Manila Standard - 2024 November 8 - Friday

‘MARCE’ SLAMS INTO CAGAYAN; 21K EVACUATED TO SAFER GROUND

TYPHOON Yinxing—locally known as “Marce”—slammed into the northeast tip of the Philippines on Thursday, uprooting trees and sending building materials flying, weeks after another storm left at least 150 people dead.

More than 21,000 people across 200 villages in Cagayan province were evacuated in the hours before the midafternoon landfall, provincial disaster official Rueli Rapsing said.

“There is debris flying all around.

Here in Gonzaga, an entire hamburger stand flew off and the winds are ripping open the shop doors at the public market,” Rapsing told Agence France Presse (AFP) by phone from Gonzaga, a town near coastal Santa Ana. Yinxing is the third storm in less than a month to threaten the Philippines after Severe Tropical Storm Trami/Kristine and Super Typhoon Kong-rey /Leon together

Acierto: Rody coddled ‘drug lords’

DOJ creates task force to probe drug

By Maricel Cruz and Pot Chavez

FORMER police Col. Eduardo Acierto on Thursday claimed former president Rodrigo Duterte was a “protector” of his former economic adviser and suspected drug lord Michael Yang despite waging a war on drugs that left thousands of people dead during his administration.

Acierto also accused Duterte and Senator Bong Go of putting a P50 million bounty on his head after he linked ex-presidential adviser Michael Yang to the illegal drug trade.

“This is due to my report discovering their connection with Michael Yang and Allan Lim, who is also known as Lin Weixiong,” he said.

For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla created a task force to give fair and equitable justice to alleged victims of extrajudicial killings committed by state forces during Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.

“Spare no one -- hold accountable every personality who had a hand in the senseless killing perpetrated by abusive persons in authority during the past admin’s anti-illegal drug campaign,” Remulla said.

The task force will be chaired by a senior assistant state prosecutor and co-chaired by a regional prosecutor with nine members from the National Prosecution Service (NPS).

By Charles Dantes and Maricel

By Darwin G. Amojelar

measured by gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.2 percent in the third quarter, weaker than the revised 6.4 percent growth in the previous quarter. This brought the average GDP growth for the first three quarters of 2024 to 5.8 percent, slightly below our target of 6 to 7 percent for the year.

“We follow Vietnam, which posted a

By Rex Espiritu

METRO Manila’s top cop as well as the head of the Anti-Cybercrime Group were temporarily relieved from their posts for 10 days starting yesterday following an extortion complaint in connection with a recent raid at an alleged POGO scam hub in Manila, the Philippine National Police said.

National Capital Regional Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia and ACG chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga were administratively relieved from

their current positions, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said. She said Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Tamondong will take over NCRPO while Col. Vina Guzman will head ACG as officers-in-charge.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil issued the relief order after four Chinese citizens questioned the police raid at the alleged scam hub in Malate on Oct. 30. One of the Chinese nationals complained the cops attempted to extort P1 million from each of them in exchange

By Maricel V. Cruz and Rex Espiritu

HOUSE Speaker Martin Romualdez reaffirmed to the international community the Philippines’ firm commitment to uphold its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), highlighting his nation’s position is rooted in international law.

“Our stance on these waters is not

merely geographical; it represents our national pride, economic security, and the legacy we wish to pass on to future generations,” he told delegates at the

V. Cruz

NO SHOW. The seat reserved for former President Rodrigo Duterte remains vacant during the Quad Committee hearing yesterday at the People’s Center in the House of Representatives. In photo are other resource persons, Rose Nono Lin (left) and former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon (right). Inset is former police Col. Eduardo Acierto who testified online and claims that Sen. Bong Go put

P50-m bounty on his head. Ver

PBBM to ink laws to push WPS claim

By Joel E. Zurbano

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign today two legislative measures aimed at strengthening the country’s legal and territorial claim over the West Philippine Sea, according to Senate President Francis Escudero.

Escudero said the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act defines the country’s maritime zones and archipelagic sea laws.

“The two laws will further strengthen our sovereignty and sovereign rights over our territorial waters and the airspace over it. This is domestic law, on

top of the 2016 arbitral ruling, that will bind executive officials and they cannot go against it,” he said.

Filed as Senate Bill No. 2492, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act is a declaration that the Philippines exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over its internal waters, territorial sea archipelagic waters and the airspace over it as well

Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea held Wednesday night at the Grand Hyatt Manila Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

During the event, he underscored the need to craft an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Code of Conduct grounded in the broader United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“A unified ASEAN voice is essential in maintaining stability and asserting that our region stands for cooperation—not coercion,” he said.

Romualdez emphasized a peaceful and rules-based approach, citing the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award based on UNCLOS, invalidating China’s unilateral territorial claims.

“This ruling establishes our rights under international law, affirming them as legitimate and recognized. It refutes any claims beyond the bounds of UNCLOS, safeguarding our sovereign rights within our exclusive economic zone,” he stated.

However, Romualdez also acknowledged the continued need for vigilance and action amid escalating provocations in the WPS.

He cited incidents involving the ramming and interference with Philippine vessels and fishermen, calling these actions “unacceptable.”

“As Speaker, I affirm the legislative branch’s commitment to strengthening maritime security. We are enhancing our coast guard, investing in research, and collaborating with regional allies for a free, open, and stable South China Sea,” he emphasized.

Romualdez reiterated the Philippines’ dedication to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution, stressing the importance of international support from partners like the United States, Japan, Australia, and European nations.

Remulla said the task force is mandated to probe, conduct case build-up and file necessary charges, if warranted against the perpetrators as well as those involved in the EJKs during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

The task force is also mandated to closely coordinate and assist the House Quad Committee and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in their respective investigations into the war on drugs.

At the House, Acierto reiterated his earlier accusation that Duterte protected his alleged drug lord friend, which was also included in his 2017 confidential report.

“I am certain because of what happened to my people, Duterte protected Michael Yang and Allan Lim,” he said during yesterday’s Quad Committee hearing.

Acierto was referring to his subor-

as its seabed and subsoil in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS and other existing laws and treaties.

This covers the contiguous zone of the Philippines, which refers to the waters beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea up to 24 nautical miles from the baselines, as well as defines the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf and the extended continental shelf that form part of Philippine territory.

It also states that the Philippines has rights and privileges in the high seas and the international seabed as provided for in the UNCLOS and other existing laws and treaties. All maritime scientific research in

dinates -- police Capt. Lito Perote and MSgt. Gerry Liwanag, with the former still missing after being abducted by armed men in Bacolod City in April 2019, while the latter was shot dead by unidentified assailants in San Jose del Monte City in February 2021.

In his 2017 report, Acierto said Yang had operated drug laboratories in Mindanao since the early 2000s. These include a shabu manufacturing hub in Davao City that was raided by authorities in December 2004, yielding over 100 kilos of high-grade shabu with a street value exceeding P300 million.

Acierto’s team then prepared a drug matrix showing that Yang is a member of the Johnson Chua drug syndicate led by a certain Johnson Co, who is based in mainland China.

He said the matrix was among the reports he submitted to then-PNP chief and now Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director Aaron Aquino, and Police Deputy Director

the maritime zones of the Philippines shall redound to the benefit of the Filipino people, it says.

“By asserting our rights over the sea and air, we are in effect ensuring the utilization of our rich resources in our territorial waters for the benefit of our people,” Escudero said.

SBN 2665 or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, on the other hand, designates sea lanes in archipelagic waters by foreign ships and aircraft.

A system of archipelagic sea lanes through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage, shall be established and designated by the President.

General Camilo Cascolan.

Acierto said he also provided the report to Dela Rosa’s successor, former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde.

“They did not do anything. They let the report go to waste...It got to the point where the report could not be disputed, so it was my team and I who were maligned,” Acierto said.

“I submitted the report to Dela Rosa, who did not act on it. Instead, it was Allan Lim whom he talked to,” he added, recalling that he was accused by Duterte in October 2018 of being one of the police officials allegedly linked to illegal drugs.

For his part, Quad Comm cochairman and Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano questioned Duterte’s absence from the hearing.

“We are fooling each other here because in his first letter, he promised us that he will be present after November 1. If we are not fooling each other here, what, is he afraid to come here?” Paduano said.

for their freedom.

The Chinese nationals, in their letter of complaint to the National Police Commission, also sought the preventive suspension of Hernia to prevent him from influencing the probe.

At least 69 foreigners were apprehended during the raid but were later released as they could not be legally detained.

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission likewise denied any involvement in the raid, saying it was “never consulted nor informed regarding this operation.”

Hernia on Monday denied the extortion allegations.

“NCRPO Director MGen. Sidney Hernia categorically denied allegations of extortion made against him and 14 other NCRPO officers, describing them as ‘absurd and unfounded,’” the NCRPO said. Hernia said the NCRPO is open to an investigation and that he will not tolerate wrongdoings within their ranks.

“This is a chance for the truth to prevail, and I am confident that the investigation will reveal that all procedures followed were lawful and proper. The NCRPO remains steadfast in its mission to combat criminality and protect the public from fraudulent activities. We stand ready to clear our names and reinforce our dedication to integrity and service,” he said.

a hefty oil price hike.

Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) is the average of daily oil product price assessments for Singaporebased oil products. Platts is a Singapore-based market wire service that is a division of S&P Global. MOPS is the benchmark used by the Philippine oil industry.

Bellas said diesel will likely go up by P1.85 to P2.05 per liter and gasoline by P1.30 to P1.50 per liter.

He said the primary drivers of the high global prices includes the decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to delay plans to increase output.

He said reports that Iran could launch a retaliatory strike on Israel within days and the tight regional supply of gasoline and diesel due to reduced outflows from China and India also pushed up prices.

“The strong US dollar, due to US politics, also influenced prices. The Trump presidency could have an impact on oil prices (although it may go down if more tariffs are imposed on China because Chinese demand could go down; prices could go up if stricter sanctions are imposed on Iran and Venezuela that will lead to tighter supply),” Bellas said.

7.4 percent growth rate, and are ahead of Indonesia (with 4.9 percent), China (4.6 percent), and Singapore (4.1 percent),” Balisacan added.

Despite the weak economic growth in the third quarter, the government remains optimistic that its 6 percent to 7 percent growth target is “attainable”, he said.

“The economy needs to grow by at least 6.5 percent to meet the government’s target for the last quarter 2024,” the NEDA chief said.

“We anticipate increases in holiday spending, more stable commodity prices (given low inflation), lower interest rates, and a robust labor market. In the areas affected by typhoons, recovery efforts will drive economic activity and, hopefully, build back better,” Balisacan said.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, meanwhile, underscored that the Philippines’ strong economic momentum is in place and that the country must do everything to take advantage of it.

“The Philippine economy has already doubled its size since 2013 in terms of nominal GDP. And by 2030, our projections show that we can grow by another two-fold,” Recto said in his keynote address at the Stratbase Pilipinas Conference.

Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ADRi) is an independent, international re -

search organization focused on the in-depth analysis of economic, social, political, and strategic issues influencing the Philippines and the IndoPacific region.

From being the world’s 34th largest economy in 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the Philippines will climb to the 28th spot by 2029, while Goldman Sachs expects the country to become the world’s 14th largest economy by 2075.

Moreover, an HSBC study revealed that the Philippines’ has the most favorable demographics in ASEAN. The country’s share of the working-age population is projected to grow by as much as 15 percent from 2025 to 2035, the fastest in the region.

The country’s demographic dividend is expected to boost its GDP per capita, not only driving up demand for consumer goods but also boosting investments, as households gain the ability to allocate more funds toward savings and investment.

“This golden moment is one we are committed to taking full advantage of to strengthen our already dynamic labor force,” Secretary Recto stressed.

“It is only then right that we take it as our collective duty as a nation to invest in the skills and education of our young population to fully capitalize on this demographic dividend,” he added.

With this, Recto underscored the critical role of the private sector in

shaping the country’s future as a catalyst for growth.

“[W]e recognize that the private sector’s role is indispensable in this quest. For you are our major economic lifeline. You have the power to accelerate or break our growth momentum,” he said.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. said that the increased infrastructure spending would also contribute to economic growth in view of election-related spending in preparation for the May 2025 elections.

“Thus, the latest slowdown in GDP growth data could still support/warrant/justify further local rate cuts for the coming months/quarters, especially if inflation stays within the BSP’s target range of 2 percent to -4 percent ,” he added.

Ricafort also said that the Philippines has been and would still be among the fastest growing economies in ASEAN/ Asia, with a GDP growth of about 6 percent to 7 percent amid the country’s favorable demographics or demographic sweet spot/demographic dividend since 2015.

“Philippine GDP growth estimate could normalize to around 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent in 2024 and beyond (next 5-10 years amid the country’s favorable demographics/demographic sweet spot/demographic dividend or majority of the population of more than 113 million already at working age since 2015),” he added.

conducted from a public building in Gonzaga, he said. Santa Ana officials could not be reached for comment.

left 158 people dead, the national disaster agency said, with most of that tally attributed to Trami.

Packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 175 kilometers (109 miles) per hour and gusts up to 240 kph, the typhoon struck the coastal town of Santa Ana and nearby areas, unleashing heavy rain and ripping off parts of houses.

Rapsing said the storm had uprooted trees and authorities were trying to confirm reports that the Santa Ana police station had been damaged. No casualties were immediately reported.

The Cagayan provincial government’s disaster response was being

The national weather agency said Cagayan, home to about 1.3 million people, might bear the brunt of ‘Marce’ based on its current trajectory.

In Ilocos Norte province near Cagayan, rescuers were on standby to help local police, fire officers and soldiers in emergency response, provincial rescue official Randy Nicolas told AFP.

School has been suspended in many areas of the north and President Ferdinand Marcos put all government agencies on high alert so they could swiftly respond.

As of this posting, the following areas across northern Luzon remain under varying degrees of wind signals:

· TCWS No. 4 - The northern por-

tion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana, Santa Teresita, Lal-Lo, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Ballesteros, Allacapan, Abulug, Pamplona, Sanchez- Mira, Claveria, Santa Praxedes, Lasam) including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao (Santa Marcela, Luna, Flora, Calanasan, Pudtol), and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud, Bangui, Vintar, Dumalneg, Adams, Bacarra, Pasuquin, Burgos)

· TCWS No. 3 - Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the rest of Ilocos Norte, the northern portion of Abra (Tineg, Danglas, Lagayan, Lacub, San Juan, La Paz, Bangued), and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo) AFP with Rio Araja

skills, this law directly addresses the issues of the lack of formal training and skill mismatches, ensuring that every Filipino can contribute and benefit from our nation’s growth,” Mr. Marcos said during signing ceremonies at Malacañan Palace.

The President stated that the EBET Act will offer Filipino workers accessible skills training that aligns their capabilities with industry needs.

“By opening pathways to professional growth, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship, we are answering the call for quality employment,” he added.

Furthermore, the EBET Act will expand training opportunities for Filipinos seeking to acquire, upgrade, or refine skills, preparing them to compete in both domestic and global markets.

It complements the “Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act,” bolstering national efforts to drive economic growth, improve employment rates, and enhance individual career prospects.

Meanwhile, Jose Francisco Benitez, director general at the Technical Skills Education Development Authority (TESDA), called the new law a “game-changer.”

He noted that enterprise-based training programs yield strong employment outcomes, with TESDA data showing an 85 percent employment rate among its graduates in 2022.

Under the EBET Act, TESDA will offer scholarships through the Tulong Trabaho Fund and the Training for Work Scholarship Program to help enterprises cover training costs.

The legislation will also increase tax incentives offered to participating companies.

By 2028, a 75 percent income tax deduction on training expenses will be allowed, up from the previous 50 percent.

“This law strengthens the Philippines’ commitment to developing an agile, skilled workforce ready to meet both local and international labor demands,” Benitez said. TESDA is also seeking an additional P4 billion from Congress to fund the EBET program in 2025, aiming to support 105,000 scholars.

For his part, House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez pointed out the EBET Law’s signing is particularly timely given that the country’s unemployment rate has fallen to 3.7 percent in September, from four percent in August, and 4.5 percent in September 2023.

“The enactment of the EBET bill will allow the government, with the collaboration of the private sector, to keep the number of jobless Filipinos down through various training and up-skilling programs,” he said during the signing ceremonies.

Senate backs ban on all POGOs in PH, says Gatchalian

By Joel E. Zurbano

A PROPOSED measure to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the Philippines got overwhelming support from members of the Senate.

“I am delighted to find out that all members of the Committee on Ways and Means signed Committee Report 342, signifying their support for the enactment of the measure,” said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the main author of the measure and chairman of the committee.

The committee report essentially recommended the approval of Senate Bill 2868 which bans all POGOs in the country and repeals Republic Act 11590, the only law that legitimized POGO operations in the Philippines.

Gatchalian expressed confidence that the Senate may be able to ratify the measure within the year given the firm support of his colleagues.

Such eventuality would provide timely support for the President’s directive for all POGOs to cease operations by the end of the year, according to Gatchalian.

“Legislating the ban on POGOs would hopefully bring to an end all the various criminalities spawned by the industry,” he said.

Aside from Gatchalian, senators who signed the committee report and affirmed their support for the bill include Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, Mark Villar, Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Migz Zubiri, Risa Hontiveros, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Cynthia Villar.

Ex-officio members of the committee namely President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino, and Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III also signed the report.

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

By Vito Barcelo

THE government will need between P1 billion to P3 billion should Congress defer the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections scheduled for May 2025, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Poll chairman George Garcia also said if the BARMM elections are reset and would be going with manual elections, the government will need still around P1 billion.

“It will be more expensive if it is an automated election, which can reach P3 billion,” Garcia said.

“We would spend less in conducting the BARMM on May 12, 2025, along with the national and local elections, because we will be using the same paraphernalia and machines to count votes and give honoraria to the same teachers,” Garcia said.

Gatchalian says let LTO handle controversial SUV case

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian did not deny nor confirm that the controversial sports utility vehicle (SUV) bearing license plate No. 7 was connected to him or his family.

The Land Transport Office (LTO) said it has the documents and is currently conducting an investigation.

The senator also refused to directly answer if the vehicle was used by his brother or relative, saying that he would leave it to the LTO to handle the case.

The SUV bearing license plate No. 7 reportedly tried to run over a female traffic enforcer after being it was caught using the bus-only lane.

On Wednesday, Senator Raffy Tulfo said that the vehicle is related to the senator. Tulfo did not give any names and stated that his colleague may not be aware of what his “relative” did.

The MMDA has released the CCTV footage and is cooperating with the investigation.

The LTO meanwhile said it is set to file a criminal charge against those behind the production of the fake no. 7 vanity plate attached on a Cadillac Escalade that passed through the EDSA busway on Nov. 3. LTO executive director Greg Guillermo Pua Jr., in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview, said “considering the plate is a public document, and that they have imitated and faked it, we are now studying the option of filing a criminal case against those who have the (personal) knowledge and the one who has fabricated the fake plate.”

“To impose a fine against the driver is just preliminary. We will conduct an investigation so that we would really know the circumstances why this happened,” he added.

The fake protocol plate did not have the security features of a legitimate protocol plate, he said.

“That one attached on the vehicle spotted on the video is not issued by the LTO. That is fake,” he added.

The agency directed Angelito Edpan, the Cadillac Escalade driver, to explain why his driver’s license must not be canceled. With Rio N. Araja

Deferring BARMM elections will cost gov’t P3b, says Garcia

“But we are always ready. We always have a Plan B. But, I’ll be very honest and direct. Postponing the BARMM will be costly,” he added. Meanwhile, Garcia appealed to Congress to settle whether or not it would push for the deferment of the BARMM polls before the second week of December.

“The Comelec has only one appeal: This is not to put pressure on Congress but the truth is, I hope there will be development on whether or not the elections will push through because Comelec still needs to print ballots by the last week of December,” Garcia said in a Viber message.

IN BRIEF

Tulfo: Stricter safety rules for terminals

Lawmakers: Senate’s adoption of OVP budget cut a ‘vindication’

By Maricel V. Cruz

rigorous

approach to budget scrutiny and vindicates its decision to reallocate funds to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH). The bipartisan support for this budget reduction underscores frustration in both chambers over what lawmakers describe as a lack of transparency and cooperation from Vice President Duterte and her office. House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who sponsored the OVP budget in the House, empathized with Poe’s struggles to obtain required budgetary documentation from the OVP.

SENATOR Raffy Tulfo is calling for stricter safety rules in public seaports and bus terminals nationwide after uncovering numerous violations in these transportation hubs.

Tulfo identified several areas that require improvement at seaports and bus terminals during surprise visits to Binangonan Port and bus terminals in Pasay, Parañaque, and Cubao, Quezon City.

During a public hearing held by the Committee on Public Services on Thursday, the senator pointed out the lack of insurance for overcrowded boats and the use of inadequate life jackets. He also highlighted serious bus violations at terminals, such as the absence of fire extinguishers, CCTV cameras, and maintenance logs. Additionally, he noted that the restrooms in some bus stations are unfit for use, and some drivers have tested positive for drug use.

Tulfo stressed the importance of management at ports and bus terminals ensuring that the services provided to the public are safe, efficient, and convenient. Joel E. Zurbano

Solon suggests Bicol sustainability bill

REP. Luis Raymund Villafuerte from the Bicol Region pushed for the enactment of a bill creating the Sustainable Bicol River Development Authority (SBRDA) to address the chronic flooding and other problems besetting the Bicol River. Villafuerte appealed to fellow legislators to support the bill’s passage following President Marcos’ directive on the possible revival of a discontinued agency to put an end to the perennial flooding of the Bicol River that led to record devastation in the region due to ‘Kristine.’ The enactment of HB 1793 “is timely, in the wake of President Marcos’ order for the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) to review the revival of the BRBDP as the long-term solution to the chronic flooding of the Bicol River, which caused worse-than-expected devastation in CamSur and the rest of the region when Kristine dumped record rainfall last month that was a lot worse than what typhoon ‘Ondoy’ unleashed in 2009,” said Villafuerte. Maricel V. Cruz Cayetano urges holiday on May 16

SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has proposed declaring May 16 as a special working holiday to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of education support personnel. Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, signed Senate Bill No. 2872 under a committee report seeking to establish this special working holiday. The proposed measure defines “education support personnel” as individuals working in public or private schools in either nonteaching or teaching-related roles. This includes librarians, guidance counselors, teaching assistants, registrars, and other professional, administrative, technical, and general staff. Joel E. Zurbano

BELENISIMO LAUNCH. A group of Aeta children pose with Isa CojuangcoSuntay, organizer of Belenismo and co-founder of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation during the launch of the 17th Belenismo sa Tarlac in San Clemente, Tarlac, on Tuesday. Lino Santos

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

IN BRIEF

Instant refund eyed on cancelled flights

SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III is urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to implement a policy that requires airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for cancelled or delayed flights.

Pimentel asserted that the rule is similar to one recently enacted in the United States, mandating airlines to provide cash refunds without the need for passengers to ask for it. The rule would also cover delayed baggage, allowing passengers to claim refunds for baggage fees if their luggage is not delivered within a specific timeframe. He expressed hopes that Filipino travelers could benefit from similar protections, emphasizing that both local and international passengers should be reimbursed for the inconvenience caused by flight delays and cancellations. He believes that adopting such a policy may encourage airlines to improve their services. Joel E. Zurbano

AFAB launches ‘Health Matters’ campaign

THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) promotes mental health and breast cancer awareness.

AFAB’s Sanitation and Occupational Safety and Health Unit recently conducted the event dubbed”FAB Health Matters: Mental Health and Breast Cancer Awareness Program” among its employees.

The event was held in line with the observance of World Mental Health Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The program aimed to raise awareness among employees about the importance of mental health and breast cancer prevention.

AFAB Public Health consultant Dr. Noel Bernardo and Dr. Ruby Lynda Reyes of the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital led the activity. Butch Gunio

AFP flexes muscles with drills at WPS

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted on Wednesday a simulated island assault exercise on Kota Island in the West Philippine Sea. During the drill dubbed “Dagat-LangitLupa,” the BRP Ramon Alcaraz sailed toward Kota Island with its rigid hull inflatable boats brought the troops to the island’s beaches.

The soldiers carried out a mechanized assault to “reclaim the island” while the Philippine Air Force planes provided logistical support by dropping essential supplies, including food and equipment, to the troops securing the island. AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. underscored the significance of the exercise in enhancing the country’s external defense capabilities.

“This exercise marks a significant step in strengthening our national defense capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights. Today, our forces demonstrate the unwavering commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea and our nation’s future,” Brawner said. Rex Espiritu

Jinggoy files bill vs. production of chemical weapons

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada has filed a bill prohibiting the use and manufacture of chemical weapons, and establishing a verification mechanism for controlling the toxic chemicals involved in the production.

Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, said the measure aims to ban the development, production, possession, transfer, and use of chemical weapons within the country.

He explained that Senate Bill No. 2871, also known as the proposed Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act, also defines the offenses, establishes penalties, and outlines enforcement procedures related to the chemical industry.

In pushing SB 2871, Estrada adverted to instances of chemical misuse for harmful purposes.

“We don’t want to impose extra burdens or hinder the growth of our local chemical industry, particularly since it is one of the largest manufacturing subsectors in the country, comprising 1,400 chemical manufacturing firms and employing 147,000 people. We propose streamlining policies and enhancing coordination among regulatory agencies to prevent duplicative or redundant permit processes,” Estrada added. He highlighted the concerns surrounding dual-use chemicals which are commonly found in everyday products such as solvents for dyes in textile printing, ink in ballpoint pens, coatings in paints, lubricants, and antioxidants in cosmetics.

‘DepEd set to reduce core subjects for senior high’

Holding prisoner longer than jail term is cruel—SC

By Pot Chavez

IMPRISONMENT of detainees beyond the maximum penalty is not only cruel and inhumane, but also undermines the prisoner’s dignity, according to the Supreme Court (SC).

The SC emphasized that “the power of the courts to commit prisoners carries with it the duty to immediately release them in case of detention for a period equivalent to or longer than the maximum imposable penalty.”

The High Tribunal issued the ruling in connection with the criminal case of

Jovelyn Antonio who was reportedly imprisoned for 12 years, or two years more than her sentence of 10 years and eight months.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Mario Lopez, the SC pointed out that “it is consistent with the principles under the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners which provides that “purposes of a sentence of imprisonment or similar measures deprivative of a person’s liberty are primarily to protect society against crime and to reduce recidivism.”

These purposes can be achieved only if the period of imprisonment is used to

Roque appointed PBBM’s special representative to

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos has appointed Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque as his special representative to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ summit in Peru next week..

In a message to reporters, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed that Mr. Marcos would not attend the said summit.

“(President Marcos) prioritizes domestic concerns, including government responses to calamities,” Chavez said in a message.

APEC summit

The President’s decision to delegate attendance to Roque reflects his focus on addressing key domestic challenges, including the government’s response to recent natural calamities and ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness.

Roque was tasked to represent the country in APEC meetings, working to strengthen economic ties and foster collaboration with the 21 member economies.

The APEC Summit, to be held in Peru Nov. 10-16, will address key issues such as trade, investment, and regional development.

ensure, so far as possible, the reintegration of such persons into society upon release so that they can lead a law-abiding and self-supporting life, the SC noted.

The Court affirmed Antonio’s conviction of qualified theft, but ordered her immediate release from detention, saying she had served her sentence.

The Court cited Article 89, paragraph 2 of the Revised Penal Code which provides that criminal liability is extinguished by service of the sentence.

Records of the case showed that Antonio had been incarcerated since November 2011, meaning she exceeded her sentence by two years.

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

DEPARTMENT of Education

(DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara has disclosed that they are revisiting the senior high school (SHS) curriculum with a view to reducing the subjects to enable the students to “focus more on work immersion.”

“We must have flexibility in our system. If we reduce the subjects of our SHS curriculum, the students will have more time for the on-the-job training or work immersion needed by the industry so that our senior high school graduates will become more employable even if they lack work experience,” Angara said during the 2024 Regional Conference on Educational Planning in Asia. Angara also said the DepEd is set to reduce the core subjects for senior high school students.

“So, we’re on the right direction to reduce the core subjects of our SHS curriculum to just five or six subjects,” he added. On Monday, DepEd met with academic experts to speed up the review and streamlining of the SHS program and subjects. The meeting with consultants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sought to provide recommendations on the structure of the SHS curriculum and on the content of English, Science, and Math standards and curriculum guides.

Moreover, DepEd has collaborated with the ADB to provide technical assistance and professional guidance to DepEd specialists in revising the SHS curriculum.

Angara emphasized earlier that the country’s basic education curriculum was already overloaded, citing observations by education experts from other countries.

FOLLOW MY LEAD, BOYS. Philippine Army soldiers train their Australian counterparts in jungle survival and combat tracking across the dense virgin forests on Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur province.

TIME OUT FOR VACCINATION. The Department of Health rolls out its intensive inoculation drive against HPV, measles, Rubella, tetanus and diphtheria. The campaign, dubbed ‘Bakuna Eskwela’ in Carmona City, targets some 3,900 learners from Grade 1 to 7. Dennis Abrina

UNITED NATIONS DAY. Pupils dressed in the national costumes of UNmember states, jauntily march along San Marcelino St. in Ermita, Manila in conjunction with the worldwide observance of United Nations Day. Norman Cruz

OPINION

Digong digs himself a deeper hole

MAYBE we cannot blame those in the gallery who were heard applauding and erupting into cheers after former president Rodrigo Duterte finished an hourslong testimony before the first hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee last month.

After all, Duterte practically monopolized the hearing, egged on by certain sympathetic senators, his language punctuated by crisp cuss words in the vernacular.

But did his statements help acquit him from any legal accountability for his bloody war on drugs from 2016 to 2022?

We don’t think so. Duterte’s admission that there was indeed a Davao Death Squad, which he ordered to kill suspected drug offenders when he was the mayor of Davao City for over two decades, offers more than ample proof that he masterminded what later turned into a nationwide pogrom with even top police generals and lower-level officers dutifully implementing his ‘kill, kill, kill’ public pronouncements for which he must now face the music.

Even Duterte’s vehement denial that he put up a reward system that practically incentivized the police organization throughout the country to kill as many as they could, mostly those from poor communities, allegedly because they fought back (‘nanlaban’) when police operatives came to knock on their doors and tried to hale them to court, cannot be believed.

Retired Police Colonel Royina Garma confirmed the existence of such a reward system for the “neutralization” or rub-out of those deeply involved in drug trafficking, an admission concurred in by another police colonel.

As we know, the six-year war on drugs led to an official death toll of some 6,200 suspected drug traffickers and users. Human rights groups here and abroad estimate the death toll to be as high as 30,000. That number certainly qualifies as a crime against humanity that requires a thorough probe by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In fact, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV has said he has already sent copies of the transcripts of the Senate and House hearings on Duterte’s drug war to the ICC as additional evidence in the charge of crimes against humanity against the ex-president. The ICC has already acknowledged that it has received the transcripts.

Human rights lawyers representing the families of drug war victims are saying that they will also hand over documents to the ICC, including the so-called “narcolist” presented by resource persons

during the House quad committee hearings, to further pin down Duterte’s accountability in the drug war. The Duterte narcolist included the names of local government officials with alleged links to the drug trade.

Atty. Neri Colmenares has indicated that he “would not be surprised” if the ICC terminated its investigation and issued a warrant of arrest against the former president before the end of the year. He said that Duterte’s admission that he urged policemen to provoke the victims of extrajudicial killings to fight back rendered the argument of self-defense useless, making him a co-conspirator of each police officer.

His words during the Senate hearing will likely be used against him.

Duterte’s claim that he would “take full responsibility” for the drug war killings was “just drama” since police officers cannot blame the former president for the killings because “unlawful orders are not a defense,” according to Colmenares

For its part, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has emphasized that it would make police officers and individuals who were involved in extrajudicial killings accountable for their actions: “As more details emerge from the recent Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee proceedings, the CHR hopes that these efforts will ultimately bring accountability to the perpetrators and all those involved in extrajudicial killings (EJK) during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.”

While Duterte, a lawyer and former prosecutor, may have been unaware that his statements during the hearing are selfincriminating and could prove to be his undoing should the ICC decide to issue a warrant for his arrest, it is clear to his former police chief and now Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa that the former president’s admissions made under oath during the Senate hearing, including having a “death squad,” could be used against him. While de la Rosa dismissed the expresident’s admission of the existence of a death squad as “superlatives to scare off criminals”, it appears that Duterte himself only managed to dig a deeper hole for himself in the Senate hearing.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

VAWC law applies to lesbian relationships

THE law against Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) may be “committed ‘against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship.’ Clearly, the use of the gender-neutral word ‘person’ who has or had a sexual or dating relationship with the woman encompasses even lesbian relationships.” (Jacinto v. Sarmiento Fouts, G.R. No. 250627, December 7, 2022 citing Garcia v. Drilon)

In the case of Jacinto v. Sarmiento Fouts, Sandra Jane Jacinto (Jacinto) was charged with violation of paragraph 2, Section 6(a), of RA 9262 and Section 5(k) of RA 8369 for “attack[ing], assault[ing] and employ[ing] personal violence upon… Maria Eloisa Sarmiento Fouts, her live-in partner by pushing her forcefully with swaying arms and crushing her hands repeatedly with the door of the car, thereby causing upon her physical injuries…”

“[Jacinto and Fouts] were in a relationship for 16 years. Fouts alleged that Jacinto broke up with her on December 24, 2017 while they were celebrating Christmas in Hongkong. When they got back to the country, [Jacinto] would come to their house in Antipolo City just to get her things then leave to spend the night with her lover.”

“[Fouts] then asked [Jacinto] to stop using her credit cards because the latter still owed her P3,000,000.00. Later, [Jacinto] started to demand that [Fouts] leave the house and forced the latter to sign a deed of absolute sale over the property in her favor.”

“[Fouts] refused to leave and sign the document. On January 12, 2018, because of [Fouts’] continued refusal to leave the

house, [Jacinto] became angry and violent [and] she threatened to break everything and burn the house down. [Jacinto’s] threats caused [Fouts] to suffer chest pain and difficulty in breathing [and] she was brought to the hospital to seek medical attention.”

“[Jacinto] visited [Fouts] in the hospital on the next day and tried to make amends. When they went home, [Fouts] averred that [Jacinto] forced her to take Rivotril, a drug that caused her to feel weak and groggy… [and] when Fouts regained consciousness, she was already naked with [Jacinto] on top [of ] her taking photos and videos of her.”

The use of the genderneutral word “person” supports this.

“[Fouts] followed [Jacinto] to her car, but the latter repeatedly crushed her hand with the door of the car and pushed her hard so that she fell to the floor. She suffered [a] fracture on her left wrist and thereafter underwent surgery and physical therapy.”

On the other hand, “[Jacinto] countered that the complaint against her was filed to seek leverage for a case for reconveyance, annulment of title, and damages that she filed against [Fouts] before the RTC of Antipolo City. She insisted that she alone purchased and built the house in Antipolo City and that [Fouts] merely stayed therein after their break-up to se-

Serious trust issues

THE 2024 Philippine Trust Study

says Filipinos now demand proof before extending trust to institutions.

The EON Group, which conducted the study alongside the Department of Development Studies of Ateneo de Manila, says that the Philippines is entering a so-called Accountability Revolution, where trust is no longer a given. It is, instead, conditional -earned through transparency, competence, and ethical behavior. People tend to trust leaders and institutions who are known, who are good, and who are consistent.

The results were derived from a survey among 1,800 Filipinos between May and September 2024, as well as from focus group discussions. Respondents were asked how they perceived trust, whom they trusted, and what the factors that drove their trust in institutions were.

The study revealed that a majority (70-80%) of Filipinos preferred consultative leaders over imposing ones, even as the respondents were split on whether leaders must be questioned

or simply obeyed. Respondents were asked about their level of trust in six key sectors – government, business, media, religious institutions, non-government organizations, and the academe. These were based on their perceptions of competence, good intentions, ethical standards, transparency, openness to ideas, and consistency in their actions, rather than the relationships they developed with them.

—“—

It’s a stretch to say we are in the midst of an Accountability Revolution.

On the other hand, respondents said that their trust in leaders and institutions will erode if they are two faced, fail to deliver, lack transparency and undermine the experiences of disadvantaged and marginalized groups. The study pointed out, however, that trust in the leaders and institutions mentioned were not full.

Full or not, it is a stretch to claim we are undergoing something as

IN JUST 11 days, millions of pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President allegedly vanished— a revelation that has triggered an intense probe by the Philippine House of Representatives. The investigation, focused on Vice President Sara Duterte’s spending practices, took a sharp turn when Chief of Staff Zuleika Lopez departed for the U.S. as scrutiny grew. With calls for a DOJ lookout bulletin on Lopez and six other officials refusing to testify, the public is left wondering: Is this a case of gross mismanagement, or something far darker?

The investigation into the OVP’s budget began with a privilege speech by Rep. Rolando Valeriano, where he questioned the OVP’s handling of P125 million in confidential funds, P73 million of which was subsequently disallowed by the Commission on Audit (COA). The COA’s findings show that these funds were expended at an alarming rate, averaging over P11 million per day over the last 11 days of 2022. This fast-paced expenditure has raised red flags, especially considering that public funds were involved. The House’s concerns are amplified by the resistance of Duterte’s office to submit to oversight. Their reluctance casts doubt on the OVP’s transparency and accountability in handling public resources, especially funds designated for critical public services.

The House Committee on Good Government, headed by Rep. Joel Chua, has summoned Duterte’s officials several times, only to be met with repeated absences and refusals to testify. Citing this pattern of non-cooperation, the Committee recently issued subpoenas and reasserted that failure to comply could lead to contempt charges, including detention. Flight has historically been viewed as circumstantial evidence of guilt in the Philippine justice system, from cases like People v. Berame to People v. Tanchoco, where the courts have held that unexplained flight can indicate a guilty con-

duce and provoke her.”

This was when the Criminal “[I] nformation for violation of Section 5(a) in relation to 2nd paragraph Section 6(a), of RA 9262 was filed in the RTC against Jacinto. [Jacinto] moved to quash the Information on the ground that the facts charged in the information do not constitute an offense because RA 9262 does not apply to lesbian relationships.”

“Applying the case of Garcia, the motion to quash information filed by [Jacinto] on the ground that the facts charged therein do not constitute an offense utterly lacks basis.” The Supreme Court’s “discussion… [of] the applicability of the law to lesbian relationships is clearly a resolution of the particular issue raised in Garcia and not a mere obiter dictum or an

sweeping as an “Accountability Revolution.” Given the crises that the Philippines has been enduring in recent months, and given the goings on in government being highlighted in congressional hearings, accountability will never be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the actions of our leaders.

It is important to note that trust can be based on something as flimsy as name recall, a pretty face, or some gimmickry. It is these that give way to perceptions of competence or sincerity.

But cultivating real and full trust among the people takes a long time. People need to see that leaders and institutions are willing to be scrutinized for their actions and decisions. They need to see that perception is matched by actual track record, and that nobody simply rides on their popular last names. Many people too need to be roused from their blind devotion to certain personalities, because their loyalties are leading them to make terrible, misguided decisions.

Demanding proof before trusting a leader or institution? It will serve us well in the next elections and in the years to come. For now, this is a statement that is more aspirational than actual.

Public funds, private flights

science. Lopez’s departure in this context is thus raising the same concerns.

The House has formally requested the DOJ to issue a lookout bulletin for the seven OVP officials to prevent them from leaving the country while under investigation. An ILBO alerts authorities to an individual’s attempts to exit the country without outright banning them from travel, unlike a hold departure order which requires a court’s approval. The rationale for an ILBO here lies in the OVP’s officials’ repeated absences from hearings, their potential involvement in fund misuse, and the risk that their flight could further obstruct accountability efforts.

There are numerous unanswered questions in Duterte’s vice presidency.

To justify the ILBO, the House Committee has pointed to the officials’ absences as undermining the legislative process, and the Philippine Supreme Court has upheld legislative oversight over public funds. The 2014 case Senate v. Ermita emphasized Congress’s right to summon officials to ensure public accountability. The ILBO, then, serves as a legal mechanism to mitigate the risk of obstruction in cases of alleged misuse of public resources.

The OVP argues that Lopez’s travel is personal, authorized by the Vice President herself, and conforms to procedural requirements for government officials’ travel. The OVP’s stance, however, falls short of addressing the broader issue of transparency and accountability. They might argue that the investigation lacks a legitimate legislative purpose or that COA’s findings already cover the in-

opinion of the Court” (G.R. No. 250627).

In the concurring opinion of Justice Maria Filomena Singh, she said that “[a] contrary interpretation of the AntiVAWC Act would discriminate against a certain class of women simply because they do not conform to society’s traditional conception of what relationships should be – one between a heterosexual man and a heterosexual woman” (G.R. No. 250627).

“Similarly, a contrary interpretation will disregard the purpose for which the Anti-VAWC Law was enacted – to protect women from one of the most common and most horrific forms of violence and discrimination. This protection is not conditioned on an abused woman’s gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.”

formation sought. While these defenses might be legally valid to some degree, they overlook the importance of public accountability—a key component of the legislative probe. Should the DOJ Grant the ILBO? Granting the ILBO appears necessary given the serious nature of the allegations, the OVP officials’ consistent noncooperation, and the potential impact of their testimony on the investigation’s outcome. Courts in the Philippines have recognized circumstantial evidence as relevant in investigations, especially in cases of public interest where public funds are at stake. Although an ILBO would not restrict the officials from traveling indefinitely, it would allow the DOJ to monitor their movements, preventing potential flight that could hinder justice.

Recommendations

• For VP Duterte, to uphold public trust, Duterte should encourage her staff to participate in the probe, ensuring transparency. By cooperating with legislative inquiries, she can mitigate public perception of guilt or cover-up.

• For the DOJ, to issue the ILBO as requested. This measure will protect public interest by helping prevent further obstruction of accountability.

• For the House Committee, to maintain its commitment to transparency and pursue legal channels to enforce attendance, including contempt citations if necessary.

• For the Filipino Public, to demand accountability from public officials, particularly in cases involving public funds. As stewards of taxpayer money, they must uphold integrity and transparency. This investigation isn’t just about the OVP’s budget—it’s about setting a precedent for accountability. Every official, every peso spent, must be subject to scrutiny if democracy is to hold. Without transparency, government is nothing more than power unchecked. The OVP’s response will either bolster or break the public’s trust.

“Conscious of the importance of legislative intent in interpreting laws, and aware of the possibility that a case may be one day filed in court claiming that the Anti-VAWC Act applies only to women in heterosexual relationships, the Bicameral Committee [of Congress] made it a point to record the legislative intent that the Anti-VAWC Act covers lesbian relationships.”

“By interpreting the Anti-VAWC Act to cover all women subject to intimate partner violence regardless of the gender, gender expression or sexual orientation of the victim and the abuser, the [Supreme] Court recognizes that even women who do not conform to what is generally defined as ‘normal’ or traditional relationship structures are protected by the law” (G.R. No. 250627).

Xi says US and China must get along

CHINESE President Xi Jinping said Thursday Beijing and Washington must find a way to “get along” in a message to US president-elect Donald Trump, state media reported.

Trump’s crushing presidential victory ushers in a new era of uncertainty in the United States and the world, and heralds a possible shift in US-China relations, frayed in recent years by tensions over everything from trade to the status of self-ruled Taiwan.

In his first message to Trump since the former president secured a second term, Xi said “history has shown that China and the United States benefit from cooperation and suffer from confrontation”, state broadcaster CCTV said.

“A stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship is in the common interest of both countries and is in line with the expectations of the international community,” Xi said.

He called for Washington and Beijing to “strengthen dialogue and communication” and “properly manage differences”.

The two countries must “find a correct way... to get along in this new era, to benefit both countries and the world”, Xi said.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng also sent a message to vice presidentelect JD Vance, CCTV said.

Both Republican Trump and his Democratic rival Kamala Harris had pledged to get tougher on Beijing.

But Trump upped the ante, vowing to slap 60 percent tariffs on all Chinese goods entering the United States.

The president-elect aims to “restore some level of balance in the US-China trade”, Yun Sun, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, told AFP. AFP

SoKor may still provide weapons directly to Ukraine

MAJOR arms exporter South Korea is not ruling out providing weapons directly to Ukraine, President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday, signalling a possible shift in Seoul’s stance on the issue.

Yoon also revealed he had discussed North Korea with US president-elect Donald Trump in a phone conversation that laid the groundwork for a meeting in the “near future”. South Korea has a long-standing policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict but indicated that could change in light of Pyongyang’s deployment of troops to Russia to aid its war efforts in Ukraine.

“Now, depending on the level of North Korean involvement, we will gradually adjust our support strategy in phases,” Yoon said at a press conference in Seoul.

“This means we are not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons.” North Korea has become one of the most vocal and important backers of Russia’s full-scale offensive in Ukraine.

Seoul and the West have long accused Pyongyang of supplying artillery shells and missiles to Moscow for use in Ukraine.

The latest accusations, based on intelligence reports, indicate the North has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia, suggesting even deeper involvement in the conflict and triggering outcry in Seoul, Kyiv and Western capitals. AFP

2024 will be hottest year on record—climate monitor

THIS year is “virtually certain” to be the hottest in recorded history with warming above 1.5C, EU climate monitor Copernicus said Thursday, days before nations are due to gather for crunch UN climate talks.

The European agency said the world was passing a “new milestone” of temperature records that should serve to accelerate action to cut planet-heating emissions at the UN negotiations in Azerbaijan next week.

Last month, marked by deadly flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States, was the second hottest October on record, with average global temperatures second only to the same period in 2023.

Copernicus said 2024 would likely be more than 1.55 degrees Celsius above

the 1850-1900 average -- the period before the industrial-scale burning of fossil fuels.

This does not amount to a breach of the Paris deal, which strives to limit global warming to below 2C and preferably 1.5C, because that is measured over decades and not individual years.

“It is now virtually certain that 2024 will be the warmest year on record and the first year of more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels,” said Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Deputy Director Samantha Burgess.

“This marks a new milestone in global temperature records and should serve as a catalyst to raise ambition for the upcoming Climate Change Conference, COP29.”

The UN climate negotiations in Az-

erbaijan, which will set the stage for a new round of crucial carbon-cutting targets, will take place in the wake of the United States election victory by Donald Trump.

Trump, a climate change denier, pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement during his first presidency -- and while his successor Joe Biden took the United States back in, he has threatened to do so again.

Meanwhile, average global temperatures have reached new peaks, as have concentrations of planet-heating gases in the atmosphere.

Scientists say the safer 1.5C limit is rapidly slipping out of reach, while stressing that every tenth of a degree of temperature rise heralds progressively more damaging impacts. AFP

Production Director

JOB HIRING Production Director

This position will have the following responsibilities/job description:

• Partner with Nissin-URC on the compliance against standard operating procedures and quality methods, and recommend strategies & solutions to address opportunities to improve manufacturing operations

• Monitor results and performance of production

• Manage, together with Nissin-URC leadership, feasibility studies on operational improvements, and monitor implementation and execution alignment with Nissin (Japan)

• Collaborate with different departments including, but not limited to, Marketing, Finance, Production, Maintenance, Global Innovations, and Quality Assurance, in ensuring optimal manufacturing performance.

This Position requires the following qualifications:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Operations or Business Management, or related courses. • 5 to 10 years of working experience in FMCG manufacturing operations; experience in Noodles manufacturing is required

• Exposure to different areas manufacturing including, but not limited to, production operations, maintenance, production management, quality assurance, risk management and safety regulations • Advanced proficiency in Japanese language is required For Interested candidates, you may submit your application to: Alex B. Gomez (alex. gomez@urc.com.ph or through +639688778868)

IN BRIEF

Myanmar junta chief talks civil war with ally China

MYANMAR’S junta chief has held talks with Premier Li Qiang of key ally China on the civil war roiling his country, state media said Thursday, during his first visit to the country since seizing power in a 2021 coup. Min Aung Hlaing told Li at a meeting in the southwestern city of Kunming that the military was ready for peace if armed groups would engage, according to an account of the meeting in the Global New Light of Myanmar (GNLM).

Myanmar has been racked by conflict between the military and various armed groups opposed to its rule since the army ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021. The junta is reeling from a major rebel offensive last year that seized a large area of territory, much of it near the border with China. AFP

Australia wants to ban kids under 16 from social media

AUSTRALIA’S prime minister on Thursday vowed to ban children under 16 from social media, saying the pervasive influence of platforms like Facebook and TikTok was “doing real harm to our kids”.

The tech giants would be held responsible for enforcing the age limit and face hefty fines if regulators notice young users slipping through the cracks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be among the world’s strictest measures aimed at children.

“This one is for the mums and dads. Social media is doing real harm to kids and I’m calling time on it,” Albanese told reporters outside parliament. The new laws would be presented to state and territory leaders this week, before being introduced to parliament in late November. AFP

Japan PM to boost defense alliance with Trump

This position will have the following responsibilities/job description:

Indonesia

volcano erupts seven times anew, spews colossal ash tower into sky

• Partner with Nissin-URC on the compliance against standard operating procedures and quality methods, and recommend strategies & solutions to address opportunities to improve manufacturing operations

• Monitor results and performance of production

EAST FLORES, INDONESIA -- A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted more than half a dozen times on Thursday, catapulting a colossal ash tower five miles into the sky against a backdrop of lightning as nearby residents fled in panic.

(for evacuees) and when it happened, I ran back home. I was very scared.”

Officials have raised the alert level for the 1,703-meter (5,587-foot) twin-peaked volcano on the tourist island of Flores to the highest level.

JAPANESE Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Thursday he had agreed with US president-elect Donald Trump in a phone call to strengthen the nations’ alliance, after the tycoon’s victory sent defence-related shares surging. Trump’s “America First” approach could mean less cash from Washington for security in the Asia-Pacific region, analysts say -- with investors

• Manage, together with Nissin-URC leadership, feasibility studies on operational improvements, and monitor implementation and execution alignment with Nissin (Japan)

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on Monday and Tuesday, killing nine people and forcing the relocation of residents from a 7-kilometre (4.3-mile) exclusion zone.

• Collaborate with different departments including, but not limited to, Marketing, Finance, Production, Maintenance, Global Innovations, and Quality Assurance, in ensuring optimal manufacturing performance.

The country’s volcanology agency reported seven eruptions on Thursday, the biggest of which belched an ash tower five miles (eight kilometres) high, according to an observation post.

This Position requires the following qualifications:

Some said it was the biggest eruption they had ever seen from Lewotobi Laki-Laki.

There were no immediate reports of damage to nearby villages from Thursday’s fresh eruptions. But residents and schoolchildren were seen running from their homes, according to an AFP journalist, who added volcanic lightning was also seen.

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Operations or Business Management, or related courses.

“This is the first time I saw this big eruption since I’ve been living in Lewolaga village,” said Anastasia Adriyani, 41, who lives outside the exclusion zone.

Locals at a temporary shelter were anxious as the latest eruptions rumbled on Thursday morning.

• 5 to 10 years of working experience in FMCG manufacturing operations; experience in Noodles manufacturing is required

“I was cooking at the community kitchen

“It is sad to think of our village, and we are also panicked seeing the continuous eruptions.

Since last night and this morning, we’re still worried,” said evacuee Antonius Puka, 56. AFP

• Exposure to different areas manufacturing including, but not limited to, production operations, maintenance, production management, quality assurance, risk management and safety regulations

• Advanced proficiency in Japanese language is required

FRONT-PAGE NEWS. Front pages of South Korea’s newspapers carry reactions to the re-election of US President-elect Donald Trump. AFP

Del Rosario eyes redemption, return to form in Taiwan

PAULINE del Rosario is eager to make her mark again in Taiwan as she heads to the Party Ladies Open, aiming to build on her past successes and redeem herself after a joint sixthplace finish last year.

The NT$5 million, 54-hole championship, part of the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) series, will be held at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Hsinchu County, beginning Nov. 13.

“I’m looking forward to playing in Taiwan. I have great memories there and am excited to compete with many top Asian players,” said del Rosario, recalling her 2017 victory in the TLPGA and Royal Open, where she became the first Filipina to win on the TLPGA circuit.

That year, she also dominated the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT), clinching four titles and earning the prestigious Order of Merit. After moving to the Epson Tour – the LPGA Tour’s developmental circuit – del Rosario faced some challenging seasons but has steadily gained experience and resilience. This year, she showed promise early on, making the cut in her first six events, highlighted by a Top 10 finish at the IOA Classic.

Although her form dipped midseason, leading to missed cuts, she rallied with a season-best jointeighth finish at the Twin Bridges Championship in July.

Reflecting on her recent struggles, del Rosario said, “After a full season on the Epson Tour, my swing has flattened a bit, so I’m working with my coach to get it back on plane. I feel good about the adjustments, and hopefully, they’ll start to show next week.”

Del Rosario will face a strong lineup at the Party Ladies Open, including Taiwan’s top-ranked players Yu Ju Chen, Li Ning Wang, Cheng Hsuan Shih, and last year’s winner Ling Jie Chen, as well as talented contenders from Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Among the field is Thailand’s PK Kongkraphan, who has won three TLPGA titles this year and has 37 career wins.

The Philippines will be well-represented with a talented roster, including Princess Superal, Daniella Uy, Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Mikha Fortuna, Marvi Monsalve, Lois Kaye Go and Laurea Duque, among others.

LPGT standouts like Jiwon Lee and Florence Bisera will also compete, reinforcing the strong Filipino contingent.

The tournament reflects the ongoing partnership between the LPGT and TLPGA, which began in 2015 and has brought co-sanctioned events like the ICTSI Luisita International, where Kongkraphan emerged victorious earlier this year.

Undefeated PH curling squad wins in Canada

LANCOMBE, Canada—The Philippine curling team made history at the Pan-Continental Curling Championships in Canada.

In a thrilling tournament, the team was the only one to remain undefeated as it secured first place in the B division by beating Kazakhstan in the final.

The historic triumph paved the way for the team to move up to the A-Division, bringing them a step closer to realizing their dream of competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

In the 12 intense games, the team, consisting of Christian Haller (vice), Enrico Pfister (second), Marc Pfister (skip) and Alan Frei (lead), showed their extraordinary strength and determination.

The victories in the preliminary round against strong opponents such as Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Puerto Rico already demonstrated the team’s strong teamwork, but the road to the final was not without challenges.

In the semi-final against Hong Kong, the team mastered a hard-fought victory, demonstrating its strong nerves and team harmony, while in the final against Kazakhstan, an opponent they had already narrowly defeated, they tri-

umphed with confidence on Saturday afternoon.

Team skip Marc Pfister emphasized: “This promotion to the A Division is an incredible achievement and the result of tireless work. We have grown as a team and proven that we can deliver under pressure. Now we are looking forward to the next challenge, playing against the best teams in the world and tackling the qualification for the Olympics.”

“This is incredible, I’m overwhelmed by what we’ve achieved here!” says Alan Frei. “This last year has been an intense learning process for all of us – from the first time on the ice to this decisive moment here at the Pan Continentals. Today, all the training, passion and determination paid off. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming Olympic qualifiers!”

The next step: qualifying tournaments for Milano Cortina 2026

With their promotion to the A Division, Team Philippines will now face the best curling teams in the world. This new challenge opens up the possibility of qualifying for the

2025 Olympics in two (pre-)qualifying tournaments – a goal that is now within reach.

Team vice-captain Christian Haller said: “This success is proof of what can be achieved when you work as a team and aim for the impossible. The Philippines are united behind us – and we’ve also received an incredible amount of support from Switzerland – and that’s a huge motivation for us as we face the next challenges!”

With their unique blend of Swiss precision and Filipino passion, the Philippines team has established itself as a true underdog in the curling scene, comparable to iconic sports stories such as the Jamaican bobsled team and ‘Eddie the Eagle’.

Members of the team are Christian Haller (Vice): With 26 years of curling experience, Haller brings the technical know-how to the team; Enrico Pfister (Second): Supports the team with his many years of experience at the international level; Marc Pfister (Skip): The experienced curler and Enrico’s brother leads the team with strategic skill; and Alan Frei (Lead): The entrepreneur, who underwent a complete transformation, is the heart of the team with his story “From obese to Olympics”.

FEU female chessers stay undefeated

FAR Eastern University preserved its unbeaten record after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against National University in Round 9 of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Chess Tournament, held Wednesday at the Adamson Gym in Manila. The Lady Tamaraws, who had racked up six straight match wins before this draw, now hold 13 match points—one and a half

securing a 63-move win in a knight-and-pawn endgame against FEU’s Francheska Largo (4/5), handing Largo her first defeat of the season.

Ateneo de Manila University also put on an impressive Round 9 performance, achieving a

Farm Fresh appeals to PVL to let Fil-Am suit up for Foxies

By Peter Atencio

THE Farm Fresh Foxies are hoping that prized Fil-Am recruit Alohi Robins-Hardy can suit up for the team when the 2024 Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) AllFilipino Conference begins this Saturday.

Officials of the team are keeping their fingers crossed, following an appeal made by team owner Frank Lao to the top executives of the league.

The 6’2” Robins-Hardy is an experienced spiker at the setter position that they acquired since the team was formed last year.

For now, Robins-Hardy continues to train with the Foxies, which acquired crack spikers Rachel Anne Daquis and Jheck Dionela in their roster.

“I’m shocked (about the decision). But somehow, I’m just chill. I’m still with the team. I’m just doing what I can to help the team,” said Robins-Hardy.

‘Kamag-anak

Inc.’

that several families have been “leading” or in the forefront of “advancing” sports and athletes in the past few years. Again this is not a sweeping statement because some sporting leaders, helped by their kin and friends, are actually doing well. But just some of them.

Lately, athletes are not just the ones getting sidetracked because of “politics,” which in this case, literally and figuratively.

The Designated Kit Man heard the disappointing news that a friend has been unceremoniously sacked from his post from a national sports association. He was axed without any deliberation, discussion or even a consultation with the membership of the NSA. I just don’t know if this is the usual way of removing officials in certain sports associations but even in a few group chats that I’m a member of, there is at least a discussion and

Alohi Robins-Hardy (second from left) shows her Philippine passport. Also in photo are (from left) assistant team manager Tiara

CK

Last June, PVL president Ricky Palou said that Hardy can see action provided that she has a Philippine passport. Later, Palou informed team management Robins-Hardy will have to go through the draft next year, and join a club squad that picks her. But officials of the Foxies have obtained the signatures of five of 12 participating squads which will im-

agreement by the majority if the group wanted to remove someone from the GC.

In my friend’s case, he just received an email from the president of his NSA despite his hard work and contributions to make the sport popular and accessible to Filipinos.

While the email itself was controversial, there is something most unusual about it. It was antidated. I don’t know the reasons why but surely it was very questionable, whether for its intent and purpose.

When asked what could have been the reason why he was yanked out from the association, my friend could only think of one thing. He is running for a post in the forthcoming elections of sports officials whose organization values “excellence, respect and friendship”. He is not, however, running with those in power.

What is more disheartening is the fact that my friend regarded the sports official more than a colleague, he treated him as a father, a mentor and a friend these past few years.

The friend also confided that he even talked to his “Ninong” about his plans to run and even sought his support for his intention to run. It was really a complete surprise to him that he received the email. His replacement was an even bigger (but not unexpected) surprise. He was a

member of the Kamag-anak, Inc.

Apparently, if backstabbing is an Olympic sport, we have a sure podium finish in this category. This is just one of the reasons why Philippine sports, in general, and not just the concerned NSA, should be given a new lease of life. We need new leaders who will bring new ideas and the political will to implement them at the bare minimum. Not to include their relatives and friends in their business will be great too.

In another disheartening news, people involved in a running yet another league, have expressed concerns over the delay in their wages and compensation over services rendered in running the day-to-day affairs of the organization. The Designated Kit Man is hoping that this issue will be resolved soon and those running the league will reach out to those affected ASAP. I was told that they are giving those managing the league until today to sort things out or else they will make public their concerns.

On a better note, football fans are invited to attend and grace the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup Trophy Tour in Manila with the main event to happen, 2 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, November 9 at the Glorietta Activity

pose no objections to let RobinsHardy suit up for team, with her presenting her Philippine passport. The teams which consented are the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the Galleries Tower High Risers, the Cherry Tiggos Crossovers and the Petro Gazz Angels. “It will depend on the PVL. As much as we want her to play, if the PVL stops us from letting her play, and she goes through the draft, we will have to discuss our options with boss Frank (Lao),” said Kanapi as the Foxies aired their side during a press conference at the Gloria Maris restaurant in Greenhills, days before the start of the spikefest. Also competing in the All Filipino spikefest are the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Akari Chargers, Choco Mucho Flying Titans, Creamline Cool Smashers, the Cignal HD Spikers and the NXLED Chameleons.

Center in Makati. Local football legends and icons such as Misagh Bahadoran, Aly Borromeo, Patrick Deyto and Simone Rota will be present. Philippine Men’s National Football Team head coach Albert Capellas is also expected to grace the event. But before the Glorietta event, a football clinic will be conducted at Tuloy sa Don Bosco Alabang from 10am until 12nn. The Okada Method will be shared to players and coaches in the two-hour clinic. The Philippines, buoyed by its impressive 3-0 win against Tajikistan in the recent King’s Cup in Thailand, will begin its

will face Vietnam at home on December 18 and Indonesia in Jakarta International Stadium on December 21. Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@ yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @ erelcabatbat

The Philippine curling team celebrates its victory in the Pan-Continental Curling Championships in Canada.

WNM Vic Glysen Derotas

Cruz, Strong Group Athletics team executive

Kanapi and Atty. Dom Kapunan.

Pauline Del Rosario

The Designated Kit Man Erel Cabatbat

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI,

RANDY M. CALUAG,

Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Filipina blind athlete pulls off historic finish in Spartan race

By Randy Caluag

FILIPINA para-athlete Andrea Estrella achieved a historic milestone as the first blind female competitor to complete the Spartan Trifecta World Championships in Sparta, Greece.

Alongside her coach and guide, Ron Alcantara, Estrella not only conquered the intense three-day event, but also earned a place on the podium with a silver medal in the Female Para category.

The Spartan Trifecta is renowned as one of the world’s most challenging obstacle races, testing participants with three races of increasing distances and obstacles over consecutive days.

Estrella and Alcantara posted a combined time of 10 hours, 29 minutes, and 14 seconds across the event.

They began with the Spartan Sprint, a 5-kilometer course featuring 20 obstacles on the first day, progressed to the 10-kilometer Spartan Super with 25

obstacles on Day 2 and finished with the formidable 21-kilometer Spartan Beast, which presented 30 obstacles including walls, balance beams, monkey bars, and a bucket carry.

“You humbly achieved with determination and grit. Congratulations, Andrea Estrella, for making history as the first blind female to conquer the Trifecta World Championship in Sparta, Greece,” Alcantara posted on Facebook, celebrating her accomplishment.

The gold medal in the Female Para category went to Tamara Jansen from the Netherlands, who completed the three-race event in 7 hours, 53 minutes, and 27 seconds, while American Jo Hammons took the bronze with a time of 15 hours, 48 minutes, and 19 seconds.

Alcantara also expressed gratitude to Atty. Alberto Agra, president of the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation, for his support in making their participation possible.

Four other Filipino para-athletes delivered commendable performances in the competition.

Calib Sim Jr. finished in 4th place, Renson Embradura ended in 5th, Mark Joseph Casidsid placed 6th, and Kent Tumangan ranked 7th among the 11 male para competitors.

Panlilio aims for sustainability, harmony at POC under Tolentino

AL PANLILIO is putting premium on a sustainable program and a united and harmonious Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) as he seeks another term as POC first vice president under the ticket of reelectionist president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

“I believe in his leadership,” said Panlilio of Tolentino. “And I will talk to him on how to sustain our programs or surpass it for the athletes and Philippines sports.”

“Our sports are progressing after Hidilyn Diaz won gold in the Tokyo Olympics, and now we won two golds courtesy of Carlos Yulo in Paris,” said Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

He added: “We have to surpass previous achievements and provide for sustainable platforms for our athletes.”

The POC elections are set on November 29 at the East Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Paranaque City and To-

Panlilio along with second vice president Richard Gomez are seeking another four-year term to lead the country’s top sports organization. Tolentino called his ticket the “POC Working Team” that includes

Abdilla, Buytrago turn back Japanese foes in Asian tilt

RAN

Yoshi Hasegawa and Dylan Kurokawa, 22-24, 24-22, 159, Thursday in the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championship at the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa. Shaking off a frustrating start, Abdilla and Buytrago made a strong push to force a decider which they fully controlled.

“We will not simply break down and give up,” Buytrago said. “It was a very difficult and frustrating first set, but we just had to continue fighting. We needed this win badly.”

The Alas Pilipinas top men’s pair bounced back from a straight sets loss to Alani Nicklin and Thomas Hartles of New Zealand for a 1-1 record ahead of a crucial

match in pool play against Thailand’s Netitorn Muneekul and Wachirawit Muadpha 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, Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).

“We were really tired, but the mindset is to win,” Abadilla said. “There is nothing better than the feeling of winning, but we’re not done here yet, lots of volleyball left to play.”

Alas Pilipinas, however, took a huge hit as Rancel Varga and Lerry Franciso bowed to Dunwinit Kaewsai and Banlue Nakprakong, 14-21, 19-21.

POC president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, rst vice president Al Panlilio and former president Ricky Vargas.

surfing’s Dr. Jose Raul Canlas as treasurer and volleyball’s Donaldo “Don” Caringal as auditor and Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Leonora “Lenlen” Escollante (canoe, kayak and dragon boat), Alexander “Ali” Sulit

(judo), Ferdinand “Ferdie” Agustin (jiu-jitsu) and Leah Jalandoni Gonzales (fencing) as members of the Executive Board. Also under Tolentino’s watch as POC president, the Philippines emerged as overall champion in the 2019 30th Southeast Asian Games, regained the Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal in Hangzhou last year, saw pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena rise to world No. 2, among others.

Panlilio also called for unity among national sports associations (NSAs) adding that sports leaders “join forces to create a healthy environment for the athletes and support their training under one POC.”

“We just have to duplicate or surpass what we achieve in Paris at the 2024 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” Panlilio said. “I believe we can make it or improve our recent finish with an effective united working group.”

Tropang Giga seek crown; Gin Kings eye equalizer

By Peter Atencio

GINEBRA hopes to overcome fatigue and the team’s tired legs during the one-day break on Thursday as it seeks to bounce back in Game 6 of the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup best-of-seven finals’ series.

Coach Tim Cone said this as he admitted that the squad’s weariness took the best of them when they fell in a 72-99 setback to the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 5 on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

“So, we gotta get our guys back and rested. We were overly tired, even though we had a twoday break,” said Cone as Ginebra goes for another series deadlock at 3-all.

The Gin Kings, who are seeking to tie the series again, are looking at a 2-3 deficit in the playoffs.

The Tropang Giga are enjoying this advantage and a chance to win the series when they meet again on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Dome.

“It’s not the way we planned. But, it’s just one game in the series. It’s not the series. Our job, my job is to win the series, not just one game,” said Cone.

On Wednesday, Justine Brownlee was held to eight points, including a scoreless spell in the last canto, while LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson led with just 13 points apiece.

While Tenorio shot 10 points in the last period, TNT succeeded in also shutting down Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar in the remaining 12 minutes of action.

Coach Chot Reyes said the Tropang Giga remain focused.

“Making good decisions, that’s no. 1 for us. No. 2 is that we focus on our strengths -- and that’s our defense,” said Reyes.

Blazers try to zero in on twice-to-beat semis bonus

Games Friday (Filoil EcoOil Arena) 12 noon- JRU vs LPU 2:30 p.m.- CSB vs Letran

COLLEGE of St. Benilde seeks to inch closer to one of the two twiceto-beat Final Four incentives as it clashes with Letran on Friday in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Blazers are unflappable at the helm with a 12-2 record and another win in their 2:30 p.m. showdown with the Knights would put it a win away from that important semis bonus. If it couldn’t, CSB still has several chances to do so as it has three more foes on its plate after Letran— Mapua, San Beda and Lyceum of the Philippines University.

The Knights, though, are likewise going all out for a victory as it will catapult it to solo fourth from a share of it with the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals and the Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates on 7-8 cards.

Letran was coming off a 68-58 defeat to EAC last Oct. 30 and should bounce back strong on this one. Same with LPU, which is tackling Jose Rizal at 12 noon.

The Pirates have pillaged their way back to the magic four after eliminating the San Sebastian Stags, 93-85, Wednesday.

LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan should rely anew on team captain Renz Villegas and John Barba, who led the onslaught last time by firing 25 and 20 points, respectively.

Andrea Estrella (right) with a race sta in Spartan costume Ron Alcantara

lentino,

The new partners looked on the way to a decider when they took a five-point lead in the second set, 15-10, but collapsed and suffered another straight-sets loss.

The top-rated pair of Mark Nicolaidis and Izac Carracher from Australia had a

tough win against Japan’s Nassim Malki and Kosuke Fukushima, 21-16, 16-21, 15-6, for their second straight win in the tournament held under the auspices of the PNVF and the AVC, both headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago keep the ball in play against their Japanese rivals.

P4.4 trillion

Investments under green lane

162 108

Projects approved under green lane

Number of flagship infra projects

ADB approves $1.7-b loan for Laguna Lakeshore Road

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Thursday it approved nearly $1.7 billion in financing to build a 37.5-kilometer climate-resilient expressway along the Philippines’ largest lake.

The project aims to improve connectivity between Manila and Laguna province, reduce travel time, and bolster the competitiveness of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy.

“This investment further cements ADB’s commitment to helping transform our host country’s transport infrastructure by facilitating climateand disaster-resilient and sustainable development,” said ADB Country Director for the Philippines Pavit

Ramachandran. The Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project (LLRN) will see ADB fund the construction of a 29.56km. section of the new expressway, including bridges and viaducts traversing waterways flowing into Laguna Lake.

The project aims to provide the most resilient road link within the southern Manila transport corridor and cut peak hour travel time between Taguig City and Calamba City by 25

percent. The 7.89-km. northern section of the expressway will be funded by a $904.35 million loan from the ExportImport Bank of Korea.

ADB’s support to LLRN will be via a multi-tranche financing facility consisting of two loans totaling $1.7 billion. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is co-financing the project with an additional $188.2 million loan.

The project is expected to benefit 3.47 million people, improve access to markets and public services, and enhance the capacity of the Department of Public Works and Highways to implement and maintain the road network.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) said Thursday the government attracted P4.4 trillion in green lane-accredited projects as of Oct. 15, 2024.

It said the program certified 162 projects across critical sectors such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, food security and manufacturing.

“The administration is creating a favorable business climate for investments to thrive, which also involves implementing initiatives that contribute to infrastructure development. These include the green lanes for strategic investments,” said OSAPIEA assistant secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston, who read the statement of OSAPIEA Secretary Frederick Go at the Bagong Pilipinas 2024 Forum Thursday.

Alongside the Green Lane initiative, the government is enhancing business processes with the issuance of Executive Order No. 32, which simplifies the permitting process for telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

The Ease of Paying Taxes Law, meanwhile, modernizes tax administration, boosts efficiency and strengthens taxpayer rights.

The updated Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code simplifies approval processes, encouraging greater private sector involvement in infrastructure development.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) said Thursday phase 1 of the Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension project, covering the line from Baclaran to Sucat, may open as early as this month.

“We will open this line within the next maybe two to three weeks, this is within November,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said. Developed through a public-private

Under the Build, Better, More program, 108 flagship infrastructure projects valued at P9.6 trillion are expected to attract public-private investments, focusing on vital projects like roads, bridges, and expressways.

Other notable developments include the fully operational Philippine Digital National ID, which streamlines government services, promotes financial inclusion and eases transactions.

The government is also pushing the CREATE More Bill, which offers tax incentives to businesses and is expected to bring in significant investments.

The Luzon Economic Corridor, launched in partnership with the US and Japan, is set to drive regional investments in infrastructure.

partnership agreement, the first phase will connect Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City. It is expected to reduce travel time by 30 minutes.

“We hope that this opening of the extension of Line 1 will help alleviate traffic as it will be able to support thousands of passengers, additional passengers taking LRT Line 1. And this will be our early Christmas gift to the residents of the area,” Bautista said.

Line 1 extension to Sucat expected to open in November—DOTr

Once phase 1 is operational, the extended LTR-1 is projected to add about 80,000 passengers daily in the first year of operations. Average ridership of LT-1 now is at 323,000 daily.

“We are excited to share that LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is all set to open this month. This project is expected to bring significant benefits to commuters, including reduced travel time, improved air quality, and economic growth in the region,” said LRMC president and chief executive

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. accepted an award from Global Finance Magazine founder and editorial director Joseph Giarraputo for receiving an “A-” rating under the publication’s 2024 Central Banker Report Cards in a ceremony held in Washington D.C. on Oct. 26, 2024.

Remolona was among 25 central bank leaders who were cited based on

LA MESA VISITOR. The Manila Water Foundation team, the La Mesa Ecopark Management and NGO partners lead United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West in a guided tour of the La Mesa Ecopark, a haven of biodiversity in Quezon City.

Enrico Benipayo. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone as a testament to the unwavering commitment of LRMC and our partners to provide a worldclass transportation solution to the Filipino people,” he said. LRMC has been working closely with the DOTr, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and local government units and other partner government agencies for the completion of the project.

Gov’t approves P4.4-t projects under green lane IEMOP to launch renewable energy market in December

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines

curacy, transparency, political independence and success in meeting national mandates. An algorithm ensures consistent grading across regions, with ratings ranging from “A+” to “F”. Global Finance, founded in 1987, reaches 50,000 readers across 193 countries, targeting senior corporate and financial executives responsible for key investment and strategic decisions at multinational firms and financial institutions.

corporate planning and communications manager Arjon Valencia said.

Valencia said a 1-megawatt-hour of RE generation is equivalent to one RE certificate, the Energy Regulatory Commission setting a price cap of P241 per RE certificate.

The certificates will be used for compliance with the renewable portfolio standards—a policy mechanism that requires electric power industry participants such as generators, distribution utilities and suppliers to source or produce a specified fraction of their electricity from eligible RE resources.

“The target is 35 percent [RE] by 2030. This market will facilitate that. And yes, the mandated participants can source from the RE market if their power supply agreements are enough to have that percentage,” he said.

The Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project aims to provide the most resilient road link within the southern Manila transport corridor and cut peak hour travel time between Taguig City in Metro Manila to Calamba City in Laguna province by 25 percent. Bangko

MPIC likely to exceed P22.4-b in core income

INFRASTRUCTURE conglomerate

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)

said Thursday it will likely exceed its P22.4-billion core net income target for 2024 after registering a strong performance from January to September.

MPIC chief financial officer June Cabal-Revilla said in a news briefing that while the fourth quarter is normally the weakest quarter because of cooler weather, the group is still poised to surpass its target.

The company said that in the first nine months of 2024, core net income rose to a record P20.8 billion, up 28 percent from P16.2 billion posted in the same period last year on the back of a double-digit growth in core tollway, power and water businesses.

Reported net income rose faster at 44 percent to P23.1 billion from P16.1 billion, boosted by non-recurring gains from MPIC’s real estate business.

Power contributed the largest share at P15.3 billion or 63 percent of net operating income, followed by toll roads and water at P5.1 billion and P4.5 billion, respectively.

“Our power, toll roads, and water business continued to deliver doubledigit growth in earnings on the back of strong volumes and the impact of long overdue tariff adjustments,” said MPIC chairman, president and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.

“All our businesses are investing heavily in service quality and operational efficiency to improve the lives of our customers while at the same time growing our sales and core profitability to create value for our investors. With MPIC continuing to maintain a low cost of capital, the Company is poised to maintain its very strong growth trajectory for the rest of the year,” Pangilinan said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Megaworld booked 26% increase in third-quarter profit

MEGAWORLD Corp., the property development arm of billionaire Andrew Tan, said Thursday its net profit grew at a faster rate of 26 percent to P5.87 billion in the third quarter of 2024, boosted by the strong performance of residential and leasing businesses.

Nine-month net income also went up by 16 percent year-on-year to P15.69 billion, Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. Consolidated revenues in the ninemonth period climbed 23 percent to P59.78-billion, while third-quarter sales reached P20.69 billion, up by 25 percent year-on-year.

“We look forward to a strong 2024 with a clear focus on seizing new opportunities for growth that will benefit our stakeholders and the communities we serve,” said Megaworld president Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso.

The group’s real estate segment registered a 30-percent growth in sales to P37.85 billion in the first nine months.

Mall revenues grew 16 percent to P4.52 billion in the nine-month period, driven by rising operational occupancy rates and tenant sales.

Revenues from office leasing business climbed 6 percent to P9.63 billion in the first nine months, while hotel and resort business contributed P3.64 billion in sales, up 38 percent year-on-year.

Megaworld launched two tourismrelated townships during the period to sustain the company’s growth.

Jenniffer B. Austria

PH stocks, peso dip on weak GDP growth

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BOTH the Philippine peso and local stocks plunged Thursday after the thirdquarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth came in below market expectations.

The peso closed at 58.73 against the US dollar, down from 58.66 Wednesday after the results of the US presidential election bolstered the greenback.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index fell below the 7,000 level midtrading before closing at 7,014.44 Thursday, down 150.98 points, or 2.11 percent, from the previous trading.

The wider all-shares index also tumbled by 78.33 points, or 1.97 percent, to settle at 3,891.64.

The Philippine economy grew by 5.2 percent in third quarter of 2024, slower than the 6.4 percent growth in the second quarter.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) senior vice president and lead economist Emilio Neri Jr. said a major key factor contributing to the slowdown

was the post-COVID normalization of economic activity.

“Industries such as transportation, accommodation, food service and recreation have seen growth taper off as the effects of pent-up demand diminish,” Neri said.

Aside from weak third-quarter GDP, veteran stock broker Jonathan Ravelas said the continued weakness of the peso against the dollar contributed to the market’s decline.

Property index lost the most among the sectoral indices, decreasing by 3.94 percent. Only the service sector closed in positive territory, inching up by 0.05 percent.

Value turnover reached P9.5 billion.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ACEN Corp., the renewable energy unit of the Ayala Group, said Thursday it recorded a 24-percent increase its net income to P8.14 billion in the first nine months of 2024 from P6.6 billion a year ago, as its operational power generation portfolio reached 3 gigawatts (GW).

ACEN said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange this expansion was underpinned by a 31-percent growth in attributable renewable

energy generation and strong net selling position in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the electricity spot market.

The company said new renewable energy plants, operationalized earlier in 2024, continued to contribute to year-to-date growth in generation output and financial performance.

New plants also allowed ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (RES), the company’s retail electricity supply unit, to expand its contracted customer base.

By Othel V. Campos

OCEANAGOLD (Philippines) Inc. said Thursday its net income amounted to $3.6 million on revenues of $102 million in the third quarter of 2024.

The company declared a dividend of $0.0138 per share, equivalent to an annualized yield of about 20.6 percent.

“We’re pleased to declare our second dividend and see continued growth in production,” said company president Joan AdaciCattiling.

“ACEN’s renewable capacity has grown to almost 7 GW, in line with the strong momentum behind the energy transition in the region. The company continues to focus on execution especially for projects in construction and under development,” ACEN president and chief executive Eric Francia said.

ACEN’s global generation portfolio now reaches 6.8 GW, including over 3 GW in fully operational assets, 2.3 GW in projects under construction and over 1.4 GW in committed

“Optimization efforts are on track to achieve 2 million tons per annum by year-end. We remain committed to safe and responsible mining practices and delivering strong returns for our shareholders,” she said.

The dividend of $31.5 million will be paid to shareholders on Nov. 20, 2024. Payment will be made in Philippine pesos based on the prevailing exchange rate on the day of payment.

The company’s gold output increased 21 percent to 27,900 ounces, while copper production

RLC’s income climbed to P10b in nine months

ROBINSONS Land Corp. (RLC) saw its nine-month net profit increase 13 percent year-on-year to P10 billion, driven by the strong performance of mall, office and hotel businesses. RLC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday consolidated revenues in the nine-month period rose 4 percent to P31.42 billion from the same period last year. Investment portfolio, which includes malls, offices, hotels and warehouse segments, delivered a 14-percent growth in revenues to P24.05 billion.

Development portfolio, which includes residential business, recorded P7.37 billion in realized revenues in the same period.

“Our earnings for the first nine months have demonstrated agility, with continued positive growth in our bottom line. This performance is a testament to the strength and diversity of our business within RLC. We remain optimistic about our overall growth prospects, as our business segments are resilient and sustainable,” said RLC chairman, president and chief executive Lance Gokongwei.

The mall business saw a 12-percent increase in revenues in the three quarters of 2024 to P13.16 billion, driven by strong rental income, higher occupancy from new malls, rental escalations in fixed rent and increase in tenant sales. Office leasing improved topline result with a 7-percent increase in revenues to P5.92 billion on the back of rental growth and higher occupancy rate.

Hotels and resorts (RHR) sustained their upward trajectory, posting a 33-percent growth in revenues to P4.32 billion on robust growth across all brands. The company has 26 hotel facilities with over 4,000 room keys.

Meanwhile, the group’s logistics and industrial facilities saw a 36-percent increase in revenues to P649 million.

The residential division booked P3.13 billion in net sales in the first nine months of the year.

Jenniffer B. Austria

projects that would begin construction in the next 12 months.

“The output from ACEN’s new plants helped cushion the expected impact of resource seasonality in the third quarter and ensured continued growth and stability in our financial and operational metrics. We continue to monitor our balance sheet with a view to strengthening it further, ensuring that ACEN remains well positioned as we develop our pipeline,” ACEN chief finance officer and chief strategy officer Jonathan Black said.

rose 21 percent to 3,400 tons.

The company also extended its exploration permit for the FTAA area for an additional five years and updated its 2024 production guidance to 104,000 to 108,000 ounces of gold at an AISC of $1,000 to $1,100 per ounce sold.

OGP operates the Didipio goldcopper mine under a financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA).

The company said it is committed to safe and responsible mining practices while maximizing shareholder returns.

Cebu Pacific set to launch direct flights to Sapporo, Japan

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Thursday it would mount direct flights between Manila and Sapporo, Japan in January 2025.

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said it would operate flights between Manila and Sapporo three times weekly starting Jan. 16, 2025.

Cebu Pacific will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the two cities.

“We are thrilled to be the only

Cebu posts faster growth in power demand—Garcia

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CEBU and the rest of the Visayas should grow an optimum mix of traditional and renewable energy to ensure power reliability and affordability, stakeholders said in a recent forum.

“The power demand of Cebu yearon-year is exceeding the national average. If we are to even be able to match the phenomenal growth that Cebu is experiencing right now, we would have to be very serious about generating more [power] capacity,” said Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said during The Freeman’s “Powering Cebu” business forum.

“Power is a crucial and non-negotiable ingredient to progress…Power gives life to the economy. If there is a lack of [electricity], then there is no economic growth to speak of,” she said.

The Department of Energy (DoE) anticipates that the Visayas and Mindanao region’s electricity demand would require huge available power capacity by 2050.

“For the Visayas, we could have… dependable capacity of 3,296 megawatts. That will just be sufficient to provide the demand and the appropriate reserves. That means we will continuously rely on the transfer of energy from Luzon and Mindanao. However, take note that Mindanao is also growing fast,” said DoE assistant secretary Mario Marasigan.

Aboitiz Power Corp.’s Thermal Group chief engineering and projects officer Don Paulino echoed the need for additional power in the two grids.

“Luzon sits at a relatively comfortable reserve margin of 300 to 700 megawatts. Similarly, Mindanao has around a 25-percent to 30-percent power reserve margin. If you compare that to Visayas, Visayas is around 8 percent. So you can see the stark contrast between the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids,” said Paulino.

Paulino said the currently fleet of baseload sources provides balance and complement the intermittency of solar and wind.

“The direction to have renewable energy is very important, not just from a climate change [lens], but also from a mix perspective,” he said.

Zambales

carrier to offer non-stop flights between Manila and Sapporo. The launch of this route is a testament to Cebu Pacific’s mission of expanding its international network and making air travel accessible to a wider range of passengers,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief

commercial officer Xander Lao.

“We are excited to offer more Filipinos the opportunity to experience the winter charm of Sapporo,” he said.

With the launch of Cebu Pacific’s direct Manila-Sapporo flights, travelers can cut their travel time to only around five hours from up to 10 hours on other airlines with layovers.

Cebu Pacific operates in 35 domestic and 27 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.

Cebu Pacific posted a net income of P3.54 billion from January to June 2024, down from P3.74 billion in the same period last year.

Revenues amounted to P51.439 billion, up by 18.1 percent from P43.55 billion it earned a year ago.

Alcazar aims to develop Clark as aviation capital of PH

By Othel V. Campos

CLARK International Airport Corp. (CIAC) said Thursday it will expedite the implementation of key infrastructure projects to further develop Clark Aviation Capital, the prime land surrounding the privately-operated Clark International Airport.

CIAC president Jojit Alcazar said the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital is “distinctly viable and marketable” and should be developed promptly to ensure the continued flow of government revenues that contribute to the nation’s economy.

“The CIAC urgently needs detailed architectural and engineering designs for road networks, as well as improvements to key sites such as streetlight upgrades along major avenues, picnic grounds, parks, and open spaces. These developments are crucial to attracting investors, particularly in the aviation, cargo, logistics, and commercial sectors,” said the newlyappointed CIAC president. CIAC transitioned from being a real estate manager to a land developer in September and the aviationcentric investment arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), its parent organization.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) oversees the CIAC, which exercises oversight of the airport.

PLDT, Smart expand partnership with gov’t to improve connectivity

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. said they are strengthening their partnership with the government to accelerate digital transformation and improve internet connectivity nationwide.

“With the streamlined rules in place, PLDT and Smart are reinforcing their support to the present administration’s digitalization goals by expanding reliable internet access to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) through the “BroadBand ng Masa” program. In collaboration with the government and other major providers, PLDT and Smart aim to improve digital access in these areas,” said

Smart vice president/department head for joint strategic operations and regulatory affairs Pamela Felizarta.

Executive Order No. 32, issued last year by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., streamlined the permitting process for the construction, installation, repair, operation and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country.

Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA)

Secretary Ernesto Perez lauded the partnerships between government and industry stakeholders as vital to the “full eradication of bureaucratic red tape and to the dawn of a new and

LABOR TIES. Department of Labor and Employment

Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (left) meets with Singapore Ministry of Manpower Minister Tan See Leng at the sidelines of the 28th ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting (ALMM) in Singapore on Oct. 31, 2024.

prosperous Philippines.”

“For too long, excessive bureaucracy has slowed our country’s potential. Now, time once lost to inefficiency can be regained and reinvested in jobs, livelihoods and progress. This is the spirit of ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ and I thank all of you for joining us in this crusade,” Perez said.

Perez said that a year after its implementation, EO 32 reduced the time required to energize a telco tower to just 59 days, and driven a significant increase in the number of permits approved by local government units, which increased by 48 percent be-

tween May 2022 and May 2024.

“The ARTA has been at the forefront of these transformative efforts, making significant strides toward building a leaner, more efficient bureaucracy and reducing barriers for businesses of all sizes,” he said. Felizarta reiterated PLDT’s and Smart’s support for the ARTA-led Electronic Business One Stop Shop (E-Boss) program through a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement to facilitate the establishment of EBoss across the country through the provision of computer units and training. Darwin G. Amojelar

Reclamation won’t cause flooding—Las Pinas councilors

TWO incumbent Las Pinas City councilors denied allegations that the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Parañaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project could lead to “disastrous flooding” in two Metro Manila cities.

Las Piñas City councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina said the multi-billion project was already approved by the Supreme Court in 2021, after dismissing the environmental concerns raised by Las Pinas residents.

Voting 11-2, the Supreme Court (SC) en banc approved on Oct. 21, 2021 the reclamation project of around 530 hectares of the Manila Bay coastline in Las Piñas and Parañaque, ruling that the supposed environmental threat was not sufficiently established.

It was penned by Associate Justice

Rosmari Carandang, with dissents from Associate Justices Marvic Leonen and Amy Lazaro Javier. Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan did not vote. There were only 14 justices when the ruling was promulgated. Alltech Contractors proposed developing 321.26 hectares of land in Las Piñas and 174.88 hectares in Parañaque, both along the coastline of Manila Bay in 2009.

The Philippine Reclamation Authority approved the project in 2010, subject to compliance with environmental rules.

Santos said the petitioners against the project failed to provide sufficient evidence of environmental harm and that he supports the reclamation for its potential economic benefits, including socialized housing and job creation.

farmers told to adopt agricultural mechanization

ZAMBALES Governor Hermogenes

Ebdane Jr. encouraged farmers in the province on Tuesday to employ farm machinery from the government to increase agricultural production and sustain the farming industry.

“Mechanization is apparently the only way now to increase farming efficiency and address the gap in agricultural production and farmers’ income,” Ebdane said following the release here of farm machinery to various farmers’ organizations and some local government units. And it should be a game-changer, too, because we have seen that mechanization is attracting younger generations to farming, which is still the biggest

industry in Zambales,” he said.

“We have to start making full use of farm machinery if we wanted to increase productivity and continue to make farming profitable for everybody,” Ebdane said. Ebdane led the distribution on Nov. 5 of some P32 million worth of rice production machines and postharvest equipment that were secured through the efforts of Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, and distributed in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program.

These include hand tractors, levee makers, PTO-driven disc plows, rice combine harvesters, precision rice seeders, cassava granulators, shallow tube wells and composting facilities for biodegradable wastes, Ebdane said. Among the beneficiaries are five farmers’ groups in Botolan town: Biangue Agro-Farm Association, which received a hand tractor; Botolan Muna Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, levee maker; Maligha Irrigators Assn., four-wheel tractor, PTO-driven disc plow and hand tractor; Batonlapoc Farmers Assn., composting facility; and Mamalyan nin San Miguel, composting facility.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Popeyes Philippines, a global fast-food brand renowned for its Southern-style fried chicken and Cajun-inspired cuisine, teams up with Paywatch to offer Earned Wage Access (EWA) as a new employee benefit. By implementing Paywatch’s EWA program, Popeyes is setting a benchmark for employee care in the fast-moving QSR industry, ensuring that its team is not only financially secure but also highly motivated to deliver exceptional service.

Zambales Govenor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. leads the distribution of some P32-million worth of rice production machines and postharvest equipment that were secured through the efforts of Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

PH banking sector sustained expansion in first six months

THE Philippine banking system demonstrated strong growth in the first half of 2024, with increases in assets, loans, deposits and earnings, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

It said the sector benefited from the country’s improving economic environment and ongoing banking

reforms. Banks’ share of the financial system’s resources grew to 83.4 percent, enhancing their ability to support domestic economic growth by providing financial products and services to Filipino businesses and households.

“Banks remain the pillar of the Philippine financial system. The BSP’s financial reforms help sustain the resilience of the banking sector, enabling banks to take a bigger role in the domestic economy and ultimately improving the financial future of every Filipino,” said BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr.

The banking system’s total assets reached P26.2 trillion as of June

2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 12.4 percent. This surpassed the 9.1-percent growth in June 2023 and the 11-percent pre-pandemic growth rate. The expansion was led by domestic deposits, with 81.6 percent of assets directed toward lending and investment. Loan portfolios continued to grow, reflecting strong consumer and business confidence due to positive economic forecasts and solid macroeconomic fundamentals. Gross total loans rose 12.4 percent to P14.3 trillion, led by a 23.3-percent growth in consumer loans and a 12.1-percent rise in real estate loans. The real es-

tate sector remained the largest loan recipient, accounting for 18.3 percent (or P2.6 trillion) of total loans. Despite an increase in non-performing loans (NPLs), loan quality remained satisfactory. NPLs grew 14.8 percent to P502.4 billion in June 2024, up from P495.7 billion in May, with an NPL ratio of 3.5 percent, slightly above the 3.4 percent reported a year earlier. The high-interest-rate environment, along with lingering post-pandemic challenges, contributed to the uptick in NPLs. However, easing inflationary pressures are expected to enhance borrowers’ repayment capacities.

By Othel V. Campos

By Darwin G. Amojelar

NLEX Corp. said Thursday it signed a 10-year term loan facility agreement with China Banking Corp. amounting to P10 billion to finance its expansion and enhancement projects.

“The loan proceeds will fund NLEX Corp.’s capital expenditure program and refinance its maturing debt. This will help us accomplish our targets – to provide better infrastructure and improve the travel experience of our motorists,” said Rogelio Singson, president and chief executive of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the parent firm of NLEX.

Portion of the proceeds will also be used for the remaining funding requirement of Candaba third viaduct. Now 95-percent complete, the third viaduct is expected to be completed before the Christmas rush.

The areas covering Pulilan to some parts of Apalit are now being utilized by Manila-bound motorists, and only 1.2-kilomers of the bridge remains under construction. Once completed, the Candaba 3rd viaduct will provide safer, faster and more convenient travel to motorists.

“The Candaba 3rd Viaduct also aims to boost socio-economic growth as it facilitates more efficient transport of goods and services. We have always been committed to seeking innovative ways to continuously improve our services, because the end goal is to contribute to our country’s economy and help improve the quality of life of every Filipino,” Singson said.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) encouraged representatives from the Indonesian and Malaysian business sectors to take advantage of Islamic finance opportunities in the Philippines. Both the BSP and the ADB highlighted the Philippines’ readiness to accept investments for and grow its Islamic finance sector. The two institutions held roadshows in Kuala Lumpur from Sept. 23 to 25 and in Jakarta from Sept. 17 to 19, 2024.

The BSP earlier introduced regulatory reforms to encourage greater participation in Islamic banking by both domestic and foreign banks.

The central bank said it also supports the entry of new players in the Islamic finance sector as part of its broader commitment to enhance financial inclusion and foster economic development in the country, especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said that “beyond serving a niche market, our vision extends to building a comprehensive Islamic financial system that provides ethical financial solutions that benefit everyone regardless of faith.”

BSP assistant governor Arifa Ala told the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry that “the Philippines is ready and fully committed

THE Philippines’ mobile commerce (m-commerce) sector is expected to surge by 20.4 percent year-on-year to $11.1 billion, according to UnaCash, a leading in-app and in-store financial solutions provider.

“Mobile commerce is reshaping consumer expectations in the Philippines, with BNPL [buy now, pay later] contributing to its impact. This growth signals a critical turning point for retailers, a move where adopting mobile-first strategies such as integrating BNPL options can not only capture the growing digital audience but also enhance customer satisfaction,” said UnaCash head of product Erwin Ocampo.

A key driver of the growth is the increasing popularity of BNPL options.

to building a vibrant Islamic finance ecosystem, and together, we can unlock the full potential for expanded financial inclusion.”

ADB senior counsel Maria Cecilia Sicangco and finance specialist Mohammad Farrukh Raza presented Islamic finance opportunities in the Philippines from the ADB-commissioned report, “Unlocking the Potential of Islamic Finance in the Philippines: A Market Analysis and Landscape Report.”

Around 100 senior executives from Islamic banks, fintech companies, industry associations, lawmakers, standard-setting bodies and regulatory authorities attended the roadshows.

IN BRIEF

Maya deposits reach P36b MAYA, a leading digital bank in the Philippines, reported a 52 percent year-onyear growth in deposit balances to P36 billion as of end-September 2024. Maya offers an attractive alternative by providing up to 15-percent per annum interest —higher than the 0.0625 percent to 1 percent typical of traditional banks. Customers earn interest daily, which makes the benefits of saving more tangible compared to the traditional monthly accrual. This is enhanced by an intuitive interest-earning tracker, which empowers customers to actively manage and visualize their growing savings in real time. “We’re redefining how Filipinos master and grow their money,” said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group president and Maya Bank co-founder. “We’re

Cagayan

after months of monitoring and disease control efforts.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the province is now free of bird flu based on a memorandum circular released recently. He said it has been over 90 days since the completion of cleaning and disinfection operations, and subsequent surveillance tests yielded negative results for avian influenza (AI).

“Our goal is to ensure the country has enough supply of food that is not only affordable but safe for public consumption. It is also our duty to protect the local poultry industry, which creates millions of jobs and generates billions in investments,” he said. Cagayan province was placed under close surveillance and monitoring after the detection of the H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus in gamefowl in Solana town in January 2023. Othel V. Campos

About 30 percent of m-commerce transactions in 2024 are expected to utilize BNPL, particularly appealing to younger, tech-savvy Filipinos who prioritize financial flexibility.

UnaCash said several factors are contributing to the surge, including a 73.7-percent smartphone penetration rate, the rapid adoption of electronic wallets and the sustained use of e-commerce platforms. Ocampo emphasized the importance of adopting mobile-first strategies for retailers. By integrating BNPL options and optimizing mobile experiences, retailers can capture the growing digital audience, enhance customer satisfaction, drive repeat purchases, and gain a competitive edge, he said. Othel V. Campos

TRANSPORT

CLARK International Airport Corp. (CIAC) is speeding up infrastructure projects within the Clark Aviation Capital, a prime area surrounding the privately-operated Clark International Airport to boost government revenue and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

CIAC president Jojit Alcazar said the 2,367-hectare Clark Aviation Capital is “distinctly viable and marketable and must be developed soonest.”

“The CIAC immediately needs the detailed architectural and engineering design of road networks, the improvement of sites such as the upgrading of street lights in major avenues, picnic grounds, parks and open spaces which will entice investors especially aviation, cargo and logistics, and commercial enterprises,” he said.

The CIAC in September transitioned from a mere real estate manager to a land developer and the aviation-centric investment arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, its parent company.

The Department of Transportation has operational supervision of the CIAC which exercises oversight functions over the airport.

Undas 2024 sea travel lower than expected

PASSENGER traffic at seaports across the country during the Undas 2024 exodus was lower than anticipated, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Data from PPA showed that from October 28 to November 4, a total of 1,076,171 passengers passed through various ports across the country, compared to 1,544,313 passengers recorded during the same period last year.

“Several factors may have contributed to this decrease. For one, the longer weekend holiday in 2023 likely led to an increased number of travelers compared to this year. Additionally, the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine may have caused some seaport passengers to delay or reschedule their trips,” PPA said.

The PPA’s proactive information dissemination and 24/7 communication via social media also played a key role in keeping the public informed about trip cancellations, port statuses, and updates on the agency’s support for government relief operations.

Among the Port Management Offices (PMOs) with the highest passenger traffic this year were PMO Bohol, with 126,532 total passengers, followed by PMO Davao (123,290), PMO Negros Oriental/Siquijor (116,087), PMO Batangas (103,858) and PMO Negros Occidental / Bacolod / Banago Bredco (100,194).

The early preparations made by the PPA, ensured the safe and secure travel experience for passengers during Undas 2024.

CIAC boosts Clark airport dev’t

“CIAC will strengthen aviation infrastructure and services to ensure the Clark Aviation Capital is a leader in this industry, develop a logistics hub that supports national food security through efficient transportation and distribution, and we’ll position the Clark Aviation,” Alcazar said.

“Capital as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), drive tourism and showcase our culture and hospitality on an international stage,” he said.

Alcazar said the firm also plans to establish partnerships for world-class aviation education and training to prepare the next generation of aviation leaders.

“In terms of commerce, we’ll create spaces

DOTr invites Italian firms to develop PH transport

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is encouraging Italian companies and investors to explore opportunities in the Philippine transportation sector.

Speaking before the high-level ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista is hoping that Italian investors will consider investing in the country’s transport infrastructure projects.

The transport chief noted that the transport agency has opted to undergo Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme for these projects as the government is tightening its financial belt.

“We prefer to implement projects

by partnering with the private sector through a PPP arrangement. To overcome budgetary constraints, we turn to private investors or international financial institutions or foreign governments,” he said.

Among the countries that have bankrolled DOTr projects include Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, Singapore, Belgium, and Switzerland, among others, according to Sec. Bautista.

During the dialogue, Bautista discussed the diverse portfolio of transport infrastructure projects in aviation, railways, road, and maritime.

These included the Subic-Clark-

that will drive trade, business, and economic growth, which go together with sustainable urban development that will build a thriving, ecoconscious community around Clark,” he said. Alcazar, recently appointed to lead the government-run aviation firm, holds a degree in Communications from the University of the Philippines, a management certification from the Asian Institute of Management and has more than 27 years of management experience in marketing, business development, information and telecommunications.

Alcazar previously served the BCDA as its chief advisor in information, communications and technology, especially during the implementation of the “Build, Build, Build” program. Darwin G. Amojelar

Manila-Batangas Railway freight line, South Long Haul Project, and studying the possibility of adopting a cable car system in Baguio City.

“These transport infrastructures can become avenues for bilateral cooperation once evaluated and explored. Our rapidly changing transport industry depicts the massive infrastructure development being pursued by the government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Bautista said.

Bautista also shared the transport non-specific thematic initiatives and other critical initiatives to further provide a comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable, and affordable travel experience for everyone.

LRMC names new president and CEO

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has appointed Enrico R. Benipayo as the company’s new president and chief executive, which took effect on November 1, 2024. This development comes after an effective transition of LRMC management under interim President and CEO Mr. Jose Ma. K. Lim for over half a year. Lim’s

SMC honored for environmental stewardship

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) has been recognized as one of AsiaPacific’s 25 Steward Leadership Excellence awardees for its innovative “Saribuhay sa Dampalit” program in Bulacan.

Presented annually by the Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC), this prestigious award honors organizations across the Asia-Pacific region that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship.

Saribuhay sa Dampalit is a pioneering 47-hectare biodiversity offset site located in Barangay Pamarawan, Malolos, Bulacan.

As the first of its kind in the Philippines, the project sets a new standard for sustainable infrastructure development. By proactively conserving and enhancing ecosystems in the Bulacan area, it demonstrates that economic growth through the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project can be achieved in harmony with environmental protection.

It serves as a model for future infrastructure projects in the Philippines and beyond as it showcases how careful planning and innovative solutions can minimize environmental impact while maximizing benefits for both people and the planet.

SMC was honored with the award during a ceremony in Singapore, recognizing the conglomerate as one of the 25 leading organizations in the Asia-Pacific region for its dedication to environmental stewardship.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for our efforts in creating functional habitats for migratory shorebirds,” said San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI) Project Director Cecile L. Ang.

“This award highlights San Miguel’s unwavering commitment to biodiversity protection while advancing critical infrastructure for the Philippines,” she added.

The Saribuhay sa Dampalit program is central to SMC’s goal of achieving “No Net Loss” and even “Net Gain” in biodiversity. The site provides an important stopover point for migratory birds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.

Jojit Alcazar, CIAC president and chief executive officer

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista

Migratory birds find suitable rest at the 47-hectare biodiversity offset site, dubbed ‘Saribuhay sa Dampalit,’ developed by San Miguel Corporation in Bulacan.

Enrico R. Benipayo

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Touchbass Yugel Losorata

In thy Honore

YOU can tell when someone is sincerely proud of their Filipino roots and their integrity as a musical artist. I felt such an atmosphere while visiting the home of Honore (pronounced honor-ray), a full-time musician who performs, writes songs, and records using state-of-theart equipment, all while maintaining a proper mindset. He quickly mentioned that his grandmother was from the province of Pangasinan and that he performed in Metro Manila several years ago, touring with the girl group Pussycat Dolls , which featured Nicole Scherzinger, whose father is also of Filipino descent. Honore, which is his stage name (his first name is Anthony), grew up in California and developed his gift on the way to releasing his own records as a singersongwriter. He is primarily into R&B. So, it’s no surprise that his latest release, a five-song EP that came out in May, is titled R&B Magic

The lead track, “Cloud 9,” is a song he is particularly proud of. Simply put, many people have enjoyed it, and I couldn’t agree more after hearing it. It’s full-bodied, sexy, confidently sung, and even mentions—yes—the Philippines.

“I am proud to be part-Filipino, and I want to learn more about Filipino culture,” said the Los Angelesborn Honore as we sat in front of his recording console and Maschine, a portable digital audio workstation that produces magnificent sounds when used by skilled hands.

Collaborating with a number of artists, including a couple of ladies on Christmas songs (Siena Bella on “In The Snow” and Czarina on “Christmas List”), Honore is busy as a bee, performing as a solo act and in three tribute bands. One of these tribute acts honors the late, great Prince, whom he considers his “fave artist of all time,” declaring that he “learned everything from Prince.”

In the Philippine music scene, Gary Valenciano is a major influence for Honore, who has long been an “advocate for mixed kids,” as he is one, and always wants to give back to the community and help other artists. He feels that Mr. Pure Energy speaks to him every time he hears Valenciano’s version of “The Warrior Is A Child.”

While he has these big names as key musical influences, Honore has carved out his best version by staying true to who he is. He said, “I love artists who are authentic to themselves. In this business, the more original you are, the more respect you’ll earn.”

The man who believes that it’s not about the equipment, but how you use it, demonstrated to me how he works out a song and records it. Boy, he made it look so easy and fun! His good work ethic—being responsible, or as he puts it, “kickin’ it, just crushing it, giving a great performance, and then chill”—was evident.

Sound-wise, Honore’s music is intricate yet catchy. His 12-track album Purple is a great representation of that, especially in songs like “Thrive,” “The First Time” (which features Soultree), and the obviously personal “My Name is Honore.” As for his lyrics, he’s the type of artist who would rhyme “purple” with “emotional,” and “reaction” with “Toni Braxton.” He is working on a more modern R&B album for next year. He noted, “I wish I could go back to the Philippines right now, reach out to kids there, and do some fundraising events for the community.”

I met Honore at the recent Asian Fashion Week in L.A., where he performed.

You readers probably don’t often read a music column where the writer mentions working on a track with the subject. But I feel the need to mention it because it’s a song about being Filipino. Who knows, when it comes out, it may be another good reason why our guy must be on Philippine soil soon, doing what he’s most happy with: touring and performing.

Honore added, “I want to work smarter by doing things efficiently, being with the right people, and knowing how to market myself. Just because you can sing doesn’t mean you’re going to be a successful artist. Having a good team and being diligent in getting your work out there can open up possibilities.”

When I pointed out that there’s the word “honor” in his name, he appropriately reacted, “Bingo!” He’s aware of this, and giving honor to his roots comes naturally. As a shoutout, he wants to remind everyone in the Philippines that “they have a brother in America who’s part-Filipino and doing positive things.”

Actress Sanya Lopez aims to continue amplifying the appeals of ‘Malaya Lolas’ in receiving an official apology and reparations from the Japanese government

SHOWBIZ

Sanya Lopez honors Comfort Women’s fight for justice

By Angelica Villanueva

THE historical drama series Pulang Araw has recently gained more attention online after airing scenes that depict the harsh realities and mistreatment Filipinos endured during the Japanese occupation, focusing in particular on the comfort women subjected to military sexual abuse.

Actress Sanya Lopez had the opportunity to share her reflections during an open forum, “Flowers for Lolas,” held at the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Oct. 24. She struggled to hold back tears as she expressed her deep emotions after meeting some of the remaining Filipina comfort women, survivors from World War II. Sanya portrayed Teresita Borromeo, who suffered abuse at the hands of Dennis Trillo’s character, Japanese Imperial Army Colonel Yuta Saitoh.

The Pulang Araw star was visibly moved as she recounted her interactions with these elderly women and reflected on the trauma they have carried for decades.

“This is such a heavy topic. I’m just an actress, but I can feel our comfort women’s struggles and what they fight for. Honestly, this is how I felt when I first worked with them. I’m sorry if I’m this emotional, but what happened to them is real—it really did happen during World War II,” said Sanya.

As she continued, Sanya conveyed her empathy for the women’s stories of abuse and betrayal as they still seek the

Why star power didn’t swing the election

A RAFT of celebrities from Taylor Swift and Beyonce to George Clooney and Harrison Ford proved unable to prevent Kamala Harris’s crushing defeat in the US election, underlining the limited impact of sweeping star endorsements on voters. Instead it was Donald Trump and the Republicans – who received scant support from the entertainment industry at large, but tapped into a targeted subset of well-known, hypermasculine influencers – who won comfortably.

So, did the Democrats’ long-standing Hollywood and music industry connections, including last-minute rally appearances from Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, make any difference at all in the end?

“Not in this election, clearly,” said New York University arts professor Laurence Maslon

“At the end of the day, people probably realize that Beyonce and George Clooney don’t have to worry about the cost of gas or the cost of eggs – so maybe they’re sort of irrelevant,” he told AFP Celebrity endorsements have long been part of the fabric of

justice denied to them.

“When I had the opportunity to visit them and learn about their experiences, they spoke about when they would receive the justice they deserve, as only a few of them are left. When I talked to them, it was so painful to hear their stories. It’s not a joke,” she continued. She particularly highlighted the story of one survivor, Lola Isang, who shared a memory of seeing children today living in freedom, making her feel grateful for the liberties Filipinos enjoy today.

“Every time she sees children—happy and free—she says, ‘If only I were in their place, I would be so happy too,’” Sanya recalled. “It made me realize how fortunate our generation is for not experiencing what they went through.”

The brutal legacy of the comfort women, known locally as Malaya Lolas (Free Grandmothers), remains a contentious issue between the Philippines and Japan. During Japan’s occupation, countless Filipinas were forced into sexual slavery. Today, only a few survivors of this group remain, raising concerns that time may run out for these women to receive the justice they have sought for decades.

Alongside her co-star, Ashley Ortega, Sanya called for justice for the comfort women and promised to continue using her voice to amplify their appeal.

“When will they receive the justice they deserve? They’re so few now. When will their voices be heard?” she added.

Meanwhile, the Malaya Lolas continue to advocate for an official apology and reparations from the Japanese government, despite longstanding diplomatic and legal challenges. Sanya’s appeal, alongside those of activists, underscores the enduring trauma faced by these survivors and the urgency of honoring their legacy.

US elections, harking back to the days when Frank Sinatra wrangled the “Rat Pack” to support John F. Kennedy in 1960.

Even this year, Hollywood-led fundraisers helped raise tens of millions of dollars for Harris’s record-breaking campaign war chest.

But their impact in actually influencing votes has always been a “mixed bag,” said Arizona State University associate professor Margaretha Bentley, who teaches a public policy course on Taylor Swift.

“It’s never going to be the golden ticket that everybody’s looking for,” she said.

Mark Harvey, author of Celebrity Influence: Politics, Persuasion, and IssueBased Advocacy, agreed that we “shouldn’t be terribly surprised” by the lack of celebrity impact.

“There isn’t a real strong science behind this idea that celebrities can influence people to vote for candidates,” he said.

Famous supporters have only ever been effective when advocating on very specific issues on which they are widely regarded as expert, added Harvey.

As Donald Trump delivered his victory speech early Wednesday, the new president-elect was flanked by – and showered praise on – famous names from the world of sport.

UFC boss Dana White was lovingly hailed as “tough” and “a piece of work,” while golfer Bryson DeChambeau was celebrated as “fantastic” and even having a “slightly longer” drive than the golf-loving Trump.

Loud cheers – and a significant portion of Trump’s address – were devoted to his best-known supporter of all, tech billionaire Elon Musk

Trump also received a last-minute endorsement from Joe Rogan, the influential host of one of the world’s top podcasts. AFP

Honore recently released an EP titled

Actor and filmmaker George Clooney

Sanya Lopez plays Teresita Borromeo in historical drama series ‘Pulang Araw’

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

KDLex brings romance to Hong Kong in ‘Be With U’ music video

ACTORS KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad have brought their on-screen romance to Hong Kong with the release of KD’s latest music video, “Be With U,” which showcases a sweet, chance encounter that blossoms into love against the city’s vibrant backdrops.

The video begins with KD and Alexa meeting by chance at the Peak Galleria Observation Deck, where they take in panoramic views of Hong Kong. The song itself captures the feeling of wanting to spend each moment with someone special, adding a dose of “kilig” for the fans of the real-life couple, known as “KDLex.” Fans even contributed suggestions on scenic spots in Hong Kong, helping shape the pair’s romantic journey through the city. After their initial meeting, the couple’s adventure takes them to Cheung Chau Island, a quieter destination offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Known for its peaceful, car-free environment, Cheung Chau invites visitors to explore by bike, adding a playful twist to the couple’s adventure.

Alexa shared that biking around the island was memorable, saying, “I don’t get to ride bikes often, so I was a bit shaky, but KD was there to help.” She added, “Cheung Chau was the perfect place to take it slow and just enjoy the view without any cars around.”

the couple to enjoy mango mochi, a chewy tropical treat familiar to Filipino palates.

“The mochi is so refreshing, super sarap!” KD shared.

The video also captures a romantic tradition on the island at the Love Lock Wall, where couples hang locks or heart-shaped plaques as symbols of their visit. KD and Alexa left their own painted plaque for fans who might visit Cheung Chau, adding a personal touch for their followers.

for ANC

The pair stopped by Kwok Kam Kee, Cheung Chau’s oldest “lucky bun” bakery, where they shared a taste of the buns made famous by the annual Bun Festival. The sweet buns, stamped with Chinese characters for “safety,” are a wellloved local treat.

“The sweetness is a nice surprise, and the texture is unique,” Alexa noted, while KD added with a smile, “It’s really filling, nakakabusog siya, no Fans of the KDLex pairing will recognize the scene-stealing streets and local eateries of Cheung Chau, including the Cheung Chau Corner, where the couple enjoyed yogurt drinks, and Welcome Food Court, which serves popular street foods like giant curry fishballs.

Space Cafe, on the island’s quieter side, provided a peaceful retreat for a relaxed meal, while Wan Sing Dessert allowed

“It’s a beautiful way to leave a memory here,” KD said, noting the

Back in Central Hong Kong, the pair explored the city’s nightlife, visiting the Temple Street Night Market, where food stalls and local fare paint a lively picture of Hong Kong culture. The video takes viewers to the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, where the couple enjoys cityscape views, capturing the energy and romance of the night.

For the final scene, KD and Alexa share a quiet moment at Central Pier 9, exchanging love locks in front of the iconic Victoria Harbour as ferries pass by. The waterfront location is also known Hello, Love, Goodbye, a Filipino romance that similarly used Hong Kong as a backdrop for an international love story.

KD’s music video serves as a love letter to Hong Kong, showcasing its iconic sites and hidden gems while delivering a touching story of two people discovering romance in unexpected moments. Fans of KDLex and viewers looking for travel inspiration can find a slice of adventure in Hong Kong, where local charm meets scenic views.

BEAUTY pageant stars, fashion icons, and film personalities gathered at the 2nd Philippines Distinct Men & Women of Excellence (Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards) held at Eurotel Las Piñas.

Among those honored was Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea

GLOBAL investment banker and resident business analyst for ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel) Stephen CuUnjieng gets up close and personal with industry leaders to share insightful business advice and perspectives on life beyond the corporate world in his new show, Banker After Dark, premiering today, Nov. 8.

Banker After Dark is a weekly talk series where CuUnjieng engages in meaningful discussions with some of the country’s top business figures, including Century Pacific Group’s Christopher and Nanette Po Cebuana Lhuillier magnate Jean Henri Lhuillier, and BDO president Nestor Tan, among others. These casual conversations explore career, economics, and more. CuUnjieng is a familiar face on ANC, serving as the resident economics expert on the daily business show Market Edge with Michelle Ong, where he runs his segment Stevienomics, tackling the intricacies of the global economy.

A seasoned expert in finance and investments, CuUnjieng has held senior executive roles across multiple multinational firms. Most recently, he was appointed to the ASEAN Advisory Group of the Financial Services Department Council by the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council.

Catch Banker After Dark every Friday at 6:00 p.m. on ANC, just before TV Patrol, available on the ANC cable channel, iWantTFC, and ANC 24/7 YouTube page.

Manalo led a roster of honorees in the beauty category, joined by prominent figures such as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024, Athisa Manalo, named Distinct International Pageant

While the pageant may not have the grandeur of some of the larger competitions, its commitment to environmental advocacy continues to attract global interest among pageant enthusiasts. This year’s competition includes 76 candidates, with several front-runners expected to compete for the crown as they aim to succeed reigning Miss Earth 2023, Drita Ziri. Among the top contenders are:

l Miss Iceland, Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir, 20, a medical student who previously competed in Miss Universe 2022.

her upcoming trip to Mexico.

Title Holder of the Year; Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel, honored as Distinct International Beauty Title Holder of the Year; Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019, Maria Charo Calalo, recognized as Distinct Pageant National Director of the Year; Mister Global 2024, Daumier Corilla, awarded Distinct International Pageant Winner of the Year; Man of the World 2024 first runner-up, Kenneth Cabungcal, named Distinct Pageant Title Holder of the Year; Mister Teenager Universe 2024, Lloyd Figueras, awarded Distinct Model of the Year; and Mr. World Noble King 2021, Lester Paul Recirdo, named Distinct Singer/Actor of the Year. In the fashion sector, distinguished designers received honors, including Albert Andrada and Amir Sali, both celebrated as Distinct Fashion Designers of All Time, alongside Edwin Abayon,

who was awarded Distinct & Distinguished Fashion Designer of the Year. The Distinct Classy Fashion Designer of the Year title went to Nash Leeho, and Raymond Villanueva was honored as Distinct Fashion Host of the Year. The film category recognized the talents of Maricel Soriano and Sharon Cuneta, both tied for Distinct Best Actress of the Year for their roles in In His Mother’s Eyes and Family of Two, respectively. Roderick Paulate and Romnick Sarmenta also shared the Distinct Best Actor of the Year title for In His Mother’s Eyes and About Us But Not About Us

The category also honored Gloria Diaz as Distinct Supporting Actress of the Year for Mallari, and LA Santos as Distinct Supporting Actor of the Year for In His Mother’s Eyes

Other notable awardees included singer Kuh Ledesma, named Distinct Chanteuse of All Time; Julie Ann San Jose, recognized as Distinct Singer Performer of the Year; actress Sheryl Cruz awarded Distinct TV Actress of the Year; talk show host Boy Abunda, honored as Distinct Talk Show Host of All Time; and gymnast Carlos Yulo, named Distinct International Sportsman of the Year.

* * * Miss Earth 2024 to crown new elemental queens Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the 24th Miss Earth pageant, with the finals set to take place at Cove Manila, Okada in Parañaque.

l Miss USA, Bea Millan-Windorski, 21, a Fil-American with a degree in History and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

l Miss Peru, Niva Antezana, 20, a model and Miss Grand Peru 2024 first runner-up.

l Miss Cuba, Stephany Diaz, 19, a political science graduate now studying law.

l Miss Russia, Ekaterina Romanova, 22, an actor and model with a degree from the Moscow Institute of Television and Radio Broadcasting.

l Miss Canada, Aleena Singh, 24, an accountant and animal lover with a degree from McMaster University.

l Miss Namibia, Albertina Haimbala, 24, a Marketing Management student and Miss Namibia 2023 first runner-up.

l Miss Thailand, Rachadawan Fowler, 22, a Thai-American Nutrition Science graduate from the University of Surrey in England.

l Miss Philippines, Irha Mel Alfeche, 24, an educator, army reservist, and environmental advocate for “The Home Gardening.”

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo

Global investment banker and resident business analyst

Stephen CuUnjieng

The pair sits together at the Central Pier 9 in the music video’s final scene

The ‘Be With U’ music video features Alexa Ilacad (left) and KD Estrada together in Hong Kong

Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada gleefully try out the sweet buns at Kwok Kam Kee

The pair takes a romantic stroll together in Cheung Chau Island

C4 LIFE

A scenic place for modern flavors around the world

By Abigail Adriatico

TRAVELERS often explore different parts of the world to immerse themselves in the unique cultures of foreign countries. Regardless of their destination, one thing they consistently do is try the various dishes that local cuisine has to offer. While booking a flight to another country to sample its food isn’t always feasible, there is a way to enjoy these delicacies without leaving the country.

MANY of us have experienced the frustration of looking in the mirror only to find an unwelcome zit staring back at us, leaving us to wonder whether to pop it or not! For teenagers and young adults, this can be a challenging time when insecurities may rise and self-esteem is affected.

“Usually, when you say pimples, you get teased to take a bath,” shared filmmaker and Chief Marketing Officer Gayle Oblea. But, she quickly added, “It’s normal to have pimples.”

What if, instead of hiding those blemishes, we could embrace them—or even celebrate them? That is the innovative idea behind Matchy

Patchy, the Philippines’ first aesthetic pimple patches.

Redefining “flawless”

For too long, teenagers have been bombarded with images of “perfect” skin, airbrushed and blemishfree. This unrealistic standard brought to us by filters and mobile photo editing apps can lead to feelings of insecurity and low selfesteem when breakouts are inevitable for many of them. It is a blessing when a brand challenges this notion, promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty that embraces flaws.

for aesthetic reasons but it’s also very effective,” Oblea assured.

Skincare meets self-expression

With six vibrant designs, each pack of Matchy Patchy contains 20 eyecatching patches.

“We have six different designs of our pimple patches,” Oblea said.

“Each pack has 20 pieces inside.”

From stars and hearts (“Catch A Twinkle” and “Love Me, Cupid”) to holographic gems (“Gem Shell Glow”), delicate flowers (“In Full Bloom”), and playful shapes (“Cut To The Shape”), Matchy Patchy turns a skincare necessity into a fashion statement. Teens can match their patches to their moods, outfits, or personalities, allowing them to express their individuality while caring for their skin. Effective and empowering

While style is a key component, effectiveness is still key.

“One thing that you’d like about the pimple patches is that it’s not just

Made in Korea with hydrocolloid and tea tree oil, the patches are designed to dry up pimples in six to eight hours. This quick action not only helps clear up blemishes but also provides a sense of control and empowerment, showing teens that they can actively manage their breakouts without having to hide from the world or sacrifice their selfexpression.

Targeting Filipino teens

Although manufactured in Korea, Matchy Patchy is a proudly Filipino brand.\

“We are a Filipino brand so meaning to say that when we went to Korea we just really made sure that the ingredients used are of quality,” Oblea stated.

They took into account the Filipino skin type and tropical weather, ensuring the patches are “friendly to those who have oily or dry skin,” a common concern for teens.

Connecting with the ‘Breakout

Generation’

The brand’s marketing strategy focuses on reaching teens where they are. “Well, one thing is for sure, we’re really targeting the teens and of course, the mid-twenties,” Oblea confirmed. Why?

“Because usually, the younger you are, the more breakouts you experience.”

To connect with this demographic, they’re collaborating with bands, organizing events in schools, and even targeting call centers.

“We’re trying to tour around Metro Manila and collaborate with different bands because most of the people

who go to their gigs are the ones who experience these breakouts. And then later on, we’re gonna be targeting schools and of course, call centers because they don’t get to sleep right.” Building confidence, one patch at a time

Aesthetic pimple patches are a symbol of self-acceptance and confidence. By encouraging teens to embrace their breakouts and express their individuality, the product is helping to redefine beauty standards and promote a healthier relationship with one’s skin.

“So now when we spoke and when we sat down,” Oblea continued to explain, “the whole point is to make sure that we go outside of the box. Embrace who you are. Embrace yourself.”

Ready to make a statement?

Teens ready to ditch the breakout drama and embrace their unique beauty can find Matchy Patchy online. “This is already available