Manila Standard - 2024 August 31 - Saturday

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Ombudsman files graft charges vs. Duque, Lao

Says transfer of P41-b COVID funds illegal, unjustified

By Rio N. Araja

THE Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges against former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III and former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary

Christopher Lao for supposed illegal fund transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors alleged Duque authorized the transfer of P41 billion that was not provided under a memorandum of agreement, while the required certifications of liquidation of previous transfers prior to the subsequent release of funds were not submitted.

"With conscious and deliberate disregard or reckless abandonment of their obligation to ensure that the applicable requirements for the transfer of funds be observed effectively, caused the DOH to

Quiboloy fears standing trial in US, says lawyer

By Vince Lopez

By Charles Dantes and Rachelle Tonelada

THE Philippines is seen to be gaining the favor of the broader international community as evidenced by the forging of defense ties with more of its neighbors and its emerging role as a hub for international justice.

In a meeting on Friday, President Marcos emphasized to Vietnam’s National Defense Minister Phan Van Giang the importance of strengthening ties between Manila and Hanoi.

“We are grateful that you have come today,” Mr. Marcos said during the minister’s courtesy call in Malacañang.

“Your visit, though quiet, marks a very significant point in the history of our countries.”

Andres said the request for a blue notice would oblige member countries to report

Guo’s presence. He added that a “red notice” would subsequently be sought against Guo once the charges are filed in court.

Media, academe, Comelec join in fight against disinformation

MANILA, Philippines, August 30, 2024 – GMA Network, in collaboration with some of the country’s most reputable and prominent media organizations, academic institutions, and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), convened in a landmark event to form the largest partnership in the fight against disinformation.

Inspired by the Kapuso Network’s “Panata Kontra-Fake News” campaign, almost 60 partners heeded the call to be part of the Panata KontraFake News Covenant Signing. Under the rallying cry, "Magkaisa Tayong Labanan ang Fake," they pledged to uphold a shared responsibility and commitment to combatting fake news and disinformation, standing united in the fight against disinformation.

Beyond industry leaders, this latest advocacy campaign also calls on every Filipino to stand in solidarity against the spread of fake news and disinformation.

“Fake news is both dangerous and harmful, but the truth is glorious and useful. It fosters an informed populace, essential for a functioning democracy and a stronger society. With it, we lay the groundwork for transformative projects that enhance the lives of every Filipino,” said GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon during the Panata Kontra-Fake News Covenant

Ombudsman...

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abandon, in times of health emergency, its bounden duty to expeditiously acquire the needed COVID-19 goods through direct negotiation with the suppliers,” the Ombudsman noted.

"The illegal, unjustified, and unwarranted transfer of funds caused the consequent imposition of service fee that effectively removed a sizeable amount of money intended for purchase of PPEs, test kits, and other COVID-essential goods requested by medical facilities and DOH offices and bureaus," it added.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman said Duque and Lao's actions were highlighted since the illegal fund transfers occurred amid a national

‘Bato’...

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On Friday, Rep. Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps party-list group stressed that honesty and accountability are paramount in the face of grave accusations such as being complicit to mass murder.

“Senator Dela Rosa, what we’re asking for is quite simple – be honest to the people and to God. The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how much we try to hide it. It is better to face it now with honesty,” the minority bloc leader said in a mixture of English and Filipino.

Signing, which was also held on "National Press Freedom Day."

“Truth is the very mechanism by which we build a better nation. It is not always the most viral, but it remains the best story to tell. Lagi’t lagi, sama-sama tayong magpahayag ng katotohanan na walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, sa pamamagitan ng serbisyong totoo lamang,” he added.

Data from a Pulse Asia survey in September 2022, revealed that nine out of 10 adults believe fake news is a problem. In a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station in the fourth quarter of 2021, 67 percent of the respondents believed that fake news on the internet was a serious problem. Further, 51 percent said it was difficult to spot fake news.

Together with Gozon, also representing GMA during the covenant signing were President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

health emergency.

"At the time of dire need, the people were looking up at respondents' offices for relief but have instead entertained suspicions due to their failure to follow the prescribed rules and procedures. Their actions cast the DOH, PS-DBM, and the public service in a bad light," the Ombudsman said.

The fund was for the procurement of medical supplies for the pandemic, including detection kits, mechanical ventilator, personal protective equipment, and surgical masks, among others.

The Office of the Ombudsman recommended a P90,000 bail each for Duque and Lao. Duque , for his part, said the case was "unfair."

"It is unfair and the injustice hurts, but I have full trust and confidence

Libanan especially expressed concern over the serious allegations hurled against Dela Rosa and others in the Philippine National Police (PNP) by one of its own.

He praised whistleblower Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido for choosing to speak up despite the risks involved.

“Espenido’s bravery is an example of one’s love for the truth and his country,” Libanan pointed out

He urged other witnesses to come forward to ensure that justice is served for the families of those who were killed during the bloody campaign against alleged drug personalities.

Libanan was apparently reacting to Dela Rosa’s insinuations that House

Reports from Indonesian Immigration said that the former mayor is still in Indonesia and was seen walking in various establishments in Jakarta through CCTV.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), and the PAOCC on Friday filed with the DOJ the money laundering charges involving Ph87 billion in assets discovered in the POGO hubs in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga.

Among those charged with Guo for violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 were Cassandra Ong and Alice’s supposed sibling, Shiela, as well as officials of QSeed Genetics, Zun Yuan Technology Inc., Hongshen Gaming Technology Inc., QJJ Farms, and Baofu Land Development Inc.

“The respondents, through their individual or collective conspiratorial

Felipe S. Yalong; GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Senior Vice President and Head Oliver Victor B. Amoroso; Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development and Concurrent Chief Risk Officer, and Head of Program Support Regie C. Bautista; First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon; First Vice President for Radio Operations Group Glenn F. Allona; GMA New Media, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Augusto L. Caharian; and Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Communications Angela Javier Cruz.

Among the roster of distinguished partners is COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia. Joining the Panata Kontra-Fake News Covenant Signing are the representatives of some of the country’s most trusted media organizations: Philippine Daily Inquirer President and CEO Atty. Rudyard Arbolado; Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Publisher Herminio "Sonny" B. Coloma, Jr.; Manila Times Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dante "Klink" Ang II; Manila Standard Publisher Rolando G. Estabillo; Daily Tribune President Willie Fernandez; Malaya Chief Executive Officer Antonio Macasaet; and Business Mirror Publisher T. Anthony C. Cabangon. Also pledging their support are

that I will be able to prove my innocence before the Sandiganbayan, a court of law that will clearly see that the transfer of the funds by the DOH to PS-DBM at the time of national public health emergency, when COVID supplies such as PPEs were scarce, was lawful and proper," Duque said.

"I also have every faith that we will be able to prove that our actions were moved solely by our goal to timely procure the life saving PPEs and other COVID pandemic supplies, for the protection of the Filipinos," he added.

In June, Duque told a House hearing that former President Rodrigo Duterte knew about the controversial transfer of funds.

ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro questioned Duque about the transfer's origin.

Speaker Martin Romualdez was behind the “Quad Committee” inquiry into the bloody drug war.

The Quad Comm is a consolidation of four separate House committees that have banded together to probe extra judicial killings allegedly authorized by the Duterte Administration.

"I don't want to antagonize the chairmen in the quad committees. I know that they are just doing their jobs," said Dela Rosa.

"[The] committee chairmen... I have no doubts [about] them, but who's behind this committee, it's the Speaker of the House, right,” the senator added.

"I swear to God, I never gave any monetary consideration, any mone-

acts, evidently transacted the money or money instruments representing the proceeds of the unlawful activities involving human trafficking, securities regulation violation, and estafa/swindling,” the complaint said.

In a statement, AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said the filing is part of the council’s pursuit to “combat financial crimes and safeguard the integrity of the Philippine financial system.”

"The AMLC remains committed in its mission to ensure that the financial system is not exploited to further criminal enterprises," he said.

Witnesses against Guo included Chinese nationals who claim they were forced to work in exchange for PHP300,000 for their freedom.

Besides Guo, Shiela, and Ong, the other respondents include Guo’s father Jian Zhong Guo, also known as Angelito Guo and Angelito Dela Cruz; her mother Lin Wenyi, also known as Wen Yi Lin and Amelia Leal; and Seimen Guo. Rex Espiritu and Pot Chavez

PEP Editor-in-Chief Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon; Rappler Co-Founder and Executive Editor Glenda M. Gloria; #FactsFirstPH Coalition Representative Pia Ranada; Sunstar President Gahum Vincent L. Garcia; PressOne. PH Multimedia Editor Niceforo Vince A. Balbedina III; AllTV President Maribeth C. Tolentino; ZOE Broadcasting Network Inc. (ZOE) Programming, Sales and Marketing Head Nestor T. Layderos; Catholic Media Network (CMN) President and CEO Rev. Fr. Francis B. Lucas; MBC Media Group (MBCMG) President Ruperto S. Nicdao, Jr.; Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) represented by DZAS Station Manager Josephine C. Alabastro; and Quest Broadcasting Inc (Magic 89.9) DJ Tina Ryan. Signing their commitment as well are the representatives of the biggest media organizations: Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) President Noel C. Galvez; Philippine Press Institute (PPI) Executive Director Ariel C. Sebellino; Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Chairman Antonio S. Lopez; Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Board Member Regine Cabato; National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Chairman Jonathan de Santos; and Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Training Director Rowena Paraan.

"Publicly, this was made by the President in our meetings, in the weekly meeting or Talk to the People," he said.

Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin further inquired about the official instructions behind the fund transfer.

"The question is: Did you unilaterally decide to transfer P47.6 billion to PS-DBM?" Garin said.

"No is the answer. I'm just complying with the rules of the PSDBM. Again, I do not want to belabor the laws that authorize the PS-DBM to procure (materials) in a state of public health emergency," Duque said. He added the decision was based on recommendations from the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), which he also headed.

tary reward for any PNP accomplishment… especially if a person linked to illegal drugs was killed," said the former police chief-turned lawmaker.

However, Dela Rosa’s statements did not sit well with members of the QuadComm who did not appreciate their role being downplayed by the senator.

“It is so unfair that he (Dela Rosa) accuses members of the Quad-Comm of conducting the investigation at the Speaker’s behest. I will not allow myself to be used to advance anyone’s political agenda. I am not seeking a higher office so, this probe doesn’t help me politically,” Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez said on Friday.

Fuel, LPG prices set to rise next week—DOE

CONSUMERS can expect an oil price hike by as much as P0.55 per liter next week due to Middle East tensions and global economic concerns.

Department of Energy director Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading data in the Mean of Platts Singapore, the benchmark pricing for oil importers, local pump prices of petroleum products are expected to increase.

Romero said gasoline prices may increase from P0.20 to P0.45 per liter, diesel may have no adjustment or may increase by P0.20 per liter, and kerosene from P0.45 to P0.55 per liter. She said prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or cooking gas will also likely go up as the contract price of LPG went up by $22 per metric ton, which would translate to an increase of about P0.55 to P0.60 per kilo.

LPG prices are adjusted every first day of the month while petroleum prices are adjusted every Tuesday. Romero said the combination of escalating geopolitical tensions and a sudden halt in Libyan oil production/ exports sent shockwaves through global markets which influenced the upward movement in oil prices.

She said the market also reacted positively to the US Federal Reserve rate cut cycle in September “which has lifted the outlook for global economic activity and crude demands.”

“But the economic worries in the US and China overshadow supply risks made prices bearish last Thursday. Yesterday's trading will conclude the adjustments next Tuesday,” Romero said. On August 27, the oil companies implemented a big time price rollback of P1.15 per liter for gasoline, P1.90 per liter for diesel and P1.85 per liter for kerosene.

Based on the DOE computation, total adjustment of gasoline and diesel year to date stands at a net increase of P6.90 per liter and P4.05 per liter, respectively while kerosene has a total net decrease of P4 per liter.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Teves camp: DOJ’s claim on denial of appeal ‘fake news’

By Pot Chavez

THE Timor-Leste Court of Appeals (CA)’s denial of the Motion for Reconsideration filed by the camp of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. seeking to bar his extradition is not true, according to his legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio.

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

"The press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ) saying that the court in Timor-Leste has decided the motion for reconsideration of Rep. Arnolfo Teves in the case for extradition against him is totally untrue,” Topacio told Manila Standard on Thursday night.

The remarks of Topacio came after the DOJ announced on Wednesday night that the DOJ received an official update from the Prosecutor General of Timor-Leste.

Quiboloy...

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Jesus Christ’s (KOJC) legal counsel, told reporters that Quiboloy may be subject to "extraordinary rendition" by the United States government for his alleged role in the sex trafficking of girls and women aged 12 to 25.

US prosecutors accused the religious leader of forcing women, whom he refers to as his “pastorals,” to have sex with him.

“There is a threat of extraordinary rendition… he may be brought to America without being given the chance to prove his innocence here (in the Philippines). We are requesting that President Marcos sign a written declaration that he (Quiboloy) won’t be sent to the US to face charges there,” Torreon said in Filipino.

Extraordinary rendition is a euphemism for state-sponsored kidnapping of an individual in another jurisdiction and transferring them to a third state.

It can be recalled that Quiboloy is also accused of sex crimes in the Philippines, specifically, for alleged violations of Republic Act 7610 or the

Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Meanwhile, the PNP Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) accused KOJC members of using laser pointers to try to blind police helicopter pilots involved in the manhunt for Quiboloy.

On Thursday, PRO-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in a social media video post that the KOJC members’ actions were dangerous and might injure the pilots’ vision, or worse, cause the police choppers to crash.

“The PNP strongly condemns the recent actions of KOJC members who have been using laser devices against PNP helicopters,” she said.

“Such behavior is a direct threat to the safety and operational effectiveness of our law enforcement aviation units. The use of lasers against aircraft is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of aviation safety regulations and legal standards,” she added.

Dela Rey emphasized that any attempt to obstruct or delay the police operations would only prolong everyone’s agony.

As of Friday evening, the manhunt for Quiboloy was still ongoing inside the 30-hectare KOJC property. PH...

Topacio said upon knowing of the said press release, he immediately contacted his counterparts in Timor-Leste for verification.

PH-Vietnam...

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He highlighted the progress made in relations between the two nations, which have expanded beyond traditional diplomatic connections.

The President emphasized that the Philippines and Vietnam have deepened cooperation in defense, security, and trade.

“We have continued to progress in this relationship. What was once just diplomatic now includes our defense and security cooperation and, importantly, trade,” Mr. Marcos stated.

The visit underscores the growing partnership between the Southeast Asian neighbors as they navigate regional security challenges and work toward mutual economic benefits. Meanwhile, the Philippines is poised to host Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal hearings through the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC).

A burst of colors and culture at SM’s Kadayawan Celebration

SM MALLS in Davao City unpacked the magical moments that made this year’s vibrant Kadayawan celebration the “King of Festivals.”

With a burst of colors and culture, SM City Davao and SM Lanang transformed into a festive atmosphere, highlighting Davao’s cultural treasures and wonders.

Picture-Perfect Moments

SM City Davao and SM Lanang added extra fun to the festival by bringing the vibrant Kadayawan hues to the malls through its giant artscapes and colorful inflatables. Shoppers and tourists alike were able to capture instagrammable moments with friends and families, making their August photo dumps come alive.

Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation

Hiyas sa Kadayawan delegates from 11 tribes based in Davao City showcased their festive culture on August 10 at The Annex Event Center, SM City Davao. Representatives from Maranao, Bagobo Tagabawa and Bago Klata were announced as among the top three best in cultural presentation.

Bonsai and Suiseki

In partnership with the Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc. (PBSI) - Mindanao and the Davao Bonsai Society, the Bonsai and Suiseki Show featured over 250 stunning displays of miniature marvels on August 13 to 18 on the Second Level, North Wing, SM Lanang.

MinPop 2024 Shoppers and visitors were serenaded by local pop artists through the threeday Mindanao Popular (MinPop) Music Festival 2024 at The North Wing Grounds in SM Lanang. This is held biennially since 2020, which provides a platform for composers and performers to showcase their world-class talents. This year’s grand champion is Praise Varian from Davao City with her song titled “Blue.” FJ Salcedo’s “Bilyette” and Stephan Gus Tav Gultiano’s “Gakos” won first runner up and second runner up, respectively.

Mindanaoan singer and songwriter Arthur Nery capped off the

at-heart last August 16.

excitement of Davaoeños during the Grand Finals on August 17. Grand Mascot Parade

Super Mon and Squad led the Grand Mascot Parade on August 16 at SM City Davao. Joining the pack were Philippine Eagle Center’s Malaya and mascots from Tom’s World, Miniso, McDonald’s, Huawei, and FoodPanda.

Kapuso Fiesta

The casts of “Pulang Araw” Barbie Forteza and David Licauco hyped up the Kadayawan celebration at SM City Davao with an extra dose of fun and kilig at the Kapuso Fiesta on August 18.

TEDxLanang Ave

TEDxLanang Ave. concluded with

success on August 21 at the SMX Convention Center Davao. Fifteen brilliant minds, creative visionaries, and leaders shared inspiring stories and fresh insights to the largest TEDx event in the Philippines. Bountiful harvests

In case you missed it, fruits and plants are still aplenty at SM City Davao and SM Lanang. Happening until September 10, the Kadayawan Pop-Up by the Mindanao Garden Club offers a wide array of fresh fruits and local plants at Open Parking C in SM City Davao. The Durian Festival at the SM Lanang North Wing Grounds also continues to be a crowd-drawer as it continues to offer shoppers a convenient feast on the 11 varieties of the King of Fruits until September 15. From exciting activities to huge deals, everything’s here at SM City Davao and SM Lanang. Visit SM Davao and SM Lanang, the official social media pages of the malls, for more updates.

SM Lanang brings the street cultural festivities to the mall through

Indak-indak performances of the Kalumon Performing Ensemble.

SM City Davao hosts the Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation at The Annex Event Center on August 10.

Shoppers are greeted with festive cultural performances at The Annex Event Center, SM City Davao.

Arthur Nery serenaded Kadayawan festival-goers with his hit songs during the MinPop 2024 Grand Finals held at the SM Lanang North Wing Grounds on August 17, 2024.

Organizers, esteemed judges, emcees, and winners of the MinPop 2024 celebrated the success of the event with a groupie.

MinPop 2024 Grand Champion Praise Varian from Davao City could not contain her happiness as she took the stage to receive her prizes.

A tourist excitedly opens a freshlyharvested Durian at SM Lanang’s Durian Festival at the North Wing Grounds.

Kadayawan is more fun with Super Mon and Squad. Along with Philippine Eagle Foundation’s Malaya, the Grand Mascot Parade brings cheers to children and all kids-

SM Lanang’s Artscapes at the North WIng Grounds became a favorite photo spot among shoppers during the Kadayawan season.

FOR THE DESAPARECIDOS. Activists stage a

More to get P10k DepEd allowance

By Maricel V. Cruz

NOT only public school teachers but also several other school personn, both academic and non-academic, will receive a higher annual allowance of P10,000 next schoolyear, a lawmaker said on Friday.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said vocational instructors, librarians, guidance counselors, and teachers in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and community learning centers will also receive the allowance.

A co-author of Republic Act 11997 or the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act,” Vil-

Senate seeks probe of Nat’l ID contract

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel lll

warned there could be further delay in the making and delivery of the national IDs after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) terminated its contract with its supplier.

“This should be investigated by the Senate,” Pimentel said on Friday.

Citing its failure to fulfill and perform the services under the deal, the BSP said it ended its contract with its supplier of cards and equipment for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the National ID project.

Pimentel said his office is already preparing a resolution which seeks to conduct a Senate investigation on the matter.

Former Senator Panfilo Lacson said the issue should not end with a simple termination of contract.

“Following proper legal procedures, sanctions with commensurate damages must be imposed,” added Lacson, author and principal sponsor in the Senate of the National ID law.

He pointed out the “unacceptable failure” to fully implement the measure six years after its passage.

Earlier, BSP Governor Eli Remolona said they have decided to terminate the old contract because the contractor for these IDs had not been able to deliver.

lafuerte said the teaching allowance is tax-free and is considered an outright expense, so that the beneficiaries no longer have to submit or present official receipts (ORs) as proof of their purchases.

He likewise lauded Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara for the

prompt approval of the implementing rules of the law that increased the annual allowance of public schoolteachers for their purchases of teaching supplies and materials, payment of incidental expenses, and the implementation of various learning delivery modes.

Villafuerte said the implementing rules exclude from the grant of teaching allowance public school teachers with no teaching loads and performing non-teaching functions, duties, and responsibilities within the current school year; those who are on absence without leave, indefinite sick leave, study leave or scholarship within the current schoolyear; and those who are no long-

er in service as of the official start of the current schoolyear.

However, teachers without teaching loads at the start of the schoolyear but are eventually assigned teaching loads as well as teachers set to retire in the current schoolyear are entitled to a prorated teaching allowance, based on how long they are engaged in classroom teaching.

School heads or head teachers without teaching loads but who end up rendering actual teaching hours because of the absence or unavailability of teachers are also entitled to a pro-rated teaching allowance, he said.

IN BRIEF

Lt. Gen. Dubria named concurrent PNP No. 2

LT. GEN. Michael John Dubria was named concurrent officer-in-charge of the Office of the Deputy Chief for Administration (OTDCA), the Philippine National Police’s No. 2 post. Dubria’s designation took effect Thursday, based on an order by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil made public on Friday. Dubria replaced Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Aug. 24. Dubria will remain the PNP No. 3 or the Deputy Chief for Operations (DCO).

“This is additional duty, acting deputy chief for administration, so that the functions of DCA will not be hampered. There are documents that need to reach the office of the Chief PNP, so he (Dubria) is concurrent DCO and DCA,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday.

Manila firms offer free public Wi-Fi in Iloilo

TWO Manila-based firms offered to provide free Wi-Fi access for several public areas managed by the Iloilo Provincial Government in a move to enhance connectivity in the province.

Craft Shack Inc. and Artbi Global Philippine Corporation signed a Deed of Donation in the presence of Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on August 29, 2024. The three-year agreement was formalized between Defensor and representatives Charles Leighton Chianpian of Craft Shack Inc. and Jibeom Ku of Artbi Global Philippine Corporation. The donations include routers, devices, and other equipment. Under the initiative, public WiFi will be installed not only at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol but also in municipal halls, barangay halls, and other public spaces. Caloy Lozada

Villar hails Maasinhons for their hard work, unity

HOUSE Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar rallied Maasinhons to continue supporting their local leaders as the city in Southern Leyte strives “to be abundant and world-class.”

In her inspirational message during Maasin’s 24th cityhood anniversary celebration recently, Villar said: “Let us unite to achieve progress of Maasin. I hope you continue supporting your leaders.”

“As we celebrate your 24 years of cityhood, I hope that you are all reminded of how important the bonds of your community are, and to take pride and joy that all of you here worked so hard to achieve your dreams as a community. Let today also remind you of the beauty of your strength as people, of your strength as a city.” Maricel Cruz

Go appeals to PhilHealth to junk ‘single period of confinement policy’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health renewed his call for PhilHealth to immediately scrap its “single period of confinement policy.”

The policy dictates that admissions and readmissions due to the same illness or procedure within a specific pe -

riod of 90 days are only compensated once by PhilHealth.

Committee head Senator Bong Go underscored the urgent need for PhilHealth to rectify this policy and improve its services to better serve the Filipino people. Go tagged the policy as “unfair and illogical” amid the state insurer’s cur-

Solon wants Aksyon Fund rules revised

By Maricel V. Cruz

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to revise the Aksyon Fund guidelines to help more distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) access the program.

OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino said wider measures need to be implemented in utilizing the Aksyon Fund to help OFWs in specific circumstances, especially to cover unpaid debts—personal or otherwise—as well as secure exit visas in favor of OFWs-debtor.

Magsino cited the following circumstances as reasons behind the proposed revisions:

· In case an OFW-debtor dies and his or her remains cannot be repatriated until payment of debt; · The OFW-debtor is due to return home or

for repatriation due to grave or serious illness, other medical emergencies, or permanent disability; rescue from maltreatment and abuse of employers, contract violation, or serious threats to OFW’s person and well-being from different actors in the host country, which impede the OFW’s opportunity to work; or

· Termination or non-renewal of OFW’s contract and the OFW is 60 years old or above.

The proposal also includes other emergency situations such as requiring the voluntary or mandatory repatriation of the OFW such as the geopolitical tensions in the host country.

“When I visited our OFWs in their host countries, these are the common problems they have and these can be solved by reforming the guidelines of the Aksyon Fund,” the party-list lawmaker said.

rent financial standing of accummulating P90 billion in excess funds and another P500 billion in reserved funds.

His call for Philhealth to remove this policy was supported by other senators.

Senator JV Ejercito said the policy was contrary to the Universal Health Care (UHC), which he authored and sponsored.

Senator Robin Padilla also expressed strong support for Go’s call, highlighting the fight for the health of every Filipino is enshrined in the Constitution. Go also reiterated its call for PhilHealth to fulfill its promises by maximizing resources to provide Filipinos with the healthcare coverage they deserve.

protest in front of the Supreme Court in Manila on Friday, August 30, 2024, to mark the International Day of the Disappeared. Norman Cruz

SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION. A meat vendor at Arranque Market arranges different pork cuts on Friday, August 30, 2024. Agriculture

Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica assured consumers they have nothing to fear when buying pork from markets as these are guaranteed safe to eat amid the spread of African swine fever. Norman Cruz

OPINION

Focus on our sovereignty

THE core and substance of all independent states is to constantly uphold their independence as a nation.

Sovereignty is the substance that gives meaning to our right to exercise all that freedom embodied in the Constitution.

From a stricter Constitutional point of view, anything not provided in the Constitution automatically loses substance of enforceability.

Any citizen who wishes to enforce his right must refer to the Constitution, otherwise his right can be dismissed.

Such judgment stems not from the guilt or innocence of the person indicted or accused, but for the person indicted to be be tried within his jurisdiction.

In fact, indicting an accused can never be adjudged as equivalent to a fair trial by western standard.

By indicting Apollo Quiboloy in the US already constitutes a denial of his right to confront his accuser.

If one will sum up the case, such already constitutes a presumption of guilt for the accused. Such is the equivalent for the fact that the accused was denied to confront his accuser.

This now becomes a dilemma.

Before the trial proceeds to determine the guilt, the US Court assumes he is guilty of the crime lodged against him without the latter confronting his accusers. The problem is those accused of these crimes are intruded to elicit public sentiment against them.

The crime for instance of sex trafficking is utterly biased against pastor Quiboloy. Sex trafficking is demeaning to one who claims to be a man of the Church.

This explains why our neighbor China looks at our political leaders as synch of subservient clowns by their former colonizers.

There is that double insult laced into the case against religious leader pastor Quiboloy.

I remember that the late father of today’s President, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, worked hard to stretch our jurisdiction over crimes committed in this country by foreign forces, but today we completely reversed it.

Every state should civilly and diplomatically assert its sovereign right. This is the mark of its independence. Moreover, this is the only right embodied in the UN Charter.

Marcos fought to his death against American jurisdiction over his person and family, insisting he was kidnapped by the same cabal of traitors that now lord

over the government of his son.

This bootlicking Marcos government wants to hand over the accused to the US government of his alleged crimes They found good reason why they want Quiboloy jailed for alleged sex trafficking and fraud.

What makes the case unusual is the interest of the US to indict pastor Quiboloy.

The US is eager to acquire jurisdiction over his case. The US and its local barker called Rappler are taking turns in maligning Duterte and his avid follower, Quiboloy. Because they see it as their way to make a revenge.

Duterte is a rabid anti-American and is anti-US bases.

Doing things that could prevent the return to power of Duterte could do well to resuscitate American influence in this part of the globe.

Doing things that could prevent the return to power of Duterte could do well to resuscitate American influence in this part of the globe

In the case of Quiboloy, locking him up with Duterte will slow down a religious rival like what they did to a religious leader who died in exile longing to return to this country.

Many believe that to hand over Quiboloy to US jurisdiction could facilitate the demand of the International Criminal Court to try our former president.

It is same reason why the opposition appears to be united, knowing the return of the Duterte administration could scuttle the ambitious plans of US imperialism in the South China Sea.

It is not that the US wants to resurrect their power in this part of the globe but for Americans to realize that history is both dynamic and speaks both of the truth, and the Duterte administration symbolizes US unilateralism has come to an end.

Gone are the days of the might of the US economic and trade sanctions; that today the NATO is unable to meet the challenges of an emerging empire, China. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

Trump’s high-wire act on abortion angers conservatives

WASHINGTON, DC – Donald Trump has been accused of deserting the antiabortion movement as he seeks to negate attacks by Kamala Harris over one of the most polarizing issues of the US election.

The Republican nominee brags often about his role in overturning the constitutional right to abortion in the United States.

But -- under relentless fire from Harris and the Democratic Party, and with a majority of Americans supporting access to the procedure -- the former president is now risking the ire of his right-wing base by claiming to promote “reproductive rights.”

“Trump’s abandonment of Pro-Lifers is complete,” said a headline in the conservative National Review last week.

Jeremy Boreing, the co-founder of right-wing website The Daily Wire, attacked the former president as “philosophically malleable.”

“His first term was perhaps the most pro-life in actual effect of any administration in our history. That is his legacy -- if he will keep it,” Boreing said on X. The backlash came after Trump took to his Truth Social platform last week to target Democrats, who had for days been attacking him over abortion at their national convention in Chicago.

“My Administration will be great for women and their reproductive rights,” he wrote, hours after Harris accused him and the Republican Party of being “out of their minds” as she used her convention speech to criticize their abortion stance.

Trump’s post was “the worst statement Donald Trump has made” since he launched his campaign for president in 2015, Boreing said. It was “hard to interpret in any other way than as an affirmatively pro-choice statement,” wrote Philip Klein, editor of the National Review Online, referring to abortion rights.

“By the common usage of the term, if you support reproductive rights it means you want broader access to abortion.”

‘Beyond this Trump moment’

Conservatives -- along with everyone else -- have long grappled with how to understand Trump’s stance on abortion, which has shifted often over the years.

His stacking of the Supreme Court with justices handpicked for their abortion views allowed it to overturn Roe v Wade, the 1973 ruling that had enshrined the procedure as a right.

That seismic move in 2022 made him a hero to many in the anti-abortion movement, which had driven conservative voters to the polls for decades.

“I was able to kill Roe v. Wade,” he wrote in a Truth Social post last year.

“Without me, the pro Life movement would have just kept losing.”

But since then the issue has become an electoral problem for the Republican

The backlash came after Trump took to his Truth Social platform last week to target Democrats, who had for days been attacking him over abortion at their national convention in Chicago

Party, firing up voters in many local, state and national elections to back Democrats, who have vowed to restore Roe. Meanwhile the anti-abortion movement is pushing Trump to go further, with some decrying fertility treatments like in-vitro fertilization and others focused on demanding an unpopular national abortion ban.

Trump has appeared to want it both ways, dodging the question of a ban by

Addressing climate change

IT IS heartening that the Philippines, where sea levels are rising, is expected to secure a $500-million (P28.14 billion) loan from the Manila-based Asian Development Bank to ramp up the country’s climate action moves.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, who met up with ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, said the multilateral lender is finalizing the approval of the Climate Change Action Program Subprogram 2, a follow-through of the CCAP 1 signed in June 2022 worth over $400 million.

The program is also part of the ADB’s $10 billion climate finance commitment for the Philippines starting this year and continuing until 2029.

The CCAP will also support the Philippines in implementing its national climate policies, including its nationally determined contribution.

The program will intensify efforts to transform critical sectors toward a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy.

Recto said ADB, the country’s top multilateral partner and second-largest source of official development assistance commitments. also pledged to continue leveraging regional facilities

like the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility and the Green Climate Fund to enhance the availability and accessibility of grant financing for the country. These developments buoy up authorities and climatologists who see that sea levels in the Philippines are rising at about twice the global average.

—“—

Without concerted global and local action, the challenges the country will face from climate change are expected to intensify in the medium or long term

When especially strong storms make landfall, this higher sea level contributes to storm surge that can rise upwards of 15–20 feet, displacing thousands or even millions of citizens in coastal communities. Climate change has manifested itself in rising temperature, variability of precipitation, frequency and intensity of typhoons, sea level rise, and the risks of more droughts, floods, heat waves, and forest and grassland fires have impacts on the economy, environment and communities.

(Last of 2 parts)

IN OUR previous column, we discussed how the Supreme Court dismissed my petition, citing the lack of a self-executing provision and the need for a legislative enabling law.

The arguments for and against the current political system are as complex as they are polarizing.

On one hand, the entrenchment of political dynasties is seen as a perversion of democracy, where public office becomes a family heirloom, passed down through generations without regard for merit or the public good.

This concentration of power exacerbates corruption, stifles competition, and perpetuates inequality.

ANIM’s call for an anti-dynasty law is a direct response to this, grounded in the 1987 Constitution’s promise of equal opportunity for all.

On the other hand, the legal landscape is fraught with challenges.

The absence of an enabling law means that any attempt to dismantle political dynasties must navigate uncharted legal waters.

The Supreme Court, while a potential ally, has historically been cautious in its rulings on politically sensitive matters.

Moreover, the implementation of any new laws would require a level of political will and institutional integrity that has often been lacking in the Philippine context.

Ethically, the fight against political dynasties is a battle for the soul of the nation.

It pits the ideals of democracy and equal representation against the harsh realities of power and privilege.

Yet, as ANIM moves forward, it must also grapple with the ethical implications of its own strategies.

insisting repeatedly that “everyone” wanted individual states to make their own decisions on abortion, even as he accuses Harris and the Democrats of “executing” babies. In another Truth Social post last week he also called the Republican Party a “leader” on IVF. He announced Thursday -- without any details on funding -- that as president he would mandate free IVF treatments for any Americans who wanted it.

Given its geographical location, archipelagic formation in the tropical Pacific, and population distribution, the Philippines is greatly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and has experienced noticeable adverse effects in recent years.

Without concerted global and local action, the challenges the country will face from climate change are expected to intensify in the medium or long term, according to authorities.

But the government, responding to what has essentially become a global crisis, has enacted the Climate Change Act that provides the policy framework with which to systematically address the growing threats on community life and its impact on the environment.

The Climate Change Act establishes an organizational structure, the Climate Change Commission, and allocates budgetary resources for its important functions.

This week, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the Philippines is set to establish a gold standard for climate finance and action globally with the recent enactment of the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act that enables its hosting of the Board.

The LDF is a global financial mechanism designed to provide support to countries’ response and recovery from losses and damages caused by climate change. Last July 9, 2024, the 26-member LDF Board selected the Philippines as its host.

Developments are looking good.

ANIM movement: A David vs. Goliath battle for the Philippines’ future

Can it remain true to its non-partisan stance in a deeply partisan environment?

Will its reliance on a People’s Initiative—an inherently populist tool—be enough to overcome the entrenched interests it seeks to displace?

Magalong’s revelation:

The deepening crisis

Adding to the urgency of ANIM’s mission is the shocking revelation by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who exposed a staggering increase in the “kickback” or “SOP” from government projects—from 10 percent in previous years to an astonishing 30-40 percent today.

The fight against political dynasties pits the ideals of democracy and equal representation against the harsh realities of power and privilege

This brazen escalation of corruption is not just a symptom of a broken system, but a clear call for immediate action. The impact of this corruption is most visible in critical infrastructure projects like flood-control, where substandard work leads to devastating consequences for ordinary Filipinos.

Magalong’s revelation lays bare the deep-rooted problem of political dynasties and their stranglehold on public funds.

It is a stark reminder that corruption

He also suggested in an interview with NBC that he would vote to overturn Florida’s ban on abortions after six weeks’ pregnancy, which was “too short.” His campaign then quickly walked this back, saying Trump did not actually specify how he’d vote when the referendum takes place in his home state in November.

is not just a political issue, but a moral one—a theft from the people that perpetuates poverty and inequality.

ANIM’s fight, therefore, is not just about political reform, but about reclaiming the very future of the nation. The road ahead

As ANIM forges ahead, it must do so with a clear-eyed understanding of the challenges it faces.

The power of political dynasties, the inertia of the legal system, and the sheer scale of public apathy are formidable obstacles.

Yet, there is also reason for hope.

The movement’s leadership is experienced and respected, its goals are just, and its strategies, while ambitious, are grounded in the realities of the Philippine political system.

To succeed, ANIM must remain steadfast in its commitment to its core objectives.

It must build broad-based support, reaching out to all sectors of society and ensuring that its message resonates with ordinary Filipinos.

It must be prepared for a long and difficult fight, one that may require years, if not decades, to achieve meaningful change.

And it must always prioritize the needs of the people over the temptations of power and influence.

The success of ANIM will depend not just on the strength of its convictions, but on its ability to adapt, to persevere, and to inspire a nation to believe once again in the possibility of a better future.

The road ahead is uncertain, and the stakes could not be higher.

But if ANIM can rise to the challenge, it may yet prove to be the catalyst for the change the Philippines desperately needs.

Trump will “further alienate pro-lifers and divide his own party while doing absolutely zero to win over anybody prochoice,” Klein wrote in the National Review. That doesn’t mean that conservatives will suddenly start voting for Harris, but for many on the right it appears to be time to move on.

“The cause is way bigger and younger than Donald Trump,” Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, an anti-abortion nonprofit, told AFP. “It will shape the (Republican Party) beyond this Trump moment.” AFP

Comelec to inspect 8,640 ACMs

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday

said it will inspect 8,640 units of brand new automated counting machines (ACMs) initially delivered from South Korea to be used in next year’s midterm polls.

The ACMs, expected to arrive today, will be stored in a Comelec warehouse in Biñan, Laguna while awaiting the bulk of the equipment to be delivered in the coming months.

The poll body is renting a total of

110,000 ACMs for the May 12, 2025 national and local elections from the joint venture of Miru Systems Co Ltd, Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corp., and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc.

IN BRIEF

Senate rolls out own public service program

THE Senate has launched in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and Talisay City, Cebu an outreach project meant to revolutionize the delivery of basic services to the people.

The Senate Assist project rollout was done in collaboration with Lab for All program being spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. .

Developed in collaboration with the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. and supported by public and private sector partners, Senate Assist was designed to transform how the Senate delivers services nationwide.

“This initiative is more than just an extension of the Senate’s reach; it’s a revolution in public service. Senate Assist is a lifeline that connects every Filipino to the resources they need, no matter the distance or circumstance,” said Senate President Francis Escudero. Macon Ramos-Araneta

New Baclaran market seen to resolve traffic jam issue

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) backs the construction of a new Baclaran market offering a permanent location for retailers and address perennial traffic mess in the area.

The market will be built along the Redemptorist Channel in Barangay Baclaran in Paranaque City and Barangay 76 in Pasay City with the view of addressing the persistent road congestion problem plaguing the vicinity for over 50 years.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes and Philippine Reclamation Authority head Alexander Lopez signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Rubiano for the project.

Artes said the accord signified the project's importance in reducing traffic, providing business opportunities for vendors, and enhancing economic growth in the Baclaran area. Joel E. Zurbano

Philippine Army to launch own weekly reality series

THE Philippine Army is set unveil its first-ever reality series titled “Life in the OCS” featuring the training of seven Army officers in a premier screening at the University of Makati Auditorium in West Rembo, Taguig City on Sunday, Sept. 1.

The series, produced by the Army Personnel Management Center, features the journey of seven Army officer-applicants with diverse backgrounds at the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS), from their oath-taking to commissioning as second lieutenants.

New episodes will be released weekly through the ‘Join the Army’ and the ‘Philippine Army’ Facebook pages and YouTube channels starting Sept.1.

The premier will also showcase a static display of the Army’s latest defense assets such as the Army Artillery Regiment’s Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System 2000 and the Guarani 6x6 Armored Personnel Carrier.

Comelec chairman George Garcia said preparations for next year’s political exercise are now in full swing. He expressed confidence Miru will deliver more ACMs this September.

“Before the end of December, the total 110,000 ACMs will be in the Philippines, at least four months before the election day,” he said.

“We are on time. We are not experiencing any delays,” poll spokesman Rex Laudiangco said.

The poll body conducted last month demonstration tests on more than 200 ACMs, saying that there were no glitch-

A GATHERING OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. Ogusa Shibata, technical officer of Health Care Quality and Patient Safety of the World Health Organization, addresses the Philippine Patients Congress at the Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City. The convention gathers together some 300 patient advocates, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from the government, academe, and the private sector to tackle the patient advocacy movement, as well as strengthen the call for concerted action to deliver on the promise of Universal Health Care. Manny Palmero

es during the trials.

Laudiangco said the units went through the required Hardware Acceptance Test (HAT) in the Laguna warehouse.

“The diagnostic test results show that all of the ACM parts such as the sensor, touchscreen, scanner, printer, camera, USB (universal serial bus) ports, LED (light emitting diode), external keypad, etc. passed the appropriate criteria for each component during the HAT,” Comelec said in statement.

During the tests, each ACM went through different diagnostics to ensure all components were working based on the Comelec specifications.

Caloocan holds Bagong Silang plebiscite today

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos has approved the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) request for deployment of military and police forces to ensure the peaceful conduct of a today’s plebiscite in Caloocan City.

The approval was formalized via Memorandum Order No. 31, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 27.

The plebiscite was meant to ratify the division of Barangay Bagong Silang into six separate and independent barangays.

The memorandum granted the Comelec authority to deploy soldiers and policemen, along with other law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and order during the voting.

The law enforcement agencies were directed to coordinate closely with the Comelec to ensure that the voting process is free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible..

The Constitution empowers the Comelec to deputize law enforcers to safeguard elections, upon the President's approval.

DENR welcomes Congress’ passage of LDF measure

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources was elated with the passage by Congress of a bill allowing the country to host the Loss and Damage Fund Board.

In a statement, the DENR thanked President Marcos and Congress for ratifying the measure.

“The hosting of the Loss and Damage Board will play a crucial role in the delivery of critically needed resources to climate vulnerable developing countries as they confront both economic and non-economic loss and damage due to the impacts of climate change,” the statement read.

TRAFFIC JAM ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD. An ongoing repair of a damaged portion of the Halsema Highway in the highlands of Bakun, Benguet has triggered heavy traffic on the narrow thoroughfare. Dave Leprozo

“With the enactment of this law, the Board is now vested with juridical personality and legal capacity to fulfill its mandate. This landmark legislation represents the Philippines tangible commitment to the Fund’s purpose and manifests our continuing determination to support global climate action,” it added.

The agency said it is currently refining the Host Country Agreement, which will “imbue the Board with the essential privileges and immunities to effectively discharge its functions within our country.”

“I extend my sincerest gratitude as well to all in the Inter-agency Technical Working Group who worked tirelessly to bring this vital legislation to fruition,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga said.

QC to present climate action in SEA meeting

THE Quezon City government will emphasize its “inclusive climate action initiatives (ICA)” in the upcoming C40 Cities Southeast Asia Regional Academy as part of the Climate Action Implementation (CAI) Program supported by the British government’s Urban Climate Action Program (UCAP).

The C40-CAI Southeast Asia Regional Academy, to be held Sept. 2-6 this year, will be attended by government leaders, policymakers, and delegates from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America to discuss integrating ICA into city governance.

“Among the city’s notable initiatives for mainstreaming ICA are the development of good, green jobs through an informal waste worker program, training on equity and inclusion across city departments to build competencies, the creation of a climate book for

Guadalupe Bridge spanning the Pasig River at

Makati City and Mandaluyong City will

IN BRIEF

Army raps Trump staff over ‘push’ at cemetery

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Army on Thursday (Friday Manila time) took aim at Donald Trump’s staff over a visit by the Republican presidential candidate to the country’s most hallowed resting place for its war dead.

The incident has mushroomed into an uncharacteristically public dispute between the military and a former US commander in chief, with Trump lashing out and accusing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris of having “killed” American soldiers through “gross incompetence” in Afghanistan.

Trump went to Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington with family members of some of the 13 service members killed in a 2021 bombing during the last hours of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

His campaign posted photos from the visit, including one showing him giving a thumbs-up gesture while standing with relatives at the grave of one of the US Marines killed. AFP

Pacific bloc rebuffs call to cut Taiwan ties

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Pacific leaders on Friday rejected a Beijing-backed call to break ties with Taiwan, saying a regional bloc would continue a decadesold policy of engagement. Members of the Pacific Islands Forum gathering in Tonga for an annual summit batted aside a push by one of China’s allies to stop treating Taiwan as a development partner.

In a final communique the bloc leaders “reaffirmed” a 1992 agreement that allowed talks with Taipei.

Beijing has aggressively sought to exclude Taiwan -- a self-governing island of more than 23 million people -- from international fora and rejects its claims to autonomy. Solomon Islands, China’s main partner in the South Pacific, had lobbied for Taiwan to be stripped of partner status with the Pacific Islands Forum.

The move had angered some of Taiwan’s allies.

The Pacific Islands Forum is split between countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing and others like the Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu which are allies of Taipei. AFP

Honduras says it axed extradition treaty to avoid US plot

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Honduran

President Xiomara Castro said Thursday (Friday Manila time) that her surprise decision to end an extradition treaty with the United States was to prevent it from being used in a plot against her government and military leaders.

“A plan is being hatched against my government,” Castro said, a day after announcing the end of the pact that has put powerful drug traffickers in US jails.

Castro said she took the step in response to “interference” by US Ambassador Laura Dogu, who criticized a meeting of senior Honduran officials with Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

Dogu told reporters that she was surprised to see Honduran Defense Minister Jose Manuel Zelaya and military chief General Roosevelt Hernandez sitting next to a “drug trafficker” in Venezuela.

“They attacked

job,” Harris said in a joint interview with her running mate Tim Walz while on the campaign trail in the swing state of Georgia.

The first female and Black and South Asian vice president described Trump as “diminishing the character and the strength of who we are as Americans, really dividing our nation.”

“I think people are ready to turn the page on that,” she said. “People are ready for a new way forward.”

The Democrat also said that she would name a Republican to her Cabinet if she wins, in another sign that she is reaching out to wavering middle-of-the-road voters.

Trump branded the interview “BORING!!!” in a post on social media. AFP

UN aid official questions world’s ‘humanity’ as Gaza war rages

UNITED NATIONS, New York – A top UN aid official on Thursday questioned “what has become of our basic humanity,” as the war in Gaza rages and humanitarian operations struggle to respond.

Joyce Msuya, acting head of the UN’s humanitarian office, said that “we cannot plan more than 24 hours in advance because we struggle to know what supplies we will have, when we will have them or where we will be able to deliver.”

“Civilians are hungry. They are thirsty. They are sick. They are homeless. They have been pushed beyond... what any human being should bear,” she told the Security Council.

Msuya’s comments came after the UN

BEPPU, Japan – Typhoon Shanshan dumped record rains Friday as it slowly churned up through Japan, triggering transport havoc and widespread warnings of landslides with up to six people killed.

The typhoon, one of the fiercest to hit Japan in decades, has weakened and was forecast to ease to tropical cyclone strength by Monday, though gusts were still reaching 126 kilometers per hour early Friday. Even before making landfall on the island of Kyushu, a landslide caused by the heavy rains preceding it killed three members of the same family late Tuesday in Aichi prefecture, around 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) away.

Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed four deaths but said that in one case, “the relation to the typhoon was being studied”. Two more were feared dead and two others were missing, Hayashi said.

Eight people were seriously hurt and 70 others had light injuries, he said, with many hurt by broken glass after the typhoon smashed windows and ripped tiles off roofs when it slammed into Kyushu on Thursday with gusts up to 252 kph. AFP

had to halt the movement of aid and aid workers within Gaza on Monday due to a new Israeli evacuation order for the Deir al-Balah area, which had become a hub for its workers.

“More than 88 percent of Gaza’s territory has come under an (Israeli) order to evacuate at some point,” Msuya said, adding that civilians, “in a state of limbo,” were being forced into an area equivalent to just 11 percent of the Gaza Strip.

“The evacuation orders appear to defy the requirements of international humanitarian law,” she added. Israel’s war against Palestinian militant group Hamas has come under increasing scrutiny as the civilian death toll rises, but international powers including the United States have failed so far to help negotiate a ceasefire.

The current fighting was sparked by Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,199 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 40,602 people in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the

dead are women and children.

“What we have witnessed over the past 11 months... calls into question the world’s commitment to the international legal order that was designed to prevent these tragedies,” Msuya said.

“It forces us to ask: what has become of our basic sense of humanity?” Calling on the Security Council and wider international community to use its leverage to end the war, Msuya urged the release of hostages and “a sustained ceasefire in Gaza.”

Meanwhile, Israel has agreed to a series of three-day “humanitarian pauses” in Gaza to allow health officials to administer polio vaccinations to children in the territory, the World Health Organization said Thursday. AFP

TURNING

mocking her appearance in the interview. AFP

THIRSTY, HUNGRY, HOMELESS.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Alcaraz, Osaka bomb out of US Open

NEW YORK—Former champions

Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka were knocked out of the US Open on Thursday as the final Grand Slam of the year lost two of its biggest crowd-pullers.

Alcaraz, the world number three and 2022 champion in New York, was stunned by Dutch world number 74 Botic van de Zandschulp 6-1, 7-5, 6-4.

Osaka, who counts the 2018 and 2020 US Opens amongst her four career majors, slipped to a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) loss at the hands of 52nd-ranked Czech Karolina Muchova.

Alcaraz had made at least the quarterfinals in his three previous appearances in New York. Thursday’s defeat was his earliest at a Grand Slam since a second round exit at Wimbledon in 2021.

Defeat ended his dream of becoming only the third man in the modern era to win the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season.

“The tennis schedule is so tight. I’ve been playing a lot of matches lately with Roland Garros, with Wimbledon, Olympic Games,” said Alcaraz who lost a draining Olympics final to Novak Djokovic in Paris just over three weeks ago.

“I took a little break after the Olympic Games. Probably it wasn’t enough. Probably I came here with not as much energy as I thought that I was going to come. But I don’t want to put that as excuse.”

‘Incredible evening’

Van de Zandschulp said he was lost for words after only his second career win over a top five player.

“It was an incredible evening out here in my first time in the night session on Arthur Ashe,” he said.

“I tried to stay calm. You have to keep your head against these guys otherwise they will take advantage.”

He broke twice in the opening set to stake his claims in front of a shellshocked crowd.

He was breaks to the good in sets two and three, leaving Alcaraz to counter-punch before surrendering his hardearned foothold.

His fate was sealed when he committed his 27th and final unforced error of the night as van de Zandschulp pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent Grand Slam history. AFP

Mt. Malarayat to test JPGT players’ skills, golf strategies

JUNIOR golfers are not only preparing for fierce competition among themselves in their quest for crucial ranking points but also bracing for the formidable challenges posed by the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club course in Lipa City, Batangas.

While the usual demands of length, ball control, club selection and putting will be present, it’s the all-weather, 27hole championship course’s distinctive characteristics that will truly challenge the young golfers when it hosts the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 6 beginning Monday (Sept. 2).. Beyond the technical challenges, the elements, particularly the wind, are expected to play a pivotal role, influencing nearly every shot and adding another layer of difficulty across nearly every hole that players must adapt to, making it a memorable, yet demanding experience for all participants.

The stakes are high, with the tournament serving as the penultimate leg of the sevenstage Luzon series of the nationwide tour. The players’ bids for the Match Play Championship, set for next month, hinge on their performances this week.

The battle lines are drawn across four age categories in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, with intense competition expected. The quest for group honors and ranking points will undoubtedly spark fierce rivalry, especially in the premier 16-18 division, where the competition stretches over 72 holes. The 13-15 category will cover 54 holes, while the younger 8-9 and 10-12 divisions will compete over 36 holes.

In the girls’ premier division, expect a down-to-the-wire showdown between Lia Duque, Rafa Anciano, Chloe Rada and Angelica Bañez.

Wushu athlete Llabres bags gold for PH at World Taijiquan tourney

By Randy Caluag

SENIOR wushu

athlete Jones Inso

Llabres ensured the Philippine flag was proudly raised at the 4th World Taijiquan Championships, clinching the gold medal in the Men’s Chen Style 56 Movements category of the prestigious tournament held recently in Singapore.

Aside from Llabres’ gold, the Philippine wushu team brought home three silver medals and a bronze.

Tate Matthew Chuang capped off the team’s impressive campaign, earning a silver in the Men’s Yang Style Taijiquan 40 Movements and a bronze in the Men’s Wuhao Style Taijiquan.

Southeast Asian Games champion Agatha Wong continued her podium streak by securing a silver medal in the Women’s 42 Movements Taijiquan.

Meanwhile, junior athlete Zion Daraliay made her mark by grabbing a silver in the Women’s 24 Movements Taijiquan.

The 4th World Taijiquan Championships attracted 325 participants from 32 countries and regions, representing five continents.

As one of the six major official events organized by the International Wushu Federation, this world-class competition serves as

a premier platform for Taijiquan elites to showcase their skills and exchange knowledge.

This year’s championships featured two main categories—competition events and demonstration events. The competition events were divided into optional routines, new

standardized routines, and compulsory routines. Demonstration events included both compulsory and traditional routines, covering a wide array of Taijiquan styles, including Sun, Wu, Yang, Chen, and Wu. Wushu is set to make its debut as an official competition event at the

Suzara elected Asian Volleyball president, 2nd Filipino to head organization in 45 years

BANGKOK—Ramon “Tats” Suzara vowed to seize the opportunity and momentum to the hilt to take the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) to a new era following his election as president of the continental governing body for volleyball here on Friday morning.

Suzara will serve a four-year term as the ninth president and only the second Filipino—after Nemesio Yabut who was president from 1976 to 1979—of the AVC.

“The greatest boost shall be derived from the region’s grand tradition and rich history in volleyball,”

Suzara said. “The legacy of inspiring wisdom and nurturing leadership of previous administrations will be carried on, even as the AVC story continues to unfold.”

Suzara earned 48 votes to win by

2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, featuring Taijiquan All-Around (Taijiquan & Taijishan) events.

Notably, this championship also introduced optional and compulsory routines for Taijishan, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution.

no-show in the 25th AVC General Assembly, Congress and Election at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in the Thai capital.

He succeeded Indonesia’s Rita Sibowo, who headed the organization for the past Olympic cycle from 2020 to 2024.

“I thanked everyone who have trusted me and as president, my work has just begun,” he said. Suzara was accompanied in the Congress by his Philippine National Volleyball Federation chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, vice president Ricky Palou and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal.

“Thank you very much my AVC family, to Mr. Ali [Ghanem Al-Kuwari] we will always be family,” he added. FIVB President Ary Graça and director general Fabio Azevedo witnessed the exercise and later gave Suzara a warm congratulations along with Sibowo. Suzara’s election came almost a year before a milestone solo hosting by the Philippines of the FIVB Volleyball Men World Championships in September next year.

“He is going to be a good president because Mr. Suzara is very professional for our sport,” Graça said.

Hustle Rising Suns crowned Sinag Liga Asya B2001 champs

By Air Urquiola

IN A thrilling display of skill, teamwork, and determination, Hustle Rising Suns emerged victorious as the champions of the Sinag Liga Asya, B2001 category.

This groundbreaking achievement not only solidifies the team’s position as an up-and-coming squad in its division, but also shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent nurtured within their training program—the Hustle

Basketball Skills Lab.

The inaugural season of Sinag Liga Asya, B2001 division proved to be a platform for Hustle Basketball Skills Lab to showcase their mettle with Coach John dela Cruz at the helm. Through skills and technical training from Hustle Basketball Skills Lab, the team, headed by up- andcoming players like Luis Pablo and Daniel Padilla, to name a few, had their B2001 division (23 years old and

below) of Sinag Liga Asia serving as the ultimate test.

With each game, the team showcased their exceptional basketball IQ, lightning-fast reflexes, and a deep-rooted passion for the sport. Their journey to the championship was marked by hardfought battles, dramatic comebacks, and unforgettable performances that captivated audience.

“One of the original plans of Hustle Basketball Skills Lab is to discover bas-

ketball players through our grassroots development program. Joining Sinag Liga Asya is a platform for us to test the mettle of the players, who stayed with us despite various offers from different teams” said Dela Cruz, head coach of Hustle Rising Suns and the founder and lead trainer of Hustle Basketball Skills Lab. At the heart of Hustle Rising Suns success lies their unwavering commitment to player optimization. The training program from Hustle Basketball Skills Lab that is technically designed by Dela Cruz, who himself is a US-certified coach and has been consistently training his mastery in coaching, is focused on honing players’ fundamental skills, strategic thinking, and mental toughness. This holistic approach has produced a crop of young, talented individuals who are not only exceptional basketball players but also well-rounded athletes and individuals.

The championship title is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Hustle Basketball Skills Lab community. From the players who sacrificed countless hours of practice to the coaches, who provided unwavering support, everyone contributed to this historic achievement. The win has undoubtedly inspired a new generation of basketball enthusiasts to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.

Jones Inso Llabres performs his gold medal-clinching performance in the 4th World Taijiquan Championships.

(Wushu Federation-Philippines)

Ramon Suzara garners 48 votes landslide over his lone opponent, Qatar’s Ali Ghanem Al-Kuwari, who had

15 out of the 63 total votes—20 were by proxy and Brunei and Mongolia were a

Champion coach John Ross dela Cruz hoists the Sinag Liga Asya B2001 trophy.

THE CHAMPS ARE HERE! The victorious Hustle Rising Sun is composed of Manuel Antonio Luis Pablo (C) DLSU; Dwyne Miranda (G) Mapua; Mythical Five SLA B’01 Rojan Montemayor (G) FEU; Zscherbiak Beato (C) FEU; Leyton Buenaventura (C) AU; Lorenzo Competente (G) AdU; Mythical Five SLA B’04 Sebastian Reyes (C) Letran; Mythical Five SLA Born’04, Daniel Padilla (G) Letran; Mythical Five SLA Born ’04 Peter Ryle Rosillo (G) Letran; Finals MVP SLA B’01 Alexandrei Gazzingan (G) St.Clare; Nurjadden Datumalim (C); JC Espinosa DLSU-Zobel; Allen Vergara (G) DLSU-Zobel; Tristan Tubangui (G) HAU; Deo Cuajao Letran; Jonathan Manalili (G) Letran; and Kenjie Duremdes (G) Perpetual Atlas.

4.4% 3.7%

Inflation rate in July 2024

7-month average inflation

3.2% to 4.0%

Inflation forecast for August

BSP expects inflation to fall below 4% in August

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

(BSP) said Friday it expects inflation to retreat from 4.4 percent in July 2024.

It said in a statement the August inflation would likely settle within a range of 3.2 percent to 4.0 percent, or within the government’s target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2024.

The BSP said the lower domestic oil, rice, fish and meat prices, along with the peso appreciation, were expected to mitigate the upward pressures from other commodities.

It said higher electricity rates and rising agricultural commodity prices, driven by unfavorable weather in August, were the primary contributors to inflationary pressures.

Inflation climbed to 4.4 percent in July, but BSP Governor Elli Remolona Jr. said at the last monetary policy meeting that this would taper off in the coming months.

Remolona said the balance of risks to the inflation outlook leaned toward the downside for the rest of 2024 and 2025, led by the lower import tariff on rice.

The Monetary Board said it would continue to take a measured approach in ensuring price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable growth of the economy and employment.

The MB, the policy-making body of the BSP, cut by 25 basis points the overnight borrowing rate for the first time in two years on Aug. 15, 2024 and hinted of another adjustment later this year.

Gov’t extends Laguindingan Int’l Airport’s Swiss Challenge

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the extension until Sept. 13, 2024 of the submission of comparative proposals for the upgrade, expansion, operations and maintenance of Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental province.

“Upon the end of the challenge period for the Laguindingan airport, if there is no challenger, the project is expected to be awarded by the end of September,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Baliscan said.

“Meanwhile if there is a challenge placed, the award of the project is expected to be made by mid of December this year,” he said.

Department of Transportation

(DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said the submission of comparative

proposals for Laguindingan Airport was originally set for Aug. 13, 2024.

The DOTr earlier said at least two challengers paid a non-refundable participation fee of P250,000 or $4,500 for the project’s Swiss Challenge.

Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement, usually required in an unsolicited project, to provide other parties an opportunity to challenge the bid of

the proponent. The airport project is an unsolicited proposal from Aboitiz InfraCapital, accepted by the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines following the provisions of Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines.

The challenge process involves the submission of comparative proposals to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport under a 30-year concession period.

The NEDA said it also approved the Philippine Civil Service Modernization (PCSM) Project which aims to support the government as it leverages technology toward further modernizing public sector processes. The initiative focuses on streamlining and simplifying the human resource (HR) information systems across various government agencies.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday it initiated a controlled trial of a Vietnam-developed African Swine Fever (ASF) live vaccine in Lobo, Batangas, one of the municipalities affected by the animal disease.

DA assistant secretary for swine and poultry Constante Palabrica said the vaccine rollout would help protect healthy pigs and curb the spread of ASF which had devastated the hog industry since 2019.

First PH space facility to rise in New Clark City

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) signed a 50-year lease agreement with state-run Bases Conversion and Development

complex dedicated to advancing the country’s space capabilities and research endeavors.

“According to them, putting up their office and research facility in Clark is the country’s best foot forward in the space economy,” said BCDA ex-

ecutive vice president Gisela Kalalo at the 3rd edition of the Subic/Clark Business Conference hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCPI) at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. She said PhilSA is keen on establishing one of the most modern space centers in Southeast Asia.

The contract signing ceremony, held at the BCDA office in Bonifacio Global City, was attended by key officials from both agencies, including PhilSA director-general Joel Joseph Marciano Jr. and BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang. Othel V. Campos

“We must embrace innovative solutions like this vaccine to improve outcomes for our hog industry,” he said, emphasizing the importance of developing hog immunity to limit the virus’s spread.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by both large and small-scale farmers, particularly the latter’s difficulty in implementing biosecurity measures due to financial constraints.

The new strategy involves controlled vaccinations to help pigs reach market weight, offering a fresh approach to tackling the disease.

BLOOD DONATION. Lopezled economic zone developer First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) in Tanauan City, Batangas, concludes another blood-letting activity in support of efforts of the Philippine Red Cross for voluntary or nonrenumerated blood from donors. FPIP holds the blood-letting activity every quarter as part of its support for the PRC branch in Tanauan City. In the latest drive, FPIP gathered over a hundred units of blood from close to 200 employees of the ecozone and its locators. FPIP also has an outstanding commitment with PRC to organize in Tanauan City volunteers, trained to respond rapidly to emergencies and disasters.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. stressed the urgency of finding an effective vaccine to protect investments, revitalize backyard farms and ensure food security.

The DA, with an allocation of P300 million for 600,000 ASF vaccines, said it is prepared to secure additional funding if the trials are successful. They are also exploring other vaccines for breeders and growers.

The ASF outbreak has caused significant losses in the swine industry, affecting 32 provinces.

THE government is optimistic that the Senate will soon approve its version of the CREATE MORE bill, paving the way for a swift bicameral hearing on the crucial economic reform legislation.

Secretary Frederick Go, the special assistant to the President for investment and economic affairs, expressed hope that the Senate version would be released next week and that the House would be receptive to it.

“If the Senate passes the bill on Tuesday, a bicameral hearing could potentially be held as early as Wednesday or Thursday,” he said.

The House of Representatives passed its version of the CREATE MORE bill in March.

This bill aims to enhance the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, making the country’s tax incentives more competitive and aligning them with international standards.

The bill is considered vital to attracting more investments and boosting economic growth in the Philippines. It includes provisions that reduce corporate income tax, streamline the tax refund process and offer additional incentives for certain sectors such as renewable energy and green infrastructure.

Othel V. Campos

PDMA EXHIBITION. The Philippine Die and Mould Association Inc. (PDMA) presents the long-awaited return of the Philippine Die and Mould Machineries & Equipment Exhibition (PDMEX) happening until Aug. 31, 2024. In its 11th edition, PDMEX 2024 offers more options for visitors and businesses to come and check out the latest developments and models of heavy-duty equipment and machines. PDMA pushes the boundaries of heavy-duty machines and offers the best lineup of machines that are made for every industry. From construction to food industries, PDMA helps bring these tools to life to further help businesses thrive and expand into bigger enterprises.

The Department of Agriculture initiates a controlled trial of a Vietnam-developed African Swine Fever (ASF) live vaccine in Lobo, Batangas, one of the municipalities affected by the animal disease.

AUGUST

PH stocks rise as peso climbs to 5-month high of 56.11 a dollar

THE local stock market rose Friday, after a two-day decline on bargainhunting.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed 5.99 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 6,897.54.

The broader all-shares index added 9.52 points, or 0.25 percent, to reach 3,742.81.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. research head Michael Ricafort said the main composite index also rose after the peso appreciated against the dollar to the strongest in more than five months.

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed that the peso closed at 56.11 against the US dollar Friday, up from 56.28 on Thursday.

Ricafort said that while US stocks were only up by a little overnight, the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted new record highs on closing.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said the easing recession concerns in the US brought about by the decline in initial jobless data claims and the revised secondquarter gross domestic product growth also gave the local market a boost.

The strong value turnover which reached P13.04 billion also helped boost the market.

Foreign investors, however, turned net sellers with total net outflows reaching P306.25 million.

Property rose the most among the indices, rising by 1.89 percent on expectation of continued monetary easing. Industrial rose 0.60 percent and financial by 0.30 percent.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Petron discloses initial dividend rate for P17-b preferred shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria

SAN Miguel-led Petron Corp. set the initial dividend rate for its planned P17-billion preferred shares offering.

Petron said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the Series 4D preferred shares would have a dividend rate of 6.8364 percent annum for the next five years, after which the company would have to pay higher rates based on the prevailing sevenyear benchmark plus a spread of 3.25 percentage points.

Series 4E preferred shares will carry an initial dividend rate of 7.1032 percent annum for the next 10 years.

If unredeemed on the 10th year, Petron will have to pay higher rates based on the prevailing 10-year benchmark plus a spread of 3.25 percent.

Petron plans to sell 13 million pre-

ferred shares with an oversubscription option for another 4 million shares at P1,000 apiece.

The preferred shares will be issued as second tranche from the company’s 50 million preferred shares shelfregistration program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2023.

Petron said that in case the oversubscription shares are exercised in full, it would still have 19 million preferred shares under its registration program which it could issue until June 2026.

Offer period will start on Sept. 5, 2024 and end of Sept. 13, 2024.

The preferred shares will be listed in the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Sept. 23, 2024. The company said it would use the proceeds from the fund-raising activity to redeem the Series 3A preferred shares, refinance maturing obligations and fund general corporate purposes including purchase of crude oil inventory.

Six banks including Bank of Commerce, BDO Capital & Investments Corp., China Bank Capital, PCCI Capital, PNB Capital and SB Capital were engaged as joint lead underwriters for this transaction.

members of the Philippine

PAL offers lowest fares to select destinations

By Darwin G. Amojelar

The alliance, which started in June 2022, brings together the two largest loyalty programs in the country.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that HAUSLAND

Angeles City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Developer of LowCost Housing Project (THE HAUSLANDS BATAAN) with a capacity of 697 H&L units, under Tier I (Preferred Activities - Mass Housing) of the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) of RA. 11534 (CREATE Act), with project site located at Brgy. Capitangan, Abucay, Bataan.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said it is offering travelers its lowest fares of the year on select international and domestic destinations to convince more passengers to fly.

The Lucio Tan-led airline said the ultimate seat sale runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 20, 2024.

“Fares are as low as $73 round trip base fare for international travel, and P209 one-way base fare for domestic travel. Travel period is from Aug. 30, 2024 onwards,” PAL said.

“PAL’s ultimate seat sale allows passengers to book and fly immediately or plan their travels for later, all while benefiting from the most competitive prices of the year,” it said.

Meanwhile, PAL renewed its partnership with SMAC (SM Advantage Card) for its Mabuhay Miles, the airline’s frequent flyer program.

“This partnership represents more than just a synergy between two esteemed brands; it signifies a commitment to enhancing the lives and experiences of our loyal customers, setting a new benchmark for the industry,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng.

“As we embark on this renewed journey together, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to making this partnership a reality,” he said.

SMAC chief operating officer Kevin Hartigan-Go said SMAC was guided by a commitment to service excellence and offered unparalleled shopping experiences to its valued members for over 20 years.

“We are grateful to have found a partner in PAL Mabuhay Miles that shares our values and dedication to providing the best services and fostering customer loyalty,” Hartigan-Go said.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that PAVI GREEN COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP INC. is applying for registration with

GLOBE Telecom said Friday it solidified its position as an environmental, social and governance (ESG) leader in the telecom industry, securing an “AA” rating from MSCI ESG Research for the second straight year.

“Our ESG rating reflects the collective effort of our entire organization in integrating sustainability principles in the way we do business. We remain dedicated to driving positive change, not only within our company but also in the communities we serve and the nation at large,” Globe chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto said.

Marisalve Ciocson-Co, Globe chief compliance officer, said the company is committed to upholding the highest standards of governance, which is integral to

our overall ESG strategy.

“Our consistent ‘AA’ rating is a testament to Globe’s rigorous approach to compliance and governance. This recognition not only reflects our dedication to ethical business practices but also underscores our role as a responsible corporate citizen,” Ciocson-Co said.

The company’s consistent “AA” rating demonstrates its proactive approach to managing risks and its dedication to sustainable business practices. MSCI ESG Research provides MSCI ESG Ratings on global public and a few private companies on a scale of AAA (leader) to CCC (laggard), according to exposure to industry-specific ESG risks and the ability to manage those risks relative to peers. Darwin G. Amojelar

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

MINE VISIT. Philex Mining Corp., one of the oldest and largest copper and gold producers in Southeast Asia, welcomes

Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) Multi Stakeholder Group headed by Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin (kneeling, second from left) and Secretariat headed by national coordinator Mary Ann Dizon-Rodolfo (standing, third from left), to their Padcal Mine in Tuba, Benguet, for a mine tour and community visit as part of the PH-EITI Regional Roadshow in Baguio City. Philex vice president for Padcal operations and resident manager Ricardo Dolipas II (kneeling, left), Padcal safety and risk management manager Marie Aurora Dolipas (standing, fourth from right) and Philex public and regulatory affairs head Francis Joseph Ballesteros Jr. (standing, right) joined the tour.

PAL Holdings Inc. president and chief operating officer Lucio Tan III (fourth from left) and SM Group executive director Hendrik Sy (third from left) lead the partnership renewal of PAL’s frequent flyer program Mabuhay Miles and the SM Group’s retail rewards program SMAC (SM Advantage Card) at the Lanson Hotel in Pasay. Joining them are PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng, PAL executive vice president – general counsel Carlos Luis Fernandez, SM Retail chief financial officer Jonathan Ng and SMAC chief operating officer Kevin Hartigan-Go. Mabuhay Miles members may convert their flown miles into SMAC points while SMAC members may convert their SMAC points into miles.

A Brown unit drops Batangas LNG terminal

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ABROWN Company Inc.’s (ABCI) subsidiary Vires Energy Corp. notified the Department of Energy on Friday that it is withdrawing its plan to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and a regasification facility in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City.

A Brown said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that Vires would redirect its focus towards power generation and the pre-development of a 900-megawatt LNG combined cycle power plant, which is in the planning stages and will be constructed on a 15-hectare onshore site replacing the initially proposed floating power plant design.

“The withdrawal of the NTP, therefore, will not prejudice the LNG project and will instead be a step forward on the development of the project,” the company said.

It said Vires decided, given the recent industry developments, to forego constructing an LNG terminal and instead adopt the third-party access (TPA) model, which involves the purchase of gas from third-party gas sources through long-term gas supply agreements.

“It has been determined that the adoption of the TPA model will give the optimal approach for the VEC project moving forward,” A Brown said.

“This model will leverage existing gas infrastructure in the Batangas area to support the development of new power plants and will also shorten the time when power generation can happen since VEC will no longer need to construct an LNG Terminal,” it said.

A Brown said the Vires site in Barangay Simlong is strategically located along the Batangas Bay and is evaluating the best way to connect to the existing gas pipelines to access gas from third-party LNG terminals and indigenous gas supply from Malampaya.

Region 12 food exporters participate in EU training

MORE than 100 participants from the food manufacturing industry in Region 12 received training on exporting food products to the European Union (EU) market.

The two-day training held at the Avior Hotel provided up-to-date information on EU Food Safety regulations, enhanced understanding of the benefits and procedures related to the EU Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) and informed

exporters on the ongoing EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement negotiations.

It covered a range of topics including recent changes to EU regulations, compliance guidelines, and the benefits of the EU GSP+.

It also featured insights from representatives of the BFAR, who provided technical information on recent regulatory changes affecting tuna exporters.

DOT, DOST agree to harness science and technology for tourism offerings

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed two key agreements that harness science and technology to develop the country’s tourism offerings and promote sustainable development.

The first agreement, a memorandum of understanding (MOU), focuses on promoting the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).

BOI, UP team up to woo investors in biofertilizers

THE Board of Investments (BOI) teamed up with the University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM) and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) to stimulate investment in locally-developed biofertilizers and herbal medicine technologies through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

“This MOU will be a strategic tool to pursue all these opportunities through the promotion of the commercialization of the technologies already developed by UP Los Baños and UP Manila for biofertilizer and herbal medicines,” said BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo during the signing ceremony.

The partnership seeks to expedite technological initiatives by establishing a platform for technology transfer, investment promotion and collaborative efforts.

It highlights the importance of supporting Filipino innovation, emphasizing the potential of “Pinoy-made” products.

The BOI, as the country’s lead investment promotion agency, committed to providing incentives and pursuing collaborative projects to foster these industries’ development.

The initial phase of the collaboration will focus on investment roadshows in Regions 3, 6 and 10.

“We are formalizing our partnership with the signing of this MOU.

The document reflects our shared commitment to the triple goal of advancing sustainable agricultural production, enhancing public health, and strengthening the local economy,” UPM vice chancellor for research

Leslie Michelle Dalmacio.

The Institute of Herbal Medicines at UPM is responsible for overseeing the National Integrated Research Program on Medicinal Plants. The institute plays a crucial role in ensuring that Filipino consumers have access to safe, effective, and affordable natural medicines derived from the country’s abundant herbal resources.

Othel V. Campos

The program aims to transform communities into smart, sustainable and resilient hubs through a peoplecentric and technology-driven approach.

Under the MOU, the DOT and DOST will collaborate on various aspects, including knowledge creation, technology development, capability building, and policy advocacy to achieve the goals of the SSCP.

The second is a memorandum of

agreement (MOA) for the development and deployment of the Tourism Live-Inventory and Statistics of Tourist Arrivals (TourLISTA) 2.0 app.

TourLISTA is a web-based tool that provides real-time updates, advanced data visualization tools and comprehensive inventory and statistics on tourist arrivals, empowering tourism stakeholders with valuable insights.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the necessity of technology of modernizing the tour-

ism industry.

“We manifest our joint commitment to innovation in the democratization of tourism. The introduction of technology is no longer just an option, but rather an absolute necessity,” she said during the ceremony.

Frasco also received Halal modules developed by the DOST, aligning with the DOT’s strategy to diversify tourism products and position the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly destination.

Aboitiz pushes investment-friendly policies to boost renewables adoption

ABOITIZ Power Corp. is pushing for an investment-friendly environment to foster the progress of renewable energy projects and help boost its adoption.

AboitizPower chief investment officer Joseph Lacson is calling for strengthened cooperation among all stakeholders to fully unlock the potential of renewable energy.

“While the potential benefits of a renewable energy future are immense, the path is fraught with many challenges. The current business landscape is characterized by some degree of uncertainty, bureaucratic hurdles, and a shortage of skilled professional workers,” he said during the Energy Smart Forum 2024 event by

the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“A multifaceted approach is essential to our journey toward a renewable energy future. A robust policy framework that encourages investment and innovation is paramount,” he said, noting how the responsibility of the energy transition does not fall squarely on power producers. He said banks and financial institutions “play a catalytic role in driving investments”, while the public sector serves as a “cornerstone of any successful energy transition”, ensuring community involvement and addressing policy and regulatory concerns.

The collaborative initiative among the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTIEMB), DTI Region XII, PHILEXPORT Region XII, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the International Trade Center (ITC) was organized under the ARISE Plus Philippines project funded by the European Union.

VITRO connects Sta. Rosa data center to other facilities in NCR

By Darwin G. Amojelar

VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT, said Friday it is enhancing its network infrastructure by connecting its Sta. Rosa data center (VSR) to other major sites in Makati, Paranaque and Pasig. Enabled by Ciena, a global leader in networking systems, services and software, VSR will soon be directly linked to major VITRO sites via the VITRO Data Center Interconnect (DCI). VITRO said that with Ciena’s Waveserver Ai and 6500 coherent optical technology integrated into VSR, the facility would deliver scalability and efficiencies required to meet the needs of a hyperconnected world.

VSR is a purpose-built 50-megawatt hyperscale facility in Sta. Rosa designed to be Rated-3 certified and Rated-4 ready.

It utilizes the latest innovations in cooling and power redundancy and is equipped with at least three fiber routes to ensure network diversity, resilience, and carrier neutrality. The company announced its structural completion which also signifies the readiness of VITRO Sta. Rosa for power integration and energization.

“VITRO Sta. Rosa will soon connect seamlessly to our other sites in Metro Manila. This integration will enhance our network operations, providing topnotch connectivity solutions across all our facilities,” said ePLDT and VITRO president and chief executive Victor Genuino.

Alena Mae S. Flores

Participants from Region 12 food manufacturing sector visit a European Union-accredited manufacturing plant and learn the best practices for exporting. This is part of the training of over 100 participants on exporting food products to the EU market by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), DTI Region XII, PHILEXPORT Region XII, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the International Trade Center (TC) organized under the ARISE Plus Philippines project funded by the European Union.

CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista (second from left) and Marikina City Mayor Marcelino lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of active transport infrastructure in the city on Aug. 29, 2024. Two stand-alone end-of-trip cycling facilities at the Marikina Engineering office compound and the Marikina GAD building opened for free use by cyclists.

LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE. Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO) recognizes the value of hard work by extending additional livelihood assistance to dedicated residents of Pampanga who have shown perseverance in sustaining their micro-businesses. The beneficiaries are graduates of the ‘Kabalikat sa Negosyo’ livelihood training program organized by IGFI and PDO in Barangay Del Carmen, San Fernando, Pampanga in 2022.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Editor

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ,

ALENA

MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

iGTB vows to boost digital banking innovation in PH

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

INTELLECT Global Transaction

Banking (iGTB) said it is localizing their services and products in the Philippines by building an innovation hub, hiring Filipinos and opening a local development center.

“I have a very strong philosophy that you have to be local. You bring global best practices you have to localize for scaling,” iGTB chief executive Manish Maakan said in an interview.

Maakan said the Philippines is lagging behind in technology investment in the banking industry. “If I look at the top six or seven countries in the ASEAN region, from the technology investment, [the Philippines] is lagging behind,” he said. iGTB introduced its platform

eMACH.ai to help financial institutions design and deploy future-ready technology solutions to provide a global competitive edge. The intelligence platform has an array of 329 microservices, 535 events and over 1757 APIs.

“What we bring AI, we extract patterns of the data, send it to the AI engines. The AI engines review the patterns and give us a pattern back, and then we decouple it back into the environment,” he said.

The company assured customers of the safety and security of the data they are collecting. “It’s gonna be the safest device because I will not let anyone steal consumer data, So similarly, banks have to give that comfort that your data will not be abused and they have to be equally comfortable from the technology providers,” Maakan said.

US science firm opens Quezon City hub

THERMO Fisher Scientific, an American life science and research company, opened a new global business services center (GBSC) in Quezon City which will employ 450 professionals.

The new center will integrate with a global network of over 1,600 colleagues across five existing shared service centers, operating as a central hub to deliver financial and customer services for its customers in the healthcare and biotech industries.

The new GBSC will expand Thermo Fisher’s presence in the Philippines, where over 1,400 team mem-

bers are already engaged in clinical research and customer support. The center will initially employ 100 individuals, with plans to expand the workforce to over 450 colleagues by end-2026.

sion of our extensive global network of global business services centers. With this growth, we are strategically positioned to enhance our capabilities that enable our customers’ important work.”

Thermo Fisher has an expanding presence in the region, supporting customers through comprehensive solutions in areas such as biotech, healthcare, clean energy and environmental monitoring.

“Thermo Fisher’s expansion in the Philippines demonstrates our continued commitment to expand our regional footprint to better support our customers. With the Philippines’

Metro Pacific unit signs deal to provide healthcare services to Cebuana Lhuillier

By Jenniffer B. Austria

METRO Pacific Health (MPH), the Philippines’ largest network of private hospitals and healthcare facilities, announced a strategic partnership with Cebuana Lhuillier, the leading microfinancial services provider in the country.

The collaboration, MPH’s second major network-wide alliance following its successful partnership with PLDT-Smart, highlights its dedication to becoming the top choice for corporate healthcare solutions nationwide. The new initiative, named the Alagang MVP (Most Valuable Patient) program, is designed to offer a comprehensive healthcare experience specifically for Cebuana Lhuillier’s

EAST zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. said its system losses or non-revenue water (NRW) remained below 15 percent in the first half of 2024 due to its quick leak response and methodical monitoring of water network.

executives, employees and their dependents.

The program guarantees priority access to MPH’s extensive network of hospitals and includes exclusive benefits such as executive checkups (ECU), annual physical exams (APE), inpatient (IP) and outpatient (OP) services and emergency room (ER) care.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Cebuana Lhuillier, a company that shares our commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos. Through this alliance, we aim to provide exceptional, empathetic care, ensuring that Cebuana Lhuillier employees receive the high-quality healthcare services they deserve,” said MPH group chief marketing officer Jessica Abaya in a statement.

skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, the new GBSC will continue to nurture top talent and function as an integrated hub to serve global customers,” said Sho-Wen Yeo, vice president and general manager of Southeast Asia and Taiwan for Thermo Fisher Scientific. The company in July 2024 was recognized on the Fortune 500 list of the largest US companies and has also received other prestigious accolades, including Forbes America’s Best Employers for New Grads, Time World’s Most Sustainable Companies and Forbes America’s Best Employers 2024.

IN BRIEF

Konrad Bauer, senior vice president for global business services at Thermo Fisher Scientific said the new site “represents a significant expanBSP-ID printer deal subject to arbitration

Quick leak response helps keep Manila Water’s system losses below 15%

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday the termination of contract with All Card Inc., the printer of the National ID cards, is now subject to arbitration. “In light of the confidentiality of arbitration, BSP is prohibited from disclosing matters relating to the proceedings,” the BSP said. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it trusts the decision of the BSP to terminate its contract with ACI. The BSP canceled the contract for the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of lot 1 lease of card production equipment for National ID cards.

The PSA assured the public that it is taking necessary actions for the continuous issuance of National IDs. “The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) trusts the assessment and decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to terminate its contract with their supplier for the National ID card production,” the PSA said. Ralph Harvey Rirao

PDIC seeks meeting with AMA Bank

STATE-RUN Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) said Friday it is still awaiting a response from AMA Bank on its request for a meeting together with the designated sheriff of the Court of Appeals (CA), to facilitate the turnover of the funds.

PDIC said that on May 24, 2023, it prepared a Landbank manager’s check representing the total amount of funds and interest earned, net of expenses, and was ready to turn over the funds to AMA Bank. PDIC said, however, it was constrained to suspend the turnover pursuant to the resolutions of the CA dated July 5, 2023 and Feb. 6, 2024 that deferred the execution of the CA decision dated Sept. 7, 2020, as judicial courtesy to the Supreme Court (SC), upon which the issue of AMA Bank’s closure was pending at that time.

The company said it repaired 198 mainline breakages in the first half of 2024, all done within 24 hours to curtail impact to customers and minimize water wastage.

It said preventive maintenance activities and emergency repairs are usually done at nighttime to minimize disruption and inconvenience to its customers’ daily activities.

The water and wastewater service provider manages 5,486.87 kilometers of water network in its concession area. Distribution management includes regular preventive maintenance, cracking down on illegal connections and meter tampering and swiftly repairing breakages, it said.

“Having a robust network monitoring system coupled with a competent quick response team and strong community engagement are some of the best tools the company has in combating water loss. We appreciate customers reporting leaks, illegal connections, and meter theft and tampering. These are valuable customer initiatives that help the company keep system losses at manageable levels,” Manila Water corporate communication affairs group director Jeric Se-

villa said. The company’s average NRW was at 13.57 percent of June 2024. Manila Water’s NRW improved to 12.94 percent in June compared to 13.92 percent a year ago.

NRW is water that is lost due to leaks and illegal connections. Lower NRW means more water to be distributed to more customers. An improvement of just 1 percent means an additional 80,000 customers get served.

30 women complete data science course under FTW scholarship program

THIRTY women scholars completed their data science training as part of Batch 9 of the FTW Scholarship Program. The program was spearheaded by For The Women (FTW) Foundation in partnership with PLDT Inc. (PLDT), Smart Communications Inc. and PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF).

The graduates, who finished 14 weeks of data science training, joined the ranks of over 500 FTW scholars who have benefited from the initiative. FTW started the program in 2018 to enhance opportunities for women in the tech industry through data science training.

It aims to drive diversity in tech by providing free upskill training to women who otherwise wouldn’t have access to such specialized education.

“Earlier, based on agreed-upon protocols, the PDIC completed the turnover of documents, records and the branches to AMA Bank as of July 13, 2023 in the presence of the CA-designated Sheriff upon the PDIC’s receipt of the March 1, 2023 resolution of the SC,” it said. PIDC said that upon its receipt of the latest SC resolution dated May 28, 2024, it sent a letter to AMA Bank on July 30, 2024 for a meeting to discuss the full turnover of the cash. “All the creditors and depositors are advised to directly communicate with AMA Bank,1” PDIC said.

Eurozone inflation fell to three-year low BRUSSELS—Eurozone inflation fell to its lowest level in more than three years this month thanks to falling energy costs, official data showed on Friday, raising expectations of a European Central Bank interest-rate cut. Consumer price rises slowed to 2.2 percent in August compared to the same month last year after

RETAIL EXPO. The 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) and Retail Solutions Asia 2024, organized by

the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), lives up to its billing as the country’s biggest and most important retail marketplace for technology, solutions and services and the

Do-it-all realme 13 Pro+ 5G offers

power, elegance, DSLR-like photos

By Riera U. Mallari

THE camera of a smartphone either makes or breaks it.

In the case of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G, its camera not only makes it a standout, it also breaks the competition with its DSLR-quality photos that may have warranted the hashtag #DSLRinYourPocket. And deservedly so. Impressive cameras

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G truly shines when it comes to its camera capabilities. The phone boasts of a quartet of cameras, three of which are sourced from Sony. The star of the show is undoubtedly the telephoto lens. Coupled with the dual 50-megapixel main and ultra-wide sensors, the camera system offers a versatile range of focal lengths, from 0.6x to 6x, allowing you to capture everything from expansive landscapes to intimate close-ups.

The 50-megapixel Sony LYT 701 sensor in the main camera delivers exceptional results in well-lit conditions. Images are rich in detail, boast of impressive dynamic range, and exhibit accurate white balance. While the saturation can sometimes be a bit excessive, especially in scenes with abundant foliage, the overall quality is consistently high.

Even in low-light scenarios, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G’s camera proves its mettle. The dedicated night mode effectively reduces noise and enhances detail, ensuring that your photos retain their clarity and vibrancy. The camera also excels at capturing accurate skin tones, making it a great choice for portraits and selfies.

The camera app itself is intuitive and userfriendly, with all the essential controls readily accessible, making it easy to capture stunning photos and videos, regardless of your photography experience.

AI Smart Removal: Effortless Object Elimination

A neat trick of the realme 13 Pro+ 5G is its AI Smart Removal, a powerful feature that intelligently identifies and removes unwanted objects from your photos. Simply circle the target object, such as a passerby or clutter, and AI’s advanced algorithms will seamlessly erase it from the im-

Deon Del Mundo appointed Managing Director of Kyndryl PH

KYNDRYL (NYSE: KD), the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, today announced the appointment of Deon Del Mundo as its new Managing Director in Kyndryl Philippines. In this role, Deon will be exclusively focused on driving customer value through digital modernization, enhancing local tech skills, and strengthening Kyndryl’s commitment locally.

With over 25 years of experience in the enterprise technology space, Deon brings an extensive foundation of expertise and leadership with leading global technology companies in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. Specializing in steering business change and managing cross-functional teams, he brings a consultative and peoplefocused approach to help organizations navigate complex transformation and advance their business goals. His deep expertise and knowledge of enterprise tech, especially cloud services, positions him to significantly contribute to Kyndryl’s growth in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is a key growth market for us, and we are delighted to have Deon lead this next chapter at Kyndryl and help our customers accelerate their modernization journeys,” said Andrew Lim, Managing Director of Kyndryl ASEAN.

“I am deeply honoured to be part of Kyndryl and lead its outstanding team in the Philippines. Together, we will deliver more value to our customers by fostering innovation and providing insights into the latest industry trends and technological advancements.” said Deon Del Mundo, Managing Director of Kyndryl Philippines. Before joining Kyndryl, Deon served as Crayon AS’s Managing Director in the Philippines. He also held key leadership positions at Microsoft, Oracle, Thales Digital Identity and Security, and Schlumberger.

raw processing power as the phone continues to rely on the Snapdragon 7s. But in everyday tasks like web browsing, multitasking, photography, and social media usage, the realme 13 Pro+ 5G performs admirably. It can also handle most games without any major issues. However, when it comes to graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Impact and BGMI, you may need to adjust the settings to medium to maintain optimal performance.

Coupled with ample RAM (12GB) and storage (512GB), the realme 13 Pro+ 5G ensures a smooth and seamless user experience.

Visual appeal

The device’s visual appeal is equally impressive. The 6.7-inch AMOLED display is a masterpiece of technology, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a high refresh rate for a truly immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or scrolling through social media, the display is a feast for the eyes. Monet-Inspired Elegance

The realme phone, a collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA), captures the essence of Claude Monet’s iconic paintings. Inspired by his Haystacks and Water Lilies series, the device showcases a breathtaking design that evokes the fleeting light and seasonal changes depicted in the artist’s work.

The “Miracle Shining Glass” back, adorned with millions of shimmering particles, beautifully recreates the golden hues of haystacks under sunlight and the vibrant purples of water lilies in a pond. For a more tactile experience, the Emerald Green variant features a premium vegan leather finish that is both silky smooth and durable. The phone’s camera module, known as the Sunrise Halo, is crafted with a precision CNC process that creates 436 intricate metal lines around its circumference.

Despite its elegant design, the device maintains a remarkably slim profile, measuring 8.23mm in Monet Gold and 8.41mm in Emerald Green (our review unit).

With its weight of 190 grams (Monet Gold) and 185.5 grams (Emerald Green), the realme phone offers a comfortable grip while exuding a premium feel.

Impeccable Battery Performance

The realme 13 Pro+ 5G consistently outperformed expectations in terms of battery life. Equipped with a substantial 5,200mAh battery, the device effortlessly endured demanding tasks and extended usage periods. With a mix of activities like watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram, making calls, texting, using the camera, and gaming, the phone consistently lasted well over a day with screen-on times exceeding 7 hours.

Kickstart your side hustles with Maya Personal Loan

BEEN dreaming of opening your own coffee shop or launching an online store but stuck without the funds? Fret not! With the Personal Loan product of Maya, the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, turning your side venture into reality is effortless with just a few taps.

Boost Your Funds for your Side Hustle

Currently in early access and available to select users, Maya Personal Loan offers up to ₱250,000 with flexible repayment terms of up to 24 months and an incredibly low add-on rate of just 0.77% per month. Whether you’re planning to launch a new business, invest in essential equipment, or enhance your skills through a course, this loan gives you the capital you need to thrive.

Borrow Without the Hassle

Applying for your Maya Personal Loan is simple and stress-free! All you need is your upgraded Maya account to get started—no additional paperwork, collateral, or guarantor required. Once approved, the funds are transferred directly to your Maya Wallet, giving you instant access to the money you need. Say goodbye to long approval processes and hello to a streamlined, hasslefree experience. Here’s how to get started:

Open your Maya app, go to the Loans tab, and start the application process by tapping ‘Apply now.’

Enter your desired loan amount, complete the application process, and wait for feedback on your eligibility.

Choose your loan offer and tap ‘Accept’ if you’re happy with the terms.

Enter a One-Time Pin (OTP) to authorize the loan disbursement.

Manage Your Loan with Ease

Managing your loan is a breeze with the Maya app. You can settle your dues directly from your Maya Wallet, which helps you maintain a good credit score.

EASTWEST Bank officially introduced the new EastWest EasyWay App, a mobile banking platform designed to streamline and elevate the banking experience of today’s Filipinos.

The launch of EasyWay is a major milestone in the build-up to EastWest Bank’s 30thanniversary celebration, which kicked off this August and will run through July next year. It highlights the bank’s continuous drive for improvement, always striving to exceed the expectations of its valued customers.

EasyWay represents another important step in EastWest’s ongoing efforts to deliver customerfocused and up-to-date banking services. It is part of a broader digital ecosystem that includes EasyBiz, Komo, ESTA, and EastWest Pay, reflecting the bank’s holistic approach to addressing diverse customer needs with advanced solutions.

Jerry Ngo, CEO of EastWest Bank, shared his enthusiasm about the new app, noting that “EasyWay is more than just a banking app; it’s a clear demonstration of our efforts to make banking simpler and more accessible for our customers. As we mark our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to present this intuitive tool that will redefine how our customers engage with us.”

Transforming Banking for the Modern Generation

The EasyWay App is set to revolutionize how customers manage their finances, offering a

user-friendly interface and a suite of easy-to-use features that cater to the demands of today’s fastpaced lifestyle. Whether you’re navigating your early career, balancing the needs of a growing family, or preparing for retirement, EasyWay adapts to each stage of life, ensuring that banking seamlessly integrates into your daily routine. With EasyWay, banking no longer disrupts one’s

busy schedule but complements it, allowing customers to focus on what truly matters in life.

Donny Pangilinan, a popular Filipino actor, singer, and influencer known for his work in television and film, was chosen to be the face of EasyWay because of what he represents. He is part of the Gen Z generation that is hardworking, intentional, and acts with purpose. As an actor and business owner dedicated to his craft and advocacies such as financial literacy, the Bank sees him as a fitting representation of EasyWay to the younger, modern, up-and-coming markets it would like to reach.

As part of the EasyWay launch, EastWest Bank also introduces the tagline “Sit, Bank, and Relax,” embodying the essence of what the app offers. This tagline reflects the app’s promise to make banking a seamless, hassle-free experience, allowing customers to manage their finances effortlessly. By integrating advanced digital features with a user-friendly interface, EasyWay ensures that customers can take control of their banking needs without the stress and time-consuming tasks traditionally associated with financial management. Be it paying bills, transferring funds, or managing loans, EasyWay streamlines these tasks, allowing customers to concentrate on what truly matters in their lives—relaxing and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with secure, efficient banking.

Sample realme 13 Pro+ 5G photos

Donny Pangilinan, the face of EastWest EasyWay App

Deon Del Mundo

GOOGLE’S Gemini AI has a lot of benefits for you, no matter who you are and what you need. It can help organize your work and your life, or jumpstart the creative process for any project you’re working on.

Gemini can supercharge your creativity and productivity, parse large amounts of data and information, and it can even find new ideas that may not have come to you as easily. Letting it do the work can free up a lot of brainpower on your end, allowing you to work with it to create the best possible work you can do every time. This can happen as long as you use strong, clear, and specific prompts that definitively tell Gemini how to help you.

Next time you’re using Gemini to brainstorm and come up with new ideas, try the following:

● Define the desired role or persona for the AI. This ensures that Gemini has a thorough understanding of your requirements and can offer the most effective support. For example, if you need help planning a social media campaign, you could start by saying “Act as a social media manager”. Then, describe the campaign goals and any specific platforms or content formats you have in mind. This will allow Gemini to generate ideas and suggestions

How to get the most out of Google Gemini

that are tailored to your needs and objectives.

● Talk to it like you would a friend or coworker. Some peo-

ple may not know the basic way of speaking to Gemini. Ask it, for example, to “write an initial marketing plan” for one of your up-

coming campaigns instead of just saying “marketing plan” in your prompt. Avoid using acronyms or jargons that Gemini might not im-

Tiny pad, mighty fun: Xiaomi launches Redmi Pad SE 8.7

XIAOMI recently announced the launch of its latest tablet, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7, designed to deliver an immersive theater-like experience in a device that’s super portable. Its biggest feature is its stunning 8.7-inch display. Enjoy clear and vibrant visuals on the eye-protecting display, which features up to 600 nits of brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth and seamless scrolling and gaming. The 8.7-inch screen also creates a 5:3 aspect ratio that’s wider than the standard 16:9, making it better for all your favorite content. The tablet also features comfortable immersion with its low blue light and flicker-free display which reduces eye strain and increases visual comfort. It also has Paper Reading mode to simulate the actual booklike paper experience, while retaining Classic Mode for a typical digital feel.

For a truly theater-like sound, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 also has Dolby Atmos® technology that delivers rich and detailed sound for a truly cinematic experience. It has 2TB of builtin storage for all your favorite video

content from your usual platforms.

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 also comes with an octa-core MediaTek Helio G85 processor, which ensures seamless and reliable multitasking and gaming, while the 6,650mAh battery provides long-lasting power that lasts up to 25.2 hours when playing video. The battery fills up fast with 18W fast charging support, getting you from 0 to 100% in just 140 minutes.

It also comes in three vibrant colors: Graphite Gray, Aurora Green, and Sky Blue. It’s also slim and lightweight at only 8.8-mm and 373 grams for easy portability.

The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is now available on Shopee (Xiaomi Global Store) with a special Early Bird Promo until September 4. Get the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 WiFi 4+128GB for P6,399 (down from the SRP of P7,999). The 4+64GB variant is available for a special promo price of P5,399 (from P6,999 SRP).

Find out for yourself the true portable theater experience with the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 today! Learn more about it by visiting http://mi.com/ph.

QC government, Ninja Van partner to support local businesses

THE Quezon City government and tech-enabled express logistics company Ninja Van Philippines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend vital support to the city’s local businesses, particularly those in e-commerce.

The MOU was signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte, Jose Alvin Perez, Country Head of Ninja Van Philippines, and Sabina Lopez-Vergara, Chief Commercial Officer for the Philippines and Regional Head of Marketing of Ninja Van Philippines. Claro Paulo Ortiz, Head of Legal, Security, and Public Affairs of Ninja Van Philippines, and Mona Celine Marie Yap, Head of the QC-Small Businesses and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (SBCDPO), served as witnesses.

“The Quezon City government recognizes the transformative power of interconnectivity and technology as drivers of a responsive government,” Belmonte said.

“We are excited to work with Ninja Van Philippines to harness technology and innovation to serve our constituents better,” she added. Perez, for his part, said the company looks forward to working with the local government to make it even more inclusive and business-friendly.

“Ninja Van recognizes the significant role of reliable and efficient logistics in nation-building. We are proud to have found a partner in the Quezon City government who shares the same

mediately understand.

● Be really specific with it. If you have all the information you need, you have to give it to Gemini to get the most thorough output possible. If you’re coming up with creative output, be sure to give it a quick background of your company or brand (or yourself), who the audience is, and what you want to achieve.

● Avoid making things too complicated. When you ask Gemini for something, be sure to make it simple. Imagine that you’re asking someone else, or you’re being asked — you wouldn’t want to get instructions that you have to decipher to get started on. Be clear and concise.

● If you need to ask Gemini for follow-ups, make it a conversation. It’s inevitable that Gemini won’t always give you the work you were really looking for. When you need something more from it, again, it helps to talk to it naturally. If a task is too complicated, you can break it down further into smaller and simpler tasks. Don’t worry – it can keep up.

● Don’t let valuable insights slip away! Pin important conversations with Gemini to keep them easily accessible. Whether you need to reference past suggestions, revisit key decisions, or simply maintain continuity, pinning ensures your most valuable chats are just a click away. Armed with these new insights, your next session with Gemini will definitely be better. Try these tips out now at https://gemini.google. com/app.

commitment to empowering local businesses,” Perez said. Under the MOU, Ninja Van and the SBCDPO will explore and develop programs aimed at building capacity among the city’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME). This partnership will help bolster local businesses and upskill local entrepreneurs by leveraging Ninja Van’s expertise in harnessing e-commerce and logistics.

Logistics as a Driver of Nation-Building Ninja Van’s comprehensive logistics solutions includeNinja Fulfillment, which offers all-in-one manpower, warehousing, and inventory management, enabling online sellers and business owners to save on additional operational costs. Newly launched business-to-business delivery solution Ninja Restock supports the timely restocking of medium-sized businesses from a centralized warehouse, eliminating exorbitant fees and long waiting times.

As the pioneering private courier partner of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Ninja Van enabled litigants from across the country to submit documents to any legal courts through the provider. This provided the public with a convenient way to file and send court documents while reducing congestion in courts and supporting speedy resolution of cases.

In a bid to support capacity building among micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises, Ninja Van has also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry in launching the DIGeCONOMY Bootcamp Series. Earlier this year, the logistics service provider also signed an MOU with the city governments of Pasig and Cabuyao to help promote security, business continuity, and the ease of delivery services.

CANON Marketing Philippines launched an exciting promo for students for the back-to-school season during its Ready, Set, Print media event.

The event also featured the latest Canon’s PIXMA G series printer lineup and a talk on creative printing by Tippy Go of The Googly Gooeys.

“This is a great opportunity to spotlight how the PIXMA G series fits into the needs and lifestyles of our customers –highlighting its wide array of capabilities and performance. “For Ready, Set, Print in particular, we also want to offer a valuefor-money promotion that rewards student as well as their guardians for their loyalty to the Canon PIXMA brand,” shared Jian Liu, Canon Marketing Philippines director of Consumer Information and Imaging.

Until September 30, 2024, students of any level from any public or private school or their guardian can receive 1,000 Canon Delightful points through the Canon PH Delightful app for every purchase of a Canon PIXMA G, GM, and GX printer in authorized Canon dealers, in-store or online.

The points can be redeemed to purchase from over 450 Giftaway partner merchants on the Canon Delightful App. One Canon Delightful point is equivalent to Php1.00.

To avail of this promo, the purchase must be registered via the Canon PH Delightful App. The student or their guardian must also upload a school ID or proof of enrollment for the current school year when they register the purchase to their account.

Canon also announced the launch of their Canon Campus Tour series, beginning August 29–30, at Adamson University. Other universities are included in the tour from September to early October. Additionally, Canon PIXMA products will be exhibited for customers to touch and try at Canon booths at the Gensan Toy Exhibit at SM City General Santos in collaboration with Starbright Office Depot, Inc. (General Santos City) and Abenson Appliance Fest Caravan 2024 at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf on September 2-8, 2024.

The new tablet from Xiaomi boasts of an immersive yet portable theater-like experience

Shown here are (from left) Mona Celine Marie Yap, Head of the QC-Small Businesses and Cooperatives Development Promotions O ce (SBCDPO); Sabina Lopez-Vergara, Chief Commercial O cer of Ninja Van PH; Mayor Joy Belmonte; Alvin Perez, County Head, Ninja Van PH; Claro Paulo Ortiz, Head of Legal, Security, and Public A airs of Ninja Van PH

SHOWBIZ

How Jayda’s heartbreak fueled her creativity

HEARTBREAK, though painful, has long served as a powerful source of inspiration for musicians. Whether stemming from the loss of a relationship, the end of a friendship, or a career setback, the emotions—grief, anger, sadness, and hope—can drive creativity in unique ways.

For Jayda, songwriting is a means to process these emotions. By channeling her pain into lyrics and melodies, she crafts music that resonates with listeners. This approach is evident in her latest album, Sad Girl Hours, which offers a deeply personal exploration of emotional growth, healing, and the challenges that come with heartbreak.

At a recent listening party for the album, Jayda was joined by her parents, Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, close friends, and members of the press. The intimate event showcased not just the music but also a series of music videos woven into a short film that narrates her emotional journey—from denial and anger to depression and, finally, acceptance.

Jayda shared with Manila Standard Entertainment the album was inspired by the losses she experienced in 2023, which brought a new understanding of what true loss means to her.

“I think I realized what true loss means in 2023, in a way that I never realized before. That became the motivation behind this album,” she said.

Writing this song posed a challenge for Jayda, as she admitted during the interview, given that English is her first language. However, overcoming these difficulties resulted in one of the most powerful tracks on the album.

The song’s piano-driven sound and introspective lyrics highlight Jayda’s evolving artistry. “I’ve always been drawn to introspective songwriting,” she noted. “But this song is less about telling a specific story and more about expressing an internal dialogue — a message to the universe about wanting to be loved right.”

As a whole, Jayda described the album as a culmination of her work so far, saying it represents her proudest moment as an artist.

“I always write about heartbreak and love, and I like to challenge myself with the themes I explore,” she related.

Jayda’s career began with her debut single “Text” in 2018, followed by the EP In My Room, which included the track “Happy For You.” She has also directed music videos for her own songs, such as “Paano Kung Naging Tayo?” and “M.U. (Malabong Usapan).”

As she continues to develop as an artist, Jayda hinted at future projects, including a visual component for the track “Loved For Once.”

Jolie ‘terribly nervous’ about playing diva Callas in new film

ANGELINA Jolie confessed she was afraid of not being able to “live up” to Maria Callas’ legend in her new biopic about the great diva’s extraordinary yet tragic life that premiered Thursday at the Venice Film Festival.

In Maria , the American movie star tackles the tormented final years of the 20th century’s most celebrated opera singer who mesmerized audiences around the world.

“The bar in this... are the Maria Callas fans and those who love opera,” Jolie told a press conference ahead of the premiere of the movie by Chilean director Pablo Larrain

“And my fear would be to disappoint them. I really came to care for her so I felt I didn’t want to do a disservice to this woman,” she added. Jolie said she hoped to honor the “legacy” of the diva, who died nearly alone in 1977 aged 53, after a whirlwind life and career that was nevertheless marked by great sadness.

The much-anticipated highlight of the festival’s second day was the last in Larrain’s trilogy of movies about iconic women – after 2021’s Spencer about Princess Diana and 2016’s Jackie on Jacqueline Kennedy

The album’s creation began when Jayda was just 17, under what she originally called The Jayda Project “I consider myself an album artist,” she explained. “For me, it’s all about waiting for the right moment and experiences to shape my work. And if there’s one thing this process taught me, it’s that pain teaches us so much about ourselves.”

One standout track from the album, “Lumimot Sa ‘Yo,” is a pop ballad about moving on. The song is notable for its message of self-love and acceptance, marking the final stage of healing from heartbreak.

The director has said only a larger-than-life star in her own right could play the role of the American-born Greek singer, whose successes at La Scala, La Fenice, Covent Garden, and New York are the stuff of opera legend 100 years after her birth.

“This movie would not have existed without Angelina,” said Larrain.

Absent from the screen since 2021, the 49-year-old American actress and director has kept a relatively low profile even as her lengthy, acrimonious divorce from Brad Pitt continues to make headlines.

Her private life has drawn parallels to Maria Callas, whose turbulent relationships were also tabloid fodder.

On the Venice red carpet Thursday, Jolie, in a camel gown and faux-fur shrug, avoided crossing paths with Pitt, whose film Wolfs is showing out of competition. Maria , competing for the Golden Lion, opens with a montage of Callas’s life, featuring Jolie singing “Casta Diva” and reflecting Callas’s dramatic personal and professional

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Actress Angelina Jolie plays the role of Maria Callas in the film directed by Pablo Larrain

Singer-songwriter Jayda with the cover of her latest album ‘Sad Girl Hours’

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

KLOOK, a leading platform for travel services in Asia, is advancing its social commerce strategy by integrating new booking capabilities on TikTok.

This initiative is part of Klook’s effort to leverage social media for travel discovery and booking through its Kreator influencer program.

TikTok users in Southeast Asia and Japan can now discover and book travel attractions directly within the app. This feature aims to streamline the transition from travel inspiration to booking for the next generation of travelers.

“Social media has become the go-to channel for travelers seeking inspiration on destinations and things to do. Klook is now able to bridge these travelers directly to the activities they discover on their feeds, enhancing our social-first approach in meeting the needs of the next generation of travelers,” said Marcus Yong, Klook’s Vice President of Global Marketing.

C4 LIFE

A flavorful experience at the emperor’s table

By Abigail Adriatico

ONRAD Manila recently welcomed celebrity master chef Jereme Leung back to the Philippines as the latest featured culinary artist in its Legendary Chefs Series. Known globally for his culinary expertise, Leung has built his reputation over the years with his exceptional talent and innovation.

In his participation in the Legendary Chefs Series, Leung presents a specially curated menu, The Emperor’s Table, which highlights his skill in blending flavors from various cultures gained throughout his extensive career.

“Year after year, Chef Leung brings something new and unique to the table, and 2024 is no exception,” said Fabio , General Manager of Conrad Manila.

The multi-course menu includes appetizers like marinated crab meat with avocado in a crispy puff roll and marinated sweet plum drunken king prawn, as well as double-boiled sturgeon tendon and dry sea conch with morel mushroom Kung Fu soup. The main courses feature wasabi beef cheek wagyu with pistachio and green bamboo shoot, panfried black cod with torch ginger flower gravy sauce and pomelo, and Yin Yang rice with dry scallops and dry fish maw. Dessert includes chocolate egg coconut mousse with mango puree.

During a media luncheon at Conrad Manila’s China Blue by Jereme Leung, the chef emphasized that he crafted the menu with the Filipino market in mind.

“I don’t want to present a menu that is so exclusive and out of reach for most people,” Leung said.

Leung noted that China Blue has evolved from focusing solely on authentic Chinese food to incorporating elements that appeal to Filipino tastes, such as fried items and sweet and sour options, resulting in increased customer growth.

He added that the essence of great food is not in the most expensive or rarest ingredients but in creating dishes that engage people’s interest and are skillfully prepared. This philosophy is rooted in Leung’s extensive culinary experience, which began in 1983 at the age of 13. Initially trained as a Cantonese chef, he expanded his expertise by working in five-star hotels across 78 countries.

Leung’s exploration of lesser-known ingredients and cuisines has inspired many of his dishes, including those The Emperor’s Table menu and at his global restaurants. “Every restaurant gives me a platform to develop different teams of skilled chefs. I hope to facilitate promotions among these chefs so that our guests can experience a broader range of cuisines,” said Leung.

The Legendary Chefs Series: The Emperor’s Table menu is priced at P6,588 per person and is available for lunch and dinner daily until September 30. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8833 9999, +63917 650 44043, or email MNLMB.FB@ConradHotels.com.

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Chef Jereme Leung is one of the renowned master chefs in the world

Chef Jereme Leung prepares the dishes for the media luncheon featuring ‘The Emperor’s Table’ menu

The appetizer for the menu is the marinated crab meat with avocado in a crispy puff roll and marinated sweet plum drunken king prawn