firefighters were mobilized in California Monday to battle the state’s largest blaze of the year, which has prompted thousands of evacuations and already burned an area larger than the city of Los Angeles.

The Park Fire outside of Chico in the state’s north has been raging since Wednesday in a rural region about three hours’ drive northeast of San Francisco.

It has now ravaged more than 149,700 hectares according to the Cal Fire agency, making it one of the largest fires in state history.

No casualties have been reported so far, and firefighters benefitted from a slight drop in temperatures over the weekend that allowed them to make some progress, with the fire now 12 percent contained. Nearly 4,900 firefighters have been mobilized, with 33 helicopters, 400 fire trucks and numerous planes battling the conflagration. More than 26,000 residents were under evacuation orders Monday afternoon, with authorities calling for

extreme caution due to a high risk of fire escalation.

“This fire is extremely unstable and unpredictable,” Tehama County Sheriff Dave Kain told a press conference Monday.

“We’ve seen many places that we thought were going to be safe to move back into erupt in flames again,” he added.

The fire progressed during the first 48 hours at the speed of a person walking and has spawned fire tornadoes and generated smoke shaped like mushroom clouds.

The fire was able to spread quickly following multiple heat waves that have struck California and the western United States since

the beginning of June. Vegetation “is still super, super dry,” said Daniel Swain, an extreme weather specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles, adding that this was caused by “a month of record-breaking heat and evaporative demand.”

While the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains burn regularly, the particular canyons where the Park Fire is located have not seen fires in decades, meaning there is plenty of fuel for the flames.

Despite the massive resources deployed by California, which has special expertise in firefighting, “it’s still beyond technology to address a fire at that scope,” Swain said. AFP

36 dead, hundreds feared trapped in India landslides

BENGALURU, India—Landslides in India triggered by pounding monsoon rains have killed at least 36 people with hundreds more feared trapped under mud and debris, officials said Tuesday.

The southern coastal state of Kerala has been battered by torrential downpours, and the collapse of a key bridge at the disaster site in Wayanad district has hampered rescue efforts, according to local media reports.

“Thirty-six deaths have been confirmed in connection with the landslide in Wayanad,,”district official D.R. Meghasree told reporters.

Kerala state health minister Veena George told the Press Trust of India news agency that “many” others had been injured and were being treated in hospital.

Images published by the National Disaster Response Force show rescue crews trudging through mud to search for survivors and carry bodies on stretchers out of the area. Homes were caked with brown sludge as the force of the landslide’s

Venezuela protesters tear-gassed, 1 dead

CARACAS—At least one person died Monday (Tuesday Manila time) in Venezuela as security forces tried to break up protests triggered by a hotly disputed election result that gave Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a third term in power, an NGO said.

Venezuelan security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets Monday at irate protesters challenging the reelection victory claimed by Maduro but disputed by the opposition and questioned by many other countries.

Thousands of people flooded the streets of several neighborhoods of the capital, chanting “Freedom, freedom!” and “This government is going to fall!”

Some ripped Maduro campaign posters from street posts and burned them. Around the country at least two statues of Hugo Chavez, the late socialist icon who led the country for more than a decade and handpicked Maduro as his successor, were

knocked down by protesters.

At least one person died in northwest Yaracuy state and 46 more were arrested in post-election demonstrations, Alfredo Romero, head of a rights group called Foro Penal, which specializes in political prisoner issues, said on the platform X.

In Caracas AFP observed members of the national guard firing tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters, some wearing motorbike helmets and bandannas tied over their faces for protection. Some responded by throwing rocks back.

Protests were reported even in very poor areas of Caracas that had been bastions of support for Maduro and his socialist government. Shots were heard in some areas. Protests broke out elsewhere in Venezuela, too. “We want freedom. We want Maduro to go. Maduro, leave!,” Marina Sugey, a 42 year-old

impact scattered cars, corrugated iron and other debris around the disaster site. India’s army said it had deployed more than 200 soldiers to the area to assist state security forces and fire crews in search and rescue efforts.

“Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped,” it said in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had assured the Kerala government of “all possible help” with the situation.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured,” he said in a post on social media platform X. His office said families of victims would be given a compensation payment of $2,400 (200,000 rupees).

More rainfall and strong winds were forecast in Kerala on Tuesday, the state’s disaster management agency said.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who until recently represented Wayanad in parliament, said he was “deeply anguished” by the disaster. AFP

resident of a poor area of Caracas called Petare, told AFP. AFP

TRUDGING THROUGH MUD. This handout photograph taken on Tuesday and released by India’s National Disaster Response Force shows NDRF personnel at the disaster site as they rescue victims of the landslide in Wayanad. The southern coastal state of Kerala has been battered by torrential downpours, and the collapse of a key bridge at the disaster site in Wayanad district has hampered rescue efforts, according to local media reports. AFP

FIRE TORNADOES SPAWNED. A property is seen in flames as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 26,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said. It

A rainy yet enchanting Boracay experience

Philippines opens new office in Davao

FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH), a pioneer in advanced imaging and healthcare services, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in Davao City to cater to the increasing demand for its innovative products and services in Mindanao.

Mr. Masahiro Uehara, president of FFPH, said the new office at the LSA Center, JP Laurel Avenue, Bajada in Davao City is the fourth office in the country.

Since FFPH’s establishment in 2012 the company has steadily expanded, opening office and service center in Taguig, Makati, and Cebu City.

“Establishing a branch in Davao City underscores FUJIFILM Philippines’ commitment to providing exceptional service

Sea. This initiative raises awareness for vulnerable coastal areas and advocates for energy and resource autonomy while fostering discussions on the Philippines’ benefits from the sea.

BINGOPLUS Day Cebu Carnival opened with a heartfelt message to the families and individuals who were left devastated by the recent typhoon Carina. The BingoPlus Foundation had quickly responded to the need for aid across the country and began relief operations in Metro Manila and several areas in Luzon.

“As Typhoon Carina intensified into a super typhoon, we knew that this would leave us with a terrible aftermath,” said DigiPlus Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability Celeste Jovenir. “As we speak, we are mobilizing immediate relief efforts and post-disaster rehabilitation in various parts of Metro Manila and affected provinces, in coordination with the DSWD, LGUs and organizations.” Guided by one of its four advocacies, Community Safety and Resilience, the Foundation further said it would dedicate Php 10 million to those made vulnerable by the calamity. This response is an answer to the cry for

Zambales to check developments in hazard zones

THE provincial government of Zambales will monitor and review ongoing developments located in coastal areas and identified hazard zones to ensure the safety of residents and local communities in disasterprone locations.

This was announced by Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. over the weekend following an assessment by the InterAgency Committee (IAC) of coastal hazards in the province, particularly incidents of coastal erosion during heavy monsoon rains induced by Typhoon Carina.

“We have deemed it best not to allow further developments — whether for residential or recreational purposes — in areas that are hazard-prone. This is in consideration of public safety, which should be our paramount concern,” Ebdane said.

Ebdane cited as an example Sitio Tektek at Barangay Sindol in San Felipe, Zambales, where a storm surge destroyed a large portion of the coastal road and protective dike at the height of Typhoon Carina.

According to a report by the IAC-Technical Working Group (TWG), Sitio Tektek, as well as Sitio Laoag in nearby Barangay Maloma have “moderate vulnerability” to coastal hazards like flooding.

The IAC-TWG recently made a coastal hazards vulnerability assessment in San Felipe with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), and local barangay officials.

and cutting-edge technology to more customers in the country, particularly in Mindanao. We are excited to be a part of this dynamic community and look forward to continuing our mission of enhancing the quality of life through our wide array of innovative imaging and healthcare solutions. This new office will also focus on medical network systems to expand medical IT sales and provide technical support to those in need,” he said.

Uehara explained that a medical network system connects computers and various medical devices such as CT scanners, laser printers, image storage servers, and diagnosis terminals, through a network. This setup allows doctors and

medical professionals to share and access digital images and data, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital operations.

Apart from health initiatives, Uehara said the Davao branch will also serve as a hub for FUJIFILM Philippines’ operations in Mindanao, offering comprehensive support and access to the company’s extensive range of products and services, including digital cameras, instant camera system, and industrial products. “The new office is strategically located to serve urban and rural areas in the southern part of the country, ensuring that businesses and consumers have easier access to the company’s advanced solutions,” he added.

By Sasha Uy

ARECENT trip to Boracay coincided with the approach of Typhoon Carina, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Despite the stormy weather, the island’s charm remained undeniable, offering a unique and serene retreat. High winds on the first night set the tone, but we feasted on the island’s famous bulasing and some budbod at Kolai Mangyan, making the experience enjoyable despite the weather. Although the rain prevented the full enjoyment of outdoor activities, the final day gifted a glimpse of Boracay’s famous sunset. The sky burst into mesmerizing shades of orange and pink, making the wait worthwhile. This enchanting moment underscored why Boracay is celebrated as one of the world’s top sunset destinations.

During the stay, the transition from the Amihan to Habagat season was noticeable, providing a mix of calm and excitement. The protective “Habagat walls” on White Beach stood firm against the southwest monsoon, yet Boracay’s beauty persisted. The island’s vibrant nightlife and culinary delights also shone through, offering delicious seafood feasts and local delicacies, all embraced by the island’s warm hospitality. Despite the weather, the trip to Boracay was memorable. The island’s enduring allure, even amid the challenges of Typhoon Carina, left a lasting impression. Boracay’s beauty, hospitality, and unique experiences ensured that the visit was cherished and left a longing to return.

While Boracay offered a serene escape, our thoughts were with those affected by the historic flooding in Metro Manila. The contrast between the island’s tranquility and the dire situation in the city served as a poignant reminder of nature’s power and the resilience needed in the face of such challenges. Boracay during the Habagat season is more than just an off-peak option for travelers. Despite the rain and winds brought by Typhoon Carina, the island’s beauty and charm remained undiminished.

AP Renewables Inc. (APRI), an Aboitiz Power Corporation subsidiary, sponsored a basic sewing skills and entrepreneurship training program in Sta. Elena, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, made in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

APRI also donated 25 units of sewing machines and sewing start-up kits to help the beneficiaries in attaining a National Certification Level II in Dressmaking from TESDA and securing a livelihood. The local barangay pledged continuous support in marketing assistance and stake-

holder engagement to ensure project sustainability. APRI is a geothermal energy producer, delivering clean and renewable baseload power with a facility in Tiwi, Albay and another within the areas of Bay and Calauan, Laguna and Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Pictured are the proud graduates of the training program, along with their teachers and representatives from the Aboitiz Group.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. Guided by its grand-

TARGETED interventions are crucial in enhancing farm productivity and strengthening upland farmers’ capacity to withstand against and recover from various shocks, including natural disasters and economic disruptions. This surfaced at a recent public webinar organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)

scale vision and higher purpose, the company actively contributes toward uplifting the lives of the Filipino people and achieving a better world. The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines, with a balanced portfolio of assets located across the country. It is a major producer of renewable energy, with several hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar power generation facilities. It also has thermal power plants in its generation portfolio to support the country’s baseload and peak energy demands.

cialist Anna Rita P.

SHOWBIZ

Mark Bautista is building new dreams

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

ROMANTIC pop balladeer Mark Bautista holds a solo concert, Mark My Dreams, scheduled for Aug. 31 at The Theatre at Solaire. The show celebrates his 20-year journey in the music industry.

Talking to Manila Standard Entertainment, the 40-year-old singer tackled the concert’s theme and how it plays a significant part in his career.

“The concert is about the dreams I have achieved and those that didn’t materialize,” Bautista reflected. “It’s like dreaming new dreams. The anticipation is high because many of the guests are people I’m working with for the first time. It’s a reflection of my career and the pursuit of my dreams.”

“I want them to be inspired by my journey after watching the show,” he continued. “I still want to achieve things beyond singing. I want to be part of an art film, write a song that I can call my own, and maybe write songs for other musicians. I have many more things I want to accomplish in my personal and professional life.”

Mark My Dreams, according to its director GB San Pedro, is set to offer something new and exciting. Special guests include harana star Arthur Nery, Suklay Diva Katrina Velarde, singer-songwriter Rob Deniel, and his mentor and duet partner, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. The concert will be musically directed by Nico Rivero San Pedro, who also helmed Mark’s first concert 20 years ago, described the collaboration as familial and collaborative.

“We’re like family when we do our shows. He’s very collaborative,” San Pedro noted adding that the performance will include new elements never seen before.

Mark’s previous solo concert was a decade ago. He recalls 2017 as a challenging period when the musical variety show Sunday All Stars went off the air. During this time, he sought new opportunities and took a video editing course in New York, which led to a role in Here Lies Love

“For opportunities to come, you have to show up too,” he advised. “To last in this industry, you need to take care of it and treasure it. It’s harsh, so you must stay strong and connected to reality, as well as to your family and friends.”

Tickets for Mark My Dreams range from P7500 for Platinum, P6500 for SVIP, P5500 for VIP, P3500 for Gold, P2500 for Lower Balcony, to P1500 for Upper Balcony.

Is Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala

trying to woo Kathryn Bernardo?

By Angelica Villanueva

ACCORDING to a report by PEP

actress Kathryn Bernardo is said to be receiving romantic attention from Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala. Other than the rumor, no

further details on when and how it started were revealed.

The news came after following Kathryn’s split with actor Daniel Padilla in November 2023, Kathryn’s name was linked to actors like Alden Richards, Jericho

Rosales, and Donny Pangilinan

Earlier this year, Alden was often seen attending some of Kathryn’s milestones, including her birthday celebration and housewarming. While the two are demonstrably close, neither has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement.

Kathryn and Alden are currently in Canada filming for their reunion project Hello, Love, Again, following the box office success of Hello, Love, Goodbye in 2019.

Meanwhile, Mayor Alcala was Kapuso actress Ashley Ortego’s exboyfriend before being previously rumored to be dating volleyball player Mika Reyes. Lucena City’s incumbent mayor and the athlete never confirmed their relationship.

NICKIE WANG, Editor Writer Writer

Mark Bautista’s ‘Mark My Dreams’ concert celebrates his two decades in the industry

Mark Bautista rose to fame following his runner up win in singing contest ‘Star for a Night’

Mark Bautista (left) with ‘Mark My Dreams’ director GB San Pedro

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Regal tales and dramatic saga of queens and princesses

FEW subjects captivate audiences as consistently as the lives of royal women in cinematic storytelling. From the struggles and triumphs of queens to the intricate dramas within royal courts, these stories have been brought to life on screens big and small.

Whether you’re intrigued by the resilience of queens who redefined their kingdoms or the intimate portrayals of princesses navigating the treacherous waters of monarchy, these movies and series on Lionsgate Play promise a viewing experience that will resonate with both history enthusiasts and drama lovers alike.

Catherine de’ Medici - The Serpent Queen  Starring Bafta and Golden Globe winner Samantha Morton, The Serpent Queen chronicles the life of Catherine de’ Medici, an orphaned Italian teenager who marries into the 16th-century French court. Navigating the treacherous world of royal politics, she masters the art of monarchy, ultimately ruling France for fifty years, becoming one of history’s most formidable queens. The newly premiered second season of this royal drama promises an even deeper dive into Catherine’s complex and controversial reign, adding more stars (like Minnie Driver, who plays Elizabeth I) to the already stellar cast.

Dame Elizabeth Grey - The White Queen

Set during England’s Wars of the Roses, The White Queen is based on Philippa Gregory’s best-selling novel. This miniseries tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville (Rebecca Ferguson), a commoner who marries King Edward IV and becomes queen. In this role, she must protect her

family and secure her children’s place as heirs to the throne.

Elizabeth of York - The White Princess

NCCA marks 50 years of PH-Peru diplomatic relations with culinary demo

By Abigail Adriatico

The White Princess continues the York and Lancaster saga, focusing on Elizabeth of York (Jodie Comer), who becomes queen by marrying Henry VII. Amidst her mother’s family’s plots and her husband’s shaky claim to the throne, Elizabeth contends with political alliances and personal loyalties to protect her legacy.

Catherine of Aragon - The Spanish Princess

Another installment in the Philippa Gregory series, The Spanish Princess follows Catherine of Aragon (Charlotte Hope ), the first wife of King Henry VIII . As a young princess from Spain, Catherine faces challenges in adapting to her new role as queen and navigating political tensions between England and Spain, all while trying to secure a male heir.

Elizabeth I - Becoming Elizabeth

This miniseries, starring Alicia von Rittberg and Romola Garai, chronicles the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. It begins with her as an orphaned teenager navigating the perilous politics of the English court, forging alliances, and overcoming betrayals to secure her place as queen and establish her legacy.

Princess Diana - Spencer

Fast-forward to more recent history and Spencer delves into Princess Diana’s life and marriage to Prince Charles during the Christmas holidays of 1991. Starring Kristen Stewart, the film explores Diana’s emotional turmoil as her marriage unravels, offering a raw and intimate look at one of modern history’s most beloved royals.

Subscribe to Lionsgate Play on PLDT Home and Smart today and experience the drama, the passion, and the power struggles of kings and queens, all from the comfort of your home.

A digital playground for young learners

GMA Network, through its digital and technology arm GMA New Media Inc. (NMI), has launched a new YouTube channel for children: Kubo House.

This new digital channel brings Filipino culture to life with vibrant 3D animation and catchy music, offering educational and engaging content for young viewers.

Kubo House integrates generative AI technology with digital storytelling to create a colorful online

space where children can learn about the rich, musical heritage of the Philippines.

“I can speak from experience that parents are always looking for fun content that their kids can enjoy and hopefully learn from,” shares GMA NMI President and COO Dennis Augusto L. Caharian . “Especially for Pinoys raising children abroad, it’s important that Filipino traditions get passed on. They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and Kubo

House would like to help out and be a part of that village.”

Produced by NMI Studios, Kubo House boasts a diverse library of content created by a team of 3D animators, writers, graphic designers, and video editors. This dedicated group collaborates to produce high-quality content that resonates with children, with plans to create even more material for the upcoming school year.

Kubo House offers a modern way for children to learn traditional Filipino nursery rhymes. Videos feature lyrics on screen to help kids expand their vocabulary and language skills as they sing along to songs like “Tong Tong Pakitong-Kitong,” “Si Pilemon, Si Filemon,” “Pen Pen de Sarapen,” and folk songs such as “Bahay Kubo,” “Magtanim Ay ‘Di Biro,” “ParuParong Bukid,” and more.

THE National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has conducted a culinary demonstration of the iconic Filipino dish adobo in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Chile and Chile-based Asian food restaurant Tachi. Serving as part of the celebration for the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Peru and the Philippines, the cooking demonstration was led by Chef Miguel Paolo Damatac , the executive chef and owner of Tachi, and was aired on the Arriba Mi Gente TV program on Channel 2, Latina Television last July 24.

Prior to the demonstration, there was also a Peruvian cooking class that was aired on the channel. Both demonstrations were made in coordination with the Filipino community in Peru.

As one of the most popular dishes in the Philippines, adobo involves marination in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, which shares similarities with dishes from Peruvian cuisine.

The culinary demonstration is available to watch on Arriba Mi Gente ’s Facebook page. Other activities that will be conducted in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Peru and the Philippines’ diplomatic relations have yet to be announced as of writing.

Additionally, Kubo House’s original animated series, “Hiwaga,” presents unique and magical fairy tales like “Little Star,” “Alon,” and “Hello Halo-Halo,” designed to captivate and inspire young imaginations.

Beyond showcasing Philippine culture, Kubo House also features bilingual content to teach children English and Filipino translations of various words and everyday phrases. This approach aims to enhance language skills while fostering a deeper appreciation of Filipino culture. Subscribe to @Kubo House on YouTube for educational and entertaining content that takes children on an enjoyable journey, one animated story at a time. Follow Kubo House on Facebook and TikTok for more updates. To learn more about GMA NMI, visit https:// www.gmanmi.com/nmi-studios.

Kubo House utilizes generative

Kubo House also has videos which teaches children

Kubo House features an original animated series ‘Hiwaga’ which showcases unique and magical fairy tales

Chef Miguel Paolo Damatac demonstrates how to cook the Filipino dish ‘adobo’

Jodie Comer plays Elizabeth of York in ‘The White Princess’

‘The Serpent Queen’ stars award-winning actress Samantha Morton as Catherine de’ Medici

Elizabeth Woodville in ‘The White Queen’ is played by Rebecca Ferguson

‘Becoming Elizabeth’ stars Alicia Von Rittberg as Queen Elizabeth I

Actress Kristen Stewart stars as Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’

Charlotte Hope takes on the role of Catherine of Aragon in ‘The Spanish Princess’

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

The highs and lows of being CCP Young Music Scholar

at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School, pointed out the extensive preparation that comes with performing a certain piece.

“We have to practice our pieces, sometimes years in advance. You have to schedule ahead,” the 24-year-old violinist said.

Estrada, a soprano who is taking up her Bachelor’s degree in Music at the Royal Academy of Music in London at 21, shared this sentiment as she noted the immense amount of work that comes with being a musician.

“We have to practice every day. We have to train hard [to develop our] muscle memory and not just [in] singing. We practice mentally as well,” she shared.

By Abigail Adriatico

THE life of a musician studying abroad has its fair share of ups and downs. From experiencing the loneliness that comes with homesickness to dealing with the pressure of representing the country to the rest of the world, the journey of Filipino musicians within the international scene is no easy feat.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Young Music Scholars know these challenges

very well. Consisting of pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol, flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, and soprano Lizzie Bett Estrada, these musicians are supported by the CCP as they continue their studies in prestigious music schools abroad.

Being skilled musicians in their own right, the four musicians recently showcased their impressive talents through moving performances during a media conference last July 16, where they also shared stories about being CCP Young Music Scholars and the sheer amount of determination and effort they pour into their craft.

In an exclusive interview with Manila Standard Life, Ong, who is currently pursuing his artist diploma

Baracol, who is the youngest in the bunch at only 19 years old and is also studying at the Royal Academy of Music, admitted that there was a growing pressure that comes with playing among people who were much older and more experienced than he was.

“It’s a lot of keeping up, really. But I enjoy playing with them,” the pianist said, adding that he enjoys gaining a lot of insights from those who are older than him.

With their intense passion for their craft, the four of them are all eager to give back to the Filipino community after they finish their studies abroad by either continuing to proudly represent the country within the international music scene or returning to

the Philippines to help educate future musicians and further foster the local arts industry.

Rocas, a 29-year-old flutist studying at the Longy School of Music of Bard College, shared one of the learnings imparted to him by one of his professors from the University of the Philippines, which had inspired him to utilize his gifts to give back to the community.

Sabi niya, kadakilaan ang mamuhay para sa kapwa.’ Hindi [lang] tayo nabubuhay para sa sarili natin kundi para sa bayan, para sa [Panginoon],” he said.

CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan shared that the process of selecting the four musicians for the scholarship aid involved auditions in front of the CCP board of trustees and the artistic community. Prior to their auditions, they were first accepted into their respective schools.

“We’re actually institutionalizing the process and we’re going to open the scholarship applications by next year with certain guidelines,” said Marasigan, adding that more details will be announced soon.

The four CCP Young Music Scholars graced the Young People’s Concert of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) on July 27 at The Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium, Rizal Park, Luneta in Manila. They performed alongside the orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminingildo Ranera where they will be performing pieces such as Franz Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture D644, Sergie Rachmaninoff’s Concerto no. 1, op.1 F-sharp minor Vivace, Carl Reinecke’s Flute Concerto in D major, Eugène Ysaÿe’s Caprice d’après l’etude en forme de valse de Saint-Saëns, Antonio Molina’s Hatinggabi, Gaetano Donizetti’s E’lindo e civetti..Van la casa e l’albergo from Rita, Richard Strauss’ Meinem Kinde, Op. 37 No. 3 and Cäcile, op. 27 no.2, and a Medley from Walt Disney.

From left: Flutist Mark Kenedy Rocas, violinist Adrian Nicolas Ong, soprano

Lizzie Bett Estrada, and pianist Aidan Ezra Baracol

The CCP Young Music Scholars perform ‘Leron-Leron Sinta’ by Lucio San Pedro and ‘Nahan’ by NA Ernani Cuenco together during the media conference