Manila Standard - 2024 August 17 - Saturday

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Rep. Duterte linked to P11-b shabu

• Rody's son-in-law, adviser also tagged by ex-Customs agent • Barbers: Chinese syndicate bought land to launder drug money

By Maricel V. Cruz

Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban on Friday implicated three people related to former President Rodrigo Duterte – his son Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, his son-in-law, Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Manases Carpio, and his former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang – in the smuggling of P11 billion worth of shabu hidden in magnetic lifters discovered at the Manila International Container Port in 2018.

three International Container Port in 2018.

Journalist, PTFoMS director also named by House witness

By Maricel V. Cruz

Guban revealed this information in his affidavit and testimony before the House of Representatives quad committee investigating alleged links between Philippine Offshore

Gaming Operators (POGOs), the illegal drug trade and extrajudicial killings (EJKs) tied to the Duterte administration’s “war on drugs.” JIMMY GUBAN

ASF CHECKPOINT.

Court finds three guilty in hazing death of PMA cadet

By Rex Espiritu

A BAGUIO court has found two cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) guilty of murder, while another one was convicted of hazing in connection to the September 2019 death of Darwin Dormitorio, his family said on Friday.

A segment of the decision shared by Darwin's brother, Dexter

By Charles Dantes

TWO former media personalities who served under the Duterte and Marcos administrations were named by a disgraced Customs official, who is currently incarcerated for his role in a drug-trafficking case, as having warned him not to drag certain people into a controversial shabu shipment case. On Friday, former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban accused former National Press Club president and current Presidential Task Force on Media Security executive director Paul Gutierrez, as well as

then-Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Benny Antiporda of involvement in a botched drug-smuggling attempt. Guban made this revelation through an affidavit and testimony during a House of Representatives probe where he also tagged Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband Manases Carpio, her brother Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang in the smuggling of P11 billion worth of shabu hidden in magnetic lifters discovered at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in 2018.

VP backs drug tests for gov’t officials, offers to go first

By Rachelle Tonelada

VICE President Sara Duterte backed a bill that would require mandatory drug tests for government officials filed by her brother, Davao 1st District Representative, Paolo Duterte.

The Vice President said she is even willing to be the first public official to undergo a hair follicle drug test. If enacted, House Bill No. 10744 would mandate all elected and appointed government officials, including the President, to undergo random hair follicle drug tests every six months. Additionally, the bill proposes voluntary random drug testing for candidates running for electoral posts within 90 days before Election Day. Officials who test positive may face suspension or termination from office under this proposed legislation.

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Philippine National Police

Devel-

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named Negros Occidental Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez as the new Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Devel opment Authority (TESDA).

Benitez will replace Suharto Man gudadatu, who recently tendered his resignation. The Office of the President thanked Mangudadatu for his service, with Benitez assuming his new role imme diately.

Pol.

Chief

and

The anti-graft court however found "guilty of graft beyond reasonable doubt" P/Dir. Luizo Ticman; P/Dir. Ronald Roderos; P/Dir. Romeo Hilomen; P/Dir. Leocadio Santiago Jr.; and Hilaro de Vera. They were sentenced to six to eight years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

Supt. Job Nolan Antonio, Police Superintendent Edgar Paatan, Police

Inspector Maria Josefina Recometa, Police Superintendent Claudio Gaspar Jr., SPO3 Ma. Linda Padojinog, PO3 Avensuel Go Dy,

Ruben Gongona.

QUAD HEARING. Dangerous Drugs and Quad Committee Lead Chairman Rep. Robert Ace Barbers presides over the Joint House Committee hearing with the Committees on Public Accounts of Chairman Rep. Joseph Stephen ‘Caraps’ Paduano, Public Order and Safety of Chairman Dan Fernandez, and Human Rights Chairman Bienvenido Abante Jr., during

the first joint public hearing held yesterday at Villa De Bacolor Convention Center Bacolor, Pampanga Friday morning. Also in photo is Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales Jr. Ver Noveno

More Filipinos reject proposed divorce law—OCTA survey

MORE than half of the Filipino adult population are not in favor of legalizing divorce in the Philippines, according to a recent survey by OCTA Research.

The survey, done from June 26 to July 1, 2024, showed that 57 percent of adult Filipinos do not support passing a law to legalize divorce in the country.

OCTA said the June 2024 figure indicated a 6-percent increase from the 51 percent recorded in the third quarter of 2023.

Around 39 percent of Filipinos

MMFF-THEMED

MURAL DESIGNS

ALONG EDSA.

MMDA Acting Chairman

Atty. Don Artes and iAcademy chief operating officer Raquel Wong present posters of iconic films that will be recreated as murals by iAcademy students as part of the celebration of 50th anniversary of the Metro Manila Filmfest Festival this year. One of the proposed locations for the murals is along EDSA, from Buendia to Ayala, which is approximately 653 meters in length.

Rep....

From A1

favor the legalization of divorce, a slight decrease of 2 percent from the previous survey. Four percent of the respondents were undecided on the issue.

Across areas, Balance Luzon had the highest percentage of Filipinos who reject legalizing divorce at 61 percent. In terms of socioeconomic classes,

Class ABC had the highest support for the proposal at 53 percent, while objections were highest in Class D and E at 58 percent.

The survey also found that around 55 percent of adult Filipinos will not vote for a candidate promoting the legalization of divorce in the country, while only 39 percent will vote for such a candidate.

For adult Filipinos who support legalizing divorce, around 94 percent agree that married couples who have already separated and cannot reconcile should be allowed to divorce so they can

legally remarry.

Around 95 percent of those in favor of legalizing divorce also agree that divorce should be available for spouses who were abused or subjected to violence.

Ninety-six percent of Filipinos who support the legalization of divorce are in favor that couples who have been living separately for an extended period without reconciliation should be allowed to divorce.

The survey was conducted among 1,200 respondents using face-to-face interviews with a ±3% margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

"Mr. Guban had made statements under oath in the past which are contradictory to what he is saying now.

easy on these shipments. You know they are from Michael Yang, Pulong and Mans.”

Guban, who is currently detained at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, was brought to Bacolor, Pampanga where the quad-committee held its first joint public hearing.

He said a lower-ranked Customs officer told him not to be afraid of the incoming shabu shipment in 2018.

"I was told: Don't be afraid because the shipment belongs to Mans Carpio, Pulong Duterte, and Michael Yang,” Guban said.

Paolo Duterte said he does not know Guban, nor did he have any transaction or relationship with the former Customs agent.

“I want to remind the public that the word 'star witness' can only be accorded to a person who is telling the truth and has credibility. That person is not Jimmy Guban because he was previously cited in contempt by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee for lying,” he said in a statement.

“It is clear he has no credibility and his statements have no basis, that is why I am not sure why he suddenly became a star witness. I also want to see his sworn affidavit so we can study it with my lawyer,” the younger Duterte said. Yang's lawyer, Raymond Fortun, also dismissed Guban's statements as "hearsay in nature."

Sandiganbayan...

The anti-graft court also ordered the five convicted "to pay jointly and solidarily the civil liability in the amount of P11,377,153.23 per unit of the two pre-owned Robinson R44 Raven I helicopters with six percent interest per annum starting from the finality of the Sandiganbayan decision until full payment by the accused." Similarly, Police Director Ronald Roderos was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of falsification of public documents and was sentenced to four years and two months of prision correccional as minimum, to eight years and one day of prision mayor as maximum. He was also ordered to pay a fine of P5,000.

The decision was penned by Sev-

The Supreme Court has looked with disfavor upon retractions of testimonies previously given in court," Fortun said.

"Mr. Yang's name does not appear in any of the shipping documents, nor is he the consignee. By law, he is not the owner of the shipment," he added.

Guban admitted that during the hearings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, he refrained from naming Paolo Duterte, Carpio and Yang due to threats against his family.

In his affidavit, Guban said Davao City councilor Nilo “Small” Abellera Jr. introduced him to the smuggling operation in early 2017.

He said Abellera described himself as the “business partner and trusted man” of Rep. Duterte, Carpio and Yang, whom he described during the hearing as “a bigtime importer of drugs.”

“As their business partner and trusted man, (Small) was tasked to facilitate the release of shipments from the Bureau of Customs,” he said.

Yang is currently the subject of an arrest and detention order issued by the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs after being cited in contempt for repeatedly refusing to attend hearings related to his alleged involvement in a P3.6-billion drug bust in Mexico, Pampanga last year.

He quoted Abellera as saying: “Go

enth Division chairperson Associate Justice Ma. Theresa Dolores GomezEstoesta and concurred in by Associate Justices Zaldy Trespeses and Georgina Hidalgo.

The case stemmed from the purchase of two used helicopters from Manila Aerospace Trading Corporation in July 2009.

The choppers were supplied to the firm by Lionair Inc., allegedly on orders of then First Gentleman Miguel Arroyo.

In 2012, the Ombudsman ruled that the deal “caused undue injury” to the national government amounting to P34.6 million. In 2022, the Sandiganbayan, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, junked the graft charges against Mr. Arroyo. According to the SC, both the Ombudsman and the anti-graft court “gravely erred in finding probable cause” and putting Mr. Arroyo on trial.

Guban told the quad committees the listed owners of Vecaba Trading, the consignee of the said P11 billion illegal drug shipment, were dummies of a certain Poney Chen and Emily Luquingan., both residents of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

As this developed, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Friday said a big-time Chinese drug syndicate has been able to acquire thousands of hectares of land in Pampanga and “across the country.”

Barbers, who chairs the committee on dangerous drugs, said the syndicate is composed of “several Chinese nationals masquerading as Filipinos.”

“Land acquisition is one of the ways that they launder their drug funds,” he said.

Barbers said part of the drug haul of the syndicate was the P3.6-billion worth of shabu seized by the authorities in Mexico town in Pampanga in September 2023.

He said some Chinese nationals involved, including Yang, were incorporators of several interlocking companies that owned the warehouse where the shabu shipment was confiscated.

Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, who chairs the committee on public order and safety, said the Chinese drug syndicate

Court...

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Dormitorio, revealed that Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 convicted Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. of violating the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 and of murder. Meanwhile, the Court found Julius Carlo Tadena guilty of violating the Anti-Hazing Act. All three were sentenced to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years of imprisonment. The RTC also imposed a fine of P3 million each on Imperial and Lumbag

Big-time...

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She said there will be an increase across all petroleum products with gasoline by P0.65 to P0.90 per liter, diesel by P0.95 to P1.10 per liter and kerosene by P0.95 to P1.10 per liter.

“Oil prices surged at the early part of the week driven by the fear of an escalating Middle East tension that could threaten production in one of the world’s major oil sources as Iran vows retaliation,” Romero said.

“The easing of the US monetary policy and the fear that subsided on

Journalist,...

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Guban said Gutierrez, accompanied by a Senate committee staff member, visited him and warned him against mentioning the names of Pulong Duterte, Carpio and Yang in his testimony.

“Do not mention the names of Pulong, Michael Yang, at Mans. We know where your family lives and we know that you have a son in Makati,” Gutierrez allegedly told Guban in Filipino.

In another instance, Guban recounted a phone call from Bureau of Customs official Lourdes Mangaoang, who inquired about the Vecaba Trading shipment.

According to Guban, Mangaoang said in Filipino, “What can we do about that shipment -- that belongs to our buddy Benny Antiporda.” The shipment from Vecaba Trading was eventually intercepted, and the two magnetic lifters containing shabu were discovered.

Antiporda said in a statement that Guban’s allegations are “lies of great magnitude as magnified by the fact that it lacks any evidentiary support but his self-serving allegations.”

“For one, I do not know him as he himself admitted that he does not know me. For another, while I know Michael Yang, Mans Carpio and Polong by their names, I do not personally know any of them, have not met them, much less talked to any of them personally or electronically on any occasion,” he added.

“I would like to emphasize that I totally abhor corruption and it is common knowledge, and it is with more reason that I absolutely against illegal drugs,” Antiporda further wrote.

For his part, Gutierrez called Guban an “inveterate liar.”

also used their illegal drug proceeds in bribing government officials and personnel in obtaining Filipino identity documents like passports and birth certificates.

“They bribe government functionaries, from the barangay level up to national agencies,” he said.

The quad committee also issued yesterday show cause orders to several individuals, including Alberto Rodulfo Dela Serna, the executive assistant of Duterte's former presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque.

Dela Serna was among those who failed to appear at Friday’s hearing. Roque was also absent, citing a scheduled appearance at the Manila Regional Trial Court as his reason.

The quad-committee subsequently directed the Secretariat to verify his claim by coordinating with the RTC. If Roque was not present at the court hearing, a show cause order will also be issued against him.

Acting Mayor Eraño Timbang and various department heads from Bamban, Tarlac, as well as officials from Hongsheng Gaming Technology Inc. such as Thelma B. Laranan and Yu Zheng Can were among those who were summoned.

Incorporators of Baofu Land Corporation, including dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Leal Guo and Bernard Chua were also named in the show cause orders.

for hazing.

Additionally, they were ordered to jointly and severally pay Dormitorio’s heirs P75,000 in civil indemnity, P75,000 in moral damages, P25,000 in temperate damages, and P100,000 in attorney’s fees.

Meanwhile, Tadena was given a fine of P2 million.

"We dedicate the win to Darwin and his father Col. William Dormitorio. Incidentally, Col. Dormitorio died before the decision was released," Atty. Adrian Bonifacio, the legal counsel of the family told reporters. "I pray that Darwin and his father will finally have peace," he added.

the possible US recession added to the bullish part of oil price. Likewise, OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) expressed an optimistic outlook on the demand that contradicts the IEA (International Energy Agency),” she said. The expected oil price hike will put an end to four consecutive weeks of oil price rollbacks for diesel and kerosene and the third for gasoline. The oil firms implemented a big time price roll back in pump prices on August 13 by P2.45 per liter for gasoline, P2.40 per liter for kerosene and P1.90 per liter for diesel.

“At the Quadcomm hearing of Congress early today (Friday), my name was repeatedly mentioned by Mr. Jimmy Guban, the former customs intelligence officer who has been convicted for a drug trafficking incident in 2018,” Gutierrez said in a statement.

“I don’t’ personally know nor have I ever met—even up to now—any of the Dutertes, Atty. Mans Carpio or Michael Yang; I also never had any personal or professional dealings with Mr. Guban while I was covering the customs beat, although the things I’ve been hearing about him at the waterfront are all unsavory,” the PTFoMS chief added.

“At the time that he said that I confronted him at the detention center of the Senate, I (was) not an assistant of Mr. Benny Antiporda but a reporter and columnist for my newspaper, People’s Tonight covering the customs and Senate beat… As a lowly reporter, I am not in any position to make any threats to him, and according to him, in front of a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee staff,” said Gutierrez. Meanwhile, the quad committee ordered that invitations be sent to all individuals mentioned by Guban in his affidavit and testimony.

VP...

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Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque took to Facebook to share copies of the bill, captioning it with a pointed challenge: "Time for Follicle Test PBBM!"

“In the first place, we have to make certain that all public officials are in the right state of mind,” Duterte said in Filipino during an interview in Davao City.

The Vice President affirmed her willingness to undergo a drug test through a “third party,” as requested by the public, to set an example. This also responds to Roque’s supposed challenge to the Duterte siblings to “lead by example” and undergo drug testing. “Yes… let’s set a date for it. I think a third party (drug tester) should be involved, and maybe there should be more than one laboratory involved,” she added.

Meanwhile, Roque, a staunch defender of the Dutertes, is himself no stranger to controversy as his alleged affiliations with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) are presently the subject of a congressional investigation.

At the House of Representatives, four committees jointly investigating illegal POGOs, drug trafficking and extra-judicial killings during the Duterte Administration have issued a show cause order against several individuals, including Roque’s executive assistant.

NEWS IN BRIEF

PBBM names Lopez as NMC spokesman

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Department of Energy Undersecretary Alexander Lopez as spokesman of the National Maritime Council (NMC). NMC was created to enhance maritime security amid growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Lopez, a former military officer and Philippine Military Academy graduate, will address issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea. His appointment was announced on Aug. 6. Lopez previously served as commander of the Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and held various key positions in the military and energy sectors. Charles Dantes

BAI says seized hogs tested positive for ASF

THE Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has confirmed that some of the hogs seized on Thursday tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).

The BAI said the swine from one truck tested positive, while those from another truck exhibited clinical signs of the disease.

“The blood tests confirmed the presence of the ASF virus, leaving us no choice but to condemn the pigs and dispose of their carcasses at the designated burial site," said DA assistant secretary for swine and poultry Dante Palabrica.

He added that the trucks were thoroughly cleansed and disinfected to prevent further spread of the virus.

Palabrica noted that a visual inspection of the pigs raised immediate suspicion. Othel V. Campos

Raid yields 300 tons of smuggled veggies

THE Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Inspectorate and Enforcement Office (IEO), along with the Bureau of Customs, and other law enforcement units, has confiscated over 300 tons of smuggled vegetables, including onions and carrots during a raid on an illegal storage facility in Navotas City Thursday night.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel underscored the importance of strictly enforcing the law against smuggling and unfair trade practices.

“We cannot allow illegal trade practices such as this to continue hurting the livelihood of our farmers. The order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is clear, go after these smugglers without let up,” he said.

The raid uncovered 360 kilos of tomatoes, 10 kilos of enoki mushrooms, and a 40-footer container van loaded with 92.25 tons of imported white onions. Othel V. Campos

‘BARMM polls a primary concern’

By Rex Espiritu

THE stability of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is a primary concern of the government in the 2025 elections, according to National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año.

With the region set to hold its first parliamentary elections, Año highlighted the need for increased security measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

“Our main concern for the next election is the BARMM,” Año said during a media dinner last Tuesday.

He said they may need to deploy ad-

SMUGGLED ONIONS. Despite a heightened government crackdown on smuggling of agricultural products, the smugglers appeared undaunted as evinced by these huge haul of onions seized during a recent raid on a warehouse in Navotas City. Jay morales

ditional troops to the region to maintain stability as there are still unresolved issues that could affect the elections.

While Año acknowledged the diminishing influence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in other parts of the country, he emphasized that BARMM's unique challenges require focused attention from the secu-

rity sector, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

He noted that since it would be the first BARMM parliamentary election, ensuring a stable environment is crucial. Año’s remarks underscored the government's commitment to addressing potential threats in the BARMM, even as other regions see a decline in insurgency activities.

He said the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has already been decimated in all its politico-military capabilities.

Gabriela scores Robin over snide comments on women’s rights

THE militant Gabriela women’s group has strongly criticized Senator Robinhood Padilla for issuing “appalling remarks during a Senate hearing on women’s rights.

“Gabriela vehemently condemns the perpetuation of machismo and the blatant disregard for women’s autonomy and rights,” the group said in a statement.

“The audacity to question a woman’s right to her own body is a glaring example of the deeply rooted machismo that continues to plague our society,” Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce said.

“Senator Padilla’s line of questioning not only disrespects women, but also

trivializes the serious issue of consent,” Palce added.

“We’d like to remind Senator Padilla that consent is non-negotiable and must be respected at all times. A woman’s right to say “no” is fundamental and absolute, regardless of marital status,” the statement read.

Gabriela calls for accountability from public officials and urges the public to reject any form of misogyny and gender-based violence and discrimination.

“We strongly demand accountability and a retraction from Senator Padilla for his macho and dangerous statements!” Palce said.

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) executive director Ernesto Torres, Jr. supported Año’s assessment. He told media executives that the influence of the CPP-NPA in some critical areas was waning.

“Hopefully, we would like to see in this coming 2025 election that the Filipino electorate would completely shun voting for candidates who are terror groomers,” Torres said.

With these developments, Año expressed confidence that the government is close to ending the CPP-NPA’s violence in Philippine history, possibly within next year.

DAR reinforces DENR as land reform partner

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) wants to strengthen the capability of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as a partner for faster land titling efforts under the former’s Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.

The DAR sees the need to equip DENR with 80 units of specialized laptops, saying DENR is a major partner in the land classification map projection, inspection, verification and approval of survey plans for collective certificates of land ownership award (CCLOA), and issuance of other documents if CCLOAs is within a forest or a timberland.

DAR has allocated P21.38 million for additional manpower, and information and communications technology equipment for the DENR, including the hiring of 14 contract of service personnel, provision of 47 units of desktops in 2023 and delivery of 80 units of specialized laptops this year.

Muntinlupa village gets to own MMRF

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has turned over the operations of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) to Brgy. Bayanan, Muntinlupa City in another move to empower local communities in managing their waste more effectively, ensuring that the responsibility of solid waste management is both localized and sustainable.

The MMRF, an essential tool in the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Solid Waste Management Component 2, is designed to streamline waste segregation and recycling at the barangay level.

The turnover was formalize through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) concluded between officials of the MMDA and Brgy. Bayanan.

The accord highlighted the barangay's commitment to uphold and operate the MMRF system, under the close monitoring and guidance of the city government Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO).

“The involvement of the residents, barangay, and local government is crucial to our waste management initiatives,” said Dir. Josias Syquimsiam Jr., project director of the SWMO.

“The MMRF provides a structure to waste segregation, allowing communities to turn waste into valuable resources. This represents a shared commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable Metro Manila,” the MMDA said in a statement.

PIGEONS CAN FLY, BUT THEY LOVE WALKING. People don’t usually harm doves, that is why these birds habitually socialize with humans, as shown in this photo taken at the courtyard of Piretrelcina Chapel on C5 Road in Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City. Teddy Brul

Faster, improved 911 hotline

By Rex Espiritu

THE government’s 911 emergency hotline now delivers quicker and more efficient responses with the implementation of advanced technology, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said.

“Before, we did it manually. Now, because of technology, the actions become faster,” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos told reporters after a simulation at Camp

Crame’s command center on Friday

“It’s important that the call is being forwarded swiftly and then the location of the caller anywhere in the Phil-

Expand GASTPE to K-16, increase subsidies—group

THE Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) called for the expansion of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) to include Kindergarten to Grade 6 levels.

PEAC member and concurrent Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU) president Bern Villamor said GASTPE continues to address overcrowding in public schools by enabling private schools to absorb excess students or “aisle learners.”

GASTPE is currently limited to Junior and Senior High Schools.

Due to GASTPE’s success, private schools expressed their support to extend the program’s financial assistance

Solon seeks tougher FDA vs. fake meds

By Maricel V. Cruz

AMID the proliferation of fake overthe-counter (OTC) medicines, Camarines Sur lawmakers led by Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte sought to give more teeth to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on pharmacovigilance so it can crack down hard on manufacturers and dealers of counterfeit or substandard drugs.

The legislators proposed that the FDA establish a pharmacovigilance unit within its Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR).

To strengthen the country’s system of pharmacovigilance or the detection and assessment of the efficacy of medicines, Villafuerte and his fellow authors likewise mandate the FDA in House Bill 3984 to develop a consumer advocacy and education program, in partnership with private organizations and relevant government agencies, on the dangers of using bogus or substandard pharmaceutical items.

The lawmakers made the pitch as the FDA has been issuing advisories warning the public to exercise care when buying OTC medicines following its discovery of counterfeit versions of assorted commonly used drugs.

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate earlier said his office found counterfeit versions of OTC medicines such as Kremil S, Alaxan FR, Biogesic, Medicol Advance, Bioflu and Tuseran Forte in the local market.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines scored the National Economic and Development Authority for saying a Filipino can survive on P64 a day to cover three meals.

TUCP said NEDA’s assertion was an insult to every Filipino and would undermine workers’ call for a P150 across-the-board daily wage increase.

“The government

to more deserving students, who hope to pursue elementary education in private schools.

“Expanding GASTPE to the elementary level (K-6) will improve educational access, raise quality standards, and save government funds by utilizing the spare capacity of private schools. This would also reduce the pressure on the Department of Education (DepEd) to rapidly build new schools,” Villamor said.

Villamor added GASTPE programs like the Education Service Contracting, Teachers’ Salary Subsidy, Senior High School Voucher Program, and InService Training are pivotal in providing financial assistance to students and enhancing access to quality education.

ippines is being forwarded swiftly as well,” he added.

During the simulation, police were able to respond in approximately 56 seconds from the time a 911 call was placed.

E911 National Call Center’s Bernard delos Santos said with new technology, the hotline team is also able to filter prank and spam calls.

The center’s data showed only 500 of the 50,000 calls received in the past were legitimate.

“With the new system, all those

spams or prank callers, these can be identified and located because of the capabilities of the new system (with) GPS,” Delos Santos said.

“Consistent prank callers can now be tagged,” he added.

The DILG said Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911), an emergency calling technology company, and telecommunications firm PLDT Inc. have donated advanced technology features to enhance the country’s emergency hotline.

President signs into law bill granting franchise to LEYECO II

By Brenda Jocson

SANTIAGO City, Isabela – The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA) lauded President Marcos for signing into law a bill granting a 25-year franchise to the Leyte II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO II). Republic Act No. 12017, which grants LEYECO II a franchise to construct,

install, establish, operate and maintain distribution systems in Tacloban City, and in the municipalities of Babatngon and Palo in Leyte, was signed into law on August 9.

general manager Atty. Janeene DepayColingan said this will further motivate LEYECO II to provide better service to its member-consumer-owners.

role and contribution of the so-called power bloc lawmakers Presley De Jesus (PhilRECA party-list) and Sergio Dagooc (APEC party-list) in the passage of the franchise bill.

PHILRECA president Jose Raul Saniel said: “We thank President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing into law the bill granting a franchise to LEYECO II.”

PHILRECA executive director and

“This is an important milestone in ensuring that we continue to provide electricity services to our memberconsumer-owners in the province of Leyte,” Colingan said.

PHILRECA also acknowledged the

LEYECO II has been a consistent Triple A rated electric cooperative since 2015, based on the EC Overall Performance Assessment conducted by the state-run National Electrification Administration.

BUSINESS magnate and former Ilocos

Sur Gov. Chavit Singson offered a P5 million reward to world-class gymnast

Carlos Yulo and his family in a bid to promote unity.

Singson said the reward was not merely for Yulo’s two gold medals in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics, but also as a tribute to the strength and unity of the Yulo family.

For Singson, family is the foundation of a person’s success and the embodiment of values that transcend generations.

“In offering this reward, I hope to send a powerful message that the success of an individual is never solely their own; it is shared by those who stand by them, offering love, guidance, and unwavering support,” Singson said.

“The reward is a recognition for Yulo’s exemplary performance in the Paris Olympics and more so to the unity of the Yulo family and Yulo’s partner,” he said.

LEISURELY STROLL. As the sun sets on Thursday, August 15, 2024, people flock to Plaza Mexico by the Pasig River in Intramuros, Manila. The makeover of the former port of the galleon trade in the 1500s is part of the ‘Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli’ project that aims to restore the Pasig River as a transportation, recreation and tourism site. Joan Bondoc

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis Singson

OPINION

US proxies sabotaging de-escalation

THE 2nd de-escalation initiative of the BBM administration, articulated by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 21, 2024 in reaction to the gigantic fiasco of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s personal sub rosa stealth RORE supply mission intercepted by the Chinese Coast Guard, ended in total humiliation of the flabbergasted Philippine government which had no inkling of the arbitrary, underhanded project ordered by the Defense Secretary.

The de-escalation effort was sealed between the two countries with the 9th Meeting of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism on the South China Sea in Manila on July 2, 2024 where, as the PNA news report headline declared: “PH, China hold dialogue, commit to deescalate.”

This was followed on July 27, 2024 by the first resupply to Ayungin (Ren’ai Jiao) Shoal hailed and described by many sectors as a “successful mission” where “no untoward incidents” were reported. Successful, peaceful coordinated activities between the Philippines and China are not welcome in some quarters, like the American Embassy, its “Cold War warriors” personified by the likes of Raymond Powell whose strategy of “assertive transparency” utterly failed, and the American’s Filipino proxies like the defense secretary and some of his proAmerican minions.

It was just a matter of time before they attempt to throw a monkey wrench at the de-escalation.

The opportunity came on Aug. 7 and 8 in the midst of a US, Australian, Canada and Philippines joint sea and air exercises over the seas adjacent to the Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) where China had since 2012 established its sovereignty by default of the Philippines withdrawing its navy ships from the shoals during the standoff then. China since that time has exercised its control of the area without restricting the traditional fishing rights of fisher folks of the vicinity.

On Aug. 7 and 8, a Philippine Air Force plane entered the air space of the Huangyan Dao which was met by People’s Liberation Army Air Force which took “necessary and lawful measures... professional and consistent with Chinese and International Law” including firing flares to alert the PAF plane.

Even anti-China news media ANC interviewing the National Security Council Asst. Director Jonathan Malaya could only say “use of flares... ‘can’ be considered a hostile act,” but not necessarily so. Philippine Armed Forces Chief Gen. Brawner’s protest alleging “hostile actions” by the Chinese planes is reminiscent of ex-US Air Force Col. Raymond Powell’s strategy of “assertive transparency” doing premeditated provocation and then “crying foul,” like the Feb. 2023 AFP protests about “military laser” blinding resupply crews which could be

bought from e-retailer Lazada, and later protests about water cannon use which is actually a normal, non-lethal means to prevent physical contact.

Some media reports claim the Scarborough Shoal as “Philippine territory” which is total falsehood. Any country’s territorial sea is only 12 nautical miles from the shoreline, Scarborough is 135 nautical miles from the shores of Zambales.

(Editor’s Note: As defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Scarborough Shoal is within the EEZ of Manila because it is 120 nautical miles (222km) from the Philippine island of Luzon. In contrast, Scarborough Shoal is about 594 nautical miles (1,100km) from China’s Hainan Island.)

Some media reports claim the Scarborough Shoal as ‘Philippine territory’ which is total falsehood. Any country’s territorial sea is only 12 nautical miles from the shoreline

At best, the Philippines can claim EEZ over it but that is disputed by several countries.

China claims sovereignty over the shoals, which is superior to any EEZ claim, aside from the fact the Philippines conceded the shoals to China by default in 2012.

What is pregnant with meaning in the foray of the PAF plane into the air space of what China has established its jurisdiction over is the PAF military aircraft was sent in during and from the joint patrol exercise of the “allies for war” of the US, Australia and Canada (all participants in the Afghan War for example) with the Philippines.

It smacks of a mischievous provocation assigned by the Americans and its deputies using the Little Brown Brother to cause a sensational incident.

Fortunately, the American plot with its Filipino proxies is not working anymore.

People like the peace and quiet on the Ayungin and BRP Sierra Madre front, the “successful RORE mission” will shine as an example of Philippine-China de-escalation and easing of tension, while the dangerous new provocations which Raymond Powell and his little proxies are staging are good for a day’s headline only and nothing more.

The Filipinos want the government to get to work on the economy and stop all the shenanigans. (rpkapunan@gmail. com)

Scientists pinpoint dino-killing asteroid’s origin: past Jupiter

WASHINGTON, DC

– An intense debate surrounding the cosmic rock that killed the dinosaurs has stirred scientists for decades, but a new study has revealed some important -- and far-out -- data about the impactor’s origin story.

Researchers, whose findings were published Thursday (Friday Manila time) in the journal Science, used an innovative technique to demonstrate the apocalyptic culprit which slammed into the Earth’s surface 66 million years ago, causing the most recent mass extinction, had formed beyond Jupiter’s orbit.

They also refute the idea that it was a comet.

The new insights into the apparent asteroid that cratered into Chicxulub, in what is present-day Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, could improve the understanding of celestial objects that have struck our planet.

“Now we can, with all this knowledge... say that this asteroid initially formed beyond Jupiter,” Mario Fischer-Godde, lead author of the study and a geochemist at the University of Cologne, told AFP.

The conclusions are particularly notable, given how rarely this type of asteroid collides with Earth.

Such information may well prove useful in assessing future threats, or determining how water arrived on this planet, Fischer-Godde said.

Samples

The new findings are based on analysis of sediment samples formed at the period between the Cretaceous and Paleogene eras, the time of the asteroid’s cataclysmic impact.

Researchers measured the isotopes of the element ruthenium, not uncommon on asteroids but extremely rare on Earth. So by inspecting the deposits in multiple geological layers that mark the debris from the impact at Chicxulub, they could be sure that the ruthenium studied came “100 percent from this asteroid.”

Sample analyses now show that the celestial object was far different in composition from a subset of meteorites which are believed to have been comets in the past

“Our lab in Cologne is one of the rare labs that can do these measurements,” and it was the first time such study techniques were used on impact debris layers, Fischer-Godde said.

Ruthenium isotopes can be used to distinguish between the two main groups of asteroids: C-type, or carbonaceous, asteroids that formed in the outer solar system, and S-type silicate asteroids from the inner solar system, nearer the sun.

The study affirms that the asteroid that triggered a mega-earthquake, precipitated a global winter and wiped out the dino-

Where are Guo and Quiboloy?

THE question, really now, is: Where are the two high profile fugitives against whom separate arrest warrants were issued months back?

We refer to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo who, authorities confirmed, is the same Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese citizen who arrived in the Philippines when she was 12 years old.

Her family’s Special Investor’s Resident Visa indicate that, as Guo Hua Ping, Alice Guo holds a Chinese passport and migrated to the Philippines on Jan. 12, 2003, with the National Bureau of Investigation confirming the fingerprints of Alice Guo matched with those of Chinese passport holder Guo Hua Ping, which suggests she was never a Filipino citizen, her avowals notwithstanding.

In the House of Representatives, during deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government, one lawmaker pointed out the contrast between PNP’s implementation of arrest warrants

against regular and high-profile subjects.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also suggested there may have been a breakdown in PNP “intelligence gathering” due to the continued failure of the police to locate and arrest the fugitive religious leader.

As Lewis Carroll and the surprised Alice in Wonderland had said, things are ‘getting curiouser and curiouser’

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, defending the efforts of the DILG and PNP in looking for the fugitive televangelist nearly five months after the Senate issued the arrest order, said: “As far as Quiboloy is concerned and the others, we are doing everything we can.

“In fact, we are sued on record, the PNP and I are facing cases due to the raid at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound, and we are going to answer their accusations against us.” Documents from Abalos showed “full-time miracle workers” of the

IN THE often turbulent waters of Philippine politics, few figures have demonstrated the steady hand and unwavering commitment to public service as Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

As the latest Social Weather Stations survey results reveal, Romualdez’s satisfaction rating has not just improved—it has surged.

From a modest rating in March 2024, Romualdez now enjoys a 29-point net satisfaction rating, marking a significant 16-point increase.

The implications extend far beyond the numbers, signifying both the trust placed in Romualdez’s leadership and the broader political landscape he navigates.

Romualdez’s journey to this point is a story of consistent and strategic leadership, particularly within the House of Representatives.

Since assuming the role of Speaker, he has been a steadfast supporter of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, particularly in areas critical to the nation’s development.

His focus on bolstering agricultural productivity and ensuring food security has resonated with the public, particularly in regions where farming is not just a livelihood but a way of life.

His instrumental role in securing the budget for the National Irrigation Administration’s refleeting program is a tangible demonstration of his commitment to improving the lives of Filipino farmers—a sector often neglected yet vital to the country’s economy.

The recent survey indicates Romualdez’s popularity has grown across various demographics and regions, with notable gains in Visayas and Mindanao.

This widespread approval suggests his efforts in addressing regional issues and supporting local economies are being recognized and appreciated by those who matter most: the people.

It’s a clear sign Romualdez’s approach

saurs and most other life, was a C-type asteroid that formed beyond Jupiter.

Studies from two decades ago had already made such an assumption, but with far less certainty.

The conclusions are striking, because most meteorites -- pieces of asteroids that fall to Earth -- are S-types, Fischer-Godde pointed out.

Does that mean the Chicxulub impactor formed beyond Jupiter and made a beeline for our planet? Not necessarily.

“We cannot be really sure where the asteroid was kind of hiding just before it impacted on Earth,” Fischer-Godde said, adding after its formation, it may have made a stopover in the asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter and where most meteorites originate.

KOJC filed the complaints against him and PNP officials for violating Articles 128 (domicile), 132 (interruption of religious worship), 133 (offending of religious feelings), and Article 282 (grave threats) of the Revised Penal Code before the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office last month.

The arrest order against Quiboloy was issued over contempt for snubbing subpoenas to attend joint committee hearings, and four months since the Pasig Regional Trial Court ordered his arrest for qualified human trafficking charges.

The Senate, meanwhile, issued an arrest order against dismissed Guo last month after she was cited in contempt for repeated failure to attend the committee hearings into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations in Bamban.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil had given assurances investigation and surveillance operations continue, in coordination with other government agencies and intelligence units, to implement the arrest orders against Quiboloy and Guo.

A senator in July gave an ultimatum to law enforcers to arrest Guo and said their 2025 budget could be affected.

As Lewis Carroll and the surprised Alice in Wonderland had said, things are “getting curiouser and curiouser.” Indeed, something is getting increasingly confounding.

Romualdez’s rise in public confidence

to governance—one that emphasizes economic growth, social justice, and national development—is striking a chord with a broad base of the electorate. Yet, this rise in satisfaction is not just about policy and programs. Romualdez has also been a key figure in strengthening the US-Philippines alliance, an endeavor that has earned him praise both domestically and internationally. In an era where geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are high, Romualdez’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing this alliance is both timely and crucial.

His ability to navigate these complex issues while maintaining public trust speaks volumes about his capabilities as a leader.

Romualdez’s approach to governance—one that emphasizes economic growth, social justice, and national development—is striking a chord with a broad base of the electorate

The significance of Romualdez’s improved satisfaction rating cannot be overstated.

In a political environment where public opinion can be as volatile as the weather, a 16-point jump is not just an improvement—it’s a validation. It suggests Romualdez’s leadership is being recognized not just in the halls of power but in the hearts of the people.

Not a comet

The study also dismisses the idea the destructive impactor was a comet, an amalgam of icy rock from the very edge of the solar system. Such a hypothesis was put forward in a much-publicized study in 2021, based on statistical simulations. Sample analyses now show that the celestial object was far different in composition from a subset of meteorites which are believed to have been comets in the past. It is therefore “unlikely” the impactor in question was a comet, Fischer-Godde said. As to the wider usefulness of his findings, the geochemist offered two suggestions. He believes more accurately defining

This upward trajectory in his satisfaction rating positions him as a key political figure in the years to come, potentially setting the stage for even greater responsibilities.

However, with this increased approval comes heightened expectations.

Romualdez himself acknowledged the survey is not just a measure of his performance but a reminder of his responsibilities as a public servant.

Moving forward, it will be crucial for him to continue delivering on the promises that have earned him this support.

This means not only maintaining but deepening his commitment to agricultural reform, economic growth, and national security.

It also requires a vigilant focus on emerging challenges, like cyber security threats, where Romualdez has shown a proactive stance.

To sustain this momentum, Romualdez would do well to build on the legislative successes that have marked his tenure.

Continued support for President Marcos’s initiatives will be important, but equally so will be his ability to address the evolving needs of the Filipino people.

This might include further investments in digital infrastructure, education, and healthcare—areas that are critical to the country’s long-term development.

The latest SWS survey reflects not just a momentary boost in public approval but a growing recognition of Romualdez’s leadership.

His rise in satisfaction ratings is a testament to his effective governance and his ability to connect with a diverse electorate.

As he continues to steer the House of Representatives and influence national policy, Romualdez’s trajectory appears poised for further ascent.

The challenge now is to translate this approval into lasting change—something that, given his track record, Romualdez seems more than capable of achieving.

the nature of asteroids that have struck Earth since its beginnings some 4.5 billion years ago could help solve the enigma of the origin of our planet’s water. Scientists believe water may have been brought to Earth by asteroids, likely of the C-type like the one that struck 66 million years ago, even though they are less frequent.

Studying past asteroids also allows humanity to prepare for the future, FischerGodde said.

“If we find that earlier mass extinction events could also be related to C-type asteroid impacts, then... if there’s ever going to be C-type asteroid on an Earth-crossing orbit, we have to be very careful,” he said, “because it might be the last one we witness.” AFP

Indian doctors’ strikes, protests grow after colleague’s murder Seoul

SEOUL – Residents of South Korea’s capital are resorting to novel ways to beat the heat as a century-old weather record fell Friday following a 26th “tropical night” in a row -- when the temperature stays above 25 degrees Celsius.

“I take a cold shower before bed and tie freezer packs around my electric fan to cool the air,” Lee Ji-soo told AFP Friday.

Overnight temperatures in Seoul have sizzled above 25 degrees Celsius for 26 days in a row, officials said Friday, marking the longest streak since modern weather observation began in 1907.

Such evenings are widely known as “tropical nights” in South Korea.

North Korea is also sweltering under a heatwave and issued a warning earlier this week, with central areas including Pyongyang affected.

“Severe heat of 33 to 37 is foreseen in some areas,” said Kim Kwang Hyok, an official at the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration.

In Japan, meanwhile, a “very strong” typhoon buffeted Japan’s Pacific coast with fierce winds and heavy rain on Friday, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and trains in the Tokyo area and leaving over 4,000 homes without power.

Located about 300 kilometres (190 miles) south of Tokyo, Typhoon Ampil was packing gusts of up to 216 kph as it headed north, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

The eye of the typhoon was not expected to make landfall, instead barrelling north-eastward up the Honshu coast and skirting the Tokyo region, home to around 40 million people, before heading back into the Pacific from Saturday.

The JMA rated the weather system as “very strong”, one notch below its highest category of “violent typhoon”, with maximum wind speeds of 105 knots (120 mph, 195 kmh). AFP

NEW DELHI – Indian doctors said Friday they would increase nationwide protests and strikes after the rape and murder of a colleague, a brutal killing that has focused outrage on the chronic issue of violence against women.

The discovery of the 31-year-old’s bloodied and brutalized body on Aug. 9 at a state-run hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata has sparked nationwide protests.

“We are intensifying our protests... to demand justice for our colleague,” Suvrankar Datta said Friday, from the government-run All India Institutes of

average of nearly 90 rapes a day were reported in 2022 in the country of 1.4 billion people.

Multiple medical unions in both government and private systems have backed the strike.

Thousands marched through the streets of Kolkata overnight Wednesday to condemn the killing, with a candlelight rally at midnight coinciding with the start of India’s independence day celebrations.

The Indian Medical Association has called for a “nationwide withdrawal of services” for 24 hours starting Saturday, with suspension of all non-essential and medical procedures at private hospitals. Indian media have reported that the murdered doctor was found in the teach-

ing hospital’s seminar hall, suggesting she had gone there for a brief rest during a long shift.

An autopsy has confirmed sexual assault, and in a petition to the court, the victim’s parents have said that they suspected their daughter was gang-raped, according to Indian broadcaster NDTV.

Though police have detained a man who worked at the hospital helping people navigate busy queues, state government officers have been accused of mishandling the case.

For many, the gruesome nature of the attack has invoked comparisons with the horrific 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus. AFP

Thai lawmakers elect Shinawatra heiress as

BANGKOM – Thai lawmakers on Friday elected the 37-year-old daughter of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister, elevating a third member of the influential but divisive clan to the nation’s top job.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose father and aunt have served as premier, is the youngest leader in Thailand’s history as a constitutional

VICTOR JAMES I. LAURICO, SR., Respondent. x-----------------------------------------------x NOTICE OF DECISION TO: VICTOR JAMES I. LAURICO Km. 4, La Trinidad, Benguet

becomes the kingdom’s second female prime minister, after her aunt, in a vote forced after the kingdom’s Constitutional Court sacked previous premier Srettha Thavisin for appointing a Cabinet minister with a criminal conviction.

Srettha’s ouster on Wednesday was the latest round in a long-running battle between the military, pro-royalist establishment and populist parties linked to Paetongtarn’s father, a telecoms tycoon and one-time Manchester City owner. The Pheu Thai party selected Paetongtarn as its replacement candidate Thursday. None of the 10 other parties in the coalition it leads put forward an alternative.

Bhumjaithai -- the third-largest party in parliament -- said it had “agreed to support a candidate” from Pheu Thai in Friday’s vote. Paetongtarn helped run the hotel arm of the family’s business empire before entering politics in late 2022, and she was a near-constant presence on the campaign trail during last year’s general election.

That vote saw the upstart progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) win most seats after pledging to review the country’s strict lesemajeste laws and break up powerful business monopolies. But alarmed senators blocked MFP’s attempt to form a government. AFP

LARGO – An electrified

CHRONIC VIOLENCE. Medical students shout slogans and hold posters as they protest the rape and murder of a young medic from Kolkata, in Varanasi on Thursday. Indian doctors in government hospitals across several states halted elective services ‘indefinitely; to protest the rape and murder of the 31-year-old medic which sparked nationwide protests. AFP

FROM STAR TO SIDESHOW. US President Joe Biden boards Marine One in Largo, Maryland, on Aug. 15, 2024 (Friday Manila time) as he returns to the White House. Still harboring frustration over his exit from the White House race, Biden will be trying to balance his feelings with the need to help his vice president beat Republican Donald Trump in November. AFP

Luzon’s Top dancers shine at Red Bull Dance

Your Style Manila

ANOTHER epic dance battle took place at the Red Bull Dance Your Style Manila Qualifiers, held last July 27 at Octopus in Makati.

The intense competition showcased Luzon’s top dance talents. With the conclusion of the series of qualifiers, the country eagerly awaits the grand showdown where finalists will battle it out for the coveted title and the chance to represent Philippines in the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Finals.

The unique global street dance competition swept the nation with the regional qualifiers, challenging dancers from Cebu, Davao, and Manila to show off their talent as they freestyle to a random selection of songs.

Manila witnessed an exceptional level of competition. The competition concluded with an unforgettable performance by Klockwise (Kenneth Martinez), who emerged victorious with his flawless moves and undeniable charisma. Reflecting on his Red Bull Dance Your Style journey, Klockwise said, “I’ve only (followed) Red Bull Dance Your Style via social media, then when it came to the Philippines, I went over to watch it live (and) the (following) year as well. When I was in the audience, I had a vision of myself performing on stage. That’s when I made it my goal that one day I would dance, perform, and show my skills.”

“It’s super unexpected,” Klockwise said of his win. “I just wanted to enjoy, to show what I enjoy doing.” He shared that his preparation for the qualifiers involved listening to a lot of music and freestyling to it. He also said he will do much of the same leading up to the National Finals. “I’ll prepare highlights and ground moves, create new patterns of my locking, and of course, listen to new music.” Kid Magnus (Flourence Lavesores) who won first runner up, shared that the event felt less like a competition. He said, “I really just enjoyed it. The crowd was so energetic and happy, which made me feel that I was just dancing, enjoying the music, dancing to the beat. I was a bit pressured because (my fellow) competitors (are) well known, but all of them were very nice.”

Tatai, a Japanese dancer who made it to the top 4, expressed her joy and enthusiasm at being able to join the competition. “It’s about letting your mind go crazy, expressing your love for dance, and enjoying music,” said Tatai about her experience. “I want to practice more, perfect my favorite dance, and give it my all on the next stage.”

National coach Fresnido bags World Masters’ silver in Sweden

By Randy Caluag

NATIONAL team coach

Danilo

Fresnido continues to shine on the world stage, claiming a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the World Masters Athletics Championships held late Friday at the Gothenburg Indoor Stadium in Sweden.

Competing in the 50-52 age group, the three-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist launched the 700g javelin to an impressive distance of 56.34 meters on his third attempt, good for second place behind Italy’s Carlo Sonego.

Fresnido, a two-time champion of the event in 2016 and 2018, began his campaign with a throw of 51.79 meters in the preliminaries, earning him a spot in the finals, which featured two groups of eight athletes each.

In the finals, his first throw reached 54.18 meters, putting him in second place behind Sonego.

Despite improving his mark with his third and final attempt, he maintained his second-place finish.

Fresnido still holds the Philippine national javelin record with a throw of 72.93 meters, a feat he achieved on December 17, 2009, during the SEA

Games athletics event in Vientiane, Laos.

In other results for Team Philippines, Edward Kho finished fifth in Heat 2 of the men’s 50-54 400m hurdles, while Brenda Zinampan reached the semifinals in the women’s 45-49 100m run category of this tournament for athletes 35-years and up. The Philippines was well-represented

Menor powers Lady Strikers past Lady Knights in MPVA

By Dennis Abrina

PERPETUAL Lady Altas rookie Jemma Menor tallied 19 points, including 18 attacks and an ace, to lead the Bacoor Lady Strikers to a bounce-back victory over the San Juan Lady Knights on Wednesday during the third day of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) Season 1 at the Home of the Strikers gym in San Nicolas II.

Coach Sandy Rieta’s Lady Strikers, backed by Metro Land Builders, swept the Lady Knights in straight sets, 25-11, 25-22, and 25-18, to improve their record to 2-1 in the season.

Menor, a member of the NCAA Sea-

son 99 champion Perpetual Junior Altas Girls, once again shone. She previously recorded a career-high 26 points in a five-set loss to Rizal Xentro Mall.

Reigning MVP Shaila Omipon added 10 points for Bacoor, while Charisse Enrico and Cyrille Alemeniana contributed 7 points each.

Freighanne Garcia led San Juan with 10 points, followed by Nicole Ong with 7 and Raissa Ricablanca with 5.

MPVA action resumes on August 19, 2024, at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan City.

Quezon faces Rizal at 10:30 a.m., San Juan plays Valenzuela at 2 p.m. and the host Binan Tatak Gel takes on Caloocan in the main game at 4 p.m.

after winning in straight sets 25-11, 25-22, 25-18 over the San Juan Lady Knights in the MPVA. Dennis Abrina

New Edge 1050: Garmin’s brightest, smartest cycling computer to date

GARMIN has unveiled its brightest, smartest, and most connected cycling computer to date with the new Edge® 1050. Boasting a vibrant touchscreen display, the Edge 1050 combines superior navigation, performance tracking, cycling awareness and smart connectivity—all while impressively delivering up to 20 hours of battery life in

the most demanding use cases and up to

hours in

Packed with features to help foster a more cohesive cycling community, cyclists can receive road hazard alerts reported by fellow cyclists and see inride messaging and leaderboards during group rides1. Plus, new additions like on-device course creation, Garmin Pay™, a built-in speaker and more help make every ride better.

“We are excited to introduce our most capable, high-performing bike computer yet with the Edge 1050. Delivering an exceptional in-ride experience, superior navigation and community-focused features, our latest cycling computer is made to keep cyclists motivated—whether they’re planning a group ride with friends or a long, solo adventure.” –Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales. Never stop cycling (together) Make rides even more fun with features designed to bring the cy-

cling community together.

● New improvements to GroupRide1 let riders stay connected with in-ride messaging, live locations, and incident detection alerts2 that can notify and route fellow riders to a cyclist in need of help. Cyclists can also add some competition to their ride with in-ride leaderboards for climbs, plus witty post-ride awards, including Speed Racer (highest max speed), Chatterbox (most heavily using the GroupRide messaging feature), Worker Bee (most time spent pedaling) and more3.

● Receive road hazard alerts onscreen that are reported by fellow cyclists – like potholes or fallen trees – and even contribute hazards to help alert other riders1. These features aren’t exclusive to the Edge 1050, allowing people to create their own communities. GroupRide updates and road hazard alerts will be available on Edge 540, Edge 840 and Edge 1040 series cycling computers soon!

by 11 athletes from the National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines (NMSAAP), competing from among 1,400 athletes worldwide, including former world champions. The Filipino contingent consisted of Fresnido (javelin throw), John Aguilar (100m), Severino Alacar (10km and 5km walk), Benigno Marayag (triple jump and long jump), Drolly Claravall (hammer throw and discus throw), Riezel Buenaventura (pole vault), Nhea Ann Barcena (half marathon), Judith Staples (pole vault and discus throw), Kho (400m), Zinampan (100m, 200m, and 80m hurdles), and Edward Obiena (pole vault and discus throw), who is the uncle of world-ranked pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

The team’s participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, represented by Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, along with sponsorship from 5TFA Director Atty. Al Agra, Benjamin Cesar of Asics Corp USA, WristPod, Grace and Abundance Sportswear Tailoring, Unisol, Masiv Sports, Sonak Corporation, EdObee Sports, and PenserQ.

HOMEGROWN swimming stars stole the limelight from their foreign-born counterparts on the second day of the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Trials for long course (50-meters) at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC).

National junior record holders and multi-titled athletes Jamesrey Ajido and Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh led the local charge, winning multiple gold medals in their respective divisions and overshadowing the Filipino-foreign swimmers, including Paris Olympics veteran Jarold Hatch. The 15-year-old Ajido, a gold medalist at the Asian Age Group Championships last February in New Clark City, shattered the Southeast Asian Age Group Qualifying Time Standard (QTS) in the boys’ 14-15 100-meter butterfly (57.47), clocking 56.25. He also matched the QTS (24.64) in the 50-meter freestyle, securing a total of four gold medals in the event used to select members of the national swimming pool. The trials were backed by Speedo, Pocari Sweat, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Ajido, representing FTW Royals Swim, defeated Rodevic Gonzalvo (59.33) and Kristian Cabana (1:00.08) in the 100-meter butterfly, then outpaced rivals Jet Berueda (25.68) and Elijah Ebayan (25.87) in the 50-meter freestyle.

Danilo Fresnido (6th from left) enjoys the full support of his masters’ teammates in Gothenburg, Sweden. NMSAAP

Jamesrey Ajido

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Flying Titans

Cool Smashers, clash in key PVL showdown

CREAMLINE and Choco Mucho, which recently faced off in a thrilling All-Filipino finals before a massive crowd, will square off for the first time in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference today (Saturday), promising to draw a sellout crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The 5 p.m. encounter is crucial for both teams as they push towards the quarterfinals with only three playdates left in the crossover round.

Creamline, currently tied with Chery Tiggo at fourth place with a 4-2 record, needs a win to strengthen its position in the top eight. On the other hand, Choco Mucho, sitting at ninth place with a 2-4 slate, is in desperate need of a victory to revive its campaign.

Both teams, known for their strong fan bases, are determined to secure a win in a match, which follows their last All-Filipino encounter that attracted over 23,000 spectators at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

However, the teams are also facing significant challenges due to the absence of key players. The Alas Pilipinas team’s commitment to international exhibitions means Creamline will continue to play without star players Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza. Similarly, Choco Mucho will be without the dynamic Sisi Rondina and top middle blocker Cherry Nunag.

Other teams are also coping with the loss of key players.

Chery Tiggo is missing Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Cignal is without Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig, Akari hope to continue to buck the absence of Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos, and so does PLDT with Dell Palomata.

In other matches, Chery Tiggo aims to improve its 4-2 record against ZUS Coffee, which has been eliminated after losing its first six games.

Xiaomi Pop Run set Aug. 31 at SM MOA Complex

XIAOMI continues to empower Filipinos’ running eras with this year’s edition of its much-awaited Xiaomi Pop Run on August 31 at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

The Xiaomi Pop Run 2024 is split into two categories: a Professional Race for those serious about running and competing, and a Fun Run for those who just want a casual and stressfree run testing themselves.

The Professional Race is a ranked 10-km run to see who the fastest is. Not only will runners in the Professional Race compete to set the quickest time, but they’ll also be racing to win gadgets and devices from the smartphone brand. The champion will win a Xiaomi 13T smartphone, while second and third place will win a Xiaomi Watch S2 and Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo, respectively. Meanwhile, the Fun Run is a 5-km race with no time rankings— runners will only compete against themselves to try and set a new personal record. Due to overwhelming demand, runner kits for the Xiaomi Pop Run are limited. We’ve reached our initial registration cap but will open additional slots soon. The first group of registrants will receive an exclusive race t-shirt, a finisher bag, a fascia ball, and a finisher’s medal upon completing any category.

To ensure all participants can join the fun, we encourage subsequent registrants to wear something orange during the race.

Stay tuned for updates on the release of new registration slots on the Official Xiaomi Facebook Page.

PH joins call to include boxing in LA Olympics

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines will continue to support efforts to lobby for the inclusion of boxing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino said this on reports that the International Olympic Committee did not include the sport on the

LA 2028 program.

“The Philippines is part of the newly formed international federation, which was formed after the international federation, IBA, lost recognition due to bad governance. May bago, may idagdag na reforms dito,” said Tolentino.

Tolentino said this on Friday, when he and National Golf Association of the Philippine secretary general Bones Floro guested at The Agenda forum of Atty. Fred Mison at the Club Filipino in Greenhills.

A decision on boxing’s inclusion at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has to be made in 2025, according to IOC

president Thomas Bach. The boxing competition at the Paris Olympics was organized and ran by the IOC after it removed its recognition of the IBA last year over its failure to implement reforms on governance and finance.

The Philippines bagged two bronze medals in the Paris games behind the performances of female boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.

The IOC has told national boxing federations to create a new global boxing body or risk missing out on the Olympics in four years’ time.

Tolentino said the new body will seek reforms in judging and scoring,

Tolentino reiterates need for house of POC

ONE of the most ideal ways to immortalize the historic achievements of Filipino athletes not only from those in the last two Summer Olympics is through a sports museum inside a stand-alone Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headquarters.

“We’ve participated in the Olympics for a century, but up to now, the POC still needs to have its own home,” POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino told The Agenda media forum hosted by Siegfred Mison at the Club Filipino in San Juan on Friday.

“My vision about the House of POC includes a museum where the memorabilia of our great athletes, including those of Caloy [Carlos Yulo] and Hidilyn [Diaz-Naranjo], could be viewed

AS the Philippine Olympic delegates battle through the competition, Cignal TV, together with MVP Group companies PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, mWell, and Carmen’s Best, is at the forefront of galvanizing support for Filipino athletes competing in the Olympics.

Raising national aspirations

As Official Broadcaster of the games, Cignal TV is providing unparalleled coverage of the various competitions across multiple platforms – from free-to-air TV to pay TV, OTT, and social media channels. PLDT and Smart are the Official Broadcast Partners, while MPIC and Meralco are the Official Broadcast Sponsors for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“Sports is a metaphor for life. When our athletes succeed, it shows our countrymen what is possible, and what they themselves can achieve. It inspires us, and unites us,” said PLDT, MPIC, and Mediaquest Chairman, Manuel V. Pangilinan. “Through our collective efforts led by Cignal, we are doing our part to empower our athletes to aim for greater success.”

The Olympic Games

In-Depth For Every Filipino In partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee, Cignal TV has provided Filipino sports fans unprecedented

access to their favorite athletes. From their preparation and training, down to their daily experiences in Paris, Cignal TV is showcasing our Olympic athletes’ challenging journey to the Filipino audience.

One Sports has become the central open platform hub for livestreaming select events, highlights, features, and articles for all things Olympics. In addition, Cignal TV has launched three 24/7 channels dedicated to the Olympic Games, as well streaming the coverage live via Cignal Play. Satlite, meanwhile, offers two 24/7 channels for their subscribers.

Cignal’s award-winning OTT sports platform, Pilipinas Live, provides unprecedented access to the Olympics, featuring live events and in-depth updates on the 22 Filipino athletes, as well as a premium selection of events that Filipinos love such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, football, swimming, and athletics, among others. Additionally, the app provides an extensive ancillary content offering, giving fans a much closer look into the world of their favorite Filipino athletes. In support of Cignal TV, the Mediaquest Group has left no stone unturned to ensure all Filipinos have access to the games wherever they may be, lending all available platforms for the endeavor. On free-to-air TV,

by Filipinos,” he said.

Tolentino started advocating for a House of POC after weightlifter DiazNaranjo won the country’s first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020 (2021) where boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam also got silvers and Eumir Felix Marcia bagged bronze.

He sought Malacañang’s help then for the project which he recommended to be within the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, but his request was shelved.

“It would be ideal for the House of POC to be close to the airport for accessibility of foreign sports dignitaries who will come for official functions or for a visit,” he said.

Tolentino said he already aired his request to President Ferdinand R. Marcos during the welcome dinner for the Filipino Olympians from Paris led by double gold

where a challenge system will be put in place. Next year, the IOC will make a decision on the sport’s fate, if boxing will or will not be part of Los Angeles event.

A new organization called World Boxing was put up in 2023 and currently has 37 members.

To be recognized by the IOC, the body needs at least 50 members.

“There’s lobby and the organization needs more than 50 members. Pero malapit nang mag-50. So, may pagasa,” said Tolentino.

The IOC withdrew its support of the IBA in 2019 over governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues.

medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo on Tuesday night

“The President was receptive to the proposal and I’m hopeful our vision would be realized this time,” he said.

The POC, for the longest time since the country started participating in the Olympics in 1924 in Paris, doesn’t have its own permanent office or headquarters.

“Call it pathetic, but after a hundred years in the Olympics, we still don’t have a house of our own,” he said. “Timor Leste, the smallest among Southeast Asian countries, in fact, has a national Olympic committee headquarters complete with all amenities … the works.”

By amenities, Tolentino meant a museum, multi-purpose hall, office rooms, gym and even a laboratory.

The POC has held a small office at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex for decades before transferring to the PhilSports Complex (formerly Ultra), which is controlled by the Department of Education.

Shown here are (from left) Kayla Sanchez, Cynthia Carrion, Emma Malabuyo, Samantha Catantan, Aleah Finnegan, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Lauren Hoffman, Hergie Bacyadan.(Second row, L-R) Miko Vargas, Jarryd Bello, Patrick Gregorio, Team Philippines Chef de Mission Jonvic Remulla, John Tolentino, Jarod Hatch, Terry Capistrano, Marcus Manalo.

Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are shown with fellow Paris Olympians and Grade 4 students from the Villamor Air Base Elementary School during the Filipino Olympians’ welcome celebration at the Maharlika Lounge of the Villamor Air Base.

in Malacañang.

POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino

$2.88 billion

Cash remittances in June 2024

$3.21 billion

Personal remittances in June 2024

$16.25 billion

Cash remittances in first half of 2024

BSP: Inflation on its way down despite interest cut

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

INFLATION rate will track a downward path in the coming months despite the Monetary Board’s decision to cut key interest rates Thursday, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said.

Remolona, who is also the chairman of the policy-making Monetary Board, said the bank had considered factors on possible inflation resurgence in cutting the overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 percent.

“All the factors that we considered that are risky on the high side seem very unlikely. So, I think we’re very confident that inflation is on its way down,” Remolona said in an interview with CNBC. He said inflation was well behaved, consistently reflecting the projected figures of the central bank.

“Our inflation numbers have been well behaved in the sense that they’ve been consistent with our projections. Even the July number was expected—4.4 percent partly on base effects. If you take out the base effect, it would go down to 4.1, which is still outside our target range, but still it wasn’t an unexpected number,” he said.

Remolona reiterated that there might be another rate cut this year, which would move the gross domestic product growth up.

“The relevant policy horizon is 2025, because our monetary policy transmission mechanism has long lags. So we cut yesterday, we might cut again sometime during the year, and then we hope that has a significant effect on growth,” he said.

Remolona also said the Monetary Board was not worried too much about the depreciation of the peso against the US dollar, following the rate cut decision.

RELIEF DISTRIBUTION.

Shopee, a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, teams up with SPX Express to mobilize its resources to help victims of Typhoon Carina. Through its disaster relief aid program, Shopee Bayanihan, the platform donated relief goods to areas that were severely affected by the typhoon such as Mandaluyong, Bulacan and Parañaque.

June remittances grew 2.5% to hit 6-month high

By Domingo Juan and Ralph Harvey Rirao

CASH remittances sent home by millions of Filipinos working overseas reached a six-month high in June 2024, helping boost household spending in the country.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that cash remittances rose 2.5 percent in June to $2.88 billion from $2.81 billion a year ago.

“The expansion in cash remittances in June 2024 was due to the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers,” the BSP said.

This brought total cash remittances to $16.25 billion in the first half of 2024, up by 2.9 percent from $15.79 billion registered in the same period last year.

Higher inflows from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Singapore

contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in the six-month period. Personal remittances, which include bank-based transactions and non-cash items, also rose 2.5 percent in June to $3.21 billion from $3.13 billion registered in June 2023.

The BSP said this was due to higher remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year.

The June figure expanded the cumulative remittances in the first

half by 2.9 percent to $18.10 billion from $17.59 billion a year earlier.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort traced the modest rise in remittances in June partly to the need for school-related expenses and summer vacation requirements. He said the remittance inflows in June were the highest since December 2023. He predicted a similar growth in the coming months, “as OFW families/dependents still need to cope up with relatively higher prices/ inflation locally.”

Ricafort said, however, that among the factors that might limit OFWs from sending more money to their families are the possible economic slowdown in the US and other OFW-host countries over the continued elevated Federal Reserve’s interest rates.

TRANSMISSION ASSETS. The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) sign an agreement to resume the physical inventory of transmission assets on Aug. 14, 2024. Signing the memorandum of agreement are NGCP president and chief executive Anthony Almeda (second from left) and TransCo president and chief executive Fortunato Leynes (third from left). Under the newly-inked MOA, TransCo is permitted to conduct a comprehensive physical inventory and validation of transmission assets.

Debt rating upgrade boosts PH status as investment hub

THE Philippines’ latest credit rating upgrade will help attract more foreign investors in the country, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).

PEZA said in a statement the ‘A-‘ credit score, with stable outlook given by Japan’s Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I), reflects the Philippines’ status as a top destination for foreign investors, supported by consistently-high economic growth, strong fiscal position and rosy economic outlook.

“Following the strategic investment generation and FDI [foreign direct investment] collaboration plans of our government spearheaded by

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., PEZA remains bullish in enhancing and strengthening our efforts even more to secure partnerships from a large number of investors in different industries for the continuous boost in the Philippines’ economic growth and progress,” PEZA director-general Tereso Panga said.

Data compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority show that the combined investment pledges processed by the government’s investment promotion agencies climbed by 28 percent in the first six months of 2024 to P1.024 trillion from P797.70 billion a year ago.

The PSA said investment

Expert warns of declining water availability

A WATER regulation expert urged immediate reforms to water laws amid declining water availability in the Philippines.

National Water Resources Board (NWRB) water rights division litigation and adjudication head Rebyanne Giselle Diaz said the country has been under water stress since 2007, with current water availability ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 cubic meters per capita.

Speaking at a Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) forum hosted on the Socioeconomic Research Portal of the Philippines (SERP-P), Diaz stressed the need to

re-examine how water is allocated. She said current Philippine legal frameworks and water allocation systems may not suffice to cope with increasing water scarcity and changing water use patterns.

“If the trajectory we want is to be able to do more with less, the law should support that effort and not directly oppose it,” Diaz said. She said the law should be more adaptable to meet changing needs, especially given the projected decline in per capita water availability.

The presentation reviewed the historical context of Philippine water laws, noting significant developments from the Spanish era to the present.

commitments amounted to P309 billion in the first quarter and P717 billion in the second quarter of 2024.

Tokyo-based R&I upgraded the country’s credit rating from ‘BBB+’ with a positive outlook to ‘A-‘ with stable outlook, saying the country demonstrated strong gross domestic product growth in Southeast Asia.

This is now the country’s second ‘A’- rating from Japanese debt watchers. The Philippines received ‘A-‘ score from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) in 2020.

The country successfully maintained its high investment-grade status across all major regional and international debt rating agencies.

NEDA seeks review of ‘food bundle’ in poverty data

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) underscored the need to review the prescribed “food bundle” in the computation of poor and food-poor Filipinos.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said a part of the government’s role is to measure and monitor the trend of poverty over the years.

“This task requires us to develop a consistent survey methodology patterned after international standards, hence, the use of these thresholds. However, as I have mentioned in the recent briefings of the Development Budget Coordination Committee to the Senate, there is a need to revisit the prescribed food bundle to ensure that it accurately represents the commonly consumed food by Filipinos,” Balisacan said in a statement.

The NEDA chief issued the statement to address misconceptions about the “food and poverty thresholds.”

“We recognize that poverty pertains to a state of deprivation and an individual’s perception of the quality of life they enjoy compared to their aspirations. The food threshold represents the cost of a food bundle that meets the energy and micronutrient requirements of the average Filipino. Over time, we expect food [and non-food] preferences to change, partly due to lifestyle changes, changes in relative prices, and even increases in income,” he said.

MACROASIA Corp. said Wednesday its net income surged 122 percent in the first half to P849.10 million from the same period last year.

The company said the significant growth was fueled by a 29-percent rise in revenue to P4.77 billion and a substantial contribution growth from its associates.

MacroAsia said second-quarter sales reached a record P2.55 billion, pushing net income to P512.06 million.

The company’s inflight catering and food services revenue went up by 14 percent to P2.15 billion due to a rise in meals sold, totaling 11.56 million in the first half of 2024.

MacroAsia’s food segment is working on a facility expansion of its commissary outside the airport, as its fiveyear old facility in Muntinlupa City is nearing full capacity due to the rapid growth of its clients.

Ground-handling services posted a 48-percent revenue increase, reaching P2.19 billion, supported by the handling of 98,026 flights during the period.

Water operations contributed P327.13 million, reflecting a 14-percent growth due to increased volume in water concession accounts.

It said despite a 22-percent increase in total direct costs amounting to P3.44 billion, the growth rate of these costs remained lower than the rate of revenue growth, underscoring the company’s effective cost management strategies.

This growth was largely driven by the company’s joint venture in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) through Lufthansa Technik Philippines (LTP).

LTP reported a quarterly net income of P592.33 million, with MacroAsia’s 49-percent share amounting to P290.24 million.

Other contributing associates include Japan Airport Service Co. Ltd. based in Narita, Japan and Cebu Pacific Catering Services in Mactan, Cebu.

The company plans to expand in Clark, Pampanga to partly address the growing and continuing demand for heavy repair services for widebody aircraft of clients from all over the world Darwin G. Amojelar

REDC sustains growth with P97-m income in 6 months

REPOWER Energy Development Corp., a subsidiary of Pure Energy Holdings Corp., reported an 8-percent increase in net income of P96.97 million in the first half of 2024 from P89.86 million a year ago.

REDC said Friday it sustained its growth momentum on steady operations of existing and recently-commissioned Tibag and Lower Labayat run-of-the-river mini hydropower plants.

REDC’s gross revenues grew to P281.34 million from P219.54 million on a year-over-year basis, having eight hydropower plants in operation with a combined capacity of 16 megawatts.

“REDC’s financial results for the first half of 2024 demonstrate that the company remains on the right track in its goal of expanding its portfolio of run-of-the-river hydropower plants nationwide,” REDC president and chief executive Eric Peter Roxas said.

“Moving forward, a critical objective for us will be to continue growing our revenues, while exercising greater control over the expenditures, in order to maximize our profitability for the remainder of the year as well as in 2025,” he said. The company’s gross sale of electricity in the second quarter increased year on year to P110.83 million from P98.58 million.

Gross expenses sharply increased to P65.92 million from P46.87 million, with the commissioning of its two new plants.

Globe secures P22-b loan from 3 banks for upgrades

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GThe company said that by helping improve the country’s digital infrastructure, it connects remote communities, enabling residents to access vital online services,

to remote areas across the country, with its network now reaching over 500 geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks zoomed more than 150 points Friday to close the week above the 6,800 level as investors cheered the rate reduction by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, signaling the start of monetary easing.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 6,847.37, after rising by 154.46 points or 2.31 percent from the previous day.

The all-shares index also ended at 3,691.42, up by 63.27 points, or 1.74 percent.

The Monetary Board on Thursday reduced its policy rate to 6.25 percent, the first in nearly four years.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the positive sentiment was reinforced as Wall Street ended in the green as investors welcomed the stronger-thanexpected retail sales and weekly jobless claims.

Limlingan said these factors eased investors’ concern over a potential US recession.

Value turnover improved to P6.67 billion.

SMIC named ‘Conglomerate

of the Year’ at 21st International Business Awards

THE International Business Awards (IBAs), one of the world’s premier business awards programs, conferred SM Investments Corp. with distinguished accolades at the 21st Annual International Business Awards.

SM Investments received a gold Stevie for Company of the Year in the Conglomerates category and a Silver Stevie for Best Annual Report.

The Gold Stevie highlighted SM Investments’ exceptional growth from a small shoe store in Manila to becoming one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates.

The award underlined the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers across its expansive network in retail, property, banking, and investment sectors.

The judges commended SM Investments for its impressive growth and

impact on the Philippine economy.

“SM Investments’ impressive finan

cial performance, strong commitment to sustainability and substantial contributions to social welfare and the economy underscore its status as a leading conglomerate in the Philippines,” said a judge from the Stevie Awards.

Another judge also lauded SM for continuing to serve its customers and how it looks forward to serve more communities as it expands across the nation.

“This recognition inspires us more to deliver products and services that matter to our customers while positively impacting the communities we serve. We hope to continue growing together with our stakeholders and to contribute to a more sustainable future,” SM Investments president and chief executive Frederic DyBuncio said.

All sub-indices ended the green, led by services which climbed by 3.12 percent, financials by 2.15 percent and property by 1.91 percent.

PSE president Ramon Monzon said he expects more active trading for the remainder of the year following the rate cut. Monzon said the current pipeline of fund-raising activities in the local bourse include five follow-on offerings, one stock rights offering and an initial public offering, which could generate up to P48.36 billion in fresh capital.

“PSE continues to pursue projects that will sustain the company’s growth over the years. This includes the planned acquisition of the Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corp., which we target to complete in the next few months,” Monzon said. Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly rose Thursday, with strong retail sales data dispelling worries about the strength of the US economy. Retail sales in the United States soared past analyst expectations in July, climbing by 1.0 percent, data showed. With AFP

SHAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures Inc.

one of the leading restaurant and food service groups in the Philippines, said Friday it is maintaining its mid-teens earnings (13 percent to 19 percent) growth for 2024 even after posting a 14-percent decline in first-half profit.

Shakey’s said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it expects net income to recover in the second half as input costs are expected to improve.

“Amid a challenging environment, we see how our group has been reaping the benefits of a multi-brand portfolio. Furthermore, with easing input costs and a better profitability outlook in the second half, we have room to invest in growth and expansion,”

Shakey’s said.

“Hence, we remain cautiously optimistic with our mid-teens growth outlook in both top and bottomline,” it said.

Net income in the first half reached P420 million, down 14 percent from P489 million recorded in the same period last year on soft consumer environment.

First-half systemwide sales rose 14 percent year-on-year to P10.1 billion, driven by new stores that opened during the period and sustained growth in same-store sales. The group opened 210 new units in the six month-period, boosting its total network to 2,351 stores and outlets as of end June. About 13 percent of its network is comprised of international units.

DONATION. Preda Foundation Inc. founder and vice president Fr.

CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS. PLDT Enterprise completes the rollout of advanced connectivity solutions to the newly-constructed municipal building of Agoncillo,

BUSINESS

Caltex expands network with 18 new retail outlets

CALTEX, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), expanded its retail footprint across the country by opening 18 new service stations in the first half of 2024.

The company said in a statement the expansion aligns with Caltex’s mission to continuously provide clean, quality fuels to its customers for a smoother and more enjoyable journey.

“Opening 18 new Caltex stations in the first half of the year underscores our commitment to grow together with our retailers, while expanding our footprint to continuously provide quality fuels to our motorists across the nation,” Chevron Philippines country chairman and general manager Billy Liu said.

Caltex opened Caltex stations in CALABARZON area. The one located in Carsadang Bago, Emus, Cavite is expected to serve neighboring cities and municipalities in Cavite, while another Caltex station in Alaminos, Laguna will serve thousands of visitors that are making their way to the famous Hidden Valley Springs. About an hour or two-hour drive away is new Caltex station in Lemery, Batangas along National Highway.

Cebu

Landmasters

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CEBU Landmasters Inc. (CLI), a leading developer in the Visayas and Mindanao, reported a 24-percent increase in first-half net income to P1.7 billion from P1.37 billion in the same period last year. First-half revenues rose 24 percent to P11.31 billion from P9.15 billion a year earlier, CLI said in disclosure to the stock exchange Friday. The company attributed the strong first-half results to the ongoing construction progress, a substantial rise in hotel and leas-

The area is popular because of its proximity to beach resorts and Taal Basilica, drawing many visitors and tourists as well.

Caltex also opened new stations in Central Luzon, particularly in Nueva Ecija, known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines” with agriculture being its main industry.

Caltex opened six new stations in the province. These include one in San Jose, two in Cabanatuan and two more in the municipality of Talavera. Two new Caltex stations also opened in Tarlac, Pampanga, specifically in Maliwalo and San Nicolas, just a few minutes’ ride away from each other.

In the Ilocos Region, the new Caltex site is located in the province of La Union in Barangay Bato, Naguilan. La Union is renowned for its excellent surfing for both beginners and seasoned surfers alike. It is also known for its natural and heritage attractions and other cultural activities.

CreditSights says SMCGP’s credit matrix improved

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CREDITSIGHTS Inc., a financial research company, cited San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp.’s improved credit metrics over the past five quarters and predicted further gains due to several positive factors. CreditSights said lower thermal coal input costs, projected by its sister company BMI to average $135 per ton in 2024 amid increased supply and softening demand, would bolster expectations. The full-year impact of a larger 910-megawatt emergency power supply agreement (EPSA) with Manila Electric Co. is another positive factor. Additional contributors include the newly commissioned Mariveles power plant, 220 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects completed in the second half of 2023, 110 MWh of BESS projects completed in the first quarter of 2024, and a new 400-megawatt interim power supply agreement secured from August 2024 to February 2025. SMCGP’s first-half results were strong as expected, CreditSights said.

Revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization climbed 17% and 44% year-overyear, respectively, driven by robust power sales volume growth, new capacities and power contracts, and lower thermal coal input costs. “While liquidity remained poor, we expect bank funding channels to remain open for SMCGP for refinancing of its existing loan facilities given its improving credit profile and the strong reputation of its parent SMC [San Miguel Corp.],” the company said.

cost of P124.29 million. The project cuts in the existing Pinagbuhatan-SM

source of Cathay Pacific Steel Corp. (CAPASCO) and assuring voltage

Taguig even when there is an outage on any of the

posted P1.7-b net income in

first

six months Australian gov’t, PDRF distribute connectivity tools

THE Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), with the support of the Australian government, turned over emergency communications equipment to select cities and barangays in Catanduanes, Agusan del Norte, and Eastern Samar to support their communications during disasters.

The Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (REACHED) Project distributed 206 essential communications equipment such as Starlink, radio systems, portable generator sets, power stations, access points, satellite phones and drones to 15 disaster risk reduction and management offices and select barangays in Virac, Catanduanes, Butuan, Agusan del Norte and Borongan, Samar.

The project will also be providing these offices with Smart Communications Inc.’s Ligtas Kits to enhance disaster response capabilities.

Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu attended the ceremonial turnover with representatives from the Australian government, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Globe Telecom, PLDT-Smart and the World Food Programme.

“I am so delighted that the Australian Government could be a part of this really wonderful partnership. To help you in some way to deal with disasters that may come your way. In a way that is humane, kind, and caring. In a way where we can try and protect as many human beings as possible during crisis,” said Yu. Mayors of the recipient cities expressed their gratitude to the Australian government and PDRF.

ing revenues and an increase in new units qualifying for revenue recognition, alongside a one-off lot sale.

CLI chairman and chief executive Jose Soberano III expressed confidence in sustaining the growth trajectory, citing upcoming projects and further expansion into new markets.

The company saw a significant growth in its hotel segment, with the addition of two operating hotels—lyf Cebu City and The Pad Co-Living, complementing the existing Citadines Cebu City.

CLI expects further growth with

the opening of the 200-room Citadines Bacolod City and increasing MICE bookings.

CLI launched four new projects valued at P8.3 billion in the first half. These include Tower 6 of The East Village in Davao, Tower 5 of Casa Mira Towers Palawan, Casa Mira Homes Butuan and Velmiro Heights Davao.

The demand for CLI’s residential projects remains strong, with new developments selling out rapidly, such as Velmiro Heights Davao, which sold out in less than two days.

Reservation sales in the first half

reached P11.6 billion, up 10-percent year-on-year. Nearly half of the reservation sales came from Davao projects.

CLI raised P4.28 billion in April through an oversubscribed preferred shares offering, which will be used to fund expansion plans.

The company invested P6.76 billion in capital expenditures in the first six months, with 67 percent allocated to project development and 19 percent to land acquisition.

It is finalizing negotiations for land acquisitions to support its strategic expansion into both established and new markets.

Flood victims blame unfinished Marikina River flood control project

A GROUP of Quezon City residents filed a complaint before the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over an unfinished portion of the Marikina River flood control project that allegedly led to flooding in Quezon City last month.

Alvin Emil Esberto, president of Vista Real Classica Federation of Homeowners’ Association Inc. (VRCFHAI), sent a letter to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan dated August 12, 2024 to report that a portion of Vista Real Classica Subdivision in

Batasan Hills was flooded at the hip level during the heavy rains caused by Typhoon Carina on July 24, 2024.

“Upon investigation, we found out that a portion of the Marikina River Dike Wall [a project of DPWH], is left unfinished. The unfinished gap measures around 5 to 6 meters wide. Consequently, the water from Marikina River went inside our village through that opening,” Esberto said in the letter.

“In view thereof, we respectfully request your good office

that the said opening be permanently closed to spare us from another flooding,” Esberto said.

The VRCFHAI also sent copies of the letter to the office of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

The unfinished section, along Boston Street, is part of Vista Real Classica Subdivision. The flooded waters swamped homes and properties there. The project was intended to prevent similar damage caused by Typhoon Ondoy, which inundated the subdivision in 2009.

POWER retailer Manila Electric Company (Meralco), a company led by businessman Manuel Pangilinan, said it completed the Napindan 115 kV Switching Station in Taguig City.

Meralco said that with a cost of P124.29 million, the project cuts in the existing Pinagbuhatan-SM Shangrila 115 kV line, allowing an alternate source of Cathay Pacific Steel Corp. (CAPASCO) and assuring voltage quality in the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig and Taguig even when there is an outage on any of the sub-transmission lines.

Meralco demonstrates its commitment to provide safe, stable and reliable electricity service to its customers by investing on projects aimed to improve its electricity distribution system.

Among the major distribution network projects completed by Meralco in the first half of the year are the new gas-insulated switchgear Pallocan West Substation in Batangas City; and the expansion of the Eton Centris 115 kV-34.5 kV GIS Substation in Quezon City. Meralco said it also completed the development of a new control house with switchgear room at the Novaliches Substation and the replacement of the 34.5 kV Switchgear No. 1 at Meycauayan Substation in Bulacan.

Meralco is the country’s biggest power distributor with nearly 8 million customers in its franchise area.

Residents of Vista Real Classica Federation of Homeowners’ Association Inc. (VRCFHAI) in Quezon City complain of the unfinished portion of the Marikina River flood control which caused flooding in July 2024.

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) completes the Napindan 115 kV Switching Station in Taguig City with was built at a

Shangrila 115 kV line, allowing an alternate

quality in the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig and

sub-transmission lines.

GCash teams up with Toki for secure payment system

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GCASH, the leading Philippine financial app, signed a partnership with Toki, the first social e-commerce platform in the country dedicated to collectibles.

The partnership aims to build a secure community of verified buyers and sellers of collector items such as sneakers, Lego, toys, sport cards, trading cards Funko and others.

The integration of GCash into the Toki platform will give its users access to a seamless and secure payment platform as well as provide them with consumer financing such as GCredit and GGives.

Toki sellers will have the possibility to be equipped with GCash QR codes to streamline the payment

process and enhance overall user experience. The partnership will also integrate Toki into GCash’s dynamic lineup of lifestyle products under the GLife feature by next year. Launched by former GCash employees Frederic Levy, Zoe Ocampo and Jules Jurado, Toki is a pioneering social e-commerce platform that caters specifically to the needs of collectors. As avid collectors themselves, the founders are familiar with the challenges local enthusiasts face in selling or buying collectibles. Toki offers a smooth, secure, onestop shop and mobile-first environment where every seller is curated, every collectible is verified, every transaction guaranteed, ensuring a trustworthy and efficient transaction experience.

BSP commits to sustainability agenda

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday released its 2023 Sustainability Report which lays out the rationale and progress of its climate response.

The report is anchored on the BSP’s mandates and the country’s broader climate goals such as those under the National Adaptation Plan 2023-2050 and the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050. The agenda have three main thrusts which include managing climate and environment-related risks to price and financial stability, mobilizing green

finance and implementing sustainability in own operations.

It cited accomplishments in 2023 and in the first half of 2024 and covers the issuance of regulatory incentives for sustainable finance, the publication of the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines, research on the impact of climate change on monetary policy and

BDO named best bank in PH for 13th time, bags multiple awards in Singapore

BDO Unibank Inc. was named as the Best Bank in the Philippines at the 18th Annual Alpha Southeast Asia Best Financial Institution Awards 2024, marking its 13th win.

The prestigious accolade underscores BDO’s continuing commitment to service excellence and enhancing customer experience across its wide range of financial products and services.

“I am immensely proud of our team. Their passion, hard work and consistency in the pursuit of service excellence is truly commendable. These awards are for them,” said BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan.

BDO also received the Best Cash Management Bank in the Philippines award for the 9th consecutive year, showcasing the bank’s consistency in providing effective solutions to help businesses manage their cash flow

requirements, liquidity and financial resources.

BDO Private Bank was honored as the Best Wealth Management Bank in the Philippines for 17 straight years at the Annual Best Private Wealth Awards 2024, reflecting its consistency in delivering sophisticated wealth management solutions to its clients.

BDO Capital & Investment Corp. bagged the Best Investment Bank in the Philippines award for the 13th time. BDO Capital also secured the Best Bond House in the country for the 11th year, in recognition of its innovative strategies and customercentric approach in offering optimal solutions to achieve business goals.

BDO, at the 14th Annual Treasury & FX Awards 2024, was honored with dual awards for Best FX Bank for Structured Hedging Solutions and Proprietary Trading Ideas, alongside Best FX Bank for Retail Clients.

the banking system and the BSP’s integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in its investments and reserves management.

“A climate-resilient economy and financial stability are mutually reinforcing outcomes. The BSP is thus committed to supporting the collective effort to unlock finance for adaptation measures that need to be implemented by the public sector, private enterprises and households,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said.

The report also expounds the refined strategic intent of the BSP’s climate response.

“We are pursuing a sustainability

agenda that is inclusive and grounded on the country’s special climate risks,” Remolona said.

Inclusive sustainability implies managing the unintended exclusionary effects of climate action and promoting green finance to the benefit of the most vulnerable sectors, according to the BSP. It said the report is in line with its efforts to champion sustainability principles and practices in the financial sector. The report also serves as a tool to engage the public, policymakers and the business and development communities as partners in the wholeof-nation climate resilience efforts.

Bangko Sentral, DOLE ask firms to adopt digital wage payments for workers

Inclusion Forum for the Labor and Employers Sector at the BSP Manila Head Office on July 2 focused on the benefits and advantages of digital wage payments payroll solutions for both employees and employers. Based on the results of the 2021 Financial Inclusion Survey of the BSP, around

70 percent of salaries from the private sector in the country are still paid in cash. Digitalizing wage payments is one of the most effective tools in driving financial inclusion. A study indicated that more than half of adults in developing countries opened their first bank accounts to receive digital wage payments.

The BSP said that for employees, wage digitalization can unlock access to financial products and services – such as savings and insurance – which enhance resilience and financial health. For employers, digital wage payments bring

significant gains such as productivity improvement, accuracy, safety, access to finance and markets and enterprise formalization.

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that given the value of digital wage payments to both the labor and the business sectors, the promotion of the shift from cash to digital payments should be sustained.

“Let us continue working together to make the goal of a more financially inclusive and resilient Philippines a reality,” she said.

THE Government Service Insurance System said its insurance program would help expedite the repair of public schools damaged by Typhoon Carina.

More than 132,000 public school buildings were protected by the National Indemnity Insurance Program (NIIP) before the typhoon struck.

“This insurance coverage will provide critical funds to rebuild classrooms and minimize learning disruptions,” GSIS president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said. “Without this program, the government would face significant challenges in allocating resources for repairs.” The NIIP covers government-owned assets including schools. In the next few years, coverage will extend to hospitals and other infrastructures such as

The forum’s resource persons included International Labor Organization social finance technical expert Valérie Breda, Employers Confederation of the Philippines governor Federico Marquez Jr., Maya Philippines business development head of ecosystem and tech partnerships Beatrice Carla Bengzon, Cooperative Insurance System of the Philippines chief of underwriting officer and chief technology officer Christopher Marquez, BSP director Rochelle Tomas and BSP bank officer Ruel Despabiladeras.

GS1 PH, CCIP team up to combat fake products

GS1 Philippines, a leading organization on local barcode standards, teamed up with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) to revolutionize product authenticity and visibility through a series of seminars. The seminars, attended by representatives from various cosmetics companies, featured courses including tackling the latest trends

providing immediate financial assistance after disasters. The Bureau of the Treasury purchased a one-year GSIS insurance policy valued at P843 billion for over 132,000 Department of Education school buildings nationwide. The policy protects schools from losses caused by fire, lightning, typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and

By

DTI trade fair brings best of the regions THE Department of Trade and Industry said it will

GCash emerges as a trusted partner for micro, small and medium enterprises, providing meaningful and responsive digital solutions to a sector often underserved by traditional banking

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

rieramallari@yahoo.com

LEADING global smartphone devices provider HONOR just released its latest viral smartphone HONOR 200 and with its revolutionary AI Portrait Photography capabilities, a debate sparked whether HONOR 200 is at par with professional cameras.

HONOR invited photographer Migz On-onod to weigh in.

Migz On-onod is a Baguio-based Sports enthusiast with a passion for photography. His recent prenup photoshoot using the HONOR 200 created buzz online.

Amazed with the overall performance of HONOR 200, Migz On-onod referred to the AI Portrait Master as a flagship model with a mid-range price tag.

Considering the price and technology, On-onod weighed in whether HONOR 200 is now at par with professional cameras. “It’s definitely going there. With the current improvements, better color science, integration of AI, and bigger sensor size, everything will

HONOR 200 at par with professional cameras?

Photographer weighs in

lead to that at some point. For a mid-range phone? That’s unbelievable,” he answered.

Talking about his recent viral prenup photoshoot using HONOR 200 Pro, On-onod said, “I didn’t expect that I would be using HONOR 200 Pro exclusively. At first, I didn’t have any plans of using it but I received the unit a few days before the prenup shoot, so I thought it would be fun to test it out. The couple was very impressed. We even decid-

ed to not use the photos using the camera and release just the ones captured by HONOR 200.”

Be an AI Portrait Photography Get your hands on the AI Portrait Master! HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro are now available in-store nationwide priced at P24,999 and P29,999 respectively. Drop by any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, or online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H200Series_ PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_

H200Series_PR, and Tiktok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H200_PR.

To know more about the complete lineup of HONOR devices available, you may visit HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/ HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@ honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s compl ete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor. com/ph/retailers/.

itel P65: Perfect cyber-inspired phone for mecha fans

IF you’re a diehard mecha fan searching for a smartphone that captures the essence of your passion, the itel P65 is the perfect phone for you. It stands out for its cyber-inspired design in its price segment. With its sleek and impressive functionality, the P65 takes your mecha experience to the next level without breaking the bank, blending futuristic aesthetics with the practical everyday features you need at only P4,599.

Channel the aesthetic of your favorite anime robots

The P65 is a touch of mecha right in your hands. Its cyber-inspired exterior design is reminiscent of the powerful robots from your favorite anime series. The ultra-slim 7.89mm body, smooth rounded corners, and straightedge structure give the P65 a distinctive and visually striking look that is comfortable to hold. The Cyber-Shield elements, crafted from durable cold-rolled steel with a brushed metallic texture, complete the design, making it a must-have for any mecha fan.

Immerse yourself in your go-to mecha games or series

For those who love diving into mecha games or binge-watching mecha anime series, the P65 offers a fantastic viewing experience. Its 120Hz 6.7” punch-hole display showcases smooth, immersive visuals, making every battle scene and action sequence pop with clarity and

detail. Whether gaming or streaming, the P65’s advanced display technology enhances your experience, making you feel right in the middle of the action. With up to 128 GB of storage and 8

XIAOMI, a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an Internet of Things (IoT) platform at its core, proudly unveils Xiaomi Smart Band 9 in the Philippines, a groundbreaking device that redefines personal wellness and style in wearable technology.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a sleek design, offering an extensive suite of wellness features. With a 16% improvement in heart rate monitoring accuracy³, the band provides reliable all-day heart rate and SpO2 tracking, as well as a 7-day resting heart rate monitoring¹. Users can also get to know their stress levels and vitality scores to help manage daily wellness. In addition, its sophisticated sleep tracking capabilities provide an in-depth sleep insight report after 7-night above-wear, covering sleep schedule, sleep continuity, naps, all-day stress, and exercise before bed, providing personalized recommendations for enhanced sleep quality¹.

Powered by a robust 233mAh battery, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 delivers up to 21 days of continuous usage², making it an ideal companion for active lifestyles. Its vibrant 1.62” AMOLED display boasts a 50% increase in peak brightness³, reaching up to 1,200 nits, which guarantees clear visibility even in bright outdoor environments. Supporting over 150 sports modes, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is equipped

a leading

financial service for

entrepreneurs, recently launched the PayMongo Wallet, designed to make digital transactions easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines.

PayMongo CEO Jojo Malolos revealed the PayMongo Wallet is set to revolutionize digital financial transactions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in

GB of RAM, you can download and store your favorite games and series and enjoy seamless app switching and rapid memory access. Project your cyber style with Sleek Ring Light

The P65 isn’t just a smartphone—it’s a statement piece that elevates your entire mecha-themed setup. The dynamic Sleek Ring Light feature at the back of the smartphone adds a neon glow that complements your room’s lighting and decor. This customizable backlight feature isn’t just about looks; it’s functional, too. You can set it up to give app notifications, gaming updates, low battery warnings, photo timers, and more. The exciting part is that you can choose from various vibrant neon colors and customize the blinking color for each type of alert. Additionally, you can keep the light effect on for a set duration to showcase your smartphone’s design and cool backlight effect alongside your mecha collection. With P65’s Sleek Ring Light, express your style while enjoying an interactive and personalized user experience.

for both merchants and their customers while ensuring top-notch online security,” Malolos revealed.

PayMongo Wallet Key Features

Malolos explained that PayMongo Wallet is packed with features to make financial management a breeze, including Cash Flow Management, Transaction Tracking, Faster Payouts, and Flexible Platform integrations.

Ready to elevate your mecha experience? The new itel P65 is available on Shopee in Cyber Black and Cyber Titanium colors. To know more about itel P65, visit https://www.itellife.com/.

such as VO2 max and recovery time, all designed to enhance training efficiency and

performance. Blending fashion with functionality, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available in five

the

These are complemented by a

be paired with a range of

Photographer Migz On-onod

With the rise of camera-centric smartphones in the market, can it really take over professional cameras?

With the Xiaomi Smart Band 9, your health and wellness is completely your style, your pace

Made by Google ‘24: How Google AI makes your Android experience better

AT the ninth

Alongside the unveiling of the latest additions to the Pixel portfolio - the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold - Google emphasized its commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities into its devices, enhancing user experiences across both Pixel phones and the broader Android platform.

With Gemini being fully integrated into the user experience, Pixel and Android devices deliver a bigger range of more innovative and helpful features, including:

● Gemini Live: Subscribers of Gemini Advanced can now have a natural, fluid, and incredibly intuitive back-and-forth dialogue with your AI assistant. Gemini can seamlessly follow along, just like a person would.

● Gemini Overlay: Starting today, you can bring up Gemini’s overlay on top of the app you’re using to ask questions about what’s on your screen. For example, you can find specific information about a YouTube

#MadebyGoogle event, Google showcased how it is bringing the best of Google AI to the Pixel and Android ecosystems. Simplify spending with BDO Pay

Darwinbox revolutionizes Security Bank HCM operations

DARWINBOX, a global leader in providing endto-end Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS), has significantly transformed the operations of Security Bank Corporation, one of the largest private domestic universal banks in the Philippines and its subsidiaries. This comes as Darwinbox continues to enhance the HR landscape in the Philippines by helping companies optimize their human resources (HR) and improve overall operational efficiency.

Security Bank EVP and Chief People Officer, Nerissa Berba, said that Darwinbox, a new-age, enterprise-ready Human Capital Management (HCM) platform, optimized the bank’s processes, reduced manual tasks, and enhanced efficiency with streamlined workflows.

Security Bank has already observed significant enhancements in its HR processes thanks to Darwinbox. To date, it has automated close to 90 per cent of HR processes, leading to a 67 per cent increase in HR operational efficiency within the first year, which exceeded the initial projection of 30 per cent. Consequently, this has allowed for a 30 per cent improvement in report generation speed and a 75 per cent reduction in the time taken for performance administration ensuring full compliance with policies.

Berba further said that Darwinbox met all the bank’s HCM requirements. First, the entire employee lifecycle, from hire-to-retire, can be managed within Darwinbox, allowing the bank to have one system for all its employees’ needs. The Bank has implemented most of the Darwinbox modules, ensuring a consistent experience across the majority of the organization and HR processes.

Additionally, the simplicity and user-friendliness of the Darwinbox interface, along with its deep functionality and intuitive mobile app, add significant value to the Bank’s operations. The nocode backend of the highly configurable platform empowers its HR team to tailor processes to the organization’s needs without external consultants.

“[Darwinbox] is truly an empowering platform for an enterprise that is customer-first and peopleempowered,” Berba said.

Security Bank currently provides banking services across the Philippines through a dedicated workforce of nearly 9,000, who deliver the brand’s promise of ‘BetterBanking’.

“Our commitment to a future-ready organization hinged on a compelling employee value proposition and a transformative work culture,” Berba said.

Meanwhile, Darwinbox, founded in Asia and currently catering to over 950 enterprises worldwide, is actively expanding its presence in the Philippines.

video you’re watching. You can also generate images directly from the overlay and drag and drop them into apps like Gmail and Google Messages.

● More apps and extensions powered by Gemini. Gemini

CLIENTS can pay their way by linking their BDO Account or Credit Card with the BDO Pay App. Through the app, they can make direct and easy payments using their account’s available balance or credit card limit.

BDO Pay allows users to streamline their finances by linking up their BDO Accounts, including savings and checking, and credit cards to the mobile app.

This eliminates the need for ‘loading up’ their e-wallet account and spending for transfer fees, making online purchases faster, easier, and more secure.

“Our clients open and use bank accounts and credit cards for different purposes, be it for shopping, bills payment, or even savings for the future. By allowing BDO Pay users to choose which account or credit card to link with the app and use to pay, we help them manage their spending and protect their budgets,” said BDO.

BDO Pay users can take advantage of a range of convenient features, including free transfers to other BDO accounts, P10 transfers to other banks and wallets via InstaPay, and bill payments to over 1,600 pre-enrolled billers.

They can also split bills with other BDO Pay users and make cash deposits and withdrawals at BDO ATMs nationwide using QR Codes.

Additionally, users can easily pay at stores across the country by scanning QR Ph codes.

Getting started is simple. Download BDO Pay from the Apple App Store or Google

What

INFINIX is launching its very first tablet, the XPAD, in the Philippines soon. Just like its popular smartphones, Infinix’s XPAD has innovative features, setting a new benchmark with its advanced ChatGPT voice assistant, powerful processor, and expansive memory.

In today’s mobile age, tablets have become just as popular as smartphones. They make watching content so easy—and on a bigger screen too. If you’re a student, your tablet can act as a laptop for taking down notes and typing reports (you can pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard) and reading your reviewers on the big screen. The XPAD meets all these needs with its top-notch entertainment and versatile

can help with tasks big and small by integrating with all the Google apps and tools you use today. And unlike other assistants, it does so without you having to jump between apps and services. Google is launching new extensions in the

coming weeks, including Keep, Tasks, Utilities and expanded features on YouTube Music. Let’s say you’re hosting a dinner party: Have Gemini dig out that lasagna recipe Jenny sent you in your Gmail, and ask it to add the ingredients to your shopping list in Keep. And since your guests are your college friends, ask Gemini to “make a playlist of songs that remind me of the late ‘90s.” Without needing too many details, Gemini gets the gist of what you want and delivers.

Moreover, Gemini has also been redesigned for different smartphone makes. Those on foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 can open the Gemini in a multi-window, split-screen experience.

As part of its ongoing commitment to user privacy and security while driving innovation, Google’s Gemini is designed to safeguard personal information through a secure, all-in-one approach that avoids reliance on third-party AI providers. Additionally, the introduction of Gemini Nano, a large on-device multimodal AI model, enables secure processing of sensitive data directly on the phone.

Gemini is now available in 45 languages across more than 200 countries and territories, supporting hundreds of phone models from various manufacturers. For more information about the Made by Google announcements, please visit https://blog.google/ products/platforms-devices/madeby-google-2024-collection/.

Embrace the future of financial management—download BDO Pay today and take control of your finances with ease.

learning features. Redefining learning and entertainment

The XPAD is powered with the Helio G99 processor with 4G LTE Connected for unmatched performance. This makes sure that you can run apps smoothly without worrying about any disruptions to your studies and streaming. Its 11” FHD Bright Display also lets you read text clearly and see every detail in videos.

One of the most innovative parts of the XPAD is its Folax AI Personal Voice Assistant powered by ChatGPT. It provides a superior interactive experience through

advanced voice commands and intelligent responses, making it more convenient to access tablet controls, look up info online, and more.

According to ChatGPT itself, the voice assistant “represents a significant advancement in voice-activated technology. Designed to be highly interactive, it leverages the powerful language model ChatGPT to understand and respond to a wide range of user queries with impressive accuracy and relevance.”

The assistant will not only help you organize your schedule or search for information online, it can also “engage in meaningful, context-aware dialogues.” Exceptional specs for an affordable price

Infinix’s XPAD is made for people who want work-life balance and explore their creativity. The XPAD includes a dual rear camera setup with a 12-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel secondary sensor. The 8-megapixel front-facing camera is perfect for selfies and video calls. With a powerful processor and functional features, you can do everything with just a few taps on the screen. You can experience XPAD’s exceptional specs for less than ₱9,500. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on its local launch over on Infinix Philippines’ Facebook page and official website. Be an Xfan today and join the Infinix Facebook Community Page

SHOWBIZ

Alden, Julie Anne headline sold-out shows in U.S., Canada

SPARKLE GMA Artist Center launched its much-anticipated Sparkle World Tour with successful performances in the United States and Canada, showcasing top performances by its stars.

The tour began with sold-out events in California: on Aug. 9 at the City National Grove of Anaheim and on Aug. 10 at South San Francisco High School. The lineup included Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, AiAi Delas Alas, Boobay, Isko Moreno, and Alden Richards

Produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center in collaboration with Sky Beverly Hills and BLVCK Entertainment, and in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV, the U.S. leg of the tour set a high standard for the following shows.

On Aug. 11, the tour moved to Canada, where Alden and Boobay performed at the Southview Alliance Church in Calgary. The strong response from the Global Pinoys in Canada led to an additional show on Aug. 17 in Toronto’s North York, featuring Alden, Isko Moreno, and Boobay.

The Canadian leg, dubbed Sparkle Goes to Canada, was produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Berce Enterprises, and V. Fons Productions, with GMA Pinoy TV as a partner. The Toronto event is produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Taste of Manila, and the Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation, and Community, also in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV.

The Sparkle World Tour will conclude on Sept. 1 in Nerima City, Tokyo, Japan, with performances by Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Jillian Ward, Ken Chan, Rayver, and Julie Anne.

The tour is sponsored by Luxe Slim, Avignon, Philippine Airlines, and Niceprint Photography.

‘Negosyo Goals’ inspires more entrepreneurs with success stories in new season

By Nickie Wang

ANNA Magkawas,

entrepreneur and host of the television show Negosyo Goals, has found a unique way to blend her passion for business with her role now as a television personality. The show, which is currently in its fourth season, has become a vital resource for both established entrepreneurs and those just starting.

Talking to Manila Standard Entertainment Magkawas, who also serves as CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, discussed the lessons she’s learned from the show and how they have influenced her own business practices.

“Hosting Negosyo Goals has been an incredible experience,” she said. “I meet so many inspiring people and learn from their stories. It’s rewarding to share these insights with others, especially those who are hesitant to start their own businesses due to fear or lack of capital.”

The show focuses on sharing success stories from various entrepreneurs, providing viewers with the confidence to pursue their own ventures, Magkawas pointed out.

“Many business owners we feature have faced numerous failures, but they never gave up,” the TV show host noted. “They believed in the potential of their businesses and kept going until they found success.”

Magkawas candidly shared that her journey wasn’t without its struggles.

“Before my products became successful, not everything sold well in the market. I even experienced anxiety trying to figure out the right strategies,” she admitted. “But through the show, I’ve learned so much from others’ success stories, which I can apply to my own business.

The program has been instrumental in providing mentorship and a platform for Filipino entrepreneurs.

“We never thought Negosyo Goals would reach Season 4,” Magkawas said. “As long as we have the support of our sponsors, we will continue to air the program. We are grateful to those who have been with us from the beginning.”

Balancing her role as a business leader and television host has been challenging for Magkawas.

“It’s not easy to juggle both roles, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively,” she explained. “Worklife balance is crucial, and I make sure to maintain my social life and take time for other activities to avoid burnout.”

Negosyo Goals, produced by Makers Mind Media Production under the leadership of CEO Ivy Ataya, is already gearing up for its fifth and sixth seasons. Ataya emphasized the team’s vision of securing better airtime and attracting sponsors.

“Our goal is to strengthen the show to the point where sponsors come to us,” she said.

This season, the show is featuring a diverse lineup of businesses, including Global Dominion Financing, Inc., Purple Hearts, The Mothers Toys and Collectibles, Kanna Beauty, and Illumina Beauty and Wellness Center. The show continues to empower Filipino entrepreneurs by offering valuable insights and expertise.

Negosyo Goals airs every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. on GTV.

earns Master’s degree with flying colors

ACTRESS and Cavite 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla has completed her Master’s degree in Sustainable Leadership and Governance with Highest Distinction from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas.

Mercado began her studies in 2022 amid her recovery from COVID-19. She balanced her academic pursuits with her duties in public service. Her coursework included projects focused on the City of Bacoor, using local initiatives as case studies. Her thesis, titled Establishing the City of Bacoor Mangrove and Ecotourism Park: Converging Governance and Nature, highlights her dedication to sustainable development.

She celebrated this milestone with her sons, Agimat Partylist Representative Bryan Revilla and Cavite First District Representative Jolo Revilla. Bryan Revilla praised his mother’s achievement, emphasizing the enduring value of education.

In her legislative work, Mercado has been a staunch advocate for educational initiatives in Bacoor. Her efforts include the approval of House Bill No. 9803, which proposes the establishment of a Cavite State University campus in Bacoor, and House Bill No. 10269, which seeks to create a National Science and Technology High School in the city. Both bills have made significant progress in the legislative process.

Mercado has also contributed to the passage of laws aimed at preserving local culture and enhancing the public education system. These include the creation of Progressive Elementary and Senior High Schools in Bacoor and national laws like the Anti-No Permit, No Exam Policy, and the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which benefit students and teachers nationwide.

Alden Richards serenades fans with several popular songs

Julie Anne San Jose delivers a captivating performance with her astounding vocals Rayver Cruz shows off his dance moves at the ‘Sparkle World Tour’

‘Negosyo Goals’ host and entrepreneur Anna Magkawas (left) and Makers Mind Media Production CEO Ivy Ataya

Lani Mercado-Revilla (left) with her husband Senator Bong Revilla Lani Mercado

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Editor

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

Writer

Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

By Abigail Adriatico

FOR many artists, a blank canvas can serve as a way for them to look into their souls and release the hidden emotions that they may have trouble expressing. Each brush stroke works like a shovel that digs deep into their psyche and exposes who they truly are to the world.

As a person who is quite in tune with his emotions, self-taught artist Kristian Somera naturally gravitated to crafting gorgeous paintings that are brought to life by the musings of his heart. The artist revealed to Manila Standard Life that while it would mean that he makes his art sporadically, he only picks up his brush whenever he feels inspired enough to create a piece.

“Every time I feel whatever [it is that] possesses you as an artist, whenever that entity possesses me, then I work,” he shared. However, Somera also revealed that he only stumbled upon his talent in painting accidentally because of a client for his interior design business who wanted an abstract piece for their project. Since he didn’t have enough budget to purchase an artwork from a gallery, he created one of his own.

To his surprise, his client loved what he made and asked for four more pieces from him. Eventually, he started posting his creations online which reached many people, establishing his emerging presence in the art scene. While he admitted to feeling insecure about it because of other artists in the field who have more experience than him, Somera expressed how much he loved creating his artworks nonetheless.

“Art is something that [makes me] feel at home when I do it. It’s the purest kind of joy that I feel,” he shared, adding how creating art had helped him psychologically as he had been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Somera explained that after he began to make artwork, he felt as if he found an outlet for his feelings. He asked his psychiatrist if he could stop taking his medicine and was put under observation. In the last six months, he revealed that he hasn’t had a single episode of a panic attack.

“It’s really life-changing,” the artist said.

Somera continues to make it a point to use his art to express his innermost thoughts and feelings as raw and pure as he can. He exemplifies this in his first solo exhibit in the 31st edition of Conrad’s Of Art and Wine series titled “Whispers from the Otherworld.” Featuring several abstract works made during a month-long trip to Bali, Indonesia, Somera’s exhibition explores the introspection that comes with wondering about the meaning of one’s existence.

During the opening of his exhibit last Aug. 6, he revealed that he had been suffering from what he claimed to be the worst existential crisis that he ever experienced in his life last year, which led him to take a trip to Bali.

While he did everything he could to possibly lead him to what he was looking for such as meditating and reconnecting with nature, what changed everything for him was his participation in an ancient shamanic ritual held in a remote island in Indonesia.

“I was on a beach. I was basking in the beauty of nature. I was feeling the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the water of the ocean and then suddenly, it was like a shift. All of a sudden, I stopped having questions and all of the answers just kind of came to me,” said Somera.

The artist further shared that the epiphany he had led to a change in his mindset as well as how he came to understand the world and

C4 LIFE

Capturing introspection within a canvas

his

“I wanted to capture that

practice,” said Somera.

Speaking on how he chose Somera for the

and Wine, exhibit curator Nestor Jardin

takes into account the quality of an artist’s pieces.

“[There’s] certain standards based on their style. I could see the technique and the subject matter,” said Jardin.

The curator added that Somera’s works felt as if they came from

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For inquiries about how to avail any of Somera’s artworks put on display, visit www. conradmanila.com or call +63288339999.

FOLLOWING last year’s successful three-day event, which attracted over a thousand attendees, Oktoberfest is set to return to Manila with an even more spectacular celebration. The four-day festival,

Kristian Somera’s ‘Whispers from the Otherworld’ serves as his first solo exhibition