Manila Standard - 2024 October 12 - Saturday

By Maricel V. Cruz

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

PH leads criticisms vs. China’s SCS acts

Gov’t readies P1.48b aid as 'Julian' strengthens

THE government has readied P1.48 billion worth of aid for communities that may be hit hard by typhoon

Marcos says ‘more

By Rio N. Araja

than half’

of ASEAN willing to help

TBy Charles Dantes and Rachelle Tonelada

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

HE Philippines led the charge in criticizing Beijing’s illegal and dangerous actions in the hotly disputed South China during the threeday ASEAN and related summits in Laos, with the regional bloc calling for the immediate conclusion of a code of conduct to address maritime conflicts in the area.

Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

President Marcos, who raised the SCS issue in almost all ASEAN meetings and during the Leader’s Retreat in Vientiane, said "more than half" of the members of the bloc offered help to the Philippines amid China's escalatory actions.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

“At some point, there are many offers of help. They say if that is the problem, maybe we could do this, maybe our country can send vessels, maybe we could have joint operations – all these offers which could not come if we did not make our position clear. I

Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in-

By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano

ALLEGED drug lord Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa accused incumbent Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa of pressuring him into admitting involvement in the narcotics trade and implicating high-profile individuals, including former Sen. Leila de Lima and businessman Peter Lim. Espinosa made the revelation before the House Quad Committee, where he recounted his family’s ordeal as victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs), allegedly carried out as part of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. His father, accused drug lord and then Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa was killed inside his jail cell on November 5, 2016, after voluntarily surrendering to police.

By Darwin Amojelar

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.

Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.

QUAD Committee hearing yesterday where he accused Sen. Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa of pressuring him to implicate former Sen. Leila de Lima in the illegal drug trade. HOR Media

“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

By Charles Dantes

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Bei jing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience. any exercise, we have to under stand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audi ence, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One

By Vince Lopez

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

to various crimes and may be behind the "scam farms" in different provinces.

GOVERNMENT agents arrested a supposedly powerful personality among Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs), identified as Lyu Dong, alias "Boss Boga," in an operation in Biñan, Laguna on Thursday evening.

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

Lawmen pounced on him around 8 p.m. as he left his house inside a residential subdivision to attend a social event, the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Friday.

The suspect is allegedly a key figure in the operations of Lucky South 99, a POGO enterprise linked

PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio told journalists that Lyu’s capture marks a significant step towards dismantling illegal POGOs. Casio recounted that there was "minor resistance" during the arrest but Lyu and his nine supposedly armed associates were successfully taken into custody without anyone being harmed. Meanwhile, the PAOCC is looking into the possibility that Lyu is among the significant POGO personalities that dismissed Bamban

By Maricel Cruz

THE House Quad Committee yesterday issued an arrest warrant against the wife of fugitive lawyer Harry Roque for repeatedly ignoring their summons in the ongoing congressional hearing. The committee was Ms. Mylah Roque cited in contempt for snubbing its hearing for the third time.

PAGASA

ROYINA GARMA

A2

Comelec prunes senatoriables to 66 for now

By Vito Barcelo

AT LEAST 66 senatorial aspirants out of the 183 filers are assured of being in the official ballot for the May 2025 midterm elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said the poll body’s Law Department is expected to submit its recommendations in November on

who will be retained, removed, and be declared nuisance candidates for next year's polls.

However, the number may still increase, Garcia added.

Garcia reiterated that the poll body will complete resolving nuisance cases by November 30, before the printing of the official ballots for the 2025 national National and Local Elections.

“As of today, 66 hopefuls will be

included in the list of legitimate, valid, and true candidates for next year's elections,” Garcia said.

Other senatorial aspirants are facing various issues, including those whose parties issued two certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONAs).

Garcia said the Comelec received five petitions to cancel the certificates of candidacy of some local bets who were declared by the Ombudsman as

Bill classifying extrajudicial killings as ‘heinous crimes‘ filed in House

By Maricel V. Cruz

A BILL that aims to classify extrajudicial killings (EJKs) as heinous crimes and prescribing severe penalties for those who commit them has been filed in the House of Representatives.

The measure is being pushed to promote greater accountability among law enforcers, and to punish those found guilty of such atrocities, its proponents said.

House Bill (HB) 10986 or the AntiExtrajudicial Killing Act, is authored

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explained to them what the present situation is," Marcos said in a press briefing in the Lao capital before returning to Manila Friday evening.

"There are offers of joint exercises, of continued discussions on how we can keep the South China Sea a peaceful, prosperous area of commerce… So, these are things that perhaps might not be expressed in open sessions but are expressed on the sidelines," he added.

Beijing claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, a waterway of immense strategic importance through which trillions of dollars in trade transits every year, but several ASEAN members – the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei – also have competing claims to various small islands and reefs.

During the East Asia Summit, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated calls for freedom of navigation in the bustling waterway.

Bato...

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The elder Espinosa surrendered to authorities after being warned by former President Rodrigo Duterte that he would be targeted if he did not turn himself in. In his testimony, Espinosa recounted how after being arrested in Abu Dhabi, he was brought back to the Philippines on Nov. 17, 2016.

He further narrated that upon his arrival at around 11:00 pm, he was met by then-PNP chief Dela Rosa, and this is where he was coerced into tagging De Lima and Lim as drug personalities.

"I was fetched [from the airport] by 'General Bato' and his men... he put his arms around me and led me to a vehicle," Espinosa narrated in Filipino how he was escorted into a white bulletproof Land Cruiser.

Once inside the vehicle, Espinosa

POGO...

mayor Alice Guo has steadfastly refused to name during Senate hearings.

“We're figuring out if his name is among those she didn’t want to mention because she's aware that he is still here in the country,” PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said.

“The names Alice frequently brings up during the hearings are individuals who are no longer here in the Philippines, the ones who are already abroad,” he added.

Hao-Hao means "Boss of the boss" in Chinese, which offers a glimpse into his true identity.

Furthermore, Cruz disclosed that some of the POGOs Dong established in the country are still operating despite the government order for them to wrap up operations and leave the country by yearend.

“Lyu Dong established many POGOs and we’re looking into his involvement,” he added.

Cruz recalled that Dong was one of the individuals named when the task force applied for a search warrant for the Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga, prior to its raid.

by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, and Quad Committee (Quad Comm) co-chairmen Reps. Robert Ace Barbers, Bienvenido Abante, Dan Fernandez, and Stephen Joseph Paduano.

“Extrajudicial killing or the killing of individuals without judicial proceedings or legal authority, poses a grave threat to the rule of law, democracy and the protection of human rights. These acts bypass established judicial procedures, undermining public trust in the justice system and violating the basic

"We remain concerned about China's increasingly dangerous and unlawful actions on the South and East China Seas, which have injured people, harmed vessels from ASEAN nations and contradict commitments to peaceful resolution of disputes," Blinken said.

Mr. Marcos, in his intervention during the ASEAN-EAS, detailed how China’s ships “illegally blasted horns, used water cannons, and rammed Philippine vessels” within Manila’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

“These kinds of behavior cannot be ignored, and demand of us concerted and serious efforts to truly manage our disputes in the South China Sea,” he said, adding that one incident occurred “17 nautical miles away from the nearest coastline of the Philippines and 600 nautical miles away from mainland (China).”

Mr. Marcos also reiterated his call for early conclusion of negotiations for a COC in the South China Sea.

“I think the onus is now on China to accelerate those talks. ASEAN has been waiting for a long time,” he told mem-

said Dela Rosa sat in the front seat while he was sandwiched between two police officers in the back.

He said it was during this ride that Dela Rosa allegedly instructed him to admit his involvement in the country’s drug trade and to implicate both De Lima and Lim.

"He (Dela Rosa) told me to admit my involvement in the country's drug trade, and to involve Peter Lim and Leila de Lima so they can also be pinned [to the drug trade]," he continued.

De Lima spent seven years in prison on drug charges but was later absolved of all accusations, which she claimed were fabricated to silence her.

Espinosa further claimed that Dela Rosa threatened him with harm if he did not comply, warning that the same fate that befell his father could happen to him or one of his family members, causing him to be terrified and unsure of what to do.

"If I don't follow the plan, what hap-

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“Who’s Mary Ann Maslog?” he said when asked about the alleged involvement of an individual named in the supposed effort to connect Duterte, Sen. Bong Go, and Police Major General Romeo Caramat to POGO-related activities.

"I don’t know anything about that. I don’t know who this person is," he added.

The issue surfaced during a Senate inquiry into the potential involvement of public officials in crimes associated with POGOs.

When questioned further about developments in the investigation, the chief executive noted that more individuals have come forward to aid in the government’s probe.

"As this process has been going on, more and more people are coming out of the woodwork to help us in our investigations. This is just another one of those," he said, referring to alleged ties connecting Alice Guo to Chinese spy She Zhijiang, who is currently detained in Thailand.

rights to life and due process guaranteed by the Constitution,” said the bill’s explanatory note.

Its other authors include Reps. Romeo Acop, Johnny Pimentel, Gerville Luistro, Rodge Gutierrez, Paolo Ortega, Jay Khonghun, and Jonathan Keith Flores.

The measure came as a result of the Quad Comm's findings and recommendations during an ongoing probe into EJKs in aid of legislation.

“The lack of accountability for such crimes contributes to a culture of impunity, where perpetrators believe

bers of the media.

He said the Philippines will retain its presence in the West Philippine Sea regardless of China’s actions.

“Whatever happens, we will maintain that presence … because it is important to show to the world and our people that we are in the business of protecting our sovereignty. We are in the business of protecting our territorial imperatives. We are insisting on exercising our sovereign rights,” Mr. Marcos said.

China, for its part, said it will work with its ASEAN counterparts to “fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”

China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the situation in the region is “generally stable,” reiterating that Beijing remains committed to settle maritime differences through peaceful dialogue and consultation as long as it was on “the basis of respecting historical facts and international law.”

“China firmly opposes any infringement activities and provocations, and firmly safeguards its own territorial sov-

pened to my father can happen to me, one of my family members will also die," he lamented.

Espinosa further disclosed that he was instructed to include actor-politician Richard Gomez in the list of those involved in illegal drugs, even though he knew the accusations were baseless.

Despite immense pressure, Espinosa said he refused to falsely implicate Gomez, who was then the mayor of Ormoc City and now serves as the representative of Leyte’s fourth district.

Espinosa recounted how his father, prior to being killed, sought refuge at Dela Rosa’s residence, known as the White House in Camp Crame, in a desperate bid to stay alive.

Despite this, Mayor Espinosa was eventually transferred to Baybay Provincial Jail, where he was killed.

According to Espinosa, his father pleaded for his life before being shot dead.

"My father begged, 'sir, don't kill me,' but no, he was still shot dead," he said.

‘I always...

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“We only talked during the (presidential) campaign,” she said. Duterte has accused the President’s allies in the House of mounting a "political attack" to derail her possible 2028 presidential bid.

Meanwhile, the President said it would be “unfair” to assign the Vice

Garma:...

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Cristo, indicating that he needed someone capable of implementing the war on drugs on a national scale, replicating the Davao model,” Garma said.

“This Davao Model referred to the system involving payment and rewards," she added.

Garma said she did mention to Duterte her upperclassman, National Police Commission (Napolcom) head Edilberto Leonardo who was also a former police colonel and member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

“I mentioned his name to the Presi-

perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

He said petitions were also filed against several allegedly nuisance candidates with the Comelec on Friday, saying they received 5 petitions from Bicol, Batangas, and Cebu. Under the Comelec guidelines, petitioners have until October 14 to file a petition to declare aspirants as nuisance candidates.

they can act without fear of legal consequences. This bill seeks to explicitly criminalize EJK, ensuring that any individual, regardless of rank or position, who is found guilty of participating in, authorizing, or condoning such acts will face appropriate criminal penalties,” the document stated.

Under the proposed measure, extrajudicial killings will be classified as heinous crimes, which means those convicted may face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or reclusion perpetua without the possibility of parole.

ereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Mao said.

“China will continue to work with ASEAN countries to actively advance the consultations of the code of conduct in the South China Sea, and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” Mao added.

ASEAN leaders and its dialog partners repeated longstanding calls for restraint and respect for international law in the South China Sea during the Laos meetings.

"The South China Sea is a live and immediate issue, with real risks of an accident spiraling into conflict," Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan called on claimant-countries “not to 'slam the door' but to come together to seek the best solution.”

"An ASEAN-led approach is more suitable as there are several littoral nations such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia, each with their respective claims," he added. With Vince Lopez and AFP

"My father served our dear city of Albuera well, but his good intentions were not fulfilled because he was killed. I hope that by coming here, I can help put an end to this issue and hold the guilty accountable," Espinosa told Quad Comm members. Meanwhile, the proceedings at the Lower Chamber did not escape Dela Rosa's attention.

"Tell him, when I see him, I’ll punch him in the face," is what he had to say about the younger Espinosa's accusations.

“He’s such a liar. Why would he make up a story? While back then he was so well-behaved when he was in our custody. He was so kind, and now he's saying many things. He's really a drug lord,” Dela Rosa told reporters.

The senator, however, admitted that he talked to Espinosa once.

“I went to see him in his cell and asked him about Espenido. Other than that, we didn't talk anymore,” Dela Rosa insisted.

President as the government’s caretaker whenever he is out of the country as she is “not part of the administration anymore.”

“She’s still in government but she left the administration,” the President told reporters.

“She’s not part of the day-to-day running of what we are doing so it would be unfair to ask her now, to impose that duty on her since that’s not part of her work now,” he said.

dent. On the same day, a certain individual named ‘Muking’ contacted me by phone to request Leonardo’s contact details, which I promptly provided. A week later, I learned from Arthur Narsolis via phone call that Leonardo had been summoned by the President and was instructed to proceed to the Mandaya Hotel in Davao for a meeting,” Garma said.

“Leonardo informed me that he stayed at the hotel for three days, during which the President directed him to organize a task force similar to the PAOCTF. When Leonardo relayed this information and urged me to join the task force, I declined, citing my lack of experience in handling such operations,” she added.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy confirmed on Friday that there will be a big oil price hike in domestic pump prices by as much as P2.65 per liter next week to reflect the volatility in world oil prices.

DOE director Rodela Romero said gasoline will go up by P2 to P2.30 per liter, diesel by P2.35 to P2.65 per liter and kerosene by P2.45 to P2.55 per liter. Romero cited several reasons for the oil price increase such as the escalating conflict in the Middle East that threatens to disrupt oil exports with an increasing war premium; and the possible disruption of energy delivery due to Hurricane Milton.

“Final adjustments will be determined after the last trading day,” Romero said.

Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas earlier said there was a significant spike in crude oil prices due to fear of supply disruption should Israel’s retaliation target Iran’s oil infrastructure.

He said the strong US dollar versus the peso also pushed the increase in pump prices higher.

The oil companies move pump prices every Tuesday. On Oct. 8,, the oil companies implemented an increase of P1.20 per liter for diesel and P0.70 per liter for kerosene while no movement was effected for gasoline.

Department of Energy data showed that year-to-date, total adjustment of diesel stands at a net increase of P4.05 per liter while gasoline remains at P6.40 per liter.

On the other hand, kerosene has a total net decrease of P5.35 per liter.

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Lead chairperson and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers approved the motion by Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, co-chair of the committee, for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ms. Roque.

Ms. Roque, a former trustee of the Pag-IBIG Fund representing private employers, is allegedly a signatory in a lease agreement with Chinese nationals tied to an illegal POGO in Bamban, Tarlac. The Chinese nationals were arrested in July during a raid in Benguet on a property owned by PH2, a subsidiary of the Roque family’s Biancham Holdings.

The House Quad Comm also has a standing arrest order on Mr. Roque, who was likewise cited in contempt for his repeated refusal to appear in succeeding hearings.

The joint panel—composed of the Committees on Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts—has uncovered “overwhelming circumstantial evidence” tying Roque to Lucky South 99, a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, raided in June.

The raid revealed a laundry list of criminal activities, including human trafficking, torture, prostitution, scam farms, and a porn operation.

The former presidential spokesperson has claimed the hearings are politically motivated and denied allegations levelled against him.

NEWS IN BRIEF

HSAC garners 3 rd Hall of Fame award

THE Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC) on Friday thanked all public accountants for inducting it into their Hall of Fame.

The panel announced its achievement for the prestigious position in the Hall of Fame for Outstanding Accounting Offices for 2023, marking its third consecutive year of recognition. This significant award, conferred by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines Inc., underscored HSAC’s unwavering commitment to excellence, as evidenced by the quality, timeliness and accuracy of its financial reports.

AGAP bestows the Hall of Fame to outstanding accounting offices that have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance for three consecutive years.

During the award ceremony last Oct. 9, executive commissioner Melzar Galicia led the HSAC Finance Service team in commemorating the remarkable achievement. Rio N. Araja

USAID donates P5m for Ilocos fishermen

THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated P5 million ($89,500) in aquaculture equipment for tilapia breeders in Ilocos Norte as part of its commitment “to boost innovation, education, and economic development in the region.”

The grant included essential equipment like a generator, solarpowered light, oxygen tank, submersible pump, aerator, sewing machine, and fish fingerlings.

The tools are meant to boost the beneficiaries’ tilapia production by 20 percent through stable electricity, increased fish stock, and improved overall efficiency of the fish farms.

In addition, fish cages were provided to 70 fishermen from Pasuquin, Bangui, and Pagudpud, whose equipment was damaged by Super Typhoon Julian. Rachelle Tonelada

Ex-Albay gov assails Comelec’s DQ ruling

FORMER Albay Gov. Noel Rosal assailed a Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision claiming it suppresses his rights to be a candidate in next year’s midterm polls.

Rosal charged that Comelec Resolution No. 11044-A cannot deny or cancel his certificate of candidacy, nor disqualify him from being a candidate since his case was still pending at the Supreme Court (SC).

Rosal was disqualified by the Office of the Ombudsman and has been awaiting final ruling on his motion before the SC.

He filed his certificate of candidacy last Oct. 3 under the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino party, along with his wife Geraldine who was also suspended as mayor of Legazpi City. Rosas Olarte

MASTER MACHETE MAKERS. These craftsmen of Tabaco City in Albay are famous for their highquality bolos or machetes locally known as tabak. Art de Vera Jr.

Miru delivers 3rd batch of ACMs

By Vito Barcelo

MORE than 7,400 automated counting machines (ACMs) to be used in the May 2025 midterm elections arrived this week, bringing the total number of ACMs already in the possession of the Commission on elections (Comelec) to 63, 480 units.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said the latest delivery of 7,488 ACMs is the third batch of the newly manufactured ACM depos -

ited at the poll body’s warehouse in Biñan City, Laguna.

“We have 57.37 percent of the 110,620 ACMs that have been delivered by the service provider, South Korean firm Miru Systems, to the country,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Miru is expected to deliver another shipment of ACMs by the end-October.

The delivery also includes the corresponding privacy screens,

GEARING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

With the countdown already on towards the Christmas Season, this lantern maker is rushing up to have enough to meet the high demand for his creations which he sells for P2,500 at the Central Market in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Lino Santos

Mandanas announces: Batangas is logistics hub for ASEAN

By Pot Chavez

THE ASEAN-Batangas Access Zone (ABAZ) was officially turned-over Friday to the provincial government of Batangas, making the province the logistics hub for Southeast Asian countries.

ASEAN consisted of Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

HAZE OVER THE METROPOLIS.

Thick smog covers the skyline over the metropolis which, according to the weather bureau, was caused by ‘thermal inversion,’ a weather phenomenon where warmer air traps pollutants close to the ground rather than allowing them to disperse into the atmosphere, giving rise to a remarkably noticeable layer of fog, especially during the early morning hours. Norman Cruz

“This is part of the provincial government’s efforts to be a leader in improving our agriculture sector while promoting our economy in the global market. Moreover, this development is focused on people so no one will be left behind,” Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas told Manila Standard.

He said ABAZ will also have a fish port, a food terminal, grain handling facilities,

and other food processing establishments.

The economical transmission of electricity and the presence of submarine cables of internet bandwidth were some of the factors that were considered, according to the governor.

Mandanas, who sits as the Regional Development Council chairman, said the project is expected to boost livelihood opportunities and improve agri-

cultural productivity in the region.

The ABAZ project covers the towns of Bauan and San Pascual, as well as Batangas City. Mandanas also recognized the joint efforts of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department Trade and Industry (DTI) for the success of the project.

thermal paper rolls, devices to help disabled voters, paper seals, power cords, and more. Miru is expected to complete the delivery of 110,000 ACM units to the Philippines by the end of the year, Garcia added.

Garcia said if any damage is detected even by initial visual inspection, the Comelec physical and quantity verification committee will return the items for immediate replacement.

Alvarez’s two women take feud to politics

By Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

DON’T look now but the long-standing feud between the estranged wife of Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez and his current live-in partner has turned into a bitter political rivalry. Alvarez’s ex-wife Emily, who still uses his surname, and Jennifer Maliwanag, his current girlfriend, are both seeking a seat in the board of Tagum City. Former speaker Alvarez himself, is running independently while Maliwanag is running under his political party Reporma. Manila Standard gathered that Alvarez daughter Ana Alvarez, a lawyer and incumbent councilor filed Emily’s COC. There are more than 20 candidates fighting it out for the ten seats in Tagum’s Sangguniang Panglungsod.

The aspirants are EmilyAlvarez, Ronald Alvarez, Lister Kevin Guzman, Walter Borula and Told Pana, Stella Ymalay who are all running as independents; Leo Revita; Meliton Lemos, Rex Jasper Aala, Edd Mark Wakan, Agripino Coquilla Jr, Romeo Catayas, Ciara Uy Salazar, Arthur Ong, Vreni Gem Caasi, and Victor Arriesgado as Lakas-CMD bets, and Maliwanag, Lowie Selario, Francisco Remitar, Otto Pulmones, Macario Bermudez, Dalisay Rio, Claudine Morelo, Catherine Paguio, Reynaldo Alba under the Reporma banner.

DOH warns vs. rising cases of AHD

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Health (DOH) has called for public vigilance over the increasing number of newly-diagnosed Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) cases in the country.

The DOH issued the call during the 16th Plenary Meeting of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) held on Friday.

According to the DOH, there have been 40,934 reported cases of ADH as of last August, representing 30 percent of all cumulative cases since 1984, indicating severe health risks.

The DOH also said the Philippines has experienced the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific.

As reported by the HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy Registry of the Philippines in 2023, there were 48 newly diagnosed cases recently, a remarkable increase from 13 daily cases in 2013. The incidence went even higher to 58 per day in the second quarter of 2024. Furthermore, diagnosed HIV patients are getting younger, with the predominant age group shifting from 35-49 years old in 2002 to 2005, to 25-34 years old starting 2006 onwards. The World Health Organization defined advanced HIV disease (AHD) as “CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4 in adults and adolescents. All children younger than five years of age are considered to have advanced HIV disease.

Marcos OKs P1b for cold storage

By Othel V. Campos

PRESIDENT Marcos approved a P1 billion allocation to enhance the country’s cold storage system, which is expected to significantly benefit farmers and small agriculture merchants.

Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the additional funding would be used to establish solar and modular cold storage in farms and create a comprehensive cold chain system.

“The President has agreed to provide

extra support for cold storage as part of the Kadiwa program,” he said during an inspection visit at a Kadiwa store in Mandaluyong City on Friday. The Kadiwa program aims to connect farmers directly to consumers.

IN BRIEF

Foreign troops

to join PH Marines in ‘Kamandag’

drills

ELITE troops from the Philippine Marine Corps will collaborate with forces from the United States, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Australia for the “Kamandag 08-24” exercises scheduled to take place from Oct. 15 to 25.

The PMC and the US Marine Corps are the primary participants in the drills, which stand for “Kaagapay ng Mga Mandirigma ng Dagat.”

Additional participants include the Japan Ground SelfDefense Force, Republic of Korea Marine Corps, UK Royal Marine Commandos, and the Australian Defense Force. These drills are part of activities organized by the Mutual Defense Board - Security Exchange Board, which consist of security officials from both the Philippines and the United States. Rex Espiritu

Police nabs drug, rape suspects in Davao region

THE Philippine National Police in Davao recently arrested high value illegal drug and rape suspects in three separate law enforcement operations across the region.

According to PNP-Davao, a man allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade with the alias “Armand” and his female companion known as “Inday” were nabbed on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Joint operatives of Davao City Police conducted a drug raid at Purok Bayanihan in Barangay San Miguel, Digos City in Davao del Sur that led to the arrest of the suspects. Seized from their possession were illegal drugs worth P35,000 and a loaded 46-caliber pistol. Meanwhile, in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, police also arrested a man wanted for rape charges.

The suspect was identified as alias “Gerome,” a resident of Barangay Magugpo, West Tagum. He is facing seven counts of qualified rape, a non-bailable crime. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

Hepatitis A in PH shellfish unchecked, scientists warn

NOT much is known about the extent of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) contamination among Philippine communities, according to researchers, prompting an urgent call for further research and monitoring efforts.

Scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Monash University Malaysia Selangor, and the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources noted that little is known about how HAV spreads through local communities via commonly-cultivated shellfish such as oysters and mollusks.

The researchers warned that although the wider public is aware of the dangers from other food safety concerns such as “red tide,” there is little public awareness of the dangers from HAV and other viruses.

HAV spreads to people through food and water contaminated by fecal matter from infected animals that have not been cleaned and cooked properly.

“This is not official yet, but he has consented to release P1 billion for the program to assist farmers, particularly those involved in high-value crops, such as those in Mindoro, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and smaller units along the way, the DA secretary said.

Tiu Laurel said the goal was to create a complete system that eliminates the need to wait for the rollout of Kadiwa stores to sell produce.

He said the next step would be to address logistics and trucking issues to facilitate efficient food trade.

By improving cold storage facilities, the government hopes to drastically reduce food waste and agricultural losses, with the ultimate goal of eliminating it within three years.

In addition to the cold storage initiative, the Department of Agriculture is also working to expand the Kadiwa network.

The department plans to open 20 new Kadiwa stores this week and is finalizing plans to establish a total of 169 stores by the end of the year. The longterm goal is to reach 1,500 Kadiwa locations nationwide.

Solon: Amend RTL to lower rice prices by P7/kilo

By Maricel V. Cruz

A CONGRESS leader pushed for the amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to pave the way for a P5 to P7 drop in the per kilo price of rice by early 2025.

“With rice accounting for a sizable share of the food expenses of Filipinos, most especially of poor or low-income families, the President’s issuance of Executive Order 62 that slashed the rice import tariff and his expected signing soon of the Congress-ratified proposed amendatory law to RTL that empowers the government to better intervene in the market during abnormal price spikes will make the staple more affordable and accessible for our consumers—and help take the edge off sticky inflation,” Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte was the author of both the RTL and the approved House Bill 10381, the amendatory measure.

He expressed confidence President Marcos will soon sign the measure as both the House of Representatives and the Senate already ratified it before the session adjourned last month.

Once enacted, the government shall be allowed to intervene in the market during undue rice price hikes by importing rice and selling it at lower prices to consumers through Kadiwa stores nationwide.

“And once the proposed amendments to RTL are signed into law by the President, rice prices are likely to go down even further, possibly by as low as P5 to P7 per kilo by January next year, as projected by Agriculture Secretary Kiko (Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.),” Villafuerte said.

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Health reported an 82 percent increase in dengue cases from January to October at 269,467 compared to the 147,678 cases recorded during the same period last year. Among the recorded cases, only 2,856 or about 1.06 percent had severe dengue.

A total of 702 deaths have been reported, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 0.26 percent, slightly lower than the CFR of 0.37 percent re-

ported during the same period last year.

Despite this, the DOH said there was a 20 percent downtrend in the number of cases reported in recent weeks.

The Health department said cases from September 1 to 14 stood at 25,986, lower than the 32,649 reported from August 18 to 31.

All regions, except the National Capital Region, showed a decrease in new cases over the last 4 weeks, the DOH said.

The DOH urged the public to remain vigilant in preventing dengue, especially during the rainy season. The department emphasized the importance of following the 4S strategy: search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and its containers; self-protection measures such as using insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing; seek early consultation when experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, body pain, or skin rashes; and support fogging or spraying in local hotspot areas where dengue cases are on the rise.

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development now has more than two million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) ready for augmentation to local governments units needing assistance for their disaster operations.

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao said the two million boxes are so far the highest number of FFPs prepositioned in the agency’s

OPINION

Busy much?

LAST Thursday was Mental Health Day, a global effort to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This, according to the World Health Organization.

It is not a new commemoration; the first Mental Health Day was celebrated in 1992, and annual themes have been observed since 1994. This year’s theme is Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace.

But these days, especially after the pandemic, what is the workplace, anyway?

Sure, it can refer to one’s physical workstation at an office or establishment that one goes to every day. But it can also refer to just about anywhere – home offices, any room in the home, coffee shops.

The pandemic showed us that despite physical restrictions, we can get many things accomplished because we are not bound by the four walls of the office. We can have meetings, we can hold classes, we can collaborate with others on projects using the cloud. Even after the restrictions were lifted, and given the state of public transportation and traffic in our country, it could be argued that remote work is the more productive option. The time that would otherwise be spent travelling or waiting for a ride could now be spent with family, or could be used to rest.

Of course this applies to those whose nature of work allows them flexibility.

Those who work from home, however, know all too well that this flexibility comes at the cost of boundaries. Imagine further those with multiple engagements – side hustles, I believe they are now called – aside from their main job. There is no 8-to-5 clocking in and clocking out. The idea of working at one’s own time is tantalizing, but “own time” can begin at dawn and end at or after midnight. With household chores or short episodes of shows as a break.

Needless to say, the dissolution of the boundaries of time and space could take its toll on mental health.

One may wake up wanting to stay in bed all day, or burying one’s head in the sand, and disappearing for extended periods of time. But we’re adults, of course, and we show up

however we feel. The solution may appear obvious especially to champions of work-life balance: take a break. Disconnect. Have a life. Do nothing. This is sound advice. The catch is, if you are around my age who grew up being taught that there is no substitute for working hard, disentangling from work demands may elicit a feeling of guilt. And isn’t “do-nothing” an unflattering description? But everyone is a work in progress.

We don’t need to stop, but pausing could save us.

I find that it is healthy to deliberately detach from work for a given amount of time. It’s for the sake of health and well-being, and also to ensure that when you do return to work, you’re back in your element. As it is, some people carry their busy-ness like a badge of honor, a testament to how important they are, how indispensable. It may reflect their fear of being seen as lazy or irrelevant. But as values and perceptions evolve, we find that this could also serve as an indication that one is not able to manage one’s time – oneself – well. And that is not a source of pride.

The pursuit of doing nothing thus is a desirable objective, because done well, “nothing” is actually a big “something,” allowing for gaps and spaces in our life that enable us to breathe instead of constantly catching our breath while we drown in our responsibilities.

One catch, though: planned, temporary detachment may be desirable and ideal, but unfortunately a luxury. Not everybody can afford to take breaks. Some who work hard are ambitious or are workaholics, but many, too, are simply not able to slow down because they need to work to earn money, period. Let’s check on people like this if we know them.

Productivity is good and hard work is noble. Resting is empowering and being kind to oneself. There are no clear-cut rules on how to balance living with earning a living. We don’t need to stop, but pausing could be life-saving. adellechua@gmail.com

Tarriela nags our neighbors

THE Philippine Daily Inquirer of October 4, 2024 headline screamed, “Neighbors’ silence emboldens China’s illegal acts – PCG,” quoting Commodore Jay Tarriela, echoing USAF Col. Raymond Powell (ret.) of the US Office of Naval Research, addressing Australian media at the National Press Club of Australia.

Tarriela also said, “While it is understandable that some Southeast Asian nations prioritize their national interest, particularly economic engagement with China over exposing the illegal actions of Beijing, this approach unfortunately contributes to China’s boldness in defying international law... This situation serves as a reminder of how the international community has turned a blind eye allowing China to illegally occupy these maritime features and carry out reclamation activities for military purposes.”

Tarriela added, “allowing China to blatantly disregard the established rules-based order threatens the very foundation that we all depend on...” He did not realize that in citing the

Confronting China

IT TAKES no small measure of courage and statesmanship to stand up to an economic and military powerhouse like China, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has done just that, in an appropriate setting.

That was during a high-level meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang together with other leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in attendance.

What the President said in front of the Chinese leader must have been unexpected from the point of view of those in the meeting, but was in fact urgent and necessary given the simmering tension in the West Philippine Sea.

A Kyodo News report quoted Marcos as saying: “We continue to be subjected to harassment and intimidation... Parties must be earnestly open to seriously managing the differences and to reduce tensions.”

The President said China’s aggressive actions and intimidation

“rules-based order,” he is merely repeating an American-concocted term for a nebulous set of rules only U.S. vassal states orbiting around U.S. imperialist leadership accepted. This is no more than the G-7 and a motley crew third-tier countries like the Philippines under President Bongbong Marcos, Jr.

The Philippines needs to get back to constructive diplomacy.

The only International Law recognized by 193 nations of the United Nations enshrined in “conventions, treaties and standards” under its auspices and incorporating Customary International Law includes “international obligations arising from established international practices...” In contrast, the US “rules-based order” has been described as “rules for three

but not for me” that allowed the U.S. and allies to wage illegal wars in Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, ad nauseam.

Tarriela was really griping against the nine other ASEAN countries that have shunned any involvement with the post-Duterte Philippine approach to its claims to portions of the South China Sea with other Asian and ASEAN claimants, namely China and Taiwan, and Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. The other ASEAN countries are being polite to the Philippines but there are actually critical grumblings against the Philippines’ complicity with the on-going U.S. strategy of tension against China. Our ASEAN neighbors have tried to make themselves heard over the years in many indirect ways in keeping with Asian’s non-confrontational cultural ways. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim visited Manila in March 2023 and said in an interviewon ANC that “US... military presence in our view should be avoided because that would then provoke and escalate tension... we want to preserve ASEAN as a zone of peace, neutrality, and freedom, of course.”

of our Navy and Coast Guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea “demonstrates the continued disregard of international law and standards, particularly UNCLOS and the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.”

—“—

Strong words from the President, indeed.

Moreover, he pointed out: “Such behavior is not unnoticed by our respective publics and the international community as well… and will require a concerted and urgent effort to adopt measures to prevent their recurrence.”

Amid the deadlock between the Philippines and China over maritime issues, Marcos also urged the regional bloc to speed up the drafting of a regional code of conduct, noting that negotiations for the long-sought pact to prevent confrontations in the disputed waters have been stalled over the years.

In the same meeting that was supposed to tackle trade relations between ASEAN and China, Mar-

In November 2023, then Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong in a forum asked “Are you sure Filipinos want to get into a fight where you will be the battleground?” - a comment that the columnist Richard Heydarian wrote “...didn’t go down well with many Filipinos who lament the lack of support, if not outright abandonment, from its ASEAN brethren amid its intensifying maritime tussle with the Asian superpower.”

But there is a reason why ASEAN has abandoned the Philippines on this score.

cos bluntly told the Chinese leader and those present: “You cannot separate economic cooperation from political security. “

Strong words, indeed, coming from the President, and showed that the Philippine government is resolute in defending our territorial and maritime rights in the South China Sea against China’s increasingly hostile behaviour in the vital sealane.

We have international law behind us, including the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal favoring the Philippines in our maritime claim in our Exclusive Economic Zone under UNCLOS.

We’re glad that other ASEAN member-nations, such as Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand, have indicated support for our position that China should take the path of dialogue and negotiation and refrain from aggressive actions in the South China Sea amid competing territorial claims by other ASEAN members, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

The question now is: Will China listen to reason? Or will it continue to resort to gunboat diplomacy in the West Philippine Sea?

The reason for the ASEAN “brethren” snub of the Philippines on this matter is reflected by a Jakarta Post editorial of October 4, 2024. This was entitled “ASEAN and defense pact” regarding the habit of the Philippines under PBBM to do it alone on its bilateral defense ties with the U.S. and its allies without considering ASEAN sensitivities. This, and the declaration of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOFPAN) which PM Anwar Ibrahim mentioned and the Southeast Asian Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, regarding the Japan-PH defense pact:

“The Marcos government apparently did not inform or consult fellow ASEAN members about the defense treaty beforehand, which it was supposed to do given the impact of the agreement on the region. The signing had been well anticipated, however, as President Marcos and PM Kishida had announced the plan in November. Neither has there been any initiative from Manila to send a special envoy to brief other ASEAN leaders about the new alliance, at least as a matter of diplomatic courtesy.” Tarriela’s complaint against the Philippines and ASEAN neighbors finally closes the 11-year saga of its filing of arbitral proceedings against the PROC which Justice Carpio in 2016 upon the “awarding” promised would ”force China to comply” and the recent “assertive transparency” strategy of USAF Col. Raymond Powell said would “build international support” for the Philippines’ SCS claim, all of which have utterly failed. The Philippines needs to get back to constructive diplomacy. rpkapunan@gmail.com

Archers

want to get back at Warriors as UAAP resumes

DEFENDING champion De La Salle seeks to avenge its lone defeat of the season against red-hot University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao is determined to make it up for the Green Archers’ shock 71-75 defeat to the Red Warriors.

The team had a players meeting after that setback and it worked wonders by winning three in a row by recommitting to coach Topex Robinson’s system.

De La Salle, which is coming off a 68-56 victory over University of the Philippines in a testy rematch of last season’s Finals, topped the first round with a 6-1 record.

“Sinabi lang namin -- pressure is privilege, kumbaga outside noise lang iyan. Kumbaga, protektahan mo ‘yung inner circle ng team namin. Hayun, simula noong natalo kami sa UE, nag-stick lang kami sa system namin, I sacrificed my role as a veteran na hindi pala kailangan laging puntos, kailangang maging involved mga teammates ko,” Quiambao said.

“Simula noong nag-adjust kaming lahat, madaming good things ang nangyayari sa amin. Doon namin napagtanto na sundin lagi ang mga coaches kasi, ‘yung first four games namin medyo lihis ang system namin sa gusto naming gawin,” he added.

Tip time is at 6 p.m.

The Red Warriors are seeking to stretch their winning run to six games, which the Recto-based dribblers have last recorded during Season 72 (2009) when they won eight consecutive games to reach the Finals.

After opening the season at 0-2, UE won five in a row, the longest streak in 10 years, to enter the second round in third place.

For coach Jack Santiago, second round is a new chapter as the Red Warriors eye to end a 15-year Final Four drought.

La Salle, FEU try to build on V-League success

FAR Eastern University and De La Salle

U are tempering expectations but believe they have the talent and determination to make their mark in the highly competitive Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, which kicks off on Oct. 16 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. Both teams seek to build on their impressive campaigns in the V-League Collegiate Challenge, where FEU captured its first-ever title, and La Salle secured a strong runner-up finish.

For FEU, head coach Ed Orcullo understands the tougher challenges ahead as they step into a league with an elevated level of competition compared to the UAAP and the V-League. However, the Tams are fully prepared to rise to the occasion.

“Hindi kami titigil kasi syempre Spikers Turf na in a week or two. Back to the drawing board ulit,” said Orcullo about the conference supported by ArenaPlus, Mikasa, and Alpha Insurance & Surety Company. “Kasi ang kalaban namin talagang makakatunggali mo doon, marami tayo makukuhang experience at learnings doon ‘eh kaya siguro trabaho lang ulit.”

Team captain Jelord Talisayan shares Orcullo’s sentiments, expressing excitement about facing higher-caliber teams, which could help FEU in their quest for the UAAP title next season.

“Doon kami huhugot ng learnings na pwede namin i-apply papunta ng UAAP. Parati ko dinadasal, wala naman imposible ‘eh, gusto ko ngayong taon tatlong championship makukuha namin,” said Talisayan, who was recently named the V-League Best Outside Spiker.

NY Yankees advance in MLB playoffs; Guardians stay alive

LOS ANGELES—The New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Thursday and advance in the Major League Baseball playoffs as Cleveland kept their season alive with a 5-4 win over Detroit.

Juan Soto, Gleyber Torres and Giancarlo Stanton drove in runs for the Yankees and pitching ace Gerrit Cole surrendered just one run over seven sparkling innings as the Yankees clinched their best-of-five American League division series 3-1 to reach the American League Championship Series. They’ll next face either the Detroit

Tigers or Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians leveled their series at two games apiece thanks to a two-run home run in the seventh inning from David Fry -- whose sacrifice bunt added an insurance run in the top of the ninth that would prove to be the difference maker.

In Kansas City, Soto put New York in front in the first inning with a sin-

gle that scored Torres, who opened the game with a double. Torres’s single in the fifth put the Yankees up 2-0 and game three home run hero Stanton knocked in a run with a single in the sixth. That was all the scoring Cole and the Yankees bullpen needed.

“What a performance by GC to come out here and do his thing,” Yankees slugger Aaron Judge told broadcaster TBS of Cole, who allowed six hits with no walks and four strikeouts on 87 pitches.

“That’s why he’s our ace. He goes out there and does performances like this when we need him to.”

Closing pitcher Luke Weaver re -

tired three straight batters in the bottom of the ninth to seal the win. Kansas City’s only run came with two outs in the bottom of the sixth -- shortly after the benches briefly cleared in the wake of Yankees second baseman Anthony Volpe’s hard tag on Maikel Garcia.

The Yankees, who lost the 2022 ALCS to the Houston Astros and missed the post-season last year, will be favored against either Cleveland or Detroit in the ALCS when the best-of-seven series starts on Monday in New York.

The Guardians will host the Tigers in game five of their series on Saturday. AFP

UAAP cheerdance finale slated Dec. 1 at MOA Arena

THE date for one of the most highly anticipated events of the UAAP calendar has been finalized.

The 2024 UAAP Cheerdance Competition is scheduled for December 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad will aim for its third title in four seasons. However, the order of performance is yet to be determined and will be decided by a drawing of lots in a press conference to be announced later.

“The UAAP CDC for this season promises bigger, better, and more spectacular performances from all eight schools as they prepare stronger, better, and together for one of the league’s biggest events,” said Rod Roque, the tournament director and University of the East’s representative to the UAAP Board of Managing Directors.

The competition will be fierce, with the National University Pep Squad leading the charge as it attempts to dethrone FEUCS and reclaim the top spot.

NU is vying for a league-tying eighth CDC title, while the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad will battle to break their tie at the top of the alltime standings.

The Adamson University Pep Squad also poses a strong challenge, seeking to build on the momentum from their first title win in 2017.

Meanwhile, the UE Pep Squad, De La Salle University Animo Squad, and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are preparing to showcase their new routines in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd at the bayside Pasay venue.

Lady Bulldogs whip EAC belles for 2nd straight win

DEFENDING champion National University swiftly crushed hapless Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-15, 25-7, 25-13, for a second straight win and a share of the Pool A lead in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The three-peat-seeking Lady Bulldogs picked up from where they left off a week ago following a four-set win over Ateneo de Manila University to climb up the top spot tied with idle Arellano University (2-0).

NU barely broke a sweat in disposing of the Lady Generals in 77 minutes to boost its chances of securing a playoffs seat in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics , Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

Arah Panique led the way for the Lady Bulldogs with 10 points i ncluding eight from attacks while Bella Belen and reignin g tournament Most Valuable

the Lady Bulldogs still gave away 22 free points to the Lady Generals off their errors.

“Ang challenge ngayon is marami pa kaming errors and siguro work on sa mga kulang pa namin and kailangan pang i-improve,” said Panique, a member of Alas Pilipinas.

The Lady Bulldogs were so dominant that the second set was won in just 20 minutes with Belen and Solomon leading a crew of mostly second stringers.

NU raced to an 11-0 lead and cruised from there. Out of the seven points scored by EAC in the second frame, six

The New York Yankees celebrate in the locker room after a win over the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of the Division Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. AFP

Cheerdance coaches attend a UAAP meeting.

NU’ Bella Belen finds a gaping hole in EAC’s defends and scores with a smash. Roman Prospero

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

6 veterans to reinforce football team in King’s Cup

By Peter Atencio

SIX veterans will play for the Philippine national men’s football team and make their appearance with new coach Albert Capellas in the coming King’s Cup in Thailand. Players led by Fil-German Gerrit Holtmann are returning to the squad, now coached by Spanish mentor Capellas.

The 29-yearold Holtmann, who is based in Bremen, plays as a winger for Bundesliga club VfL Bochum.

“From what I’ve scouted, they (Thailand) are a very good team with good players – dangerous players in front, and good organization in defense and in attack,” said Capellas on his first international outing with the national team.

Also in the roster are long-time standout Manny Ott, Swiss Premier League player Michael Kempter, and promising forward Sebastian Rasmussen.

Thailand-based defender Joshua Grommen and midfielder Patrick Straub are also in the mix.

The Philippines will first meet host Thailand at the Tinsulanon Stadium, before an expected capacity crowd of 24,000.

Thailand is at no. 100 in the FIFA world rankings, while the Philippines sits lower at 148.

The Thai War Elephants have never relinquished a game to the Filipinos since the 1970’s.

Capellas has made adjustments with the roster, with at least three veterans unavailable, and with Fil-British goalkeeper Neil Etheridge devoting his energies with Thai League 1 champions Buriram United.

Lineker repeats desire to

take

on Rodtang in wild ONE superfight

IT’S safe to say that top-ranked bantamweight MMA contender John “Hands of Stone” Lineker is really enjoying his time doing Muay Thai.

Just a month after making his scintillating debut in “The Art of Eight Limbs,” Lineker was back at it again, this time knocking out Alexey Balyko in the first round of the bantamweight Muay Thai match at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersell II last Saturday inside the revered Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Brazilian was all action in that fight, scoring three knockdowns in less than three minutes – which included the coup-de-grace with seconds remaining in the round.

While he wants to mark an eventual comeback in MMA, he stated how he’s loving his time in Muay Thai so far.

“My focus is in MMA, but I’m really enjoying fighting in Muay Thai, you know, especially because this is more striking. So I don’t need to be very worried when they want to take me down, this kind of thing. But my focus is MMA,” he said.

“Now I think about getting some rest and after that, maybe in March next year I will come back to fight in MMA.” Immediately after the fight, he called out longtime ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon for a possible super fight showdown between a heavy hitter and one of the sturdiest chins in the game.

He believes he’s already voiced out his intention to fight the Thai superstar, and it’s all up to the promotion now if that’s a fight they want to happen.

“It doesn’t depend on me, it depends on ONE. I’ve called [him out] already. So now I need to wait to see if the boss will make this happen,” he said.

Barba stars as Lyceum gets back at Letran five

ADOMINANT performance

from John Barba propelled the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates to a resounding 91-68 victory over the Letran Knights in the NCAA Season 100 on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The triumph not only avenged the Pirates’ earlier 78-66 loss to the Knights, but also reignited their chances of securing a coveted spot in the Final Four.

Barba, the Pirates’ undisputed star, flirted with a triple-double, finishing the game with an impressive 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. His

performance was instrumental in neutralizing Letran’s formidable defense and providing a spark for his team’s offensive onslaught.

With this victory, LPU improved their win-loss record to 5-5, placing them firmly within striking distance of the top four teams in the league.

“After ng first round nu’ng natalo kami sa Letran, nag-team building kami for three days sa LPU Cavite, du’n kami nag-prepare,” said Barba, the league-leader in points with an average of 19.78 a game.

“Bad start kami, ito na opportunity namin na bumawi, good thing nag-respond naman lahat,” he added.

It also helped that of their three injured main rotation guys, two have returned—John Bravo and Michael Versoza.

Bravo had 10 points and eight boards, while Versoza chipped in seven points.

Mcclaude Guadana remained out but he is expected to return in their next game versus reigning titlist San Beda Wednesday.

“Silang tatlo missing pieces sa LPU sa first round kaya naging ganun, bad start,” said Bravo. The Knights fell to 6-4.

Meanwhile, King Gurtiza reigned supreme in the fourth quarter as he carried Emilio Aguinaldo College to a 78-70 victory over University of Perpetual Help.

Gurtiza sparked a series of blistering runs in the final canto where he poured in nine of his gamehigh 21 points as the Generals improved to 5-5, just game behind No. 4 Letran (6-4). The Altas slipped to 4-6.

91 teams join Mayor Benitez beach volley tilt in Bacolod

A BIG field of 91 teams is seeing action in the Second Mayor Albee Benitez Beach Volleyball Tournament that starts Saturday (October 12) at the University of St. La Salle Sandbox in Bacolod City.

Top-notch teams from Metro Manila will face squads from the provinces in the competition calendared in the beach volleyball program of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines, University of Perpetual Help-Las Piñas, VMA Sturgeon, Far Eastern University, University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle and National University banner the cast from the metro.

Colegio de Santa Ana de Victorias and host venue St. La Salle headline the provincial teams seeing action in the tournament that offers cash prizes to the podium finishers, according to PNVF director Carmela Arcolas-Gamboa.

Gialon cruises to 6-shot romp as rivals falter

ILOILO—Zanieboy Gialon turned what was expected to be a tightly-contested final round at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge into a display of dominance, cruising to a six-stroke victory over Angelo Que and Ira Alido with a clinical two-under 68 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club here on Friday. Holding a narrow two-shot lead over Jhonnel Ababa after 54 holes, Gialon seized his opportunity as the former faltered with a costly double bogey on the opening hole. The Davaoeño ace quickly capitalized, doubling his advantage and maintaining firm control throughout the sweltering final day. With his closest rivals unable to mount any serious threat, Gialon didn’t need to replicate

the brilliance of his earlier rounds to stay ahead in the final stretch. His blistering 6466 performance in the middle rounds had already positioned him atop the leaderboard of the P2.5 million championship presented by MORE Power and Electric Corp. He maintained his composure and precision as his chief rivals hobbled in challenging conditions, coming through with a birdie-parbirdie windup to seal the commanding win. By the time he walked up to the final green, the outcome was never in doubt, with Gialon clinching his first win in two years with a 13-under 267 total, and taking home the P450,000 top prize.

“I worked hard for this, preparing and train-

“It will be nine days of exciting beach volleyball action,” Gamboa said. “And we expect this tournament to further propagate volleyball in line with our program and vision in the PNVF.”

The competitions, Gamboa said, will be this Saturday and Sunday and October 18 to 24 in the 17-under and open categories for men and women.

Verayo’s Grill’s Ran Ran Abdilla and Alexander Cabatuan are the men’s open champion while UST’s Gen Eslapor and Sophia Pagara are the reigning women’s open titlists in the tournament organized by the Volleyball Association of Negros Island headed by Gamboa with Reylin Verayo as tournament director. The champion team will bring home P10,000 while the losing finalist gets P7,000 and the third and fourth placers bagging P4,000 and P2,000, respectively.

Winner Zanieboy Gialon is doused with water by his peers after he won the 2024 ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club in Iloilo City. Manny Marcelo

John Barba leads the assault of the Lyceum Pirates in their 91-68 mauling of the Letran Knights.

P11.43 per kWh

Electricity rate in October

P11.79 per kWh

Electricity rate in September

P72

Reduction in monthly bill of typical household

Meralco announces lower rates in October

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONSUMERS of Manila Electric

Co. (Meralco) will enjoy lower rates of P0.3587 per kilowatt-hour in their electricity bill in October on reduced generation charges.

This will bring down the overall rate for a typical household to P11.4295 per kWh from P11.7882 per kWh last month.

Residential customers who use 200 kWh will see a reduction of about P72 in their monthly bill.

Meralco said in a statement the drop was mainly due to a P0.3059per-kWh reduction in the generation charge, linked to lower costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

WESM charges decreased by P5.1001 per kWh following the completion last month of the collection of deferred May 2024 costs ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Meralco said the supply situation in the Luzon grid also improved, with average demand and outages down by 544 MW and 519 MW, respectively, contributing to the lower power cost.

Charges from independent power producers (IPPs) rose P1.8556 per kWh, while charges from power supply agreements (PSAs) increased by P0.1128 per kWh. WESM, IPPs and PSAs accounted for 24 percent, 26 percent and 50 percent of Meralco’s total energy needs, respectively.

Transmission charge also went down by P0.0383 per kWh on lower ancillary service charges.

Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said the company expects power consumption to soften during the “ber” months when the weather is relatively cooler.

WB approves $287-m loan for PH digital infrastructure

THE World Bank said Friday its board of executive directors approved a 268.22-million-euro ($287.24-million) funding for the Philippines Digital Infrastructure Project.

It said in a statement the project is expected to benefit 20 million Filipinos and improve climate-resilient, secure and inclusive broadband connectivity across the Philippines.

The project will invest in the government’s national fiber optic backbone, middle-mile, and last-mile connectivity infrastructure. It will also ensure that these facilities are secure against cybersecurity threats and climate risks.

The national fiber optic backbone is a network of high-capacity fiber optic cables that interconnect different regions of the country. It serves as

HANDWASHING DAY

Manila Water

Foundation (MWF), the social development arm of east zone concessionaire Manila Water Company Inc., will lead month-long events and activities to celebrate the Global Handwashing Day (GHD) on Oct. 15. It is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.

the principal data highway for intracountry communications.

The World Bank said the Digital Infrastructure Project would complete the remaining parts of the national fiber backbone, connecting the two main international landing stations in Baler (Luzon) and Davao City (Mindanao).

“A robust broadband connectivity infrastructure is not just a technological necessity; it’s an essential cornerstone for the Philippines to boost growth and attain its goal of becoming an upper middle-income country in the next couple of years,” said

World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Manuela Ferrero.

“Bringing greater internet access to the grassroots can bridge the digital divide, empower communities, and unlock the full potential of the digital economy,” Ferrero said.

The World Bank said the project would also be used for investments in the middle-mile infrastructure that will extend connectivity from the main backbone to more localized underserved areas in the regions of Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. This includes the installation of underground fiber optic cables, which promise to make the network more resilient against disruptions from climate and extreme weather events.

ERC asked to finalize green energy auction reserve prices

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Senate asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to finalize green energy auction reserve (GEAR) prices so that the auction of renewable energy could proceed this year.

“That is one of the priorities I think we need to do, because in everything, the goal is to make the shift to renewables, and this is directly related to that. I hope we can get that done. I understand there are things that have to be done in the side of ERC as well,”

Senator Pia Cayetano said at the Senate hearing on the Department of Energy (DOE)’s 2025 budget.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and ERC officer-in-charge (OIC) and chief executive Jesse Hermogenes Andres were present at the hearing.

The DOE assured Cayetano that the third Green Energy Auction (GEA-3) would be completed within the year.

“Our target for the Green Energy Auction 3 is to finish it before the end of the year such that the pumped storage hydro, [more than] 3,000 megawatts (MW), will be able to come in five years from now,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara told senators. But for the GEA3 to happen, the ERC should release first the GEAR prices. It is the mandate of the ERC to determine GEAR prices or the maximum price offers for the GEA.

“One of the items required there would be the approved pricing methodologies with ERC. We’re coordinating that,” Lotilla said.

Cayetano said many investors were waiting for the third leg of the GEA, which facilitates investments in the renewable energy space. In the last two years, the DOE conducted two rounds of auction which generated a total of 5,306 megawatts (MW) of RE commitments for delivery in 2024 to 2026.

NAIA Terminal 4 set to be closed, Cebgo flights transferring to Terminal 2

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 will be closed next month for renovation, according to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC).

Cebu Pacific said all Cebgo flights to and from NAIA would be transferred from Terminal 4 to Terminal 2 starting Nov. 7, 2024.

Aboitiz

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said notifications would be sent to passengers on the terminal change.

Flights to be transferred include Manila to Busuanga, Catalan (Boracay), Cebu, Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, San Jose, Siargao, Surigao and vice versa.

“This is part of CEB’s ongoing collaboration with the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. to improve the efficiency of operations at NAIA,” the airline said.

Power still keen on acquiring Nordeco

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—

Aboitiz Power Corp., the power arm of the Aboitiz Group, remains keen on acquiring Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) for up to P1 billion, a top executive said.

“It’s no secret that we’ve been approached by coop in Davao, Nordeco. We are willing to offer right. As a consumer, it’s hard to swallow that you are here under Nordeco and across the street is Davao Light where consumers get power 24 hours a day at a cheaper price,” AboitizPower distribution utilities chief operating officer Anton Mari Perdices said at the sidelines of Enlist Asia 2024 Conference and Exhibition.

Davao Light and Power Co., is the third privately-owned electricity utility in the country serving Davao City and a subsidiary of AboitizPower.

“So, we are there but it has to go through Congress, Senate, the President to a House Bill. So, it gets a lot of political involvement in it. It’s not as easy as switch it off one day to the next,” he said. Nordeco’s franchise area lies in the southern part of the country. It is adjacent to Davao Oriental Electric

Cebu Pacific said it fully supports the long-term vision of the NNIC and would continue to work with its partners, so plans are executed smoothly.

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

Cebu Pacific earlier posted a net income of P3.54 billion in the first half of 2024, down from P3.74 billion in the same period last year. Revenues amounted to P51.439 billion, up by 18.1 percent from P43.55 it billion earned in the same period last year.

Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest

operative Inc. (Doreco) in the western part, Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Aselco) in the northern part and Davao Light, a private utility in the eastern part. Alena Mae S. Flores

PACKAGING EXPO.

PackPrintPlas Philippines 2024 opens at the SMX Convention Center Manila, living up to its billing as the country’s premier event for the

packaging, printing and plastics industries. Organized by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and Global-Link MP Events International Inc., the expo slated from Oct. 10 to 12, gathered over 3,000 attendees on the first day and is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors and serious trade buyers to visit

PH stocks plunge as US inflation picked up in September

PHILIPPINE stocks plunged by more than 100 points Friday as sentiment turned negative after Wall Street posted losses overnight. The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the week at 7,310.32, down 101.15 points, or 1.37 percent, from Thursday, while the wider all-shares index declined by 22.36 points, or 0.55 percent, to settle at 4,015.16.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research head Japhet Tantiangco said US stocks declined as US inflation rose 0.2 percent in September, slightly above forecast.

“Markets are now considering cautious US Federal Reserve approach to monetary easing,” Tantiangco said. Veteran stockbroker Jonathan Ravelas said investors also secured profits amid Middle East tensions, raising doubts about continued market growth.

“A correction to 7,000 to 7,300 is expected,” Ravelas said.

All sectors ended in the negative territory. Property index declined the most, slipping by 2.2 percent, followed by services which dropped 1.7 percent.

Value turnover reached P5.15 billion, with decliners edging advancers, 131 to 72, while 44 stocks were unchanged.

Foreign investors were net sellers, with net inflowing amounting to P27.44 million

Century Pacific Food Inc. was the top index gainer, climbing 2.09 percent to P39, while Ayala Land Inc. was at the bottom, falling 3.15 percent to P35.35. Meanwhile, Chinese shares also sank Friday at the end of a volatile week as traders prepare for a highly anticipated briefing where it is hoped authorities will outline fresh fiscal stimulus to add to a raft of measures unveiled last month.

The losses came on a mixed day for Asian markets following disappointing US inflation data that further dampened expectations for another bumper interest rate cut next month.

Shanghai lost more than two percent after a week dominated by concerns about a lack of detail on China’s recent batch of economy-boosting measures during a news conference Tuesday.

AFP

Jenniffer B. Austria with

PLDT

unit,

CIMA agree to improve global connectivity

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PLDT Global Corp., the international arm of PLDT Inc., formed a major strategic partnership with CIMA Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications traffic aggregators in Latin America, to expand connectivity and improve telecommunication services across Latin America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific regions.

The partnership will enable PLDT Global’s wholesale partners to access competitive rates and high-quality connections, while CIMA Telecom will leverage on PLDT’s extensive network to strengthen its routes in the Philippines and Asia, further optimizing traffic flow between the regions.

“Our alliance with CIMA Telecom further strengthens PLDT Global’s position as a key player in connecting Asia to the rest of the world,” said PLDT Global president and chief executive Albert Villa-Real.

“By providing enhanced services to our partners and customers, we aim to support the growing demand for connectivity solutions and address the evolving needs of global communications,” he said.

Villa-real said PLDT Global would continue to meet the increasing demand for connectivity solutions, addressing the needs of businesses and consumers alike by delivering reliable and optimized services across continents.

“This partnership is also aligned with our commitment to offer the best-in-class solutions to our partners, driving value through expanded network reach and competitive pricing,” Villa-Real said.

MREIT gets nod for P13-b property-for-share swap

By Jenniffer B. Austria

MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust (REIT) company of Megaworld Corp., received the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval to acquire six office towers for P13.15 billion in a property-forshare swap deal.

the plan, MREIT will issue 926,162 million primary shares at P14.20 per share to Megaworld in exchange for the six office properties. The valuation was based on independent appraisals and a third-party fairness opinion approved by the company’s related party transaction committee and board of directors.

This will increase Megaworld’s stake in MREIT to 63.44 percent from 51.33 percent. The properties include Two West Campus, Ten West Campus and One Le Grand in McKinley West; One Fintech and Two Fintech in Iloilo Business Park; and Davao Finance Center in Davao Park District.

“This acquisition is a major milestone in our mis-

This will expand MREIT’s portfolio by 156,631 square meters (sq. m.), increasing its total gross leasable area by 48 percent to 482,055 sq, m., the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday.

sion to drive MREIT’s growth and solidify its position as one of the leading REITs in the Philippines,” said MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan.

“These high-quality, income-generating assets will start contributing to MREIT’s income by the fourth quarter of this year, further enhancing value for our shareholders and ensuring sustained growth in dividends,” Tan said. With the latest acquisition, MREIT’s portfolio will grow to 24 prime office properties in five Megaworld premier townships: Eastwood City, McKinley Hill, McKinley West, Iloilo Business Park and Davao Park District. This also supports MREIT’s investment plan to reach 500,000 sq. m. of gross leasable areas by end2024.

Frabelle subsidiary opens P755-m Navotas refrigerated warehouse

By Othel V. Campos

FG COLD Storage Corp., a sub-

sidiary of the Frabelle Cold Chain Group, opened a P755-million refrigerated warehouse within the Navotas Fishport complex Friday.

The state-of-the-art cold storage facility with a capacity of 7,200 pallet positions is designed to optimize the logistics and distribution of food products.

“Our investment of P755 million in this facility is a direct response to the increasing demand from our existing clients and other businesses operat-

ing within and outside the Navotas Fish port,” said Frabelle Cold Chain Group president Fay Bernardo.

Equipped with a high-density storage racking system, FG Cold Storage ensures efficient space utilization.

Its strategic location provides easy access to the international port, major highways and skyways, streamlining the logistics process.

The facility features 12 docking bays and ante rooms meticulously planned for large-scale operations, with precise temperature control to maintain the cold chain’s integrity.

Belle, Melco Foundation donate

P100-m classrooms

BELLE Corp., the resort destination and leisure property developer affiliate of SM Investments Corp., facilitated the donation of P100 million by the Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corp. to South Cotabato province and the Department of Education South Cotabato for the construction of classroom buildings in 40 public schools.

Belle initiated the donation to address the critical shortage of classrooms in the province, with 40 public schools set to benefit from the initiative. Reports from September 2023 highlighted a dire need for an additional 608 classrooms in South Cotabato, part of the larger shortfall of 8,257 classrooms reported by the Department of Education in Region 12.

“We at Belle, and the entire SM Group, firmly believe that education is key to lifting marginalized families out of poverty. Although South Cotabato is geographically distant from our main communities in Metro Manila and Lu-

zon, the need for classrooms and educational infrastructure in South Central Mindanao, particularly in areas inhabited by the Blaan and T’boli indigenous communities, is pressing,” Belle president and chief executive Armin Antonio Raquel Santos said.

“Our collaboration with the Melco Foundation to fund these 80 new classrooms—capable of accommodating up to 4,000 students—is a vital step towards addressing this gap. We believe these new facilities will greatly support the educational journey of students and contribute to the overall betterment of their families and communities,” Raquel Santos said.

The classroom buildings are being constructed in public schools located in the provincial capital of Koronadal City and key localities of South Cotabato including the municipalities of Polomolok, Tampakan, and, Tupi. Each building will house two classrooms, accommodating up to 100

It has eight cold storage rooms with precise temperature control of -25°C to maintain product quality, and advanced shuttle racking systems to optimize storage space.

The facility’s layout is tailored to meet the specific needs of marine traders and manufacturers, offering flexibility to store frozen meat and vegetables while ensuring a smooth flow of transactions.

FG Cold Storage also announced that farmers cooperatives may rent the refrigerated facility, while awaiting the completion of cold storage

facilities being constructed by the Department of Agriculture.

The Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is projecting an 8-percent growth in total cold storage capacity to 750,000 metric tons in 2024. Industry data show that cold chain industry capacity has been steadily increasing by 50,000 metric tons annually since 2021, reaching a total of 700,000 metric tons last year.

The CCAP said agricultural production would sustain an 8-percent to 10-percent annual expansion in storage capacity.

Vivant subsidiary announces exit from joint venture with Israeli firm

By Alena Mae S. Flores

VIVANT Hydrocore Holdings, Inc. (VHHI), a subsidiary of publicly listed energy and water conglomerate Vivant Corp., is exiting its joint venture with Israeli company WaterMatic International Ltd.

Vivant said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday that the end of partnership takes effect on Oct. 1, 2024.

“The exit enables VHHI to strategically focus on further intensifying its growth initiatives across other segments of the water infrastructure sector,” the company said.

Vivant said both parties are open to a potential partnership in the future, “driven by a shared commitment to introducing innovative water solutions to address the country’s pressing water security issue.”

VHHI signed an agreement with WaterMatic International to establish Watermatic Philippines Inc. in 2019.

The venture is engaged in the design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of water treatment and wastewater treatment plants.

Watermatic Philippines is building VHHI’s 20-million-liter-per-day (MLD) seaweater desalination plant in the municipality of Cordova, Cebu. Vivant said the exit would not have any impact on the plant completion by Watermatic Philippines, which is covered by a separate contract. The plant, which is expected to be completed before end-2024, is touted as the country’s first utility scale seawater desalination facility in the Philippines.

The facility will benefit around 20,000 households in Metro Cebu with a sustainable, climate-resilient source of water once completed. Vivant has investments in various segments of the power value chain and is keen on infrastructure development.

students in total.

INVESTMENT HOUSE. Jaime Martirez, group chief executive and president of Unicapital Group, delivers a speech during the company’s 48th anniversary. Unicapital, the country’s leading independent investment house and financial services provider, is celebrating almost five decades of financing and raising funds for the country’s private sector.

Students and teachers of Punong Grande National High School in Banga, South Cotabato enjoy their newly-constructed classroom buildings. It is among 40 classroom buildings in different parts of the province that were constructed through a P100-million donation provided by Belle Corp. and the Melco Resorts (Philippines) Foundation Corp. to South Cotabato province and the Department of Education South Cotabato.

MARRIOTT

‘Try ex-Bangladeshi PM for crimes vs. humanity’

By Mohammad MAZED

DHAKA Bangladesh’s top Islamist politician says he supports the extradition of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina to face trial for crimes against humanity in the same tribunal that convicted his colleagues.

Shafiqur Rahman is the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, whose members were hounded, driven underground and sentenced to death during Hasina’s autocratic 15-year rule.

Her government justified the crackdown on the nation’s largest Islamist party by accusing it of sponsoring extremist attacks -- charges Rahman denies.

After Hasina’s toppling and exile in neighbouring India following a studentled revolution in August, the ban on Jamaat’s activities was lifted.

Rahman is leading its public revival.

Now back in the political mainstream, he says Hasina must be extradited to face

trial with her allies for abuses committed during her tenure.

“We don’t believe in the theory that just because we faced injustice, someone else should also face injustice,” the 65-year-old toldAFP at his party office in the capital Dhaka.

“But people want them to be tried. If they don’t face trial, these criminals will commit more crimes.”

Dozens of Hasina’s allies were taken into custody after her regime collapsed, accused of culpability in a police crackdown that killed more than 700 people during the unrest that deposed her.

Several cases accusing Hasina of orchestrating the “mass murder” of protesters are

being probed in a deeply contentious war crimes court her government set up.

The International Crimes Tribunal was ostensibly created to try Bangladeshis accused of committing crimes against humanity during the country’s devastating 1971 independence war against Pakistan.

The United Nations and rights groups criticised its procedural shortcomings, and it became widely seen as a means for Hasina to eliminate political opponents.

The tribunal hanged five of Jamaat’s top leaders, sparking protests that led to the deaths of around 500 people.

Rahman said it was important Hasina and her loyalists faced a fair trial, the kind denied to his executed comrades.

He said he was confident that the tribunal, if reformed, could meet the task.

“Whenever there is any crime

China

‘strongly condemns’ Israeli fire on UN peace base

China on Friday expressed “grave concern and strong condemnation” of Israeli attacks on UN peace operations, after peacekeepers said Israeli forces fired on their headquarters in south Lebanon.

“China expresses grave concern and strong condemnation over the Israeli Defense Forces’ attack on UNIFIL positions and observation posts, which resulted in injuries to UNIFIL personnel,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, referring to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.

UN peacekeepers said Israeli fire

IN BRIEF

on their headquarters in south Lebanon Thursday left two Blue Helmets injured, sparking condemnation from European members of the mission.

Israel acknowledged its forces had opened fire in the area, saying the Hezbollah militants on whom it is waging an escalating war operate near UN posts.

Italy, a major contributor of troops to the force, said the acts “could constitute war crimes” while Washington said it was “deeply concerned”. And Beijing said Friday that “any deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers

Japanese atomic bomb survivor group wins Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO — The Nobel Peace Prize was on Friday awarded to the Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha. The group received the honour “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo. AFP

Everest climber’s remains believed found after 100 years

KATHMANDU — A documentary team discovered human remains on Mount Everest apparently belonging to a man who went missing while trying to summit the peak 100 years ago, National Geographic magazine reported Friday.

Climate change is thinning snow and ice around the Himalayas, increasingly exposing the bodies of mountaineers who died chasing their dream of scaling the world’s highest mountain.

Briton Andrew Irvine went missing in 1924 alongside climbing partner George Mallory as the pair attempted to be the first to reach Everest’s summit, 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) above sea level.

Mallory’s body was found in 1999 but clues about Irvine’s fate were elusive until a National Geographic team discovered a boot, still clothing the remains of a foot, on the peak’s Central Rongbuk Glacier. On closer inspection, they found a sock with “a red label that has A.C. IRVINE stitched into it”, the magazine reported. The discovery could give further clues as to the location of the team’s personal effects and may help resolve one of mountaineering’s most enduring mysteries: whether Irvine and Mallory ever managed to reach the summit. AFP

is a serious violation of international humanitarian law”.

“Such actions must be stopped immediately,” Mao said, calling for an “investigation into the incident, accountability for those responsible, and measures to be taken to prevent a recurrence”. UNIFIL, which has about 10,000 peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, has called for a ceasefire since an escalation between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on September 23, after a year of cross-border fire. AFP

against humanity in this country, then there is no problem with it being explored in the tribunal,” he said.

“If there is any disparity of law, if there is any contradiction with the constitution or human rights, that can be amended.”

At the same time, Rahman said Jamaat

would challenge the tribunal’s former wrongdoings by posthumously appealing the death penalty verdicts handed to his former colleagues.

“We will prove that we faced injustices in the court which hanged our leaders,” he said. AFP

BOOKWORMS. Readers browse through books at the 29th Book Expo Thailand 2024 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok on October 11. AFP

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

DOTr: Davao’s modern bus system to roll out in 2026

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) said Friday it expects the Davao Public Transport Modernization Program (DPTMP), formerly known as Davao High Priority Bus System, to start partial operations by 2026.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the majority of the DPTMP is already funded.

“As far as the budget is concerned, we have already requested Congress to allocate more funds to support the ongoing works [in the project]. But as far as the project is concerned, it’s a go and we are on track,” Bautista said.

Aside from the national govern-

ment, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Davao City local government also expressed their support to fund the DPTMP.

The government signed a $1.014-billion loan with the ADB to fund the DPTMP in July 2023.

Bautista met with the personnel of the DPTMP Project Management Office and gave his assurance of the DOTr’s support in the implementation of the project.

“We will address the issues by working closely with other offices and agencies. Rest assured that we are here for you, and we will do everything we can to implement this project and complete it by 2027,” Bautista said.

Capule appointed BSP deputy governor

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (left) on Thursday administered the oath of office to lawyer Elmore Capule as the new deputy governor for the corporate services sector.

Capule, who succeeded former deputy governor Eduardo Bobier, will be responsible for ensuring the prudent and effective management of the BSP’s resources in support of its core functions.

Capule was promoted after being designated as senior assistant governor in 2019 in recognition of his accomplishments and consistently exemplary performance.

He was initially appointed as head of the Office of the General Counsel and Legal Services in 2013 and became assistant governor in 2016.

The new deputy governor placed third in the 1987 Bar examinations and joined the central bank as bank attorney in 1994.

Throughout his career, he has served as head of various BSP committees and teams, including the cen-

Aboitiz InfraCapital positions PH as hub for Japanese investments

ABOITIZ InfraCapital Economic Es-

tates, a pioneer in developing smart, sustainable and industrial-anchored developments, said it continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the Philippines as a premier investment destination.

The company said that in a recent investment mission to Tokyo and Osaka, held in collaboration with the Philippine government, it strengthened its commitment to fostering international partnerships and driving economic growth, with a focus on deepening ties with Japanese investors.

With over 1,700 hectares of industrial development across four strategic locations—LIMA Estate in Batangas, West Cebu Estate and MEZ2 Estate in Cebu and TARI Estate in Central Luzon—Aboitiz InfraCapital established itself as a vital partner in supporting economic growth in the Philippines.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates generated more than 100,000 jobs and attracted P158 billion in investments. In 2023 alone, the estates facilitated $3.4 billion in exports, further demonstrating the Philippines’ competitive advantage in Southeast Asia.

The investment mission, held in collaboration with the Embassy of the Philippines in Tokyo, the Consulate General in Osaka, the Department of Trade and Industry-Philippine Trade and Investment Center (DTI-PTIC), and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), brought together government officials, industry leaders and prominent Japanese investors.

The discussions focused on expanding opportunities in the Philippines, emphasizing the country’s strategic location, robust workforce and government initiatives designed to promote ease of doing business.

tral bank’s legislative team.

Capule played a key role in the passage of legislation such as The New Central Bank Act, the National Payment Systems Act, the law strengthening the country’s gross international reserves, the Islamic banking law, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Act, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Capule graduated with honors from the Ateneo de Manila School of Law and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business degree from the University of the Philippines Los Baňos.

Primelectric takes complete operation of Bohol Light Company this month

PRIMELECTRIC said it started the transition towards the complete operational control of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) this month following the acquisition of the majority stake from SPC and other minority shareholders.

Primelectric president and chief executive Roel Castro announced this after they got the whole picture of the existing operations of BLCI.

Primelectric’s top-level managers went to Tagbilaran City last month and gathered insights into various as-

pects of BLCI’s operations, including customer care services, network operations, energy sourcing, asset management, human resources, billing processes and financial performance.

“We will bring better service and do our best to lower the total average electricity rate to the consumers. We will be bringing to BLCI our best practices in Iloilo City and Central Negros”, Castro said.

Primelectric said it is prepared to infuse fresh capital into the rehabili-

tation and modernization of the facilities to enhance BLCI’s capabilities.

“We will be pouring in major amounts to upgrading the facilities so that at the end of the day, maganda ang serbisyo sa consumers,” Castro said.

Meanwhile, Primeletric said it is leading the way in providing the most affordable electricity rates in Western Visayas, with its subsidiaries Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC/ CENECO) in Central Negros and MORE Power in Iloilo City topping

the list for August-September 2024 billing cycle.

This is according to the published electricity rates of distribution utilities (DU) in the region.

Primelectric attributed this to its consistent efforts to secure competitive generation charges from the power suppliers and spot market. The company aims to replicate its success in providing affordable electricity and better service to the consumers in Tagbilaran City.

Opening of bids for P2.1-b BFAR vessels postponed to Oct. 15, raises questions

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) postponed the opening of bids for the procurement of various vessels worth P2.1 billion from Friday to Oct. 15, 2024.

Lawyer Faye Singson, a former assistant prosecutor at the Office of the Ombudsman, said the new schedule was not publicly announced by members of the special bids and awards committee (SBAC).

“If the postponement is not announced publicly, some bidders may have an unfair advantage over others. This can lead to allegations of favoritism or corruption,” Singson said in a statement.

She said the postponement could also delay the procurement process, which could have negative consequences for the government agency

or entity involved. She said that with the delay of the opening of bids from Oct. 11 to Oct. 15, the procurement process exceeded the 52-working day prescribed timeline by the 2016 revised implementing rules and regulation of Republic Act 9184. Singson said Section 8 of RA 9184 requires that all procurement activities be conducted in a fair, transparent and competitive manner. Postponing bid opening without proper notice can violate this principle, she said. She said Section 10 outlines the procedures for conducting bidding, including the requirement for public notice and the issuance of supplemental bid bulletins for any changes to the bidding process.

IN BRIEF

ERC vows to expedite regulatory process

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) committed to speeding up its regulatory process, including the performance audit of the transmission sector, as it presented its proposed budget for 2025 before the Senate committee on finance on Oct. 9, 2024.

ERC officer-in-charge (OIC)

This will be done in the very near future because the timeliness of the performance of this mandate is of national importance. As I’ve said, lives of Filipinos are affected day in and day out so we need to act more expeditiously on the matters before the ERC,” Andres said in a statement.

DOF Revenue Office gets 3rd ISO certificate

THE Department of Finance’s (DOF) Revenue Office (RO) and support offices secured their third International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification, indicating that public service consistently adheres to global standards of quality assurance and business.

“I congratulate our RO and support offices for successfully securing its third ISO certification. This is the kind of quality public service that we at the DOF aim to deliver to the Filipino people,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.

An ISO certification validates that a management system, manufacturing process, service, or documentation procedure has met all the global requirements for standardization and quality assurance.

The certification is issued by the ISO, which is an independent, non-government, international organization that develops standards to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems.

Cagayan Valley IP plan launched

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) launched the Intellectual Property Regional Development Plan (IPRDP) for Cagayan Valley, a strategic initiative to position the region as a pivotal East Asian gateway for investment. The IPRDP gained support from various stakeholders, including regional government agencies, the private sector and educational institutions. New partners to the IPRDP from the regional government include the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

FUNDING SUPPORT. BPI Direct BanKo Inc. (BanKo), the microfinance arm of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), signs

(Hapinoy),

sari-sari store

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor

Remolona Jr. (left) administers the oath of office to Elmore Capule as the new BSP deputy governor for the corporate services sector on Oct. 10, 2024.

FLEXIBILITY AND POWER

New Lenovo Yoga 9i with Intel® Tech redefines modern computing

By Kaila Rebojo

IN the rapidly changing landscape of technol ogy, flexibility and innovation no longer stop at producing gadgets; they focus on creating tools that enhance and enrich our everyday experienc es. The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1, powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, embodies this concept, delivering a user experience that combines top-tier performance with intelligent features.

It features a sophisticated and sleek 360° design that not only enhances its aesthetic but also adds functionality. The Lenovo Yoga 9i, powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra, allows users to explore rich acoustics and spatial audio via Dolby Atmos®. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or engaging in video calls, its top-notch audio capabilities transform the way users interact with their devices, making it perfect for entertainment, productivity, and every-

thing in between. At the core of the Lenovo Yoga 9i are Intel’s Core Ultra processors, providing exceptional performance and advanced AI capabilities. With generative AI running 65% faster, content creation becomes smoother, while features like real-time language translation and adaptive sys-

Battery life is another area where the Yoga 9i excels. Thanks to Intel’s processors, the Yoga 9i consumes 48% less power, extending battery life for all-day use without frequent recharging. Users can enjoy up to 19.5 hours of local video playback and approximately 12.5 hours under MobileMark® testing conditions.

Lenovo also demonstrates its commitment to sustainability with the Yoga 9i, making it a carbon-neutral product. The device features recycled aluminum and post-consumer plastics and comes packaged in fiber-based materials derived from FSC®certified paper. Its ENERGY STAR® certification highlights its energy efficiency, while the EPEAT® Gold rating ensures minimal environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Designed with user convenience in mind, the Yoga 9i includes a magnetic digital pen for instant notetaking and creative sketching, along with Smart Note and Quick Keys for easy access to apps. Everyday tasks become simpler and more efficient with these features, while Lenovo’s AI Engine ensures the device adapts to your work habits.

tem behaviors optimize energy efficiency based on usage patterns. More than just a laptop, the Yoga 9i functions as an AI-powered personal assistant, streamlining tasks and enhancing both work and entertainment experiences. For video editors, it offers up to 2.3 times faster editing speeds, making complex

OPPO A3: Made for Filipinos’ daily grind

FILIPINOS are known for their guts and hard work, from students powering through school to employees braving work on a daily basis. For them, it is imperative to have a smartphone that can keep up with the grit and grind of their everyday life. This is where the OPPO A3 comes into the picture. Bannering the OPPO A Series’ signature durability, it is the ideal partner for Filipinos who want to get their money’s worth when it comes to devices that can stand the test of time. Made to meet the demands of your everyday life

For most Filipinos, practicality is the name of the game. If the nature of your work requires constant movement or travel, your smartphone is at risk of taking accidental tumbles. The OPPO A3 will take your worries away with it being OPPO’s most durable A Series device yet.

Fortified with Military-Grade Shock Resistance and SGS Standard Certification, the OPPO A3 can withstand falling up to 20 times from as high as 1.2 meters without incurring any op-

erational damage or affecting its functionality. Additionally, OPPO A3 is the only smartphone in its price range that’s dual-certified drop-resistant. Don’t be fooled by the OPPO A3’s durability because its sleek design for its price point will make you stand out among the crowd. With the initial

OPPO A3 is an ideal partner for Filipinos who want to get their money’s worth when it comes to devices that can stand the test of time.

projects more efficient and boosting overall productivity. With Intel® Arc™ graphics onboard, the Yoga 9i handles tasks like 3D modeling and gaming with ease, delivering smooth performance. Lenovo’s AI Engine+ further unlocks efficiency through accelerated machine learning, optimizing creative workflows.

water is a legitimate fear for everyone.

But you can leave it to the OPPO A3’s Multiple Liquid Resistance and Splash Touch Technology to provide peace of mind if ever you’re caught in unpredictable weather changes or situations where you can’t avoid getting wet.

If you are in a rush and accidentally get your OPPO A3 drenched with various types of liquid such as coffee, tea and even hot soup, worry no more because you can go on and do what you need to by just rinsing it off with water.

And if you are using your phones while being outside during your commutes or running an errand and a sudden downpour occurs, the OPPO A3’s Splash Touch Technology also allows precise and responsive scrolling even when the screen gets wet, allowing you to send that important message or making that urgent call.

colorways like Sparkle Black and Starry Purple and now Starlight White, you can mix and match your OOTDs with your OPPO A3 and radiate elegance in your daily outfits for school or work.

Made to face unpredictable weather and situations

Smartphones being damaged from

SM Foundation and Mastercard have successfully launched Digital Learning Hubs in public schools across the Philippines, pursuing their shared mission of bridging the digital divide in education.

Four public schools, Lemery Pilot Elementary School, Batangas; Tuba Central School, Benguet; Jugan Elementary School, Consolacion, Cebu; and Macasandig Elementary School, Cagayan De Oro City have been equipped with the said learning hubs. Each of the schools have been equipped with 20 computer desktop sets and LCD TVs, providing students with the opportunity to develop their digital skills through hands-on experience with various computer programs and tools. Simon Calasanz, Country Man-

ager, Philippines, Mastercard remarked that the partnership will help the students develop their tech proficiency so they can more confidently navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape.

“As a global payments technology company, part of Mastercard’s mission is anchored in driving an inclusive digital ecosystem. This initiative with SM Foundation is timely as it provides students access to essential equipment, enriching their learning experience and honing their digital literacy, which will be helpful as they continue their academic—and eventually career—journey,” Calasanz said.

The initiative’s funding was bolstered by the Shop & Share with Mastercard program, which ran from Nov.

Made to power you through a long day Filipinos tend to go online for most of the days, whether it’s via WiFi or data connection. That can easily drain your smartphone’s battery but the OPPO A3 is built differently. Packing a powerful 5,100mAh battery, you can go through your everyday task at school or work and be home with your device still having power.

10 to 12, 2023. During the period, P100 was donated to SM Foundation for every minimum P3,000 single-receipt purchase made with a Mastercard card at SM Stores.

Sy, meanwhile, shared that the latest project builds upon the partnership’s previous efforts in educational empowerment of the youth.

“We are happy to have Mastercard and The SM Store as our partners in bringing technology-driven initiatives to underserved communities. These Digital Learning Hubs equip students with essential digital skills that will empower their education and future careers. From providing tablets to over 1,200 scholars during the pandemic to supporting STEM scholarships for

young women, our commitment to accessible education remains strong. It is through shared values and a collective vision for social good that we are able to create lasting, meaningful impact,” Sy shared. Amidst the completion of the recent collaboration, Sy and Calasanz remain optimistic about exploring opportunities that support educational inclusivity and accessibility. Mastercard and SM Group join the simultaneous launch of four Digital Learning Hubs in Lemery Pilot Elementary School, Batangas; Tuba Central School, Benguet; Jugan Elementary School, Consolacion, Cebu; and Macasandig Elementary School, Cagayan De Oro City.

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is more than just a laptop; it’s a versatile platform that empowers users to explore, create, and achieve more. With its cutting-edge design, remarkable performance, and focus on sustainability, the Yoga 9i stands out in the competitive laptop market. Whether you’re a creative professional, student, or tech enthusiast, this device is built to enhance productivity and deliver a transformative computing experience.

As flexibility and power become increasingly important in modern computing, the Lenovo Yoga 9i with Intel® technology sets a new standard for what users can expect from a 2-in-1 device.

Smart, TNT warn customers vs. fake SIM registration portal scam

MOBILE services provider Smart Communications, Inc., along with its value brand TNT, has warned subscribers about spurious text messages urging subscribers to re-register their SIM in fake SIM registration portals.

In their latest public advisory, Smart and TNT bared this new modus of scammers, whose message often comes with a link that leads to a phishing domain imitating the SIM registration portal of Smart.

“Smart did not send these messages. These messages are phishing attempts aimed at stealing your personal information,” the telco said in its advisory.

“Smart clarifies that there is NO NEED to re-register your Smart or TNT SIM if you have successfully registered it before. Please disregard any message asking you to register again.”

Smart and TNT also remind the public that their official SIM registration portal is https://simreg. smart.com.ph.

Customers are encouraged to report incidents of text scams and phishing messages, among others, via the Smart and TNT public reporting portal called HuliScam at www.smart.com.ph/huliscam . The HuliScam portal complements the new and more advanced network firewall that the PLDT Group had recently activated to block malicious messages from passing through its network, providing customers a safer and more secure mobile lifestyle.

is

Students of Macasandig Elementary School, Cagayan De Oro City use the new Digital Learning Hubs installed by SM Group and Mastercard.

ASUS Philippines (ASUS) recently launched its most advanced ASUS AI PC yet – the Zenbook S 14 (UX5406).

Created for Filipinos who seek a balance of power and portability, the Zenbook S 14 combines cutting-edge AI capabilities with a sleek, lightweight design. Featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor, Ceraluminum™ construction, and cutting-edge AI integrations, the laptop offers seamless multitasking, enhanced performance, and premium user experience.

New Zen with Superior AI: Zenbook S 14

The Zenbook S 14 combines premium design with exceptional functionality, making it a sophisticated addition to the company’s comprehensive AI lineup. Crafted with innovative Ceraluminum™, one of the industry’s strongest and most durable

ASUS launches the most superior AI PC yet— the Zenbook S 14

the

book S 14 delivers up to 47 TOPS of AI performance, ensuring seamless multitasking and faster execution of AI-driven applications. Its advanced CNC milling technology allows for the integration of an ultra-slim vapor chamber into a quiet cooling system, supporting up to 28W TDP with minimal noise, keeping the device cool even under heavy workloads. With 32GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, users can expect fast performance and effortless multitasking, while the 72Wh battery ensures up to 27 hours of all-day productivity. The dedicated Windows Copilot key and enlarged 16:10 touchpad offer intuitive control and more space for smart gesture controls, ensur-

ONE of the world’s leading TrustTech company, Gogolook, has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asia Pacific College (APC) to launch a joint anti-scam campaign.

Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño said the joint campaign aims to promote the safe use of mobile devices and the protection of personal information for students.

“Thus, increasing the cyber hygiene of each digital user. As such include the topic of scams and fraud in cybersecurity subjects to further increase the awareness of students and ways on how to respond,” Migriño said.

This initiative will include digital campaigns and ads, online events and webinars, as well as in-school events, where topics on scams and fraud will be discussed.

“Gogolook to provide a Whoscall mobile application - Basic Premium Package to the students, faculty members and staff of APC throughout the duration of this MOU,” Migriño said.

With this privilege, users can access automated features of Whoscall, such as automatic database updates, blocking spam calls , and URL scanning.

The ceremonial signing took place during the launch of #DapatAllMagWhoscall, a campaign advocating for

FORTUNE has named Alibaba Group to its 10th annual Change the World List for its AI-powered tool that detects pancreatic cancer lesions developed by Alibaba Group’s research institute DAMO Academy.

Alibaba secured the 8th position on the final list of 52 global leading companies, making it the only Chinese company in the top 10. This final list was selected by a team of Fortune editors from a pool of 250 nominees.

The Change the World List recognizes leaders who drive innovations and address social issues while achieving profitability. Fortune Executive Features Editor Matt Heimer stated, “These companies let their actions speak for themselves—harnessing the creative impulses of capitalism to address social problems and generating revenue while doing so.”

Alibaba earned its spot for its groundbreaking cancer screening tool dubbed PANDA developed by the medical AI team at DAMO Academy. The tool expedites the diagnosis

of cancerous and pre-cancerouslesions, making it faster and more costeffective.

“Our goal is to leverage AI to cover the entire process of cancer treatment – from early detection to diagnosis with great precision and accessibility. Our cloud-based solution empowers patients who might not have access to cancer screening due to the scarcity or high costs associated with expert medical care, said Le Lu, head of DAMO’s medical AI team.

The deep learning-based model is able to detect cancerous and pre-cancer lesions in the pancreas by examining non-contrast CT scans, a more efficient form of medical imaging used worldwide with a lower dose of radiation than contrast CT scans.

PANDA is 34.1% more sensitive than radiologists in picking up abnormalities when it comes to screening scans, according to a study published in Nature Medicine magazine by DAMO Academy in collaboration with over 10 medical institutions.

online safety practices, which can be achieved in part by using the Whoscall app, in BGC, Taguig City.

APC Academic Services Director Josephine dela Cuesta expressed gratitude toward Gogolook, saying, “This partnership will bring great results, particularly in enhancing the online safety of our students, leading to their better performance academically.”

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the event, APC IT Head Jojo Castillo emphasized the importance of partnership.

“Asia Pacific College is in the business of education, and it’s crucial to ensure that students are in the right mindset to learn and absorb everything,” Castillo said.

“By partnering with Whoscall, we hope to provide the entire student body with peace of mind, allowing them to feel at ease while learning. They will know that their environment is safe and that APC, Asia Pacific College, supports their mental well-being,” he added.

Furthermore, part of the agreement includes appointing student ambassadors who will promote advocacy to combat scams and fraud while encouraging the use of the Whoscall app as a protective technology tool.

“This initiative will help extend the Anti-Scam Campaign to schools and universities by showcasing the joint efforts of Gogolook and APC and by working with regulators in the academic sector,” Migriño concluded.

HYUNDAI Home Appliances recently unveiled its latest offerings in an exclusive brand launch event designed to win the hearts and minds of every Filipino with a penchant for the latest developments in all things Korean.

The major appliance brand proudly declares, “We have all that you need for better days!” as it celebrates its latest milestone. Completing its line-up is Hyundai Home’s latest TrueFRESH No Frost Inverter+ Refrigerator, which brings efficient, energy-saving technology to maximize everyday functionalities, style, savings and convenience.

The multi-sensory event took esteemed guests on a curated tour through the heart of a home, showcasing Hyundai Home Appliances’ role in enhancing modern living. Each section of the home — from the bedroom to the kitchen,

laundry, and living room — featured tailored displays of the latest products, paired with charming “slice-of-life” visuals. Those scenes illustrated everyday scenarios where the modern appliances shined, and reinforced Hyundai Home’s commitment to integrating technology with lifestyle. In true Korean tradition, the celebration concluded with a hoesik (company dinner), that provided a perfect opportunity for everyone to unwind while reflecting on Hyundai Home’s comprehensive lineup, including front-load washing machines, coffee makers, gas stoves, and the Hyundai Flip Burner, among others.

This celebration promised to be more than just a product launch; it was an offer of a cozier future for home living, powered by the Korean aesthetic and Hyundai Home Appliances.

Dr. Le Lu, head of DAMO Academy’s medical AI speaks at the AI for Good global summit

Shown here are ASUS SEA Regional Director Jimmy Lin (left) with ASUS PH Business Development Manager Harrison Cheng

The AI-powered Zenbook S 14 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 2) processor is now available in the Philippines.

Shown here are (from left) Gogolook Chief Operating O cer (COO) Manwoo Joo; True Money Philippines Managing Director and President Manny Cabanero; APC Academic Services Director Josphine dela Cuesta; WiSAP Board of Trustee and Treasurer Portia Alfonso; and Gogolook Country Head Mel Migriño.

SHOWBIZ

The warmth of love from a found family

By Abigail Adriatico

TAKING care of children is

a responsibility automatically undertaken by those who have decided to bring them into the world.

To say this responsibility has been fulfilled by every person who has ever become a parent is idealistic, leaving many to recognize building a family of their own as a noble duty and purposely stray from it.

There are many reasons why people may or may not want to be a parent, and director Randolph Longjas aimed to discuss such topics surrounding parenthood in his latest film, Mujigae

As the seventh film of his career, Longjas told Manila Standard Entertainment that he wanted to represent individuals who are in the midst of discovering whether parenthood is something they would want for themselves.

“As a millennial without a kid, I sometimes ponder whether I want to have a child or not. That’s why I want to represent the idea that it’s okay not to have a child of your own, but you are capable of loving,” he said.

True to his words, Mujigae centers its story on a woman adamant about not having kids named Sunny (Alexa Ilacad), who ends up bearing the responsibility of taking care of her

Korean-Filipino or Kopino niece named Mujigae (Ryrie Sophie) after the death of her elder sister, Rainalyn.

As a character, Sunny is depicted as a tough-as-nails woman who finds children annoying and wants nothing more than to follow her dreams of becoming a successful hairdresser

outside of the country. With Mujigae ending up on her doorstep, it comes as no surprise that this is met with resistance on Sunny’s part.

Sunny’s stance on veering away from the responsibilities of motherhood due to her abandonment issues makes it inevitable for her to

clash with the grieving Mujigae, who longs for a mother long gone. Ilacad and Sophie’s performances in the film drill this unfortunate but realistic dynamic home in the first half, making audiences long for them to see eye-to-eye and realize how similar they truly are.

‘Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap’ cast bids teary goodbye as finale approaches

By Nickie Wang

THE cast of GMA’s hit afternoon series AbotKamay Na Pangarap became emotional during the program’s recent finale press conference.

Lead stars Jillian Ward and Carmina Villarroel, along with other cast members, were seen in tears as they addressed the media ahead of the show’s final week.

The award-winning medical drama, which has been a staple on GMA Afternoon Prime, is set to air its concluding episodes next week. Cast members and production staff expressed mixed emotions as they approach the end of the series.

Villarroel, visibly emotional and pausing several times during her remarks, said she feels both joy and sadness as the series comes to a close.

“Thank you so much. I want to thank everyone individually. I’m sorry, I can’t help but feel emotional,” she said.

The actress shared that working on the show for two years made the cast and crew feel like family. As the show nears its end, the team expressed their gratitude to the audience for their continuous support since the series began.

Ward, who played Analyn Santos, the youngest doctor in the Philippines, said the experience was invaluable.

However, it is slightly tragic to see Sunny’s reluctance to be a mother ignored by those around her as she is forced into situations without anyone validating her feelings and simply expected to conform to what the people around her want.

As Sunny eventually warmed up and welcomed the idea of becoming a mother figure to Mujigae, it served as a heartwarming reflection of what Longjas wanted to show audiences all along—that everyone deserves to feel the love of a family, whether by blood or by bond.

In terms of production, the film was beautifully crafted with clever cinematography that featured camerawork seemingly telling a story of its own. Its compelling script was delivered convincingly by a skilled cast and left no room for awkward moments that disconnected the audience from the story. The chemistry between all of the cast members can also be felt throughout the film, making it more entertaining and moving to watch.

Overall, Mujigae serves as a reminder that family holds great importance because that is where we receive true and unconditional love that can help us through the toughest trials, and that it can be found and formed anywhere, even in the most unlikely places. It shows that this kind of love sometimes demands sacrifice and is always worth it in the end. Mujigae is now showing in SM Cinemas nationwide.

A TAYLOR Swift-inspired show,

Lover: An Eras Tour Experience, is set to hit Manila’s New Frontier Theater on Dec.15 at 8 p.m. The concert aims to recreate the global sensation of Swift’s Eras Tour for Filipino fans, featuring live performances of her biggest hits.

The tribute is led by Texas-based singer Charity Eden, known for her ability to perform live vocals while playing both guitar and keyboard.

Eden’s motivation for creating the show came from her attendance at Swift’s Eras Tour in 2023 and the desire to provide fans with an affordable alternative after ticket prices soared.

Since its debut, Lover has sold out

Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap

an artist and as a person. We spent so much time together, and I’ll miss all of that,” she said.

Regarding her next showbiz plans, Ward expressed a desire to take on new challenges but emphasized her focus on delivering her best performance in whatever her next project might be.

The show, which has become GMA’s longest-running afternoon teleserye, will air its final episode next week.

Completing the cast are Bonnevie, Pinky Amador, Allen Dizon as Carlos, and Kazel Kinouchi. Also featured in the series are Andre Paras, Chuckie Dreyfus, Wilma Doesnt, Jeff Moses, John Vic De Guzman

Sparkle artist Kim Ji Soo

Director Randolph Longjas’ ‘Mujigae’ follows the story of a young girl who ends up living with her aunt in the Philippines following the death of her mother

Actress Jillian Ward is Analyn Santos in ‘Abot-Kamay na Pangarap’

Actor Richard Yap takes on the role of Dr. Robert Jose Tanyag

Actress Carmina Villarroel plays Lyneth Santos

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

C4 LIFE

Davao designers unite for fundraising project

FBy Nikcie Wang

ILIPINO home decor brand ATIN has launched its first boutique space at Kultura, marking a significant step in its journey to celebrate local craftsmanship. The shop-in-shop features a curated collection of ATIN’s signature products, each crafted to reflect the richness of Filipino culture and design.

The collaboration between ATIN and Kultura was sparked by a conversation between Teresita Sy-Coson, Vice-Chairperson of SM Investments Corporation, and Sabrina Co, founder of

IN AN effort to showcase Davao’s vibrant fashion scene, members of the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation Inc. (DFDCI) recently unveiled a stunning 100-piece collection at The Stellar Fashion Gala.

In collaboration with the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), this fundraising event was conducted at the opulent Samal Grand Ballroom in Discovery Samal with the goal of supporting the weaving communities involved in the b.LOOM Project –DFDCFI’s initiative to redefine Davao’s artisanal weaving brand.

The project aims to realign Davao’s fashion identity with sustainable practices by transforming local weaving into a global artisanal brand. The Luxe Resort collection unveiled an impressive array of Philippine tropical fabrics, including abaca, bandala, piña, banana, and kawayarn

among creative communities in the Davao Region. MTEFI played a crucial role in ensuring the proper identification of deserving communities and the distribution of donations.

Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes President of Discovery Samal, praised the event, expressing admiration for the creativity displayed by the b.LOOM Project. “We look forward to hosting more fantastic events with a priceless view of the Davao Gulf at Discovery Samal,” she said.

The Samal Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 guests, offering both grand and intimate event spaces. For more information on the venue and future events, visit the official Discovery Samal website.

Discovery Resorts embodies Filipino hospitality, offering memorable experiences that blend idyllic settings with genuine care. With properties such as Discovery Boracay, Discovery Coron, and Discovery Samal, the brand creates cherished memories for guests, ensuring they return to relive those moments.

Renowned designers such as Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Popoy Barba, Edgar Buyan, Egay Ayag, Windel Mira, and Benjie Panizales contributed their talents to highlight these indigenous textiles, produced in collaboration with the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute.

All proceeds from the gala will benefit the b.LOOM Project’s Sustainable Enterprise Program, which focuses on indigenous and emerging textile weaving

ATIN. Sy-Coson invited Co to bring ATIN’s offerings to Kultura, known for promoting Filipino artistry and craftsmanship.

Discovery Hospitality Corporation is a home-grown Filipino hospitality group managing the country’s beloved brands, including Discovery Resorts and Primea. Committed to delivering authentic local experiences, DHC aims to inspire modern travelers through genuine Filipino warmth. For more details, visit www. discoveryhotels-resorts.com.

Renowned interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario of Atelier Almario designed the boutique, creating a space that balances simplicity with cultural depth. ATIN’s signature reed diffusers, including classic scents and newly launched fragrances, are prominently displayed, alongside a new 400ml line that offers longer-lasting scents. Cebu

CEBU Pacific, the Philippines’ leading carrier, brings back its signature Piso Sale to allow every traveler to fulfill their bucket lists with affordable travel plans for the upcoming year.

From Oct. 9 to 13, passengers may book flights to select domestic and international destinations for as low as P1 oneway base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period is from June 1 to Sept. 30, 2025.

Travel enthusiasts who missed out on the CEB Super Seat Fest in September now have another chance to avail themselves of value-for-money fares to their dream destinations.

Journey through the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, indulge in various tuna dishes in General Santos, or unwind on the pink sands of Great Santa Cruz Island in Zamboanga. CEB passengers may fly directly to these destinations from Clark, Iloilo, or Davao.

As an added treat, CEB’s new routes from Iloilo and Davao are also on sale. With CEB’s enhanced connectivity and low fares made even more affordable, passengers from Iloilo can

Pacific stirs excitement for 2025 with Piso Sale

Tacloban, Zamboanga, and Singapore. Guests from Davao eager for international travel can now also enjoy direct flights to Hong Kong or Bangkok via Don Mueang. To ensure a worry-free travel experience, passengers may purchase CEB’s GO Flexi offering when booking their flights.

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