Manila Standard - 2024 October 29 - Tuesday

Rody: I take full responsibility

Defends bloody war on drugs; admits existence of death squad

NO APOLOGIES.

By Rio N. Araja

TFormer President Rodrigo Roa Duterte submitted himself to hours-long questioning yesterday by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee tasked with investigating the conduct of his administration’s drug war.

Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

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

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Joel Zurbano, Ralph Rirao, Charles Dantes

President Rodrigo Duterte said he takes full legal responsibility for his administration's war on drugs amid accusations of a reward system that led to extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

‘VP Sara may face impeachment over alleged funds misuse’

By Rio N. Araja and Pot Chavez

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.

VICE President Sara Duterte may face impeachment over the alleged mismanagement of funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education which she previously headed, House committee on good government and public accountability chairman

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.

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.

By Charles Dantes and Darwin Amojelar

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

PRESIDENT Marcos on Monday underscored his administration’s commitment to developing Northern Mindanao by announcing the expansion of Laguindingan International Airport through a P12.75-billion public-private partnership (PPP) with Aboitiz InfraCapital.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua said.

Chua said the House panel probe uncovered possible grounds for Duterte’s impeachment, particularly graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust.

The initial findings – such as the P125 million in confidential funds the OVP spent within just 11 days in December 2022, the P16 million budget for safe houses, and the P15 million for a youth

The envisioned upgrade, which will result from a concession agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Aboitiz-led firm, is seen to bring regional economic benefits by enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.

The agreement for the PPP project was presented to the President after signing ceremonies at Malacañan Palace.

Opened in 2013, Laguindingan Airport—located between Cagayan de

summit – were significant enough to raise concerns.

“I was shocked to know that P125 million was spent in 11 days. There was a notice of disallowance from the Commission on Audit,” he said.

As for the budget for the safe houses and the youth summit, Chua said: “In these two instances, unless of course they can prove that their use is justified, but as

we see it, they really have liability. Those two instances we can say are grounds for impeachment because obviously there was betrayal of public trust and elements of graft.”

“After the impeachment, once proven or impeached, that’s the time for cases to be filed against the Vice President,” the lawmaker added.

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

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

By Charles Dantes

By Darwin Amojelar

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.

By Pot Chavez

RETIRED Supreme Court (SC) Justice Dante

‘Kristine’

Development (DSWD). Some P171 million in standby fund is also available for utilization by the DSWD, including P123 million which can be allotted as Quick Response Fund (QRF) in the central office of the DSWD. In Batanes, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised residents to secure their roofs and install window shutters as Typhoon Julian is expected to make landfall

By Rex Espiritu and Rio Araja

THE Philippine government on Sunday publicly called for the United Nations (UN) to give it a seat on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s

Department

(DFA)

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said its tally as of Monday showed that a total of 116 people were killed while 39 others remained missing as a result of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Also, some 109 individuals were injured by the cyclone, whose brunt was felt throughout the Bicol Region and Batangas province, and caused authorities in many other jurisdictions to declare localized states of emergency, the agency also reported.

the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.”

Quoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.” He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-

An estimated 575,000 individuals were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter in some 6,000 evacuation centers nationwide, the NDRRMC further disclosed. It was also reported that the storm deeply flooded 663 communities across 13 regions in the country. The NDRRMC said ‘Kristine’ affected some 35,918 farmers and fisherfolk across

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday that the country’s transport sector is ready to accommodate millions of travelers expected to head to the provinces on November 1 for “undas.”

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.

cies including the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and Cebu International Airport have coordinated efforts under the annual "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos" program to ensure smooth operations.

"We are prepared for the influx of passengers across airports, seaports, and bus terminals," DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a Malacañang press briefing. Bautista said the DOTr expects "millions" of passengers to travel in preparation of undas, noting that the agency expects at least 1.5 million bus passengers and around three million travelers for air and sea travels. He also stated that DOTr and agen-

“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 Philippine Coast Guard will also assist in managing the holiday travel rush. Despite some storm-related damage to minor seaports in Calabarzon and the Bicol regions, Bautista said all major airports and seaports remain fully operational.

Malacañang earlier declared that government offices and classes at all levels nationwide will be on half day on October 31 for the observance of

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 Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

O. Tinga on Monday filed a petition before the SC seeking to invalidate Taguig City Ordinance No. 144 which increased the number of councilor seats in the city from eight to twelve per councilor district.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.

Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

In September, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) En Banc issued a resolution allowing the said increase. "It seeks to invalidate the unauthorized and illegal increase because it is void and unconstitutional. The measure requires a law and that power does not belong to the city council," Tinga told reporters. He added that Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 23 which seeks to include the enlisted Men's Barrios (EMBO) barangays "does not have a force and effect of a law."

PAGASA

Roque faces qualified human trafficking raps over POGO links

By Charles Dantes

FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry Roque now faces a qualified human trafficking complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Philippine National Police over his alleged involvement in illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

The complaint, submitted yesterday to the Department of Justice by the PAOCC and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), ties Roque to the operations of Lucky South 99, a gaming establishment in Pampanga suspected of conducting unauthorized POGO activities.

Rody:...

From A1

"I have a death squad. Death squad – seven (members). But those are not police. They are gangsters. That one gangster, I ordered: 'Kill that person. If you don't kill them, I will kill you now,'" Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino during the hearing led by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.

Asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros about the DDS structure and the identity of its alleged seven killers, Duterte said he could no longer remember the details.

"I am now 73. For the life of me, I cannot remember the name... The problem is the person is dead... Don't ask me the history of the person, they are dead," he said.

Hontiveros pressed him if the DDS were given cash rewards for their successful kills, but the former President said there was no such incentive system.

Hontiveros' office investigated the case of Kian de los Santos, a 17-year-old student who was gunned down in August 2017 during an anti-drug operation in Caloocan. Despite claiming that Kian fought back ('nanlaban'), the three police officers involved in the operation were later found guilty of murder.

“To all those who say that the War on Drugs is a punishment for those who lose their way, my message to you is this: There is no honor in punishment like tokhang. It should not be an honor to be called 'The Punisher,' when thousands of innocent people, including babies, have died in your name,” she said.

Retired police colonel Royina

‘VP...

From A1

Chua said to be able to file plunder charges, the amount involved must be at least P50 million, which is why the House panel is still assessing which cases will be included.

In August, COA issued a notice of disallowance for P73.28 million of the P125 million in confidential funds spent by the OVP in 2022, citing improper use and regulatory violations.

‘Kristine’...

From A1

the nation, although it was not yet clear whether this was due only to the destruction of crops or damages to their properties as well.

A total of 31,670 hectares of crops were washed away, the disaster agency further disclosed.

"Kristine is the deadliest storm to hit the country so far this year, especially with the reported number of casualties," Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno of the Office of Civil Defense said.

As the country struggles to recover from ‘Kristine,’ another weather disturbance, called ‘Leon,’ has developed into another severe tropical storm, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of 10:00 a.m. on Monday, the state weather bureau has placed twelve provinces in Luzon under Wind Signal

"There's a statement from the assistant vice president... (Jessa Fernandez) of PAGCOR saying that on July 26, 2023, Roque and Cassandra Ong showed up at their office for a meeting with PAGCOR," District City Prosecutor Darwin Cañete said in an ambush interview.

Garma earlier told the House Quad Committee that Duterte and other high-ranking officials during his term operationalized the so-called "Davao model" of EJKs on a nationwide scale, rewarding cops for every drug suspect killed.

Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido also testified that a scheme of payouts to hitmen neutralizing or killing drug suspects existed, with funds flowing from the level of Duterte's former special adviser and now Senator Bong Go. Go as well as Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during Duterte's term, have both denied involvement in the drug war reward scheme.

During the hearing, Dela Rosa, who previously sought to lead the Senate probe, criticized human rights lawyer Chel Diokno's misinterpretation of the term "neutralization" to limit its definition to killing.

Dela Rosa said “neutralization,” according to the police operational manual, means the utilization of police intervention in strict accord with the use of force continuum and the use of force purposely to contain or stop the local aggression of the offender.

He said this may include an arrest, capture, surrender or other acts to subdue the suspect, and that nowhere in the manual refers to neutralization as killing the suspect.

The Philippine National Police earlier reported 6,200 deaths in anti-drug operations, but human rights organizations estimated the death toll to be around 12,000.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating allegations the killings were a state-sanctioned

COA directed Duterte and other accountable OVP officials to settle the disallowed amount.

Lawmakers were likewise taken aback by the OVP’s use of P16 million in confidential funds to rent 34 safe houses for just 11 days also in late 2022, with one property costing nearly P91,000 per day.

Chua said the expenditures had acknowledgment receipts that were unsigned, illegible, had missing names, or only included signatures, and lacked supporting documents like

No. 1 after monitoring the center of ‘Leon’ at about 735 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora or 780 kilometers east of Echague, Isabela.

It was packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 115 KPH as it was moving westward at around 20 KPH.

Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 include; Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, the eastern portion of Mountain Province, the eastern portion of Ifugao, the eastern portion of Quirino, the northern portion of Aurora, and the northern portion of Catanduanes.

PAGASA was expected to hoist a gale warning over the northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon on Monday afternoon.

As this developed, House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday recognized the Singapore government’s assistance to typhoon victims in the form

"Atty. Fernandez also has a judicial affidavit stating that Atty. Roque made several follow-ups with her about the status of the application for the renewal of the online gambling license for Lucky South.," he added.

Roque, a certain Ley Tan, and Mercedes Peralta Macabasa were added to the anti-trafficking complaints against Cassandra Li Ong.

Based on the allegations of the supplemental complaint affidavit, it has something to do with the active participation of Atty. Roque in the furtherance of the illegal activity of Lucy South 99,” Cañete said.

A supplemental complaint affidavit filed with the case also implicates two incorporators of Whirl -

"crime against humanity."

"Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country," Duterte said.

Duterte also claimed Monday that "drug-related crimes are on the rise again," a statement that was immediately belied by Malacanang.

“The purveyors of this menace are back in business...The Filipinos are anxious and distressed," he said.

“Every day you can read about children being raped, people getting killed and robbed, and just recently a drug den was raided within the Malacañang complex. This clearly manifests that the purveyors of this menace are back in business. What are we doing about this?” he added.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the national crime rate has, in fact, declined significantly, according to the Philippine National Police.

"Our country is safer, our people more secure, and our future more assured than ever before under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” he said.

"Moreover, we have achieved stability and maintained peace and order in our country without foregoing due process nor setting aside the basic human rights of any Filipino," Bersamin added.

Manila Rep. Benny Abante Jr., House Quad Committee co-chairperson, urged the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman to study the filing of appropriate charges against Duterte.

“The House Quad Comm has already unearthed evidence and testimony that bolster allegations that the victims of the war on drugs were innocent, that they were victims of

lease contracts.

“If we should base on these, there could be grounds. But of course, we do not want to conclude yet,” he said.

Last month, Duterte accused Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro of pushing impeachment talks against her.

"The impeachment is constantly being discussed openly in the House of Representatives...And at the center of these talks is France Castro," the Vice President said in a recorded

of a much-needed cargo aircraft.

He thanked Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ambassador to the Philippines Constance

See for lending a C-130 aircraft to help in the efforts to reach thousands of Filipino families affected by ‘Kristine.’

“The aid they sent, especially the C-130 aircraft from the Singapore Air Force, we can use it to deliver relief goods to the areas that were severely affected by the typhoon," Romualdez noted.

Similarly, the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) also sent a C-295 aircraft to reinforce humanitarian assistance to the victims of ‘Kristine.’

In a statement, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said this marked a significant display of regional cooperation and solidarity between the Philippines and Brunei.

“The additional aircraft bolsters the PAF’s capability to reach and support affected communities, providing essential supplies and assistance,” PAF said.

wind Corporation, which has been linked to the POGO operation.

The complaint represents an escalation in the government’s crackdown on illegal POGOs and comes on the heels of separate graft charges filed earlier in October against suspended Porac Mayor Jaime Capil and other local officials, who allegedly enabled the POGO firm’s operations despite unresolved documentation issues.

Cañete said this was Roque’s opportunity to clear his name.

“For now, we cannot ignore the documentation, the testimony, and the other evidence that have been submitted for investigation. And this has been the conclusion of the investigation,” he said.

a campaign that was sanctioned by Malacañang,” Abante said.

"We have testimony that shows that the president issued directives and gave the green light to a reward system that led to the death of innocents. If the former President says that he is taking responsibility for the illegal and fatal acts of law enforcement during his administration, then he should be held accountable,” he said.

Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, for her part, criticized the participation of Go and Dela Rosa in the Senate hearing.

“These two senators, who were key officials during former President Rodrigo Duterte's term, have no moral authority to participate in this investigation. Senator Go, as Duterte's former top aide, and Senator Dela Rosa, who implemented the deadly Oplan Tokhang as then-PNP chief, should inhibit themselves from the proceedings due to clear conflict of interest,” she said.

“Their attempts to whitewash and sanitize the brutal drug war is a grave insult to the thousands of victims and their families who continue to seek justice. Their statements are nothing but a desperate bid to protect their former boss while completely disregarding the pain and trauma of those who lost their loved ones to extrajudicial killings,” Brosas added.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre added: “The former President has publicly accepted responsibility for these deaths. If we truly stand by our principles of justice and the rule of law, then Mr. Duterte must be held accountable. He must go to jail for these EJKs. This is not about politics. It is about justice.” With AFP

video interview. For Constitutional law expert Dan Gatmaytan, “the misuse of confidential and intelligence does fall under betrayal of the public trust.”

Political analyst Froilan Calilung said the “Duterte factor” could make the impeachment attempt politically difficult before it can proceed.

“[It] is possible but will be difficult politically. It is an unpopular move as it smells heavily of political harassment. The election is also another factor,” he said.

Tinga... From A1

He explained that "it did not undergo the prescribed three readings" and "did not bear the signature of the President as required by the Constitution."

Tinga noted that a law creating a new legislative district is the proper solution. Unless a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is issued by the SC in due time, the Comelec will spend preparing the ballots for the additional seats per district, according to him. Likewise, he underscored that candidates alike will be led to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and voters will be voting for the unconstitutional and void seats.

Tinga served as an associate justice of the SC from 2003 to 2009 and was appointed as acting chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) in 2022.

Oil firms cut fuel prices due to weaker demand

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE oil firms cut pump prices by as much as P0.50 per liter effective 6am today to reflect the movement of price in the world oil market.

The oil firms cut the price of diesel and kerosene by P0.50 per liter and gasoline by P0.20 per liter in the wake of concerns the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could cause supply disruption.

The tightness in supply in Asia due to refinery turnarounds, unplanned shutdowns and refinery run cuts also pushed prices downward, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. Seaoil Philippines, Cleanfuel, PetroGazz, Jetti Petroleum and Chevron Philippines issued separate advisories of the oil price rollback while other companies are expected to follow. Department of Energy director Rodela Romero said areas declared under the state of calamity will not have a price increase.

She said a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas or LPG and kerosene will be implemented for 15 days starting from the date of the official declaration of the state of calamity. Romero said last week prices of petroleum products will have a mixed movement.

Romero said gasoline may have price rollback of P0.20 per liter to an increase of P0.20 per liter, diesel may have a price rollback of P0.10 per liter to an increase of P0.30 per liter and kerosene will have an increase of P0.20 to P0.30 per liter.

DOTr, ...

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All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, which are declared special non-working holidays.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) meanwhile conducted massive cleanup drives and repair works on national roads and bridges to ensure road safety and efficient travel experience for the coming All Souls Day and All Saints Day.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed the deployment of composite teams to strategic locations nationwide to manage the anticipated surge of motorists, ensuring smoother and safer travel from October 31 to November 2, 2024.

“We are expecting the influx of motorists for Undas 2024, we are mobilizing our Lakbay Alalay Motorists Assistance Stations to provide prompt and reliable assistance to the traveling public,” Bonoan said.

The DPWH Lakbay Alalay teams are composed of uniformed field and crew personnel who will be working on a round-the-clock shift along identified stations. Before the onset of the motorist assistance program, DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices nationwide were also actively conducting routine maintenance activities on national roads, primarily on routes leading to cemeteries and churches.

DPWH is also working closely with other government agencies including the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Local Government Units (LGUs) for any needed assistance. Vito Barcelo

P12b...

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Oro and Iligan—currently handles 1.6 million passengers annually, making it the second-busiest airport in Mindanao.

The expansion project aims to increase capacity to 3.9 million passengers in the first phase and up to 6.3 million in the second.

"This is more than infrastructure. It’s a promise to improve lives and showcase the welcoming nature of Filipinos," Mr. Marcos said after the signing ceremonies.

It was disclosed that the project involves upgrading facilities, expanding terminals, and introducing operational improvements to deliver safer and more efficient services.

President Marcos emphasized that the project will create jobs and foster economic growth, in line with his administration's vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.” For his part, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the airport's privatization will open direct flights of other Asian carriers to Mindanao and vice versa, turning it into a true international airport.

PBBM reaffirms plans to eliminate hunger

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand

Marcos Jr.

reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating hunger in the Philippines on Monday, noting that “no Filipino should go to bed hungry.”

During the ceremonial signing of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Joint Memorandum Circular, President Marcos urged all government agencies and local government units to implement EPAHP as a step toward zero hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture.

“This coalition commits to making zero hunger a reality,” Mr. Marcos said.

“We have yet to achieve zero hunger. But your dedication to this mission assures me that we are all united in this effort, ready to build a better nation for all, especially for those who need it the most,” he added.

The initiative, launched at Malacañang, builds upon a program initially started in 2016 by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to address hunger and poverty.

Expanded in 2019, the program has evolved into the EPAHP, now involving 34 national and international partners.

By connecting farmers, fisherfolk, and other food producers with larger markets and government feeding programs, the partnership aims to increase income and ensure vulnerable communities have access to nutritious food.

President Marcos cited recent successes, including 200 million pesos in contracts generated between government feeding programs and CBOs, thanks to strengthened community partnerships.

The new Digital Mapping System, developed with the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, will help further connect local producers with potential markets.

The President also announced the formation of a 14-member EPAHP Steering Committee, chaired by the DSWD Secretary, to ensure leadership and accountability within the program. Quarterly monitoring and evaluations will track progress and resource allocation.

IN BRIEF

By Vito Barcelo

ONLY 13,000 out of the more than 30,000 foreigners working in mostly Chineseowned offshore gambling firms have voluntarily downgraded their visas to temporary visitor visas to remain legally in the country until December 31, 2024 Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that foreign workers of all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) who fail to downgrade or leave the country by December 31 will be deported or blacklisted.

“Those who failed to downgrade their

visas before the October 15 deadline will be included in the BI’s blacklist and arrested, while foreigners who voluntarily downgraded their visas can have a chance to return to visit the country,” he said. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has ordered foreign POGO workers to leave the country by the end of the year.

Despite the October 15 deadline, the bureau said it would still accept POGO workers to apply for visa downgrading but will be included in the BI’s blacklist.

“However, they can return and visit the country but with some conditions,” he said.

THE National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel on Monday strongly condemned the recent arrests of its three consultants.

The panel also argued that these arrests violated the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), which is meant to protect both parties from harassment during negotiations.

According to NDFP Negotiating Panel chair Julie De Lima the recent illegal arrests of NDFP consultants Simeon Naogsan, Porferio Tuna, and Wigberto Villarico “is a deliberate act by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to undermine peace talks.”

The NDFP panel also rejected National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya’s “insinuations” that JASIG is “no longer in effect.”

Further, the NDFP also affirmed the legitimacy of their consultants, particularly Villarico, who the panel claims plays a vital role in representing regional concerns in the negotiations.

The panel asserted that the government’s actions—which allegedly included arrests, torture, and killings—reflect “bad faith” and threaten the peace process by fostering distrust and hostility.

The NDFP also called for a resumption of peace talks but emphasized that “meaningful dialogue is impossible while their representatives face ongoing violence and arrests, which fundamentally compromise the trust needed for negotiations.”

The NSC meanwhile insisted that the JASIG was already terminated seven years ago. Rex Espiritu

POGOs were banned for their alleged links to crimes, human trafficking and financial scams., and gave the gaming regulator until the end of the year to shut the businesses down.

Thousands of Chinese, Vietnamese and other nationals mostly from Southeast Asia have been illegally recruited with promises of high salaries but later forced to work in dismal conditions and threatened with severe harm if they disobeyed orders or tried to escape. Foreign POGO workers who stay in the country beyond the two-month period will be arrested and deported, Viado said.

PCW chief says more policies to protect women

By Rachelle Tonelada

THERE is an urgent need for stronger implementation of policy instruments focused on accountability, monitoring, and evaluation for women, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla said.

Valdeavilla, speaking at an international women’s conference held in Manila, also emphasized that “words should match with transformative actions and pleasurable impacts” by enhancing women’s capacity for peacebuilding and ensuring that resources are available to women peacebuilders.

The PCW chairperson highlighted the alarming statistics regarding women’s representation in peace negotiations: women constitute only 9.6% of negotiators, 13.7% of mediators, and 26.6% of signatories to peace agreements.

“Honorable delegates, marginal representation is not leadership,” Valdeavilla stressed.

“On incorporating women’s agenda in peace processes, in 2023, only 26% of peace agreements mention women’s agenda. If women are only marginally represented in negotiation and decisionmaking, this invisibility will persist,” she further explained.

‘Kristine’ destroys 79 classrooms in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY — Severe tropical storm ‘Kristine’ destroyed 79 classrooms in Western Visayas, impacting more than 1.6 million students, according to initial data from the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office. The storm forced widespread class cancellations, disrupting the school week and affecting over 3,918 public learning institutions in the region. The DepEd reported that 15 classrooms were destroyed, five suffered major damage, and 59 sustained minor damage.

Negros Occidental was hit hardest with 14 classrooms destroyed and four more requiring major repairs. Iloilo also saw one classroom destroyed and one requiring significant repairs.

For minor damages, 45 classrooms in Negros Occidental and 14 in Iloilo will need repairs to be fully operational again. Aside from school disruptions, ‘Kristine’ affected 161,283 individuals in Western Visayas, representing 38,659 families, who are now coping with the storm’s aftermath. Caloy Lozada

‘Kambal’ festival raises P270k for Angeles City

ANGELES CITY — The 5th Kambal Festival Trade Fair, organized by the Angeles City government under the leadership of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., has successfully generated P270,110 in total sales. The trade fair, held from October 15 to 26, 2024, at Plaza Anghel, Museo Ning Angeles, highlighted a wide range of locally-made Angeleño products from the city’s One Town One Product (OTOP) store.

Lazatin reiterated the city’s commitment to supporting homegrown businesses, hosting the event as part of the Fiestang Kuliat celebration.

Among the member-merchants who participated in the trade fair are Impact Balibago Arts and Crafts (IBAC), K’s Creations, Tamayuq, Izzamway, Teresa’s Mushroom, Woodcraft by Madison, Tabak’s, Cutud Weavers, Ellen Turla, Flores Handicraft, Micary Fragrance, Super EC, Tsokola-T, Glitz and Glamz, A Taste of Angel’s Food Delights, Macabebest Halo-halo, Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, and Organics Farmers. Butch Guinio

Brawner leads survey on areas hit by ‘Kristine’

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Monday conducted an aerial survey over the severely impacted areas of Naga City, Milaor, and Bula assessing the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Kristine. Brawner also led the distribution of essential relief goods to residents of Barangay Duran in Balatan, Camarines

NEW CAVITE TOP COP. P/Brigadier General Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, Regional Director, PRO 4A led the turnover of command as P/Colonel Dwight Alegre took over as the new Provincial Police chief of Cavite province, replacing P/Colonel Eleuterio M. Ricardo Jr. on Monday. Cavite PPO.

NO TO GANGS. The office staff of Valenzuela Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, who authored an ordinance banning gangs in Valenzuela, placed a tarpaulin at the school gates to protect students against various groups or gangs. Andrew Rabulan

E-BIKES. General Trias City Mayor Luis Ferrer IV along with Congressman Antonio Ferrer and Vice Mayor Jonas Labuguen led the turnover of 43 e-bike units for the Homeowners Federation of the East and South Sectors of the City on Saturday. Dennis Abrina

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

DAR okays P19b to fund agrarian infra projects

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has approved a P19-billion funding to support the agency’s several crucial projects in the countryside designed to spur rural development.

The funding approval was a key highlight of the 40th PARC meeting, presided over by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, PARC vice chairperson Kazel Celeste last Oct. 25.

“These projects reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing the livelihoods of rural households, paving the way for a more sustainable and productive agrarian sector,” Estrella said.

One of the projects to be implemented under the approved fund is the Pang-Agraryong Tulay para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka which aims to construct modular steel bridges to enhance mobility, boost productivity, and increase the income of over 350,000 households.

A portion of the approved funds would also be directed toward developing farm-to-market roads and procurement of farm machinery and equipment, the DAR chief said.

IN BRIEF

OCD, PDRF to boost disaster resilience

THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) have forged an agreement to strengthen collaboration between public and private sectors in enhancing disaster resilience.

OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the importance of the partnership for building a robust disaster management framework, especially in matters like earthquake preparedness.

PDRF president Rene Meily emphasized the commitment of private companies to support the government in times of crisis.

PDRF executive director Veronica Gabaldon noted that effective collaboration can improve disaster risk management and save lives. Following the signing of the memorandum of agreement, the CORE3Ps project was launched to develop a framework for private-sector engagement in resilience efforts. Rex Espiritu

Gatchalian tells ERC to set RCOA in motion

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to expedite the implementation of the Retail Competition Open Access (RCOA) at the household level.

Gatchalian wants to give ordinary consumers more control over their electricity consumption.

Initially implemented in 2013, RCOA currently allows consumers with a monthly peak demand of at least 500 kilowatts (kW) to switch to retail electricity suppliers within the Competitive Retail Electricity Market (CREM), benefiting from lower rates compared to traditional distribution utilities.

To advance this initiative, Gatchalian urged the ERC to lower the eligibility threshold, enabling more consumers to participate in the program.

He acknowledged that while the RCOA cannot be implemented immediately for households due to technical constraints, the ERC needs to establish a transition plan.

Joel E. Zurbano

DPWH cleans, repairs roads for Unda exodus

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been conducting massive clean-up drives and repair works on national roads and bridges to ensure road safety and efficient travel experience for the coming All Souls Day and All Saints Day.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed the deployment of composite teams to strategic locations nationwide to manage the anticipated surge of motorists, ensuring smoother and safer travel from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

“We are expecting the influx of motorists for Undas 2024, we are mobilizing our Lakbay Alalay Motorists Assistance Stations to provide prompt and reliable assistance to the traveling public,” Bonoan said. The DPWH Lakbay Alalay Teams are composed of uniformed field and crew personnel who will be working on a roundthe-clock shift along identified stations. Before the onset of the motorist assistance program, DPWH regional and district engineering offices nationwide were also actively conducting routine maintenance activities on national roads, primarily on routes leading to cemeteries and churches. Vito Barcelo

US commits P450m to support PH Coast Guard modernization

BI nabs Nigerian wanted in US for cybercrimes

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) operatives have arrested a Nigerian national wanted in the US for cybercrimes that victimized Americans, mostly retired soldiers.

Ahmed Kamilu Alex was collared along Panay Ave., in Bgy. Paligsahan, Quezon City by agents from the BI’s fugitive search unit.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Nigerian was nabbed on the strength of a mission order he issued at the request of the US government which sought the African’s deportation to the US so he could stand trial for his crimes.

Alex has been on the BI’s wanted list since August this year when he was placed in the immigration blacklist for being a fugitive from justice.

US authorities said Alex conspired with two other accomplices in perpetrating a cyber fraud scheme by creating bogus websites that mimicked legitimate US government agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through the bogus websites, the crime ring managed to charge their unsuspecting victims, mostly military personnel, US500 to US$48,500 purportedly as payment for processing their emergency leave requests.

“He will remain in our immigration blacklist and banned from re-entering the Philippines after he is deported,”

DepEd-IBP accord provides free legal aid to state teachers

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education (DepEd) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to provide free legal aid to Deped teachers and personnel across the country. Under the accord, the DepEd-IBP partnership will provide public school teachers and school-based non-teaching personnel access to legal advice and assistance in disputes and other legal concerns.

“We’re happy to note that this legal assistance memorandum that we’re signing with the IBP, not only will benefit our teachers but also our school-based nonteaching personnel. So these include administrative officers, accountants, clerks, and bookkeepers all over the Philippines.

So that will benefit not only the 800,000 plus (teachers), but also the 100,000 plus non-teaching personnel,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said.

Angara added that the tie-up with IBP marks another milestone in DepEd’s efforts to support the welfare of teachers, in line with the directives of President Marcos.

The signing of MOA was witnessed by representatives from the DepEd Teachers Union (DTU), the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC).

IBP President Antonio Pido, executive vice president and governor for Western Mindanao Allan Panolong, and other top IBP officials welcomed the initiative, saying it was in keeping with IBP’s commitment to community service and supporting Filipino educators.

Viado said.

Meanwhile, Viado lauded at least 32 immigration officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for their dedication during Bagyong Kristine, extending their shifts to ensure the continuity of essential services despite the adverse weather conditions.

The officers’ commitment played a crucial role in maintaining smooth airport operations amid heavy rains and flooding disrupted flights.

“Our officers displayed remarkable commitment during Bagyong Kristine, prioritizing the welfare of travelers despite the risks. Their actions embody the spirit of public service and resilience,” he said.

By Rachelle Tonelada

THE United States has committed P450 million ($8 million) to support the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the US Embassy in the Philippines announced on Monday.

The funding, announced during the 3rd US-Philippines Maritime Dialogue held in Manila on Thursday (Oct. 24), will focus on enhancing the PCG’s infrastructure, developing training programs, and redefining resource management strategies.

“This funding will support the PCG’s infrastructure enhancements, training program development, and resource acquisition and management planning,” the embassy said in a statement.

The dialogue also focused on deepening maritime cooperation in the South China Sea and exploring new strategies to address shared regional challenges.

Key discussions highlighted strengthening the PCG’s operational capabilities, “mitigating the impacts of climate change, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

MEDAL FOR A WOUNDED SOLDIER. The Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo pins the Wounded Personnel Medal on Sgt. Rene Mansulonay who was wounded during a clash with communist rebels in Sitio Tamyang, Brgy. Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. A member of the local militia, Faith Seith Pinadanag, was also injured during the incident.

WHAT NOT TO DO AT THE CEMETERY. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora poses before a poster on what are not allowed inside the public cemetery during the traditional visit to departed loved ones during the observance of All Saint’s Day. Manny Marcelo

TEACHING THEM WHILE YOUNG. Wards of a daycare center in Quezon City are being taught on the dangers of lead poisoning posed by lead contaminants in paints, toys, and other materials. Manny Palmero

OPINION

What Sara achieved by ranting

VICE President Sara Duterte ranted in a two-hour talk with reporters. She blamed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the continuous probe into how she spent her confidential funds as VP and as former DepEd secretary. That rant sparked so many questions. Why did she do it? Was it a window into her mental state? Santa Banana!

A highlight of what she said was that she daydreamed of decapitating BBM. She even threatened to exhume the remains of BBM’s late father, who is now buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, and throw it into the West Philippine Sea.

But why is Sara blaming the President for the questions on her handling of confidential funds? It is the duty and obligation of members of Congress to look at how the funds of the people are spent.

As for the threat to desecrate the remains of a dead person and throw them into the West Philippine Sea, my gulay, that is simply unbecoming of the second-highest official of the land.

As a lawyer myself, I believe Sara could have violated the law for the threat of desecration of the dead. She is also a lawyer! The Department of Justice should study this. Most importantly, why is Sara ranting against BBM and his family? Does it have something to do with the possibility of her running for president in 2028, to show the people that she is so tough that she could even attack an incumbent president?

Sara is truly her father’s daughter, not mincing any words in saying what she thinks. But she must remember that as VP, she should be more circumspect about her words. Disrespecting the dead is a bad thing to commit if you are projecting yourself as a viable leader.

As Roman Catholics, we Filipinos have great respect for the dead. That’s why on Nov 1 and 2, we mark All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to show great respect for our dearly departed. Come to think of it, is Sara even still a Catholic? Is she now like her father who has as his spiritual advisor the self-appointed son of God, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of that

Kingdom of Jesus Christ church?

Others say that Sara’s rants are because she believes that the investigation on her mishandling and misspending of the confidential funds is all the doing of BBM. But she should not forget that she is still the second highest official of the land and what she says carries a lot of weight. My gulay, for a Vice President, saying those words against BBM brings up the big question of whether Sara realizes the implications of what she says.

She gave us a glimpse into her mental state.

After her “drag me to hell” tirade, I was not surprised when some members of the House of Representatives wanted her to undergo psychiatric treatment. Sara countered that she would only agree if the reelectionists would likewise undergo the same tests. I find these funny since all those psychiatric exams and drug tests are irrelevant to issues at hand.

Good that BBM just takes it all with a smile. We can interpret that reaction in many ways, but all I can say is that the Dutertes should be more careful in saying anything against BBM. Duterte’s future lies in the hands of the President. You know what I mean.

Sara’s rants achieved nothing but to tell the people what kind of vice president we have. ***

All these alleged poll surveys on the senatoriables, commissioned or otherwise, are immaterial at this stage with seven months to go until May. They are purely guesswork.

But, as a journalist for the past seven decades, I know who will make it or not make it.

What I am really sad about is that we have senatorial candidates who stand a good chance of winning just because they are related to incumbent senators or are popular, even if their qualifications are questionable.

This shows the bankruptcy of our kind of politics, Santa Banana!

Health victory or sweetened defeat?

AS diabetes and obesity rates surge across the Philippines, one lawmaker is leading an unexpected charge against a familiar culprit: sugar. Richard Gomez, Leyte’s athletic representative and former national fencing team captain, has introduced House Bill 10708, a bold proposal to ban sugary drinks in government offices. Known for his commitment to health—onscreen and off—Gomez aims to change not just laws but lifestyles in a nation at risk.

The irony is hard to miss. Here is a man who has devoted his life to physical wellness and who now stands toe-to-toe with one of the world’s most powerful industries. The soda lobby has deep pockets and a longstanding influence in many governments, including the Philippines, where sugary drinks are as omnipresent as the tropical heat. Yet globally, there is a mounting awareness of the detrimental effects of sugary drinks, prompt-

EDITORIAL

Literacy as a way of life

The Global Media and Information Literacy

Week is an annual commemoration held October 24-31. Its aim is to raise awareness of and to celebrate the progress achieved toward MIL for all.

UNESCO is spearheading the celebrations to enable people to engage critically with information, navigate the online environment safely and responsibly, and ensure that there can be trust in information ecosystems and in digital technologies.

It added that MIL provides a set of essential skills to address the challenges of the 21st century, including the proliferation of mis- and disinformation, hate speech, the decline of trust in media, and digital innovations notably Artificial Intelligence.

Here in the Philippines, MIL also refers to a subject taught in Senior High School that “introduces the learners to basic understanding of media and information as channels of communica-

show sugar can speed up skin aging, rot teeth, and even harm cognitive performance, especially in children.

ing countries like Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom to implement taxes or restrictions on these beverages.

Richard Gomez challenges the soda industry

The science supporting Gomez’s initiative is robust and increasingly grim. Research has laid out the health hazards of excess sugar: rapid spikes in blood sugar levels that lead to mood swings, fatigue, and headaches; higher risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease; and the unsettling possibility that high-glycemic diets are linked to cancer. Consuming sugar even affects immune function, making it harder for the body to fend off infections, and strips the body of chromium, a mineral vital for blood sugar regulation. Studies

Gomez’s proposal to prohibit sugary drinks in government offices is rooted in this research, and his arguments are difficult to refute. Removing sugary drinks from these settings could, at the very least, save on healthcare costs by reducing obesity-related illnesses.

But Gomez faces an uphill battle. The soda industry, well-aware of the financial implications, has historically wielded its influence to push back against such policies worldwide, often arguing that individuals have the right to choose what they consume. Additionally, Big Soda claims that bans and taxes are ineffective long-term, citing a lack of conclusive data on sustained reductions in consumption and a preference for policies that encourage moderation rather than restriction.

Yet the tide may be turning. Around the world, more countries are exploring taxation and restric-

tion and tools for the development of individuals and societies. It also aims to develop students to be creative and critical thinkers as well as responsible users and competent producers of media and information.”

Not even the highly schooled are safe from the menace of disinformation.

Unfortunately, the manner of delivery of this course varies greatly, and there are no guarantees that any Grade 11 or Grade 12 student will graduate from high school completely literate in media and information. And then, there are the students’ immediate surroundings – families, teachers, and communities – who themselves may not enjoy the desired level of literacy when it comes to processing what they see online.

No one, not even professionals or the highly schooled, is completely safe from being misled or downright duped. MIL has come to be a fixture and a necessity in people’s lives whether they

tion as tools to reduce sugary drink consumption. Mexico’s 2014 soda tax, for example, led to a 7.6% decline in sugary drink purchases in its first year alone. Countries like the UK have channeled revenue from similar taxes toward funding sports and health initiatives. School restrictions in Chile showed a significant drop in consumption among children, an encouraging signal for public health advocates. Critics of Gomez’s plan argue that banning soda in government offices may yield only symbolic benefits and suggest alternative strategies. Taxation, many suggest, could be more impactful, especially if revenue is funneled into health programs. Other nations have also seen success with “healthier choice” labels, which guide consumers toward lower-sugar options. Still, Gomez’s bill could be a symbolic win, signaling the government’s commitment to tackling a public health issue head-on. Health advocates contend that awareness campaigns, alongside policy changes, are the most ef-

are aware of it or not.

The ease with which information flows and is shared has threatened people’s ability to discern what is true from false. Many continue to be duped by what they see online, accepting it as gospel truth without even bothering to ensure its veracity, and then acting on and making decisions based on the disinformation. Sometimes, too, because of our illiteracy, we fall victim to financial predators or compromise our own security and privacy.

This became a problem in recent years, including the pandemic and the controversial campaign for the 2022 elections. As we plod through our problems as a nation, approach another electoral exercise, and grapple with recent technologies and what they could potentially do to our society, it is good to ponder exactly how literate we are. And then aim higher.

We understand that local governments and schools have their own MIL Week celebrations, but as in all other events, there is an entire year to actualize its objectives. MIL is best lived and practiced every day, with every encounter with pieces of information, using a mindset that immediately questions and verifies, and refuses to take anything at face value.

fective way to shift behavior. The UK’s “Be Sugar Smart” campaign has been lauded for promoting healthier choices in schools, while the American College of Cardiology’s campaign to highlight the risks of sugary drinks helped reduce sales in parts of the United States. Such campaigns emphasize a core truth: a one-size-fits-all policy on sugar reduction is unlikely to succeed. Instead, education, behavioral strategies, and more transparent labeling are needed alongside restrictions to guide individuals toward healthier decisions. As Gomez’s bill faces its final hurdles, it brings to light a stark choice for lawmakers: protect public health or preserve the status quo. If House Bill 10708 succeeds, it could set a nationwide example, inspiring a new era of health-conscious policy. But for Gomez, this fight is personal—a stand against a silent epidemic that quietly claims more lives with every sugary sip. The stakes are high, and the future of the country’s health may hinge on this single, bold decision.

‘Bitter consequences’: Iran Guards chief warns Israel

TEHRAN — The top commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has warned Israel it would face “bitter consequences” after its attack on Iranian military sites, local media said on Monday.

Guards chief Hossein Salami, quoted by Tasnim news agency, said Israel had “failed to achieve its ominous goals” with its air raids on Saturday.

Israel struck military sites in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile attack, itself retaliation for the killing of Iranbacked militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander. Salami said the Israeli attack was a sign of “miscalculation and helplessness” as Israel battles Tehran-aligned militants in Gaza and Lebanon.

“Its bitter consequences will be unimaginable” for Israel, Salami warned according to Tasnim. Iranian media have played down the severity of the Israeli operation, signalling what analysts say is the Islamic republic’s reluctance to escalate further.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday said that Israel’s attack which killed four soldiers “should neither be exaggerated nor minimised”.

He described it as a “miscalculation” on Israel’s part.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “We do not seek war but we will defend the rights of our nation and country.”

Iran “will give an appropriate response to the aggression of the Zionist regime,” Pezeshkian added. AFP

TWO LEADERS.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (right) with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi greeting crowds during a roadshow following his arrival in Vadodara in India’s Gujarat state. AFP/Indian Press Information Bureau

leader

Egypt wants two-day truce in Gaza in hope of full ceasefire

CAIRO

— Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has proposed a two-day truce in Gaza and limited hostage exchange aimed at securing “a complete ceasefire” after more than a year of war between Israel and Hamas.

The proposal made on Sunday includes exchanging four Israeli hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, and would be followed by more negotiations within 10 days, Sisi said at a news conference in Cairo.

He did not say whether the plan had been formally presented to either Israel or Hamas.

Sisi’s intervention came as Israel continues to pound the Palestinian territory, while also fighting a war against Hezbollah in Lebanon and having just launched air strikes on its major foe Iran.

The strikes on Saturday, the second time Israel has retaliated against Iranian ballistic missile attacks, triggered global calls for restraint.

The UN Security Council will meet on Monday at Iran’s request, with Tehran calling for the body to condemn the strikes that killed four soldiers.

At home, Iranian leaders played down their importance, saying the strikes had caused only limited damage.

President Masoud Pezeshkian told his cabinet Iran did not want war but would deliver “an appropriate response”. AFP

ruling

deliver

Japanese PM Ishida vows to remain despite party’s crushing election defeat

TOKYO — Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed Monday to stay in office despite his gamble of snap elections backfiring, with the ruling party’s worst result in 15 years.

Ishiba, 67, called Sunday’s election days after taking office on October 1, but voters angry at a slush fund scandal punished his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed Japan almost non-stop since 1955.

With projections suggesting the LDPled coalition would lose its ruling majority, Ishiba vowed to stay in office, saying he would not allow a “political vacuum”.

“I want to fulfill my duty by protecting people’s lives, protecting Japan,” Ishiba told reporters.

He said the biggest election factor was “people’s suspicion, mistrust and anger”

over a scandal, which saw LDP figures pocket money from fund-raising events and which helped sink his predecessor Fumio Kishida.

“I will enact fundamental reform regarding the issue of money and politics,” Ishiba told reporters, repeating that voters had delivered a “severe judgement” on the party.

The yen hit a three-month low, sliding more than one percent against the dollar, as exit polls and results reported by national broadcaster NHK and other media showed the worst result for the LDP and its junior coalition partner Komeito in 15 years. They were projected to fall short of Ishiba’s stated goal of winning at least 233 seats -- a majority in the 456-member lower house. AFP

North Korea: Probe shows Seoul to blame for drones

SEOUL — North Korean state media said Monday that an investigation had “proved” South Korea’s military sent a drone over Pyongyang to drop propaganda leaflets, calling it an infringement of sovereignty.

The nuclear-armed North has accused Seoul of sending unmanned drones into its airspace three times, which South Korea’s military has denied.

North Korea’s ministry of defence dismantled the control module from the remains of a crashed “enemy drone” and analysed the flight plan and log, state media reported.

The analysis “proved that the drone of the ROK military gangsters... intruded into the capital city of the DPRK”, the official Korean Central News Agency reported, referring to both countries by the acronyms of their official names.

A graphic published by KCNA showed a flight route of the drone starting from South Korea’s Baengnyeong island and landing in Pyongyang after crossing the western sea of the Korean peninsula.

Baengnyeong is the westernmost border island in South Korea and closer to Pyongyang than Seoul.

“The spokesman for the Ministry of

National Defence stressed once again that the last warning to the dangerous and reckless, political and military provocation by the ROK military gangsters which went beyond the limit of patience has already been made,” said KCNA.

It said if an incursion happens again, the South “will disappear forever by the merciless offensive of the DPRK”.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a separate statement saying Pyongyang would not send drones southwards. AFP

Trump insults Harris in New York rally, draws criticism

REPUBLICAN Donald Trump led a headline-grabbing New York rally on Sunday with nonstop attacks on Kamala Harris, but Democrats sought to capitalize on crude insults from some of his allies’ opening speeches. Trump took to the stage at the iconic 20,000-seat Madison Square Garden arena to deliver a closing message in the exceedingly tight race for the White House that reaches its apogee on November 5.

“You’ve destroyed our country. We’re not going to take it anymore, Kamala,” the 78-year-old told roaring supporters wearing trademark red “Make America Great Again” hats.

Several speakers drew cheers with their own barbs against Harris as well as Puerto Rico and Latinos at the rally in the Democratic stronghold city.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe took aim at birthrates among Latinos and called the caribbean US territory Puerto Rico “a floating island of garbage”. Harris, 60, seized on the attacks as

she competes with the ex-president to win over Puerto Rican communities in the tight battleground states expected to decide the election.

“Puerto Ricans deserve a president who sees and invests in (their) strength,” Harris said in a clip published

on social media alongside Hinchcliffe’s comments.

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, noted the state is home to almost half a million Puerto Ricans and nearly three quarters are able to vote. AFP

POLIO DROPS. A health worker administers polio drops to a child during a door-to-door vaccination campaign in Karachi, Pakistan. AFP

IN BRIEF

UN chief ‘shocked by death, injury and destruction’ in North Gaza

UN CHIEF Antonio Guterres said Sunday he was “shocked by harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction” in north Gaza, where Israeli forces are carrying out attacks they say aim to prevent Hamas regrouping.

“The plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable,” Guterres’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

“The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter.” Israel, vowing to stop Hamas militants from regrouping in the north of the Palestinian territory, launched a major air and ground assault on October 6 this year. AFP

Lula, Bolsonaro suffer setbacks in Brazilian municipal vote

SAO PAULO — Brazilian President Luiz

Inacio Lula da Silva and his arch-rival, far-right ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro both suffered disappointment Sunday in the second round of municipal elections, with voters in Sao Paulo and other cities choosing centre-right mayors. Ricardo Nunes, the outgoing mayor of Sao Paulo, Latin America’s biggest city, was re-elected with a resounding 59.3 percent of the vote, against 40.6 percent for Guilherme Boulos, Lula’s candidate.

The left won only in one of the four state capitals where it had candidates in the second round -- the northeastern city of Fortaleza, a traditional left-wing bastion. Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party won only two of the nine capitals it was hoping to clinch in the run-off. AFP

French actor Depardieu seeks delay in sex assault trial

ACTOR Gerard Depardieu on Monday asked for a delay to the start of his trial on sexual assault charges, saying his health prevented him from attending the proceedings, with numerous other complaints and a possible second court case already lying in wait. The actor is the highest-profile figure to face accusations in French cinema’s version of the #MeToo movement, triggered in 2017 by allegations against US producer Harvey Weinstein. Depardieu, 75, was expected to appear at the criminal court hearing that was due to start in Paris at 1:30 pm (1230 GMT). But just hours before the start, his lawyer Jeremie Assous said the actor would not be able to attend.

“Gerard Depardieu is extremely affected and unfortunately his doctors have forbid him from being present at the hearing, which is why he will ask for a postponement to a later date so that he can attend”, Assous told Franceinfo. AFP

HUMBLED. Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s Prime Minister and

of the

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), pledged “fundamental reform” after a slush fund scandal helped

his ruling coalition its worst election result since 2009. AFP

SPORTS

WADE STATUE. Dwyane Wade talks to the media during Dwyane Wade’s statue unveiling at

Ohtani expected to play Game 3 after injury scare

NEW YORK —

Shohei Ohtani’s participation in game three of the World Series will be a matter of pain tolerance according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who fully expects him to play.

“That’s my expectation given talking to the training staff and getting the reports,” Roberts told reporters at Yankee Stadium, where the Dodgers take a 2-0 lead over the New York Yankees into Monday’s third game of baseball’s best-of-seven championship showcase.

“I just know, if it’s a per tolerance situation, I just don’t see him not playing game three.”

It wasn’t quite the decisive “He’s playing tomorrow” message that Roberts sent ESPN in a text, but the veteran manager sounded confident that Ohtani, who suffered a partial -

ly dislocated left shoulder in game two on Saturday, would be good to go.

“He’s still got to go through the workout and swing the bat, but again, today feels better than yesterday and our assumption is tomorrow’s going to feel better than today.

“So with that -- that’s what I’m banking on.”

Ohtani was hurt as he attempted to steal second base in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory in game two.

Tagged out, Ohtani stayed on the ground grimacing in pain and holding his left arm until medical staff came out to assist him.

He eventually walked to the dugout holding his left arm, elbow bent, near his side as a trainer accompanied him.

Roberts said after the game that the Dodgers were “encouraged” that Ohtani had good range of motion and strength, but wouldn’t know Ohtani’s status until medical imaging scans were done.

After taking time for that, Ohtani was due to join his teammates in New York on Sunday evening.

Roberts said Ohtani would go through a series of more demanding workouts, from hitting balls off a tee to batting practice in a batting cage.

He doesn’t expect the Japanese superstar to be significantly hindered by the injury. AFP

Lady Tamaraws complete 1st-half UAAP chess sweep

DEFENDING champion Far East-

ern University completed a firsthalf sweep of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament by securing their sixth consecutive victory with a decisive 3.5-0.5 win over Ateneo de Manila University in Round 7, held Sunday at the Adamson Gym. The Lady Tamaraws have now scored at least three board points in all but one match, leading the standings with 12 match points.

In Round 7, Woman National Master Vic Glysen Derotas (6/6) claimed her sixth straight victory, outlasting Lexie Hernandez (4.5/6) in a 64move English Opening marathon on Board 2.

Francheska Largo (4/4) also remained unbeaten, handing Glesit Tatoy (0/2) her second loss on Board 4. Meanwhile, Woman National Master Mary Joy Tan (5/6) bested Ateneo’s Alphecca Gonzales (1.5/4) on Board 3. To close out the round, Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian (4.5/6) drew with Ma. Elayza Villa (4/6) on the top board.

In the men’s division, University of Santo Tomas asserted its dominance in Round 5 with a resounding 3.5-0.5 victory over previously undefeated University of the Philippines, strengthening their title defense.

The Male Woodpushers of UST finished the first half of the season with eight match points from four wins and one loss, establishing a gap over the Fighting Maroons, who is currently second with six match points.

UST’s victory was spearheaded by FIDE Master Christian Mark Daluz (5/5), who handed FIDE Master Stephen Pangilinan (3/5) his second loss with a 38-move masterclass on the top board. Chester Reyes (2/3) earned his sec-

Perpetual Junior Altas capture Curry 12 Invitational crown

GM Gomez seizes PH Chess Open lead

GRANDMASTER John Paul Gomez bested 13-year-old qualifier Phil Martin Casiguran in 71 moves of a Sicilian Defense to zoom to the top after seven rounds of the Philippine National Open Chess Championship Grand Finals in Alicia, Isabela Sunday night. It was the fifth straight victory by the 38-yearold Olympiad veteran and sixth overall to leapfrog straight to No. 1, with 6.5 points in this 11-round tournament that stakes P120,000 to the champion, courtesy of Alicia Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro.

Gomez is now 1.5 points ahead of his closest pursuers International Masters Pau Bersamina and Jem Garcia, the former’s teammates when they competed in the Budapest FIDE Olympiad a month ago.

Bersamina drew with IM Ricky de Guzman in 35 moves of a Torre Attack while Garcia fought Samson Chiu Chin Lim to a marathon 71-move standoff of a King’s Indian Defense.

Gomez is in hot pursuit of his third national crown after ruling the annual tournament in 2008 and 2013.

“Kapit lang,” said Gomez, who will battle Bersamina, Garcia, Daniel Quizon and local bet IM Joel Banawa in the last four rounds.

Gomez overtook Bersamina, who had in his grasp the solo lead after scoring 4.5 points in the first five rounds.

But Bersamina, who is seeking his breakthrough national crown, stumbled to Casiguran in a stunning 60-move defeat of a Sicilian encounter in the sixth round Saturday.

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Junior Altas continued their winning streak, claiming the Under Armour Curry 12 Invitational Championship by outclassing the Mapua-Malayan School Red Robins, 86-59, on Sunday at the Gameville Ball Park Court 2 in Mandaluyong City.

Lebron Jhames Daep, named tournament MVP, led the Junior Altas with a double-double performance of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Jericho Cristino also shone, contributing 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. Felix Corpuz added 11 points, while Yuri Duque and Drei Gragasin chipped in 10 and 11 points, respectively.

The coach Joph Cleopas-led Junior Altas established their dominance early, outscoring the Red Robins in various statistical categories, including points off turnovers, points in the paint, fastbreak points, and bench points.

The victory marked the second consecutive championship for the Junior Altas, following their NGBL triumph over the National University Nazareth Bullpups.

Each player on the winning team received a Curry 12 gift certificate as a reward for their outstanding performances.

In the battle for third place, the San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Sta glets defeat sity

ed the Far Eastern UniverDiliman Juniors, 79-73.

- defeat-

UNHERALDED outside spiker Sherwin Caritativo picked the perfect time to unleash his best game for Savouge, leading his squad to a sensational victory in the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

GM John Paul Gomez

WNM Vic Glysen Derotas of FEU

Injured Shohei Ohtani

Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. AFP

The Perpetual Junior Altas celebrate winning the Under Armor Curry 12 Invitational Championship plum on Sunday at Gameville Ball Park Court 2 in Mandaluyong City. Dennis Abrina

Sherwin Caritativo

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Ilagan tops Asian darts’ tourney, eyes world stage

By Randy Caluag

LOURENCE Ilagan from Malabon City displayed world-class skills in topping the Asian Darts Championship held recently at Winford Resort and Casino Manila as he outplayed 47 competitors from across the continent.

In a decisive final match, Ilagan defeated fellow Malabon City Darts Club (MCDC) member Sandro Sosing with a score of 7-3 to bag the $15,000 grand prize.

Lee Lok Yin of Hong Kong and Tan Jenn Ming of Malaysia shared the 3rd and 4th spots in the tournament.

Ilagan’s win advances him to the Mr. Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, set from Nov. 9 to 17 at WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom.

He will join 32 of the world’s best darts players to compete for the renowned Eric Bristow Trophy and a lion’s share of the £650,000 total prize.

Ilagan’s impressive run continues in December, as he prepares for his ninth appearance at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.

Joining him in representing the Philippines are fellow Asian Qualifiers Alexis Toylo, making his debut, Paolo Nebrida, competing for the third time, and Sandro Sosing, marking his second Championship appearance.

This year is only the second time that four Filipino players will compete in the World Darts Championship, showcasing the Philippines’ growing presence in the sport.

Reyes vows Giga’s readiness for Kings’ expected rebound

By Peter Atencio

THE TNT Tropang Giga may have smothered the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings in Game 1, 104-88, in their Philippine Basketball Association Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

But coach Chot Reyes expects the Gin Kings to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.

“We have to be ready,” said Reyes when the Kings shoot for a bounce-back win against his Tropang Giga at the Araneta Coliseum.

Import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson worked tirelessly and played without relief for three quarters when the TNT Tropang Giga stopped Barangay Ginebra in the opener of their Governors’ Cup showdown. Hollis-Jefferson went on power the Tropang Giga with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

“That’s the kind of player that he is. That’s why we played him the way we played him in the run up to the finals,” said Reyes.

The 6’6” Hollis Jefferson was held below his averages of 26.2 points and 12 points by Ginebra’s hardworking defenders and counterpart Justin Brownlee, who struck with 23 points and seven boards.

But Hollis-Jefferson’s teammates stepped up and their defense and disruption of the opposing team’s outside shooting kept Ginebra at bay.

Playing before a record crown of 11,021, the Gin Kings almost got gagged from the three-point and four-point range.

The Tropang Giga managed to down their rivals to just 12 points in the first six minutes of the third period, en route to a 72-62 edge before the start of the last quarter.

With Hollis-Jefferson playing limited minutes in the last period, Rey Nambatac’s efforts in the fourth period pushed the Tropang Giga to a comfortable 20-point lead. Nambatac, who had 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals to earn Player of the Game honors, unloaded 12 points in the last canto.

Miralpez to show what he’s made of at ONE Friday Fights 85

IF fans ask Jayson “Dumangmang Warrior” Miralpez what they can expect from his ONE Championship debut, he’d rather let his fists do the talking.

The 20-year-old Bicolano rising star gets his shot at the big stage when he battles Robson “The Monkey King” de Oliveira at ONE Friday Fights 85 on November 1 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

“I’m really nervous because this is the first time I’ll be competing in ONE Championship,” he said.

“Let me just say, I’m nervous in interviews but, when I get in the ring, I won’t be nervous at all. I’ll be giving my 100 percent, everything I can give, so I don’t waste this opportunity.”

It was only three years ago when Miralpez turned to Warriors MMA Academy and coach Marlon Malaluan for guidance, and he’s already turned into one of the most exciting rising stars in the country.

Coming from a troubled youth, the

Lascuña clinches 5th Order of Merit title

TWELVE years after securing his first Order of Merit (OOM) title, Tony Lascuña’s excellence on the Philippine Golf Tour remains as potent as ever. The 54-year-old’s journey has been defined not just by his consistent prowess but also by an unyielding passion that drives him to remain competitive amidst advancements in golf technology and a new generation of talented golfers. The 2024 season showcased the best of Lascuña’s tenacity and talent as he clinched his fifth OOM crown after a fiercely contested, 10-stage circuit. His unrelenting dedication propelled him past rival Angelo Que in one of the closest OOM races in years. Through fluctuating form and re -

lentless challenges from emerging stars, Lascuña’s consistency on the Tour highlighted his enduring skill and hunger for competition. While his rivals unleash 300yard drives, Lascuña stays consistent with his 230-250-yard average, compensating for the difference with precision and a skillful approach. His trusted hybrid and fairway woods, paired with an almost flawless short game, have kept him in contention all season long, proving that power isn’t the only path to victory. His refined technique and course management continue to set him apart, showcasing that a balanced strategy often outshines sheer distance.

With each tournament, Lascuña’s presence as a seasoned, steady shotmaker was clear. The amiable Davaoeño displayed his formidable ability to adapt and excel, coming into each event with a focus on victory – a mindset that has kept him at the top of the game for years.

This drive was evident in the season’s final leg at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic, where, despite difficult weather and a shortened 36-hole format, he secured the OOM title with a clutch secondplace finish. Weather disruptions had reduced the tournament, but Lascuña’s resilience under adverse conditions affirmed his place at the top of the money rankings with earnings of P1,449,729.

fighter from Camarines Norte found his calling in the world of combat sports, particularly in MMA, as he’s already won three professional fights –all by knockout.

“My improvements have been fast because I almost never stop training,” he said.

“It’s like my brain and body have adjusted already. My skills have levelled up. We train three times a day and that’s why I levelled up quickly.”

Taking a huge step by battling the Brazilian veteran in his debut on the international stage, he’s excited to show what he can do when the world is watching.

“I look at this as a challenge. Being the first fighter from Bicol to compete in ONE Friday Fights, I don’t plan to put this to waste,” he said.

“I’ll take every opportunity to win in this fight, but if I’m to decide, it will be a knockout. It’s a good feeling to have.”

Cardinals, Pirates try to boost semis bids

MAPUA aims to plant one foot to the Final Four, while Lyceum of the Philippines University hopes to reclaim its place inside the magic four as the two collide today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena. The Cardinals have been on a roll as they racked up four straight victories including a 58-55 win over the San Beda Lions, the reigning champions, last Oct. 20 that kept it perched at No. 2 with a 10-3 card.

A win over the Pirates in their 11 a.m. encounter would seal it at least a playoff for a semis slot and closer to the pace-setting College of St. Benilde Blazers (11-2). For LPU, which is currently at No. 5 with Emilio Aguinaldo College on 6-7 cards, it will shoot for nothing less than a triumph that will send it back inside the top four alongside Letran (7-7).

The Cardinals should rely anew on rookie sensation Chris Hubilla, who has been sensational in that four-game streak as he averaged 16.25 points, 7.25 rebounds and 3.5 assists in that scintillating span.

“Dedicated lang talaga buong team manalo,” said Hubilla. San Beda, at solo third with an 8-5 slate, eyes to keep its place there as it tangles with Jose Rizal U at 2:30 p.m.

TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson maneuvers his way inside the paint in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Sunday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Tropang Giga beat the Ginebra Gin Kings, 104-88.

Jayson Miralpez

Tony Lascuña

BDO’s nine-month net income jumped 12% to record P60.6b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), the country’s largest lender owned by the Sy family, said Monday its nine-month net income jumped 12 percent yearon-year to P60.6 billion, led by strong contributions from its core intermediation and fee-based service businesses.

declining to 1.82 percent and NPL coverage increasing to 178 percent.

Shareholders’ equity strengthened by 13 percent year-on-year on continued profitable operations, with the book value per share growing to P106.48.

The annualized return on common equity (ROCE) reached 15 percent during the period. Gross customer loans increased 13 percent year-on-year, reflecting broad-based growth across all market segments. Total deposits expanded by 10 percent from a year ago. The current account/savings account

Anti-monopoly agency flags

DA’s restrictive fish importation

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) identified potential competition issues arising from Fisheries Administrative Orders (FAO) No. 195-99 and No. 259-18, which regulate the importation of fresh, chilled and frozen fish and fishery products.

The PCC’s competition impact assessment (CIA) on fish importation regulations revealed during a strategic policy dialogue with the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC) that strict import requirements for specific fish species could result in reduced supply, limited consumer choices and an uneven playing field that advantages institutional buyers.

Agriculture Undersecretary for fisheries and NFARMC chairperson Drusila Esther Bayate outlined ongoing efforts to improve fish importation regulations, such as a key update to FAO 195, which includes digital reporting to enhance regulatory efficiency and transparency.

The NFARMC said it is also exploring the potential for liberalizing current fish import policies.

The PCC and NFARMC agreed to deepen discussions on competition policy within the sector and to collaborate on future research aimed at furthering innovation, sustainability, and fair market practices.

The meeting followed a similar dialogue between the PCC and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on July 10, 2024.

(CASA) deposit ratio remained stable at 69 percent.

Non-interest income improved 16 percent year-on-year, boosted by growth in fees, service charges, treasury and forex gains as well as income from insurance operations. Asset quality improved, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio

BDO said it remains wellpositioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities and sustain long-term growth and profitability, supported by its strong business franchise, solid balance sheet and extensive distribution network.

BDO is a full-service universal bank offering a wide range of corporate and retail services. These include loan and deposit products, treasury services, investment banking, microfinance and insurance.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it is exploring a strategic partnership with a leading Taiwanese aquaculture company based in Pingtung County.

It said a possible collaboration with the Taiwanese firm, which was not identified, would develop the Philippines’ aquaculture industry and contribute to the nation’s food security goals.

“This partnership will not only enhance food security but also create

jobs and contribute to sustainable economic growth,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga who led the Philippine investment delegation to Taiwan.

The company, recognized for its advanced aquaculture technologies and sustainable practices, is a major producer of high-value seafood products, particularly grouper.

Leveraging on their expertise and innovative techniques, the Philippines can significantly enhance its domestic

SEC vows to pursue reforms, help PH exit global money laundering grey list

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is committed to ensuring reforms as the Philippines moves to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

The FATF announced over the weekend that “the Philippines has substantially completed its action plan”, consisting of 18 items that have kept the country under increased monitoring since June 2021. It warned that if the remaining items were not addressed, the Philippines risked entering the blacklist. Being on the blacklist would lead to restrictions on financial transactions and could result in failed transactions, delays

and higher costs for consumers.

The FATF Asia/Pacific Joint Group will visit the Philippines early next year to verify if the country is implementing and sustaining its antimoney laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) reforms.

“This significant milestone demonstrates the Philippines’ strong commitment to tackling money laundering and terrorism financing,” said SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino.

“On our part, the SEC will continue investing in digitalizing and optimizing resources. We will also remain dedicated to transparency and compliance as we work with local and international partners to strengthen our AML/CFT efforts,” said Aquino.

DISASTER RESPONSE. The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and the Philippine Office of Civil Defense (OCD), launches the P45-million Cooperation for Resilience through Public-Private Partnerships (CORE-3Ps) project to improve disaster response by strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors. Leading the launch is USAID Philippines acting mission director Rebekah Eubanks in Makati City.

aquaculture capabilities, according to Panga.

PEZA said it is engaged in discussions with the Taiwanese company to identify potential areas of cooperation, which may include technology transfer, joint venture projects and capacity building initiatives.

The agency is also exploring the possibility of establishing special economic zones dedicated to aquaculture, offering incentives and a

conducive regulatory environment to attract foreign investment.

PEZA and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Taipei also explored collaboration opportunities with the Kaohsiung Linhai Industrial Park.

The visit allowed PEZA to benchmark the best practices implemented at Linhai and identify complementary areas for collaboration between the two agencies.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PEZA woos Taiwanese firm to help develop PH aquaculture industry

Othel V. Campos

Aboitiz Equity logged 4% profit growth to P18.8b in nine months

By Jenniffer B. Austria

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.

(AEV) logged a consolidated net income of P18.8 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 4-percent increase from P18 billion it reported in the same period last year.

beverage SBUs each contributed 19 percent, while

Wilcon’s income rises 22% to P2b despite lower sales

WILCON Depot, Inc., a leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer in the Philippines, saw its net income reach P2.12 billion in the first nine months of 2024, up 22.3 percent year-on-year despite lower sales.

Wilcon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday net sales dipped 1 percent to P25.68 billion on slower demand.

Wilcon president and chief executive Lorraine Belo-Cincochan said demand for major home improvement and finishing construction supplies remained weak through the third quarter.

Adverse weather conditions, including persistent rains, delayed construction projects, further impacting sales.

“We’re nearing completion of our 100-store target; we now have 98 stores and we expect to open our 100th branch before the end of the year. While expansion-related expenses have been the major drag on net income, we still believe that we have to be well-positioned to capture more market share as customer preference for planned purchases has been trending toward convenience and accessibility, especially since the pandemic,” Belo-Cincochan said.

Wilcon opened three new depots— one each in Visayas, Northern Luzon and Southern Luzon in the third quarter of 2024, bringing the total number of branches to 98.

It said that on a format basis, depotformat stores accounted for P24.65 billion, or 96 percent of total net sales, a 1.5-percent decrease from the previous year.

New depots contributed 4.3 percent to total sales, although same-store sales fell 5.8 percent.

The smaller Do-It-Wilcon format, which includes the original Home Essentials stores, achieved net sales of P738 million, a growth of 34.3 percent year-on-year, driven largely by new store openings.

Jenniffer B. Austria

estate and infrastructure SBUs were 2 percent and -4 percent, respectively.

“Our third-quarter results reflect not only the strength of our diversified businesses but also the positive momentum we are seeing in the broader economy. With inflation moderating and recent rate cuts providing relief, we are optimistic about the opportunities ahead,” said Aboitiz Group president and chief executive Sabin Aboitiz.

“These improving macroeconomic conditions will allow us to continue to create long-term value for our stakeholders and to contribute to the economic growth of our country,” he said.

Aboitiz Power Corp.’s net income contribution to AEV was P14.5 billion

in the first nine months, up 4 percent from P13.9 billion in the same period last year.

Banking unit Union Bank of the Philippines contributed P4.2 billion to AEV’s net income, also up 4 percent from P4 billion in 2023. The bank’s stand-alone net income was P8.6 billion, representing a growth of 6 percent from P8.1 billion last year. Core operations remained strong, with revenues rising by 9 percent year-on-year.

Aboitiz Land Inc. reported a consolidated net income of P521 million in the first nine months of 2024, a decrease of 27 percent from P716 million in the same period in 2023 on higher operational expenses.

Toyota Motor aims to capture half of PH automotive market this year

By Othel V. Campos

TOYOTA Motor Corp. set a bullish year-end forecast of capturing nearly half of the Philippine automotive market in 2024.

With a projected industry size of 476,000 units, Toyota intends to sell over 200,000 vehicles, asserting its dominance in the local industry.

“We are expecting a record-high market size of 476,000 units this year. To keep pace with this rapid growth, we must increase our sales. We aim to sell over 200,000 units by the end of the year, capturing nearly half of the market share,” said Toyota president Masando Hashimoto.

He said the country’s positive performance and government support would contribute to the robust growth

THERE is much disquieting and sad about the government’s reaction to the results of the most recent survey on poverty and hunger conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) which were released last week. I speak of disquiet and sadness because, while SWS’s findings were highly negative in character, there was no show of alarm and concern on the part of the political branches of the government. After the release of the findings, it was business as usual. It is difficult to avoid feeling that the government, and possibly a large part of the populace of this country, has become numb to the repeated indications of the existence of widespread poverty – poorness in SWS terminology – and hunger in this country.

What was so disquieting about the latest SWS poverty and hunger survey?

The survey, which had, 1,500 respondents and a plus/minus 2.5

percent margin of error, found that a total of 72 percent of Filipinos consider themselves as “poor” or “borderline poor.” The poor accounted for 59 percent of the total.

Of those who considered themselves poor, 29.3 percent said that they experienced involuntary hunger during the preceding three months. These should be regarded as terrible figures. More than two-thirds of Filipinos consider themselves actually poor or almost poor and almost a third of that total consists of Filipinos who experience involuntary hunger at some points in their existence. In well-governed and developmentminded countries, these facts and figures would be received with horror and dismay and could very well lead to the fall of governments. Not in this country. Upon receipt of the latest bad news from the SWS, this country’s political leaders –in the Executive branch and in Congress –

of the Philippine automotive market.

He said lower interest rates, inflation and increased remittances from overseas Filipino workers are boosting consumer confidence and driving demand for vehicles.

The government’s supportive policies, including the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, also created a favorable environment for automotive manufacturing and investment.

While Toyota is confident in its ability to achieve its target, the company acknowledges the challenges associated with balancing local production and imports.

Toyota seeks continued government support, including clear policies for both local manufacturing and vehicle imports.

rose 0.90 percent, while financials climbed 0.88 percent and industrial rose 0.40 percent. Among the banks that reported positive third-quarter results are BDO Unibank Inc., Union Bank of the Philippines and Philippine National Bank. Value turnover reached P3.64 billion.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. went up by 1.89 percent to close at P728, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. dropped 4.46 percent to P32.15. Meanwhile, oil prices tumbled Monday with markets relieved that Israel’s strikes on Iran had avoided the country’s energy infrastructure while the yen fell to a three-month low after Japan’s ruling party suffered an election drubbing.

Israel carried out air strikes on military sites in Iran on Saturday in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile barrage, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

Iran has downplayed the attack, saying it caused “limited damage” to a few radar systems, signaling what analysts say is the Islamic republic’s reluctance to escalate further.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Much poverty after 78 years of independence

This unacceptable state of affairs should not be existing after 78 years of our stewardship of our nation’s affairs.

profess concern, make motherhoodtype statements and quickly move on to the next objects of their partisan and personal interests. Business as usual until the next SWS poverty and hunger figures portraying more or less the same terrible socioeconomic situation. This unacceptable state of affairs should not be existing after 78 years of our stewardship of our nation’s affairs. That is a long time in the life of a country. For 78 years the political leaders of this country have

independently plotted the course of our country’s socio-economic development, passing laws and making Executive decisions ostensibly intended to develop the national economy, raise the quality of life of Filipinos and place the Philippines within the ranks of the world’s progressive countries. Yet, here we are 78 years after 1946: with 72 percent of Filipinos considering themselves poor or nearly poor and many Filipinos occasionally experiencing involuntary hunger.

Many Filipinos have been, and are, quick to point to others – especially the U.S. and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – for this country’s failure to take its place among the world’s most rapidly emerging economies. To be sure, the Philippine government has experienced pressures of one sort or another from external sources; every country does. But there’s no getting away from the fact that

during the last 78 years this country has been the master of its economic fate and whatever economic decision our government has made have essentially ben the results of independent, sovereign decisionmaking.

Some once said that the Philippines is a rich country pretending to be poor. I agree with the first part of the statement – that our country is a rich country – but I certainly do not agree with the statement’s last part. The SWS surveys have shown that poverty, or poorness, is not a matter of pretense; Poverty is there, staring us in the face.

The results of SWS poverty and hunger surveys must not be allowed to make us numb to the economic situation of many of our countrymen. Is it reasonable to expect SWS to report better findings in the near term? Given the present configuration of this country, only a non-realist would say yes. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

REFORESTATION. NKS Solar One and the National Power Corp. (NPC) sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Oct. 16, 2024 to launch a watershed reforestation initiative to rehabilitate a three-hectare area in the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed in Laguna province. The ceremony, held at Macquarie Group’s Manila office as part of its annual Foundation Week, underscores a shared commitment to environmental sustainability. The agreement brings together key officials from NKS Solar One, NPC, Blueleaf Energy Philippines, Macquarie Group in the Philippines and local leaders from Barangay East Talaongan.

FEDEX EFFECT. A FedEx Corp.’s study, produced in consultation with Dun & Bradstreet underscores the impact FedEx

BUSINESS

ARTA aims for top 20%

By Othel V. Campos

of World Bank’s B-Ready rank

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said it aims to secure a spot for the Philippines in the top 20 percent of the B-Ready report by the World Bank by 2026.

“We should always aim for the top. We shouldn’t just be in the top 40; we should be in the top 20. That’s our target,” said ARTA director-general Ernesto Perez on the first day of the three-day Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Convention on Oct. 28 to 31, 2024.

ARTA plans to form technical working groups, together with key government agencies to streamline and digitize government processes and services to achieve its goal.

Perez said this would significantly enhance the country’s business environment and attract more foreign direct investment.

The Philippines recently figured in the top 20 percent of some 50 countries surveyed for the B-

Ready report. It landed at the 16th spot in the regulatory framework pillar of the B-Ready report, recognizing the government’s progress in establishing clear and effective regulations.

The country still needs to enhance public services and operational efficiency.

B-Ready is the World Bank’s corporate flagship report that evaluates the business and investment climate worldwide.

World Bank lead economist Gonzalo Varela highlighted the importance of a strong business environment in driving economic growth and attracting investment.

ARTA said it remains optimistic about the country’s future, with ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the business climate and attracting foreign investment.

The agency is confident that by 2026, the Philippines will be a top-tier destination for businesses.

Crisis-hit VW to close plants, cut pay—report

FRANKFURT, Germany—Volkswagen is considering closing several plants in Germany and slashing salaries by 10 percent as the ailing auto giant pursues a drastic costcutting plan, a media report said Monday.

Workers’ representatives will update VW staff at all 10 German plants about management’s latest savings proposals at 1000 GMT, with many bracing for news of thousands of job cuts.

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume is seeking around four billion euros ($4.3 billion) in cost savings at the group’s VW brand, according to the Handelsblatt financial daily, citing company sources.

To achieve that, VW could close several factories in Germany -- a first in the company’s 87-year history.

VW is also eyeing a 10-percent pay cut for all remaining staff and no salary increases in 2025 and 2026, Handelsblatt said. Bonus reductions are also on the table.

The plans are likely to meet with anger from workers’ representatives, who have accused VW’s leaders of mismanaging the 10-brand group and putting profits above building a sustainable future for the manufacturer.

Volkswagen stunned employees in September when it said it was in need of a deep restructuring and was considering significant job cuts as well as

shuttering plants on its home turf.

VW’s powerful works council and union bosses have vowed to put up strong resistance against the plans.

But VW argues the cuts are necessary as it struggles with high production costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and rising competition in key market China.

Rival carmakers in Germany’s flagship industry are facing similar headwinds, contributing to a wider downturn in Europe’s largest economy.

Volkswagen recently cut its 2024 outlook and is due to publish thirdquarter results on Wednesday, which are expected to disappoint.

Also on Wednesday, Volkswagen will begin a second round of wage talks with the IG Metall union.

The union has asked for a sevenpercent pay rise, which Volkswagen bosses have rejected. AFP

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Nickel Asia goes digital, with sustainability roadmap

LISTED natural resources development company Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) announced its collaboration with board portal provider Azeus Convene ESG as part of its digitalization strategy.

The move comes as NAC continues to ramp up initiatives toward achieving its sustainability goals. This also makes the company the first in the mining industry to embrace such an innovative approach in handling data, especially geared toward ESG.

“We’ve come a long way from the tradition of manual spreadsheets, transitioning to technological-driven processes to ensure efficiency in the realization of our

PCSO announces P90-m jackpots on 90th anniversary

THE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) set at P90-million the minimum prize for all the jackpotbearing games starting Oct. 29, as part of its special marketing promotion on the occasion of its 90th anniversary celebration on Oct. 30. Dubbed “Anniversa-Regalo,” the initiative will increase the guaranteed minimum jackpot prize to P90 million for Lotto 6/42, SuperLotto 6/49 and UltraLotto 6/58 starting Oct. 29, and for MegaLotto 6/45 and GrandLotto 6/55 on Oct. 30.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 90th anniversary and express our gratitude to the players who have supported us through the years. This special promotion embodies our commitment to providing not just entertainment but also hope and assistance to our communities,” said PCSO general manager Melquiades Robles.

For any games where the current jackpot exceeds P90 million on the specified draw dates, the prize will remain unchanged. If the jackpot is below P90 million, the difference will be supplemented from the PCSO’s prize fund.

Once the enhanced jackpot prizes are won, amounts of prizes will revert to their original jackpot offerings as follows: Lotto 6/42: P6 million, MegaLotto 6/45: P9 million, SuperLotto 6/49: P16 million, GrandLotto 6/55: P30 million and UltraLotto 6/58: P50 million.

This “Anniversa-Regalo” promo not only marks a significant anniversary for the PCSO but also offers our loyal patrons a unique opportunity to win larger prizes while supporting charitable causes across the nation.

sustainability ambitions,” said NAC chief sustainability officer Jose Bayani Baylon.

“NAC is laser-focused in its sustainability strategies. From day one when we first crafted our Sustainability Roadmap in 2021 to forming Technical Working Groups within our business units and operating companies to identify materiality issues and concerns, down to spotting the gaps and designing a plan of action to address these gaps,” he said.

Through Convene, NAC will be able to digitalize data related to greenhouse gases, water consumption and safety hours and create a baseline as it aims to achieve net

zero carbon by 2050.

This would not only allow the company to track its progress but also make more informed decisions, craft business strategies, and continuously improve the integration of sustainable initiatives into its operations.

“Convene guides our people to perform with much more confidence, more efficiently, and perhaps, even more fun because all the data that will be collected in real-time will give us a clearer picture of where we are right now and where we want to go moving forward to be better as a company,” said NAC assistant vice president for sustainability Edwin Nerva.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE National Bank (PNB), the financial arm of tycoon Lucio Tank, said Monday it booked a consolidated net income of P15.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 12-percent increase from the same period last year.

The bank said the growth was driven by a double-digit increase in net interest income.

Net interest income, which accounts for 83 percent of total operating income, rose 10 percent year-onyear to P36.5 billion on the back of a 15-percent rise in interest income from expanded loans to customers and investments, along with improved yields.

The bank said it also managed to contain higher interest expenses on deposits by using funds to finance assets with better returns.

“The bank’s core revenues steadily increased as we continue to enhance our policies and processes to sustain the growth momentum of the Bank’s core banking activities amidst continued economic expansion,” said Francis Albalate, chief financial officer of PNB.

CIBI appoints former TransUnion head as president, chief executive

CIBI Information Inc., the country’s first and only local credit bureau, announced the appointment of Pia Arellano as its new president and chief executive. A seasoned

and telecom. She joined CIBI from TransUnion Philippines, where she was president and CEO. Prior to leading the helm at TransUnion Philippines, she also served as Visa’s head of sales and senior director for the Philippines & Guam.

She her career at Citibank Philippines where she launched Ready Credit in the market. She is a BS Economics cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines.

Her arrival marks a significant moment for CIBI, as the company strengthens its position as a leader in credit solutions, identity verification and fraud prevention.

“We are pleased to welcome Pia as our new president and CEO of CIBI. Pia brings with her a proven track record of delivering growth and has extensive expertise in the credit bureau and financial services sector making her the ideal leader to drive and accelerate CIBI’s transformative growth journey,” said Brahmal Vasudevan, founder and CEO of Creador, key stakeholder of CIBI.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Social Security System (SSS) executive vice president for the branch operations sector Voltaire Agas as the fund’s officer-in-charge.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed a memorandum Oct. 17, 2024, designating Agas as the OIC of the state-run pension fund to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of public service to its members, pensioners and their beneficiaries.

Agas replaced commissioner Robert Joseph De Claro who was earlier designated by the Social Security Commission (SSC), the policymaking body of the SSS, as the OIC to ensure the continuous day-to-day operations of the pension fund “until a replacement is designated or appointed by the President.”

De Claro will remain a member of the SSC representing the employers’ group. Agas started his career at the SSS in 2012 as its chief legal counsel, a position he held until 2022. Since March 2022, he has been overseeing all SSS branch operation activities nationwide, including membership expansion programs, contribution collections and benefit processing. He is a seasoned public servant with more than three decades of government service in various capacities, such as in the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), National Prosecution Service, both under the Department of Justice (DOJ) and as a trial judge in Quezon City. He is the first career official coming from the ranks of the SSS to be designated to serve as its OIC.

Other operating income reached P4.1 billion for the period ending Sept. 30, 2024, lower than the previous year’s, which included P3.7 billion from the sale of foreclosed assets.

Excluding these non-recurring gains, other operating income increased by 31 percent year-on-year, driven by improved trading income.

Operating expenses rose 1 percent to P21.7 billion, reflecting higher business taxes and related expenses from solid revenue growth.

PNB said it allotted P3.7 million in additional credit provisions during the period. As of Sept. 30, 2024, PNB’s total consolidated assets reached P1.20 trillion, a 2-percent increase from the previous year, attributed to more loans and treasury assets.

The bank’s reported income boosted total equity by 13 percent year-onyear to P210.1 billion.

IN BRIEF

Nickel Asia Corp. president and chief executive Martin Antonio Zamora (center), along with members of ESG technical working groups, announces the collaboration with board portal provider Azeus Convene ESG as part of its digitalization strategy.

HOPE PROGRAM. AIA Philippines expands ITS Hope for the Breast program, offering free breast cancer screenings in various cities in Metro Manila. A key component of the Hope for the Breast program is Hope Mobi Clinic, a partnership between AIA Philippines and The Medical City, which offers free breast cancer screenings and comprehensive treatment support to Filipino women.

YOUTH TRAINING. Aboitiz Construction, in partnership with Aboitiz

training for the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Balamban, focusing on

youth leadership skills in disaster risk reduction and resilience.

SSS officer-in-charge Voltaire Agas

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

PH turns to Italy for sustainable agriculture

Biodiversity forum opens in Colombia

THE UN biodiversity summit known as COP16 officially opened in Colombia last week, and hopes were high that negotiating countries can agree on a path forward to safeguarding the planet.

Considered the world’s most important event to conserve biodiversity, the summit took place in Cali, the third largest city of the South American nation, and hosted some 15,000 attendees, including a dozen heads of state, 103 ministers and over 1,000 international journalists.

Aiming to promote international cooperation, agree on investments to protect ecosystems and strengthen global environmental policies, COP16 takes as its roadmap the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework (GBF), a landmark plan to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity for 2030, adopted at COP15 in Canada.

The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) describes biodiversity as “the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi.” These three work together to create life on Earth, in all its complexity.

The diversity of species keeps the global ecosystem in balance, providing everything in nature that we, as humans, need to survive, including food, clean water, medicine and shelter. Biodiversity is also our strongest natural defense against climate change. Land and ocean ecosystems act as “carbon sinks,” absorbing more than half of all carbon emissions.

Delegates at COP16, formally the 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Biodiversity Convention, will discuss how to restore rapidly degrading lands and seas in a way that protects the planet and respects the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. UN News

THE government is seeking the help of Italy to modernize Philippine agriculture and achieve sustainable food systems.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel met with Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida on World Food Day on Oct. 16 in Rome, Italy to discuss the cooperation between the two countries.

Tiu Laurel urged Italian businessmen to invest in Philippine agricultural modernization and contribute through smart technologies and irrigation systems in support of Manila’s goals of agro-industrialization and climate-resilient farming.

The Philippine agriculture chief recounted a key trade mission in March 2023, where Italian companies specializing in water management and irrigation explored collaboration opportunities with Philippine institutions, including the Bureau of Soils and Water Management and the National Irrigation Administration.

The initiative laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation in modernizing the Philippines’ agricultural infrastructure

“Italy’s agricultural machinery industry is world-class, and the Philippines can greatly benefit from this expertise as we modernize our agricultural sector,” Tiu Laurel said.

He also expressed optimism about expanding exports to include tuna, pineapples, frozen fish, carrageenan, and desiccated coconut. Philippine agri-

cultural exports to Italy in 2023 totaled $129 million, led by crude coconut oil.

The growing Filipino community in Italy, now estimated at 200,000, has increased demand for Philippine food products. Small and mediumsized enterprises have formed the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Italy, promoting Philippine cuisine among Italians.

The bilateral meeting explored increasing agri-food trade and opportunities for skilled Filipino fisherfolk to work in Italy.

Lollobrigida extended Italy’s invitation for skilled fishermen to enhance the European country’s fishing industry while providing valuable opportunities for Filipino workers.

Discussions between the two countries also centered on potential collaboration with FederUnacoma, Italy’s National Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers, especially in adapting machinery to the Philippines’ unique agricultural landscape. Tiu Laurel cited Italy’s support in agricultural trade and collaboration. “Our partnership in agriculture reflects the shared vision of our two nations. We look forward to finalizing our agreements and ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems,” he said. DA News

CCC takes steps to bolster climate resilience across regions

COTABATO―The Climate Change Commission (CCC), the lead policymaking body on climate change, is focusing on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to strengthen climate resilience across the country.

The CCC shared key updates on the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) during a recent Study Group Session organized by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cotabato City.

The Philippines’ NAP, a key document for long-term climate adaptation planning, was developed under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The session focused on localizing

the NAP in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It noted the region’s unique challenges and opportunities in integrating climate adaptation strategies into local policies and development plans.

Recognizing BARMM’s distinct socio-political landscape and heightened exposure to climate hazards, the CCC emphasized the importance of embedding the NAP into BARMM’s regional development framework.

The efforts include conducting risk assessments tailored to the region’s distinct geographical, socio-economic and political characteristics.

“We are committed to support BARMM in translating national

adaptation strategies into localized programs and projects that cater to the specific needs of our communities,” said CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje.

To further align national climate policies with local action, the CCC assists BARMM’s local government units (LGUs) in the development of their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs), which serve as critical tools to identify and implement climate adaptation and resilience measures.

Currently, 62.4 percent of BARMM’s LGUs have submitted their LCCAPs. The CCC aims for 100 percent submission by 2025 and focuses on enhancing the capacities

of the remaining 37.6 percent LGUs through technical support and capacity-building initiatives. To ensure efficient allocation of financial resources for climate adaptation and mitigation, the CCC introduced Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) system to drive transparency in tracking climate investments and promote accountability in climate action. In BARMM, 42 out of 125 BARMM LGUs have submitted their Annual Investment Plans (AIPs) and Quality Assurance Reports (QARs) for FY 2023. The CCC urged the remaining LGUs to engage in the CCET process to better align their financial plans with national climate priorities. CCC News

4th annual World Food Forum closes ‘impactful’ week in Rome

ROME—The fourth annual World Food Forum (WWF) 2024 concluded recently in Rome, marking the end of an impactful week at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dedicated to transforming global agrifood systems. The event brought together thousands of participants from around the world who engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative action across a range of critical issues, including investment, science and innovation, youth engagement, family

farming, indigenous food systems, and water management.

Participants–youth, farmers, policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs and indigenous communities–were all committed to addressing the urgent challenges of hunger, climate change and inequality, among others.

This year’s Forum, themed “Good food for all, for today and tomorrow,” was a resounding success, with over 200 events, 8,000 in-person attendees and a digital reach of 1.7 billion through social media campaigns. The event highlighted the power of

collaborative efforts in driving agrifood systems transformation and ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sustainable food for all.

“As we look to the future, this week has reaffirmed the vital role of youth, women, and diverse stakeholders in shaping the future of our agrifood systems,” said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, at the closing ceremony.

“It has shown us the exponential power of intergenerational collaboration across policy, science, innovation, education, culture, and investment,” he added.

Ocean’s Innovation Challenge spans fishing nets to coconut husks

Qu further emphasized the importance of the WFF as a platform for action, saying that “the WFF is where agrifood systems transformation can truly take shape through concrete actions, partnerships, alliances, and crucial financing. Let us continue to support our young leaders, who are already mobilizing at the local level… Their commitment is a beacon of hope and progress.”

The closing ceremony also had the participation of high-level guests, who underscored the importance of the forum. FAO News

A coconut farmer in the Philippines. Fortuna Cools

CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje (third from right) leads a session that focuses on the ongoing development to localize the National Adaptation Plan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Qu Dongyu

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

BILYONARYO News Channel

(BNC), the country’s newest dedicated news network, is launching a daily program On Point, anchored by seasoned journalist Pinky Webb

Webb, a trusted figure in Philippine journalism, brings more than three decades of broadcast experience to the role.

Known for her in-depth reporting and commitment to truth and journalistic integrity, Webb has built a reputation for tackling

The program, which premiered Monday, Oct. 28, follows the evening primetime news, featuring Webb’s experienced analysis and comprehensive approach to national issues.

pressing issues and providing nuanced perspectives, making her a respected voice on national television.

On Point offers an in-depth exploration of key newsmakers and stories defining the day. The program aims to deliver critical analysis and engaging discussions on current affairs, addressing

SHOWBIZ

topics that resonate with viewers nationwide.

The show airs Mondays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences can watch On Point on Bilyonaryo News Channel via BEAM TV 31, accessible through digital TV boxes in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Baguio, Zamboanga, and Naga, and on Cignal Channel 24.

Juan Karlos turns dreams into concert reality at MOA Arena

By Angelica Villanueva

FOR OPM singersongwriter Juan Karlos , headlining a concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“This is a dream come true,” he said. “It proves that there is room for everyone in the music industry. I’ve always wanted this, and it’s finally happening thanks to Nathan Studios, who believes in my worth and artistry.”

Known for hit tracks like “Buwan,” “Demonyo,” and “Ere,” the 23-year-old admits that performing in a venue as grand as MOA Arena was never in his original plans.

“I’ve never really thought about having a concert at the Mall of Asia Arena,” he said. “I’m happy performing anywhere. I mean, we’ve been performing for a while now, and I’ve been content with that. It’s just more about being grateful that I can perform wherever I am.”

The idea of a solo show at the MOA Arena wasn’t even on his radar until actress Sylvia Sanchez, his High Street co-star and the head of Nathan Studios , encouraged him to take the leap. As producer of the upcoming concert, Sanchez reminded him that the concert would be as much for his fans as for himself.

“I don’t think you can ever be ready for something like this,” Juan Karlos admitted. “But Sylvia told me, ‘Wag mong isipin na para sa iyo lang ito, kasi para ito sa mga taong gusto kang makita at marinig live. Para ito sa mga fans mo’.”

By Abigail Adriatico

ACTRESS

Reflecting on her words, he said, “No matter how cheesy it sounds, it’s true. It made me think. I never thought of it that way before. It shifted my perspective and made me see this concert differently. It proves that there is room for everyone in the music industry,” he added, grateful for the belief Nathan Studios has shown in him.

With these new insights, Juan Karlos sees the upcoming concert as more than just a performance. For him, it’s a gathering of the people who continue to support him.

“If you wrap the whole idea with that concept in mind—of doing it for everyone who loves you and believes in you—it changes the direction and meaning of the concert. It’s more nerve-wracking, but it’s also something that comes from within,” he explained.

Talking more about Juan Karlos Live , he expressed excitement about the process of preparing for the event and gave fans a hint at what to expect.

“The concert’s production team is working hard to polish every element to provide the best possible concert experience. Of course, they’ll hear and see me perform my hits as well as a few songs that have influenced me as an artist,” he shared.

“At this point, I’m just trying to enjoy the process, focusing on the flow of the whole show and putting my energy into the things I can control, like the setlist and its presentation,” he said, adding with a laugh, “I’ll probably get more nervous as the concert date gets closer.”

Anticipation is building not only for his solo performances but also for the special guests he plans to share the stage with, including Paolo Benjamin of Ben&Ben Zild Moira, and Janine Berdin Juan Karlos Live is happening on Nov. 29 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Tickets are available at SM Ticket outlets and at smtickets.com.

Sofia Andres took to social media to share a recent “betrayal” by someone she once considered a friend. In her Instagram post, she shared a screenshot of a message from someone alongside a caption expressing her feelings on the matter.

“Pero she gave terms before na advance payment then she gave amount. Then when we ask if the check will be under your name, sa kanya na lang daw,” the message read.

Andres stated this would be the last time she addresses the issue, noting it was painful as she treated her friends like family. She expressed frustration over being betrayed by someone she had supported from the start and treated like family.

“It will never be enough [for] people who are not genuinely happy for you. Iba’t iba ang mga tao talaga,” she said cryptically.

While many expressed support for the actress, some speculated the person in question was her former stylist Steph Aparici. Notably, Andres reshared the post announcing her parting ways with the stylist last September on her Instagram stories.

FYANG was named the

From left: Laurenti Dyogi, Enchong Dee, Cory Vidanes, Fyang, Melai Cantiveros, Bianca Gonzalez, Alexa Ilacad, Kim Chiu, and Robi Domingo

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Pouring a glass of pure bliss

Landers Superstore launches exclusive Wine & Liquor

By Abigail Adriatico

THERE are various ways people enjoy their wine and liquor. Be it with the good company of family and friends or for a relaxing night alone after a long and busy day, wine enthusiasts are sure to take their time in indulging and savoring their glass of wine to the last drop.

Whatever the occasion for a few drinks may be, Landers Superstore is treating its members with various deals as part of this year’s month-long celebration of the Wine & Liquor Expo.

Expo 2024

Shticks

The launch featured a

Serving as a celebration of fine wine and spirits, the Wine & Liquor Expo was launched with a grand celebration at Landers Alabang West last Oct. 9. The launch saw a celebration filled with several learning sessions such as a wine and food pairing masterclass by wine expert Eric Kahn and a cocktail mixing demonstration. There was also a captivating dance performance of the traditional Spanish folk dance Flamenco, a few games, and a grazing table filled with delectable food and snacks that go well with wine.

During the launch, Landers Superstore Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings shared how the expo aims to offer all kinds of wine and liquor for both wine connoisseurs and those who are curious about the perfect wine for their taste.

“We love to offer exceptional products to our members but we also believe in creating memorable experiences [for them],” said Cummings.

“We want [them] to explore [as we] bring together a diverse selection of world-class brands and experts for this special occasion,” he added.

stores nationwide and on its official

Some of the wines and liquors that are featured in the expo are

Vinhos de Portugal, Beats the Devil, Stella Rosa, Don Papa Rum, Dewar’s, Montes, Casillero del Diablo, and Lemon Dou.

Apart from the notable discounts, the Wine & Liquor Expo also features free samples of high-quality wines and liquors to Landers members who are aged 18 and above through its Wine & Liquor Tasting Caravan. After its run at Landers Alabang, Angeles, and Naga, the caravan will be heading to Landers Balintawak and Cebu from Oct. 23 until 27 as well as Landers Otis and Bacolod from Oct. 30 until Nov. 3. With the Wine & Liquor Expo only available for members of Landers Superstore, those interested in becoming a member can apply at any Landers branch or at www.landers.ph. They can choose among various memberships which are the regular premium membership priced at P700, a business membership for P900, and a Landers Cashback Everywhere Card in partnership with Maya for an early sign-up free of P500.

Landers Superstore’s Wine & Liquor Expo runs until Nov. 5.

IN A recent TV appearance, Marian Rivera was asked how she would react if her husband, Dingdong Dantes, considered joining politics.

“Well, if there’s one thing on my mind, it’s the fact that Dong is a good person. He has a good heart,” she said. “For everyone’s information, Dong always helps in his little way, whether it’s his fellow actors or ordinary folks.”

Several dancers captivated guests with a Flamenco performance

With the expo featuring the store’s vast collection of wines and liquors from notable names all over the world, Landers Superstore members will be able to stock up on their favorite drinks with promos of up to 50 percent off as well as Buy 1 Get 1 deals on both Landers

Similarly, when we are faced with death, many of us end up like the suspect in the video, unsure of how to explain ourselves and express how we feel. These two main messages reflect the core lesson of the video: that yes, death is inevitable, but it doesn’t need to be burdensome. With the right preparation, such as availing of the services offered by Forest Lake, the difficulties that lie ahead can be more manageable and less confusing for families left behind.

For Alfred Xerez-Burgos III

President and CEO of Forest Lake Development Inc., the video sends a message about how we must treat the concept of death. For Xerex-Burgos, it

the real Timothee Chalamet please stand up?

Even the Hollywood star’s most convincing doppelgangers, gathered in New York for a look-alike contest, did a doubletake when the man himself swung by their festivities Sunday.

Around 20 young men, complete with chiseled jawlines and distinctive waves of walnut-colored hair, had gathered along with a massive crowd of spectators in New York’s Washington Square Park, Variety reported.

The Call Me By Your Name star, hidden behind a mask and sporting a baseball hat, then crept up on the contest, posing for photographs with the competitors.

Images on social media captured the moment that Chalamet made his presence

is indeed something worth discussing, and because of its unpredictability, something worth preparing for.

“Death is something we all face, but it doesn’t have to be something we must all fear,” said Xerez-Burgos. “At Forest Lake, we help families prepare so they can focus on what matters— celebrating life and preserving memories. With wit and humor, we hope to remind Filipinos that confronting the issue of death isn’t an encumbrance; it’s an act of care for our loved ones. Thus, our ‘Paliwanag’ video strives to shine a light on how important preparation is.”

Forest Lake also hopes that the conversations generated by the ad will spur Filipinos to start taking memorial services seriously no matter how early.

To those who relish their peace of

known, delighting the surrounding cell phone-holding fans.

“How do we know that that’s really him? It could just be a very good look-alike,” one user wrote in a comment.

YouTube creator Anthony Po , who claimed to be behind the event and bears more than a passing resemblance to the star of Dune and Wonka himself, wrote on X “thanks my number 1 fan (Timothee) for showing up.”

At least one imitator was led away by police who apparently responded to the event because of the large crowd, which was forced to relocate.

The winner was presented with an oversized gold trophy and a check for $50, social media showed. AFP

mind, Forest Lake offers a multitude of services that will help make end-of-life planning less stressful and ensure their dearly departed’s transition to a life beyond. Among these are Forest Lake’s ‘Libing Anywhere’ option, which offers the flexibility to use memorial lots in any Forest Lake park across the nation, and ‘Libre Burol,’ which provides free funeral services with internment.

With its innovative, personalized, and customer-centric approach, Forest Lake seeks to continue making memorial care more convenient and stress-free for its clients, who will never be caught off guard when the moment comes.

For more information, interested customers may view Forest Lake’s official Facebook page at fb.com/ forestlakememorialpark

Marian affirmed that Dingdong has the purest of intentions.

“I know that his love is genuine, and when he helps, he doesn’t expect anything in return.”

For the lovely actress, her popular husband is a good role model. “He has influenced me a lot on how to become a better individual for myself and others!”

After starring in Balota, where she won Best Actress at the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival, Marian is looking forward to her next film project. Who are the actors she hopes to work with?

“Of course, my husband Dingdong. There are also my friends Ana Feleo and Boobay. It would also be great if I got to share the screen with Gabby Eigenmann.”

Interestingly, when asked who she would like to portray her villainess in her next film, the actress was quick to reply:

“It’s either Glaiza De Castro or Katrina Halili. If they’ll be my nemesis in the movie, I’m game!” * * *

As the business manager of her son Donny Pangilinan, Maricel Laxa states that she supports his love team with Belle Mariano

“It’s been DonBelle for the longest time. I’m their fan,” she reveals.

The competent actress stressed that she doesn’t meddle in Donny’s personal life, especially regarding the girls he dates.

“We manage him, but we don’t own him. That’s very clear. We’re just taking care of him and helping him to be better at what he’s doing to help other people!” * * *

Jillian Ward is very happy that her top-rating afternoon

soap Abot-Kamay na Pangarap, which just ended its twoyear run, has inspired its loyal viewers.

“Every day, I receive messages from our avid viewers saying that the show inspires them. These are both young and old people. There are even mothers who say that because they got inspired, they would go back to school. It’s one of the lessons that our show imparts: that it’s never too late to reach for your dreams,” she said.

Looking back, the young actress stated that AbotKamay na Pangarap exceeded her expectations.

“We started in 2022, and it’s very heartwarming that we lasted for two years. At first, I didn’t expect it to rate, especially since the plot is about a young doctor. But it turned out to be a hit, so I’m very grateful to our viewers for supporting the program throughout its run.” He and are be

Joseph Peter Gonzales

Actress Marian Rivera (left) her husband Dingdong Dantes

Hollywood actor Timothee Chalamet

From left: Celebrity guests Nicole Hernandez, Kelly Misa, Tony Labrusca, and Rhian Ramos with Landers Superstore Chief Transformation Officer Bill Cummings

website www.landers.ph.

Codorniu, Moët Henessy, Chandon, Abbazia, Brown Brothers Family Winemakers, 49 Millions, Monasterio de las Viñas, Jack Daniel’s, Aliança

OCTOBER 29, 2024

An ambitious vision to make cigarettes obsolete

TOKYO recently hosted the IQOS Together X Sensorium, a gathering designed to celebrate the tenth anniversary of IQOS and push forward a bold agenda: to make cigarettes obsolete and confined to museum displays.

The event, hosted by Philip Morris International (PMI) on Oct. 19, wasn’t simply a milestone celebration; it was a high-tech, immersive experience aimed at showcasing the future of a smoke-free world.

The venue itself, built on a sprawling 10,000-square-meter plot of land, exemplified this vision. Constructed in just 30 days, the 3,000-square-meter immersive arena was a sensory spectacle featuring multiple zones, each tailored to offer a unique, futuristic encounter.

Guests moved through art installations, interactive exhibits, and music performances designed to activate all senses. From mindbending kaleidoscopic tunnels to anti-gravity mirrors and ambient lighting, the experience was curated to mirror IQOS’s message: innovation and progress toward a world where traditional cigarettes are phased out.

“Seeing so many members of the community together at this unique event is a chance for us to celebrate their role in turning cigarettes into museum artifacts and encourage them to

With Japan as IQOS’s birthplace and first market in 2014, Tokyo was a fitting host for the Together X Sensorium. Philip Morris International executives and brand ambassadors from over 30 countries gathered, underscoring the brand’s commitment to transitioning away from combustible cigarettes to smoke-free alternatives.

Stefano Volpetti, President of SmokeFree Inhaled Products at PMI, articulated the company’s future goals clearly.

“Through the IQOS Together X platform, we are engaging with members of the IQOS community around the world—a community that includes more than 30 million adults—and have invited some of them to join us at this global event in Japan,” Volpetti shared.

advocate for other adult smokers to switch to smokeless products if they decide not to quit,” the executive added. This mission to make cigarettes relics of the past is not just about replacing one product with another. It’s a push for public health, backed by research and innovation, to drive the cultural shift necessary for a smoke-free future.

“One day, we envision cigarettes being found only in museum showcases, not in corner stores,”

emphasized Volpetti, discussing the company’s ambition to redefine the very concept of smoking.

Another advocate of this vision, PMI Japan President Shea Lih Goh, highlighted Japan’s role as a leader in the transition to smoke-free alternatives.

“Japan is the birthplace of IQOS and the market leader in progressing toward a smokefree future over the past decade. We are honored to welcome adult consumers from Japan and around the world. We applaud their choice to quit smoking and want to remind them that they are part of a growing global community of adults who have chosen to make a change that benefits both themselves and public health,” Goh said.

The Sensorium itself was an experiential playground. In collaboration with Grammy-

nominated DJ Steve Aoki, a lineup of top artists provided electrifying performances.

Aoki, a fitting addition to the lineup, described the IQOS vision as “progressive, innovative and, actually, really inspiring.”

His headlining performance was met with LED visuals, a countdown, and an intensity that left attendees in awe.

Designed to engage, entertain, and inform, the Sensorium consisted of uniquely crafted zones with whimsical names and interactive elements.

The Pleasure Zone offered immersive mini-games and prizes, the Flavor Kaleidoscope tunnel played with colors and reality, while the Anti-Gravity Mirror created an optical illusion that made guests feel as if they were floating. The Flavor Tree, a fun nod to sensory exploration, allowed guests to pick customized lollipops that encapsulated different flavors—a playful take on taste and choice.

As guests strolled through the venue, the IQOS vision was reinforced through interactions and installations that communicated a broader message of change. One of the event’s highlights, the Pleasure Garden, encapsulated Tokyo’s essence in a serene setup, providing guests with a place to rest and reflect amid the day’s excitement. The event culminated in an after-party on the rooftop Sky Bar of the CE LA VI club, overlooking Tokyo’s skyline, where guests mingled with Steve Aoki and celebrated a decade of change.

Humor meets memorial planning Forest Lake’s ‘Paliwanag’ turns death into a glow-up

FEW topics are regarded by Filipinos with more unease and discomfort than the process of death and dying. End-oflife concerns are often glossed over in a culture that appears more engaged in rituals that celebrate life and longevity.

With this in mind, Forest Lake, a foremost name in memorial park services, proposes that one of the best ways to discuss the inevitability of death is through humor. In its latest digital advertisement called “Paliwanag,” Forest Lake deals with the concept of death with both levity and cultural relevance.

“Paliwanag” is a clever, modern take on the old catchphrase of the Pinoy pulis who’d call out recalcitrant offenders with

magpaliwanag ka sa presinto.” In the ad, a man who is apprehended by law enforcers for some infraction is told the exact same line as he’s brought to the police station. However, the man takes “magpaliwanag ka” quite literally and starts to ‘glow,’ stunning everyone present in the presinto

The play on words is an unexpected twist, illustrating how, like death, we never really know what’s ahead of us. The video humorously addresses how death is something that may catch us off guard, but stresses how preparing for it can ease the burden imposed on loved ones when the time comes.

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The gathering features various zones for guests to enjoy

President of Smoke-Free Inhaled Products at PMI Stefano Volpetti

PMI Japan President Shea Lih Goh DJ and record producer Steve Aoki was one of the artists that performed during the event

Attendees were treated to art installations and interactive exhibits during the event

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Guests were treated with exciting musical performances

The event saw performances with LED visuals adding to the electrifying experience

The venue’s lighting took on a futuristic ambience which mirrored IQOS’ message of a move towards a future with phased out traditional cigarettes

The ‘IQOS Together X Sensorium’ served as the celebration for IQOS’ tenth anniversary