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VOL.VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 227• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2024 • • XXXVIII • NO. 234• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •MONDAY, OCTOBER30, 7, 2024

PNP resurrecting probe Digong says he has no quarrel Marcos into PCSOwith official's slay

Solons probing Garma’s use of diplomatic pouches

By Rio N. Araja THE House of Representatives’ Quad PAGASA deeper into exCommittee is probing Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma’s alleged use of diplomatic channels to send millions to her former husband when he was assigned in the United States.

During the committee’s Sept. 27 hearing, new details emerged about Garma's alleged misuse of diplomatic

Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens

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THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon ‘Julian’ which PAGASA says could turn into a supertyphoon.

As of 5:00 PM on Sunday, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 over Batanes and the northeastern portion of Babuyan Islands. “’Julian’ is forecast to continue intensifying the next 24-36 OLD faces inover the political scene have hours as it moves towards Batanes fied their certificates of candidacy and/or Islands. With the (COC) Babuyan over the weekend. current trend in its intensification, Former president Rodrigo the possibility of reaching super Duterte is eyeing a comeback as typhoon category is not ruled out,” mayor of the city with his son, inPAGASA in its advisory.sliding cumbent said mayor Sebastian, Meanwhile, National Disasdown as vice the mayor. ter Risk ManageThisReduction was the and revelation of mentDuterte Councilduring (NDRRMC) said that a live press cona totalference of 1.9 Saturday million night. family food packs worth billion, The P1.48 presscon with other local food items worth P276 million, andat media in Davao was held non-foodhis items (NFIs) worth P919 residence and was aired million were already prepared by over SNMI. Next page the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

More political Ex-president willing to face Quad Comm probe Speaker grateful for PMA Class '83 vote of confidence in Quad Comm old-timers file their COCs

ORMER President Rodrigo Duterte maintained that he has no axe to Araja grind with incumbent President Marcos as he highlighted the

By Rio N. crucial role of an opposition to serve as check and balance, but not to the HE point of destroying the administration.

Philippine National Police "If you say there is a need for an opposition, I sucessor in the Palace but certain quarters are pitting (PNP) would gladly take is thereopening role as an opposition, not to them against each other. destroy the president, but to be there, just to see to "That's the problem, that's what hurts, the presiits investigation into it that everything is followed and everything is done dent knows that we don't have a fight," he said the 2020hemurder ofa press briefing in Davao in Cebuano. correctly," said during City Saturday evening.

This was the second time Duterte pubPhilippine Charity "I will tell you (President Marcos) as a friend if licly said that he and Marcos are not enSweepstakes you are wrong andOffice something has to be corrected. emies, political or otherwise.

We will just keep our mouth shut, but if you do not On Sept. 21, the former president (PCSO) board secretary do anything, then we will be forced to take the side as said during a political rally that, Wesley Barayuga. an opposition," he added.

"Marcos doesn't have abuses that I

F T

Former President Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte insisted that he has no quarrel with his Next page On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his Next page vehicle and the funding necessary to A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD carry it out.

Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic The whistleblower also implicated adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug incumbent National Police Comtrade and extrajudicial killings. missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was THE Philippine government on shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

Sunday publicly called for the UnitGarma, herself an ex-police Lt. THE legal counsel of Chinese adviser of former President Rodrigo of illegal drugs and illegal activities ed Nations (UN) to give it a seat on Colonel, allegedly gained the top businessman Tony Yang sought to Duterte. associated with POGOs,” Suarez said the UN Security Council, highlightspot at the PCSO because of her indisparage lawmakers’ conclusions Fortun, a lawyer who often finds in a mixture of Filipino and English. ing the country’s strong record and Next page about his client’s supposedly himself at the center high-profile The solons explained how the dedication to upholding the rule of sketchy past and his alleged ties cases, apparently sought to mock matrix details Yang’s connections to law. with Philippine Overseas Gaming congressmen, calling their probe other individuals involvedONE in illicit WAR RAGES YEAR AFTER . Flames and smoke Department of Foreign Affairs in an area yesterday by an Israeli air strike on Operators (POGOs) and even “unacceptable.” activities,rise including thetargeted operations of (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo in Beirut's southern suburbs. Official Lebanese media said five organized crime.

However, House members argued illegal POGOs. a speech delivered at the UN GenIsraeli strikes hit south Beirut and its outskirts during the night of Lawyer Raymond Fortun they did not come by their suspicions Among the companies implicated Assembly New York said the October 5,Technology 2024, four of them violent," afterin the Israeli army questioned the House Quad about Yang recklessly. are Brickhartz Inc. "veryeral called residents to evacuate the Hezbollah bastion.

Inset to at upper Philippines continues emphasize Committee’s impartiality and its On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., left shows an Israeli army tank driving through an area the “importance of near upholding the ability to pin Chinese national Yang Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga which are beingsouthern linked border to alleged Israel's with the Gaza Strip, while bottom inset of the rule of law and the integrity down for ay wrongdoing in a real and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of kidnapping.

Filipino militants calling for a halt in the bombings during a multilateral system in the rally face of tocriminal court.

Quezon presented a matrix showing The on two firms supposedly Fridayat the US embassy in Manila. AFP/ABS-CBN grab day’s global challenges.”

“I am very interested in how they Yang’s first appearance and his have connections with the Baofu Quoted by reports, Manalo also [Quad Comm members] can prove subsequent activities at the Quad Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, said: “The Philippines has consisthis criminal network in court. In Comm hearing. which, in turn, can be directly traced tently pursued peace, the sovereign Congress, lawmakers act as both “We saw a pattern, and we tracked to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo. equality of states, the rights and digprosecutor and judge,” he said. it to the top of these corporations...

During Friday’s Quad Comm nity of all persons.”

Yang, who already admitted we stripped it of its layers , to get to hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang He added that the country is also having a fake Philippine birth the top and through it all, we have in contempt for “lying” to about his recognized as the “first Asian Recertificate, is the brother of Michael discovered and identified at least two businesses and business partners.

Hamas attacks in Israel. supplier, stop providing weapons and Yang, a presidential economic main actors or players in the issue

By Rex Espiritu Next page Next page Tens of thousands of protesters aid to Israel.

THE Philippine Air Force (PAF) said marched in cities around the world One man attempted to set himself healthcare workers, students and yesterday they are ready to conduct over the weekend calling for a ceaseon fire, Agence France Presse (AFP)

By Rio N. Araja teachers. possible mass repatriation of Filifire in Gaza and Lebanon. journalists saw, succeeding in lightPRESIDENT Marcos through The aid was provided through the pinos in Lebanon as tension in the In Washington, more than a thouing his left arm ablaze before byHouse Speaker Martin RomualPresident's flagship Ayuda para sa Middle East escalates further with sand protesters demonstrated outside standers and police extinguished the dez, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), nations around the world marking the White House, demanding the flames.

BAUTISTA Gatchalian with Tingog party-list implemented by the Department of the first anniversary of the October 7 United States, Israel's top military Next page Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Social Welfare and Development cent Trinidad told reporters that

By Rex Espiritu Acidre delivered nearly P92-mil(DSWD) in partnership with the Manila troops did not monitor

By Darwin Amojelar lion in aid to 11,808 beneficiaries House of Representatives. any such activity, adding that BeiTHE Philippine Navy debunked Next page in the Davao region, including jing’s statement was meant only on Sunday the recent announceTRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime for its internal audience. ment by China that it conducted Bautista denied an online news report “Our troops did not observe military exercises off Bajo de claiming that Malacañang was angry any exercise, we have to underMasinloc, also known as Scarborwith the increase in airport fees without stand that sometimes, China is ough Shoal, in the West Philipthe approval of the Cabinet members. doing this for their internal audipine Sea (WPS). dence in Paroba Street, Barangay Santo “The Bilyonaryo article is maliBy Vince Lopez ence, right?

For them not to look China reportedly made the anRosario at around 4:20 pm. cious and unfounded,” Bautista said weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad nouncement coinciding with the Reports said emergency responders in a Viber message, referring to the A HUSBAND and wife--who were said. fourth Multilateral Maritime Cofrom the Mexico municipal disaster website that published the said story.

AWARD. Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, involved in an online selling businessTwo Chinese warships were operative Activity between the was honored the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) withand its Outstanding risk reduction management office “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.

-were gunnedbydown by unidentified monitored at a distance ranging Philippines, Australia, Japan, Filipino Retailers President for his visionary leadership retail development. transported thein victims to the Mexico Bilyonaryo reported online that riding-in-tandem suspects Award in Mexico, from eight to 14 nautical miles.

(From left to right): PRA Director and Director of SM Retail Jorge T. Mendiola, PRA San New Zealand, and the United community hospital in Barangay “Bautista and his long-time protege in Pampanga.

One of these went up to 1,000 Vice President and President and COO of Golden, ABC, Inc. (The Penshoppe Group) States within Manila’s exclusive Carlos where they were declared dead Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for According to a police report, the vicAlice T. Liu, SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans T. Sy, yards atwith thethe MMCA site but SHOWING UP.Bobby Among the are politicianseconomic who showedzone up and filed their Commission on even(EEZ) in certificates the re- of candidacy on arrival.

Aviation and Airports Lim, tims, identified as Mabalacat residents PRA President and Chairman of Quorum International, Inc. (Toby’s Sports) Roberto Elections were, from left to right, reelectionist Sen. Pia Cayetano; Rep. Erwin Tulfo who is gunning his brother tuallyto join went away. Raffy “It atwas not gional waters over the weekend.

The localInt’l. police issued flash alarm at the center of the storm after it was Arvin Dayrit Lulu and Lerma Waje Lulu, S. Claudio, and PRA Director and President of Sportshouse Leisure, Inc.aand the Senate; Sen. Koko Pimentel who will run forPhilippine mayor of Marikina, Rep. Gina de Veneciathreatening, of Pangasinan just whose COC was accordnormal,” Navyand Spokesperson and launched dragnet operations across were shot by two unidentified male asproponent of PRA OFR President’s Award Mars C. Chua submitted by her son Cristopher. for WPS Rear Admiral Roy VinNext page Next page sailants while traveling in front of a resiNext page

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

PH lobbies UN for Security Council seat

DOTr’s Bautista says online news report‘unfounded'

PAF ready to bring back Pinoys from war-torn Lebanon Gov’t delivers P92-m in aid for studes, health workers in Davao Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

Online seller, husband shot dead in ambush

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PH reshapes defense strategy to adapt to situation “The Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), the foundation of the country’s defense strategy, aims to preserve our territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as assure our countrymen’s access to marine resources in our maritime domain,” retired Ambassador Marilyn Alarilla told Manila Standard.

“In the process of realizing these goals, the Philippines has expanded partnerships and defense programs with other countries that respect a rules-based international order,” she added.

The Philippines has seen increased diplomatic activity, with foreign leaders visiting to explore agreements similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and hold bilateral defense talks.

These efforts, aimed at enhancing defense ties through joint military exercises and knowledge-sharing, strengthen the country's defense posture.

Over the past years, the Philippines' defense posture has been steadily shifting from fighting local insurgency to maintaining territorial security.

This can be seen on the continuous visits and pledges of defense leadership of different countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia and even the United States as already given.

For the Philippine Army, bilateral training with allied nations focuses on its transformation into a “world class army.”

Among those exercises is the Salaknib exercises that trained Army Artillery Regiment troops with a US made missile system, aside from the regular Balikatan Exercises.

“It is not directed to counter any country. We want to become a world class Army, multi-mission ready and cross domain capable. Our comprehensive strategic planning considers exercises that best suit our land force as

we make a significant leap to our territorial defense.” Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala told Manila Standard.

“These exercises will help us enhance our capabilities and interoperability. Aside from exercises/drills, we are also doing subject matter expert exchanges trainings with other countries like the UK, Japan,” he added.

For its part, the Air Force has participated in 6 bilateral exercises; Pitchblack, Cope Thunder PH among others, all of them were with US counterparts.

“These new alliances symbolize that a rules-based regional, and subsequently international order, is gaining strength… The perspective is on which values are driving countries with respect to their political and strategic decisions, including freedom of navigation and overflight,” Alarilla expounded.

She emphasized the importance of these partnerships in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. The former envoy described China as a revisionist state seeking to alter the international rules-based order to align with its interests, including promoting authoritarian governance.

This, she argued, poses an existen-

Digong...

scarce during recent Quad Committee (Quad Comm) hearings at the House of Representatives, Duterte now says he is willing to face the probe on alleged state-sponsored executions of drug personalities if invited by congressmen.

"What do they [ lawmakers] want to know? If they will invite me [I will come]. I just hope that they would ask educated questions," he said in a mixture of Filipino in English during a press briefing in Davao City Saturday evening.

When quizzed by reporters about extra judicial killings (EJKs) the took place during his presidency, Duterte cryptically said "Naku, totoo 'yan. (Oh, that's true)."

It left reporters wondering, howev-

er, if that was an admission of authorizing EJKs or if he was just conceding that such crimes happened to have taken place during the six years he was in office.

It can be recalled that solons called out Duterte, along with his close associates, for dodging Quad Comm hearings despite repeated invitations.

The panel's overall chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert 'Ace' Barbers has said that he has questions for Duterte regarding how the 'war on drugs" was conducted during his administration.

Likewise, Santa Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Ferandez said the former president has some explaining to do regarding the rise of Philippine Overseas Gaming

Operators (POGOs) during his term in Malacañang.

Duterte flatly denied that his government encouraged the prolifeation of POGOs in the country.

During the press conference, wherein Duterte also announced his intention to win back his old job as mayor of Davao City, he made a not-so-veiled threat against former Senator Leila De Lima.

The former president said he would release a supposed sex tape of De Lima if she continues making defamatory statements about him.

"I just want to make peace with everybody. But if she starts to f__k everything, hindi kita aatrasan (I won't back down from you)," he declared.

More...

Solons...

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The former president said the desire to run for higher position is there but his body cannot do it anymore because of his age "You think I can still carry a national campaign? At my age? Do you want me die? The desire is there but matrabaho kasi yan. Baka mag collapse ako. I will be required to travel a lot, physical movement but di na kaya Ng katawan. The desire to become a senator is there but Ang problema ang katawan natin di na kaya," he said.

"I am ready to retire but I am open to suggestion. What do you want me to run? Mayor? Is that the popular clamor? Is the sentiment of the media reflects the community? Yan ba Ang gusto ng mga tao?"

As this developed, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel has submitted his candidacy for the congressmanship of the First District of Marikina, Oct. 6.

The revitalization of the city's shoe industry is at the top of his priorities.

"The country will not advance if the politician does not have a word of honor," the senator emphasized.

He will face incumbent Marikina Mayor Marcelino "Marcy."

OUTGOING Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez has filed his certificate of candidacy as Vice Governor of Davao Del Norte Saturday afternoon.

Alvarez was a no show at the Comelec's office in Capitol on Saturday but he sent his representative Audrei Perez to file on his behalf.

Perez is also running as board member. He filed his COC last week Alvarez in a text message Sunday morning confirmed that he is running.

"Yes, I confirmed I filed my COC for vice Governor yesterday," he stated in a text message.

Alvarez will be running under Reporma party.

Meanwhle, Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro filed her certificate of candidacy for congressman in the 1st District of Albay in the 2025 midterm elections.

She was a congresswoman before seeking the mayorlaty post at Tobaco.

channels to transmit hge sums of money to her husband, Police Col. Roland Vilela while he was serving as a police attaché at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, California between 2020 and 2022.

The revelations suggest possible misuse of government resources, specifically the PNP’s diplomatic pouches intended for official communications and attaché salaries, with testimony from PNP officials indicating these channels may have been exploited for personal financial gain.

A diplomatic pouch is any properly identified and sealed package or container that is used to transport official correspondence, documents, and other articles intended for official use by embassies, and are not subject to customs and other searches by the host government.

The latest accusation came even as Garma is being linked to the executions of several foreign drug personalities and the murder of another PCSO official who threatened to expose corruption in the agency.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop’s intense questioning of former and current PNP officials, including thenchief of the Directorate for Intelligence and later PNP chief Benjamin

Acorda Jr., showed the possibility that the PNP’s diplomatic pouch system was used to funnel “personal” funds to Vilela.

Acorda confirmed that police attaché salaries and maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) were regularly sent through those channels.

Acop raised the system's vulnerability to misuse, asking if it could be used for personal transfers disguised as official ones.

“Yes, Your Honor, to my understanding,” Acorda told Acop.

Meanwhile, Acop, also a retired police general, grilled Vilela, asking him about the money other than his salary that he received through the MOOE. Vilela responded that aside from his P120,000 monthly pay, he also received as police attaché.

Police Captain Delfinito Anuba, Vilela’s errand man, was responsible for converting pesos into dollars and sending them to Vilela in the U.S. When asked if he had converted pesos to dollars, Anuba confirmed, “Yes, Sir,” and detailed the process, explaining that he collected the funds from Garma’s security team, specifically Sgt. Enecito Ubales Jr. Ubales is Garma’s first cousin.

Anuba said he would get the fund at the PCSO building, and that he converted P30 million and P20 million into dollars on two occasions.

Ubales denied any involvement.

rescheduled to fly home on Oct. 11, while the remaining 12 will join 17 other OFWs who are set for repatriation on Oct. 22, "barring unforeseen circumstances," according to the Department of Migrant Workers.

The DMW added that the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Beirut is also arranging the repatriation of 63 more OFWs with complete documentation and clearances to leave Lebanon.

Castillo, however, said that no other details regarding that mission can be shared as of this time.

Meanwhile, Israel placed its forces on alert Saturday ahead of the anniversary of Hamas's assault, after a military official said the country was preparing its retaliation for Iran's missile attack.

The alert came with Israel engaged in an intensifying war with the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which military chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said would be hit "without concession or respite."

Ahead of Monday's grim anniversary, military spokesman Rear Admi-

ral Daniel Hagari said at a televised briefing: "We are prepared with increased forces in anticipation for this day," when there could be "attacks on the home front."

Israel's President Isaac Herzog called Iran an "ongoing threat" after Tehran, which backs armed groups across the Middle East, on Tuesday launched around 200 missiles at Israel in revenge for Israeli killings of top militant leaders.

As this developed, Sen. Imee Marcos called on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to evacuate all Filipinos from danger areas in Lebanon and to repatriate them to the Philippines as soon as possible.

"Unfortunately, the circumstances in Lebanon may worsen as there is no sign that the hostilities will cease any time soon. For all intents and purposes, the situation is already an Alert Level 4 Crisis. More civilians, including Filipinos, will undoubtedly be in harm’s way. This is a risk that the Philippine Government should never take," the senator said. AFP

By Rachelle Tonelada and Rex Espiritu

T

HE Philippines has been actively reshaping its defense strategy by building stronger ties with nations that uphold a rules-based international order, moving beyond traditional alliances as part of its strategic efforts to protect territorial integrity and sovereignty.

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am aware of. For as long as he maintains this attitude it's okay. I think that I can live with him, I can bend with him."

However, Duterte pointed out that the Marcos administration's emphasis on distributing financial assistance for impoverished Filipinos should be moderated so there would be more funds left over for key infrastructure projects.

"I am not passing judgment on the president. If that is what he wants to be remembered..." Duterte said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

Meanwhile, after making himself

PAF...

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Thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters also gathered in cities across Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas to demand an end to the conflict, which has killed nearly 42,000 people in Gaza.

The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas militants attacked Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of them civilians, according to an Agence France Presse (AFP) tally based on official Israeli figures.

The militants also seized 251 hostages, 97 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel launched a blistering military campaign in Gaza, vowing to destroy Hamas and bring back the hostages.

Until now at least 41,825 people have been killed in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to the territory's health ministry.

The United Nations have acknowl-

edged the figures to be reliable.

PAF Spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo told the Manila Standard that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are capable of organizing massive evacuation efforts through the air force personnel and our C130 planes.

"Regarding this, the PAF is a force provider for AFP-directed missions.

If in case called upon by higher headquarters to assist in the evacuation/ repatriation of Filipinos from conflict areas overseas, the PAF is capable for such missions using our heavy airlift aircraft such as the C130,” Castillo said.

Flight cancellations going to and from Lebanon delayed the repatriation of over a dozen Filipinos there.

Fifteen overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were supposed to be flown back to the country this week. They were originally scheduled to depart Lebanon last Sept. 25, but their flights were rescheduled anew following recent explosions in Beirut.

Of the 15, three OFWs, including one with a medical condition, are

tial threat to nations that advocate for democracy, good governance, transparency, accountability, and human rights.

Meanwhile, Matteo Piasentini, a political scientist and Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines - Diliman Department of Political Science, suggested that the push for 'defense diversification' is part of the country's broader effort to pursue a more independent foreign policy, aiming to reduce its ‘over-reliance’ on US security.

“This is also a way of signaling that Manila has its own agency regarding security and defense matters, countering narratives that portray the Philippines as merely a US pawn,” Piasentini told Manila Standard.

“That said, it’s also indisputable that these partnerships are (deliberately or implicitly) aligned with the broader objective of limiting China’s ability to project power in the region, which is why they don’t generally face US opposition,” he expounded.

Piasentini further explained that these partnerships “represent an effort to address the lack of deterrence capabilities that the Philippines is currently experiencing.”

“Strengthening partnerships is an effective way to temporarily offset the shortfall in defense capabilities. The

AFP modernization program will take years to complete, so the Philippines is seeking to compensate for this delay with a web of transnational defense ties,” Piasentini explained.

“While I don’t believe the Philippines currently has a comprehensive strategy for the Indo-Pacific region as a whole, these partnerships are instrumental in strengthening the country's ability to control its borders and assert its sovereign rights,” he added.

For National Security Expert Dr. Chester Cabalza, Philippine strategy to forge defense alliances, to conduct, host or join military exercises with nonsuperpower nations like Canada, South Korea and Australia can strengthen Indo-Pacific strategy.

“More than de-risking, it is called collective deterrence mainly because these allied countries have identified common threats. This is to advance their international support to maintain rules-based order,” he told the Manila Standard.

Cabalza further described the numerous pacts and exercises “important to confront emerging security issues.”

“These are proactive and reactive instruments to create simulated realities to pursue their own national interest aligned in preserving regional and global security,” he concluded.

Gov‘t...

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House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada reported that the latest AKAP payouts amounted to P91.955 million, benefiting thousands across the Davao region.

“With the instruction of President Marcos, we will continue to deliver direct assistance to our people, especially with the good news about the inflation last month that eased to 1.9 percent from 3.3 percent in August and 4.4 percent in July,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Last October 2, an AKAP event held at Davao de Oro State College’s New Bataan Campus provided aid to 2,190 students. They received P2,000 each, totaling P4.38 million.

Additional payouts included P22.88 million to 2,288 beneficiaries at Davao Regional Medical Center, and P56.09 million to 5,609 beneficiaries at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

The AKAP payouts concluded on October 5 at ePark, Tagum City, where Davao del Norte Vice Governor De Carlo Uy and local officials led the distribution of P5,000 each to 1,721 private school teachers, amounting to P8.605 million.

Online...

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nearby municipalities. CCTV footage is also being reviewed for possible identification of the suspects, authorities said.

According to Alicia Dayrit Lulu, Arvin's mother, the two met a client and were on their way home when the fatal shooting happened.

In a CCTV footage, the couple was seen riding in a black pick-up followed by a motorcycle.

Arriving in Barangay Sto. Rosario, the motorcycle stopped on the side of the road and the two men on it got off.

The suspects reportedly walked to the pick-up truck where they opened fire on the two victims who were accompanied by 2 more passengers.

"We saw they're already tailing the victims' vehicle,” P/Lt. Col. Pearl Joy Gollayan, Mexico MPS chief, said.

Two passengers aboard the couple’s vehicle, their 6-year-old son and a cousin of Lerma, were not hurt, police said.

Authorities said a possible motive for the killing was related to business. "We are not dealing with a single motive, we are still looking at what the concrete motive is," Gollaya added.

Police are also investigating the client that the couple met earlier. The families of the victims are calling for the suspects to surrender.

The police said they have persons of interest and are still pursuing the suspects.

Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo said he will give a P100,000 reward to individuals who can provide information about those involved in the killing.

In a statement, Garbo said that although the shooting happened in Mexico, Pampanga, the victims were both residents of their city.

NEWS

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Soldiers seize arms cache in Eastern Samar

Oct. 15 is infant remembrance day

By Rex Espiritu

By Vince Lopez

MEMBERS of the 78th Infantry Battalion seized an arms cache in the Municipality of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, and facilitated the surrender of two members of a Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) earlier this week.

Captain Jefferson Mariano, chief of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, reported that Alias Jacobe, the Vice Squad leader, and Alias Aquilla, both from the remnants of the Apoy Platoon within the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), disclosed the locations of hidden arms caches in the remote villages of Osmeña and Laurel in General MacArthur.

The recovered arms cache included two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, one .30 caliber Springfield rifle, and one AK-47 rifle.

In addition to these weapons, troops also seized hundreds of rounds of ammunition, several magazines, personal belongings, and subversive documents containing high intelligence value.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Brigade, commended the troops for their professionalism and successful negotiation that led to the surrender of these individuals.

“Two lives were saved from the grip of a dead ideology. It’s only a matter of time before all members of SRC Sesame will be neutralized. The success of this operation is credited to the tireless efforts of the 802nd Brigade in conducting comprehensive debriefings with former rebels and implementing programs such as the E-FReE Families program and Project APOY,” he said.

M

ALACAÑAN has declared October 15 as “National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.”

Proclamation No. 700, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on October 2, repealed Proclamation No. 586, which declared March 25 of every year as the “Day of the Unborn.”

The new proclamation aims “to honor and remember the infants lost during or shortly after pregnancy, and acknowledge the mothers and their families who have suffered through

these losses.”

“There is a need to designate a specific day to increase awareness and provide comprehensive support for affected families, including mental health services, community programs, and informed healthcare guidance,” the proclamation reads.

The Department of Health (DOH) is directed to lead, coordinate and supervise, as well as to identify the programs, activities and projects aligned

IN BRIEF Army strengthens S. Korea, ASEAN military ties THE Philippine Army earlier this week strengthened ties with the South Korean and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) counterparts during the inaugural Korea-ASEAN Armies Chiefs Conference (KACC) in Daejeon, South Korea.

Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army met with South Korean Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su during the KACC which was also attended by Gen. Muhammad Hafizuddeain bin Jantan, the Malaysian Chief of Army; Gen. Mao Sophan, the Royal Cambodian Army Chief; and Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Nghia, deputy commander in chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army.

The Philippine Army and South Korean Army conducted high-level dialogues in bilateral and multilateral settings such as the KACC and the Land Forces Summit in Japan. The Philippine Army will host next year the 2nd Philippine ArmyRepublic of Korean Army (ROKA) Staff Talks.

The KACC multilateral security talks aim to support peace in the Korean Peninsula and strengthen multilevel security cooperation for a combined response to threats in the region. Rex Espiritu

Rep. Tulfo joins Lakas; Speaker administers oath

TODA party-list vows to protect tryke, jeepney drivers

By Rio N. Araja ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo has officially joined the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez administering his oath on Oct. 4 as the party’s 112th member in the House of Representatives.

Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plusstrong chamber and Lakas-CMD president, lauded Tulfo as a valuable addition, saying he is confident in the significant contributions Tulfo would bring to both the party and the nation.

“Rep. Erwin Tulfo is a tremendous asset to both our party and the nation, embodying not only seasoned public service but also courage and integrity,” he said.

Tulfo, a former journalist and Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is known for his fearless, no-nonsense approach to public service and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of marginalized Filipinos.

He is currently a frontrunner in the Senate race for the May 2025 midterm elections.

“Cong. Erwin’s track record speaks for itself, and we are honored to welcome him into Lakas-CMD. His fearless advocacy for the underprivileged and commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Filipinos make him a perfect fit for our mission of nation-building,” Romualdez said.

He expressed optimism that Tulfo’s membership would bring fresh energy to the party at a critical time for governance.

THE TODA Aksyon party-list on Sunday vowed to improve the rights, privileges. and benefits of those in the sector of tricycle operators and drivers’ associations through the passage of a Magna Carta law for them.

Its first nominee, ex-Valenzuela City councilor Rovin Andrew Feliciano, is eyeing a seat in Congress to look after the welfare of one of the most neglected marginalized sectors of society.

“The TODA Aksyon party-list will participate in the 2025 elections to give voice and representation to tricycle drivers and operators throughout the Philippines because for a long time, the truly marginalized sector has no representation,” he stressed.

The party-list, once elected in Congress, aims the passage of the Magna Carta for Tricycle Drivers and Operators. Rio N. Araja

EYEING A SEAT IN CONGRESS. (Clockwise photo 1) Sta. Rosa Lone District Congressman Dan Fernandez files his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Sunday with his running mate, Gem Amante, wife of incumbent Mayor Vic Amante of San Pablo City, Laguna; (photo 2) Angkas CEO George Royeca is running for Congress with "ANGKASangga" to advocate for the informal sector; (photo 3) Ida Abedaño Guintu files her COC to run as the first nominee of Pinuno Party-list in the She is the mother of Pinuno Party-list Rep. Howard Guintu, who is running for congressman of the First District of Capiz; (photo 4) Tabaco City Albay Mayor Krisel Lagman Luistro files her COC for congressman in the 1st District of Albay; and (photo 5) former Commission on Elections commissioner and Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons With Disabilities (P3PWD) party-list first nominee Rowena Guanzon files her COC. Norman Cruz and Roy Tomandao

Gina de Venecia files candidacy; aiming to return to Congress FORMER congresswoman Gina V.P. de Venecia, popularly known as “Manay Gina,” officially filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Sunday, aiming to return to the House of Representatives.

Her COC was filed on her behalf by her son, incumbent congressman Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office in Dagupan City. She

with its observance.

It also directed other government agencies and offices, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges to participate and render necessary support for its effective implementation.

All local government units, nongovernment organizations, professional associations, and the private sector are encouraged to give support.

is running under the LAKAS-CMD political party headed by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

De Venecia expressed gratitude to the people of Pangasinan’s 4th district for their continued support of her family’s public service legacy.

Her husband, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of which as Speaker, and Christopher is currently in his third and final term.

Manay Gina, herself, was elected as congresswoman in the 15th (20102013) and 16th (2013-2016) congresses and served twice as president of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI).

“My vision is to empower every generation by providing livelihood opportunities for all—from Gen Zs to Millennials and their parents,” she emphasized. She plans to champion the growth of Micro, Small,

and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as nurture local tourism, arts, and culture.

Manay Gina introduced her campaign philosophy encapsulated in the acronym L.O.V.E.: “L” for Livelihood Opportunities, “O” for Overall Health Care, “V” for Values Formation, and “E” for Education and Environment.

“Together, let us build a future founded on L.O.V.E. where every individual can flourish,” she said.

Nartatez set to become PNP second-in-command MAJ. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. will be the second top official of the Philippine National Police effective Oct. 9.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief will take over the post vacated by Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, who retired from the service in August, according to an announcement on Sunday.

Assuming the NCRPO Director position is Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia, chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

Hernia’s position will be given to Brig Gen. Benjamin Sembrano, the Acting Director of the PNP Forensics Group, which will be passed on to Brig. Gen. Constancio Chinayog.

On Friday, PNP chief Gen. Francisco Marbil also appointed Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo as chief of the PNP Directorial Staff following the retirement of Gen. Jon Arnaldo.

NEWS

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IN BRIEF HIGHLANDERS PUT BEST FOOD FORWARD. The people of Cordillera Administrative Region which covers Baguio City, the so-called ‘Summer Capital’ of the Philippines, celebrate a bountiful harvest through their Gong Festival that showcases traditional dances and colourful costumes to depict their cycle of planting, harvesting, courtship and wedding.

Dave Leprozo

‘EO 70 to boost PH film industry’

By Vince Lopez

P

RESIDENT Marcos issued Executive Order No. 70 to promote the development of the Philippine film industry and to strengthen the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP).

“To maximize the full potential of the Philippine Film Industry, it is imperative to ensure that world-class Filipino talents in the field of motion picture arts and sciences are given due recognition and assistance by the National Government,” the EO signed by Executive Secretary Lucas

Bersamin stated.

“It is necessary to strengthen the FAP and further define its duties and functions to complement the programs, activities, and projects of existing government bodies involved in the promotion and development of the Philippine Film Industry,” the order read.

The EO reorganized the FAP and placed it under the administrative supervision of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to be governed by a board of trustees composed of officials coming from different government agencies.

The FAP will have the primary function of giving due recognition to outstanding motion pictures, artists and relevant stakeholders with a view to revitalize and further promote the Philippine film industry.

It is directed to establish and organize a prominent annual National Film Awards which will recognize, promote, and celebrate world-class talents and

outputs of Filipinos in motion picture arts and sciences.

“The FAP may collaborate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and such other relevant government agencies relative to the establishment of the National Film Awards,” the EO said.

Consistent with Republic Acts Nos. 11904 and 9167, the FAP will collaborate with the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority , the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Philippine Creative Industries

Ex-MILF camps to be turned into dynamic villages

REBEL CAMPS NO MORE.

Six former Moro Islamic Liberation Front redounds in Mindanao will undergo massive transformation into vibrant socio-economic villages under a partnership between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Department of Science and Technology.

THE Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed its Naval Task Group 84 with the ship BRP Andres Bonifacio serving as its key surface component for the upcoming Maritime Training Activity (MTA) SEAGULL 09-2024 in Muara, Brunei Darussalam, set Oct. 7-11, 2024.

PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., presided over the sendoff ceremony at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.

Adaci was joined by Rear Admiral Renato David, commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Brig. Gen. Edwin Amadar, commander of the Fleet-Marine Ready Force in the event.

Adaci enjoined the 169 officers and personnel from various Philippine Navy units in the delegation to seize this opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations with their Bruneian counterparts.

MTA SEAGULL 09-2024 will cover a comprehensive range of activities, beginning with operational planning and communication discussions tailored to the various serials and events for the two-day sea phase. Rex Espiritu

Ranking NPA leader falls in Davao Norte A RANKING leader of the New People's Army (NPA) was reported arrested earlier this week was apprehended by government forces in Davao del Norte.

The suspect, identified as Porferio Tuna, Jr. alias Danny/Ampong/ Ka Simon, allegedly a second deputy secretary and executive committee member of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, was nabbed during a joint law enforcement operation last Oct. 2, in Purok Magkidong, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

The operation was conducted by the troops from the Army’s 1001st, 1002nd and 1003rd Infantry Brigades together with the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Regional Intelligence Division, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other police units. Rex Espiritu

Ex-Speaker Alvarez settles for lower post

By Rex Espiritu THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have forged a partnership to convert former Muslim rebel camps in Mindanao into dynamic communities based on science-and-technology innovations.

The OPAPRU and the DOST concluded a memorandum of agreement n General Santos City eyeing the transformation of six Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps into peaceful, productive and climate-resilient communities.

The partnership also seeks to empower MILF communities by providing them with technology-driven solutions to advance sustainable livelihood opportunities, promote community well-being, and build resilience, which are key in fostering long-term peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.

The agreement is in line with objectives of the camps transformation program under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro.

Navy sends task force to exercise in Brunei

PH-US RFLIEF MISSION. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) are fielding a combined team to deliver relief and assistance to the victims of Typhoon Julian in Batanes, aboard two US Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules cargo planes.

FORMER Speaker and outgoing congressman Pantaleon Alvarez on Saturday filed his certificate of candidacy as Vice Governor of Davao Del Norte under his own Reporma party.

Alvarez was a no show at the Comelec’s office at the capitol building, but sent in his representative, Audrei Perez, to file on his behalf.

Perez is also running as board member. He filed his COC last week It will be a race between him and the daughter of his protégé Gov. Edwin Jubahib, Clarice Jubahib.

Clarice will be her father’s running mate in the gubernatorial election in May 2025.

Alvarez hinted earlier that he would be running for the governorship, but decided later on for the vice governor’s position. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

PH, US troops to extend relief, aid to Batanes typhoon victims THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) on Saturday joined hands to extend assistance to the victims of Typhoon Julian in Batanes.

The joint relief mission dispatched two US Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules to fly the troops and supplies to the

country’s northernmost islands from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

These aircraft, deployed from the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan, were supporting the transportation of essential aid under the direction of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

AFP deputy chief for operations Lt.

Col. Ariel Galimba and JUSMAG chief Col Edward Evans also paid a courtesy call on Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco.

They emphasized the importance of close collaboration with local authorities to streamline logistics and ensure that vital resources reach the most severely impacted areas, the AFP said.

The JUSMAG team, along with representatives from the US Agency for International Development, also collaborated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for the swift distribution of the supplies to affected communities in Batanes.

Rex Espiritu

NHA backs Congress’ housing caravan

By Rio N. Araja

THE National Housing Authority (NHA) has rallied behind the House of Representatives’ project dubbed “Housing Caravan: Asensong Ramdam” in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.

Through the guidance of NHA general manager Joeben Tai, assistant general manager Alvin Feliciano dispatched the agency’s delegation to the event.

From a total of almost 800 beneficiaries who attended the housing caravan, 219 availed themselves of the opportunity to raise their concerns through the NHA Region 3 office.

The NHA addressed issues related to estate management, proposed condonation program, receipt of amortization payments, election of

homeowners associations’ officers, and shortage of water supply with appropriate solutions and actions.

“The NHA is always ready to respond to your needs. We are willing to meet half way with you to resolve your problem regarding bills, delinquency interests, demand notices and so many others,” Feliciano said.

The caravan was an initiative of the House’s Committee on Housing and Urban Development chaired by Bulacan Rep. Florida Robes.

Meanwhile, the NHA awarded housing units to 75 families affected by an earthquake in 2019 in Barangay Libertad, Arakan, Cotabato.

The agency enjoined the beneficiaries to take care of the units and enrich, and not sell them, being a gift from the government.

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

The shameless flaunt it FOR the vanishing middle class in this country who find their incomes unable to cope with inflation, never mind if the BSP and the PSA assure us the price index is going down, yet the tindera in the wet markets tell them, “sabi lang ‘yun ng gobyerno”, and need to draw down on precious savings to augment their incomes, nothing grates sensibilities more than seeing their officials flaunt their wealth, likely ill-gotten.

Over the last few days, we have seen online reports about how the country’s richest woman, Tessie Sy-Coson of the working rich Sy family, lines up at the baggage carousel to retrieve her luggage, as distinguished from officials who have the habit of having their staff or airport employees retrieve theirs while they hastily exit the airport.

I have seen Ms. Tessie, widow of my friend Louie Coson in socials, refusing to seat at presidential tables, and garbed in simple attire, the epitome of ennobling humility as against others less wealthy who sashay in hundred thousand peso designer outfits sporting million peso handbags, enjoying the feeling of being entitled.

In fact, I have seen many of the ancien riche, those whose wealth came from multi-generational herencias which they have husbanded well, live simple, even austere lives. The recently demised Bea Zobel comes to mind.

During the weeks when the members of the House of Representatives were grilling officials in trying to pin down the vice-president in obeisance to their cues and script, we saw postings of these ladies and gentlemen flaunting their wealth, unexplainable given the legal emoluments of their office.

Rolexes, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe on their wrists; Hermes, Vuitton, Chanel, Goyard hung from their arms, as they show their multi-million, latest model Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and other motor vehicles. The shameless flaunt it.

Never mind the very poor, as our Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and congressmen identify them, because they get their manna from those of us who pay our taxes, deducted from legitimate incomes, from the 4Ps, AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and whatever else our legislators invent, to be able to buy their loyalty aside from buying their votes come the May election date.

Meanwhile, the “leaders” we elect, or rather, are elected by the recipients of the manna from our taxes, get their untold riches from Janet Lim Napoles and her re-incarnations, or from contractors who fork over 60 to 70% of the cost of their over-priced but under-specified projects to satisfy the greed of government officials down the line, plus other rackets from Philippine Offshore Gaming Op-

erators to Pharmally to laptops.

Worse, they get away with it.

We have heard of legislators who now supposedly own buildings in the fashionable right bank of Paris, or in Kensington and Chelsea upon London, while depriving Secretary Jerry Acuzar of the budget needed to build the million houses per year that the President promised.

How many sacks of rice, enough to feed a barangay, would be the equivalent of a Patek on one’s wrist, or an Hermes handbag?

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How many sacks of rice, enough to feed a barangay, would be the equivalent of a Patek on one’s wrist, or an Hermes handbag?

Yet, the ignorant -- because they were malnourished in their infancy and further mis-educated under the tutelage of our likewise underpaid teachers -- keep voting these officials over and over again. Or their wives, their children, their siblings, entrenching these family dynasties for generations.

I recall a now deceased politician from Caraga whose political philosophy is to keep his constituents poor, so that they can easily be bought on election day.

Another newbie politician also in Caraga, where by the way, vote-buying was “invented” in the late fifties by filthy rich loggers, overthrew a well-known icon of corruption, by paying as much as 7,000 pesos per voter, “alindahaw” the poor call it, which the greedy cheapskate refused to pay. How do you suppose the newbie will recover his “investment”?

Ask a stupid question.

The late Miriam Defensor Santiago used to say that corruption is the cause of our nation’s poverty. Noynoy Aquino told us all that “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”.

Returning senator Ping Lacson always says that “government itself is our biggest problem.” Correcting the government, he says, is the first thing we must do.

He has been fine combing our annual budget every time it is submitted to the Senate by the lower house, but despite his exposes of hidden costs and pork barrel entitlements which he solely declines, the budget keeps bloating, and so does pork transmogrify from slices to slabs.

Yet he is running again, in the hope that he can institute reforms in the system, because reforms cannot be done outside the system, so he says.

The impossible dream.

Looming garbage crisis in Central Luzon is mere imagination

By Engr. Eduardo Peralta I’M NOT sure how long it has been since news that the Kalangitan Landfill in Capas, Tarlac would soon be closed came out. The closure story carried on with scenarios of an anticipated garbage crisis. Almost all of those news portrayed an almost doomsday garbage polluted environment.

The projected predicaments were repeated from different perspectives. I definitely understand the concerns. But I have this strong sense that the decision makers are not that dumb to not consider the most logical requirement for such essential facility closure—the existence of alternatives. It’s not rocket science.

Could it be that the said looming garbage crisis in Central Luzon is mere imagination?

It’s simply common sense, right? Just like in a household, if the father or the mother decides to stop placing their garbage bin in a particular spot, there’s certainly a good reason for it, and there will definitely be a new spot for that bin. Pure logic.

Just recently, I chanced upon a special report that essayed the sound alternative destinations for the garbage that Kalangitan Landfill is receiving. For the benefit of those who didn’t see the article --especially those who need to know where the garbage can go other than the closing landfill -- here are alternative facilities in close proximity to Kalangitan Landfill.

There’s the Eco Protect Management Corporation, a 34-hectare Category 4

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It is but a scare tactic that must be ignored. facility in Porac, Pampanga with a daily capacity of 2,500 metric tons of domestic waste. The company is willing to offer promotional packages for local governments to ensure the proper disposal of their waste, even after the Kalangitan Landfill closes.

The Floridablanca Enviro Park Project Corporation facility currently operates a 91-hectare Category 4 Sanitary Landfill

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Typhon deployment in PH

O, WE’RE not talking about the weather disturbance that regularly originates from the Pacific Ocean and brings gusty rains and sometimes gale-force winds to our eastern seaboard, causing massive floods and death and destruction in its wake.

We’re talking about Typhon, a midrange launcher for Standard MS-6 and Tomahawk missiles developed by the United States Army. The weapon is named after Typhon, a figure in Greek mythology, often described as a giant and the father of all monsters, with hundreds of snake-like heads and is associated with storms and chaos.

Typhon was first fielded by the US Army in June 2023 with the successful launch of a Tomahawk missile. In April 2024, the US Army operationally

deployed Typhon batteries to the Philippines via a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster to an unidentified airfield in Northern Luzon for the Salaknib 2024 joint military exercises.

According to US Army officials, from that position in Luzon, Typhon’s missiles could cover not only the entire Luzon Strait but also reach the Chinese coast and various People’s Liberation Army bases in the South China Sea. This could be a game-changer in the ongoing tense situation in the West Philippine Sea.

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This could be a game changer amid the tense situation.

Philippine defense officials, however, clarified that the system was not used in live-fire exercises, but were used to train AFP troops on how to handle and maintain the missile system. The system was also employed during the Balikatan 24 exercises.

On July 4, reports citing statements by military officials indicated that the

system could be withdrawn from the country “in the next several months.” A spokesperson for the Philippine Army later said the deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines could be extended beyond September 2024, pending evaluation on whether the objectives of training exercises were met.

On September 4, 2024 a top official of the US Army announced the future deployment of the Typhon missile system to Japan as part of a Multi-Domain Task Force.

The deployment of the Typhon in the Philippines by the United States has enraged Beijing, claiming that it appears to be part of Washington’s effort to stoke an arms race that could threaten peace and stability in the region.

But look who’s talking. Hasn’t China surreptitiously built artificial islands in parts of the South China Sea facing the Philippines where it has built airstrips and fortifications, and even installed missile sites ostensibly as part of a defensive military strategy? So why can’t the Philippines ask the US, its longstanding treaty ally, to assist our military in achieving a credible deterrence posture amid China’s frenzied military build-up in the South China Sea?

Shared values, shared future PRESIDENT Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the Philippines highlights the enduring and evolving relationship between the Philippines and Republic of Korea (ROK). Built on shared democratic values, commitment to freedom, and support for a rules-based international order, this partnership has lasted for over 75 years and is more important than ever in today’s tense and complex geopolitical landscape.

The “Unification Doctrine” that President Yoon announced at a ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of South Korea’s Liberation Day is apropos amidst the increasing incidents challenging the stability of the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

President Yoon’s “Unification Doctrine” emphasizes peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula through freedom, human rights, and international cooperation, with a focus on economic and social integration, strengthening global alliances, and addressing North Korean security challenges. Reunification is seen as a path to greater prosperity and stability for Koreans, contributing to global peace.

The Philippines fully supports this doctrine, which aligns with our shared commitment to peace and the rule of law.

As tensions rise in the West Philippine Sea and Indo-Pacific, Korea’s vision for a unified, stable peninsula grounded in human rights offers hope for peaceful conflict resolution. A unified Korea would enhance regional security and prosperity, strengthening the principles that both nations uphold.

Indeed, the values expressed by this doctrine predicate the significance of President’s Yoon’s state visit to the Philippines.

The bond between the two nations was forged during the Korean War in the 1950s when the Philippines sent troops to defend South Korea. This has since grown into a dynamic alliance encompassing economic cooperation, defense

collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Economically, South Korea has been a steadfast partner, and its contributions to the Philippines’ infrastructure development cannot be overstated.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 3.16-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge in Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to South Korea for its significant role in the Philippines’ development citing numerous projects funded through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Korean EXIM Bank.

in Floridablanca, Pampanga. It can process 1,000 metric tons of domestic waste daily, and there are plans of increasing its capacity to 3,500 metric tons per day.

In line with plans for the facility to increase its capacity for treated hazardous waste by 1,000 metric tons, the facility is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Floridablanca Enviro Park is a subsidiary of Berjaya Philippines, Inc. and part of the Berjaya Corporation Berhad network from Malaysia, known for its innovative landfills in Malaysia and China.

According to the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) preliminary assessment, both landfills have great potential to be alternatives to the Kalangi-

tan landfill. EMB also ensures that these sanitary landfills comply with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Prime Waste Solutions Inc. in Porac, Pampanga has the largest capacity of the three facilities. It can process 5,000 tons of waste per day. Inaugurated in June 2024, this facility uses advanced waste segregation and storage equipment to reduce landfill volume and methane emissions.

In total, the three alternative facilities have a capacity of 11,000 metric tons per day — much larger than the 3,500 metric tons per day capacity of the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill.

These three alternative facilities have

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

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The Philippines-South Korea Partnership at 75.

The Panguil Bay Bridge, now the longest water-spanning bridge in Mindanao, will reduce travel time between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental from over two hours to just seven minutes, benefiting more than 10,000 travelers daily.

South Korean firms currently support 21 infrastructure projects across the Philippines with two more in the pipeline. Many of these projects are some of the largest in the country. The P8.03-billion Panguil Bay Bridge exemplifies advanced Korean engineering, incorporating reverse circulation drilling and permanent steel casing techniques, showcasing South Korea’s cutting-edge technology. President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the deep involvement of South Korea in making the country’s infrastructure more efficient and improving the quality of life for Filipinos.

A major milestone in this economic relationship is the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the Philippines.

South Korea is already the Philippines’

fifth-largest trading partner, and the FTA promises to deepen economic ties by expanding opportunities in industrial development, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Beyond economics, defense and security cooperation is equally critical. South Korea has been instrumental in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines, providing FA-50 fighter jets and missile corvettes. These contributions have been crucial to strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities, especially amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. As the Philippines faces increasing aggression from China in the West Philippine Sea. South Korea’s support for the Philippines, particularly in upholding international law and calling for peaceful dispute resolution, solidifies the security partnership between the two countries.

This shared commitment to peace and stability underscores the importance of continued collaboration in maintaining regional security.

Cultural ties between the two nations are another significant aspect of our relationship. South Korea remains the top source of foreign tourists to the Philippines, while Filipino tourists to South Korea are on the rise. The influence of Korean pop culture, from K-pop, Kdramas, K-beauty, and Samgyupsal has created a deep cultural connection, with South Korean brands, entertainment, and food becoming a familiar part of Filipino daily life.

Through continued collaboration and developing relationships, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea can ensure that these shared values endure, not only for our peoples but for the greater good of the region and the world. As President Yoon aptly said, “In a unified Korea, we will enjoy more freedom and a greater range of opportunities. Achieving this will bestow a blessing upon the whole of humanity.” enough capacity and ability to be the destination of waste coming from different places, including waste coming from Baguio City.

Two of these facilities will be able to process medical or hazardous waste starting this October 2024. And the other one will soon accept hazardous waste as well.

When one closes, more opens.

Indeed, there is no garbage crisis taking place; it is just a product of imagination that created unnecessary apprehensions and a scare tactic that should be ignored.

Engr. Eduardo Peralta is a structural engineer who owns an architectural and engineering services firm in San Fernando, Pampanga.

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UN chief: End ‘shocking violence’ U

NITED NATIONS, UNITED STATES—The UN secretary-general denounced Hamas and called for an immediate end to the “shocking violence and bloodshed” in Gaza and Lebanon in a statement Saturday ahead of the anniversary of the Palestinian group’s October 7 attack.

Monday marks one year since the devastating assault on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, with Lebanon now also pulled into the fray and world leaders warning of a potential all-out regional crisis.

“This is a day for the global community to repeat in the loudest voice our utter condemnation of the abhorrent acts of Hamas, including the taking of hostages,” UN chief Antonio Guterres

said in an anniversary message released Saturday evening.

While demanding the hostages’ “immediate and unconditional release,” Guterres also implored Hamas to allow the hostages to be visited by Red Cross personnel.

Hamas militants abducted 251 people on October 7, 97 of whom are still captive in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military has said are dead.

Guterres additionally voiced concern over the conflict spreading to Lebanon, where Israel in recent days has pounded the Hamas-allied group Hezbollah, killing over a thousand people and forcing more than a million to flee their homes.

“The war that has followed the terrible attacks of one year ago continues to shatter lives and inflict profound human suffering for Palestinians in Gaza, and now the people of Lebanon,” Guterres said.

The October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity. AFP  Certified true copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued also by BT);

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

001866 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF SHEINA HONG SHI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. 0000874 x - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - x PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is SHEINA HONG SHI, but I have also been known since childhood as SHEINA or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A .

2. My present place of residence is Barangay Alegria , City of Ormoc Province of Leyte and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) Tacloban 2004-2007 Ormoc 2008-2013 Manila 2014-2019 China 2020-2023 Ormoc 2023 up to present 3. I was born on July 19, 2004, in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China 4. My father's name is Xin Jiang Shi and he was born on February 6, 1978 in Fujian, China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Yuan Lian Hong Shi and she was born on May 2, 1984 in Fujian, China. She is a citizen or subject of China.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A,, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A,, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A ] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single Single,, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A in N/A She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A. 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have NO child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School Ormoc Se San School Chiang Kai Shek College Chiway Repton High School Xiamen International Division

Place of School Ormoc City, Leyte Manila, Philippines China

Dates of Study 2008-2013 2013-2020 2021-2023

Highest Grade Completed Grade Two Grade Ten Grade Twelve

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Mrs. Ravigilyn Yap Jardin and Mr. Danilo Parilla Nuez both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at Ormoc City, Leyte and Ormoc City, Leyte respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

 Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of Support from the person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either a student, a new graduate, spouse or senior citizen without income or a candidate for a government licensure exam, who has no own income.

In addition, submit: (1)* Bank Certifications (two are required: [1] said bank certifications must indicate the present balance and [2] average daily balance for the past six months); months (2)* Certificate of Employment if employed or Proof of Registration of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit also the latest GIS (General Information Sheet) which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof of Ownership of Real Property/ies such as condominium, etc.; and if owner of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4) Proof of Ownership of other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc.

Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person must also submit the above-mentioned documents.

Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, submit a notarized affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.  Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Tax Documents (must show the receiving stamp of the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] for the past three (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting him/her, with Proof of Payment of said taxes (such as official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

Note: If petitioner is employed in a family-owned company, the company’s ITR and the company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must also be submitted, aside from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof of Payment of Taxes. Note: The company’s latest GIS (General Information Sheet), which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency, must also be submitted.  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested witnesses who must be Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no criminal record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of character witnesses; also submit a copy of the ID which the character witness used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest in the affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or more (must also indicate how he/she got acquainted with the petitioner); (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/her own opinion, petitioner has all the qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the disqualifications provided for by law);

 Certified true copy of petitioner’s Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or I-Card Certificate [issued by BI (Bureau of Immigration)];  Certified true copy of petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR), if available (issued also by BI);  Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married (issued by PSA);  Authenticated copy of Death Certificate of his/her spouse if petitioner is widowed, or of his/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a government licensure exam;  Certified true copy of Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying of petitioner’s marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact;

Xi vows to ‘deepen cooperation’ with NoKor’s Kim BEIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday told his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un that Beijing hoped to “deepen friendly... cooperation” with Pyongyang, as the two leaders exchanged messages to mark a major diplomatic anniversary.

China and North Korea are traditional socialist allies, and Beijing has long provided crucial support for Pyongyang’s diplomatically isolated government.

State media in both countries said Xi and Kim exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

“China is willing to work with the North Korean side... to strengthen strategic communication and coordination, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, (and) write a new chapter in the traditional bilateral friendship,” Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

He added that Beijing and Pyongyang “have worked closely to promote regional peace and stability, and uphold international fairness and justice”, Xinhua reported.

North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that Kim said Pyongyang “will steadily strive to consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations

 Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma and Transcript of Records of the petitioner from the school’s he or she attended to and/or graduated from in the Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification from the school where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, etc.)

Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, the person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications as to the amount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person for the education of his/her other dependents (example: the tuition and other required school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).  Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma, Transcript of Records, or Certification (if applicable) from the school’s attended by, currently enrolled in, and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality); (Note: please submit a Certification from the school where said child/children is/ are currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for said child children’s enrollment in said school.  Clearances NBI Clearance; Barangay Clearance of the barangay where petitioner is currently residing (It should be a barangay clearance, not a residence certification); Police Clearance from the Police Station Police Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from the RTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as the case may be) from the MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from the Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing.

Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired.

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: Certification issued by the PRA Affidavit of Unemployment Affidavit of Atty. Villegas Affidavit as to Senior HR TOR Certification signed by Sheina Hong Shi Affidavit as to Senior HS Admission Certification issued by Se San School Special Power of Attorney Pictures PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Ormoc City, Metro Manila, this 15th day of September, 2023.

SHEINA HONG SHI Name and Signature of Petitioner Telephone Number: 09173062864 Email Address: sheinahongshi@gmail.com

between (North Korea) and China”.

China and North Korea have stepped up diplomacy since ending years-long border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Analysts say Pyongyang relies heavily on Chinese firms and banks to skirt international sanctions and buttress its military and moribund economy.

Bilateral ties have seemingly become more complex in recent months as North Korea has drawn closer to its other main ally Russia, with Kim announcing support for President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. AFP

Toddler among 4 dead in migrant Channel crossings

 Medical Certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent, and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs Test and HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also conducted from a government hospital)]; Note: Petitioners for naturalization are required to have their medical examination/diagnostic procedures conducted in a government hospital or facility, and not merely hospitals or facilities which are accredited by the government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near the residence or place of work of petitioner is not a valid reason for petitioner not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in a government hospital or facility. Note: It must be clear in the medical certificate and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of said medical examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner.

CEASEFIRE CALL. Members of the Australian Palestinian community hold placards and flags during a rally in Sydney on October 6.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities around the world over the weekend calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as the war in the Palestinian territory hits the one-year mark. AFP

Kazakhstan holds referendum on first nuclear power station ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN —Kazakhstan voted on Sunday in a referendum on building the country’s first nuclear power station as the world’s top uranium producer looks to boost its power generation capacity.

The result, due to be announced on Monday, is expected to be in favour despite lingering resentment over massive radiation exposure as a result of Soviet-era nuclear tests.

China, France, Russia and South Korea are in the running to build the new power station, which is to be located on the shores of Lake Balkhash.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was elected in 2019,

says it will be “the biggest project in the history of independent Kazakhstan”.

The “Yes” campaign has dominated ahead of the vote in a country which still has authoritarian reflexes, despite an easing of pressure on civil society under Tokayev’s rule.

To ensure a high turnout, Kazakhs are being allowed to vote even if they are not enrolled on electoral registers and riding on buses in major cities is free for the day.

“The referendum in itself is more proof of the enormous changes in Kazakhstan over the past five years —another clear demonstration of the concept of a state that listens,” Tokayev said ahead of the vote. AFP

CALAIS, FRANCE—A two-yearold boy and three adults died overnight after two boats crowded with migrants got into difficulty while attempting the perilous Channel crossing from France to England, French officials said Saturday.

The latest tragedies bring to 51 the number of migrants who have died attempting to reach England from France so far this year, according to Jacques Billant, France’s prefect for the Pas-de-Calais region.

In one incident, a child was found unresponsive in an overloaded dinghy when migrants issued a call for assistance on Saturday morning.

The boat, carrying nearly 90 people, had suffered engine failure off the coast of Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France. The boy could not be saved, officials said.

Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor Guirec Le Bras said the child, born in Germany to a Somali mother, had been crushed to death.

Fourteen other migrants were picked up by French officials, including a 17-year-old teenager who had to be hospitalised with burns to his legs, officials said.

The other passengers continued their journey. While French officials try to stop migrants launching their boats, for safety reasons they say they do not intervene once they are at sea except for rescues.

In the second incident, another boat overcrowded with migrants suffered engine failure off the coast of Calais. In the subsequent panic, several people fell overboard and had to be rescued. AFP

Two elephants die in Thai tour spot flooding

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):  Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued by PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)]

SKELETON.

Arizona Republican US Senate candidate Kari Lake speaks in a Halloween atmosphere during “Lake for Senate’s Arizona’s Last Shot Rodeo Rally” at Western Trails Ranch in Morristown, Arizona. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF ORMOC S.S. I, Sheina Hong Shi of legal age and a resident of Brgy. Alegria, Ormoc City, Leyte after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

SHEINA HONG SHI Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at ORMOC CITY this 15th day of September 2023.

2023 _________________________________________ Official authorized to adminster oaths/Notary Public

 Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by PSA);  Certified true copy of ACR or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by BI); (MS-SEPT. 23/30/ OCT. 7, 2024)

TWO elephants drowned during flash flooding in popular Thai tourist hotspot Chiang Mai, their sanctuary said Sunday, as local authorities evacuated visitors from their hotels and shops closed in the city centre.

More than 100 elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province were moved to higher ground to escape rapidly rising flood waters, an employee who gave her name as Dada, told AFP.

But two elephants—named in local media as 16-year-old Fahsai and 40-year-old Ploython, who was blind —were found dead on Saturday.

“My worst nightmare came true when I saw my elephants floating in the water,” Saengduean Chailert, the director of the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, told local media.

“I will not let this happen again, I will not make them run from such

a flood again,” she said, vowing to move them to higher ground ahead of next year’s monsoon.

In Chiang Mai city centre, people waded through muddy water close to knee height in the night bazaar, and water flowed into the central train station, which has now been closed.

Tourists were forced to evacuate hotels and a local TV station showed a monk carrying a coffin through floodwaters to a cremation site. AFP

SPORTS

A7

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

Ohtani magic fuels Dodgers in MLB thriller

L

OS ANGELES — Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani blasted the first postseason home run of his career to help the Los Angeles Dodgers claim a 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in a thrilling Major League Baseball playoff duel on Saturday.

Ohtani crushed a 372-foot three-run rocket into right field off Padres starter Dylan Cease in the second inning to help the Dodgers tie it up at 3-3.

They had fallen 3-0 behind follow-

ing a first-inning onslaught from the Padres’ powerful batting line-up.

“The stadium was electric and I was just really able to enjoy the game today,” said Ohtani, who is widely re-

garded as the best player in baseball.

“He’s a good pitcher and it’s not easy to get him, but I really wanted to make sure that I could hit one,” added Ohtani, who had never played a postseason game before Saturday.

With Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggling on the mound, the Padres regained the lead after Xander Bogaerts’ two-run double in the third inning made it 5-3.

But Ohtani once again helped spark a Dodgers revival in the fourth inning.

Ohtani’s single loaded the bases and

set up a scoring run for Tommy Edman to cut the deficit to 5-4 before Teoscar Hernandez drove in two runs with a single to right field to make it 6-5.

Dodgers catcher Will Smith scampered in for a run to make it 7-5 in the fifth inning.

There was a nervous finale in the ninth inning as the Padres got two men on base.

But closer Blake Treinen struck out Manny Machado to clinch a win which gives the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the bestof-five National League Division Series.

Game two takes place in Los Angeles

on Sunday.

Dodgers slugger Hernandez paid tribute to the inspirational Ohtani after the win.

“Shohei is Shohei -- I don’t think there’s anybody playing like him right now,” Ohtani said. “I’m just glad he’s on our team.”

- Yankees, Mets win In other playoff action on Saturday, there were wins for the New York Mets and New York Yankees while the Cleveland Guardians also opened their postseason with a victory. AFP

Banh Mi Kitchen raises PH flag in Yunnan 3X3 tilt

IT’S now Banh Mi Kitchen’s turn to raise the Philippine flag in China as it reigned supreme in the 2024 Yunnan 3X3 Circuit-Mohan Stop 4 on Thursday.

Jordan Bartlett showed that his heart was greater than his height, anchoring the Philippine side to the championship to earn MVP honors.

With the Meralco draftee in full control, Banh Mi Kitchen outlasted Gwangju Dinoman of Korea in the finals, 21-12, to become the second Pinoy club to rule in the series.

Also in the squad were Chris de Chavez and reinforcements Kurt Hall and Gary Jacobs as the squad dropped all but one of its assignments in this stop.

Banh Mi Kitchen finished second in Pool D, losing only to Zvezdara of Serbia in its first game before going undefeated en route to the throne.

It first outlasted Brisbane Made of New Zealand, 21-17, in the last 16, before edging fellow Pinoy side Taho Story, 2115, in the quarterfinals, and Strasbourg of France, 20-18, in the semis.

Taho Story, champions of Dehong Stop 3 last September, finished at fifth place after topping Zvezdara, 21-19.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a three-run home run during the second inning against the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Members of the Banh Mi Kitchen team are shown during the awards rites.

Bagnaia sets ‘example’ with Japan MotoGP win

Michael Calisaan of the San Juan Knights.

San Juan, Caloocan win playoff openers SAN Juan hit high gear in the last three quarters and never sputtered to rout Rizal Xentromall, 79-64, on Saturday in the opener of their North Division quarterfinal playoffs in the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Sixth Season at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Barely ahead after the first frame, 1716, the San Juan Knights, with Michael Calisaan as sparkplug, sped away at halftime, 48-38, and moved a win away from clinching the best-of-three series between the North’s top finisher and the eighth and last qualifier.

Calisaan posted 16 points, 10 in the second quarter, and 5 rebounds to clinch the Daily Fantasy best player honors over Dexter Maiquez, who tallied 14 points plus 4 rebounds, and Reynel Hugnatan with 10 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.

Elated by the victory that avenged San Juan’s 100-104 overtime loss to Rizal in the round-robin elimination round of the two-division, 29-team tournament, San Juan coach Sen. Jinggoy said: “I’m proud of the boys. They did their homework. They did their job very well.”

Estrada, however, said the Knights need to lessen their turnovers if they wish to sweep the Golden Coolers and continue their chase for the MPBL crown they won in 2019.

San Juan, which led by as far as 7755 midway through the fourth quarter, drew 8 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds from Agem Miranda and 7 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds from Top Gun Orlan Wamar.

MOTEGI, Japan — Francesco Bagnaia hailed an “example” weekend after winning the Japan MotoGP ahead of championship front-runner Jorge Martin on Sunday to cut the Spaniard’s lead to 10 points with four races remaining.

The Italian defending world champion overtook pole-sitter Pedro Acosta on the first lap at Motegi and stayed in front to finish 1.189sec ahead of Martin with Marc Marquez third.

Ducati rider Bagnaia also won Saturday’s sprint race to leave Japan 11 points closer to Pramac’s Martin than he was at the start of the weekend.

“I want to keep the championship -- I have to try to recover points every time but without taking risks,” said Bagnaia.

“It’s not easy but this weekend started well and we have to take it like an example for the next ones.

“We have to try to follow what we did this weekend, to work in a perfect way and try to always do the best job possible in the race,” he added.

The next leg is the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island in two weeks’ time.

It was Bagnaia’s eighth Grand Prix win of 2024, his highest tally in a single

season, and his first in Japan.

Martin, who is chasing his first world title, started from 11th on the grid after crashing in qualifying.

He finished fourth in the sprint race.

The Spaniard said he was happy with his Grand Prix runner-up finish despite a late surge that saw him eat into Bagnaia’s lead with a handful of laps remaining.

“For sure, being that close to Pecco (Bagnaia) I wanted to give it a try, so I never gave up,” said Martin.

“I pushed until the end. Then, three laps to go I had some moments so I said ‘OK Jorge, it’s time to relax and think about the points’.”

The championship moves to Thailand after the Australia MotoGP, then visits Malaysia before finishing the season in Valencia.

“I feel grateful, grateful to be here, that I can battle like last year. I feel stronger, so let’s go for it,” said Martin.

“There are some races where I feel a bit better, some others where Pecco is a bit better. The target is to bring it to Valencia and have the chance to win it.”

AFP

BingoPlus delivers fun Star Magic to All Star Games Davao

Shown here are (from left) Lance Carr and Donny Pangilinan with their BingoPlus Best Player Awards.

Ducati Lenovo Team rider Francesco Bagnaia of Italy rides his motorcycle during the MotoGP class qualifying session of MotoGP Japanese Grand Prix at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Motegi, Tochigi prefecture. AFP

BINGOPLUS, your comprehensive entertainment platform in the country and provider of your favorite tongits, bingo, and perya games, amped up the weekend fun at the Star Magic Exhibition Game Davao held at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium on August 31, 2024.

With its role as the event’s co-presenter, BingoPlus made sure to make the Star Magic Exhibition Game enjoyable for the attendees.The brand’s official mascot, BingBing, along with BingoPlus dancers offered an eyecatching dance performance, hyping everyone up to enjoy the exhibition match even more. To deepen audience engagement, BingoPlus introduced a dynamic shooting game, offering participants the opportunity to win exclusive brand merchandise and rewards.

In addition, the brand acknowledged the sportsmanship of the two teams who went head-to-head in the fun by awarding BingoPlus Best Player Award to the most valuable player from each side. Team Red, featuring Gerald Anderson, RK Bagatsing, Young JV, Elyson de Dios, Tristan Ramirez, Emilio Daez, and Lance Carr, and Team Blue, featuring Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie

Alonte, Seth Fedelin, Jeremiah Lisbo, Kobie Brown, Argel Saycon, Ashton Salvador, and Dustine Mayores.

Hence, BingoPlus awarded Red Team Best Player award to Lance Carr and Blue Best Player award to Donny Pangilinan.

Other than seeing their favorite stars compete against each other in a friendly match, fans were given the additional treat of seeing Belle Mariano as a guest performer and Shoti as the front act.

BingoPlus’ partnership with ABSCBN is part of the brand’s commitment to elevating Philippine fun and leisure through supporting various entertainment events in the country. Through the Star Magic Exhibition Game, BingoPlus is also able to expand the reach of its efforts and engage with even bigger communities. The brand will continue to create avenues that provide Filipinos with valuable, memorable, and relatable experiences, anytime and anywhere.

Moreover, beyond bringing the fun and excitement to Davao, BingoPlus had officially kicked off its Global Luxury Tour with a trip to America last July 31, 2024 through its BingoPlus VIP Club offerings.

SPORTS

A8 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Tigresses edge Lady Cards for 2nd straight win Games Friday

(Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 1 p.m. — EAC vs NU 3:30 p.m. — La Salle vs Letran 6 p.m. — Perpetual vs UST UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas breezed past Mapua University, 25-18, 25-17, 25-20, for a second straight win in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Preseason Championship Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Other than a little challenge to close out the third set, the Golden Tigresses had a cakewalk to stay unbeaten and keep hold on the second spot behind pool leader University of the East (3-0).

Kyla Cordora led UST’s balanced scoring in the 83-minute clash with nine points, all from kills including the match-clinching hammer to halt the Lady Cardinals’ late rally.

“Nag-enjoy lang kami sa game. Naglaro kami na relax nu’ng first set, we just played our game and dinahan-dahan lang namin,” Cordora said.

Xyza Gula chipped in with eight points and Margaret Altea had seven. Jona Perdido and Regina Jurado added six each in the Tigresses’ strong follow-up to a 4-set decision over Lyceum of the Philippines University last Saturday in their debut outing in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, PeriPeri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

Bianca Plaza pushed UST at match point, 24-17, on a quick attack but Mapua refused to go down without a fight as it answered with three straight points before Cordora closed it out.

UST will try to make it three in a row on Friday against University of Perpetual Help System Dalta at 6 p.m. before the much-anticipated showdown against UAAP rival UE on October 13.

The Lady Cardinals, led by Alyanna Ong’s eight points, remained winless in three starts.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines rallied from a set down to ground Letran, 17-25, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23, Saturday for its first win in Pool C of the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), SM Tickets as technical partners.

Kyla Cordora of UST smashes one against Mapua’s Angeli Manalo Gem Gavica in the Shakey’s Super League. ROMAN PROSPERO

Lady Maroons end 2-game slide; Adamson belles win U

NIVERSITY of the Philippines ended a two-game losing streak with a comefrom-behind 66-62 victory over De La Salle University, closing the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons wrapped up the first round with a 3-4 record, just one game behind the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who currently hold fourth place at 4-3.

“I’m just really so happy we won in the last game of our first round.

We lost two consecutive games before this so we badly needed this entering the second round. I’m really proud of the girls that we held on and fought back from a huge deficit,” said UP head coach Paul Ramos.

The Fighting Maroons sealed the win when Christie Bariquit iced the game with two more free throws with just 9.1 seconds remaining, snapping their losing streak and notching their third win of the season.

With the loss, La Salle finished the first round with a 1-6 record, tied for last place with FEU and UE in the eight-team league.

Meanwhile, Adamson University breezed past University of the East, 63-51, securing solo third place to close its first round campaign.

The Lady Falcons continued their impressive Season 87 campaign, finishing the first round with a 5-2 record, surpassing their win total

Guiao tips hat to import Fuller, Caracut

By Peter Atencio

Yeng Guiao

AS the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters headed into the semifinals, coach Yeng Guiao commended two players who shone bright in Game 5 of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

Import Aaron Fuller’s hard work and Andrei Caracut’s big plays in the final minute were praised Guiao in the Elasto Painters’ semis qualification for a second straight conference.

Fuller topscored for Rain or Shine with 26 points, to go with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block.

“Aaron carried us on his broad shoulders.

Magnolia’s defense was clamping down on him, double team, triple team, sometimes, the whole team is around him,” said Guiao when the game ended on Saturday night at the Ynares Sports Complex in Antipolo.

On the other hand, Caracut shot eight of his 14 points in final three minutes, with his two free throws handing the Elasto Painters team a comfortable 111-101 spread with 24.2

seconds left.

With their Game 5 triumph, after finishing their quarterfinal series with a 3-2 card, the Elasto Painters have joined Ginebra and TNT in the semifinal round.

“Andrei made some big shots. And to me, Andrei is the future of our team at the point guard position,” said Guiao.

Overall, Guiao said he is proud of how his players stood their ground against the Hotshots, who have experienced players in their roster.

“Pinaka-proud ako doon sa lumaban lang sila. They just competed. They fought it out.

Hindi sila bumigay under pressure. It’s just the fighting heart that the guys showed,” added Guiao.

Guiao said the team was able to make the right adjustments after they won Game 1 with a 109-105 result, with Fuller leading with 24 points.

The Elasto Painters will clash with the TNT Tropang Giga in a best-of-seven semifinal affair.

Top guns return for ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge IN A rare gathering of top talents, Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario, Chanelle Avaricio, Daniella Uy and Marvi Monsalve headline the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge, set to begin tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 8) at the historic Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Sta. Barbara.

These top players aim to reassert their dominance on the local stage after their recent international stints, making for a thrilling showdown in the P1 million, 54hole championship.

Superal, returning to the local circuit after competing on the Step Up Tour in Japan, is out to make her LPGT comeback following her 11th place finish at the Lakewood Championship last June. Del Rosario returns following the conclusion of the Epson Tour season, while Uy, Avaricio and Monsalve resume their quests after playing in Taiwan and Thailand, where their performances varied.

With a competitive field and the challenging, hazardladen layout of the Iloilo course, the stage is set for an intense battle.

Adding further excitement to the tournament orga-

nized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are other leading contenders, including Harmie Constantino, the season’s winningest player with three victories, and fellow champions Florence Bisera, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda, Mafy Singson and Mikha Fortuna.

Meanwhile, Korean prodigy Jiwon Lee is also on a mission to bounce back from her final-round collapse at Forest Hills, where she lost her grip on the title.

After winning the Lakewood crown as an amateur and capturing a pro title at Splendido Taal, Lee is eager to make amends for her last-round 80 in Antipolo that allowed compatriot and junior golfer Yunju An to steal the spotlight.

Completing the competitive roster are Pamela Mariano, Apple Fudolin, Rev Alcantara, Kristine Fleetwood, Lucy Landicho, Velinda Castil and Kayla Nocum.

The field faces a formidable challenge on the tight, up-and-down par-70 layout that demands precision and smart course management. With no player holding a significant edge, it will be a true test of skill and composure.

Princess Superal

from last season, where they managed only four victories across 14 games.

This marks their best start in 12 years, replicating the 5-2 start they achieved in Season 75 back in 2012.

That year, Adamson finished in third place after losing to La Salle in the stepladder semifinals on October 3, 2012.

“I’m very happy with how the first round went for us. It’s all about the effort of the players. Kami naman, we’ll just guide them,” said Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro, who was a player in 2012 when the women’s team had its finest first round showing.

Lady Bullpups stretch winning streak to 3 tiffs Games on Wednesday

(Paco Arena) 9 a.m. – FEU-D vs. DLSZ (Boys) 11 a.m. – UST vs. UP (Boys) 1 p.m. – DLSZ vs. NUNS (Girls) 3 p.m. – Ateneo vs. AdU (Girls) NATIONAL University-Nazareth School and defending champion Adamson University pulled off key victories, handing University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman their first losses in the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Lady Bullpups extended their winning streak to three games with a 21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-17 victory over the Junior Golden Tigresses in a match that lasted an hour and 41 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Baby Falcons bounced back from last week’s loss to the Lady Bullpups by defeating the Lady Baby Tamaraws in four sets, 2522, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, in a game that lasted an hour and 39 minutes.

These results forced a three-way tie for first place between NUNS, UST, and FEU-D, all holding 4-1 records, while Adamson improved to 3-2.

In the decisive fourth set of the NUNS-UST match, the Lady Bullpups surged to an early 10-1 lead and never looked back.

A tip from Harlyn Serneche brought NUNS to match point, but UST managed to score four consecutive points, including two from Lady Bullpups’ attack errors, cutting the lead to 24-17.

However, another tip from Serneche sealed the match.

“Sa part namin, the players stepped up sa situation na kailangan sila so it’s a good thing na nag-perform lang sila, ‘yung team mismo,” said NUNS head coach Karl Dimaculangan.

BUSINESS

B1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

August bank loans increased 10.4% as BSP began monetary easing cycle First PH subway

By Darwin G. Amojelar

B

ank loans grew 10.7 percent year-on-year in August 2024, faster than the 10.4-percent increase in July, as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas began its monetary easing cycle.

The BSP reduced by 25 basis points its overnight borrowing rate to 6.25 percent on Aug. 15, 2024 and hinted of more rate cuts in the coming months.

Data from the BSP showed that on a month-on-month seasonallyadjusted basis, outstanding universal and commercial bank loans, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, rose 0.8 percent.

10.7%

Outstanding loans, net of RRPs, reached P12.25 trillion as of endAugust, up from P11.1 trillion a year ago, data from the BSP showed.

Outstanding loans to residents, net of RRPs, grew by 10.9 percent in August, faster than 10.4 percent in July.

Meanwhile, outstanding loans to nonresidents increased at a slower rate of 1.5 percent in August, down from 9.2

percent in the previous month.

Loans for production activities went up by 9.4 percent in August, from 8.8 percent in July.

The BSP said the growth was largely driven by loans to key industries such as real estate activities (up 13.2 percent); wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (10.7 percent); manufacturing (9.8 percent); transportation and storage (23.4 percent); electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (7.0 percent).

Consumer loans to residents increased at a slower rate of 23.7 percent in August, from 24.3 percent in July, driven by credit card lending.

“Looking ahead, the BSP will continue to ensure that domestic

liquidity and lending conditions are aligned with its price and financial stability objectives,” the BSP said.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the pickup in bank loan growth in recent months could be attributed to improved business and economic conditions, especially in terms of improved data on employment and easing inflation.

“For the coming months, easing trend in headline inflation well within the central bank targets, especially in view of the reduction of rice import tariff rates to 15 percent [from 35 percent] or effectively a 20 percent discounted on imported rice, would eventually justify more local policy rate cuts later in 2024 and beyond,” Ricafort said.

Bank lending growth in August 2024

10.4% Bank lending growth in July 2024

P12.25 trillion Outstanding loans as of August 2024

Lotilla asks private sector to adjust for energy transition

By Alena Mae S. Flors ENERGY Secretary Raphael Lotilla called for “innovative financial solutions” to address the cost of the country’s energy transition journey, which is “not going to be cheap and neither is it going to be achievable overnight.”

“This is a transition that requires adjustment on the part not only of the government, but particularly of the private sector who have to be nimble in adjusting to the different developments, whether they are technological, financial or regulatory in nature,” Lotilla said at the EJAPAboitiz Power Renewable Energy Forum on Friday.

He said the burden of high cost of energy transition should not be transferred to the Filipino people who are already paying among the highest power rates in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“At the same time, we also cannot ignore the efforts of other developing countries, particularly ASEAN neighbor economies which are strategically placing themselves in a position to cater to the global economy with a growing demand for clean energy,” he said.

“And so, our energy transformation journey involves the availability of innovative financial solutions and access to transition finance,” the energy chief said.

Lotilla thanked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission who are on the sustainable finance taxonomy body for the Philippines for collaborating with the agency on informing the banking and financial sector of the opportunities for renewable energy investments.

He said energy transition is filled with uncertainty, and it is the Department of Energy’s duty to lay the groundwork for preparedness for adjustment.

Lotilla said the long-term Philippine Energy Plan takes note of global changes and adjustments in the overall global and local environment.

FABRICATION YARD. Officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led by Secretary Jaime Bautista inspect the Baliuag Fabrication Yard of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) on Oct. 4, 2024. The huge off-site yard of Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Corp. (SMCC) covers 86,650 square meters where the concrete walls being installed at the subway are manufactured and transported to the subway construction sites. The yard began operating at full capacity on Sept. 2, 2024, producing 90 segments daily.

Vivian Que-Azcona: Giving back is the key

By Jimmy Montejo “RECOGNITION or publicity is not important. What matters is that we are able to use our resources to extend a hand wherever we can, in the best and most expeditious way possible.”

This dogmatic policy she learned from her late father Mariano Que, founder of the Mercury Drug chain, has allowed Vivian Que-Azcona to maintain a low profile, notwithstanding her enormous fame and fortune.

It was on record that in 2012, Vivian surpassed erstwhile presidential daughter and actress Kris Aquino as the No. 1 individual taxpayer in the country, turning in P131 million in income tax.

The Que siblings’ net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion as of 2023.

As a company policy, Mercury Drug, which has over 1,200 outlets manned by some 15,000 employees nationwide, attributes its success to “serving the Filipino people.”

In partnership with the corporate foundation Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Mercury Drug has also made safe, potable water accessible to waterless communities, through its Operation Pa-Tubig program, to help improve health and sanitation, uplift living conditions and quality of life in the communities.

For Vivian, who was born on Sept. 1, 1955, success means nothing without giving back to the communities that host

the company.

This mindset gave rise to Mercury Drug’s peoplecentered projects, ranging from sales promos to scholarships being pursued through the PBSP. Vivian, who took over the pharmacy chain as president in 1998, never lost sight of the company’s humble beginnings with his father selling medicines from a pushcart, then opening his first drug store in Manila providing affordable drugs in a city devastated by World War II. He died in March 2017 at age 96.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercury Drug was confronted with daunting challenges from an invisible enemy, including hoarding of face masks and alcohol, debilitating lockdowns, and fake news on drugs.

Somehow, Mercury Drug with Vivian at the driver’s seat, faced up to the dire situations, even pushing the company to greater heights in terms of public service.

In times of calamity, Vivian always makes sure that disaster relief assistance packaged as medicines or hygiene kits immediately reaches those that needed it most.

This resulted in a recognition by the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Award as 2021’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

Despite the fame and fortune the Que siblings enjoy, Vivian doesn’t fail to look back to the legacy his father left behind.

to partially open by 2028—DOTr

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Metro Manila Subway, the first underground railway system in the Philippines, is on track for partial opening from Valenzuela City to North Ave. in Quezon City by 2028.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the partial operations would extend to Ortigas, Pasig City by 2029. He said the construction progress was now at 15.57 percent.

Billed as the Philippines’ “crown jewel” of mass transit system, the Metro Manila Subway will cut across eight cities from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino Interantional Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The 33-kilometer and 17-station rail line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.

Once operational, the underground railway system can service up to 370,000 passengers daily.

Meanwhile, the DOTr said the viaducts between Bocaue and Balagtas stations of the NorthSouth Commuter Railway System (NSCR) were connected on Friday.

The Viaduct Span Connection involves the NSCR’s Contract Package 01, which covers the Malolos-Tutuban segment’s elevated structures with six stations and one depot.

Contract Package 02 includes elevated structures with three stations all in Bulacan. The overall progress of the NSCR is at 51.46 percent, with construction progress at 23.5 percent.

Darwin G. Amojelar

POWER PROFILE With only P100 as start-up capital in 1945, the patriarch pushed a cart to peddle a so-called miracle drug named sulfathiazole ostensibly effective to cure a number of illnesses.

With his savings, Mariano opened the first pharmacy in Bambang, Manila that same year. He named it Mercury Drug after the Roman god of commerce who, like his Greek counterpart Hermes, wears a helmet and sandals with wings bearing the caduceus, a winged staff adopted as a symbol of medicine.

Unknown to Mariano, his moves set the stage for what was to become an immensely large and popular drug store chain in the country decades later.

Meanwhile, for his industry, the Philippine Retailers Association conferred on Mariano the title “Father of Philippine Health and Wellness Retailing.”

Vivian stepped into the family business after graduating cum laude in Pharmacy at the University of Santo Tomas.

“She started at the ground level, working her way up from staff assistant to the company’s top executive. She learned the ropes in running the business—from inventory and stock control to marketing and finance,” her biographical sketch read.

She was appointed assistant general manager in 1980, vice president and general manager in 1984, then president in 1998.

Ports not storage areas for importers—PPA THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said ports are not intended as storage areas for importers and other users as these facilities are primarily designed to facilitate the efficient movement of cargo.

PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency was coordinating with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to streamline their processes to discourage importers from using ports as storage areas or warehouses for their goods.

“We are slowly reviewing our processes in PPA and in coordination with BOC,” Santiago said.

The PPA said some importers were waiting for a month to file import

entries for cargo despite these goods already unloaded at the ports. The filing of entry signals the start of processing at the BOC. “Some importers delay the filing of the import entry since they can save on storage cost [at the ports] compared to if they store goods in private warehouses. They pay only P700 a day [per container]. For a month, that is P21,000, which is a small amount compared to the value of the shipment,” he said.

Importers have 30 days to pull out their cargo from the time these are cleared by the BOC, after which these are deemed condemned, the PPA said. Darwin G. Amojelar

WATER SALUTE. The maiden flight of Philippine Airlines is welcomed with a ‘water salute’ at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Oct. 2, 2024.

BUSINESS

B2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks to continue climbing on expectations of reduced rates PHILIPPINE stocks are expected to continue with their upward trek on expectations the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipiinas (BSP) will continue to reduce interest rates with inflation settling at 1.9 percent in September 2024.

COL Financial Inc. research head April Lee Tan said the October inflation rate is also expected to stay low on the lifting of India’s rice export ban.

“This should give BSP room to cut rates further,” Tan said.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona hinted of the possibility of quarter-point reduction in benchmark interest rate in the next Monetary Board meeting next week.

Inflation in September was the lowest level in 52 months. This is also a significant decline from 3.3 percent in

August and 6.1 percent a year earlier.

Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said speculation is also high for possible 50-basis-point rate cut.

“Recall that consensus initially penciled two cuts [25 bps each] for October and December meetings.

Expectations have shifted since the Fed cut big in September and central banks globally are in a cat-and-mouse

game to get ahead of the curve,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

Given this possibility, analysts said many investors were positioning on stocks that would benefit from lowinflation and low-interest-rate environment.

These stocks include banks, property and consumer-related firms.

The Philippine Stock Exchange in-

dex last week rose 0.53 percent weekon-week to close at 7,467.92, while the wider all-shares index advanced by 1.79 percent to 4,041.65.

Average daily value weakened to P6.22 billion from the previous week’s average of P9.6 billion. Foreign buying remained strong, with net inflows amounting to P1.98 billion.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

LISTING CEREMONY. Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. (VLL) concludes its maiden public follow-on offering with the listing of its Series 2A (VLL2A) and Series 2B (VLL2B) preferred shares at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Attending the ceremony are (from left) SB Capital Investment Corp. president and CEO Virgilio Chua, China Bank Capital Corp. managing director Juan Paolo Colet, BDO Capital LEGAL NOTICE & Investment Corp. president Eduardo Francisco, VLL chief Notice is hereby given to the public that an Extrafinance officer and head of Judicial Settlement has investor relations Brian Edang, been executed by the heirs of the late Hazel C. VLL vice chairman, president Villaflor, namely: Loisel Coleen Santos Cañada, and CEO Manuel Paolo Villar, Dresh Ann Louise Villaflor PSE chief operating officer Roel Santos, Eliezer Wisdom Villaflor Santos, all of legal Refran, PSE corporate secretary age, over personal and Aissa Encarnacion, PSE general real properties, per deed executed on 24 September counsel Veronica Del Rosario, 2024 in Marikina City before PSE capital market development Notary Public Atty. Moses Eleazar B. Pua., per Doc. division head Mark Frederick No. 55; Page No 11; Book No. 116; Series of 2024.

Visda and PSE market operations (MS-SEPT.30/ 30/OCT. OCT.77&&14, 14,2024) 2024) (MS-SEPT. division head Roel Villanueva.

Republicof ofthe thePhilipines Philipines Republic REGIONALTRIAL TRIALCOURT COURTOF OFPALAWAN PALAWAN REGIONAL ANDPUERTO PUERTOPRINCESA PRINCESACITY CITY AND FourthJudicial JudicialRegion Region Fourth BRANCH49 49 BRANCH PuertoPrincesa PrincesaCity City Puerto EmailAddress: Address:rtc1prp049@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1prp049@judiciary.gov.ph Email ContactNos.: Nos.:09364074963/09507467490 09364074963/09507467490 Contact INRE: RE:PETITION PETITIONFOR FORTHE THEJUDICIAL JUDICIAL IN SETTLEMENTOF OFTHE THEESTATE ESTATEOF OF SETTLEMENT LULULOUDON, LOUDON, LULU Spl.Proc.

Proc.No. No.2569 2569 Spl. HEIRSOF OFLULU LULULOUDON, LOUDON, HEIRS REPRESENTEDBY BYRECHELLE RECHELLE REPRESENTED AMBE, AMBE, PETITIONER. PETITIONER. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x

NOTICEOF OFHEARING HEARING NOTICE TO: TO:

TheProvincial ProvincialProsecutor ProsecutorOffice Office The TheOffice Officeofofthe theSolicitor SolicitorGeneral General The Atty.Maria MariaNenette NenetteQuicho-Encarnacion Quicho-Encarnacion Atty.

RechelleAmbe Ambe Rechelle RobertAlcantara Alcantara--32103 32103Calle CalleBAllaresa BAllaresa Robert TemeculaCA92592, CA92592,USA USA Temecula

GREETINGS: GREETINGS: The Petitioner, Petitioner, through through counsel, counsel, has has filed filed the the above-entitled above-entitled The verified Petition Petition praying praying that that the the Court Court determine determine the the heirs heirs verified Lulu Loudon Loudon and and the the share share ofof each each ofof them, them, as as provided provided inin ofof Lulu the Civil Civil Code; Code; Order Order the the cancellation cancellation ofofTCT TCTNo. No.T-251 T-251 inin the the the name ofof the the decedent decedent Lulu Lulu Loudon, Loudon, which which property property isis located located name Barrio Bugsuk, Bugsuk, Municipality Municipality ofof Balabac, Balabac, Palawan, Palawan, consisting consisting inin Barrio 187,692 square square meters, meters, more more or or less; less; order order the the issuance issuance ofof ofof 187,692 newtitle titleininthe thename nameofofaforementioned aforementionedHeirs Heirsininaccordance accordance aanew with their their respective respective shares shares ofof interest; interest; determine determine whether whether toto with allocateaaspecific specificportion portionor orarea areatotoeach eachofofthe theheirs heirsor ortotosell sell allocate theproperty propertyas asaawhole; whole;ininthe theevent eventofofSale, Sale,totodetermine determinehow how the theshare/interest/right share/interest/rightofofthe therespondent respondentmay maybe bedelivered deliveredtotohim him the ordeposited depositedininhis hisfavor; favor;and, and,such suchother otherreliefs reliefsas asthe theCourt Courtmay may or deemproper properunder underthe thepremises. premises. deem WHEREFORE,notice noticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatthe thepetition petitionwill willbe be WHEREFORE, heardby bythis thiscourt courton onNovember November15, 15,2024 2024atat8:30 8:30o’clock o’clockininthe the heard morningatatthe theSession SessionHall Hallofofthis thisCourt, Court,Justice JusticeHall HallBuilding, Building, morning PuertoPrincesa PrincesaCity.

City.

Puerto WITNESS the the HONORABLE HONORABLE PAZ PAZ SOLEDAD SOLEDAD B. B. WITNESS RODRIGUEZ-CAYETANO,Presiding PresidingJudge Judgeofofthis thisCourt, Court,this this66thth RODRIGUEZ-CAYETANO, dayofofAugust August2024.

2024. day (Sgd.)ATTY. ATTY.MALCOLM MALCOLMKINGLY KINGLYD. D.MACOLOR MACOLOR (Sgd.) ClerkofofCourt CourtVV Clerk

Republicof ofthe thePhilippines Philippines Republic REGIONALTRIAL TRIALCOURT COURT REGIONAL ABORLAN,NARRA, NARRA,CUYO, CUYO,AGUTAYA AGUTAYA&&MAGSAYSAY MAGSAYSAY ABORLAN, PALAWANAND ANDPUERTO PUERTOPRINCESA PRINCESACITY CITY PALAWAN

Branch49 49 Branch FourthJudicial JudicialRegion Region Fourth PuertoPrincesa PrincesaCity City Puerto rtc1prp049@judiciary.gov.ph rtc1prp049@judiciary.gov.ph 09364074963/090507467490 09364074963/090507467490

 Certified true copy of ACR or 1-Card Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/ children (issued by BI);

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF SANJEEV ISHWAR MANSUKHANI to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. 0000894

x - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is SANJEEV ISHWAR MANSUKHANI, but I have also been known since childhood as SANJU/SANJ or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A .

2. My present place of residence is UNIT 69 EUROVILLA TOWNHOMES 2100 LAMAYAN STREET /Municipality of STA. ANA Province of MANILA and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 2049 FT. BENITEZ ST. MALATE, MANILA 1982-2008 UNIT 21 BLK. 1 2215 STA. ANA VILLAS PEDRO GIL ST., MANILA 2008-2017 3. I was born on DECEMBER 26, 1982, in MANILA Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of INDIA 4. My father's name is ISHWAR GIANCHAND MANSUKHANI and he was born on AUGUST 12, 1955 in INDIA. He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's name is HARSHA ISHWAR MANSUKHANI and she was born on JANUARY 11, 1957 in INDIA. She is a citizen or subject of INDIA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is BUSINESSMAN and from which I derive an average annual income of 2,000,000.00 2,000,000.00,, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is BUSINESSWOMAN/INSTRUCTOR and from which she derives an average annual income of P 600,000.00 600,000.00.

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A,, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A ] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is MARRIED,, I was married on JANUARY 28, 2014 in CAINGIN, MEYCAUAYAN, BULACAN. My wife's/husband's name is ROSHNI RAICHANDANI MANSUKHANI and she/he was born on in JULY 17, 1987 in MANILA She/he is a citizen or subject of INDIA and presently resides UNIT 69 EUROVILLA TOWNHOMES 2100 LAMAYAN ST., STA. ANA, MANILA .

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

Name

Spl.Proc.

Proc.No. No.2569 2569 Spl. HEIRSOF OFLULU LULULOUDON, LOUDON, HEIRS REPRESENTEDBY BYRECHELLE RECHELLE REPRESENTED AMBE, AMBE, Petitioner.

Petitioner. x-------------------------------------------------x x-------------------------------------------------x

AMENDEDORDER ORDER 22ndndAMENDED ThePetitioner, Petitioner,through throughcounsel, counsel,has hasfiled filedthe theaboveaboveThe entitledverified verifiedPetition Petitionpraying prayingthat thatthe theCourt Courtdetermine determine entitled theheirs heirsof ofLulu LuluLoudon Loudonand andthe theshare shareof ofeach eachof ofthem, them, the asprovided providedininthe theCivil CivilCode; Code;Order Orderthe thecancellation cancellationof of as TCTNo. No.T-251 T-251ininthe thename nameof ofthe thedecedent decedentLulu LuluLoudon, Loudon, TCT whichproperty propertyisislocated locatedininBarrio BarrioBugsuk, Bugsuk,Municipality Municipality which of Balabac, Balabac, Palawan, Palawan, consisting consisting of of 187,692 187,692 square square of meters, more more or or less; less; order order the the issuance issuance of of aa new new title title meters, thename nameof ofaforementioned aforementionedHeirs Heirsininaccordance accordancewith with ininthe their respective respective shares shares or or interest; interest; determine determine whether whether their to allocate allocate aa specific specific portion portion or or area area to to each each of of the the to heirs or or to to sell sell the the property property as as aa whole; whole; inin the the event event of of heirs Sale, to to determine determine how how the the share share /interest/ /interest/ right right of of the the Sale, respondentmay maybe bedelivered deliveredto to him himor ordeposited depositedininhis his respondent favor; and, and, such such other other reliefs reliefs as as the the Court Court may may deem deem favor; properunder underthe thepremises. premises. proper Finding the the above-mentioned above-mentioned Petition Petition to to be be Finding substantially sufficient sufficient inin form form and and substance, substance, itit isis substantially hereby set set for for hearing hearing on on November November 15, 15, 2024 2024 at at 8:30 8:30 hereby o’clockininthe themorning morningat atthe theSession SessionHall Hallof ofBranch Branch o’clock 49of ofthe theRegional RegionalTrial TrialCourt Courtof ofPalawan Palawanand andPuerto Puerto 49 Princesa City City at at which which time, time, date date and and place, place, any any Princesa person may may appear appear and and show show cause, cause, ifif any, any, why why the the person petitionshould shouldnot notbe begranted. granted. petition Let aa copy copy of of this this Order Order and and Notice Notice of of Hearing Hearing be be Let publishedat atthe theexpense expenseof ofthe thepetitioner petitioneronce onceaaweek week published for three three (3) (3) consecutive consecutive weeks weeks inin aa newspaper newspaper of of for general circulation circulation inin the the Philippines Philippines before before the the date date general of hearing. hearing. Likewise, Likewise, let let copies copies of of this this Order, Order, Notice Notice of of Hearing, Hearing, the the Petition Petition and and its its annexes annexes be be posted posted at at of the Bulletin Bulletin Board Board of of this this Court, Court, Office Office of of the the Clerk Clerk of of the Court, Provincial Provincial Capitol, Capitol, Bgy. Bgy. Hall Hall of of Barrio Barrio Bugsuk, Bugsuk, Court, Balabac, Palawan.

Palawan. Further, Further, furnish furnish the the Office Office of of the the Balabac, Solicitor General, General, the the Provincial Provincial Prosecutor’s Prosecutor’s Office Office Solicitor and the the Provincial Provincial Register Register of of Deeds Deeds of of Palawan Palawan with with and copiesof ofthis thisOrder, Order,Notice Noticeof ofHearing, Hearing,the thePetition Petitionand and copies itsannexes. annexes. its SOORDERED. ORDERED. SO Given this this 66thth day day of of August August 2024, 2024, at at Justice Justice Hall, Hall, Given Sta.Monica, Monica,Puerto PuertoPrincesa PrincesaCity, City,Philippines.

Philippines.

Sta. (Sgd.)PAZ PAZSOLEDAD SOLEDADB. B.RODRIGUEZ-CAYETANO RODRIGUEZ-CAYETANO (Sgd.) PresidingJudge Judge Presiding Copyfurnished: furnished: Copy TheProvincial ProvincialProsecutors ProsecutorsOffice Office The TheOffice Officeofofthe theSolicitor SolicitorGeneral General The Atty.

Maria Nenette Quiicho-Encarnacion Atty. Maria Nenette Quiicho-Encarnacion RechelleAmbe Ambe Rechelle RobertAlcantara-32103 Alcantara-32103Calle CalleBallares BallaresTemecula TemeculaCA92592, CA92592,USA USA Robert Forpublishing publishing For

Forposting: posting: For 1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

4.4.

 Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by PSA);

8. I have 2 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

INRE: RE:PETITION PETITIONFOR FORTHE THE IN JUDICIALSETTLEMENT SETTLEMENTOF OF JUDICIAL THEESTATE ESTATEOF OFLULU LULULOUDON, LOUDON, THE

1.1.

2.2.

3.3.

4.4.

5.5.

6.6.

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139) 001928

RTC-Palawan RTC-Palawan ProvincialCapitol CapitolBuilding Building Provincial BarangayHall HallofofBarrio BarrioBugsuk, Bugsuk,Balabac, Balabac,Palawan Palawan Barangay Frontage of Lot Frontage of Lot

/nith /nith

(MStandard-Sep.23, 23,30 30&&Oct. Oct.7, 7,2024) 2024) (MStandard-Sep.

Date of Birth Place of Birth

JIANNA SANJEEV MANSUKHANI JANUARY 5, 2015 DHASHWIN SANJEEV MANSUKHANI

AUGUST 20, 2017

MANILA, PHILIPPINES MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Residence

UNIT 69 EUROVILLA TOWNHOMES 2100 LAMAYAN ST., STA. ANA, MANILA UNIT 69 EUROVILLA TOWNHOMES 2100 LAMAYAN ST., STA. ANA, MANILA

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL AMA COMPUTER COLLEGE

Place of School SINGALONG, MANILA SINGALONG, MANILA MAKATI CITY

Dates of Study 1989-1995 1995-1999 1999-2003

Highest Grade Completed GRADE SIX 4TH YEAR HIGH SCHOOL 4TH YEAR COLLEGE

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child JIANNA SANJEEV MANSUKHANI

Name and Place of School

O.B. MONTESSORI CENTER, 2241 PEDRO GIL ST., STA. ANA, MANILA DHASHWIN SANJEEV MANSUKHANI O.B. MONTESSORI CENTER, 2241 PEDRO GIL ST., STA. ANA, MANILA

Date of Enrollment JULY 4, 2024 JULY 4, 2024

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to INDIA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are MARIA LAILIE UY-SICDAWAG and ERNESTO PATRICK COLLADO both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at P. BURGOS ST., BRGY. POBLACION 4, MULANAY, QUEZON PROVINCE and 1502 A. MENDOZA ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, MAKATI CITY respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):  Authenticated copy of Birth Certificate of petitioner [issued by PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority)]  Certified true copy of petitioner’s Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) or I-Card Certificate [issued by BI (Bureau of Immigration)];  Certified true copy of petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of Residence (NBCR), if available (issued also by BI);  Authenticated copy of petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married (issued by PSA);

 Certified true copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued also by BT);  Duty notarized Affidavit of Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of Support from the person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or a candidate for a government licensure exam, who has no own income. In addition, submit: (1)* Bank Certifications (two are required: [1] said bank certifications must indicate the present balance and [2] average daily balance for the past six months); (2)* Certificate of Employment if employed or Proof of Registration of Company if doing business (if doing business, please submit also the latest GIS (General Information Sheet) which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency]; (3)*Proof of Ownership of Real Property/ies such as condominium, etc.; and if owner of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4) Proof of Ownership of other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc.

Note: If petitioner is relying on support from another person, the said person must also submit the above-mentioned documents.

Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, submit a notarized affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.  Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Tax Documents (must show the receiving stamp of the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] for the past three (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting him/her, with Proof of Payment of said taxes (such as official receipts, alphalist, etc.)

Note: If petitioner is employed in a family-owned company, the company’s ITR and the company’s Proof of Payment of Taxes must also be submitted, aside from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents and Proof of Payment of Taxes. Note: The company’s latest GIS (General Information Sheet), which was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government agency, must also be submitted.  Duly notarized Affidavits of at least two (2) credible and disinterested witnesses who must be Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no criminal record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of character witnesses; also submit a copy of the ID which the character witness used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness must attest in the affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or more (must also indicate how he/she got acquainted with the petitioner); (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/her own opinion, petitioner has all the qualifications necessary to become a citizen of the Philippines and none of the disqualifications provided for by law);  Medical Certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent, and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any incurable contagious disease [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs Test and HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also conducted from a government hospital)]; Note: Petitioners for naturalization are required to have their medical examination/diagnostic procedures conducted in a government hospital or facility, and not merely hospitals or facilities which are accredited by the government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near the residence or place of work of petitioner is not a valid reason for petitioner not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in a government hospital or facility. Note: It must be clear in the medical certificate and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of said medical examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner.  Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma and Transcript of Records of the petitioner from the school’s he or she attended to and/or graduated from in the Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) Note: If petitioner is still a student, please submit a Certification from the school where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt/s, certificate of matriculation, etc.)

Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, the person financially supporting petitioner must submit certifications as to the amount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person for the education of his/her other dependents (example: the tuition and other required school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner).  Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma, Transcript of Records, or Certification (if applicable) from the school’s attended by, currently enrolled in, and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality); (Note: please submit a Certification from the school where said child/children is/ are currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled therein, and please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein and submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school fees paid (such as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for said child children’s enrollment in said school.  Clearances NBI Clearance; Barangay Clearance of the barangay where petitioner is currently residing (It should be a barangay clearance, not a residence certification); Police Clearance from the Police Station Police Office having jurisdiction of the place where petitioner is currently residing: RTC Clearance (Regional Trial Court), from the RTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ MCTC Clearance (Metropolitan Trial Court/Municipal Trial Court in Cities/ Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as the case may be) from the MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC which has jurisdiction over the place where petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from the Office of the Prosecutor of the place where petitioner is currently residing.

Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired.

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: N/A PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Ormoc City, Metro Manila, this 21st day of August, 2024.

SANJEEV ISHWAR MANSUKHANI Name and Signature of Petitioner Telephone Number: 02-82349098 Email Address: sanjm11@gmail.com

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF MANILA S.S. I, SANJEEV ISHWAR MANSUKHANI of legal age and a resident of UNIT 69 EUROVILLA TOWNHOMES 2100 LAMAYAN ST., STA. ANA, MANILA after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

SANJEEV ISHWAR MANSUKHANI Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at CITY OF MANILA this 21ST day of AUGUST, 2024.

2024 _________________________________________ Official authorized to adminster oaths/Notary Public

 Authenticated copy of Death Certificate of his/her spouse if petitioner is widowed, or of his/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a government licensure exam;  Certified true copy of Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying of petitioner’s marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact;

(MS-SEPT.30/ 30/OCT. OCT.77&&14, 14,2024) 2024) (MS-SEPT.

SEC vows easier IPO for power firms

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to launch next year new rules that will make initial public offerings (IPOs) easier for power generation companies and distribution utilities.

SEC commissioner Javey Paul Francisco said in an interview at the sidelines of Economic Journalists Association of the PhilippinesAboitiz Power forum on Friday the SEC was finalizing rules on securing and expanding capital for power generation operators and wholesale electricity and retail services (SEC POWERS) to simplify registration of securities.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA), power generation companies and distribution utilities are mandated to offer and sell at least 15 percent of their shares to the public.

Under the guidelines, the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department (MSRD) will complete the review of the registration statement of such companies within 45 days from filing, in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC).

The guidelines will also waive the minimum public float requirement of 20 percent

for listed companies in favor of the 15 percent minimum requirement under EPIRA. “The simplified procedure is expected to enhance the inflow of private capital and broaden the ownership base of the power generation, transmission and distribution sectors, as provided under the EPIRA Law,” Francisco said.

“We will be officially launching these guidelines soon, together with our counterparts from the Energy Regulatory Commission [ERC], to further promote the initiative to covered companies,” he said.

Various sectors are seeking the suspension of the mandatory public listing requirement for small renewable energy players in the country.

Several renewable companies have listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange including SP New Energy Corp., Alternergy Holdings Corp., NexGen Energy Corp., Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. and Raslag Corp.

DITO CME plans to proceed with P4.2-b offering next month DITO CME Holdings Corp. led by businessman Dennis Uy plans to push through with its P4.2-billion preferred share offering next month, according to its underwriter.

BDO Capital and Investments Corp. president Eduardo Francisco said the company was in talks with a foreign fund to be a cornerstone investor for the deal before proceeding with the share sale.

Francisco said the offering might push through in November.

DITO earlier CME deferred its planned P4.2-billion share sale, citing requests received from potential investors asking for additional time to further evaluate the investment opportunity.

The company was initially planning to offer 1.953 billon primary common shares for P1 to P2.15 apiece to fund the commercial rollout of its network expansion and for general corporate purposes.

DITO CME tapped BDO Capital as the sole underwriter for the transaction. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the PSE approved the offering.

DITO CME reported in July that it was planning to raise up to P40.26 billion until 2028 to address its negative equity position and support its expansion.

The company raised P5.5 billion as of end-2023 from private investments made by third parties Xterra Ventures Pte Ltd., Summit Telco Corp. Pte Ltd. and Summit Telco Holdings Corp.

Jenniffer B. Austria

BUSINESS

B3 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BOI seeking to align LGU policies with national investment priorities

By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments (BOI) seeks to align local government unit (LGU) policies to national investment priorities through the creation of a joint memorandum order (JMO).

BOI director for investment assistance service Ernesto delos Reyes Jr. said the initiative aims to streamline the green lane process, expedite approvals and efficiently attend to investor’s concerns.

“While LGUs have administrative guidance, it’s crucial to have a unified approach. That’s why we’re conducting information dissemination to educate LGUs about the green lane program,” he said.

By creating a joint memorandum circular with the LGUs, the BOI hopes to harmonize local and

national regulations, ensuring a consistent and supportive environment for investors.

The agency plans to conduct regional education rounds in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to explain the benefits of the green lane program and address any concerns.

“We recognize that the upcoming local elections may bring changes in leadership and policies. Therefore, it’s crucial to establish a strong foundation for the green lane program that can withstand these transitions,” delos Reyes said.

The BOI’s goal is to sign the JMC with LGUs before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the BOI unit is working on approving 90 green lane projects in the rest of 2024 and establishing a threshold for investments through the green lane.

FARM TOURISM. The Department of Tourism organizes an educational farm tour on Sept. 21, 2024 at Yoki’s Farm in Cavite province as part of the month-long celebration of Family Week and World Tourism Day. The event promoted team-building, wellness and a deeper appreciation for farm tourism while emphasizing the importance of family and sustainable tourism. The farm, renowned for its lush greenery and interactive experiences, offers activities such as hand-feeding birds, rabbits and other animals.

PLDT providing connectivity to all state universities by 2025 P

By Darwin G. Amojelar

LDT Inc. said it is expediting efforts to provide full internet connectivity to all state universities in the Philippines by 2025.

The company’s initiative aligns with ongoing collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to promote digital inclusion in education and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to expand internet access in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The PLDT Group, through its

corporate business unit PLDT Enterprise, activated 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across 220 public higher education institutions (HEIs) in 60 provinces, providing critical internet access for students and educators since 2022.

PLDT chief operating officer Menardo Jimenez Jr. underscored the importance of sustaining and expand-

ing these efforts to ensure that digital education remains accessible and uninterrupted.

“Continued support is necessary to maintain this transformative initiative,” Jimenez said.

“We are calling for renewed efforts to make digital education accessible in all state universities by 2025. This vision aligns with the advocacy of our chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan, who has long been a champion of initiatives that promote education and digital transformation for Filipinos,” he said.

Expanding connectivity in HEIs supports PSAC’s broader push for

digital inclusion, where PLDT is among the founding members of the digital infrastructure sector along with its wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. Lead convenor Sabin Aboitiz, sector head Myla Villanueva and the collaboration of local telcos at PSAC will be pivotal in steering digitalization efforts, which include the planned activation of key GIDA sites starting this year.

“Through this collaboration, we are shaping a future where all students, regardless of location, have access to the tools they need to succeed in a digital world,” Jimenez said.

DA tracks 3 major agri projects to boost productivity in Mindanao

RE FORUM. The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), in partnership with Aboitiz Power Corp., holds its first Renewable Energy Forum at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s SecECenter in Makati City on Oct. 4, 2024.

Shown are (from left) EJAP board member Alena Mae Flores, AboitizPower chief engineering and project officer Don Paulino, Philippine Daily Inquirer business editor Tina Arceo-Dumlao, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, EJAP president Jerome Morales, Board of Investments director Ernesto delos Reyes Jr., Energy Regulatory Commission director Sharon Ocampo-Montaner, SEC commissioner Javey Paul Francisco and EJAP secretary Maria Bernadette Romero.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is tracking the implementation of three major projects in Mindanao to boost agricultural and fisheries productivity in the region.

Through the Second Additional Financing for the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP-AF2), the DA seeks to enhance food logistics and access, ensuring food security for Filipinos.

The project builds upon the successes of the first PRDP and addresses the challenges posed by the post-COVID era.

The DA-PRDP Scale-Up project focuses on clustering and consolidation strategies to address persistent challenges in the agri-fishery sector.

It also emphasizes private sector participation and climate resilience in project interventions.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) aims to sustainably

increase agricultural productivity, resilience and market access for organized farmer and fisherfolk groups in selected ancestral domains.

The MIADP will address low incomes caused by weak marketing linkages and inadequate infrastructure in these areas by strengthening the capacities of local government units (LGUs).

These projects are expected to significantly contribute to Mindanao’s agricultural production, which accounts for 35.1 percent of the country’s total output.

“We thank the Department of Finance for providing funds to finance the government counterpart for these ongoing foreign-assisted projects. This is a huge help for us since we are striving to complete them as soon as possible and according to schedule, so that Filipinos can benefit from them right away,” said DA assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa.

Othel V. Campos

DENR agrees to grant rights for offshore wind projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), granting developers rights to use offshore areas covered by offshore wind energy (OSW) service contracts, including auxiliary areas to accelerate OSW exploration, utilization and development.

“This MOA is a crucial step in realizing the goal of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver the first kilowatt-hours from offshore wind projects by 2028. By streamlining the process for accessing critical areas, we are paving the way for a rapid and responsible rollout of offshore wind projects, which will contribute significantly to our clean energy transition,” said Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

The MOA allows access to both offshore and auxiliary areas or areas needed to support the OSW during the pre-development/exploration, development and commercial development phases, subject to necessary DENR requirements.

The DOE will provide the DENR with a list of identified OSW projects within 30 days of the execution of the MOA. The list will be regularly updated, in collaboration with the DENR, to reflect new OSW energy service contracts and development activities.

The DOE issued 92 OSW service contracts with potential capacity of 65.049 gigawatts as of March 25, 2024.

The parties said that if an area falls within an environmentally critical zone or is subject to prior vested rights, the DENR may impose additional conditions or deny access altogether.

FLI completes land development, opens new phase at Amarillo Crest PROPERTY developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) opens a new phase at Amarilyo Crest Residences within the sprawling Havila Estate in Taytay, Rizal.

The company announced the successful completion of land development during the recent unveiling ceremony held at Phase 1A of the project.

Amarilyo Crest Residences features a vast expanse of greenery and a collection of coveted, spacious lots ranging from 140 to 258 square meters.

Its new phase has 35 exclusive lots available, offering the ideal property size to build a dream home located near various conveniences for modern living.

Among the many benefits of living in the thriving community is its accessibility to Metro Manila, the Ortigas central business district and multiple key destinations.

Nestled in the 300-hectare Havila township that spans across Taytay, Antipolo and Angono in Rizal, the vibrant enclave ensures effortless connectivity to essential establishments.

Residents enjoy proximity to pres-

tigious educational institutions such as San Beda University and PAREF Rosehill as well as major commercial centers, making it an ideal location for both work and leisure.

Placed in one of the highest landscapes in Havila, Amarilyo Crest Residences is carefully planned to elevate life and leisure experience. Residents here can unwind and spend countless moments in healthy, family-friendly amenities surrounded by stunning hillside views and the refreshing mountain breeze.

The clubhouse with swimming pool creates the perfect venue for simply relaxing with loved ones while the basketball court and children’s play area are for those seeking active pursuits. There are also dedicated parks for having a picnic, meditating, and sightseeing within the community.

Residents can also revel in the breathtaking views of the stunning vistas at Outlook Park, adding a spectacular natural touch to their everyday living experience.

PROJECT EXPANSION. Executives of property developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) lead the opening of a new phase in

Amarilyo Crest Residences within the sprawling Havila Estate in Taytay, Rizal. Moving up to a brighter living is now possible with more residential lots awaiting aspiring homeowners.

BUSINESS

B4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

IN BRIEF

Money supply expanded 5.5% to P17.4t in August, says BSP

By Darwin G. Amojelar

M

ONEY supply grew 5.5 percent year-on-year to P17.4 trillion in August 2024, slower than the 7.3 -percent increase in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said over the weekend.

The BSP said that on a month-onmonth seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 marginally decreased by about 0.1 percent.

Domestic claims expanded by 10 percent year-on-year in August, compared to 11.4 percent in the previous month.

Claims on the private sector grew 11.9 percent in August, from 12.0

percent in July, driven by sustained expansion in bank lending to nonfinancial private corporations and households.

Net claims on the central government increased by 8.5 percent from 14.1 percent in the previous month on continued borrowings by the national government.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso

terms rose 2.4 percent year-on-year in August, compared to 11.2 percent in July. The BSP’s NFA grew by 7.7 percent, while the NFA of banks contracted, largely due to higher bills and bonds payable.

The BSP said it would continue to ensure that domestic liquidity conditions are consistent with the prevailing stance of monetary policy, in line with its price and financial stability objectives.

“For the coming months, M3/domestic liquidity growth could pick up after the latest cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio announced on Sept. 20, 2024 and effective Oct. 24, 2024 that could infuse about P400 bil-

lion in additional peso liquidity into the banking system/financial system [from the BSP] that may allow banks to increase lending and other investing activities,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

“The BSP signaled possible further cut in banks’ RRR in 2025 and could be possibly reduced to zero within the term of BSP Governor Remolona from the current 7 percent for large banks, or equivalent to a total more than P1 trillion as of now; but any further RRR cuts, which add more peso liquidity in the banking/financial system, would be gradual in the coming years,” he said.

Macasaet steps down as SSS chief executive THE Social Security System (SSS) said Rolando Ledesma Macasaet stepped down from his position as president and chief executive effective Oct. 6, after nearly two years with the state-run pension fund.

Macasaet, who has been the head of SSS since Jan. 5, 2023, was also vice chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the SSS’ policymaking body. Throughout his tenure, he championed the goal of ensuring every Filipino receives a pension.

Under his leadership, SSS intensified membership drives, extending social security coverage to all, including those in remote areas. He launched initiatives to bring services closer to grassroots communities and implemented programs benefiting SSS employees nationwide.

One of his notable achievements as SSS chief is expanding access to social security protection for more Filipinos through extensive membership coverage drives nationwide.

Under his leadership, SSS recorded a historic high of three million new members from January to September 2024, more than double the number of new members recorded during the same period last year.

“SSS typically averages around one million new members annually in previous years. However, for just the first half of 2024, we have already doubled that number due to our intensified efforts,” Macasaet said.

SSS is optimistic of reaching four to five million new members by yearend.

Macasaet advocated for SSS coverage for job order, contract of service and barangay workers who are not included in the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) due to their employment status.

CLARK Development Corp. (CDC) reaffirmed its decision not to renew the contract for service with Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC), which expired on Oct. 5, 2024.

Citing an opinion from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGC), CDC said extending the contract would violate the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.

COMCO Mundo celebrated its wins at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)’s global Gold Quill Awards 2024 with The Purple Ball: COMCO’s Gold Victory Celebration at the F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.

COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises/ COMCO Southeast Asia is the first communications agency from the Southeast Asia to receive the highly-coveted Agency of the Year (MidSize Agency) award during the 2024 Gold Quill Awards in Chicago, USA. It is the only consultancy firm from Asia-Pacific to be included in IABC 2024’s Best of the Best and Special Award Winners.

COMCO is also the most awarded organization in the Asia-Pacific at the Gold Quill Awards 2024 receiving recognitions in Corporate Social Responsibility and Climate Change and Sustainability Communication for “Save Our Planet, Save Our Seas – The Century Tuna “Saving Our Seas” Initiative”, in Digital Communication and Social Media for “UNMASKED: The COMCO Mundo Write to Ignite Initiative Season 3”, and in Communication Training and Education for “Igniting Talent—The Camp COMCO Mentorship Program.”

US, India to cooperate on critical minerals

WASHINGTON—The United States and India are set to work together on supply chains for critical minerals that are key to clean energy technologies, the US Commerce Department said Thursday in a statement.

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met in the US capital Washington on Thursday, inking a deal to “expand and diversify” critical mineral supply lines.

The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to increase resilience in the critical minerals sector, said the statement.

Both sides will also identify ways to facilitate “commercial development of US and Indian critical minerals exploration, extraction, processing and refining, recycling, and recovery,” the statement added.

Rare earth elements and minerals are increasingly important given their use in clean energy technologies like batteries for electric cars.

But the United States is set to face gaps in supplies when it comes to meeting projected demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs). AFP

US dockworkers end three-day strike

RICE FACILITY. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leads the inauguration on Oct. 3, 2024 of a rice processing system in Naguilian, Isabela worth P184.4 million million through cost sharing between the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Center for Postharvest Research and Mechanization and the Providers Multipurpose Cooperative.

NEW YORK—Thousands of dockworkers returned to work Friday, the day after a longshoremen’s union reached a preliminary deal with shippers, ending a three-day strike weeks before the US presidential election.

At the Port of Mobile in the Gulf Coast state of Alabama, terminal operator APM resumed operations at 7:00 am (1200 GMT), while the Port of Virginia in Norfolk said it will reopen Saturday, according to online postings.

At the giant Port of New York and New Jersey, the second-largest container port in the United States after Los Angeles and Long Beach, the Port Liberty terminal in Bayonne plans to resume work on Monday morning.

“I do expect that by this time next week, we will have serviced all of the vessels that were delayed and that cargo will be flowing into the economy,” Bethann Rooney, port director of New York and New Jersey, said at a briefing with reporters.

The staggered reopening covers US ports from Maine to Texas following Thursday night’s preliminary agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Workers had walked out Tuesday morning with the expiration of their contract. AFP

LandBank selling 97.6% stake in UCPB Savings Bank under privatization plan STATE-RUN Land Bank of the Philippines said it is selling its ownership share equivalent to 97.55 percent of the equity of UCPB Savings Bank Inc. (UCPB-SB) to qualified private parties, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the latter’s privatization.

LandBank said it is intensifying its focus on serving key development sectors following the privatization of UCPB-SB. It said the strategic move would allow it to streamline resources and allocate capital more efficiently.

President Marcos issued Memo-

randum Order No. 28 on Aug. 6, 2024. The domestic savings bank became a subsidiary of LandBank following its merger with the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) in 2022.

The privatization stems from LandBank’s capacity to offer similar banking services to those of UCPBSB and is aligned with the government’s broader efforts to rationalize resources and improve operational efficiency.

“The privatization of UCPB Savings Bank is a strategic initiative designed to improve operational effi-

CDC reaffirms decision not to renew MCWMC contract

By Othel V. Campos

COMCO Mundo wins Global IABC gold award

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) expressed its interest in developing the 100-hectare land area occupied by MCWMC in New Clark City.

The agency said it expects MCWMC to vacate the property and return any improvements made during the contract period.

PWS started collection of residual waste within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. “We are

fully ready to start servicing Clark’s locators. We deployed our bins round the clock the past week as part of our comprehensive service, ensuring that waste collection is streamlined and efficient from day one,” said PWS Pampanga president Cara Peralta.

CDC issued on Sept. 16 a memorandum recognizing PWS Pampanga as its newly-accredited lone service provider authorized to handle collection of residual waste within Clark.

Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) Pampanga commences its collection of residual waste within Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone on Oct. 6, 2024, with newly-installed bins ensuring proper handling and disposal of waste across the area.

Clark Development Corp.

(CDC) issued on Sept. 16 a memorandum recognizing PWS Pampanga as its newly-accredited lone service provider authorized to handle collection of residual waste within Clark.

ciency and service quality. This transition will optimize resource allocation and support LandBank’s mission of inclusive development, consistent with the National Government’s broader efforts to streamline operations,” LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz said.

Aside from reducing demand on government resources while maintaining high service standards, the privatization will allow LandBank to better focus its resources on serving its mandated and priority sectors, in support of the country’s inclusive development agenda.

Globe Telecom joins global industry’s responsible AI maturity roadmap GLOBE Telecom Inc. joined a group of leading telecommunications companies worldwide committed to the GSMA’s industry-first Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap.

The GSM Association is a nonprofit industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide.

The initiative underscores Globe’s dedication to ethical and responsible AI development and deployment, ensuring these powerful technologies benefit its customers, the environment, and society.

Globe said that as part of its broader sustainability strategy, it views responsible AI as a critical component in driving sustainable digital transformation. By adopting the GSMA RAI Maturity Roadmap, Globe ensures that its AI will not only deliver business value but also contribute to sustainable development.

The GSMA developed the RAI Maturity Roadmap to address the growing importance of AI in the telecom-

munications industry. This marks the first time an entire sector has committed to a common approach to AI. Globe is among 19 mobile network operators from around the world that have adopted the roadmap to track, maintain and improve AI use.

The roadmap, based on insights from McKinsey and a group of leading operators, provides a structured framework for telecommunications companies to assess their current AI maturity level and identify areas for improvement.

This allows them to align their AI strategies with responsible practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI applications.

The roadmap addresses five core dimensions: a company’s vision, values, and strategic goals; operating model and AI governance; technical controls to ensure compliance with regulations; collaboration with third-party ecosystems; and corporate change management and communication. Darwin G. Amojelar

REAL ESTATE

C1

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com Jenniffer B. Austria, Issue Editor

QC gov’t teams up with 8990 for affordable housing THE Quezon City local government unit has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with mass housing developer 8990 Housing Development Corp. to provide 2,699 housing units for city government employees and informal settler families.

The signing took place on September 28, as part of the Urban Deca Homes Commonwealth project near Batasan Road in Barangay Commonwealth.

Quezon City mayor Ma. Josefina Belmonte emphasized the significance of the agreement, especially given the Philippines’ ongoing housing backlog, which exceeds 6.5 million units.

This initiative addresses the dream of homeownership for many Filipino families, particularly in District 2.

She praised 8990 Holdings for their commitment to delivering quality, affordable housing.

8990 Holdings chairman Mariano Martinez Jr. highlighted that this partnership marks the company’s first collaboration with a local government unit and expressed hope that it would foster a more inclusive community.

He also mentioned that 8990 Holdings has successfully developed various projects, including

Urban Deca Homes in multiple locations across the Philippines, which aim to provide affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families.

The signing was attended by Quezon City District 2 Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo and District 2 Councilors Mikee Belmonte and Julienne Alyson Rae Medalla, Brgy.

Commonwealth Brgy. Capt. Manuel Co, 8990 general manager - Legal Atty. Hazel Helmuth and 8990 chief finance officer Roan BuenaventuraTorregoz.

DMCI Homes expands to Cebu City

D

MCI Homes, the Philippines’ leader in resort-inspired developments, continues its expansion beyond Mega Manila and is now preparing to enter Cebu City’s booming condominium market.

For its first project in the city, DMCI Homes vice president for project development Dennis Yap said the company is investing about P20 billion to develop a four-hectare property in Barangay Guadalupe.

“Cebu City’s robust economy and growing demand for quality homes make it an ideal location for our expansion,” Yap said. “We’re excited to introduce our signature resort-inspired condominiums to this bustling city and be part of its dynamic development.”

Commitment to quality With condominium living being highly popular in Cebu, Yap expressed confidence that Cebuanos will appreciate DMCI Homes’ valuefor-money offerings.

“The Queen City of the South deserves nothing but the best, and we’re about to deliver just that—our project with the biggest open space to date,” Yap said.

“We’re equally thrilled to introduce Cebu to the distinct DMCI Homes lifestyle, showcasing our proprietary Lumiventt® Design Technology, internet-ready units and RideShare carpooling service—just some of the innovative features we’re bringing to take condominium living to new heights in this vibrant market,” he said.

Expansion strategy The decision to enter the Cebu property market follows the company’s successful ventures in San Juan, Batangas and Tuba, Benguet over the past year. DMCI Homes has also developed quality projects outside Metro Manila, including Laguna, Cavite, Baguio City, Boracay and Davao City.

Yap noted that while the pandemic had temporarily halted their Cebu expansion, the

opportunities in the Queen City of the South made it clear that moving forward with the plan would be the right decision.

“Cebu is a rapidly growing market with great potential,” Yap said. “We look forward to making a positive impact and contributing to the city’s growth.”

While DMCI Homes is new to Cebu’s property market, its sister firm, DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI), has made its mark with several landmark projects in the city. DMCI was part of the Cebu Link Joint Venture, a consortium with Acciona and First Balfour that built the iconic Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

Other landmarks built by DMCI in Cebu are SM Cebu, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, the Ayala Life Cebu office building and Ayala Center Cebu.

As the Philippines’ first Quadruple A developer, DMCI Homes aims to make its mark in Cebu, backed by a sterling track record of completing 72 quality developments across Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Baguio City, Boracay, Davao City and other key locations in its 25 years in the industry.

Jenniffer B. Austria

SMX Convention Center shines at TTG MICE Awards

Michael Albaña, vice president – general manager of SMX Convention Center accepts prestigious TTG Award on behalf of SMX Convention Center at the 33rd TTG Travel Awards in Bangkok, Thailand

SMX Convention Center, the largest operator of convention centers in the Philippines, has secured three additional major awards this year, reaffirming its position as a leader in the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry.

SMX was named Best Local Convention Centre 2024 – Philippines by APAC Insider’s South East Asia Business Review, Best Convention Center – Philippines at the World MICE Awards, and earned the highly regarded Best Convention & Exhibition Center – Philippines title at the 33rd TTG Travel Awards.

These accolades are proof of SMX’s commitment to excellence and its reputation for delivering first-rate event experiences.

The 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards, in particular, highlights the center’s recognition among travel consultants, tour operators and destination management companies only, underscoring SMX’s leadership in the region.

As the only convention center in the country to receive such honors, SMX continues to set the

standard for its industry.

With eight branches across key locations in the Philippines―including Clark, Olongapo, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Megatrade Hall in Ortigas, and SMX Aura at SM Aura Premier― SMX consistently delivers unmatched versatility and convenience.

The center actively supports the government’s efforts to boost tourism, particularly through the development of the MICE sector, which is vital to enhancing the Philippines’ global presence in business tourism.

Future growth plans include new venues, notably a larger facility in Cebu that will surpass the size of SMX Manila. This expansion underscores SMX’s long-term commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ standing in the global MICE arena.

These awards reflect our focus on service excellence and our efforts to continuously push industry boundaries,” said Michael Albaña, vice president – general manager at SMX Convention Center.

Ayala Land recognized at BCI Asia Awards 2024

AYALA Land, Inc. (ALI) has been honored with the prestigious BCI Top Ten Developers Award for its Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 (ATG 2) and Ayala North Exchange at the recent BCI Asia Awards 2024 held at BGC, Taguig.

ALI’s dedication to innovative architectural design, sustainable development, and responsible environmental practices is exemplified by this recognition.

Strategically located within the iconic Ayala Triangle Gardens (ATG) Tower 2 is ALI’s latest masterpiece. The development occupies an 18, 150-square meter lot, integrating with the lush, verdant surroundings of the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

ATG Tower 2 stands as a centerpiece with unparalleled combination of the top-of-the-line performance specifications aligned with global building standards of LEED Gold and WELL Gold certification ensuring a healthy and elevated overall working experience for employees, tenants, and visitors.

Ayala North Exchange, on the other hand, is a LEED certified mixed-use complex consisting of two towers situated at Ayala Avenue in the Makati Central Business District (CBD). This development has been meticulously designed to cater to the needs of both multinational corporations and business process outsourcing companies.

In addition to the office spaces, the development features a retail podium with a variety of dining options and basic conveniences for employees and visitors alike. The project also includes the Seda Residences Makati.

One Evotech is ALI’s first technopod address in its Nuvali estate in Laguna. One Evotech is located near lakes, parks, various retail destinations and master planned residential properties. The 4-storey building is designed to meet the special demands of IT and BPO companies. It is LEED silver certified.

The annual BCI Asia Awards—now into its 19th year—recognises developers and architecture firms that have built and designed the greatest volume of buildings, as well as ecologically sensitive projects and impressive interiors in seven Asian markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

SHOWBIZ

C2

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Is music finally reckoning with #MeToo?

THE music industry has long evaded a #MeToo reckoning like that experienced in Hollywood or the media, but the blockbuster charges against hip-hop magnate Sean Combs could finally prove an inflection point.

F e d e r a l prosecutors say the a r t i s t k n o w n by various monikers

Country singer-songwriter Garth Brooks was accused of sexual assault and battery by his former hair and makeup artist

including “Diddy” ran a criminal sex ring that preyed on women and blackmailed them into silence—accusations that have activists and industry watchers hoping music’s moment of accountability has arrived.

Their hope has been bolstered by a massive class action suit that followed Combs’s federal charges, as well as a new lawsuit against country star Garth Brooks When an explosive series of accusations against R&B hitmaker R. Kelly went public five years ago, outlets including AFP asked if that was the beginning of a sea change in music.

Kelly was convicted and sentenced to more than 30 years of prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering.

It was indeed a milestone for the #MeToo movement as the first major sex abuse trial where the majority of accusers were Black women.

But wider cultural shifts in the industry longcliched as a bastion of sex, drugs, and rock and roll didn’t seem to crystallize.

The shock rocker Marilyn Manson, the music mogul Russell Simmons, the DJ Diplo, the producer Dr. Luke – over the years women have made serious accusations against these and many other powerful men in the industry. Few repercussions have followed.

“There’s this whole pass we give rock stars because of the rock star trope,” said Caroline

Rapper Diddy has been accused of running a criminal sex ring

R&B artist R. Kelly was sentenced to more than 30 years of prison for child sex crimes, sex trafficking, and racketeering

Heldman, an Occidental College professor and co-founder of the Sound Off Coalition, which is focused on sexual violence in the music industry.

“A lot of survivors that I’ve spoken with from the music industry, they’ve internalized the rock star idea – that they should have expected” bad behavior, “because he was a rock star,” she told AFP. Kate Grover – a women’s and gender studies professor at Washington and Lee University, who has researched intersections of gender and the music industry – said the notion of “geniuses” is also particularly pronounced in music.

“Once we have labeled someone as a genius,” she said, “it kind of creates a scarcity model,” where they’re seen as too big to fail. AFP

Finding our own ‘Mujigae’ Very Wang Nickie Wang

T

HE Filipino-Korean family drama Mujigae, directed

by Randolph Longjas, is a story that every mother can relate. And paraphrasing his words, Mujigae is for all mothers, including those who don’t want to be mothers and those who want to be mothers but cannot.

ed by an ensemble cast, including Richard Quan, Kate Alejandrino, and Cai Cortez.

Set against the backdrop of both the Philippines and South Korea, Mujigae follows the journey of a young girl after she loses her mother. The half-Korean, half-Filipino Mujigae is brought to the Philippines, where she is cared for by her aunt. The film explores themes of grief, family, and the cultural challenges that come with being raised between two worlds.

The film’s trailer has already garnered significant attention online, with many viewers anticipating a deeply emotional experience. One scene that has resonated with audiences shows Mujigae pleading with her aunt, saying, “Bad ka, Tita Sunny!

Ba’t mo ‘ko ipapamigay?” (You’re bad, Aunt Sunny! Why are you giving me away?). The trailer hints at the tension between family responsibilities and personal desires, themes that the director believes will strike a chord with viewers.

Tarrayo shared her own insights on the project saying that the story’s message about family had a personal impact on her.

“I’m not here to tell people how to feel, but I believe there will be moments in the film that stay with them long after they leave the theater. It’s a movie for everyone,” he said.

“It’s been a while since I worked on a feature film, and this project feels like reliving my first experience. It carries a lot of emotional weight for me,” Longjas, who directed a full-length feature for the first time in seven years, said.

He added that working on Mujigae allowed him to reconnect with the essence of storytelling, particularly in portraying the innocence of a child “navigating difficult circumstances.”

Longjas expressed his appreciation for the cast and crew who helped bring his vision to life.

“We faced a lot of challenges along the way, but we persevered.

The process reThe cast of Filipino-Korean family drama ‘Mujigae’ minded me of seeing the rainbow after a storm,” he remarked.

“Coming from a family that’s Talking about his approach to working with always been close-knit, this film’s child actors, he shared, “I wanted them to own idea of finding family in unextheir roles. I didn’t just dictate what I wanted but pected places hit home for me,” encouraged them to find their characters. It was she said. amazing to watch them stay in character even Tarrayo believes that family isn’t after the cameras stopped rolling.” limited to blood relations but can be Produced by Madonna Tarrayo, Mujigae is hitfound in friendships, work relationting the theaters nationwide on Wednesday, Oct. 9, ships, or even with pets. exclusively at SM Cinema.

“Mujigae represents that conThe film tells the story of Mujigae, a lively fivenection. Her love brings people year-old orphan, played by rising star Ryrie Sotogether, even through difficult phia, who finds an unexpected mother figure in times,” she added. her estranged aunt, Sunny, portrayed by Alexa IlTarrayo, who has over 37 years of acad. Alongside them is Korean actor Kim Ji-soo, experience producing content across now part of GMA’s Sparkle roster. various platforms, emphasized that The film also features a special appearance by “Mujigae” was made to create a comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto and is supportunique cinematic experience.

Director Randolph Longjas (fourth from right) with the cast of ‘Mujigae’

Young actress Ryrie Sophia plays the titular character in the film

Cosplayer and online DJ Debbie Lopez’s debut single ‘Ang Higugmaon Ka’ translates to ‘Ang Mahalin Ka’

Singer Debbie Lopez honors roots in debut song

‘Mujigae’ follows the story of a little girl who ends up with her aunt after losing her mother

“Every film deserves to be seen on the big screen. That’s what we aimed for with this project—to create something that feels both intimate and expansive,” she explained.

She also commented on the relevance of the film in today’s landscape, noting that her team always strives to stay ahead of trends.

“We’re constantly evolving. Whether it’s an ad, a series, or a film, we’re always looking at what resonates with audiences today,” Tarrayo said.

Kim Ji-soo, who portrays Mujigae’s biological father in the film, re-enters the protagonist’s life, leading to moments that will challenge the idea of what it means to be a family.

As the story unfolds, audiences will witness the choices Mujigae faces as she deals with the idea of having two homes, a theme central to the film’s emotional core.

COSPLAYER and online DJ Debbie Lopez has finally launched her debut single, a Visayan song titled “Ang Higugmaon Ka.” Composed

by Bryan Balucan, it is a love song about secret love, hoping for reciprocation.

“The title translates to ‘Ang Mahalin Ka’ in Tagalog. We want this song’s message of love accessible to a wider audience,” she said.

“I wanted to release a Visayan song as my tribute to my roots,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment during the launch of the single at Mellow D in Quezon City, where she gave a live vocal performance.

Originally from the Visayas and now based in Baguio, Debbie has been passionate about music from a young age.

When she was just four years old, her family was visiting Jamaica, and that’s when her musical journey began. Recognizing her potential, Debbie’s mother enrolled her in an international music school.

With her uncle, Dr. Noni Espina, an internationally renowned musician, having a significant impact on her career, music seems to run in the family.

“At first, it was my parents’ dream for me to be a singer, but as time went by, I started falling in love with singing, and I think that’s when my passion for it really started,” Debbie added.

In addition to being a singer, cosplayer, and DJ, Debbie is also interested in entering showbiz. She expressed her desire to work with her celebrity crush, JM de Guzman, with whom she exchanged text messages.

He brightened her day when he expressed his desire to meet her in a birthday message.

“Tsaka nung Valentine’s Day, nagsabi ng ‘I love you,’” she shared. “Pero nag-text kami once lang. Alam niya papasok ako [ng] showbiz. Alam niya rin [yung] launching.

Sinabi ko celebrity crush ko siya, tapos nalaman ko na lang sila na.”

Knowing that JM is now in a relationship with Donnalyn Bartolome, Debbie said she is considering pairing up with another musician who is single.

“Si Rico Blanco, kasi may Donnalyn na si JM,” she said in jest.

LIFE

C3 MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

The Philippines’ unique STORIES OF LOVE Waterside Chef de Cuisine Alfred Santiago with his team of chefs

A selection of uncommon flavors from Filipino cuisine The Cagwait White Sand Beach in Surigao del Sur is one of the mesmerizing spots that the province is known for

By Nickie Wang

about by going to the heart of every Filipino,” she added.

As one of Southeast Asia’s HE Philippines’ tourism most popular travel destinations, campaign “Love the the Philippines offers a variety of experiences. Travelers can Philippines” was visit bustling cities like Manila, recognized as Asia’s explore Cebu’s beaches and historical sites, or enjoy natural Leading Marketing Campaign wonders like Mt. Apo in Davao. at the 31st World Travel Awards The “Love the Philippines” (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala campaign positions these regions as attractive destinations for leiCeremony, held at City of Dreams sure and business travelers.

Manila on Sept. 3.

The Philippines, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” proLaunched by the Department of Tourism motes not only its well-known (DOT) in June 2023 to mark its 50th annivertourist spots but also emerging The Philippines’ vibrant sary, the new campaign aims to showcase the coral reefs and diverse destinations. By appealing to marine life make it one of the most breath country’s cultural and natural offerings to intertaking dive sites in the both international tourists and world national and local travelers. local travelers, the DOT hopes The campaign highlights attractions – like to inspire a renewed appreciation for the counbeaches, dive spots, mountains, and festivals try’s landscapes and culture. prove the tourist experience. These include – to encourage visitors to explore the archiThe DOT has built its “Love the Philippines” tourist rest areas, first-aid facilities, and the pelago of over 7,600 islands. It also emphacampaign around four main pillars. First, biodiverTourist Assistance Call Center, which ensizes connections through local experiences sity, as the Philippines is recognized for its rich ecohances safety and communication for both by building lasting ties between visitors and systems, being home to a wide range of plant and domestic and international travelers. the destinations they visit. animal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

The DOT is also encouraging local travelIn her speech, DOT Secretary Christina GarSecond, the campaign highlights the couners to explore more of the Philippines through cia Frasco expressed her gratitude for the recogtry’s natural beauty, showcasing UNESCO the “Bisita Be My Guest” program, which ofnition from the World Travel Awards.

World Heritage sites and well-known landfers incentives for Filipinos who invite foreign “This campaign is our way of communimarks like Boracay’s beaches. friends and family to visit the country. cating to the world what the Philippines is all Third, festivals and culture Since the launch of the campaign, the DOT play a significant role, with the has actively promoted the “Love the Philippines” country’s numerous cultural message abroad. The campaign has been presented celebrations attracting visitors at tourism events in Europe, North America, Japan, year-round.

Korea, and China, where the Philippines showcased Lastly, Filipino gastronomy, its attractions to international travelers. shaped by various cultural Frasco said that the campaign’s global reach influences, is promoted as a has been well-received by both Filipino commukey feature, emphasizing the nities overseas and international tourism stakeunique flavors and local dishes holders. The campaign has also garnered support that define the country’s culifrom foreign governments, with partnerships nary identity. promoting the Philippines across various me“Our chosen brand pillars dia platforms in key markets. guide us and all our regional The Philippines’ success at the World Travel offices and agencies in efAwards extended beyond the “Love the Philfectively promoting what ippines” campaign. The country also received to love about our country,” recognition for top tourist destinations, includFrasco noted. ing Intramuros as Asia’s Leading Tourist AtComplementing the traction, Boracay as Asia’s Leading Luxury “Love the Philippines” Island Destination, Cebu as Asia’s Leading The Magellan’s Cross Pavilion in Cebu features a painted ceiling campaign are several DOT Wedding Destination, and the Transformative depicting various events during the time Christianity was first projects designed to imintroduced to the country by Magellan Leadership Award for Frasco.

T

Japan expo recognizes PH tourism campaign with Jury’s Special Award

By Angelica Villanueva THE Department of Tourism’s “Love the Philippines” campaign has been recognized with Jury’s Special Award at Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 last Sept. 26.

The award highlighted the campaign’s exceptional efforts in showcasing the Philippines’ cultural richness, natural beauty, and dedication to sustainable tourism through a collaborative approach.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledged the award, emphasizing the Filipino’s commitment to showcasing what the Philippines can offer.

“This jury citation reflects the shared passion and commitment of Filipinos to showcase the best of our nation to the world, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for the tourism industry,” said Frasco.

“Through the ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign, we continue to highlight our rich history, stunning landscapes, and the warmth of our people, resonating with travelers globally,” she added.

Frasco added that the award also strengthened the bond between the Philippines and Japan.

“This award reflects the deepening bond between the Philippines and Japan, as we continue to share our culture, heritage, and natural beauty with our Japanese friends. The steady increase in Japanese visitors underscores this growing rapport and solidifies the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the global stage,” stated Frasco.

Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, co-organized by the Japan Association for Tourism Promotion, Japan Association of Travel Agents, and the Japan National Tourism Organization, is one of the most prominent international travel events, featuring participants from over 80 countries and regions

The ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign was first launched in 2023

The Jury’s Special Award is an addition to the recent accolades for the “Love the Philippines” campaign, including its recognition as Asia’s Leading Tourism Campaign 2024 at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania gala ceremony, and its nomination for Best Marketing Campaign at the esteemed Asia Best of the Best Awards.

FILIPINO cuisine is known for its variety of dishes bearing rich flavors that serve as a treat to the senses.

With the number of regions in the country having their own special take on viands like sinigang, adobo, and many others, there is seemingly an unending array of flavors for all to enjoy.

However, with the numerous types of dishes and their variations, it is inevitable for some to have little to no recognition of their unique look and taste.

Because of this, they are often ignored in restaurants and other establishments.

Chef Alfred Santiago, the Chef de Cuisine of Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s Waterside, saw how these dishes are often unnoticed and hoped to give people a sense of how delicious they could be through the restaurant’s “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” promotion.

Serving as a celebration of Filipino culture, Waterside’s “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” joins together traditional Filipino music and dance performances with unique dishes from the various regions in the country, which will be set up in a “boodle fight” manner with a large banana leaf sprawled on the table as guests are welcomed with a refreshing aperitif like guava-passion fruit infused lambanog or a citrus-guava mocktail.

Santiago, with his eagerness to promote forgotten dishes from Filipino cuisine, came up with six main dishes together with his team.

Uncommon Filipino dishes are served in a ‘boodle fight’ style with the viands served on a banana leaf

“We had to do research from books [and] from the internet. But [from] what I chose, I wanted it to [use] coconut because the main ingredient that we produce here in the Philippines is coconut,” shared Santiago, adding that the process of researching took two to three months.

The ‘Salu-salo sa Waterside’ menu features uncommon dishes from various parts of the country

The chef also shared that his culinary team hailed from different regions in the country, which had helped in ensuring the authenticity of the dishes’ taste as cooking them entailed a collaborative effort.

The viands on the “Salu-Salo sa Waterside” menu which are these six forgotten dishes consist of Iloilo’s lauya, a flavorful soup that has very tender pata, unripe langka or jackfruit, and vegetables and nilatik na kalabasa or squash cooked in coconut milk and shrimp, Davao’s tiyula itum, a black soup with beef and goat pieces, and burnt coconut meat, Cavite’s pancit puso which mixes bihon and miki with pork, shrimp, fishball, kikiam, chicken and vegetables, Sorsogon’s pagulong at pasayan, a delicacy with shrimp and sigarilyas in coconut cream, and Cebu’s kinilaw na langka.

Other dishes include inihaw na pampano or grilled fish, suwam na mais or Filipino fresh corn soup, tinola halaan sa kawayan or clam soup, crispy pata or crispy pork leg, and chicken adobo sa gata or chicken in coconut milk. There are also appetizers like embutido stuffed inasal wings, glazed banana liempo lumpia, pusit isaw or squid skewers, hibe ukoy bao or dried shrimp fritter steamed bun, and kilawin isda sa ube at ampalaya or vinegar cured bitter gourd and fish.

For desserts, the menu has buko pandan, a cold dessert made of jelly cubes, coconut, and sweetened cream infused with pandan flavor, minatamis na saging con yelo or banana with caramel sauce, leche flan or creme caramel, pinipig lollipop, tupig, and fresh fruits.

The selection of dishes is available for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Saturday. For inquiries and reservations, dial (+632) 8888 8888 or visit solaireresort.com.

LIFE

C4

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

How

T

HE recently concluded and highly successful Travel Sale Expo (TSE) made me reminisce about my trips to various countries in the world as I went around the Expo’s colorful booths, which offered all kinds of affordable tours.

Now in its second year, the TSE was hosted by the Global Tourism Business Association and One Klik Events, led by my friend, Michelle Taylan.

This year’s edition of TSE had more than 200 colorful booths that showcased the best, not only of our country but also of other countries in the Asia Pacific region. Braving the thick crowd during opening day, I made it a point to see what attractive tours to various countries were on sale; at the same time, I couldn’t help but recall my earlier visits to those destinations.

The alluring booth of the Guam Visitors Bureau brought me back to many decades ago when, as Country Manager of the Northwest Airlines GSA here in the country, I had to open an office in Agaña, downtown Guam, in preparation for the start of our scheduled flights between Japan and the island. I rented a condo there for several months until the new office was fully operational, handling passenger and cargo bookings.

Although Guam is a small island and one can drive around it in less than an hour, I never felt bored because it has so many interesting places to see. Two Lovers Point is an awesome lookout spot with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the lush mountains on the other.

Of course, there are also the whitesand Ypao Beach and Tumon Beach, which were my favorite weekend destinations. One time, I took the Atlantis Submarine Tour, which put me up close to the island’s fascinating marine l i f e .

Almost every day, I would

TSE 2024 chairperson Michelle Taylan

Travel Sale Expo

Mercury Rising Bob Zozobrado

brings back

memories of past trips

The Philippine Retirement Authority’s booth at SM Megamall’s Mega Trade Hall during the Travel Sale Expo

wasted, as I enjoyed every single one of them. I had the chance to see one of the famous Seven Wonders of Nature—Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and hundreds of towering limestone islands. I also made time to watch the entertainment feature that Vietnam is known for all over the world—the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. This famous cultural attraction depicts scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life and originally started in the rice paddies and ponds of rural villages during festivals. It is now officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

I also made many visits to Ho Chi Minh City, originally named Saigon, where I enjoyed the savory street food, a cruise along the Mekong Delta, and exploring the exciting Cu Chi Tunnels. The latter is a very impressive underground network of tunnels in one district of Saigon, but it is part of a much larger network of tunnels under the entire country. The Viet Cong used it as their base of operations during the Vietnam War. There were many other booths from other countries, but I could only talk about these three due to space limitations. Our Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) booth was also a part of the Travel Sale Expo, mainly to attract locals who would be interested in becoming marketers. These are individuals or companies that would help attract foreign retirees to make our country their new home. These marketers are given a hefty marketers fee for every referral they give to PRA, a feature that made our booth very popular.

Congratulations to GTBA and One Klik Events for the Travel Sale Expo’s resounding success. I certainly look

The Department of Tourism - National Capital Region’s booth

find myself at the Premier Outlets Mall, where branded luxury items were so temptingly affordable.

TSE also had the Malaysia booth, where I checked what new attractions the country had. I recalled the time I visited Kuala Lumpur with my eldest son. Our first destination was the famous Petronas Towers.

It was only two blocks away from our hotel, so we spent many afternoons there, finding ways to get the best angle for a souvenir shot of the humongous towers in the background.

During that Malaysia visit, my son and I also drove to the very modern Putrajaya, a city south of Kuala Lumpur, which has the Putra Mosque made of rose-colored granite with a pink dome.

The city also houses the Perdana Putra, the Prime Minister’s office complex, and the three-tiered Putra Bridge, copied from Iranian architecture with four minarets, overlooking the manmade Putrajaya Lake.

Poring over the items at the Vietnam booth reminded me of my many visits to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Northwest Airlines planned to start scheduled flights to either of these

The Malaysia booth featured the new attractions the country has to offer

two cities. My counterpart from the airline’s Minneapolis headquarters and I made many visits to Vietnam, as we were trying to convince its government leaders to approve our airline’s application for landing rights in either of the two cities. Unfortunately, it took time for the government to decide, and our airline eventually gave up the plan.

But those Vietnam visits were not

Making the Philippines accessible, affordable to local and foreign tourists

By Abigail Adriatico WITH revenge travel still driving up the numbers of local and foreign visitors in tourist spots, many travelers looked for more ways to save as they explored new places and gained new experiences.

Eager to help tourists with this endeavor, the Travel Sale Expo (TSE) opened its doors once again for its second year and offered a wide array of travel discounts with its theme “Experience the World, Travel is Life.”

During the media conference for the upcoming expo, TSE 2024 chairperson Michelle Taylan shared how the event’s theme aimed to encourage people to actively travel more as there were many things that they had yet to see, learn, and experience in both the Philippines and other countries.

“Nowadays, travel is considered a regular activity because it is a part of our life. So at the Travel Sale Expo, we made sure that we could make travel convenient and more affordable by offering discounted fares through our airline partners and discounted tour packages,” said Taylan.

With the event providing numerous offerings to travelers, Taylan shared that there were many things she looked forward to during the event.

“What made me excited was the different destinations that we offered to our visitors that gave them, of course, more options to choose where they could travel all over the world and most especially the excitement from our visitors to see their favorite performers that performed in the three-day event,” she said.

“I was always excited to see the stakeholders or

the different members of our associations that were able to offer their different packages and services to many people,” she added.

In its second year, the Travel Sale Expo had 176 exhibitors that were made up of airlines, hotels, travel agencies, cruise liners, resorts, tour operators, insurance companies, theme parks, food concessionaires, and embassies, which occupied a total of 200 booths. Retail outfits that offered travel accessories ranging from bags fit for traveling to shoes and clothing made to brave any weather were also present at the event along with booths providing wedding supplies and assistance for those planning to have a destination wedding.

Apart from such exhibitors, several branches of the government concerned with tourism such as the Department of Tourism (DOT-

forward to next year’s edition.

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

YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE:

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The opening of the Travel Sale Expo featured vibrant cultural performances from the Korean Cultural Office

NCR) Philippines, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Philippines Retirement Authority (PRA) had booths of their own along with ASEAN nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, and Brunei, who all aimed

The representatives of DOT-NCR, TIEZA, PRA, ASEAN nations, and Travel Sale Expo sponsors during the media conference

to promote their countries as tourism spots for Filipino travelers.

The three-day expo also featured various corporate game shows, product updates, exhibitors and sponsors’ presentations, raffle draws, conferences, and entertainment programs for attendees to enjoy. Some events included cultural performances from the Korean Cultural Office, K-pop dances, a K-pop singing competition, standup comedian Boobsie performance, and Quezon City Symphonic Band music.

There was also an awarding ceremony towards the end of the expo where the Travel Sale Expo King and Queen Award, the Embassy Award, and the Exhibitor’s Top-Grossing Award were given to respective winners.

The Travel Sale Expo 2024 was held at the SM Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall from Sept. 27 to 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The opening ceremony on Sept. 27 was at 1:00 p.m. Tickets for general admission were priced at P75 while it was P60 for senior citizens.

Those who paid through GCash only needed to pay P50.