BusinessMirror May 3, 2024

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

THE national government has reported an outstanding debt of P14.925 trillion as of the end of the first quarter of 2024, higher by 7.71 percent, or P1.068 trillion, year-on-year from P13.856 trillion in 2023, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

Latest data from the Treasury showed the government’s outstanding debt for the three-month period was lower by 1.67 percent

compared to the end-February level of P15.178 trillion, which the Treasury credited to the net redemption of domestic government securities.

Year-to-date, the debt of the government recorded a 2.12-percent increase or P309.45 billion coming from the end-2023 debt level of P14.616 trillion.

“Of the total debt stock, 31.14 [percent] is external debt while 68.86 [percent] is domestic debt,” the Treasury said on Thursday. Broken down, domestic debt amounted to P10.277 trillion as

of end-March, which went down by 2.83 percent or P299.21 billion from P10.576 trillion in February 2024.

“The decline resulted from the P299.45-billion net redemption of government securities offsetting the P0.24-billion effect of peso depreciation on foreign currency domestic debt,” the Treasury explained.

Year-on-year, domestic debt in March 2024 increased by 8.03 percent, or P764.33 billion, from P9.513 trillion, based on Trea -

sury data. The bulk of the domestic borrowings for the period went to government securities at P10.277 trillion, while loans only accounted for P160 million.

The government’s external debt amounted to P4.648 trillion as of end-March 2024, or an increase of 7.01 percent over the P4.343 trillion last year. This was also higher by 1 percent than the previous month’s level of P4.602 trillion. See “NG,” A

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

to the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Market Intelligence (GMI). Based on the S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), the country’s composite index score improved to 52.2 in April, up from 50.9 in March.

The latest reading also indicated the strongest improvement in operating conditions across the Philippine manufacturing sector in five months, the think tank noted.

DENR backs Canada-PHL nature-based solutions deal

By Roderick L. Abad @rodrik_28

DBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

AMAGA caused by El Niño to the country’s farm sector has climbed to P5.9 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). In its latest report, the DA said the volume of production losses reached 255,467 metric tons (MT). Palay suffered the brunt of the dry spell as the sector lost 129,350 MT for palay; corn, 98,937 MT; and

high-value crops, 26,826 MT for high-value crops.

The DA said the volume of production destroyed by El Niño is equivalent to P3.1 billion for palay, P1.76 billion for corn, and P958 million for high-value crops.

The agency indicated in its report that the rice production loss of 129,350 MT is equivalent to about 1.40 percent of the 9.22 million MT (MMT) target output for the dry cropping

THE Philippine government has partnered with its Canadian counterpart to push for natural ways to adapt to the changing climate patterns, whose adverse impact has been felt with constant high temperatures and extreme heat index records in many parts of the country for several weeks now.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga keynoted the Philippine Canadian Partnership on Nature-

based Solutions for Climate Adaptation (PCP4NbS) Program launch at the Makati Diamond Residences on Thursday.

The event was led by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman and Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) Chairperson Edwina Garchitorena, and the rest of the FFP Board of Trustees.

According to the DENR chief, this partnership beefs up the strength of the Filipino—especially rural and indigenous women—against the effects of the

CULTIVATING CLIMATE SOLUTIONS Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, and Edwina Garchitorena, chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Forest Foundation Philippines, share a light moment during the launch of the Forest Foundation Philippines and Canada Drive

Adaptation Efforts on Nature-based Solutions at a Makati City hotel. Story below. NONIE REYES

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season this year. Also, the corn production loss of 98,937 MT is 2.20 percent of the 4.49 MMT target production in the same cropping season.

“Most of the corn and rice damaged are in the reproductive and maturity stages,” the DA said.

The report also showed that El Niño affected 104,402 hectares of farm areas as well as 113,585 farmers and fishers.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel De Mesa told reporters on Thursday that among the regions that took a major hit from El Niño were Mimaropa which recorded damages amounting to P1.7 billion; Western Visayas, P1.49 billion; Cordillera Administrative Region, P767 million; and Cagayan Valley, P562 million.

“May na ngayon eh patapos na 'yung harvest (of rice) so yung mga area na nagha -harvest hindi na yun masyadong naapektuhan ng El Niño [It’s already May and the rice harvest season is coming to an end. Areas that are currently harvesting crops will no longer be affected by El Niño],” De Mesa said.

The DA said it provided assistance to farmers and fishers affected by El Niño, including the distribution of production support, such as inputs and planting materials, and the repair of irrigation canals.

De Mesa said the government has also given seeds to farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), machinery from the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and fertilizer vouchers from the DA Regional Field Office.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration noted that the current El Niño episode will weaken by June. However, it added that La Niña may start around the same time.

Indian port operator Adani eyeing expansion in PHL

By Samuel P. Medenilla sam_medenilla

INDIAN multinational port operator Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ Ltd.) is now eyeing to expand its operations in the Philippines.

Karan Adani, APSEZ Ltd. Managing Director disclosed this during his courtesy call with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Thursday.

“During the discussion, Mr. Adani emphasized the private sector's commitment to building lasting partnerships and playing a crucial role in developing strong transportation networks,” Radio Television Malacañag (RTVM) said in a post on its Facebook page.

It said APSEZ Ltd. is considering investing in the country's transport, logistics and renewable energy sector.

Marcos said the government is pursuing such partnerships to “elevate transportation options” in the country.

APSEZ is India’s top commercial port operator, and is responsible for managing close to a quarter of the nation's cargo movement.

Treasury added.

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The Treasury said the increase resulted from the net availment of foreign loans amounting to P44.01 billion, as well as local currency depreciation which added to the valuation of US dollar-denominated debt by P7.05 billion.

“This more than offset the P4.83billion impact of the appreciation in third currencies against the USD,” the

April…

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Maryam Baluch, Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that the Filipino manufacturing sector “showcased further gains” in April due to a “quicker rate of expansion” for new orders, which paved the way for a renewed and solid rise in production.

“With production requirements rising, hiring and purchasing activity remained in growth territory,” the S&P economist said in a statement on Thursday.

The think tank noted that an improvement in demand trends and a solid expansion in production prompted firms to raise their purchasing activity and build inventories.

In addition, S&P Global said prices data showed that inflationary pressures were “historically subdued,” adding that “a weakerthan-average rate of increase in cost burdens meant that Filipino goods producers were able to largely keep their charges unchanged from those seen in March.”

Year-to-date, external debt inched up by 1.09 percent or P49.89 billion from its end-December 2023 level of P4.598 trillion.

The bulk of the government’s foreign debt as of March went to external debt securities amounting to P2.425 trillion, while loans for the period accounted for P2.222 trillion, which both increased by 1.24 percent and 14.12 percent, respectively.

Debt from external debt securities as of end-March include the US Dollar

Bond at P2.020 trillion—which is the biggest; Euro bonds at P209.49 billion; Japanese Yen Bonds at P84.59 billion; Islamic Certificates at P56.26 billion; and, Peso Global Bonds at P54.77 billion.

Meanwhile, the government’s total guaranteed debt amounted to P346.04 billion as of end-March, higher by 0.3 percent than the P344.93 billion in the previous month.

According to the Treasury, the net availment of domestic guarantees amounting to P2.48 billion and the P0.25 billion effect of local currency depreciation against the USD on external guarantees caused the increase in

DENR…

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interconnected crisis due to impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, the degradation and diminishing of green and blue forests, pollution, conflict and the cascading repercussions these may have on the nation’s resilience and sustainability.

“We must recognize that for a climatevulnerable country like the Philippines, while mitigation has been strategic, building capacity for adaptation has been and continues to be both critical and urgent. This is especially important when we consider our ecosystems and the services they deliver as the lifeblood of our communities and the support they give to different sectors in our economy,” she said.

Loyzaga noted that gender-based susceptibility is compounded by intersectionality, as marginalization and multiple social and physical problems exacerbate the climate risk. She explained: “When gender intersects, conflict, ethnicity, age, literacy, poverty and disability, vulnerability to the impacts of extreme weather and other hazards deepens thus the importance of this particular initiative.”

The National Adaptation Plan

SEEING the importance of defining the scope and magnitude of the country’s climate action, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) had formulated and completed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) aimed at mitigating vulnerability to the effects of climate change by building the adaptive capacity and resilience of communities.

The Philippine government presented the NAP during the 28th Conference of Parties of the UN FCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in late 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Citing the NAP, the DENR secretary bared that inaction on adaptation within the 2030 decade is estimated to cost around P1.4 trillion.

“Nature-based solutions are critical to our arsenal and must be rooted in the best available science as well as indigenous and local knowledge. Scaling up is part of the thematic areas that we address in the NAP, and this particular project is well within those areas,” Loyzaga said.

“We look towards protecting and rehabilitating biodiversity, critical habitats and ecosystems amidst the climate hazards that they face and the climate vulnerability of communities,” she added.

Facing this challenge, Loyzaga said they have taken a whole-of-government approach in crafting the new evidence-informed plans on adaptation while shifting towards build-

guarantees for the period.

The net repayment of external guarantees offset P1.15 billion while the net appreciation on third-currency denominated guarantees trimmed P0.47 billion, the Treasury added.

The Department of Finance (DOF) raised the government’s borrowing plan to P2.57 trillion in 2024, higher by 4.47 percent than the P2.46 trillion target set by the Cabinet-level Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

Broken down, the government will raise P1.93 trillion from the local debt market and P642 billion from external sources.

ing new non-traditiona whole-of-society approaches to solutions that consider those who truly are willing to work with the Marcos Jr. administration.

“There is no natural constituency for climate resilience. We need to build it. And that building must be done out of trust and respect between all stakeholders across all sectors,” she pointed out.

To institutionalize NbS, the DENR, she said, has started to craft the national policies for this in the hope that Filipinos will support this effort.

Bilateral agreements IN 2024, Canada and the Philippines will mark 75 years of their strong bilateral relations. Since 1986, the former has contributed over $1 billion in official development assistance to the latter, averaging $24 million annually in the last five years (all projects combined).

The PCP4NbS Program forms part of the $28.15-million investment pledge of Canada in development programming for the Philippines, underscoring support for climate adaptation, resilience against natural disasters, and enhanced health care services, per a news release of Global Affairs Canada last February.

FFP will implement an $8-million project in support of vulnerable communities as they reduce the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. This initiative will aid in funding and capacity building to support gender-responsive, nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Our development and bilateral partners have also played an important role in biodiversity conservation, climate action and the fight against plastic pollution. We wish to cite here that we are deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for its generous support through the projects funded by the GEF or the Global Environment Facility and for its development assistance to the Philippines which spans many decades,” Loyzaga said.

She said the DENR remains dauntless with “honest, respectful and evidence-informed partnerships like these,” thus allowing the agency to know where to begin and what must be done to protect its so-called vast office that is the 30 million hectares of land, 15 million hectares of classified forests, over 7 million hectares of Protected Areas, 36,000 kilometers of coastline and 2.2 (million) square kilometers of territorial seas.

“We therefore look forward to working with FFP, its partners and the Government of Canada on PCP4NbS. We are targeting three wins: biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, gender equality and the resilience of communities in the context of natural resource management,” Loyzaga said.

Baluch said the “relatively subdued inflationary environment” is likely to help support growth in the coming months as firms were able to price more competitively.

Apart from the muted inflation and the production expansion, the think tank said export market conditions improved in April, “with new export orders rising for the third month running and at the quickest pace in five months.”

Moreover, S&P Global said rising inflows of new work supported “renewed” growth in goods production.

According to the think tank, the upturn in demand spurred increased efforts to raise hiring, with manufacturing employment growing for the third consecutive month—albeit with the rate of job creation easing slightly from that seen in March.

“Greater workforce numbers allowed Filipino manufacturers to keep on top of their workloads,” S&P noted. However, the think tank said the “accelerated” growth in new orders meant that pressure on capacity had “intensified,” with some firms struggling to complete work in hand. Looking ahead, S&P noted that “sentiment across the Philippine manufacturing sector was largely positive, with nearly a quarter of surveyed businesses predicting growth in production.”

The Philippines’s PMI at 52.2 in April was the highest in five months. In December, PMI was at 51.5; January, 50.9; February, 51; and last month, the country’s manufacturing sector scored 50.9.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the gauge of Philippine manufacturing activities in April 2024 which improved to 52.2, a “new 5-month high” since November 2023, is a “good signal” for the country’s economic growth.

“This is a sign of resilience despite and defying the still relatively higher interest rates that increased financing costs/borrowing costs for manufacturers since 2022 due to higher prices/ inflation since then and some pick up in prices, especially in rice and other food/agricultural products in recent weeks due to El Niño drought expected from 4Q 2023 to 2Q 2024, that also weighed on some manufacturers in terms of higher production costs, narrower profit margins, and higher selling prices that partly reduced demand,” Ricafort said.

The economist pointed out, however, that this is a “consistent pattern” seen for many years or decades, especially from April to May manufacturing and other business or economic activities that tend to pick up again in preparation for the Holy Week holidays.

Ricafort said the Holy Week is the second biggest [holiday] after the peak during Christmas holiday season in terms of “seasonal increase” in demand/sales for many businesses during the summer season in view of more travels, holidays, vacations, festivities or fiestas around the country amid better weather conditions since there are no storms or typhoons, especially from April to May.

KARAN ADANI, APSEZ Ltd. Managing Director, briefs President Marcos on the Indian port giant’s plans during their meeting in Malacañang on Thursday. IMAGE FROM RTVM

www.businessmirror.com.ph

METRO Manila and Department of Public Works and Highways officials observe the ongoing retrofitting works of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue-Kamuning Street flyover in Quezon City on Thursday. The officials advise motorists to take alternative routes to avoid the heavy traffic brought about by the closure of the flyover during the retrofitting works expected to last for six months. NONOY LACZA

MMDA bans motorcycles on Edsa-Kamuning service road

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

STARTING F riday, motorcycles will no longer be allowed on the EdsaKamuning service road as part of the traffic adjustments that will be implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) at the Edsa-Kamuning area (southbound) following an inspection and traffic assessment conducted in the wake of the flyover’s closure.

“This move is to lessen the traffic on Kamuning service road. All vehicles, including motorcycles, are urged to use the alternate routes,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes during the inspection with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Metro Manila Regional Director Loreta Malaluan and other DPWH officials, and representatives from the Quezon City government.

Artes said that motorcycles will instead be guided to take alternative routes such as Scout Borromeo, Panay Avenue, Mother Ignacia Avenue, and Scout Albano.

During Friday’s inspection of the EdsaKamuning flyover, turtle-paced traffic was observed on the service road.

Additional traffic enforcers will also be deployed to better manage and guide

passing motorists and other road users. More directional and traffic signages will also be installed to guide them along identified alternate routes, said Artes.

Moreover, the agency will request the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the Edsa carousel buses to utilize the service road daily from 11 p.m. to ensure uninterrupted retrofitting works at the flyover.

Data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center showed that 24,000 four-wheeled vehicles and 23,000 motorcyles traverse the southbound lanes of the flyover daily.

The agency, with the local government of Quezon City, will also continue its intensified clearing operations on Mabuhay Lanes and along other identified alternate routes to ensure they are passable.

“Barangay officials will help in clearing alternate routes and ensuring smooth traffic flow in the area,” said Artes.

Meanwhile, Malaluan said the retrofitting will be conducted round-the-clock to speed up the strengthening of the decades-old and heavily-used flyover.

The southbound lane of the EdsaKamuning flyover has been partially closed since May 1, for a six-month retrofitting and rehabilitation. Works take up two lanes of the flyover. The other remaining lane is being used exclusively for the Edsa busway.

Policemen, Pagcor agents nab 10 Chinese, 26 Pinoys in raids

ATOTAL of 10 Chinese and 26 Filipinos were arrested in two separate raids against illegal gaming operations and online scams in Laguna and Parañaque City since Tuesday.

In a statement, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) said the first operation in Biñan City, Laguna, on Tuesday, resulted in the arrest of 16 people who were running an illegal online raffle on Facebook.

The raiders are from the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the Pagcor security group.

The suspects, which run the FB Page Lucky Dream 4, were caught red-handed in their office located inside a subdivision while livestreaming their 50th raffle event, the statement said.

On Thursday morning, another group of suspects that included 10 Chinese nationals were arrested by joint elements of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region office and PAGCOR inside a house in Multinational Village, Parañaque City, for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Republic Act 9208), Alien Registration Act (RA 562) and Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the arrests are part of the state gaming agency’s intensified campaign against illegal online gambling and other illicit activities through strengthened collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

“We have been receiving reports of illegal online activities including those in social media platforms. As the country’s gaming regulator, it is our duty to protect the public—especially the youth—from these illegal online gambling sites,” he said.

PAGCOR Senior Vice President Raul Villanueva, who heads the gaming agency’s security cluster, said Lucky Dream 4, which has 111,000 followers on Facebook, was

Court metes out life term on trader, model, others in Navarro kidnapping

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

THE Regional Trial Court of Taguig City (RTC) has found businessman Cedric Lee, model Deniece Cornejo and two others guilty of serious illegal detention for ransom and sentenced them to reclusion perpetua in connection with the mauling of actor-television host Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro inside a condominium unit in Bonifacio’s Global City, Taguig City, 10 years ago.

Also found guilty by Taguig RTC Branch 153 Presiding Judge Mariam G. Bien were accused Ferdinand Guerrero and Simeon Palma Raz.

Aside from the jail term of up to 40 years, Bien also directed the accused to jointly pay Navarro the total amount of P300,000 as civil, moral and exemplary damages.

The monetary awards, according to the trial court, will earn legal interest of 6 percent every year from the finality of the decision until fully paid.

The bail bond of P500,000 earlier posted by each of the four was also cancelled by the court.

Cornejo and Raz, who were present in court for the sentencing, were immediately committed while arrest warrants were issued against Lee and Guerrero.

The accused are expected to file a motion for reconsideration of the trial court’s decision.

A check with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) showed that Lee has a standing hold departure order (HDO) since 2014 and a warrant of arrest since 2015.

His name is also in the BI’s lookout bulletin (ILBO) since 2014 while Guerrero has an active warrant of arrest

and an ILBO also dating back to 2014.

“The BI is committed to implement said orders if subjects are encountered in any ports of entry or exit,” BI spokesman Dana Sandoval said.

Lee and the other accused were earlier granted bail by Taguig RTC Branch

271 Presiding Judge Esperanza Paz Cortes on September 18, 2014 saying that “the evidence of guilt of the prosecution was not strong.”

The grant of bail was affirmed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued in October 2017.

Cortes recused from the case following the grant of bail to the accused.

In his complaint-affidavit, Navarro recounted that on January 17, 2004, he agreed to meet Cornejo at her condominium unit at Forbeswood Heights Condominium in Taguig where they had sex.

Navarro said they agreed to meet again on the night of January 22, 2014 at her condominium.

When he arrived at Forbeswood on the said day, Navarro said Cornejo told her over the phone to just go up to her unit as she had already advised the guards of his visit.

Upon entering her condominium unit, Navarro said Cornejo approached him but acted surprised about his visit.

He also noticed that she was talking in a loud voice despite their

proximity.

Navarro recounted that after he put down on the table the food he brought for Cornejo, he was surprised to see the latter walking out of the unit.

The actor-host said he wanted to follow her but he was stopped by two men who suddenly appeared from Cornejo’s bedroom.

He said the two men poked a gun at him and started subjecting him to blows and kicks.

When subded, Navarro added that he was blindfolded by the accused who tied his hands and feet with duct tape, and later heard several other people arrived.

He added that the group beat him up and threatened to kill him, his kids and family.

After a while, Navarro said his blindfold was removed and he recognized Lee with six other people.

Navarro said he knew Lee because he previously met the latter at parties.

The actor-TV host claimed that the group took video recording of his private parts and his face and forced him to admit on camera that he raped Cornejo.

Navarro claimed that the group demanded P2 million from him as compensation for Cornejo but he agreed to pay only half of the amount in exchange for his freedom.

The group then brought Navarro to a police station for a blotter report, claiming that they effected a citizen’s arrest after they caught him raping Cornejo.

In ruling against the accused, the trial court pointed out that the allegations of rape against Navarro has been proven wrong.

The trial court held that Cornejo lured Navarro to her condominium unit so that her co-accused would be able to restrain him and extort money from him.

The trial court also noted that Cornejo’s bank account was seen in the text message of Lee to Navarro, which gave instructions on where to deposit the extorted money.

“To the mind of this Court, the alleged rape and meet up of Vhong Navarro and Deniece Cornejo on January 17, 2014 was also part of the accused scheme,” the ruling stated.

It also noted that all the four elements of serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code were proven present by Navarro.

“It is all too apparent that the accused planned and premeditated to restrain Vhong Navarro to extort money from him. Proof of their agreement is inferred from their conduct before, during and after the commission of the crime disclosing a common understanding between them relative to its commission,” the trial court ruled.

“The acts of Deniece Cornejo, Cedric Lee, Zimmer Raz and Ferdinand Guerrero, when taken together, reveal that they acted in concert with one another and that their acts emanated from the same purpose or coming design showing unity in its execution,” it added.

Senator backs ‘aggressive’ reversion to June school opening

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

Aconducting live online raffles that offered second-hand modified motorcycles as prizes.

Villanueva said that in one raffle event, the group can sell an average of 40,000 to 50,000 tickets, with each ticket costing P40.

“They have amassed over P8 million from the time they started this illegal online operation because in one draw, they can sell as many as 50,000 tickets,” Villanueva said.

“Ang masaklap nito,karamihan sa miyembro ng grupong ito ay kabataan.Angpinaka-matandasakanilaay27 pa lang.[What is disheartening is that most of the members of this group are young people. The oldest is only 27],” he said.

“The Lucky Dream 4 group is obviously engaged in an illegal online gaming activity. Negosyo na ang ginagawa nila. They need to secure a license from PAGCOR if they want to operate an online gaming platform,” Villanueva added.

In the Parañaque raid, Villanueva said authorities arrested seven male and three female Chinese nationals believed to have been part of a group that managed to escape from an earlier raid on a large gaming compound in Bamban, Tarlac, last March.

Nine Filipino female workers were also rescued, while one one Filipino male serving as a bodyguard was arrested for possession of an undocumented caliber .45 caliber. The raiders also confiscated 75 mobile phones, 30 desktop computers, 50 laptops, assorted credit cards, two cars and one motorcycle along with assorted documents allegedly issued by the Chinese government.

Two vaults were also found in the house located at 18 Teheran Street inside the exclusive subdivision.

Police said the Chinese suspects were engaged in scamming activities such as love and cryptocurrency scams similar to the illegal activities in the Bamban, Tarlac, compound which was raided last March.

S the Department of Education is forced to suspend face-to-face classes in order to avoid undue exposure of learners and teachers to extreme heat, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday threw his support behind the DepEd proposal for an “aggressive” reversion to the old school calendar, moving back the opening of classes to June.

Considering the clamor for a faster transition back to the old school calendar, Education Assistant Secretary for Operations Cesar Bringas said in a Senate Committee on Basic Education

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AMID the escalating tensions at the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a senior lawmaker on Thursday pushed for the timely approval of a Malacañang-endorsed bill reviving the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Favis Villafuerte said this program is set to become mandatory for all Filipinos enrolled in post-high school education.

“The chances are now high for ROTC becoming mandatory in schools for all young Filipinos, following the recent commitment of Senate President Migz [Juan Miguel Zubiri] for the Senate to take up its version of the bill in plenary session after our Lenten break,” he said.

“Alongside the ever-growing tensions brought about by our Beijing-instigated territorial dispute at the WPS that is clearly part of our EEZ [exclusive economic zone] in accordance with international law, one more reason for

hearing that the DepEd proposed other options to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., including “a more aggressive alternative ending of School Year 2024-2025 in March 2025.”

“In my opinion,” Gatchalian suggested: “let us take the aggressive approach because we cannot predict things.”

Expecting that “next year, there will be El Niño and La Niña again,” he reminded those present that “it is it very difficult, and the weather is hard to predict.”

But what is certain, Gatchalian advised is “we already need to revert to the old calendar so that no matter what happens, we are already avoid-

senators to act right away on their own version of the ROTC-revival bill is the result of a recent Pulse Asia survey— commissioned and then revealed by Senator Migz himself—that 69 percent of Filipinos favor making ROTC mandatory for all young Filipinos,” Villafuerte added.

The bill proposes renaming the erstwhile ROTC to the National Citizens Service Training (NCST) Program, which aims to establish a National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) under the supervision of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

To be civilian in nature, this proposed reserve corps shall be the source for volunteers and conscripts in times of national or local necessities, calamities, disasters, or armed conflicts to perform non-combat and non-military duties and services as the President or local councils may deem necessary.

“Restoring ROTC by way of the NCST program will motivate, train, organize, and mobilize our students for national defense preparedness. This will also

ing extreme heat conditions.”

Gatchalian noted that “after consultations with stakeholders, the DepEd moved the end of School Year 20232024 to May 31. The end of SY 20242025 was scheduled for May 16, 2025, while SY 2025-2026 was set to end on April 16, 2026. The reversion process was set to be completed by SY 20262027, where classes are set to begin in mid-June 2026 and end in March 2027.

To implement the aggressive transition, DepEd eyes conducting fewer days of in-person classes, while some days, including Saturdays, will be devoted to the use of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) such as online, modular, and blended learning.

positively shape their character to become more responsible and dependable citizens,” Villafuerte said. “Thus, should the government need to defend the State, our people will be well prepared for the contingency to render personal, military, or civil service.”

Villafuerte is one of the lead authors of House Bill 6687 which seeks to amend Republic Act 7077, or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservists Act, and repeal RA 9163, or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001,” by returning ROTC, now the NCST, as a mandatory program and requisite for graduating from universities, colleges, technical-vocational schools, and other postzsecondary institutions.

He explained that RA 7077 mandated military training for students enrolled in colleges, universities, and similar institutions of learning and established the ROTC course in tertiary schools for the purpose of producing enlisted and officer reservists.

Once enacted into law, failure to undergo mandatory military training will disqualify students from

Bringas also pointed out that the aggressive reversion to the old school calendar will affect learners’ and teachers’ vacations.

DepEd said last week it will submit a letter to President Marcos, formally pitching its proposal for an “aggressive” reversion to the old calendar.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also reminded in the same hearing that while the current academic calendar has fewer school days coinciding with the rainy season and reduced cancellation of classes due to tropical cyclones, “it also has more school days with extremely hot temperature.”

graduation, with exemptions provided for specific circumstances.

The proposed NCST program encompasses basic military training and civic training, aiming to prepare young Filipinos for national defense and civil-military operations. It also includes provisions for exemptions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and those with special needs.

Villafuerte emphasized the importance of timely implementation, stressing that post-high school institutions must implement the NCST programs within two years after the proposal’s effectivity.

The ROTC bill is among the priority bills identified by President Marcos with the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), reflecting the government’s commitment to national defense and security.

Villafuerte underscored the constitutional duty of every Filipino citizen to defend the security, freedom, and independence of the Philippine Republic, emphasizing the role of the government in mobilizing citizens for national defense.

SB 2034, principally authored by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, is expected to be passed in the Senate.

CEDRIC LEEDENIECE CORNEJO

Friday, May 3, 2024

Economy

ERC seeks staggered hike in generation charges

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

THE Energy Regulatory Commission

(ERC) on Thursday appealed to power distribution utilities (DUs) to implement a staggered increase in its generation charges to ease the burden on consumers.

“I am appealing to the DUs to do it on their own because if they don’t do it on their own, then again, the regulator will be constrained to step in,” said ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta during an online news briefing on Thursday.

Power rates are expected to shoot up after a series of red and yellow alerts were raised in Luzon and the Visayas since April 16.

Initial figures provided by the ERC showed that WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) average prices per day increased by 11 percent in Luzon from April 16 to 25 and by 53 percent in the Visayas when alert notices were issued due to high index. The ERC said these would have a significant impact in the consumers’ electricity bill.

As of April 25, the Luzon grid has been under red alert for 20 hours and 46 minutes and under yellow alert for 57 hours and 50 minutes.

The red alert status is issued when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer

demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement while the yellow alert means operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), for its part, assured consumers that it will closely work with its suppliers and the regulator to implement measures needed to assist consumers.

“Without preempting the actual movement on the generation charge as a result of the tight supply situation we’ve experienced the past few weeks, would like to assure our customers that Meralco has always been proactive in seeking ways to cushion impact of significant rate increases,” said Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga in a text message when sought for comment.

Dimalanta made the same request to generation companies (GenCos) that supply

the requirements of Dus. “I am also appealing to the generators to also be receptive to these requests.”

“Distribution utilities should also take the initiative to talk to their suppliers. There are suppliers who are very mindful of their civic duty during these difficult times. There are those that allow a deferred payment mechanism. This will certainly help,” said Dimalanta.

The DUs, she added, can seek financial assistance from the Land Bank of the Philippines if their suppliers will not implement a flexible payment scheme.

“Land Bank is aggressively campaigning for its anti-bill shock program in which the DUs can loan so, in turn, they can extend a deferred payment scheme to the consumers,” said Dimalanta.

When sought for comment, The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (PIPPA) said the members will act on the DUs request if and when there is one.

“As the ERC said, the DUs are urged to approach their GenCos to come to certain agreements. It depends on the DUs if they will pursue their with their suppliers,” said PIPPA President Anne Escoro Montelibano via Viber.

One reason why power rates in the Philippines are one of the highest in Southeast Asia is because the rates are not subsidized by the government, added the ERC chief.

“In the Philippines, it is the private sector that finances our generation sector, and we are not subsidized. Most consumers are, in fact, the ones subsidizing the lifeline rate users, senior citizens. Most of us on the main grid who consume more than the lifeline rate, do not receive subsidies. So, it’s really our burden. Because this is what a privatized deregulated generation sector means,” said Dimalanta.

The ERC has already ordered the suspension of trading in the WESM during red alerts.

WESM is the trading floor for electricity. Under the Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, Dimalanta said the ERC can suspend the operation of the WESM or declare a temporary WESM failure “in cases of national and international security emergencies or natural calamities.”

During the period of market suspension, the ERC said that the administrative price, or the price imposed by the market operator to the trading participants during market suspension or market intervention, will be applied.

If a dispatch interval is subject to both a price mitigation and the administered price, “the lower of the two prices shall apply in the settlement of transactions for such interval,” it said in an earlier statement.

DMW secretary to seek clemency for jailed Pinoy workers in Saudi

TBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

HE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will seek clemency for jailed overseas Filipino workers (OFW) during its new secretary’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) later this month.

“These things are part of the issues that

we will discuss with our Saudi counterparts, for the sake of the jailed OFWs,” Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a media forum earlier this week.

Cacdac is scheduled to visit seven or eight jailed OFWs to check on their welfare during his trip to Saudi Arabia.

“The trip being set up right now,” Cacdac told reporters said. Earlier this week, Cacdac said he will pursue

the enhancement of recruitment mechanisms for Filipino workers bound to Saudi as the demand for migrant workers in the Middle East country increased due to the ongoing Vision 2030 infrastructure projects of the Saudi government.

He said he will also be seeking the payment of the unpaid claims of some 10,000 displaced Filipino workers who were displaced by Saudi companies from 2015 to 2016.

Concrete action on labor well being needed–legislator

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

AMILITANT legislator on Thursday demanded concrete action from President Marcos, emphasizing the urgent need for government actions that prioritize the well-being of the working class.

House of Representatives Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas assailed Marcos’s Labor Day address, labeling it “mere rehash of empty promises” that offer little solace to the struggling working class amidst widespread poverty and economic turmoil.

“President Marcos’s speech on Labor Day appears to be a recycled version of his previous year’s remarks, yet it remains devoid of concrete actions to improve the dire plight of Filipino workers,” Brosas, the nominee to the House of the Gabriela Women’s Party said.

“During his two-year tenure, the President has failed to address pressing issues such as union busting, persistently low wages, and the lack of quality employment opportunities, which continue to plague the working class,” Brosas added. While urging the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs)

to reassess minimum wages on a regional basis, “Marcos overlooks the stark regional disparities in living conditions,” Brosas also said in a statement.

“Minimum wages should be set nationally to ensure fair compensation for all workers, irrespective of their geographical location.

The current ‘wage rationalization’ system has resulted in over 1,000 disparate wage levels, leaving many workers struggling to make ends meet,” Brosas said.

“The disparity in wages across different regions also enables large businesses to exploit the situation by offering lower salaries for the same job,” she added.

“I will ask for the continuing releases of the claims,” he said.

The Saudi government started releasing the checks for the affected workers last February.

An initial 1,500 beneficiaries received checks worth P1 billion from the Saudi government.

She highlighted the President’s swift advocacy for bills like the Maharlika Investment Fund and Charter-change resolution, contrasting the sluggish progress of wage-increase bills languishing in the Congress.

“We filed two crucial wage bills: House Bill 4898 seeking a National Minimum Wage and House Bill 7568 proposing a P750 across-theboard wage increase for private sector workers, but these bills remain mired in committee hearings without progress,” Brosas said.

“Filipino workers deserve more than empty promises and lip service. It’s time for President Marcos Jr. to translate his words into meaningful action by prioritizing legislation that uplifts the working class,” she added.

DFA launches beta testing of e-visa for Indian nationals

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

AN Indian businesswoman became the first Indian national who was issued e-Visa by the Philippine government.

The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi identified the Indian traveler as Tarina Sardana, who was issued the e-Visa on April 13.

“Using her e-Visa, she cleared check-in and immigration at Indira Gandhi International Airport without difficulty, and arrived in Manila later the same day,” the Philippine Embassy said in a statement.

“After clearing airport pre-departure formalities, the Indian businesswoman said using Philippine e-visa, her travel became smooth,” the Embassy quoted Sardana as saying.

Since then, several Indians have been issued e-Visas by the Philippine Embassy.

The issuance of the first e-Visa from India came about as the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) started the beta testing of the Philippine e-visa for Indian nationals on April 5. Under the e-Visa program, foreign nationals are no longer required to apply at the Philippine Embassy face-to-face. It was initially launched in China in August 2023 but it was suspended three months later owing to technical and payment issues.

According to the World Tourism Market Global Travel Report, travelers from China and India will increase exponentially and many countries are tapping them as source of tourism revenues.

The Philippine Embassy said the beta testing allowed them to evaluate the system and user experience for Indian travelers. It’s a “prelude to full implementation,” it added.

So far, the results are quite good as legitimate and valid 9(a) temporary visitors visas for travel were issued, officials said.

“Overall, the Indian applicants described their application experience to be positive,” Ambassador to New Delhi Josel Ignacio said.

The only glitch is that at this time, visa applicants are still required to go to the Embassy for their application to be processed. Beta testers also require visa applicants to secure appointments before heading to the Embassy.

“The e-Visa beta test and the first successful e-Visa use by an Indian traveler mark an important milestone in Philippine consular services and in fostering travel and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and India. The eventual full implementation of the e-Visa system is seen to further expand Indian tourism and business flow into the Philippines,” the Embassy said.

Bong Go reminds DOH of mandate to help poor and indigent patients

SEN. Christopher “Bong” Go, Senate Committee on Health Chairman, vowed to hold the Department of Health (DOH) accountable if harm comes to even a single patient who is refused medical attention especially from government hospitals.

At a hearing earlier this week, the senator sternly warned the DOH: “You should stand by your memo that no patient will be turned away. Because if just one patient dies, you will be accountable. will keep raising this issue every day if just one patient dies because he was turned away and, because of poverty, had no place to go to,” said Go, speaking in Filipino. The hearing he presided over is part of a series of inquiries looking into the current state of the public health system.

In the hearing, Go shared the dire situation of a patient in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, who was at risk of having his

oxygen supply cut off due to financial constraints.

“I talked to the doctor. They will just cut off the oxygen because they can lo no longer pay the private hospital. How can we help someone like this through the MAIP program? Imagine that. oxygen...he will just have it cut off, and he will stop breathing,” Go shared.

Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) is the DOH program that provides financial assistance for medical care to indigent and financially incapacitated patients. Malasakit Centers provide patients convenient access to avail of this program.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa attended the hearing where Go pressed on the integrity of the DOH’s promise in fulfilling its mandate to properly implement the Malasakit Centers Law which Go principally authored and sponsored in 2019.

MONALISA DIMALANTA

7.

At least 6 months of work-related experience. With good verbal and written communication skills in Mandarin language.

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

15.

BRIGHT LUME IT SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 202 Erisha Condominium, 1142 P Ocampo Street, Barangay 757, Santa Ana, City Of Manila

17. WANG, JUNKANG Chinese Speaking Business Development Associate Brief Job Description: Conduct market research and identifying potential clients, cultivate strong relationships with new clients, while maintaining existing client relationships, able to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines. Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder. With experience in business management, finance computer/ software and training, marketing/sales, or related field. Fluent in both written and verbal English and ChineseMandarin languages. Salary Range: Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

CHINA FIRST HIGHWAY ENGINEERING CO., LTD. (CFHEC PHILIPPINES BRANCH COMPANY) 3/f Salcedo One Center, 170 Salcedo St., San Lorenzo, City Of

18.

8. TSAN HAI YEN Mandarin Speaking Operations Specialist

Brief Job Description: Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all business

46.

54.

Brief

BusinessMirror

55.

Brief

56.

Brief

57. QIU, TING Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief

58. RUAN, GUOLI Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing

59. XU, KETING Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas. Basic Qualification: Can contribute information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies.

60. ZHANG, DI Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas. Basic Qualification:

61. ZHAO, RENFEI Marketing And Sales Agent

Brief Job Description: Researches and develops various marketing strategies for products and services and implements marketing plans and works to meet sales quotas.

Qualification: Can contribute information, ideas, and research to help develop marketing strategies. Can help to detail,

81.

Brief

BIN Chinese Account Specialist

Brief Job Description: Prepares work to be processed by gathering, sorting, organizing, and recording data, information, and documents.

82. ZHANG, QIAO Chinese Account Specialist

Brief Job Description: Prepares work to be processed by gathering, sorting, organizing, and recording data, information, and documents.

Brief

83.

84.

85.

Brief

Basic

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

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

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

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

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

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

Basic

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

96.

97.

98.

99.

BusinessMirror

Brief

Brief

Brief

Brief

100. WILLIAM STEVEN WIJAYA Indonesian IT Support Specialist

Brief Job Description: Maintaining hardware and software installations.

101. WINKI PRATAMA Indonesian IT Support Specialist

Brief

102.

Brief

103. DICKY Indonesian Quality Control

Brief Job Description: Controlling hardware and software installations.

104. HENGKY Indonesian Quality Control

Brief

105. MARTHIN Indonesian Quality Control

Brief

Basic

106. ANITA YATI Indonesian Retention Specialist

Brief Job Description: Increase loyalty and customer retention by resolving complaints.

Account

Job Description: Prepares work to be processed by gathering, sorting, organizing, and recording data, information, and documents.

89. SARI Indonesian Financial System Manager

Brief Job Description: Ensures that

Basic Qualification: Exceptional ability to provide technical support and resolve queries.

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

Chief Mechanic

Brief Job Description: Inspecting trucks, cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment for proper performance. Diagnosing faults using computerized testing equipment.

144.

BusinessMirror

146.

147.

Basic

150.

151.

Brief

152.

Basic

190.

BusinessMirror

PHILIPPINE CHINESE EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTER, INC.

191. FU, JIA Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

192. LI, ZHAOXIA Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

193. LUO, GUILI Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

194. YAO, WEIWEI Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

195. ZHANG, FENG Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

196. ZHANG, JINLI Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

ZHANG, LIMEI Mandarin Specialist

197.

Salary

183.

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

198. ZHAO, ZHENQUN Mandarin Specialist

Brief Job Description: Work closely with the grade school teachers and the Integrated Chinese Dept. Head for the constant improvement of the Chinese language curriculum.

199. WANG, QINA Mandarin Customer Service

Brief Job Description: Maintains customer records by updating account information.

200. CHONG JIA CHENG Mandarin Human Resource (HR) Specialist

Brief Job Description: Recruiting staffs who can speak in Mandarin language.

201. JI, YUHAO Mandarin Operations Specialist

Brief Job Description: Maintain accurate sales record.

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree holder, fluent in Mandarin language in speaking, writing and in computer applications.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

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

Basic Qualification: Can speak in Mandarin language.

Salary

243.

BusinessMirror

244. POMYOCH, RATTAKORN Customer Support Specialist

Brief

245.

Brief

246. RAKSAMRUAD, PAPAWADEE Customer Support

Brief

Brief

May 03, 2024

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

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

NO.ESTABLISHMENT

1 AICE PHILIPPINES ICE CREAM INC.

Block 9A, Lots 1-3, Lima Technology Center, San Lucas, City of Lipa, Batangas

NAME OF FOREIGN NATIONAL, POSITION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION QUALIFICATION AND SALARY RANGE

CLARISSA VANIA HARJANTO

Laboratory Supervisor

Brief Job Description:

Manage laboratory staff and equipment to ensure the smooth operation of the laboratory, and ensure the safety of the laboratory and comply with the requirements of laws and regulations Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with minimum 3 years of experience in a supervisory role

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

2 INABATA PHILIPPINES INC.

CCMC Compound 3, Lots 4 & 5, Block 2, Phase 7A, Laguna Technopark, Malamig, City of Biñan, Laguna KAKIUCHI, RYOTARO

General Manager

Brief Job Description: Plan, coordinate and oversee technical and sales activities

3 LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC.

Must have a Bachelor’s degree with experience in manufacturing company

Salary Range:

Php 30,000 - Php 59,999

Covelandia

Brief

Covelandia

Senior

No. 1 Auto Park Avenue, Park, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna MITOOKA, TOSHIHARU

Unit-lower Basement, Andenson Building 3, National Road, Parian, City of Calamba, Laguna GOU, LIANGZHONG

Chinese Business Consultant

Brief Job Description:

Helps business to improve their performance, solve problems and achieve their goals

4 LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC.

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

5 LITTLE V MOBILE TECH INC.

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

6 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

7 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

8 MERIT LEGEND SOLUTIONS INC.

Covelandia Road, Binakayan, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite

ZHANG, YANG

Chinese Business Consultant

Brief Job Description: Helps business to improve their performance, solve problems and achieve their goals

ZHENG, LEI

Chinese Business Consultant

Brief Job Description: Helps business to improve their performance, solve problems and achieve their goals

CAI, JUAN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

CAI, MINGYANG

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service inquiries

LAN, JIAWEN

Chinese Customer Service Representative

Brief Job Description: Manage incoming calls and customer service

Can speak mandarin, able to work independently and as part of a team

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

Can speak mandarin, able to work independently and as part of a team

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

Can speak mandarin, able to work independently and as part of a team

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

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

Able to speak, read and write Chinese language

Salary Range:

12 MITSUBISHI MOTORS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

No. 1 Auto Park Avenue, Park, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

SAWADA, TAKAHIRO

Senior

13 ROHM ELECTRONICS PHILIPPINES, INC.

Block 3 & 5, People’s Technology Complex, Maduya, Carmona, Cavite

14 TOYOTA MOTOR PHILIPPINES CORPORATION

Toyota Special Economic Zone, Santa RosaTagaytay Highway, Don Jose, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna

IMADA, YUYA

Senior Expert: Production Engineering

SETO, TOMONARI Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Oversee

Insurance) expansion

Federal Reserve says interest rates will stay at 2-decade high until inflation further cools

By Christopher Rugaber Ap Economics Writer

ASHINGTON—The

WFederal Reserve on Wednesday emphasized that inflation has remained stubbornly high in recent months

and said it doesn’t plan to cut interest rates until it has “greater confidence” that price increases are slowing sustainably to its 2 percent target.

The Fed issued its decision in a statement after its latest meeting, at which it kept its key rate at a two-

decade high of roughly 5.3 percent. Several hotter-than-expected reports on prices and economic growth have recently undercut the Fed’s belief that inflation was steadily easing. The combination of high interest rates and persistent inflation has also emerged as

a potential threat to President Joe Biden’s re-election bid.

“In recent months,” Chair Jerome Powell said at a news conference, “inflation has shown a lack of further progress toward our 2 percent objective.”

“It is likely that gaining greater

confidence,” he added, “will take longer than previously expected.”

Powell did strike a note of optimism about inflation. Despite the recent setbacks, he said, “My expectation is that over the course of this year, we will see inflation move back down.”

Wall Street traders initially cheered the prospect that the Fed will cut rates at some point this year as well as Powell’s comment that the Fed isn’t considering reverting to rate increases to attack

See “Federal Reserve,” A

Federal Reserve

Continued from A

inflation.

“I think it’s unlikely that the next policy rate move will be a hike,” he said.

FedWatch.

Still, Powell sketched out a series of potential scenarios for the months ahead. He said that if hiring stayed strong and “inflation is moving sideways,” that “would be a case in which it would be appropriate to hold off on rate cuts.”

But if inflation continued to cool—or if unemployment rose

Later, though, stock prices erased their gains and finished the day essentially unchanged from where they were before Powell’s news conference.

unexpectedly—Powell said the Fed would likely be able to reduce its benchmark rate. Cuts would, over time, bring down the cost of mortgages, auto loans, and other consumer and business borrowing.

Those comments were “a signal that the (Fed) is a lot less confident that they know how policies are going to unfold over the course of this year,” said Jonathan Pingle, an

economist at UBS. “We were all sort of hoping for an update on the committee’s path forward. And instead what we got was, ‘We’re really not confident enough to tell you what our path forward is going to be.’ “

The central bank’s overarching message Wednesday—that more evidence is needed that inflation is slowing to the Fed’s target level before the policymakers would

begin cutting rates—reflects an abrupt shift. As recently as their last meeting on March 20, the officials had projected three rate reductions in 2024, likely starting in June.

But given the persistence of elevated inflation, financial markets now expect just one rate cut this year, in November, according to futures prices tracked by CME

The Fed’s warier outlook stems from three months of data that pointed to chronic inflation pressures and robust consumer spending. Inflation has cooled from a peak of 7.1 percent, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, to 2.7 percent, as supply chains have

See “Federal Reserve,” A

Editor: Angel R. Calso

Russia proposes UN resolution urging global ban on space weapons after vetoing US-Japan proposal

By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press

NITED NATIONS—

URussia has circulated a UN resolution calling on all countries to take urgent action to prevent putting weapons in outer space “for all time” a week after it vetoed a US-Japan resolution to stop an arms race in space.

The Russian draft resolution, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, goes further than the US-Japan proposal, not only calling for efforts to stop weapons from being deployed in outer space but for preventing “the threat or use of force in outer space,” also “for all time.”

It says this should include deploying weapons “from space against Earth, and from Earth against objects in outer space.”

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council when he vetoed the US-Japan draft that it didn’t go far enough in banning all types of weapons in space.

The vetoed resolution focused solely on weapons of mass destruction including nuclear arms, and made no mention of other weapons in space. It would have called on all countries not to develop or deploy nuclear arms or other weapons of mass destruction in space, as banned under a 1967 international treaty that the US and Russia ratified, and to agree

Federal Reserve

Continued from A eased and the cost of some goods has actually declined.

Average prices, though, remain well above their prepandemic levels, and the costs of services ranging from apartment rents and health care to restaurant meals and auto insurance continue to surge. With the presidential election six months away, many Americans have expressed discontent with the economy, notably over the pace of price increases.

On Wednesday, the Fed announced that it would slow the pace at which it’s unwinding one of its biggest Covid-era policies: Its purchase of several trillion dollars in Treasury securities and mortgage-backed bonds, an effort to stabilize financial markets and keep longer-term rates low.

The Fed is now allowing $95 billion of those securities to mature each month, without replacing them. Its holdings have fallen to about $7.4 trillion, down from $8.9 trillion in June 2022, when it began reducing them. On Wednesday, the Fed said it would, in June, reduce its holdings at a slower pace.

Instead of allowing $60 billion in Treasuries to roll off each month, it will allow just $25 billion. At the same time, it will continue letting $35 billion in mortgage-backed bonds mature each month.

By cutting back its holdings, the Fed could contribute to keeping longer-term rates, including mortgage rates, higher than they would be otherwise. That’s because as it reduces its

“Federal Reserve,”

to the need to verify compliance.

Before the US-Japan resolution was put to a vote on April 24, Russia and China proposed an amendment that would call on all countries, especially those with space capabilities, “to prevent for all time the placement of weapons in outer space, and the threat of use of force in outer spaces.”

The vote was 7 countries in favor, 7 against, and one abstention and the amendment was defeated because it failed to get the minimum 9 “yes” votes in the 15-member Security Council required for adoption.

US Ambassador Linda ThomasGreenfield told the council after the vote that Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space.

“Today’s veto begs the question: Why? Why, if you are following the rules,

would you not support a resolution that reaffirms them? What could you possibly be hiding,” she asked. “It’s baffling. And it’s a shame.”

Putin was responding to White House confirmation in February that Russia has obtained a “troubling” anti-satellite weapon capability, although such a weapon is not operational yet.

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said after casting the veto that the US-Japan resolution cherry picked weapons of mass destruction.

He said much of the US and Japan’s actions become clear “if we recall that the US and their allies announced some time ago plans to place weapons…in outer space.”

Nebenzia also accused the US of blocking a Russian-Chinese proposal since 2008 for a treaty against putting weapons in outer space.

Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia of undermining global treaties to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, irresponsibly invoking “dangerous nuclear rhetoric,” walking away from several of its arms control obligations, and refusing to engage “in substantive discussions around arms control or risk reduction.”

Much of the Russian draft resolution is exactly the same as the US-Japan draft, including the language on preventing an arms race in space. It calls on all countries, especially those with major space capabilities, “to contribute actively to the objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space.”

Thomas-Greenfield said the world is just beginning to understand “the catastrophic ramifications of a nuclear explosion in space.”

New form of mpox that may spread more easily found in Congo’s biggest outbreak

By Maria Cheng & Christina Malkia

The Associated Press

KINSHASA, Congo—Congo is struggling to contain its biggest mpox outbreak, and scientists say a new form of the disease detected in a mining town might more easily spread among people.

Since January, Congo has reported more than 4,500 suspected mpox cases and nearly 300 deaths, numbers that have roughly tripled from the same period last year, according to the World Health Organization. Congo recently declared the outbreak across the country a health emergency.

An analysis of patients hospitalized between October and

January in Kamituga, eastern Congo, suggests recent genetic mutations in mpox are the result of its continued transmission in humans; it’s happening in a town where people have little contact with the wild animals thought to naturally carry the disease.

“We’re in a new phase of mpox,” said Dr. Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, the lead researcher of the study,

who said it will soon be submitted to a journal for publication.

Mbala-Kingebeni heads a lab at Congo’s National Institute of Biomedical Research, which studies the genetics of diseases.

The lesions reported by most patients are milder and on the genitals, Mbala-Kingebeni said,

See “Congo,” A

A FAMILY nurse practitioner prepares a syringe with the mpox vaccine for inoculating a patient at a vaccination site in the Brooklyn borough of New York, on Aug. 30, 2022. Scientists say a new form of mpox detected in a mining town in Congo might more easily spread among people. Already, Congo is seeing its biggest mpox outbreak with more than 19,000 suspected infections and 900 deaths. AP/JEENAH MOON

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Colombia’s president says country will break diplomatic relations with Israel over Gaza war

BOGOTA, Colombia—Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday announced his government will break diplomatic relations with Israel effective Thursday in the latest escalation of tensions between the countries over the Israel-Hamas war.

Petro again described Israel’s siege of Gaza as “genocide.” He previously suspended purchases of weapons from Israel and compared that country’s actions in Gaza to those of Nazi Germany.

“Tomorrow, diplomatic relations with the State of Israel will be broken…for having a genocidal president,” Petro said during an International Workers’ Day march in Colombia’s capital. “If Palestine dies, humanity dies, and we are not going to let it die.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly rebuked Petro’s comments on the platform X.

“History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to mankind who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians,” he said.

Weeks after the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that sparked the current war in Gaza and killed some 1,200 people, Petro recalled Colombia’s ambassador to Israel as he criticized the country’s military offensive. Historically, Colombia had been

Federal Reserve

Continued from A

bond holdings, other buyers will have to buy the securities instead, and rates might have to rise to attract the needed buyers.

The US economy is healthier and hiring stronger than most economists thought it would be at this point. The unemployment rate has remained below 4 percent for more than two years, the longest such streak since the 1960s. And while economic growth reached just a 1.6 percent annual pace in the first three months of this year, consumer spending grew at a robust pace, a sign that the economy will keep expanding.

He also downplayed any concerns that the economy might be at risk of sliding into “stagflation”—a toxic combination of weak growth, high unemployment and elevated inflation that afflicted the United States during the 1970s.

“I was around for stagflation,” Powell said, “and it was 10 percent unemployment, it was high-single-digit inflation. And very slow growth. Right now, we have 3 percent growth, which is pretty solid growth, I would say, by any measure. And we have inflation running under 3 percent.... I don’t see the ‘stag’ or the ‘flation,’ actually.”

one of Israel’s closest partners in Latin America. But relations between the two nations have cooled since Petro was elected as Colombia’s first leftist president in 2022. Colombia uses Israeli-built warplanes and machine guns to fight drug cartels and rebel groups, and both countries signed a free trade agreement in 2020. “Relations between Israel and

Colombia always were warm and no antisemitic and hate-filled president will succeed in changing that,” Katz wrote Tuesday. “The state of Israel will continue to defend its citizens without worry and without fear.”

The South American country deepened its military ties with Israel in the late 1980s by purchasing Kfir fighter jets that were used by

Colombia’s air force in numerous attacks on remote guerrilla camps that debilitated the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The attacks helped push the group into peace talks that resulted in its disarmament in 2016.

Petro participated in Wednesday’s march in Bogota to promote his proposed health care, pension and labor reforms. AP

ISRAELI soldiers gather near the Israeli-Gaza border in southern Israel before they enter Gaza Strip on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. AP/OHAD ZWIGENBERG

FEDERAL Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference at the Federal Reserve in Washingtonon Wednesday, May 1, 2024. AP/SUSAN WALSH

Tension grows on UCLA campus as police order dispersal of pro-Palestinian gathering

By Krysta Fauria, Ethan Swope, Jake Offenhartz & Joseph B. Frederick The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES—Police in riot gear massed on the UCLA campus and ordered a large group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators inside a fortified encampment to leave the area or face arrest late Wednesday, one night after violence instigated by counterprotesters erupted in the same place.

A small city sprang up inside the barricaded encampment, full of hundreds of people and tents on the campus quad. Some protesters said Muslim prayers as the sun set over the campus, while others chanted “we’re not leaving” or passed out goggles and surgical masks. They wore helmets and headscarves, and discussed the best ways to handle pepper spray or tear gas as someone sang over a megaphone.

A few constructed homemade shields out of plywood in case they clashed with police forming skirmish lines elsewhere on the campus. “For rubber bullets, who wants a shield?” a protester called out.

Meanwhile, a large crowd of students, alumni and neighbors gathered on campus steps outside the tents, sitting as they listened and applauded various speakers and joined in pro-Palestinian chants. A small group of students holding signs and wearing T-shirts in support of Israel and Jewish people demonstrated nearby.

The law enforcement presence and continued warnings stood in contrast to the scene that unfolded the night before, when counter-demonstrators attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment, throwing traffic cones, releasing pepper spray and tearing down barriers.

Fighting continued for several hours before police stepped in, though no arrests were made. At least 15 protesters suffered injuries, and the tepid response by authorities drew criticism from political leaders as well as Muslim students and advocacy groups.

Ray Wiliani, who lives nearby, said he came to UCLA on Wednesday evening to support the pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

“We need to take a stand for it,” he said. “Enough is enough.”

Elsewhere, police in New Hampshire made arrests and took down tents at Dartmouth College and officers in Oregon came onto the campus at Portland State University as school officials sought to end the occupation of the library that started Monday.

The chaotic scenes at UCLA came just hours after New York police burst into

making the disease trickier to diagnose. In previous outbreaks in Africa, lesions were mostly seen on the chest, hands and feet. He also said that the new form seems to have a lower death rate.

In a report on the global mpox situation this week, WHO said the new version of the disease might require a new testing strategy to pick up the mutations.

With experts pointing out that fewer than half of people in Congo with mpox are tested, Mbala-Kingebeni said: “The risk is that unless patients themselves come forward, we will have a silent transmission of the disease and nobody will know.”

Mbala-Kingebeni said most people were infected via sex, with about a third of mpox cases found in sex workers. It was not until the 2022 global emergency of mpox that scientists established the disease was spread via sex, with most cases in gay or bisexual men. In November, WHO confirmed sexual transmis-

a building occupied by anti-war protesters at Columbia University on Tuesday night, breaking up a demonstration that had paralyzed the school.

An Associated Press tally counted at least 38 times since April 18 where arrests were made at campus protests across the US. More than 1,600 people have been arrested at 30 schools.

UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a statement that “a group of instigators” perpetrated the previous night’s attack, but he did not provide details about the crowd or why the administration and school police did not act sooner.

“However one feels about the encampment, this attack on our students, faculty and community members was utterly unacceptable,” he said. “It has shaken our campus to its core.”

Block promised a review of the night’s events after California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced the delays.

The head of the University of California system, Michael Drake, ordered an “independent review of the university’s planning, its actions and the response by law enforcement.”

“The community needs to feel the police are protecting them, not enabling others to harm them,” Rebecca Husaini, chief of staff for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, said in a news conference on the Los Angeles campus later Wednesday, where some Muslim students detailed the overnight events.

Speakers disputed the university’s account that 15 people were injured and one hospitalized, saying the number of people taken to the hospital was higher. One student described needing to go to the hospital after being hit in the head by an object wielded by counter-protesters.

Several students who spoke during the news conference said they had to rely on each other, not the police, for support as they were attacked, and that many in the pro-Palestinian encampment remained peaceful and did not engage with counter-protesters. UCLA canceled classes Wednesday.

Tent encampments of protesters calling on universities to stop doing

sion of mpox in Congo for the first time. There are two kinds, or clades, of mpox, which is related to smallpox and endemic to central and West Africa. Clade 1 is more severe and can kill up to 10 percent of people infected. Clade 2 triggered the 2022 outbreak; more than 99 percent of people infected survived.

Mbala-Kingebeni and colleagues said they have identified a new form of clade 1 that may be responsible for more than 240 cases and at least three deaths in Kamituga, a region with a significant transient population traveling elsewhere in Africa and beyond.

Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases expert at Emory University who is not connected to the research, said the new mutations are concerning.

“This suggests the virus is adapting to spread efficiently in humans and could cause some pretty consequential outbreaks,” she said. Although the mpox epidemics in the West were contained with the help of vaccines and treatments, barely any have been available in Congo. Congo’s minister of health has authorized the use

business with Israel or companies they say support the war in Gaza have spread across campuses nationwide in a student movement unlike any other this century. The ensuing police crackdowns echoed actions decades ago against a much larger protest movement protesting the Vietnam War.

In Madison, a scrum broke out early Wednesday after police with shields removed all but one tent and shoved protesters. Four officers were injured, including a state trooper who was hit in the head with a skateboard, authorities said. Four were charged with battering law enforcement.

This is all playing out in an election year in the US, raising questions about whether young voters—who are critical for Democrats—will back President Joe Biden’s reelection effort, given his staunch support of Israel. In rare instances, university officials and protest leaders struck agreements to restrict the disruption to campus life and upcoming commencement ceremonies. At Brown University in Rhode Island, administrators agreed to consider a vote to divest from Israel in October—apparently the first US college to agree to such a demand.

The nationwide campus demonstrations began at Columbia on April 17 to protest Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which followed Hamas launching a deadly attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. Vowing to stamp out Hamas, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the Health Ministry there.

Israel and its supporters have branded the university protests antisemitic, while Israel’s critics say it uses those allegations to silence opposition. Although some protesters have been caught on camera making antisemitic remarks or violent threats, organizers of the protests, some of whom are Jewish, say it is a peaceful movement aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war.

Meanwhile, protest encampments elsewhere were cleared by the police, resulting in arrests, or closed up voluntarily at schools across the US, including The City College of New York, Fordham University in New York, Portland State in Oregon, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and Tulane University in New Orleans.

Offenhartz and Frederick reported from New York. Associated Press journalists around the country contributed to this report, including John Antczak, Christopher L. Keller, Lisa Baumann, Cedar Attanasio, Jonathan Mattise, Stefanie Dazio, Jae C. Hong, Colleen Long, Karen Matthews, Sarah Brumfield, Carolyn Thompson, Philip Marcelo, Corey Williams and Felicia Fonseca.

of vaccines in high-risk provinces, said Cris Kacita Osako, coordinator of Congo’s Monkeypox Response Committee. He said officials are in talks with donor countries like Japan to help buy the shots.

“Once a sufficient quantity of vaccines is available…vaccination will be implemented as part of the response,” Kacita Osako said.

Dr. Dimie Ogoina, an mpox expert at Niger Delta University, said the new research is an unsettling reminder of an earlier—but different—outbreak.

“The notable spread among sex workers is reminiscent of the early stages of HIV,” he said, explaining that prejudices attached to treating sexually transmitted infections and the reluctance of people with mpox to come forward were worrying.

WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr. Michael Ryan, said last week that despite the ongoing spread of mpox in Africa and elsewhere, “there has not been a single donor dollar invested.”

Cheng reported from London. Mark Banchereau in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report.

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As India votes, misinformation surges on social media: ‘The whole country is paying the price’

By David Klepper & Krutika Pathi The Associated Press

NEW DELHI—Bollywood stars seldom weigh in on politics, so videos showing two celebrities criticizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—and endorsing his main opposition, the Congress party— were bound to go viral.

But the clips of A-list actors Aamir Khan and Ranveer Singh were fake, AI-generated videos that were yet another example of the false or misleading claims swirling online with the goal of influencing India’s election. Both actors filed complaints with police but such actions do little to stanch the flow of such misinformation.

Claims circulating online in India recently have misstated details about casting a ballot, claimed without evidence that the election will be rigged, and called for violence against India’s Muslims.

Researchers who track misinformation and hate speech in India say tech companies’ poor enforcement of their own policies has created perfect conditions for harmful content that could distort public opinion, spur violence and leave millions of voters wondering what to believe.

“A non-discerning user or regular user has no idea whether it’s

someone, an individual sharing his or her thoughts on the other end, or is it a bot?” Rekha Singh, a 49-year-old voter, told The Associated Press. Singh said she worries that social media algorithms distort voters’ view of reality. “So you are biased without even realizing it,” she said.

In a year crowded with big elections, the sprawling vote in India stands out. The world’s most populous country boasts dozens of languages, the greatest number of WhatsApp users as well as the largest number of YouTube subscribers. Nearly 1 billion voters are eligible to cast a ballot in the election, which runs into June.

Tech companies like Google and Meta, the owner of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, say they are working to combat deceptive or hateful content while helping voters find reliable sources. But researchers who have long tracked disinformation in India say their promises ring hollow

No safety in retreat: Ukrainian soldiers say rear defensive lines barely exist as Russians advance

By Samya Kullab The Associated Press

KHARKIV, Ukraine—During pitched battles with far better armed Russian forces, Ukrainian soldier Batyar’s unit has few options.

Devastating Russian aerial glide bombs that can drop up to 1.5 tons of explosives out of range of most of Ukraine’s air defenses are gnawing away at his men’s positions in a new tactic.

Yet, to retreat carries no promise of safety—the rear defensive lines meant to give them cover barely exist, he said.

Lack of ammunition is forcing the outnumbered Ukrainian soldiers to pull back, one village after another, including three surrendered Sunday, as intense fighting roils the countryside surrounding Avdiivka nearly three months after the strategic city fell to Russia.

“It’s necessary to increase the pace of building fortifications...so that when we retreat, we will retreat to a prepared position,” said Batyar, a unit commander who gave only his military call sign in line with brigade protocols. “These fortifications are not enough.”

Facing an outcry after Avdiivka’s fall, Ukraine is rushing to build concrete-fortified trenches, foxholes, firing positions and other barricades on the front lines. But relentless Russian shelling, lack of equipment and crippling bureaucracy plague construction across the vast 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front, even as a new Russian offensive looms, according to a dozen Ukrainian soldiers, government officials and construction company directors interviewed by The Associated Press.

The much awaited aid package passed by the US Congress last month is expected to help Ukraine close the firepower gap. But until replenishments arrive, which could take weeks, Russia will continue to exploit Ukraine’s weaknesses.

Dig and fight

UKRAINE has allocated nearly 38 billion

hryvnias ($960 million) to build an extensive fortification network this year. Soldiers across the front line maintain that should have happened last year, when Ukraine had the upper hand in the fighting, not in the heat of battle now.

Besides trenches and other barricades, the layered system includes mines and antitank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth,” normally built in advance of fighting. Russia’s preparedness paid off during Kyiv’s failed counteroffensive last summer: Ukraine’s momentum was slowed in the Zaporizhzhia region by Moscow’s extensive fortifications.

But Ukraine was slow to follow suit; it was not until this spring, when weather conditions improved, that any real progress was made.

In March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine was building 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) of fortifications across three lines of defense.

“There was an absence of responsibility. ... People didn’t understand that fortifications can save your life if you do it in advance,” said Oleksandr, a deputy infantry commander with the 47th brigade in the Avdiivka area who gave only his first name in line with military rules.

“Many people thought we...wouldn’t need to prepare such lines. They didn’t expect a new Russian offensive.”

Unlike Russia, Ukraine does not have the option of forcing thousands of prisoners to do the work. That means Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines must both fight and dig their own trenches.

“It’s very hard to do both,” Oleksandr said.

Building the second line, 2 to 5 kilometers behind the front line and within range of Russian artillery, is the responsibility of Ukraine’s poorly resourced engineering force. The third line, at a greater distance from battle, is constructed by companies under military contracts.

The reasons for Ukraine’s lack of preparedness are rooted in the years after independence when it began downsizing its military because it couldn’t afford to

after years of failed enforcement and “cookie-cutter” approaches that fail to account for India’s linguistic, religious, geographic and cultural diversity.

Given India’s size and its importance for social media companies, you might expect more of a focus, say disinformation researchers who focus on India.

“The platforms are earning money off of this. They are benefiting from it, and the whole country is paying the price,” said Ritumbra Manuvie a law professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Manuvie is a leader of The London Story, an Indian diaspora group which last month organized a protest outside Meta’s London offices.

Research by the group and another organization, India Civil Watch International, found that Meta allowed political advertisements and posts that contained anti-Muslim hate speech, Hindu

maintain the large force inherited from the Soviet Union. Its engineering regiments were dismantled until there were only a handful left. Equipment, including excavators and plows so direly needed now, were sold off.

“We entered the war with nothing,” said a serviceman in Ukraine’s engineering force, who spoke on condition of anonymity to talk openly about the lack of preparation. When he arrived to build fortifications in Ukraine’s east in October, all his unit had were aging equipment from the 1960s and shovels, he said.

“Accordingly, that’s the kind of trenches we made.”

Disconnected pits Ukraine’s lack of adequate defensive lines has helped Russia make significant military gains, and constant enemy fire hinders building.

Five commanders in Avdiivka and Chasiv Yar, which have been under relentless Russian assault, said without well-prepared positions they were unable to gain a foothold in unfamiliar terrain and defend without suffering huge losses.

In Chasiv Yar, a strategic hilltop town in Donetsk, the lack of fortifications helped turn the tables in Russia’s favor.

In mid-March, Ukraine’s 67th brigade was rotated in to hold positions roughly 3 kilometers from the town. “I would be hardpressed to describe them as ‘positions,’” said a Ukrainian serviceman who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the failings candidly.

He expected dugouts, a labyrinth of trenches and firing positions, but what he found were a series of pits, barely large enough to hide in during artillery barrages.

Under fire, “soldiers would climb out of pits and start digging in each other’s direction so that there is at least some connection between them,” he said. The soil was so sandy that whenever shells struck, the trenches they dug crumbled.

With nowhere to take cover and no means to match the Russian barrages, they retreated 2 kilometers back. Over 100 Ukrainian soldiers were killed or are missing, he said.

AP journalist Volodymyr Yurchuk contributed to this report.

nationalist narratives, misogynistic posts about female candidates as well as ads encouraging violence against political opponents.

The ads were seen more than 65 million times over 90 days earlier this year. Together they cost more than $1 million.

Meta defends its work on global elections and disputed the findings of the research on India, noting that it has expanded its work with independent factchecking organizations ahead of the election, and has employees around the world ready to act in case its platforms are misused to spread misinformation. Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, said of India’s election: “It’s a huge, huge test for us.”

“We have months and months and months of preparation in India,” he told The Associated Press during a recent interview. “We have teams working around the clock. We have fact checkers in

multiple languages operating in India. We have a 24-hour escalation system.”

YouTube is another problematic site for disinformation in India, experts say. To test how well that video-sharing platform was doing in enforcing its own rules, researchers at the nonprofits Global Witness and Access Now created 48 fake ads in English, Hindi and Telugu with false voting information or calls for violence. One claimed India raised its voting age to 21, though it remains 18, while another said women could vote by text message, though they cannot. A third called for the use of force at polling places.

When Global Witness submitted the ads to YouTube for approval, the response was disappointing, said Henry Peck, an investigator at Global Witness.

“YouTube didn’t act on any of them,” Peck said, and instead approved the ads for publication.

Google, YouTube’s owner, criticized the research and noted that it has multiple procedures in place to catch ads that violate its rules.

Global Witness removed the ads before they could be spotted and blocked, the company said.

“Our policies explicitly prohibit ads making demonstrably false claims that could undermine participation or trust in an election, which we enforce in several Indian languages,” Google said in a statement. The company also noted its partnerships with factchecking groups.

AI is this year’s newest threat, as advances in programs make it easier than ever to create lifelike

images, video or audio. AI deepfakes are popping up in elections across the world, from Moldova to Bangladesh.

Senthil Nayagam, founder of an AI startup called Muonium AI, believes there is growing demand for deepfakes, especially of politicians. In the run up to the election, he had several inquiries on making political videos using AI. “There’s a market for this, no doubt,” he said.

Some of the fakes Nayagam produces feature dead politicians and are not meant to be taken seriously, but other deepfakes circulating online could potentially fool voters. It’s a danger Modi himself has highlighted.

“We need to educate people about artificial intelligence and deepfakes, how it works, what it can do,” Modi said.

India’s Information and Technology Ministry has directed social media companies to remove disinformation, especially deepfakes. But experts say a lack of clear regulation or law focused on AI and deepfakes makes it harder to squash, leaving it to voters to determine what is true and what is fiction.

For first-time voter Ankita Jasra, 18, these uncertainties can make it hard to know what to believe.

“If I don’t know what is being said is true, I don’t think I can trust in the people that are governing my country,” she said.

AP journalists Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, and Rishi Lekhi in New Delhi contributed to this report.

New US sanctions target Russia’s weapons program, Chinese entities, and Navalny case linked individuals

By Fatima Hussein & Matthew Daly Thr Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The United States on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on hundreds of companies and people tied to Russia’s weapons development program, more than a dozen Chinese entities accused of helping Moscow find workarounds to earlier penalties, and individuals linked to the death of Kremlin opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The actions by the departments of Treasury and State target Russia’s military-industrial base, chemical weapons programs and people and companies in third countries that help Russia acquire weapons components as its invasion of Ukraine has entered its third year.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the action “will further disrupt and degrade Russia’s war efforts by going after its military industrial base and the evasion networks that help supply it.”

The Senate, meanwhile, gave final approval to legislation barring imports of Russian uranium, boosting US efforts to disrupt Russia’s war in Ukraine. Democratic President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law.

About 12 percent of the uranium used to produce electricity at US nuclear power plants is imported from Russia, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council said Wednesday that Biden shares

lawmakers’ concerns about US reliance on Russia for low-enriched uranium to support its domestic nuclear fleet.

Included in the administration’s announcement are importers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose, which are used to produce gunpowder, rocket propellants and other explosives. The penalties also target Russian government entities and people tied to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs, companies related to Russia’s natural gas construction projects and three workers at the penal colony where Navalny died.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has railed against earlier rounds of US and Western penalties, claiming they are “illegitimate sanctions” on his country.

A group of 16 targets in China and Hong Kong, most of which are related to Russian procurement workarounds, are named by the Biden administration.

Yellen traveled to Guangzhou and Beijing last month to warn Chinese officials that they “must not provide material support for Russia’s war and that they will face significant consequences if they do.”

The upcoming uranium ban is also expected to impact Russian revenues by at least $1 billion. The US banned Russian oil imports after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022 but did not against uranium, despite frequent calls to do so by US lawmakers in both parties.

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, called the import ban “a tremendous victory” and said it “will help defund Russia’s war machine, revive American uranium production and jumpstart investments in America’s nuclear fuel supply chain.”

“Wyoming has the uranium to replace Russian imports, and we’re ready to use it,” Barrasso added.

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat who heads that Senate committee, said it was “unconscionable” for the US to help make it possible for Putin to “finance his unlawful war against Ukraine” through US reliance on Russian uranium. Besides the import ban, the legislation frees up $2.7 billion in previously authorized funding to ramp up domestic uranium production.

China has said it is not providing Russia with arms or military assistance, although Beijing has maintained robust economic connections with Moscow, alongside India and other countries, as the West imposes sanctions. Companies in China, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates were accused of helping Russia acquire technology and equipment from abroad. The penalties aim to block them from using the US financial system and bar American citizens from dealing with them. Biden last week said he would immediately rush badly needed weaponry to Ukraine as he signed into law a $95 billion war aid measure that also included assistance for Israel, Taiwan and other global hot spots.

PBBM’s commitment to job creation and skills development

THE rapidly changing landscape of work calls for proactive measures to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in the jobs of the future. The Marcos administration has taken a commendable step forward by proposing three bills aimed at preparing Filipino workers for the transformative work environment driven by technological advancements, environmental challenges, and evolving societal needs.

The call of President Marcos to Congress to pass the Enterprise-based Education and Training Program (EBET) bill, the proposed Revised Apprenticeship Program Act, and the proposed Cor porate Recover y and Tax Incentives for Enter prises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act is a significant move towards generating quality and green jobs” and attracting foreign investments. (Read the BusinessMirror report: “PBBM asks Congress to pass 3 bills aimed at generating ‘green’ jobs,” May 1, 2024).

The EBET bill is a comprehensive effort to consolidate various industr y-based training arrangements, such as apprenticeship, dual training, and on-the-job training programs. By streamlining these initiatives, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of skills development, ensuring that workers are equipped with the competencies required by the private sector

The proposed Revised Apprenticeship Program Act is equally crucial as it not only prevents the circumvention of labor laws and standards, but also strengthens the linkages between education and employment policies. This integration will bridge the gap between academia and industr y, facilitating a smoother transition for apprentices into the workforce.

The CREATE MORE bill is another vital piece of legislation that seeks to align the countr y’s tax regime with global standards and enhance its competitiveness. By doing so, the bill will attract more foreign investments, which in turn will create additional employment opportunities for the Filipino workforce.

These measures, along with existing government policies like the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act and the Labor and Employment Plan 2023 to 2028, demonstrate the Marcos administration’s commitment to addressing jobs-skills mismatch underemployment, and youth unemployment. The focus on providing workers with opportunities to improve their skills and learn new crafts is commendable, as it ensures that they can meet the changing demands of the private sector

The Department of Labor and Employment’s focus on placing priority on addressing underemployment through initiatives such as skills training and placement is a commendable move in the right direction. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (Tesda) efforts to provide technical and vocational training to millions of Filipinos and certify their skills highlight the government’s commitment to increasing the pool of skilled workers.

The administration’s dedication to attracting foreign investments and creating an enabling environment for businesses is evident in the numerous pledges and investments approved by the Investment Promotion Agencies. These investments will undoubtedly create more jobs and contribute to the countr y’s economic growth Furthermore, the implementation of the Build Better More program will play a crucial role in generating additional jobs. It is essential to have a sustainable and human capital-centered economy that not only focuses on employment growth but also emphasizes the creation of quality and green jobs.

As we move for ward, it is imperative for the government, private sector, and educational institutions to collaborate closely in fostering a culture of lifelong learning, adaptability, and creativity. Embracing technological advancements, environmental challenges, and evolving societal needs will require a workforce that is equipped with the necessar y skills, knowledge, and mindset to navigate and excel in the jobs of tomorrow.

The proposed bills put forth by the Marcos administration are a positive step towards achieving this goal. However, it is equally crucial for lawmakers to prioritize their passage and ensure effective implementation. By doing so, the Philippines can position itself as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and economic growth while providing its citizens with the means to succeed in the transformative work landscape of the future.

BusinessMirror

Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Lorenzo M. Lomibao

Working for the welfare of all workers

FBETTER DAYS

OR the month of January 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a decrease in the number of unemployed Filipinos. According to the PSA, there were 2.15 million unemployed Filipinos, down from the 2.38 million recorded over the same period in 2023.

This is good news and a reflection of the strength of our economy. Businesses are thriving so they can afford to hire new workers. There was also an increase in the number of new businesses based on the data on business name registrations of the Department of Trade and Industr y. For 2023, the DTI recorded an increase of five percent in new business name registrations from 2022. The data shows that many of the new registrants were small businesses, including communitybased entrepreneurs. But looking at the reports on the demand for office spaces in the Philippines, there has also been an uptick and this indicates that medium to large scale

businesses are also doing well. Our IT-BPO sector continues to expand and this means that more jobs will become available for Filipinos. There are many challenges that face our people once they enter into the workforce. Finding a job that pays well or at least, within the expectations of the applicant is one. Then there is also the lingering issue of contractualization or the lack of job security for a significant number of Filipinos. Now many of our workers also have to deal with the extreme heat that our countr y is experiencing and this takes a toll on ever yone, no matter how physically fit you are. There is only so much that we can do to address all of these issues

There are many challenges that face our people once they enter into the workforce. Finding a job that pays well or at least, within the expectations of the applicant is one. Then there is also the lingering issue of contractualization or the lack of job security for a significant number of Filipinos. Now many of our workers also have to deal with the extreme heat that our country is experiencing and this takes a toll on everyone, no matter how physically fit you are.

but we can at least tr y to provide them with something that will make things easier for them while they strive to make a living. This is a big part of what we have been doing for the past 20 years as a legislator In my nine years as a member of the House of Representatives and now going into my 11th year as a senator I have worked to come up with laws to improve the plight of our workers.

Allow me to list some of these laws that have made an impact on a vast majority of our workers.

Enacted in 2009, Republic Act (RA) 9710 or the Magna Carta of

Women addresses the wide-ranging needs and sectoral concerns of women, especially those in the marginalized sector It concretizes women’s participation and empowerment in all aspects of the family, community and society.

Almost a decade later, RA 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law was enacted that paved the way for women to take time off from work, with pay, so that they can provide the proper care for their newborn children during this ver y critical period in their lives. With ample time for recover y, this also addressed the wellness and health of mothers. Recognizing that not all employers are able to provide higher pay for their employees, RA 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law reduced the income tax rates for all salaried workers, which resulted in bigger monthly take home pay. The plight of our Overseas Filipino workers was also addressed with Republic Act 10801 that strengthened the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to better fulfill their mandate of helping OFWs who are in distress and helping them reintegrate into society in those extreme cases when they are forced to return home. See “Angara,” A

Unlocking valuable insights: The Korean Wave’s impact on the Philippine creative economy

Tolosa

Rolando M. Manangan

BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.news.businessmirror@gmail.com Printed by BROWN MADONNA Press, Inc.–Sun Valley Drive KM-15, South Superhighway, Parañaque, Metro Manila

THE Korean Wave (Hallyu) represents a global phenomenon of Korean popular culture with household names like BTS, Blackpink, and the drama “Crash Landing on You” captivating audiences worldwide. Hallyu has significantly contributed to the Korean economy in recent years. According to the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange cited by Park (2019), Hallyu-related exports amounted to $9.48 billion in 2018, marking a 9.1 percent increase from the previous year. Cultural content industries, including games, music, and broadcasting, experienced the highest growth, totaling $4.42 billion.

On August 21, 2020, the K-Pop group BTS released their full English song, “Dynamite.” According to a government study, the song brought in $1.4 billion for the South Korean economy and created thousands of jobs. The study analyzed sales data from BTS’s label, Big Hit Entertainment, combi n i ng stat ist ics f rom Google Trends, the Bank of Korea, and South Korea’s Customs (FrancePresse, 2020).

On the other hand, because of the ever-changing landscape of entertainment in the Philippines, from television and radio now to online

streaming platforms, Philippine entertainment has drawn a much wider international audience. For instance, some Filipino-produced series have been streaming in online platforms such as Netfli x and VIU and got potential v iewers here and other neighboring Asian countries. Some have reached audiences in other continents. In terms of music, P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) has drawn international attention in recent years. P-Pop group SB19, through their single “Bazinga,” made histor y in 2022 by setting a record of most number of weeks being number one in Billboard’s Hot Trend-

In terms of music, P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) has drawn international attention in recent years. P-Pop group SB19, through their single “Bazinga,” made history in 2022 by setting a record of most number of weeks being number one in Billboard’s Hot Trending Song Chart. SB19’s hit single has surpassed BTS’s “Butter” in the top spot for seven consecutive weeks.

In the March 2021 press release of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippine Creative Economy— which

been a 6.9 percent growth Mov i ng for wa rd, i s it t i mely for t he gover nment to i ntensi fy its suppor t i n expor t i ng c reat ive economy products? W h at can be lea r ned f r om t he Hally u wave, g iven its cont ribut ion to t he Sout h Korean economy?

The Philippine Creative Economy can learn much from the success of the Korean Wave. First, it is imperative to invest in a variety of highquality content formats, including dramas, films, and music. To appeal

See “Eagle Watch,” A

Chua

Sonny M. Angara

EAGLE WATCH

Joseph El Roy B. Cassion II

Melissa Caddick’s exit plan

AHUMAN foot was discovered on February 21, 2020 along Bournda Beach in New South Wales, Sydney. A DNA test later confirmed it to belongs to Melissa Caddick—the missing charismatic woman who misappropriated Au$25 million from friends and family members, including her aging parents.

W hile Melissa’s exploits may not rival the scale of crimes committed by figures like Elizabeth Holmes and Ruzha Ignatova, the betrayal cuts deeper because she targeted those closest to her—family members and friends she has known for decades.

The level of deception must have been astronomical because the people she took to the cleaners were people she would see regularly, who truly cared for her and who trusted her to handle t heir ha rd-ea r ned money. Those relationships didn’t count with Melissa. Melissa was born in Australia in 1971 to fairly regular parents. Hers was an ordinar y childhood for a girl who wanted so much more in life. After her secretarial and business studies, she worked as a financial advisor for a company in Sydney where she had a 25-percent stake made possible by a loan of Au$750,000 from her brother She opted out of that company, but not before she made a name for herself as a financial advisor including being featured in a trade magazine for her skills in wealth management.

W hen she married Tony Caddick at 29, she got bored, especially after they moved from Australia to England, where her husband practiced law. She initially focused on maternal and espousal duties, but she might have found this dull and painfully boring, so she embarked on audacious escapades, including tr ysts in various European destinations with her former hairdresser from Sydney, Anthony K iletti

She told her husband she was attending conferences to hone her financial skills to cover for these trips.

Tony eventually uncovered her lies and deceptions in 2012, so Melissa packed her bags to return to Australia with her son, but not before she emptied their joint bank account. These were early signs of her ruthlessness and immorality—hinting at the darkness that lay ahead.

The following year she married Anthony, who was 11 years her junior She also began her scam. She conv inced friends and family members to let her manage their savings and pension plans. As with most con a r t ists, she was c ha rismat ic and beaming with confidence. She

Con artists like Melissa do walk among us.While her story is a cautionary tale, it reminds us of the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships.

walked the talk by wearing branded clothes and handbags, driving fancy cars, outwardly resembling anything that spells success.

Friends who fell prey to her Ponzi scheme said they could never have imagined that someone they have known for decades would pull a fast one on them. She was trusted and valued and had all the trappings of success—a mansion in Dover

Heig hts overlook i ng t he Sydney Harbor, fast cars, signature clothes, lu xur y holidays, an extravagant jewelr y collection—all the works.

She was so convincing that friends and family members queued to be included in the list of investors—reaching 40, including her aging parents, her brother, and her brother’s close friends. Unbeknownst to them, Melissa was not even licensed to handle financial ser vices. She did not invest their money at all—which apparently went to fund her lavish lifestyle.

The reports she sent to her investors turned out to be bogus. W hen the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Federal Police raided her home on November 11, 2020, Melissa appeared in control. You will find footage of these in the extensive coverage of 60 Minutes Australia

The following morning, she vanished. She left ever ything, including her mobile phone. No goodbyes to her only son and her husband, Anthony.

It is believed she “ jumped from the cliffs of Rodney Reser ve” just a few hu nd red meters f rom her house based on the inquest done in 2023 when she was declared dead three years after she disappeared.

It was Melissa’s exit plan. She conned friends and family members, destroyed their lives, and razed their future to the ground for the brief period of luxury she lavished on herself.

Con artists like Melissa do walk among us. W hile her stor y is a cautionar y tale, it reminds us of the importance of honesty and integrity in our relationships.

to both local and foreign viewers, this means giving top-notch production values, skillfully designed scripts, and brilliant performers priority. Cultural authenticity is another important lesson. Korea’s entertainment industry adds depth and attraction to its work by using its distinct cultural aspects, language, and traditions. Similarly, the Philippines can make use of its rich cultural legacy to produce meaningful entertainment that captures the attention of audiences around the world while remaining authentic to its culture.Effective global marketing strategies are also essential. Korea is a world leader in content promotion, employing fan engagement activities, social media, and streaming platforms strategically. The Philippines can expand its fan base outside of its boundaries and improve the visibility of its entertainment items by adopting such strategies. Lastly, prioritizing talent development and cultivating partnerships with international partners are also essential. Co-productions, distribution, and marketing partnerships can broaden the industr y’s horizons and open new markets. Meanwhile, funding mentorship programs and training courses for aspiring perfor mers and artists g uarantees a consistent flow of qualified experts who can support the expansion and prosperity of the creative industr y. Incor porating these lessons into t he Phi lippine Creative Economy can help it become more competitive on the global stage, elevating its cultural impact, and contributing to economic growth

Joseph

Sensing sound; negating noise

ITito Genova Valiente

ANNOTATIONS

WAS in this cafe popular among laptop-carrying young men and women. The city was one of those queen cities (apparently, there are many of them vying for this tacky title) and it is generally identified with gentility and good manners. While I was ordering a coffee classified as “Tall” when it really stood for the smallest of them all, I was not yet conscious of the noise around me. It was when I was slowly getting my own laptop (see, there was a reason for me being there), that I realized the noise enveloping that circumscribed universe of cafe latte, macchiato and other expensive concoctions.

There were many sources of the noise: t he alter nat ing g runt and hum of the abused air conditioner; the relentless laughter and incessant giggling of girls and boys unable to decide what to order because they were believ ing conf usion and ignorance were alternative display of sophistication and cuteness; and the abrasively loud conversation of the majority at high pitch if only to rise above the din (which was, if they only examined their vocal conscience, created by their own voices. Then there were the crew and baristas incorrigibly chatting at the same time as if the act of coffee making involves a verbal annotation of the process and, yes, there was the ver y au courant practice of the transaction between the cashier and the customer extremely oral—I received one thousand…Do you have 10 centavos? Oh, thank you for giving us the exact amount la di da tra la la.

As if the sound volume was not enough there was a shrill undercurrent (because the sound system was cheap) of tunes coming from the wall. I could imagine a band bricked up wailing.

W hat is it about songs or music that always fill the air in any given space of our lives? Are we scared of silences? Are we naturally sedate-

phobic—or possessing of an intense fear of silence?

In the ’60s or even earlier, essayists and cultural workers latched on to the maximalism in our culture by pointing to extant visual arts bereft of temporal whiteness or wanting pauses in forms and designs. We still remember the term for this: horror vacui, an aversion to a vacuum. It is an expression of what is called kenophobia, a practice in art where ever y space is practically covered by shapes, lines, dots, hard colors, or other perceivable forms.

Now, what is this insecurity about our surroundings without any strong sound? I would not even call it “noise” because at the rate of the many who remain uncomplaining despite the cacophony and ruckus occurring around them, there could be no noise at all. If ever there is a problem, it could be me and other minorities who complain because “we cannot hear each other anymore.”

But in this republic, no one really complains about noises.

At this ver y moment (ATM), a lady who shares this pension house with me is walking around talking in the loudest manner as she describes the “proper emotion” engendered by those who stay in hospitals. She walks the hallway of this inn and,

right now, she is standing right behind me, as she articulates all the “values of grief and the crisis of finances against the evil health care” in the countr y. See, I am practically writing down what she seems to dictate over her mobile phone. Does this connote an absence of privacy? Or that we value an openness so muc h so t hat when one grieves openly, I should not cringe but, rather console her or cr y with her, or offer her my own opinionated take on hospitals and getting sick?

Will you not rejoice if I tell her to shut up? Or will I be the most unpopular tenant of this place?

As I contemplate murder, I can only hear this fountain behind me.

Yes, this pension house has an old, elegant fountain. W hen I arrived some four days back, a young man was cleaning the old contraption. Ever y morning, when I step out of my room, the splash of the imperfect flow of the water from the fount is so refreshing, and not disturbing at all.

W hat’s the point of this? That I know when the sound is a noise and

when it is the song of nature. And yet, now, I remember: the natural noise is not necessarily tolerable. Culture enters the discourse when nature is distracting and when it is consoling. I recall a Japanese visitor before. She was hosted by a co-teacher who was living then in a tree-filled subdivision in the suburb. I knew the atmosphere in that community: the songs of birds—their chir ping—were all I could hear save for the few vehicles that entered the gate ever y now and then. I knew what to ask her the next morning: How was your sleep? Before I could even mention the “birds,” she quickly answered: “I could not sleep because of the kotori, the Japanese for “tiny birds.”

The wisdom of an anthropologist can help us understand what noise is. For Mar y Douglas who wrote Purity and Danger, there is no absolute meaning of the unclean. Dirt is “anything that is out of place” and noise is “a matter out of place.”

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

Jerome Powell offered markets a reprieve; it vanished in a blink

By Michael Mackenzie, Jessica Menton & Denitsa Tsekova

TRADERS on Wall St r eet cheered on Wednesday when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled he didn’t see oncoming interest-rate hikes despite inflationar y pressures. The celebration didn’t last long.

For a brief period, US stocks popped to unleash the biggest postpolicy meeting rally since December while Treasur y yields tumbled more than 10 basis points across maturities. The relief trade kicked in when Powell told reporters it is unlikely that the next rate move will be a hike.”

Problem is, Powell didn’t explicitly signal a rate cut was coming this year either, and said it will probably take longer for central bankers to gain enough confidence in the downward trajector y of inflation to consider easing policy. That reality check triggered an abrupt reversal in equities, which ended lower on the day. Treasur y yields trimmed some of their decline, w ith the policy-sensitive two-year yield holding below the 5 percent threshold—but not by much

“Powell made it clear that the hurdle for hikes is incredibly high,” said Michael de Pass, global head of rates trading at Citadel Securities. “They ultimately view the level of rates as

being restrictive, that’s undeniable. Are they restrictive enough and how long does it take to filter through to the economy are the questions now.”

The fact that the market reacted at all to the idea that rate hikes are likely off the table shows how much sentiment has shifted from the start of the year, when the consensus called for multiple rate cuts and an expected steady downtrend in inflation. Forecasts for higher interest rates were few and far between. Lately, t hough, i nvestors—pa rt ic u la rly i n t he world of Treasuries—have had cause to worr y about a potent i ally h awk ish pivot f rom t he Fed as t he US economy h as rema i ned resi l ient, w it h job c reat ion ru nn ing st rong and inflat ion provi ng h a rder to tame. Bond t raders h ave slashed t he outlook for rates c uts to a l ittle more t h an one f rom si x qu a r ter -poi nt sl ices at t he sta r t of Janu a r y. A selloff in equities and bonds during April that drove two-year Treasur y yields back over 5 percent and sent the S&P 500 Index tumbling to its worst monthly loss since October illustrates the tension that was building up ahead of this week’s Federal Open Market Committee meet ing. And potent ially pivotal data is still on deck: The April jobs report on Friday is forecast to show

For the younger segment of society, RA 10869 or t he JobStar t Phi lippines Act is there to enhance the employabi lity of Fi lipinos aged 18 to 24 by prov iding them w ith training, paid inter nship and f u llcycle employment faci litation serv ices. It is also designed to increase the capacity of Public Employment Ser v ice Off ices (PESOs) as the local gover nment units’ frontline for employment infor mation and serv ices. T here is also RA 10917 or the Expanded Special Prog ram for the Employment of St udents (SPES), whic h w i ll prov ide out-of-sc hool youth, as well as the dependents of displaced workers and wou ld-be displaced workers temporar y employment in order to get

Problem is, Powell didn’t explicitly signal a rate cut was coming this year either, and said it will probably take longer for central bankers to gain enough confidence in the downward trajectory of inflation to consider easing policy. That reality check triggered an abrupt reversal in equities, which ended lower on the day. Treasury yields trimmed some of their decline, with the policy-sensitive two-year yield holding below the 5 percent threshold—but not by much.

robust jobs growth while more inflation reports are due in coming weeks. Central bankers will need to weigh it all.

“T he FOMC seemed intent on not letting the market run too far from its base case of solid growth, sticky inflation and intent to cut later this year,” Citigroup Inc. strategists led by Stuart Kaiser wrote in a note, referring to the policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee.

“The result was a large round-trip trading day.”

T he stakes for investors were highlighted by Powell when he said that while he believes current rate

policy is restrictive, and we believe, over time, it will be sufficiently restrictive,” it “will be a question that the data will have to answer.”

Even as Powell acknowledged the lack of recent progress toward the Fed’s 2 percent inflation goal this year his signaling that cuts are more likely than hikes was enough to soothe the market, at least initially. W hether it warrants a sustained stock rally is another matter

“Rates are capped but the Fed will ease if the unemployment rate rises much further from here. The Fed has an easing bias,” said Bloomberg strategist Edward Harrison.

“I was more puzzled tr y ing to figure out what Powell said to make stocks rally so shar ply,” said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers. “Sure, he said no hikes are necessar y and downplayed fears about stagflation, but that wasn’t worth a big speculative rally.”

As for the longevity of the latest bond relief rally, Citadel’s de Pass caut ioned t hat whi le t he bounce “makes sense,” the market was nearing its limits.

“It has already run out of steam with the market well off the lows in yield,” he said. “The market probably struggles to run much more given we are in a place of data-dependency.” Bloomberg

Carbon emissions, rules of origin on PHL-EU trade talks

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

ISSUES on the rules of origin concerning the Philippine garments sector and carbon emission standards, among others, are expected to be covered by the talks for a free trade deal between the Philippines and the 27-member bloc European Union (EU), which is set to resume in October of this year, according to Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, the Philippines’s chief negotiator for the trade deal.

“Well definitely, we’ll have to take that up [garments sector issues] in the negotiation. Because in ever y negotiation, as much as possible, if it is your interest, you really have to negotiate for the most liberal ru les of orig in,” Gepty told reporters on Monday. Robe r t You ng, t he t ru stee for Phi l ippine Expor ters Confederat ion, Inc.’s (Phi lexpor t) text i le, ya r n and fabric sector recently asked t he gover nment to bui ld a pi lot commerc i alscale wea rable text i le factor y, not ing that Phi lippine gar ments expor ted to EU a re slapped w it h a 12 percent or higher duty due to t he 27-member bloc’s “st rict” ru les of orig in (ROO).

T he ru les imposed a cei l ing for value-added inputs sourced f rom a non-General i zed Sc heme of Preferences (GSP) benef ic i a r y cou nt r y.

You ng was quoted say i ng, i n a statement issued by the Philexport last month that the EU prefers that

the fabric to be used by the Philippines will be sourced from the countr y itself.

“So t his is one way of say ing t he Phi l ippines has to produce its own fabric,” he explained, add ing, “W hich as ever ybody knows is not possible because we do not have t he text i le industr y in t he Phi lippines right now to be used for these products for expor ts and t herefore, we have to impor t.” (Full story here: https://businessmirror .com.ph/2024/03/28/ state-built-factory-to-meet-textile-export-demand/)

“T hat w i ll be covered in t he negot i at ion,” Gepty st ressed. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ru les of orig in are the “criteria needed to determine the national source of a product.” The 164-member global trade organization underscored the importance of ROO, saying this is “derived from the fact that duties and restrictions in several

ADB:Partnerships key to sustainable future

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

tates knowledge and f inanc ing for t he gover nment and companies.

“No one cou nt r y, no one inst it ut ion, and def initely not t he publ ic sector alone or private sector alone w i ll be able to meet t he c hallenges.

So t he bridge to t he f ut ure has to be through stronger par tnerships,” Subramani am told t his newspaper “We bel ieve t hat, you know, we need to be invest ing a lot more in par tnerships.” Some of t hese new effor ts t hat a re u nder way a re d isc ussions surrou nding t he crit ical m ineral supply c ha in.

T he World Resources Institute (WRI) noted t hat t hese

ippines can be positioned to drive growth because muc h of t his is interconnected, as you know, reg ionally and globally. So, aga in, somet hing t hat we need to u npack. But t here cou ld be some potent i al t here, cer ta inly,” Ramac hand ran told BusinessMirror Subramaniam sa id it is impor tant for ADB to help cou nt ries and investors open up to t hese solut ions, pa rt ic u la rly because t here is a need to avoid g reenwashing.

He said the Manila-based mu ltilateral can help in ter ms of supporting the development and evolution of these technolog ies as well as improving reg ulator y env ironments that can help boost investments in these areas.

“We can help cou nt ries come up w it h t he best possible enabl ing env ironment i n bei ng ready for t he new emerg ing solut ions so t hat t he private sector wou ld be incent iv i zed to invest so t hat t hey can overcome t hese cost const ra ints and t he ot her risks involved,” Subramani am told t his newspaper T his is the first time Georg ia is hosting an Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Gover nors. T he meeting, which runs from May 2 to 5 under the theme “Bridge to the Future,” brings together finance ministers, central bank gover nors, senior gover nment officials, and representatives from the private sector academia, media, and civ il society from ADB’s 68 members.

Georg i a joined ADB in 2007. ADB has comm itted more t han $4 bi ll ion to Geor g i a, becom i ng one of t he cou nt r y’s la rgest mu lt i lateral development pa r tners.

“T he meeting w ill showcase the grow ing partnership between Georg ia and ADB and emphasize Georg ia’s commitment to regional development and cooperation,” said ADB Managing Director General Woochong Um.

“Tbi l i si ’s locat ion at a c rossroads between east and west presents an excellent opportunity to explore the physical, financial, and economic connections between Asia and Europe.” ADBiscommittedtoachievingaprosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

cases depend upon the source of imports.” Apart from the issue on PhilippinegarmentsexportstotheEU,another concern raised by some business groups pertains to carbon emission standards.

T he heads of two major business g roups in t he cou nt r y, t he Phi l ippine C hamber of Commerce and Indust r y (PCCI) and t he Phi lexpor t, have expressed concer n over EU’s imposition of ca rbon em ission requirements.   PCCI President Enu nina Mang io sa id last mont h “T here a re ot her a reas of concer n as well: for example, t hose t hat impose ca rbon em ission standa rds t hat, for emerg ing econom ies, a re ba rriers to atta i n i ng a higher level of g rowt h.”

Philexport President Sergio R. OrtizLuis Jr said, “I know they’re planning to do a shielding on carbon [emissions] Personally, I don’t agree. Because we’re a ver y small contributor of carbon emission here in the Philippines.” The Philexport chief also noted that developing countries find it difficult to catch up on these requirements. (Full story here: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/03/21/biz-groups-raiseconcerns-ahead-of-resumption-phleu-fta-talks/#:~:text=While%20 welcoming%20the%20resumption%20of,on%20Philippine%20 reforms%2C%20among%20others )

Describing it as “one of t he impor tant elements” in t he t rade deal, Gepty sa id measures relat ing to env ironmental p rotect ion ens uri ng susta inabi l ity “w i ll have to be tabled

for pur poses of negot i at ion.” The country’s chief trade negotiator said this while the negotiating team “ have yet to receive the draft text.” “But in ter ms of elements, we can say t hat, t hese a re t he t hings t hat we shou ld ant ic ipate,” sa id Gepty. In 2023 EU was t he Phi l ippines’s 5t h la r gest t r ad i ng pa r tne r w it h $16.16 billion in total trade of 8.1 percent sha re of Phi l ippine total t rade. T he bloc was also t he Phi l ippines’s 6t h expor t ma rket

Currently, the Philippines’s only platform to gain preferential market access in the EU market is the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences

N.G.EYES COMPLETION OF $1.5B IN JICA PROJECTS UNTIL 2025

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

THE national government is primed to complete around

$1.5 billion, or approximately P86 billion, worth of projects with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) which are in the pipeline for this year until 2025.

The Department of Finance (DOF) said onThursday that the development was discussed at a recent meeting between DOF Undersecretary for the International Finance Group (IFG) Joven Balbosa and Jica’s Director General for Southeast-Asia and Pacific Department Hayakawa Yuho in Washington, D.C.

Under the partnership between the Philippines and Japan, the DOF and Jica discussed executing a pipelined commitment of around JPY227.6 billion, or $1.5 billion, from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

An annual average pipeline of about JPY249.5 billion, or approximately $1.6 billion, was set to be completed over the next five years from 2023 to 2027, the DOF added.

According to the DOF, the government is also working towards executing four major loan agreements between the DOF and Jica within the year.

la rly expor ts, t here w i ll be no d ist rupt ions to our stakeholders or expor ters because we want to ma inta in, at t he ver y least, t he same level of preferent i al a rrangement,” Gepty added. Gepty said the negotiating teams are eyeing to start the negotiation third quarter of this year, or by October

The timeline and preparations needed to facilitate the signing of the loan agreements for projects on maritime safety, roads, and flood risk management, which are targeted before the end of the year, were discussed.

Jica also expressed interest in

expanding its usual portfolio of infrastructure projects to other sectors, such as agriculture, education, and health, which the DOF noted are “in line with the Marcos, Jr. administration’s development objectives.”

The DOF said that Jica intends to co-finance the Climate Change Action Program (CCAP), Subprogram 2 with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to scale up its policy-based lending.

The Philippines will be supported by CCAP in implementing its national climate policies, including its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The program will intensify efforts to transform key sectors toward a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy, the DOF said.

The Finance department and Jica also tackled project implementation issues, and both parties committed to maintaining an open dialogue and addressing any delay to improve overall project management and minimize costs to the government.

The DOF also sought Jica’s assistance in bringing in more privatesector financing to support the administration’s development goals as the country moves to an upper-middle income country (UMIC) status.

Jica is the country’s largest official development assistance (ODA) partner with $12.30 billion in net loans and grants or 32.82 percent share of total ODA as of December 2023.

THE Federat ion of Free Fa r mers (FFF) proposed amendments to t he R ice Ta riff icat

g roup sa id, res u lted i n t he “f r agmentat ion and compa r tmental i zat ion” of DA prog rams, w it h RCEF act iv it ies, ta r gets, and budgets often be i ng deter m ined apa r t f rom t he reg u la r prog ram for t he rice sector FFF also called for “flex ible allocat ions” of f u nds to add ress local i zed problems and c hanges in priorit

BOOSTING MEDIA SAFETY Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Atty. Richard Palpal-latoc delivers

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

Rising costs, supply chain disruptions cut PAL profit

By Lorenz S. Marasigan

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) saw its profits dwindling by a quarter in the first three months of 2024 due to supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs.

2024 amounted to P21.15 billion, representing an 8.56-pe rcent i nc rease f rom last year’s P19.48 billion, attributed to heightened fuel consumption resulting from increased flight operations. Maintenance expenses also rose by 12.11 percent to P5.52 billion from P4.92 billion due to increased aircraft utilization aligned with the higher number of flights. P assenge r se r v i ce expenses climbed by 14.39 percent to P3.07 bi ll ion ma i nly att ributed to t he growth in passenger traffic and flight operations.

Reser vation and sales expenses surged by 36.11 percent to P3.22 billion from P2.37 billion due to heightened booking fees associated with the increased number of passengers.

PAL posted a total comprehensive income of P5.13 billion in the first quarter of 2024, slightly lower than the P5.47 billion netted in the same period in 2023

“Our positive bottom line confirms that we are on track with our growth strategies, in the areas of fleet growth route network expansion and ser vice innovations. We are particularly pleased with the strong reception that the Manila-Seattle route has been getting since our announcement last month,”said PAL President COO Stanley K. Ng. “However, supply chain issues remain and continue to put a strain on our operations, but we are determined to address these challenges.”

Looking ahead, PAL is set to reintroduce flights between Clark and Basco, Batanes, starting July this year, as part of its initiative to reopen more routes out of Clark and expand its network from Central Luzon.

Leviste acquires stake in ABS-CBN

LEANDRO ANTONIO L. LEVISTE, founder of Solar Phi lippines Power Project Hold ings Inc. and son of Senator Loren Lega rda, h as purc h ased 76.5 m i ll ion sh a res of ABS-CBN Cor p. T he sa id amou nt, accord i ng to Sola r Phi l ippi nes, is equivalent to 8.5 percent of t he broadcast company, whic h was once t he cou nt r y’s la rgest. About 75.88 m i ll ion sh a res of ABS common s h a r es and ABSCBN Hold i ngs Cor p. (ABSP) were purc h ased by LL Hold i ngs Inc. and 619,000 sh a res of ABSP owned t hrou g h LLH’s pa rent company, Cou nt r ys ide Investments Holdi ngs Cor p. “Countr yside’s ABS shares are in t he process of bei ng conver ted i nto shares of ABS, after which Countr yside plans to t ransfer t hese sh a res to LLH,” t he company sa id.

T he acquisit ion makes LL Holdings one of t he largest shareholders of ABS-CBN after Lopez Inc., t he hold i ng f ir m of t he fam i ly. “LLH and Co u nt r ys i de p urc h ased t he aforement ioned sh a res t hrough t he Phi l ippi ne Stock Exc h ange,” it sa id. VG Cabuag

METRO Pac i f ic Tollways Cor p. (MPTC) anticipates clinching an award this month for its bid to secure the operation rights for a 700-kilometer expressway in Indonesia.

Rogelio Singson, the company’s president, said the company is “waiting for the final government decision” on the award of the Trans Java Toll in Indonesia.

Spann i ng about 725 k i lomete r s, t he Tr ans Java Toll i s a network of expressways t h at connect t he ma i n i sland of Java f rom C ilegon to t he easte r n end of t he i sland nea r Bal i

“We are the preferred bidder We are in the process of negotiating with Jasamarga. Hopefully, we can close by one month—be awarded by the end of May and close by July or August,” MPTC CFO Chis Lizo said. P T Jasama r ga Tr ans j awa Tol (JTT) operates the expressway network.

MPTC partnered with Singapore’s wealth fund GIC in its bid for the Trans Java Toll, holding the majority share at 67 percent. Trans Java Toll ser ves more than 900,000 motorists per day. Aside from its bid for the Trans Java Toll, MPTC has investments i n P T Nu santa ra Inf rast ruct ure,

in

Jasamarga Jalanlayang Cikampek (PT JJC), the concessionaire of the 38-kilometer Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Flyover (MBZ Flyover).

In the Philippines, MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex), Nlex Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway, the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

Currently, parent company Metro Pacific Infrastructure Cor p. is looking at merging its franchises with that of San Miguel Cor p.’s, which operates the South Luzon Expressway, the Star Tollway, the TarlacPangasinan-La Union Expressway, the Skyway, and the Naia Expressway. Lorenz S. Marasigan

huge help for our dear students, especially those who are having financial difficulty or simply cannot afford to go to college,” Pangandaman said. The Budget chief approved the release of SARO for the said pur pose on April 15, according to the DBM.

Fur t her more, Pangandaman was quoted in the statement as saying that providing necessar y funds for the government’s scholarship programs gives the students a “fighting chance” to complete their degrees and ultimately, give them a better future.

According to the DBM, the released amount will benefit a total of 247,135 student-g rantees enrolled in CHEDrecognized public and private higher education institutions for the second semester of t he academic yea r (AY) 2023 to 2024 and the first semester of AY 2024 to 2025.

Under the Tulong Dunong program, student beneficiaries will receive a grant of P15,000 per academic year to support tertiar y education expenses, such as tuition fees and other fees. The grant also provides a living allowance to fund the students’ day-to-day expenses.

The scholarship program is one of the components of Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiar y Education-Tertiar y Education Subsidy (UAQTE-TES). In the selection of new UAQTE-TES grantees, students under Listahanan” 3 and from low-income households are prioritized and must submit proof of income to the Board. Under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), Ched was allotted a total of P36.690 billion for general administration and support, support to operations, including locally-funded projects. Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) announced that its representatives and members of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested last Wednesday 16 people allegedly running an illegal online raffle on Facebook.

“The suspects, which run the FB Page ‘Lucky Dream 4,’ were caught red-handed in their office inside a subdivision in Biñan, Laguna while l i vest ream i ng t he ir 50t h r affle event,” read a statement issued by the Pagcor on May 2. Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco was quoted in the statement as saying the arrest was part of the state gaming agency’s commitment “to intensify the fight aga i nst i llegal onl i ne gambl i ng through strengthened collaboration with law enforcement agencies.”

Banking&Finance

BIR files case vs trading firm execs

By Reine Juvierre Alberto

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that it filed last Thursday criminal cases before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against corporate officers and accountants of a trading company.

According to the BIR, the cor porate officers and accountants of the company has engaged in transactions by using a total of P200.557-million worth of fake receipts.

The BIR said the company used the fake receipts by claiming them as part of its cost of sales for the taxable year in 2021.

The Bureau explained that the modus of the company’s accountant was conspiring w ith her relatives to establish fake businesses so the company could use the fake receipts of those businesses in claiming expenses. Inter nal Revenue Commissioner Romeo D. Lumag ui Jr underscored that the use of fraudu lent receipts, whether it be fake receipts

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

SENATOR R i sa Hont i ve r os ur ged t h e Depa r tment of T r anspo r tat i on (DOT r ) to work with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to purchase modern public utility vehicles (PUV)s to be leased to consolidated transport cooperatives to make up for the worsening transport shortage government created in creating the PUV Modernization Program.

“T his drastic problem requires a drastic solution,” Hontiveros said last Thursday.

“Kailangan hingan na ng tulong ng DOTr ang LandBank at DBP kasama ang mga asset management entities nila, para pwedeng gawin lease cont r acts na lang muna ang mga amor tization contracts para sa mga transpor t cooperatives na hanggang ngayon, ’di alam kung kakayanin ba ang moder nization prog ram,” the senator added.

[The DOTr needs to ask for help from the LandBank and DBP, along with their asset management entities, so that the amortization contracts can be made into lease contracts for transpor t cooperatives

that, until now, don’t know if they can handle the modernization program.]

Hontiveros suggested that “the DOTr should use its 2024 and 2025 subsidy budgets to purchase modern PUVs for leasing to cooperatives, that may later choose to enter into a lease-to-own arrangement with the government if the routes that will later be assigned to them will prove to be profitable.”

According to her without clear route plans, transport cooperatives are unsure whether they will be financially viable, making them averse to purchasing larger but more expensive modern jeeps, while banks are also unlikely to lend to them.

“Since the DoTr and Malacañang have forced drivers and operators off their routes and off the roads by saying that only those that have joined coops and corporations can continue to ply their old routes ,there won’t be enough vehicles on the roads.” Hontiveros said.

She added that “part of her proposed remedy to t hi s t ranspor t shortage is for the DOTr to authorize local governments to own and operate modern PUV fleets through ser vice contracting agreements with transport cooperatives.”

or “ghost” receipts, is considered as tax evasion.

“As early as 2023, we have warned business owners not to follow the advice of crooked accountants. The BIR will make sure you will share a jail cell with them,” Lumagui said on May 2.

According to the BIR, the cor porate officers and accountants of the trading company will be facing a set of criminal cases. Cases were filed against the owners of the fake business that provided the fake receipts since they are considered accomplices to the fraud, the BIR added. The cases filed before the DOJ were v iolat ions of t he follow i ng sections of the National Inter nal Revenue Code of 1997 (Republ ic Act 8424): 254 (Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax); 255 (Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information); 253 (Willful Aiding or Abetting); 257 (B) (Knowingly Making False Entries or Fictitious Names in the Books of

“Kung ganito ang gagawin, maiibsan ng DOTr ang pangamba ng maraming PUV drivers at operators, pati na ’yung mga napilitan lang na sumali sa transport coops dahil sa April 30 deadline, na lalo lang silang mababaon sa utang dahil mahal na nga ang isang unit ng modern PUV, pwede pa silang malugi dahil hindi nga sila binig yan ng katiyakan sa ruta at kita ng DoTr,” the senator said.

[If this is done, the DOTr will be able to alleviate the fears of many PUV drivers and operators, including those who were forced to join transport co-ops due to the April 30 deadline, that they will only be further in debt as a unit of a modern PUV is expensive. They can even lose money because they were not assured of the DoTr’s route and income.

Moreover, Hontiveros suggested that “the DOTr must take the wheel and ensure that the modernization program doesn’t run over the livelihoods of PUV drivers and operators. After all, it is the government that can initially take on the risk of making the investment in modern fleets because it is more knowledgeable about what lies ahead and seems much less afraid of the risks of the modernization program.”

50k tickets,” said Villanueva who also heads the Pagcor Security Group.

‘“A ng masaklap nito, karamihan sa miyembro ng grupong ito ay kabataan. Ang pinaka-matanda sa kanila ay 27 years old pa lang,” he added. [Worse; most of the members of this group are young people. The oldest among them is only 27 years old,]

“The Lucky Dream 4 group is obviously engaged in an illegal online gaming activity. Negosyo na ang ginagawa nila. They need to secure a license from Pagcor if they want to operate an online gaming platform,” Villanueva said.

Accounts); and, 264 (b) (Violations

Related to the Printing of such Receipts or Invoices).

Under Section 254, an attempt to evade or defeat tax is punishable by a fine not less than P30,000 but not more than P100,000 and imprisonment of not less than two years but not more than four years. Meanwhile, violation of Section 255 is punishable by a fine of not less than P10,000 and suffer imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than 10 years. Section 264 (B), on the other hand, states that an attempt to suppress the creation of electronic records of sale transactions that a taxpayer is required to keep under existing tax laws, or modifying or deleting of electronic records of sales transactions is punishable by a fine P500,000 to P10 million and suffer imprisonment of two years to four years. The criminal case was made by

IN my column last week, I wrote about the webinar “The Future of Work” which the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) recently conducted. It was presented by two Washington, D.C.-based speakers, Amy Hissrich, vice president for international affairs of the American Society of Association Executives, and Tom Reiser, executive director of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

T he webi na r cove red, among ot hers, ten c urrent and “on t he rise” work-related skills based on the “Future of Jobs Report 2023” of the World Economic Forum, and how associations and their leaders are adapting to these skills. The 23 webinar attendees, divided into five groups, discussed these skills in the context of their own associations’ experiences.

I also participated in the group discussions and what stood out from the various interactions was the right balance of “the heart and the head” in terms of skills needed in governing and managing associations.

The concept of “ heart and head” within associations encapsulates the dynamics between emotional connection and rational decision making. Successful associations thrive, not only on logic and strategy, but also on empathy, passion, and shared values.

Here’s what association leaders may learn from embracing the heart and head” mantra in their work:

1. Building emotional connection. Association leaders can cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional connection within their association by understanding and empathizing with the needs, aspirations, and challenges of their members, thus fostering a strong sense of community and commitment.

the BIR under its “Run After Fake Transactions” program to curb tax leakages and increase the government’s revenue collections.

Lumag ui has already issued a stern warning

In

rationality and strategic thinking to achieve their goals, so they can set realistic objectives, develop actionable plans, and navigate challenges effectively.

4. Promoting collaboration and trust. The “ heart and head” mantra underscores the importance of trust, transparency, and collaboration within associations. Association leaders who prioritize open communication, respect diverse perspectives, and promote a culture of trust can strengthen relationships and encourage collective decision making.

5. Empowering members. Effect ive leaders recogni ze t hat associations thrive when members feel empowered and valued. By creating opportunities for volunteering and involvement, providing support and resources, and encouraging autonomy and initiative, they can empower members to contribute meaningfully to the association’s success.

6. Adapting to change. Embracing both emotional intelligence and analytical rigor enables association leaders to adapt to changing circumstances and seize opportunities for growth and innovation. By remaining agile, responsive, and open to new ideas, they can steer their associations through transitions and position them for long-ter m sustainability.

7. Leading with authenticity. By aligning their actions with their values, demonstrating v ulnerability, and acknowledging their own strengths and limitations, association leaders can earn the respect and loyalty of their members.

“We have been receiving reports of illegal online activities including those in social media platforms,” Tengco said. “As the country’s gaming regulator it is our duty to protect the public–especially the youth–from these illegal online gambling sites.”

dent Raul P Villanueva. He added that in one raffle, the “Lucky Dream 4” group can collect up to P1.8 million.

“L ucky D ream 4,” w hic h h as 111,000 followers on Facebook, has been conducting live online raffle games and offering second-hand modified motorcycles as prizes, according to Pagcor Senior Vice Presi-

Vi llanueva added t h at i n one raffle event, the group can sell an average of 40,000 tickets to 50,000 tickets, with each ticket costing P40.

‘“They have amassed over P8 million from the time they started this illegal online operation because in one draw, they can sell as many as

“We advise those who are involved in similar activities to think again. Register your online gaming operations with Pagcor instead. There will be consequences if you continue to operate illegally because Pagcor is constantly in touch with law enforcement agencies to ensure that these activities do not proliferate,” he added.

2. Inspiring passion and purpose. Association leaders who integrate the “ heart” aspect into their approach can inspire passion and pur pose among members. By articulating a compelling vision and communicating the association’s mission in a way that resonates emotionally, they can ignite enthusiasm and drive engagement.

3. Balancing vision with pragmatism. W hile vision and passion a re essent ial, associat ion leaders must also employ the “ head,” i.e.,

By leve r ag i ng bot h empat h y ( heart) and intellect ( head), association leaders can inspire, empower and guide their associations toward meaningful impact and sustainable growth into the future.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror. E-mail: bobby@ pcaae.org.

Octavio Peralta

Association World

Relationships

It’s time for the Virtus Awards

IT’S that time of the year again, when the best of the best in sales and marketing in the hotel industry will be recognized for their excellence in their professional skills and outstanding marketing campaigns.

The Hotel Sales and Marketing Association of the Philippines (HSMA), led by some of the spunkiest hotel sales and marketing professionals, has formally opened the nominations for its annual Virtus Awards. Now in its 10th year, Virtus Awards shines the spotlight on the culture of career excellence that impact on hotel businesses, allowing these to thrive in the long term.

“This is a momentous event because it is happening also on HSMA’s 45th anniversary, and having reached its 10th year the Virtus Awards has earned the high regard and respect of the tourism and travel industry

because of the way it has always been conducted,” said Rose Libongco, chairman of the prestigious awards.

“Our high standards have remained unchanged, whether for nominees, guidelines, or our well-chosen reputable judges who remain anonymous except to the Virtus Core Team until announcement day. Winners are also immediately chosen by the end of judging day—but revealed only on awards night,” she added.

Nominees will be battling it out for awards such as the Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate, Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager, and Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader. The sole group category, the Institutional Award for Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year, will be given to the program that “successfully showcases the dynamic changes in travel, recreation and celebration trends, and how these respond to current preferences and needs of old, new and future guests,” said HSMA president Loleth So.

(By the way, congratulations to the energetic Miss Loleth for having been recently promoted to group commercial director at Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Corp. I always appreciate Miss Loleth’s comments, which I seek out regularly when there is a hot issue a fecting her industry as she always remains optimistic about the country’s tourism prospects despite being faced with constant challenges.)

Throughout the years, properties which have

taken home multiple Virtus Awards include The Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, a six-time winner; Chroma Hospitality Group, which has won eight times, including wins by its Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila, Quest Hotel and Conference Center-Cebu properties; four-time winner Conrad Manila; and three-time winner So itel Philippine Plaza Manila.

For all Virtus awardees, their achievements are more than just trophies to display proudly on their shelves; taking home a Virtus Award has also paved the way for them to cra t a career that has allowed them to make even more signi icant impacts on the country’s hospitality sector.

For instance, Quest Plus Conference Center’s assistant director of sales Jaymart Lorenzo, who bagged the 2017 Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate Award, said the recognition opened many doors for him both in a personal and professional perspective.

“It has led me to this thriving journey I’m living today. I am a leader who aims to create an impact and enable the full potential of others,” he said. “I encourage HSMA sales and marketing professionals to strive for a Virtus Award to exemplify dedication, perseverance and grit. Through this platform, you will be able to inspire others to do the same and bring

Wholesome fun, family essentials at Watsons First Mom & Baby Fair 2024

DEDICATED to serving every niche of its client base, Watsons brings another exciting event with Watsons Mom & Baby Fair 2024. Happening from May 6 to 12, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium, mothers and fathers will enjoy shopping from their favorite personal care and baby brands with bundles, discounts and surprises. The Watsons Mom & Baby Fair 2024 also includes informative talks by celebrity mommies, exciting activity booths, and exclusive discounts. It is an event that showcases just how much the brand is there to help families, especially children, as they go through every beautiful phase of growth.

Make sure to catch the different talks by celebrity mommies throughout the week: Viy Cortez for Pampers on May

6 and Solenn Heussaff for Cetaphil on May 12. Additionally, don’t miss out on a special baby shower for the Watsons Mom community during the Mom & Baby Fair. Consumers can also shop and make the most out of exclusive offers from participating brands which include Johnson’s Baby, Cradle, Makuku, Cetaphil Baby, Aveeno, Lactacyd Baby, EQ Disposable Baby Diapers, Pampers, Baby Dove, Babyflow, and Uni-Love. You can also shop Watsons Brand products for mothers and babies. Every Watsons Club app member who shops at the fair will get a chance to avail of family-friendly exclusives along with other surprises. Watsons Mom & Baby Fair is the first event of its kind specifically geared toward

families. The leader in personal care, beauty, and wellness presents a plethora of products that help children at every stage of development. From pre-natal supplements to children’s vitamins, and from infant supplies to toddler necessities and beyond, these can be found at Watsons. Additionally, Watsons Mom & Baby Fair will feature exciting segments from Watsons Brand, Baby Dove, and Pampers will take to the stage. Also, don’t miss the activity booths by Aveeno and Cetaphil, packed with fun experiences and helpful products for Mommies.

SM Supermalls SuperMoms Club will also be at the event with a segment at the kickoff event. SuperMoms Club provides a safe space for parents to share their insights

and anecdotes when it comes to child-caring and rearing. The Ice Cream Corner provides refreshing free popsicles for shoppers during peak hours only. On the other hand, the Self Shoot Photo Booth allows parents and guardians to take photos with their children so they can have a free token of their Watsons Mom & Baby Fair 2024 visit. To help guide and enlighten customers, a CRM Booth is provided for their Watsonsrelated questions.

Watsons Mom & Baby Fair 2024 is also a chance to join and learn more about the Watsons Mom & Baby Club. It’s a simple and efficient way to get the best out of Watsons brands for parents and babies year-round. Download the Watsons app and join the Mom & Baby club now.

By Eugenia Last

Refrain

What you do counts. Size up whatever situation you find yourself facing and be the one to make a difference. Trust your insight, and you’ll come up with a plan that turns you into a leader. You’ll make a lasting impression on someone of interest.

Look around; know your environment and what you must consider before you proceed. Take the time to study your options and formulate a plan. Observe what others do and say, but avoid following in their footsteps. Do your own thing and learn as you go.

Have fun. Look for entertainment that puts a sparkle in your eye and encourages you to be a participant. What you learn from the people you encounter will brighten your day and trigger your imagination.

Base your conclusions on finance, fact and familiarity. If you jump impulsively, you’ll have to backtrack. Completion is the objective, so don’t dawdle when action is necessary. A discussion with someone close to you will make or break your relationship.

Make unique plans, try something new, change your routine and challenge yourself to do something you keep putting off. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt, and you won’t be disappointed in what you achieve.

A change of environment will help distance you from despair. Don’t stick around where you face ridicule and criticism. Get out and about, do something physical to work off energy and surround yourself with people who enrich your life instead of tearing it apart.

Don’t sidle up to someone who questions your lifestyle. Get involved with people who share your concerns and enjoy the same pastimes as you. There is comfort in familiarity and ease that comes with knowing you aren’t going to face conflict when you should receive support.

Don’t aid a physical challenge. An intelligent gesture will deter anyone who tries to give you a hard time. Don’t dispute a domestic change; if it saves money and eases your mind, it’s worthwhile.

Care less about what others think or do and more about your contributions to your life and those you love. Don’t hesitate to make a

DAY: Christina Hendricks, 49; Kristin Lehman, 52; Amy Ryan, 56; Frankie Valli, 90.

ROBINSONS Hotels & Resorts director for marketing Nonito Antonio Cuizon

FOUR Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa director of sales and marketing Amie Villena

OKADA Manila vice president for sales and marketing Cielo OrtegaReboredo

King Charles III returns to public duties with a trip to a cancer charity

LON ON— ing Charles III returned to public duties on Tuesday, visiting a cancer treatment charity and beginning his carefully managed comeback a ter the monarch’s own cancer diagnosis sidelined him for three months.

The event was the king’s irst formal public engagement since February 6, when Buckingham Palace announced that he would be taking a break from public duties to focus on his treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Charles and Queen Camilla met with patients and sta f at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London during their visit.

It was the irst of several public appearances Charles is expected to make before a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June.

It is unclear how many of the summer’s traditional royal events, including the king’s formal birthday parade and the horse racing at Royal Ascot, Charles will attend as his treatment continues. The palace said last week that doctors were “very encouraged” by the king’s progress, but his schedule would be adjusted as needed to protect his recovery.

For now, Tuesday’s appearance gave Charles another opportunity to raise awareness of the bene its of early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other health problems as he has done throughout his illness.

Unlike most royals before him, Charles chose to publicly disclose details about his health when he irst underwent treatment for an enlarged prostate and later when he was diagnosed with cancer. The decision raised awareness of these issues.

The National Health Service in ngland said the number of people seeking advice about prostate problems increased 11-fold in the weeks a ter Charles’ announced he was undergoing treatment. AP

Virtus...

pride and prestige to the hospitality industry.”

Winning the irst Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year for its “Let’s Go, Go, Go” campaign, Robinsons Hotels & Resorts director for marketing Nonito Antonio Cuizon said the muchcoveted award was a “con idence-booster” for his entire team. This, he said, continues to inspire them in their pursuit of excellence in all their endeavors, “especially in providing better options for tourists and travelers.”

For HSMA public relations director Cielo Reboredo, winning the Virtus Award for Outstanding Sales & Marketing Leader in 2015 paved the way for her to secure an executive position at the world-class integrated casino resort Okada Manila, where she was part of its pre-opening team and now sits as vice president for sales and marketing.

“Being recognized by industry peers and in luential leaders in the hospitality sector is a priceless honor. This recognition becomes a part of HSMA’s history and is a valuable gi t for yourself, your family and fellow hoteliers,” said Robredo.

For her part, HSMA VP Amie Villena, who was Outstanding Sales & Marketing Leader Awardee in 2017 when she was director of sales at Bellevue Hotel Manila, said, “Striving for a Virtus Award from HSMA is worthwhile because it recognizes excellence in sales and marketing, boosts industry credibility, opens up career opportunities, provides networking chances, and fosters personal and professional growth. Winning this award is prestigious because it showcases your exceptional work and leadership.” Amie is now director of sales and marketing at Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, Puerto Princesa. Nominations are still being accepted for the 10th Virtus Awards until August 2. The awards will be handed out on October 11 at the Grand Hyatt Manila. The 10th Virtus Awards is copresented by the epartment of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board, with the support of Atlantis, Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila and Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila. More information can be found at www.hsma. org.ph or HSMA’s social-media pages.

Show BusinessMirror

The problem with parasites and ninjas

THIS is a case of a trailer being more exciting than the full-length ilm. When I irst saw scenes from the ilm House of Ninjas, I already expected an adventure on the level of urouni enshin, its action scenes beyond compare when it comes to grace and speed. Its Japanese title is “Shinobi no ie” or House of Shinobi, a less common reference to ninjas, as the term indicates people known for engaging in stealthy acts, a euphemism for the more negatively violent trait of such individuals.

The anticipation became greater when I saw Y suke guchi, who was Hajime Sait , the member of Shinsengumi, the elite group of swordsmen enlisted by the bakufu, the military government during the Bakumatsu, toward the end of the Tokugawa era. This character was heroic to a point but he was an antihero to enshin.

As it turns out, this ninja ilm is a slow-burn action movie, so slow I had time to ruminate on the historical details that serve as a backdrop to the plot.

In the ilm, guchi is Soichi Tawara, the patriarch of the Tawara family, a family of Shinobi or ninjas. The death of his eldest son, Gaku, has compelled him and the rest of the family to stop practicing the arts and cra ts of a Shinobi. That mission has irony they were rescuing a politician from kidnappers. The second son, Haru, has a recurring nightmare of that tragedy because he was not able to help his brother from being killed.

Another sibling, the sister Nagi, creates a sensation by stealing rare artifacts from museums and returning it three days a ter. She ba les the security and the police because she leaves a note when she will return the stolen item. The mother of the family has used her adroitness by shopli ting although, one day, a government bureaucrat who heads the Bureau of Ninja Management catches her. The purpose is not to arrest Yoko but to alert her and remind the family through her that the government once more needs their help or services.

Soichi would not relent even if they needed the money.

There are two more characters in the family the grandmother, Taki, and the youngest, Riku, the only member of the family innocent of his genealogy. Taki is played by Miyamoto Noboku, the actress married to the unforgettable ilmmaker Juzo Itami. She was

acclaimed in Itami’s A Taxing Woman (Marusa no Onna), a story of a woman investigating tax evasion, which led the ilmmaker to make a ilm, titled Minbo: The Gentle Art of Japanese Extortion The subject matter focused on the dreaded Yakuza as the subject matter of a cinematic lampoon. It turns out that the Yakuza were not happy about it and, as reported, he was attacked by a member of one of the Yakuza gangs who felt strongly alluded to.

There is a charming musical element in House of Ninjas and this is the use of popular songs in nglish. Has this to do with the director, ave Boyle, an American noted for making ilms with AsianAmerican casts. The modern setting of House of Ninjas, however, lessens the dissonance of the Western songs. There is a ilm that I like and its title is Ashura (the complete title is (lit. “ yes of Ashura Castle). Set at the beginning of the do period, and starring a real abuki actor playing the role of a demon slayer, the ilm ends with the voice of Sting singing “My Happy Valentine!” That is dissonance, arti ice and luscious anachronism at its trenchant best.

Another detail that should interest the otaku and other ilm bu fs is the mention of Hattori Hanz . The Tawara are descendants of the legendary swordsmith and warrior. Towards the ending of Kill Bill, Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii is incredulous when Uma Thurman as the Bride tells her she is using a Hattori Hanz sword.

Gerard S. Ramos

When Liu’s scalp goes lying, she inally accepts the truth that it is indeed a Hattori Hanz sword.

House of Ninjas is a TV series developed by ave Boyle for Net lix.

There is another problematic ilm on Net lix. This is Parasyte: The Grey, a 2024 South orean sci- i horror ilm which is a live action feature ilm spun-o f of the Japanese manga series Parasyte by Iwaaki Hitoshi.

It begins with some kind of spiky fruit-like object falling from the sky. It cracks open and releases a mean-looking metallic insect form with a sharp pin for a mouth. Crawling on the loor with the speed of a robotic object, it searches for its host. A drunk oppa is helpless when it lies into its ears. The human appears to die but only for a moment the young man wakes up and walks like a zombie to the direction of a huge crowd. Then as if realizing its new mission, the young man with altered consciousness wags his head and is transformed into monstrous orchids with vicious tentacles, grabbing with them victims.

The body-snatching monsters soon multiply and develop the habit of transforming themselves from being regular guys into the most exotic of monsters— plant-like and terrifying. There is no suspense in this adventure. Predictable at worst, the TV series directed and cowritten by Yeon Sang-ho, the same man behind the phenomenal Train to Busan, has to bring in family drama to spice what could have been a fun, campy experience.

‘Sundo’ docu wins Bronze World Medal at New York Festivals 2024

SUNDO: A GMA Integrated News Documentary bagged a Bronze World Medal at the New York Festivals TV and Film Awards. It marks a signi icant milestone for GMA Integrated News since this is the irst documentary production under GMAIN 0. A irming its “Mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod sa bayan,” GMA Integrated News stood at the forefront as the irst Philippine news organization that covered the latest development straight from the Middle ast. Veteran war correspondent Ra fy Tima, a one-man team in Cairo, gypt, chronicled the grueling pleas and attempts of Filipinos and their loved ones to be granted safe passage at

the Rafa Border. Meanwhile, longtime foreign a fairs correspondent JP Soriano, accompanied by video producer im Sorra, traveled to Israel to document irsthand accounts of Filipino survivors and the heroism of those who fell in Tel Aviv. Through their lens, they revealed overseas Filipinos’ hope despite the harsh realities and destructions of war, and the joy in returning home and reuniting with their loved ones. Sundo documented the profound impact of the relentless con lict between Israel and Hamas on Overseas Filipino Workers. It captured the resilience, indomitable spirit, strength, and unwavering courage of Filipinos working amid the war, risking their

lives to provide for their families back home in the Philippines. Four Filipino workers, including two caregivers who valiantly shielded their wards, succumbed to the sudden assault from Hamas and the lethal retaliation of Israel. espite being o fered repatriation, a chance to go home safely, some hesitated unwilling to abandon those under their care, as exempli ied by the courageous plea of Filipina caregiver Camille Jesalva. As the militants stormed their dwelling place, she o fered her savings just so she and her elderly ward could be spared.

In Gaza, over a hundred Filipinos found themselves trapped, their desperation imminent. Among them

is Nadia Alzanki, who still mourns the loss of 27 relatives who all perished in a single airstrike. She and her husband Mahmoud attempted to cross the Gaza Border several times. As the war intensi ied, the urgency for Philippine embassy o icials to mount a rescue mission heightened. GMA Integrated News was one with them in carrying out the task to bring our Filipino workers back home to safety. GMA Integrated News gave an up-to-the-minute account of the continuous repatriation of Filipinos. Sundo o fered a compelling narrative that champions the human spirit. For those who want to watch Sundo, it is available on YouTube tinyurl. com/ys94r3nx.

KING CHARLES III

PIVOT CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY BY HOSTING PHL’S PREMIER CLINICAL RESEARCH GATHERING

LOPEZLED PiVOT, the Philippines’ leading local contract research organization (CRO), recently celebrated its 5th anniversary by gathering in one venue in Manila key players shaping the future of clinical research in the country.

The gathering, dubbed PINNACLE 2024 and held late April at The Fifth at Rockwell Makati, offered a unique platform for top principal investigators, representatives from regulatory bodies, and other leading figures to network and discuss the future of the clinical research landscape.

CROs provide outsourced and contractual support, mainly in the form of research services, to companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. CRO services, which include studies and clinical trials for new drugs, help reduce costs for companies developing these new medications.

During the gathering, PiVOT’s Acting General Manager Ella Mae Ortega welcomed guests and shared PiVOT’s journey from its operational startup in 2019 with 10 employees to its status today as the largest Philippine CRO with over a hundred total

manpower complement. As a CRO, PiVOT has so far completed 16 clinical trials, which involved roughly 40,000 participants.

In his speech at PINNACLE 2024, PiVOT President Joaquin “Jajo” Quintos IV urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity for the Philippines so it will become a major player in the global clinical research landscape.

Quintos emphasized the need for collaboration within the Philippine clinical research sector. He compared the sector to the business process outsourcing industry, whose success highlights the importance of a unified front to attract global investment.

“The Philippines ticks all the boxes for sponsors seeking new and diverse markets,” Quintos stated.

“We have a large population, a skilled medical workforce, competitive costs, and adherence to international standards. However, the global market is unaware of this potential. We, as stakeholders, need to work together to showcase our efficiency and reliability,” Quintos said.

Quintos concluded by emphasizing the importance of local drug development and by leveraging the Philippines’ rich biodiversity for

potentially groundbreaking treatments.

“Our goal with PINNACLE 2024 was to spark a collective discussion on how we can build the Philippine clinical research industry into a powerhouse,” Quintos declared. “A million-mile journey starts with a single step. Let’s take that step now!”

PiVOT is the marketing brand of Pi Health, Inc., one of the health service subsidiaries of Lopez-led conglomerate First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH). Other health service subsidiaries of FPH include Asian Eye Institute and The Medical Services of America (Philippines) Inc.

PINNACLE 2024 featured insightful presentations from the following leading figures in the field:

Ray Ong from MiRXESwho discussed “Liquid Biopsy: Bringing a new paradigm to Cancer and Drug Biomarkers Development”

Carl Nicholas Ngwho explored “Healthtech’s Potential for Philippine Clinical Research”

Anna Ordinario whoprovided valuable insights on “The Road Ahead for Clinical Trials in the Philippines”

A lively question-and-answer session followed, with attendees discussing the future of clinical research in the Philippines, particularly in light of House Bill 9867, also known as the Pharmaceutical Innovation Act.

The event culminated in a recognition ceremony for PiVOT’s principal investigators, who were acknowledged for their significant contributions to advancing clinical trials in the Philippines.

PiVOT, as the leading and largest Philippine CRO, is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation within the clinical research industry.

PINNACLE 2024 served as a significant step towards building a stronger and more vibrant clinical research sector in the country.

Vietura Celebrates 11th Anniversary With ‘Beyond Beauty: Age Better, Age Well’

Restylane® DEFYNE™ that is designed to enhance contour and definition for those with thinner skin

Restylane® VOLYME™ that is ideal and suited for adding voluminous fullness to the cheeks

Training Manager Christine Yap-Legaspi, Galderma Philippines’ General Manager Louie Roxas, Internationally Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Stephanie Lam, Chairman of the Philippine Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Dr. Jaime Arzadon, and Dr. Henry Claravall.

Galderma Unveils Revolutionary Approach to Non-Surgical Face Lifts

FOR most Filipinos, the common skin concern at a certain age has to do with loss of volume, diminished lift, and increased skin laxity, particularly in the cheek, jaw, and nasolabial folds. Filipinos in their 40s desire a more lifted yet natural looking appearance.

“The hot climate exposes Filipinos to experience the effects of aging at an earlier period compared to other nationalities. Shape Up HIT™ is meticulously designed to address these concerns head-on, empowering Filipinos to choose the look they want,” says Dr. Dr. Jaime Arzadon, Chairman and Chief, Section Facial Plastic Surgery of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. This latest innovation in Galderma’s acclaimed series of Holistic Individualized Treatment (HIT™) strategies provide cutting-edge framework is

designed to revolutionize the way Philippine medical aesthetic practitioners’ approach non-surgical face lifts, elevating the standards of patient-centric, individualized treatment plans. With its foundation deeply rooted in science, Shape Up HIT™ emerges as an exciting and effective treatment providing optimal outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

Making use of the renowned Galderma Injectables Aesthetics’ portfolio, Shape Up HIT™ incorporates a selection of pioneering products, each chosen for their unique ability to restore, renew, and rejuvenate. The suite includes:

Sculptra® is the original collagen biostimulator that promises over two years of restored skin firmness

Restylane® LYFT™ that provides unparalleled lifting and projection in the midface for patients with thicker skin

Johnson’s Baby launches newest Milk Moisturizing Shampoo

SUMMER season has begun, and it is the perfect time for our babies and kids to enjoy what the summer months have to offer. From playing in the nearest village playground, doing sports activities, to swimming in the pool or beach, there’s no shortage of things for our little ones to do. As baby becomes more active, summer becomes a perfect time enjoy these activities, but, it also comes with having “asim” hair—thanks to heat and sun exposure, chlorine from pools, and children’s regular activity in playdates. “Asim” hair is a real concern for moms who are always on the lookout for the best way to address this issue so they can

keep their babies and kids’ hair as healthy and fresh as possible.

Our moms need not look further! Johnson’s Baby launched their newest product, Milk Moisturizing Shampoo on April 17, 2024, completing the brand’s milk portfolio. The #IwasAsim Johnson’s Baby event was made by Kenvue, the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, and home to beloved iconic brands such as Neutrogena, Aveeno, Listerine, and of course, Johnson’s Baby. This product launch was hosted by none other than celebrity mom and loyal Johnson’s Baby user, Bianca Gonzalez-Intal.

In line with its commitment to excellence and innovation, Galderma has garnered insights from esteemed experts in the field. Dr. Stephanie Lam, a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon known for her expertise in the field of aesthetics, shared that “Shape Up HIT™ adeptly addresses the complex challenges of aging, such as the loss of structural support and alterations in facial shape. It’s a testament to Galderma’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of aesthetic medicine.”

Further emphasizing the impact of Shape Up HIT™ on the local community, Christine YapLegaspi, Galderma Injectables Aesthetics Marketing and Customer and Education Training Manager, stated: “Shape Up HIT™ is not just a treatment; it’s a transformational journey towards unveiling the natural beauty inherent in every Filipino. By tailoring our approach to each individual’s unique needs, we are setting a new standard in personalized aesthetic care.”

There are no limits to the multiple possibilities with Shape Up HIT™ for those interested in the pursuit of beauty in its most authentic form.

“In the coming months, we are excited to unveil more Holistic Individualized Treatment (HIT™) strategies that will specifically help Filipinos achieve their best natural selves,” announced Michelle De Jesus, Galderma Injectables and Aesthetics Philippines’ Business Unit Head.

For more information on HITs and where to get your treatment, visit Galderma Aesthetics’ FB and IG accounts.

The event was filled with fun and interesting discussions about the newest Milk Moisturizing Shampoo, featuring the top ingredients and benefits that moms can look forward to for their babies’ nourished scalp and fresh-smelling hair.

“Johnson’s Baby has been at the forefront of providing care for Filipino babies across the nation with advanced studies and research. As we evolve to cater to the changing needs of our moms, we now present to you the latest addition to the Johnson’s Baby portfolio of products, the Milk Moisturizing Shampoo—a hypoallergenic product suitable for toddlers ages one year old and up. This shampoo is triple-tested by pediatricians, dermatologists, and ophthalmologists” said Kenvue brand manager Lance Trillanes.

Healthcare expert Dr. Ruth Alejandro was at the event and talked about the developmental changes that happen as baby turns one, highlighting the need for age-appropriate products especially as baby’s

VIETURA by The Zen Institute recently celebrated its 11th year in the beauty and wellness industry with the theme “Beyond Beauty: Age Better, Age Well.” The event, supported by their loyal clients, was held in the Davao Room of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The word “Vietura” comes from the French word “vie,” meaning life, and “tura” from the Greek word “natura,” which pertains to nature. Thus, the goal of Vietura for their clients is to commune with nature.

Vietura prides itself on being one of first institute of its kind in Asia. It stands as one of the leading aesthetic clinics in the metro with a mission to promote beauty and wellness through non-invasive procedures. It has stood the test of time under the leadership of its medical director, Dr. Mary Jane Torres, and her team of experts, but not without its fair share of trials.

Dr. MJ recounted that Vietura closed its doors for two years during the pandemic. Despite its closure, the beauty and wellness institute did not slack off. It busied itself with COVID testing and tele-consultation. “The pandemic gave us a chance to give back,” Dr. MJ said. When it reopened in 2022, its regular clients came back.

Dr. MJ introduced her doctor-son, Dr. Anton, who broke the news of one of Vietura’s latest offerings: the bones and joints wellness program. He considers it a significant milestone for their beloved clients with mobility issues, particularly those afflicted with conditions such as arthritis.

scalp develops. There are different ingredients that moms should look out for when searching for an age-appropriate product that can fight “asim” hair in babies and toddlers.

“As moms, I am sure that the products you give your babies reflects your love for them. Which is why for babies ages one year old to three years old, it is best to look for products with no parabens, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. Toddlers’ shampoo should have ingredients to safely and gently nourish and moisturize hair. These ingredients will help in ensuring healthy hair growth for your babies while keeping them fresh, healthy, and asim-free” shared by Dr. Alejandro.

Besides featuring these lively talks, the event also gave moms the opportunity to style their babies’ and kids’ hair at the Active Baby & Kids Salon, giving moms and their kids an interactive and enjoyable experience, as they get better-acquainted with the newest Johnson’s Baby Milk Moisturizing Shampoo.

“It is with great pride that we introduce this program. Arthritis, a condition that affects millions worldwide in immobility, robbing individuals of their independence and quality of life. As an integral part of this community, we felt it is our responsibility to offer a comprehensive solution to alleviate their suffering and restore their vitality. This is precisely what our new program aims to achieve to free clients from pain and discomfort,” Dr. Anton added.

The cutting-edge treatment was the highlight of the program. Soon after, a dear friend of Dr. MJ talked about unlocking the miracles of exosome therapy, a procedure which the institute offers. Exosomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles that stem from the endosomal pathway and have important jobs in intercellular communication. They hold the promise of addressing various medical conditions by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. She gave a word of warning to those present that with the many exosome being offered in the market today, they should be sure that they are FDA registered and that their donors must be young and healthy. The Beyond Beauty: Age Better, Age Well theme shows how integrative medicine can change our perception of aging and beauty.

Vietura by The Zen Institute is a trusted beauty and wellness institute that specializes in non-invasive anti-aging, detox, and weight loss programs.

Johnson’s Baby continues its mission to deliver groundbreaking solutions for Filipino babies with the launch of their latest product, the Milk Moisturizing Shampoo. Through this innovative addition to their Milk portfolio, moms around the nation can address the signs of “asim” hair in babies and toddlers while promoting healthy hair growth. Launching this product further solidifies Johnson’s Baby’s commitment to trusted and innovative baby care for Filipino moms and their kids. You can buy Johnson’s Baby Milk Moisturizing Shampoo at drugstores nearest you, and via online

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph | Editor: Jun Lomibao

Kentucky Derby–at 150–survives

Caitlin’s coming to town:

WThe numbers Clark generated in college indicates it’s a smart move.

While at Iowa, when the No. 1 pick in the draft and the Hawkeyes went on the road this past season, they played in front of sellout crowds or set attendance records.

“She helps ticket sales, so I think

it’s a really great time to have eyes.

She’s going to be an elite player,” Aces coach Becky Hammon said. “She has

been in college. She’s done stuff in college that nobody else has. She’s going to be a great player in the W. There’s no doubt about it.

“So the more people we can pack into the building to cheer against her, we’ll take it, although I don’t know if they’ll be cheering against her,” Hammon quipped. “I guess they might be cheering for her.”

The two-time reigning WNBA champion Aces relocated their game on May 25 from the 12,000-seat Michelob Ultra Arena to the 18,000seat T-Mobile Arena.

Aces players credit Clark, but also know that their own team, which has won the past two WNBA championships, has done a great job increasing attendance at games over the past few seasons.

“We’re not rolling out any red carpet. We’re here to be a business and sell a lot of tickets. Kudos to her

[Clark], but we also have done that in previous years in big games as well,” Las Vegas guard Kelsey Plum said. “There are a lot of people that play basketball. People are coming to watch A’ja Wilson. People are going to watch Chelsea Gray.

“That’s not a slight on anyone, but I’m saying that’s not for her. We played in Chicago last year. We sold it out last year.”

Clark will make her preseason debut on Friday night at Dallas—a game that is already sold out.

The Mystics game against Indiana on June 7 will be played at Capital One Arena—Washington’s old home. Their normal home, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, can seat up to 4,200 fans, but the Capital One Arena has a maximum basketball capacity of more than 20,000.

Nearly half of WNBA teams play in NBA arenas, so there’s no need to

competitions in the open singles and doubles events. Calderon expressed enthusiasm over the project which he said would elevate tennis in Roxas and serve as a platform to discover young talents for national events.

The event will also feature juniors competitions in the 10-and-under unisex, 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-and-under categories for boys and girls.

The 10-day tournament will also include matches in the legends and men’s doubles for different age groups, as well as women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Registration is ongoing through tournament coordinator Karla Gomez at 0917-8072203. CAVALTEF president Rolly Guañez said the project could develop the sport in Cagayan Valley while PPS NTC sports program director Bobby Mangunay emphasized the importance of promoting tennis events in Region II.

SBy Josef Ramos

AN MIGUEL Beer retired former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Arwind Santos’s No. 29 jersey on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena, but the “Spiderman” said he’s playing years aren’t over yet. He craves for a “Last Dance” just like the great Michael Jordan.

CIGNAL and the D’Navigators dispute the solo lead and an inside track to the finals on Friday in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The defending champions HD Spikers kept the momentum of their emphatic run in the eliminations by sinking the PGJC-Navy Sealions, 25-16, 29-27, 25-22, in the semifinals opener Wednesday. Their nine-game winning streak speaks volumes of their dominance in

“My passion for basketball and my love for sports is always there,” said the 42-year-old Santos who has played the game for 25 years since his Far Eastern University days.

“If my body can still play the level of PBA [Philippine Basketball Association] games, why not? I’m pretty sure I’m still very much okay,” he said. “I would love to have a last dance, like

move those games.

Still, a few others that don’t are feeling a push to move games to larger arenas, including the Chicago Sky. The Sky and Angel Reese play their home games in the 10,000seat Wintrust Arena. Fans started a petition to move their first home game against Indiana to the bigger United Center. There’s a concert scheduled at that arena on June 23 when the Fever come to town—so that’s not going to happen.

The Los Angeles Sparks are another team that could move their game against Indiana.

The Sparks are playing their first five home games at Long Beach because of arena conflicts from construction and the NBA and National Hockey League playoffs. They are hosting the Fever on May 24, which is scheduled to be played at Long Beach. The team’s first five

Michael Jordan, or should I say one last song because I’m a singer.”

The 6-foot-4 lanky forward Santos was a two-time MVP and three-time champion in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

He was picked second in the 2006 draft by Air21 where he played for three years before being shipped to San Miguel Beer, a team he helped to nine championships and where he hoisted the MVP trophy in 2013.

He was part of San Miguel Beer’s five of six Philippine Cup crowns.

“Basketball is just here and modesty aside, I can still play the sport, but I really just need to rest and give time to my family before I return,” said Santos, who has five kids—Danica, Daniella, Audrey, Iona and Iogan—with wife Ivette Iza Gavierez.

A pride of Angeles City, Santos last played in a Beerman jersey on October 17, 2021, scoring nine points in his team’s 97-79 Game 7 semifinals loss in the Philippine Cup.

He was traded to NorthPort for Vic Manuel on November 8, 2021, playing his last game in the league on March 4 2023, in a winning effort over Rain or

HD Spikers vs D’Navigators in key duel

the tournament organized by Sports Vision thus far.

But they remain wary of the D’Navigators, who stunned the powerhouse Criss Cross King Crunchers, 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 25-17, in a thrilling encounter. For Cignal coach Dexter Clamor, the key lies in the team’s determination,

while his counterpart, Boyet Delmoro, emphasized the importance of morale heading into the crucial match. “All teams in the semifinals are strong,” Clamor said. “So it’s all about who wants it most.”

Lgames will be played there in a 4,000seat arena.

The Sparks have played games in the past at USC and there’s always a chance they could move the Indiana game there. The Sparks said they have nothing official to report when asked about moving the game.

The Atlanta Dream, who also play in a smaller venue that seats only 3,500, host Clark and the Fever on June 21. The team hasn’t said whether it’s exploring trying to move to a bigger arena yet. AP

Shine, in the Governors’ Cup, 113-97— he had 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Injury took over though and Santos had to leave the PBA after that.

He jumped to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and won a championship with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns.

At the moment, Santos has his AS29 (his initials and jersey number) basketball clinic for kids.

“I am just bringing back the good things that basketball has given me through the years. I’m reminding every young player to take care of their body and don’t abuse it. At the same time, play with integrity,” Santos said.

Santos was shipped by the Beermen to NorthPort in 2021 and played for two years until last year. He was later played in Dennis Pineda’s Pampanga Giants Lanterns in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and helped the team win the crown last year.

Santos had career averages of 13.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.3 blocks in 16 PBA seasons before his jersey retirement.

The HD Spikers boast a formidable roster led by heavy hitters Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal, who delivered 21 and nine points, respectively, against the Sealions. The D’Navigators, on the other hand, relied on wing spikers Francis Saura, Toto De Pedro and Edward Camposano, who scored 20, 12, and 10 points, respectively, against the heavily-favored King Crunchers. THE D Navigators are re ying on their wing spikers led by Francis Saura.

the

it

into the

to

and

to

and you

a

said trainer Brad Cox, a Louisville native who will

clean

Catching Freedom, Encino and Just a Touch on Saturday. Louisvillians take pride in their city’s tradition that dates to 1875, whipping up at-home versions of such high-calorie delicacies as Benedictine dip (grated cucumber, cream cheese, sour cream and mayo), Derby pie (chocolate chips and nuts) and cocktails if they’re not going to the track.

Diversity struggles THIRTEEN of the 15 jockeys in the first Derby were Black, including Oliver Lewis, who rode Aristides to victory in front of 10,000 cheering fans in 1875. Black riders won 15 of the first 28 Derbies, and then there were none from 1920-2000. As Jim Crow laws were introduced, segregation spread throughout the nation, including horse racing where it was nearly impossible for Black riders to get licensed. The last Black jockey in the

FORDUNVEILSTHEALLNEWMUSTANG

Peregrino

FORD Philippines recently unveiled perhaps one of the most anticipated fresh model releases this year, the All-New Mustang.

According to the American automaker, the Mustang is an absolute icon in the sports coupe categor y as it represents freedom, passion, and the thrill of the open road. Since the pony car is all about speed and power, the All-New Mustang GT Premium Fastback variant is motivated by a 5.0-liter LTi-VCT V8 engine generating 486 hp and 567 N-m of torque mated to a 10-Speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission. On the other hand, the EcoBoost® Premium Fastback variant comes with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost Engine producing 314 hp and 475 N-m of torque mated to a 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission. Normal, Sport, Slipper y, Custom, Track, and Drag Strip are various drive modes.

The best part is that both variants of the All-New Mustang will have the MagneR ide® Damping System, which has sophisticated control st rateg ies t h at i nc rease comfor t

Twhile expanding the performance limits of the sports coupe. Coupled with durable Brembo brakes, the AllNew Mustang is ready for whatever drives await.

Des i gn-w i se, t he pronou nced grille compliments the keen-looking LED headlights. Of course, the low roofline and fresh-looking LED taillights added to the sleek look. The Quad Tip Exhaust with Active Valve Functionality allows drivers to control the volume of the engine growl of the Mustang. The fresh 19-inch aluminum wheels and unique spoke design add to the sports coupe’s aggressive stance.

The latest technology and entertainment, connectivity, and safety hardware are highlighted inside. A new Magnesium Framed 13 -inch

Colored Center Display offers seamless connectivity with the vehicle with SYNC®4, Enhanced Voice Recognition, and wireless mobile charg-

SLEX expansion done by December; EV update

HIS early, San Miguel Cor p.

(SMC) has said that the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) expansion project is due for completion by December, just in time for the holiday season. This is because the job is 70 percent complete.

In her report, SMC’s Vanessa Jean R. Flores said the project is seen to further boost the economic prospects of the CALABARZON region and provide significant benefits for motorists.

Flores said the SLEX expansion, led by SMC SLEX Inc., aims to widen the expressway from the current

three to four lanes to six lanes on each side. This is expected to dramatically improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity between southern and northern Luzon.

“The SLEX expansion will be a significant boost to the CALABARZON region, which currently generates almost 20% of the countr y’s GDP,” SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said, as quoted by Vanessa. Ang sought the public’s understanding on the temporar y traffic slowdowns experienced along the expressway due to ongoing construction works.

ing. For the driver a 12-inch Digital Cluster provides real-time information without distraction. Seats are RECARO® with leather-trimmed.

Safety-w ise, the All-New Mustang has Ford Co-Pilot360™ Technology that enhances the overall driving experience and actively assists the driver on the road. It has Blind Spot Infor mat ion System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Auto High Beam Headlights, Post Impact Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Centering Assist function. In addition, the All-New Mustang also

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused during this period. However, the long-term benefits, including improved traffic conditions and regional economic support, will be substantial,” Ang said.

Ang added that while most landowners affected by the SLEX expansion project have been cooperative, a few have raised challenges by demanding excessive disturbance fees that threaten to increase project costs and potentially delay completion.

Cited was a property owner in San Pedro City, who is demanding disproportionate compensation for alleged disruptions, even as the SLEX expansion is being done outside property lines.

Meanwhile, Ang expressed appreciation to government stakeholders from the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulator y Board to the different local governments along the SLEX route —“for their

has a pre-collision assist with an automatic emergency brake (AEB) and an emergency steering assist alert. It assists the driver if a potential collision is detected.

Customer connectivity is further enhanced through the FordPass app. With specific features such as the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, Vehicle Status, and Vehicle Location, owners are supported with information before taking on the open road s thrill.

“The Mustang has undergone an evolution over the last six decades, but one thing remains the same— the Mustang’s unparalleled driving

support in managing daily traffic effectively.”

As has always been emphasized in this corner private-government partnership is a key cog in the promotion of public welfare.

Slowing EV sales

NIKKEI reports that in Japan, smaller companies play a big role in Japan's electric vehicle batter y supply chain, indirectly supporting the likes of Toyota Motor and Tesla.

“We recently received requests from Europe, the U.S., China and South Korea—including two major automobile companies—to buy our machines, but we turned them all down,” the president of a Japanese machine maker told Nikkei Asia. “There’s just no room in our production capacity right now.”

The company manufactures factor y equipment used to produce EV batteries. It is spending tens of millions of dollars to build a plant in

per for mance t hat represents t he spirit of freedom, passion, and innovation. We are thrilled to join the global celebration of Mustang’s 60th anniversar y, but most of all, we are excited to open the next chapter for this icon with the launch of the AllNew Mustang in the Philippines in May,” said Ford Philippines managing director Mike Breen.

The All-New Ford Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost Premium Fastback variant retails at P3.499 million while the 5.0L GT Premium Fastback is at P3.999 million. Available colors are Grabber Blue (GT Exclusive with additional P20,000), Iconic Silver Oxford W hite, Race Red, Shadow Black, Vapor Blue, and Yellow Splash (GT Exclusive with additional P20,000).

60 years of the pony car MEANWHILE, Ford Phi l ippi nes brought together members of the Mustang Club Philippines, the Mustang Enthusiasts Philippines, and Mustang owners and fans for an anniversar y meet-up at the historic Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque to celebrate 60 years since the birth of an automotive legend. Also, they got an exclusive first look at the All-New Mustang slated to be launched in the countr y in May 2024. Exactly si xty yea rs ago today, Ford u nve i led t he orig i nal Mu s-

western Japan that is slated to be ready this year

The president said the company halted an additional investment plan that could cost around the same as the first one due to concerns that borrowing money from a bank would be too big a burden for the small firm. T he company, which only has around 100 employees, does not have many assets left that have not already been used for collateral.

Kataoka, a Kyoto-based

tang at t he World’s Fa ir i n New York. It h as sold more t h an 10 m i ll ion u n its si nce and h as been t he world’s best-sell i ng spor ts ca r for over a decade.

Owners drove to the venue with their prized muscle cars to form a spectac u la r d isplay of Mu stangs showcasing the sports coupe’s storied evolution through the years. Of the classic models in attendance, the oldest was a 1965 Fastback, which captivated onlookers with its sleek silhouette, and a 1965 Shelby with its unmistakable engine roar emblematic of the pony power that the Ford Mustang is known for As a bonus for event attendees, an exclusive peek at the 7th generation All-New Mustang brought the majestic machine’s 60-year legacy full circle as guests saw the latest addition to the iconic lineup up close in all its stylish glor y. Jim Owens, GTD Mustang Brand Manager, also joined the festivities virtually to share his stories and experiences about the development of Mustang through the years. As part of Mustang’s 60th anniversar y, Ford also debuted a unique Vermillion Red and Ebony Black logo, inspired by the badging and wheel center caps on the Mustang that debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair at the New York Auto Show.

Editor: Tet Andolong

Story & photos by Randy S.