Manila Standard - 2024 September 6 - Friday

Fugitive ex-mayor Guo brought back to Manila

Faces 1,218 years jail term for money laundering charges

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Joel Zurbano, Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez

DISMISSED Bamban

Mayor Alice Guo was brought back to the Philippines early Friday dawn after she was arrested by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang City.

Chartered flight RP-C6188, which carried Guo, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, and officials of the National Bureau of Investigation landed at a private hangar operated by Royal Star Aviation Inc. at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 1:10 a.m. Guo will be brought to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame for booking before she can be turned over to the Senate.

“Secretary, please help me. I have a death threat,” were Guo's first words when she met Abalos in Jakarta on Thursday.

By Maricel Cruz and Macon Ramos Araneta

By Rio N. Araja

By Charles Dantes

By Vito Barcelo

BPSF IN DAVAO CITY. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez leads the formal opening of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair ( BPSF) at

PH to resume WPS talks with China—DFA

By Rachelle Tonelada

PHILIPPINE and Chinese diplomats have agreed to resume talks this month amid a series of “confrontations” in the West Philippine Sea.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed that China will host the next round of Bilateral Consultations Mechanism (BCM) in Beijing. The talks will allow the two coun-

Fugitive...

From A1

“What is important... (muted part of the video) is the truth. That is why we got a private plane so we can (muted part of the video),” Abalos said in response.

Asked if she was okay, Guo could be seen in another video clip giving two thumbs up.

“I'm good. I'm good,” said Guo, allegedly a Chinese national known as Guo Hua Ping, who has been accused of having links to Chinese organized crime through illegal POGO operations.

Hours before she was deported from Indonesia, a Tarlac court issued an arrest warrant against Guo in connection with a graft case filed by the DILG over her connection to a raided POGO hub in Bamban.

She is also facing human trafficking cases in relation to the raided POGO hub in Bamban and a money laundering case before the Department of Justice. If found guilty, a jail term of 609 years up to 1,218 years can be imposed on Guo, her sister Shiela, and more than 30 others facing charges for money laundering violations, Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

Adrian Arpon, AMLC Investigation and Enforcement Department Deputy Director, said during a Senate hearing the agency filed 187 counts of money laundering complaints against the Guo sisters and their cohorts.

On social media, netizens were left puzzled that Guo appeared cheerful and even took selfies with government officials and personnel while in Jakarta.

A photo released by the NBI showing Guo inside a car with some of its agents generated mixed reactions, with many finding it both funny and disturbing at the same time.

Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate panel that has been investigating allegations versus Guo, said on her Facebook page: "Reminder to all government employees: Alice Guo is a fugitive. She has a human trafficking case. She is not a celebrity."

Senator Joel Villanueva added: "Sooo unprofessional...Seriously do you want to take a picture with this treacherous fugitive!"

A videoclip posted by GMA Integrated News on X showing Abalos and Marbil arriving in Indonesia to fetch Guo likewise made former Senator Panfilo Lacson feel quite confused over what he just watched.

“Top level delegation to meet with a suspected criminal offender named Alice? Only in Wonderland,” Lacson replied in the post.

Enteng‘s...

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DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said that destruction by the two-day continuous heavy rains and winds has affected several national roads, bridges, and flood control structures in five regions in Luzon and Visayas.

The partial cost of damage to infrastructure is broken down into P84.39 million on roads, P12.420 million on bridges, and P42.75 million on flood control structures. By region, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) reported P49.43 million of damage to infrastructure, Region 2 with P9.85 million, Region 5 with P34.85 million, Region 6 with P25.78 million, and Region 8 with P23.65 million.

The DPWH Disaster and Incident

Marcos...

From A1 (DILG), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to streamline announcements.

"Before 4 a.m., if necessary, the Office of the President will issue an announcement," Chavez said, stressing that personnel are prepared to make

tries to tackle the thorny territorial issues related to the WPS/South China Sea. China and the Philippines alternately host the BCM talks which started in 2017. The last BCM was held in Manila on July 2.

Manalo did not provide other details but when asked if the BCM talks in Beijing would include the recent Chinese Coast Guard ramming of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua in Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, he replied, “Hopefully.” Sabina has emerged as a new site of confrontations between China and the Philippines in the tension-filled waters.

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua to Sabina on April 15 after Philippine

authorities found crushed corals and other piled debris in the shallows of the uninhabited shoal that they said could be a sign of a Chinese plan to start the construction of a structure in the shoal.

Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad meanwhile said that the Philippines remains “undeterred” by the growing presence of Chinese ships in Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

“We should look at it as our intent to ensure that we will not be deterred

Quad Comm looks deeper into Roque’s wealth

By Maricar V. Cruz

THE House Quad Committee, which is currently investigating Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and their backers, flatly rejected a motion by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to quash a subpoena requiring him to submit his business records, tax returns, and Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

Roque initially promised to provide the joint panel with copies of these documents, which are deemed

ERC...

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In an order dated Aug. 27, Ombudsman Samuel Martires tasked Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin with implementing the ERC chair’s suspension.

“Until the administrative adjudication of this case is terminated, but not to exceed six months, without pay, except when the delay in the dispo-

Management Teams have reported the reopening of all 11 road sections that were affected by Enteng. However, four roads in CAR and Region 3 still have limited access including ItogonDalupirip Road, Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, one-lane passable to light vehicles only due to soil collapse; Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet, one lane passable to heavy vehicles only due to rock/slope collapse; Dantay-Sagada Road, Barangay Antadao, Sagada, Mt. Province, passable to light vehicles only due to road slip; and Manila North Road, Calvario, Marilao, Bulacan, passable to heavy vehicles only due to flooding. In Isabela, the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge was rendered impassable owing to a high water elevation of 1.2 meters. This bridge connects

decisions as early as 3 a.m. when severe weather is expected.

Chavez also said the PCO is ready to take risks by declaring suspensions of classes or government operations, even if the weather later improves.

“We'll take the risk even if it’s sunny at 9 or 11 in the morning.,” he said.

He shared plans for a more open Malacañang Press Corps coverage and tackle fake news by assigning fact-

crucial to probing his alleged ties to illegal POGOs.

However, he later filed a motion to quash the subpoena, arguing that such documents were irrelevant to the legislative investigation, violated his privacy, and infringed on his right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination.

Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro quickly moved to deny Roque’s motion to quash.

This was immediately approved by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who leads the Dangerous

sition of the case is due to her fault, negligence or petition, in which case the period of delay shall not be counted in computing the period of preventive suspension,” the resolution read.

In its complaint, Nasecore demanded that Dimalanta must be held culpable abusing her authority.

"The evidence on record shows that the guilt of respondent Dimalanta is strong and the charges against her involve grave misconduct, grave abuse

barangay Casibarag Norte in Cabagan and barangay Mozzozzin in Sta. Maria.

In Mountain Province, the Cagayan via Tabuk-Enrile Road at Tabrak, Anabel, Sadanga, is only passable to light vehicles due to a rock and slope collapse.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) meanwhile said two potential tropical cyclones are likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility until next week.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the state weather bureau is closely monitoring two out of the three tropical cyclone-like vortices that could develop within the PAR during the period.

The first weather system is likely to develop over the northern section of the PAR with a high probability

check officers within state media.

He noted that the PCO would focus on addressing fake news, urging government officials and the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.

Chavez revealed that he was first approached in August 2022 to lead the PCO while he was serving as undersecretary for rails. Chavez, who was deeply involved in major rail infra-

by whatever challenges we face in the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said. “It's not just a list of numbers. It's the messaging we send out,” he emphasized, citing the stark reality of a lone Philippine vessel standing strong amid 203 Chinese ships in the face of continued aggression from the China Coast Guard in Sabina Shoal.

Earlier, the Philippine Navy reported a significant increase in Chinese vessels in Sabina Shoal from August 20 to 26, with the number rising to 203.

Court of Appeals junks TPO for KOJC complex

THE Temporary Protection Order (TPO) for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City has been declared null and void by the Court of Appeals, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Davao Region.

"The court ruled that the Amparo case, closely tied to the cases filed against Apollo Quiboloy, falls within the scope of the Supreme Court’s May 27...resolution, which governs cases involving the enforcement of warrants of arrest against Apollo Quiboloy and four others," the police regional office posted.

"The court emphasized that allowing the Davao Regional Trial Court to continue hearing the case would undermine the Supreme Court's mandate," it added.

The aforementioned TPO was issued by Judge Mario Duaves of Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 15.

Since August 24, the PNP has been trying to serve an arrest warrant against Quiboloy, deploying an initial number of 2,000 police forces in the process.

Drugs panel and is the overall chair of the Quadcom. Luistro underscored the relevance of the requested documents, citing “overwhelming circumstantial evidence” of Roque’s connection to Lucky South 99, an illegal POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga. She noted his denial of ties to POGOs, underscoring the discrepancy between his limited income as a government official and the sudden surge in his assets, including his shares in Biancham Holdings and Trading, a family-owned company.

of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service which may warrant her removal from the service," Martrinez further stated in his order.

It was found that Dimalanta allowed Meralco to purchase electricity from the WESM and pass the charges on to consumers without obtaining the necessary approval from the ERC, in violation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

of becoming a tropical cyclone to be named “Ferdie.The second one is forecast to emerge over the northeastern portion of the Tropical Cyclone Advisory Domain with a possibility of developing also into a tropical cyclone. Once it enters the PAR, it would be named “Gener.”

At present, Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon continue to experience inclement weather attributed to the southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ boosted by the recent severe tropical storm ‘Enteng’ (known internationally as ‘Yagi.’)

Heavy to intense rains prevail over Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan while Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas deal with moderate to heavy rains. Rio N. Araja

structure projects like the North-South Commuter Railway and the subway, initially declined the offer, stating that he wanted to focus on the President's infrastructure agenda.

He emphasized that while the President remains the government's primary spokesperson, he and his team will support the President in explaining complex policies that require more in-depth discussions.

‘Pogo...

From A1

“He was a simple police officer,” Ong told members of the House Quad Committee investigating illegal POGO operations.

“And I know he worked for a government agency and then later on resigned,” Wu's goddaughter said in response to questioning by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said they are now tracking down Wu, who he described as Guo and Ong's “boss.”

“That is who we’re after now. We are not the only ones interested in him, even the international authorities are interested in him because of his significant participation and involvement in money laundering, not just in our country but worldwide,” Cruz said.

Aside from Wu, former Lucky South 99 president Zhang Jie reportedly booked the hotel for Guo and her associates in Batam, Indonesia.

At the Senate, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the possibility that an Immigration official linked to the controversial “Pastillas” extortion scheme may have helped Guo escape the country.

Hontiveros noted that Vincent Bryan Allas, the acting chief of the BI Control and Intelligence Unit (BICU), was found by the Office of the Ombudsman "administratively liable for grave misconduct” over the so-called "Pastillas" extortion scheme.

“How did he end up being appointed as the head of BICU?” Hontiveros asked BI Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr.

“Of all the Filipinos who can take on the responsibilities of the Bureau of Immigration and its sensitive components like BICU, it's surprising that the person in charge of our borders is someone accused of corruption. Couldn't the BI have done better?” the senator added.

BICU is in charge of conducting intelligence and counterintelligence operations to strengthen the capabilities of international ports of entry and exit.

Hontiveros said in the context of Guo's escape, the circumstances surrounding Allas' designation were "very, very strange and unacceptable situations."

NEW PCO CHIEF. President Marcos congratulates Secretary Cesar Chavez after appointing him chief of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the main communications arm of the government. PCO

Group cites oversight gaps on telco bill

A CITIZENS advocacy group has cautioned lawmakers about an oversight gap in the proposed Konektadong Pinoy Act and urged them to reconsider its implications, saying that the bill in its current form could result in unintended negative outcomes for broadband users.

“The bill’s intent to open up the telecommunications market to more players might seem like a good solution to our connectivity issues,” said Orlando Oxales, convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines. “However, without the proper regulatory safeguards, this approach could backfire, leading to a host of unintended consequences that could undermine the very goals it seeks to achieve.”

The Konektadong Pinoy Act is now awaiting action at the Senate as one of the LEDAC priority bills. The House of Representatives passed its version of the measure on third reading in December 2022.

Oxales said that they are primarily concerned with the potential weakening of the National Telecommunication Commission, which has long served as the gatekeeper of the country’s telecommunications sector and has ensured that only qualified operators with adequate resources and expertise are allowed to provide services to the public.

“The Konektadong Pinoy Act proposes to reduce the NTC’s role to that of a mere registrar, stripped of its oversight functions,” Oxales said.

“If the NTC’s role is diminished, consumers may find themselves with little recourse when faced with poor service or unfair practices.”

He further expressed worry that this could give way to a deluge of new entrants, even those without the technical capability or financial stability to provide reliable connectivity to Filipinos.

RTC judge not handling dengvaxia raps

By Rio N. Araja

AFTER the dismissal of eight dengvaxia charges filed against former Department of Health (DOH) chief Janette Garin, who is now an Iloilo representative, a Quezon City judge handling the cases has inhibited to further litigate 35 other suits.

Branch 229 Judge Cleto Villacorta III issued an order, a copy was obtained by the Manila Standard, recusing himself from handling the other Dengvaxia cases filed before his sala.

“It is useless for myself and this branch to continue hearing the eight and then dealing from pre-trial with the next 35 cases,” he said.

“If the only way to resolve these cases is for another branch to agree with the prosecution all the way and the means to do this is to have all these cases re-raffled, then it is what it is,” he added.

The justice system was not anchored on coercion and compelled consent, he cited, saying the trust and confidence of the litigants in the government workers run the system.

“If that trust and confidence disappears, the bedrock of authority that founded this system and my own authority as a minor player in this scheme also crumble, this event signals the end of what it is,” the judge said.

Aviation authority vows tighter security checks

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is reaffirming its commitment to enforce its mandate requiring all passengers, including those boarding private aircraft, to undergo security checks at designated terminals.

This mandate applies to all passengers in accordance with Memorandum Circular 005-2023.

CAAP Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo directed all Area Center Managers and Airport Managers to supervise the processing of all documentary and security requirements for arriving and departing passengers at the airports operated by the agency, except for military flights.

The policy emphasizes CAAP’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation security.

The strict implementation of the memorandum was commended by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. during his visit to Laguindingan Airport on Tuesday.

Abalos himself underwent comprehensive security screening at the terminal, which demonstrated the

effective execution of the policy.

The Memorandum Circular, issued in February last year, was prompted by Senator Raffy Tulfo’s advocacy for ensuring that even “VIP” passengers undergo the same comprehensive screening as regular passengers, thereby enhancing security and preventing potential illegal activities.

CAAP made the statement amid the controversial departure of ousted Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.

Guo left the country traveling first to Malaysia, then to Singapore, and eventually to Indonesia where she was arrested.

Immigration authorities stated that Guo and her supposed siblings, Shiela and Wesley, did not leave the country through the usual ports as claimed by Shiela, who testified in a Senate hearing that their group departed the Philippines through a series of boat

trips until they arrived in Malaysia.

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla raised concerns that similar to the ‘Pastillas Scheme’ in 2020, some immigration officials might be involved in sneaking people in and out of the country. The “Pastillas Scheme” involved bureau personnel receiving kickbacks to facilitate the entry of Chinese nationals by paying a “service fee” of P10,000 per head.

Remulla criticized Immigration chief Norman Tansingco for allegedly not informing the DOJ about the developments in the hunt for Guo and other individuals involved in illegal activities.

Tansingco claimed he had received information about Guo’s escape but waited for confirmation before sharing the report.

“That is why we no longer talk. It was wrong of him not to inform the DOJ secretary of developments in his agency,” Remulla said.

Guo is facing complaints from various government agencies such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Solicitor General, including qualified human trafficking, tax evasion, and money laundering. The first complaint filed, human trafficking, may be resolved by the panel of prosecutors by Friday.

PCSO seeks to expand services, hosts charity summit

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) hosted its Charity Summit on Thursday, with the aim of enlisting the support and cooperation of other stakeholders, while also mapping out strategies on improving the delivery of charity services in the country. In his message, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles emphasized the importance of the summit even as he enumerated at least four of their stated goals.

The objectives include creating a powerful network that transcends boundaries, and connecting them to serve the most vulnerable in our society, and provide a platform for knowledge exchange among delegates. They also intend to identify opportunities for innovation and improve-

ment in the delivery of charity programs and services. Participants also discussed challenges and explored opportunities to advance the goals, initiatives, and advocacies of charitable institutions, and how they can make a difference on the lives of the people, especially the poor.

“We have a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and strengthen the charitable sector. Through our combined efforts, we can contribute to the development of a more just, equitable, and compassionate society for all,” Robles stressed.

The event which was held at the Manila Hotel also kickstarted activities for the 90th anniversary of the PCSO, which coincides with the National Day of Charity on October 30 as declared in

Proclamation No. 598 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

With the theme “Building Bridges through Partnership and Cooperation with Charitable Institutions,” the summit gathered some 200 participants in a hybrid format.

Some of the participants include representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), charitable institutions, NGOs, PCSO partner agencies and other stakeholders. Candidates of the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2024 also graced the event, as the pageant will award one of them as ‘Miss Charity.’ The winner of this special award will attend the National Day of Charity celebrations on October 30.

Members of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted declogging operations to lessen the gutterdeep ood along United Nations Avenue in Manila on Thursday. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

Padilla: Equal burial rights for Muslims

SENATOR Robin Padilla is again pushing for equal access of Filipino Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for burial in public cemeteries.

Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, lamented that Muslims and IPs still encounter problems in looking for burial grounds for their departed loved ones.

But he noted that it is one sad truth is that “our Muslims have difficulties looking for grounds where they can bury their loved ones in accordance with their customs.”

Also, in many cases, he said Muslims experience discrimination in public cemeteries.

The senator noted many burial customs in the Philippines, such as those of Muslims, follow the Sunna—where the deceased’s remains are to be buried facing Qibla or the direction Muslims face when praying. He added that under Shari’a (Islamic Law), burial must be done soonest. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Hired driver stabs couple in Pampanga

A 34-year-old wife died while her husband was rushed to the hospital after being stabbed by a hired driver. A deep stab wound to the neck ended the life of the victim, Czarri Marie Cantuba, while her husband, Marlon Cantuba, 35 years old, of Sitio 1 Gulap, Candaba, Pampanga, is now in the hospital. The suspect, who was identified as a certain “Jomar,” 43 years old, a resident of MH Del Pilar St., Malate, Manila, fled with the couple’s car and P2 million in cash.

According to a police report, the couple traveled to Cavite from Pampanga around 4am on a business trip.

Authorities said while driving along Governors Drive, Brgy. Sabang, Naic, Cavite, the suspect suddenly stopped and pulled the vehicle aside. The suspect then stabbed the victims and forcibly took the cash. Dennis Abrina Taguig City rolls out health caravan

THE Taguig City government has organized a successful medical mission through a mobile health service program and assisted over 400 residents in Barangay Ibayo-Tipas. Mayor Laarni Cayetano attended and supervised the event participated by a total of 495 individuals in the village. Specifically, 337 residents received medical services and 158 received tooth extractions.

In addition, a seminar led by the Nutrition Office was conducted, teaching residents how to cook affordable yet healthy food that can also be turned into a livelihood.

The Taguig Love Caravan (TLC) is a mobile program that operates strategically reaching communities to provide health services. Joel E. Zurbano

ILLEGAL VAPES. Operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) display con scated cannabis-infused vapes at the Port of Clark. The illegal shipment from the US contains P350,000 worth of vapes.

Reds

have until Mar. 14, 2026 to ask for amnesty

By Rex Espiritu

COMMUNIST insurgents have until March 14, 2026, to apply for amnesty under President Marcos’ Proclamation 404, National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Commissioner Jamar Kulayan said. In an interview, Kulayan emphasized that the deadline aligns with the date when both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved Proclamation 404.

“Take advantage of the Amnesty Program. We encourage you to apply now because you only have two years from the date of concurrence to file your applications. After that, applications will no longer be accepted. Don’t wait until the last minute,” Kulayan urged the rebels.

The NAC, established via Executive Order No. 125 in 2021 and amended by EO 47 in 2023, manages an amnesty program for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Initially, under President Rodrigo Duterte, the program had a one-year application period, but Marcos extended it to two years and broadened it to include CPP and NDF members as well.

So far, the NAC has received 688 applications through nine Local Amnesty Boards (LABs) across various regions. These LABs facilitate the surrender and reintegration of insurgents. Applications are reviewed by the NAC then forwarded to the Office of the President for final approval.

The process has been slow due to thorough vetting, but the NAC plans to add more LABs to speed up the application process. Kulayan expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for their support as he anticipates an increase in applications in the near future.

1 IN BRIEF

Iloilo gov’t releases funds to fight dengue

THE Iloilo provincial government has released funds to 43 local government units (LGUs) across the province to bolster their drive against the current dengue outbreak. Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the League of Municipalities (LMP) of the Philippines, Iloilo chapter, to formalize the cash transfer.

The money will be used to purchase additional equipment and supplies necessary for dengue prevention and control.

According to LMP-Iloilo executive vice president and Badiangan Mayor Suzette Mamon, the distribution of cash assistance depends on the classification of each municipality.

Bigger municipalities will receive P300,000, while middle-class will get P200,000, and smaller ones, P100,000.

“The amount will be processed and released directly to the LGUs, enabling them to immediately use the funds for urgent interventions against dengue cases in their areas,” said Mamon. Caloy Lozada

Los Baños set to mark 409th foundation day

THE local government of Los Baños, Laguna gears up for its 23rd hotspring bath festival highlighting the town’s observance of its 409th anniversary.

In a press briefing, Los Baños Mayor Anthony Genuino disclosed details of the forthcoming festivities to be held Sept. 1722 with the theme “Patuloy ang Progreso sa Matatag na Bayan ng Bagong Los Baños”. “The vitality of Bagong Los Baños is burning more and more in celebration of the 23rd Bañamos Festival which is more colorful, happier, more entertaining, and environmentally friendly Bañamos,” Genuino said.

The celebration will feature a thanksgiving Mass, carnival fair, awards for outstanding local businesses, Top 10 taxpayers and distinguished citizens, a Barangay Night, Miracles of Makiling Cultural Show, sports competitions, Mister and Miss Bagong Los Baños 2024, Color Clun, hot air balloon fiesta, a Market Bazaar, and a civic shower parade. Roy Tomandao

US Defense team tours selected AFP facilities

A DELEGATION from the United States Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) has conducted its final security assistance visit to selected units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

AFP spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the visit was a crucial step in finalizing the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between the Philippines and the United States.

The tour was designed to evaluate the AFP’s security practices, with a focus on information security, physical security, computer security, and security training. This assessment aims to ensure that AFP units comply with security standards necessary for handling sensitive military information, thereby improving the effectiveness of bilateral operations between the two allied nations, Trinidad said. Rex Espiritu

SSS coverage eyed for barangay chiefs, other officials nationwide

Less influenza-like diseases this year—DOH

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THERE were fewer cases of influenzalike illnesses (ILI) this year compared to last year, but the incidence appeared to be picking up over the past weeks, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported a total of 102,216 ILI cases in the country from Jan. 1 to Aug. 24, 2024, representing an 18-percent drop from 125,153 cases during the same period in 2023. However, DOH saw an increase in cases over the last 3-4 weeks, consistent with the ongoing rainy season.

The DOH advises the public to take proactive steps against ILIs and the other

water and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue that are common during the rainy season.

The DOH said all regions except Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have shown an increase in cases over the past four weeks. The 9,491 cases logged from July 28 to Aug. 10 was 55 percent higher compared to the 6,124 cases reported from the earlier period of July 14 to 27.

ILIs are a group of illnesses that manifest common symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, colds, body aches, and headaches. The top three causes in the Philippines for this reporting period

Solon eyes review of medical repatriation rules for OFWs

By Maricel V. Cruz

A MEMBER of the minority bloc of the House of Representatives has called for a review of the Integrated Policy Guidelines and Procedures in the implementation of the Inter-Agency Medical Repatriation Assistance Program (IMRAP) provided under Joint Memorandum Circular 2017-0001. IMRAP includes the medical repatriation of migrant workers, both documented and undocumented, and other Filipino nationals and their dependents abroad, including those facilitated through the insurer, employer, agency, sponsor, or any third party, and those without proper coordination with relevant government agencies.

The mechanism mandates the assistance of participating agencies from pre-arrival to post-arrival, including welfare assistance and reintegration assistance.

Rep. Marissa Magsino of the OFW partylist group made the appeal after her group earlier conducted a policy dialogue with various agencies responsible for implementing IMRAP, including the Department of Health, in November of 2023.

Magsino said the dialogue prompted her group to file House Resolution 1373 to enable Congress to review the implementation of the government’s medical repatriation program.

“In the policy dialogue that we held, the assessment came out that there is a need to review and amend the provisions in the implementing guidelines of IMRAP, especially since the Department of Migrant Workers has been established,” Magsino said during the budget hearing of the DOH where she inquired from the agency on the status of its ongoing review of the program.

The lawmaker listed several issues that emerged during the dialogue.

are influenza with 777, rhinovirus with 770, and enterovirus, 675.

The DOH is in the process of procuring Influenza vaccines with the bidding process ongoing, the submission and opening of bid is on Friday, Sept. 6.

“As the rainy season continues, we encourage the public to take proactive measures against Influenza-like Illnesses. Eat well, stay active, and get vaccinated. Wash and clean hands often, and wear a face mask properly when sick or in crowded conditions to safeguard everyone’s health. These same measures protect against many other illnesses. Let us keep our case counts low,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Social Security System is pushing for the membership of village executives and councilors in 42,000 barangays nationwide.

SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet, during a recent Liga ng Mga Barangay’s National Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, encouraged the barangay officials to become SSS members to receive lifetime monthly pensions when they retire from public service.

The state pension fund lauded Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez for batting for the passage of the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials to empower the village leaders and to allocate funds for their SSS contribution.. Romualdez vowed to spearhead the legislative measures so that barangay officials could become SSS members free of charge.

“This move shows how much President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. cares for the country’s barangay leaders,” Macasaet said.

“Many of our barangay officials and workers serve their constituents for 10 or 20 years. However, when they retire from public service, they do not get any separation pay or monthly pension. Now, through the SSS membership, we are offering you an opportunity to get a monthly pension when you retire from being a barangay official,” Macasaet said.

He said they must secure an SSS number and start paying their monthly contributions so they would automatically get social security coverage of the state pension fund.

He said they have to pay at least 120 monthly SSS contributions to receive a lifetime monthly pension once they have retired.

“Even if you pay your monthly SSS contributions intermittently, that is fine. If you continue to pay until you reach at least 120 monthly contributions, you will have a pension for life,” Macasaet said.

“Aside from retirement benefits, you will be entitled to sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, funeral and death benefits,” he added.

PH-AUSSIE MILITARY EXCHANGE PROGRAM. Nine cadets from Australia’s Royal Military College-Duntroon interact with students of the Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate School as part of the 2024 Foreign Academy Exchange Program between the two countries. The Australian cadets, accompanied by a military officer, two warrant officers, and a non-commissioned officer, participated in a field training exercise of the OCS officer candidates. The Philippine Army will send OCS instructors and officer candidates to Australia in November 2024.

HOTSPRING FESTIVAL. Los Baños, Laguna Mayor Anthony Genuino bares a long list of activities arrayed for the town’s celebration of its 40th founding anniversary, highlighted by a hotspring bath festival and other gala presentations. Roy Tomandao

OPINION

Continuing mandamus for environmental cases only

(Last of 2 parts)

THE CHR maintained it “has fulfilled and continues to fulfill its constitutional mandate to investigate violations of the right to life, and that its power to investigate such violations is not ministerial in nature.”

For their part, the PNP and DOJ “contended the petitioners have no locus standi to file the present case and that a writ of continuing mandamus is limited only to the enforcement of environmental laws” (G.R. 233930. July 11, 2023).

They further asserted that “the acts which the petitioners seek for the PNP and the DOJ to perform are not simply ministerial but require the exercise of discretion.

The OSG also argued that requiring the PNP and the DOJ to submit periodic reports to the Court effectively makes the latter their supervisor, in violation of the basic constitutional precept of separation of powers” (op.cit.)

In denying the Petition for Mandamus, the Supreme Court said that “[b] esides conjectures and conflicting statements, the petitioners offered no concrete proof that the respondents are remiss in their duties.

“There is not even an indication that the petitioners requested the respondents to furnish them with information on the measures they are taking to address the reported spate of killings” (op.cit.)

“Their bare allegations cannot be given credence, all the more so with respect to the CHR, as Gascon submitted certified true copies of the CHR’s records for each region on their investigations on the extrajudicial and drug-related killings, and the list of trainings they conducted for the police and military sectors from 2016 to 2017” (op.cit.)

While the Supreme Court also noted the international treaties ratified by the Philippine Government, such as: (a) the International Cov-

enant on Civil and Political Rights; (b) the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and (c) the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the State Parties must implement the same in accordance with their national law and to the extent of their available resources (op.cit.)

Thus, “State parties to the ICCPR, CRC, and CMW are… afforded a wide latitude in complying with their obligations thereunder, owing to their sovereignty.

The State Parties must implement the same in accordance with their national law and to the extent of their available resources

“Hence, the petitioners cannot impose on the respondents the standards and characteristics of investigation which they deem to be appropriate and sufficient through a Mandamus Petition, as it lies only to compel the performance of purely ministerial duties” (op.cit.)

“[T]he writ of continuing mandamus is available only in environmental cases and requiring the submission of periodic reports on the discharge of the respondents’ functions to the Court violates the fundamental doctrine of separation of powers, which serves to temper the official acts of each branch of the government.

“While they insist that the respondents failed to uphold their duty to protect the right to life, their contentions are speculative and mere surmises, which the Court has no jurisdiction to rule upon” (op.cit.)

SMC and sustainable farming

By Melandrew T. Velasco

CASSAVA (Manihot esculenta), one of the root crops cultivated here, is an important source of calories after rice and corn.

It contains carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals likeVitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Aside from glutinous rice, cassava is a popular ingredient in Filipino delicacies like cassava cake, pichi-pichi, sago, and suman, among others, an ingredient for feeds and in the manufacture of starch.

An investment guide for cassava from the Department of Agriculture listed among the market potential for the root crop aside from food as livestock feeds, source of alcohol, and industrial uses such as in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products, paper, adhesives and textiles.

In the Major Vegetables and Root Crops Quarterly Bulletin (JanuaryMarch 2024) published by the Philippine Statistics Authority, cassava production from January to March 2024 was placed at 445.99 thousand metric tons, registering a decrease of 8.9 percent from the previous year same quarter level of 489.41 thousand metric tons. The top producers were Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and Cagayan Valley whose combine output comprised 72.3 percent of the country’s total cassava production.

For 2023, the volume of cassava production was 2,556.24 thousand metric tons. Among the buyers/processors of cas-

sava in the country is San Miguel Foods, Inc., a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation.

Last month, San Miguel Foods reported its regenerative agriculture program yielded over 90,000 metric tons of cassava in the first half of the year, 44 percent more than the produce for the same period last year.

Cassava, utilized by San Miguel Foods as partial or complete replacement for traditional feed ingredients like corn and wheat, is very useful in animal nutrition as its by-products, cassava meal and peels can also be used as feed components.

SMC’s involvement in agricultural production is not limited to cassava production

“Due to its high carbohydrate and energy content, it is used as an alternative for traditional ingredients like corn and wheat. Its byproduct, cassava pulp, may also be considered as another ingredient for animal feeds, highlighting the crop’s versatility in animal nutrition,” SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.

To spur cultivation of cassava, San Miguel Foods has its Cassava Assemblers Program in which farmers organize and form small businesses to assemble a minimum of 20 hectares for cassava planting. The program offers a guaranteed market with purchase agreements, fixed floor price and technical assistance.

MEDITORIAL

Setting the Bar high

ORE than 12,000 law school graduates will take the Bar examination that will begin this Sunday, Sept. 8, and will continue on Sept. 11 and Sept. 15.

Thirteen schools from the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have been identified to serve as local testing centers.

“The exams are designed to bridge the gap between the study and the practice of law,” said Associate Justice Mario Lopez, who chairs this year’s Bar, in a message to the examinees published on the Supreme Court’s web site.

“They will guide you in your transition from law students to fundamentally ‘practice-ready’ and ‘potentially capable’ lawyers,” he said.

Every year, there is much fanfare surrounding the taking of the Bar exam because of the ex-

alted status that lawyers enjoy. Families and friends gather to show their support to the exam takers, who have already hurdled grueling years of study.

Society expects much from them.

The perception is lawyers have the fortitude, the discipline, and the sense of justice that would help make a dent in an imperfect society.

This is a battle that is fought steadily and over time

The hope is these lawyers would use their knowledge and skills to right wrongs – certainly not make what is wrong look or sound right.

Or find loopholes in the law to exploit for their own advantage. Or evade responsibility and accountability for their – or their allies’ – actions.

The practice of law in the Phil-

(Last of 2 parts)

IN OUR column Thursday, we said if there’s one thing Duterte excelled at, it was turning every political issue into a matter of life and death.

The logic follows that the nation, under threat from “external forces” (read: anyone with a differing opinion), needs a strong leader who can keep the peace—even if that peace comes at the cost of a few civil liberties here and there.

However, critics might say that this Duterte-Duterte pairing violates every conceivable ethical standard.

The anti-dynasty provision in the Constitution was supposed to prevent exactly this kind of scenario.

But as we’ve seen, the law can be surprisingly malleable when in the hands of the right Rasputin.

Ethically, the idea of a Duterte-Duterte tandem is a conflict of interest waiting to happen, a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability.

It’s like asking the fox to guard the henhouse, except in this case, the foxes are also deciding which hens get to live.

And what of democracy?

The very foundation of democracy is the idea the people should have a choice.

Yet, if the only options are members of the same family, then what choice do we really have?

It’s the political equivalent of a buffet that only serves adobo—sure, it’s a

Assemblers buy produce or harvest directly from small farm holdings which is helpful to farmers without adequate funds to transport and sell their produce.

This solves the problem of economies of scale in production, lowering the unit cost of harvesting or transport, to a point where it is profitable for both the farmer and the assembler.

This arrangement works best not only for the farmers and assemblers but also for San Miguel Foods as it is assured a steady supply of cassava for its requirements.

“Our goal has always been to support farmers by harnessing the potential of cassava, a root crop that is ideally suited for cultivation in the Philippines,” RSA added.

Under the program, 100 farmers cultivated cassava on 45,000 hectares of land across 57% of the country’s provinces, producing 66,763 MT of cassava last year.

The program has been ongoing for many years in many provinces nation-

ippines is tricky. One may begin driven by a desire to do good, but may feel weakened and defeated by the system at best, and emboldened by the power that the title “Attorney” wields, at worst. What does it mean to be practice-ready, after all?

It is anticipating real-world dilemmas that may not have been apparent in the course of their studies.

It is acknowledging that “legal,” “ethical,” and “moral” are not necessarily synonyms.

It is knowing one’s strengths and weaknesses as an individual and ensuring these do not cloud one’s judgment.

It is navigating murky waters and doing the right thing nonetheless, despite fear or inconvenience.

This, then, is the bigger fight that these exam-takers would face after making it through the next few days. This is a battle not fought and won once, but steadily, over time, through big and small choices in their personal and professional lives.

Duterte-Duterte 2028: Because One Duterte isn’t enough chaos

beloved dish, but sometimes you just want something else.

The Opposition’s response What’s left for the opposition to do in the face of this?

Perhaps their best bet is to unite under a common banner of sanity. Or maybe, they could all just band together and propose their own family tandems—Marcos-Marcos, AquinoAquino, Cayetano-Cayetano, or even Pacquiao-Pacquiao.

The next time you’re feeling down about the state of politics, remember the DuterteDuterte tandem

It would certainly make for an interesting fight, though perhaps more suited to a reality show than a democratic election.

Laugh-out-loud prognosis Will this Duterte-Duterte tandem succeed?

In a nation where the impossible has been made possible repeatedly, where legal and ethical concerns are mere suggestions, and where dynasties are as entrenched as the very soil of the archipelago, one cannot simply dismiss

wide.

Aside from cassava production, the program contributes to regenerative agriculture.

The crop contributes to the soil’s health as its root system can break up compacted soil, improve soil structure and increase organic matter content.

Cassava plants are also efficient at capturing carbon dioxide and storing this in their biomass and soil, contributing to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

SMC’s 2023 Sustainability Report said cassava’s climate contribution include efficient capture of carbon dioxide, fewer chemical inputs requirement and “its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in marginal soils with low water availability.”

SMC’s involvement in agricultural production is not limited to cassava production. It operates the mega poultry farm in Davao del Sur and more mega poultry

the idea. The real question is whether the Filipino people are ready for another six years of Duterte-brand governance— times two.

Spin-doctor’s recommendations (subhead jov gitna bold) Panelo might want to consider a backup plan—perhaps introducing a third Duterte into the mix, just to really seal the deal.

A Duterte trifecta could be the perfect antidote to any lingering doubts about the family’s commitment to national “stability.”

And if that doesn’t work, there’s always the option of renaming the Philippines to Dutertopia—a fitting tribute to the legacy he so passionately defends. So, the next time you’re feeling down about the state of politics, remember the Duterte-Duterte tandem. It’s a reminder that even in the most serious situations, there’s always room for a little laughter, a little absurdity, and a whole lot of meme-making. So go ahead, laugh at the absurdity of it all!

After all, in a nation where turning the mundane into meme gold is practically a national pastime, what else could we expect?

The Duterte-Duterte tandem – a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most unbelievable stories are the ones that are actually true.

farms to be established in other parts of the country.

SMC also has an urban farm called Backyard Bukid at the SMC headquarters where vegetables are grown. What started as a project during the pandemic years, Backyard Bukid is now replicated in other SMC facilities allowing employees to buy low-carbon, pesticide-free, and fresh vegetables.

It is stoking agricultural production. Its involvement in agriculture reflects San Miguel Foods’ dedication to sustainable farming practices, and SMC’s own commitment to sustainability, as it benefits both the environment and local communities—helping create prosperity for farmers for generations to come.

(MTV, book author/publisher, is president and chief executive officer of Media Touchstone Ventures, Inc. and the president/executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc., a non-government outfit advocating tree-planting and environmental protection.)

IN BRIEF

French nuke reactor enters shutdown

PARIS – France’s newest nuclear reactor, plagued by massive delays and cost overruns, shut itself down automatically Wednesday just a day after starting up for the first time.

The European Pressurised Reactor in Flamanville, Normandy is going through a “long and complex startup process requiring many trials and tests, and that can induce shutdowns like this,” a spokeswoman for state-owned energy giant EDF told AFP.

The shutdown “proves the safety system is working well,” she added, saying that staff were now “doing the necessary technical checks and analysis... then they will restart the reactor”.

EDF’s latest reactor, supposed to be the model for a new generation of power plants pushed by President Emmanuel Macron for the coming decades, has been completed 12 years late at a cost of 13.2 billion euros ($14.6 billion) -- around four times the 3.3 billion initially budgeted. AFP

North Korea floats more trash — Seoul

SEOUL – North Korea has floated more trash-filled balloons southward, Seoul’s military said Thursday, the latest in a series of border barrages that have sparked a tit-for-tat propaganda campaign. Pyongyang launched about 420 balloons late Wednesday, quickly followed by another round early Thursday, Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Around 20 of the balloons had already landed in the South, mainly in northern Gyeonggi province and the capital Seoul, the JCS said.

The bags attached to those balloons contained “mostly paper and plastic waste”, the military said, adding that they posed no safety risk to the public, according to their analysis.

This is the thirteenth round of trash-carrying balloons launched by Pyongyang since late May. AFP

Japan to resume removal of debris

TOKYO – The operator of Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant said Thursday it aims to carry out a trial removal of highly radioactive debris next week, after a previous attempt was suspended.

Thirteen years after an earthquake and tsunami hit Fukushima-Daiichi in one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, around 880 tons of extremely hazardous material remain inside.

Late last month, Tokyo Electric Power Company had to suspend a removal procedure after a technical problem involving the installation of the necessary equipment.

“It will take several days for us to prepare for a resumption... and we will be able to resume next week if all goes well as scheduled,” a Tepco spokesman told reporters. AFP

Malaysia to continue South China Sea gas, oil exploration, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday Malaysia will press on with oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea after a leaked diplomatic document showed opposition from Beijing.

However, he took a conciliatory stand, describing China as a friend and saying both countries would discuss the issue amicably.

Malaysia’s state-run oil firm Petronas operates oil and gas fields in the sea within its exclusive economic zone.

China claims almost all of the economically vital waterway despite competing claims from other countries and an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

“What we did in terms of oil exploration is certainly within our waters,” Anwar told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Russia.

His news conference was carried live on Malaysian TV.

“We will probably respond to China in explaining our position that we have never intended to be in any way provocative, unnecessarily hostile,” Anwar said.

“China is a great friend. But we will of course have to operate in our waters and secure economic advantage, including drilling for oil, in our territory.”

Philippine news portal Inquirer.net last week published what is said was a leaked diplomatic note in which China demanded Malaysia stop all oil and gas activities off Sarawak state on Borneo island.

Beijing said in the note that Malaysia was encroaching on Chinese territory.

Malaysia’s foreign ministry has called for an investigation into the leak but has not denied its content.

“We will have to continue (with the

Japan boosts ties with ‘likeminded’ Australia

QUEENSCLIFF, Australia – Japan vowed to bolster military ties with Australia during a high-ranking visit on Thursday, with Tokyo’s top diplomat saying the “likeminded” partners must stick together to combat shared regional threats.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara met their Australian counterparts at an old army fort outside Melbourne, striking deals on greater air force cooperation and expanded military exercises.

They also agreed to jointly help the Philippine Coast Guard, which is locked in an escalating tussle with Chinese ships in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

“Amidst the increasingly difficult security environment in the Indo-Pacific, we need to constantly raise Japan-Australia security cooperation to a new height,” Kamikawa said after the

meeting, touting a “likeminded partnership”.

China’s growing economic and military clout in the AsiaPacific region -- and its assertiveness in territorial disputes -- has rattled the United States and allies such as Japan and Australia.

Tokyo has in recent weeks accused China of deliberately sailing a naval ship through its waters and flying a surveillance plane into its air space.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the meeting raised “serious concerns” about recent “incursions” into Japanese territory.

The meeting produced broad agreements for Japan and Australia to boost air force cooperation, and to join each other in military exercises alongside the United States.

Japan’s elite Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade could soon take part in US Marines rotations based in Australia’s key northern base near Darwin.

Defense Minister Kihara said Japan was considering whether its fleet of F-35 stealth fighters could be deployed to Australian air fields, but said an agreement on this was yet to be struck. AFP

exploration)... because this is a matter of our country’s economic survival,” Anwar said.

Malaysia was open to discussing the matter with China “but it does not mean that we have to stop”.

“If they continue with the dispute, then we will have to listen and they will have to listen. But it should not mar the excellent bilateral relations between these two countries,” Anwar added. The Philippines and China have had repeated confrontations recently in the sea, considered by analysts as a regional flashpoint because it could drag Manila’s mutual defence treaty ally the United States into a conflict. AFP

Putin: Russia ready for talks with Ukraine

– Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks with Ukraine, after having previously rebuffed the idea of negotiations while Kyiv’s offensive into the Kursk region was ongoing.

Ukraine launched an unprecedented cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August, sending thousands of troops across the border and seizing several villages. Putin said shortly after there could be no talk of negotiations.

Speaking at a question and answer session at Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum in the city of Vladivostok, Putin said Russia was ready for talks but on the basis of an aborted deal between Moscow’s and Kyiv’s negotiators reached in Istanbul in 2022, the terms of which were never made public.

“Are we ready to negotiate with them? We have never refused to do so, but not on the basis of some ephemeral demands, but on the basis of those documents that were agreed and actually initialled in Istanbul,” Putin said.

The Kremlin has repeatedly claimed Russia and Ukraine were on the verge of a deal in the spring of 2022, shortly after Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine.

“We managed to reach an agreement, that is the whole point. The signature of the head of the Ukrainian delegation who initialed this document testifies to this, which means that the Ukrainian side was generally satisfied with the agreements reached,” Putin said.

“It did not come into force only because they were given a command not to do so, because the elites of the United States, Europe -- some European countries -- wanted to achieve a strategic defeat of Russia,” Putin added.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday Moscow’s main Ukraine aim was to capture the Donbas region and that Russia’s army was “gradually” pushing back Kyiv’s forces from the Kursk region after their surprise incursion. AFP

SYMBOL OF CHANGE. Kiingi Tuheitia’s successor and now Maori Queen Nga Wai

te po Paki (center) looks on as Maori warriors paddle waka canoes down towards

Pope Francis, Indonesia imam warn vs. using religion to stoke conflict

JAKARTA – Pope Francis and a top Indonesian imam warned Thursday against using religion to stoke conflict, before the 87-yearold pontiff holds mass for tens of thousands at a football stadium in Jakarta.

The pope and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar signed a declaration at Istiqlal Mosque in one of the final major set pieces of Francis’s three-day visit to the world’s most populous Muslimmajority nation, which kicked off a grueling tour around the AsiaPacific.

Unity between faiths has been the central theme of the pontiff’s trip and the declaration called for “religious harmony for the sake of humanity” at Southeast Asia’s biggest mosque.

“The global phenomenon of dehumanization is marked especially by widespread violence and conflict. It is particularly worrying that religion is often instrumentalized in this regard,” it read.

“The role of religion should include promoting and safeguarding the dignity of every human life.” AFP

MOSCOW

hono i

Taupiri Maunga during the funeral ceremony of New Zealand’s Maori King Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII in Ngaruawahia on Thursday. New Zealand’s Maori chiefs anointed a 27-year-old queen as their new monarch, a surprise choice hailed as a symbol of change for the country’s sometimes troubled Indigenous community. Nga Wai hono i te po Paki was cheered by thousands as she climbed atop a high-backed wooden throne during an elaborate ceremony on the country’s North Island. AFP

CORRIDOR CONTROL. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands in front of a map of the Gaza Strip as he speaks during a press conference at the Government Press Office in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Netanyahu said Hamas rejected all elements of a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza that would help facilitate the release of hostages. Earlier, he said Israeli forces would retain control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, vowing ‘not to give in to pressure’ over the issue. AFP

PH booters miss shot at finals with loss to Malaysians

By Peter Atencio

THE Philippine national men’s football team missed a shot at the finals and fell short with a 1-2 loss to Malaysia at the start of the four-team Merdeka Cup at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Wednesday night.

Matthew Baldisimo was called for a penalty during a one-on-one challenge, allowing Mohamad Safawi Rasid to score on a winning penalty shot in the 73rd minute.

“I’m very happy with my players that we fought a very good fight until the final whistle. I’m very proud of them. We had a very good chance in the first minute of the game. And then of course, as you could see, we had another chance with what we saw was a penalty in the first half and in the second half. But that I cannot control,” said interim head coach Norman Fegidero Jr.

A win would have sent the Filipinos straight into the finals on Sunday afternoon.

Instead, Malaysia will fight Lebanon in a winner-take-all finals’ affair.

“For me, it’s a good preparation for us to play top-level football. Of course, Malaysia, Lebanon, and Tajikistan are good teams, and maybe one of them will be in our group in the third round,” added Fegidero.

Lebanon earned a spot in the finals with their 1-0 triumoh over Tajikistan.

The Philippines took the lead when Jefferson Tabinas, who is with Thai League 1 side Buriram United when not with the national squad, scored on a deflected shot from the left flank in the 27th minute.

After that, Malaysian midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba tied the match with a strike from the edge of the box in the 42nd minute.

The Philippines next plays the highest-ranked team in the tournament, Tajikistan, in the third-place match on Sunday.

Sinner battles Draper for US Open final slot

NEW YORK—

Jannik Sinner closed in on his second Grand Slam title of 2024 on Wednesday when he reached his maiden US Open semi-final as Jessica Pegula stunned Iga Swiatek to complete a rollercoaster Grand Slam year for the world number one.

Top seed Sinner defeated 2021 US Open champion and two-time runnerup Daniil Medvedev 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.

He will take on 25th-ranked Jack Draper for a place in the final after the British player made his first semi-final at the Slams with a 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur Sinner, 23, is the only top-10 man to

make the semi-finals with number 12 Taylor Fritz due to face US compatriot Frances Tiafoe, ranked 20, in Friday’s other last-four duel.

Sixth-ranked Pegula booked a place in the last-four of a Grand Slam for the first time by sweeping past Swiatek 6-2, 6-4.

On Thursday, she will tackle Karolina Muchova who saw off Beatriz Haddad Maia of Brazil 6-1, 6-4.

Emma Navarro of the US tackles world number two and Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka in the other women’s semi-final.

‘Very physical’

“It was very tough, I knew it would be very physical,” said Sinner, who had also beaten Medvedev to capture the Australian Open.

“It was strange in the first two sets, whoever got the break started to roll.”

Medvedev had to save 10 of 15 break points while his dream of making a 10th Slam semi-final was undermined

The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat

THE Philippine National Men’s Football Team (PNMFT) has the odds stacked against its favor literally days before the Merdeka Cup.

Losing its coach just a few days before competition? No problem.

Notable names begging off due to injuries? No problem. Although one of them is seen practicing with his club. But then again his club has every right not to release him. One day training before the actual game? No problem.

The team, however, failed to anticipate a very incompetent official in its game against host Malaysia

last Wednesday night at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. The team gave the host fits throughout the game and even got the lead courtesy of Paul Tabinas in the 27th minute. Malaysia, however, scored two more goals – the equalizer four minutes before the halftime whistle and the game winner from the spot at the 73rd minute – the rest of the game to win, 2-1 to book their spot in the finals against Lebanon. The Philippines will next face Tajikistan in the battle for third this Sunday. The game could have a different result, however, if two fouls were called against the host after Patrick Reichelt and Sandro Reyes were brought down inside the box. The referee did not make the calls even if most of us last Wednesday saw what happened just watching the game via streaming. Heck, I even saw a Malaysian commenting “the Philippines should have had two penalties, I believe. Not good for our image.”

A friend commented also that “tournament nila ‘yan kaya lahat gagawin para manalo sila.” Another one commented that because of the win, “the official’s two-day stay at Legoland Malaysia, with packed lunch, has been secured.”

Kidding aside, the team gave the hosts a good game and could have done more if not for the questionable noncalls, but moving on. there were quite a few good spots during the game. Several players stood out, particularly Tabinas and JB Borlongan, the team’s last sub, but made an impact in the few minutes that he played. He almost made an assist with a spectacular lob to Jarvey Gayoso in the closing minutes. Gayoso, however, failed to convert the opportunity to tie the game, missing the ball by a few inches. Bjorn Martin Kristensen and Matthew Baldisimo also made their debut for the national team. For Baldisimo, it was a sorry start after a tackle that eventually resulted in a penalty kick and the winning goal for Malaysia. But then again, the referee was probably a chef in his spare time.

Credit is also due to interim coach Norman Fegidero, who despite suffer-

Salem leads charge in 5150 Dapitan triathlon

LANAO del Norte’s Satar Salem is eager to break his winless streak as he leads a formidable field in the men’s category of the 5150 Dapitan, set to unfold on Sundy (Sept. 8) in Zamboanga del Norte. Salem, who last won at 5150 Bohol in 2022, will face a talented field, including contenders Jailani Lamama, Mohamad Maruhom, Arden Gonzales, James Montero, and young standouts Matthew Hermosa, Kenneth Bonda, and Akio Habana, among others as they gear up for a spirited battle both in their respective age group divisions and the overall championship.

by 57 unforced errors.

Draper pulled off the victory over 10th-ranked De Minaur despite taking a medical timeout early in the second set to have his right thigh bandaged.

“It’s amazing. My first time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, it means the world to me,” said Draper, who had lost three times in three meetings with De Minaur before Wednesday.

“I played a solid match and I feel the best, fitness-wise, that I have felt in a long time.”

Draper is the first British man to make the last four since Andy Murray won the title 12 years ago. He has made the semi-finals without dropping a set as he continued an impressive summer run which saw him capture his first ATP title in Stuttgart and then defeat Carlos Alcaraz at Queen’s Club.

Draper sent down 11 aces among his 40 winners while forcing De Minaur to fend off 14 of 20 break points. AFP

THE National University Bulldogs, under coach Jeff Napa, have made it to the Final Four in the last two seasons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

After falling short and missing a shot at the finals on both occasions, the Bulldogs will go for another opportunity to reach the finals in Season 87.

The Bulldogs will seek to remain in contention with two good players from high school, Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes joining them.

Garcia and Reyes have committed to suit up for the Bulldogs after leading the Adamson Baby Falcons to their first secondary level title in the junior division since 1993.

Three players, Kean Baclaan, Michael Malonzo and John Galinato, left the roster following the entry of Garcia and Reyes, after the Bulldogs finished

ing his first loss as coach of the senior team in an international competition, stood his ground and made the best of what was available to him. Good job pa rin Coach Noy! We still have another game this coming Sunday, and I’m hoping that eventually, the team will find a way to win the game and end a five-game slide. While there are so many things that we can’t control, a victory is very important. It is also important for the team to take on the frustrations, the disappointment and the losses and use them as a motivation.

I would rather have our team lose now and even in the King’s Cup next month, as long as the win streak starts in November when it matters most. Sana maubos na ang kamalasan ng team ngayon o sa October. November is the bigger and more important story.

Speaking of what is available, the Philippine Azkals will conduct a tryout this Sunday, September 8 from 4 p.m. onwards at the McKinley Hill Stadium. The team will see action in the Asia 7’s Championships in Kuala Lumpur next month and do that, it needs players who can help win

The battle for the women’s tiara is also expected to be intense after Erika Burgos withdrew at the last minute due to personal reasons, leaving the fight among Samantha Flores, Karen dela Peña, Cleo Lim, Rhijina Janda and Nicole Andaya in the final triathlon championship of the season. This year’s 5150 Dapitan, which takes place in a historically rich setting under the Olympic-style format, has drawn international participants from the US, Great Britain, Brazil, Switzerland, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa, promising intense competition across various age categories.

Adding more excitement to the event, organized by The IRONMAN Group and hosted by Dapitan City under the leadership of Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos, is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a shorter course featuring a 750-meter open-water swim, a 20-km bike ride, and a 5-km run.

The Noli Run, a 4-km fun run featuring over 300 participants, kicks off on Saturday, further enhancing the festive weekend atmosphere in Dapitan.

For details, visit www.ironman. com/5150-dapitan-philippines-register.

Bulldogs try again in Season 87

Season 86 with a 10-4 record and a third seeding in the Final Four. Baclaan has been replaced by Garcia, who is expected to get help from veterans Steve Nash Enriquez and Reinhard Jumamoy.

While with the Junior Falcons, Garcia averaged 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, while Reyes had 12.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

Garcia will bring in leadership on the floor, everytime his senior teammates Enriquez and Jumamoy are rested during the game.

The NU Bulldogs will meet the defending champion La Salle Green Archers in their opening game at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The next time that they’re on the floor next Saturday, the Bulldogs face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 4:30 p.m. Peter Atencio

games in Malaysia, but more importantly, continue the Azkals’ legacy. Team Manager Ace Bright says he is hoping that after the tryouts, he will have an idea who will be tapped to play and represent the country. Initially, former Azkals team captains Stephan Schrock and Misagh Bahadoran were named to lead the team. After weeks of technical concerns, Larong Pilipino sa DZME returns to the studio with guests Ryu Policarpio, Atty. Jiboy Cabochan and Red Lions’ Team Manager Jude Roque. They will discuss the university’s NCAA 100 Season Pass, the latest project of the San Beda Alumni Association to benefit its basketball team and other varsity teams competing in the centennial season of the NCAA.

Bahadoran and organizers of the Asia 7’s Championships will also be on the show which will start at 2 p.m. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates after defeating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev during their men’s quarterfinals match on Day 101 of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

PERPETUAL PEP RALLY. Team Captains of the 17 sports disciplines from the Junior and Senior Altas teams of Perpetual Help University wave to the Perpetual Community during their Pep Rally on Wednesday in preparation for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 100, which kicks off on Saturday. Dennis Abrina

Satar Salem

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

NCAA to lower maximum age of eligibility by a year

By Peter Atencio

THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will soon lower its maximum age of eligibility by one year.

The changes in eligibility rules, which allow student athletes to play in the league until age 24, will start in Season 102.

NCAA Season 100 Management Committee

By Randy Caluag

COACH Walid Hamid is back in training with the Philippine national kickboxing team.

The former Dutch world kickboxing champion has reunited with the team it guided to a successful campaign in the 2023 Cambodia Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippines hauled 3 golds, 4 silvers and 8 bronze medals in Cambodia, finishing third behind overall top gainer host Cambodia and Vietnam.

The national kickboxers are currently in the thick of preparation for the coming Asian Kickboxing Championship 2024 slated on Oct. 6 to 13 in Cambodia.

“We are sending our athletes in full force to expose them to high-level competitions before the SEA Games in Thailand next year,” said Samahang Kickboxing Ng Pilipinas (SKP) secretary-general Wharton Chan.

Some of the categories are qualifying events for the World Combat Games in 2026.

LIPA City—Lia Duque and Patrick Tambalque delivered commanding performances to claim victory in the premier 16-18 category of the ICTSI Junior PGT Series 6, all but sealing their spots in next month’s Match Play Championship.

Duque mirrored her dominant triumph over Chloe Rada at Luisita two weeks ago, securing another wire-to-wire victory despite posting her tournament-worst score of eightover 80 in the final round.

The tournament, shortened to 54 holes after the first round was canceled due to adverse weather at the Mount Malarayat composite course, still saw Duque maintain a huge lead throughout.

Holding a 19-stroke advantage over Rafa Anciano heading into the final round, Duque’s total of 231 left her 29 shots clear of her nearest rival. Anciano, the Pinewoods leg champion, stumbled with a 90 to finish at 260, while Rada carded a 92 to claim third place at 268.

“I struggled quite a bit with my approaches, trying to navigate the

chairman and Lyceum of the Philippines University representative Hercules Callanta said this following a press conference held Tuesday.

Callanta said the current age limit in the league is set at 25 years old in the seniors’ division.

This was done when the school curriculum transitioned to the K to 12 program.

“With the institution of the K to 12, our students will stay in school two more years, so we brought up the maximum years an athlete can play, both in the juniors’ and seniors’ division by one year. But that was because there will be a transition,” said Callanta.

He added that in the juniors, the age limit is at

18 and below.

“We need to make sure that all schools will be able to keep [a] tab of the change in maximum age limit so it’s important to give them time to adjust.

So in Season 102, we will entertain 24 below and 18 below for juniors,” he added.

Callanta added that NCAA officials have also lifted the rule recognizing the Special Guest Licenses (SGL) for players.

The Games and Amusements Board implemented the SGL for student-athletes who want to play in professional leagues without losing their amateur status back in 2020.

Cool Smashers prove winning culture runs deep

LIKE a fine wine, Creamline seems to only get better with time. And while the team has been without some of its main ingredients, it has proven time and again to be just as potent and dominant. Sherwin Meneses, the mastermind behind the team’s success, continues to mix the perfect concoction that has left opponents struggling to keep pace.

Creamline’s emphatic victory over the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Finals on a rainy Wednesday at the Philsports Arena was a testament to the Cool Smashers’ enduring supremacy – even with what some might call a “rag-tag” roster.

The Chargers entered their first finals on the back of 10 straight wins, riding high on momentum and confidence after toppling more favored teams in reverse sweeps. But Creamline, despite missing key players Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza, orchestrated a straight-set sweep that dismantled Akari’s championship dreams.

Meneses, demonstrating his tactical prowess, managed his remaining lineup with finesse. The Cool Smashers didn’t rely on traditional playbooks of Xs and Os but instead adapted to every situation with a fluid, situational strategy that capitalized on their experience and skill.

Meneses’ role has evolved into that of a strategic advisor – he knows his players are aware of what needs to be done and trusts them to execute on the court.

“Every championship is special,” Meneses remarked post-game, celebrating what many considered to be a workmanlike demolition job that took only 60 minutes for their ninth championship. “But this one stands out because we were missing a lot of key players. Despite that, our team worked incredibly hard and still managed to secure the title.”

Indeed, the absence of key players had cast doubts over Creamline’s ability to handle both internal and external challenges. But with import Erica Staunton gradually adjusting to the team’s system and Bernadette Pons stepping into a crucial leadership role, the Cool Smashers displayed their depth and tenacity when it mattered most.

New batch of veterans to lead CSB

THE College of St. Benilde Blazers’ key players, Will Gozum, Migs Oczon, Miggy Corteza and Robi Nayve, have left the team.

wind and figure out my club selections,” said the 16-year-old Duque, whose back-to-back wins bolster her chances of securing a spot in the national finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“It was either too long or too short of the green.” Looking ahead to the finals, she emphasized the areas she needs to focus on: “I need to work on my fairway woods and long irons, sharpen

them up for sure,” she noted.

“Mindset-wise, I have to manage my course strategy better, putting myself in ideal positions for birdies and up-and-down scenarios.” Duque, who also hones her skills at the Alabang Golf Club, is determined to fine-tune her game for the upcoming challenges.

She heads into next week’s final leg of the seven-stage Luzon series at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite as a top contender. With two wins, a runner-up finish, and a third-place effort, Rada remains in strong contention for the finals alongside Duque. The top four results from the Luzon series will determine the finalists, with the top four players in each age category (89, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18) advancing to the Match Play stage on Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna. On the boys’ side, Tambalque virtually secured his Match Play spot with an emphatic 15-shot victory over Rafael Mañaol. Already a winner in Visayas Series 2 (Bacolod) and Luzon Series

And it’s now up to a new batch of veterans like Mark Sangco and Zenric Jarque to carry the fight for the Blazers in the 100th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament which fires off on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Sangco and Jarque will lead younger teammates Allen Liwag, Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, Gabby Cometa as the team tries to show what it has in its opening clash with the Mapua Cardinals at 5 p.m.

Last year, the Blazers ended up at third place after beating the Lyceum Pirates, 93-83, for an 11-7 win-loss record.

The Blazers, coached by four-year mentor Charles Tiu, will be hungrier and more determined to win this time around.

“Itong team na ‘to, bago, maraming pasensya sa sarili. Lahat willing ibigay ang best,” said Sangco, the designated skipper.

The bench also includes transferees like Anton Eusebio from the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, Roger Ondoa and Ian Torres from Immaculada Concepcion College, and newbie Gene Carillo from Adamson University.

“Si Coach Charles talaga, magaling siyang magbigay ng kumpiyansa sa players kaya talagang lumalabas ‘yung talent ng player,” added Sangco. Also in the roster are Jesse Arciaga, Jhomel Ancheta, Irele Galas, Zenric Jarque, John Morales, Matthew Oli, Edson Serrano, and Paul Turco. Peter

Atencio

The Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate their title conquest in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference.

Patrick Tambalque (left) and Lia Duque display their medals. Manny Marcelo

The athletes are now housed and training at the newly constructed SKP headquarters in Tagaytay City, helped financed by SKP president Sen. Francis Tolenti-

no and Chan’s WRC firm. The lot was provided by the city, headed by Mayor Bambol Tolentino, SKP chairman emeritus and POC president.

The Philippine kickboxing team

WHAT’S INSIDE?

By Othel V. Campos

CLARK Freeport and Economic Zone approved P72 billion worth of investments in new and expansion projects in the first half of 2024.

“Instead of casting a wide net, we’re focusing on specific sectors that align with our strengths and national priorities,” said Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president Agnes Devanadera, highlighting the agency’s focus on industries like light manufacturing and food and beverage. CDC is the administrator of Clark Freeport.

Devanadera said the latest figure sustains the strategy that aligns with the national priority list and Clark’s own identified growth areas. While she did not provide annual comparative figures, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that Clark attracted P115 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2023. She said of the locators inside the Freeport, the semiconductor industry was a key driver of investments, with major projects underway. Real estate is also a major source of investments.

Among the biggest investors this year are tire manufacturer Yokohama, Aqua Planet and Hilton Hotel.

Devanadera highlighted the P15billion commitment of one investor and another P20 billion for two townships inside the Freeport.

August inflation eased to 7-month low of 3.3%

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INFLATION rate in the Philippines eased to 3.3 percent in August, the lowest since January 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Thursday.

The PSA said the August inflation was lower than 4.4 percent in July and 5.3 percent in the same month last year.

“The downtrend in the overall inflation in August 2024 was primarily brought about by the slower annual increment of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 3.9 percent in August 2024 from 6.4 percent in the previous month,” the PSA said.

“Also contributing to the downtrend was transport with an annual drop of 0.2 percent during the month from a 3.6 percent annual increase in July 2024,” it said.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said

that the slower inflation rate in August 2024 demonstrates the effectiveness of the government’s targeted interventions to stabilize food prices, and assured the public that it will sustain the downward momentum by staying vigilant against risks.

“We will not be complacent. While we are now seeing the positive results of our measures, we are proactively monitoring potential inflationary risks to address them in a timely and targeted manner,” he said.

The decline brought the average inflation rate to 3.6 percent, comfortably within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The Bangko Sental ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the latest inflation outturn is consistent with its latest assessment that inflation would revert back to the target range in August after the temporary uptick observed in July.

“The implementation of the rice tariff reduction will help in easing inflation in the coming months,” the BSP said.

“The balance of risks to the inflation outlook continues to lean toward the downside for 2024 and 2025 with a slight tilt to the upside for 2026. The downside risks are linked mainly to lower import tariffs on rice, while upside risks could come from higher electricity rates and external factors,” it said.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the continued easing of inflation and stable prices would benefit households and businesses, promoting increased consumer spending and stimulating economic activity. With Domingo Juan

THE Asian Development Bank plans to extend $24 billion in loans to the

between 2024 and 2029 under a new country partnership strategy (CPS) that sets a transformative agenda for the next six years.

“Last year we provided $4.5 billion in both sovereign and non-sovereign assistance, and we expect to sustain a similar level of annual financial support during the new CPS,” ADB country director for the Philippines Pavit Ramachandran said in a

statement.

The strategy, spanning from 2024 to 2029, will focus on addressing critical development needs and bolstering support in three key areas: human development, economic competitiveness and quality infrastructure, and nature-based development and disaster resilience.

Crosscutting initiatives that promote digital transformation, gender equality, and improved governance and institutional capacity are integral to the strategy, ensuring a

holistic approach to development.

“ADB’s partnership with the Philippines is at its strongest. This new strategy will further a flourishing collaboration to support the country in achieving a prosperous future that leaves no one behind, particularly as it faces the dual challenges of accelerating economic growth and addressing persistent poverty and income inequalities,” Ramachandran said.

“We are leveraging our full suite of support modalities—financial

THE Department of Finance (DOF) said the government’s financing initiatives are designed to meet the primary needs of Filipinos.

“Because that is our job at the DOF – to raise money for the government in the most cost-effective manner and make sure that it is most judiciously used and spent,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in his keynote address at the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) general membership meeting and election on Sept. 4, 2024.

financing and growth targets—to ensure that it aligns with current realities and adapts to external shocks such as geopolitical tensions. The refined program follows a growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation path to reduce deficit and debt gradually in a realistic manner while creating more jobs, increasing incomes and decreasing poverty in the process. The DOF said to fund this year’s national budget of P5.77 trillion, which is only supported by

and

and nonfinancial—to deliver transformative impact, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach all Filipinos, particularly the most vulnerable,” he said. One of the fastest-growing economies in the region with an average annual gross domestic product growth of 6.3 percent from 2021 to 2023, the Philippines is attracting more foreign direct investments with its robust investment grade rating, dynamic services sector, and higher public investment.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

“This

executive Guillaume Lucci.

“We are grateful for the trust as Prime Infra continues to build better lives and resilient economies through critical infrastructure,” he said. LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz said the bank forged a new partnership with a recognized leader in building critical and socially relevant infrastructure.

“Our common goal of enhancing lives and fostering resilient economies makes this loan facility a truly mutually beneficial endeavor,” Ortiz said.

Development Bank’s country partnership strategy for the Philippines 2024–2029 will focus on addressing critical development needs and bolstering support on three

Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz (third from right) and Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci (fourth from right) sign a P5-billion loan agreement to partially

Infra’s projects across its core sectors. Joining them are Prime Infra chief finance officer Sandy Alipio (fifth from right) and treasury head Emma Villa del Rey (left), along with LandBank executive vice president Ma. Celeste Burgos (second from right) and senior vice president Lucila Tesoreso (right).

PH stocks, peso rise on slower August inflation

PHILIPPINE stocks and the peso advanced Thursday as inflation rate eased to a seven-month low of 3.3 percent in August 2024. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index went up by 25.85 points, or 0.38 percent, to close at 6,907.97, while the broader all-shares index added 9.75 points, or 0.26 percent, to reach 3,739.27.

Inflation rate fell to 3.3 percent in August from 4.4 percent in July, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This brought the average inflation in the first eight months to 3.6 percent, falling within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for the year.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. research head Michael Ricafort said the sharp decline in global crude prices to eight-month low also boosted investor sentiment.

Ricafort said this could reduce the country’s oil import bill, narrow the country’s trade deficit and help ease import costs. Investors also cheered the continued strengthening of the peso against the dollar. The peso closed at 56.21 against the greenback Thursday, up from 56.58 Wednesday.

The PSEi’s next resistance target is 7,000, while support is at 6,780. Value turnover reached P4.59 billion, lower than year-to-date average of P5 billion.

Foreign investors were net buyers, with net inflows amounting to P258.97 million.

Services led gainers, climbing by 1.81 percent, while property declined by 1.23 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Smart implements tighter verification of SIM registration

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SMART Communications said Thursday it implemented tighter verification processes and advanced technology to combat fraudulent SIM card registrations.

The company said it is focused on preventing the use of fake IDs and photos during the registration process.

“Smart assures our customers that we are continuously enhancing our network infrastructure to reject fraudulent SIM registration as we intensify our efforts against mobile technology-aided criminal activities,” Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs Roy Ibay said.

Smart said it rolled out enhanced verification mechanisms including the adoption of “live selfie” and liveness checks, disabling of the upload of stock selfies and verification of registrations prior to activation since December 2023, in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission’s directive.

Smart said complementing the improved SIM registration controls is its new network firewall that blocks malicious links often found in unsolicited text messages.

It prevented almost 200 million SMShing messages from reaching customers in August.

Smart also blocked more than 770,000 mobile numbers tied to phishing and other illegal activities in the first seven months of the year.

“Smart fully supports the government’s efforts to protect Filipinos from being scammed. We actively collaborate with relevant agencies, our peers and partners in the industry, as well as our customers in fighting fraud and other phishing activities,” Ibay said.

PSE approves Vista Land’s P5-b preferred shares sale

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange approved the P5billion preferred shares offering of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., the property unit of the Villar Group.

The PSE said in a memorandum circular posted on its website Vista Land would sell 30 million series 2 preferred shares, with an oversubscription option for another 20 million. The shares will be sold at P100 per share. It said the preferred shares are perpetual, cumulative, non-participating, non-voting, redeemable and non-convertible.

Vista Land said it planned to use the proceeds from the fund-raising ac-

tivity to refinance various bank loans and corporate notes and for general corporate purposes. The preferred shares will be offered from Sept. 16 to Sept. 25 in time for listing at the main board of the PSE on Oct. 4, 2024.

Vista Land tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint book runners for the offer.

The property firm earlier raised $350 million through the issuance of US-denominated unsecured fixed-rate notes through wholly owned subsidiary VLL International. The notes were issued under VLL International’s $2-billion mediumterm note program. They were guaranteed by Vista Land, Brittany Corp., Camella Homes Inc., Communities Philippines Inc., Crown Asia Properties Inc., and Vista Residences, Inc. Vista Land booked net income of P5.38 billion in the first half of 2024, up by 10.2 percent from P4.88 billion in the same period last year as revenues climbed 8 percent to P18.92 billion. It had 26 master planned developments under Vista Estates as of end2023.

LOPEZ-LED First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH) pledged support for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) that the government and a United Nations body will co-host next month in Manila. FPH chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez joined other top business executives whose companies committed to serve as sponsors of the APMCDRR under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) finalized with En-

vironment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on Sept. 3, 2024.

The government, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will co-host the APMCDRR at the Philippine International Convention Center from Oct. 14 to 18, 2024.

The large international gathering will bring together representatives from governments, intergovernmen-

BDO’S RESPONSE. BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank Inc., teams up with non-governmental

tal, international, national and civil society organizations, the private sector, science, academia and stakeholder groups to accelerate progress in reducing disaster risk.

The conference will provide an important opportunity to review risk reduction efforts, share innovative solutions and make actionable commitments to accelerate disaster risk reduction by 2030 in the world’s most disaster-prone region.

FPH will provide resources to help

By Othel V. Campos

EIGHT8ATE Holdings Inc., the parent company of Conti’s Bakeshop and Restaurant, is set to launch a new fine dining concept called “The Barn.” The first restaurant will open its doors in Clark Freeport, Pampanga before the end of the year.

Eight8Ate president and chief executive Joey Garcia described The Barn as a “level-up of Conti’s with more fine cuisines,” positioning it similarly to Wild Flour. “We’re launching our first, you could say a little bit elevated Conti’s concept. We’re opening our first res-

CENTURY Pacific Food, Inc.

(CNPF), one of the leading food and beverage companies in the Philippines owned by the Po family, is expanding its coconut business with the acquisition of the 100-percent stake in Coco Harvest Inc.

Coco Harvest owns a coconut processing facility in Misamis Occidental which has the capability to produce higher value coconut-based products such as coconut water, coconut milk, desiccated coconut and virgin coconut oil.

CNPF said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday it would spend roughly $40 million to acquire Coco Harvest and expand its facility.

The acquisition and expansion would be funded by the company’s internally-generated cashflow from operations.

CNPF president and chief executive Teodoro Alexander Po said the deal is an accretive acquisition.

“More importantly, it marks a significant milestone for the company. Our coconut business, encompassing both domestic and export, has grown substantially these past few years on the back of burgeoning trends in health and wellness. The additional capacity from Coco Harvest will bolster our capability to serve rising demand, with room for expansion as the business grows,” Po said.

Po said CNPF planned to further grow its coconut business moving forward as it sees continued growth in demand.

“We are encouraged by the longterm growth trajectory of our coconut business. From where we started, it has evolved to become globally competitive in the category through the team’s commitment to excellence and innovation. It’s a platform where we believe we can create more value for the company as well as the local coconut farming industry,” Po said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

the DENR co-host the conference as one of the private sector sponsors of the APMCDRR.

FPH will also present during the gathering the disaster risk reduction programs and projects of its subsidiary First Gen Corp. as well as those of the Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc., a non-profit think tank also known as the Oscar M. Lopez Climate Change Center or OML Center.

taurant, which is, actually, the next generation of Conti’s,” Garcia said. The restaurant will be housed in a renovated barn structure, reminiscent of old Clark, and is being developed as a destination dining experience. He said The Barn would be a subbrand under Conti’s, and they are looking at the possibility of expanding the concept in the future.

Eight8Ate is also aggressively expanding its Wendy’s and Conti’s brands.

Garcia said around 70 percent of their expansion plans for the two brands would be realized in the fourth of the year.

BUSINESS

New Southeast Asia-China cable system lands in La Union

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CONVERGE ICT Solutions Inc. said Thursday the Philippine branch of the South-East Asia HainanHong Kong Express Cable System (SEA-H2X) landed in Bauang, La Union.

The state-of-the-art cable system will significantly boost data capacity and connectivity within Southeast Asia, it said.

“Building up the Converge international cabling capacity has always been a long-term investment and to day, we see a major development on that front. As early as now, we’re pre

SOLAR AGREEMENT.

Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) president and chief executive Oliver Butalid and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) assistant secretary Agnes Tolentino sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that signals a shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions in line with the country’s broader energy goals and climate change mitigation efforts. Under the MOA, PNOC and NEDA Region IV-A will collaborate on the ‘Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic for Government Buildings Project’, a key initiative aimed at reducing electricity consumption in public buildings through the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The project will begin with the installation of these solar PV systems at NEDA Region IV-A facilities.

paring for the region’s capacity needs, as far ahead as 10-15 years down the road,” Converge chief executive and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said.

The SEA H2X is intended to be a

munications traffic capacity demands within the region.

The SEA-H2X has six landing points in Southeast Asia including Hong Kong SAR (Tseung Kwan O), China (Lingshui), Malaysia (Kuching), Philippines (La Union), Singapore (Tuas) and Thailand (Songkhla).

SEA-H2X, with a system design capacity of 160 Tbps (terabits per second), aims to further increase the international capacity and reinforce the resiliency of its undersea fiber links within the Asia Pacific region.

to benefit institutions seen as large consumers of bandwidth such as outsourcing and offshore industry, including major contact centers, business process outsourcing providers, global financial institutions and a host of other multinationals. Other members of the SEA-H2X consortium are China Mobile International Limited (CMI), China United Network Communications Group Company Limited. (CU), AP SEA H2X Sdn. Bhd (AP SEA-H2X, previously known as IRIX SEA-H2X

FFCCIII backs Greater Manila Bay Area plan

DOE eyeing 31 ports to support offshore wind power projects in PH

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is considering 31 ports to support the development of around 66,000 megawatts from 92 offshore wind power projects nationwide.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCIII) threw its support behind the proposed Greater Manila Bay Area (GMBA), seeing it as a crucial step in decongesting Metro Manila and driving economic growth in neighboring provinces.

FFCCIII president Cecilio Pedro emphasized the need for focused development in areas like Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga under the GMBA framework.

“Metro Manila is saturated. We need to create an environment that is truly open for business,” he said at the Pandesal Forum Thursday. Pedro said the GMBA could attract significant investments and create much-needed jobs, taking inspiration from the successful Greater Bay Area model in China. He said the GMBA aims to create a more balanced and sustainable growth pattern by decentralizing economic activity and promoting regional development.

He stressed the importance of a streamlined licensing process and a dedicated government body to ensure ease of entry for businesses of all sizes.

“Investment is the key, as it will generate jobs,” he said.

He pointed to China’s success in attracting foreign investment by establishing special economic zones like Shenzhen, where a businessfriendly environment and efficient processes facilitated rapid growth.

DOE assistant secretary Mylene Capongcol said in a presentation during the World Clean Energy Conference that 10 ports are subject to pre-feasibility study by the Asian Development Bank.

streamlined environmental compliance process for OSW pre-development and exploration activities.

These include the ports of Bulalacao, Tabaco, Pulupandan, SBMA, PNOC-ESB, Culasi, Iloilo, San Carlos, Bauan International and Irene. Capongcol said the DOE

Pupils from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig receive their first dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the ceremonial vaccination. With them are stakeholders from the Education and Health departments and partners from the private sector. The initiative called ‘Kabataan Para Sa HPV-Free Pasig City’ marks a significant milestone in public health, by vaccinating around 300 girls aged 9 to 14.

Pasig SK leaders spearhead HPV vaccination campaign

THE Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Pinagbuhatan spearheaded the first youth-led city-wide immunization program against human papillomavirus (HPV) in Pasig City at Pinagbuhatan Elementary School.

The initiative, titled “Kabataan Para Sa HPV-Free Pasig City,” marks a significant milestone in public health, by vaccinating around 300 girls aged 9 to 14 in the city during the launch while up to 3,000 students will benefit from the program until the end of the year.

The groundbreaking event is the first youth-led School-Based Immunization (SBI) and community vaccination program in the National Capital Region (NCR), demonstrating the critical role of young leaders in advancing public health initiatives.

The SK of Pinagbuhatan, in collaboration with the Pasig local government unit (LGU), the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), brought together a coalition of partners dedicated to safeguarding the health of the city’s youth. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the importance of collaboration in the program’s success.

“We are with DOH, private partners such as MSD in the Philippines, and DepEd in information dissemination. Many diseases can be avoided such as cervical cancer, polio, and measles. So the city health department is very active in awareness raising and vaccination. Our coverage is now wider. The partnership of different stakeholders is very important. The more stakeholders involved, the more complete our program is. Know the services available, know their importance and benefits. Knowledge is power so let’s get vaccinated,” Sotto said.

She said the entry of OSW would help meet the country’s 35-percent renewable energy target by 2030 and 50 percent by 2050, “To reach the RE target, a total

ATRAM CORPORATE BOND FUND, INC. 8th Floor, 8 Rockwell Building, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City, Metro Manila Tel. No. 8814-7800; Fax No. 8841-0315

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING

of 52,826 MW additional RE capacity is needed by 2040, which is almost seven times than the current level at 7,914 MW,” she said.

The Philippines has 8,417 MW of installed RE capacity, while gross generation is at 26,2678 gigawatt-hours equivalent to 22.3 percent of the generation mix.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Stockholders' Meeting (ASM) of the aforementioned Corporation will be held virtually or via remote communication on 04 October 2024 at 2:00PM via Zoom webinar.

Stockholders can register at https://bit.ly/ATRAM2024ASM. Webinar password will be sent via email after registration.

The Agenda of the Meeting is as follows:

I. Call to Order

II. Certification of Notice and Quorum

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Shareholders Meeting held on 29 September 2023

IV. Management Report

V. Presentation of the Audited Financial Statements as of 31 March 2024

VI. Ratification of the Corporate Acts of the Board of Directors since the last annual stockholders’ meeting

VII. Election of Directors for 2024 to 2025

VIII. Appointment of External Auditor for 2025

IX. Other Matters X. Adjournment

Only holders of issued stocks of record as at the close of business hours on 05 August 2024 and whose status as stockholders on that date has been satisfactorily established in accordance with the corporate records of the Stock and Transfer Agent and the Corporate Secretary of the Company, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the scheduled stockholders’ meeting.

Stockholders who intend to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to exercise their vote in absentia must notify the Corporate Secretary by registering through the Company’s website for the 2024 annual meeting of the stockholders on or before 17 September 2024. All information submitted will be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate

The FFCCIII president also urged the government to ensure ease of doing business (EODB) and minimize red tape to attract businesses leaving China due to rising costs.

“We have skilled workers and everything is available here, but we need to focus on creating a model of excellence with minimal corruption,” Pedro said.

FFCCIII president Cecilio Pedro

HCathay flights to resume fully by Saturday after A350 repairs

ONG KONG—Cathay

Pacific plans to resume full operations by Saturday after replacing defective engine fuel lines on its Airbus A350 planes, the airline said Wednesday, a problem that forced it to cancel dozens of flights this week.

Hong Kong-based Cathay, one of the largest operators of the A350 jetliner, grounded 48 planes for checks on Monday after a Zurich-bound flight had to return to the city shortly after take-off.

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

PRU Life UK is giving Filipinos access to the global technology sector with the launch of its PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund.

The peso-denominated fund provides customers access to the ATRAM Global Technology Feeder Fund, managed by ATRAM Trust Corp. The feeder fund invests in the Fidelity Funds - Global Technology Fund of Fidelity International, which held $23.9 billion in assets as of July 2024. ATRAM, a leading digitallypowered asset and wealth management firm in the Philippines, had over P360 billion in assets under management as of June 2024.

The PRULink Global Tech Navigator Fund allows investors to participate in some of the world’s most influential technology companies, including Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Pru Life UK said the fund is ideal for new and existing customers with an aggressive investment risk tolerance. It allows them to invest in dollar-denominated equities using Philippine pesos, offering the potential for additional returns through favorable foreign exchange movements.

The inspection found that components on 15 of the A350s, powered by engines from the British manufacturer Rolls-Royce, had to be replaced.

“Fifteen aircraft were identified with engine fuel lines that require replacement. Of these, six have already undergone successful repairs and are cleared to operate,” Cathay said in a statement.

“The remaining nine aircraft will be repaired and are expected to resume operation by Saturday.”

When Cathay initially raised the alarm Monday, it said “the component was the first of its type to suffer such failure on any A350 aircraft worldwide”.

The incident prompted other airlines in the region to carry out similar checks on their A350-900 and A350-1000 models, which are powered by Rolls-

Royce Trent XWB-84 and XWB-97 engines, respectively.

Cathay has so far cancelled 90 flights between Monday to Saturday, mainly regional routes including connections to Singapore, Taipei, Tokyo and Bangkok.

Aboard a Cathay A350-900 plane to San Francisco on Wednesday, a Hong Kong passenger surnamed Yuen told AFP that he was “worried but I don’t know who I can ask whether this aircraft has been checked”.

“I would feel better if Cathay could send us a message saying the plane has been checked but they never did that,” Yuen texted from the runway. AFP

PLAMBECK Emirates expressed concern over the planned closure of the Kalangitan Engineered Sanitary Landfill in Tarlac province operated by Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM).

This development raises serious questions about the future of a proposed $220-million state-of-the-art waste-to-energy (WTE) plant that Plambeck Emirates and MCWM were set to develop, which promised substantial benefits to the Philippines, including direct foreign investment, job creatio, and waste reduction.

Plambeck Emirates Global Renewable Energy LLC, a joint venture be-

tween Plambeck, Germany and the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, is a leading international investment firm specializing in sustainable development projects.

Plambeck Emirates chief executive Norbert Plambeck said in a statement the proposed WTE plant would have marked a significant step forward for the Philippines, offering a modern solution to waste management challenges while aligning with global sustainability standards.

“We believe that this project could have brought transformative benefits to the Philippines by providing a state-of-the-art waste management

TOP EMPLOYER.

Land Bank of the Philippines is named as top government employer under the national government category during the Home Development Mutual Fund Stakeholder Accomplishment Report (Pag-IBIG StAR) in the National Capital Region, for having the most number of employees who voluntarily raised their contributions in 2024.

Land Bank executive vice president Alan Bornas (third from right) accepts the citation from PagIBIG chief executive Marilene Acosta (center).

concept at par with the best facilities in Europe,” said Plambeck.

Plambeck Emirates and MCWM submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in 2019 for the development of a $220-million 35-megawatt waste-to-energy plant utilizing proven, established technologies they have deployed all around the world.

The project was designed to be the most advanced of its kind in the Philippines, and crucially, would have been funded entirely by Plambeck Emirates at no cost or risk to the Philippine government, it said.

improve and accommodate recovering demand for air travel and address the airport’s long-standing congestion issues.

SMC chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang will deliver the opening remarks and showcase the conglomerate’s plans for NAIA.

Ang will be joined by NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez, who will tackle NAIA’s detailed rehabilitation plan, new terminal assignments and new passenger terminal building, among others.

IN BRIEF

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) and the provincial government of Batangas signed a memorandum of agreement aimed at streamlining investment promotion and facilitation processes.

The signing of the MOA signals a strengthened partnership focused on improving the business environment and attracting investments to Batangas.

The MOA outlines a collaborative framework where the BOI will provide technical assistance to the province, including training programs for LGU frontliners in investment

promotion, facilitation, and investor servicing.

Both parties will jointly promote Batangas as a prime investment destination. Batangas will, in turn, provide the BOI with crucial information like land availability and cost of doing business data.

Batangas agreed to designate a dedicated green lane focal point to streamline coordination with the BOI for strategic investments.

The province actively facilitated permits and licenses for strategic investments, particularly renewable energy projects,

SSS COVERAGE. Social Security System (SSS) president and chief executive Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (left) meets with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on the sidelines of the Liga ng Mga Barangay’s National Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasay City to discuss the social security coverage of barangay officials across the country. (Story on A4).

Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (left) and Batangas Governo Hermilando Mandanas (top photo; right) sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on investments promotion and facilitation on Aug. 12, 2024.

TRANSPORT C1

Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs First Officer Steve Dailisan

MPT South promotes road safety with Drayberks seminar

METRO Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), the operator of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), held its Drayberks Road Safety Seminar on August 27, 2024.

The event, themed “Alerto Kada Kilometro” (Alert Every Kilometer), was conducted at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and aimed to enhance road safety among drivers.

Sixty-five drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs), jeepneys (PUJs), and classes 1 and 2 vehicles participated in the seminar.

The event was graced by Mr. Arnold Yuson, Terminal Operations Manager of PITX, and Mr. Rechillo Baladjay,Technical Staff from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

The event featured presentations by Carlo Hipol, Head of Traffic Operations at MPT South, who covered topics such as road safety practices, traffic awareness, and toll operations. The seminar included an interactive Q&A session with Rechillo Baladjay, Technical Staff from the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), who addressed attendees’ concerns.

Arlette V. Capistrano, Vice President for Communications and Stakeholder Management of MPT South, emphasized the seminar’s importance in promoting a culture of safety on the expressways, helping to reduce accidents, and fostering a more safety-conscious community of drivers.

“Our goal in this seminar is to help reduce accidents in the expressway by imparting the importance for drivers to be concerned for their well-being and the well-being of other road users and equipping them with vital information on proper driving along the expressways, vehicle roadworthiness and opening their consciousness to the responsibility of the role they play in being part of a mobile society,” Capistrano said.

The Drayberks Road Safety Seminar is part of a broader initiative by MPT South to enhance the knowledge and skills of drivers, ensuring safer roads and a more efficient transportation system. Through this seminar, drivers were equipped with practical tips on how to plan their routes, navigate tollways, and prioritize safety in their daily operations.

THE 5th edition of Asian Defense and Security Exhibition (ADAS) will take place from 25 to 27 September 2024 at World Trade Centre, Manila Philippines. Organized by APAC Expo, the biennial event comes under the auspices of the Office of the President, Department of National Defense, National Security Council and Bagong Pilipinas. This year marks the celebration of ADAS’s 10th Anniversary in the Philippines and is poised to be the largest event in the series.

Themed “Building on a Decade of Defense Capability”, this established event is positioned to be Philippine’s flagship tri-service event, providing a complete overview of next phase of modernization programmes across the tri-services. ADAS’s trade exhibition will showcase the latest innovations and key upgrades in capability for Navy, Airforce and Army, while the ADAS Symposium will host prominent Government officials, industry leaders, and academia at this three-day conference. Keeping abreast of emerging

AirAsia bullish as PH nears UMIC status

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines is optimistic about its 2025 growth prospects as the country is poised to achieve upper-middle-income (UMIC) status.

“Transitioning to upper-middle income next year would be a positive development not only for the Philippines, but also for foreign investors who are closely monitoring the country, as this will break our 37-year status as a lower-middle-income nation,” AirAsia Philippines head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said.

“While we see challenges such as the fluctuating pesodollar rate, unstable fuel costs and the current situations in other countries affect our GNI [gross national income, we are positive that we will transition a notch higher from our current status,” he said.

The National Economic and Development Authority earlier said the Philippines is likely to achieve the UMIC status by next year after its gross national income (GNI) per capita exceeded the 2023 target under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.

The World Bank earlier reported that the country’s GNI per capita reached a historical high of $4,230 in 2023, marking a 7.1-percent increase from the preceding year.

This surpassed the 2023 target range of $4,130 to $4,203 GNI per capita set in the PDP 2023-2028, according to NEDA.

The World Bank defines UMIC economies as those

with GNI per capita ranging between $4,516 and $14,005 for the fiscal year 2025.

Dailisan said the country’s transition to UMIC would mean growth for AirAsia Philippines as this would increase travel demands as influenced by the public’s strong purchasing power.

“Having enough purchasing power gives AirAsia guests the liberty to choose destinations and schedules outside of the usual low-fare offerings (PISO Sale, Double Digit Sale, Seasonal Sale),” he said.

“This will also translate to more purchases for our ancillary products such as choice seats, additional baggage allowance, travel insurance, food and beverages, and other inflight items,” Dailisan said.

Eventually, Dailisan said an increase in demand would also call for additional flight frequency, aircraft allocation, revival of Cebu and Clark hubs and the mounting of new routes, all which has been in the AirAsia Philippines pipeline since exiting the pandemic.

The budget airline expects its passenger traffic to grow more than 30 percent this year as it strengthens its domestic and international operations.

The budget carrier said it is looking to close 2024 with more than 8 million passengers, up 34.2 percent from 5.96 million domestic and international passengers last year.

From January to August 2024, AirAsia Philippines flew over 5 million guests, 85 percent of which were booked via double-digit, PISO sale and other low fare promos.

AirAsia Philippines flies to 12 domestic destinations and 13 international destinations as of April 2024.

ADAS highlights ongoing PH defense modernization program

defense material and technologies is crucial to the development of a nation’s defense and deterrent capability.

Spanning 14,500 sqm, the event participation has increased by 35 percent since the 2022 edition, with over 250 participating companies and 15 country pavilions. Some15,000 senior government officials, operational experts, industry leaders, and academia from all over the world are expected to converge at the event to discuss the latest solutions, strategies, best practices, and challenges; and

foster greater collaboration within the regional tri-service community. Centered around the theme “ Asymmetric Warfare,” The ADAS Symposium delves into a spectrum of specialized topics including mosaic/ asymmetric warfare, cybersecurity and defense as well as session on building local capacity. As part of the commemoration of Philippines National Cyber-Security month in September, delegates can also look forward sharing their past experiences on drone and anti-drone wars from neighboring countries.

AirAsia

From left: Rechillo Baladjay, technical staff of the Toll Regulatory Board; Carlo Hipol, manager of the traffic operations department of MPT South; Kolyn Calbasa, senior corporate affairs officer of PITX, who received the certificate of appreciation on behalf of Arnold Yuson; and two MPT South representatives.

PAL Cargo Terminal in Pasay. From left: Lilian Aquitania, senior veterans assistance officer, Veterans Affairs Management Division, (VAMD) Liza T Dela Cruz; supervising veterans assistance officer and officer-in-charge, VAMD, PAL vice president for cargo business Jason Siy; PAL Foundation head Pinky Mag-iba Balagtas and Pauline Gallano, veterans assistance officer I, VAMD.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

TELEVISION And Production

Exponents Inc. (TAPE, Inc.), led by Romeo Jalosjos Sr. , is set to return after a brief hiatus, following a major corporate restructuring aimed at boosting operational efficiency and creativity.

TAPE Inc. confirmed its plans to resume producing content for television and online platforms, as well as managing talent, recording, and film production, including concerts and events.

Last year, the company launched TAPE Artist Management Agency (TAMA) to nurture top-tier talent.

The company’s stockholders have injected new capital to support business expansion. TAPE Inc. said it remains committed to financial responsibility, implementing cost-effective measures, and addressing outstanding obligations to suppliers and GMA Network, Inc.

TAPE Inc. remains respected in the industry. The Ad Standards Council recently honored Chairman Emeritus Romeo Jalosjos Sr. for his contributions to the field.

SHOWBIZ

Is Chloe San Jose entering showbiz?

By Nickie Wang

CHLOE San Jose , girlfriend of Olympic gymnast

Carlos Yulo , is gaining attention online following the bemedalled athlete’s successful performance at the Paris Olympics, where he claimed two historic gold medals for the Philippines.

Even before their return to the country, San Jose had been a trending topic, particularly as rumors about Yulo’s family issues were circulating. Online users speculated that San Jose was capitalizing on the attention to boost her chances of entering showbiz. These rumors even intensified when she made her return to the ASAP Natin ‘To stage on Sunday.

San Jose performed Camila Cabello ’s hit “Havana” on the show, where she was featured as the “Woman of the Hour.” After her performance, she was interviewed by hosts Robi Domingo, Edward Barber, and Maymay Entrata . When asked about her career plans, she said, “I’m just so excited and happy to be here,” adding, “Let’s see what the future holds.”

This was not San Jose’s first time on the ASAP stage, as she previously performed Jireh Lim ’s “Dahan” in 2019.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment at the launch of the new skincare line Real Perfection, San Jose denied rumors of signing with Viva Entertainment or pursuing a showbiz career.

“I don’t have any plans to enter showbiz. I’m happy creating content. As for the rumors about me joining a talent management agency, there’s no truth to that,” she clarified.

Asked what she enjoys most about content creation, San Jose emphasized the importance of authenticity.

“It’s my platform to showcase my authentic self,” she said, offering advice to aspiring creators: “Just be yourself, be authentic, and keep creating content.”

When asked whether Yulo influenced her decision not to pursue showbiz, San Jose said the decision was her own and that her boyfriend has been fully supportive.

“No, Caloy didn’t have anything to do with it. He’s very supportive,” she shared.

“This is the 56th edition of Mutya ng Pilipinas, and we’re looking for an intelligent, beautiful girl, especially one who speaks from the heart,” said Cory Quirino, president and national director of the Mutya ng Pilipinas organization.

Among the 31 contestants, several stand out as top contenders for the

THE FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, Manila will host the coronation night of Mutya ng Pilipinas 2024 this evening, where 31 candidates from across the Philippines and overseas Filipino communities will compete for several prestigious titles, including Mutya ng PilipinasIntercontinental, Mutya ng PilipinasTourism International, Mutya ng Pilipinas-World Top Model, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Environment International.

crowns, showcasing not only beauty but also intelligence, well-toned physiques, catwalk prowess, and communication skills.

Leading the pack is Arianna Charlize Pantaleon, 21, representing the Filipino community of Canada. A public speaking graduate and advocate against domestic violence, Pantaleon is seen as a strong contender for the Mutya Intercontinental title.

Anne Klein Castro, 20, from Pampanga, a student of Tourism Management, is noted for her statuesque beauty and intelligence. With a resemblance to actress Kylie Padilla, Castro is predicted to excel in the Mutya Tourism International competition, which is held in Malaysia.

Aiyen Ysabel Maquiraya, 22, from Washington State, USA, is studying

Communication and Media Studies at the University of Washington. Known for her vibrant personality and stage presence, she is seen as a fit for the Mutya Environment International crown.

Jireh Ravi Mayani , 19, a Filipino-Indian model from Davao and senior high graduate of Asia Pacific College, is considered another strong candidate for Mutya Tourism International.

Princess Julianne Opiasa 23, from Zambales, a graduate in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing, is the sister of Miss Universe Philippines runner-up CJ Opiasa. Her catwalk skills and physique make her a top contender for the Mutya World Top Model title. Other strong contenders include Alyssa Marie Redondo, 23, representing the Filipino community in California, who founded the Alyssa’s Little Learners foundation to provide school supplies to children in need; Elizah Mendoza, 23, a student and

Arianna Charlize Pantaleon is a strong contender for the Mutya Intercontinental crown

Anne Klein Castro is expected to be a hit at the Mutya Tourism International competition

Aiyen Ysabel Maquiraya is making waves as a possible fit for the Mutya Environment International crown

GOLDEN GIRL. Aside from being a content creator, Chloe has also released singles like ‘Aking Pagmamahal’ and ‘Darlin’

Chloe San Jose (left) with actress Francine Diaz at the launch of skincare line Real Perfection

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Which country can you find the most beautiful women?

Study reveals nations with the most stunning pageant performers

By Nickie Wang

ANEW study has ranked Venezuela as the country with the most beautiful people, based on their performance in international beauty pageants. The research, conducted by the online coupon platform Wethrift, analyzed data from major global beauty contests to determine which nations have the highest beauty scores.

Venezuela leads the list with a beauty score of 127, thanks to 25 titleholders, 17 first runners-up, and 18 second runners-up across competitions such as Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss Grand International, and Miss Earth. Notable Venezuelan winners include Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, and Isler, Miss Universe 2013.

The United States ranks second with a beauty score of 125, featuring 18 titleholders, 28 first runners-up, and 15 second runners-up. Olivia Culpo won Miss Universe in 2012, is among the prominent American titleholders. Culpo has achieved success as a model, actress, and social media influencer.

Completing the study’s top ten countries are United Kingdom in fourth with 62 points, and India comes in fifth with 58 points. Colombia is sixth with a score of 54, and Australia is seventh with 52 points. Brazil holds the eighth position with a score of 50, Puerto Rico is ninth with 47 points, and South Africa rounds out the top ten with a score of 41.

Nick Drewe, beauty and lifestyle trend expert and CEO at Wethrift, remarked, “International beauty pageants offer fascinating insights into how different countries approach and celebrate beauty. Venezuela, the USA, and the Philippines’ consistent success in producing titleholders reflects their strong cultural emphasis on these competitions. This data provides an interesting perspective

The Philippines comes in third with a beauty score of 79, which includes 16 titleholders, 12 first runners-up, and 7 second runners-up. Pia Wurtzbach who won Miss Universe in 2015, is a standout figure from the Philippines, known for her advocacy work as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific.

NCAA introduces new lineup of courtside reporters for centennial season

AS THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) marks its 100th season, the league has unveiled a new roster of courtside reporters who will bring live updates and insights from the sidelines.

Bianca Alejandre , a student from Lyceum of the Philippines University and a versatile dancer and host, will represent Davao. Mikayla Mindanao , a former Perpetual Lady Altas volleyball player, joins the team from Cainta. Mary Grace Baliday , a former José Rizal University student and current events host, steps in as San Juan City’s representative.

De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde’s Aleea Fedillaga will

cover the games as a sports writer and events host from Crame. NCAA also introduces multi-awarded swimmer Kayla Afable from Makati City, and student jock Yen Supan from Tarlac.

Returning for the centennial season is Flo Del Agua , a former instructor and experienced courtside reporter from Sta. Mesa. Theater actress and content creator Erin Ty from Quezon City also joins the team, along with two male reporters—basketball player Fonsie Roldan from Pasig City and vlogger Riri Khalid from Basilan.

Returning reporters include Kristine San Agustin of Los Baños, Glycel Ann Galpo from Caloocan,

and Julia Ong from Manila.

In celebration of its historic centennial season this 2024, the NCAA also recently launched a brand new logo that further showcases the athletic league’s longevity, solidity, adaptability, and strength as it continues to grow and evolve to the next century. With this season’s theme, “Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies,” the NCAA also inspires legacies of sportsmanship, competitiveness, hope, valor, camaraderie, and power through the generations.

NCAA Season 100 kicks off on Sept. 7 at the Mall of Asia Arena, with live coverage on GMA and HOA on Sept. 8.

on how various nations cultivate talent for these global stages.”

Drewe noted that beauty pageants often boost tourism and related industries in countries with frequent winners, and highlighted the evolving focus of these contests on personal achievement and social impact. The study underscores how cultural values and global beauty standards shift over time.

The study assessed titleholders, first runners-up, and second runners-up from major international beauty pageants. Points were assigned as follows: 3 points for titleholders, 2 points for first runners-up, and 1 point for second runners-up. The total points from each country were aggregated to determine the ranking of the most beautiful countries.

‘Lavender Fields’ tops Netflix PH, draws over 629,000 viewers for pilot

ABS-CBN’s latest drama-thriller series Lavender Fields, starring Jodi Sta. Maria, Jericho Rosales, and Janine Gutierrez, attracted significant attention with its premiere, garnering 629,565 live concurrent views on Kapamilya Online Live. The pilot episode also produced multiple trending topics on social media. The show quickly climbed to the top spot on Netflix Philippines’ Top 10 TV Shows and became one of the platform’s mostliked series. Trending topics on X included #LavenderFields, #LavenderFieldsAngUnangTagpo, Jodi Sta. Maria, Janine Gutierrez, and key characters such as Jasmin

Flores. The first episode, which aired on Sept. 2, introduced viewers to Jasmin (Sta. Maria), who discovers a wounded Arthur (Rosales) in her garden. Unbeknownst to Jasmin, Arthur is living a double life as Tyrone, whose troubled marriage to Iris (Gutierrez) adds further tension to the plot. Netizens praised the show’s intense scenes and standout performances from the cast. Lavender Fields airs weeknights at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, TFC, and Kapamilya Online Live. Episodes are also available on Netflix and iWantTFC.

‘Lavender Fields’ stars Jodi Sta. Maria (left) and Jericho Rosales

Dayana Gabriela

Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza is a Venezulan actress, model, film producer, and director

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach is a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific

Miss Universe 2012

Olivia Culpo is a model, actress, and social media influencer

From biting to bliss: She nailed it!

How Ashley Colet mastered the art of Russian manicure

of the technique to one’s nails

IF I had a peso for every time I bit my nails as a kid, I’d probably have enough for a lifetime supply of manicures. Keeping my nails long has always been a challenge. This is the reason why Ashley Colet’s nail biter’s reconstruction package immediately caught my attention when I chanced upon it on Instagram stories.

Ashley, a specialist in Russian manicure, seemed like the perfect solution to my ongoing nail woes. At first glance, I assumed she was a foreigner, given the unique nature of her service. But to my surprise, Ashley is a pure Filipina, passionate about restoring confidence through nail care. Ashley’s journey into nail care is as fascinating as the Russian manicure

like electric files to dead skin and cuticles without getting the nails wet,” Ashley explained.

True enough, I observed how the procedure took a dry yet meticulous approach. For someone like me, who is concerned about the safety of my

technique she champions. In her early 20s, she has dabbled in showbiz, landing a few acting projects before discovering her true calling in nail care. This change led her to Russian manicure—a technique that has gained popularity for its precision and effectiveness in achieving flawless nails.

“Unlike the traditional method, Russian manicure uses special tools

already fragile nails, Ashley’s technique sounded promising.

“It is also known as dry manicure,” Ashley added. The precision and focus required allows the specialist to get closer to the nail plate without causing damage. Ashley explained that it is considered a gentler and more precise option, particularly suitable for those with sensitive nails or those seeking for a meticulous approach.

Given what I learned, what exactly are the benefits of the Russian manicure, and why has it become such a sought-after technique? Here are four key advantages that make this method stand out based on our conversation:

Cuticle care: Traditional manicures often involve soaking the nails in water or solutions to soften the cuticles before pushing them back. However, the Russian manicure skips this step entirely. By using electric files and specialized bits, the technique allows for the removal of excess cuticle and dead skin with greater precision. This not only results in a cleaner and more polished look but also reduces the risk of infection, as the nails are not exposed to unnecessary moisture.

experience that comes with Russian manicures. Each session is tailored to the client’s specific needs, whether it’s addressing issues like nail biting or simply maintaining healthy nails. Ashley’s expertise in mixing her own shades to perfectly suit every skin tone adds another layer of customization, ensuring that every client leaves with nails that complement their individual style and complexion.

Gentle but effective: Despite the use of electric tools, the Russian manicure is surprisingly gentle on the nails. The precision required in this method means that the specialist can avoid over-filing or causing any damage to the nail plate. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive nails or those who have experienced damage from other manicure techniques. It is important, though, to get the services of a highly skilled specialist.

Longer-lasting results: One of the most common complaints about regular manicures is how quickly they can become undone. The Russian manicure, with its approach to cuticle care and nail preparation, ensures that the polish adheres better and lasts longer. This is particularly beneficial for those who don’t have the time for frequent touch-ups or are looking for a manicure that can withstand the rigors of daily life.

Customized nail care: Ashley emphasizes the personalized

Ashley’s personal experience as a nail biter herself led her to seek out the best training available. She took an international course under Russian Nail Masters and got certified by Russian Manicure PH to practice professionally. Today, she is not only a brand ambassador for Russian Manicure PH but also an advocate for proper training when it comes to nail care and nail art. Through her brand, Ash Luxe Nails, she focuses on nail reconstruction, offering a truly personalized experience that caters to the unique needs of her clients. For anyone struggling with weak, damaged nails or simply looking for a manicure that offers both beauty and care, the Russian manicure is a game-changer. And with Ashley Colet, you’re in expert hands. You can reach her via Instagram at @ ashluxenails, where she continues to share her passion for nails and help others discover the specialized technique.

Ashley Colet demonstrates how the Russian manicure technique is done common

The Russian manicure technique is known for its precision and effectiveness as it utilizes special tools to achieve flawless nails