By Maricel V. Cruz
CO-CHAIRMEN of the House Quad Committee have called on exPresident Rodrigo Duterte to refrain from using profanity and inappro -
priate language in formal legislative hearings, saying this could set a negative example for Filipinos and erode respect for legislative institutions if tolerated during proceedings.
By Rio N. Araja, Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez
MILLIONS of Filipinos are set to visit cemeteries across the country for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – two religious feasts that honor the lives of saints and the souls of the departed.
Undas, which is from the Spanish word honras or to honor, is usually solemn and marked by quiet prayers, but sometimes could turn festive as families use the opportunity to get together and celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones.
For President Ferdinand ‘’Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr., Undas is a reminder to Filipinos of the values of faith, resilience, and hope.
‘’Today, we remember those who paved the way for our present prosperity through their example of faith and love for others. It is a time for reflection by which we recall the deceased faithful who led lives of honor, sacrifice, and service,’’ Mr. Marcos said.
‘’May this remind us of the values that shall endure through us as a nation: faith, resilience, and hope. Reflecting on our journey in this world, let us strive to live with love and compassion for others, ever seeking the common good, just as
PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao del
Sur—Hundreds have fled an interior village here since Wednesday as two armed groups clashed Wednesday afternoon over conflicting claims of land ownership.
Schoolchildren were seen running for safety on their way to their afternoon shift classes, as exchanges of gunfire were heard from all over Barangay Kilangan.
Residents said the body count rose to 21 from 19 Wednesday afternoon when armed relatives of Engineer Datu Alonto Sultan clashed with armed men under Ikot Dandua alias Commander Bawsi.
P/Capt. Datumasla Mangalangkat, Pagalungan municipal police station chief, said the initial
probe pointed to an instance of land dispute as the root cause of the conflict between the two groups.
Relatives of both sides have confirmed that fatalities have reached 21 from 19—17 from the group of Sultan and two from the side of Bawsi.
Interviewed over a local radio station, Sultan said his group was escorted by military personnel to the area which he claimed to legally own with a land title.
But as the military personnel left the area, a heavy exchange of gunfire started between the two groups, according to sketchy reports quoted by authorities.
Bawsi, for his part, told reporters that his ancestors, not Sultan’s, owned the contested land. Nash B. Maulana
By Aram Lascano
THE collective Silingan Candlemakers is trying to mold a brighter future for the families of the victims of the former administration’s war on drugs. What started as a coffee venture now lights up a new livelihood project in a small makeshift factory located at an old podium outside of a church in Navotas City. Silingan is the brainchild of photojournalist and missionary Bro. Ciriaco “Jun” Santiago, CSsR. It simply translates to the word “neighbor” in Cebuano. As a collective, they hope that justice would come knocking on the doors of those responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocents during the campaign against illegal drugs.
The people who work in the small candle factory are those Santiago has
A SURVEY released by OCTA Research on Thursday indicated a decline in the trust and performance ratings of the Philippines’ two highest-ranking officials in the third quarter of 2024.
The non-commissioned survey showed that 69 percent of respondents maintained their trust on President Marcos, while 66 percent approved of his performance.
These represented a two-percent decline from the 71 percent (trust) and 68
percent (performance) ratings recorded by the same firm during its secondquarter survey.
OCTA, a Quezon City-based research and consultancy firm, characterized the slip in Mr. Marcos’ numbers as a “slight decline” It pointed out that the President’s trust ratings “have remained statistically unchanged” since the second quarter, as the decline fell within the
By Rio N. Araja
THE Office of the Ombudsman has lifted the preventive suspension order issued against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chair Monalisa Dimalanta.
In a memorandum on Wednesday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered the immediate reinstatement of Dimalanta as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ERC,
citing the Ombudsman decision. Dimalanta was placed under a sixmonth suspension without pay last September to avoid prejudicing the case filed against her by the National As-
By Alena Mae S. Flores
helped since 2016. Family members of drug war victims as well as vulnerable people on the drug watchlist requested for livelihood rather than cash aid and donations from him.
The project started as a coffee shop with a mission to tell stories straight from the experiences of family members. Eventually, they decided to push through with the sustainable production of candles.
Silingan was supposed to launch the project in November 2023 through a collaboration with the church and training in crafting with wax from Santiago’s colleague, Vincent Go. However, an abandoned school where they were supposed to operate was burned down, pushing back their production to February 2024.
At present, 24 candlemakers share the working space with an aim to rebuild their lives from the trauma that the bloody war on drugs left on them.
Santiago said he’s only the one who provided the victims the opportunity. But in terms of hard work, all the credit goes to the families of the victims of extrajudicial killings in building Silingan as a brand.
Healing with candles
Candle crafter Mark Soledad, 29, shared that all the candles molded in the production are from recycled materials. Melted wax from the sconces of Baclaran Church are collected and transported to Navotas for reproduction – a sustainable effort to reduce waste that is giving used candles a second chance to serve the people again.
“Ang kandila po namin dito ay walang tapon, kumbaga nagagawan po namin ng paraan para mabalik ulit sa market at mapakinabangan ulit ng mga tao. (We don’t have wastage in our candles. We ensure they are recycled and sold again for people to use),” Soledad said.
Employees of the candle factory are also equipped with psychosocial interventions in the form of a project called “Paghilom (Healing).” Soledad said the healing sessions ran for six months.
Soledad’s family was among the first in the country to experience the Duterte brand of war on drugs, also known as “Tokhang.
On October 22, 2016, his father was sleeping inside their house when a group of policemen entered, firing seven gunshots. Later, his brother was tied outside their home and transferred to a secluded area where he was murdered.
Soledad said his mother was also tortured. He, along with his two underaged siblings, were placed behind bars afterwards as their house was on the drug watch list.
“Kami po ang kauna-unahang tokhang ng 2016. October 22, pagupo palang ni Duterte kami ang unang example sa Navotas ng Tokhang. Eight years na po. (We were the first to experience ‘tokhang’ in Navotas back on October 22, 2016. It has been eight years),” Soledad said. Soledad now focuses on candle making and how to apply what he has learned from Project Paghilom in terms of healing from trauma.
Before working with Silingan, Soledad was employed as a construction worker and sidecar driver, but those were not enough to provide stable income for his own family. He said the little candle factory in Navotas was an avenue for him to rebuild his life, earn constant paychecks, and even save money.
Justice is about constantly fighting for human rights Mary Ann Domingo, 51, lost her husband Luis and son Gabriel in a police buy-bust operation during the peak of the drug war campaign.
sociation of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc (Nasecore).
In its complaint, Nasecore claimed that Dimalanta allowed the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to purchase electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and pass the charges on to consumers without obtaining the necessary approval from the ERC, allegedly in violation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
The Ombudsman, in its Oct. 22 order, said that “after a thorough evaluation of the present case records, this Office finds that the ground which justifies the continued imposition of preventive suspension no longer exists. Therefore, preventive suspension is no longer necessary.”
By Charles Dantes
THE Office of the Executive Secretary released yesterday the list of regular holidays and special non-working days for 2025.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation 727 on Oct. 30 declaring the official holidays for next year. The following dates are declared regular holidays and special non-working days:
Regular Holidays
New Year’s Day – Jan. 1 (Wednesday)
Araw ng Kagitingan – April 9 (Wednesday)
Maundy Thursday - April 17
Good Friday – April 18
Labor Day - May 1 (Thursday)
Independence Day - June 12 (Thursday)
National Heroes Day – Aug. 25 (Last Monday of August)
Bonifacio Day – Nov. 30 (Sunday)
Christmas Day – Dec. 25 (Thursday)
Rizal Day – Dec. 30 (Tuesday)
Special (Non-Working) Days
Ninoy Aquino Day – Aug. 21 (Thursday)
All Saints Day - Nov. 1 (Saturday)
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary - Dec. 8 (Monday)
Last Day of the Year - Dec. 31 (Wednesday)
the saints and our loved ones did in their time,” the President added.
At the Manila South Cemetery, officer-in-charge Henry Dy said he expects some half a million visitors to troop to Manila’s biggest cemetery on All Saints’ Day alone.
The cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. up until November 3.
Manila North Cemetery, on the other hand, said it expects to receive some 1.5 million visitors from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
The cemetery adopted a no-vendor policy and is offering free rides from the entrance to any point in the graveyard.
At the Manila Memorial Park in Par-
margin of error.
“The President’s national trust rating remained stable compared to the last quarter,” OCTA said in its report.
The survey, which was conducted from September 4 to 7, indicated that only 11 percent of respondents distrust President Marcos, while 19 percent remained undecided about their position.
Some 12 percent were dissatisfied with the chief executive’s performance, and 23 percent were still uncertain.
Despite the decline, Mr. Marcos still received majority trust ratings across all major regions and socioeconomic classes.
The same survey showed, that Vice
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 was raised over the northern portion of Batanes (Itbayat). Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the rest of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Sanchez-Mira, Claveria, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Buguey, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Santa Ana), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Bangui, Burgos, Dumalneg, Adams, Pagudpud).
After crossing the landmass of Tai-
Special (Working) Day
EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary – Feb. 25 (Tuesday)
Additional Special (Non-Working) Days
Chinese New Year - Jan. 29 (Wednesday)
Black Saturday - April 19
Christmas Eve - Dec. 24 (Wednesday)
All Saints’ Day Eve - Oct. 31 (Friday)
The proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha will be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is applicable.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos will recommend to the President the actual dates on which these holidays will respectively fall.
The proclamation has tasked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue the implementing guidelines for the proclamation, which is expected to take effect immediately.
In a separate proclamation, the Palace declared July 27, 2025 a special non-working day nationwide for the founding anniversary of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
Proclamation 729 issued by Bersamin said that this was intended to “give the members of Iglesia ni Cristo the full opportunity to participate in the occasion.”
añaque City alone, assistant park manager Rizzalyn Acosta expcts at least one million people to visit – higher than last year’s recorded number of visitors.
Acosta said the park will remain open 24 hours daily until November 2, while it will operate from 12 midnight to 6 p.m. on November 3.
The Philippine National Police increased the number of cops deployed nationwide to secure Undas to nearly 32,000.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the number includes police working in cemeteries, those manning police assistance desks at transport terminals, and those deployed at major thoroughfares to assist travelers.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Teofilo Guadiz III added: “Our teams will be on the ground throughout the holiday
President Sara Duterte’s trust ratings plummeted by six percentage points to 59 percent today from 65 percent in the second quarter.
“This significant drop raises concerns, particularly as her distrust rating now stands at 14%, with 27% of respondents undecided. This downward trajectory in trust ratings is stark compared to March 2023, when she enjoyed an impressive trust level of 87%,” OCTA further reported.
“Such fluctuations indicate a shifting sentiment among the electorate and the potential impact of current political dynamics,” the surveyor inferred.
Also, Duterte’s performance rating significantly declined, from 60 percent to 52 percent, or by eight percentage points.
Fifteen percent of the respondents are
wan, the typhoon will then turn northeastward over the Taiwan Strait toward the East China Sea and exit the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday night or Friday early morning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the government has allocated almost P900 million in government aid to those affected by “Kristine” and “Leon.” Totaling P895.658 million, the aid includes food, water, and medical supplies distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), local government units, and non-governmental organizations.
period to ensure smooth and efficient transportation services, and we encourage the public to also remain vigilant and report any irregularities to us or other authorities present.”
The Bureau of Immigration, on the other hand, said it expects some 43,000 to 48,000 passengers departing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the weekend holiday.
Last year, the bureau recorded an average of around 37,000 for departures and 36,000 for arrivals during the Undas period.
“We have ramped up our operations at NAIA with additional personnel to maintain a smooth flow of passengers. We are also activating our rapid response units to address any sudden increases in passenger traffic, particularly during peak hours,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.
also dissatisfied with her performance, while 33 percent remain undecided.
“It is crucial to highlight that Vice President Duterte-Carpio’s ratings have steadily decreased for over two straight quarters in 2024,” according to OCTA.
By region, OCTA’s survey also revealed that the President received his highest trust rating in Balanced Luzon at 78 percent, and lowest in Mindanao at 50 percent.
Likewise, Duterte’s highest trust rating was in Mindanao at 95 percent, and lowest in Balanced Luzon at 43 percent.
By socioeconomic class, the President received his highest trust and performance ratings from respondents belonging to Classes ABC at 73 percent and 69 percent, respectively, while his lowest ratings were from Class E at 67 percent and 64 percent.
President Ferdinand Marcos directed the OCD to maintain continuous supply distributions to meet immediate needs and prevent disease outbreaks.
As of Thursday morning, the NDRRMC reported that 1.89 million families—or roughly 7.5 million individuals—have been affected, with over 173,000 displaced families. Tropical cyclone-related damages amount to P2.9 billion in agriculture and P6.39 billion in infrastructure across multiple regions, while 213 areas remain flooded, with 211 local governments declaring a state of calamity.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) assured the public on Thursday that the rice
PETRON Corp. announced yesterday a P1.60 per kilo increase in liquefied petroleum gas or LPG effective 12:01 am Nov. 1.
This translates to an increase of the P17.60 per 11-kilo LPG tank primarily used by households.
“This reflects the international contract price of LPG for the month of November,” the oil refiner said in its advisory.
LPG sells from P850 to P1,110 per 11-kilo tank, depending on the brand, retail outlet, location and market forces.
Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum said that based on the first three days of trading in the global oil market and the foreign exchange average, gasoline may have a rollback of P0.45 to P0.65 per liter.
It said diesel may have a rollback of P0.10 per liter or increase of P0.10 per liter.
The price estimates are subject to change based on Thursday’s movement of prices in the world market.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said world oil prices weakened due to the easing of Middle East tensions “but the risk remains high.”
“Prospect of tighter regional supply of diesel has put a floor on price while the downside of gasoline is limited as well due to some refinery outages in the region,” Bellas said.
Reps. Dan Fernandez and Bienvenido Abante stressed that Duterte’s conduct could encourage citizens to emulate the former president’s use of foul language, especially in tense situations.
“Maybe if he’s just a private citizen, [and] he talks like that, [or] he cracks jokes, [perhaps] it’s okay. But when a former President of the country made a joke like that... that’s worrisome,” said Abante, who is also a protestant pastor.
Duterte testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and uttered profanities as he spoke.
The lawmakers argued that legislative records are a part of history and should not be tarnished by inappropriate language.
“It’s embarrassing to all of us [Filipinos]. No one [at the Senate] stood up to delete that [profanities] from the Senate record,” Fernandez said in Filipino. He then vowed that if Duterte uses such language in Quad Comm hearings, he would ensure it does not make it to the official records, preserving the decorum expected in the institution.
Abante added that the problem is not simply the use of profanity, but the context of Duterte’s words.
He added the Filipino expletive in question goes beyond a simple insult, which makes it particularly offensive to Filipinos.
If Duterte resorts to such language in a Quad Comm hearing, Abante stated he would raise a “point of order.”
“We should not allow any vulgar statement in this hearing,” he said while expressing disappointment over the Senators’ non-intervention Both Abante and Fernandez stressed the importance of maintaining the standards of conduct within the legislative body, especially in hearings involving sensitive issues like human rights.
supply remains stable despite the impact of typhoons. DA Disaster Management Director Lorna Calda stated that National Food Authority stocks are ample, and the DA has distributed 1,447 rice bags to affected regions across the country.
To support recovery, the DA has allocated P1 billion from its quick response fund and P541 million in agricultural resources for distribution. Farmers can also access zero-interest loans of up to P25,000. Camarines Sur (CamSur) Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte on Thursday urged the creation of a multiyear P20-billion fund for the rehabilitation of the typhoondevastated region. Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
1,099 hurdle PMA entrance examination
A TOTAL of 1,099 out of 21,796 examinees have passed the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) entrance examination. PMA spokesman Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo said the successful examinees will be facing the next phase of the PMA cadet admission screening process which includes complete physical, medical, and neuropsychiatry tests to be conducted at the AFP Medical Center, Camp Victoriano K Luna in Quezon City. According to Saludo, the selection process is expected to run until the first quarter of 2025 in preparation for their tentative admission at the elite military school. The cadet candidates who passed the examinations will be informed and will be given instructions by the PMA Office of the Cadet Recruitment and Admissions about the next steps of the screening process through mail and email that takers provided during the exam registration. Rex Espiritu
CSC bares eligibility tests sked for 2025
THE Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced the Civil Service examinations schedule for 2025. The CSC will administer four types of examinations via the Pen and Paper Test for individuals seeking civil service eligibility. These are the Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO) scheduled on Jan. 26, the CSE Pen and Paper Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Subprofessional Levels on Mar. 2 and Aug. 10, and the Basic Competency on Local Treasury Examination (BCLTE) on June 1.. The application period for the Mar. 2 CSE-PPT is scheduled from Nov. 19, 2024 to Jan. 3 2025. The CSC advised applicants that limited number of applications will be accepted by CSC regional and field offices from Dec.16-27 to give
SPD bags notorious ‘Salisi Gang’ thief
Gang and other criminal elements, especially during the holiday season. Members of the Salisi Gang are known to operate in places such as malls, hotels, restaurants, fast food chains, computer shops, bars, and clubs. They wait for opportunities when people are distracted to steal valuables. On Thursday, the SPD announced the arrest of a suspected gang member involved in several thefts at luxury hotels in Makati and Taguig. The suspect was apprehended after a number of guests reported stolen items at a hotel in Bonifacio Global City. The suspect, identified only by the alias “Daniel,” 52, allegedly stole several iPads, MacBooks, mobile phones, a credit card, and ₱27,500 in cash from 11 victims who left their belongings unattended in the hotel’s function room during a pre-Christmas event. Joel E. Zurbano
By Ralph Harvey Rirao
THE Department of Health (DOH) and United Nations have reaffirmed shared commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular focus on universal health, health equity, and building resilience against climate-related health issues and pandemics.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa gave insights on the progress of health and sanitation under SDGs 3 and 4, while also outlining areas requiring further focus. Priorities such as increasing investments in maternal and child health to reduce mortality rates, adolescent pregnancy, and child stunting were also discussed.
The DOH’s Eight-Point Action Agenda aims to implement targeted interventions to keep the Philippines on track to meet its SDG commitments.
The health agency is prioritizing maternal and child health, climate-resilient health systems, non-communicable and infectious disease control, and enhanced digital health infrastructure.
“This partnership with the UN enables us to scale our efforts in addressing social determinants of health, promoting preventive care, and advancing toward a healthier, more resilient Philippines”, Herbosa said.
Meanwhile, UN deputy secretarygeneral Amina Mohammed emphasized that transformative action is essential as there were only five years left to achieve SDG.
Mohammed outlined the need for utilizing technology to accelerate progress, strengthening sustainable financing systems, and addressing key areas for improvement in the country.
She cited the need for strong policies and regulations that encourages local financial and social investments. Moreover, focusing on larger projects aligned with the SDG is essential for lasting success, she said.
She also said having a balanced financial structure with long-term progress mechanisms is crucial.
With a focused roadmap of targeted health interventions, strengthened institutions, and strategic financing, the Philippines with the help of the UN aims to drive impactful change in the years leading up to 2030, she added.
By Rex Espiritu
THE Army’s 65th Infantry (Stalwart) Battalion has spearheaded a community outreach program targeting indigenous pupils of the Bagumbayan Elementary School in Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.
The event, held in conjunction with the National Charity Day celebration, had for its theme “Hapin sa Tiil na Gagmay: Usa ka Tunob sa Matul-id nga Dalan para sa Matag Bata,” or “Protecting our Children’s Feet: Small Steps, Straight Paths for Every Child,” aimed to inspire children from remote areas to persevere in their pursuit of education despite the challenges of distance and hardship in life. Co-sponsored by the Philippine Army Finance Center Producers Integrated
Cooperative (PAFCPIC) – Butuan, the event was launched in collaboration with the local government of Sibagat, the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Barangay Council of Sta. Cruz, and POINTY Incorporated – Sibagat Chapter.
Approximately 60 elementary and preschool students received slippers, school supplies, food packs, and other gifts. In his message, 65th IB acting commander Lt. Col. Ray Anthony A. Sisican highlighted the importance of education to the students and their parents.
“As the theme suggests, these slippers will protect the feet of our children on their journey to school, symbolizing our promise to safeguard their aspirations and support their future,” he said.
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) has rejected former Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano’s bid to transfer their voter registration to the congressional district of Taguig-Pateros.
In a 24-page decision, the Comelec’ Election Registration Board (ERB) said Cayetano and his wife Fille Saint Merced Cayetano applied for the transfer of their residency to the 1st District of Taguig-Pateros last month. The couple claimed they had been living at Pacific Residences in Barangay Ususan for at least two years and five months.
However, the ERB found discrepancies in their submitted documents, including their passports. The panel said the Cayetanos passports failed to substantiate their assertion of current address.
“At best, the passports serve to establish their identity rather than their residential address,” the ERB noted. The Comelec said the Cayetano couple will remain registered in Brgy. Fort Bonifacio.
Cayetano already filed his certificate of candidacy for a congressional seat representing Taguig-Pateros representative.
Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said it was premature to answer as to how the ERB ruling would affect Cayetano’s bid, “There are still remedies he can avail, hence it’s improper to speculate at this point,” he said.
Cayetano filed his certificate of candidacy to run as representative of the 1st District of Taguig-Pateros, challenging incumbent Rep. Ricardo Cruz Jr. who was endorsed by his brother, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, and sister-in-law, Mayor Lani Cayetano
By Maricel V. Cruz
PEOPLE in need of assistance to buy medicines may now use Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-issued guarantee letters (GL) at 171 branches of Mercury Drug stores nationwide starting Nov. 4.
“We are happy to announce to all our kababayans that starting Monday next week, Nov. 4, DSWD-issued guarantee letters are now accepted in 171 selected Mercury Drug Stores around the country. This partnership is a testament to the efforts of the DSWD to prioritize the welfare of individuals in crisis situations by ensuring a more efficient way to address their medical needs,” DSWD undersecretary for operations Monina Josefina Romualdez said. A Guarantee Letter is a document issued by the DSWD in favor of the beneficiary addressed to service providers that guarantees the payment of the service on behalf of the client, including medicine. Some of the Mercury Drug Store branches that accommodate the GLs issued by the DSWD central office are Fairview – Commonwealth; Ever Gotesco Commonwealth; Tandang Sora – Visayas; and Marikina - J.P. Rizal. The DSWD-issued GLs from the DSWD field office-National Capital Region (NCR) are only accepted at the Quiapo - Plaza Miranda branch.
IT’S an interesting proposition by the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (Anim), a multisectoral coalition of organizations led by retired officers from the military, police and other uniformed services, bishops and other leaders of faith-based and civic groups.
The coalition recently launched a campaign against political dynasties and urged the public to seek their disqualification from next year’s elections.
“We encourage the public to file separate disqualification cases against political dynasties in their areas,” said lawyer Alex Lacson, who is leading the group’s campaign. “Dynastic politicians can only be disqualified or removed from office if such a case is filed. Without these cases, they remain in power,” he explained.
In fact, Anim filed last October 18 disqualification suits against five candidates from political families, arguing that constitutional prohibitions against political dynasties were self-executing.
Article II, Section 26, of the 1987 Constitution states that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.” However, Congress has failed to pass the enabling law, and there are only two laws defining political dynasties in the books since 1987. These are the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10742) and Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35 (Bangsamoro Electoral Code) passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in 2023.
Anim has announced it is ready to assist the public in filing these disqualification petitions and they could be reached through email at anim.samasama@gmail.com.
This is a ground-breaking political experiment that seeks to encourage people to express their condemnation of the growing monopoly of political power by certain families in many parts of the country from north to south. It’s about time we go back to the real intent or spirit of the specific constitutional provision banning political dynasties, which is to broaden access to public office even by ordinary people, not just the moneyed and the greedy.
Party-list law should be reviewed
While at this, we also ask: What is wrong with the party-list system?
What’s wrong with it is the Supreme Court decision opening up the party-list system to just about everyone, not just the groups representing the marginalized and underrepresented sectors as provided for under the party-list law.
The Supreme Court decision actually turns on its head the constitutional provision that the House of Representatives shall consist of members who shall be elected
from legislative districts and “those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations.”
In effect, the High Court ruling invalidates the party-list law.
Our Constitution says party-list representatives shall constitute 20 percent of the total membership of Congress, and that the party-list groups should represent labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth and other sectors, except the religious sector. These were the sectors that the party-list law said were “marginalized and underrepresented”.
This is a groundbreaking political experiment.
But since the implementation of the party-list system in the 1990s, various groups not belonging to these sectors have tried unsuccessfully to get accreditation from the Comelec.
It is high time to amend the party-list law. Congress, not the Supreme Court, should determine who should really run under the system, by identifying those sectors that qualify as “marginalized and underrepresented”. There should be clear-cut parameters or standards so that aspiring and/or professional politicians already repudiated by the electorate do not manage to enter Congress through the backdoor.
An amended party-list law should strive to strike a balance between the principles of proportional representation (the Philippine party list system is ostensibly patterned after the German model, which is anchored on proportional representation) and the ideal of giving the marginalized and underrepresented sectors a voice in lawmaking. In other words, it should be an instrument to achieve social justice and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
As it now stands, Congress is dominated by members of old political families, new politicians with old mindsets, and millionaires. How can we believe their pro-poor rhetoric when we know that they are there to protect vested interests, both economic and political?
If the intent of the party-list system is to democratize policy-making, then a new party-list law oriented towards empowering the poor and the underprivileged sectors should be crafted. The existing party-list law does exactly the opposite.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
No. 9262. The normal remedy of a person deprived of financial support is to file a civil case for support against the delinquent person consistent with the provisions of the New Civil Code and the Family Code” (XXX v. People of the Philippines, G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023). “[F]or criminal liability to arise out of such failure to give support, the facts qualifying the delinquent person’s act of denial or deprivation of financial support must be proven.” Besides, “the obligation to provide support is imposed by the law mutually upon both spouses… [and] is not a one-way street for the husband to support his wife [because] the wife has the identical obligation to provide support to her husband” (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
In the case of XXX v. People of the Philippines, “AAA testified that she and XXX were married on October 14, 2002… and lived together until 2004 [before] XXX left the country to work as a seafarer…”
“[H] e initially remitted part of his monthly salary to her but stopped after a few months” when she refused to live with his parents in Antique (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
“For the next 13 years, he failed to… [give] her support which caused her extreme pain and humiliation. She had a sari-sari store but it eventually became bankrupt so she was forced to support herself by earning a living as a freelance massage therapist.”
According to XXX, “he had to request his employer to stop making the remittances in 2004 because his parents became sick with cancer. He did not inform AAA that he would stop the remittances because he was traumatized from their frequent fights.”
“[XXX] returned to the country in 2007 and worked as an instructor at the Southern Institute of Maritime in the Philippines. Nevertheless, he did not contact AAA or send her support because he was only forced to marry her.”
The court said the facts qualifying the delinquent person’s act of denial or deprivation of financial support must be proven.
AAA sued XXX for violation of Section 5(i) or R.A. No. 9262 otherwise known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004” by committing psychological violence and economic abuse upon her. AAA further claimed that by abandoning her and denying her financial support “she suffered substantial mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule or humiliation.”
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) convicted XXX for violation of Section 5(i) or R.A. No. 9262 due to his denial of financial support to AAA. The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the conviction of XXX due to his “unilateral decision to stop providing AAA’s financial support… [which] undeniably caused her pain and psychological suffering.”
The CA further said that “[e]ven if XXX claimed that he was only forced to marry AAA, he still had the marital obligation to render love and support to her. XXX’s [ad-
Economic development should be a joint endeavor by the government and the private sector. That’s the key rationale between the public-private partnership (PPP) program of the national government.
As things now stand, the pipeline of PPP projects is now at 169, with a total value of P3.18 trillion. These include 113 national PPP projects and 56 local ones, according to the PPP Center website. Of the national PPP projects, 75 are solicited and 38 unsolicited. Of the local PPP projects, 16 are solicited and 40 unsolicited. Of the total, five PPP projects valued at around P28 billion will be awarded this year and by early 2025. These include the New Bohol International Airport and the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project, which will be awarded by the end of this year.
Also to be awarded next year are the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center, the Boracay Bridge project, the Bislig City Bulk Water Supply project, the Bislig City Septage project, and a dialysis center at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
Government alone
cannot be expected to fund the massive funding requirements for sustained economic growth for years on end.
Projects due for submission to approving bodies by the end of this year include the Boracay Bridge project, the San Ramon Newport project, the UP-PGH Diliman project, and the Iloilo International Airport Project. The operations and maintenance con-
IN the September 27th and seventh QuadComm joint committee hearing, former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Royina Garma was a picture of defiance when confronted by two new witnesses, PLtCol. Santie Mendoza and Nelson Mariano, who implicated the former PCSO Chair and NAPOLCOM Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the assassination of PCSO board secretary and Police General Wesley Barayuga in 2020.
During the hearing, Garma adamantly denied Mendoza’s assertion that she issued a service vehicle to the late Barayuga to make it easier for the gunman to identify and track him down. Garma insisted that she and the slain Barayuga had a good working relationship despite insinuations that she and the victim had a falling out when the later threatened to expose corruption inside the PCSO. According to Mendoza, it was Garma with the help of Lt. Leonardo who hatched the assassination plot. As per Mendoza’s testimony, Leonardo told him that Garma herself provided P300,000 as “payment for the job”.
The impression Garma gave to the public in the earlier hearing was one of a coldblooded killer – a consummate manipulator, a master criminal – who would stop at nothing to prove her innocence and distance herself from the criminal activities she is being accused of.
But the pangs of conscience and the feelings of remorse may have proved more powerful than her impulse to insist on her innocence when in the following hearing, Garma decided to spill the beans on her former boss, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and other high-ranking officials of the Duterte administration like Senator Bong Go, Napolcom Commissioner Leonardo, and PMS Usec Moking who had a hand in the murderous anti-drug campaign of the Duterte administration.
In her affidavit, Garma stated that upon a request for help from Duterte, she recommended Leonardo to be the implementer of
mission] ‘that he deliberately stopped giving financial support to [AAA]… by itself, [is] already an act of economic abuse.’”
“[The landmark case of Acharon v. People clarified] that the commission of this crime through ‘denial of financial support’ is mala in se and thus requires the presence of criminal intent. The mere failure to provide financial support is insufficient to support a conviction… [because] [i]t must be proven that the accused willfully and consciously denied financial support legally due to the woman…” (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
tract of the Metro Manila Subway and North South Commuter Railway, and rehabilitation, operations and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 are also scheduled for awarding in 2025. PPP projects for submission to approving bodies by next year are the Cagayan Valley Medical Center–Hemodialysis Center, the Kalibo International Airport project, and the Puerto Princesa International Airport project.
The scope of PPP projects to be implemented shows that these would be implemented across the country depending on the actual needs of the regions for roads, seaports, airports, and health facilities, among others. The pipeline for PPP projects also includes major water supply, flood control, and irrigation infrastructure projects. This is expected to help meet the economy’s growing needs while increasing resilience against climate change.
It is entirely correct for the government to enter into PPPs to mobilize private funds to build needed infrastructure. There can be no other way, as the government alone cannot be expected to fund the massive funding requirements for sustained economic growth for years on end.
this drug war. She accused Duterte of spearheading a nationwide, cash reward-driven system during his administration’s war on drugs, similar to what allegedly took place in Davao City. According to theQuadComm, this reward system is well documented.
Mere denial cannot prevail over positive testimony and documentary evidence.
We recall that as early as 2009, sworn affidavits of four witnesses detailed the structure of the alleged death squad, explained the execution of death contracts, and provided insights into the practice of burying victims in the Laud quarry. Then this was followed by the confessions of Matobato and Lascañas on the DDS vigilante killings by then-Mayor Duterte in Davao. Duterte is now being haunted by his blood-soaked past.
In the ongoing hearings, the QuadComm also unearthed evidence against Senators Bato (Ronald dela Rosa) and (Bong) Go’s involvement in the EJKs and the existence of the reward system that was public knowledge during the previous administration, particularly in the Philippine National Police (PNP). Of course, all these revelations were public knowledge during the previous administration, only that everybody knew what would have happened if one protested or opposed its policy. Many human rights groups, the legal opposition, etc. who dared question Duterte themselves ended up either dead, imprisoned, or persecuted. One prominent victim was Leila De Lima who suffered political
“The Supreme Court stressed in Acharon that Section 5 (i) of R.A. 9262 uses the phrase ‘denial of financial support’ in defining the criminal act. The word ‘denial’ is defined as ‘refusal to satisfy a request or desire’ or ‘the act of not allowing someone to do or have something’” (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
“The foregoing definitions connote willfulness, or an active exertion of effort so that one would not be able to have or do something. This may be contrasted with the word ‘failure’, defined as ‘the fact of not doing something [one] should have done,’ which in turn connotes passivity (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
“[T]herefore, for the woman to experience mental or emotional anguish, or for her partner to deny financial support that is legally due her.” “[T]here must… be evidence on record that the accused willfully or consciously withheld financial support legally due the woman for the purpose of inflicting mental or emotional anguish upon her” (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
“This means that the mere failure or one’s inability to provide financial support is not sufficient to rise to the level of criminality
persecution. She was imprisoned for seven years despite her innocence, only because she stepped on the toes of a vindictive president.
Of course, the officials implicated are denying to high heavers their involvement. But these plain denials cannot stand up against testimonial and documentary evidence. It is settled that mere denial cannot prevail over positive testimony and documentary evidence. The defense of denial by those implicated including Bato and Go is treated as self-serving negative evidence which cannot be accorded greater evidentiary weight than the declaration of credible witnesses who testify on affirmative matters.
Garma’s affidavit has the hallmarks of veracity and truthfulness vis-à-vis the plain denials by Bato, Go, and others. She was part of the inner circle, a trusted operative of the former president who during the campaign continuously bragged that he would not stop until the last drug personality was killed. Garma was an insider who followed Duterte’s bidding. What is so striking about the drug war as a phenomenon was the deafening silence of the institutions and public officials who were supposed to defend the victims. Through fear and intimidation or force of suasion, Duterte succeeded in coopting the whole nation into agreeing with him that exterminating drug personalities, be they engaged in the drug trade or mere suspects, was justifiable and morally correct. Because of the drug war, countless innocent victims have been killed. It has spawned a culture of impunity among law enforcers, by killing, killing, and killing, instead of according suspects due process and giving them a day in court to prove their innocence. The culture of impunity during the time of Duterte was such that one QuadComm resource person, Lt.Col. Jovie Espinido, accused the PNP as the “biggest crime group.” Facebook, Instagram, and X: tonylavs
under Section 5 (i), even if mental or emotional anguish is experienced by the woman.” Hence, if “the accused merely failed or was unable to provide support, then criminal liability would not arise.”
“It is clear… that XXX had a reason why he stopped sending financial support to AAA [that was when his parents became sick with lung cancer and liver cancer]. The prosecution did not deny this fact and merely insisted that his failure to provide financial support was already sufficient to consummate the crime.”
Finally, “[i]f she truly needed financial support, it is only expected based on human experience that she would have at least exerted efforts to obtain it. The fact that she did not do anything whatsoever to get support prior to filing this criminal case casts serious doubt on her claim that she needed it” (G.R. No. 255877, March 29, 2023).
BEIRUT—Hezbollah’s new leader on Wednesday said the beleaguered Lebanese movement could agree to a ceasefire under certain terms, as Israeli forces expand their bombardment of the group’s bastions.
Naim Qassem’s statement came as Israel’s security cabinet met to discuss a possible truce, but also as Israel attacked the eastern Lebanese city of Baalbek and said it had killed another senior Hezbollah commander.
Lebanon’s premier Najib Mikati said he was “cautiously optimistic” about a ceasefire in “the coming hours or days”.
Speaking to broadcaster Al-Jadeed, Mikati said US envoy Amos Hochstein had suggested “that perhaps we could reach a ceasefire in the coming days, before the fifth” of November, when the US election takes place.
Qassem became leader of the Iranbacked armed movement on Tuesday, following the assassination of his predecessor Hassan Nasrallah by Israel in a massive air strike last month.
In his first speech since taking over, he said Hezbollah could continue to resist Israeli air and ground attacks in Lebanon for months.
But he also opened the door to a negotiated truce, if presented with an Israeli offer.
“If the Israelis decide that they want to stop the aggression, we say we accept, but under the conditions that we see as appropriate and suitable,” he said.
Qassem however added that Hezbollah had not yet received a credible proposition. AFP
US says rst bird u case detected in pig
A PIG at a backyard farm in the US state of Oregon tested positive for H5N1 avian flu, the first such case in the United States, officials said Wednesday.
The US Department of Agriculture said that the pig was found to be infected on Tuesday, four days after poultry on the same farm tested positive for the highly contagious virus.
“This farm is a non-commercial operation, and the animals were not intended for the commercial food supply,” the agency said in a statement. “There is no concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply as a result of this finding.”
Authorities euthanized the pig as well as four others kept on the farm “to facilitate additional diagnostic analysis,” USDA officials said.
Two of the pigs tested negative for bird flu, while results are pending for the other two. The infected pig showed no signs of illness, according to the agency. AFP
Nature protection summit hounded by funding woes
CALI, COLOMBIA—With United Nations talks in Colombia on ways to halt and reverse nature loss close to ending, delegates were at odds this week on how best to finance the endeavor.
The talks that started in Cali on October 21 are meant to assess, and ramp up, progress on national plans and funding to achieve 23 UN targets agreed in 2022 to stop species destruction.
With some 23,000 registered delegates, the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is the biggest meeting of its kind ever.
It is a followup to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed in Canada two years ago, where it was agreed that $200 billion per year be made available for biodiversity by 2030. This must include $20 billion per year going from rich to poor nations to reach the targets, which include placing 30 percent of land and sea areas under protection by 2030. AFP
Hundreds protest arrest of Turkey mayor
ISTANBUL mayor Ekrem Imamoglu joined several hundred demonstrators late on Wednesday to protest the arrest of an elected official accused of membership of the banned PKK Kurdish group. The demonstrators gathered in front of the justice palace in the megapolis to denounce the arrest of Ahmet Ozer, the mayor of Esenyurt, a city in the Istanbul region. According to the state agency Anadolu, Ozer was detained earlier on Wednesday and charged with belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK, which has waged an onoff insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that has killed thousands, is considered as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies.
Ozer’s arrest was announced by his party, the opposition CHP, on social media, but has not been officially confirmed. AFP
NORTH Korea on Thursday launched one of its most powerful missiles, South Korea’s military said, Kim Jong Un’s first weapons test since being accused of sending soldiers to Russia.
Seoul had warned a day earlier that the nucleararmed North was preparing to test-fire another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) or even conduct a nuclear test ahead of next week’s US elections.
The launch came just hours after US and South Korean defence chiefs called on Pyongyang to withdraw its troops from Russia, warning that North Korean soldiers in Russian uniforms were being deployed for possible action against Ukraine.
Seoul’s military said early Thursday it had “detected one long-range ballistic missile” fired from near Pyong-
yang, adding it travelled around 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) after being fired on a lofted trajectory.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had tracked preparations for the launch in real-time with allies Tokyo and Washington, and that it would respond with “joint exercises involving US strategic assets,” which always infuriate the North.
Tokyo also confirmed the launch, with Japan’s defence minister saying it was an “ICBM-class” missile that flew for longer than any other previously tested by the North.
The missile was airborne for about 86 minutes and achieved an altitude of 7,000 kilometres, according to Tokyo.
“This ballistic missile had the longest flying time, and we estimate that its flying altitude was the highest we have seen,” Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani told reporters.
North Korea typically test-fires its longest-range and most powerful missiles on a so-called lofted trajectory—fired up, not out—which it says is to
avoid overflying neighbouring countries.
North Korea’s missile launch “seems to have been carried out to divert attention from international criticism of its troop deployment,” Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP.
Seoul has long accused the nuclear-armed North of sending weapons to help Moscow fight Kyiv and alleged that Pyongyang has moved to deploy soldiers en mass in the wake of Kim Jong Un’s signing of a mutual defence deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.
South Korea has said the troop deployment poses a “significant security threat”, and its spy agency has flagged domestic issues for the North stemming from the move, with the families of soldiers reportedly grief-stricken at the news.
With the ICBM launch, “North Korea may also be trying to redirect the anxiety of military families, including those of deployed personnel,” Yang added. AFP
ISRAEL’S UN ambassador on Wednesday called for the resignation of UN independent expert Francesca Albanase, who has denounced the “eradication of Palestinians” from their land through “genocide.”
Danny Danon posted on X, formerly Twitter, to call for the UN special rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories to step down immediately.
He made the call after Albanese told a committee at the UN General Assembly that developments in recent months “cement my assessment that Israel is conducting a genocidal campaign against the Palestinians.”
“Once again, the UN has rolled out the red carpet for one of the most anti-Semitic figures in modern history, granting her a stage to spew baseless propaganda and lies,” Danon wrote.
Addressing Albanese directly, he added: “Your presence at the UN is a disgrace, a betrayal of all moral standards. Resign immediately. Leave your credentials at the door and join your friends at Hamas and Hezbollah, where you belong.”
Albanese has long faced harsh criticism, allegations of antiSemitism and demands for her removal, from Israel and some of its allies, over her longstanding accusations of genocide.
She has previously said the offensive Israel unleashed after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks was “part of a long-term international, systematic state-organised forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians.” UN special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council. They do not speak on behalf of the United Nations itself.
Albanese also defended herself at a press conference Wednesday. AFP
QC awards P6m in grants to tech startups
THE Quezon City government has awarded P6 million in equity-free grants to six local tech startups under the StartUp QC program to support and empower homegrown innovators while creating impactful solutions for various sectors.
“We are proud to see how these startups evolve and create meaningful sectoral transformation,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
“Quezon City remains proactive and open to cultivating a more vibrant environment for local talents, business, and economic development,” she added.
As Quezon City celebrated its 85th founding anniversary, the StartUp QC program demonstrated the local government’s commitment to play an active and impactful role in shaping the future of Filipino entrepreneurship and innovation.
The third cohort of Startup QC, the first and largest local government unitrun startup program in the Philippines, culminated in a demo day featuring tech-driven solutions aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges across a variety of sectors. Rio N. Araja
Army reports 11 dead
THE Philippine Army reported that 11 people were killed and 7 others were wounded after troops clashed with members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sitio BPI, Kilangan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur Wednesday afternoon. Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division spokesperson LtCol. Roden Orbon said the clash transpired between the group of 105th Base Command, MILF, BIAF led by Alonto Sultan against the combined group of 128 Base Command and 129 Base Command, MILF, BIAF led by Ikot Akmad. Akmad group lost two while Sultan group lost nine in the clash, according to Orbon. “Around 30 families evacuated in the incident area and proceeded to their respective relatives in nearby barangays for temporary shelter,” Orbon said. Orbon also said that the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade crafted a complaint letter addressed to GPH-CCCH to protest the violation of the peace process by the members of 128 Base Command,129 Base Command and 105 Base Command. Rex Espiritu
MMDA set to host zero waste summit
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to host the “Road to Zero Waste Summit” on November 5 and 6, at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Pasig City. With the theme “Closing the Loop Towards a Circular Economy,” the event will focus on sustainable waste management and the promotion of a circular economy.
Participants are expected to learn about proper solid waste management, bring home eco-products for free, and participate in exciting giveaways from private partners and the MMDA. The summit will feature interactive activities and network-sharing opportunities to raise public awareness on waste technologies and communitybased interventions. The event also aims to connect communities and recyclers, culminating in a shared advocacy for a zero-waste and sustainable future together. Joel E. Zurbano
By Ratziel San Juan
THE Philippines ranked ninth in the Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) 2024 Impunity Index released on Wednesday.
Now marking its 17th year in the index, the country logged 18 unsolved murders of journalists against a 117.3-million population.
It also has the highest number of unsolved murders among the list’s top 10 apart from Mexico, ranked eighth, with 21 unsolved murders against a 128.5-million population.
Department of Transportation
Secretary Jaime Bautista inspects Manila North Port in Manila to con rm its readiness for the anticipated increase in passengers traveling to their provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Norman Cruz
“The Philippines, also on the index every year since 2008 and frequently in the No. 1 or No. 2 spot, has logged an unsolved murder of a journalist almost every year since 1992,” the CPJ reported.
“Full justice remains elusive for the 32 reporters and media workers killed in the Maguindanao massacre 15 years ago—one of the deadliest attacks on the press—as well as journalists like Gerry Ortega, a radio broadcaster killed in 2011,” it added.
The index was topped by Haiti (7 unsolved murders against an 11.7-million population with two years on the index), followed by Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory (8 unsolved murders against a 14.9-million population with one year on the index).
According to the CPJ’s methodology, murder accounts for the targeted killing of a journalist, whether premeditated or spontaneous, in direct reprisal for their work.
The independent nonprofit monitors the law enforcement and judicial process for each confirmed murder case before categorizing the status of the investigation as complete impunity (no convictions have been obtained), partial justice (some but not all of those responsible have been convicted), and full justice (everyone responsible is convicted, including perpetrators and those who commissioned them).
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday meanwhile said it has stepped into the probe of the fatal attack on a female media personality in Zamboanga City.
“The CHR was notified of the attack on (Ma. Vilma) Rodriguez through its Alisto! Alert Mechanism, an initiative launched by the Commission to provide a direct line of communication for media workers to report attacks against media and any incidents that threaten their safety,” it said. Rio N. Araja BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
By Pot Chavez
THE Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ruled that remitting contributions to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) does not fall within the official duties of a mayor.
LONG one of the world’s top sources of ocean plastic, the Philippines is hoping new legislation requiring big companies to pay for waste solutions will help clean up its act.
Last year, its “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) statute came into force -- the first in Southeast Asia to impose penalties on companies over plastic waste.
The experiment has shown both the promise and the pitfalls of the tool, which could be among the measures in a treaty to tackle plastic pollution that countries hope to agree on this year.
Talaue served as mayor of the Municipality of Sto. Tomas (Municipality), Isabela, from 1988 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2010.
In the case of People v. Antonio M. Talaue penned by SC Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, the Court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish that Talaue was responsible for remitting employees’ GSIS premium contributions or that he intended to violate the GSIS Act of 1997.
The High Tribunal held that under the Local Government Code (LGC), municipal mayors are considered “chief executives” and not the “heads of offices” mandated by section 52(g) of the GSIS Act of 1997 to remit GSIS contributions. However, it explained that “the LGC does not include remitting GSIS contributions among a mayor’s listed duties.”
By Rachelle Tonelada
MEMBER states vowed to strengthen policies on the inclusion of women on peace and security agenda as they adopted the “Pasay Declaration on Women, Peace and Security” in the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in Manila.
The declaration underscored the participation of women in decisionmaking processes when it comes to “prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and in post-conflict reconstruction.”
“We commit to enhance women’s full, equal and meaningful participation at all levels by prioritizing policies that actively remove barriers and create spaces for women’s leadership,” the declaration read.
The declarations aimed to enforce sustainable practices in facilitating an inclusive and collaborative approach when it comes to its agenda. It also called on all Member States to address intersecting issues such as funding, climate resilience, and adoption of gender-responsive policies.
“This declaration represents a powerful and unified commitment to advancing the Women Peace and Security agenda in our time, reaffirming the principles of the UNSC resolution 1325,” Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a press conference on Wednesday, October 29.
“It underscores that gender equality and women’s empowerment are not only fundamental rights or human rights but are essential to achieving sustainable peace and development,” Manalo added.
No internal directive or issuance was cited to demonstrate the mayor’s involvement in the remittance of GSIS contributions, the SC added.
In 2003, GSIS informed Talaue that the municipality failed to remit the social insurance contributions of its employees resulting in a case for collection and damages.
The Philippines, with a population of 120 million, generates some 1.7 million metric tons of post-consumer plastic waste a year, according to the World Bank.
Of that, a third goes to landfills and dumpsites, with 35 percent discarded on open land.
The EPR law is intended to achieve “plastic neutrality” by forcing large businesses to reduce plastic pollution through product design and removing waste from the environment.
They are obliged to cover an initial 20% of their plastic packaging footprint, calculated based on the weight of plastic packaging they put into the market.
The obligation will rise to a ceiling of 80% by 2028. The law covers a broad range of plastics, including flexible types that are commercially unviable for recycling and thus often go uncollected.
It does not however ban any plastics, including the popular but difficult to recover and recycle single-use sachets common in the Philippines.
So far, around half the eligible companies under the law have launched EPR programs.
Over a thousand more must do so by end-December or face fines of up to 20 million pesos ($343,000) and even revocation of their
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
By Randy Caluag
PUERTO PRINCESA—The Philippine youth dragon boat team made an impressive debut at the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships on Thursday, bringing home two silver and four bronze medals from the scenic course, along Puerto Princesa Baywalk.
Competing in their first international event and in nearly perfect conditions, the young Philippine paddlers earned a silver medal in the 2,000-meter small boat race, finishing in 10 minutes and 15.51 seconds in Day 1 of the competition hosted by the city of Puerto Princesa City, led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron, and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Tingog party-list, and Lacoste watches.
“This is a strong performance, especially since the team only began train-
ing together in August,” said national coach Duch Co.
The team includes talented athletes Fiona Reign Minsing, Carla Joy Cabugon, Maria Kristina Mane, Chanal Maglasang, Ronen Estoque, Ivan Ercilla, Dirk Quinones, Jordan Jurado, Doree Rill Blanco, Angelo Osin, John Rex Senora, Jessa Mery Divine Dinampo, and John Brix Caasi.
The team’s successes continued early in the morning with another silver in the Women’s Masters
2,000-meter small boat event, completing the race in 14:04.67.
In addition to the two silvers, the Philippines captured bronze medals in four events, namely Junior Men’s, Women’s Open, 40+ Open, and 50+ Open 2,000-meter small boat races. These races were part of the International Canoe Federation’s centennial celebration, adding to the excitement of the competition.
The Philippine team also ranked 10th in the Mixed 2,000-meter race with a time of 9:46.34, which is one of the three events that will determine the top nine countries qualifying for the World Games in Chengdu, China, next year.
Coach Co shared that competing in the final group presented challenges as the team had to navigate through the waves created by boats ahead.
“It’s not an excuse, but starting near
THE Cagayan de Oro boxing team concluded a triumphant campaign at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Boxing Championship in Bahrain, returning home with an impressive haul of eight medals -- a gold, four silvers and 3 bronzes.
Seventeen-year-old Christian Jake Pores led the medal charge, capturing CDO’s only gold medal with a unanimous decision over his Saudi Arabian opponent in the Youth Men’s 48 kg category. His victory highlighted the highclass skills of the boxing hotbed from Southern Philippines.
Four other boxers fought their way to the finals, earning silver after closely contested matches.
Shairylle Pores was edged out by an Azerbaijani opponent in the Junior Women’s 46 kg category. Meanwhile, Ever Joy Nuez, John Michael Estorba,
Adding
la même chose.’
Reading between the lines, Loyzaga’s statements mean and pack a lot, which is not surprising.
The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat
LOCAL basketball icon and current baseball chief Chito Loyzaga will face incumbent Bambol Tolentino for the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee on November 29, 2024. Loyzaga announced his candidacy last Wednesday vowing a platform of unity, good governance, transparency, integrity, peace and inclusivity as the country’s sports community continues to evolve and grow. “Our goal is to build an organization that empowers our athletes, supports our coaches, and collaborates openly with stakeholders to achieve excellence,” Loyzaga said in a statement. A fellow Bedan, Loyzaga likewise envisions a “collaborative environment where all National Sports Associations (NSAs) are involved in decision-making and where accountability and transparency set the foundation for every action.”
There are so many things that remain a challenge for sports in the country to flourish. Like basic accounting for one or why some deserving athletes are not included in the national teams for some mundane and unfathomable reasons. Joining Loyzaga in his epic quest to unseat Tolentino and company are: Al Panlilio of basketball for 1st VP; Bob Bachmann of Squash for 2nd VP; Dr. George Canlas of Surfing for Treasurer and Rod Roque of Weightlifting for Auditor. Rounding up the ticket as Board Members are Rep. Peter Miguel of Archery, Dr. Charlie Ho of Netball, Derek Ramsay of Gymnastics, Steven Virata of Equestrian and good friend and former radio program co-host Rommel Miranda of Kurash. These individuals collectively share Loyzaga’s goals to include ushering a meaningful change to the POC and creating a community where every voice is valued and heard. Moreover, they bring a lot of hope knowing that they can be considered as new faces bringing in new blood that
could really invigorate Philippine sports.
“I am committed to fostering an atmosphere where inclusivity and unity guide our path forward. I believe that a united and transparent POC will best serve our athletes, coaches, sports officials, and the entire Philippine sports community,” Loyzaga added.
Loyzaga and his team are in for a tough fight. Under Tolentino’s leadership, the country won its first Olympic gold medal courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz in the Tokyo Summer Games and a brace in the Paris Olympics through Caloy Yulo’s triumphs in the floor exercise and vault events in the men’s gymnastic competitions. But then again, the gold medals won’t be a permanent excuse for what Philippine sports lacks and needs because after the euphoria and drama die, the same problems –like prioritizing a helipad over a playing venue for athletes to hone their skills– that plague sports in the country rear their ugly heads in perpetual motion.
The Designated Kit Man is hoping that whoever is lucky enough to become the 13th president of the POC will truly help our national athletes and the coaches in their pursuit of bringing honor and fame to the country. Bring back delicadeza, honor and accountability, too, and please less of the politics that has been one of the
PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino strengthened the country’s ties with the global sports community in the XXVII Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Cascais, Portugal, last Wednesday. Tolentino also met with International Cycling Union president David Lappartient and discussed further about the Philippine connections with the world governing body for cycling.
“It was again a fruitful meeting with Mr. Lappartient as our discussion revolved mainly about our sport, cycling,” said Tolentino, who had an extensive meeting with Lappartient in a testimonial dinner during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Tolentino and Lappartient are both leaders of their national Olympic committees (NOCs) and cycling national federations.
The ANOC Awards 2024 highlighted the gathering at a packed Estoril Congress Center with the organization honoring top athletes, best-performing NOCs and sports
the end can make the race harder,” he explained, as teams are released at 10-second intervals.
“It’s tough when you’re at the back, so the steersman has to be very skilled,” added OJ Fuentes, the team’s experienced captain.
Coach Co highlighted that the Philippine team’s placement is a significant achievement, especially as regional rivals Indonesia and Thailand finished second and fifth, respectively.
Since the Philippines already qualified at the ICF Dragon Boat World Cup in Yichang, China, they are now ranked No. 8 for the World Games.
As the host nation, China is guaranteed one of the 10 spots for dragon boat racing when it debuts at the World Games in Chengdu.
ALAS Pilipinas is set to put on a show anew for the local fans in the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships that starts serving Wednesday in the City of Santa Rosa.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) is again bringing top-notch action to the Nuvali Sand Courts, with Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and FIVBrated teams battling for top honors.
“Again, the Philippines and Nuvali become the epicenter of beach volleyball with some of the continent’s, if not the world’s best showcasing their elite skills before Filipino fans,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, president of both the AVC and PNVF. Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago, who clinched the bronze medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia last year, team up anew in a bid to topple the fancied rivals
reasons why there is a lot to wish for as far as Philippine sports is concerned.
We hope to hear more from Loyzaga and his team on how they intend to turn their words into concrete and tangible reality.
The Designated Kit Man fervently hopes, too, that in this case, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr’s words “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose”, which means the more things change, the more they stay the same, will not be applicable.
After securing a runner-up finish in the recently concluded Asia 7s Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippine Azkals 7s have secured a slot in the World 7s Championship in Brazil next year. Coach Hamed Hajimedhi said that is the ultimate goal of his team, which lost to defending champion Japan in the finals, to go to Brazil. He is also hoping that new players and a longer preparation can be mounted in order to send a stronger team. The ageless Hajimedhi, who also plays as team captain of Mendiola FC 1991 in the domestic league, revealed that they only have two days of practice wherein the whole Azkals 7s were present before competing in the seven-aside variation of football. He also believed that the team, with Misagh Bahadoran, Stephan Schrock, Daisuke Sato, Mark Hartmann and more, could have beaten Japan had they had enough practice before flying to Malaysia.
On a personal note, I couldn’t express my disappointment that all my Mabuhay Miles that I’ve earned in the last several years and before the pandemic –more than 24,000 at
from Asia and Oceania in the competition backed by Nuvali, Ayala Land, Rebisco, Smart, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, City of Santa Rosa, Mikasa, Senoh, Asics, Akari, Sip, Cignal, One Sports, One Sports Plus, Pilipinas Live, AVC and the PNVF. Iran’s Abbas Pourasgari and Alireza Aghajanighasab seek another top podium finish after their romp in the AVC Beach Tour Nuvali Open in April, while three tandems from Australia and two from New Zealand are in the 24-team field. After earning silver with Buytrago in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in April and teaming up with Abdilla in the Futures tournament in China in September where they had a 1-2 record, Rancel Varga is again playing with a new partner this time.
least– were forfeited on February 1, 2023 because of my failure to have a “valid engagement activity within the prescribed period (in my case, from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2022). These two years are among the hardest years not only for me, but for the majority of the people worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So pardon me for prioritizing other concerns, like how to survive the challenges of the pandemic and keep my sanity intact, over fulfilling at least one of the seven requisites that the airline company has mandated in order to keep hard earned miles active. It runs contrary to the Rewards program that the airline company proudly boasts, puwede palang bawiin ang rewards na naibigay na sa ‘yo! I’ve done a lot of traveling just to earn every mile on the Mabuhay Miles. But more than that, I had to endure more than a hundred hours of delayed flights due to various reasons and the occasional condescending attitude toward overseas Filipino workers by some crew – palaging always late ang eroplano whether departure or arrival. Yet I stuck with the airline company throughout those years. Ito na nga lang pa-consuelo de bobo, binawi pa. You can do better than that PAL. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
Aboitiz takes full control of Cebu airport
Water disruption affects NAIA Terminal 3
Hot money inflows hit $1b in September
Climate change to reduce GDP in Asia Pacific
A NEW Asian Development Bank (ADB) report estimates that the impact of climate change could reduce gross domestic product (GDP) in developing Asia and the Pacific by 17 percent by 2070 under a high-end greenhouse gas emissions scenario.
These losses could rise to 41 percent of GDP by 2100, it said.
Rising sea levels and falling labor productivity would cause the greatest losses, with lower income and fragile economies hit hardest.
The new research, presented in the inaugural issue of ADB’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report, details a series of damaging impacts threatening the region. If the climate crisis continues to accelerate, up to 300 million people in the region could be threatened by coastal inundation, and trillions of dollars of coastal assets could be damaged annually by 2070, the ADB said.
“Climate change has supercharged the devastation from tropical storms, heat waves and floods in the region, contributing to unprecedented economic challenges and human suffering,” said ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa.
“Urgent, well-coordinated climate action that addresses these impacts is needed before it is too late. This climate report provides insight into how to finance urgent adaptation needs and offers promising policy recommendations to governments in our developing member countries on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at lowest cost,” said Asakawa.
By Darwin G. Amojelar and Jenniffer B. Austria
IThe BSP said in a statement inflation in October settled within a range of 2 percent to 2.8 percent. The
Philippine Statistics Authority will release the official figure next week.
“Higher prices of food commodities such as vegetables, fruits and fish as well as the increase in prices of domestic petroleum products and the peso depreciation are the primary sources of upward price pressures for the month,” the BSP said.
NFLATION likely picked up in October 2024 from a 52-month low of 1.9 percent in September, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday. 2% to 2.8% 1.9% 3.4%
The peso recently slid on higher crude prices because of the renewed tension in the Middle East.
“These are expected to be offset in part by lower prices of rice and meat along with reduced electricity rates,”
the BSP said.
The BSP’s projection is within the government’s inflation target range of 2 percent to 4 percent for 2024.
Inflation rate eased to 1.9 percent in September from 3.3 percent in August and 6.1 percent a year earlier.
“Going forward, the Monetary Board will continue to take a measured approach in ensuring price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable growth of the economy and employment,” the BSP said.
The BSP earlier said it expects a gradual relaxation of monetary policy as the inflation rate remains within the target range.
“With inflation now on a target-
consistent path, we have room for a calibrated shift to a less restrictive monetary policy stance,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona said.
The BSP’s Monetary Board on Oct. 16 slashed its overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 6.0 percent, following a similar rate cut in August.
Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) expects headline inflation to hit 2.5 percent year-on-year in October on higher prices for food as a result of unfavorable weather.
BPI senior vice president and lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said in a commentary the October inflation likely picked up after dropping to 1.9 percent in September, the lowest level in 52 months.
“Unfavorable weather conditions in October may have affected the price of some food items, especially vegetables and fruits. Oil price hikes along with peso depreciation may have also fueled the increase in food costs,” Neri said.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
for
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Inflation forecast for October
Inflation in September 2024
Average inflation in 9 months
said.
tial consumers in the captive market with a monthly electricity consumption not exceeding 200 kWh, for nonpayment of electricity bills. It said that DUs may offer alternative payment terms that are mutually agreeable to both the DU and the consumers whose consumption exceed 200 kWh.
The ERC also directed DUs in areas placed under state of calamity to also suspend electricity line disconnections of residential and non-residen-
The ERC said the DUs should provide flexible payment options for consumers’ bills covering October to December to help ease their financial burden as they work toward recovery from the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. It said this is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to study the implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections in response to the widespread devastation wrought by STS Kristine.
“Consumers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs to inquire about the available alternative payment options or to request special terms to settle outstanding bills,” it
The ERC said power generators, state-run agencies such as Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), National Power Corp. (NPC) and the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo), grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), independent power producers (IPPs), independent power producer administrators (IPPAs) and the market operator (MO) should extend the same payment scheme to the affected DUs.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific expanded its fleet with the delivery of three new aircraft in October 2024 to support the increasing demand for air travel and network expansion efforts.
The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said the new aircraft deliveries included two A321neos which arrived on Oct. 23 and 30 and an A320ceo, which arrived on Oct. 28. This raised the total number of aircraft delivered to CEB this year to 15.
“We’re excited to expand our fleet with these additional aircraft ahead of the peak travel season in December,” said CEB president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.
Cebu Pacific got three new Airbus planes in October World’s largest solar farm in Luzon reaches 74% project development
SOLAR Philippines New Energy Corp. (SPNEC), now led by Meralo PowerGen Corp., reported 74-percent project development at the world’s largest integrated renewables and energy storage project in Central Luzon.
“We continue to make significant strides in our low-carbon energy transition journey, highlighted by the progress made in our flagship project, Terra Solar [Terra Solar Philippines Inc.],” MGen president Emmanuel Rubio said.
“We have yet to break ground, although we have already issued early works contract to Energy China.
While we’re negotiating the EPCs [engineering, procurement and construction], we said that we will be
awarding two EPC contracts. For the phase one, we have divided the first phase into east and west. One is Energy China,” Rubio said. Rubio said key progress areas include land control where PV land was 62-percent complete and transmission line right of way which was 62-percent complete. He said permits were 61-percent complete, solar farm project development, 96-percent complete and procurement of major equipment, 95-percent complete. Terra
“These deliveries are a key part of our continuous efforts to expand routes and enhance our service, allowing us to better serve the increasing number of travelers,” he said. Airbus neos are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15-percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.
Cebu Pacific announced on Oct. 2 it signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines.
The acquisition is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at about $24 billion (P1.4 trillion) based on list prices.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks tumbled more than 100 points Thursday as the US equities declined on uncertainty ahead of the Nov. 5 US presidential elections.
The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index closed at 7,142.96, down by 137.28 points, or 1.89 percent, from previous trading, while the broader all-shares index declined by 39.37 points, or 0.99 percent, to settle at at 3,957.21.
Financial markets will be closed Friday for the commemoration of All Saints Day.
“Philippine shares fell after trading in the green yesterday as caution lingered among investors ahead of next week’s US presidential elections,” Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. Limlingan said investors were also waiting for more corporate earnings results.
Indices ended mixed. Mining and oil jumped 0.44 percent, as gold prices reached a record high on Wednesday due to increased safe-haven demand amid uncertainty surrounding the US presidential election.
Financials, on the other hand, declined by 2.71 percent, while services also went down by 2.43 percent. Value turnover reached P4.966 billion, with 97 advancers against 88 decliners and 56 unchanged issues.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, on Thursday assumed full ownership of Aboitiz GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (AGMCAC), the developer and operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
AIC completed the exchange of the previously issued P15.5 billion notes from AGMCAC’s Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Airports International B.V. for the remaining 66 and 2/3 percent plus one share of AGMCAC’s outstanding capital stock.
to new heights, delivering exceptional passenger experience, and cementing its status as a world-class gateway,” said AIC president and chief executive Cosette Canilao.
GT Capital Holdings Inc. was among the top index gainers, increasing by 2.71 percent to P720, while International Container Terminal Services Inc. was at the bottom, declining by 4.58 percent to P396. ST TELEMEDIA Global
CIC booked 57% earnings growth to P218m in Q3
CONCEPCION Industrial Corp.
(CIC), the country’s leading provider of consumer lifestyle and enterprise solutions, reported a 57-percent rise in third-quarter earnings to P218.2 million, demonstrating the strength of its operations and improved margins despite modest revenue growth.
“Our results reflect CIC’s resilience and effective execution in a challenging market. Earnings growth significantly outpaced sales, underscoring our operational adaptability,” CIC chief finance and operating officer Rajan Komarasu said. CIC, along with its associate Concepcion Midea Inc. (CMI), achieved a 12-percent growth, with net sales of P5 billion. CIC delivered consolidated net sales of P3.8 billion, which reflected a 5-percent increase compared to last year.
The consumer segment performed well, particularly in refrigeration and appliance categories, driving a 12-percent increase in consumer net sales.
The commercial segment saw a decline of 8 percent, primarily due to fewer large projects, though partially offset by strong air conditioning equipment sales through the contractor network.
CIC including CMI’s net sales grew 31 percent to P17.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. On a reported basis, CIC posted P13.6 billion in net sales, reflecting a 25-percent growth. Consolidated earnings reached P944.9 million, representing a 93-percent growth owing to higher sales and improved margins.
WATER DONATION. Manila Water Foundation, through its Agapay: WASH for Emergencies Program, coordinates with private organizations and government agencies, to bring much-needed drinking water to affected communities in Batangas and in Bicol Region. Agapay: WASH (water access, sanitation, and hygiene) in Emergencies is a disaster response and relief program that distributes drinking water and deploys water tankers or mobile treatment plants to typhoon- and disasteraffected areas.
AIC acquired a 33 and 1/3 percent
minus one share stake in AGMCAC for P9.5 billion in a landmark deal in December 2022.
“Completing the acquisition of AGMCAC is a significant step forward in our vision to enhance the Philippines’ airport infrastructure. With full ownership of AGMCAC, we are committed to taking the airport
AIC vice president and head of airports business Rafael Aboitiz said MCIA is more than just an airport.
“It’s a vital gateway to Cebu and the Philippines. Given the airport’s expansive growth, with international and domestic traffic growing by 35 percent and 8 percent, respectively, year on year, we will continue to elevate the airport and, thus, Filipino aviation by setting new standards for what it means to be a Filipino brand of airport management and operations,” he said.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
PXP Energy Corp. posted a lower core net loss of P17.8 million in the first nine months of 2024, compared with P23.9 million a year ago.
PXP said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday this was due to slightly higher average crude oil price and volume lifted from Service Contract 14C-1 Galoc operations in northwest Palawan and a reduction
in overhead and lower net interest expense.
PXP said consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent company also went down to P16.7 million from P22.9 million in 2023.
Consolidated petroleum revenues rose 2.8 percent to P64.8 million from P63 million, following marginal improvements in average crude price to $81.2 per barrel from $80.5 per bbl
last year in addition to higher output sold at 478,999 bbls in SC 14C-1 Galoc.
PXP said it trimmed down consolidated costs and expenses during the period to P78.2 million from P82.1 million due to significant reduction in recurring overhead to P37 million from P41 million last year and lower net interest expense. Meanwhile, PXP expressed hope its applications with the Department of
tres (STT GDC) Philippines said Thursday the initial phase of its STT Fairview 1 data center is set to commence operations by the second quarter of 2025.
Once fully operational, the STT Fairview campus will be the largest data center in the Philippines, with a total IT capacity of 124 megawatts (MW). Designed to accelerate the nation’s digital transformation and meet the rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, the STT Fairview campus is carrier-neutral and will feature seamless connectivity options while incorporating advanced energy-efficient technologies for sustainable operations.
“We remain committed to delivering on our project timelines. Last year, we projected that STT Fairview would be ready in the first part of 2025, and we are on schedule to deliver the initial capacity by the second quarter of 2025,” said Carlo Malana, president and chief executive of STT GDC Philippines.
STT GDC Philippines said it continues to see strong demand for its services, maintaining impressive capacity utilization despite recent expansions.
It said the high level of utilization reflects strong market confidence and underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to serving its customers while attracting new ones.
AI is seen to contribute 12 percent or about $92 billion to the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
Insights from Statista, meanwhile, forecast the AI industry in the country to grow in market size at a compound annual growth rate of 28.57 percent, reaching $3.5 billion by 2030, from the current $772 million.
Darwin G. Amojelar
Energy for both predetermined areaBARMM Petroleum-2 (PDA-BP-2) and PDA-BP-3 would be awarded soon. The joint venture comprising PXP, the Philodrill Corp., Sunda Energy Plc (UK) and operator Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd. (Australia) submitted the bid documents for PDA-BP2, formerly SC 56 of ExxonMobil, and PDA-BP-3, formerly SC 41 of Tap Oil on Aug. 27, 2024.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said Thursday a planned water service interruption by Maynilad Water Services Inc. will affect Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The interruption, scheduled for 16 hours from 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 to 6 a.m. on Nov. 2, is due to maintenance and repair activities at Maynilad’s Putatan Treatment Plant.
NNIC assured passengers and
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) chaired the 9th ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) upgrade negotiation meeting for the working group on standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures (WG-STRACAP) from Oct. 15 to 16, 2024.
The meeting, held in Manila and online, focused on advancing regional trade facilitation through regulatory alignment and resolving technical trade barriers.
The discussions centered on the draft of the ATIGA STRACAP Chapter, emphasizing Article 9 on conformity assessment procedures and Article 4 on incorporating the WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreement. Delegates also worked through outstanding issues in Article 14 on transparency and Article 8 on technical regulations, aiming for consensus on enhanced regulatory transparency and harmonized standards.
ASEAN member states (AMS) representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam reviewed previous achievements and set strategic directions for working groups facilitated by the ASEAN Secretariat.
The AMS delegates reached a positive agreement on advancing the STRACAP chapter, reinforcing their commitment to smoother trade relations within ASEAN.
The Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) updated the trade negotiations committee on the progress, highlighting a favorable negotiation outcome for the chapter on standards and conformity assessments, underscoring ASEAN’s commitment to addressing regional trade challenges.
The meeting was the fourth ATIGA WG-STRACAP gathering this year, following previous sessions in March, June, and September, and was part of the 12th ATIGA Upgrade Negotiation Trade Negotiating Committee and Related Meetings, held in Manila from Oct. 11 to 17.
Othel V. Campos
stakeholders that it had prepared contingency measures to ensure continuous water supply throughout the duration of the interruption.
The company said it would utilize existing water reserves from T3’s
water tanks which have a combined capacity of 3.2 million liters. Maynilad will also assist by providing water trucks to replenish these tanks as needed.
Water containers will also be strategically placed in restrooms throughout the terminal. Water trucks will also be on standby to refill restroom water containers if necessary.
NNIC asked passengers and stakeholders to conserve water during this period.
Simple steps like using water sparingly in restrooms and reporting any leaks can help ensure adequate water supply for all, it said.
The service interruption coincides with the peak travel period as thousands of passengers take flights for the All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebration.
New NAIA Infra Corp., led by San Miguel Corp., took over the operations and management of the country’s main gateway in September 2024.
DOLE unveils national job strategy after law’s approval
DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma outlined the government’s comprehensive national employment plan at the 13th annual Arangkada Philippines Forum organized by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC), following the recent enactment of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) law as a blueprint for the nation’s job strategy.
Laguesma said the TPB law would drive job creation, skill development and economic inclusivity over the next decade.
“Throughout the 10-year Trabaho Para sa Bayan plan, we’ll remain focused on equipping our workforce with the skills and competencies necessary to ensure employability and upward mobility in an ever-evolving job landscape,” he said.
“Equal attention will also be given to efficient employment facilitation through updated and reliable labor market information,” he said. International Labor Organization (ILO) director Khalid Hassan underscored the link between productive, decent work and sustained, inclusive economic growth.
“Crises remind us that jobs are more than money. Jobs connect people, bring families and communities together, and offer social and political stability. Employment policy cannot be business as usual. Job creation must be paired with structural transformation, ensuring no one is left behind,” Hassan said.
Othel V. Campos
By Othel V. Campos
THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) said Thursday it will prohibit the use of purse seine, ring net and bagnet to catch round scad or galunggong in the conservation area northeast of Palawan from Nov. 1, 2024 to Jan. 31, 2025.
The DA-BFAR announced the start of the three-month closed fishing season, a science-based conservation measure aimed at protecting fish populations dur -
ing their peak spawning period. By allowing mature fish to reproduce freely and juveniles to grow and mature, the policy promotes fish regeneration, sustainability, and long-term availability of these valuable stocks.
Now in its ninth year, the closed fishing season has yielded consistently positive results, according to scientific data collected in collaboration with the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) of the National Fisheries Research and Develop -
Recto asks British firms to invest more, set shop in PH
FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto is wooing British investors to consider the Philippines as a prime destination for business growth and expansion.
Among the top-tier British companies engaged by the delegation were Actis, BP Plc, Global Infrastructure Partners, InvestCorp, Alexander Mann Solutions and Revolut. The Philippine delegation also met with the British International Investment and the UK ASEAN Business Council.
“We are very confident that our meetings left British investors with no doubt about the predictability, stability, profitability, and sustainability of doing business in the Philippines,” said Recto, who led the Philippine delegation.
“And I trust that our dialogues here will open the floodgates of more opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships—ventures that will not only help them make more money but also enable the Philippines to reduce poverty to single digits and secure a brighter future for every Filipino,” he said. Actis is a global investment firm focused on the private equity, energy, infrastructure and real estate asset classes. In September 2024, it invested $600 million for a 40-percent stake in Meralco’s Solar Philippines New Energy Corp. to build Terra Solar, which is set to become the world’s largest integrated renewable
energy and storage project. I It is thus far the largest foreign direct investment in a greenfield infrastructure project in the Philippines.
BP Plc is a global energy giant operating in over 70 countries. It has a foothold in the Philippines through Castrol, which markets and distributes high-performance automotive lubricants.
Meanwhile, Global Infrastructure Partners is an infrastructure investment fund focused on the energy, transport and water sectors. It has about $170 billion in assets under management, comprising 300 active investments in over 100 countries. Darwin G. Amojelar
ment Institute (NFRDI).
Key findings include an increase in the percentage of mature galunggong catches, from 58 percent in 2015 to 85 percent in 2023, indicating that more of the species are reaching reproductive age.
The average length of galunggong rose from 16.7 cm in 2015 to 18.9 cm in 2023.
The results reflect improved fish growth, species resilience, and a stable population, attributed to the effective implementation of the closed fishing season.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed an increase in galunggong production in Palawan from 7,507 metric tons (MT) in 2016 to 8,146.84 MT in 2022. The increase in productivity highlights the significant effect of conservation initiatives, such as instituting a closed season. Galunggong ranked as Palawan’s second most significant fish species by volume in 2022, underscoring its economic importance.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian
urged the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure all electric cooperatives (ECs) comply with the requirements of the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF) law to mitigate the adverse impact on power supply during natural calamities such as typhoons.
“The goal of ECERF is not just to provide funds that ECs can tap for the restoration and rehabilitation of ECs’ damaged infrastructures following a fortuitous event such as typhoon but to ensure that the distribution utilities are resilient to withstand calamities,” Gatchalian, vice-
chairperson of the Senate committee on energy, said. The ECERF was put in place as a ready fund that can be tapped by ECs for faster restoration of electricity and power facilities damaged by natural calamities. The fund is administered and managed by NEA.
Gatchalian, the principal author of the ECERF law, said ECs are required to submit on an annual basis vulnerability and risk assessment (VRA), emergency response plan (ERP), mitigation plan (MP) and resiliency compliance plan to NEA.
He said ECs are required to submit the accomplished or implementation status of the respective mitigation projects they identified in their respective VRAs and MPs.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. reports that the Department of Justice found probable cause to file two cases against certain corporations and their officers for alleged issuance of ghost receipts.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Philippines registered $1.02 billion in net inflows of foreign portfolio investments or hot money in September 2024, up by 92.1 percent from $533.95 million in August, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday.
This brought the total hot money inflows to $3.02 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a marked improvement from the $387.24-million net outflows noted in the same period last year. The BSP said transactions on foreign
investments registered through authorized agent banks (AABs) showed gross inflows of $2.53 billion and gross outflows of $1.50 billion in September. Hot money refers to foreign funds temporarily parked in the equities and
money market to take advantage of short-term interest.
The BSP said the $2.531 billion registered investments in September were higher by 84.7 percent compared to $1.37 billion gross inflows recorded in August 2024.
About 57.5 percent of registered investments were in in peso government securities ($1.45 billion) with the remaining 42.5 percent in PSElisted securities ($1.07 billion).
Investments mostly came from the United Kingdom; Singapore; the United States; Luxembourg; and Malaysia with combined share to total at
88.4 percent. The $1.50 billion gross outflows in September were higher by 80 percent compared to $836.78 million recorded in August 2024. The US remained the top destination of outflows, receiving $769.93 million or 51.1 percent of total outward remittances.
The BSP said that year-on-year, the registered investments in September 2024 amounted to $2.53 billion, up by 185.2 percent from $887.61 million in September 2023, while the gross outflows of $1.50 billion were lower by 5 percent compared to $1.58 billion.
be issued against the responsible corporate officers. They will be arrested. The BIR is grateful to this favorable ruling of the DOJ, our ally in this war against ghost receipts,” Lumagui said. He said 26 criminal informations were filed before the courts against these corporations and corporate officers under the Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT) program of the BIR. Lumagui created the RAFT program to end the selling and use of ghost receipts in the country.
Tesla
SUN
as a fund option to any Sun Life Grepa peso-denominated investment-linked insurance plans. It offers two variants—SLG Peso Global Tech Growth Fund, which aims to provide long-term capital appreciation through accumulation of earnings over time and SLG Peso Global Tech Payout Fund, which aims to generate potential streams of income to be given to the client on a quarterly basis.
These new fund options highlight Sun Life Grepa’s commitment to providing solutions that reflect market trends while focusing on the needs of its clients, the company said.
“The technology sector has been one of the biggest drivers of growth and innovation globally. Through the SLG Peso Global Tech Funds, we are giving our clients access to this dynamic sector and the chance to benefit from its long-term potential,” said Sun Life Grepa president Richard Lim.
“By offering these new funds as part of our life insurance products, clients enjoy the dual benefits of investment growth potential and the safety net of guaranteed life insurance coverage, ensuring financial security and peace of mind for their loved ones,” said Lim.
MEMBERS readmitted due to the same illness in a span of 90 days can now avail of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits after the state health insurer lifted its single period of confinement policy beginning Oct. 1, 2024.
This applies to medical conditions and surgical procedures under the All Case Rate payment scheme, it said.
The single period of confinement rule is a policy developed during the Philippine Medicare era which provided that admissions and readmissions due to the same illness or procedure within a 90-calendar day period should only be compensated once. This resulted in members paying for
the entire hospitalization and caused denial of claims on the side of health facilities.
“After extensive evaluation, we have lifted the rule of single period of confinement to ensure continuous coverage for patients with recurring conditions,” said PhilHealth chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. in a recent media forum.
“This move also shows our strong commitment to fulfill our mandate ― to provide health insurance coverage and ensure affordable, acceptable, available, and accessible health care services for all Filipinos,” he said.
The lifting of the policy was wellreceived by healthcare providers and
SCIENCE WEEK. Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina Belmonte (joins) Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (left) and DOST NCR regional director Romelen Tresvalles during the launch of the annual Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTW) on Oct. 29 to 31, 2024 at Amoranto Arena in Quezon City, with a focus on bridging science and technology with green economy solutions for Metro Manila. This year’s theme, ‘Bridging Science, Technology and Green Economy Solutions in the Metro’ underscores the importance of science and technology (S&T) in fostering sustainable urban development and creating a greener future for the capital region.
members. Ma. Celia Buñag, supervising administrative officer of Quezon City General Hospital, said many patients have recurring illnesses such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lucila Salvador, a PhilHealth member whose sister was readmitted due to urinary tract infection was relieved when she learned the news.
PhilHealth reminds members and qualified dependents that they are entitled to a total maximum of 45 days coverage for room and board per year. This does not apply to the hemodialysis benefits package as it has a separate 156 sessions allocated per year.
and catfish production.
THE upcoming 2025 midterm elections sparked the concerns over the country’s cybersecurity, as the Philippines continues to be a hotbed of cyberattacks and proposed measures about relaxing the country’s restrictions on telcos gain support.
A presentation by the Bagong Pilipinas Media Engagement and Workshop in May found that artificial intelligence and foreign adversaries would most likely target the communications technology network of the government during the election period.
The Philippines’ telecommunication space is crucial for a developing country like the Philippines, as
day-to-day operations are starting to involve the use of the internet, according to Richest PH, while the cybersecurity infrastructure is still a concern.
Cyber intelligence company CYFIRMA said the Philippines is a prime target for cyber espionage activities due to a lack of cybersecurity awareness and underdeveloped cybersecurity infrastructure, especially with the rising tension in the region.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has been advocating elevating cybersecurity as a national concern in the absence of law, noting that the Philippines is prone to cyberattacks.
To ensure a smooth and safe travel for motorists during the Undas holidays, expressway operators are implementing measures to manage expected heavy traffic.
“Our toll operations teams have prepared for the expected surge in traffic volume at our expressways starting Thursday, Oct. 31. Emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks are already on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists,” SMC Infrastructure said.
“We appeal to our motorists to make sure their vehicles are in good condition prior to traveling, so they can avoid any mishaps or cause delays for others,” it added.
The company operates the South Luzon Expressway, STAR Tollway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway and Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
San Miguel Infra will impose a moratorium on roadworks, including maintenance and other related activities that may impede the flow of vehicular traffic, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5. Additional personnel will be deployed to help manage traffic bottlenecks, including at entry and exit toll plazas that connect local roads to expressways.
To further minimize possible causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure is reminding motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load. Their cards must be ready in their vehicles should these be needed.
The company reiterated its appeal for motorists to update their account
information, particularly those who have Autosweep-To-Go accounts via the Autosweep website, (www. autosweeprfid.com/v4/web), where they simply need to enter their correct details.
To pass through toll plazas more quickly, SMC Infrastructure advises motorists to avoid tailgating so that RFID readers can scan the Autosweep tags properly. Also, RFID stickers should be clean and not defective. If needed, these may be replaced for free at various toll plazas.
On road safety, motorists are reminded to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that they observe all traffic rules at all times, especially speed limits and the wearing of seatbelts.
Govt, Scam Watch Pilipinas reactivate online Bantay Lakbay
Filipinos and tourists traveling within the country during this period. As part of the campaign, the public is advised to be careful against the following: open and unsecured Wi-Fi, fake e-wallet apps, fake customer service, fake accommodation, toogood-to-be-true deals,
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the operator of North Luzon Expressway, Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, NLEX Connector, Cavite Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) reactivates its Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko (SMSK) motorists assistance program to ensure safe and convenient travel during Undas.
With an expected combined surge in traffic volume across its expressways—NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, and CCLEX—the MPTC Group is ready to assist motorists through its increased personnel deployment, 24/7 traffic condition monitoring and incident response, and enhanced
traffic management measures to guide motorists.
“We encourage motorists to be expressway-ready by ensuring that they have sufficient load in their RFID accounts for a hassle-free journey,” Rogelio L. Singsong, MPTC president and chief executive said.
“Let’s drive responsibly so we can all arrive at our destinations safely, and spend more time with our loved ones,” he added.
To ensure smooth travel experience of motorists ― emergency and medical incident response teams will be deployed strategically within the expressways. MPTC will also offer free towing service for Class 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit from
6 AM of October 31 to 6 AM of November 4.
Roadworks and lane closures in MPTC expressways will be suspended from October 30 to November 4 ― except for emergency safety repairs.
Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips and may use the MPT DriveHub app which provides traffic updates, toll fee calculator, reloading facility for RFID accounts, and emergency roadside assistance.
Since high traffic volume is anticipated in its major expressways like NLEX, the public is advised of heavy northbound traffic on October 31 from 6 AM to 10 PM and November 1 from 5 AM to 2 PM. For Manila-bound travelers, expect high traffic volume on November 2, 3 PM to 10 PM, and November 3, 2 PM to November 4, 8 AM.
As part of the MVP Group’s commitment to further provide comfort to motorists during the busy Undas period, Maynilad will provide bottles of drinking water to be distributed to travelers at the SMSK motorist camps, ensuring they stay hydrated throughout their journey. Meanwhile, mWell—the Philippines’ first fully integrated health and wellness mega app ― will set up booths in rest and refuel areas along the expressways, offering health consultations to motorists in need of medical advice or assistance during their travel.
Smart will also provide free internet access and charging stations in selected areas for motorists to stay connected and keep their devices powered up while on the road. With the busy holiday season ahead, MPTC encourages the motoring public to have their old RFID stickers replaced at the nearest Easytrip station or Customer Service Centers to avoid inconvenience while on the road. Darwin G. Amojelar
ABOITIZ InfraCapital Inc. said it will collaborate with airlines to introduce international flights at Laguindingan International Airport.
“We see potential in international flights and want to work closely with the airlines in realizing this dream.
We will also work closely with our tourism stakeholders to see how we can further market the offerings of Misamis Oriental and develop a longer-term roadmap,” Rafael M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of Airports Business said.
“Further, we want to work closely with local and international stakeholders to induce a collaborative and conducive environment for investors,” he added.
The company earlier signed the concession
agreement to upgrade, operate, and maintain
International Airport located in
“Laguindingan International Airport is a pivotal milestone in our strategic mission to elevate the country’s aviation infrastructure. It underscores Aboitiz InfraCapital’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient passenger experience, and more importantly, driving economic growth in Northern Mindanao by boosting connectivity and tourism,” Cosette V. Canilao, AIC president and chief executive said.
“Laguindingan is the gateway to Northern Mindanao, and a good airport will mean a broader business base for Laguindingan and Misamis Oriental. We are more than ready to take Laguindingan International Airport to new heights,” Canilao added.
Grab, MOVE IT distribute relief packages to 1,000 families
GRAB Philippines and MOVE IT distributed relief packages to over 1,000 families affected by Tropical Storm Kristine in Cavite and Laguna. Each package was filled with essential items like rice, canned goods, and bathroom supplies. The leading superapp and homegrown mototaxi platform also have comprehensive calamityassistance programs in place geared at providing both financial aid and in-kind support to driverand delivery-partners severely affected by the recent calamity. Through the GrabCares and MOVE IT Malasakit programs, partners can easily apply for assistance through a streamlined application process available on their driver app.
“Sa tuwing may kalamidad, kaming mga delivery-partners na hindi gaanong naapektuhan ay nakikipagtulungan na agad
volunteer sa mga ganitong klaseng relief operations. Sa pamamagitan ng aming community channels, na-identify namin agad ang mga kabahayan na nangangailangan ng agarang tulong. Itong mga
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Bb. PILIPINAS International 2023 Angelica Lopez confidently declared her readiness to claim the country’s seventh Miss International title in Tokyo, Japan, during her official sendoff held at the Quantum Skyview, Gateway Mall in Araneta City. “Thank you for coming. Please join me in my coming competition and I assure you all that I will bring home the seventh Miss International crown for the Philippines,” a beaming Lopez told wellwishers during the event.
The 23-year-old Lopez, who started modeling at the age of 14 in her province of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, previously competed and placed first runner-up in Miss Asia Global 2022 held in Penang, Malaysia.
Lopez will highlight on the Miss International stage her platform supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on empowering children to reach their full potential through education, reflecting her commitment to uplifting others and creating lasting change.
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Catriona Gray shines at 4th ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray led a bevy of beauty queens among honorees at the 4th ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards 2024, held recently at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Parañaque.
The highly anticipated ASEAN Excellence Achievers Awards 2024 brought the spotlight on the brightest talents and most impactful leaders in various industries from across Southeast Asia. Gray was awarded the ASEAN Woman of Influence with Significant Achievement in Women Empowerment. Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishna Gravidez, Mutya ng Pilipinas Intercontinental 2024 Alyssa Redondo Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines 2024 Krishan Pauline Alerre Hiyas ng Pilipinas 2024 Marela Glospeah Juaman Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 Janelis Leyba, Miss Elite World 2024 Juvyel Anne Saluta , and Mrs. Philippines International Face of Beauty 2019 Riza Oben-Dormiendo were honored as Exceptional Woman of Inspiration and Remarkable Beauty Advocate of the Year. The Mrs. Philippines International organization received the Remarkable Beauty Pageant for Mothers and Wives award.
Celebrities awarded include Alden Richard Outstanding Male Celebrity and Movie Actor of the Year; Gladys Reyes-Sommereux , Outstanding Contravida Persona in Philippine Television; Renee Salud, Outstanding Excellence in the Field of Fashion Industry; and Boy Abunda , Lifetime Achievement Award. This writer was given the award for Outstanding Pageant Journalism.
By Abigail Adriatico
FROM playing tough roles like a soldier and a criminal organization leader to more subdued characters such as a reclusive author and an OFW, there is no denying that Jake Cuenca is a versatile actor deserving of praise and recognition.
His dedication to every role he receives is evident in how his performances resonate with audiences, cementing his status as a household name in the local entertainment industry. Though he has long proven his skill in pulling off any kind of role, Cuenca shows no signs of slowing down, with more projects lined up after recently signing a three-year renewal contract with ABS-CBN.
During a lunch with the media, Cuenca revealed that he had just finished filming The Delivery Guy, a film directed by Lester Pimentel on Netflix, about a man who accidentally crosses paths with a mafia boss. He also shared that he will star in What Lies Beneath, a murder mystery series on Prime Video directed by Dado Lumibao, where he plays a prison inmate.
Having recently played the secretive and brooding author Cyrus Castillo, or Morpheus, in the Philippine adaptation of the hit K-drama series What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Cuenca felt the need to prepare for his new role, as it required a tougher portrayal. “Coming from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, my character was a bit soft since the showrunners had to try something contrary to the usual approach in Filipino remakes of international shows. I told them I wanted to follow what the Koreans did with their softer leading men. After
PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid is bringing back cherished noontime moments with the digital livestream of the iconic show Eat Bulaga! now available on Facebook and YouTube. Fans can enjoy the show from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Monday to Saturday, ensuring no one misses out on the fun, even when away from a TV.
As part of its FamLoad All Access, PLDT Home WiFi offers 1GB of data specifically for Eat Bulaga! livestreams during its regular timeslot. This initiative makes it easier for viewers to connect with the show daily.
Here are five key features of the PLDT Home WiFi Prepaid service: Affordable internet options: PLDT Home offers budgetfriendly internet plans starting at P99, providing up to 12GB of data valid for three days. Families can also opt for FamLoad All Access packages with data allowances of up to 186GB for 30 days. Flexible data packages: Customers can choose data plans
that project, I realized how soft I had become and needed to be rough around the edges again,” said Cuenca.
Following his desire to fully immerse himself in his upcoming TV series role, Cuenca has spent time at Mandaluyong City Jail over the past two months. Though he initially wanted to stay there for a week, the warden and police advised against it for safety reasons. Instead, they agreed he could enter the facility from 5:00 am to 8:00 am, where he rehearsed on the 9th floor, the maximum-security area.
“I put myself through these experiences because at this point in my life, I feel like my head is on my shoulders. I can go through these experiences without fear,” said Cuenca.
The actor shared how much he learned from the experience, of meeting inmates and observing their lives within the facility. He was also invited to the jail’s celebration of National Incarceration Day, where he made a speech.
of Mandaluyong City Jail. But more importantly, to all the innocent inmates jailed for something they didn’t do,” he said. With projects like What Lies Beneath and The Delivery Guy in the pipeline, Cuenca continues to cement his legacy in the entertainment industry as an actor passionate about his craft and committed to giving his all in every role.
“For 23 years, everyone has seen my best and most intense work. It’s my obligation to my audience, to everyone, to show them something new,” he said.
“I told them I would be dedicating my performance, my portrayal of this character, to all the guards and inmates
tailored to their family’s needs. For lighter usage, the FamLoad All Access 199 package offers 38GB for seven days. For more extensive data demands, the FamLoad All Access 1149 plan
includes 186GB of total data, providing 2GB daily, 1GB for Eat Bulaga! livestreaming, and an additional 100GB for general internet use. Daily access to Eat Bulaga! livestream: With FamLoad All Access, subscribers receive 1GB of data daily for the Eat Bulaga!
THE Philippines’ top primetime action-adventure series, Lolong, is set to return with a new installment titled Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan. The show, originally aired in 2022, stars Ruru Madrid, who reprises his role as the titular character.
The announcement, made on Oct. 25, revealed that several prominent actors will return for the new season, including Shaira Diaz, Rochelle Pangilinan, Paul Salas, Mikoy Morales, Alma Concepcion, Maui Taylor, and
Jean Garcia Joining the cast this season are notable names such as John Arcilla, who is making his return to GMA, alongside Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Klea Pineda, and Tetchie Agbayani. The ensemble cast also features Victor Neri, Nikki Valdez, Bernadette Allyson, Boom Labrusca, Jan Marini, Gerard Pizarras, Archi Adamos, Nicco Manalo, Nikko Natividad, John Clifford, Waynona Collings, Shamaine
Buencamino, Rubi Rubi, Inah Evans, Barbiengot Forteza, Joe Vargas, Karenina Haniel, and Leo Martinez. Child
actors Ryrie Sophia and Drey Lampago will also join the cast.
Lolong follows the unique friendship between a man and a giant crocodile named Dakila.
The new season promises to showcase Lolong’s adventures as he faces new challenges and unexpected twists, particularly after successfully uniting the people of Tumahan with the
enigmatic Atubaws. The series was the mostwatched Philippine television show in 2022, receiving accolades such as “Best Primetime Serye” at the Gawad Pilipino Icon of the Year 2022 and the National Winner for Best Visual/Special Effects at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards.
Lolong: Bayani ng Bayan is directed by King Mark Baco and Rommel Penesa. The new season is set to premiere in 2025.
By Nickie Wang
IN THE heart of Quezon City, a contemporary home has become the canvas for Mod and Noble Design Studio, where creativity meets practicality.
The owners, a family of five, envisioned an industrial chic design that would not only suit their aesthetic preferences but also enhance functionality and maximize space.
The journey for the Ferndale Project began in May 2022, taking four months to finalize the design. According to Mod and Noble’s CEO and Design Director IDr. Julienne Iris Taguinod and Vice President and COO IDr. Patrick Roy Javier, the design phase flowed smoothly thanks to the supportive nature of the clients. However, the real challenge lay in bringing the design to life.
“We rarely encounter a family that supports industrial design,” Mod and Noble team explained. “We’re talking about exposed ceilings, rough textures, and a lot of corners—it’s not kid-friendly. Usually, only bachelors or bachelorettes prefer this style.”
Once the design was approved, the project advanced seamlessly. The team selected dark and warm gray hues for the stone materials, complemented by warm walnut accents throughout the wooden surfaces. With a focus on entertaining, the ground floor was crafted to be the heart of the home. A standout feature is the dining table adorned with a “Limbo chandelier,” designed by renowned Filipino designer Kenneth Cobonpue
The living area is inviting, encouraging conversation and interaction, with a layout that showcases the owners’ art collection.
Ascending to the next level, visitors are greeted by a striking red heart-shaped metal structure created by Jinggoy Buensuceso, which adds a whimsical touch along the Narra stairway. This level also houses the primary bedroom, which doubles as a functional office space. The collaborative spirit between Mod
and Noble and the homeowners made the design process enjoyable.
“Working with them was very smooth,” Mod and Noble shared. “They were one of my few clients who really followed the design. When we suggested something, they acted quickly.”
The execution of the design was a testament to the clients’ clear vision and attention to detail.
“It takes a village to create such good design,” the Mod and Noble team stated. “We are open to ideas, and we learned that trust is key. Both the client and the designers must have faith in each other to achieve the best outcome.”
This collaboration underscores the importance of communication and shared vision in creating spaces that reflect the clients’ lifestyle while ensuring the design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Mod and Noble’s approach illustrates that with the right partnership, even the most challenging design concepts can be transformed into reality.
As the family enjoys their dream home, they embody the essence of what Mod and Noble strives to achieve: spaces that not only meet design aspirations but also enhance everyday living. With each project, Mod and Noble continues to redefine what it means to turn a house into a home, blending creativity with the practical needs of modern families.
Manila
Artist Series, in collaboration with Artes Organization, will feature Al Gatmaitan in the concert Tra Musica E Sogno on Nov. 14 at the Manila Pianos Showroom in Makati City. The performance is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Gatmaitan, a tenor and musical theater artist, will present a selection of classical crossover pieces influenced by Andrea Bocelli. His repertoire will include a mix of Italian, Spanish, and English songs, showcasing his unique vocal style.
Gatmaitan has received extensive vocal training, studying at the University of the Philippines, the Conservatory of Music at the University of Santo Tomas, and St. Paul College in Manila. He also pursued further education in Italy, where he attended Universita per Stranieri Dante Alighieri and Teatro Calabria.
Acclaimed concert pianist Dingdong Fiel will accompany Gatmaitan, and special guests include soprano Margarita Roco and actor Red Nuestro
Tickets are priced at P1,000 for regular admission, P800 for seniors, and P500 for students. Tickets can be purchased via GCash payment to 0917-415-8876 under the name of Richard S. For confirmation, send a message including your name and the number of tickets requested. Tickets will be available at the gate on the day of the concert.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Kate Adajar
ISTILL remember the day I noticed my hair starting to change. I was only ten, barely understanding the changes that puberty would bring. My once straight, manageable locks began turning wavy after I got my first period.
I tried to embrace the curls or waves, and many people encouraged me to let them be, seeing my natural waves and volumized crown as beautiful. But I’ve always preferred the simplicity of straight hair, especially for its ease of styling.
While I fully believe in self-love and embracing our natural beauty, that doesn’t mean we should feel guilty for choosing the styles we feel most comfortable with. Hair transformations can be part of expressing who we are. These days, with so many safe and healthy options available, why not enjoy them?
Through the years, I’ve tried several hair straightening treatments, each with its approach and results. Some made my hair look like it came straight out of an anime series, stiff and unnaturally straight, while others restricted me from taking showers for days as I awaited results (I could still smell the chemicals at home!).
For anyone with naturally wavy or curly hair who wants to achieve smooth, sleek hair, today’s beauty industry has advanced considerably. The latest innovation in this evolution? Lithe Lounge’s “Cysteine Straight,” a brand-new treatment created in partnership with Alpha 8 Corporation that offers a safer, quicker, and healthier alternative to traditional straightening methods.
Lithe Lounge, located in the South, has gained popularity as a go-to spot for hair care enthusiasts. This salon is known for its dedication to both health and style, so it’s no surprise that it’s the first to offer Cysteine Straight in the Philippines. The treatment is the country’s only FDA-approved cysteine-based hair straightening procedure, an impressive milestone that shows its commitment to high standards.
Unlike conventional rebonding treatments that aggressively change the hair structure to achieve a straight look, Cysteine Straight uses a gentler approach.
The treatment infuses hair with cysteine, an essential amino acid that works by realigning the hair’s natural bonds without damaging them.
This method retains the hair’s health and even enhances its natural shine and texture, offering volume-filled, straight hair. It is said to be without the rigidity or artificial feel that some traditional treatments produce.
James Paul A. Santiago, CEO and President of Alpha 8 Corporation, expressed his excitement about this partnership, saying, “We are excited to partner with Lithe Lounge, a salon known for its commitment to excellence. This collaboration allows us to bring the power of Cysteine Straight to a wider audience and provide patrons with an unparalleled hair straightening experience.”
His words echo the shared vision of offering a solution that not only achieves beauty goals but also respects hair health.
Nico Bayani, co-owner and architect of Lithe Lounge, shares a similar vision.
He explained, “Lithe Lounge is not just a salon but also a haven for those who seek health and style for their hair above everything else. That’s why when our team saw firsthand the potential of what Cysteine Straight can do, we forged a partnership with Alpha 8 to ensure that our customers get only the very best.”
His words highlight the salon’s commitment to thoughtful and safe beauty practices.
After a Cysteine Straight session, it is expected that the hair will not only look sleek but also feel soft, pliable, and alive. The natural volume and bounce remain, giving a finish that appears effortless and fresh. There will be no need to avoid washing your hair for days or worry about chemicals. This treatment is specifically designed to align with today’s busy lifestyle and emphasis on wellness.
If you’re interested in trying the Cysteine Straight treatment, Lithe Lounge is now taking appointments. You can visit the salon on the second floor of Alabang West Parade, Daanghari Road, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas.
As we consider beauty treatments today, they may seem like a luxury, but they’re actually investments we should have. If you think about it, hair care is self-care. Self-care is self-love.
FOREST Lake Memorial Parks has released the fourth installment in its Halloween-themed video series, with a new video titled Pagpag highlighting a long-held Filipino custom surrounding funeral rites.
The series, Di Mo Inexpect No , explores various Filipino beliefs around death in a light-hearted way. This latest release comes just in time for Halloween, adding a cultural and informative perspective to the holiday.
In Filipino tradition, pagpag is the practice of not going directly home from a funeral wake to prevent the spirit of the departed from following mourners. Forest Lake’s video employs a humorous approach to this practice
while delivering a broader message on the inevitability of death and the importance of planning for it.
“Old customs like pagpag illustrate Filipinos’ desire to shield themselves from the unknown,” said Forest Lake CEO & President Alfred Xerez-Burgos III. “Forest Lake believes that true peace of mind comes from accepting death as part of life and preparing for it in meaningful ways.”
The Pagpag video joins the lineup of previous installments in the Di Mo Inexpect No campaign, which delves into life-and-death customs and superstitions unique to Filipino culture. Previous videos include Paliwanag
which addresses life’s unpredictability; Itim na Pusa , focused on bad luck superstitions; and Talon , a light-hearted look at the belief that jumping on New Year’s Eve can increase height.
Forest Lake’s campaign aims to encourage Filipinos to view death with greater acceptance and preparedness. The company emphasizes that planning for end-of-life events can ease the financial and emotional burdens associated with loss, helping families navigate difficult times. The company’s offerings reflect this emphasis, featuring services that support families in making such preparations.
Juan Carlos Xerez-Burgos , Director for Business Development & Digital, noted the campaign’s goal of encouraging preparedness, saying, “We hope this campaign helps Filipinos face death with a lighter heart, knowing that planning can provide comfort to their loved ones. Forest Lake supports families in every step of the way.”
Forest Lake Memorial Parks offers a suite of memorial services designed to provide
comprehensive support and convenience to Filipino families. Key services include “Libing Anywhere,” which allows flexibility in interment locations; “Libre Burol,” a complimentary funeral service for clients availing interment services; “QRonicle,” a digital storytelling platform for preserving and sharing memories of loved ones; and online Customer Portal for easy purchase of services.
With over 27 years in the industry, Forest Lake operates over 37 parks nationwide and has positioned itself as a leading provider of memorial services in the Philippines. The company aims to expand its offerings further, including chapels, columbariums, and cremation services. Forest Lake’s mission is to create spaces where families can remember their loved ones and make new memories together.
For more details, Forest Lake Memorial Parks can be reached via social media on Facebook and Instagram at @forestlakememorialparks where the campaign videos are also accessible.
