BusinessMirror March 03, 2023

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

SENATORS

and transport groups have urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to extend the deadline for the consolidation of public utility vehicle (PUV) franchises indefinitely until they come up with a more realistic and fair PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

At the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing chaired by Sen. Grace Poe on Thursday, lawmakers said the agency should stop trifling with the timelines for the consolidation of PUVs and take a pause to review the program’s design.

“Stop giving us short extensions. Tell us how long it really takes to implement this,” Deputy Minority Leader Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

Majority Leader Joel Villanueva even said the department should temporarily implement the program and review if it is really viable, citing the mere income of jeepney drivers of P650 per day.

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

THE Philippines could further increase its interest rates by 50 basis points to keep up with the anticipated strengthening of the US dollar, according to a UK-based think tank.

Oxford Economics made the forecast as it projected that most economies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, would experience a slowdown

this year due to dampened business investments as a result of weaker global trade and high interest rates.

“Most of the region’s economies will experience a marked slowdown in 2023, with China, Hong Kong and Thailand the only likely exceptions,” Oxford Economics said in its outlook report released on Thursday.

“Indeed, in many, a sharp deterioration was already evident at the end of 2022; of the nine

economies that report seasonally adjusted real GDP, four showed a [quarter-on-quarter] fall in Q4, while several others made only the smallest of gains,” it added.

Oxford Economics said the weakness in economic expansion in the fourth quarter would continue to linger this year as “impetus“ from economic reopening has “faded” with real income and spending growth of consumers being “limited by relatively high inflation.”

“The weakness in Q4 was largely driven by a sudden drop in global trade. China reopening and the most aggressive phase of the global IT downturn probably being behind us may result in less extreme pressure in early 2023,” it said.

Oxford Economics also noted that Asian central banks would also be forced to further hike their interest rates to keep up with the strengthening of the US dollar.

Phl KEEPS ratIng In WOMEn, bIZ, laW InDEx

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Philippines’s rating remains unchanged in the Women, Business and the Law Index 2023,according to the World Bank.

Data from the report showed the Philippines scored an average of 78.8 out of 100, the same rating it had since last year.

The country’s rating, however, remained above the global average of 77.1 out of 100. This indicates that women, on average, enjoy 77 percent of the legal

rights that men do.

Women, Business and the Law 2023 measures laws and regulations across 190 countries in eight areas impacting women’s economic participation—mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets and pensions.

In the Philippines, the country’s average rating for marriage, parenthood, and assets received the rating of 60 out of 100.

In terms of marriage, there

are legal constraints related to marriage and divorce. In fact, the Philippines does not allow divorce so women could not obtain divorce in the country and women do not have the same rights to remarry as men.

Meanwhile, the country’s score was at 75 out of 100 in terms of mobility and pension. In terms of mobility, a woman still cannot apply for a passport in the same way as a man in the country while in terms of pension, periods of absence due to childcare are not accounted for

DBM: Fuel aid to farmer, transport grps ₧4B this year

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday confirmed that the national government has allotted a total of P4 billion to provide fuel assistance to transport workers and farmers this year to help them mitigate the impact of high oil prices.

In a statement, the DBM said the funds are charged against the regular budgets of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“As directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this administration will continue providing fuel subsidies to our kababayan , especially in the most vulnerable sectors—public transport and agriculture,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

“We are banking on our transport and agriculture sector to boost economic recovery. And so we need to provide them the help and boost they need,” she added.

in pension benefits.

The areas where the country received a perfect score of 100 were workplace, pay and entrepreneurship. These indicators take into consideration legal and implementation gaps in financial inclusion; guarantee protection and privacy for women who have made a complaint of violence; gender-sensitive occupational health and safety; and wage transparency, among others.

The DBM explained that P3 billion is lodged in the 2023 national budget to bankroll fuel vouchers to qualified public utility vehicle, taxi, tricycle, and full-time ridehailing and delivery services drives nationwide.

The amount, the DBM pointed out, was P500 million higher than the P2.5 billion fuel subsidy allocated by the national government last year.

“The program’s implementation is subject to guidelines issued by the DOTr, the Department of Energy [DOE], and the DBM,” it said.

“Beneficiaries will be validated and identified by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board [LTFRB],” it added.

baKErS FaIr Senators Mark Villar, Koko Pimentel, former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo nieto and Filipino-chinese bakery association Inc. (Fcba) president gerik chua are joined by leaders

OVEr 26,000 EVacUatED aS FlOODS SUbMErgE MalaYSIa agaIn; 1 DEaD

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“Meanwhile, the US economy started 2023 surprisingly strongly and the Fed will need to raise interest rates beyond 5 percent to ensure sufficient disinflation in the medium term,” it said.

“This suggests that the period of weak external demand for Asian exporters will drag on for longer. It also risks pushing some Asian central banks to hike interest rates further if the US$ strengthens a lot,” it added.

Oxford Economics said it expects the Philippines to raise interest rates by a further 50 basis points, while noting that the country's inflation rate is one of the highest in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines's inflation rate accelerated to a 14-year high of 8.7 percent in January; and the central bank said February’s inflation may breach 9 percent.

Last month, the Monetary Board raised interest rates by 50 basis points, effectively increasing overnight reverse repurchase facility rates to 6 percent.

Oxford Economics said Asian exports could be “depressed” throughout most of 2023 because of the “weak outlook for global trade,” which shall also “curb business investment” that is already “under pressure from higher interest rates.”

Nonetheless, Oxford Economics said it expects a “fairly general disinflationary trend” this year across the Asia-Pacific region.

“Commodity prices are well down on their 2022 peaks, exchange rates are not as fragile as in 2022, pressures in global supply chains have eased significantly and inflation expectations have stayed low, contained by tightening policy or spare capacity,” it said.

‘Lifting Charter foreign equity cap to end 37-year poverty problem’

SEN. Robin Padilla on Thursday pressed new for lifting restrictive constitutional limits on foreign investments, stressing it is high time to “start ending 37 years of poverty” by easing such caps.

Addressing the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes’ hearing on amending the Charter's economic provisions in Davao City, Padilla struck an upbeat note that “our country is blessed with enough natural resources and many young people and skilled workers that can contribute greatly to our progress.”

However, he hastily reminded that “we need huge investments to harness these assets properly and we cannot do this because of

the limitations of our Constitution.”

At his first out-of-town hearing on the Charter change he has been pushing, Padilla asked aloud, “When will we start moving? When? When?” He explained that, “this hearing aims to benefit ordinary Filipinos and make sure our Constitution’s economic provisions benefit them and not just 20 percent of the population.”

At the same time, the senator said that easing the Charter’s economic provisions is “the only solution” he sees to attract foreign direct investments, reminding one and all that “the Philippines has been “kulelat” [cellar dweller] in terms of FDI. He cited Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas [BSP] figures showing FDI in the Philippines

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“There is a problem with the design of the program. It’s crystal clear. While there is a problem, we should pause and review it,” he said.

Villanueva cited several reasons why the government should take a step back in imple -

menting the whole program. For one, he said, jeepney drivers make only P650 on a daily basis. Versus the cost of a basic modern jeepney—pegged between P2.4 million and P2.8 million per unit—he finds it il -

dropped by 25 percent from 2018 to 2020.

Padilla underscored that as the country recovers from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, "it needs new drivers of growth" including opening the economy to foreign direct investments (FDIs).

Stressing that “there is basis for seeking such amendments; [and] this is not political grandstanding,” the senator asserted that “this is addressing a real need of our country by amending our Constitution’s economic provisions.”

Moreover, Padilla affirmed that “we are moving to prioritize amending our economic provisions because this will help address the most pressing needs such as joblessness, hun -

logical and impossible for a driver to afford a new unit.

Villanueva also rated the LTFRB as “poor” in implementing the PUVMP, a program launched in 2017. He explained, citing data from the regulator, that out of roughly 158,000 PUVs with franchises today, only 6,814 jeepneys are considered modern, which translates to only a 4.5 percent success rate.

Flagged by COA

Mo R eo V e R , h e said the Commission on Audit (CoA) had flagged the LTFRB for failing to complete three projects under the PUVMP: the P319-million public information center, the P45-million route rationalization study for Metro Manila, and the P28-million route rationalization study for inter-province routes.

“If the agency is hard-pressed in implementing these projects, why is it rushing drivers and operators into the modernization program?” he asked.

Furthermore, Villanueva said the route rationalization plans of local government units have yet to be approved. Citing data earlier provided by the LTFRB during the hearing, Villanueva said only 139 out of 1,575 plans have been approved.

‘Effectively a phaseout’ PUV operators and drivers have until endDecember to consolidate their franchises into cooperatives or transport corporations. This target has been moved several times since it was first implemented in 2018. The last extension, from June 30 to December 31 this year, was announced late Wednesday amid frantic efforts to stop restive transport workers from ppushing through with a planned weeklong strike over LTFRB’s memorandum circular.

Villanueva pointed out that jeepney and UV e x press drivers that fail to consolidate before the deadline will be “effectively phased out,” as their certificates of public convenience (CPCs) or provisional authorities (PAs) will revert to the state for not complying with the mandates.

“If they fail to consolidate, the state has to recover their franchises. They will be left without livelihood,” he said.

Latest data from the LTFRB showed that about 62.4 percent or about 98,000 jeepneyes have consolidated nationwide, while 71.7 percent or about 14,000 of the roughly 19,000 UV e x press have consolidated.

This means that about 65,000 drivers are in danger of losing their livelihood if they fail to consolidate by December 31.

Commuter group Komyut Representative Toix Cerna said this means that about 2.28 million commuters per day will be affected should the consolidation rate remain at its current level now.

She said her group agrees that the government should evaluate the program and even give it a total makeover.

“It might be the time to review the program. The PUVMP, we believe, had a lot of ills over the course of five years. Maybe we can review it and change its name to transition into a better transport service for commuters. But for us, we just want a good supply of transport options,” Cerna said.

Strike to continue as planned

So M e groups that have successfully formed cooperatives, like that of Ferdinand Lupangosy’s 997 Cooperative, noted that the con -

ger and poverty.”

Earlier, he asked peers in the House of Representatives, where the so-called “Cha-cha train” has been moving faster, to avoid by all means including political provisions of the Charter in any revision process, saying the economic amendments are a life-saving move that cannot afford to be derailed by political complications.

In earlier hearings, resource persons have made a case for easing the foreign equity cap, which they said is still necessary even though the 18th Congress had passed the trio of so-called liberalization laws. Critics of Charter change, however, have disputed the indispensability of Charter change to getting FDIs.

Butch Fernandez

solidation allowed the group to optimize the use of the units and even generated more job opportunities for more people.

He cited, for instance, that of the 19 modernized jeepneys that his group acquired, instead of 19 operators benefiting from the units, 87 people generate income out of them.

“For 19 modernized jeepneys, we have 38 drivers, 38 passenger assistance officers [colloquially called conductors], three mechanics, five office staff, and six dispatchers—in total 87 people benefit from our cooperative,” he said.

But for jeepney group Manibela President Mar Balbuena, the government should really put a stop to the program, and not just the consolidation.

“We are opposed to the consolidation because there are cooperatives that remove the rights of franchise owners once they surrender their franchises to their cooperatives,” he said. “Consolidation failed because of this.”

Juancho Capreno of the Association of Committed Transport o r ganization Nationwide echoed Balbuena’s sentiments, saying consolidation only results in benefits for one person.

“We are against consolidation because the reality of it, it will only result in the cooperatives benefiting from it and not the actual franchise holders. We should fix the system first before implementing this,” he said.

Balbuena said Manibela along with other transport groups will continue with the transport strike slated for March 6.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III noted that the agency is now working to defuse this and minimize the effects of the transport strike on commuters.

‘Not yet ready’

Se N AT o R Poe urged the transport department and transport regulator to fix the framework first before imposing a deadline.

“Before giving a deadline, fix the program first,” she said. “The LTFRB is not really ready because we still haven’t rationalized the routes. If we keep on just extending the deadline, then those that have already formed cooperatives will be discouraged.”

However, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista believes that the government should provide a deadline so that stakeholders will follow.

“I believe that we should have a deadline and this should not be open-ended. If we don’t give a deadline, no one will follow. We will not be able to implement the PUVMP if we don’t impose deadlines,” he said.

However, he noted that the government is always open to extending it, as it is also “committed” to ironing out the kinks of the framework.

“Next to consolidation is route modernization, after that, we will talk about operations—scheduling included. Right now, it’s hard to ride public transport because we don’t have proper standards,” he said.

Bautista added: “I am asking for us to continue the consolidation. It’s one of the most important components of our program. This will be the start and will trigger the success of the PUVMP.”

The transport chief added that his office is always open for dialogue to resolve issues related to the program.

“I know that this is not a perfect program for now, but with dialogue and the right communication, we can resolve whatever issues or problems that we see,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the DBM said the DA will receive a P1-billion fund for its fuel assistance to over 312,000 farmers and fisherfolk. Under the DA’s fuel subsidy program, each beneficiary will receive P3,000 “to ensure unimpeded agricultural production and fishing operations,” the DBM said.

Emmanuel Y. Arcalas

Jasper

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The World Bank said five reforms were introduced by three of the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region’s 25 economies last year.

For one, China introduced paid paternal leave. The World Bank noted that this reform increased China’s score under Parenthood from 75 in 2022 to 100 this year (2023).

Mongolia implemented a reform by introducing a paid paternity leave. The World Bank said it also acknowledged equal remuneration for work of equal value. This reform, the World Bank noted, increased Mongolia’s score under Pay from 75 in 2022 to 100 this year (2023).

Meanwhile, Indonesia enacted legislation protecting women from sexual harassment in employment, including both criminal penalties and civil remedies for such conduct. This reform allowed Indonesia to double its score under Workplace from 50 in 2022 to 100 this year (2023), the World Bank noted.

Globally, nearly 2.4 billion women of working age still do not have the same rights as men. Closing the gender employment gap could raise long-term GDP per capita by nearly 20 percent on average across countries, the World Bank said.

Moreover, the World Bank noted that studies estimate global economic gains of $5 trillion to 6 trillion if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as men do.

“In 2022, only 34 gender-related legal reforms were recorded across 18 countries—the lowest number since 2001.

Most reforms focused on increasing paid leave for parents and fathers, removing restrictions to women’s work, and mandating equal pay,” the World Bank said.

The World Bank also noted it will take another 1,549 reforms to reach “substantial” legal gender equality everywhere in the areas measured by the report. At the current pace, the report notes, it would take at least 50 years on average to reach that target.

“Although great achievements have been made over the last five decades, more needs to be done worldwide to ensure that good intentions are accompanied by tangible results—that is, equal opportunity under the law for women. Women cannot afford to wait any longer to reach gender equality. Neither can the global economy,” the World Bank said.

The Nation

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Tanker oil spill in Oriental Mindoro spreads in

By Rene Acosta

The oil spill from the ill-fated tanker MT Princess e mp ress, which sank in the waters of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on Tuesday, has already reached the waters of three other towns in the province.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) bared on Thursday that aside from Naujan, oil slick has also been reported in some parts of the waters of Pola, Pinamalayan and Bongabong, all in Oriental Mindoro.

3 other coastline towns

The Princess e mp ress drifted into the waters of Naujan where it completely sank on Wednesday after it developed engine trouble due to overheating. It was carrying at least 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil.

On Tuesday afternoon, the PCG reported that the diesel oil of the half-submerged tanker has began leaking and has already affected a stretch of 6 kilometers of waters in Naujan as of Wednesday.

On Thursday, the oil slick has widened and has spread into the waters of Barangay Buhay na Tu -

big in Pola and Barangay Aplaya in Bongabong, which is 35 nautical miles away from where the tanker sank.

The PCG said in a statement that based on its shoreline assessment in the waters of Pinamalayan, “patches of emulsified oil” have been detected.

“According to Bantay Dagat members, it [the oil slick] has also spread into more or less a hectare of waters near the Sibale Island,” PCG said.

The PCG confirmed that leaked industrial fuel oil has also been traced in the waters of Naujan

where a tugboat tapped by the owner of the sunken vessel continued to apply dispersant against the oil spill.

It said Marine e nvironmental Protection Unit (M e PU) teams, other stakeholders and the affected towns have been informed to proceed to the affected areas for shoreline cleanup.

The PCG said earlier that among its objectives were to secure the shorelines of Naujan, Pola and Pinamalayan as well as the marine protected areas, while recovering the spilled oil and containing its source.

PN gets refurbished Cavite shipyard from Israeli firm

The Philippine Navy’s (PN) capability to build its own warships, especially the small and hard-hitting fast-attack interdictor craft missile (FAIC-M), gained major headway after Israel Shipyards l td. transferred the documents and keys of a newlyrefurbished shipyard in Cavite to its possession on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Navy spokesman Capt. Benjo Negranza on Wednesday said that Israel Shipyards l td. has already given the keys and papers of the newly renovated Naval Station Pascual l e desma, which is located in Cavite City to Navy officials.

The Israeli contractor will build the three FAIC-M at the renovated

shipyard, while four of the vessels will be constructed in Israel.

In October last year, Israel Shipyards has delivered two of the vessels to the Philippine Navy, which christened them into its service in November also last year.

The nine FAICs were secured through a P10 billion contract and formed part of the capability upgrade of the Navy under the overall modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The newly-refurbished naval shipyard will facilitate the local construction of the three FAICM vessels, which will form part of the fleet of PN’s Acero-class Patrol Gunboats. Its formal handover

PTGA lauds Lapid’s anti-smuggling bill

AMAJO r g roup of farmers lauded the filing of a bill by Senator Manuel “ l i to” l a pid to address the massive smuggling of agricultural products by expanding its coverage and imposing tougher penalties.

The Philippine Tobacco Growers Association (PTGA), which r epresents 50,000 tobacco farmers across the Philippines, expressed support to l a pid’s Senate Bill (SB) 1812, which aims to strengthen the existing law against smuggling of agricultural products amid the rampant illegal importation of commodities like sugar, onions and tobacco.

SB 1812 seeks to amend r e public Act 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 by expanding its coverage to include both r aw and processed tobacco in the list of core agricultural products given protection against large-scale smuggling.

PTGA president Saturnino Distor said all agricultural industries sh ould be equally protected as rampant smuggling continues to be a g rave threat to the livelihood of local farmers and millions of dependents who rely on these industries f or income and sustenance.

Milyong tao ang nakadepende sa industriya ng tabako kasama na ang mga nasa trading, manufacturing at distribution. Naparakaraming magbebenepisyo kung ipapasa ang SB 1812 na naglalayong ituring ang smuggling ng tabako na pagsabotahe ng ekonomiya ,” Distor said.

T ogether with the recently passed h o use Bill 3917, l a pid’s bill considers large-scale agricultural smuggling of tobacco, whether m anufactured or unmanufactured, including finished products such as cigars, cigarettes or heated tobacco products, as “economic sabotage” and a non-bailable offense.

The Senate bill proposes to amend Section 4 of the existing Anti-Agri Smuggling law by imposing the penalty of imprisonment of 30 t o 40 years, and a fine of twice the fair value and the aggregate

amount of the taxes, duties and other charges avoided by the smuggling of tobacco.

T he current law only penalizes large-scale smuggling of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish and cruciferous vegetables in its raw state, or which have un dergone the simple processes of preparation or preservation for the market, with a minimum amount of P1 million.

PTGA said that once implemented, SB 1812 would curb the m assive smuggling of agricultural products that hurts the local farm sector and deprives the government of revenues.

Industry data show that the persisting agri-smuggling problem adversely affects about 700,000 sugar cane farmers, 35,000 onion farmers, and 462,000 workers involved in the tobacco production c hain across the Philippines.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) estimates that 2.2 milli on people depend on the tobacco industry, while data from the Sugar r e gulatory Administration (S r A) in dicate that around 5 million to 6 million are indirectly employed by the sugar industry.

Distor said smuggling renders local farm output uncompetitive, impedes the productivity of farmers and leads to higher costs of agricultural products to the detriment o f consumers.

Sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng lokal na produkto ay lalong lumalaganap ang smuggling. Natatalo a ng mga kababayan nating magsasaka sa kompetisyon kung ikukumpara s a presyo ng smuggled,” he said.

The unabated smuggling of tobacco is estimated to cost P50 billion to P100 billion in revenue losses for the government, according t o the Bureau of Internal r e venue.

As provided under r e public Act No. 11346, part of excise tax collected from tobacco products shall be allocated to fund the government’s Univ ersal h e alth Care program. In 2021, the BI r collected P176 billion from the tobacco industry.

ceremony is lined up this May as part of the Navy’s pre-anniversary activities,” Negranza said in his statement.

“This marks a significant milestone for the ship-building capability of the PN and likewise boosts the country’s Self- r eli ant Defense Posture Program (S r D P), one of the current 10-point agenda of the Department of National Defense,” he added.

Four of the FAICs will be armed with non-line-of-sight (N l O S) missiles that have a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber machine guns.

The missile-capable or armed

Israeli-made attack craft will replace all of the Navy’s gunboats, which the military already decommissioned, owing to their status as vintage or World War II-era warships.

By Jove Marie N. Dela Cruz

Ale ADe r of the house of r e presentatives is pushing for a wider government and community interventions to address rising cases of mental health problems that may be affecting the youth.   San Jose del Monte r e p. Florida r ob es, in a recent privilege speech, raised the alarm  on the rising cases of mental health problems among the youth as she proposed to create a multi-agency task force to spearhead programs and activities that will create mental health awareness among family members in communities.

“It is alarming to know that, in 2021, around 1.5 million Filipino youth or 7 percent attempted to commit suicide,” r ob es said.

robes revealed that depression, suicide, and mental health disorders have been plaguing the Filipino youth prior and even after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“And to understand the cause, we need to dig deeper. Sometimes, we see the signs but we fail to heed them,” she pointed out.

In her speech, r ob es unveiled her plan for a wider government and community intervention to address these problems even as she urged several government agencies, especially the Department of education, Department of he alth, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Commission on Women and Children to spearhead programs and activities that will “create mental health awareness among families, initiate dialogue between parents and children, capacitate both parents and their children to effectively express themselves and engage in healthy and affirmative conversations with passion.”

She also urged families and communities to take initiatives supporting effective communication within families.

“I am aware that there are many Non-Government and Civic Society Groups that voluntarily provide services supporting the promotion and welfare of families,” r ob es said.

Negranza said the keys and document on the refurbished shipyard were transferred by Israel Shipyards l td. Marketing Director Noam Katsav to the commander of Naval Shipyard for Initial Operation and Sustainment Captain Nestor Galindo. l a st year, Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said they were considering to acquire 15 additional vessels of such type in their continuing effort to build the Navy’s capability. Rene

“As a mental health advocate, I believe in a practical and manageable solution to prevent and avert the loss of lives brought about by the invisible pandemic of depression and suicide. The recurring theme in these suicide stories is the lack of effective communication among members of the family,” r ob es said.

She revealed that based on a study conducted by Global School-Based Student he alth Survey Philippines, an estimated 17 percent of 13 to 17 years old have attempted suicide at least once a year.

Acosta

House reso seeks to gauge socioeconomic impact of traditional jeepney phase out

AL e AD e R of the h ouse of Repr esentatives has filed a resolution directing the h ouse Committee on Transportation to conduct an inquiry on the adverse socioeconomic impacts of the planned jeepney phase out without adequate government support.

In h ouse Resolution 801, h ouse Committee on Ways and Means Joey Sarte Salceda said the sudden phase out of traditional jeepneys will result in increased car use, which will ultimately lead to more road congestion and pollution, especially as jeepneys only generate about 0.33 kg of carbon per capita per day, whereas even the most efficient car will generate some 2.3 kg of carbon per capita per day.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-13 directs that traditional jeepneys, which have not been subject to franchise consolidation by March 31, 2023, shall only be allowed to operate until June 30, 2023.

T he same MC also directs that traditional jeepneys that “cooperativize” by March 31, 2023 shall be allowed to have their franchises renewed until December 31, 2023.

But S alceda said the same MC is not accompanied by a study or by an impact and contingency analysis for the 96,000 jeepneys, which may lose their franchises.

S alceda said the PUJ operators and drivers were the hardest-hit during the implementation of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, with as much as P102 billion in PUJ revenues is being foregone during the lockdowns.

The lawmaker said the same MC appears to ignore the potentially adverse consequence of a total traditional jeepney phase out in 2023, which will displace some 11.5 million daily jeepney commuters who will instead need to take other modes of transport, including our already congested rail systems, the limited transport network vehicle service system, and private cars and motorcycles.

The sudden phase out ignores the reality that among provinces, PUJs remain the primary mode of public transport between municipalities, he said. T he LTFRB announced that deadline

for traditional jeepneys to consolidate has been extended by to December 31 from June 30.

Reverse gear

e ve R y polic y comes with a “reverse gear,” but h ouse D eputy Speaker Ralph Recto believed President Marcos Jr. did not apply it on the jeepney modernization program “as he merely stepped on the brakes.” Rec to said the “pause” ordered by the President, which moved the deadline for jeepney owners to comply with the Public Utility vehicle Moderniza tion Program (PU v MP) to the end of the year, should give government time to improve the program.

What should also be reviewed is the imposition of “expiry dates” on PU vs , Recto said.

“The President is correct when it comes to cars, age is not the only factor: maintenance is,” the lawmaker said.

In addition to lowering the financial bar to ownership, Recto also called for a larger government subsidy on new units.

“This is a nation awashed in taxpayer subsidies. If you regularly ride the MRT and LRT on weekdays, subsidized ang fare mo ng P14,500 a year,” Recto said.

“I challenge the DOTr to release the projected per passenger fare subsidy of the subway. Is it correct that it will cost P150 per ride? h o w much is the average taxpayer subsidy for a SUC student? Prepandemic at P73,000 each,” said Recto.

T he present P160,000 government subsidy per new unit “is what we spend a year on the free college of just two students, or about 10 families enrolled under 4Ps,” Recto said.

Rec to said billions of T e SDA funds could be used in upgrading traditional jeeps, with the latter serving as learning material for tec-voc students mentored by experts.

The conservative estimate is that the 200,000 traditional jeeps in the country ferry 25 million passengers a day.

“They are the e v erything, e v erywhere All At Once’ ride. They provide essential services yet treated as eyesores. Improve them. Don’t make them extinct,” he said.

“Ironically, the quarantine restrictions at the start of the pandemic kept parents and their children in the confines of their home but still many families failed to address issues on depression and suicide. The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study revealed that symptoms of depression among our youth spiked from 2013 to 2021,” she said.

The same study showed a doubling of suicide ideation and suicide attempts among our youth from 2013 to 2021 showed that young adults (aged 15 to 24 years old) have considered ending their lives, “when this is the stage where it is supposed to be the time that they are building their dreams and conquering the world.”

The same survey said that in 2013, 574,000.00 or 3 percent of Filipino youth attempted to end their life.

“Six out of 10 of the respondents said that they did not reach out to anyone about it. And, if ever they did, whom did they run to for help? Twentyfive percent (25%) sought help from friends, instead of their parents or guardians. Only 7 percent of suicide ideators reached out to their parents; and 5 percent from relatives. And this is heartbreaking. As parents, we ought to be the first people that our children run to in times of need,” r ob es said.

She revealed that the data she presented “is an autopsy of what is going wrong in our families” as cases of suicide, depression and mental health problems are just the symptoms.

“‘ Nak, usap tayo …” are three simple words that may make our children feel: they are valued and loved; their voices are important and deserve to be heard; they have someone to lean on during the difficult and trying times of their lives; that healing starts in the family; and that a beautiful world is possible,” she said as she also urged parents to have a simple conversation with their children which “may be that last sliver of hope to save their lives before it is too late,” she added.

r ob es also urged ho use members to join her call for a measure declaring the month of February as the “Buwan ng Nag-uusap na Pamilya,” to raise mental health awareness among family members.

She said that in San Jose del Monte alone, she and her husband Mayor Arthur r ob es already launched a project called “One- l ik e-For- l ife,” a community campaign organized with doctors, nurses, psychologists and other mental health practitioners which provided counseling to the youth and children.

She also acknowledged the participation of representatives from e m otional r es et Center, City College of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Bulacan State University, Colegio de San Agustin, Ded e d City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, City Government e mp loyees Association of CSJDM, Private Schools of CSJDM, and affected families, to make her effort in San Jose del Monte successful.

She said participants have implemented a practical and manageable solution to prevent and avert the loss of lives brought about by depression and suicide. She revealed that based on interviews, the recurring theme in these suicide stories is the lack of effective communication among members of the family.

“There is, therefore, a need to provide avenues to bring families to talk again,” she added.

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

The e ner gy Regulatory Commission

( e RC) said Thursday it should not be blamed for the power crisis in Occidental Mindoro.

The agency, in a statement, denied that it was “due to red tape in the e RC” that a lot of areas in Occidental Mindoro were again plunged into darkness. The statement was made in the course of the hearings in Congress on h ouse Resolution N o. 34, the bill authored by Congressman Leody Tarriela.

“ The e RC has always been mindful of its responsibility to timely act on applications filed before it to ensure continuous supply of electricity to consumers. We, therefore, regret the statements made that e RC is to be blamed for the power crisis in the Province of Occidental Mindoro. We have prioritized resolving pending issues of parties concerned and have been timely in our actions to issue permits for

them to operate,” e RC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

T he e RC said it has been diligent on its efforts to facilitate the issuance of Certificates of Compliance (COCs) or Provisional Authorities to Operate (PAOs) in favor of generation facilities located in the Province of Occidental Mindoro because of the power situation in the area.

It has been closely coordinating with all concerned stakeholders, particularly with Occidental Mindoro Consolidated Power Corporation (OMCPC), the supplier in the area, on the status of its generating facilities supplying or will supply to Occidental Mindoro elec tric Cooperative (OM e CO).

T he e RC added that technical inspections were conducted as soon as the commissioning of the facilities was done. h o wever, the issuance of COC or grant of PAO is hinged on the generation company’s submission of requirements in order for e RC to act on its application to allow it to provisionally operate.

Govt urged to address mental health issues affecting youth

ERC on Occidental Mindoro’s power woes: Don’t blame us

Friday, March 3, 2023

DOLE grants emergency employment assistance to displaced CADPI workers

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

ment of Labor and e mp loyment (DOL e ).

In news statement issued on Thursday, DOL e Region 4A Director Ma. Karina Perida-Tray -

villa disclosed the said workers availed of their Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers  (TUPAD).

They were part of the 4,000 workers who were displaced after CADPI decided to shutdown the operation of its sugar mill last month due to “operational and financial challenges.”

“We are preparing to provide sustainable livelihood assistance after we hold a dialogue with the affected workers to optimize the use of funds,” Trayvilla said.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido e Laguesma earlier approved a P79million budget to provide assistance to the displaced workers.

Trayvilla said they have allocated P5,884,400.00 of the said amount to provide for the wages of their first batch of TUPAD beneficiaries from the former CADPI field workers.

They were already oriented on basic safety and health and other TUPAD implementation guidelines and procedures.

The beneficiaries will be given a 10-day work to help in school and coastal clean ups and seedling preparations.

Faster implementation

I N a related development, DOL e als o issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 23, which aims to fast-track the delivery of maternity and death benefits under the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program (SAWP) for coconut in -

dustry workers engaged in the production of biodiesel.

Under the issuance, the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) was authorized to “transfer and replenish” funds for the Death Benefits Assistance Program (MDBP) funds for biodiesel workers of the concerned DOL e regional offices.

With the immediate availability of funds, the implementation of the MDBP at the regional level is expected to become faster.

“The labor department envisioned the SAWP to become an effective tool that will help uplift workers’ livelihoods and well-being through the regular provision of services such as maternity and death benefit assistance,” DOL e said in a separate statement.

The releasing and replenishing of the reserve funds will be based on the total number of actual claims processed and released by the concerned DOL e regional offices monthly.

The order also allows the BWSC to create a reserve fund to serve as a supplement for the MDBP budget of the DOL e Regional Offices (RO).

The order covers the DOL e R Os in the National Capital Region (NCR) as well as Regions 4A, 10, 11, and 12.

3 ICT projects declared Champion at WSIS ‘23

Th R e e projects of the Department of Information and Communications Technology bagged Champion status at the World Summit on Information Society Prizes 2023. These projects were chosen from a field of more than 900 project entries from around the world.

The (1) Digital Governance Awards entry from the ICT Industry and Development Bureau; (2) e mp owering Lives in Prison through Information and Communications Technology entry from Region 4A and 4B offices; and

(3) Cybersecurity e du cation in the Philippines in the Face of New Normal Adversities entry from Region 9 and BaSulTa were dubbed Champions in their respective categories.

The Digital Governance Awards (DGA) is an initiative to recognize outstanding provinces, cities, and municipalities that demonstrated excellence in utilizing information and communications technology (ICT) to effectively and efficiently deliver public services.

The e mp owering Lives in Prison through ICT is conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and aims to promote inclusivity in prisons through ICT access.

Meanwhile, the Cybersecurity e ducation provides free cybersecurity courses accessible online and on-demand for Filipinos.

“The Department expresses its gratitude to everyone who voted and extended their full support to our initiatives. We shall continue to drive the digital

transformation journey forward to ensure that our undertakings benefit the Filipino people and make them globally ready,” ICT Chief Ivan John e . Uy s aid.

The WSIS Prizes is a global competition hosted by the International Telecommunications Union that was created to provide a forum for recognizing programs and events that use information and communication technology to promote sustainable growth. The detailed projects and categories are as follows:

Category: AL C1. The Role of Governments and all Stakeholders in the Promotion of ICTs for Development

Project:

Digital Governance Awards (Submitted by DICT Office of the Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development and IIDB) https://www.itu.int/.../stocktaking/ Prizes/2023/Champions...

Category: AL C5. Building confidence and security in use of ICTs Project: Cybersecurity e du cation in the Philippines in the Face of New Normal Adversities (Submitted by DICT Region 9-BASULTA)

https://www.itu.int/.../stocktaking/ Prizes/2023/Champions...

Category: AL C6. e n abling e nvironment

Project:

e mp owering Lives in Prisons through Information and Communications Technology (Submitted by DICT Region 4A)

https://www.itu.int/.../stocktaking/ Prizes/2023/Champions...

Ove R 1.200 s ugar cane field workers displaced by the closure of the sugar mill of the Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (CADPI) will soon receive emergency employment from the Depart-

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

PAO to help in prosecution of fratmen in two instances of death after hazing

By Joel R. San Juan

death were Romeo Earl Anthony, 21 years old , student; Tung Cheng Teng, 22, Adamson University student; Jerome Balot, 22, student; Sandro Victorino, 28 years old; Michael Lambert, 31; and Mark Pedrosa, 39.

The respondents availed of their right to undergo a preliminary investigation (PI), thus, waived their right under the provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, pending the completion of the PI.

She recounted that prior to his death, she lost contact with his son on December 10 and that his board mates told him that he returned only to the boarding house on December 12.

She added that on December 17, her son called her asking what medicines to take for urinary tract infection, stomach pain, and headache.

The mother said she advised her son to have himself checked by a doctor.

At a news briefing, PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said her office is now preparing all the affidavits and attachments needed for the filing of violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law against several individuals, who are now in police custody for their involvement in the death of Adamson University chemical engineering student John Matthew T. Salilig.

Salilig, who was reported missing on February 18, was discovered dead last February 28 and buried in a shallow grave at a vacant lot at the back of a subdivision   in Barangay Malagasang I-G in Imus, Cavite.

Initial investigation showed that Salilig sustained severe blunt force trauma due to hazing that resulted in his death.

S alilig’s initiation rites took place at the family house of one of the fraternity members in Barangay Casile, Biñan, Laguna.  The student died on his way back to Manila while on board a sports utility vehicle.

Acosta said Salilig’s family sought PAO’s legal representation through the victim’s brother, John Martin.

A costa said criminal charges are likely to be filed by PAO on behalf of the Saliligs today, Friday, before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Six out of 17 persons of interests (POIs) have already surfaced to provide police investigators more information on Salilig’s case.

A mong those who were charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Salilig’s

Govt settles Casecnan irrigation issue with IPs

By Raadee S. Sausa

THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and a group of indigenous people affected by the irrigation project have reached an agreement that may pave the way for the construction of an irrigation project to boost farm yield in Luzon.

The Bugkalot Indigenous Cultural Community/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) was affected by the government’s Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in the Provinces of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

A fter successful negotiation among the Bugkalot Ancestral Domain Environmental Management Council (BADEMC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), and NIA, the IPs voluntarily opened the barricades to the CMIPP in Barangay Pelaway, Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya.

Th is is part of the NIA and the Bugkalot IPs agreements to finally settle concerns and requests over

the operation of the CMIPP situated within their ancestral domain.

C ontinuing coordination between the NIA and the BADEMC is ongoing to ensure resolution to all issues surrounding the Bugkalots and CMIPP.

The Bugkalot extends a heartfelt thank you to our dear President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr… who…gave a directive to the NIA, PSALM and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples [NCIP] to fix the mess here in our area of Casecnan,” BADEMC Chairman Daniel Pasigian said. “ We are very grateful...[for] the government programs…that have given us renewed hope for our long-held expectations and clarity,” he added.

L ed by NIA Acting Administrator Eddie Guillen, the agency ensures that the protection of dam integrity for public safety and unhampered delivery of irrigation service, ensure the welfare of indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples is also a priority.

A rticle 125 of the PRC mandates the “delivery of detained persons to the proper judicial authorities within the period of: 12 hours, 18 hours, or 36 hours, depending on the gravity of the offense.”

They were later brought before the DOJ for inquest proceedings.

MOM OF ANOTHER TAU GAMMA

PHI VICTIM SEEKS JUSTICE MEANWHILE, a mother of a college student in Cebu has sought justice for his son’s death after undergoing  hazing rites conducted by the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members.

The victim, identified as 20-yearold University of Cebu marine engineering student Ronnel Baguio, died on December 18, 2022, but police have yet to file charges against those responsible for his death.

L eny, the mother of the victim, also sought the assistance of PAO in finding justice for his son.

The next day, Leny said her son called her up again to inform her that he vomited blood.

“

I told him to go to the doctor and that I would send money for his medical needs,” she said.

A day after,  she received a phone call from one of his son’s friends informing her that Ronnel was brought to a hospital and was in critical condition.

L eny said she  immediately booked a flight from Bataan to Cebu to see his son but the latter was already dead when she arrived.

She later discovered that her son sustained severe injuries on his legs.

R onnel’s death certificate, according to his mother, showed that he had an acute kidney injury secondary to multiple physical injuries.

The victim’s mother also expressed disappointment over the school’s refusal to provide assistance, saying that the alleged hazing happened outside the school and that they do

not sanction such activities.

Acosta said PAO would take the lead in the filing of charges against those responsible for Ronnel’s death.

The chief public attorney also lamented that police have yet to file charges or make an arrest in connection with Ronnel’s death almost three months after his death.

A costa also said the University of Cebu may be held civilly liable for Baguio’s death over their refusal to provide assistance to the Baguio family.

The PAO chief said they have already  prepared the draft complaint against an instructor of the victim at the university  who served as his “godfather” to the fraternity.

Acosta also called for the blacklisting of fraternities who have been involved in activities that violate the provisions of  Republic Act No. 11053.

She  said school administrators should also be penalized for failing to prevent or supervise the activities of  their fraternities.

A costa also expressed disappointment as some of those involved  in fatal hazing incidents have managed to elude life term imprisonment as courts would usually sentence them for reckless imprudence resulting to homicide instead of violation of RA 11053.

R eckless imprudence resulting to homicide carries a maximum penalty of six years.

DTI steps up drive vs online sale of illegal vape products

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), said it met with representatives from various e-commerce platforms in the country to address the proliferation of prohibited vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products being sold online.

DTI-CPG Undersecretary Ruth

B. Castelo reminded online platforms of their responsibilities to consumers and told them to strictly comply with the law, particularly in ensuring that minors have no access to Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products and Novel Tobacco Products.

We called for a high-level representation to this meeting with the aim of getting the commitment of the decision makers; we want to ensure that products prohibited in RA 11900 are not sold in your platforms in blatant contravention of the law,” Castelo said.

The trade official added that failure to comply with the requirements set forth in relevant issuances shall “constrain” the DTI to undertake all necessary and available legal actions against these business entities.

C astelo also noted that each merchant found selling prohibited items in their platform is equivalent to one formal charge. Therefore, the number of merchants violating the

law will determine the number of cases that the trade department may file against them.

A ccording to DTI, Meta (Facebook), Lazada E-Services Philippines Inc., Shopee Philippines Inc., Grab Express Inc., PH, Carousell, Pick.A.Roo (Agile Digital Ventures Inc.), Delivery Hero Philippines INc., Prosperma, and Etaily (TPA Operations Corp.) were present during the dialogue.

D TI said these platforms expressed their commitment in working together with them. With this, DTI noted, platforms that failed or refused to send representatives are “deemed to have been served with notice and cannot claim ignorance of the procedure implemented by DTI.”

W ith the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on December 28, 2022, all prohibited items under RA 11900 should no longer be found in the retail market, whether online or offline.

M eanwhile, DTI said manufacturers and importers are given an 18-month transitory period until June 5, 2024 to comply with product registration  and certification requirements of all electronic or vaporized nicotine devices and allowed consumables under RA 11900.

For product registration, DTI said only Bureau of Philippine

Standards-registered and certified Vaporized Nicotine and NonNicotine Products, their devices, and Novel Tobacco Products with the applicable graphic and textual health warnings shall be sold to the general public by June 2024.

The trade department, through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, its enforcement arm, recently inspected 11 vape shops selling vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products and novel tobacco products in Manila.

T he enforcement operation, headed by Assistant Secretary for DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Ann Claire C. Cabochan said that of the 11 inspected, eight non-conforming shops were issued a notice of violation (NOV).

A ccording to DTI, the inspections resulted in the sealing of 3,318 units of vape products worth P863,240 in Manila.

The DTI-FTEB said among the rules that were allegedly violated by the vape shops are: Rule V, Section 6 that requires posting of the minimum age requirement around the establishment.

A nother probable rule violation was Rule VI, Section 1, which prohibits selling vapor products with fruit flavors and/or packaging that uses cartoon characters.

Andrea E. San Juan

By Andrea E. San Juan

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has inked an agreement with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to prevent the transport of intellectual property (IP) infringing goods and raise awareness on the prohibition of traveling with counterfeit items.

The IPOPHL said the partnership comes amid the rise of “revenge travel” with the loosening of pandemic curbs.

“As we see no signs of the revenge travel easing, MIAA stands as a relevant partner to IPOPHL in ensuring tourists or returning residents observe our IP laws,” IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The IPOPHL chief said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) assures that IPOPHL has MIAA’s full cooperation in ensuring “IP-safe” travels.

Barba said “safe” would mean that destinations are safeguarded from counterfeit goods. “We achieve this by jointly developing efficient measures to thwart the importation, exportation and sale of such goods through and at the airport, all the while keeping in mind the convenience of our travelers,” the IPOPHL chief said.

M oreover, under the MOU, IPOPHL, in coordination with other member agencies of the National Committee on IP Rights (NCIPR), will provide MIAA staff with training to strengthen their understanding of IP laws, rules and regulations and capacities in identifying counterfeit goods.

Together, MIAA and IPOPHL will share critical information and statistics to monitor the movement of counterfeit goods and help other enforcement agencies in their surveillance and investigation of identities involved in IP infringement to the extent permitted by the Data Privacy Law of 2012,” the IPOPHL statement added.

Under Section 118 of the Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariffication Act (CMTA) of 2016, IP infringing goods as defined by Republic Act 8293 or the IP Code, are prohibited from being imported and exported. Any person who violates the CMTA could face penalties of P100,000 to P300,000 and/or imprisonment of 31 days to one year.

A t present, IPOPHL said, the warning of bringing in IP infringing goods is only part of various declaration forms at the entry points of the airport.

“ We hope we can conduct joint IP awareness activities, and put up more information  materials on IP in the airport that are highly visible to the public,” Barba said.

MIAA is a government-owned and controlled corporation and agency under the Department of Transportation. It is responsible for managing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport formerly Manila International Airport.

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

MUNTINLUPA has marked its 28th year of cityhood, exceeding expectations of its post-pandemic recovery with P6.033 billion total revenues.

T his is more than the income target for 2022, on top of its 101.09 percent tax collection efficiency rate.

As the economy reopened due to the improving health crisis situation, the number of registered businesses in the city reached 12,232 in January 2023, up by 59 percent from a figure of 7,651 in the same period of last year.

I n his State of the City Address during the 28th anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa being a first-class city, Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon looked back at the lessons and reali-

ties they learned from the three-year pandemic and bared their vision of a “smart future” with the imminent end of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic has been a true test of our strength, of our faith. It has been—and for some, still is— a difficult time, but the good news is that we are steadily bouncing back.

We are steadily recovering from the effects of the crisis caused by the pandemic,” he said.

A t the moment, Muntinlupa has achieved 136 percent vaccination rate among its eligible target population, translating to 538,614 individuals, with 80 percent of them have received booster shots.

The city government has Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun) underwent significant upgrade with a new annex building, thereby increasing its bed

capacity to 250, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) up to 16 beds, and five new operating room theaters, as well as additional mechanical ventilator, anesthesia, and ultrasound machines.

R ecently, malnutrition rate was pegged at 0.36 percent, the lowest since 2018, mainly due to the local government unit’s (LGU) aggressive nutrition program covering 95 percent or 42,220 target children aged zero to 59 months old.

G oing back to the face-to-face setup of classes, almost 89,000 students have also returned to schools—thanks to the combined efforts of educators, parents, the LGU, and various other sectors.

Seeing a significant literacy gap brought about by the lost time due to academic shutdown, the city government sought to address this with

the “Every Muntinlupeño a Reader” agenda, which aims to develop basic literacy skills like reading, listening and comprehension, especially among early readers.

W ith these economic indicators, Muntinlupa is among the top five most competitive economies in the Philippines, and this is validated by the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance that the city received.

Despite such accomplishments, the local chief executive believes that there’s still much to build on moving forward and achieve a “smart future.”

“Our cityhood journey, and now our road to pandemic recovery, underscores the importance of working together, and shows what we can do when we are focused towards a more liveable and more responsive city for Muntinlupeños,” Mayor Biazon said.

THE Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Thursday said it will represent the families of two college students who recently died at the hands of Tau Gamma Phi fraternity members after  undergoing hazing rites.

IPOPHL and MIAA pact assures ‘IP safe’ airport

Muntinlupa marks cityhood with significant growth amid pandemic recovery phase

SpaceX launches US, Russia, UAE astronauts to space station

By Marcia Dunn AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—SpaceX launched four astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA on Thursday, including the first person from the Arab world going up for an extended monthslong stay.

The Falcon rocket bolted from Kennedy Space Center shortly after midnight, illuminating the night sky as it headed up the East Coast.

Nearly 80 spectators from the United Arab Emirates watched from the launch site as astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi—only the second Emirati to fly to space—blasted off on his six-month mission. Half a world away in Dubai and elsewhere across the UAE, schools and offices broadcast the launch live.

Also riding the Dragon capsule that’s due at the space station on Friday: NASA’s Stephen Bowen, a retired Navy submariner who logged three space shuttle flights, and Warren “Woody” Hoburg, a former research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and space newbie, and Andrei Fedyaev, a space rookie who’s retired from the Russian Air Force.

“Welcome to orbit,” SpaceX Launch Control radioed, noting liftoff occurred four years to the day after the capsule’s first orbital test flight. “If you enjoyed your ride, please don’t forget to give us five stars.”

The first attempt to launch them was called off Monday at the last minute because of a clogged filter in the engine ignition system.

“It may have taken two times, but it was worth the trip,” Bowen said.

NASA’s space operations mission chief, Kathy Lueders, said Thursday’s launch enhanced a night sky already showcasing a conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. The two planets have appeared side by side all week, seeming to grow ever closer.

“We added a bright new star to that night sky tonight,” she told reporters.z

The space station newcomers will replace a US-Russian-Japanese crew that has been up there since October. The other station residents are two Russians and an American whose six-month stay was doubled, until September, after their Soyuz capsule sprang a leak. A replacement Soyuz arrived last weekend.

Al-Neyadi, a communications engineer, thanked everyone in Arabic and then English once reaching orbit. “Launch was incredible. Amazing,” he said.

He served as backup for the first Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa al-Mansoori, who rode a Russian rocket to the space station in 2019 for a weeklong visit. The oil-rich federation paid for alNeyadi’s seat on the SpaceX flight.

The UAE’s minister for public education and advanced technology, Sarah al-Amiri, said the long mission “provides us a new venue for science and scientific discovery for the country.”

“We don’t want to just go to space and then not have much to do there or not have impact,” said the director general of the UAE’s space center in Dubai, Salem al-Marri.

The Emirates already have a spacecraft orbiting Mars, and a mini rover is hitching a ride to the moon on a Japanese lander. Two new UAE astronauts are training with NASA’s latest astronaut picks in Houston.

Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman was the first Arab in space, launching aboard shuttle Discovery in 1985. He was followed two years later by Syrian astronaut Muhammed Faris, launched by Russia. Both were in space for about a week.

Al-Neyadi will be joined this spring by two Saudi astronauts going to the space station on a short private SpaceX flight paid by their government.

“It’s going to be really exciting, really interesting” to have three Arabs in space at once, he said last week. “Our region is also thirsty to learn more.”

He’s taking up lots of dates to share with his crewmates, especially during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, which begins this month. As for observing Ramadan in orbit, he said fasting isn’t compulsory since it could make him weak and jeopardize his mission.

Bowen, the crew’s leader, said the four have jelled well as a team despite differences between their countries. Even with the tension over the war in Ukraine, the US and Russia have continued to work together on the space station and trade seats on rides there.

“It’s just tremendous to have the opportunity to fly with these guys,” Bowen said.

By Wanjohi Kabukuru The Associated Press

MOMBASA, Kenya—A summit on how to protect the world’s largest forests underway in Gabon is set to be dominated by the issue of who pays for the protection and reforesting of lands that are home to some of the world’s most diverse species and contribute to limiting planet-warming emissions.

French president Emmanuel Macron and officials and environment ministers from around the world are attending the One Forest Summit this week in the capital Brazzaville to discuss maintaining the world’s major rainforests.

But absence of leaders from key nations like presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi is likely to dampen the summit’s momentum.

Macron and his Gabonese counterpart Ali Bongo Ondimba hope the summit will nevertheless encourage solidarity between the world’s three major tropical forests in the Amazon, the Congo Basin and in Southeast Asia, where some countries say that protecting the forests needs to be profitable.

“Finance has not materialized at the necessary scale,” said Simo Kilepa, Papua New Guinea’s environment minister on Wednesday evening. “We need to be able to generate revenue from the protection of wild forests.”

The summit in Gabon follows disagreements over cash for protecting forests at the United Nations’ biodiversity summit in Montreal last December. Congo made a last-minute objection to the now-approved framework, urging for rich, industrialized nations to pay lower-income countries to help protect forests. Congo’s calls were dismissed on a legal technicality. The country is sending a reduced delegation to Gabon.

Key environmental groups led by Global Witness are also piling pressure on France to exert its influence and rein in major European banks accused of financing deforestation.

“It’s incredibly disheartening to still see that French and other EU-based financial institutions are continuing to pump millions of euros into the decimation of climate critical forests,” said Giulia Bondi, a senior EU forests campaigner at Global Witness. Previously, Global Witness found that France’s asset managers hold 966 million euros ($1 billion) in forest-risk bonds and shares.

At Gabon talks, debate on who pays to save world’s forests

At G-20 talks, high expectations for India as rising global power

By Sheikh Saaliq & Krutika Pathi The Associated Press

NEW DELHI—With the foreign ministers of the Group of 20 leading economies meeting Thursday in New Delhi, host India is promoting itself as a rising superpower while leveraging its position on the global stage to bridge the gap between the West and Russia.

Experts expect India to be at the center of bitter global divisions, particularly over Russia’s war in Ukraine. But it’s also an opportunity for the South Asian nation to position itself as the voice of the Global South and as a potential mediator between the West and Moscow.

India is expected to adopt a neutral stance on Ukraine, as it has in the past. The event is likely to be overshadowed by the war in Europe and its impact on global energy and food security. However, senior foreign ministry officials said Wednesday that India was determined to focus on “equally important” issues of rising inflation, debt stress, health, climate change and food and energy security in developing nations.

“I really do believe that India stands the best chance of all countries to try to hold peace negotiations between Russia and not just the US, but the West, actually,” said Derek Grossman, an analyst focused on the Indo-Pacific at the RAND Corporation. He credited India’s non-alignment and its rise as a global power for why it could be a potential peacemaker.

But the South Asian country has its own challenges, particularly with regional rival China. Tensions between New Delhi and Beijing remain high after a deadly

border clash in 2020.

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the country’s foreign minister would be attending the G-20 meeting, and that “China attaches great importance with India.” She added maintaining good ties between the two countries is fundamental to their interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar “have done a good job of steering this middle path in very turbulent times,” Grossman said.

“You now have American, Russian and even Chinese diplomats supporting India. The country really is at the geopolitical crossroads of everything now that involves the Global South,” he added.

So far, India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia. The two have been allies since the cold war era and New Delhi depends on Moscow for nearly 60 percent of its defense equipment. India has increasingly scooped up Russian oil since the invasion a year ago, initially facing scrutiny from the US and other allies over its growing purchases. That pressure has since waned and India has continued to abstain from voting in UN resolutions that condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“It may appear unfathomable to many in the West that the reaction

of the world’s largest democracy to such a cold-blooded, egregious aggression would be so subdued. But for anyone who understands India’s foreign policy, it’s not surprising at all,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute.

“New Delhi has a special relationship with Moscow, and it’s not about to jeopardize it by turning on a longstanding partner,” he said.

Thursday’s meeting will nonetheless be challenging for India, especially after it was forced to issue a compromised chair’s summary at the conclusion of the G-20 finance ministers meeting last week. Russia and China objected to a joint communiqué that retained language on the war in Ukraine drawn directly from last year’s G-20 leaders summit declaration in Indonesia.

India has said that it stands by the Bali declaration in which major world powers strongly condemned the war in Ukraine, warning that the conflict was intensifying fragilities in the world’s economy.

Grossman said it was concerning that the final statement issued in Bengaluru last week was watered down from the Bali declaration at the insistence of China and

UK is grappling with vegetable shortages. How did it happen?

By Sylvia Hui The Associated Press

LONDON—When European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Britain last week, some joked on social media: Can you please bring us some tomatoes?

People in the UK have had to ration salad staples like tomatoes and cucumbers for the past two weeks amid a shortage of fresh vegetables. Shelves of fresh produce in many stores have been bare, and most major supermarkets have imposed limits on how many salad bags or bell peppers customers are allowed to buy.

Officials blame the problem on recent bad weather in Spain and North Africa, saying the shortages could persist for up to a month. But many people were quick to point out that other European countries don’t seem to be suffering the same challenges, leading some to wonder if it was a consequence of Britain’s divorce from the EU.

Britain’s government has rejected the suggestion that Brexit is to blame. But shoppers aren’t happy, and Environment Secretary Therese Coffey’s suggestion that consumers should “cherish” British produce and eat more turnips instead of imported food drew widespread mockery.

Experts say Brexit likely played a part in the food shortage, though a more complex set of factors—including climate change, the UK’s overreliance on imports during the winter, soaring energy costs and the competitive pricing strategies at British supermarkets—are more salient explanations.

Russia. He said New Delhi allowing that to happen was worrisome, but India’s “awkward predicament” to ensure a successful G-20 with everyone there, including Russia and China, meant the country has to make “compromises.”

“I think that’s what India is trying to do now,” he said.

The summits are particularly important for Modi and his ruling party ahead of the 2024 general elections. A strong show during India’s year as G-20 president will allow Modi’s party to signal its diplomatic reach and project power both at home and abroad.

Kugelman said the summit, due later this year, will advance important domestic political goals for New Delhi, and Modi’s ultimate goal would be to “successfully manage the myriad geopolitical rivalries within the G-20, signal that India can rise above intense great power competition and seemingly intractable issues like the Ukraine war, and guide the prestigious club toward tangible achievements.”

“In effect, Modi wants its G-20 presidency to yield meaningful achievements. That’s a tall order, for sure, but it’s important for New Delhi’s foreign policy and domestic political goals alike,” he said.

Ukraine official says forces may pull out of Bakhmut City

By Susie Blann

The Associated Press

KYIV, Ukraine—The Ukrainian military might pull troops back from the key stronghold of Bakhmut, an adviser to Ukraine’s president said Wednesday in remarks that suggested Russia could capture the city that has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance.

Kremlin forces have waged a bloody, monthslong offensive to take Bakhmut, a city of salt and gypsum mines in eastern Ukraine that has become a ghost town.

“Our military is obviously going to weigh all of the options. So far, they’ve held the city, but if need be, they will strategically pull back,” Alexander Rodnyansky, an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, told CNN. “We’re not going to sacrifice all of our people just for nothing.”

The battle for Bakhmut has come to embody Ukraine’s determination as the city’s defenders hold out against relentless shelling and Russian troops suffer heavy casualties.

Bakhmut lies in Donetsk province, one of four provinces Russia illegally annexed last fall. Moscow controls half of Donetsk province. To take the remaining half of that province, Russian forces must go through Bakhmut, the only approach to bigger Ukrainian-held cities since Ukrainian troops took back Izium in Kharkiv province in September.

Analysts say the fall of Bakhmut would be a blow for Ukraine and offer tactical advantages to Russia, but would not prove decisive to the war’s outcome.

Rodnyansky noted that Russia was

using the Wagner Group’s best troops to try to encircle the city. The private military company known for brutal tactics is led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a rogue millionaire with longtime links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin said Wednesday that he had seen no signs of a Ukrainian withdrawal and that Kyiv has, in fact, been reinforcing its positions.

“The Ukrainian army is deploying additional troops and is doing what it can to retain control of the city,” Prigozhin said. “Tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are offering fierce resistance, and the fighting is getting increasingly bloody by day.”

Ukraine’s deputy defense minister, Hanna Maliar, said earlier this week that reinforcements had been dispatched to Bakhmut.

Ukrainian military analyst Oleh

Zhdanov told The Associated Press that the reinforcements may have been sent “to gain time” for strengthening Ukrainian firing lines on a hill in Chasiv Yar, 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) west of Bakhmut.

Zhdanov said the possible withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Bakhmut “will not affect the course of the war in any way” because of the firing positions in Chasiv Yar.

Bakhmut is now partly encircled, and all roads, including the main supply route, are within range of Russian fire, Zhdanov said. The city lies in ruins and “no longer has strategic or operational significance.”

“In Bakhmut, the Russians lost so many forces—soldiers and equipment—that this city has already fulfilled its function,” Zhdanov said.

Recent drone footage showed the scale of devastation in the city, and Zelenskyy has described it as “destroyed.”

Since invading Ukraine a year ago, Russia has bombarded various cities and towns it wanted to occupy. It also targeted Ukraine’s power supply with missile strikes ahead of winter in an apparent attempt to weaken residents’ morale.

While Western analysts have warned that warmer weather might give Moscow an opportunity to renew an offensive, Ukrainian officials nonetheless celebrated Wednesday as their traditional first day of spring.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba announced that his country had emerged from Putin’s “winter terror.”

“We survived the most difficult winter in our history,” Kuleba wrote on Facebook. Zelenskyy added in his nightly video address: “This winter is over. It was very difficult, and every Ukrainian felt this difficulty without exaggeration. But still, we were able to provide Ukraine with energy and heat.”

If the war becomes a protracted conflict, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Kariņs said that would demand a response from Kyiv’s Western allies.

“This is potentially, for many years to come, where we will have to readapt our militaries, our military industry, to be able to step up to a much, much bigger challenge,” Karins said after talks in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Meanwhile, one of Zelenskyy’s top advisers, Mykhailo Podolyak, denied on Wednesday that Ukraine had used drones to attack Russian territory following official Russian statements that Ukraine had targeted infrastructure deep inside Russia.

“Ukraine does not strike on the territory of the Russian Federation. Ukraine is waging a defensive war with the aim of de-occupying all its territories,” Podolyak wrote on Twitter, suggesting the targeting of Russian infrastructure was the result of “internal attacks.”

Ukraine’s Western allies have discouraged Ukraine from attacking targets in Russia to avoid escalation of the conflict, and Podolyak’s statement could reflect an attempt by Kyiv to maintain a degree of deniability in view of those Western concerns.

In the past, Ukrainian officials have stopped short of claiming responsibility for attacks in Russia, but also insisted that they have the right to strike any target in Russian territory in response to its aggression.

Asked about Podolyak’s denial, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “We don’t believe it.”

Pictures of a drone that fell near the village of Gubastovo, less than 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Moscow, showed it was a small Ukrainian-made model with a reported range of up to 800 kilometers (nearly 500 miles), but no capacity to carry many explosives.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Wednesday it prevented a massive drone attack on Crimea. According to Russian state media, air defenses shot down six drones, while electronic warfare systems disabled four others. Also Wednesday, Belarusian state TV attempted to knock down claims of another attack.

Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia, contributed to this report

A look at some of the factors contributing to what one European broadcaster has called Britain’s “vegetable fiasco”: Cold weather, high energy bills

UNUSUALLY cold temperatures in Spain and heavy rain and flooding in Morocco—two of the biggest tomato suppliers to the UK—have led to poor yields and are cited as the primary cause of the shortage.

In Spain, farmers blame recent freezing temperatures following record heat and dry conditions last year.

In the southern province of Almeria, which grows 40% of Spain’s fresh vegetable exports, the production levels of tomatoes, cucumbers and eggplants fell by over 20% during the first three weeks of February compared with the same period in 2022, according to FEPEX, an organization representing Spanish fruit and vegetable exporters. The group said the situation is improving.

Heat and drought in Europe last year also are affecting vegetable harvests in other countries, including Germany.

Separately, the Netherlands, another major tomato producer, has seen a drop in output because skyrocketing energy bills tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine meant many growers couldn’t justify the cost of turning on the LED lights in their greenhouses this winter.

Vegetable growers in the UK have reported that they, too, were forced to leave their greenhouses empty.

Richard Diplock, managing director at the Green House Growers based in southern England, said his energy costs are some six times higher compared with previous winters.

“We made the decision that we couldn’t afford to heat the greenhouses in December and January, and we’ve held back planting until February. Lots of tomato growers are in a similar position,” he said.

Blaming Brexit

THE shortages in Britain—and contrasting pictures of full vegetable shelves in supermarkets in mainland Europe—led to a degree of Brexit schadenfreude in some EU news outlets.

Experts say extra bureaucracy and costs associated with Brexit have played a part, though they stress it’s not a main factor.

“One hypothesis for fewer exports to the UK is that if supply is constrained, why would you go to extra paperwork (to export to Britain)?” said Michael Winter, a professor of agricultural change at the University of Exeter. “If transaction costs are greater for exporting to one country compared to another, that’s going to dictate where you go.”

“Brexit has exaggerated the problem, without a doubt,” Winter added. “But I don’t want to overplay that. It’s more to do with climate change and lack of investment in our industry.”

Supermarket pricing

FARMERS say another factor is how Britain’s biggest supermarkets have sought to stay competitive by keeping prices as low as possible even as food costs have spiked, a major driver of inflation that’s at the highest levels in decades.

In some EU countries, like Germany, there are no empty shelves, but the prices for fresh vegetables have shot up massively. British supermarkets are reluctant to pay more or charge customers so much, Diplock said.

“Being in the UK, you know every week the price of a cucumber is 75p ($0.90) no matter what time of year it is,” Diplock said. “North African and Spanish producers will see a better return for supplying European supermarkets.”

“Where’s the investment?”

Even if energy costs hadn’t risen so much, British growers would not come close to making up for the shortfalls in imported produce, Diplock said.

During the winter, domestic UK production only accounts for 5% or less of tomatoes and cucumbers sold in British supermarkets.

The National Farmers’ Union has warned for months that overreliance on imported fresh produce leaves the UK vulnerable to unpredictable weather events and other external factors like the war in Ukraine.

Farmers also have complained about the lack of government investment in the sector and funding to help them cope with painfully high energy bills.

The government has spent billions to help consumers and businesses as European natural gas prices soared to record highs on Russia’s curtailed supplies.

“The bigger question is why have we, in this country, neglected horticulture,” Winter said. “This is a bit of a wake-up call.”

AP writers Joseph Wilson in Madrid and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this report

DELEGATES arrive at the G-20 foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi, India on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Top diplomats from the world’s major industrialized and developing nations on Thursday opened what are expected to be contentious talks dominated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s moves to boost its global influence. AP/MANISH SWARUP

The World

Over 26,000 evacuated as floods submerge Malaysia again; 1 dead

China looks to consumers to drive economic rebound

By Joe Mcdonald AP Business Writer

BEIJING—Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s agenda for the annual meeting of the ceremonial legislature: Revive the economy by encouraging consumers to spend more now that severe anti-virus controls have ended, and install a government of loyalists to intensify Communist Party control over the economy and society.

Xi, China’s most powerful figure in decades, has no formal role in the National People’s Congress, which will convene a meeting of its full membership on Sunday. But he looms over every event: the 69-year-old awarded himself a third five-year term as party general secretary in October, possibly making himself leader for life.

The two-week gathering of 2,977 NPC members is the year’s highestprofile political event, but its lawmaking work is limited to endorsing ruling party decisions. Its more important function is to provide a platform to publicize government plans and give members instructions to take home to cities and provinces.

Xi and other leaders say their priority is to reassure consumers and entrepreneurs it’s time to spend and invest after restrictions that kept millions of people at home, temporarily shut down Shanghai and other industrial centers and wiped out jobs were lifted in December.

The economy faces challenges ranging from weak global demand for exports and lingering US tariff hikes in a feud over technology and security to curbs on access to Western processor chips due to security fears. At home, the workforce has been shrinking for more than a decade, putting pressure on an economy that still relies on labor-intensive industry.

Economic growth fell to 3 percent in 2022, the second-weakest level since at least the 1970s.

The ruling party needs to “fully release consumption potential,” Xi said at the party’s annual planning meeting, according to a text published February 16.

Xi gave no details but said Beijing should encourage spending on electric cars and medical and elderly care, home improvement, culture and sports. He warned at the December meeting that work “will be complicated.”

A consumer-led rebound might take longer than stimulus spending or igniting a boom in real estate investment. But Chinese leaders are trying to avoid options that would push up debt they worry already is dangerous high.

Forecasters expect Premier Li Keqiang, the top economic official, to announce a growth target of 5 percent to 5.5 percent in a speech Sunday on plans for the year. Li, an advocate of free enterprise, is due to be replaced as premier at the congress after being sidelined as No. 2 party leader in October.

The International Monetary Fund and some private sector forecasters expect much weaker annual growth, as low as 4.4 percent.

“It takes time to say whether the economy will turn around,” said Song Huimin, a supermarket owner in the northeastern city of Jinzhou. He said sales are better than six months ago but not back to pre-Covid levels.

“People want to consume, but they still don’t have enough income,” Song said. “Some people still are out of work.”

The former owner of a clothing factory in the eastern city of Changzhou said it shut down last year, throwing 20 people out of work. He got a job at another clothing company. Any spare cash goes to pay for his 14-year-old daughter’s education.

“I have no house or car and no plans to travel,” said the man, who would give only his surname, Wu.

Since taking power in 2012, Xi has called for the ruling party to return to its “original mission” as China’s economic, social and cultural leader and carry out the “rejuvenation of the great Chinese nation.”

Entrepreneurs who generate China’s new jobs and wealth have been rattled by tighter political controls and anti-virus curbs. Business groups say global companies were shifting investment to India, Vietnam and other countries last year because China’s travel curbs blocked executives from visiting the country.

The party has indicated it is winding down anti-monopoly and data security crackdowns on tech companies that wiped hundreds of billions of dollars off the stock market value of Alibaba, Tencent and other industry leaders. But it shows no sign of backing off a campaign to tighten political control over them.

The industry was shaken anew in mid-February when Bao Fan, a star banker involved in some of the biggest tech deals, disappeared. His company announced Bao was “cooperating in an investigation” but gave no details.

Companies still are “expected to prioritize party instructions,” Neil Thomas of Eurasia Group said in a report. He said measures announced during the NPC might give the ruling party “more direct oversight over policymaking” in technology and innovation.

A new government will be announced at the end of the congress in a once-a-decade change that gives Xi an opening to install his supporters as premier, finance minister and central bank governor.

Xi has promoted officials with whom he has personal history in defiance of a party tradition that required leadership candidates to have served as Cabinet ministers or in other national-level posts.

The official in line to succeed Li as premier and head of government is Li Qiang, a former party secretary of Shanghai who has no government experience at the national level. Li Qiang was named No. 2 party leader in October.

Li Qiang “will do whatever it takes to ensure that Xi has no reason to doubt his loyalty,” said Thomas.

AP researcher Yu Bing contributed

The southern Johor state, neighboring Singapore, was the worst hit with some 25,000 people moved to relief centers in schools and community halls. The figure more than doubled from Tuesday, officials said. Five other states were also hit by floods after incessant rain on Wednesday deluged the area.

The country is experiencing its sixth episode of continuous heavy rain from the annual monsoon season that started in November, the Meteorological Department said, warning it could drag on

until April.

In December, tens of thousands of people were also evacuated due to flooding.

The department warned that rain will persist in Johor and other parts of the country that could cause further flash floods Thursday.

Social media posts showed photos of a road that had collapsed due to overflowing water after a heavy downpour, vehicles and homes submerged in muddy waters, and shuttered shops.

In Johor, authorities said a man driving to work in a palm oil plantation was found dead after rescuers retrieved his car, which had been washed away by floodwaters.

Images posted by the National Flood Disaster Agency showed rescuers wading chest-deep in some

areas in Johor to help victims trapped in their homes and carrying a baby in a bucket to safety. The agency warned that waters in 25 rivers nationwide have reached dangerous levels. Data showed that 102 landslides have occurred since November due to heavy rain, it said. AP

Greek rail workers strike over conditions after deadly crash

By Costas Kantouris & Derek Gatopoulos The Associated Press

THESSALONIKI, Greece—

Rescuers using cranes and heavy machinery on Thursday searched the wreckage of trains involved in a deadly collision that sent Greece into national mourning and prompted strikes and protests over rail safety. The death toll from Wednesday’s head-on crash involving a passenger train and freight carrier remained at 43 as crews continue to check the burned out and twisted rail car remains for more bodies. More than 50 people remained hospitalized, most in the central Greek city of Larissa, some in serious condition. Railway workers’ associations called strikes, halting national rail services and the subway in Athens, to protest working conditions and what they described as a lack of modernization of the Greek rail system.

Wednesday’s collision occurred near the small town of Tempe in northern Greece, when a freight train loaded

FIREFIGHTERS and rescuers supported by two cranes, search through the wreckage after a trains collision in Tempe, about 376 kilometers (235 miles) north of Athens, near Larissa city, Greece on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Emergency workers are searching for survivors and bodies after a passenger train and a freight train crashed head-on in Tempe, central Greece just before midnight Tuesday. It was the country’s deadliest rail crash on record. AP/VAGGELIS KOUSIORAS

with heavy construction equipment smashed into a passenger service on Greece’s busiest line between Athens and the country’s second largest city, Thessaloniki. More than 300 people were on board the train, many of them students returning from

a holiday weekend and annual Carnival celebrations around Greece.

As Greece reeled from its deadliest ever train disaster, Pope Francis and European leaders sent messages of sympathy. Among them were the Turkish Foreign Minister

Mevlut Cavusoglu, whose country is recovering from devastating earthquakes last month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a message in Greek, writing “The people of Ukraine share the pain of the families of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.”

A stationmaster arrested following the rail disaster is due to appear in court Thursday as a judicial inquiry tries to establish why the two trains traveling in opposite directions were on the same track.

Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned following the crash, his replacement tasked with setting up an independent inquiry looking into the causes of the accident.

“Responsibility will be assigned,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address late Wednesday after visiting the scene of the collision. “We will work so that the words ‘never again’ ... will not remain an empty pledge. That I promise you.”

Gatopoulos reported from Athens, Greece

India’s top court orders probe of Adani Group

By Ashok Sharma

The Associated Press

NEW DELHI—India’s top court on Thursday ordered an expert committee to investigate any regulatory failures related to the country’s second-largest conglomerate, the Adani Group.

The investigation was prompted by allegations made by US shortseller Hindenburg Research in a report that accused Adani companies of engaging in market manipulation and other fraudulent practices.

Shares in the group’s flagship, Adani Enterprises, and other affiliated companies have lost tens of billions of dollars in market value since Hindenburg issued its report.

The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing, defending itself against the allegations in a 413-

page rebuttal. In a tweet Thursday, it welcomed the court order.

``It will bring finality in a timebound manner. Trust will prevail,” the company said. The expert committee will sub -

mit its findings to the Supreme Court within two months, said Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and justices P.S. Narasimha and J.B. Pardiwala.

The top court also directed the

government-run Securities and Exchange Board of India to investigate whether there had been a violation of rules or manipulation of stock prices by the Adani Group.

The court acted on petitions filed by some activists and lawyers.

Apart from investigating allegations against Adani, the expert committee is to suggest measures to improve regulatory oversight and protections for investors.

Adani Enterprises canceled a share offering meant to raise $2.5 billion last month after Hindenburg issued its report and its share price plummeted.

Opposition lawmakers blocked parliamentary proceedings last month demanding a probe into the business dealings of coal tycoon Gautam Adani, who is said to enjoy close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia— Rescuers in boats retrieved families trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as villages and towns in parts of Malaysia were submerged in floodwaters, leading to over 26,000 people being evacuated as of Thursday. One person died when his car was swept away by floodwaters.

IN this photo released by National Disaster Management Agency, the army evacuate residents on Chaah town in Segamat, in southern Johor state, Malaysia on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Rescuers in boats plucked flood victims trapped on rooftops and hauled others to safety as incessant rain submerged homes and villages in parts of Malaysia, leading to over 26,000 people evacuated as of Thursday. NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY VIA AP

A WORKER waits for customers at the entrance of a clothing shop along a tourist shopping street in Beijing on February 28, 2023. Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s agenda for the annual meeting of the ceremonial legislature: Revive the struggling economy by encouraging consumers to spend now that severe anti-virus controls have ended. Install a government of Xi loyalists to intensify the ruling Communist Party’s control over the economy and society. AP/MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

POLICE detain members of opposition Congress party who were demanding an investigation into allegations of fraud and stock manipulation by India’s Adani Group outside National Stock Exchange during a protest in Mumbai, India on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Adani Group suffered a massive sell-off of its shares after a US-based short-selling firm, Hindenburg Research, accused it of various fraudulent practices. The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing. AP/RAFIQ MAQBOOL

Let all people pay homage to women

March of every year is celebrated as National Women’s Month in the Philippines. In the United States, the United Kingdom and australia, March is celebrated as Women’s history Month, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8. Women’s history Month was proclaimed in canada in 1992 to give canadians “an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to society.” Instead of March, however, October was chosen to coincide with the celebration of Persons Day on October 18.

The observance of International Women’s Day was a result of the organizing activities of women in the early 20th century. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the US participated in organizing strike activities of the National Women’s Trade Union League and other concerned groups. They were protesting against low wages, lack of protective legislation and the very poor working conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.

In Europe, women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin and the Socialist Women’s International demanded that March 8th be declared International Women’s Day, celebrated each year to recognize workingwomen around the world. The celebration of International Women’s Day has since stimulated major historical events. For instance, it was the inspiration for the general strike that began the Russian Revolution in St. Petersburg in 1917 when 10,000 women textile workers demonstrated. The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975 to celebrate women’s contributions to all societies.

In the Philippines, the celebration of National Women’s Month has since served as a venue to highlight women’s achievements and discuss continuing and emerging women’s empowerment and gender equality issues and concerns. The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) spearheads the annual celebration, which honors women and their contributions to nation building.

The celebration also highlights the need to protect, promote, and fulfill women’s rights so they can maximize their potential and welfare, enabling them to be agents of the country’s development. This celebration also coincides with the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day on March 8.

The PCW, in partnership with UN Women, will jumpstart the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration on March 8, International Women’s Day, with the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”. The event will gather advocacy partners, policymakers, gender and development advocates in technology, innovation and ICT, government gender and development workers, and the private sector in a full day of sharing and learning. Discussions will revolve around the policies that must be pushed and issues that must be addressed in terms of women’s involvement and contribution to the technology and digital realm.

The United Nations observance of International Women’s Day recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education.

International Women’s Day 2023 will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. The event will also spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence. Bringing women and other marginalized groups into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. Their lack of inclusion, by contrast, comes with massive costs: as per UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2022 report, women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved $1 trillion from the gross domestic product of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade—a loss that will grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. Reversing this trend will require tackling the problem of online violence, which a study of 51 countries revealed 38 percent of women had personally experienced. The digital gender gap in the Philippines slightly favors women more than men. For example, in 2020 women’s Internet access was at 67 percent, while that of men was at 65 percent. However, these are not ideal figures. It would do well for the government to adopt policies that promote a more inclusive digital economy. There’s a need to open new economic opportunities, which enable the benefits of development to reach every Filipino, everywhere in the Philippines.

Honoring Filipina pillars of excellence

sonny M. angara

Better Days

IN January, the Senate of the Philippines adopted a resolution honoring The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2022 awardees. The awards, launched by the TOWNS Foundation in 1974, is a triennial search for Filipino women aged 21 to 50 years old who are considered exemplars of courage, excellence, and dedication in their various fields. Over the years, outstanding women—such as former senator Leticia Shahani, actress Nora aunor, bowling legend Olivia “Bong” coo, theater artist cecile Guidotea lvarez, broadcast journalists cecilia “cheche” Lazaro and Jessica Soho, prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, and Olympic gold medalist hidilyn Diaz, to name a few, have been celebrated for their service and contribution to the country through the TOWNS awards.

Last year, the most recent iteration of the Awards, recognized 11 more women of different histories, backgrounds, and professions who have made an impact to their communities and to society. These are Ani Rosa Almario of Adarna House and Raya School for education and entrepreneurship; worldclass billiards player Rubilen Amit for sports; UP-Diliman National

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB) Director Dr. Pia Bagamasbad for medicine and public health; Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho for medicine and public health; Asian Institute of Management (AIM) professor and co-author of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy Roadmap Dr. Erika Fille Legara for data science;

Happiness or joy?

Dr. ser Percival K. Peña-reyes

WatCH

Why does a typical demand curve slope downward? Economists often use the concept of utility to explain this. Presumably, people consume goods and services because they derive utility, satisfaction, or happiness out of such consumption. as they consume more of a product within a given period of time, it is likely that each additional unit consumed will yield successively less satisfaction.

Indeed, this law of diminishing marginal utility is an important concept in economics. If each successive unit of a good is worth less to someone, he is not going to be willing to pay as much for it. Thus, it is reasonable to expect a downward slope in the demand curve for that good.

For example, Juan loves to eat samgyupsal (Korean barbecue). At a price of P1,000 per meal, Juan will not consume samgyupsal because he feels that the utility gained from even the first meal is not worth the price. However, a lower price of P625 per meal lures Juan into the Korean restaurant five times a month. The utility from the sixth meal is not worth P625 to him. If the price is P375 per meal, Juan will eat samgyupsal 10 times a month, until the marginal utility of

These awardees were selected from a pool of 70 nominees around the country after a yearlong deliberation. Their achievements in their respective sectors and fields have helped shape the development of this country and have served as drivers for social, economic, and cultural change. Hence, it is only fitting that the government commend these pillars of excellence.

local urban planner, active mobility advocate and lead convenor of Life

Cycles PH Keisha Alena Mayuga for transportation; community pantry pioneer Ana Patricia Non for community service; environmentalist and Save Philippine Seas movement cofounder Anna Rosario Oposa for marine ecology conservation; Rappler journalist Patricia Marie Ranada for investigative journalism; Connected Women founder Georgina Romero for women empowerment through information and communications technology; and Dr. Alleta Yñiguez of the UP Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) for marine science. These awardees were selected from a pool of 70 nominees around

that means, then, perhaps, it would be helpful to consider insights from other fields, notably philosophy and theology.

As it turns out, happiness is an emotion that is often contrasted with joy. The two are somewhat similar in the sense that they are positive feelings, but they are really very different. Happiness tends to be triggered externally, but joy is attributed to something very consistent and internal.

the country after a yearlong deliberation. Their achievements in their respective sectors and fields have helped shape the development of this country and have served as drivers for social, economic, and cultural change. Hence, it is only fitting that the government commend these pillars of excellence.

These awe-inspiring individuals are but a few examples of Filipino women playing outsized and singularly vital roles in our society over decades—from the pre-colonial matriarchal days of the babaylans; to the various revolutions, our people have waged against repression and injustice. To this day, the Philippines continues to be a world-leader for gender equality and women empowerment. In fact, the World Bank has cited the Philippines as “a best performer when it comes to gender and equality in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region.” This is backed up by the latest Global Gender Gap Report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) wherein the Philippines ranked 19th among 146 countries— ahead of more developed countries such as the United Kingdom (22nd), Canada (25th), the United States (27th), and Australia (43rd).

See “Angara,” A11

a meal drops below the utility that he could gain from spending P375 on other goods. At 25 meals per month, Juan cannot tolerate the thought of another meal even if it is free.

Clearly, the utility, satisfaction, or happiness that is typically described in economics is just a fleeting emotion. Human beings naturally tend to spread their limited budgets across various goods and services in order to maximize their happiness. This happy feeling, however, does not last for long. Simply put, in Filipino, “Likas sa tao ang magsawa.” Indeed, economics can only describe how the material world works and predict how people would likely behave when they are faced with scarcity. If one is yearning to reflect more deeply on happiness, whatever

For example, one can feel happy when he receives a gift or achieves an award. Such things belong to the surface of his life. Joy, by contrast, is something deeper. It is something one feels internally in his life as a human being. Joy links with one’s inner nature rather than the outer nature of human character, so much so that even in dire circumstances, one can still feel joy. To put it sharply, even the materially poor can experience joy, which, ironically, eludes some rich people.

Another major difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is merely a bliss while joy is something selfless. When one experiences something blissful, it means that it is ephemeral or something that can end in an instant. Happiness, therefore, is something that can end once it is felt. It does not sustain.

Joy, by contrast, is something more selfless, which means that one has joy when it is not for mere personal

gain. When one feels a positive emotion when something good happens to someone else, then that is joy. Intimately linked with joy is gratitude. It is said that a grateful person, one who feels thankful for everything, will take joy in even the smallest blessings. There is a cartoon illustration of a man driving a new car who looks over and sees a man driving an expensive sports car and says, “I wish I had that sports car.” Then, someone in an old car sees the man in the new car and says, “I wish I had a new car.” A man on a bicycle sees the man driving the old car and says, “I wish I had a car.” A man is walking along and sees the man on the bicycle and says, “I wish I had a bike.” Finally, a man sitting on a wheelchair sees the man walking and says, “It must be nice to walk.” People naturally tend to want more and more, rather than being grateful for what they have. Now that the economy has reopened, and revenge spending is evident in people’s consumption behavior, notwithstanding inflation, it is easy to forget the valuable lessons learned from the lockdown experience due to Covid-19. So, will people be choosing happiness over joy yet again? May this Lenten Season be meaningful to all.

Dr.

East-West showdown looms at G-20 FMs meeting in India

By Matthew Lee | AP Diplomatic Writer

NeW DeLhI—Fractured east-West relations over Russia’s war in ukraine and increasing concerns about China’s global aspirations are set to dominate what is expected to be a highly contentious meeting of foreign ministers from the world’s largest industrialized and developing nations this week in India.

The increasingly bitter rift between the United States and its allies on one side and Russia and China on the other appears likely to widen further as top diplomats from the Group of 20 gather in the Indian capital on Thursday. US Secretary of State

Antony Blinken, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and their Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov will all be in attendance and battling for support from non-aligned members of the group. While they will all be in the same room together, there was no sign that Blinken, who spent two days in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan warning Central Asia about the threat Russia poses before traveling to New Delhi, would sit down with either. Blinken said he had no plans to meet with them individually but expected to see them in group settings.

As at most international events since last year, the split over the war in Ukraine and its impact on global energy and food security will overshadow the proceedings. But as the conflict has dragged on over the past 12 months, the divide has grown and now threatens to become a principal irritant in US-China ties that were already on the rocks for other reasons.

A Chinese peace proposal for Ukraine that has drawn praise from Russia but dismissals from the West has done nothing to improve matters as US officials have repeatedly accused China in recent days of considering the provision of weapons to Russia for use in the war.

Those accusations have exacerbated the already poor state of affairs between the world’s two largest economies over Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong and the South China Sea that took another hit last month with the US discovery and then shoot-down of a Chinese surveillance balloon in American airspace that resulted in Blinken postponing a much-anticipated trip to Beijing.

A hastily arranged meeting between Blinken and China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, on the margins of the Munich Security Conference two weeks ago yielded no tangible results. And recently renewed US suggestions that the Covid-19 pandemic could have been the result of a Chinese lab leak have made the situation worse.

Blinken on Wednesday again warned China against transferring lethal military equipment to Russia, saying there would be significant consequences for such actions. And, he said the Chinese peace plan for Ukraine rang hollow given its focus on “sovereignty” compared to its own recent actions.

“If China was genuinely serious about this...it would have been spending all of the last year working in support of the restoration of Ukraine’s full sovereignty,” he told reporters in Tashkent. “And of course, it’s been doing the opposite.”

“China can’t have it both ways,” Blinken said. “It can’t be putting itself out as a force for peace in public, while in one way or another, it continues to fuel the flames of this fire that Vladimir Putin started.”

He also said there is “zero evidence” that Putin is genuinely prepared for diplomacy to end the war. “To the contrary, the evidence is all in the other direction,” he said.

In the meantime, Moscow has been unrelenting in pushing its view that the West, led by the US, is trying to destroy Russia.

Ahead of the meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry slammed US policies, saying that Lavrov and his delegation would use the G-20 to “focus on the attempts by the West to

take revenge for the inevitable disappearance of the levers of dominance from its hands.”

“The destructive policy of the US and its allies has already put the world on the brink of a disaster, provoked a rollback in socio-economic development and seriously aggravated the situation of the poorest countries,” it said in a statement. “The entire world is suffering from the cynical revelry of illegal sanctions, the artificial breakup of cross-border supply chains, the imposition of notorious price ceilings and, in effect, from attempts to steal natural resources.”

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, meanwhile, said there were no plans to spend all of the time in the meetings condemning Russia.

“We are not trying to turn this G-20 into a criticism of Russia,” he told The Associated Press, adding that the world is already aware of the Western position “with regards to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”

“There are many important things we need to discuss and we’re going to work with India to make the G-20 a success,” Cleverly said.

Still, the antagonism has left G-20 host India in the unenviable position of trying to reconcile clearly irreconcilable differences.

The meeting is particularly crucial for India’s hopes to use its chairmanship of the group to leverage its position on the global stage and adopt a neutral stance on Ukraine in order to focus on issues of importance to developing nations like rising inflation, debt stress, health, climate change and food and energy security.

“I think those are equally important issues to focus on, of course along with the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra, the most senior bureaucrat in the foreign ministry.

But just last week, India was forced to issue a chair’s summary at the conclusion of the G-20 finance ministers’ meeting after Russia and China objected to a joint communiqué that retained language on the war in Ukraine drawn directly from the declaration from last year’s G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

India hopes to avert a repeat of that, but prospects appear dim. US officials said discussions were ongoing about language that could be used in a final statement but could not predict if they would succeed.

“We will see how it goes forward. It is a repetition of the Bali declaration,” said Indian foreign ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi. “Obviously, we stand by that declaration. Our prime minister was there. There is no question of not agreeing with that text. We are with that text.”

So far, though, India has refrained from directly criticizing Russia, its major Cold War-era ally, while increasing imports of Russian oil, even as it has increasingly faced pressure to take a firm stand on Moscow. India has also abstained from voting in U.N. resolutions that condemn the Ukraine invasion.

“India’s messaging has been clear and consistent: It’s not about to criticize Russia, but it strongly opposes the war and supports all efforts to bring it to an end,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute.

“The West would prefer it go further, and Russia would prefer it say less, but each side has accepted New Delhi’s position, and India’s relations with both sides have remained strong throughout the war,” he said.

An evening of death and life

Tito Genova Valiente annoTaTions

The night was unusually chilly but I had to forego my jacket, a shapeless contraption with a hood. A jacket in the third world sense of it. We were going to this restaurant, the closest this city had for fine dining, and form was necessary to achieve elegance for that night.

Inside, the air was warm with human presence. We were a strange bunch: two doctors, a couple really: one also a writer, the other a collector of many things; four priests: a philosopher, a theologian who was also into music, a painter, and, coming late, a Bible scholar; a guest who happened to be a good friend of the doctor-writer and who spoke with the piquant Bay area accent; a multi-hyphenate cultural worker and intellectual; and, this writer.

The night was for art deals, quite unusual for our city that thrives on new economics and old politics. We are supposed to be a highly competitive city vis-a-vis other cities but we still have to see the manifestations of that. Be that as it may, our city has its share of charm. In a small area are concentrated huge, old churches, with one displaying a renovation that can only be described as “poor taste,” the poor there having nothing to do with poverty but with ill-placed aesthetics. From afar, that church seems to be a composite of towers threatening to topple over statues of martyrs whose commemoration of heroism is always burdened by contentious historical readings. Then we have another church noted for its massive facade, the stones that stood for unshakeable faith now gone after its exteriors were paved like a firstclass highway. We have two shrines: one has a history of allure linked to a dictator and his Lady; the other a humble mission church, terrific in

its ancientness and a favorite subject of historians when they glorify the colonial reading of natives as “savages”. Put together, these structures would make a tourism guy giddy with stereotypes about our country’s cultures— heavily subjugated, lovely and wondrously resilient under centuries of violence, saleable to tourists, exotic. Our dinner partook of that introduction. We were a mosaic wall of thoughts and peregrinations, of ideas that have traveled from here and there. We talked of old friends with tenderness and joys; we whispered about non-friends, and raised our brows where a surname could have been uttered, or twisted lips where an affair should have been salaciously described. Here in this city the plants have eyes and ears and so we needed to be careful. For some reason, the table got divided, with half seriously into ponderous conversations while the other half (our half) turned to the more flippant and human engagement of the mind. Was it from our side that we recalled how our generations were into memorization, or, sometimes rote memory? Quotes began to fly around. Lines were bandied around.

Authors were excavated as we try to remember lines about stars being fair because there is only in the sky or of life being an empty dream, and miles to go before we sleep. We were getting sentimental about them. Memories always do that. They bring you back to a certain past and a future, full of uncertainty. It was at this point when someone asked, what happens to us in the afterlife? It was not that precise a query because we did not even start with life after death. We were just curious as to how we would look in Heaven. There was no option for Hell. It was Heaven or nothing at all. Sure, we said, Hell exists but for that evening’s talk, we knew we were all going to Heaven. Our problem, like

One was that we would look good and healthy, not afflicted nor blighted. True, we would be deceased but not diseased (I am happy with this pun I just came up with now). From out of nowhere a gem of an inquisition came forth: how old would we be in Heaven?

As we ransacked our brains for expiatory response, the oldest of the priests—the philosopher—turned his gaze upon us. Almost in a quiet trance, he began an explanation about how we, in Heaven, would be bright and brilliant. From us, someone articulated the modifiers: bright means light is cast upon us; brilliant is when the light beams behind us. Good enough. Would we be bodies? Yes, the priest confirmed our joy. Did he say we would be luminous?

Assurance was hard to come by. Would we recognize each other, especially our beloved? I do not recall anymore the theology of recognition but it seems, love and desire are limiting elements in an existence that is already eternal. The genial philosopher excused himself, stood up and went out. He needed a breather, we assumed.

that cliché, was not the journey but the destination—and how our body would appear when our soul reached its final destination.

We turned to the four priests. Of course that was the default. They systematically studied Heaven, not as astronomers but as counselors, guides. There should be an appropriate answer from them.

Without waiting for the explanation, we started proposing scenarios.

In that gap, the theologian/musician raised his head and smiled. I know one thing that will happen once we are dead and in Heaven. We will be in a state of shock, our mouths perpetually open. We looked at each other. There is a reason for this, the theologian interrupted us in our awe, and enunciated these words: Those we thought would not be there, would be there. Those we thought should be there, are not there. And we who we thought would not be there will be shocked to see ourselves in Heaven.

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Russian invasion of Ukraine after one year: Tolerance becomes a crime when applied to evil

By

Jana Šedivá | Ambassador of the Czech Republic

RussIA’s unprovoked, illegal, and inhumane aggression against ukraine under the tutelage of Vladimir Putin has caused not just chaos and serious threats to europe but to the entire world. It has shattered many dreams, especially of the children who are helpless and only wanted to live peacefully in their country.

Like many others, I just did not want to believe that the appalling and brazen impunity of Russia against Ukraine, a sovereign state, and its peace-loving people could happen. Kremlin’s aggression did not make any sense at all. Needless to say, there is no justification for the military, politically, and economically motivated greed of Russia. It is heartbreaking to see that the incessant aggression continues to leave tens of thousands dead and is dubbed as Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since World War II, given the fact that to date, (and still counting), there are more than 8 million Ukrainians who fled their homes for safety and shelter.

As the Ukraine war drags on in its second year since the first attack on February 24, 2022, it is admirable to

Angara

continued from A10

Admittedly, however, many Filipinas continue to struggle from societal problems as there are those whose wisdom and experience are still marginalized from the wider public narrative. In addition, there are still those with the outdated belief of limiting where and what a woman should be. Hence, much like the prestigious TOWNS Awards, there remain several ways that

note that Ukraine and its people are still on their feet, fighting the invaders and showing their utmost love for their country. And as inevitable, peaceloving and democratic countries unite to help them, not just to fight the aggressor, but also to ensure stability in the region and in the world as Russia’s war has adverse effects on the global community.

Russia’s aggression is unfathomable and perhaps, emanating from greed thus flexing its muscle for geographical expansion using war and deception. In fact, in my mind, it’s Putin’s ideology that made other less critical thinkers toe the line and buy his treacherous “special operations” against Ukraine. Sadly, so many Russian soldiers and civilians who unwittingly led to the propaganda, later admitted that they

women can be further empowered and recognized. This is why, in our early days as a legislator, we pushed for the enactment of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women, which further enshrines the critical role women play in nation-building, ensures the substantive equality between all genders, and establishes the broad legal framework that upholds and safeguards the rights of women.

It is our belief that, with the help of multi-sectoral efforts that aim at helping more women realize their potentials, our country would be a

Like many others, I just did not want to believe that the appalling and brazen impunity of Russia against Ukraine, a sovereign state, and its peace-loving people could happen. Kremlin’s aggression did not make any sense at all. Needless to say, there is no justification for the military, politically, and economically motivated greed of Russia.

were deceived by Putin.

To date, Russia is still occupying a large part of Ukraine, destroying power plants and cities and, above all, killing innocent people including children. Ukrainians are fighting a fair fight, they know it, and the democratic world knows it. At least the part of the world that recognizes basic human and moral values and international law. All democratic countries, including Czechia and the Philippines, are on the right side of history and we all are crying for justice and peace for the people in Ukraine and for Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine.

Unfortunately, Russia is doing its best not to solve this problem by

much better place for all.

It is also important to underscore how the TOWNS Awards, which already conferred this distinction to over 170 exceptional and influential women since its inception 48 years ago, is vital not only in recognizing those who have dedicated their lives for the public good but also in inspiring the younger generation to do the same in the face of difficulties and challenges. And as we celebrate the National Women’s Month this March and the International Women’s Day on March 8, may we be reminded of

peaceful means and creating new artificial and fake arguments every day. This war is not fought only on the battlefields; it is also a hybrid war with lies and propaganda from Kremlin, especially in cyberspace.

Nevertheless, after a year of war in Ukraine, it is obvious that Russia has already lost it. Not only this war but also its credibility and the trust of the international community. Living in a territory that “was controlled” by Russia before (then the Soviet Union) for decades, it breaks my heart to notice that some people still believe in Russian propaganda and lies.

I sincerely hope that telling the truth will help Filipino readers, sometimes confused by the influential Russian propaganda even in Filipino mass media, to look more objectively at the current global situation. Let’s not tolerate evil, because if we do, we become an accomplish even if we are not directly involved in it.

As our late President Václav Havel said: “Truth and love will overcome lies and hatred. I would like to add that also freedom and justice will prevail.”

the words written by the late Justice Cecilia Munoz-Palma, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the Philippines: “Woman was created for a nobler purpose than to simply admire and be admired.”

Senator Sonny Angara has been in public service for 18 years—9 years as Representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and 9 as Senator. He has authored, co-authored, and sponsored more than 330 laws.  He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.  E-mail: sensonnyangara@yahoo.com Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @sonnyangara

Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Krutika Pathi, Sheikh Saaliq and Ashok Sharma in New Delhi contributed to this report.

A12 Friday, March 3, 2023

REMULLA TO UNHRC: PHL TO BUCK EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE, PERIOD

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday reiterated before the United Nations Human Rights Council that the Philippines will not allow  “external interference” in the ongoing investigation by the justice department on the deaths related to the anti-illegal drug campaign during the  Duterte administration.

Speaking before the representatives of UN-member states in Geneva, Switzerland, Remulla maintained that the country’s justice system  is “fully functioning”, thus, the International Criminal Court (ICC) “has no jurisdiction over Filipino citizens.”      “

Let us heed the lessons of the past. Unjustified external interference has very rarely, if at all, served the cause of human rights,” Remulla  told the 52nd UNHRC session in Geneva, Switzerland.

“We draw the line, as any sover

eign state must, when an interna

tional institution overreaches and departs from the boundaries of its creation,” he added.

H e stressed that international bodies such as the ICC should complement domestic institutions, instead of taking over its function, especially if domestic accountability mechanisms are working to fulfill its mandate.

“ National sovereignty and international solidarity go hand in

hand, complement each other and create the fertile ground in which human rights can truly flourish. Let us uphold sovereignty and harness solidarity to promote and protect human rights and dignity for all,” the DOJ chief added.

O n January 26, the ICC’s  PreTrial Chamber’s (PTC)  issued a decision granting the request of Prosecutor Karim Khan for the resumption of the investigation into the abuses and deaths related to the bloody anti-illegal drug war campaign of the previous administration.

T he ICC agreed with Khan that the information and materials submitted by the Philippine government “do not amount to tangible, concrete and progressive investigative steps in a way that would sufficiently mirror the Tribunal’s investigation.”

T he ICC pretrial chamber also cited the small number of cases being probed by the Philippine government compared to the thousands of deaths under the drug war.

He added that extrajudicial killing is not and will never be a state policy of the Philippine government.

“We have a working justice system that is a cornerstone of our accountability mechanism. Our prosecutors and courts are ready, able and willing to prosecute anyone if the evidence so warrants,” he said. Joel R. San Juan

High inflation has eroded ’22 wage hike effect–IBON

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

negligent on the income front. Despite high prices and hype about the economy reopening, the minimum wage hasn’t been increased,” IBON said in a statement.

Apples and oranges

LABOR groups noted the reduction in the value of real wage could be as high as P88 after they subtracted the prevailing P570 nominal wage of non-agriculture workers in NCR with the P482 real wage.

IBON Executive Director Jose Enrique “Sonny” A. Africa, however, noted that such exercise was incorrect.

B ased on its computation, IBON Foundation said the real wage in January of non-agriculture minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR)—the highest rate nationwide—was down to P482 after the inflation rate reached a staggering 8.7 percent.

T he latest real wage value was lower compared to that of last May, when it was at P484.

T he National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) defines real wage as the highest nominal mini -

mum wage over the consumer price index (CPI) for the month times 100.

T he value of real wage recovered to P508 in June and July, 2022 after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) issued new wage orders.  IBON’s data showed this was reduced by P26 in January due to the rising cost of basic goods and services despite the muchtouted economic growth by the government.  The Marcos Jr. administration has also been grossly

It is a wrong exercise to subtract the nominal wage from the real wage. The real wage only makes sense if you compare the value of a number between years ...it is like apples and oranges,” Africa told BusinessMirror in a phone interview.

But while it disagreed on the computation on the real value of wages by labor groups, IBON supports their call for the government to provide assistance to people, who are now living in poverty.

The Marcos Jr. administration is directly accountable for the increase in poverty and protracted suffering of the people. As soon as coming into office last year, it

in energy mix

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House Committee on Ways and Means chairman on Thursday told Department of Energy officials that nuclear energy must be part of the country’s energy transition plans, adding that, “in a country without a national land use plan, and which is both densely populated and with a shrinking rural sector, overreliance on solar power for clean energy is dangerous.”

A lbay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda made the statement following the Shell Resellers Conference on Thursday.

“ I am telling you, nuclear is inevitable,” said Salceda, the principal author of the proposed Comprehensive Nuclear Energy Regulation Act.

Solar currently requires 1 hectare per megawatt. That’s one hectare gone for agriculture, since agri lands are also the ones most ideal for solar power. You use it on water, same goes. That’s one hectare gone that could have gone to fisheries,” Salceda added.

Under a clean energy scenario, the Philippines needs 93,482 MW in additional installed capacity, around 45,000 of which is expected to come from solar power.

“One, it’s not baseloadable yet. So, it’s not a perfect substitute to coal or fossil fuel. Two, it requires a lot of land, and for a country without a national land use plan; for a country with LGUs that require heavy licensing processes for land reclassification, that makes renewable energy supply inelastic—it simply can’t respond fast enough to increases in demand. As a result, you have high power costs,” he said.

You have investors interested in putting up big wind projects, but they’re asking for FIT—which of course will increase, rather than decrease, power costs, at least in the short term,” he added.

I n that kind of situation, Salceda said the country must include nuclear energy is a policy priority.

could have provided relief that the previous government refused to give,” IBON said.

No official data

FOLLOWING the spike in inflation rate in September 2022 to 6.9 percent from 6.3 percent in the previous month, the NWPC stopped posting new real wage data on its website.

I n a letter obtained by BusinessMirror , NWPC explained it stopped issuing real wage data in its website with reference to Executive Order (EO) No. 352, or the “Designation of Statistical Activities that will Generate Critical Data for DecisionMaking of the Government and the Private Sector.”

It noted real wage is not included in the 67 designated statistics/ statistical activities covered by EO 352, which was issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos way back in 1996.  P rior to Sept. 2022, NWPC posted the monthly real wage on its website (https://nwpc.dole.gov. ph/stats/current-real-minimumwage-rates/).

L abor groups use real wage data in preparing the wage petitions, which they file before the RTWPBs.

2

hyperscale

data centers to rise soon in C. Luzon

TWO “hyperscale” data centers are set to be built in Luzon as result of the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in New York last year.  D uring their meeting with the President in Malacañang on Thursday, representatives for ENDEC Development Corp. and Diode Ventures, LLC disclosed the potential sites of the data centers.

Explore Taiwan as source

SALCEDA also urged the government to explore talks with Taiwan on the use of nuclear plants it is set to retire.

“ The Maanshan NPP is 375km away from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. It’s at the very tip of Taiwan. It is owned by Taipower—the NAPOCOR of Taiwan,” he said.

“ It will be decommissioned between 2024 and 2025. And the useful life is 60 years. In other words, if we can negotiate its use, we don’t need to put up new plants. Only submarine transmission between North Luzon and Taiwan,” he added.

Salceda said that also solves the NIMBY or Not in My BackYard attitude of many politicians towards nuclear power.

Maanshan, Salceda adds, is a 1900 MW plant which, if used for Philippine needs, can lower power cost by as much as 66 centavos per kwh.

The cost is just 5 pesos per kwh,” Salceda said. “That is very crucial. We have millions of excess labor— as much as 12 million people—in agriculture and related sectors. They share around 9 percent of GDP, and that’s a recipe for certain poverty. If we don’t lower power costs, we won’t be able to create the light industries needed” to move them out of poverty, Salceda said.

T hey said they are now negotiating to build the facilities in Tarlac and New Clark City. M arcos welcomed the development in the investment deal, which was finalized when he visited New York in September to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

He noted the new data centers will help boost the country’s competitiveness in terms of digitalization.

This is important for us. We’re left behind when it comes to digitalization. That’s why the push for data centers, fiber optics and satellite is one of our priorities,” Marcos said.

ENDEC said it is pushing to start the construction of the facility by the first quarter of 2024.

It is eyeing to source the 700 megawatts (MW) it will use for the operation of its data center from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro separate from the country’s power grids.  Hyperscale data centers, which are used by big dataproducing companies such as Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft, use over 5,000 servers and 10,000 square feet.

ENDEC Development Corp. is a subsidiary of ENDECGROUP, Inc., while Diode Ventures, LLC is a subsidiary of the global company Black & Veatch (BV).

PROTRACTED high inflation since the last quarter of last year has now completely eroded the improvement caused by the last round of minimum wage hikes of the regional wage boards, according to an independent think tank.

Salceda: Solar alone won’t cut it; include nuke

SALCEDA

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Bloomberry swings to profit on rebound in local demand

By VG Cabuag @villygc

cent from the previous year’s P22 billion.

“These developments are encouraging as we mark Solaire’s 10th year of operations this March. We look forward to delivering even better results in 2023 and to reaching more milestones in the years to come,” r a zon said.

P&G to export diapers from facility in Laguna

GGr were P16.5 billion, P16.8 billion and P16.9 billion, representing yearover-year growth of 144 percent, 48 percent and 77 percent, respectively.

The company said the GGr performances of the mass tables and eGM segments which have each reached 100 percent of pre-pandemic levels.

For the fourth quarter alone, it had a net income of P1.1 billion, a reversal of the previous year’s net loss of P1.3 billion.

“2022 was a positive year of recovery for Bloomberry as Solaire benefited from a strong rebound in local demand across all business segments. Our gaming revenues hit 84 percent of prepandemic levels, propelled by the domestic-focused mass table games and e G M [electronic gaming machine] segments where rev-

enues have already reached 100 percent of 2019 pre-pandemic levels,” r a zon, the company’s chairman and C e O, said.

“While we celebrate our success in 2022, we keep our eyes on the future as we ramp-up construction activity at Solaire r e sort North in Quezon City. We are excited to launch this new offering by the first quarter of 2024.”

Consolidated net revenue for the entire 2022 reached P38.9 billion, representing an increase of 77 per-

In 2022, total gross gaming revenues (GGr) at Solaire reached P50.1 billion, an increase of 81 percent from P27.6 billion in 2021. Total GGr has recovered to 84 percent of the 2019 level, propelled mainly by the largely domestic mass table games and eGM segments.

Solaire’s VIP rolling chip volume, mass table drop, and slot coin-in were P481.7 billion, P38 billion and P307.9 billion, representing year-over-year increases of 96 percent, 54 percent, and 91 percent, respectively.

All segments benefited from strong domestic demand which was supplemented by improved international visitation in the second half of 2022.

The VIP, mass table, and eGM’s

Solaire Korea was reopened with limited gaming capacity last October.

Gaming revenue was a loss of P8.5 million for the period covering October 3 to December 31.

The company reported consolidated non-gaming revenues of P6.7 billion for 2022, double from the P3.3 billion generated in the previous year. In the fourth quarter, consolidated non-gaming revenue was P2.2 billion, higher by 123 percent compared with the same quarter in 2021.

At Solaire, non-gaming revenue for the year was P6.7 billion, representing an increase of 103 percent from 2021. hotel occupancy in 2022 was 53.7 percent, compared to 19.2 percent in 2021.

At Solaire Korea, non-gaming revenue in 2022 increased to P48.7 million from P1.8 million in 2021.

More Filipinos seen visiting HK

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

The Airport Authority of hong Kong (AA hK ) expects a gradual recovery of demand from Filipino tourists visiting hong Kong, targeting to regain at least 80 percent of travel by the end of 2023.

AA hK COO Vivian Cheung said currently, the airport has accommodated about 40 percent to 45 percent of the pre-pandemic density of Filipino travelers today.

“We expect that by end of this year, 80 percent of travel will come back. And then end of next year, 100 percent of travel will come back. Today it’s about 40 percent to 45 percent—it’s not bad actually,” she told reporters on the sidelines of the press launch of AA hK ’s global air tickets giveaway campaign dubbed World

SNAP inks pact with IP groups

SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet Inc. (SNAP-Benguet), a joint venture of Scatec and Aboitiz Power Corp., signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on increased benefits with the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization (TINPO) and the Itogon Indigenous Peoples Organization (IIPO).

Under the MOA, SNAP-Benguet will provide the Itogon ancestral domain, which hosts the 140MW Binga hydroelectric power plant, about P10.3 million every year starting 2023 or an equivalent of 3.1 centavos per kilowatt hour (c/kWh) total benefits.

The agreed total benefits include 1.65 c/kWh from the plant’s annual production and an annual special fund of P1 million for partnership projects promoting indigenous culture. This is in addition to the existing benefits provided since 2008 which now amounts to P3.8 million. Lenie Lectura

of Wonders. Before the pandemic hit the world three years ago, about half a million Filipino tourists visited hong Kong for leisure and business.

To boost its tourism industry and regain the losses it incurred during the pandemic, AA hK launched the World of Winners campaign, a global ticket giveaway initiative that offers 500,000 free tickets to hong Kong.

Distributed in phases by hong Kong’s three home-based airlines: Cathay Pacific Airways, hong Kong ex press, and hong Kong Airlines, the campaign will giveaway 135,000 tickets in Southeast Asia markets, including the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.

About 22,000 tickets will be given to residents in the Philippines via the three airlines’ promotional activities starting from March 3. Af-

ter the Southeast Asia markets, the campaign will continue in Northeast Asia, Mainland China and other markets.

The free tickets were sponsored by AA hK as part of a package of relief measures for hong Kong’s aviation industry during the pandemic. Through the sponsorship, AA hK provided liquidity support to the home-based carriers up front, with a plan for airlines to use the tickets for promoting traffic recovery when the pandemic subsides.

hong Kong has fully opened up and we are eager to welcome visitors from different parts of the world. Travellers visiting hong Kong are no longer required to have received Covid-19 vaccination, or undergo testing or quarantine upon arrival,” Cheung said.

“And from today wearing a face

mask is no longer mandatory in hong Kong. At hong Kong International Airport (hK IA), the terminal has been extensively refurbished, with various new services and facilities providing passengers a brand new airport experience.”

hong Kong opened its borders without Covid-19 restrictions two months ago.

AA hK has improved the airport’s facilities to further enhance passenger experience. It recently built the Sky Bridge, the world’s longest airside footbridge, renovated the shopping zone at Terminal 1, and has deployed smart technologies in different aspects of the airport’s service.

hK IA is one of the busiest airports in the world and an international aviation hub, connecting with over 220 destinations worldwide by over 120 airlines.

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

Pr O CT e r & Gamble (P&G)

Philippines inaugurated its diaper manufacturing line in Cabuyao, Laguna on Thursday which is expected to link the country to the global value chain for manufacturing across Asia.

Trade Secretary Alfredo e Pascual said the company spent P864 million on the new manufacturing line. h e said the facility is the “direct outcome” of r e public Act 11534 or the Corporate r e covery and Tax Incentives for e n terprises Act (C r e A T e )

Pascual also said that weeks before President Ferdinand r M arcos Jr.’s visit to the United States, the company applied for registration as an export producer of the new manufacturing line for Pampers pull-up pants in September 2022 under C r e A T e

The diaper products from this new line will eventually be exported and sold to Korea and Vietnam. That is why, among other benefits listed in the C r eAT e Law, the importation of capital equipment, raw materials, or accessories is exempt from tax and duty.”

h e said the export value of sanitary towels, feminine hygiene products, and baby diapers, which P&G also manufactures, jumped sixfold to $40 million in 2022 from $6 million in 2018.

Last year, the Trade chief said, South Korea was the top export market for these products, fol-

lowed by Vietnam and Malaysia.

“As we welcome more investments in producing these products under the C r e A T e Law, the Philippines may depend less and less on importing such products.”

The Trade chief said the new factory is expected to create direct and indirect jobs.

h e also encouraged P&G to “leverage” the r e gional Comprehensive e c onomic Partnership ( r C e P ), which the Philippine Senate ratified on February 21.

h e said the mega trade deal could help the Philippine-based manufacturer to enhance its access to the Asia-Pacific regional market. r C e P will make some production inputs more accessible, our exports more competitive, and manufacturing in the country less expensive.”

According to its website, P&G offers fabric care, home care, baby care, feminine care, family care, grooming, oral care, personal health care, hair care and skin & personal care products.

P&G Philippines’ portfolio of product brands includes Safeguard, Tide, Downy, Ariel, h e ad & Shoulders, Pampers, and Gillette.

Aside from Pampers, the Department of Trade and Industry said the Cabuyao Plant also produces the company’s home and hygiene brands such as laundry detergents Ariel and Tide, dishwashing liquid Joy, fabric conditioner Downy, disposable period pads Whisper, and antibacterial soap Safeguard for the local and export market.

Human Resources, SLMC and Allan P. Quijano, SVP and Head of SCM, SLMC. Photo by NoNoy Lacza

BloomBerry resorts Corp., the gaming firm led by billionaire enrique K. razon Jr., swung to profitability last year and posted a net income of P5.1 billion from the previous year’s net loss of P4.2 billion as gamblers returned to its facilities.

Online payment boosts Tieza’s tax take

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

IWAS a guest recently of the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association in its in-person general membership meeting and induction of its new Board of Trustees 2023-2024.

HSMA is the country’s premier organization of hotel sales and marketing leaders, with 150 members comprising of heads of sales and marketing of accredited hospitality properties nationwide.

During the event, HSMA president Loleth So presented the new Board’s strategic thrust, “#TheWayForward.” It consists of these three guiding principles that will help shape the organization’s ambition to make an impact, not only to its members and to its industry, but also to the country, in general:

1. Undertaking a dynamic revenue generation tact through partnerships. This means driving revenues directed towards its members’ hotels, as well as to HSMA itself, by collaborating with other associations and corporate entities that can help broaden its existing network and enter into markets it has never reached out to before.

This involves reconnecting, for instance, with airlines and tour operators on how they can work together and support one another. With airlines, which is integral to the hotels’ occupancy rate, HSMA will find out, among others, flight frequencies of airline operators, their market outlook, as well as their emerging inbound and outbound destinations. With tour operators, HSMA will co-organize through their association, a travel exchange/buyers-meetsellers event to boost business for both sectors.

2. Developing industry talent through education. To complement its revenue-generating initiatives, HSMA plans to provide sales and marketing leaders with new learning opportunities to help them spearhead their teams as they map out and implement their marketing and sales plans into action. For HSMA, revenue and education go hand-in-hand because, without the proper knowledge and skills, revenue streams could not be maximized.

One of these educational programs will be on digital marketing to explore new markets via more knowledge on hotel booking platforms and social media marketing channels. The other program entails putting together in one forum all key hospitality stakeholders, both here and abroad, to learn from each other and share experiences and best practices.

3. Contributing while building sustainable community relationships. This is about giving back to the tourism community by way of sharing HSMA’s accumulated skills, knowledge, and expertise of the industry from its over 40 years of experience. For one, HSMA will continue to support the tourism sales and marketing workshops of the Department of Tourism where its members participate as trainers to educate young practitioners in marketing and selling their respective hospitality businesses.

HSMA said it will also continue to honor and celebrate its members’ top sales and marketing leaders through its Virtus Awards, a prestigious recognition given to outstanding sales and marketers of the association’s members’ hotels and resorts.

HSMA believes this strategic direction is imperative to its growth going forward. Active member engagement, professional development, building relationships and collaboration with other like-minded organizations are essential part of this three-pronged impact approach.

Octavio Peralta is currently the executive director of the UN Global Compact Network Philippines and founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

Tieza Chief Operating Officer

Mark T. Lapid said these collections far exceeded the target of P462 million for 2022, “in consideration of the effect of pandemic and the global trends on travel.” Last year’s collections though are still a far cry from the P7.2 billion collected in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Tieza is the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and uses 50 percent of gross travel taxes collected as its share to fund priority tourism development projects.

“Now that the Philippines and other countries have more relaxed Covid-19 restrictions, we expect a spike in our number of outbound travels, especially to countries such as South Korea, wherein Filipino

tourists are allow visa-free entries to Gangwon Province and the Seoul Metropolitan Area,” he said. Tieza is targeting to collect some P2.3 billion in travel taxes this year and hopes to return to the pre-pandemic collection level by 2024.

Lapid told the BusinessMirror there is also a plan to include the travel tax in airline tickets, like in other countries, to make it even more convenient for travelers.

“There are ongoing technical working group meetings among the Department of Transportation, DOT, Tieza and the airlines discussing this,” he said. So far, only pioneering legacy carrier Philippine Airlines has the option for travelers to pay the departure tax online in the

course of booking their outbound air tickets.

More payment options

MEANWHILE, Tieza launched last Tuesday the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTSS) giving travelers over 90,000 options nationwide to pay for the departure tax. Outbound travelers pay a travel tax of P1,620 on an economy-class ticket and P2,700 on a first-class ticket. Those

exempt from paying the departure tax include overseas Filipino workers, balikbayans (homecoming Filipinos) and other Filipinos residing abroad who stay less than a year in the Philippines, Filipino and foreign diplomats along with those employed by the United Nations, US military personnel, employees of multinational firms headquartered in the Philippines, crew of aircraft owned by international carriers, among others.

Lapid said among the “fast, convenient and hassle-free” ways for travelers to pay their travel tax is by using MYEG Philippines Inc. (MYEG PH) partner e-wallets such as GCash, Maya, GrabPay and ShopeePay; through online bank transfers via BDO, BPI, RCBC, Unionbank and Maybank; or thru their Visa, Mastercard and JCB credit and debit cards. Travelers can still pay in cash via any branch of 7-Eleven, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, Bayad Center, SM Malls, Robinsons Department Store, Tambunting Pawnshop, RD Pawnshop, USSC, Posible, DA5 and many others.

Travelers are encouraged to visit Tieza’s website, click “Travel Tax” on the navigation menu and choose “Pay Travel Tax Online.” On the page, click the MYEG icon, fill-up the form, select the preferred payment option, then pay. Outbound travelers may

also soon have the option to pay for their travel tax directly through the MYEG PH web site.

P38M collected via BayadCenter

THE Tieza chief noted that there is an increasing trend of online payments of travel taxes. After the agency’s partnership with MYEG PH starting June 2022, collections online grew to some P23.53 million in just six months, from just P327,240. Collections via Bayad Centers on the other hand, amounted to P37.7 million.

“We hope the citizens will utilize the OTTSS, so we can somehow decongest the terminals and lessen the transactions and counters travelers need to deal with before boarding their flights,” said Lapid.

MYEG PH, a joint venture with the Kuala Lumpur-based MYEG Services Berhad, is a leading provider of one-stop, e-government payment solutions and services to allow Filipinos to transact with government agencies online. It handles over 50,000 daily transactions nationwide and has more than 80,000 over-the-counter payment channels and points of sale across the Philippines. MYEG PH also has access to 150,000 outlets globally through its partnership with Western Union.

FOR months, US authorities have been racing to sever ties between banks and risky crypto ventures, worried the financial system could someday suffer serious losses. They may have been too late.

In the starkest warning yet by a US bank catering to the sector, Silvergate Capital Corp. said Wednesday it needs more time to assess the extent of damage to its finances stemming from last year’s crypto rout—including whether it can remain viable. The shares plunged about 30 percent in premarket trading on Thursday.

The firm, which already reported a $1 billion loss for the fourth quarter, said that figure could climb higher. The company is still tallying the cost of rapidly selling assets to repay advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It may also need to mark down the value of some remaining holdings.

That could result in “being less than well-capitalized,” La Jolla, California-based Silvergate wrote in a regulatory filing. “The company is evaluating the impact that these subsequent events have on its ability to continue as a going concern.”

Greater caution

SUCH an admission by a lender with federally insured deposits and more than $11 billion in assets will add to a debate among US lawmakers and regulators over whether banks can manage the risks associated with

digital assets. For a time, Silvergate excited its shareholders with what seemed like a novel approach: soaking up cash deposits from crypto ventures to invest in more staid securities. But when Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX empire collapsed in November, the bank’s customers withdrew en masse to weather the storm, forcing it to unload holdings at a loss.

“It confirms the fears that many regulators have had,” said Todd Baker, a senior fellow at Columbia University’s Richman Center for Business, Law and Public Policy. “If this bank fails, it’s going to be held up as an example of why banks should be extremely conservative in dealing with crypto companies.”

And even if that doesn’t happen, Silvergate’s travails will stoke even greater caution on the part of regulators, he said.

Regulators’ warnings INDEED, a US crackdown has already begun.

In early January, three top financial regulators—the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.—issued a blunt warning to banks that crypto-related risks that can’t be controlled shouldn’t be allowed to infect the banking system.

Later that month, the Fed piled on with a policy statement as it turned down a bid by crypto firm Custodia

Bank Inc. to get coveted access to the central bank’s payment system. And last month, Bloomberg reported that Binance Holdings Ltd., the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, was mulling whether to end its relationships with US partners amid the stricter regulatory regime.

Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission targeted stablecoin issuers and so-called staking, a practice of generating yield by holding tokens.

Silvergate waded deeper into the US policy debate when it revealed in early January how it was stabilizing its balance sheet after selling billions in assets to pay depositors. By the end of last year the firm held $4.3 billion in short-term Federal Home Loan Bank advances, a program originally set up under President Herbert Hoover to bolster mortgage lending.

The bank said last Wednesday it sold more securities in January and February to pay off those advances, potentially exacerbating its losses.

“All advances were at all times fully collateralized while they were outstanding,” the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco said in a statement Wednesday.

Market rout

SILVERGATE’S stock tumbled more than 88 percent last year, first as crypto prices slid and later as FTX collapsed. The shares have been on a roller coaster ever since—at one

point swinging by more than 50 percent in a single day—as investors struggled to gauge the company’s prospects for reviving.

Silvergate’s big crypto losses feed watchdogs’ worst fears ‘Maharlika label not important’

The stock rose in mid-January as the company outlined steps for moving on. But at the end of the month, a bipartisan group of US senators accused Silvergate of being “evasive” about the extent of its ties to FTX and Bankman-Fried’s Alameda Research investing arm. And days later, Bloomberg broke the news that the Justice Department’s fraud unit is looking into the bank’s dealings with FTX and Alameda.

Last Wednesday, Silvergate listed the Justice Department’s probe and increased regulatory scrutiny among factors that could ultimately affect financial results. Its legacy in the crypto market, and the broader regulatory crackdown, could also complicate any efforts to find a buyer.

The bank’s troubles, in turn, might have implications for cryptocurrencies.

Its current predicament will make other banks all the more reluctant to work with crypto ventures, resulting in a chilling effect on that industry, said Henry Elder, head of decentralized finance at digital-asset manager Wave Financial.

“They were the crypto bank,” Elder said. “You are certainly not going to see anyone come out as a crypto bank until there’s more clarity.” Bloomberg News

Anti-ESG bill passes Senate as Biden threatens first veto

THE Democratic-led US Senate voted to block a Labor Department sustainable investing rule, marking a victory for Republicans in their crusade against “woke” capitalism and teeing up President Joe Biden’s first veto.

The heavily Republican vote was 50-46 to end the Biden administration rule, which would allow retirement plans to weigh climate change and other environmental, social and governance issues in their investment decisions.

Moderate Democrats Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin of West Virginia voted with Republicans to pass the resolution.

The regulation allows retirement plans to consider ESG factors if they are in the best financial interests of plan beneficiaries, reversing a Trump administration rule that required plans to invest solely on financial considerations. Republicans are at-

tacking ESG as an attempt to push climate-change politics into Americans’ financial planning.

Congress has the authority under a 1996 law to overturn federal agency rules on a simple majority vote.

Republicans have condemned the rule, which would make it easier for plan managers to consider ESG elements when they make investments and exercise shareholder rights like proxy voting.

ESG has become a lightning rod for the GOP, as the party turns the investing form into an emblem of left-wing politics. More than a dozen Republican state attorneys general have attacked ESG financial practices, while Republicans in Congress plan to increase their scrutiny of sustainable investing.

Three Democratic senators— John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Dianne Feinstein of California—were absent

for the vote, which the Senate was required to hold after House passage Tuesday night.

Handcuffing investors

THE bill’s passage marks a rare loss for Biden in the Senate, where Democrats now enjoy a one-seat majority. It also underscores how the politics of ESG will factor into the 2024 congressional and presidential races.

Tester has already announced plans to run for reelection in 2024. Manchin is expected to face a wellfunded GOP opponent for his seat if he decides to stand for reelection.

“I’m opposing this Biden administration rule because I believe it undermines retirement accounts for working Montanans and is wrong for my state,” Tester said in a statement.

The Labor Department’s rule is backed by several major Wall Street asset managers, including BlackRock Inc. and State Street Corp., who seek

to tailor “green” investment products for retirement plan customers.

The Republican-led House on Tuesday voted 216-204 to clear its version and the vote tally in both chambers indicates that Congress lacks the two-thirds majority needed to override a Biden veto.

The White House has said Biden will veto the measure, with the administration arguing the rule protects workers by ensuring “that fiduciaries have the fullest set of available tools to protect their life savings and pensions.”

“Republicans talk about their love of free markets, small government and letting the private sector do its work,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday.

“The Republican bill is opposite of that. It forces MAGA Republicans’ ideology down the throats of private sector and is handcuffing investors as well.” Bloomberg News

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

THE economic managers are amenable to changing the name of the country’s proposed sovereign wealth fund after some lawmakers raised concerns about the name “Maharlika” Investment Fund, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman said a few lawmakers have told the economic team of their apprehensions regarding the use of the word “Maharlika” in the name of the country’s proposed sovereign wealth fund.

Pangandaman disclosed that the economic managers are open to changing the name of the wealth fund, noting that the name of the fund is not a “dealbreaker.”

“What is important is to establish the fund, not the change of name. Some of the Senators asked if we were okay to change the name. Then I asked [Finance] Secretary Ben [Benjamin E. Diokno] and he is okay with it,” she told reporters in an interview last Thursday.

“Hindi siya dealbreaker; ang importante ma-establish ang fund. Hindi importante ang pangalan, but yung concept ng sovereign wealth fund at iyong creation,” she added. [It’s not a dealbreaker. What is important is that the fund is established. The name is not important but it is the concept of the sovereign wealth fund and its creation.]

Pangandaman said they would defer to the Senate, especially during the bicameral conference committee, regarding the possible new name of the proposed sovereign wealth fund of the country.

Earlier, some senators such as Sen. Ana Theresia Navarro “Risa” Hontiveros aired their sentiments that the use of “Maharlika” in the sovereign wealth fund’s name is aimed at “rehabilitating” the image of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

Some critics of the fund have also noted that the use of Maharlika seeks to popularize a myth about a socalled guerilla unit called “Ang Mga Maharlika,” which was allegedly led by Marcos Sr. during the Japanese occupation. The narrative has been repeatedly debunked by historians and archival documents, according to fact-checker reports.

REVENGE travel has put the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) in a better financial position, collecting over P2.1 billion in gross travel taxes from January to December 12, 2022.

A three-pronged approach to making an impact

Octavio Peralta Association World

This undated photo shows Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Operating Officer Mark T. Lapid. Lapid reported that Tieza’s tax collection in 2022 exceeded the government firm’s target. Photo courtesy oF tourism inFrastructure and enterPrise Zone authority

The continuing scourge facing women

screening. As such, most indigent patients usually turn to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office or lawmakers to request for funds to finance the cost of testing and lab work.

Oncologist Dr. Kenneth Samala, another guest panelist at the kapihan, confirmed that the financial burden is what dissuades many breast cancer patients from going through and completing their treatment. “Some patients come to me once, and after discussing with them the diagnosis, they don’t return because they got scared with the cost [of treatment]. And as a doctor, that is painful for me because I already caught them [then I lose them]. So I’ve been very open to endorse them even to a public hospital. At least I am comforted by the fact that they get the treatment they need.”

Antolin said this is part of the problem; most people don’t know there are free consultations and treatments for cancer. PhilHealth covers treatment at a minimum of P100,000, which basically means free chemotherapy for cancer patients especially in public hospitals. (Although, admittedly, that amount is inadequate especially for repeating breast cancer patients, as the cost of surgery alone already exceeds P100,000.) Under its Cancer Support Medicine Access Program (CSMAP), the Department of Health (DOH) has also made available chemotherapy drugs, as well as other injectable drugs for cancer patients.

Yet Samala underscored that getting breast cancer is not a death sentence, and with the new therapies that have been developed patients can lead quite normal lives.

using different kinds of finger pressure. While a lump doesn’t automatically mean breast cancer, if we detect it or some hard knot near the underarm in the course of our self-exam (or see any abnormal discharge from the nipple), we should immediately consult an obstetrician-gynecologist who will likely do a manual exam on our breasts as well. If the doctor finds anything suspicious about the detected lump, a mammogram and/or an ultrasound will probably be ordered to either confirm or rule out any breast issues.

According to Antolin, women should start getting a mammogram annually by the time they hit 40.

“In the 1980s or the 1990s,” he said, “when you get a cancer diagnosis, the doctor will automatically say, ‘You should get chemotherapy. If it spreads, get chemo again, and so on.’ Right now, we have a lot of options especially for breast cancer. Chemotherapy is no longer top of mind. We also have hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. So it depends on the breast cancer sub-type of patients.” For some of his patients, for instance, Samala said they just take a pill and see him once a month for monitoring.

But the oncologist also emphasized that it would also help greatly if the DOH quickens the pace by which new cancer drugs are approved for use in the Philippines.

By Eugenia Last

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS

DAY: Jessica Biel, 41; Julie Bowen, 53; Tone Loc, 57; Jackie JoynerKersee, 61.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Keep your life simple, your words truthful and your pursuits doable, and you will discover the path to victory. Life is about doing what’s right and best for you. Your happiness is attached to your actions and words, not what others do or say. Trust in yourself, your ideals and your dreams. Don’t stop until you achieve the happiness you deserve. Your numbers are 6, 13, 24, 29, 36, 38, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stop talking and start doing. You’ll have to act fast if you want to make up for taking on too much. Preparation will require innovation and originality that match the challenges you encounter. Travel and romance will lead to new beginnings.

★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t fall short of your goal because you haven’t prepared properly. Look over your options, call in trusted allies and choose to make your home a place everyone feels comfortable sharing and comparing notes. A group effort will pave the way to victory. ★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Ignore what others are doing, or you will lose sight of what you want to achieve. Helping others is admirable, but before you proceed, ensure your efforts are appreciated and appropriately handled. Someone will disrupt your plans if you are too trusting.

★★★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Stop overdoing; incorporate balance into your life. Too much of anything will cost you one way or another. Think about what you want and act accordingly, and you will reach your goal. ★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You are not alone. Join programs, groups or pursuits with likeminded people, and jump-start something you find fulfilling. Someone you encounter along the way will help you recognize what you have to offer and how to hone your skills. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Choose to make a positive change if you are astute and participate in what’s happening around you. Don’t let what others do disrupt your plans. Implement what you want to happen and let others fend for themselves. Put your needs first. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take advantage of whatever comes your way. Be ready to swivel when necessary and change course midstream. Hesitation is the enemy, and trusting your instincts, skills and experience will take you to the winner’s circle. Procrastination leads nowhere. ★★★★

IN the first year of the pandemic, there were about 27,000 new cases of breast cancer recorded in the country. That’s 74 new cases per day, or three per hour.

But Aileen Antolin, vice president of the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc., pointed out during the recent Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel, “These were only the ones who got screened [in 2020],” but because of the pandemic, many more may have not been able to get themselves checked or consult with medical professionals. Of the 27,000, she said, 9,000 died.

These are grim statistics, as breast cancer is one of the leading cancers for women in the country, along with cancer of the cervix, lung, colon/rectum, ovary and liver. Early detection of course is the key to helping women (although men can also get it) beat breast cancer.

For one, women can do a self-breast exam. We can do it by inspecting our breasts visually to detect any changes in shape or symmetry, size, color, or for dimpling, puckering or inversion of the nipples. Next is to lie on our back on a flat surface and, using the pads of our three middle fingers, feel the breast tissue

Frankly, it isn’t a pleasant experience—and I’ve been getting one since 2011. The technology hasn’t changed, and mammograms continue to be a painful part of a woman’s physical exam. So I’ve always tried to encourage the radiologist to be precise and quick in taking pictures of my breast.

For a country whose women are at a high risk for breast cancer, there is a need to distribute more mammography units around the country. Antolin noted that a majority of them are still in private hospitals, and the reality is not everyone can afford to get a mammogram.

At present, “the ratio is five and a half mammogram machines in a country with over 7,100 islands serving 100 million population. So you can imagine the disparity,” she said. And those who live in rural areas and mountainous regions are not even able to see a doctor, she stressed.

In case a suspicious lump is detected, a biopsy has to be conducted, which is another expense for the patient. While PhilHealth covers the cost of treating the early stages of breast cancer (stage 0 to 3-A) and other gynecological illnesses along with surgery and chemotherapy, it does not cover the cost of cancer

“For the new drugs which have been proven effective in other countries, and have undergone studies, it’s difficult for them to enter the [Philippine National] Drug Formulary [which lists essential drugs that are proven safe and effective, making them more accessible to patients]. Before the DOH purchases these drugs for their program, it has to enter the Formulary. To be honest, there are so many drugs we’ve already applied for to be entered in the Formulary, even old drugs, and sometimes they still aren’t allowed in. That’s one of our roadblocks. We’re hoping the process of Formulary inclusion is expedited, because once these new drugs are in, DOH will be able to buy them for its CSMAP.”

Antolin stressed that with better drugs, patients are able to resume their lives faster, and for mothers this is a welcome development because once they are healthy, they are able to take care of their children “and [again] become productive members of society.”

Taking care of our breasts is important business. And the first step is to get ourselves screened and tested, if needed.

■ For more information on breast cancer, go to www.kasuso. org, or call 8927-3492/0917-8677624. The Philippine Foundation for Breast Cancer Inc. is at the Breast Care Center Annex, Out Patient Department, of East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be a good listener and a resourceful contributor. Taking a unique approach won’t please everyone, but if it serves you well, it’s the best route. Avoid joint ventures, shared expenses and lofty investments. Choose travel or creative pursuits that promote change.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sit tight and see where the dust settles. A friend or peer will lead you astray if given a chance. Focus on home and family and what you can do to make your life easier. A romantic gesture will encourage a lifestyle change. ★★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid situations that are compromising. Taking on more than you can handle or letting someone take advantage of you will cost you emotionally. Look at your domestic budget and make plans to enact changes that encourage your success and emotional well-being.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Think outside the box, and you’ll find a way to outmaneuver someone trying to manipulate you. Don’t make a move or change for the wrong reason. Choose your path based on your goal, not someone else’s. Don’t overspend to make an impression. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be original in your approach to life, love and happiness. You can reach your goals if you aren’t afraid to take the road less traveled. Trust your instincts, change what you don’t like and head in a direction that puts a smile on your face. ★★★★★

BIRTHDAY BABY: You are gifted, trendy and ambitious. You are persuasive and mysterious.

PHOTO BY NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE ON UNSPLASH

MOVING SOON?

THERE are rumors that a singer will soon move from her home network to another. The singer’s career has been lackluster for the past two to three years. One, she is no longer young even if she is extremely talented. Two, she’s had some negative online history. Three, her network is in a bind right now and can’t give her lots of exposure. There have also been talks that the group which manages the singer’s career is going through a lot of changes, including pulling out many of their talents from the network. There isn’t any bad blood. The agency just has to be practical in managing the careers of their talents.

STILL MARRIED

THE semi-retired actress has been spotted with a new man and everybody’s happy for her. The actress is beautiful, rich and kind. She is also well-liked. The new man seems to be well-educated and connected, so he and the actress appear to be a perfect match. However, the man is still apparently married and the marriage has not yet been dissolved. It’s not clear whether the actress was the reason for the guy’s break-up from his wife. It’s only clear that the wife’s friends are talking about the guy being married so openly on social media. The actress has been through so many heartbreaks and her fans feel bad for her because she is such a nice person.

PUSHY

THIS young actress recently marked an important milestone in her life and she hosted a big party to celebrate. Stars from different networks received invites to the said party. That was okay, until these stars started asking each other if they knew the young actress and they didn’t. Most of them have never even seen the young actress in person. She and her family apparently invited so many people to the event and in the end, these people didn’t show up. Even the hashtags used for the event seemed weird and forced. The young actress’ bashers made fun of the event and the hashtags on social media. Perhaps the young actress needs professional guidance when going about these things instead of just listening to her stage parents. They even paid an agency to hire people who would write positive comments about the event on social media.

DISAPPEARING STARLET

IT S still a big mystery how this starlet went from pushy up-and-coming star to private citizen who doesn’t even update her social media. When she was still active on showbiz, the starlet was always trending on Twitter and other platforms. Her parents are also known for being aggressive in promoting her to network officials so she’d get a lot of projects. She was in everything, until one day everything just stopped. She went from famous social-media person to her old private self. So will she go back to showbiz soon? Or will she remain a private citizen since she doesn’t need to work anyway as her family is well-off. Also, during recent public sightings of the starlet, her parents were nowhere in sight. They used to go everywhere with her.

Harry, Meghan asked to leave UK home in further royal rift

LONDON—Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have been asked to vacate their home in Britain, suggesting a further fraying of ties with the royal family amid preparations for the coronation of his father, King Charles III.

Frogmore Cottage, on the grounds of Windsor Castle west of London, had been intended as the couple’s main residence before they gave up royal duties and moved to Southern California. The Sun newspaper reported that Charles started the eviction process on January 11, the day after the publication of Harry’s explosive memoir Spare “We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage,” a spokesman for the couple said in statement.

Disclosures Harry made in Spare deepened the rift between him and his family. The book included his account of private conversations with his father, and his brother, Prince William.

After they left Britain, Harry and Meghan had said Frogmore Cottage would remain their base when they visited the UK.

In September 2020, a spokesman announced the couple had repaid £2.4 million ($3.2 million) in British taxpayers’ money that was used to renovate the home when they were working members of the royal family.

The money “fully covered” the cost of the renovation, the spokesman said. AP

Not Just Bikes but Humans

roads at the service of the people. Wrong. These roads as proven later in the urbanization phase have been built for cars and not for people.

Remember the socio-agricultural concept of farm-to-market roads? This apparently induced development nobly because it gave a multimillion program a legitimacy; after all, the infrastructures are there for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs. Upon closer analysis, however, the so-called farm-to-market roads were more often used not by farmers but by other vehicles, including the private ones. It did not take long before the roads lost their original meaning and function.

Car-dependency can be addicting. Strong words they are and they come from this series of vlogs/documentaries made by Jason Slaughter. In my last week’s iteration of this column, I introduced the insights developed by Jason Slaughter in not Just Bikes, his hugely popular youTube channel. In so many ways they are not original; we have somehow thought of these ideas and toyed with solutions, but Jason Slaughter crystallized the concept not so much as a social scientist or an urban planner but as a consumer of the developments around him. even as he rattles off notions and constructs of walkability, car-dependency and sustainable urbanization, these ideas never remain on the abstract level but are illustrated lavishly and with a variety of real examples. It helps that he has, as a professional, lived in cities that are either bad examples of urban sprawl or triumphs of human spirit and will—as in Amsterdam.

We know what sustainability is, but in not Just Bikes the narrator applies the concept to a practice of cities.

How did we become car-dependent?

In not Just Bikes, we are reminded that our generations—count this and two generations back— grew up in conditions where mobility via cars were given. We lauded mobility and this was always by automobile. The idea that we are able to navigate cities quickly and systematically is a product of this cultural conditioning that there are always cars and they are in the service of humanity. But it is precisely the thought of car-centrism that, in our mind, there is no way that progress can take place than building more

Speaking of loss, Jason Slaughter reminisces how his city used to be a beautiful place because people could walk from one place to another. Until places were bulldozed to give way to roads and highways, and with them structures like old churches, schools, houses and places of business employing hundreds of people.

The growth of cities were never natural processes, according to Slaughter: they were built “entirely by design” and “entirely by choice.”

A Google-shot of a man walking on an area under these massive superhighways alert us on one thing: wouldn’t this man, as Slaughter poses the question, be happy to have a sidewalk to use?

To follow the words of Jason Slaughter, a car-centric design is an anti-human design. We have always thought of the busy thoroughfares as possessing difficulties for us humans but we never really pegged that idea as a product of a technology that does not have man/woman in its conceptualization.

These roads and highways were never meant for us. A late discovery. A delayed response.

With major cities seemingly hopelessly against us, where do we go? Could we borrow the words of e.e. cummings? you know that line: “...listen: there’s a hell/ of a good universe next door; let’s go.” or progress as a “comfortable disease.”

no need for transcendence, it seems. amsterdam in the netherlands is that good universe for Jason Slaughter.

Having moved from the discomfort of his small

city to a bigger city and seeing how the population came across as the factor that made cities wonderful (more people means more individuals doing interesting things), he comes up with an answer for that quest of a liveable place: walkability.

He moves to Amsterdam and there observes how the dutch have improved their old city. He has two vlogs/documentaries with pop titles. One is Why Many Cities Suck (And Dutch Cities Don’t) and Why Amsterdam Just Got Awesomer. It is good to take note of those titles because they show the effectiveness of these presentations—they are never ponderous, they are user-friendly, as friendly as the search for a better place to be. not all is rosy about the developments in Amsterdam. While there are praises for the preference for bicycles, the overwhelming number of this means of transportation has taxed the city planners. One data takes my breath away: 50 percent of train passengers use bicycles to go to the stations. Imagine the sheer numbers of bicycles and the inventions to address their parking spaces. But the dutch continue to think about solutions. That makes them awesome—their dynamism and vision.

In “Why Amsterdam Just Got Awesomer,” the best news in the city is a clean, grand parking area for bicycles! That is the big difference from our own bike lanes. Earlier, for example, a bridge in Amsterdam showed a two-lane highway with a two-lane bicycle path on both sides. This articulates a critique stated in another vlog where Jason Slaughter questions the wisdom of building a seven-lane highway but not a bicycle lane. A matter of option, and a matter of lack of wisdom. One terrific thought put across about amsterdam is the value of trams. History would show us that Manila had this trams or tranvia. Again, here it is really the kind of framing the scenario that makes sense. There is first the notion of the “pedestrianized plaza.” Then comes the singular trait of trams as vehicles: on tracks, they make people conscious of its presence even as it uses the park or plaza meant for people. It exhibits how a form of mass transit makes possible a “shared environment”—technology in a coexistence with humans. n

Shayne Sava, Althea Ablan banner newest GMA drama

THE afternoons will be filled with more love, family drama, and intriguing twists as the newest GMA series AraBella begins on March 6. The program is headlined by young stars Shayne Sava as Ara and Althea Ablan as Bella, together with seasoned artists Camille Prats as Roselle, Wendell Ramos as Gary, and Alfred Vargas as Ariel.

Shayne admits that she feels pressured in bannering the show and working with veteran actors: “It is overwhelming and at the same time heartwarming. It feels good knowing that a lot of people appreciate our hard work and talents. Pressure comes along with it, but I will always do everything to improve every day.”

Althea also expresses gratitude for having interesting and challenging roles: “I’m always thankful to GMA for giving me the opportunity to give life to these characters. It’s a bit close to my last role in Prima Donnas but at the same time it’s really a brand-new experience and my character here has a lot more depth and nuance.”

Camille, on the other hand, shares her preparations for her comeback series: “I’m excited to do what I’ve always loved doing. At the same time, I feel nervous because I haven’t acted in five years. I familiarized myself with Roselle’s role in order to prepare for the right nuances of the character.” Alfred also recounts how he can relate to his character:

“Much like Ariel, alam kong maraming hamong dala ang pagiging ama, especially on setting a good example to your daughters. It’s especially difficult to devote family time when you juggle several roles. Pero kapag anak mo na ’yung pinaguusapan, you can sacrifice everything for them.”

Completing the star-studded cast are Klea Pineda, Abdul Raman, Saviour Ramos, Ronnie Lazaro, and Nova Villa.

AraBella follows the story of a loving mother, Roselle, who searches for her lost daughter. Even though it has already been 10 years since her child was kidnapped, Roselle still believes that they will be reunited.

With the help of a TV show, Roselle meets Ara, a teenager who got kidnapped during childhood and is now searching for her real mother. Both of their narratives match and it gives them hope to finally bring their family back together.

But amid their blossoming relationship, Roselle and Ara find out in DNA tests they are not blood-related. Despite this saddening result, Roselle still decides to adopt Ara. However, everything will change as the real daughter, Bella, returns.

AraBella is made under the supervision of GMA SVP for entertainment group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, with Adolf Alix Jr. directing. Alix says the show will deliver something new and special to the audience: “I think the journey is quite familiar and relatable but as what they all say, we all have our unique

way of telling our story. The twist and turns of how Roselle takes the chance for Ara and Bella challenges our notion of being a woman, a mother and our traditional family system.”

AraBella premieres on March 6 and airs weekdays at 3:25 pm on GMA.

FROM left: Althea Ablan, Camille Prats and Shayne Sava of AraBella

CREBA intensifies housing vision to mark group‘s 50th founding year

My Daily Collagen® Triathlon 2023 returns to Subic

MY Daily Collagen® Triathlon makes a comeback at the country’s triathlon capital of the Philippines, Subic Bay on March 5, 2023. The last triathlon they held was in 2019, followed by the first and only virtual triathlon in the country in 2020.

For its comeback, My Daily Collagen Triathlon 2023 offers a mix of newbie friendly open water swim, fast bike and run course race profiles which makes this one of the most anticipated triathlon events in the country. This event is perfect for triathletes raring to chalk up a personal best and ideal tune up race for any long distance triathlon event.

The My Daily Collagen Triathlon 2023 offers the following race categories: Standard Distance (1.5KM Swim, 40KM Bike and 10KM Run); Sprint Distance (750M Swim, 20KM Bike and 5KM Run) and Standard Distance Relay (1.5KM Swim, 40KM Bike and 10KM Run).

Onsite registration and kit-claiming will be at the Harbor Point Mall starting Friday, March 3 and Saturday March 4, 2023. The

registration site will also have exhibits and displays of multi-sports essentials. Race day will be on March 5, 2023 at 6am at Boardwalk, Subic Bay.

This event is organized by Super Series Ph that aims to inspire people to do things that inspire them by offering fun-filled and exciting events and promote the country’s selected world-class destinations through sports tourism. For inquiries, please email us at superseriesph@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page Super Series Ph.

Enjoy the annual three-day coffee lifestyle event at the Marriott Hotel Manila‘s MGBX

THE country’s largest association of real estate and housing industry stakeholders is intensifying its untiring pursuit of the vision of “a home for every Filipino” as it gears up for its 50th founding anniversary this year.

The year-long golden jubilee anniversary celebrations of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. (CREBA) will be launched at a grand event on March 16, 2023 at the Conrad Hotel Manila featuring a roundtable discussion with the country’s top developers to be graced by the presence of Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito and Human Settlements and Urban Development Department chief Jerry L. Acuzar.

This was announced by CREBA national chairman Charlie A. V. Gorayeb and national president Noel Toti M. Cariño.

Founded in 1973 by Atty. Manuel M. Serrano along with known leaders of the property sector which include former Mindoro governor and congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia, CREBA is the Philippine umbrella organization of the real estate and housing sector composed of property developers, builders, contractors, suppliers and manufacturers of construction materials and other professionals and entities engaged in 70 allied fields with chapters in at least 25 key cities and provinces all over the country.

To this day, its leaders have been at the forefront of the Chamber’s efforts in legislative and policy advocacy, particularly in influencing government

and private sector activities towards increased production of affordable housing which have contributed considerably in shaping the industry into what it is today.

Aside from its academic and scholarship programs in partnership with reputable institutions such as the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde and the University of Batangas, the Chamber is allied with major foreign groups and has been the exclusive cooperating local association of the US-based and onemillion strong National Association of Realtors® putting local property investments and acquisition at the global spotlight.

CREBA’s aspirations for the homeless sector are embodied in its five-point agenda for housing drafted into various bills and policy proposals on shelter finance, land access and governance to either amend, rationalize, streamline or beef up existing laws and policies on housing to help achieve a production rate of at least 500,000 units per year and address homelessness within two decades.

Among the activities lined up to highlight CREBA’s golden legacy to the sector is a Visayas-Mindanao Regional Housing Conference to be held in General Santos City from April 26 to 28.

The high-point of the CREBA calendar for the year will be from September 26 to 28, where members, as well as esteemed speakers, both from the local and global real estate arena, will convene for its

annual national convention, expo and gala night at the SMX Convention Center and Conrad Hotel in Pasay City.

“This premier annual event of the Chamber promises more unprecedented initiatives in support of national development goals. The event also beams with excellent business opportunities in the framework of private sector and government cooperation,” Cariño said.

The event will be even made more meaningful as CREBA culminates its search and confers the “Pillar Award” to the most outstanding “Developer of the Decade” to be adjudged on the basis of the nominees’ highly significant and pioneering social and economic impacts on real estate, housing and community development over the years that inspire and encourage other stakeholders to strive for project creativity, integrity, innovation and excellence.

This, while underscoring the overall public good, particularly for buyers, homeowners, beneficiaries and the environment, in a manner that best reflects the Chamber’s philosophy, the CREBA leaders announced.

“The symbolism which the Pillar connotes applies squarely to the outstandingdevelopers who can be considered pillars in the art of not only building homes and communities in their own rights, but in building a strong nation that breeds the fruition of dreams of families for generations,” Gorayeb concluded.

Conrad Manila’s Brasserie on 3 launches Chef’s Signature Series

Berto. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Director of Operations who also hails from Italy, Marco Di Pasquale, is excited for guests to experience an ala minute pasta station with “Mamma Style” sauces which allows diners to customize their pasta to their liking, a meter-long Tiramisu, and an interactive Bombolini filling station. Both Berto and Di Pasquale agree that their favorite is the Porchetta carving station that are bound to keep diners to go back for more.

PERK up, Manila! The country’s annual coffee lifestyle event is happening at Newport World Resorts this year. On March 17, 18, and 19, the Manila Coffee Festival 2023 (MCF2023) returns with a full roster of events to celebrate everything about coffee. From 11 am to 9 pm, the three-day festival is brewing up exciting activities from engaging talks with coffee experts, live cultural performances, art exhibitions, and much more, all served with a fresh cup o’ joe at the Marriott Grand Ballroom’s MGBX Convention Hall.

Bruce Winton, Multi-Property Vice President-The Philippines, Marriott International and General Manager, Marriott Hotel Manila welcomes meaningful collaborations for life’s biggest and winning

events at the Marriott Grand Ballroom's MGBX, “We are happy to host the Manila Coffee Festival here at the Marriott within Newport World Resorts. The MGBX Convention Hall is an excellent choice for such a huge event. The space spans 4,400 sqm., enough for guests to explore and discover everything there is to know about Manila’s coffee scene. We look forward to more wonderful Marriott Moments with our MCF2023 collaborators.”

This year’s Manila Coffee Festival spotlight’s the country’s coffee heritage, food, and subcultures. The festival will feature insightful talks, aptly dubbed Kape Talks (KTalks), with seasoned industry experts. KTalks will allow audiences to learn about coffee’s place in the culinary world, the nation’s coffee subculture, and other coffee stories from the individuals that are shaping the robust industry.

Throughout the three-day affair, expert brewers will be at the Single Origin Bar to provide guests with their best cups of coffee that will delight casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. At the Double Shot Bar, mixologists will present boozy creations to exhibit how coffee can go from a morning pick-me-up to a staple at cocktail hour.

The Art Hall at the MCF2023 is a must visit for art enthusiasts. This year’s festival exhibit is curated by Sining, Kape at Kultura and the Association of Coffee Artists of the Philippines. Stunning visual art from both local and international artists will fill a 200ft. Gallery within the venue.

MR.D.I.Y. gears up for wider CSR program for 2023 with two additional major media foundation partners

THEY say charity begins at “home.”

MR.D.I.Y., the nation’s favorite family and home improvement one-stop shop retailer, affirmed its commitment to serve and spread goodwill to its communities this year with the inclusion of two major partners under its umbrella corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, the MR.D.I.Y. A-OK (Acts of Kindness) campaign during a media luncheon at Myons Cuisine, Quezon City, on February 21.

in 2021 inspired the company to level up its CSR program into the A-OK campaign, which focuses on four key pillars: Family Welfare, Preservation and Protection of the Environment, Youth and Education, and Disaster Preparedness.

MR.D.I.Y. ‘s Chief Executive Officer Roselle Marisol Andaya further explained why the company has these CSR initiatives.

FOOD adventurers are in for a treat as Conrad Manila’s Brasserie on 3 launches “Chef’s Signature Series,” an ongoing series of themed buffet nights bringing eclectic international flavors into its already impressive variety of global cuisines.

Executive Chef Warren Brown features an exceptional selection of Italian favorites in La Dolce Vita on Mondays, and delights diners with Simply Thai, a delectable spread of flavorful Thai dishes on Wednesdays. The themed dinner buffet is available from 6 pm to 10 pm for P2,850++ per person inclusive of a welcome mocktail.

“Keeping food selections in our buffet

diverse is something I am very passionate about. I want to surprise our patrons with something new occasionally and keep them wanting more,” shares Executive Chef Warren Brown. “Food is more than just sustenance, it is an art form. I introduce fresh and exciting new dishes at Brasserie on 3 not only to create variety, but because I enjoy seeing people having a wonderful dining experience.”

Every Monday, Brasserie on 3 features an array of imported premium Italian cheeses and cold cuts that are highly recommended by Conrad Manila’s Italian General Manager and cheese aficionado, Fabio

Wednesday nights are for fragrant, vibrant and authentic Thai recipes by Thai-Filipino chef Dusadee Tindoy, who learned the art of Thai dining from his Thailander grandmother. He shares his love for this exotic cuisine through his spread which features a live Pad Thai Goong cooking station, a selection of Thailand’s hearty soups: Tom Yum Goong and Tom Kha Gai, a Gai Tord (crispy whole fried chicken) and Nuea Yang (roasted beef) carving station, and other Thai food favorites.

The buffet also offers unlimited non-alcoholic drinks for P480++ per person, and alcoholic drinks for P980++ per person for up to two hours. Brasserie on 3 is located on the third floor of Conrad Manila. For reservations and inquiries, please call +63 2 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com. To learn more about Conrad Manila’s promotions and offers follow us on Facebook (ConradManilaPH) and on Instagram (@conradmanila).

ABS-CBN’s Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation and TV5’s Alagang Kapatid Foundation have partnered with MR.D.I.Y. through the latter’s A-OK campaign for 2023. The program will also continue its collaboration with World Vision, SOS Children’s Villages, and GOM Football Center for Excellence.

A-OK is the overarching corporate social responsibility program where the retailer enables and empowers communities. The progam has its roots in the Good Bag Campaign, where proceeds from the purchase of MR.D.I.Y. eco-bags nationwide are eventually donated to its NGO partners.

The success of the Good Bag Campaign

“MR.D.I.Y. entered the country in 2018, with our first store opening in Balagtas, Bulacan. That same year, we opened five other stores, one in Ayala, two in Waltermart malls, Sta Lucia and Fishermall Quezon City. Our market has received us well, owing to our variety of more than 18,000 products under 10 different categories. We celebrated our 100th store milestone last 2020,” the CEO said.

“And just last November of 2022, we celebrated our 300th store milestone at SM City Sucat. We are now 339 stores strong with our latest opening today in Culiat Town Center in Quezon City. From six stores in 2018 to 339 today,” Andaya added.

CREBA national chairman Charlie A. V. Gorayeb and national president Noel Toti M. Cariño.

SWIMMERS

Iligan tankers rule Langoy PHL Gov. Pacquiao Cup in Sarangani

By Manuel Cayon

GENERAL SANTOS City—

Team Iligan Archangel

Swimming Acad of Iligan City tallied 321 points to rule the Langoy Pilipinas-1st Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao Cup held recently at the Sarangani Sports Training Center.

Red Sail Arcadia ST of Davao City got 266 points and Lemmoda Aqua Glidervalencia of Bukidnon collected 248 points to finish second and third place, respectively, in the national competition for six to 17 years old swimmers.

Ten local government units including Manila, Tarlac, Cavite and Laguna in Luzon; Bohol, Roxas, and Bacolod in Visayas; and Sarangani Province and Cagayan de Oro City in Mindanao sent athletes to the event.

Competitions were staged in

WAR, ANGER CLOUD UKRAINIAN ATHLETES

Category A for experts and Category B for beginners.

L angoy Pilipinas national organizer Darren Evangelista said the event was organized for school-based teams, less fortunate children and out-of-school youth.

L angoy Pilipinas is supported by the Swimming League Philippines, Philippine Swimming League and Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc.

P rovincial sports coordinator

Alma Corazon Gabuat represented Pacquiao in the event. “ Sports like this develop not only a winning attitude for our Filipino youth, but also the discipline that comes with it, the cooperation an athlete has with his coach, and the dedication to overcome one’s own limitations to achieve greater goals,”

Gabuat told the participants.

Lions feast on Warriors in home turf

SANTA ROSA clobbered San

Pedro Laguna-ARS, 133-74, in a battle of two teams from the same province on Wednesday night for the Lions’ second straight win in the Manila Bankers Life-Pilipinas Super League Pro Division Second Conference Dumper Cup at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex.

Don Reverente shone for Sta. Rosa with a double-double of 26 points and 15 rebounds with seven assists, while John Nermal and Marvin Lee added 17 points each.

Ryusei Koga and Nat Cosejo combined for 30 points, while Jeramer Cabanag had 11 points as the Lions improved to 10-3 won-lost for solo fourth place.

The Warriors absorbed their sixth straight loss and dropped to 2-12 in the meet presented by Dumper partylist, Winzir, and Skin Care Depot, co-presented by SCD Cosmetics, and supported by NET 25, Adcon, Wcube Solutions Inc., MDC, Unisol,

Don Benitos, and Finn Cotton, with Philippine BasketballAssociation and Gilas Pilipinas great Marc Pingris serving as Commissioner.

K oponang Lakan ng Bulacan downed Cagayan de Oro-PSP, 97-86, to halt a three-game slump and improve to 9-6 for seventh place.

E xequil Biteng starred for Bulacan with 22 points and two rebounds, while Mark Pangilinan and Jeric Serrano scored 17 and 14 points, respectively.

Charles Collano paced San Pedro with 18 points, while Jan Formento and Danny Diocampo got 13 points each.

Wowie Kadir and John Gonzaga also combined for 20 points for the Warriors.

A ldeo Lucero led Cagayan de Oro with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Dariel Bayla had 15 points.

J eff Comia and Jayvee Dela Cruz also added 12 and 11 points, respectively, for CDO, which fell to 3-11.

KYIV, Ukraine— Ukrainian diver Stanislav Oliferchyk proudly bears the name of his late grandfather, who died in brutalized Mariupol.

R ussia’s troops turned the Ukrainian port city into a killing zone in the process of capturing it and the elder Stanislav could no longer get the cancer treatment he needed in the ruins, his grandson says. He was 74 when he died last October.

A nother victim of the monthslong Russian siege of Mariupol was its gleaming aquatic center—Oliferchyk had planned to use the refurbished sports complex as his training base for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

But it was bombed the same day last March as the city’s drama theater. The theater airstrike was the single deadliest known attack against civilians to date in the year-old Russian invasion. An Associated Press investigation determined that close to 600 people died.

So it takes no leap of the imagination to understand why Mariupol-born Oliferchyk is

Bryant family agrees to settle photo lawsuit for $28.5M

LOS ANGELES—The family of the late Kobe Bryant has agreed to a $28.5 million settlement with Los Angeles County to resolve the remaining claims in a lawsuit over deputies and firefighters sharing grisly photos  of  the National Basketball Association (NBA) star, his 13-year-old daughter and other victims killed in a 2020 helicopter crash, attorneys and court filings said Tuesday.

The figure includes a newly agreed upon payment from the county of $13.5 million along with the $15 million a federal jury awarded Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, at a trial in August.

The agreement resolves any future claims by Bryant’s three surviving daughters, related issues pending in state court, and other costs. A

proposed settlement order, which a judge must approve, was filed Tuesday in federal court.

Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct,” Bryant’s attorney Luis Li said in a statement. “She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect.”

Mira Hashmall, the attorney

representing LA County, called the statement “fair and reasonable” adding, “We hope Ms. Bryant and her children continue to heal from their loss.”

K obe Bryant, the former Lakers star, five-time NBA champion and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, was traveling with Gianna and seven others to a youth basketball game when the helicopter they were aboard crashed into hills in Calabasas west of Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020.

Deputies and firefighters responding to the crash scene shot phone photos of the bodies and the wreckage, which Hashmall argued at trial were an essential part of assessing the situation.

But the pictures were shared, mostly between employees of the county sheriff’s and fire departments, including by some who were playing

horrified by the idea that he and other war-traumatized Ukrainian athletes might have to put their anger and consciences aside and compete against counterparts from Russia and ally Belarus at next year›s Olympics.

I’m angry most of the time. I just can’t stand it anymore when shelling happens,” said the 26-year-old Oliferchyk, a European champion in 3-meter mixed synchronized diving in 2019. “I want Russia to let us live in peace and stay away from us.”

Defying fury from Ukraine and misgivings from other nations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is exploring whether to allow Russians and Belarusians back into international sports and the Paris Games.

The IOC says it is mission-bound to promote unity and peace— particularly when war is raging. It also cites United Nations human rights experts who argue, on nondiscrimination grounds, that athletes and sports judges from Russia and Belarus shouldn’t be banned simply for the passports they hold.

For Ukrainian athletes setting

video games and attending an awards banquet. They were also seen by some of their spouses and in one case by a bartender at a bar where a deputy was drinking.

L i told jurors that the close-up photos had no official or investigative purpose, and were mere “visual gossip” shared out of a gruesome curiosity.

H ashmall argued that the sheriff acted swiftly and appropriately when he ordered the photos deleted.

Vanessa Bryant tearfully testified during the 11-day trial that news of the photos compounded her still-raw grief a month after losing her husband and daughter, and that she still has panic attacks at the thought that they might still be out there and her daughters might someday see them online.

T he verdict in her favor was erroneously read as $16 million in court, but was later amended to $15 million. AP

Little sign of Olympics in Milan with only three years remaining

MILAN—Perched incongruously on the 44th floor of one of Milan’s modern glass skyscrapers is a ski lodge. The “baita,” which is made of reclaimed wood from trees felled in a devastating storm that hit northern Italy in 2018, is in the headquarters of the organizing committee for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.

The offices themselves are festooned with Olympic rings, which also adorn the key cards guests are given to access the building. But outside, you’d be hard pressed to find any sign that the Winter Games are coming to Milan in

less than three years. The 50,000-square-meter site that will house the Palitalia, where hockey is scheduled to take place, is currently an overgrown wasteland. And construction work has only just started at the area where the Olympic Village will be situated.

Nowhere is there even the inkling of an Olympic ring.

T he organizing committee has admitted there have been delays  because of the coronavirus pandemic and rising costs due in part to the war in Ukraine, but Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said there is nothing

to be concerned about.

What you don’t see is actually what generates a lot of time,” Dubi said in an interview with The Associated Press. “It’s the administrative, the permitting and then acquiring any of the companies that will deliver the job.

“

Once it starts, it goes quick … but I want to be clear, the timelines that we have received have to be respected. So far they are, but they have to be respected.”

A nd the International Olympic Committee (IOC) director warns that they will keep a close eye on matters to see that deadlines are met. AP

their sights on Paris, the possibility of sharing Olympic pools, fields and arenas with Russian and Belarusian competitors is so repellent that some say they’d not go if it happens.

Sisters Maryna and Vladyslava Aleksiiva—who won Olympic bronze in artistic swimming’s team competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021—are among those who say they›d have to boycott.

We must,” Maryna said during an Associated Press interview at their training pool in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Russia is the giant of their sport, previously called synchronized swimming, having won all the gold medals at the past six Olympics.

C ompleting each other’s sentences, the Ukrainian twins added: “Our moral feelings don’t allow us to stand near...these people.”

Oliferchyk worries that enmity could spill over if Ukrainians

encounter Russians and Belarusians in Paris—a likely scenario given that Olympians will be housed and dine together in accommodation overlooking the River Seine in the city’s northern suburbs. Anything can happen, even a fight,” Oliferchyk said. “There simply cannot be any handshakes between us.”

H aving to train in the midst of war also puts Ukraine’s Olympic hopefuls at a disadvantage. Russian strikes have destroyed training venues. Air raids disrupt training sessions. Athletes have lost family members and friends, or are consumed by worries that they will. Because Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also closed the country’s airspace, traveling to international competitions has become an arduous odyssey—often of long train rides to neighboring Poland, for onward flights from there.

Our athletes train while cruise missiles are flying, bombs are flying,” Ukrainian Sports Minister Vadym Guttsait said in an AP interview.

He recalled a meeting he took part in between IOC president Thomas Bach and Ukrainian cyclists given refuge in Swizterland.

Bach asked one of the cyclists how she was doing,” the minister recounted. “She started crying. He asked why. She said that day they (Russian forces) attacked her city, where her parents were, and she was very nervous.”

This is how every athlete feels about what is happening in Ukraine,” the minister said.

U kraine’s artistic swim team, including the Aleksiiva sisters, used to train in the Lokomotiv sports center in Kharkiv, the country’s second-largest city.

A Russian strike with powerful S-300 missiles wrecked the complex in September, the region’s governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said at the time. He posted photos showing a giant crater and severe damage to the exterior. AP

Verstappen again man to beat in F1

RED BULL’S Max Verstappen was so far ahead last season that catching the Formula One champion may feel like scaling a mountain.

So that’s exactly what Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc did to get himself ready for the challenge, which starts next Sunday at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old from Monaco headed up to the Italian Dolomites for some “extreme training” that left him “fully recharged and ready for” another crack at Verstappen, his former junior karting rival.

L ewis Hamilton has long been a perfectionist when it comes to physical fitness. But this time the Mercedes veteran tried something new: a week in Antarctica whalespotting.

Winter was great, amazing, (the) highlight was Antarctica seeing the whales,” the 38-year-old said. “Definitely, if anyone has an opportunity to go, pack warm. But otherwise (it’s) pretty spectacular.”

W hether this makes any difference when it comes to stopping Verstappen remains to be seen, and if pre-season testing is anything to go by, it might not.

Verstappen thinks his RB19 may

be even better than last year.

Overall I think it’s definitely an improvement to last year,” he said during testing. “Very positive days for me.” Ferrari will hope things improve under new leadership.

Frenchman Frédéric Vasseur replaced team principal, Italian Mattia Binotto, whose relationship with Leclerc had become increasingly tense.

L eclerc opened 2022 with two wins in three races and seemed poised to challenge Verstappen. But he finished nearly 150 points adrift, without a win since July and just finished second overall.

“ What to expect from Fred? It’s very early days, but what I can say is that it was impressive how quickly he (blended) into the team,” said Leclerc, who worked with Vasseur at Sauber.

“Straight away he felt quite at ease and understood a team like Ferrari.”

W ithout criticizing Binotto, he alluded to the need for change.

“ He’s really, really good at putting everybody in the right conditions in order to extract the best out of people,” the 25-year-old Leclerc said.

“I think this is going to be a big plus.”

Binotto’s management led to poor team orders, botched pit stops and odd strategy calls that cost Leclerc wins. It generated conflict within F1’s most famed team and led to Binotto’s departure.

H amilton’s relationship with Mercedes remains strong as he negotiates a new contract and with team principal Toto Wolff pledging to give him a winning car.

H amilton is F1’s record-holder with 103 wins, but didn’t win a race last year and now must also beat teammate George Russell. Ru ssell surprised many observers in his first season with Mercedes by finishing ahead of Hamilton in the standings. Russell was fourth, compared to sixth for Hamilton, and won the team’s only race. AP

UKRAINIAN sisters Maryna (left) and Vladyslava Aleksiiva talk during a practice session in Kyiv Tuesday. AP

RED BULL’s Max Verstappen steers his car during a pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, Bahrain. AP

VANESSA BRYANT

aged six to 17 converge at the Sarangani Sports Training Center for the Langoy Pilipinas-1st Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao Cup.

B8 Friday, March 3, 2023

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

PSA honors esteemed sportswriters in ’22 awards

Eastridge cuts Southwoods lead to 12 pts in Interclub

DEFENDING champion Manila Southwoods saw its overnight lead reduced to 12 points by main challenger Eastridge Golf Club halfway through the 74th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub golf team championships on Thursday in Cebu.

E astridge, a team reinforced by top Davao golfers, outscored the Carmona-based squad, 135-133, at the more difficult Club Filipino de Cebu as both squads braced for the final half of the race.

Veteran Junjun Plana, the top scorer at the Cebu Country Club (CCC) on Wednesday, failed to count with 28 points but the rest of his teammates picked up the cudgels to make sure Southwoods remains comfortably on top.

Ryan Monsave and Lanz

William Uy each shot 35 points to lead the defending champions while Shinichi Suzuki and Masaichi Otake contributed 34 and 29, respectively.

“ We were five points short of our target today, but we kind of expected this. We could not possibly get the best score every day,” Southwoods non-playing captain Thirdy Escano said.

However, he stressed the importance of doing better against Eastridge when they return to Club Filipino de Cebu on Friday.

I don’t care about the score as long as the boys beat Eastridge,” he said. “That’s the only time I can get a good sleep on the eve of the final round.”

E astridge struck through Ronel Tagaan’s 36 points to make its move.  Tagaan, one of a handful of former Davao caddies in the team, mixed three birdies with the same number of bogeys to score the day’s best effort.

Zachary Villaroman, the 15-yearold son of renowned coach Carito Villaroman, bounced back from a poor performance at CCC with 35 points.

C hris John Remata added 34 while Edison Tabalin chipped in 30.

Southwoods has a 36-hole total of 274 while Eastridge has 262.

P re-tournament favorite Cebu Country Club posted 130 to keep its hold of third spot with 256.  Jacob Cajita sparkled for CCC with 36 while Jufil Sato added 35.

Bayani Garcia and Jon Joseph Alvarez rounded out scoring with 30 and 29, respectively.

R ounding out the standings in the championship division were Del Monte 240, Valley 237, Tagaytay Highlands 232, Pueblo de Oro 212 and Sta. Elena 202.

I n the Founders division, Alabang extended its lead over Orchard by eight points after collecting 113 points also at Club Filipino de Cebu.

A nthony See led Alabang with 33 points followed by Christopher Popp 30, Juan Ibazeta 26 and Marc Lamberto Reyes 24.

A labang now has 233 points.

Orchard drew 36 points from Kim Tae Soo to shoot 112 and 225 overall. Other scorers were Kim Tae Won 28, Young Sook Kim 27, and Beejay Chua 21.

Forest Hills matched Alabang’s output to stay in third place with 224.

DANNY I. BACK AS FIBERXER

By Josef Ramos

DANNY ILDEFONSO has come out of retirement and at 46-years-old aims to recall his dominant prime with Converge in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup.

He may no longer have the speed, power and agility that made him a

discipline that serves as a shining symbol of excellence,” Salud, a former PBA commissioner, told BusinessMirror on Thursday.

Salud didn’t reveal details on Ildefonso’s contract.

I n the 3 p.m game, Eyes will be on Ildefenso as Converge (6-3) tackles Meralco (5-4) at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

league Legend, but Danny I., as he’s called in the league, is expected to provide leadership and inspiration to the FiberXers for the long run.

I ldefonso, the pride of Urdaneta in Pangasinan, was activated by Converge as its 15th player, according to team governor Chito Salud.

I see this opportunity as a celebration of a dedicated athlete’s talent, resilience and personal

RACHEL’S NIGHT Rachel Daquis and the Cignal HD Spikers eke out a 25-14, 25-11, 19-25, 17-25, 15-11 decision over Choco Mucho to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night.

CARLOS “CALOY” YULO is close to fulfilling his vow after advancing to the men’s floor exercise final in the second leg of the International Gymnastics Federation Artistic World Cup Series at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday.

The Tokyo Olympian and two-time world champion Yulo tallied14.500 points to place second in the qualification round only .100 behind

“Converge has everything to gain from Danny’s comeback. His presence on the bench as a player and the limited minutes that he could play will inspire this team and excite basketball fans,” Salud said. With his experience and passion for the game, our players will enjoy that added spark of inspiration and motivation to play their best,” he added.

I ldefonso retired as a player in a Meralco uniform eight years ago and is now an assistant coach of National University, Alaska and also Converge. He was the 1998 top overall pick by Shell before he was dealt to San Miguel Beer on draft day. He was the PBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2000 and 2001 and has eight championships with San Miguel Beer.

We do not view Danny as a placeholder in our roster,” Salud said. He’s an icon and as such, we will look to him for leadership and inspiration.”

The 6-foot-6 Ildefonso played for 17 seasons with averages of 10.1 points and 6.0 rebounds. He normed 15.2 points and 8.8 rebounds in his best season in 2000.

T NT’s Kelly Williams, 41, was also pulled out of a brief retirement and is one of a few players who’re still playing in their 40s. Among them are Raffy Reavis (Magnolia) and Reynel Hugnatan (Meralco) who are both 45 and former MVP James Yap of Rain or Shine who’s 41.

I ldefonso has two basketball player sons—the eldest Shaun is a rookie at Rain or Shine and Dave is playing for Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Korean Basketball League.

B arangay Ginebra San Miguel, meanwhile, tries to stop a streaking Phoenix Super LPG at 5:45 p.m. Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings (5-2) are coming off a come-from-behind 112-107 win over Meralco last Wednesday.

YULO IN CONTENTION IN DOHA

Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel.

Great British Luke Whitehouse garnered 14.166 to be at No. 3.

Yulo’s performance on the floor in Doha was far better that Cottbus, where he didn’t make the final with 14.500 that was good for 18th place.

T he final is set on Friday with Yulo also hoping to qualify for the finals of vault and parallel bars— where he clinched a bronze medal in the previous leg in Germany.

Y ulo also competed in the rings but crashed out of the race for the final with 14.166 points at 11th place.

The Cottbus and Doha legs are

ESTEEMED members of the sportswriting fraternity gets a piece of the limelight in Monday’s San Miguel Corp.-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night. A Lifetime Award in Sports Journalism will be given to former editors Recah Trinidad, Ding Marcelo, Jun Engracia, Al Mendoza, Eddie Alinea and Percy Della, while the late sports editors Joe S. Antonio and Ernie Gonzales will be honored with separate PSA Special Awards. The traditional gala night of the country’s oldest media organization is set March 6 at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel and is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV and ably backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Milo, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, International Container Terminal Services Inc. and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. H idilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the country’s first ever Olympic gold medalist, leads the long list of 2022 awardees as she hosts her second straight Athlete of the Year trophy. Trinidad was known for his hardhitting “Bare Eye” column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, where he also served as one of its early editors in the 1980s.

He honed his craft as a reporter for the Philippine Herald and Manila Times, before becoming the first editor of Tempo in 1982. He also worked for the Daily Express, Malaya and Sports Flash

A product of The Dawn, the official student publication of the University of the East, Marcelo was sports editor of the Manila Bulletin until his retirement in 2017. He began his writing career with the Chronicle before transferring to Bulletin, where he was once a Malacañang beat reporter. Later on, he became news editor of Tempo, and then managing editor of Bulletin

A r unner, triathlete and health buff, Engracia was formerly news editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and worked for the Daily Express in the 1970s.

two of four qualifying legs for the September world championships in Antwerp where slots to the Paris 2024 Olympics are at stake.

The moves to Baku (Azerbaijan) from March 9 to 12 and Cairo (Egypt) for the final leg from April 27 to 30.

The Belgium world championships are from September 30 to October 8.

Josef Ramos

ACC members look forward to Asian BMX tilt in Tagaytay

MEMBERS of the 45-country Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) looked forward to the country’s first-time hosting of the Asian BMX (Racing and Freestyle) Championships in Tagaytay City on July 15 and 16.

The ACC members’ enthusiasm was relayed to Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino at the close of the ACC Congress on Thursday at The Stones Hotel in Bali, Indonesia.

EASTRIDGE’S Ronel Tagaan makes a putt at Club Filipino de Cebu during the second round of the Men’s Interclub as Spin.ph’s Dodo Catacutan (left) and GMA’s Arnold Clavio pose with their trophies after winning the media tournament’s print and broadcast at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club in Cebu City Monday.

3-time OOM champ Rodriguez back in LPGT hunt

AFTER being out of competitive play the last couple of years, Cyna Rodriguez is back on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT), joining the chase in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Negros Occidental Classic presented by MORE Power unfolding March 15 at the Marapara Golf and Country Club course in Negros Occidental.

W hile she’s thrilled more than wary about her return to such cutthroat competition, the former LPGA Tour campaigner’s presence in the 54-hole event is expected to toughen up the field, majority of which are ready and eager to get going after vying in the Anvaya Cove Ladies

International at the posh, exacting Anvaya Cove layout in Morong, Bataan last week.

R odriguez dominated the start of the LPGT in 2013, racking up six victories and sweeping the Order of Merit titles in the first three years. The former Junior World champion and many-time member of the national team also gained an LPGA Tour card with a fourth place effort in the Q-School in 2015 and campaigned on the world’s premier ladies circuit for two years before opting to resume her pro career at home.

Injuries, however, stymied her return to LPGT, leading to mediocre finishes while missing the cut in some. She last competed in November 2020.

W hen the offer to work for Anvaya Cove came about in late 2021, she readily accepted it and after a more than a year stint as golf director, she said: “I learned a lot, it’s the first golf course that I handled. As a welltraveled golfer, I was able to get my inputs seeing other golf course from different countries.”

But throwing her hat into the ring has been ingrained in her character and Anvaya Cove’s recent hosting of a top-notch championship must’ve fueled her desire to compete again.

“ This coming March, I will be playing on the tour, so I’m excited to go back and play with the same people and hopefully see fresh faces,” said Rodriguez.

Tolentino said that not only were the ACC member countries who are enthusiastic about the BMX championships in Tagaytay, but also International Cycling Union (UCI) president David Lappartient and ACC president Osama Ahmed Abdullah Al Shafar of the United Arab Emirates.

Our hosting of the Asian BMX championships warmly welcomed by the delegates and in turn, we in PhilCycling will return the favor by warmly and festively welcoming them back come July,” said Tolentino, who was accompanied in the congress by

PhilCycling secretary-general Atty.

Billy Sumagui.

The Philippines has hosted several Asian road and mountainbike championships, but this would be the first continental event at the UCIstandard and world-class BMX track in Tagaytay City.

The track first hosted the 2019 30th Southeast Asian Games. It the country’s one-and-only UCI BMX track and the only one in Asia with a roof.

Just like in our previous hosting of Asian cycling championships in road and MTB, we’ll put out best foot forward in these BMX championships,” said Tolentino, who was named ACC honorary vice president. “After these continental championships, we intend to host other regional and international races on the track.”

Expected to lead the country’s campaign in the July championships are London Olympian Daniel Caluag, the solo Philippine gold medalist at the Incheon 2014 Asian Games, and Patrick Coo, a former Asian juniors champion.

Mendoza was a three-time Palanca Awardee who began his career at the Manila Bulletin and Panorama. He joined the Philippine Daily Inquirer as sports editor and currently writes a weekly column in the BusinesMirror (That’s All) and SunStar Cebu (All Write).

Della was also a grizzled veteran in the sports beat, starting out with ABS-CBN, Times Journal and Philippine News Agency before migrating to the US and worked at City News Service and with the Los Angeles Herald Examiner

He became part of the California State Service as Public Information Officer and retired as spokesperson for energy under former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

A linea was the former editor of PNA, who also had extensive experience writing for the Manila Times, Bulletin, Manila Standard, Journal Group of Publications BusinessMirror , among others.

A ntonio and Gonzales both passed away last year, but also left an indelible legacy in the local sportswriting community.

A ntonio, 69, was the wellrespected, long-time sports editor of the People’s Journal, who began his career with the Times Journal in the mid-70s while still studying at University of the East.

A d iehard fan of the late action king Fernando Poe Jr., he was also the longest serving treasurer of the PSA. Gonzales, 78, on the other hand, was the former sports editor of the Manila Chronicle and widely regarded as one of the best Filipino sportswriters.

He first worked as a sportswriter for the Daily Express, and had stints with the Manila Times and desk editor at SunStar, Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer

YULO

CYNA RODRIGUEZ is back after missing the tour for almost three seasons.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee and PhilCycling President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (seated, seventh from left), International Cycling Union president David Lappartient and Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president Osama Ahmed Abdullah Al Shafar (seated, fifth and fourth from left) pose for a class picture at the close of the ACC Congress in Bali on Thursday.

Editor: Tet Andolong

It’sgreenmobIlItyforsuzukI

S. Peregrino

option for the country. Everything under the hood is the same, with a couple of added components. Further, a more worry-free option should the system fail, the gasoline engine is still the primary vehicle propel-

ler—the best part of a mild hybrid system that produces excellent fuel efficiency in real-world driving.

To prove SHVS’s superior fuel efficiency, SPH had all the commissioned vehicles set up for an eco-

run activity. We all proceeded to the designated fuel station in Laguna as the last stop to top up and determine actual consumption. One group managed to achieve over 26 kilometers/liter of con-

sumption. According to the group, they just drove normally as anyone would going to their destination. Now that is one impressive motorassist function effect thanks to Suzuki’s ISG.

So, when the New Ertiga Hybrid made its local debut, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) finally had its take on sustainable mobility in the country. Highlighting the manufacturer’s proprietary Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology, the latest “mild” hybrid version now comes standard in four variants—the first and only in the seven-seater compact MPV class.

For us to experience the hybrid system, SPH recently hosted a drive event where ten GLX variants were commissioned. The drive event was an over 160-kilometer journey to Lotus Pod in Laguna and back to Suzuki Auto Kawit in Cavite.

The right amount of upgrades

T H E number of upgrades inside and out is just about enough for distinction. Exterior-wise, this hybrid version received a new front grill design with chrome (GL and GLX) and black (GA) finishes, and of course, there is the “Hybrid” badge at the back. Exclusive to the top-spec GLX is the Follow-mehome headlights function, Electric folding Side Mirrors, Chrome Door Handles, and 15-inch two-tone polished Alloy Wheels.

Inside, the instrument panel’s 4.2-inch full-color LCD TFT Display, Hybrid operation display, and driving range, to name a few, are standard. Exclusive to the GLX grade are the tilt-adjusted and leatherwrapped steering wheel with audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth handsfree phone controls, among others. Moreover, highlighted in the dash panel are the GLX’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with SmartLink connectivity functions, automatic climate control, and wooden finishes, among others. The darkthemed interior matches the seat’s two-toned material.

SHVS in action

THE whole idea of the drive was for us to experience the Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki (SHVS) technology.

Dubbed a “mild hybrid”, the system is a lightweight and compact hybrid system. The main components are an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) with a 12-volt lithium-ion battery that supplies power to its small integrated electric motor. These components operate with a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine paired with a four-speed automatic (GL and GLX) and a five-speed manual (GA and GL) transmission options.

The gasoline engine generates 103 hp at 6,000 rpm and 138 N-m of maximum torque at 4,400 rpm. What was interesting during the pre-drive presentation was learning that the ISG produces 3.5 hp and a substantial 50 N-m of torque. That is because the mechanism’s primary function, aside from acting

as the conventional alternator, is as an electric motor assisting mainly during acceleration. Suzuki calls it Torque Assist Function. In this case, it is the ISG helping the engine via a rubber belt.

Assigned to an automatic variant, we took all expressways from Cavite to Laguna. Early on, the Torque Assist Function was evident immediately and throughout, providing additional power to the engine in every series of acceleration. That extra torque from ISG gave that power feels like the vehicle had a bigger engine. Here lies the system’s primary objective of achieving excellent fuel efficiency. By assisting the engine during acceleration, there is less load, hence, better fuel consumption. But every time the vehicle settled to cruising speeds, we felt that the ISG functioned back to being a conventional alternator, minus the extra power. It is only during braking and deceleration that the system revives to do regenerative braking (Brake Energy Regeneration) to help charge the lithium battery.

Further, we experienced the ISG’s Engine Auto Stop-Start System (EASS) function. Unlike similar functions via an engine starter, this system felt smoother and quieter in reviving the motor immediately upon stepping on the accelerator. But of course, since the engine is off, so is the air-con compressor. Good thing there is an option to disable the function whenever not needed.

Suzuki designed the ISG to function as an engine assist, lithium battery charger, regenerative braking, and engine starter.

Safety Features

A PART from the long list of convenience features, the New Ertiga Hybrid is built on a light yet highly rigid body derived from Suzuki’s new generation platform - HEARTECT. This new continuous frame design increases underbody stiffness and effectively disperses impact energy to improve safety while reducing noise and vibration. Add to that the Total Effective Control Technology (TECT), which disseminates collision forces across the vehicle frame to mitigate damage to the car and passengers.

Other standard safety features are the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), SRS airbags, an antilock-braking system with electronic brake distribution, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Hill-Hold-Control function, meantime, is exclusive to GL and GLX.

Smart and big on fuel savings

W HILE conventional Hybrid setups are yet to convince more Filipino drivers as the initial step to greener driving, the New Ertiga’s mild hybrid system would be the easier-to-digest

Story and photo by Randy

FOR Suzuki, their Smart Hybrid vehicle is a significant transition that bodes well for the future of green mobility.

It’sahybrIdweekend InsubIc Test drive 2 of the most popular hybrid vehicles in the market today!

AS part of the pre-launch activities for its New Mobility for a Cleaner, Greener Philippines, CSBank (Citystate Savings Bank) is inviting the motoring public to experience and test drive two of the most popular hybrid vehicles in the market at Subic Bay, from March 3 to 5, 2023.

The New Mobility campaign focuses on hybrid and electric vehicles readily available in the Philippines. CSBank will also be introducing flexible and adaptable payment options designed for the convenience of its customers. The multi-brand partner dealership approach ensures the shortest possible waiting time for approved auto loan customers and nationwide reach where CSBank branches are located. With hybrids and electric vehicles exempt from color coding in Metro Manila and fluctuating fuel prices, there’s no better time to go hybrid and EV. Green cars contribute to the reduction of air and noise pollution too.

If you happen to be in the Subic area, or decide to drive and spend the weekend, check out these hybrid vehicles and go for a test drive. All that’s needed is a valid driver’s license to experience hybrid in Subic.

Nissan Kicks e-Power: One of the

most popular hybrids that recently entered the Philippine automotive market, this electric-driven, gascharged hybrid is a nimble 5-seater that has shown good reviews in the recent years. The Nissan Kicks epower promises to be an exciting ride as it attracts the younger generation with a price point that is attainable to young professionals. The Nissan Kicks test drive will be at the Emerald Manor Crown Peak Gardens, Upper Cubi, Subic Bay Freeport. The test drive unit is courtesy of Nissan Bataan. For info, contact their sales unit at 09188542750.

Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: If you’re in the market for a sleek 7-seater that has more space and is ideal for a growing family, then the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is your bet. The Ertiga employs the combination of a traditional 1.5-liter petrol engine that delivers 103hp at 6,000 rpm and 138Nm of torque at 4,400rpm with a 12-volt Lithium-Ion battery

and Integrated starter generator (ISG). Suzuki has also equipped this MPV with a 4.2 inch multiinformation display, cruise control and electronic stability program that improves traction on slippery surfaces. This hybrid will be on display at the Harbor Point Mall,

with a test drive unit that will be participating in this weekend’s My Daily Collagen Triathlon 2023 at the Boardwalk, Subic. The test drive Ertiga is provided by Suzuki Tarlac. For questions about the vehicle, you may text or call Maicel Nucum at 09081626928.

Strong Partners: CSBank’s New Mobility for a Cleaner, Greener Philippines has partnered with established entities like Gateway and Grand Canyon, both multi-brand car dealerships, and People’s General Insurance for innovative insurance plans to provide convenience and

security to hybrid and EV car buyers. Come to Subic for a hybrid weekend from March 3 to 5, 2023. The New Mobility campaign is supported by ALC Media Group that includes the BusinessMirror, DWIZ Radio, HomeRadio 97.9, and Pilipino Mirror.

suzuKi Ertiga Hybrid

Editor: Tet Andolong

MoreCoMfort,Moreoptionswith thehyundaiCountynewBreeze

The redesigned Hyundai County

New Breeze is now sleeker and longer, with extra seating capacity and more options. This alone, among its many other upgraded features, translates to more opportunities and potentially more profit from Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc.’s (HARI) bestselling minibus for business, school, and government use.

The Long Body edition at 7,110mm has a seating capacity of 29+1 with standard seats; the ExtraLong Body edition, which is 600mm longer at 7,710mm, has two available variants: 29+1 (with reclining seats) and 32+1 (with standard seats). It also stands taller at 2,870 mm to include the roof electric ventilator and condenser unit for the air conditioning.

More restful journeys

Inside, the redesigned cabin invites rest and relaxation. Panoramic windows give a superbly sweeping view of the road; and foldable jump

seats that may be adjusted to one’s preferred height enhance passenger comfort. The A/C system has been relocated to the rooftop, which makes it less exposed to dirt and improves air flow, thus efficiently keeping the cabin cool and comfy. And thanks to the new digital climate control system that is accessible to passengers and driver, one can automatically monitor and maintain the desired temperature levels inside the cabin.

More convenience DR IVERS will appreciate the ergo-

Revisiting CARS; continuing sales surge

REMEMBER the CARS (Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy) program set in 2015 by the Department of Trade?

It was designed to provide tax perks to vehicle manufacturers for production quota in a given time.

Those picked as recipients were Toyota and Mitsubishi, which were both expected to churn out 200,000 units each of the Toyota Vios and Mitsubishi Mirage models, respectively, over a six-year period.

After starting production of said variants in 2018, the pandemic stalled targets during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020-2022, even as both Toyota and Mitsubishi had sourced 42 percent of their car components and parts locally.

Despite the production crisis, Toyota was still able to come up with 134,242 Vios units in December 2022 as against the 72,923 Mirage models as per DTI records.

The CARS program had allotted P27 billion as fiscal incentives, with the government expected to juice up P18.77 billion in net revenues from income taxes, value-added taxes and withholding tax payments.

Not bad. Let's keep it up, fellers. Sales surge

INDUSTRY sales continue to re-

nomic cockpit which is designed to operate the vehicle with minimal effort—no fumbling! At center is a 3.5-inch Supervision LCD cluster that displays critical vehicle information with digital precision, speed, and razor-sharp clarity. While all switches are logically arranged in rows and clearly labelled for quick identification and within the driver’s reach for convenient operation. The new M850B audio unit includes radio, CD player, TV connection, driver speaker, AUX input, USB, and an external microphone input for public address system which allows the driver to communicate with passengers without disrupting the overall restful mood.

What’s more to ask for a good day’s travel? With its upgraded features, the Hyundai County New Breeze goes a long way in making every trip more than just about the destination but a journey worth experiencing over and over again. Know more about the County New Breeze! Drop us a line in our Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/hyundaitrucksandbusesph/ or email us at support@ hariphil.com You may also visit any of our authorized Hyundai Trucks and Buses Dealers nationwide.

continues to dangle prizes for its select models, with the Vios 1.3 XE CVT going at only P115,350 down payment still in operation.

The deal includes a free one-year insurance, three-year LTO registration and no chattel mortgage at 60 months to pay via all-in cash out.

The Rush is also available at P176,400 down payment for the 1.5 G GR-S A/T variant.

bound as reflected in a recent joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Last January alone, sales reached 29,499 units—equivalent to a 42.1-percent increase compared with 20,765 units recorded in the same period a year ago.

CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez said, “The double-digit sales growth of 42.1 percent, coming from a year-on-year robust growth performance in 2022, is a good development momentum for the auto industry as we start the year.”

He said the continued expansion from the demand-side standpoint was driven, in large part, by the growing domestic consumer market.

Revenge-spending mode?

“On the other hand, the supplyside challenges are factors that we couldn’t just ignore as they may hamper the industry growth,” Gutierrez added. Overall, Gutierrez said the industry’s economic health will “ultimately depend on various economic key indicators.”

Always, focus on optimism. It's the only way to nail progress against all odds.

The Wigo 1.0 E M/T is available at only P6,347 per month, with a 50 percent down payment at 60 months to pay.

Same with the Lite Ace, which comes at only P6,371 per month.

Now if you pay in cash, you get P50,000-savings for the Corolla Altis V HV and V variants, while the Innova fetches P20,000 in cash savings.

As for trade-in, the Vios for an SUV gives a P20,000-P30,000 rebate to include the Avanza and Veloz. The Innova draws 35k. Swap that Fortuner for Hilux at a 20k rebate. Check out the full mechanics at https://toyota.com.ph/promos/GoForLove, or inquire online at toyota.com. ph/showroom. Also you can download the myTOYOTA PH APP for Android and iOS for all your Toyota needs, from car selection to car care, maintenance and upgrades.

PEE STOP With rains subsiding, golf tournaments are sprouting like mushrooms once again, attracting brand-new cars as either hole-in-one prizes or raffle giveaways...The PAL Interclub Golf in Cebu ending this week drew hundreds of players from all over the world, more than making up for its two-year absence due to the pandemic. Cheers!

AMID A HARVEST OF AWARDS, YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS MOST

THE pandemic tested the media industry, forcing newsrooms around the world to overhaul the way they do their job while following strict health protocols in order to survive a deadly infection.

The BusinessMirror, the country’s premier national business daily, was tested like everyone else, and survived, even continuing to live up to its promise to provide a broader look at today’s business.

In November 2021, the business broadsheet was recognized as the “Business News Source of the Year” for 2020 by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (Ejap), the country’s premier organization of business reporters, editors and wire agencies. It was a 4-peat for BM, having gotten the same honors for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019.

And, as in the past Ejap awards, it also swept half of the individual categories, with its seasoned reporters adjudged as best in their respective coverages.

Earlier in 2021, the BusinessMirror was given the Pro Patria Award by the Rotary Club of Manila, for “its commitment of valuable resources for the protection of free expression and its resilience in disseminating fair and truthful information resulting in an informed and enlightened citizenry.”

It was just the latest recognition from the prestigious Rotary Club, which named it “Business Newspaper of the Year” for 2018-2019, and again in 2020. In all, it has received six top

Rotary journalism awards in its short 16-year existence.

The BusinessMirror has also consistently reaped top awards in the Brightleaf Journalism Awards for Agriculture and the Philippine Agricultural Journalists-San Miguel Corp. (PAJ-SMC) Binhi Awards, also for the best in agriculture journalism.

The BusinessMirror was also repeatedly adjudged the leading daily in biotechnology journalism, a recognition bestowed by the Jose G. Burgos Jr. Biotechnology Journalism Awards.

T he “broader look” mantra also drew recognition from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which named the BusinessMirror, at its first awards rites in 2018, as the inaugural “Data Champion.”

In the first “Bantog Science for the People” awards for media from the Department of Science and Technology, the BusinessMirror got the top award for the Institution category for Print; and the grand prize in the individual category for science journalist Stephanie Tumampos.

In 2018, Environment Reporter Jonathan Mayuga received the Luntiang Aligato award from the Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore.

T he Broader Look at biodiversity was also recognized. It was named among the Asean Champions of

Biodiversity, for the Media Category, by the Asean Centre for Biodiversity.

T he Broader Look also extended to the paper’s corporate social responsibility. It organized and staged the first-ever recognition rites for the best of the Philippines’s friends in the world, with the “MISSION PHILIPPINES: The BusinessMirror Envoys & Expats Awards.” The initiative won a Gold Anvil in 2019.

Distinguished institutions in government have also repeatedly recognized the BusinessMirror’s role in spreading the word about the work they do—information that shines a light on good governance and committed public service to uplift people’s hopes. Most notably, these are the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG Fund. Sixteen years, two of them in a pandemic, have tested the promise of a Broader Look. But they are also a measure of the unstinting support of friends—advertisers and news sources alike—and readers who continue to believe in that promise.

THANK

YOU, EVERYONE. YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT TROPHY.