Manila Standard - 2024 August 29 - Thursday

TEVES PETITION TO STOP EXTRADITION

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the Timor-Leste Court of Appeals (CA) denied the Motion for Reconsideration filed by former Congressman Arnulfo Teves seeking to bar his extradition.

The DOJ said it received an official update from the Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste on Wednesday night.

In a statement sent to the reporters, the DOJ said they “recognize the

importance of this decision and are committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process.”

The agency assured that “further details will be provided soon.”

Teves is facing murder charges before Philippine courts in connection with the killing of then Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo last year.

The former lawmaker has been under the custody of Timor Leste

‘Bato’s drug war order meant killing suspects’ Espenido confirms

By Maricel V. Cruz

quota, reward system for drug kills

ORMER Philippine National Police chief

Ronald dela Rosa ordered the killing of suspected drug personalities, including Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and his family and Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, during the Duterte administration's bloody war against drugs, a police colonel told members of the

Police Col. Jovie Espenido, a former police chief of Albuera, said Dela Rosa ordered the elimination of illegal drugs “by all means” necessary.

Espenido recalled Dela Rosa's directive: “The only instruction is for you to help me, Jovie, and then President Duterte, about this war against illegal drugs, so you should help me, I will assign you as the chief of police of Albuera, so you should get rid of the drugs in Albuera.”

“Your Honor, Mr. Chair, there is only one general word given, and we all know that word only has one meaning. When we say eradicate, that already involves killing. That is very very obvious for us,” he added. Espenido also confirmed the existence of a quota and reward system for drug kills – claiming that the funding came from intelligence funds and POGO money “funneled downward from the level” of Senator Bong Go. “Even intelligence funds were used in the drug war. POGO money

coastal waters of Cavite province can now resume after oil that spilled out of three ill-fated tankers

PRESIDENT Marcos on Wednesday announced that fishing activities in the

FORMER House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. was honored yesterday by the Senate for his illustrious career and his invaluable contributions to both national governance and international diplomacy. The Senate passed a resolution cosponsored by Senators Loren Legarda, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva, and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, celebrating

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JUSTICE Secretary Jesus

Remulla said on Wednesday that Shiela Guo would not make a

against her supposed sister,

ex-Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. “I cannot believe that Alice Guo would take a fishing boat for three days to reach Sabah, [Malaysia]…it is hard to believe if she came from Bongao or Zamboanga, or Tawi-tawi, it

but not for

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By Charles Dantes, Dennis Abrina and Joel Zurbano

By Pot Chavez, Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz

Crispin

By Vince Lopez, Charles Dantes and

Chavez

ALL IS A-OKAY. President Ferdinand Marcos smiles broadly as gives the shaka (right on) sign during a group selfie esterday with Cavite fisherfolk in General Trias Sports Park in General Trias City. Joan Bondoc

Vietnam to send 150k ASF vaccines to PH

VIETNAM will send 150,000 doses of its African swine fever vaccine to the Philippines although it has not yet been approved internationally, according to a report by its state media.

The illness, which does not affect humans, is highly contagious and fatal for pigs, and an outbreak is potentially devastating for the pork industry, experts say.

The shipment of the vaccine, developed by AVAC Vietnam (AVAC), is part of 600,000 doses ordered by the

DOH records 2 new mpox cases in Metro Manila, Calabarzon

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed two additional cases of mpox in Metro Manila and Calabarzon.

This brings the total number of cases since July 2022 to 14. Nine cases have recovered, while five are still active and waiting for symptoms to resolve.

Health Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo said the two new cases have the milder MPXV Clade II.

The DOH is currently verifying the details of how close and intimate skin-to-skin contact may have taken place.

Mpox case 13 is a 26-year-old female from the National Capital Region (NCR), while case 14 is a 12-year-old male from Calabarzon.

This is the fifth case of mpox to be detected this year. The first was a 33-year-old male Filipino national with no travel history outside the Philippines "but with close, intimate contact three weeks before symptom onset" in Quezon City.

This was followed by two more confirmed cases who were both from NCR. Another possible Mpox was reported by Tacloban health officials in Northern Samar.

Local government units (LGUs) where cases 13 and 14 are from have been informed and have the authority to disclose more detailed information, including response actions, at their discretion.

"Heightened surveillance leads to a flashlight effect — our people become more aware, and we detect more cases. All are the milder MPXV Clade II," Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said.

Common symptoms of mpox include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last two to four weeks. The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Timor...

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police since his arrest in March based on the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) red notice.

In June, said appellate court has already granted the request of Philippine government to extradite Teves.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the denial is “a significant step forward" in the quest for justice.

“This decision underscores that justice proceeds irrespective of an individual's status," he said.

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De Venecia’s unprecedented five terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives and his role in shaping modern Philippine politics.

De Venecia, affectionately known as JDV, is credited with establishing the "Rainbow Coalition" in the House, which helped stabilize the country during the post-Martial Law era. The coalition facilitated the passage of over 200 key laws under President Fidel V. Ramos' administration, covering economic, political, and social reforms.

In addition to his legislative achievements, De Venecia co-

Philippine government, Vietnam News Agency quoted the company's general director Nguyen Van Diep as saying. Vietnam approved two African swine fever vaccines for domestic use in July 2023, saying it was the first country to do so. But neither of the vaccines has been

approved internationally.

In October 2023, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) issued a statement warning veterinary authorities and the pig industry of the "risk from use of sub-standard vaccines." It did not specifically mention Vietnam. According to Vietnam News Agency, Diep said AVAC had already exported 300,000 doses to the Philippines in 2023. Other state media reports said this batch had been used for an "evaluation."

The company is seeking approval for its vaccine in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Myanmar and Nigeria.

A team from the Philippines was in Vietnam earlier in the week to check on the production of the vaccines, he added, according to VNA. Diep said 2.3 million doses have been used in Vietnam since July 2023.

According to media reports, authorities in Vietnam have been trying to encourage farmers to use the vaccine to prevent African swine fever from spreading among their herds.

The ministry of agriculture and ru-

‘Bato’s...

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was also used. After these POGOs were able to register with the government, funding was funneled downward from the level of Bong Go,” he said in his affidavit.

“I confirm that there was a quota and reward system in the implementation of the war on drugs during the previous administration. I truly wanted to implement it without causing deaths. When the leadership imposed a quota of 50-100 per day, we only took it to mean that we had to knock on the doors of 50-100 households suspected of drug use or pushing.”

“I know that there was a reward of P20,000 per kill in the drug war. The funding came from operators of the Small Town Lottery (STL), or jueteng lords who give money to the police regional commanders, provincial commanders, down the line. The group or individuals who make the kill receive the money,” he added.

Espenido said that some of the

DOJ...

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joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights and Committees on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and Public Services.

“Where can you sleep on a fishing boat? You will be there for three days plus the strong waves of the sea... so I don't believe in that,” he stressed.

Although Remulla believes the Chinese origins of Shiela may be true, he noted deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing is still the best evidence to prove her claim that she is unrelated to Alice.

He said it is necessary to prove that her testimony is indispensable before she can qualify as a state witness.

In a separate interview at the Senate, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty admitted the possibility that Shiela is qualified to be a state witness.

“I don't want to get ahead of myself, but she's qualified. If you'll think about it, she isn't the mastermind behind this illegal activity. If we will believe her, it seems like she was just dragged into it or was brought into it by her companions,” he said in Filipino.

founded the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), a political party that ruled for over 15 years, with him serving in various leadership capacities. His legislative legacy includes significant laws such as the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, which fostered public-private partnerships, and the Military Bases Conversion Law.

The resolution also recognizes De Venecia's efforts on the global stage, particularly his mediation in peace talks with various groups, including Muslim separatists and Communist rebels.

He also advocated for initiatives like the Interfaith Dialogue at the United Nations, which aimed to resolve political and religious conflicts.

“bagmen” are still alive and that he can talk to them to testify in the Quad Committee probe.

“Quite a few are in hiding. I also know an intelligence officer who can disclose details of the drug war,” he said.

In a message to GMA News Online, Dela Rosa denied the accusations raised against him.

“What is wrong with neutralizing drugs? You have to neutralize the drug problem. Did I say they should kill people? I did not order him to kill people,” the senator said.

“Use all legal means to eradicate the drug problem. That is why he has been assigned there – to eradicate the drug problem. I never said I assigned him there so he can kill all the drug addicts, the drug pushers. It's your job to clean up your area of responsibility,” Dela Rosa added.

For his part, former presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said there is still no evidence that former President Rodrigo Duterte issued kill orders during his administration's war against drugs.

“Espenido is saying that the former President told him to clean

Fish...

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It can be recalled that MKTR Terranova, MTKR Jason Bradley, and MV Mirola 1 were involved in mishaps in the coastal waters of Limay and Mariveles, Bataan but their cargo of industrial fuel were carried off to nearby provinces.

"Rest assured, the government is taking steps to address the damage caused by incidents like these," the chief executive said.

The oil spills affected over 25,000 families and disrupted the livelihoods of more than 33,000 fishermen in the province, with estimated losses amounting to over P250 million.

Mr. Marcos also announced that to aid in their recovery, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will provide P18 million worth of assistance, including post-harvest equipment, training, and financial aid for fuel.

Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already distributed nearly P70 million in relief aid to affected families.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has also contributed over P8 million to support displaced workers in Tanza and Naic under its emergency employment program.

Around 9,000 families from the

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deployed to augment the civil disturbance management (CDM) force of PRO-11 (Davao) in the ongoing search.

“It's because PRO-11 does not have enough resources in terms of human and material resources, considering this high-profile case involving the leader of a big church group. It really needs

ral development reported in mid-July that Vietnam had recorded 34,000 infected cases since the beginning of the year.

A 2018 outbreak of African swine fever in China—the world's largest pork producer—caused millions of pigs to be slaughtered to stop its spread.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday issued a public advisory assuring the public that local pork is safe to consume despite the ongoing African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.

PH, Vietnam to sign defense pact on Friday

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines and Vietnam will sign a defense cooperation agreement, as both nations are looking to advance their military ties amid China’s increasing hostility in the South China Sea. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phan Văn Giang is in the country tomorrow to sign agreements that can help in building the momentum for cooperation between the two countries' defense and military sectors.

the Albuera of drugs which means to dismantle the drug syndicate. He also said he understood the word mawala as including mamatay, he didn’t say pumatay,” Panelo said.

“It [just] means if their lives are endangered, they can neutralize the suspect which is allowed by law under justifying circumstances,” he said.

During the hearing, Manila Rep. Joel Chua sought to clarify Espenido’s statement: “When you are told to disappear, that includes killing people?”

To which Espenido replied: “By all means, your Honor, exactly.”

Espenido said he was able to dismantle the Kerwin Espinosa drug syndicate but he was punished with a one-month suspension and was even accused of taking money from the drug trade.

“I believe Chief Dela Rosa was involved in the dismissal of the cases that I built up against Kerwin Espinosa, including the burying of the cases that I was building against his police protectors or coddlers who have been receiving money from him," he said.

cities of Cavite and Bacoor, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon and Ternate received cash assistance from the Office of the President.

The distribution took place at General Trias Sports Park in Barangay Santiago.

During the event, Mr. Marcos also turned over a symbolic cheque to Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla amounting to P161.5 million for the Provincial Government of Cavite

He noted that the aid from the national government is intended to help local communities cope with the economic effects of the disaster.

The President also assured affected residents that the government is investigating the shipwrecks to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that affected residents receive compensation.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino praised Mr. Marcos for his genuine concern for the fisherfolk and their families, stating that the aid will sustain them as they await compensation from the owner and insurer of MT Terranova.

Tolentino, a Cavite native, recently filed Senate Resolution 1084, which called for an inquiry into the massive oil spill caused by the three ships whose operation permits are now being put into question.

support from other units. The area is too big compared to Camp Crame, actually approximately 32 hectares, so the more than 2,000 personnel earlier deployed is, in fact, not enough," Alba said.

He said the police officers initially deployed for the mission also have to rest, hence, the need for them to be substituted by officers from other units.

"That is the mandate of PNP – to maintain peace and order and security and safety for everyone, not only

"On the state level side, Vietnam was one of the countries our President visited in order to forge greater ties and relationships, intra-ASEAN and I believe that a South China Sea way forward was part of the conversation between our President and the Vietnamese President at that time," Teodoro said.

"We can hope to get some agreements signed once clearances are made. And on that basis, we can have a new momentum and impetus for working together on the defense side and on the military side,” he added.

In January, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. visited Vietnam, where the two countries agreed to boost cooperation in the South China Sea and “peacefully solve incidents at sea.”

Teodoro noted he also just signed a defense cooperation agreement with Singapore in July, and sees more cooperation with other Southeast Asian nations.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said yesterday it issued a circular exempting 15 more medicines against cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and mental illnesses from value-added tax (VAT).

BIR commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said he issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 93-2024 to update the list of VAT-exempt products under Republic Act No. 10963 and 11534.

“The BIR is now a service-oriented agency. This includes the regular update of medicines that will fall under VAT-exempt products. The BIR supports the government’s thrust in helping the public have access to more affordable healthcare and medicine,” Lumagui said.

The BIR earlier exempted 21 medicines from VAT in January 2024 and exempted another 20 in March 2024.

The latest list of VAT-exempt drugs includes cancer medicines avelumab, acalabrutinib, llaparib and trastuzumab; anti-cholesterol rosuvastatin; and hypertension medicines olmesartan medoxomil, perindopril and indapamide + amlodipine. It also exempts sodium valporate and valproic acid for mental illness.

the members of KOJC, even the communities surrounding the area. This is the reason for the presence of our CDM units – to prevent other crimes from happening," he said.

The search for Quiboloy inside the KOJC compound, which began early Saturday, is now on its sixth day, with the police still trying to find the entrance to the underground bunker where the televangelist is believed to be hiding.

UNPASSABLE. Araneta Avenue cor. Ma.Clara St. is impassable to light vehicles due to waist-deep flooding due casued by heavy monsoon rains yesterday morning. Manny Palmero

NEWS IN BRIEF

TUCP opposes move to revive e-sabong

THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) strongly opposed the move to revive online cockfighting operations, known as e-sabong, as a substitute for the now-banned POGO operations.

The TUCP issued the statement after Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said it is studying to revive the esabong which could generate over P6 billion in revenues a year.

The country’s largest labor, the TUCP, has warned of the grave social costs that will be caused by ESabong, underscoring the severe personal consequences associated with gambling.

“Like other forms of online gambling, many of our kababayan—primarily from the poor working class—fall into crippling debt, criminal activity, with some losing their lives, such as in case of the 30 e-sabungeros who remain missing to this day,” the TUCP said. Vito Barcelo

PH-Indonesia hold ‘Strike’ in Maguindanao

MEMBERS of the Philippine and Indonesian military are set to hold PHILINDO Strike IV exercises in Maguindanao.

Colonel Edgar L. Catu, Chief of Staff of the 6 Infantry Division (6ID) who served as host of the exercise expressed the honor of hosting the activity.

“This bilateral exercise is a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia,” Catu said, adding “I am confident that this exercise will be a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and mutual benefit.”

The Indonesian delegation was led by its 11th Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Inf Yoki Malinton Kurniafati. Rex Espiritu

Senators commend DOJ on rape cases

SENATORS commended the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday after it reported that they were able to solve 94 percent of the 21,423 rape cases filed in court last year.

During the 2025 budget deliberation of the DOJ and its attached agencies in the Senate, Undersecretary Jesse Hermogenes Andres attributed the success to the Training and Education Program for Law Enforcement Officers (Tepleo), which promotes the proactive involvement of prosecutors in case build-up.

The training seeks to strengthen the partnership between prosecutors and law enforcers, aiming for airtight cases and a reasonable certainty of conviction in court proceedings.

‘Scrap OMB confidential funds’

By Maricel V. Cruz

OMBUDSMAN Samuel Martires has asked the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations (COA) to remove confidential funds from the proposed P5.824 billion budget of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) for 2025.

“I will appreciate really if Congress will remove the confidential fund from our budget,” Martires said during the OMB’s budget briefing.

Martires made the statement in response ACT Teachers Party-list Rep.

France Castro, who asked for an update on the OMB’s P31 million and P51 million confidential fund allocations for

Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024.

“I’d rather not have a confidential fund until the end of my term of office than to have a confidential fund where people will be raising their eyebrows. I eat at a restaurant, (then) people say that your water ... that I drink comes from the confidential fund,” Martires said.

The Ombudsman nonetheless asked

the committee to consider providing additional funding to put up more OMB satellite offices, hire more lawyers, and support its digitalization program, which the panel approved.

“There is a need to hire 60 more lawyers from the present lawyers the OMB have,” Martires said, citing that there are more non-lawyers than lawyers in OMB units involved in investigation.

Castro took note that the OMB’s 1,300 cases for fact-finding in the first six months of 2024 is lower by 32 percent to the 2,038 for the same period last year. Out of the total, the OMB completed the investigation of 389 complaints for the first semester, which

is 21% higher than the target at the start of the year.

“To speed up the investigation of complaints, we are trying to merge now the fact-finding office and the preliminary investigation office. So when the complaint is filed, it will be immediately assigned to a lawyer who will conduct a case evaluation, and the lawyer will determine whether to proceed with the preliminary investigation or to recommend for the dismissal of the case or to recommend for a case buildup,” Martires said. He also volunteered for courts to dismiss many criminal cases on the ground of inordinate delay.

MMDA TO GO HI-TECH. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials and representatives of Geodata Systems Technologies meet to discuss ways to enhance the agency’s disaster and emergency response capabilities.

MMDA taps tech provider to enhance disaster, emergency response

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is collaborating with Geodata Systems Technologies, Inc. (Geodata) for the use of ArcGIS software, which can help enhance the agency’s disaster and emergency response capabilities.

MMDA chairman Don Artes recently met with officials of Geodata to discuss the use of the Geographic Information System (GIS), which can integrate different information that is accessible to other government agencies and stakeholders involved in disaster response.

Esri, a well-known GIS company, is the provider of ArcGIS, a mapping and

spatial analytics technology. Esri’s Disaster Response Program assists organizations in responding to disasters or crises worldwide using GIS technologies.

The scope of this disaster response and management application or tools are as follows:

Flood Viewer: This web application can monitor flood areas and estimate the

possible extent and depth of the flood.

Service Request Form: This formbased application allows requests for assistance to the MMDA, such as rescue operations, evacuation assistance, relief operations, road clearings, debris removal, and traffic assistance from local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs).

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelc) has rejected a proposed house resolution postponing the period for filing of Certificates of Candidacy (CoC) from October to December, saying such delays would interrupt the poll’s preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.

Poll chairman George Garcia said delaying the filing of CoC would affect the printing of the ballots, extending the filing of pre-election cases and their resolutions.

Garcia made the remarks after Rep. Bienvenido Abante had filed House Resolution 1942 seeking to push back the COC filing period by around two months to give election aspirants more time to consider their candidacy.

“The poll body will stick to its present October 1 to 8 schedule for the filing of COCs to allot enough time for the printing of 70 million ballots,” he said.

Mayor cites Calamba achievements

By Roy C. Tomandao

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna--Despite the rain, over a thousand people gathered to hear about the city’s economic growth and improvements in public safety during the 282nd Foundation Anniversary celebration, where Mayor Ross Rizal delivered his third State of the City Address (SOCA) today at the Calamba City Coliseum. In his address, Rizal highlighted the progress and reforms in Calamba, stating “Through Calambago, we can witness how Gat Jose Rizal’s ideals continue to uplift the lives of Filipinos.”

Two topics that surfaced frequently throughout the address were the challenges of trade and industry and public safety. Rizal also mentioned the city’s economic progress as Calamba was lauded by Malacañang as one

of the most competitive component cities in the country — and number 1 in the whole province of Laguna.

He said: “This is an indication that our system of governance is led by public servants whose only want is positive change for a more progressive and productive Calamba City.”

In an interview with The Manila Standard after the SOCA, Rizal acknowledged the support of Vice Mayor Totie Lazaro and the City Councilors with his programs, projects, and endeavors for Calamba City.

The mayor told this reporter that this is the current state of “CalamBAGO”, where the city officials continue to make progress and provide opportunities for the citizens. With initiatives like this, he said, they are confident that the City’s economy will continue to thrive and the people will have the means to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

OPERATIONAL FLOODGATE. The damaged floodgate in Barangay Dampalit in Malabon City has been repaired and is now operational with the help of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Andrew Rabulan

AUGUST 29, 2024

Bicol solon eyes Senate OK of cannabis bill

IN BRIEF

PH, Australia explore areas of defense ties

THE Philippines and Australia on Tuesday discussed new avenues for cyber collaboration to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

During a meeting with Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs Brendan Dowling, Defense Undersecretary Angelito De Leon underscored the importance of stronger cooperation and convergence in cyber defense between the two countries.

Both sides highlighted areas of cooperation such as information-sharing on policies and best practices, innovations in information and communication technology, and organizing joint cyber drills and tabletop exercises.

The discussions also covered possible defense technological cooperation such as building a skilled cyber defense workforce through exchange programs and workshops, research and development, among others. Rex Espiritu

CHR backs measures on gov’t mass housing

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed legislative moves to provide adequate housing and improve the overall standards of living for the people.

The CHR particularly cited bills filed in both chambers of Congress on the government’s housing program.

The measures were filed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre, and Senator Jinggoy Estrada.

The CHR specifically cited House Bill No. 00005 and Senate Bill No. 1025 on the government’s resettlement program for informal settlers.

“The Commission calls on the collaboration of the Senate and House to expedite the passage of such bills to provide better living conditions to all Filipino people,” the agency said in a statement. Rio N. Araja

CSC observes 124th year with ‘VibeRun’

THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) marks its 124th anniversary with a nationwide “fun run” and fund-raising for the benefit of the bureaucracy’s “servantheroes on Sunday, Sept. 1. In the National Capital Region, the VibeRun aims to draw 20,000 participants from various government agencies, making it the largest simultaneous color fun run by a government agency in the country, the CSC said in a statement. The event will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Ermita, Manila. In celebration of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the CSC will kick off the festivities with a nationwide fun run to promote camaraderie, physical fitness, and mental wellbeing. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani Program of the CSC which honors public servants who

By Vito Barcelo

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has confiscated smuggled disposable vape products, motor parts, and accessories worth at least P94 million.

The illegal shipment was uncovered after the BOC agents conducted separate operations in Manila and Laguna, in coordination with certain law enforcement agencies.

The raiding teams discovered disposable vapes valued at approximately P12.6 million in a vape shop in San Pedro, Laguna.

A separate operation in Quiapo, Manila led to the seizure of assorted imported vape products worth around P6.475 million, along with motorcycle parts and accessories valued at approximately P75 million.

The BOC temporarily secured the entrance and exit gates of the establishments with padlocks and seals.

An inventory of the seized items will be conducted by Customs examiners and other agents in the presence of representatives of the raided shops and warehouses.

The affected traders were given 15

days to submit documents to show that the seized products were legitimately imported and paid correct duties and taxes.

“These crackdowns were conducted in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify our anti-smuggling efforts against the illicit trade of tobacco and vape products,” said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

“Our goal is to protect consumers and the public from the dangers of these illegal substances, which can pose significant health risks and undermine public safety,” he added.

By Maricel V. Cruz

ASENIOR

congressman is optimistic that the Senate will soon pass the medical cannabis bill that has been ratified by the House of Representatives.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the United Nations (UN) official recognition of the medical value of cannabis oil (cannabidiol or CBD) bolstered his expectations that the Senate would follow the lead of the House in approving the measure allowing people stricken with cancer, epilepsy and other severe ailments to use this nonaddictive marijuana strain as an alternative treatment for their painful maladies.

In light of the declaration by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)—the UN’s drug policy-making body—Villafuerte expressed hopes that the senators would also give weight to the fact that medical cannabis has already been legalized in 60 countries and that its medicinal value has been affirmed in medical journals of various prominent global institutions. These medical journals include those of Harvard Health, National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (BJCP).

The 60 countries that have legalized medical cannabis include Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, and Great Britain.

As the Senate deliberates on its version of the House-approved measure excluding CBD from the list of prohibited drugs under Republic Act 9165, Villafuerte was confident that the recognition by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) of the non-addictive therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis will convince most senators to finally give their nod to this proposal that has long been pending in Congress.

By Joel E. Zurbano

By Rex Espiritu

MALACANANG has traced poverty, poor governance, and marginalization as the primary causes of social conflict in the country.

The Office of Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconcilation and Unity (OPPARU) made this observation during Tuesday’s meeting of the National AntiPoverty Commission (NAPC). .During the meeting, the OPPARU presented its achievements in pushing the country’s peace agenda and povertyreduction efforts.

The OPAPRU underscored that widespread poverty, unequal wealth distribution, poor governance, corruption, injustice, and the marginalization of indigenous communities were the “key drivers of conflicts.” OPAPRU project development officer

Karol Marie Tante noted that the government’s comprehensive peace process, which has resulted in four major peace agreements over the past fifty years, has achieved significant progress in peace and development.

Tante emphasized the impact of OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) flagship program, which has facilitated political reforms, economic development, security, healing, and the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society, PAMANA operates through three main pillars; policy reform and governance, capacity building, and socioeconomic interventions.

“OPAPRU operates within conflict contexts, integrating the conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting approach to mitigate the negative impacts and enhance the positive outcomes of its programs,” Tante explained.

WATER-LEVEL MONITOR. A Manila Water field worker adjusts the water elevation monitoring board at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City amid the incessant occasional rains brought by the southwest monsoon. Manny Palmero BOC FORCE STRIKES AGAIN. Customs agents swoop down on warehouses and shops in San Pedro, Laguna and Quiapo Manila concealing smuggled vapes and other products worth a total of about P94 million.

OPINION

A children’s book that adults will read

ALL that brouhaha over a children’s book that would have cost the public till 10 million pesos, paltry when compared to the huge commissions our legislators get from the billions in pork barrel insertions they receive, will have achieved a strange readership for VP Inday Sara’s magnum opus. For the masa, it arouses both curiosity and sympathy, properly spun, to create the desired perception of a lady who helped her male partner win the jackpot but is now jettisoned and left hanging dry. For the better off, it aroused curiosity and the desire to see how “flawed” it may be, as UP professor Jayson Petras of the Sentro ng Wikang Pilipino noted. Now if Congress deletes that 10 million peso approved budget in the NEP, some sympathetic billionaire may wish to pick up the tab for the beleaguered Inday Sara and have someone, Petras perhaps, to edit the children’s book to conform to linguistic and factual standards. Meanwhile, just because she is “not plastic,” as the VP described herself before an unusually well attended Senate finance committee hearing on the usually non contendido and presidentially approved measly appropriation for the office that merely waits, a hornet’s nest has been stirred.

For better or for worse, the lady vice president is in the eye of a storm. ***

The 2,000 police troops who stormed the KOJC to look for the “appointed son of God” just proved that Apollo Carreon Quiboloy may indeed be so “mighty” that 2,000 came and yet could not arrest him.

Whether hiding in an underground bunker as the PNP chief surmised because his regional director detected heartbeats from beneath the ground, or having dug a tunnel all the way to the Davao Gulf and from there taken a boat to Manado and thence to wherever, we should know in the following days, weeks or months.

Meanwhile, no less than the best PNP director general ever bar none, Panfilo Lacson who is agonizing on whether to run for senator or retire in his farm in Silang, Cavite, is advising PNP officials to stop talking too much.

Still, the picture of KOJC members confronting 2,000 troops and closing part of the Maharlika Highway leading to the Davao International Airport is not a pretty sight for investors that our president has mightily traveled all over the world to attract.

Two dozen trips to entice the world may have now gone to pot.

***

Neither the “great escape” of Alice Guo, which makes the whole wide world wonder how the entire force of government, its immigration officials particu-

larly, could be hoodwinked or bribed despite daily national fascination over how easy it has been for citizenship in this country to be bought.

Oh well, not for us to wonder.

We have also been electing officials who have chosen to give up their birthright to migrate to the proverbial land of milk and honey, then return when the opportunity in this benighted land brightens up for them and them alone.

Then they “renounce” their acquired foreign citizenship after having previously renounced their Philippine birthright when they took on the citizenship of their adopted country, as easily as changing overcoats.

No less than the best PNP director general ever bar none, Panfilo Lacson who is agonizing on whether to run for senator or retire in his farm in Silang, Cavite, is advising PNP officials to stop talking too much

And now they are among the most “honorable,” the question of their lack of nationalism glossed over by an adoring and easily fooled electorate. What a country indeed! ***

I am being facetious over current national events because otherwise, as in the 1963 Stanley Kramer comedy film “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,” a grownup man living in the land benighted by its elected officials is won’t to say, “I wanna get out!” – the sub-title of the Kramer epic.

Meanwhile, those who observed the “matumal” exodus of Metro Manila residents to provinces and nearby destinations to rest and relax over a four-day long weekend, with our airports, seaports and overland transportation terminals less busy than in the past, must realize this is the new normal as inflation continues to eat up meager earnings and depleting the savings of income classes B, C and D. “Ubos na ang kaban,” as our old folks would say.

But not to worry, assure our officials who are going around the country distributing AICS, AKAP, Tupad and whatever else manna by the hundreds of millions from the taxpayers’ till in support of Bagong Pilipinas, a.k.a. The Ayuda Republic.

The transfer of PhilHealth funds

REGARDLESS of the reasons given by the Department of Finance in transferring PhilHealth insurance funds to the national treasury, it should not have been done. It was misguided, sends the wrong signals and could be illegal.

If indeed PhilHealth is overflowing with money, why is it not being flowed back to the masses that it serves by way of more medical benefits to improve public health care?

The data simply does not support what the DOF is saying. Instead, people continue to struggle with high cost of hospitalizations and medicines.

According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 50 per cent of Filipinos are unable to access medical help within 30 minutes from where they live which means the country is lacking hospitals in the rural areas.

The country’s health care system is also considered average out of 165 countries that were part of one study.

As of 2023, the country spent something like 11,083 per capita on health care, well below countries in the ASEAN region like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

Also in 2022, the total health expenditure of the country was P1.20T or 5.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product which looks impressive.

But this is actually I.4 percent lower than the P1.22T spent in 2021.

So, instead of increasing, health care expenditure actually went down debunking what the DOF is saying of more benefits. These figures therefore are not something to crow about.

But could the government really call the money belonging to the country’s health insurance excess funds?

With all the money in the hands of PhilHealth, the country should be able to afford a near universal health care system benefiting every citizen in need. Currently, however, the public continues to be plagued with inadequate and

Fugitives from justice

HOW do we define justice?

In a broad sense, justice is the legal system a country uses to deal with people who break the law.

Or it can be defined as the administration of law according to prescribed and accepted principles.

You can even say it is the use of authority and power to uphold what is right, just or lawful.

If you commit a crime, then you must be prepared to be punished by the State. That’s another way of defining justice.

We often hear the families of victims of violent crimes say when interviewed on television that what they want is justice.

What they really mean is that the perpetrators must be arrested by law enforcement agencies and brought before a court of law to stand trial, and, if found guilty, sent to prison to serve a sentence, or even executed for particularly serious or gruesome crimes like murder.

But recent events in the Philippines tell us that sometimes those accused of crimes would rather decide to make themselves scarce and see if they can get away with it. Take the most recent case of someone running way from law enforcers

and thumbing her nose at our judicial system.

Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese national who assumed the alias of Alice Leal Guo and ran and won as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac in the last local elections.

—“—

These four fugitives from justice – Alice Guo, Apollo Quiboloy, Arnolfo Teves, and Gerald Bantag – pose a direct challenge to the rule of law in our country

But she has been found to have obtained a fake birth certificate showing she is a Filipino citizen, stands accused of amassing huge wealth from illegal activities of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs she helped set up in the town using dummies. She has reportedly fled initially to Malaysia then to Singapore and Indonesia to escape criminal charges here. Another big-time fugitive from justice is Apollo Quiboloy, the self-ap-

IN OUR previous column we wrote about Sara Duterte’s sudden advocacy for the rights of KOJC members might be seen as an opportunistic, a calculated move, to solidify her base in Mindanao and undermine President Marcos’ authority.

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police has robustly defended the raid, citing the size and complexity of the KOJC compound and the resistance encountered from Quiboloy’s followers as justifications for the scale of the operation.

The use of ground-penetrating radar, typically reserved for search and rescue operations, indicates the seriousness with which the authorities pursued Quiboloy.

Legally, the PNP’s actions are anchored in their mandate to enforce court-issued warrants, particularly in cases involving serious offenses like sex trafficking and child abuse.

The charges against Quiboloy are severe, and the need to apprehend him is a matter of both legal obligation and public safety.

The police operation’s intensity can be justified by the potential risks posed by Quiboloy’s supporters, who have a history of fiercely defending their leader.

However, the transformation of the KOJC compound into what Quiboloy’s lawyer describes as a “garrison” raises legal concerns.

The Rules of Criminal Procedure do not explicitly allow for such actions, and turning a religious property into a de facto military zone could be seen as an infringement on religious freedom and

uneven availability of health care. Something must be amiss with the financial health of the national government.

If the DOF finds it necessary to raid PhilHealth funds, to support unprogrammed government projects, this could only mean that all is not well with our government finances.

Statements from the DOF particularly from Secretary Ralph Recto that continues to paint a rosy picture of our state of economy may not be as accurate as he would want the public to believe.

As it is, the voice of dissent is not going down and it would do well for the good Secretary to pay more attention to the issues raised by those opposing the move instead of simply ignoring them.

Otherwise, this issue might really end up in the Supreme Court as some are already threatening.

As of this writing, the Department of Finance already transferred on May 10, P20B from PhilHealth to the national

pointed “Son of God” who heads the so-called Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the Davao region.

He is accused of rape, human trafficking and other crimes here and in the United States.

He has refused to face the criminal charges and opted to evade the arrest warrant the police tried to serve on him recently.

He is believed to be holed up in the vast property of the religious cult in Davao City and does not want to surrender to authorities, claiming political harassment.

There’s also former lawmaker Arnolfo Teves of Negros Oriental who stands accused of the brazen murder of the provincial governor and has fled to Timor Leste. He has adamantly refused to surrender for multiple murder cases in the Philippines.

Finally, there’s former Bureau of Corrections Director Gerald Bantag who is accused of being the mastermind of the murder of broadcast journalist Percy Lapid late last year. He has likewise refused to surrender to authorities.

These four fugitives from justice pose a direct challenge to the rule of law in our country. They must be relentlessly pursued by our authorities and brought before our justice system as soon as possible.

(Last of 2 parts)

property rights. The legal battle over this interpretation is likely to become a focal point shortly.

The power play In this complex scenario, both sides present compelling arguments, but the scales seem to tip slightly in favor of the PNP and the Marcos administration.

The charges against Quiboloy are severe, and the need to apprehend him is a matter of both legal obligation and public safety

The legal basis for the raid, backed by serious criminal charges and the need to enforce judicial orders, provides a strong justification for the operation. Furthermore, the PNP’s ability to maintain a controlled and sustained presence at the compound suggests a well-planned and legally sound strategy, even if its execution has been criticized.

Conversely, Sara Duterte’s criticisms, while powerful, may be seen as politically motivated, aimed at rallying her base and protecting her family’s legacy rather than addressing the legal nuances of the raid.

Her apology to KOJC members and her rebuke of the Marcos administra-

treasury. This was followed with another P10B on Aug. 21. Another P30B will follow in October, culminating in another P29.9B in November for a total P89.9B. These funds have been euphemistically termed as excess PhilHealth funds and most of these will apparently go in fulfilling the government promise of increased government pay, the promised allowances of health care workers and infrastructure projects to reach the projected economic growth target of 6 to 7 per cent. But could the government really call the money belonging to the country’s health insurance excess funds?

After all, there are many people, especially the poor, crying out for more assistance from PhilHealth.

For example, medicines accounts for almost two thirds of all health spending and about three quarters among the poor.

tion, although resonating with her supporters, might not gain the same traction outside her political sphere.

For the Marcos administration and the PNP, transparency is crucial.

Detailed reports on the raid’s conduct, including an independent investigation into the use of force and the circumstances surrounding the casualties, would help to quell public unrest and reinforce the legitimacy of the operation. Engaging in dialogue with religious leaders and human rights organizations could also mitigate the negative fallout.

For Sara Duterte and her allies, a more measured approach may be advisable.

While defending the rights of individuals and criticizing potential overreach is important, aligning these arguments with broader legal principles rather than purely political rhetoric could strengthen their position.

Seeking legal recourse through the courts, perhaps challenging the Constitutionality of the raid’s execution, would add weight to their criticisms.

In the end, the raid on the KOJC compound is a microcosm of the larger struggle for power and influence.

As the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp continue their tug-of-war, the implications of this raid will reverberate far beyond Davao, potentially shaping the country’s political landscape for years. The question remains: will this be remembered as a necessary enforcement of the law, or as a pivotal moment of overreach that further polarized an already divided nation? Only time will tell.

Since the cost of medicines are so high, why can’t PhilHealth funds be used to subsidize the cost of medications especially those with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure that requires regular medications including kidney dialysis which are so expensive?

The cost of consultation alone has also become so expensive. These are actually what health advocates want to happen. If the national government must raid the coffers of the PhilHealth, the funds should flow back for health care purposes regardless whether these funds are subsidies coming from the government and not premiums. I do not think we have seen the end of this issue.

The government will simply go ahead with what it wants to do in spite of valid objections but, ultimately, this issue will be decided by the jury of voters this coming 2025 elections.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024

IN BRIEF

Bangladesh probes enforced disappearance

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s new authorities on Wednesday opened an investigation into hundreds of enforced disappearances by security forces during the rule of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, the government said.

It includes the notorious Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) paramilitary force, accused of numerous rights abuses, and which was sanctioned by the United States for its role in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

Human Rights Watch last year said security forces had committed “over 600 enforced disappearances” since Hasina came to power in 2009, and nearly 100 remain unaccounted for.

Many of those detained were from Hasina’s rivals, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party.

Hasina’s government consistently denied the allegations, claiming some of those reported missing had drowned in the Mediterranean while trying to reach Europe. AFP

SpaceX postpones historic mission

SpaceX on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) postponed once more its attempt at launching a daring orbital expedition featuring an all-civilian crew that is aiming to carry out the first-ever spacewalk by private citizens.

The Polaris Dawn mission, organized by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, had been set to lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a four-hour window early Wednesday.

But SpaceX announced Tuesday it was pushing back the launch

Flights canceled as ‘strong’ typhoon approaches Japan’s Kyushu island

South Asia air pollution fell in 2022

BANGKOM – A surprise improvement in air quality in South Asia in 2022 drove a decline in global pollution, with favorable weather a likely factor, a new report said Wednesday. But the region continues to breathe the world’s most-polluted air, with its residents losing more than 3.5 years of life expectancy on average, the annual Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) warned. And globally, most countries have either no pollution standards or are failing to meet what they have set, subjecting their citizens to air quality that causes a broad range of health problems. For two decades, air pollution has increased annually in South Asia, but satellite data for 2022 -- the most recent year available -- showed a surprise 18 percent fall. AFP

Venezuelans in fear with mass arrests

CARACAS, Venezuela --Edward Ocariz

was cooking lunch at his home in a Caracas slum when police stormed in.

“You’re coming with us,” officers said, as angry neighbors screamed, “Damn you!” Ocariz is one of 2,400 people detained since Nicolas Maduro’s disputed reelection in Venezuela.

Police -- with no arrest warrant -- whisked Ocariz away a week after the July 28 election that sparked protests across the country, even in some normally pro-government areas. The violence left 27 dead and nearly 200 injured. Ocariz, 53, who lived in the poor Coche neighborhood on the west side of the capital, had complained previously about government abuses of power.

He was charged with crimes including terrorism and inciting hatred and taken to a maximum security prison.

“It’s unfair,” his sister Sol, 65, told AFP.

“I can’t let my brother, who is innocent, be imprisoned. He was a human rights activist. All he did was denounce irregularities.” Sol showed AFP videos of her brother’s arrest: wearing flip-flops, a T-shirt and shorts, he was handcuffed and roughly taken by four hooded officers.

“They’re taking him away!” someone can be heard saying on the recording. “Damn them! One day they’re going to pay!” neighbors shouted from their balconies.

Maduro has claimed that those arrested had been recruited by the opposition to stir up violence in the South American country.

The protest was quickly put down. On the first day alone, more than 700 people were arrested. The government urged people to report suspicious activities in what was called “Operation Tun Tun” -- the sound of the knock on the door when officers arrive. More than 2,400 people have been arrested, some on terror charges, and

Indian rape protests spiral into street clashes

KOLKATA – Thousands of protesters clashed in India’s eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, where demonstrations seeking justice for a murdered doctor spiralled into violent street skirmishes between political rivals.

The discovery of the 31-year-old doctor’s bloodied body at a staterun hospital in Kolkata on August 9 stoked nationwide anger at the chronic issue of violence against women.

That sparked strikes by medics and rallies backed by thousands of ordinary citizens across India, although many doctors have since returned to work.

But repeated protests in West Bengal state capital Kolkata have trans-

formed into clashes between the state’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Hindu-nationalist BJP is the party of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and holds power nationally, but sits in opposition in West Bengal.

“We want justice”, BJP supporters chanted, referring to the murdered doctor, then demanding the resignation of AITMC leader Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister.

“Go back! Go back!” AITMC supporters shouted in return.

On Tuesday, police clashed with protesters, firing tear gas canisters and water cannons, and arresting at

Pacific Island leaders endorse joint policing plan in Tonga

NUKU’’ALOFA, Tonga – Pacific Island leaders endorsed a landmark regional policing plan Wednesday at a summit in Tonga, a contentious move seen as trying to limit China’s security role in the region. Leaders unveiled a plan to create up to four regional police training centers and a multinational crisis reaction force, backed by $271 million in initial funding from Australia. Under the plan, a corps of about 200 officers drawn from different Pacific Island nations could be dispatched to regional hot spots and disaster zones when needed and invited.

“This demonstrates how Pacific leaders are working together to shape the future that we want to see,” said Australian Prime Minister Albanese, hailing the agreement. The Australian leader made the an-

nouncement while flanked by leaders of Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Tonga -- a symbolic show of unity in a region riven by competition between China and the United States.

Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, the summit host, said the initiative would plug regional security gaps and tackle emerging threats like organized crime.

“Tonga, like many other countries, are facing a number of transnational security challenges, including seeing an increase in drug trafficking within the Pacific in recent years” he said.

According to Mihai Sora of the Lowy Institute, a Sydney-based think tank, Wednesday’s announcement was a diplomatic victory for Australia and for the Pacific Islands Forum, a regional bloc which had appeared deeply divided on the topic. AFP

least 245 people. That prompted BJP supporters on Wednesday to launch a day-long shutdown of Kolkata, with skirmishes against AITMC supporters in the morning. Protesters erected barricades to close roads and railway lines, with police reporting clashes between rival workers across the city and in adjoining districts. Arjun Singh, a former BJP lawmaker, alleged his party loyalists were attacked by supporters of Banerjee’s AITMC, and two people were injured. AITMC “activists blocked the roads to prevent BJP supporters from marching”, Singh told AFP. AFP

TOKYO – Japan warned Wednesday an “extremely strong” typhoon bearing down on the main southern island of Kyushu would bring unusually violent storms, as three people remained missing after a landslide.

The approach of Typhoon Shanshan, packing gusts of up to 252 kilometers per hour and bringing widespread heavy rain, prompted auto giant Toyota to suspend production at all 14 of its Japanese factories. Japan Airlines canceled 172 domestic flights and six international flights scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, while ANA nixed 219 domestic flights and four international ones on

The cancellations affected around 25,000 people.

“Typhoon Shanshan is expected to approach southern Kyushu with extremely strong force through Thursday and it may make landfall,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

“It is expected that violent winds, high waves, and storm surge at levels that many people have never experienced before may occur,” said Hayashi, the top government spokesman.

The system has already brought heavy rains to wide areas of Japan, and late Tuesday, a wall of mud, rocks and other debris swept away a house in Gamagori, a city in central Aichi prefecture, with five family members inside.

After all-night recovery efforts, a second woman in her 40s was rescued, but a couple in their 70s and a man in his 30s remained unaccounted

orological Agency said. Local governments issued evacuation advisories to 810,000 people in the central Shizuoka prefecture on Honshu because of the rain and to 56,000 others in Kagoshima in Kyushu, the fire and disaster management agency said.

STRONG SHANSHAN. This photo shows rescue workers outside a house hit by a landslide in Gamagori, Aichi prefecture on

SPORTS

Alcaraz rips

Tu to reach

US Open 2nd round

YORK—Carlos Alcaraz roared

NEW

home for a 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over 186th-ranked Australian Li Tu on Tuesday to launch his bid to add the US Open to the Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles he claimed this year.

The 21-year-old Spaniard pushed his Grand Slam winning streak to 15 matches as he tries to join Rod Laver and Rafael Nadal as the only men in the modern era to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year.

He got off to a hot start, seizing a 4-0 lead on the way to pocketing the first set.

But Tu, who came through qualifying, got to grips with the imposing Arthur Ashe Stadium and Alcaraz’s serve to take the second set.

He tried to keep the pressure on in the third, but Alcaraz’s break for a 4-3 lead opened the floodgates, the Spaniard winning the eight straight games to take the third set and build a 5-0 lead in the fourth.

But Tu wouldn’t go quietly, saving a pair of match points before Alcaraz closed it out with a love service game.

“I’m really happy to get through and get a chance to be better the next round,” Alcaraz said. “Obviously, I felt well on court. I think I hit the ball well. I moved well.

“A few things that I have to improve if I want to, you know, keep going in the draw, but obviously I have to give credit to him as well that he played really good tennis and today surprised me a little bit in the second set.”

Alcaraz had 50 winners and 30 unforced errors. Eighteen of those errors came in the second set, when he lost three straight games.

That included dropping his serve to surrender the set, Tu finally converting his fifth set point.

“After the first set that I made just two unforced errors, the second set I made 18,” Alcaraz said, saying that was as much a factor as Tu’s growing confidence on the imposing Arthur Ashe Stadium. AFP

Jackie Chan named Paris Paralympics’ torchbearer

HONG KONG—Kung-fu daredevil, Hollywood star and Guinness world-record holder, and now Hong Kong-born actor Jackie Chan is set to be a torchbearer in the lead-up to Wednesday’s opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Paris.

The 70-year-old commands a huge following in France and beyond, his signature blend of comedy and martial arts transcending language barriers.

Born in British colonial Hong Kong in 1954, Chan Kong-sang started his film career as a child actor and worked as a stunt double in the 1972

Bruce Lee film “Fist of Fury”.

His brand of thrilling fights interjected with slapstick humour -- showcased in films such as “Drunken Master” and “Police Story” -- made him a household name in Hong Kong and across Asia.

But his stunt work also led to frequent injuries, and the outtakes of

PAL supports PH Paralympians at Paris

Philippine Airlines has again pledged support for the Filipino Paralympians who will be competing in the 2024

Paris Paralympics on August 28 to September 8. In an exclusive send-off dinner last June 19, PAL gave 50,000 Mabuhay Miles to archer Augustina Maximo

games

Bantiloc, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, and taekwondo para-athlete Allain Ganapin. The flag carrier also committed to award additional miles to the Filipino Paralympians who will succeed in winning medals in their respective sports.

Paralympic medalists will be awarded Mabuhay Miles annually for three years: 150,000 miles for gold, 100,000 miles for silver, and 80,000 miles for bronze.

Mabuhay Miles is PAL’s frequent flier lifestyle program that rewards passengers with “miles” for every trip with the airline, which can be exchanged for - flights and other perks. Most recently, PAL awarded 150,000 Mabuhay Miles every year for a lifetime to twotime Olympics gold medalist and gymnast Carlos Yulo, and 80,000 Mabuhay Miles for three years to bronze medalists and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas respectively.

scenes gone wrong were typically shown at the end of his films in blooper reels alongside the credits.

Guinness World Records recognised him in 2012 for “Most stunts by a living actor”.

Chan’s Hollywood breakthrough came with “Rumble in the Bronx” in 1996 and the subsequent “Rush Hour” trilogy where he starred opposite American comedian Chris Tucker.

The third instalment of the Rush Hour movies, filmed in France, had a pivotal fight scene at the Eiffel Tower, with Chan somersaulting and rolling off the iron beams of the Paris icon to evade his opponent.

“I did all my stunts, even the scene full of fighting and acrobatics on top of the Eiffel Tower,” he told reporters in 2007 during the premiere.

“I can tell my grandchildren, ‘This is your grandfather. This is me. That’s not a double flying around the Eiffel Tower in 100 mile-per-hour winds’,” Chan said. On Wednesday he is expected to take over the ceremonial torch in the afternoon. This will not be his first time carrying the Olympic flame. In 2008 he was among several other Chinese personalities -- including Zhang Ziyi of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” fame -- to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the Games in Beijing.

Oscar recognition Despite a late start to his international film career Chan has been listed multiple times in the past decade as being among the best-paid actors in the world. He has also starred in big-budget action blockbusters such as “Shanghai Noon”, “The Karate Kid” and the “Kung Fu Panda” series of animated films. AFP

Golden Spikers down Knights, nail 3rd straight V-League win

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas flaunted its balanced lineup to down Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-12, 20-25, 25-18, for its third-straight win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila, Wednesday.

The Golden Spikers saw five players in double figures led by 6-foot-5 rookie spiker Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blocker Trevor Valera with 14 points apiece.

Sali was efficient in his attacks, going 13-of-25, while Valera manned the net well with a game-high six blocks.

Popoy Colinares also delivered 13 points, while Gboy De Vega and JJ Macam added 11 and 10, respectively, as UST improved to 3-2, good for a tie with the National University Bulldogs for third to fourth places.

Despite the win though, head coach Odjie Mamon was still looking for more as the Golden Spikers gave up the

third set after committing 13 of their 33 errors there.

“Not the things I wanted to see. I have two days to review and make them focus again on what I’m trying to teach them,” said Mamon, who returned after missing the last game due to Alas Pilipinas commitments. UST will look for an even better performance on Sunday when it faces Emilio Aguinaldo College at 12 p.m.

Vince Himzon, the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitationals MVP, was the lone bright spot for the Knights with 16 points built on 15 attacks.

Steven Sta. Maria and Bem Bautista chipped in seven points apiece as well in the defeat that saw their twogame winning run snapped to fall to 2-3 for sixth.

Letran aims to rebound on Sunday as well against Far Eastern University at 2 p.m.

F2 Logistics, Fins and Claws, World Balance back Altas in NCAA

By Dennis Abrina

LAS PIÑAS CITY—Debuting coach

Olsen Racela will field a roster of 10 rookies and 8 returning players for the Perpetual Altas Basketball team in the Centennial Season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which kicks off on September 7, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, with Lyceum of the Philippines University as the host school.

With the support of sponsors F2 Logistics, Fins and Claws, and World Balance, the team aims to improve and reach its peak performance during the season.

nuel, Emman Pizarro, Markkian Danag, and Axle Rose Javier, to contribute significantly to the team’s rotation.

Several other rookies, such as Justin Thompson, Bryle Mascariñas, Iñigo Montemayor, and Ralph Cauguiran, will also be part of the rotation, filling the void left by the departures of Jielo Razon, Jasper Cuevas, and Joey Barcuma during the offseason.

“Hopefully, they will gain experience early on, mature quickly in every game, and contribute immediately this season and in the future,” said Racela.

Altas Volleyball, and Lady Altas Volleyball, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots Philippine sports.

F2 recently signed an agreement led by CEO Efren Uy and Anton Tamayo, the Team Manager of Perpetual Altas, to support the Las Piñas City-based squad.

Racela, along with assistant coach Richard Del Rosario, will rely on returning players, including Team Captains Christian Pagaran and Nathaniel Sevilla, as well as John Cedrick Abis, Jearico Nuñez, John Paul Boral, Gelo Gelsano, Shawn Orgo, and Richard Movida.

“I am very cautious and will take it one game at a time, competing in every possession and keeping up with the opponent. Hopefully, we can steal a win in every game,” said Racela. FOLLOWING the

Racela said he expects the rookies, namely Mark Gojo Cruz (a Junior Altas standout), Bryan Manuel, Axl Jon Ma-

F2 Logistics recently expanded its support for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s sports program to include Senior Men’s Basketball, Junior Altas Basketball, Junior Lady

Members of the Perpetual Help Altas. Dennis Abrina

This combination of file pictures showsHong Kong actor Jackie Chan (left) in Beijing on April 21, 2023, French actress Elsa Zylberstein (center) in Cannes on

May 15, 2024 and French director and dancer Benjamin Millepied (right) in Paris on March 11, 2024. Chan will carry the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games’ flame in Paris on August 28, 2024, with Zylberstein, Jarry and Benjamin Millepied, the Games Organizing Committee announced. AFP

Filipino Paralympians with PAL executives

Schrock, Bahadoran revive Azkals’ name in Asia 7’s stint

By Randy Caluag

THE original Azkals are making a comeback, determined to keep their name etched in the hearts of their fans.

Reviving the iconic moniker that once brought the Philippines back into the global football spotlight, the Philippine Azkals will once again represent the country, this time in the prestigious Asia 7’s Championships, slated for Oct. 9 to 12, 2024, at the EV Arena Elmina

Akari takes on PLDT, Cignal vs Creamline in PVL semis

THE Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference is set for a thrilling conclusion as the top four teams – unbeaten No. 1 Akari, fourth seed PLDT, No. 2 Cignal, and thirdranked Creamline – gear up for a high-stakes semifinal showdown today (Thursday).

As these formidable teams clash at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, volleyball fans are guaranteed nothing short of heart-pounding action.

What makes these Last 4 duels even more intriguing is that the teams have not faced each other during the eliminations, erasing any psychological edge one might have over the other.

With everything on the line, the teams have returned to intense training sessions after dispatching their respective quarterfinal opponents, fully aware that these key matches could define their entire campaign in this mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Akari and Cignal had the luxury of time to rest and prepare after eliminating Farm Fresh and Capital1 last weekend. In contrast, Creamline and PLDT are still recovering from their grueling quarterfinal victories over Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, respectively, last Tuesday.

in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Leading the charge are former Philippine Men’s National Football Team captains and local football legends Stephan Schrock and Missagh Bahadoran, who will serve as co-captains.

Veteran Iranian footballer Hamed

Hajimedhedi will take on the role of head coach, while Patrick Ace Bright will manage the team.

Both Schrock and Bahadoran expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to step back onto the pitch, under a new format and an Azkals’ uniform.

“This is the next step in preserving the Azkals’ name, which has become synonymous with Philippine football. It’s crucial to continue the legacy of how we, once considered underdogs in Asian football, rose to the occasion and overcame numerous challenges. By reclaim-

ing the Azkals name, we hope to inspire a new generation of aspiring football players in the country,” said Schrock.

He also thanked the new leadership of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for allowing them to use the Azkals brand again.

Recently, the PFF announced that the Azkals moniker would no longer be used for the national men’s team.

Bahadoran echoed Schrock’s sentiments, stating that the chance to represent the country again was too significant to pass up.

Junior PH Golf Tour Match Play contenders gird for final push

JUNIOR golfers are preparing for a decisive showdown for spots in the ICTSI JPGT Match Play Championship, aiming to secure not just a strong start but a dominant finish in the Luzon Series 6 at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas.

The penultimate leg of the seven-stage regional series kicks off on Monday (Sept. 2) at the host club’s composite course, where intense competition is expected across four age divisions in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. All participants are vying for top honors and valuable ranking points to boost their standings.

Notably, the eight champions from last week’s Series 5 at Luisita will be part of the action, each determined to secure repeat victories and solidify their bids for the national finals scheduled for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.

These include Isonn Angheng and Venus delos Santos in the 8-9 age group, Aerin Chan in the girls’ 10-12 division, Jose Carlos Taruc and Precious Zaragosa in the 13-15 bracket, and Mark Kobayashi and Lia Duque in the 16-18 category.

Vito Sarines, who is part of the boys’ 10-12 lineup, has already secured his spot in the Match Play finals, having achieved a perfect score of 60 points from four leg victories. In the Luzon series, only the top four performances will count towards qualifying for the finals, which will also feature the top two players from each division of the Visayas and Mindanao series. Additionally, the highest-ranked player from each category who has participated in at least three series will advance to the nationwide finals, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and sponsored by ICTSI. The Luzon series will conclude with the final leg on Sept. 10-13 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite.

For more information and to register, contact Jhi Castillo at 0928-316-5678 or Shiela Salvania at 0968-311-4101.

Yulo to revisit Paris, sets January training

By Peter Atencio

CARLOS Yulo wants his national men’s artistics gymnastics teammates to also achieve his Olympic accomplishments.

“Pangarap ko po makakuha ng gold medal sa Olympics at pangarap din nila iyun,” said Yulo in one-on-one interview with the Manila Standard a week before he returns to France to join swimmer Ernie Gawilan in post-Paris Olympics and Paralympics festivities.

Training with his teammates in the national men’s team will resume by January, once Yulo has rested and recovered his energies from attending numerous commitments, which came his way following his gold medal victories at the Paris Games. Yulo, whose blessings and rewards have gone beyond an estimated value of a P113 million, has been encouraging his teammates to level up in their preparations for numerous international meets next year.

He believes that his cousin Ivan Cruz is close to following his footsteps after they competed together in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.

Cruz, who won an individual floor exercise gold in the SEA Games, will remain in the national squad with Jan Timbang, Juancho Miguel Besana and Jhon Santillan. Yulo leaves on Sept 4. to be with Gawilan in a gathering of Team Toyota athletes.

Toyota has sponsored over 250 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from around the world, with Yulo and Gawilan among them.

Stamp comforts Zamboanga following injury withdrawal

STAMP Fairtex has stepped forward with a message of comfort and support for Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga.

The heartwarming gesture comes in the wake of Zamboanga’s sudden withdrawal from her ONE Interim Atomweight World Title tiff against Alyona Rassohyna in the co-headliner of ONE Fight Night

25: Nicolas Eersel II, set for October 5 at the fabled Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

A hamstring injury compelled the Filipina rising star to sit on the sidelines, requiring one to two months of therapy before she could resume training.

Stamp Fairtex, who recently learned of Zamboanga’s unfortunate situation, was deeply affected by the news.

“I’m sorry to hear about Denice’s injury. I was re-

ally excited about Denice’s fight with Alyona. It was a highly anticipated match,” she said.

The two warriors, who share a strong bond both personally and professionally, had trained under the same roof at the Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand. Their time together forged a genuine friendship, and Stamp’s reaction to Zamboanga’s injury reflects the depth of their connection. Despite the competitive nature of their sport, both have always maintained a supportive relationship.

In fact, they were supposed to go head-to-head inside the Circle when “The Menace” earned a shot at Stamp’s divisional crown at ONE 167 last June.

However, a torn meniscus forced Stamp to pull out of the bout just two weeks before the event.

Missagh Bahadoran displays his Azkals’ uniform during the team launch in Makati. With him are (from left) Azkals’ coach Hamed Hajimedhedi, Mel Macasaquit of team sponsor Chooks-to-Go, Stephan Schrock and league commissioner Anton Del Rosario. Randy Caluag

Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo is with Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who presented Yulo three mini gold bars in celebration of his victories.

Stamp Fairtex with Denice ‘The Menace’ Zamboanga

Asst. Editor

YULO’S HOME.

Listed developer Century Properties Group (CPG) and its first-home

P28.8 billion

Budget deficit in July 2024

P457.4 billion

Revenue collection in July 2024

P486.2 billion

Expenditures in July 2024

Nine companies applying for new petroleum areas

By Alena Mae S. Flores

NINE companies, including six international and three local exploration firms, submitted applications for petroleum service contracts under the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Conventional Energy Bid Round and the 2024 Philippine Bid Round. The Department of Energy (DOE) said the 2024 Philippine Bid Round saw the highest number of valid applications for pre-determined areas, compared to the Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR) 5 in 2015 and the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program’s (PCECP) 2018-2019 offering.

It said six of eight pre-determined areas received valid applications, a significant increase that reflects heightened interest from the industry.

The next phase will determine whether these applications will translate into petroleum service contracts.

“We are very pleased that well-known international players in hydrogen and petroleum exploration and production have shown interest and participated in this year’s bid round,” said DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales. Sales noted the lack of exploration activity in the country over the past 15 years. “This activity marks the beginning of a transformative journey that may span several years. If we do not embark on this activity now, it will never come to fruition,” he said.

Higher July tax collection cut budget deficit to P28.8b

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Ralph Harvey Rirao

The national government’s budget deficit went down by 39.67 percent in July 2024 to P28.8 billion from a year ago on the back of a double-digit growth in revenue growth which outpaced expenditure increases, according to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr).

It said despite the lower July figure, the budget gap in the first seven months increased 7.21 percent to P642.8 billion from a year earlier. Data from the BTr show that revenue collections in July amounted to P457.4 billion, up 11.09 percent year-on-year. Tax collections, which comprised 88.07 percent of the total,

grew 15.46 percent, while nontax revenues, accounting for 11.93 percent, contracted 13.20 percent.

Revenue collections in the first seven months reached P2.6 trillion, up by 14.75 percent from P2.3 trillion in the same period last year.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) achieved a 17.09-percent growth

in July collection amounting to P319.8 billion, net of P175 million tax refund.

The agency’s P1.7-trillion total collections as of end-July also grew by 12.70 percent from last year’s collection of P1.5 trillion.

“The YoY growth was due to higher collections of value added tax, income taxes, other domestic taxes and percentage taxes,” the BTr said.

“The growth in VAT collection was partly attributed to base effects as collections last year were lower by around two months’ worth of VAT collection with the shift from monthly to quarterly filing of VAT payments as mandated by the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law,” it said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

Secretary Ralph G. Recto

FINANCE

asked his fellow finance ministers to prioritize integrated solutions to address climate action and poverty eradication, stressing the need to balance economic development and climate resilience.

“Here in the Philippines, we are no strangers to the economic gymnastics required to balance growth and resilience. Just like our two-time Olympic gold medalist, we strive to

master the complexities of economic development and climate action—to emerge triumphant,” Recto said in his keynote address at the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action (CFMCA) regional meeting on Aug. 28, 2024 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

“As finance ministers, we understand better than most that these two vital agendas are not competing forces on a scale. When done right and contextualized in our own realities,

SMART Communications said it is expanding its 4G/LTE and 5G networks to meet the surging demand for mobile data as more Filipinos adopt 5G-enabled devices.

“To accelerate our growth momentum, we must leverage on our site roll outs and capacity enhancements, continue to offer the best value-for-money packages, and deliver excellent customer service to delight our subscribers,” said Alex Caeg, head of consumer wireless business at Smart.

“Increasingly, data users, including gamers, are beginning to appreciate the power of 5G. Moving forward,

they reinforce each other to ensure the welfare, security, and prosperity of our people” he said.

Established in 2019, the CFMCA is a global alliance of finance ministers in 92 countries to foster knowledge exchange and support climate action initiatives.

Recto emphasized to fellow finance ministers and development partners that the Philippines prioritizes fiscal stability to provide long-term investments needed to make a real and meaningful climate action.

5G will definitely play an important role as compatible smartphones become more affordable,” he said.

The company said the increase in the number of unique 5G devices driving data traffic continues into 2024 and expects this to be sustained as the price of 5G devices trends lower. PLDT also cited 5G adoption as one of the emerging growth streams of their individual business, which posted revenues of P41.9 billion in the first half of 2024. Mobile data revenues now account for 89 percent of total Individual Wireless revenues. Darwin G. Amojelar

Gov’t readies benchmark dollar, euro bonds offering

THE Philippine government is preparing to offer US dollar and euro bonds as part of its fundraising program in the second half of 2024. Fitch Ratings, one of the three major debt watchers, said it assigned the proposed US dollar and euro bonds a ‘BBB’ rating. It said the rating is in line with the country’s ‘BBB’ long-term foreigncurrency issuer default rating (IDR), which has a stable outlook and was last affirmed on June 7, 2024.

S&P Global Ratings assigned ‘BBB+’ long-term foreign currency issue rating to the benchmark-sized senior unsecured bonds that the Philippines proposes to issue. The bonds represent direct, general, unconditional, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the government and rank equally with the sovereign’s other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations, S&P Global said.

Moody’s Ratings said the dollar bonds include tranches maturing in 2030, 2035 and 2049. It said the proceeds would be used for general purposes including budgetary support. A portion of the tranche maturing in 2049 will be used for eligible projects under the Sustainable Finance Framework, it said.

Fitch earlier said the ‘BBB’ rating and stable outlook reflect the Philippines’ strong medium-term growth, which supports a gradual reduction in government debt/GDP over the medium term and the large size of the economy relative to ‘BBB’ peers.

It expects the Philippine economy to expand by 5.8 percent in 2024, after 5.5 percent in 2023 and 7.6 percent in 2022.

“We forecast real GDP growth of above 6 percent over the medium term, considerably stronger than the ‘BBB’ median of 3 percent, supported by large investments in infrastructure and reforms to foster trade and investment, including public-private partnerships,” Fitch said.

Fitch said the general government (GG) deficit is also expected to narrow to 3.8 percent of gross domestic product by 2025, after 5.0 percent in 2023 and 5.4 percent of GDP in 2022.

This is consistent with a narrowing of the budgetary central government (CG) deficit to 5.4 percent of GDP by 2025, from 6.2 percent of GDP in 2023 and 7.3 percent of GDP in 2022. The high deficits reflect the authorities’ focus on fostering economic growth and development.

Manila

Standard TODAY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ENERGY REGULATION COMMISSION Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY

AGREEMENT (“EPSA”) BETWEEN EASTERN SAMAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND TAFT

HYDRO ENERGY CORPORATION, WITH MOTION FOR CONFIDENTIAL

TREATMENT OF INFORMATION, ERC CASE NO:

EASTERN SAMAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND TAFT HYDRO ENERGY CORPORATION, Applicants. JOINT APPLICATION

Applicants EASTERN SAMAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (“ESAMELCO”) and TAFT HYDROENERGY CORPORATION (“THC”), unto this Honorable Office, respectfully state: THE APPLICANTS

1. Applicant ESAMELCO is an electric cooperative, duly organized and existing under the Philippine laws, with principal address at Brgy. Cabong, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. It was granted and exclusive franchise to own and operate a system for the distribution of electricity in the Municipalities of Lawaan, Girporlos, Balangiga, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes Guiuan, General MacArthur, Hernani, Llorente, Balangkayan, Maydolong, San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can-avid, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Maslog, Jipapad, and City of Borongan, all in the province of Eastern Samar. ESAMELCO is represented herein by its [position], [name] and Bernardo Placido and Lasam Law Offices whose authority to initiate, file, and pursue the instant application is evidenced by ESAMELCO Board Resolution No. 112A of 2023. A copy thereof is attached hereto as ANNEX “A”

2. Applicant THC is a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, which principal address at 126 5th St., Between 11th and 12th Avenue, Brgy. 89 Grace Park, Caloocan City. It owns and operates Tubig Hydroelectric Power Plant (“THPP”), a 15.93 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power generation facility located in Brgy. San Rafael, Municipality of Taft, Eastern Samar. THC is represented herein by Mr. Ruben Q. Picardo, is President, and Bernardo Placido and Lasam Law Offices whose authority to initiate, file, and pursue the instant application is evidenced by the Secretary’s Certificate dated 27 October 2023 attached hereto as ANNEX “B”

3. Applicants ESAMELCO and THC may be served with notices, orders and other processes of this Honorable Commission through undersigned counseL NATURE OF THE ApPLICATION

4. This is an application for the approval of the Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA) between ESAMELCO and THC executed on 25 September 2023. A copy of EPSA dated 25 September 2023 is attached herein as ANNEX “C” STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS

5. ESAMELCO mainly sources its power supply requirement from GNPD, EDC, KEPCO, FDCMPC and THe. However, ESAMELCO’s EPSA with KEPCO ended on 25 August 2023 while its EPSA with EDC and GNPD ended on 25 September 2023. Meanwhile, its EPSA with THC and FDCMPC shall end on 25 September 2024.

6. On 29 April 2016, ESAMELCO and THC filed before the Energy Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) an Application for the approval of their Power Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PPSA”) dated 16 December 2015 which was docketed as ERC Case No. 2016-058.

7. On 17 May 2023, the Supreme Court of the Philippines rendered its Decision in the case of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Inc. v. Energy Regulatory Commission et al., which ruled that all power supply agreement applications submitted by Distribution Utilities to the Energy Regulatory Commission on or after 30 June 2015 shall comply with the Competitive Selection Process in accordance with Department of Energy (“DOE”) Circular No. DC 2018-02-0003 (2018 DOE Circular) and its annexes.

8. On 26 September 2019, the Commission issued an Order directing all affected parties, including THC and ESAMELCO to comply with the DOE 2018 CSP Circular and to submit a DOE certification attesting to such compliance.

9. On 29 August 2023, ESAMELCO received this Commission’s Order dated 19 April 2023 which dismissed THC and ESAMELCO’s then Application dated 29 April 2016 for failure to comply with the Order dated 26 September 2019 and the DOE 2018 CSP Circular. The Order effectively terminated the provisional authority granted to ESAMELCO and THC and the implementation of the PSSA

10. On 10 August 2023, the Commission issued an Advisory informing all dish·ibution utilities with existing Power Supply Agreements affected by the Alyansa decision that a transition period was granted to allow DUs the opportunity to source power supply requirements through an Emergency Power Supply Agreement (“EPSA”).

11. In line with the additional guidelines set forth Section 2.3.5. of DOE Circular No. DC 2023-06-0021 dated 30 June 2023, ESAMELCO issued its Board Resolution No.74-B, Series of 2023, authorizing its General Manager and Board President to sign the subject Ernergency Power Supply Agreement with THe. A copy of said thereof is attached hereto as ANNEX “E”

12. Thereafter, ESAMELCO and THC executed the EPSA dated 26 September 2023, the salient features of which

Based on the result of the rate impact of the EPSA with THC on the generation costs of ESAMELCO, there was a downward adjustment or decrease of Php 0.2241 per kWh on the generation costs of ESAMELCO as billed to its customers for the previous months. ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE EPSA RATE

16. Section 2.2.2. of DOE Circular No. DC 2018-02-0003 dated 1 February 2018 stated that the rate for the emergency power supply “shall not be higher than the latest ERC-approved generation tariff for the same or similar tecimologIJ in the area.”

17. However, the same provision was amended by DOE Circular No. DC 2021-100030 dated 24 September 2021 and now states: “For EPSAs contemplated under Section 2.2.1.2, the grant of COE-CSP authorizes the DU to immediately implement the EPSAs executed by virtue of such certificate, without prejudice to the evaluation and final decision of the ERC on the application for the approval of such EPSAs.”

18. Nevertheless, the latest ERC-approved generation tariff for the same or similar technology in the Province of Eastern Samar, where Applicant ESAMELCO’s dish”ibution network and where Applicant THC’s power plant is located, is the generation rate for the supply of power between Palm,van Elech’ic Cooperative, Inc. (“PALECO”) and DMCI Power Corporation (“DPC”) in the Honorable Commission’s Decision dated 11 December 2017 in ERC Case No. 2013-022 RC.

19. Attached as ANNEX “II” is a Comparative Matrix of Suppliers (Generation Rate Comparative Matrix) showing that the total generation rate from THC being charged in the Applicants’ EPSA is not higher than the rate approved by the Honorable Commission in the foregoing power supply agreement.

20. Further, Applicant THe, through Engr. Josefino U. Calata, has submitted a Verified Certification dated 30 April 2024, attesting that: THPP is ready to deliver power to address emergency situations; the rates being charged by Applicant THC for the electricity delivered during emergency situations are no more than the latest rate approved by the ERC for the same relevant technology in the area; and THPP adheres to all applicable regulations and standards governing emergency power supply and rate charging practices. A copy thereof is attached hereto as ANNEX “OO”

21. The rates under Applicants’ EPSA are subject of the motion for confidential treatment of information. The allegations in support of the said motion are provided below.

22. The applicants respectfully submit that the rates in the EPSA are compliant, and in case otherwise, shall comply with all applicable rules of the DOE and the ERC. COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

23. As further support to the instant Joint Application, herein Applicants provide the following documents, which underwent the pre-filing review and pre-filing marking of annexes with this Honorable Commission: Document Annex

ESAMELCO’s Articles of Incorporation; General Information Sheet; and Proof of Business Registration

ESAMELCO’s Amended By-Laws

ESAMELCO’s National Electrification Administration Certificate of Registration; and National Electrification Commission Certificate of Franchise

ESAMELCO’s Verified Certification showing its list of Board of” Directors and Board Members

ESAMELCO’s 2023 Audited Financial Statements

ESAMELCO’s Certification that it has no alternative Demand Side Management (DSM) Program

ESAMELCO’s Transmission Service Agreement with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (“NGCP”)

ESAMELCO’s Metering Services Agreement with the NGCP

ESAMELCO’s Distribution Development Plan which includes load forecast projections in, and the variability of those projections over the proposed conh’actual period

ESAMELCO’s Power Supply Procurement Plan

ESAMELCO’s Single Line Diagram

ESAMELCO’s

ESAMELCO’s Performance Assessment of the System: a. SAIDI and SAIFI; b. Historical (Five years); and c. Current year (January 2024 to Present)

ESAMELCO Potential Reduction of Load due to RCOA

Rate Impact Analysis

Generation Rate Comparative Mix

THC’s SEC Certificate of Registration and Amended Articles of Incorporation, General Infonnation Sheet, and Proof of Business Registration

THC’s By-Laws

THC’s

own review and verification of the foregoing documents sought to be afforded confidential treahnent in the evaluation and handling thereof.

37. Lastly and corollary to the foregoing, THC would like to implore the discerning wisdom of the Honorable Commission to include in its issuance for this purpose the “procedures for the handling or returning the confidential information, as appropriate, upon the close of the proceedings or at the end of the period for which the information is to be treated as confidential.”

38. This is guided by the fact that THC will seek for the return of these sought to be declared confidential annexes after its utilization as evidence in this case and/ or at the close of the proceedings hereof, so as to relieve the Honorable Commission of the burden of safekeeping the trade secrets of THC enclosed in the subject annexes. PRAYER

WHEREFORE, premises considered, Applicants respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission: a. Issue an Order declaring ANNEX “II” and all other information contained therein as CONFIDENTIAL, directing their nondisclosure to persons other than officers and staffs of this Honorable Commission, continuously protecting the said information from public disclosure by maintaining the same separate and apart from the records of the case, and ensuring that these are not divulged to unauthorized persons, pursuant to Rule 4 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure; and b. After hearing on the merits, render a Decision APPROVING the EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT between

PLACIDO & LASAM

the Applicants Units 2303 & 2304, 139 Corporate Center, 139 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila 1227 Tel Nos. 8800-8380 to 81; Fax No. 8800-8286 info@bpcllaw.com

OFFICES

By:

Delayed infrastructure projects add to cost, burden Filipino commuters

INFRASTRUCTURE projects should speed up traffic, lower the cost of goods and services by facilitating trade and give comfort to ordinary workers and commuters.

But until their completion, they are a headache to weary motorists, rattle the nerves of the proponents and force the government to pay more than the cost of the construction if the projects are funded by borrowed money.

Just last year, the Philippines paid $13.87 million or over P790 million for the delayed implementation of foreign-assisted projects. The amount rose from $10.7 million in commitment fees paid in 2022.

Such fees or penalties are charges imposed by lenders on the unused portion of the loan. The borrower, or the Philippine government in this case, pays these fees to compensate the lender for holding the funds.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development calls them commitment charges—a penalty for failing to disburse loan pledges under the overseas development assistance (ODA) program, of which the Philippines is a beneficiary.

The penalties may appear small compared with the billions of pesos incurred in building a major infrastructure project. The cost, though, to the intended beneficiary of the project―consumers and commuters alike―translates into continued traffic jams and higher prices of goods and services.

The penalty is a fixed rate based on the unused portion of the loan. Commitment fees for the Philippines, according to the National Economic and Development Autority (NEDA), range from 0.125 percent to 0.85 percent.

The penalty increased 29.6 percent between 2022 and 2023, with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways accounting for most of the fees.

The cost ... means continued traffic jams and higher prices of goods and services.

Funding institutions like the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) monitor the usage of their lent funds. They charge much lower interest rates than those imposed by commercial banks due to the objectives of their funding, mainly promoting sustainable social and economic development and the welfare of a nation.

Commitment charges, or penalties, meanwhile, vary. The World Bank charges the highest fee at 0.85 percent per year on an unused amount from the date charges begin to accrue, excluding the fourth anniversary of that date, and 0.75 percent per year afterward.

The ADB charges 0.75 percent; Australia, 0.125 percent; Canada, 0.375 percent; Germany and Denmark, 0.25 percent; France and the Nordic Development Fund, 0.50 percent; and Spain, 0.15 percent a year.

Many ODA-funded projects in the Philippines are behind schedule because of procurement delays, right-of-way acquisitions and extensions beyond deadlines.

The ADB-funded South Commuter Railway Project registered the highest commitment fees in 2023 at $2.41 million, up from $790,000 in 2022.

The project, according to NEDA, “experienced delays in land acquisition due to deviations in parcellary plans and delays in procurement due to lender concurrence, as well as changes in administration and signatories.”

The Malolos-Clark Railway Project also contributed significantly to the penalties last year, totaling $1 million. The two projects combined accounted for nearly a quarter of the total fees paid in 2023.

Late design changes

Right-of-way issues and late design alternations seem to be the at the core of the delay in many infrastructure projects. Take the case of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7 of conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC)

The rail line is funded by private banking institutions, yet it suffers from delays that are not of SMC’s own making. MRT-7 spans 22 kilometers and encompasses 14 stations, starting from North Ave. in Quezon City and ending at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It is expected to serve about 800,000 passengers daily. San Jose Del Monte Mayor Arthur Robes has proposed to realign the route of MRT 7 due to traffic congestion concerns in the area. The proposed route follows Quirino Highway, a key thoroughfare used by a significant number of commuters traveling to and from Metro Manila.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista had said the construction of the 22-kilometer project might face a delay until 2027, effectively deferring its formal operations to 2028 if SMC decided to push through with the proposed alignment.

The interference of the local government unit in a national project like MRT-7 is not helping the cause of San Jose del Monte residents and the thousands of commuters traveling daily from the Fairview area to Quezon City, Makati and other places of work. These commuters will continue to trudge at least twohour trip from San Jose Del Monte to Quezon City, instead of 35 minutes as promised by MRT-7. Safe havens

There has been a resurgence in talk among urban dwellers on where best to relocate and avoid floods in Metro Manila. Typhoon Carina and heavy monsoon rains dredged up the trauma of the historic Typhoon Ondoy 15 years ago.

In recent years, the south of Metro Manila has seen an influx of Filipino families escaping urban congestion and taking advantage of relatively affordable real estate. However, some areas in the south have proven to be still unsafe from flooding. Similarly, in north of Metro Manila, there were areas adversely affected, being in low-lying and traditionally flood-prone districts.

Fortunately, there are safe spots of higher elevation in Pampanga province, such as the Alviera master planned estate of Ayala Land Inc. and Leonio Land Holdings Inc.

During the recent downpour, the Alviera Country Club was high and dry, and was open to serve members and guests who were there.

Those bound for air travel were also glad to know that Clark International Airport (CRK) was not flooded and experienced very minimal flight disruptions, compared with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

As the real estate mantra goes, “location, location, location” is the top consideration in choosing a property, more so these days as many areas not known to be flood-prone become waterlogged after a heavy downpour.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Victorias Milling obtains SEC nod to treble capital to P10b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the more than tripling of Victorias Milling Co.’s (VMC) authorized capital stock to P10 billion from P3.04 billion.

VMC, a sugar milling company, said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it received the SEC’s approval of capital hike on Aug. 21.

“The purpose for the increase in the company’s authorized capital stock is to

Stocks retreat after touching 7,000 level

raise capital for future business expansion and issue stock dividends,” VMC said. It said with the approval, its capital stock would increase to P10 billion, divided into 10 billion shares with a par value of P1 per share from P3.04 billion, divided into 3.04 billion shares with a par value of P1 apiece.

The board of VMC approved the proposed capital hike in December 2022 and was approved by the company’s shareholders in February 2023.

VMC reported that in the three-month period ended May 2024, its net income attributable to parent equity holder reached P571.9 million, down 16.4 percent from P684.4 million in the same period last year on lower revenues.

Gross revenues amounted to P3.26 billion, down by 36.8 percent from P5.16

PHILIPPINE stocks ended lower Wednesday after briefly touching the 7,000 level on technical correction.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) traded above the 7,000 in the morning session before closing at 6,958.01, down 15.40 points or 0.22 percent from Tuesday.

The all-shares index also went down by 1.73 points, or 0.05 percent, to settle at 3,759.55.

Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales

Luis Limlingan said investors were waiting for more economic data that would reinforce a potential US rate cut in September.

“The prospect of easing monetary policy has many investors taking positions, reflecting broader market cautious optimism both locally and globally,” Limlingan said.

Indices ended mixed with mining and oil taking the lead, rising by 0.85 percent. while industrial advanced 0.69 percent.

Services declined 0.73 percent, while holding firms dropped 0.54 percent.

Value turnover reached P4.61 billion. Foreign investors remained net buyers, with net inflows amounting to P687.06 million.

Despite the market’s recent run-up, Unicapital Securities Research said the PSEi is still cheaper compared to its peers. It expects trading to be boosted by the possible 50-basis-point rate cut in the second half of the year.

“Looking ahead, with an expected EPS [earnings per share] growth of 11 percent for 2024, our bottomup analysis suggests a target of 7,000 for the PSEi in FY24, implying a forward P/E ratio of 12.6x. This is slightly lower than our previous target of 7,200 as we now expect lower reduction in policy rates by the BSP of 25 to 50 bps [from our previous estimate of 50 to 75bps],” Unicapital said.

“Downside risks to our view are: prolonged elevated interest rates; escalation of geopolitical tensions disrupting trade supply,” it said.

Among Unicapital’s stock picks are SM Prime Holdings Inc., AREIT Inc. and Metrobank.

Jenniffer B. Austria

billion in 2023.

The group operates a raw sugar mill with a daily capacity of 15,000 metric tons. It also runs a refinery plant with a daily capacity of 25,000 Lkg.

VMC also produces alcohol and ethanol with an actual daily capacity of 50,000 liters with molasses as the primary raw material. Molasses are sourced from sugar operations which produces it as a byproduct.

The company is also engaged in power generation derived from renewable energy resources for wholesale of electricity to power companies, distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, retail electricity suppliers, aggregators and other customers.

The group had a registered power plant capacity of 70 megawatts as of May 31, 2024.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given for the settlement of the Estate of ELVIN GUAMES SMOYER, SR. (“Decedent”) who died on 27 April 2018 without any will or testament and without any debts. The Decedent left three (3) parcels of land in Zamboanga City. The foregoing properties are subject of a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of the Estate separately executed by the exclusive heirs of the Decedent on three different dates and were respectively issued an Apostille: (1) on 08 June 2022 (no. 625N430H9) by the Secretary of the State of Oregon, USA, signed by Jacob Ryan Cole; (2) on 07 July 2022 (no. 24741) by the Secretary of the State of California, USA, signed by Ann Marie Provencio; and (3) on 15 July 2022 (no. 39837) by the Secretary of the State of California, USA, signed by Ann Marie Provencio.

TRAVELLERS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL GROUp, INC.

10/F NECC Building, Newport Boulevard, Newport City Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City, Philippines Telephone Number: (+632) 7908-8000

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

Standard TRAVELLERS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL GROUp, INC. The Presiding Officer shall call and preside over the ASM at the Corporation’s remote communication and vote in absentia only. The agenda of the meeting shall be as follows: 1. Call to Order

Appointment of External Auditor 9. Other Matters registering via https://travellers.com.ph12024-annual-stockholders-meeting/ Absentia legal@newportworldresorts.com. Paper copies shall be sent to the office of Philippines. RONALD MARK C. LLENO

be on 13 September 2024 For queries, please contact Atty. Walter L. Mactal at telephone number (+632)79088000, or via e-mail to walter.mactal@newportworldresorts com. Pasay City, Philippines.

(SGD.) RONALD MARK C. LLENO Corporate Secretary (MS-AUG. 29 & 30, 2024)

(MS-AUG. 29 & 30, 2024)

FFCCCII DONATION. The Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) donates various medicines for the residents of Labo, Camarines Norte on Aug. 19, 2024. Receiving the donation is Labo Mayor Jojo Francisco during a gathering of Luzon Island Cluster mayors. Julie Ann Lope

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila Standard TODAY

Unicapital predicts 50-bps interest cut this year

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

UNICAPITAL Group sees a brighter outlook for the Philippine economy in 2024 and 2025, projecting favorable macroeconomic conditions.

The independent financial service provider and investment house anticipates another easing of key policy rates by the Monetary Board in October, bringing the total adjustment to 50 basis points this year.

Wendy Estacio-Cruz, Unicapital’s head of research, expects inflation to decline further in the coming

months. She believes the country’s inflation rate will likely settle within the government’s target, even if a higher rice tariff is rejected by the court.

Unicapital forecasts a modest GDP growth of 5.8 percent to 6.0 percent in 2024, near the low end of the government’s target. Increased consumer and infrastructure spending, driven by lower interest rates, is expected to support this growth.

The stock market is projected to end the year at 7,000, slightly lower than Unicapital’s previous forecast

of 7,200.

The property sector is anticipated to benefit from lower mortgage rates, which will likely lead to increased demand for properties starting in the first quarter of 2025, it said.

Jaime Martinez, president and chief executive of Unicapital Group, expressed confidence in the projections, highlighting the positive implications for the Philippine business sector.

He emphasized the company’s optimism and excitement as the economy moves towards stabilization, recovery and sustained growth.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday 12 stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 line in Quezon City will begin partial operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, while the Tala station in Caloocan City is scheduled to open in 2026.

DOTr Undersecretary for railways

Jeremy Regino said the North Ave. Station up to Quirino Station would be up and running next year.

“We will have partial operations next year,” Regino said.

He said the San Jose Station in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan would be serviceable by 2027 or 2028 “on a worst-case scenario”.

“‘For San Jose Station, our bestcase scenario is 2027. We’ll extend it to 2028 on a worst-case scenario,” he said.

The DOTr plans to redesign the San Jose del Monte station of MRT7, instead of relocating it as proposed by the city government of San Jose del Monte.

The Marcos administration identified MRT-7 as one of 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects under its “Build Better

More” program, which are deemed crucial to improving the quality of life of Filipinos.

The 22-kilometer MRT-7 consists of 14 stations at North Ave., Quezon Memorial Circle, University Ave., Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Ave., Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala and San Jose del Monte.

Once in full operation, the MRT-7 will reduce travel time from Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan to 35 minutes.

The railway system is expected to carry 300,000 passengers in its inaugural year of operation.

The project will also feature an intermodal transportation hub catering to other types of public transportation and a 19-km highway from San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan.

S&P Global Ratings raised the longterm credit trading of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) amid its continued financial strength.

S&P said it expects Meralco to maintain strong financial ratios despite heavy investments in its power generation business.

It said the improving profitability of Meralco’s unregulated power generation business and steady cash flow from its regulated power distribution business would support its financial strength.

“Reflecting this, we raised our longterm issuer credit rating on Meralco to ‘BBB’ from ‘BBB-‘,” S&P Global said.

“The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the company will generate steady cash flow from its regulated distribution business, while prudently managing its leverage and growth spending,” it said.

S&P said Meralco would likely maintain a strong ratio of funds from operations (FFO) to debt of 39 percent to 45 percent over the next two years.

It said support would come from improving profitability in power generation and steady cash flow from distribution.

“We forecast reported EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] will increase to P62 billion to P68 billion in 2024 to 2025, from P54 billion in 2023 and P39 billion in 2022,” S&P said.

VISA, a world leader in digital payments, is working with Good Transport Solutions Inc. (GTSI), a transit mobility solutions provider and GHL, a leading nationwide payment service provider and payment acquirer to enable the use of Visa cards for payments on modern jeepneys in Cebu City and Mandaue City. The initiative kicked off with an official launch ceremony at the Cebu IT Park Transport Terminal, with GTSI working in partnership with local transport operator Lahug Apas Transport Cooperative (LATRANSCO) and Mandaue Transport Cooperative (MTC) to launch 120 modern jeepneys in Cebu and 20 modern jeepneys in Mandaue City.

Gov’t eyes ADB financing to accelerate energy efficiency, conservation program

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy (DOE) will need P10 billion over a five-year period starting 2026 to finance the accelerated implementation of the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).

The GEMP aims to reduce the whole government’s electricity and fuel consumption by at least 10 percent through energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) strategies.

“We already have the strategies in place so what we’re working on is the financing. So we’re trying to come up with a facility through the DOF (Department of Finance) in collaborating with our development partners,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said at the sidelines

of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Energy Smart Forum 2024.

Fuentebella said DOE is in talks with the Asian Development Bank to fund GEMP’s EEC strategies, which would need around P2 billion in annual expense starting 2026.

“We have spoken to ADB and then we will also talk with the others. If it doesn’t, we’ll have to look for the best,” he said.

Fuentebella said the DOE is looking at concessional loans and/or overseas development assistance to fund the accelerated implementation of GEMP.

The DOE welcomed the signing by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Administrative Order (AO) No. 15 in January which directs the accelerated implementation of the GEMP.

The onboard terminals in these vehicles now accept Visa payments.

The initiative, part of a pilot project, signifies Visa’s commitment to promoting transit acceptance in the Philippines with plans to expand to more modes of transit in coming years.

“We are thrilled to unveil Visa’s inaugural transit project in the Philippines. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for daily commuters and tourists in Mandaue City by offering a wider array of payment options,” said Jeff Navarro, Visa Philippines country manager.

“As tourism in the Philippines rebounds, we have observed a growth in inbound tourism and this partner-

ship will make the transit experience more seamless for tourists. The future of transit, both globally and within the Philippines, is poised to create inclusivity through open-loop, contactless payment systems in public transit, and will be centered around providing commuters with seamless, convenient, and secure payment options,” he said.

Cebu experienced a 69-percent year-on-year increase in visitors in February 2024, welcoming 104,439 tourists, according to the Department of Tourism.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City, a popular tourist destination in Cebu, recorded 228,472 tourist arrivals between January and September 2022.

IN BRIEF

energy and industrial infrastructure worldwide,” said AG&P Industrial president Alex Gamboa. AG&P Industrial was contracted by Kent PLC to manufacture process and pipe rack modules, along with pre-assembled support structures for the project. The scope encompasses detailed shop drawing, procurement, fabrication and erection of various pre-assembled units. Othel V. Campos

IPOPHL accredits trademark agents THE

of the Philippines (IPOPHL) bolstered the

of

ibility and

services by introducing

nition system for

and

agents and attorneys. The new system took effect on Aug. 22, 2024, ensuring that individuals providing IP services meet stringent standards of competence and ethical conduct.

“The new system will allow IPOPHL to officially recognize professionals who provide patent and trademark services. This will strengthen the IP profession as it sets standards

BINONDO

FFCCCII proposes visa-free entry for Chinese nationals

By Julie Ann Lope

THE Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) called for visa-free entry for Chinese nationals.

FFCCCII president Dr. Cecilio Pedro made the proposal during the 2024 Manila Forum for Philippines-China Relations: Exploring the Opportunities with Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City on Aug. 21, 2024. Pedro cited Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand as examples of countries that

Young leaders urged to enhance community image

By Michael Wong Ho

CHINA Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian attended a seminar at the Chinese Embassy in Manila for the first Filipino-Chinese Elite Training Course on Aug. 22, 2024.

The discussion provided a platform for young Filipino-Chinese leaders to share their ideas and achievements.

During the seminar, Huang listened to the trainees as they did brainstorming sessions and discussed their accomplishments.

He highlighted China’s role as a stabilizing force in the face of a turbulent international environment.

Huang stressed China’s commitment to deepening reforms and opening up presents significant opportunities for global prosperity, particularly for neighboring countries.

He also encouraged the young leaders to actively promote positive values within the Filipino Chinese community.

Huang urged them to embody and advocate for principles such as frugality, hard work and dedication, while also working to build a positive image for local Chinese communities.

The seminar underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering stronger ties between China and the Philippines.

have successfully attracted more tourists by eliminating visa requirements for short stays.

He said that as China’s economic growth slows and western companies withdraw from the Chinese market, the Philippines stands to benefit by attracting these investments.

The forum, which focused on en-

hancing economic ties between the Philippines and the Hong Kong-Macao-Guangdong Greater Bay Area, was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy, FFCCCII, the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Association for Philippines China Understanding (APCU), and the Hong Kong Macau Guangdong Entrepreneurs Alliance.

The FFCCCII also proposed the creation of a Greater Manila Bay Area linking Bataan and Cavite with new infrastructure. Pedro believes this could attract more investments and advanced technologies to the Philippines.

Creating a Greater Manila Bay Area

would enhance cooperation with China’s Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macao, and nine cities in Guangdong, he said.

The FFCCCII views it as a chance to boost economic growth, create jobs, and support the Philippine government’s Luzon economic corridor, which is backed by the United States and Japan. Pedro said increased investment would lead to more job opportunities in the Philippines.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said the Greater Bay Area is a new opportunity for the development of China and the world.

Seng

Guan Temple

launches

SENG Guan Temple near Divisoria, Manila launched the 2024 Liberation Rite of Water and Land at Medicine Buddha Hall on Aug. 18, 2024, marking the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

The event aims to protect the country and eliminate disasters.

Master Chuanyin, the abbot of Seng Guan Temple, along with Shi Youzhi and Nataniel Ong, led the event.

Master Chuanyin delivered a sermon and explained the significance and extraordinary benefits of the Liberation Rite of Water and Land.

The rite is renowned for its purpose

Sun Cafe offers new line of BINI-inspired beverages

Chinese General Chamber of Commerce-Hong Kong chairman Jonathan Choi Koon-shum China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian (second from right) and officials of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Association for Philippines China Understanding (APCU), the Hong Kong Macau Guangdong Entrepreneurs Alliance and the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. organize the 2024 Manila Forum.

2024 Liberation Rite of Water and Land

of invoking divine blessings for world peace, favorable weather, national prosperity and the alleviation of suffering for all sentient beings across the realms.

The temple invites all believers to join and earn valuable merit at the 2024 Liberation Rite of Water and Land.

The event will feature over a hundred esteemed monks chanting continuously for seven days and nights to promote universal well-being and harmony.

The incense burning and purifica

tion ceremony will be held on Nov. 24, 2024, with the main rites taking place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1, 2024.

Julie

Ann Lope

THE Tzu Chi Foundation conducted a relief operation for typhoon Carina victims at Concepcion Integrated School in Tumana, Marikina City on Aug. 23, 2024.

Some 154 volunteers, scholars, staff and local government members worked together to ensure the success of the relief operation.

The initiative aimed to support 2,863 families, with a special focus on senior citizens affected by the recent disaster.

“More than the material things, we are grateful for the hope and spiritual blessings that come with this support,” Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said.

Essential supplies including food items, clothing, mats, blankets and sacks of rice were distributed to the beneficiaries.

“These goods are basic but essential. They offer comfort and hope, helping recipients to regain confidence and move forward,” said Paquiti Ngo, a Tzu Chi volunteer.

Among the beneficiaries is 62-yearold Engresia Dagaas. Back in 2009, she also received support from Tzu Chi after Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana).

She used the cash aid to build a third floor on her house to provide safety from future floods.

“I hope the Tzu Chi Foundation continues to have the strength to help

Metropolitan judges, Fil-Chinese business chamber strengthen partnership

THE Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines (METCJAP), led by president Eileen Joy Pakino Bonghanoy, visited the Federation of FilipinoChinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Aug. 14, 2024. The delegation was warmly welcomed by FFCCCII president Cecilio Pedro and other officials.

METCJAP, which is preparing for its 25th anniversary and general meeting scheduled on Sept. 26 to 27, 2024, acknowledged FFCCCII’s support and partnership.

Former METCJAP president Anne Perpetual Ribera Sia lauded FFCCCII for its significant contributions to mainstream society and expressed gratitude for its steadfast support.

Pedro highlighted FFCCCII’s disaster relief efforts, specifically its aid to victims of Typhoon Carina.

He also took the opportunity to commend Judge Jose Covarrubias for his instrumental role in the naturalization process of local Chinese individuals.

Under his leadership at the Solicitor General’s Office, Covarrubias facilitated the integration of many Chinese nationals into Philippine society, with nearly all cases handled and referred by FFCCCII receiving approval.

Covarrubias expressed satisfaction with assisting qualified local Chinese in their naturalization process and contributing to national development in accordance with Republic Act No. 9139. The visit concluded with FFCCCII executive vice president Victor Lim and other leaders extending their gratitude to the visiting judges, urging them to uphold justice diligently in their roles.

Julie Ann Lope

A CAFÉ in Binondo, Manila has embraced the latest BINI fever. In an exciting fusion of music and flavor, Sun Cafe, located just across from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (or Binondo Church), launched a new line of drinks inspired by the sensational Filipino girl group BINI. Known for their catchy tunes and vibrant performances, BINI captured the hearts of fans across the Philippines. The eight-member PPop group from ABS-CBN’s Star Magic debuted in June 2021 and has quickly become a sensation. Their influence extends beyond music into the realm of refreshment with a selection of uniquely crafted beverages that celebrate their spirit and success.

Sun Cafe’s BINI-inspired drink menu is a tribute to the girl group’s energetic and youthful vibe. Each drink is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the distinct personality and charm of BINI’s members, offering a sensory experience that mirrors their music.

The lineup includes Feels Like Summer for BINI Jhoanna, Berrybini for BINI Mikha, Cherry on Top for BINI Stacey, Peach Pantropiko for BINI Gwen, Cool It for BINI Colet, Oh, Shucks! for BINI Maloi, Lavender Dream for BINI Sheena and Super Crush for BINI Aiah. In addition to its innovative drinks, the cafe serves an array of dishes including all-day breakfast, salads, starters, sandwiches and burgers, pastas, wings, pancit, main course meals and other beverages.

Popular items on the menu include pan-seared salmon, roast beef, tuna sisig, caesar salad, spicy tuna pesto, pancit chami, potatobacon mozzarella, Sun Cafe clubhouse, buffalo wings, buenos dias latte, get lucky latte, Mango Sunrise, Summer Soiree mocktail, and of course, the BINI drinks. Julie Ann Lope

those in need,” she said.

Vice Mayor Marion Andres conveyed the city’s appreciation and emphasized Tzu Chi’s consistent support during times of crisis.

“From Marikina City, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation and its founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen for their unwavering commitment to helping us through these challenges,” he said. The relief operation not only provided immediate aid but also strengthened the community’s spirit of mutual support and kindness, embodying the essence of Tzu Chi’s mission to foster compassion and resilience.

Julie Ann Lope

The Tzu Chi Foundation holds relief operation for typhoon Carina victims at Concepcion Integrated School in Tumana, Marikina City on Aug. 23, 2024.

Tzu Chi Foundation conducts relief operation in Marikina

Representatives of the Metropolitan and City Judges Association of the Philippines (METCJAP) visit the headquarters of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) in Binondo, Manila on Aug. 14, 2024.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2024

Editor

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL

ADRIATICO, Writer

Touchbass Yugel Losorata

THE music scene is abuzz with news of mega reunions or reactivation of two bands: Oasis and Linkin

Park

The Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, putting an end to their sibling feud is good for the Batang ‘90s. Just to know that they’ll be back performing together is a source of positive vibes.

If you were a teenager back then and still have unresolved issues with an old friend, now might be the time to make amends. If major Britpop figures, who publicly exchanged harsh words, can set aside their pride and mature enough to give their careers another shot at “morning glory,” why can’t we?

I am not a super fan of these brothers whose presence and in-fi ghting made the rest of the original members of Oasis appear invisible. But I don’t agree that they’re overrated, either. They had character and that resonated in their songs. They were able to showcase how to Be British at that point in time. As we all have witnessed, British acts have always been trendsetters, The Beatles in the ‘60s, Led Zeppelin in the ‘70s, and Duran Duran in the ‘80s, in my opinion at least. Just don’t compare Oasis to The Beatles, please. Not even The Rolling Stones was close.

Just learning about the good news makes me want to reminisce and play some Oasis songs, most especially my favorite song of theirs: “Don’t Go Away.” Why this song and not “Wonderwall” or “Don’t Look Back in Anger”?

There’s a poignant embrace in this track, driven by the melding of its melody and lyrics. While in some records I could humorously accuse Liam of crafting his vocal style to match his performance in front of the microphone stand, in this song, he sounds like he’s genuinely pouring his heart out.

“Don’t Go Away” is quite unheralded, being relegated as the fourth single from the band’s third album “Be Here Now,” which became the fastestselling album in British chart history, and was the biggest selling album of 1997. Liam is said to have considered it as his favorite Oasis album.

There is no need to ask why it took 15 long years for them to announce they’re reuniting, and without the others who were on those popular albums released in the ‘90s, which most people

By Angelica Villanueva

P-POP powerhouses SB19 and BINI were named “Voices of Asia” at the Billboard K Power 100 event on Tuesday, Aug. 27. During their acceptance speeches, the pop groups acknowledged each other’s contributions to the continuous rise of P-Pop on the global stage. Speaking on behalf of his group, lead rapper Josh shared that the award was not just SB19’s win, but a victory for the entire P-Pop community.

“This award belongs not just to us, but to the entire P-pop movement, OPM, and of course, to every Filipino

SHOWBIZ

A tale of two comebacks

probably don’t mind. Liam sings or insists, “Cause I need more time/ Yes I need more time just to make things right.” As for Linkin Park returning to active duty,

SB19, BINI exchange praises at Billboard K Power 100

who shares their creativity and passion across Asia and the world,” said SB19 member Josh. He then mentioned “Nation’s Girl Group” BINI, who also won the same award.

“We would also like to give a shoutout to our fellow Filipino artists who are here right now, BINI. Hello to you guys. We are very proud of you. We have been making waves together,” he continued.

Meanwhile, SB19 leader Pablo gave credit to OPM icons who inspired them to create music.

“I would just like to add, to every Filipino artist, creative, and to the

my view goes against the intention to get back together, which may sound unfair to some. It’s just my take, anyway.

The death of Chester Bennington sadly put an

music legends before us: You inspire us so much to grow and excel without losing heart,” Pablo said.

“And as ‘Voices of Asia,’ we are so proud to stand alongside our fellow Asian artists, showcasing the diversity and richness of our cultures through our music. This award represents the P-Pop community’s mission, which is to bring Filipino artistry to the global stage, starting here in Asia,” he added.

On the other hand, BINI member Aiah expressed her gratitude to those who have continued to support their journey as musicians.

“On behalf of BINI, it’s an honor, and we are so grateful to receive this award. But you see, this award isn’t just for us. It’s also for those people who believe in us and have been a part of our journey,” Aiah stated.

The leader of the girl group, Jhoanna , also took time to thank SB19 for “inspiring” them.

“Being here tonight with so many talented artists inspires us to keep pushing boundaries and to share our music with the world. This award reminds us that anything is possible with hard work and dedication,” shared Jhoanna.

“To our fellow artists, we admire and respect each and every one of you. To our fellow P-Pop group SB19, thank you so much for inspiring us,” she added.

end to the band’s monumental run as a stadium act and a recording powerhouse. Too much was lost without the distinctive singing of that talented man. I could understand the business side of keeping a band’s legacy alive—or loud and live for current audiences to see. But Linkin Park without Chester can’t be Linkin Park.

Mike Shinoda has the image and skill set to front a global act, as the rest of the band can just do their thing as they have been since their phenomenal debut “Hybrid Theory.” Yet, performing as Linkin Park with a different lead vocalist is like Queen touring without Freddie Mercury . Come on, I agree with bassist John Deacon that there’s no point in doing it without the voice who brought them “fame and fortune and everything that goes with it.”

The Beatles would always be the perfect example of how a big act should respect its glorious past. Paul , George , and Ringo never toured. They did recordings together with John on lead vocals.

Oasis could do it without the others because it’s how they molded their act. You’d watch and pay them busking, with Liam on the mic and Noel on guitars.

Linkin Park did their trick by letting Mike rap the verses before Chester took over in the choruses. You’ll not be shortchanged seeing Linkin Park with a, say, female vocalist. But there will always be that palpable absence hanging in the air. In the end, it does matter.

Fil-Canadian singer-songwriter explores love’s highs and lows in debut album

FILIPINA-CANADIAN singer-songwriter Zachary delves into the complexities of romance in her debut album, luvin u , featuring eight self-penned tracks. The album showcases a mix of R&B, pop, and acoustic sounds, each track representing a different stage of love. Notable songs include “luvin u,” “Pangako,” “huling sayaw,” and “Paalam.”

The standout track, “toxic,” highlights the struggles of staying in a harmful relationship despite its negative impact. “It’s about when holding on feels safer than letting go. This song is dedicated to those red flags,” Zachary, a Star Music artist, said in a TikTok post.

Zachary first gained attention in 2022 with her debut single, “dahan dahan,” a groovy R&B track that introduced her sultry sound. She has since released singles like “RBND” and “Bakit?,” with the former garnering 220,000 streams on Spotify.

Influenced by her musically inclined parents, Zachary channels her emotions into her songwriting and performances. With her captivating voice and relatable storytelling, she is emerging as a promising OPM artist. Zachary’s debut album is available on major streaming platforms.

Linkin Park with new vocalist Mike Shinoda (rightmost)

British band Oasis is known for their hit songs such as ‘Don’t Go Away,’ ‘Wonderwall,’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’

Singer-songwriter Zachary’s debut album ‘luvin u’ has eight tracks

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

New film delivers bold critique of beauty norms

By Nickie Wang

CREAZION Studios’ latest release, The Substance, hits Philippine cinemas on Sept. 25. This provocative film delves into the seductive possibility of a better version of oneself.

Demi Moore stars as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former fitness TV show host who, after being fi red by the despised studio head Harvey ( Dennis Quaid ), stumbles upon a mysterious drug called THE SUBSTANCE. With one injection, she transforms into the stunning, twenty-something Sue ( Margaret Qualley ). However, she must alternate between her two selves every week, raising the question: what could possibly go wrong?

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance critiques toxic beauty standards through a blend of body horror and genre tropes, reminiscent of films like Death Becomes Her The Fly, and Carrie The film, which earned a Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival, features bold aesthetics, impressive sound design, and striking practical effects.

With Demi Moore’s return to the spotlight, along with rising star Margaret Qualley and veteran actor Dennis Quaid, The Substance is expected to captivate audiences and stir discussions about beauty and identity.

CreaZion Studios, known for producing globally recognized content, is a leading film, TV, and digital content producer in Southeast Asia. Its portfolio includes acclaimed titles such as Priscilla by Sofia Coppola, When Evil Lurks by Demian Rugna, and The Breaking Ice by Anthony Chen

Philippines’ most trusted news source

GMA Integrated News’ flagship newscast, 24 Oras, has maintained its status as the most trusted source of news in the Philippines, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement data.

From January to July 2024, 24 Oras achieved a combined people rating of 13.6 percent across GMA, GTV, and Pinoy Hits, leading its primetime competitors by a significant margin. In comparison, Frontline Pilipinas on TV5, RPTV, and One PH recorded a combined rating of 3.9 percent, while TV Patrol on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Teleradyo Serbisyo, and ALLTV received 3.1 percent. In Urban Philippines, 24 Oras further solidified its lead with a combined rating of 14.4 percent. Frontline

Pilipinas had a rating of 3.7 percent, and TV Patrol scored 3.0 percent.

Celebrating its 20th year on television, 24 Oras is anchored by Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, and Emil Sumangil . The program features segments hosted by Iya Villania-Arellano (“Chika Minute”), Kuya Kim Atienza (“#KuyaKimAnoNa”), and Martin Javier (“Game Changer”), delivering news and features from across the Philippines and around the world.

In July 2024, 24 Oras achieved its highest rating of the year with a combined people rating of 18.6 percent in Urban Philippines during coverage of Super Typhoon Carina and the habagat (Southwest Monsoon). On GMA alone, it recorded its highest rating of 14.9 percent in Urban Philippines.

24 Oras was also the top TV program nationwide for all of 2023. The program airs weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on GMA, with simulcasts on GTV and Pinoy Hits.

Harnessing

TELEVISION personality and lifestyle journalist

Lozano is hosting Lifestyle Lab, one of Bilyonaryo News Channel’s newest programs.

The show, which combines documentary-style reporting with digital content, explores topics in health and wellness, beauty, and fashion, presented in the distinctive Bilyonaryo style.

New episodes of Lifestyle Lab air every Saturday at 10:00 a.m., with repeats at 8:00 p.m. and additional airings every Sunday at the same times. The program offers viewers a look at the latest treatments and products through hands-on experiences and expert interviews, aiming to reveal the truth behind current trends.

Lozano, a veteran journalist, will guide the show as it examines beauty and cosmetic products, aesthetic treatments, pharmaceutical therapies, experimental fashion, and grooming tips. The show blends investigative journalism with lifestyle glamour, promising an in-depth exploration of industry innovations.

Lifestyle Lab will debut on September 9 on Bilyonaryo News Channel, available on BEAM TV 31 and Cignal Channel 24 across various locations including Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, Zamboanga, and Naga.

From left: ‘24 Oras’ anchors Emil Sumangil, Mel Tiangco, and Vicky Morales

‘The Substance’ star Demi Moore takes on the role of former tness TV show host Elisabeth Sparkle

C4 LIFE

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Supplement brand champions men’s diverse wellness journeys

LAC (Leader in Antioxidative Control), a wellness supplement retailer, is celebrating the Filipino man’s evolving approach to health. Today, prioritizing self-care is no longer viewed as a weakness but as a sign of strength, with men leading the way in redefining masculinity through holistic well-being.

“We’ve seen an increasing demand for products tailored to men’s unique health needs,” said Evelyn Teo, LAC Global’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our goal is to empower men to make informed health choices.”

LAC’s initiative extends beyond physical health, highlighting mental and emotional wellbeing. The campaign showcases stories from men across different age groups, illustrating the varied paths they take toward a healthier lifestyle.

“Men today juggle more than ever,” said influencer Myke Soon. “Even starting with just 10 minutes of focused breathing can make a big difference. Building self-care into your routine gradually leads to better overall health.”

John Paulo Ondra Caparros, a Public Relations professional, emphasized the necessity of men’s health. “It’s not a trend; it’s essential. Breaking stereotypes and making well-being a priority should be the norm.”

These testimonials underscore how men are embracing wellness in their own ways, from young professionals focusing on fitness and mental clarity to busy fathers seeking natural energy solutions.

LAC supports these journeys with products like the Men’s Mega Multi Active, a multivitamin formula designed for active lifestyles, and LAC Activated® Zhi® Energy, which boosts stamina and performance.

“Providing men with the tools they need to thrive is central to our mission,” added Teo. “We aim to dismantle outdated stereotypes and foster open conversations about men’s health, empowering men to take charge of their well-being.” LAC’s campaign encourages men to prioritize self-care, inspiring others to follow suit.

Experts debunk health myths in educational docu-series

By Angelica Villanueva

METRO Pacific

Health (MPH), the country’s largest private hospital network, recently hosted a media roundtable to discuss its educational docuseries, Decode

As part of Stroke Awareness Week, MPH emphasized the importance of health education, focusing on the latest episode of its docuseries, which delves into the complexities of stroke.

During the discussion, MPH Group Chief Medical Officer Dr. Benjamin Co emphasized the importance of health education in combating prevalent conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. “In the Philippines, we continue to see a high prevalence of conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes—illnesses that are often preventable with the right knowledge and proactive care,” said Co.

The roundtable also featured leading medical experts, including Dr. Saturnino Javier of Makati Medical Center, who discussed heart disease misconceptions, and Dr. Michelle Anlacan of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, who addressed common misunderstandings about dementia.

Dr. Javier also addressed the widespread misconception that heart disease only presents with obvious symptoms like chest pain or that being slim and active automatically protects against heart conditions.

“The truth is, heart disease can manifest in subtle ways, such as fatigue or shortness of

breath. Less common symptoms might even include abdominal pain, back pain, and vision problems. Additionally, emotional stress and genetics are significant contributors to heart health. This is why it’s crucial not to ignore any signs, no matter how minor they may seem, and to prioritize regular check-ups regardless of physical appearance,” he explained.

Dr. Javier then reminded the audience about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, while managing stress effectively to prevent emotional strain on the heart.

On the other hand, Dr. Anlacan debunked the

myth that dementia is inevitable as one grows older.

“Dementia is a disease, not an unavoidable part of aging. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to improving the quality of life for those affected,” Dr. Anlacan stated. She also addressed the myth that dementia solely affects memory, highlighting that the disease can also cause significant behavioral changes, disorientation, and speech difficulties.

MPH’s Decode series aims to provide Filipinos with reliable health information and empower them to make informed choices. As part of its commitment to public health, MPH continues to expand its reach and produce episodes on critical health issues.

Six tips on building and maintaining healthy relationships

STRONG personal relationships are essential for everyone’s overall well-being.

Founded on trust, honesty, respect, and communication, these bonds keep us happy and thus, physically healthier. It lowers rates of anxiety and depression, strengthens the immune system, boosts selfesteem, and improves the quality of life.

The experts from the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) champion the significance of nurturing these social ties, from family and friends to local community members.

“However, it is not just about having any social connections. It is about the quality of these relationships that we build,” they explained.

“Having strong, stable, and fulfilling relationships helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, and eventually improve our mental health,” they added.

To guide the general public, the specialists shared the top

tips from the Mental Health Foundation, a United Kingdom-based charity dedicated to researching, developing, and promoting new ways to protect good mental health.

1. Get to know yourself. Take time to appreciate yourself. Get in touch with your emotions. Regulate your feelings to express yourself clearly and more effectively.

2. Put in the work. Healthy relationships are not found but built. It needs commitment and willingness to accommodate each other’s needs.

3. Set and respect boundaries. Let the people around you know where your boundaries are. For example, respecting your time alone takes the pressure off your relationship.

4. Talk and listen. All relationships have disagreements. That is okay. What matters is how you handle it. Listen to understand–

not to respond. Do not be afraid to articulate your sentiments or vulnerabilities with those you trust.

5. Let go of control. A lot of life is about how we react to our encounters and experiences. Remember: you can only really control what you do – save your time and stress. 6. Reflect and learn. If you have a healthy way of expressing your feelings, you can also react to

MPH executives with members of the media during the discussion

Medical experts share insights about common health misconceptions

John Paulo Ondra Caparros asserts the importance of men making well-being a priority