Manila Standard - 2024 November 5 - Tuesday

By Rio N. Araja

PBBM: Yes to flood infra probe

But

admits climate change, record rainfall levels ‘overwhelming’

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. admitted the country’s flood control projects were overwhelmed by the recent onslaught of typhoons amid calls for an investigation into the effectiveness of government spending on flood control infrastructure.

“There’s no problem with investigating flood control projects,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview during his visit to Batangas where 52 people died during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine.”

“But people must realize there are two sides to this. Our flood control systems are overwhelmed. This level of flooding, we’ve never faced anything like it in our history.”

“Ondoy dropped around 400 centimeters of rain; Kristine hit over 700. Our flood controls were built to handle something like Ondoy—not this. The amount of rain we’re seeing now is causing landslides and floods in areas that have never experienced them before,” he added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways proposed P303 billion for its flood control projects next year, higher than this year’s P244.5 billion funding, Secretary Manuel Bonoan earlier said.

In 2023, DPWH had P182 billion for flood control; P128 billion in

By Maricel V. Cruz and Joel Zurbano

BOTH chambers of Congress resumed session on Monday, with the House Speaker and

By Rachelle Tonelada

Joel Zurbano and Rio Araja

By Charles Dantes, Ralph Rirao, Maricel V. Cruz and Rex Espiritu

Senate President Francis Escudero House Speaker Martin Romualdez

condolences to relatives and friends of the victims of severe tropical storm

at Ground Zero, barangay Sampaloc, in Talisay, Batangas. The President then joins Batangas

lead by Gov. Hermilando Mandanas in lighting

FMR’s ratings reflect House work

By Maricel V. Cruz

LAWMAKERS on Monday said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez’s impressive trust and performance ratings were less of a surprise and more of a validation of the lower chamber’s brand of hard work.

Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Lordan Suan referred to the September results of OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey.

According to the survey results, Romualdez garnered an overall trust rating of 61% and an overall performance mark of 62%.

“I thank Speaker Romualdez for humbly crediting the entirety of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives for his survey scores. The truth is that his dedication is infectious, and his leadership inspires all of us to get the job done swiftly and properly,” Nograles said.

Almario agreed with Nograles and said that House members of the 19th

Congress have more than proven their worth in terms of legislation and their oversight function on the laws that have been passed. “I’m proud to be associated with the bigger chamber of Congress, which in the past two and a half years has proven that our output or production can combine quantity and quality. The OCTA Research survey numbers show that Filipinos appreciate the House’s quiet but passionate work ethic,” Almario said.

Suan said that the House of Representatives has ditched the unfortunate dramatics that Philippine politics is at times known for the sake of achieving President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of economic pro -

bias for durable projects, not adhocracy or band-aid solutions. We should build for the next generation, not for the next elections,” he added.

gress.

“Our terms as congressmen are short because we’re only guaranteed three years after an election. But the House under Speaker Romualdez has refused to be limited by this and chose to make every session day count. Kahit nga bakasyon trabaho pa rin. We believe in this mindset and gladly follow it,” Suan said.

In the current 19th Congress, the House of Representatives has accomplished months in advance the priority measures identified by President Marcos in both his State of the Nation Address (SONA) speeches and in the meetings of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).

he added.

“This assistance will go to the six most affected towns to help rebuild lives and livelihoods,” he explained.

He also mentioned that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would disburse P10 million each to support recovery efforts in the ravaged towns, specifically — Talisay, Laurel, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lemery, and Balete.

Additionally, the President shared that select farmers and fishers would receive individual aid of P10,000, an attempt to offer quick relief to those whose livelihoods were hardest hit by the storm.

Mr. Marcos noted that this gesture is only the beginning, as government agencies work to bolster disaster response efforts.

Last week, the chief executive signed Proclamation 728, designating November 4 as a Day of National Mourning.

The proclamation came after Batangas declared a state of calamity, following the the huge loss of lives and damage to property caused by the recent storm.

Furthermore, the President vowed that disaster preparedness and response would become a higher priority in the government’s agenda, noting that climate-driven disasters continue to threaten the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

As this developed, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called for compassion and solidarity during the Day of Mourning for the victims of ‘Kristine.’

“Today is a day for every Filipino to pause, reflect, and honor the memory of those whose lives were tragically taken by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. More than one hundred of our fellow Filipinos—mothers, fathers, children, friends, neighbors—are no longer with us,” Romualdez said.

“They leave behind loved ones who carry the heavy burden of loss, and entire communities touched by sorrow. To each family mourning the loss of a loved one, we stand beside you, sharing in your pain. Your heartbreak is felt by the entire nation, and today, in this national moment of remembrance, you are not alone,” he added.

2022; P101 billion in 2021; and P90 billion in 2020.

Senate President Francis Escudero earlier said the Upper Chamber would probe the government’s flood control projects during the plenary debates on next year’s proposed budget.

“Flooding is not a modern-day phenomenon. It has been with us long before the birth of the republic. Every administration has its own ‘Great Flood’ to contend with,” Escudero said.

“Moving forward, however, we will not only exact accountability but also make sure the 2025 budget will provide preventive measures to avoid a recurrence as well as adequate rehabilitation and response in case of a similar calamity in the future. Smart spending has a

President Marcos, however, highlighted similar climate-related disasters happening worldwide.

“Look at what’s happening elsewhere, this is new for them, too. We’re seeing these intense weather events everywhere,” he said.

“We are witnessing stronger storms that change course quickly and cover a wider area. We must ensure these tragedies don’t happen again... We need to change our designs, strengthen our infrastructure—flood controls, slope protections, bridges.”

“I’ll tell you the truth—it’s never enough. I wish we could do more. We’re doing everything we can, but when you lose a life, you lose a life. It’s a terrible tragedy, and nothing can change that,”

The President directed the Department of Science and Technology to improve early-warning systems in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

He also ordered the DILG to expand its “Operation Listo” program, which trains local government units on disaster readiness.

Mr. Marcos likewise instructed the DPWH to fortify the design of roads and bridges to withstand severe weather conditions, referencing the recent damage to the Bugaan Bridge in Laurel and other sections of the Talisay-Laurel-Agoncillo national road.

“Our infrastructure must be built not just on schedule, but with durability and resilience in mind,” he said, also tasking the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure high-quality materials are used for such projects.

should prepare as these are the same areas that may be affected by Marce,” PAGASA meteorologist Veronica Torres said.

Based on the forecast track, “Marce” will make landfall in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands or mainland northern Cagayan on Thursday evening or Friday early morning. Due to the uncertainty in the strength of the high pressure area north of “Marce,” the forecast track may still change and bring the landfall point to mainland Cagayan-Isabela area, PAGASA said.

PAGASA said wind signals may be raised over parts of northern Luzon beginning today (Tuesday) in anticipation of the storm’s strong winds.

“Those living in areas far from the storm’s immediate path should be on alert as they can also experience gusty winds and light to moderate rains,” weather division officer-incharge Chris Perez said.

“Marce” may reach the severe tropical storm category Tuesday morning, and may intensify to typhoon category by Wednesday early morning, PAGASA said.

“Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over portions of Cagayan tonight or tomorrow morning. The highest Wind Signal which may be hoisted during the occurrence of ‘Marce’ is Wind Signal No. 4.” Rapid intensification is likely, the state weather bureau said. The center of “Marce” was last spotted Monday at 740 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes. It was moving west northwestward at 30 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 85 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h.

they are for Trump. It’s divided, really,” Romualdez said in a mix of English and Filipino during a radio broadcast.

The envoy noted that Trump is expected to receive strong support in Florida since it is a state that has largely voted Republican, whereas many Filipino voters in New Jersey and New York are going for the Democrat Harris.

“Many Filipinos are against the current administration for two reasons. Number one is the economy and, believe it or not, immigration,” Romualdez explained, adding that this issue is personal for many Filipinos who perceive it as unfair when undocumented immigrants are given opportunities.

“The division can be intense. Just like in the Philippines, even families end up fighting. They are divided,” Romualdez said.

The ambassador however said regard-

vestigation and that it would eventually unearth the truth.

Romualdez said attempts to derail the Quad Committee’s (Quad Comm) efforts to ferret out the truth behind extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that took place during the Duterte administration would surely fail.

“To those who attempt to prevent us from seeking truth and justice, I have only one thing to say to you: you will not succeed in your evil intentions,” he said in Filipino.

The Speaker also rallied members of the House of Representatives, urging them to remain steadfast in anticipation of attacks from critics.

“Since we are slowly seeing the light and truth, let’s expect the attack on our institution to intensify. But we will not be moved. We will not allow the time of darkness and evil to return,” he stressed.

“And make no mistake - no matter the challenges, no matter the opposition - we will stand our ground,” he added

“Our work transcends personal ambition; it is about laying the foundation for a nation that is free, just, and governed by the rule of law. We are building a legacy that our children and grandchildren can look back on with

less of the election outcome, the country would continue to strengthen its foreign relations with the United States.

He said that while there may be substantial differences in foreign policy perspectives between the candidates, priorities such as freedom of navigation and economic prosperity would remain central to US interests.

“The interest of the US and other Western countries, they want freedom of navigation because if [an] area is controlled by one government, you cannot pass through that area without asking permission. There are trillions of dollars of trade going through that region (Southeast and Northeast Asia),” Romualdez explained.

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a lecturer at the School of Diplomacy and Governance at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, emphasized the vital role of Filipino-Americans’ votes in “shaping” the election turnout.

He elaborated that this is why both candidates “have adopted various strat-

pride,” the Speaker said.

As a result of their ongoing inquiry, Quad Comm members have already filed two bills that seek to plug loop

holes in existing laws, Romualdez pointed out.

These are House Bill (HB) 10986, or the “Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act,” and HB 10987, or the “Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act.”

The “Anti-Extrajudicial Killing Act” explicitly classifies extrajudicial killing as a heinous crime, ensuring that anyone, regardless of rank or position, found guilty of such acts faces appropriate criminal penalties.

The “Anti-Offshore Gaming Operations Act,” on the other hand, aims for a total ban on all forms of offshore gaming operations in the country, with penalties for violations, Romualdez explained.

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero’s first order of business upon sessions’ resumption was to file a bill to defer the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) given the recent Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the regional group.

The first parliamentary election is scheduled for 2025, but Escudero is pushing to hold it on May 11, 2026, instead, to allow the region to reconfigure its jurisdictions and reallocate the

egies” to garner support from this demographic, utilizing tactics such as “billboards and sending candidates of Filipino descent to participate in Filipino-organized events.”

“The possible factors that FilipinoAmerican voters will take into account will include, of course, policies relating to migration and how the next regime would ensure their protection abroad in light of ongoing issues relating to migration and racism, as well as how some of them are being affected by violent nationalist tendencies,” Cortez told Manila Standard.

“At the same time, job security for foreigners is also a key determinant for them given that they have moved there in the first place in search of greener pastures,” he added. Meanwhile, bitter rivals Harris and Trump embark on a final frenzied campaign blitz Monday (US time) with both hitting must-win Pennsylvania on the last day of the tightest and most volatile US presidential election in memory.

seats of its 80-member parliament.

Escudero expressed confidence that President Marcos will certify his proposal - Senate Bill No. 2862 - as urgent due to the importance of the measure and the tight schedule of the Senate and House of Representatives for the remainder of the 19th Congress.

He said the High Court’s decision provides a compelling reason to postpone the Bangsamoro regular elections due to its legal implications on Sulu’s exclusion from the autonomous region.

Most provinces comprising the former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao or ARMM ratified the law except for Sulu, but it was still included in the then newly-formed BARMM.

The BARMM parliament has established 32 parliamentary districts in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Cotabato province, and in Sulu.

A total of 80 members of the parliament will be elected from the 32 parliamentary districts, including the seven in Sulu.

Escudero said that the allocation of representatives from Sulu in the BARMM parliament needs to be decided and organized, as part of the peace talks is consultation with stakeholders in BARMM.

Republican Trump has promised a “landslide” as he seeks a sensational return to the White House, while Democrat Harris said the “momentum” was on the side of her bid to be America’s first woman president.

But the polls suggest a different story on the eve of Election Day — total deadlock in surveys nationally and in the seven swing states where the result is expected to be decided.

Now a race of dramatic twists, including two bids to kill Trump and Harris’s shock late entrance, is coming down to the most viciously fought-over battleground.

Harris will spend the whole day campaigning in the rust-belt state of Pennsylvania, culminating in a huge rally in its biggest city Philadelphia featuring singer Lady Gaga. Trump will travel to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and then Michigan.

In a sign of how crucial Pennsylvania is to their chances of occupying the Oval Office, Trump and Harris will

“The LTO has proven that the plated used by the SUV in the video is fake. This issue should not end here. The LTO should identify the owner of the vehicle and make him pay for violating the law,” Escudero said. The number “7” protocol plates are issued exclusively to vehicles of senators and as Escudero explained, carries with it no special privileges, including entering and traversing on lanes exclusively for PUBs.

“We thank the LTO for their swift action on this incident. However, this particular incident should not go unpunished. Not only was it a violation of multiple laws and traffic rules, it also affects the sanctity of the Senate as an institution,” Escudero said. Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) reported that their Secretariat, Sarah Barnachea, noticed on Sunday evening the white SUV with a number 7 license plate illegally passing through the Guadalupe Station’s northbound EDSA bus lane and approached the vehicle to apprehend the driver. However, the driver attempted to run over Barnachea and flee the scene. Another traffic enforcer, identified as Secretariat Reyno, helped in trying to apprehend the driver and his passengers, but the driver continued to resist and eventually managed to get away.

even hold dueling rallies in the industrial city of Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania is the single biggest swing state prize under the US Electoral College system, which awards influence in line with population. Both sides say they are encouraged by huge early turnout numbers, with over 78 million people having voted already, around half of the total number of ballots cast in 2020.

The incredible closeness of the 2024 White House race reflects a deeply divided United States, as it chooses between two candidates whose visions could scarcely be more different.

Former president Trump has doubled down on his dark and violent rhetoric in his pursuit of a second term which would make him the first convicted felon and, at 78, the oldest major party candidate ever elected.

Vice President Harris has meanwhile made an astonishing rise to the top of the Democratic ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. AFP

NEWS IN BRIEF

MMDA says 12 truckloads of thrash collected

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday reported that it collected 12 truckloads of trash from various cemeteries in the National Capital Region before, during, and after the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

This is despite appeals from the MMDA, local governments, and various environmental groups urging people to avoid dumping and abandoning waste at cemeteries during the solemn occasion, which is annually observed on November 1 and 2.

At least 380 personnel from the Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG), the MMDA’s team responsible for maintaining cleanliness around cemeteries and memorial parks, collected a total of 2,347 garbage bags or 50 tons of trash from October 26 to November 4, covering more than 20 cemeteries in Metro Manila.

Earlier, the Ecowaste Coalition urged cemetery visitors to observe a healthier and safer way to remember loved ones during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

On November 1, the group’s “Basura Patrollers” visited 29 public and private cemeteries, including 17 in Metro Manila, four in Cavite, three in Laguna, two in Rizal, and one each in Bataan, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

Joel E. Zurbano

DAR names new execs in Negros Island

WITH the establishment of the Negros Island Region through Republic Act 12000, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado III has designated officials as part of the transition team to enhance the delivery of services, promote agricultural practices, and address the specific needs of the agrarian reform beneficiaries in Region 18. He believes under the new law, the DAR and the other government agencies can provide greater focus in their development efforts in the region composed of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City; Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

With Negros Island now considered part of a single region, the government can provide greater focus in its development efforts in the area. On June 11, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the law creating Region 18.

The new officials are Lucresia S. Taberna, regional director; Manuel Velasco and Sharlyn T. Lacuesta, assistant regional directors; Ozelle Tellie Tarrosa, regional chief agrarian reform program officer, and Josieline E. Madera, budget officer, who are all tasked to establish the region’s final operational structure.

Estrella mandated the transition to ensure that operations are streamlined, resources are efficiently allocated, and the goals of the agrarian reform program are effectively implemented. Previously, Negros Island was divided into two separate regions -- Negros Occidental belonged to Western Visayas, while Negros Oriental belonged to Central Visayas. Rio N. Araja

Aboitiz dams receive DOLE safety awards

SN Aboitiz Power’ s (SNAP) Ambuklao and Binga Hydroelectric Power Plants in Benguet and Magat HEPP in Isabela have been named Gawad Kaligtasan and Kalusugan regional awardees for exceeding the National Safety and Health standards set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Cordillera Administrative Region. SNAP president and CEO Joseph Yu, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being for a resilient future.

“We are immensely honored to receive this recognition. Over the years, we’ve built and fostered our safety culture to what it is now. Our people are our greatest assets, and our communities are our biggest partners. By prioritizing their safety, health, and well-being, we are not only protecting them, but also paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future.”

DOLE-CAR Assistant Regional Director Emerito Narag, commended DOLE-CAR awardees for their diligence, commitment, and spirit of innovation in promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) for employees.

Jessica M. Bacud

AFP: More than 3,000 to join defense exercises

MORE than 3,000 military personnel will participate in the annual Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGITPA” (Dagat-LangitLupa) exercises which will focus on beefing up external defense capabilities, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

“This year’s exercise will adopt an operationally focused framework enabling us to simulate our territorial defense plan Bantay Kalayaan alongside a Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC),” he said during the event’s opening rites at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The CADC is a defensive shift, earlier announced by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., that aims to secure the country’s entire territory, along with its exclusive economic zone.

Brawner also said the eighth iteration of “AJEX DAGITPA”, which runs until Nov. 15, shows the AFP is ready to “confront real-world challenges on” and that it is able to safeguard the nation’s interests with “determination and courage.”

Highlighting the importance of information in modern warfare, Brawner said the AFP is introducing the “information warfighter exercise” in this year’s joint drills.

“This highlights the critical need for strategic communications and information operations in

modern defense operations. As the nature of warfare evolves, we must equip ourselves not only with the physical readiness but also with robust capabilities in the digital and informational domains. In the previous AJEX, sinama na natin ‘yung (we included) cyber exercise so we will continue on with that,” Brawner said.

Through united efforts, the AFP chief said that the military can address the multifaceted challenges ahead.

“And it is essential that we forge stronger partnerships within our forces and with our national and international allies. So even if we say that this is a unilateral exercise, we will still be involving our allies and our partners and also the other government agencies in the Philippines,” he added.

The exercise will involve the Navy, Air Force, Army, and Special Operations forces. Rex Espiritu

PNP chief says he will ‘stand with his men’ after POGO raid mess

By Vince Lopez

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP)

chief P/General Rommel Francisco

Marbil on Sunday said that he’ll stand with his men, acknowledging them for last week’s successful raid of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila.

In a statement, Marbil said that the PNP will continue to intensify its campaign against illegal POGOs in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) following the total ban ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

“This operation is a testament to the

dedication of our PNP-ACG personnel, whose relentless pursuit of justice has exposed and disrupted a significant hub of criminal activity linked to online scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking,” Marbil stated.

He stressed his support a day after the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it was “falsely associated” with the “flawed” operation following the release of 69 foreigners who could not be detained legally.

The operation in the 40-story Century Peak Tower on Adriatico Street in Ermita, Manila, last Tuesday was led by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group

under Police Major General Ronnie Cariaga and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) under Police Major General Sidney Hernia.

The PAOCC, which was initially tagged in the operation in news reports, clarified it was neither consulted nor informed about the “flawed” mission.

“We never release any foreign nationals caught in POGOs because all our operations are always properly coordinated with the DOJ-IACAT (Department of Justice Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking) and the Bureau of Immigration,” the agency said in a statement on Saturday.

Soldier back in action after severed thumb operation

SEAMAN First Class Jeffrey Facundo, who lost his thumb in the Ayungin Shoal clash on June 17, is now back in service in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said that Facundo’s lost thumb is now functional, as it has been successfully reattached by doctors in Makati City.

“I would like to report that we were able to restore our soldier’s finger with the help of doctors and partners like Makati Medical Foundation,” Brawner said during an ambush interview at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday morning.

Brawner noted that the thumb was restored two months ago and at no cost to Facundo.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. awarded Facundo, who was injured during a confrontation with the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal, the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan.

In July, Manila demanded P60 million in damages from Beijing for the brutal harassment incident.

Brawner stated that this amount does not include compensation for the Filipino soldier who lost a finger during the clash.

As of now, Manila has yet to announce whether Beijing has met this demand.

“We will demand it, we will continue to demand it; it is our right. They’re the culprits who stole our equipment, they should return it,” the top brass asserted.

DepEd: DLP for schools affected by disasters

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Department of Education

(DepEd) announced on Monday that it will deploy its Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) to support education continuity in schools impacted by typhoons and other natural disasters.

The pilot implementation of DLP will begin this November in affected schools in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, and CAR. Under this initiative, affected schools have the flexibility to conduct make-up classes and utilize DLP learning activity sheets which are designed to be simple, targeted, and adaptable for temporary learning spaces.

“We’re bringing resilience to the heart of learning so that no student’s education has to pause when challenges arise,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said.

The program’s features include parallel classes, activity-based engagement, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy. The program encourages learners to engage deeply with lessons and build essential skills like writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

DLP was developed by Dr.

Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido, founders of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in Jagna, Bohol. It aims to improve learning outcomes through independent learning and minimal resource dependence, making it particularly effective in resource-limited environments. DepEd stated that the deployment of DLP is aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as a proactive learning continuity measure during disaster and emergency contexts.

Christopher Bernido and Dr.

GIFTS FOR SENIORS. Officials led by Rep. Luis Campos, Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Rep. Kid Peña, and councilors, conduct the distribution of Christmas gift bags to senior citizens of Barangay San Isidro.

SC among PH’s best employers—survey

IN BRIEF

Senator regrets PH’s poor PISA rating

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has expressed concerns over the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results which indicated that the Philippines ranked 76th out of 81 countries in reading proficiency.

Gatchalian said the assessment also showed that 76 percent of the country’s 15-year-old students did not meet the required reading competency standards.

In light of the nationwide celebration of National Reading Month this November, Gatchalian emphasizes the urgent need to improve reading proficiency among learners to address the country’s education crisis.

Following the enactment of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act (Republic Act No. 12028), Gatchalian anticipated the implementation of structured tutorial sessions and organized intervention plans aimed at enhancing literacy and reading skills among students.

This law, which Gatchalian authored and sponsored, establishes the ARAL Program as a national intervention initiative designed to ensure mastery of essential competencies and address learning loss. Joel E. Zurbano

Kapampangan Language Office has new leader

ANGELES City— Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. has announced that Michael Raymon Pangilinan will head the Kapampangan Language Office (Sídduan ning Amánung Sísuan), the implementing body of the city’s Kapampangan language ordinance. The appointment of Pangilinan as the head of Kapampangan Language Office is the city government’s way to promote Kapampangan language, culture, and heritage, Lazatin said.

In 2021, Lazatin wrote a letter addressed to Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, asking the Sangguniang Panglunsod to help in his initiative to enforce Ordinance No. 424 series of 2017, establishing Kapampangan as an official language of Angeles City and institutionalizing its use in all sectors, alongside existing national and official languages. Mayor Lazatin said the setup aims to “preserve, safeguard, revitalize, and promote the use of Kapampangan in the city.” Butch Gunio

STI Negros granted autonomous status

STI West Negros University (STIWNU) has been granted autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), allowing the institution to join an exclusive group of 77 autonomous universities across the country, and becoming the first STI campus to receive this distinction.

“The autonomous status is a validation that everything we have been doing over the past decade is aligned with our mission to serve our students and our community,” said STIWNU executive vice president and chief operating officer, Dr. Ryan Mark Molina. The recognition is in accordance with CHED’s Memorandum Order No.7, which solidifies the STIWNU’s autonomous standing. Autonomous status is given to universities that demonstrate exceptional performance in board exams, high graduate employability rates, and superior curricula. Ralph Rirao

Enactment of bill hiking RCEF to P30b/year seen

By Maricel V. Cruz

A PARTY-list lawmaker is optimistic that a soon-to-be enacted bill increasing the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) from P10 billion to P30 billion a year would help small farmers recover huge losses caused by severe tropical storm “Kristine.”

At the same time, Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list group urged fellow lawmakers to act swiftly on a measure he co-authored that aims to establish a Pantawid Pambangka Program which institutionalizes the grant of a P1,000monthly fuel subsidy to municipal

fisherfolk, including those reeling from the devastating effects of ‘Kristine’s’ onslaught. Yamsuan said the measure that aims to hike the annual RCEF share to P30 billion until 2031 has already been ratified by both chambers of the Congress and is set to be enacted soon by President Marcos. The ratified measure stands to directly benefit 2.4 million small farmers with a provision authorizing the distribution of financial aid to those tilling two hectares and below, Yamsuan said.

On top of providing aid to farmers, the measure also increases the allocation for the provision of farm machin-

eries and equipment, quality inbred rice seeds, rice credit assistance, training and extension, solar powered irrigation projects, and composting facilities for biodegradable wastes.

“Recovery from the effects of tropical storm ‘Kristine’ will not be overnight. This is a continuing process that requires sustained funding and assistance to our farmers and fisherfolk,” said Yamsuan.

“We are hopeful that the President would sign the ratified bill soon so that the RCEF could become a more potent tool to help small farmers, especially those in Bicol which was the worst hit by ‘Kristine.’”

68.6m voters expected to cast ballots in 2025 polls—Comelec

By Vito Barcelo

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recorded more than 68.6 million registered voters for the 2025 national and local elections including the Bangsamoro parliamentary polls. Based on the latest Comelec data, there are 68,618,667 registered voters nationwide who may participate in the coming polls, with Region IV-A or Calabarzon topping the highest number of voters at 9,764,170. Of the figures, a total of 33,690,884 were male and 34,927,783 female. A total of 1,667 offices of election officers received the registrations. Poll chairman George Garcia said Region III or Central Luzon came in

second with 7,712,535 registered voters, followed by Metro Manila with 7,562,858.

Regions VII (Central Visayas) and V (Bicol) came in fourth and fifth at 4,407,337 and 4,066,662, respectively. Caraga (Region XIII) with 1,889,616 voters followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1,111,859 voters posted the lowest number of registered voters.

The total number of voters is higher than the May 2022 national polls with 65,745,526 voters and the village and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) elections in October last year with 67,839,861.

The voter registration period for the May 2025 midterm polls started on Feb.12, and ended on Sept. 30.

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) has been rated at the eighth top employer of the country by a comprehensive employer study dubbed “The Philippines’ Best Employers.”

“The [SC] recognizes that its employees are its most valuable resource. To ensure the delivery of quality judicial services, the Court prioritizes creating a supportive work environment that values employee well-being, offers necessary support, and promotes worklife balance,” said Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. He pointed out that promoting the best interest of court part of the judiciary’s initiatives under its Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI) which is a collective effort from current and past SC justices. Gesmundo said the SC launched a uniform healthcare plan across all courts that ensures comprehensive access to health services and products with minimal employee contributions. Likewise, the SC Mental Health Unit provides a hotline to raise awareness and offer education, assistance, guidance, intervention, and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, SC also provides a daycare center in its premises for its employees’ children, allowing working parents to focus on their responsibilities while caring for their kids at the same time.

There is also a regular conduct of outreach activities, capacity-building initiatives, personal development training, and continuing legal education, according to him.

The Court also offers competitive salaries under the law and strives to provide productivity bonuses whenever appropriate.

The annual “The Philippines’ Best Employers” assesses the qualities of employers in the country based on an independent employee survey, compiled by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, in partnership with the German market firm Statista.

AFP chief says damaged PAF plane reparable

By Rex Espiritu

ALL is not lost in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) plane that skidded off the runway after its nose landing gear detached upon touchdown last Friday afternoon at the Basco Airport in the island province of Batanes.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the damaged C-295 medium transport aircraft could be repaired.

“Yes, it is reparable. Last night, we had it towed to the side of the runway so that Basco Airport could resume operations,” Brawner told reporters shortly after the opening ceremonies of the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGITPA” 2024 in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Brawner also gave assurance that the government has other airlift assets to sustain disaster relief missions.

He also said that the PAF still has C-130 cargo planes available aside from other C-295 medium transports.

He said missions to the typhoon-battered communities in the across the country could continue.

BRUNEI JOINS PH RELIEF WORKS. The Royal Brunei Air Force joins its Philippine counterpart in delivering food packs to storm-hit Calaguas Islands off Camarines Norte mainland, using Black Hawk choppers.

CLAMOR FOR HIGHER WAGE HIKE. Members of the National Wage Coalition stage a protest in front of the House of Representatives to press their demand for a higher legislated wage increase across the country. T eddy Brul

FIELD DAY FOR THE KIDS. Children flaunt mini Philippine flags during

OPINION

Truth telling on Duterte’s massacre of the poor

TRUTH telling is good for the country, especially for the victims’ families. It is rare that we can have this soon after a human rights catastrophe.

Aside from being able to get the facts together, there is a catalytic effect in this truth telling. We have not yet achieved justice but it gives us hope that this can in fact be achieved.

As a result of these investigations, the filing of court cases is no longer a distant reality and the perpetrators made to answer for their crimes.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the preferred venue for a criminal trial because it is quite advanced in the process already. Because of the prevailing political realities, the administration of Marcos might just decide to cooperate with the ICC. This is good for various reasons:

First, the ICC has the resources to conduct an extensive and comprehensive investigation on the drug war which our local agencies might not be capable of.

Second, the ICC is more immune to political pressure and security concerns unlike, again, the local agencies and even the local judicial system.

Third, the ICC’s involvement can harness international support to bring pressure on the government to cooperate more proactively in the investigation.

Then again, the principle of complementarity remains a precondition for intervention by the ICC. This principle means that the ICC can only intervene if national courts are unwilling or unable to genuinely prosecute the crimes. In short, the ICC must first determine that the Philippines’ judicial system is not adequately addressing the alleged crimes.

We have to begin considering what legal proceedings in the Philippines might look like. How will the Department of Justice conduct a preliminary investigation? What charges will be filed against Duterte and others? Will he be granted bail? How long will the trial be? How long will the appeals process be?

The Quad Committee is so far doing a good job, getting to the bottom of the illegal war against drugs of Duterte. They should keep on doing this until everything is known. Please gather the documentary evidence and all the testimonies. There are many whistleblowers out there.

The Senate proceedings is more tricky, in that Duterte has allies there (Senators Robin Padilla, Bong Go, and Bato del Rosario for example), some of whom are implicated in the killings and should be inhibiting themselves. Moving forward, that has to be corrected. On the other hand, the value of having his allies there made Duterte more confident, arrogant in fact, and talked more than necessary. From the very onset, Duterte was allowed to speak and set the tone for the investigation. And it was downhill from there. He offered no apolo-

gies or excuses for his actions. “Don’t question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether you believe it or not, I did it for my country,” he stressed. “I have always viewed people addicted to illegal drugs as victims and patients requiring medical help and not as criminals,” he also said. Many people did not like the chairing of Senator Koko Pimentel, finding him to be too deferential to Duterte. I disagree. Senator Koko, whether intentional or not, actually entrapped Duterte which made what Senator Risa called “bombshell admissions”. By being nice to him, Pimentel got Duterte in a place difficult for him to extricate himself from.

That Senate hearing was a legal disaster for him.

Duterte might have gain political points and cheers from his trolls, but make no mistake about it - that hearing was a legal disaster for him. For the first time, he made statements under oath about his orders to the police, about his Davao death squad, and his hatred of drug addicts. He has said these things before in speeches but for the first time under oath.

Duterte admitted that he maintained a group of assassins during his term as mayor of Davao; that this group of assassins was tasked to kill criminals; that he encouraged the police to “find ways’ so that the suspect could be “neutralized and negated”. While the former president took every possible effort to distance himself from making any admission that he ordered his police to kill, we know that the police took this to mean as an authority to employ lethal force. This is the reason why there are thousands upon thousands of “nanlaban” incidents which are so conveniently reflected in police reports every time there was a killing of drug suspects.

Senator Risa Hontiveros did very well in standing up to Duterte. She was both brilliant and courageous. But it is good that she was not chairing the hearing because then Duterte would not cooperate. He would behave like Alice Guo and getting him to tell the truth would like be pulling teeth without anesthesia and tools.

These proceedings will go on for a while. That is good. Indeed, as Martin Luther King once said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” In this particular context, it’s not going to take as long as we thought it would be. Justice is coming for Duterte and those who massacred the poor.

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Make DDR a priority

THE advent of killer tropical cyclones that came one after another, “Kristine” being the latest one, together with the many landslides and floods often burying villages and killing hundreds of people in their path, should convince President Marcos Jr. on the need to prioritize a long-pending bill at the Senate. This is the bill that creates the Department of Disaster and Resilience.

EDITORIAL

The better way to mourn

Monday November 4 was declared a Day of National Mourning for those who perished from the onslaught of severe tropical storm Kristine nearly two weeks ago. This was made official by Proclamation 728, signed October 30 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

As of that date, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that Kristine affected a total of 1,79 million families or more than 7 million individuals, One hundred thirty-nine people lost their lives.

The national flag was flown at halfmast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad.

The observance expressed the nation’s oneness and commisseration

relief and rehabilitation.

Yes, we have the NDRRMC ( National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), an ad hoc body under the Office of Civil Defense of the Department of National Defense, which has since devolved into provincial and regional offices. But, as I said, the NDRRMC is only an ad hoc body called upon when there is a calamity. Knowing that the Philippines is prone to calamities, not only to cyclones and typhoons, floods and landslides, the country is also prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, being in the Ring of Fire.

We need it, like, yesterday.

I can no longer count the billions of pesos that the government has lost in damaged infrastructure and agriculture. Yes, I have been writing on the need for a DDR, so much so that I keep on repeating myself, my gulay.

In the aftermath of the killer typhoons comes the listing of calamity areas, which is aimed as a warning to people. This is also to justify the need to release calamity funds for rescue,

These are the reasons why BBM should consider the need to prioritize a permanent department to handle all these natural disasters, a permanent body to study where disasters and calamities often occur. There is also the need for a DDR to study why floods and landslides occur. My gulay,

with those who lost loved ones as Kristine battered parts of the country. The storm unleashed, as well, Filipinos’ bayanihan spirit as many extended help to compatriots in whatever way they could. Unfortunately, the crisis also afforded a platform for opportunists and scammers to engage in their nefarious activities. And because elections are a few months away, some thought it fitting to flaunt their socalled generous spirits by handing out money – and the unspoken ties that come with this assistance – to those stranded in their homes or on their roofs.

—“—

We should remember the names and faces who milked the tragedy for their selfish gains.

But there are more ways to mourn, if we were truly sincere in honoring the dead.

We should go back to the causes of

floods now occur in areas where they never happened before. This is because not all communities have flood control projects. Disasters and calamities can happen anywhere. Funds are wasted because the government is not prepared for them, but also because the government lacks early warning devices to prevent loss of lives.

There is also the need for the 3 Rs, “ rescue, relief and rehabilitation”. Often, the government needs the Philippine Coast Guard (PSG) to help in rescue operations. Then, when there is need for relief, sadly the government always has to depend on the private sector, and the usual foreign relief.

My gulay, why must relief be dependent on the private sector and foreign aid when a DDR can provide a relief with the required appropriations?

Then comes rehabilitation. Often, Santa Banana, rescue and relief get hampered because of destroyed infrastructure. This could be another function of the DDR. A DDR will be a permanent department, always ready in the event of calamities and disasters.

The DDR bill was already enacted by the House of Representatives as early as the last Congress, but it is

the disaster outside of the often, and rightfully, blamed climate change. For instance, we should get to the root of the personalities who initiate and enable economic activities that prove damaging to the environment. We should look into the billions of pesos allotted for projects intended to prevent exactly these tragedies and why they failed to accomplish their purpose as expected. We should be informed about how public funds are spent and where accountability lies. Most importantly, we should remember the names and faces who milked the tragedy for their selfish gains. For these politicians, survivors are not humans deserving of a secure and safe way to live; they are just voters. We mourn those who perished, yes, but we also mourn our failure to learn in terms of holding leaders accountable for their failure. We mourn the tragedy of how a handout masquerades as genuine concern for the plight of the vulnerable. We mourn, yes, but we must also acknowledge that we can turn this collective grief into action that makes the scale of death and devastation grow smaller in the long run.

stymied at the Senate, because a DDR is not on its list of priorities. It seems that only Senator Bong Go is pushing for it because he knows the need for it, having gone to rural areas in need of relief when calamities and disasters hit them. I commend Senator Bong Go for this.

On the part of President Marcos Jr., I urge him to prioritize the enactment of a DDR knowing full well that the country is calamity and disaster prone. As I write this column, I believe the country will gain through the prioritization of the Senate of the bill on the creation of a DDR. I cannot understand why the Senate has not prioritized a DDR when it knows that we are always prone to calamities and disasters. I beg, I implore the Senate to enact the DDR if only to save more lives, and especially to save the government billions of pesos lost whenever there is a calamity or disaster.

The people need a DDR, especially during the typhoon season. And typhoons, floods, landslides will happen even more during the La Nina season. I really hope and pray that this is my last column on the need to prioritize a DDR.

Appeals set for Vietnam death row tycoon

Indonesia volcano eruption kills 10, sets houses aflame

A VOLCANO in eastern Indonesia erupted overnight, killing at least 10 people as it spewed fireballs and ash on surrounding villages, officials said Monday as they raised the alert to its highest level.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, a 1,703-metre (5,587-feet) twin volcano located on the popular tourist island of Flores, erupted shortly before midnight, forcing authorities to evacuate several villages.

Residents described their horror when the crater started shooting flaming rocks at their homes.

“I was asleep when suddenly the bed shook twice, as if someone had slammed it. Then I realised the volcano had erupted, so I ran outside,” said 32-year-old hairdresser Hermanus Mite.

“I saw flames coming out and immediately fled. There were ashes and stones everywhere. My salon also caught fire and everything inside was lost.”

Abdul Muhari, spokesman of the country’s disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), confirmed the death toll at a press conference, adding that 10,295 people had been affected by the eruptions.

He said the number of evacuees was still being calculated.

An AFP journalist near the volcano said five villages were evacuated, forcing thousands of people to seek shelter elsewhere.

Buildings near the volcano were covered by thick ash while some wooden homes caught fire, and the ground was pockmarked with holes caused by flying molten rocks.

just before mid-

The

and then again at 1:27 am (1727 GMT Sunday) and 2:48 am, the country’s volcanology agency said. AFP

Myanmar junta chief to visit China for first time

MYANMAR junta chief Min Aung

Hlaing will travel to key ally China this week, both countries said Monday, in his first known trip there since seizing power in a 2021 coup.

China is a major ally and arms supplier of the junta and analysts say Beijing also maintains ties with Myanmar ethnic armed groups which hold territory along its border.

Some of those groups have seized territory from the junta in northern Shan state, disrupting traffic along a vital trade highway to China.

Min Aung Hlaing will travel to the southwestern city of Kunming on Wednesday to attend a two-day sum-

mit of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) -- a group including China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.

A statement from the Myanmar junta on Monday said Min Aung Hlaing “will meet and discuss with government officials of the People’s Republic of China on the friendship between the governments and people of the two countries, to develop and strengthen economic and multi-sectoral cooperation”.

The trip comes as Myanmar’s military struggles to quell armed resistance from various ethnic minority armed groups and “People’s Defence Forces” which rose up to oppose its

power grab.

China also confirmed that the leader of Myanmar would attend the summit.

“Against a background of a weakening global recovery and geopolitical turbulence, the need to strengthen unity and cooperation, and to focus on development and prosperity, are becoming more prominent,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday.

“The Chinese side looks forward... to holding in-depth communication with all sides (and) promoting regional interconnectivity, trade and investment,” she said at a regular press briefing in Beijing. AFP

Group campaigning for release of Israeli hostages want probe into documents leak

AN Israeli group campaigning for the release of hostages held in Gaza called on Monday for an investigation into the alleged leak of confidential documents by an exaide to the prime minister, which may have undermined efforts to secure the captives’ release.

An Israeli court announced on Sunday that Eliezer Feldstein, a former aide to Benjamin Netanyahu, had been detained along with three others for allegedly leaking documents to foreign media.

The case has prompted the opposition to question whether Netanyahu was involved in the leak -- an allegation denied by his office.

“The (hostage) families demand an investigation against all those suspected of sabotage and undermining state security,” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

HO CHI MINH CITY — The appeal of a Vietnamese property tycoon sentenced to death for fraud totalling $27 billion began on Monday after she pleaded for a more “lenient and humane” sentence.

Property developer Truong My Lan, 68, was convicted earlier this year of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) -- which prosecutors said she controlled -- and given the death sentence in one of the biggest corruption cases in history.

Tens of thousands of people who had invested their savings in the bank lost money, shocking the communist nation and prompting rare protests from the victims.

Lan, wearing a blue shirt, was brought to court in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday under tight security. The court will review Lan’s request for a reduced sentence, along with that of 47 other defendants, during a threeweek appeal attended by 100 lawyers, state media said.

Lan has also asked to be let off a $26.5 milllion court fee. As the hearing began, around a dozen people staged a small protest outside an SCB branch in Hanoi, demanding the victims be repaid. In her handwritten appeal of more than five pages seen by AFP, Lan said that the death sentence was “too severe and harsh”.

She asked the court to consider a more “lenient and humane approach”.

“Because of my passion for business and the desire to build and contribute through creating world-class projects for Vietnam, I have traded and sacrificed a lot of happiness for myself and my family,” the appeal stated. Lan said she had suffered due to the pressure of negative public opinion. AFP

“Such actions, especially during wartime, endanger the hostages, jeopardise their chances of return and abandon them to the risk of being killed by Hamas terrorists.”

The forum represents most of the families of the 97 hostages still held in Gaza after they were seized in the unprecedented October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the war. The Israeli military says 34 of them are dead.

“The suspicions suggest that individuals associated with the prime minister acted to carry out one of the greatest frauds in the country’s history,” the forum said.

“This is a moral low point like no other. It is a severe blow to the remaining trust between the government and its citizens.”

Critics have long accused Netanyahu of stalling in truce negotiations and prolonging the war to appease his far-right coalition partners. AFP

it has earmarked to tackle criminal people smuggling gangs, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Downing Street office said on Monday. The additional funding will provide £150 million over two years for Starmer’s new Border Security Command, part of his policy to bring down the number of undocumented migrants arriving in Britain by small boats. The announcement comes as Starmer’s new Labour government -- like its Conservative predecessor -- struggles to drive down numbers despite his preelection pledge to “smash” the criminal gangs behind them. In a speech to the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow later on Monday, Starmer is expected to say the “world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge”.

Undocumented migration, particularly of people crossing the Channel from northern France, was a major issue at the polls in July when Starmer’s Labour party was elected.AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SPORTS

‘Insane’ Verstappen nears world F1 title

SAO PAULO —Max

Verstappen was described as “insane” and “invaluable” on Sunday after delivering one of the greatest wet weather drives to win the Brazilian Grand Prix and move to the brink of a fourth successive world Formula One title.

The Red Bull maestro won a chaotic, rainlashed race at Interlagos from 17th place on the grid.

With title rival Lando Norris slipping from pole to a disappointing sixth place finish in his McLaren, Verstappen now boasts a 62-point lead over the Briton with just three races left. He could wrap up the championship on the streets of Las Vegas in three weeks’ time.

“I was feeling all over the place, a roller-coaster,” he told reporters after his career 62nd win.

“My emotions went from wanting to destroy the garage after qualifying to winning the race.”

He added: “It’s so unbelievable to win from so far back on the grid after expecting to drop points in the championship. There was so much at stake and I had to be aware of the championship too. So for me this is the best one.

“The rain came and we stayed out, which was sketchy, and I just had to keep the car on track and the conditions were undriveable – it was like driving a boat or a jet-ski so it was special today.”

Verstappen had not won a Grand Prix in 10 outings since the Spanish Grand Prix in May.

“I just want clean races now,” he added. “I’m not thinking about the title or clinching it in Vegas.”

Verstappen’s victory was also an emphatic statement of intent as he reeled off five successive fastest laps in the closing stages and 17 altogether as he came home 19.4 seconds clear of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.

‘One of the greats now’

His win made him the first driver since Kimi Raikkonen at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix to win from as far back as 17th on the grid.

“He was insane today,” said his father Jos, a former F1 driver.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner described the world champion as “invaluable.” AFP

Bacoor Strikers complete MPVA semifinal cast

vs UST (semis)

LAST year’s finalists three-peat-seeking National University and University of Santo Tomas swept separate foes to complete the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship semifinals cast Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Veterans Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon led the way in the twice-tobeat Lady Bulldogs’ dominating 25-12, 25-22, 25-17, win over University of the Philippines in their quarterfinal clash.

Belen pounded nine attacks, two aces and a kill block for a game-high 12 points while Solomon scored 10 markers as NU advanced to a third straight semis appearance in the centerpiece tournament of the league backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.

The Lady Bulldogs hurdled a tough challenge thrown by the Fighting Ma-

BACOOR secured the last semifinal spot with an easy 25-14, 25-18, 25-22 win over also-ran Valenzuela in the 2024 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) Sunday night at the Bacoor Strike Gym in Cavite.

Cyrille Alemeniana fired 13 points as the Strikers in the process bolstered their toptwo seeding bid for a twice-to-beat incentive at 10-3.

Bacoor joined No. 1 seed Quezon Tangerines (13-1), Rizal St. Gerrard Charity Foundation (10-4) and Biñan Tatak Gel (10-5) in the Final Four of the upstart league founded by former Senator and MPBL chairman Manny Pacquiao.

Jemalyn Menor and Camille Bustamante chipped in 10 and nine points, respectively as the Strikers were quick to avenge their 1825, 25-23, 16-25 18-25 loss to Quezon before the long break that derailed their Final Four march.

Ranged against the lowly Valenzuela side

roons in the second set before cruising the rest of the way to set up an exciting knockout semis duel with unbeaten Far Eastern University on Saturday.

“Ayaw naming ma-waste ‘yung pinaghirapan namin sa training. Bakit pa kami naghihirap sa training kung hindi namin naa-apply sa game?” said the reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Solomon.

NU and FEU will meet once again following the thrilling National Invitationals gold medal showdown that the Lady Bulldogs won last July.

Middle blocker Kassandra Doering was the lone bright spot for UP, which was relegated to the classification round, with 10 points.

Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses fought back from a six-point deficit in the third set to boot out University of the East, 25-22, 25-21, 25-21, and forge a semis meeting with undefeated De La Salle University on Wednesday.

Angge Poyos blasted 10 of her 15 points, all coming from attacks, in the third frame including the gameclinching kill to ice UST’s scorching 13-3 blast after going down, 12-18.

“Inisip lang namin na i-compose

though, Bacoor was not to be denied behind a crisp onslaught and lethal defense to bag the win in more than just an hour.

Meanwhile, AM Caloocan Air Force’s 2515, 25-15, 28-26 win against also-ran ICC Negros went down the drain with Bacoor’s clinching 10th win.

Iari Yongco-Quimson and Jozza Mae Cabalsa had 14 and 12 points respectively for Caloocan, which improved to 6-7 but could get to only nine wins in the two-round, 16game MPVA backed by Extreme One-Stop Shop Appliances, ASICS, Mikasa and Gerflor with MPTV and Outcomm as broadcast partners. Only the top four teams with the top two gaining win-once bonuses will advance through the semis as the five squads get the boot in the MPVA organized by the Volleyball Masters of the Philippines.

Abegail Nuval scored 12 points for Valenzuela (2-12) while Andrea Caparal had 16 for Negros (4-10).

ang sarili namin kasi nga malaki ang lamang ng kalaban. ‘Yung consistency all throughout the game ‘yun talaga ang pinanghahawakan namin and ‘yung communication sobrang importante talaga,” Poyos said.

Regina Jurado had 12 points built on eight spikes, three aces and a kill block for UST.

Jelai Gajero finished with 18

points but had little help on offense as the Lady Warriors were relegated to the classification phase of the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets as technical partners.

PHILIPPINE National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) president Tats Suzara officially recognized the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) as the Philippines’ primary and only professional volleyball league.

During the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference press conference in Manila, Suzara expressed full support for the country’s premier women’s volleyball league, calling it the top organization in the nation. This acknowledgment underscores the PVL’s progression from its beginnings as the Shakey’s V-League in 2004 to becoming a professional league in 2021. The league’s upcoming All-Filipino Conference will be its longest tournament to date, stretching over six months and aligning with the international FIVB calendar.

Sponsored by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, Watsons, iColor and Argan Beauty, this conference provides participating teams with a significant preparation period for future international tournaments, including the 2024 AVC Champions League in Seoul, South Korea.

More so, the champion of the All-Filipino Conference will also represent the Philippines in the AVC Champions League. To reduce financial stress on the competing club, the PVL will cover all travel and accommodation expenses, allowing the team to focus solely on the competition.

Moreover, each team is permitted to recruit two foreign players, thus enhancing the roster’s competitiveness as they face top Asian clubs.

“The PVL is committed to fully supporting our representative club in the AVC Champions League,” said Suzara, urging teams to leverage this opportunity to shine on the international stage. “Thanks to the collaboration with (PVL president) Ricky Palou, all expenses, including travel and logistics for the AVC tournament, will be managed by PVL.”

TWO upcoming grassroots events of the Philippine Sports Commission will be discussed in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday (Nov. 5) at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The 2024 edition of the Batang Pinoy and the 8th Philippine National Para Games are featured in the weekly

Red Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates at the podium of the Formula One Sao Paulo Grand Prix, at the Jose Carlos Pace racetrack, aka Interlagos, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. AFP

Bacoor’s Daizerlyn Uy soars for a kill. Noel Tonido

UST belles celebrate after scoring a point. Roman Prospero

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.

Editor

Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Pirates, Stags clash, try to stay in semis contention

LYCEUM of the Philippines University tries to keep its Final Four boat afloat even as San Sebastian College fights for its dear Final Four life as the two collide today in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Pirates’ ship has slowly sank after falling to a 6-8 record following a heartbreaking 69-68 defeat to the Mapua Cardinals Saturday and a victory over the Stags in their 11 a.m. duel should somehow right the ship.

A win would send LPU to joint fifth with Letran (7-8) and closer to No. 4 Emilio Aguinaldo College (7-7).

College of St. Benilde and Mapua remained immovable at Nos. 1 and 2 with a 12-2 and 11-3 record, respectively.

San Beda, the reigning titlist, is at No. 3 with a 9-5 mark.

For SSC, at 4-10, it’s practically do-or-die for the team as it would need to sweep all its last four games including this one against LPU for it to resuscitate life to its dying Final Four hopes.

Also grasping at straws are Jose Rizal U and Arellano U, who face off in their 2:30 p.m. showdown.

The Chiefs own a 5-9 mark while the Bombers possess a 4-10 card and both can’t afford to lose another game if they want to stay in the race.

Progella, Pagara eye Asian beach volley redemption

ALAS PILIPINAS’ Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara look to showcase their vastly improved partnership as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) brings the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships to the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa starting on Wednesday.

The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Sands stalwarts seek redemption at Nuvali, site of their Philippine national team debut last year in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in December last year. With a boost in morale from a sterling performance in tough overseas play—they underscored their fine form with a final eight appearance in 2024 FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures in China just two months ago—Progella and Pagara are set to put on a show for the home crowd along with five other Philippine team pairs in the tournament 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 and the Asian Volleyball Confederation and PNVF, both headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The Air Force pair of Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda also eye podium spots after reaching the Round of 16 of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Nuvali in April and winning one of three matches in the Qingdao leg in September.

Philippine Army’s Alexa Polidario and the Coast Guard’s Jenny Gaviola are among the seven pairs battling it out for the remaining four spots in the 24-team main draw. Nuvali Open champions Stefanie Fejes and Jana Milutinovic of Australia lead the favorites in the women’s side. Australia’s Jasmine Fleming is also back after a runner-up finish with Georgia Johnson in Santa Rosa, but will now compete with Elizabeth Alchin.

Stopping Brownlee, Holt

TNT’s battle cry in Game 5

By Peter Atencio

PLAYING better defense will be the key to winning Game 5 of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup best-of-seven series between the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the TNT Tropang Giga.

TNT coach Chot Reyes said this after the Gin Kings pulled off a 106-92 smothering of the Tropang Giga to tie their finals’ series at 2-all at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

TNT and Ginebra clash at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

“It’s upon us to play better defense. Some of our guys who are on defense needs to step up. We hope that with better defense, we have a chance to lead the

series,” said Reyes of his wards, who were unable to stop the two-pronged attack of Justine Brownlee and Stephen Holt.

Last Sunday, Brownlee wasn’t just the main concern of the Tropang Giga. Holt, who was feeling sick in the first two games, finally came through with big baskets as he fired 18 points, including a big triple with 1:28 left to play, that allowed Ginebra to take the lead

PROMISING gymnast Jacob Alvarez bagged five gold medals, while Karl Eldrew Yulo captured four to lead the Philippines to 34 medals won over the weekend in the 3rd JRC Artistic Gymnastics Stars Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

The unheralded Alvarez, a prized find from Club Gymnastica, also claimed two silvers in the men’s artistic gymnastics pre-junior events.

Alvarez’s feat came as the younger brother of Paris Olympics’ double gold medallist Carlos Yulo first took home the individual all-around mint on Day 1, before topping the floor exercise, still rings and vault events to go with his gold in the team event.

The 16-year-old Yulo also took home a silver medal in the parallel bars. Eldrew’s feat came a month after coming out of a 10-day training camp with Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya with his sister Elaiza.

for good at 104-92. Brownlee finished with 34 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Maverick Ahanmisi churned out 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

On the other hand, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Tropang Giga with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.

“Holt, he was defending Rondae the whole time, but he was still scoring. And so was Brownlee. The game of the two guys really gave us a problem,” added Reyes.

Coach Tim Cone commended the performance of Holt that evening.

“He powered through and continued to play through sickness,” said Cone on Holt, who was last season’s Rookie of the Year.

PUERTO PRINCESA – Basking in the afterglow of the country’s overall triumph in the just-concluded ICF Dragon Boat World Championships, Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Leonora Escollante has a grand plan on how the PH paddlers can further excel in international play.

“While I am proud of what we achieved at the worlds, I believe that there is still some room for improvement. May kulang pa. So that is what we will work on so that our paddlers can be more competitive in international competition,” Escollante said.

Armed with months of intense training and cheered by the hometown crowd, the Filipino campaigners thrived and

captured overall honors with a glittering haul of 11 gold, 20 silver and eight bronzes for their best finish in the world meet sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation. They relegated traditional regional power Thailand to second place with a tally of eight golds, while the squad composed of Individual Neutral Athletes were in third place with six gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

As the former longtime coach of the national dragon boat squad and not one to settle for less than excellence, Escollante pointed out “that I believe our athletes can deliver more as they work on the areas they can improve on because the proper technique and execution is already there.

Another promising gymnast, King Cjay Pernia, got a bronze in the vault event.

“Our girls for WAG Australian Level 4 amazingly secured the gold medal in the team event. Team work at its finest!,” said the GAP in a statement on social media.

During the meet, Yulo took the vault gold with a score of 13.75 points, with the silver going to Nor Adam Hazziq Nor Azaha (Malaysian Gymnastics Federation) with 13.500 points, and King Cjay Pernia (GAP) taking the bronze with 11.938 points.

Yulo’s 13.1-point tally earned him the gold in the floor exercise, with Azaha behind with 12.75, and Wilson Wei Sin Yoh (Malaysian Gymnastics Federation) in third with 12.450

The still rings gold went to Yulo off his 12.925 point tally, ahead of Thai bet Sittichok Phimthong (JRC), who had 11.700 Muhammad Bariq Adif Mat Duad (Malaysian Gymnastics Federation) settled for the bronze with 11.450 points. Peter Atencio

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines said that the athletes they sent to Bangkok earned three golds, a silver and a bronze on their final day on Sunday.

Games Tuesday (Filoil EcoOil Arena)

vs

vs

Gineba’s Stephen Holt outmanuevers his TNT defender.

PCKF president Leonora Escollante receives the country’s overall title accolade from Dr. Wai Hung-Luk of Hong Kong (center), the chairman of the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat Commission.

Karl Eldrew Yulo with coach Reyland Capellan

Singapore’s Summit Telco heavily investing in DITO CME

By Darwin G. Amojelar

DMoody’s Q3 growth forecast

Actual GDP growth in Q2 of 2024

Actual GDP growth in Q3 of 2024

PH growth likely at 5.7% in 3rd quarter

–Moody’s unit

MOODY’S Analytics said Monday the Philippine economy likely grew 5.7 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2024.

“We expect economic growth in the Philippines to slow to 5.7 percent year-over-year in the September quarter from 6.3 percent in the June [second] quarter,” the research unit of Moody’s Corp. said.

“Government spending and private investment will drive growth, while private consumption will be muted because recent rate cuts need time to filter through the economy,” it said.

Moody’s Analytics said exports could lose some shine due to soft external demand for Philippine goods and a slower increase in international tourist arrivals.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the third-quarter GDP figures on Nov. 7, 2024.

Moody’s Ratings in August 2024 affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade credit rating of “Baa2” with a “stable” outlook.

The credit rating agency cited as key factors the country’s reforms to liberalize the economy, fiscal consolidation efforts and robust macroeconomic fundamentals.

Moody’s said “the passage of reforms over the past several years to liberalize the Philippine economy will support medium-term growth potential by supporting a businessfriendly environment and attracting foreign investments.”

Moody’s said it expects foreign direct investment inflows to continue rising in 2024 and 2025, driven by strong investor interest in the energy, manufacturing and information and communications sectors. It also noted the Marcos administration’s goal of increasing infrastructure investments at 5.0 percent of GDP annually under the “Build Better More” initiative, which will reduce the country’s infrastructure gap.

ITO CME Holdings Corp. said Monday it secured board approval to sign an agreement with Singapore’s Summit Telco Corporation Pte. Ltd. to invest in the company.

The company disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its board authorized chairman Dennis Uy and president Donald Patrick Lim to finalize the investment terms, including amounts, timing, and tranches of the subscriptions. They are also authorized to sign necessary agreements, including subscription agreements.

equity position. The investment is subject to regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange.

Summit Telco, an existing shareholder of DITO CME, did not disclose the acquisition price. DITO CME’s stock closed at P1.77 on Oct. 31, 2024.

DITO CME said the potential investment, along with other equity raising efforts, aims to improve its

DITO CME executed a subscription framework agreement allowing Summit Telco to subscribe to up to 9 billion primary common shares, subject to the execution of detailed subscription agreements.

DITO CME earlier targeted raising up to P40.26 billion until 2028 to address its negative equity position and fund expansion plans. As of end2023, the company had raised P5.5 billion through private investments from Xterra Ventures, Pte Ltd., Summit Telco, and Summit Telco Holdings Corp.

DITO CME reported a total comprehensive loss of P19.56 billion in 2023, resulting in a capital deficiency of P35.37 billion. As of end-March 2024, the capital deficiency increased to P44.43 billion.

THE Bistro Group, a franchisee of TGI Fridays in the Philippines, on Monday reassured its customers and partners that it remains stable and thriving despite TGI Fridays Inc.’s voluntary Chapter 11 petitions in the United States.

“It is important to note that TGI Fridays Inc.’s filing pertains solely to its 39 company-owned restaurants in the U.S. and does not include TGI Fridays Franchisor LLC, which continues to oversee and support franchise operations

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission

(ERC) said Monday it will penalize distribution utilities that fail to comply with a directive to implement a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and staggered payment collections in areas affected by Typhoon Kristine.

ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said the biggest factor in the issue is high generation costs, and generators should also agree to a grace period. She said delayed payments could lead to increased collection costs, creating a domino effect.

worldwide, including here in the Philippines. The Bistro Group operates independently, and its restaurants remain unaffected by this restructuring process,” the Bistro Group said in a statement.

“We are proud to announce that TGI Fridays Philippines is not only stable but thriving. In 2024, we successfully opened five new locations across the country bringing to 30 the number of our stores to date, and we have plans to launch another five in 2025,” said Jean Paul Manuud, president of The

distributors face ERC fines for disconnecting typhoon

a staggered payment scheme for consumers using 200 kilowatt-hours or less per month for at least six months. The commission also directed utilities to offer flexible payment options for bills from October to December to help consumers recover from the typhoon’s impact.

The ERC’s directive aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to study a moratorium on disconnections and payments.

The ERC also ordered utilities to suspend disconnections for residential and non-residential consumers in the captive market using 200 kWh or less per month. For consumers exceeding 200 kWh, utilities may offer alternative payment terms. 5.7% 6.3% 6.0%

The ERC ordered distribution utilities in areas under a state of calamity due to Kristine to implement

Bistro Group.

“This growth reflects our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences and the ‘Fridays Feeling’ that our customers have come to love,” said Manuud.

He said that as TGI Fridays celebrates its 30th anniversary in the country this year, it continues to be one of the leading casual dining restaurant chains in the local hospitality industry.

“Our dedication to quality service and customer satisfaction remains

unwavering. We continue to uphold the high standards that TGI Fridays is known for, and we are excited about the future as we expand our footprint in the Philippines,” said Manuud.

He said the Bistro Group is committed to ensuring that TGI Fridays remains a beloved destination for dining and celebration. “We appreciate the ongoing support from our loyal customers, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our restaurants for many more memorable moments,” he said.

By Othel V. Campos

Maynilad investing P695m in Parañaque sewerage lines

By Othel V. Campos

WMaynilad Water Services, Inc. is undertaking a major sewerage expansion in Parañaque City, laying 4.8 kilometers of new lines to serve over 35,000 residents in Barangays La Huerta and San Dionisio.

Cebu Pacific rolls out new seat sale for domestic trips

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific on Monday rolled out another seat sale for November 2024, offering over 750,000 seats for domestic destinations.

Cebu Pacific said that from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7, 2024, passengers may book their flights to all of its domestic destinations for as low as P99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges.

The travel period is from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2025 – perfect for Juans who are looking to kick off 2025 with new travel adventures.

The airline recently launched new routes from major hubs in Visayas and Mindanao.

From Davao, travelers can now enjoy direct flights to 12 exciting domestic destinations, including Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, and Clark.

Iloilo offers connections to nine domestic destinations, such as Tacloban and Zamboanga, making it easier than ever to explore the region.

Cebu boasts over 20 domestic destinations, featuring new routes to the stunning Masbate and San Vicente, Palawan—home to the Philippines’ longest white-sand beach.

Cebu Pacific said that with its extensive domestic network paired with affordable fares, every Juan can now plan their next vacation and plunge into Palawan’s crystal-clear waters, island-hop in Iloilo, or visit General Santos, the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”.

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

The airline operates one of the youngest fleets in the world, with its diversified commercial fleet mix of nine Airbus 330s, 40 Airbus 320s, 23 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft enabling the widest network coverage in the Philippines.

The P695-million initiative, extending along NIA Ave., Radial Road and Sucat Ave., will transport wastewater to Maynilad’s Parañaque Water Reclamation Facility for proper treatment, ensuring safe discharge into the Kayboboy River following environmental standards.

“Sewerage projects are highly complex and take time, as new sewer lines must be laid deeper than water pipelines—sometimes as deep as 14 meters below

A worker installs part of the 4.8 kilometers of new sewer lines of Maynilad Water Services Inc. in Parañaque City as it expands its sewerage services. The P695-million project involves the laying of sewer lines along portions of NIA Ave., Radial Road and Sucat Ave., which will collect wastewater from over 35,000 residents.

ground. This requires precise engineering and careful excavation,” said Maynilad wastewater management head Zmel Grabillo.

The project, which started in 2021, is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025.

Maynilad is using trenchless technology to minimize disruptions, reducing surface digging and thus minimizing traffic and community impact.

Construction is limited to nighttime hours, with trenches safely

covered during the day to maintain road access.

Maynilad is also expanding its sewer network across Manila, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Bacoor, Las Piñas, Caloocan, and Quezon City.

Backed by a P19 billion budget from 2023 to 2027, Maynilad plans to install 121 kilometers of new sewer lines across its service areas, strengthening its 651-kilometer sewer network and enhancing its 684-million-liters-per-day treatment capacity.

Vivant unit promotes harnessing seawater as sustainable source

VIVANT Water, a unit of utilities conglomerate Vivant Corp., laid out a comprehensive approach to harnessing seawater as a sustainable and reliable water source.

Vivant Water was invited to take part in the panel for a plenary discussion on water security and sanitation in the 30th Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) International Conference & Exhibition in Boracay Island.

The event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers, including government officials, water utility experts and environmental advocates to discuss the urgency of implementing climate resilient and sustainable water and wastewater management practices.

Among the conference’s highlights

A RENOWNED economist with a philosophical bent once said that mankind’s three greatest discoveries were fire, the wheel and central banking. Placing central banking alongside fire and the wheel among mankind’s greatest discoveries is not a mistake, for it is a very powerful tool for the delivery of progress and the maintenance of socio-economic stability in a society. Socio-economic stability –and, ultimately, political stability – would be wellnigh impossible to maintain in a society without a monetary system built around a central bank. What makes a central bank an indispensable part of a society? There are four reasons. First and foremost, there has to be an institution with the sole authority to issue currency. Obviously, there cannot be more than one currency-issuing institution; that is a formula for chaos and disorder. By virtue of its statutory status as an independent entity, a central bank alone decides how much money – the total of notes and coins –will be circulating in an economy at any one time. That total will depend on the judgment of the Monetary Board – the policymaking body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as to the non-inflationary currency requirement of the

economy.

was the compelling plenary session led by lawyer Jess Anthony Garcia, chief executive of Vivant Water.

Garcia addressed the growing need for resilient water infrastructure in the face of climate change and water scarcity.

Garcia discussed his forwardthinking topic, “Integrating Seawater for a Resilient Water Future.”

“At Vivant Water, we are working to integrate desalination technology into local water systems – sufficient to meet the needs of at least 100,000 people in Metro Cebu,” Garcia said.

He underscored the importance of diversifying potable water resources and how the collaboration of private and public sectors is detrimental to ensure water security for generations.

The second reason why central banking is an indispensable part of a society is that the nation’s banking system – banks and non-bank financial intermediaries (NBFIs) – has to be regulated. A nation’s banking system can make its maximum contribution to the development of each economy only if the central bank does an efficient job of regulating the nation’s financial institutions.

The third reason why central banking is an indispensable part of a society is that a stable financial system requires an efficient last-resort lending mechanism. A central bank – the BSP in our case – is the leader of last resort, making lastresort loans to the banks and NBFIs it supervises.

The fourth, but definitely not the least, reason is that there must be an institution that sets the benchmarks for the interest rates that banks and NBFIs charge for loans, placements, deposits and other financial transactions.

A central bank’s power to determine the economically appropriate money-supply level, combined with its power to influence interest rates, makes it a very powerful institution. The levels at which the Monetary Board sets the BSP’s interest rates influence the citizenry’s decisions to borrow, to spend, to save and to invest; the aggregates of those decisions, in turn, determine

By Jenniffer B. Austria

which is expected to cut the policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent.

“On the foreign front, the outcome of the US presidential election will weigh on the market later in the week. A potential Republican victory may cause heavy selling pressure in anticipation of tighter trade policies, while a Democratic win could be cheered by investors for maintaining the status quo on policies and trade ties,” the team said. Sectoral performance was mixed. Holding firms edged up by 1 percent and services by 0.88 percent. Mining and oil declined by 1.93 percent and property by 1.35 percent. Value turnover reached P4.42 billion, with 76 advancers against 107 decliners and 57 unchanged issues. International Container Terminal Services Inc. jumped 2.77 percent to P4.05, while Bank of the Philippine Islands declined 1.05 percent to P141.70.

policymaking at its best

When a central bank is able to engineer soft economic landings, that is monetary policymaking at its best.

the money supply. Every student of economics is taught that the single most important function of a central bank is to maintain price stability, i.e., prevent inflation or deflation. Inflation occurs when – stated in the simplest terms – too much money is chasing too few goods; loss of purchasing power is the outcome of inflation. The opposite is true of a deflationary situation.

There has been a long-running debate between economists and non-economists as to whether economics is a science or an art. The debate is particularly fierce when the subject is monetary policy. Whether the economics of monetary policymaking is a science or an art largely depends on whether elements such as intuition, anticipation, hunch-playing and studied

guesswork are considered legitimate elements in the making of monetary policy. Like most human activities, monetary policymaking can be either reactive or proactive. When it is of the reactive kind, monetary policymaking merely acts in a manner confirmatory of the evidence established by the other economic agencies of the government. Thus, having seen the price, production and employment data gathered by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the BSP has embarked on an expansionary approach to interest-rate setting. BSP interest rate policy can hardly remain in a restrictive mode when the signs point to economic recovery in a declininginflation setting.

The title of this column speaks of a central bank performing at its best. That happens when a central bank “leans against the prevailing economic winds” – to quote a distinguished postwar chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board – and makes interest rate and other policy decisions before the economic cycle reaches its peak or its trough. When a central bank is able to engineer soft economic landings, that is monetary policymaking at its best. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

Vivant Water chief executive Jess Anthony Garcia (fourth from left) receives the certificate of appreciation for being one of the plenary speakers in the recent 30th Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) International Conference & Exhibition held in Boracay. Other attendees are (from left) PWAA director Juliet Nacita, national vice president Dickson San Juan, president Vicente Joyas and director Joel De Jesus.

BUSINESS

SEC urges delinquent firms to settle fines before deadline

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DELINQUENT companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will have until end-November 2024 to restore their good standing by completing their application for the Enhanced Compliance Incentive Plan (ECIP).

The SEC, in a statement, reminded non-compliant companies to clear their track record and settle their fines and penalties for the late and non-filing of reportorial requirements at lower rates before the Nov. 30, 2024 deadline.

“With less than a month left before we offi-

cially close ECIP, we encourage non-compliant, suspended and revoked corporations to complete their applications to ensure the continuous operations of their businesses,” SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

“We remind corporations that the submission of reportorial requirements is mandated by law, and failure to comply could result in the suspension or revocation of their corporate registration,” he said.

Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, requires all SEC-registered corporations to submit their annual financial statements (AFS) and General Information Sheets (GIS).

Non-compliance could lead to the imposition of applicable fines and penalties and, for extreme cases, the suspension or revocation of corporate registration, the SEC said.

This strips a company of the powers and privileges granted to a registered corporation, including separate juridical personality, limited liability, and perpetual ex-

AEROSPACE engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada held its Customer Day Roadshow in partnership with INAEC Aviation Corp. on Oct. 15, 2024, in Manila. Representatives from the biggest general aviation operators from around the country attended the event.

The second of two roadshows held this year and part of PWC’s tour around Asia-Pacific, the event focused on the PT6 engine series — one of the most successful general aviation engines globally and used in both civilian and military aircraft.

As a long-standing customer of PWC, operating the Beechcraft King Air powered by the PT6 engine since the 1990s, INAEC was chosen to host the Philippine leg of the roadshow series.

The event featured updates on customer support and services, engine maintenance solutions, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Pratt & Whitney engines can take up to a 50/50 blend of SAF and conventional fuel (Jet A1), with no additional maintenance required.

The PWC team also introduced maintenance management programs which can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing planning, minimizing aircraft downtime, and, most importantly, cutting costs. Also discussed were the issues on bird strikes and foreign object debris

(FOD) damage, incidents that occur more frequently than they should.

“In today’s environment — marked by supply chain disruptions and fluctuating oil prices — these topics are timely and the programs we offer are particularly beneficial. With built-in safeguards against inflation, we can provide operators with essential protection, helping to stabilize operational expenses in a volatile market,” said Rakesh Misir, senior regional manager of PWC Asia Pacific.

“We are honored to contribute to these roadshows initiated by an equipment manufacturer like Pratt and Whitney. Whether as a manufacturer like Pratt and Whitney, or as a service provider and an end-user, like INAEC, we share common goals in terms of enhancing safety and improving our technical expertise. Events like this underscore this fact and create stronger bonds within our aviation community,” said Dexter Ampong, INAEC general manager.

INAEC also hosted the kickoff for Pratt & Whitney’s roadshow series in the country in August, which centered on helicopter engines. Representatives from various helicopter operators and MROs attended the event, which focused more on maintenance practices for the

istence, among others. Corporations that incurred fines and penalties for the late or non-filing of their AFS or GIS, as well as noncompliance with MC No. 28, Series of 2020, which requires corporations to designate official and alternative contact details, may apply for ECIP.

Under the program, non-compliant corporations, including those under the delinquent status, should pay only P20,000 to settle their fines and penalties for the covered violations, while suspended or revoked corporations would have to pay 50 percent of their total assessed penalties and a petition fee of P3,060 to lift their order of suspension/revocation.

Eligible corporations will have to submit their latest due AFS and GIS as part of their application to regain their good standing. Suspended/revoked firms, meanwhile, will have to submit their petition to lift the order of suspension or revocation, along with other supporting documents.

ERC to issue Meralco rate reset order within the year

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said Monday it will issue an order on Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) rate resetting for the fifth regulatory period (5RP) within the year.

ERC chair Monalisa Dimalanta said that while a decision on Meralco’s 5RP application existed before her suspension, the commission revisited the matter following a recent Senate hearing.

“There was a modification in response to the sentiments during the hearings,” Dimalanta said.

She said the commission, under former chair Jesse Manalac, agreed to modify the resolution dispensing with the Meralco 5RP. Dimalanta is still reviewing the meeting minutes for specific details.

She said a majority of commissioners previously decided to forego the 5RP reset but was unsure if an order had been drafted.

“Target within this year. I hope within the month, within the week. Definitely within the year,” she said regarding the timeline for the order’s issuance.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier suggested that Meralco’s rate resetting could lead to a higher refund for consumers.

“I believe that the refund from Meralco would be significantly higher once the ERC completes resetting the distribution rate under the 5th regulatory period. It is expected to be bigger than the P16 billion that Meralco is saying,” Gatchalian said. Meralco anticipates a P16-billion refund once the ERC issues a decision on its 5RP, covering 2022 to 2026. The refund represents the difference between the actual weighted average price and the maximum average price, or the highest allowable costs charged to consumers.

Gatchalian said Meralco’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC), a factor in setting distribution rates, remained unchanged since 2015, currently at 14.97 percent.

harsh tropical operating environment of the Philippines.

Manila Standard TODAY

SWITCH-ON CEREMONY. Aboitiz Foundation and Subic EnerZone light up Iram II Elementary School with solar power during the ceremonial switch-on, bringing

sustainable energy to empower students and teachers. This is an early Christmas gift from Aboitiz Foundation and Subic EnerZone, in partnership with GivePower Foundation, providing essential electricity to one of the Department of Education’s identified last-mile schools, transforming learning for students, teachers and the entire community.

Representatives from Pratt & Whitney Canada, INAEC Aviation Corp. and general aviation operators pose in front of a King Air 350 at INAEC Hangar D at the Manila Domestic Airport. Pratt & Whitney Canada held its Customer Day Roadshow in partnership with INAEC on Oct. 15, 2024.

Alternergy infuses P2.9b to build wind, solar projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Monday it infused P2.9 billion in capital as of September 2024 to bankroll the construction of a solar and two wind power projects.

Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua said the equity infusion as of September 2024 to Alternergy Tanay Wind Corp. (ATWC) for the 128-megawatt Tanay Wind Power Project reached P1.5 billion and another P1.1 billion to Alabat Wind Power Corp. for the 64-MW Alabat Wind Power Project. Equity infusion to the Solana So-

Yao-led bank reports 57% profit growth

PHILIPPINE Business Bank (PBB), the financial services arm of the Yao Group of Companies, said Monday nine-month net income climbed 57.1 percent to P1.8 billion from P1.14 billion a year ago, on the back of sustained balance sheet growth.

Nine-month interest income reached P7.83 billion, marking a 16.1-percent from the previous year, the bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

Core income amounted to P2.39 billion, and profit before tax was P2.25 billion.

“The bank’s financials showed remarkable performance and growth in the first nine months of 2024 earning P1.8 billion net income, an accomplishment that took PBB the full year to reach in 2023. This growth was driven by the ability to capitalize on the high-interest rate,” said Rolando Avante, vice chairman, president and chief executive of PBB.

The bank also generated trading gains of P402.0 million, boosting net income despite economic volatility.

The bank said that as of September 2024, total loans and receivables amounted to P120.6 billion, a 13.1-percent year-on-year increase.

Total resources reached P161.3 billion. On the funding side, deposit liabilities amounted to P131.9 billion as of September 2024.

Shareholders’ equity was P19.7 billion, resulting in a book value per share of P23.31, net of preferred shares. The bank’s annualized returns on assets and equity improved to 1.49 percent and 12.18 percent, respectively. Jenniffer B. Austria

lar Alpha Inc. (SSAI) for the 28-MW Hermosa Solar Power Project reached P342 million. Alternergy owns 100 percent of the three companies created as special purpose vehicles for the said projects.

“With the capital infusion so far, ALTER is keen to ensure timely completion of the three projects,” Magbanua said.

The Tanay and Alabat Wind Power Projects are expected to be completed by end-2025 based on the committed delivery date under the Green Energy Auction 2 Program (GEA 2 program), while the Hermosa Solar Power Project is to be completed by the second

quarter 2025.

Alternergy said the initial equity infusions for the three projects partly came from the initial public offering (IPO) proceeds and the P2-billion green finance loan secured from BDO Unibank Inc.

Magbanua said additional funds from project lenders under the signed omnibus loan and security agreement (OLSA) are expected to flow immediately following drawdowns.

The Tanay Wind Power Project secured P8 billion in syndicate project finance from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Security Bank.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HILIPPINE Savings Bank (PSBank), the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group, said Monday it booked a P4-billion net income in nine months ending Sept. 30, 2024.

This represented a 19-percent increase over the same period last year, PSBank said in a disclosure to

exchange. It attributed the bank’s solid performance to higher operating income and improved asset quality.

“We remain well-positioned to serve the growing needs of our customers as we approach the final stretch of 2024. PSBank is gearing up for a more favorable interest rate environment which is seen to further boost consumer loan demand,” said PSBank president Jose Vicente Alde. Core revenues, which include net interest income, service fees and commissions, rose 4 percent to P10.52 billion in the nine-month period. Operating expenses inched up by 4 percent to P6.91 billion from January to September 2024. Gross loans grew 12 percent yearon-year to P138 billion, thanks to growth in auto, mortgage and business loans.

IPOPHL gets widespread support for copyright protection

By Othel V. Campos

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) attracted widespread support from 22 key public and private sector stakeholders committed to advancing intellectual property (IP) protection at the recent 2nd Philippine International Copyright Summit (PICS).

IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening the Philippine creative economy in response to these digital shifts.

“We are grateful to our partners for their commitment to making a differ-

Think tank asks Congress to pass Online Site Blocking bill vs. piracy

A THINK tank urged Congress to pass the Site Blocking Bill to combat piracy in the Philippines, citing its economic toll and security risks.

The Philippines currently lacks a legislative mandate to block sites with pirated content. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and internet service providers have been relying on stopgap measures to address the issue.

“We thus make an urgent call to our senators to act on the Site Blocking Bill, now pending before their chamber. This bill amends the existing Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines by enabling the IPOPHL to shut down sites containing pirated content, thus allowing it to act swiftly in the fight against

piracy,” said Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute.

Two separate bills, Senate Bills 2150 and 2385, have been filed in the Senate to amend the IP code and expand its definition of pirated goods to include electronic and online content.

The IPOPHL welcomed the proposed revision of the 27-year-old IP Code, noting that it has been advocating for the amendment and is ready to implement it once passed.

In 2022, the Philippines lost around $700 million due to the piracy of Filipino-made TV shows and movies, and the country was identified as one of the top consumers of pirated content in Asia, according to a YouGov 2022 Piracy Landscape Survey.

ence for Filipino artists,” he said.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque echoed this sentiment, saying that collaborative efforts to protect creativity are vital to establishing the Philippines as a global leader in the creative economy.

“DTI-Bagong Pilipinas is committed to modernizing IP frameworks, focusing on stronger enforcement against online piracy and broader IP education,” Roque said.

Quezon City, known for its pioneering role in the creative industries, continues to lead initiatives to make copyright protection accessible to

Filipino artists.

Global organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization, Korean Copyright Protection Agency and France’s National Industrial Property Institute, also highlighted the importance of a unified international approach to copyright issues.

Key players from Filipino creative industries such as the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Inc. (FILSCAP), Philippines Recorded Music Rights Inc. (PRM) and the Performers’ Rights Society of the Philippines (PRSPh) actively participated to represent Filipino creators.

IN BRIEF

SWIFT

PSBank president Jose Vicente Alde

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Mindanao eyes more alternative energy sources to meet demand

THE Department of Energy (DOE) underscored the necessity for alternative energy sources, saying that the current energy supply in Mindanao is not sustainable enough to address growing demand in the coming years.

Representatives from DOE Mindanao field office and energy consumer organization ILAW during the forum “Powering the Future: A Collaborative Approach to Energy Sustainability in Davao Region” explored strategies to achieve more reliable power sources to ensure long-term energy security nationwide.

Rapha Julysses E. Perez of the DOE Mindanao office reported that the current energy supply in Mindanao is sufficient to meet the energy demand in the area, with

an available capacity of 2,988 megawatts (MW) as of October 2024. However, he warned about the region’s future energy capacity amid growing demand.

“We rarely experience the red and yellow alerts unlike in Luzon and Visayas, and that’s a good thing. (Mindanao’s electricity supply is consistent) but it won’t be for long. We need more generation supply to recoup the increasing demand,” said Perez.

The island, according to the forecast of the Mindanao Development Authority, could face a power shortage by 2027 to 2028.

MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro said Mindanao requires about 100 megawatts yearly to keep up with the growing demand in the island.

‘Climate crunch time is here,’ report warns

ANNUAL greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high, and urgent action must be taken to prevent catastrophic spikes in temperature and avoid the worst impact of climate change, according to a new report released by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) last week.

In short, countries must start curbing emissions immediately, according to the UN Emissions Gap Report 2024.

“Climate crunch time is here,” said UNEP executive director Inger Andersen.

“We need global mobilization on a scale and pace never seen before, starting right now before the next round of climate pledges.”

If not, she warned, the 1.5°C goal to cap rising temperatures set in the Paris Agreement on climate change “will soon be dead, and well below two degrees Celsius will take its place in the intensive care unit.”

Launched at the COP16 global biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia, the report tracks the gap between where global emissions are heading with current country commitments and where they ought to be to limit warming to well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C in line with the temperature goals set out in the

2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

According to the report, the 1.5°C goal will be gone within a few years unless nations collectively commit to cut 42 per cent of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57 per cent by 2035 in the next round of nationally determined contributions and back this up with rapid action. These self-defined contributions outline steps to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts–from drought, flooding and extreme weather events–securing necessary funds and updating plans every five years, the next time being in early 2025 ahead of the COP30 climate talks in Brazil.

Without dramatic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions, the world could face an inevitable and catastrophic 3.1°C temperature rise, according to the report, which comes at a time when governments are failing to fully deliver on their promises. UN News

VILLABA, Leyte –The Climate Change Commission (CCC) cited bamboo’s crucial role as a carbon sink to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote livelihoods during a planting event titled “Kawayanihan: A Circular Economy Movement” held here.

CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje urged the public to enhance ecosystems to combat climate-induced disasters, pointing out that deforestation significantly exacerbates climate impacts.

Bamboo, in particular, absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most terrestrial trees. Its deep-rooted structure strengthens riverbanks and stabilizes slopes, and prevents flooding and landslides which are crucial for enhancing climate resilience.

“The giant bamboo provides multiple benefits, making it essential to protect this species and promote its cultivation to maximize its positive impact on our ecosystems. This will enhance our biodiversity which will contribute to climate-resilient communities,“ Borje said.

Leyte 3rd District Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon also stressed the pivotal role of bamboo.

“This green resource plays a vital role in both our ecosystem and livelihoods, promoting environmental sustainability while it creates livelihood opportunities for local communities,” she said.

Bukidnon Rep. Jose Manuel Alba, who led the simultaneous Bukidnon segment of the Kawayanihan, noted that the event presented a significant opportunity for sustainable development through bamboo cultivation. CCC News

Conclusion

OIC supports the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s SEA Success project, which connects St. Martin’s islanders with handpicked international experts from Thailand, Malaysia and Cabo Verde to build their expertise on topics such as turtle habitats and coral reef conservation and restoration.

The Cabo Verde project has achieved significant impacts which St Martin hopes to emulate–the West African project benefits 12,000 inhabitants and has avoided the emission of about 69,000 tons of carbon dioxide. The project aims to prevent 930,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the next 20 years.

“These sites face diverse challenges that require tailored solutions to maintain the health and productivity of the ocean and enable sustainable use of their marine resources” says IUCN’s Marie Fischborn.

The initiative, alongside a sister project in Thailand, continues and there is the prospect of scaling up to other countries.

“OIC shows that providing a wrap-around package of mentoring, communications and

promotion support, and access to capital greatly increases the impact of any funds we provide.” says Maria Vink, senior program specialist, Water Security at Sida.

“And the support need not be only top-down–OIC arranges innovator-to-innovator peer mentoring, and we’re looking forward to the growth of the OIC Alumni Group where innovators support each other,

MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon—Agriculture

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called for a broader partnership between the private sector, the government and farmers’ cooperatives to develop a sustainable coffee industry in Mindanao in light of the challenges posed by climate change and enhancing local competitiveness.

“Embracing collaboration for collective action to enhance farmers’ resilience and profitability is essential. This approach must define and characterize our united front in addressing current challenges and also to take advantage of increasing local market demand for coffee,” said Tiu Laurel during his visit to the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, which hosts Nestlé Philippines’

cross-fertilizing experience from one initiative to another. We are positive about UNDP continuing to develop the concept of challenge funds, as a means to mobilise private resources, based on the learning from this experience.”

Innovators from the early cohorts of OIC have already brought in external funding to continue their work. OIC also supports entrepreneurship in the private sector and the local economy through a tailored mentoring strategy to connect innovators with the necessary capital to support their projects.

This helps them identify and apply for grants, develop compelling pitch decks and elevator pitches, and source strategic investors and partners.

“We are wrong to think people have to be welleducated and from developed countries to know how to solve problems. Smart people are all over the world, regardless of their background.” says Matthews.

“Our approach would work to incubate innovation on virtually anything anywhere. It democratizes development and opens the door to fresh ideas and optimism from smart innovators everywhere.” UNDP News

Bukidnon Integrated Coffee Center. The DA chief said that through effective collaboration, the Philippines can overcome the devastation caused by severe tropical Storm Kristine, and beef-up the scalability of Mindanao as the country’s food basket in the South. “Neither the government nor the private sector, acting separately, will be effective in addressing challenges caused by climate change and we need to rise above issues that can further dampen local supply. We must rely on partnerships among multiple stakeholders to establish resilient and sustainable coffee

Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Phi Phi National Park, Thailand. Sean Chinn/Ocean Image Bank

The Department of Energy Mindanao Field Office and energy consumer organization ILAW share insights on exploring ways to achieve energy sustainability.

Harmful gases continue to be released into the atmosphere across the world. Unsplash/Ehud Neuhaus

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. calls for broader collaboration to boost Philippine coffee industry. DA photo

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

IN A recent interview, Mikee Quintos expressed her joy over her new cooking-talk show on GTV, Lutong Bahay. Her last project was the soap opera The Write One in 2023.

When asked if she had any frustrations with her home network during her downtime, she clarified: “Actually, I didn’t hold anything against GMA,” she said.

“I was more fearful because I love my craft. The only negative feeling I had was a bit of envy toward my boyfriend, Paul (Salas), because he was working on scripts, and I wasn’t involved in any show. That’s it.”

Did she feel depressed during that time?

“I admit it was getting to that point. Fortunately, I decided to channel my focus into equally productive activities like returning to school. But along the way, I realized how much I missed acting and being in front of the camera. I feared losing my craft. But blaming GMA? That never crossed my mind. My parents didn’t raise me that way. If anything, I was only guilty of overthinking.”

The actress-host is grateful for Paul’s support during her low points.

“He was there the whole time. He comforted me and kept reminding me that I would bounce back. I also gained weight because I wasn’t working, which added to my sadness. But with Paul’s support, I gradually regained my confidence. I started focusing on my diet, and both my mental and physical health improved. He believed I could overcome my low point.”

Paul was thrilled to hear about Lutong Bahay according to Mikee, he even cried he said.

“I was so glad to see him proud of me. He saw how much I struggled with self-doubt, which caused my depression. Now that I’m back in the spotlight, he’s very happy for me, and I couldn’t be happier,” Mikee concluded.

* * *

When asked if she feels threatened by the influx of new singers, Nina, known as Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren, shared her perspective: “Of course, feeling threatened by newcomers can be the start of emotional struggles. You’ll start thinking of many negative things. But the reality is, there will always be new talents, new faces. You just have to stay true to your own music and soul.

“If you constantly look over your shoulder at these new talents, you’ll keep comparing yourself, wondering, ‘Is she better than me?’ This mindset will distract you and hurt your focus, which won’t do you any favors.”

Does she believe her voice has remained the same?

“Well, people say it hasn’t changed. I’m just waiting for comments that it’s not what it used to be. But, of course, I hope there are none like that.”

How does she care for her voice?

“First of all, I don’t drink or smoke. I make sure to rest if my voice needs it. I eat healthily and exercise. Generally, I just take care of my health. That’s it!” stated Nina.

SHOWBIZ

50th MMFF entry

‘Isang Himala’ showcases breath-taking visuals in bold new interpretation

THE 50th Metro Manila Film Festival will showcase Isang Himala , a new adaptation of the 1982 classic Himala , offering a fresh perspective on the iconic story of faith and hope.

Directed by Pepe Diokno, this reimagining brings the audience back to Baryo Cupang, a gritty mining town that captures the chaos and intensity of the film’s central themes.

The teaser, released on Friday, introduces the story of Elsa, a young woman portrayed by Aicelle Santos, who captivates her community as she begins performing supposed miracles. Her journey is depicted amid the emotional turmoil of Baryo Cupang, setting the stage for a modern adaptation that aims to resonate with both new viewers and fans of the original.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, who wrote the original screenplay, has expressed full support for Diokno’s version, highlighting its distinct approach.

“I’ve seen every form of Himala, and I’m thrilled about what Pepe has presented,” Lee said, underscoring the project’s commitment to honor the classic while adapting it for contemporary audiences.

Diokno, who previously won Best Director at the 2023 MMFF, said that Isang Himala represents his most ambitious project yet.

“The treatment is different from Ishmael’s Himala. From my first day on set, I felt transported to Baryo Cupang,” Diokno said, emphasizing the scale and immersive setting created for the film.

CreaZion Studios, in collaboration with Kapitol Films and UxS, produced the film, with Real Florido, CreaZion’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, underscoring the dedication poured into the project.

“With Ricky Lee’s involvement, we knew we needed a strong vision. This is not just any film; it’s a rare opportunity to bring this story to life, and we’ve put our full effort into it,” Florido said.

The film’s cast includes Aicelle Santos, Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, and Kakki Teodoro, with contributions from 2024 Gawad Urian Awardee Vincent De Jesus and 2023 MMFF Best Cinematographer Carlo Mendoza Isang Himala is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 25 as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival, promising to bring new life to the themes of faith and hope that have made Himala a Filipino classic.

THE latest addition to Lionsgate Play, Magpie Murders, delivers a layered mystery adventure that combines two interwoven whodunits, appealing to classic detective story fans.

Based on Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling novel, the series introduces viewers to the fictional detective Atticus Pünd, portrayed by Tim McMullan, and his real-world counterpart, editor Susan Ryeland, played by Lesley Manville

‘Magpie Murders’ is based on a novel by Anthony Horowitz

Actress Mikee Quintos previously starred in ‘The Write One’ in 2023

SHOWBIZ

‘Hello, Love, Again’ to close 10th Asian World Film Fest in LA

Director Cathy GarciaSampana’s

‘Hello, Love, Again’ is a sequel to the hit film

‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’

By Angelica Villanueva

THE highly anticipated romantic film Hello, Love, Again will close the 10th Asian World Film Festival. Stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards to attend the screening on Nov. 20 at the Culver Theater in California.

Hello Kitty turns 50

Beloved ‘kawaii’ icon still charms fans and drives billions for Sanrio

HELLO Kitty, the cute, enigmatic character that adorns everything from handbags to rice cookers, turns 50 on Friday – and is still making millions for her Japanese creators.

The simple design of the character – who is not a cat, but a little girl from London according to Sanrio, the company behind Kitty – has mileage as a money-spinner for years to come, experts say.

One woman in the US state of California has amassed so much Hello Kitty merchandise that her husband built her a pink so-called “she-shed” to keep it in.

Stuffed inside are thousands of toys and other items featuring Kitty and her eye-catching red bow, including rows of sunglasses, a swivel chair, and novelty gumball dispensers.

to show across US and Canada beginning Nov. 15 and is slated to have the widest North American release to date for a Filipino film. It will also be showing in Australia (Nov. 14), New Zealand (Nov. 14), Guam (Nov. 15), Saipan (Nov. 15), Singapore (Nov. 28), Malaysia (Nov. 28), the Middle East (Nov. 28), Cambodia (Nov. 29), and Hong Kong before the month ends. The film will likewise have a midnight screening in 72 cinemas across the Philippines on Nov. 13.

In an announcement shared on its website, the film festival will be opened with the South Korean drama A Normal Family will culminate with Hello, Love, Again, a sequel to the 2019 hit Hello, Love, Goodbye

and

ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures’ groundbreaking film collaboration picks up from Joy (Kathryn) and Ethan’s (Alden) respective complexities in their new lives five years after Joy moved to Canada from Hong Kong to pursue her dreams.

As their paths cross again unexpectedly in Canada, will the two get to rekindle their romance and finally get their chance to be together? Or amid their sacrifices and loneliness in a foreign land to provide for their families, will the two OFWs remain ill-fated in love?

Hello, Love, Again is directed by the wellloved rom-com director Cathy GarciaSampana, who was also behind Hello, Love, Goodbye

Among the cast members are Joross Gamboa, Valerie Concepcion, Jennica Garcia, Kevin Kreider, Jobert Austria, Mark Labella, Marvin Aritrangco, and Ruby Rodriguez, to name a few.

Apart from the Philippines, the film is set

Music industry mourns Quincy Jones’ passing

MUSIC industry titan Quincy Jones, known for his collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, passed away on Sunday night (Monday in Manila). He was 91.

His death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, in a statement that did not specify a cause. Jones died at his home in Bel-Air, Los Angeles.

In a statement sent to CNN, the Jones family expressed their grief and gratitude: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. Although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.

He is truly one of a kind, and we will miss him dearly. We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy that were the essence of his being were shared with the world through all that he created.

“People my age, you know, we are told many times, ‘Hello Kitty is for little kids,’ and I laugh at that,” said Helen from Riverside County, conceding she is “50-plus”. Helen, who drives a Hello Kitty-decorated SUV and runs the local fan club “Hello Kitty SoCal Babes”, has been “obsessed” with the character since its 1970s US debut.

Her vast collection of Hello Kitty plushies “make me feel warm”, she said, describing spending hours among the soft toys, many of them rare, on a regular basis.

“Something in my inner child gets healed,” she said.

From left: Kathryn Bernardo, Cathy Garcia-Sampana, and Alden Richards

Hello Kitty started life as an illustration on a vinyl coin purse. It has since appeared on tens of thousands of products – official and unofficial – including tie-ups with Adidas, Balenciaga, and other top brands.

The phenomenon shows no sign of slowing, with a Warner Bros movie in the pipeline and a new Hello Kitty theme park due to open next year on China’s tropical Hainan island.

Sanrio’s share price has soared more than seven-fold, pushing its market cap over one trillion yen ($6.8 billion), since young CEO Tomokuni Tsuji took over from his grandfather in 2020.

“We’d be foolishly cynical to say that we don’t need these soft, fluffy, pink things,” Christine R. Yano of the University of Hawaii told AFP

In fact, “given the fraught nature of our contemporary lives, perhaps we need it now more than ever”, said Yano, author of the book “Pink Globalization” about Hello Kitty.

“This is not a phenomenon that has died or is going to die, at least soon,” she added.

Unlike other Japanese cultural exports such as Pokemon or Dragon Ball, there is minimal narrative around the character, whose full name is Kitty White. She has a twin sister Mimmy, a boyfriend called Dear Daniel, and a pet cat of her own, Sanrio says. She loves her mother’s apple pie and dreams of becoming a pianist or poet.

The rest is left to fans’ imaginations – just like the “abstract, bare design that can speak with a kind of simplicity and elegance to more people,” Yano said. “I call her a pure product.”

Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”

Born on March 14, 1933, Jones leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the music industry and popular culture over a career spanning more than seven decades.

Jones produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and worked on acclaimed records such as Off the Wall and Bad. His contributions earned him 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most celebrated figures. In 1992, he received the Grammy Legend Award, an honor reserved for those with an exceptional impact on music. Beyond music, Jones was a trailblazer in film and television, composing scores for films like The Color Purple and producing projects that promoted diversity in Hollywood. His influence extended to publishing as the founder of VIBE magazine.

Some feminists say Hello Kitty’s lack of a mouth is a symbol of disempowerment, but Yuko Akiyama, Sanrio’s head of global brand management, said it allows the character to “reflect” different emotions.

“So if they’re sad, Hello Kitty will comfort you. If you are happy, Hello Kitty is there to share the happiness with you,” Akiyama said.

Famous Hello Kitty fans include Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, and her appeal extends to royalty: Britain’s King Charles wished her a happy birthday this year. On Hello Kitty’s TikTok account – whose bio is “CEO of supercute” – sardonic memes and footage from “Hello Kitty Day” at US baseball games delight 3.5 million followers. Hello Kitty is the epitome of Japan’s “kawaii”, or cute, soft power, and she is the mascot of a campaign promoting tourist etiquette in Tokyo.

Posters celebrating the 50th anniversary are on display at Sanrio Puroland theme park, where businesswoman Kim Lu from Manila had brought her four-year-old niece during their holiday.

“This really is our priority here in Tokyo,” she said. “To be honest, we really don’t know” the reason for Hello Kitty’s ineffable success, said Lu, 36. “I think it’s the kawaii charm.” Sanrio owns the copyright to hundreds of other popular characters, and Hello Kitty now accounts for 30 percent of profits, down from 75 percent a decade ago. AFP

Hello Kitty is one of the famous characters from Sanrio

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5,

NICKIE WANG,

WLabubu craze takes over PH

as Pop Mart opens pop-up in Manila

HEN Blackpink’s Lisa shared an Instagram story in April featuring a large Labubu plush toy and another showing a Labubu charm on her bag, Labubu quickly created a buzz across social media. As a result, Labubu became especially popular among K-pop enthusiasts and designer toy collectors.

For various reasons, Labubu has gained immense popularity, and the trend has officially reached the Philippines, drawing in fans and collectors alike. As the craze hits fever pitch, collectible toy company Pop Mart, which has gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia, opened its first pop-up location in the country at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Nov. 2. The store will remain open until early 2025.

This pop-up couldn’t have come at a better time, with Labubu’s popularity soaring thanks to celebrities like Lisa and local star Marian Rivera. Lisa’s “Fall in Wild” Labubu series stirred up so much interest that it became the top-searched plush item on Carousell. And when Kathryn Bernardo recently showcased her “Wings of Fantasy” Labubu collection, Filipino fans were even more captivated.

With Labubu mania in full swing, the online marketplace Carousell has seen a significant increase in searches for Labubu items, rising over 24 times from July to October. Listings for these collectibles have also surged, and Carousell launched a campaign to help fans track down rare items, with prizes like the “Dada” Labubu from the “Have A Seat” series up for grabs.

Among Filipino collectors, the most sought-after series include the “Have A Seat,” “Macarons,” and “Lazy Yoga” Blind Box series, with plush favorites like “Fall in Wild,” “Happy Halloween Party,” and “Wings of Fantasy” also trending. Labubu-themed accessories, including clothes, bags, and shirts, are hot items as well.

During a special preview of the pop-up, Pop Mart executive Jeremy Lee described Pop Mart as more than just a shopping destination; it’s an experience.

Fans can pose with a life-sized Hirono Mime Devilry statue and explore characters like Labubu, Molly, and Hirono in new ways.

“We believe there is a boom in Southeast Asia, and we did not want to miss the Philippines,” Lee said.

This opening is a strategic step in Pop Mart’s broader expansion across Southeast Asia, with additional plans in development, including potential collaborations with Filipino artists.

“We are an art, culture, and entertainment company. We believe

we have an impact on those industries. We bring a sense of design and sportsmanship. Whenever we bring our stores, we add to the creative vibe of the country,” he said.

“Our mission is to bring and inspire joy and passion. Each character has a different story and a unique personality—whether introverted or extroverted. Whether you’re into fantasy, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

Pop Mart’s global reach now spans designer toys, theme parks, and digital entertainment. With popular IPs like Dimoo and Skullpanda, they see themselves as more than just a brand, as Lee puts it, “We are aiming to infuse creativity and joy into everyday life.”

Actress Marian Rivera’s adorable Labubu charms hang on her bag

The pop-up store will remain open at the SM Mall of Asia until early 2025

Very Wang Nickie Wang

Actress Marian Rivera happily holds two Labubu toys

Marian Rivera (third from left) with Pop Mart executives during the ribbon-cutting ceremony

The Labubu plush toys have numerous popular series among collectors