BusinessMirror September 18, 2024

EU degraded-forest ban favors PHL

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

HILIPPINE coconut oil ex -

Pports can capture a larger share of the European Union (EU) market amid the 27-member bloc’s move to impose a ban on imported agricultural goods linked to forest degradation, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“We are seeing an opportunity for our coconut oil exports to get a larger share of the EU market since our palm oil competitors will be affected by the EU Deforestation Regulation,” DTI- Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte told the

BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Tuesday. The EUDR, a measure that would require entities to demonstrate that their products are not linked to forest degradation, covers coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, wood, rubber and cattle.

Sykimte said these are not included in the top Philippine export products to the 27-member bloc.

In 2023, EU emerged as the fifth largest export market of the Philippines, she noted.

“The top Philippine exports to the EU were: electronics, semiconductors, coconut oil and tuna,” Sykimte also told this paper.

She pointed out that these products contributed more than

70 percent to total Philippine exports to the EU, amounting to $8.37 billion.

Based on the data processed by DTI-EMB and obtained by this paper, coconut oil ranked third among the Philippines’s export products to the 27-member bloc, amounting to $547.15 million in 2023.

It is also worth noting that Philippine coconut oil exports posted a 56.8-percent growth rate in the January to July 2024 period, reaching $1.11 billion, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

This commodity posted the second fastest growth rate among the Philippines’s goods exports,

as it trailed behind copper concentrates.

Nonetheless, Sykimte said that from the end of DTI’s export marketing arm, they have been “closely following developments on this so we can prepare our exporters.”  For her part. De La Salle University (DLSU) economist Maria Ella Oplas told this paper, “We are not that affected. I suggest we be silent.”  Oplas also pointed out that while “greening the supply chain is noble, it will be hard to execute, especially that economics can be primary over being green.”

In contrast, Ateneo De Manila

GUARANTEE FOR NEW HOMES PITCHED

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

ALAWMAKER on Tuesday defended the need for sovereign guarantees until 2028 to support the construction of new housing units, arguing that these guarantees are crucial for the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) to secure necessary funding.

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM Special to the BusinessMirror

GOVERNMENT needs to catch up with infrastructure needs of tourism destinations, which will host more hotels and resorts in the country.

“Now that the projects are in the pipeline, the government agencies must step in. If it hasn’t been or done yet, the infrastructure hast to catch up,” said Benito C. Bengzon Jr., executive  director of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association

Inc. (PHOA), after the group presented on Tuesday, its first Philippine Accommodation Pipeline 2024 Report in partnership with Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC).

“They know where the investments and where the developments will be in the next four to five years, so again, infrastructure has to be in place. We have to accelerate it so what we’re able to maximize the investments that are com

ing from the hotel owners,” he stressed.

See “Infra,” A2

By Lorenz S. Marasigan  @lorenzmarasigan

THE New Naia Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) on Tuesday assured the public that the status quo at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) will remain in place following its recent takeover of airport operations, with no immediate changes to terminal assignments.

According to NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez, any future adjustments will be introduced “gradually and strategically,” ensuring smooth operations as new management takes charge.

“These adjustments will be aligned with ongoing infrastruc -

tural and technical upgrades at the airport, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers,” he said.  Alvarez emphasized that the terminal reassignments will not be rolled out all at once.  Instead, they will be phased over time to minimize disruptions for passengers.

“NNIC is committed to keeping the public informed, and any changes to terminal assignments will be communicated in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient transition as part of broader modernization efforts,” the corporation said.

See “NNIC,” A2

See “Coco,” A2

See “Sovereign,” A2

₧30B up front from NNIC is revenue sans taxes–DOF

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

@reine_alberto

HE P30-billion upfront pay -

Tment from New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) led by San Miguel Corporation will provide an additional non-tax revenue stream for the government without inflicting new taxes on the public.

“We are hitting two birds with one stone on this project. This will not only transform Naia into a worldclass airport but also guarantees the government a healthy income stream from the private sector operator,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said in a statement on Tuesday.

Apart from the upfront payment, a

‘Only in 3 years’

DURING the Aviation Forum hosted by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) last week, Alvarez said the company plans to reassign carrier assignments to optimize the use of the terminals.

Initially, the proposal is to make Terminal 2 a purely domestic facility, while Terminal 1 will be for the exclusive use of Philippine Airlines (PAL). All foreign airlines, including some operations of Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, will be moved to Terminal 3. It also includes the proposal to transfer AirAsia back to the smaller Terminal 4. He noted that the plan “will happen only in three years once the Terminal 2 extension

fixed P2-billion annual payment and 82.16 percent national government revenue share, excluding passenger service charges, will be provided by the NNIC.

The Finance chief said the government stands to gain P36 billion in revenues every year to bankroll more projects in education, public health and infrastructure.

About P900 billion is expected to be generated from the deal over the entire term, which is a 15-year concession period, extendable by another 10 years.

On September 14, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) cleared the remittance from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) following the

is completed,” referring to the construction of a new terminal building beside Terminal 2, where the abandoned Philippine Village Hotel is located.

Both AirAsia and Cebu Pacific support NNIC’s modernization plans but called for meticulous planning and thorough consultations to minimize potential disruptions during the transition.

Earlier, AirAsia stressed the need for time and motion studies and sufficient preparation, particularly as peak travel season approaches. Similarly, Cebu Pacific shared its experience with terminal transfers at Singapore’s Changi Airport, where extensive planning and consultation took over a year, ensuring minimal disruption to passengers.

NNIC took over the operations and maintenance of the Naia on Saturday. Under its concession agreement, the SMC-led NNIC will improve Naia’s infrastructure, increasing

official turnover of Naia’s operations and maintenance (O&M) to NNIC on September 14, 2024.

The project has an estimated cost of P170.6 billion, which will rehabilitate the country’s main gateway for travelers. This is the largest PPP project under the Marcos Jr. administration.

The rehabilitation of Naia aims to solve the longstanding challenges of undercapacity, congestion and underinvestment in the country’s main airport.

It is also expected to increase airport capacity to 62 million passengers from 35 million annually and expand air traffic movements per hour from 40 to 48.

The project will improve services

passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually, and boosting air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

In the short term, the company plans to make immediate improvements to Naia’s facilities. Within the next three to six months, travelers can expect to see functional escalators and toilets, stable power and water supplies, better air conditioning, upgraded baggage handling systems, faster passenger processing, more seating, and enhanced WiFi connectivity.

Looking ahead, NNIC has outlined a comprehensive three-year plan that includes runway improvements, expanded terminal capacity, enhanced commercial spaces, and a direct link from Naia Terminal 3 to the Skyway system.

Long-term goals include building a new terminal to accommodate an additional 35 million passengers annually, improving flood mitigation in surrounding areas, and

Sovereign. . .

Continued from A1

by adapting internationally benchmarked Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications and utilize private sector expertise for modernization and capacity expansion.

The Naia project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on July 19, 2023.

The contract for the project was awarded to the SMC-led consortium, which submitted the highest bid parameter, on February 16, 2024.

The Concession Agreement (CA) for the project was signed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the MIAA, and the SMC-led consortium on March 18, 2024.

Coco. . .

Continued from A1

University (ADMU) Economist Leonardo Lanzona thinks this measure will affect Philippine trade and the economy as cost of exports are seen to rise.

“The move to ban imports from deforested areas is consistent with all the EU restrictions on free trade arrangements,” Lanzona told this paper.

Since such regulations are imposed by EU on their own members, Lanzona said, “They expect the same regulations to apply to their trading partners in order to level the playing field. Such regulations then will definitely affect negatively Philippine trade and the economy as the costs of the exports are now expected to rise.”

However, he emphasized that this regulation “should not discourage” the Philippines from having a free trade agreement with EU given the markets that would now become accessible to the country once such an agreement is formed.

“It is up to the government now to ensure that we keep our end of the bargain,” he added.

In a statement in April, 2024, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) said their sector must prepare for the entry into force of the European Union Deforestation Regulation at the end of this year to ensure they have continued access to the EU market.

This regulation applies to entities exporting commodities such as cattle/beef, soy, coffee, coco, palm oil, rubber and wood.

These seven products, all of which are major drivers of deforestation, will no longer be sold in the EU if sourced from areas affected by deforestation or forest degradation practices.

“Companies have until December 30 this year to be compliant, except for micro and small undertakings, for which the regulation will apply from June 30, 2025. Businesses should now consider the impact of the EUDR on their supply chain due diligence to prepare for the new obligations that apply from December 2024,” the Philexport statement read.

Meanwhile, a report published by the Financial Times last week reported that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the head of the World Trade Organization (WTO), asked Brussels to “relook” the said measure.

“I want to give the EU credit for listening, coming in and engaging and listening to other members. And I hope that they use the feedback that they’ve got here to relook at the system,” she told the Financial Times in an interview, adding that many G20 leaders had raised the issue with her.

In defending the budget of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco revealed that with the release of sovereign guarantees, the government could significantly advance its housing initiatives.

He outlined a proposed guarantee fund that will be distributed in tranches over the coming years: P108 billion for 2024, P783 billion for 2025, P1 trillion each for 2026 and 2027, and P507 billion for 2028.

Tiangco said the agency is eyeing up to 3.2 million housing units by 2028: “If the sovereign guarantee is released by the end of this year, it would enable the construction of 3,236,100 housing units.”

“Our goal is to catch up with the backlog of 6 million housing units [as originally announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr]. We need the sovereign guarantee to ensure that the NHA and the SHFC can proceed with their projects,” Tiangco explained.

DHSUD said there are up to 1.2 million housing projects already in the pipeline.

“This guarantee should be issued by the Department of Finance [DOF]. In this model, NHA and SHFC are the developers, but we have not allocated any funds in the General Appropriations Act [GAA] for these agencies. Therefore, the sovereign guarantee is crucial for them to be able to bid and secure the necessary funding to build the units,” Tiangco added.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro doubted, however, whether the sovereign guarantee would be sufficient to meet affordable housing targets.

“I have concerns about the execution of this plan. Can we really achieve our 2028 target?” Castro asked. She also raised concerns about the guarantee’s impact on affordability with the involvement of the private sector.

“The private sector stands to benefit from this guarantee, but what assurance do people have that this guarantee will actually be beneficial to them?” Castro asked.

According to Tiangco, without the sovereign guarantee, the bidding process for the housing units would not proceed, thereby delaying the construction of new homes. “Without the sovereign guarantee, bidding cannot take place, and without bidding, we cannot start building the

housing units,” he stated. He also cited potential improvements in the GAA to support the project, noting that while the current budget might not cover the construction costs fully, the sovereign guarantee would enable the NHA to bid for the projects, allowing contractors to build the units.

Additionally, Tiangco said identified beneficiaries have already been considered, and affordability studies have been conducted. To support this, the GAA will provide a 5-percent interest subsidy, with 1 percent allocated to beneficiaries, to ensure that they can manage payments.

Tiangco said that the DOF, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) are working together to finalize the sovereign guarantee.

“The DOF, DBM, and NEDA are collaborating to ensure that the sovereign guarantee is established. They understand the urgency of securing these funds to address the housing backlog,” Tiangco said.

The report, an in-depth analysis of new accommodation establishments and commitments nationwide, showed P250 billion in private sector investments that will create 55,000 direct hotel jobs. LPC Director for Hotels, Tourism, and Leisure Alfred Lay said, said the report covers 158 accommodation projects in the pipeline, with 40,084 keys.

300K room keys as of 2023

“LAPU-LAPU City [4,786 keys] and Panglao Island [4,401 keys] ranked as the first and second destinations with the most significant accommodation developments in the Philippines,” he said, but on a regional basis, Luzon, “the country’s economic hub, leads with 85 new accommodations and 20,116 room keys,” and accounting for 50 percent of total room keys in the pipeline.

Visayas follows with 57 accommodations and 16,830 room keys (42 percent), and Mindanao with 16 new accommodations and 3,138 room keys (8 percent).

There are currently 40,000 keys among the 227 PHOA member-hotels, but the Department of Tourism (DOT) has estimated some 300,000 room keys nationwide as of 2023. The hotel investments tracked by PHOALPC are mainly from Philippine investors, although foreign capital is being poured into select hotels and resorts.

Lay explained to the B usiness M irror , “Unfortunately there are not enough [foreign investments].

The only foreign money that will be coming will be joint venturerelationships, of which we haven’t seen as substantial.”

Separately, industry sources said these foreign investments are made either through companies owning properties, or via leases on the land on which the hotel will be built, as in the

Last month, DHSUD thanked President Marcos for approving the issuance of sovereign guarantees for shelter projects under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program. Currently, there are 53 ongoing projects under 4PH, mainly funded by the private sector, according to DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. This, said the DHSUD chief, manifests strong government and private sector partnership in carrying out socialized housing.

Through the sovereign guarantee, government financing institutions (GFIs) could extend developmental loans to the NHA and SHFC to construct 4PH projects, with the government assurance to expedite the loan evaluation process and housing production.

Through the End-User Financing Program, the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund shall take out the individual housing loan of beneficiaries.

Pag-IBIG shall then release the loan proceeds directly to the GFIs that granted the developmental loans. Upon payment to the GFIs, the loan obligation is fulfilled and the guarantee is extinguished.

Based on Pag-IBIG data, the cancellation rate of socialized housing loans is 9.11 percent.

However, the appreciation of property value could outpace the holding costs, such that Pag-IBIG still stands to gain upon resale of the property.

case of the Makati Shangri-La’s lease from Ayala Land Inc., or like South Korea’s Hahn Development Corp., which is leasing from the Clark Development Corp. for its projects in New Clark City.

In terms of accommodation type, hotels account for 55 percent of the keys in the pipeline, followed by resorts at 32 percent of total. But Lay noted, “Condotels are becoming an increasingly popular trend as developers look to boost early development cash flows and offer individual investors investment opportunity,” said Lay. “This model allows developers to diversify ownership and funding, while meeting the growing demand for flexible, hotel-style accommodations.”

6,800 keys beyond 2029 THE Philippine Statistics Authority recently reported investments in the tourism industry by government and the private sector reached P509 billion in 2023, up 34 percent from the P379 billion in 2022. Last year’s investments fell short, however, of the P596.22 billion recorded in prepandemic 2019. The accommodations sector accounted for the largest amount of investments at P261.4 billion, or 51 percent of total. This was 29 percent less than the P370 billion invested in the sector in 2019. Toward the end of the year, the report showed 3,231 new keys with the opening of significant projects from Cebu Landmasters (250-key Citadines Paragon Davao) and Ascott DD Meridian Park. By 2025, an additional 8,168 keys will be added; 9,110 keys by 2026; but just 3,834 keys in 2027 “as most pipeline projects will be completed by 2026,” said Lay. He added by 2028, when the Philippines aims to achieve a conservative inbound tourism target of 10 million, there will be 8,969 keys opening across the country, “46 percent of which will be from international brands.” In 2029 and beyond, PHOA-LPC projects approximately 6,772 keys

“though many projects are still in the planning

with opening dates yet to be determined.” linking Naia to the Metro Manila Subway. The government stands to gain approximately P1 trillion in revenues over the 25-year public-private partnership (PPP) concession period. This includes an 82.16-percent revenue share that will be remitted yearly.

Infra. . .

NNIC. . .

Unexplained poverty to unexplained wealth: Roque mocks QuadCom

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

FORMER Presidential Spokesman

Harry Roque, now labeled a “fugitive from justice,” continues to mock the Quad Committee (QuadCom) of the House of Representatives instead of explaining the suspicious increase in his wealth—from P125,000 in 2016 to P125 million in 2018—allegedly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogo), a leader of the House of Representatives said on Tuesday.

Twice cited for contempt and the subject of an arrest order from QuadCom, Roque recently announced through social media that he plans to challenge the arrest order by filing a petition for  habeas corpus  and  certiorari  at the Supreme Court.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, lead chairman of QuadCom and chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said that Roque is free to seek legal remedies but must first comply with the arrest order.

“As far as Mr. Roque is concerned, he is considered a fugitive from justice by defying the QuadCom’s order to place him in detention. We welcome whatever legal challenge he may opt to against QuadCom. But he needs to get arrested first before he can file those petitions before the Supreme Court,” the lawmaker said in a statement.

Barbers said that if Roque has nothing to hide on his possible links to Pogos, based on results of the ongoing QuadCom probe, he would not have to resort to disrespecting the panel, branding it as a “kangaroo court,” and portraying defiance with authorities by mouthing a future legal challenge against it.

“Mr. Roque can run, but he cannot hide from the law. Once arrested and files his petitions or legal remedy before the Supreme Court, the QuadCom will respect and abide by whatever decision the High Court would dish out,” he said.

Barbers explained the fugitive definition in the US legal system “is any person who is hiding from law enforcement officials to avoid arrest. The fugitive meaning in most jurisdictions can mean someone who has an arrest warrant that is evading law and avoiding punishment. This is where the fugitive from justice phrase comes from.”

A  habeas corpus  petition that challenges unlawful detention can only be filed once Roque is in custody, he said.

Barbers added that a petition for c ertiorari  and prohibition is a legal remedy to challenge the constitutionality of government actions, which Roque may pursue after his arrest.

Natl Police intensify operations to arrest Quiboloy cohorts, Roque

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE National Police on Tuesday said that it has beefed up operations against persons who harbored Apollo Quiboloy aside from tracking down former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is the subject of an arrest warrant by the House of Representatives.

In a statement, Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, National Police chief, announced the creation of specialized teams dedicated to these operations, emphasizing that their mission will be executed “efficiently and within the bounds of the law.” Marbil added that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director, Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, has formed a special composite team comprising of

CIDG and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) operatives to build a comprehensive case against individuals who shielded Quiboloy.

“We have mobilized a dedicated investigation team to pursue those who sheltered Quiboloy and obstructed justice. The National Police is fully committed to bringing these individuals to account and ensuring they face the full force of the law,” Marbil said.

Francisco said the special investigation team includes top investigators from the CIDG major crimes investigation unit, legal division, and representatives from the ACG.

The team’s primary tasks involve collating and verifying social media posts, publications, and other relevant information about Quiboloy; validating and authenticating these materials through the ACG; gathering statements

and affidavits from policemen who were involved in implementing the warrant against Quiboloy; securing testimonies from victims and complainants and collecting documentary evidence from other agencies that may strengthen the case, among others

“The team will coordinate closely with the Police Regional Office 11 and conduct a continuous, thorough investigation to ensure a solid case. This will involve meticulous analysis of digital evidence, testimonials, and documents. We will leave no stone unturned to bring justice to those who have enabled Quiboloy’s evasion,” Marbil said.

Simultaneously, special tracker teams led by the CIDG have been mobilized to search for Roque after the House of Representatives ordered his detention for contempt.

‘Escoda Shoal will not end up like Scarborough’

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE

Navy’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday said that Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal) will not end up controlled by the Chinese like what happened to Scarborough Shoal in 2012.

“We assure the Filipino people that your Navy, Air Force, and Army, the entire leadership of the Armed Forces are doing their best to protect and secure all our features in the Exclusive Economic Zone most especially in the West Philippine Sea,” Rear Adm. Roy

Vincent Trinidad said when asked if there is a possibility that Escoda Shoal will end up in Chinese control following the departure of the Coast Guard’s BRP  Teresa Magbanua  (MRRV-9701) over the weekend.

The ship was deployed in the area since April 15 to monitor possible Chinese reclamation activities in the waterway.

He also said that the military will keep performing its mandate in the WPS despite the challenges.

“We will keep performing our mandate. We will not be deterred. Whatever challenge we face in the

WPS, we owe it to the Filipino people, we keep doing our mandate to protect the country’s territorial integrity,” Trinidad said.

He also said that the country is keeping up its presence in all its WPS features and actively monitoring the situation.

“Presence is not only defined as the physical presence. By monitoring, we mean that we know what’s happening, we know and see any changes or any developments especially on the level of the crushed corals. It does not only mean physical presence. There are ways [to] monitor developments in Escoda

Teves extradition case back to square one?

I S the judicial proceeding before the Timor-Leste’s Court of Appeals (CA) for the extradition of dismissed congressman Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., who is facing several murder cases in the country, going back to the start? This question cropped up lon Tuesday after the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Teves’ lawyer Ferdinand Topacio made conflicting claims with regard to the status of Teves’s extradition case.

It can be recalled that on August 28, the DOJ issued a statement claiming that the Timor-Leste’s appellate court has junked Teves’s motion for reconsideration of its decision granting the Philippines’s request to extradite Teves, the alleged mastermind in the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and several others in March 2023.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, in a statement even praised Timor Leste’s decision and described it as “a significant

step forward” in the quest for justice. Remulla also expressed optimism that Teves will be brought to the country to face the criminal charges against him before the end of the month.

But, in its latest statement released on Tuesday, the DOJ said the extradition would undergo “new proceedings.”

“We are confident that the outcome of the new proceedings will be the same as the previous decision,” the DOJ said.

“The legal merits are clear, and we expect that Mr. Teves will face justice in the Philippines soon, given the strong evidence against him in connection with multiple serious charges, including the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo,” it added.

The DOJ, however, maintained that the proper court in Timor-Leste has already ruled, based on the merits, that Teves should be extradited to the Philippines. It also

accused Teves’s legal team of attempting to contest the said ruling on procedural grounds, specifically questioning the number of judges involved in the decision.

“This is a clear afterthought, raised only after the proceedings had concluded unfavorably for him,” it said.

“In Philippine law, such a move would be barred under the principle of estoppel, which prevents a party from challenging procedural issues if they actively participated in the process and failed to raise objections earlier,” it added.

However, Topacio denied the DOJ’s claim, saying that the Timor-Leste’s CA had actually invalidated the Philippine government’s request for extradition and that a new trial will be conducted.

“No amount of underhanded semantics and sin can hid the fact that the Timor-Leste court nullified the previous decision to allow the extradition of Rep. Arnolfo Teves and

A petition for  certiorari  and prohibition, on the other hand, is an appropriate remedy to raise constitutional issues and to review or prohibit or nullify or all, the acts of legislative and executive officials. “Mr. Roque has twice attended Quadcom’s hearings on Pogos, and he was twice cited in contempt for lying and for refusal to submit vital documents [which he promised to comply with] that would prove he has no illegal activities or interests tied to Pogos,” Barbers explained.

Barbers earlier said Roque should be man enough to stand by his promise, that he would comply and submit the documents requested of him by the panel instead of criticizing and dishing out his frustrations and posting them on the various social media platforms.

Marbil assured that these operations would be carried out with the highest level of professionalism and respect for due process.

“We have officially received the request from the House of Representatives, and the National Police is fully committed to executing this order while adhering to our core mandate. Our fundamental duty is to respect the decisions of our democratic institutions and ensure human rights are protected throughout this process,” Marbil further assured.

Marbil added that both the composite team targeting Quiboloy’s protectors and the tracker teams assigned to Roque are focused on ensuring justice is served, and the force will continue to provide timely updates on these operations as they progress.

Shoal,” Trinidad said. Earlier, Executive Secretary and National Maritime Council Chairman Lucas Bersamin said the BRP Teresa Magbanua  returned to port after carrying out sentinel duties “against overwhelming odds” in the area.

Bersamin said the “repositioning” will allow the vessel’s crew to address the medical needs of some members, and the vessel to undergo needed repairs.

“After she has been resupplied and repaired, and her crew recharged, she will be in tiptop shape to resume her mission, along with other Coast Guard and Armed Forces assets, as defenders of our sovereignty,” he said.

that it was untrue for the Department of Justice to say that the nullification thereof was fake news,” Topacio pointed out.

He added that the procedural remedies availed by Teves’s lawyers was sustained by the proper judicial authority in Timor-Leste.

“The said DOJ statement is unseemly as it casts aspersions on the judicial system of Timor-Leste,” Topacio said.

“DOJ should stop making excuses for its loss and should refrain from being a fountain of inaccurate announcements,” he added.

Aside from the Degamo et al murder case, Teves is also facing trial for the killing of three individuals from March to June 2019 in Negros Oriental, violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and violations of the Law on Explosives following the discovery of high caliber weapons and ammunition in his family’s compound.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has also tagged him as a terrorist resulting in the cancellation of his passport. Joel R. San Juan

Roque was implicated in the Pogo controversy for reportedly accompanying and helping Cassandra Li Ong, the official representative of Whirlwind and the illegal Lucky South 99 gaming hub, to pay off arrears at the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. totaling US$500,000. He has admitted, on record, to being a lawyer for Whirlwind, the company that is leasing its Porac compound to Lucky South 99. Quadcom panel member Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, a former prosecutor, said that as they investigated, the panel found out the sudden increase of Roque’s assets, coming from P125,000 before 2016 and has risen to P125 million in 2018. Roque served as presidential spokesman in that period.

“If he [Roque] will not be able to prove the legal and valid source of this sudden increase of assets of his family-owned Biancham, then there is reasonable ground to believe that indeed he is connected with Pogo operations, and this money possibly came from Pogo operations,” said Luistro.

SC ruling to free at least 5k prisoners

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

DIRECTOR GENERAL

Gregorio Catapang of the Bureau of Corrections on Tuesday said that the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled with finality that persons convicted of heinous crimes are entitled to the benefits of Republic Act 10592, or the New Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law. At a press briefing, Catapang said between 5,000 to 9,000 out of the 27,311 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who were convicted for heinous crimes are expected to immediately benefit from the SC’s final ruling.

Following the ruling, Catapang said he has formed a technical working group (TWG) to issue new guidelines in computing credit preventive imprisonment and time allowances but assured that prisoners who are sickly, terminally ill and aged 70 years and above would be prioritized.

Catapang noted that 9,168 prisoners convicted of heinous crimes will be eligible for release if the computation is based on date of detention or 5,039 if the computation is based on the date they are received in BuCor facilities.

“We want to assure everyone that we will conduct a process that ensures that the repeat of last time’s alleged tampering of GCTA records during the time of former Director General Nicanor Faeldon will not happen,” Catapang said.

“It was already approved with finality and we are preparing the rules to implement this,” he added.

It can be recalled that in 2019, the Senate conducted an investigation in connection with allegations that some prisoners were forced to pay P50,000 to P1.5 million to prison officials in order to be released by tampering with their good behavior records.

“We don’t want a repeat of that kind of experience,” Catapang said. He said among the heinous crimes covered by the SC ruling are treason, piracy, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, kidnapping with serious illegal detention, robbery with violence or intimidation, destructive arson, rape, plunder, and illegal drugs and carjacking.

However, Catapang assured that the BuCor would seek the guidance of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in implementing the Court ruling. “One of his [Remulla’s] instructions was to make sure that the multiple heinous crime offenders will be set aside first because of the seriousness of their offenses,” Catapang noted.

It will be recalled that the SC issued a ruling on April 3, which nullified the DOJ’s 2019 IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) which excluded persons convicted of heinous crimes from the benefits under the New Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) Law. The Court en banc through Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, held that when RA 10592 amended Article 97 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), it used the connecting conjunction “or” to express that (1) “any offender qualified for credit imprisonment pursuant to Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code,” and in the alternative (2) “any convicted prisoner in any penal institution, rehabilitation, or detention center in any other local jail” may avail of the benefits granted by RA 10592.

Thus, the SC held that the 2019 IRR expanded the scope of RA No. 10592 when it excluded recidivists, habitual delinquents, escapees, and persons deprived of liberty convicted of heinous crimes from earning GCTA credits when the law itself did not do so.

The Court ruled that Article 97 of the RPC, as amended by RA 10592, is clear that any convicted prisoner is entitled to GCTA as long as the prisoner is in any penal institution, rehabilitation or detention center, or any other local jail. Catapang said this ruling was affirmed by the SC in a resolution issued on August 20, 2024. In the said resolution, the Court denied the motion filed by the DOJ seeking the reversal of the April 3, 2024 decision. The SC said the DOJ failed to raise new and substantial arguments that would warrant the reversal of the assailed decision. The Court has yet to release a copy of the said resolution as of presstime.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Lawmaker eyes benefits for barangay watchmen

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

ALAWMAKER has proposed the grant of Christmas bonuses and other incentives to barangay watchmen or tanod, in recognition of the invaluable service they provide to maintain peace and order in communities.

Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan filed House Bill 10909 to provide the tanod with this benefit, along with free legal assistance and insurance coverage.

The measure also seeks to prioritize the inclusion of barangay tanod in livelihood programs initiated by either the national government or the local governments.

“Members of the barangay tanod brigades serve as public safety officers in our communities. We hardly notice them as they

carry out their task of keeping our homes and streets safe, especially at night when most of the community is resting. They are, at times, exposed to criminal elements and other dangerous threats to the community, yet the benefits they receive are not commensurate with the risks they face every day,” said Yamsuan. Under HB 10909, each qualified tanod shall be entitled to a Christmas bonus equivalent to at least half of what the punong barangay is receiving, as mandated by law or ordinance.

Yamsuan has also proposed under the bill to provide barangay tanod with free legal services from government lawyers for criminal or civil cases filed against them arising from acts committed in the performance of their duties.

The measure also specifies the insurance

benefits that barangay tanod should receive, which is equivalent to three-fourths of that received by the punong barangay. The insurance coverage includes temporary and total and permanent incapacity or disability; double indemnity; injuries resulting from accident; and death and burial benefits as provided under Republic Act 6942 or RA 7160 (Local Government Code), whichever is higher.

Yamsuan said the bill also prioritizes barangay tanod in the availment of barangay livelihood and development projects.

To qualify for these additional benefits, the bill states that the tanod should have rendered continuous service for at least one year in the same barangay.

HB 10909 also protects the tenure of barangay tanod. The bill provides that once appointed, they shall not be removed or their services terminated except for causes enumerated in the barangay resolution creating the barangay tanod brigade.

Under the measure, the decision to remove a barangay tanod for cause shall rest upon the decision of the sangguniang barangay.

Group appeals to DA: Call off fish importation next month

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

AGROUP of fishermen on Tuesday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to call off its plan to import 35,000 metric tons of fish next month to prevent further decrease in farm-gate prices of fish that will impact small fishermen.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that it has already monitored the decrease in farm-gate prices of various fish including galunggong at P100 per kilogram and bonito at P80 per kilo, in several areas in the country.

Pamalakaya’s Ronnel Arambulo

Envoys told: Protect Pinoy workers, pursue labor pacts

ASENIOR lawmaker has urged Filipino diplomats to pursue formal labor agreements with countries like Ireland, where there are no existing accords, to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from unfair labor practices and racial discrimination.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte highlighted the need for a labor agreement between the Philippines and Ireland after the newly-confirmed Philippine Ambassador to Ireland, Daniel Ramos Espiritu, confirmed reports of workrelated abuses faced by Filipino seamen and nurses in the country. Villafuerte in a statement said that Filipino workers in Ireland, particularly seamen and nurses, have been subjected to exploitation and discrimination, including underpayment and poor working conditions.

In a meeting of the Commission on Appointments’ Committee on Foreign Affairs, Villafuerte suggested to Espiritu that as the new ambassador, he should prioritize securing bilateral labor accords that ensure the protection of Filipino workers in Ireland.

He also called for efforts to attract Irish investments to the Philippines, especially in the areas of renewable energy, electronics, and dairy and meat trade.

“As our new ambassador, you [Espiritu] should work with your [Irish] counterpart to forge a formal labor agreement,” Villafuerte, CA majority leader, suggested during the most recent meeting of the CA’s Committee on Foreign Affairs that tackled the nominations of Espiritu plus 27 other Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials.

“And we hope, as ambassador, you continue to attract RE [renewable energy] investors from Ireland to the Philippines,” Villafuerte said.

The CA, in an en banc session later, confirmed the ad interim appointments of the 28 DFA officials led by Espiritu and of lawyer Jose Mejia as a member of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC).

According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data, the Philippines has labor agreements with only 21 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Espiritu assured Villafuerte that he would work on both fronts, pledging to secure an

said the farm-gate price of fish is at its lowest and is expected to go down once imported fish enters the market.

“We are calling on the DA not to proceed with the plan to import fish this year because unscrupulous traders will take advantage of small fishermen,” Arambulo, vice chairman of Pamalakaya, said in a statement.

He said fishermen still reeling from the impact of natural calamities will not be able to recoup their losses should the DA proceed with the planned importation next month.

The group clarified that a low farmgate price does not translate to a fair retail price, as private traders manipulate and mark up the prices at the expense of fishermen and consumers.

OFW protection agreement with Dublin and explore investment opportunities.

Villafuerte specifically noted that renewable energy development is a key area of potential collaboration between the two countries, highlighting that a Dublinbased company, Mainstream Renewable Energy Corp. (MREC), is already involved in a joint wind energy project with Aboitiz Power Corp. in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. When Villafuerte asked Espiritu about the issue of exploitation of Filipino seamen in Irish territory, the ambassador said he was already briefed at the DFA about this, and that there was no prosecution yet with regard to the 33 labor-related cases, the latest of which was filed in 2022.

“That was one of the things that I was briefed on. These were actually fishermen working on trawls, and I understand from the briefing that I was given that there were 33 cases on this one. But as of 2022, when the last report on this was made, there was no

“Let us clarify that small fishermen do not dictate the price of fish in the market, but the private fish dealers and traders who buy the fish from them at a low and unreasonable price,” Rambulo explained.

Along with various rural-based groups, Pamalakaya has been demanding an end to import-liberalization policies that burden farmers and fishermen. Instead, they seek to strengthen local agrifisheries production in the form of production aid and other livelihood support. The DA issued a memorandum circular governing the importation of 35,000 metric tons (MT) of frozen galunggong , bigeye scad, mackerel, bonito, and moonfish from October 1 to December 31 this year.

prosecution yet. So this is one of the things that I will immediately look into the moment I get there,” Espiritu told Villafuerte. When Villafuerte pointed to reports reaching his office that these OFWs were “underpaid, overworked, and had to endure bad working conditions,” Espiritu replied, “That’s right, Your Honor. They were actually illegally recruited; there are many of them... It’s a multinational thing, and they are all working in ships.” Espiritu then said, “That could be one,” when Villafuerte traced the problem to the “main issue of racism and labor abuse.”

Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla also raised concerns about Filipino nurses in Ireland experiencing discrimination and lower wages compared to their local counterparts.

Espiritu responded by expressing hope that Ireland’s robust labor protection laws would help address these issues once brought to the attention of local authorities.

PHL paddy rice output likely dropped 11% to 3.36 MMT

THE country’s paddy rice output likely dropped by 11.4 percent to 3.36 million metric tons (MMT) in the third quarter, based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) survey of standing crops.

In its latest production forecast, the PSA said palay harvest likely declined in the July to September period from the previous year’s actual output of 3.80 MMT.

The latest figure is also 0.7 percent lower than the agency’s initial estimate of 3.39 MMT.

As of August 1, the PSA said the total palay harvest area during the period likely shrank by 14.1 percent to 796,470 hectares (ha) from the 926,920 ha recorded in the same period last year.

Despite this, the agency noted that palay yield may jump by 2.9 percent to 4.22 metric tons (MT) per hectare from the previous year’s 4.10 MT.

“As of 01 August 2024, about 116,410 hectares or 14.6 percent of the 796,470 hectares updated harvest area of standing crop have been harvested. This translates to palay output of 469,400 metric tons,” the PSA said.

“Of the total area of 680,060 hectares of standing palay yet to be harvested as of 01 August 2024, 14.9 percent were at the vegetative stage, 58.7 percent at the reproductive stage, and 26.4 percent at the maturing stage.”

Meanwhile, the PSA said corn output in the third quarter likely grew by 2.4 percent to 2.52 MMT from last year’s 2.47 MMT. This showed a 0.3 percent decline from its earlier projection of 2.53 MMT.

The harvest area during the period was expected to contract by 1.9 percent to 806,530 ha from the 822,400 ha recorded in the previous year while yield per hectare may jump by 4.3 percent to 3.13 MT from 3 MT.

“As of August 1, 2024, about 161,670 hectares or 20 percent of the 806,530 hectares updated harvest area of standing corn have been harvested, translating to a 546,590 metric tons of corn output,” the PSA said.

“Of the total area of 644,850 hectares of standing corn yet to be harvested as of 01 August 2024, about 6.9 percent were at the vegetative stage, 59.9 percent at the reproductive stage, and 33.1 percent at the maturing stage.”

Ombudsman appeals CA decision on NE Gov Umali

TEPR law excludes ULAB, other hazardous waste–DENR exec

RBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

EPUBLIC Act 11898 or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 institutionalizes the extended producer responsibility on plastic packaging waste but does not cover waste from car batteries and other hazardous waste that are covered by another law, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

DENR Undersecretary for Police, Planning and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones said the recovery of hazardous waste, including car batteries is covered by another law, RepublicAct 6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990.

Leones was reacting to a position paper submitted by the FPI led by its chairman, Jesus Arranza, urging DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to “strictly enforce” the proper collection and recycling of Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) and hazardous waste, to prevent unscrupulous businesses from recycling and dumping wastes into the environment.

“We’ve received the letter about ULAB.  First, we have no facilities for lead recycling here in the Philippines.  What we have are facilities for collection of batteries,» he said, referring to Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities for hazardous wastes,” Leones said.

There are about 10 accredited TSD facilities in the Philippines, he said.

Nonetheless, Leones agreed that recycling of ULAB should be stopped.  He said the DENR has already called the attention of the DENR Regional Offices to crack down on the illegal recyclers of ULAB.

“We will conduct a zoning and all Regional Offices are required to identify illegal recyclers,” he said.

According to Leones, unlike singleuse plastics, car battery carcass is contaminated and thus, considered hazardous and must be disposed of properly.

“Unlike plastic sachet, or singleuse plastics, a car battery is contaminated, so it must be handled and disposed of properly. We have guidelines for the proper disposal of hazardous waste,” Leones said.

The Hazardous Waste Law in the Philippines, moreover, allows

By Samuel Medenilla @sam_medenilla & Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco   @claudethmc3

end of the year, by December,” Herbosa said.

recycling, which is why the DENR is pushing to ban hazardous waste recycling which is also being pushed with the ratification of the Basel Convention.

“We want to ban recycling because it is for this reason that we have the problem of imported waste.  We just want to know its impact and how many or how big is the sector that will be affected once we implement a ban,” Leones explained in a mix of Filipino and English.

In appealing for the implementation of the EPR on ULAB and other hazardous waste, Arranza said implementing the EPR that covers importers will ensure businesses will not be able to market their products in the country unless they have satisfactorily proven that they have collected their ULABs and channeled them to accredited recyclers.

Recycling hazardous waste including ULAB requires advanced technical know-how and state-of-the-art facilities given their immediate harmful effects on the environment and people, according to FPI’s Arrana.

However, he noted that the illegal activity of recycling ULAB is rampant and thus needs DENR in -

tervention through a Department Administrative Order (DAO) that will serve as a guideline in the implementation of EPR for ULAB and other hazardous wastes. Arranza also cited Section 44-A of the National Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility which states that unless otherwise provided under Article 2 of this Chapter, within three months, following the effectivity of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, the Department, in consultation with the NSWMC, shall formulate a national framework on EPR for all types of product wastes.

“We believe that compared to ordinary waste types like plastics currently covered by the EPR implementing rules, ULABs should be treated with more urgency because of their immediate harmful effects on the environment and the people,” Arranza said.

He added that, unlike FPI-member businesses that pay taxes to the government, recyclers of ULAB do not pay taxes to the government while taking away the potential incomes of those who invested millions to do business legally in the Philippines.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Court of Appeals to reconsider its August 20, 2024 decision which nullified the six-month preventive suspension it issued against Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali last May 10.

In a 22-page motion for reconsideration dated September 5, 2024 and signed by Assistant Ombudsman Asryman T. Rafanan, the Ombudsman also sought the inhibition of the justices for the “undue haste” in the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) enjoining the Ombudsman from implementing the preventive suspension order.

“The Ombudsman is not required by law to wait and weigh the arguments of the defense before arriving at a determination on the evidence of guilt. Being preliminary in nature, strong evidence of guilt does not mean that the defense evidence should be awaited, considered and assessed, at such initial stage,” the Ombudsman argued.

“Hence, the ponencia (of the CA) gravely erred in resolving the admissibility and probative value of the entire pieces of evidence in the main administrative case which is precisely still pending before the Ombudsman,” it added.

The August 20 CA ruling was issued by the Special Former Eleventh Division (Special Division of Five) and penned

(DRRM), PFM for Local Government Units and Monitoring and Evaluation for Public Expenditure.

by Associate Justice Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura.

Other members of the CA division include Associate Justices Selma Alaras, Carlito Calpatura, Florencio Mamauag, Jr. and Ramon Bato, Jr.

In that decision, the CA granted Umali’s petition to nullify the suspension order against him.

The order stemmed from Umali’s alleged issuance of 205 quarry permits to unqualified permittees without the required environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the alleged non-remittance to the local government units of the province of their shares from the taxes collected.

It stemmed from the complaint for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service filed by private individual Roberto M. Duldulao last March against Umali and several others.

The Ombudsman stressed that it had “judiciously exercised its discretion in the imposition of the order of preventive suspension. Clearly, there was no evidence to prove that the Office of the Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion.”

“It is respectfully submitted that the Honorable Court impinged upon the constitutional power of the Office of the Ombudsman to place any public officer under preventive suspension,” the Ombudsman stressed.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in his speech the blueprint will streamline institutional frameworks to cut down the time spent on bureaucratic procedures and synchronize planning and budgeting at the local, regional and national levels. “I am confident that the PFM Reforms Roadmap—anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028—will lead the nation to a higher growth trajectory and ultimately, to reducing poverty and achieving genuine prosperity,” Marcos Jr. said.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos has approved a P7.9-billion budget for the Department of Health (DOH) to ramp up the country’s immunization rate to 95 percent, which slowed down after the pandemic.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said the amount will be used to buy vaccines and to pay for the allowance of the health workers,who will administer it.

“This is the first time our President really allocated 7.9 billion [pesos] for buying vaccines...This increased from 6.4 [billion] so it is a significant hike,” he said.

The allocation will help fund the government’s catch-up national immunization plan through its “Bakuna-Eskuwela” (VaccineSchool) program, to be launched on October 7.

The program will provide free measles, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria vaccines for Grade 1 to Grade 7 students.

“So, we will be able to cover even those zero-dose children. And then for Grade 4 young girls, who are nine years old, we will provide them with human papillomavirus vaccine or the anti-cervical cancer vaccine,” Herbosa said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines zero-dose children as those that lack access to or are never reached by routine immunization services.

Herbosa said the initiative aims to address the decline in the number of fully immunized children following Covid-19, which halted the school-age vaccination initiatives.

Among those regions with the lowest vaccine coverage are Central Visayas and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The “Bakuna-Eskuwela” program will be held in public schools, but it can also be available even by students of private schools, according to the DOH chief.

“I will make sure that the program will not refuse any child,” Herbosa said.

DOH is targeting to raise the country’s immunization rate from 71 percent to 95 percent this year.

“So, we want about 1.5 million kids to be immunized and covered by this catch-up plan,” Herbosa said.

To preserve the country’s 95 percent vaccination rate, he said they are targeting to vaccinate 2 million children each year.

Herbosa underscored the importance of school-based immunization as he recently met with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara to discuss “areas of collaboration.”

Herbosa and Angara also discussed nutrition and mental health. Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban was also present during the meeting on September 12.

The health chief proposed efforts to improve feeding programs especially for those diagnosed with malnutrition.

For mental health, Herbosa cited the importance of creating emotional resilience in youth through arts, sports, and other activities.

The two agencies also agreed to continue working towards the goals of the Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd Healthy Learning Institutions (OKD-HLI). OKD-HLI is an interagency effort aimed towards strengthening school health under the basic education sector.

Guo Hua Ping allegedly hid before fleeing the country.

He also inquired about the properties Calugay disposed of right after Guo fled the country in July. Estrada also moved to issue a subpoena against JP Samson, a companion of Guo, after learning that Samson refused to receive calls and accept a letter of invitation from the committee “for security reasons.”

Also at the hearing, the senators were stunned to hear retired Gen. Raul Villanueva, senior vice president of Pagcor’s Security and Monitoring Cluster, say that he had gotten wind of information from the intelligence community that a former PNP chief was receiving monthly payola from Guo at one time.

However, he said this was still being verified. Thus far, Hontiveros said the committee had managed to identify gaps in border control, the system of granting visas, law enforcement and birth registration. She said concerned government agencies are having their own investigation on the matter.

“Our hearings have allowed us to craft an amendment—accepted and passed into law—to the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) Law that allows seized assets to be used for victim protection even before the finality of the case. We are also crafting amendments to the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act to add “forced criminality” to the definition of human trafficking,” Hontiveros said.

She said concerned government agencies are doing their own investigation on the matter.

“We are fortunate to have this synergy with the Department of Education to effect our goals for the health of our youth. The welfare of our children is paramount as they are the future of our nation. Let us serve as the torch lighting up their path through providing healthy environments and initiatives dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” said Herbosa. ₧7.9-B budget to ramp up school-based vaccine approved

“With these two programs, the schoolbased and the big catch-up [plan], we are hoping to increase [vaccination rate] by the

DOH cites MMC reso to ban swimming in floodwaters

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

THE Department of Health (DOH) said the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) resolution urging its members to legislate a ban on people, especially children, from playing in flood waters will help prevent the “costly” and “deadly” effects of leptospirosis.

In a press briefing in Malacañang last Tuesday, DOH Teodoro J. Herbosa lauded the MMC for issuing its new resolution last week to support their anti-leptospirosis campaign.

“So, am already very happy as a Secretary of Health that the local chief executives supported us because [leptospirosis] is really costly. You will be placed in ICU (intensive care units) and then you can also die; we have about 30 deaths, since August 30, that’s high,” he said in Filipino.

Under the MMC resolution, local government units (LGU) are urged to come out

with ordinances,which will ban people from playing, wading for fun, and bathing in flood waters to reduce their risk from leptospirosis infection. Violators of the said ordinance will be required to pay fines.

The restriction will not apply to those who will wade in flood waters to save their homes and their loved ones.

Herbosa noted San Juan already has such a policy in place, which imposed a P500 to P1,000 fine to children, who will violate the ban. For adults, they have to pay P1,000 to P2,000.

Last Monday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also issued its Regulation 24-003, which bans children and adults from “swimming, playing, gallivanting, and/or unnecessary wading or doing any other leisurely activities in floodwaters.”

Samuel P. Medenilla

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Editor: Angel R. Calso

US envoy accuses Israel of striking civilians, schools, and humanitarian workers in Gaza

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

UNITED NATIONS—The US

ambassador to the United Nations on Monday ac -

cused Israel’s military of striking schools, humanitarian workers and civilians in Gaza in a sign of growing American frustration with its close ally as the war approaches its first anniversary.

Israel has repeatedly said it targets Hamas militants, who often hide with civilians and use them as human shields, in retaliation for the Oct. 7 attacks in southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and launched the war in Gaza.

US Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield was unusually outspoken against the Israeli military at a UN Security Council meeting, saying many of the strikes in recent weeks that injured or killed UN personnel

and humanitarian workers “were preventable.”

Many council members cited last week’s Israeli strike on a former school turned civilian shelter run by the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, in which six UNRWA staffers were among at least 18 people killed, including women and children.

Israel said it targeted a Hamas command-and-control center in the compound, and Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, asserted Monday that Hamas militants were killed in the strike. He named four, claiming to the council that they worked for UNRWA during the day and Hamas at night.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation.

Thomas-Greenfield told council members that the US will keep raising the need for Israel to facilitate

humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territory and protect humanitarian workers and facilities like the UNRWA shelter.

She also reiterated US “outrage” at the death of Turkish American activist Aysenur Eygi, who was shot and killed during a protest in the West Bank last week. Israeli Defense Forces said it likely killed Eygi by mistake, and the government has begun a criminal investigation.

“The IDF is a professional military and knows well how to ensure that incidents such as these do not happen,” the US envoy said.

Thomas-Greenfield said the United States expects Israeli military leaders to implement “fundamental changes” in their operations—including to their rules of engagement and procedures to ensure that military operations do not conflict with humanitarian activities and do not target schools

and other civilian facilities.

“We have also been unequivocal in communicating to Israel that there is no basis—absolutely none—for its forces to be opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles as recently occurred on numerous occasions,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

At the same time, she said Hamas is also hiding in—and in some cases, taking over or using—civilian sites, which poses “an ongoing threat.”

She said it underscores the urgency of reaching a cease-fire and hostage release deal in Gaza. While the United States works with fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar to try to get both sides “to agree that enough is enough,” she said, “this is ultimately a question of political will” and difficult compromises.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Egypt this week for talks partly about refining a proposal to present to Israel and Hamas.

The United States urges “all council members with influence over Hamas to join others in pressing its leaders to stop stalling, make these compromises, and accept the deal without delay,” Thomas-Greenfield.

She spoke after the top UN humanitarian official in Gaza said the territory is “hell on Earth” for its more than 2 million people, calling the lack of effective protection for civilians “unconscionable.”

Sigrid Kaag, the UN senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, told council members and reporters that the war has turned the territory “into the abyss.”

Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s offensive, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Humanitarian operations are being impeded by lawlessness, Israeli evacuation orders, fighting and dif -

ficult conditions for aid workers that include Israeli denials of access, delays, a lack of safety and security, and “poor logistical infrastructure,” Kaag said.

Danon insisted that Israel’s humanitarian efforts “are unparalleled” for a country forced to go to war and urged the Security Council and the UN “to speak to the facts.” Over 1 million tons of aid have been delivered via more than 50,000 trucks and nearly 1 million land crossings, he said, adding that hardly a fraction have been stopped.

When asked about Danon’s statement, Kaag pointed to recent strikes on humanitarian convoys and schools and health facilities where Israel had received prior notification.

“It’s not about trucks. It’s about what people need,” she said. “We’re way, way off what people need, not only daily, but also what we would all consider a dignified human life.”

Blinken heads to Egypt for delicate Gaza cease-fire talks, no optimistic projections

By Ellen Knickmeyer The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to Egypt on Tuesday for his 10th trip to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began nearly a year ago, this one aimed partly at refining a proposal to present to Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire deal and release of hostages.

Unlike in recent mediating missions, America’s top diplomat this time is traveling without optimistic projections from the Biden administration of an expected breakthrough in the troubled negotiations.

Also unlike the earlier missions, Blinken has no public plans to go to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on this trip. The Israeli leader’s fiery public statements—like his declaration that Israel would accept only “total victory” when Blinken was in the region in June—and some other unbudgeable demands have complicated earlier diplomacy. Blinken is going to Egypt for talks Wednesday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and others, in a trip billed as fo -

cused both on American-Egyptian relations and Gaza consultations with Egypt.

The tamped-down public approach follows months in which President Joe Biden and his officials publicly talked up an agreement to end the war in Gaza as being just within reach, hoping to build pressure on Netanyahu’s far-right government and Hamas to seal a deal.

The Biden administration now says it is working with fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar to come up with a revised final proposal to try to at least get Israel and Hamas into a six-week cease-fire that would free some of the hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Americans believe public

attention on details of the talks now would only hurt that effort. American, Qatari and Egyptian officials still are consulting “about what that proposal will contain, and .... we’re trying to see that it’s a proposal that can get the parties to an ultimate agreement,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday.

The State Department pointed to Egypt’s important role in Gaza peace efforts in announcing last week that the Biden administration planned to give the country its full $1.3 billion in military aid, overriding congressional requirements that the US hold back some of the funding if Egypt fails to show adequate progress on human rights. Blinken told Congress that Egypt has made progress on human rights, including in freeing

political prisoners.

Blinken’s trip comes amid the risk of a full-on new front in the Middle East, with Israel threatening increasing military action against the Hezbollah militant organization in Lebanon. Biden envoy Amos Hochstein was in Israel on Monday to try to calm tensions after a stop in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has one of the strongest militaries in the Middle East, and like Hamas and smaller groups in Syria and Iraq it is allied with Iran.

Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged strikes across Israel’s northern border with Lebanon since the October 7 attack by Hamas started the war in Gaza. Hezbollah says it will ease those strikes—which have uprooted tens of thousands of civilians on

Trump assassination suspect spent 12 hours near Florida golf course, court records show

By Stephany Matat, Eric Tucker, Terry Spencer, Alanna Durkin Richer

& Colleen Long

The Associated Press

EST PALM BEACH,

WFla.—The man suspected in an apparent assassination attempt targeting Donald Trump camped outside a Florida golf course with food and a rifle for nearly 12 hours, lying in wait for the former president before a Secret Service agent thwarted the potential attack and opened fire, according to court documents filed Monday.

Ryan Wesley Routh did not fire any shots, never had Trump in his line of sight and sped away after an agent who spotted him shot in his direction, officials said. He was arrested in a neighboring county.

Routh, 58, appeared in federal court in West Palm Beach to face federal firearms charges, starting a criminal case in the final weeks of a presidential race already touched by violence and upheaval. Though no one was injured, the episode marked the second attempt on Trump’s life in as many months, raising questions about the security provided to him during a time of amped-up political rhetoric and what the Secret Service chief called an “unprecedented and hyper-dynamic threat environment.”

Even as Trump’s Republican allies and some Democrats demanded answers about how a would-be shooter was able to get so close to Trump, Ronald Rowe Jr., the Secret Service’s acting director, offered a

fiery defense of the agents he said were “rising to this moment” despite needing additional resources.

“The men and women of the Secret Service, right now, we are redlining them, and they are rising to this moment, and they are meeting the challenges,” Rowe said, citing recent political conventions and other major events that required extensive protective details.

Authorities were continuing to examine Routh’s potential motive and movements in the days and weeks leading up to Sunday, when a Secret Service agent assigned to Trump’s security detail spotted a firearm poking out of shrubbery on the West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing.

The agent fired, and Routh escaped into a sport utility vehicle, leaving behind a digital camera, a backpack, a loaded SKS-style rifle with a scope and a plastic bag containing food.

He had been at the golf course’s tree line from 1:59 a.m. to 2:31 p.m., according to an FBI affidavit that cited cellphone data to track his whereabouts. The FBI is investigating how long the Hawaii man had been in Florida, said Jeffrey Veltri, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami field office.

Coming just weeks after a July 13 shooting at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in which Trump was wounded by a gunman’s bullet, the latest assassination attempt accelerated concerns that violence continues to infect American presidential politics.

Both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris,

Trump’s opponent in the November election, denounced the thwarted attack, with Harris saying in a post on X: “I am glad he is safe. Violence has no place in America.”

The FBI has interviewed family members, friends and colleagues and is working to collect evidence. No motive has been disclosed, and Routh invoked his right to an attorney when questioned, authorities said.

Investigators are also examining Routh’s large online footprint, which suggests a man of evolving political viewpoints, including recently an apparent disdain for Trump, as well as intense outrage at global events concerning China and especially Ukraine.

“You are free to assassinate Trump,” Routh wrote of Iran in an apparently self-published 2023 book titled “Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,” which described the former president as a “fool” and “buffoon” for both the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots and the “tremendous blunder” of leaving the Iran nuclear deal.

Routh wrote that he once voted for Trump and must take part of the blame for the “child that we elected for our next president that ended up being brainless.”

He also tried to recruit fighters for Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, and he had a website seeking to raise money and recruit volunteers to fight for Kyiv.

Voter records show he registered as an unaffiliated voter in North Carolina in 2012, most recently voting in person during the state’s Democratic primary in March.

Routh also made 19 small donations totaling $140 since 2019 to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic candidates, according to federal campaign finance records.

One of the two criminal counts alleges that he illegally possessed his gun in spite of multiple felony convictions, including two charges of possessing stolen goods in 2002 in North Carolina. The other charge alleges that the weapon’s serial number was obliterated and unreadable to the naked eye, in violation of federal law.

His attorney declined to comment after Monday’s brief court appearance, when he was ordered to remain locked up after prosecutors argued that he was a flight risk.

Routh was the subject of a previously closed 2019 tip to the FBI that alleged that he was a felon in possession of a firearm, Veltri said.

The FBI interviewed the tipster, who did not verify the initial information, he said. The FBI passed that information to local law enforcement in Honolulu.

The arrest focused fresh attention on the challenges of protecting Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, not only during campaign events but also when he is off the trail, often at his own clubs and properties. Sunday’s golf course outing was an off-the-record event, meaning in Secret Service terminology that it was not on Trump’s official calendar.

Tucker, Durkin Richer and Long reported from Washington. Michael Biesecker contributed to this report.

both sides of the border—only when there’s a cease-fire in Gaza.

Hochstein told Netanyahu and other Israeli officials that intensifying the conflict with Hezbollah would not help get Israelis back in their homes, according to a US official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private talks, said Hochstein stressed to Netanyahu that he risked sparking a broad and protracted regional conflict if he moved forward with a fullscale war in Lebanon.

Hochstein also underscored to Israeli officials that the Biden administration remained committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the tensions on Israel’s northern border in conjunction with a Gaza deal or on its own, the official said.

Netanyahu told Hochstein that it would “not be possible to return our residents without a fundamental change in the security situation in the north.” The prime minister said Israel “appreciates and respects” US support but “will do what is necessary to maintain its security and return the residents of the north to their homes safely.”

Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meanwhile, warned in his meeting with Hochstein that “the only way left to ensure the return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes will be via military action,” his office said.

In Gaza, the US says Israel and Hamas have agreed to a deal in

principle and that the biggest obstacles now include a disagreement on details of the hostage and prisoner swap and control over a buffer zone on the border between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has demanded in recent weeks that the Israeli military be allowed to keep a presence in the Philadelphi corridor. Egypt and Hamas have rejected that demand. The Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7 killed about 1,200 people. Militants also abducted 250 people and are still holding around 100 hostages. About a third of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, said Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its count. The war has caused widespread destruction, displaced a majority of Gaza’s people and created a humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu says he is working to bring home the hostages. His critics accuse him of slow rolling a deal because it could bring down his hardline coalition government, which includes members opposed to a truce with the Palestinians.

Asked earlier this month if Netanyahu was doing enough for a cease-fire deal, Biden said, simply, “no.” But he added that he still believed a deal was close.

The Associated Press writer Aamer Madhani contributed to this report.

UN rights experts decry worsening repression in Venezuela in wake of disputed voting result

By Jamey Keaten The Associated Press

GENEVA—Independent UN human rights experts said in a new report Tuesday that their findings show Venezuela’s government has intensified the use of “harshest and most violent” tools of repression following the disputed July presidential election.

The official results of the July 28 vote have been widely criticized as undemocratic, opaque and aimed to maintain President Nicolás Maduro in power.

In its report, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela, commissioned by the UNbacked Human Rights Council, denounced rights violations including arbitrary detentions, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence by the country’s security forces that “taken as a whole, constitute the crime against humanity of persecution on political grounds.”

“During the period covered by this report, and especially after the presidential election of July 28, 2024, the state reactivated and intensified the harshest and most violent mechanisms of its repressive apparatus,” said the experts in the report, which covered a one-year period through August 31.

The findings echo concerns from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Human Rights Watch, and others about Venezuela and its democracy, including repression before and after the highly anticipated vote and the subsequent flight into exile of Venezuela’s opposition leader Edmundo González.

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, which is stacked with Maduro loyalists, said he won with 52 percent of the vote.

But opposition supporters collected tally sheets from 80 percent of the nation’s electronic voting machines, and said that indicated González had won the election—with twice as many votes as Maduro.

Global condemnation over the lack of transparency prompted Maduro to ask

Venezuela’s Supreme Tribunal of Justice, whose members are aligned with the ruling party, to audit the results. The high court reaffirmed his victory.

The independent experts, who do not represent the United Nations, decried the government’s efforts to crush peaceful opposition to its rule.

The justice system—led by the Supreme Tribunal—“is clearly subordinated” to the interests of Maduro and his close allies and served as a “key instrument in its plan to repress all forms of political and social opposition,” they wrote.

In the hours after Maduro was declared the winner, thousands of people took to the streets across Venezuela. The protests were largely peaceful, but demonstrators also toppled statues of Maduro’s predecessor, the late Hugo Chávez, threw rocks at law enforcement officers and buildings, and burned police motorcycles and government propaganda.

Maduro’s government responded to the demonstrations with full force, carrying out arbitrary detentions, prosecutions as well as a campaign that encourages people to report relatives, neighbors and other acquaintances who participated in the protests or cast doubt on the results.

The independent experts said they compiled the report through interviews with 383 people and reviews of court case files and other documents while also acknowledging limits to their information gathering in the postelection period.

The experts said their requests for information from Venezuelan authorities were “ignored” despite appeals for cooperation from the rights council, which is made up of a rotating membership among 47 UN member countries.

The Associated Press writers Regina

tributed to this report.

Bill Gates calls for more aid to go to Africa and for debt relief for burdened countries

By Thalia Beaty The Associated Press

NEW YORK—The billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates thinks the richest governments should increase their support for African countries that have been overshadowed by development funding increasingly going toward the humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine as well as support for refugees around the world in recent years.

“There’s less money going to Africa at a time when they need it,” whether it’s for debt relief, vaccinations or to reduce malnutrition, Gates told The Associated Press in an interview. As a portion of aid money, the funds going to Ukraine are “substantial,” he said.

Gates was speaking in the context of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeeper’s report published on Tuesday. The report holds a mirror to countries’ promises to achieve development goals they set in 2015 and calculates progress for a subset of the Sustainable Development Goals that reflect the priorities of the foundation, which is one of the largest global health funders in the world. Its focus this year is on child malnutrition, which the foundation projects will be exacerbated by climate change in the coming years. The foundation is advocating for increased used of fortified foods, high quality prenatal vitamins and increased access to safer dairy products. Progress towards reducing the number of children whose growth and potential are irrevocably harmed by malnutrition is not fast enough, nor is it happening equally around the world and within communities, said Habtamu Fekadu, managing director for nutrition for the

nonprofit Save the Children. He said prevention efforts at scale are needed, and the most costeffective intervention is to encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed their children in the first six months of their lives.

Despite progress stalling on most of the development goals, Gates writes, “I’m an optimist. I think we can give global health a second act—even in a world where competing challenges require governments to stretch their budgets.”

In April, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development pointed to preliminary data from 2023 that showed overall development assistance from the richest countries had increased each year since 2019— even excluding funds for refugees, Covid-19 and Ukraine—but

the portion that has gone to African countries fell in 2022 to a 20-year low of around 25 percent. Many low- and middle-income countries around the world, including in Africa, are spending more money to pay back debts. In a report in June, the United Nations said the burden of debt payments was limiting what countries could spend on basic government services like health care, education and climate action. Interest on public debt has also jumped, as the cost of borrowing increased in many parts of the world last year, the report found.

When asked if he saw a role for his foundation to advocate for debt relief, Gates harkened back to a decision in 2005 when world leaders wiped out $40 billion in debts owed by 18 of the world’s poorest countries to the

World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

“In a just world, you would see a movement emerge on behalf of these poorest countries to have that happen again,” Gates said.

While the foundation has released its report around the global development goals each September since 2017, this year marks a change from previous years, when both Gates and his now ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, would author a section of the report. But French Gates does not appear this year.

She announced in May that she would step down from her role as the foundation’s co-chair. Her departure leaves Gates as the sole principal of the foundation after its other long-time supporter, Warren Buffett, left the board in 2021. The foundation expanded its board of trustees after Buffet’s departure.

Buffett has given some $43 billion to the Gates Foundation since 2006, but announced this summer that after his death, he would entrust his three adult children to give away the remainder of his fortune rather than leaving it to the foundation, as he had initially indicated.

Gates praised both Buffett and French Gates, saying he’d recently celebrated Warren’s 94th birthday with him in Omaha, Nebraska.

“God bless Warren. He’s really unbelievable. Having Melinda leave is unfortunate. Now, that frees her up to go do a lot of great

philanthropic work on her own,” he said.

Gates gave $12.5 billion to French Gates to use for charitable purposes when she left. In June, she pledged to give $1 billion in the next two years to organizations working on behalf of women and families around the world.

The Associated Press receives financial support for news coverage in Africa from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and for news coverage of women in the workforce and in statehouses from Melinda French Gates’ organization, Pivotal Ventures. The Gates Foundation has one of the largest endowments of any foundation at $75.2 billion and it planned to grant out $8.4 billion in 2024.

“We’re very lucky that my remaining resources allow us to keep being ambitious,” Gates said.

Jessica Sklair, an anthropologist at Queen Mary University of London who has studied the philanthropic decisions of wealthy families, is critical of the broad influence the Gates Foundation has had on shaping international development without democratic accountability. But she said the Gates Foundation will remain in a league of its own in terms of the scale of its resources, even without receiving the remainder of Buffett’s fortune.

“They’ll still have enough money to do a lot of what they do,” she said.

TikTok fights US govt in federal court; argues ban violates First Amendment

TBy Haleluya Hadero Ap Business Writer

IKTOK faced off with the US government in federal court on Monday, arguing a law that could ban the platform in a few short months is unconstitutional while the Justice Department said it is needed to eliminate a national security risk posed by the popular social media company.

In a more than two-hour appearance before a panel of three judges at a federal appeals court in Washington, attorneys for the two sides—and content creators— were pressed on their best arguments for and against the law that forces the two companies to break ties by mid-January or lose one of their biggest markets in the world.

Andrew Pincus, a veteran attorney representing the two companies, argued in court that the law unfairly targets the company and runs afoul of the First Amendment because TikTok Inc. - the US arm of TikTok - is an American entity. After his remarks, another attorney representing content creators who are also challenging the law argued it violates the rights of US speakers and is akin to prohibiting Americans from publishing on foreign-

owned media outlets, such as Politico, Al Jazeera or Spotify.

“The law before this court is unprecedented and its effect would be staggering,” Pincus said, adding the act would impose speech limitations based on future risks.

The measure, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was the culmination of a years-long saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China.

The US has said it’s concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits, that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Officials have also warned the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect.

Daniel Tenny, an attorney for the Justice Department, acknowledged in court that data collection is useful for many companies for commercial purposes, such as target advertisements or tailoring videos to users’ interests.

“The problem is that same data is extremely valuable to a foreign adversary trying to compromise the security of the United States,” he said.

Pincus, the attorney for TikTok, said Congress should have erred on the side of disclosing any potential propaganda on the platform instead of pursuing a divesture-orban approach, which the two companies have maintained will only lead to a ban. He also said statements from lawmakers before the law was passed shows they were motivated by the propaganda they perceived to be on TikTok, namely an imbalance between proPalestinian and pro-Israel content on the platform during the war in Gaza.

But the panel—composed of two Republican and one Democrat appointed judges—expressed some skepticism, pressing the attorneys on TikTok’s side if they believe the government has any leeway to curtail an influential media company controlled by a foreign entity in an adversarial nation. In parts of their questions about TikTok’s foreign ownership, the judges asked if the arguments presented would apply in cases where the US is engaged in war.

Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, said the

creators suing over the law could continue speaking on TikTok if the company is sold or if they choose to post content on other platforms. But Jeffrey Fisher, their attorney, argued there are not “interchangeable mediums” for them because TikTok — which has 170 million US users — is unique in its look and feel, and the types of audiences it allows them to reach.

Paul Tran, one of the content creators who is suing the government, told reporters outside the courthouse on Monday that a skincare company he and his wife founded in 2018 was struggling until they started making TikTok videos three years ago. He said they had tried to market their products through traditional advertising and other social media apps. But the TikTok videos were the only thing that drove views, helping them get enough orders to sell the products and even appear on TV shows.

“TikTok truly invigorated our company and saved it from collapse,” Tran said.

Currently, he noted the company—Love and Pebble—sells more than 90% of its products over TikTok, which is covering the legal fees for the creator lawsuit.

In the second half of the hearing, the panel pressed the Justice Department on First Amendment challenges to the law.

Judge Sri Srinivasan, the chief judge on the court who was appointed by former President Barack Obama, said efforts to stem content manipulation through government action does set off alarm bells and impact people who receive speech on TikTok. Tenny, the attorney for the DOJ, responded by saying the law doesn’t target TikTok users or creators and that any impact on them is only indirect.

For its part, TikTok has repeatedly said it does not share US user data with the Chinese government and that concerns the government has raised have never been substantiated. In their lawsuit, TikTok and ByteDance have also claimed divestment is not possible. And even if it was, they say TikTok would be reduced to a shell of its former self because it would be stripped of the technology that powers it.

Though the government’s primary reasoning for the law is public, significant portions of its court filings includes information that’s redacted.

In one of the redacted statements submitted in late July, the Justice Department claimed TikTok took direction from the Chinese government about content on its platform, without disclosing additional details about when or why those

incidents occurred. Casey Blackburn, a senior US intelligence official, wrote in a legal statement that ByteDance and TikTok “have taken action in response” to Chinese government demands “to censor content outside of China.” Though the intelligence community had “no information” that this has happened on the platform operated by TikTok in the US, Blackburn said it may occur. But the companies have argued the government could have taken a more tailored approach to resolve its concerns. During high-stakes negotiations with the Biden administration more than two years ago, TikTok presented the government with a draft 90-page agreement that allows a third party to monitor the platform’s algorithm, content moderation practices and other programming. But it said a deal was not reached because government officials essentially walked away from the negotiating table in August 2022. Justice officials have argued complying with the draft agreement is impossible, or would require extensive resources, due to the size and the technical complexity of the platform. They say the only thing that would resolve the government’s concerns is severing the ties between TikTok and ByteDance.

Govt think tank finds limited impact of RTL on prices, productivity

The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) released a paper in May, which evaluated the impact of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) on prices and productivity. The government think tank noted that retail prices for all types of rice gradually declined until 2021. That year, regular-milled rice was cheaper by P5.09/kg compared to the 2018 level.

In terms of farmers’ productivity, CPBRD noted that the national average yield improved to 4.05 metric tons per hectare from the 2018 level of 3.97 mt/ha. In 2023, farmers produced an average of 4.17 mt/ha of rice, the highest since the RTL was implemented. During the same period, irrigated and non-irrigated areas recorded yield production of 4.51 mt/ha and 3.34 mt/ha, respectively.

Despite these improvements in yield, the Philippines continued to import rice in huge quantities. The country is expected to again become the world’s largest rice importer this year, according to the projection made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Imports typically bridge the production gap for the private sector to beef up their inventory as the government is now prohibited to import rice.

A paper published by the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA) that also assessed the rice interventions put in place by the government under RTL indicated that the law failed to make a significant impact on productivity and farm efficiency. (See, “UA&P: Rice interventions didn’t have dent on industry,” in the BusinessMirror, September 9, 2024). The center attributed this to “frequent changes in leadership, lack of continuity of programs, slow adoption of high-yielding varieties and modern agronomic technologies, costly farm labor with still low usage of mechanization and post-harvest facilities, and low milling efficiency.”

In a separate paper, the CPBRD noted that data from the Philippine Statistics Authority strongly suggests that the RTL and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) “have not altered the trajectory of the Philippine rice industry in any meaningful way.” CPBRD said there was no “appreciable increase in productivity” in the domestic rice sector in the years following the implementation of the RTL and RCEF. Its analysis of the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2019 to 2022 showed that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for irrigated palay reached only 1.07 percent versus the 2.37 percent recorded in 2000 to 2018, prior to the enactment of RTL. Our citizens are calling for improved outcomes from the government, especially from the agencies involved in implementing the interventions aimed at improving rice productivity and increasing farmers’ income. Billions of pesos have already been poured into the rice sector and it will get more resources if Congress will approve the amendments to the RTL, including the increase in and the extension of the life of RCEF. Further delays in rolling out interventions outlined by RTL will only make it more difficult for this administration to make good on the President’s promise to significantly reduce prices.

Urban development

UTHE BUILDER

RBaNIzaTIoN is a boon to any economy. It generates jobs, raises incomes, improves transportation and education, and provides amenities that people enjoy in modern living.

But with the rapid rate of population migration to cities, urban planners are overwhelmed by the demand for infrastructure and public services. Because of the dense population, cities also face increasing exposure to climate and disaster risks as they expand.

We have seen how recent floods wreaked havoc on communities and resulted in injuries and several deaths. Urban planners, thus, should take a pause and review the resources at hand in dealing with the problems created by burgeoning megapolises.

An updated 2023 World Bank report noted that some 56 percent of the world’s population, or 4.4 billion inhabitants, live in cities. The bank expects the trend to continue, with the urban population more than doubling its current size by 2050. At this point, nearly 7 of 10 people will live in cities.

There is nothing bad per se with urbanization. It helps the economy to develop by way of higher productivity and innovation, if managed well.

However, the World Bank noted that “the speed and scale of urbanization brings challenges, such as meeting accelerated demand for affordable housing, viable infrastructure including transport systems, basic services, and jobs, particularly for the nearly one billion urban poor who live in informal settlements to be near opportunities.”

The World Bank report said the expansion of urban land consumption outpaces population growth by as much as 50 percent, which is expected to add 1.2 million square kilometers of new urban built-up area to the world by 2030.

Such sprawl, added the bank, puts pressure on land and natural resources, resulting in undesirable outcomes. One finding is that cities represent two-thirds of global energy consumption and account for more than 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The World Bank concluded in its updated report that building workable cities, meaning green, resilient

and inclusive, requires intensive policy coordination and investment choices. I fully agree with the observation of the bank. National and local governments must adapt to shape the future of development and create opportunities for all.

I also find the World Bank report very relevant to the Philippine setting, especially in the wake of recent floods and stronger typhoons.

Urban dwellers face risks from climate change as evidenced by stronger typhoons and heavier rains.

The demand for housing and settlements, per the World Bank report, has led to rapidly urbanizing river plains and coastlines in developing countries, where 89 percent of the world’s flood-exposed people live.

The recent flooding in some parts of Metro Manila and the mountainous Rizal province is a food for thought and makes the World Bank report timely.

A thin vegetation cover and the capital region’s urbanization are being directly blamed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the frequent flooding.

“Increased rain intensity and frequency due to climate change, depleted forest cover, land conversion, and modification of our waterways are among the reasons why Metro Manila and Rizal get easily inundated with floodwaters much too often,” according to Dr. Carlos Primo David, DENR Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science.

“Based on our analysis, Metro Ma-

nila is prone to flooding also partly because the entire downstream area, namely Marikina, Cainta and San Mateo, is built-up and therefore all rain falling in the downstream are converted into floodwaters.”

The World Bank report and the DENR pronouncement support each other. Clearly, the government’s job is to lower the flood levels downstream by increasing green spaces in the metropolis and suburban areas.

Urban development has created problems but these can be remedied. It is not too late to re-green thinning vegetation areas and turn them into dense forests. We may also have to take a second look at built-up development, restore our rivers, clear them of obstructions and reclaim their natural floodplains. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted, flood control projects alone may not be enough to prevent the brief inundation of our towns and cities during heavy rains and strong typhoons.

Fortunately, some developers have the foresight to build and develop new cities and avoid the mistakes of failed urban planning in the past. The future, however, remains bright despite current challenges. Modern development planning that places a premium on the environment will enable us to survive and overcome the pains of urbanization.

For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph

Netanyahu mulls coalition deal that boots Defense chief Gallant

By Galit Altstein & Dan Williams

IsR aeLI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in talks about adding an opposition lawmaker to his cabinet, a move that would potentially result in firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who he has often clashed with over the war in Gaza, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Netanyahu is negotiating with Gideon Saar, who wants the defense role in exchange for joining the ruling coalition, one of the people said. Netanyahu is considering whether to accept that and remove Gallant from his crucial position, the person said, at a time Israel is waging war against Hamas in Gaza and skirmishing daily with Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon.

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Gallant has criticized Netanyahu for not accepting a cease-fire deal with Hamas to secure the release of hostages and for not doing more to ensure Haredi—or ultra-Orthodox—Jews serve in the military, as recently ruled by the country’s top court.  Saar, a veteran lawmaker, would bolster Netanyahu’s government since his party has four members in

the 120-seat parliament, or Knesset. Their addition would give the ruling coalition—the most nationalist in Israel’s history—68 seats and provide Netanyahu more of a cushion should any party threaten to rebel. Netanyahu and Gallant are both Likud party members.

In addition, Saar’s less likely to demand a strict enforcement of the court ruling on the Haredi. The issue is particularly sensitive for Netanyahu because the Haredi parties in his coalition are loath for the decades-old military exemption for the ultra-Orthodox to end, despite many generals arguing that’s now necessary to keep Israel safe.

Netanyahu’s office said in a statement early Monday he wasn’t in negotiations with Saar, without refer-

The defense minister has had open channels with the Pentagon and spoke with US Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday night. That relationship has helped the Israel-US alliance weather tensions between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden over the Gaza conflict. Israeli polls have generally shown Gallant to be more popular than the prime minister.

encing Gallant. Saar didn’t answer calls to his mobile.

Israeli markets weakened after local media reported that Gallant could be fired. The shekel fell 0.6% to 3.74 per dollar as of 8 p.m. in Tel Aviv, one of the worst performances globally. Yields on local-currency government bonds rose.

The defense minister has had open channels with the Pentagon and spoke with US Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday night. That relationship has helped the Israel-US alliance weather tensions between Netanyahu and President Joe Biden

over the Gaza conflict. Israeli polls have generally shown Gallant to be more popular than the prime minister.

Gallant projected an air of normality on Monday, including meeting Amos Hochstein, one of Biden’s senior Middle East advisors, in Tel Aviv. Gallant told Hochstein it’s likely the Israeli military will have to take more aggressive action to force Iranbacked Hezbollah back from Israel’s northern border. Netanyahu met Hochstein separately. The most recent disagreement between Gallant and Netanyahu came in late August. Gallant was the only member of the 10-person security cabinet to vote against Israel maintaining a military presence in Gaza’s so-called Philadelphi corridor. Netanyahu’s insistence that troops remain in the corridor, which runs along the Gaza-Egypt border, has angered Hamas and Cairo and proved a key sticking point for truce talks.

Gallant, a retired admiral, also crossed swords with Netanyahu last year over a divisive judicial See “Netanyahu,”

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Founder

Mark Villar

Trump tries to regain spotlight after assassination attempt

By Nancy Cook & Stephanie Lai

DonalD TrumP is poised to capitalize on the second attempt on his life in recent months, using the shocking development to try to snatch back the political momentum that Vice President Kamala Harris has enjoyed.

By portraying Trump as a fighter and survivor, his campaign hopes to capture Americans’ fractured attention and lay the blame for yet another assassination attempt on Harris and Democrats.

Trump told Fox News in an interview Monday that Harris’ “highly inflammatory” rhetoric inspired the gunman, a claim for which he did not provide any evidence. The FBI has not yet provided details on the would-be shooter’s motive.

The timing of the foiled assassination attempt on Sunday, while the former president was on the golf course at his West Palm Beach club, came at a key moment of weakness for the Trump campaign. Allies had been attempting to tamp down post-debate narratives about Harris’ strong showing, controversy over Trump’s unfounded comments about immigrants eating pets and a new feud with pop star Taylor Swift.

Instead, the Republican presidential nominee can campaign this week as a figure unscathed by what he casts as evil forces looking to take him down. Trump will continue his campaign schedule this week—just 50 days out from Election Day—as planned, according to two people familiar with his itinerary.

This week’s schedule will put him in close proximity of voters and allies, an arrangement known to boost Trump’s mood. He plans to launch a crypto platform Monday, followed by rallies in Michigan and New York on Tuesday and Wednesday, a speech to a pro-Israeli group in Washington and then a rally in North Carolina on Saturday to cap off the week. Harris is also planning a series of events in swing states this week. Polls show Trump and Harris virtually tied and within the margin-oferror in major battleground states. Despite pundits and polls largely showing Harris won last week’s presidential debate, the forum did not greatly alter the dynamics of the race and the two candidates are still vying for support from a tiny sliver of the electorate that remains undecided.

Security review

ENSCONCED at his private club Mara-Lago on Monday, Trump met with Ronald Rowe, the acting director of the Secret Service, in the afternoon. Rowe is the replacement for Kimberly Cheatle, who resigned after the first assassination attempt on Trump’s life in July.

Just two months ago, a bullet grazed Trump’s ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, two days before the Republican National Convention. Following that shooting, Trump called for unity across the country. However, that was short-lived as Trump’s RNC acceptance speech struck similar themes to his rally speeches.

“The damage that he’s done to this country is unthinkable,” Trump said of President Joe Biden, his then opponent, in the convention address.

Trump is already using the latest attempt on his life as a way to cudgel his Democratic opponent.

“Because of this Communist Left Rhetoric, the bullets are flying, and it will only get worse!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Harris and Biden have condemned political violence after both attacks.

“In America, we resolve our differences at the ballot box, not at the end of a gun,” Biden said Monday.  He went on to commend the Secret Service, before adding that they were assessing whether adjustments needed to be made to the former president’s security detail.

The president spoke with Trump

The urgency of EPR on hazardous wastes vs ordinary plastic wastes

iThe timing of the foiled assassination attempt on Sunday, while the former president was on the golf course at his West Palm Beach club, came at a key moment of weakness for the Trump campaign. Allies had been attempting to tamp down postdebate narratives about Harris’ strong showing, controversy over Trump’s unfounded comments about immigrants eating pets and a new feud with pop star Taylor Swift.

and “and conveyed his relief that he is safe,” White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Emilie Simons wrote on X Monday evening. She said the two men “shared a cordial conversation and former President Trump expressed his thanks for the call.”

The second assassination attempt has provided the Trump campaign an opportunity to fuel fundraising, which slowed as Harris gained in the polls. The Trump campaign sent out several messages to donors in the immediate aftermath while supporters expressed a sense of outrage.

“The President is more determined than ever to win,” said Ed McMullen, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Switzerland. “His supporters are furious and determined to win because the narrative the Democrats—extremists—have used for the past near decade has caused the unhinged left to react with violence.”

Trump, the first former US president convicted of a felony, has drawn criticism for his own language during the campaign, including attacks questioning Harris’ racial identity and on immigrants. Trump’s legal woes include a case involving his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, which culminated in supporters rioting at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

New precautions

ON Sunday, the Trump campaign locked down its campaign headquarters in West Palm Beach. Top campaign aides Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles sent staff an email Sunday night urging them to “remain vigilant” as they went about their daily routines.

“As we enter the last 50 days of President Trump’s campaign, we must remember that we will only be able to Save America from those who seek to destroy it by working together as one team,” the email said.

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called for greater protection for the former president, and Biden indicated that Trump may need more security personnel.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday said Congress is prepared to provide additional resources to the Secret Service.

Rowe, speaking at a briefing on the investigation, said he was “confident that we will get what we need.”

“We cannot have failures. And in order to do that, we’re going to have some hard conversations with Congress,” he added.

Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, called for more realtime information from federal authorities to counter conspiracy theories that divide the country.

“You have people in this country on the left who think the attempted assassination on former President Trump was staged, and you have people on the right who think it was the deep state, and that’s because they’re not getting any information,” he told MSNBC on Sunday. With assistance from Akayla Gardner and Eric Martin /Bloomberg

MAKE SENSE

reCenTly had a roundtable discussion with some reporters who write about environment and economic issues. During that briefing, i announced the submission of a Federation of Philippine industries (FPi) position paper to environment Secretary maria antonia “Toni” yulo-loyzaga seeking the long-overdue implementation of the extended Producers responsibility (ePr) scheme on used lead acid batteries (ulaBs) and other hazardous and toxic wastes.

I requested the secretary to immediately come up with the implementing rules operationalizing the EPR on ULABS and other hazardous wastes because of their imminent danger to the environment and the communities, especially if their collection, handling, and recycling are done by fly-by-night recyclers. ULABs contain acid and lead, both hazardous to the environment and health of the people. Sad to say—as in the case now in San Simon, Pampanga—there are recyclers who just crack open these used car batteries, throw the acid to the river or the sewers, and then recover the lead for smelting using shabby facilities that cause air and water pollution.

In the FPI position paper, we are asking the DENR to issue the implementing rules that will mandate the proper recovery and recycling of ULABs, in line with Section 6 of RA 18989 that states: “Republic Act No. 9003 is hereby further amended by inserting a new chapter after Chapter III to read as follows:  “SEC. 44-A. National Framework for Extended Producer Responsibility. —Unless otherwise provided under Article 2 of this Chapter, within three

months following the effectivity of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, the Department, in consultation with the NSWMC, shall formulate a national framework on EPR for all types of product wastes.”

With ULABs classified by RA 6969 as hazardous wastes and by the IRR of RA 11898 as special wastes, the DENR is mandated by SEC. 44-A of RA 9003, as amended by RA 11898, to come up with an IRR that will operationalize the EPR on ULABs. We are calling on the DENR to strictly enforce the proper collection and recycling of ULABs by making sure entities engaged in the production, importation, and sale of brand new lead acid batteries will not be able to market their products in the country unless they have satisfactorily proven that they have collected their ULABs and channeled them to accredited recyclers.

Please note that hazardous wastes are special wastes that require technical know-how and state-of-the-art facilities for proper collection and recycling, and their harm to the environment and health of the public are immediate. This is why we deem the EPR on hazardous waste as more

If the government failed in its solid waste management for 20 years, how come the private sector is being made to perfect their waste collection and recycling schemes in a matter of six years, or by 2028, when obliged enterprises are mandated to recover at least 80 percent of their plastic footprint?

urgent than that of ordinary plastic waste.

So, in that media roundtable, I also emphasized that while we are pushing for the EPR on ULABs and other hazardous and toxic wastes, we are also urging our policymakers and regulators to review the implementation of the EPR on ordinary wastes like plastic wrappers and packaging. We need to see first some comprehensive studies why the previous waste management regime was ineffective, necessitating a change in policy.

For 20 years, the government, particularly the local government units down to the barangays, was primarily responsible for waste collection. What happened during this period? What went wrong? What caused the government to abdicate this responsibility and transfer it to the private sector?

If we do not know what went wrong due to the absence of studies on the previous 20-year waste management regime, what was the sound basis of the new policy?

If the government failed to do it properly, how can it teach the private sector how to do it?

If the government failed in its solid waste management for 20 years, how come the private sector is being made to perfect their waste collection and recycling schemes in a

matter of six years, or by 2028, when obliged enterprises are mandated to recover at least 80 percent of their plastic footprint? I also wonder if this law was patterned after a similar policy in another economy. If this is the case, does this country have the same profile of consumers that we have, like informal settlers who are throwing their garbage in waterways and creeks? Does this country also have several islands that make it difficult for a company to collect wastes all over the archipelago, like, for instance, a Manila-based enterprise collecting plastic wrappers in Tawi-Tawi?

Right now, we’ve been receiving complaints from some FPI members that the EPR on plastic waste is costing them millions of pesos annually just to comply with the third-party auditing requirements and waste collection. So it has become apparent that some groups are bound to earn windfalls from this EPR scheme on plastic waste. And what will happen to the additional cost of doing business? Certainly this will be passed on to the consumers, making it another inflationary trigger.

I have aired these sentiments to Secretary Yulo when we met on August 30. I also informed her that we are inclined to question the EPR on plastic wastes before the Supreme Court. We want a sound solid wastemanagement regime. But we cannot just turn our investors into garbage collectors as well without knowing first what went wrong over the past 20 years.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.

Trudeau loosens mortgage rules in bid to woo younger voters

By Brian Platt

Prime minister Justin Trudeau’s government will make 30year mortgages available to all first-time buyers and to buyers of newly built homes as the embattled leader tries to win back the approval of younger Canadians.

The government will also begin allowing mortgage default insurance on homes worth up to C$1.5 million ($1.1 million), an increase from the current cap of C$1 million. That means buyers can bid on more expensive homes even if they have less than a 20 percent down payment— as long as they purchase insurance.

“We are now making the boldest mortgage reforms in decades to unlock homeownership for younger Canadians,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a news release. The moves will take effect December 15.

Canada cracked down on lengthy mortgage amortizations during the 2008 global financial crisis. Until this year, buyers who required government-backed default insurance on their mortgages were limited to 25-year amortizations.

Trudeau and Freeland took a step toward loosening that rule in April, allowing 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages only for firsttime buyers purchasing newly built homes.

Monday’s announcement will significantly expand the pool of buyers who can access 30-year loans, which

Netanyahu

overhaul plan championed by the prime minister. Noting that some anti-government protesters were threatening not to turn up for military reserve duties, Gallant publicly warned that Israel’s war—readiness was being sapped. Netanyahu announced Gallant’s dismissal and then walked that back after a wave of street demonstrations.

substantially lowers monthly payments. Insured first-time buyers represent roughly 20 percent of the market in Canada, while new builds make up about 4 percent, Freeland said.

Freeland noted that the insuredmortgage cap hadn’t been adjusted since 2012. Housing prices in Canada have doubled since then, with the average price in August reaching C$1.1 million in Toronto and C$1.3 million in Vancouver.

The announcement raised questions about whether the moves would juice the housing market and saddle younger Canadians with more debt. The country’s households are the most indebted in the Group of Seven and over-investment in real estate has been blamed as a source of a persistent productivity crisis.

The government’s actions may mean interest rates won’t need to fall as much to spark a housing market rebound, said Benjamin Reitzes, rates and macro strategist at Bank of Montreal.

“My bigger concern is that the market has calmed and behaved as well as policymakers could have hoped, and now we’re adding fuel,” he

‘Political machinations’

BENNY GANTz, another opposition leader who quit Israel’s emergency government in June after disputes with Netanyahu, said the prime minister was prioritizing his political survival over the return of the hostages, defeating Hamas and dealing with Hezbollah.

“He is busy with disgraceful political machinations and a replacement of the defense minister ahead of an intensive campaign in the north,” Gantz posted on Monday on X. “This

said by email. “Canadian households have been responsibly de-leveraging driven by higher rates, and these changes will only incent increased debt burdens.”

In a June research paper, Desjardins economist Marc Desormeaux analyzed the potential impact of extending mortgage amortizations in Canada. He concluded that while the policy change would immediately help those in a position to buy, the medium-term outcome would be an increase in home prices.

“Affordability would eventually become even worse than in the base case as initial gains are overcome by a more dramatic rise in home values,” he wrote.

At a news conference, Freeland pushed back on concerns that the policies would inflate housing prices.

She said extending the amortization period for new builds would help create more supply, and her government has also put forward other measures to boost homebuilding, including billions for municipalities to allow denser zoning and cut red tape.

“What this is all about is putting the dream of home ownership in reach for younger Canadians, giving first-time home buyers a leg up in the housing market,” she said.

At an interest rate of 5 percent, amortizing a mortgage over 30 years instead of 25 would reduce a homebuyer’s monthly payment by 8 percent, but increase total inter-

indicates poor judgment.”

Yair Lapid, the centrist leader of the opposition, said Monday in Washington after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Gallant “is doing a good job under terrible circumstances” and said he hoped Netanyahu will keep him on board. Saar held cabinet portfolios in previous Netanyahu governments.

After a failed bid to unseat Netanyahu as Likud leader in 2019, Saar created the New Hope party and later allied himself with Gantz.

est paid by 24 percent, according to Bloomberg calculations. Canadian home sales data for August suggested a pickup in market activity after the central bank delivered back-to-back rate cuts in June and July.

New listings were up 1.1 percent in August from a month earlier, and the total number of properties for sale at the end of August was 177,450, an increase of nearly 19 percent from a year earlier.

Both Trudeau and Freeland have made housing a central plank of their economic messaging this year, pledging numerous programs to boost construction and provide easier access to financing. But so far those moves have not improved Trudeau’s position in public opinion polling. An election is scheduled for October 2025, but it could come any time in the next year, especially after Trudeau’s ally in Parliament pulled out of a power-sharing deal earlier this month.

If an election were held today, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party would very likely win a majority government in parliament, given his dominant lead in the polls.

Voters in a Montreal district are casting ballots Monday to fill a vacant seat long held by Trudeau’s Liberals. The special election is viewed by many as a referendum on his leadership. With assistance from Erik Hertzberg and Jay Zhao-Murray /Bloomberg

Together with Gantz, Saar joined Netanyahu in the emergency government after the October 7 attack by Hamas that triggered the Gaza war. In March, Saar split with Gantz and withdrew from the government, complaining of his exclusion from the narrow war cabinet that was handling day-to-day decision-making. Saar’s military experience is limited to a stint as an infantry conscript. He is a lawyer by training and former attorney general’s aide. With assistance from Iain Marlow /Bloomberg

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza

DBM: Roadmap to manage public finance to lead to ‘A’

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

THE national government has laid the roadmap to manage public finances,

which could pave the way for the country to achieve an “A” level credit rating.

On Tuesday, Budget Secretary

Amenah F. Pangandaman told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremonial endorsement of the Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028 that the blueprint will help the government arrive at an “A” credit rating.

“This is part of our budget reform…[it] is part of our governance and bureaucratic efficiency and reform which is also one of the aspects and crucial components of our road to ‘A’,” Pangandaman said.

The Budget chief said the encouraging data on gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, foreign direct investments and foreign ex-

change has to be solidified.

“We have already put in place how to go about it. But the governance aspect, that’s another aspect that we’d look into. This is the answer to that,” Pangandaman added.

A higher credit rating reflects the financial stability of the government and would enable easier access to credit at a lower cost.

Earlier, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Managing Director Zeno Abenoja said good governance has to be addressed to jump to a higher credit rating.

“There has been some good progress of macro stability, fiscal sustainability and now, it’s the

governance aspect that is being discussed extensively,” Abenoja said.

Masterplan to “A”

THE PFM Reforms Roadmap 20242028 outlines the government’s 11 strategic focus areas on the management of public funds and ensuring greater accountability, efficiency and transparency in the allocation and use of funds across government agencies over the medium term.

Pangandaman said all 11 focus areas have been started already, such as the Planning and Budgeting Linkage at the local, regional and national levels.

The Monthly Disbursement Program schedule under Cash Management will also be revisited, as well as modernizing the payment systems for public expenditures.

Public Asset Management will assess non-compliant agencies in preparing asset management plans and addressing their issues. Capacity building programs for lagging agencies will also be implemented.

Under Accounting and Audit -

ing, internal audits will be standardized through consolidation of existing manuals and standards across agencies. Moreover, Pangandaman expected the Auditing Code to be passed in the Senate before the year ends.

Pangandaman said there are more than 7,000 national and local government units across the country. The government also targets to establish a PFM Institute with expert practitioners and dynamic training courses for all of those who are working within the system.

Pangandaman said the government aims to roll out the webbased Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS) at the end of the year for five agencies: Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management.

The strategy also focuses on PFM Policy and Legal Framework, Public Procurement, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

See “DBM,” A5

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATORS on Tuesday resumed hearing other aspects of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) activities, seeking to tie up loose ends on the entire ecosystem that enabled them to flourish the past several years, using billions of suspected laundered funds from internal syndicates.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, head of the Committee of Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality that has led a tricommittee on Pogo, grilled Sual, Pangasinan Mayor Lisendo Calugay on his relationship with dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Leal Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, who played a pivotal role in the Pogo enclave in Bamban town in Tarlac.

Authorities are also checking into the involvement of other parties in the other high-profile Pogo hub in Porac, Pampanga.

Hontiveros summoned Calugay because he was believed to have aided or even done business with Guo. He and Guo were also earlier rumored to have a romantic relationship, but he denied this.

The senator said Calugay’s staff was contacted to look for a lawyer who could notarize Guo’s counteraffidavit when she fled the country in July, at the height of congressional hearings. She was recently apprehended by Indonesian authorities and brought back to Manila to face congressional probers, and cases filed by the Departments of Justice and Interior and Local Governments, the Commission on Elections and the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Hontiveros grilled Calugay at length after he skipped two previous hearings of the tricommittee probing crimes associated with illegal Pogo operations in the country. Guo also appeared at the hearing but invoked her right to remain silent.

On his part, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada moved to issue a subpoena duces tecum for all documents, including deeds sale, related to several properties owned by Calugay and a certain Veronica Soriano. At the same time, Estrada questioned Calugay about the Happy Penguin Resort where

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Auto sales up 6.7% in Aug

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

The Ghost Month and monsoon rains failed to spook buyers as vehicle sales in August recorded a modest increase, data released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed.

Campi and TMA reported on Tuesday that automotive sales last month went up by 6.7 percent to 39,155 units, from the previous year’s 36,699. The acquisition of assets, such as cars, is usually avoided during the Ghost Month, which started on

August 4 and ended on September 2.

In August, commercial vehicles (CV) again lifted sales, accounting for nearly 76 percent of the units sold during the period. Dealers sold a total of 29,626 units last month, 11.3 percent higher than the previous year’s 26,620.

Light commercial vehicles boosted the performance of the CV segment as sales reached 21,812 units in August, 3.3 percent higher than the 21,117 recorded a year ago.

While passenger cars accounted for nearly a quarter of auto sales last month, dealers were able to sell only 9,529 units, 5.5 percent lower than the 10,094 units posted in August 2023. Despite this, the auto industry’s performance in January to August brought Campi and TMA to within striking distance of their

2024 target as sales reached 304,765 units, 10.3 percent higher than last year’s 276,200 units. Commercial vehicles sold in the eight-month period rose by 9.1 percent to 224,438 units, from 205,764 recorded in January to August 2023. The segment accounted for a chunk of total sales at 73.64 percent.

Sales of passenger cars, meanwhile, went up by 14 percent to 80,327 units from last year’s 70,451. The segment accounted for more than 26 percent of the total sales of Campi and TMA.

During the eight-month period, Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. continued to lead auto sales with a market share of 46.15 percent, followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (19.2 percent) and Ford Motor Company Phils. Inc. (6.22 percent).

DOE weighs DMCI Power concerns over coal policy

EnerGy chief r aphael Lotilla said his office has acknowledged the concerns raised by Consunji-led DMCI Power Corp. over the exclusion of off-grid areas from the moratorium on new coal projects.

“We have heard them,” he said. The Department of energy (DOe), however, has yet to act on this. Lo -

tilla said if it’s “appropriate” then his office “will make a decision” soon. Last week, DMCI Power Chairman Isidro Consunji said coal-fired power projects that will serve offgrid areas should be exempted from the coal moratorium policy.

“I think the moratorium should not include the SPUG [small power

utilities group],” he said, referring to a division of state-firm national Power Corp. that provides electricity to areas not linked to the main transmission grid.

SPUG power plants mostly operate on diesel which, according to Consunji, is more expensive than coal.

He noted that the DMCI Group’s

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) has partnered with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to launch an information campaign across 86 SM Supermalls in the country to educate the public about fair competition.

PCC and SM Prime signed last September 17 a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) “signifying the mall operator’s commitment to protecting consumer welfare and a level playing field for all.”

PCC Chairman Michael Aguinaldo said during a press briefing in Quezon City that SM has tapped the competition body to advocate for competition and its benefits through a nationwide information campaign.

“This campaign will include providing the PCC with ad space in all the SM cinemas in the 86 SM malls throughout the country, so we’re talking about 30-second ads to be shown three times a day in SM cinemas,” said Aguinaldo.

coal plant in Masbate, consumers only need to pay P9 to P10 per kilowatt hour (kWh), considerably lower than the P19 to P23 per kWh being supplied by diesel plants.

DMCI Power operates a number of coal plants all over the country, including the 15-megawatt (MW) coal plant in Masbate. Lenie Lectura

In addition, the PCC chair said the mall operator has agreed to allot space on their electronic billboards and information spaces to advocate competition as well as space in their information desk for PCC advocacy materials.

Aguinaldo said SM committed to abide by the competition law through

the conduct of seminars on competition law and policy for not only their employees, but also older tenants in older malls for the next two years.

“They will also appoint a competition compliance officer who will work with PCC in coming up with the compliance program for SM and who will be the point person for any competition related concerns that may be brought to the attention of the PCC,” Aguinaldo said. He added that this will provide an opportunity for SM to “correct” itself in case there are any anti-competitive practices before it levels up to an actual case.

Aguinaldo said the campaign, which was initiated by SM, is integral to promoting fair competition as it is a “new concept” in the Philippines.

“The Philippine Competition Act was only passed in 2015. The Philippine Competition Commission was only organized in 2016. And the public in general is, you might say, unfamiliar with the concept of competition under the Philippine Competition Act,” he said.

“There is a continuous and continuing need to help make the public aware of what competition under the PCA means and how competition is meant to benefit consumers and businesses alike.” Andrea E. San Juan

Banks’ links in creation of Pogos to be probed

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATOR Sherwin T. Gatchal-

Sian filed last Tuesday a resolu-

tion seeking to investigate the possible involvement of banks in the construction and establishment of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in the country.

His proposed Senate Resolution 1193 called for an inquiry in aid of legislation on banks’ apparent failure to flag suspicious Pogo-related transactions.

According to Gatchalian, recent Senate investigations on Pogo-related activities revealed the existence of bank transactions involving companies owned by Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, amounting to hundreds of millions of pesos that enabled the construction and establishment of the Pogo hub in Bamban. The amount involved is far beyond the financial capacity of the companies as indicated in their financial statements.

“A remarkable surge in cash flows, check disbursements and a number of transactions involving the said Guo accounts was highest in year 2020 which was highly unusual and suspicious considering that the Covid-19 pandemic paralyzed businesses and economies worldwide,” Gatchalian said.

He noted that the transactions involved significant amounts of money but were not flagged by concerned banks and financial institutions.

“The failure of these banks to report these dubious transactions raises the matter of the effectiveness of their internal controls and procedures for identifying and reporting suspicious transactions,” he added.

The resolution didn’t name which banks or financial institutions were involved in the transactions.

Banking&Finance BSP tweaks rules for external auditors

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has tweaked the rules on suspending or delisting external auditors.

Based on the BSP’s latest draft circular, which revised the provisions in Circular 1040 (series of 2019), the failure of an external auditor to obtain an accreditation from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is no longer a basis for delist-

ing or suspension.

Further, the draft circular provided that the SEC will no longer be informed of the suspension or delisting of the external auditor.

Suspended external auditors may re-apply for inclusion in the List of

the Selected External Auditors for BSFIs (BSP Supervised Financial Institutions) after the lapse of five years from the date of effectivity of the suspension, the draft circular stated.

The draft circular, however, retained certain provisions. One of these is the notification of the external auditor in writing by the appropriate supervising department of the BSP of the grounds for suspension or delisting from the List of Selected External Auditors for BSFIs.

The delisted external auditor shall also be allowed to submit within 15) calendar days from receipt of such notice an explanation on why he/she

Solon supports increase of DOF budget

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

ASOLON representing one of the country’s poorest provinces called for support to increase the 2025 budget of several attached agencies of the Department of Finance (DOF), which prioritizes digitalization for efficient tax administration and public service. In his sponsorship speech, Sultan Kudarat (2nd district) Rep. Horacio P. Suansing Jr. manifested his support to the increased budget of the DOF and its attached agencies.

The DOF’s P33.75-billion proposed budget for 2025 is 20.8-percent higher than the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) level. This represents 0.5 percent of the government’s total proposed 2025 national budget of P6.352 trillion.

To prioritize workforce development and the digitalization of DOF’s attached agencies, 41.4 percent of its proposed budget is allocated to Personnel Services, 37.9 percent to Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and 20.6 percent to Capital Outlays. Specifically, the Bureau of In-

NG bags ₧30B on strong demand for debt papers

THE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) borrowed P30 billion through the sale of Treasury bonds (T-bonds) amid strong demand in the domestic debt market.

On Tuesday, the auction committee made a full award of the reissued 10-year Treasury bonds with a remaining term of nine years and four months. The auction was 3.2 times oversubscribed as demand for the long-term debt papers reached P96.347 billion, of which P30 billion, as programmed, was accepted by the government.

“The committee’s decision raised the full program of P30.0 billion, bringing the total outstanding volume for the series to P231.9 billion,” the Treasury said. The reissued T-bonds fetched an average rate of 5.967 percent, lower than both its previous reissuance and the prevailing secondary market rate.

In the previous 10-year Tbonds auction two months ago, the average yield settled at 6.212 percent, lower by 0.245 percent.

Compared to the secondary market, the average rate of the reissued T-bonds is better than the 10-year PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates (PHP BVAL) yield of 6.064 percent as of September 17, 2024.

Yields of the reissued 10-year T-bonds ranged from a low of 5.950 percent to a high of 5.974 percent.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the average auction yield eased/improved to amid recent market expectations of a possible larger 0.50-ba-

sis points US Federal Reserve rate cut. Ricafort said there is a 40 percent chance the Fed will reduce interest rates in its rate-setting meeting on September 18, 2024.

The RCBC executive said the Fed Fund Futures priced in -1.20 Fed rate cuts for 2024 (much higher vs. the Fed dot plot of -0.25).

The economist furthered that the global crude oil prices, still among 8-month lows, could support the recent easing inflation trend and justify further Fed and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rate cuts.

BSP Governor and Chairman of the Monetary Board Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the BSP may have entered its easing cycle as additional rate cuts could be on the horizon after the BSP reduced interest rates for the first time in four years. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/08/17/bspeasing-cycle-seen-as-governorremolona-says-another-rate-cutpossible/ ) So far, the government has raised P90 billion out of the P115 billion programmed borrowings from the auction of T-bonds for the month of September.

The state will borrow a total of P2.570 trillion in 2024 and follow a 75:25 borrowing mix, in favor of domestic sources. About P1.923 trillion will be raised locally while P646.084 billion will be borrowed from foreign sources.

Gross domestic borrowings of the government reached P1.484 trillion as of the end of July 2024, 30.69 percent higher than the P1.135 trillion recorded in the same period in 2023. Reine Juvierre Alberto

ternal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Insurance Commission (IC) have a combined amount of P4.2 billion for digitalization, while other agencies are allotted around P600 million.

“Investments in digitalization will significantly enhance taxpayer experience, streamline trade processes, and improve fiscal transparency,” the DOF said in a statement.

Suansing, also the vice-chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, lobbied to increase the budget for the BIR, BOC, Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and the Philippine Tax Academy (PTA).

Faithful reflection THE proposed 2025 budget of the BIR amounting to P17.68 billion is 12.36-percent higher than its current budget of P15.739 billion. The BOC’s proposed budget allocation of P5.66 billion also went up by 18.95 percent from this year’s P4.761 billion.

The BLGF also proposed a higher budget for 2025, pegged at P433.662 million, up by 28.93 percent from the

current P336.354 million. The IC’s proposed budget of P1 billion will be utilized to increase investments in ICT programs and projects, as well as upgrade and modernize its Data Center.

Suansing also called for the replenishment of the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) to support climate adaptation projects of local communities.

The lawmaker asked his colleagues to “strengthen our macroeconomic fundamentals and thereby protect the country’s longterm growth and development prospects…In view of this chamber’s pursuit to undertake productive investments, particularly in our local institutions.”

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the proposed budget of the DOF every year “is always a faithful reflection of our strategic priorities under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas ’ brand of governance.”

They “are part and parcel of a larger effort to improve tax administration efficiency, deliver more responsive public service delivery and provide economic prosperity for the Filipino people,” Recto added.

should not be suspended/delisted, together with the evidence in support of his/her position.

“An external auditor shall only be suspended or delisted after due notice and opportunity to defend/clear himself/herself,” the BSP added.

In 2021, top officials of the country’s financial regulatory bodies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the accreditation or selection of external auditors.

The MOA sought to promote ease of doing business and adhere to internationally-recognized standards in auditing.

The agreement provided the respective roles and responsibilities

The elderly

“The love, care and attention we give to the elderly is a measure of our humanity.”—Unknown

OFTENTIMES referred to as those in the pre-departure area, the elderly is confronted with a lot of challenges ranging from health to financial concerns and more. They are retired and probably “tired,” not as productive as they were in their best years.

A publication by the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia reported that 48 percent of Filipino elderly or old population are in rural areas. Women represent 60 percent of the age group. The gender gap in life expectancy between old women and old men is four years.

Unique in the Philippine culture is the strong family bond. Most of the elderly think that it is the children’s responsibility to take care of aging parents in exchange for their sacrifices for them. Coresidence with their children is the most common arrangement but the elderly are open to the idea of institutional living (eight out of ten said so).

Inevitably, the elderly may be likened to machinery and equipment that have been fully depreciated and may be written off. However, they have had their share in nation building worthy of recognition. Instead of being “scrapped,” they should be cared for and honored for their lasting and invaluable contribution. Like unsung heroes, a number of them continue to be relevant with their advocacies to help others on their own or by linking with nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and local government units. They share their knowledge, experience and at times, resources to improve the lot of their fellowmen.

Several organizations and government agencies in the country focus on aging and longevity issues. Here are some of the key leaders and organizations in this field:

1. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD is a government agency responsible for implementing social welfare programs and services for vulnerable groups, including older adults.

2. National Center for Geriatric Health (NCGH). The NCGH is a specialized hospital that provides medical and rehabilitation services to older adults under the Department of Health.

Tof the Financial Sector Forum (FSF) member-agencies and the Regulatory Board of Accountancy (BOA), under the “one-stop-shop” framework. Further, the MOA provided arrangements on the conduct of the Nationwide Regulator’s Forum which aims to apprise external auditors of the developments in regulatory issuances and internationally recognized standards relevant to the accounting and auditing profession. It also superseded the MOA signed by the FSF member-agencies and the BOA in 2009. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/07/05/ regulators-sign-agreement-managing-external-auditors/)

4. University of the Philippines Manila. The University has a Center for Aging and Geriatric Health, which conducts research and provides education and training on aging and geriatric health issues.

5. Coalition of Services of the Elderly (COSE). The COSE is a nongovernment organization that provides services and support to older adults in the Philippines. They work on health care, social services and senior citizens’ rights.

The COSE recognizes the significant contributions of older persons in society through its annual “Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda” (SUN) / Ten Outstanding Older Persons Awards. It started in 1991 and has been part of the annual Elderly Filipino Week celebration. This is to honor the important contributions of older persons from different sectors such as farmers, fisher folks, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, human rights advocates, environmental advocates and educators. They are ordinary people who, in their own ways have rendered exemplary and notable services to help others and their communities.

To date, there are already 324 unsung older person heroes nationwide who have been honored in the SUN Awards. Next month, as we celebrate the Filipino Elderly Week, tribute will be accorded to the 2024 SUN.

Kudos to the Elderly!

Conchita L. Manabat is the president of the Development

3. Philippine Medical Association (PMA). The PMA is a professional organization of physicians in the Philippines. They have a section dedicated to geriatric medicine, which focuses on the health and well-being of older adults.

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

Finex Free enterPrise

Conchita L. Manabat

How to be kind when you are right

IN any workplace, disagreements are inevitable and there will be times when you will find yourself in the right. Whether it is an ongoing discussion or a judgment call, knowing how to be kind when you are right is essential for maintaining a positive work environment and fostering good relationships with your colleagues. Handling these situations with compassion and tact is a skill that will not only help you relate well but will also enhance team collaboration.

Here are some ways you can balance being right with being compassionate:

Even when you are certain about the correctness of your position, it is important to first acknowledge the other person’s point of view. People often become defensive when they feel unheard or disrespected. By showing that you have listened to their ideas, you create a respectful venue for discussion. For example, by saying, “I see where you are coming from, and you have raised some good points,” you acknowledge their perspective and you set the tone for a more respectful and open dialogue.

Eugenia Last

Being right also does not mean you have to correct someone on the spot. If the situation is heated, wait for a more appropriate time to share your perspective. Confronting someone when emotions are high can lead to unnecessary conflict even if you are right. You need to ask yourself whether the correction or clarification can wait until things have cooled down, or if it can be communicated more privately to avoid embarrassment.

You also need to watch how you say things because no one appreciates a condescending tone. Even if you have been proven right, avoid the temptation to say, “I told you so.” These words can damage your relationship and create a hostile environment for you or your team. Instead, say, “I am glad we figured this out” or “It is great that we are on the same page now.” This shifts the focus from who was right to how you can move forward.

In collaborative work environments, it is helpful to emphasize collective success over individual correctness. When expressing your opinion or

highlighting an error, use “we” language instead of “you” or “I.” This fosters a team mentality and diminishes any sense of superiority. For example, instead of saying, “I was right about this,” try “It looks like we are on the right track now.” This small adjustment in language makes a big difference in how your teams or colleagues perceive you.

Even when you are right, you may not have all the answers. Staying open to learning from the other person’s perspective shows humility. When discussing why your solution or idea is correct, be open to how the other person’s contributions might still enhance the overall outcome. Say something like, “I believe this is the best approach, but I would love to hear if you have any suggestions to make it even better.” This shows that you value collaboration, not just being right. If someone else’s mistake has been discovered, do not dwell on it. Instead, focus on finding a solution.

Shifting the conversation from the error to problemsolving helps maintain a constructive and forwardthinking atmosphere. You could say “Now that we know what went wrong, let us see how we can fix it and prevent it from happening again.” This mindset fosters growth rather than finding blame.

Always remember to practice empathy. Consider

how the other person might feel if they are proven wrong, especially in front of others. Empathy means recognizing their feelings and adjusting your response accordingly. If it is a delicate issue, discuss it privately or offer support rather than criticism. Statements like “I can understand how that could be confusing” or “It is an easy mistake to make” show empathy and soften the blow of being corrected. Sometimes, being right is not the most important thing. Ask yourself if it is worth pushing the issue further. Will proving your point contribute to the team’s success, or is it better to let it slide? Picking your battles is an important part of maintaining workplace harmony. If the issue is minor and will not impact the team significantly, consider letting it go with a smile and move forward.

There may be times when, in your pursuit of being right, you unintentionally hurt someone’s feelings. If this happens, be quick to apologize. It is more important to preserve the relationship than to dwell on the correctness of your position. A sincere “I’m sorry if my response came off too strong. That was not my intention” can go a long way in mending any rift that might have occurred.

Globe wins HR Asia Best Companies to Work For in Asia, PHL chapter

TELECOM giant Globe has been named a winner of the prestigious HR Asia Best Companies to Work For in Asia, The Philippines Chapter (2024), the fourth consecutive year for the company to receive such recognition.

This recognition is a testament to Globe’s unwavering commitment to workplace excellence and reflects the company’s strong focus on employee well-being, offering comprehensive wellness, learning and growth programs that empower its workforce to live their best lives.

The award was presented at a gala dinner held on August 16, 2024, at the Manila

Marriott Hotel. Globe was represented by Renato Jiao, chief human resource officer, and Lynn Atanacio-Cano, vice president of Total Rewards, Center of Excellence.

“This recognition from HR Asia is a validation of our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where innovation thrives, diversity is celebrated, and every employee feels valued,” Jiao said, expressing his pride in the company’s achievement.

Globe’s care extends beyond the workplace, with a steadfast commitment to sustainability and active nation-building initiatives.

Its dedication to these causes is reflected

in unique customer programs that empower Globe employees to give back to the customers and communities they serve. The company is also committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone is embraced. Globe holds trainings on gender and disability sensitivity, and celebrates the individuality of every employee. This way, the company highlights the importance of unity and respect, reinforcing its dedication to a culture that values every individual’s traditions, experiences and preferences. More information is available at www.globe. com.ph.

Someone will try to push you in a direction that is less sound for you than it is for them. Being a follower will infringe on your freedom. Let your intuition guide you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Explore the possibilities and look for an opening that allows you to use your skills and broaden your prospects. A proactive approach to health and well-being will pay off. Handle your financial and medical issues yourself; research will guide you to asking experts the right questions. ★★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Move things around and clear a space to house something you want to pursue. Broaden your horizons, make new connections and expand your awareness. Listen, learn and decipher what’s best for you. Don’t attach yourself to someone else’s dream. Follow your heart. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Set high standards, cover your tracks and keep your plans and intentions to yourself. Don’t allow uncertainty to show or put you in a vulnerable position. Be observant and cautious, and look out for your best interest; you’ll achieve the desired outcome you want and the respect you deserve.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put solid plans in place before deciding to move. Knowing what you want is half the battle. Listen, learn and evaluate instead of following the crowd. Explore what makes you happy and pursue directions that help build confidence and a healthy lifestyle.

is favored. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dig in and continue until you are satisfied with the results. Use your imagination and skills, and you’ll be happy with what transpires. Don’t waste time or energy worrying about things you cannot control. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): An opportunity is only worthwhile if it helps you reach your goal. Don’t sign up for something to please others when you need to put yourself first. Focus on self-improvement, personal growth, and looking and feeling your best. Walk away from anyone asking for too much. ★★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take inventory. Follow your money trail and discover where it’s gone and how to cut your overhead. Don’t let emotions take over or lead you astray. Plan your actions and make the necessary changes, and it will ease stress and push you in a healthy direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to your schedule, routine and lifestyle. How you live and deal with your money, health and relationships will determine what unfolds and how others treat you. Be open to trying something new but do not be foolish regarding what you can afford. Set guidelines and put a budget in place.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pursue your dreams. Your discipline and hard work will pay off, encouraging you to trust and believe in your abilities. Refrain from letting outside influences make choices for you. Change begins with you. Own and control your actions and take responsibility for your happiness. ★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are cautious, timely and detailed. You are imaginative and curious.

GLOBE’S HR team, led by Renato Jiao, chief human resource officer (left), at the 2024 HR Asia Best Companies to Work (Philippines Chapter) awards night.

‘Shogun’ and ‘Hacks’ win top series Emmy Awards, ‘The Bear’ and ‘Baby Reindeer’ take 4 apiece

THE RIGHT ONE

THE actress is now happily married and no longer working but people still remember her for being a free spirit and someone who always did what she wanted. For example, she liked marijuana and smoked it with practical strangers. She also had multiple partners, even when she had a boyfriend. But things changed when she met her husband. He never forbade her from having fun or being with friends. Instead, he encouraged her to have hobbies and other interests outside of showbusiness. So when he asked her to marry him,  the actress said yes because she knew she had found the right one. The man knew of her colorful past and didn’t care what she did before she met him.

LEAKED

THIS online personality had her nudes leaked on the Internet. It’s not clear how it happened but it seemed like at the time, she was selling pictures of herself for high prices. This is why nothing happened to her dream of becoming an actress but she still made a niche for herself online. Unfortunately for her, the nudes that she sold are still circulating, which isn’t fair to her because the sales were made under the condition that they were for the buyers’ eyes only. These days, the online personality is living a quieter life with her showbiz and influencer aspirations on pause. She is still very beautiful and according to rumors, she’s making money for herself as an escort. She also seems happy with her life.

WOMANIZER

IF there’s one thing you should know about this politician, it’s that he loves women. He has always cheated on his wife and has children outside of that marriage. It’s sad that the politician’s cheating has affected his children emotionally and mentally at different points in their life but he seems not to care. By the way, the politician has a second family and a number of mistresses. The thing with the politician is that no one, not even his wife, dares expose how his being a womanizer is affecting his performance as a public servant so he just continues to do what he wants. He is such a womanizer that he even wears a hair piece to look younger and more appealing to women.

SLEAZY

WHO is the actor-politician who pursued a sexy actress? When the actor-politician’s wife found out, she visited the sexy actress and gave her a warning in a not-so-friendly tone. The sexy actress actress was actually very much tempted by the indecent proposal because she badly needs the money, but she’s afraid of becoming a mistress. She also wasn’t sure if the actorpolitician’s interest in her was a fleeting thing as she was/is looking a long- term relationship and not just a fling. After the rejection, the actor-politician tried his luck with a beauty queen-actress but she also rejected him. Back in the day,  the actor-politician was quite the charmer and could have any woman he wanted. Now, he is just old and sleazy.

Continued from B5

Lastly, focus on team success rather than individual achievements. When you are right and things go well, make it a point to share the credit with others. This encourages a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. For example, say “I am glad we all worked together to find the right solution” instead of positioning yourself as the hero of the moment. Being right in the workplace does not mean you need to assert dominance or prove your superiority. The goal is to foster an environment where people feel heard, respected and supported. By balancing being correct with being compassionate, you can navigate workplace issues and challenges with kindness and help your team thrive. It is not about being right—it is about being effective, empathetic and collaborative. n

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES—Shogun had historic wins in an epic 18-Emmy first season, Hacks scored an upset for best comedy on what was still a four-trophy night for The Bear, and Baby Reindeer had a holiday at an Emmy Awards that had some surprising swerves.

Shogun, the FX series about power struggles in feudal Japan, won best drama series, Hiroyuki Sanada won best actor in a drama, and Anna Sawai won best actress. Sanada was the first Japanese actor to win an Emmy. Sawai became the second just moments later.

Shogun taught me when we work together, we can make miracles,” Sanada said in his acceptance speech from the stage of the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Along with 14 Emmys it claimed at the precursor Creative Arts Emmys, it had an unmatched performance with 18 overall for one season. Hacks was the surprise winner of its first best comedy series award, topping The Bear, which most had expected to take it after big wins earlier in the evening.

Jean Smart won her third best actress in a comedy award for the third season of Max’s Hacks, in which her stand-up comic character Deborah Vance tries to make it in late-night TV. Smart has six Emmys overall.

Despite losing out on the night’s biggest comedy prize after winning it for its first season at January’s strike-delayed ceremony, FX’s The Bear star Jeremy Allen White won best actor in a comedy for the second straight year, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach repeated as best supporting actor. And Liza Colón-Zayas was the surprise best supporting actor winner over competition that included Meryl Streep, becoming the first Latina to win in the category.

“To all the Latinas who are looking at me,” she said, her eyes welling with tears. “keep believing, and vote.”

Netflix’s darkly quirky Baby Reindeer won best limited series. Creator and star Richard Gadd won for his lead acting and his writing and Jessica Gunning, who plays his tormentor, won best supporting actress. Accepting the series award, Gadd urged the makers of television to take chances.

“The only constant across any success in television is good storytelling,” he said. “Good storytelling that

THE MiraNila Heritage House & Library presents Strings of Gold: The Manila Symphony Orchestra Returns Triumphant from Europe on October 1, 2024, 6 pm, at The Gallery MiraNila. Last July, the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) received the gold prize in addition to the Grand Prix in the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music in Slovakia. It was their first participation in the festival. Only two companies were awarded the Grand Prix in Bratislava this year, the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria from South Africa for their choir and the MSJO from the Philippines for their orchestra. In the same month, the MSJO journeyed to Mozart’s Vienna and garnered the top prize at the prestigious 2024 Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival, a reprise of their golden win of 2021, besting 140

speaks to our times. So take risks, push boundaries. Explore the uncomfortable. Dare to fail in order to achieve.” Baby Reindeer is based on a one man-stage show in which Gadd describes being sexually abused along with other emotional struggles. Accepting that award, he said, “no matter how bad it gets, it always gets better.”

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Gadd has.

Jodie Foster won her first Emmy to go with her two Oscars when she took best actress in a limited series for True Detective: Night Country.

Foster played a salty police chief investigating a mass killing in the round-the-clock dark of an Alaskan winter on the HBO show. While her castmate Kali Reis missed out on becoming the first Indigenous actor to win an Emmy in the supporting category, Foster praised her and the show’s collaboration with Indigenous contributors.

“The Inupiaq and Inuit people of northern Alaska told us their stories, and they allowed us to listen,” Foster said. “That was just a blessing. It was love, love, love, and when you feel that, something amazing happens.”

Greg Berlanti, a producer and writer on shows including Dawson’s Creek and Everwood, received the Television Academy’s Governors Award for his careerlong contributions to improving LGBTQ visibility on television. He talked about a childhood when there was little such visibility.

“There wasn’t a lot of gay characters on television back then, and I was a closeted gay kid,” Berlanti said. “It’s hard to describe how lonely that was at the time,”

The long decline of traditional broadcast TV at the Emmys continued, with zero wins between the four broadcast networks.

In the monologue that opened the ABC telecast, Dan Levy, who hosted with his father and Schitt’s Creek co-star Eugene Levy, called the Emmys “broadcast TV’s biggest night for honoring movie stars on streaming services.”

Though other than Foster, movie stars didn’t fare too well. Her fellow Oscar winners Streep and Robert Downey Jr. had been among the favorites, but came up empty.

orchestras from 33 countries. The repertoire for the concert will include classical works for strings by Josef Suk, Antonio Vivaldi, and Antonín Dvořák, as well as popular classics by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, Harold Arlen, Ryan Cayabyab, Conrado del Rosario, BINI, and Benny Castillon, among others.

The MSJO is the string orchestra training program of the MSO Foundation. The junior orchestra is composed of the most advanced students of the MSO Music Academy and other qualified students ages 9 to 26 years old.

“Robert Downey Jr. I have a poster of you in my house!” said Lamorne Morris, who beat Downey for best supporting actor in a limited series, said from the stage as he accepted his first Emmy.

The evening managed to meet many expectations but included several swerves like the win for Hacks

“We were really shocked,” Hacks co-creator Jen Statsky, who also won for writing, said after the show. “We were truly, really surprised.”

And Shogun got off to a quiet start, missing on early awards and not getting its first trophy until past the halfway point.

Still, it shattered the record for Emmys for one season previously held by the 2008 limited series John Adams in 2008. And its acting wins would have been hard to imagine before the series became an acclaimed phenomenon.

Sanada is a 63-year-old longtime screen star whose name is little known outside Japan, even if his face is through Hollywood films, like The Last Samurai and John Wick Chapter 4. Sawai, 32, who was born in New Zealand and moved to Japan as a child, is significantly less known in the US She wept when she accepted best actress.

“When you saw me cry on stage, it was probably the 12th time I cried today,” Sawai said backstage. “It was just mixed emotions, wanting everyone to win all that. I may cry again now.”

The Bear would finish second with 11 overall Emmys, including guest acting wins at the Creative Arts ceremony for Jamie Lee Curtis and Jon Bernthal.

The Levys in their opening monologue mocked the show being in the comedy category.

“In honor of The Bear we will be making no jokes,” Eugene Levy said, to laughs.

Elizabeth Debicki took best supporting actress in a drama for playing Princess Diana at the end of her life in the sixth and final season of The Crown

“Playing this part, based on this unparalleled, incredible human being, has been my great privilege,” Debicki said in her acceptance. “It’s been a gift.”

Several awards were presented by themed teams from TV history, including sitcom dads George Lopez, Damon Wayans and Jesse Tyler Ferguson and TV moms Meredith Baxter, Connie Britton, and Susan Kelechi Watson. n

To date, several MSJO members are enrolled in leading music schools in the United States and Europe, such as the Juilliard School in New York, Cleveland State University, the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg. The MSJO is principally supported by Standard Insurance Inc., under its corporate motto “In Pursuit of Excellence.” For the general public, tickets are priced at P1500, with limited seating on a first-come-first-save basis. For inquiries, message Robeen Manalo at 0927-2776335. Pre-concert snacks and post-concert dinners are available at Bizu MiraNila with a 5 percent discount for ticket holders on the day of the concert. Guests are requested to kindly wear soft-soled

Miranila Heritage House & Library presents ‘Strings of Gold’

BDO Capital is PHL’s Project Finance House for the 7th time

BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital) was recognized as the Philippines’ Project Finance House of the Year for the seventh time at The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards 2024. The accolade highlights BDO Capital’s outstanding track record in arranging financing for significant projects in industries such as energy and transportation, which are critical to the country’s economic growth.

In addition to this recognition, BDO Capital received the Renewable Energy Deal of the Year award for its role as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner for SMGP BESS Power Inc.’s (SMGP BESS) PHP 40 billion Syndicated Term Loan Facility. This financing supported SMGP BESS’ Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), one of the largest integrated battery energy storage systems globally. The transaction not only directly financed a sustainable energy source but also indirectly supported the development of other renewable sources, aligning with the Philippines’ goal of generating

35 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

BDO Capital also earned the Transport Deal of the Year award for serving as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner for SMC Mass Rail Transit 7 Inc.’s (MRT-7) P100 billion Syndicated Loan Term Facility. MRT-7 represents the largest-ever peso-denominated syndicated term loan in the Philippines and is a pivotal project under the Marcos administration’s “Build Better, More” infrastructure program, expected to significantly improve mass transportation in the country. “We have always approached

our transactions holistically. We participate in projects that contribute towards nation building which includes job creation, promotion of the well-being of the people and the environment, apart from providing benefits for lenders and borrowers. These recognitions serve as a testament to the team’s dedication in providing innovative financing solutions that deliver exceptional results,” said Eduardo V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital.

The Asset Triple A Sustainable Infrastructure Awards honor financial institutions and notable deals in infrastructure or renewable energy projects that made a significant impact from January 1 to December 31, 2023. The Asset’s board of editors, who serve as judges, employ a rigorous methodology supplemented by client interactions and data analytics from Asset Benchmark Research, the region’s leading organization in evaluating client experience standards in the financial services industry.

Forest Lake builds legacy as premier memorial park developer in the PHL

LBE captivated by the winding road amid the vibrant greenery of Forest Lake Memorial

total revenues in 2023 reached P2.47 billion, surpassing its 2022 revenues of P2.17 billion (signifying a 12 percent increase), driven by a higher demand for memorial lots, the introduction of new parks, improved collection efficiency, increased development investments, and higher interment service revenues.

Sales revenues were bolstered by a 18.2 percent increase, rising from P1.73 billion to P2.04 billion, while interment revenues grew by 11 percent, from P190 million to P210 million. Likewise, net income before tax increased by 15 percent (from P527.8 million in 2022 to P607.2 million in 2023), with an EBITDA increase from P608 million in 2022 to P733.3 million in 2023, driving profitability upwards, from 28 percent to 30 percent. Additionally, the company’s assets saw a 20 percent increase, including a 51 percent rise in cash reserves and a 31 percent increase in sales receivables. Total equity also grew by 18 percent, supported by a 48 percent rise in issued capital stock and a 25 percent increase in unappropriated retained earnings.

“We have our core values to thank for our stature in the industry: Personalized Service, Value Creation, Teamwork, Innovation and Creativity, and Professionalism,” says Alfred Xerez-Burgos III,

and

For almost three decades, Forest Lake has set its “eyes on the prize,” with its mission of “offering accessible and affordable memorial parks and services, managed by a professional team that is dedicated to providing value, innovation, and personalized service.” Meanwhile, its vision is “to build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.”

With these guiding principles, Forest Lake continues to expand its services and meet the evolving needs of its customers. It now offers a comprehensive array of products and services designed to provide a complete memorial experience.

Lawn Lots are available in standard, premium, and special premium options, with prices ranging from P50,000 to P250,000. Estate Lots, designed for aboveground interment, are priced between P720,000 and P3 million per block. Forest Lake also offers a full range of interment and funeral services, including burial setup, funeral arrangements and preparation, all ensuring a seamless experience for memorial lot buyers. Forest Lake’s

Starpay Partners with Pays0 to Enable Digital Payments through QRPH

STARPAY Corporation signed a strategic partnership agreement with digital payment solutions provider Pays0. The agreement will enable Pays0 to leverage Starpay’s payments infrastructure to accept payment seamlessly and digitally from major banks and e-wallets through the QRPH standard.

“We are excited to be enhancing the convenience and security of transactions for both merchants and consumers,” shared Penny Jing, CEO and founder of Pays0. “Partnering with Starpay allows us to elevate our service offerings and deliver a superior payment experience to our clients and their customers. By combining our strengths, we are committed to serving the Philippine market better and paving the way for a more cashless and efficient economy.”

Representatives of both parties shared that the adoption and push for QRPH has been key to the adoption of digital payments in the Philippines, with the

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas most recently announcing that it has exceeded the target of digitalizing 50 percent of retail payments volume by 2023.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Pays0 to bring dynamic payment solutions to the market,” said Ryan Uy, Growth and Marketing Head at Starpay Corporation. “Getting to leverage on Pays0’s strong technology stack aligns with our mission to drive financial inclusion and provide accessible, affordable, and appropriate digital payment solutions for businesses of all sizes.”

The Instapay QRPH P2M service is designed to support the growing demand for contactless payments, offering a secure and reliable solution that meets the needs of today’s consumers. This partnership will empower merchants to receive payments from participating QRPH-enabled banks and institutions through their customers, ultimately driving business growth and economic development.

Hotel101-Fort Opens its Doors to Miss Asia Pacific International 2024

HOTEL101-Fort, the largest hotel in Taguig City in terms of room inventory with 606 HappyRooms, is the Official Residence of Miss Asia Pacific International 2024.

Miss Asia Pacific candidates will stay from September 28 to October 8, 2024 with the coronation to be held on October 7, 2024, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

Through this partnership, Hotel101Fort aims to provide world-class hospitality and accommodation to all Miss Asia Pacific contestants and staff. With the hotel’s HappyRooms equipped with beds from Emma Sleep, along with its modern facilities and amenities, Hotel101-Fort offers comfort and convenience to all guests staying at the property.

“We are happy to partner with Miss Asia Pacific International once again,” shares Hotel101 Group Head of Public Relations Brian Ong. “And it is our privilege to welcome our international candidates to Manila and have Hotel101Fort as their home for this season’s pageant.”

“Libing Anywhere” feature even provides customers the flexibility of using memorial lots at any Forest Lake park nationwide, while the “Libre Burol” feature grants free funeral services with each interment.

In October 2015, Forest Lake Biñan became the first of Forest Lake’s parks to offer chapel services. Currently, chapels are under construction in Iloilo, set for completion this year. These services include body retrieval, preparation, casketing, use of a hearse, and a viewing chapel—all aiming to provide total memorial care. Forest Lake’s parks are designed with convenience and aesthetics in mind, featuring well-manicured lawns, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-inspired gates and guardhouses. Other amenities include well-maintained restrooms, high concrete perimeter and security walls, water sprinkler systems, drainage facilities, street and park lighting, and 24-hour security.

“Our many years of commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction made us the industry leader that we are today,” adds Xerez-Burgos III. “We assure our present and future customers that we will continue this legacy and provide them the highest standard of care.”

As Forest Lake celebrates its stature in the industry, it invites everyone to connect and stay updated through Facebook and Instagram at @forestlakememorialparks.

The Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 pageant is the long-awaited return of the pageant since its last contest held in 2019. This year’s pageant is the 41st iteration of the competition, which was first established in 1965.

Since 2016 to date, the organization has prided itself on inclusivity and women empowerment through its “Beauty in Diversity” campaign. By welcoming married women and mothers, as well as raising the age limit to thirty, Miss Asia Pacific International President Eva Patalinjug-Lim explains that the organization hopes to empower women to become more confident and outspoken.

“We are elated that we have found a longtime partner in Hotel101 as far as championing this advocacy goes. We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to embrace her beauty and strength. Empowerment is about breaking boundaries and celebrating diversity,” shared Patalinjug-Lim.

Hotel101 Group is a subsidiary of DoubleDragon Corporation, which operates Hotel101-Manila and Hotel101Fort, Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo City, and Jinjiang Inn Philippines in Ortigas, Makati, and Boracay. Hotel101 Group has unveiled its direction to begin expanding abroad across various continents, aiming to make Hotel101 the first global Filipino hotel chain.

Download the Hotel101 App via the App Store or Google Play to earn rewards, get the latest deals and promos, and to Stay Happy at Hotel101.

Photo on the left shows the MRT-7 which is expected to significantly enhance urban mobility in the country. Photo on the right shows a BESS facility which is one of the largest integrated battery energy storage systems globally.

IN the photo are, from left, Ryan Joeyson C. Uy, Growth and Marketing Head, Starpay; Penny Jing, CEO and Founder, Pays0; and Jan Adrian Chan, Strategy Head, Starpay.

Editor: Tet Andolong

SMDC offerS awarD-winning projeCtS for afforDable houSing Market

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio

AffordA ble housing units are the most sought after homes in the country today. According to Statista, as of december 2021, the overall affordable housing demand in the Philippines reached 6.7 million units.

Through all the country’s regions, Statista says Region IV-A had the highest low-cost or economy housing needs of about 1.4 million units, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila with about 700,000 units. The private sector and local government units (LGUs) are doing their share to help the national government.

The Sy family-led SM Development Corp.(SMDC) is responding to the call by offering to the local market the Cheerful Homes 2 and the Sunnyvale 2 respectively located in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Sta. Ignacia.

Cheerful Homes 2 was awarded the Best Housing Development (Luzon) and Sunnyvale 2 as Best Affordable Economic Housing Development in the recently concluded 12th Annual PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, presented by Kohler and supported by Boysen Paints and Dongpeng Ceramic.

Jessica Sy, SMDC head of corporate planning and development, explained her thoughts on the victories. “This twin victory for our affordable housing segment embodies SMDC's vision of creating homes that provide comfort, convenience and a sense of belonging. It is a testament to our dedication to building communities where young families can

thrive and grow, without sacrificing quality or affordability. We are honored by this recognition and remain committed to our mission of making dream homes a reality for more Filipinos.”

To advance the green agenda in the affordable segment, Sy says Cheerful Homes 2 promotes a sustainable, low-carbon lifestyle, with its design encouraging residents to pursue an active lifestyle. She says the development offers convenience with a five-minute walk to vast open spaces, parks, a lap pool, and a jogging path, all designed to foster an active lifestyle. Further, it is only a five-minute walk to the Mabalacat-Magalang Road that enables residents convenient access to major transportation networks, including the Clark International Airport.

SPI unveIlS ShAng SummIt

By Roderick L. Abad

HANG Properties Inc. (SPI) an -

Snounced its new residential project called Shang Summit that is set to redefine the Metro Manila skyline.

Located in South Triangle, this is its first residential project in Quezon City, offering a new standard for luxury living that resonates with the market’s diverse lifestyles and needs.

“At Shang Properties, we are true to the brand promise of creating extraordinary living spaces,” said Wolfgang Krueger, executive director of SPI. “Through Shang Summit, SPI reaffirms its commitment to redefining luxury living in the Metro by promising its residents an unmatched living experience and a new way to thrive in a dynamic and sophisticated environment.”

Shang Summit will also be managed by the SPI Property Management team upon turnover, ensuring that the exceptional quality of living is meticulously maintained for its residents.

“There’s something for everyone. Of course, there’s also the grand promise that when we turn over the unit, we want people to live there stress-free. We have our own property management team that caters to them,” said Maria Rochelle S. Diaz, SPI executive vice president for commercial.

A towering statement of elegance SHANG Summit will be an 80-storey haven of tranquility away from the city’s hustle and bustle, yet with convenient access to everything one desires. Its prime location offers residents a rare balance of privacy and convenience within Quezon City. As a self-contained city, it seamlessly integrates diverse elements into a cohesive living experience. The city is a melting pot of commercial districts, prime educational institutions, government offices, and lifestyle offerings, ensuring that residents are never far from the fun and action. Beyond its ideal location, the development is a creative collaboration between SPI and renowned architects and designers P&T Group, FM Architettura and CASAS + Architects Inc. With its East and West towers, Shang Summit will grace the Quezon City skyline as it rises in the city.

The East Tower, which will be the first to rise this 2024, will offer 1,020 elegantly appointed residential units with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the cityscape. It will feature a variety of exquisitely designed spaces, each meticulously crafted to blend classic and modern styles with the finest materials.

Shang Summit’s studio unit, spanning 37 to 39 square meters, will provide an intimate yet spacious living experience with its large window frames

Its proximity to key institutions such as schools, workplaces, and shopping centers ensures that residents are never far from essential services, blending the best of urban and suburban living in one cohesive community.

Championing sustainable living, Cheerful Homes 2 offers a variety of features that include water-efficient plumbing fixtures, natural ventilation and lighting, use of LED lights, and energy-efficient appliances.

Sy points out that thermal management is prioritized with the use of light gray roofing, lighter façade colors, and garden spaces to reduce heat absorption and combat the heat island effect. In addition, 2,880 sq m are dedicated to trees and indigenous plant species, enhancing biodiversity

that showcase spectacular city views and ample natural light.

For those seeking additional room, the one-bedroom units (51 to 70 sqm) feature expansive living room configurations that seamlessly integrate open kitchens, dining areas, and outdoor balconies. The two-bedroom residences (88 to 125 sqm) boast private balconies, luxurious master suites, and ample wardrobe space.

The pinnacle of Shang Summit’s offerings, the three-bedroom units, offers 160 sq m of space and provides a serene retreat with breathtaking views from every angle, blending luxury with tranquility in the heart of the city.

Residents will enjoy world-class indoor and outdoor facilities, including co-working lounges, extensive play areas for children of all ages—from toddlers to teenagers, and a sophisticated lounge area for socializing.

The development will also feature the Shang Summit Gallery, which offers elegant spaces for relaxation and social gatherings, while The Alcove provides quiet, serene environments ideal for work or study. Additionally, a tropical pool with an expansive alfresco deck and a state-of-the-art fitness center by TechnoGym will immerse residents in an elevated concept of relaxed luxury living.

”Shang Properties takes pride in creating residences that are not just beautiful but also timeless,” said Krueger.

“Shang Summit is a testament to this vi -

and further cooling the community. With an affordable price of P2.06 million, Sy says residents will get their money’s worth as they also gain access to amenities that are typically considered luxury, such as a clubhouse, lap pool, and multipurpose courts.

Sunnyvale 2: Creating communities for value-conscious homeowners ACC oRDING to Sy, Sunnyvale 2 offers residents a strategic and convenient lifestyle with easy access to essential services, including commercial establishments, public markets, hospitals, schools, and government

offices. Its prime location ensures that families are well-connected to key services, including nearby police and fire stations, enhancing safety and convenience for all residents.

Sy also points out that Sunnyvale 2 raises the bar in project development by combining affordability with thoughtful design and essential amenities. The development features expandable house designs with dedicated parking spaces, allowing flexibility for growing families and ensuring that homes can adapt to changing needs over time.

She explains Sunnyvale 2 is focused on long-term long-term val -

ues that makes it an ideal choice for young families looking to invest in their future without compromising on quality or comfort. As part of the SMDC group, Sy says Cheerful Homes 2 and Sunnyvale 2 reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities. Known for its philosophy of “affordable luxury,” Sy says SMDC makes high living standards accessible to a broader audience.

“Cheerful Homes 2 and Sunnyvale 2 are no exception, offering residents a quality lifestyle that integrates modern amenities with a sense of community,” Sy says.

sion. It is a space that will be a source of pride and joy for future generations.”

Re SI dent S of Cheerful homes 2 enjoy a 5-minute walk to vast open spaces, parks, a jogging path and a lap pool to foster an active lifestyle.

Re SI dent S enjoy sustainable features that include water-efficient systems, natural ventilation and lighting and use of energy-efficient appliances.

SunnyvA le 2 embodies SmdC’s commitment toward building communities that cater to the ever-evolving needs of modern, value-conscious homeowners.

Yulo gears up for next year’s events

King Carlos plans return to training even as

Mondilla begins title defense as PGT Forest Hills Classic tees off

CLYDE MONDILLA goes for his second win of the season as he defends the title in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Forest Hills Classic teeing off on Wednesday in Antipolo.

Mondilla enters the P2 million 72-hole championship as the man to beat, brimming with confidence after his dominant showing last year. He is seeking a second win after topping the Caliraya Springs Championship in April.

Leading the challengers is four-time Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña, who is coming off victory in the Splendido Taal Championship.

Mondilla starts with Nilo Salahog and Kim Tae Soo on No. 1 of the the par-71, 7105-yard Jack Nicklaus layout. Also eyeing their second wins are Philippine Masters champion Angelo Que and Sean Ramos, who notched his career-first victory at the Lakewood

Championship. During the Philippine Golf Tour break, Que competed on the Asian Tour and Ramos played on the Asian Development Tour. Jhonnel Ababa, winner of the season opener at Apo, is also eyeing the top prize of P350,000.

Meanwhile, 2022 Forest Hills champion Reymon Jaraula, along with Ira Alido, Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron, Keanu Jahns and Dino Villanueva, all have their eyes on the title. A strong international contingent is also in the mix, with players like Ozeki Kakeru, Gwon Minwook, Collin Wheeler, Kim Tae Won, Kim Tae Soo, Hwang Myungchal, and former leg winner Toru Nakajima vying to become the first foreign player to win on the Tour this season.

Among the young guns, Aidric Chan, Kristoffer Arevalo, Ryan Monsalve, Ivan Monsalve, Josh Jorge, and Lanz Uy are looking to make their

mark with a breakthrough victory. Que starts with Alido and Rico Depilo, while Ababa plays with Villanueva and amateur Carl Corpus. Lascuña is grouped with Chan and Jahns. With the event serving as the final leg in Luzon before the Tour moves to the Visayas next month, it adds pressure as players jostle for qualification points for the seasonending PGT Match Play Championship in Laguna this November. Only the top 32 players will qualify for the head-tohead battles.

Armscor Global Defense launches two new firearms fitted for AFP

ARMSCOR Global Defense Inc. (AGDI) has announced the availability of the Rock Island Armory (RIA) Defense to the country’s military industry market.

With the uprising threat in the West Philippine Sea plus the threat of terrorism, AGDI chairman and president Martin Tuason unveiled the automatic rifle RD4P Cobra and the RD1 pistol that are fitted for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and military use.

“These are specifically designed for our law enforcement and our armed forces here in the Philippines with the new threats arising from the West Philippines Sea and other things that might occur in the future,” Tuason told BusinessMirror on Tuesday during product launch in their Marikina plant.

The RD1 pistol has a lightweight and durable aluminum frame, available for 9mm ammunition and convertible to armor-piercing 9x19 MM

piercing 22 TCM ammunition. The RD4P, on the other hand, is a short-stroke gas piston-operated assault rifle.

Once the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDPP) Senate bill 2113 authored by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri becomes law, the procurement of weapons for the military will become easy and affordable as the country could make its own research to develop its own weaponry, according to Tuason.

“We know the Philippine military has a limited budget so we can provide them the very best possible project product offer for them in the pistol and rifle side which are locally made providing Filipino jobs,” Tuason added.

Daniel Tuason, AGDI Vice President for Business Development and Brand Manager for Rock Island Armory Defense (RIA Defense), shared the same sentiments after hearing the recommendations of the military and local enforcement.

“Procurement in this country is heavily influenced by what, foreign suppliers, which compels Filipino end-users to adapt to products that are not suited to their requirements,” Daniel Tuason explained, noting that most guns are intended for foreign end-users.

“Instead of the product responding to the needs of the end-user, it is the other way around with the end-user adjusting to the product. Our uniformed personnel have a tough time and sometimes do not have the right equipment for their environment, and this made us realize that it needed our attention.”

Most of the foreign products, he said, do not fit the needs of the military or law enforcement when it comes to certain concerns such as the Filipino physique, tropical environment, varying threat levels, budget constraints and foreign trade restrictions.

By Josef T. Ramos

HARMIE CONSTANTINO looks to regain her winning form, while teen pro Jiwon Lee seeks to again upend the veterans when the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour resumes on Wednesday with the P1 million ICTSI Forest Hills Classic in Antipolo. Constantino’s streak of victories at Rancho Palos Verdes, Caliraya Springs and the Ladies Philippine Masters at Villamor was halted by then amateur Lee’s stunning triumph at the Lakewood Championship.

Josef T. Ramos

Lee then turned pro and ruled the rainy Splendido Taal Championship at 16 and now eyes a follow-up win.

Mikha Fortuna is also among the players to watch.

After a tight loss at Splendido, the reigning Match Play champion is hungry for redemption.

Aside from Constantino and Fortuna, the field is stacked with former LPGT champions and rising stars eager to foil Lee in the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.

Mafy Singson, Sarah Ababa, Florence Bisera, Laurea Duque, Velinda Castil, Rev Alcantara, Pamela Mariano, Miya Legaspi, Kayla Nocum and Seoyun Kim are all in the mix, adding further depth to the competition.

Each of these players has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season and could easily emerge as a dark horse in the race for the championship.

ORDER of Merit leader Harmie Constantino looks to get back on the winning track. ROY DOMINGO

Sadorra

downs another Super GM but PHL team slips as Armenia asserts supremacy

THE Philippines missed out on a potential upset in a showdown with world champion Armenia, 2.5-1.5, and crashed out of the top 10 after Monday’s sixth round of the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad at the BOK Sports Hall in Budapest.

The Filipinos appeared headed to adding another scalp into their growing collection when Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorrra caught his second super GM in Haik Martirosyan on board one with the rest of the lower boards—Daniel Quizon, Paulo Bersamina and John Paul Gomez—all fighting for draws.

Quizon, however, fell to Super GM Shant Sargsyan and Gomez bowed to another Super GM in Robert Hovhannisyan.

Bersamina couldn’t find anything from his one pawn edge and settled for a draw with super GM Gabriel Sargissian that sealed the Filipinos’ fate.

From a share of No. 7, the Filipino woodpushers, bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission

rosy all-time best of 25

through chair Richard Bachmann and commissioner Ed Hayco and backed by NCFP chief Butch Pichay, stumbled to a share of No. 21 with eight match points.

The silver lining was Sadorra’s masterful win over Martirosyan as the University of Texas in Dallas coach brilliantly won a piece in a tight positional skirmish.

Martirosyan was Sadorra’s second super GM victim after the latter stunned Vladimir Fedoseev in a 2-5-1.5 upset of Slovenia the day before.

The Filipinas, for their part, sprang back to life following a 3-1 destruction of Bolivia with Shania Mae Mendoza, Janelle Mae Frayna and Jan Jodilyn Fronda delivering the victories. The lone casualty was Bernadette Galas, who lost to Jessica Molina on board four.

The triumph shoved the team, mentored by GMs Jayson Gonzales and Eugene Torre with Atty. Ruel Canobas as delegation head, back in the thick of things as it shared No. 22 with a big group of eight pointers.

“Words can’t describe how I feel,” said Lassiter of his

of emotions

just overwhelmed with a

Lassiter’s

rout of Ginebra as the 49-point win was the biggest ever achieved by the Beermen, easing them to the quarters with a 6-2, win-loss card.

It was also a horrific outcome that the Gin Kings, waving a 4-0, win-loss run before the game to be at 5-3 now, should immediately incinerate to banish its stench forever.

Gosh, the losing margin was the largest ever in Ginebra’s franchise history, which is a big blot to Coach Tim Cone’s

STAFF of a Chinese restaurant in a Parañaque City Hotel have a field day with Carlos Yulo during one of the double Olympic champion’s engagements last week.

Editor: Francine Medina

PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 sparkles with the most successful, most compelling ads

The country’s biggest and one of the pioneer associations of advertisers gives recognition to the year’s most effective brand campaigns.

By Francine Medina

ON its 15th year, the recently concluded PANATA Awards shone with the year’s best advertising campaigns that went beyond asserting their brand’s market presence and impact, but also showed the power o f community and purpose.

CRYSTAL-CLEAR WINNERS. PANA board members and officers lead the toast to honor long-time partners.

PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 sparkles with the most successful, most compelling ads

PANATA Marketing Effectiveness Awards. The rebranding underscored the synergy between branding and advertising initiatives that struck a balance between quantifiable marketing effectiveness and elevating the practice to global standards.

The Crystal anniversary celebration also cemented PANA's pivotal role in Philippine advertisng and marketing history especially since it has come a long way from its humble beginnings on January 30, 1958 when a gathering of representatives from 42 companies nominated an 11-member Board of Directors.

In his speech, PANATA Chairperson Marc San Juan remarked, "As we celebrate our 15th or crystal year, we draw inspiration from its qualities reflective of what the PANATA Award stands for. Very much like

crystals brands need to take a multifaceted approach reflecting on what it has done in the past while refracting insights into innovative and effective solutions.

"Adaptability, resilience, innovation, and uniqueness are how brands become effective and stand out that will help illuminate their brilliance to capture and engage their audiences." San Juan was also joined by PANA board of directors and officers led by PANA president Mick Atienza.

Beyond numbers and creativity, it's the journey IN a post-Covid 19 landscape, the list of this year's awardees include top winner McDonald's for its "Ride the Arches" campaign where its nationwide stores promote inclusivity and advocacy especially for cyclists through friendly services such as

its "Ride-thru" windows that are no longer just for four-wheeled vehicles but for bikes as well, a parking area for bikes, bike and dine areas, e-charging stations, and repair areas in about 100 destinations.

Nescafé's “Kapit Bisig sa Pagbangon,” meanwhile, brings awareness to Filipino coffee farmers and the quest to keep the local production alive in the country in the midst of challenges such as climate change and lack of access to modern facilities and better technology. Nescafé likewise aims to raise P10 million as educational fund for the nextgeneration coffee farmers.

Coca-Cola's “Christmas Caravan 2023,” meanwhile, brought its festive all-red track to the BGC community and brought cheer to Filipino families through a marching band and games. It

played up the famous Christmas spirit among Filipinos, which highlights love of family and celebrating togetherness during the holiday season.

Fresh takeaways

A Harvard Business Review (HBW, 2021) story titled, "10 Truths about Marketing After the Pandemic" pointed out how effective marketing has changed after the health and economic shock. People have become more mindful of what they consume or buy. Customer journey has become an important factor in decision-making.

The article cited the importance of customer engagement: "Beyond geography, we have learned marketing messages need to be personally relevant, aligned to an individual’s situation and values, as opposed to demographics,

such as age and gender. Creating a personal, human connection within any commercial message requires defining consumer segments that describe people according to multiple dimensions that influence their purchasing behavior — from their psychographics to attitudinal characteristics."

Buzz phrases such as "customer journey" and "hyperpersonalization," based on data are not just confined during the initial engagement between the brand and consumer. Now, the repost says, relationships are not just essential but it's "everything."

HBR continues, "But Covid-19 has placed a new emphasis on relationships, particularly in B2B sales. Faced with a virtual sales environment, teams with existing relationships have been able to maintain revenue momentum, capitalizing on the strength of their prior bonds. In contrast, prospecting for new customers has required an evolved set of skills focused on selling solutions, not products." As the winning PANATA campaigns have shown, truth in advertising is still critical in messaging the value of products and services. But post-pandemic, the scope has become bigger with more social values involved. This time, the champions of PANATA Awards have also shown that sales is not just all numbers but also about the human heart and soul of the Filipino nation. After the PANATA Awards and in pursuit of excellence, PANA continues its learning programs with partners such as the Asian Institute of Management, FranklinCovey, Certified Digital Marketer, and Synergy, among others.

GRAND PANATA AWARDEE. McDonald’s Philippines

MEDIA AGENCY OF TH E YEAR. Intersections Communications Inc. / Praxis Experiential

ROOKIE BRAND BUILDER OF THE YEAR.. Denise Barrameda of McDonald's Philippines

MEDIA NETWORK OF THE YEAR. Meta

PANATA AWARDS 2024

McDonald’s Philippines Takes the Spotlight with the “Ride the Arches” Campaign at PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024

HE PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards

T2024 marked a milestone with its crystal anniversary, a night where the industry’s most impactful campaigns were honored and celebrated. While McDonald’s Philippines made headlines with their “Ride the Arches” initiative, the evening was filled with standout achievements from a variety of brands that have reshaped the marketing landscape.

The “Ride the Arches” campaign transforms McDonald’s stores into cyclist-friendly hubs, inviting riders to embark on a unique journey from one golden arch to another. More than just an innovative marketing campaign, it encouraged an active lifestyle while promoting environmental awareness. A concept like this could only come from a brand who truly understands and is deeply immersed in the passions of their consumers!

This campaign didn’t just win hearts—it swept the awards, taking home a total of five accolades, including Gold in Marketing Communication Channel – Single Medium BTL, Gold in Customer Experience, Bronze in Disruptive Innovation. Adding to this already impressive haul, their “Night Classroom” campaign also secured a Gold in the Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust category.

The team behind “Ride the Arches” composed of the seasoned Meryl Adiel Hernandez, Cathleen Denise Barrameda, Gita Manuel, Jann Caitlin Jao, and Isabel Christina Leyeza was also awarded the Brand Team of the Year. Moreover,

the Corporate Communications Manager Denise Barrameda was rightfully honored as the Rookie Brand Builder of the Year. Thanks to their collective efforts in driving these groundbreaking campaigns which undoubtedly broke norms in brand engagement.

Beyond McDonald’s success, the event was also a testament to the power of creativity and strategic execution, showcasing how brands like Nestlé Philippines, Coca-Cola, FWD Life Insurance, and Smart Communications have leveraged their platforms to create meaningful connections with consumers.

Nestlé Philippines’ Nescafe campaign “Kape’t Bisig sa Pagbangon” was one of the shining stars of the evening, securing a Gold in the Effective Use of Marketing Channel – Integrated and in Customer Experience category. This campaign highlighted how a legacy brand can continue to innovate, connecting with a new generation of coffee lovers while staying true to its roots.

Coca-Cola’s “Coke Christmas 2023” also made a splash, with its integrated campaign that blended tradition with modernity, earning it a coveted Gold in the Customer Experience Category FWD Life Insurance, known for its innovative approach in the financial sector, was another highlight. Their campaign “FWD: The Gamer Insurance” not only won Gold in the Effective Use of Marketing Channel – Integrated category but also set a new standard for how insurance

can be marketed to resonate with younger, tech-savvy consumers. This win emphasizes the brand’s commitment to pushing the envelope in a traditionally conservative industry. Smart Communications took home the Gold in the Effective Use of Marketing Channel –Single Medium – Out-of-Home category, show-

casing their expertise in capturing the attention of on-the-go audiences. Their campaign “FIBA World Cup 2023: Smart Ball of Asia” cleverly utilized outdoor advertising to engage consumers in a way that was both impactful and memorable, reinforcing Smart’s position as a leader in innovative communications.

In the Brand Effectiveness through Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust category, SM Supermalls emerged as one of the 2 Gold winners. SM Supermalls’ ‘Rainwater Project” campaign was praised for its innovative approach to reducing environmental impact while enhancing the shopping experience. Watson’s Philippines’ “Watson’s Playlist: The Feel Great Concert”, and the Bank of the Philippine Islands’ “May BPI Dito” were among the brands celebrated for their exceptional Customer Experience campaigns. These brands have mastered the art of understanding and enhancing the customer journey, creating seamless and engaging interactions that resonate deeply

PANATA Chairperson Marc San Juan:

‘Award for advertisers by advertisers’

THIS year’s PANATA Awards Night illuminates indeed as it truly walks its talk on brand effectiveness—showing that integrity, clarity, purpose, and harnessing the power of community are indeed part of the cornerstones of making a positive impact in the industry.

PANATA Chairperson Marc San Juan, has been at the helm of the prestigious awards for three years now, shares the stringent process that goes through the selection of annual winners.

For this year, we have already included Brand Effectiveness to the name of the awards. Aligned to our commitment to highlight

and celebrate campaigns based on their direct impact to the brands and advertisers. The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards will continue to adapt and innovate ensuring that we remain relevant and progressive in the coming years, he mentioned during the awards night. It takes an entire village of distinguished jury members who were given the task to review and evaluate all the campaigns, and eventually select the winners. Likewise, PANATA wouldn't have happened without the full support of The PANA Board of Directors, PANA President, Mick Atienza, PANAF Board of Trustees, and the PANA Secretariat led by Executive Direc-

tor Bobby Simborio and Project Director, Aileen Lucero.

The future continues to look bright for the country's foremost industry awards on advertising. In San Juan's words, here's what made the PANATA truly an evening of champions. Entriest to the 2025 PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards will open in May, meanwhile, the indefatigable chairman and PANA board member quipped: "And to the next PANATA chair… may you bring PANATA to greater heights. Maximize its full potential. And if you need my help and assistance, it will be my pleasure to help PANA."

Business Mirror: What makes the awards stand out this year from previous years?

Marc San Juan: Aside from celebrating our 15th Year, we have renamed the awards to PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards to really emphasize the what differentiates it from other industry-led awards. Beyond just creativity, it emphasizes effectivity in terms of business and numbers.

Why does the awards remain relevant in the industry?

Marc San Juan: It is the only award that is given by the advertisers for advertisers, a recognition amongst brand builders. That is why the awards includes Team of the Year that recognizes the teams within the brands that lead and are instrumental that campaigns come into fruition.

What makes receiving an award from PANA important to a company or organization?

Marc San Juan: As I mentioned, it is the awards for advertisers by advertisers, it’s a recognition of the campaigns and activations that their brand has worked hard for and that highlights the effectiveness in bringing growth to the-ir business. Message to members and 2024 winners.

Marc San Juan: To all the PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards winners, congratulations!

AMONG COLLEAGUES. 'It is the only award that is given by the advertisers for advertisers, a recognition amongst brand builders,' says PANATA Chairperson Marc San Juan. Photo courtesy of PANA.