Manila Standard - 2024 August 24 - Saturday

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

NBI: Sheila Guo is Chinese national Zhang Mier

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Pot Chavez, and Vito Barcelo

Government agencies may have conspired in helping dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo flee the country, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said, noting that the escape was successful despite an immigration lookout bulletin.

“We only knew about it (the escape) one month after it happened, but from what I heard, other agencies al-

ready knew about it,” Gatchalian said.

“The public should have been informed because the public is our ally

here. I am becoming suspicious –why hide it from us? It’s as if they want to hide the problem and cover it up,” the senator added. He said it also appeared the Bureau of Immigration withheld information that Guo's sister, Sheila, and POGO associate Cassandra Li Ong, were already apprehended by Indonesian authorities on August 21.

Gatchalian said even President Marcos and Justice Secre-

‘Agencies conspired to help Guo flee PH’

tary Jesus Remulla appeared to have been “kept in the dark.”

"Why did the Bureau of Immigration conceal this info? That should be investigated,” he said.

“The President aaid heads will roll – which means from top to bottom. Even Justice Secretary Remulla was also surprised about the arrest based on news reports," Gatchalian said.

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos announced Friday that he will amend Executive Order No. 138 to clarify the functions, services, and facilities to be devolved to local governments.

Speaking at the Local Governance Summit in Pasay City, Mr. Marcos said he aims to ensure equitable devolution, dividing responsibilities and funding between national and local governments based on the Supreme Court’s landmark “Mandanas Ruling.”

"This year, we also

By Ronald O. Reyes

“The

a comprehensive national sports program, and a bill supporting Local Sports Programs

internal revenue taxes collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue but also those collected by the Bureau of Customs. This broadened tax base enhances the computation of LGUs' shares and strengthens fiscal decentralization.

“We have been working on this for a good long while and I think we have

EU mission rescues 23 Filipino crew from ship attacked by Houthi rebels

By Rachelle Tonelada

TWENTY three Filipino seafarers were among those rescued by a European Union naval mission from a Greek-flagged oil tanker, MT Sounion, following an attack in the Red Sea near Yemen, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The DFA said the vessel had been hit in the attack and caught fire which disabled its engines.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are suspected to be behind the assault. The Houthis have increasingly targeted international vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as part of their broader campaign to support Hamas in its conflict with Israel. In response to the growing threat, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has implemented a ban on Filipino seafarers boarding ships operated by companies whose vessels had

Risa...

From A1 that "I have no friend who is a fake Filipino."

Hontiveros also appealed to the managements of social media platforms Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube and Tiktok to be more thorough in moderating content generated by artificial intelligence. She vowed to “get to the bottom” of the apparent effort to portray her as having had a previous friendship with Alice Guo or Guo Hua Ping.

The fake photo is seen as part of an effort to taint the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality’s investigation into Guo, her close associates, and Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators’ illegal activities in Bamban, Tarlac.

Apparently gullible “netizens” have “bashed” Hontiveros online after seeing the doctored photo.

Some have gone as far as to suggest that the lady Senator may have aided Guo in slipping out the country because of their supposed friendship.

come under attack in these regions.

The shipowner of the MT Sounion is among those affected by this policy, with the DMW now considering expanding the restriction to include six additional shipowners.

Over the past year, the Houthis have attacked at least four vessels carrying Filipino crew members. These incidents have resulted in two fatalities, one missing, and several hostages still held by the rebel group.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has warned Filipino seafarers and the public about the heightened risks associated with navigating the Red Sea.

The DFA said that the situation in

the Red Sea has deteriorated significantly, posing a "clear and present danger" to Filipino crew members aboard vessels operating in the area.

As a result, the DFA is urging Filipino seafarers to carefully consider their safety when making decisions about sailing through these waters.

“The DFA therefore urges Filipino seafarers to exercise prudent choice and their 'right-to-refuse sailing' in the Red Sea,” DFA said in a statement. Filipino seafarers are encouraged to prioritize their safety and consider alternative routes or employment options if possible, while the DFA continues to monitor the situation closely.

‘Agencies...

From A1

He said Bureau of Immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco will be invited to the Senate hearing on Tuesday.

PBBM...

From A1

DFA begins repatriation of OFWs from Laos

By Rachelle Tonelada

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will assist in the “release and extraction” of Filipinos in Laos following the recent crackdown on Chinese-owned casinos and hotels, and suspected illegal activities. The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, is working closely with Lao authorities and has also sent a team to Bokeo province to facilitate the release and extraction of distressed OFs from the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ),” the DFA said in a statement on Friday.

“The DFA is also funding their flights from Bokeo to Vientiane and onward to the Philippines, including accommodation, food and basic needs. So far, we have responded to 129 requests for assistance, and already repatriated 7 Filipinos today,” it added.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, efforts are underway to repatriate 75 Filipinos. The embassy has also pledged to assist any remaining Filipinos in the Golden Triangle and will continue collaborating with Lao authorities to ensure their safety.

“Two officials from the DFAOffice of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs (OUMA) are now in Laos to assist as part of the DFA’s Rapid Response Team,” DFA emphasized.

Earlier, local media reported that Laos have arrested almost 800 people working for a cyber scam network in the GTSEZ on the border with Myanmar and Thailand. The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been identified as a suspected hub for illegal activities, particularly those involving Chinese-owned casinos and hotels.

Documents gathered by Hontiveros and Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian showed that Guo is a really Chinese national and therefore not eligible to hold a mayoralty seat in the Philippines, a fact that was later verified by the National Bureau of Investigation. Guo and her brother Wesley are believed to be in hiding somewhere in Indonesia, where they are being pursued by local authorities. Bronze...

found a formula wherein we divide the funding according to the way that we determine services belong to… as a responsibility to the national government, other services belong to the local government,” Mr. Marcos added. The chief executive expressed confidence that clearer guidelines will enhance the ability of local governments to implement Sustainable Development Goals within their jurisdictions.

Poor...

From A1

Romero said "poor global demand remains one of the main drivers that makes the market bearish. Added to it are the Israel Gaza ceasefire talks that eases supply fears and the production recovery support from Libya’s Sharara Oilfield."

On August 20, the oil companies implemented an increase of P1 per liter for gasoline and kerosene while diesel increased by P1.20 per liter.

Year-to-date total adjustment of gasoline and diesel stands at a net increase of P8.05 per liter and P5.95 per liter, respectively. On the other hand, kerosene has a total net decrease of P2.15 per liter.

Prevailing prices of petroleum products in the National Capital Region as of August 20 to 26 based on DOE data showed that gasoline sells from P52.70 to P86.52 per liter, diesel from P49.80 per liter to P73.44 per liter and kerosene from P70.49 to P83.70 per liter.

Prices vary depending on the brand, location of the station, market forces, among others. Alena Mae S. Flores

"That will be our focus – Why did the President not know about the arrest? Why was the Senate informed late?”

BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval, for her part, said the dismissed mayor and her brother, Wesley Guo, are still in Indonesia.

“Former mayor Alice Guo has not yet made any attempts to move or transfer to another country," Sandoval said.

Sandoval said Guo’s group possibly exited the Philippines through Sabah, Malaysia because based on official documents, they did not go

Testimonies...

From A1

planned killing. Second, killing was done in consideration of prize, reward or pledge. The killing was because of the money paid and promised freedom," she said.

Luistro further said that if there is evidence to establish that the killings of the three Chinese is part of the widespread or systematic attack against civilian population, "then crime against humanity, und er Article 7, Rome Statute is likewise established."

Surigao Del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers, chair of the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the testimonies cannot be dismissed since no less than the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has informed the House that there are inmates who are willing to testify on the drug war deaths during the previous administration.

"It was PDEA Director General who reached out to us that these people who were sent to prison and convicted [who] want to testify on extrajudicial killings because of threats during the previous administration," Barbers said.

"We evaluated the situation and sought legal experts for comments,

through formal airports and seaports.

Senators are set to confront Sheila Guo and Ong when the Upper House resumes its hearing on illegal POGO operations on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024.

"We also want to know who helped them fund the POGO hubs... how extensive their operations... who are the money launderers since this is a transnational crime," Gatchalian said.

As this developed, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission identified the Singaporean national who helped Guo's group book four rooms at the Harris Hotel Batam Center in Indonesia.

Indonesia's Ministry of Law and Human Rights said the Singaporean citizen was alias “ZJ” – who PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio said was "Zhang Jie,” the former president of Lucky South 99 POGO hub that was raided in Porac, Pampanga.

"The one who paid for their hotel is

and we saw that their testimony has value because their testimonies are very serious," he added.

During Thursday's hearing, two persons deprived of liberty (PDL) — Fernando Magdadaro and Leopoldo Tan Jr. — claimed they killed three Chinese drug convicts in Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016 on orders from then-President Duterte.

They told the House probe that instead of being paid P1 million per kill, meaning P6 million in total for both of them who killed the three Chinese in a joint operation, they only got paid P1 million each.

Worst of all, they were convicted of homicide and were not freed as promised, they said.

Meanwhile, Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez and Barbers called on Duterte and his allies to prove that they had no hand in the killings and that the former president's calls to kill people were just jokes.

"This is the right moment for the former administration, especially to its former officials and the former president...that they were correct in saying that the pronouncements of the former President were all jokes or strong words but were not for real," said Fernandez who chairs the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, which jointly conducts the Quad

also wanted here in the Philippines –Zhang Jie who is the former president of Lucky South 99,” Casio said.

The Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, and the National Bureau of Investigation will jointly file deportation and misrepresentation charges against Sheila Guo and Ong, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said.

“We are taking the President's directive very seriously. This is something that is of national significance. We understand how important this is to the country, the President, and the international community, so we should not be embarrassed by our investigation,” Clavano said.

"This is the first time that the Senate and the House [of Representatives] already have an order of arrest and we also have reason to take custody and charge them with several crimes," he added.

hearings with Barbers.

"We still remember the time when the former President was always saying, I will kill you, that he will push them off a helicopter," he recalled.

At that time, officials and allies of Duterte would always defend him by saying that he was just joking or talking in hyperbole

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, chairperson of the committee on human rights, said the goal of the investigation is not to vilify or to shield any individual but “to uncover the truth and to ensure that justice is served.”

“Justice is our goal, and not harassment. I call upon all who have been summoned to testify to fulfill their duty as public servants. Let all sides be heard, and let no one say that they were not given the opportunity to present evidence in their defense,” he said.

“These evils, left unchecked, have the power to erode our values, destroy our communities, and claim the lives of our countrymen,” he added. Tan and Magdadaro were the latest witnesses presented before the quad committee, identifying the three victim as Chu Kin Tung,

Li

Of the 771 people detained, most are from Laos, Myanmar, and China. There are also individuals from Burundi, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Tunisia, the Philippines, Uganda, and Vietnam.

This crackdown is part of a broader initiative to combat transnational crimes within the SEZ.

From A1

to provide appropriate funding and support for athletes in local communities,” said Tingog Representative Romualdez during the “Tribute to the Local Athletes” held at the People’s Center in Tacloban City. Villegas praised the support of the Romualdez couple for her training and successful stint at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Don’t compare others' success to yourself. Maintain discipline, training, trust in God, and faith in the people who supported you,” the 29-yearold Tacloban-born Olympic bronze medalist told her fellow athletes.

Meanwhile, all Palarong Pambansa 2024 athletes from the region, together with their parents and coaches, were awarded a monetary allowance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s AKAP program, amounting to ₱10,000 each. Additional cash rewards from the personal funds of the Romualdez couple were also given to medalists from the region: 26 bronze medalists received ₱7,000 each, 15 silver medalists received ₱8,000 each, and 20 gold medalists received ₱10,000 each.

The event was also graced by Tingog Director for Community Engagements Karla Estrada, Department of Education-Eastern Visayas Director Evelyn Fetalvero, and DSWD regional officials, among others.

After the ceremony, Tingog Congresswoman Romualdez accompanied Villegas and her family in the blessing of their new home. Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez also gave ₱1 million, and another ₱1 million from the Hiraya Foundation, as cash rewards to Villegas for being the first-ever Olympic medalist from the city.

alias Tony Lim;

Lan Yan, alias Jackson Li, and Wong Meng Pin, alias Wang Ming Ping, who were serving sentences for their involvement in illegal drug activities in Parañaque City. Rio Araja

BILATERAL TALKS. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (right) and Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira are seen in a huddle after their joint statement and bilateral meeting at a hotel in Manila on Friday, August 23, 2024. AFP

HOMEWARD BOUND.

Province-bound passengers wait for their rides at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange to enjoy the long weekend (Aug. 23-26) away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Norman Cruz

Customs seizes P17.16-m

kush

in Pampanga

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated in Dau, Pampanga more than ten kilos of high-grade dried marijuana or “kush” worth P17.16 million concealed in two sofa seats.

The seizure was done in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation-Pampanga district office, the Department of Justice, and local barangay officials.

The BOC said the shipment which arrived last Aug. 6, 2024 was declared as two pieces of “One Seat Sofa.”

The package was subjected to Xray examination and K-9 sniff tests prior to the seizure.

The agents uncovered 23 selfsealing transparent plastic sachets of dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana, also known as “kush.”

Samples were then taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis which confirmed that the said objects were marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment for violation of the Customs law.

LDF bill nears Congress okay—DENR

By Charles Dantes

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga announced Friday that Congress is close to passing a law that will allow the Philippines to officially host the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

During the Malacañang Insider program, Loyzaga expressed the government’s appreciation for this opportunity, which places the Philippines at the forefront of global efforts to secure compensation for countries suffering

from climate-related disasters.

“The Loss and Damage Fund Board requires legislation because we actually need to view it with privileges and immunities as a legal entity. And therefore, we had to go to Congress and we

DHSUD records perfect score in resolving complaints

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has chalked up a 100-percent resolution rate in handling complaints from January to July through the Office of the President’s 8888.

In a report, the DHSUD recorded a perfect resolution rate and 98.15 percent rate to the 72hour compliance period. The agency received a total of 433 concerns from January to July 31, and was able to re -

solve all within the 72-hour period except for eight cases.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar hailed the excellent rating as an inspiration for staff members to work harder.

“This shall serve as an inspiration for all of us to strive better to achieve 100 percent of compliance rate,” he said.

“Let’s improve faster quality services to our countrymen. That is the service brand of Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.

Most of LTO’s breath analyzers irreparable

HOLD your breath, but the Land Transportation Office has just found out that only 200 of the 756 breath analyzers bought in 2015 and 2017 could be repaired.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the instruments were purchased by the agency some years back for the implementation of the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013. A recent inventory discovered that about 200 of the breath analyzers could still be useful while the rest were beyond repair.

“These breath analyzers were not bought under this administration. The first batch of 150 units were bought in 2015 for P10.2 million, while the rest of the more than 600 units were bought in 2017 for more than P38,000 per unit. The total cost of these two procurements of 756 units of breath analyzers was P33.8 million,” Mendoza pointed out. Rio N. Araja

had to go to the Senate,” Loyzaga said.

According to Loyzaga, the proposal is in its final stages of approval in both Houses of Congress, and once passed, the government will finalize the host country agreement, making the Philippines the official base for the board.

The Philippines earned a seat on the board during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last December.

In July, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. proudly announced that the Philippines had been chosen to host the

MASS WEDDING. Mayor Jerry Treñas officiates at the civil marriage of 72 couples in a mass wedding ceremony at the

in Iloilo City.

The 8888-CCC complaints are being handled by the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Service led by director Mario Mallari under the supervision of Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III, in collaboration with the PASPAS Serbisyo Aksyon Officers down to the regional offices, under the supervision of the DHSUD-Committee on Anti-Red Tape. Rio N. Araja

board, outpacing seven other nations. President emphasized that the Philippines is “honored” to have a place on the board, ensuring the country’s voice in global climate action is strong and influential.

The Fund is mandated to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in responding to economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events and slow onset events.

IN BRIEF

NAIA temperature heats up, cooling systems bog down

IT’s suffer time again at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the facility’s air-conditioning units appeared to be having technical problems.

However, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) tries to resolve the heated situation with at least three air-conditioners also called Chillers 1, 2, and 4 were emitting abnormally high temperatures.

As a precautionary measure to prevent potential major damage to the entire cooling system, the airport management was constrained to temporarily shut down the chillers to determine the cause of the problem.

Descaling, cleaning, and swabbing procedures were also conducted on the affected chillers to ensure optimal operational conditions.

To lessen the discomfort of plane passengers and service personnel, cooling fans have been strategically deployed in the affected areas of the terminal. Joel E. Zurbano

Acierto is new commander of Army Artillery Regiment

THE Philippine Army on Thursday installed Col. Hubert Acierto as new commander of the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR).

Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido presided at the change of command from outgoing AAR head Brig. Gen. Francis Anthony Coronel to Acierto.

The event was held at the regiment’s headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

Coronel will take over deputy chief of staff for financial manager of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Colonel Acierto, AAR is ready to do more under your command. Its doctrine, its firepower platforms, and its capabilities have been recalibrated to meet the demands of our time,” the Army Chief remarked.

AAR is one of the Army major units at the forefront of modernization and the organization’s pivot to territorial defense operations. Rex Espiritu

Lazatin turns over 12 UVs to local government unit

ANGELES City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. has turned over 12 utility vehicles (UVs) o the local government unit to boost the delivery of essential services to his constituents.

Lazatin was accompanied by General Services head Evangeline Malonzo during the turnover ceremony.

The new vehicles were distributed to the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Mayor’s Office, the Angeles City Public Cemetery and Crematorium, Persons with Disability Affairs Office, General Services Office, City Engineer’s Office, Environmental Management System, Public Transportation and Regulatory Office, Public Employment and Services Office, Business Permit and Licensing Division, and the City Accounting Office. Butch Gunio

Jubilee Hall

NEW PIA-CAR OFFICE. The Philippine Information Agency in the Cordillera Administrative Region opens its regional office in Baguio City with PIA director general Joseph Torres, PIA -CAR head Helen Tibaldo, and some city officials in attendance. Dave Leprozo

AICS now covers funeral costs

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development

said guarantee letters issued under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program are now being accepted by selected funeral parlors and memorial service providers nationwide.

DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said individuals in crisis situations who need assistance for the burial expenses of their loved ones may request for guarantee letters from the DSWD.

“We have partner funeral homes and memorial service providers that accept

cept DSWD-issued GLs in Metro Manila are Almo Funeral and Mortuary Services, Inc., Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory, Del Mundo Funeral Services, Dr. Jesus C. Delgado Memorial Hospital, I.P. Tajuna Funeral Service, Jara Funeral Services, Kua Mads Funeral Services (Santiago’s), MBG Funeral Services, Ambassador Funeral Homes Corp., and Mesina Funeral Homes, Co.

IN BRIEF

MMDA cracks whip on illegal parking

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it was actively working to combat illegal parking and road obstructions on major streets in the National Capital Region.

Also included are WYN Funeral Services, St. Matthew Funeral Homes, Ilagan Memorial Homes, St. James Memorial Chapel, St. Eldrich Funeral Services, Rizal Funeral Homes, Inc., Catalonia Funeral Homes, Alexandria Funeral Services, Our Lady of Loreto Funeral Services;

HPT Funeral Services, Malaya Funeral Corp., Funeraria Royale, Inc., Eastern Funeral Services, Ka Andres Memorial Chapel, Dulce Memorial Service, Arlington Memorial Chapels, La Rosa Memorial Services, Dayao Funeral Homes, Inc., Crismar Funeral Homes, People Funeral Service Inc., Amaryllis Memorial Services, Mother Jeronima Funeral Services, Funeraria Quiogue, Funeraria Filipinas Inc., A&J Biglang-Awa Funeral Homes, Nardo N. Quinones (Puneraria Ni Bossing Nards), K.A Philip Sabino Funeral Service, Plainview Custodial Home, BVL Funeral Homes Services, Mesina Funeral Homes Co. and De Ocampo Memorial College, Inc.

VP told to spend own money to publish book

By Roy Tomandao

THE head of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority urged Vice President

DSWD-issued GLs to render the services stated in the letter,” Dumlao said. Clients in the regions may coordinate with any DSWD field office in their areas of residence for the complete list of funeral service providers. Among the service providers that acMakati LGU monitors Taal vog via

Sara Duterte to use her own money to publish her book instead of seeking P10 million in government funds under the 2025 budget.

der the General Appropriation Act must undergo scrutiny and proper deliberation.

production and distribution of “Isang Kaibigan” – a children’s book authored by the Vice President.

“As government officials, we have to set an example...Even if funds have been allocated, these are still subject to scrutiny,” she said.

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Makati city government effectively utilized air quality sensors in the barangays to provide timely and accurate pollution advisories during recent vog emissions from Taal volcano.

“With these sensors, we are able to pinpoint areas in the city where poor air quality poses serious health hazards. This has been very useful in the wake of the recent vog emissions from Taal Volcano,” said Mayor Abigail Binay.

The internet-enabled monitoring devices send real-time data to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center via wireless data transmission.

Air quality advisories were posted on the city’s social media platforms, warning residents and the general public in affected areas to take precautionary measures against possible adverse health effects.

To date, there are 824 units of indoor air quality monitoring devices and 200 outdoor air quality monitoring devices with solar panels installed in strategic locations throughout the city.

“These smart devices also help the city government monitor compliance with the Clean Air Act and related regulations, particularly among businesses,” Binay said.

This year, the local government has allocated a total of P165 million for the procurement of various types of smart devices in line with its adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) in its environmental management initiatives.

“That is her story. Why doesn’t she use her own money instead to publish her book?” CEZA administrator Katrina Ponce Enrile said in an interview during the “Leslie Bocobo Live” program aired over Radyo Pilipinas.

Enrile said request for public funds un-

“It is the prerogative of senators to ask questions especially if it involves the money of the people. This (book publication) involves public funds, so why should it not be subjected to scrutiny?” Enrile added.

Duterte on Tuesday traded barbs with Senator Risa Hontiveros over the P10-million budget allocation for the

The argument ensued during the ongoing deliberation of the P2.037-billion budget of the Office of the Vice President budget for 2025.

“Her problem is that my name is on the book, which will be given to children. And those children have parents who are voters. And my name will be spread throughout wherever those books will go,” Duterte said, insisting the senator’s concerns were politically motivated.

SEAWEED FARMING.

Wilfredo Espinola, who used to be one of the fishmongers who participated in illegal fishing that severely impacted the ecosystem in Sorsogon, now does seaweed farming.

Arturo De Vera Jr.

The latest operation along Delpan, Mel Lopez Boulevard, Dapitan Street, Vicente Cruz Street, Dela Fuente Street, Radial 10, and Moriones Street, all in Manila, and Circumferential Road 3 (C-3 Road) in Navotas City resulted in the apprehension of 58 vehicles and the issuance of citation tickets to their owners.

Twenty-one unattended and illegally parked vehicles were also towed and impounded.

The clearing operation is being carried out by the agency’s Special Operations Group - Strike Force headed by its chief, Gabriel Go, in close coordination with local government units, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Philippine National Police. Joel E. Zurbano

6/42 bettor in Laguna wins P9-m jackpot

A LONE bettor from Laguna province bagged the P9 million jackpot of Thursday night’s Lotto 6/42 draw.

In a news release on Friday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the ticket with the winning numbers 06-24-25-28-02-16 was bought in Lucky Circle Corp. in Calamba City.

The winner has one year to claim the P9,045,796.60 jackpot at the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong City upon presentation of the winning ticket and two identification cards.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, lotto winnings worth more than P10,000 are subject to a 20 percent tax.

USAID helps Marikina in post-Carina efforts

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) committed to assist the city government of Marikina in post-disaster recovery efforts, following the severe impact of Super Typhoon “Carina” and the enhanced southwest monsoon last month.

USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn recognized the resilience of the city government in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina.

“We hope that this assistance will help vulnerable families recover and replace some of the essential assets they have lost. We are proud to stand beside the Philippines to ensure the well-being of Filipinos, especially in times of crisis,” said Washburn.

The USAID, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in the country, committed to assisting Marikina’s post-disaster recovery efforts from August to December this year. Pot Chavez

SNAP joins Brigada Eskwela activities

SN ABOITIZ Power Group (SNAP) wrapped up its three-week yearly contribution to the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program as part of its “Bayanihan Para sa MATATAG na Paaralan” campaign, which benefits 24 schools and almost 4,000 students from Ifugao, Isabela, and Benguet.

On July 22, for the first leg of SNAP’s campaign, public schools in Benguet received painting supplies for the restoration of its facilities and one elementary school was presented with an Information, Education, and Communication workshop on “ligtas dengue.”

The activities were followed by Brigada Eskwela operations for three schools in Isabela which received improvements for their respective school water systems, painting supplies, and electrical wiring for the installation of air conditioning systems. Jessica M. Bacud

innocence he has consistently maintained throughout the case. He said has been struggling for a decade to prove that he was not guilty of the accusations hurled against him. Estrada reiterated that he had never used any public funds for his own interest or to cover up for any act contrary to

prevailing

allocations.

MOSQUITO FOGGING. Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) personnel conduct misting and fogging at the Manila Science High School on Friday, August 23, 2024, as dengue cases in the country have reached ‘outbreak level.’ Norman Cruz

OPINION

Climate change blamed for typhoons

CLIMATOLOGISTS have pointed their finger at human-induced climate change they say is driving an increase in global temperatures.

They point to recent typhoons like Gaemi (local name Carina) which lashed the Philippines before rampaging through Taiwan, Japan and the Korean Peninsula before whacking the eastern shoreline of China with record rainfall in many of the areas whacked or floodwaters running berserk for days.

But what is climate change, the whipping boy for rising temperatures worldwide, including East Asia and Southeast Asia on the western side of the Pacific from which the tropical cyclones originate?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, which shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas), which produce heat-trapping gases.

Considering the population of both regions – East Asia:1.65 billion as of Aug. 15, 2024, based on the latest United Nations estimates, which is 20.29 percent of the total world population and Southeast Asia: 675 million – fright from damage is a nightmare.

Climatologists say warmer temperatures provide favorable conditions for typhoons to become more hazardous, as the higher humidity in warmer air and the warmer sea surface temperatures could lead to stronger tropical storms

Prior to the typhoons, East Asia experienced record breaking temperatures during the heatwaves in June 2023.

Beijing recorded its hottest June day since record keeping began in 1961, with temperatures reaching 41.1°C.

South Korea also experienced a heatwave in recent weeks, with some parts of the country recording temperatures exceeding 38°C. Typhoon Khanun has since struck South Korea, bringing heavy rain and winds.

A joint scientific study released in Singapore said typhoons in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change.

Coastal communities and cities like Hai Phong in Vietnam and the Thai capital Bangkok are “facing unprecedented threats from longer lasting and more intense storms,” a statement about the study said.

Researchers from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Rowan University and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States analyzed “more than 64,000 modeled historic and future storms from the 19th century through the end of the 21st century” to come up with the findings, the statement said.

Published in the peer-reviewed Nature partner journal Climate and Atmospheric Science, the study “highlights significant changes in tropical cyclone behaviors in

Southeast Asia.”

The changes include “increased formation near coastlines and slower movement over land, which could pose new risks to the region”, the statement said.

“That means stronger wind, heavier rainfall, and more flooding when the typhoons hit land.”

In July, intense rains from Caina caused heavy flooding in Metro Manila and parts of Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

It was the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years, and left at least five people dead and hundreds injured.

In the Philippines, it exacerbated seasonal rains and triggered flooding and landslides that killed at least 30 people.

Rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased frequency of typhoons and extreme weather events can cause floods, landslides, and erosion that pollute water resources

Carina’s destructive wrath was distributed as: 44.62 per cent affecting irrigation systems, 26.86 percent impacting rice, 19.01 percent affecting fisheries, and 9.50 percent involving corn, highvalue crops, livestock, and poultry.

The Department of Agriculture reported losses totaling 30,644 metric tons, impacting 93,156 farmers and fisherfolk across 56,839 hectares, of which 72.91 percent still have a chance of recovery.

Ecperts say these stronger typhoons carry more moisture, track differently, move faster and will be aggravated by sea level rise, one of the most certain consequences of climate change.

Rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased frequency of typhoons and extreme weather events can cause floods, landslides, and erosion that pollute water resources, damage infrastructure, destroy crops, and lead to loss of lives and livelihoods.

But why is the Philippines prone to typhoons?

This archipelagic country of 115 million is just above the equator and faces the western Pacific, with little else to absorb the energy of storms – fueled by the warm tropical waters which produce roughly 30 typhoons each year – before they hit land.

With the exception of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the multiple natural hazards facing the Philippines are projected to intensify under climate change, including sea-level rise, increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and extreme rainfall.

Bench of luminaries and applause lines during the Democratic Nat’l Convention

CHICAGO – It was Kamala Harris’s big night Thursday (Friday Manila time) but she wasn’t the only US Democrat to knock it out of the park during a week of rousing speeches, celebrity cameos and lashings of hope and joy. Some takeaways from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Star-studded convention Oprah Winfrey stole the show, exhorting voters to “choose joy” and Stevie Wonder took the convention to “Higher Ground.” John Legend lit up the United Center with a tribute to Prince, while comic actress Mindy Kaling shared stories of cooking lessons from the vice president. And there was comedy with a serious message from Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson, who brought a giant book on stage to represent the radical Trump-linked Project 2025 governing agenda. There was feverish speculation over a potential appearance by global superstar Beyonce, but it didn’t pan out. Family affair On the biggest stage of their careers, political leaders often look to dewyeyed family moments that, if seen as genuine, can humanize them and make them relatable to voters.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s 17-year-old son Gus touched a nation as he wiped away joyous tears, pointed to

his father accepting the vice presidential nomination and sobbed: “That’s my dad!”

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff provided another indelible memory, referring to Harris as “my wiiiiife” as he recounted the goofy, endearing story of their romance.

Biden’s final bow marked at long last the passing of the torch for a politician who has been in the public eye for more than half a century

And President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley was a highlight of the opening night as she paid tribute to “the O.G. Girl Dad.” Obamas sizzle Barack and Michelle Obama -- the undisputed power couple of Democratic politics -- partied like it was 2008 as they gave the convention a shot of star power on Day Two. The 44th president got the night’s biggest laugh as he goaded Donald Trump

On the alert, but not alarmed

WE HEARD the warning raised by the Genevabased World Health Organization on getting alert following a reported increase in cases of the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, in Congo and surrounding countries.

Formerly known as monkeypox, it can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, according to the WHO, which says although most people fully recover, some get very sick.

Mpox is caused by the MPXV species of the orthopoxvirus genus, first discovered among laboratory primates in Denmark in 1958 and later on first observed in humans in 1970.

On Aug. 14, the WHO declared the upsurge of mpox in Africa is a “public health emergency of international concern,” adding especially concerning was the spread of a new strain, clade 1b, which is considered more serious than the clade 2 strain that spread globally in

the previous emergency in 2022. Last week’s WHO warning is the highest level of global alert issued by it, which suggests the designation recognizes the potential threat the virus’s spread poses to countries around the world.

Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox virus

In 2023, a new strain of the Clade 1 variant was discovered in the country –known as Clade 1b. African countries are reporting both Clade 1 and Clade 1b strains.

Thailand on Thursday confirmed Asia’s first known case of a new, deadlier strain of mpox in a patient who had traveled to the country from Africa.

Cases of mpox have also been confirmed in Sweden and Pakistan, and many other countries – including the United States – are readying public information campaigns should the virus arrive on their shores.

At home, the Philippines recently detected its first mpox case – from the

IN THE latest episode of “As the Gavel Turns,” we’ve got ourselves a real courtroom thriller starring a lawyer, a fugitive mayor, and a notarization that could make David Copperfield jealous.

Elmer Galicia, the intrepid attorney who swears he met the elusive and dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo in the flesh on Aug. 14, is now claiming he notarized her counter-affidavit.

This, of course, would be nothing short of miraculous – since Guo reportedly pulled a Houdini and vanished from the Philippines nearly a month earlier.

Move over, Criss Angel, there’s a new illusionist in town!

Now, let’s give Mr. Galicia his due. He did everything by the book – if by the book, you mean a choose-your-own-adventure novel where you pick the ending that best suits your client.

According to Galicia, Guo casually drove up to his office in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, in a Toyota Land Cruiser – because who wouldn’t want to take a leisurely road trip while being hunted by authorities?

They allegedly had a chat, she flashed her driver’s license (because a simple ID works wonders when dodging an international manhunt), and, voilà, her counter-affidavit was notarized, sealed, and ready for delivery to the Department of Justice.

But let’s not jump to conclusions just yet.

Let’s consider the other side of this legal magical realism.

Maybe Galicia really did meet Guo on that fateful day. Perhaps she didn’t escape the country at all but instead has been laying low in some corner of Bulacan –possibly the most obvious hideout since Carmen Sandiego decided to blend in at the Smithsonian.

In defense of Galicia, let’s break down the logic here.

Legally, notarizing a document requires the signatory’s presence.

over the Republican’s “obsession with crowd sizes.”

But he was upstaged by the former first lady -- by far the country’s most popular Democrat -- who spoke of the “contagious power of hope” in the most cheered speech of the week.

The party made use of a deep bench of luminaries, including former president Bill Clinton, whose raspy speech was more than twice the allotted time but included some memorable applause lines.

Gaza fizzles

There were protests across Chicago against the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, and particularly over the decision not to allow a Palestinian American to speak from the main stage.

original variety clade 2 – this year: a 33-year-old Filipino male with no travel history, the Department of Health said on Monday, with the patient recovering in a hospital.

Currently there is no treatment approved specifically for monkeypox virus. For most patients with mpox who have intact immune systems and don’t have a skin disease, supportive care and pain control will help them recover without medical treatment.

Unlike the 2022 global mpox outbreak, which primarily affected men who have sex with men and other members of the LGBTQ community, the current outbreak in Central Africa is spreading among many different populations, including children, according to Daniel Pastula, chief of neuroinfectious diseases and global neurology at the University of Colorado Schoolof Medicine and Colorado School of Public Health.

We also heard Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa who said the mpox case detected here is a mild variant of the virus and not similar to the variant causing fatalities in Africa.

“We found the milder MPXV clade II in the 10th mpox case in the Philippines. Let us continue to be alert but not alarmed,” he said. That should be a consolation. But let’s keep an eye out.

Did Alice Guo really vanish?

So, if Guo wasn’t there, Galicia might have committed a slight oopsie known as “falsification of public documents,” a felony under Philippine law that can earn you a free stay at the local penitentiary.

But why would a seasoned lawyer risk it all?

Maybe, just maybe, he was mesmerized by Guo’s charm, or maybe she cast a spell on him – a spell so strong that even the strictest provisions of the Notarial Law were temporarily suspended.

And then, there’s the practicality angle.

One thing is clear: when it comes to notarization in the Philippines, the line between law and magic has never been blurrier

Galicia could argue in today’s digital age, where Zoom meetings replace office visits, and holograms perform concerts, notarizing a document in the absence of the signatory is just the next logical step.

After all, if a hologram of Tupac can perform at Coachella, why can’t a fugitive’s affidavit get notarized via telepathy?

On the political front, Galicia’s actions might be framed as a bold move to support the embattled mayor, a champion of something-or-other, who clearly needed all the help she could get – legal or otherwise.

He could argue that by notarizing the affidavit, he was merely upholding the great Filipino tradition of “malasakit,” or compassion, for those in trouble, even if that trouble involves human trafficking

The largest protest Thursday featured several thousand marchers, but was still much smaller than the demonstrations of tens of thousands predicted by organizers, and was not the fly in the ointment that the Democrats had feared.

Protests were largely peaceful, although several demonstrators were arrested when they broke through a security fence earlier in the week around the United Center where the main program was staged.

Although the activists were largely pro-Palestinian, they were joined by others marching against a variety of progressive causes, from reproductive rights to migrant welfare.

Bye bye Biden

The president gave an emotional key-

charges. Of course, there’s also the ethical consideration. Notaries are supposed to serve as impartial witnesses to ensure the integrity of the documents they notarize. But ethics, like a well-prepared alibi, can be flexible.

Galicia could contend that he was merely following the golden rule of lawyering: “If it’s good for the client, it’s good for everyone.”

However, if the truth catches up to our legal Houdini and it’s proven that Guo wasn’t anywhere near Bulacan – or the country, for that matter – on Aug. 14, Galicia could face a few consequences.

And by “few” we mean potentially getting disbarred, charged with perjury, and facing civil liability.

In the Philippines, the Supreme Court has a particularly low tolerance for notaries who dabble in magic tricks, often opting for the harshest penalties, like turning one’s law degree into a mere wall decoration.

So, how shall our legal magician pull off the grand finale in this theatrical display of legal wizardry?

Simple. Galicia should consider switching careers. There’s always a market for good illusionists – Las Vegas, perhaps?

Or, better yet, he could apply his skills in another area of law where facts and reality have always had a somewhat flexible relationship – political spin-doctoring. It seems he already has a knack for it. As we wait for the DOJ’s final verdict, one thing is clear: when it comes to notarization in the Philippines, the line between law and magic has never been blurrier.

For that, we can thank the legal wizardry of Elmer Galicia, whose next trick may very well involve disappearing from the legal profession altogether.

note speech to open a conference that he thought just weeks ago he would be headlining.

Biden took to the stage, dabbing his eyes, and spoke at length about his achievements while making a case for Harris that was criticized for lacking the pizzazz of the Obama endorsements. Flanked by First Lady Jill Biden and Harris, the veteran Democrat’s final bow marked at long last the passing of the torch for a politician who has been in the public eye for more than half a century.

“Democracy has prevailed. Democracy has delivered. And now democracy must be preserved,” he declared, to one of many standing ovations from the rapt audience. AFP

North Korea: US military chopper sales to South ‘provocative’

SEOUL – North Korea on Friday criticized recent US arms sales in Asia, calling a deal to deliver Apache helicopters to South Korea a “reckless, provocative act” and adding it would build up its own forces in response.

“We strongly oppose and reject the US and its vassal forces’ arms buildup,” Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, referring to the South.

“This is a reckless, provocative act of deliberately increasing the security instability in the region,” it added, also criticising recent US sales to Japan and other Asia-Pacific allies of Washington.

On Monday, the United States announced its approval of a $3.5 billion sale to South Korea of up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including missiles.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the sale would “improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations”, using South Korea’s formal name.

While the State Department approved the sale, the US Congress must still sign off on the transaction.

Seoul’s unification ministry said Friday that North Korea was the one “threatening peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula”.

Pyongyang has defined inter-Korean relations as those of “two hostile nations” and is continuously “developing and advancing illegal nuclear and missiles”, it added.

The South Korean government is “closely monitoring and thoroughly assessing North Korea’s activities through close cooperation with relevant agencies,” Kim In-ae, vice spokesperson for the ministry, told reporters.

Washington is Seoul’s key security ally and stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea, with their role including helping to protect it from its nucleararmed neighbor.

Pyongyang also said Friday that US arms sales in the Pacific would prompt the North’s “strategic deterrence” to be “further strengthened” in response.

“The prevailing situation urgently calls for thoroughly ensuring the military balance in the region by increasing the defence capabilities in every way in direct proportion to security challenges and threats that may result from the US arms sales,” it said.

Harris vows ‘new way forward’ for US as she accepts nomination

issues like abortion.

CHICAGO – Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in Chicago on Thursday (Friday Manila time) before a rapturous crowd, pledging a “new way forward” and warning that Donald Trump will take America backward if he wins November’s blockbuster election.

The 59-year-old sought to strike a presidential tone as she delivered a message of unity and patriotism for Americans after one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in US political history.

“And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans.”

The convention became a giant party to celebrate Harris’s astonishing ascent from something of a political afterthought to Democratic standard bearer upon President Joe Biden’s surprise decision to end his reelection bid.

A sea of waving Stars and Stripes flags

“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past -- a chance to chart a new way forward,” Harris said to huge cheers from tens of thousands of pumped-up supporters.

and chants of “USA” filled the arena as jubilant Democrats anointed Harris. She was later joined on stage by her running mate Tim Walz and their families, as they held their arms aloft while 100,000 red, white and blue balloons tumbled from the ceiling. Country act The Chicks sang a version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” while pop star Pink also performed as the Democrats rolled out a list of celebrity backers.

But it was Harris’s time to shine on the biggest night of her political life, after becoming the first Black woman to be nominated by a major US party. She reached out to voters across America’s bitter political divide, promising to bring economic opportunity and protect their personal freedoms on key

Modi to advocate ‘peace’ in Ukraine visit

KYIV, Ukraine – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday, a historic visit in which he is expected to push a settlement to end the war with Russia. Modi is casting himself as a possible peacemaker, two and a half years after Russia invaded and weeks into a major Ukrainian counter-offensive into Russian territory.

“No problem can be resolved on a battlefield,” Modi said ahead of his visit, adding that India supports “dialogue and diplomacy for restoration of peace and stability as soon as possible”. He is the first Indian premier to visit Ukraine.

A diplomatic breakthrough between Moscow and Kyiv looks more elusive than ever following Ukraine’s shock offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region.

It is also unclear whether Modi himself could be an effective deal maker, seen by many in Ukraine as too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He recently drew fresh condemnation in Kyiv for hugging the Russian leader during a visit to Moscow in July.

Modi said he planned to “share perspectives on peaceful resolution of the ongoing Ukraine conflict” with Zelenskyy, as well as discuss “deepening the India-Ukraine friendship”.

He was in Poland on Thursday before departing for Ukraine.

“As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region,” Modi said on social media ahead of the visit.

Zelensky has said that “a number of documents are also expected to be signed” during the meeting with Modi.

While India has historically warm

ties with Russia, it also courts closer security partnerships with Western nations as a bulwark against its regional rival China. New Delhi has avoided explicit condemnation of Russia’s 2022 invasion and has abstained on UN resolutions that criticise the Kremlin, instead urging both sides to resolve their differences through direct dialogue.

But a peace deal now appears further away than ever before.

Ukraine in 2022 passed a decree ruling out direct talks with Putin, and Moscow recently said it would not countenance talks with Kyiv amid its surprise counter-offensive on Russia’s Western Kursk region. Putin earlier this year demanded Kyiv withdraw its troops from four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed -- despite not having full control over them -- as a precondition to negotiations. AFP

“I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations,” she vowed.

Harris then launched a broadside at 78-year-old Trump, whose campaign has been upended by having to face a woman two decades younger, rather than the increasingly frail Biden, 81.

“We know what a second Trump term would look like,” she said, saying he wanted to “pull our country back to the past.”

She laid out her personal story as a child of a single working mother, and her career as a prosecutor, saying she has the background and experience to serve the country in contrast to Trump who she said only works for himself and “his billionaire friends.” AFP

JUBILANT DEMOCRATS. Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz gestures as balloons drop at the conclusion of the fourth and last day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday. Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the party’s nomination for president at the DNC which ran from Tuesday in Chicago. AFP

Sangiao tells Bumina-ang: Keep pushing forward

IT wasn’t exactly the debut that Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao had in mind for his impressive student Carlo

“The Bull” Bumina-ang, but he’s proud with how the newest ONE Championship signee from his squad handled himself.

Bumina-ang fell victim to EnkhOrgil Baatarkhuu, as the Mongolian added yet another Filipino to his list of victims when he submitted the Team Lakay rising star at ONE Fight Night 24 earlier this month.

According to Sangiao, he expects Bumina-ang to keep pushing forward.

“The pill was hard to swallow. I refuse to believe that that was Carlo inside the ring. It was not him, no. It was a different person. I know what he is capable of. I know how he is wired, but it is what it is,” Sangiao said.

“Victory and defeat are conjoined but the thing is, we got a door opened for us to see what went wrong and what could have been, then we’ll pick up from there.”

What impressed Sangiao the most was how Bumina-ang pushed through despite getting sick leading up to the bout.

While the soft-spoken mentor isn’t using that as an excuse – because he knows that minor injuries or sicknesses are a normal part of MMA – he’s sharing it to highlight Bumina-ang’s mental strength and willingness to show up.

“I’m commending Carlo for his mental toughness knowing that he came from a bad sickness a week before the fight. No excuses here but with that endurance and attitude he has, I am sure this is just his starting point,” he said.

“It was not his time now. It was not our time, but we are here to stay. ‘The Bull’ and the team will charge again soon!”

For now, the breakthrough that Team Lakay has been looking for remains elusive, as the team’s next best bet once again ran into a brick wall named Baatarkhuu.

But Sangiao remains confident that Bumina-ang is still one of the deadliest fighters in the division, and he has a team that is capable of maximizing that.

“We have been here many times before and this single slip will not dictate how it will be tomorrow or the next day or the next,” he said.

“I know some of you will slam us through this time, but we will keep on as we always [do].”

Duque, Kobayashi pull off JPGT Luisita breakthrough

TARLAC—Lia Duque and Mark Kobayashi ended the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 5 just as they began it—in commanding form – finally clinching their first victories in the 16-18 division after a series of close calls.

Duque, who had established a commanding 25-stroke lead over Rafa Anciano after three rounds, maintained her focus during the final 18 holes at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here on Friday. She capped her performance with a 79, highlighted by a two-birdie frontside 37, to secure a resounding 36-stroke victory over Chloe Rada with a 324 total.

The grueling week, which saw Duque battle sweltering heat and post rounds of 77, 85 and 83, earned her 15 points, boosting her bid for a spot in the Match Play Championship in the premier category.

Rada finished second with a 360 total after an 89 and earned 12 points, “This win means a lot to me because in the recent JPGT events, I haven’t

been performing as well as I wanted,” said Duque, who finished second at Splendido Taal and third at Pradera Verde before heading to the US to further refine her game.

“The heat got to me towards the end of the front nine, and I started to feel a bit fatigued. Additionally, some of the tee boxes were placed a little further back today,” added Duque. “But I always love playing in JPGT events because they are so well-organized and professionally run.”

Anciano, the Pinewoods leg playoff winner, wound up third with a 93 for a 363, while Angelica Bañez placed fourth with a 397 after a closing 100. On the boys’ side, Kobayashi also cruised to victory, carding an 82 to

secure a six-stroke win over Zachary Villaroman, finishing with a 306 total.

Villaroman carded an 80 to take second place with a 312, while Francis Slavin rallied to finish third with a 329 after an 84. The victory marked Kobayashi’s first after three consecutive third-place finishes at Pradera Verde, Pinewoods and Riviera, solidifying his position in the Match Play race.

“I had three third-place finishes, so I’m really happy to finally secure this win. I enjoy the experience here in JPGT,” said the 18-year-old student from the School of Tomorrow in Parañaque.

Reflecting on his final round, Kobayashi added: “I aimed to be more aggressive with my putts, but I think I overdid it. I ended up with a lot of three-putts and missed several lines.”

Not even a triple bogey on the par5 16th and a bogey on the next could threaten Kobayashi’s commanding lead, as Villaroman managed to close

Isleta caps PAI dominance with sweep of last 2 events

CHLOE Isleta concluded her near-perfect campaign at the Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) National Trials 25-meter short course with another stellar performance, sweeping her last two events and earning the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) award.

The 26-year-old alumna of Arizona State University dominated the girls’ 100 freestyle and 200 backstroke, clocking times of 56.38 and 2:12.30, respectively, bringing her total gold medal haul to seven in the four-day meet, backed by Speedo, Pocari Sweat, and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Competing under her own banner, Chloe Swim Club based in Ilocos Sur, Isleta outsprinted Fil-American bet Miranda Renner and Camille Buico in the 100 freestyle.

In the 200 backstroke, she defeated fellow national mainstay and Southeast Asian Games (2023) record holder Xiandi Chua and Mishka Sy.

Isleta’s dominance was evident in her performance, with the exception of the 200 Individual Medley, where she finished second to Chua. She secured victories in the

50 back, 100 back, 50 free, 200 free, and 100 Individual Medley, accumulating a total of 231 points to top the women’s division.

“I’m thrilled with my performance,” said Isleta, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Communication and Media at the De La Salle-Taft. “The extra training I put in over the past weeks has paid off. With more than a month to go before the World Series, we can continue training and prepare.”

The event served as a selection process for members of the Philippine Team who will compete in the World Aquatics World Series (short course) in Shanghai, China, Incheon, South Korea, and Singapore. The series culminates in Budapest, Hungary.

Aside from Isleta, the top 16 female swimmers with the highest scores include Jie Angela Mikaela Talosig, Kyla Louise Bulaga, Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Ciandi Chua, Miranda Cristine Renner, Mishka Sy, Trixie Ortiguera, Hannah Sanchez, Riannah Chantelle Coleman, Alyza Ng, Shinloa San Diego, Jindsy Dasion, Jamaica Enriques, and Annika Isip.

Rizal Tech U bet shines as top athlete of ROTC Games

INDANG—Rizal Technological University’s Macaila Jane Requierme emerged as the most decorated athlete in athletics after leading a team of Army cadets to two victories in the women’s relay events at the conclusion of the 2024 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Championships at the Cavite State University (CvSU) track oval.

The 20-year-old Requierme, along with Rackel Batoy, Bernadeth Batoy, and Airish Dag-um, displayed remarkable consistency to win the women’s 4x100-meter relay in 52.6 seconds. Less than a minute later, they returned to the track to dominate the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 4:17.3. Requierme’s exceptional performance propelled her to the top of the leaderboard with three gold medals and a bronze medal. The second-year Bachelor’s in Physical Education student from RTU-Boni Campus earlier secured the women’s long jump title with a leap of 5.27 meters and finished third in the 200-meter run.

“I poured my heart and soul into this ROTC competition,” said Requierme. “Despite an ankle injury, I managed to recover and give it my all. I’m determined to train even harder for next year’s games.” Air Force cadet Jhed Rome Ojeno led his team

to victory in the men’s 4x100-meter relay, clocking a time of 44.4 seconds. They also dominated the men’s 4x400-meter relay in 3:32.9.

Ojeno, from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, concluded his campaign with two gold medals and two silver medals in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter run.

Army cadet Joven Panisa Makilan of Co legio de Sta. Ana de Victorias in Negros Oc cidental won the men’s 800-meter run but finished second in the 1,500-meter run.

“I’m satisfied with my performance in the ROTC Games,” said the 20-year-old sec ond-year Criminology student. “I’m look ing forward to continuing my success.”

In the combat sports events held at the Tagaytay City Combat Sports Center, Army cadet Jocelyn Ayangwa of the University of Baguio claimed the gold medal in the wom en’s bantamweight class, defeating Marey Grace Lumangaya of Capiz State University.

Army cadet Rolando P. Evangelista of Jose Rizal Memorial State University also won the men’s bantamweight title, defeat ing Navy’s Roland Medes.

the gap to just five strokes with a series of pars over the final four holes as the former claimed a six-shot romp with a final-hole birdie from five feet.

The final tally for the Luzon series will consider the top four results across the seven-leg series, with the top four players securing spots in the Match Play finals, scheduled for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna. The finale will feature head-to-head showdowns in four age categories, including 8-9, 10-12, and 13-15, with qualifiers from the Visayas and Mindanao series joining the competition. The top player from each division who vied in multi-series, with a minimum of three tournaments, will also advance to the finals.

The penultimate leg of the Luzon series will be held on Sept. 2-5 at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas, followed by the final stop at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite on Sept. 10-13.

For details and registration, contact Jhi Castillo at 0928-316-5678 or Shiela Salvania at 0968-311-4101.

swamped Bicolandia, 12886, while Rizal edged Iloilo, 70-68, on Thursday in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the Orion Sports Center in Bataan. The Manila SV Batang Sampaloc Stars led throughout and by as far as 108-61 in chalking their 17th win against 7 losses in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 29-team tournament. The Rizal Xentromall Golden Coolers, on the other hand, rode on Jerie Pingoy and Jeric Serrano endgame heroics to raise their record to 13-11 Pingoy drilled

Mark Kobayashi (left) and Lia Duque display their medals after winning the 2024 ICTSI JPGT Luzon Series 5 age 16-18 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac City. Manny Marcelo

MANILA

Chloe Isleta displays the Philippine flag

Shown here are (from left) RTU’s Macailla Jane Requierme, Rackeal Batoy, Airish Dag-u, and Bernadette Batoy - gold medalists in 4X100 m relay and 4x400 m relay.

Jeric Serrano delivers for Rizal Xentromall.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

HD Spikers, Chargers face gritty underdogs in KO quarters

IN do-or-die matches, records and rankings are cast aside. What truly counts is resolve, poise and resilience. Preparedness becomes the key to victory.

The Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference knockout quarterfinals begin today (Saturday) at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, where top seed Akari squares off against Farm Fresh, and No. 2 Cignal faces Capital1. With the impressive track records of the top seeds, observers believe that the lower-seeded teams will need a herculean effort to topple those who have consistently performed well throughout the eliminations.

The Chargers enter the quarterfinals with confidence, momentum, cohesion and camaraderie on their side, having swept the two-phase qualifying stage. Their opponent, the Farm Fresh Foxies, clinched the final quarterfinal berth after Choco Mucho’s critical loss to PLDT last Thursday.

While Akari is the clear favorite, the Chargers are fully aware of the unpredictability that comes with navigating the unchartered waters of knockout matches.

Akari coach Taka Minowa will be looking to repeat their previous victory over the Foxies, where Oly Okaro, the league’s second-leading scorer with 183 spikes, led Akari with an 18-point performance.

Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina also shone in that match, combining for 29 points, underscoring Akari’s balanced offensive attack. Their strong showing in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision is a stark contrast to their seventhplace finish in the All-Filipino, signaling their rise as a formidable force.

The 4 p.m. match between Akari and Farm Fresh will also test the Foxies’ mettle as they seek to defy expectations and upset the top seed although Farm Fresh coach Shota Sato faces the challenge of making significant adjustments to contain Okaro and the wellrounded Akari roster.

IM Quizon stays in hunt in Abu Dhabi chessfest

THE Philippines’ Daniel Quizon added another victim to his growing list of big fishes with a 41-move win over Grandmaster Klementy Sychev of FIDE to stay in the title hunt after seven rounds of the premier Master’s section of the 30th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival in United Arab Emirates Thursday night. The Olympiad-bound 20-year-old Filipino International Master survived a ferocious kingside sacrificial attack Sychev, who missed several winning chances that allowed the former to end up a piece up and victorious after 41 moves of a Ruy Lopez duel. The win catapulted Quizon back into the top 10 alongside 15 others with five points, or just a full point behind solo leader GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov of Uzbekistan with two rounds to go. It was the second GM scalp Quizon collected after shocking sixth seed Egyptian GM Bassem Amin in the fourth round Monday. It came just a day after escaping with a miraculous victory over Indian IM L Srihari in a game where he appeared hopelessly lost.

Quizon was tackling Uzbekistan’s GM Abdimalik Abdisalimov in the eighth and penultimate round at press time with hopes of keeping his title chances alive and his bid for more rating points for a GM title going. At present, Quizon has already amassed 19.6 points and has leapt to 2466.6 from 2457 entering the ultratough tournament.

Quizon will be one of the spearheads of the Philippine team plunging waging war in the World Chess Olympiad slated Sept. 10 to 22 in Budapest, Hungary where he hopes to complete his 2500-rating requirement to become a GM.

Coaches: UAAP esports tilt to benefit future PH squads

THE recently concluded 2024 UAAP Esports Tournament not only highlighted the exceptional skills of student athletes, it also has the potential to signifi cantly benefi t the Philippines’ national esports teams.

Sibol General Manager Jab Escutin echoes this sentiment, expressing confidence that the UAAP’s inclusion of esports titles will play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and fostering their development as future national esports athletes.

“Yung long-run benefits ay merong patuloy na pag-develop at interes sa esports lalong lalo na sa collegiate level na kailangan na kailangan talaga natin para lalong ma-guide ang mga tao tungkol sa esports,” Escutin said.

In addition to raising awareness about the nuances of esports and addressing the stigma associated with competitive gaming, the UAAP Esports

Tournament is expected to positively impact the Philippines’ preparation for the Esports Olympics next year in Saudi Arabia.

“It positively affects our push and campaign for the Esports Olympics. We will need all the help we can get to develop our athletes and give more attention to the overall Esports landscape so that we can show the world that the Philippines has what it takes to compete in the Esports Olympics next year,” Escutin added.

For coach Jose Carlo Jamir, who led Sibol to a bronze medal finish in the VALORANT tournament of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, the inclusion of esports in the UAAP is a significant step toward grassroots development in the country.

“Integrating VALORANT into the UAAP can be a game-changer. It will help the national team scout and nurture young players. This expansion is crucial for building a deeper and more diverse talent pool for the national team,” said Jamir.

He further emphasized the broader implications of this integration: “The long-term integration of VALORANT in the UAAP can drive improvements and legitimize and formalize esports within the educational system. It encourages more schools and students

to participate in esports, which can lead to increased investment in gaming infrastructure and resources at academic institutions. This can benefit the UAAP teams and the broader VALORANT community in the Philippines and allow young generations to compete and gain scholarships in their respective schools,” added Jamir.

Coach Jian “Pauloxpert” Munsayac, who is set to mentor the Sibol MLBB team in defending the Philippines’ International Esports Federation (IESF) world title, also sees the UAAP Esports Tournament as a critical platform for the growth of collegiate MLBB players, who could become future prospects for the national team.

“I think it’s very good for MLBB’s future because it will become the grassroots of MLBB in the Philippines. Players can still focus on their academics while doing their passion in pursuing their dream as esports players. Since the Philippines excels in MLBB, it can help discover future upcoming talents with UAAP being a grassroot tournament. This will then help us further develop players in the early stage of their career which hopefully would establish better national teams in the future,” Munsayac said.

Romanian denies Eala a spot in US Open main draw

By Peter Atencio

ALEX Eala picked up $52,000 for reaching the third qualifying round of the US Open qualifying tournament at Flushing Meadows in New York.

That was how far Eala went after absorbing a three-set loss to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

The loss ended the 20-year-old Eala’s bid to become the first Filipina in history to make it to the main draw of a Grand Slam. The former world No. 51 Ruse, who is a veteran of all four Grand Slam events, will now advance to the main draw. Ruse, who reached the second round of the Australian Open and the

US Open in 2022, was trailing in the last set after Eala held a 3-2 lead.

When Eala failed to hold her serve for the seventh time in the match, that was when the tide of battle turned in Ruse’s favor.

The 26-year-old Ruse went on to take a 5-3 advantage.

After Eala held on in the ninth game, Ruse made a final stand to take the 10th game and win the contest. Eala was impressive in the first two rounds of the qualifiers, first bringing down Maddison Inglis of Australia in the opener, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. She came up with a 7-5, 7-5 triumph over world No. 99 Nuria Párrizas Díaz of Spain in the second round, arranging the meeting with Ruse.

Life moves on for Yulos as Carlos’ mom sells longganisa

By Randy Caluag

WHILE Carlos Yulo basks in the limelight of his recent victories, life for the Yulo family continues in its unique way.

On the same day that Carlos received millions in incentives and a brand-new car for his double gold triumph at the Paris Olympics, his mother, Angelica, was celebrating her success—selling food products online.”218 kilos of longganisa sold,” Angelica proudly announced on her Facebook page. “Thank you for the support, everyone!”

Since his impressive gymnastics victories at the Paris Games, Carlos has been showered with gifts and cash bonuses, now totalling over

P100 million. His latest rewards included a P10 million gift from the Manny V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation and a brand-new car from Chery Tiggo. However, not everything has been smooth for the Yulo family. Tensions arose during Carlos’ training for the Paris Olympics, leading to a public exchange of accusations between him and his mother on social media.

But long before Carlos became a household name, Angelica had already been supporting her family through her online business, YULO’ves FOOD HAVEN. Her online business has garnered significant attention, with thousands of supporters pledging to help. Angelica has been overwhelmed by the

orders, with some customers even requesting her to check their messages for updates on their orders. Angelica’s other children, Eldrew and Elaiza, have also contributed to the family’s achievements. Both recently received accolades and cash incentives from the City of Manila for their victories in the Palarong Pambansa, with many tipping them to follow in their older brother’s footsteps as world-class gymnasts. Hope is on the horizon for reconciliation within the Yulo family. The family patriarch, Mark Andrew Yulo, is seen as a potential bridge between Carlos, his mother, and his siblings. Despite being treated as just another fan, Mark Andrew joined thousands of revellers during the

Heroes’ Parade for Carlos. He waved to his son with a banner behind him: “CALOY DITO PAPA MO” (Caloy, your father is here). Carlos later acknowledged his father’s presence in a social media post: “Maraming salamat Pa, masaya ako nakita kita do’n nakasuporta! Pasensya na pa, hindi ako masyado nakakaway, ang daming nagpa-autograph hehe.” (“Thank you, Pa. I’m happy I saw you there supporting! Sorry I couldn’t wave more; so many were asking for autographs hehe.”) While no definite plans have been made, Carlos has promised to meet his father soon, adding, “Kitakits soon Pa, Mark Andrew Yulo.” (See you soon, Pa.)

Alex Eala

BUSINESS

FINANCE HACKATON

An app that can help Filipinos plan for a financially secure retirement emerges as the top proof-of-concept (POC) at Race to the Future: The Open Finance

PH Hackathon conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in partnership with the International Finance Corp. (IFC) from July 15 to Aug. 7, 2024. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, winners Bea Charmelyn Lambitco, Aaron Lemuel Reyes and Alvin Usigan and IFC Philippines country manager Jean-Marc Arbogast.

22 km.

Length of MRT 7

14 stations 800,000

The number of stops at MRT 7

Passengers

to be served by MRT 7

DOTr wants to redesign MRT Line 7’s Bulacan station

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) plans to redesign the San Jose del Monte station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7 in Bulacan provinces, instead of relocating it as proposed by the local government.

“We’re looking into that [redesigning]. There’s no final decision yet, but they’re [San Jose Del Monte LGU] open to it,” DOTr Undersecretary for railways Jeremy Regino said.

Regino said San Miguel Corp. would present its updated study for the MRT 7 San Jose Del Monte station.

“If it is okay with the DOTr, we will go back to San Jose LGU and present the adjusted proposal,” Regino said, adding that the new design would ensure there would be no obstruction on the road.

“So, if there’s no obstruction on the road, then traffic [congestion] could be avoided,” he said.

San Jose Del Monte Mayor Arthur Robes earlier proposed to realign the route of MRT 7 due to traffic congestion concerns in the area. Robes said the proposed route follows Quirino Highway, a key thoroughfare used by a significant number of commuters traveling to and from Metro Manila.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista had said the construction of the 22-kilometer project might face a delay until 2027, subsequently postponing its formal operations to 2028, if SMC decided to push through with its proposed alignment.

Regino said, however, San Miguel was on track for the partial operations of the MRT 7 by end-2025.

“They’re still moving heaven and earth to be able to meet that timeline. It’s a tight timeline, but they’re doing their best to meet the timelines,” he said.

MRT-7 spans 22 kilometers and encompasses 14 stations, commencing from North Ave. in Quezon City and concluding at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The infrastructure development is expected to serve about 800,000 passengers daily. Darwin G. Amojelar

Moody’s affirms PH’s investment-grade rating

By Darwin G. Amojelar

MOODY’S Ratings on Friday affirmed its investment-grade rating of “Baa2” with a stable outlook for the Philippines, citing the country’s economic liberalization, fiscal consolidation and strong macroeconomic fundamentals.

“The passage of reforms over the past several years to liberalize the Philippine economy will support medium-term growth potential by supporting a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investments,” Moody’s said in a statement.

The last time the debt watcher affirmed its rating on the Philippines was in September 2022.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the assessment reflects the agency’s confidence in the country’s robust

medium-term economic growth prospects due to the enactment of investment-friendly reforms as well as the government’s continued fiscal consolidation efforts.

“Moody’s affirmation is another victory for Filipinos as this means greater access to more affordable financing to support our projects. These will create more quality jobs, increase incomes, and reduce poverty incidence in the country. With our growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation plan in place, we ensure

that we have adequate fiscal space to invest on infrastructure, education, human capital development, and social protection programs, which have the high multiplier effects on the economy,” Recto said.

The Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.3 percent in the second quarter of 2024, faster than the first quarter’s upwardlyrevised 5.8 percent and 4.3 percent in the second quarter of 2023. This brought the average expansion in the first half of the year to 6 percent, representing the lower end of the government’s 6-percent to 7-percent target band.

Moody’s said it expects foreign direct investment (FDIs) to the Philippines to remain strong until next year, driven by placements in the energy, manufacturing and information and communications sectors. With Domingo Juan, Ralph Harvey Rirao

MERALCO SUBSTATION.

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) expands its Eton Centris Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation to cater to the growing power needs of commercial establishments and residential customers in Quezon City. The P201.34-million project involved the installation of a new 83 MVA power transformer, 34.5 kilovolts (kV) GIS, 14.4 megavolt-amperes reactive (MVAR) capacitor bank and four new distribution feeders. The project will serve the growing power demand in the city, including from largeload customers such as Eton Centris, Ayala Vertis North, Alveo Highpark, TriNoma and Solaire Hotel & Casino.

PDA reported 15% growth in first-half dairy production

By Othel V. Campos

DAIRY production in the Philippines saw a 15-percent increase in the first half of 2024 to 16,000 metric tons (MT) from 13,940 MT in the same period last year, the Philippine Dairy Authority (PDA) said Friday.

The PDA said in its latest dairy update local milk production now contributes 21 percent of the total liquid milk supply, or about one of every five glasses consumed.

The local dairy sector is supported by 151,059 dairy animals including

cattle, carabao and goats. Gross earnings in the sector went up by 23.6 percent to P879.88 million in the sixmonth period.

The net supply of milk and dairy products amounted to 1.64 million MT in the first half, a 12.7-percent increase from the previous year.

Imports also grew 12.9 percent, while exports surged 27.5 percent.

Milk and dairy product imports grew 12.9 percent in volume, but their value decreased by 9.2 percent. Skim milk powder led imports, followed by other milk powders and ready-to-

Unused GOCC funds to cover gov’t salary hike

NEARLY 2 million government workers are expected to benefit from unprogrammed appropriations funded by idle and unused funds from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs). A total of P67.6 billion will cover salary increases and benefits for the country’s civil servants. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) revealed that priority programs receiving funding from the 2024 unprogrammed appropriations include personnel benefits and Salary Standardization Law (SSL) VI. Of the total amount, P40 billion will be allocated for salary increases for 1,820,610 government employees. The DBM announced earlier that the first part of the four-tranche salary increase for national government employees would start this year, retroactively from January 2024. This will be followed by yearly salary adjustments starting January 2025 until January 2027. Under the first tranche, the average salary increase for all salary grade levels (SG 1 to SG 31) will be 4.41 percent. The proposed rate of increase under SSL VI will be slightly higher than SSL V. Meanwhile, P27.6 billion will be used to cover government personnel benefits, including compensation adjustments, staffing modifications, and the grant of Performance-Based Bonus for personnel of national government agencies.

New Zealand, the United States and Indonesia were the primary sources of these imports. Milk exports rose 27.5 percent on increased shipments of cream, cheese and milk powders. Singapore and the United Arab Emirates were the top export markets, with Canada and the USA also playing significant roles.

Despite the growth, the dairy sector represents only 0.07 percent of the total agricultural and fisheries production and 0.45 percent of total livestock production values.

DOE proposes perks to boost oil exploration

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will propose incentives for upstream activities to spur investor interest in oil and gas exploration in the Philippines.

“We need to revitalize exploration, which has been stagnating for the past decade and a half. Without exploration, there will be no new discoveries or developments. We’ve identified and addressed several gaps that have impeded exploration, primarily through policy changes,” DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said at the forum on investment opportunities in the Philippines organized by the Energy Council and Rystad Energy. Sales said the department was working on a draft circular that proposes special allowances for interested industry players.

These include the proposed enhanced cost recovery allowance which allows for the use of unutilized cost recovery from one service contract to offset costs in others, with a cap of 70 percent. He said the DOE would also propose a marginal field allowance to support brownfield and stranded small reserve operations, aiming to extend the life of existing facilities and encourage their repurposing.

Women now hold 40% of executive posts in listed firms

THE Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) said Friday women now hold 40 percent of positions in executive leadership teams (ELTs) across Philippine publicly-listed companies (PLCs).

This is a significant milestone in gender diversity within the corporate sector, PBCWE said in a statement.

The results were based on its latest study “Census on Women in Leadership Roles in Philippine Publicly Listed Companies”.

Conducted in partnership with WR Numero Research (WRN) and supported by Investing in Women and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the study highlights the growing influence of women in shaping corporate strategies and decisionmaking processes.

PBCWE chairperson Ma. Aurora Geotina-Garcia welcomed the development, saying this advancement not only promotes gender equality but also enhances business performance and sustainability.

The study also reveals that female board members rose to 21 percent, although female CEOs remain underrepresented at 13 percent.

“The Census on Women in Leadership Roles is a call to action for the Philippine business community to adopt gender equality as a key driver of sustainable growth. This study is a vital resource for organisations committed to strengthening gender quality in the workplace,” said GeotinaGarcia.

While there was a significant improvement, the study showed that many women in ELTs remain in functional or support roles rather than operational roles, which are crucial for advancement to top leadership.

The study also says only 2 percent of large firms and none of the small and medium-sized firms have set specific gender diversity targets, which highlights the need for more concrete measures.

The SEC is revising its guidelines to move from a “comply-or-explain” approach to mandatory reporting on sustainability and gender data.

The new reporting requirements, based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, will integrate genderrelated data into business sustainability strategies. Jenniffer B. Austria

SM Store turns over school kits to 12,000 students nationwide

THE SM Store, with the support of its customers and in collaboration with SM Stationery (SSI), SM Foundation and World Vision, distributed backto-school kits to 12,000 grade school pupils across more than 70 public schools nationwide. Around 1,350 students from Mandaue City Central School, Mandaue City SPED Central School, Opao Elementary School, and Umapad Elementary School in Cebu received these essential supplies. The turnover activity complements the upcoming opening of SM Store’s 76th location at JMall Mandaue.

The relaunch of SM Store’s Shop & Share for Education program has enabled customers to directly support underprivileged students by purchasing back-to-school kits. For every minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000 at participating SM Stores, shoppers can contribute to a child’s education by buying a school kit for just P100.

As students start a new academic year or continue their educational journey, SM Store is committed to helping them achieve their dreams.

The program highlights the value of social responsibility and provides an easy way for shoppers to give back.

SM Store said a P100 donation may seem modest, but its impact is significant, making a meaningful difference in the lives of children from underserved communities. This initiative proves that even small contributions can drive substantial change when driven by a spirit of giving. Through the Shop & Share for Education program, SM Store, together with its dedicated shoppers and partners, is committed to ensuring that Filipino children have access to the essential tools they need for quality education.

DMCI launches P9-b condo at former Delta Theater site

NEWPORT’S AWARDS. Newport World Resorts shines in

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DStation of the LRT-1, with an additional Metro Manila Subway station under construction.

Residents will benefit from proximity to Quezon City’s major business districts such as Vertis North and Eton Centris, along with a range of shopping options, including Fisher Mall on Quezon Ave., SM North along EDSA and TriNoma on North Ave. The property is also near educational institutions like UST, UP Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University and healthcare facilities including Capitol Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City and the Philippine Heart Center.

IOT solutions likely to transform transport industry—PLDT unit

PLDT Enterprise brought together industry leaders and technology partners to showcase the benefits of the solution during the IoT roadshow in Metro Manila as part of its commitment to explore the transformative potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the transportation industry.

PLDT Enterprise, in a statement, highlighted how its solution called Smart IOT, the first all-in-one IoTenabled platform in the Philippines, could enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs and improve passenger ex-

periences. Transport operators learned about the various applications of Smart IOT, such as vehicle and delivery tracking, payment systems, smart meters, and remote device control.

“IoT technology is at the forefront of our commitment to revolutionizing the transportation sector,” said Robert Jay Sumulong, Smart category head for IoT Solutions at PLDT Enterprise.

“The Smart IOT platform empowers transport operators with real-time data and actionable insights, enabling them to enhance operational efficien-

EVAP seeks BOC support for electric vehicle importation, tariff incentives

THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines asked the Bureau of Customs to ensure proper implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act and foster a stronger partnership between the two organizations.

EVAP vice president Ralph Legaspi made a courtesy call to BOC assistant commissioner Jet Maronilla, emphasizing the bureau’s crucial role in effectively enforcing the EVIDA law. “The Bureau of Customs plays a vital role in ensuring that the benefits and incentives provided by the EVIDA law are fully realized by the industry,” Legaspi said. “Our courtesy call to Assistant Commissioner Maronilla is part of EVAP’s commitment to work closely with the BOC to address

any challenges and ensure the smooth and efficient importation of electric vehicles and components.”

The EVIDA law, which promotes the development and adoption of electric vehicles in the Philippines, requires seamless coordination between various government agencies and industry stakeholders. The meeting focused on addressing key issues related to the importation of electric vehicles and components, tariff incentives, and streamlined processing of EV-related shipments.

This meeting also served as a preparatory step for the upcoming 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), which will be held from Oct. 24 to 26, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia complex.

cy and optimize costs,” he said. The Smart IOT platform also allows users to manage thousands of devices in a single portal, offering full control, transparency and visibility. This capability helps businesses make data-driven decisions, maintain constant connectivity, and set automation rules for efficient operations.

Various technology partners, including Vectras and Filipay, demonstrated their IoT applications for the transportation industry.

Peter Jonas Figueroa, president

and chief executive of Vectras, highlighted their GPS tracker and mobile CCTV solutions.

“Utilizing Smart’s robust 4G/LTE and 5G networks to provide comprehensive services for the transportation industry, I believe that in the next few years, this sector will make leaps and bounds in terms of innovation, growth, and development,” Figueroa said.

Janice Arino, chief executive of Filipay, discussed their automated fare collection system.

PhilTower, PowerX remove 50% of diesel generators

PHIL-TOWER Consortium Inc. (PhilTower), in partnership with PowerX, a data intelligence platform for optimizing tower energy infrastructure, announced the transformative results of their year-long strategic collaboration.

This partnership, initiated in late 2023 and extended from the original 1,350 sites to 3,500 sites, delivered substantial capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) savings, enhanced operational efficiency and significant reductions in energy usage across PhilTower’s network.

The company said that in the six months since PhilTower began leveraging PowerX’s AI-driven data intelligence, it identified and eliminated diesel generators (DG) at 50 percent of its locations, transitioning to battery backup systems.

This yielded nearly half a million US dollars in generator open savings and reduced annual carbon dioxide emissions by over 700 tons.

The streamlined operations, enabled by reduced DG usage and full visibility into the tower estate, also lowered maintenance costs, decreased mean time to repair (MTTR) by 30 percent and increased network availability to 99.98 percent.

This boosted telecom customer data usage and revenue while reducing annual open by an additional half a million US dollars in fuel savings.

“Applying data science tools and optimizations to over a thousand sites within half a year is a significant milestone for PhilTower. Our commitment to digitalization has transformed our network, enabling rapid sale and leaseback transitioning, full remote asset visibility, efficient operations, and data-driven decisions that optimize capex and open - passing those savings to our customers while increasing uptime by three hours per site per month,” said PhilTower chief executive Devid Gubiani.

the HR Excellence Awards 2024 with I LOVE Earth commitment to sustainability beyond corporate social responsibility. The multifaceted lifestyle and leisure destination receives the prestigious Silver Award for Excellence in CSR Strategy category. HR Excellence Awards is an international program organized by Singapore-based Human Resources Online, a leading international organization that honors and celebrates distinguished companies in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia,and Thailand with outstanding work in employee engagement.

The SM Store, with the support of its customers and in collaboration with SM Stationery (SSI), SM Foundation and World Vision, distributes back-to-school kits to 12,000 grade school pupils across more than 70 public schools nationwide. Around 1,350 students from Mandaue City Central School, Mandaue City SPED Central School, Opao Elementary School and Umapad Elementary School received these essential supplies. The turnover activity complements the upcoming opening of SM Store’s 76th location at JMall Mandaue.

Thailand eyes more air links with Clark hub

By Othel V. Campos

THAILAND Ambassador to the Philippines Tull Traisorat pushed for increased flights to meet the rising business and tourism exchange between the two countries.

Traisorat particularly emphasize enhancing air connectivity between Clark and Bangkok.

“I see a lot of opportunities here that you’ve been promoting as a freeport zone and an airport. I would like to see more air connectivity between Clark and Bangkok, and to some other cities as well,” he said in his visit to the Clark Visitors Center on Aug. 20, 2024.

Traisorat expressed optimism for enhanced collaboration in various sectors including air connectivity, hospitality and renewable energy.

He noted Clark’s strategic location, freeport zone status and growing air connectivity with Bangkok and other cities in Thailand.

He said there is a significant potential for connecting Clark with UTapao, a strategic area in Thailand, to foster industrial, high-tech and tourism development.

The diplomat also cited opportunities for Thai companies in Clark, particularly in food, hospitality, banking and finance and medical services.

He proposed sharing best practices in freeport zones, MICE (meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions tourism) and other areas of mutual interest.

Customers commend PWS Cebu Binaliw waste facility

PRIME Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PWS) said it continues to drive its transformation strategy in its operations of a materials recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, with a strong focus on maximizing resource recovery.

Since PWS took over the facility in 2022, the company has implemented significant improvements by enhancing operational efficiencies and positively impacting both the environment and local communities.

“The shift has been nothing short

of remarkable,” said Mary Jane Montejo, chief executive of Agalon Garbage Hauler, which has been disposing waste at the facility since 2020.

“It is evident how efficiency and productivity for waste diversion has been enhanced, not to mention the quality of the output as well. Because of this, lesser waste has been diverted to the landfill,” she said.

“Our company is looking forward to what new innovations and growth PIWSI will bring,” Montejo said.

Filipino-Chinese business group pays tribute to Ambassador Dee

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said Friday it mourns the loss of Ambassador Howard Dee, a paragon of virtue whose life was defined by unwavering dedication to service, integrity and deep compassion for those most in need.

FFCCCII said Dee was more than a distinguished philanthropist and accomplished businessman; he was an exemplar of moral leadership and social responsibility. His life was a testament to the highest principles of justice, peace and human dignity. As a former peace negotiator, he dedicated himself to bridging divides and fostering recon-

Health workers undergo disaster training in Laguna

BLUELEAF Energy Philippines through its floating solar project, NKS Solar One, initiated a disease and disaster prevention training among community health workers on July 30, 2024 in Lumban, Laguna.

NKS Solar One, a joint venture of Blueleaf Energy Philippines and NKS Energy Utilities, is a 250-megawatt floating solar project to be built in Lakes Caliraya and Lumot in Laguna. Blueleaf Energy Philippines is a portfolio company of Macquarie Capital, operating on a stand-alone basis.

The training was designed to equip the participants with skills and knowledge necessary to prevent disaster and diseases like cholera, dengue and malaria.

About 48 barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars and tanods from San Antonio and San Juan from Kalayaan; Lewin from Lumban; and East Talaongan, West Talaongan, Inao-Awan, MahiponLumot, and Tibatib from Cavinti attended the training.

“We believe that investing in the health of our host communities is not just a duty but a privilege; and that by empowering these local health workers with the tools and knowledge they need, we are contributing to a healthier and a more resilient community,” said Bluealeaf Energy Philippines head of marketing and community relations Jason Gavina.

The company teamed up with the Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and Kalayaan Rural Health Unit in conducting the training.

The sessions were interactive, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises.

ciliation, always with the greater good of the nation as his guiding light.

Dee’s legacy is enshrined in the numerous institutions he founded and led—among them, as founding trustee of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in 1970, founder of the Assisi Development Foundation in 1975, the Philippine Development Assistance Program in 1984 and ASA Philippines in 2002. Through these initiatives, and his service as a leader in various NGOs such as Tabang Mindanaw, Caritas Manila and Pondo ng Pinoy, Dee exemplified the essence of servant leadership. He led not by the power of position, but through an unwavering

commitment to purpose and principle.

Dee’s contributions are deeply intertwined with the rich heritage of his family with nearly three centuries of philanthropy and pioneering entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

As the son of the late FFCCCII vice-president Dee Hong Lue, nephew of FFCCCII vice-president Dee Chiong, nephew of community’s prewar leader and philanthropist Dee Chuan and great-grandnephew of community’s philanthropist and 19th century Philippine lumber industry pioneer entrepreneur Dy Han Kia, Ambassador Dee upheld a remarkable legacy of philanthropy and ethi

cal entrepreneurship.

Dee’s extraordinary contributions to society were rightfully recognized with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.

Despite the numerous other accolades and honors bestowed upon him, Dee remained a man of profound humility. His deep faith in God was the cornerstone of his life, guiding every endeavor and inspiring others to lead lives of service and integrity.

FFCCII said Dee’s legacy transcends the many titles and positions he held. His true impact lies in the countless lives he touched, the communities he uplifted and the enduring principles of love, compassion and justice that he championed.

Bossjob expands services in Bicol to boost employment opportunities

BOSSJOB, a chat-first career platform, is expanding its services in the Philippines to connect job seekers and hiring managers outside the National Capital Region (NCR).

After successful events in the Bicol region, Bossjob is now focusing on boosting job markets in other areas of the country.

The platform aims to enhance employment prospects by working with government agencies, non-government associations, communities and academic institutions. This initiative supports businesses in their recruitment efforts and stimulates economic growth. Bossjob’s significant strides in Bicol include signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). The agreement aims to streamline

recruitment processes for MNCCI’s 500+ business members and provide job opportunities to locals.

The event, held at the Sundaze Events Center in Naga City, was attended by Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion, local government representatives and MNCCI officials.

Bossjob country manager Kimberly Chen said the expansion efforts in Bicol align with the hiring platform’s commitment to ensuring access to job opportunities for Filipinos

“Our mission has always been to ensure that job opportunities are accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their location. By partnering with local government agencies, business associations, and educational institutions, we aim to invigorate the job market in Bicol and other regions,” he said.

PWS Cebu uses equipment procured from Europe and Asia such as vibrating sieves, baler systems, magnetic separators and an air density separator in processing up to 1,000 tons of received solid waste per day. PWS said that by focusing on resource recovery, the company aims to significantly limit landfilled waste to 20 percent or less. This approach leads to reduced organic waste ending up decomposing and producing harmful methane emissions.

Study seeks review of pesticide rules to boost drone potential

A 2023 New Humanitarian study called for a review government regulations on pesticide application being implemented by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA).

The study also underscores the immense potential of advanced drone technology to transform Philippine agriculture, particularly in rice production.

“While the Philippines is on the cusp of achieving rice self-sufficiency, the potential of drone technology in agriculture is being stifled by outdated and unclear regulations. These roadblocks not only hinder innovation but also threaten the progress we’ve made in securing our nation’s food future. It’s crucial that we adopt forward-thinking policies that empower farmers with the tools they need to succeed, rather than impede them,” said Philippine Agricultural Drone Association president Jen Subang.

Drones offer precision farming capabilities that could significantly increase yields, reduce pesticide use and improve overall resource management. The FPA’s regulations, however, are impeding the widespread adoption of this transformative technology, Subang said.

The study noted that ambiguities surrounding approved pesticides, accreditation processes and offlabel use create uncertainty for farmers and drone operators as the bureaucratic hurdles stifle investment and innovation, jeopardizing the Philippines’ long-term goal of rice self-sufficiency. Othel V. Campos

Customers of Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. in Cebu City commend the transformation of the Binaliw waste facility. PWS operates a materials recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Binaliw with a strong focus on maximizing resource recovery. Since PWS took over the facility in 2022, it has implemented significant improvements by enhancing operational efficiencies and positively impacting both the environment and local communities.

Amelito Magcalas from Laguna Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office explains the importance of communication before, during and after disasters to the participants of the Community Health Workers Training on July 30, 2024 in Lumban, Laguna. Blueleaf Energy Philippines through its floating solar project, NKS Solar One, initiated the disease and disaster prevention training to community health workers.

Bossjob, the chat-first career platform revolutionizing professional hiring in Southeast Asia (SEA),

Traisorat

Demand for BSP’s term deposit facility increases

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) retained its term deposit facility (TDF) volume offering at P160 billion, with the same allocation of P80 billion each for the 6-day and 13-day tenors.

Total tenders increased to P164.441 billion Thursday from P105.851 billion. The figures are within the BSP’s expected volume range, and resulted in bid-to-cover ratios of 1.07x for the 6-day TDF and 0.99x for 13-day TDF.

The BSP awarded in full its offering for the 6-day tenor and accepted the P78.940-billion total tenders for the 13-day tenor.

The respective weighted average interest rates for the 6-day and 13day tenors fell by 19.96 basis points (bps) and 19.63 bps to 6.3123 percent and 6.3477 percent, respective.

It said this reflects the partial pass-through of the 25-basis-point reduction in the policy rate last week.

Meanwhile, the range of accepted yields widened to 6.2400 to 6.5000 percent for the 6-day TDF and 6.2500 to 6.5500 percent for the 13day TDF.

The BSP said its monetary operations would continue to be guided by its assessment of prevailing liquidity conditions and market developments.

PLDT warns of rising AI voice call scams

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications warned their customers about the growing threat of vishing, or voice phishing.

“Criminals are quick to adapt. Now that our new firewall has made it harder for them to send text scams, they now resort to calling customers on their mobile phones or via overthe-top apps to lure them into revealing critical personal data,” said Jojo Gendrano, senior vice president and chief information security officer at PLDT and Smart.

Vishing is a form of phishing done over voice calls. It’s a type of social engineering where fraudsters, pretending to be bank agents, call their potential victims to trick them into sharing personal information like login details, account numbers and credit card CVV numbers. They may address the victim by his or her name to sound legitimate. They

Sun Life taps industry veteran to guide members towards financial security

SUN Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. is relying on a seasoned finance industry veteran to guide Filipinos toward greater financial security.

Al Quitangon, the company’s chief distribution officer, brings a deep understanding of financial planning to his role. As a former advisor himself, Quitangon is well-versed in the challenges and aspirations of clients.

“Everyone who steps into the world of insurance knows that this isn’t just a job, this is a calling,” Quitangon said. “It’s about empowering Filipinos to take charge of their future, allowing them to have the right knowledge

and tools necessary to be prepared for the unforeseen challenges of life.”

Quitangon believes that financial education is the cornerstone of long-term prosperity. He encourages Sun Life employees and advisors to stay true to the company’s mission of helping Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives.

Under Quitangon’s leadership, Sun Life is poised to reach new heights. As chief distribution officer, he leverages his more than 30 years of experience to lead a movement toward financial security, one Filipino family at a time.

typically induce panic in their victims by warning them of account closure or suspension.

These cybercriminals may also tell customers that they have been chosen for a free credit card upgrade and will only need to confirm their information to activate the new card. Either of these tactics is being used to persuade customers into revealing sensitive data.

PLDT said cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated, employing artificial intelligence (AI) to generate life-like voices or mimic the voice of a victim’s close acquaintance to gain their trust.

“Once criminals possess the necessary information, they will then take over the customer’s account, empty their savings or use their credit card information to make unauthorized transactions,” Gendrano said.

Smart said it activated its new and more advanced network firewall in the first half of July 2024 to enhance its capability to weed out text scams. The new cybersecurity tool was able to block as many as 30 million malicious texts in one day, leading to a notable decline in the number of SMShing messages reported by customers in July.

CCAP,

Stocks

and European equities rose ahead of a much-anticipated speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell later Friday, as the dollar weakened amid speculation about how big an expected interest rate cut next month could be. The yen also advanced after the head of Japan’s central bank told lawmakers that officials could hike interest rates again if the economy and inflation perform as expected, weeks after a surprise increase caused turmoil on markets.

NBAPE is the key performance metric for evaluating sales in the Philippine life insurance industry, providing essential insights for insurers, investors and regulators. “We are delighted to maintain our position as the number one

protection to our customers. Our continued success in achieving the highest NBAPE in the second quarter reaffirms our commitment to innovation, customer trust, and building a financially resilient society,” said Pru Life UK chief finance officer Francis Ortega.

Pru Life UK said it remains steadfast in empowering more than 1.8 million Filipinos to achieve their financial goals and secure their futures through its over 38,000 agency force.

insurer in the Philippines, reflecting our dedication to delivering quality

STATE-RUN Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) announced that it will sell through electronic public bidding 80 agricultural, residential and mixed-use lots on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26, 2024. “To be sold on an as-is-where-is basis are corporate and closed banks’ assets consisting of 64 agricultural lots, five agricultural lots with improvements, five mixed residential/ agricultural lots, four mixed residential/agricultural lots with improvements, and one residential lot bundled with an agricultural lot,” PDIC said.

These properties are located in Aklan, Aurora, Batangas, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Isabela,

Through investments in digital technology and financial literacy initiatives, Pru Life UK is driving the development of a more financially resilient society while adapting to its customers’ evolving needs.

Established in 1996, Pru Life UK is the pioneer of insuravest, or investment-linked life insurance products, in the Philippines and is one of the first life insurance companies approved to distribute US dollardenominated investment-linked life insurance policies in the country.

While a cut is considered virtually inevitable in September, traders remain edgy in the lead-up to Powell’s speech at the annual symposium of central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, amid fears he might not be as dovish as hoped. He had already put markets on alert for a reduction after saying in recent weeks that one could come “as soon as” September and that inflation did not have to hit decision-makers’ two percent target before they moved.

BoJ’s

Interested buyers can browse through the catalog of

and

PDIC encouraged prospective bidders to get familiar with the terms and conditions and their responsibility to

North Cotabato, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Sultan Kudarat, Tarlac and Western Samar. Property sizes range from 240 square meters to 236,840 square meters.

Maguindanao,

PALENG-QR EXPANSION. The municipal government of Sta. Maria, Bulacan led by Mayor Bartolome

Cyberzone at SM City Marikina:

A FUTURISTIC OASIS

MARIKINA City just leveled up its tech game! SM City Marikina’s Cyberzone is no longer just a tech hub. It’s a full-blown, stateof-the-art experience that merges the pulse of urban life with the cutting-edge world of technology.

Paris thru the ‘eyes’ of the HONOR 200 Pro

By Jessica Luna

IN the crowded world of smart, android and Google TVs, does the introduction of another player truly make our choices more difficult?

The answer is often yes.

New entrants keep established brands on their toes, fostering competition that drives innovation.

The arrival of Xiaomi, a rising tech giant, in the smart TV market is a welcome development as it offers consumers an additional brand to consider, expanding their options and potentially leading to better products and more competitive pricing.

The Xiaomi TV A Pro 65-inch is a budget-friendly smart TV that offers impressive features and performance. Its large 4K UHD display delivers crisp, detailed images, and with support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision, it can display a wider range of colors and contrast, enhancing the viewing experience. The quad-core processor ensures smooth performance and handles multitasking well, making it ideal for streaming content, gaming, and browsing the web.

Running on Android TV, the TV provides access to a vast library of apps and games, from popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ to casual games and productivity tools.

The integration with Google Assistant allows for seamless voice control, enabling you to search for content, manage smart home devices, and control

the TV hands-free. Additionally, the TV’s gaming performance is suitable for casual gaming. However, if you’re primarily interested in streaming content, watching movies, or enjoying casual gaming, the Xiaomi TV A Pro 65-inch is a solid option.

The following are the reasons why the Xiaomi TV A Pro 65-inch should be on the top of your options.

Frameless Design, Immersive Viewing

The ultra-narrow bezel design creates a nearly borderless viewing experience, maximizing the screen-to-body ratio. When the display is on, the image appears to seamlessly blend into the surrounding space, offering a more immersive and captivating visual experience.

Sleek Metallic Finish

The Xiaomi A Pro Series boasts of a premium metallic frame with a unibody design, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home.

Crystal-Clear

display with its 3840 x 2160 resolution delivers stunningly detailed images, bringing every element to life.

Cinematic Picture Quality

Dolby Vision® technology, a standard in the film industry, delivers superior brightness, contrast, and color, revealing more details and creating a more immersive cinematic experience.

Hollywood-Grade Color Accuracy

The Xiaomi TV A Pro Series adopts the DCI-P3 color gamut standard, ensuring that colors are displayed with exceptional accuracy and precision. This wide color gamut (WCG) tech-

By Riera U. Mallari

HONOR and Studio Harcourt have joined forces to revolutionize the art of portrait photography. Studio Harcourt, renowned for its iconic blackand-white portraits and rich history, brings its expertise to the table. HONOR’s innovative 200 Series, equipped with cuttingedge AI technology, complements this legacy.

HONOR X Studio Harcourt: A Fusion of Heritage and AI

By partnering with Studio Harcourt, HONOR’s 200 Series team sought to leverage AI to democratize the art of portrait photography. Through months of collaboration and extensive research, the HONOR AI Portrait Engine was born. This revolutionary tool simplifies the portrait photography process while ensuring that results maintain the studio-quality standards that Studio Harcourt is known for.

Full circle moment And now, this is truly a full circle moment for HONOR and Studio Harcourt as the HONOR 200 Pro made its way into its Harcourt’s birthplace in Paris, France. Just take a look at these stunning photos from the City of Love, courtesy of the HONOR 200 Pro.

Ei el Tower

The Philippine Olympic Team boarding the chartered ight to Manila

Olympic rings at The Louvre

Mona Lisa Paris At Night Down the metro Dancing Couple

An actual Harcourt Studio-Paris Thomas Je erson statue

Champs Elysees

SHOWBIZ

Up-and-coming artist channels

personal romance into upbeat anthem

Rivera live at City of Dreams Manila’s Centerplay concert series

CITY of Dreams Manila will feature the successful actor and singer-songwriter Ariel Rivera in the 11th edition of the Centerplay Concert Series , happening for one night only on Aug. 28 at 9:00 p.m. Rivera, an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artist, was discovered in 1989 and rose to fame in the 1990s as the “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala.” His self-titled debut album was released in 1991, followed by a second album, “Simple Lang,” in 1992. Both albums achieved triple platinum status. Rivera’s chart-topping hits include “Sana Kahit Minsan,” “Simple Lang,” “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin,” and “A Smile In Your Heart.”

Throughout his career, Rivera has earned several awards, including Best New Male Artist at the Awit Awards in 1991, Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist in 1992, and Best Supporting Actor at the 1992 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Ariel Rivera Live at CenterPlay follows a series of successful sold-out shows at the circular stage on the City of Dreams Manila’s main gaming floor.

Previous OPM icons featured in the CenterPlay Concert Series include Noel Cabangon, Neocolours, Jinky Vidal, Yeng Constantino, Raymond Lauchengco, Janno Gibbs, Rey Valera, Ice Seguerra, Nina, and The CompanY

The upcoming concert will also feature alternating performances by DJs and bands, including Highschool Playlist and Swerve Band , from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

CenterPlay, designed for ultimate entertainment, is a stylish lounge offering light meals, signature cocktails, beers, wines, and other beverages. Guests can reserve a seat or table with consumables starting at P3,000, which includes bar snacks, burgers, fries, and drinks. VIP couch seats for eight guests are available for P24,000, and VIP small tables for four are available for P12,000, both inclusive of consumables.

For reservations and information on upcoming performances at CenterPlay, call 8800-8080, email guestservices@codmanila.com , or visit www. cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Aa singer and composer who pours his

heart and soul into his music, has turned his personal romantic narrative into an upbeat love track with his latest single, “Nonchalant.”

A multi-talented artist, Arnoldg not only writes and sings but also plays the guitar and keyboard, and is skilled in basic drums and music production.

The majority of Arnoldg’s songs, about 90 percent, are drawn from his own life experiences, with the remaining 10 percent inspired by stories he’s read, watched, or heard from others.

“Real-life situations are always inspiring to write about. They help create an original song because nothing is more unique than our own experiences, thoughts, and perspectives on love and life. It makes the song one of a kind,” he shares. Arnoldg’s creative process is spontaneous and fluid. “I usually start with a melody in mind, then the lyrics follow, but sometimes it happens the other way around. There are moments I call ‘magical,’ where I record myself in the zone, singing and playing, and end up with a rough demo that includes both the melody and lyrics,” he explains.

Always prepared, he keeps his phone notes and voice memo app ready to capture ideas as they come.

One such magical moment led to the creation of “Nonchalant,” a pop alternative track that playfully explores the classic theme of opposites attracting.

Arnoldg drew from his own experiences, crafting a song inspired by his feelings toward a crush who was difficult to read.

“I started composing the song the night I met my nonchalant crush. When I got home, my mind kept working on the narrative, and I began writing the verse and chorus. I was frustrated by his nonchalant attitude, which made it hard for us

to talk, so I channeled that into the song,” he says. Arnoldg identifies as genderfluid, describing his approach to relationships as open and not bound by gender identity. “Gender identity isn’t an issue for me. In terms of my sexual identity, I’m currently exploring and would be considered ‘Questioning Identity’ within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. I just want to fall in love first. I lack romantic and sexual experience to define my sexuality precisely,” he explains.

The “Nonchalant” music video will feature a boys’ love (BL) theme, reflecting Arnoldg’s desire to present narratives where homo-relationships are shown as just as relatable as hetero-relationships.

“At the end of the day, we’re all just human beings in love. I want to convey that message through my music video,” he reveals. Music began as a passion for

Arnoldg, evolving into a career and now an advocacy.

“As an artist, my advocacy has always been to believe in love, no matter how tough life gets. The ‘Nonchalant’ music video is the prologue of my whole brand,” he said.

“I’ll be introducing my origin as a personality and my artistry as a storyteller through my music. My message is that love is limitless and immeasurable. I love music, and I will keep pursuing it,” the artist added. Arnoldg, whose love for music started at a young age, is determined to make his mark in the industry. He dreams of collaborating with local artists like Moira Dela Torre, KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, and James Reid

“Nonchalant” is now available on all streaming platforms, including iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube. Follow Arnoldg on social media at @heyitsarnoldg.

FILIPINO boy group BGYO has dropped their latest single, “Trash,” now available on music streaming platforms worldwide. The official music video is also live on the BGYO Official YouTube channel. The upbeat track, featuring pop, neo-soul, disco, and funk elements, was produced by Grammy Award winner Lostboy and Grammy nominee Tele . The song, written by Greg Shilling Elle Campbell, Peter Rycroft (Lostboy), and Steven Chueng (Tele), explores the theme of giving everything for love, inspired by BGYO’s own feelings on the subject. BGYO debuted the song live at ASAP Natin ‘To California on Aug. 3 in Ontario, California. The five-member group –composed of Gelo, Akira, JL,

Mikki, and Nate – continues to make waves internationally as ABS-CBN champions Filipino talent on the global stage. They recently performed at the Philippines Food and Music Festival in Toronto, Canada, and at the TFC Hour event during the Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, California. BGYO’s “Trash” is now available on various platforms.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO,

P-pop boy band BGYO debuted in 2021 with single ‘The Light’

Lang, and ‘Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin’

Singer and composer Arnoldg mostly draws from his own experiences to write his songs

Arnoldg’s ‘Nonchalant’ takes inspiration from the singer’s experience with a crush who had an attitude that was difficult to read

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

C4 LIFE

How a papaya soap launched an emerging beauty brand

By Nickie Wang

THE birthday celebration of Grace M. Angeles, the owner and CEO of SCD Skin Care, was an extravagant event held at Instagram-worthy Sundowners Beach Resort in Botolan, Zambales. The occasion also featured the launch of SCD’s newest product, the Retinol Serum.

In our conversation with the entrepreneur, she shared that the birthday celebration was not just about her special day but also a way to appreciate the distributors and partners who have contributed to the growth of her brand.

SCD, originally known as Skincare Depot, began in 2006 by offering a variety of soaps, including organic whitening and healing options made from papaya extracts. The brand was officially established as SCD in 2016.

“Our best-seller, the SCD Peeling Skin Lotion, truly put us on the map. We were the first to introduce a peeling lotion that could be used on both the face and body,” Angeles explained.

The Retinol Serum, which took two years to develop, was thoroughly studied before it was released to the market.

Although the skincare industry is booming now, with many becoming millionaires in the business, Angeles mentioned that she started from zero.

“For more than three years, I didn’t start with an immediate boom. I went through

all the challenges that a business owner typically faces,” she recalled. “But that’s a good thing because now I know how to reach people, how to secure their investment, and what they need.”

Now that the company is doing better, she is happy that SCD has been able to help many distributors.

“Our distributors are becoming wealthier than I am. That’s the beauty of it,” she added.

In 2022, she signed Lovi Poe as SCD’s first celebrity ambassador, which significantly boosted the brand’s recognition.

“We’ve been with Ms. Lovi for two years. We renewed her contract on May 21, 2024. We really love her because she’s so kind and beautiful,” Angeles proudly said of Lovi.

When asked about Lovi’s effectiveness as an endorser, Angeles emphasized that Lovi’s character is very elegant, even though SCD Skin Care’s products are designed for the masses.

“Despite her sophistication, Lovi consistently connects with the brand’s distributors and resonates with the broader audience,” the brand CEO noted and added that she wanted Heart Evangelista and Piolo Pascual to be part of her growing family of product endorsers.

while showcasing the collection’s quality and elegance. The imagery reflects COS’s signature neutral palette, enriched with burgundy tones, and explores a blend of contrasting styles and silhouettes.

In womenswear, the collection includes angular blazers, voluminous leather skirts, and sculptural checkered jackets, paired with relaxed trousers and leather accessories. Menswear features contemporary twists on traditional styles, such as wool herringbone coats, oversized leather jackets, and fluid trousers. The collection is completed with woven leather accessories and winter scarves.

COS, a London-based brand known for its iconic wardrobe pieces and commitment to sustainability, continues to emphasize quality and timeless style in its designs. The Autumn Winter 2024 campaign reflects the brand’s dedication to creating durable, innovative fashion.

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) has entered a year-long partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to promote travel between the Philippines and Singapore. The collaboration aims to highlight PAL’s premium flying experience and showcase the variety of attractions Singapore offers, targeting both first-time and repeat travelers.

Domingo, Christopher Abbott star in COS’ new campaign

COS has launched its Autumn Winter 2024 campaign, highlighting the brand’s timeless aesthetic with innovative design and precise craftsmanship. The campaign features a starstudded lineup including Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, actor Christopher Abbott, and singer

Aidan Bissett. Also featured are model and actor Mariacarla Boscono, who recently closed the brand’s Spring Summer runway in Rome, and fashion model Rianne Van Rompaey The campaign, photographed by Karim Sadli in a Milanese studio, captures the individuality of each talent

The campaign features activities, including collaborations with content creators like Laureen Uy , her husband Miggy Cruz , and lifestyle blogger Camille Co

These initiatives are supported by a limited-time seat sale, offering special deals on airfare bundled with accommodation and unique experiences in Singapore.

Capt. Stanley Ng , President and COO of PAL, expressed enthusiasm about the renewed partnership.

“Philippine Airlines is excited to partner with Singapore once again. The country’s vibrant culture has been a source of inspiration for many Filipino travelers throughout our years of service. We look forward to expanding our efforts to allow more Filipinos to experience Singapore as a world-class leisure destination,” he said.

Melissa Ow, Chief Executive

of STB, emphasized the importance of the Philippine market.

“The Philippines is one of Singapore’s key markets, and its recovery has been strong, thanks partly to our long-standing partnership with Philippine Airlines,” Ow stated.

“PAL has played a crucial role in reinforcing Singapore’s reputation as a vibrant lifestyle destination where ordinary moments become extraordinary. We’re eager to elevate our partnership with PAL and welcome even more Filipino visitors to Singapore soon,” the executive added.

In 2023, the Philippines ranked as Singapore’s sixth-largest source market for tourism, with nearly 700,000 Filipino visitors, marking an 84 percent recovery compared to 2019 figures. As of June 2024, close to 390,000 Filipinos have visited Singapore. New attractions in Singapore for travelers include “Bird Paradise,” a wildlife park with over 400 bird species, the world’s largest multimedia illumination event in September 2024, “Harry Potter: Visions of Magic” interactive art experience in Q4 2024, “Minion Land” at Universal Studios Singapore in Q1 2025, and the “Disney Adventure” by Disney Cruise Line set for 2025. Your

From left: PAL Senior Vice President - General Counsel Attorney Carlos Luis D. Fernandez, STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow,

Aidan Bissett is a musician known for his indie rock and alternative pop songs

American playwright and filmmaker Colman Domingo has won numerous awards and is an Oscar nominee

American actor Christopher Abbott is known for starring in numerous independent films

The collection features timeless pieces with a neutral palette, blending contrasting styles and silhouettes

SCD Skin Care owner and CEO Grace M. Angeles