BusinessMirror June 14, 2024

THE WORLD | A13 IN INITIAL WIN FOR PRESIDENT MILEI, SENATORS APPROVE HIS KEY BILLS AFTER VIOLENT PROTESTS

Peconomic Agenda.

See “Single,” A2

TBy Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

HE higher interest rates in

the Philippines will likely be maintained in the next meeting of the Monetary Board following the decision of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to maintain key policy rates in the United States.

The FOMC said in a statement the decision was made on the basis that it would like “to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run.”

The Monetary Board, the highest policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) which sets key policy rates in the country, will meet on June 27.

“We will keep rates unchanged. De -

spite inflation expectations trending lower,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co., told BusinessMirror on Thursday. “Our inflation is moving from 2.8 percent to 3.9 percent from January to June.”

Ravelas noted that with the recent decision of the US Federal Reserve, he is inclined to keep his view that the BSP will not introduce any rate cuts this year.

However, Ravelas expects the BSP to start cutting rates next year. He expects a total rate cut of 75 basis points (bps) that will be delivered in increments of 25 bps starting in the second quarter of 2025.

Other analysts like Unionbank Chief Economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion do not share this view. He said

they still expect the BSP to cut rates this year, possibly by 25 bps or even two 25-bps rate cuts each by yearend.

Nonetheless, the recent FOMC decision may indicate that the country's Monetary Board would not be in a hurry to cut rates any time soon. Asuncion noted that rate cuts have a higher probability of being delivered by 2025.

"We have heard from the BSP the potential of a rate cut ahead of the US Fed previously. This definitely does not help the likelihood of a BSP rate cut soon. We are still expecting the BSP to keep rates on hold in their upcoming meeting," Asuncion told this newspaper.

For his part, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Chief Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. told BusinesssMirror FOMC’s decision still had sway in

the decision that the Monetary Board will make in two weeks. Neri also said despite the increase in pressure on the Philippine peso, the BSP can still cut ahead of the US Federal Reserve.

The economist expects the Monetary Board to cut rates by 25 bps either in October or August. This rate cut, he said, could be followed by a 1-percent cut in the Reserve Requirement Ratio (RRR) before the year ends.

“Path of Fed policy will definitely have an influence on BSP’s forthcoming decisions,” Neri sad. “How is this possible, you may ask? Well, as long as Philippine headline inflation prints continue to surprise on the downside, BSP can begin cutting already.”

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

MANILA has been put on the radar of international gamers after it was recommended by a United Kingdom-based sportsbetting and tipster community among “the hottest casino destinations” this year. In its Global Casino Index of 2024, OBLG.com research ranked Manila in sixth place with a score of 6.68 index points out of 10. Manila, which has 48.21 average table games per casino, showed up in 94,200 annual casino searches from May 2023 to April 2024. To determine a destination’s rank on the index, OBLG also took into consideration the number of casinos per 1,000 people; the average number of restaurants per casino; and the average daily rate of local Airbnb rentals.

Topping the Global Casino Index published on May 28 is Macau, with a score of 9.32 points; followed by Philadephia (7.24); Las Vegas (7.2); Singapore (6.84); and Calgary (6.72).

Others on the list of top casino

destinations in the world are: New Orleans, with an index score of 6.6 points; followed by Vienna (6.28); Brisbane (6.16); Melbourne (6.08).

See “Manila,” A2

Peza eyes new ecozones in Bicol, in sync with LEC

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) is studying the possibility of developing new ecozones in the Bicol Region to complement the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga said there are already a number of infrastructure projects to turn this into reality and make the region more accessible to international trade.

These projects are the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Toll Road 4 and Toll Road 5, as well as the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded PNR South-Long Haul Railway project.

“The Region already has existing airports at strategic locations that com -

pliment these upcoming infrastructure trade highways. The only major component lacking are international seaports on the Eastern seaboard of the Philippines,” Peza said in a statement.

Panga said the construction of seaports such as Pantao, in the next four years, will shorten the transport of goods from the country’s trade partners such as Taiwan, Korea, the US, Japan, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and other destinations in the Pacific.

“It will create new growth areas that will uplift the lives of millions in the region and have an economic impact on South Eastern Visayas as well,” Panga said.

Based on the 2023 first semester poverty data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the poverty incidence in the Bicol Region was at 32.9 percent, lower than the 33.5 percent posted in 2021 but higher than the 28.1 percent recorded in 2018.

In terms of magnitude, there were a total of 2.072 million poor Filipinos living the bicol region. The bulk of these residents or 750,430 are living in Camarines Sur followed by the 468,230 living in Albay and 335,890 in Sorsogon.

Palawan ecozone

P E z A is also in the preliminary stages of discussion with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to plan and develop the first mega economic zone in Palawan. The economic zone is seen to rejuvenate the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) partnership that will focus on the Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Corridor among others.

Panga said these efforts which will be complemented by opportunities from China+1 Strategy, US CHIPS Act, and US-Japan-Philippines trilateral agreement will boost efforts in the Luzon Economic Corridor.

“We can leverage on ally-shoring and offshore-outsourcing to attract more investments particularly from US and Japan, and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s bid to position the Philippines as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing, innovation, creativity, and sustainability,” Panga said.

Luzon corridor

T HE Peza vowed to support efforts in the Luzon Economic Corridor infrastructure initia -

tive, one of the projects to be implemented under the Philippine-US-Japan trilateral agreement.

The corridor is seen to support connectivity among Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas as well as facilitate and anchor strategic investments within each hub.

This will be done through high-impact infrastructure projects such as rail, port modernization, agribusiness, and clean energy and semiconductor supply chains and deployments.

Panga said a total of 137 ecozones are operating in Metro Manila, Clark, and Batangas. These are home to 1,600 manufacturing, service and export-oriented companies.

“As such, we look forward to the infrastructure projects that will strengthen the connections between these industrial export hubs,” Panga said.

Based on Peza data, the developers and locators of the ecozones account for 56.91 percent of the total commodity exports of the Philippines in 2023.

This has largely contributed to the creation of jobs in the provinces of Cavite, Tarlac, Batangas, Pampanga and Laguna which have grown and developed significantly through the years due to the presence of the economic zones.

Panga said the projects to be implemented in the Luzon Economic Corridor will enhance the paradigm and practice of ease of doing business as well as increase the outputs of companies located within the zones.

There will be redundant and complimentary modes of transport to ensure unimpeded flow of goods, thus strengthening the supply and value chain both locally and globally.

On the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Business forum in May, Panga declared that the Authority is in full support of the Luzon Economic Corridor which will strengthen seamless interconnectivity between Central Luzon and the Calabarzon Region. Cai U. Ordinario

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed inflation inched up to 3.9 percent in May 2024.

3 OFWs die, 2 others in critical condition after deadly Kuwait fire

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THREE Filipinos died while two others were in critical condition after a fire razed the building where they are staying in southern Kuwait last Wednesday morning, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

The three OFWs died from smoke inhalation.

At least 49 people died in a fire that engulfed the 6-storey building in coastal city of al-Mangaf, south of Kuwait City.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait also said 40 Indian workers died from the fire.

Kuwait Times said this is the deadliest fire in Kuwait for the past 15 years.

Eleven Filipino workers of a Kuwaiti construction company were staying in the building.

The remaining six OFWs are all safe and unharmed. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the survivors were provided with their immediate needs.

“We are in touch with the families of all the affected OFWs, including the families of those two in critical condition and the families of the three fatalities,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio are personally reaching out

However, this remained within the BSP's inflation target. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/06/05/inflation-up-

to all the families and relatives of the 11 OFWs.

The Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait, the Welfare Office and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait (PE-Kuwait) under Ambassador Jose Cabrera are working on the repatriation of the remains of three fatalities.

The fire started around 4:30am on Wednesday (9:30am Manila time). The building served as a housing and dormitory facility for foreign workers employed by the Kuwaiti construction company.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has expressed its “deepest sympathies” to Kuwait and “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims of the fire.

“We commend the swift response and efforts of the Kuwaiti authorities, firefighters, and medical teams in responding to the fire incident and providing assistance to the affected individuals.

“We pray for the safety, strength, and resilience of those at the forefront in rescuing and saving lives,” the Embassy said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

Kuwait is home to a large community of migrant workers. Based on the 2022 data of the DFA, there were 279,460 Filipino workers in the oil-rich Arab state.

3-9-in-may-driven-by-housing-water-electricity-gas-and-other-fuels-psa/).

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort expects the BSP to match the actions of the US Federal Reserve, including cutting rates this year and next year.

Ricafort noted that the interest rate differential is now between the 6.5-percent Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) of the BSP and the 5.5-percent upper limit of the Fed Funds Rate.

Should it become imminent that the FOMC would cut rates by September 2024, he also expects the BSP to cut rates by August 2024. He noted there is no Monetary Board meeting in September.

“Any local policy rate cut would also be a function of the inflation—likely to be within the BSP inflation target as made more possible with the reduction on rice import tariffs—and also a function of the behavior of the US dollar/peso exchange rate that has an effect on import prices and overall inflation,” Ricafort told B usiness M irror

Earlier, an economist from HSBC said the reduction of rice tariffs could have a net positive effect on the country’s economic growth by boosting household consumption.

In a briefing on Wednesday, HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay told reporters the maximum impact of the rice tariffs, assuming a zero savings rate, is a 1.4-percentage point (ppt) addition to GDP growth.

Given that consumption accounts for 70 percent of GDP and households spend about 10 percent of their budgets on rice, reducing prices by 20 percent means a 2-percent savings on household budgets, which could lead to a 1.4 ppt increase in GDP growth, Dacanay explained. Dacanay considers the reduction of rice tariffs to 15 percent from the 35 percent rate “a large downside risk” that has the potential to boost growth and hasten the slowdown in inflation. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/06/06/rice-tariff-cut-could-boostgrowth-with-more-spending/).

Manila…

Continued from A1

OLBG noted that Google searches for “casinos near me” increased by 50 percent last year, globally, while in the UK, the searches grew by 76.68 percent. OLBG is the flagship of Invendium Ltd., which operates some of Europe’s leading sports-betting sites. OLBG, which claims to have a membership of 50,000 and “millions of visits daily,” provides a platform for betting tips and strategies, and is among the most popular sports-betting sites in Europe. Aside from sports-betting tips, it also publishes betting odds for politician-candidates, Grammy winners, The Great British Bake-Off, among others. Affordable city

OLBG also determined Manila among the most affordable destinations for gamers with an average Airbnb daily rate of £37.21 (or US$46.95), ranking in second, after Bogota in Colombia with an average Airbnb daily rate of £35.19

Single…

Marcos said the government’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda puts primacy on the pursuit of bureaucratic efficiency driven by transparency, digitalization, and the practice of innovative work processes in the service.

“So, this new law is borne out of necessity and the realization that there is a need to enhance the country’s tax collection system so we can generate revenues, generate jobs, [and] investments all over the country. No longer will we rely on the outdated valuation system,” he said.

“We now have instead the new and improved RPVARA. A law that streamlines and enhances the real property valuation and assessment system through a uniform real property appraisal that is compliant with international standards,” he added.

He also emphasized that the RPVARA adopts the prevailing market value as the single real property valuation base for the assessment of real property tax and complements the government’s efforts to modernize services in the local government units through the Real Property Information System.

Marcos said the administration has adopted a strategy that will instill and encourage long-term and consistent text compliance by providing a two-year amnesty on interests and penalties for taxpayers with unpaid real property tax.

Marcos, meanwhile, called on all government agencies to efficiently and effectively implement the RPVARA to its fullest extent “so our people may reap its benefits at the soonest possible time. ”

The enactment of the law will empower local government units (LGUs) to be financially self-sufficient by establishing a "just, equitable and efficient" real property valuation system in the country, according to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

“With this milestone DOF priority bill, we are finally fixing the long outdated system for property valuation in the country and putting an end to inconsistent and unjust costs that hinder our local governments from delivering fast and reliable public service,” he said.

The law grants a real property tax amnesty, which can only be availed within a period of two years after the effectivity of the law, will cover penalties, surcharges, and interests from all unpaid real property taxes, including Special Education Fund, idle land tax, and other special levy taxes, prior to the effectivity of RA 12001.

RPVARA, a priority tax reform of the DOF, addresses overregulation, overlapping policies and jurisdiction that leads to inconsistent valuations. It also professionalizes assessors and keeps the technical aspect of the valuation process distinct from the political side of taxation.

Currently, at least 20 government agencies engaged in their respective valuation processes for various purposes, the DOF noted.

The Philippine Valuation Standards (PVS), which are based on the International Valuation Standards (IVS)—an international standard based on principles that encourage transparency and consistency and uphold a high degree of public trust in the valuation practice—are used by the RPVARA to standardize property valuation.

The DOF said the creation of an electronic, comprehensive Real Property Information System (RPIS) is needed to implement a standardized valuation system. This system will serve as a database for all real property transactions, incorporating information from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Registers of Deeds, and

($46.95).

“Manila, the capital of the Philippines, has the second most affordable Airbnbs in our study....With 14 casinos in the city, it is a fantastic destination for visitors to enjoy a night at the casino after soaking up the city’s unique Spanish-influenced culture,” said the site. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has projected gross gaming revenues (GGR) in the country to reach P336 billion in 2024, a 17.8-percent increase from the P285.27 billion recorded last year. The lift will likely come from the increasing share of electronic games (E-Games) to the gaming industry. In a recent news statement, Pagcor reported total GGR in the country reached P81.7 billion in the first three months of the year, 18.54-percent higher from the P68.92 billion in the same period in 2023, with licensed casinos accounting for some 61 percent or P49.7 billion of the total. However, licensed casinos (-8.2 percent), Pagcor’s own casinos (-8.3

notaries public, among others. To aid in the preparation of the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs) and the development of the database, the RPIS will transmit all real property-related transaction data to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).

"The new law will not only foster investor confidence and public trust in the government’s valuation system but also increase LGUs’ revenue generation and resource mobilization, helping them fund their service delivery requirements," the DOF underscored.

The BLGF, as the primary implementing agency of the RPVAR, will be tasked with the development, adoption, maintenance, regulation and specification of the PVS. Moreover, the RPVARA establishes the Real Property Tax Administration Fund (RPTAF), to be used for the updating of the SMVs, general revision of real property assessments and the administration of real property taxes in all LGUs. This mandates LGUs to appropriate funds from the national tax allotment, locally generated earnings or similar sources for each fiscal year, the DOF added.

Given this, the Secretary of Finance will provide subsidies to LGUs in the third- and lower-income classes through the BLGF to increase their resources in order to establish the RPTAF.

“We can expect our LGUs to be adequately funded and more equipped to attend to the needs of their constituents. Investors and landowners alike can expect one hundred percent transparency and accuracy in the valuation of their properties with this new law,” Recto said.

Cap on RPT hikes

U NDER RPVARA, real property tax increases are capped at 6 percent in the first year, and a real property tax amnesty is granted for penalties, surcharges, and interests on unpaid taxes, available within two years of the law’s effectivity.

The RPVARA introduces several key provisions aimed at improving the property valuation system. The law transfers the approval of the Schedule of Market Values (SMVs) from local Sanggunians to the Secretary of Finance to protect the process from political influence. Oversight committees are also established at the central and regional levels to oversee the adoption of international valuation standards.

The law also implements a unified valuation system for all local government units (LGUs) and agencies for taxation and other purposes, requiring mandatory consultations during the preparation of SMVs by local assessors.

To further support these reforms, an electronic Real Property Information System (RPIS) will be developed, creating a comprehensive database of all real property transactions with mandatory data transmission by the Registry of Deeds, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and notaries public to the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF).

The RPVARA also promotes full automation of real property systems with assistance from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and incorporates compliance with updated SMVs as a criterion for the Seal of Good Local Governance. Additionally, the Real Property Tax Administration Fund (RPTAF) was created to facilitate the updating of SMVs and property tax administration.

The law reorganizes the BLGF by establishing the Real Property Valuation Service (RVS) under it, along with Real Property Valuation Units (RPVUs) in each LGU, making the BLGF the primary body for maintaining the PVS.

billion), and bingo operations (-21.5 percent to P4.81 billion) all recorded lower

revenues in the period, year-on-year. Surge in E-Games revenue ONLY the E-Games sector saw a surge in revenue in the

“With

Quiboloy to blame for ‘excessive force’–DOJ

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday blamed fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy for what was branded as “excessive force” used by the National Police when it served the arrest warrants issued by the courts in connection with the qualified human trafficking, sexual and child abuse cases filed against him and five others members of the religious group.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez at the same time urged Quiboloy to just surrender to authorities and face the charges against him.

“It could have been avoided if the good pastor would submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court,” Vasquez said in response to the alleged “overkill” on the part of authorities in raiding KOJC’s properties in Davao City.

“If the charges have no basis at all, then the courts of law will declare them [Quiboloy and co-accused] as innocent and they would have all the reasons in the world to declare the charges baseless and worthless,” he added.

The National Police reportedly deployed a battalion-strength unit in battle gear and hundreds of police personnel many of whom are clad in anti-riot gear to simultaneously raid the KOJC compound, the Prayer Mountain and Glory Mountain in barangay Tamayong, and another property in Kitbog, Sarangani in a bid to serve the arrest warrants.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte criticized the police for its “overkill” operations which he said was a “blatant violation of a person’s fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.”

“I strongly condemn the use of excessive and unnecessary force in serving the warrant of arrest for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ by police officers who are not even from Davao City,” Duterte, who is also KOJC property administrator,” Duterte said.

“If the charges have no basis at all, then the courts of law will declare them as innocent and they would have all the reasons in the world to declare the charges baseless and worthless,” he added.

The KOJC is reportedly planning to file charges against the policemen involved in the raid for the injury sustained by some of its members and for damage to property.

Joel R. San Juan

Teves: From preventive detention to house arrest

ERomualdez not averse to Pogos

By Jovee Marie dela Cruz @joveemarie

SThis amount is second only to the 2019 collections, the first full year of legalized OGL operations, when Pagcor collected around P7.96 billion from 298 licensees.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

XPELLED Negros Oriental congressman and designated terrorist Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. has been placed under house arrest pending court proceedings on the extradition request filed by the Philippine government with TimorLeste.

Both Teves camp through his lead counsel, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have confirmed this latest development on Teves, who is fighting government efforts to bring him back to the country to face trial for the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and nine others in March 2023 and separate killings in 2019, also in that province.

The former legislator along with several other individuals have also been charged in connection with several killings in Negros Oriental in 2019.

Teves had denied the charges against him and claimed being a victim of political persecution by the current Marcos administration.

“We learned from the TimorLeste Prosecutor General that former Congressman Teves is now under house arrest. As regardless of whether he is in custody, rearrested or house arrest, he is under the control of the police authorities,” Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez told reporters.

Topacio, on the other hand, said the Court of Appeals of Timor-Leste issued the order for Teves to be placed under house arrest on Wednesday (June 12) after determining that he

has a low chance of being a “flight risk.”

Teves’s passport has been cancelled and he has been placed on the International Criminal Police Organization’s red notice, meaning that practically all police forces in civilized countries will be on the look out for him.

Topacio stressed that Teves’s being placed under house arrest indicated that he is no longer in jail.

“He is confined in his house in Timor Leste under guard to ensure his attendance during court proceedings on the extradition case. But, if you noticed he is no longer wearing the orange uniform but regular clothes. It only means he is no longer a detainee of the TimorLeste National Police,” Topacio said.

“He is free to go around his house and his yard. He is not allowed to leave except if going to the court,” he added.

Topacio said Teves will have to ask the court’s permission if he needs to go out of his residence for medical reasons.

Meanwhile, Vasquez said Teves will be under 24-hour security with only family members permitted to visit him.

“The government will maintain

Chinese activities at WPS now easier to detect–Navy

DETECTING Chinese activities on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is now easier owing to the ongoing modernization program of the Navy (PN), a ranking officer said on Wednesday.

In an interview, the Navy spokesman for the WPS, Commo. Roy Vincent Trinidad, said that the capability upgrades allowed service to “monitor a large portion of the West Philippine Sea” effectively.

So far, the ongoing Navy modernization program has resulted in the acquisition of more capable naval platforms and surveillance systems that allowed the service to monitor events in the country’s maritime territory. He added that this allows them to

anticipate Chinese moves in the vital waterway and enabling them to respond accordingly.

Earlier, Trinidad said that around 146 assorted Chinese vessels were spotted in various locations in the WPS from June 4 to 10.

These consist of 22 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, 16 China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGV), and 108 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs).

This is significantly higher than the 125 Chinese ships spotted during the Navy’s May 28 to June 3 monitoring.

These Chinese vessels were spotted in the following locations:

n Bajo de Masinloc: four CCGVs and 29 CMMVs;

Go urges graduates to serve nation

SEN. Christopher Go expressed his heartfelt congratulations to all Filipino students who have graduated this school year, emphasizing the significance of education in shaping a better future and in using every opportunity given to be of service to the nation.

Just recently, Go was a guest of honor and speaker at the commencement exercises of the University of Cagayan Valley in Tuguegarao City; Immaculate Conception Child Development Center Inc. in Pandi, Bulacan; Southern Luzon Technological College Foundation Inc. in Legazpi City, Albay; as well as in the Saint Amatiel Education System and the Philippine Christian University (PCU) Dasmariñas City, Cavite campus both held in Pasay City.

He was also invited to be a commencement speaker during the commencement exercises of the Dipolog Medical Center (DMC) College Foundation Inc. in Dipolog City, Zamboanga

del Norte, and St. Robert’s International College Senior High School Recognition Ceremony in Iloilo City. He also continues to support graduates of various Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (Tesda) courses nationwide.

In his speeches, Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, underscored the critical role of education in achieving personal and national development. He reiterated his commitment to pushing for initiatives that bolster the education sector, ensuring that every Filipino receives proper education and equal opportunities to succeed. He has co-authored Republic Act 11510, which institutionalizes the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to enhance the delivery of basic education for underserved and disadvantaged students. This law offers vital support to typically underrepresented groups,

close oversight of the situation to ensure that all procedures are both valid and appropriate,” Vasquez added.

Teves was arrested and placed in preventive detention last March in the capital city of Dili.

The fugitive was playing golf when arrested.

On Monday, Topacio claimed that his client was ordered released from detention after a Timor-Leste court granted their petition for habeas corpus.

Topacio noted that the court found his continued preventive detention illegal due to flaws on the part of the Philippine government in filing its request for the former solon’s extradition.

The DOJ, however, claimed that Teves was re-arrested on the same day by police authorities in TimorLeste due to the government’s pending extradition request.

PEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday expressed openness to the continued operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos), provided that all stakeholders strictly adhere to the laws.

“For me, what’s important is that all [Pogo] stakeholders must follow the rule of law. And for those who will violate our laws, then I must say you’ll be sorry because our law enforcers will definitely be going after you. We will implement our law to the fullest,” he warned.

“That is why if they [Chinese working in Pogo outlets] are doing everything illegal, then they will really be arrested. But if they will just be law-abiding, then I don’t think we will have any problems,” he said.

Romualdez, a lawyer by profession and a key administration figure, noted that banning Pogos is not the only solution to the industry’s problems. He expressed willingness to consider this option if all relevant issues have been thoroughly discussed and evaluated.

“We’re open to hearing all issues concerning the Pogo,” he said.

“We have a process for that [banning Pogos], we have to go through that process where hearings will be held and we have to hear the concerns of all our stakeholders, what is their position. And from there, we will be weighing our options on what to do best with them,” Romualdez added.

Data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. provided to the House of Representatives’s Committee on Ways and Means, indicate that the gaming regulator’s collections from offshore gaming licensees (OGL) in 2023 increased to P5.1 billion from just 87 licensees, compared to P2.99 billion from 158 licensees in the previous year.

An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) meanwhile called for a “whole-ofgovernment” approach to resolve all issues pertaining to the operation of Pogos.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez issued the call amid varying positions of government officials, lawmakers and other stakeholders on the proposal to permanently ban Pogo operations in the country.

A bill has already been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to revoke licenses and ban Pogos.

A few senators have also appealed to President Marcos to ban Pogos citing threats to national security and their involvement in various criminal activities in the country.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Pogo’s illegal operation in the country has become a national security concern.

“This is high time now to check whether or not the advantages outweigh the serious and grave social cost and public safety consequences of the Pogo industry,” Vasquez added.

He said the government should consider the social cost, public safety, national security before coming out with a decision on whether to totally ban POGOs in the country.

“It’s now a whole-of-government approach is the most effective way of handling the Pogo industry. Not only the sole concern of the local government, the PSA [Philippine Statistics Authority], or the DOJ or Pagcor [Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation] itself, everybody is on board currently,” he stressed. Vasquez also reminded foreigners engaged in Pogos that their stay in the country is merely a “privilege” and they are expected at all times to strictly follow the laws. With Joel San Juan

n Ayungin Shoal: five CCGVs, eight PLAN, and 37 CMMVs;

n Pagasa Island: one CCGV, one PLAN, and 40 CCMVs;

n Kota Island: one CCGV and one PLAN;

n Likas Island: one PLAN;

n Lawak Island: one CCGV, five PLAN, and two CCMVs;

n Panata Island: two PLAN;

n Sabina Shoal: four CCGVs and four PLAN.

Trinidad said the continued presence of Chinese ships in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) showcases the China’s aggressive stance.

He added that these vessels should not even be within the country’s EEZ. Rex Anthony Naval

including indigenous students, those from less privileged backgrounds, and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Go commended President Marcos for signing into law RA 11984, also known as the “No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act.” Go also co-authored and co-sponsored the measure in the Senate.

The recently signed law RA 11997, or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” which Go co-authored and co-sponsored, is a significant legislative measure aimed at increasing the teaching supply allowances for public school teachers.

Meanwhile, Go proposed Senate Bill 1864, the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies bill. He also proposed SB 1786, which mandates public higher education institutions (HEIs) to establish mental health offices on their campuses. Additionally, Go co-authored and co-sponsored SB 2200, the proposed Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.

ARNOLFO “Arnie” Teves Jr.

Economy

PSA reports higher palay farmgate prices

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE average farmgate price of unmilled rice rose 30.2 percent year-on-year in May 2024, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Data from the PSA indicate that the farmgate price of palay reached P24.81 per kilo in May, from P19.06 per kilo a year ago.

“Farmgate prices refer to the prices received by farmers for the sale of their produce at the first point of sale net of the total marketing cost paid by the farmers,” the PSA said.

“These prices are determined at the farmgate or first point of sale transactions and are also known as ‘producer prices.’”

On a monthly basis, the average farmgate price of palay in May increased from P24.51 per kilo recorded in April.

PSA data showed that the highest increase was recorded in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where the average prices registered a year-on-year growth of 43.6 percent.

The average palay farmgate in price in BARMM reached P26.40 per kilo in May 2024, higher than the previous year’s P18.39 per kilo.

The slowest year-on-year increase in farmgate prices was recorded in Eastern Visayas at 11.7 percent. The average palay price went up to P19.56 per kilo in May 2024 from P17.51 per kilo in the same period last year.

On a month-on-month basis, the highest increase in May tied in Northern Mindanao and Central Visayas at 7.9 percent.

The highest average palay farmgate price in Western Visayas

reached P27.76 per kilo in May, higher than the previous year’s P19.87 per kilo.

This was followed by Central Visayas where farmgate prices averaged P27.28 a kilo; Ilocos Region, P27.17; Northern Mindanao, P26.66; BARMM, P26.40; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), P26.09; Central Luzon, P25.87; and Cagayan Valley, P25.57.

The lowest average palay farmgate price was registered in Eastern Visayas where it reached P19.56 per kilo; Caraga, P22.06; Bicol Region, P22.65; Calabarzon, P22.84; Soccsksargen, P23.39, Mimaropa, P24.28, and Davao Region, P24.50.

The PSA said the monthly data on the farmgate prices of palay are obtained from the results of the Farm Price Survey for Palay conducted on the last five days of the reference month.

Agrarian reform beneficiaries get help to produce, market products

TBy Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

HE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with key government agencies and the local government of Tinambac, Camarines Sur, to provide support services to the Bolaobalite Farmers Association (BFA).

The 62-member group aims to expand its production of coconut candy, coconut oil, coco jam, and other coconut-based products.

Higher electricity rates this month

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco)

announced Thursday an increase of P0.6436 per kilowatt hour (kWh) this month, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P12.0575 per kWh from the previous month’s P11.4139 per kWh.

For residential customers consuming 200 kWh, the adjustment is equivalent to an increase of around P129 in their total electricity bill.

This month’s adjustment was mainly brought about by higher generation charge which went up by P0.3466 per kWh mainly due to higher costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

“It’s time that we provide BFA with a dedicated processing center to enhance their business operations,” Bequillo said.

“The new processing center will enable them to improve quality, increase capacity, and access training to compete in broader markets,” he added.

Tinambac Mayor Ruel B. Tuy committed to match the DAR’s P1.050 million budget by providing additional funds to construct the

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Renato C. Bequillo said the initiative is under the Village Level Farm-Focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) project, which supports both coconut farming and the manufacturing of coconut-based products.

new facility on a lot donated by BFA.

He envisions the center serving not only as a processing hub but also as a training facility for all farmers in Bolaobalite.

“We assure you that BFA will have a spacious and well-equipped space for their business operations. We hope to cultivate a community of responsible farmers who will utilize the training, equipment, and processing center effectively to grow their organization,” Tuy said.

The MOA also highlights the involvement of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in integrating the VLFED

Project into their product enhancement training programs.

Provincial Director Jay Percival S. Ablan of DTI and Provincial Director Patrocinio N. Felizminio of DOST underscored the importance of supporting farmers and agriculture for national development.

“We are committed to supporting profitable enterprises founded by farmers’ organizations, such as the BFA,” they stated.

DAR and the local government of Tinambac will jointly oversee the construction of the processing facility. A comprehensive execution plan will be developed to fully implement the VLFED project.

Sorsogon farmers’ co-op receive portable solar dryers from DOST

MEMBERS of the Sorsogon AgroAquatic Development Cooperative (Saadeco) in Gimaloto, Sorsogon City, have received from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of eight sets of portable solar dryers.

The 30 pcs of Portasol Solar Dryers, invented by Filipino inventor Francisco Pagayon, cost P292,000. Pagayon, President of the Filipino Inventors Society Producer Cooperative (FISPC) said the the Portasol Dryer Technology consists of stackable sets of grain thermal drying trays. These clean, space-efficient dryers

are specifically designed to reduce the moisture content of large produce volumes, accommodating up to 150 kilos of palay per drying session.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Nida A. Santiago expressed her gratitude to the DOST as she encouraged Saadeco to maintain and sustain the efficient use of the Portasol dryers. She said the initiative is part of an institutional partnership agreement between the DOST and the DAR.

“The Portasol, provided by the DOST, allows the farmers to dry their grains easier and faster even during overcast

days common during the rainy season,” Santiago said.

“The Saadeco is just one of the farmers’ groups that we assist to get equipment like these from other government agencies. We extend assistance through programs and projects that help our clients and stakeholders,” added Santiago.

Floribe Macapagal, Saadeco chairman, expressed gratitude for the support and commitment to maximize the Portasol dryers’ use.

“This is a great help to us because we can dry our rice faster. We thank the government for providing us with these multipurpose

solar drying trays,” Macapagal said.

The DOST highlighted the advantages of the Portasol system, noting that it offers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional open-air drying methods, reducing drying time by two-thirds. This technology is crucial in mitigating post-harvest losses and ensuring a higher quality of dried produce.

Following the turnover, agrarian reform beneficiaries participated in a demonstration on how to use the Portasol system, ensuring they were well-equipped to leverage this new technology for improved agricultural productivity.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

“The increase in the generation charge this month would have been higher but Meralco took the initiative to cushion the impact of the higher pass-through costs to our customers with the help from some of our suppliers which deferred the collection of portions of their generation costs,” Meralco Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Management Office Jose Ronald V. Valles said in a statement.

Meralco, along with Quezon Power (Philippines) Ltd., San Buenaventura Power Ltd. Co. (SBPL), and South Premiere Power Corporation (SPPC), deferred the collection of around P500 million in generation costs, pulling down this month’s generation charge by P0.1313 per kWh. This will instead be billed on a staggered basis over the next three months, as cleared by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“We are still waiting for regulatory approval of our 400-megawatt interim power supply agreement [PSA] with Limay Power Inc. which could significantly reduce our WESM exposure and generation costs,” Valles added.

For this month’s billing, WESM charges were higher by P1.5203 per kWh owing to tight supply conditions in May as average demand went up by more than 1,200 MW. The Luzon Grid was on yellow alert for 12 days and was on red alert last May 23. In addition, the persistently high spot market prices triggered the imposition of the secondary price cap 19 percent of the time.

Charges from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) also increased by P0.0224 per kWh, net of deferred generation costs, owing to lower average IPP dispatch and Peso depreciation affecting around 98% of IPP costs that were dollar-denominated.

Tempering the increase in the generation charge is the P0.2988 per kWh decrease in charges from PSAs following deferral of portion of generation costs and lower fuel

costs of SPPC covered by its 2024 emergency PSA and SBPL. WESM, IPPs, and PSAs accounted for 33 percent, 29 percent, and 38 percent of Meralco’s total energy requirement for the period. Also, transmission charge for residential customers increased by P0.1450 per kWh due to higher ancillary service charges following the partial settlement of the 30 percent of the total reserve trading amount of all WESM trading transactions during the March 2024 supply period, as ordered by the ERC. In addition, the ERC also approved the implementation of a new Feed-in Tariff Allowance (FIT-All) rate of P0.0838 per kWh starting June 2024, from previous rate of P0.0364—or an increase of P0.0474 per kWh. Taxes and other charges also registered a P0.1046 per kWh net increase. Pass-through charges for generation and transmission are paid to the power suppliers and the grid operator, respectively, while taxes, universal charges, and FIT-All are all remitted to the government.

Meralco’s distribution charge, on the other hand, has not moved since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction for a typical residential customer in August 2022.

Meanwhile, Meralco said it recorded 1,596 electric meters stolen in 2023. The number is equivalent to a 65 percent increase from the 969 stolen meters in 2022. Latest data for 2024 showed that from January to May, 865 electric meters have been reported stolen. Meralco sounded the alarm over the rising number of electric meter theft incidents. Under Republic Act No. 7832 or the AntiElectricity and Electric Transmission Lines/ Materials Pilferage Act of 1994, anyone caught in possession of stolen electric meters can be meted with the penalty of at least 12 years imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000. “Stealing electric meters and buying stolen meters are crimes punishable under the law. Anyone caught in possession of these stolen equipment will be prosecuted and penalized accordingly. We remind the public that these electric meters are the property of Meralco, and we do not charge our customers for its use,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

Also, Meralco said incidents of power interruptions in May due to kite-flying nearly doubled to 60 from the 32 recorded in the same month last year.

From January to May this year, a total of 115 incidents of power interruption were reported due to kite-flying—a significant increase from the 78 incidents recorded in the first five months in 2023.

BCDA said repurposing of Tarlac landfill will create 30,000 jobs

AS many as 30,000 jobs will be created with the repurposing of the Kalangitan sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said.

Kalangitan sanitary landfill will be decommissioned and rezoned under the New Clark City Master Development Plan.

“The 100-hectare landfill area will be rezoned under our New Clark City Master Development Plan. We estimate about 30,000 jobs to be generated from the industrial redevelopment of the area,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. The BCDA recently laid out its plan for the Kalangitan sanitary landfill to local officials once the facility has been turned over and decommissioned.

It also apprised the local governments in Tarlac of the avail -

able facilities that they may tap to address the province’s solid waste management requirements.

The BCDA and provincial officials of Tarlac also discussed the initiatives undertaken by both parties in a bid to modernize solid waste management services in the province.

Concerned local governments in Tarlac have expressed support for the BCDA citing the program could be productive and highimpact that can help accelerate growth in the province and provide jobs to more Filipinos.

The BCDA met officials Tarlac officials led by Gov. Susan A. Yap, Vice Gov. Carlito S. David, Board Member Joy Gilbert Lamorena and Board Member Henry Cruz to discuss the impending expiration of Metro Clark Waste Management Corp.’s (MCWMC) contract for the Kalangitan sanitary landfill. Cai U. Ordinario

June 14, 2024

June 03, 2024

Covelandia

2

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT (AEP/S)

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s.

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for Alien Employment Permit/s:

NO. ESTABLISHMENT

1 BANDAI NAMCO PHILIPPINES INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Phase 2A, Block 1, Lot 2, JP Rizal Ave., Lima Technology Center, San Lucas, City of Lipa, Batangas

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION

TANAKA, HIROTAKA

Manager

Brief Job Description:

Ensure continuous operation of parts production department

Vietnamese

BAN

Representative

CHOI, SANG GIL

QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

Basic Qualification:

Must have a bachelor’s degree in any course and must be fluent in Nihongo

Salary Range:

Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

Basic Qualification:

9

5

2 DONG-AH GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Unit 1, The Junction Strip Mall, Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

3 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

3 DONG-AH GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

4 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Unit 1, The Junction Strip Mall, Carmelray Industrial Park 1, Canlubang, City of Calamba, Laguna

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

4 HONGTAI TECHNOLOGY INC.

Bldg. B, CCMC Compound, Carmelray Industrial Park II, Punta, City of Calamba, Laguna

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

5 KIM JOY FISH AND AQUA FARM CORPORATION

6 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

No. 88, Purok 1, Tulay Buhangin, Padre Burgos, Quezon

Construction Manager

Brief Job Description:

Monitor of Compliance for Construction and Safety regulations

Representative Brief

JEONG, GYEYOUNG

Construction Manager

CAO, SUIJIAN

Brief Job Description:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Monitor Compliance for Construction and Safety regulations

LIANG, YONG

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Injection Molding Engineer

CAO, ZEHUA

Brief Job Description:

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Responsible to validate the production process and hand over to production department.

QIN, RUIQING

Farm Technical Officer

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite FAN, LIANGSHU

With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions

Salary Range:

Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

With a minimum of (10) years of experience in railway constructions

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write

Salary Range: Php 60,000 - Php 89,999

Basic Qualification:

Graduate of any technical course

Basic Qualification:

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language Salary Range:

Basic Qualification:

Basic Qualification:

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

17 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

THI NHIEN

NGUYEN, VAN LUONG

Vietnamese

Job Description:

7 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

6 LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC.

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Support the farm supervisor in coordinating the development and implementation to support agriculture

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite KE, HUALOU

Unit-lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna CHENG, HAOQI

Chinese Business Consultant

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

8 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

7 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Help business to improve their performance, solve problems and achieve their goals.

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LI, BAOLAI

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite LI, ERJUN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

WANG, SENYANG

8 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

9 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

10 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LING HOU SHYANG

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite PEH BOON YEH Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Can be able to speak and write in Chinese and proven working experience in a farm, ranch or similar agricultural operation

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road,

NONG, VAN THAN

Vietnamese

Basic Qualification: Can speak mandarin, able to work independently and as part of a team.

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Malaysian language

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Malaysian language

19 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

20 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

THI THU HIEN

HUY HOANG

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite HAR CHI CHENG

Malaysian Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHAW SU KHIN

25 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

26 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

27 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CHIN SAN

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite GAM AUNG

Myanmari Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

28 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite PHYO AUNG

Myanmari Customer Service Representative Brief Job Description:

29 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite SAI KAUNG KHAM

Myanmari - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

SAI SAING MONE

30 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

31 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

32 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Myanmari - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LY VAN DUNG

Vietnamese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN, THI THU HOAI

Vietnamese - Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description:

Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

NGUYEN, THI TUYET NHUNG

Vietnamese - Customer Service Representative

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

34 MERIT LEGEND

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Malaysian language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Covelandia

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Myanmari language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Qualification:

Able to speak, read and write Chinese and Vietnamese language

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

41 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

42 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite VO VAN BINH

Vietnamese -

43 MSN LABS PHILIPPINES INC.

90 Upper Gondola Street, San Francisco Village, Muzon, Taytay, Rizal

44 PAI TENG PACKAGING PHILIPPINES INC.

Block 5, Lot 3, Phase 3, Lima Technology Center, San Fernando, Malvar, Batangas

45 PHILIPPINES CKM ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

Warehouse No. 7, EZP Business Park, Calamba Premiere International Park, Batino, City of Calamba, Laguna

SHANKAR, PRANAV Country Manager Brief Job

and increase profitability for a company

LAI, JUNLONG General Manager

Brief Job Description: Oversee all manufacturing facility, leading team and ensuring operational excellence. authorized by the company to sign, process, deal and decide in behalf of the company.

CHUNG, HUNG-HSIANG Director

Brief Job Description:

Serve in senior management role of the organizational structure, wherein he must manage and lead other employees below him, serving as mentor ensuring they implement company policies and procedures

POGO ‘not yet’ a threat that merits defense forces deployment–Año

By Rex Anthony Naval & Butch Fernandez | @butchfBM

FOR the moment, National Secu-

rity

Adviser Eduardo Año does not yet view Philippine Online Gaming Operators (Pogos) as a threat to Philippine security

that would require deployment of “defense forces” to control or defeat.

“Currently, we do not view POGOs per se as a national security threat at the level that would necessitate the direct

involvement of the defense forces. At the moment, it is a national concern that law enforcement and regulatory agencies can address. Our lawmakers may also need to look into the pros and cons of allowing its continued operations,” he said in a statement Thursday.

This as the National Security Council (NSC), which Año chairs, conducts its assessment on possible security implications that Pogos might have on Philippine security.

The NSA noted that there are legitimate Pogos that are duly licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and other government agencies. Pagcor has for the past two years been actively whittling down the number of errant Pogos, and calls the remaining legitimate ones as IGLs, or Internet Gaming Licensees.

While conceding there are legitimate operators bringing revenue, Año clarified that illegal Pogos and those involved in scams and illegal activities should not be tolerated; and any violation of law and applicable rules and regulations must be acted upon by the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

“The issues related to illegal Pogos, such as illegal activities and regulatory violations, can be addressed within the framework of existing government regulations and law enforcement mechanisms, and does not warrant the intervention of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as in the case of going after declared national security threats such as the Abu Sayyaf or the CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front],” he added.

“This approach will help ensure that any policy regarding the future of Pogos and other related operations in the Philippines are made with a clear understanding of their implications to national security,” he added.

Pagcor told: Help crackdown MEANWHILE , Senate leaders on Monday put the onus on Pagcor to help ferret out illegally operating Pogos.

This, the senators suggested, so that authorities can readily shut down illegal Pogos and avoid tarring the entire gaming industry—a scenario that Pagcor has warned against. Pagcor earlier reported it has whittled down substantially the number of Pogos since the transition, and only 87 IGLs are currently licensed by the agency as of 2023, down from 158 llicensees in 2022; which means the rest are illegals.

“Aside from security concerns raised on POGO operations near our military bases, reports on some 250 others operating without licenses should prompt our concerned authorities to conduct a crackdown on these illegal entities,” Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said Monday.

Pagcor data received earlier by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Joey Salceda’s office showed collections from licensees in 2023 increased to P5.1 billion from just 87 licensees, compared to P2.99 billion from 158 licensees in the previous year. This amount is second only to the 2019 collections, the first full year of legalized IGL operations, when Pagcor collected around P7.96 billion from 298 licensees.

According to Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco, the government will lose revenues from banning IGLs, the new name being used for Pogos, without any guarantee that the illegal activities would stop.

“If this happens, it would become harder for us to monitor them, and the number of illegal operators would grow and pose a bigger headache to our law enforcement authorities,” Tengco said in a statement late Tuesday.

Earlier, Tengco said that legitimate and licensed Pogos generate funds for the government, contributing about P5 billion to Pagcor’s gross revenues in 2023

Namria’s Tiangco: Data, systems secure despite cybersecurity attack

THE National Mapping Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) on Thursday reassured the public that its data and systems are secured despite the attack on its official website that started on May 22.

Namria, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is the country’s central mapping agency.

Namria is mandated to provide the public with mapmaking services and to act as the central mapping agency, depository, and distribution facility for natural resources data in the form of maps, charts, texts, and statistics.

In a statement, Namria said the attempt through a malicious site redirection attack, was effectively detected and prevented.

Multiple suspicious links using the Namria domain link were identified which could potentially lead to website redirection issues that may impact the agency’s system reputation.

According to Namria, its information, communication, and technology team promptly detected the issue took necessary action, and

prevented any data compromise.

“The agency is now working closely with the National Computer Emergency Response Team [NCERT] to investigate the incident and enhance its cybersecurity measures,” Namria Administrator Peter N. Tiangco said in an official statement.

He also said no information was accessed or stolen during the attack.

“The agency is actively trying to identify the source of the redirection attack and is implementing extra safeguards to prevent future incidents,” Namria Administrator Peter N. Tiangco, in an official statement said.

According to Tiangco, the incident underscores the ongoing digital threats faced by government agencies.

“Namria’s quick response and cooperation with NCRT demonstrate its dedication to safeguarding its systems and earning the public’s trust. The agency will continue to review and enhance its cybersecurity protocols to adapt to evolving threat landscapes,” he said. Jonathan L. Mayuga

–USDA report

TBy Ada Pelonia

HE reduction in tariffs would boost the Philippines’s rice imports next year, according to a report published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA adjusted upwards its projection for the country’s rice imports to 4.7 million metric tons (MMT) in 2025, driven by rising consumption with reduced tariffs. This was a 500,000 metric tons (MT) increase from its earlier projection of 4.2 MMT.

“Imports and global consumption are forecast higher primarily on increases for the Philippines and Kenya,” the latest monthly report on global grains trade read.

“Global stocks are forecast up driven by India and the Philippines more than offsetting decreases for Pakistan and Vietnam,” it added.

The USDA also increased its 2024 rice import projection for the country to 4.6 MMT, up by 500,000 MT following the reduction of import tariffs to 15 percent until 2028.

The USDA projected that Vietnam exports would spike due to “robust demand” from Indonesia and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Thai rice quotes, the USDA said, increased by $35 to $622 per MT with “strong sales” to Indonesia and the Philippines along with a stronger currency. Vietnamese quotes declined $9 to $567 per MT, remaining the lowest-priced supplier. Figures from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) revealed that the country’s imported rice arrivals have reached more than 2.08 MMT as of May 30.

Vietnam remained the country’s top source of imported rice, accounting for 1.52 MMT of imports. It was followed by Thailand with 319,740.74 MT.

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board earlier approved the tariff reduction for rice in its bid to lower the price of the staple.

“This decision aims to lower the price of rice further and make it more affordable,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a press briefing in Malacañang last week. The Neda Board’s decision extended to maintaining reduced tariff rates on corn, pork, and mechanically deboned meat under executive order (EO) 50 series of 2023.

Farmers and fishers groups said reducing tariffs on key agricultural commodities, such as rice, will bring the country’s farm sector to its knees.

They appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reconsider his plan to issue an EO that will cut the tariffs on rice and pork until 2028. (https://businessmirror. com.ph/2024/06/10/rethinkdecision-to-slash-agri-tariffsgovt-told/)

Revenue to drop P9.4B with rice tariff cuts–economist

Continued from A16

Marcos said the report about the mis-identification came from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) scholars in Bukidnon.

“Clearly, there is a distinction and I am not certain, in terms of policy, who we should help first. In terms of priority, clearly farm workers are clearly poorer and very often the owners of the land are not actually the tillers of the soil,” Marcos noted.

“So, the farmers are asking our help since their names are not actually listed

1 IN 7 IMMIGRANT HEALTH WORKERS IN U.S. A FILIPINO

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Blinken pushes for cease-fire deal in Gaza amid Hamas’ proposed changes, escalating tensions

By Bassem Mroue & Jack Jeffery

The Associated Press

BEIRUT—US

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that mediators would keep trying to close an elusive cease-fire deal for Gaza after Hamas proposed changes to a US-backed plan, some of which he said were “workable” and some not.

The back-and-forth laid bare frustration over the difficulty of reaching an accord that could end eight months of war that has decimated the territory, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left scores of Israeli hostages still languishing in militant captivity. Previous moments of optimism have been repeatedly dashed by the differences between the two sides.

The cease-fire proposal has global support but has not been fully embraced by Israel or Hamas. Blinken did not spell out what changes Hamas sought, but he said the mediators— Qatar, Egypt and the US—will keep trying to “close this deal.” He put the onus on Hamas, accusing it of changing its demands.

“Hamas has proposed numerous changes to the proposal that was on the table. ... Some of the changes are workable. Some are not,” Blinken told reporters in Qatar. “I believe that they (the differences) are bridgeable, but that doesn’t mean they will be bridged because ultimately Hamas has to decide.”

Blinken’s comments came as Lebanon’s Hezbollah fired a massive barrage of rockets into northern Israel to avenge the killing of a top commander, further escalating regional tensions.

Hezbollah, an Iran-backed ally of Hamas, has traded fire with Israel nearly every day since the Israel-Hamas war began and says it will stop only if there is a truce in Gaza. That has raised fears of an even more devastating regional conflagration.

Air-raid sirens sounded across northern Israel, and the military said about 215 projectiles were fired from southern Lebanon, making it one of the largest attacks since the fighting began. There were no immediate reports of casualties as some rockets were intercepted while others ignited brushfires.

Hamas asks for changes

HAMAS conveyed its official reply to the proposal to mediators on Tuesday. Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha told the Lebanese news outlet ElNashra that the “amendments” requested by the group aim to guarantee a permanent cease-fire and complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

The proposal announced by US President Joe Biden includes those provisions, but Hamas has expressed wariness about whether Israel will implement the terms. While the US says Israel has accepted the proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given conflicting statements, saying Israel is still intent on its goal of destroying Hamas.

Blinken, on his eighth visit to the region since the start of the war, said the deal on the table was “virtually identical” to one Hamas put forth on May 6. The UN Security Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of the plan on Monday.

“At some point in a negotiation, and this has gone back and forth for a long time, you get to a point where if one side continues to change its demands, including making demands and insisting on changes for things that it already accepted, you have to question whether they’re proceeding in good faith or not,” he said.

Speaking alongside Blinken, Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said there had been “counterproductive” actions by both sides.

The proposal’s three-phase plan would begin with a six-week cease-fire and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas, and Palestinian civilians would be allowed to return to their homes. Aid distribution would also increase.

At the same time, negotiations would start over the second phase, which is to bring “a permanent end to hostilities” and “full withdrawal” of Israeli troops from Gaza in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages.

Phase three would see the launch of a reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of remains of deceased hostages.

A major hitch for both sides appears to be the negotiations for the second phase.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, said Israel will demand that Hamas be removed from power as part of any agreement on that phase.

“One of our conditions is not only the release of the hostages, it’s also the future of Gaza,” Erdan told CNN’s “The Source” on Monday. “We cannot agree to Hamas continuing to be the rulers of Gaza because then Gaza will continue to pose a threat to Israel.”

He also said Israel opposes a provision extending the initial cease-fire as long as talks are going on, saying it would allow Hamas to “continue with endless and meaningless negotiations.”

Hamas, in turn, appears to want stronger

Nato defense ministers plan new security aid and training support plan for Ukraine

By Lorne Cook The Associated Press

BRUSSELS—Nato defense ministers gathered Thursday hoping to agree on a new plan to provide long-term security assistance and military training to Ukraine, after Hungary promised not to veto the scheme as long as it’s not forced to take part.

The ministers are meeting over two days at Nato headquarters in Brussels in the last high-level talks before a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden in Washington on July 9-11, where the military organization’s leaders are expected to announce financial support for Ukraine.

Ukraine’s Western allies are trying to bolster their military support as Russian troops launch attacks along the more than 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, taking advantage of a lengthy delay in US military aid. European Union money was also held up by political infighting.

Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is chairing Thursday’s meeting, said that Ukraine’s

guarantees up front that the talks will lead to the permanent cease-fire and withdrawal.

Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies have rejected the proposal and threaten to bring down his government if he ends the war leaving Hamas intact. But Netanyahu is also under mounting pressure to accept a deal to bring the hostages back. Thousands of Israelis, including families of the hostages, have demonstrated in favor of the US-backed plan.

Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza have killed over 37,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, who do not give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. The war has also driven some 80 percent of the population of 2.3 million from their homes, and Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hindered efforts to bring in humanitarian aid, fueling widespread hunger.

Israel launched its campaign after Hamas and other militants stormed into Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages. Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas is believed to be holding around 80 hostages and the remains of another 40.

Revenge for slain commander

NETANYAHU’S office said he was conducting a security assessment in light of Hezbollah’s barrage in the north and what it called Hamas’ “negative response” to the proposal.

Hezbollah said it fired missiles and rockets at two military bases in retaliation for the killing of Taleb Sami Abdullah, 55. Known within Hezbollah as Hajj Abu Taleb, he is the most senior commander killed since the fighting began eight months ago. The Israeli strike late Tuesday destroyed a house where Abdullah and three other officials were meeting, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the border.

A Hezbollah official told The Associated Press that Abdullah was in charge of a large part of the Lebanon-Israel front, including the area facing the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, which Hezbollah has repeatedly attacked in recent days, causing fires in the area. The official, who was not authorized to speak to media and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Abdullah had joined Hezbollah decades ago and took part in attacks against Israeli forces during their 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon that ended in May 2000.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have killed over 400 people, most of them Hezbollah members, but the dead also include more than 70 civilians and noncombatants. On the Israeli side, 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed since the war in Gaza began.

Other groups allied with Iran, including powerful militias in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have also attacked Israeli, US and other targets since the start of the war, often drawing Western retaliation. In April, Israel and Iran traded fire directly for the first time.

Jeffery reported from Jerusalem. AP correspondent Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed to this report.

beleaguered armed forces need longer-term predictability about the kinds of weapons, ammunition and funds they can expect to receive.

“The whole idea is to minimize the risk for gaps and delays as we saw earlier this year,” Stoltenberg told reporters. The hold-up, he said, “is one of the reasons why the Russians are now able to push and to actually occupy more land in Ukraine.”

Since Russia’s full-fledged invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s Western backers have routinely met as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, run by the Pentagon, to drum up weapons and ammunition for Kyiv. A fresh meeting was held at Nato headquarters on Thursday.

While those meetings have resulted in significant battlefield support, they have been of an ad-hoc and unpredictable nature. Stoltenberg has spearheaded an effort to have Nato take up some of the slack.

The idea is for the 32-nation military alliance to coordinate the security assistance and training process, partly by using Nato’s command structure and drawing on funds from its common budget.

Stoltenberg said he hopes Biden and his counterparts will agree in Washington to maintain the funding level for military support they have provided Ukraine since Russia launched its full-fledged invasion in February 2022. He estimates this at around 40 billion euros ($43 billion) worth of equipment each year.

On Wednesday, Hungary announced that it would not veto the plan as long as it’s not forced to take part.

“I asked the Secretary-General to make it clear that all military action outside Nato territory can only be voluntary in nature, according to Nato rules and our traditions,” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said. “Hungary has received the guarantees we need.” The world’s biggest security alliance does not send weapons or ammunition to Ukraine as an organization, and has no plans to put troops on the ground. But many of its members give help on a bilateral basis, and jointly provide more than 90 percent of the country’s military support. The other 31 allies see Russia’s war on Ukraine as an existential security threat to Europe, but most of them, including Biden, have been extremely cautious to ensure that Nato is not drawn into a wider conflict with Russia. Nato operates on the basis that an attack on any single ally will be met with a response from them all.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a

press conference with the Qatari

Federal Reserve signals reduction to one interest rate cut despite falling inflation

By Christopher Rugaber Ap Economics Writer

WASHINGTON—Federal Reserve officials said Wednesday that inflation has fallen further toward their target level in recent months but signaled that they expect to cut their benchmark interest rate just once this year.

The policymakers’ forecast for one rate cut was down from their previous projection of three cuts, because inflation, despite having cooled in the past two months, remains persistently above their target level.

The scaled-back estimate for rate cuts came as something of a surprise, given that the government reported earlier Wednesday that consumer inflation eased in May more than most economists had expected. That report suggested that the Fed’s high-rate polices are succeeding in taming inflation.

Financial markets took encouragement, though, from the policy statement the Fed issued after its latest meeting ended, which underscored that it sees progress in its fight against high inflation. Broad stock indexes rose sharply, and bond yields fell in response.

keeping some consumers on edge, especially those seeking to buy a home who face painfully high mortgage rates, now averaging around 7 percent.

David Goines, who owns a fourbedroom, two-bath mobile home in Lexington, Oklahoma, began looking for a new house last year but was put off by the elevated mortgage rates.

“Once we calculated what our payments would be for the house that we were looking at, it was just unfeasible,” he said.

high enough to slow spending and fully defeat high inflation without derailing the economy.

Measures of inflation had cooled steadily in the second half of last year, raising hopes that the Fed could achieve a rare “soft landing,” whereby it would manage to conquer inflation through rate hikes without causing a recession. But inflation came in unexpectedly high in the first three months of this year, delaying hoped-for Fed rate cuts and potentially imperiling a soft landing.

Goines, a 36-year-old information technology director, has been holding out hope that rates would ease this year. He’s still waiting.

Whenever the Fed does begin to reduce its benchmark rate, now at a 23-year high, it would eventually lighten loan costs for consumers, who have faced punishingly high rates for mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and other forms of borrowing.

The central bank’s rate policies over the next several months could also have consequences for the presidential race. Though the unemployment rate is a low 4 percent, hiring is robust and consumers continue to spend, voters have taken a generally sour view of the economy under President Joe Biden. In large part, that’s because prices remain much higher than they were before the pandemic struck. High borrowing rates have imposed a further financial burden.

Speaking at a news conference after the Fed meeting ended, Chair

The policymakers, as expected, kept their key rate unchanged Wednesday at roughly 5.3 percent. The benchmark rate has remained at that level since July of last year, after the Fed raised it 11 times to try to slow borrowing and spending and cool inflation.

Jerome Powell seemed to downplay the significance of the policymakers’ collective forecast of just one rate cut in 2024. That forecast is derived from the individual predictions of 19 policymakers, and Powell noted that 15 of the officials projected either one or two rate cuts this year.

“I would look at all of them as plausible,” he said.

“No one,” the Fed chair added, “brings to this a really strong commitment to a particular rate path. It’s just what they think in a given moment in time.”

Economists say two rate cuts, with the first one coming as early as September, are still possible despite the central bank’s prediction of just one.

“I don’t think September’s off the table,” said Matthew Luzzetti,

chief US economist at Deutsche Bank. “To get there, you’d have to have a string of inflation reports like the one we got this morning.”

At his news conference, though, Powell cautioned, “We’ll need to see more good data to bolster our confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent.”

He also underscored that with the economy still overall healthy, Fed officials feel little urgency to cut rates.

“What we’ve been getting is good progress on inflation, with growth at a good level and with a strong labor market,” the Fed chair said. “Ultimately, we think rates will have to come down to continue to support that. But so far they haven’t had to.”

Uncertainty over when borrowing rates might come down is

G7 summit opens with deal to use Russian assets for Ukraine as EU’s traditional powers recalibrate

BBy Nicole Winfield The Associated Press

ARI, Italy—A Group of Seven summit is opening Thursday with agreement on a US proposal to back a $50 billion loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets as collateral, giving Kyiv a strong show of support even as Europe’s political chessboard shifts to the right. Diplomats confirmed that an agreement had been reached on the deal before the leaders even landed in southern Italy for the three-day summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be on hand and is expected to sign a separate bilateral security agreement with US President Joe Biden.

Beyond the Ukraine war, Pope Francis will become the first pope to address a G7 summit, adding a dash of celebrity and moral authority to the annual gathering that is being held this year in Italy’s sun-drenched Puglia region. He’ll be speaking Friday about the promises and perils of artificial intelligence, but is expected to also renew his appeal for a peaceful end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Host Italy has invited several African leaders—Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Kenyan President William Ruto and Tunisian President Kais Saied—to press Italy’s Africa initiatives. Other guests include Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fresh off his own election, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

With Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and now French President Emmanuel Macron facing elections in the coming months, pressure was on the G7 to get done what it can while the status quo lasts.

Frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine

THE US proposal involves using profits from the

roughly $260 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets, most of them held in the European Union, to help Ukraine, and issuing a $50 billion loan from the US government to Kyiv, using windfall profits from the immobilized funds as collateral.

A French official, briefing reporters Wednesday, said a political decision by the leaders had been reached but that technical and legal details of the mechanism to tap into the assets still had to be worked out. The issue is complicated because if the Russian assets one day are unfrozen—say if the war ends—then the windfall profits will no longer be able to be used to pay off the loan, requiring a burden-sharing arrangement with other countries.

On the eve of the summit, Washington also sent strong signals of support for Ukraine, with widened sanctions against Russia to target Chinese companies that are helping its war machine.

Europe’s new political chessboard

ITALIAN Premier Giorgia Meloni goes into the meeting fortified at home and abroad after her far-right party had an even stronger showing in weekend European Parliament elections than the 2022 elections that made her Italy’s first female premier. Known for its revolving-door governments, Italy is now in the unusual position of being the most stable power in the EU.

The leaders of the G7’s two other EU members, Germany and France, didn’t fare nearly as well, rattled after hard-right parties made strong showings in the vote. Macron called a snap election and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saw the far-right Alternative for Germany beat out his Social Democrats.

As a result, Meloni is likely to be able to steer the three-day meeting to her key priority items as she further cements her

role on the world stage, analysts said.

One reported sign of her flexed far-right muscles: Meloni’s office denied media reports that Italy was trying to water down language about access to abortion in the final communiqué.

“While it’s unlikely the recent results will radically shift the focus of the upcoming G7 Summit, this electoral win offers Premier Meloni additional leverage to frame this as an essentially ‘Mediterranean Summit,” said Nick O’Connell, deputy director of the Atlantic Council.

That includes pushing her migration agenda as Meloni seeks to leverage her program for a non-exploitative relationship with Africa to boost development while curbing illegal migration to Europe.

Italy, which for decades has been ground zero in Europe’s migration debate, has been promoting its Mattei Plan as a way to create jobs and opportunity in Africa and discourage its young people from making dangerous trips across the Mediterranean Sea. The plan involves pilot projects in areas such as education, health care, water, sanitation, agriculture and energy infrastructure.

The pope and artificial intelligence

POPE Francis has called for an international treaty to ensure AI is developed and used ethically, acknowledging the promise it offers but emphasizing the grave and existential threats it poses.

He’ll bring that campaign to the world’s industrialized countries as wars are raging across multiple fronts. One of his greatest concerns has been on the use of AI in the armaments sector, which has been a frequent focus of the Jesuit pope who has called even traditional weapons makers “merchants of death.”

But Francis is also concerned about

what AI means for the poorest and weakest: technology that could determine the reliability of an applicant for a mortgage, the right of a migrant to receive political asylum or the chance of reoffending by someone previously convicted of a crime.

The 87-year-old pope has said he would also repeat his calls for peace while holding half-dozen bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.

It’s happening where?

THE G7 summit is taking place in a sprawling luxury resort that’s something of a theater set, a faux town made to resemble one of Puglia’s medieval white-washed hamlets but that actually only dates from 2010.

Located next to an actual archaeological park, Borgo Egnazia features narrow streets, villas, restaurants and a town square complete with a clock tower. A favorite of celebrities, it will be sealed off to outsiders for the duration of the summit.

No such five-star accommodations await the 2,000-plus police and carabinieri forces that have been brought in to provide security. Authorities on Wednesday sequestered the decommissioned cruise ship that had been housing them in Brindisi’s port, after the police union complained about unacceptable hygienic conditions on board.

As with any G7, an assortment of antiglobal, anti-war and climate activists are staging protests around the summit venue, but far from where the leaders are meeting. One group is staging a “dinner for the poor” on Friday night calling for “peace, the rights of peoples and against the Big 7 who claim to decide the destiny of the world and our planet.”

The Associated Press journalists Angela Charlton and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.

“We’re pretty pessimistic of the rates even getting down to 5 percent in the next 12 months,” he said. “Right now, we’re just pretty much stuck.”

On Wednesday morning, the government reported that inflation eased in May for a second straight month, a hopeful sign that an acceleration of prices that occurred early this year may have passed. Consumer prices excluding volatile food and energy costs—the closely watched “core” index—rose just 0.2 percent from April, the smallest rise since October. Measured from a year earlier, core prices climbed 3.4 percent, the mildest pace in three years.

“We welcome today’s (inflation) reading and hope for more like that,” Powell said.

Inflation has tumbled from a peak of 9.1 percent two years ago. The policymakers now face the delicate task of keeping rates

As part of the updated quarterly forecasts the policymakers issued Wednesday, they projected that the economy will grow 2.1 percent this year and 2 percent in 2025, the same as they had envisioned in March. They expect core inflation to be 2.8 percent by year’s end, according to their preferred gauge, up from a previous forecast of 2.6 percent. And they project that unemployment will stay at its current 4 percent rate by the end of this year and edge up to 4.2 percent by the end of 2025.

The expectation that the unemployment rate will remain around those low levels indicates that the officials believe that while the job market will gradually slow, it will remain fundamentally healthy.

“By so many measures,” Powell said, “the labor market was kind of overheated two years ago, and we’ve seen it move back into much better balance between supply and demand.”

AP Business Writer Alex Veiga contributed to this report from Los Angeles.

Inflation eases for second straight month, offering hope for Fed to cut interest rates

By Christopher Rugaber Ap Economics Writer

WASHINGTON—Inflation in the United States eased in May for a second straight month, a hopeful sign that an acceleration of prices that occurred early this year may have passed. The trend, if it holds, could move the Federal Reserve closer to cutting its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year peak.

Consumer prices excluding volatile food and energy costs—the closely watched “core” index—rose 0.2 percent from April to May, the government said Wednesday. That was down from 0.3 percent the previous month and was the smallest increase since October. Measured from a year earlier, core prices climbed 3.4 percent, below last month’s 3.6 percent rise, and the mildest such increase in three years.

Fed officials are scrutinizing each month’s inflation data to assess their progress in their fight against rising prices. Even as overall inflation moderates, such necessities as groceries, rent and health care are much pricier than they were three years ago—a continuing source of public discontent and a political threat to President Joe Biden’s re-election bid.

Most other measures suggest that the economy is healthy: Unemployment remains low, hiring is robust and consumers are traveling, eating out and spending on entertainment.

And Wednesday’s report indicated that consumers are beginning to get some relief from the price spikes of the past three years.

Grocery costs were unchanged, on average, from April to May, after actually falling 0.2 percent the previous month. Food prices have risen just 1 percent over the past 12 months, though they’re still up about 20 percent from three years ago.

Average gas prices tumbled 3.6 percent nationally just from April to May, though

they’re 2.2 percent higher than they were a year earlier. Those declines have continued, with gas averaging $3.45 a gallon Wednesday, down 17 cents from a month ago. Americans didn’t drive as much over the Memorial Day weekend as they have in previous years, reducing demand, and oil prices have fallen.

Overall inflation also slowed last month, with consumer prices unchanged from April to May. Measured from a year earlier, prices rose 3.3 percent, less than the 3.6 percent increase a month earlier.

“It’s certainly welcome news,” said Tom Porcelli, chief US economist at PGIM Fixed Income. “It drives home that the inflation challenge in the United States is not as challenging as monetary policy makers believe.” Later Wednesday, the Fed’s policymakers are expected to reduce their forecast for interest rate cuts by year’s end to two, down from three in their previous forecast in March. Before Wednesday’s mild inflation figures were released, many economists worried that the Fed would predict just one rate cut this year. But most analysts said the inflation slowdown, if it continues, makes two cuts more likely, probably starting in September.

“We think this starts the clock on a potential September rate cut, but the Fed will need to see much more sustained progress in the months ahead to deliver that cut,” Krishna Guha, an analyst at Evercore ISI, said in a note to clients.

In early May, Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank needed more confidence that inflation was returning to its 2 percent target before it would reduce its benchmark rate. Fed officials said in recent weeks that they needed to see several consecutive months of lower inflation to gain that confidence.

Small-business people are less likely

See “Inflation,” A13

FEDERAL Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washington on May 1, 2024. On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Federal Reserve ends its latest meeting by issuing a policy statement, updating its economic and interest-rate projections and holding a news conference with Powell. AP/SUSAN WALSH

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch boat-borne bomb attack against Greek-owned vessel in Red Sea

By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press

BOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED

ASEA—Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a boat-borne bomb attack against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday, authorities said, the latest escalation despite a US-led campaign trying to protect the vital waterway.

The use of a boat loaded with explosives raised the specter of 2000’s USS Cole attack, a suicide assault by al-Qaida on the warship when it was at port in Aden, killing 17 on board. Associated Press journalists saw the Cole in the Red Sea on Wednesday, now taking part in the US campaign while visiting one of her sister ships, the USS Laboon.

Yemen’s military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed responsibility for the attack, identifying the vessel targeted as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Tutor. He described the attack as using a “drone boat,” as well as drones and ballistic missiles.

In a warning to shippers, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center described the vessel as being hit in its stern by a small white craft southwest of the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeida.

The captain “reports the vessel is taking on water, and not under command of the crew,” the UKMTO said. He also “reports the vessel was hit for a second time by an unknown airborne projectile.”

The US military’s Central Command also

acknowledged the attack, saying the Tutor “most recently docked in Russia.”

“The impact of the (drone boat) caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room,” it added.

The US military separately destroyed three anti-ship cruise missile launchers in Houthiheld Yemen, as well as one rebel drone over the Red Sea. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Red Sea, but they caused no damage, Central Command said.

The Houthis, who seized Yemen’s capital nearly a decade ago and have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since shortly after, have been targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

They say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war and supporting the Palestinians, though the attacks often target vessels that have nothing to do with the conflict.

The war in Gaza has killed more than 36,000 Palestinians there, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.

The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, killed three sailors, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the US Maritime Administration. A US-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30 killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

Top European Union court fines Hungary $216 million for breaching asylum rules

By Ella Joyner The Associated Press

BRUSSELS—The European Union’s top court ordered Hungary to a fine of 200 million euros ($216 million) on Thursday for persistently breaking the bloc’s asylum rules despite a previous European Court of Justice ruling, plus an additional 1 million euros for every day it fails to comply going forward.

Hungary had not implemented a 2020 ruling from top EU judges in Luxembourg, the ECJ wrote in a press release. “That failure, which consists in deliberately avoiding the application of a common EU policy as a whole, constitutes an unprecedented and extremely serious infringement of EU law.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán slammed the ruling as “outrageous and unacceptable.”

“It seems that illegal migrants are more important to the Brussels bureaucrats than their own European citizens,” he wrote on the social media platform X.

Hungary’s anti-immigrant government has taken a hard line on people entering the country since well over one million people entered Europe in 2015, most of them fleeing conflict in Syria.

The case concerns changes

Hungary made to its asylum system in the wake of that crisis, when some 400,000 people passed through Hungary on their way to Western Europe. Hungary built fences protected by razor wire on its southern borders with Serbia and Croatia and a pair of transit zones for holding asylum seekers on its border with Serbia. Those transit zones have since closed.

The measures were part of Orban’s increasingly strict antiimmigration policies and the extreme minimization of Hungary’s asylum system.

Back in 2020, the ECJ found that Budapest’s policies had restricted access to international protection, unlawfully detained asylum applicants and failed to observe their right to stay in Hungary while their application went through the full due process, the court recalled on Thursday.

The transit zones were closed in 2020, shortly after the first ECJ ruling.

But the European Commission, which is responsible for monitoring the 27 EU member states’ compliance with their shared laws, took the view that Budapest had still not

complied and requested the European Court of Justice to fine Hungary, the ECJ said Thursday. After the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, the Hungarian government also pushed through a law forcing people seeking international protection to travel to Belgrade or Kyiv to apply for a travel permit at its embassies there to enter Hungary. Only once back could they file their applications.

The European Commission took Hungary to the European Court of Justice over the law, insisting that the country had failed to fulfill its obligations under the 27-nation’s blocs rules. The rules oblige all member countries to have common procedures for granting asylum. People have the right to apply for asylum or other forms of international protection if they fear for their safety in their home countries or face the prospect of persecution based on their race, religion, ethnic background, gender or other discrimination.

Samuel Petrequin in Brussels contributed to this report.

In initial win for President Milei, senators approve his key bills after violent protests

By Isabel Debre Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—Argentina’s Senate narrowly approved key state overhaul and tax bills proposed by President Javier Milei, delivering an initial legislative victory to the libertarian leader in his efforts to enact his promises of radical change.

Senators voted 37 to 36 late Wednesday to give their overall approval to the overhaul bill after 11 hours of heated debate while protesters—urging lawmakers to reject Milei’s harsh austerity plan—clashed with police outside Congress. The Senators still must approve individual measures in an article-by-article vote set to stretch throughout the night.

In a reflection of the fierce backlash to the legislation and deep polarization gripping Argentina’s Congress, Vice President and head of the Senate Victoria Villarruel cast the tiebreaking vote in favor of Milei’s agenda.

The legislation delegates broad powers to the president in energy, pensions, security and other areas and includes several measures seen as controversial, including a generous incentive scheme for foreign investors, tax amnesty for those with undeclared assets and plans to privatize some of Argentina’s state-owned firms.

If the Senate approves the articles with modifications, the lower house still has to okay them before Milei can claim his first legislative win since entering office last December.

As Senators pored over the bills, protesters in downtown Buenos Aires hurled sticks, stones and Molotov cocktails at police who sprayed water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the huge crowds.

to say the costs of their parts and raw materials are rising than they were a year ago, according to surveys, suggesting that they’re facing less pressure to pass on higher expenses.

Demonstrators poured gasoline on two cars and set them alight, turning the central square into a smoke-filled battlefield.

Authorities reported least 20 police officers injured and more than a dozen protesters arrested over the violence.

Milei rose to power on promises he would resolve Argentina’s worst economic crisis in two decades. But his political party of relative novices holds just a tiny minority of seats in Congress and he has struggled to strike deals with the opposition.

“We have the weakest president we’ve ever seen who is trying to pass the biggest bill we’ve ever seen,” said Ana Iparraguirre, an Argentina-based analyst at Washington strategy firm GBAO. “That’s the contradiction.”

Senators approved two bills late Wednesday, a tax package and a 238-article state reform bill that passed the lower house of Congress in late April. Months of negotiations watered down the initial far-ranging proposal, which had over 600 articles.

Unlike previous Argentine leaders since the return of democracy in 1983, Milei has failed to pass a single piece of legislation during his first six months in office. Instead, the populist outsider has relied on executive powers to slash state spending and sweep away economic restrictions.

“Today, it’s almost more important for Milei to demonstrate that he can pass laws in Congress than what he passes,” said Lucas Romero, director of Synopsis consultancy. That desperation was clear in some of the Senators’ closing speeches.

“How can I not give a president a tool that he needs in order to function?” said Luis Juez, senator from the right-wing PRO party, a loose ally of Milei’s. “We voted so that this doesn’t fail, because if things go badly for Milei, they go badly for everyone.”

Milei’s legislation has faced the stiffest pushback from the left-leaning Peronist movement loyal to former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, which has dominated Argentine politics for the last two decades and holds sway over the country’s powerful trade unions.

Bankers, teachers, truckers and thousands of workers from other unions converged around Congress throughout the day, banging drums, blasting trumpets and chanting, “Our country is not for sale!” and “We will defend the state!”

“If this law passes, we are going to lose so many of our labor and pension rights,” said 54-year-old teacher Miriam Rajovitcher protesting ahead of the vote alongside her colleagues, middle-class Argentines who say they’ve had to reconfigure their lives since Milei slashed their school budgets and devalued the currency, driving inflation

toward 300%. “I am so much worse off.”

The presidency condemned protesters as “terrorists” and accused them of “attempting to carry out a coup d’état” by disrupting the Congress session.

The Peronist bloc controls 33 out of 72 seats in the Senate while Milei’s party, Freedom Advances, holds just seven seats. The bill needed 37 votes from the 72 total legislators in the Senate to get a majority and ended up producing a 36-36 tie.

Analysts say that foreign investors and the International Monetary Fund, to which Argentina owes a staggering $44 billion, have been closely watching Wednesday’s vote to see whether Milei can build consensus with his opponents.

“Everyone is in a wait-and-see mode. Investors say, ‘Yes, we love what you’re saying, but we need to see that this is sustainable,” said Marcelo J. García,

Americas director at geopolitical risk firm Horizon Engage.

Wednesday’s article-by-article vote will stretch for hours, with analysts expecting lawmakers to further weaken the most divisive sections of the bills.

One of the most contested measures is an incentive program that offers foreign investors lucrative tax breaks for 30 years, no import tariffs on machinery and other perks for big corporations that critics say go too far in neglecting local industry.

“What this law is hurting most are the pockets of workers, not the big companies that are just going to get richer,” said 36-year-old Juan Barreto, a bank employee jostling amid crowds of his fellow union members.

Argentina’s unions have also voiced vehement opposition to measures that would make it easier for companies to fire

employees as well as plans to privatize some state-owned firms.

Backlash to the tax bill in particular has centered on an amnesty that would allow Argentines to register undeclared assets at home and abroad without paying hefty taxes, as well as a lower income tax threshold that would force more workers to pay taxes.

Frustrated by legislative resistance, Milei has increasingly moderated his previous all-or-nothing approach. Earlier this month, in a bid to break the impasse, Milei fired his inexperienced Cabinet chief and replaced him with Interior Minister Guillermo Francos, a career politician skilled at congressional wheeling and dealing. Over the past month, political tensions have mounted, casting doubt over Milei’s governability and injecting uncertainty into the Argentine economy. Sovereign bonds have tumbled. The country’s currency, the peso, has depreciated as well, widening the gap between the official and black market exchange rate to nearly 40%. The peso was trading at 1,255 per greenback on the informal market Wednesday, a rate far lower than earlier this year.

Even as the IMF has praised the libertarian’s agenda and released tranches of frozen loans, the fund has held back from handing Argentina fresh cash that Milei says he needs to lift currency controls.

Meanwhile, Milei has been in Silicon Valley rubbing shoulders with billionaire tech executives Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg. The meetings however, have not produced any announcements of substantial investments.

“What you’re seeing in the last three weeks is the market and investors getting a little nervous,” said García. “The market is saying, ‘Show me that you can govern.’”

“It’s a little more manageable,” Carfield said. “The bleeding has stopped.”

Plumbing and electrical fixtures have started to actually fall in price, she added.

“The market is really flooded with lots and lots of options,” when it comes to fixtures, she said. “They are forced to be a little more competitive.”

Wednesday’s inflation report showed that the prices of airfares, furniture and clothing all fell in May, helping keep inflation in check. And the cost of auto insurance, which has soared in recent months, actually dipped from April to May, though it’s still up more than 20 percent from a year earlier.

“Prices are still too high, but today’s report shows welcome progress on lowering

One such businessperson is Amber Carfield, director of design at Kitchens by Good Guys, a home renovation firm near Phoenix. Carfield said the costs of cabinets, shower glass and countertops remain far higher than they were a few years ago. But price increases have eased this year, she said, particularly from two years ago, when suppliers might raise the prices of kitchen cabinets three times in a year. Before the pandemic, prices typically changed only once a year, at most.

inflation, which...is down nearly two-thirds from its peak,” Biden said Wednesday.

The drop in auto insurance was a key reason why core inflation came in so low in May. Insurance rates have jumped because the prices of new and used cars soared during the pandemic, mostly because of supply shortages. Insurers must pay more to replace wrecked cars, and the companies have raised premiums to offset those higher costs.

Pricier auto insurance is an example of how inflation has been driven largely by the lingering effects of pandemic disruptions, rather than excessive consumer demand or rising wages. Apartment rents and a measure of homeownership are another example. They’re still rising faster than they did before the pandemic. But they reflect the increased

demand for housing that emerged during Covid and its aftermath, when many people sought more living space.

Economists point to real-time measures of new rents, which show barely any increase at all, with builders having completed a flood of new apartment buildings. The slowdown in new lease costs should feed into the government’s inflation measures over time, acting as another factor lowering inflation.

Other signs also suggest that inflation will continue to cool in the coming months. Americans, particularly lower-income households, are pulling back on their spending. In response, several major retail and restaurant chains, including Walmart, Target, Walgreen’s, McDonald’s and Burger King, have responded by announcing price cuts or deals.

ANTI-GOVERNMENT protesters clash with police outside Congress, as lawmakers debate a reform bill promoted by Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. AP/GUSTAVO GARELLO

Unlocking the potential of PHL’s mineral wealth

THe latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals a significant milestone for the Philippines, as the country’s mineral reserves have reached nearly half a trillion pesos. This news presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation. While it highlights the potential for economic growth and development, it also calls for careful planning, responsible extraction, and a commitment to sustainable practices. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Mineral reserves of PHL valued at nearly P500B,” June 10, 2024).

The PSA’s report indicates that the bulk of the country’s mineral reserves consist of Class A chromite resources, followed by nickel, gold, and copper. These resources, when harnessed responsibly, can contribute to the country’s gross domestic product and create job opportunities for Filipinos. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation.

Sustainable and responsible mining practices must be at the forefront of any plans to extract these mineral reserves. The Philippines has a diverse and delicate ecosystem that must be protected for the benefit of future generations. Mining operations should adhere to stringent environmental regulations, employ advanced technologies that minimize harm to the environment, and prioritize land rehabilitation and reforestation efforts.

Additionally, the government should ensure that communities affected by mining operations are adequately supported and compensated. Local residents must be involved in the decision-making process and receive fair treatment, as their livelihoods and well-being are often intertwined with the land and natural resources.

The extraction of mineral reserves should also be aligned with the country’s long-term development goals. It is essential to diversify the economy and invest in other sectors to reduce dependence on mining. This will help create a more resilient and sustainable economy that can withstand fluctuations in global commodity prices.Furthermore, the PSA’s report highlights the exclusion of mineral reserves in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao due to data limitations. Efforts should be made to address these limitations, as inclusivity and accurate data are crucial for informed decision-making. The government should collaborate with local stakeholders and invest in comprehensive data collection and analysis to ensure that the mineral reserves in this region are included in future assessments.

In harnessing the country’s mineral reserves, the government should prioritize transparency and accountability. Clear regulations and effective governance mechanisms are necessary to prevent corruption, ensure fair revenue distribution, and maximize the benefits for the Filipino people.

Above all, we should explore opportunities for value-added processing of our mineral resources. By investing in downstream industries, the country can capture more significant value from its resources and create higher-skilled jobs, fostering industrial development and technological advancement.

With its substantial mineral reserves, the country can harness these resources to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. However, this must be done responsibly, with a focus on sustainable development, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and long-term planning. By taking a holistic and inclusive approach, we can unlock the true potential of our mineral wealth while safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come.

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Where do we invest to sustain our economic growth?

TEAGLE WATCH

He Philippine economy registered a year-on-year growth of 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024. As the country continues to recover from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, several sectors exhibit high growth potential, presenting lucrative avenues for both local and foreign investors. Among these sectors, technology and innovation, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, and the creative industry stand out as particularly promising.

Technology and innovation

T HE technology sector in the Philippines is burgeoning, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing digitalization. Investments in tech startups, software development, and IT services can yield substantial returns. The country is becoming a hub for innovation, with numerous tech incubators and accelerators supporting startups. Government initiatives like the “Innovate Philippines” campaign aim to foster a robust digital economy. As the global demand for digital solutions grows, the Philippines is well-positioned to become a significant player in the tech industry. In fact, it is preparing itself to be a research hub for Artificial Intelligence.

Renewable energy

W ITH a commitment to reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, the renewable energy sector in the Philippines holds immense potential. The country has abundant natural resources suitable for solar, wind, and hydropower generation. Recent government policies, such as the amendment of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, allowing 100 percent foreign ownership of renewable projects, have made this sector attractive for investments. The Department of Energy’s target to increase renewable energy capacity aligns with global sustainability goals, making this sector attractive for environmentally conscious investors. Advancements in technology and decreasing costs of renewable

energy production further enhance its viability.

Infrastructure THE Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build program underscores the importance of infrastructure development in driving economic growth. Investments in transportation, communication, and public utilities are critical to addressing the infrastructure gap and boosting economic productivity. Projects such as new airports, seaports, highways, and mass transit systems can significantly enhance connectivity and logistics efficiency. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves the quality of life but also attracts further investments in other sectors, creating a multiplier effect on the economy.

Agriculture and agribusiness D ESPITE being an agricultural country, the Philippines faces challenges in agricultural productivity. Modernizing agriculture through technology, improving supply chain logistics, and developing high-value crops can unlock significant growth potential. Investments in agri-tech, such as precision farming, smart irrigation systems, and biotech innovations, can enhance yield and efficiency. Furthermore, improving infrastructure for storage and transportation can reduce post-harvest losses and increase profitability. The agribusiness sector, including food processing and export-oriented ag-

riculture, offers substantial opportunities for value addition and job creation. With a full-time agriculture Secretary with corporate experience being appointed, we expect further reforms in the sector.

Tourism THE Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and natural beauty make it a prime destination for tourism. The sector has shown resilience and a strong potential for recovery and growth post-pandemic. Investments in ecotourism, sustainable tourism infrastructure, and high-quality hospitality services can attract both domestic and international tourists. Enhancing marketing strategies and developing niche tourism products, such as adventure tourism, medical tourism, and cultural tourism, can diversify the tourism offerings. Government support through initiatives like the National Tourism Development Plan should provide a conducive environment for investment in this sector.

Healthcare THE healthcare sector in the Philippines is poised for significant growth, driven by increasing demand for healthcare services and medical infrastructure. Investments in hospital development, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and telemedicine can address the healthcare needs of a growing population. The

See “Eagle Watch,” A15

The implications of stopping the cultivation of Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant on agriculture, nutrition, and health

By Ma Cristina B. Sison

AS a registered nutritionist-dietitian, I feel compelled to comment on the Court of Appeals’ ruling on Golden Rice and Bt eggplant, highlighting the critical link between agriculture, nutrition, and health. Food production is the starting point of the food system, because it will determine food availability and accessibility. Agriculture therefore, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the population is well-nourished and healthy.

Over the past two decades, the malnutrition status of Filipinos has not changed significantly. A report by the DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in 2021 showed that although prevalence of stunting was reduced from 33.4 percent in 2015 to 29.6 percent in 2018-2019, this reduction is still not enough to meet the UN SDG 2 Zero Hunger in 2030. Promoting healthy diets should be as straightforward as Pinggang Pinoy and the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos. However, many factors come into play to increase our vegetable intake and meet micronutrient requirements such as vitamin A. Households with limited purchasing capacity are at a higher risk of micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin

A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency anemia, and zinc deficiency, which are all associated with stunting. Vegetables such as carrots and squash are rich sources of vitamin A, but they are not as accessible to consumers as rice. From a supply point of view, vegetables contribute less than 1.0 percent of the daily per capita calorie supply. A study on the Philippine Food Balance Sheet (Gibson, 2012) showed that in terms of availability, our food supply lacks iron, zinc, and vitamin A. As supply is low, vegetable consumption is also low in all age groups and does not meet the WHO recommended intake of 400g per day. Per capita consumption of vegetables among Filipino households was at 123g per day in 2015, with a slight increase

of 127g per day in 2018-2019, while fruit intake decreased from 37g per day (2015) to 34g per day (2018-19).

Cost emerges as the primary deterrent to consumption, as fruits and vegetables are expensive. In the Philippines, the Cost of Recommended Diet (CoRD) is P70 per serving per day. For daily wage earners with a family of five, for example, earning P500 per day, recommended diets based on local dietary guidelines and the cost of food would be unattainable. With a limited budget, households will spend more on rice, and eggs as protein source, and only 19 percent for vegetables.

Rice provides more than half of the total calories of our diet across income levels. A pregnant and lactating woman will consume more than 300g of rice per day, while children aged 3-5 years old will consume about 150g of rice per day. With food crises due to inflation and price increase, purchases may be limited to rice for the poorest households, and may be the only food that can provide the daily caloric needs of an individual.

The great potential of Golden Rice is that it can increase vitamin A intakes at no extra cost by substituting

white rice with Golden Rice. Studies have shown that one cup of cooked Golden Rice can provide 30 percent to 50 percent of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for vitamin A for at-risk groups. This is equivalent to 12 cups of cooked kangkong. With the absence of other foods such fruits and vegetables, Golden Rice will be able to provide the micronutrients per capita at all times. The court’s cease and desist order means that farmers will spend more on inputs by using more pesticides to prevent pest infestation and get a good yield of eggplants. On the other hand, farmers will lose tons of Golden Rice that have already been planted, and seeds wasted with the cancellation of its biosafety permit. Since this permit was granted to Golden Rice in 2021, hundreds of hectares of farmlands have been planted and tons are expected to be harvested. These are healthier rice that could have been consumed by people who could have benefited from the calories and micronutrients that will be discarded with Golden Rice. This decision, and its implications, comes at a time when

“Implications,”

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon

Dr. Fernando T. Aldaba

The debate on abortion and contraception

KuwenTonG PeyuPs

New York—One of the hot issues during my recent US trip is the failure of the US Senate last week to pass the Right to Contraception Act, which is linked to equally hot debate on abortion.

t he Act would establish that individuals have a statutory right to obtain contraceptives and to more broadly seek care to prevent pregnancy. t his protection extends to all methods of contraception, from fertility awareness-based methods to over-the-counter products to prescription drugs and devices to sterilization.

t he bill would further establish that providers have a corresponding right to provide contraceptive services and supplies and information and referrals related to those matters. Under the bill, no local, state, or federal government entity would be allowed to limit or infringe on these rights with laws that single out or impede access to contraception or related information or services. t he government also could not prohibit or restrict the sale or use of contraceptives or bar individuals from helping other people obtain contraceptives.

t he bill needed 60 votes to proceed but only received five. two years ago, the US Supreme Court issued a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (No. 19–1392. June 24, 2022) reversing the doctrine enunciated in the 1973 landmark case of  Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. 113).

i first encountered Roe vs Wade in my constitutional and criminal law classes at the UP College of Law in the early 1990s.

t he US Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that the US constitution generally protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion.

t he case noted that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment protects against state action the right to privacy, and a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion falls within that right to privacy. A state law that broadly prohibits abortion without respect to the stage of pregnancy or other interests violates that right.

t he case discussed abortion rights in three periods of the pregnancy. in the first trimester, the state may not regulate the abortion decision; only the pregnant woman and her attending physician can make that decision.

in the second trimester, the state may impose regulations on abortion that are reasonably related to maternal health.

in the third trimester, once the fetus reaches the point of “viability,” a state may regulate abortions or prohibit them entirely, so long as the laws contain exceptions for cases when abortion is necessary to save the life or health of the mother. however, the US Supreme Court overturned the Roe doctrine in the Dobbs case. it was a legal challenge to Mis-

Implications

. . . continued from A14

prevalence of undernutrition in the form of stunting and micronutrient deficiencies such as VAD still pose significant health challenges. While it is idealistic to transform the food system to allow better access and increase availability of vegetables rich in vitamin A, the need for nutrition intervention is urgent if we are to attain the SDGs in 2030. Many of us still remain food insecure and are malnourished. For every

The folk and the peripheral in the world of Nic Tiongson

Isissippi’s 2018 Gestational Age Act, which had banned abortions after 15 weeks with exceptions only for medical emergencies or fetal abnormalities.

i n upholding the Mississippi law, the Court has effectively ended the constitutional right to an abortion for American women.

t he Court stated that Roe has “enflamed debate and deepened division” and that overruling it would “return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”

t he majority opinion relied on a constitutional historical view of abortion rights, saying, “abortion couldn’t be constitutionally protected. t he Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.”

Contraception and Abortion also became a major issue on the passage of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive health Act of 2012/RA 10354 (R h Law) that was enacted on December 21, 2012.

Cases were filed before the Supreme Court wherein challengers argued, among others, that the R h Law violates the right to life of the unborn since it would authorize the purchase of hormonal contraceptives, intra-uterine devices and injectables, which are abortives.

in the consolidated case of Imbong v. Ochoa (GR 204819, April 8, 2014), the Supreme Court ruled  that the R h Law actually proscribes abortion, that it recognizes that the fertilized ovum already has life and that the State has a bounden duty to protect it.

t he Court said that life begins at fertilization, not at implantation.

When a fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterine wall, its viability is sustained but that instance of implantation is not the point of beginning of life. it started earlier.

it found that the R h Law itself clearly mandates that protection be afforded from the moment of fertilization. it is replete with provisions to protect the fertilized ovum and that it should be afforded safe travel to the uterus for implantation.

t he R h Law also recognizes that abortion is a crime under Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes the destruction or expulsion of the fertilized ovum.

t he Court said that the R h Law prohibits (a) any drug or device that induces abortion (that which induces the killing or the destruction of the fertilized ovum), and (b) any drug or device the fertilized ovum to reach and be implanted in the mother’s womb.

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. 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.

delay, indecision, or wrong decision in policy, program, or intervention, and for every disservice, we lower the chances of our people from achieving a healthy diet. Eventually, all these policies will have an impact on food and nutrition security, and the court’s decision may pave the direction of food system transformation. Whether this transformation is for the best or not remains to be seen.

Ma Cristina B. Sison, RND, MSc, is

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

F there is a cluster of memory about Buhi, the hometown of my father, it is about deaths in the family (which have always brought us back to the lakeside town), the lake itself (and the smallest edible fish called “sinarapan,” which used to be abundant in the body of water loomed over by the shattered crater of Asog, a name that refers to beings who embodied both the essence of a man and a woman), and the enchanting ritual called “Tanggal” (literally, to remove something from or take down an object, a person or an event from where it has been attached to).

Looking back, these are memories of the vanishing: of species now dwindling to a limited number, of a lake that is threatened by the encroachment of urbanization, and a ritual that young people barely know of. After the death of a grandmother who grew old reciting her role as “Santa Maria” in front of the loom or even when sweeping with broom the surroundings, the idea of tanggal as a living ritual became more impossible each year. Do researchers even become interested in these things of the past? Or are they disappearing because there is no society alive to nurture them? in my search for a formal study conducted on the Tanggal, i began to look for them in libraries. t his quest led me to a book Sinakulo authored by Nic tiongson, a scholar, author, cultural worker and a prominent film critic recognized as one of the founders of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

Whereas in Buhi people are lamenting the loss of so many of the elements attending such practice, here is a book that reminds us of a social scientist with a foresight, documenting what may be trivial and merely amusing then but significant as the years went by. t here is a photo of the re-enactment of the Devil tempting Christ. in tiongson’s documentation, the devil is an old man, wearing a blue

shirt dotted with white figures while a red short skirt-like dress covers the legs encased in black pants. t he devil is an old man wearing a pair of slippers; around his head is a red turban with little horns on the left and right side. he stretches his right hand as if enticing Christ, who is dressed in faded red knee-length clothes. Does Christ look black? A gaggle of young children—all boys—seriously contemplate the process of sin happening in front of him. it was in 1988 when Nic tiongson conducted his first fieldwork in Buhi. he went to tambo, a lakeside village, where he encountered a community theater with all the implications such a name conjured. t here was “laughter at the antics of Judas iscariot, who eats up all the leftovers at the Last Supper and naughtily sits on the lap of the priests as he counts his 30 pieces of silver, or the Devil who makes jerky movements when Christ whips him up after the temptation,” tiongson notes.

in other field studies, tiongson tells us more not only about the vanishing and the rare but also those that communities have lost track of —rituals full of symbols that are as public as marriage and full of meanings, if we are to paraphrase Clifford Geertz himself.

t his year, tiongson has released books lately on theater and arts. t hese are: Revitalizing Tradition in

Three Full-length Plays & Resurrecting History in Three Full-length Musicales both from the Ateneo de Manila University Press and Komedya sa Parañaque: Kasaysayan at Estetika, which is published by the UP Press. the three plays referred to and presented by way of their scripts are: “Pilipinas Circa 1907,” “Noli at Fili sa Dekada 2000,” and “Labaw Donggon: Banog ng Sanlibutan.” Resurrected in the compendium are the following musicals: “Basilia ng Malolos,” “Mabining Mandirigma,” and “Aurelio Sedisyoso.” Rich in information and guide such as notes on costume and production, the three plays together with the musicals define tiongson as a researcher steeped in the rigor of academic research and as a dramaturgist and creative force in telling the narrative of the histories from below. t he tiongson book on komedya or comedia is a tome, a thick account of a literary/theatrical tradition now fast disappearing if not altogether gone in many areas of the country. t he book is a result of the scholar’s dissertation, and is exhaustive and instructive as it brings back the glory production days of two famous komedyas, “Prinsipe Reynaldo” and “Dumagat, Anak ni Lapulapu.”

From the histories of previous cen-

turies to “degendered” heroes, and from epics of the Panay Bukidnon and the komedyas from a city (Parañaque) we do not identify at present with cultural heritage, Nic tiongson recovers for us artifacts that might as well be lost sources of identities, or the struggle towards them.

Aside from contributing to the literary canons of the nation, Nic tiongson and his studies and creativity underscore what we always have fought for: the construction of this imaginary called the Philippines and that the triumphant battle cry of any need for unity can only proceed from the discovery, recovery and construction of dramas and rituals from the margins. And tiongson has proven to be an archaeologist of knowledge —punctilious with details, persistent with the desire to be faithful to fieldwork before theorizing. it does help a lot that tiongson finds humor in how the Filipinos out there in the peripheries have been converted to a faith and yet have managed to be subversive and exuberant in their appropriation of the conqueror’s cultures as in his wonderful examination of the Pasyon now eternal not in churches but in classrooms.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Climate dealmakers brace for China showdown over money at COP29

By John Ainger

With just five months to go before the COP29 climate summit, the biggest fights are set to be over how to channel trillions of dollars from developed nations to emerging markets—and how China fits into the equation.

Negotiators representing more than 190 countries convened in Bonn, Germany, this week for a meeting that typically sets the tone for the annual talks. While the atmosphere was more positive than last year—where the controversial appointment of an oil executive to lead COP28 overshadowed discussions — the gathering also made clear the scale of the challenge facing Azerbaijan, a relatively small player on the international stage that stepped in to host COP29 at the last minute.

t he key goal of November’s summit in Baku is to agree on a new post-2025

Eagle Watch. . .

Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of a robust healthcare system, prompting increased government and private sector focus on healthcare investments. innovations in healthcare technology, such as telehealth and digital health records, can improve access and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Manufacturing thE manufacturing sector in the Philippines presents opportunities for high-tech manufacturing, including electronics, automotive, and aerospace. t he country’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region, skilled workforce, and favorable trade agreements make it an attractive destination for manufacturing investments. Legislation like the

goal for raising money to speed up the green transition in developing nations and protect them from more extreme weather. t he world’s poorest and most climate-vulnerable states are loathe to accept anything less than trillions, with some pushing for up to $1 trillion a year coming from public funds. Meanwhile, developed countries are trying to broaden the donor base to ease pressure on their strained budgets.

trillions will be needed,” said tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall islands. “We need an overhaul of the international financial system to address the persistent inequities that punish rather than support the most vulnerable.”

Analysts estimate that between $1 trillion and $6 trillion a year will be required to meet the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious goal to keep global temperatures in check. Negotiators in Bonn suggested any climate finance deal would likely resemble an onion, with a headline

tatak Pinoy Act and programs like Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program aim to boost manufacturing. Additionally, the development of industrial parks and special economic zones provides a conducive environment for manufacturing activities. As global supply chains diversify, the Philippines can position itself as a key player in regional and global manufacturing networks.

Real estate

U RBAN iz AtiON and population growth drive demand for residential, commercial, and industrial real estate development in the Philippines. i nvestments in mixed-use developments, affordable housing, and smart cities can cater to the evolving needs of urban populations. t he rise of e-commerce and logistics also spurs demand for warehousing and logistics facilities.

figure of what’s needed, including from the private sector, and an amount that will come from the public coffers of developed nations. Further layers could include contributions from countries that haven’t previously been donors, like China, and multilateral development banks.

t his year’s climate talks are taking place against a less-than-ideal backdrop. COP29 will kick off just days after the US presidential election, and negotiators are already bracing for the possibility of a trump victory. Wars in Ukraine and Gaza have pitted the world’s biggest economies against each other. it’s also unclear how cooperative China, currently the world’s biggest emitter, will be as it faces fresh trade restrictions on green technologies from both Washington and Brussels.

Disputes over money come down to a fundamental tension that underpins global climate negotiations: What do the countries most responsible for climate

t he real estate sector benefits from supportive government policies and a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power. Sustainable and green building practices can further enhance the attractiveness of real estate investments.

Creative industry

change—those that industrialized first and added billions of tons of carbon to the atmosphere—owe the nations that are now paying the price in weather damages. Developing countries and small island states say the likes of the US and the European Union have so far fallen way short of the mark. A commitment made by rich countries to deliver $100 billion of public finance per year by 2020—a fraction of what’s needed to protect billions of people—was only met two years later. india is leading calls for that figure to be 10 times higher as part of the new post2025 “New Collective Quantified Goal.” if money makes the world go round, today’s unequal financial flows are sending us spinning toward disaster,” United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres said last week. “Climate finance is not a favor. it is fundamental to a livable future for all.” With assistance

t hE creative industry in the Philippines, encompassing sectors such as film, music, fashion, arts, and digital content creation, is a vibrant and rapidly growing field with immense potential. t he country has a rich cultural heritage and a pool of talented artists, musicians, and designers who contribute to its creative economy. i nvestments in this sector can foster innovation, cultural exchange, and economic growth. t he Philippine Creative i ndustries Act of 2023 aim to support and promote the creative industries. Furthermore, the global demand for creative content, coupled with advancements in digital technology, provides a significant opportunity for the Philippines to export its creative products and services. Developing creative hubs, providing financial support to artists and creators, and enhancing intellectual property protection are crucial steps to unlocking the full potential of the creative industry.

t he Philippines offers a diverse range of investment opportunities across multiple high-growth potential sectors. By leveraging its strategic advantages, such as a young workforce, rich natural resources, and supportive government policies, the country can attract substantial investments to sustain the current economic growth.

Dennis Gorecho

A16 Friday, June 14, 2024

1 IN 7 IMMIGRANT HEALTH WORKERS IN U.S. A FILIPINO

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

ONE in seven immigrant healthcare workers in the United States, tasked to keep millions of Americans healthy, is a Filipino medical professional.

In its Immigrant Healthcare Index, Remitly, a provider of digital financial services, said Filipinos compose 13 percent of all healthcare immigrants in the US.

The data showed there were a total of 348,000 Filipino healthcare workers working as nurses, nursing assistants, and physicians in the US healthcare industry.

“We’re endlessly thankful to healthcare professionals for their efforts, so we wanted to draw attention to the incredible work that immigrants do to contribute to the healthcare system,” Ollie Cassel, Head of Growth Marketing at Remitly said.

The data showed those born in Mexico make up 10 percent, while immigrants from India (7 percent), China and Hong Kong (5 percent) make up the rest of the Top Five.

“Many of these individuals are moving abroad to pursue improved opportunities and greater job prospects to enable them to send money to family

and loved ones back home. At the same time, they are helping to fill critical workforce gaps in the US and contributing to economic growth,” Cassel said.

Remitly based its findings on its analysis of Migration Policy Institute data that sought to uncover the most common nationalities of US healthcare immigrants.

The data showed the bulk or 141,000 of these Filipinos are working as Registered Nurses (RN) in the United States. This represented 28 percent, the biggest   chunk, of the total immigrant RN workforce in America.

Other countries where immigrant RNs hailed from were India with 32,000; Nigeria, 24,000; Mexico, 22,000; and Jamaica, 21,000.

Data showed Filipinos working as nursing assistants are at 39,000. This meant Filipino nursing assistants accounted for 12 percent of the total immigrant nursing assistant workforce.

Remitly data showed other top sources of nursing assistants were Mexico at 37,000; Haiti, 33,000; Jamaica, 30,000; and Nigeria, 13,000.

The data also showed there were a total of 11,000 Filipino physicians working in the United States.

Continued on A7

Revenue to drop ₧9.4B with rice tariff cuts–economist

By Ada Pelonia

THE government should expect revenues from rice tariffs to decline by P9.4 billion due to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board’s decision to slash tariffs on imports, according to an economist.

“Malaki pa rin po yung matitira kasi hindi naman po all the way down to zero, may iniwan pang 15 percent tariff,” Roehlano Briones, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said at the hearing of the the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform on Thursday.

Briones also projects retail prices of rice to plunge to about P7.6 per kilogram due to the surge of imports.

“Unfortunately, kailangan bantayan yung palay price kasi ang projection po is P3.56 per kilo ang bagsak [we need to watch the palay price because the projection for this is a drop of P3.56 per kilo],” he said.

The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board

earlier approved the tariff reduction for rice in its bid to lower the price of the staple.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan maintained that the government could still collect substantial import duty for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

“The remaining tariff is still quite substantial; that’s still 15 percent. So whatever imports, if those imports are coming in at still elevated high prices, it’s still quite a substantial tariff revenue for the RCEF,” Balisacan said in a press briefing in Malacañang last week.

Established under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) or RA 11203, RCEF is sourced from rice tariffs and used to help improve the com -

petitiveness of farmers after the liberalization of the Philippine rice trade.

Last year, the government collected P29 billion from rice tariffs.

Meanwhile, Briones also noted issues that the government should address if it decides to extend the RCEF.

Among these is the seed provision, since many farmers have yet to be registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA); and the slow delivery of certified seeds in some areas.

Briones sought the conduct of an endline assessment through an independent data collection. This would be in coordination with the data from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“This must be urgently conducted if we really want independent source of data, an actual survey of RCEF beneficiaries versus nonbeneficiaries,” he said.

Food security ALSO at Thursday’s hearing of the Comittee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, Sen. Robinhood Padilla underscored the importance of rice to Filipino families as he highlighted the urgency of strengthening the country’s food security and protection for local farmers.

Padilla pointed out that regardless of life status, rice has been the main food of Filipinos.

“As we emphasized the other day [committee hearing], we know that rice is the main food of Filipinos,” he added, reminding that “regardless of the status in life, “the dining table of a Filipino family is not complete without rice.”

Speaking in Filipino, Padilla pointed out “this is the reason why we have good laws and programs” like Republic Act 11203, the Rice Tariffication Law to “strengthen our food security and also protect those who put food on our tables. But like any law, there is always room for improvement to further enhance its implementation,” he added.

For her part, Senator Imee Marcos asked Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Regulations Asis Perez to look into reports that the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) has “listed land owners as beneficiaries instead of the actual farm workers.”

Moreover, Marcos remind officials that the RSBSA is a registry of farmers, fisherfolk and farm laborers that identifies the beneficiaries for different agriculture-related programs and services of the government.

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

STATE-RUN Development

Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has distributed P8.3 billion in cash assistance to rice farmers as of 2023 under the P12-billion Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) program.

At a Senate hearing on the Proposed Extension of and Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law or Republic Act (RA) No. 11203, DBP Senior Vice President Rallen O. Verdadero reported that the bank has released 1,649,285 cards to rice farmers as of 2023.

Verdadero said that a total of 1.64 million cards and P8.6 billion in RFFA, with a 96.44-percent realization rate, has been distributed to rice farmers in 2022.

For 2021, Verdadero said the DBP released 1.06 million cards and P5.4 billion in cash aid, with a 98.76-percent realization rate.

The DBP, together with the Land Bank of the Philippines, was tapped

by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to distribute the cash grants to the farmers.

The DBP has partnered with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-licensed cash outlets to expedite the release of funds to farmer beneficiaries.

The RFFA is an unconditional cash transfer program to provide compensation for the projected income loss of rice farmers due to the drop in palay farmgate prices caused by the RTL.

The RFFA also aims to facilitate the access of rice farmers to timely funds for procurement of needed inputs and enhance farmers’ opportunity to improve productivity and profitability.

Rice farmers tilling a land area from 500 square meters up to two hectares are eligible for the cash assistance. Each beneficiary will receive P5,000 in cash aid.

The DA aims to fully distribute the P12-billion cash assistance to 2.4 million rice farmers this month after it was delayed due to the ba -

rangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Sen. Cynthia Villar said in the hearing that data from DBP will “form as a basis to extend the RTL” until 2031.

“The RTL ensures that farmers directly benefit from the liberalization of rice trading by providing at least P10 billion a year to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund [RCEF] up to early 2025,” Villar said. Under the RTL, tariffs collected from rice imports go to the RCEF. Of the yearly P10-billion RCEF budget, P5 billion is allotted for the free distribution of farm machinery and equipment, P3 billion for free distribution of high-quality inbred certified seeds and P1 billion each for credit support and training of farmers and extension.

Collections in excess of the P10billion funds go to the RFFA under RA 11598. The law took effect on March 5, 2019.

ROTARIANS HONOR CONE Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) President Rafael Alunan (left) presents a plaque of appreciation to Coach Timothy Earl Cone of Gilas Pilipinas, while DGE Joaquin Rodriguez Sr. looks on during an RCM regular meeting at the Manila Polo Club. BERNARD TESTA

THAO NGUYEN Field Sales Consultant

Brief

Brief

21. TAN KAR SOON Field Sales Consultant

Brief Job Description: The one responsible

equipment used by company. Demonstrable experience in developing strategic business plan.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

COCA-COLA BEVERAGES PHILIPPINES, INC. 28th Floor Six/neo Bldg., 5th Ave. Cor.

52.

53.

Brief

54.

Brief

55. TRAN, THI DUONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief

56. VI, QUOC TUAN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends. Basic

Basic

57. WANG, DI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

Basic

58. XIN, XIN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

59. XUAN, DONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Responsible for providing overall administrative support to the team and he/she will be assigned to the Chinese team.

60. YU, ZHENHUA Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

61. ZHAO, XINYU Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Planning concepts by studying relevant information and materials.

62. ZHU, TIANWEN Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Keeping up to date with design and software trends.

63. GUAN, HAICHUAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

64. HU, JIAN Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions.

65. JIN, FEIFEI Chinese Speaking Program Designer

Basic Qualification: Have

- Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication

and able to organize their work using tools. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Brief Job Description: Document all aspects of software, for ongoing maintenance and revisions. Basic Qualification: Have

105.

106.

Brief

107. WANG, LONG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Liaising

108. WEI, SHENGGUANG Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Liaising with clients to determine

requirements, timescale and budget.

109. YANG, XINGRUI Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief

ZHANG, XUANMING Chinese Speaking Graphic Designer

Brief Job Description: Gathering invoices, statements, reports, personal details, documents and information from employees, other departments and clients.

Basic Qualification: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to organize their work using tools.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 -

Brief

return on investment. Managing the design and production of promotional materials, such as websites and brochures.

Basic Qualification: Can work harmoniously with executive team such as the marketing director or managing director to set the marketing strategy for the business. Must be willing to hire and manage junior marketing team that includes PR and

141.

HC CONSUMER FINANCE PHILIPPINES, INC. (HOME CREDIT) 15th Floor, Ore Central Building, 9th Ave. Cor 31st. Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

146. SRINIVASA RAGHAVAN, JANANI Head Of Agile PMO And Governance

Brief Job Description: Manage project development from initiation to closure. Be accountable for project results along with Project Sponsor. Complete work breakdown structure to estimate effort required for each task. Provide a project schedule to identify when each task will be performed.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With at least 10 years of work experience in the project management industry. With experience in participating in internal and external audit, knowledge in financial processes and is industry certified under COBIT5, ITIL and PMP certification.

Salary Range: Php 150,000 - Php 499,999

HCL TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. 10th Floor, Six/neo 5th Avenue Corner 26th Street E-square Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

147. KULPANICH, THAMON Thai Analyst

Brief Job Description: Provide hardware, software, network problem diagnosis, resolutions via telephone for customer’s end user. Resolve and route incidents and request to appropriate teams. Coordinate and manage relationships with vendors and support staff that provide hardware, software network problem resolution.

Basic Qualification: With experience for more than 1 year in Thailand e.g., IT support, invoices processing, and fluent in Thai language.

Salary Range: Php 90,000 - Php 149,999

HEWO INC. Unit 25d 2/f, Zeta Ii Bldg., 191 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of Makati

148. YUAN, SIYI Management Staff Brief Job Description: Accomplishes staff result by communicating job expectations, transcribe documents in different languages, research technical or industry terminology and documenting changes to translated materials.

Basic Qualification: College graduate. With previous work experience in a similar role. Fluent in Chinese-Mandarin and English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000

190. XU,

Brief

Brief

192. ZHANG, HAOHUA Operation Supervisor

Brief

193. BEH CHONG ZHI Purchasing Manager

Brief

194. LI, CHONGHUA Purchasing Manager

Brief Job

195. SHI, TIEJUN Purchasing Manager

Brief Job Description: Evaluating

Purchasing Manager Brief

197. ZENG, YONGFENG

Purchasing Manager

Brief

198.

201.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

203. TRAN, MINH VUONG Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Provide outstanding and exceptional customer service. Basic Qualification: Can speak in Chinese/ Mandarin language fluently.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 -

204. ANDREW EMMANUEL PADALINGAN Indonesian Customer Service Representative

Brief

PROCTER & GAMBLE PHILIPPINES BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. 11th, 12th, 14th & 15th Floors Seven/neo Building, 5th Avenue Crescent Parkwest, Bonifacio Global City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

243. CHONG, ANGELICA Finance Senior Manager - Asia, Middle East And Africa East Import Transportation And Warehousing

Brief Job Description: Lead forecasting process for import transportation and warehousing.

PT PP (PERSERO) TBK PHILIPPINE BRANCH

Unit 104 Mission Garden Condominium, 59 Scout Ybardolaza, South Triangle, Quezon City

244. YUSRIATI HARTINI Accounting Staff

Brief Job Description: Preparing financial reports.

245. AGUNG ADYAWARDHANA SUSANTO Cost Controller Brief Job Description: Managing and analyzing costs of project.

247. ASHAKI HILAL KEMALA PUTRA Scheduler

Brief Job Description: Responsible for engineering schedule from beginning until end.

RRA ONE GLOBAL CONSULTANCY CORP. Blk 1 Lot 6 Progressive St., Lucky Homes Subd., Barangay 168, City Of Caloocan

248. DUAN, WEIBO General Manager

Brief Job Description: Improving administration processes.

S-W TRADING CORP. Unit 101, #393 Mindanao Ave. 6, Talipapa, Quezon City

249. YOON, EUNKI Korean Marketing Specialist

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Mandarin language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

250. JIANG, HAIFENG Mandarin Marketing Associate

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Mandarin language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

251. LI, LEIPENG Mandarin Marketing Associate

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Mandarin language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

252. XU, SANCHUN Mandarin Marketing Associate

Brief Job Description: Helps to create proposals and presentations in Mandarin language, and conducts market research to identify new opportunities.

253. XUE, JINGWEN Mandarin Marketing Associate

Brief

Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal communication skills, especially in Mandarin & English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Basic Qualification: Any nationality with excellent verbal communication skills, especially in Mandarin & English languages.

Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

287.

Brief

288.

Brief

289. WU, TSAI-CHIEH Marketing Consultant

Brief

290. WU, XIAOJIANG Marketing Consultant

Brief Job

291. XIE, YIFENG Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

292. XIONG, LI Marketing Consultant

Brief

293. XU, ZHIMIN Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research. Basic

294. YAN, YUMEI Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

295. ZHANG, HUIYAN Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research. Basic

296. ZHANG, JINTAI Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

297. ZHENG, TAO Marketing Consultant

Brief Job Description: Study company profile and conduct market research.

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

B1 Friday, June 14, 2024

First Gen: Tokyo Gas bags contract for supply of LNG

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

First Gen Corp. (FGen) has awarded a contract to tG Global trading Co. Ltd. (tokyo Gas) for the supply of one liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo in July.

FGen said Thursday Tokyo Gas will supply approximately 125,000 cubic meters with delivery next month on a delivered ex ship (DES) basis to FGen’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Gen Singapore Pte. Ltd. (FGen Singapore).

The LNG cargo to be provided by Tokyo Gas will be delivered by an LNG carrier which will be unloaded into the storage tanks of the BW Batangas floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) that is currently berthed at the

First Gen Clean Energy Complex (FGCEC) in Batangas City.

This is the fifth LNG cargo contract awarded by FGen. The other four were awarded to Shell Eastern LNG, Trafigura, TotalEnergies Gas and Power Asia Private Ltd., and CNOCC Gas and Power Trading & Marketing Ltd.

The LNG will be utilized by FGen’s existing gas-fired power plants which are also in FGCEC.

FGen has a portfolio of four existing gas-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 2,017 megawatts (MW) that have been supplied for many years with gas from the Malampaya field, an indigenous offshore gas field.

FGen LNG Corp., a subsidiary of FGen, has constructed its interim offshore LNG terminal and executed a 5-year time charter party for the charter of the BW Batangas, which will provide LNG storage and regasification services.

The company said the FGen LNG terminal will accelerate the ability to introduce LNG to the Philippines, to serve the natural gas requirements of existing and future gas-fired power plants of third parties and its affiliates. FGen believes the FGEN LNG terminal will play a critical role in ensuring the energy security of the Luzon grid and the Philippines.

EEI, Concrete Stone seal precast deal

By VG Cabuag @villygc

ONSTRUCT iON firm EE i

CCorp. on Thursday said it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Concrete Stone Corp. (CSC) for its precast concrete requirements.

EEi said the precast from CSC will be used for its mega infrastructure projects.

With the deal, Concrete Stone will be providing EEi ’s precast requirements for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the company said.

“We are honored to partner with

Nlex

EEi Corp. and serve their precast requirements. Thanks to the size of our precast facilities nationwide, we can support EEi ’s extensive precast requirements for vital infrastructure projects across the Philippines,” Alfredo L. Comendador Jr. president of Concrete Stone, said. “We are excited with the potential synergies between EE i and CSC. We look forward to a strong collaboration that bolsters our commitment to deliver quality and remarkable infrastructure projects that shape the Philippine landscape and contribute to the country’s connectivity, economic growth and

nation-building,” EEi President and CEO Henry D. Antonio, said.

EEi is recognized as one of the leading construction companies in the Philippines with multiple mega infrastructure projects in the pipeline including big-ticket railway projects. The 93-year-old company has a broad range of construction and engineering services, with expertise in the construction of infrastructure, buildings, and industrial and electromechanical facilities.

Concrete Stone, meanwhile, is a corporation engaged in the manufacturing and supply of

construction solution materials. i ts products include aggregates, precast, cement and asphalt. The company said it aims to make a positive impact through a sustainable and socio-economic business approach to be able to cater to the growing market of construction materials.

The signing held recently in Makati City was attended by EE i Vice President for i nfrastructure Roman M. Lapuz, EEi Senior Vice President Earl Jason R. Vistro, and Comendador and i ndustry Holdings and Development Corp., the parent of Concrete Stone.

starts annual road maintenance work

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

NLE x Corp. has initiated its annual road maintenance program which aims to enhance travel convenience and safety for motorists.

According to Nlex Corp. President Luigi Bautista, the extensive maintenance program focuses on preventing road damage and maintaining road quality.

“Safety and convenience must go hand in hand to maintain a high level of customer experience. While we have frequent inspections and repairs to prevent serious road damage, this comprehensive maintenance program is being done annually to improve the quality of our roads and enhance motorists’ safety.”

The company targets to pave 63,195.80 square meters of the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) and 39,201.14 square meters of the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex).

The maintenance involves asphalt resurfacing for heavily damaged areas and patching works for minor issues. This project, expected to continue until September, is set to benefit thousands of motorists daily.

in addition to the road maintenance, Bautista said the company has repaired nine bridges and overpasses, including Canumay Overpass, Malis ii Farm Crossing, and San Rafael Overpass, among others.

The repairs involved rebar replacement and girder restructuring to ensure the structures’ reliability. Furthermore, the 720-meter Pasig-Potrero bridge, a critical link between Subic and Clark, is undergoing continuous strengthening to enhance its serviceability and structural integrity.

Routine maintenance activities,

utilities may pay WESM purchases in installments—ERC

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ruled that distribution utilities (DUs) can pay their Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) purchases in installments to mitigate the impact of higher generation rates.

The agency said Thursday it has approved the staggered payment of WESM purchases by DUs for four months starting bills payable this June 2024. As the ERC is set to issue an order to the i ndependent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines ( i EMOP) and the DUs to immediately implement the payment scheme, the commission will also direct the i EMOP not to impose penalties on DUs as a result of the said arrangement.

Simply put, i EMOP would have to reflect the four-month deferred scheme which will then be the DUs’ basis for billing their customers. DUs, however, should wait for the final WESM bill.

The ERC said this order is meant to cushion the impact of high generation rates on consumers of DUs with high WESM exposure amid the recent heat waves in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and a series of red and yellow alerts in the Luzon and Visayas grids.

i n addition, under the Article 32 of the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers (MCREC), DUs can offer alternative payment options to consumers under terms mutually acceptable to both parties. Consumers, who have the right to be informed of these options and other matters affecting their electric service, should

contact their respective DUs for information on the available alternative payment options or to request for special payment terms to settle their unpaid bills. Just recently, the ERC ordered all DUs within the Luzon and Visayas grids are to delay charging their consumers the generation charge based on the Preliminary Statement (PS) and wait until the Final Statement (FS) is released by the i EMOP to all market participants. This will ensure that the DUs’ billings to their consumers will reflect the accurate values corresponding to WESM purchases. i t may be recalled that the ERC suspended market operations for the Luzon and Visayas grids on various dates last month amid a series of red and yellow alerts. During the intervals when market was suspended, the Administered Price (AP) and, in certain instances, the Secondary Price Cap (SPC) were applied. The commission simulated the impact of the AP and SPC application and noted that the PS is still subject to final adjustment. The commission projects that the FS will result in significantly lower WESM charges compared to those indicated in the PS. Lenie Lectura

such as refurbishing roadway furniture, are also part of the program. These efforts include maintaining roadway lighting, perimeter fences, lane markings, and road signages, all crucial for motorists’ safety and guidance.

“Nlex also assures the public that while these maintenance works are ongoing, traffic management and safety measures are in place to ensure motorists’ safety and minimize travel delays.”

Laguna train depot

MEANWHiLE, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday it broke ground for the Banlic Depot of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System in Calamba, Laguna.

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the construction works for Contract Package (CP) S-07 “signals the rapid progress” a year after its land development and other preparatory works were threshed out.

“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads.”

The 24.5-hectare Banlic Depot will include civil and architectural works encompassing a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings. The project, valued at P16.9 billion, is slated for completion in 2028.

Bautista said the NSCR rail line “brings mobility and connectivity” in Laguna, thereby “improving their socio-economic conditions.”

“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also

transform their socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods.”

Bautista added: “i do not have to impress the promised benefits of this and other rail systems in terms of convenience, comfort and speed of travel for passengers.”

He said the 147-kilometer NSCR System, co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan i nternational Cooperation Agency (Jica), is poised to “revolutionize” transportation across Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Laguna.

Banking&Finance

Editor: Dennis D. Estopace

DOF unit confident of hitting privatization target for 2024

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

The Privatization and Management Office (PMO) expressed confidence that it is on track to reaching its goal of raising P42.12 billion from the sale of government assets this year.

Finance Undersecretary for Privatization and Corporate Affairs

Catherine L. Fong told the BusinessMirror that the P42-billion target, 40 times higher than the P1.94 billion the PMO collected in 2023, is “within reach.”

“It’s in the process. We think it’s

achievable,” Fong said. The 2.2-hectare Mile Long Complex in Makati City; mining rights; government shares in toll roads, such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCT ex) and South Luzon expressway (Slex), and amusement park Star City in Pasay City and Food

Father’s hands

HAPP y Father’s Day! The meaning of “father’s hand” can vary based on cultural, familial, and personal perspectives, but it oftentimes carries positive meanings, highlighting the important role fathers play in the lives of their families.

The phrase also carries metaphorical significance of guidance, support, and protection. Association leaders can draw inspiration from these qualities to enhance their leadership. Here are five key strengths related to “father’s hands” association leaders can emulate:

1. Guidance and mentorship: A father often provides guidance and mentorship to their children, helping them to navigate challenges and to make informed decisions. Association leaders can emulate this strength by actively mentoring and guiding members within the organization. Creating mentorship programs and offering support for professional development fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth for members.

2. Supportive presence: “Father’s hands” also symbolizes a supportive presence that offers comfort and reassurance. Association leaders can strive to have a supportive presence within the organization by being approachable, actively listening to members’ concerns, and providing encouragement during both successes and challenges. A supportive leader fosters a positive and inclusive organizational culture in the association.

3. Protection and advocacy: Fathers are often seen as protectors, advocating for the well-being of their families. Association leaders can mirror this energy by advocating for the interests and needs of their members such as by being a strong voice for the organization, addressing concerns, and ensuring that members’ perspectives are consid-

THe Bureau of Customs (BOC)Port of Zamboanga destroyed smuggled cigarettes amounting to P595.22 million seized in various operations in Mindanao from November 2023 to April 2024.

The BOC said Thursday that the Port of Zamboanga led the destruction of illicit cigarettes in a customsrented warehouse in Brgy. Baliwasan in Zamboanga City on June 13, 2024, in pursuit of its mandate to safeguard the country’s borders and prevent the entry of illicit goods. More than 8,816 cases and 1,014 reams of smuggled cigarettes were seized by the BOC through maritime patrol operations in various areas of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan,

Terminal Inc. in Taguig City are on the auction block this year.

Based on the latest cash operations report of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), the PMO, an attached agency of the Department of Finance (DOF), has generated 9.34 percent of the goal as of end-April.

The PMO raised P393.39 million from January to April this year, 10 times higher, or 945.42 percent, than the P37.63 million collected in the same period in 2023.

Broken down, only the PMO raised a total revenue of P393.39 billion for the national government via privatization, while the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), the Philippine Mining Development Corporation (PMDC), recorded zero revenues.

The PMO raised P337.37 million from the sale of idle government properties from January to April this year. This is

ered in decision-making processes.

4. Empathy and understanding: Fathers demonstrate empathy and understanding towards their children, acknowledging their individual needs and experiences. Association leaders can cultivate this vigor by fostering a culture of empathy within the organization and all stakeholders they serve. Understanding the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and aspirations of members contributes to a supportive and harmonious association community.

5. Nurturing growth and development: A father plays a role in nurturing the growth and development of their children. Association leaders can mimic this role by prioritizing the professional and personal development of their members. Providing opportunities for skills building, educational programs, and career advancement supports the growth of individuals within the association.

By embodying these strengths associated with “father’s hands,” association leaders can create a positive and nurturing environment within the organization. This approach enhances the overall well-being of members, fosters a sense of belonging, and contributes to the long-term success of the association.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” PCAAE will hold its 12th Associations Summit at the PICC on November 27, 2024. The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. All partner agencies witnessed the destruction of the smuggled cigarettes, which were manually shredded with a cutter, drenched in water and repeatedly crushed by payloader equipment, according to the BOC.

The cigarettes destroyed will be disposed of in the sanitary landfill in Brgy. Salaan in Zamboanga City.

Port of Zamboanga Acting District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. said the “unauthorized and potentially hazardous” contraband is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations and public safety measures.

“With the firm directive of Commissioner Bienvenido y. Rubio to ensure transparency and credibility, the

30 times higher than the P10.96 million it generated in the same period a year ago.

The DOF-attached agency also fetched P55.66 million from lease rental, up by 109.25 percent from the P26.6 million it collected in the four-month period last year.

PMO also collected P360,000 from interest income as of end-April compared to its zero collection from a year ago.

The non-tax revenue target for the privatization of government assets was set to P42.12 billion this year, based on the Cabinet-level Development Budget and Coordination Committee (DBCC) quarter fiscal program.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters earlier that he is targeting to collect P100 billion from the sale of idle government assets.

“The idea is to plug the deficit [and] to bring our debt-to-GDP [gross domestic product] down,” he said.

‘PFM roadmap to focus on hastening govt digital shift’

THe digitalization initiatives under the Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028 will deliver “a more efficient and effective” government service, according to Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

PFM Committee Principals Recto and Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman convened last June 10 to discuss the progress of the roadmap and updates on the Conduct of the Public e xpenditure and Financial Accountability (PeFA+++) Assessment for the Philippines.

The meeting was held in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) which provided technical assistance, the DOF said.

“I thank the ADB for helping the Philippine government in developing the PFM Roadmap. This will serve as the country’s strategic blueprint that will enable a fully digitalized, efficient, and transparent public financial management system, ensuring faster and more effective government services for the Filipino people,” the DOF chief said.

Recto and Pangandaman approved the PFM Roadmap’s core reform focus, such as Planning and Budgeting Linkage, Cash Management, Public Asset Management, Accounting and Auditing PFM Capacity Building and Digital PFM, during the meeting.

The DOF said the roadmap prioritizes enhancing the information technology (IT) systems for planning and budgeting to align the national and regional development priorities.

Implementing a modernized payment release system to improve the accuracy of cash flow programming and cash releases was emphasized, it added.

On capacity development, the roadmap proposes the establishment of a digital ecosystem for the man -

BOC Zamboanga has been conducting the disposal of smuggled cigarettes through a public condemnation activity, in the presence of representatives from the Commission on Audit, Department of Health, the local government unit, stakeholders, and all partner operating units,” Sevilla said in a statement.

Rubio said the BOC is committed to maintaining transparency and credibility and the condemnation process is crucial in ensuring the proper disposal of illicit goods.

“We will make sure that only legitimate products enter our local markets, thus safeguarding our citizens from the dangers associated with the illicit tobacco trade,” he added.

agement and rapid rollout of the Public Financial Management Competency Program (PFMCP) for the PFM workforce.

Moreover, creating the digital PFM involves developing and implementing the Budget Treasury and Management System (BTMS), an interoperable system that will be at the core of the government’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

Sustaining the implementation of the eGovPay platform, a centralized payment gateway for government agencies is also required for the digital PFM, the DOF added.

Recto and Pangandaman also approved the inclusion of the Climate, Gender, and Disaster Assessment in the 2024 PeFA+++ evaluation, supplementing the PeFA Basic Framework.

The PeFA+++ Assessment for the Philippines aims to provide the government with a comprehensive evaluation of PFM institutions, systems, and processes.

The assessment results, slated to be published by the second quarter of 2025, will serve as the basis for the mid-term review and updating of the PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028 and the formulation of the PFM Reform Action Plan.

The responsibilities of the PFM Committee in spearheading the Philippine PFM reform efforts were restored through e xecutive Order 29, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on June 1, 2023, including the drafting of the PFM Reforms Roadmap and overseeing its implementation, with reporting duties to the Office of the President.

The PFM Committee targets to present the Philippine PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024-2028 to the President this month. Reine Juvierre Alberto

Rubio commended the BOC-Port of Zamboanga’s Customs Police Division and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Division for its effective and expedited operations against smugglers.

He also acknowledged partner operating units, including the Western Mindanao Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Philippine Marines, National Bureau of Investigation, Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Drug enforcement Agency, Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the local government unit, for their inter-agency coordination. Reine Juvierre Alberto

Octavio Peralta Association World

FROM

Relationships

Do we need a divorce law?

I’M single and currently unattached. So that may make me the least credible in speaking or writing about divorce. But I do know a lot of married couples. Some have been in joyful partnerships with their spouses for the longest time. (My own parents were married for more than 50 years.) A number have been in tragic and unfortunate relationships, resulting court cases or are now separate from their once-significant other. While a few are, well, just meh.

Just this week, the House of Representatives finally transmitted their approved House Bill 9349, titled “An Act Reinstituting Absolute Divorce as an Alternative Mode for the Dissolution of Marriage”, to the Senate. The bill’s principle author, Albay First District Rep. Edcel Lagman—who was married to Tabaco, Albay’s first woman mayor, the former Maria Cielo Burce until her passing in 2017—has, almost heroically really, overcome long periods of interpellation from his colleagues to push the bill to final approval.

The debates and discussions on the bill have been heated and much prolonged, with yeasayers and naysayers speaking from their personal experiences or perhaps their own religious beliefs, such that the bill’s approval at plenary barely squeaked by. I can imagine the same scenario playing out in the Senate, because this early a number of lawmakers in this chamber have already spoken up about their own possible vote on the proposed legislation.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, one of the more outspoken lawmakers in the chamber, recently declared, “Many people know I have a very happy family life, so I’m not in favor of divorce.” (The Senate has its own consolidated bill, co-authored by Senators Risa Hontiveros, Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Senators Pia Cayetano and Imee Marcos, which was approved at the chamber’s committee on women, children, family relation and gender equality.)

Even Lagman recognizes that “the overwhelming majority of Filipino marriages are happy, enduring and loving,” like that of Senator Villar’s union with her husband, low-cost housing and real-estate mogul Manny Villar. “They do not need the divorce law. BUT an absolute divorce law is urgently necessary

grounds for divorce, with provisions to prevent a collusion between married couples.

But I also believe that Filipinos, in general, are rarely impulsive. They are deliberate slowly on major life decisions—this is, after all, not a trip to the mall to buy a new AC unit. They are also shy to confront and will likely only choose to divorce their spouses as a last resort. But the fact of the matter is not every marriage is happy and fulfilling like that of Senator

Partnering for ocean conservation efforts

GLOBAL lifestyle brand Uniqlo Philippines has teamed up with ABS-CBN Foundation (AFI), bringing to life the Citizen Science Program 2024 that aims to contribute to a sustainable future for the people and the planet. The exciting partnership underscores Uniqlo’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and highlighting the importance of caring for the environment and society. AFI’s Citizen Science Program is an initiative of its environment preservation arm, Bantay Kalikasan, designed to empower communities through collaboration between residents and scientists.

Uniqlo and AFI’s tie-up, which started in May 2024, engages communities in Mabini,

pulled a knife on her. Fortunately, she had enough will

keep from her. Should D still remain in this violent relationship?

There are others who are against divorce out of religious conviction. They often cite Matthew 19:6 as basis for their belief: “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” At the same time, the Bible also allows some ground for divorce, i.e.,

CONTINUED ON B5

Batangas, to participate in various initiatives to protect the sea’s natural resources, together with the help of AFI’s network of scientists. Through the Citizen Science protected areas. The program will also develop a Natural Resources Management

plan that can easily be implemented by the community, along with a system for household waste management and livelihood opportunities for the people therein.

Uniqlo and AFI formalized the partnership in a Memorandum of Agreement contract signing at Uniqlo Global Flagship Store in Glorietta 5 on May 30. Present during the event were ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Roberta L. LopezFeliciano, ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Kalikasan orogram OIC Sarah A. Agcaoili, Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia.

More information about #UniqloPH and Uniqlo’s sustainability initiatives is available www.Uniqlo.com/ph/en/.

By Eugenia Last

to try to convince you of something that isn’t right or best for you. Your intelligence is crucial in making decisions.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Channel your energy into creativity, home, family and striving to reach your goals. Refuse to let outsiders cause self-doubt. Fact-check all information you receive before passing it along or relying on it to help you progress. ★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Adjust to your surroundings and circumstances to avoid stress and emotional interference. Having a clear headspace will help you get things done on time and ward off disagreements with anyone trying to push you in a direction that doesn’t suit your needs. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make positive adjustments. Take charge and correct what is no longer working for you. Instead of criticizing or trying to change others, look inward and consider what you can do to make your life flow better. Change is your responsibility. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Put energy and thought into learning, improving your lifestyle and routine, and eliminating dead weight. A fresh start will impact what you do and encourage you to embrace life courageously. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Let go of people, pastimes and subscriptions costing you too much financially or emotionally. Put more thought into who and what puts a smile on your face, and gravitate in that direction. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Honesty is the best policy, but don’t expect others to be honest regarding what they want or their intentions. It’s up to you to be bold and clarify what you are willing to contribute and where you draw the line. Don’t neglect yourself. ★★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep moving. Idle time will lead to trouble. Learn all you can before starting something new. Preparation is vital to making an impression on someone of interest. Opportunity is apparent if you remain calm, helpful and forgiving. ★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Let others be and do what they want. Put yourself first and implement alterations that make you feel good about yourself and your direction. Refuse to fall into someone else’s agenda when what’s essential is developing a routine that suits your needs. ★★★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): SBe careful when dealing with domestic matters, reform or bureaucratic issues. An opportunity to talk to an expert will help clarify what’s possible. Finding solutions will take more thought and ingenuity to improve your lifestyle and relationships. 3 stars

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are complicated, empathetic and insightful. You are gregarious and distracting.

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

BLESSINGS come in tenfold to the most deserved, and Darren Espanto is one best examples of a truly blessed person today. Why not? He has just celebrated his decade in the showbiz, with the rousing success of his anniversary concert D10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last June 1. Starting off as a young aspiring singer from Canada as a contestant and a runner-up in The Voice Kids Philippines in 2014, Darren has come a long way in showbiz. He has starred in various TV shows and even movies, including as regular performer and host in ASAP and It’s Showtime, as well as the justconcluded Can’t Buy Me Love.

Apart from becoming a popular male entertainer of his generation, he has shown his versatility with his hosting and acting prowess. Given his flourishing career, no wonder he has become in-demand among advertisers and brands with endorsements. One of these brands is Chowking, which has officially welcomed him to the family spotlighting the delicious Siomai Chao Fan.

“I’m happy to join the Chowking family and try something new from the usual food choices with Siomai Chao Fan,” said Darren. “Of course, with the recommendation of my bestie, Kim Chiu, I’m excited to invite everyone to try this kakaibang wok-sarap.” Jia Du, Chowking Philippines marketing head, expressed joy that the singer-actor has tried and loved such rice-in-a-box offering. She said: “We’re very excited to invite those who haven’t tried the product to try it—we know this will also be their new favorite and bias!” As many Filipinos enjoy this unique woksarap meal, Chowking’s Siomai Chao Fan continues to be part of everyday moments, connecting people by providing a delicious detour to share goodness. Chowking is hinting at future surprises to keep fans excited. They can stay tuned for updates on Darren’s upcoming projects via www.facebook.com.

DO

WE NEED A DIVORCE LAW?

Continued from B4

sexually immorality. It is first mentioned in Deuteronomy 24: 1-2, “When a man has taken a wife, and married her, and it comes to pass that she finds no favor in his eyes, because he has found her to be unclean: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, give it to her, and send her out of his house. And when she has departed his house, she may go be another man’s wife.”

In Matthew 5: 31-32: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

So the Bible, aka “the Word of God,” does allow some basis for divorce, although on a very narrow ground due to the time in which its various tests were written. Women then were not highly regarded and were considered mere possessions of men, just like cattle.

Divorce needs to adapt to the present times, and must consider tragic situations that should allow spouses to end their marriage. In HB 9349, these are other grounds cited: physically or morally pressuring a spouse to change religion; forcing the spouse or child to engage in prostitution; addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling; homosexuality; infidelity and/or bigamy; attempted murder of a spouse or their child, to name a few. I have yet to read the Senate version, but I look forward to the chamber’s discussions.

Another friend, K, who has been married for 18 years to her husband with whom she has three lovely children, recently posted this on her Facebook account: “I have strong feelings about this issue because I grew up in a dysfunctional family. If this option was available to my parents and they were not bound by religious tradition, siguro I [would not have gone] through so much psychological trauma. Kung ako nga anak lang, nadamay pa ako, can you imagine what my mom had to live through?

“I have always believed in giving people the freedom to choose and think for themselves.... If your religion prevents you from divorcing and sinunod mo, choice mo iyan. Pero why deny others that right to decide? I have been happily married for 18 years. Pero I am never going to judge people whose marriages did not work out. I am not going to put myself on a pedestal and say to those in trouble, ‘Pagtiisan mo ang pagkakamali mo ’ We only live once. We all deserve to find our happiness.” Divorce is not anti-family; it is pro-choice, pro-children and pro-dignity. n

Show BusinessMirror

Winning Gawad Urian

IT was a night of firsts and, given that this was the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino handing the awards, the list of winners turned out to be a roll of the unexpected. Admirers of all the nominated films, all excellent, were rooting for their favorite. But as the event was winding up, and the traditional gathering of winners onstage was taking place, Shirley Lua, the present chair of the Manunuri, began to read the citation for the Best Film. The top plum went to the animation Mapukpukaw The citation reads: “Iti Mapukpukaw [The Missing] uses silenced images and fractured composition to tell a disturbing story of domestic violence and trauma. Its figurative approach, almost poetic, gradually unravels the inner demons lurking in the mind, effacing the limits between the real and the unreal, the conscious and the subconscious, this world and the other world. The consolation of the ending, so simply but powerfully rendered, claims a basic decency in humanity, and asserts the feasibility of a redemptive future for all. Upholding cinema as a transformative form, Iti Mapukpukaw confronting the restrictions of an art to reinvent a compelling language for pain, loss and love.”

The production received funding from the Cinemalaya Foundation and was supported by government agencies CreatePH Films, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts. The film is produced by Project 8 Projects and is co-produced by GMA News and Public Affairs and Terminal Six Post.

Earlier, during the opening of the awards night, Dr. Shirley Lua delivered a fiery and impassioned speech.

Before offering her reading of the situations being faced by the local film industry, the chairman of the Manunuri extended her thanks to to those individuals and institutions that supported the holding of the 47th Gawad Urian: the Film Development Council of the Philippines under the leadership of Chair Jose Javier Reyes, TVUP under the directorship of Dr. Gigi Afonso; and De La Salle University. Br. President Bernard S. Oca, and Dean Rhoderick Nuncio. Lua specifically mentioned “the unfailing support for the arts and your belief in the enduring power of the humanities.”

Here is the speech of Lua:

“In the olden times, the goldsmith classified gold with the use of a living stone. Gold was rubbed on it, and the mark left was the basis for determining the value of the gold. This stone that measured the gold’s value is called ‘urian.’ Thus, the Gawad Urian is the Manunuri’s symbolic measurement of the artistic value of our Filipino films.

“For the 47th Urian, we screened over 150 fulllength feature films and named 13 films built on the creative foundation with gold. These thirteen are represented today by their nominees in this hall. In addition, four documentaries out of 19 entries, six

short films out of 47 submissions, and one full-length animation have been named. Congratulations to all the nominees! And warmest felicitations to Ms. Hilda Koronel, this year’s Natatanging Gawad Urian.

“A few days ago, Direk Joey Reyes, posted on his Facebook:

“A beautiful play performing to full houses.

“A Thai film showing to soldout audiences.

“And Filipino films screening in near empty cinemas.

“WHY? Time to really sit down to reassess the problem. (June 2, 2024)

“The responses to this post seem to suggest that the underlying problems of Philippine cinema are in the storytelling, the production quality, and marketing... Is this true?

“Let’s consider our Best Picture nominees. About Us But Not About Us—brilliant plotting, mesmerizingly intense performances by the two leads; Ang Duyan ng Magiting, wonderfully blended and contrastive ensemble performance; Firefly, a heartrending narrative of loss and love; GomBurZa, our best— and most intelligent—historical film to date; Iti Mapukpukaw, a splendid innovation of film form; and Third World Romance, a gorgeous verisimilitude of the world of work and the world of love. Storywise: check. Production values: check. Marketing: Netflix, Amazon Prime, film festivals. Check. What then could be a problem?

“The Manunuri would like to offer our own modest course of action to address the lack of audience for Philippine cinema. We would like to work with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the academic sector in enhancing film literacy, film education and film criticism in this country. We need to re-educate the Filipino viewers. We need to make

them “see” the Filipino film as an art. We need to serve as a guiding light for our students, our children to appreciate the wonders of our own narratives.

“Manunuri Tito Valiente underscores the critic’s role in the circuit of film production and reception. He says, ‘[T]he filmmakers have the liberty to move around, introspect, examine and make sense of the world gone mad or beautiful; and critics can go to town literally to guide audiences through feature films, short films, documentaries or any other forms beyond classification.’

“We the Manunuri believe that, through film education and film criticism, just recognition would be given to those extraordinary works of art—film as an art—that defines the culture, values, and heritage of a nation.

“I could never forget how my literature students, after watching Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang in the classroom, burst into a unified spontaneous electrifying applause as the end credits rolled. We want to hear such spontaneous applause at the end of every good Filipino film screening across the islands and across the continents.”

Shirley Lua, PhD, an associate professor of literature at De La Salle University who sits also on the board of the Manila Critics Circle, closed her speech with the exultation: “Mabuhay ang Pelikulang Pilipino.” Short and sweet, intelligent and articulate, the evening of the Gawad Urian was praised by many for its attempt to explain to the audiences and cineastes the reasons why certain films and actors won. This practice was developed by the Manunuri to show their recognition of the moviegoer’s ability to understand film aesthetics and values. More citations next week. n

‘Pulang Araw’ debuts early on Netflix; GMA drops trailer of groundbreaking series

GMA Network’s highly-anticipated drama Pulang Araw is set to premiere on Netflix this July 26.

In a first for the network, the series will be available on the streaming platform 72 hours ahead of its scheduled local airing on GMA on July 29.

Headlining this groundbreaking series are some of the biggest GMA stars: Barbie Forteza as Adelina, Sanya Lopez as Teresita, David Licauco as Hiroshi, and Alden Richards as Eduardo, with the special participation of Dennis Trillo as Col. Yuta Saito. Pulang Araw traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends—Eduardo, Teresita, Adelina and Hiroshi. As war ravages their homeland and Japanese forces occupy the country, their dreams, friendships and loyalties are tested, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.   Their war stories will definitely inspire and impact the lives of Filipinos today who persevere and remain hopeful despite extreme challenges.

Pulang Araw captures the country’s rich history that built the identity and gave freedom to every Filipino. Indeed, the program celebrates independence and heroism, a timely narrative for the Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

As

of

A GREENER SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FOR DADS WITH ACE EXPRESS AT THE SM STORE

A Father’s Day Dining Guide to Hidden Culinary Gems in Makati

offering an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.

(Paseo Parkview Suites)

ITOKISH DESIGN FOOD

Every visit to ITOKISH DESIGN FOOD promises an intense design experience alongside its culinary offerings. This unique spot combines exquisite design with delicious food, creating a memorable dining atmosphere. (Paseo Parkview Suites)

Bar Pocofino

BAR Pocofino brings the Italian bar experience to Makati. Located in the swanky The Ellis at Salcedo Park, Bar Pocofino offers a variety of paninis, pastas, and exclusive lunch specials. In the evening, share some drinks with the family and try the restaurant’s version of happy hour, called Aperitivo Nights, which features special promotions on food and drinks. (The Ellis, Makati)

Yoshimeatsu

TREAT Dad to an unforgettable Japanese grill experience at Yoshimeatsu. Enjoy a variety of grilled meats and seafood, cooked to perfection right at your table. (San Lorenzo Place Mall)

Locavore

treatments for Dad at Terazi Spa.

Discovery Primea presents timeless treasures with Dad this Father’s Day

HONOR the most important men in your life this Father’s Day at Discovery Primea, where exceptional experiences await.

Stay and Celebrate. Treat Dad to a memorable staycation in Makati. Enjoy a weekend getaway at Discovery Primea, including daily breakfast, exclusive discounts on dining, and access to the pool and gym. Book the Stay in the City package and enjoy rates starting at P8,500++ per night. Father’s Day Roast & Celebrations at Flame Restaurant. Delight Dad with an unforgettable culinary experience at Flame. Highlighted this Father’s Day is a special set menu featuring a delectable Slow-Roasted US Prime Rib, perfectly paired with an array of appetizers, sides and dessert. This sumptuous feast, priced at P9,500++ is ideal for three to four diners and includes a complimentary glass of wine for Dad. Available exclusively for lunch and dinner on

Sunday, June 16, 2024, this dining experience promises to create lasting memories with family and loved ones.

Pamper Dad at Terazi Spa. For hardworking dads in need of relaxation, Terazi Spa offers the ultimate rejuvenating treatments. Guests can choose from a selection of indulgent options, including the Hammam Turkish Bath, traditional Filipino Hilot, and the Holistic Holiday Package. Designed to release tension and restore energy, these treatments are the perfect way to show Dad how much he is appreciated. For more information, visit https://www. discoveryprimea.com. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 7955 8888 or email dp.rsvn@discovery.com.ph. Stay connected with the latest updates by following Discovery Primea on Facebook: Discovery Primea and Instagram:@ discoveryprimea.

innovative design-inspired eateries. Within this bustling metropolis, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has a lineup of restaurants where you can create lasting memories over exquisite meals for your special celebrations. Tandem TREAT dad to a symphony of flavors at Tandem, where the tasting menu shines a spotlight on the country’s most popular crops. Enjoy plantforward eats expertly curated by Tandem’s talented and creative chefs. Tables are for reservations only. (Greenbelt Hamilton, Legazpi St., Makati City/0906-0036112)

LOCAVORE offers a delightful menu of Filipino dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Celebrate Father’s Day with hearty, homegrown flavors that will make Dad feel right at home.

(Three Central Mall).

Lagrima FOR the dads who love comfort food, indulge them in mouthwatering tacos, nachos, and mezcal that will keep him coming back for more. Lagrima brings a small bite of Los Angeles back to Manila,

City of Dreams Manila highlights delightful treats for every kind of Dad

CITY of Dreams Manila is unwrapping exceptional Father’s Day exclusives at this annual occasion to celebrate their special day. Every kind of dad is spoiled for

whether it be dining, staycation, wellness, or shopping thrills.

Nobu Manila

A CELEBRITY-INSPIRED weekend brunch or dinner awaits dads at the Manila outpost of this globally renowned brand, which highlights the New-Style Japanese cuisine of celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. At the dedicated Father’s Day brunch on June 16, 2024, fathers can enjoy unlimited helpings of Nobu signatures that are offered in all Nobu restaurants around the world, such as Black Cod Butter Lettuce and Signature Sashimi Trio: Tuna Matsuhisa, Yellow Tail Jalapeño, and Salmon Karashi Su Miso (tart miso mustard sauce)—and baked slipper lobster, Kobe Smash Burgers with aji amarillo aioli from an all-you-can-eat a la carte menu that complements the buffet spread. Equally worthy of attention are the Whole Roasted Wagyu Brisket and Wagyu Chuck Roll that come with a choice of custom Nobu sauces. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Irish Gallagher oysters, blue crabs, and shrimps on ice. A whole tuna, freshly cut and expertly prepared sashimi, sushi and nigiri alongside a display of assorted premium chef’s selection of nigiri, sushi and maki rolls served with Nobu custom sauces, are the buffet’s pièce de résistance. The brunch spread also extends to the restaurant’s cabanas, where grilled pork ribs and kushiyaki or skewered and grilled items: assorted vegetables, chicken skin, chicken thighs and salmon belly are prepared on a robata grill, in an al fresco setting.

Other brunch staples are noodles, salads, tempura, hot dishes, and soups. The dessert corner comprised of a tempting chocolate fountain with assorted fresh

fruits and sweets for dipping; whole cakes, truffle parfaits, and a variety of ice cream flavors complete the spread. Nobu Manila’s Father’s Day brunch on June 16 is at P4,388 net per person and includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. For celebrations a day earlier, the regular Nobu brunch is at P3,499 net per person is an option. Brunch service is from 11:30 am to 3 pm. For dinner celebrations, Nobu Manila offers a seven-course dinner tasting menu (P8,871.43 net per person). The seasonal tasting menu offered until end of June entices with a chef’s choice of zensai followed by Engawa (fluke fin) with red onion salsa, soy salt and garlic chips, and a seasonal selection of assorted sushi that comes along with ebi (shrimp) roll in vegetable soup. Hokkigai (surf clam) with creamy sweet chili cilantro; White Fish in Butter Lettuce with garlic aioli and crispy wonton; Poached Salmon with creamy lemon garlic sauce and vegetables with den miso; and Sous Vide Beef Tenderloin with sweet soy anticucho, yuzu kocho, grilled asparagus, and crispy shitake come after. The dinner menu concludes with Kurogoma Rippoutai or black sesame mousse with strawberry gel insert, hazelnut crunch, berry foam, kinako (roasted soybean flour) tuille, and hazelnut crumble. Nobu’s dinner service is from 5 pm to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Crystal Dragon

FOODIE dads will likewise enjoy Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties at Crystal Dragon, which offers a Father’s Day a la carte menu available at lunch and dinner from until June 16. An ode to the head of the family, the inviting menu consists of: Deep-fried Stuffed Crab Claw rolled in phyllo kataifi (phyllo dough) and served with plum chili sauce; Doubleboiled Pork Ribs with dry scallop, peanut, lotus root, red dates, wolfberries and bamboo pith; Wok-seared

For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/megaworldlifestylemalls), Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@ megaworldlifestylemalls).

Australian Lamb Rack with homemade mint sauce; Szechuan-style Oven Roast Grouper with assorted mushroom and roots vegetables; and Chilled Bird’s Nest with monk fruit and dry lily bulb. Fathers dining on June 16 will receive a special amenity from the award-winning restaurant. Crystal Dragon is open daily from 12 noon to 11 pm.

The Café

FETE dad with a culinary journey that showcases a curated buffet spread of local and international cuisine at Hyatt Regency Manila’s interactive show-kitchen restaurant, The Café. The buffet, which is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, highlights new stations starting June 10: made-to-order tacos at the Mexican corner, action stations that freshly prepare Caesar salad and roast beef sliders for lunch. Dinner service highlights a carving station that serves roast beef sirloin, a grill station of mixed kebabs, Chinese barbecue station, and a sauté station offering a flambe of shrimp with tequila, and for Korean food lovers, a dedicated station offering favorite specialties, Japanese and Indian dishes, a selection of seafood on ice, and a dedicated station for soft serve ice cream are offered for both lunch and dinner buffet service. Inclusive of free-flowing juices, local draft beer, red and white house wines at lunch (12 noon to 3 pm) and dinner (5:30 pm to11 pm), the buffet is priced at P1,950 net and P3,150 net, respectively, per person. Breakfast buffet (6:30 am to 11 am) is available for P1,400 net per person, which comes with free-flowing coffee and tea. For inquiries, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www. cityofdreamsmanila.com. Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android.

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila prepares the best for the best for Father’s Day

AWONDERFUL time awaits families in Marco Polo Ortigas Manila this June, as the hotel celebrates fathers of all kinds with exciting experiences, bespoke dining and memorable stays.

Renowned Cantonese restaurant Lung Hin put together its best dishes for the man of the hour. Until June 16, 2024, the entire family will surely appreciate a generous 10-course meal prepared to authentic perfection, starting with Lung Hin’s Signature Crispy Suckling Pig, premium Bird’s Nest Peach Gel soup and Seafood, Pan-Fried U.S.Beef Tenderloin cubes, flavourful Wok-Fried Shrimp and Sea Conch Garden Green, Braised Japan Shiitake and Spiked Sea Cucumber in Abalone sauce, Hong Kong style Steamed Sea Grouper Fillet, Deep Fried Trio Crispy Pigeon, with a choice of Fried Red Rice and Roasted Pork Belly or Braised Fresh Egg Noodle Wanton and Barbecue Pork, and a tasty finish of Baked Macau Egg Tart and Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter. Bring a smile to Dad’s face when you take him out to lunch or dinner buffet at Cucina.

The highlights of Marinated Smoked Beef Short Ribs, Pan-Seared Pork Medallon, Heineken BeerBattered Red Drum Fish Fillet and Chicken Piccata Fillet in Brown Butter, Roma Tomato Jalapeno Salsa, together with delightful starters and salads, freshly baked bread, seafood on ice, whets the appetite.

The bestselling stations of Japanese sushi and sashimi, noodles, and an array of desserts will surely thrill and satisfy cravings. Make it even more fun for him with a complimentary meal, when accompanied by four full-paying adults.

The children may join the sumptuous feast free of charge, for those aged seven years and below. Dads will definitely love the bittersweet notes of Gianduja Chocolate, paired with a cappuccino crème brulee in one charming cake! Café Pronto designed a smooth and balanced confectionary treat just for him. Until June 16, gift your main man with a six-inch cake for P1,850 nett. Connect Lounge’s mouthwatering, tender burgers are all Dad’s, at 20% off. Dine until June 16 as a group of three with him, and savor your

own BLT Cheeseburger, Blue Cheese Mushroom Burger, Pull Pork BBQ Burger, Texas Beef Burger and All Day Breakfast Burger at a discounted price, for a maximum of two burgers per receipt. Vu’s Sky Bar and Lounge crafted a sophisticated duo for men with exceptional taste. Until June 16, sample a great combination of the strong and the mild

Lomibao

Anciano holds off Rada to claim first JPGT title

AFA ANCIANO and pal

RChloe Rada injected excitement and intensity into the girls’ division of the premier age category of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 3 with the former clinching the dramatic win on the second playoff hole here Thursday.

In front of the fringe on the par-4 18th of the Pinewoods Golf and Country Club, Anciano calmly chipped to within three feet, then sank the par-saving putt to claim victory. Meanwhile, Rada’s attempt to blast out of the right greenside bunker left her well short of the target, resulting in a long putt which she missed.

It was Anciano’s first title in the series following a fourth-place finish at Splendido Taal and fifth at Pradera Verde.

Despite the pressure of the competition, Anciano emphasized the shared passion and enjoyment they both found in the playoff.

Junna Tsukii moves to MMA

WORLD GAMES champion Junna Tsukii is transitioning from karate to mixed martial arts and is now preparing for her first fight in Japan.

Tsukii is pursuing a professional career in MMA in Tokyo, where she is scheduled to fight next month against Ruka Sakamoto in August in the entertainment hub Odaiba.

“About karate, I am no longer competing officially,” the 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in women’s 50 kgs kumite told BusinessMirror on Thursday via online chat. “I have already won a world title in karate.” Tsukii, who started representing the Philippines seven years ago and became champion in the 2022 Birmingham World Games, says she hopes to continue to deliver great fights for her fans.

“There will be no Olympics in the future, and it is not easy to participate in competitions at my own expense again next year. Then I want to compete professionally in MMA and entertain my supporters,” she added.

Tsukii, 32, looks to improve her MMA skills quickly and be able to reach MMA’s grandest stage. But first, she says focus is on the Japan MMA scene.

“I just focus now on training step by step. So in the future if I can fight in some big stage, it’s really beautiful. It is not easy to fight in the UFC first so I am aiming for Japan then let’s see UFC later,” Tsukii, the 2018 Asian Games bronze medalist, said.

After Fil-Japanese karateka fell short in her bid to qualify for the Tokyo games in 2021, Tsukii won a silver in the Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

She also captured the Asian Championship silver medal in 2021 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Josef T. Ramos

“There was pressure but we’re both passionate. We were just really having fun in the playoff, but I just stayed calm and positive,” said Anciano. Rada sank a par-saving putt from 5 feet on the 18th to finish with a 90 in regulation, while Anciano saved par from 3 feet to finish with a 91, leading to a tied total of 356 and necessitating a playoff. At Forest Hills, camaraderie and competition blended seamlessly as Anciano and Rada faced off for the championship. Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Anciano said: “We practiced a lot together at Forest Hills. It was fun because I know that we’ve been on similar levels for a long time. Being able to get head-to-head was really cool.”

Padilla wins by 11 IN the boys’ category, Tristan Padilla dominated with an emphatic 11shot victory in the ICTSI-sponsored circuit. Leading Charles Serdenia by

nine strokes after 54 holes, Padilla extended his lead with a frontside 36.

Despite Serdenia’s rally, featuring three birdies in the first four holes of the backside, the 15-year-old Padilla, who finished second at Pradera Verde, maintained his lead, finishing with a three-under 285 total after a 68 spiked by a solid backside 32.

Serdenia, aiming for his second JPGT trophy after a come-from-behind win at Splendido Taal, settled for second with a 296 total after a 70. The runner-up finish, however, earned him crucial points for the upcoming JPGT Match Play Championship in October.

Padilla’s triumph mirrored the dominant victories of Brianna Macasaet and Jose Luis Espinosa in the 8-10 category, as well as Lisa Sarines in the girls’ 11-14 division. Vito Sarines also secured the boys’ 11-14 title, marking his second win in the first three legs of the Luzon series via a two-stroke victory.

“I didn’t focus on my lead, but I tried

to score the best I could,” he said. “I tried to beat my score Wednesday [67], which didn’t happen, but I was happy with the way I finished,” said Padilla, representing De La Salle-Zobel.

Meanwhile, the three-leg JPGT Visayas Series kicks off Monday (June 17) at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, formerly known as Santa Barbara Golf Course.

Bacolod will host the next two legs, first at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club from June 24-27, and then at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club from July 1-4.

Registration for the Visayas swing is ongoing. For more details, contact PGTI’s Jhi Castillo at 0928-316-5678 or Shiela Salvania at 0968-311-4101. Both players showcased their short game skills with impressive pitch shots setting up their par-saving putts. Rada, from a challenging lie on the left side of the green, executed a delicate shot over a bunker. Anciano, with a

Anciano, 15, clinched victory with a scrambling

Magsayo fights Ramirez, looks to move closer to world title shot

ARK “MAGNIFICO” MAGSAYO looks to make his mark in the super featherweight division when he takes on Mexico’s Eduardo Ramirez on Sunday for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) intercontinental belt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Magsayo, 28, said his move to the 130-pound division last year was inevitable after losing via unanimous decision to American Brandon Figueroa in a featherweight bout in March 2023 at Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

“I was already drained at 126 [pounds] so I put up some muscles last year and I felt good in the super featherweight,” Magsayo of Tagbilaran, Bohol told BusinessMirror via online call on Thursday. “I’m very comfortable now. My power and quickness are there. I’m ready to fight in this weight class.”

The former World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight champion debuted successfully in the super featherweight division last December by knocking out Mexican Isaac Avelar in the third round of a non-title bout in Long Beach, California.

Magsayo fights in a world title eliminator for the regional crown against Ramirez to prove his worth as the next big thing in the super featherweight class that has Americans Lamont Roach Jr. as WBA world champion and O’ Shaquie Foster as WBC world titleholder.

Mexican Emanuel Navarrete is the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion and Irish Anthony Cacace holds the International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt.

The 31-year-old Ramirez can’t be taken lightly. The Mexican also had a great

June Mar regaining rhythm a big problem for Bolts

THE battle for the Philippine Cup title has gotten tighter, with the showdown between San Miguel Beer and Meralco now down to a virtual best-ofthree in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 48. June Mar Fajardo, who received his 10th Best Player of the Conference crown on Wednesday, got his needed motivation to put the Beermen on track with a 111-101 victory in Game 4 and tie the series to 2-2. Game Five on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum will be tougher, says Fajardo, who bounced back from a Game 3 performance

of 12 points and 15 rebounds by racking up 28 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4.

“Game 5 is not going to be so easy, remember this series is very hard. A lot of things happened, and going to happen. We have to prepare against Meralco,” Fajardo told BusinessMirror

“I was a little bit tentative in the previous games that’s why I committed turnovers and struggled.

Coach told me just to play my game, my usual game,” said Fajardo, who shook off Meralco bigs led by 6-foot-7 Raymond Almazan and 6-foot-8 rookie Brandon Bates.

The Beermen are also counting on two-time scoring champion Terrence Romeo and power forward Vic Manuel to sustain their fine play.

Although they just combined only for 15 points, they helped bring back San Miguel Beer’s offensive firepower as the team breached 100 points after averaging only 90 points in the first three games.

“We are just trusting one another and sharing the ball. It showed in Game 4 that’s why we had 111 points—the highest output in the series. Meralco was dictating the first three games because of their defense,” SMB coach Jorge Gallent said. Josef T. Ramos

debut in super featherweight last August when he scored a sixth-round technical knockout triumph over Sebastian Maldonado in Mexico. He holds a 28-3-3 win-loss-draw record with 13 Kos. Magsayo (25-2 win-loss record with 17 knockouts) is setting his sights on a match against WBA champion Roach. He trains under by US-based Filipino trainer Marvin Somodio in Los Angeles. Josef T. Ramos

Celtics on verge of record 18th championship

DALLAS—Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shared a long hug after helping Boston avoid the biggest collapse in an NBA Finals game since at least 1997. The reward? The Celtics stars are on the brink of joining the litany of big-name predecessors to put a banner above the parquet floor back home.

Tatum scored 31 points, Brown had 30 and the Celtics held off a furious Dallas rally to move to the verge of a record 18th championship with a 106-99 victory over the Mavericks on Wednesday night for a 3-0 lead. Brown finished with eight rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics extended their franchise record with a 10th consecutive playoff victory and moved to 7-0 on the road this postseason. They can win the series and break a tie with the Lakers for most NBA championships with a victory Friday in Dallas. And Boston can forget about nearly blowing a 21-point lead with 11 minutes to go.

“Not really trying to look too much into it,” Tatum said. “The game of basketball is about runs. It’s never going to go like you expected. If you want to be a champion, you have to be resilient in those situations, and we did that tonight.” Boston also improved to 10-1 in these

Nadal, Alcaraz to play doubles in Olympics

MADRID—Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz will play doubles together for Spain at the upcoming Paris Olympics, the Spanish tennis federation said Wednesday.

The announcement comes three days after the 21-year-old Alcaraz won the French Open for the first time—earning his third Grand Slam trophy.

The same courts used for the French Open each year will host Olympic tennis. Nadal has won the French Open a record 14 times. Alcaraz, who will

“The Olympic Games are every four years and it’s

said this is likely his last year on tour after a series of injuries. The other Spain players in the men’s Olympic team will be Pablo Carreño Busta, Alejandro Davidovich and Marcel Granollers.

Captain Anabel Medina picked No. 55 Sara Sorribes Tormo

WITH June Mar Fajardo showing the way, San Miguel looks to take the lead for the first time in the series.

TSUKII

Friday, June 14, 2024

Motoring

MGPhiliPPinesrollsout theG50PlusandtheMG3

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

MG Philippines recently rolled out two additions to its growing lineup in the country, the G50 Plus MPV and the MG3 hatchback, also available in the HEV version—the first in its class.

The Chinese automaker claims that introducing the two new models aims to redefine the standard of motoring.

MG3 Hatchback

T HE highly anticipated MG3fivedoor hatchback is the brand’s entry into the B-Segment, which is claimed to have a competitive price and is a big surprise. MG also claims this new model aims to redefine the standards by introducing the first HEV variant in its class.

“We want to introduce people to the world of green mobility with the MG3’s first-in-class HEV option. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone take the first step into driving a fuelefficient hatchback option,” said MG Philippines president Felix Jiang.

The MG3 offers a seamless blend of sleek exterior design and classy interior features. It boasts a modern aesthetic with a pronounced grill, LED/Halogen headlamps,16-inch alloy wheels, and power-folding mirrors. Inside, mostly are leatherstyled with a leather-wrapped helm and seats. The main highlight is the 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

Under the hood is a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine generating 118 hp and 150 N-m of torque paired with a Continuous Variable Transmission.

On the other hand, the first-in-class Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant generates 187 hp from its hybrid electric-fuel powertrain and a substantial 250 N-m of torque. The

Ddedicated hybrid engine uses a threespeed hybrid transmission.

Safety-wise, the MG3 offers an array of convenience and top-ofthe-line features that provide ease of use of the vehicle and help mitigate potential hazards, making the roads safer for you and other road users and pedestrians alike. The MG3 has push-button ignition for easy starts, reverse parking sensors, an electric parking brake, four-wheel disc brakes, and a 360-degree-view camera for safer parking and maneuverability in tight areas.

The MG3 comes equipped with MG’s Pilot Advance Driver Assist System. It combines driver assist and safety systems with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision warning, and many more.

As for the pricing, the base model STD M/T retails at P678,88, the COM CVT at P828,888, the LUX CVT at P898,888, and the Hybrid+ CVT at P1,088,888. Available color options are St Moritz Blue, Extreme Speed Red, Morning Yellow, Moon White, Meteorite Black, and Blade Silver.

G50 Plus MPV

MEANWHILE, also rolled out was the G50 Plus as the brand’s new entry in the highly competitive MPV market. The new MPV comes in three rows, boasting features typically found in higher-end models but at a surprisingly competitive price tag. Design-wise, it exudes an elegant

Electric vehicle bargain at 88k

ON’T look now but, hey, an electric vehicle (EV) that can be had at a down payment (DP) of only P88k? Why, that’s definitely a steal!

Let’s hear it straight from Paolo Ella of Dongfeng Motors (DFM), a leading global auto brand founded in Wuhan, Hubei China in 1969.

“Amid the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in the country, Dongfeng Motors (DFM) Philippines has released a revitalized lineup featuring fully electric and hybrid

vehicles that promises enhanced convenience and savings for drivers and reduced carbon emissions offered at promo rates with down payments starting from P88,000.

“’The future is electric, and the future is here. At DFM, we are proud to be ardent advocates of electrification to create a cleaner, more efficient, and more comfortable experience for Filipinos on the road. This is why we are happy to introduce our friends on the road, including the fully electric Nammi hatchback, the Nanobox,

front grille blended with the LED/ Halogen headlamp combination. The 16-inch alloy wheels come with the STD and COM variants, while the 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rail are exclusive to the top-spec LUX.

“With a luxurious interior and modern design, the MG G50 Plus looks to become a strong contender in the local MPV market, providing Filipinos with a solid value option equipped for families or large groups looking for a top long-drive

and the Forthing Friday,’ said Atty. Albert Arcilla, Managing Director of the DFM management team under Legado Motors Inc. (LMI).

“Unveiled during the successful launch of its ‘Drive Your Friend’ campaign on May 2 in Pasig City, the DFM Nammi is a fully electric hatchback ideal for daily driving. At only P1,238,000, the Nammi is a stylish package with a 430km range, a 30-minute fast-charging feature, and high-tech interfaces.

“Already beloved by many owners, the DFM Nanobox, launched last year, is a fully-electric vehicle priced at only P888,000. With an estimated range of 330km, the EV features a stylish and compact design perfect for city driving. The Nanobox is currently offered with an all-in downpayment (DP) of only P88,000 with free two (2) months of amortization.

choice,” said Jiang. Inside, the STD and COM models feature an eight-seater configuration (2+3+3 layout). On the other hand, the LUX variant features a sevenseater layout highlighted with two captain seats in the second row and an entire leather-style interior. In terms of entertainment, there is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display supporting Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system.

“For a spacious option, the Forthing Friday is an electric SUV with variants with estimated ranges of 430km and 630km, priced at P1,980,000 and P2,580,000, respectively. The Friday boasts of a modern sporty look, spacious seating, and advanced technology.

“Said Atty. Arcilla: ‘We, at Dongfeng, acknowledge that though we are excited to introduce and offer our full electric vehicles, we also acknowledge that the journey has just started. That is why we have in our product offers, Full EVs, Hybrid Vehicles, and even Diesel engine Pick-ups to be able to support the growth and understanding of the various choices that our clients may have. That is how we value our clients who decide to ‘Drive Your Friend’ on the road.’

“At a P1,880,000 price tag, the Aeolus Huge is a full-sized hybrid

Motivation comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine generating 178 hp and 280 N-m of torque. Also offered is a six-speed automatic or a seven-speed “wet-type” dualclutch transmission.

Safety is also a priority, with the G50 Plus featuring an array of safety technologies such as airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rearview camera system. Moreover, there is an anti-lock brake system, hill hold control on au -

crossover that buyers can now avail of with an all-in DP of P98,000 with free two (2) months' amortization.

The Huge packs a 1.5-L gasoline with an electric motor to assure savings on the road with the flexibility of the hybrid engine.

“Clients may view and test-drive the models at showrooms in Pasig, Alabang, Cavite, Marcos Highway, Pampanga, and Tarlac. Visit the website at dfm-ph.com for more information.”

Car electrification is the only way to go? Ummm.

PEE STOP Yvonne Linchangco reports that 17 scholars held their graduation under the Isuzu Heart and Smile Project from Batch 21 of the Isuzu TESDA partnership recently in Tacloban City. The chosen youths took a two-year course on general and specialized skills

tomatic transmission models, an electronic stability program, standard-issue parking sensors, reverse camera, cruise control, EPB with auto brake hold, and a push-button ignition system.

As for pricing, the STD M/T version retails at P1,048,88, the COM DCT at P1,188,888, and the top-spec LUX DCT at P1,288,888. Available color options are Moon White, Meteorite Black, Blade Silver, Andes Gray, and Water Blue.

omnibus, free board and lodging. Congratulations! … Mixie Flavier says Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) held ground-breaking rites to usher in Toyota Tugbok, becoming Davao City’s third Toyota dealership. Said TMP President Masando Hashimoto: “Davao City is one of the most progressive and promising areas in the Philippines. The presence of Service, Manufacturing, and Agriculture sectors shows that this city will continue to boost the economy and create livelihood.” Among those present in the ceremony were Toyota Davao dealership pioneers Boyet Lim III and his daughter, Denise. For the latest updates on Toyota products, services, events, and promos, follow TMP on Facebook and Instagram, ToyotaMotorPH on X;

Editor: Tet Andolong

The first-in-class MG3 hatchback he V in St Moritz Blue color

The standard version MG3 hatchback in bright Morning Yellow color

MG Philippines president Felix Jiang with the G50 Plus LUX variant in Meteorite Black color