Manila Standard - 2024 October 15 - Tuesday

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Oil prices shoot up over Mideast tensions

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE oil firms implemented a big time oil price hike of as much as P2.70 per liter effective 6am today amid the worsening Middle East tensions.

Seaoil Philippines, Chevron Philip-

pines, PetroGazz, Cleanfuel and PTT Philippines issued separate advisories of the oil price increase.

The oil firms hiked the price of diesel

by P2.70 per liter, gasoline by P2.65 per liter and kerosene by P2.60 per liter.

Department of Energy director

Rodela Romero last week cited the escalating conflict in the Middle East that threatens to disrupt oil exports; and the possible disruption of energy delivery due to Hurricane Milton which devastated Florida peninsula in the US.

Next page

Garma’s diagram presented during the House Quad Committee hearing

VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 242 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

Admin won’t refer Quad to ICC But Court free to use hearing records, transcripts as evidence

By Charles Dantes

T

HE executive branch will not endorse to the International Criminal Court the findings of the House Quad Committee that gathered new information on key personalities involved in the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs.

“The Philippines will not return to the ICC. Based on this, the president is not expected to change his mind and now refer the Quad Comm matter to the ICC,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said.

However, nothing will prevent the ICC from using the hearings as evidence, House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Chair and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said in a previous statement.

Barbers said since legislative hearings are public, transcripts or maybe even the records of the hearings can be used by anyone.

“If the ICC would want to use this, it’s up to them because it’s already public record. If it can help them or not, it is up to them,” he said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said unresolved cases related to the brutal drug war of the previous administration could be reopened in light of Next page

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT.

President Marcos addresses delegates of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Malacañan Palace Monday night. (inset) Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Environmental Sec. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction chief Kamal Kishore answer journalists’ questions during a press conference at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Palace backs filing of admin, criminal charges vs. Leonardo

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz MALACAÑANG said it supports the possible filing of criminal and administrative charges against former National Police Commission head Edilberto Leonardo, who resigned from his post last week following his implication in two high-profile murder cases.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the executive branch will leave it up to the Department of Jus-

tice and Office of the Ombudsman to determine the next steps based on the evidence against Leonardo.

“The Palace will support the filing but will leave the decision to file entirely to the DOJ or Ombudsman,” he said.

Leonardo’s resignation followed accusations linking him to the murder of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020 and the deaths of three Chinese drug convicts at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016.

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Lady solons file ethics complaint vs. irate colleague

By Maricel V. Cruz TWO lady lawmakers on Monday filed an ethics complaint against Agri Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee over threats he allegedly made during heated budget deliberations on September 25.

Representatives Stella Quimbo of Marikina and Nica Co of Barangay Health Workers Party-list called out Lee’s supposedly explosive behavior during the session, which was interpreted by colStella Quimbo Wilbert Lee leagues as an attempted assault. committee, said Lee had already finQuimbo recalled that Lee approached not let me speak.”

At that point, Quimbo, senior vice ished his turn to field questions, and her, pointed his finger at her, and shoutNext page ed in Filipino, “I will go wild if you do chair of the House appropriations

Ombudsman junks admin charges vs. Duque misconduct and gross neglect of duty in connection with the alleged illegal THE Office of the Ombudsman transfer of P41.4 biilion in funds for cleared former Department of Health procuring COVID-19 supplies and (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque equipment.

In a 10-page order dated SeptemIII of administrative charges of grave

By Rio N. Araja

ber 10 but released on Sunday, Ombudsman Samuel Martires granted Duque’s motions for reconsideration.

The Ombudsman earlier found Duque guilty of grave misconduct, Next page

NASA goes to Jupiter moon to probe possible life IS THERE anywhere else in our solar system that could support life? An imposing NASA probe is due to lift off on Monday on a five-and-a-half-year journey to Europa, one of Jupiter’s many

moons, to take the first detailed step entists believe could hold an ocean of toward finding out. liquid water beneath its icy surface.

The Europa Clipper mission will alLiftoff is scheduled for “no earlier low the US space agency to uncover than” Monday, October 14, from Cape new details about the moon, which sciNext page

Hontiveros asks Pasig RTC to let Quiboloy attend hearing

By Rolando Ng THE Senate Committee on Women, Family, and Gender Relations formally requested Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 to allow detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy to appear at a hearing scheduled on October 23.

In a letter dated Oct. 14, panel chair Senator Risa Hontiveros explained to Judge Elma Rafallo Lingan about the need to have Quiboloy present at the hearing.

This is in relation to her privilege speech on December 11 and Senate

Resolution No. 884, both seeking to investigate sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by the pastor.

Along with Quiboloy, five of the pastor’s co-accused have also been summoned, namely Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Pauline Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes.

On September 8, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader, who managed to evade arrest inside his church’s sprawling compound in Davao City for two weeks, surrendered himself to military intelligence Next page

NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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PH to localize disaster management T

HE Philippines will push for the localization of disaster risk management while developing the country’s early warning system by learning from other Asia Pacific countries, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Monday.

of our communities, it’s not just one warning. Secondly, we need to develop an understanding of what the warnings actually say,” Loyzaga said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

She explained that currently, most of the Philippines’ warnings are “based on the description of the hazard”, and that there is a need to contextualize these warnings for the people to understand the hazard they are facing.

Unfortunately, she said ordinary people, more often than not, do not really understand the danger of each disaster that hits the country, especially when the warnings are transmitted in a

language that they cannot understand.

Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) praised the Philippines’ people-centered approach in disaster risk reduction.

UNDRR chief Kamal Kishore said the Philippines is already “way ahead” of the DRR curve as focus on communities, which are often the most affected during calamities, is an essential component of reducing and managing disaster risks.

“The work that is being done in Philippines can be a lighthouse to the rest of the region, and, indeed the world,” he said at a media reception.

On the first day of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga said a single hazard is addressed in different ways because of the

country’s varied geographies.

The Philippines, being the most prone to natural hazards in the world, is facing more disaster threats as these hazards become more intense due to climate change.

“So we need to be able to develop, number one, early warning systems that actually speak to the different contexts

Palace...

From A1

Tulfo brothers lead top 12 in Tangere survey

Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza earlier told the House Quad Committee that Leonardo and retired police colonel and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma conspired to have Barayuga killed.

Garma on Friday told the House Quad Committee that a task force led

by Leonardo in Davao City was at the center of the Duterte administration’s reward-driven war on drugs.

In her sworn affidavit, Garma detailed how financial rewards incentivized the killings of drug suspects.

Garma revealed the bloody antidrug campaign was carried out under Duterte’s orders, with his trusted aide, now Senator Christopher Go, and Leonardo playing key roles in its implementation.

Leonardo, then CIDG Region 11 chief, assembled a team of trusted operatives to carry out the drug war’s operations, patterned after the infamous “Davao Model” used during Duterte’s time as mayor—a system that rewarded police for killing drug suspects.

The group included Rommel Bactat, Rodel Cerbo, Michael Palma, and Lester Berganio, who were all stationed at CIDG-Davao, according to Garma.

She said these operatives were tasked with gathering intelligence on drug suspects and compiling reports on arrests and killings.

“They were discharged from service on or about a year ago due to an operation that led to the killing of one individual,” she said.

“Rewards were only given for killings, while for arrests, only the funding of the COPLAN and a refund for the expenses was given,” Garma added, referring to the case operation plan.

Garma told the Quad Committee that while she did not know the exact amounts, the cash reward for drug-related killings ranged from P20,000 to P1 million, depending on the target.

THE latest survey of Tangere shows the brothers Erwin and Ben Tulfo leading the top 12 among the 66 bets in the list of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Conducted from October 10 to 12, 2024, the survey had Erwin Tulfo leading the pack with 62.33 percent, followed by his brother, broadcaster Ben Tulfo at 49 percent. Almost tied at 3rd and 4th places were comebacking former Senate President Tito Sotto, 46.50 percent, and reelectionist Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, 46.08 percent. At fifth was reelectionist Sen. Bong Go. Former senators Manny Pacquiao, 42.21 percent, and Ping Lacson, 38.92 percent, took the sixth and seventh slots, while Makati City Mayor Abby Binay was at 8th place. Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos was at 9th place, with 33.42 percent while Rep. Rodante Marcoleta took 10th place at 31.88 percent.

Ombudsman...

From A1 conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and gross neglect of duty.

He was ordered dismissed from the service with forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetually disqualified from reemployment in the government.

In reversing its decision, Martires cited a 2011 Supreme Court case to back his argument that a public official who has severed their ties with civil service “may no longer be subject of an administrative complaint.”

“Following the Supreme Court’s pronouncements in Andutan, as further clarified in Jamorabo, this Office is constrained to hold that Duque is ‘no longer the proper subject of an administrative complaint’ in connection with the irregular fund transfers to PS-DBM during his stint as DOH Secretary,” the decision read.

Duque was sued on Aug. 15, 2023.

He earlier left public service on June 30, 2022.

“There is no denying that Duque’s separation from service coincided with the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term of office on June 30, 2022. Such separation was a necessary consequence of the coterminous nature of this appointment as DOH Secretary,” the Ombudsman maintained.

Admin...

From A1 the testimonies made by retired police colonel Royina Garma and police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza.

“I think with these testimonies, some of the cold cases will be opened.

But, again, let us wait until the final hearings and final recommendations of the Quad Comm are done and then subsequent actions will be taken,” Remulla said.

He said while former PNP chiefs under the Duterte administration are innocent until proven guilty, the government will not spare anyone in its pursuit of justice.

“There are no sacred cows in this institution and in this investigation,” Remulla said.

“Anyone who is guilty, anyone who is found guilty, anyone will be treated like any other person… They will be accorded no special treatment. They will be accorded no special privileges. Everyone will face the full conse-

Oil...

From A1 Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas earlier said there was a significant spike in crude oil prices due to fear of supply disruption should Israel’s retaliation target Iran’s oil infrastructure.

He said the strong US dollar versus

NASA...

From A1 Canaveral in Florida aboard a powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, NASA said in a statement.

“Europa is one of the most promising places to look for life beyond Earth,” said NASA official Gina DiBraccio at a news conference last month.

The mission will not look directly for signs of life but will instead look to answer the question: Does Europa contain

Sharing 11th and 12th places were reelectionists Lito Lapid and Francis Tolentino.

Nine in the top 12 belong to the administration’s Alyansa ticket, one is from PDP while two are independent bets.

According to Martin Penaf lor, CEO of Tangere, “cur rent events have an effect on people’s sentiment,” particularly favoring those closely aligned with the Marcos Jr. administration.

He highlighted the case of Imee Marcos, who currently ranks in the top 18 of senatorial survey results.

Despite being a member of the Marcos family, Penaf lor noted a key uncertainty among voters: whether Imee is aligned with President Marcos Jr. or Vice President Sara Duterte.

“She was originally part of the administration team and then later on went on to be an independent.

But because of the ongoing concer ns with her brother and our cur rent Vice President, that’s the reason why she fell down for the second consecutive month,” Penaf lor stated.

“On our August survey, she was top 12. Last month, she was in the top 14.

Now, she’s in the top 18 in our survey.

So, that’s the effect now of the alliances,” he added.

Penaflor also addressed the recent rise in voter preference for Abalos, attributing it to the arrest of alleged Chinese spy Alice Guo and concerns over the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

Reelectionisy Bato Dela Rosa has experienced a sharp decline in survey rankings, dropping from 6th place last year to 17th in the most recent polls, Penaf lor said. He attributed this drop to growing public concern over the Duterte administration’s drug war.

quence of the law and the full powers of the PNP and the institution of DILG,” he added.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said it would be better for the Quad Comm to turn over its findings to appropriate Philippine authorities.

“It would even be better if all pieces of evidence gathered from the congressional committee hearings are turned over to our own executive agencies for appropriate investigation and prosecution,” he said.

“The Quad Comm, on its own, may turn it over to the Department of Justice / National Bureau of Investigation or to the Office of the Ombudsman for case build-up or further investigation. The OSG’s role will come in much later,” Guevarra added.

The Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC in 2019 during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term after the court began investigating allegations of human rights abuses during his bloody war on drugs.

Earlier, the families of victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK) urged the

government to rejoin the ICC and submit evidence related to the country’s war on drugs, citing the recent testimony of Garma as crucial to ongoing investigations.

Legal counsel Kristina Conti of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) said Garma’s sworn statement provides significant insight into the pattern of extrajudicial killings and identifies those “most responsible” for the incidents.

“Her statement ties up why all those senseless killings on the ground happened, and on another hand, why policemen are complicit and willful participants,” Conti said.

Garma on Friday confirmed that former President Duterte ordered the implementation “on a national scale” of the so-called “Davao template” that rewarded cops for every drug suspect killed.

Garma revealed three modes of payment or rewards: first, for every suspect killed; second for the planned operations; and third, for the refund of operational expenses.

the peso also pushed the increase in pump prices higher.

On Oct. 8,, the oil companies implemented an increase of P1.20 per liter for diesel and P0.70 per liter for kerosene while no movement was effected for gasoline.

DOE data showed that year-to-date, total adjustment of diesel stands at a net increase of P4.05 per liter while gasoline remains at P6.40 per liter.

On the other hand, kerosene has a total net decrease of P5.35 per liter.

Meanwhile, DOE director Rino Abad said the agency will inspect retail stations to ensure their compliance to the three percent cocomethyl ester (CME) blend for diesel (B3).

Abad said they expect an average of P0.30 per liter increase in the price of diesel due to the implementation of B3.

the ingredients that would allow life to be present?

If it does, another mission would then have to make the journey to try and detect it.

“It’s a chance for us to explore not a world that might have been habitable billions of years ago,” like Mars, Europa Clipper program scientist Curt Niebur told reporters last month, “but a world that might be habitable today, right now.”

The probe is the largest ever designed

by NASA for interplanetary exploration.

It is 30 meters wide when its im-

mense solar panels – designed to capture the weak light that reaches Jupiter – are fully extended.

While Europa’s existence has been known since 1610, the first close-up images were taken by the Voyager probes in 1979, which revealed mysterious reddish lines criss-crossing its surface.

The next probe to reach Jupiter’s icy moon was NASA’s Galileo probe in the 1990s, which found it was highly likely that the moon was home to an ocean.

This time, the Europa Clipper probe will carry a host of sophisticated in-

Gibo questions commitment of China in SCS

By Rex Espiritu DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Monday that China’s commitment to a dialogue with ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, about the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is questionable.

“They are well-committed to dialogue. However, the problem is they are the only ones who believe in what they say. If they are committed to dialogue, it should be believable,” Teodoro said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The defense chief said the Philippines is likewise committed to dialogue, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the marching orders for it.

“We are committed to a dialogue as well as long as we know that we are not being fooled and harmed,” Teodoro said.

The President had pressed Southeast Asian leaders and China during the recent ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos to speed up negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea. He said substantive progress needed to be made and all parties must “be earnestly open to seriously managing differences” and reducing tension.

“There should be more urgency in the pace of the negotiations of the ASEAN-China code of conduct,” Mr. Marcos said.

In a statement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China is committed to settling maritime differences with the countries concerned.

Lady...

From A1 the last House member fielding questions was House Deputy Minority Leader Paul Daza.

“We are on the same side in our strong sense of duty, but I have never used fervor over duty as an excuse to be violent,” she stressed in Filipino.

The Marikina solon said the incident caused emotional distress to her and her fellow lady lawmaker, Co. “From my perspective, his actions, particularly, his moving forward with his hand and eye movement — were an attempt to assault. My instinct was to duck behind the podium for my own safety. I felt physically threatened,” she added.

Quimbo stressed, “This should not happen to any woman, especially in the workplace. His actions were a clear form of intimidation, and this behavior is unacceptable.”

“This is also about unparliamentary behavior. There are many microphones available in the plenary.

There are rules on how to go about raising a point of order. There are also rules on how many times a legislator is allowed to interpellate. This is how order is maintained on the floor.

Any member of Congress is expected to know this,” Quimbo said in a mixture Filipino and English .

Hontiveros...

From A1 officers who subsequently turned him over to police authorities.

Quiboloy and four of his co-accused were transferred to Pasig City Jail on September 13.

struments, including cameras, a spectrograph, radar, and a magnetometer to measure its magnetic forces.

The mission will look to determine the structure and composition of Europa’s icy surface, its depth, and even the salinity of its ocean, as well as the way the two interact – to find out, for example, if water rises to the surface in places.

The aim is to understand whether the three ingredients necessary for life are present: water, energy and certain chemical compounds. AFP

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A3 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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IN BRIEF Police seize illegal oil products in Surigao

PRAYER MEETING. Members of The Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide pray with Senate President Chiz Escudero during the JIL’s 46th anniversary on

Saturday at the Quirino Grandstand. Escudero presented Senate Resolution No. 202 to the JIL Church, led by its founder and spiritual director, Bishop Bro. Eddie Villanueva, along with Senator Joel Villanueva, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

BOC operatives halt attempt to smuggle party drugs THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle ecstasy tablets, or “party drugs,” valued at P8.314 million at the Port of Clark.

The illegal drugs were intercepted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS).

The shipment, concealed among the coffee beans inside the three boxes, which had been shipped from the Netherlands was subjected to K9 inspection by CAIDTF and PDEA, both of which confirmed the presence of illegal drugs.

“Physical examination of the shipment revealed one box of espresso capsules and three boxes of coffee beans,” the BOC said in a statement.

Samples were turned over to PDEA for chemical analysis, confirming that the tablets contained Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as Ecstasy.

The BOC reiterates its commitment to protect the country against the importation of illegal drugs and hazardous substances into the country, the BOC added. Vito Barcelo

Agents arrest S. Korean wanted for illegal drugs

By Vito Barcelo

B

UREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a South Korean fugitive wanted by authorities in Seoul for involvement in illegal drugs.

The foreign fugitive, identified as Choi Sol, was apprehended at the BI main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Choi was at the BI’s head office when he was collared by operatives of the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU) who were tipped about his presence inside the bureau’s premises.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said Choi is an overstaying tourist and will be deported for being an illegally staying and undesirable alien.

It was learned that Choi is the subject of an Interpol red notice issued two years ago after he was indicted before a Korean court for violating his country’s narcotics control act.

A warrant for his arrest was re-

portedly issued by a district court in Cheongju City, South Korea in August 2022.

Choi conspired with other suspects in operating a Telegram chat room that was used to trade and advertise the sale of illegal drugs, including cocaine and hemp cartridges to the public.

It is believed that the suspects amassed a profit of more than 10 million won, or more than $7,000 from their drug trading activities.

Choi’s passport has been revoked by the Korean government which made him an undocumented alien who is subject to immediate deportation.

ARTIFICIAL REEFS. Members of the Yes to Life Foundation display artificial coral reefs in Isla Bonita, Rosario, Cavite. About 100 artificial coral reefs are now ready to be deployed with the help of private companies in Cavite.

Philippine Army troops neutralize high-ranking NPA leader in Samar GOVERNMENT troops have neutralized a high-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) commander in Northern Samar.

The Philippine Army identified the leader as Mario Sevillano, also known as “Durok” of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Authorities said Sevillano was wounded in an encounter with 19IB and 4SRB on August 30 and was subsequently evacuated by his comrades.

However, he succumbed to his abdominal gunshot wounds and was buried in a shallow grave by retreating comrades in Brgy Deit de Turag, Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar.

“This recent military success, along with the exhumation and proper burial of Sevillano’s remains, underscores the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to restoring peace and security while upholding human rights and dignity, even for those who once

opposed it,” the Army said.

Meanwhile, two other NPA members known by their aliases Robert/ Okyo and Dayay, surrendered to the military in Mapanas town.

Another NPA combatant, identified as Alias Baronet, turned himself in to the 19th Infantry Battalion in Brgy.

Poponton, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Baronet surrendered without firearms and is now under Army custody.

Brigadier General Perfecto Peñare-

dondo, Acting Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded the surrenders as a significant advancement in the military’s campaign against insurgency.

“Northern Samar continues to experience developmental gains as we make headway against the Communist Terrorist Group. Your Army remains committed to eradicating insurgency not only in the province but throughout Region 8,” Peñaredondo said.

Philippines set to host Asia-Pacific civil aviation conference in Cebu

By Joel E. Zurbano

MEDIA RECOGNITION. The Cavite Police Provincial Office under Police Colonel Eleuterio Ricardo Jr, Provincial Director, Cavite recognized the Cavite Press Corps led by President Rossel Calderon for their contribution through journalism in the simple program held at Camp BGen Pantaleon Garcia, City of Imus, Cavite, Monday October 14, 2024. Manila Standard contributor Gaudencio ‘Dennis’ Abrina Jr. was among those who received recognition.

LAPU Lapu City, Cebu - The Philippines is hosting the 59th DGCA conference this year, bringing government officials, airline executives, aviation infrastructure developers, and safety experts to discuss policy, conceptual issues, and global trends to sustain aviation growth in Asia and the Pacific Region.

The DGCA, or Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference Asia and Pacific Regions, is the annual gathering of directors general of civil aviation authorities.

This five-day event - taking place in Lapu Lapu, Cebu, from October 14 to 18 - is a crucial platform for ad-

dressing aviation sector challenges and emerging trends.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations in matters concerning global air transportation and harmonization of principles in air navigation, acts as the steering committee of this prestigious aviation event.

Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said hosting the DGCA is a great opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ commitment to aviation safety and security, as well as its pledge to a sustainable future in aviation.

AUTHORITIES seized an estimated P332,000 worth of illegal petroleum products during an operation in Barangay Mabuhay, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.

Police Colonel Nilo Texon, Officer-In-Charge of the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office, ident fied the three arrested as alias “Rexan,” a fisherman from P-5, Barangay Rizal, Socorro , Surigao del Norte; alias “Patrick”, a laborer from P-2, Barangay Taruc, Socorro; and alias “Austin”, a driver from Purok 8, Barangay Esperanza, Del Carmen.

Authorities said 31 drums of what is believed to be diesel with an estimated volume of 8,060 liters were confiscated from a Fuel tank truck with license plate CAM5297, after failing to present a legal document or permit.

The operation was conducted by the combined forces of the Del Carmen Municipal Police Station in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

“We remain vigilant to respond to any situation, especially when complaints call our attention. May this accomplishment serve as a pillar of example to others, to stop participating in all forms of illegalities, unrecognized barters, illegal trades, and unauthorized dispensing of products.

Regardless of the costs you might lose, or how much you may gain, we will enforce our given mandate as the law provides,” Texon said.

Vince Lopez

13 DepEd personnel cited for excellence THE Department of Education (DepEd) recognized 13 DepEd personnel during the 13th Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara led the recognition of DepEd personnel.

In collaboration with Fortune Life and Marylindbert International, the award-giving body, recognized and awarded 18 DepEd personnel who showed exemplary dedication to their work.

Angara commended the teachers for their unwavering faith in their professions and eagerness to serve Filipino children in his keynote speech.

Angara also mentioned the friendship of the Cabangon and the Angara families and highlighted the story of Cabangon Chua’s story of hard work and discipline. Ralph Harvey Rirao

Army to host ASEAN Armies Annual Meet THE Philippine Army will host this year’s ASEAN Armies Annual Meet.

According to Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala, 10ASEAN countries are set to participate in the annual shooting competition which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.

AARM features five shooting events: Rifle, Carbine, Machine Gun, Pistol (Men), and Pistol (Ladies).

The Philippine Army will also host the 25th ASEAN Chief of Armies Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) and the 12th ASEAN Sergeant Major Annual Meeting (ASMAM).

The annual event is geared at strengthening solidarity and camaraderie among the ASEAN armies, according to Dema-ala.

The 2024 ASEAN Armies Annual Meet (AAAM) has the theme: “Strengthening Partnership and Camaraderie towards Regional Stability” and will be held on November 12 to November 24. Rex Espiritu

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IN BRIEF Binalla is new skipper of BRP Valentin Diaz THE Philippine Navy has designated Commander Jose Emmanuel Binalla as the new captain of BRP Valentin Diaz.

Littoral Combat Force chief Commodore Vincent Sibala presided at the change of command ceremony and awarded Binalla the Command-at-Sea Badge and Plaque The citation is a coveted award for all commanding officers of navy ships. The award was a recognition for Binalla’s dedication as a commanding officer of various Philippine Navy vessels.

Binalla succeeded Commander Harold Tabora. Rex Espiritu

Cagayan equips LGUs with new machineries CAGAYAN province has acquired brand-new heavy duty machineries seen to significantly boost its agriculture and infrastructure development projects.

Gov. Manuel Mamba said the acquisitions, meant to hasten local government unit (LGU) services, consisted of the first batch of six units of backhoes for distribution to the LGUs. Mamba said the provincial government ordered 29 units of such machinery worth P85.88 million.

Additionally, two hydraulic crawler-type excavators that the provincial government had ordered for P8.9 million and funded with P9 million from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management (LDRRM) budget are also expected to be delivered soon.

Meanwhile, the bidding process for service cars for Cagayan’s 820 barangays is still underway, Mamba disclosed.

Jessica M. Bacud

AYE, AYE CAPTAIN. Commander Jose Emmanuel Binalla is the new commander of BRP Valentin Diaz, replacing Commander Harold Tabota.

BOC, PDEA foil bid to smuggle P8.3m worth of Ecstasy tablets

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country Ecstasy tablets, also called “party drugs,” valued at P8.314 million through the Port of Clark in Pampanga.

The contraband was intercepted by the BOC’s Enforcement and Security

Service (ESS) – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), and the

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) in collaboration with the PDEA. The shipment, concealed among coffee beans stashed inside three boxes that came from the Netherlands, was subjected to K9 inspection by the CAIDTF and the PDEA, both of which confirmed the presence of illegal drugs.

“Physical examination of the shipment revealed one box of espresso

BARMM denies charges of funds misuse, coercion

Davao City’s 2.3-km tunnel nearly finish THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) continues to make significant progress on the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), particularly in the development of a 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, The tunnel is a key feature of the 45.62-kilometer four (4)-lane bypass road that spans from Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City, to Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City.

DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain said concreting of the tunnel invert lining is now 75.76 percent complete, or about 1,697 lineal meters on the northbound tunnel and 74.12% or 1,667 lineal meters on the southbound tunnel.

Tunnel excavation is also progressing rapidly, with the northbound tunnel 87.72 percent complete (1,965 meters), leaving just 275 meters to go. The southbound tunnel is currently at 78.30 percent (1,761 meters), with 488 meters remaining.

CP I-1, which covers a 10.7-kilometer stretch from Mintal Road Intersection (Sta. 12+800) to Mandug Road Intersection (Sta. 23+500), is now 53.52 peercent complete, with full completion expected by the second quarter of 2025.

capsules and three boxes of coffee beans,” the BOC said in a statement.

Samples were turned over to PDEA for chemical analysis, confirming that the tablets contained methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as Ecstasy.

The BOC reiterated its commitment to protect the country against the importation of illegal drugs and hazardous substances into the country..

By Nash B. Maulana

NEW MACHINERIES. Cagayan’s 29 municipalities are set to own brand new heavy duty machineries such as these backhoes meant to facilitate delivery of essential services to their respective constituents.

Drive vs. loose guns gains ground in Mindanao

By Rex Espiritu THE military’s intensified campaign against loose firearms in Mindanao continues to gain traction as villagers turn in more guns through their community officials.

Three high powered firearms were voluntarily surrendered during the weekend by the residents to their barangay chairman Akmad Orak of Tamontaka 1 who in turn took the weapons to the 6th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Central (JFTC) undertak-

ing the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program.

The surrendered firearms consisted of one 60mm mortar and two M14 rifle with magazines.

Orak turned over the said weapons to Lt. Col. Lester Mark Baky, commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 5.

“This turnover was a result of our continuing information and education drive against loose firearms with the aim of making our communities safe and prevent violence especially with the forthcoming local and national

elections, the 6ID said in a statement in Filipino.

“The SALW Management Program intends to ensure the security and peace of our communities. The continuing surrender of loose firearms is a testament of collaboration between the local officials and their constituents for a safer Cotabato City. Through this cooperation, we hope to achieve sustainable progress and peace for all.

Every step to turn in loose firearms is a move toward a brighter future for the city,” said 6ID commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

Group slams fee increases at NAIA

LIGHT AT TUNNEL’S END. The Department of Public Works and Highways says the ongoing construction of a 2.3-kilometer twin-mountain road tunnel in Davao City is now nearing completion.

AN ADVOCACY group has called on the government to “immediately stop all of the on-going and proposed increases in fees” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

AirportWatch spokesperson Danilo Lorenzo Delos Santos issued the call following the sharp increases in parking rates and landing and take-off charges at the NAIA, just two weeks after the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infra Corporation (NNIC) took over airport operations.

“Already, travelers are hit with excessive airport fees, inflated parking rates, and steep landing and take-off charges—fees that are being imposed long before the airport upgrades have even been completed or their benefits realized,” Delos Santos said.

Starting Oct. 1, the NNIC implemented a 300-percent increase in overnight parking rates for cars in NAIA.

From P300, overnight parking is now at P1,200, the group noted.

“The public’s concerns have once again been ignored, despite the growing outcry for a reassessment of the steep fee hikes following San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) takeover of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA),” Delos Santos stressed.

“We urge authorities to listen to the voices of the public and focus on ensuring that the deliverables of the concession agreement for NAIA rehabilitation is delivered first and enjoyed by airport users before any fee increase,” he added.

He said the increase in parking fee will significantly burden many ordinary passengers. “The new NAIA management claims these hikes are designed to decongest parking areas, yet the only outcome is to price out the average air traveler, catering only to the wealthy,” he explained.

BANGSAMORO Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua have rejected allegations by a former Sultan Kudarat official that regional funds were misappropriated and that politicians in the autonomous region were coerced to join the administration.

Ebrahim and Macacua said there was neither harassment nor coercion on local officials, contrary to allegations by incumbent Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu who accused special assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo of manuevering local politics against the Mangudadatus.

“We categorically deny the baseless accusations that funds intended for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been misappropriated or that politicians are being coerced to join the administration,” Lagdameo and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo said in a statement.

“These allegations are not only false but malicious, intended to mislead the public,” the statement said.

Ebrahim and Macacua said no coercion or harassment has taken place, adding what was apparently referred to in the allegations was a gathering of BARMM mayors and other prominent leaders in Davao City on Oct. 6.

Ebrahim described the meeting as “peaceful and respectful,” “with no undue pressure exerted on any official.”

Lagdameo explained that his role as special assistant to the President was “to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in every aspect of my duties.”

Macacua also dismissed insinuations of corruption in the BARMM, saying fund disbursements were very elaborate in terms of established procedures and auditing rules and regulations. He said these were based on his experience having been executive secretary and later senior minister working under the Office of the Chief Minister.

“As Governor of South Cotabato and National President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, my focus has been on building partnerships based on shared goals for the nation’s advancement.

OPINION

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

The Senate race is a joke SANTA Banana, with almost 200 candidates filing their Certificates of Candidacy, the Senate race has become a big joke!

With a mixture of all sorts of characters from the sublime to those facing violations of the law and what have you, in my many years as a journalist, I have never seen a mixture of so many characters as those who want to become senators in the midterm elections of 2025.

Except for those I can count on my fingers, most of them are running to make money, seeking financial help from those who are crazy enough to give them money. My gulay, I know of a former chief of police who made the rounds of people who were crazy enough to give him a few thousand pesos. That character wanted to make money.

In next year’s list of senatoriables, there are characters and faces who think that voters are dumb enough to vote for them. But, there are, because most of our voters belong to the masa.

For instance, there’s Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church and “self-appointed Son of God” who filed his COC for the Senate. You may ask if there are people who would vote for somebody like Quiboloy who is facing cases of rape, sexual abuse of minors, human trafficking , and money laundering. Guess what?

My gulay, there are also those who believe that one is good enough to be a lawmaker just because they are TV hosts or media personalities who get involved in the problems of those who seek their help. I will not name them because you know them. In fact, these characters have been topping surveys because there are people who are carried away by their popularity. That’s the problem of our kind of politics where people vote because of popularity.

This is why I believe that the people deserve the kind of leaders they elect. Gone are the days of statesmen like Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tanada, Lorenzo Sumulong, Quintin Paredes.

They were our pride. These days, when people complain about politicians, they should be reminded that they deserve them because they voted

for them.

The bulk of our electorate cannot distinguish between real and reel, especially when a movie action star is running. Santa Banana, there was the late action star “FPJ” (Fernando Poe Jr.) who wanted to be president, and almost won.

Talking about movie stars becoming presidents. Soon enough we might have Vice Ganda and Coco Martin running for the Senate.

—“—

Legislation should not be the result of a popularity contest.

Santa Banana, the Senate has Lito Lapid, an action star. But, I ask, what has he contributed for the benefit of the people? And yet, ALYANSA of President Marcos Jr. has again included him in its Senate slate. I am not saying that movie stars cannot do well to contribute to the good of the country.

Senator Robin Padilla, for example, is doing very well as chairman of the Senate Committee for Constitutional Change. In fact, I would say that his proposals for constitutional amendments make a lot of sense.

My point is that voters should take a second look at the qualifications of senatorial candidates. They should not only be natural born citizens. They should have at least finished college.

Manny Pacquiao only finished fourth grade, and yet he became a senator, and is now running again. He has the billions of pesos he earned as a boxer. Santa Banana, what can a fourthgrader do to contribute to the national good?

How can we have good leaders where popularity is the main consideration?

It is for this reason why I say the Senate race has become a circus. The job of a senator or legislator requires much more than just popularity.

Another thing: we need to limit a family’s inclusion in the Senate to one.

In other words, Santa Banana, let us not make the Senate an institution for family members!

The dangerous game DID a former Philippine National Police Chief turn one of the most feared drug lords into a pawn to destroy a political rival? In a shocking twist, Kerwin Espinosa—once the country’s most notorious drug lord—claims Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa pressured him into framing former Senator Leila de Lima. Now, with Espinosa’s revelations rippling through Congress, questions about Duterte’s violent war on drugs—and the political maneuvering behind it—resurface.

Espinosa’s claims aren’t just about coercion; they pull back the curtain on the murky intertwining of law enforcement and politics during Duterte’s reign. His allegations, if proven, could expose systemic abuses and challenge the legitimacy of high-profile convictions.

Kerwin Espinosa’s history is marked by violence and fear. His father, Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., became entangled in the drug trade and was arrested in 2016. Fearing for his life, the elder Espinosa’s worst fears came true when he was shot dead in his cell in what police controversially called a shootout.

The killing cast a dark shadow over the country’s criminal justice system—a system that, according to Kerwin, soon turned its sights on him.

Espinosa claims that upon his return to the Philippines, he was greeted not with relief but with threats from Dela

Rosa. According to Kerwin, Dela Rosa made it clear: he had to admit to his drug involvement and implicate de Lima and Peter Lim—or face the same deadly fate as his father.

—“—

The quiet death of truth is the most dangerous casualty of all, and in this war, everyone stands to lose.

At the heart of this explosive testimony is the personal and political feud between de Lima and then-President Duterte. As a human rights advocate, de Lima had investigated Duterte’s alleged links to extrajudicial killings in Davao. When Duterte took power, de Lima became a vocal critic of his drug war—and a prime target of his ire.

Kerwin’s false testimony against her fit into the administration’s narrative that de Lima was a key player in the drug trade. Her imprisonment was seen as politically motivated—a convenient way to silence one of Duterte’s fiercest opponents.

But now, with Espinosa’s recanta-

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EDITORIAL

To its rightful end

R

EVELATIONS in congressional hearings in the past few days have been explosive, to say the least.

ing the credibility of those who dared name them in the Duterte drug scandal. Espinosa, after all, is entangled in drugs while Garma has been accused of having a hand in the murder of PCSO board member Wesley Barayuga.

At the Senate, alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa claimed he had been coerced by Senator Ronald dela Rosa to say former Senator Leila de Lima was a protector of drug traffickers. Dela Rosa supposedly threatened Espinosa to toe the line – or harm would come to his family members.

Espinosa’s father, imprisoned for being in the narco-list of the previous administration, was killed in jail, nonetheless.

At the House of Representatives, Police Col. and former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma read aloud her affidavit detailing an elaborate reward scheme through which the deadly drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte was consummated.

She recalled introducing her upperclassman at the Philippine National Police Academy, until recently the commissioner of the National Police Commission Edilberto Leonardo, to then-President elect Duterte. She tagged Senator Christopher Lawrence Go as having full knowledge of the operations, with an aide of the senator acting as “money bags.”

Adamant denials have been heard, with both dela Rosa and Go assail-

—“—

These bombshell testimonies come at a most unsettling time – when China continues to bully and threaten us, when candidates for the May 2025 elections have just signified their intention to run, and when the country is struggling to achieve respectable economic growth amid inflationary pressures and uncertainty in the Middle East.

But as controversial as these revelations may seem today, they will ultimately die down in the days to come. The question, then, is what this

administration will do to ensure that the truth is revealed and that justice is served, especially for those whose lives were snuffed out.

At this point, many Filipinos are wary that these rumblings are no more than a projection of the political war between the Marcoses and the Dutertes, who two years ago ran and won together under the banner of Unity. Two years has proven to be a long time, however, and that unity was exposed to be flimsy and contrived.

The accusations we heard over the weekend are not mere gossip fodder.

They are not simply goods that one political camp can have over its rival.

The accusations are so serious they must transcend the impermanence of political rivalry. They are acts of individuals heady with power, consumed with greed and violence even if it comes at the expense of thousands of others, and drunk with impunity, invincibility, and entitlement.

Filipinos deserve no less than the closure of seeing these grave accusations to their rightful end. Any good leader – which simply happens to be Mr. Marcos today – would know that now is the time to cooperate with the International Criminal Court. A probe by an external, independent third party will remove the suspicions of political maneuvering, expose what really happened, and make the guilty truly accountable for their crimes.

tion, the truth is once again in question. His claim that Dela Rosa pressured him reveals a troubling trend in Duterte’s drug war: the use of coerced confessions for political gain. The Philippines has a long history of turning “state witnesses” into tools for securing convictions against prominent figures. However, Espinosa’s testimony adds weight to concerns that these witnesses weren’t just incentivized— they were threatened into giving false evidence.

Coerced confessions violate both domestic and international legal standards. Under Philippine law, confessions obtained through intimidation or threats are illegal (Article 286, Revised Penal Code). The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that testimonies extracted under duress are inadmissible (People v. Obrero). Yet, despite these legal protections, Duterte’s drug war saw a pattern of intimidation, and Espinosa’s story could prove to be one of its most glaring examples.

Dela Rosa, now on the defensive, will likely focus on discrediting Espinosa. He could argue that Kerwin,

a convicted criminal, is an unreliable witness looking to escape punishment.

Dela Rosa might also claim that this recantation is part of a broader effort by Duterte’s political enemies to undermine the legacy of the drug war.

Legally, Dela Rosa could rely on the principle that without corroborating evidence, Espinosa’s testimony holds little value. The courts typically view recantations with skepticism unless there is strong proof to back up the new claims (People v. Lagon).

For Espinosa, the challenge will be in proving his previous testimony was coerced. He will need to present corroborating evidence—such as testimony from other witnesses who may have been similarly coerced, or documentation of communications from law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s credibility hangs in the balance. If it’s proven that his leadership involved coercion, he could face charges of misconduct—or worse, complicity in extrajudicial killings. The scrutiny on Duterte’s drug war will likely intensify, with potential international investigations into human

rights abuses.

For Espinosa, the path forward may lie in seeking legal protection and working with other witnesses who suffered similar fates. This could open the door to a broader investigation into the systemic abuses of Duterte’s war on drugs.

For Dela Rosa, transparency is his best defense. Simply denying Espinosa’s claims won’t be enough—he must produce evidence to clear his name.

Without proof, his reputation, and that of Duterte’s drug war, may continue to unravel.

For the Philippine government, Espinosa’s claims demand an impartial investigation. The nation’s judicial system, already under immense scrutiny, faces a defining test. Will justice be done, or will the powerful escape accountability once more?

As for the public, vigilance remains essential. This is not just a battle between politicians and criminals; it’s a fight for the soul of the nation’s justice system. The quiet death of truth is the most dangerous casualty of all, and in this war, everyone stands to lose.

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

A probe by an external, independent third party will remove the suspicions of political maneuvering, expose what really happened, and make the guilty truly accountable for their crimes.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Joyce Pangco Pañares Virgilio Galvez

Managing Editor News Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Aytch dela Cruz

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Editor Online Editor

WORLD

A6

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024

MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

‘Stern warning’: Chinese jets encircle Taiwan T

AIPEI — China deployed fighter jets and warships to encircle Taiwan on Monday, in drills Beijing said were aimed at sending a “stern warning” to “separatist” forces on the self-ruled island.

BOATS SAILING. An aerial view shows sail boats past the Victory Lighthouse during the 56th Barcolana Sailing Regatta in the Gulf of Trieste. AFP 1 HE

IN BRIEF Pakistan ‘vigilantes’behind online blasphemy cases Hearings into nerve agent case begin PUBLIC hearings began Monday at a British inquiry into the 2018 death of a woman who was exposed to the nerve agent Novichok used in an attempt to kill a Russian double agent, which plunged relations between London and the Kremlin to new lows.

The intended target of the poison attack was former double agent Sergei Skripal, who lived in Salisbury, southwest England, and on whom Russian President Vladimir Putin had sworn vengeance.

Skripal and his daughter Yulia were both found unconscious on a bench in the city centre in March 2018. They survived after intensive treatment in hospital, and now live under protection.

Mother-of-three Dawn Sturgess, 44, died in July 2018 after spraying herself with what she thought was perfume from a bottle discarded in a park that contained the deadly chemical weapon.

UK authorities believe that the agents targeting the Skripals had thrown it out.

AFP

‘Attack on peacekeepers may be a war crime’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday denounced attacks that have injured several peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, his spokesman said, as Israeli forces move against Hezbollah militants.

“UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted,” Stephane Dujarric said, referring to the blue-helmeted international force. “Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law...(and) may constitute a war crime.”

“In a deeply worrying incident that occurred today, the entrance door of a UN position was deliberately breached

by IDF armored vehicles,” he added in a statement.

At least five peacekeepers have been wounded in recent days as Israel targets Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

UNIFIL, a mission of about 9,500 troops of various nationalities created following Israel’s 1978 invasion of Lebanon, has accused the Israeli military of “deliberately” firing on its positions. AFP

Poorest countries have highest debt burden THE world’s 26 poorest economies are facing the most significant debt burden since 2006, the World Bank announced in a new report published Sunday.

Government debt in these countries, which are home to around 40 percent of the world’s population, now stands at an average of 72 percent of GDP -- an 18year high -- the Washington-based development lender said.

At the same time, the amount of international aid they receive as a share of their economic output has shrunk to a two-decade low.

“There is much that low-income economies can -— and must -— do for themselves,” the World Bank’s deputy chief economist, Ayhan Kose, said in a statement. “But these economies also need stronger help from abroad.” AFP

ISLAMABAD — Aroosa Khan’s son was chatting on WhatsApp but suddenly found himself the target of “vigilante” investigators who accused him of having committed blasphemy online, a crime that carries the death penalty in Pakistan.

The 27-year-old is one in hundreds of young men standing trial in Pakistan courts accused of making blasphemous statements online or in WhatsApp groups, an offence for which arrests have exploded in recent years.

Many of the cases are being brought to trial by private “vigilante groups” led by lawyers and supported by volunteers who scour the internet for offenders, rights groups and police say.

The families of young Pakistanis,

including doctors, engineers, lawyers, and accountants, say that their relatives were duped into sharing blasphemous content by strangers online before being arrested.

“Our lives have been turned upside down,” Khan told AFP, saying that her son, who has not been named for security reasons, had been tricked into sharing blasphemous content in the messaging app.

One local police report suggests that the vigilantes may be motivated by financial gains.

One such group was responsible for the conviction of 27 people who have been sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty over the past three years.

Blasphemy is an incendiary charge in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unsubstantiated accusations can incite public outrage and lead to lynchings.

While they date back to colonial times, Pakistan’s blasphemy laws were ramped up in the 1980s when dictator Zia ul-Haq campaigned to “Islamicise” society.

AFP has attended multiple court hearings in the capital Islamabad, where young men are being prosecuted by private vigilante groups and the FIA for blasphemous online content.

Among them is Aroosa’s son -- who had joined a WhatsApp group for jobseekers and was contacted by a woman.

AFP

Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control and Monday’s drills represent its fourth round of large-scale war games in the past two years.

The United States said China’s actions were “unwarranted” and risk “escalation” as it called on Beijing to act with restraint.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a “separatist”.

Lai vowed Monday to “protect democratic Taiwan, and safeguard national security”, while the defence ministry said it dispatched “appropriate forces” in response to the drills.

AFP journalists near the Hsinchu air force base, in the north of Taiwan, saw 12 fighter jets take off on Monday.

Outlying islands administered by Taipei were on “heightened alert” and “aircraft and ships will respond to enemy situations in accordance with the engagement rules”, Taiwan’s defence ministry said.

Beijing said its exercises served as a “stern warning to the separatist acts of ‘Taiwan Independence’ forces”.

The drills, dubbed Joint Sword2024B, are testing troops’ “joint operations capabilities” according to Captain Li Xi, spokesman for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command.

They are taking place in “areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island,” he said.

The drills are “focusing on subjects of sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas”, Li said.

They also practised an “assault on maritime and ground targets”.

Fighter jets and warships had been deployed, Chinese state media said.

China’s coast guard was also dispatched to conduct “inspections” around the island. AFP

SoKor military ‘fully ready’as drone tensions soar SEOUL — South Korea’s military said Monday it was “fully ready” to respond after North Korea ordered troops on the border to prepare to fire in an escalating dispute over drone flights to Pyongyang.

The nuclear-armed North has accused Seoul of flying drones over its capital to drop propaganda leaflets filled with “inflammatory rumours and rubbish”, and warned Sunday that if another drone was detected, it would consider it “a declaration of war”.

Seoul’s military previously denied it was behind the flights, with local speculation centred on activist groups in the South, which have long sent propaganda and US currency northwards, typically by balloon.

But the North insists Seoul is officially to blame, announcing late Sunday it had told eight artillery brigades already on war footing “to get fully ready to open fire”, and reinforced air observation posts in Pyongyang.

“Our military is closely monitoring the situation and standing fully ready for the North’s provocations,” Lee Seong-joon, a spokesman for the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), told a press briefing. AFP

WOMEN WALKING. Burqa-clad Afghan women walk along a street on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif. AFP

Moldova’s election to test country’s pro-European bent

FLAGS WAVING. National flags of Taiwan are seen on a street in Hsinchu on October 14, 2024. China’s coast guard said on October 14 it had dispatched four fleets to conduct “inspections” around Taiwan, as Beijing launched military exercises targeting the self-ruled island it claims as part of its territory. AFP

CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — Long torn over closer ties with the European Union or maintaining Soviet-era relations with Moscow, Moldova faces a decisive choice in Sunday’s presidential elections held under the shadow of war in neighbouring Ukraine.

Pro-European incumbent President Maia Sandu is the clear favourite against 10 other candidates in the country of 2.6 million that has increasingly been in the headlines since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Sandu and other high-ranking officials have accused Russia of trying to influence the presidential vote and a referendum on joining the EU organised

the same day.

Sandu, 52, a former World Bank economist who beat a Moscow-backed incumbent in 2020 by a wider-than-expected margin, is credited with 36 percent of voting intentions, according to a recent poll by the WatchDog think tank.

Her main challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a 57-year-old former prosecutor supported by the pro-Russian Socialists, is far behind at 10 percent.

But Sandu is unlikely to get 50 percent on Sunday, leading to a second round on November 3, which “should be tighter”, said WatchDog analyst Valeriu Pasha. AFP

SPORTS

A7

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

Champion FEU female chessers in dominant win

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers slides into home plate to score a run past Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets in the fourth inning during Game 1 of the Championship Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Dodgers crush Mets, 9-0, in playoffs’ series opener L

OS ANGELES—Los Angeles pitcher Jack Flaherty dominated over seven scoreless innings and the Dodgers shut out the New York Mets 9-0 on Sunday in game one of Major League Baseball’s National League Championship Series.

Mookie Betts delivered a three-run double. Max Muncy drove in two runs and Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani singled in a run and electrified the Dodger Stadium crowd with a hit that threatened to clear the outfield wall.

But it was more stellar pitching, backed by lockdown defense and a disciplined performance at the plate that propelled the Dodgers to victory to start the best-of-seven series.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Flaherty said. “You can’t put it all into words. But the most important part was coming out and setting a tone.”

The Dodgers pitchers have now tied the major league post-season record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings, set by the Baltimore Orioles over the first four games of the 1996 World Series against the Dodgers.

“Each and every one of the pitchers has been doing their job exceptionally well and it’s really setting the tone for the offensive part of the game to be able to feel comfortable and score runs,” Ohtani said.

The Dodgers will try to double their series lead when they host game two on Monday.

The winner of the series will advance to the World Series to face either the New York Yankees or Cleveland Guardians, who open the American League Championship Series on Monday.

It started with Flaherty, who retired the first nine batters he faced, giving up two hits and two walks with six strikeouts before departing with the Dodgers up 6-0.

Meanwhile Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga lasted just four outs, his inability to throw strikes proving costly.

After retiring Ohtani to start the bottom of the first, Senga walked three straight batters to load the bases then gave up a single to Muncy that scored two runs.

He walked Gavin Lux to open the second. Lux advanced to second on a sacrifice fly and scored when Ohtani cracked a sharp single to right field, spelling the end of Senga’s day. AFP

DEFENDING champion Far Eastern University made a statement in its UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Chess debut, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over archrival National University on Sunday at the Adamson Gym. Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1/1], Vic Glysen Derotas [1/1], reigning MVP Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan [1/1], and Franchesca Largo [1/1] each delivered wins against Woman FIDE Master Allaney Doroy [1/2], Yana De Vera [0.5/2], Natasja Balabbo [1/2], and Jelaine Adriano [0/1] to complete the sweep.

FEU, seeking a back-to-back, now sits in third place behind University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo after an opening round bye.

UST claimed the top spot at the end of Round 2 with a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over the University of the Philippines.

On Board 1, Josemier Panol [2/2] showcased resilience, turning a disadvantageous position into a win by putting Jarel Lacambra [0/2] in time pressure, eventually winning via flag down. On Board 3, Rohanisah Buto [1/2] forced Precious Eve Ferrer to resign after launching an unstoppable mating attack by the 50th move. Meanwhile, Precious Yecla [1.5/2] secured a draw against Woman FIDE Master Jerlyn San Diego [1/2] on Board 2.

UST’s lone loss came on Board 4, where Jenny Tulo [0/1] fell to Jallen Agra [1/2].

Filipino champions in the recent jiu-jitsu international world championships in Nagoya, Japan.

championship after forcing Laptev Maksim to tap out after an Americana hold.

“I am very happy that our Philippine Junior Grappling Team comprised of different DEFTAC chapters are showing everyone how hard they work and how good they really are,” DEFTAC and Universal Reality Combat Championship founder and president Alvin Aguilar said.

The Philippines represented by DEFTAC competed against Jiu-jitsu athletes from US, Japan, China, South Korea, Brazil, and Hong Kong, among other countries.

All the medalists, according to Aguilar, are members of the Wrestling Association of the Philippines-RP Junior Grappling Team.

Also going home as champions were Claudia Lepiten in the toddler gi light featherweights, Tessa Joson in the junior teen featherweights, Ali Joson in the kindergarten no gi rooster-weights, Tomas Joson in the youth rooster-weights, Ethan Ramos in the pre-teen lightweights, and Uno Ordona in the pre-teen medium heavyweights.

Power, strategy in spotlight as ICTSI Bacolod unfolds MURCIA, Negros Occidental – A thrilling battle for supremacy is set to unfold as the Philippine Golf Tour resumes today (Tuesday, Oct. 15) with the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge, a four-day showdown not only of power and precision but also of mental fortitude and strategy at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club here.

Stretching just over 6,000 yards, the par-70 layout may favor the Tour’s long hitters, particularly with three reachable par-4s. However, the course’s tight, hazard-laden design means that those opting for aggressive plays will need to navigate considerable risk, as trouble lurks in every corner.

This strategic challenge adds a layer of excitement to the chase for the P450,000 top prize, with course management likely to prove as important as raw power.

Fresh off a dominant victory at last week’s ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge, Zanieboy Gialon enters the P2.5 million

championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp. as the player to beat.

However, he faces a highly competitive field, including seasoned campaigner Angelo Que, who posted a strong runner-up finish in Iloilo with a solid final-round 66 to tie with Ira Alido.

A two-time winner on the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit, Alido is coming in hot as he eyes back-to-back contention ahead of his title defense at next week’s season-ending ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic.

The spotlight will also be on this season’s leg winners, including Clyde Mondilla, Jhonnel Ababa, Que and Tony Lascuña, as each vies for a second title this year in what has been an unpredictable season featuring eight different winners after eight legs.

The event also presents a chance at redemption for Fidel Concepcion and Ababa, who both struggled after promising starts in Iloilo. Concep-

cion, who led after two rounds, faltered with back-to-back rounds of 72 and 71 to finish tied for fourth with Lascuña and Guido van der Valk.

Meanwhile, Ababa, just two shots behind Gialon after 54 holes, stumbled with a final-round 76, dropping to joint ninth.

Other contenders include Reymon Jaraula, Nilo Salahog, Michael Bibat, Aidric Chan, Dino Villanueva and Rupert Zaragosa, who is also seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 15th-place finish last week following his dominant ninestroke win in Iloilo last year.

Adding to the intrigue is the presence of local and foreign talents like Art Arbole, Francis Mendez, Jeffrey Pito-on, Russell Bautista, Albin Engino, Marvin Dumandan and Ryan Monsalve, alongside international challengers Daiya Suzuki, Ozeki Kakeru and former PGT Q-School topnotcher Hyun Ho Rho.

Ateneo climbed to second place with a 3-1 win over Adamson University, led by victories from Lexie Hernandez [2/2] and Alphecca Gonzales [1/1] over Mariane Flora [0/1] and Phoebie Arellano [1/2] on Boards 3 and 4, respectively.

Kristene Flores [0.5/2] and Ma. Elayza Villa [1/2] split the points with Angela San Luis [0.5/2] and Robelle De Jesus [1.5/2] on Boards 1 and 2, completing Ateneo’s triumph.

In the men’s division, University of the Philippines stormed to the top of the standings with a 4-0 shutout of Adamson University.

FIDE Master Stephen Rome Pangilinan [2/2] notched his second straight win on Board 1, defeating Joshua Roque [0.5/2] in 48 moves using the black pieces in a Queen’s Pawn Opening. On Board 4, Arena Grandmaster Io Aristotle Calica [1.5/2] pulled off a tactical masterclass on the 20th move, going up a piece and finishing Dustin Herrero [0/1] in just 33 moves.

Arena International Master Cyrus Francisco [1.5/2] and Roderenz Adra [1/2] rounded out UP’s dominant performance with wins over Arena International Master Alfonzo Olendo [0/2] and John Rocel Simon [0/2] on Boards 2 and 3.

Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian

Bartolome, 15 others win Jiu-jitsu World Championship golds SIXTEEN Filipino jiu-jitsu practitioners scored gold medals at the recent Sports Jiu-jitsu International Federation World Championship in Nagoya, Japan.

Headlining the champions was Brielle Bartolome, who won both in the gi and no gi divisions. Playing as a kindergarten featherweight in the no gi category, Bartolome submitted Peng Nian of China via armbar to win the gold in the first round.

Bartolome then outpointed Nishimoto Wakana of Japan to rule the kindergarten gi rooster-weight division gold medal.

Also dominating the field was youth light featherweight no gi fighter Marcus Dela Cruz, who submitted all his opponents en route to the gold.

He defeated China’s Ma Haisen in the final round.

Youth gi featherweight champion Cesca Lepiten also submitted all her opponents to capture the gold, winning her last two including the final against Kimura Alana Liu via armbar in the second round.

Pre-teen no gi middleweight Thiago Bartolome also “submitted” his way to the

Chess matches on Wednesday (Adamson Gym) 1 p.m. - ADU vs FEU (women’s) 1 p.m. - UP vs Ateneo (women’s) 1 p.m. - DLSU vs UST (women’s)

Angelo Que

D’Navigators, Spin Doctors eye podium finish in Spiker’s Turf D’NAVIGATORS Iloilo and Savouge have reinforced their respective lineups as they gear up for the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, which kicks on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Both teams are looking to improve on their near-podium finishes in the Open Conference earlier this year, where D’Navigators placed fourth and the Spin Doctors finished fifth. Now, both are determined to make their mark in the season-ending tournament.

With both squads eyeing a Top 3 finish, they have made key roster adjustments that could propel them to their first podium appearance.

D’Navigators may have lost their 2024 Open Best Opposite Spiker, Francis Saura, to Criss Cross, but they’ve added firepower with seasoned hitters Madz Gampong from Cignal, Bryan Jaleco from Air Force, and Barbie San Andres from VNS. The Boyet Delmoro-coached team also tapped 2023 Invitationals MVP Vince Himzon, further boosting their chances for a deep run in the tournament.

On the other side, Savouge, now under the guidance of new head coach Sydney Calderon, has brought in former University of the Philippines standout Louis Gamban to energize their attack. With this key addition, Savouge is positioning itself as a strong contender in the league organized by Sports Vision.

Meanwhile, PGJC-Navy will keep its solid core intact, featuring the duo of Greg Dolor and Joeven Dela Vega, along with the steady play of Jack Kalingking and Louie Pudadera. The team is coming off a bronze-medal finish in the previous conference and looks to ride that momentum into the Invitational.

Other teams have also made key changes. Chichi DHTSI (formerly Richmarc) welcomed Obet Javier as their new head coach, with Jonathan Sorio taking on a leadership role to spearhead the Titans’ campaign in the league backed by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company.

SPORTS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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

Quezon nails MPVA semis incentive; Binan prevails LUCENA—League leader Quezon clinched the first twice-to-beat semifinal bonus, smothering Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation with a 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 home win in the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) Season 1 over the weekend at the Quezon Convention Center.

Four players registered double figures as the Tangerines assured themselves a Top-2 finish at 12-1 with three games to spare in the tworound, nine-team MPVA founded by former Senator and also MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.

Quezon could only get down to four losses, securing an upperhand over Rizal, at 10-4, which it swept in two meetings for a sure finish at either No. 1 or No. 2. Bacoor, at 9-2, holds the inside track to other incentive with a potential to even snatch the top seeding.

Making it possible for the Tangerines was Cristy Ondangan, who rifled in 13 points on nine hits and four blocks.

Mary Grace Borromeo added 12 while Rhea Mae Densing and Francis Mycah Go had 11 each as Quezon swept its homestand after also taking care of business against AM Caloocan Air Force, 23-25, 25-14, 25-21, 25-12, on Saturday.

Quezon scored a four-set win over Rizal in the first round and was not to be denied once again, especially in front of its passionate homecrowd, to stamp its class as the top title contender in its first season as an expansion squad in the MPVA by Extreme One-Stop Shop Appliances, ASICS, Mikasa and Gerflor with MPTV and Outcomm as broadcast partners.

In the other game, Biñan Tatak Gel wiped out winless WCC Marikina, 2515, 25-17, 25-12, to shore up its semifinal bid.

Shane Carmona and Chreizel Aguilar tallied 11 points each to lead the Volley Angels, who firmed up hold of the fourth spot at 7-5.

Biñan’s win kept the chasing AM Caloocan Air Force (5-6) at bay in the heated semifinal race entering the tailend of the MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

Cardinals, Lions try to inch closer to Blazers Games Tuesday (Filoil EcoOil Arena) 11 a.m.- LPU vs San Beda 2:30 p.m.- EAC vs Mapua

SAN Beda University and Mapua try to inch closer to pace-setting College of St. Benilde as they tackle Lyceum of the Philippines University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, respectively, on Tuesday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Lions devoured the Arellano University Chiefs, 79-65, and the Cardinals diffused the Jose Rizal University Bombers, 75-71, Saturday to keep them at joint second with 7-3 records and another victory would push them half a game behind the Blazers (8-2).

San Beda clashes with LPU 11 a.m. while Mapua tangles with EAC at 2:30 p.m.

In both results, the Lions and the Cardinals have unveiled a pair of new weapons that should make them more dangerous in future games with the former unleashing bullstrong Bismarck Lina on one hand the latter unloading scrappy Yam Concepcion on the other.

The 6-5 Lina, back from an ACL injury that sidelined him for nine months, was a menace with 20 points and seven boards while Concepcion was equally electric for Mapua with a career-high 19 points on top of eight caroms and five blocks, another career-best.

“He has an inside presence na malaking bagay especially for our shooters,” said San Beda coach Yuri Escueta of Lina.

Bea Florentino of Marikina is foiled by Binan’s Jen Villegas and Dana Del Rosario. Roman Prospero

Hanoi Open champion Chua to lead Asia Team vs. Europe

By Peter Atencio

B

RIMMING with confidence, Johann Chua gets ready for action in the first edition of 2024 Reyes Cup, a competition between Asia and Europe set to start on Tuesday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Johann Chua

By Caezar Julius Cortez WITH the Philippine Basketball Association as its official tournament partner, Dark League Studios recently introduced Estudyante Esports, the largest, most extensive and all-inclusive inter-school esports competition in the country to date.

From the organizers of the recently concluded UAAP Esports Competition comes The National Championships, where it will feature 4 esports titles: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Valorant, League of Legends and Tekken 8.

The top teams that will reach the finals across the four titles will have the opportunity to compete in Manila on February 22 and 23, for a total prize pool of P1.6 million, with Riot Games, covering the P500,000 prize pool plus a full semester of tuition for the winning team in Valorant.

Program director of Estudyante Esports Alexander Kibanoff shared his thoughts on how the tournament would

Chua said he is excited for his next challenge after defeating the “Prince of Pool” Ko Pin-yi from Taiwan in the final of the 2024 Hanoi Open to clinch the title on Sunday night.

“Sobrang excited na po ako para bukas. Iyung nangyari sa akin last night, hindi pa nagsi-sink in,” said Chua in an interview with the Manila Standard during a pre-match press conference of the Reyes Cup, organized and presented by Match Room.

As champion of the Hanoi meet, Chua received $30,000, while Ko got $15,000. The two third-place players, both from the Philippines, Carlo Biado and Jefrey Roda, received $9,500 each.

The 32-yearold Chua immediately flew back to Manila for the Reyes Cup, to join hands with Team Asia members Biado, Ko, Aloysius Yapp (Singapore) and Duong Quoc Hoang (Vietnam).

Team Europe has Eklent Kaci (Albania), Mickey Krause (Denmark), Jayson Shaw (England),

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide (Spain).

“Hindi pa nga ako nakakapagpahinga. Pero bago ko nakuha iyung title sa Hanoi, tiwala naman ako sa sarili,” added Chua.

Chua added that his experiences in the third edition of the European Open Championship helped him in Hanoi.

That’s when Chua reached the finals, losing to Mickey Krause of Denmark, 13–8 at Hotel Esperanto in Fulda, Germany.

Chua’s runner-up finish allowed him to secure a spot as a second overall pick to represent team Asia in the Reyes Cup, named after legendary cue artist Efren “Bata” Reyes.

The Reyes Cup won’t see reigning world 8-ball pool champion Joshua Filler competing.

Filler was withdrawn from the tour nament after he changed his stance about boycotting the World Pool Association for banning Vietnam.

Estudyante Esports to partner with PBA for biggest collegiate esports league in PH impact the national esports scene in a recent press conference.

“The National Championship seeks to promote fun, high-spirited, healthy esports competitions in order to find the best esports campus teams and individual players across the country,” Kibanoff said.

“Itong Estudyante Esports, ito yung programa namin na itinatag (this is a program that we built), to be able to make sure that we bring esports to the different schools and universties nationwide, and to provide an avenue for the passions and dreams of all students to really fulfill their dreams, not only in esports, but also in terms of creating careers,” he added.

Shown here are (from left) PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, Dark League Studios CEO and co-founder AC Valdenor and Dark League Studios program director Arlene Castaneda-Lazaro.

Touring ladies set sights on strong start, finish as ICTSI Bacolod fires off

Sarah Ababa with her father/caddie Edgar

MURCIA, Negros Occidental—The country’s top lady golfers are gearing up for a thrilling final stretch in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour as they brace for a fierce battle in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge, which reels off today (Tuesday, Oct. 15) at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club here.

With the season nearing its conclusion, and only the Match Play Championship at The Country Club in Laguna next month remaining, the contenders are eager to make their mark in this second-to-last 54-hole stroke play tournament of the year. Despite tempered expectations, each player is determined to make a strong bid for the title.

Sarah Ababa, fresh off a gritty win in Iloilo, where she secured her second crown of the season, is looking to carry over her momentum.

However, she is downplaying her chances of back-to-back victories, opting instead to focus on a steady game plan. She will once again be joined

by her father-caddie, Edgar, a partnership that has led to two wins this year, including a home victory in Davao last March.

“I’m just hoping for another solid performance, but I’m keeping my expectations in check,” said Ababa in Filipino, acknowledging the challenge posed by the strong field.

Among those contenders is veteran Chihiro Ikeda, whose missed birdie opportunities down the stretch in Iloilo cost her a playoff chance against Ababa.

Mafy Singson, who carded a closing 68 in Iloilo to finish tied for third with Mikha Fortuna, is optimistic about her chances of claiming her first professional title after scoring two LPGT victories as an amateur.

Fortuna, the reigning Match Play champion, also looks to ride the wave of her strong finish in Iloilo and contend this week and in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Challenge next week.

BUSINESS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

Meralco, Samsung C&T sign nuclear energy cooperation 807

Japanese locators in ecozones

P578 billion Japanese investments in ecozones

By Alena Mae S. Flores

P

OWER retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction (Samsung C&T) Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the adoption of nuclear energy projects in the Philippines.

This followed Meralco’s MOU with another South Korean firm Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd. last week to explore strategic collaborations on developing low-carbon energy projects in the Philippines including nuclear power.

“Our collaboration with Samsung C&T is a strategic move that cements our commitment to take an active role in contributing to the Philippine government’s efforts to integrate nuclear energy in the country’s future power supply mix. As we collectively work

on the safe and secure adoption of this next generation technology, we remain focused to our ultimate goal of ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said.

Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said that under the MOU, the power retailer would gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of nuclear energy development to ensure that its future decisions are well-informed and aligned with international best practices.

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

WHAT’S INSIDE?

SMC, Ayala break ground on SLEX interchange

B2

$7.6 billion Annual exports of Japanese locators

BOI, Korean agency sign investment deal

Japan firms plan to hike economic zone investments

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By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Monday disclosed potential investments from Japanese companies following business-to-business (B2B) meetings in Osaka and Tokyo.

The delegation, led by PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and Aboitiz InfraCapital, discussed additional investments in the Philippines by Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp., a leading real estate and development company in Osaka and electronics manufacturer TDK Corp.

PEZA hosts 807 Japanese locator companies, generating P578.53 billion in investments, $7.611 billion in exports and creating 335,332 direct jobs.

“We are looking at enticing the current Japanese companies to expand their solid footprint in the country by bringing in their supply chain here. In doing so, higher production efficiencies may be generated on their part. For our part, it increases the number of locators, creates more job opportunities, and increases exports,” Panga said at the sidelines of the Philippines-Japan Investment fora held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, 2024.

The delegation participated in Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (OCCI) “Philippine Green Mission” program, promoting green business initiatives in the Philippines. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to continued collaboration and partnership.

The delegation engaged with various Japanese government agencies and embassies to strengthen bilateral relations and promote the Philippines as an investment destination.

The meetings also underscored the growing interest of Japanese investors in the Philippines and the potential for significant economic growth.

MOUNTAIN TUNNEL.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reports significant progress on the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), particularly in the development of the 2.3-kilometer twin mountain road tunnel, a key feature of the 45.62-kilometer fourlane bypass road that spans from Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City to Barangay J.P. Laurel, Panabo City.

WELLNESS TOURISM. The Department of Tourism (DOT) solidifies the Philippines’ position as a key health tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress (IHWTC) on Oct. 14, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Attending the inaugural event are (from left) Agora Group chief executive Hadi Malaeb, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Taguig City Mayor Laarni Lopez Cayetano.

PH, EU resume free trade talks

B4

Megaworld investing P15b to develop 84-hectare Ilocandia Coastown

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said Monday it is investing P15 billion to expand its presence in Ilocos Norte province.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would develop an 84-hectare mixed-use beachfront township called Ilocandia Coastown along the western coastline of Laoag City over the next 10 years.

The township will feature upscale residential areas, a shophouse district,

a commercial district and a central town center designed with Filipino and Spanish architectural influences.

Ilocandia Coastown is strategically located next to the Fort Ilocandia Hotel and is about 15 minutes from Laoag International Airport. It is also less than 30 minutes from the historic Paoay Church.

“This is a wonderful start for our group’s investment in the Ilocos Region, particularly in Laoag. We see a lot of opportunities here, especially in tourism and we hope to unlock these

opportunities through this development,” said Kevin Tan, president and chief executive of Alliance Global Group Inc., Megaworld’s parent company.

Megaworld said a study conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in April revealed that Ilocos region is the third fastest-growing economy in the Philippines, next to Central Visayas and Western Visayas.

Laoag City was chosen by the Department of Information and Commu-

nications Technology for its Digital Cities 2025 program, recognizing it as a viable business center.

“We are already present in Central and Western Visayas, the two fastest growing regions in the country when it comes to local economy. Now it’s time to be in Ilocos to complete our presence in the three fastest growing regions in the country today. We are very excited to showcase our signature township lifestyle in Ilocandia,” said Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld.

Agri chief reports food production gains despite ‘perfect storm’ in 2024 DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. described 2024 as a “perfect storm” of challenges that tested the agency’s resilience.

He said despite climate change, diseases and supply chain disruptions, the DA achieved significant gains in food production and price stability.

“I expect that we should perform much, much better next year,” said Tiu Laurel, adding that the DA should be ready “to tackle whatever comes its way without excuses.”

He highlighted the sector’s efforts that contributed to a 1.9-percent decline in inflation in September, on lower food prices, particularly rice.

This helped improve President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trust rating, according to a recent survey.

The agriculture sector added 8.5 million tons of palay and 3.7 million tons of corn to its harvest in 2024, building upon the record rice harvest and job creation achieved in 2023.

Tiu Laurel said that for the first time in nine years, the National Food Authority (NFA) has sufficient palay supply.

While acknowledging challenges such as high costs, drought, floods and disruptions in the value chain, Tiu Laurel said the sector made substantial progress in livestock, poultry and crop production. Othel V. Campos

LOWER RATES. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announces a decrease of P0.3587 per kilowatt-hour in the electricity rate in October 2024 primarily due to lower generation charge. As a result, residential customers consuming 200 kWh will see a decrease of around P72 in their monthly electricity bill this month. Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga also reminds the public to be vigilant and only transact with the distribution utility’s authorized personnel to avoid falling for fraudulent activities.

PH, Saudi Arabia eye agreements on renewable energy, natural gas THE Philippines and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that provides a framework for cooperation on renewable energy, natural gas, and related technologies and solutions for climate change mitigation.

The Philippines is embarking on an energy mission to Saudi Arabia on Oct. 14 to 15, 2024 to enhance energy security, drive economic growth and foster sustainable development. The mission, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), underscores the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening international energy part-

nerships and attaining a diversified and sustainable energy system.

The MOU, a major highlight of the mission, is expected to be signed by the DOE with the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia, headed by His Royal Highness Abdulaziz bin Salam Al Saud.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized the significance of the MOU, which follows through on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit in October last year when Saudi state-owned companies expressed interest in investing in the Philippine energy sector.

Alena Mae S. Flores

CYAN CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK BLACK

BUSINESS

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Manila Manila Manila

Standard Standard Standard

TODAY TODAY TODAY

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

UK shows how to transition away from fossil fuel SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 was a historic day for the economy of the United Kingdom.

On that day, the British government closed its last coal-fired power plant, located in the central England town of Ratcliffe-on Soar. The shutdown took place 140 years after the commissioning of Britain’s first coal-fired plant, one of the numerous plants that fueled Britain’s rise to the leadership of the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The shutdown of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar plant was a key step along Britain’s programmed phaseout of coal-powered electricity. In accordance with the program, the share of coalpowered electricity in the United Kingdom’s energy mix fell from 38 percent in 2013 to 5 percent in 2018 and to 1 percent in 2023.

Under the government’s Green Energy Plan, the share of coal-powered electricity in Britain’s energy mix will be taken over by a combination of offshore wind power, nuclear power and tidal power. “BritThe shutdown ain has set an example for the rest of the world to of the Ratcliffefollow,” said a statement from climate change advocate Greenpeace. on-Soar plant Historically, the United Kingdom’s economy was a key step has been associated with coal-powered electricity.

“Coal was the backbone of UK power generation along Britain’s for over a century, but its place is now in the history programmed books,” stated an official of Friends of the Earth, phaseout of another climate change advocate.

And how does the Philippines figure in the worldcoal-powered wide campaign to transition power generation away electricity. from coal?

Ironically, the news about the closure of Britain’s last coal-powered plant came very shortly after a presentation made at the recent Asia Power Forum by a top executive of Aboitiz Power Corp., one of this country’s leading power industry players.

Said Carlos Aboitiz: “There is a lack of alternatives to fossil fuels, especially for consistent power that meets daily demand. The evolution of our society as we know it today is only possible due to the evolution of our energy systems, emissions and all.” Thus, the Aboitiz Power honcho said, there is a need to “maximize high-generating non-renewable sources like conventional coal power plants with a high-capacity factor.”

The contrast between the British government’s attitude toward coal-based power generation and the attitude of Philippine power industry players like Aboitiz Power could not be starker. The British government long ago laid out a program for phasing out coalpowered electricity and it completed the program on schedule.

The government has set a target date of 2030 for the transition of this county’s energy mix to 35 percent renewable and 65 percent non-renewable. Is that target likely to be Manila Manila Manila met?

If the major players of the Philippine power industry think like Carlos Aboitiz, I Standard Standard Standard very much doubt it.

TODAY TODAY TODAY (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

San Miguel Corp. chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang (right) and Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Ayala Greenfield Interchange at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) on Monday.

—“—

SMC, Ayala break ground on new SLEX interchange

By Jenniffer B. Austria

C

ONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Ayala Greenfield Development Corp.

(AGDC) broke ground on the Ayala Greenfield Interchange, an important project aimed at improving travel and boosting economic growth in Southern Luzon.

The new interchange will connect the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 3 to local roads, improving access to SLEX and the STAR Tollway.

This will help reduce traffic congestion and make travel smoother between SLEX and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

“We are proud to partner with Ayala on this project.

This is part of SMC Infrastructure’s larger initiative to improve and expand our southern tollways network, particularly the South Luzon Expressway,” said SMC

chairman Ramon Ang. The interchange is located strategically on the TR3 section of SLEX, making it a vital link between Metro Manila and Southern Luzon, which will stimulate economic activity in the area.

Once SLEX Toll Road 4 is completed, travel time between Sto. Tomas and Lucena will drop from three hours to just 45 minutes.

The interchange will offer direct access to Ayala Greenfield Estates, a project of Ayala Land Premier known for its sustainable living environments and amenities, including the Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club.

The interchange will benefit local residents by reducing travel times and providing better access to major urban centers such as Metro Manila, Alabang CYAN CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK BLACK and Nuvali.

“We are not simply breaking ground on a new infrastructure project; we are laying the foundation for enhanced connectivity and growth,” said Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

AGDC is developing the Ayala Greenfield Estates, a 550-hectare residential community in Calamba, Laguna.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING On the ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (EPRMP) of the proposed GOTOK LIMESTONE QUARRY EXPANSION PROJECT of the RIO TUBA NICKEL MINING CORPORATION (RTNMC) to be located in BARANGAYS IWAHIG, SANDOVAL, AND RIO TUBA, MUNICIPALITY OF BATARAZA, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN. Notice is hereby given to all parties who wish to give their opinion regarding the implementation of the proposed GOTOK LIMESTONE QUARRY EXPANSION PROJECT to attend the Public Hearing on: Date 23 October 2024 (Wednesday)

Time 9:00 AM (Registration starts at 8:30AM)

Venue Sandoval Covered Court, Brgy.

Sandoval, Bataraza, Palawan

This Public Hearing is being conducted in connection with the review of the Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) of the aforementioned project by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The following is the project information:

Project Name Project Location Project Type Project Area Project Capacity Project Rationale

Gotok Limestone Quarry Expansion Project Barangays Iwahig, Sandoval, and Rio Tuba, Municipality of Bataraza, Province of Palawan Extraction of non-metallic minerals 85.821 ha 725,000 WMTPY The ECC granted to RTNMC in 2019 includes the quarry operation with an annual extraction rate of 725,000 WMT within the 13-ha allowable area inside the MPSA No. 213-2005-IVB and the crushing plant operation inside the MPSA No.114-98-IV Amended I. The quarry operation within the 13.0 ha allowable area has ended in 2022 and rehabilitation within the remaining quarry area commenced. To extend the minelife of the Gotok Limestone Quarry, RTNMC is proposing to develop 46.9 hectares in addition to the existing 13.0 hectares permitted area, increasing its development area to a total of 59.90 hectares. The proposed new development area will allow RTNMC to continue the supply of limestone products to the two (2) industries located within the Rio Tuba Export Processing Zone (RTEPZ): CBNC and Graymont (Philippines), Inc. (GPI).

The proposed new area of 46.9 ha will include the new quarry area, access roads, and structures for drainage. Existing facilities of RTNMC such as the crushing plant and the storage of explosives which are located at the minesite area of company will also be utilized in this proposed expansion project. The extraction rate stated in the current ECC shall be retained at 725,000 WMT.

Project Components

Major Components Proposed quarry area and facilities within the MPSA of Quarry (2132005-IVB) Facilities within the MPSA -11498-IV Amended 1 Common facilities with RTNMC Nickel Operations Hauling Road

Proponent

Area 46.9 3.796 27.755 7.37

Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation (RTNMC)

All interested parties who wish to attend or participate in these Public Hearings should preferably confirm their attendance/participation and may give their opinion(s) in a concise position paper to the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT DIVISION (EIAMD) of this Office through mail or email at eia@emb.gov.ph , at least three (3) days before the Public Hearing schedule. Those who will not be able to register or submit written positions may be given the opportunity to share their issues on the day of the hearing itself.

The project’s EPRMP and Executive Summary for the Public are downloadable at our website: www.eia.emb.gov.ph (kindly access the Notice of Public Hearing/ Consultation link found on our website) while copies will be available in the following offices:

PH stock market rebounds, peso dips to 57.4 a dollar THE Philippine stock market rebounded slightly Monday ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy meeting later this week.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 16.09 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 7,326.41, while the broader all-shares index inched up by 9.56 points, or 0.24 percent, to settle at 4,024.72.

Share prices were trading higher for most of the day, before investors pulled back amid broader global economic considerations.

Value turnover stood at P3.88 billion, a strong indication that investors turned cautious after the index breached 7,600 level.

The peso fell to 57.47 against the US dollar Monday from 57.20 Friday amid lingering concerns over rising crude prices.

Metrobank Wealth Insights is expecting cautious market action this week due to a lack of catalysts and as investors brace for the upcoming earnings season.

“Bulls may gain momentum mid-week as the BSP is expected to cut the benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 6. percent, following last month’s weaker-than-expected inflation print of 1.9 percent,” it said.

“However, rising oil prices and the continued depreciation of the peso could limit upward movement,” it added.

Except for services which declined by 0.49 percent, all sectors ended in green.

Mining and oil jumped 2.05 percent while financials rose 0.89 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

1. EMB- PEMU Palawan DENR PENRO Palawan 2. Bataraza Municipal Hall Municipality of Bataraza 3. Sandoval Barangay Hall Barangay Sandoval, Municipality of Bataraza 4. Iwahig Barangay Hall Barangay Iwahig, Municipality of Bataraza 5. Rio Tuba Barangay Hall Barangay Rio Tuba, Municipality of Bataraza 6. Ocayan Barangay Hall Barangay Ocayan, Municipality of Batara For more details, please contact the EIAM Division at this Office at telephone number (02) 8539-4378 loc.

116 through the project case handlers Mr. Jay Mon Angoluan and Ms. Leonil Marie Gargar.

CO-2024-033931

(MS-OCT. 15 & 22, 2024)

CYAN CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK BLACK

BUSINESS

B3 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

TBI VISIT.

National Economic Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan welcomes representatives from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)Philippines on Oct. 11, 2024 at the NEDA Office in Mega Tower, Mandauyong City.

Discussions focused on how the country can seize and open opportunities to expand, diversify and lower the costs of energy sources, accelerate digital transformation in key economic sectors and strategically prepare for the impact of artificial intelligence on labor markets.

PCIC to release P94m to Luzon farmers hit by typhoon Julian

BOI, Korean gov’t trade agency boost PH investment promotion T

By Othel V. Campos

HE Board of Investments (BOI) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to boost investment promotion.

The MOU, signed on Oct. 7, 2024, underscores the commitment of both nations to capitalize on the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and South Korea.

The partnership aims to intensify cooperation, spur cross-bor-

der investment flows and create new opportunities for investment and growth in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and critical minerals processing.

“No two countries are more compatible than the Philippines and South Korea. This deepen-

ing relationship will drive a virtuous cycle of sustained economic growth for both nations,” said Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo.

The BOI and KOTRA will work on organizing investment seminars, trade missions and business matching activities to connect enterprises from both sides.

The BOI’s recent signing of an MOU with Shinhan Bank further strengthens the financial and investment cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.

The partnership provides a com-

Vitro, HGC bring faster connectivity to PH data centers

TAX EDUCATION.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Romeo Lumagui engages with Business Administration students from Batangas State University during the BIR educational tour program on Oct. 1, 2024. The BIR National Office hosted 94 students majoring in Financial Management to orient them on the agency’s role in nationbuilding and its contributions to the country’s economic development.

By Darwin G. Amojelar VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT and the data center arm of the PLDT Group, formed a strategic partnership with HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading ICT service provider, to address the increasing demand for high-speed and reliable data center connectivity in the Philippines.

“We warmly welcome HGC to VITRO Sta. Rosa’s telco ecosystem and the VITRO Partner Network,” VITRO chief commercial officer Gary Ignacio said.

“This strategic partnership will unlock new possibilities for VITRO and further expand our reach through HGC’s global network,” he said.

Under the collaboration, HGC joined the VITRO Partner Network (VPN), a strategic alliance of carriers, system integrators and technology companies that enables partners to seamlessly incorporate VITRO’s advanced infrastructure into their solutions.

It expands HGC’s footprint to VITRO Sta. Rosa, the largest and first true hyperscale-grade data center in the Philippines.

The expansion not only enhances HGC’s point of presence to offer comprehensive services tailored to evolving business needs in the Philippines, but also provides connectivity and telecommunications services to hyperscalers and enterprises co-located at VITRO Sta. Rosa.

prehensive support ecosystem for South Korean companies looking to expand into the Philippine market.

The BOI actively positions the Philippines as a regional hub for smart, sustainable manufacturing and services.

Bilateral trade reached over $12 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow further with the implementation of the FTA. South Korean companies are among the largest foreign investors in the Philippines, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.

URC, Holcim join hands to help Obando cut plastic waste

By Jenniffer B. Austria FOOD manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and Holcim Philippines Inc. teamed up with the local government of Obando town in Bulacan province to enhance waste management efforts aimed at diverting non-recyclable plastics from landfills and waterways.

URC and Holcim’s waste management unit, Geocycle, has been processing plastic waste generated by URC’s operations for the past three years, converting it into alternative fuels for cement production at Holcim’s plant in Iligan, Misamis

Oriental.

“This new agreement, with Obando as a key partner, aims to further drive community-based waste diversion efforts,” said URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee in a statement.

“We hope to replicate it in other towns and cities to amplify the impact of what we set out to do three years ago,” he said.

The tripartite agreement, signed by URC, Holcim and Obando officials, provides incentives for workers at the town’s material recovery facility (MRF), based on the volume of waste they successfully divert.

MRF workers received sacks of rice

in recognition of their contributions during the recent signing ceremony.

Obando’s MRF has collected and sorted 785 metric tons of plastic waste for co-processing.

Obando Mayor Leonardo Valeda emphasized the significance of the agreement. “It is indeed a symbol of collective action and hope of all stakeholders for a cleaner and safer community. Through this collaboration, we expect to improve our programs on solid waste management and give better opportunities for our community to be part of the solution,” Valeda said.

Asian Eye Institute doctors publish breakthrough studies on eye health

IDEASPACE’S STARTUPS. Ideaspace Ventures, the startup accelerator arm of the MVP Group of Companies, adds five new startups to its portfolio as part of the 12th cohort of its flagship accelerator program, themed ‘Resilient Founders: GameChanging Ventures’. For the first time since its launch, Ideaspace Ventures made immediate investments in the startups selected, signifying its commitment to their growth and automatically including them in its portfolio.

THE Lopez-led Asian Eye Institute announced Monday that two of its most accomplished doctors were recognized by top peer-reviewed academic journals worldwide for their research into intraocular lens (IOL) and glaucoma screening.

The institute made the announcement to coincide with World Sight Day on Oct. 10, which celebrates the importance of eye health. The recognition highlights the significant strides made by today’s leading optometrists and ophthalmologists, whose research continues to shape our understanding of eye care.

Dr. Robert Ang, head of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, published research in the journal BMC Ophthalmology that compares different lens power mea-

surement techniques. The study provides a comparative analysis of advanced biometry technologies.

Ang collaborated with Asian Eye Institute fellows Paulo Hector Luz, Maria Isabel Umali, Michelle Marie Araneta and Emerson Cruz on the paper, which examines the impact of technological advancements on biometry and emphasizes the need for further improvements in surgical planning and outcomes.

Meanwhile, Dr. Maria Imelda YapVeloso, co-director of the Glaucoma Service, published research in Dove Medical Press on the early detection of glaucoma. Her work focuses on identifying reliable biomarkers for glaucoma, which can help ophthalmologists make more informed decisions about treatment strategies.

THE Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

(PCIC) said it will release P93.8 million in indemnity to farmers in three regions affected by Typhoon Julian.

The compensation will cover losses incurred by 10,781 insured farmers cultivating rice, corn and high-value crops in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Region I and Region II. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the importance of swift indemnification to support farmers’ financial recovery and bolster confidence in the PCIC. “We need to immediately indemnify our farmers to restore their financial health so they can quickly recover from this calamity. Fast-tracking the release of their insurance claims will foster confidence in the PCIC among our farmers and encourage more investors in agriculture,” he said.

The agency said of the affected farmers, 6,585 are from Region I, 2,355 from CAR and 1,841 from Region II. The majority of the damage, estimated at P62.3 million, occurred in Region I, with rice farms accounting for the most significant losses at P51.3 million.

PCIC president Jovy Bernabe assured the DA of the prompt provision of assistance to the affected farmers and expedite the processing of their damage claims. Othel V. Campos

Meralco affiliate signs deal to supply power to Pepsi-Cola

By Alena Mae S. Flores VANTAGE Energy Solutions and Management Inc., the affiliate retail electricity supplier (RES) of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), signed an agreement with Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) to supply power to the latter’s five manufacturing facilities in Luzon and the Visayas.

PCPPI is the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines and a global leader in the convenient foods and beverages industry.

“This collaboration extends past the framework of our contract. Together with PCPPI, we are committed to driving innovation and advancing sustainable practices that enrich the communities we serve,” Vantage Energy president Ernesto Cabral said during the ceremonial signing.

Vantage Energy is a whollyowned RES of Meralco. It is a member of the retail supply sector since 2017, servicing contestable customers nationwide not just with competitive supply but also with customized energy solutions.

PCPPI president and chief executive Phyo Phyu Noe said the valuable partnership with Vantage Energy would enable future-proofed and greener operations for the food and beverage giant’s manufacturing plants.

“This strategic engagement with Vantage Energy is part of PCPPI’s transformation. We are committed to ensuring energy efficiency across our locations, as this brings value to our overall operations and to the communities we serve,” Noe said.

Vantage Energy and PCPPI agreed to create a positive impact by providing employment to Filipinos, empower communities and promote environmental sustainability through responsible business operations.

BUSINESS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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

PH, EU resume talks for free trade agreement

By Othel V. Campos

GOLF SOLUTIONS. The Turf Company signs a 10-year agreement with Hann Development Corp. to provide end-to-end golf sustainable maintenance solutions and allied services to Hann Reserve, home of the most luxurious integrated golf resort in the 450-hectare deluxe property development at New Clark City in Tarlac. Signing the agreement are (from left) Hann Reserve project oversight director Brian Joseph Reyes, The Turf Company chairman William Stelton, Hann Reserve vice president for real estate and property development Neki Liwanag; The Turf Company president Juanchit Jose and The Toro Company managing director for APAC Richard Walne. The Turf Company is the country’s leading Toro distributor of irrigation systems, superior golf course application products, vehicles and Club Car golf carts.

PH signs protocol to amend ASEAN investment deal THE Philippines signed the 5th Protocol to amend the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) at the ASEAN Meeting in Laos in the first week of October 2024 to enhance its investment regime and attract more foreign direct investments.

“This agreement makes it easier for investors to identify sectors open for investment in the Philippines, positioning us as a leader in the global economic and strategic manufacturing hub,” said acting Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque in a briefing Monday.

The 5th Protocol aims to enhance certainty and transparency for investors by transitioning from a single-annex reservation list to a two-annex negative list. It also expands the scope of the ACIA and applies the ratchet mechanism to some Member States.

DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty highlighted the benefits of the protocol, noting that it provides a more stable and predictable business environment for investors.

By submitting a “schedule of reservations”, the Philippines will offer greater certainty and transpar-

ency regarding open sectors for investment.

“This is aligned with the country’s policy to pursue an advanced, purposive and forward-looking agreement,” Gepty said.

The ACIA sends a strong signal to the investment community of the Philippines’ readiness to serve as an investment hub in the region, particularly for smart and sustainable manufacturing.

The remaining ASEAN member states are expected to sign the Protocol once they complete their domestic procedures. Othel V. Campos

T

HE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) expressed support for the resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU).

The talks, scheduled from Oct. 14 to 18 in Brussels, Belgium, aim to boost bilateral relations and secure preferential market access for Philippine exports.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) set a target of concluding the FTA by 2027, recognizing its importance in light of the impending expiration of the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) in the same year.

A study by the International Trade Centre (ITC) highlights the significant untapped export potential for the Philippines in the EU market, totaling $8.3 billion. The FTA is expected to play a crucial role in unlocking this potential.

The ECCP said the FTA could increase high-quality investments and improve the Philippines’ investment climate.

Among the key sectors that are

IN BRIEF

GCash signs partnership with Alipay+

PBCOM announces P2-b bond offering

By Darwin G. Amojelar GCASH, the Philippines’ leading financial super app, strengthened its partnership with Alipay+, a global cross-border payment solution to enable Filipino travelers to enjoy a seamless cashless experience in over 45 countries worldwide.

This partnership enables the convenience of GCash’s scan-to-pay feature most recently in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand and the UAE at select Alipay+-enabled stores, bringing the total number of markets to more than 45.

Under the partnership, Filipinos traveling to China can enjoy the convenience of GCash’s scan-to-pay feature and seamless transactions with no service fees and low foreign exchange rates.

“We want to make sure every Filipino can maximize their GCash account wherever they are across the world. We are glad to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Alipay+ and expand GCash’s capabilities and services to more destinations in Asia and all over the globe,” said GCash International general manager Paul Albano.

Edward Yue, general manager for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand at Ant International said, “we’re continuing to work with GCash to make it easier for Filipinos traveling overseas to enjoy seamless payment in more destinations around the world, transparent fees and access more destination promotions.”

TRANSITION FINANCE. BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), along with leading Asian banks, publishes the Asia Transition Finance

Annual Report 2024 to help Asian economies achieve a ‘just and orderly transition’ toward a more sustainable future. BDO is a member of The Asian Transition Finance (ATF) Study Group, a private-led initiative whose core participants are banks with operations in Asia.

Alternergy Holdings acquires 100% of solar subsidiary

By Alena Mae S. Flores ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Monday it completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Alternergy Solar Holdings Corp. (ASHC) Alternergy said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) the move is part of the restructuring of the company to organize its renewable energy technologies into separate intermediate holding companies.

ASHC will hold Alternergy’s solar energy portfolio similar to the Alternergy Wind Holdings Corp. (AWHC) for wind and Alternergy Mini Hydro

Holdings Corp. (AMHHC) for hydro.

“With the creation of ASHC and ALTER’s 100-percent ownership, we expect a more vitalized solar energy portfolio for ALTER. Consolidating our assets will result to operational efficiency and more importantly it will open new markets and access to larger capital resources,” Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said.

He said the results of the board meeting on Sept. 25, 2024 showed that ASHC would serve as the intermediate holding company of Alternergys solar energy portfolio which includes Liberty Solar Energy Corp.

(LSEC), Olympia Solar Power Corp.

(OSPC), Kirahon Solar Energy Corp.

(KSEC) and Solar Pacific Pristine Power Inc. (SPPPI).

The sale and transfer of Alternergy’s share in KSEC and SPPPI are subject to necessary third-party consents.

Alternergy is a renewable power pioneer with a portfolio of project companies engaged in different RE projects, particularly wind, run-of-river hydro, solar farm and commercial rooftop, battery storage and offshore wind projects.

It aims to develop up to 500 megawatts of additional wind, solar and run-of-river hydro projects.

PhilHealth increases dialysis coverage to P1m per year THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) increased its benefit package for hemodialysis from P4,000 to P6,350 per session, effective Oct. 7, 2025, bringing the total financial package to nearly P1 million per patient per year.

Under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0023, members and their qualified dependents with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) can now avail of the adjusted package at any accredited dialysis facility.

PhilHealth president and chief executive Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said the increase is a testament to the agency’s commitment to providing adequate health care coverage to its

poised to benefit from the FTA are agriculture, garments, digital trade, renewable energy and minerals.

The Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines (CONWEP) estimates that the FTA could generate between 120,000 and 250,000 new jobs within the first few years of its implementation.

The Philippines’ $50-billion ITBPM industry and electronics sector are also expected to benefit from an expanded access to EU markets.

The ECCP said it has been actively involved in advocating for the FTA, publishing position papers and participating in high-level discussions with policymakers.

As the negotiations progressed, the ECCP stressed the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers, modernizing customs regulations and fostering sustainable, resilient supply chains.

members.

“This is clear proof that PhilHealth is not only listening to our members.

We make good on our promise to take concrete steps to ensure that our benefit packages respond adequately to the needs of patients, which is a core objective of the Universal Health Care Law,” he said.

Despite the July 1 increase in reimbursement rate to P4,000 per session, Ledesma said many patients were still paying significant amounts out of pocket for their dialysis sessions.

“Our aim is to ensure that patients will no longer have to pay co-payment when availing of the minimum set of services for dialysis,” he said.

DIGITAL LENDER. Maya wins the Best Digital Savings Product and Best Digital SME Lending at The Asian Banker’s Philippine Excellence in Retail Finance Awards, affirming its status as a game-changer in the banking sector. Attending the awarding ceremony are (from left) Maya Bank deposits manager Candice Geordesa Chee and Maya Group head of retail and MSME Renan Santiago.

THE Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCOM) said Monday it expects to raise P2 billion with an oversubscription option in its first peso bond offering.

The bond is part of PBCOM’s P15-billion bond program, the bank said in a stock exchange filing.

The Series A Bonds will have a term of one and a half years and a fixed interest rate of 6.0796 percent per annum. The public offering will run from Oct. 14 to Oct. 28, 2024.

The bonds are expected to be issued and listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corporation (PDEx) on Nov. 5, 2024.

The bank said it would use the proceeds from the bond issuance for general corporate purposes, including refinancing debt, diversifying funding sources and supporting loan growth.

PBCOM is a universal bank recognized in Forbes Asia’s “Best Under a Billion” list for 2024. This highlights the top 200 small and mid-sized firms in the Asia Pacific with annual sales under $1 billion. PBCOM was one of only three companies from the Philippines to be included in the list. Jenniffer B. Austria

Globe blocks 343 harmful URLs

GLOBE Telecom Inc. and the Internet Watch Foundation blocked 343 URLs and 16 domains containing non-photographic imagery (NPI) of child sexual abuse, created using artificial intelligence, computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, cartoons, drawings and other non-live methods from Aug. 27 to Sept. 27, 2024.

“Globe is committed to creating a safer online environment for everyone, especially children,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer and chief AI officer.

“Our intensified efforts to block access to harmful content, including NPI, demonstrate our dedication to protecting children from online sexual exploitation,” he said.

IWF has been at the forefront of combating NPI, recognizing its potential to cause significant harm to viewers and its illegal status in many jurisdictions.

The IWF said on its website even accidental viewing of child sexual abuse material, even those made with CGI or cartoons, “can cause lasting damage for the person who stumbled upon it.” Darwin G. Amojelar

Pru Life UK rolls out 2-year investment product PRU LIFE UK introduced its latest investmentlinked insurance product, PRUMillion Flex.

The limited-time offer allows customers to pay premiums over just two years through various payment modes, giving them flexibility to manage their finances more effectively. With a minimum annual premium of P250,000, customers gain access to a diverse range of expertly-managed funds.

Customers can choose a payment mode that best fits their financial capacity—whether monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

This latest product provides death benefit coverage of 5 times the annual premium or 105 percent of the fund value, whichever is higher. Customers can still get 105 percent of the fund value once the policy reaches maturity at 85 years old as long as the insured is alive.

“We listened to our customers’ needs for a product that offers short-term payment with potential long-term gains. This inspired us to create PRUMillion Flex,” said Garen Dee, vice president and chief product officer at Pru Life UK. “With flexible payment options, high premium allocation, access to expertly-managed funds and substantial coverage, customers can start building their million coverage in just two years. We hope PRUMillion Flex can help more Filipinos achieve their financial aspirations,” Dee said.

ENVIRONMENT

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& SUSTAINABILIT Y

SM Group takes steps to protect Tiwi biodiversity T

HE SM Group, through unit Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc. (PGPC), is supporting 14 coastal barangays and preserving marine environments in Tiwi, Albay province as part of efforts to promote biodiversity.

Revitalizing the Bariis River in Tiwi, Albay

Satellites provide key information on climate IN A country as highly vulnerable to climate change as the Philippines, where intensified typhoons, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation pose daily threats, timely and accurate data is more crucial than ever.

As recent tropical cyclones, such as Super Typhoon “Carina” and Tropical Storm “Enteng” have shown, the Philippines needs better tools to predict and reduce the impact of these human-induced disasters.

Space technology is stepping in to fill the gap, offering the ability to monitor, predict and respond to changes in atmospheric conditions with unprecedented precision.

Since the establishment of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in 2019 under the Philippine Space Act (RA 11363), the country has concentrated its efforts on spacebased solutions to strengthen environmental protection and enhance climate resilience.

Key satellites like Diwata-1 and Diwata-2 have been critical for climate observation. These satellites help monitor deforestation, track weather patterns and assess damage from climate hazards.

The Copernicus program, launched last year under the EU Earth Observation initiative, also supports the Philippines’ resilience efforts by providing data that aids in disaster response and climate change adaptation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently announced the upcoming launch of the Filipino-made Multispectral Unit for Land Assessment (MULA) satellite, scheduled for 2025.

Developed by 16 Filipino engineers, MULA will capture multispectral images across various wavelengths, including those related to heat and pollution levels. CCC News

Transportation gets priority in shift to net zero economy THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) vowed to minimize the adverse impacts of decarbonization on vulnerable sectors as the Philippines implements its climate response program and promotes sustainable development.

The Philippines recently kicked off the development of the Just Transition Program prioritizing the energy and transport sectors, which account for 56 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The country joined the rest of the world in ensuring that the shift to a net-zero economy is fair and inclusive for all, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, who is also the official representative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Climate Change Commission (CCC) stressed the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce in the energy and transport sectors, both heavily reliant on the use of conventional energy.

“The transition should focus not only on minimizing the negative impacts on affected sectors but also on equipping our workforce with the necessary skills for emerging opportunities in fields such as renewable and climate-friendly technologies,” she said.

Loyzaga cited the need to consider the potential for new industries that can emerge from the transition and provide support to conventional industries.

Government agencies, including the DENR, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), have been identified as spearheading the development of the Just Transition Program.

With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the agencies will also lead consultations across sectors and regions in the coming months. DENR News

PGPC’s Environmental Conservation for Sustaining Tiwi’s Aquatic Resources (ECO-STAR) Program represents a broad effort to protect and enhance Tiwi’s coastal and marine environments.

The ECO-STAR Program encompasses several critical components, including the management of the 4.2-square kilometer Corangon Marine Sanctuary and the rehabilitation of beach and mangrove areas across 14 coastal barangays in Tiwi.

The program started with a major goal of educating local communities to address the harmful effects of illegal fishing practices such as cyanide and dynamite fishing.

To support the initiative, the program developed the Watch Station area, which serves as Tiwi’s central resource and information center for coastal and fishery education.

The ECO-STAR Program has also made significant strides in community engagement and environmental protection.

Since its inception, the program has overseen the planting and nurturing of over 300,000 mangrove and beach tree species, contributing to the restoration of vital coastal ecosystems.

Additionally, it has facilitated the rescue and release of 327 sea turtles since 2013, which are crucial for maintaining the health of marine environments.

It invests in the younger generation through the Youth Environmental Leaders League (TIWI YELL) which PGPC helped to organize. YELL members are engaged in annual summer camp that provides training in marine conservation, first aid and other essential skills, fostering the development of future environmental leaders.

ECO-STAR’s efforts have led to notable improvements in local biodiversity. The successful rehabilitation of the Corangon Marine Sanctuary has contributed to the return of sea turtles to Tiwi’s shores.

The success has prompted PGPC and the Tiwi local government unit (LGU) to create the Sea Turtle Awareness and Rescue (STAR) Center.

The program organizes fundraising events through the annual fun run to save sea turtles, contributes to the municipal tourism development plan, engages with the Tiwi Municipal Tourism Council and other activities like mangrove and beach tree planting, coastal clean-ups and coral mapping.

Pepsi extends full support for good education

Water is ‘canary in the coalmine’ of climate change—WMO THE year 2023 marked the driest year in over three which wreak heavy toll on lives, ecosystems and including the transition from La Niña to El Niño decades for rivers around the world, according to a new economies,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste weather patterns in mid-2023 as well as human report coordinated by the UN’s World Meteorological Saulo. induced climate change.

Organization (WMO).

The report also paints a stark picture of the world’s “As a result of rising temperatures, the hydrological The State of Global Water Resources report released freshwater resources, highlighting unprecedented cycle has accelerated. It has also become more erratic last week also highlights that over the last five years stress, exacerbated by climate change and increasing and unpredictable, and we are facing growing problems below-normal conditions for river flows have been demand. of either too much or too little water,” Saulo said recorded with less water reaching reservoirs.

A significant number of floods across the world are Africa battered The reduction in supplies has reduced the amount highlighted in the report.

Africa was the most impacted in terms of human of water available for communities, agriculture and The surge in extreme hydrological events has been casualties. In Libya, two dams collapsed due to ecosystems. influenced by naturally occurring climate conditions the major flood in September 2023, claiming more Currently, 3.6 billion people worldwide face than 11,000 lives and affecting 22 per cent of the inadequate access to water at least a month per population. year and this is expected to increase to more than Floods also affected the Greater Horn of Africa, five billion by 2050, according to UN Water. the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as The report also reveals that glaciers suffered the Rwanda, Mozambique and Malawi. largest loss of mass ever registered in the last five Meanwhile, the southern United States, Central decades. Every region in the world where glaciers America, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru and Brazil were are present reported ice loss. affected by widespread drought conditions, which The ice loss has produced more than 600 led to the lowest water levels ever observed in gigatons of water, much of which has ended up in the Amazon and in Lake Titicaca on the border of the ocean as well as some riverways.

Bolivia and Peru.

Meanwhile, 2023 was recorded as the hottest Data sharing year on record, leading to elevated temperatures “Far too little is known about the true state of the and widespread dry conditions, which contributed world’s freshwater resources. We cannot manage to prolonged droughts. what we do not measure,” said Saulo.

Unprecedented stress “This report seeks to contribute to improved “Water is the canary in the coalmine of climate monitoring, data-sharing, cross-border collaboration change. We receive distress signals in the form of A group of women fill water pots and containers in Barki village, in the and assessments. This is urgently needed,” she increasingly extreme rainfall, floods and droughts Karauli district of Rajasthan, India. UNICEF/Faisal Magray added.UN News

PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI) expressed its full support to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela Program.

PCPPI has been extending support to local schools and communities since 2014 as part of the company’s sustainability commitments and in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, “PCPPI values education and acknowledges the vital role that the youth play in nation-building. This is why we continuously support Brigada Eskwela as it brings communities together to build an environment conducive for learning,” said PCPPI chief environmental, social and governance officer and lawyer Carina Bayon.

Established in 2003, Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide school maintenance program that encourages participation from teachers, volunteers, private organizations and other stakeholders to ensure that school facilities are all set for the new academic year.

Aptly themed, “Bayanihan para sa Matatag na Paaralan,” this year’s program pushes closer collaboration between communities and private organizations to strengthen the country’s educational system and institutions.

Over 200 PCPPI volunteers from 15 locations across the country volunteered their time and energy for the good cause.

PCPPI teamed up with 19 public schools this year and donated school supplies, health and safety tools, items for cleaning, construction and repair materials, and refreshments.

PCPPI employees also led community projects, such as conducting waste management learning sessions, cleaning classrooms and school grounds, repairing school facilities, and clearing vegetable and ornamental gardens.

As the exclusive manufacturer of well-known PepsiCo beverages in the country, PCPPI remains true to its commitments to ensure a brighter future for Filipino learners.

PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known beverage brands, such as Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Sting, Tropicana, Lipton Iced Tea, Milkis, Chum Churum Soonhari and Premier.

C2

SHOWBIZ

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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

FRONTROW

Film on real-life lessons in aging and family dynamics

By Nickie Wang THE recent premiere of Senior Moments at Gateway Mall’s Cinema 5 in Quezon City brought together a cast of veteran actors and shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of senior citizens.

Directed by Neil ‘Buboy’ Tan, the film, produced by A&S Production, centers on themes of aging, loneliness, and the complexities of family life, all through the lens of three former high school classmates, now in their twilight years.

The movie stars senior actors Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, and Nova Villa, who bring to life the relatable struggles of aging and family dynamics.

Tomas plays a wealthy woman whose children, having started their own families, have left her to live alone in

a large house. Villa’s character faces constant requests for financial assistance from relatives seeking to exploit her wealth. Meanwhile, Trinidad portrays a man with a loving child, but other family members show less concern for his wellbeing, seeking instead to sell his house.

“These are real-life challenges,” Tomas said. “This film is not just for senior citizens, it’s also for the people surrounding them, especially the young ones. It’s a story that everyone can relate to.”

The film is grounded in true events, aiming to provide insights for both seniors and their children. It delves into the feelings of isolation many elderly people face while also imparting messages of hope—showing that there is still time for happiness and building meaningful connections, even when

family ties are not by blood.

The film also serves as a reunion project for the lead actors, who had previously worked together on the popular TV show Abangan ang Susunod Na Kabanata, which aired on ABS-CBN from 1991 to 1997. The trio expressed their joy in reuniting for Senior Moments, with Tomas calling the experience “wonderful and nostalgic.”

Produced by Sucil Nipa of A&S Production, the film also features Shiela Delgado, who contributed to the line production and made a cameo appearance.

“The film’s themes are relevant to audiences across generations because it offers both humor and poignant moments about the challenges and joys of growing older,” Villa said during the red carpet event.

From left: ‘Senior Moments’ stars Tessie Tomas, Noel Trinidad, and Nova Villa

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

Carmina Villarroel addresses rumors of network switch AFTER her two long-running GMA-7 shows, Sarap ‘Di Ba? and Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, concluded, Carmina Villarroel revealed her plans to take a short break. The host-actress mentioned that the demands of Abot-Kamay na Pangarap had been exhausting after two years on air, and she intends to rest before considering new TV projects.

There are also rumors about Carmina and her twins, Mavy and Cassy Legaspi, potentially switching networks after she departs from GMA-7. However, she clarified that nothing is official yet.

“I’m amazed at how fast rumors spread! I can’t say anything yet because nothing is concrete. I’ve been in this business for a long time, and one great lesson I’ve learned is never to burn bridges because the industry is small. For now, I will just rest, then we’ll see what happens!”

At present, the seasoned actress is ready to let go of her character in her top-rating soap opera.

“Yes! I really have to let go of Lyneth’s character so I can move on to other things, right?”

As her show is about to wrap up, she expressed her gratitude to the Kapuso management.

“It’s been a great experience working on this project, and we’re happy that it became a hit, ratings-wise. I’m forever thankful to GMA for giving me the role!”

While waiting for her next TV project, Carmina will keep herself busy shooting a movie.

“That’s right! I’m doing a potboiler opposite Allen Dizon. We’ve already started shooting, and by November, we’ll fly to Canada where some of the major scenes will be filmed,” she concluded. *** In a recent TV appearance, Lovi Poe explained why she doesn’t want to be referred to as a Hollywood actress despite having done two international films, The Chelsea Cowboy and Bad Man. “I think I consider myself just an actress, in general. That’s how I see myself, and I could be acting anywhere. I’m always here,” she said.

The actress compared working abroad to working in the Philippines.

“Well, Hollywood is a bit more subtle. They’ll ask you to tweak things if they want to go higher or lower, but it’s more of a subtle conversation. Here in our country, the system is different.”

It was reported that Lovi will be included in the cast of a movie to be produced and directed

by Garry Brown, who was behind Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Prison Break.

On the local front, the actress will be seen next in Regal Entertainment’s Guilty Pleasure opposite JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake.

Actress Carmina Villarroel is currently shooting a film with fellow actor Allen Dizon

‘Halfmates’ follows the story of a lively former OFW and a reserved man who end up living in the same house after being scammed

The series is directed by Raz dela Torre and written by Chie Floresca and Akeem del Rosario

The next love team to watch

A

BS-CBN Studio’s newest romantic comedy series Halfmates is positioning Kaori Oinuma and Jeremiah Lisbo as the next love team to watch.

Lisbo Known for their natural chemistry, the two actors credit their close friendship for their ease on-screen.

At a press conference for the show, Kaori and Jeremiah explained how their bond, which started before the pandemic, has made them comfortable working together.

“Our love team started even before the pandemic, but we were given several individual projects. So, whenever people ask why we have this kind of chemistry, the simple answer is that we’re good friends and we’re quite comfortable with each other now,” Jeremiah said.

“We’re familiar with each other and we already know how to treat one another. I guess the reason people see good chemistry between us is because we’re no longer in an adjustment period when it comes to knowing each other,” Kaori added.

In Halfmates, Kaori plays Dani, a lively former overseas Filipino worker (OFW), while Jeremiah portrays James, a reserved and structured character. Their lives become entangled after both are scammed into buying the same house, forcing them to share a home despite their clashing personalities. The series will explore how their relationship evolves amid the challenges of living under the same roof.

Produced by RCD Narratives and directed by Raz dela

Torre, Halfmates is written by Chie Floresca and Akeem del Rosario, with creative manager Arah Jell Badayos overseeing the project.

This series follows Kaori and Jeremiah’s much-anticipated return as a pair following their successful roles in He’s Into Her, Fractured, The Four Bad Boys and Me, and the film Love At First Stream.

Kaori rose to fame after her stint on Pinoy Big Brother: Otso and has since starred in A Very Good Girl and What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim. Jeremiah, on the other hand, debuted in Make It With You and was recently seen in Unbreak My Heart and Pamilya Sagrado.

Halfmates premieres on Oct. 18, with new episodes airing every Tuesday and Friday on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

‘Halfmates’ stars Kaori Oinuma (left) and Jeremiah Lisbo

LIFE

C3 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

Choose organic milk, milk it’s good for the planet

I

By Tet Defensor

F Y O U care about your food intake, you might want to reconsider the dairy products you use for your cereal, pasta sauce, or dessert.

Are you using organic milk?

“Organic means it is not chemical in nature; it is supported by the biological aspect,” emphasized nutritionist-dietician Jo Sebastian during the launch.

European Organic Dairy milk products are currently being sampled in leading supermarkets. The brand’s milk and cream cheese are produced using natural ingredients, without artificial flavorings, colorants, sweeteners, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The supermarket samplings are conducted by the Danish Dairy Board (DDB), an inter-brand organization representing dairies in Denmark. It is said to be a leader in the organic dairy industry, pioneering the adoption of organic production regulations and striving to share the natural goodness of European organic dairy products worldwide.

The European Union supports the campaign in the Philippines. In addition to product sampling, DDB is also set to organize consumer education classes.

European Organic Dairy adheres to the high production standards mandated by the European Union (EU), producing food with deep respect for animals, the environment, and consumers.

The products are crafted through natural and sustainable farming practices, free from artificial additives, hormones, GMOs, pesticides, and other

Organic dairy products have high nutritional value and promotes sustainable practices as well as animal welfare when it comes to milk production

harmful agents.

“In the journey toward better health and sustainability, it’s crucial to make mindful and nutritious choices,” nutritionist Sebastian further explained. “Organic dairy, with its numerous nutritional benefits, isn’t merely a trend—it’s a powerful step toward a healthier and more sustainable future for us and our planet.”

European Organic Dairy milk and cream cheese are now available in Manila. Simply look for the EU organic flag when you do your grocery shopping.

Lars Witt Jensen, Senior Marketing Manager of the Danish Dairy Board, emphasized that by choosing organic dairy, consumers are making a positive impact on their health, the environment, and the future of food.

“We are thrilled to bring the message of organic European dairy to the Philippines, especially as more

Filipinos seek the best options for their health and the planet. Through our campaign, we hope to empower Filipino consumers with the knowledge and benefits of choosing organic dairy. Our goal is to highlight not only the nutritional value of these products but also their role in promoting sustainable practices and animal welfare.”

With organic dairy products, the food and drinks not only fuel the physical body but also ensure that the milk is produced with care. The cows were raised on pesticidefree and GMO-free feed and are allowed to roam freely on the farm grounds, signifying a commitment to public health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and environmental protection.

Want to learn how to prepare a sumptuous treat made with organic dairy milk? Visit eu-organicdairy.ph.

Global Dominion launches awards for top-performing SMEs in 2025

The One Pick Pot Pan collection guarantees even heat distribution along with a non-stick coating and is available in four different colors

Tefal’s So Matcha Collection showcases a set in pastel green which bears a Titanium 2x coating that is compatible with all types of hobs

GLOBAL Dominion, a leading non-bank financing company in the Philippines, has announced the launch of the Global Dominion Awards 2025, aimed at recognizing outstanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative follows the company’s success in recent years, during which it has been named “Best Non-Bank Financing Company in the Philippines” and “Best Business Financing Company.”

SMEs, which represent a significant portion of the country’s workforce and economic drivers, are the focus of the awards.

“SMEs have been providing jobs and fueling the economy. Their courage to take on risks and challenges for their families, employees, and communities is admirable.

Recognizing their efforts is one way Global Dominion can give back,” said Patricia Poco-Palacios, the company’s president and managing director.

In the first half of 2024, more than half of Global Dominion’s customers were SMEs. These businesses have utilized various financing products, such as vehicle mortgage loans and real estate mortgage loans, which

have seen increased demand.

Global Dominion CEO Robert Jordan Jr. emphasized the company’s mission to support SME growth. “Our mission has always been to contribute to the growth of SMEs and the economy. Their selflessness deserves more than just recognition. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Filipino entrepreneurs in the years ahead.”

The Global Dominion Awards 2025 will honor SMEs in categories such as innovation, rapid growth, and community care, highlighting businesses that prioritize social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and employee well-being. Chairman Ruben Lugtu II encouraged public participation, stating, “We encourage everyone to nominate SMEs that demonstrate excellence in growth, innovation, and care for both people and the planet.”

Nominations can be submitted online through Global Dominion’s official website.

Global Dominion aims to become the financing company of choice for Filipinos by offering simplified financing solutions that support growth and transformation.

Adding a splash of color to your kitchen TEFAL, the French cookware brand known for pioneering non-stick technology, has launched three new colorful cookware collections, departing from its classic black and red designs.

The One Pick Pot Pan Collection, So Matcha Collection, and Cook & Shine Collection aim to bring a fresh palette to modern kitchens while maintaining functionality.

The One Pick Pot Pan Collection offers a versatile solution, functioning as a frying pan, wok, and saucepan in one, designed to reduce the need for multiple cookware pieces. Available in four colors, it features Tefal’s Thermo-Fusion™ base for even heat distribution and a non-stick coating for easy cleaning.

The So Matcha Collection introduces a

pastel green set compatible with all hob types, emphasizing durability with its Titanium 2x coating. Meanwhile, the rose gold Cook & Shine Collection offers a sleek, long-lasting option for those seeking elegance in their kitchen tools.

Tefal’s new cookware sets include the brand’s signature Thermo-Signal technology, which indicates when the pan reaches the ideal cooking temperature, and non-toxic coatings free from harmful substances. All three collections are designed to blend aesthetics with performance, catering to different cooking styles and preferences.

Tefal cookware is available in stores and online, with the collections distributed exclusively by Rustan Marketing Corporation.

The Global Dominion Awards 2025 aims to support the growth of SMEs through honoring those that have shown excellence in certain categories

LIFE

C4

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024

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

The luxurious interiors of Highlands Residences allow families to share joyful and memorable moments with each other

Where

mountain air meets

everyday flair Very Wang

T

Nickie Wang

HERE’S something about Tagaytay Highlands that feels like a world apart from the busy hum of city life.

Its familiar mountain breeze and sweeping views make it an inviting retreat for those who crave both quiet moments and a touch of adventure.

Stepping into this well-designed community is a reminder that nature doesn’t have to be distant; it can be part of your everyday life.

At the heart of this landscape lies Ochre Tower, the latest addition to

Highlands Residences. It stands out not just for its design but for how it blends the spirit of mountain living with the comforts of a modern home.

The building’s low-rise architecture is a nod to the natural surroundings – intimate

Various outdoor amenities await residents looking to unwind and relax after a long day

The collection’s Ffrom and Raw series offer a variety of patterns and colors that give homes a modern look while also having a reduced negative impact to the environment

The Earthic collection features surfaces made with renewable energy, recycled water, and reduced crystalline silica content

and unpretentious. Each unit has been thoughtfully crafted to offer balance: a place where you can enjoy both work and leisure without feeling like you’re missing out on either.

Living rooms are spacious, perfect for family gatherings, while bedrooms offer that much-needed quiet escape.

What makes Ochre Tower truly unique is the way it encourages outdoor experiences without stepping too far from home. The shared spaces invite residents to connect with nature and each other.

Whether it’s gathering around the bonfire, strolling through the Sunken Garden, or simply soaking in the mountain air from an outdoor alcove, there’s a sense that you don’t

have to go far to find adventure. And if a brisk walk or a swim is more your speed, the exercise area and pools are there to help you unwind in your own way.

Tagaytay Highlands has long been known for providing privacy and comfort, and Ochre Tower carries on that tradition.

It’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while still having all the conveniences you need within reach. The view from the windows—rolling hills and open skies—serves as a gentle reminder that the extraordinary is often found in everyday moments.

As someone who values time spent outdoors, what strikes me most about Tagaytay Highlands

is how it turns those weekend escapes into part of daily life.

It’s a space where nature isn’t a backdrop but part of the experience. It offers a different kind of luxury—one that feels more like coming home.

For those who find joy in both quiet reflection and outdoor exploration, Ochre Tower feels like the perfect base—a place that captures the essence of living at Tagaytay Highlands.

For more information on how to own a Tagaytay Highlands home, call +632 75052422 and +639175150158, or visit Tagaytay Highlands’ Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/Tagaytayhighlands); Instagram (@tagaytayhighlandsofficial); and website www.tagaytayhighlands.com.

Residents can bask in the calm and refreshing feeling of mountain living while also experiencing the comfort of a modern home

Bring sustainable style to modern homes COSENTINO, a global leader in sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, has launched Earthic

by Silestone XM, a new collection developed in partnership with Italian design studio Formafantasma.

The project aims to incorporate recycled and unconventional materials into surface design, highlighting a commitment to sustainability within the industry.

The Earthic collection, introduced in April this year, represents the next generation of Cosentino’s mineral-based hybriq surfaces.

These surfaces are produced using 100 percent renewable energy and

99 percent recycled water, with a reduced crystalline silica content. The collection also incorporates up to 30 percent recycled materials, including glass, PET, bio-resin, and fragments of Dekton, a material made from recycled industrial waste.

Cosentino and Formafantasma emphasize the role of design in addressing environmental concerns, stating that Earthic reflects a more sustainable approach to production processes.

“Our collaboration with Cosentino is an attempt to design from the inside out - where the aesthetic choices correspond directly to ethical and sustainable choices,” said Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Formafantasma.

The collection is divided into two series: Ffrom, which focuses on the transformation of recycled materials, and Raw, which highlights the natural characteristics of the materials used.

Both series offer a range of patterns and colors aimed at reducing the environmental impact of surface production.

Cosentino’s Earthis by Silestone XM aligns with the company’s broader goal of minimizing resource extraction and promoting the use of sustainable materials in design.

The gorgeous surfaces incorporates about 30% recycled materials like glass, PET, bio-resin, and Dekton fragments