Manila Standard - 2024 August 26 - Monday

8 PROC VESSELS GANG UP ON LONE BFAR SHIP IN

By Vince Lopez

of Chinese Coast Guard, People's Liberation ArmyNavy, and Maritime Militia ships ganged up upon it.

Quiboloy urged to give up for the sake of followers

PNP equipment detects life signs beneath KOJC compound

By Vince Lopez and Maimona Wanda Lao

POLICE personnel combing through the sprawling Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City believe they are closing in on the elusive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy after their sophisticated sonar equipment detected apparent signs of life underground.

General Nicolas Torre III, director of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 11 (PNP-PRO11, on Sunday expressed “high confidence” that by following the faint sound of a heartbeat, they will soon be able to pin-

point the precise location of Quiboloy.

The fugitive religious leader is believed to be hiding somewhere in a labyrinth of tunnels below the surface of the 30-hectare compound in Barangay Buhangin.

"He's definitely there. They're trying to sneak him out," Torre said.

The regional police chief also ordered that police officers maintain round-the-clock presence outside the compound in case the religious leader tried to make a quick getaway.

He reiterated that the search has only covered about one-fourth of the compound.

"We have informants inside. We just haven't been able to find him due to their well-planned movements within the compound,” Torre said.

"With the size of the place and the numerous exits, even we are getting lost and separated," he added.

It was explained that there are a total

By Rio N. Araja

of

SEVERAL

of 42 buildings inside the KOJC compound.

Torre appealed to Quiboloy to simply surrender and spare his followers the inconvenience by continuing to evade the law.

"I hope he surrenders... he will make his supporters suffer even more. Don't do it. Spare your supporters from this heartache and just get out and surrender yourself," he said.

The police general also assured the safety of civilians inside the compound despite the ongoing police operation.

"As long as they don't interfere with what the police are doing, we don't have a problem," he noted.

By Ronald O. Reyes

TACLOBAN City health officials said it recorded its first case of suspected Mpox (formerly monkeypox) at a gov't-run hospital in northern Samar yesterday. The case involved a 24-year-old male who has been suffering from fever, body weakness, and vesicular rashes in the past two weeks.

“He is currently receiving care at Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, where he is isolated and undergoing confirmatory testing for Monkeypox,” the Northern Samar provincial health office said in a statement. It said that the patient has no travel history.

Pope calls for more help for mpox victims

NEWS / A2

Contract tracing efforts have also been launched by the Catarman Municipal Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (MESU).

“Rest assured, our surveillance systems are fully operational, allowing us to closely monitor the situation and safeguard our community from potential health risks,” the provincial health office added.

on Sunday took a swipe at Duterte for his outspoken defense of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader, who con

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vince Lopez

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concerns that a well-entrenched criminal syndicate involved in money laundering may have facilitated the escape of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo (also known as Guo Hua Ping) and her sister Sheila. Gatchalian told DWIZ in an interview last Saturday that the sisters have ties to a significant money laundering case in Singapore. He said this was established based on documents they obtained concerning Baofu Land Development, Inc., where the

By Rio N. Araja

BALISONG OF BATANGAS. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, fourth from left, receives a balisong, the famous butterfly knife made by Batangas craftsmen, as a token of appreciation from Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, extreme left, following the successful

Lianda Bolilla, 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro, Ryan Christian Recto, 5th District Rep. Mario Victorio Mariño, 3rd District Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes and 1st District Rep. Eric Buhain (Story on Business, B4).Ver Noveno

Brigadier

NEWS

Quad comm issues subpoena to Roque aide

By Rio N. Araja and Vince Lopez

THE quad-committee of the House of Representatives has stepped up its investigation into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and issued a subpoena to Alberto Rodulfo dela Serna--former executive assistant to expresidential spokesperson Harry Roque--for his failure to appear at an Aug. 22 hearing.

Dela Serna then submitted an excuse letter through his lawyer Kevin San Agustin that he could not come.

Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, co-chair of

Quiboloy...

From A1

For her part, spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that surrendering and facing the charges slapped against him the only way to prevent the situation form degenerating any further.

“We have no qualms about serving the warrant of arrest because we have informants who confirmed the Pastor Quiboloy is really inside the compound. We continue to appeal to him to end the suffering of his followers and face the cases against him,” she emphasized.

Solons...

From A1

“The rights of every Filipino should be respected whether they be pastor or pauper,” he said.

Abante is also a Christian pastor.

“Perhaps if the former president had emphasized the importance of human rights during his administration, then we would not have to investigate the thousands of extrajudicial killings that occurred during his presidency’s war on drugs,” he added.

He said it is “a tragic irony” that the statement of the former president “has come out while the Quad Comm probe is investigating the Duterte administration’s drug war that killed thousands of Filipinos, orphaned so many children, and traumatized families.”

“Unlike the victims of the war on drugs, Quiboloy was afforded due process. Not one but two courts issued warrants of arrest. The police went in to his compound with the end in view of arresting and detaining him. Even now, if he surrenders to authorities, Quiboloy will have his day in court,” he maintained. “Unfortunately and tragically, thousands of our kababayan who were slain during the war on drugs were not given the same opportunity,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, two members of the so-called “Young Guns” of Con-

2nd...

From A1

This is the second case of mpox to be reported this year in the country. The Quezon City public health office disclosed the first case of mpox last week.

The Department of Health (DOH)Eastern Visayas earlier urged the public to “protect yourself and the whole family against disease and misinformation.”

“Following intensified surveillance due to the World Health Organization's declaration of mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

House...

From A1

the quad-committee, questioned the validity of the excuse. “The excuse letter that was signed by Attorney Agustin is not valid,” he stressed. On Aug. 16, dela Serna was issued

As this developed, two while law enforcers have yet to collar Quiboloy, they managed to resque two alleged human-trafficking victims inside the KOJC compound. It was reported over Super Radyo dzBB report that the PNP Women and Children Protection Desk, and employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 11 carried out the rescue operation.

PRO-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said the supposed victims were a 21-year-old male from Samar and a female from Cotabato's Midsayap town.

gress backed former senator Leila de Lima’s call on Duterte to simply help authorities enforce the warrant of arrest against Quiboloy, and refrain from making unnecessary criticisms.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon jointly urged Duterte to stop speaking ill of law enforcers who are duty-bound to serve a warrant of arrest against the elusive televangelist.

“We support Senator De Lima’s pronouncement that the ex-President should be helping authorities enforce the warrant of arrest against his ally Quiboloy. As a former president, he should be all for upholding the law at all times, no exceptions,” Acidre said.

“We hope the former president refrains from issuing statements that tend to sow confusion and divide the Filipino nation based on a very faulty line of reasoning,” he aded.

Meanwhile, Bongalon said, “as a former president, he is the first person who should uphold the rule of law.”

He appealed to Duterte to exercise “delicadeza” (sense of propriety) and refrain from making additional comments on the matter.

The solons made these comments after the former president released an official statement calling on “the remaining decent and patriotic members of our government” to stand

(PHEIC), the DOH recorded a new case of mpox in the Philippines. Prior to this, the last case was reported in December 2023,” it said.

“All previous cases were isolated, contained, and recovered from the disease,” it added.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

The disease can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.

However, most people fully recover, but some get very sick, according to WHO.

The disease can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.

a show-cause order by the quadcommittee in its ongoing investigation into the links between POGOs, illegal drug trade, unlawful land acquisition by Chinese nationals and extrajudicial killings linked to the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

When ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s name became entangled in the government’s crackdown on POGO hubs operated by Chinese highrollers, dela Serna, who represented the Philippines in the 2016 Mister Supranational competition in Poland, also came under public scrutiny.

Dela Serna’s connection to Roque

She explained that the two alleged victims were rescued after they and their relatives had sought help from the police.

Dela Rey explained that the two rescued individuals wanted to leave the KOJC compound but were supposedly being prevented from doing so.

KOJC legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon denied allegations that the religious group was involved in human trafficking.

The lawyer said the police should “stop the harassment” as they did not have a search warrant to stay in the KOJC compound.

against enforcing illegal orders.

“We call on all Filipinos, regardless of political persuasion, to offer prayers for peace and justice, and to spare our people of the unwarranted tension brought about by the reign of fear and terror by people sworn to uphold the law and protect the citizens of this country,” Duterte said.

He also challenged the administration on its ability to preserve the constitutional rights of Filipinos when they are “being blatantly violated.”

“Rights have been trampled upon and our laws, derided,” he stated.

Echoing her father, Vice President Duterte condemned the “gross abuse of police power” during a large-scale operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound.

The KOJC raid was launched early Saturday morning in Davao City for the arrest of fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy and led to the death of one KOJC member who suffered a heart attack during the operation.

Duterte made it clear that she was not against the issued warrant of arrest but with the use of violence during the raid where religious worshipers were also harassed and minors were abused.

“These acts are not only a blatant violation of Constitutionally-protected rights but a betrayal of the trust

Money...

From A1

Commission (SEC) in 2019 revealed that two of Guo's incorporators, Zhang Ruijin, a Chinese national, and Baoying Lin, a Dominican Republic citizen, were both implicated in Singapore's largest money laundering case.

Zhang was convicted in connection with this case, reportedly having $41 million in overseas assets, including shares in a Philippine real estate development firm. Lin, the only woman charged in the Singapore case, was also a convicted fugitive involved in billion-dollar money laundering. She was also among those who evaded arrest during a raid on the POGO compound in Porac, Pampanga.

Gatchalian further disclosed that those who booked a hotel in Indonesia for Guo and her entourage were also linked to money laundering activities.

was revealed during a raid by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission on the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, Pampanga.

During the raid, authorities discovered dela Serna’s appointment papers dated October as executive assistant III under Roque’s office, and an affidavit from Roque assuming full responsibility for dela Serna’s financial needs during a trip to Poland, Ukraine, and Italy in October 2023.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it can no longer discount the possibility of

Meanwhile, The Davao regional police also confirmed that a member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) died inside the compound early in the manhunt operation due to a heart attack.

“PRO 11 expresses deep condolences regarding [his] passing and emphasizes that the police were simply fulfilling their duty in executing the warrant of arrest for Pastor Quiboloy, who has been evading law enforcement. [His] death is not related to the ongoing implementation of the warrant of arrest,” the statement posted on PRO XI’s Facebook page said.

that we, Filipinos, place in the very institution sworn to protect and serve us. I can’t help but ask myself if the use of unnecessary force and unjust abuse to ordinary Filipinos, in order to implement the warrant of arrest, is prompted by the accused being a Duterte-supporter?” she remarked.

“I would like to ask for the forgiveness of all members and devotees of KOJC for persuading and appealing to you to vote for BongBong Marcos Jr. in 2022. I hope you can forgive me. You deserve better. Filipinos deserve better.”

Reacting to the Vice President’s comments,” Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V slammed the Vice President for “diverting” public attention the the reasons why Quiboloy is being sought by the law in the first place.

“This is a clear attempt to deflect from the real issue at hand, which is Quiboloy’s refusal to submit to the law. Instead of apologizing for political choices, the Vice President should be focusing on ensuring that her ally faces justice,” Khonghun said.

For his part, Ortega said “It’s disheartening to see Vice President Duterte try to shift the narrative by invoking her role in the last election. The reality is that this situation is about holding a fugitive accountable for his actions, not about who voted for whom in 2022.”

“We saw that they were assisting each other. They are not only business associates, but they also helped the Guo family to escape," Gatchalian said, adding this case illustrates how money launderers operate transnationally, not just in the Philippines.

The senator highlighted that the Guo family, including its patriarch, has been moving across various Asian countries, including China, indicating their active involvement in these illegal activities.

Gatchalian, alongside Sen. Risa Hontiveros, has been leading Senate hearings into the illegal POGO operations linked to the Guos.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police is hoping for a “positive development” that will lead to the return of the wanted dismissed mayor to the Philippines.

Atty. Harry Roque's involvement in the illegal operations of the shuttered POGOs in Pampanga and Tarlac. "His footprint is everywhere. I would like to give deference to a former Cabinet official. We want to give him the benefit of the doubt," the PAOCC spokesperson said in a press conference.

"But we cannot discount his possible involvement in all of these matters. I do not believe in coincidences anymore in terms of Harry Roque," he added. Roque has denied lawyering for Lucky South 99 or “for any other POGO” and has challenged authorities to file cases against him.

Pope calls for more help for mpox victims

VATICAN City, Holy See—Pope Francis on Sunday highlighted victims of the mpox virus in his weekly prayers and called on governments and the pharmaceutical industry to do more to get vaccines to the worst hit countries.

"I pray for all the infected people, in particular the population of Democratic Republic of Congo, so affected, I express my closeness to the local churches most touched by this disease," the pope said during his Angelus prayers in St Peter's Square.

The World Health Organization (WHO) this month declared the surge of mpox cases from DR Congo to other African nations to be a global health emergency. It has also called for greater production and sharing of vaccines.

"I encourage governments and private industry to share the technology and available treatments so that nobody lacks adapted medical care," the pope said. AFP

8 proc...

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"The Philippine government calls on the People's Republic of China to halt these provocative actions that destabilize regional peace and security," the NTF-WPS said in a statement.

"These unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal actions posed serious risks to the safety of the Filipino crew and the fishermen they were meant to serve," the task force added. It was reported that the BFAR vessel, BRP Datu Sanday, was on its way to Escoda Shoal from Hasa-Hasa Shoal when it was waylaid by eight Chinese ships.

“The CCG vessels made close perilous maneuvers that resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannons against the BFAR vessel, eventually leading to the latter’s engine failure and forcing an early termination of the humanitarian operation," the NTF-WPS statement added. It said that the mission was legitimate and intended to deliver supplies for Filipino fishermen such as food, diesel, and medical supplies.

"The BRP Datu Sanday was targeted by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship 626 and multiple China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, which attempted to encircle and block the humanitarian mission," the task force further reported.

Despite these provocative maneuvers, the crew aboard the BFAR vessel maintains high morale and remains safe and unharmed.

allegedly issued a kill order for three convicted Chinese drug lords inside the maximum-security facility of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016. Tan, along with another hitman Fernando Magdadaro, implicated several police officials, including SPO4 Arturo Narsolis, Lt. Col. Royina Garma and Supt. Gerardo Padilla, then warden of DPPF.

On Pimentel’s motion, the committee ordered the invitation of all individuals mentioned in Tan and Magdadaro's testimonies and sworn affidavits.

It also approved his motion for the submission of a comprehensive list from the Bureau of Corrections of all Chinese nationals who died while in detention for drug-related charges in 2016 and 2017.

On August 21, Indonesian immigration authorities arrested Guo's sister, Shiela, who serves as the corporate secretary for most of the family's companies, and Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub in Bamban, which was raided by authorities.

One of the individuals who assisted Guo in booking the hotel was identified as Zhang Jie, former president of Lucky South 99.

PNP Spokesperson, Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, said that their efforts to find Guo and several persons of interest are continuing and now involve their foreign counterparts such as the Interpol.

“Hopefully, similar to the case of Cassandra Li Ong, and Shiela Guo, there will also be a positive development and we can bring Alice Guo home, back to the country," the police official said.

Authorities from Indonesia last Friday had arrested and deported Guo's sister Shiela and business partner, Cassandra Li Ong, the authorized representative of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was raided in Porac, Pampanga.

NTF-WPS also denied the claims of Chinese media and Coast Guard that they rescued a Filipino sailor who went overboard during the incident, the calling it a "distortion of the truth" by Chinese.

"Claims suggesting that our personnel fell overboard and were subsequently rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard are completely unfounded."

"This fake news and misinformation serves as a clear illustration of the PRC’s willingness to distort the truth and engage in disinformation to bolster its public image," the statement read. Hasa-Hasa (Half-Moon) Shoal is located approximately 60 nautical miles from Rizal, Palawan, while Escoda (Sabina) Shoal is about 110 nautical miles away, both well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

PH tourism to get P6.4b to develop access roads

TOURISM destinations throughout the country can count on another P6.4 billion in fresh national government funding to further develop their access roads, according to Quezon City Rep. Marvin Rillo.

“We have the sum of P6.4 billion for the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP) in the 2025 national budget,” he said.

“Congress is determined to provide all regions across the country ample support to upgrade their access roads and bridges leading to their tourism sites,” he added.

Rillo is vice chairperson of the committee on tourism and a member of the committee on appropriations.

“This is pursuant to the mandate of the Constitution for all sectors of the economy, including tourism, and all regions of the country, to be given the optimum opportunity to develop,” he cited.

The P6.4 billion for the TRIP in 2025 is on top of the P15.2 billion allocation for the program in the 2024 General Appropriations Law, he said.

“The infrastructure projects create construction-related jobs that readily benefit low-income families,” he said.

“More importantly, the improved road access will boost tourist passage, thus spurring new jobs in accommodation, transport, food and beverage services, entertainment and other activities,” he added.

The Department of Tourism and Department of Public Works and Highways have identifed the TRIP projects that are not yet covered by other funding sources. Rio N. Araja

QC is most competitive local gov’t unit

QUEZON City has emerged as the No. 1 most competitive local government unit for the fourth straight year.

The city government clinched five awards, including the prestigious “Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit” under the Highly Urbanized Category from the Creative Cities and Municipalities Congress 2024 organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

It secured high spots in the categories of Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit, Most Competitive: Infrastructure and also received a special award from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for garnering the most number of intellectual property filings.

Quezon City placed second and third in the Most Competitive: Innovation and Most Competitive: Resiliency award categories, respectively.

The recognitions were conferred on the local government during the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2024 awarding ceremony at the Manila Hotel. These recognitions are confirmation of the good work of the city government for the welfare of all QCitizens,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“We dedicate these awards to our partners in serving the city government and to the QCitizens who unceasingly trust in the city’s ability to serve,” she added.

The awards would help fuel the city government’s aspiration to further uplift lives and improve the delivery of service to QCitizens.

The city was recognized as an Overall Most Competitive Local Government Unit since becoming a Hall of Famer in 2019. Rio N. Araja

PANGUIL BRIDGE INSPECTION. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and other o cials inspect Panguil Bay Bridge, Mindanao’s longest bridge, which is set for a September inauguration.

DSWD eyeing regional offices to handle ex-rebels

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wants to put up regional offices to handle reintegration of former rebels and non-state armed groups.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian told members of the House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations that the Department of Budget and Management has given a P500-million fund allocation to set up regional offices and to oversee the reintegration of non-state armed groups and former rebels.

“So the good news is, we have talked to DBM amid this budget season. We have been given an allocation of P500 million to jumpstart our regional program management office for the Inclusive Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISP-

SC) cluster under Undersecretary Alan Tanjusay,” he said.

He vowed to continue improving their programs and services for peace and development, particularly on case management of former rebels and decommissioned combatants.

“First of all, our payout to the rebel returnees is continuous.

Based on the targets identified by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity they give to us, we disburse. But in a hearing in the Senate, we pointed out that there is a gap in the mechanism, no one

is managing cases,” he said.

To complement financial grants and other assistance to rebel-returnees, the DSWD chief said the agency has developed an aftercare case management mechanism to ensure and monitor sustained deradicalization and reintegration of the sector into their communities and families.

“What is the mandate of these regional offices that we will create? Let’s have pilot areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao so that we can make sure that those who have been decommissioned, those who have been paid are being monitored,” he said.

“It’s a pilot but once we see the progress in it as it pans out, because we know that the case management for former combatants is quite different, we will now use the experience there and expand it all throughout the country,” he added.

participated as blood donors. Lino Santos

DPWH says Panguil Bay Bridge is on track for Sept. inauguration

DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, and other officials from the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, conducted an on-site inspection to ensure Mindanao’s longest bridge completion is on track for the target September inauguration.

The 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge, which will connect Tangub City in Misamis Occidental and Tubod in Lanao del Norte, is a landmark infrastructure project set to significantly reduce travel time between these two (2) provinces in Northern Mindanao.

The current two-and-a-half-hour journey, which relies on roll-on/ roll-off vessels, will be cut down to just seven minutes by land once the

bridge is operational. In his report to Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Sadain said that the detailed engineering design and civil works is more than 97.5 percent completed to date. Panguil Bay Bridge project includes the following major components: a 360-meter approach road leading to a 1,020-meter approach bridge at Tangub City side; a 569-meter approach road connects to a 900-meter approach bridge on the Tubod side; and a Main Bridge with central span that stretches 320 meters, supported by two (2) pylons, each anchored by six (6) cable stays. Additionally, two (2) observatory bays are positioned on both the Tangub and Tubod sides of the pylons for facilitating regular maintenance and ensuring the structural integrity of the bridge.

During the inspection, Senior Undersecretary Sadain, along with UPMO Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Soledad R. Florencio, Ramon A. Arriola III, Benjamin A. Bautista and Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes conducted a detailed assessment of key bridge elements, including the deck slab, approach roads, barrier and median strip concrete, metal guardrail, and ancillary structures. Also present at the inspection are past UPMO Project Directors namely Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and Virgilio C. Castillo, Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Project Managers Shirley O. Castro, Evangeline L. Carabal, and Norman I. Puy; and Engineers Abdul Khalid C. Lumangcolob, and Ken John B. Barcelona.

IN BRIEF

Agents seize P19m smuggled vapes

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents confiscated P19 million worth of suspected vape products from two separate warehouses in Manila and Laguna on August 23. BOC Commisasioner Bien Rubio said the owners of the warehouse, who were not named, could face charges for violating regulated importation and exportation guidelines. The suspects will also face charges in accordance with Republic Act 8293, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, Republic Act 10963, the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN Law), and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Board Resolution No. 079-2005 (amended rules and regulations governing the exportation and importation of leaf tobacco and tobacco products).

Agents from the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), in coordination with the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) implemented two Letters of Authority (LOA) issued by Rubio. Macon Ramos-Araneta

DILG chief rolls out revitalized police plan

DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered the deployment of the “Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB)” program which is expected to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava).

The program affiliated with Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA), the government’s flagship program, will cover at least 25 percent of the barangays in Camanava.

“We will put police in the necessary barangays. I have listed at least 25% of all the barangays that we will focus on,” Abalos said in front of the 3,000 people who participated in the BIDA Talks in Camanava this Saturday in Caloocan City. He added that through the RPSB, the fight against illegal drugs can be brought closer to the communities, and hardworking policemen can be brought closer to the barangays Vince Lopez

Cayetano bill seeks emergency team

SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday renewed his call for the establishment of an Emergency Response Department (ERD) following the recent emissions of smog from Taal Volcano.

He cited the need for the country to be prepared for geological hazards and climate-related threats. “We have to seriously consider establishing an Emergency Response Department or we’ll leave our kababayan defenseless in the face of climate change,” he said.

Senate Bill No. 66, also known as the ERD Act, which Cayetano in July 2022, is still pending for review by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation

The ERB, Cayetano said, reflects his commitment to advancing government measures for improving disaster resilience. Macon Ramos-Araneta

BLOODLETTING. Members of the Philippine Army donate blood as part of the second nationwide bloodletting program on Sunday at the Armor Division Clubhouse in Camp O’Donnell

KA LURING.’ Members of the Ministry of Saint Michael Parish in Hagonoy, Taguig, attend a Sunday mass at the Minor Basilica and Archdiocesan Shrine Parish of St. Anne in Taguig City. During the mass, they displayed an image of Laureana Franco, also known as ‘Ka Luring Franco,’ a Filipino Roman Catholic catechist and member of the Legion of Mary. Danny Pata

Gibo: Heroism can be found in

kindness, justice

HEROISM can also be found in daily acts of kindness, commitment to justice, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Sunday.

In his National Heroes Day message, Teodoro called on the people to draw strength from the legacy of Philippine heroes, and urged them to “work together to build a nation that is free, just, and prosperous for all.”

“Let us remember that heroism is not confined to the fields of battle or our seas; it is also found in our commitment to justice, our daily acts of kindness, and our efforts to uplift our fellow Filipinos as we face the future together,” Teodoro said.

“May we draw strength from the legacy of our heroes and work together to build a nation that is free, just, and prosperous for all,” he added.

The Defense chief also commended not only the people behind the nation’s independence, but also people who continue to protect and serve the Philippines, describing them as modern-day heroes.

“It is equally fitting to pay tribute to present day heroes who exemplify genuine patriotism amid the uncertainties and challenges that we face. Their extraordinary courage and unyielding faith in the goodness of Filipinos impel us to do more to better secure our country and its future through diligence, perseverance, integrity, and solidarity.” Teodoro said.

1 IN BRIEF

Navy’s BRP Magluyan gets maintenance works

THE Philippine Navy ship BRP Juan Magluyan is undergoing critical maintenance works to boost its seaworthiness.

The Navy said that the ship’s force operation involved not only replacing and repairing various components, but also thoroughly equipping it with powerful lights to ensure peak performance.

“Such meticulous attention to detail is essential for maintaining the highest standards of safety at sea.” It said.

“The importance of this maintenance cannot be overstated,” the Navy added.

The navigational lights are a fundamental aspect of maritime safety, providing essential visibility for the vessel and helping to prevent collisions with other ships.

“This is particularly vital for military vessels, which must adhere to stringent international regulations designed to promote safe and orderly navigation,” it said. Rex Espiritu

Libanan is adopted son of two Samar provinces

HOUSE of Representatives minority leader Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list has been declared “adopted son” of Northern Samar and Samar provinces via separate resolutions passed by their respective provincial boards.

In a resolution, the Northern Samar provincial board cited Libanan “for committing himself to the upliftment of the lives of Nortehanons.”

Similarly, the Samar provincial board also recognized Libanan for his “exemplary and notable contributions to the development of Samar.”

The two provinces credited Libanan for his help in mobilizing much-needed national government development funding for high-value projects that are meant to improve the living standards, social conditions, and economic opportunities for Samarnons. Libanan, who is from Eastern Samar province, earlier introduced a bill proposing to establish the new Samar Island Region.

Army chief is Asia’s Modern Hero awardee

ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido has been conferred Asia’s Modern Hero Awards for “exemplary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to duty.” Army spokesman Col. Louie Demaala said, the awards “honor and celebrate present-day visionaries and trailblazers who embody the spirit of the “Modern Hero.” It honors outstanding contributions in public service, educational institutions, disaster relief, human development, civil society, health and environment, business and entrepreneurship, and the justice and legal system.

On the same day, the Army’s 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division held its monthly Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Camp Gonzalo Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.

This event underscores the division’s commitment to interfaith harmony and building moral resilience. Rex Espiritu

Mandanas welcomes devolution of gov’t fiscal functions to LGUs

By Pot Chavez

BATANGAS Gov. Hermilando Mandanas welcomes the declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to amend Executive Order (EO) No. 138 on the devolution of certain functions to local government units (LGUs).

The President made the announcement on Friday during the first Local Government Summit 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

In an interview on Sunday, Mandanas expressed gratitude to the national government’s “sincere intention” to fully im-

plement the law by strengthening fiscal decentralization.

“EO 138 really has to be clarified, it should really be amended if not repealed. The just share of LGUs (local government units) has long been enshrined under our 1987 Constitution, mandated by the Local Government Code (LGC)

and was even confirmed by the Supreme Court (SC) in 2019,” he told the Manila Standard. Mandanas cited Article 10, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that “local government units shall have a just share, as determined by law, in the national taxes which shall be automatically released to them.”

He added that the LGC clearly provides that the share of LGUs shall be “automatically and directly released” and there is no need for further appropriation by Congress. In the landmark ‘Mandanas ruling’, the SC said the determination of the just share of the LGUs should not be based solely on national internal revenue taxes

but on all national taxes. Mandanas, who also served as chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said the positive development will be necessary to promote good governance in the country by making the delivery of basic services more efficient. He noted that the LGUs are ‘closer to the people’ such that they can more effectively address concerns in healthcare, education, livelihood, agriculture, tourism, and disaster and relief efforts, among others. He said the development of primary government services will later contribute to the economic development of the different provinces and regions in the country.

Gringo cites PCG plan to procure hospital ship to boost marine ops

OCD helps in setting up regional confab on disaster risk reduction

By Rex Espiritu

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will assist in the preparation of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s (UNDRR) Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Manila this year.

The 2024 APMCDRR Inter-Agency Committee is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is co-chaired by the Department of National Defense (DND) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

“The OCD continues to fulfill its roles. We are making sure everything is in place for the APMCDRR 2024, with Defense Secretary Teodoro and DENR Secretary Loyzaga guiding us,” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said. The DND-OCD chairman is a member of several sub-committees and the Con-

ference Management Committee. He is also a member of the Program and Host Country Priorities; Security, Order, and Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee; and Logistics, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee.

The OCD participated in the APMCDRR media launch held on Thursday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The inter-agency committee has been implementing its work plan in preparation for the conference.

The committee also organized a series of Skills Enhancement Training sessions for Liaison and Conference Officers of the APMCDRR.

The liaison officers participated in training to improve their support and coordination services for the administrative and logistical needs of the Ministers, Heads of Delegations, and other delegates.

FORMER senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan has lauded a plan by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to acquire a hospital ship, and to build a new first responder station for its marine search and rescue operations.

“We understand that in the proposed 2025 national budget, the PCG is seeking an allocation of P385.7 million to procure a new hospital ship, plus P90 million to construct a new First Responder and Nursing Service Facility,” Honasan said.

“We wholly support both PCG projects, as they will surely help save lives,” Honasan said in a statement.

Honasan was a former Army colonel and onetime chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense.

Driven by the motto “Saving Lives,” the PCG is an armed civilian service attached to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The PCG’s Parola-class patrol vessels that have a complement of five officers and 20 enlisted men have been at the forefront of maritime security operations in the West Philippine Sea.

Two PCG patrol vessels, officially called multirole response vessels (MRRVs), were recently damaged when they encountered China Coast Guard (CCG) boats whose highly aggressive maneuvers resulted in collisions near the Escoda Shoal.

The BRP Cape Engaño and BRP Bagacay were on their way to resupply outposts on Patag Island and Lawak Island when the incident happened. Patag and Lawak form part of the Kalayaan Island Group under the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province.

NATIONAL HEROES DAY. Bigger than life busts and a monument of the nation’s heroes led by Dr. Jose P. Rizal capture the admiration of passersby along Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay Silang Crossing East, Tagaytay City amid the observance of National Heroes Day. Dennis Abrina

ADOPTED SON OF SAMAR. House of Representatives minority leader Marcelino Libanan lifts a trophy that he received as “adopted son” of Samar province. With Libanan on stage are Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, Vice Gov. Arnold Tan, and Samar Reps. Stephen James Tan and Reynolds Michael Tan.

MODERN DAY HERO. Senator Joel Villanueva receives an a trophyfor outstanding public service during Asia’s Modern Hero Awards 2024, held at Okada, Manila. Villanueva underscored his commitment to work harder and advance measures that will benefit every Filipino.

OPINION

Hide and seek

SHAME on us!

A top prisons official is wanted for the murder of a muckraking journalist identified as the mastermind by apprehended gunmen. After appearing before the justice department, he does a Houdini. That was more than a year ago. Till now, he has not been found despite a warrant for his arrest. Or are they looking for him at all?

The governor of a once genteel province was shot to death in his own house in broad daylight by a group of armed men.

Suspected of having ordered the killing of his family’s political rival is a congressman known to be a gambling lord by everybody in Negros Island except the national government itself which, because he is a rich and powerful lawmaker, closed its eyes to his illegal activities.

The next thing we heard about this “wanted” personality is that he has flown out of the country.

First they say, he went to Cambodia, then to Timor L’Este, where he lived the life of a wealthy dethroned prince, playing golf almost every day.

Our NBI went to the tiny but now oilrich country once wracked by civil war, and, yes, they found the suspect.

They thought they could bring him home, but Timor’s prosecutorial system told them – not so fast. We have legal processes here, just like in your “democratic” country.

He is still in Timor, and still playing golf, while his lawyer keeps invoking his right to equal protection under our laws.

It’s also been a year ago, right?

A few months ago, PAOCC raided an illegal gambling operation in sleepy Bamban, Tarlac. The huge gambling parlor, er, den, no, correct that, a complex, located right at the back of the municipal hall, was supposedly owned by no less than its mayor, a very Chinese looking lady with a Filipino passport. Weeks later, they raided another huge compound dedicated to illegal gambling, bigger than Bamban’s, in the town of Porac in neighboring Pampanga, which straddles the international airport in Clark and a future government center at that!

The Senate goes into the act, and investigates, as usual, “in aid of legislation.”

The raid turned out to be just the icing on a huge cake filled with unseemly ingredients that included prostitution, torture, murders, cybercrime rackets, and every crime you could imagine, among other things, the mysterious presence of

a Mr. Supranational linked to a Cabinet member of the ancient regime!

In the process, our senators discover the lady mayor had dubious citizenship credentials, which was proven by the fact that her fingerprints matched those of another person who was certifiably a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.

How did she pass through Comelec with flying colors, certified as qualified to run for town mayor, and win by a huge margin at that?

Onli in da Pilipins, as they say.

For weeks stretching into two months, she refused the summons of the Senate, and the HoR committees which waded into the controversy.

—“— What a country! Shame on us!

Kami rin, the HoR committees said, “in aid of legislation.”

She is ill; she is suffering from depression, her lawyers claim.

‘Yun pala, she too has flown the coop.

Into Bali Denpasar first, then to Kuala Lumpur, then to Singapore, and now holed up in Batam, Indonesia, less than two hours by ferry from Singapore.

Mercifully, Indonesian authorities apprehended her sister and an associate who gave free lodging to Mr. Supranational in Porac, and forthwith sent them back to Manila.

They are now in the custody of the NBI while our prosecutors are studying what crimes they may have committed so they can be charged accordingly.

Then there is the case of the “appointed son of God” charged both here and in the once upon a time land of milk and honey, for making honey with his “pastorals,” rape, money laundering, you name it.

He has been holed up in his magical kingdom in Davao and, a month ago, 100 troopers raided the kingdom but failed to apprehend him.

In the wee hours the other day, 2,000 soldiers swooped down on his lair, but once more, nada as in nothing similar to a “son of God” was sighted.

Did she ride a magic carpet, past Batam to Cambodia, to Laos, to Myanmar and landed among the Hmongs, as PAOCC surmises?

Did the “appointed” take his private jet to Chiang Mai, whisked away to the river crossing to Myanmar, past the elephants and into the Golden Triangle as well? What a country!

Revolutionizing government procurement

REPUBLIC Act 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act, is a robust anti-graft and corruption measure aimed at transforming the way government procurement is conducted. With significant implications for individual consumers, private enterprises, and the public sector, the NGPA is poised to impact the economy and enhance national competitiveness in profound ways. One of the most immediate effects of the NGPA on individual consumers is the anticipated improvement in the quality of public services and infrastructure.

By shifting the procurement criterion from the “Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid” to the “Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid,” the government is no longer compelled to choose the cheapest option, which often results in subpar outcomes.

This fit-for-purpose approach ensures that public projects not only meet basic requirements but also deliver lasting value.

For consumers, this translates into better roads, more reliable public utilities, and overall improved public services.

For the private sector, the NGPA opens up new avenues for participation in government contracts.

The emphasis on transparency and the prevention of conflict of interest levels the playing field, allowing competent and credible suppliers to compete fairly.

The introduction of an electronic procurement system, as outlined in the NGPA, further streamlines the bidding process, reducing the administrative burden and making it easier for private enterprises to engage in government projects.

A

crucial aspect of the NGPA is the professionalization of procurement practitioners

This modernization effort includes the creation of an e-marketplace akin to platforms like Lazada and Shopee, where government agencies can procure common-use supplies with ease and reduce costs, benefiting both suppliers and the government.

The public sector stands to gain significantly from these reforms.

The NGPA mandates detailed planning and preparation for government purchases, including market analysis, risk management, and social impact assessments.

This strategic focus ensures that public sector projects address broader state and

Mass transit options

WE NOW have a population of about 115 million.

While the annual population growth rate has decreased significantly since 1960 when it was 3.3 percent to 1.3 percent at present, we expect about 2 million people added to the population every year.

In other words, the population is expected to double in about 40 years.

With a rapidly growing population, we need to expand our current mass transportation system to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods across the country.

The current administration recognizes this and has therefore given priority to building more mass transport projects to support economic development efforts.

The government has been pushing for mass transport projects across the country to decongest the roads and improve inter-regional linkages.

Among the big-ticket projects in the pipeline is the Metro Manila Subway, designed to have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City. and expected to serve over 519,000 passen-

gers daily, once operational.

The government is also working on the North-South Commuter Railway, which will have 35 stations linking Pampanga to Laguna. Once operational, it can accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.

Along with this, the DOTr and Japan International Cooperation Agency are creating a 30-year rail master plan covering the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

—“—

Cable cars may be OK for mountainous and hilly areas, but the priority should be an extensive passenger and freight train system throughout the country

Still another mass transport project in the drawing boards is a cable car system that would link the proposed Taytay station of Metro Rail Transit Line 4 to Antipolo City. MRT 4 is a 13.4-kilometer elevated

IN A nation where political promises are made to be broken (or at least bent into the shape of a pretzel), Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent declaration she has no plans to run for president in 2028 should probably be taken with all the seriousness of a politician’s vow to “end corruption.”

Indeed, if history has taught us anything, it’s that when a Duterte says they’re not interested in the presidency, it’s time to start printing the campaign posters.

Let’s start with the classic Filipino pastime: comparing the children to their parents.

Remember when Rodrigo Duterte -- the man who made “I don’t want to be president” his unofficial campaign slogan in 2016 – surprised everyone by, well, running for president? And winning?

It seems his daughter Sara is now following in his well-worn flip-flops.

But, of course, she has her own unique spin on things.

Her announcement she has no presidential ambitions could either be a masterstroke of political strategy or simply her version of playing hard to get – if history is any guide, the latter might be more likely.

But let’s not be too hasty in doubting her sincerity.

After all, as Sara herself has pointed out, her “only dream” was to be mayor of Davao City for three consecutive terms.

Who can blame her for not dreaming bigger?

After all, managing a city known for its night markets and strict curfews is clearly much more thrilling than running an entire country.

Now, what about that pesky little impeachment talk?

national needs, such as poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.

A crucial aspect of the NGPA is the professionalization of procurement practitioners.

The law introduces mandatory certification courses, a strict code of ethics, and licensing requirements, aiming to create a highly skilled and ethical body of professionals. This move is expected to reduce corruption and waste, thereby increasing public confidence in government agencies.

The NGPA’s potential to enhance the Philippines’ economic landscape cannot be overstated.

By fostering a more transparent and efficient procurement system, the law is expected to attract both local and international investors who may have previously been deterred by the Philippines’ reputation for corruption. Increased investment could lead to economic growth, job creation, and a more competitive Philippine economy on a global scale.

Moreover, the NGPA institutionalizes sustainable public procurement practices, aligning the Philippines with global

railway mass-transit system designed to have 10 stations that link Taytay to Ortigas central business district.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said several groups have reached out to the government for a potential public-private partnership. But the project must first undergo a feasibility study to determine the project cost and passenger capacity.

The DOTr’s planning and project development office plans to kick-start the bidding process for the project in 2026, with construction activities targeted to be completed by 2028.

In July, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese firm Zip Infrastructure Co. Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study on another cable car project at Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

The DOTr said this would provide an alternative transport system that could ease traffic congestion in the country’s Summer Capital.

Cable cars may be OK for mountainous and hilly areas, but the priority should be an extensive passenger and freight train system throughout the country that can boost economic development at a faster clip through publicprivate partnership.

Sara Duterte’s ‘No’ to the presidency

According to Sara, some faceless and nameless friends in the House of Representatives are quaking in their boots at the mere thought of going against her, lest they wake up to find that their budget requests mysteriously disappear.

However, since no one in the House has actually mentioned impeachment, this might be Sara’s way of preemptively battling an imaginary foe – an age-old political tactic that lets you win wars without any actual battles. Genius, really.

For those who believe in the sincerity of Sara’s ‘no,’ perhaps it’s time to invest in a few more rosaries and keep their fingers crossed

But let’s entertain, just for a moment, the idea that Sara’s statement is not a grand piece of political theater but an honest-to-God reflection of her intentions.

Perhaps, like many of us, she’s just too exhausted by the relentless demands of high office.

Or maybe she’s realized that running a country is just way too much work, especially when you could be back in Davao, where the air is cleaner, and the mayoral seat warmer. But in the cutthroat world of Philippine politics, where ambitions run higher than the rice terraces, it’s hard not to see this as a well-timed maneuver to keep the opposition guessing while she prepares

trends in green and socially responsible governance. By incorporating principles like green and gender-responsive procurement, the Philippines strengthens its leadership role in sustainable development. This not only supports global climate efforts but also enhances the country’s image in international relations.

In the long term, the NGPA is expected to boost the Philippines’ global competitiveness rankings.

The law’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and cost-efficiency in government procurement reflects a serious commitment to transform the public sector.

The shift toward digitalization and innovative procurement practices indicates that the Philippines is striving to become more agile and responsive, both domestically and on a global scale. However, the success of the NGPA will ultimately depend on its implementation.

Effective monitoring, civil society participation, and the use of video recording in procurement-related conferences are crucial to maintaining the momentum of

her next move.

Now, for her critics—the ones who suspect she’s just like her father (because the apple never falls far from the malacañang tree, right?)—it might be wise to take her words with the same skepticism reserved for a weight-loss infomercial.

After all, who’s to say that by 2028, she won’t have a change of heart, or, as some might say, a sudden epiphany from God? She’s already floated that little teaser: “God’s plan.” What better way to dodge accountability than to leave it up to divine intervention?

So what are we to make of all this?

For those who believe in the sincerity of Sara’s “no,” perhaps it’s time to invest in a few more rosaries and keep their fingers crossed.

For the skeptics, well, it might be wise to start brushing up on campaign slogans and preparing for a new round of Duterte-mania.

And for Sara herself, maybe a brief sabbatical from public office is in order—after all, even political dynasties deserve a vacation now and then. Just be sure to leave some time for that inevitable “surprise” candidacy in 2028.

As for advice to all parties involved: To Sara, if you truly don’t want the presidency, might I suggest trying reverse psychology?

In Philippine politics, saying you want something is a surefire way to ensure you never get it.

To her critics, keep sharpening those knives and hold onto your skepticism – it’s practically a national sport at this point.

And to the rest of us, the long-suffering public, let’s sit back, enjoy the show, and remember: In Philippine politics, the only certainty is that nothing is ever certain.

these reforms. The continuous development of procurement professionals’ skills will also be key to ensuring the law’s objectives are met.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman aptly summarized the law’s transformative potential, stating that by digitizing and innovating, we are not merely updating procurement processes; we are revolutionizing how the government interacts with the people – making it more transparent, efficient, and consequently trustworthy.

The New Government Procurement Act represents a landmark in the Philippines’ pursuit of good governance and economic development. By addressing the root causes of inefficiency and corruption in government procurement, the NGPA not only benefits individual consumers and private enterprises.

It also strengthens the readiness of the public sector institutions to navigate the challenges of a highly connected, highly competitive, and fast evolving digital global ecosystem.

RIVER waters in low-lying Bangladesh are receding after days of deadly floods but 300,000 people are still in emergency shelters requiring aid, disaster officials said on Sunday.

The heavy floods, which killed at least 18 people in Bangladesh, have added to the challenges of a new government that took charge this month after a student-led revolution.

Rescue teams, including joint forces of the army, air force and navy, are helping those forced from their homes and bringing aid to those who have lost everything, disaster management minister Faruk-eAzam said.

“The flood situation is improving as the flood water started to recede,” Azam told AFP.

More than 307,000 people are in shelters and more than 5.2 million have been affected by the floods, the ministry said.

“Now we are working to restore communication in the affected areas so that we can distribute relief food,” Azam said.

“We are also taking steps so that contagious diseases don’t spread.”

Ordinary Bangladeshis have been crowdfunding relief efforts.

The floods add to the woes of a nation still reeling from weeks of political turmoil that culminated in the toppling of autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India by helicopter.

She was replaced by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is heading an interim government that faces the monumental task of charting democratic reforms ahead of expected new elections. AFP

Israeli defense chief declares 48-hour state of emergency

JERUSALEM

Defense

SOLINGEN, Germany – German police said Sunday a Syrian man has given himself up and confessed to killing three people and wounding eight others in a knife rampage at a street festival. Friday’s random attack amid thousands of people gathered for the festival in the western city of Solingen stunned Germany. Two men aged 56 and 67 and a 56-year-old woman were killed, officials said. Four of the wounded re-

mained in serious condition. All of the victims were stabbed in the neck, according to police. Police said in a statement that the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who had “given himself up to authorities in charge of the investigation and declared himself responsible for the attack”.

Officers arrested a suspect in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers on Saturday, not far from the scene of the attack, a police spokesman told AFP. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILLIPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 306 - QUEZON CITY rtc1qzn306@judiciary.gov.ph 09760968624/8660-1763 PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH OF CHARLENE PATRON MCNAMARA SPEC. PRO. CASE No. R-QZN-24-01970-SP CHARLENE PATRON MCNAMARA, Petitioner, QUEZON CITY CIVIL REGISTRY DEPARTMENT, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY, RAYMOND JOHN MCNAMARA, WENDY A. PATRON (a.k.a. WENDY WAGEMANN), and ALL PERSONS AND ENTITIES WHO/ WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents.

x--------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

This is an Amended Petition filed by petitioner Charlene Patron McNamara, through counsel, praying for the correction of entries in her Certificate of Live Birth. Petitioner alleges that she was born on October 16, 1987 in Caloocan City. She is the legitimate daughter of respondents Wendy A. Patron (a.k.a. Wendy Wagemann) and Raymond John McNamara. Her Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Certificate of Live Birth shows her name as “CHARLENE PATRON MCNAMARA’ but indicates her date of birth on “March 16, 1991”. Her birth was not registered immediately by her mother. It was only registered four (4) years after she was born when her father returned from Australia. Due

“I

“I hereby declare a special situation on the home front in other areas of the

try. The situation is valid for 48 hours starting at 6:00 am,” Gallant said. Lebanon’s health ministry meanwhile said three people were killed in Israeli raids in the country’s south, after Israel launched strikes against Hezbollah, which announced a wide-scale attack on Israel.

In a separate statement, the Israeli defense ministry said Gallant briefed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the overall situation.

“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant told Austin, according to the statement.

“We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal to defend our citizens.”

The statement also said that the two leaders “discussed the importance of avoiding regional escalation”.

The powerful Iran-backed Lebanese group countered that Israel was making “empty claims” of having thwarted an attack, and said its own operation for Sunday “was completed and accomplished.” AFP

BEIJING – China plans to voice “serious concerns” on Taiwan and other security issues in upcoming talks with the United States, state media said Sunday.

“China will focus on expressing serious concerns, clarifying its firm stance, and making stern demands regarding the Taiwan issue, development rights, and China’s strategic security,” state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing a senior foreign ministry official.

US national security advisor Jake Sullivan is due to

At least two cars, one containing a gas bottle, were set alight in front of the synagogue in La GrandeMotte, causing an explosion that injured a local policeman, the French gendarmerie and the town’s mayor said. AFP

FESTIVAL TRAGEDY. Candles and flowers and the inscription ‘Why? You are not alone’ are pictured during the weekend near the area where three people were killed and several injured during a knife attack during a city festival in Solingen on Friday. The unnamed knife man – police said was a Syrian suspect – went on a rampage in the western town of Solingen on Friday as thousands had gathered for the first night of a ‘Festival of Diversity’ which was part of a series of events to mark the town’s 650th anniversary. AFP

SYNAGOGUE EXPLOSTION. France’s Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal (left) and France’s Minister for the Interior and Overseas, Gerald Darmanin (right) flanked by France’s Secretary of State for Citizenship Sabrina Agresti-Roubache (center) exit the synagogue which was set on fire and were an explosion of cars occured in La Grande-Motte, south of France during the weekend.

Abra drubs Valenzuela; Binan, Pasay rout rivals

RESURGENT Abra battered Valenzuela, 84-52, on Saturday and gained ground in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the people-packed University of Bangued Gymnasium in Abra.

Dominant underneath and with 14 players scoring, the Abra Weavers led throughout en route to their fifth straight win and a 15-7 record in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 29-team tournament.

John Lloyd Clemente paced the Weavers with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, followed by Mark Yee, who clinched the Daily Fantasy best player honors with 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Jeepy Faundo with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Other Weavers who delivered were Roi Sumang with 9 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds and Michael Canete with 7 points and 7 rebounds.

The Weavers overcame the 12 rebounds of 6-foot-9 Ladis Lepalam to rule the boards, 61-38, which they converted to more second-chance points, 44-32. While the Weavers flaunted the

Djokovic eyes US Open record in defense; Sinner under cloud

NEW YORK—Novak

Djokovic, fueled by an emotional Olympic triumph, has new Grand Slam records in his sights at the US Open, where title rival Jannik Sinner hopes to shake off a doping controversy.

Defending champion Djokovic can become the oldest Open era champion at the tournament if he secures a fifth title, a record he would share with Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. The 37-year-old would also move to 25 Grand Slam triumphs, taking him clear of the 24 he currently shares with Margaret Court. The final Grand Slam of the year comes at a

critical time for Djokovic.

This year he was succeeded as Australian Open champion by Sinner who also relieved him of his world number one ranking.

Carlos Alcaraz took his French Open title with the Spanish crowd-pleaser then sweeping Djokovic off court in a one-sided Wimbledon final.

However, Djokovic, returned to the clay courts of Roland Garros to stun Alcaraz in the Olympic final in what he Saturday called “the greatest achievement and greatest highlight of my career overall, winning the gold for Serbia.”

Djokovic became just the fifth player to complete a career Golden Slam of all four majors and Olympic gold.

The victory also silenced the increasing number of doubters who had written off the Serb as a spent force in a new era where Sinner, 23, and 21-year-old Alcaraz are steadily moving center stage.

Djokovic, who underwent surgery on his right knee in June, said he wondered if his chances to win Olympic gold were running out.

“At 37 I thought, you know, I don’t know, could this be the last chance? Maybe. So I had to push more than I have ever done,” he said.

“Turned out to be one of the best performances I had in years overall throughout the entire tournament.

“Of course in the finals against Carlos, it was kind of a dream scenario really, having my wife and children there, the entire nation watching.”

When they hung the gold around his neck and the Serbian anthem played, Djokovic said, it was “probably the most intense emotions I have ever had on a tennis court.”

Sinner, meanwhile, arrives after an emotionally draining doping investigation, in which he escaped a lengthy ban after officials accepted his explanation that the banned substance entered his system as a result of contamination from a support team member.

The 23-year-old Italian had twice tested positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic agent, back in March. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced this week he had been cleared of wrongdoing -- a day after he won the Cincinnati Masters. AFP

Bradley leads Scott by 1 heading into BMW tourney final round

LOS ANGELES—Keegan Bradley

birdied the 18th hole to take a one stroke advantage over Australia’s Adam Scott into Sunday’s final round of the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship at Castle Pines, Colorado.

Surprise leader Bradley, who sneaked into the top 50 for the second event in the FedEx Cup playoff series thanks to his final round last week, carded a 2-under round of 70 after a challenging round in windy conditions.

The 2025 USA Ryder Cup captain shot six bogeys and seven birdies as he jousted with Scott and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg at the top of the leaderboard.

“It was tough out there today. It was really windy, a lot of elevated tees that were into the wind, which makes it really tough,” said Bradley after sinking a nine-foot putt on the final hole to regain the solo lead.

“I played some brilliant golf but I hit also some terrible shots, too. I guess that’s the way of the world. But I’m proud of the way I fought there in the end,” he said.

Bradley’s round was in danger of

falling apart on the back nine where he made three straight bogeys between 11 and 13.

But he bounced back with successive birdies and did the same again after a bogey on the 16th.

Bradley’s status as Ryder Cup captain, despite being only 38 and an active member of the tour, has meant chants of ‘USA, USA’ around the course.

“It’s just incredible. Being the Ryder Cup captain is such an honor, and it comes with such a heavy weight of the world, the United States, the players out here.

“But when you get to feel that energy from the fans, it’s really special. I haven’t felt that since I played in the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, what I felt out there today. That was really cool,” he said.

Scott, who made his PGA Tour debut at Castle Pines 24 year ago, shot a 2-over 74, the day after his course record equalling 63.

The Australian made a poor start, with a bogey on the first where he drove out of bounds, double bogey on the par4 third and another bogey on the fourth.

depth of their roster, only seven Classics, led by Mark Montuano with 13 and Mike Delos Santos with 11, scored as they fell to 11-12 and ninth spot in the North Division.

Abra is ranked fifth behind Pampanga (22-1), San Juan (21-1), Nueva Ecija (18-3) and Manila (16-7). Binan Tatak Gel and Pasay also cruised to victories in earlier games. The Lagunenses, powered by highflyer Poypoy Actub, subdued the Sarangani Marlins, 77-61, while the Pasay Voyagers drubbed the Imus Agimat, 87-59.

Actub fired 20 points, grabbed five rebounds and made three steals to earn best player honors as Binan rose to 15-8 in the South Division.

Actub, who knocked in two triples, was supported by Jaymar Gimpayan with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assists. Pasay, with Brian Hilario at the helm, climbed to 15-9, trailing Abra in the North Division.

Hilario chalked 16 points and 4 rebounds, AJ Coronel 11 points and 3 assists, and Jasper Salenga with 10 points and 3 rebounds.

Drop in ranking won’t stop Eala from pursuing goals

By Peter Atencio

ALEX Eala may have dropped 10 notches in the world rankings this week, but she said it wasn’t stopping her from achieving her goal of advancing to the main draw of a tennis major.

Eala said this after losing to Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, in the third and final round of the US Open qualifying tournament on Friday.

“I was so close to achieving a big goal of mine, but today it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, this week has been nothing short of a thrilling dream,” said Eala on Instagram.

After her setback, Eala’s World Tennis Association ranking fell from no. 143 to no. 153.

But she remains hopeful of coming back up on her feet.

“May tiwala ako na kahit masakit ang talo ngayon, may plano sa akin si Lord, kaya sigurado ako na makukuha ko din ‘to balang araw. Hindi pa tapos ang Laban! Sabayan niyo po akong magdasal na makapasok sa main draw bilang ‘Lucky Loser’,” added Eala.

Eala also missed qualification this time in a similar manner at the French Open and Wimbledon.

“Game’s not over yet! Pray with me that I get to enter the main draw,” added Eala. So far, Eala has earned $196,417 in cash prizes from the pro tournaments that she joined this year.

Navy cadets surge in ROTC Games’ leaderboard

INDANG—The Philippine Navy Cadets finished with 44 golds, while the much bigger units of Army Warriors settled for 42 and the Air Force men managed 18 in the 2024 Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Games National Championships, with the facilities at the Cavite State University as the main venue. The Army cadets have the most medals with 173, including 54 silvers and 77 bronze medals, compared to 89 for the Naval forces with the addition of 19 silvers and 26 bronzes. The Air Force gathered 84 medals on an 18-27-39 gold-silver-bronze haul. In the schools’ category, De La Salle University-Taft surged with 25 golds and three silvers, mostly from swimming events, followed by Rizal Technological University-Boni Campus with a 16-17-11 tally and University of Negros

Occidental-Recoletos with 6-6-4. Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City had a 4-34 and Cebu Normal University is at 5th with 4-2-2. Completing the top 10 cast were Virgen Milagrosa in San Carlos City, Pangasinan in the sixth spot with a similar 4-2-2 and Philippine State College of Aeronautics is at at seventh with 3-4-3.

University of Baguio brought home a 3-2-4 tally at eighth spot, and John B. Lacson of Bacolod City placed 9th with 3-0-0. Taking the 10th spot was Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a 2-3-1. Meanwhile, two shooters, one boxer and a kickboxer were discovered in the games and were highly recommended for inclusion in the national training pool.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis

Tolentino mentioned DLSU-Taft Navy’s gold medalists Danielle Benjamin Cruz, who scored 276 points and Dexter Belinda Cruz, who finished with 260 points to win the gold in the debuting sports discipline target shooting.

The annual competition, a brainchild of Tolentino, was held in coordination with the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Sports Commission, headed by chairman Richard Bachmann.

“The aim is to train, motivate, organize and mobilize students for national defense preparedness, including disaster preparedness and capacity building for risk-related situations,” said Tolentino, a reservist in the Philippine Army Brigade Commander of 1501st Ready Reserve Brigade.

Keegan Bradley of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole during the third round of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines Golf Club on August 24, 2024 in Castle Rock, Colorado. AFP

Novak Djokovic of Serbia shows o his gold medal while being introduced alongside Dude Perfect during Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day ahead of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

But he ended with birdies on the 16th and 17th and said his woes had been due to his failure to adjust to the harder greens. AFP

Shown here are (from left) light welterweight silver medalist Raffy Chagsan of University of Baguio, gold winner Benie Tabaco-An University of Antique, and bronze achievers John Loid Lorenzo of the Makilala Institute of Science and Technology and Jobert Caramihan of STI West Negros University

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Poyos delivers as UST tossers rally past Lady Blazers

ANGELINE Poyos delivered a stellar 22-point performance, including crucial hits in the decisive fifth set, to lead University of Santo Tomas past College of St. Benilde, 25-16, 19-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-12, extending the Golden Tigresses unbeaten run in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.

Despite dropping back-to-back sets for the first time this season, the Golden Tigresses remained composed, relying on Poyos’ heroics to overcome Wielyn Estoque’s explosive 31-point outing for the Lady Blazers. The victory marked UST’s fourth consecutive win in the seven-team league organized by Sports Vision.

“Maganda, at least naka-recover kami, ‘yun naman ang sinasabi namin sa players kanina – i-control ang dapat i-control, magkaroon ng composure in times na hindi sumasabay samin ‘yung momentum. Na-overcome naman namin,” sad UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.

Trailing 4-6 in the fifth set, UST turned to Poyos and middle blocker Pia Abbu, who sparked a 5-1 run to push the Golden Tigresses ahead, 9-7.

Jonna Perdido then stepped up with a critical crosscourt hit, followed by a game-winning service ace.

Earlier, UST took advantage of St. Benilde’s erratic play, forcing eight errors in the fourth set to level the match and set up the thrilling decider.

In the third set, the Lady Blazers surged with a decisive 15-4 run, capped by a backrow hit from Estoque, to seize control. The Golden Tigresses dominated the early going, overwhelming the Lady Blazers in the attacking department with a 16-8 advantage. However, a slew of errors in the second set allowed Mary Borromeo and Estoque to lead St. Benilde back into the contest.

“Again, ‘yung maturity in certain situations, at least nakukuha namin, regardless of the result. Importante is kung paano sila nagrreact doon sa mga instructions namin,” added Reyes. Poyos contributed 18 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to anchor UST’s comeback victory. She also tallied 10 excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Perdido and Milena Alessandrini added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

IM Quizon ties for 1st with Indian GM in Abu Dhabi tilt

THE Philippines’ Daniel Quizon delivered one of the most inspiring performances by a Filipino in recent times as he finished tied for first in the ultra-competitive 30th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival in the United Arab Emirates Saturday night. The 20-year-old Filipino International Master brought down 10th seed Grandmaster Sunilduth Lyna Narayana of India in a masterful 51-move victory of a King’s Indian duel to end up with five others at the helm with seven points apiece.

The Olympiad-bound reigning national champion wound up sixth after tiebreaks were computed with Uzbek GM Nodirbek Yakubboev seizing first place and GM David Paravyan of FIDE and another Uzbek GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov completing the podium finish. Indian GM Leon Luke Mendonca and top seed Iranian GM M. Amin Tabatabaei ended up fourth and fifth, respectively.

Still, the feeling was the same as winning first place for Quizon as he ended up with an impressive performance rating of 2749 that earned him a whopping 33.3 rating points and sent his own rating leapfrogging to 2490.3 from 2457, or just less than 10 points away from breaching the 2500 plateau and earning the GM title outright. Quizon also earned a GM result but he doesn’t need one as he already has the required three.

All Quizon needs to do is reach 2500, which he could accomplish in the 45th World Chess Olympiad slated Sept. 10 to 22 in Budapest, Hungary.

Paris Olympian gymnasts vow to give PH SEAG team a boost

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippines will field a stronger team when women’s gymnastics makes a comeback in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Paris Olympics veterans Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo have expressed their interest in being part of the national squad that will be assembled for the biennial meet.

“I’m confident and excited to be there,” said the 21-year-old Finnegan in an interview with the Manila Standard.

Finnegan, who is on her final year with Louisiana State University, last competed for the Philippines when she was 17

years old during the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi.

She won golds in the team allaround, and in the vault and a bronze medal in the balance beam.

Women’s gymnastics was excluded in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, and will be reintroduced in next year in Bangkok.

As for Malabuyo, who is studying at the University of CaliforniaLos Angeles, it will be her first time in the SEA Games.

“Aleah has already experi-

enced competing in the SEA Games and had a wonderful time. So I want to do it as well,” said Malabuyo. Another Fil-Am Levi Jung Ruivivar, who also competed in the Paris Games, is also expected to be around.

Finnegan, whose family in the Philippines is from Caloocan, was at 47th place at the allaround event at the Paris meet, with Malabuyo in 41st, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar in 40th. She was a five-time member of the U.S. National Team (2016–19, 2021) and an alternate for the 2020 Olympic team.

At the 2023 World Championships, Finnegan bagged the bronze on both vault and balance beam and finished fourth in the floor exercise.

Chargers, HD Spikers’ eyes locked on Finals

AKARI and Cignal now have the luxury of time to either rest or sharpen their strategies as they await their semifinal opponents in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

But for the top two seeds, which narrowly avoided upsets in the knockout quarterfinals over the weekend, there’s no time to relax – only time to work, work and work to maintain their momentum and competitive edge.

The Chargers, rebounding from a sluggish opening set, swept the next three to edge out the eighth-seeded Farm Fresh Foxies in a victory that was anything but easy. Just as they had done during their remarkable sweep of the two-phase eliminations, which included reverse sweeps against some of the league’s top contenders, Akari once again showcased its resilience. Despite reasserting their strength in

PSC chief Bachmann urges fans to support PH Paralympians

SIMILAR to their enthusiastic support of the country’s Olympians, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann urged Filipino fans to rally behind the country’s six para athletes who will vie for glory in the 17th Paralympic Games opening outdoors starting on Aug. 28 at the Place de la Concorde and Champs-Elysees in Paris, France.

“Let’s all rally behind our six Paralympians similar to, if not more, to what we gave their able-bodied counterparts in the Paris Olympics,” said Bachmann at the recent special session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum. The PSC chief pointed out that just like the PH Olympic contingent, the government sports agency spent for the training of the PH Paralympic in France ahead of time before swinging into action

in the quadrennial global sports showcase featuring the best physically-challenged athletes.

“Just like our Olympians, we spent for our PH Paralympians so they can train in France early and acclimatize to the conditions there,” said Bachmann, who was to leave on Aug. 27 on the eve of the opening of the sportsfest.

After the historic success of the PH Olympic contingent, with gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo garnering two golds and a bronze medal each from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, Bachmann was guardedly optimistic that the PH para athletes would be inspired to excel and deliver as well.

“We have some strong potentials in athletics and swimming and hopefully they will be able to bring home medals back to the Philippines.”

Para track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Mae Otom, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin and archer Agustina Bantiloc and their respective coaches have been training in Nimes, France since Aug. 11. They all checked in at the Paralympic Village last Wednesday where they were joined by chef de mission Ral Rosario and Philippine Paralympic Committee director for sports development Milette Santiago-Bonoan, who left for Paris the other weekend.

The International Paralympic Committee allowed the media to visit the site yesterday.

“The Foreign Delegation Registration was held last Wednesday and our team is slowly settling down at the Paralympic Village,” Bonoan said.

the second set to level the match, the Chargers had to dig deep, displaying tremendous courage and spirit to fend off the Foxies’ relentless challenge in the subsequent sets, eventually sealing a 1725, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23 win.

The two-hour, five-minute victory not only extended Akari’s winning streak to nine games but also brought the Chargers within one win of a breakthrough finals appearance – and two victories away from achieving a historic first-ever championship sweep.

But Akari isn’t looking too far ahead, its immediate focus is on overcoming either PLDT or Chery Tiggo in the semis, another do-or-die stage.

“For others, reaching this point is already historic, but as long as we haven’t held the trophy, we haven’t proven anything,” said Akari’s top local Grethcel Soltones in Filipino.

Aleah Finnegan

YULO FLIES HIGH WITH PAL. Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo

(center) and Gymastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion (3rd from left) visit the PAL Head Office at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. Center in Pasay City last August 22. With them are

(2nd from left),

(3rd from right),

(2nd from right).

has awarded Yulo “Forever Flyer” status, as he is set to receive 150,000 Mabuhay Miles annually for life after bagging two gold medals in the recent Olympic Games.

The Philippine Paralympic Games contingent members are shuttled to the Paralympic Village in Paris. In front are (from left) taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin (partly covered), swimmer Angel Mae Otom and wheelchair thrower Cendy Asusano.

Angeline Poyos contributed 18 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to anchor UST’s comeback victory.

DBM expects PH to get ‘A’ rating from Moody’s under Marcos term

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed optimism the Philippines will receive an “A” credit rating within the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after global credit watcher Moody’s Rating affirmed its “Baa2” score with a stable outlook for the Philippines.

“This is a positive development, but this makes us only more determined to get an ‘A’ grade,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

He said the Philippines would likely get its first “A” rating within the next four years, after 10 years of

WHAT’S INSIDE?

PH stocks seen topping 7,000 level

BIR asks all physical, online stores to register B2

Romualdez hailed as BBM’s ‘secret weapon’ B4

DOTr to offer MRT-3, LRT-2 to investors separately

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) now plans to privatize the operations and maintenance of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), separately.

“The bundling may not be appropriate at this time, because the markets are different, and we still need to rehabilitate and expand LRT line 2. We need to expand it to the west going to the South Harbor by 5 kilometers, and we need to expand it to Cogeo to cater more to the eastern part of Metro Manila,” DOTr Undersecretary for railways Jeremy Regino said.

“The best approach in MRT-3 might not be the same approach to LRT Line 2. So, we’re looking into all options, and we’re looking into the figures,” he added.

Regino said the International Finance Corp. is studying the LRT2 privatization, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is looking at MRT-3 privatization.

“The fastest conclusion of the feasibility studies will be around the end of this year,” he said.

The DOTr initially planned to combine LRT-2 and MRT-3 into a single privatization package, once the build-lease-transfer agreement with Metro Rail Transit Corp. for MRT-3 expires by 2025.

The government operates MRT-3, while the MRTC, owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, was responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.

Formed in 1995, MRTC started building MRT-3 in October 1996, completed it in December 1999 and started full operations in July 2020. MRTC and the government through the Department of Transportation and Communications signed the BLT agreement in 1997 to construct and maintain MRT-3.Darwin G. Amojelar

being at “Baa2.” “I am confident that as long as we stay on track with our agenda for prosperity, with our wholeof-government approach, we will achieve an ‘A’ rating with Moody’s under this administration,” she said.

The Philippines has enjoyed the investment-grade “Baa2” rating from Moody’s since 2014, as the country implemented reforms to liberalize the economy, fiscal consolidation efforts and robust macroeconomic fundamentals.

Moody’s said in a report dated Aug. 23, 2024 that “the passage of reforms over the past several years to liberalize the Philippine economy will support medium-term growth potential by supporting a businessfriendly environment and attracting foreign investments.”

A “Baa2” rating means the Philippines has moderate credit risk, while an “A” rating means obligations are subject to low credit risk.

Moody’s is among the leading

global credit rating agencies, publishing investor-oriented credit research, industry studies and risk analysis.

Moody’s said it expects the Philippines’ economic growth to remain high on resilient household consumption, public and private investments and increased exports.

Household consumption is seen to recover in the second half of 2024 as the impact of El Nino fades and the government’s interventions to reduce food prices take full effect.

Public and private investments are supported by the economic liberalization reforms that have been passed over the years, which have opened up high-value sectors to foreign investments.

Meralco deploys students to US, China to study nuclear energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer

Manila Electric

Company (Meralco) said it enlisted foreign universities from the United States and China as knowledge partners for its nuclear energy push.

Meralco said it signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with North American institutions Ontario Tech University in Canada and University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign (UIUC) in the United States. The power distributor signed an MOU with Harbin Engineering University (HEU) and Tsinghua University, which are partners of the China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas Ltd.

“Our commitment to explore the adoption of nuclear energy in the country is reinforced by these milestone collaborations with reputable international institutions. These partnerships will help us in having greater understanding of nuclear technologies, ensuring that challenges are addressed, and plans are well aligned with government policies prior to deployment,” Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said in a statement over the weekend.

Meralco’s partnerships with the foreign universities aim to ensure provision of adequate knowledge on managing a nuclear power plant, including best practices in the study of nuclear energy.

The company said this would also enable the co-development and implementation of nuclear energy related programs and conduct of joint research projects that will be beneficial to the adoption of the alternative power source in the country.

and toughness in decision-making.

By Jimmy Montejo

FILIPINO businesswoman Teresita Sy-Coson shares her thoughts about

artificial intelligence.

“AI is the big buzz word nowadays, but we see it as a tool, not to replace humans at work. We need to study and assess AI. [If] it is too fast, developments in that field, some might make mistakes and it might be

costly,” she said.

She said that AI or no AI, hiring the right people wasn’t that easy. “We need to be patient, to get people to join your team and [learn] how to be aligned with you. We usually look for people aligned with our vision.

We need to learn how to handle people. One cannot be too liberal and too democratic.”

Sy-Coson remains calm and selfeffacing despite her enormous fortune. She exudes an unshakable aura of self-confidence

Business groups sign MOU on housing program

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to encourage private sector participation in the national program addressing housing backlogs.

The partnership supports the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The MOU seeks to increase the

involvement of the private sector in building socialized housing units and promoting equitable access to affordable and decent housing, particularly for lowincome families and marginalized groups.

Both parties agreed to cooperate on several key initiatives under the agreement and subject to their respective mandates, available resources and applicable laws. These include conducting roadshows through PCCI local chambers to promote the 4PH program and generate income for local chambers through sponsorships.

Born in October 1950, Sy-Coson is the daughter of legendary Henry Sy, founder of the SM mall chain with 88 branches nationwide, plus eight in China. She was widowed with the passing of husband Louis Coson in 2003.

She is considered Asia’s most powerful businesswoman, running a string of business enterprises that practically covers a broad spectrum of Philippine economy—from large shopping centers to universal banking to real estate.

She is the vice chair of SM Investments Corp., reputedly one of the “largest publicly-traded holding companies with interests in retail, banking, property and portfolio investments,”

She is also the chair of BDO Unibank Inc., the largest of its kind in the country in terms of total resources, capital, loans, deposits and assetsunder-management.

Sy-Coson has received numerous awards and citations in recognition of her business leadership, notably in banking and retail.

Among her laurels were Asia’s Best CEO award, Asian Corporate Director of the Year award 2012, Best Retail Banker of the Year, Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President’s Award in 2014,

not to mention inclusion in Forbes magazine’s 50 Power Business Women.

Owing to her exemplary credentials, Sy-Coson was designated part of the three-member Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), an organization formed in 2003 by ASEAN leaders “to provide private sector feedback and guidance to boost the alliance’s efforts towards economic integration.”

This businesswoman, philanthropist and heiress initially wanted to be an architect but apparently did not have the time and opportunity to chase that dream.

The defining moments of her philanthropic and humanitarian endeavors came amid the COVID-`19 pandemic through the SM Foundation. She was able to save countless lives by donating 150,000 doses of vaccines to multiple inoculation drives spearheaded by the Department of Health across the country.

Sy-Coson also handed over P1.5 billion in hospital equipment for the welfare of frontline medical personnel, as well as for those handicapped to deal with the surge in patients, particularly protective gear for doctors, nurses and orderlies; and additional vaccines for public hospitals “that were not on the priority list.”

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman welcomes the latest Moody’s rating of ‘Baa2’ with a stable outlook for the Philippines while expressing determination for an ‘A’ rating.

Arthaland taps FGen to provide Savya Center with clean power

By Alena Mae S. Flores

REAL estate firm Arthaland Corp. signed another agreement with Lopez-led First Gen Corp. for additional supply of electricity from a renewable energy source to power its state-ofthe-art Savya Financial Center project in Taguig City.

First Gen said in a statement over the weekend Arthaland’s new agreement reaffirmed the property developer’s commitment to shifting to clean and renewable energy sources all the electricity supply needs of its entire real estate portfolio by year 2030 as part of the property firm’s Net Zero goal.

Arthaland’s 18-story Savya Financial Center, inaugurated in 2022, is equipped with features such as energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning, double-glazed low-emissivity glass, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and a rainwater harvesting and recycling system. These features allow the building to save up to 40 percent on electricity and water consumption.

“We envision the Savya Financial Center as a safe, healthy, and more productive working environment for all its occupants. We made every effort to ensure we source 100 percent renewable energy to decarbonize the building’s operations to provide a positive impact on people and the planet,” said Arthaland senior vice president for sales operations, leasing and project marketing and chief sustainability officer Oliver Chan.

PH stock index expected to sustain rally, top 7,000

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Philippine stocks are expected to sustain their upward momentum in this shortened trading week, as the probability of interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve increased based on the July meeting minutes.

Financial markets will be closed Monday to celebrate the National Heroes’ Day.

Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said the July Feb minutes meeting showed that officials were more unanimous towards easing on stabilizing inflation rate.

“August inflation data, plus jobs data should solidify the magnitude with which the Fed should move for the rest of the year,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Analysts expect the Fed to implement two to three rate cuts between September to December, which could bring down interest rate to between 4.50 percent and 4.75 percent, assuming a 75-basis-point reduction.

“As more pressure is put on central banks to keep with what could be rapid fire Fed rate cuts in late Q3 to Q4, this tailwind should be sustained

in the medium-term for the more cyclically-aligned PSEi,” 2TradeAsia. com said.

The market’s support is seen at 6,800 this week, resistance at 7,000 to 7,050.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index shot up by 1.67 percent last week to close at 6,962.96, while the broader all-shares index jumped 1.58 percent to 3,749.73.

Except for the property index which declined by 1.5 percent, all sub-indices ended in the green.

Average daily value turnover improved to P6.93 billion, while foreign investors were net buyers, with total net inflows reaching P6.36 billion, up from previous week’s net inflow of P1.77 billion.

MACTAN-CEBU International Airport (MCIA), recently awarded a prestigious Skytrax 4-Star Terminal rating, is now setting its sights on a new goal: being recognized for having one of the world’s best airport staff at the Skytrax Awards 2025. Through its ‘Abiba Sugbo’ Skytrax Launch Event, MCIA is rallying passengers and partners to support its bid by casting their votes.

“MCIA is driven to create an identity and brand for airport experiences that meet global standards of excellence. Through Skytrax, we aim to continue inspiring Filipino pride in MCIA and rally our stakeholders’ support in earning its place among the world’s best airports,” said Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. president and chief executive Cosette Canilao.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it continued its expansion in the first half of 2024, constructing 352 new cell towers and upgrading 1,942 mobile sites to LTE technology.

The telecom arm of the Ayala Group said the network buildup aims to enhance Globe’s mobile services and data speeds to provide reliable life-enabling connectivity to Filipinos. Globe also deployed 39,880 fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) lines from January to June this year, further expanding its high-speed fiber internet coverage in addition to mobile network improvements.

This year’s rollout is strategically planned to maximize the utilization of Globe’s existing fiber inventory, aligning with its reduced cash capital expenditure allocation.

Globe’s network expansion efforts extend beyond urban centers, having successfully brought connectivity to over 500 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) as part of its commitment to bridging the digital divide.

The company said that by connecting remote communities, it enables residents to access vital online services, educational resources, and economic opportunities that were once limited by geographical barriers.

The Skytrax 4-Star rating, awarded to MCIA Terminal 2, reflects the terminal’s high standards in staff efficiency, hospitality, service consistency and language proficiency.

The rating is a testament to MCIA’s commitment to delivering top-tier passenger experience, underpinned by exceptional service and product quality.

“The dedication of our airport staff plays a crucial role in our operations. Kudos to the Terminal 2 team for their outstanding performance! We are committed to going the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers,” said Athanasios Titonis, chief executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp.

Customer experience head Ricia Montejo emphasized MCIA’s commitment to service excellence.

“Providing friendly and efficient service is at the core of our commitment to passengers. We achieve this by conducting training programs that meet global customer service standards,” Montejo said.

ACCOUNTING outsourcing firm

TOA Global opened its second Cebu office at the Cebu IT Park special economic zone.

The new office occupies more than 5,000 square meters spread across five floors in the new Skyrise 3B Tower.

It can accommodate 940 people, creating hundreds of career opportunities for accountants, bookkeepers and professionals who support the growth of

international accounting firms.

“These are world-class facilities, and this is something that we wanted to provide for our people for the incredible work that they do,” said TOA Global chief executive Jeremy Clements.

Clients get to choose whether their outsourced accountants work in-office, fully remote, or on a flexible arrangement.

TOA Global provided amenities to support the team’s productivity, learning and wellbeing to make the in-office experience even better.

These include an open-plan production area with natural light, training rooms, chillout rooms, a clinic, massage chairs, table tennis and billiards equipment, and a karaoke or KTV room—the last one available for use during breaks or after shifts, so team members can unwind in style.

Australian entrepreneur Nick Sinclair founded TOA Global in 2013, after he had led his own accounting and financial services business for more than 10 years and experienced firsthand how challenging the accounting talent shortage was. He saw the potential for accounting outsourcing in the

KFC PAMPANGA. KFC Philippines opens its 7th store in San Fernando, Pampanga at the ground floor of Waltermart on McArthur Highway in Barangay San Agustin. Leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) KFC senior manager at franchise management department Vince Villarosa, KFC operations manager for North Luzon Sherwin Santos, Waltermart North 2 area manager Harold Garcia and Waltermart San Fernando mall manager Abel de Guzman.

TESDA CHIEF. Makati Business Club members congratulate Negros Occidental Rep. Francisco Bentinez (seated, center) on his appointment as director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Benitez has been a valuable partner of MBC in advancing sustainability initiatives through the Circular Economy Act and other legislation.

BUSINESS

Domestic trade value fell 14.9% to P182.62b in second quarter

THE Philippine Statistics Authority said the total quantity of domestic trade in the second quarter of 2024 reached 4.10 million tons.

This represents an annual decline of 38.2 percent from the 6.64 million tons recorded in the same quarter of 2023. The PSA said that in the first quarter of 2024 and second quarter of 2023, the total quantity of domestic trade recorded annual increases of 43.1 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively.

The total value of domestic trade in the second quarter of 2024 amounted to P182.62 billion, down by 14.9 percent from P214.72 billion in the same period of 2023. Domestic trade value refers to the outflow value of commodities transported from the region/province of origin to another region/province of destination. Almost all (99.9 percent) of the commodities were traded through water (coastwise), while the rest were traded

through air in the second quarter of 2024.

The PSA said that by commodities, food and live animals led in terms of quantity of domestic trade in the second quarter of 2024 with 1.01 million tons or a share of 24.7 percent to the total domestic trade.

This was followed by mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with 0.95 million tons (23.3 percent) and machinery and transport equipment with 0.52 million tons (12.8 percent).

By region, Central Luzon (Region III) registered the highest quantity of traded commodities with 1.09 million tons or 26.5 percent share to the total domestic trade in the second quarter of 2024.

This was followed by National Capital Region (NCR) with a quantity of 1.05 million tons (25.6 percent) and Western Visayas (Region VI) with 0.40 million tons (9.8 percent).

BIR issues guidelines for online sellers, digital content creators

By Othel V. Campos

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) issued Revenue Regulations No. 015-2024 detailing the guidelines and requirements for the registration of businesses selling goods or services online or offline, operating digital platforms and offering freelance services.

The new RR, released on Aug. 15, 2024, covers everything from brickand-mortar stores to online sellers and even digital content creators. The RR requires all covered persons

PAL, Singapore Tourism Board renew partnership

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) renewed its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for another year to promote travel to Singapore.

“Philippine Airlines is thrilled to once again partner with Singapore. Its dynamic culture has inspired the travels of countless Filipinos across our years of operations,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng said.

“Building on our shared success, we look forward to working together to create more opportunities for more Filipinos to experience how Singapore continues to be a world-class leisure destination,” he said.

STB chief executive Melissa Ow said the Philippines is one of Singapore’s key markets and has recovered strongly with the support of longstanding partners like PAL.

“They have been instrumental in reinforcing Singapore’s position as a vibrant lifestyle destination, where ordinary moments are transformed into extraordinary experiences. We are excited to bring our partnership with Philippine Airlines to the next level, and to welcome more Filipino travelers to Singapore soon,” she said.

The Philippines ranked as Singapore’s 6th largest source market for tourism in 2023, with nearly 700,000 visitor arrivals, marking an 84-percent recovery to 2019 visitor arrival numbers.

to register with the BIR. Failure to do so can result in administrative penalties and even criminal charges, it says. Businesses with physical stores need to register their head office and any ad-

ditional online stores with the BIR.

Online-only businesses should register based on their place of residence or principal place of business.

Once registered, businesses are required to display their certificate of registration (COR) or electronic certificate of registration (eCOR) prominently at their physical location and on their website or online platform.

The BIR stressed its authority to issue closure or takedown orders for noncompliant businesses.

The regulation also requires lessors and digital platforms to ensure that their lessees and online sellers are registered

with the BIR. Non-compliance can lead to penalties. Penalties can vary from P1,000 for late registration to P50,000 for businesses subject to excise tax that fail to register. Lessors and digital platforms can face penalties of P20,000 per branch or establishment for allowing unregistered sellers to operate.

RR 015-2024 will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

The BIR said entrepreneurs are advised to familiarize themselves with the new rules and take the necessary steps to register their businesses to avoid penalties.

COURTESY MEEETING.

Tala pushes transparent use of AI in lending

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

INDUSTRY leaders and experts weighed in on how the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) can shape the nation’s future during the Manila Tech Summit 2024.

Tala Philippines general manager Moritz Gastl, in a panel on balancing consumer and creditor protection, talked about how global fintech uses AI and machine learning to increase economic resilience and financial inclusion among Filipinos.

“We ultimately improve our underwriting using machine learning to give better access to customers—better access to, ideally, cheaper prices for good customers to give them the ability to access larger loans as we learn more about them,” said Gastl. Tala, the world’s first financial platform for the global majority, aims to provide its customers with flexible and convenient online credit. Tala’s mobile application is where all its transactions take place, including loan application, approval, disbursement, and repayment. Tala harnesses next-generation technology like alternative data to assess creditworthiness, enabling customers without a traditional credit history to access loans.

“It’s all about transparency of the industry: of the lenders towards their consumers and of the regulators with the lenders. It has to be clear how AI is being used to underwrite customers and further the industry. It’s all about putting out all the cards on the table and giving fairness and transparency to the customers so the lenders and the bureaus have a level playing field,” said Gastl when asked about the key to balancing consumer and creditor protection.

DOE endorsed 12 power projects for system impact study to NGCP in July

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) endorsed 12 projects for system impact study by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in July, bringing the total endorsed in 2024 to 100.

The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as

transmission lines, transformers or substations.

“In July 2024, the DOE issued 12 SIS endorsements to the NGCP, which are composed of one amendment and 11 new applications,” the DOE said.

The DOE endorsed nine solar projects to the transmission operator for the conduct of SIS last month which included the 118.41-megawatt Cadiz Solar project of Puente Al Sol Inc. in Negros Occidental and the 16-MW power project of Verde Radiant Power Corp. in Nueva Vizcaya.

PSA approves household, community profiling

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the conduct of the Household and Community Profiling Survey 2024 by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

The study aims to assess the veracity of the list of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) by evaluating the coverage error of the targeting and content error of the registry of beneficiaries.

It includes two key components, including the verification of the correctness of the beneficiary information list and assessment of the targeting effectiveness of the 4Ps.

It also endorsed the 50-MW La Union solar power project of PHINMA Solar Energy Corp. in La Union, the 51.51-MW Caronsi solar power project of Caronsi Solar Energy Corp. in Cagayan province and the 61.68MW San Carlos 2 solar project of TPC I Corp. in Negros Occidental.

The agency also granted ap -

proval to the 51.89-MW Aringay solar project of Agsapa Green Energy Corp. in La Union, the 55MW Banaybanay Davao Oriental solar farm of DY Green Energy Corp. in Davao Oriental, the 231MW Sapang Balen solar 1 project of Sapang Balen Solar Sustainable Energy Corp., and the 180.5MW Sinawal solar power plant of Emergy Energy Resources 2 Inc. to proceed with their SIS.

The study, with a total budget of P8.2 million, consists of two surveys: household and barangay. It will gather data from 3,000 households and 300 barangays. The major data items to be collected from the surveys include household characteristics, household size and composition, characteristics of housing unit, ownership of appliances, participation of household members in social services and programs, demographic characteristics of the household members, experience of economic shocks by the household and other household information.

The results of the study will support improvements in the targeting system and enhance the program’s coverage of the poor.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto engages in a courtesy meeting with Turkish Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol on Aug. 20, 2024 to explore avenues for enhancing trade and investment relations between the Philippines and Turkey. Recto pledged to address key investor concerns, particularly on double taxation and value-added tax refunds.

QUARANTINE OFFICE. Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (left) leads the inauguration of the new office of the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Plant Quarantine Services Division, a pivotal step in enhancing the country’s agricultural biosecurity and addressing potential risks posed by plant pests and diseases. The new office in Subic Bay Freeport will enhance the effectiveness of border control measures and improve the country’s capacity to manage agricultural risks.

Organon

PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng

HUMAN PLACENTA EXTRACT.

DOF chief hails Romualdez as President’s ‘secret weapon’

By Rio N. Araja

DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto hailed House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez as the “secret weapon” of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Lipa City, Batangas on Saturday.

He credited Romualdez for being a key driving force behind the administration’s success.

“Here is the leadership of the Congress, the President’s partner, the President’s first cousin and the mastermind of a program like this. He is the reason why we have [BPSF],” Recto, a Batangas native and former

BSP coin deposit machines collect more than P888m

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said over the weekend its coin deposit machines (CoDMs) collected P888.7 million from 214,475 transactions.

Most CoDMs are located in shopping malls in Metro Manila to provide shoppers and guests a way to turn their idle coins into e-money or vouchers.

The project aims to encourage the public to deposit their coins to promote efficient recirculation of the coins in the country. This addresses the artificial shortage of coins in selected areas of the country and ensures that only fit and legal tender currency is available for public use.

The BSP has 25 CoDMs located in the Greater Manila Area. It teamed up with retailers including SM Store, Robinsons Supermarket and Festival Mall for the first phase of the project’s implementation.

The BSP said it would conduct an assessment a year after the launch to determine whether the project would be expanded to other regions and increase the number of machines.

The BSP CoDMs accept all denomination BSP coins and new generation currency (NGC) coins. However, mutilated and unfit coins will not pass the machines criteria and also reject demonetized coins and foreign currency coins.

The value of coins deposited can be credited to the depositor’s G-cash account or converted into a shopping voucher of the participating retailers.

The BSP and SM Store deployed the first of CoDM at SM Mall of Asia on June 20, 2023.

senator and representative, told the crowd as he introduced Romualdez.

“When did you see a Speaker visit the province of Batangas? Given time, this person, pillar of BBM administration, secret weapon of our President,” Recto said, underscoring Romualdez’s commitment and pivotal role in the administration.

The Saturday event, marking the first of the two-day BPSF in Batangas, saw the rollout of P563 million worth of government services and financial aid to over 60,000 Batangueños.

The BPSF, which continued in the province until Aug. 25, is a comprehensive service caravan designed to reach all 82 provinces in the Philippines.

“So if the BBM administration is doing well, that is also because of the person I will introduce to you,” Recto said.

Romualdez, upon the instruction of the President, was instrumental in the distribution of various aid packages under the BPSF, including the cash assistance and rice distribution program (CARD), Integrated Scholarships and Incentives for the Youth

(ISIP) Program and the Start-Up, Investments, Business Opportunities and Livelihood (SIBOL) Program.

More than 3,000 Batangas beneficiaries received P5,000 each through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program along with 20 kilograms of rice.

Romualdez said the CARD program is designed to support vulnerable Filipinos by providing affordable access to essential resources, while also countering hoarding and price manipulation of rice stocks.

For the ISIP Program, 3,000 students received P5,000 under the DSWD’s AKAP and five kilograms of rice at the Lipa Academy of Sports, Culture and Arts.

Bio Products

and Raquel

Ltd.

Placenta Extract ‘Laennec’ injection that has a beneficial properties of human

natural healing process and improve overall

is Dr. Keizo Hanada (right) adviser of Japan

GUESS, Trimark Group

By Othel V. Campos

THE GUESS Group and Trimark Group joined efforts to combat counterfeit and pirated goods online by signing a landmark e-commerce memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The MOU, initiated by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), now has 40 signatories, including online shopping platforms, brand owners and business associations.

IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba highlighted the significance of apparel in counterfeit seizures. “We are happy to see more brands,

The

IN BRIEF

sign agreement with IPOPHL to combat pirated goods

Team ATRAM wins first Open Finance PH Hackathon

TEAM ATRAM won the 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.

Team ATRAM is composed of Bea Charmelyn T. Lambitco, Jan Franz A. Palngipang, Aaron Lemuel C. Reyes, and Alvin G. Usigan. The said team

won an all-expense trip to the Singapore Fintech Festival in November 2024, where they have the chance to learn from global fintech experts. Pensyon PH, developed by Team ATRAM, aims to help users achieve a financially secure retirement, enables end-users to project how far a future retiree is from his/her financial goals, provides tailor-fit advice and

educational resources on how to best reach their retirement goals, and gives customers and employers a seamless platform for managing their Personal Equity and Retirement Accounts.

Pensyon PH leverages on Open Finance, which enables consent-driven data-sharing and collaborative partnerships among financial institutions that adhere to the same standards of data security and privacy.

The hackathon was able to generate industry awareness on open finance-enabled use cases through the creation of novel and innovative POCs that provide concrete examples of the new opportunities that Open Finance brings to both industry players and consumers alike.

“Open Finance is best implemented in tandem with the industry and this hackathon offers great examples of open, interoperable, and scalable applications that can address the evolving needs of Filipino consumers,”

IFC country manager for the Philippines, Jean-Marc Arbogast said.

“Congratulations again to this year’s winners and we hope to continue supporting more open finance initiatives for a fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient financial ecosystem.”

Ralph Harvey Rirao

especially in apparel, choosing to join our whole-of-nation approach through the E-Commerce MOU. Nationwide and even regionwide, the MOU has emerged to be an avenue for implementing robust measures to fight fakes and safeguard the authenticity and reputation of a number brands in the digital marketplace,” Barba said.

Trimark, with over 50 brands, sees the MOU as an innovative strategy and stresses the importance of collaboration in fighting IP infringements.

The GUESS Group views the collaboration as an upgrade in its IP enforcement efforts.

Under the MOU, e-commerce platforms should observe a swift notice-and-takedown procedure, while brands commit to notifying platforms of infringing activities.

Launched in 2021, the e-commerce MOU was recognized as a best practice and resulted in successful takedowns of infringing sales.

IPOPHL and its partners are now looking to optimize the MOU’s provisions and address emerging online market trends.

The MOU aims to establish a code of practice to fight counterfeits, promote cooperation between signatories, and implement an efficient notice-and-takedown scheme.

Awards for outstanding Filipino retailers returning this year

THE Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) announced the return of the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) awards this year. The PRA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), presents the OFR Awards which shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and innovations within the retail industry.

“At the heart of the OFR Awards lies a commitment to recognizing and honoring visionary retailers who are not only shaping the landscape of Philippine retail but also setting new benchmarks for sustainability, innovation, social corporate responsibility, and creativity,” PRA president Roberto Claudio, who is also the chairman of Quorum International Inc. (Toby’s Sports) said.

“By showcasing their achievements, we aim to inspire and ignite a culture of continuous improvement and development across the industry,” Claudio said.

This year includes an array of revamped categories designed to spotlight the best of the best: Sustainability Award; Retail Innovation Awards (Retail Innovation in Business Process, Retail Innovation on Digital Transformation, Retail Innovation on Store Design

HUMAN PLACENTA EXTRACT. Raquel-Abbas Pharmaceuticals and General Merchandise general manager Ghulam Abbas (third from left)

Rara Mughal present the token of appreciation to Hong Seok Lim (second from left), president of Japan

Co.

as keynote speaker during the launching of the first Food and Drugs Administration (FDA)-registered Human

placenta to support cellular regeneration, enhance

wellness.

event was held at the Casa Ibarra in Pasay City on Aug. 23, 2024. With them

Bio Products Co. Ltd. Joseph Muego

Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) president Roberto Claudio, who’s also chairman of Quorum International Inc. (Toby’s Sports), announces the return of the Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) awards to shin a spotlight on the remarkable achievements and innovations within the retail industry in the Philippines. & Merchandising); Retail Employer Award; and Malls & Shopping Center Awards (Mall

IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba

REAL ESTATE

AForessa Mountain Town: Cebu’s eco-luxury destination

S CEBU’S tourism and hospitality sector soars, Aboitiz Land is harnessing this momentum with a transformative new addition to Foressa Mountain Town.

The premier residential lot development is not only enhancing the region’s appeal but also inviting businesses and merchants to become part of its dynamic community.

An important milestone in this development is Aboitiz Land’s collaboration with the Asmara Group, setting a new benchmark for eco-luxury living. The partnership is designed to blend Asmara’s refined sophistication with sustainable practices, perfectly aligning with Foressa Mountain Town’s vision of becoming a premier destination for both residents and visitors.

David Rafael, president and chief executive of Aboitiz Land, shared his excitement about the collaboration. “We envision Foressa Mountain Town as a hub of sophisticated points of interest, where people converge and thrive. This partnership marks the beginning of initiatives that will drive growth and vitality in Foressa. Our shared vision with Asmara, who deeply appreciates our master plan, is essential in shaping Foressa’s future,” he said.

Asmara’s approach goes beyond offering exceptional food and drinks; it aims to deliver a memorable experience. With a stylish, contemporary interior incorporating organic and sustainable design elements, Asmara’s venue will enhance the natural beauty of the mountains. Panoramic views and a serene ambiance create an ideal setting for guests to enjoy worldclass cuisine and top-notch service while immersing themselves in nature’s tranquility.

Choice for business

Foressa Mountain Town provides an exceptional environment for businesses to thrive. The fusion of natural beauty and urban sophistication offers a unique backdrop for commercial ventures.

As Cebu’s leading developer of premier residential communities, Aboitiz Land introduces Foressa Mountain Town as the setting for “Rediscover Life”—a lifestyle immersed in rolling terrains, lush forests and tranquil water features. This development, located in Balamban’s highlands, seamlessly integrates with the expanding West

DMCI Homes, Marubeni post P4-b sales from Ortigas project

DMCI Homes, in partnership with Japan’s Marubeni Corp. has announced that their joint venture project has reached P4 billion in reservation sales. This milestone underscores the strong market interest and demand for their property offerings.

Since its January 2024 launch up to June, this year, The Valeron has sold 343 or 29 percent of the 1,191 launched units.

DMCI said the project, which offer condominium units starting at P7.62 million, has attracted investors eager to secure an address within Pasig City’s bustling Ortigas central business district (CBD).

The project’s success highlights the steady appreciation in property values, driven by its strategic location and welldesigned units. The development is positioned to benefit from the growing economic activities in the C5-Ortigas Corridor, echoing the early successes seen in other major business districts.

The property includes a mix of residential and commercial spaces, enhancing the vibrancy of the Ortigas Central Business District (CBD). Key features include:

* Guest Rooms: Inspired by Japan’s “Guest House” concept, these rooms offer short-term accommodation for visitors.

* Daycare Center: Located on the ground floor, this facility provides a safe and nurturing environment for children of working families.

The Valeron Tower also presents a compelling investment opportunity with its competitive pricing, prime location, and superior design. As the area continues to develop, investors stand to

gain from both immediate returns and long-term value appreciation.

The Valeron Tower will feature exquisitely designed residential units ranging from studio to three-bedroom configurations, with sizes from 32.5 to 91 square meters

Residents will benefit from its proximity to Pasig’s business and retail hubs such as Arcovia City, Bridgetowne, SM Center Pasig, and Tiendesitas, all within walking distance Ortigas Center is a mere 10-minute drive, and the property enjoys excellent connectivity via C-5 and upcoming transport infrastructure like the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 and the Metro Manila Subway Project.

Cebu Estate, Cebu’s thriving mixed-use economic hub and shipbuilding capital. The expansion of the estate promises to elevate Cebu’s western seaboard and Balamban into a world-class municipality. The vision is to develop a smart, next-generation, sustainable economic estate with a blend of commercial, residential and institutional uses.

Asmara, an urban resort in the luxury segment, is celebrated for its wellness center, which promotes health and relaxation through a thoughtfully-designed lifestyle. Each detail is meticulously crafted with eco-friendly materials to provide a refined escape from the everyday hustle, ensuring an unparalleled experience for its patrons. Jenniffer B. Austria

SM introduces new tech to reduce food waste in hotels

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hotel operator of the SM group, rolled out a new technology called ORCA (Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative) Biodigester in Taal Vista Hotel that turns food waste into filtered wastewater under 24 hours, aligned with the group’s commitment to reduce waste.

Since the installation of the ORCA in Taal Vista, it has managed to divert over 40,013 kilograms of food waste to date equivalent to 20,406.63 tons carbon dioxide emissions saved.

“With the adoption of the ORCA Biodigester, we have transformed our food waste management process from a weeks-long process to a streamlined green-friendly one-day cycle, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and our environmental impact,” said SMHCC Vice President for Quality and Sustainability Leah Magallanes.

Food waste poses challenges across the globe. In a recent report by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), 783 million people are affected by hunger each year. In the Philippines, household food waste amounted to 2,954,580 million tonnes annually. The hotel industry often faces significant waste issues due to the challenge of managing inventory and excess food, particularly with the large number of customers served daily.

The biodigester is currently used at the Taal Vista Hotel. Similar responsible food waste reduction initiatives, such as bokashi composting, are underway across the SM Hotels portfolio. Bokashi composting involves using specialized kits where food waste is layered with activators, or biological additives to produce compost, which allows it to ferment for 10 to 15 days. The resulting liquid can be collected as natural fertilizer, while the solid residue can be composted or buried.

Since its introduction across 5 properties of SM Hotels, namely Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Park Inn Bacolod and Iloilo, and SMX Manila, the bokashi composting technique

ALLHC expands cold storage network with new facility in Cebu

has made a total diversion of food waste of over 198,640 kg, equivalent to 101,306.4 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2E.

“Our combined efforts support our gardens and foster communitydriven, eco-friendly practices through partnerships with local farmers and producers.” Ms. Magallanes added. The reduction in total processing time for food waste has positively impacted employee engagement and led to changes in their roles and responsibilities.

With biodigesters generating more accurate data, designated employees are more focused toward managing and monitoring rather than manually weighing and computing waste metrics.

Providing sustainable solutions to food waste management also positively impacts customer experience in SM Hotels properties. By adopting more responsible ways to divert food waste on site, it minimizes the amount of waste that needs to be stored and transported. It further leads to the prevention of pest harbourage contributing to a more hygienic and safer environment for guests.

From left: Head of ALogis Artico Sherri C. Pasquil; ALLHC head of industrial parks and real estate logistics Gabriel Luis T. Sioson; NMIS Region 7 regional director Dr. Alvin A. Leal; Barangay

chairwoman Fe Q. Cuyos; Consolacion Mayor Teresa P. Alegado;

Avila;

Aboitiz Land has partnered with the Asmara Group to set a new standard for eco-luxury living.

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

TSHOWBIZ

ABS-CBN’s newest revenge drama goes multi-platform

Very Wang Nickie

Wang

HE cast of Lavender Fields received a warm welcome from fans at a red carpet event held at Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.

At the press conference, the host thanked the fans for making the event special with their enthusiasm, noting that some of them began arriving as early as 9:00 a.m. for the afternoon event.

The cast, which includes Jodi Sta. Maria, Jericho Rosales, Janine Gutierrez, Maricel Soriano, and Jolina Magdangal , was met with loud cheers and flashing cameras as they walked down the red carpet.

Lavender Fields is expected to be a major drama of the year. It will be available on Netflix on Aug. 30, three days before its TV broadcast. For iWantTFC users, the series will be available on Aug. 31, two days before it airs on TV.

The cast stressed the significance of the series and how it stands out from previous shows with similar themes.

“While revenge is central to the story, Lavender Fields goes beyond that,” Jodi explained. “It’s a very complex story taht seeks justice. Often, when people hear ‘revenge,’ they expect a familiar storyline, but this series offers something new. It weaves together love, drama, and duality, with redemption as a key element.”

The series tells the story of Jasmin (Jodi), a simple woman from a small town who becomes pregnant after falling in love with Arthur/Tyrone (Jericho), a charming but secretive accountant. Their romance ends when Arthur’s true identity is revealed— he is a married man with strong ties to his wife’s family.

Jasmin’s life takes a turn for the worse when Iris (Janine), Arthur’s scheming wife, causes her to lose everything she

cherishes, including her child. Heartbroken, Jasmin transforms into the powerful Lavender Fields. As Lavender, she enters the highsociety world of Arthur and Iris to seek revenge and reclaim what she has lost.

The cast also includes Victor Neri, Bernard Palanca, Soliman Cruz, Biboy Ramirez, Thou Reyes, Race Matias, Justine Luzares, Pamu Pamorada, Alex Diaz, Eric Nicolas, Benj Manalo, Cheena Crab, Kate Alejandrino, Analain Salvador, Jonic Magno, Yesh Burce, and Lotlot De Leon New talents Jana Agoncillo, Krystal Mejes, Miguel Vergara, and Marc Santiago also star. The series is directed by Emmanuel Q. Palo and Jojo Saguin Lavender Fields premieres on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on Sept. 2 at 9:30 p.m.

Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin welcome son Jack Blues

POP superstar Justin Bieber announced Friday the birth of his son – Jack Blues – with model wife Hailey in a post that quickly garnered millions of likes on Instagram.

“WELCOME HOME JACK

BLUES BIEBER,” the Canadian singer posted with a photo of an infant’s foot wrapped in a blanket, which has racked up more than eight million likes.

The celebrity couple announced in May that they were going to be parents, posting pictures of fashionista and businesswoman Hailey, 27, cradling her belly.

Justin Bieber, 30, first shot to global stardom as a teen pop sensation in 2009, since then churning out hits including the mega-selling “Baby”, featuring rapper Ludacris, and “Somebody to Love.”

His army of fans, known as “Beliebers,” helped make him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Fans were quick to congratulate the pair on Instagram, with one commenting, “Gotta play that song ‘Baby’ one more time.”

Justin’s mother, Pattie Mallette also posted congratulations to the couple on X.

“I LOVE YOU FOREVER BABY JACK!!” Mallette wrote.

Actor Stephen Baldwin, Hailey’s father, reshared Mallette’s post, adding: “Amen, Congratulations to you and may God continue to bless our family.”

Hailey Bieber has modeled in campaigns for major brands such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

She now has her own brand – Rhode – which sells skincare and makeup.

The model told US outlet GQ in October that she looked forward to being a mother, and found it funny how much others cared, calling motherhood “a private, intimate thing.”

“It’s something that’s going to come when it comes. And it’s just, honestly, at the end of the day, so hilarious how much people... care.

Let me do what I want to do with my body and you guys can do what you want to do with your body,” she was quoted as saying. AFP

PLUUS made history as the first P-Pop boy group to perform at the Waterbomb Festival, a major K-Pop and water play event held in Daejeon and Incheon, South Korea, early this month.

Prior to its participation in the much-anticipated event, the group released its latest single, “Summotion,” a house track

boy group makes

featuring a Dublin genre-inspired growl bass in the chorus.

“Summotion” promotes seizing the day and embracing opportunities with its upbeat, summer-themed sound. The track aims to inspire listeners to live freely and enjoy life to the fullest.

performance, PLUUS was honored with the Best Brand Awards Special Award for Overseas Star Invitation at the 2024 Korea Best Brand Awards.

PLUUS’s sibling girl group, YGIG , was also invited to the Waterbomb Festival, the biggest summer music and water play

P-pop boy band PLUUS debuted in 2023 with their mini album ‘Pluus +.Y.M’

In addition to their festival festival in Korea. P-Pop

Singer Justin Bieber (left) with wife model Hailey Baldwin

Janine Gutierrez takes on a villainous role as Iris Buenavidez

Jericho Rosales makes his return to acting as Arthur Pelaez/Tyrone Buenavidez

Maricel Soriano plays as Aster Fields, a motherly figure who will help Jasmin Flores in her quest for revenge

Jodi Sta. Maria stars as Jasmin Flores who will later become the titular character

Jolina Magdangal is Lily Atienza, the best friend of Iris Buenavidez

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

PH ranks 2nd easiest country to make friends worldwide

By Angelica Villanueva

THE Philippines was recently named the second easiest country in the world to make friends with.

In a survey conducted by InterNations, the study polled some expats from various

countries on their experiences with social interactions in different parts of the world. The Philippines consistently received high marks for the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Aside from the Philippines, two other countries from Southeast

Bilyonaryo News Channel expands business reporting to TV with new lineup

BRAND new broadcast television channel, Bilyonaryo News Channel, is taking its viral business news reporting to a wider audience with signature programs that cover all the bases of the business landscape in the country.

The new channel is launching a line of programming catering to the Bilyonaryo followers with a robust mix of business and corporate shows.

This new block of programs, slated for Monday to Friday, focuses on news and significant stories that affect the state of businesses and the economy, as well as in-depth analysis and discussions with industry leaders and experts on key issues and insights on corporate and public policy.

Maiki Oreta, the veteran business broadcaster and the founder of the socially oriented organization dedicated to empowering Filipino youth in business and entrepreneurship, Kiddo-preneur, hosts Basis Points , 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and Industry Beacon , 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Oreta lends her proficiency in business journalism and entrepreneurship to keep investors in the loop on the market’s movement and the events affecting it.

Basis Points provides a timely update on the equities market’s performance and the latest news on business and the economy. While the more candid 30-minute business talk show, Industry Beacon provides industry experts a platform to talk to various business chambers and leaders for insightful discussions.

Returning to Philippine television is Raine Musñgi , a distinguished business news journalist and presenter, who will anchor and produce Follow The Money from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This half-hour program offers a masterclass in personal finance, equipping viewers with essential strategies for saving, earning, and growing wealth through diverse investment avenues. Follow the Money will also feature the top wealth and fund managers, providing invaluable insights and guidance on navigating investments with confidence and success.

Seasoned news and public affairs anchor, Mai Rodriguez headlines Pathways To Success , Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The show sheds a spotlight on various industries to offer a fresh perspective on the big players that shape the way businesses operate as well as the MSMEs and social enterprises that are changing the game.

The channel will also air previous episodes of news and broadcast icon Ces Drilon ’s Usapang Bilyonaryo as it prepares for a new season of the innovative program.

To ensure maximum exposure of the key programs that are most relevant to the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s core audience, the business block programs are replayed from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the same day of broadcast.

Set to make a wider television broadcast on September 9, the Bilyonaryo News Channel is available over freeto-watch television channel BEAM TV 31 (through digital TV boxes in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, Zamboanga, and Naga), and leading cable TV provider, Cignal Channel 24.

ANGELINA Cruz has been named as the new ambassador for Mentholatum LipCare and Mentholatum Acnes. The partnership was officially sealed during a dinner at The Cabin, Blackbird at the Nielson Tower, where Cruz joined the Mentholatum team.

The singer, actress, and model recently signed a partnership with the brand to be part of the campaign aimed at promoting skincare and lip care products in Metro Manila schools. Their goal is to engage with students and share Cruz’s beauty regimen.

Mentholatum’s LipCare and Acnes products, which emphasize hydration and gentle acne prevention, are at the core of her skincare routine. Cruz will be

promoting these products, aiming to inspire young Filipinos to embrace their natural features.

Mentholatum, a global leader in personal care, is leveraging Cruz’s influence to connect with a younger audience. The company aims to highlight the effectiveness of its products in maintaining healthy skin and lips, aligning with the brand’s message of confidence and natural beauty. The school tour is set to begin in the coming weeks, offering students a chance to meet Cruz and learn more about the benefits of Mentholatum products. This initiative is part of the brand’s

Asia made it to the top 10 including Indonesia at 4th and Thailand at 8th. On the other hand, Vietnam came in at 15th, and Malaysia at 24th. Ranking in the first spot was Mexico while Panama landed in the 3rd place.

Angelina Cruz (third from left) with the Mentholatum team

News and broadcast journalist Ces Drilon’s ‘Usapang Bilyonaryo’ is slated for a new season

Business broadcaster and Kiddo-preneur founder Maiki Oreta hosts the shows ‘Basis Points’ and ‘Industry Beacon’

News and public affairs anchor Mai Rodriguez is the host of ‘Pathways To Success’

Raine Musngi is the anchor of ‘Follow the Money’

MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Attracting multitude of ageless dreamers

KNOWING of my current role as head of the Philippine Retirement Authority, a good friend of mine, Michele Mitschiener Hoeflich, Hong Kong’s leading PR guru, shared a brilliant thought with me. She said that people at retirement age should never be referred to as “retired” because it has such a negative connotation.

People think that when you are “retired,” you have stopped doing things, stopped being active, stopped living, etc. But it’s the opposite that happens.

This is the time of your life when you no longer pay attention to how old you are, as you continue doing things that you have always dreamed of, things on your bucket list, things that you know you deserve to have, after so many years of working hard.

This is the stage of your life when your age no longer matters, as you continue to pursue what you have dreamed of doing. You have become the “ageless dreamer.”

The world’s population of “ageless dreamers” continues to increase through the years. This is why the Philippine Retirement Authority is leaving no stone unturned to make our country the leading haven in Asia for this steadily increasing multitude from all over the world, seeking a new home in their golden years.

The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) is a governmentowned and controlled corporation mandated to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to make our country their new home in their autumn years. Its main offering is the Special Resident Retirees’ Visa (SRRV) which allows these foreign nationals multiple-entry into and an indefinite stay in the Philippines.

Aside from this multiple-entry privilege, the lifetime visa issued to these foreign nationals exempts them from Bureau of Immigration formalities and, more importantly, allows them to work, study, or invest in the country. They are also given free assistance with government agency transactions and have easy access to PhilHealth benefits and privileges.

To avail of the SRRV, there are a number of options. Foreign nationals who are 50 years old and above are qualified to apply. If they do not receive a pension from their country

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE

Why are parallel lines so tragic, even if they have so much in common? Because they’ll never meet!

of origin, they are required to make a visa deposit of $20,000 in any of PRA’s seven accredited banks. If the applicant receives a pension (at least $800 for single applicants or $1000 for applicants with dependents), the required

Disney unveils Imagination Garden for Singapore-based Disney Adventure

By Nickie Wang

DISNEY Cruise Line has revealed new details about the Disney Imagination Garden, a key attraction aboard the Disney Adventure, set to sail from Singapore in 2025.

The garden is a central hub, inspired by a century of Disney’s beloved characters and stories.

The Disney Imagination Garden will feature vibrant, open-air landscapes designed to evoke the magical worlds of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel. A three-decktall storybook castle will anchor the space, making it the first of its kind on a Disney ship. The area will include a cutting-edge

theatrical stage, two quick-service eateries, a bar, and exclusive garden-view staterooms.

“Disney Imagination Garden is the heart and soul of the Disney Adventure,” said Laura Cabo, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering.

“The size and scale of this space provided us with so many opportunities to dream big and try new things with our experiential design, creating first-of-a-kind experiences for our guests, from all-new entertainment to delicious dining and lots of magical surprises sprinkled throughout,” Cabo added.

The Disney Imagination Garden is one of seven themed areas aboard the ship, including Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street,

visa deposit is only $10,000.

For former Filipinos who are now citizens of other countries, and foreign nationals who have served as their countries’ diplomatic officers here in the Philippines, they are extended a Courtesy Privilege of a much-reduced visa deposit to only $1500. Included in this privilege are former military officers of other countries and those who worked for international organizations recognized by our Department of Foreign Affairs like the United Nations, World Health Organization, Asian Development Bank, and others.

The applicant must accomplish the SRRV Application Form which is available online. He must also submit a Medical Certificate, an authenticated Police Clearance from his country of origin, and an NBI Clearance if he has stayed in the Philippines more than 30 days prior to his application. These documents must be submitted together with eight copies of his recent photo and his passport containing a valid tourist visa.

There are approximately 58,000 foreign nationals who have the SRRV and have settled down in practically all regions here in our country. I’ve had many opportunities to chat with some of them and, when asked what made them decide to choose our country over those of our Asian neighbors, their most popular reason is our people. They always praise how welcoming, how friendly and how caring our people are. They also cite our country’s low cost of living and our people’s English proficiency. They say that these factors set against the backdrop of our amazing natural attractions are the natural magnet that has attracted them to settle down here on our shores.

Among the many other reasons why they chose our country: “The Filipino smiles are always a good day to start my day”, “I like the way Filipinos take care of old people”, “Food is always at the center of celebrations”, “Filipinos have a strong sense of community”, “The country is rich in underwater wonders”, etc. All these have inspired the PRA Team to continue to push for a bigger chunk of this “ageless dreamers” market and show them why they would Love To Live In The Philippines, PRA’s catchphrase. After all, we have 7,641 beautiful islands, the reasons why they will, and each is uniquely different from the other. More information on the SRRV and the PRA are available at www.pra. gov.ph

For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com

Marvel

Bay, Town

and Toy Story Place. Each area will offer unique experiences and character interactions.

The garden will include decorative foliage, topiaries, and scenic props resembling paper cut-outs, creating a storybook feel. The Garden

Stage, equipped with three-deck-high LED screens and special effects, will host a variety of shows. A highlight will be “Avengers Assemble!”, a Marvel-themed stage show featuring characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Deadpool, making his Disney Cruise Line debut.

Dining options in the garden will include Mowgli’s Eatery, offering Indian cuisine inspired by The Jungle Book, and Gramma Tala’s Kitchen, featuring Pacific and Asian flavors with a Moana theme. Both eateries will offer indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Garden Stage. The Disney Adventure, with a capacity of 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members, will operate three- and four-night voyages from Singapore starting in 2025. This marks a significant collaboration between Disney Cruise Line and the Singapore Tourism Board, with the ship set to homeport at Marina Bay Cruise Centre for at least five years. Further details about the Disney Adventure’s maiden voyage and additional onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

Wayfinder

Square,

Landing,

One of the ship’s dining options include the Mowgli’s Eatery, which offers Indian cuisine The ship offers numerous themed areas like the Disney Imagination Garden

Disney Adventure will be setting sail from Singapore in 2025

An American couple takes a photo in front of the majestic Mayon Volcano

An SRRV holder relaxes on a hammock as he enjoys the gorgeous view of the beach

Italian Paolo Grazzini (right) says he has been to 120 countries but it’s only the Philippines that made him want to stay

A Chinese couple enjoys Boracay’s Paraw Festival