Manila Standard - 2024 November 20 - Wednesday

PBBM: Timely GAA passage to avoid budget reenactment

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the passage of the 2025 General Appropriations Act anew to avoid a reenacted budget with a month to go before Congress goes on Christmas

break on December 20.

Mr. Marcos, in a letter addressed to

Senate President Francis Escudero dated Oct. 29, said the certification was meant “to ensure the uninterrupted operation of

Marcos, Trump affirm alliance

Fil-Ams’ strong support for Trump boosts goodwill amid mass deportation threat

Typhoon victims can look forward to quick recovery—PBBM

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

PRESIDENT Marcos visited the storm-ravaged province of Catanduanes to assess the damage caused by Super Typhoon ‘Pepito’ and assure

from

he said referring to ongoing relief operations. He noted the widespread destruction caused by the typhoon, which brought winds exceeding 300

Gov’t officials, employees urged to hold modest Christmas parties

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos strongly urged government officials and employees to tone down their Christmas celebrations this year to demonstrate solidarity with their fellow Filipinos affected by a recent barrage of powerful typhoons.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin relayed the president’s message, saying there was no need for a formal directive as he trusted public servants to voluntarily embrace austerity.

“Following the President’s call, we urge all government agencies to avoid

extravagant Christmas festivities this year,” Bersamin said in a statement.

“This appeal is in solidarity with the millions of Filipinos who continue to grieve the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods after six typhoons struck the country in less than a month,” he added.

Bersamin encouraged government offices to allocate savings from simplified celebrations to assist typhoon-hit communities.

He also underscored the importance of compassion during the holiday season.

“The true spirit of Christmas calls us

per hour, tearing roofs off buildings and flattening homes built with light materials.

President, accompanied by key cabinet members, announced that food packs were being distributed to evacuees and displaced families, each box containing enough supplies to sustain a

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured Filipino immigrants, documented or otherwise, in the United States of his administration’s focus on their concerns following a phone conversation with US Presidentelect Donald Trump on Tuesday.

Mr. Marcos noted many Filipino-Americans supported Trump in the elections, which he believes could enhance goodwill between the two countries and foster collaboration on key issues affecting undocumented Filipinos in the US.

“Filipino-Americans played a major role in the US elections, and it’s something we can build upon to strengthen our relationship further,” Mr. Marcos said, describing the conversation as a “productive congratulatory call.”

“The overwhelming support of Filipinos in the United States on your triumphant win is a testament to the deep and enduring friendship between our nations,” Mr. Marcos said in a separate post on Facebook.

While the call did not delve into Trump’s immigration policies or specific concerns about Filipino illegal immigrants, the President said his administration is taking proactive steps to address these matters.

“We didn’t talk about that. It was just a congratulatory call. But, of course, our ambassador is already working on that,” he said. “It’s a priority for us to ensure that the needs and welfare of Filipino immigrants are addressed.

“Our relationship with the US is built on decades of cooperation, and it’s one we will continue to

Speaker firms up rice trade, tourism with Cambodia House to get experts to vet OVP receipts

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE mysterious case of “Mary Grace Piattos” is merely the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in a broader issue involving 158 acknowledgment receipts (ARs) that officials from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) must address and clarify, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said yesterday. Chua, chair of the House Blue Ribbon Committee, revealed that the panel is considering engaging penmanship experts to examine and determine the authenticity of all 158 ARs submitted by the OVP to the Commission on Audit (COA). He said the receipts were used to justify the disbursement of

AGRI PHOTO OF THE YEAR. Manila Standard’s Revoli Cortez bags the Agriculture Photo of the Year during the 17th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. His photo, entitled ‘Sustainable Fibers’, shows a farmer drying bangkuang, a natural fiber used for making bags and baskets in Sta. Rita, Pampanga.

BOLSTERING TIES. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, representing Lakas-CMD as

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the first day of his two-day official visit to Cambodia to pursue the commitment of both countries to enhancing cooperation in rice trade, tourism, security, and defense.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of various government assistance to communities hit by Super Typhoon ‘Pepito’ during his visit to the Virac Sports Complex in Catanduanes on November 19, 2024. Inset at top right shows the President in a call with incoming US President Donald Trump. PCO/PBBM Facebook page

Austin visits EDCA site in Palawan

By Rex Espiritu

US DEFENSE Secretary Lloyd Austin III visited Tuesday one of the nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, as well as the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM) headquarters in Palawan, as part of his sideline activities in his official visit to the country.

According to the Department of National Defense (DND), Austin together with Philippine leaders discussed efforts to advance operational planning and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the

South China and West Philippine Seas.

Austin traveled to the EDCA site located at the Antonio Bautista Airbase in Puerto Princesa, Palawan with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., the DND said in a statement.

The American official also reaffirmed the ironclad US commitment to the Philippines and reiterated the USPhilippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to both countries’ armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the South China Sea.

The leaders also visited a bilateral C2 Fusion Center—one of several built by US Indo-Pacific Command in the Philippines to enhance information sharing.

They observed a demonstration of a T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessel, one of several unmanned capabilities that the US provided to the Philippine Navy through Foreign Military Financing,

which are instrumental to advance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and maritime domain awareness capabilities.

They also discussed how the AFP can further leverage innovative technologies to protect and defend Philippine sovereignty in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“The engagements of both the Philippine and US Defense Secretaries further reaffirm the strength of the alliance and underscore both nations’ commitment to peace, security, and shared values in the Indo-Pacific region,” the joint statement added.

Gibo blasts China’s tactics, disinformation drive on WPS

CHINA has been consistently denying the country the right to access its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Tuesday.

“It’s the same story over and over again. They have been more aggressive denying us access to our EEZ in the WPS,” Teodoro said during a joint press conference at the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Teodoro was with visiting United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.

critical government functions, guarantee the allocation of fiscal resources for vital initiatives, and enable the government to adeptly respond to emerging challenges.”

The President earlier sent a similar certification to House Speaker Martin Romualdez a day before the Lower Chamber approved the P6.352 trillion measure on third and final reading on September 25. Next year’s proposed budget is 9.5 percent higher than this year’s P5.268 trillion GAA.

A measure certified as urgent by the President authorizes Congress to approve a bill on second and third reading on the same day.

Senate President Francis Escudero earlier this month said there will be no committee hearings while senators debate the proposed national budget for next year.

He said they will also start holding Monday to Thursday plenary sessions, instead of the normal Mondays to Wednesdays, to focus on the budget measure.

Senators are eyeing to approve its version of the 2025 national budget by the first week of December. This would allow the bicameral committee to reconcile differences in the Senate and House versions by the second week of December, and transmit the final and ratified version to the President before Congress goes on holiday break.

“We hope to ratify the (bicameral) report before our Dec. 20 Christmas break. There is enough time to approve the final version of the budget,” House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe said in an earlier statement.

cultivate,” he added.

Mr. Marcos shared that his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, was fondly remembered by Trump, who the president-elect described as a friend.

“He asked, ‘How is Imelda?’ and I told him she sends her regards,” Mr. Marcos said.

The two leaders also discussed plans to meet in person, with Trump suggesting their meeting could take place after his inauguration.

On Monday, Trump confirmed he plans to declare a national emergency on border security and use the US military to carry out a mass deportation of undocumented migrants.

Immigration was a top issue in the election campaign, and Trump has promised to deport millions and stabilize the border with Mexico after record numbers of migrants crossed illegally during President Joe Biden’s administration.

On his social media platform Truth

Social, Trump amplified a recent post by a conservative activist that said the

president-elect was “prepared to declare a national emergency and will use military assets to reverse the Biden invasion through a mass deportation program.”

Alongside the repost, Trump commented: “True!”

He has been announcing a Cabinet featuring immigration hardliners, naming former Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting chief Tom Homan as his “border czar.”

Homan appeared at the Republican National Convention in July, telling supporters: “I got a message to the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden’s released in our country: You better start packing now.”

Authorities estimate that some 11 million people are living in the United States illegally. Trump’s deportation plan is expected directly to impact around 20 million families.

Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine embassy in Washington said they are ramping up support for an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants (commonly known as TNTs) who may face mass deportation from the United States.

“The DMW is prepared to assist our

nationwide, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDDRMC) latest damage tally.

OFWs, whether they are documented or undocumented OFWs. Under the directives of our President, a whole-of-government team is here to provide support to possible deportees,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

“The Philippine Embassy has scheduled a planning session with the consulates in the first week of December to discuss how we can assist Filipinos,” added Philippine Ambassador to the US Babe Romualdez.

Romualdez said the Philippine embassy is waiting for the details of the mass deportation policy.

“As soon as details are available, it will be passed on to our immigration lawyers. They will go through it and assess who are qualified to take the legal path and stay in the US. But if there is no legal pathway for you to stay, it is better to depart because if you are deported, you can never come back. Once you are deported, you are blacklisted,” Romualdez said.

Cacdac said in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Department of Foreign Affairs, financial, medical, and legal assistance will be given to affected Filipinos. With AFP

He added that China has been using “pseudo military vessels” disguised as Coast Guard vessels and maritime militia ships in various areas of the WPS. China also conducts aggressive “information operations” against the Philippines, Teodoro said, pointing to Chinese reaction to the newly signed General Security of Military Information Agreement between the Philippines and the US.

“If you weren’t paranoid, you wouldn’t comment about it, so far as I’m concerned, because it is something bilateral between the United States and the Philippines. So all of these actions to me prove the existence of some motive which is brought about by a close political system, excuse me, a political system where the external controls the internal political environment,” he added.

Austin agreed with Teodoro’s observations, describing China’s behavior as “concerning.”

“You’ve heard me say that a number of times. They’ve used dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce their expansive South China Sea maritime claims,” Austin said.

Gov’t...

household for three days.

The chief executive pledged that food assistance would continue without interruption, and the government would eventually help farmers and fisherfolk rebuild their livelihoods.

In the latest situation report, the disaster agency said some 453,809 individuals or 115,000 families are currently sheltered in 3,267 evacuation centers nationwide, while 163,527 are staying elsewhere.

Meanwhile, just as the people of Cagayan province were beginning to breathe a sigh of relief, floodwaters reaching more than four meters high swamped thousands of houses in the storm-battered northern Philippines on Tuesday after rivers overflowed following heavy rain and a dam release.

With the Philippines’ vulnerability to increasingly violent tropical storms, along with other climate-related disruptions that impact our agricultural sector, Romualdez said ensuring a stable and affordable rice supply has become a national priority.

“Collaborating with Cambodia, a leading rice exporter, will help us secure a steady supply of this vital commodity. Strengthening our food security not only protects Filipino families but also ensures our resilience in the face of extreme weather events,” according to the Speaker. Romualdez noted that despite increasing local rice production, the Philippines still relies on imports to ensure a steady supply, relying largely on Vietnam and Thailand.

He noted that during the bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Hun at the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne last March, both sides agreed to boost rice trade between the Philippines and Cambodia, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle double taxation and improve ease of doing business.

Expressing his gratitude for Cambodia’s emphasis on diversifying its import and export markets, Romualdez also told Hun of his hopes for a productive visit to Phnom Penh of a Philippine trade and investment mission slated for January 2025.

Cash aid was also being distributed to residents under the Department of Labor and Employment’s emergency assistance program.

The President addressed the urgent need to rebuild homes and public infrastructure. He revealed plans to provide construction materials, including roofing sheets, lumber, nails, and tools, to families whose homes were partially or fully destroyed.

Financial assistance will also be given to those undertaking reconstruction.

During the visit, Mr. Marcos also presided over a meeting involving local government officials and the heads of concerned government agencies, reviewing damage reports and assessing the progress of relief operations.

Typhoons ‘Nika,’ ‘Ofel,’ and ‘Pepito’ affected some 1.8 million people

The cyclones also caused P469 million worth of damage to infrastructure and P8.6 million in damage to agriculture, it was also reported.

They also partially damaged 10,234 houses and totally damaged 1,525 houses across five regions.

Fifty roads and 24 bridges are still not passable as of Tuesday.

Twenty cities and municipalities in Luzon have declared states of calamity in the aftermath of the tropical cyclones.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the government has distributed 400,000 family food packs worth P125 million in areas affected by the three consecutive typhoons, with some 1.3 million family food packs prepositioned in various warehouses.

‘Pepito’ drenched swaths of the Philippines over the weekend, swelling the Cagayan River and tributaries, and forcing the release of water from Magat Dam.

The Cagayan broke its banks, spilling water over already sodden farmland and communities, affecting tens of thousands of people.

Buildings, lamp posts and trees poked through a lake of brown water in Tuguegarao city in Cagayan province where provincial disaster official Ian Valdepenas said floodwaters reached more than four meters (14 feet) in some places.

“We experienced very heavy rains two days ago, but the flood just started to rise when Magat Dam started releasing huge volumes of water,” Valdepenas told AFP.

“Plus, our land is already saturated because of the consecutive typhoons hitting the area.” With AFP

Chua, but he emphasized that the name is merely the tip of a larger investigation into questionable ARs.

₱500 million in confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the OVP—₱125 million per quarter from the last quarter of 2022 to the first three quarters of 2023.

The first tranche of ₱125 million was spent in just 11 days in December 2022, Chua noted.

The committee has offered a ₱1-million reward for any credible information on “Mary Grace Piattos,” a name that appeared in liquidation documents linked to the alleged misuse of government funds by the OVP.

In a press conference, Chua announced that the committee will coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to verify the identity of Piattos.

The name “Mary Grace Piattos” has captured public attention for its unusual and suspicious nature, according to

‘We saw many problems, that’s just one of the problems we saw,” he said.

Chua said some receipts covered periods when no confidential funds were available.

“Our theory is that the [ARs] appeared when the AOM of the COA issued them. So because of that, they were confused to justify their liquidation. They produced a lot of [ARs]), he said.

The receipts include varying amounts—₱60,000, ₱40,000, ₱400,000—are riddled with discrepancies such as mismatched dates, missing signatures, and other irregularities, Chua said.

The committee also flagged striking similarities in handwriting and ink across the receipts.

“Those strokes, although the names are different, but the stroke of how it is

signed is only one. Even the ballpoint pen used has the same ink. The [ARs] submitted are a bit highly suspicious,” Chua said. He added that if the OVP fails to fully justify the ARs, the committee may conclude that these receipts are fabricated.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Taguig Rep. Amparo Maria Zamora echoed Chua’s concerns, highlighting the OVP’s failure to meet even the simplest requirements for ARs.

“And you know, it’s very simple, ‘yung requirements. It’s just an acknowledgment receipt. It asks for a signature, name and date,” Zamora said. However, she noted what she described as inconsistencies in the receipts.

“The many [ARs] there that we saw—there was no date, there was only a signature without a name, there was a name without a signature. There is a wrong date, not consistent with when it was released, when it was disbursed),

to celebrate with compassion, share our blessings, and spread cheer. As a people united by love for one another, we can overcome the darkness brought by these calamities and celebrate this season of joy,” Bersamin said.

He added that the government would ensure affected areas feel the Christmas spirit through relief efforts, infrastructure rebuilding, and livelihood restoration initiatives.

The President earlier said that his administration is focused on helping communities devastated by Typhoons ‘Kristine,’ ‘Leon,’ ‘Marce,’ ‘Nika,’ ‘Ofel,’ and ‘Pepito’ get back on their feet.

He added that relief operations are ongoing, and the government is working to expedite recovery efforts for those impacted by the storms. As this developed, the state weather bureau announced that the ‘Amihan’ or northeast monsoon season has begun, signaling chilly nights as Christmas draws closer.

“Brrr, brrr! The looooong wait is over—it’s finally here! The Amihan season has arrived!” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) whimsically said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Zamora said.

She also raised concerns over the uniformity in handwriting.

Given the large sums involved, Zamora called on Vice President Duterte and OVP Special Disbursing Officer (SDO) Gina Acosta to appear before the committee and address the purported discrepancies.

For her part, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro lambasted Duterte over the highly questionable receipts for confidential funds bearing the signature of an apparently non-existent person named Mary Grace Piattos.

“This is a clear case of fraud and misuse of public funds. How can we trust the Office of the Vice President when they cannot even present real people who supposedly received these confidential funds? This is why Congress is now offering a P1-million reward to anyone who can present this mysterious Mary Grace Piattos,” Castro stated.

‘PH, Indonesia negotiating Veloso transfer’

By Rachelle Tonelada

THE Department of Foreign

Affairs

(DFA) confirmed that the Philippine and Indonesian governments are in active discussions about the possible transfer of Filipino death row inmate Mary Jane Veloso.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm that the governments of the Philippines and Indonesia have been engaged in discussions regarding the possible transfer of Mary Jane Veloso to the Philippines to serve her sentence in a Philippine facility,” the DFA told reporters.

“The DFA joins the Filipino nation in the hope and prayers for a successful resolution of this issue, one which shall do justice to Ms. Veloso and her family while strengthening the deep bonds of friendship between the Philippines and Indonesia,” it added.

Veloso has been on Indonesia’s death row for over 14 years following her conviction for drug trafficking. Discussions about her potential transfer grew after the Indonesian government announced its openness to the idea, citing its respect for the Philippines’ diplomatic request.

“Indonesia respects the request from the Philippine government to consider the transfer of Mary Jane Veloso in the interest of law enforcement in the Philippines,” said Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra of Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction.

Mahendra clarified that once foreign prisoners are transferred to their home countries, the responsibility for their rehabilitation lies entirely with those nations. This includes decisions on clemency or sentence modifications, which would rest solely with the receiving government.

Dave Leprozo Jr

Padilla bill seeks new autonomous region for Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Robin Padilla filed a bill on Tuesday to create a new autonomous region for the people of Sulu, following its exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 2879, seeks to establish the Basulta Autonomous Region, which would encompass the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.

Padilla stated, “To further promote political stability and economic development in the Sulu archipelago, this bill aims to create an effective political entity and provide a basic structure of government in recognition of the aspi-

rations of the people of Sulu, as well as those in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.”

He emphasized that the bill intends to address the specific needs of these island provinces, particularly regarding the delivery of basic services. Additionally, it aims to encourage meaningful and effective governance and sustainable development, while respecting the culture, traditions, and diversity of the regions.

Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi are currently part of BARMM, which also includes Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Lanao del Sur. However, the Supreme Court declared on September 9, 2024, that Sulu is not part of BARMM after voters in Sulu rejected the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Under the proposed bill, the new autonomous region would include areas within Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi that consent to its formation through a plebiscite for ratification of its organic act.

The national government would allocate a fair share of the annual national budget and foreign-assisted projects to the autonomous region. Additionally, the Basulta Autonomous Region would have its own Regional Assembly.

The bill also addresses the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources in Basulta, stipulating that revenues from uranium and fossil fuels may be co-managed and shared equally between the national government and the Basulta government. Indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples would receive a five-percent share of net revenues from the exploration, development, and utilization of natural resources, including natural gas projects in areas covered by native, traditional, or customary titles. Lastly, the administration of justice in the autonomous region would adhere to the Constitution, Shari’ah, traditional or tribal laws, and other relevant legal frameworks.

MOUNTAIN CITY. A sweeping view of the highly urbanized City of Baguio against the background of the towering Benguet Province Mountain Ranges.

Padilla urges reclassification of marijuana Comelec declares 117 as nuisance candidates

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Robin Padilla has urged the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to reclassify cannabis, lowering its status from prohibited to non-prohibited in the Philippines.

The United Nations voted to reschedule cannabis in December 2020, downgrading it by one level from the world’s most dangerous drugs.

“When we had a hearing regarding medical cannabis, the DDB and PDEA promised us, they gave their word at that time that they would change and follow the advice of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN regarding the rescheduling of cannabis.”

“So the question is, when will we receive the permission or documents from the DDB and PDEA that they will follow through on their promise to downgrade it (cannabis) by one level?” Padilla said during Tuesday’s deliberations on proposed 2025 budget of the DDB and PDEA.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa said in order for the DDB and PDEA to downgrade cannabis, it requires an amendment on Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Padilla authored Senate Bill No. 2573, the Cannabis Medicalization Act of the Philippines. The bill provides that the use of cannabis for medical purposes will be permitted “to treat or alleviate a qualified patient’s debilitating medical condition or symptoms.

The bill also noted that the medicalization of cannabis includes its acquisition, possession, transportation, delivery, dispensing, administration, cultivation, or manufacturing by private individuals or entities only for medical and research purposes.

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared 117 senatorial aspirants as nuisance candidates for the coming May 2025 Midterm elections.

From the total of 183 aspirants, only 66 senatorial bets were included in the list of candidates, higher than the 64 who ran in the 2022 national elections.

Poll chairman George Garcia said the 66 legitimate candidates remain subject to change depending on several factors, including pending disqualification cases, petitions to declare candidates as a nuisance, and legal appeals by those contesting their exclusion.

Garcia disclosed that the motu proprio petition against the 117 senatorial

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS IN CAVITE.

The Grand Magical Christmas Parade spreads festive spirit at SM City Dasmariñas, following its successful debut at SM City Bacoor. Featuring over 80 enchanting characters, including Santa, elves, reindeer, and fairy-tale royalty, the parade brings seasonal joy to families, friends, and shoppers. Dennis Abrina

aspirants has already been decided by the Comelec First and Second Divisions.

The poll body chief said the Comelec adopts a “totality rule” for declaring nuisance candidates, which considers factors such as whether an aspirant has no political party, lacks a social media presence, and is running as an independent candidate.

He also added that having no statements, policies, or platforms can add to their discernment of the rule.

However, Garcia said the declared

nuisance aspirants could still avail of a legal remedy by filing a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec en banc or file a restraining order before the Supreme Court.

The Comelec has earlier declared 47 senatorial aspirants as nuisance bets who may no longer be able to run in the May 2025 midterm polls.

The Omnibus Election Code (OEC) defines a nuisance candidate as one who files a certificate of candidacy (COC) to put the election process in mockery or disrepute; or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates; or which clearly demonstrates that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office and to prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate.

Gatchalian: Proactive approach on POGO workers

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to take a proactive approach, canceling the alien employment permits issued to foreign workers in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry.

“POGO entities are morphing into something else so they can remain in the country and continue their scamming activities,” Gatchalian made these remarks during his interpellation on DOLE’s proposed budget for 2025.

RTWPB MIMAROPA Holds Final Public Hearing on Wage Adjustment

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) MIMAROPA held its final public hearing on minimum wage adjustments on November 11, 2024, in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Stakeholders, including private sector workers and business owners, discussed ways to create a fair and inclusive wage policy. RTWPB MIMAROPA Chairperson Naomi Lyn C. Abellana highlighted the need to address each sector’s unique needs and ensure that all voices contribute to a policy reflecting the true value of labor. The insights gathered will guide the Board in balancing workers’ needs with regional socio-economic factors.

“We need a very proactive approach to

cancel these permits and ultimately send these workers back to their countries of origin. The entire government machinery must work together to eliminate any legal basis for these individuals to stay in the Philippines,” he emphasized.

The legal basis for POGO operations in the country is set to expire at the end of the year, after which a ban will take effect.

According to DOLE, approximately 15,819 AEPs were issued in 2024 alone. Since the President announced a ban on POGOs in July, around 36,000 AEPs have already been canceled.

The agency mentioned it is working closely with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to ensure that the working visas of foreign work-

ers with POGO-related AEPs are canceled so they cannot remain in the country illegally.

Additionally, Gatchalian urged the labor department to enhance its employment facilitation programs for Filipino POGO workers to ensure that those displaced from the industry can find jobs in the labor market.

“We are concerned about the displacement of Filipino workers. I urge the department to continue organizing job fairs and other programs for local POGO workers to provide them with meaningful employment,” Gatchalian remarked. DOLE reported that approximately 27,590 Filipinos were employed by POGOs.

Public urged to report posters nailed on trees

By Caloy Lozada

THE Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is urging the public to report political posters nailed to trees to their respective barangay officials.

According to PGENRO Senior Environmental Management Specialist Mitzi Peñaflorida, the agency is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to monitor and identify areas with a high number of political posters. The goal is to prevent damage and preserve the trees in the province.

“We are reminding candidates and their supporters that when putting up posters, they should avoid nailing them to trees. Wounds caused by nails can invite pests and diseases,

IN BRIEF

Federiso vows justice for victims in Davao NEW Corella Davao Del Norte’s Mayor Jorjan Monette Baker Federiso has asked for residents’ full cooperation and understanding following her executive order installing a curfew and setting up checkpoints in the municipality. Federiso also vowed to bring justice to victims following the successive shooting incidents killing at least three persons and injuring another.

The mayor in a personal video message said she needs to address the incidents and ensure the public’s safety. Because of this she apologized to her constituents whatever convenience the checkpoint may cause and added that this is for the residents’ best safety interest.

The mayor also said she already instructed the New Corella Police to investigate thoroughly and resolve the three incidents as soon as possible.

She added that the police are still trying to identify the suspects of the three separate shooting incidents in Barangay Del Pilar and Barangay Mesaoy recently. Authorities stated that three shooting incidents were reported in November killing an ambulance crew, vendor and senior citizen. Okie Recto was shot dead on November 3 in Mesaoy while Marcelino Tinapay was killed on November 10 in Del Pilar and Nestor Silayan Matuco on November 12 at his residence also in Del Pilar. Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

Western Visayas rolls out new wage orders

EMPLOYEES across Western Visayas can now enjoy higher daily wages, with increases ranging from P33 to P40, following the enforcement of Wage Order No. RBVI-28 on November 17. The adjustment aims to provide relief amid rising costs of living. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Western Visayas called on private employers to fully implement the wage hike, emphasizing the importance of compliance in boosting workers’ welfare.

“We encourage all employers to enforce the new wage order as mandated. It applies across the region, and we hope for voluntary adherence,” stated lawyer Sixto Rodriguez, DOLE-Western Visayas Regional Director and Chair of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

The order specifies different wage increases based on company size and sector: P33 daily increase for companies with more than 10 employees; P35 daily increase for companies with 10 or fewer employees; and P40 daily increase for those working in the agricultural sector.

In addition, household helpers or kabulig sa balay will receive a P1,000 increase in their monthly wages. With the adjustment, the new daily minimum wages are as follows: P513 for employees in establishments with more than 10 workers (up from P480); P485 for employees in smaller establishments with 10 or fewer workers; and P480 for those in the agricultural sector. Caloy Lozada San Pablo launches garden filter project SAN Pablo City in Laguna, known as the City of Seven Lakes, is taking a step forward toward a greener planet with the Sampaloc Lake Floating Garden Filter Project.

Sampaloc Lake is a volcanic crater lake, situated in the heart of the city and the largest of the 7 lakes of San Pablo City.

which could eventually kill the trees,” Peñaflorida said.

She further explained that nails can cause water to seep into the wounds, leading to rot and decay, which weakens or kills the tree.

PGENRO also advised the public not to remove posters themselves but to report violations to barangay officials or the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

“We are actively monitoring these incidents and have instructed municipalities to keep a close watch on where posters are being placed,” Peñaflorida emphasized.

She observed that the northern part of Iloilo has the most significant number of political posters displayed along major roads.

The project is an initiative by the Rotary Club of San Pablo City. It was launched and turned over on November 15 in a formal ceremony to the club’s beneficiary, the Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation (FSLF), a communitybased volunteer group dedicated to the conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of freshwater bodies in Laguna.

The filter is an innovative and eco-friendly system designed to naturally clean the water using indigenous materials and plants to naturally clean the water and enhance the biodiversity in the area. Roy Tomandao

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

BONUS. Barangay officials, health workers, daycare teachers, tanods, and other barangay volunteers in Iloilo can look forward to a more cheerful holiday season as the provincial government approved a P1,000 increase in their monthly honorariums.

OPINION

Catching the big fish

IT IS entirely correct for the Marcos administration to take an approach in its drive against illegal drugs that is completely different from the one taken by the Duterte regime. It’s about time. Instead of targeting street-level drug pushers and users, which Rodrigo Duterte hated with so much passion he had them shot on sight, the government will now focus on dismantling supply networks and pursuing high-level drug suppliers.

This is a major shift in the country’s approach to combating illegal drugs that will involve close collaboration among the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced the strategic pivot following a highlevel meeting convened by President Marcos Jr. at the Palace attended by the heads of the three agencies. The consensus during the meeting was that the government should prioritize going after the big fish.

“For the longest time, we have been concentrating on the consumption side—arresting low-level offenders and conducting buy-bust operations. This time, we are going after the big guns: the major suppliers, the primary figures involved in drug importation. The message is clear—we’re focusing on the top tier of the drug trade,” he explained.

While Remulla did not disclose specific targets, he confirmed that authorities have already identified key figures in the drug supply chain. Will this mean that we can expect results on the coming months? We really hope so, with the big fish exposed, preferably in handcuffs. Another revelation during the meeting was that drug activities are still being orchestrated from within New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. Intelligence reports suggested that high-profile inmates continue to manage drug operations from inside the facility, with communications regularly intercepted by authorities.

That the number one source of the drug trade is apparently still inside the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa is alarming. The President himself informed the three officials about the continued presence of high-value inmates in the prison facility of Muntinlupa.

To address this, the government plans to transfer about 200 high-value inmates to a newly designated maximum-security facility elsewhere in the country. The move, intended to cut the access of inmates to outside networks, will involve enhanced technology to monitor and restrict communications with the outside world. The problem appears systemic, despite increased security and tightened restric-

tions, according to authorities. Inmates are said to regain access to communication devices almost immediately after sweeps of the premises by jail guards. Changing personnel has not resolved the issue, so a new approach is required, including relocation and restricting accessibility.

The Marcos Jr. administration had early on indicated that it would not continue the bloody war on drugs waged for six years under the Duterte administration that had led to human rights violations. These include extra-judicial killings or summary executions by police operatives that human rights groups insist have reached as many as 30,000 from 2016 to 2022. That number constitutes crimes against humanity that the International Criminal Court is eager to look into.

—“—

This is an approach to the war on drugs that is completely different from the one taken by the previous administration.

The perceptible trend toward the growing number of arrests of small-time drug peddlers in various parts of the country was what prompted Marcos to declare war against the big suppliers. If only the smalltime drug dealers were being arrested, obviously there’s something wrong with the way law enforcers are addressing the drug problem.

Going after the big players and hauling them to jail is the main responsibility of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) along with the PNP as their enforcers. As the lead anti-drug law enforcement agency, it is responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within country. The agency is tasked with implementing the penal and regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 (R.A. 9165), otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. With clear marching orders from the President and the key law enforcement agencies, PDEA should spare no effort to run after the known big-time drug traffickers and bring them to justice.

The administration’s re-calibration of the campaign to curtail the illegal drug trade in the country by focusing on the supply side may be just what the doctor ordered to really stop the drug menace from destroying the lives of Filipinos, especially the youth.

Guarding the digital wallet

By Ian Farquhar

THE banking sector plays a crucial role in any country’s economy, making cybersecurity a priority focus, especially as financial institutions in the Philippines drive toward digital transformation. As the Philippines pushes toward a “cash-lite” economy, the financial services sector faces a growing threat of cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents, phishing scams, and evolving tactics from cybercriminals. In 2023 alone, ransomware attacks surged, with a Fortinet survey revealing that 56% of Philippine organizations saw at least a twofold increase in incidents compared to 2022, and Kaspersky detected and blocked 15,312 ransomware cases targeting businesses in the country. But a question looms — are financial institutions in the Philippines prepared to defend against these evolving threats?

The stakes of modernization and digital transformation As Philippine banks move toward modernization through open banking and expanded cloud environments, they are not alone. Cybercriminals are also advancing their tactics, creating a continuous arms race between security teams and online threats. Philippine banks hold large volumes of sensitive payment data and have access to critical information, making them prime targets for ransomware actors who hope for substantial payouts. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the share of digital payments to total retail transactions in the Philippines rose to 52.8% in 2023 from 42.1% in 2022, indicating a significant increase in digital transaction volumes. Additionally, the dig-

ital payments market in the Philippines is projected to reach a total transaction value of approximately US$61.41 billion by 2028, reflecting the nation’s accelerating shift towards cashless transactions and underscoring the urgency of robust cybersecurity measures.

A shifting landscape in Philippine financial services

This is cybersecurity’s critical role in Philippine finance.

The Philippine financial sector has undergone significant changes in the past decade, with a steady shift toward cashless transactions. The BSP’s “Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap” aimed to digitize at least 50% of total retail transactions by 2023, a target that was exceeded with the 52.8% achievement in 2023. The adoption of cloud technologies allows banks to scale operations, increase efficiency, and offer customers more flexible digital banking options. However, without robust security protocols, this transition exposes financial institutions to new vulnerabilities. Ransomware-as-a-Service and the rise of persistent threats

Ransomware remains a top threat for financial institutions globally, and the Philippines is no exception. Between 2019 and 2021, losses based on complaints filed with the BSP amounted to P2 billion, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. One emerging threat is

EDITORIAL

LAWMAKERS at the House of Representatives have put up a P1-million reward for anyone able to give information about a certain Mary Grace Piattos. This individual supposedly signed acknowledgment receipts justifying confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

A bag of chips —“—

mit an affidavit on the issue, likely to insist that there have been no irregularities whatsoever on her use of the people’s money. We never expected much from Duterte; it is only logical for her to skip yet another hearing. If she were even willing to give a sufficient explanation for those funds under oath, she would have done so when she was first asked about them, instead of being haughty and instead of crying persecution.

“Mary

Grace Piattos” soon ceases to be funny and becomes, instead, infuriating.

The House is looking into how the Vice President spent P500 million through her office and another P112.5 million through the Department of Education, which she headed until June this year.

The next hearing intended to get to the bottom of the OVP’s controversial confidential funds is today. Vice President Sara Duterte has said she is not attending. She would just sub -

Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), which allows cybercriminals to “subscribe” to ransomware tools from other hackers.

RaaS enables hackers to employ a range of techniques, including phishing and exploiting software vulnerabilities, to penetrate corporate networks. These attackers often persist on networks for extended periods, collecting sensitive data and preparing for maximum damage. With the increasing complexity of hybrid cloud environments, the attack surface for financial institutions widens, heightening the need for rigorous security oversight. Philippine banks must consider finding and addressing these potential blind spots during every stage of cloud migration.

Overcoming the encryption challenge

One common defense strategy — encryption — has become a double-edged sword. While encryption is crucial for data security, it can also obscure malicious activities within a network, making it harder for security tools to detect suspicious behavior. Recent advancements in quantum computing have raised concerns that tra-

In fact, if she wanted to be transparent to begin with, she would not have had a centavo of confidential funds at all. What is inherently a secret in those two agencies that they should need millions of pesos without any accounting whatsoever? She may not be used to being questioned and held accountable, but some things have to change.

ditional encryption methods may soon be at risk. The BSP has started to explore advanced encryption methods to mitigate these risks, but ensuring system-wide encryption compliance across institutions remains a challenge. Studies reveal that many financial institutions globally, including a significant portion of Filipino organizations, find encrypted traffic difficult and costly to inspect. Without comprehensive inspection, there’s a heightened risk that breaches may go undetected until after sensitive data is compromised.

A call to action for Philippine financial institutions Philippine banks and financial institutions cannot afford to fall behind in cybersecurity. With the country on the cusp of major digital transformation, achieving complete visibility across networks is essential. Security teams must take steps to gain deep observability—network-derived intelligence delivered to cloud, security, and observability tools—of all network activity, including encrypted data flows

But in Ms. Duterte’s absence, would the sought-after Ms. Piattos miraculously appear?

On the surface, “Mary Grace Piattos” is hilarious. Imagine, for the sake of argument, that MGP were not a real person: how difficult is it to use a more believable name? But no, the fakers were either too lazy or they did not think it was even worth the time to think of one.

The issue soon ceases being funny and becomes infuriating instead: it shows a cavalier attitude in committing something as reprehensible as creating fictitious identities to perpetuate corruption. It is taking a grave issue lightly, much like laughing or jesting while talking about the killing of thousands in the guise of a war against drugs.

The Philippine Statistics Authority should find it easy to provide details of this person so people can stop speculating and making memes.

The questions are mounting, and if there are no satisfactory answers soon, Ms. Duterte, Ms. Piattos, and all the others in their circle would have to face a reckoning. It’s tempting to say we can just grab a bag of chips as we entertain ourselves with these developments – but no. This is our tragedy, too. We cannot be mere spectators.

between on-premises and cloud environments. This deep observability will ensure that hidden threats are exposed, giving institutions the best chance of preventing disruptions to services and protecting sensitive information. To strengthen cybersecurity resilience, collaboration between the BSP, financial institutions, and cybersecurity providers is paramount. The BSP recently launched the 2024-2029 Financial Services Cyber Resilience Plan (FSCRP) to strengthen the cyber resilience of the Philippine banking industry. This partnership approach can enable a safer environment for digital finance, building trust among Filipino consumers as they adopt digital payment solutions. By prioritizing cybersecurity innovation and understanding the risks within a hybrid cloud landscape, Philippine financial institutions can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, safeguarding the future of finance in the country.

The author is security chief technology officer for Gigamon.

This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: “Lady justice stands atop a hill of skulls”

IN BRIEF

Canada foils Iran plot

to kill former minister

CANADIAN authorities recent-

ly foiled an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate Irwin Cotler, a former justice minister who has been a strong critic of Tehran, Cotler’s organization said.

The 84-year-old was justice minister and attorney general from 2003 to 2006. He retired from politics in 2015 but has remained active with many associations that campaign for human rights around the world.

The Globe and Mail newspaper reported that he was informed on October 26 that he faced an imminent threat -- within 48 hours -- of assassination from Iranian agents.

Authorities tracked two suspects in the plot, the paper said, citing an unnamed source.

In an email to AFP, the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, where Cotler is international chair, confirmed the Globe and Mail report.

Cotler “has no knowledge or details regarding any arrests made,” said Brandon Golfman, an organization spokesman.

Tehran late on Monday denied what it described as “the claim of Canadian media that Iran tried to assassinate a Canadian person,” the official IRNA news agency reported, citing Issa Kameli, the director general for the Americas at the foreign ministry.

The Iranian diplomat denounced the report as “ridiculous storytelling and in line with the misinformation campaign against Iran”. AFP

Georgia police crack down on election protesters

GEORGIAN police Tuesday reportedly beat and arrested protesters rallying against alleged fraud in last month’s elections, denounced by the pro-Western opposition as rigged in favour of the governing party.

The European Union and the United States have called for a probe into electoral “irregularities” during the October 26 vote won by the Georgian Dream party. Opposition parties have refused to recognise the result or enter the newly elected parliament, which they deem “illegitimate”. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets in Tbilisi to protest the alleged electoral fraud.

On Tuesday morning, police dispersed a sit-in protest outside Tbilisi State University where dozens of demonstrators had set up tents, blocking traffic on one of the main streets in the Georgian capital, independent TV stations Pirveli and Mtavari reported. Several demonstrators and at least one journalist were beaten and detained, their footage showed. AFP

Son of Norwegian princess held on suspicion of rape

NORWEGIAN police said Tuesday that the 27-year-old son of Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit had been arrested on suspicion of rape.

Police said in a statement that Marius Borg Hoiby, who was born from a relationship prior to Mette-Marit’s 2001 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon, had been arrested Monday evening. He was suspected of violating the criminal code “which concerns sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or for other reasons unable to resist the act”, the statement said.

“What police can say about the rape is that it concerns a sexual act without intercourse. The victim is said to have been unable to resist the act,” police said.

Borg Hoiby was detained on August 4 following a night-time row at a woman’s apartment in Oslo and accused of causing bodily harm to the resident, with whom he was having a relationship, police said. AFP

Kyiv wants ‘decisive action’ after report on weapons

KYIV on Tuesday blamed Russia and urged action after the international chemical weapons watchdog said banned riot control gas had been found in Ukrainian soil samples from the front line.

Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using chemical weapons in the conflict, with Kyiv’s Western allies claiming Moscow has employed banned weapons.

“We call on our partners to take decisive action to stop the aggressor and bring those responsible for crimes to justice. True peace can only be achieved through strength, not appeasement,” the foreign ministry said.

“Russia’s use of banned chemicals on the battlefield once again demonstrates Russia’s chronic disregard for international law,” a statement added.

Russia is yet to react to the report by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which brought the first confirmation of the use of riot control gas in areas where active fighting is taking place in Ukraine.

The OPCW’s Chemical Weapons Convention strictly bans the use of riot control agents including CS, a type of tear gas, outside riot control situations when it is used as “a method of warfare”.

CS gas is non-lethal but causes sensory irritation including to the lungs,

skin and eyes.

The evidence handed over by Ukraine to the OPCW enabled it to “corroborate... the chain of custody of the three samples collected from a trench in Ukraine located along the confrontation lines with the opposing troops, had been maintained,” the organisation said.

It stressed however that the report did “not seek to identify the source or origin of the toxic chemical”.

OPCW director-general Fernando Arias “expressed grave concern” over the findings.

“All 193 OPCW Member States, including the Russian Federation and Ukraine, have committed never to develop, produce, acquire, stockpile, transfer or use chemical weapons,” he said in a statement. AFP

HK court jails 45 democracy campaigners

A HONG KONG court on Tuesday jailed all 45 defendants convicted of subversion in the city’s largest national security trial, with “mastermind” Benny Tai receiving the longest term of 10 years.

International condemnation was swift, with Western countries and rights groups slamming the sentencing

as evidence of the erosion of political freedoms in the city since Beijing imposed a security law in 2020.

Tai’s sentence was the longest yet handed out under the security law, which was brought in to quash dissent after massive, sometimes violent prodemocracy protests in 2019.

His 44 co-defendants were sentenced

to shorter terms beginning from four years and two months.

All were charged with subversion after holding an informal poll in 2020 as part of a strategy to win a pro-democracy electoral majority.

The group includes some of the most prominent figures of Hong Kong’s once-diverse political opposition. AFP

US

envoy in Lebanon for talks on halting Israel-Hezbollah war

US special envoy Amos Hochstein arrived in the Lebanese capital on Tuesday for talks with officials on a truce plan, which Lebanon has largely endorsed, to halt the IsraelHezbollah war.

The United States and France have spearheaded efforts for a ceasefire in the war, which escalated after nearly a year of deadly exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli troops.

Israel expanded the focus of its operations from Gaza to Lebanon in late September, vowing to secure its northern border to allow tens of thousands of people displaced by the cross-border fire to return home.

Since the clashes began with Hezbollah attacks on Israel, more than 3,510 people in Lebanon have been killed, according to authorities there, with most fatalities recorded since late September.

With the Lebanese government reviewing a US truce proposal, an official who has been following the talks closely said Monday that it had “a very positive view” on the plan.

“We are finalising our last remarks about the US wording of the draft,” the official said.

Another government official said Lebanon was “waiting for US special envoy Amos Hochstein to arrive so we can review certain outstanding points with him”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would continue to conduct military operations against Hezbollah even if a ceasefire is reached.

“The most important thing is not (the deal that) will be laid on paper,” Netanyahu told parliament.

“We will be forced to ensure our security in the north (of Israel) and to systematically carry out operations against Hezbollah’s attacks... even after a ceasefire”, to keep the group from rebuilding, he said.

Netanyahu also said there was no evidence Hezbollah would respect any ceasefire. AFP

Russian delegations visit Pyongyang

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with Russia’s natural resources minister in Pyongyang, state media said Tuesday, as visiting delegations from Moscow highlighted deepening ties amid the Ukraine war. Kim met Monday with Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Alexander Kozlov, who is leading a delegation focused on “cooperation in trade, economy, science and technology,” the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. A delegation from a Russian military academy also arrived in the North Korean capital, KCNA said, without providing details about the visit. The United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to

help

DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS. Police detain a woman outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court in Hong Kong on November 19. AFP

BEER BROTHERS. UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada’s

Suspend loan repayments in disaster-hit areas—Binay

By Joel E. Zurbano

MAKATI City mayor and senatorial aspirant

Abigail Binay has proposed the implementation of an automatic loan moratorium in areas severely affected by natural disasters.

Since October, six tropical cyclones have caused extensive agricultural damage and destruction of homes and small businesses in the Philippines, according to Binay.

“Granting automatic moratorium on government loan repayments in calamity-hit areas would provide muchneeded respite to affected residents,

especially farmers and fisherfolk whose sources of livelihood have been wiped out,” she said.

Binay said government agencies, banks, and financial institutions can make it a policy to automatically suspend loan repayment from borrowers located in areas officially declared in a state of calamity.

“It is a reasonable and humane response to the plight of many of our fellow Filipinos,” Binay said.

“By giving them reprieve from their financial obligation, they can focus on the day-to-day needs of their families and rebuilding their homes,” she added.

Through a loan moratorium, the bank or lending institution can make a temporary agreement with the borrowers to stop making loan payments for a certain period. This way, the borrower can avoid penalties and stabilize finances before re-

suming regular repayment to the creditor.

Binay also said the moratorium can include local government units (LGUs) severely affected by calamities.

Binay said the focus should be helping local governments recover from the impact of these calamities on the local economy and public services.

The loan moratorium can be extended by institutions such as the Land Bank, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the PAG-IBIG Fund, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Social Security System (SSS).

“During these trying times, our citizens need all the help they can get in order to survive and recover from the devastating impacts of calamities. The government, through its financial institutions, is in the best position to alleviate their conditions,” Binay stressed.

IN BRIEF

Customs foils spider smuggling attempt

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country 178 spiderlings at the Port of Clark, declared as “hairclips.” Acting District Collector Jairus Reyes said the confiscated spiderlings were concealed in an air parcel from Indonesia. Aside from spiderlings, the shipment was found to contain 157 vials of spiders, with 21 deceased specimens.

The parcel, consigned to a a resident of Valenzuela City was flagged for physical examination due to a suspicious declaration by the consignee. This attempted smuggling of live spiderlings violates the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, the BOC said.

The seized spiders were turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office for proper disposition. Vito Barcelo

Party-list group gives away rice, fertilizers

THE ATEACHER party-list led by Virginia Rodriguez has distributed rice and organic fertilizers free of charge to hundreds of farmers in Valencia City, Bukidnon, in a bid to help boost the province’s rice production. Rodriguez, who was joined by Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas, expressed optimism that the distribution of organic fertilizers, including her book entitled “Leave Nobody Hungry” will aid farmers in arming themselves with knowledge on sustainable agriculture practices and new planting technologies to increase production.

During the “Meet and Greet” program with the theme “Paglilingkod na May Dangal at Puso para sa Sambayanang Pilipino,” Rodriguez said her advocacy was meant to help empower local farmers attain self-sufficient and good quality of life.

“I am also encouraging the youth to venture into agriculture so that moving forward, more people will realize that agriculture is an industry that has sustained us and our needs for years,” Rodriguez said. Vito Barcelo

DepEd presents agenda to meet education issues

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday presented at the National Management Committee a five-point agenda to address protracted and emerging issues in basic education.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara spearheaded the creation of the strategic plan of the Department as instructed by President Marcos Jr.

The agenda focuses on four key priorities: creating an enabling learning environment, improving teacher welfare, efficient learning delivery in all forms, and a future-ready workforce.

These priorities are aligned with the commitments President Marcos made in his recent State of the Nation Address, where he stressed the need for an education system that not only fosters literacy, but also nurtures critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the youth.

According to the DepEd, learning losses have been reflected in poor test performance in the recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and other academic metrics. One key statistic that stood out showed that nine out of 10 children cannot read or understand simple text.

The DepEd also underscored the importance of looking after teachers, bridging classroom shortages, untangling procurement errors, as well as reviewing policies and responses during times of calamities and emergencies. The Secretary has marked these priorities as urgent with immediate next steps being done until the end of 2024.

DepEd emphasized that the Five-Point Agenda will be vital in unlocking some of the agency’s long-planned initiatives which includes decentralization of funds and resources, revival of the public-private partnerships for infrastructure, and acceleration of digital adoption.

IN AID OF DISPLACED POGO WORKERS. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma visits a job fair for displaced workers of the banned Philippine O shore Gaming Operators at the

Solon deplores unsolved serial killings among his constituency

By Maricel V. Cruz

PAMPANGA Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. has tasked the Philippine National Police to stop the “senseless killings” of local public officials in his legislative district.

In a privilege speech, Gonzales said at least five barangay officers and a municipal councilor have been killed between April 30, 2022 and last Nov. 12.

“It is sad to think that even though the killings in 2022 have not been solved, this kind of crimes is still happening in my district,” Gonzales said in Filipino. “And I can’t help but think: Are these recent deaths related to illegal drug trade? Quarrying? Or maybe because of illegal gambling in the province? Does this also have something to do with the election? How many more will die before the local police act?,” he lamented.

Gonzales said he would file a resolution calling for an immediate investigation into the “senseless and unresolved killings” of local public officials in his district.

He said the killings were being perpetrated by hitmen and assassins “with impunity.”

The legislator called on the local police to “enforce the law to the fullest extent, keep the

peace, arrest and prosecute the criminals, and bring them to the bar of justice.”

He said the victims’ families “deserve both justice and closure” of the cases.

“The perpetrators must be exposed and should be punished within the full extent of the law. Their conviction shall provide the victims’ family with closure and shall allow them to begin to heal and mourn the loss properly,” he stressed.

In his speech, Gonzales recalled the crimes in his area of responsibility.

On April 30, 2022, barangay captain Alvin Mendoza of Alasas, San Fernando City, was ambushed by an unidentified gunman peppered the victims with bullets as he was leaving home. The suspect has not been identified.

About eight months later, on Dec. 28, 2022, barangay captain Jesus Liang of Sto. Rosario, also in San Fernando City, was walking across the newly renovated public market when a lone gunman approached and shot him dead before fleeing on foot. The unidentified suspect remained scot-free.

On April 17, 2023, former board member and Pampanga Liga ng mga Barangay president Gerome Tubig was murdered in front of VL Makabali Memorial Hospital, also San Fernando.

MOA Music Hall in Pasay City. Norman Cruz

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Groseclose makes history, wins PH’s 1st ISU World Cup medal

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINO speed skater Peter Joseph Groseclose etched his name in history by securing the Philippines’ first-ever medal in a World Cup event.

The Winter Olympian competed against 47 of the world’s top skaters and bagged the bronze medal in the Men’s 500m Short Track Speed Skating event at the ISU Junior World Cup 2 held in Bormio, Italy.

The Philippine Skating Union (PHSU) hailed Groseclose’s victory as a monumental milestone, marking a personal achievement and a breakthrough for Philippine skating.

“The future of Philippine speed skating is brighter than ever—this is only the beginning. Congratulations, Peter! The nation is cheering for you!,” the PHSU said in a post on its official page.

Korea’s Koo Minseung claimed the gold medal, while Canada’s Victor Chartrand took the silver. Groseclose’s bronze cemented his status as the first Filipino to win a medal in an

ISU World Cup event.

Groseclose’s journey to this triumph was not without challenges.

At the Winter Youth Olympics, he narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fifth after an incident left him with injuries to his foot and skate boot.

Meanwhile, PHSU also celebrated another achievement, applauding Hans Matthew Buemio for qualifying for the 2025 ISU Junior World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Calgary, Canada.

“Big congratulations to Hans Buemio for earning a second slot for the Philippines at the ISU Junior World Short Track Speed Skating Championships 2025 in Calgary, Canada!” the PHSU announced.

“As the first homegrown skater to qualify for this prestigious event, Hans is making history and inspiring us all. Your hard work has truly paid off—a proud moment for the nation!” the organization added.

POC election committee to decide on protests soon

ELECTION committee chair Atty.

Teodoro Alejandro Kalaw IV gave the contending parties in the forthcoming Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) elections until noon this Saturday to submit their summation after hearing both sides’ arguments during a clarificatory procedure on Tuesday morning at the Century Park Hotel. Kalaw and committee member, Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, heard at least four petitions for disqualification from the camps of incumbent POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and challenger Joaquin “Chito” Loyzaga for the elections set on November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant. “With the summation we could determine the merits of their protests,” said Kalaw, who, however, didn’t provide a timeline for the election committee to decide on the arguments.

By Peter Atencio

NEEDING two more wins to advance, Gilas Pilipinas will have big men Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos filling in for two injured players.

Aguilar and Amos will take the place of AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo for their coming games in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. Edu and Malonzo won’t be available when Gilas sees action against New Zealand on Thursday and against Hong Kong on Sunday, both at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coach Tim Cone said Aguilar and Amos have joined the practices and will most likely be fielded in.

“Jamie, for sure, is not available, and

and Leah

les (fencing), as well as POC secretary

AJ is doubtful. And that’s why Japeth and Mason are around. Japeth understands, he knows the system, and he can step in immediately, and Mason, he went through the whole OQT, but he did not get minutes. But he is important in the everyday work in practice,” said Cone.

Despite their condition, Cone is still letting the two injured players join the practices.

Cone said he wants Edu and Malonzo to be ready for their next set of games in February. Edu is recovering from a knee injury he suffered from a B. League game.

general Atty. Wharton Chan and head of legal Atty. Billy Sumagui. Loyzaga was with Robert Bachmann (squash), Freddie Jalasco (wushu) and Rommel Miranda (kurash), as well as gymnastics deputy secretary general Rowena Bautista Eusuya. Atty. Lean Carlo Macoto of the Aranas Cruz Araneta Parker and Faustino Law firm presented some of the Loyzaga ticket’s arguments but he, along with Loyzaga and Bachmann, left the proceedings before it was adjourned by Kalaw, leaving Jalasco and Eusuya to represent the group.

Vovinam’s Jose Ponciano Malonzo also attended the hearing to withdraw his protest against Bachmann’s qualification for the post of second vice president.

Tolentino didn’t comment on the proceeding but stressed that the “POC election procedures must be followed.”

Volley Angels stun Strikers, force do-or-die showdown

BIÑAN Tatak Gel 1-Pacman Partylist stunned second-ranked Bacoor, 25-18, 25-18, 25-16, in a big road win to force a deciding Game 2 in the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) semifinals on Tuesday night at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite. Not even a homecourt disadvantage could stop the third-ranked Volley Angels in scoring a stunning sweep after getting blanked by the twice-to-beat armed and No. 2 seed Strikers in two meetings in the elimination rounds. Erika Jin Deloria led the way with 16 points on 14 hits and two aces while May Ann Nuique and Shane Carmona chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively. With momentum on its side, Biñan hosts Bacoor this time around in a knockout setto on Thursday at the Alonte Sports Arena for a pretty chance to complete an upset bid. Winner gets a shot at No. 1 seed Quezon Tangerines in the best-of-three championship series of the upstart volleyball league founded by founded by former Senator and also MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.

Quezon in the first game on Tuesday escaped with a 25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 1925, 15-10 win over No. 4 Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation to maximize its win-once bonus and book the first finals seat.

Bacoor, the inaugural champion in the shorter edition, beat Biñan twice in the elims, 25-19, 25-23, 25-20 and 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 21-25, 15-3, to loom as the heavy favorite in the other pairing plus with the home crowd on their back. But the Volley Angels just would not be denied in defying the odds as they conquered Bacoor in only 81 minutes to stay alive in the MPVA backed Extreme One-Stop Shop Appliances, ASICS, Mikasa and Gerflor with MPTV and Outcomm as broadcast partners.

Cyrille Joie Alemeniana with 10 points served as the lone bright spot for the Strikers, who still have a chance to advance with only one win needed in the MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

suffered during the eliminations of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup while playing for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

“AJ is still a young player. There is still a huge future with AJ. We want to integrate him in the program. We want him to understand what we are doing. And we want him to create chemistry with his teammates,” said Cone.

Cone feels that Malonzo isn’t ready to play, but he will be in future games.

“This is a process that we go through with all the players. Young guys like AJ are important. He and Jamie will be at the camp. But they will immerse themselves in watching videos, hearing discussions and practices on the floor,” added Cone. Cone

Malonzo will be sitting out the two games, as he continues to go through rehabilitation from the calf injury that he

AYL Gonzaga redeemed herself in Zamboanga del Norte, achieving a remarkable two-title triumph at the Dipolog City National Juniors Tennis Championships at the RGS and Mibang courts over the weekend. The 14-year-old rising tennis star from Olongapo swept her age group for the second consecutive week, overpowering Alexa Manahan of Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, 6-0, 6-3, in the girls’ 14-and-under finals. Gonzaga followed it up with a gritty win against Marlyn Mesiona of Sindangan, ZDN, 6-4, 7-6(4), to claim the 16-and-U title, making her the lone double-title winner in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Gonzaga aimed for a rare three-title feat but fell short in the premier 18-andU finals against Dapitan City’s Eloisa Laputan, 6-2, 6-2. Despite the setback, she still collected three medals and earned her second consecutive MVP trophy. She later teamed up with Francine Wong to clinch the girls’ 14-and-U doubles title, defeating Vienna Cagas and Alyssa Salvalion. On the boys’ side, Pete Bandala dominated the 16-and-U division, routing Kevin Gallenero, 6-1, 6-2, for his second straight title. However, he fell short in the 18-and-U category, bowing to doubles partner Edel Acbayan from Dapitan City in the semis, 6-3, 6-4. Gonzaga bags 2 tennis crowns at

(wrestling), Alexander “Ali”

(judo)

Jalandoni Gonza-

The Biñan Tatak Gel Volley Angels celebrate their win over the Bacoor Strikers. Roman Prospero

Atty. Teodoro Alejandro Kalaw IV and PSC commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo

Peter Joseph Groseclose of the Philippines (extreme right) with gold winner Korea’s Koo Minseung and silver medalist Victor Chartrand of Canada. Photo from PHSU

Tim Cone

Ayl Gonzaga (right) and Pete Bandala hold their trophies

PPA, MICT ready to handle increased cargo volume

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) is ready to accommodate the anticipated increase in cargo volume during the peak holiday season.

The state-run port authority said MICT, operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), handled 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in October 2024, underscoring its preparedness for the peak holiday season.

The PPA attributed the accomplishment to its partnership with ICTSI and the latter’s continued investments in infrastructure and equipment.

Recent upgrades at MICT include replacing two old quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4, and increasing the number of quay cranes at Berth 6 from five to six.

Investing in larger, more advanced cranes is aimed at enhancing the terminal’s ability to accommodate

larger container vessels and meeting the growing market demand.

ICTSI is also developing Berth 8, which is projected to boost MICT’s annual capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027.

“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” said PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago. Santiago lauded ICTSI for its proactive measures in managing seasonal demand. October’s yard utilization at MICT remained stable at 77 percent, with gross crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour, highlighting the terminal’s efficiency.

To prevent artificial congestion, the PPA enforces a three- to five-day dwell time for containers, promoting timely removal to maintain optimal flow.

“Ports are designed to move goods efficiently—not serve as storage,” Santiago said. Further reducing congestion risks is

the faster truck serving times at MICT, which result from infrastructure and technology improvements at the terminals gates. This, combined with coordination with local authorities of surrounding municipalities, helps streamline cargo movement in and out of the port, especially during high-demand periods.

The PPA also noted the role of public-private partnerships with major terminal operators in sustaining smooth operations.

ICTSI’s management of MICT, NorthPort Terminal and Manila Multipurpose Terminal, alongside Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) at the South Harbor Terminal, improved Manila’s port efficiency through automation, real-time tracking and infrastructure upgrades.

These advancements have also enhanced vessel productivity by enabling timely docking, unloading and departure schedules.

Santiago said this efficiency is particularly critical during the holiday season, when cargo volumes surge.

Terra taps China firm to build world’s largest solar complex

By Alena Mae S. Flores

TERRA Solar Philippines Inc. (TSPI) said Tuesday it signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with China Energy Engineering Group Co. Ltd. (Energy China), marking a significant step in the development of the world’s largest contiguous solar and battery power plant, which is set to transform the renewable energy landscape in the Philippines.

“This signing ceremony goes beyond what it is but a commitment by Meralco and MGEN to change the energy landscape,” said Manila Electric Company chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.

“We welcome the partnership with Energy China and we are confident that we can drive this project to completion, on time and beyond expectation,” he said.

TSPI, a subsidiary of Solar Philippines New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) now controlled by Meralco, is constructing a 3,500-megawatt peak solar power plant paired with a 4,500 megawatthour battery energy storage system in Central Luzon which is estimated to provide clean energy to more than two million households.

By combining variable renewable energy from solar with advanced battery storage, Terra Solar will provide 850 MW of mid-merit, clean, and reliable energy, making it competitive with conventional power plants.

“This partnership is more than just a business deal — it is a catalyst for

progress and development. Through this collaboration for Terra Solar, we aim to accelerate the nation’s energy transition journey and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Meralco PowerGen Corp. president and chief executive Manny Rubio. MGEN Renewable Energy Inc. (MGreen), the renewable energy arm of MGEN, holds a controlling stake in SPNEC.

Terra Solar said its partnership with Energy China guarantees a seamless, turnkey delivery of key components for the Terra Solar project. Energy China and its affiliates will oversee all aspects, including procurement, design, engineering, permitting, manufacturing, testing, logistics and on-site delivery, ensuring the project is executed efficiently and comprehensively.

As part of the agreement, Energy China will also provide warranty coverage, promptly address any defects and implement robust operational and maintenance protocols to ensure the project’s long-term reliability and success.

Shaping Leaders: The AboitizPower-JERA Talent Exchange Program

STRATEGIC partners Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) and Japan’s JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) are working to further the energy transition within their own countries through innovation, collaboration and growth.

The companies have launched a talent exchange program aimed at bridging operational and technical gaps while fostering cross-cultural collaboration and continuous learning. This initiative goes beyond skills development as it is also about shaping future leaders and strengthening the partnership between the two companies.

A Shared Vision

After AboitizPower signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with JERA in 2023, its talent exchange program became one of the strategic initiatives that helps build talent capability for existing AboitizPower thermal plants and future technology builds.

The program is in line with AboitizPower’s growth strategy and the Philippines’ broader energy transition goals, with JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, bringing a wealth of experience and technical expertise.

Then Deputy Plant Manager Marlon Silang of GNPower Mariveles Energy Center, along with then Planning and Outage Manager

prior to being sent to Japan for the AboitizPowerJERA talent exchange program.

South, Inc. and then Distributed Control System and Control & Instrumentation Specialist Jeremiah Cayondong of Therma Visayas, Inc. were part of the first batch of engineers chosen for the exchange program. They were assigned to JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station, Japan’s largest coal-fired power plant, producing a baseload of 4,100 megawatts. Likewise, three Japanese engineers from JERA were assigned to AboitizPower and were given opportunities to exchange techniques and knowledge in plant operations, as well enhance their English communications skills through continuous engagement.

AboitizPower team members may be nominated for the program by their managers or identified by senior plant management, depending on the program’s structure. The nomination process begins with submitting a detailed key talent review form, highlighting their qualifications, interests, and how they would benefit from the experience. The process encourages open discussions between talents and their team leaders about career aspirations, ensuring they are well-prepared even before the nomination process begins.

“I saw the assignment in JERA as an opportunity for growth. I [knew] this exchange program would open new

opportunities. It was an opportunity to give me more knowledge that I can use in my career”, Marlon shared.

Upskilling for a Sustainable Future

AboitizPower believes in a balanced approach to the energy transition; one that supports the shift to a greener future while meeting the Philippines’ growing energy demands. To navigate the energy transition successfully, the company recognizes the importance of investing in its workforce. It empowers team members to acquire the skills needed for emerging energy systems, driving innovation and ensuring competitiveness in a dynamic energy market.

A highly skilled workforce is fundamental to achieving a sustainable energy future. By providing opportunities to learn from global industry leaders, AboitizPower team members become better equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices, strengthening the company’s foundation for the future.

“It [widens] your perspective [to] outside of the Philippines. You learn how to cope with uncomfortable situations. You learn to accept and embrace new cultures, and by doing so, you’ll see and learn why they do things this way. You learn to adapt to change,” Jeremiah said. After their time in JERA, the three were promoted in AboitizPower’s different generation companies.

Jeremiah is now a Project Engineer Manager in Therma Luzon; Jun became a Senior Maintenance Manager in Therma Visayas; while Marlon is set

to become the Generation Manager of GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. next year.

The Importance of Exchange Programs Exchange programs like the AboitizPower-JERA initiative are crucial for broadening the perspectives of participants, letting them embrace new cultures, adapt to change, and build networks that enhance organizational capabilities.

“The key difference of the exchange program is the immersive cultural experience. It’s an opportunity to learn firsthand how things are done in a different country, which you can’t get from traditional training programs,” Jun said.

“Being exposed to JERA’s advanced technology and extensive experience opens up fresh perspectives that would normally take years to acquire. This program accelerated our learning and helped us see the future of energy firsthand,” Marlon added.

Currently, four new team members have been sent for the second batch of the AboitizPower-JERA talent exchange program, where they are assigned to the Hekinan Thermal Power Station and the Futtsu Thermal Power Station. The AboitizPower-JERA Exchange Program stands as a powerful example of how strategic partnerships and continuous learning can propel the energy workforce forward. As these two companies continue to work together, their shared vision promises to shape a more sustainable future for the industry.

Jun Carlo Luchavez of Therma

Jeremiah Cayondong, Jun Carlo Luchavez and Marlon Silang (2nd to 4th from left) are the first Filipino batch of the AboitizPower-JERA talent exchange program, receiving training and experience at Japan’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station.

From left are: Filipino engineers’ Jeremiah Cayondong, Marlon Silang and Jun Carlo Luchavez learned Japanese

Together with their families, a send off party

Duyan, Leslie Abbyjill E. Ticon, Jackylou P. Cabalejo and Oliver

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director-general Tereso Panga (third from right) and United Nations Development Program Philippines deputy resident representative Edwine Carriè (third from left) seal a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Nov. 14, 2024 at the PEZA head office in Pasay City to further

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives in the ecozones and its locators. The partnership aims

raise awareness, build knowledge and capacities and drive meaningful action on the SDGs among PEZA-registered enterprises and other key stakeholders. Joseph Muego

PIPELAYING PROJECT. Manila Water Company expands its coverage to 2,400 households from the previous 1,506 with the completion of the Sitio Balatik Pipelaying project in Binangonan, Rizal. Manila Water completed the Metro Royale phases 1 and 2 mainline extension project in Montalban and the 300-millimeter pipelaying laying project in Sitio Balatik.

ERC approves P38b worth of NGCP capex projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

executive Monalisa Dimalanta said.

Bargain-hunting lifts stock index above 6,800 level

By Jenniffer B. Austria

Philippine stocks returned to the 6,800 level, as the market rose for the third straight trading day on continued bargain-hunting and bottomfishing activities. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index advanced by 41.84 points, or 0.62 percent, to close at 6,803.19, while the broader all-shares index climbed 12.48 points, or 0.33 percent, to 3,812.18.

Among the six sectoral indices, only the holding firms ended in red, declining by 0.84 percent. Property advanced the most, increasing by 1.22 percent.

The peso, however, tumbled to 58.81 against the US dollar Tuesday from 58.68 Monday. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the market is anticipating another rate cut or a pause in December, as signaled by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona.

The potential rate will still depend on economic data.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved three capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects of transmission operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) with a combined cost of P38.09 billion.

The ERC said Tuesday the projects would significantly enhance the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in Luzon and the Visayas. The commission adopted resolutions to approve the NGCP’s Northern Luzon 230 kV Loop Project under ERC Case No. 2021003 RC, Bolo- Balaoan 500 kV Transmission Line Project under ERC Case No. 2021-003 RC and Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project under ERC Case No.

2017-093 RC.

“The approval of these projects underscores our commitment to ensuring the reliability, security, and affordability of our country’s electricity supply. It is thus critical for the NGCP to ensure the efficient and timely completion of the projects so we can further boost the ability of our Grid to absorb new power capacities needed to meet the growing demand of our communities, businesses, and industries,” ERC chairperson and chief

The P17.09-billion Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV Transmission Line Project, which will serve as a backbone in the northwestern part of the Luzon Grid, will enhance the reliability and stability of the region’s transmission network. It will also support the integration of offshore wind power and other committed renewable energy projects in the region, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects critical for energy security.

The commission directed the NGCP to complete the project by Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV Transmission Line Project by Nov. 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, the P16.8-billion Northern Luzon 230 kV Loop Project is designed to upgrade the existing transmission corridor and harness the generation potential in the Northern Luzon provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.

SHIPBUILDING CAPITAL. West Cebu Estate, dubbed as the Shipbuilding Capital of the Philippines, spanning 540 hectares, offers world-class facilities and a strategic location for global manufacturers. Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates achieved a significant milestone after securing 5-Star BERDE District Certification for all its operating industrial estates, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and setting a new benchmark for green, industrial-anchored developments in the Philippines.

AMBER Kinetics, a US-based energy storage company, announced plans to further expand its operations in the Philippines and the US following a visit by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

“Amber Kinetics’ investment and innovation in energy storage are transforming the Philippines’ energy landscape, driving sustainability and supporting our transition to a greener future,” Romualdez said during a visit organized by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley. Romualdez took note of a new technology unique to Amber Kinetics—an energy storage extending capacity from minutes to hours. The new technology offers safe, sustainable, and reliable solutions for modern energy grids.

“This bilateral partnership exemplifies our shared vision for world-leading energy efficiency solutions. We are excited about the next stages of devel-

opment,” said Amber Kinetics co-founder and chief technology officer Seth Sanders.

The visit was an off-shoot of Amber Kinetics’ participation in the Philippines Sustainability Roundtable during the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in San Francisco, where the company was recognized for its contributions to renewable energy initiatives in the Philippines.

Amber Kinetics has a global facility in Batangas, which focuses on manufacturing, assembling, and testing flywheels, and a demonstration hub at De La Salle University in Sta. Rosa, Laguna which is the world’s first flywheel innovation center.

Philippine consul general to San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer emphasized the importance of publicprivate collaborations.

“The Philippine government remains focused on exploring potential public-private sector partnerships by leveraging Silicon Valley’s dynamic culture of innovation,” he said. Othel V. Campos

Value turnover in the stock market remained lethargic, with net value reaching P4.99 billion, lower than year-to-date average of P5.19 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, with outflows amounting to P1.15 billion. Losers edged gainers, 111 to 85. BDO Unibank Inc. was the top index gainer, rising 3.63 percent to P145.50, while Wilcon Depot Inc. was at the bottom, declining by 3.03 percent to P14.06. Meanwhile, Asian markets rose Tuesday after a broadly positive day on Wall Street, with focus turning to the upcoming release of tech giant Nvidia’s earnings, while traders also kept tabs on Donald Trump’s picks for his new administration. Hong Kong and Shanghai were among the better performers in early action on hopes that China will unveil more stimulus after a raft of measures at the end of September aimed at kickstarting the economy, with an eye on the property sector. With AFP

DoubleDragon shortens bond offering period

“We are very glad about the early oversubscription outcome of this DD Otso-Buenas Peso Retail Bond offering, enabling DoubleDragon to capture an even wider stakeholder base into DoubleDragon’s ecosystem,” said DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar Sia.

“We are deeply grateful for the trust and confidence of the investing public, as manifested in this retail bond offering. This will further inspire our entire team to continue the grit and hard work that we believe is essential for DoubleDragon to reach greater heights and become more relevant and durable in the years to come,” said Sia.

The 5.5-year bond sale, which carries a coupon rate of 8 percent per annum, represents the first tranche of bond offerings to be issued from the company’s P30-billion bond shelf registration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

RCBC Capital Corp., Landbank and Unicapital Inc. acted as DoubleDragon’s joint lead underwriters, joint issue managers and bookrunners for the fundraising activity.

This is the second time DoubleDragon tapped the debt market this year. In July, the company also raised P10 billion from a bond offering with a yield of 8.008 percent per annum. DoubleDragon reported an

Solon pushes more incentives for local vehicle manufacturing

By Othel V. Campos

HOUSE committee on trade and industry vice chairman Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is leading efforts to further incentivize the Philippine automotive sector with a bill seeking to strengthen the competitiveness of the Philippine motor vehicle manufacturing industry.

“My bill, which has been approved already by the committee on ways and means, is now with the committee on appropriations. Once approved there, it will move to the plenary for a

PALECO signs supply deal with Vivant unit for 40-MW capacity

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PALAWAN Electric Cooperative

(Paleco) signed a 15-year power supply agreement (PSA) with Delta P. Inc (DPI), a subsidiary of Vivant Energy Corp. for 40 megawatts of contracted capacity following a competitive selection process (CSP).

This is in response to Palawan’s increasing energy requirements, driven by its dynamic economic growth, especially in tourism.

“This PSA is vital in ensuring stability, fostering innovation, driving long-term growth— giving us the foundation to plan, build, and deliver lasting solutions,” DPI president Eric Omamalin said in a statement.

“Looking ahead, this partnership inspires us to innovate further, enhance our services, and continue powering progress for the next 15 years and beyond,” he said.

DPI emerged as the most competitive bidder, securing its role in Palawan’s energy landscape following a successful competitive selection process (CSP) conducted through the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The PSA ensures DPI will supply the 40 MW needed to support the ongoing and future economic activities on the island.

Paleco’s move to secure a reliable energy source aligns with data indicating a 31-percent increase in the region’s accommodation and food services sectors by the end of 2023, sectors directly tied to tourism.

The agreement aims to provide consistent power supply required to support growth in these industries, as well as in local communities.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of this PSA with Delta P. Inc. to ensure we meet Palawan grid’s need for reliable and sustainable power supply; a long-term solution to help Palawaneños regain their subsidy,” Paleco general manager Rez Contrivida said.

third reading and then proceed to the Senate,” he said.

The proposed legislation seeks to enhance the competitiveness of local vehicle and parts manufacturers through

increased subsidies, tax exemptions and expanded import and export incentives.

Rodriguez said the measure would create a technology-neutral framework supporting all sub-sectors of the industry, from parts makers to vehicle body builders, while also promoting mobility and carbon neutrality.

He commended the Board of Investments (BOI) for its ongoing efforts, such as the Strategic Investments Priorities Plan (SIPP) and the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).

He said current incentive schemes, particularly under the CREATE MORE law, might not fully address the unique

challenges of the automotive sector.

“CREATE MORE is a ‘one size, fits all’ measure that may not be able to address concerns peculiar to the automotive industry,” he said. BOI executive director for industry development services Corazon Dichosa echoed similar concerns, highlighting the need for better incentives.

“Automakers have expressed that the incentives provided by CREATE MORE are not enough for the automotive players,” she said, adding that the BOI aspires to increase localization to 60 percent in locally assembled vehicles to improve the industry’s competitiveness.

ECOP slammed for opposing law requiring businesses to hire PWDs

ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo reprimanded the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) for saying they do not agree with the proposed law that would oblige private companies to hire persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Under the proposed House Bill 8941, which was filed by Tulfo and colleagues Reps. Edvic Yap, Jocelyn Tulfo, Eric Yap, Ralph Tulfo and Wilbert Lee, 2 percent of a company with 1,000 employees should be PWDs; while 1 percent of workers for small businesses with 100 workers or less should be PWDs.

Tulfo also did not let slide ECOP’s objection to the proposed law.

“Of course you hire a PWD who can handle the job. For example, people with walk-

ing disabilities can work at the front desk or office or IT people,” Tulfo said.

“Why would you hire a PWD who can’t do it? It’s your fault if you hire a PWD who can’t do the job because of his disability,” the House deputy majority leader said.

The lawmaker became more irritated when he learned from Rep. Alfelito Bascug, chairman of the special committee on disabilities, that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) failed to attend the hearing despite being given an invitation.

“They did not give any reason why they could not attend our hearing today,” Bascug said.

Tulfo said the CSC has no respect to the committee and vowed to subpoena them.

By Roy Tomandao

BOC sustains crackdown, seizes P5-b smuggled vapes

By Darwin G Amojelar

sorted vape devices and pods in Quiapo, Manila valued at P6.475 million.

The BOC, further demonstrating its resolve, condemned 14,100 boxes of forfeited vape products in April 2024, valued at P1.48 billion. This followed the destruction of 19,800 and 8,400 boxes in August 2024, ensuring these products never reach the market.

The agency said dismantling smuggling networks remains a top priority. Enhanced intelligencesharing and closer coordination with agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and private stakeholders are key strategies in addressing emerging trends in illicit trade.

Nov. 18,

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Fruitas acquires 60% stake in Mang Bok’s

By Jenniffer B. Austria

RUITAS Holdings Inc., a leading food cart operator, diversified into roasted chicken market with the acquisition of a controlling stake in a company that operates popular Filipino brand Mang Bok’s.

Fruitas said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday its whollyowned subsidiary Negril Trading Inc. acquired 60-percent stake in Bigboks Enterprises Inc., which will acquire

IN BRIEF

the assets related to the Mang Bok’s business from Boksbro Inc.

The acquisition includes all assets related to Mang Bok’s such as inventories, equipment, intellectual prop-

erty rights, trademarks, recipes and franchise rights. It also covers supplier and lease agreements, including security deposits at the time of acquisition.

The acquisition will diversify its product offerings under the House of Fruitas brand. The group also aims to leverage its extensive retail network and operational expertise to elevate the Mang Bok’s brand while maintaining the quality and taste.

“Our family continues to grow

Expromet signs up as ecozone exporter UK firm Expromet (Asia) Inc. signed a registration agreement (RA) with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) as a new export enterprise within the Cavite Technopark-Special Economic Zone (CT-SEZ) in Naic, Cavite. Expromet president and managing director Jason Tyas signed the agreement on Nov. 14, 2024 at the PEZA head office in Paranaque City. Expromet is part of the UK-based Expromet Technologies Group, which specializes in precision engineering solutions for performance-critical industries like aerospace,

AirAsia

larger and more fruitful. Bringing Mang Bok’s into the diverse portfolio of House of Fruitas is an exciting opportunity for us. This acquisition perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and our customercentricity approach. We are dedicated to providing delicious and accessible food options that truly resonate with the heart of Filipino culture,” said Fruitas president and chief executive Lester Yu. Mang Bok’s, which started operations in 2002, is known for its signa-

By Othel V. Campos

TOYOTA Motors Philippines Corp.

(TMP) accounted for 30 percent of auto parts exports in 2023, equivalent to $665 million.

TMP, at the opening of the Auto Reverse Trade Fair organized by the Board of Investments (BOI), reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing localization efforts by ramping up the production of auto parts for export.

“TMP recognizes that suppliers are a critical part of our production line,” the company said Tuesday, emphasizing the pivotal role of suppliers in Toyota’s production processes.

To strengthen the local automotive supply chain and maintain its competitive edge in global markets, TMP established the Toyota Supplier Club

DBM approves e-marketplace for gov’t procurement

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the pilot implementation of an electronic marketplace to facilitate government agencies’ procurement of supplies and equipment from reputable suppliers.

The revised Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Resolution No. 06-2024 introduces specific changes and improvements that would ensure a successful pilot and eventual nationwide implementation.

“With the release of the new guide-

lines, we will move on to the trial phase of our e-marketplace. We are happy with the progress of our digitization efforts for procurement systems, especially since it has only been a few months since the NGPA was enacted,” Budget Secretary and Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) chairperson Amenah Pangandaman said.

The pilot phase will focus on specific common-use supplies and equipment (CSE), particularly motor vehicles, airline tickets, cloud computing services, and software licenses, to

(TSC) which has grown to include 106 members today.

The TSC focuses on enhancing efficiency and productivity and beyond that, it also fosters corporate social responsibility and a spirit of cooperation within the Toyota network.

“Knowledge sharing within the supplier network has clearly translated into actual improvement of supplier capabilities,” the company said.

TMP actively supports its suppliers through technical engineering assistance while encouraging them to pursue joint ventures and technical agreements for acquiring advanced technologies.

TMP facilitated collaborations between local parts manufacturers and foreign technical partners, enabling the swift adoption of innovative processes.

guarantee that the eMarketplace is tested in a controlled and measurable environment.

Each CSE will undergo rigorous validation by the Procurement Service (PS)-DBM to confirm compliance with technical standards and readiness for inclusion.

The guidelines were developed by the GPPB through extensive consultations with government agencies.

Feedback from stakeholders was carefully integrated to align the emarketplace’s features with the practical needs of its users.

THE Philippines recorded more than 200,000 cyberattacks on telecommunications infrastructures daily amid the push for a law that reduces the oversight powers of regulatory bodies on telco operations and encourages entry of new telcos.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said in a recent press conference by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) that telecom companies are one of the prime targets of the 2 million cyberattacks being recorded daily by the National Security Operations Center.

Dy said the prime targets of the attacks are government sites, which several stakeholders worry would worsen if telco restrictions would be relaxed once Senate Bill 2699 or the Konektadong Pinoy Act is enacted into law.

“Fifty percent target government, 30 percent target academe... 10 percent target the telecommunications industry, the remaining 10 percent is usually banking, health sectors,” Dy said during the conference. Consumer advocacy network CitizenWatch Philippines said that SB 2699, if passed, would eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which “diminishes” the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) into mere oversight.

GASTRONOMY TOURISM. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (second from right) underscores the Philippines’ strategic focus on gastronomy tourism under the Marcos administration during the highlevel discussion ‘Shaping Policies for Advancing Gastronomy Tourism’ on

2024 at the 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in Manama, Bahrain.

of the Philippines (FINEX) Cebu Summit on Nov. 15, 2024. DOF Revenue

Group (ROG) Undersecretary Charlito Martin Mendoza says the agency is committed to implementing economic policies and revenue operations that are both forward-thinking and adaptable.

COMMUNITY

SPOTLIGHT

CXO Tech Summit 2024 ushers in AI Revolution

BORACAY — THE 7th annual VST ECS CXO Tech Summit unfolded at picturesque Shangri-La Boracay, gathering technology leaders, executives, and innovators to explore the

Presidential shoemaker: A Marikina icon of craftsmanship

By Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

AS the saying goes, good shoes take you to good places. This holds a profound truth, especially in Marikina, a vibrant city referred to as the shoe capital of the Philippines. This city has carved out a distinct identity within the footwear industry, skillfully balancing the preservation of traditional craftsmanship with incorporating modern trends.

Rolando Santos, known as Tatay Oly, a 77-year-old Sapatero, has been doing his job for more than 60

years already. His fascination with the process began in his youth, as he observed his father skillfully making a pair of shoes.

“Nasisiyahan ako sa kaniyang [father] ginawa sa akin, dahil sa kaniya, natuto akong gumawa ng sapatos. Sabi niya, dito, kapag marunong kang bumasa at sumulat puwede na,” Tatay Oly said.

Tatay Oly made a lot of shoes for different walks of life, yet he fondly recalls the moment he embarked on the journey of building his own family, a cherished chapter in his life filled with love and commitment. Among the memories that stand out

is the day he handmade a beautiful pair of shoes for his son’s wedding, pouring his heart and craftsmanship into every stitch.

In 2017, the heartfelt encounter between Tatay Oly and former President Rodrigo Duterte unfolded as an unforgettable moment.

Tatay Oly gifted the former president a pair of shoes through his daughter, Rosemarie. She sent his father’s handmade leather boots to the fashion house, which made the president’s Barong Tagalog for his inauguration.

“Siguro mga… Hindi lang siguro Trenta pares (30 pairs) ng sapatos

ang ginawa ko para sa kaniya [former president Duterte] Natigil lang noong natapos ang term niya,” he added. Tatay Oly, labeled as one of Marikina’s Pride and the Presidential Shoemaker, showed remarkable resilience throughout the pandemic.

Despite the challenges that many faced during this difficult time, he continued to craft his products with passion and intense dedication.

“Matagal man akong kilala, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang aking hanapbuhay. [Kaya] Sana ‘wag magbago ang pagtingin ng tao sa akin. Dahil ako naman, hindi rin magbabago ng materyales na ginagamit sa kanila.”

Vincent Helps delivers hot meals on wheels to storm survivors

By Erika Sinaking

VOLUNTEERS pedal cycle rickshaws loaded with steaming cauldrons and trays, delivering warm meals to families affected by recent storms through Vincent Helps’ “Hot Meals on Wheels” initiative.

“Our goal is to meet people’s most urgent needs during crises,” says Fr. Geowen A. Porcincula, CM, head of operations for Vincent Helps. “We aim to help the poor as if we’re putting out a fire,” a guiding principle of St. Vincent de Paul. The organization’s rapid response ensures that relief reaches those most in need, especially in the wake of the natural calamities that have become all too common in the country.

With generous support from Vincentian families, over PHP 859,000 in donations have funded the latest relief efforts. These contributions have made it possible to deliver grocery packs to 4,172 families and hot meals to 6,360 individuals in areas such as Naga City and Camarines Sur. Vincent Helps, the disaster response arm of the Congregation of the Mission (CM) Philippine Province, was founded in 2020 to provide quick and effective assistance to communities devastated by natural disasters. It mobilized seminarians and volunteers to distribute food packs, relief goods, and provide immediate support during crises.

Looking ahead, Fr. Geowen A. Porcincula, CM, explains that while

Vincent Helps will continue its relief operations, the Vincentian Foundation will take the lead in the rehabilitation efforts. These efforts will focus on rebuilding typhoon-resilient homes, following the successful model used in Caramoan, Catanduanes. A similar approach will be applied to towns in Bicol affected by the recent storms, including house repairs and new constructions.

Once rehabilitation is complete, the focus will shift to sustainability, with long-term programs designed to help communities build lasting resilience. Through these efforts, Vincent Helps is laying the groundwork for a future where communities are not only restored but also empowered to thrive.

By Sasha Uy

BORACAY — The 7th annual VST ECS CXO Tech Summit unfolded at picturesque Shangri-La Boracay, gathering technology leaders, executives, and innovators to explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). With the theme “AI Revolution: Transforming Business, Work, and the Future,” the event delved into AI’s ability to reshape industries, redefine the workforce, and drive economic growth.

In his opening remarks, Jimmy Go, President of VST ECS Phils., Inc., emphasized the revolutionary impact of AI. “AI’s transformative power is poised to revolutionize businesses, challenge traditional roles, impact our lives, and shape the future,” Go remarked, likening its significance to the groundbreaking PC and internet revolutions. Addressing the Future with AI

The summit explored AI’s vast potential, highlighting its expected $13 trillion contribution to the global economy by 2030 and its projected role in reshaping industries worldwide. Experts presented strategies for leveraging AI in sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail, offering solutions to enhance operational efficiency, cybersecurity, and customer experiences. The event also tackled the critical role of digital infrastructure. “There will be no AI if our digital infrastructure is not ready,” Go stressed, urging businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks, invest in robust data management, and prepare their workforce for AI integration.

Prominent speakers addressed topics such as:

Cybersecurity and AI: Showcasing how AI-powered tools can detect and mitigate threats to bolster cyber resilience.

Big Data and Cloud Solutions: Demonstrating how AI unlocks insights from datasets while enhancing scalability and agility through cloud technologies.

AI in Workplace Collaboration: Introducing platforms that improve connectivity, productivity, and teamwork across organizations.

The summit also spotlighted industries already reaping the benefits of AI, including retail, where recommendation engines enhance customer satisfaction, and healthcare, where AI-driven diagnostics provide personalized treatments.

While AI is set to revolutionize industries, its disruptive effects were also discussed. According to data shared during the event, AI could replace 85 million jobs by 2025 while creating 70 million new roles in fields like AI ethics, cybersecurity, and urban planning. “The future of work will look vastly different, and we must be ready to embrace these changes,” Go said.

A highlight of Day 2 included an inspirational talk by renowned motivational speaker Francis Kong, who emphasized the human dimension of leadership in the AI era. Kong encouraged leaders to balance innovation with empathy and purpose, reminding attendees that while AI transforms work, human creativity and vision remain irreplaceable.

Shaping the Digital Future

The summit concluded with a call to action for businesses to embrace AI as

PRESIDENTIAL SHOEMAKER. Rolando Santos takes great pride in showcasing his hand-crafted shoes in Marikina City.

Hot Meals on Wheels relies on pedal-powered rickshaws to navigate flooded streets, ensuring essential aid reaches typhoon-hit families. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Helps)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

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ATHE late Quincy Jones was posthumously awarded an honorary Oscar at an emotional and star-packed Hollywood gala on Sunday that also handed golden statuettes to the producers of the James Bond movie franchise.

US music industry titan Jones died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 91 just two weeks before he was set to receive one of the Academy’s coveted lifetime achievement prizes at the Governors Awards. His daughter, the actress Rashida Jones, accepted the Oscar, telling the audience that the legendary hitmaker had been “really excited to attend tonight.”

“He often said ‘live every day like it’s your last and one day you’ll be right.’ And he did that... the best, most beautiful life,” she said, to a huge ovation. Jones was best known for producing smash hit records for a who’s who of music industry legends from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson

“Truth is, the man had an equally powerful impact on the world of film,” said actor Jamie Foxx , introducing his award.

Jones produced seminal Hollywood movies including The Color Purple , and received multiple Oscar nominations for film songs and soundtracks including “In Cold Blood” and “The Wiz.” Selena Gomez Jennifer Lopez, and Zoe Saldana were among A-listers holding back tears in the audience as Jennifer Hudson sang a musical tribute. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the swanky black-tie Governors Awards each year honor film industry veterans, many of whom are felt to have not received their dues at the regular Oscars.

The event also offers a chance for stars and studios to court Academy voters – and size up their rivals – as the next Oscars campaigns begin to take shape. AFP

T THE special screening of Mikhael Red’s Nokturno, Nadine Lustre, who stars in the lead role, was asked to comment on fans calling her the new “Horror Queen” of local cinema. This comes after her starring role in Deleter, which earned her the Best Actress award at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), as well as her current roles in Nokturno and Uninvited, another MMFF entry where she shares the screen with no less than Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach

“I’m happy, I’m very honored. But it feels like it’s only been two films so far. So, I feel like it’s too early. I don’t know. But if you want to call me ‘Horror Queen,’ then okay. Thank you!” Nadine said.

The actress also talked on how much she enjoys doing genre films and watching horror movies, saying that she particularly like Japanese films like Imprint

“So aside from, you know, watching horror movies, getting scared by them, at least this time around, I’m part of that story,” she added. Nokturno reimagines Filipino folklore with a haunting twist. It combines supernatural horror with the deep-rooted complexities of generational trauma. From Viva Films, Evolve Studios, and Studio Viva, the chilling tale is now streaming on Prime Video.

In the movie, Nadine is Jamie, an overseas worker who returns to the Philippines from Dubai after the sudden and violent death of her sister, Joana (Bea Binene), the story delves into family secrets and eerie folklore. Despite her estrangement from her mother, Lilet (Eula Valdez), Jamie is compelled to return home to protect her traumatized younger brother, Julius (JJ Quilantang).

What begins as a homecoming quickly turns into a fight for survival when Jamie uncovers a curse tied to the “Kumakatok,” mysterious figures who knock on doors at night. Anyone who answers is doomed to die within three days, or lose a loved one in their place—a fate that Joana could not escape.

As Jamie uncovers her family’s dark history, she must confront not only the supernatural curse but also her mother’s declining mental state, which

THE GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) mobilized swift relief efforts for communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine,” which struck Luzon, including Bicol, Batangas, Cagayan, Isabela, and Quezon provinces. Through its Operation Bayanihan initiative, the foundation provided aid to 11,554 families, or 46,216 individuals, as of Nov. 7. Donations for the relief efforts reached P6,709,697.22 as of Oct. 31, with volunteers repacking goods at the GMAKF warehouse. Among the volunteers were Sparkle Artist Center talents and other Kapuso personalities. In collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local partners, GMAKF distributed relief goods to severely affected areas. In Libon, Albay, 2,878 families, or 11,512 individuals, received assistance. Airlifting operations in Bula, Camarines Sur, delivered aid to 408 families, or 1,632 individuals. Relief goods were distributed to 1,518 families, or 6,072 individuals, in other parts of the province,

SHOWBIZ

Is Nadine Lustre the new ‘Horror Queen?’

including Bato and Minalabac, where an additional 800 families, or 3,200 individuals, received relief packs.

The Kapuso Soup Kitchen served food to 500 people in Naga City.

In Quezon province, relief efforts reached 1,220 families, or 4,800 individuals, in Catanauan, Lopez, and San Francisco. The Kapuso Soup Kitchen in Catanauan fed 350 individuals.

Flood-hit Batangas also received aid. Relief operations covered Bauan, Agoncillo, Nasugbu, Lemery, and Talisay, assisting 2,902 families, or 11,608 individuals.

In Cagayan and Isabela, GMAKF deployed teams to distribute relief goods and provide meals.

In Tuguegarao City, the Kapuso Soup Kitchen served 200 individuals, while 826 families, or 7,304 individuals, received aid. In Isabela, 1,002 families, or 4,008 individuals, were provided with relief packs.

hides long-buried secrets. With the “Kumakatok” closing in, Jamie must find a way to heal and protect her fractured family or risk losing them all.

Following the film’s Oct. 31 release on Prime Video, Nokturno has been praised by critics and audiences for its “eerie, immersive experience” and Nadine’s standout performance, with some calling her acting talent “undiminished.” Audiences also had the chance to experience the terror of Nokturno on the big screen during a special cinema screening powered by GOMO, the country’s only SIM offering data that never expires.

GMA Network talents contributed to the relief efforts. Stars including John Vic De Guzman, Charlie Fleming, and Javi Valdes participated in repacking activities. Dingdong Dantes and Suzi Entrata-Abrera also joined warehouse operations. Others, including Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Betong Sumaya, participated in a telethon, receiving pledges alongside other Sparkle stars and Kapuso artists.

As part of its recovery initiatives, GMAKF launched its Give-A-Gift Christmas Project, providing Noche Buena packs to 4,000 schoolchildren in Camarines Sur. The foundation also extended aid to Batanes communities affected by Typhoon Julian, Typhoon Leon, and Typhoon Marce, distributing 2,100 Noche Buena packs and construction materials. Relief operations in Basco, Itbayat, and Sabtang will deliver 1,000 food packs to assist affected residents.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines offers help in delivering relief goods to the affected areas

Actress Rashida Jones (center) accepts the Oscar on behalf of her late father Quincy Jones

From left: Wilbert Ross, Nadine Lustre, and Mikhael Red during the special screening of ‘Nokturno’

Actress Nadine Lustre stars in ‘Nokturno’ as an OFW who goes back home to the Philippines following the sudden death of her sister

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

JC De Vera stays Kapamilya, keeps doors open for new opportunities

By Angelica Villanueva

ACTOR JC De Vera, who recently renewed his contract with ABS-CBN, arrived at Supersam restaurant in Quezon City with a beaming smile for a private press conference celebrating his 11th year as a Kapamilya.

Looking back on his decade-long career with the ABSCBN family, JC expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his “Kapamilya” journey.

“This is my 11th year with ABS. So, I think this is my fourth or fifth time signing a contract. I’m truly grateful that they molded me as an actor. It meant so much to me for all the opportunities they have given me,” JC said.

After his contract renewal, JC shared his hope of being a “forever Kapamilya.”

“Hopefully, I’m praying that it won’t be the last time. If I can be a forever Kapamilya, that’s the path. Eleven years. Maybe even when I turn fifty, I’m hoping that I can still be a Kapamilya,” he added.

When asked about working with GMA, where he first gained recognition, JC emphasized his loyalty to ABS-CBN but expressed openness to opportunities if they align with the network’s direction.

“Maybe it’s up to the decision of management—wherever they want me, whatever they say to me. But since we’re here with the Kapamilya, my heart is with them. My loyalty is with them,” he explained.

He added, “If they need my services, why not? As long as ABS says, ‘Can you do this?’ I’m comfortable working with anyone.”

The 38-year-old actor also discussed an upcoming project with fellow Kapamilya star Gerald Anderson, teasing a unique and challenging role while keeping the details under wraps.

“As of now, I cannot disclose, but I’m a good boy here,” he quipped. “What I can say is it’s going to be interesting and challenging—something fresh. It’s not the usual character I portray.”

JC praised Gerald’s leadership on set, referring to him as “Cap” for “Captain.”

“Working with him, Gerald’s leadership is really good. Whenever he has a project, you can expect that he will lead the show. He will lead the people. He’ll set the tone for all of us. We will all focus on what we need. That’s how he is,” JC shared.

In addition to new projects, JC is reuniting with Rhian Ramos for the film Huwag Mo Akong Iwan, marking their first collaboration since 2008’s La Lola. The actor expressed excitement about working with Rhian again, noting their growth as artists.

“It was great. I felt good because we both matured already. So, while we were working on the project, we knew that we were both wiser and deeper when it came to acting,” he said.

JC also highlighted the film’s socially relevant themes, particularly for OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and middleclass families making sacrifices for better opportunities.

“There is a lot of social relevance. I think many people will relate to this—like OFWs and middle-class people who sacrifice so much in their lives just to find decent work,” he added.

Puregold CinePanalo boosts 2025 festival with equipment grants for filmmakers

CMB Film Services, Inc., a leading provider of lighting and camera equipment in the Philippines, has joined forces with Puregold CinePanalo to support eight film projects selected for the festival’s 2025 edition by providing equipment rental grants.

The partnership aims to empower both emerging and established directors by giving them access to advanced production tools, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.

With over three decades in the film and television industry, CMB Film Services has built a reputation for supplying high-quality equipment and technical expertise, helping local productions achieve international standards. Through this collaboration, the company will extend its support to Puregold CinePanalo’s full-length grant recipients, offering state-ofthe-art equipment and technical assistance.

CMB Film Services will work closely with festival organizers and filmmakers to finalize rental terms, ensuring the equipment meets quality and safety standards, is delivered on time, and is properly maintained throughout the production period. The company will also provide technical support and repair services to ensure smooth operations during filming.

“We were thrilled with the success of last year’s Puregold CinePanalo

Festival and are excited to partner with Puregold this year,” said Jaime G. Baltazar, president and managing director of CMB Film Services. “We believe in Puregold’s vision and want to contribute to making history in Filipino cinema.”

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold, expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting that partnerships like this elevate the festival’s output.

“We commend CMB for their commitment to delivering exceptional cinematic experiences,” she said.

The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Festival will center on the theme

“Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay.”

This year’s grants have been increased to P3 million for eight full-length films from professional and amateur directors and P150,000 for 25 short films by student filmmakers.

Submissions for the festival closed in July and August, with deliberations for the selected projects ongoing. The awards night is scheduled for March 19, 2025, recognizing outstanding contributions to Filipino storytelling.

The festival debuted in March 2024, featuring works by directors Kurt Soberano, Sigrid Bernardo, and Joel Ferrer, along with student shorts from top universities. It aims to highlight Filipino culture and provide a platform for emerging talent in the local film industry.

PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. supported the return of Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival 2024 with on-ground activities and enhanced network infrastructure.

“Our network expansion in Bacolod City reflects our dedication to enhance the festival experience for both locals and tourists and to empower the entire community with fast and reliable connectivity, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the celebrations,” said Debbie

Hu, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Network Build, Operations and Management.

“These network upgrades will continue serving Bacolodnons beyond the festival season, enabling local businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, boosting jobs, and fostering economic growth in the city and the region,” she added. Smart also set up sales booths and provided merchandising support during the festival, offering special promos. The company sponsored

pageant, introducing a text polling system for public voting and awarding smartphones as prizes. Improved network capacity enabled thousands of attendees to share their festival experiences online.

Smart’s initiatives align with its efforts to bridge the digital divide and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

the Ms. Bacolod MassKara 2024

The partnership between Puregold CinePanalo and CMB Film Services Inc. aims to support the film projects selected for the 2025 film fest

Smart’s booths offer special promos and merchandising support during the festival

Actor JC De Vera celebrates his

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

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ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

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Ardivilla

The thirst for pride

‘Pinoy Pride’ is a symptom of a massive cultural lack

“PINOY PRIDE!” has become a rallying cry from Filipinos who feel they are seen or our culture and identity are represented on a foreign platform. A contestant at a reality TV singing competition with a dollop of Pinoy blood breezed through auditions? Pinoy Pride! Their former alaga (ward) invited a Filipino nanny to a royal wedding. Pinoy Pride! An anime episode featuring a character that overheard a few seconds of Filipino sentences? Pinoy Pride!

“Pinoy Pride” has become cringe-worthy—a joke, even. It feels like forcing ourselves to be seen and heard. But I think this thirst for pride comes from something sinister and more entrenched.

“Pinoy Pride” is a cultural product of extreme want of recognition because our nation is rooted in shame.

When a Filipino gains visibility or gets approval from a foreign audience, particularly Western (read: white European or American), it triggers pride—a validation that we can contribute something more to the world beyond the soul-draining news stories of our many disasters (natural or elected). This thirst is dictated by something else that tries to veer away from the usual difficulties of being a Filipino. I argue that this intense hunger for Pinoy pride comes from the connected failures of our country’s political history and other disasters. I can say that these failures are a massive legacy of the political dynastic plunders and impunity.

“Pinoy Pride” is a form of retaliation for the nowness of and the difficulty of erasing poverty, want, massive inefficiency, and megalithic corruption found in the Philippines. Pinoy Pride is a pitiful gust of wind for a country and culture stuck in the doldrums of stagnation.

The issue with this craving for pride is how it manifests. Many of us celebrate when (a) we can mimic other people’s songs—just look at the YouTube videos of “voice coaches” marveling at Filipino singers sounding like the original, baiting Pinoy viewers for clout; (b) we excel at others’ dance styles, such as the significant Filipino presence in global hip-hop circles; and most troubling, (c) when foreigners, especially white people, shower Filipinos with admiration. This implies that validation from white audiences confirms our existence and worth, as if their approval defines us. I am not suggesting that we divest ourselves from the foreign; after all, there is no such thing as a “pure” culture untouched by outside influences.

Culture is about overlapping with other cultures. We cannot avoid engagements and encounters with different cultures and influences. The point is not just to bask in the pride of our ability to mimic but to see the vital contributions we can give and what we have given. There are stories out there. It takes a lot of work and grit to realize that we are vital artists on the global stage, not just because of our sheer ability to be pliant in mimicry but also to shed this shallow stimulus of beaming from approval from white people.

After all, pride, in the secular sense, is a sentiment that comes from going through obstacles. Pride is a result of triumph over struggle. First, we must assess how pride must be by us and for us.

***

This column is “Primer,” which serves two things: (1) Primer as in a nifty document that introduces concepts, methods, and approaches, and (2) Primer as in the act of preparing a surface, mainly canvas with a coat for the painter to render their images. Conflate the two, and this column serves as a site for discussing issues on art, culture, and the screams in between as coping mechanisms.

You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social

Design students highlight Filipino heritage, sustainability in furniture exhibit

A’KINATIN, a furniture design exhibition, explores how Filipino creativity can transform public spaces into environments that inspire connection, interaction, and cultural pride.

The showcase presents over 30 innovative and sustainable pieces that blend form and function seamlessly to celebrate Filipino heritage and contemporary design.

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The collection, a combination of chairs and side tables, embodies the tradition of communal unity. Each piece attracts kinship and highlights multifunctionality and inclusivity to address modern needs.

Conceptualized and developed by the Interior Design students of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) the works champion environmental consciousness and turn the spotlight on natural and locally sourced materials.

The apprentices were mentored by IDr. Randy Pabona, IDr. Khammile Manansala, IDr. Regina Cello-Caboborac, and IDr. Jasmine Cruz. A’kin-atin likewise introduces Daong, the latest service-learning initiative of

the program. This segment provides the viewers with an overview of the forthcoming renovation project. The young artists are set to render their talent and skills to transform the living spaces of the Philippine Navy into an adaptable, nurturing, and comfortable environment that fosters unity and resilience. The event also presents the top entries from McDonald’s ReClassified Student Design Competition, where enterprising talents from the Interior and Industrial Design Programs transformed discarded store furniture into multipurpose chairs, modular furnishings, and school laboratory needs. These are all to be donated to public schools. A’kin-atin opens on Nov. 25 and will be available on view until Nov. 29 at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls Manila Bay along Macapagal Boulevard, Parañaque City. For updates, visit facebook.com/ akinatin.exhibit.

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Drawing inspiration from history and the humanities, Saycon highlights the connection between women and intelligence across generations. The sculptures feature serene faces of women and children, symbolizing innocence, strength, and hope. The

FILIPINO artist JM Saycon will showcase his latest exhibition, Birth of the Innocent, at Art Underground in San Juan from Nov. 22 to Dec. 5. The exhibit features marble sculptures wrapped in aluminum foil, symbolizing the interplay of classical and modern materials. Saycon aims to juxtapose the resilience of ancient traditions with the reflective surfaces of contemporary elements.

Many Filipinos take pride in having their culture and identity recognized by foreigners

JM Saycon’s latest exhibition ‘Birth of the Innocent’ features marble sculptures wrapped in aluminum foil

Myles Sinag and Nicole Alexandra Garcia’s ‘TAHANA’

Janina Erika Dela Torre and Clarissa Angela Chu’s ‘LAUREL THRONE’

Alyanna Tan and Francine Laurice Gunda’s ‘LAGAS’