BusinessMirror August 24, 2023

Work begins on P4.1-T infra flagship projects

THE government has already started the construction of 71 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) with an estimated cost of P4.1 trillion, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Neda made the announcement at its board meeting led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday.

The three new projects included on the list of ongoing IFPs are the Metro Cebu Expressway, the Nautical Highway Network Improvement and the Daang Maharlika Improvement projects.

“ The Department of Public Works and Highways is implementing these connectivity and transportation infrastructure projects which aim to provide— or to improve connectivity across

the country,” Neda Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

He noted there are currently 123 other IFPs, which have yet to start construction.

Of these, 27 have been approved for implementation, 8 are awaiting government approval, 52 are in the project preparation phase while 36 are under the preproject preparation phase as of July 2023.

Balisacan said the implementation of the projects will help the government in generating more high-quality jobs.

“By ensuring the efficient implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects, the Marcos administration aims to get the job done, to enhance connectivity, reduce the cost of doing business,

promote the creation of high quality jobs and ultimately reduce poverty sustainably to improve the lives of every Filipino,” he added.

Guidelines

THE Neda Board also confirmed the revised guidelines for the formulation, prioritization and monitoring of the government’s IFPs.

The guidelines covered infrastructure projects, which are approved by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) and confirmed by the Neda Board, but are not in the current IFP.

Under the new guidelines, the following three projects will now be included on the list of IFPs: Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX Extension Project, the Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-up and the Upgrade

Expansion, Operation and Maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport Project in Misamis Oriental.

These projects will be prioritized in the government’s annual budget preparation and will benefit from the expedited issuance of application permits and licenses in accordance with current legal frameworks,” Balisacan said.

During its latest meeting, the Neda Board also approved the request for change in cost, scope and implementation timeline of the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan de Oro River and the P72.5 Official Development Assistance (ODA) grant from China for the procurement of 6 fire trucks to be deployed to Marawi City.

Samuel P. Medenilla

By Samuel P. Medenilla

In a press briefing in Malacañang, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, who is Neda director general, laid out the conditions for the government to meet the “lower end” of its 6- to 7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) goal this year.

He noted it will involve stabilizing inflation amid rising fuel and rice prices.

“ Well, the downside risk [for our GDP growth target] is the inflation, especially that the oil prices are picking up again, the global oil prices; the staples like rice in the global market, prices are also…they are also, you know, rising,” Balisacan said.

Transport groups are now demanding for a P2 fare hike after oil companies hiked the prices of gasoline by P1.10 per liter and P0.20 per liter for diesel.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported the price for rice in Metro Manila now ranges between P43 and P65.

The Palace earlier said the government is trying to cushion the impact of higher prices on consumers through fuel subsidies, as well as increasing farm production and rice importation.

Higher spending

ANOTHER condition for achieving their GDP target, he said, is addressing government underspending during the second half of the year when the election ban for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls takes effect.

The ban will cover social welfare projects and barangay-funded roads and bridges will kick in from September to October.

“ We have identified the sources of the [spending] slowdown and we think that we can speed up the implementation of projects and programs to benefit

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By Andrea E. San Juan

THE separate customs territory (SCT) treatment for economic zones, which makes locatorregistered business enterprises (RBEs) VAT-exempt entities by virtue of the cross-border doctrine (CBD) and destination principle in taxation, shall still apply despite conflict between the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) law and a memorandum circular of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Director General Tereso O. Panga of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) made this clear, as he pointed out that the SCT status is a “unique selling point of ecozones to investors.”

As to whether or not the separate customs terri-

By Cai U. Ordinario

THE Department of Finance (DOF) believes that any reforms made on the pension system for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) should address the budgetary implications stemming from the indexation and absence of personnel contributions.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno agreed with the indexation for current pensioners to ensure the non-diminution of their benefits. The pension benefits will be reviewed annually for a possible increase of up to 1.5 percent every year.

For the active personnel and new entrants, their future pension will be adjusted according to economic conditions and financial viability of the proposed pension fund.

The pensioners and the active personnel have different needs. It is therefore necessary to ensure

tory (SCT) status vested in the ecozones has been rendered ineffectual by the CREATE IRR and BIR RMCs, the [Office of the Solicitor General] OSG has sustained Peza’s position that the SCT treatment for the ecozones—which makes the locator RBEs VAT-exempt entities by virtue of the crossborder doctrine and destination principle in taxation— are still applicable despite the conflicting provisions of the CREATE IRR and BIR RMC 242022,” Panga said in his social media post.

The PEZA chief noted that the [Office of the Government Corporate Counsel] OGCC also rendered the same opinion in favor of Clark Freeport’s locator companies.

With this, Panga said, “It is clear that the SCT accorded to the ecozones as originally contained in the PEZA law

that the pension and wages have different bases for adjustment. Removing automatic indexation of pension to the current wages gives us flexibility to respond to the unique needs of the pensioners and the active personnel,” Diokno explained in a statement.

Diokno reiterated the economic team’s proposals on the MUP pension reform system which included a mandatory 5-percent contribution of active personnel on year 1 to 3; 7 percent on year 4 to 6; and 9 percent starting year 7 onward, while new entrants will immediately contribute 9 percent. The contributions are based on the personnel’s monthly base and longevity pay.

The proposal says that government counterpart contributions should meet the 21 percent total pension premium and there must be a removal of indexation for active personnel and new entrants.

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‘MUP

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) on Wednesday said a 6-percent economic growth target this year remains achievable, but it will be no easy task, and the first order of the day is fighting inflation.

6% Growth

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the economy for the second half of the year,” Balisacan said.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said underspending agencies have already created their catch-up plans to boost their fund uses in the second half of the year.

Th e Neda chief made the statement after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a report that the government is likely to miss its 6 to 7 percent GDP growth targets from 2023 to 2025 due to prevailing global economic conditions, which includes high crude oil prices.

Not the right time

WITH the high food prices, Balisacan currently supports maintaining the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate for essential commodities under Executive Order No. 10.

He is referring to the reduced MFN tariff rates for meat of swine (fresh, chilled or frozen) at 15 percent (in-quota), 25 percent (outquota); corn at 5 percent (in-quota) and 15 percent (out-quota); rice at 35 percent; and zero duty for coal.

The rates will expire by December.

I would think that when it comes to now lifting those low tariffs for those essential commodities, my position is, probably not the right time,” Balisacan said.

But he noted his position on the matter may change depending on the economic conditions in the coming months.

Judiciary asks for return of P6.7B from P14.1B cut from its budget

By Joel R. San Juan

THE judiciary on Wednesday sought the reconsideration of P6.7 billion out of the P14.12-billion funds slashed from its P71.91-billion proposed budget for 2024.

At a budget briefing conducted by the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, Court Administrator Raul Villanueva told the committee that bulk of the excluded budget was supposed to be allotted for the Supreme Court and the lower courts, amounting to P12.20 billion.

“Out of this P14.12 billion, we are asking for reconsideration of the total amount of P6.7 billion or about 48 percent out of the total excluded budget for 2024,” Court Administrator Raul Villanueva told the committee.

Out of the P6.7 billion being sought for reconsideration, P4.77 billion will be allotted for reclassification of positions in the lower courts, hazard pay for lower court judges, creation of new positions in the Office of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices, filling of posi-

tions in 46 salas of family courts and creation of new positions in the Judiciary Integrity Board .

A s of June 30, 2023, a total of 9,804 positions in the lower courts remain unfilled.

The Court Administrator noted that out of the P57.79 billion allotted for the judiciary under the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP), no fund was set aside for the hazard pay of lower court judges.

Likewise, we’re asking for funding for the hazard pay for our lower court judges. For the past several years such item has been budgeted, but unfortunately for 2024 no amount was included,” Villanueva said.

The judiciary is seeking P221.8 million for lower court judges’ hazard pay.

Villanueva also said P1.19 billion of the P6.7 billion will go to

the Court of Appeals (CA) to pay for employees salaries, various allowances, incentives, bonuses, cash gifts, filling-up of positions and other benefits; P448 million will go to Sandiganbayan for the creation of new positions, personnel benefits, upgrading and reclassification of positions, hazard pay and Philhealth contributions; P287.87 million will go to the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) for filling , reclassification and creation of positions and other benefits.

He said the additional budget is needed by the judiciary for the fulfillment of Republic Act 11691, the law creating the Judiciary Marshals Office (JMO).

Senators recall Toots Ople as tireless advocate

THE Senate unanimously adopted Resolution No. 747 Wednesday expressing the chamber’s condolences on the passing of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Maria Susana “Toots” Ople, whom they recalled as a tireless advocate for migrant workers’ rights, among others, both in her work in and out of government.

Before the unanimous vote was taken, Senate President Zubiri recalled that Secretary Ople, the youngest of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet appointees, received the “fastest” confirmation process from the Commission on Appointments last year when Malacanang Palace submitted her nomination as first secretary of the then newly set up DMW.

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(including Clark and Subic Freeport authorities, et al) and retained in the CREATE law did not render inoperative the CBD for VAT purposes.”

Panga said since it is only the CREATE IRR and BIR RMC provisions that made such a ruling, the same are “inconsistent” with the CREATE.

Section 293(F) of the CREATE law states that Freeport zones “refer to an isolated and policed area adjacent to a port of entry, which shall be operated and managed as a separate customs territory to ensure free flow or movement of goods…”

By virtue of the SCT vested in the ecozones, Panga said, “no VAT will apply particularly on eligible goods/services purchased by export-oriented RBEs from the local market including those imported from abroad and brought/ consumed inside the ecozones.”

Since the SCT provision was retained in the CREATE, the CBD and destination principle in taxation are no doubt valid and enforceable for qualified transactions of ecozone RBEs,” the Peza chief also noted.

In relation to Panga upholding the SCT provision the PEZA law which was retained in the CREATE law, he emphasized that “recognizing the ecozones as SCTs is most crucial to PEZA’s attraction and facilitation of investments.”

In particular, he said, the cross border doctrine and destination

Villanueva said under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DBM allocated only P50 million for the JMO.

Villanueva said around P200 million may be needed to establish the JMO and hire more than 1,000 employees to discharge its mandate.

We don’t have the exact figure but may we ask for an increase of P200 million instead of P50 million,” he said.

At present, Villanueva said they are still finalizing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the marshals’ law for the structure of the Office to be created and its personnel.

CHIEF

A mong those who delivered impassioned speeches as they cosponsored Senate Resolution 747 was Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who said he drew heavily from Ople’s knowledge in human trafficking, illegal recruitment and migrant workers’ rights when he championed the then-controversial bill setting up the DMW.

The resolution cosponsor, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, said Ople “recognized the challenges they [OFWs] faced and established the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute,” a non-profit that helps OFWs who have been victims of exploitation, abuse, discrimination, or human trafficking.

No less than the United States government recognized her unwavering and persistent efforts by awarding her the 2013 Global Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero award, making her the only Asian recipient that year,” Estrada recalled.

As all senators subsequently signed up as co-sponsors of Resolution 747, Zubiri announced they will deliver the Resolution to the Ople family at the Heritage Park in Taguig after a mass on Thursday, conveying the senators profound sympathy and sincerest condolences on Secretary Ople’s demise. Butch Fernandez

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Diokno expressed his concerns on proposals to continue with indexation. Allowing indexation to continue will be unsustainable, which, coupled with guaranteed increases, will further expand the deficit.

principle in taxation are applied to locators’ transactions/movement of goods owing to the SCT status of ecozones.

A s a result, the Peza chief said locators get to enjoy additional incentives on top of their income tax holiday and special tax rates such as tax and duty-free importation, zero-VAT rating on local purchases, and VAT exemption on interzone sales/constructive exportations.

“Given the freeport status accorded to ecozones, locators are able to avail of Peza electronic import/export permits and joint Peza-BOC automated systems on customs clearing (i.e., super green lane treatment for ecozone shipments),” Panga said.

Th is “long-standing” rule on SCT placing the ecozone under the investment promotion agencies’ (IPAs) supervision and the grant of zero VAT-rating and VAT exemption incentives have been the “selling point” of Peza and other free port authorities in attracting investors to locate in their ecozones, he added.

“ We see the same best practice across ecozones/freeports worldwide including our competitors in Asean, which allow for goods introduced into said areas as deemed tax- and duty-free. As such, any attempt to remove these unique incentives and features of the ecozones will surely impact on Peza as an investment promotion agency and the country's competitiveness as an investment destination,” Panga stressed.

Citing data from the Department of Budget and Management, DOF said a guaranteed 3-percent annual salary increase for 10 years with full indexation of pension benefits will require P11.8 billion in 2024; P24.5 billion in 2025; P38.1 billion in 2026; and up to P165 billion in 2033.

Without new revenues, DOF said, the National Government will be forced to borrow to finance these increases in benefits.

“ It will not qualify as a reform if indexation will continue and the active members will not contribute. We have to reduce the fiscal impact of the MUP’s pension program and the contribution of active members will greatly help in managing that,” Diokno said.

From 2018, pension commitments have consistently exceeded the budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), and capital outlay (CO) of the military and uniformed services. This predicament weakened the ability of the government to effectively meet the needs for military modernization, according to the Finance Secretary.

A side from the termination of indexation and mandatory contribution of active personnel and new entrants, the economic team also proposes to standardize the benefits of MUPs to include maximum regular pension of 90 percent of base and longevity pay, separation pay, and similar benefits under optional retirement which the pensioners will receive immediately upon retirement. All new entrants in the uniformed services shall also be retired at actual rank.

ECOZONE RBEs STILL ENJOY SCT STATUS, SAYS PEZA

PANGA: “We see the same best practice across ecozones/freeports worldwide including our competitors in Asean, which allow for goods introduced into said areas as deemed tax- and duty-free.”

Manila, New Delhi reaffirm vow for rules-based order

THE Philippines and India have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific Region.

This took place following the courtesy call of India Ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Santha Kumaran, to Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. last August 17.

“During the call, Secretary Teodoro and Ambassador Kumaran reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and strengthening relations with like-minded countries in the region,” DND spokesperson Arsenio “Popong” Andolong said in a statement released on Tuesday night.

In the meeting, Kumaran also said that India recognizes the Philippines’ emerging role in shaping the regional security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

“The Ambassador further conveyed India’s support for Asean centrality and all Asean platforms, particularly the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting [ADMM] and ADMM-Plus,” the DND spokesperson noted.

Both officials agreed to elevate the level of their dialogue mechanisms in view of increasing and deepening defense and military engagements.

“Secretary Teodoro reiterated the invitation to meet with India’s Minister of Defence, which may also be conducted through virtual means,” Andolong pointed out.

Also, Kumnaran encouraged strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism, cyber security, maritime security, and other specialized training programs that could enhance capabilities of the military establishments of the two nations in addressing common defense and security challenges.

“On acquisition and defense industry cooperation, Secretary Teodoro highlighted the importance of deepening collaboration among defense industries of both countries as the Philippines is currently in the phase of developing a credible defense posture,” Andolong said.

Kumaran welcomed this initiative and further conveyed India’s willingness to support, through line of funding or

AFP: Resupply mission underscores PHL’s resolve to assert sovereignty

By Rex Anthony Naval

credits, the development of the Philippines’s defense infrastructure, including extensive maintenance support for various projects and transfer of technology.

“Ambassador Kumaran also reassured the timely delivery of the Shore-Based AntiShip Missile System [SBASM], which is being procured by the Philippines from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd under the Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines [AFP] Modernization Program,” Andolong noted.

DND saddened by Ople’s passing AS this developed, Teodoro expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)

Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople who passed away last Tuesday at the age of 61.

“On behalf of the men and women of the DND, as well as my family, I convey my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues, friends and constituents of my beloved friend, Secretary Susan “Toots” Vasquez Ople, who passed away today, August 22, 2023,” he added.

Teodoro also said Ople’s appointment as the very first secretary of the DMW was a huge blessing to the nation.

“Her reputation of unblemished integrity, impassioned service for the country, and genuine affection for our fellow Filipinos, especially the underprivileged and vulnerable members of the migrant sector, was beyond reproach,” he added.

“We witnessed how Secretary Ople utilized her energy and intellect to tirelessly protect and advance the interests of our ‘modern heroes,’ the overseas Filipino workers,” Teodoro said.

The DND chief said Ople’s demise leaves a profound sense of loss and a huge vacuum in public service that is tough to fill.

“In honor of her service that was marked by genuine passion and total dedication, the DND vows to continue assisting the DMW vigorously, not only in repatriation efforts, but in all other ways we can be of service, when the need arises,” Teodoro noted. Rex Anthony Naval

Justice and public service: A Boholano’s quest

By Mel M. Unso

IT all seemed as if everything was lost, and that months and months of preparation, expense and toil was all for nothing.

Roberto Uy, Jr., who ran for Representative of the First Congressional District of Zamboanga del Norte, was leading by a very slim margin against his rival, Romeo Jalosjos Jr. in the May 2022 national and local elections. A decision by the Commission of Elections (Comelec) to add the votes garnered by another Jalosjos running for the same position wiped out that lead, prompting the Provincial Board of Canvassers to declare Jalosjos Jr. as the winning candidate.

Fortunately for candidate Uy, a legal luminary from Bohol came to his rescue, and promised to make the voices of the electorate of the First District of Zamboanga del Norte be heard.

Atty. Jordan M. Pizarras of the Manilabased law firm Pizarras, Flores, Subia and Associates, represented candidate Uy at the Supreme Court (SC), seeking to reserve Comelec’s proclamation of Romeo Jalosjos Jr. After 14 months of legal battle, Atty. Pizarras, assisted by his legal partners and associates, successfully convinced the SC of the merits of their case. And on August 9, 2023, the SC ordered the Comelec to proclaim Uy as the rightful winner of the said electoral exercise.

In a statement, Atty. Pizarras expressed

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said the successful resupply for the contingent manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LST-57) in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea Tuesday showed the country’s willingness to assert its sovereignty.

“Aside from ensuring the wellbeing of our personnel manning BRP Sierra Madre, this feat also demonstrated to the whole world the Filipinos’ firm resolve to assert our sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Shoal, which is within the country’s maritime zones,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said.

He added the AFP is also committed to support the country’s fulfillment of

its obligations under existing international laws and conventions.

But Aguilar stressed that the performance of such duty shall always be in a manner that promotes peace and in adherence to International Humanitarian Law.

“Finally, the AFP also expresses its profound gratitude to the strong support by the Filipino people that inspired every soldier to face the risk, overcome the challenge and succeed,” he added.

Aguilar also said AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. commended the “courageous and dedicated” personnel aboard the two resupply boats who executed the operation with precision.

“[The AFP chief also] expresses his deep appreciation to the assistance

provided by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to secure the two resupply boats. He also recognizes the great efforts spearheaded by the Western Command, AFP for the proper planning, coordination and execution of the RoRe [rotation and resupply] mission,” he added The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) earlier commended the AFP and Philippine Coast Guard [PCG] for the successful resupply of the military detachment in Ayungin Shoal.

This latest RoRe mission was able to deliver fresh provisions to military personnel stationed on board the BRP Sierra Madre despite attempts by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) to interfere with the resupply mission.

“Notwithstanding attempts by CCG

Makati mayor slams Taguig’s ‘last-minute’ attempt to foil school supplies distribution in ‘embo’ areas

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

MAKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay on Wednesday slammed the Taguig City government for its alleged “last minute attempt” to block the distribution of school supplies in the disputed Enlisted Men’s Barrio or “embo” barangays, despite previous approval by the Department of Education (DepEd).

In her Facebook post, Binay accused Taguig of “not playing fair” when it comes to the distribution of school supplies in the 14 public schools.

Unlike Taguig, Binay said Makati was able to secure a “written authority” from the DepEd to proceed with the distribution of school supplies for the 45,000 learners in the 10 barangays affected by the Supreme Court (SC) decision.

“Namigay nga kayo ng walang written authority, wala kayong narinig sa amin. Pinapasok kayo sa loob ng eskwelahan at namigay ng inyong mga gamit ng walang problema,”Binay said.

The Makati mayor was referring to the distribution of school packages of Taguig on

Tuesday to the students of Taguig, including those from the 10 “embo” barangays.

“Ngayon may last minute attempt pa kayong ipatigil ang distribution. Akala ko bakapakananngmgabataangimportante? Binay added. She, however, did not expound on how Taguig tried to stop the planned distribution.

On Wednesday, Binay thanked Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte for approving her request to proceed with the distribution of free school supplies to over 45,000 students of 14 public elementary and high schools located in the 10 barangays.

On behalf of the city government and all the intended beneficiaries in the 14 public schools, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte. We are thankful that she has the best interest of the students at heart in making a prudent and just decision,” Binay said.

“It is such a relief for the city government of Makati, but most especially for the thousands of affected students and their parents who have been anxiously waiting and hoping for the favorable resolution of the impasse with Taguig on this issue. Finally, we will be able to

carry out this annual tradition and ensure that the students will be ready on school opening,” the mayor said.

In a letter to Binay dated August 22, 2023, DepEd Undersecretary Michael Wesley Poa officially conveyed the department’s approval of her request, which includes the use of school facilities in the distribution of the supplies.

Earlier, the mayor wrote the DepEd chief to request for permission to distribute various school supplies in the 14 public schools in order to alleviate the financial burden on parents who would otherwise have to purchase new school supplies.

With the permission of the DepEd, the mayor conducted the distribution immediately so that the students will have the school supplies they need when classes begin on August 29.

Under the expanded Project FREE (Free Relevant and Excellent Education) of Makati, public school students from kinder to senior high school, including Special Education students in elementary and high school, receive school uniforms and supplies from the city.

Students in all levels will each receive

and CMM vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships Unaizah May 1 and Unaizah May 2, successfully completed their RoRe mission,” it added.

The NTF-WPS said that these supply boats were escorted by BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) and BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407).

“Philippine Navy vessels were also on standby during the mission. Routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the WPS will continue on a regular basis,” it stressed.

It Navy added that these missions are part of the Philippine Government’s legitimate exercise of its administrative functions over the WPS, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea  (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic laws.

This resupply mission was an offshoot of the harassment of CCG and CMM of the Philippine resupply mission, which resulted in one supply boat reaching the Filipino detachment last August 5.

school uniforms and PE T-shirt and jogging pants. School bags, caps and dengue kits will also be given to Kinder pupils. Elementary students will also each receive a pair of black leather shoes, three pairs of white socks, Randoseru bags (Grades 1 and 4), dengue kits, and school supplies consisting of 10 pieces of notebooks, five sets intermediate pads, and five pieces each of ballpen and pencil.

Junior and senior high school students will also receive black shoes and socks, and the same school supplies package given to elementary students, with a Math Graphing notebook added. Grades 11 and 12 students will also get a jacket with hoodie.

For Special Education (SPED) students in elementary and high school, the city will provide school supplies package, school uniforms, leather shoes and three pairs of socks, and anti-dengue kits for elementary SPED.

The 14 public schools in District 2 consist of Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, South Cembo Elementary School, Pitogo Elementary School, East Rembo Elementary School, Rizal Elementary School, Comembo Elementary School, West Rembo Elementary School, Pembo Elementary School, Makati Science High School, Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino High School, Tibagan High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, and Pitogo High School.

his gratitude to his legal team and praised the SC, saying the highest electoral body “remains the bastion of the rule of law”.

Considered as lawyers of last resort, the law firm headed by Atty. Pizarras specializes in handling appeals to the Court of Appeals and with the SC. Established in 2005, the law firm has provided legal services to its clients, and continues to be one of the sought-after law firms in the country.

Atty. Pizarras came from a long line of public servants. His grandfather, Zosimo Apsay Pizarras, was a constable with the Philippine Constabulary. His father, Atty.

Eufronio Micayabas Pizarras was a teacher and law practitioner in his native Bohol. His mother, Conchita Lungay Matig-a, who came from Tagbilaran City, was also in the field of education.

S uch long line of public service essentially rubbed off on their son, who, aside from his thriving law practice, is also involved in the local governance of his native Bohol as one of the members of the Office of Governance, Accountability and Review (OGAR) tasked to review and identify acts of graft and corruption committed by offices or employees within the province of Bohol.

With his recent landmark legal victory, Atty. Pizarras have set his sights on serving his fellow Boholanos in whatever capacity he can. His dedication, quest for justice and truth, skill and competence are what is needed in our leaders especially in these challenging times.

ALL digital versions of the Philippine Identification System Cards (PhilSys ID) are expected to be released before the end of the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

This after Neda, through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), tapped the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the production of the digital PhilSys ID, also known as the National ID, which will be in the form of a “unique number.”

By Joel R. San Juan  @jrsanjuan1573

THE Supreme Court’s First Division has junked the petition filed by three police officials seeking the reversal of the resolutions issued by the Office of the Ombudsman, which found probable cause to file graft and malversation through falsification of public documents charges against them in connection with the P409.7 million “ghost repairs” of 28 light armored vehicles (LAV) used by the Special Action Force (SAF) and the Regional Mobile Group of the Philippine National Police (RMG-PNP).

In a 25-page decision penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, the SC said there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Ombudsman in finding probable cause to charge petitioners Rainier Espina, Henry Duque and Eulito Fuentes before the Sandiganbayan.

Specifically, the Ombudsman accused Duque, a member of the PNP-Logistics Support Service (LSS), of signing the bidding documents for the procurement of tires, repowering, refurbishing and repair of the V-150 LAVs, making it appear a public

“We should first make those digital IDs so that anyone who has a phone can already use the digital ID and that is now the primary responsibility of the DICT,” Neda Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a news briefing in Malacañang last Wednesday.

Under the said agreement, the production of the digital ID will now be handled by DICT, while PSA will still do the printing and distribution of the physical version of the National ID.

bidding was conducted when there was none, thereby recommending the award of contracts which are allegedly grossly disadvantageous to the PNP.

On the other hand, Fuentes, a supply accountable officer of the LSS, is accused of accepting the purported equipment and materials and certifying that they were received in good order and condition, while Espina, a former acting chief of the Management Division, is accused of processing payments for the bidders without exercising due diligence to ensure that the procedures in the procurements were faithfully observed.

In affirming the Ombudsman’s resolution issued on December 27, 2012, joint resolution issued January 18, 2013 and another resolution issued July 8, 2013, the Court did not give credence to the claim of the petitioners that their right to due process was violated by the Ombudsman in issuing the said resolutions.

Duque claimed he was denied due process since he was deprived of his right to file a counter-affidavit during preliminary investigation. But the SC stressed that defects in procedural due process during preliminary investigation may be cured by the filing of a

Last May, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to issue an executive order allowing DICT to produce the digital PhilSys IDs.

“ We are more than halfway in the physical ID but I said we want to speed up the digital ID so that hopefully before the end of the year it will be completed [and], everyone will have a digital ID,” Balisacan said.

PSA said it is targeting to print 50 million physical PhilSys ID before the end of the year.

motion for reconsideration of the action or ruling complained of.

The Court gave weight to the claim of the Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) that Duque was afforded due process because he was given the chance to be heard in a motion for reconsideration when he filed an Omnibus Motion for Reconsideration and Motion for Reinvestigation dated February 4, 2013.

“Thus, where a party has been given a chance to be heard during preliminary investigation with respect to the latter’s motion for reconsideration, and the defenses raised in his motion for reconsideration are adequately considered and acted upon by the Office of the Ombudsman, there is sufficient compliance with the requirements of due process,” the SC said.

For his part, Fuentes asserted that he was denied due process when the Ombudsman denied his request for forensic examination to establish forgery of his signatures.

But the SC stressed that the findings of forgery during preliminary investigation should be ventilated in a full-blown trial, because the duty to determine the authenticity of a signature rests on the judge who is mandated to conduct an independent examination of the signature in order to

As of August 2, it said over 80 million people have registered to avail of the PhilSys ID.

B alisacan noted no less than President Marcos is closely monitoring the progress in the implementation of the PhilSys due to its expected benefits.

“It’s very important for us that that’s completed because it will reduce transaction cost in government as well in the private sector, it will allow us to save a lot of resources

arrive at a reasonable conclusion as to its authenticity.

Thus, while Fuentes should rightfully be given the opportunity to substantiate his defense of forgery, the best avenue for him to assail the genuineness of the signatures in the purported documents is during his turn to present evidence in court, where there is an opportunity for the presentation and cross-examination of an expert witness and an independent examination by the judge on the veracity of the purported signatures,” the Court pointed out.

Meanwhile, Espina claimed that his right to due process was violated since one of the acts imputed against him is his supposed signature in the pre/post inspection reports relating to work orders for the repairs and refurbishment of the V-150s which were attached as annexes of a Commission on Audit report (COA).

Espina noted that the COA report and its annexes were purportedly only referenced, as a footnote in the joint resolution, and that he was never furnished a copy of the COA report.

The SC, however, noted that based on the records Espina had a copy of the pre/post inspection reports containing his signature, which he attached in one of his motions.

“Verily, Espina was accorded the opportunity to be heard and intelligently address the charges against him in relation to the requests for pre/post-inspection reports containing his signature,” the SC said.

from our ‘ayuda’ [income transfer] because many of the income transfers targeted for the poor do not end up with the poor because there are leakages,” the Neda chief said.

“But with the digital ID the a yuda or transfer income support like the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] food stamp program for example will now be delivered through the digital card with the use of the digital IDs,” he added. Samuel P. Medenilla

SC affirms resos finding probable cause to file raps vs PNP logistics officials in V-150 ‘ghost’ repair case

Neda and DICT sets new target for issuance of digital Natl IDs

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Barangays to get ₧174.27 billion next year–Recto

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

REMINDING the electorate to give greater attention to the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), a House deputy speaker said on Wednesday that a barangay may be the basic government unit, but together they occupy a big budgetary footprint, bigger than what is spent for public hospitals and colleges.

Citing 2024 national budget documents, House Deputy

Speaker Ralph Recto said the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of 41,953 barangays would reach P174.27 billion.

The IRA, now booked as National Tax Allotment in general appropriations documents, represents the 40 percent share of local governments from “national internal revenue taxes” collected three years prior.

That 40 percent is further divided among local government units (LGU), with 23 percent going to provinces, 34 percent to municipalities, 23 percent to cities, and

20 percent to barangays.

Recto said the barangays’ IRA for 2024 is bigger than the proposed P105.6-billion budget of 114 state universities and colleges.

“It is six times bigger than the P28 billion earmarked in the proposed DOH [Department of Health] budget for medicine and vaccines. Mas mataas din sa budget ng lahat ng DOH-run hospitals,” he said.

“Almost equal to the P181.35 billion budget of the DA cluster next year. But if it is only DA proper, not including the

Envi groups urge schools to ensure toxic-free environment for learners

ENVIRONMENTAL groups urged schools to ensure a toxic-free environment as hundreds of thousands of students troop to schools for the opening of classes on Tuesday, August 29.

The call was made as toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics, in coordination with Toro Hills Elementary School and Nick Joaquin Senior High School in Quezon City, conducted an on-site inspection of school facilities and pushed for school compliance on existing regulations on sound chemicals and waste management.

“We laud the teachers and school personnel for continuously preparing and cleaning the schools despite the limited time before the school opening,” Thony Dizon, toxics campaigner of BAN Toxics said in a statement.

“Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the students and teachers should be promoted and prioritized.”

Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics partnered with QES Technology Philippines, Inc.—a service provider for SCIAPS X-200 HH XRF Analyzer, to screen for heavy metals in random locations like kindergarten rooms, Grade 1-3 rooms, walkway railings, painted walls and doors, and teacher’s tables and students’ chairs. The group also checked some used crayons and other art materials.

“The XRF results went well as the painted coatings screening turned out to be low and within the 90

ppm [parts per million] threshold limit under the DENR Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds,” Dizon added.

“It is good to know that the schools we screened follow the existing regulations on the use of lead-safe paints as mandated by the Department of Education.”

DepEd Order No. 4 s. 2017 mandates the use of only leadsafe coatings or paints in all preschool, elementary, and secondary schools. Use of lead-safe paints reduce children’s exposure to toxic lead via lead-containing paint and dust, thus, avoiding health impacts including learning disabilities, anemia, and disorders in coordination, visual, spatial, and language skills.

“Assessing schools and evaluating their compliance is one of the steps under the Toxic-free and Waste-free School Program [TFSP] of BAN Toxics. We encourage other schools to follow by mainstreaming the program into their systems,” said Dizon.

Meanwhile, EcoWaste Coalition raised a red flag over the sale of watercolor sets with black plastic casings containing known components of health-damaging brominated flame retardant (BFR) chemicals.

Of the 20 watercolor sets with black plastic components analyzed, 10 were found to contain bromine ranging from 1,724 to 6,527 ppm and antimony ranging from 251 to 1,125 ppm. The

rest of the samples had traces of bromine and/or antimony.

The samples were purchased from August 16 to 21 for P24 to P60 per set from retail stores selling school supplies in Makati, Manila, Marikina, Pasay, Pasig, and Quezon Cities, and subsequently screened for bromine (a key component of BFRs) and antimony (a component of antimony trioxide, a common BFR synergist) using an X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer.

The detection of chemical elements bromine (atomic number 35 and chemical symbol Br) and antimony (atomic number 51 and chemical symbol Sb) on the black plastic of the analyzed art materials indicates the likely use of recycled plastic from electronic waste (e-waste) containing BFRs. The plastic casings of TVs, computers, and other electronic gadgets are usually black, producing black plastic when recycled.

“The use of recycled e-waste plastic in school supplies, toys, and other consumer products provides a direct route of exposure to BFRs, especially among children.  Stringent control measures are required to halt the unregulated use of recycled plastic e-waste in the manufacture of consumer articles which spread BFRs into new products and into children’s hands, mouths, and bodies,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

attached agencies classified as government corporations, the barangay IRA will be higher than the P108.5 billion allocated for DA [Department of Agriculture] proper,” Recto said.

“If you combine what the government will spend for new classrooms, new computers, new chairs, new books, and new teachers, this will not be even half of what barangays will be getting in IRA,” he added.

Recto said his purpose in disclosing the IRA of barangays is to encourage voters to give greater attention to the October 30 BSKE.

He said the funds barangays are getting should be an essential part of voters’ education.

“There are 175 billion reasons why the electorate should choose their village leaders well,” he said.

“Let’s not underestimate the barangay because it is a frontline government agency whose duties are important, he said.

“They are the true first responders, whether it is bag snatching, fire, garbage, loose pets, or loud videoke noise,” Recto said.

Also under the law, the Sangguniang Kabataan is entitled to

10 percent of barangay funds, “so that will be P17 billion nationwide a year that will be apportioned among them.”

For 2024, LGUs, which include barangays, will receive a total of P871.4 billion in National Tax Allotment (NTA) pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991 and the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia cases, which effectively strengthened fiscal decentralization due to the significant increase in the base used for the computation of the NTA.

Bill imposes stringent rules on ETM mining

AMULTI-STAKEHOLDER forum is pushing for stringent planning and regulations to ensure transparency and accountability of the mining industry’s intensification of the production of energy transition metals (ETMs) such as nickel, copper, and cobalt, among others.

Maya Quirino, advocacy coordinator of the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC), raised the need for a just minerals transition policy framework, which plans the minimum metallic material requirement for the country’s clean and renewable energy (RE) transition and empowers host communities in the planning, decision making, and accountability processes of mineral governance.

“Government must prioritize the proposed Alternative Minerals Management Bill [AMMB] in Congress as it has all the policy elements to ensure that the minerals requirement for energy transition is sustainable. It is anchored in the principles of just transition and energy democracy where communities

genuinely benefit and meaningfully co-govern mineral and energy resources,” Quirino said.

Joshua Lopez, coordinator of the Philippines Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (PH EITI) of the Department of Finance, discussed the Philippines’s commitment to ensuring stricter fiscal, environmental and socio-economic accountability standards over extractive industries, such as mining, quarrying, and fossil fuels.

“In the next years, we will be working on disclosures of national energy transition commitments, policies, and plans that are relevant to extractive industries, as well as disclosures on carbon pricing mechanisms and carbon taxes material to extractive industries. Also, we would work on accountability in fast-track licensed awards,” Lopez said.

The World Bank anticipates a 500 percent increase in the global demand for ETMs because of the energy transition race to reduce global warming-inducing fossil

PBBM issues order for PNR reconstruction–Macapagal

FOR the first time in its long history, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is undergoing reconstruction, thanks to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. In his speech before the Transport Logistics Forum held at the World Trade Center last Thursday, PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal said his agency is hard at work on the North-South Commuter Railway

(NSCR), which will run from Clark Air Base in Pampanga to Calamba City in Laguna, a distance of 147 kilometers, at a cost of P873.62 billion.

The forum was sponsored by the Italian, German, French, and Spanish Chambers of Commerce.

Macapagal said onc e the project is completed, five years hence, PNR will be able to transport 800,000 passengers every day. Travel time from one end of the line to the other will be cut in half, from eight to four hours. The trip will even be shorter for express train passengers.

He added NSCR is only a start. Having set the project in motion, President Marcos now wants to begin construction of the North Long Haul, the South Long Haul, the Panay Railway, North Mindanao Railway, and San Mateo Railway, all spanning a total of 1,024 kilometers.

Of the five projects, the North Long Haul is the most ambitious. It will connect NSCR to Poro Point Free Port Zone, Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte and Port Irene and Lal-lo International Airport in Cagayan.

The chairman said President Marcos regards the railway projects as the country’s

fuels. The forum organizers noted that the Philippines is a prime source of ETMs and is at risk of uncontrolled adverse ecological and human rights impacts if not met with a robust regulatory regime.

The forum, organized by the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) and the SOS-Yamang Bayan Network, probed deeper questions on the energy and development paradigm of the national government and the need for systems change. “We should reclaim the idea of energy as a public good, not for profit. Our system privatized many of our public goods, and so the motivation for harnessing resources is in conflict with how we envision the solutions to be. Here also so that we reclaim the dignity of governance, as once we appreciate these things as a matter of public good, we can more clearly appreciate the value and challenges surrounding mineral and energy management,” said Atty. E.M. Taqueban, executive director of LRC.

framework for economic development. All PNR trains run on diesel fuel. The chairman said they will be replaced with a fleet of 60 electric multiple units, “which are at par with world standards in terms of safety and comfort.”

In other words, Macapagal said, PNR is rebuilding the country’s railway system from the ground up.

“The NSCR is long overdue,” he said. “While other countries transport people and goods by train, the Philippines depends on cars and trucks to achieve that purpose, which is why we have these daily traffic snarl-ups that cost us, according to studies, the equivalent of $25 billion a year.”

To give way to the construction project, PNR has stopped train operation from Alabang to Laguna. It is set to stop all operations in Metro Manila also. That’s why the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, prodded by PNR, is expeditiously approving franchise applications for additional buses in affected areas.

As PNR chairman, Macapagal identifies priority projects with the help of the board. He pointed out that PNR falls under the operational authority of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, as do MRT/LRT, LTO and LTFRB, the Coast Guard, and other important government agencies.

“If we are a basketball team,” Macapagal said, “S ecretary Bautista is the MVP. Of course, President Marcos is the head coach. I’d like to think I am the point guard.”

Comelec to implement BSKE ‘money ban’; warns against premature campaigning

By Patrick V. Miguel

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is implementing a “money ban” that will prohibit anyone from carrying cash worth more than P500, 000 five days before and on the day of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

STATE-OWNED firm Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Wednesday said the start of construction works for its P28-billion plan to relocate and modernize the headquarters of the Philippine Marine Corps to Bataan from Taguig City will help the agency get closer to its goal of supporting operational efficiency of its troops in responding to national threats and delivering aid during calamities, among others.

In a statement, the state-owned firm said BCDA officials, including Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana, President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Commandant Maj. Gen. Arturo M. Rojas recently led the groundbreaking of the roads, utilities and preparatory works at Morong Discovery Park as well as the installation of steel columns for the PMC grandstand.

Lorenzana emphasized that the start of construction works for Package 1 will help the state-owned firm get closer to its goal of “providing a new, modern and state-of-the-art headquarters for the Marines that will support the operational efficiency of our troops in responding to national threats; in delivering aid during calamities; and in fostering peace and order across the country.”

A s part of its relocation and replication program, BCDA said it is giving up 100 hectares of its land at the Morong Discovery Park for the Philippine Marines Headquarters, which covers only about 12 hectares in Fort Bonifacio.

A ccording to BCDA, the ceremony signals the start of the construction of roads, utilities and other preparatory works, which is under Package 1 of the Morong Discovery Park Phase 1 Project.  Meanwhile, the installation of steel columns is part of the ongoing construction of the parade grounds and grandstand that is expected to be completed by November this year, BCDA said.

Construction for Packages 2 and 3 commenced after BCDA and PMC broke ground in February 2022.

BCDA said it aims to complete Phase 1 of the project by 2024.

R ojas said the new site is seen to enhance the operational effectiveness and responsiveness of the Marines, as it will strengthen its Archipelagic Coastal Defense Strategy.

B CDA said the Marines’ future headquarters is located at the eastern half of the Morong Discovery Park, directly facing the West Philippine Sea. The state-owned firm said it would also be accessible to major and access roads including the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway.

M oreover, BCDA said unlike its current headquarters in Metro Manila, where operations are hindered by traffic and congestion, the Bataan location was deemed strategic for the Marines as it would help expedite emergency response and ease deployment of troops.  According to BCDA, the transfer of the Marines to an upgraded location opened up “income-generating” opportunities for the government in the soon-to-be vacated area in Fort Bonifacio.

From May 1993 to December 2022, BCDA’s contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reached P59.71 billion. Of this amount, P48.59 billion is earmarked for the AFP Modernization Program and P11.12 billion for the replication of military facilities.

T his, BCDA said, is pursuant to the state corporation’s mandate under Republic Act 7227 to generate funds for the AFP Modernization Program by transforming former US military bases and Metro Manila camps into economic growth areas.

T he money ban is aimed to prevent vote buying, and anyone caught carrying P500,000 or more cash will be charged criminally,

according to the poll body.

“ There is no Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the money ban, that’s why the Comelec will try to impose such

to deter vote buying,” said Comelec chairman George Garcia.  G arcia added that those who are caught will be charged with

vote buying and will possibly face imprisonment of one to six years.

C omelec is also coordinating with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Anti-Money Laundering Council to monitor large transactions on GCash and Maya.

The Philippine National Police will also help in the implementation of the money ban, specifically at checkpoints.

No early campaigns

PURSUANT of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), Comelec warned BSKE candidates against early campaigning before the official

campaign period, which is from October 19 to 28.

C andidates engaged in premature campaigning upon filing their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) may be disqualified or face imprisonment, said Garcia.

You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” said Garcia.

One of Comelec’s efforts against early campaigning includes “warrantless arrests” of individuals involved in vote buying and vote-selling.

F iling of COC for the upcoming BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2.

House reso seeks probe into ‘promise’ to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal

THE Makabayan bloc on Wednesday filed House Resolution 1215 to probe the veracity of the alleged “promise” to tow away BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal as claimed by China.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel said they filed the resolution after China’s Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippines promised several times to remove BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal last August 7.

“

While China has yet to show any proof that such an agreement happened, this warrants a thorough investigation to ascertain if the claim is true or if China is only making this up,” the resolution read.

If there is indeed truthfulness to the claim, Congress, as representatives of the people, should identify the ‘traitors’ in the Philippine government that compromised our sovereign and territorial integrity, and join the call to punish him/her/them according to law,” it added.

The lawmakers said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that he was “not aware of any such arrangement

or agreement that the Philippines will remove from its own territory its ship, in this case, the BRP Sierra Madre, from the Ayungin Shoal.”

Even if former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has belatedly tried to deny that it was former President Rodrigo Duterte who promised China that the BRP Sierra Madre will be removed, his statement remains hollow because he does not have personal knowledge of the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duterte in 2016, when Duterte said that they had a verbal understanding at a bilateral meeting and that it is binding, but the details were not released,” said Castro.

The bloc also said former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the camp of former President Joseph Estrada categorically denied that there was such a commitment to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.

M eanwhile, it was under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III that the Philippines filed (January 2013) and won (July 2016) the arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

L ast week, Arroyo denied that the

Philippine government had promised China that BRP Sierra Madre would be removed from the Ayungin Shoal.

“I have been asked to comment on claims that the Philippine government had promised China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. I will categorically state three facts. First, I never made such a promise to China or any other country,” the former president turned lawmaker said.

Second, I never authorized any of my government officials to make such a promise. Third, I only became aware of such claims recently, when the matter surfaced in public discussions. Beyond this, I will not make any further comment, in order to allow our foreign affairs officials to deal with it with a minimum of distraction,” she added.

C hina brought up the alleged commitment to tow the ship away after the Philippine Navy accidentally ran it aground on Ayungin in 1999.

L ast week, the DFA told lawmakers that the Philippines has no record of any commitment to move the BRP Sierra Madre out of the Ayungin Shoal. The agency said there is no such agreement with China to remove BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, where it has

been stationed since 1999.

It reiterated that the position of BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

The DFA also assured Congress that diplomatic protests have

been continuously filed against China’s territorial intrusion.  I t assured the public that DFA is committed to continuing efforts to protect the sovereign rights of the West Philippine Sea.

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Wednesday that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) denied the request for an increase in funding for subsidies for people deprived of liberty (PDLs) and the creation of new jail facilities.

During the budget briefing for the DOJ, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said they requested from the DBM an increase in the daily subsistence of PDLs to P130 from the current P85 to P70 for food and P15 for medicines for 2024, but the request was denied.

We asked for P100 for food and P30 for medicine, but the DBM did not give it to us. Actually, the DOJ needs a lot that the DBM did not give us,” said Remulla.

“PRIORITIZE the welfare of Filipinos at the grassroots level,” was Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go’s clear reminder to potential candidates as the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections draw near.

I n an interview on Tuesday after assisting poor residents and fire victims in Navotas City, Go emphasized the importance of public trust among government officials.

“Unang-una, public office is a public trust. So, kung kayo po ay iluluklok d’yan, ‘wag n’yo pong sayangin ang tiwala na binigay sa inyo ng taumbayan,” said Go.

Go added: “Kayo po ang gobyerno diyan sa barangay; kayo po ang mama-

The congestion of our jails is at 383 percent. We asked for P23 billion to build a new jail to decongest the jails, but we were not given this kind of funding,” Remulla added.

R emulla earlier expressed alarm over the overcrowding inside the New Bilibid Prison.

For 2024, the DOJ has presented P34.486 billion.

In response, Mary Ann Dela Vega of DBM said raising the daily subsistence allowance for PDLs under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) would also mean raising the allowance for food and medicine for PDLs in the Bureau of Corrections.

“ Yes, we have maintained the rate for the PDLs as far as their

mahala. Lahat ng problema, lahat ng hinaing, at lahat ng tulong mula sa local government, usually daraan d’yan sa barangay. Kayo po ang nakakakilala kung sino ang mahihirap, sino ang may problema diyan sa barangay.”

“So, malaki po ang inaasahan ng taumbayan sa inyo, sa mga barangay officials, barangay captain, barangay kagawad , SK chairman, SK kagawads,” he added.

Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the interests of the Filipino people, especially those who are most vulnerable, he urged, “Ang pakiusap ko lang po sa inyo, kung sakali man pong manalo kayo, unahin n’yo po ang interes ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino at tulungan natin ang mahihirap, ‘yung mga helpless,

subsistence is concerned, which is P70 [for food] and P15 for medical. That’s the same with other PDLs with the BJMP,” she said.

“ The reason why it was maintained is because the impact of the other PLDs was also maintained…in the amount of almost P3 billion, so the decision then during the budget deliberation was to maintain those levels,” she added.

D ela Vega said if the DBM will give the P130 being asked under the Bureau of Corrections, “we also have to consider that as far as our counterparts, like the uniformed personnel or the military, their subsistence is only at P150 per day.”

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

hopeless nating kababayan.”

Earlier, Go has co-authored and cosponsored a Senate bill pushing for the postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. In his co-sponsorship speech, he emphasized that officials at barangay and SK levels need adequate time and continuity to implement and uphold the plans they have devised for their respective jurisdictions.

“ Ngayon, tuloy na po ang eleksyon. Ito po ‘yung, kumbaga, ay performance rating. Sa mga nakaupo, performance rating n’yo ito sa mga nagawa n’yo sa mga barangay. Ibigay po ang todo-todo n’yong pagseserbisyo. Tandaan natin: ang public office is a public trust,” he added.

BCDA, Marines break ground for PMC HQ in Bataan

DBM turns down DOJ’s request for higher subsidy for PDLs, build new jail facilities

Sen. Go reminds poll bets: Public office is public trust

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Basic Qualification: Fluent in verbal and written Mandarin and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 233. PHAM DINH THIEU Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services. Basic Qualification: Fluent in verbal and written Mandarin and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 234. VU TUAN ANH Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services. Basic Qualification: Fluent in verbal and written Mandarin and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 235. WANG, YING Chinese Customer Service Brief Job Description: Assisting clients by providing information on services. Basic Qualification: Fluent in verbal and written Mandarin and English. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 FLYING FUTURE SERVICES INC. 21/f Yuchengco Tower 1 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave, Bel-air, City Of Makati 236. LI, QIAN Mandarin Customer Service Brief Job Description: Maintains customer records by updating account info. Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 237. CHENG, XIAOSONG Mandarin Operations Specialist Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record. Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 238. DING, ZHAORAN Mandarin Technical Support Brief Job Description: Monitoring and maintaining computer systems and networks. Basic Qualification: Can speak Mandarin. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 FUN J. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT CORP. Unit 1202 12th Floor Lot 7 Block 5 One World Place 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig 239. CHENG, LINTAO Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Conducting marketing research to identity industry trends and commercial opportunities. Developing and implementing a marketing strategy according to objectives and budget. Basic Qualification: College graduate. With proven experience as marketing consultant or other similar role. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 240. CHI, QIANG Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas. Basic Qualification: Ability to think straight and analytically. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 241. CHU, HONGZHOU Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas. Basic Qualification: Ability to think straight and analytically. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 242. JIAO, YANBO Marketing Consultant Brief Job Description: Write report with suggestion for improvement of new ideas. Basic Qualification: Ability to think straight and analytically. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999 GAMMA INTERACTIVE INC. 21/f Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Cor. Malugay St., Bel-air, City Of Makati 243. NGUYEN PHAM MY KIM Business Development Vietnamese Speaking Brief Job Description: Contacting potential clients to establish rapport and arrange meetings. Basic Qualification: 21 yrs. old and above with business development experience. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

‘Cold storage owners, govt should join forces’

more than P700 per kilogram in December 2022. This despite the fact that the government had set a suggested retail price of P170 per kg for red onions in October.

Cold storage owners must cooperate with the government and not hoarders, Rep. Rodante Marcoleta of Sagip Partylist said during a House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing on Tuesday.

Marcoleta issued the statement after lawmakers cited in contempt the owner of a cold storage facility for purportedly refusing to comply with the panel’s order to hand over documents related to the facility’s operations.

“The House will cite in contempt

Eric Pabilona of Tian Long Corp. for openly defying the orders and authority of this committee in finding out the truth. What we need is the cooperation of cold storage [owners],” he said.

“If [owners] don’t submit what we want, and we don’t finish our duty, we will put a lot of people in jail.”

The lawmaker said storage owners have to submit documentation, such as electricity bills as this will help the panel determine if certain

entities are hoarding food items.

“All the data will speak for themselves, you [cold storage owners] have to cooperate with the government. You are not our enemy, but you cooperate with hoarders; that’s the problem.”

For instance, Marcoleta said

that when a cold storage facility is empty, its electricity bill would be much lower.

But when it’s full and is trying to maintain a certain temperature, you will be paying P50,000 per month.

Prices of onions skyrocketed to

Group: NFA must buy palay from farmers to beef up buffer stock

The National Food Authority (NFA) should use its allocation to procure unmilled rice from farmers to boost its buffer stock, according to a nongovernment organization.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) said NFA’s pronouncement that its buffer stock is good for only 1.56 days was “irresponsible” and caused panic among traders and millers.

“Instead of issuing such rash statement, the NFA should have

used the P8.5-billion budget provided by your administration to buy palay from our rice farmers,” Sinag Chairman Rosendo So said in his letter to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“NFA did not buy rice so it has no buffer stock.”

The group noted that the agency has a budget of P8.5 billion to buy palay from farmers. With the amount, the NFA would have been able to purchase 447,368.42 metric tons of palay at an average

farmgate price of P19 per kilo.

“It is very unfortunate that officials of the NFA have not heeded your marching order of prioritizing local production and supporting local producers,” the group’s letter read.

It also criticized the visit of the NFA chief to India to secure rice imports that will prop up domestic supply.

“It is for these reasons that we have called for the abolition of the agency; for its utter failure

Latest data available from the Department of Agriculture showed that prices of onions in Metro Manila ranged from P140 to P190 per kg for the local red variety, P120 to P170 per kg for the local white variety, and P120 to P160 per kg for the imported white variety.

Last week, the government appealed to traders to refrain from hoarding red onions as this can lead to an artificial shortage and high prices.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Rex Estoperez also said the government would be forced to import onions if traders will not release their stocks.

“If the red onions will not be released from cold storages, that will

be to their [traders] disadvantage,” he told reporters in an interview. “They should not force us to import red onions as it is detrimental to them. We are appealing to traders to cooperate with the government.”

He also said the government would have to allow the importation of white onions because of the increasing demand for it among restaurants and institutional buyers.

Based on the inventory of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the country’s stock for white onions would only last for 30 days. Stocks of red onions in cold storage facilities are good for 100 days, according to BPI.

BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said at least 4,000 metric tons of imported white onions are expected to arrive in the country this week. Raadee S. Sausa

SM Store launches ‘Shop&Share for Sustainable Livelihood’

to support our local farmers and the local rice industry in general.”

Recently, the group proposed the abolition of the NFA over the agency’s supposed preference for imported rice. It added that “the latest showcase of NFA’s skewed preference for imported rice” is its ongoing negotiations with India for rice procurement.

“They’re not buying from our farmers anymore. They’re buying from Vietnam, India. They’re negotiating on rice.” Raadee S. Sausa

Cooperative to manage dairy facility in Negros Occidental

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

THE Department of Agrar-

ian Reform (DAR) has entrusted the operation of a P3.7-million dairy processing plant in Victorias, Negros Occidental to a group of dairy farmers. The San Antonio Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative (SAFMPC), an organization of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) assisted by DAR was selected to manage and

operate the city’s Dairy Box. The construction of the dairy processing plant located at the Bangga Daan Satellite Market will also be a one-stop product marketing outlet for carabao dairy products.

The SAFMPC will manage the Dairy Box with assistance from the Department of AgriculturePhilippine Carabao Center and the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar.

The project is part of the P10 million Carabao-Based Business Improvement Network [CBIN]

project of the city government of Victorias.

It has also provided 64 dairy carabaos, training, capacity development, and a milk processing center.

The SAFMPC will develop and sell carabao dairy products under the brand name Victorias Dairy (ViDa).

The Dairy Box is targeted to be completed in four months or by December of this year.

In March, DAR said the Llano Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LFMPC), located in Brgy.

Bayugo, Jalajala, Rizal opened its Dairy Box, the first in Calabarzon.

“The Dairy Box will be the center not only of the LFMPC’s delicious buffalo milk products, but also of various products made by nearby cooperatives and associations in the province.”

Included among the products offered by the Dairy Box are flavored milk, pastillas de leche and other pasalubong products, all made with 100 percent buffalo milk.

Midwest braces for 115-degree heat, renewing crop worries

AHEAT wave sweeping the Midwest is threatening to dry out grain crops in the final few weeks of the growing season, putting at risk a bumper harvest in the United States that’s key to keeping global food inflation in check.

Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 115 degrees in parts of the Midwest this week, renewing worries from earlier in the season when drought drove crop conditions to their worst since the late 1980s before they improved significantly with the return of rain.

Now, excessive heat is jeopardizing what is expected to be the second largest US corn crop on record, at a time when the global market is looking to the US for supply certainty. The last few months saw military escalations in the Black Sea contribute to one of the most volatile periods in the history of grain trading.

Signs of dryness known as “tip back,” where tops of the corn ears are lacking kernels, were widely reported in South Dakota when scouts visited fields on the first day of the Pro Framer Crop Tour. And this week’s heat could exacerbate yield loss as many plants are still immature.

“The upcoming heat wave will shrink some kernels. It is not in the bag yet, especially given different growth stages we have seen,” said Iowa farmer Marty Tegtmeier.

In Ohio, while fields looked lush and green from the road, it was common to see gnarled ears of grain with missing kernels that pointed to less-than-ideal conditions during the yield-setting pollination phase. “Hopefully this week of drier and hotter weather won’t be a problem,” said Thiago Oliveira, portfolio manager at BTG Pactual in Brazil. Soybeans are even earlier in

their growth stage, with plants still setting pods. Most fields seen in the South Dakota leg of the tour were too dry for pod development.

“If it rains we will see more pods out, but it doesn’t look good for that,” said Brad Feckers, an Iowa farmer and crop scout.

Soybean demand

C H INESE soybean demand growth is expected to wane in the next few years amid slower population growth and a change in the nation’s consuming habits, according to meat producer Wellhope Foods Co. Soybean purchases by the

world’s largest importer should stabilize at roughly 100 million metric tons at least for the next five years, Vice President Sun Lige said in an interview during a US Soybean Export Council conference in New York. That’s 1 million metric tons more than the US Department of Agriculture’s projection for the 2023-24 season.

Chinese imports of soybean, a key ingredient to animal feed, soared roughly fivefold since the early 2000s as rapid economic growth created an expanding middle class that can afford more protein in their diets. But China’s $18-trillion economy is now slowing, with JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays Plc and Morgan Stanley downgrading their projections for economic growth this year to below the government’s 5-percent target.

What’s more, consumers are gradually shifting their meat consumption from pork to alternative proteins such as fish and chicken, which require less feed to grow, according to Lige.

“White meat is typically seen as cheaper, healthier and easier to cook,” Lige said. The shift is driven by consumer preferences rather than government policy, he added.

IN line with its continuing commitment to create a positive impact in local communities, SM Store diversifies its approach towards (corporate) social responsibility this year.

Through this inaugural program, SM Store said it is empowering shoppers to become “agents of positive change” by taking part in programs that will advocate community development and sustainability.

Recently, the SM Store, in partnership with ACE Express, announced a new initiative, known as Shop&Share for Sustainable Livelihood, which aims to empower farmers and support the agricultural community in the Mindanao region. The program’s primary goal is to make an impact on the lives of the farming community in Zamboanga Sibugay by donating a farming toolkit for a minimum single-receipt spend of P800 in ACE Express.

“This initiative fulfills a sense of social responsibility and offers shoppers a unique opportunity to be directly involved in giving back to the community.”

Bernard Ong, President of ACE Hardware Philippines, expressed their unyielding support for the community at large:

“At ACE Express, we’re proud to be a part of the Shop&Share campaign with the SM Store.”

“We stand by our commitment to be helpful, not only to customers but also to the local community. By providing farming toolkits, we hope to provide the PhilSEED farmers the means for sustaining their livelihood and a way to improve their lives.”

SM Store collaborated with Philippine Social Empowerment and Equity Development Foundation (PhilSEED) Inc.—a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to the economic and social prosperity of farmers and their communities in the Philippines. One of their priority projects is “The Cacao Project”—an 18-month program, which focuses on an all-encompassing training from experts that will equip the farmers with knowledge on the agri-business.

Josh Mahinay, Chief Executive Officer of PhilSEED, said the organization is gearing towards “reigniting the farmers’ dying passion for agriculture.”

“Farmers remain the poorest in the Philippines, but

their poverty situation is not a hopeless case if stakeholders can come together and build an enabling environment that will empower them,” he said.

“Almost all farmer-parents don’t want their children to farm, and that is why it is very important to intentionally cocreate solutions through partnerships such as this and produce more success stories on the ground to show, especially to the young people, that there is economic viability in farming, that farming is a good career path to choose. This is very important for the food security of our country.”

Filipino farmers have little to no access to the necessary farming tools due to a lack of funds despite being the unsung heroes of society. To assist these farmers, PhilSEED actively seeks assistance from organizations that can provide funding to meet the farmers’ requirements. PhilSEED’s call for support has been answered through its partnership with SM Store and ACE Express. SM Store and ACE Express were able to turn over 150 farming tool kits consisting of pruning shears and gloves, 1,200 packs of seedlings, and two generator sets to the indigent farmers of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Access to basic tools will enable farmers to increase their productivity and encourage efficient work practices and effective farm management. By supporting indigent farmers with the necessary tools, the agricultural community can experience progress. As farmers thrive, they contribute to the overall development and well-being of their community.”

Dhinno S. Tiu, SM Store’s Executive Vice President, explained how collaborating with key stakeholders play an important role in the success of this initiative.

“This initiative aims to empower our community partners by providing them with the necessary toolkits to make their livelihood more sustainable. We are grateful to our loyal and generous customers who played a vital role in this cause. This partnership with PhilSEED and ACE Express is a testament to how SM Store is working together with our stakeholders to continue our legacy of sharing and serving the communities for over 65 years.”

Owners of local cold storage facilities must help the government prevent the hoarding of agricultural products, such as onions, according to a lawmaker.

Tip back on corn ears during the 2023 pro Farmer crop tour in South Dakota on August 21, 2023. Tarso Veloso/BloomBerg

Putin denounces sanctions on Russia in speech for BRICS economic summit

By Gerald Imray & Mogomotsi Magome The Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG—Russian President Vladimir Putin took multiple shots at the West on the opening day of an economic summit in South Africa, using a prerecorded speech that was aired on giant screens Tuesday to rail at what he called “illegitimate sanctions” on his country and threatening to cut off Ukraine’s grain exports permanently.

Putin, the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the war in Ukraine, did not travel to Johannesburg for the summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Instead, he plans to participate remotely in the three-day meeting of the bloc that encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

His 17-minute speech recorded in advance centered on the war in Ukraine and Russia’s relationship with the West even though South African officials had said East-West frictions should not dominate the first in-person BRICS summit since before the Covid-19 pandemic and hoped to guide the conversation away from the deteriorating geopolitical climate.

Sitting at a desk with a white notebook in front of him and a Russian flag behind, Putin said a wartime deal to facilitate Ukrainian grain shipments that is critical for the world’s food supply would not resume until his conditions—the easing of restrictions on Russian food and agricultural products—are met.

The West’s attempts to punish and isolate Russia financially for sending troops into Ukraine are an “illegitimate sanctions practice and illegal freezing of assets of sovereign states, which essentially amounts to them trampling upon all the basic norms and rules of free trade,” the Russian leader asserted.

Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative last month and stepped up drone and missile attacks on the city of Odesa in southern Ukraine, home to one of the ports the controlled passage agreement covered.

The initiative was credited with helping reduce soaring prices of wheat, vegetable oil and other global food commodities. Putin maintained that even with Russian exports of grain and fertilizer being “deliberately obstructed,” his country has “the capacity to replace Ukraine in grain, both commercially and in free aid to needy countries,” according to an official translation of his speech at the summit.

The United States and other Western nations have not directly targeted Russian agricultural exports, but moves to restrict Russia’s access to international financial payment systems under some sanctions have made it difficult for the country to get food, fertilizer and other products to market.

“With these facts in mind, since July 18 we have refused to extend the so-called deal,” Putin said. “We will be ready to get back to it, but only if all the obligations to the Russian side are truly fulfilled.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping also brought an air of confrontation to the Johannesburg summit, saying in a speech read on his behalf by a Chinese government minister minutes after Putin’s address that “some country, obsessed with maintaining its hegemony, has gone out of its way to cripple the emerging markets and developing countries.”

“Whoever is developing fast becomes its target of containment. Whoever is catching up, becomes its target of obstructions,” Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said while delivering Xi’s speech.

It was a clear reference to the United States and the growing economic friction between the US and China.

Xi is in South Africa for the summit and met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier Tuesday. He didn’t attend the opening-day business forum where the other three BRICS leaders gave their addresses in person and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented his country. No reason was given for the Chinese leader’s absence.

However, Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ramaphosa were all expected to meet over dinner at a luxury estate in suburban Johannesburg. Putin also planned to take part virtually, officials said.

The leaders were expected to discuss the top agenda point for the three-day summit, a possible expansion of BRICS. They are scheduled to reconvene for the summit’s main day of talks on Wednesday.

The five BRICS countries are already home to 40 percent of the world’s population and responsible for more than 30 percent of global economic output, and more than 20 nations have applied to join, according to South African officials, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi planned to attend the summit.

The five current member countries will have to agree on the criteria for new members before any countries are admitted, but a bigger BRICS is seen as a policy favored by China and Russia amid those deteriorating relations with the West.

Brazil, Russia, India and China formed the bloc in 2009. South Africa was added in 2010.

“I am glad to note that over 20 countries are knocking on the door of BRICS. China hopes to see more joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism,” Wang said while giving Xi’s speech.

Overall, around 1,200 delegates from the five BRICS nations and dozens of other developing countries are in South Africa’s biggest city, and more than 40 heads of state were expected to take part in some of the summit meetings, according to Ramaphosa.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also was expected to attend.

While summit host South Africa has pushed back at characterizations that BRICS is taking more of an anti-West turn under Russian and Chinese influence, it’s clearly a forum for growing discontent in the developing world with global institutions.

That unhappiness has been directed at bodies seen as Western-led, including the U.N., the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which many countries in the Global South feel do not serve their interests.

While in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, earlier Tuesday for his meeting with Xi, Ramaphosa said he was seeking “Chinese support for South Africa and Africa’s call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.”

Africa and South America have no permanent representatives on the Security Council despite being home to nearly 2 billion people.

The US and EU will be closely monitoring events in Johannesburg, with the long list of countries lining up to join BRICS suggesting that the bloc’s calls for a reorganization of the global governance structure might be hitting home with many.

Russia launches 3-hour drone attack as Ukrainian drones target Moscow

A three-hour nighttime Russian drone attack in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region overnight Tuesday caused a blaze at grain facilities, Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian air defense systems downed nine Shahed drones, Kiper said.

“Unfortunately, there are hits on production and transshipment complexes,” he said, adding that no casualties had been reported.

Russia zeroed in on Odesa last month, crippling significant parts of the port city’s grain facilities, days after President Vladimir Putin broke off Russia’s participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. That wartime deal enabled Ukraine’s exports to reach many countries facing

the threat of hunger.

Russian officials, meanwhile, claimed to have downed Ukrainian drones in Moscow and the surrounding region early Wednesday, the defense ministry and the mayor said. No casualties were reported in the drone attack, which has become almost a daily occurrence in the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said one drone smashed into a building under construction in Moscow City, a prestigious business complex hit by drones twice before. Several windows were broken in two buildings nearby and emergency services responded to the scene.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said the drone had been electronically jammed.

It blamed the attack on Ukraine and said two other drones were shot down by air defense systems in the Mozhaisk and Khimki areas of the Moscow region. Kyiv officials, as usual, neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine was behind the drone attacks.

Moscow airports briefly closed but have now reopened, according to Russian state media.

Ukraine has since early this year sought to take the war into the heart of Russia. It has increasingly targeted Moscow’s military assets behind the front lines in eastern and southern Ukraine and at the same time

has launched drones against Moscow.

Though drone attacks on Russian soil have occurred almost daily in recent weeks, they have caused little damage and no victims. Ukraine hasn’t acknowledged responsibility for the attempted drone strikes.

Kyiv is also trying to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin along multiple fronts, pursuing a counteroffensive at various points along the 1,500-kilometer (900mile) front line, as well as diplomatically by obtaining pledges of more weaponry from its Western allies, including F-16 warplanes. AP

Thaksin moved from prison to hospital less than a day after return to Thailand

By Jintamas Saksornchai The Associated Press

BANGKOK—Thailand’s divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was transferred from prison to a hospital early Wednesday, less than a day after he returned from an extended exile and started serving an 8-year sentence.

He had returned to Thailand after 15 years abroad on the same day a party linked to him won a parliamentary vote to form a new government. Thaksin was then sent to prison to serve sentences from several criminal convictions made in absentia that he had decried as politically motivated.

The prison reported Thaksin had high blood pressure and low oxygen, he could not sleep and felt tightness in his chest, according to a statement from Sitthi Sutivong, deputy director-general of the Corrections Department.

Doctors at the prison’s hospital said

he should be transferred to prevent lifethreatening risks, the statement said. Corrections officials previously had said Thaksin, 74, was considered vulnerable due to his age and chronic conditions of his heart and lungs, high blood pressure, and back problems.

Hours after Thaksin’s return to Thailand, Pheu Thai party candidate Srettha Thavisin

secured enough votes to become prime minister, ending over three months of suspense, legal wrangling and horse trading that followed May elections. The party had entered a coalition with military parties linked to a coup that removed it from power in 2014, and excluded the progressive Move Forward Party that won the most votes in the elections.

Srettha is expected to receive a royal endorsement as prime minister later Wednesday, according to Thai media.

Pheu Thai is the latest in a string of parties affiliated with Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup. The coup that ousted him triggered nearly two decades of deep political divisions that pitted a mostly poor, rural majority in the north that supports Thaksin against royalists, the military and their urban backers.

A Pheu Thai government led by Thaksin’s sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was ousted in the 2014 coup by then-army chief Prayuth Chanocha, who is now the outgoing prime minister. It is widely speculated Thaksin returned out of hope that a friendly government will reduce his sentence, although he has said his decision had nothing to do with the Pheu Thai party’s bid for power and that he was ready to follow the legal process. The outgoing government has said Thaksin can request a royal pardon like any other inmate.

Firefighters in Greece have discovered bodies of 18 people in an area with a major wildfire

By Costas Kantouris & Elena Becatoros The Associated Press

ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece—

Firefighters on Tuesday found the burnt bodies of 18 people believed to have been migrants who had crossed the Turkish border into an area of northeastern Greece where wildfires have raged for days.

The discovery near the city of Alexandroupolis came as hundreds of firefighters battled dozens of wildfires across the country amid gale-force winds. On Monday, two people died and two firefighters were injured in separate fires in northern and central Greece.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires. Another major blaze has been burning across Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands for a week, although no injuries or damage to homes was reported.

European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

In Greece, police activated the country’s Disaster Victim Identification Team to identify the 18 bodies, which were found near a shack in the Avantas area, fire department

spokesman Ioannis Artopios said.

“Given that there have been no reports of a missing person or missing residents from the surrounding areas, the possibility is being investigated that these are people who had entered the country illegally,” Artopios said.

Alexandroupolis is near the border with Turkey, along a route often taken by people fleeing poverty and conflict in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and seeking to enter the European Union.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed sorrow at the deaths in a statement.

“We must urgently take effective initiatives to ensure that this bleak reality does not become the new normality,” she added, referring to the recurrent wildfires.

Avantas, like many nearby villages and settlements, had been under evacuation orders, with push alerts in Greek and English sent to all mobile phones in the region.

The fire service said it was investigating the causes of the blazes, in coordination with the police and secret service. In recent days, several people have been arrested or fined for accidentally starting fires.

But the discovery of the 18 bodies triggered a backlash by some who accused migrants of starting fires.

Late Monday, police said they detained three men in Alexandroupolis suspected of

kidnapping and illegally holding 13 migrants.

One of the suspects was a man seen in video posted on social media shutting a group of migrants in a trailer and accusing them of “intending to burn us,” a statement from national police headquarters said.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis issued a statement condemning vigilante acts.

Overnight, a massive wall of flames raced through forests toward Alexandroupolis, prompting authorities to evacuate eight more villages and the city’s hospital as flames reddened the sky.

Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Vartzopoulos, speaking on Greece’s Skai television, said smoke and ash in the air around the hospital were the main reasons behind the decision to evacuate the facility.

The coast guard said patrol boats and private vessels evacuated an additional 40 people by sea from beaches near Alexandroupolis.

In the northeastern Evros border region, a fire was burning through forest in a protected national park, with satellite imagery showing smoke blanketing much of northern and western Greece.

New fires broke out in several parts of the country Tuesday, including in woodland northwest of Athens and an industrial area on the capital’s western fringes.

Small explosions echoed from the industrial area of Aspropyrgos as flames reached warehouses and factories. Authorities shut down a highway and ordered the evacuation of nearby settlements.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece appealed for help from the European Union’s civil protection mechanism.

Five water-dropping planes from Croatia, Germany and Sweden, and a helicopter, 58 firefighters and nine water tanks from the Czech Republic flew to Greece Tuesday, while 56 Romanian firefighters and two aircraft from Cyprus arrived Monday. French firefighters helped tackle a blaze on the island of Evia on Monday.

“We are mobilizing actually almost onethird of the aircraft we have in the rescEU fleet,” said EU spokesman Balazs Ujvari.

The fire risk level for several regions, including the wider Athens area, was listed as “extreme”for a second day Tuesday. Authorities banned public access to mountains and forests in those regions until at least Wednesday morning and ordered military patrols.

Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press writers Nicholas Paphitis in Athens, Joe Wilson in Barcelona, Colleen Barry in Milan, Suzan Fraser in Ankara and Raf Casert in Brussels contributed.

KYIV, Ukraine—Russia and Ukraine traded drone attacks early Wednesday, officials said, with Kyiv apparently targeting Moscow again and the Kremlin’s forces launching another bombardment of Ukrainian grain storage depots in what have recently become signature tactics in the almost 18-month war.

AN investigator examines a damaged skyscraper in Moscow City business district after a reported drone attack in Moscow, Russia on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Russia’s defense ministry and Moscow’s mayor said Ukrainian drones were downed in Moscow and the region around the capital early Wednesday. No casualties were reported. AP

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin addresses leaders from the BRICS group of emerging economies at the start of a three-day summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Putin appeared on a video link after his travel to South Africa was complicated by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him over the war in Ukraine. AP/JEROME DELAY

THAILAND’S former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, second right, is greeted by supporters on his arrival at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. AP/WASON WANICHAKORN

editorial

The true essence of inclusive healthcare

‘WhaT you don’t know, won’t hurt you,” goes an old saw. This has been proven false. In fact, what you don’t know could kill you. The world found out it didn’t know how to stop the Covid-19 pandemic, and this catastrophic failure resulted in approximately 14.9 million lives lost, according to new estimates from the World health Organization (WhO). The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic was so devastating—hundreds of thousands of businesses worldwide were shuttered and tens of millions of people fell into extreme poverty.

“These sobering data not only point to the impact of the pandemic but also to the need for all countries to invest in more resilient health systems that can sustain essential health services during crises, including stronger health information systems,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

The World Health Organization and the G-20 announced on Saturday a new Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) at the Health Ministers’ Meeting of the G-20 Summit hosted by the government of India. The new GIDH initiative (pronounced “guide” for short) will operate as a WHO-managed network and platform to support the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025. WHO serves as the Secretariat for the strategy implementation to converge and convene global standards, best practices and resources to fast track digital health system transformation.

GIDH will prioritize the following core areas of work: Assessing and prioritizing Member States’ needs, evaluating the availability and reporting of country-level digital health resources and identifying under-funded priorities, supporting technically and financially the accelerated achievement of the strategic objectives defined in the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025, building capacity and converging efforts to encourage developing, maintaining and adapting digital health technologies to continuously changing needs.

The initiative supports research that leverages technologies and methodologies from computing and data sciences to tackle a range of applications related to healthcare systems, from medical informatics to healthcare delivery and administration. It will strive to help Member States to advance their national digital health transformation by strengthening collaboration among partners and existing networks.

Since the first WHO resolution on ehealth in 2005 that led the pathway for development and adoption of the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health, over 120 WHO member states have developed a national digital health policy or strategy.

While recent experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a boost in digital health use, the GIDH initiative aims to bring countries and partners together to achieve measurable outcomes by developing clear priority-driven investment plans for digital health transformation; improving reporting and transparency of digital health resources; facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration across countries; supporting whole-of-government approaches for digital health governance; and increasing technical and financial support to the implementation of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 and its next phase.

Digital health is a proven accelerator to advance health outcomes towards achieving universal health coverage, WHO said. It added that “digital health interventions improve health care in many ways, from supporting individuals in managing their health and wellness journeys, to enabling care providers to adhere to guidelines and provide high quality care, to strengthening health systems by improving supply chains and workforce management.”

Speaking to the Health Ministers, the WHO chief said: “Let me leave you with four requests. First, I seek your commitment for the implementation of the Global Initiative on Digital Health. Second, I seek your commitment to inclusive and consultative dialogue with all Member States on the interim mechanism for medical countermeasures. Third, I seek your continued support for the Joint Finance-Health Task Force, to complete its work on surge financing and economic vulnerabilities to pandemics, and to continue the collaboration to address other challenges. And fourth, I seek your commitment to negotiating a comprehensive pandemic accord that encompasses all the lessons of the pandemic, so that we never repeat the same mistakes again.”

The pandemic has taught the world a painful lesson: When health is at risk, everything is at risk. Thankfully, through the initiative of the world health body, countries are being encouraged to use the power of digital technologies for inclusive health services, especially to marginalized groups.

In the Philippines, the government can explore using telemedicine to provide consultations, with prescriptions provided online, and medicines distributed in barangay health centers. That’s the true essence of inclusive healthcare. Only when nothing impedes equitable access to health services can we truly have a healthy and strong nation. As the Roman poet Virgil said 2,000 years ago: “The greatest wealth is health.”

To BRIC or not to BRIC

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

The foreign ministers of the initial four BRIC general states (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) met in New York City in September 2006 at the sidelines of the UN General assembly. a full-scale diplomatic meeting was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia on June 16, 2009.

The purpose was to bring together what were effectively second-tier economies to share ideas and work together to attract foreign investment. They also figured as a group they could have more influence on the geopolitical stage against the “Old Boy’s Club” of the Group of 7. “There is considerable interest from all countries, but Russia in particular, in creating an alternative to established international organizations.”

Remember in mid-2009, the world was looking for a bottom from the financial disaster of the Global Debt Crisis caused by those G-7 countries that also damaged the BRICs. The hidden agenda was not very hidden.

Without mentioning the US dollar, “There is a strong need for a stable, predictable and more diversified international monetary system,” the final meeting statement said. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev noted that reserve currencies, including the dollar, “have not managed to perform their functions.” The final statement made no

Should the Philippines want to be part of BRICS? Apparently, there is so much benefit for the country just by being a member of the new “economic powerhouse.” Increased trade and tourism with China, India, and Russia, which also, apparently, will only come with joining BRICS.

want—in the words of former President Donald Trump—is “Fair Trade” where one country is not given a great advantage over another.

CFO of BRICS News Development Bank dismissed the idea, stating that there is no such suggestion as of now. The Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar said in July that there is no plan as such for a combined BRICS currency.

reference to developing new reserve currencies to challenge the dollar, which Russia had called for at a separate event.

Today the headlines read: “China urges BRICS to become geopolitical rival to G7.” “China-led de-dollarization gains traction ahead of Brics summit.” As some 40 countries have formally or informally applied to join BRICS, “Strong enough now: BRICS nations eye global geopolitical shift,” says South Africa’s ambassador-at-large for Asia and the BRICS.

Currently, BRICS has the New Development Bank although with only a meager $100 billion capitalization and 96 projects with $33 billion in lending. There are frameworks being established for the more important Contingent Reserve Arrangement and a BRICS payment system to unify against the Western SWIFT system. One aspect of the BRICS alliance is for expanded trade relations. But you do not need a catchy acronym organization for trade. And no one wants “free trade.” What nations

Waterworld Manila

Thomas M. Orbos

STREET TALK

aR eCeNT study made by the National Mapping and Resource Information authority (NaMRIa) has indicated that the sea level around Metro Manila has increased three times the global average. This means that aside from the present effects on sea level rise due to climate change, there are other factors that affect our national capital region that we should closely examine. One factor that cannot be denied is the rapid urbanization and congestion in Metro Manila that has led to a “coupling effect” as they say, meaning that the present sea level rise has combined with the urban land subsidence in this particular area in our country. This should be a red flag for us living in this crowded metropolis and should have both the concerned LGUs and the national agencies act as aggressively as possible to confront this creeping disaster.

In 2009, the GDP per capita of the BRICs showed a wide disparity as follows: India/$1,087, China/$5,128, Brazil/$8,142, and Russia/$9,093. The imbalance is even greater today: India/$2,085 increasing by 90 percent, Brazil/$8,831(8 percent), and Russia/$10,079 (10 percent) but now with China at $11,560 increasing by 125 percent.

We turn to the “Common BRIC Currency” issue. Since 2009, the Russian ruble has depreciated 230 percent against the US dollar, with Brazilian real down 168 percent followed by the Indian rupee losing 77 percent. However, the yuan is lower by only 6 percent. Further, of the four, only India is running a trade deficit. With a common currency, China is obviously the “big dog.” More critically, BRICS goals and purposes are not aligned.

Russia is pushing hard for a BRICS currency, as the ruble is toxic even as the BRICS summit opens in South Africa. But host South Africa has clarified that the idea of a combined BRICS currency is off the table. The

The alarming study was based on data collected from 1901 up to 2022 with the substantial increase traced to 1965 when rapid urbanization and migration to Metro Manila significantly began. Among the factors brought about by rapid urbanization that contributed to the so-called “coupling effect” are: groundwater extraction, water impoundment or channelizing, deforestation, pollution, and landscape changes. We in Metro Manila are familiar and, in a sense, guilty of all of these.

brought about by rapid urbanization that contributed to the so-called “coupling effect” are: groundwater extraction, water impoundment or channelizing, deforestation, pollution, and landscape changes. We in Metro Manila are familiar and, in a

Russia wants BRICS for the currency. China wants it for the increased geopolitical clout with China at the top. India wants the BRICS as it “provides India a transcontinental reach by virtue of Brazil and South Africa’s presence” (Jaishankar). Brazil wants anything that China wants. Should the Philippines want to be part of BRICS? Apparently, there is so much benefit for the country just by being a member of the new “economic powerhouse.” Increased trade and tourism with China, India, and Russia, which also, apparently, will only come with joining BRICS. We are told/warned that there is benefit from joining because of the maybe-someday “Death the Dollar,” except the Philippines gets more US dollar from the US ($13 billion in 2022) than SGP, JPN, SAU, and the UK combined. As for foreign investment, between 2016 and 2022—six years—FDI from CHN/HK, JPN, SoKor, and TWN totaled $6 billion. Are you sure the Philippines should ditch the US dollar?

Joining a 40-member BRICS offers no concrete advantage except to “feel-good” about “We are independent, and this proves it.” That is not a sensible economic policy. E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

sense, guilty of all of these. To be fair, the government is doing what it can to address the floodings that yearly hound us. The MMDA and the DPWH is currently implementing the Metro Manila Flood Management Project funded by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, with a 50-year component for a 50-year drainage plan. This would be a substantial part of our mitigation efforts. In terms of responsiveness, all Metro Manila LGUs are all equipped and ready every time floodings occur. Regular relocations of informal settlers along riverways and dredging activities, even with the help of the private sector, notably San Miguel Corporation, continue year-round. But there is no one-off solution to this nor can this be done in one sitting. This will be a generational concern and will get worse before it can even begin to stabilize. Given the magnitude of the problem, several

The future of the world depends on the actions of the East

Now the world remains globally dominated by a single, western civilization, which reduces development options and hinders human progress.

According to scientists, “Progress consists not in going all in one direction, but in coming from the whole field that constitutes the field of historical activity of mankind in all directions.”

The globalist west has become a brake on development for all other civilizations. It does not allow other countries to develop according to their plans, demanding instead to join the western globalist system and siphoning off resources. The modern west has created a whole system of restrictions and brakes on development. An example of this is the “ washington consensus,” i.e. the ban on supporting one’s own economy and industrialization, and forcing global trade in the interests of western countries and corporations.

Against the background of all this, the countries of the East and the Global south see that the west has lost any moral right to set standards and priorities of basic human values, the west has no right to be the leader of the entire earth civilization.

In the current circumstances, many countries already see in Russia’s actions a chance to change the current “ western” paradigm of development and grasp the opportunity to determine their own future independently, or at least to determine it on an equal footing with others. Now Russia is on the edge of this civilizational struggle. once again, as in the early 20th century, it is fighting for its own path of development, which will open the way for others. once again Russia, like the USSR, which fought colonialism, offers to get rid of the international dictatorship of washington. This is understood by most people. w hen the UN General Assembly voted on March 2, 2022 on a resolution demanding that Russia end the special operation in Ukraine and withdraw its troops, 141 states were “in favor” and five were “against”: Russia, Belarus, Syria, DPRK and Eritrea. Abstained 35 states, among them China, India, South Africa and others, which in total is 65 percent of the world’s population. That is, the text condemning the “war unleashed by Russia” was not signed by people representing more than half of the earthlings.

Nevertheless, the fact that this resolution was supported by the majority of individual countries (including dwarf countries) was presented to us by the west as a victory of good over evil. Since then, the United States and the European Union have only fueled the conflict in Ukraine. They have in no way tried to persuade

Orbos

continued from A16

solutions, aside from the ones being undertaken now, need to come into play. Incorporating the water impounding plan of the DENR is a very good consideration, as it also will aid in providing additional water supply to the metropolis while channeling floods to needed areas. we see this in many other countries in Europe and our developed neighbors in Asia such as Singapore, South Korea and Japan. More drastic measures, at this point, need a serious thought. A “Jokowi” solution might also be necessary. I am referring to the current Indonesian president, Jokowi widodo, who has undertaken a massive program to move to a new capital, Nusantara from Jakarta, which has experienced an increase in sea levels similar to our own capital region. This new capital will be located in East Kalimantan in the island of Borneo, separate from the island of Java where Jakarta is located. we may not need such a drastic action. Metro Manila can still remain to be the capital region, but

MAIL

Ukraine to reconsider its position. The biased fixation of western countries on the current conflict in Ukraine, which does not directly affect most countries of the world, is becoming obvious to everyone. Against this background, the significance of conflicts and human rights violations in other countries is clearly downplayed. Looking at what is happening to Russia today, non-western countries are projecting the situation onto themselves as well. The similarity between the spreading Russophobia, which is supported at the state level in the west, and anti-Semitism is hard to miss. However, the situation has gone much further, the west is already denying the existence of Russian culture, excluding Russian classics of literature from the curriculum, banning performances of Russian artists, renaming paintings. The west is trying to publicly expunge Russia from the past and future of human civilization. However, by doing so, the west undermines its own values: the inviolability of private property, the principles of legality, tolerance, freedom of speech and equal access to information.

The recent trend in international politics is that many countries of the Global South are increasingly coordinating their actions by criticizing the west, and similar sentiments have been noted in the East. The task of humanity as a set of distinctive original civilizations with their special talents, with their special forms of life structure is now to remove the western blockage. It is necessary to resume the normal multi-linear development of civilizations, their free cooperation and free competition. Not necessarily peaceful, but necessarily fair in the sense of respect for other people’s space and the right of the neighbor to be different and live in his own way.

The sun rises in the east, our wise ancestors said. The economic, human, and most importantly— spiritual and moral potential of the countries of the East begins to surpass the west. And that is why it is the East that will determine the further future of mankind.

Gary Bauzon

it needs to expand especially further east towards the provinces of Rizal and beyond.

Those of us living in this metropolis have grown up since our childhood days with floods as part of what is the norm. It used to be that the floods we remember by with the rains brought about by the typhoons that brought it—Millennia, ondoy and further back, Yuling in the ’70s. It will most likely not to be the case anymore with floods happening most surely every time it rains, monsoon or not. The hapless reclamation in Manila Bay will most definitely lead to this, no matter what their advocates will say. The floods will happen more and more. Government action must step up and civilian preparedness as well as vigilance must now be more pro-active than ever to give our future Metro Manilans a fighting chance against the floods of our future Metro Manila. w ith the floods threatening us, the time to act was yesterday, with the deadline to move today.

SC’s BGC decision is final

THE Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling on the Makati-Taguig cities territorial dispute is clear, unambiguous and gives no reason for any confusion. It is final and without need for writ of execution.

For the education of all, the government agencies can refer to the jurisprudence or earlier decisions of the Supreme Court, which can serve as a basis or perhaps guide on how to execute the transfer of jurisdiction of Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBos) and 10 Fort Bonifacio barangays from Makati to Taguig City.

I’m referring to the territorial dispute case between Camarines Norte (CN) vs Quezon Province (QP) of which I am quite familiar with as a member then of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon Province.

In 1989, after 67 years of legal battle, the SC ruled that the nine disputed barangays are well within the jurisdiction of CN.

These two cases have glaring similarities as both involved territorial jurisdiction and which took decades before they were decided with finality. The Taguig-Makati turf war took 30 years before the Court ruled in favor of Taguig. And akin to what

Now, concerning the MakatiTaguig dispute, the SC stated clearly in its final decision that it had already “put an end to the land dispute between the city governments of Makati and Taguig over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation,” where the BGC Complex is located, that the disputed EMBOs and 10 barangays are within the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City.

happened to the case of CN v QP, the later had a hard time accepting the final ruling of the Court.

For defiance, then Quezon Governor Eduardo Rodriguez and Calauag, Quezon Mayor Julio Lim were cited in contempt. The Court said the two officials fully understand the implication of the final and executory decision, but unfortunately, these leaders chose to ignore the ruling. This is what appears to be happening now with Makati City officials.

w hen the SC decided the CN v QP case in 1989, there were also delaying tactics on the part of the Quezon Province. In 2001, the two provinces went back to the legal battle by filing two different petitions, but the justices stood firm and held that “FINIS in a case means END.”

“Sadly, it is only Quezon Province and its officials who ignore the finality of the Decision and Resolutions of this Court. Their present petition

attempts to re-litigate the same issues judiciously passed upon by this Court with finality. It is but imperative for this Court to write FINIS to these cases. Indeed, every litigation must come to an end; otherwise, it would become even more intolerable than the wrong and injustice it is designed to correct,” the Court ruling stated.

Now, concerning the MakatiTaguig dispute, the SC stated clearly in its final decision that it had already “put an end to the land dispute between the city governments of Makati and Taguig over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation,” where the BGC Complex is located, that the disputed EMBos and 10 barangays are within the territorial jurisdiction of Taguig City.

The highest court also made it clear in its ruling that it will no longer accept any pleadings, motions, letters or any type of communication regarding the case because an entry of judgment has already been made.

The Supreme Court decisions become “part of the law of the land,” a jurisprudence, so to speak, that

must be adhered to, applied and complied with as in the decided Taguig and Makati case.

The SC stated in its decision on CN vs QP that the “Respondents (Local officials) owe a special duty, faithfully and honestly to comply with final decisions of this Court. It is of essence of an orderly and civilized community that the function of final resolution of disputes be located in a particular institution. In our system, that institution is this Court. w here, as here, there is clear and contumacious defiance of, or refusal to obey this Court’s Decision, we will not hesitate to exercise our inherent power if only to maintain respect to this Court, for without which the administration of justice may falter or fail.”

In that case, take note that no w R IT oF EXECUTIoN was issued, but the government agencies including the DILG, Comelec, DoF, DENR, DBM and NSo complied and were even commended by the SC.  we commend DepEd Secretary VP Sara Duterte for her resolve in implementing the ruling to avert chaos in the affected schools. Government agencies should proceed too with the transfer of jurisdiction of 10 Fort Bonifacio barangays from Makati to Taguig without any further delay.

Accepting the ruling maybe hard, but, I believe, the good, reasonable Makati Mayor Binay, who herself is an officer of the Court, will abide by the ruling in the end. we ll, life moves on, with more blessings coming up, tomorrow, for all.

For comments, tweet@billy andal or e-mail@ andalbilly@yahoo.com

Escrow debate by the numbers: Deployed seafarers, SC-decided cases in favor of labor, and remittances

Pinoy Marino Rights

THE debate on the proposed escrow in the pending Magna Carta for Seafarers revolves around the issue of alleged dwindling numbers of deployed seafarers that are usually misleadingly blamed by employers and manning agencies on the increasing number of litigated cases sweepingly associated with ambulance chasing.

However, data from the Department of Migrant workers (DM w ) show otherwise.

From 1984 to 1990, the annual deployment was recorded at 50,604 in 1984; 52,290 in 1985; 54,697 in 1986; 67,042 in 1987; 85,913 in 1988; 103,280 in 1989; and 111,212 in 1990.

From 1991 to 2000, there were 125,759 seafarers deployed in 1991; 136,806 in 1992; 145,758 in 1993; 154,376 in 1994; 165,401 in 1995; 175,469 in 1996; 188,469 in 1997; 193,300 in 1998; 196,689 in1999; and 198,324 in 2000.

From 2001 to 2010, the DM w noted the deployed seafarers to have reached 204,951 in 2001; 209,593 in 2002; 216,031 in 2003; 229,002 in 2004; 247,983 in 2005; 274,497 in 2006; 266,553 in 2007; 261,614 in 2008; 330,424 in 2009; and 347,150 in 2010.

From 2011 to 2019, the deployed seafarers were recorded at 369,104 in 2011; 366,865 in 2012; 367,166 in 2013; 401,826 in 2014; 406,531 in 2015; 442,820 in 2016; 449,463 in 2017; 482,393 in 2018; and 507,730 in 2019.

Due to the Covid pandemic, recent deployments were recorded at 217,223 in 2020; 345,517 in 2021; and 385,239 in 2022.

Since 1984, the yearly deployment was in an upward trend, ex-

The reversal rates in the Supreme Court (30 percent) cannot overshadow the fact that almost 70 percent of decisions of the appealed VA cases were affirmed in favor of labor.

Together, these countries supplied 44 percent of the global seafarer workforce. The sea-based remittances reached $6,870,827,000 in 2017; $6,139,512,000 in 2018; $6,539,246,000 in 2019; $6,353,522,000 in 2020; $6,545,002,000 in 2021; and $6,715,880,000 in 2022.

cept for 2007 (-7,944), 2008 (-4,939), 2012 (-2,239) and 2020 (-290,507) where there were decreases from the previous year.

The highest number of deployed seafarers was documented in 2019 at 507,730.

Before the pandemic lockdown in 2020, the number of recorded deployed seafarers was increasing. However, it dropped drastically to 217, 223 in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns.

The number started to increase again after the easing of the lockdown.

The highest increase was in 2021 (128,294) followed by 2009 (68,810), 2022 (39,722), 2016 (36,289), and 2014 (34,660).

The world’s supply of seafarers, including those from the Philippines, was greatly affected by the pandemic that caused extended lockdowns and border closures, and the resulting crew change crisis.

The Philippines is still considered as one of the major suppliers of maritime labor globally. It is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to five crewmembers on board a vessel at any time.

According to the BIMCo/ ICS Seafarer workforce Report 2021, the top five largest supplier for both officers and ratings are the Philippines, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, China, and India.

w it h the increasing number of deployed seafarers, the risk of more seafarers suffering from illness, accident or death also increases.

However, through restrictive provisions of the P oE A contract, claims for disability and death compensation became a legal battleground, which is partly attributable to the fact that employers do not hesitate to harness their immense resources to limit their liability.

The escrow proponents in the Magna Carta for Seafarers argue that more than P2.5 billion worth of claims awarded by the NCMB alone from 2018 to 2022 had been reversed by either the CA or the Supreme Court.

Data from the DM w noted that out of the 2,031 decided voluntary arbitration cases from 2016 to 2022, a total of 1,618 were appealed to the Court of Appeals (CA); and 98 cases were later brought up from the CA to the Supreme Court. A total of 2,795 cases were settled.

At the Supreme Court, 79 cases were decided with 40 affirmations, 19 affirmations with modifications, 23 reversals and 2 remanded to the CA. The affirmation rate is 70 percent (53 cases) wherein 96 percent (51 cases) are in favor of labor while only 4 percent (2 cases) are in favor of management.

The reversal rate is 30 percent (23 cases) wherein 96 percent (22 cases) are in favor of management while 4 percent (1 case) for labor.

The NLRC reported that the affirmation rate of decisions appealed to the Court of Appeals in 2022 is 92 percent.

The reversal rates in the Supreme Court (30 percent) cannot overshadow the fact that almost 70 percent of decisions of the appealed VA cases were affirmed in favor of labor.

The numbers contradict the sweeping allegations that most cases are “frivolous” and are associated with “ambulance chasers” or lawyers who go to lengths to push seafarers to file labor cases against their foreign employers. There is not even substantial evidence to correlate the losing cases as cases initiated by ambulance chasers.

w i ll the winning 70 percent seafarers’ cases be sacrificed due to the 30 percent reversals?

Proponents of the escrow provision argue that such is necessary to ensure the restitution of monetary awards in case the appropriate appellate court annuls or partially or totally reverses the monetary judgment award.

“Seafarers’ claims for disability benefits should not be considered unreasonable and impelled by nothing but greed, but rather, justified by their health considerations and a natural desire of every person to preserve his life for as long as possible. For being human, seafarers should not be penalized.” (UPL v. Beseril, GR 165934, April 12, 2006).

Seafarers will be “penalized” by the escrow provision that will downplay their rights guaranteed by the constitution instead of protecting their rights and promoting their welfare.

Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808 or 0908-8665786.

Dennis Gorecho

A18 Thursday, August 24, 2023

JICA TO HELP PHL CRAFT 30-YEAR RAILWAY PLAN

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will help the national government create a 30-year railway master plan for the Greater Capital Region (GCR).

T he plan can help increase railways and ease congestion in the GCR which covers the National Capital Region, Region III-Central Luzon, and Region IV-Calabarzon. A railway masterplan can help decongest the region whose population has risen by 51.55 percent to 44.1 million as of July 2023 from 29.1 million in 2007.

While Jica has been providing massive support to the development of quality railway systems in the Philippines, this is the time to further boost the strongest ever growth momentum of this country, and it requires a transport backbone, especially a modernized and effective railway network we can build hand-in-hand,”

Jica Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto said.

T he increase in the population of the GCR of over 3 percent every year for 16 years supports the need for a railway master plan that helps

create a long-lasting, reliable, affordable, safe, and environmentfriendly infrastructure.

“ It is important to have a comprehensive and long-term vision in developing railway systems and in laying the groundwork for a truly sustainable future,” Sakamoto said.

T he Philippines is currently implementing major railway infrastructure projects in cooperation with Jica that include the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway system, MRT3 Rehabilitation, and capacity enhancement of Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2.

However, further expansion of railway systems to form a transport network is considered a prerequisite for the country’s development.

I n addition to the 30-year master plan and the various railway projects, Jica is also supporting capacity development efforts including technical assistance to the Philippine Railways Institute (PRI). Jica will also dispatch Japanese experts to provide inputs and share Japan’s experiences for the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) with the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

Congress to work closely with DA on rice price policies

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

CONGRESS will work close -

ly with the Department of Agriculture to develop new policies or laws to ensure the price stability of rice, the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations vowed on Wednesday, as lawmakers said the DA should work towards delivering the President’s campaign promise to lower the price of rice to P20 per kilo.

A ko Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, the panel chairman, recalled that as early as March or April of this year, they had been conducting meetings with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, DA Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian, and other DA officials to find solutions to the looming rice price surge.

Co added that they were also assured by Sebastian that the rice price surge would never happen this year.

“ We know it’s coming, that the price will go up to P60, and we don’t want it to happen because this happened the last time during the administration the rating fell. We don’t want it to happen, and you assured us up to May. You said it was impossible for that to happen,” Co said.

Co also expressed his disappointment with Sebastian for giving false assurances.  “ How come that happened? I really don’t understand, and the President said we should file economic sabotage [against agricultural smugglers]. Officials who contribute to the economy of sabotage must be included,” said Co.

D uring Tuesday’s budget hearing of the DA, Sebastian said he could not have predicted the Indian ban on rice exportation, which affected the pricing of rice on the international market.

In response, Co explained that it is just a matter of supply and demand:

“If we have enough supply, then the price will not go up even though the world market is very high.”

“ There must be a mechanism and proactive measures; we can’t just let the price fly. Our President first promised that the price would be P20 per kilo of rice. We need to make some recommendations for that because it can’t be like that again next year,” he said.

DOTr sends out bid invites for ₧170.6-B Naia rehab

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

On Wednesday, the DOTr and the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) announced that they are inviting interested parties to participate in a single-stage competitive bidding process for a Rehabilitate-Operate-Expand-Transfer modality, in accordance with the Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Law and its Revised 2022 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

T he Instructions to Bidders (ITB) is already publicly available in the DOTr, MIAA, and the Public-Private

Partnership Center (PPPC) websites.

T he P170.6-billion Neda Boardapproved Naia PPP Project will cover all facilities of the country’s main gateway, including its runways, four terminals, and associated facilities.

T he Naia rehabilitation project aims to increase the current annual passenger capacity of the airport to at least 62 million from 35 million.

T he DOTr hopes the contract could be awarded within the year and start the concession agreement with

the winning bidders by mid-2024.

T he rehabilitation is expected to address the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement, making Naia on a par with the airports of neighboring countries.

A lso, the overall passenger experience and service quality to prevent long queues, lengthy waiting times, and other passenger inconveniences would be improved after it is rehabilitated.

E arlier in June, Manila International Airport Consortium (Miac) submitted a revised P267-billion unsolicited proposal to the government. Miac is composed of six of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, namely, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance Global-Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp., and JG Summit Infrastruc -

ture Holdings Corp.

T he consortium proposed to implement the offer in three phases.

T he first phase will be implemented over the first two years and is intended to quickly increase the capacity of the airport to 54 million passengers per annum (MPPA) by 2025 and improve reliability, while reducing queuing times at various bottlenecks throughout Naia.

Ph ase 2 will increase the capacity of the airport to 62.5 MPPA by 2028 through the expansion and development of the terminal floor area, the addition of airfield facilities, and improvements in crossterminal transportation.

T he third phase will further increase Naia’s capacity to approximately 70 MPPA by 2048 and consists of long-term expansion and development projects to further expand terminal space and airfield capacity.

Co also proposed using Speaker Romualdez’s associations with speakers from Vietnam and Thailand to get a good deal on government-to-government importation.

He said that Congress is ready to work with the agency to develop new policies or laws to ensure price stability and assist the poor, as this was a campaign promise of the President.

Plan

DEPUTY Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said reducing the cost of rice to somewhere near P20 per kilo should be a staple in the DA’s rice sufficiency plan, especially if it will inch closer to Marcos’s campaign promise.

He also urged the DA to go back to the drawing board and “complete” its Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) to include a reduced target price for rice by 2028.

“

The targeted reduced price cannot be out of the plan, even if it can be lowered close to the P20 per kilo promised by the President. The DA has to work hard to make rice affordable for a majority of the population,” Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, said.

“ For me, if we are funding the rice development program of the DA with taxpayers’ money, we should be able to see how they intend to reduce the price of rice and at what price they are targeting,” he added.

If the DA’s target is to reduce the price of rice to anywhere between P27 and P32 by 2028, like what DA

Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla said during the budget hearing, they should put it in writing and include it in the Masagana rice program, he said.

Under the DA’s MRIDP, the agency targets 97 percent rice self-sufficiency by 2028 through projects aimed at improving agricultural production in the country but not a projected reduction in the price of rice.

H ataman raised rice sufficiency concerns during the DA budget briefing for members of the Committee on Appropriations at the House of Representatives, where members of the agency said that a P20 per kilogram price is unachievable.

Sombilla said the reduction of the price of rice is indeed included in the rice sufficiency plan, but no figure has been mentioned as a target.

Solons nix Diokno bid to recall free college educ

LAWMAKERS on Wednesday opposed the suggestion of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno for the Marcos administration and Congress to revisit the free college education program, saying that it has a multiplier effect on the economy.

C agayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Northern Samar Rep. Paul R. Daza disagreed with Diokno’s view that the program is not sustainable.

I am against the proposal to stop the program because it benefits many poor but deserving high school graduates who cannot otherwise pursue a college education without government financial assistance,” Rodriguez said.

Congress can and should continue to fund it. Education is the best gift we can give to the poor,” he said.

Besides, he added that free college education is not available to all those seeking enrollment in state and local colleges and universities, and is limited only to poor but deserving students.

R odriguez said that free tertiary education is allocated P51.1 billion in the proposed P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget.

P51.1 billion is a small fraction of the spending proposal for next year. It’s less than one percent,” he stressed.

O ver the weekend, Diokno said he had opposed the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017 (Republic Act No. 10931) when he was part of the Duterte administration because it was “unsustainable.”

He served in the previous administration as budget secretary and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor.

D iokno called the law “anti-poor” because “there are more poor people who do not attend college.”

This is really a subsidy to those who can pay for their college education. Plus, it really consumes a lot of funds,” he said.

Rodriguez urged the Commission on Higher Education and state and local universities and colleges to strictly vet students applying for the free college education program to ensure that only those qualified get assistance.

He said many concerned citizens have claimed that the University of the Philippines has become the “university of the rich” because of the fact that parking lots on its Diliman campus in Quezon City are full of high-end cars and sport utility vehicles during classes.

“ I hope these are not the students who receive financial assistance from the government under RA 10931,” he said.

Good investment

DAZA said financing education, including tertiary education, will always be a good investment. He has recently been pushing for reforms in the tertiary education system, particularly in improving access to scholarships and modifying licensure examination systems.

Think of investment in education as planting a tree. We don’t experience the reward of a fruit on the day we planted the tree but rather at an estimated time in the future.

It’s all in literature,” Daza added.

O ne of the studies shared by Daza is by the National Association of State Budget Officers of the US (2017). It was estimated that a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn more than $600,000 than the average holder of a high school diploma.

Moreover, at the 95th percentile of the earnings distribution, the difference in earning is higher: a bachelor’s degree holder will have a lifetime income of $3.4 million, which is $1.8 million higher than a high school graduate and $1.3 million more than an associate degree graduate.

“ Naturally, the per capita income difference between the US and the Philippines must be considered, but basically, the truth that tertiary education allows a higher chance for more lucrative employment and op -

portunities is universal,” Daza added. I n another study by the Unesco Institute for Statistics (2002), the income advantage of graduates of tertiary education over those with upper secondary education ranges from 82 percent in Indonesia to almost 300 percent in Paraguay.

“

Of course, there is the compounding effect because higherincome earners will naturally have higher spending and investments— benefiting others and positively impacting the economy,” the solon imparted.

T he legislator said he believes the challenge is really not how to sustain the investment financially but rather ensuring that the system truly supports the marginalized and neediest groups.

H e urged the government to first reform the acceptance system for SUCs and local universities and colleges. Secondly, he recommends full support for poor students, including adequate grants, stipends, and allowances.

“

To begin the reforms, a mind shift is necessary; education is not an expense but rather a worthy investment. I am sure our Finance Secretary, one with a solid background in business and investments, sees it this way, too,” Daza added.

THE Department of Transportation is now seeking parties interested to bid for the contract to rehabilitate, operate, optimize and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz

BARE WALLS In San Andres, Malate, Manila, educators from Aurora A. Quezon Elementary School are seen taking down classroom decorations, in compliance with a controversial directive from Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte, mandating the removal of all classroom adornments, including conventional educational posters and visual teaching aids. ROY DOMINGO

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Thursday, August 24, 2023

B1

New wells to beef up geothermal portfolio of SM Investment’s unit–ThermaPrime

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

The new wells will add more than 100 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the geothermal portfolio of PGPC, a whollyowned unit of SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), ThermaPrime said Wednesday.

“The whole campaign produced more than 100 MW additional steam production for PGPC from its geothermal steam fields in Laguna, Batangas and Tiwi, Albay,” ThermaPrime, a drilling services contracting company specializing in geothermal wells and related services, said in a statement.

One of the drilled wells in the Makiling-Banahaw area is by far the country’s deepest for “large hole” with a depth of 11,849 feet. It also holds a speed record for geothermal drilling having been completed in under a month.

ThermaPrime is a member of the First Holdings Group of Companies and a fully-owned subsidiary of “AAAA” general contractor First Balfour Inc., ThermaPrime said it is in the forefront of the low carbon footprint and regenerative agenda of the group.

PGPC is the pioneering developer of geothermal energy in Southeast Asia. The company is looking to progress its other geothermal concessions and increase its renewable energy output to about 600 MW in line with the thrust of the government to pursue green and sustainable energy development.

Last January, PGPC said it will spend P3 billion annually for new exploration projects in Kalinga, Daklan, and Cagayan in Northern Luzon, and in Mt. Labo and Malinao in Southern Luzon. Through these new exploration projects, PGPC is targeting to increase its steam production by 300MW of baseload renewable energy.

The SM Group, through SMIC, acquired PGPC for P26.6 billion last year.

PGPC operates the Tiwi geothermal steam field in the province of Albay and the Mak-Ban geothermal steam field in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas.

Last June, SMIC said PGPC is targeting to boost its geothermal capacity to about 600 megawatts (MW).

“SM is committed towards harnessing clean energy by increasing its capacity to provide steam. The Philippines’ location within the ‘Ring of Fire’ provides a huge opportunity for a low-carbon source of power.

This is proven by PGPC’s half a century of reliable and consistent production of steam converted into renewable baseload electricity for its communities,” SMIC President Frederic DyBuncio said in a statement.

PSALM pares down liabilities to ₧315.3B

THe Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has paid off P54.75 billion worth of debts, interest and other charges in the first half, bringing down its financial obligations to P315.3 billion as of end-June.

During the six-month period, PSALM settled P45.85 billion worth of principal debt and Independent Power Producer (IPP) lease obligations. The remaining P8.9 billion was utilized for interest payment.

“With regards to payment we have made in first semester of 2023, we have paid total obligations of P54.75 billion. The total financial obligations we have paid as of June has amounted to about P1.9 trillion,” said PSALM President Denis De La Serna. PSALM is tasked to manage the orderly sale, disposition, and privatization of the National Power Corp. (NPC).

By end of this year, PSALM’s debt is expected to go down to about P300 billion.

“I would like to highlight that in 2003 the highest level of financial obligation absorbed by PSALM was P1.2 trillion. This is down now in June 2023 to P315 billion and we expect it to be about P300 billion in December of 2023,” said Dela Serna. PSALM has privatized 45 power plants, representing 82 percent of the capacity portfolio. The remaining power plants that are up for privatization are the 165-megawatt (MW) Casecnan Hydroelectric Power Plant (CHePP) and the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Complex.

For the remaining IPP plants, PSALM has yet to sell the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydro facility, Mt. Apo Geothermal and Mindanao coal plant. Lenie Lectura

ThermaPrime Drilling Corp. (ThermaPrime)

has concluded its drilling program, which consists of 12 production wells and three multilateral injection wells, for Philippine Geothermal Production Co. inc. (PGPC).

CCAP okay with BSP’s credit card cap ruling

THE Credit Card Association of the Philippines (CCAP) said the decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to maintain the interest rate ceiling on credit cards was the right call.

Last Tuesday, the Monetary Board decided to retain the existing ceilings on credit card transactions. (See https:// businessmirror.com.ph/2023/08/23/ bsp-seeks-balance-between-creditcard-users-businesses/)

The CCAP said maintaining interest rates can help both cardholders and credit card issuers who are still recovering from the pandemic.

“We support the BSP’s intention to strike a balance between the interest of cardholders or financial consumers and credit card issuers who are both just starting to recover from the contraction brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic in the previous years,” CCAP executive director Alex Ilagan said.

The umbrella organization of 17 credit card issuers added that it has been working with the BSP in assessing the interest rate ceilings.

Based on Circular 1165, the maximum interest rate or finance charge on the unpaid outstanding credit card balance of a cardholder remains at 3 percent per month or 36 percent per year.

The BSP also said the monthly add-on rates that credit card issuers can charge on installment loans is maintained at a maximum rate of 1 percent while the maximum processing fee on the availment of credit card cash advances stays at P200 per transaction.

The ceilings on credit card transactions are subject to review following a six-month period.

“CCAP is involved in doing a holistic review based on key drivers and appreciate this collaboration with the BSP,” Ilagan added.

Based on the latest BSP data, credit card receivables posted double-digit growth of 29 percent year-on-year as of May 2023. This was higher than the 17.1 percent registered in the same period last year.

BSP said this was on the back of firm demand for credit cards as evidenced by 34.6 percent growth in credit card billings as of the end of March 2023, compared to the 28.5 percent growth in the previous year.

Based on CCAP’s quarterly survey of its members comprising the 17 major credit card issuers in the country, there are a total of 11.8 million credit cards issued in the Philippines as of the first quarter of 2023, the CCAP said last month. Cai U. Ordinario

BTr fully rejects bids for 20-yr T-bonds

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

The Auction Committee rejected bids for the debt papers that would have raised P30 billion for the national government. Had the committee accepted the bids, the average rate for the reissued T-bonds would have reached 6.927 percent.

However, the Auction Committee

showed at the start of the auction that 15-year tenor rates in the secondary market fetched an average interest rate of 6.627 percent.

“With a remaining term of 15 years and 5 months, the average rate for the reissued T-bonds reached 6.927 percent had it been awarded,

with P35.3 billion in total tenders,” the BTr said. With the full rejection of the Auction Committee on Wednesday, the BTr said the total outstanding volume for the series still stands at P83.8 billion.

The last time the Auction Committee fully rejected offers for treasury bonds was in November 2022 while the last time it rejected bids for bonds with tenors of above 10 years was in September 2022.

Based on BTr data, offers were rejected in November 2022 for the three-year T-bond coupon, which could have reached a coupon rate of 8 percent had it been awarded.

In September 2022, the Auction Committee decided to fully reject bids for the reissued bonds with a remaining term of 16 years and 4 months. BTr said the average rate for the reissued T-bonds reached

SEC revokes license of Populus Lending

By Manuel T. Cayon @awimailbox Mindanao Bureau Chief

DAVAO CITY—The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced it revoked with finality the certificate of authority of Populus Lending Corp. for alleged unlawful debt collection practices and issuing threats and public shaming of clients who fail to settle their debts on time.

The SEC also said the lending firm failed to disclose its online lending platform.

In an order dated July 14, the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Division (FinLend) found that Populus Lending “has committed several violations of SEC Memorandum Circular (MC) 18 (series of 2019) on the “Prohibition on Unfair Debt Collection Practices.”

The case stemmed from nine formal complaints and 355 informal complaints filed by former Populus Lending clients from September 2022 to March 2023. They alleged that the company “resorted to using threats, obscene language, false representations, and ‘doxing’—using information about an individual with malicious intent—in their debt collection practices.”

“The complainants cited receiving threatening messages, aggressive comments on their Facebook posts, sending demand messages to people not involved in the loan but are acquainted with the complainants, and

threatening to black-list them in all financial institutions;” it added.

MC 18 has “expressly prohibits the use of threats, insults, obscenities, profane language, and any false representations or deceptive means to force any individual to pay their debts. The guidelines also preclude lending and financing companies from contacting people in the borrower’s contact list without their consent, among other conditions.”

The company was also found to have violated SEC MC 19 (series of 2019) requiring financing and lending companies to disclose all of the OLPs they operate to the Commission.

Meanwhile, when the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) implemented the search warrant with the SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department, it found out that Populus Lending had been operating through the following platforms: “Pesopop;” “Antwallet;” “Dragonloan;” “Catcash;” “Topeso;” “Takecash;” “Pesohere;” “Weagle;” “Cocopeso;” “Cashin;” “Candycash;” and, “Cashcow” from its Pasig City office.

Data from the SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department show that Populus Lending only has four registered OLPs with the Commission, namely “Pesopop,” “PesoCow,” “NewCash” and “LuckyLoan.”

“Based on the digital forensic examination conducted onsite on 22

July 2022, particularly the seized devices, and the voluntary statements of the collection agents, [Populus Lending] and its collecting agents were operating and using 13 OLPs, not four OLPs,” the revocation order read.

“Simply put, we find that [Populus Lending] violated the above-cited SEC Circulars and exercised misrepresentation and deceit.”

The Commission previously issued a cease and desist order against Populus Lending on June 26 this year for its unfair debt collection practices.

To date, the SEC has cancelled the licenses of 41 financing/lending companies due to various violations of applicable rules and regulations. A total of 81 OLPs operated by unregistered financing and lending companies have also been ordered to cease and desist their operations for lack of authority to operate as a lending or financing company.

Six other financing and lending companies, with their 26 OLPs, including four owned by Populus Lending, were also ordered to stop their operations for violation of the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act.

The SEC, through the Corporate Governance and Finance Department, has likewise revoked the primary registration of a total of 2,084 lending companies to date for noncompliance with Republic Act 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007.

PNB’s High Dividend Fund recognized by CFA Society

THE Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) announced last Wednesday that its High Dividend Fund was recognized as one of the “Best Managed Funds for 2023” under the “Peso Equity Fund” category last August 10 by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of the Philippines, an association of local investment professionals that annually gives recognition to funds that stand out among peers.

“The PNB High Dividend Fund has been among the consistent bestperforming funds in the country for the last three years,” said Joy Jasmin Santos, PNB’s chief trust officer and head of Trust Banking Group. “This recognition is proof of PNB’s commitment to deliver superior investment performance and bring satisfaction to our clients.”

A total of 86 funds from 16 investment houses participated in the search conducted by CFA. The PNB High Dividend Fund was among the seven funds that delivered the highest risk-adjusted returns to investors.

Launched in June 2012, the PNB High Dividend Fund is a domestic equity fund in the Philippines that seeks dividend income and capital appreciation by investing in listed companies with high dividend yields and established history of paying dividends.

It is available for a minimum participation of only P2,000—a much smaller amount than what one would ordinarily need to buy equity securities. In addition, the fund is a hasslefree investment tool for individuals who are too busy to manage their equities portfolio.

Income lower EARLIER in the month, PNB disclosed it posted net profits of P9.7 billion for the first six months of 2023 “on the back of sustained growth in net interest margin and revenues from fee-based businesses.”

7.565 percent, with P50 billion in total tenders.

TDF auction

MEANWHILE, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it raised P280 billion from the auction of Term Deposit Facility (TDF).

The BSP fully awarded the P160billion offering in the 7-day tenor from P179.347 billion in bids and accepted P120 billion from P139.249 billion in bids in the 14-day tenor.

The weighted average interest rates (WAIR) for the 7-day and 14day tenors saw mixed trends from the previous week.

The WAIR for the 7-day TDF slightly declined by 0.2071 basis points (bps) to 6.5936 percent, while that for the 14-day TDF rose marginally by 0.0136 bps to 6.6000 percent.

The range of yields accepted in the

GUEST COLUMN

7-day and 14-day tenors narrowed to 6.578-6.6 percent and 6.578-6.61 percent, respectively.

“Looking ahead, the BSP’s monetary operations will continue to be guided by its assessment of prevailing liquidity conditions and market developments,” BSP deputy governor Francisco Dakila Jr. said.

The BSP saw reduced TDF volume offerings to P280 billion. This is for the allocation between the 7-day and 14-day tenor recalibrated to P160 billion from P170 billion and P120 billion from P130 billion, respectively.

The BSP also said both tenors were oversubscribed, with the respective bid-to-cover ratios for the 7-day and 14-day tenors at 1.121 times and 1.160 times.

The BSP said total tenders received amounted to P318.596 billion, well within its expected range.

Changes in phone nos., addresses could indicate potential for fraud

By Pia Arellano

ACCORDING to the credit bureau data of TransUnion Information Solutions Inc., demand for credit in the Philippines has reached an all-time high, with new loan enquiries exceeding the million mark for the first time in January 2023 –nearly treble the levels seen for the same month before the pandemic. This follows a year of significant growth, with new loan originations up by 76 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of this year compared to the same period last year (Q1 2022).

Even though the risk profile of more than 30 percent of these borrowers taking out new loans is ‘AA to DD’, lenders manage risk and demand for credit with caution.

Despite this, the percentage of loan originations that have progressed directly to 90 days past due (DPD)—known as straight flows—has increased alongside this retail credit growth, potentially highlighting that more fraudulent borrowers are entering the system.

already be in place, like reviewing their credit score.

TransUnion’s data shows that frequent changes in a borrower’s phone number may be an indicator of potential fraud or early delinquency. For example, 15 percent of borrowers seeking credit in March 2023 had changed their phone number twice in the preceding three months, while 6 percent had done so three times, and 3 percent had changed their phone number more than three times in the previous quarter.

When assessing out of pattern behavior of consumers, the data showed that 13 percent of borrowers applying for any loans or credit cards had changed their address twice in the preceding three months, 8 percent had done so three times, and 7 percent had done so more than three times.

By March 2023, this data supported lenders in the Philippines in blocking 873,981 accounts across 564,777 consumers, protecting them from recurring fraudulent activity.

In its statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange last August 11, the lender said its net interest income grew by 25 percent year-on-year to P21.6 billion, “primarily driven by higher yield rates on earning assets amid the rising interest rate environment.”

This translated to an improved net interest margin of 4.24 percent from the 3.35 percent reported in the same period last year. Likewise, fee-based revenues increased by 31 percent to P3.1 billion with higher volumes of credit and deposit-related transactions as well as intensified cross-selling efforts of the bank during the first half of the year.”

The bank said its net income for the first semester, however, was lower than its year-ago level of P11.1 billion, which included substantial reversals of credit provisions aggregating P3.2 billion as a major portion of the bank’s nonperforming Covid-impacted accounts showed improvements in their credit and payment status with the re-opening of the economy and recovery of most businesses in 2022. On the other hand, the bank prudently set aside additional provisions amounting to P1.6 billion given the prevailing uncertainties in 2023 due to rising interest rates.

It’s important to note that a first payment defaulter – someone whose loan repayment is 30 DPD – is the earliest indicator of whether the borrower has the intent and the ability to pay, but this first default could be a function of technical issues, or it could be as simple as the borrower not understanding or being unaware of the terms of payment. A second default, at 60 DPD, is a more consistent measure, but could also be vulnerable to the technicalities of payment. Default at 90 DPD, indicates credit stress with a high risk of roll-forward, but this could still be addressed with some effort, although costly, from a collections team.

The highest probability of fraud is evident at 120 DPD where there’s been no payment – and it could be too late to ‘cure’ this default or even to take action against them, as it’s these ‘borrowers’ that are most likely to be fraudulent.

Waiting for borrowers to default at 90 DPD or 120 DPD is a less than ideal way to find out that they’re fraudulent, and lenders are sure to be looking for insights or flags that alert them to whether a prospective borrower presents a higher-than-average fraud risk. Weeding out these borrowers on the basis of their out of pattern behavior by drawing on readily available attributes early in the application process supports other verification steps that may

The frequency of phone number and address changes is just one indicator that can be included in assessing an applicant’s propensity to default or to identify potential fraud. Other high-risk attributes that contribute to building this picture include taking out multiple loans over a short period (loan stacking) or even making multiple inquiries for credit over a short time (inquiry stacking). Other attributes include different email addresses being used in applications, or multiple employers over a short period of time being listed, along with recent changes in employment.

As lenders report consumers that have been blocked due to fraud by sharing data from their portfolios with TransUnion each month, these ‘flags’ are available to other lenders at the time of underwriting and making credit decisions.

Drawing on the power of trended credit data and advanced analytics for wider and deeper consumer insights gained from enriched attributes and algorithms helps lenders manage existing customer risk and opportunity better, and to predict future consumer behavior. It could also help identify potential fraud on setting up credit lines to use for money laundering or other criminal activity.

Pia Arellano is the president and CEO of TransUnion Information Solutions Inc. The views of Arellano do not necessarily reflect those of the B usiness M irror s

THE national government fully rejected bids for its reissued 20-year treasury bonds on Wednesday, the first time in nine months, according to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr).

This August 10, 2023, photo courtesy of the Philippine National Bank (PsE: PNB) shows (from left)

First Vice-President and investment Management Division head Dennis Anthony L. Elayda, senior Vice President and Chief Trust Officer Joy Jasmin R. santos, and senior Assistant Vice President and Fund Management Department head Katherine Pagal displaying the award the PNB received from the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) society of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of the PhiliPP ne national Bank (Pse PnB)

Health& Fitness

Thursday, August 24, 2023 B4

BusinessMirror

Health experts call for intensified efforts to raise HPV awareness, address misconceptions

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

According to health experts, members of the academe, and other health advocates, increasing awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and addressing misconceptions about it among parents is essential to improving vaccine uptake. HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, is the cause of most cervical cancers. c e rvical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women nationwide. Widespread vaccination with the HPV vaccine could help reduce the number of people who develop cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers around the world. This would have a significant impact on public health, as cervical cancer is a major cause of death among women worldwide.

i n our fulfillment in the World Health Assembly to address cervical cancer, we are working to increase the coverage of HPV vaccination in the country. For the calendar year 2023, the d e partment of Health has acquired one million doses of HPV vaccine, which will cover an estimated 500,000 females aged nine to 17, or approximately 38 percent of the nationwide school-aged children target,” said d r. Jan Llevado, d e partment of Health ( d o H ) c a ncer c o ntrol d i vision chief, during the recent 12th HPV Summit.

Demonstration project

T H e Philippines began its HPV immunization program in 2013 as a demonstration project.

i n 2 015, the do H e xpanded the program to cover 20 priority provinces with high poverty rates and incidence of HPV. i n t he following years, the program was rolled out to more local government units. To date, there are

52 provinces, 64 cities and one municipality where the vaccination program is being implemented.

“For those who have access or can afford the vaccine there are parental and patient concerns and misconceptions that affect acceptability and vaccine hesitancy,” said d r e r linda c u isia- c r uz, Adolescent Medicine d i vision head, Philippine c h ildren’s Medical c enter.

d r c u isia- c r uz was one of the speakers during the 12th HPV Summit, themed “ o n e c o mmunity Against HPV,” jointly organized by the Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association of the Philippines and MS d in the Philippines in partnership with the do H , A c Health, Philippine o b stetrical and g ynecological Society, the Society of Adolescent Medicine of the Philippines, and the c a ncer Warriors Foundation.

“As pedia and adolescent specialists, we have direct access to patients and their parents. We can provide education and information about the benefits of HPV vaccination, its role in the prevention of cancer and other related diseases. We can also address concerns and clarify misconceptions to help them make informed decisions,” added d r c u isia- c r uz.

Misconceptions

cA r M e n Au S T e Vice President of c a ncer c o alition Philippines, mentioned that one of the misconceptions about the HPV vaccine is that it is only for people who are already sexually active.

“Some people associate HPV vaccination with sexual activity rather than cervical cancer prevention,” said Auste.

d r c u isia- c r uz concurred, adding the need to address concerns about HPV vaccination “as a license to sexual initiation and promiscuity.”

“When we give the vaccine we are not say -

ing yes they can have sex. The message is, it is for the prevention of cervical cancer,” she pointed out.

d r. Jeanne Tiangha g o nzales, Assistant Secretary of the n a tional Board Association of Municipal Health o f ficers of the Philippines, said they can help intensify HPV education and awareness.

“When we distribute consent forms, sometimes they decline because they are not aware about HPV so we have to intensify our campaign,” said d r g o nzales. She said they will be more persistent in reaching out to mothers or parents through health summits and other activities for both parents and teens so they can learn more about HPV and cervical cancer together.

“The child can convince the parent to allow her for vaccination,” said d r g o nzales.

One Community Against HPV

T H e need to scale up HPV vaccination was highlighted during the recent 12th HPV Summit. it a lso underscored that HPV immunization as a preventive measure is integral as the Philippines intensifies its efforts to eliminate cervical cancer. Alongside comprehensive investment in immunization, increasing access to cervical cancer screening and treatment are seen to yield substantial socio-economic returns and elimination of the disease for Philippine society.

n early all instances of cervical cancer are linked to HPV infection. c e rvical cancer is also a preventable and highly treatable disease if detected early. i n n o vember 2020, the World Health o r ganization launched a strategy to eliminate cervical cancer with three pillars: ensuring vaccination for 90 percent of girls, screening 70 percent of women aged 35 to 45, and treating diagnosed women appropriately.

i n t he Philippines, cervical cancer is the fourth primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women, claiming more than 4,000 lives yearly. With around 38 million Filipino women still susceptible to cervical cancer, this equates to an alarming rate of 11 Filipinas losing their lives daily to the disease.

Prevention-centric approach

T H i S i s why the HPV Summit directed its discussion around the importance of a preventioncentric approach and investing more in early prevention by vaccinating young girls so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life.

To support this endeavor, the d e partment of e d ucation ( d e p e d ) will ensure that young girls would know about cervical cancer.

“To stand as vanguards of Filipino c h ildren, our future, and through d e partment o rd er 173 or the inclusion of human papillomavirus vaccination in our school-based immunization program, d e p e d h as shown our commitment to the cause. As we have returned to face-to-face classes post-pandemic, we are in an even more opportune position to make this more pronounced and build on our efforts, both in terms of our comprehensive sexuality education program and our adolescent reproductive health program through our teen centers. We seek to work with all of you to make cancer control and school health more deeply embedded in the lives of our young learners,” said d r d e xter g a lban, d e p e d A ssistant Secretary for o p erations.

i n t his crucial moment, a strong appeal is being made for individuals, groups, and communities to unite in the collective fight against HPV. To join the fight, sign the 11 thousand Loud SolidariTeal petition at https://www. change.org/p/it-is-time-to-take-action-againstcervical-cancer.

Health, insurance technologies must be sustained amid innovations–experts

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

He A LTH. i n surance. Technology. Put them all together, and their promise of bringing a positive change to society and significant share to nation-building will rise.

Amid various innovations now taking place in both the health and surety industries, technology plays a pivotal role for their continued success and growth in the long run. Hence, it is important that industry leaders, key players and advocates work together to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable healthtech and insurtech sectors for the benefit of Filipinos.

Supporting the country’s growing healthtech industry, Metro Pacific i nv estments c o rp.’s mWell serves as a fully integrated and fully digital health and wellness platform in the country.

“This is a fully integrated app experience. We’re in that space where we need to digitalize and bridge the digital divide. This app is that. From the time you select a doctor, all the way towards buying your medicine, and delivered straight to your house,” said Metro Pacific Health Tech mWell c h ief Marketing and c o mmercial o f ficer g a ry d u jali during a roundtable discussion organized by d i gital Pilipinas, together with the Philippine i n surers and r e insurers Association (P i r A ), the Philippine Life i n surance Association (PL i A ),

Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

BAguIO CIT y, PHAP kICk Off PHASe 2 Of MeDICIne ACCeSS InITIATIVe fOr reSIDenTS

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and members of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare a s sociation of the Philippines (PH a P), representing the research-based medicines and vaccines group in the country, kicked off the second phase of their partnership aimed at enhancing medicine and vaccine access for residents.

Coinciding with the global celebration of u n iversal Health Coverage Day in December last year, Magalong signed a memorandum of understanding with PH a P t o help accelerate the implementation of access to medicines under a u n iversal Health Care ( u H C) framework.

u n der the partnership, Baguio City will be the pilot site for the first u H C Blueprint on a c cess to Medicines Project, a collaboration designed to accelerate the implementation of access to medicines in local government units.

“Health is a priority agenda for Baguio City. i t i s one of our primordial concerns. This M ou signing with PH a P w ill take us one step closer to realizing better health for all people living in the city. a s t he pilot city for this novel partnership, we are very committed to it. Every time we see innovation, we want to be pioneering it,” Magalong said.

Public-private partnerships

i n his message during the launch of the baseline study results, Department of Health (D o H ) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa recognized the role of public-private partnerships as well as the leadership of local government units in achieving a Healthy Pilipinas.

i n the realm of healthcare, the government recognizes the invaluable role of public-private partnerships in ensuring equitable access to essential medicines. a c cess to medicines is of paramount importance especially during a crisis. This is not only a matter of health but also a complex and multi-faceted issue. t r equires collaboration among governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and civil society to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives,” Herbosa said.

and the Philippine i n surtech and Healthtech Association (P i H A i )

Innovative technological solutions

i n t he social protection space, e t iqa Philippines contributes by way of offering innovative technological solutions and its commitment to serve customers well through various digital touchpoints.

“We need to be able to provide excellent customer experience. What we have done is even before the pandemic hit, we were already developing our app-based solutions,” noted r i co Bautista, PL i A p resident and e t iqa Philippines president and chief executive officer (c eo)

He underscored the importance of a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance ( e S g) criteria.

For him, e S g is something that all must pursue. Bautista explained: “ d i gitalization and being part of d i gital Pilipinas and the healthtech and insurtech associations allow us to push forward that e S g concept and initiative that we all should be having. We want to be at the forefront of this because we are serious about sustainability and e S g

For his part, PL i A g e neral Manager and d a ta Protection o f ficer g e orge Mina delved on the important changes in the insurance industry in the sphere of digitalization.

“The most significant is being able to sell

life insurance on a digital basis. it u sed to be a face-to-face thing. i f y ou look at the websites of life insurance companies, they’re getting more and more personalized (in terms of) branding of digital assistance,” he said.

Hyper-personalized digital banking solutions provider i n ypay Founder and c eo A rivuvel r a mu discussed the insurance onboarding platform and the potential for insurtech growth.  i f y ou look at i n surtech on a global scale, it’s a $83 billion market share as of 2022. By 2028, the prediction for micro-insurance alone is $118 billion global market share. o u t of that, if you look at Southeast Asia alone, as of 2022, it’s a $3 billion worth of market and by 2028, the potential market to grow is by $8.4 billion just for the microfinance sector alone,” he cited.

Teching up health, insurance further during the event, findings of the initial res earch of The Voice of d i gital Pilipinas were also revealed.

With focus on cybersecurity and data privacy, the study showed that government agencies are the most trusted application platforms in terms of mobile applications.

“This serves as an opportunity for the Philippine government. The trust factor is really high, with 3/5 Filipinos preferring government agency applications. This is followed distantly by applications from e-wallets and bank appli -

Davao Occidental TB program gets recognition from DOH

By Manuel T. Cayon

dAVA o ci T Y—The tuberculosis program of the Provincial Health

o f fice (PH o ) o f d av ao o c cidental received two gold awards from the d e partment of Health ( d o H ) for implementing the program down to the barangay health centers.

The do H c onferred on the d av ao o c cidental PH o t he Bacteriologically- c onfirmed TB Treatment e n rollment and TB Preventive Treatment e n rollment g o ld Awards during the agency’s “ r a ce to e n d TB” An -

nual n a tional Awards held on August 16, 2023 in Manila.

The national awards were part of the celebration of Lung Month, which banners the theme “Healthy Lungs para sa Healthy Pilipinas,” the do H s aid.

d av ao o c cidental g o vernor Franklin P.

Bautista sent a video message posted on the province’s Facebook page to laud the health programs “and implementers from the regional down to local government units”.

He also recognized the support of the stakeholders “for their collective efforts in our race to achieve a TB free country”.

Strategic mechanisms B A u T i ST A s aid “the strategic mechanisms employed in achieving the success of the bacteriologically-confirmed TB treatment enrollment and TB preventive treatment enrolment are highly commendable.”

“As the governor of the province of d av ao o c cidental, i m pledging my full and continued support to this endeavor,” the governor stated.

He commended the open line communication with the PHo down to the barangay health centers, saying this was one of three important things “that contributed to the success of the province’s fight for a TB-free country”.

cations,” Tangere ceo Martin Penaflor said.

The Voice of d i gital Pilipinas, a collaborative initiative by d i gital Pilipinas, g l obal Fintech i n stitute, and Tangere that seeks to give a democratic voice to Filipinos, will come up with research on different topics including healthtech and insurtech to know the pulse of the Filipinos in various industries.

d i gital Pilipinas c o nvenor Amor Maclang emphasized the need to back up local players in these sectors, which are also two of the very important work streams of their organization.

“Health and insurance are two very important aspects of our work. We will be having a series of programs for both healthtech and insurtech and grow these industries domestically. We are working on a possible execution of smart contracts and blockchain in the insurance space,” she bared.

“There will be a pitch fest and a hackathon because we realize that many of the insurtech players are foreign. We hope to encourage many insurtech founders coming from the Philippines and coming from Asean to join the pitch fest and hackathon and be part of the d i gital Pilipinas Festival x Philippine FinTech Festival happening in n o vember,” she said of their upcoming event, which will take place from the 21st to the 24th day of such month at the SMX Aura and in various co-located venues and innovation hubs across the country.

To register, please visit  https://digitalpilipinas.ph.

“The PH o is constantly communicating to our municipal health officers, all the way to our barangay health workers for the implementation of our program,” he said.

Another contributory factor, he said “is the continuous monitoring and follow up to the status of the TB program enrollees.”

He also considered the cooperation of the TB enrollees to the program as a valuable factor.

“ o u r dedication to delivering public service to our constituents, as we aspire for a healthy and safe community, we diligently advocate to champion on this race,” he said.

“These three things we do are just simple and routinary steps, yet if we do it persistently and make it a habit, we can be assured of a positive gain,” Bautista said.

“Hence, the current administration’s goal highlighted the need to strengthen the public-private partnerships across all key industry players for sustainable access to medicines and reduce out-of-pocket spending for Filipinos. i would also like to recognize the pivotal role of our local government units in revolutionizing our health systems with a humane and responsive approach. Their leadership is a catalyst for positive change,” he added.

The M o u ha s set off a baseline study on the health needs of Baguio City residents as well as commenced discussions on the details of the project which has two components.

The baseline study, conducted in a p ril to May this year, serves as one of the City’s evidence-based resources to determine the general health status, level of medicine access, and health aspirations of residents. a b out 1,000 households from 111 barangays were part of the said baseline study.

Workshop T HE r esults of the baseline study were presented to the national and local healthcare leaders, and the citizens of Baguio. i t w as followed by a workshop among members of the City health office and health board to discuss the results of the baseline study, as well as identify healthcare access priorities for the City.

a l so under the M ou the first component of the partnership is the consolidation of PH a P Members’ health and medicine access programs. a number of biopharmaceutical companies belonging to PH a P has begun exploratory discussions with Baguio City to demonstrate their commitment to the health of the residents.

“Since we started the partnership, we have seen that Baguio City continues to be a leading innovation hub in the country. The goal of this pilot program is to demonstrate that quality healthcare can be achieved by rolling out access to innovative medicines through public-private partnerships. We recognize the leadership of Mayor Magalong in enabling innovation, good governance and collaboration as a strategy to improve health outcomes for Baguio City residents,” PH a P E xecutive Director Teodoro Padilla said.

Meanwhile, the second component under the M o u i s composed of the actual ecosystem building for a stronger healthcare system in the city, with support from the greater healthcare community.

“a s w e have seen at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure that life-saving medicines and vaccines are available to the people. This is an example of an innovative public-private partnership. We are working together with the private sector to find ways to make healthcare more accessible to everyone living in the City. a s w e do this, we are continuing our advocacy for good governance beyond politics,” Magalong said.

Digitizing old printed photos sitting in storage can unlock countless memories

By Michael Liedtke The Associated Press

THIS may seem like a sad story because it begins with a boy with few memories of his father, who died when he was 7 years old. It’s why Mitch Goldstone cherishes his only picture with his dad—a snapshot at Disneyland taken during the late 1960s, when the concept of people reflexively reaching for smartphone cameras in their pockets could only happen in Tomorrowland.

But this story, and the personal stories that follow, aren’t sad at all. And a half-century later and more, Goldstone has done something with that memory.

He is pursuing a career focused on the joy of rediscovery. He and his longtime partner, Carl Berman, run ScanMyPhotos, part of a niche industry that specializes in turning the billions of analog slides, undeveloped negatives and printed pictures taken in the pre-smartphone era into digital treasure chests filled with memories that had been forgotten.

There’s nothing else like it, there are so few businesses doing something that makes people cry when they get the product back,” Goldstone says. “Fortunately, they are usually happy tears.”

Giving analog photos new digital life can resurface long-buried memories and make them feel fresh. It can bring back the roar of the water in old vacation snapshots, resurrect long-gone relatives in their prime and rekindle the warmth of a childhood pet’s unconditional love. It can remind you of the intricacies of family relationships, summon forgotten moments and—perhaps best of all—make them easy to share.

It happened to me. I finally ended several years of procrastination and entrusted professionals to scan thousands of Kodachrome slides that I inherited from my 81-year-old dad when he died in 2019.

I hadn’t been able to look at them—not from an emotional standpoint, but because I didn’t have the proper equipment to peruse analog slides. Converting them into accessible digital media launched me on a journey back to my own childhood and the pasts of my parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents. That, in turn, is giving me a better understanding of how I became me.

It’s a phenomenon shared by other people who have taken the steps to preserve analog photos that were painstakingly shot in the decades before smartphones enabled people to routinely take pictures of everything.

It’s not cheap. But if you have the $200 to $300 that it will likely cost to pay for the process—and if you can find the time to dig through musty boxes, drawers and garages—you may find a gateway to experiences like these.

An actor’s final encore

DURING his award-winning acting career, Ed Asner became famous for playing crusty yet

lovable characters, with the most famous being Lou Grant—the newsroom boss in two popular TV series, The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1970 to 1977 and an eponymous spinoff from 1977 to 1982. Asner also provided the voice for the curmudgeonly Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s 2009 animated film, Up, that included a poignant scene about photography’s power to rekindle memories.

After Asner died in 2021, a similar scene became real. His son, Matt, found hundreds of undeveloped negatives. He decided to get them digitized along with a storehouse of printed pictures.

I honestly didn’t know what I was going to get back,” Matt Asner says. “It’s kind of overwhelming. It’s like you get this treasure back that opens your eyes to a past that you sort of remember. But a lot of it you don’t remember.”

Looking at his dad’s photos rekindled memories that Matt didn’t realize had been buried in his subconscious. One day, Matt was gazing at some photos taken of him when he was three or four years old at a Southern California beach house that his father would rent for the family during the summer. One picture in particular opened the floodgates.

“There’s this picture of me holding a dead fish, and I had this wild memory of finding it on the beach and keeping it with me for four days,” the son recalls.

“My mom finally threw it away when I was sleeping because it was stinking so much. That was a very strong memory that I had forgot.”

The digital conversions of Ed Asner’s old pictures also produced troves of other visual baubles, including one of the actor as a young man gazing introspectively at himself in a mirror—perhaps as he prepared for a role. Matt now shares some of his favorite pictures of his father on his Twitter account, but what he likes best is sending them around to relatives—something the digital format makes easy.

“Some of these pictures haven’t been seen for 40, 50 or even 60 years,” Matt Asner marvels. “It’s like opening up a strange world for everyone and it draws you closer as a family. My dad and mom were sort of the glue for the whole family. Now, these photos replace some of the glue that has gone away.”

A diplomat’s journey

AFTER retiring in 2021 from a long career as a U.S. diplomat who worked all over the world, Lyne Paquette returned to her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and retrieved from storage 12,000 images that she had taken from her film camera during her wide-ranging travels. After spending months sorting through them all, Paquette sent about 3,500 to be digitized. When Paquette got them back, she found herself transported back to so many of the places where she had been assigned or visited—various countries in Central and South America, Australia, Germany, Bangladesh, Syria and Vietnam. While she loves looking back at all the good times with all the friends she made, some of her favorite images are our her late parents.

Lunch ideas that kids (and parents) can enjoy with school back in session

and the panko in a third; stir 1 teaspoon salt into each, then stir the chili powder into the panko. One at a time, coat the cutlets on both sides with flour, dip into the eggs, then coat both sides with panko, pressing to adhere. In a large nonstick skillet, heat ¼ cup of oil until shimmering. Add 3 cutlets and brown on both sides, then transfer to a wire rack. Add the remaining ¼ cup oil and cook the remaining cutlets in the same way.

Dipping Sauces for Crispy Cutlets

Tangy Soy-Sesame Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup soy sauce,

3/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil. Makes 3/4 cup.

Sour Cream and Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup sour cream, the grated zest and juice of 1 lime, ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Makes 1 cup.

Sriracha-Mayo Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons Sriracha and 3/4 cup each mayonnaise and ketchup. Makes ¾ cup.

Pasta Salad with Charred Corn and Cilantro

It brings back so much happiness, but sometimes sadness,” Paquette, 67, says. “I can see now: I have had a very, very rich life.”

Some options for getting your old photos digitized

WITH so many pictures, slides and other visual media still limited to an analog, digitizing has turned into a cottage industry. As with any service or product, it’s smart to do some research to determine which service sounds best for your needs. But here are a few places to tip.

n Based on its research, Consumers Guide Review recommends these as the best places: iMemories, LegacyBox and ScanMyPhotos. Other photo-scanning

sites that have drawn positive reviews include GoPhoto, ScanCafe, Memories Renewed, ScanDigital, DiJiFi and Digital Memories.

n If you don’t feel comfortable turning over your old photos to strangers or think the scanning services are too expensive, there are ways to do it yourself. But that takes some technical expertise, patience and the proper equipment.

n If you are an Amazon aficionado, the e-commerce site rounds up what it believes are some of the best products in its inventory. PC Magazine recommends these products. If you do some Googling and research through another search engine, you will find plenty of other suggestions to scan all those photos on your own.

BOLOGNA sandwiches may be the easiest kid’s school lunch, but it’s not difficult to prepare brown-bag meals that parents can appreciate too. These recipes come together with flavor-boosting ingredients in just about 30 minutes.

Thin breaded chicken cutlets fry up in minutes, and are terrific made into sandwiches or served with any of the easy dipping sauces listed below.

To boost their flavor, mix whatever spice blend you have on hand into the breading before coating the chicken.

We use Japanese panko breadcrumbs, which have a coarse, fluffy texture that cooks up remarkably light and crisp. Look for cutlets that are about 1/4 inch thick so they cook through at the same speed the breading browns.

For creamy-rich pasta salad that’s also bright and fresh, we took inspiration from Mexican esquites, corn that typically is grilled or roasted and finished with a mixture of herbs, lime, chili and cheese. We simmer corn cobs in the water that’s later used for cooking the pasta for additional sweet, grassy flavor. The kernels, meanwhile, are charred and tossed with brine from pickled jalapeños, cilantro, Mexican crema and salty cotija.

Crisp-Breaded Chicken Cutlets

Start to finish: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

2 large eggs

Kosher salt

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons chili powder OR curry powder OR harissa spice blend OR shichimi togarashi

Six 4-ounce chicken cutlets (about ¼ inch thick)

1/2 cup neutral oil, divided

Beat the eggs with 1 teaspoon salt. Place the flour in a second bowl

Start to finish: 30 minutes

4 to 6

Servings:

5 cups fresh corn kernels from about 5 ears of corn, cobs reserved (see headnote)

8 ounces ditalini OR penne OR elbow macaroni

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

2 tablespoons neutral oil

1/2 cup Mexican crema OR 1/2 cup sour cream whisked with 2 tablespoons water (see headnote)

2 ounces cotija cheese, finely grated (1/2 cup)

1 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped, plus 3 tablespoons brine

In a large pot, combine 4 quarts water and the corn cobs. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes, then remove and discard the cobs. Stir in the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until fully tender. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water, tossing, until cool to the touch. Drain again, shaking the colander to remove as much water as possible; set aside.

In a 12-inch skillet over high, heat the oil until barely smoking. Add the corn in an even layer and cook without stirring for about 3 minutes, allowing the kernels to char. Stir once, then cook without stirring until most of the kernels are fully charred, about 2 minutes. Set aside off heat. In a large bowl, whisk together the crema, half of the cotija, the cilantro, pickled jalapeños and their brine, and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in the corn and pasta, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining cotija.

O ptional garnish: Chili powder OR lime wedges OR sliced scallions

OR a combination. AP

WEEKEND dining with your fur-babies just got a little extra at The Westin Manila. The hotel “unleashed” its new A La Bark Menu, so dogs can enjoy fine food while you dine.

This special variety of doggie delights is available every Saturday and Sunday, as well as on holidays, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at the Lobby Lounge veranda (al fresco area). The special menu was created by the hotel’s culinary team, who are themselves pet owners, featuring satisfying bowls and treats that are nutrient-dense, well-balanced delicacies made with fresh and healthy ingredients. Each offering has been thoughtfully crafted with the brand’s “Eat Well” pillar in mind.

Imagine your pet enjoying a serving of Bibimbark or the Tzushi, which are pup-friendly spins of signature Asian delicacies. There’s also the Woofaccino, which is a savory cup of beef bone broth topped with light whipped cream. The menu includes desserts, too. Baker’s Pupcake makes for a great treat for any day or celebration. Your pet is sure to love this moist and fluffy banana cupcake topped with dog-friendly frosting. The Icy Fruit Pups are made from fresh and homemade juices and are ideal for cooling off on a sunny day.

Book your table through +632.8256.2020 or westinmanila@westin.com. More information is available at www.westinmanilahotel.com and on Facebook and Instagram at @westinmanilahotel.

THIS photo provided by Michael Liedtke shows him outside a cabin in Big Bear, California, with his grandfather’s dog, Pudge, in 1963. (JAMES LIEDTKE VIA

PIZZA PARTY: New Yorker Pizza’s Official Launch a Resounding Success at FOOD MARKET BGC

THE much-awaited PIZZA PARTY, the Official Launch of Food Market New Yorker Pizza, took place on July 28, 2023, at the FOOD MARKET BGC, and it was a night to remember! Despite the challenging weather conditions with heavy rains, pizza enthusiasts, friends from the media, and bloggers showed unwavering support, making the event a resounding success.

The celebration kicked off at 6 pm, and attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience of tantalizing flavors and mouthwatering delights. New Yorker Pizza lived up to its promise, presenting its signature 16” Neapolitan-American style Hand Tossed Pizza, crafted with love and perfection!

Guests had the opportunity to indulge in the authentic taste of New York-Style Pizza, thanks to the hand-stretched Neapolitan pizza dough, San Marzano tomato pizza sauce, and a delightful medley of the finest local and imported ingredients. Each slice captured the essence of New York City, transporting diners to the bustling streets of the Big Apple!

Las Piñas cited as the safest city in Southern Metro Manila

LAS Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the city was recognized as the “safest city” in the southern part of Metro Manila, the second award given to the city.

Aguilar said the Southern Police District named Las Piñas as the safest city in the southern Metro Manila during the celebration of its 122nd Police Service Anniversary celebration on August 17 held at the SPD

headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

She said the city was also recognized as safest city during the 121st Police Service Anniversary on August 9, 2022.

The mayor thanked the hard work of the entire Las Piñas police under the leadership of Police Supt. Jaime Santis for their dedication in maintaining the peace and order in the city.

Aguilar said the recognition was based

on the police performance that made the city with least crime volume. She added the police force made the city a safe place in Metro Manila through police visibility and check points, and coordination of the barangay officials.

The mayor vowed the full support of the local government unit to local police for them to continue in making the city a peaceful place and protect the residents.

Innovation, technology are the keys to logistics future

THE logistics and transportation sectors have been spending more on technology and innovations in the wake of the global supply disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

Across the globe, the logistics and transportation space have put greater emphasis on the critical and that is to invest in technology to increase efficiency and production.

In his speech at the recent Transport and Logistics Philippines 2023 Expo, Undersecretary Ma. O Aplasca from the Office of Transportation Security underscored the importance of leveraging technology to advance the sector “and to foster collaboration among stakeholders in advancing transport and logistics to ensure the supply chain.”

He added, “The future of logistics and transportation is to ensure seamless supply chain operations.”

Patrick Lawrence Tan, CEO at GlobalLink and organizer of the Transport and Logistics Philippines 2023 Expo, noted the challenges in the sector over the past several years that influenced many companies to accelerate their innovation initiatives and invest in supply chain and logistics innovations.

Tan said these innovation initiatives lowered the cost and improved those companies’ reliability, making them “ahead of the competition.”

“The forecasts for supply chain and logistics innovation change drastically in the coming years, with the sector heavily influenced by recent and current experiences,” Tan added.

The Transport and Logistics Philippines 2023 Expo highlighted the contributions of the transportation and logistics industries to ease doing business and transform the country into a modern economic powerhouse.

The three-day event showcased the latest industry products, such as fleet management vehicles, fuel-efficient solutions, vehicle tracking, shipping and cargo equipment, warehousing solutions, safety and security technologies, and many more to see at the expo. See the Aratum, Fast Logistics, Denovo, Global Autodistribution, and Excelucent booths, among others.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures within the industry and joined by notable dignitaries. Undersecretary Elmer Francisco U. Sarmiento, representing the Maritime Sector of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), delivered the keynote address. The other speakers were Undersecretary Michael Ted Macapagal, Chairman of Philippine National Railway (PNR), Captain Stanley Ng, President and CEO of Philippine Airlines, and more.

“I commend the efforts of Global-Link MP Events International, Inc. for providing a platform where stakeholders can engage in various topics and immerse themselves in modern technology, sustainable materials, and global trends that will help shape the industry,” Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel. M. Bonoan commented.

The Transport & Logistics Forum 2023 was spearheaded by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. It

hosted a series of speeches, interactive sessions led by experts, thought leaders, policymakers, and a panel discussion. These sessions delved into critical subjects such as optimizing import/export processes, harnessing the power of e-commerce in logistics, and driving advancements in the railway infrastructure.

By facilitating insightful conversations among key players, the forum aims to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, shaping the industry‘s trajectory toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Attendees will have ample networking opportunities to connect with peers, industry veterans, and potential business partners, ensuring valuable connections are made to foster collaboration and growth. Philippine Airlines, International Container Terminal Services, and Airspeed sponsored the event.

The forum was organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Inc. (ICCPI) in partnership with Olacon together with the other chambers, namely, the Spanish Chamber-La Cámara, the French Chamber- CCI France, the British Chamber, and the German Chamber- AHK Philippines.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista added, "This timely Transport and Logistics expo is expected to provide fresh insights on how best to elevate our rails, road, airport, and port projects to world-class standards. We must welcome the sharing and networking of participants that will hopefully open opportunities that would impact ongoing transport projects.”

Despite the downpour, the vibrant ambiance at FOOD MARKET BGC and the delicious aroma of freshly baked pizzas created an electric atmosphere that uplifted everyone’s spirits. Attendees savored the large size pizzas, perfect for sharing with family and friends, serving six to 10 people with eight to 10 slices of sheer pizza delight.

The event was graced by members of the media and prominent bloggers who passionately shared their experiences and raved about the exceptional taste of New Yorker Pizza. Amidst the camaraderie and the love for pizza, the weather could not dampen the enthusiasm of everyone present.

Chef Velmor, the President of Food Market, expressed his gratitude and

said, “We are overwhelmed by the overwhelming response and support we received from our media friends, bloggers, and all attendees despite the rain. It truly shows the love people have for our handcrafted pizzas, and we are immensely grateful for that.”

The PIZZA PARTY was not just about indulging in delectable pizza; it was also about creating lasting memories and celebrating the joy of good food and great company.

Food Market extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who braved the weather and joined us for the official launch of our signature pizzas. The success of this event would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm of each and every attendee.

For those who missed the PIZZA PARTY, fret not! The Food Market is excited to welcome you to their restaurant to experience the true taste of New YorkStyle Pizza any day!

For more information and inquiries, +63 917 143 9188 Food market Westgate Alabang/ +63 917 143 4600 Food market commerce BGC

CSC’s fun run, tree planting event to raise funds for fallen heroes

THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) invites government officials and employees to join the nationwide fun run and tree planting event on Sunday, September 17, 2023, to celebrate the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).

In partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its attached agencies, CSC will conduct a simultaneous Plant-Run across 16 regions nationwide to raise funds for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani. This program honors government workers who died in the line of duty through the provision of onetime financial assistance plus scholarship opportunities to their family members.

“We are inviting our 1.8 million civil servants to participate in this fun, exciting, and meaningful event. Aside from encouraging an active lifestyle and promoting environmental conservation, proceeds from this activity will also provide financial aid for the families of our fallen heroes, our exemplary public servants,” said CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles.

In Region IV, the Plant-Run will be held in Yes City, Tanay, Rizal Province. Meanwhile, CSC is set to have the Plant-Run in Brgy. Canasujan, Carcar City, Cebu, for Region VII and along Davao City Coastal Road, Matina Aplaya Segment in Davao City for Region XI.

Other CSC Regional Offices have also identified specific locations for participants joining the Plant-Run, details of which will be announced to the participants upon signing up.

Registration runs until September 8, 2023 and is open to all government officials, employees, and their family members who are at least 18 years of age at the time of registration. The registration fee is P550.

Interested participants may register through the official registration links provided to their agency’s Human Resource Management Office (HRMO). Meanwhile, group participants may download the Group registration form at https://tinyurl. com/2023PCSAPLANT-RUNREGISTRATION.

For more details regarding the Plant-Run, please contact CSC Regional Office IV at (02) 7508-0377 or email pcsa.plantrun@csc.gov.ph.

SEALED PARTNERSHIP The memorandum of agreement between the Institute of Corporate Directors and BusinessMirror was officially signed on Auguat 15. 2023 in the presence of ICD's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carlos Jose P Gatmaitan and Vice-President Ma. Aurora Geotina-Garcia, along with BusinessMirror's Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon and Head, Partnership-Events & Projects Rodel Suarez at Discovery Primea in Makati City. PHOTO BY JOHN EIRON FRANCISCO

Envoys&Expats

envoys.expats.bm@gmail.com

FORGING STRONGER TIES Ambassador Peter Kell (left) and Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri explored ways of promoting closer ties and broader cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand. One is by strengthening the parliamentary dimension, including the creation of the Philippines-New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Philippine Senate, which will foster closer inter-parliamentary dialogue and exchanges, facilitate more dynamic interaction with Philippine senators’ foreign counterparts, and open new avenues of cooperation on matters of mutual interest and benefit.

POST-TYPHOON ‘EGAY’ RELIEF

On August 16, at the reception of the “Dialogue on Maritime Governance in the South China Sea,” Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa (left) informed Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo of the Republic of Korea’s humanitarian aid worth $300,000 “for the [Philippines’s] expedited recovery and rehabilitation.” Manalo conveyed his utmost gratitude to South Korean government for its continuous humanitarian support. FB: EMBASSY OF SOUTH KOREA

READY FOR SCHOOL OPENING

Thursday, August 23, 2023

Thursday, August 24, 2023

The Embassy of Israel recently participated in the Department of Education’s “Brigada Eskwela” at Bagong Tanyag Elementary School’s Annex A and transformed a vacant space into a mini-library called “Jerusalem Learning Resource Center,” as Deputy Ambassador Esty Buzgan (right) joined Mayor Lani Cayetano of Taguig City in the activity. Since 2015, the embassy has actively participated in the endeavor, as “education is also so important in the Jewish ethos,” according to Ambassador Ilan Fluss. EMBASSY OF ISRAEL

PBBM to bolster ties with Germany, Iran, Peru, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made the vow during the presentation of credentials of ambassadors Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke (Federal Republic of Germany) and Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh (Islamic Republic of Iran) in separate ceremonies held at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

In a statement by Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM), Marcos said the possibilities and potentials of further strengthening relations between the Philippines and Germany “show a great deal of promise.”

Noting the changes the world sees today, the president underscored the importance of reinvigorating these ties not only in terms of trade, diplomacy and politics, but in people-topeople relations as well.

For his part, Pfaffernoschke pledged to foster Philippine-German relations in all aspects, primarily in trade, investment and economic cooperation. He also vowed to boost joint efforts in climate-change adaptation and mitigation, as well as in maintaining international-order based on the United Nations Charter principles.

The two republics formally established diplomatic relations in 1954. Their bilateral cooperation developed into a broad-based partnership, ranging from joint projects in various areas including climate, environment, biodiversity, disasterrisk reduction, and the Mindanao peace process. Human rights, people-to-people exchanges, and commitment to a rules-based order in the region also top Germany’s policy in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Marcos Jr. hoped that Zadeh’s tour of duty would successfully lead to the strengthening of long-standing relations between their countries.

The Iranian envoy assured of his commitment to maintaining the friendly relationship and the shared vision for the futures of Iran and the Philippines. Their diplomatic relations were established on January 22, 1964.

Deepening ties with Peru

LAST week, the president sought to elevate the Philippines’s ties with the Republic of Peru and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, as he received the credentials of their respective ambassadors Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán and Dessie Dalkie Dokamo in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.

Bazán conveyed Peruvian president Dina Boluarte’s “warm wishes of happiness, peace and prosperity to the Chief Executive and the Filipino people,” according to RTVM’s Facebook post.

She also noted the Philippines’s thriving trade ties with the South American nation, and hopes to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

For his part, Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed Bazán to the country, optimistic on the plans the Peruvian diplomat relayed to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Both established formal diplomatic relations on November 30, 1974.

Likewise, Bazán invited Marcos Jr. to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru in November 2024.

The Latin American country’s APEC Forum hosting will coincide with the commemoration of the 50th year of formal mutual ties between Manila and Lima.

“The Peruvian envoy looks forward to receiving President Marcos Jr. and the Philippine delegation in

her country next year, noting the similarities in culture between the two nations—the closest culturally with Peru, according to her, among all countries in Southeast Asia,” RTVM’s Facebook post mentioned.

The Chief Executive appreciated the invitation extended to him to participate in the 2024 APEC meeting, which for him will be “a very good step for the strengthening and deepening of the relations between what might be regarded as very, very distant countries, but in fact are connected by the Pacific Ocean.”

Ethiopia: Trade, tech, air linkages MEANWHILE, Dokamo also relayed Ethiopian president Sahle Work-Zewde’s “warm wishes for the President’s well-being, and for the Philippines’s welfare and prosperity,” as the former presented his credentials.

The Ethiopian envoy assured Marcos that he would fulfill his diplomatic mission to advance Philippine-Ethiopian relations, as well as to work towards the interest and prosperity of both nations’ peoples and governments.

Marcos Jr. vowed that the Philippines would explore possible partnerships with Ethiopia, as he told Dokamo: “I hope that this is the beginning of a much stronger relationship, although we have been partners for a good, long time…[The] time is right that we will improve those connections.”

The Philippines and Ethiopia are actually eyeing to advance ties by forging possible partnerships in

various fields including trade, technology and air linkages.

Dukamo told Marcos Jr. that the Philippines and Ethiopia could explore cooperation on trade, transfer of technology, and other exchanges. He said Filipino businessmen could consider investing in his country’s industrial sector, and that they could share their expertise in manufacturing, especially in electronics.

Ethiopia, Dukamo said, is not just a large country in Africa, but also serves as “a gateway [to the continent].”

“It’s geographically located [as a bridge to] the Middle East and the rest of Africa, and also Western countries,” he said. “So, if Filipino businessmen come and invest [there], it’s possible to take advantage of the African market.”

The envoy is upbeat about the possible creation of air linkages spanning Ethiopia and the Philippines to strengthen two-way cooperation in various fields.

Marcos Jr., for his part, agreed that the two countries should elevate their ties: “Let’s work on that. Let that be the first job that we give ourselves. We make that connection easier. I think it’s never a bad thing to start with people-topeople relations that are always so important.”

The president posited that “sometimes, I say that foreign diplomacy is best conducted by ordinary people rather than diplomats, which I’m sure you’re happy about. Because we are proud of our citizens. They are all good ambassadors for our country. Any good contact for us is necessarily a good thing.”

Dukamo, who also serves as advisor of Agriculture and Irrigation to the Ethiopian prime minister, also acknowledged the Philippines’s move to put a premium on the agriculture

sector to spur economic growth.

He said his country also recognizes the Philippines’s development trajectory, as well as the Filipino workers’ dedication, hard work and discipline: “We know how [it] is growing from traditional agriculture to services and manufacturing industry, especially in the area of technical and vocational training—the way [it makes Filipinos] skilled, dedicated, and productive.”

Dukamo added: “We know [the Philippines well] through its workers. We are so grateful and we can share a lot in the area of trade and industry. From the fastest-growing economy, we can share a lot. Ethiopia is also now growing larger, step-bystep [evolving into] a large country and the largest economy in East Africa with huge potential in trade and investment.”

Both nations forged formal linkages on February 7, 1977. Since then, their governments have signed two treaties: the “Air Services” on October 8, 2014; and a memorandum of understanding on the “Establishment of a Bilateral Consultations Mechanism between the Philippines and Ethiopia” inked on October 11, 2016.

Other pending agreements being considered are on information and communications technology, promotion and protection of investments, labor cooperation, visa-waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders, culture and tourism, as well as taxation and fiscal evasion prevention.

Based on the 2022 record on trade, two-way exports amounted to $3.13 million, while imports reached $0.26 million, for a total of $3.39 million.

Zimbabwe: Greater bilateral ties

EARLIER, Marcos Jr. expressed his willingness to enhance bilateral co -

operation with the Republic of Zimbabwe, particularly in agriculture and education.

“I hope… we will find many things to explore,” he told non-resident ambassador-designate Constance Chemwayi at her credentials presentation.

The president also anticipates Chemwayi’s future visits, who will be based in Malaysia, to further assess their countries’ potential, and show her “the beauty of the Philippines.”

“I hope…your coming today will be the [start of those] close ties,” he said.

The envoy, in turn, is hopeful for additional knowledge that Zimbabwe can learn from the Philippines, as she cited that her nation is now improving its agriculture and infrastructure sectors in line with the goal to become a middle-income country by 2030.

Marcos Jr. expressed readiness to help in this endeavor, as he noted that the Philippines is also focusing on agriculture. He said the government is now prioritizing not only the price and supply of agricultural products, but also other inputs like fertilizer.

“I hope that we can find a way. We happen to have a very well-developed research and development, and schools that have been actually the premier schools for agriculturists and agronomists here in Asia,” he said.

The president also underscored the importance of forging an agreement with the government of Zimbabwe to rationalize and institutionalize efforts on boosting their agricultural and education sectors.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were formally established on April 18, 1980. Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos and Joann Villanueva/PNA

EU to spend ₧2.7 B on renewable energy, plastic-waste reduction

THE European Union (EU) has pledged around €466 million (P2.7 billion) to help the Philippines drastically lower its plastic wastes and switch to renewable energy.

This was announced by European Commission president Ursula von de Leyen during her recent visit to Manila.

One of the possible projects under this EU initiative would be the development of new sanitary landfills and alternative means of waste treatment, such as co-processing of waste in cement plants and waste-to-energy.

The EU’s 27 member-countries, as well as individual governments of France, Spain, Germany, Finland, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden, will form part of the “Team Europe Initiative on Green Economy,” which will roll-out this major outlay. The union has allocated €300 billion (P18 trillion) to an international infrastructure development strategy called “Global Gateway” in an apparent bid to counter China’s “Belt and Road Initiative.” For Asean member-states, the investment package costs €10 billion

(P605 billion) in public funds.

“Unlike other foreign investors, we don’t want to invest only in raw materials extraction,” von der Leyen said.

“We can also support you in building local capacity for processing powered by new clean energy infrastructure renewable energy.”

The EU Commission official added that it is not only good for the climate, but “it’s also homegrown. So Global Gateway seeks to create good jobs right here, because this also strengthens our supply chains.”

The Team Europe Initiative on Green Economy will develop an “alternative model” to the plastic-waste management approach in the Philippines. The country is considered the third-largest pollutant of plastic wastes around the world, contributing to an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of ocean plastic every year.

According to the European Delegation to Manila, the project will be led by industry players, in “close cooperation” with the Philippine authorities. Local governments, manufacturers, importers, suppliers, environmental, trade

and industry associations, as well as consumers who play a role in reducing plastic waste and in combating marine litter, will be engaged.

“[This] will help to develop a circular economy policy; in particular, tackling plastic waste, to complement the national strategy to combat marine litter,” it said.

Aside from plastic waste, the project will also conduct a policy dialogue among government officials to boost circular economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Officials from the Department of Energy as well as other key stakeholders will undergo capacity-building training to support the clean energy agenda.

The EU will also help identify new private-energy sector investments that will focus on mitigation of climate change. The initiative will also support the development of an information system for the collection and reporting of data, as well as awareness-raising activities. It will also be showcased at the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels on October 25 and 26, 2023. Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Chief Executive has committed to elevate the country’s mutual cooperation with various countries, as he received the new set of envoys to the Philippines.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) welcomes Germany’s ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke at the Malacañan Palace. PNA/ROLANDO MAILO

THE Chief Executive (right) and Ambassador Dessie Dalkie Dukamo of Ethiopia. PNA/ ROLANDO MAILO

THE president (third from right) with Zimbabwean non-resident ambassador-designate Constance Chemwayi (third from left) and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (second from right) PNA/PRESIDENTIAL NEWS DESK

MARCOS JR. receives Peru’s non-resident ambassador-designate Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán’s credentials (left). PNA/ROLANDO MAILO

GILAS PILIPINAS FINAL 12

By Josef Ramos

THE Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas

(SBP) announced on Wednesday the 12 players who will compete in the high-stake FIBA World Cup that starts on Friday.

Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson was a no-brainer to lead the roster with 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto providing ceiling despite having joined training camp barely two weeks before Gilas Pilipinas’s first assignment against the Dominican Republic this Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue.

Touch move. No return, no exchange,” Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes told BusinessMirror after team practice on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena where three of the 16-man pool no longer attended.

Sports

B8 | Thursday, augusT 24, 2023 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

“ You cannot change it once you submit it,” Reyes added. BusinessMirror got an online copy of the Gilas poster that bared the team members from SBP president Al Panlilio. He attended the technical meeting for the World Cup Wednesday afternoon. R eyes stressed his hope for all

By Tim Reynolds

The Associated Press

CONSIDERING that about 110 million people live in the Philippines, it’s not feasible to expect that they all would be basketball fans.

“ But it’s close,” said Tim Cone, the country’s top professional coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

A nd that might not be an understatement, either.

B asketball’s World Cup  starts on Friday, spread out over three nations—the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.

It’ll be centered in Manila, where the medal rounds will be held in early September, where the favored US team will play all its games in the event and where fans have been waiting for years for this chance at seeing some of the game’s biggest names competing in their city.

It’s so for big players to come here, unlike China. Everyone comes there,” said Inigo Herrera, 25, who works in sales for his family’s Manila business. “For us, it’s like a once-ina-lifetime opportunity. If this is your first time in the Philippines and you go around, you will see kids playing basketball everywhere. Everywhere.”

The Americans arrived on Tuesday morning in Manila. They were greeted by local and tournament officials at the airport, had fans on motorcycles waving at the motorcade as their buses drove away, and were greeted at their hotel by more fans.

Herrera was among those who stood in the lobby for just a glimpse of the Americans.

I have goosebumps right now,” another of Herrera’s friends, RJ Tan, said as he held an Anthony Edwards jersey. And yes, he did have goosebumps, even several minutes after the Americans walked past

Players, not coaches, of Team USA will get recognition–

Coach Spoelstra

WHO won’t recognize Erik Spoelstra in this basketball-crazy country?

Perhaps Chip Engelland hardly rings a bell anymore especially to current generation Filipinos, but he was in the 1980s.

Spoelstra is the Miami Heat head coach, a two-time National Basketball Association (NBA) champion, who’s half Filipino—his mom the former Elisa Celino from San Pablo City. Engelland, the sharpshooter of the fabled Northern Consolidated team that was hailed back then as the future of Philippine international basketball.

Spoelstra is back for the umpteenth time as one of Team USA head coach Steve Kerr’s assistants. Engelland, too, is on Kerr’s staff and, you guessed it right, the team’s shooting coach.

Spoelstra. Kerr, he who was teammate to Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls era. Engelland. Add Tyrone Lue, a champion coach with the Los Angeles Clippers.

They’re all famous. More famous than the 12 players on their team vying in the FIBA World Cup that tips off Friday.

players to remain healthy during the campaign.

“ We have to be fit with the way we want to play and fit with each other’s style of play,” he said.

Japeth Aguilar, one of Gilas’s veterans, was named captain. He’s joined by June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos and high-flying Jamie Malonzo.

Completing the team are Rhenz Abando, Kiefer Ravena, Roger Pogoy, big man AJ Edu and Philippine Basketball Association Season Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson.

C ut were Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Thirdy Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks Jr.

More than anything, it’s going to be the players who we feel would give us the best chance to pull off a victory,” Reyes added.

Reyes earlier said the Dominican

Republic is the priority during their final three days of practice, obviously wanting to get that first win for momentum.

“ Secret…,” said Reyes to a question on how the team is preparing for the Dominicanos. “Prayers.”

Thompson, back in harness from a hand injury, said teamwork would be key to their success.

There’s a lot of things to be improved in our game, but we need to stay together and be on the same page as team,” he said. “We know each other so hopefully we play with chemistry.”

Fajardo vowed full commitment as he hinted that this will be his last tour of duty with Gilas.

I’ll do everything to help the team and I promise to give my best,” Fajardo said.

Gilas faces Angola, Sunday and 10 Italy Tuesday both at the Smart

Araneta Coliseum to complete its Group A assignments.

A lso playing Friday in Manila are Mexico against Montenegro and Egypt against Lithuania in Group D action at the Mall of Asia Arena, while in co-host Okinawa, it will be Finland vs Australia, Germany vs Japan in Group E and in Jakarta, the matches are Latvia vs Lebanon and Canada vs France in Group H.

O n Saturday, the Manila games pit Group B’s South Sudan against Puerto Rico and Serbia against China and Group C’s Jordan against Greece and the US against New Zealand.

A lso on Saturday, Cape Verde faces Georgia and Slovenia battles Venezuela in Group F in Okinawa and Iran takes on Brazil and Spain battles Ivory Coast in Group G in Jakarta.

FIBA World Cup: Shining moment for PHL basketball

him to get to the elevators leading to their rooms after about 10 hours of flying from Abu Dhabi.

T he home nation—which has declared Friday a national holiday of sorts, closing schools and some businesses to mark the occasion—is in the World Cup and has its sights on history.

W hile there is little chance of a magical run by the Philippines to win the tournament, there is an effort to get at least 32,617 fans to the Philippines’ first game in the tournament and break the World Cup attendance record set at Toronto in 1994 when the US rolled past Russia in the gold-medal game.

“ I had the good fortune of visiting Manila in 1996,” USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill said.

“The love for the game there is absolutely incredible.”

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis was asked last week about the excitement level that the Philippines has shown for the World Cup.

H is response: “You have not seen anything yet.”

B asketball is a passion in the Philippines. There are about 25,000 indoor courts in the country, countless outdoor courts—they’re everywhere, with rims even fashioned out of barbed wire in some places.

Data collected by the National Basketball Association (NBA) shows that the league’s online store can send deliveries to 215 cities and provinces in the Philippines—there isn’t one place on that list where the league hasn’t had someone buy a jersey or some other official merchandise.

“ It is the No. 1 sport in the country and you can’t definitively say that about basketball in the United States or anywhere else,” said Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, an assistant coach on the US team this summer and a national hero in the Philippines—his mother is Filipina.

“There’s such great passion for the sport. I’ve flown into Manila with my

THE Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) junior tennis circuit moves to Davao region for a three-leg swing in its continuing effort to boost the sport in the countryside, starting with the Mayor Angelito Cabalquinto national championships Thursday at the Maragusan Municipal courts in Davao de Oro.

R andy Pausanos, James Aquino, Venz Rosalinda and Melchizedek Brillantes head the boys’ 18-andunder cast while AJ Acabo and Sanschena Francisco loom as the players to beat in the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under divisions in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

A quino and Rosalinda also banner the 16-and-under field that includes Rey Judabal and Mark Lacia with Rosalinda likewise vying in the 14-and-under side of the week-long tournament which drew some of the region’s top and rising players in pursuit of ranking points.

O ther age group titles to be

staff and some of my friends, and on the ride from the airport, anywhere you look you can see groups of kids playing on a makeshift basket on a telephone pole, on the side of a building, in three feet of rainwater.”

It’s a powerful visual of seeing what you would think would be extreme poverty, which it is, and the juxtaposition of seeing great joyfulness of people coming together and playing basketball in a way that doesn’t exist anyplace else.”

L egend says that American teachers brought basketball to the Philippines for the first time around the turn of the 20th century, and it immediately took off.

But Spoelstra said Team USA may not have the top tier names, but they sure are headed in that direction.

That’s going to change after this tournament, that would change,” Spoelstra, 52, told reporters during a USA Basketball clinic on Wednesday at the Kerry Sports of the Shangrila Fort in BGC. “The coach should not be the one to be recognized.”

Spoelstra said that the players— among them Minnesota Timberwolves scorer Anthony Edwards, New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson and Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr.—will rise up to the occasion.

I think in three weeks that’s going to be a fact because we have some amazing basketball players on this team,” he said. “This is the future of the NBA, these are future stars coming from a humble and ambitious group that understands that we have to work together and grow to achieve our goal.”

The US team starts its Group C campaign against New Zealand on Saturday at 8:40 p.m., Greece on Monday also at 8:40 p.m. and Jordan on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. all at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Josef Ramos

Jr tennis circuit conducts 3 legs in Davao region

disputed are the girls’ 14-and-under, boys’ and girls’ 12-and-under and 10-and-under unisex.

Ne xt up in the circuit, put up by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, is the Mati tournament from August 31 to September 4 in Davao Oriental and the Tagum City championships from September 7 to 11 in Davao del Norte.

The Maragusan leg will actually be held simultaneously with the Mayor Jerry Trenas juniors championship, also a Group 2 tournament, which begins Friday at the LaPaz courts in Iloilo as the circuit continues to provide the venue for the youngsters to showcase their talent and skills.

The event is staged in conjunction with the city’s Charter Day sports-

Spain’s acting prime minister slams soccer body head for kissing player

BARCELONA, Spain—Spain’s acting prime minister said it was “unacceptable” that the Spanish soccer federation president kissed a player on the lips without her consent, as pressure builds on Luis Rubiales to resign for tarnishing the team’s Women’s World Cup championship. Pedro Sánchez praised the team during an audience at the presidential palace on Tuesday and later joined the growing criticism of Rubiales.

What we saw is unacceptable,” Sánchez said. “And the apologies offered by Mr. Rubiales are not sufficient, I would call them inappropriate, so he must continue taking further steps to clarify

what we all saw.”

L ate Tuesday, the Spanish soccer federation announced it will hold an emergency meeting of its general assembly on Friday. It is unclear if Rubiales can maintain the backing of the leaders of Spain’s regional soccer organizations.

The federation said it was opening an internal probe “regarding the incidents during the awards ceremony Women’s World Cup.”

G ender equality and women’s rights have been cornerstones of Sánchez’s leftist government. But Spain’s Women’s World Cup success has been marred by the forced kiss Rubiales

gave to player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory on Sunday in the final against England in Sydney, Australia.

A fter claiming that those who criticized his kiss were “idiots and stupid people,” Rubiales was forced to apologize on Monday.

Rubiales accompanied the team and staff to the meeting with Sánchez, who greeted him with a handshake.

The forced kiss caused an immediate outcry both inside Spain and abroad. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said Rubiales “has harassed and assaulted” a woman and called

for his resignation. The country’s equality minister said it was an act of “sexual assault.” Under a new sexual violence law, the unsolicited kiss, during which Rubiales grabbed Hermoso’s face before giving her a kiss on the mouth, could potentially be pursued as a crime.

I mmediately after Spain’s victory, Rubiales had also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture. That occurred with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain standing nearby.

The country’s leading opposition party has joined in denouncing Rubiales’ behavior, leaving him without

fest’s celebrations, according to event organizer Bobby Mangunay. For details, contact 09154046464.

Jeremy Napiere and Elemar Sealza headline the boys’ 18-and-under field with the former also vying in the 16-and-under side of the tournament backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, Unified Tennis Philippines and Universal Tennis Rating.

Hanna Divinagracia and Aleeva Suace lead the girls’ 16- and 18-andunder rosters; Andrian Rodriguez and Anthony Castigador, and Ave Maria Policarpio and Louraine Jallorina banner the boys’ and girls’ 14-andunder sides, respectively, while Stella Policarpio and Diana Alcarde and Castigador and Pete Niere will spearhead the chase for 12-and-under honors.

any support from major public or political figures.

A sked if Rubiales should go, Sánchez said that it was not his call to make because the Spanish soccer federation is not controlled by the government. But Sánchez did say Rubiales “has yet to be clear and compelling in his apologies.”

S pain’s players union, which Rubiales used to head, issued a statement on Tuesday calling for Spain’s Higher Council for Sports, which oversees Spanish sports, to act against Rubiales if he does not step down. The union cited Spain’s sports law that sanctions acts that “damage the dignity” of someone or “creates an atmosphere of intimidation” based on unwanted conduct related to gender or race. AP

THERE are about 25,000 indoor courts in the Philippines, countless outdoor courts—they’re everywhere, with rims even fashioned out of barbed wire in some places. AP

MIAMI Heat coach is back in his roots and Filipinos are obviously proud. ROY DOMINGO

HEAD coach Chot Reyes and his players wrap up practice—which was open to media—on Tuesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. NONOY LACZA