PASCUAL QUITS AS TRADE CHIEF TO RETURN TO PRIVATE SECTOR
By Charles Dantes
SECRETARY Alfredo Pascual ten dered his resignation as head of the De partment of Trade and Industry (DTI) to return to the private sector, Malacañang said on Wednesday. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Pascual person ally submitted his resignation letter to President Marcos.
person-
SPECTACULAR WIN. Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam (in red) dominates Ireland’s Jude Gallagher in the men’s 57kg preliminaries round of 16 boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. AFP
round and cruised to a 5-0 win against Jude Gallagher of Ireland to move to within a win shy of a bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics boxing competitions here at the North Paris Arena on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Paalam did just enough on the boxing ring to ensure three Filipino boxers are still in contention for that elusive boxing gold after Tokyo bronze medalist Eumir Marcial and Igorot boxer Hergie Bacyadan fell by the wayside also on Wednesday.
See www.manilastandard.net for results of Carlos Yulo’s medal bid in the all-around final.
Paalam’s fellow Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio and first-time Olympian Aira Villegas are still in the running after both won their opening Round of 32 bouts. A former garbage scavenger in Cagayan de Oro before boxing opened his life to fame and fortune, Paalam
House orders arrest of ex-Duterte adviser over P3.6-b drug bust
By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE House of Representatives ordered the arrest and detention of former presidential adviser Michael Yang, also known as Hong Ming Yang, in connection with his alleged involvement in a P3.6-billion drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga last year.
This development follows House Secretary General Reginald Velasco’s signing of the contempt order issued by the House committee on dangerous drugs against Yang for his repeated failure to appear before the panel to address his alleged involvement in the controversy.
House Sergeant-at-Arms retired
Trillanes files
By Pot Chavez, Maimona Wanda Lao and Maricel V. Cruz
FORMER Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday filed drug smuggling
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture is set to launch today (Thursday) its
“Rice-for-All” program in hopes of offering all Filipinos equal access to affordable, high-quality well-milled and fancy rice varieties at belowmarket prices.
“President Marcos wants to ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable food during these trying times. In line with this, we will continue to expand the KADIWA network and make available more basic goods to the general public,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.
Under the Rice-for-All Program, well-milled rice sourced from importers and local traders will be sold initially at P45 per kilo. DA rolls out P45/k rice thru
Cavite coastal towns under calamity state
As 3rd tanker sinks, leaks off Bataan
By Dennis Abrina and Vince Lopez
OVELETA, Cavite—The local government of Cavite declared a state of calamity in coastal towns as the oil spill from the sunken MT Terra Nova reached the province’s coast.
Affected municipalities are Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon, and Ternate, Gov. Jonvic Remulla said.
agencies found a third vessel that has been leaking potentially environmentally harmful material off the coast of Bataan, according to a report on
and graft charges against Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, vice presidential husband and lawyer Mans Carpio, and former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon, among others,
before the Department of Justice.
“[This is the perfect time to file the case] because they (Dutertes) have lost control of the judiciary as manifested
BANGSAMORO
ALLY. President Ferdinand Marcos receives a Bangsamoro single-edged ‘Kampilan’ sword from Basic, Higher and Technical Education Minister and IGRB co-chairperson Mohagher Iqbal as memento during the turnover of the third Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) progress report at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. PPA Pool
OIL SPILL REACHES CAVITE. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard gather trash mixed with oil that has washed up along the shoreline of Long Beach in Noveleta, Cavite on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The oil slick is suspected to have originated from MT Terra Nova which sank off Limay, Bataan. Danny Pata
BRAVE FIGHT. Filipina boxer Hergie Bacyadan (in blue) fights against China’s Li Qian in the women’s 75kg preliminaries round of
SELFIE. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) poses for a
By Riera U. Mallari
PARIS (Via PLDT Home)—Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam found his footing in the second
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual
‘ICC asked Interpol to put Bato, other ex-cops on blue notice’
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
THE Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) had asked the International Police (Interpol) to put Senator Ronald Dela Rosa and other former and current police officials on “blue notice” amid the ICC’s probe into the drug war, according to former senator Antonio Trillanes IV.
Trillanes posted on the social media platform X an alleged confidential ICC document tagging Dela Rosa, former Philippine National Police officials Oscar Albayalde, Edilberto Leonardo, Eleazar Mata, and former CIDG chief and current Northern Luzon commander Maj. Gen. Romeo
Caramat Jr. as “suspects.”
Dela Rosa, meanwhile, dismissed Trillanes’s claim, saying: “What’s new?
My name has always been mentioned since 2016. Seems like a broken record that keeps on repeating the same lines.”
The ICC prosecutor can interview persons of interest in its investigation
of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra earlier said.
He said there are many ways by which the prosecutor can engage witnesses and suspects alike.
Guevarra said the document posted by Trillanes 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. Albayalde, on the other hand, said he is ready to face the ICC. 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.
‘Typhoons forming closer to coast due to climate
“His focus on MSMEs was absolutely correct, and we are beginning to see the fruits of that policy. We are sorry to lose him, but we respect his decision that this is the time for him to return to the private sector,” Mr. Marcos said in a statement.
The PCO said the President would immediately look for a successor to ensure a seamless transition and to avoid a leadership vacuum at the DTI.
For his part, Pascual expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Marcos administration, highlighting the collective achievements of the DTI during his tenure.
“With a full heart and unwavering commitment to our nation’s economic growth and development, I accepted the invitation to serve as Secretary of Trade and Industry under the Marcos Jr. administration. This role has been one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences of my career,” Pascual said in a separate statement.
He emphasized his continued dedication to contributing his expertise and experience to the nation’s economic progress from the private sector.
led on the scorecards in three of the five judges in the first round, before cleaning up his act in the second, using his quickness to sneak in a couple of combinations to finally convince all of the judges. He slowed down in the third and again drew the nod of three judges, doing just enough to walk away with the win that set him up a quarterfinal clash with twotime Australia national champion and gold medallist at the 2023 Pacific Games in Charlie Senior on August 3.
Paalam’s teammate Bacyadan and Fil-Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez weren’t as lucky as they fell to world-class opposition also on Wednesday to become the latest casualties of the 22-man Philippine Team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, now down to a fighting 13.
First-time Olympian Bacyadan rammed into a great wall in Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, China’s Li Qian in the women’s 75kg preliminaries Round of 16 boxing match at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte.
Bacyadan suffered a unanimous 0-5 decision loss to Li, also a bronze medalist in the Rio games, and became the second boxing casualty of the Philippine boxing team, next to Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who bowed to a taller and younger Uzbekistan opponent in Turabek Khabibullaev early Wednesday morning.
“Sobang happy pa rin ako na napabilang ako sa mga Olympians. Dagdag aral sa buhay, dagdag aral sa sports na sinalihan ko,” said Bacyadan, who is also a kickboxer and vovinam national athlete.
Despite a fierce determination to engage in a brawl, Bacyadan was unable to connect with clean punches against the formidable Li, who ended the bout with five unanimous 30-27 (5-0) scores following her superior defense and evasive maneuvers.
“Sa experience talaga, lamang siya. Ganoon pa man, mayroon tayong tapang. Kulang lang talaga tayo ng exposure at experience. Kayang kaya ko naman, tinatanggap ko nga ang suntok, sabi ko tamaan ko lang, kaso wala talaga. Hindi ko lang masabi na KO talaga, timing din,” said Bacyadan.
“Tuloy-tuloy pa din, kickboxing at vovinam, ibi-visualize ko pa ‘yung kulang ko sa boxing. In case kailangan pa din ako, siguro mas mababang timbang na,” she added.
TYPHOONS in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change, according to a joint scientific study released on Wednesday. Coastal communities and cities like Hai Phong in Vietnam and the Thai capital Bangkok are “facing unprecedented threats from longer lasting and more intense storms,” a statement about the study said.
Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and Rowan University and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States analyzed “more than 64,000 modeled historic and future storms from the 19th century through the end of the 21st century” to come up with the findings, the statement said.
Published in the peer-reviewed Nature partner journal Climate and Atmospheric Science, the study “high-
lights significant changes in tropical cyclone behaviours in Southeast Asia.”
The changes include “increased formation near coastlines and slower movement over land, which could pose new risks to the region,” the statement said.
It added that climate change, which has caused ocean waters to warm, can alter the paths of tropical storms in the region, home to more than 650 million people.
“Our study shows that as the cyclones travel across warmer oceans from climate change, they pull in more water vapour and heat,” said Benjamin Horton, director of NTU’s Earth Observatory of Singapore and a co-author of the research.
“That means stronger wind, heavier rainfall, and more flooding when the typhoons hit land.”
Lead author Andra Garner of Rowan University’s School of Earth and Envi-
motor tanker was loaded with “diesel cargo” of unknown quantity.
ronment said people living along the region’s densely populated coastlines were the most vulnerable.
“There were two takeaways: First, we should be acting to reduce emissions, so we can curb the impacts of future storms,” Andra said.
“Second, we should be acting now to protect those coastlines for the future, which will likely see some worsened tropical cyclone impacts regardless of future emissions.”
Just last week, intense rains from Typhoon Gaemi (local name: Carina) caused heavy flooding in Manila and parts of Kaohsiung city in Taiwan.
It was the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, and left at least five people dead and hundreds injured.
In the Philippines, it exacerbated seasonal rains and triggered flooding and landslides that killed at least 30 people. AFP
Pascual said aside from settling back into private life, he also looks forward to spending more time with his family.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to serve our beloved country under his leadership and contribute to the building of a Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Balitanghali.
The motorized vessel MV Mirola 1 ran aground near the shores of Mariveles and was found tilted to its side.
According to the National Bureau of Investigation, no crew member was found on board the grounded vessel.
Days after the MT Terra Nova incident, a second tanker also sank nearby.
The motorized tanker “Jason Bradley” sank in the vicinity of Barangay Cabcaben in Mariveles, Bulacan.
Coast Guard divers said the 39-meter
MT Terra Nova, which was carrying 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel, sank off Limay, Bataan on July 25, 2024.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the oil slick is moving southsoutheast to Cavite and Batangas.
Cavite also declared a no-catch zone for all shellfish, Remulla said, adding that relief goods will be distributed to some 25,000 affected fishermen in the province.
Divers working on the sunken motor tanker continued to work on sealing 24 valves that were found to be leaking oil.
In a situation update on Wednesday,
the Philippine Coast Guard said the operation was done by divers of Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. — the contracted salvor for the sunken tanker.
The PCG deployed BRP Boracay and BRP Malawi to help Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III and other government officials in an after-sea survey.
The survey found minimal oil sheens or oil slicks in the vicinity waters of Bataan.
On the other hand, the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI) conducted water sampling activities at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, Cavite, Bulacan, and Bataan to check for oil levels in these coastal waters.
The price may be adjusted based on market fluctuations, but it will consistently remain lower than prevailing retail prices. Each customer can purchase up to 25 kilos of rice per day.
The program follows the success of the P29 Rice Program introduced in June 2024 and is a significant step towards Mr. Marcos’ vision of ensuring accessible and affordable food for everyone.
For his part, DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the program aims to mitigate the impact of high food prices on consumers, which significantly influence inflation and interest rates.
The Rice-for-All Program will initially be available at four KADIWA outlets -- in FTI Taguig City, the Bureau of Plant Industry in Manila, Potrero in Malabon, and Caloocan. In addition, the P29 Rice Program is being expanded to two more locations to Sta. Rosa City in Laguna and Antipolo City in Rizal, bringing the total number of outlets to 17.
by a few instances, particularly the granting of bail to Sen. Leila De Lima and eventually the case was dismissed,” he told reporters in Filipino.
Also named in the complaint were former presidential adviser Allen Capuyan, Davao City councilor Small Abellera, and suspected drug lord Charlie Tan.
The case stemmed from the May 2017 seizure of P6.4 billion worth of shabu
cedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation of the 19th Congress, which refers to “refusal without legal excuse to obey summons.”
weighing 600 kilograms in a Valenzuela warehouse after it was released by the Bureau of Customs from the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Trillanes said his initial lead came from the series of public hearings conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which revealed that the subject contraband was given a “green lane” passage to slip through the BoC’s alert system and was not subjected to physical inspection and document verification.
The former lawmaker alleged that Du-
terte and Carpio served as protectors, while Faeldon and Capuyan were the facilitators in the billion-peso drug deal.
“Here you can see that Duterte’s war on drugs is fake. Thousands of suspected drug addicts were killed, but they themselves were the protectors and partners of the big-time drug lords. They just killed the competition in the illegal drug trade,” Trillanes said.
“The conspiracy to import the subject shipment from China to the Philippines necessitated the crucial interventions of
the ‘powerful insiders,’” he added. In total, Trillanes charged the respondents for violation of Section 4 in relation to Section 26(a) of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 as amended by Republic Act No. 10640; and Republic Act No. 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Duterte, for his part, called the filing of the case a “welcome development,” saying it will be addressed through the proper legal channels.
Gen. Napoleon Taas and his team served the arrest order at Fortun Law Offices at 134 CRM Avenue, BF Homes Almanza, Las Piñas City. Yang, an adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, was linked to an incorporator of Empire 999 Realty Corp., which owns the warehouse in Mexico town where the P3.6 billion worth of shabu was seized.
During a hearing held on July 10, the House panel determined that Yang violated Section 11 of the Rules of Pro -
The committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, also ordered Yang’s detention at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City for 30 days, pursuant to Section 12 of the same rules.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Barbers revealed that Yang might have left the country.
According to Barbers, Yang’s testimony is deemed crucial in unraveling the complex web of illegal drug smuggling activities linked to Empire 999.
Members of two committees of the House of Representatives on Wednesday earlier grilled Duterte administration spokesman Harry Roque about his alleged connection to illegal POGOs.
Barbers said his committee will coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs to alert other countries about the arrest order. Yang was invited to the hearing after Lincoln Ong, a Pharmally official and an alleged associate of Yang, was found to be an incorporator of a company with links to Empire 999 and other firms.
Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimen -
tel told Roque during the hearing that his name has been dragged in at least two recent cases involving suspected POGO operators. He said one case was the raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other law enforcement authorities on a house in Benguet in which two Chinese nationals and a female Chinese renter were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal gambling.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua urged Roque to be honest about his ties to two foreign nationals arrested in a house in Tuba, Benguet, owned by a company where he is an incorporator.
Roque admitted during a recent Senate hearing that he had an “interest” in the corporation that owns the property where two Chinese nationals linked to an illegal POGO in Bamban, Tarlac were arrested for alleged visa violations.
Roque refuted claims that he served as counsel for any illegal POGO or the Lucky South 99 Inc.
Senator Robin Padilla meanwhile said the government must make public its plans to help an estimated 40,000 Filipino workers who will be displaced by the closure of POGOs.
He filed Senate Resolution 1091 to hold an inquiry on the matter.
Taguig RTC
halts Meralco
bidding for more power supply
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Wednesday said it has not received yet the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Taguig Regional Trial Court (RTC) against the conduct of the competitive selection process (CSP) for additional power supply.
“We would like to stress however that all CSPs for our supply requirements are done in accordance with existing rules of Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). It is our mandate to ensure that we conduct these in a timely manner, as delay will expose our consumers to unnecessary burden in the amount of billions of pesos in the form of higher power rates,” senior vice president and head of regulatory management office Jose Ronald Valles said.
The Taguig RTC on Wednesday issued a TRO, stopping Meralco from conducting bidding for additional power supply of 600 megawatts (MW) and 400MW.
Taguig RTC Branch 15-FC Executive Judge Byron San Pedro, in a five-page order promulgated on July 31, 2024, granted the plea of the members of the consortium operating the Malampaya gas field for the immediate issuance of the 72-hour TRO against Meralco’s conduct of CSP for its 600 MW and 400 MW power supply requirements after finding merits to the verified complaint by the plaintiffs.
The Malampaya consortium members are composed of Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., Prime Oil and Gas Inc, UC38 LLC, and staterun Philippine National Oil Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC).
“Wherefore, acting on the basis of the allegations of the plaintiffs and on the strength of the evidence as presented in the complaint . . . the plaintiffs’ application for a 72-hour temporary restraining order is hereby granted, subject to posting of bond,” the order stated.
“Upon posting a TRO bond which is hereby fixed in the amount of five million pesos (P5,000,000), let a Temporary Restraining Order effective for 72 hours be issued in favor of the plaintiffs-applicants enjoining the respondent Manila Electric Company from conducting its competitive bidding selection process (CSP), under its current Terms of Reference, including the receipt of bids, the award and the implementation of any award arising from (it),” the RTC order read.
PAGASA says 2 to 3
cyclones likely to enter PH in August
By Rio N. Araja, Rachelle
Tonelada, and Rex Espiritu
TWO to three tropical cyclones may enter the Philippines in August, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Meanwhile, a United States grant of $1 million (roughly P55 million) will be used to address the devastation caused by the typhoon and support communities in Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, the National Capital Region, and Pampanga.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NRRDMC) reported that a total of P1.08 billion worth of damage to agriculture were inflicted by the combined onslaught of typhoons Butchoy and Carina, and the southwest monsoon or habagat.
“In the month of August, we expect two or three typhoons to form or enter the PAR (Philippine area of responsibility),” weather forecaster Robert Badrina said.
The agency’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, in a tropical cyclone information, said “more tropical cyclones are entering the PAR than anywhere else in the world.”
With an average of 20 tropical cyclones in the region per year, about eight or nine of them would cross the Philippines, it added.
“The peak of the typhoon season is July through October, when nearly 70 percent of all typhoons develop,” PAGASA said.
US’ $500-m grant to AFP draws mixed reactions
By
THE United States’ offer of $500 million in additional funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) drew mixed reactions from various sector including the Chinese government and local legislators.
Obviously irked by the offer, China warned that the Philippines risks “greater insecurity for itself.”
Beijing’s foreign ministry warned Manila’s act of “wooing countries from outside the region to provoke confrontation in the South China Sea will only undermine regional stability and aggravate tensions”.
“Trying to introduce external forces to protect its own security will only lead to greater insecurity for itself, and it might even become someone else’s pawn,” spokesman Lin Jian said.
However, Senate President Francis Escudero said the $500-million military assistance from the US will not agitate China in its claim of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“I do not think this will provoke or agitate China because strengthening one’s own military, like them and most countries, in order to keep the peace is the right and obligation of
every country,” Escudero said.
But Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III disagreed, saying the assistance would not benefit Filipino farmers and fishermen.
“Why doesn’t America make an unprecedented investment in our agricultural sector?” he asked. “Why always military hardware?”
House leaders welcomed the unprecedented $500-million military financing commitment from Washington, citing its significance for the nation’s defense capabilities and the strong alliance between the two countries.
Quezon Rep. David Suarez, Assistant Majority Leader Ernesto Dionisio Jr., and Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers lauded the announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during their meeting with Philippine officials in Malacañang.
Suarez also highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and national sovereignty, as emphasized during his recent State of the Nation Address.
“This is a welcome development for us because this further shows that the position of the President is also shared by other world leaders when it comes to sovereignty of our country,” Suarez said.
Blinken described the offer as a “once in a generation investment” to help modernise the Philippine armed forces and coast guard.
The latest high-level US visit follows a series of escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway that have raised concern that Washington could be dragged into a conflict due to its mutual defence treaty with Manila.
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. With AFP
DBM releases P27b for healthcare workers’ emergency allowances
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has disbursed P27 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) to cover the emergency allowances of healthcare workers.
“The DOH requested an amount of more than P27 billion, so the DBM, under SARO (Special Allotment Release Order) No. BMB-B-24005240 dated July 5, 2024, as well as the corresponding cash requirement issued under NCABMB-B-24-009106 to cover the payment for public health emergency benefits allowance of eligible health care workers and non-health workers was released,” Budget
Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
As requested by the Department of Health, the DBM issued a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and a Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) of P27.453 billion, which will cover payments for 4,283 COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation claims for eligible healthcare and non-healthcare personnel as well as 5,039,926 validated but unpaid Health Emergency Allowance.
“We thank Sec. Amenah for releasing the funds for the health emergency allowance. We expected in 2025, but she was able to release it now,” said United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines (UPHPAP) spokesman Ronald Ignacio said.
UNCOLLECTED GARBAGE.
IN BRIEF
Japan opens 25k jobs for Filipinos—DMW
THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Japan has approved 25,000 jobs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), from construction to medical and healthcare sectors.
The DMW and the Japanese Embassy will showcase job opportunities at a special jobs fair, dubbed “Konnichiwa Pilipinas! Kumusta, Japan!” in celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Week.
The fair, scheduled for today, will be held on the 3rd floor of Robinsons Galleria Ortigas in Quezon City. At least 15 licensed recruitment agencies will participate in the fair, representing sectors such as construction, medical and healthcare, hotel and restaurant, customer service, and more.
The department also announced that the Embassy of Japan will help Filipino job seekers connect with trusted recruiters and will also offer guidance on Japanese work culture, including gender dynamics and potential risks of working abroad. Vito Barcelo
P’que launches e-permits, online services systems
THE Parañaque City government has launched a pioneering e-permits system and other online services to improve regulatory practices at the local level.
The project is called the Parañaque Business Permits and Licensing Office Online System and Services (Pque-eBOSS), according to Mayor Eric Olivarez. He stated that the project aligns with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)’s requirement for an electronic business one-stop shop.
Olivarez explained that the system enables business owners to choose an electronic copy of their permits, which can be printed at home or at their place of business without the need to obtain a hard copy from the city hall. He added that the electronic permits and clearances issued by the system have the same level of authority as a signed hard copy, saving clients time and money in visiting the city hall. Joel E. Zurbano Sen. Villar may run for Las Piñas mayor
“IF they rejected me, it’s their own misfortune,” said Senator Cynthia Villar of her chances at the mayoralty race in Las Pinas in next year’s mid-term elections. If she runs for mayor, Villar said her opponent would likely be her own niece, the incumbent Vice Mayor April Aguilar. Aguilar is a daughter of her brother, the late Las Pinas Mayor Vergel Aguilar. The senator, now on her second and last term in the Senate, is also open to going back to Congress. She served as congresswoman for
CULINARY SHOWCASE. Multi-tiered cakes take center stage in the ongoing WOFEX at the SMX and World Trade Center, reputedly the country’s biggest food trade fair which marks its 24th anniversary this year. Teddy Pelaez
Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Rachelle Tonelada
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
Marcos hails BARMM pact on progress
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the progress and collaborative efforts between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Today, we are gathered here to celebrate what is a significant milestone in our collective journey towards the success of Bangsamoro Region,” Mr. Marcos said during a ceremonial turnover of the 3rd National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (NG-BG IGRB) Progress Report in Malacañang.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of operationalizing all seven IGRB mechanisms, crucial for the smooth implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law’s provisions and principles.
He highlighted several key achievements, including the qualification and commissioning of former MILF and MNLF members into the Philippine National Police and the inclusion of proclamations granting amnesty to former MILF and MNLF members, The President also stressed the successful turnover of various national government properties and assets within BARMM to the Bangsamoro Government, and the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular on the Joint Award on Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in BARMM. Maricel V. Cruz
IN BRIEF
Comelec says voters could reach 68 million
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said the number of registered voters for the 2025 midterm polls might reach 68 million. This is based on the prevailing trend of the ongoing voter sign-up activities, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.
He said 4,827,794 individuals have applied to become registered voters as of July 30. “If all the new applicants get approved, it will not be impossible for us to reach 66 to 68 million come the May 2025 elections,” he said.
Based on Comelec’s latest data, Calabarzon has the most number of applications processed with 801,784. It is followed by the National Capital Region with 650,683; and Central Luzon with 557,082.
BOC orders probe on recycling of vape items
BUREAU of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio ordered an investigation on the alleged recycling and resale of confiscated vape products which were recently seized and placed under a “safekeeping order” via a mission order.
Rubio directed the Bureau’s Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax R. Uy to initiate the probe after the allegations were exposed by a crime watch group that seized vape products being openly sold in the sidewalk market.
The customs chief’s directive was aimed to verify the validity of these allegations and to identify any BOC personnel involved, along with their individual and collective roles in the matter.
The investigation will also assess any potential administrative and criminal liabilities associated with these allegations. Rubio also ordered the intelligence group to submit a weekly status report and a detailed fact-finding report within 30 days of receipt of the order. Vito Barcelo
Senators file resolution halting gov’t PUV modernization plan
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo and others filed a Senate resolution to temporarily suspend the implementation of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
Those who authored Senate Resolution (SR) No. 1096 along with Tulfo are Senate President Francis Escudero, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel, Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada; and Senators Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Grace Poe, Bong Revilla, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Mark Villar and Juan Miguel Zubiri.
Tulfo, during the July 23 hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said that the modernization program is unplanned and rushed.
In filing SR No. 1096, Tulfo and his colleagues highlighted the valid and urgent concerns raised by affected drivers, groups, unions, and transport cooperatives, particularly issues on consolidation into cooperatives.
The senators said that these small stakeholders, particularly the drivers
2025 budget approval before October recess
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE House of Representatives is eyeing the approval of the 2025 national budget before the October recess, as committed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, citing the early submission of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and the efforts of its members.
House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe and Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline to ensure the Senate has ample time to review the measure.
According to the legislative calendar, Congress will be on recess from September 28 to November 3.
Dalipe said the efficient work being done by the chair and the different vice chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations, along with the active participation of the minority in the budget deliberations, “gives us confidence that we can meet this deadline.”
For his part, Gonzales noted that all House members are currently busy reviewing the budget.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.— through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)—submitted the P6.352-trillion NEP to Congress three weeks ahead of the constitutional mandate timeline. This prompt submission has been lauded by both Dalipe and Gonzales.
“The instruction of the House leadership is for the Committee on Appropriations to start with the budget briefings without any delay. By next week, we will begin the budget briefing of the 2025 NEP,” he disclosed. The budget briefing will start Monday next week with the Development Budget Coordinating Council (DBCC), which includes the DBM, the Department of Finance, and other agencies involved in budget creation.
The government is set to invest another P12 billion to modernize 13 aviation hubs across the country in a bid to enhance the air travel experience of passengers, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr., vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations said.
Campos also noted that under the 2025 National Expenditure Program, the government is spending more to upgrade airports in the Visayas and Mindanao.
who remain unconsolidated are effectively forced out of their livelihoods. This is caused by the insufficiency on the part of the government to educate affected parties as well as the burden of financing the cost of modern PUVs.
Transport group Manibela on Wednesday lauded the 22 senators who have signed a resolution to halt PUVMP.
Manibela president Mar Valbuena, in an interview, said: “Our sacrifices have paid off. This is a welcome development.”
“We appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign it,” he said, adding that the government does not have the financial capability to subsidize the program.
When asked about the so-called Magnificent 7’s threat to stage a transport strike should the Senate pass a resolution stopping the consolidation
program, Valbuena said “that is their right to do so.”
Roberto Martin of Pasang Masda said “We will have another discussion. Those who signed the resolution did not want change.”
He said he believes the Chief Executive would stay firm on his stance to support the government’s modernization program.
The Magnificent 7 is composed of Pasang Masda, the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, Stop and Go, and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators ng Pilipinas. Rio N. Araja
SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada wants to give more teeth to the anti-hospital arrest law to avoid the “detention” of patients–dead or alive-over unpaid hospital bills. Despite the existence of the law for 17 years now, Estrada noted that this illegal practice still persists. He filed Senate Bill No. 2724 to amend RA 9439, or “An Act Prohibiting the Detention of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics on Grounds of Nonpayment of Hospital Bills or Medical Expenses,” Estrada proposed to prescribe stiffer penalties against violators.
From the current P20,000 to P50,000 fine, the Senate leader proposed a
P200,000 fine, imprisonment of up to three years, or both for hospital officers or employees who fail to comply with the law.
Directors or managers of medical facilities could face a six-year jail term and a maximum fine of P2 million for implementing policies of hospital detention. To strengthen the law, Estrada called for the inclusion of those due for discharge from being barred from leaving the hospital due to unsettled bills. Estrada also inserted a provision on the illegality of withholding documents pertinent to the examination, diagnosis, medication, care, and hospitalization of the patient. Macon Ramos-Araneta
CORDIAL CHAT. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez engages in a cordial conversation with BARMM Minister of Basic, Higher, Technical Education Mohagher Iqbal and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during the turnover rites for the Third National Government and the Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (Progress Report at Heroes Hall in Malacañang. Ver Noveno
DRUG SMUGGLING CHARGES. Former Senator Antonio Sonny Trillanes III files drug smuggling charges against Davao City 1st District Cong. Paulo Duterte, lawyer Manases Reyes Carpio, and former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon among others regarding the P6.4 billion drug shipment that was seized in 2017. Norman Cruz
DONATION FOR CARINA VICTIMS. United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Philippines officials pose inside the cargo area of an aircraft that carried assorted
OPINION
Disaster preparedness
WHAT does it take for government and the public to be more ready to respond to natural calamities like Typhoon Carina to lessen the cost of human suffering?
With an average of 19 typhoons visiting the country every year with one or two causing considerable devastation, we would think that our preparedness would be solid and efficient.
But as we have seen once again with Typhoon Carina, this was not the case.
We have not really learned much from Typhoons Ondoy and Yolanda. And what we are now witnessing just days after the storm is exactly the same in the aftermath of Ondoy 15 years ago.
Many investigations and promises. After a while, back to normal.
So, whose fault was it for the lack of preparation in responding to Carina?
To be sure, there is a lot of blame to go around.
Maybe the engineering works are not up to standards.
If anything, Carina proved the drainage system of the National Capital Region is inadequate capacity wise.
The size of the drains being used must be calculated in relation to the average rainfall for the drainage system to carry the volume of water passing thru it.
Right now, however, even just a couple of hours of moderate rain would flood many portions of the NCR road system, causing so much traffic gridlock which is a sign there is indeed an engineering problem.
Perhaps the sizes of the drains are not big enough.
Of course, as the MMDA Chairman reasoned out, the amount of rain that fell in the last typhoon was simply too much.
But this does not excuse the lack of preparation on the part of agencies handling disaster management.
It is not as if Carina was the first one. We have had many devastating typhoons before that should have taught us valuable lessons.
Yet, we never seem to have learned anything from them.
Compounding these problems is the inability of the LGUs of NCR to control squatting and prevent informal settlers from dumping their waste into the waterways and the drainage system.
People are allowed to construct dwellings on riverbanks and creeks which should absolutely be prohibited.
Those who live in very congested areas which includes streets, which have been transformed as dwelling places, dispose their garbage on the drainage system, thereby clogging and exacerbating the problem. The plight of the informal settlers is
understandable considering widespread poverty but there should be situations that must not be allowed to be violated for the good of all.
One of these is the prohibition where informal settlers can put up temporary dwellings for their own protection.
In a word, we need discipline. Otherwise, it will always be like Ondoy and Carina every time there are typhoons of such magnitude passing thru the country. The phrases we often hear nowadays from everyone are climate change and long term solutions.
For climate change, a warmer earth would generate stronger typhoons, more rains and rising sea levels. Long term solutions involves engineering projects that could mitigate flooding but as we have seen during Carina, the system failed.
—“—
Compounding these problems is the inability of the LGUs of NCR to control squatting and prevent informal settlers from dumping their waste into the waterways and the drainage system
What we seem to forget is a big part of the problem is the unrestricted deep well diggings all over the NCR which are causing the lower portions of the metropolitan area to sink a few millimeters or centimeters every year and nothing much is being done about this silent problem. A couple of millimeters or centimeters may not be much for a year but over the years the shrinkages can be substantial. And with the rising sea levels, flooding would always indeed be a huge problem in the coming years for the NCR unless we get our act together. Perhaps, all concerned government agencies should conduct a thorough inspection and review of the entire NCR drainage system to see if there are some weaknesses that needs improvement or changes. The cleaning or declogging of drainages should also not only be done during the onset of the rainy season but a regular Barangay activity. It still shocks me that many of us do not know how to dispose garbage properly.
IT TAKES nature’s wrath for people to ask what happened to the taxes they pay. Calamities have a way of exacting the wages of corruption and neglect.
Here we go again —“—
Reason why the hearings the houses of Congress are about to call regarding the massive floods that inundated Metro Manila and the neighboring lowlands of Regions 3 and 4 are likely to be just sound and fury, resulting in little if anything. Here we go again.
This is not to mention some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, plus Mindoro, which likewise reeled under massive torrents of water from Carina, in some cases even with lesser typhoons. Then of course we have landslides that almost marooned Baguio City and Benguet, were it not for Marcos Highway.
And we haven’t seen the worst of the typhoons that will visit the country this year, when a strong El Nino with the warm waters of the Pacific induce stronger cyclones, and in these days of climate change, an immediate La Nina backlash.
Our legislators will again excoriate DPWH officials, who will give lame excuses, yet meekly submit to being the “usual suspects,” unable to hit back at the legislators who have been cornering the contracts, either for their own companies, or due to huge kickbacks from their “favorite” projects --- flood control, river dredging, and landslide prevention netting and rip-raps.
“Favorite” because it is not so easy to detect the shoddy construction or rehabilitation, thus making these projects made for massive corruption.
Of course, there still are farm-to-market roads, ostensibly to help farmers bring their produce more conveniently to the market, better known as “farm-to-pocket”
projects, another favorite of our lawmakers, although you would wonder if there are still areas unreached by the millions of kilometers of these farm-to-market roads inserted into the national budget since time immemorial.
We wonder why few foreign investments and tourists come to our country, despite 27 globe-trotting visits by our president to promote our country as a tourism and investment destinationt
And what about illegal logging cum kaingin the DENR and LGUs have failed to stop, and which denuded our forests such that topsoil flows down our rivers, causing siltation that makes these tributaries shallow, and rainwater rampaging from hills and mountains which no more trees are able to mitigate?
This is one mortal sin that our elected and appointive officials commit with grievous repetition, incompetence, and criminal neglect larded with an overload of corruption, resulting in the loss of lives and property and the prized possessions of common people.
As for the metropolis where thousands
‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’
THAT’S the motto of the quadrennial Summer Olympics in Paris, France that started on July 26 and ends on Aug. 11.
A total 22 Filipino athletes are participating in various events, including athletics, boxing, gymnastics, rowing, fencing, swimming, golf and weightlifting, among others.
Team Philippines fielded 15 female and seven male athletes.
They are the cream of the crop who deserve to represent the country on the Olympic stage. Our current Olympians have earned their spurs in strenuous training and arduous competitions here and abroad.
The participation of the 22 Filipino athletes in the world’s premier sports competition is already an honor and privilege in itself.
However, a gold medal is the ultimate goal, as it bestows recognition the athlete has achieved the feat of having been the best in one’s preferred or cho-
sen sport where the fastest, the highest and the strongest are given due recognition. Then, of course, there are those who even manage to win not just one but two, three or more medals in different events, thus showing athletic abilities that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
The lessons learned from the Olympics experience can serve the athletes later on in life: not giving up, but always striving for excellence
The Olympic symbol has five interlocking rings, colored blue, yellow, black, green, and red on a white field. These rings, internet research tells us, represent the five inhabited continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
METRO Manila, a bustling metropolis, is again grappling with severe flooding, a problem exacerbated by Typhoon Carina and the seasonal Habagat.
The city’s waste management system is critically flawed, prompting the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to propose waste incineration as a controversial solution.
Incineration, the process of burning trash at high temperatures, is not new. Countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan use this technology to manage waste effectively. It reduces waste volume by up to 90 percent, converting it into ash, flue gas, and heat for energy production. Proponents argue it’s cleaner than landfills, which cause methane emissions and groundwater contamination.
Improper waste disposal in Metro Manila clogs drainage systems, rendering flood control measures ineffective.
Garbage-choked waterways during the rainy season highlight the public’s lack of discipline in waste management.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lamented this issue, which worsens flooding.
Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral emphasized regular drainage maintenance, while Environment Undersecretary Noralene Uy blamed poor urban planning and weak governance.
Waste incineration for Manila
Strengths: Reduction in Waste Volume: Incineration significantly reduces solid waste, alleviating landfill overflow.
Energy Generation: It produces electricity, offering dual benefits of waste management and energy production.
Less Land Requirement: Incineration plants need less land than landfills, crucial in densely populated Metro Manila.
Weaknesses: Environmental Concerns: Incineration can emit harmful substances like dioxins and furans, posing health risks.
High Cost: Building and maintaining incineration plants is expensive.
Public Opposition: Communities may resist due to perceived environmental and health risks.
Opportunities: Technological Advancements: Modern incineration technologies are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Public Education: Increased awareness could garner public support.
of flood control projects and pumping stations have been “built,” there is the added scourge of garbage thrown mindlessly by citizens that clog the waterways and the drainage systems which have cost us billions in taxpayer money.
A few years back, government dug the national roads close to our residence, Taft Avenue and Leon Guinto, and installed huge drainage systems underneath.
The following year or two, we noticed flooding became less of an occurrence, or, if they did, the waters subsided quickly, so we were comforted with the thought that what happened with Ondoy was a thing of the past. With Typhoon Carina though, the
The Olympic creed was introduced as far back as the first Olympic Games in Athens: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
The Olympic motto and the creed encourage athletes to give their best during competition.
Together, the Olympic motto and the creed promote the ideal that giving one’s best and striving for excellence is a worthwhile goal. Of course, not all those chosen to take part in the Olympics will earn the coveted Olympic medal, whether it’s the gold, silver or bronze. But the lessons learned from the experience can serve the athletes later on in life: not giving up, but always striving for excellence.
For those whose dreams of Olympic glory may have remained just that— a dream— for one reason or another, there’s always the next four years to train really hard and try again in the world’s premier sports competition.
Can waste incineration save Metro Manila?
Government Support: Political will and policy backing could streamline implementation.
Threats: Regulatory Hurdles: Stricter environmental regulations could impede development.
Alternative Solutions: Recycling and composting might undermine incineration efforts.
Natural Disasters: Typhoons and earthquakes pose risks to incineration plant infrastructure.
Practical Perspective: Incineration offers a pragmatic solution in urban areas like Metro Manila, where space is limited.
The proposal to incinerate waste in Metro Manila is a bold step towards addressing a multifaceted problem
It can complement existing waste management strategies and reduce landfill pressure.
The integration of waste-to-energy plants can also help mitigate the city’s power supply issues, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
Environmental Perspective: Modern incineration plants minimize emissions, but potential toxic releases remain a concern. Strict regulatory oversight and advanced emission control technologies are essential.
The Clean Air Act of 1999 mandates air pollution control, ensuring any incineration process adheres to air quality standards. Moreover, continuous research and development in incineration technology can further reduce environmental impact, making it a more viable option for the city.
Legal Perspective: The Philippines’ waste management legal framework needs updating to accommodate incineration, including setting stringent emission standards and ensuring compliance through regular monitoring. Legal reforms should also include pro-
floods got knee-high, and on certain parts of perpendicular streets like Estrada and Vito Cruz, waist-deep and even more. What happened? Till now, nobody segregates garbage, except, and I do not know if they still do, in Marikina, following the late Mayor Bayani Fernando’s strict leadership, followed by his equally effective wife Marides.
Then we wonder why few foreign investments and tourists come to our country, despite 27 globe-trotting visits by our president to promote our country as a tourism and investment destination.
One video reel in CNN or BBC and who the hell would want to come?
Ah, but there are of course, the POGOs,
visions for community health monitoring and transparent reporting mechanisms to address public concerns about potential health risks.
Recommendations
Pilot Projects: Initiate small-scale projects to demonstrate incineration’s effectiveness and safety. This can build public trust and gather data for larger-scale implementation.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch educational campaigns to inform the public about incineration’s benefits and safety measures. Engaging with communities through workshops, seminars, and informational materials can help dispel myths and build support for the initiative.
Regulatory Reforms: Update legal frameworks to facilitate incineration plant development, including robust monitoring to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act’s environmental standards. Establishing a dedicated regulatory body to oversee waste-to-energy projects can ensure consistent enforcement of environmental and health regulations.
Integrated Waste Management: Develop a holistic strategy that includes recycling, composting, and incineration to address waste comprehensively. Encouraging businesses and households to segregate waste at source can enhance the efficiency of waste management processes and reduce the burden on incineration plants.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities in decision-making to address concerns and gain support. Creating community advisory panels and feedback mechanisms can ensure that residents’ voices are heard and their concerns are addressed in the planning and implementation phases.
The proposal to incinerate waste in Metro Manila is a bold step towards addressing a multifaceted problem. It is not a panacea but a potential component of a broader, more integrated approach to waste management and flood control.
As the city teeters on the edge of another flooding crisis, the urgency for innovative and sustainable solutions has never been greater.
The path forward demands careful consideration, stringent oversight, and unwavering commitment to protecting both the environment and the well-being of Metro Manila’s residents.
the drug traffickers and scam artists who find ours such a “welcoming” haven. There is something in our culture that guarantees this impunity against erring officials and the recidivism of wasted opportunities, despite trillions of public funds thrown into these perennial problems. That is, we Filipinos tend to forgive too easily, and forget too quickly. Maybe our Christian moorings promote this forgive and forget attitude. How I sometimes wish we were otherwise, like South Korea for instance where presidents are jailed, or Japan where erring officials commit hara-kiri rather than face shame, or China, or Vietnam.
IN BRIEF
Singapore, US sign civil nuke pact
SINGAPORE – The United States and Singapore signed an agreement Wednesday to “deepen” cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy as the city-state considers alternative power sources to cut carbon emissions.
Singapore, a regional financial center and a key player in the global semiconductor industry, is currently reliant on oil and natural gas.
It is studying options, including nuclear power, to meet its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan signed the “123 Agreements” on civil nuclear cooperation during a visit by Washington’s top diplomat as part of his latest swing to Asia. The 123 Agreements, named after their section in the US Atomic Energy Act, are critical for investment by US nuclear companies, which are wary of running afoul of laws related to proliferation.
“This agreement builds on the longstanding civil nuclear collaboration between United States and Singapore and outlines a comprehensive framework to deepen peaceful nuclear cooperation based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation,” both countries said in a joint statement. AFP
Court issues warrant over spy leak case
SEOUL – South Korea’s military has issued an arrest warrant for an intelligence service employee accused of leaking highly sensitive information, a case that reportedly involves the outing of agents spying on the North.
A military court issued the warrant “on charges of leaking military secrets,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement sent to AFP Wednesday, saying it could not provide specific details of the alleged crimes due to an ongoing investigation.
Seoul’s military said on the weekend it was investigating a case that local news media reported entailed a leak of sensitive documents handled by the Defense Intelligence Command.
Officials had since “detected signs” the leaked data may have reached the nuclear-armed North, the Yonhap News Agency reported. The incident came to light internally in June, MP Lee Sung-kwon, joint chief of the National Assembly’s intelligence committee, said Tuesday. AFP
The
‘Say it to my face,’ Harris dares Trump as WH battle deepens
Landslide toll: 122; rain hampers rescue
WAYANAD, India – Relentless downpours and howling winds hampered Wednesday’s search for survivors of landslides that struck Indian tea plantations and killed 122 people, most believed to be labourers and their families.
Days of torrential monsoon rains have battered the southern coastal state of Kerala, with blocked roads into the disaster area in Wayanad district complicating relief efforts.
Several who managed to flee the initial impact of the landslides found themselves caught in raging flood waters coursing through a nearby river, volunteer rescuer Arun Dev told AFP at a hospital treating
survivors.
“Those who escaped were swept away along with houses, temples and schools,” he said. Wayanad is famed for the tea estates that crisscross its hilly countryside, which rely on a large pool of laborers for planting and harvest.
Several plantations were hit by two successive landslides before dawn on Tuesday. A number of brick-walled row homes built to accommodate seasonal workers were inundated by a powerful wall of brown sludge while labourers working on the estates and their families were asleep inside.
Israel says Hezbollah leader killed in southern Beirut
Other buildings were caked with mud as the force of the landslide scattered cars, corrugated iron and other debris around the disaster site. The office of Kerala’s revenue minister K. Rajan told reporters that 122 bodies had been recovered as of midnight Wednesday. Flood waters washed away a bridge connecting the worst-hit villages of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, forcing rescue teams to trudge on foot through difficult terrain.
More than 3,000 people were sheltering in emergency relief camps around Wayanad district, according to the state government. AFP
ATLANTA – US presidential hopeful
Kamala Harris launched a searing attack on Donald Trump Tuesday, telling her biggest campaign rally yet that the momentum was shifting in the White House race and daring the Republican to debate her face to face.
Vice President Harris’s trip to Atlanta, Georgia, comes as reenergized Democrats regard the swing state as being in play again, after it looked beyond hope under President Joe Biden before his shock withdrawal from the 2024 election.
The presumptive Democratic nominee is aiming to expand the party’s 2024 battleground map and appeal to young Black voters, delivering a firm, 20-minute speech to about 10,000 supporters in a packed arena and pledging Americans “are not going back” to the “failed policies” of Trump.
“Now, the baton is in our hands,” Harris said to loud applause. “We have a fight in front of us... And we are the underdogs in this race.”
Harris’s nascent presidential bid took off following Biden’s July 21 exit from the race, with much of the party coalescing behind her and her campaign raising a staggering $200 million.
“The momentum in this race is shifting, and there are signs that Donald Trump is feeling it,” she said.
The Republican nominee recently said he would forego political tradition and not debate Harris, and also unleashed a barrage of insults against his rival, calling her “crazy” and a “bum.”
“Well Donald, I do hope you’ll reconsider to meet me on the debate stage, because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris said, to roars of approval. Harris also repeated her popular line about how, as a former prosecutor and California attorney general going up against predators and fraudsters, she knows “Donald Trump’s type.”
“In this campaign, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week,” she said. AFP
BEIRUT – Israel struck Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut on Tuesday in retaliation for rocket fire from Lebanon that killed 12 children over the weekend, saying it had killed the commander responsible for the attack.
Israel’s army said its jets had “eliminated” Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander responsible for carrying out an attack on the annexed Golan Heights where the children were killed on Saturday.
Meanwhile, in Tehran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday the chief of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Tehran along with one of his bodyguards.
“The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, him (sic) and one of his bodyguards were martyred,” said a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’s Sepah news website.
In related developments, Turkey condemned the “shameful assassination” of Haniyeh -- an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.
“We condemn the assassination of the leader of Hamas’s political office, Ismail Haniyeh, in a shameful assassination in Tehran,” the ministry said, adding “this attack also aims to spread the Gaza war to a regional dimension.”
The cause of the “incident” was not immediately clear but the Guards said it was “being investigated.”
Haniyeh arrived in Tehran on Tuesday to attend the inauguration of Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian in parliament.
He had met with Pezeshkian as well as Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A source close to Hezbollah said Shukr was the target but that he “survived the Israeli strike”. AFP was not immediately able to confirm that report. AFP
Venezuelans rally to support opposition after hostile vote
CARACAS – Thousands of Venezuelans gathered Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) in a peaceful show of opposition support a day after 11 people died and dozens were injured in protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s questioned presidential victory.
“Freedom! Freedom!” and “We are not afraid!” they chanted at a mass rally in the capital Caracas, where opposition leaders insisted they had the numbers for a convincing victory.
As international calls mounted for the regime-aligned CNE to release a detailed vote breakdown to back its awarding of Sunday’s election to strongman Maduro, the president responded with threats. The opposition, he said, would be held responsible for “criminal violence... the wounded, the dead, the destruction” associated with protests.
The Foro Penal human rights NGO, however, said at least 11 people -- two of them minors -- have died in what its
head Alfredo Romero described as “a crisis of human rights.”
Dozens more were injured, and at least 177 arrested, he said.
The opposition rejects the authorities’ assertion that Maduro won the presidential contest with 51 percent of votes compared to 44 percent for Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. Maduro, 61, has been at the helm of the once-wealthy petro-state since 2013, presiding over a GDP drop of 80 percent that pushed more than seven million of Venezuela’s 30 million citizens to
of protesters streamed into the streets of several cities, some ripping down and burning his campaign posters in anger. AFP
HD Spikers, Chargers seek crucial wins ahead of face-off
UNBEATEN Cignal and Akari aim
for one more win each before their much-anticipated face-off, seeking victories against separate rivals to maintain control of Pool B in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Thursday).
The Chargers face a winless ZUS Coffee side in the 5 p.m. match, while the HD Spikers have a tougher challenge against the two-time champion Petro Gazz Angels in the 1 p.m. opener of another thrilling triple-header.
Choco Mucho and Capital1, meanwhile, break their 1-2 tie with Petro Gazz as the Flying Titans clash with the Solar Spikers at 3 p.m. Venezuelan wing spiker MJ Perez, Ces Molina and Jackie Acuna of Cignal brace for a grind-out battle against the Angels’ duo of reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Cuban opposite hitter Wilma Salas in pursuit of a fourth consecutive victory in their group in the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
Despite Petro Gazz’s early struggles in the import-laced conference, having lost their last two games against the Solar Spikers and the Chargers, Cignal head coach Shaq delos Santos emphasized the need to respect their opponents.
“Of course, another win is a big help,” said delos Santos following their four-set win over the Thunderbelles last weekend. “It’s more about recovery, and we have three days to study them. Knowing Petro Gazz, we will give them the respect they deserve, but we also need to deliver an even stronger fight.”
On the other hand, American opposite spiker Oly Okaro, the tournament’s leading scorer with 85 points, is expected to lead the charge for the Chargers against Japanese winger Asaka Tamaru and the Thunderbelles.
Akari coach Taka Minowa, however, will aim for early control of the match to avoid another protracted battle, which could take a toll on the Chargers in crucial stages of the tournament following back-to-back fiveset escapes against the Flying Titans and the Angels.
Batican siblings pull o ICTSI Minda golf sweep
DAVAO—Ralph and Rafella Batican hammered out gripping victories to sweep the 10-12 category titles, while James Rolida and Mavis Espedido emerged victorious in the 8-9 division of the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates here yesterday (Wednesday).
Ralph secured a thrilling win with a birdie from four feet in sudden death on No. 9, pulling through after Jared Saban missed a close-range putt, both having tied at 152 over 36 holes. Ralph initially appeared set for a regulation win but double-bogeyed the final hole for a round of 79 while Saban finished with a 77.
“I played poorly,” said Batican, ruing his five-bogey skid from No. 11 that allowed Saban to mount a comeback.
Rafella, on the other hand, overcame a late challenge from Kimberly Barroquillo to secure a two-stroke victory with a total score of 153 after a round of 77. Despite Barroquillo’s strong finish, which included two birdies in the last five holes, she ended up with a 155, also after a fiveover-par round.
“I struggled with my putting, but I
was able to recover,” said Rafella. Apo leg winner Brittany Tamayo charged back with a 75 but could only finish third at 156, while Kelsey Bernardino placed fourth at 160 after an 81. Ralph and Saban were neck-andneck from the start, trading birdies and bogeys, with the former eventually taking the lead with a strong performance on the front nine. Despite faltering on the back nine, Ralph managed to hold on and win in the playoff.
In the 8-9 division, James Rolida won decisively in the boys’ category with a closing 94 for a 195, while Mavis Espedido triumphed in the girls’ category with a 176 after an 86.
In the boys’ 13-15 division, Alexis Nailga maintained his five-stroke lead with a 161 despite an 80 following a back nine struggle. Apo leg champion AJ Wacan also carded an eight-over card and remained in sec-
ond with 166, while Joaquin Pasquil stayed at third with 179 after an 88. Apo leg titlist Johanna Uyking positioned herself for backto-back victories in the girls’ 13-15 division of the nationwide series sponsored by ICTSI, leading with a 157 after an impressive round of 73.
“My putting was on point, which helped me recover from my previous round of 84,” said Uyking, who recorded four birdies inside 10 feet despite five bogeys in her 34-39 card.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency to secure another leg title in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Caloocan thwarts Iloilo, Muntinlupa drubs Imus
CALOOCAN defused Iloilo’s comeback and notched a 90-80 victory on Tuesday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Amoranto Sports Complex Gym in Quezon City. Joshua Flores presided over the Batang Kankaloo’s 10th win against losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament with 14 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, and 6 rebounds to clinch his first best player award.
Ronnie Matias and Jeramer Cabanag backed Flores up with 13 points each, and so did Paul Sanga with 11 points plus 4 rebounds and Joco Tayongtong with 9 points, 5 rebounds plus 4 assists. The Batang Kankaloo weathered JC Cansino’s 13-point fourth-quarter explosion to hand the United Royals their 12th loss in 19 starts.
Converting 6 of 11 triple tries, Cansino poured in 27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 1 block for Iloilo, which got 15 points from Ry Ajer De La Rosa, and 11 points from Gwynne Capacio. Earlier, Muntinlupa trounced Imus, 76-63, and climbed to 7-13.
Errol Jay Bongay paced the Cagers with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Jasper Derek Cuevas with 16 points, and Alfred Flores with 12 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.
“I need to stay consistent and give my best effort to win again,” she said.
In the boys’ 16-18 category, Aldrien Gialon edged out Nino Villacencio with a two-shot swing on the final hole, finishing with a 154 after a 78. Villacencio followed closely with a 79 for a 156, while Adrian Bisera fumbled with an 80 for a 159.
Also-ran Imus tumbled to 1-19 as only Carlo De Chavez and Kido Cabrera fought back with 12 and 10 points, respectively. The MPBL returns to the Cuneta Astrodome on Wednesday with games pitting Manila against Muntinlupa at 4 p.m., Valenzuela against Nueva Ecija at 6 p.m., and Parañaque against Pasay at 8 p.m.
Bulldogs stumble, but recover to defuse Altas
NATIONAL University (NU) kicked off its V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge campaign with a four-set victory over the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD), rebounding from a second-set stumble to secure a 25-21, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22 win at the Paco Arena in Manila Wednesday.
Drawing firepower from a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, NU dominated the NCAA defending champions despite a performance marred by 43 errors.
“Yung players namin, yung iba bago… Medyo yung gelling, medyo nangangapa pa, pero yung sistema naman nandoon, tsaka ang dami namin unforced errors,” NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz said postgame.
Run course adds twist to IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
A NEW challenge and exhilarating racing experience await an expected banner international field in the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Philippines. With a newly introduced run course along the scenic Davao City Coastal Road, this Aug. 11 event promises a unique and scenic challenge that organizers and hosts believe will make it a race to remember.
Athletes will swim 1.9km parallel to the coast, bike 90km towards the MacArthur Highway, and return to the coastal road for a 21.1km run to the finish line.
“We are committed to making this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 Davao even more remarkable. The new course along the Davao City Coastal Road will bring a fresh challenge,” said Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, expressing excitement over their fourth hosting of the annual event organized by The IRONMAN Group.
“To hold this event in Davao City for
the fourth time truly brings prestige to us Dabawenyos. We are thrilled to welcome back the organizers, honored guests, and especially the athletes from around the country and the world,” he added. Duterte assured the safety of all participants, spectators and guests, emphasizing that comprehensive safety and health protocols will be implemented and the city’s culture of security will be rigorously upheld to ensure a safe and enjoyable IRONMAN 70.3 experience for all.
Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur Mayor Jose Nelson Sala also praised the organizers, partners, sponsors and the entire Dabawenyo community for hosting the event, noting that it underscores the Davao Region’s suitability for international events and highlights the area’s safety and security for local and foreign tourists. The municipality plays a key role in the race
by hosting a 10km segment of the bike route via the MacArthur Highway.
“This administration recognizes sports tourism as a potent strategy for promoting socio-economic development and positive image-building for a locality in Mindanao,” Sala said.
Since 2018, the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao has enjoyed strong support from the local community. The city comes alive with cultural shows, festivities and a competitive team spirit, attracting athletes from across the Philippines and around the world.
Sponsored by Aboitiz Power with Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink as a partner, the event is part of the 39th Kadayawan Festival, celebrating local cuisine, tribal products and cultural showcases.
Adding to the excitement is the IRONKIDS event on Aug. 10, a duathlon featuring a run-bike-run com-
“Yung errors namin, yun yung nagbibigay ng momentum sa kanila ‘eh,” he added.
UPHSD showed grit in the fourth set, battling back from 13-17 down to force a tie at 20.
UPHSD displayed grit in the fourth set, battling back from a 13-17 deficit to tie at 20.
NU team captain Leo Aringo, however, took charge, delivering key hits that the Altas couldn’t handle. He scored three of NU’s last five points to seal the victory for the Bulldogs, who placed fifth last year.
After dropping the second set, the Bulldogs found their groove in the third frame, leading by as many as 12 points (21-9) after a through-the-block hit by Jan
Abanilla. A backrow attack by Michaelo Buddin and an ace by Obed Mukaba propelled NU to a 2-1 set advantage. Earlier, NU’s errors (11) allowed the Altas to steal the second set, capped by a Jefferson Marapoc off-the-block attack. NU broke a 20-all tie in the first set with a 5-1 run, capped by an Abanilla hit and a block by Mukaba. Buddin and Aringo led the Bulldogs with 17 points each, while Abadilla and Mukaba combined for 30 markers. Kobe Tabuga paced the Altas with 13 points. Next up for NU is a matchup against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday, Aug. 4, while Perpetual seeks to bounce back in an NCAA finals rematch against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
The 2024 ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 winners at the South Paci c Golf and Country Club in Davao City (from left) age 8-9 categories Athalea Espedido and James Rolida age 9-12
champs Ralph Batican and Rafella Batican. Manny Marcelo
The National University Bulldogs dominated the NCAA defending champions UPHD-Altas despite a performance marred by 43 errors.
Joshua Flores delivers for Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.
The steep sections of the Coastal Road will add an extra challenge for the contenders in the IRONMAN 70.3 Davao, set to re o on Aug. 11.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Boxing legend Golovkin advises Marcial to focus on pro boxing
By Randy Caluag
AFTER his heart-wrenching defeat that caused his early exit from Paris Olympic boxing on Tuesday (Manila time), Filipino Olympian Eumir Marcial got encouragement and advised him to focus on professional boxing.
“Hinahangaan kita sa loob ng boxing ring pero mas lalo kita hingaan sa baba ng boxing ring nong nilapitan mo ako para icheer up at mag bigay ng advice.,” said Marcial in a post with their picture of the multiple world champion known as GGG in pro boxing.
Marcial revealed that the two-time unified world champion, now president of the Kazakhstan Olympic Committee, advised him to focus on his professional career.
“And I’ll keep the words na sinabi mo saken na mas better ako sa Professional boxing. Much respect champ GG,” added Marcial who failed to replicate his medal finish—bronze—in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
It was a heart-wrenching defeat for Marcial following a unanimous decision loss to Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev in the Round of 16 of the men’s 80kg boxing event at the Paris Olympics.
This loss caused an early exit for Marcial, who previously won a bronze medal in the middleweight class at the Tokyo Olympics.
“My fighting spirit has never wavered for the Philippines. I’m devastated and at a loss for words. It’s a tough loss, and I don’t know how to explain it to all the Filipinos who believed in and supported me,” said Marcial in a statement.
Rib Injury
The 29-year-old Marcial expressed his deep disappointment after preparing extensively for his second Olympic appearance.
“It’s a difficult place to be in. No one really prepares to lose. But like I said, there are no excuses. It has always been my absolute dream to win the gold medal at the Olympics, not just for myself and my family, but most especially for the Philippines,” added Marcial, who spent much of his training time in the United States.
Born in Zamboanga, Marcial moved up in weight since the Tokyo Games and faced many adjustments after turning professional before his first Olympic stint.
“I went to training every day with a mindset of winning the gold. I’ve put in the hard work and sacrificed so much for this dream, even putting my professional career on hold,” said Marcial.
A rib injury hindered Marcial’s preparations, preventing him from sparring in the crucial weeks leading up to the Paris Olympics.
“He injured his rib and couldn’t train or spar for two weeks. He wasn’t able to stand due to the injury,” said his wife, Princess, in an interview posted on social media.
Marcial acknowledged the impact of the injury on his performance and mental strength, and he now faces a decision about the future of his career.
“Not many people know, but behind the scenes, I sustained an injury two weeks before the match that prevented me from moving and doing my usual training, which also affected my mental strength and overall performance,” added Marcial. With Peter Atencio
Villegas tries to win showdown with Algerian on her birthday
By Riera U. Mallari
PARIS (Via PLDT Home)—Boxer Aira Villegas shoots for a fitting follow-up to her scintillating opening day victory when she takes on Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria in a Round of 16 women’s 51 kg category showdown right on her birthday at the Paris 2024 Olympics here on Thursday at 8:16 p.m. (12:16 a.m. Friday Philippine time).
Villegas, who will turn 29 on August 1, made her Olympic debut a memorable one as she kicked off the Philippines’ Olympic boxing campaign with a unanimous 5-0 decision victory over Morocco’s Yasmine Moutakki early Monday morning.
But the first-time Olympian will need to summon everything in her arsenal to take on the veteran 29-year-old Algerian, a two-time Olympian (Tokyo, Paris), who became the first female boxer in her
country to represent het country in the Olympiad. Boualam is also decorated boxer with several golden wins at the 2023 African Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament, African championships (gold - flyweight 2022, gold - light flyweight 2023, silver - flyweight 2014, 2017), the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 50kg division at the 2023 Arab Games in Algeria and the 48kg division at the 2022 Mediterranean Games, also in Algeria.
Tough loss for Marcial, but Team PH still ‘hot on track’ for gold
PARIS (Via PLDT Home)—The Philippine campaign at the Paris Olympics remains strong and steadfast despite Eumir
Felix Marcial’s emotional exit in men’s boxing on Tuesday night.
“Full speed ahead,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday. “The campaign for medals, especially gold, is hot on track.”
Tolentino described Marcial’s setback as an “extremely emotional loss” considering the sacrifice and dedication the bronze medalist in Tokyo 2020 poured for Paris.
“I know how painful it is for Eumir to bear the loss,” Tolentino said. “We feel his disappointment and frustration, but it’s not the end all for him.”
“But if we look at the tangibles, the light heavyweight is not for Eumir,” he said. “He’s small for the weight class, while the other boxers are bigger and heftier.”
Marcial’s bronze in Tokyo was at middleweight, but the division was scrapped for these Olympics.
What could go in Villegas’ favor is that she knows what to expect from the Algerian, whom she has sparred with in the past.
“Naka-spar ko na po siya dati, pero siyempre, iba na ang kapag actual na laban na. Kailangan pa pa nating pag-aralan, at training ulit,” said Villegas, a member of the powerhouse five-member boxing team in these games.
The Tacloban City native’s win inspired teammate, Tokyo Olympics’ silver medalist Nesthy Petecio to pull off the same 5-0 unanimous verdict on her first bout here against Indian Jaismine Lamboria.
Not as lucky though was Tokyo bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who was ousted from the men’s 80-kilogram boxing competition early Wednesday morning (Manila time) after losing by unanimous decision to a tall and younger Uzbekistan opponent in Turabek Khabibullaev.
Catantan looks ahead to future Olympic bid after narrow loss
By Peter Atencio
SAMANTHA Catantan is determined to be better prepared for her next attempt at qualifying for the Olympics. The 22-year-old fencer expressed her intent after narrowly losing to world No. 3 Arianna Errigo of Italy in the Table of 32 in the women’s foil event at the Paris Olympics, held Sunday at the Grand Palais.
“I’m happy with the outcome. I’m pleased that the match was close. It’s a shame I couldn’t win, but I’m ready to work hard for the next Olympics to win a medal,” said Catantan. Catantan, who is scheduled to return to Manila on August 7, mentioned that she needs to assess an injury to her left back leg. She
suspects she may have reinjured her meniscus during her 15-13 victory over Mariana Pistoia of Brazil in the Table of 64.
“Hopefully, it’s not torn. I was hesitant to attack when I was fighting Errigo. I was waiting for my opponent to finish her attack so I could counter with my back leg,” added Catantan, who was supported by her mother Aileen, who traveled to Paris with her.
Following her Olympic campaign, Catantan’s FIE world ranking soared from No. 266 to No. 87. Catantan’s coach, Roland Canlas, noted that her injury hampered her performance against Errigo.
“The injury was a hindrance, but her body still managed to compete. We’ve proven that we can keep up with the best,” said Canlas.
PARIS (Via PLDT Home)— Swimmer Kayla Sanchez failed in her bid in the women’s 100m freestyle semifinals in the Paris Olympics on Tuesday but won’t go home empty-handed.
Sanchez became the latest member of the exclusive club of Filipino swimmers who made it to the semifinals since the great Teofilo Yldefonso won the country’s first medal in the 200m breaststroke of the 1928 Games.
The other Filipino swimmers in the elite club are three-time Olympian and Asian Games champion Amman Jalmaani (1968) and Remedy Rule (Tokyo 2020). Sanchez highlighted her performance by breaking her national record after posting an impressive clocking of 53.67 seconds to finish at No. 10 among 29 swimmers in the heats.
But the night ended sourly for Sanchez as she struggled and finished a dismal seventh in her heat, her time of 54.21 was more than a second behind American Gretchen Walsh, who grabbed the eighth and last finals berth. Sanchez’s previous national mark was 54.24 which she established in one of the heats during the Mel Zajac Jr. International Meet in Vancouver, Canada last June 23. Hong Kong-China’s Siobhan Bernadette Haughey tar topped the semifinals in 52.64 seconds followed by Australians
Aira Villegas in her unanimous 5-0 decision victory over Morocco’s Yasmine Moutakki early Monday morning. AFP
POC president Bambol Tolentino with Eumir Marcial (From Abraham Tolentino FB page)
Filipina fencer Sam Catantan looks forward to vying for slots to the LA 2028 Olympics.
Targeted interventions are crucial in enhancing farm productivity and strengthening upland farmers’ capacity to withstand and recover from various shocks, including natural disasters and economic disruptions, according to the study, ‘Analyzing the Resilience of Farming Households in Upland Areas’ authored by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) senior research fellow Aubrey Tabuga, research specialist Anna Rita Vargas and research analyst Madeleine Louise Baiño.
4.8%
4.7%
inflation in July 2024 Actual inflation in June 2024 Inflation in July 2023
DA lifts ban on Japanese poultry exports
By Othel V. Campos
THE Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it lifted the temporary ban imposed on the importation of wild and domestic birds, including poultry products, from Japan over the recent cases of bird flu.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order No. 31 that would allow the resumption of day-old chicks and hatching eggs importation from Japan.
Japan earlier reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that cases of the high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) had been resolved and that no additional cases had been reported since June 2, 2024.
Japan first reported cases of the H5N1 subtype of the bird flu virus on Nov. 8, 2023.
WOAH noted that the H5N1 virus could spread rapidly among bird population, including poultry which is a multibillion-peso industry in the Philippines.
“Based on the evaluation of the Department of Agriculture, the risk of contamination from importing live poultry, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen is negligible,” Tiu Laurel said.
Typhoons likely pushed July inflation up to 4.8%
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
RThe Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday inflation for July would probably settle between 4 percent and 4.8 percent, exceeding the government’s 2 percent to 4 percent target. It would also accelerate from June’s 3.7 percent. Inflation was 4.7 percent in July 2023.
outlook for inflation and growth in line with its data-dependent approach to monetary policy formulation.
A higher-than-expected inflation rate could delay the BSP’s planned interest rate cut in August, but Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said a reduction remains possible.
ECENT typhoons and the enhanced southwest monsoon, which triggered widespread flooding across Luzon, likely pushed the Philippines’ inflation rate above the central bank’s target range in July 2024. POGO ban to reshape NCR office space market
“These factors are expected to be offset in part by lower rice and fruit prices along with the peso appreciation,” the BSP said. The BSP said it would continue to monitor developments affecting the
“Higher electricity rates along with the increased prices for agricultural commodities like vegetables, meat and fruits along with higher domestic oil prices are the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month,” the BSP said in a statement.
“The widely expected -0.25 local policy rate cut as early as Aug. 15, 2024, or more than two weeks from now, remains possible, especially if inflation would stay well within the 2 percent to 4 percent inflation target, especially in the coming months/ years,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.
By Othel V. Campos
THE closure of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will reshape the Metro Manila office market, with developers aiming to attract business process outsourcing (BPO) companies to fill the vacated spaces, JLL Philippines said in a briefing Wednesday.
It said that as POGOs exit, rental rates in areas like Pasay and Parañaque were expected to soften, potentially dropping below P1,000 per square meter a month by the end of the year from the current P1,200 to P1,300/sq. m.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) asked the life insurance industry to expand its market reach and make life insurance a household staple to help the government reduce poverty in the Philippines.
“Risk is a significant driver of poverty, and adequate insurance coverage is among the powerful tools for mitigating this challenge. Therefore, all of you [in life insurance industry] hold key positions in winning our battle against poverty,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto told the Philippine Life Insurance Association (PLIA) during its 74th anniversary on July 30, 2024. Recto said the government’s ultimate goal is to reduce poverty incidence to a single digit or 9 percent by 2028. As of 2023, the government lifted 2.5 million Filipinos out of poverty, lowering the poverty rate to 15.5 percent. He said to meet its target, it should elevate 10 million more Filipinos above the poverty line in the next four years. The 2024 World Insurance Report shows that life insurance penetration (premiums as percentage of GDP) in the Philippines remained relatively low at 1.2 percent in 2023, compared to the global average of 2.9 percent and 2.2 percent in emerging Asia.
“This is both a challenge and an opportunity—a call to action for the industry to step up efforts in ensuring that every Filipino, especially those in low-income brackets, is protected and shielded from falling below the poverty line,” Recto said.
“We anticipate a softening of rental rates due to increased vacancy levels. However, the impact won’t be as significant as the volume of POGO offices has decreased since the pandemic and previous clampdowns,” said JLL Philippines head of research and consulting Janlo de los Reyes.
Experts said that while office demand remained relatively weak, the focus would shift towards attracting knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) companies, specializing in financial services and other highvalue sectors.
The shift may require upskilling the local talent pool and creating a conducive environment for KPOs to thrive, said de los Reyes.
He said that although the POGO exodus might lead to temporary losses for some developers, the long-term outlook remained positive.
The BPO sector continues to show growing demand, and developers are expected to prioritize attracting these more reliable tenants, particularly data centers.
Data from JLL Philippines show that in the first half of 2024, BPOs led transactions across different sectors with a 39.9-percent share, followed by corporate occupiers at 34.9 percent and internet gaming licensees (IGL) or POGOs at 25.2 percent.
BSP BRANCH. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board Member Benjamin Diokno (fifth from left) and Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (sixth from left) lead the unveiling of BSP Cotabato Branch Building marker in Cotabato City on July 29, 2024. Joining them are (from left) BSP managing director Eugene Teves, acting area director Zarinah Aligsao, managing director Rosabel Guerrero, Monetary Board member Rosalia De Leon, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao and Mindanao regional director Judith Dolot.
SM City Masinag’s rainwater catchment basin reduces flood levels in villages along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal province.
MICT commissions 3 new quay cranes to boost terminal capacity
By Darwin G. Amojelar
MANILA International Container Ter-
minal (MICT) said Wednesday it expects to further enhance its operations with the successful commissioning of three new quay cranes.
The strategic investment underscores MICT’s commitment to providing the highest levels of port services and boosts the terminal’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of modern container shipping.
“The acquisition of these new quay cranes represents a significant step forward to MICT’s expansion and modernization,” MICT chief operating officer Christian Lozano said.
“Their addition enables us to handle cargo loads more efficiently, leading to faster vessel turnaround times and bet-
ter operations overall,” he said.
MICT has the largest quay crane fleet in the Philippines with 18 units.
The operational efficiencies contributed by the new cranes enables the terminal to better manage peak periods and high cargo volumes, ensuring smoother and more predictable operations for all stakeholders.
These improvements enhance the overall customer experience, providing shippers and consignees with more reliable and timely services.
MICT commenced phase 2 of its berth 8 expansion aside from acquiring new equipment. The project includes the construction of a 300-meter wharf and a 10-hectare container yard (full build).
The expansion will increase MICT’s capacity by 200,000 TEUs to 3.5 million TEUs upon completion.
Wilcon logged 10% profit decline in Q2 due to fire loss
WILCON Depot Inc., a leading home improvement and finishing construction supplies retailer, said Wednesday its second-quarter net income declined by 10 percent to P770 million after it booked a P98-million loss.
Wilcon Depot’s store in Baliuag, Bulacan caught fire in April this year.
Wilcon said in a stock exchange filing second-quarter sales grew 2.9 percent to P8.87 billion.
“The improved second-quarter performance was partly due to the timing of the long holidays, but we also rolled out programs focused on contractors and professionals and best deals promotions to increase turnover,” said Wilcon
president and chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.
Belo-Cincochan said the company was expecting better performance in the second half of 2024 at it would continue to push for higher sales while re-aligning resources deployed with the current market demand.
“We are continuing with our store network expansion program, opening five new stores for the first half and on track to reach our 100-store target by the end of the year,” she said.
The company’s second-quarter performance pushed the first-half net income to P1.51 billion, down 16.9 percent from a year ago as operating expenses grew faster than
net sales growth. Six-month sales were nearly flat at P17.18 billion.
Gross profit margin rate expanded to 39.8 percent in the first half from 39.5 percent in the same period in 2023 to bring the gross profit level to P6.839 billion by the end of the period.
Net sales from the depot-format stores, which comprised 95.8 percent of total net sales, were lower by 1 percent year-on-year to P16.469 billion.
Sales from smaller Do-It-Wilcon (DIW) format rose 39.1 percent to P488 million due to new store openings. Same-store sales in the smaller store format declined by 3.1 percent.
COMPETITIVE bidding in the Philippines has assumed a different context. The bidding rules on power supply conducted by Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the nation’s biggest electricity retailer, are not fair after all. They are discriminatory, as found out by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano during a public hearing held by the Senate committee on energy on July 18, 2024
Meralco conducts the so-called competitive selection process (CSP) to draw out the best offer, or cheapest cost of electricity, from among interested parties or power generators. The bidders are informed of the rules beforehand, per Meralco’s terms of reference (TOR).
The terms or conditions, however, are exclusionary at the outset. One would easily conclude that the results of the auction process was already a fait accompli after other parties were prohibited from joining the bidding.
Take the case of the last auction when 1,200 megawatts of electricity of power supply were bid out early this year. The bidding was won by generating plants that use imported liquified natural gas (LNG), a more expensive fuel whose real cost as reflected in bidding documents excluded freight and regasification expenses.
One Meralco official during the hearing had admitted that the company’s bidding rules on electricity supply disqualified similar efficient power plants that run on much cheaper indigenous gas. The utility specifically barred power plants that are 10 years or older.
Jenniffer B. Austria
SUSTAINABILITY
TALKS. Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) chief reputation and sustainability officer and Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar (second from left) discusses the significance of high impact governance in the integration of sustainability within a corporate framework during a peer learning session organized by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), through its local chapter, the Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP). With Malvar are (from left) AEV assistant vice president for media relations Maricar Bautista, AEV assistant vice president for sustainability May Perez and GCNP vice chairperson Ma. Luz Javier.
Outrightly banned from the auction process were power plants running on cheaper indigenous gas, like Malampaya that contributes billions of pesos in royalty payments to the government. Mr. Cayetano naturally accused Meralco of bias against power generating firms that use indigenous gas.
The lawmaker on Monday filed a resolution to postpone the next bidding for Meralco’s 600-megawatt and 400-megawatt power supply requirements until its TOR are reviewed to ensure fairness in the selection of bidders and arrive at the true lowest cost for the supply of energy.
Mr. Cayetano during the hearing noted that Meralco appears to favor power generation companies that utilize imported coal. He added Malampaya indigenous natural gas would be unutilized “if the indigenous natural gas-powered plants are not given a chance to fairly compete in CSP 1 and CSP 2.”
Cayetano also criticized Meralco’s TOR for treating the historical actual costs of non-fuel items.
He said the approach handicaps indigenous natural gas suppliers by allowing bidders with other energy sources to submit bids with lower fuel costs, only to eventually pass on the higher non-fuel commodity expenses, such as freight, to consumers.
“The lack of clarity in the rules regarding TORs in the biddings will result in the underutilization of our indigenous natural gas [and] open the possibility of circumventing the dis-
PH stocks rebound on rate cut hopes
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks bounced back Wednesday amid growing monetary easing expectations both here and abroad.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index close at 6,619.09, up by 12.73 points, or 0.19 percent, from the previous trading. The wider all-shares index also picked up 9.94 points, or 0.28 percent, to finish at 3,597.71.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the local stock market gauge corrected higher after global crude prices declined to 1.5-month lows. Ricafort said the decline in crude price “could help ease inflation and support local and US Federal Reserve rate cuts in the coming months.”
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), meanwhile, estimated that July inflation would settle within a range of 4.0 percent to 4.8 percent, higher than 3.7 percent in June.
The BSP said the increase in July inflation could be due to higher electricity rates and prices of basic commodities due to Typhoon Carina.
All subsectors gained, except for property which declined by 1.24 per-
One would easily conclude that the results of the auction process were already a fait accompli after other parties were prohibited from joining the bidding.
tribution utilities’ obligation to supply their captive customers in the least-cost manner,” he wrote in the resolution.
Cayetano argued that the unfair CSP treatment would likewise discourage foreign investors from participating in energy exploration and drilling in the country.
“The CSP must ensure fairness and competition in the bidding process so that only power suppliers offering the true least-cost supply will be contracted,” he says. He questioned Meralco’s unchecked authority to determine who is qualified or not.
For all intents and purposes, the current auction rules are anti consumer and anti business.
Cross-ownership
The suspension of the new auction, meanwhile, will align with the new government procurement process signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The law mandates the disclosure of beneficial ownership information of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and consultants taking part in government procurement.
cent. Mining and oil climbed 1.66 percent, followed by industrial which advanced by 0.98 percent and services by 0.81 percent.
Value turnover picked up, but remained modest at P5.2 billion. Advancers outnumbers decliners, 92 to 86, while 63 stocks were unchanged. Meanwhile, the yen rallied against the dollar Wednesday after Bank of Japan hiked interest rates for the second time in 17 years, while equity markets climbed on growing hopes for a cut in US borrowing costs.
Crude prices surged on worries about an escalation in the Middle East after Hamas said its political leader was killed in an Israeli air strike in Iran.
After more than a decade of pursuing an ultra-loose monetary policy to kickstart the stuttering economy and flatlining inflation, the BoJ has this year shifted its focus as prices continue to rise at rates above the bank’s target. With AFP
Distribution utilities, like Meralco, are now required to open to public scrutiny the ownership structures of companies from which it buys electricity. This includes companies covered by the so-called cross ownership provision of the Electric Power Industry Act, (EPIRA), and which had expanded into socalled associated firms.
Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) and Aboitiz Groups’s Aboitiz Power Corp. early this year agreed to jointly invest in the gasfired power plants of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.―the 1,278-megawatt Ilijan power plant and a new 1,320-megawatt combined cycle power facility.
The three companies are investing in nearly 100 percent of the LNG import and re-gasification terminal owned by Linseed Field Corp. The facility receives, stores and processes LNG fuel for the two power plants.
The joint venture has drawn criticisms from a consumer group. The Power for People Coalition (P4P) claimed the joint venture would allow Meralco and Aboitiz to acquire stakes in SMC’s LNG power plants in Batangas City.
The P4P said the moves were violative of the intentions of the EPIRA, which prohibits crossownership between the generation and distribution sectors, and seeks competition to ensure least-cost electricity for consumers while guarding against power sector abuses.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
Senate probe on power bidding rules confirms bias against Malampaya gas
Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Philippines’ premiere gateway for foreign trade, completes the commissioning of its three new quay cranes, which underscores its commitment to providing the highest levels of port services and boosts the terminal’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of modern container shipping.
BUSINESS
MEDICAL MISSION. The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by president Dr.
responsibility group co-director
Ran, organizes a medical mission
for 90 individuals and distribute 150 pairs of
Councilor and FFCCCII Northeast Luzon District executive director
ThermaPrime buys 3 rigs for geothermal expansion
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THERMAPRIME
Drilling Corp.
(ThermaPrime), the Philippines’ leading geothermal well drilling company owned by the Lopez Group, is expanding operations by acquiring three more rigs to support the expansion program of its affiliate and help the country attain energy security.
ThermaPrime said in a statement
Wednesday two of the three drilling rigs have a capacity of 1,500 horsepower (hp), while the third has
DOE, USAID launch resiliency scorecard for energy facilities
THE Department of Energy (DOE) teamed up with the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) and the United States Agency for International Development – Energy Secure Philippines (USAID-ESP), to launch the Energy Resiliency Scorecard (ERS) for energy facilities.
The DOE said in a statement Wednesday the initiative would strengthen energy systems and climate resilience across the sector by providing a standardized benchmark for measuring energy resilience.
The ERS is a self-assessment tool designed to evaluate energy facilities’ readiness to prepare for, withstand, and recover from natural or humaninduced disruptions.
It gauges energy resilience across seven critical pillars: infrastructure strengthening, systems, disaster risk financing and insurance, stockpiling, response, rehabilitation and cyber resilience.
It also offers benchmarking against both local and international resilience standards, drawing inspiration from models such as the DOE’s Resiliency Compliance Plan (RCP), which emphasizes preparedness before, during and after disruptive events.
“With the ERS, energy facilities can determine their current resilience levels and identify areas for improvement by applying scores to standardized criteria and indices,” said Energy undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella.
“This tool helps facilities identify strengths, pinpoint gaps, and prioritize improvements to achieve greater energy resilience,” he said.
The implementation of the ERS began with a pilot test involving nine distribution utilities and generation and transmission facilities in Leyte.
The DOE said results showed varying levels of resilience, with some participants achieving an “Advanced” rating while others were at “Intermediate” levels.
The pilot was later expanded to include Regions 1, 2, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The finalized scorecards for electric cooperatives will be launched in September, with those for power generation and transmission facilities planned for next year.
Alena Mae S. Flores
a 1,000-hp capacity.
The company purchased the rigs from the United States and the United Arab Emirates recently.
ThermaPrime said the acquisition augments its two current 2,000-hp rigs and supports the development of additional geothermal wells of affiliate Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the country’s biggest vertically integrated geothermal company.
EDC is undertaking a P30-billion program to drill until 2026 another 40 geothermal wells in its geothermal
sites in Albay, Sorsogon, Leyte, Negros and Davao for its parent firm
First Gen Corp. (First Gen).
“The main focus of EDC over the next three years is to make sure that we can continue to deliver the amount of renewable source of geothermal for our customers,” EDC vice chairman and chief executive Francis Giles Puno said last year.
“Part of that is a need to drill close to 40 wells over the next three years... to make sure that we can continue to extract sustainable steam from the ground,” Puno said.
2 firms investing P900m at Victoria Industrial Park
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects two locators to invest P900 million in the recently proclaimed Victoria Industrial Park in Victoria, Tarlac.
Nephro Plus, a dialysis center network with the backing of the World Health Organization (WHO), committed to investing P500 million to establish 200 additional dialysis centers across the Philippines.
PEZA director-general Tereso Panga encouraged Nephro Plus to locate these centers within the economic zone, emphasizing the potential for “decent, world-class” facilities.
“We are seeing a growing interest from both local and international companies in the Victoria Industrial Park. This attests to the potential of this region as a hub for manufacturing and innovation,” he said during the agreement signing between PEZA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Wednesday.
Greenstone Pharmaceuticals HK Inc., the first locator in the pharmaceutical economic zone and the manufacturer of the well-known KATINKO liniment, plans to add
two more factories, each worth P200 million, bringing its total investments to P600 million.
Greenstone chief executive Melissa Yap said the expansion would broaden their product portfolio to include cosmetics and other medical preparations derived from local plants and herbs, with the intention to export to the US and the EU.
Greenstone operates three facilities in Cavite, with the factory in Victoria Economic Zone being the latest addition to its expanding operations.
PEZA is actively engaging with at least 10 Indian companies, five of which expressed interest in establishing operations in Victoria Ecozone.
PEZA offered to assist in expanding the Victoria Ecozone by 30 hectares, adding to the existing 25 hectares to accommodate the growing interest. Panga said the expansion would attract more locators to the area.
Grab, Move IT roll out assistance programs for ‘Carina’-affected drivers
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GRAB Philippines and Move IT rolled out comprehensive assistance programs to support their driver partners who were affected by Typhoon Carina. GrabCar and Move IT established Malasakit calamity assistance programs that provide financial aid to qualified drivers. More than P2.4 million was disbursed under the programs, with more claims being processed.
Grab and Move IT also implemented a loan payment holiday, temporarily suspending daily loan collections to further ease the financial burden on their partners.
The initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden on their partners, enabling them to better navigate through the challenging time.
The Motorcycle Taxi Community, Habalyeros, TNVS Community Philippines and One Goal Rider Community, whose members are
driver-delivery or rider-partners of the TNCs, said in a joint statement the measures put in place by Grab and Move It allowed them to prioritize their safety while continuing to provide services on the on-demand platforms, thereby striking a balance between their financial needs and personal well-being.
“In our ranks, it is not an easy decision to stop our daily livelihood of delivering passengers, even if the weather conditions change. This is our main source of livelihood,”
Romeo Maglunsod of the Motorcycle Taxi Community said.
“That’s why we greatly appreciate the support of Move It and Grab because we feel that we can count on them to make sure that we can somehow still make money while traveling safely on the road,” he said. Community leaders from various Grab and MOVE IT driver and rider communities also launched a series of relief operations in disaster-affected areas throughout Metro Manila.
THE SM Store and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) announced an ambitious plan to complete the roll out of in-store cafes across all 78 branches of SM Store by 2026. The expansion aims to seamlessly integrate CBTL’s renowned coffee experience into SM Store locations nationwide.
About 25 SM Store branches already feature CBTL cafes, including prominent locations such as North Edsa, Megamall and Southmall. With the planned expansion, CBTL aims to complete the roll out of an additional 53 in-store cafes in SM Stores by 2026 for a total of 78 cafes.
Dhinno Tiu, executive vice president of SM Store, expressed confidence in
THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the national organization of top retailers and allied industries is holding the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) on Aug. 29 to 30, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila with the theme “Retail Today, Empowering Tomorrow”. It curated two compelling sessions that would delve into the evolution of brickand-mortar stores and the sudden rise of online platforms as indispensable tools for customer outreach and engagement.
The retailing industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, marked notably by the dynamic shift of stores between online and offline platforms. Industry leaders Ayala Malls chief operating officer Paul Birkett and Araneta City senior vice president
the partnership. “CBTL has committed to opening cafes in SM Stores based on their global reputation for exceptional customer service. We choose partners who align with our commitment to enhancing customer experience,” he said.
The collaboration began with the opening of the first CBTL branch at SM Store North Edsa in December 2022, marking the initial step towards creating inviting spaces for SM Store patrons.
“Our decision to introduce coffee shops within SM Stores is driven by our customers’ desire for enhanced shopping experiences. We aim to provide a welcoming environment where customers can relax and enjoy themselves,” Tiu said.
International coffeeshop chain The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf serves customers at SM Store Sto. Tomas. This is part of the company’s ambitious plan to complete the rollout of in-store cafes across all 78 branches of SM Store by 2026. Around 25 SM Store branches already feature CBTL cafes, including prominent locations such as North Edsa, Megamall and Southmall.
for malls and office leasing Lorna Fabian will collaborate in a session titled “Revitalizing Retail: Unveiling Powerful Insights and Strategies from Legacy Malls” to highlight the imperative need for malls to adapt and innovate. Complementing the discussion is the session “From Likes to Sales: TikTok’s Influence in the Business World.” The session will spotlight TikTok’s ability to rapidly amplify content to millions, making it a powerful tool for expanding market reach and converting digital engagement into tangible sales. Featuring Jonathan Ong, country head for TikTok’s SMB in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the session will showcase how TikTok continues to lead in transforming digital interactions into real-world business success.
Cecilio Pedro and social
Xu Huan
to offer free diagnoses to 100 patients, perform dental extractions
reading glasses in Manila on July 14, 2024. About 340 residents benefited from the medical service which was done in response to the request of Manila First District
Moises Lim. Michael Wong Ho
Jonathan Ong, country head for TikTok’s SMB in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines
AirAsia PH announces Nagoya route, third in Japan
By Darwin G. Amojelar
AIRASIA Philippines said Wednesday it is expanding its operations in Japan, with Nagoya as its third destination starting Oct. 29, 2024.
“Japan is one of the strongest regional markets for AirAsia Philippines. In fact, we’ve already flown 210,000 guests for the first half of 2024,” Ricky Isla, chief executive of AirAsia Philippines, said.
“We are confident we will double the 270,000 guests flown in 2023 with our competitive airfares, more services, better flight timings and world
Alternergy breaks ground for Solana project
ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries on Wednesday held the groundbreaking for the P1.5-billion, 28-megawattpeak Solana Solar Power Project in Hermosa, Bataan.
Alternergy’s subholding company
Solar Pacific Energy Corporation (Solar Pacific) owns Solana Solar Alpha Inc., the project developer.
This is the third of new renewable energy power projects that the Alternergy Group broke ground in the past three months which brought to five its renewable energy power projects under construction this year.
“The ALTER Group is in full steam ahead as we break ground for the Solana Solar Power Project, our third project to be constructed this year. We are adding a total of 204 MW of clean, renewable and sustainable capacity to the grid by end 2025 from our Alabat and Tanay Wind Power Projects and the Solana Solar Power Project,” Alternergy chairman Vicente Pérez said. Alternergy through Alabat Wind Power Corp. (AWPC) broke ground to start construction on May 9 of the 64-MW Alabat Wind Power Project in the municipalities of Alabat and Quezon in Quezon province. Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. (ATWC) also broke ground for the 112-MW Tanay Wind Power Project in Tanay, Rizal on June 4. The construction teams for these two projects were mobilized to ensure timely completion.
“The Solana Solar Power Project is expected to issue the notice to proceed to construction immediately with a target completion by first quarter 2025,” Pérez said. Alena Mae S. Flores
leading service,” he said.
One of the largest cities in Japan, Nagoya is home to over two million residents, 57,000 of which are Filipinos.
To celebrate the milestone, AirAsia is offering a P888 one-way base fare to Nagoya for bookings made at the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com until Aug. 11, 2024 for travel from its maiden flight on Oct. 29, 2024 to March 29, 2025.
A recent study from Statista revealed that 48.8 percent of Filipinos choose Japan as a preferred holiday destination.
AirAsia data show that 65 percent of travelers who went to Japan in the past six months were Filipinos in the 30 to 50-year age bracket, most of whom booked their flights for immediate travel within two months.
AirAsia Philippines is preparing to fly to Nagoya in time for autumn, offering an unforgettable sightseeing experience with a combination of sunny and cooler weather, perfect for exploring the city and surroundings.
The budget airline flies to 12 domestic destinations and 13 international destinations as of April 2024. With Joel Zurbano
SPNEC taking foreign partner in P200-b project
By Alena Mae S. Flores
P New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) expects to take in a foreign joint venture partner in Terra Solar Philippines Inc. by the end of the month, a top executive said Wednesday.
SPNEC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said they received “very active” and “very keen” interest from a “long list of investors”.
“I think the actual bid date binding offer should be Aug. 15. So by the end of August, the board will have to choose [a partner],” Pangilinan said.
“At most two, most likely one [investor],” Pangilinan said.
SPNEC, through Terra Solar is developing a 3,500-megawatt utility scale solar with 4,500-megawatthour battery energy storage system in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan costing P200 billion.
The project spans five municipalities and 11 barangay and has acquired 2,620.8 hectares of land, including 1,932.9 hectares for phase 1 and the rest for phase 2.
Terra Solar was expected to issue a limited notice to proceed to Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
ASIA United Bank (AUB), the financial arm of the Ng family, booked a six-month net income of P5.2 billion, up 27 percent from the same period last year, on higher revenues and improving credit quality.
AUB said in a stock exchange filing Wednesday that net interest margin widened by 10 percent to P8.2 billion as interest income from its loan portfolio and investment activities rose.
This resulted in a net interest margin ratio of 5.4 percent from
NHMFC grants 1-month moratorium on typhoon victims’ housing payment
THE National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC) on Wednesday announced the implementation of a one-month moratorium on the monthly amortization payments of housing loan borrowers affected by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
NHMFC said this is part of its efforts to provide relief to its customers and in accordance with the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
NHMFC president Renato Tobias issued Corporate Circular No. 093 on July 26, 2024 ordering the
collection and accounts management group (CAMG) to determine housing loan borrowers whose properties are located in cities or municipalities that were placed under state of calamity.
Borrowers from the typhoonaffected areas are automatically qualified for moratorium, subject to NHMFC’s internal rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, borrowers who opt to settle their amortizations while their account is in moratorium may still pay through NHMFC offices, collection partners, via the online payment facility in the NHMFC website, Gcash or Maya app.
the previous year’s 5 percent.
AUB president Manuel Gomez said the improving business environment helped the bank deliver positive first-half financial performance.
“To remain a ‘challenger bank’ among the country’s top listed universal banks, we must become the ‘Digital Partner of Choice,’ advocating for open collaboration and helping others share in our success and responsibility to deliver financial inclusion,” said Gomez.
Loan loss provision dropped 92 percent to P78.0 million from P952 million in the previous year, while non-performing loan coverage ratio stood at 150.8 percent versus previous year’s 114.8 percent
Total deposits reached P281.1
its fifth anniversary by hosting a thanksgiving gala night at the Westin Manila Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Attending the event are UnionBank’s top private banking clients, high net-worth prospects, senior executives and board members, together with representatives from UnionBank Private Banking’s global partners Lombard Odier, J. Rotbart & Co. and Henley & Partners.
billion, while total loan portfolio amounted to P187.9 billion.
AUB saw its operating expenses increase 7 percent in the first half to P3.3 billion, on higher compensation, capital expenditures and investments in further business growth.
Total equity increased 18 percent to P51.6 billion from retained earnings. Indicative common equity tier 1 ratio was at 17.8 percent and its capital adequacy ratio was at 18.6 percent, both above the regulatory minimum.
AUB’s board of directors declared a cash dividend of P2.33 per share payable in two tranches: the first, at P1.33 per share on July 31, 2024; and the second, at P1 per share, on Sept. 20, 2024.
(Miescor) for the construction of the connection assets for the collector substation and transmission line by July 31, 2024. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the 500-kV transmission line was expected to be signed by July 31, while bids for the EPC of the plant were being evaluated with notice of award targeted by Aug. 31, 2024.
SPNEC president Emmanuel Rubio said the Terra Solar project reached 54-percent progress in the project development phase as of the second week of July.
He said key progress areas include land control, preparation of photovoltaic lands which are now 49-percent complete and transmission line rightof-way with 34-percent progress.
“The Terra Solar Project remains on track for key milestones with significant progress anticipated in the coming months,” he said.
IN BRIEF
Chinese Embassy, PCCI bring aid to flood victims
By Michael Wong Ho
THE Chinese Embassy in Manila teamed up with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (PCCI) to distribute relief goods following the flooding caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina last week.
The embassy and the PCCI donated on July 27 about 3,500 relief packages worth over P3.5 million to the flood victims in the capital city.
The relief packages contained rice, canned food and dry noodles for the affected families.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xi Lian and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto personally handed out the first batch of relief goods.
“Together with Vice Mayor Nieto, I am honored to distribute the first batch of relief goods to Typhoon Carina victims. We hope these donations help the affected families.” Ambassador Huang said.
“In this difficult time, we should support each other and pray for a quick return to normal life,” he added.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Tuesday that the death toll from Typhoon Carina (Gaemi), the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Butchoy (Prapiroon) reached 39, with 4.8 million people affected.
After causing devastation in the Philippines, Typhoon Gaemi also lashed Taiwan and China.
Tzu Chi Medical Foundation holds medical outreach
THE Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines organized a medical outreach at Pagamutang Bayan ng Carmona on July 14, 2024.
The medical team brought specialized equipment including ophthalmic tools, dental chairs, surgical instruments and medicines and provided free consultations and treatments to over 500 patients.
It transformed the hospital’s conference room and canteen into temporary clinics and conducted comprehensive eye, dental and minor surgical care.
The beneficiaries came from the fifth congressional district of Cavite, specifically Carmona City and the municipalities of Silang and General Mariano Alvarez (GMA).
Tzu Chi’s relationship with Carmona City dates back nearly two decades when the Buddhist charity group collaborated with the local government on a large-scale medical mission.
The memories of that event remain cherished by city officials and a monument now stands on the site of the original mission, commemorating what locals regard as the first and largest medical mission in their city.
“We built this monument in honor of Master Cheng Yen to remember her generosity and love for the people of my district and nearby municipalities and cities,” said Cavite 5th District Rep. Roy Loyola, who was the mayor of Carmona City at that time.
Julie Ann Lope
CFBCI conducts relief operations in Bulacan
towns
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. (CFBCI) organized a series of relief operations across the province of Bulacan on July 27, 2024 to help flood victims.
CFBCI’s relief team arrived in Meycauayan, Calumpit, Hagonoy and Guiginto to distribute essential supplies such as food, water and other necessities to those impacted by Typhoon Carina.
Meycauayan City Mayor Henry Villarica expressed gratitude to CFBCI for its swift response to the crisis and highlighted the positive impact of the organization’s efforts on the local population.
CFBCI’s comprehensive relief operations across the different municipalities in Bulacan illustrated the organization’s unwavering commitment to helping communities impacted by natural disasters.
“It is our honor to help. Thank you for collaborating with us,” the club said.
BFCCC donates food, hygiene kits to elementary schools in Batangas City
THE Batangas Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. (BFCCC) led by president Willy Wong donated food products and hygiene kits to elementary schools in Batangas City to support the upcoming school year.
It donated 700 pieces of cookies and cereal oats drink mix to Malitam Elementary School.
The donation supported the school’s National Learning Camp by providing essential nourishment to participating children, highlighting the organization’s commitment to community welfare and educational development.
As part of Oplan Balik Eskwela 2024, BFCCC also provided Lilinggiwan Elementary School with school supplies, lunch bags, cash and toothpaste for both students and teachers.
Wong underscored the importance of education in achieving one’s dreams. He also inspected the donated CCTV and feeding area to ensure proper use.
The school community, including teachers, students and parents, expressed gratitude to BFCCC and the Wong Quanxing Education Memorial Foundation for their generous support.
San Miguel Elementary School also extended
in Batangas City to
its appreciation to BFCCC for supporting its Brigada Eskwela, acknowledging the positive impact of the donation.
BFCCC responded to Banaba East Elementary School’s request for a complete set of
CCTV cameras.
The school thanked Wong and BFCCC for enhancing the security and management of their facilities with the new CCTV equipment.
Bataan Filipino-Chinese chamber inducts new set of officers, directors
THE Bataan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce inducted its new set of officers and directors at Luis Resort and Restaurant in Balanga City, Bataan on July 21, 2024.
Wang Liang Shi was elected as the new president of the chamber. Bataan Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Garcia attended the event.
Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) vice president Xu Xue Yu administered the oath-taking, while vice president Chen Zhang Cheng served as the guest speaker.
Xu emphasized the importance of the local Chinese community abiding by the law and maintaining safety, particularly during
The newly-inducted officers and directors of Bataan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce challenging times.
He urged the chamber to give back to the mainstream society by adhering to government mandates, such as the recent increase in daily wages by P35 aimed at easing the
burden of employees. Xu also asked the community to remain modest and uphold traditional values of frugality and simplicity in celebrations, allowing more resources to be
allocated to marginalized groups.
In support for education, the Bataan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce donated P100,000 to the FFCCCII Drop Out Students Grant.
The donation is designated to support the FFCCCII Education Projects, highlighting the chamber’s commitment to advancing education in the community.
The induction ceremony marked a new phase for the Bataan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce with Wang Liang Shi at the helm, as the organization continues to strengthen community connections and contribute to social development.
Michael Wong Ho
Rotaract Club of Chinatown assists typhoon-affected families
THE Rotaract Club of ChinatownManila worked with Project E-Booklat, the Rotaract Club of Chiang Kai Shek College, the Rotary Club of Chinatown-Manila and Chuan Kee Restaurant, to execute its flagship R-SERVICE project at Binondo Church on July 27, 2024. The initiative, established in
2012, is designed to assist victims of natural disasters.
Guided by the Archdiocese of Manila, the group raised P65,000 through donations from its members and supporters, enabling them to distribute essential relief goods to 400 beneficiaries affected by Typhoon Carina.
The Rotaract Club and its partners expressed gratitude to all contributors for their support and emphasized the impact of collective community efforts during crises.
Julie Ann Lope
The relief packages included a loaf of bread, two cans of sardines, two bottles of water, two packs of noodles, a hygiene kit and misua.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xi Lian (second from left) and Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto (third from left) distribute relief goods in Manila.
The Batangas Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc. (BFCCC) led by president Willy Wong donates to elementary schools
support the upcoming school year.
Julie Ann Lope
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
FOR all the negative connotations of the phrase one-hit wonder, one can look on the bright side and take its meaning to a special place. Besides, it takes a massive success to even be considered for the tag and every artist should have one great song enjoying mainstream success than none at all.
This subject has been tackled by other music writers and will always appear in certain discussions. For this column piece, I would be extra subjective and name what I value as ten of the best one-hit wonder songs in the history of Filipino music. Let’s run them down in no particular order.
Ako’y Sa Iyo, Ika’y Sa Akin (Iaxe)
I found it amusing to hear straight from the band’s keyboardist and founder, Archie Valencia, that he delightfully came up with that percussion bit appearing on and off throughout the song. It’s a little detail that greatly contributed to the song’s strong character. Of course, lead singer Jek Manuel ’s delivery is sublime. If you listen to the band’s self-titled album released in 1994 which this song closes, this is the one perfectly fitted to his voice and does not sound like it was written or arranged in the 90s. Talkin’ about a timeless track.
Boy (Timmy Cruz)
This piece was written by top-notch composer Mon Del Rosario around the time when it was a novelty to write Tagalog-English lyrics.
Bakit gan’to I can’t get over you,” it says. Its caressing melody carries the track along with sincere singing.
Timmy Cruz is a beautiful face but not a typical hot chick who changes boyfriends like a dress, which makes her perfect for the track. She’s that quiet girl in the class who’s in love with the boy escorting the muse. She has goodnatured feelings best showcased through this gem of a song.
Best of OPM one-hit wonders
enough to earn the right. For one, the bass line is busy for the right reason, filling up some empty spaces with the right notes. It’s a pity that this song is quite a forgotten classic. People who haven’t heard this track are missing some four minutes of authentic OPM beauty.
Ikaw Lang (Chad Borja)
The singer behind this song is more than just a pop balladeer. He’s a jazzer who plays golf, a singer comfortable with a big band backdrop. But this radio-friendly piece is that song that gave him a name and eventually a spot in The OPM Hitmen that also includes Richard Reynoso, Renz Verano, and Rannie Raymundo
The song’s calming chorus is rare in the world of hit ballads that bank on ground-shaking choruses. You can sing this song cooly smiling and swaying to the flow throughout.
The vocal quality on this is not appealing but it goes well with the anti-establishment tone of the
that
a steadily rich-
if the members of this band ever decided to shave their heads to summon the music gods to give them a second hit.
Magkaisa (Virna Lisa)
This song goes hand in hand with “Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo” as the theme songs for the People Power Revolution of 1986. Whereas the latter is a gathering of stars during that era, this track penned by comedian-politician Tito Sotto was sung by a singer who had one job which she delivered on every note. It still gives me goosebumps listening to her voice sing about a glorious time to be a Filipino. There’s no political color in that statement. The people coming out together to face the tanks weaponless and toppling a tyrannical regime backed by a pop recording is just pure beauty.
Just A Smile Away (Jaime Garchitorena)
Thanks to a toothpaste commercial for ensuring that this song would make a mark, even if its singer’s next recallable appearance must be as a villain, a good-looking goon, in some 90s action flick.
Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS)
has been named the top TV show in the Philippines for the first half of 2024.
Data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement shows that from January to KMJS, hosted by Jessica Soho, had the highest ratings nationwide with a 14.6 percent share on GMA, GTV, and Pinoy Hits. It also led on its channel with a 13.2 percent rating. remains the highest-rated program in Urban Philippines, with a combined GMA/GTV/Pinoy Hits people rating of 16.1 percent. KMJS (GMA) also claimed the top spot on individual program ratings per channel, with a people rating of 14.5
As the second half of 2024 unfolds, viewers keep KMJS their Sunday night viewing habit. The program remained the highest-rated TV show in the Philippines for 2024 based on Nielsen’s people ratings data as of July 15. Further, the July 7 episode of the program garnered an impressive rating of 18 percent (combined GMA/GTV/Pinoy Hits), its highest-rating
How Did You Know (Chiqui Pineda)
Some listeners may associate this tune more with Gary Valenciano than its original singer Chiqui Pineda. But one can’t just dismiss the original version and say Mr. Pure Energy did it better. Chiqui’s voice brings the song with an emphatic touch, and the melody and words were finely written by the iconic Cecile Azarcon. Girl power! Sabi Nila (Agaw Agimat) The group’s band leader and drummer Renmin Nadela has done a good job in keeping the band active most of the time since scoring this breakthrough hit in the mid-90s, as well as being relevant in the underground rock scene to this day. This same song earned its lady singer a line to sing in the legendary rock ensemble that sang “Hanggang Ngayon” in 1996, including Ely Buendia Rico Blanco, and the late Francis Magalona, to commemorate the centennial of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonizers. Larawang Kupas (Jerome Abalos)
It’s a personal honor to have Jerome sing my entry “Ang Taging Pag-Asa” to the A Song Of Praise Festival that won the weekly challenge in August of 2013.
I knew by then that he was more than just the voice behind this hit song penned by Manila Sound stalwart Snaffu Rigor who produced my band Syato’s selftitled album. The guy is a rock singer whose vocal range is wide and wild. Sir Snaffu told me that he was thinking of Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses” when writing this one. Listen to the verse and hear the connection between the songs. That’s being influenced and coming up with something new.
episode in Urban Philippines so far this 2024. The episode featured stories on a Bohol cave rescue, skin-based culinary dishes, floating shabu in Ilocos, the profile of the suspended Bamban Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo , and a DNA test revealing paternity doubts in Iligan.
Soho expressed her gratitude to the viewers of her show: “Thank you again to our viewers and followers for our high TV ratings and social media metrics. Maraming salamat po sa patuloy niyong pagsubaybay at pagtitiwala lalo na po sa ika-20th anniversary ng KMJS.” She added, “We will strive even harder to be worthy of your trust through our stories. Stories that tell us who we are as a people and also enlighten, inspire, give hope and help to those in need.”In the first quarter of the year, KMJS created powerful investigative reports that made a difference in people’s lives. In the second quarter, the show kept viewers interested with meaningful stories on TV and online. In April, Soho reported on large-scale mining on Homonhon Island and the effects
of a reclamation project in Navotas, which hurt local mussel farmers and communities. The show also covered climate change on Tubigon Island in Bohol. KMJS did very well on social media, with 525.9 million views across major platforms.
KMJS received several awards: Best Magazine Program and Best Host at the 13th Northwest Samar State University Students’ Choice Awards in April, Best Public Service Program at the 2024 Gandingan Awards in May, and Best Infotainment Show at the Golden Laurel Awards in June. Soho also won the JPL Lifetime Achievement Award. The show was also named Most Popular TV Program (News and Public Affairs) at the Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Entertainment Awards. KMJS continues to be popular with viewers both in the Philippines and abroad. KMJS airs every Sunday night on GMA, GTV, and Pinoy Hits channels. Viewers can also watch the livestream via KMJS’ Facebook Page and GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube channel. Global Pinoys can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV.
record, one
contains
sounding bass line. I wonder
Timmy Cruz’s ‘Boy’ was written by Mon Del Rosario
One-hit wonders are artists who have only one song reach mainstream success
Jaime Garchitorena is the singer behind the hit song
Smile Away’
Chiqui Pineda is the original singer of the song ‘How Did You Know’ Chad Borja released ‘Ikaw Lang’ in 1991
Championing childhood nutrition for a healthier future for Filipinos
LAC offers a variety of supplements which aims to foster good nutrition from a young age
By Nickie Wang
FOR Filipinos, health is the foundation of a vibrant life. Yet, nutritional deficiencies often impact growth and lead to future health concerns.
Studies, including the Department of Health’s National Objectives for Health Report 2023-2028, highlight the need to address childhood malnutrition, a major cause of vitamin deficiencies. If unchecked, these issues can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions in adulthood.
The World Health Organization also states that many deficiencies are preventable through nutrition education, a healthy diet, and sup -
plementation.
LAC, a health and wellness supplement retailer in the Philippines, champions lifelong health nurtured from childhood. Its in-house pharmacists and product experts address vitamin deficiencies.
Annalyn Lazaga RPh, Lead Pharmacist at LAC Philippines, says, “We analyze market trends, listen to customer concerns, and translate nutritional science into effective products. Our innovative jelly, liquid, and powder supplements for children make essential nutrients fun and convenient.”
LAC’s commitment extends beyond childhood. “We offer products for every age group, from prenatal multivitamins to specialized formulas for elders, ensuring nutritional support throughout life,” Lazaga adds.
Since people are increasingly
aware of the power of good nutrition, the brand leads this movement by providing high-quality products and valuable information. They educate customers on healthy lifestyle choices, empowering informed decisions about well-being. Through continuous research and development, the brand prioritizes safety, efficacy, and potency in every product. This ensures Filipinos have access to effective nutritional solutions easily incorporated into daily life.
As personalized nutrition is becoming the norm, LAC is expanding its product range and tailoring solutions to specific needs, making lifelong health a reality for every Filipino through its growing network of branches. It prioritizes good nutrition from a young age and aims to create a healthier future for Filipinos and generations to come.
TODAY’S advances in medical technology have increased the usage of stem cells for general cell repair and regeneration. This procedure also extends to dermatological applications. However, Aphrozone Philippines takes a more natural approach to skincare by harnessing plant stem cells.
Aphrozone Philippines is the sole and exclusive distributor in the Philippines of “365 Ruby-Cell,” the plant-based stem cell dermatology product range made by Aphrozone Co. Ltd. Korea, a global leader in stem cell dermatology.
Aphrozone Philippines’ “365 RubyCell” is based on three phyto stem cells, which are abundant sources of growth nutrients. These are sea fennel extract, edelweiss, and ginseng. These natural sources work together to address skin issues that may arise from various factors like age, medical conditions, nutrition, fitness level, and the environment. This organic approach is the backbone of Aphrozone Philippines’ “365 RubyCell” range of skin-care products and devices. Here are the steps for skin care using Aphrozone Philippines’ ‘365 Ruby-Cell’ range:
Step 1 (Skin Cleanliness): Use “365 Ruby-Cell” Intensive 4U Silky Cleanser, a cream cleanser that removes excess sebum and
Aphrozone Philippines’ ‘365 Ruby-Cell’ product line is based on sea fennel extract, edelweiss, and ginseng
Ruby-Cell” Intensive 4U Mist, which offers immediate moisture, along with “365 Ruby-Cell” Intensive 4U Ampoule for vitality and radiance of the skin. Step 3 (Skin Protection): Use the “365 Ruby-Cell” Airbrush System, a convenient and easy-to-use mist spray that maximizes the effects of the “365 Ruby-Cell” Intensive 4U Ampoule. The “365 Ruby-Cell” Intensive 4U Glow Ampoule Cushion is used for whitening, wrinkle improvement, and UV protection. Healthy and ageless skin is indeed a priceless blessing. Discover how
Aphrozone Philippines’ ‘365 RubyCell’ range of skin care products can make this happen. For more information about “365 Ruby-Cell” and Aphrozone Philippines, please see the details below: Aphrozone Philippines is located at GF, The Launchpad Building (TV5 Media Center) Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City, with contact numbers: 0917-147-2666 / 0917-676-0612; email, aphrozonephilippines@gmail. com. Visit www.aphrozoneph.com for more information.
GETTING in shape—both physically and financially—is more than just making resolutions. It’s about cultivating habits that empower you every day.
If you’re feeling a bit off track with your fitness or financial goals this mid-year, don’t fret—every day offers a fresh start. Just as maintaining your physical health requires conscious choices, securing your financial future demands intentional planning.
At Maya, the leading digital bank in the Philippines, we’re committed to helping you with practical strategies that enhance your journey to better health and financial security.
Start with a clear vision
The first step is to set clear goals for both your health and finances. Whether you’re dreaming of a vacation, building an emergency fund, or aiming for a healthier lifestyle, having a game plan is essential to staying on track. Write down your goals, break them into actionable steps, and set deadlines. With Maya, you can effortlessly track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
With Maya Savings, watch your funds grow daily, ensuring your money works harder for you.
Reflect on your current habits
Take an honest look at your current habits—both physical and financial. Understanding where you stand now is crucial for setting yourself up for success. This self-awareness forms the foundation for positive change. Remember, some wins may take time, while others are easily within reach.
Make sustainable changes
Incorporate changes that fit into your daily life for the long haul. Whether it’s adding an extra glass of water to your routine or setting aside a portion of your income for savings, consistency is key.
Channel your funds into Maya Savings and earn up to 15 percent interest per annum, ensuring your money grows steadily with every transaction.
When exploring financial options, compare what most banks offer with Maya’s competitive rates.
Maya Savings ensures your money grows steadily while you go about your daily life.
Be kind to yourself
Improving your habits can be challenging, but it’s important to find joy in your daily routines as you work towards your goals.
Balance financial prudence with treating yourself, knowing that smart spending with Maya Savings supports your financial objectives seamlessly.
Ready to embark on your journey towards financial independence and a healthier lifestyle? Get banked with Maya today! Visit [maya.ph](https://www.maya.ph) and [mayabank.ph](https://www.mayabank.ph) for more information.
Intentional
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
By Abigail Adriatico
GOOD health is crucial to prioritize daily, as falling ill can be challenging and often expensive. With children still developing their immune systems as they are being exposed to the world outside their homes, taking vitamins is a practice that can help them get the nutrients their bodies need daily.
With this in mind, eight-year-old CEO Kryzl Jorge took it upon herself to help with this problem by launching her own health supplement brand Purple Hearts, which is also the flagship brand of Love Kryzl & Siblings Co.
Officially launched on July 22 along with the celebration of Jorge’s 8th birthday, Purple Hearts offers two variants of its vitamin supplements for both children and adults: Fruity Boost and Veggie Boost. The Fruity Boost variant provides Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, and Zinc as well as the extracts of fruits like apple, strawberry, peach, kiwi, honeydew, blueberry, raspberry, pomegranate, apricot, and avocado.
Meanwhile, the Veggie Boost variant is packed with the nutrients of vegetables like kale, broccoli, spinach, carrot, cauliflower, tomato, cabbage, radish, asparagus, malunggay, squash, and celery. It also has Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc.
Jorge asserted the importance of health when it comes to children and adults alike.
“It is important because it helps us grow strong. Eating healthy food is the best thing you can ever do,” said Jorge. The brand’s launch featured various medical professionals ObstetricianGynecologist Dr. Dexter Ian Mallari, Pediatrician and Aesthetic Dermatologist Dr. Eloisa Tulayba, Ears, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgeon and Laryngologist Dr. Maria Cristina Viceral, Dentist Dr. Ralph Figueroa Delas Alas, Philippine Dental Association Parañaque Chapter President Dr. Irene Rogong, Dr. Lien Ho, and Dr. Alvin Francisco who talked about various issues and tips surrounding health and wellness. Apart from launching the brand and
An eight-year-old’s mission to promote children’s health
Color me beautiful
Top brands make beauty products accessible at SM Beauty event
SM Beauty embraces each individual’s unique beauty and champions self-expression. Its mission is to foster diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment through beauty. And on July 27, it provided an extraordinary experience for beauty enthusiasts by hosting the So MUCH Color event at SM Mall of Asia’s Central Atrium. The event, which celebrated creativity and self-expression as its core themes and featured 27 cosmetics and hair brands, attracted social media personalities, media members, and beauty lovers. Attendees enjoyed a lively and welcoming atmosphere. They had cocktails while exploring various activities. The Central Atrium turned into a colorful beauty pop-up space, with stations for guests to try and buy products from the participating brands.
Brands like YOU, Barenbliss, Dazzle Me, BYS, Flormar, BLK, Happy Skin, Issy, GRWM, Ever Bilena, Careline, Spotlight, Vice Cosmetics, Absidy, Orly, Sunnies, Pretty Secret, Fresh, Maybelline, Hued, Lavojoy, L’Oreal, Revlon, Tsubaki, Liese, Hairfix, Kiss New York, and Creamsilk showcased their latest collections offered at special event-exclusive prices.
SM Beauty also held the Lippie Lovers Sale from July 26 to 29. Customers enjoyed up to 50 percent off and buy one, take one deals on nearly 2,000 products at SM Beauty stores nationwide. A total of 3,000 lipsticks were sold during the threeday sale, proving that lipsticks are a favorite among Filipinos. The “So Much Color” pop-up continued at the Mall of Asia until July 31, offering more chances to explore, shop, and enjoy exclusive deals.
Purple Hearts CEO Kryzl Jorge (second from left) with ‘It’s Showtime’ kids Argus (leftmost), Kulot (second from right), and Kelsey (rightmost)
its supplements, Jorge also launched the Purple Hearts Foundation which aimed to provide help to the less fortunate who suffer from malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency.
The brand’s launch was graced by It’s Showtime kids Argus, Kulot, and Kelsey who serve as its new product endorsers. On July 17, Purple Hearts had a contract signing establishing its brand partnership
with the noontime show. Several celebrities like Candy Pangilinan, Dianne Medina, Dani Barretto, Maxine Medina, Mich Liggayu, Chi Atienza, Rodjun Cruz,
and Kiray also attended the event. Purple Heart’s Veggie Boost and Fruity Boost are available in drugstores nationwide as well as TikTok, Lazada, Shopee, and Facebook shops.
The beautiful and vibrant stage during the ‘So MUCH Color’ event
From left: The ambassadors of Ever Bilena, Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra, Binibining Pilipinas 2024 first runner-up Christal Jean Dela Cruz, and Binibining Pilipinas 2024 second runner-up Trisha Martinez
The team behind the SM Beauty Brand during the event
Erika Kristensen is the host of SM Beauty’s ‘So MUCH Color’ event
One of the activities during the event is a color analysis that helps participants determine which colors best complement their skin tone