Manila Standard - 2024 September 7 - Saturday

By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez, Pot Chavez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Marcos has taken a “much

Explain illegal POGO acts, PBBM tells Guo

By Charles Dantes and Macon Ramos-Araneta

DISMISSED Bamban mayor Alice Guo must explain why illegal POGO activities thrived in her province during her tenure, President Marcos on Friday said.

"What I want to hear from her is how these POGOs be came such a large, basically criminal enterprise. As mayor, it's very difficult to believe she did not know what was going on,” Mr. Marcos said.

ado about nothing” position on “selfies” taken by government personnel during the repatriation of erstwhile fugitive Alice Guo, who was on the verge of escaping Philippine justice when she was caught in Indonesia.

The Chief Executive also pointed to unanswered questions about Guo's sudden wealth and her rise to power despite not being widely known in her community.

By Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

PRESIDENT Marcos highlighted the necessity to develop new ways to mitigate the effects of floods amid changes in weather patterns.

During a visit to Rizal Province on Friday, he also called for better coordination between national and local government agencies to better address the continuing effects of Severe Tropical Storm Enteng.

“We just did a quick briefing on Enteng’s effects and the responses of various agencies,” Mr. Marcos said.

"We’re dealing with a large volume

By Rachelle Tonelada

ISRAEL continues to play a vital role in the modernization of the Philippine military by providing cutting-edge defense technologies, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said.

In an interview with the Manila Standard, Fluss said Israel affirmed its commitment to cooperate with the Philippines in modernizing its defense capabilities through the supply of air defense systems, modern light tanks, fast patrol boats, drones, and advanced communication technologies.

“We have supplied six patrol boats, with three more to come, and we are eager to continue contributing to the next modernization phase of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said, referring to the Horizon 3,

By Maricel V. Cruz

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez assured that the

MUGSHOT. Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alicia Guo

Big-time oil price rollback next week: DOE

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CONSUMERS can expect a big-time oil price rollback across all petroleum products next week of as much as P1.35 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Department of Energy director for the oil industry management bureau Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading in the Mean of Platts

Explain...

Mr. Marcos noted both the House and Senate raised these issues in their ongoing investigations as he urged Guo to be more cooperative than her associates, including Cassandra Li Ong.

Guo, who was brought back to Manila early Friday dawn, had about up to six foreign "supporters" while she was holed up in Indonesia, Interpol official Inspector General Krisha Murti said in an ABS-CBN report.

Murti said five Chinese and an Indonesian aided Guo while she moved from Batam to Tangerang City where she was nabbed.

He said under the arrangement, Guo

President...

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The chief executive shrugged off the supposedly tasteless photos circulating online, pointing out that the Philippines has gained the dubious reputation of being the "Selfie Capital of the World."

"I think that is part of the new culture now—people always taking photos to post online," Mr. Marcos said in an interview on Friday.

"They want to show they were part of the team that made an arrest. You can’t stop people from smiling, so they took a selfie," he added.

He was referring to photos showing Guo smiling with agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Bureau of Immigration (BI) as they took her to Indonesian immigration before her return to Manila early Friday.

However, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos apparently thought the

Marcos..

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of water that overwhelmed our existing flood control systems, which are no longer sufficient," he added, referring to the devastation in the province.

The President said the new floodcontrol measures would include building impounding projects upstream to prevent water from reaching low-lying areas.

He acknowledged the need for both immediate relief and long-term planning to adapt to changing weather patterns.

The chief executive directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to collaborate in delivering relief to affected areas.

Meanwhile, he ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to hasten clearing operations.

The latest tally shows the storm affected approximately 8,036 families or 31,677 individuals in Rizal province.

Meanwhile, the DSWD has provided P11.62 million in aid and

KOJC... From A1

resolution,” KOJC’s chief legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon said. As the police search of the KOJC compound for the fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy entered its 14th day, Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa presided over a hearing of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Subcommittee yesterday to investigate the ongoing Philippine

Singapore (MOPS), the benchmark used by oil importers, a rollback in the domestic pump prices will be experienced by motorists next week.

Romero said estimated adjustments range from P1 to P1.30 per liter for gasoline, P1 to P1.30 per liter for diesel and P1.20 to P1.35 per liter for kerosene.

She said world oil prices softened

gave money to her supporters for “car rental, food, SIM card, and hotel bills.”

Guo's case has drawn international attention, with her return to the Philippines involving sensitive negotiations with Indonesia.

President Marcos emphasized the complexity of securing Guo's transfer, but denied a prisoner swap was discussed and instead credited the strong diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Indonesia.

"There was no prisoner swap, no demand,” Mr. Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Guo was ordered to attend the scheduled public hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Monday, September 9, to answer various allegations leveled

fuss generated by the photo showing him, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and Guo in what appeared to be a light moment was important enough to address formally.

He explained that the photo was taken to document a meeting requested by Guo to discuss supposed death threats she has been receiving.

Abalos also said he didn’t realize that the disgraced former Bamban mayor had struck a “pa-cute” pose as the photo was being taken.

“This kind of photo, as long as it’s facing like that, you cannot tell what is [happening] next to you, etc. This photo is an offshoot of that meeting that was being documented. And I really do not know why she was posing like that.”

Abalos said, in a chance interview on the sidelines of a situation briefing in the province of Rizal.

Meanwhile, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said they recognize the need to improve professionalism among Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation

P134.40 million in standby funds and supplies for the broader Calabarzon region.

As of Friday, areas in Central Luzon remained flooded due to continued heavy rains caused by a confluence of weather disturbances.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said flood waters have yet to recede in 238 jurisdictions around the country.

Still inundated were portions of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and the Bicol Region, prompting local government units to prolong the suspension of classes.

Meanwhile, Washington is offering material assistance to storm-hit communities in the Philippines.

In a phone conversation, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III conveyed to his local counterpart, Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, his government’s intention to provide much-needed help, even as the Philippines faces two more typhoons this month.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said this was the eighth time both defense officials had a phone conversation on recent security developments in the Indo-Pacific region, and explored ways to further enhance their countries' alliance.

National Police (PNP) operation at the KOJC compound in Davao City. Dela Rosa said the committee aims to investigate several issues that have emerged since the PNP began their operation at the KOJC compound on August 24.

These include the alleged violation of the civil and political rights of KOJC members, students, parents, and other individuals; the reported damage to property after police officers dug into the basement of Jose Maria College; the effectiveness of PNP equipment

this week due to sluggish demand from China and the US and reports indicating the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) plans to boost output by 180,000 barrels per day in October. She said the recovery to Libyan oil production, which increases available supply, also affected world oil prices.

On September 3, the oil firms increased pump prices by P0.70 per liter for kerosene, P0.50 per liter for gasoline and P0.30 per liter for diesel. Year-to-date, total adjustment of gasoline and diesel stands at a net increase of P7.40/liter and P4.35/liter, respectively. However, kerosene has a total net decrease of P3.30/liter.

against her.

Judge Sarah Vedaña-Delos Santos of Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 109 signed the order in response to the request of committee chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros.

“Given the critical importance of the ongoing inquiry in aid of legislation, the court grants the senator’s request,” the order read.

Hours before she was deported from Indonesia, the Tarlac court issued an arrest warrant against Guo over a graft case filed by the Department of Interior and Local Government over her connection to the raided POGO hub in Bamban.

Hontiveros said she found the DILG's action “highly irregular.”

“Guo should have been turned over

(NBI) personnel following their viral photos with Guo in Indonesia.

In an interview, Vasquez said the former mayor is a fugitive from justice such that she must be treated in the same manner as any other offender.

“We asked the NBI Director [Jaime Santiago] to initiate an investigation on the matter and impose disciplinary penalties as may be needed,” he told Manila Standard.

Vazquez said the arrest was “huge news” even in the eyes of international media.

However, he also pointed out that agents may have just been immersed in the “euphoria of success of having finally gotten hold of a fugitive who has been making a joke out of our law enforcement effort” when they took the photos to which Guo seemingly consented gleefully.

Still, senators slammed the photos, calling the government agents' actions "unprofessional."

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stressed

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which was purchased under the Philippine defense modernization program.

Fluss highlighted Israel's global leadership in cyber security, noting that the country’s innovations in this sector stemmed from its position as one of the most targeted nations for cyberattacks.

“Israel is number one in the world in cyber security per capita, and our technologies have been developed through constant adaptation to these threats,” he assured.

The partnership goes beyond equipment supply. Fluss mentioned that Israel has also transferred technical “know-how” to the Philippines. He cited as an example the local shipyard that has been constructed to maintain the patrol boats, with Israeli experts training Filipino workers and technicians.

Looking ahead, the Israeli envoy expressed optimism about his country’s future contributions to the Philippines’ defense sector, citing the experience and advanced technological capabilities of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Fluss emphasized that the IDF's realtime combat use of these technologies brings invaluable knowledge to the partnership. “Our experience is worth gold, and we are happy to share it with

used to detect a heartbeat in an underground bunker; and the Court of Appeals' nullification of a temporary protection order previously issued by a Davao City court. “I wonder if high confidence can compensate for low returns and low morale especially if the latter come allegedly at the expense of the most fundamental human rights,” Dela Rosa said.

Before the hearing, Dela Rosa and other subcommittee members conducted an ocular inspection of the

to the Senate immediately after she was processed by the Philippine National Police. Sandiganbayan is the right venue for graft and corruption charges against high-ranking officials like Mayor Guo,” Hontiveros said.

“Did the DILG file a deliberately watered-down case to wrest custody of the fugitive? Why? What happened was highly irregular. We will get to the bottom of who is orchestrating all this circus and wild goose chase,” Hontiveros added.

While in Tarlac, Guo decided not to post bail because it was still “not urgent,” said her lawyer Stephen David. David said even if Guo posted the P180,000 bail – P90,000 for each count of graft – she still will not get temporary liberty.

that all law enforcers should show professionalism and proper decorum, especially in arresting fugitives.

"It's really bad for law enforcers to take ‘selfies’ with a criminal and post their pictures on social media," he noted.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said he felt frustrated over what he described as the embarrassing attitude of officials and arresting officers.

"What a disaster! Disaster to say the least," he said.

Beyond the stir caused by the photos, there is a custody battle brewing between two branches of government over who gets Guo first.

In a statement, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she respects the arrest warrant issued by the judiciary but Senators were the first to issue a warrant for the ex-mayor’s capture.

“The Senate triggered the manhunt. It was a Senate warrant that Philippine law enforcement had in hand when they went to Jakarta,” she said in Filipino.

the AFP,” he said.

Expansion of PHL-ISR Socioeconomic Ties

Israel is also expanding its cooperation with the Philippines in various sectors, beyond defense and security. In recent months, the Israeli Embassy and its economic mission brought several delegations to the Philippines to discuss collaborations on water management, agriculture, cyber security, and emergency preparedness.

In addition to these key sectors, Israel is also supporting grassroots initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in rural areas.

“The Israeli government is financing in helping women in rural areas in their local businesses, as we say, entrepreneurship and development,” Fluss highlighted.

“Women entrepreneurs and we sponsored a program, which will help them produce their own local produce, which is critical because we know that a lot of the development on the community level and grassroots level is about women entrepreneurship,” he added.

Further, the Israeli Embassy is working on creating informal educational centers in the Philippines. These centers aim to foster a more engaging, technology-driven education, which Israel believes is key to fostering innovation and supporting the Philippine economy's growth.

KOJC compound Friday morning.

Meanwhile, the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) of Davao City denied the request of the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) for the master plans and building plans of the structures inside the KOJC compound.

“We’ve had previous attempts to get them but we did not want to broadcast our intention,” PRO-11 Director, Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, said.

KOJC’s chief legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, said the denial of the

UP, CHR agree on transfer deed for ML museum

By Rex Espiritu

THE University of the Philippines (UP) and the Human Rights Violation Victims Memorial Commission (HRVVMC) on Friday announced the signing of the required deed of transfer for the Martial Law museum in the former's Diliman campus.

In their joint statement, they said both parties have agreed to formally sign the said document on September 27. This effectively resolves the concern regarding the new UP Diliman campus maintenance offices (CMO) and workshops funded by HRVVMC. The existing CMO area will be the site of the Freedom Memorial Museum.

"The transfer will pave the way for the clearing of old structures and start of construction at the future site of the Freedom Memorial Museum, which will serve as a vital educational resource and a poignant reminder of our nation’s history," the joint statement read.

Both parties said the initiative underscores their shared commitment to preserving the struggles of a people during the Martial Law era and, thus, honoring the victims of human rights violations. The HRVVMC and UP said they look forward to the successful completion of the museum project and the continued partnership between both institutions.

Speaker:...

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keep prices down, untangle bottlenecks in the distribution chain that push prices up, and expose abusive practices like hoarding and price manipulation,” Romualdez said. He said the decline in inflation last month meant that government intervention measures like the direct sale of rice to the poor through Kadiwa stores and the President’s decision to significantly reduce rice import tariff were succeeding.

“It was meant to be. It was not a fluke,” he said.

He added that inflation rates in July and August are usually on an elevated level since this is the start of the rainy season when it becomes more difficult for producers and distributors to transport and distribute consumer products.

The House leader noted that in August 2023, inflation was recorded at 5.3 percent, which means that this year’s level was 2.3 percent lower than the rate two years ago.

“Managing inflation is a see-saw battle. The challenge for us is to keep it falling, or at least steady. And with the executive and legislative branches and of course, the private sector working together, I hope we succeed for the benefit of our people,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Romualdez issued a stern warning to agricultural cartels, vowing that those involved in price manipulation and the smuggling of essential goods—acts considered economic sabotage—will face not only massive fines but criminal charges as well.

request is in accordance with the law.

“Thank you very much for doing that because that is in accordance with law. This matter, if they want to do that, needs judicial imprimatur,” he said. According to OCBO, the request can only be granted if there is a valid court order.

Last Thursday, OCBO officials went to the compound to inspect the alleged excavation at the basement of the Jose Maria College Building but they could not get in because of a police barricade.

TYPHOON RELIEF OPERATION.

The Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Manila, donates some 1,000 relief packages for victims of Typhoon Enteng and the southwest monsoon rains in Brgy. Mayamot, Antipolo, Rizal. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF

BOC overshoots tax target by P5.189b

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has exceeded its revenue collection target for January to August 2024 by P5.189 billion.

Data revealed by the bureau showed that it collected a total of P614.781 billion during the eightmonth period, surpassing the target of P609.592 billion by 0.9 percent equivalent to P5.189 billion.

“This achievement reflects a significant 5.7 percent-increase, or P33.290 billion, compared to the P581.491 billion collected during the same period in 2023,” the BOC said in a statement.

The agency cited its significant revenue growth through the BOC’s effective strategies in valuing goods and ensuring precise import duty assessments, adding that stringent customs compliance has effectively minimized under-declaration and misclassification, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and overall fiscal management.

In August 2024, the BOC collected P78.908 billion. Although this fell short by 2.52 percent of the P80.945 billion target, the deficit was largely due to recent policy changes.

Executive Order 62, which reduced the rice tariff from 35 percent to 15 percent, accounted for a P2.353 billion revenue loss. Additionally, the reduction of the motor vehicle tariff to zero percent resulted in a P1.034 billion deficit.

Vito Barcelo

Zambo City cops step up anti-crime drive

THE Zamboanga City police station has reported a “significant breakthrough” in its intensified campaign against criminality.

The unit headed by director Col. Kimberly Molitas as acting director said it arrested four gunmen involved in past shooting incidents in the city.

Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe provided monetary reward as an incentive for the police.

Molitas said the reward will be used to enhance their operational capabilities with a view to further bringing down criminality in the city. Vince Lopez

Agents seize P3.4-m shabu from militiaman

A COMPOSITE team of law enforcers on Tuesday, Sept. 3, arrested a militiaman in a Lanao del Sur town for alleged possession of one-half kilo of shabu worth P3.4 million.

The suspect, identified only as alias Orak, a member of the Citizens’ Armed Force Geographic Unit in Brgy. Kabasaran, Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur, was nabbed in an entrapment laid down by the arresting team composed of operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Philippine National Police, along with Army soldiers.

The team also seized from the suspect one 45-caliber Colt pistol with four live bullets.

“Our police force remains committed to aiding law enforcement efforts in combating drug trafficking and preserving public safety and security in the areas of responsibility of BARMM,” said acting regional police chief Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn. Vince Lopez

Judiciary’s 2025 budget gets House panel’s nod

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations approved on Thursday the proposed P63.57-billion budget of the Judiciary for 2025.

The Judiciary includes the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Lower Courts (SCPLC), the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), the Court of Appeals (CA), the Sandiganbayan (SB) and the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA).

Committee chairman Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said the budget will enable the Judiciary to perform its function well.

“It encompasses the critical duty involving legally demandable and enforceable rights and to determine whether there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to a lack or excess of jurisdiction by any branch or instrumentality of government,” Co said.

He lauded the launch of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations

(SPJI) 2022-2027 aimed at addressing the twin challenges of delay and case congestion issues that threaten to undermine the nation’s very foundation of justice.

“This comprehensive policy document lays out clear guiding principles, a definite work plan, and a portfolio of projects to achieve targeted outcomes. The primary goal is to ensure that the Philippine judiciary operates without losing its competence, efficiency and efficacy, thus improving the delivery of justice and creating a more responsive and expedient justice system,” Co said.

He also said the Judiciary has made significant strides in addressing issues of vacancies with the processing of application for newly-created and exist-

ing vacant courts now moving forward faster.

Co added that the Judiciary has collaborated proactively with local government units to construct halls of justice nationwide, thus ensuring better access to justice and creating more conducive environments for court operations.

During the budget hearing, Court Administrator Raul Villanueva said under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Judiciary has been allotted a budget of P60.176 billion. For 2025, the Judiciary proposed an increased budget of P84.39 billion, but only P63.57 billion was approved by the Department of Budget and Management.

Of this amount, Villanueva said P54.78 billion would be allotted for SCPLC; P171.71 million for PET; P5.2 billion for CA; P2.37-billion for the Sandiganbayan; and P1.019billion for CTA.

He also said the Judiciary’s share of the 2025 proposed national budget of P6.352-trillion was 1.002 percent.

By Butch Gunio

SUBIC Bay Freeport –The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched here the e-Gov and the e-LGU mobile applications in keeping with ongoing efforts to enhance government services and speed up processing of documents.

The rollout was held last Tuesday at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Eduardo Jose Aliño welcomed the event led by DICT Region 3 director Antonio Edward Padre.

Aliño said the initiative will “enhance government services and improve industry processes and transactions.”

“The e-Gov ‘super app’ houses all government institutions in a single site, which will enable stakeholders to avail of government services faster and with less stress, less expenses, and less man hours. Lining up in queues will be re-

duced and hours spent for travel time

be utilized productively for other activities,”

Speaker launches expanded BPSF in Davao City, leaves nobody behind

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Davao City has broadened its services to include “zero billing” program for all patients of a government hospital in Davao City and distribution of a P10,000-cash aid to the city’s “poorest of the poor.”

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, one of the major proponents of the BPSF, said two new programs seek to provide medical aid to those needing health services in government hospitals and financial subsidies to the marginalized residents of the city.

Romualdez visited the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City to interact with hospital officials, staff, and patients.

He announced that upon the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., P50 million from the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) will be downloaded to SPMC to pay for the bills of all patients seeking medical attention from Sept. 5 and 6 or during the two-day BPSF in Davao City.

“I brought along the congressmen of the 19th Congress with me so that Davao City can see that we love Davaoeños very much. Because of this, we at the House are downloading the P50 million MAIP funds for SPMC so that all the expenses of the patients confined here as of Sept. 5 and 6, 2024 will be paid,” Romualdez said in Filipino.

“And all of you will receive 10 kilos of rice,” he added. According to him, Christmas came early in Davao City, with the P6,000 employees of SPMC taking home P10,000 each., courtesy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The BPSF has so far rolled out P1.2 billion in government programs and cash aid to 250,000 beneficiaries. Romualdez also visited the Pediatric Cancer Ward of the SPMC where he handed out toys and meal tickets to the young patients.

The cash aid program for the “poorest of the poor” in Davao City, called “Tulong Para sa Dabawenyo,” was held at the University of Southeastern Philippines’ parking lot.

GREEN FORUM AT SM CITY.

Mayor Jerry Treñas (left) chats with Hans Sy Jr., president of SM Engineering Design and Development Corp., during the launch of Green Forum @ SM City Cinema 3 in Iloilo City.

“Ultimately, this project hopes to eliminate corruption and red tape in government transactions since the platform will keep track of them and leave a clear audit record,” he added.

The Speaker said 250 beneficiaries, composed of homeless ones, mendicants, and indigents, each received P10,000 from DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), plus 20 kilos of rice apiece.

Over 1k residents of Imus City get P5,200 in subsidy

By Dennis Abrina

MORE than 1,000 needy residents of Imus City, Cavite went home on Friday with P5,200 in their pockets, courtesy of the government through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program being spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Imus Mayor Alex Advincula and Cavite Rep. Adrian Advincula led the subsidy payout held at the Imus Sports Complex in Brgy. Poblacion 1-A.

A total of 1,276 beneficiaries received ₱5,200 each through the TUPAD program, an assistance initiative that provides temporary employment to temporarily idle workers.

“The beneficiaries are those who do community work in our area, if you notice, such as sweeping the roads, planting trees, and cleaning the drainage systems in our city,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, the Tulong-Eskwela Program, the newest program of the city government that aims to meet the needs of students and their families, was also recently launched in the city.

The initial beneficiaries were the parents and guardians of students in Gen. Pantaleon Garcia and Gen. Juan Castañeda Senior High School. They received P3,000 pesos each for education expenses.

TUPAD PAYOUT. At least 1,276 needy workers in Imus City, Cavite received P5,200 each through the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/ Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program during a payout event held at the Imus Sports Center in Poblacion 1-A. Dennis Abrina

may instead

Aliño said in a speech read for him by SBMA information chief Vergil Lansangan.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

Cayetano: Passage of Natural Gas Act sends right signal to foreign investors

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE swift passage of the proposed measure on natural gas would lure foreign investors to conduct exploration of natural gas in the country, Senator Pia Cayetano said on Friday.

Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate energy committee, said Senate Bill No. 2793 or the proposed Philippine Natural Gas Development Act would send the strongest signal to investors that there is natural gas waiting to be explored in the Philippines.

She said this is an indication the Philippines is serious in tapping and using indigenous gas, which would significantly lower energy costs and boost energy security.

Cayetano likened the measure’s enactment to a “giant billboard” which tells the world the Philippines is open for investments in natural gas.

“It seeks to declare that the Philippines will have very clear cut policies on natural gas, indigenous natural gas development, so that, in itself, is going to send the right signal,” said Cayetano in reply to questions by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

Asked by Pimentel if the Philippines has natural gas locations, Cayetano listed several “most prospective basins.”

She noted that Service Contract No. 38 governing the Malampaya gas field has been extended by another 15 years.

Prime Energy, which leads the consortium operating Malampaya, committed to drill two new wells to extend the gas field’s life and produce new gas by 2026.

“The message will be loud for all investors, whether Filipino or foreign,” Cayetano said.

Customs shuts down Valenzuela gas station

AGENTS of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service assigned at the Manila International Container Port (CIISMICP) shut down a gas station in Valenzuela City after discovering that three of its fuel tanks contained unmarked fuel worth P3.1 million.

Bureau of Customs chief Bienvenido Rubio said three out of the four tanks at the Roden Refilling Gas Station failed a fuel mark test conducted by the CIISMICP in coordination with personnel from the Enforcement Group Fuel Marking team. This test is performed to ensure the safety and quality of the fuel being sold to consumers.

“It is customary and functionary and it complements our border protection duties. The work that we do in the BOC is geared toward one goal and that is to win against all types of smugglers,” Rubio said. Joel Zurbano

SC: Criminal intent presumed in marital infidelity under VAWC

THE Supreme Court has ruled that in determining whether marital infidelity caused psychological violence under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (Anti-VAWC Act), “criminal intent” is automatically presumed in the act of marital infidelity.

The Supreme Court En Banc denied the petition for certiorari filed by a man who challenged his conviction for violating Section 5(i) of the Anti-VAWC Act. The parties’ names were withheld based on court rules.

The man was originally charged with psychological violence under the law for causing his wife mental and emotional distress after she found out that he had an extramarital affair and a child with another woman. He, however, argued that his unfaithfulness did not amount to psychological violence as he did not intend to cause his wife mental and emotional distress.

US Embassy to open new visa center

THE US Embassy in the Philippines is set to open a new Visa Application Center (VAC), launch an updated visa appointment system, and expand call center services to United States citizens in the Philippines starting September 28. The new VAC will be located at Level 3 of Parqal Building 8 in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City. Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants alike seeking interview appointments will be required to schedule a separate VAC appointment for photo capture and fingerprint scanning prior to their interview at the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard. The said scheduling will take place through the new, redesigned online appointment system. Meanwhile, applicants who have already scheduled a visa interview before September 28 will not be affected and must proceed directly to their US Embassy appointment.

Ballot printing for 2025 polls to begin 2nd week of December

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections will start printing 73 million official ballots for the 2025 elections by the second week of December, poll body chairman George Garcia said.

Garcia made the announcement during the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the provision of printing services for next year’s elections between the Comelec, National Printing Office, and South

Korean firm Miru Systems.

At least P1.6-billion from the existing bundled contract of Miru Systems – the official election provider for the 2025 polls – has been allocated for the printing of the ballots,

Garcia said. According to Ken Cho, Miru vice president for overseas sales, his company will be lending to the NPO brand new machines which uses the latest technology from industry leader HP.

“Hopefully, we can start printing by the second week of December because substitution of candidates is prohibited. If they file their candidacy on October 1-8, replacement is allowed only if the reason is death or disqualification,” Garcia said.

‘1

in 3 voters value candidate’s competence’

A BIG segment of Filipinos – corresponding to a third of the electorate – places importance on competence traits in candidates, the “Pinasurvey” study by research company Insightspedia showed.

At least 12 percent of respondents who are most worried about the economy consider knowledge essential. These insights counter the prevailing belief that Filipinos are largely nondiscerning when it comes to selecting their public officials.

“The key is to be able to locate these segments, convey competence and knowledge to them, and to speak to them in a way that resonates with them specifically,” said Rolland Ramirez, Managing Director of Insightspedia. Insightspedia previously released

the five segments “Pinasurvey” uncovered in the electorate: Misunderstood Mainstream, the largest and slightly misjudged segment of voters; Passive Onlookers, the least involved and least inclined to have their minds changed; Solution Seekers, those who put most importance on character over competence and are the most agitated; Connection Cravers, voters who look for the candidate they can relate to and create a personal connection with; and Economy Worriers, most worried about rising prices, low income, and lack of jobs.

Rising prices, low income, and lack of jobs are the top issues, but notable differences were seen by segment, with these most pronounced among Economy Worriers.

The study also showed a strong bandwagon mindset is evident among Filipinos, with 56 percent describing themselves as eager to embrace or even initiate new ideas, markedly Connection Cravers and Solution Seekers.

“Identifying the segments is one thing, operationalizing them is another,” said Ramirez. “The Pinasurvey framework provides candidates, policymakers, political strategists/consultants, and campaign teams an analysis toolbox for a comprehensive and integrated solution that enables them to better know, understand, and communicate with voters.”

The survey had 2,500 respondents who are of voting age by May 2025. It has a +/- 2 percentage points margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

“We will likely print half a million ballots in each printer per day or one million per day,” he added. Garcia also said that some “unique” features of the ballots will be printed, including the “secret markings” they included. He said the ballots are “precinct specific,” which means that they can’t be used by other precincts and other vote-counting machines. “We must have a higher quality control over the ballots to be printed,” Garcia added.

By Maricel V. Cruz

PhilHealth should automatically pay because the people’s contribution has already been paid, the subsidy has already been given,” Co said.

In the same budget briefing, Co also asked Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa about the inclusion of doctors’ professional fees under the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program. Herbosa, who had committed to resolve the issue in a meeting with Co and Speaker Martin Romualdez last week, said he has already released a department memorandum on the matter.

“Our DOH doctors’ professional fees should be automatically approved, not denied. Their salaries are already pitifully low. They should not have to worry about their fees,” Co said.

Responding to Co’s concerns, PhilHealth president Emmanuel Ledesma vowed to expedite the processing and payment of the claims that have either been returned to hospital (RTH) for fulfillment of unmet requirements or outrightly denied. Co said PhilHealth should help ensure that government hospitals, which cater to massive numbers of poor patients, deliver proper health services by paying their claims promptly. He said cash flow problems seriously impact the public health care system.

“Ghost claims must be denied. But if the claims documents are missing just a period or a comma, don’t let the hospitals sweat… This is for the people, and it’s supported by Congress and the budget, and there is money for the services,” he said.

MIGRATORY BIRDS. White Egrets feed along the coastline of Caligaran, Puerto Princesa. Dave Leprozo

PENSIONER’S DAY. Social Security System Commissioner Robert Joseph de Claro leads the SSS pensioner’s day at the agency’s main office in Quezon City as part of their 67th anniversary on Friday, September 6, 2024. Manny Palmero

OPINION

Jose Mari Chan: More than ‘Father Christmas’

By Rolando Ng

CHURCH bells ring! Wake up! Get dressed, be prepared! For the sounds of the king have arrived.

In a flash, September arrived on a Sunday, designed to celebrate families, and the first few chords of a popular Christmas tune have dominated the broadcasting frequencies.

The 14-note “tolling” marks the start of the longest Christmas season around the world.

Lo and behold, the everlasting classic “Christmas in Our Hearts” has sprung out of the bloom from its own mistletoe, a start to the old Filipino Yuletide. The song, and its 1990 landmark album, released by composer Jose Mari Chan, features 16 singles; five of which are original compositions, while 11 are from the old collection of Western Christmas songs.

A memorable father-daughter duet, coupled with a crooning love song centered on the festive season and a lot of his takes on familiar carols, made it to the top of the charts. Weeks after the album’s release, it sold more than 40,000 copies which earned it a triple-platinum certification by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.

Beyond the commercial accolades, this album became a cultural phenomenon.

Through time, this collection became the staple of many Filipino homes. Chan, a romantic songwriter, was crowned by his adoring fans and listeners “Father Christmas” for his work.

Hold on, maybe it’s time to look back on this title from his longstanding musical career.

Prior to his Christmas album, he revived his “Constant Change” in 1989, with a big positive response, that highlighted the title track “Beautiful Girl” and “Please Be Careful With My Heart.”

His effort to enter the mainstream presence proved successful as it earned him a Platinum certification by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.

Before “Constant Change,” Chan already penned and sang his songs in the 60s and 70s.

“Afterglow” was his first single released in 1967, followed by “Deep in My Heart” in 1969. In 1973, he represented the Philippines in an international singing competition with “Can We Just Stop and Talk Awhile.”

After his 11-year absence, he returned to the Philippines and his music career.

“Tell Me Your Name” was his comeback single, released for his compilation al-

bum in 1985.

Chan is also responsible for some of the jingles many Filipinos remain familiar with to date.

“Strictly Commercial” revisited the compositions he penned for companies and brands. He wrote songs for banks, coffees, stationeries, the state TV network, and even the country’s flag carrier.

A cut from this album, commissioned by a multinational Japanese company, was remade into a Christmas song by him in 1990.

One of his well-known jingles went like this: “sa lasang-lasa, walang tatalo...”

You can continue with the next words.

You see, Chan is more than just Father Christmas. It would be unfair to limit him as the man behind the season’s songs we know today.

Chan at his best is Mr. Songwriter, a nod to his original take on ‘Mamang Sorbetero’ released in 1979

In the first place, there have been Christmas songs released prior to his 1990 album.

There were Vicente Rubi who gave us the melody of “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit,” Manuel Silos with “Kampana ng Simbahan,” and Felipe de Leon for “Pasko Na Naman.”

Even Ryan Cayabyab had his “Kumukutikutitap” in 1987 before Chan’s holiday album.

All the songs are part of a grand collection of famous Filipino carols people sing today.

They, too, deserve the spotlight and humor as widespread as the ones dedicated to Jose Mari Chan’s music.

Chan’s love songs, too, must be given their high regard.

One way or another, this helps lovers romancing in their own honeymoon, or men courting their ladies with his swooning songs.

He must also be the sound of any Valentine’s Day celebration here due to his collection of love songs in his repertoire.

Chan at his best is Mr. Songwriter, a nod to his original take on “Mamang Sorbetero” released in 1979.

(The author, a University of the Philippines Los Baños student, was an intern for Manila Standard between June and Aug. 2024. For comments, email him at ngrolando2003@yahoo.com.)

‘Reagan’ movie splits audiences, captures US divisions

LOS ANGELES – Movie critics and audiences don’t always see eye-to-eye -- but rarely have they appeared as divided as they are over “Reagan,” a highly flattering biopic of the Republican president released just months before another deeply polarized US election.

The film, starring Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan, came out last week and boasts an audience rating of 98 percent on the Rotten Tomatoes website. But it impressed just 21 percent of critics.

Professional reviewers mostly trashed the film as a clunky hagiography that omits a controversial leader’s flaws, while thousands of fan responses accused elitist critics of knocking an “uplifting” and “patriotic” film because of their own left-wing politics.

“You add the politics into this one, and all of a sudden it gets extremely skewed,” agreed director Sean McNamara. Reading many of the reviews, “I find that they definitely are attacking Reagan... as opposed to just the film making,” he told AFP. But rather than shy away from it, the filmmakers and publicists behind “Reagan” have actively leaned into the movie’s split reception.

One press release this week boasted about “the greatest gap between critics and fans in the history of Hollywood theatrical films.”

A veteran Hollywood publicist, who is not involved in the film, told AFP that claim “sounds like PR spin to me.” Regardless, the timing of the movie in a febrile election season has certainly helped to draw attention.

Independent box office analyst David A. Gross said the film’s $10 million opening weekend gross was “above average” for a political biography.

‘Shocked’

Based on Paul Kengor’s 2006 book

“The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism,” the film chronicles the 40th US president’s life story from childhood, through Hollywood, and into state and national politics.

Filmmakers say the timing of the movie’s release so close to one of the most tumultuous US presidential campaigns of all time is coincidental.

The movie was first announced in 2010, finally shot in 2020, and then delayed further by the Covid-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes.

While Reagan’s 1980s heyday was a time of ‘a lot of vitriol’ too, it was still a ‘kinder, gentler nation’ where people could disagree politically but still meet for drinks or a barbecue

“If you watch this movie through the lens of a non-election year... you would have just watched it, I think, more as a movie,” said McNamara.

“But I think now, when people look at it, you can’t help but see the similarities.”

Indeed, the film begins with Reagan being shot in 1981, echoing the assassination attempt on fellow Republican Donald Trump’s life just this summer. It also portrays Reagan facing down

TEDITORIAL

Let them pay the price

HE action-packed saga of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo –Senate hearings, escape, arrest in Indonesia, deportation to the Philippines – continues to grip this nation of 115 million.

Accused of having links to Chinese criminal syndicates, the 34-yearold fugitive, who holds Philippine and Chinese passports, is back here after she was turned over Thursday by Indonesian authorities to Filipino officials led by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. and was deported back to the Philippines.

Guo arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 1:30 am Friday aboard a special government flight, with the Bureau of Immigration immediately executing the mission order: charges of undesirability and misrepresentation under Philippine immigration laws.

The Philippine National Police said Guo, who had cut her hair, was sched-

uled to undergo a medical check at Camp Crame before being turned over to the Senate to implement its arrest warrant issued on July 13. Guo remains under legal custody of the Bureau of Immigration but physical custody shall remain with the Philippine National Police.

Guo is facing a total 87 counts of money laundering, along with a human trafficking complaint related to the raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators hub in Bamban.

The Guo case, which includes those who helped facilitate her escape, is worth watching

On Thursday, the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 109 also issued an arrest warrant for Guo in connection with a graft case.

We see here the wheels of justice rolling – and hope they will continue to roll against other prominent cases – and give our hand to Indonesian of-

CAN a new player in the Philippine power sector truly bring about a brighter, more sustainable future?

Primelectric Holdings, Inc. (PHI), led by visionary Roel Castro, is betting on it.

With its recent acquisition of a majority stake in Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI), Primelectric has set the stage for a transformative journey that promises to benefit not only the residents of Tagbilaran City but also the broader Filipino populace.

But can Primelectric deliver on its ambitious promises?

Primelectric’s foray into the power utility business has been nothing short of extraordinary.

This company, a subsidiary of the Enrique K. Razon Jr.-led More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), has quickly established itself as a force to reckon with in the electric distribution sector.

Its growth has been underpinned by a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional products and services, ensuring consumers receive not just electricity, but a promise of reliability, innovation, and value for money.

The company’s recent acquisition of BLCI is a testament to its strategic foresight and financial acumen.

With a P1.0 billion capital outlay earmarked for the rehabilitation and modernization of BLCI’s distribution assets, Primelectric is poised to revolutionize power distribution in Bohol.

The planned upgrades, including the installation of state-of-the-art substations, will ensure a robust and reliable power system that meets the needs of the local community. This investment is not just about infrastructure; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for the people of Bohol by providing them with a reliable and affordable power supply.

But Primelectric’s success is not just about financial performance and technical prowess.

It’s also about the company’s deeprooted commitment to ethical practices and environmental sustainability.

Primelectric has consistently prioritized community involvement, recognizing that true progress can only be achieved when the benefits of devel-

campus protests, and locking horns with his Democratic rival in presidential debates over issues such as the incumbent’s advancing age.

“Those things happened in the last few months, and all of a sudden,” said McNamara. “So even when I watch the film now, I go, ‘Wow, that’s kind of happening today’... I was shocked at the similarities.”

Further stoking the film’s divisive reputation, Jon Voight -- the prominent conservative Hollywood actor, who co-stars in the movie -- alleged that Facebook was censoring advertisements for the film.

Parent company Meta told AFP “a handful of ads” for the film had been

ficials for facilitating the deportation which certainly is not the end of the episode.

We heard President Marcos say, answering questions from media during a Malacanang briefing, that government officials who helped Guo escape will not only be dismissed but will be sued, which would make yet another sidebar to this beguiling narrative.

The President said those who helped Guo escape would surely face charges and “pay the price.” Guo, who had sought Philippine government protection because of what she called death threats, was the subject of an arrest warrant after she failed to appear before a Senate inquiry investigating financial scams and human trafficking found to be taking place at a sprawling compound in her town in Bamban.

She previously faced questions from senators and investigators over her business dealings and alleged links to the compound, apart from being quizzed over her identity following discrepancies in her documents, and allegations she was in fact Chinese and, at one point a Chinese spy which she immediately rejected.

The Guo case, which includes those who helped facilitate her escape, is worth watching.

Triumph of Primelectric and Roel Castro’s vision

opment are shared by all. Its efforts in maintaining the lowest distribution rates in Bohol and its adherence to high reliability standards underscore its dedication to serving the public good.

This approach has not only earned the company a strong reputation but has also solidified its standing as a leader in the power sector.

At the helm of Primelectric’s remarkable journey is Roel Castro, a leader whose visionary approach has driven the company’s success.

Castro’s leadership is characterized by a clear strategic vision, a relentless drive for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to ethical conduct.

Primelectric’s commitment to innovation, ethical practices, and community welfare serves as a model for the entire industry

His ability to set clear goals and execute them with precision has been instrumental in Primelectric’s rapid growth and expansion.

Castro’s leadership goes beyond just business acumen. He is a master of team building, fostering a positive work environment where employees are empowered to contribute their best.

Under his guidance, Primelectric has attracted top talent and created high-performing teams that are capable of tackling the complex challenges of the power industry.

His open communication style and active listening have created a culture of transparency and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

One cannot overlook Castro’s financial acumen, which has been a key driver of Primelectric’s profitability and growth. His sound financial management has

incorrectly identified by an algorithm as election-related posts -- which would require prior authorization and labeling -- and so were temporarily restricted. But they were swiftly restored. ‘Great communicator’ As a maker of several Christian faithbased movies, McNamara is used to making films “for the audience” that will not necessarily appeal to critics. But for the director, the gulf in responses to “Reagan” has been greater still, underscoring the stark divisions wracking the nation. While Reagan’s 1980s heyday was a time of “a lot of vitriol” too, it was still a “kinder, gentler nation” where people

not only ensured the company’s stability but has also positioned it as an attractive investment for those looking to be part of a transformative force in the power sector. Yet, perhaps what sets Castro apart the most is his unwavering commitment to ethical conduct.

He is not just a business leader but a role model who upholds the highest standards of integrity and social responsibility.

His dedication to promoting diversity and fostering a culture of inclusivity has made Primelectric a company that values not just profits, but people.

Castro’s contributions to the power sector are also a reflection of the values instilled in him through his membership in the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity.

As the Chairman of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association, Castro embodies the fraternity’s motto, “We gather light to scatter” – by leading efforts to illuminate the path towards a brighter future for all Filipinos. The fraternity’s long history of producing leaders who have shaped the nation’s political, social, and cultural landscape is a testament to the values of excellence and service that Castro brings to his role at Primelectric.

As we witness the unfolding of Primelectric’s transformative journey in the power sector, it is imperative to celebrate not just the company’s achievements, but also the leadership and vision of Castro. Primelectric’s commitment to innovation, ethical practices, and community welfare serves as a model for the entire industry.

And under Castro’s guidance, it is clear that Primelectric will continue to lead the way in providing Filipinos with the power they need to build a better future.

In a time when the challenges of power distribution are as complex as they are critical, Primelectric and Castro stand out as pillars of hope, proving that with the right leadership and vision, progress is not just possible—it is inevitable. Let us celebrate their contributions and rally behind their efforts to power a brighter, more sustainable future for all Filipinos.

could disagree politically but still meet for drinks or a barbecue, said McNamara. Older audiences are particularly connecting with “Regan” because they remember that era, and “they see something that was going on in America back then that isn’t happening now,” he said. What would Reagan himself make of the current climate?

“Reagan was a great communicator, and I think he would have tried to bridge that gap, and talk to people,” said McNamara.

“I think the biggest thing he would look at the world today and go, ‘I wish they would try to compromise just a bit more.’” AFP

Hamas urges US pressure on Israel over Gaza truce

PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES – Ha-

mas has called on the United States to “exert real pressure” on Israel to reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was no deal in the making.

The two sides have traded blame over stalling talks for a ceasefire and hostage exchange as Netanyahu faces pressure to seal a deal following the deaths of six Gaza captives.

Hamas’s Qatar-based lead negotiator

Khalil al-Hayya called on the US to “exert real pressure on Netanyahu and his government” and “abandon their blind bias” towards Israel.

But Netanyahu said there is “not a deal in the making.”

“Unfortunately, it’s not close but we will do everything we can to get them to the point where they do make a deal,” he told US media.

Netanyahu insists that Israel must retain control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas, whose Oct. 7 attack on Israel started the war.

Hamas is demanding complete Israeli withdrawal from the area and on Thursday said Netanyahu’s position “aims to thwart reaching an agreement”.

The Palestinian militant group says a new deal is unnecessary because they agreed months ago to a truce outlined by Biden.

“We warn against falling into the trap of Netanyahu... who uses negotiations to prolong the aggression against our people,” Hamas said in a statement.

Washington has been pushing a proposal it says could bridge gaps between the warring sides, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying “90 percent is agreed”. AFP

IN BRIEF

Super typhoon Yagi threatens south China

HONG KONG – Super typhoon Yagi on Friday moved towards China’s island province of Hainan, as authorities prepared for what could be the strongest storm to hit the country’s southern coast in a decade.

The typhoon was expected to make landfall later on Friday along the coastal areas from Hainan -- a popular holiday destination -- to neighboring Guangdong province, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency said, citing authorities.

The ministry of water resources on Thursday raised its emergency response to flooding in both provinces to the thirdhighest tier.

“Yagi is likely to be the strongest typhoon to hit China’s southern coast since 2014, making flood and prevention work very challenging,” Xinhua said, according to a meeting held by flood officials. Packing wind speeds of more than 240 kilometers per hour, the typhoon “is equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane,” according to NASA Earth Data. AFP

Japan’s only young imperial heir turns 18

TOKYO – Japan got a new highly eligible bachelor on Friday as Prince Hisahito, the imperial family’s last hope for long-term survival unless the rules are changed to allow female succession, turned 18.

Although his formal coming-of-age ceremony has been pushed back to at least 2025 so he can finish school, according to the Imperial Household Agency, they released a video of him strolling in woods, saying he is “extremely interested” in natural history.

“I hope to learn more through each and every experience, absorbing various aspects and growing through them,” the prince was quoted as saying.

Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino, 58, and Crown Princess Kiko, 57, and is second-in-line to succeed his uncle Emperor Naruhito, 64. AFP

Opposition wants Urrutia recognized as president

CARACAS – Venezuela’s opposition

chief Maria Corina Machado on Thursday Friday Manila time) called on the world to recognize candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as president-elect after a disputed election in the oil-rich nation.

President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory in the July 28 vote, but many in the international community have refused to acknowledge that result.

However, they have also stopped short of accepting Gonzalez Urrutia as the president-elect, instead calling for Caracas to publish detailed polling results to substantiate its claim that Maduro won a third term.

“The world knows Edmundo Gonzalez is the president-elect and Maduro was defeated

a landslide,” Machado said during a virtual appearance. AFP

New France PM Barnier promises ‘change’ as he assumes office

PARIS – France’s new right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier promised Thursday to address the grievances of the French but also implement “change” as he took office following almost two months of political deadlock.

President Emmanuel Macron tasked the 73-year-old veteran politician with forming a government earlier in the day, seeking to move forward after July snap elections in which his centrist alliance lost its relative majority in parliament.

Barnier, the European Union’s former Brexit negotiator and an exforeign minister, is the oldest premier in the history of modern France.

Zelenskyy to rally Ukraine’s allies in Germany

RAMSTEIN Air Base, Germany – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday visits Germany where Ukraine’s military backers are meeting, days after one of the deadliest strikes of the war and as Russian forces make battlefield gains.

Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will hold “one-on-one” talks in Frankfurt, according to a German government spokesman, who did not give further details about the Ukrainian leader’s program.

But German news outlet Der Spiegel reported that Zelenskyy will also attend the gathering of Kyiv’s backers, which includes the United States, at the US Ramstein Air Base.

The meeting at the base southwest of Frankfurt is hosted by US defense chief Lloyd Austin.

Zelenskyy’s presence is intended to underline “the seriousness of the situation” on the ground in Ukraine, Spiegel said, days after 55 people were killed and 300 wounded in a Russian missile strike on the city of Poltava. AFP

He takes over from 35-year-old Gabriel Attal, a man less than half his age who served only eight months in office during a period of political turbulence unprecedented in recent times in France. At a handover ceremony, Barnier said the priorities of his government would include “responding, as much as we can, to the challenges, to the angers, to the suffering” of French people.

He said that education, security and “immigration control” would remain at the top of the agenda, and that he would be unafraid to speak the truth on tough issues such as the country’s “financial debt”. But “there will also be change”, said the member of the right-wing Republicans party who is not affiliated with the president’s centrist faction.

A left-wing coalition emerged as France’s biggest political force after the elections earlier this summer, but without enough seats for an overall majority in an imbroglio that has taken weeks to unravel. Macron’s centrist faction and the far right make up the two other major

groups in the National Assembly, with the RN as the single largest party.

The left has greeted Macron’s move towards “cohabitation” with Barnier with dismay, and will now seek to topple him with a no-confidence motion. Controversially, the president appears to be counting on the far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen to keep Barnier in power by voting against such a motion. Barnier has been all but invisible in French political life since failing to win his party’s nomination to challenge Macron for the presidency in 2022, during a campaign where he tacked further right and suggested a moratorium on immigration. AFP

majority of the population is Christian, mostly Protestant. The former Australian colony of nine million inhabitants, visited by John Paul II in 1984 and 1995, is regularly plagued by tribal violence, and in January saw deadly riots in the wake of anti-government protests against wage cuts. Francis could also

HECTIC SCHEDULE. In this handout picture released by the Vatican Press Office on Friday Pope Francis (center) boards a plane for his departure from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

POLITICAL DEADLOCK. France newly appointed Prime minister Michel Barnier (right) shakes hands with outgoing Prime minister Gabriel Attal during the handover ceremony at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on Thursday. France’s President Emmanuel Macron appointed former right-wing minister and European

on Sept. 5, 60

UP renews rivalry with Ateneo in UAAP opener

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines

opens its redemption season with a clash against Katipunan rival Ateneo in the lone UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons and the Blue Eagles meet for the first time since last season’s Final Four at 6:30 p.m. Both teams split the championships in 2022, with each series extending to three games.

De La Salle begins its title-retention bid against National University at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, also at the Big Dome.

Other matches to wrap up the opening weekend include legendary PBA import Sean Chambers making his coaching debut for Far Eastern University against Adamson University at 3 p.m., following the University of the East and University of Santo Tomas game at 1 p.m.

After ending their 36-year championship drought in the 2022 bubble tournament, UP has settled for runnerup honors in the last two seasons. The Fighting Maroons lost to the Kevin Quiambao-led Green Archers in the Finals last year.

“Regardless of who we play, the first game sets the tone for our season and helps us start strong. Every team in the UAAP is led by experienced coaches who know how to maximize their respective teams,” said fourth-year Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monterde.

“That is why it is important for us not to take any team lightly, as anyone can be beaten in our league on any given day.”

Despite losing CJ Cansino and former MVP Malick Diouf to graduation, UP still has key players to contend, led by holdovers Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, and Francis Lopez. Additionally, UP boasts a stronger frontline compared to last season’s team.

“We are a bigger team this year with the additions of one-and-done Quentin Millora-Brown, Dikachi Ududo, and Gani Stevens. Along with Sean Alter, Francis Lopez, Mark Belmonte, and Jacob Bayla, this is definitely a taller team compared to last season,” said Monteverde.

Pegula sets up US Open title bout with Sabalenka

NEW YORK—Jessica Pegula scripted an astonishing comeback “just in the nick of time” to defeat Karolina Muchova on Thursday at the US Open and reach her first Grand Slam final, where she will take on big-hitting Aryna Sabalenka for the title.

The American world number six Pegula battled back from a set and a break down to record a gutsy 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over her 52nd-ranked opponent from the Czech Republic.

Double Australian Open champion and world number two Sabalenka reached her second successive US Open final by seeing off another American, Emma Navarro, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).

“I thought I was lucky to still be in it,” admitted Pegula.

“She made me look like a beginner, she was destroying me and I was about to burst into tears, but it all came down to small moments. I don’t know how I turned that around.”

Pegula has now won 15 of 16 matches on the US summer hardcourt swing, which saw a title in Toronto and defeat in the Cincinnati final to Sabalenka.

“It’s a chance for revenge, but she’ll be tough to beat,” said Pegula, who has won

just two of seven career meetings against the Belarusian.

Pegula, playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final after six painful quarterfinal defeats, looked down and out at one stage on Thursday.

The 30-year-old lost the first set in just 28 minutes, was quickly 2-0 down in the second and had to save break point to avoid slipping 3-0 down.

That was the cue for many spectators to leave the Arthur Ashe Stadium, not wanting to witness a second American defeat in quick succession.

But Pegula dug deep to spark an incredible recovery during a rollercoaster conclusion to a thrilling semi-final as she raced away with eight of the last 10 games.

“I was super-flat, I felt loose but maybe a little too loose,” added Pegula.

“But I was able to adapt just in the nick of time and to reach a final is a childhood dream.

“If you’d told me at the start of the year that I’d get to a Grand Slam final I would have laughed so hard at you.”

Muchova, a semi-finalist also in 2023 before going on to miss 10 months due to a serious wrist injury, committed her 40th unforced error of the contest on match point, sealing her fate.

“I had a break point for 3-0 in the second set but I missed a volley and everything changed,” said Muchova.

“She picked it up and played solid. She was everywhere and played great. All credit to her.”

‘Too late to cheer for me’

Sabalenka, the runner-up to America’s Coco Gauff last year, went through to the final by seeing off Navarro as well as a partisan home crowd.

Navarro, playing in her first semi-final at the majors, went down fighting when she clawed her way back from 3-5 in the second set to force the tiebreak.

Sabalenka cracked 34 winners to the 13 of the 23-year-old American as she moved one win away from a third Grand Slam title.

“Guys, now you’re cheering for me. Wow. It’s a bit too late,” Sabalenka, 26, told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. AFP

EastWest Bank’s Ramos wins in Spartan Race Vietnam

EASTWEST Ban proudly celebrated the remarkable and inspiring achievement of Atty. Clarissa “Cariss” Ramos, who secured first place in the female category (age 55-59) at the Spartan Race Vietnam 2024 recently.

Atty. Cariss, a valued and widely esteemed attorney at EastWest Bank, carried the country’s colors and showcased her extraordinary dedication, resilience, and commitment to fitness and sports.

Balancing Career and Passion

“I’ve been participating in Spartan races since 2019. My motivation is to show that these races are for everyone, regardless of gender and age. I want to encourage everyone that it is never too late to engage in these activities. My mantra is #NoExcuses,” shared Atty. Cariss.

In her role at EastWest Bank, Atty. Cariss serves as the head of the Corporate and Custodianship Department, handling corporate housekeeping, documentation, and legal advisory services for the Bank’s subsidiaries. Her ability to balance a demanding career with her passion for fitness is truly commendable and aspirational. “To achieve anything, you can’t just wish for it; you have to

work hard and make time for it,” she emphasized.

Reflecting on her Spartan Race experience, Atty. Cariss shared, “One of the most memorable moments from the race was raising the Philippine flag while standing on the podium. The support from the Filipino community made it feel like home away from home.”

Her dedication to fitness not only allows her to stay fit but also to enjoy playing with her grandchildren without getting tired.

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

EastWest Bank is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive. With female employees representing 64% of the workforce, the bank champions equal opportunities for all. Atty. Cariss’s recent achievement exemplifies the bank’s dedication to celebrating the successes of its team members, both in their professional and personal endeavors. “I feel proud to be part of such an inclusive workplace. EastWest Bank not only values diverse perspectives but also actively supports the unique talents and ambitions of its employees, whether in their careers or their passions outside of work,” said Atty. Cariss.

Cool Smashers launch ‘grand slam’ bid, whip young Thais

WITH little rest after another championship triumph, the Creamline Cool Smashers showed no signs of slowing down, making quick work of the EST Cola side with a commanding 25-13, 25-12, 25-15 victory to open their Premier Volleyball League Invitational 2024 campaign at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna yesterday (Friday). Playmaker Kyle Negrito continued her stellar play, distributing 15 excellent sets to orchestrate the team’s fluid offense. Negrito’s performance came on the heels of her pivotal role in Creamline’s straightset, 60-minute victory over the Akari Chargers in last Wednesday’s PVL Reinforced Conference final.

“It feels like we’re not done yet,” Negrito said in Filipino, reflecting on the team’s strong start as it aims for a grand slam season after falling short in 2022.

The victory also primed up the crowd favorites against the unbeaten defending champion Kurashiki Ablaze when action shifts to the SM Mall of Asia Arena tomorrow (Sunday). Michele Gumabao, a key player in the Cool Smashers’ record-setting ninth championship run, delivered a strong performance with 14 points and eight excellent digs, leading the team to a dominant victory in just 72 minutes. Bernadeth Pons, who has risen to MVP-caliber status in the absence of some key Creamline players, continued her remarkable form. Fresh off her Conference and Finals MVP sweep, Pons backed Gumabao with 10 points.

“Our mindset is to forget the previous conference, that’s behind us now,” said Pons in Filipino. “This is a new conference, so we need to focus and work even harder.”

Negrito echoed Pons’ sentiments, adding: “Our goal from the start has been to go all the way in the Invitational, so we really have to put in the effort.”

Coach Sherwin Meneses shared his satisfaction with the team’s performance but stressed the need for continued improvement.

MILO champions breakthroughs at 1st PH Sports Nutrition Summit

AS the Filipino nation continues to rally behind its athletes who give pride and glory in and out of the country, the quest to support the next generation of sports practitioners through innovation and research remains a constant goal. For this reason, the Sports Nutrition Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SNAP) held its first-ever Philippine Sports Nutrition Summit, carrying the theme Elevating Performance: Integrating Science and Nutrition held last August 15 at SMX Convention Place, Pasay in its goal to pursue excellence in sports nutrition and athlete performance.

MILO®, standing firm in its commitment to support athletes in their active journey, also served as an official partner to the event as part of its advocacy to rally behind the country’s biggest innovations and learnings in sport.

Overall, the event served as an educational and interactive avenue for participants, consisting of young athletes and coaches, to learn more about the crucial role sports nutrition ultimately plays

in athlete performance.

In introducing innovative breakthroughs in the field of sport, attendees were greeted by a keynote speech by SNAP President, Fia BatuaMambuay, highlighting how peak performance can be achieved through integrating sports science and nutrition together.

Just as well, Q&A sessions provided by Jason Labrador from Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI); nutritionist-dietitian and teacher Mabel Aban; John Joshua C. Timpog, RND from the PSC’s Sports Nutrition Unit; Dr. Raul Alcantara, MD from the PSC’s Sports Medicine Unit; Commissioner Fritz Gaston from the PSC’s Sports Psychology Unit; and Mark Arlante of Nutri-Fit all unveiled the latest recommended sports nutrition practices that can supplement their performance.

MILO® cemented its support throughout the summit through its sampling products, serving as a means to advance their commitment to nourishing champions and rallying

Nutritionists, sports professionals, and physical educators came together in support for the next generation of athletes and coaches

USA’s Jessica Pegula hits a return to Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova during their women’s semi nals match on Day 1 of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. AFP

Atty. Cariss Ramos is shown after the race.

Games Sunday (MOA Arena)

p.m.

Cignal vs EST Cola

p.m.

Creamline vs Kurashiki

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

‘Bagong

Bayani’ to highlight 5150 Dapitan, Sunrise Sprint

DAPITAN City—More than 400 athletes from 12 countries are gearing up to embody the spirit of heroism here on Sunday as they take on the 5150 Triathlon Dapitan and the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint in Zamboanga del Norte.

Both events, set against the cultural and historical backdrop of Dapitan City, promise a thrilling mix of competition and celebration, especially with the prestigious Bagong Bayani awards to be presented.

A significant highlight of this year’s competition, the Bagong Bayani awards will honor athletes not only for their outstanding physical achievements but also for their embodiment of resilience, perseverance and national pride – values closely tied to the country’s rich history of heroism.

The Olympic-style 5150 event features a 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike ride, and a 10 km run, attracting a competitive field from both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Meanwhile, the Noli Run kicks off the weekend’s festivities today (Saturday), with runners dressed in costumes inspired by characters from Dr. Jose Rizal’s novels. A total of P20,000 will be awarded to the top two (male and female) best-costumed runners, adding a unique cultural flavor to the weekend’s events.

Among the participating athletes are members of top local triathlon teams such as Go for Gold, Tri SND Barracuda, Tandikan Tri Team, and Trimac, as well as many other local and international competitors.

“The 5150 Dapitan not only challenges athletes but also serves as a celebration of our rich cultural history,” said Dapitan City Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos. “Through this event, we aim to inspire our youth and community to embrace the lessons of sportsmanship and the values of positive competition for a brighter future.”

Another focal point of the event is the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, a shorter but no less competitive triathlon featuring a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run. This event is designed for both seasoned and emerging athletes and aims to encourage community participation and inspire the next generation of triathletes.

Almost-intact Pirates vow to bounce back

EXPECT the Lyceum Pirates Pirates to be fighting again for the best spot that they can get in Season 100 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball when it kicks off this Saturday. Their mainstays Greg Cunanan, JM Bravo, John Barba and Mclaude Guadaña have been around since their high school days. Their presence will more than make up for the loss of senior players Enoch Valdez, Shawn Umali and Oman Omandac.

With only one new player added to the squad -- Desmond Colian -- the Pirates will seek to do better than their Season 99 record of 13 wins and 5 losses. This allowed the Pirates to claim a twice-to-beat berth in the Final Four against the San Beda University Red Lions.

But their opportunity to reach the finals slipped after the Red Lions beat them twice in a row.

The Pirates then lost to the College of Saint Benilde in the battle for third to end up in fourth place.

For coach Gilbert Malabanan, bouncing back this season will be the goal of the Pirates.

The Pirates are coming back with JM Bravo, one of the team’s top scorers last season.

The 24-year-old Bravo normed 10.11 points, 5.78 rebounds, 0.94 assists, and 0.72 steals last year, and will be a reliable offensive threat for the Pirates.

Guadaña, who has been around since high school, is again expected to shine, after he averaged 9.41 markers and 2.53 boards last year, John Barba and Gyle Montaño are also expected to provide good numbers for the squad.

Colian, a Filipino-American 6’5” forward, is from the Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas. Peter Atencio

Wheelchair thrower Asusano vows 100% effort in Paralympics’ debut

PARIS—Wheelchair thrower Cendy

Asusano is ready to make her Paralympic debut a memorable one.

Despite facing long odds, Asusano is determined to give it her all in the women’s javelin throw F54 event on Saturday at the La Stade de France.

“Siyempre malaking karangalan na mapili sa Paralympics kaya ibibigay ko po ‘yung aking 100 percent sa labang ito,” said Asusano, who will see action in the finals of the event starting at 10:04 a.m. (4:04 p.m. in Manila).

“May konti din pong kaba kaya gusto ko maging kundisyon kaya pagdating ng laban ay maging maganda ang kinalabasan ng performance,” added the 2023 Cambodia ASEAN Para Games double gold medalist, who is participating in her first Paralympics with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.

A native of Donsol, Sorsogon, known for its whale shark sightings, Asusano qualified for her first Paralympic Games by throwing 14.23 meters and placing fourth in the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Now a resident of Pasig City and supported by Mayor Vico Sotto, Asusano has continued to improve her skills, setting a new personal best of 14.63 meters in the world para championships in Kobe, Japan last May.

“Kung ma-exceed ko ‘yung previous personal best sa Japan at makahit ng 15 meters masaya na ako,” Asusano said.

“Cendy is under no pressure from us in her first Paralympic Games. If she exceeds her previous personal best we will be satisfied,” national

San Beda Red Lions start defense of NCAA title

SAN Beda University opens its title defense against host Lyceum of the Philippines even as serious contenders Mapua and College of St. Benilde face off in Saturday’s historic NCAA Season 100 inaugurals before an expected full house Mall of Asia Arena crowd.

Coming out of nowhere to snatch their league-best 23rd senior basketball championship a year ago, the Lions are expected to go all out to replicate their title conquest as they tangle with the equally dangerous Pirates at 2:30 p.m.

For the Cardinals, fancied to beat the Lions in the finals, but ended up stumbling in the end, and the Blazers, heavy favorites a year ago, but couldn’t live up to it, will try to bury the ghost of their painful past as they collide at 5 p.m.

Yulien Andrada vowed to carry the load of the Lions, alongside Romel Puno and James Payosing, who were all vital cogs in last year’s improbable but successful run, and fill in the

thinking

“It

Friendlies kick o Men’s

By Peter Atencio

THE Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team will be without captain Jia Morado-de Guzman when the national women’s squad plays a series of friendlies starting Saturday against two toplevel Japanese clubs. De Guzman recently re-signed with

and instead focus on the big job at hand.

“I’d rather focus on the players who stayed,” he said.

LPU mentor Gilbert Malabanan, on the other hand, promised to make the school and their supporters proud.

“We’re just going out there to compete and try to win,” said Malabanan. Mapua will brandish reigning MVP Clint Escamis, who will need to double his efforts after Warren Bonifacio and Paolo Hernandez already left for the pros.

“It will still be a team effort,” said Escamis.

The Blazers, third placers a year ago, will parade a generally new team with only four players remaining from last season’s roster including newly minted team captain Mark Sangco.

“Our goal is to improve on our showing last year and hopefully contend for a championship,” said CSB coach Charles Tiu, who has picked up transferees Allen Liwag, Justin Sanchez and Tony Ynot.

World Championships’ 1-year countdown

the Denso Airybees for the coming Japan SV.League season, and will stay in Japan for the duration of national team’s tuneup games in Manila.

But even without De Guzman, national women’s coach Jorge Edson de Brito said his players are in good shape, and ready for action.

Games Saturday (PhilSports Arena)

“They’re in good condition. They’re healthy,” said De Brito in a interview with the Manila Standard during a vol-

leyball presentation at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong. Alas Women will tackle the Saga Hisamitsu Springs’ side at the Philsports Arena at 3 p.m., while the Alas men’s team will confront Osaka Bluteon. The friendlies, dubbed as the “Alas Pilipinas Invitationals,” will also happen on Sunday.

The event is part of the one-year countdown for the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara said he has asked De Brito and Angiolino Frigoni to search for new players who can be part of the national squad.

“We are focused on preparing the under-16, the under-18 and the senior national teams. But, now I asked the two coaches to get recruits in the provinces. There might be tall and talented players out there,” said Suzara. The friendlies take place a week before the draw for the the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship (MWCH).

Back-to-back Olympic champion France and world No. 1 Poland lead the 32-nation field that’s competing in the tournament.

Cendy Asusano is shown during her training in Paris for the Women’s Para Javelin Throw F54 event in the 17th Paralympic Games.

The NCAA coaches link hands. vacuum left by Jacob Cortes, who left for La Salle.

will not be easy but I will do my best to lead by example,” he said. San Beda coach Yuri Escueta said

they’ve gotten past

of those who left the team

para head coach Joel Deriada said. The top pick in the event is reigning world para athletics champion Nurkhon Kurbanova of Uzbekistan, ruling the event with a world mark

throw of 20.73 meters that relegated Paralympic Games defending champion Flora Ugwunwa of Nigeria to silver (19.07). Iran’s Elham Salehi took bronze (16.10).

These three athletes are expected to battle for podium honors, but expect Asusano to go down fighting as the last Filipino athlete to compete in the 17th Paris Paralympic Games.

Shown here are (seated, from left) Saga Hisamitsu Spring head coach Shingo Sakai Laurent Paul Andre Tillie Head Coach Osaka Blueteon, Ramon Suzara AVC and PNVF president, Alas men head coach Angiolino Frigoni, Alas women head coach Jorge Edson Souza De Brito, PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, (standing, from left) Erica Sakai,Saga and Miyu Nagaoka of Saga Hisamitsu Spring, Yuji Nishida of Osaka Blueteon, Kim Malabunga and Michaelo Buddin of Alas men and Dawn Macandili Catindig and Jen Nierva of Alas women.

BUSINESS

4.7% 3.1% 2.38 million

Unemployment rate in July

Unemployment rate in June

Unemployed Filipinos as of July

Australia readies P1.7-b aid for PH

By Othel V. Campos

AUSTRALIA is finalizing a P1.69billion (Au$45 million) economic development facility to be disbursed over five years for the Philippines to boost targeted industries crucial for economic growth.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines HK Yu said the program is being co-designed with the Philippine government.

“We are engaging with all the relevant departments to pinpoint their most pressing needs. A significant part of this initiative is about supporting the Philippines in achieving impactful economic reforms. We’re equipping them with the necessary skills, expertise, and knowledge, drawing from Australia’s own experience,” Yu said at a breakfast forum for the Australian Business Mission to the Philippines Friday.

Yu said the economic growth development program may possibly be in the form of aid and will be unique to the Philippines.

She said while Australia has a broader policy for Southeast Asia, the Philippines holds a special position in the region.

Macquarie Group chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake said the Philippine mining sector is among the industries that stand to benefit from the economic facility.

“Australia aims to support the Philippines in developing a prosperous, sustainable and environmentally-friendly mining sector, similar to its own. The hope is that this will also attract more Australian resource mining companies to invest in the Philippines,” she said.

She highlighted the long-standing development partnership between Australia and the Philippines.

“The Philippines is the fastest growing among Southeast Asian nations. We already have 250 Australian businesses invested here, employing 440,000 people. We aim to significantly raise that bar,” she said, saying that bilateral relations between the two countries have stood for 50 years.

PH jobless rate climbed to 4.7% in July, says PSA

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippines’ unemployment rate rose in July as more Filipinos entered the labor force, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday.

Data from the PSA showed that the jobless rate was at 4.7 percent in July, up from 3.1 percent in June. This, however, was lower than 4.9 percent registered in the same month last year.

This brought the seven-month unemployment rate to 4.4 percent, meeting the nation’s target range of 4.4 percent to 4.7 percent for the year, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

NEDA said the low unemployment rate is comparable to those of major Asian economies and is even better than India’s rate 7.9 percent and

China’s 5.1 percent.

The PSA said that in terms of magnitude, the total number of unemployed individuals increased to 2.38 million in July from 2.29 million a year ago.

The PSA said 3.1 million more Filipinos gained employment year-on-year, raising the total number of employed individuals to 47.7 million as of July 2024.

Underemployment also dropped to 12.1 percent in July 2024 from 15.9 percent a year ago, translating into 1.3 million more Filipinos securing better-quality jobs.

The labor force participation rate

rose to 63.5 percent in July from 60 percent a year earlier, indicating that over 3.2 million more Filipinos entered the labor force.

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the Philippines’ labor force remains strong with all key indicators above pre-pandemic levels and that the decelerating inflation rate is expected to stimulate jobs in the wholesale and retail trade sectors through increased discretionary spending.

“The continuous decline in the country’s inflation rate will benefit businesses, especially those in the wholesale and retail sectors, as this means our people will have more money to spend on non-essential items. Meanwhile, the increase in jobs in the agriculture sector signals its recovery from the effects of El Niño,” Recto said.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) introduces the Women’s Empowerment Metric for National Statistical Systems (WEMNS) which offers a streamlined and efficient approach to measuring women’s empowerment across various dimensions. WEMNS builds upon and refines the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), which was developed in 2012.

Manufacturing output increased faster at 5.3% in July

FACTORY output grew 5.3 percent year-on-year in July 2024, faster than the 3.6-percent rise in June, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Friday.

It was also higher than the 3.6-percent increase in the volume of production index (VoPI) registered in July 2023.

“This brings the average growth rate of VoPI for manufacturing from January to July 2024 to 2.1 percent,” the PSA said.

The PSA said the manufacture of electronics, transport equipment and food contributed to the uptrend in the year-on-year growth of VoPI in July.

The manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products posted a 12.5-percent annual increase in July, faster than 1.9 percent in June. Manufacture of transport equipment rebounded 0.4 percent from a 8.1-percent decline in the previous month, while food production grew 14.0 percent, higher than 11.4 percent in June.

Meanwhile, the value of production index (VaPI) also registered a faster annual increase of 4.7 percent in July, compared to 3.3 percent in June.

This brought the average growth rate of VaPI for manufacturing from January to July to 1.3 percent.

National ID owners warned vs. cash offers

THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday warned the public against dubious offers of cash assistance for Filipinos with National IDs on social media.

The PSA said such activities are not authorized or organized by the agency.

“We would like to clarify that the PSA does not provide any cash assistance or financial incentives. Registration to the National ID system, which will provide valid proof of identity to Filipinos, is free and does not include monetary compensation or financial assistance,” the statistics agency said.

It also asked the public to refrain

from engaging with individuals or groups behind such social media posts and to avoid filling out online forms to apply for the cash assistance offered.

The PSA asked the public to report to the official channels of the National ID.

PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa said more than 87 million Filipinos who have registered to the National ID are now capable of accessing their Digital National ID online and be verified through stronger authentication platforms such as the National ID eVerify and National ID Check.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for the manufacturing sector was at 75.6 percent in July, up from 75.3 percent in June.

“All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60.0 percent during the month. The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate were manufacture of manufacture of machinery and equipment except electrical [83.6 percent], other non-metallic mineral products [81.4 percent] and manufacture of textiles [80.4 percent],” it said.

BOC topped eight-month revenue goal

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Friday it surpassed its revenue collection goal for the first eight months of 2024.

Preliminary data showed the BOC generated P614.781 billion from January to August, exceeding the target of P609.592 billion by 0.9 percent. This represented a 5.7-percent increase from P581.491 billion collected in the same period last year. The revenue growth underscores the BOC’s effective strategies in valuing goods and ensuring precise import duty assessments.

Through stringent customs compliance, the BOC has effectively minimized under-declaration and misclassification, enhancing efficiency, transparency and overall fiscal management. The BOC collected P78.908 billion in August, or 2.52 percent short of the P80.945-billion target. It said the shortfall was largely due to recent policy changes.

Executive Order (EO) 62, which reduced the rice tariff from 35 percent to 15 percent, accounted for a P2.353-billion revenue loss. It said the reduction of the motor vehicle tariff to 0 percent resulted in a P1.034-billion deficit.

These policy adjustments were essential for broader economic and consumer benefits, reflecting a strategic shift towards more affordable essential goods. Darwin G. Amojelar

TRAVEL MART. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (third from left) leads the symbolic tree-planting to mark the start of the 35th

Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) on Sept. 6, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. As the country’s longest-running travel fair, the PTM is hosted by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and co-presented by the DOT (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines.

Vista Land sets dividend payout for P5-b preferred shares offering

VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. of billionaire Manuel Villar revealed an attractive dividend payout to investors that will subscribe to its P5-billion preferred shares offering.

Vista Land said in a notice to the stock exchange Friday the initial dividend rates for VLL2A and VLL2B are 7.9892 percent and 8.4000 percent, respectively.

The dividend rate for VLL2A will be applicable for four years. If unredeemed on the fourth year, Vista Land will have to pay higher step-up interest rate based on the prevailing 10-year benchmark plus 3 percentage spread.

The dividend rate for VLL2B will be applicable for seven years, after which the company will have to pay higher rates based on the prevailing benchmark plus a spread of 3 percentage points.

Vista Land plans to sell 30 million Series 2 preferred shares, with an oversubscription option for another 20 million. The shares will be sold at P100 apiece.

The preferred shares are perpetual, cumulative, non-participating, nonvoting, redeemable, and non-convertible.

Vista Land said it would use the proceeds to refinance various bank loans and corporate notes and for general corporate purposes. Offer period will run from Sept.16 to Sept. 25.

The shares will be listed on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange on Oct. 4.

Vista Land tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., China Bank Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. as joint issue managers, joint lead underwriters and joint book runners for the offer.

The property firm earlier tapped the debt market when it raised $350 million through the issuance of US-denominated unsecured fixed rate notes through its wholly-owned subsidiary VLL International.

The notes were issued under VLL International’s $2-billion mediumterm note program.

The notes were guaranteed by Vista Land, Brittany Corp., Camella Homes, Inc., Communities Philippines, Inc., Crown Asia Properties, Inc. and Vista Residences, Inc. Jenniffer B. Austria

SM to install waste segregation bins across 75 stores

SM, THROUGH SM Retail, will install waste segregation bins in 75 stores nationwide, reaffirming SM’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. SM Retail has recently installed recycling bins in 25 branches across the National Capital Region (NCR), with 50 additional provincial branches scheduled to follow in the coming weeks. This initiative is part of the broader #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign.

The initiative promotes behavioral change in waste management through a clear segregation system for waste categorized into Recyclable, Disposable and Compostable, or RDC. It further reflects SM’s commitment to reducing waste through effective segregation and innovative disposal methods, positioning the company as a major proponent in addressing the national waste crisis.

“By placing recycling bins in 75 of our department stores, SM Retail is taking a practical step towards improving waste management. We aim to make it easier for our customers and employees to sort and recycle waste, supporting our broader goal of reducing environmental impact through clear and effective waste practices,” said Luis Lava, SM Retail vice president for workplace and administration.

Aside from retail stores, the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign involves installing RDC-labeled bins across various SM properties including malls, residences, leisure resorts, offices, hotels, and convention centers nationwide. SM is also encouraging its diverse range of mall tenants to join in this collective effort through information and education campaigns, using posters and similar labels.

Peso breaches 55-a-dollar level; stocks sustain gains

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine peso climbed Friday to breach the 55-a-dollar level, while local stocks ended the first week of September in the green despite worries about health of the US economy.

The peso closed at 55.90 against the greenback, up from 56.21 on Thursday amid rising optimism on the local economy and following the release of inflation data showing a deceleration in consumer price movement.

Capital Development Corp.

of sales Luis Limlingan said Philippine equities managed

eke gains as investors continued to cheer the inflation data. Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. chief economist Nicholas Mapa said the 3.3 percent August inflation could mean that the door for the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas to cut rates remains open. Metrobank Research expects the central bank to deliver two more rate cuts before year-end. Limlingan said, however, US stocks dropped overnight as investors grew wary of the US economic outlook ahead of Friday’s labor report. “Private payrolls showed their weakest growth since 2021, while jobless claims fell, raising questions about

UP SPONSOR. Robinsons

CONTECON Guayaquil S.A. (CGSA), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Ecuadorian business unit, signed a significant partnership with COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers to handle the latter’s general cargo ships at the Port of Guayaquil for the next three years.

The partnership is in line with CGSA’s objectives to expand

ICTSI’s Contecon Guayaquil to handle COSCO’s general cargo ships PNOC seeks consultant to study Batangas wind port

its client base, set the regional standard for service, and consolidate the Port of Guayaquil’s position as Ecuador’s main logistics hub.

CGSA has handled six COSCO vessels since the beginning of the year and anticipates at least one vessel per month moving forward.

“Our commitment to innovation, outstanding customer service, and sustainable develop-

Calbayog Water inaugurates infra projects to enhance water supply

CALBAYOG Water, a business unit of Manila Water non-east zone subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, inaugurated three important infrastructure projects.

These include the Pagbalican Pump Station and 1,500 cubic meter Reservoir Rehabilitation Project, the San Policarpo Booster Pump Station and the San Policarpo-Pagbalican Transmission Line Project.

“The inauguration marks a significant milestone in Calbayog Water’s mission to deliver exceptional and reliable water services to the communities we serve and a testament to our commitment in fulfilling our service obligations. Through these projects,

we also hope to contribute to better health and well-being of our customers and the development of the City of Calbayog,” said Fernan Barry Bohol, Calbayog Water officer-in-charge operations manager.

The Pagbalican reservoir, originally established in the late 1990s under the management of the Calbayog City Water District, was designed to fill the ground reservoir during off-peak hours and provide additional water during peak demand by utilizing stored water.

As Calbayog City’s population and water demand increased, the facility struggled to maintain its operations, leading to reduced water availability during peak hours.

ment in the port sector is stronger than ever. Moreover, our handling of project cargo plays a crucial role in supporting major investment projects across the country, significantly boosting economic growth and advancing regional port infrastructure,” said Javier Lancha, CGSA chief executive.

COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, a division of China

COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited, operates and manages a fleet of over 100 vessels including multipurpose and heavy lift ships, semi-submersible vessels, and carriers for automobiles, logs and asphalt. This fleet, the largest of its kind globally, establishes COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers as a worldwide leader in maritime transport.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STATE-RUN Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is rebidding the study and design for the transformation of the energy supply base in Mabini, Batangas to an offshore wind integration port (OSWIP).

PNOC is contracting a third party to conduct preparatory study and conceptual design of the OSWIP to serve as an initial investor study to outline the project’s opportunities and financial parameters, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective stakeholder.

PNOC said in its bidding documents interest consultants should submit their applications to the Bids and Awars Committee Secretariat on or before Sept. 10, 2024 (10 a.m.) at PNOC Bldg. 6, Energy Center, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

PNOC said the consultant would conduct a detailed review of the local offshore wind market and project pipeline and identify the potential market share this facility could capture within its geographic reach.

This includes identifying potential port competitors and assessing the facility’s competitive position relative to these competitors. The resulting market capture analysis will be translated into a port activity forecast, serving as an input for the Business Model Assessment.

“Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion,” it said.

“Conducting a detailed investor study and developing a robust business model will attract investors by providing a clear understanding of financial parameters, market potential, and project viability,” the company said.

Retail Holdings Inc. renews its 15-year sponsorship of the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UP-MBT), reinforcing its commitment to fostering athletic excellence and community spirit that has spanned over a decade and a half. Attending the launch of the renewed sponsorship on Sept. 4, 2024 at the Executive House in UP Diliman are UP president Angelo Jimenez, nowheretogobutUP (ntgbUP) founders Renan Dalisay and Agaton Uvero, ntgbUP chairman Jed Eva, UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol, UP-MBT coach Goldwin Monteverde, Robinsons Retail chief operating officer Stanley Co and Robinsons Retail president and chief executive Robina Gokongwei-Pe (seated, third from left). SM, through SM Retail, is installing waste segregation bins in 75 stores nationwide, reaffirming SM’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. SM Retail recently installed recycling bins in 25 branches across the National Capital Region (NCR), with 50 additional provincial branches scheduled to follow in the coming weeks. The initiative is part of the broader #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign.

DA: Smuggled veggies positive for chemicals

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) sounded the alarm after the smuggled vegetables confiscated from a Navotas City warehouse tested positive for a range of hazardous substances including pesticide residues, heavy metals and microbiological contaminants.

Laboratory analyses conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on onions, tomatoes and carrots revealed the presence of pesticides like organophosphates, organochlorines and pyrethroids, which can disrupt the human nervous system and cause other health issues.

The vegetables were found to contain heavy metals like cadmium and lead, known to cause long-term health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver and nervous system.

The seized vegetables, amounting to over 300 tons, were imported without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from BPI. This highlights the risks associated with illegal importation, often bypassing crucial safety checks and regulations.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the public that the contaminated vegetables would be disposed of safely to prevent them

from entering the food supply.

“We cannot risk the health of Filipino consumers. The DA legal team will determine legal actions that can be taken against these unscrupulous traders who not only evaded tariffs but also endangered consumer health,” he said.

The DA said the incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for stricter enforcement of import regulations to safeguard consumers.

The incident also underscored the critical role of regulatory bodies like the DA and BPI in protecting public health by ensuring that food products meet safety standards, it said.

The DA advised consumers to be vigilant and purchase fruits and vegetables from reputable sources. Washing produce thoroughly before consumption is also crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants, it said.

delivery platform Lalamove

Lalamove provides livelihood for PUV, PUJ drivers

ON-DEMAND delivery platform

Lalamove is launching its nationwide

“Tuloy Biyahe Program: Tsuper Onboarding Roadshow” to welcome thousands of PUV and PUJ drivers from North, Central and South Luzon, the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cebu.

The program provides drivers with the opportunity to become their own bosses, offering flexible and sustainable livelihoods as Lalamove partner drivers.

“Our Tuloy Biyahe program goes beyond just helping drivers find work. It’s about helping them become more

financially independent. We want to see them succeed as entrepreneurs and build a brighter future for their families,” said Lalamove Philippines managing director Djon Nacario. Recognizing that ‘tsupers’ across the country have different needs apart from livelihood opportunities, leading ondemand delivery platform Lalamove developed the Tuloy Biyahe program.

The initiative ensures that even drivers without vehicles have a chance to become accredited partner drivers.

The Tsuper Onboarding Roadshow offers car loan options through Lalamove

Cebu Pacific brings back P1 sale for local, international destinations

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Friday it is bringing back its “piso sale” promotion for both domestic and international destinations.

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said passengers may book flights to select destinations and international destinations for as low as P1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges

BIR registers 91% electronic tax returns

SENATOR Grace Poe lauded the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for reaching 91 percent in total tax returns filed electronically in the first half of the year.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. attended the Senate budget hearing on Aug. 27, 2024, which was presided over by Poe, chairperson of the Committee on Finance.

Poe lauded Lumagui for the agency’s achievement.

“The men and women of the BIR are grateful to Senator Grace Poe for recognizing our efforts in digitalizing our services, particularly the filing of tax returns. Since 2022, the BIR has been consistent in creating a service-oriented culture amongst its ranks. As proof of our commitment to taxpayer service, we have achieved a 100% Nationwide ISO certification this 2024, the first government agency to do so. Our services are now up to par with international standards,” Lumagui said.

The BIR recorded a 91-percent share of electronically filed returns, with only 9 percent of returns filed manually from January to June of 2024. About 12.25 million returns were filed in the first half, with 11.17 million submitted online and only 1.09 million filed manually.

starting Sept. 6 to 10, 2024.

The travel period is from Nov. 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025.

The promo covers domestic destinations like Iloilo, Zamboanga, Bacolod, General Santos, and Davao, as well as international destinations like Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Cebu Pacific earlier announced the launch of many new routes and destinations in 2024 such as

Chiang Mai and Don MueangBangkok, Cebu Pacific passengers looking to visit Singapore or Hong Kong may conveniently travel direct from Manila, Cebu, and soon Iloilo.

The company said that with the introduction of Cebu Pacific’s direct flights from Cebu to Osaka, more Filipino travelers will now have easier access to one of Ja-

pan’s popular cities. Passengers may use their travel funds to book flights and avail of other add-ons. Cebu Pacific also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.

The airline operates in 35 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. With Joel Zurbano

Belo Medical

Group opens biggest facility at One Ayala Mall in Makati

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT)

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the inauguration of Belo Medical Group Philippines’ newest facility at One Ayala Mall in Makati City will help promote medical tourism in the Philippines.

“We are very happy with the launch of Belo NEXA, which provides next generation and truly, the future of medical tourism and wellness in the Philippines, which well aligns with the Marcos administration’s prioritization of medical health and wellness,” Frasco said.

The DOT and Belo Medical Group signed a memorandum of agreement in early February this year to enhance the quality of tourism services through medical and wellness tourism.

The agreement solidifies the partnership between the government and Belo

Medical Group, supporting efforts to promote Filipino hospitality and expand the country’s medical tourism offerings. Frasco was joined by founder and chief executive Dr. Vicki Belo, managing director Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., Ayala Land Hospitality creative director Paloma Zobel de Ayala, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines chief operating officer Marga Nograles, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo WurtzbachJauncey and Piolo Pascual during the opening ceremony.

Tthe DOT, through its National Capital Region (NCR) office, recently awarded Belo Medical Group as the first DOT-accredited wellness clinic, cementing its commitment to meeting the standards for promoting medical tourism through high-quality aesthetic and wellness services.

Automotive for those lacking a vehicle.

Other interested individuals can become partner drivers by ‘matching’ with a Lalamove-verified fleet operator who needs drivers for their registered vehicles.

“We understand that all ‘tsupers’ –and even non-’tsupers’ – interested in signing up with Lalamove as a partner driver may not necessarily have a vehicle. With Lalamove Automotive and Lalamove’s fleet management program, we widen the possibilities for many people to be part of our driver community,” said Nacario.

PIDS cites need to build resilient PH middle class

STATE think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is set to launch the 22nd Development Policy Research Month (DPRM) this September, underscoring the importance of evidence-based policy research in shaping the nation’s development strategies. Established by Malacañang Proclamation No. 247, DPRM has been held every September, with PIDS serving as the coordinator and lead convenor of this significant event.

The month-long celebration aims to highlight the critical role that rigorous policy research plays in crafting sound, impactful development policies.

The 2024 DPRM has the theme “Securing a Future for All by Growing a Resilient Middle Class”.

This aligns with the Philippines’ AmBisyon Natin 2040 vision of “a predominantly middle class society where no one is poor”, and highlights the critical role of the middle class in driving national development.

Throughout September, PIDS and its partners will host a series of events that will discuss the role of the middle class as the backbone of socioeconomic development. These conversations will explore how middle-class households can capitalize on opportunities and ensure resilience amidst global challenges.

The DPRM festivities will kick-off on Sept. 5 with a forum and press conference at Novotel, Quezon City. This opening event is designed to engage media partners in raising public awareness about the significance of policy research, and evidence-based decisionmaking.

On-demand

launches its nationwide ‘Tuloy Biyahe Program: Tsuper Onboarding

Roadshow’ to welcome thousands of PUV and PUJ drivers from North, Central and South Luzon as well as the National Capital Region (NCR) and Cebu. The program provides drivers with the opportunity to become their own bosses, offering flexible and sustainable livelihood as Lalamove partner drivers.

PAGCOR DONATION. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) representatives turn over to Rizal 3rd District Rep. Jojo Garcia (fourth from right) the agency’s relief aid for residents of San Mateo town who suffered from heavy rains and devastating floods early this week.

TOILET DONATION. Representatives of Manila Water Foundation, the social development arm of east zone concessionaire Manila Water Company Inc., together with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Bulacan, hand over 11 family toilets in Sitio Sapang Munti of Barangay San Mateo in Norzagaray, Bulacan. The community is within the Ipo Watershed, a critical water source for millions in Metro Manila.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Paymongo cooperates with CICC against scams

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) signed a memorandum of agreement with PayMongo Philippines Inc. to protect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from cybercrime within the next five years. Under the MOA, CICC and PayMongo will join forces in anticybercrime programs and campaigns, assistance in the investigation of cybercrimes and in improving linkage with other agencies. Both parties agreed to respect confidentiality and data privacy in the implementation of the collaboration or cooperation.

“This MOA means that you have [PayMongo] a commitment to work with us closely,” CICC executive director Alexander Ramos said.

“We will also provide support to PayMongo in addressing cybercrime incidents involving their stakeholders, including clients, executives, and employees,” he said.

Ramos said CICC partners, including government agencies and private companies, have important roles in the prosecution and conviction of cybercrime suspects.

PayMongo president and chief executive Elmer Malolos welcomed the signing of the MOA and emphasized that the fintech sector is the most vulnerable to cybercrime.

Querubin takes oath as MB member

FORMER United Coconut Planters Bank president and chief executive Jose Querubin took his oath as a member of the Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Querubin’s appointment completes the seven-member Monetary Board.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. administered the oath-taking of Querubin at the BSP head office on Sept. 5, 2024. He will serve until July 2, 2026.

Former MB members Anita Linda Aquino and V. Bruce Tolentino tendered their resignation in June

amid the ghost employee scandal. Their terms were supposed to end in July 2026. Before joining the BSP’s highest policy-making body, Querubin served as UCPB president and CEO (2003-2007); ASEAN Finance Corp. (now AFC Merchant Bank, a Singapore-based investment bank) board member (2005-2007); Bank

ADB sharpens strategic focus, hikes support for key priorities

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved an ambitious new road map to guide its evolution and scale up its support on key challenges facing Asia and the Pacific, including accelerated efforts to combat climate change and expand private sector development.

ADB’s Strategy 2030 Midterm Review—an update of its corporate strategy—outlines how the bank will transform in a rapidly changing development landscape and respond to challenges that threaten its vision for a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region.

“Cascading shocks have derailed years of development progress in Asia and the Pacific. ADB is updating its vision, expanding its financial capacity, and modernizing its operational approach to help its members respond to these unprecedented challenges, including

the accelerating climate crisis, public health crises, and economic and fiscal vulnerability,” said ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa.

“Our support is needed now more than ever. This new road map sets an unprecedented level of ambition and focus for ADB’s work and will ensure we meet the moment through bold action and transformative impact,” he said.

The review sharpens ADB’s strategic focus and sets new corporate targets in key areas. In line with its mandate to fight poverty and improve lives and livelihoods,

ADB will deepen its focus on five of the region’s most pressing development issues: climate action, private sector development, regional cooperation and public goods, digital transformation, and resilience and empowerment. This enhanced focus will guide the allocation of staff and resources for greatest impact.

of America senior vice president and Asia regional sales director (2000-2003) and country managermanaging director for the Philippines (1998 -2000); and Solid Bank Corp. executive vice president (19931998).

He also served as Megalink president and CEO (2005-2007) and as Bankers Association of the Philippines secretary (20062007).

Querubin holds an MBA from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics (cum laude)

and mechanical engineering from De La Salle University.

The MB is chaired by the BSP Governor, with five full-time members from the private sector and one member from the Cabinet.

Other members of the Monetary Board are Governor and Chairman Remolona, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Benjamin Diokno, Romeo Bernardo, Rosalia De Leon and Walter Wassmer.

The MB exercises the powers and functions of the BSP, such as the conduct of monetary policy and supervision of the financial system.

Meralco says on track to complete pole relocation for priority rail projects

MANILA Electric Company

(Meralco) said is committed to fully supporting big-ticket railway projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through timely of pole relocation and energization activities.

Meralco expressed its commitment to DOTr officials during a toplevel business review session for succeeding pole relocation activities as part of the implementation of government’s major railway projects.

IN BRIEF

with the launch of its Master in Data Analytics (MDA) program. The innovative program addresses the escalating demand for skilled data analysts globally and positions AIM at the forefront of Industry 4.0.

The Analytics Association of the Philippines (AAP) estimates that by 2028, the country will need 500,000 analytics professionals. This significant figure, however, only considers the IT industry, suggesting the actual demand could be higher in other industries such as marketing, sales, media, public relations, human resources and government.

Meralco said it had completed half of pole relocation work orders for the year. The power distributor will relocate 367 remaining poles to give way to the priority railway projects. Rail projects benefiting from the pole relocation include the NorthSouth Commuter Railway (NSCR - N1) from Manila to Malolos, Bulacan; NSCR - N2 from Malolos to Clark, Pampanga; NSCR - SC from Manila to Calamba, Laguna; Metro Manila Subway Project; LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, MRT 7; and the Unified Grand Central Station.

revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz assured transport officials of the power distributor’s unwavering support for the government’s railway infrastructure projects.

“On the ground, there are regular meetings held to ensure that all projects of the DOTr are given end-to-end support from Meralco; from facility relocation to powering transportation infrastructure,” he said.

Meralco senior vice president and chief

Meralco teamed up with the DOTr for the development of a new 115kV switching station that will provide reliable power for the Metro Manila

Subway Project.

Slated for completion in 2026, the facility will connect the country’s first underground railway system to Meralco’s distribution network.

“Our partnership with the government has enabled us to attain good progress for DOTr projects. Meralco recognizes that strong, meaningful collaborations between private and public sectors will ultimately be beneficial to the welfare of the commuting public,” Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said.

The Netherlands matches US export curbs on semiconductor machines

THE HAGUE—The Dutch government announced Friday broader restrictions on exports of semiconductor-making machines produced by sector heavyweight ASML, aligning itself with US curbs on technology at the center of trade tensions with China.

The measure, which will take effect on Saturday means ASML will be able to apply for export licences directly with the Dutch authorities instead of the US government to export the equipment outside the European Union.

The Netherlands had previously not applied restrictions on certain equipment that was under US export controls, forcing the Dutch company to request licenses from US authorities.

“I’ve made this decision for reasons

of security,” foreign trade minister Reinette Klever said in a statement on the measure.

“We see that technological advances have given rise to increased security risks associated with the export of this specific manufacturing equipment, especially in the current geopolitical context,” Klever said.

The new restrictions will apply to “more types of equipment” on top of curbs that have been in force since September 2023, the government said.

ASML said in a statement that the measure “will harmonize the approach for issuing export licenses”.

“Since this is a technical change, this announcement is not expected to have any impact on our financial outlook for 2024 or for our longer-term scenarios,” the company said. AFP

Recognizing the critical role of data in driving an organization’s success, AIM has carefully designed a curriculum that equips professionals with the essential tools and knowledge to harness the power of data. The 18-month, part-time, and hybrid program offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing working professionals to seamlessly integrate their graduate studies with their careers.

“The business landscape is rapidly evolving. Leaders who can harness the power of data and AI will undoubtedly shape the future,” said Prof. Corinne Burgos, academic program director of the Master in Data Analytics at AIM.

PH to host Asian confab on disaster risk reduction

THE Philippines, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will host the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) on Oct. 14 to 18 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. As the region’s largest conference on disaster risk reduction (DRR), the APMCDRR provides a platform to monitor, review and enhance cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which aims to reduce disaster risk

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (right) welcomes new Monetary Board member (MBM) Jose Querubin who took his oath of office at the BSP head office in Manila on Sept. 5, 2024.

By Patricia Taculao-Deligero

AS a leading global tech brand in display panels, TVs, home comfort, and telecom and smart devices, TCL envisions the future of home appliances as more intelligent, sustainable, and technologically diverse to improve daily life.

“We believe in leveraging innovative technology to improve people’s lives, solve everyday problems, and bring joy to families. By focusing on these principles, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to pursue greatness while creating a safer and healthier world for everyone,” said Peter Chen, CEO of TCL Philippines.

TCL’s new Whitelines appliances line, which includes air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and enhancing everyday life through advanced technology.

For instance, the brand’s FreshIN 2.0 air conditioner sets a new indoor air quality and comfort standard with its Fresh Air System, QuadruPuri Filters, Self-Cleaning capabilities, and Smart Control. The Free Built-In refrigerator, with its large capacity and convertible zone, offers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in food storage. Lastly, the C20 washing machine delivers both gentle and powerful performance with its low-temperature drying, direct drive inverter motor, and TCL honey drum, which are unique features that set it apart in the market.

Together, these appliances showcase TCL’s dedication to transforming home appliances into essential tools that improve our lives and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

TCL has made significant strides in the Philippine market with its Whitelines appliance range. The company’s strategic focus on specific product segments has driven substantial market share growth, instilling confidence in our reliability and understanding of the local market.

For example, in the air conditioner category, TCL has capitalized on the increasing preference for split-type models and larger capacities. By offering a range of high-quality split-type units, TCL has secured the top volume sold position.

Meanwhile, TCL’s success in the refrigerator market has been due to its top-mounted models, which are popular among Filipino consumers. TCL has effectively captured a significant market share by tailoring its offerings to meet specific market demands.

TCL has made a strong impression in the washing machine segment with its high-end top-load models, offering competitive pricing

EASTWEST Bank recently demonstrated its world-class thoughtleadership in customer experience (CX) and digital transformation during the prestigious Customer Experience Live Show Asia 2024, held on August 6 and 7 at the Concorde Hotel in Singapore. The event, which brought together over 200 senior industry experts from across various sectors, provided a platform for EastWest Bank to showcase its innovative approach to enhancing customer experience through cutting-edge digital solutions. EastWest Bank at the Forefront of CX Innovation Warren Ilustre, Head of Customer Experience at EastWest Bank, represented the bank as a panel speaker at the forum. In his expansive and insightful presentation, Warren discussed the delicate balance between utilizing

and diverse options. This strategy has enabled TCL to claim the No. 1 share in frontload volume sold since 2023.

TCL’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and targeted market strategies has positioned the brand as a leading player in the Philippine Whitelines market. The company’s success in air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines demonstrates its ability to meet the evolving needs of Filipino consumers.

Moreover, TCL incorporated emerging technologies into their Whitelines products. Some examples include the availability of advanced IoT (Internet of Things) capabilities, including smart control features like voice activations, in its upcoming FreshIN 3.0 air conditioners. The global tech brand will also introduce innovative elements, such as the Blue Wing of FreshIN, T-Fresh technology, and the TCL Honeycomb Drum, to enhance functionality and design while emphasizing energy efficiency and user convenience to deliver unique value to its customers.

“We are committed to integrating IoT control and connectivity across our entire product range, ensuring that our appliances are highly efficient and seamlessly connected to the smart home ecosystem,” the TCL CEO said. TCL’s smart home ecosystem aims to provide users with a seamless and connected experience. Its appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, and

AI and chatbots while maintaining the essential human interaction in customer service. He emphasized the importance of collecting and incorporating customer feedback to continuously improve services, highlighting EastWest Bank’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) capture and the close-loop process that integrates customer feedback into internal business strategies.

“At the end of the day, our goal at EastWest Bank is to ensure that every customer interaction is meaningful and adds value. By leveraging AI and chatbots, we can enhance efficiency, but we never lose sight of the personal, human touch that is most crucial in building lasting customer relationships,” said Ilustre. Championing Customer-Centric Solutions in

“In 2024, our strategic focus is expanding our global footprint while continuing to drive innovation within our product lineup. We’re excited to introduce our NXTFrame Series of TVs and the FreshIn 3.0 air conditioners. These products exemplify our commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance consumer experiences and meet evolving market demands,” said Chen.

Furthermore, the NXTFrame Series will redefine the TV experience for users with its sleek design, superior display technology, and smart features that cater to the modern viewer’s needs. Meanwhile, the FreshIn 3.0 air conditioners will bring advanced cooling solutions, promoting energy efficiency and comfort in diverse environments.

Scam Watch PH stresses importance of cybersecurity

CYBERSECURITY is no longer the sole responsibility of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) but of all organization members across divisions and departments, as cyberattacks are reported almost daily, according to Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-Founder and Co-Lead Convenor Jocel de Guzman.

De Guzman, also the founder and president of reputation management company Truth360 Inc., urged cybersecurity and IT executives from different companies to form a high-level cross-functional team to jumpstart the conversation of making cybersecurity a part of their corporate culture.

“The increasing frequency of cyberattacks highlights the need for a company-wide cybersecurity commitment,” De Guzman said during the recent Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP)-Beyond Trust cybersecurity forum entitled Paths to Privilege: Leveraging AI for Modern Identity Threat Detection.

The Deep Web Konek Facebook Page, a group of anonymous cybersecurity enthusiasts who frequently scan the dark web, reports a local cybersecurity breach of a private company or a government agency almost daily.

De Guzman said that the cybersecurity culture initiative in an organization must emanate from the top down to break departmental silos that keep that cybersecurity is not their responsibility.

“We need to understand that most CEOs, presidents, agency heads, and other C-Level executives don’t have a cybersecurity background, which is why cybersecurity is not prioritized,” De Guzman revealed.

“Integrating cybersecurity in a corporate culture needs a wholeof-organization approach, from the CEO level down to the organization’s other leaders in Marketing, Customer Experience, Legal and Compliance, Human Resources, Finance, IT, among others. This is the only way to break the silos of all the departments where cybersecurity is not part of their Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI),” De Guzman added.

De Guzman highlighted that many companies and government agencies in the Philippines continue to view cybersecurity as a cost rather than a strategic investment, leaving their systems susceptible to cyberattacks and, more importantly, their stakeholders vulnerable to cyber fraud.

“On one hand, from a technical standpoint, numerous sophisticated cybersecurity software solutions are available for companies to invest in to safeguard their organizational systems and digital assets,” he said.

“On the other hand, companies must also invest in education and awareness programs beyond copy-pasting anti-scam content from the internet to protect the organization’s various stakeholders, such as customers, employees, and shareholders, against cyber fraud,” he stressed.

P303.5M JACKPOT. Casino Plus has made history with a life-changing P303.5-million jackpot won on their Color Game in a livestream! On August 30, Casino Plus held a press conference to showcase responsible gaming practices to the media. For more details, visit casinoplus.com.ph.

Peter Chen CEO, TCL

Scam Watch Pilipinas CoFounder and Co-Lead Convenor Jocel de Guzman.

EastWest Bank’s Head of Customer Experience, Warren Ilustre, shares valuable insights on balancing AI and human interaction during his panel discussion at the CX Live Show Asia 2024.

TGoogle supercharges Gemini with Gems & Imagen 3

O further enhance its capabilities,

Google has announced significant updates to its Gemini AI, introducing new features that enhance its versatility and user experience.

Create Gems for customized help — from coding to career advice

One of the standout features is the introduction of Gems, customizable AI experts that can be tailored to specific topics or goals. Gemini Advanced, Business, and Enterprise users can now create and interact with Gems for assistance with various tasks, ranging from coding to career advice.

There are a number of premade Gems now available, including:

● Learning coach: helps you break down complex topics, making them easier to understand.

● Brainstormer: gives you easy inspiration — from fresh ideas for a themed party to the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday.

● Career guide: unlocks your ca-

ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, recently launched a smartphone that will no doubt elevate the mobile gaming scene in the Philippines.

This feature-packed, yet reasonably priced smartphone brings so much potential to slay and win every battle arena. Armed with promising features, nubia Philippines brings to you its brandnew nubia Neo 2 5G, a new thrilling adventure awaits the Filipino gaming community!

Making smartphone shopping easier for Filipino gamers, nubia Philippines offers

GARMIN announced the Approach® Z30 laser range finder, the latest addition to the Garmin golf ecosystem to help golfers see the course in a new way. This innovative device offers excellent ranging performance and introduces the Range Relay feature, which sends ranged distances to a compatible Garmin smartwatch or the Garmin Golf smartphone app.

Once the target has been locked in by the Approach® Z30, the ranged distance and a laser range arc will display on the paired Garmin device to give players a visual indication of the pin position and everything in play around it.

Designed to provide golfers with even more situational awareness on the course, the Approach Z30 delivers fast and precise distance readings1 up to 400 yards away, gives players six times magnification through the viewfinder and vibrates once it locks in on the pin.

the newest addition to its nubia Neo seriesthe nubia Neo 2 5G. This brand-new model, which is the successor to the series’ previous edition, the nubia Neo 5G, features advanced, state-of-the-art technology that will give gamers uninterrupted gaming all day, every day and will help them win all battles to become the ultimate gaming champion.

Better for All

True to its commitment to provide better tech experiences for all, nubia Philippines delivers revolutionary technologies that enhance its products and services with better design, better experience and better quality. This year, nubia Philippines brings the nubia Neo 2 5G that expands the capabilities of the nubia Series with new and enhanced features, all designed to provide a thrilling gaming experience for every Filipino gamer.

Better Mobile Game Experience

The nubia Neo 2 5G boasts an upgraded and improved gaming control through its gaming shoulder triggers. This feature will enable gamers to have full control and power over their games, through smooth and seamless navigation. To accommodate their gaming needs, the nubia Neo 2 5G lets gamers assign different commands to each shoulder trigger and modify different gestures using key mapping to personalize their gaming experience based on what suits them and their comfort level.

The Unisoc T820 processor with advanced 6nm EUV process is a game-changing smartphone power combo that provides high performance while also consuming less power of the device, ensuring a strong and exceptional mobile gaming experience. This processor is paired with a massive 20(8+12)GB dynamic RAM that can fully support the phone’s applications to run smoothly and perform efficiently. With the nubia Neo 2 5G’s impressive storage, backed with memory fusion technology, gamers can look forward to seamless multitasking with little to no lags for a completely enjoyable and stress-free game.

“Golfers will love using the Approach Z30, which seamlessly integrates with many other products in Garmin’s ecosystem.

You’ll never have to guess your distance to the pin as the Z30 provides quick

and accurate measurements and displays them on your compatible smartwatch or smartphone. It’s also an excellent standalone device with its speed and accuracy, making it an exceptional addition for any golfer.”

–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales

Elevate your game

Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the on-course features to help them find more precise distances and have

ISLA LPG Corporation, makers of Solane, a leading LPG brand in the Philippines, has joined forces with Dunlop International Philippines to explore innovative solutions that aim to reduce carbon emissions and optimize operating costs. This strategic partnership leverages the expertise of both companies to develop sustainable and efficient practices within their respective industry. Under the partnership, Isla LPG will supply their products and services to Dunlop International Philippines’ for the next ten years, in their manufacturing plant in Mariveles, Bataan.

“Today is a very special day for us. Our MOA signing ceremony marks the first day of our partnership. We are truly grateful for this opportunity and we are committed to provide you with exceptional service from this point onwards” said Jose Antionio Gonzalez, CEO and President of Isla LPG Corporation. “Our next step is to be able to provide your facility with our quality products as we implement this in the safest manner possible” added Gonzalez.

The partnership between Isla LPG Corporation and Dunlop International Philippines, both companies partly owned by Japanese firms, marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient LPG industry in the Philippines. With Dunlop International Philippines moving towards sustainability, the company’s affiliation with Isla LPG Corporation is a step in providing solutions to improve time and energy efficiency.

“Thank you and congratulations to the Isla LPG and Dunlop team, who worked hard to support each other for the past 15 months. I am sure that they have faced many difficulties. Still, with our collaborative

confidence that they’re selecting the correct club.

● Key information: View distance from the pin and to the front and back of the green to help gauge how to play a shot2.

● PlaysLike distance: See how far each shot should actually play with yardage adjusted for elevation changes. For an even greater level of accuracy, pair with a compatible device to receive PlaysLike distance that fac-

effort, we have come to where we are today” said Tomoaki Asai, Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation CEO.” Currently, Isla LPG supplies LPG products, but we have a vision of becoming a total energy solutions company. We thank Dunlop International Philippines for partnering with us and for sharing that mission of achieving zero carbon emissions eventually in the future,” added Asai.

“We understand the impact of our business on the environment. From this perspective, we want to value our company’s use of LPG in our operations. Partnering with Isla LPG Corporation through their products

reer potential with detailed plans to refine your skills and achieve your career goals.

● Writing editor: can elevate your writing through clear, constructive feedback on everything from grammar to structure.

● Coding partner : levels up your coding skills and can help you build projects and learn as you go.

Generate high-quality images with Imagen 3

Meanwhile, Google has also upgraded its image generation capabilities with Imagen 3. This powerful model is now available across Gemini, Gemini Advanced, Business, and Enterprise, offering users a greater ability to generate and better customize high-quality images with just a few words.

Imagen 3 incorporates safeguards to ensure responsible use, including the use of SynthID, a tool that watermarks AI-generated content, as well as limiting image generation of people to Gemini Advanced, Business, and Enterprise. However, to maintain prudent use of the tool, Gemini will not support the generation of photorealistic, identifiable individuals, depictions of minors or excessively gory, violent or sexual scenes.

Google will also continue to listen to feedback from early-access Gemini Advanced users as it keeps improving and gradually rolling the feature out to more users and languages soon.

To be among the first to experience these new features, try Gemini Advanced today or sign up for Gemini for Workspace.

tors in air density, which affects how far a ball will travel.

● Garmin golf ecosystem: Make the most of the Range Relay feature by pairing the Approach Z30 with the Garmin Golf App, or popular smartwatches including Approach S70, Approach S62, Approach S42, fēnix® 7 series, epix®(Gen 2) series, MARQ® (Gen 2) collection and more.

● Tournament mode: An external indicator light lets competitors know that the device is only providing data within the rules.

● Magnetic mount: Conveniently store the range finder with an included magnetic mount when riding in a golf cart. It also comes with a handy carrying case with a carabiner, allowing it to hang from a golf bag if walking the course or after a round.

● Find My Garmin: If the Approach® Z30 is ever misplaced, players can utilize a feature through the Garmin Golf app to see its last known location.

Designed with all types of golf weather in mind, Approach® Z30 is built with an IPX7 water rating, allowing it to withstand light to steady rain, wind and sunlight. The range finder also features a replaceable battery with exceptional life, providing players with up to a full year of use.

SHOWBIZ

Pia Wurtzbach, Heart Evangelista’s endorsements draw comparisons

PIA Wurtzbach has recently been the subject of online discussions regarding similarities between her and fellow celebrity Heart Evangelista

In June, Pia became a Friend of the House (endorser) for the Italian high jewelry brand Bulgari, a brand that Heart has long endorsed. Additionally, Pia is featured in the Autumn/Winter campaign for ION Orchard in Singapore, where Heart is the Global Ambassador.

These parallels have prompted some netizens to suggest that the 2015 Miss Universe winner may be

emulating Heart, including similar trends in their Instagram updates.

During Paris Fashion Week, Pia also faced criticism from fans who labeled her appearance as “second rate.” In contrast, Heart participated in the runway show for Vietnamese designer Phan Huy , presenting Look No. 2 from the Giang Lagoon collection. This black dress was inspired by fishing rivers and areas in Central Vietnam.

Following her runway show, Heart continued to attend other fashion events for Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, and Giambattista Valli.

Eight films, one cinematic showdown at CinePanalo 2025

PUREGOLD CinePanalo has announced the eight official entries for its full-length film category, following a rigorous selection process. The finalists, who will each receive a production grant of three million pesos (P3,000,000), will have the opportunity to showcase their films at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

The selected filmmakers are Jill Singson Urdaneta with Co-love , Catsi Catalan with Fleeting , Baby Ruth Villarama with Food Delivery , Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat with Journeyman JP Habac with Olsen’s Day TM Malone s with Perlas sa Silangan Mes De Guzman with Sepak Takraw , and T ara Illenberger with Tagsibol . Initially limited to seven finalists, the selection committee added an eighth entry due to the exceptional quality of submissions, a decision supported by Puregold President Vincent Co

including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and several technical categories.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is launching its 100th season today, Sept. 7, with GMA Network as its broadcast partner.

The opening ceremony, titled NCAA Siglo Uno: Inspiring , will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena, with Lyceum of the Philippines University serving as this season’s host.

“By giving eight full-length stories a platform in Puregold CinePanalo 2025, we recognize the significant talent and craftsmanship of Filipino filmmakers,” said Co. “We are committed to showcasing these young directors’ visions and believe their films will enrich Philippine cinema.”

The festival partners, including CMB Film Services Inc., Terminal Six Post, Mowelfund Film Institute, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and Gateway Cinemas, where the films will debut, played a crucial role in making the expanded lineup possible.

The selection process involved a face-to-face pitch with 16 filmmakers, narrowed down to the final eight. Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad highlighted the tough competition, noting that reaching this stage is a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication and creativity.

Additionally, the Always Panalo Film Award will be given to the film that best embodies the festival’s theme of celebrating uplifting Filipino stories. Three films from last year’s CinePanalo – Road to Happy (Jagran Film Festival, India), One Day League (Exposures Montreal Trans Film Festival, Canada), and A Lab Story (Jagran Film Festival, India, and Asian Film Festival Barcelona, Spain) – were recognized at international film festivals, showcasing the festival’s growing global impact. Alongside the full-length entries, a student shorts competition will feature 25 student filmmakers, each receiving a grant of P150,000 to create their projects.

The event will feature participation from all 10 member schools, including Lyceum, San Beda, Arellano, Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo, José Rizal, Mapúa, Perpetual Help, San Sebastian, and Letran. Attorney Roberto Laurel president of Lyceum and NCAA Season 100 Policy Board, emphasized the league’s century-long legacy in shaping the country’s sports industry, producing athletes who have become icons in Philippine sports.

“NCAA continues to grow and flourish, producing legends and icons over the past 100 years. This centennial season celebrates everyone who has been part of this journey, and we expect it to be the most exciting season yet,” Laurel said.

The NCAA Season 100 Management Committee, led by Chairman Hercules Callanta of Lyceum, expressed excitement for the centennial season, underscoring the league’s role in nurturing character and skills among young athletes.

The season opener will feature performances by popular acts, including P-pop group SB19’s Justin De Dios and G22, performing the theme song “Own the Future.” GMA Synergy sportscaster Martin Javier and Sparkle artists Lexi Gonzales, Michael Sager, and Faith da Silva will host the event.

The films will now compete for various awards,

The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will run from March 14 to 25, 2025 at Gateway Cinemas.

The Men’s Basketball tournament kicks off the competition, with Lyceum of the Philippines facing San Beda, followed by a game between Benilde and Mapúa. Other NCAA sports to follow include volleyball, swimming, taekwondo, and more.

Viewers can catch all the NCAA Season 100 action live on GMA and GTV, as well as through various streaming platforms, with international broadcasts available via GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV.

The opening of NCAA Season 100 is happening today at 12:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. The event will be broadcast on GMA and Heart of Asia (HOA) on Sept. 8 at 10:05 a.m. Tickets for the Sept. 7 games are available at www. smtickets.com or at the Mall of Asia Arena Ticket Booth.

Follow the action throughout the season as GTV and HOA broadcast live games every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

THE Legacies

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was recently featured in ION Orchard’s Autumn/Winter campaign

Christian Paolo Lat directed ‘Journeyman’ alongside Dominic Lat

Jill Singson Urdaneta’s ‘Co-love’ is one of the official entries for the film festival’s full-length category

JP Habac is the director of ‘Olsen’s Day’ Fashionista

Justin from P-pop boy band SB19 will be one of the performers for the 100th season’s opening

‘Tagsibol’ is Tara Illenberger’s entry for the film festival

Mes De Guzman joins the competition with ‘Sepak Takraw’

sa Silanganan’ is a film directed by TM Malones

Catsi Catalan directed the official entry ‘Fleeting’

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

By Abigail Adriatico

SEPTEMBER

marks the beginning of the ‘Ber’ months, which usually means that the cold days warranting jackets and hoodies are fast approaching. With the weather gradually getting colder, global apparel brand Uniqlo has unveiled its 2024 Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection with pieces that are perfect for the season.

Centered around the theme of “Timeless Tones,” Uniqlo’s 2024 Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection combines classic styles with modern designs, inspired by Edinburgh and Stockholm. These cities are known for their unique mix of patterns and materials and modern tonal styles, respectively. The collection offers minimalist designs in earthy neutral tones, ideal for staying warm and

How to boost your timeless style for the ‘Ber’ months

From left: Host Dani Mortel, Uniqlo Philippines

Chief Operating Officer Geraldine Sia, Uniqlo Philippines

Head of PR and Sustainability

Reiny Vergara, and Uniqlo Philippines AVP for Marketing

Andrei De Borja

Boggi Milano hits

BOGGI Milano, renowned for its Milaneseinspired menswear, has opened its flagship store in Greenbelt 5, Makati City. It was the brand’s entry into the Philippine market through the country’s leading specialty retailer, Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI).

Boggi Milano is celebrated for its commitment to high-quality materials and contemporary design. The brand emphasizes the use of organic fibers, recycled materials, and innovative textiles, aligning with its tagline, “It’s Time To B.” This reflects its dedication to fashion that combines style with sustainability and advanced technology. The new collection at Boggi Milano features

“We aim to bring a fresh approach to our LifeWear and showcase timeless classics. True to our LifeWear philosophy of designing clothing to make life better, these new pieces highlight our innovation in evolving classic items in terms of fit, comfort, and functionality,” said Geraldine Sia Uniqlo Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer.

The collection features three sub-categories: Neo-Tradition, Neo-Nordic, and Sport Utility Wear. The NeoTradition category includes updated pieces from Uniqlo’s Classic LifeWear, such as wide pants, functional bra tops, and lightweight 3D knits, now styled with new silhouettes.

The Neo-Nordic category focuses on versatility for both indoor and outdoor activities, introducing Uniqlo’s PUFFTECH technology for warmth and comfort without bulk. Additionally, Uniqlo’s HEATTECH range offers various levels of warmth, including Base HEATTECH, Extra Warm, and Ultra Warm. The Sport Utility Wear category emphasizes functionality and versatility for daily use. The DRY-

Greenbelt 5 with Italian flair and fresh fashion statement

a blend of Italian sophistication and modern flair. The opening line highlights pastel tones and sleek lines, emphasizing both practicality and style.

Key pieces include hybrid garments like the Shirt Jacket and the B Tech line, which integrates technical fabrics and contemporary silhouettes.

Additionally, the collection introduces iconic pieces with the Boggi Milano logo, and includes seasonal staples such as linen shirts and Bermuda shorts.

Boggi Milano’s flagship store is located on the First Floor of Greenbelt 5, 1228 Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila.

EX crew neck short sleeve t-shirt is available in a range of colors, while other pieces include Airism, Ultra Stretch, and UV Protection features for comfort and warmth at home or on the go. To style pieces from Uniqlo’s new collection, consider layering garments in the same color but different patterns and materials for a stylish, classic look. Pairing

The collection’s sub categories include NeoTradition, Neo-Nordic, and Sport Utility

a shirt or knitwear with a double denim outfit can enhance sophistication, while subtle color layering creates a softer appearance. For styling inspiration, visit Uniqlo’s StyleHint app to browse user outfits and share your own. For more information about Uniqlo’s 2024 Fall/ Winter LifeWear Collection, visit www. uniqlo.com/ph/en/ and follow @uniqlo on Facebook and @ uniqlophofficial on Instagram. Subtle

Boggi Milano’s flagship store takes on a contemporary design which utilizes sustainable materials

Pieces from Boggi Milano’s new collection embody Italian sophistication with a touch of modernity

Layering pieces in the same color but with varying patterns can give off a classic stylish look

The Fall/Winter LifeWear Collection’s Sport Utility Wear category features functional and versatile pieces that are perfect for everyday use

Wear