Manila Standard - 2024 August 14 - Wednesday

GUO STRIPPED OF MAYORALTY ROLE FOR CODDLING POGOS

Marcos gifts PH Olympians P1m each, coaches P500k

By Charles Dantes

The Philippine delegation to the just-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics received Presidential Citations when they

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Charles Dantes

By Maricel V. Cruz

medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at Malacanang Palace.

By Maricel V. Cruz

Cavite fish still not safe for eating—BFAR

THE Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Tuesday released a bulletin informing the public about the safety for human consumption of fish caught in areas potentially affected by the recent oil spill in Limay, Bataan.

The bureau has been monitoring and assessing these fishing areas and communities surrounding the Manila Bay on-ground.

Specifically, it is regularly collecting and analyzing fish samples for traces of oil, grease, and harmful contaminants called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH).

"In the province of Cavite, fish and shellfish samples collected are still not safe for human consumption based on sensory evaluation," the bulletin read.

"Based on the stated results, the

public is therefore informed that fish from Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Batangas, and Metro Manila (Navotas, Parañaque, and Las Piñas) are safe for human consumption," it added.

Meanwhile, BFAR will continue fish-sampling and conducting sensory evaluation to determine the presence of oil and grease in potentially affected areas.

BSP Gov. sees inflation down to 2-3 percent

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

INFLATION rate will be within the 2-4 percent target for 2024 and 2025, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona on Tuesday, during the Public Hearing of the Committee on Finance.

“2024 would be between three and four percent, and then 2025 between two and four percent,” the governor said when asked about the assumption for inflation range for 2024 and 2025.

The last reading of inflation is at 4.4 percent in July 2024, due to driving factors such as electricity rates and upward adjustment in domestic prices of petroleum products.The BSP stated that the inflation for July 2024 reading is expected due to higher electricity rates and positive base effects. The central bank projects that the inflation in August will slow down, mainly driven by low import tariffs on rice.

"The balance of risks to the latest inflation outlook has shifted to the downside and this is due largely to the implementation of rice tariff reduction," Governor Remolona said.

The governor also highlighted that the monetary policy has helped to tame inflation. The BSP has kept its benchmark rate at 6.5 percent since November of 2023.

The governor also stated that there are still risks with the inflation but noted that surveys inflation expectations are well anchored.

"We do still face some upside risks to inflation. These risks will come from higher domestic prices of food items other than rice, from transport charges, and from electricity rates." Remolona said.

Marcos...

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"“I want to be part of the sports development of the Philippines... we have been left behind. Tell us what you need? We have to start to prepare for all the future international events. I'm sure we will meet again here the Palace,” Mr. Marcos said in a mixture of English and Filipino."

His historic wins marked the

From A1 system, which has faced criticism for its lack of coordination and effectiveness.

"We are very thankful to the President for his swift action. Actually, it’s our first presentation on this. The presentation was made by Director (Karol) Yee of the EDCOM 2," Angara said.

"President basically toward the end of the meeting, he said, in principle, he approves of it and he’d like us to fast-track some of the actions because he sees the urgency, and it’s a very deep-seated problem," he added,

During a recent sectoral meeting with Mr. Marcos, Yee presented the proposal, highlighting the need for a unified approach to tackle educational challenges.

The proposed Cabinet Cluster will develop a ten-year integrated national education and workforce development plan. This plan aims to ensure that all educational levels, from early childhood to higher education and technicalvocational training, receive positive interventions and support.

Yee said the country's education system is currently facing a significant learning gap, with Philippine graduates reportedly lacking 5.5 years of education compared to global standards.

The proposal also addresses deficiencies in high school science education and guidance counseling.

According to Yee, many science teachers lack relevant qualifications, and there are significant shortages of guidance counselors, exacerbating issues like bullying and loneliness among students.

first-ever Olympic gold medals for the Philippines in artistic gymnastics.

The athletes, who led the country’s strong showing at the Olympiad touched down on a chartered flight at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, where they received heroes’ welcome.

They had a quick reunion with their families and supporters at the airbase before being whisked off to Malacañan Palace to receive their Presidential awards.

Speaker...

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of the pension fund, so they could be covered by life insurance and enjoy lifetime pension.

“I had a conversation recently with the SSS President to meet your need for protection or security while you are in service,” Romualdez told barangay officials present in his speech delivered in Tagalog.

“I hope that soon, all of you will be members of the SSS. As soon as this happens, you will immediately be given life insurance and as we continue to save in the SSS fund, you can also qualify for a lifetime pension,” he added.

Romualdez said the House

House...

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the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

"By virtue of the oversight power of the Committee on Appropriations, the motion to issue the subpoena duces tecum requiring COA to submit the audit report of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education on the use of the confidential funds for fiscal year 2022-2023, hearing no objections, the motion is carried, ” said Marikina Rep Stella Luz Quimbo, the panel's senior vice-chairperson, during the deliberations on the proposed COA 2025 budget.

The committee approved the motion raised by the Makabayan Bloc headed by House Deputy Minority leader and ACT-CIS

Earlier, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Dale de Vera said incentives will be given to all Olympians and their coaches after the Philippines bagged two gold and two bronze medals in the recently concluded Paris Olympics.

"There will be incentives not just for the gold medalists, but for all the coaches and Olympians too,” he assured.

Moreover, a homecoming parade for Olympians was also organized

is considering approving a bill mandating local government units to set aside funds for the monthly SSS premium contribution of barangay officers. “This way, you won’t have to think about the monthly SSS contribution.”

The seasoned politician out of Leyte pointed out that he and his colleagues understand the grassroots leaders’ anxiety on their welfare and that of their families while they are serving their communities.

“Before you go out, those who are not members of the SSS, you can register,” Romualdez said, noting the SSS has set up 50 computer terminals at the lobby of the WTC to accommodate the registration of village officials.

Following the message of

Rep. France Castro, after hearing no objections from the committee members.

“Earlier, there were multiple motions relating to confidential funds. There was a motion by Rep. France Castro to issue a subpoena duces tecum requiring COA to submit the audit report of the OVP and the use of the confidential funds for 2022 and 2023, which was reiterated by [Gabriela Partylist] Hon. [Arlene] Brosas,” said Quimbo.

“[Kabataan Party-list] Hon. [Raoul] Manuel supported the same and at the same time, also introduced the motion to issue a subpoena duces tecum requiring an audit report, this time for the DepEd, for 2023,” she continued.

Prior to the motion's approval, Castro told the panel she has been requesting copies of the report on confidential funds since 2022,

and scheduled for August 14 to celebrate the country's successful Olympic campaign.

The festivities will begin with a parade starting at 3:00 p.m. from Aliw Theater in CCP Complex in Pasay City to Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which will feature a mini program where fans can meet and greet the athletes.

De Vera said out of the 22 Olympians, 17 are expected to join the parade.

Romualdez, SSS President Rolando Macasaet said that apart from the SSS insurance coverage and pension benefits, the House Speaker also sought the condonation of penalties for unpaid loans of village officials who are already members of the pension system.

Macasaet said the village officials could pay the balance of the principal in the next five years.

Meanwhile, with respect to his proposal to give barangay officers a term of office of six years, Romualdez urged barangay officers to contribute their inputs on measures that would benefit them.

He highlighted the important role they play in linking their communities to the national government and in delivering public services.

saying her request was “long overdue.”

In response, COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba explained that the nature of the funding prevented the agency from divulging the report to the committee.

“Because of the nature of the funds, which is confidential, we cannot divulge it. But if there is a subpoena, we can study the subpoena and we can submit,” said Cordoba.

Based on a COA Circular dated September 2013, the commission can be compelled to submit documents, records, reports, decisions, and other information upon the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum.

“When they use the confidential funds, after each quarter they submit their accomplishment to the Office of the Speaker, Office of the Senate President, and Office of the President,” Cordoba added.

"Nonetheless based on the BSP's latest surveys inflation expectations are well anchored implying that we have to worry less about 2nd round effects of supply shocks," he added. Moreover, when asked regarding the timeline of rate cut, BSP will be looking at the data with the upcoming monetary policy meeting on Thursday. “We are looking very hard at the data, and we don't have a timeline at this moment, we have a policy meeting on Thursday, and in that meeting, we will look very hard on the data and decide when and how much to move the policy rate,” Governor Remolona said.

Guo...

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It junked Guo's defense that she had divested her stake in Baofu Land Development, which owned the site where the illegal POGO hub was located.

"This is a clear conflict of interest. The element of corruption, willful intent to violate the law... are all quite evident. Guo must be held liable for the same," it ruled.

As this developed, the Ombudsman also found 12 other Bamban officials guilty of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.

Ordered suspended for three months were; Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, business permit and licensing officer Edwin Ocampo, Adenn Sigua, Johny Sales, Jayson Galang, Nikko Ballio, Ernesto Salting, Jose Salting Jr., Robin Mangiliman, Jose Aguilar, Mary Lacsamana and Rainier Rivera.

Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the Ombudsman’s decision was the result of “sound and sensible judgment.”

The Senator noted that Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese national, does not deserve to be a Philippine Mayor and has no right to wield government authority over Filipinos.

"She should have been stripped of that title immediately after we confirmed that she was not Filipino," she pointed out.

Despite her dismissal, Hontiveros emphasized that Guo, who is currently in hiding, must still be held accountable for all the crimes she committed.

"I trust that our law enforcers are working double time to catch this fugitive," she said.

NUKE POWER PARTNERSHIP. Mohamed Al Hammadi, chairman and CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. (ENEC) paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. who expressed optimism about a potential partnership to explore nuclear energy for power generation in the Philippines. The meeting follows a June 2024 visit to the UAE by a delegation led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, where discussions focused on revitalizing the Philippine nuclear energy program.

Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora pushes the boundaries of public service

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

EFFECTIVE Leadership demands a relentless pursuit of progress. Good public leaders understand their role extends beyond merely maintaining the status quo.

They are catalysts of change, constantly seeking innovative solutions to address the community’s evolving needs. By fostering a culture of improvement, they inspire collaboration, empower residents, and unlock the community’s full potential. This proactive approach ensures that the community survives and thrives, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and prosperity for future generations.

Effective leadership is not merely about holding a position; it’s about driving positive change. This is the philosophy that guides District Representative Amparo Maria Zamora, a dynamic force in the Second District of Taguig.

Rep. Zamora, fondly called by her constituents as Rep. Pammy, fully embraces her responsibilities as a district representative in the 19th Congress of the House of Representatives, consistently pushing boundaries to enhance service for her constituents.

Rep. Zamora is no stranger to the public arena. Through her father, respected lawmaker Ronny B. Zamora, Rep. Zamora saw the rigors and dynamics of public service at a young age. The youngest in the Zamora brood, Congw. Pammy shares this brand of empowering leadership with her brother, San Juan Mayor Francis

the City of Taguig as a Councilor

for three consecutive terms. She earned the affection of her district through her reassuring presence and relentless efforts to make daily services accessible. Since her City

Council days, Rep. Zamora has been a staunch advocate for health and women’s empowerment, even serving as Chairwoman of the Committee on Health during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being a District Representative, Rep. Zamora dedicated herself to implementing programs and services that directly impact her constituents. She provides various assistance programs, including medical and financial aid, livelihood initiatives, and vocational scholarships. She has also launched for the first time the “OneStop Service Center” or OSS in the Second District of Taguig, providing mobile offsite processing of services of various national government agencies, including SSS, PhilHealth, PSA, PhilSys, LTO, NBI, PNP, Pag-IBIG HDMF, and PAO. Rep. Zamora’s hard work is also evident in her work within the hallowed halls of the House of Representatives.

As an Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Rep. Zamora actively participates in plenary discussions and is committed to passing legislation that promotes the country’s progressive future, aiming to improve the quality of life for every Filipino.

Aligned with her vision to protect the most vulnerable in society, Rep. Zamora sits as the Vice Chairperson on the Committee on Welfare of Children.

Congw Pammy is an active member of the Technical Working Group crafting the Bill on “Ingress Prohibition of Alien Sex Offender of Children Act” or IPASOCA. Through this legislation, we are strengthening our national measures to prevent known child sex offenders from entering the country. Through the tenacity she has nurtured in more than a decade of service, Congw. Pammy Zamora is steadfast in her vision of improved Healthcare and more robust protection for Women and Children.

By Peter Paul Duran

TAGUIG City’s District 2 is a vibrant blend of history and modernity, where the bustling streets pulse with the energy of the present, while historical landmarks whisper tales of the past. This dynamic district is a hub of innovation and culture, setting it apart in the heart of Metro Manila.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

A Modern Metropolis: BGC is the commercial powerhouse of Taguig, home to global corporations, chic hotels, and upscale dining spots. Beneath its surface, an innovative water-impounding facility exemplifies forward-thinking urban design.

Art and Architecture: Balanghai Monument and Kasalikasan Garden

showcase Filipino creativity and reverence for nature.

Meanwhile, the Taguig Second District Representative is the principal author of 58 bills and co-authored 48 others. Many of her filed legislations coincide with her goal of directly impacting the lives of her constituents. These established several barangays in Taguig and converted extension government service offices into regulars to meet the demands of the public. Another bill she filed is House Bill 7212 an act strengthening the discount and privileges of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students in digital transactions, institutionalizing mechanisms therefore, and for other purposes. The district representative’s impact extends beyond policy-making. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, accessibility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She has fostered a culture of collaboration within her district, empowering residents to actively participate in shaping their community’s future. Taguig’s Second District is a testament to Zamora’s leadership. The district has seen significant improvements in various sectors, from healthcare and education to infrastructure and social services. Her constituents’ trust and admiration for her are a reflection of her dedication and effectiveness. Rep. Zamora’s journey is a reminder that public service is not merely a job but a calling. It requires a deep-seated commitment to the community and a relentless drive to create positive change. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring leaders and a beacon of hope for the people she serves. As she continues to serve her district and contribute to national development, her legacy as a visionary leader is undoubtedly being solidified. Her unwavering dedication to the welfare of her constituents is a testament to her character and a source of inspiration for many.

Kasaysayan Bawat Oras serves as both art and a tribute to historical struggles.

Ang Supremo and The Trees are sculptures celebrating Filipino resilience and life’s continuity.

Shopping and Leisure: Experience the mix of traditional and modern at Market! Market! and the elegance of SM Aura Premier. For a touch of Europe, visit the Venice Grand Canal Mall with its gondola rides. The Mind Museum invites exploration with its interactive exhibits.

Education and Growth: Esteemed institutions like UP BGC and Ateneo Graduate School of Business call BGC home, fostering a thriving academic community alongside British School Manila and International School Manila.

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

Blue Mosque: This architectural gem in Maharlika Village echoes the design of the Cordova Mosque, serving as a spiritual haven.

Libingan ng mga Bayani: A solemn site honoring the heroes of World War II, located in Western Bicutan.

Veterans Museum and Manila

American Cemetery & Memorial: These sites offer poignant reflections on the sacrifices of soldiers, standing as testaments to history within Fort Bonifacio.

District 2 of Taguig City seamlessly bridges its storied past with its innovative present, crafting a district that is as much about honoring heritage as it is about forging new paths in urban development and cultural enrichment.

Zamora, and her elder sister, San Juan Representative Ysabel Zamora. An alumnus of the University of Asia & The Pacific, Rep. Zamora served

Revilla lauds DPWH plan on

plastic waste on roads

SENATE Committee on Public Works chairperson Ramon Revilla, Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on their new policy of using shredded plastic waste as an additive in asphalt.

This would reportedly extend the lifespan of roads across the country.

In Department Order No. 139, s. 2024, DPWH approved the use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bag waste in hot mix asphalt (HMA).

Revilla said this sets a new standard in the use of the Bituminous Concrete Surface Course now that it is incorporated with the new material.

In line with the new policy, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed all regional offices, district engineering offices, and Unified Project Management Office clusters to comply with the said issuance on road construction projects.

“We congratulate the DPWH for their innovative policy of integrating plastic waste in their infra projects, especially on road construction,” said Revilla. “Nakakatuwa kasi hindi lang ito para mas magiging sustainable ang mga proyekto nila kundi malaking tulong rin ito sa waste management.”

The senator has been calling for resilient and sustainable infrastructure projects in the past. During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Works in 2022, he called on government agencies to invest in projects that can sustainably solve flooding.

Revilla said he has recommended the DPWH to make resilient and sustainable projects. “And they did not disappoint me with this new policy. “

The senator aired his support to the DPWH as long as they are compliant with the standards with the materials to guarantee that the infra projects are not compromised,” he said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

IN BRIEF

Antique gov: ‘Put public interest first’

ANTIQUE Governor Rhodora Cadiao emphasized the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards following the suspension of eight Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members in the province. The incident serves as a critical lesson for the Provincial Board, highlighting the need to prioritize public service over political interests. The Office of the Ombudsman recently ordered the suspensions due to the Provincial Board’s failure to approve a P1.075 billion supplemental budget.

Cadiao consulted with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Western Visayas Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero on how to fill the seats of the suspended members to achieve a quorum.

The governor stated that the vice presidents of three ex-officio SP members could be appointed as regular SP members to restore the Provincial Board’s functionality and resume regular sessions. According to DILG Memorandum Circular 2019-21, in the case of temporary vacancies in the provincial board, only nominees from the political parties of the members who caused the vacancies can be designated. The nominee must meet all the qualifications under Section 39 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and have none of the disqualifications under Section 40. Caloy Lozada

Iloilo Province gives P5m for family dev’t

ILOILO Province advances its commitment to community development by awarding P5 million to five municipalities for constructing Youth and Family Development Centers. The beneficiaries of this initiative are Igbaras, Sta. Barbara, Calinog, Sara, and Passi City.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. led the distribution of checks to the mayors of the recipient towns—Igbaras Mayor Vicente Escorpion, Jr., Sara Mayor Jon Aying, Calinog Mayor Francisco Calvo, Sta. Barbara Sangguniang Bayan Member Niel Superficial, and Passi City PPO IV Ma. Teresa Buena. Escorpion expressed his gratitude, calling the project a significant and innovative advancement for family and youth development.

“It is a novel project and innovation particularly with regard to family and youth development. We are very happy and privileged to be given this opportunity to work initially in collaboration and cooperation with the provincial government. It is very welcome for us in Igbaras; we need this project very much,” he

Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act now getting closer to becoming a law

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act or Senate Bill No. 2665 authorizing the President to establish archipelagic sea lanes (ASLs) in Philippine waters is a step closer to becoming a law after it was passed on third and final reading.

The Sea Lanes Act, which obtained 22 votes from the Senate, also empowers the President to prescribe the obligations of foreign ships and aircraft.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, author and sponsor of the bill said this is a landmark measure that aims to strengthen the country’s territo-

rial integrity and national security.

“With the passage of this measure, Congress has moved to put our archipelagic house in order,” Tolentino said.

“Designating ASLs will solidify the country’s maritime domain and prevent arbitrary passage in the Philippine archipelago by foreign vessels and aircraft,” he noted.

“We will be able to better monitor the movement of foreign vessels and aircraft and ask them to leave should they pose a threat to our peace and order, and national security,” he added.

The senator said passing the measure together with the Maritime Zones Act are made more urgent in view of the frequency and severity of the aggressive behaviors of China.

“While before, their aggression was only limited within the waters at the West Philippine Sea, just recently, on August 8…two aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force performed dangerous maneuvers and dropped flares near a Philippine Air Force aircraft conducting a maritime patrol over

PAF contingent to Pitch Black 2024 honored

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) held a welcome and recognition ceremony on August 13 at Tejeros Hall here to honor the officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.

The ceremony is seen as a fitting tribute to the PAF contingent’s exemplary performance in what was the largest and most intense iteration of the ex-

ercise in its 43-year history.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr and PAF Commanding General LtGen Stephen Parreño joined Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr and Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu in commending the PAF personnel for their outstanding representation of the Philippines on the global stage.

W. Visayas task force vs. dengue

By Caloy Lozada

THE Department of Health (DOH)

Western Visayas has activated its Regional Dengue Task Force in response to the alarming rise in dengue cases across the region.

Dr. Bea Natalaray, Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease (EREID) unit at DOH Western Visayas said that various government agencies are now working together to address the outbreak. The task force’s efforts include bolstering surveillance, supply, communications management, and health facility development units.

It comprises 12 government offices, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Depart-

ment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), among others.

According to the 31st Morbidity Week report by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU), Iloilo province recorded the highest number of dengue cases at 3,914. This is followed by Negros Occidental with 1,584 cases, Aklan with 1,319, Capiz with 1,083, Guimaras with 809, Antique with 637, Iloilo City with 482, and Bacolod City with 360 cases.

A total of 20 deaths have been recorded across the region, with a case fatality rate of 0.2%. The fatalities include six in Iloilo and Negros Occidental, three in Capiz, and one each in Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo City, and

City. Overall, the region has recorded 10,188 dengue cases this year, a 114-percent increase compared to the 4,760 cases in 2023.

Bajo de Masinloc,” Tolentino noted. He explained that the designation of ASLs is a discretion that the Philippines, as an archipelago and a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), may exercise under Article 53 of the international agreement. SBN 2665 defines ASLs as “designated sea lanes in the archipelagic waters and air routes thereabove through which foreign vessels may exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage.”

The measure also defines the “right of innocent passage,” as the “continuous and expeditious passage of foreign vessels through the territorial sea that is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, or security of the Philippines.”

Exercise Pitch Black 2024, held in the skies over Australia’s Northern Territory, involved approximately 4,400 personnel and 140 aircraft from 20 nations, making it a key event in international air combat training.

For the first time, the Philippines participated in this prestigious exercise with both aircraft and personnel, deploying four FA-50PH Fighting Eagle jets along with 162 PAF members. The PAF contingent flew a total of 144 hours and 46 minutes across 61 sorties, participating in various high-intensity missions including Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM), Tactical Intercepts (TI), Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics (DACT), and Large Force Employment (LFE) missions. These missions focused on key operations such as air interdiction, suppression of enemy air defense, and both defensive and offensive counter-air roles.

“Our involvement in this multinational exercise is a testament to our commitment to elevating our air combat capabilities and aligning with global standards. It also reflects our dedication to being a reliable partner in ensuring peace and security not only within our region but also on a global scale,” Brawner stated.

He further underscored that the experience and knowledge gained from this exercise will be instrumental in the continued development of the AFP’s operational readiness and strategic defense initiatives. “As we continue to modernize our forces, participating in exercises like Pitch Black enables us to refine our tactics, enhance our interoperability with international forces, and fortify our role as a key player in upholding peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Bacolod

HONORING AIR FORCE PERSONNEL. The Armed Forces of the Philippines held a ceremony to give tribute to the officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) who participated in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 held in Australia.

ROMANCE SCAM SUSPECTS. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago presents five foreign nationals and 24 Filipinos following their arrest in a residential area in Kawit, Cavite. The suspects have been arrested due to their involvement in ‘scam showrooms,’ where they victimized individuals online through romance scams. Manny Palmero

NEW BICOL UNIVERSITY BUILDING. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel LagmanLuistro and other local government officials led the blessing and inauguration of the Bicol University Tabaco Campus’ new academic building.

OPINION

New scheme for affordable housing

HOW do you make low-cost housing really affordable to the low-income social sectors?

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) believes it has found a novel solution to the housing backlog in the country.

This involves a new approach that allows two key shelter agencies to assume a significant role in the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.

According to DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, the Social Housing Finance Corp. and the National Housing Authority are taking over the direct contracting of construction services for the 4PH program to eliminate the cost of hiring developers.

From now on, the two key housing agencies would undertake in-house planning for small projects, such as creating standard designs but with different facades to reduce monotony.

The hiring of private designers would only be done for bigger projects. In short, the government will take the place of developers and go straight to the contractors. DHSUD hopes this will reduce the costs of housing projects and eliminate capitalization and pre-selling by developers.

Acuzar used to head a big property development company before accepting the DHSUD portfolio.

He says he used to hire private architects to design housing projects. Now it’s the NHA and the SHFC that will undertake in-house planning and hire private designers when projects are too big and complicated.

The Marcos administration’s marching order to the DHSUD is to build up to a million low-cost housing units every year or 6 million units within its term in office until 2028. Is this goal achievable? We really hope so.

Lawfare: New scheme vs. media

Lawfare is defined as the use of legal systems and institutions to damage or delegitimize an opponent, or to deter an individual or group’s exercise of their legal rights.

It’s a worrisome and disturbing phenomenon.

And understandably, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security is raising the alarm against the use of lawfare against journalists.

PTFoMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez cites the case of two broadcasters in Masbate who had earlier filed graft and plunder cases against local officials but were slapped instead with murder charges.

Gutierrez is seeking clarification from the Masbate Provincial Prosecutor on the case against Benjamin Gigante and Jose Alfaro, both broadcasters for dyME radio station and members of Masbate’s Quad Media Association.

They were charged with the killing of a certain Richard Bauso on April 6 in Cawayan, Masbate, and also ac-

cused of being communist rebels.

Last month, a local court recalled the arrest warrant against the two broadcasters over the Aug. 2022 killing of Virgil Arriesgado allegedly carried out by communist rebels.

“In both incidents, it appears these local media personalities were first accused of being members of the local communist terrorist movement in Masbate before being linked to the murder of the above victims,” Gutierrez said.

The charges against the two broadcasters could be “retaliatory legal acts” to intimidate them and suppress their right to free speech, he warned.

The Masbatebased Quad Media Association has expressed grave concern over the filing of murder cases against its members, adding that Gigante and Alfaro were “wrongfully labelled

Gutierrez lamented in some instances, local journalists who had incurred the wrath of local officials ended up being accused of crimes or membership in terrorist organizations.

He said this was tantamount to lodging strategic lawsuits against public participation.

“A strategic lawsuit against public participation suit is a ‘retaliatory legal act’ aimed at intimidating and distracting the accused from pursuing his original complaint against his accuser or suppressing his right to free speech and expression,” Gutierrez explained.

The Masbate-based Quad Media Association has expressed grave concern over the filing of murder cases against its members, adding Gigante and Alfaro were “wrongfully labelled” as communist rebels.

The group said the charges were a “retaliatory response” to the string of graft and plunder cases that Gigante and Alfaro filed before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged ghost infrastructure projects in Masbate from 2022 to 2023.

The Presidential Bottom of Form Task Force on Media Security under the Department of Justice is tasked to address violations pertaining to the right to life, liberty and security of members of the media.

The DOJ should probe this case and determine whether this is nothing but lawfare against journalists just doing their job of exposing shenanigans of public officials. (Email: ernhil@yahoo. com)

Trump interview with Musk stutters after ‘cyber attack’

LOS ANGELES – Elon Musk’s muchtrailed interview with Donald Trump got off to a rocky start on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) after what the controversial entrepreneur said was a cyber attack on his social media platform. What was billed as a “no limits” conversation started more than half an hour late, with many people unable to listen in live, in an embarrassing setback for both men.

“There appears to be a massive DDOS attack on X. Working on shutting it down,” Musk, the world’s richest man, wrote on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The conversation between the two men was intended to help reinvigorate Trump’s stuttering campaign, which has flagged since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Musk, who has said he previously voted Democrat, has thrown his weight -- and his wealth -- behind Trump since a gunman tried to assassinate the Republican at a rally last month.

But apparent technical difficulties -which come after Musk fired swathes of staff -- also served as a reminder that the Tesla boss had once backed Trump rival Ron DeSantis, whose campaign launch on the platform was also beset by problems.

“We tested the system with 8 million concurrent listeners earlier today,” Musk wrote.

Trump was banned from Twitter after a mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol in January 2021, but Musk reinstated him when he took the platform over and renamed it.

The Republican posted multiple campaign ads under his @realDonaldTrump handle on Monday, as well as links to his website.

Musk, the world’s richest person according to Forbes, has emerged as a major voice in US politics, but is accused of turning X into a megaphone for right-wing conspiracy theories.

He is one of the Democrats’ fiercest critics, leveraging his 194 millionstrong following on X to assail liberal

EDITORIAL

Committed to diplomacy

WE ARE holding our breath behind the blinds as the National Maritime Council convenes this week to discuss the national government’s response to China’sharrasing behavior in the West Philippine Sea.

The Council, chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, will convene any day to discuss the national government’s response to the dangerous maneuvers and dropping of flares by two People’s Liberation Army Air Force aircraft against a Philippine Air Force propeller aircraft during a routine maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, a ring-shaped coral reef also known as Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippines claims the northeastern section of the Spratly Islands as the Kalayaan Island Group, in addition to the Scarborough Shoal it calls Bajo de Masinloc, 120 nautical miles from the Luzon shoreline and is clearly within the Philippines’ 200mile exclusive economic zone, and

is 594 nautical miles from China’s Hainan island.

Malaysia claims part of the Kalayaan Island, while China and Taiwan claim the entirety of the island group. On Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos called China’s actions “unjustified, illegal and reckless.”

—“—

On Sunday, President Ferdinand Marcos called China’s actions ‘unjustified, illegal and reckless’

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he expects China’s harassment of aerial patrols by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea to be a “continuous pattern.”

Teodoro said the National Maritime Council “will consider these things...this continuous pattern that China will do against us...this continuous struggle for presence and for assertion of sovereign rights in the area so you will have to expect these

THE controversy surrounding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 13 and its role in enabling the proliferation of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is a legal quagmire that invites a thorough examination.

The recent assertions by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro that Duterte’s EO 13 “encroached” upon the legislative powers of Congress bring to the fore significant questions about the separation of powers, the extent of executive authority, and the legal ramifications of such actions.

The roots of this issue trace back to the era of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who, through Presidential Decree 1869, established the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in 1977.

PAGCOR was designed to regulate gaming establishments within the country, and its Charter was further amended by Republic Act 9487 in 2007.

Notably, neither of these laws mentioned online gambling, a concept that was virtually nonexistent then.

Fast forward to 2017, when Duterte issued EO 13, ostensibly to combat illegal gambling and clarify the jurisdiction of various agencies over gaming operations.

However, this executive order also

efforts to boost diversity and inclusion -- what he calls the “woke mind virus” -- and the White House’s handling of the southern border.

He frequently spreads far-right misinformation about undocumented immigrants and voter fraud.

New analysis from the Center for Countering Digital Hate shows that Musk’s false or misleading claims about the US elections have been viewed nearly 1.2 billion times on X

Trump, meanwhile, is struggling to pivot in the face of surging enthusiasm and strong polls for Kamala Harris since she took over from Biden as the Democratic candidate.

The conversation was never expect-

things to happen.”

He said the national government cannot afford to do nothing, even if it means another diplomatic protest should be filed against China, lest the public see this as the administration’s acquiescence to China, adding the latest incursion by China in the airspace of the Philippines can be considered a violation of the Filipino people’s rights.

We agree with Teodoro when he admitted such incursion is a violation of the rights of the Filipino fisherfolk to earn a livelihood and a violation of the future generation of Filipinos “to the sovereign right under the exclusive economic zone, and perhaps the extended continental shelf.”

But Teodoro hoped China would comply with international law and on the need to de-escalate tensions.

While the latest agreement between the Philippines and China only covers de-escalating tensions during resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippines adopts a “deescalatory approach to tensions in the WPS.”

“The Philippines remains committed to diplomacy and peaceful means of resolving disputes,” Daza said in a statement.

Duterte’s POGO order and separation of powers debate

(First of 2 parts)

allowed licensed online gambling operators to cater to individuals outside the Philippine territory, effectively creating a legal framework for POGOs.

This move has since been criticized as an overreach of executive power, bypassing the legislative process required to amend or supplement existing laws.

A Case of Executive Overreach?

Rep. Luistro’s critique hinges on the principle that when the law does not provide for a particular regulation, it should not be created through executive fiat.

Luistro’s critique hinges on the principle that when the law does not provide for a particular regulation, it should not be created through executive fiat

This is grounded in the doctrine of the separation of powers, a fundamental aspect of democratic governance where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches have distinct and separate functions.

The issuance of EO 13 by Duterte

ed to be challenging; the previously rocky relationship between the tech tycoon and the Republican nominee has been transformed, tracking Musk’s rise to hero status among young men aligned with Trump’s views.

It is this audience, which does not watch rallies or tune in to conservative cable news, that Trump hopes to woo. Trump, 78, also took part in an interview last week with internet influencer Adin Ross -- who has been repeatedly banned from streaming site Twitch for policy violations.

‘Greater responsibility’ X is juggling multiple federal investigations, giving Musk common cause with Trump, who faces more than a dozen felony charges over his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election.

Musk has become increasingly focused on priorities shared with the Republican hard-right, voicing anger over supposed censorship of conservatives and spreading inflammatory and false news stories about immigration.

New analysis from the Center for Countering Digital Hate shows that Musk’s false or misleading claims about the US elections have been

arguably blurred these lines, as it introduced a new regulatory framework for online gambling without the necessary legislative endorsement.

Provisions of Philippine Laws and Ethical Standards: Separation of Powers: Article VI, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution vests legislative power in the Congress. By creating a regulatory framework for POGOs through an executive order, Duterte’s actions may be seen as an encroachment on this legislative authority.

Supreme Court Precedents: The Philippine Supreme Court has consistently upheld the doctrine of separation of powers. In cases like Angara v. Electoral Commission (G.R. L-45081, July 15, 1936), the Court emphasized that no branch of government should encroach on the powers vested in another. EO 13’s introduction of online gambling regulation could be viewed as a violation of this principle.

Ethical Standards: The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) emphasizes the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Constitution.

By bypassing Congress, Duterte may have violated the ethical obligations to respect legislative authority.

viewed nearly 1.2 billion times on X. The European Union, which is investigating X under laws requiring digital firms to properly police online content, wrote to Musk Monday to remind him of his legal duty to stop “harmful” material from spreading on the platform.

“With great audience comes greater responsibility,” the bloc’s top digital official Thierry Breton posted on the platform, along with the letter laying out Musk’s obligations to combat illegal content and disinformation under EU law.

Musk mocked Breton, saying the official reminded him of a French character from 1975 British comedy movie

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” He then responded again, this time with a meme based on the 2008 US comedy movie “Tropic Thunder” that carried an obscene message. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung accused the EU of election interference and told it to “mind their own business.”

“Let us be very clear: the European Union is an enemy of free speech and has no authority of any kind to dictate how we campaign,” he said. AFP

IN BRIEF

OVP to expand free rides during strike

THE Office of the Vice President (OVP) has announced plans to expand its ‘Libreng Sakay’ program in response to the projected three-day nationwide transport strike starting on Wednesday, August 14.

The OVP will deploy additional buses to assist commuters across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who may be affected by the disruption.

The OVP has four ‘Libreng Sakay’ buses operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), with additional units stationed in Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao.

To further support the affected public, the OVP will introduce services on seven different routes across the country during the strike.

These buses are fully air-conditioned and equipped with essential amenities, including portable toilets, charging ports, and free Wi-Fi.

In addition to existing services, the OVP will officially launch a new route on Wednesday to serve passengers traveling from Naic and nearby towns in Cavite to the central terminal in Parañaque City.

650 from C. Mindanao take PMA entrance test

AT least 650 examinees from Central Mindanao took the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance examinations on Saturday and Sunday at a testing site in Kabacan, Cotabato.

PMA representatives led by Army Capt. Jocel May Alicog supervised the tests with help from the office of Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza and local municipal officials.

Many of the examinees were from farflung municipalities of Cotabato province and nearby areas.

Meanwhile, the Army announced they had mounted an exhibit that showcasing the command’s assets and various war-fighting capabilities for orientation of PMA Classes 2026 and 2027 at Lopez Hall, Fort Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City last Sunday.

The PMA is facilitating a comprehensive service orientation and a series of lectures for second and third class cadets prior to their selection of branch of service that they will join before the start of academic year 2024’s second term. Rex Espiritu

Anti-drugs seminar unfolds in Orion

A MULTI-SECTOR anti-drugs initiative was launched recently at a school in Orion, Bataan meant to save the youth from the drug menace.

The event, dubbed Barkada Kontra Droga, was held at the Justice Emilio Gancayco Memorial High School (JEAGMHS) in Brgy. Balagtas, Orion.

The Barkada Kontra Droga initiative is a collaborative effort led by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the TobaccoFree Generation, the provincial office of the Department of Education, and the JEAGMHS.

The project is designed to educate youngsters about the harmful effects of illegal drugs and to enhance their decision-making skills to help them avoid substance abuse.

Popoy del Rosario, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety, said the project aimed to provide comprehensive guidance and information to the youths against the social menace. He urged community members to actively engage in the fight against drug abuse. Butch Gunio

DHSUD-PhilSA accord on housing, urban development

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has tapped the Philippine Space Authority for a partnership on the utilization of space science and technology applications to boost the housing and urban development industry.

DHSUD Undersecretary Herry Yap thanked PhilSA for its cooperation toward “a significant leap forward in our effort to modernize land use management.”

“One of the cornerstones of today’s partnership is the provision of PhilSA’s expertise, data and resources to make sure that our assessment processes can be incorporated so that they can provide accurate and timely data to support informed decision making,” Yap said.

The two agencies have inked a memorandum of agreement designed to reinforce the effort of DHSUD’s Environmental, Land Use, and Urban Planning and Development Bureau on the digitalization of the land use and urban planning processes through PlanSmart for sustainable human settlements platform.

Developed by DHSUD and the Department of Science and Technology, PlanSmart is a digital, integrated and automated platform that formulates climate and disaster risk-informed land use plans, open spaces and resilient urban design.

It is also envisioned to streamline the supervision of land use implementation.

The agreement would help develop an automated land use and zoning compliance monitoring tool by

and

and

DAR Region 12 registers

CHR rallies behind bill on free menstrual products

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) backs Senate Bill No. 2658 or the Free Menstrual Products Act meant to boost the health and social development of women, particularly those below the poverty line.

“The Commission welcomes SB 2658 as it reinforces the implementation of Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution which protects citizen’s right to health, and Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which promotes basic health care and services especially for the marginalized sectors,” the CHR said in a statement.

The Commission believes that as a signatory to the Convention on the

Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), it is about time that the Philippines adopt local policies to address their commitment signed under the Convention.

“The CEDAW ensures that there is equal access and opportunities for all women through appropriate measures and legislations which protect and promote their rights,” the agency noted.

SB 2658, filed by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara mandates the Department of Health and the Department of Education to provide free menstrual products to students in all public schools nationwide, particularly at the primary and secondary levels.

The measure seeks to promote health

Bill enhances seniors’ privileges, protection under gov’t programs

By Jun David

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to strengthen and broaden government programs for senior citizens nationwide.

Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes and Laguna Rep. Loreto Amante filed House Bill 10739 that aims to enhance the rights, privileges, and protections to Filipinos aged 60 and above.

Ordanes said if enacted, the measure will mean better health service, additional social protection benefits and more support for senior citizens as they become an integral part of their communities.

Ordanes cited Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showing that senior citi-

zens comprised 8.5 percent of the country’s population.

Ordanes also filed a separate proposal for the creation of programs and benefits for senior overseas Filipino workers who are coming home for good.

Under his House Bill No. 10705, Ordanes eyes social protection for OFWs that are 60year old and above as provided for by the Philippine Development Plan 2023 - 2028. He stressed that there is a need for the immediate creation of a comprehensive program for returning senior OFWs that will include the grant of health and economic assistance.

Ordanes said such benefits would be a form of recognition to the senior OFWs’ contribution to the national economy after working for several years abroad.

and hygiene in disadvantaged communities, requiring the DOH, local government units, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute menstrual products to those who lack access to it.

Menstruation is a natural monthly cycle that should not be excluded in the distribution of basic services and needs, the CHR stressed.

“The Commission recognizes the urgency of menstrual health in the country as a human rights issue and calls for the collaboration of the Congress to expedite the passage of this legislation in advancing the right to health in the country,” the statement read. Rio N. Araja

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has registered 11,548 electronic titles of 11,809 farmer-beneficiaries in Soccsksargen Region covering an area of 20,326.7 hectares.

Soccsksargen director Mariannie Lauban-Baunto said they have achieved a major milestone through the registration of the highest number of e-titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project

The extensive registration effort would significantly improve the beneficiaries’ land security, land ownership records, and increase accessibility to land for local communities.

“This achievement reflected DAR Region 12’s dedication and ongoing efforts to improve the land tenure security of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. Because of the continuous support and commitment from the SPLIT central, regional, provincial and municipal offices, DAR XII is making significant strides toward empowering and uplifting our beneficiaries,” Baunto said.

Data showed that as of last July 31, North Cotabato led the list-up with 4,909 e-titles covering 8,235 hectares, followed by South Cotabato with 2,702 e-titles for 4,438 hectares. Sultan Kudarat was third with 2,092 e-titles for 4,925 hectares, and Sarangani with 1,845 e-titles for 2,729 hectares.

The SPLIT Project, funded by the World Bank, aims to give individual land titles to the farmer-beneficiaries who were previously conferred collective certificates of land ownership award under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

Rachelle Tonelada

AFP MARKS IHL.The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrate International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day, underscoring its commitment to upholding the principles of IHL. The event, headlined with the recitation of the oath of commitment led by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., gathered together top government officials, military officers, and representatives from various sectors to reaffirm the nation’s dedication to the principles of IHL.

ENVIGORATING TOURISM. President Marcos presides at a sectoral meeting to explore new strategies to further stimulate the Philippine tourism industry.

MARINES SEND-OFF. Philippine Navy flag officer in command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr presides at a send-off ceremony for the 4th Marine Battalion bound for the Southwestern Frontier, held at the Naval Station Heracleo Alano in Cavite City. Marines commandant Maj. Gen Arturo Rojas cited the importance of the troops’ reorientation to a naval focus that aligns with ‘broader efforts to restructure Marine Operating Forces for specialized roles in coastal and maritime defense.’

CAGAYAN DE ORO—Eliana

Dumalaog emerged victorious in a thrilling three-way battle for the girls’ 10-12 title, needing two extra holes to secure her win, while Jared Saban staged a stunning come-from-behind victory in the boys’ category in an action-packed ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 4 at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here yesterday (Tuesday).

Dumalaog appeared poised to seal the victory in regulation but faltered with a double-bogey on the final hole, No. 9, ending her round with an 80. This stumble allowed Rafella Batican and Isabella Espina, who both carded 79s, to catch up, forcing a three-way tie at 161.

Returning to the par-4 ninth hole for the playoff, all three golfers managed pars on their first attempt. But it was Dumalaog who ultimately prevailed, sinking a 15-foot birdie putt while her opponents missed their birdie chances,

Dumalaog, Saban triumph in scary JPGT Pueblo finals

clinching the hard-fought win.

“I was so nervous; my legs and hands were shaking during the playoff. But after I hit my drive, I felt pretty good –it was a solid shot, and I approached my second shot with confidence since I’ve practiced those kinds of shots. I was thrilled when I made the putt,” said the 10-year-old Dumalaog.

Despite her victory, Dumalaog narrowly missed qualifying for the Match Play Championship, having only managed fifth-place finishes in her previous outings at South Pacific and Del Monte.

With Batican’s 30 points from her two victories in those tournaments and Brittany Tamayo’s playoff win at Apo and third-place finish at South Pacific (totaling 25 points), Batican and Tamayo secured the two spots for the Match Play finals set for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna. In the boys’ 10-12 category, Saban also earned his place in the head-to-head finals with a brilliant come-from-behind

victory, rallying from an eight-shot deficit to shoot a spectacular bogey-free 67 and surpass Ralph Batican by three strokes, finishing with a total of 146.

“I just stayed focused,” said Saban, who was tied with Batican at threeover par overall as they approached the final two holes in separate flights.

Five of the six players from the 8-9 and 10-12 age divisions who shone in the four-leg JPGT Mindanao Series hold their certi cates after clinching berths in the Match Play Championships. (from left) Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club senior manager Kits Pinga, Francesa Geroy, Rafella Batican, Shaqeeq Tanog, James Rolida, Jared Saban, and ICTSI’s Bambi Mar l (right). Manny Marcelo

Saban capitalized on the pressure, birdieing the par-5 17th, while Batican faltered with a double-bogey. This pivotal moment clinched the victory for Saban, not only securing his spot in the match play finals but also providing sweet redemption after finishing second to Batican in the previous leg.

Galaxy runs set in Cebu, Manila

EXPANDING its commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Samsung Galaxy Watch is now the official title sponsor for the Manila Marathon and Cebu Half-Marathon.

The flagship races, spearheaded by leading race organizer RUNRIO, is expected to draw a combined 16,000 participants as it traverses the country’s two major cities.

The Galaxy Watch Manila Marathon will be on Oct. 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex while the Galaxy Watch Cebu Half-Marathon will be on Nov. 24 at City di Mare by Filinvest. On top of that, Samsung is also launching the Galaxy Watch Run Club.

Set to fire off this month, the club entices the running community to foster a stronger sense of camaraderie as it pushes the runners to do more with the help of Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 which starts on August 18 at Ayala Triangle Garden.

The weekly six-session program will have training sessions and challenges to promote fitness while also strengthening the bond in the community as runners unlock ultra performance.

“This is part of our commitment to the community all the more that now, we’re seeing more and more take in the sport and embrace the healthy lifestyle that we’re advocating. And we’re excited for more runners to take their game to the next level,” said RUNRIO Founder and CEO Rio de la Cruz. Members of the club will get exclusive Samsung discounts, especially on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7, which help boost the runners’ performance. It’s the most feature-packed Samsung smartwatch you can get right now, with beefy battery life and comprehensive health-tracking features. That’s on top of other exclusive merchandise as they prepare for the aforementioned marathons.

The new Galaxy Watch series is designed as the ultimate wellness companion, featuring advanced health monitoring such as heart rate tracking, sleep analysis, and stress management, and integrates seamlessly with the Galaxy ecosystem for notifications, music control, and more.

Team Kramer holds cage clinic for JETOUR customers, kids

IT was “Basketball Day” for JETOUR Auto Philippines Inc (JAPI) and Brand Ambassador Team Kramer as this dynamic duo conducted an afternoon basketball clinic for JETOUR customers, dealer partners, and members of the media recently at the Kerry Sports Arena at Shangri-La The Fort Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The afternoon was marked by fun games pitting the JAPI team and PBA veteran Doug Kramer against teams composed of JETOUR customers and members of the media. In between games, Doug and his son Gavin conducted clinics for kids of media and customers.

Overall, it was a wholesome yet adrenalinepumping family affair that highlighted JAPI and Team Kramer’s passion for team play, physical fitness, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

JAPI also stressed that an active lifestyle, as what Team Kramer has consistently espoused as ambassadors of the DETOUR brand since 2023, perfectly complements its roster of superbly engineered and designed SUVs, Crossovers, PHEVs, and EVs.

Doug Kramer’s brand of basketball likewise typ-

ifies the JETOUR brand’s winning characteristics: Aggressive and strong to the hoop; versatile on the floor; willing to do everything that it takes for the team to win; and willing and able to grind it out for the long-term.

Every JETOUR vehicle has been designed and engineered to boldly stand out from the competition, be versatile and adaptable for its owners and their families, run efficiently, smoothly, and safely, and be durable and reliable in the long run.

Doug, a member of the Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team that won the UAAP championship in 2002, played for 8 teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) from 2007 to 2019. In his collegiate and professional stints, he was a renowned rebounder and scorer, making it to the PBA’s All-Rookie Team in 2008, All-Defensive Team in 2012, and eventually becoming a PBA champion with the San Miguel team in the 2014-2015 season.

During the clinics for the kids, Doug emphasized the importance of constant practice and team play as the major factors in achieving victory in games.

“In order to be good at a sport like basketball, it

PAMPANGA and San Juan trounced separate rivals on Monday to keep their 1-2 spots in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the FilOil Ecooil Centre in San Juan. The Pampanga Giant Lanterns subdued the South Cotabato Warriors, 83-75, to notch their 21st win after an initial loss while the San Juan Knights routed the Quezon Huskers, 89-59, to rise to 19-1 in the round-robin elimination phase of the 29-team tournament.

Reigning league MVP Justine Baltazar posted 21 points and 18 rebounds to earn his seventh Daily Fantasy best player honors for Pampanga, which pulled away at 82-69 to pull South Cotabato down to 14-8.

Other Giant Lanterns who shone were Archie Concepcion with 14 points, Rence Alcoriza with 13 points plus 4 steals and Jhaymo Eguilos with 11 points plus 9 rebounds.

helps if you have the natural talent for it. But in order to be truly great, talent is not enough. You have to continuously practice your game. Practice the basics, practice the footwork, dribbling, shooting, and rebounding. It’s what will make you face your fellow competitors with confidence,” Doug told the kids, who were all ears.

South Cotabato drew 15 points and 10 rebounds from Kyle Tolentino, 13 points and 7 rebounds from Larry Rodriguez and 9 points plus 10 assists from Mark Cruz.

San Juan broke away by halftime, weathered Quezon’s third-quarter flurry, then went full throttle in the fourth to pull down the Huskers to 17-3.

Powered by Dexter Maiquez, AC Soberano and Orlan Wamar, the Knights led, 49-30, at the break. The Huskers, however, greeted the third quarter with an 18-point cluster sparked by LJ Gonzales and capped by Xyrus Torres’ back-toback triples to threaten at 48-49.

The Knights kept their composure and countered through Agem Miranda, Wamar and Reynel Hugnatan to pull away anew, 64-51, after three quarters.

The Huskers could come no closer than 5668 before the Knights, through Maiquez and

He added, “Always remember that basketball is a team sport. The goal is to be able to score more points as a team, and that involves a lot of strategies that will require everyone to play as a team. When you play as a team, selfless and with one goal in mind, then you become truly hard to beat.”

Soberano, bunched the game’s last 11 points to complete the rout.

Maiquez finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds, Soberano with 15 points, Miranda with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, and Wamar with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Only Ximone Sandagon struck back for Quezon with 18 points and 11 boards. The Negros Muscovados routed the Bulacan Kuyas, 83-64, in the opener to improve to 11-12. Renz Palma flirted with a triple-double (22 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists) and four other Muscovados contributed double figures as Negros led by as far as 79-54 halfway through the fourth quarter.

Buenaventura Raflores also delivered with 13 points, 11 rebounds plus 3 assists, and so did Alvin John Capobres with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, Jose Piero Longa with 11 points, and Jan Formento with 10 points.

Children of JETOUR customers participate in basketball drills

Agem Miranda shines for the San Juan Knights.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Algeria gives hero’s welcome to gender-row boxer Khelif

OLYMPIC boxing champion Imane

Khelif said she had won for her country’s women as Algeria’s Paris Games medallists received a hero’s welcome at Algiers airport on Monday.

Khelif, who was the centre of a gender controversy at the Olympics on her way to the women’s 66kg title, teenage gymnastics gold medallist Kaylia Nemour and men’s 800m bronze medallist Djamel Sedjati brandished their medals for the waiting fans.

The crowd cheered Khelif with chants of “Tahia Imane” (longlived Imane).

“The answer lay in the results of each match,” she said. “I wanted to show the strength of performance and the presence of women in general, and Algerian women in particular.”

The International Olympic Committee took over the boxing competition in Paris after losing patience with the International Boxing Association.

The IBA, led by Umar Kremlev, a Kremlin-linked oligarch, retaliated during the Games by saying it had disqualified Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting from its world championships last year because its tests showed “these are men”. The IBA had allowed both boxers to compete in Tokyo three years ago.

Khelif, 25, addressed what she called a “relentless campaign” on Monday.

She said she wanted “to thank the Algerian people who supported me in this ordeal and gave me strength”.

“Algerian women are an example and a model for the whole world,” the boxer said. “Thanks to God, we have restored Algeria’s honor and flown the Algerian flag in Paris, which is the most important thing.” AFP

Yulo, Obiena to be feted in Manila’s Heroes’ Parade

By Randy Caluag and Peter Atencio

SEVERAL roads in Manila will be closed on Wednesday afternoon as the city hosts the Heroes’ Grand Homecoming Parade, celebrating the achievements of gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter Edward Obiena at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The parade, organized in coordination with the Office of the President, will begin at 3 p.m. and cover a 7.7-kilometer route from Aliw Theater in Pasay City to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

Leading up to the event, posters of the Olympians have been displayed along the streets of Manila and the parade route.

A short program will conclude the festivities at the sports complex where Yulo, the 24-year-old gymnastics star from Malate, will be awarded P2 million by the Manila City government for his double gold victories in the floor exercise and vault events.

Obiena, who secured a commendable fourthplace finish in the men’s pole vault, will receive P500,000. These rewards from the Manila LGU are among many incentives for Yulo and the other Filipino medalists from Paris.

Yulo is also set to receive P20 million from the Philippine Sports Commission, as mandated by law, in recognition of his achievements. His success follows three years after Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, who both excelled in women’s boxing, will each be awarded P2 million for their remarkable performances.

The Filipino Olympians arrived home on Tuesday afternoon, and that evening, real estate firm Megaworld hosted a banquet at the Hilton Hotel to honor the medalists and the entire Philippine contingent.

Megaworld held a victory party for Yulo and will be presented with the keys to a luxurious three-bedroom, fully furnished unit at McKinley Hills, valued at P32 million, along with a special cash bonus of P3 million, with the official presentation to be scheduled soon.

With Fuller back, Guiao optimistic about ROS’s Season 49 bid

COACH Yeng Guiao is particularly pleased to have an import he’s familiar with for the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup Season 49.

With Aaron Fuller back in the mix, Guiao feels confident that Rain or Shine will have a dependable player to lean on. “We’ve tested our import, and I know Aaron well—he was one of my players when I was coaching NLEX,” Guiao shared. Fuller, now suiting up for his fourth team in the PBA, played under Guiao at NLEX from 2017 to 2018.

The 6-foot-6 forward, who previously played for the University of Iowa and the University of Southern California, posted impressive stats during the 2017 Governors’ Cup, averaging 22.6 points, 17.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game.

“I know what he can do, but it’s important that he meshes well with the team,” Guiao added.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who recently signed three promising rookies, are coming off a successful tune-up month, highlighted by their title win at the recent Kadayawan Festival in Davao.

The team is riding high after reaching the semifinals of the Philippine Cup for the first time in five years.

The Rain or Shine squad is ready and confident about its chances

Their new recruits include first-round picks Felix Lemetti and Caelan Tiongson, as well as second-round

Mendrez explodes as Flying Titans revive quarterfinal hopes

In desperate need of firepower, Choco Mucho reactivated Mean Mendrez, and the former UE standout delivered a clutch performance, scoring 18 points in her return as the Flying Titans edged out the Chery Tiggo Crossovers with a thrilling 25-16, 25-11, 2325, 19-25, 15-12 victory, keeping their quarterfinal hopes alive in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena yesterday.

Though the win only moved Choco Mucho to a 2-4 record, tying them with Farm Fresh at eighth place, it injected new life into the recent All-Filipino runners-up as they strive to secure a spot in the knockout quarterfinals of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Meanwhile, Chery Tiggo fell to 4-2, sharing fifth place with idle Capital1.

“It was a great test. We’ve lost two fiveset games in the first round, but this win showed our work ethic in practice. I’m so proud of my team,” said import Zoi Faki, who redeemed herself with 10 points, including three blocks.

Faki also provided strong support to libe-

ro Thang Ponce, contributing nine digs and eight excellent receptions in their two-hour, 19-minute victory.

After squandering a two-set lead, the Flying Titans regrouped in the fifth set, with Mendrez firing five of her total output to help Choco Mucho pull away from a tight 4-all count. Dindin Manabat then took over, delivering back-to-back powerful hits that brought the team to match point, 14-10.

Although Kath Bell attempted to rally Chery Tiggo with consecutive kills, Manabat sealed the deal with another crushing blow, ending the Crossovers’ resilient comeback attempt.

“Despite losing a two-set lead, our mindset was fixed on winning the game because we knew it wasn’t over yet,” said Mendrez in Filipino, who marked her comeback with two blocks and two aces. “We’re taking it one game at a time, staying focused.”

“I’m super thankful for the trust from the coaches and the support of my teammates, who were always behind me,” Mendrez added, fully embracing her role in the team’s resurgence.

Green Spikers, Tams gun for third win in

men’s V-League

DE La Salle University and Far Eastern U set out against Emilio Aguinaldo College and Perpetual Help, respectively, seeking third straight victories in what promises to be a pair of intense showdowns in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge today (Wednesday) at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Green Spikers have had a strong start, sweeping their first two matches, while the Generals are looking to bounce back after two consecutive losses. Despite their contrasting fortunes, La Salle remains cautious of EAC, expecting a fierce and tightly contested battle at 12 noon.

Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque stressed the importance of consistency and discipline as they seek to maintain their undefeated record.

“Siguro yung consistency na lang na determined talaga kami. Yung convincing na laro, without a doubt, yun lang siguro kailangan namin trabahuin. Kung sakali alam nila na kaya namin yung kalaban, kailangan tapusin namin yung kalaban,” said Roque. In the 2 p.m. matchup, FEU is similarly focused on extending its winning streak to three. The Tamaraws are aware of the challenge posed by the reigning NCAA champions, the Altas, who are aiming for their second win in three games. Mikko Espartero and Jelord Taliyasan are expected to lead the charge for the Tamaraws, while Perpetual’s new talents, Kobe Tabuga and Hezron Manaloto, look to make an impact.

“Matibay (ang Perpetual). Susulitin namin yung one week na meron kami para magprepare. Pagttrabahuin namin mabuti, lalo’t hindi biro si coach Sammy [Acaylar] kasi beteranong coach ‘yan,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo. In the day’s only women’s match, FEU will attempt to rebound from its shutout loss to UST as it faces Lyceum at 5 p.m. The Lady Tamaraws, led by Gerzel Petallo, Jean Asis, and Jazlyn Ellarina, are determined to get back on the winning track but will need to overcome the challenge posed by Lyceum’s Heart Bio, Joan Doguna, and the rest of the

who are winless in two games.

Olympic double gold medalist

Carlos Yulo with POC president Bambol Tolentino and boxing bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas pose during their arrival at the Manila International Airport on Tuesday. Riera Mallari

Lady Pirates,

draftee Francis Escandor, who hails from reigning UAAP champion De La Salle University. Peter Atencio

Mean Mendrez delivers for Flying Titans. PVL Media

Recto: Budget

By Darwin G. Amojelar

(GOCCs) dividend rates to 75 percent from 50 percent.

“This robust revenue performance placed us among Asia’s top revenueto-GDP ratios at 17.1 percent for the first half of the year. And this is above our full-year target of 16.1 percent,” Recto said. Expenditures also grew 14.6 percent in the same period, reaching P2.76 trillion. In the first semester of 2024, expenditure-to-GDP stood at 21.9 percent in the first half of the year.

$499 million

$4 billion

World’s largest solar project obtains green lane certificate

By Othel V. Campos

addressing Ease of Doing Business (EODB) concerns.

$3.5 billion FDI inflows in May 2024

FDI inflows in five months of 2024

THE Board of Investments (BOI) granted green lane certification to the P200billion renewal energy project of Terra Solar Philippines Inc., touted as the world’s largest solar power facility.

“The basic objective of the Philippines now under this administration is not just to grow— we are already the fastest-growing economy in the region—but more importantly to transform the Philippine economy into a smart and sustainable hub for manufacturing and services, and exactly supporting that would be the sectors and industries that you are investing in,” he said.

(MW) of solar power with provision for a 4,500 megawatthour (MWh) battery energy storage system. The project, spanning 3,500 hectares across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan provinces, is expected to advance the renewable energy landscape in the Philippines. Its immense scale and potential impact represent a significant stride towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting a cleaner and greener future for the Philippines.

Group earned P17.46b in first half

FDI inflows in five months of 2023

By Domingo Juan

NET inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs) grew 15.8 percent year-on-year in the first five months of 2024 to $4 billion despite a 1-percent decline in May, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) show. The BSP attributed the decline in the net inflows in May to $499 million from $504 million a year ago to the 31.7-percent decrease in non-residents’ net investments in the domestic equity market.

It said foreign investors’ equity placements in the local market reached $161 million in the fifth month this year, lower than $235 million in same period last year.

Bulk of these came from Japan, the US and Hong Kong and were placed in manufacturing, real estate and arts, entertainment and recreation industries.

Reinvestment of earnings fell 3.7 percent to $97 million in May compared to $101 million a year earlier.

Placements by foreign investors on debt papers issued locally rose 43.4 percent to $242 million from $169 million.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort traced to investors’ risk aversion the drop in the net FDIs in May, which he said, was the lowest in 16 months.

He said among the concerns was the geopolitical risks brought about by the Israel-Iran conflict following the death of a Hamas leader in Iran.

Ricafort said future FDI development could be impacted by adjustments in the BSP and Federal Reserve’s key rates, global and local inflation and economic and financial market performances.

“Philippine GDP [gross domestic product] growth that is still among the fastest in ASEAN/Asia would help boost investments/FDIs, as a bright spot for the local economy and major source of additional jobs/ employment, business activities, and other economic opportunities for the country,” he said.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the project is aligned with DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s priority of boosting trade and investment by

TSPI, a joint venture between SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) and MGen Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of Meralco PowerGen Company (MGen), is designed to generate 3,500

As the world’s largest solar project, the Terra Solar facility is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, create job opportunities and enhance energy security for the Philippines.

By Jenniffer B. Austria and Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Philippine peso breached the 56-a-dollar-mark while local stocks rose Tuesday as investors continued to cheer the strong second-quarter profits of listed companies and await the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas policy decision on Aug. 15.

The peso closed at 56.96 against the dollar, the strongest in nearly four months, and up from Monday’s 57.316. The local currency has been appreciating against the dollar for nearly four months.

RIzal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso moved up because of the strong second-quarter economic growth, robust bank loans, better corporate earnings and expected cut

Japhet Tantiangco, research head of Philstocks Financial Inc., said the strengthening of the peso against the greenback and the positive secondquarter results of listed companies helped lift the market.

in interest rates in the second half of 2024.

Ricafort said the recent remarks by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Eli Remolona Jr. that a rate cut this month was “a little less likely” also supported the value of the peso.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained 37.08 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 6,650.44, while the wider all-shares index added 11.46 points, or 0.32 percent, to finish at 3,610.

Remolona said in a public hearing

PLDT Inc. said Tuesday it terminated negotiations with Japan’s Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) for the sale of a 49-percent stake in its data center business.

PLDT chairman and president Manuel Pangilinan told reporters the company is no longer in talks with NTT because the latter wanted a majority stake or 51 percent in Vitro Inc., PLDT’s data center business.

“If you give up majority, then our revenues will drop by P6 billion,” Pangilinan said. “The data center is important to us. So, why should we agree? Just because somebody tells you?” Pangilinan said. Pangilinan said, however, PLDT is in

at the Senate inflation rate would fall within

on

positive base effects. Remolona said inflation in August was expected to slow down, driven by low import tariffs on rice.

“The balance of risks to

to

downside, and this is due largely to the implementation of rice

reduction,” Remolona said.

talks with another potential investor.

“Well, I think the best way to describe this is that we’re still under discussion with one particular potential investor for the data center,” he said.

“I think if we’re to proceed, it’s likely that we’re going to sign with the investor within a year or before the end of the process,” he said. Pangilinan did not disclose the identity of the potential investor. Pangilinan said PLDT planned to sell a 49-percent stake of ePLDT in Vitro for about $1 billion. Vitro is a fully-owned subsidiary of ePLDT, the ICT holding company of the PLDT Group. Darwin G. Amojelar

LANDBANK ANNIVERSARY. Finance Secretary and Land Bank of the Philippines chairman Ralph Recto congratulates the bank’s outstanding clients and partners for

LT Group’s first-half income hit P17.46b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

LT GROUP Inc. (LTG), the listed holding company of tycoon Lucio Tan, said Tuesday it earned a net income of P17.46 billion in the first half of 2024, or nearly flat from P17.43 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Cost of sales and services increased 18.6 percent to P29.50 billion in the first half of the year.

Net income of the tobacco segment dropped 16.4

“The

The LT Group said in a financial report to the Philippine Stock Exchange its first-half net income attributable to equity holders amounted to P12.8 billion, slightly lower than P13 billion a year ago. It said the slight decline was due to lower profit of the tobacco business which was offset by the improvements across other segments. Consolidated revenues grew 13.2 percent to P61.1 billion in the six-month period on improved revenues from the banking, distillery, beverage and property development segments.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 104, QUEZON CITY Room 507, Hall of Justice Annex, Quezon City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City Email Address: rtcqzn104@judiciary.gov.ph/Landline: 8.35.45.227 IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRY OF THE

of P10.29 billion went up by 5.4 percent from the same period last year, mainly due to higher net interest income. This resulted in LTG’s share in net income from PNB of P5.77 billion.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY. A battery energy storage system (BESS) technician in Masinloc, Zambales performs comprehensive maintenance on facilities and equipment to ensure efficient operations. BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO) served as the anchor lender to San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s (SMGP) BESS, one of the largest integrated battery energy storage systems globally. SMGP’s 32 BESS facilities nationwide provide a combined capacity of 1,000 megawatt-hours, enhancing power quality and stability by addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. This supports the development of other renewable sources, aligning with the Philippines’ goal of generating 35 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

COSCO Capital Inc., the listed retail holding company of businessman Lucio Co, said Tuesday second-quarter consolidated net income grew 21 percent to P3.55 billion from P2.94 billion a year ago. Cosco said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the strong operating performance from all business segments lifted consolidated revenues by 9.6 percent to P55.55 billion from P50.7 billion in the same period of 2023. The positive second-quarter performance boosted first-half profit by 15.5 percent to P6.97 billion, compared to P6 billion a year earlier. First-half consolidated revenues increased 8.4 percent to P106.4 billion from P98.2 billion in the same period of 2023.

“The group continued to benefit from the economic recovery amidst the prevailing macroeconomic challenges by way of sustained and stronger revenue growth across all its business segments which indicates the recovering consumer demand,” Cosco said.

The group’s grocery retailing businesses, Puregold Price Club Inc. and S&R Membership Shopping Club, contributed 71 percent of total net income from January to June this year, followed by the liquor distribution with 20 percent, commercial real estate segment with 7 percent, energy and minerals with 1.5 percent and specialty retail with 0.5 percent. Jenniffer B. Austria

PHINMA Education Holdings Inc. (PEHI), a unit of conglomerate Phinma Corp., said Tuesday it would push back its planned initial public offering, following the entry of a global investor group led by KKR.

PEHI president and chief executive Chito Salazar said in a news briefing the planned IPO might be pushed back by three to five years, after it secured funds from KKR to fund its expansion plans. The company said earlier it was mulling an IPO to fund expansion.

PEHI said the company would now get P4.5 billion in fresh capital from the KKR, which it could deploy over the next five years. Salazar said the company might also acquire two new schools in Cavite and Metro Manila this year, which could entail of an investment of P500 million each.

Salazar said they also plan to acquire more schools in the Philippines and Indonesia. PEHI also plans to venture in other Southeast Asia countries including Vietnam and Cambodia. PEHI signed a P4.5-billion investment agreement with Phoenix Investments II Pte. Ltd, an investment fund managed by KKR, and Rise Edu Pte. Ltd., which is managed by Kaizenvest (Kaizenvest III) in May. Post transaction, funds managed by KKR and Kaizenvest III will respectively own, directly or indirectly, 30.67-percent and 3.73-percent stakes in PEHI. Jenniffer B. Austria

The Management

BUSINESS

SPNEC asks DOE to terminate 280-MW Nueva Ecija solar deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SP NEW Energy Corp. (SNPEC), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp., asked the Department of Energy to terminate its contract for a 280-megawatt solar project in Nueva Ecija under the Green Energy Auction Program 1.

SPNEC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange its board approved the “ratification of the request for termination sent to DOE of its First Green Energy Auction Round [GEA-1] notice of award covering its Sta. Rosa

OceanaGold bullish on 2024 revenue target

By Othel V. Campos

OCEANAGOLD Philippines (OGP)

said it remains optimistic about achieving its 2024 production and revenue goals despite a slower-than-expected performance in the second quarter.

The company said it expects a steady improvement in performance in the third and fourth quarters, supported by consistently high gold prices.

“We certainly expect Q3 and then Q4 to be stronger than Q2... Even with a slightly weaker second quarter, one of the real positives out of Didipio [is that] we were able to declare a dividend within the six-week period that we’ve been listed--a $15-million dividend in six weeks,” said OceanGold Corp. chief operating officer for Asia-Pacific Peter Sharpe.

The company plans to continue making quarterly dividend payments and is confident in its ability to maintain a high dividend level, he said.

Sharpe acknowledged the difficulties faced in the second quarter such as the unplanned downtime in the processing plant and a change in the underground mine sequence due to a geotechnical review impacted mine output in the second quarter.

OGP said while the mine sequence change would result in slightly lower grades in the near term, it was expected to lead to higher grades and improved safety in the long run.

The company generated revenue of less than $70 million and net income of $14 million in the second quarter of 2024. While this was lower than expected, the company emphasized the importance of viewing these results in the context of its long-term guidance and plan.

The company said it is looking at a stronger performance by yearend, hitting, most likely, the lower end of its output guidance of 120,000 ounces of gold and about 14,000 metric tons of copper.

project.”

The GEA, launched in 2022, is a market development support program introduced by the DOE to promote renewable energy as one of the country’s primary sources of energy through the

transparent and competitive selection of RE facilities.

SPNEC unit Solar Philippines Nueva Ecija Corp. offered a rate of P3.67 per kilowatt-hour to construct the Santa Rosa Nueva Ecija 2 Solar Power project.

SPNEC now wants to terminate its contract with the DOE, citing force majeure.

“As regards our request for termination of SPNEC’s GEA round 1 award with the DOE, this stems from the challenges faced by this project particularly on transmission constraints, which is beyond our control. Our request remains subject of course to DOE approval and are well within the param-

eters established in GEA 1 guidelines,” Meralco PowerGen president Emmanuel Rubio said.

“Having said that, SPNEC remains as a committed partner of the government’s thrust to increase the share of RE in the overall energy mix of the country, as we continue to assess and develop opportunities while we progress with execution our existing projects,” he said.

DOE assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol said SPNEC’s request was being reviewed by the agency.

“It’s under evaluation by the GEA committee,” Capongcol said.

More firms seek innovative power solutions, says First Gen

FIRST Gen Corp., the country’s leading producer of renewable energy (RE), said Tuesday it is prepared to address the needs of more companies who want to decarbonize and seek innovative energy solutions.

First Gen said in a statement it expects more large-scale power consumers to explore innovative energy solutions to assure their electricity supply while meeting their sustainability and decarbonization goals.

“More companies recognize that, while they cannot get full RE [renewable energy], they want to discuss a plan on how to decarbonize,” First Gen vice president and head of power marketing and economics Carlo Vega said during a presentation at the 2024 Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition in Pasay City. Vega said the country’s power reserves are inadequate due in part to increased economic activity, and the country has to reduce its carbon emissions as part of a global campaign to fight adverse climate change.

“The question we need to answer is how we intend to address this growth while we transition to more decarbonized energy future,” Vega said.

“So, considering climate change, energy security and the government’s policy promoting renewables for a decarbonized future, we must plan for a cleaner energy scenario where coal contributes less in the power mix,” Vega said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business groups express support for DOE’s balanced energy, coal policy

MAJOR business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) expressed their support for the Department of Energy (DOE) and Secretary Raphael Lotilla for pursuing a balanced energy policy that addresses the country’s unique needs.

The groups said they recognize the importance of balancing energy security and affordability with climate change concerns to support economic growth.

The business groups emphasized the Philippines’ growing energy demands and the need to increase power capacity.

They noted that even with the

government’s goal of a 50-percent renewable energy share by 2040, there’s still a significant role for fossil fuels.

The groups also highlighted the high cost of energy insecurity, citing the recent power outage in Panay Island which resulted in an estimated P3.8 billion in economic losses for Iloilo province alone.

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should integrate social media accounts and payments gateway in the SIM (subscriber identity module) card registration database to verify information and fight persistent fraud, according to a partylist group. Lawyer Nicasio Conti of the Computer Literacy, Innovation, Connectivity and Knowledge (Click) Partylist, said the integration of social media and payment gateway accounts with the mobile phone database would be a promising “quick and easy” solution to the persistent problem of unsolicited text promos and telco and online based scams that continue to victimize Filipinos.

“Integrating SIM registration with social media and payment gateway accounts could significantly enhance the security of the process. These platforms already employ advanced security measures, including twofactor authentication, biometric verification, and stringent identity checks. By tying SIM cards to these accounts, we leverage an existing infrastructure designed to protect against fraud and identity theft,” Conti said. Conti, a former commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission, said social media platforms and payment gateways have extensive digital foot-

prints that could be used to verify the authenticity of users.

“This additional layer of verification makes it harder for criminals to use fake identities, thereby reducing the incidence of scams and other cybercrimes,” Conti said.

Conti said the DICT should level up their efforts to combat telco and online fraud despite the enforcement of the Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act in July 2023.

“Despite mandatory SIM registration, cybercriminal activities continue to thrive, exploiting loopholes and leveraging technology to evade detection. It is evident that more robust measures are necessary to combat this persistent threat,” Conti said.

They expressed support for the DOE’s clarification on the moratorium on coal-fired power plants, which applies only to greenfield projects, and its efforts to develop indigenous resources to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower power costs and pursue energy efficiency.

“We unite behind the DOE in the pursuit of these objectives, the groups said.

Othel V. Campos

D&L says Batangas

factory turned profitable, earned P149m in Q2

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FOOD ingredients and biodiesel producer D&L Industries Inc. said Tuesday its new Batangas manufacturing plant turned profitable after less than a year of commercial operations.

D&L president and chief executive Alvin Lao said in virtual briefing the Batangas facility booked a P149-million profit in the second quarter of 2024.

This boosted the company’s first-half results by 6 percent to P1.32 billion.

“The second quarter of this year marks the turning point in our Batangas operations as it booked a quarterly profit for the first time since we started commercial operations in July 2023. As we further ramp up operations and onboard new customers, we see gradually increasing earnings contribution from this new plant over time,” Lao said.

“For this year, we are keeping our guidance at low double-digit growth in earnings. At the same time, we continue to monitor macro developments that may potentially dampen business sentiment such as the higher-for-longer interest rates, lingering effects of inflation, depreciating peso and even the potential hard landing or recession in the US,” Lao said.

Union

burning as water-bombing helicopters roared overhead.

Smoke drifted through central Athens as thick grey clouds engulfed Mount Pentelikon, which is known for yielding the marble used in the Acropolis and other ancient buildings.

The fire gutted a sports hall in Nea Penteli and many homes and businesses in the surrounding area.

The National Observatory, Greece’s foremost institute monitoring natural hazards, narrowly escaped.

The Observatory website meteo.gr said 10,000 hectares had been devastated by midday Monday. AFP

Iran rejects Western calls to forgo Israel threat

T–

on

Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month.

“The declaration by France, Germany and Britain, which raised no objection to the international crimes of the Zionist regime, brazenly asks Iran to take no deterrent action against a regime which has violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said in a statement.

IN BRIEF

Heat

warmest year and Europe’s second-warmest year on record. In the past decade, only 2022 was deadlier, the annual report found, with more than 60,000 heat-related deaths. Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study took in temperature and mortality records from 35 countries across the continent.

The authors highlighted that older people were most at risk, with countries in southern Europe worst affected by the heat.

More than half the deaths occurred during two periods of high heat in mid-July and August, when Greece battled deadly wildfires. The mercury hit 44 degrees Celsius on July 18 in Sicily.

The report cautioned that the headline figure was an estimate, adding it was 95 percent confident the mortality burden was between 28,853 and 66,525. But it also found that heat-related deaths would have been 80 percent higher were it not for action taken by European governments in the 21st century to adapt to hotter summers.

“Our results highlight the importance of historical and ongoing adaptations in saving lives during recent summers,” said the authors. The report also showed the “urgency for more effective strategies to further reduce the mortality burden of forthcoming hotter summers”, they added, urging more proactive measures to combat global warming. AFP

“Such a request lacks political logic, flies in the face of the principles and rules of international law, and constitutes public and practical support” for Israel. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel for the killing of Haniyeh as he visited Tehran on July 31 for the swearing-in of President Masoud Pezeshkian. Israel

has not commented.

Western diplomats have scrambled to avert a major conflagration in the Middle East, where tensions were already high due to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

In a statement on Monday, the United States and European allies called on Iran to “stand down.”

“We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place,” said the joint statement issued by Britain, France, Germany, Italy and the United States.

Tensions are soaring in the region, with the United States rushing a missile submarine and an aircraft carrier group in a show of support for its key ally.

Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah have vowed revenge for the killing of the political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas in Tehran, and of a Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

International efforts to stave off an Iranian attack have intensified, with US President Joe Biden and the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain warning Tehran in a joint statement on Monday.

“We called on Iran to stand down

its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place,” they said after speaking on Monday. The White House warned that a “significant set of attacks” by Iran and its proxies was possible as soon as this week, saying that Israel shared the same assessment. As the frantic diplomacy continued, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer both called on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to de-escalate the situation. AFP

Buoyed by Kursk rout, Ukraine troops brace for retribution from Moscow

SUMY, Ukraine—As Ukrainian tanks and infantry poured over the Russian border last week in a shock turn of the war, one advancing serviceman revelled in a key Russian failing.

Unlike the troops that crashed into intricate Russian defensive lines that thwarted a large-scale offensive last year, the forces attacking the Kremlin’s frontier crossed quickly and easily.

“They didn’t protect the border. They only had anti-personnel mines scattered around trees at the side of the road and a few mines that they managed to quickly throw along the highways,” said the serviceman, who identified himself as Ruzhyk.

Kyiv says it has thrown thousands of troops at Russia’s Kursk region in the lightning operation that caught the Kremlin off guard and has seen

Trump holds meandering live ‘chat’ with backer Musk

LOS ANGELES—Donald Trump ran through his checklist of conspiracy theories Monday (Tuesday Manila time) in a rambling conversation with his uber-wealthy supporter Elon Musk that was initially derailed by what the tech titan said was a technical glitch.

In a very one-sided conversation on X, Trump vented about a “zombie apocalypse” of immigration, repeatedly blasted President Joe Biden as “stupid,” and mused on developing a new missile defense system based on the one that defends Israel.

The Republican standard-bearer also dismissed climate change, whose sea-level rises he said would simply create more real estate opportunities.

“The biggest threat is not global warming, where the ocean is going

to rise one-eighth of an inch over the next 400 years,” he told Musk.

“You’ll have more ocean front property, right? The biggest threat is not that. The biggest threat is nuclear warming, because we have five countries now that have significant nuclear power, and we have to not allow anything to happen with stupid people like Biden.”

What was billed as a “no limits” conversation between the two started more than half an hour late, with many of those logging on unable to listen in live.

Musk, the world’s richest man according to Forbes, claimed the platform formerly known as Twitter had experienced a cyber “attack.”

The conversation was intended to help reinvigorate Trump’s stuttering campaign, which has flagged since

Biden dropped out of the race, to be replaced by a surging Kamala Harris.

The young men who view Musk as a hero are a prized target for Trump, whose following tends to skew older.

More than a million users listened in live to the conversation on X.

Musk, who has said he previously voted Democrat, has thrown his weight—and his wealth—behind Trump since a gunman tried to assassinate the Republican at a rally last month.

The apparent technical difficulties come after Musk fired swathes of staff at the platform, and also served as an uncomfortable reminder that the Tesla boss had once backed Trump’s rival Ron DeSantis, whose campaign launch on the platform was also beset by problems. AFP

Ukrainian forces capture more than two dozen Russian towns and villages.

Moscow has dispatched reinforcements to threatened frontier territories and evacuated tens of thousands of residents.

President Vladimir Putin has meanwhile vowed retribution and said the incursion was evidence that Russia is at war with the West.

The speed of Ukraine’s offensive —the largest by a foreign army inside Russia since World War II—contrasts starkly with grinding battles for individual cities that have defined Russia’s invasion now in its third year.

“We have another example when Russian complacency prevailed,” Ukrainian military analyst Mykola Bielieskov told AFP. AFP

GENEVA—Crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Myanmar military have “escalated at an alarming rate”, UN investigators warned Tuesday, citing systematic torture, gang rape and abuses against children.

The United Nations’ Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar said that in the last six months, more than three million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes, as conflict spirals within the country.

“We have collected substantial evidence showing horrific levels of brutality and inhumanity across Myanmar,” said IIMM chief Nicholas Koumjian.

“Many crimes have been committed with an intent to punish and induce terror in the civilian population.”

In its annual report, covering July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the IIMM said the conflict in Myanmar had “escalated substantially” in that time, “with reports of more frequent and brutal crimes committed across the country”.

The investigators said they had collected significant evidence of more intensive and violent war crimes, including aerial attacks on schools, religious buildings and hospitals, with no apparent military target.

They also cited physical mutilations against detainees, including beheadings and public displays of disfigured and sexually mutilated bodies. AFP

THE first ever International Nuclear Science Olympiad has been held in the Philippines in the run up to today’s International Youth Day, with the support of the IAEA. The world’s most talented science students have been competing at these international competitions since the first International Mathematical Olympiad was held in Romania in 1959. Since then, Olympiads have been launched in a further 11 subjects, including physics, chemistry, biology and astrophysics. Nuclear science is the latest addition to the list and this inaugural event involved 55 high school students from 14 Asian countries, with more countries around the world expected to join as the competition grows. The next International Nuclear Science Olympiad will be held in 2025 in Malaysia. “This International Nuclear Science Olympiad is more than just a test of knowledge; it is a platform for exchanging ideas, forging friendships and inspiring the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers,” said Renato Solidum Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology, during the opening ceremony.

PH speech app pitches at global conference

IN BRIEF

Senate urged: Champion SOGIE Equality Bill

DURING International Youth Day, Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Young Leaders (PANTAY) calls on the Senate to urgently hear the SOGIE Equality Bill and champion its passage to protect and empower youth.

The 2024 Olympics hosts the largest number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes competing at 193, including bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan of the Philippines.

“Our first gold is from Hidilyn Diaz, a woman competing in weightlifting. Now, our second and third from Carlos Yulo, a man in gymnastics. The power that this message holds. Do not limit the opportunities for Filipino kids just because of gender stereotypes,” PANTAY Convenor Vince Liban said.

“The Olympics has shown us how excellence can emerge when we enable young people to pursue their dreams free from prejudice and gender stereotypes,” Liban added.

“Diverse individuals and families have always existed in the Philippines, building talents and raising the next generation of Filipinos. For us to empower young champions including queer young people, our senators need to champion the SOGIE Equality Bill in the plenary,” Liban said.

Lamudi Property Fair from August 16 to 18

MORE Filipinos can discover their dream home and diversify their property portfolio now! In partnership with GFiber Prepaid and co-presented by IKEA, Lamudi Property Fair 2024 in Cebu is bringing houses, lots, condominiums, and other property options closer to property seekers in the Queen City of the South. Top developers and real estate players are participating in the biggest property event in the Philippines.

The Lamudi Property Fair reflects Lamudi’s long-term goal of providing a one-stop platform for home buyers and property investors. It gives live attendees access to some of the country’s most attractive properties alongside limited-time offers and exclusive discounts from participating developers. Live attendees of the Cebu property fair also have a chance to win exciting raffle prizes.

WOCEE and WOSAS

2024: Technology showcases success

WORLDBEX Services International successfully concluded WOCEE and WOSAS 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. The events, held from August 7 to 10, showcased the latest advancements in consumer electronics and security technology. Highlights included Tech Talk seminars on AI and Bitcoin and a new Gamers’ Den for e-sports enthusiasts. The opening ceremony featured distinguished guests, including representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology and embassies of Oman and Malaysia. These events underscored the future of technology, emphasizing innovation in electronics and security.

Mylo Speech Buddy, an app designed to support individuals with speech delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), was recently selected to represent the Philippines at the Collision Tech Conference in Toronto, Canada. The event featured 500 startups from over 30 countries, providing a global platform for Mylo Speech Buddy to present its health-tech innovation as it prepares for international expansion.

Supported by StartUp Village Philippine President Carlo Calimon and its accelerator program called ‘SOAR,’ DMZ Toronto, and in partnership with the Government of Canada Trade Commission Service,

Mylo Speech Buddy was one of four startups representing the Philippines, alongside REVAstaff, Remotify, and uHoo. At the conference, Mylo Speech Buddy pitched its business venture to Canadian partners and

investors, aiming to establish strategic partnerships and explore new markets. Vincent Rocha, CEO and President of Mylo Speech Buddy, emphasized the app’s role in aiding nonverbal children to develop their first spoken words. “Being chosen to represent the Philippines at the Collision Tech Conference is a significant opportunity for us to showcase our app’s potential in autism support and speech therapy support,” Rocha stated. Rocha also highlighted the broader implications of the conference for growth in the tech and healthcare sectors. “The opportunities at this event align with our mission to support children with ASD and expand our reach globally,” he added.

According to the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER),Manila’s start-

Clean school environment essential for learning

FAMILYGUARD, in partnership with DepEd and SMS Philippines, successfully launched its 3rd Brigada Eskwela from July 19–23, 2024. This year’s initiative marked a significant milestone, expanding its reach to more schools and communities than ever before, thanks to the concerted efforts of dedicated partners.

Ms. Ma. Regaele A. Olarte, OIC-Chief Education Supervisor of SGOD, SDO Muntinlupa, emphasized the impact of a well-maintained learning environment: “When learners are in a tidy and organized space, they are more focused, engaged, and motivated to learn. A clean environment also fosters a positive school culture, promoting community and collaboration among students.” This year’s Brigada Eskwela underscored the critical importance of a clean and safe school environment for fostering a healthier learning experience. Every aspect of school infrastructure received meticulous atten-

‘Kaya

tion, ensuring thorough cleaning and disinfection, thus setting the stage for an optimal educational atmosphere. The slogan that FamilyGuard, OFF! Mosquito Repellent, and SMS Philippines adapted for this year captures this well: “Sa eskwelang germ-free at lamok-free, estudyante ay happy.” Recently, FamilyGuard’s support to Brigada Eskwela increased from 8 School Division Offices (SDOs) to 14, reaching from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to Calamba. This growth highlights the program’s increasing significance and its recognition as a highly anticipated annual event. Although Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd), the participation of these 14 SDOs demonstrates a notable increase in our partnership’s engagement. Additionally, last year we partnered with only one brand, FamilyGuard. This year, we have added another brand which is OFF! Mosquito Repellent.

Central to this success was the collaboration between SC Johnson and SMS Philippines, the agency representative for Brigada Eskwela, which played a pivotal role by distributing 12,600 hygiene kits to all participating SDOs, including Bulacan, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Taguig, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, and Calamba. Mr. Edwin Valles, Project Manager at SMS Philippines, articulated the agency’s commitment: “SMS is dedicated to providing Healthcare Solutions services. Supporting Brigada Eskwela aligns with our mission to promote cleanliness and prepare schools physically, ensuring healthy conditions for students, teachers, and the entire school community. We are honored that SC Johnson, through its brands FamilyGuard and OFF! Mosquito Repellent that shares these values, has chosen us to implement their support to Brigada Eskwela.”

Wag Ka Haharang kay Juan’ music video debuts

A NEW music video, “Kaya Wag Ka Haharang kay Juan,” celebrates resilience and community spirit in the wake of Typhoon Carina’s aftermath. The new music video is set to premiere on August 18, 2024, at Xylo at the Palace. Created to uplift spirits after the recent flooding brought by Habagat and TS Carina, this action-packed video features popular personalities Jayson “Boss

Toyo” Luzadas and Bryan “Smugglaz” Lao, who together have over 15 million followers. Supported by Quezon City LGU, Barangay South Triangle leaders, ACM Group of Companies, and more, the video showcases resilience and community strength. Produced by JuanPay and Cinematic Shots Manila and directed by Mr. Malimban, the video emphasizes col-

laboration and positivity. Special thanks are extended to partners such as Pares ni Juan sa Scout Bayoran, Vipstro, 88 VIP Ventures Corp Team, Asintada Management, and Boss Toyo Production for their contributions. The video will simultaneously air on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram, allowing a broad audience to engage with its inspiring message.

up ecosystem was valued at $6.4 billion at the end of 2023, demonstrating the robust growth and potential of the region’s innovation landscape. Mylo Speech Buddy is focused on global expansion and language localization. “We are working on localizing our content for international markets to make Mylo Speech Buddy accessible worldwide,” Rocha said. True to its commitment to innovation, Mylo Speech Buddy won first place and secured a pitch prize of $2,500 at the ARISE Plus Ye! Boost Accelerator Program Cohort 3, funded by the European Union and led by the International Trade Centre, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Competitiveness Innovation Group and QBO Innovation.

JA Philippines and FactSet have partnered to launch the “JA Careers with a Purpose” program, designed to equip Grade 11 and 12 public school students with essential work readiness skills. This initiative, supported by the Department of Education, brought together 54 volunteers and reached over 2,000 students in the Negros and Victorias Divisions. The program included a series of discussions on work readiness topics such as social studies, business, consumer economics, and more, receiving an impressive 87.5% rating from participants.

A standout feature of the program was the FactSet Careers with a Purpose Competition, which engaged students by assessing their understanding of career concepts while empowering them with professional skills. Participants submitted papers outlining their career goals for the next decade, showcasing their readiness for future careers. Testimonials from students highlighted the program’s life-changing impact, emphasizing newfound confidence in career decisions and the importance of discovering one’s purpose.

As this initiative grows, it continues to empower students with the skills needed for future success, fostering the next generation of leaders.

SMS Philippines turns over FamilyGuard and OFF! mosquito repellent products to Rizal High School in Pasig, the host of the DepEd NCR regional Brigada Eskwela kick-Off

The Mylo Speech Buddy team representing the Philippines at the Collision Tech Conference in Toronto, Canada

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Juliana Maxine Vasquez

NCT Dream painted the Mall of Asia green as the K-pop group performed for their fans during the much-anticipated two-day concert, The Dream Show 3: DREAM() SCAPE

Held on Aug. 11 and 12, the group delivered an energetic show sans Renjun, who is on hiatus due to health concerns. NCT Dream

electrified the stage with a lineup of hit songs, including “BOX,” “119,” “SOS,” and “Poison.”

Mark Lee engaged with fans throughout the arena, frequently checking in and greeting them with “Kamusta, Manila?” He expressed gratitude for their support, while Chenle, who missed last year’s Manila show, promised to invest all his energy into the performance.

Jisung emphasized his desire

Dessa, Troy Laureta, DK Tijam in one-night-only concert in Manila

ORIGINAL Pinoy Music (OPM)

artists Dessa, Troy Laureta, and DK Tijam will join forces for the first time in a special one-night performance titled By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage on Aug. 16, 8:00 p.m. The concert will be held at the Music Museum and is presented by DK Talents and Orange Magazine, in collaboration with Backstage Entertainment.

Dessa, who has previously collaborated with DK Tijam on online shows and live performances in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, is excited to reunite with him for this event.

“I met DK during the pandemic through Kumu, and we became close friends,” said Dessa who highlighted her previous work with Troy Laureta in Los Angeles and his recent successful show Harana with Martin Nievera Laureta, who will perform with Tijam for the first time, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “I first discovered DK through his soulful live streams on Kumu,” Laureta noted. He also praised Dessa, mentioning his familiarity with her work through The Filipino Channel and their past performances together.

For the concert, the artists will deliver a mix of beloved classic OPM hits, arranged by Laureta. Dessa will perform some of her original songs alongside DK, with both artists also preparing duets

SHOWBIZ

F R O N T R O W

MOA Arena turns green as NCT Dream delivers energetic show

to “have fun with no regrets,” and Haechan thanked the audience for filling the venue. The concert featured standout performances of tracks like “Hello Future,” “Broken Melodies,” “ISTJ,” and “Skateboard.”

Adding to the immersive experience, the concert’s VCRs were perfectly complemented by synchronized lightsticks, enhancing the visual spectacle.

As the show neared its end, the group delighted fans with an appearance of the “eyyy” hand gesture, popularized by P-Pop group BINI . The audience also celebrated Jaemin and Mark Lee with a collective “Happy Birthday,” to which Jaemin responded with well-wishes, saying, “Take care of yourself as much as you can.”

Mark Lee reciprocated by previewing a dance move from their

By Nickie Wang

Aupcoming track, “Rains in Heaven,” set to release on Aug. 23. The concert concluded with “Like We Just Met,” a heartfelt tribute to their supporters, affirming the group’s wish to “be together forever.”

Manila marked the final stop of the Asian leg of the tour, with Jeno assuring fans that NCT Dream would return, ideally with all members present.

TTORNEY Edward “Ed” Chico, known for his serious legal profession, has surprised many with his comedic flair, turning a recent chat at the Viva Boardroom into an impromptu talk show.

From the moment he introduced himself, Chico entertained with a steady stream of jokes, engaging both the showbiz scribes in spontaneous banter.

“Are you sure we’re talking to the right people? Am I really talking to the press?” Chico asked with a grin, clearly enjoying the interaction. His humorous approach extended to his new venture, having recently signed a five-year contract with Viva Artists Agency (VAA).

and production numbers designed to captivate the audience.

Dessa shared her gratitude for being able to continue performing. “I’m busy with gigs almost every weekend in the US and managing a small business selling pre-loved bags. I’m also studying to become a living life insurance agent,” she said.

Laureta, currently the musical director for Singaporean artist JJ Lin’s world tour, is also preparing for his headlining tour, Harana, which is set to launch in October. He revealed plans to bring the tour to Manila soon.

DK Tijam, who became a finalist in the inaugural Star in a Million in 2003, has remained active in the music scene despite relocating to Canada in 2006.

Reflecting on his career, he remarked, “Music has always been a vital part of my life. After a brief period of doubt, I realized that my passion for music is integral to who I am.”

In addition to the main performers, the concert will feature Kayleigh Cerezo, Keena Cerezo, Antoinette Targa, Chelsea Star, and Bella Magabag Tickets for By Request: Your Playlist Live Onstage are available through Ticketworld, the Music Museum, or by contacting Diane Edosma at 09352057132 or Owian Alvar at 09275939673.

Attorney Chico files for laughter

“I was surprised when the offer came,” Chico said, alluding to his initial reaction to the offer. “I thought it was for Vivamax. I wondered why a lawyer like me was being offered a contract and whether I’d be doing bold roles.”

After consulting with his wife, Chico decided to embrace the opportunity. “I hope it goes well,” he added.

When asked about Viva’s plans for him, Chico quipped, “I really don’t know yet what the plan is. Within five years, if I don’t have any projects, at least I can say I was with Viva. I’m a Ka-Viva.”

Chico invites fans to catch his performances at Viva Cafe, where he delivers hour-and-a-half shows with his own spontaneous material. With 24 years of legal experience contributing to his quick wit, Chico’s humor resonates well with audiences.

“I’m tired of being a lawyer; I just want to make people laugh,” Chico shared, though it’s unclear if he was entirely serious. His dual roles as a comedian and legal expert offer a unique blend of skills.

“Making people laugh is rewarding,” he said. “It’s a break from the seriousness of my legal work, and stand-up comedy provides instant reactions from the audience.”

Chico, who also aspires to a Netflix special akin to Jo Koy’s, has built a reputation in the stand-up comedy scene. He has headlined sold-out shows,

hosted corporate gigs, and co-founded the comedy troupe Insanithink. Additionally, he is a member of Comedy Cartel and remains active as a legal expert on TV and radio, a law professor, a bar lecturer, and a consultant.

K-pop boy band NCT Dream performed their hit songs ‘Box,’‘119,’‘SOS,’ and ‘Poison’ during their two-day concert in MOA Arena

The concert featured synchronized lightsticks which complemented its VCRs

Troy Laureta is an award-winning musical director

Dessa is known for her songs ‘Saan Ka Man’ and ‘Lipad ng Pangarap’

Lawyer Ed Chico is a member of Comedy Cartel

Glazing Life

Beyond the spotlight: The unsung heroes who make Cinemalaya possible

CINEMALAYA’S Awarding Night marked the end of the festival, celebrating the best of Philippine filmmaking. Yet, behind the scenes, countless individuals—from production managers to service providers—worked tirelessly to make it all possible, deserving their own recognition.

While we have the filmmakers who produced and brought their compelling stories to the big screen, we also have the technical crew, led by technical director Rodel Valiente

For the past 20 years, he has been making sure that all Cinemalaya films are ready to be screened, making sure that there are no problems with the KDMs and DCPs.

In one Cinemalaya edition, he was rushed to the emergency room but left after eight hours to ensure the films were ready for the 10:00 a.m. screening. That’s true dedication. I love what director Chuck Gutierrez wrote in one of his Facebook posts: “Through every challenge and technical hiccup, [Rodel] has skillfully navigated a myriad of formats and hard drives, ensuring that each film finds its way to the screen. Rodel’s patience and commitment have gracefully handled every delay and excuse, consistently making it possible for stories to be told

and dreams to be realized. His quiet perseverance and unwavering support have made him an indispensable part of the Filipino film community, touching countless lives with his dedication to the art of film.”

Then, there is the production design team, led by Nes Noviza and Ricardo Eric Cruz, who always make sure that there are Instagrammable marquees.

The Balanghay at the Central Garden of Ayala Malls Manila Bay is simply ingenious. It took them days to build it from scratch. And since they could only work after the mall hours, the crew lost sleep just to finish the Cinemalaya display.

We have the Front of House staff, led by Jocel Pacada and Zham Pescadero. They are the festival’s frontliners — the individuals who constantly face criticisms and complaints from audiences and yet

they handle everything professionally and with dignity.

We wouldn’t have exhibits without the Visual Arts Division, led by Rica Estrada and Ado Enciso. The Visual Arts staff, along with the production and technical crews, are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. They ensure that every film’s iconic objects, behind-the-scenes photos, posters, and filmmaker portraits are prominently displayed.

Of course, the production managers and stage managers, led by Nikki Torres, Soc Amon, Alfa, Bojo Barnes Baha Vergara, and others, who make sure that all the special events and talkbacks would run as smoothly as possible.

Cinemalaya, for me, is more than just a festival. It is a community. Filmmakers, production staff, and audiences come together to celebrate the best of Philippine filmmaking, to converse about controversial topics presented by the films, and to connect.

This is the reason Cinemalaya is also the most fulfilling event.

Filmmakers often support one another despite the competition. They read scripts, watch films, celebrate victories, and share struggles, empathizing

through shared experiences.

Cinemalaya alumni return each year to back new filmmakers, understanding the challenges of working with limited budgets and finding supportive producers. When the news on the cancellation of a documentary broke out, Cinemalaya drew flak from netizens, calling it “duwag” and questioning its being “malaya.” I remember the frustration I felt when I could not defend the festival because anything I said would probably end up on news pages. And then, a post from a Cinemalaya alumnus came. It was shared around among the production staff. I messaged Dustin Celestino, thanking him for his post. His reply – “Mahal namin kayo ni Janel. Alam naming ang mga tao sa likod ng Cinemalaya ay matatapang” – brought tears to me, and it still does even now.

By Abigail Adriatico

THE Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival is one of the country’s most esteemed festivals, offering both emerging and established filmmakers a platform to address important social issues. It also highlights the quality and potential of Philippine cinema on the global stage.

Celebrating its 20th year with the theme “Loob, Lalim, Lakas,” the film festival recognized the brilliant filmmakers who competed in its short and full-length film competitions during the awards night held on Aug. 11 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Balanghai trophy is given to the winners of the film festival Cinemalaya caps off XX edition; announces full-length finalists for 21st year

Taking home the award for the Best Film for the full-length category was Tumandok by Richard Jeroui Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay Tumandok also won the awards for the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Jury Award for full-length film, Best Original Music Score, which was awarded to Paolo Almaden as well as The Ati People of Kabarangkalan and Nagpana, and Best Screenplay for the fulllength category, which was credited to Sumagaysay and Arden Rod Condez For the short film category, the Best Film award was given to Cross My Heart and Hope to Die by Sam Manacsa, who also received the award for Best Director for the category. Abogbaybay by P.R. Monencillo Patindol won the NETPAC Jury Award for short film.

The Special Jury award for the short film and full-length category were given to Pamalandong sa Danow (Reflection in the Marsh) by Breech Asher Harani and Alipato at Muog by JL Burgos, respectively.

Jaime Pacena II received the Best Director award for the fulllength category for his work on Kono Basho, which also bagged the Best Production Design (Eero Yves Francisco) and Best Cinematography (Dan Villegas). Kono Basho’s Gabby Padilla also took home a Balangay for the Best Actress award, which she shared with Marian Rivera from Kip Oebanda’s Balota. Meanwhile, young actor Enzo Osorio won the Best Actor award for his role in Lawrence Fajardo’s The Hearing Felipe Ganancial from Tumandok and Sue Prado from Joshua Caesar Medroso’s Kantil received the Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards, respectively.

Primetime Mother by Sonny Calvento won the Best Screenplay for the short film category, which was credited to Calvento, as well as the Audience Choice Award. Jedd Dumaguina and Mario Consunji received the Best Sound Design award while Dominic Bekaert won the Best Editing award for their work in Bekaert’s An Errand. Meanwhile, Gulay Lang, Manong by BC Amparado received the Audience Choice Award for the full-length category.

Apart from the awardees, the 10 finalists for the Cinemalaya 2025 full-length competition were also revealed. These are Abanse by Chad Vidanes, Child No. 82 by Tim Rone Villanueva, Cinemarytyrs by Sari Dalena Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan by Dustin Celestino, Padamlagan (Nightlight) by Jenn Romano Paglilitis by Raymund Barcelon and Cheska Marfori, Republika ng Pipolipinas by Renei Dimla, Open Endings by Nigel Santos and Keavy Vicente Bloom Where You Are Planted by Nonilon Abao, and Warla by Kevin Alambra and Arah Jell Badayos

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Jose Javier Reyes expressed the importance of the film festival to the Philippine film industry as it paved the way for numerous filmmakers to make their mark and help the local cinema grow into what it is today.

“At this time, when Philippine cinema is at a bleak phase, Cinemalaya is a beacon of hope. Cinemalaya proves that we are going to prove to everybody who says that ‘Philippine cinema is dead’ [that] no, it is not. It is waiting to be reborn and it is going to be reborn right here at this festival,” said Reyes.

The FDCP chairman also announced that the short film finalists for next year’s edition of Cinemalaya will receive P100,000 while the 10 full-length film finalists will each receive P1 million for the production of their films.

Serving as this year’s Cinemalaya Main Competition jury were writer Nicanor Tiongson, renowned actress Dolly de Leon, Berlinale film curator Nicola Marzano, multi-awarded filmmaker Jerrold Tarog, and Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) founder and festival director Ahmed Muztaba Zamal Meanwhile, the NETPAC jurors consisted of producer Nina Kochelyaeva, producer and filmmaker Monster Jimenez, and filmmaker Jay Abello The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition is conducted by the Cinemalaya Foundation, which aims to develop and promote Philippine independent films.

Our staff went above and beyond: one secured a ticket for a teacher from Kidapawan who couldn’t buy one due to a sold-out screening, and an assistant production manager walked a long distance to help a supplier.

There were many interesting interactions with the audience. I remember a mother and her son who asked how they could buy or reserve tickets for Balota because Mommy Weng (as she introduced herself) is a big fan of Marian Rivera. Days later, I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw Mommy Weng and her son. They were able to buy tickets for that day’s screening. She said they recognized me from that previous day and wanted to thank me for accommodating them. “Pasensiya ka na, baka nakukulitan ka na sa akin,” I remember her saying, to which I answered that was not the case. I was just happy to help and talk with them. Cinemalaya taught me the value of responding to inquiries, checking on staff, showing gratitude, accommodating others, and trusting our team. While the festival may have ended, its impact remains, championing marginalized voices and social justice. With dedicated supporters, Cinemalaya will stay with us long after the credits roll and the lights fade, and endure for many years to come.

THE University of the Philippines Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (DFPP), in collaboration with IBBY-Philippines, launched the Second Palihang Rene O. Villanueva (PROV) workshop at UP Diliman’s Palma Hall.

The workshop, which ran from July 11 to 13, gathered 15 emerging children’s book writers selected from a competitive pool of applicants.

This year’s fellows included Khristian Ross Pimentel, Joshua Sarno, Erwin Mallari, Jasper Lomtong, Marvin Ric Mendoza, Anne Joyce Raymundo, Klara Espedido, John Lloyd Casoy, Francisco Monteseña, John Patrick Solano, Elfrey Vera Cruz-Paterno, Mark Anthony Salvador, Jerome Vitug, Zandro Bautista, and Shiela Bacani

The workshop provided writers with a platform to refine their skills in poetry and short story writing for children.

Dr. Eugene Y. Evasco, workshop director, emphasized the mentorship PROV offers, stating, “PROV is known for providing unparalleled guidance in writing that inspires and empowers Filipino children.” He also noted the workshop’s focus on helping fellows navigate the publishing process.

IBBY Philippines, which supports children’s literature in the country, praised the initiative. Kristine Mandigma, IBBY Philippines president, said, “Our goal is to promote high-quality children’s literature, and we are thrilled to support this workshop.” She extended her gratitude to the workshop organizers and congratulated the fellows and panelists. The workshop honored Rene O. Villanueva, a prominent Filipino playwright and author known for his significant contributions to children’s literature and theater. Keynote speakers include Luis Gatmaitan, a noted children’s book author, and award-winning illustrator Beth Parrocha

Glaiza Lee

The ushers help in controlling the crowds during the event

The production design team ensures the marquees are working

The CCP technical crew make sure that the KDMs and DCPs are in order

C4 LIFE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

Writer

Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

KULTURA’S

Filipino Design Studio is expanding its showcase of Filipino craftsmanship, featuring guest brands and in-house favorites. The event, now in its third year, runs from tomorrow until the end of the month at Kultura in SM Podium in Mandaluyong.

As with its previous editions, the event promises a curated selection of Filipino-made products, ranging from contemporary fashion to sustainable home decor.

As we all know, the Filipino Design Studio is more than just a marketplace. By bringing together a diverse array of artisanal brands, focusing on modern interpretations of traditional weaves and crafts,

this two-week event also becomes a celebration of tradition.

In keeping with the growing trend of mindful consumption, the Filipino Design Studio also places a strong emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable products

Traditions reimagined with fresh, contemporary style

– its way to underscore eco-conscious consumerism. So, what can shoppers and fashion enthusiasts expect from this event starting tomorrow? Fashion enthusiasts can find a range of updated Filipiniana pieces from brands like Happy Andrada, Pampinay, and Ethnique.

Happy Andrada’s beaded barong bomber jacket is a modern twist on a classic.

For those inclined towards sustainable fashion, the Cachet Collection offers elegant pieces crafted from surplus couture fabrics. Talk about merging style with sustainability. In fashion, accessories play a crucial role in completing any outfit. Visitors can expect to find sophisticated jewelry from Lily Jewelry, custom pieces from Pamanna Jewellery, and upcycled carabao horn accessories from Kara de Juan. The studio will also feature intricate designs by Matthew & Melka, adding a touch of whimsy to any ensemble.

The event also highlights products crafted by local communities, including solihiya bags from Alixia Marie and vibrant laptop cases from Woven. RCB Crafts presents chic native bags and baskets, while Ilha offers witty statement clutches that are perfect for those who appreciate unique, conversation-starting

pieces. Jim Weaver’s scarves and pocket squares, adorned with whimsical artwork, make for ideal pasalubong (souvenir) items.

For those seeking personal care and gift options, the studio features Pili Ani’s skincare products, which harness the natural power of Pili and Elemi oils, and Dermtropics’ coconutpowered skincare line, both celebrated for their effectiveness and eco-friendliness.

Home decor enthusiasts will find an array of curated items, from the gift-worthy collections of Millie Monday and Casa Juan to the environmentally friendly candles by Vintage Candles. Amber & Anne’s home accessories add a touch of elegance, perfectly complementing the overall theme of the event.

Visitors to the Filipino Design Studio can also

Fashion retailer launches KAWS + Warhol UT collection, art book

GLOBAL apparel retailer Uniqlo is launching a new UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) collection on August 23, featuring a unique collaboration between contemporary artist KAWS and 20th-century icon Andy Warhol

The collection celebrates the ongoing KAWS + Warhol exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum in the U.S., which will also tour internationally.

Created in partnership with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the KAWS + Warhol UT Collection blends the distinct styles of both artists, offering a range of items including T-shirts, sweatshirts, coach jackets, and tote bags. A special lineup for children will also be available.

In addition to the clothing line, Uniqlo will exclusively offer an art book dedicated to the KAWS + Warhol exhibition, available ahead of its general release. The book includes interviews with KAWS, essays by art historians, and installation views, providing a comprehensive look at the intersection of the two artists’ works. Customers who purchase the art book through Uniqlo will receive a limitededition shoulder bag as a gift.

Special displays of KAWS’s Companion figure and reproductions of Warhol’s artwork will be featured in select Uniqlo stores globally, including the Manila Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 and the SM Mall of Asia.

KAWS expressed his excitement about the collaboration, noting the significance of showcasing his work alongside Warhol’s, while The Andy

enjoy several special offers and activities. On select dates, attendees can personalize their purchases with free laser engraving, join a workshop by Pili Ani to create their essential oil blend, and take advantage of bonus points for SMAC and Prestige members. Shoppers also stand a chance to win staycations at Pico De Loro Batangas, Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay, and Lanson Hotel Mall of Asia. With a diverse roster of brands including Agsam, Alixia Marie, Azucar, Binibini Marikit, and many more, Kultura’s Filipino Design Studio is a must-visit for anyone interested in supporting local craftsmanship.

Warhol Foundation highlighted the partnership’s role in supporting its philanthropic efforts. Patrick Moore former director of The Andy Warhol Museum and curator of the exhibition, emphasized Uniqlo’s role in bridging commercial and fine art, reaching a vast international audience.

“The exhibition KAWS + Warhol wouldn’t have felt complete without the broad commercial reach of Uniqlo. Both of these artists have disrupted the traditional boundaries between commercial and fine art as an integral part of their

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