AHEAD OF TRUMP’S RETURN
resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay
Marcos signs 2 laws to bolster WPS rights
Gov't to release official map marking Spratlys, Scarborough
By Rio N. Araja
By Rachelle Tonelada
PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez urged Filipinos illegally staying in the US to leave voluntarily to avoid deportation and perpetual blacklisting, as President-elect Donald Trump is likely to crack down on illegal immigrants as soon as he takes office.
“My advice to many of our fellowmen who are actually still here but cannot get any kind of status, my advice is for them not to wait to be deported,” Romualdez said in a forum of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Friday.
“I can see that the administration of President Trump is really going to be very strict with the immigration policy that he intends to put in place because that is a promise he made to the American public, and that is probably the reason why he won, an issue that is very important to a large number of Americans,” he explained.
Romualdez said that a number of Filipinos have already submitted applications and are waiting for their paperwork to be processed.
TBy Charles Dantes, Rachelle Tonelada and Maricel Cruz
HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday signed two landmark laws—the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act—designed to strengthen maritime claims and sovereignty by clearly delineating the maximum extent of the country's territorial waters.
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
"These two laws underscore the importance of our maritime and archipelagic identity. They align our domestic laws with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), clearly defining the extent of our maritime entitlements and securing the rights of our people," Mr. Marcos said.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real
“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
By Darwin Amojelar
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.
By Othel V. Campos
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
By Charles Dantes
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.
Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.
The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
By Maricel V. Cruz
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
law and the integrity of the multilateral system in the face of today’s global challenges.” Quoted by reports, Manalo also said: “The Philippines has consistently pursued peace, the sovereign equality of states, the rights and dignity of all persons.”
He added that the country is also recognized as the “first Asian Re-
By Charles Dantes
Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal
By Rex Espiritu
THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -
PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. pledged to replenish the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's (NDRRMC) dwindling calamity fund as the country faces mounting costs in disaster response. During a Palace briefing yesterday, NDRRMC Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno reported that the agency's calamity fund, along with the Quick Response Fund (QRF) of several government agencies, is nearly exhausted.
cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.
“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said.
Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord
MARCE’S’ TOLL. ‘Marce’s’ strong winds carried away parts of the roof of several school buildings, top right photo, in Buguey, Cagayan. Part of a torn roof hangs dangerously on an electric wire over a woman, top right photo, looking at the damage wrought by Marce on her home in Aparri, Cagayan. In Abulug, bottom photo, a resident stares at the remains of her parent’s house. SK Fed Arn Pagador, Chrissa Martinez, Cagayan PIO/LGU, Jackielyn Batulan
PAGASA
A WEB OF CRIME? Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug trade and extrajudicial killings.
Standard’s Pañares, Inong, Reyes are 2024 UP CMC Glory Awardees
THE Manila Standard's managing editor, Ms. Joyce Pañares, is among three distinguished alumni of the University of the Philippine College of Mass Communication who will be honored for their significant contributions to media and communication during the 2024 edition of The Glory Awards.
The ceremonies will be held on Saturday, November 23, at the UP Film Institute in UPCMC, UP Diliman.
Organized by the UPCMC Alumni Association (UPCMCAA), the 2024 Glory Awards commemorates the legacy of Dr. Gloria Feliciano, the founding dean of UP’s College of Mass Communication, whose lifelong commitment to excellence continues to inspire generations of media practitioners.
The Glory Awards honor alumni who exemplify the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and social impact in fields like broadcasting, journalism, advertising, and more, as UPCMCAA remains committed to
Marcos...
"Our people, especially our fisherfolk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment. We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our seabed," he added.
The government will soon release a new official map that marks areas over which the country has sovereignty and sovereign rights, including the West Philippine Sea with specific coordinates and designations, the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority said after the signing of the two new laws.
NAMRIA administrator Peter Tiangco said the agency is just waiting for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new law.
"We already have the maps prepared. We are just waiting for the IRR to make modifications according to what’s needed. Once the IRR is issued, NAMRIA can move swiftly to release the map," he said.
"Our maps will have the legal basis supported by existing laws," Tiangco added, implicitly referring to China's recent maps with its ninedash-line over almost the entire South China Sea – a claim that was already rejected by the UN arbitral court in 2016.
China opposed the two newlysigned laws, claiming these “illegal incorporated” Bajo de Masinloc and the Kalayaan Island Group as part of the Philippines' maritime zones.
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “The law seriously violates the Declaration of the Conduct of All Parties in the South China Sea, which will lead to the complexity of the situation in the South China Sea. If the Philippines takes any infringement and provocative action in the South China Sea in accordance with the law, China will resolutely respond.”
Mao urged the Philippines to “stop taking any unilateral actions that may escalate disputes and complicate the situation, and to effectively maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, for her part, upheld Washington's “unequivocal” support to the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal decision.
“The Philippines and the United States are not alone – many nations have expressed support for
Guban...
From A1
However, Guban on Thursday requested lawmakers for more time to make his disclosures, citing ongoing threats against his family.
“Your Honor, this time I cannot give you the categorical answer because of security,” Guban told Zambales Rep. Jay Khonghun when asked about the “save the queen” operation. While cautious about specifics,
recognizing and supporting alumni who exemplify excellence and public service, reinforcing the college’s role as a pillar of responsible media in the Philippines.
Apart from Pañares, the 2024 honorees are radio veteran Willie Inong and advertising director Mandy Reyes.
All three awardees have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields, setting new standards in media and public service.
Willie Inong, affectionately known in broadcasting as "Hillbilly Willy," has spent over 40 years revolutionizing the radio and TV industry in the Philippines. Through his unique programming and innovative formats,
the 2016 ruling, which is final and legally binding on both the Philippines and the PRC (China)... Upholding international law in the South China Sea — in addition to being the right thing to do from a legal standpoint—supports global prosperity,” Carlson said.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the two new laws “enhance our efforts to protect our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea and to preserve and exploit the resources in these waters for the benefit of our people.”
He said based on surveys and studies, the West Philippine Sea “holds vast marine and oil and gas resources that we should preserve for the future generation of Filipinos.”
“It is thus not surprising that our 'frenemy' and neighbor continues to intrude into our waters and even undertakes periodic maritime surveys in this area,” he said.
“These new laws mark a historic moment in our efforts to secure and defend our maritime domain. By establishing clear boundaries and designating specific sea lanes, we strengthen our position under international law, safeguard our natural resources, and enhance our security in the West Philippine Sea and beyond,” he added.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act or RA No. 12064 defines the maximum extent of the territorial sea (12 nautical miles), contiguous zone (24 nautical miles), EEZ (200 nautical miles), and continental shelf (beyond 200 nautical miles).
"The Philippines reaffirms its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in our waters. By defining and asserting our maritime zones, we project to the international community that we are staunchly committed to nurturing, cultivating, and protecting our maritime domain," Mr. Marcos said.
On the other hand, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act or RA No. 12065 designates the sea lanes and air routes suitable for the continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships and aircraft through or over the country's archipelagic water and the adjacent territorial sea.
"These sea lanes will offer continuous, expeditious, and unobstructed transit for vessels and air transport while obliging them to comply with navigational regulations and procedures, as well as with the air rules of flight safety and protocols," Mr. Marcos said.
Guban indicated that he already knew the conspirators, describing them as “hardcore killers” connected to the Davao group.
He suggested these individuals were working to “clean their names,” hinting at the existence of a campaign to protect certain interests by any means necessary.
Earlier in the hearing, Guban accused the “Davao mafia” of orchestrating his incarceration and that of others as part of a larger scheme “to save the queen in order to become the
he has expanded audience reach while also providing critical healthcare services as Chair of the Good News Clinic & Hospital, a charitable mission in the Cordillera region.
Joyce Pañares, managing editor of Manila Standard, is being recognized for her fearless reporting and dedication to media ethics. Beginning her career as a young reporter, Pañares quickly rose to prominence and served as a respected president of the Malacañang Press Corps. Her commitment to the craft extends to educating future journalists, preparing new generations for the challenges of the newsroom with her extensive knowledge of media ethics and management.
Mandy Reyes, a pioneer in Philippine advertising, established Industria Productions, the first production house to introduce digital filmmaking to local commercials. Known for directing some of the country’s most iconic advertising campaigns, particularly in the food industry, Reyes continues to influence the field with storytelling that creates a sensory experience for viewers. His work has elevated adver-
President...
From A1
"Technically, the QRF of agencies is lacking, and our NDRRM fund is also almost depleted," Nepomuceno said.
Despite the low funds, Nepomuceno assured the public that the Office of the President has committed to provide the necessary funds to sustain disaster response efforts.
"We got the commitment from the President himself to replenish this," he said.
"Theoretically, we will not run out of funds for our needs because the Office of the President will provide it," he added.
Currently, the NDRRMC has about P300 million remaining in its calamity fund, which Nepomuceno described as insufficient to meet the country's average disaster expenses.
"That amount is very lacking since, per calamity, we average between P400 to P500 million," he explained, noting that certain events, like the recent impact of Typhoon Kristine, required over P500 million in direct government assistance.
As of Friday, more than 17,000 people across the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are taking shelter in evacuation centers.
The NDRRMC said that Ilocos Region has 522 evacuees, Cagayan Valley has 15,631, and CAR has 899.
"Right now, we’re still receiving reports from the field as affected communities continue dealing with Marce's impact," NDRRMC Undersecretary
Metro...
From A1
operations Roger Navarro that they had already reduced their prices to approximately P38 per kilo.
They pointed to markups by rice retailers as the reason for the continued high retail prices.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 62, which reduced the import tax on rice from 35 percent to 15 percent, effective July 8, as part of efforts to bring down rice prices.
High rice prices have a major impact on inflation, with rice accounting for about P9 of every P100 spent by the average Filipino consumer, and P18 of every P100 spent by low-income
next president.”
During Khonghun’s questioning, Guban hesitated to provide further details, particularly about whether he was implicating the Duterte family, despite his earlier readiness to discuss the alleged network. Khonghun asked the witness directly, “Mr. Jimmy Guban, just answer yes or no, are you referring to the Duterte family?”
To which Guban replied, “Sorry, your honor, maybe next time.”
The whistleblower attributed his
tising to an art form, blending compelling visuals with emotional resonance. This year’s honorees join an elite group of alumni celebrated for their contributions to society and the media industry, among them, journalists Jessica Soho, Ces Drilon, Karen Davila, Ging Reyes, Roby Alampay, Ed Lingao, Abner Mercado, Lynda Jumilla, Charie Villa and Kata Inocencio; filmmakers Maryo de los Reyes, Jeffrey Jeturian, Cathy Garcia; TV executives Loren Dyogi, Deo Endrinal; social advocates Lan Mercado and Nona Andaya-Castillo, peace advocate Samira Gutoc, and many more. Each Glory Award winner receives a unique trophy sculpted by UP Professor Emerita Gigi Javier Alfonso, symbolizing their achievements and lasting impact.
The 2024 Glory Awards coincides with the UP CMC alumni homecoming gathering over 150 UPCMC alumni, students, and university officials to celebrate these three exceptional individuals. For more information on this year’s event and awardees, please check the UPCMCAA Facebook page.
Ariel Nepomuceno said. National agencies took significant steps to provide relief. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed over 1,200 dedicated teams, including 1,364 vehicles, 88 land assets, and multiple watercraft and aircraft.
The Philippine Coast Guard is providing 81 land assets and 132 watercraft, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) prepared up to 10,000 personnel for deployment if needed.
To address immediate needs, the government distributed over 187,000 food packs and essential items like potable water, hygiene kits, and medical supplies.
The President has directed officials to prioritize the delivery of these resources to communities in need.
Infrastructure challenges remain a pressing issue. Five bridges and eight road sections in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and CAR are currently impassable due to flooding and landslides. Adams in Ilocos Norte and Peñablanca in Cagayan have reported landslides, while the seawall in Pagudpud sustained significant damage from heavy rains.
With ongoing damage assessments, officials anticipate a high toll on agriculture and infrastructure. Given the severe impacts of the previous storms, the NDRRMC plans to consolidate damage figures to capture the cumulative losses from Typhoons Julian, Kristine, Leon, and Marce.
The NDRRMC is closely coordinating with local governments to implement relief efforts and prepare for the possible arrival of a new storm next week.
households, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
During the meeting, representatives from rice retailers in major markets across Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan City, Pasig City, Las Piñas City, Taguig City, and Pasay City told DA officials that a markup of P3 to P5 per kilo would allow them to maintain a reasonable margin.
"They have agreed to sell wellmilled rice for around P42 per kilo after we appealed to their sense of patriotism. We asked them to help ease the burden on the poor by offering more affordable rice," Navarro said.
Since the tariff reduction in July, nearly 1.7 million metric tons of imported rice have arrived in the country, according to data from the Bureau of Customs.
hesitation to fears for his family’s safety, saying, “In fact, an employee of a congressman here has been following my son “There was also a call from a Davao businessman, threatening my son... that he will be kidnapped,” he said. Despite these threats, Guban vowed to reveal the full extent of the crimes perpetrated by the Davao group when he felt secure enough to talk.
During a hearing in August, Guban named Davao City congressman Paolo
‘TNTs’...
From A1
He urged other illegal Filipino immigrants, sometimes called “TNTs” or “tago ng tago” [always in hiding], to do the same and consider leaving voluntarily, warning that staying could lead to arrest, deportation and inclusion in an official blacklist – which almost guarantees they can never come back.
The envoy emphasized that taking action now could provide a chance to reapply in the future, encouraging them to “just follow the rules and regulations of the country.”
Romualdez added that some Filipinos in the US share Trump’s stance on strict immigration policies, noting that this perspective motivated some to vote for him.
For these individuals, the issue is personal—they believe everyone should go through the same rigorous process they experienced.
“A lot of them resent the idea that people can just come in here and just be able to go through as if they didn’t go through the difficulty of filing for being a permanent resident. At least this is what I hear from some of the Philippine-American communities that I’ve spoken with,” Romualdez declared.
Unofficial estimates place the number of undocumented Filipino immigrants in the US at between 250,000 to 300,000 individuals.
PBBM... From A1
In signing the order, Mr. Marcos highlighted the government's duty to "safeguard national security, maintain public order, uphold the rule of law, protect the safety of its citizens, and ensure the integrity of the social fabric of the nation."
The President first announced his intention to implement a ban during his State of the Nation Address in July 2024.
The ban follows a study by the Department of Finance (DOF) indicating that the social and economic costs of POGO operations — including rising crime rates, social instability, and exploitation of vulnerable individuals — significantly outweigh any economic benefits.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) also raised concerns that POGOs have been associated with money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes, posing substantial threats to the national financial system.
In line with the ban, the President directed national agencies, including the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, to increase enforcement against illegal offshore gaming operations.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was tasked with ensuring POGO operations do not proliferate within residential areas, while the Department of Tourism was directed to monitor tourist establishments to prevent their use as venues for illegal gaming.
As this developed, a Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors is now deliberating on whether to dismiss the complaint or file a case in court against Alice Guo, Shiela Guo, Cassandra Li Ong and 32 others.
Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said the panel has concluded its preliminary investigation on the money laundering complaint against the dismissed Bamban mayor and her alleged accomplices filed by the AMLC, National Bureau of Investigation and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission. However, he declined to comment as to when the DOJ panel expects to make a decision.
“Timeline, we have none but we’ll see to it that we will resolve this case as soon as possible. We’ve been delayed for a few weeks because of the summit, work was suspended... and also due to the typhoons,” he said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
Duterte; lawyer Manases
the husband of Vice President Sara
and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang as alleged owners of the magnetic lifters used to smuggle shabu into the country in 2018. The scandal surfaced when law enforcement seized two lifters with 355 kilos of shabu, while four other lifters—which reportedly contained 1.68 tons of shabu worth P11 billion—evaded capture, flooding the market and causing street prices to plummet.
Carpio,
Duterte;
DOE foresees another round of oil price hike
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) has confirmed an impending big time oil price hike of up to P1.90 per liter to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.
The DOE said gasoline may go up by P1.10 to P1.40 per liter, diesel by P1.70 to P1.90 per liter, and kerosene by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said oil prices edged up for the past four days of trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore ( MOPS), the pricing benchmark of oil importers due to a confluence of factors.
She said this includes the impact of the storm that is expected to cut US output in the Gulf of Mexico and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies’ delayed plans to increase production in December.
Romero said another factors is the US Federal Reserve’s plan to deliver another interest rate cut.
“Other contributing factors in the estimated increase for oil prices by next week are the depreciation of the peso, the premium added to the purchase of the petroleum products, and the freight cost,” she said.
Romero said areas under the state of calamity must adhere to the price freeze for LPG and kerosene for 15 days upon its declaration.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas earlier predicted an increase of P1.85 to P2.05 per liter for diesel and P1.30 to P1.50 per liter for gasoline.
Bellas said that the strong US dollar, due to US politics, also influenced prices.
ASSAULT. The Philippine
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos on Friday vowed to address the unmet commitments to communities still recovering from the aftermath of tropical storm Yolanda in November 2013.
In a statement, the President acknowledged that some promises made to the Yolanda survivors have remained unfulfilled, and he committed his administration to fully meeting its obligations to the victims.
“All unfulfilled commitments made in the past for Yolanda rehabilitation are re-
sponsibilities we fully assume,” the Chief Executive said.
“Many of these pledges remain unredeemed, and we shall see to it that what the state owed to impacted people and places will be satisfactorily settled,” he added.
The President pointed out that while some delays may not stem from any
single fault, the government holds the responsibility to follow through on the promised support.
His pledge came as he highlighted ongoing efforts to aid communities hit by recent typhoons, emphasizing that lessons from Yolanda must shape the Philippines’ approach to disaster response.
With the Philippines being one of the most disaster-prone nations globally, President Marcos stressed that “there is no room for ignorance, inaction, and complacency.”
He called for strengthened local government units and empowered communities as
EXCITING GASTRONOMICAL EXPERIENCE. Elementary Students get an experience of a lifetime as they partake of the celebration of International Chefs Day spearheaded by Nestlé Philippines in partnership with the World Association of Chefs' Societies (Worldchefs) and the Le Toque Blanche Philippines Chefs Association, highlighted by an educational workshop on nutritious ingredients and the importance of a balanced diet. Ralph Harvey Rirao
PH troops ‘capture’ strategic island in disputed
By Rex Espiritu
PBBM to fulfill pledges on Yolanda
essential defenses against calamities. Marcos also emphasized the need for rapid relief delivery and long-term resilience in affected areas, urging efforts to help communities “build back better.”
The President also praised the unity of the Filipinos and the support of the international community in rebuilding efforts, calling it a reminder that “no man is an island” in times of crisis. However, he underscored that it is ultimately the duty of the government to ensure that affected communities receive the promised assistance they are still waiting for.
IN BRIEF
SC clears respondents in Davao water mess
VIOLATION of procurement laws by public officials will not automatically result in conviction under Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, according to the Supreme Court (SC).
A decision penned by Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez stated that all elements of graft must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just deficiencies in the procurement process.
In the case under review, the SC’s First Division acquitted petitioners from charges of violating the Anti-Graft Law. Administrative and criminal complaints were filed against the petitioners for bypassing the competitive public bidding mandated by Presidential Decree No. 1594, which outlines regulations for government infrastructure contracts.
The High Tribunal acquitted the petitioners, stating that “failure to follow procurement laws is not enough to prove graft, unless there is evidence of malicious intent.” Pot Chavez
WPS
Solon warns e-wallet users vs. cyber scams
The 12-day AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA involves some 3,000 Filipino soldiers and key assets of the Navy, Air Force and the Army.
During Wednesday’s exercise, Kota Island was supposedly seized by enemy forces, prompting Philippine Navy and Air Force troops to launch operations to retake the island.
PHILIPPINE military forces on Wednesday established beachhead and “seized control” of one of the islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea as part of the ongoing DAGIT-PA (Dagat, Langit, Lupa) exercises by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, witnessed the simulated takeover of Kota Island, saying the drill serves as a warning to potential foreign aggressors that the military is capable of defending the country’s sovereign territory.
Priest from Samar gets new post at Vatican
By Vito Barcelo
POPE Francis has appointed a Filipino priest as the new undersecretary of a section of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.
Msgr. Erwin Jose Balagapo has been serving as head of office in the section “for the first evangelization and new particular churches” since July 2023 when he was named by the Pope to the post.
The department is currently led by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, former archbishop of Manila, in his role as pro-prefect.
Headed by Pope Francis, the dicastery is divided into two sections. The other section, for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, is led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
“What we did today is island seizure exercise and island defense … We’ve witnessed how effective is the inter-operability of our Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and our special operations forces,” said Brawner.
A Philippine Air Force plane dropped supplies to the troops who Brawner said were “very successful in retaking or seizing the island” during the drill.
The 10.9-hectare Kota Island is about 190 nautical from Rizal, Palawan, and among the nine features occupied by Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea.
NAVOTAS City Rep. Toby Tiangco, chairman of the House Committee on Information and Communication Technology, has warned against mounting scam messages disguised as legitimate e-wallet advisories.
Tiangco also called on the Department of Information and Technology (DICT) to step up its efforts against scammers as the holiday season nears.
According to the DICT, the phishing messages were being sent through an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, a device that tracks, intercepts, and mimic legitimate mobile communications.
E-wallet providers Maya and GCash have also reminded users against clicking on links from unknown texts.
“After the Marcos administration’s ban on POGO, scammers have intensified their tactics to target unsuspecting Filipinos,” Tiangco said. Maricel V. Cruz
Tulfo grills MMDA on use of ‘big bikes’
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has grilled the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on the stateprocured motorcycles which were allegedly absent from thoroughfares within the National Capital Region.
Tulfo raised the questions during the budget deliberation of the Senate Committee on Finance onThursday.
The MMDA officials responded that 108 of their motorcycles were being used for the agency’s riding academy, According to Tulfo, MMDA’s big bikes should be used to chase stubborn motorists who try to dodge apprehending officers.
Tulfo also said a white SUV with number 7 protocol plate was carrying a relative of an unidentified senator. The SUV illegally entered the EDSA Busway and almost hit a traffic enforcer before fleeing. Ralph Harvey Rirao
SIMULATED
Navy’s NAVSOU4 and 61st Force Recon Company 61st Force aboard the Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat conduct a simulated attack on an island in the disputed West Philippine Sea as part of an ongoing military exercise.
Risa to PSA: Do internal audit
By Joel E. Zurbano
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros called on the Philippine Statistics Authority to investigate its officers reportedly involved in issuing fraudulent civil registry documents.
During plenary debates on the 2025 budget of the National Economic and Development Authority, Hontiveros asked PSA officials if they conducted an audit or internal investigation to determine those behind the alleged late registration scheme that many foreigners take advan-
tage of to get fake birth certificates.
The PSA reported it blocked 1,627 birth certificates of foreign nationals after its investigation showed the documents were spurious.
The PSA shared the names of the foreign nationals with the Bureau of Immigration,
DSWD asks for fresh quick response funds
By Maricel V. Cruz
TO ENSURE unhampered disaster response amid the consecutive storms that hit the country in recent days, the Department of Social Welfare and Development requested the Department of Budget and Management for the immediate replenishment of the agency’s Quick Response Funds.
Disaster Response Management Group Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said the agency expects the QRF replenishment next week.
“The status of stockpile – our stand by funds is still worth P107 million. Also, we have more than 1.3 million family food packs strategically prepositioned across the country, but we have also requested for augmentation support already from the DBM, and this is currently under review,” Dumlao said.
She said the agency has requested for a total of P875 million from the DBM.
The funds will be directed to department-disbursed assistance to families affected by Kristine, Leon, and Marce, as well as to those who would be affected by disasters and calamities that may follow.
the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Hontiveros said the alarming proliferation of fake or spurious birth certificates have allowed some foreign nationals to obtain government identification and evade immigration laws.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently revealed the processing cost for fake birth certificates and other government IDs was around P300,000.
He said the proliferation of fake birth certificates allowed unscrupulous individuals, including foreign nationals, to secure government-issued identifica-
tion, evade immigration laws, and perpetrate crimes.
“Syndicates may be behind the proliferation of fake birth certificates as well as the apparent abuse of the late birth registration system,” he said.
During the Senate deliberations on the PSA’s 2024 budget, it was disclosed that at least 308 fake birth certificates were used for Philippine passport applications from January to September of the previous year. Six of these birth certificates belonged to foreign nationals who were issued Philippine passports.
The Immigration Bureau also ex-
50 OFWs back from conflict-torn Lebanon, 45
FIFTY overseas Filipino workers from strife-torn Lebanon arrived in the country Friday morning.
Officials of the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and other key government agencies welcomed the group which arrived via Emirates
flight EK 336.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said another batch of 45 OFWs with five dependents will be flying home today (Saturday).
Both groups are part of the 334 Filipinos from Lebanon expected to return home this November,
Cacdac said.
“We continue our sheltering, repatriation, and monitoring of the situation on the ground,” he said. Each repatriated OFW will receive financial assistance of P150,000. They would also undergo medical and psychological checkups through the
Department of Health. Likewise, they would be provided with free livelihood training vouchers from the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority and job placement assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment.
IN BRIEF
P93m flood project completed in Tarlac
THE Department of Public Works and Highways on Friday reported the completion of a P93.06-million flood control structure in Tarlac City, aimed at reducing risks brought by flooding along the O’Donnell River.
The project also involves slope protection, berms, wheel guards, and high-density polyethylene pipes to manage water drainage effectively, according to DPWH Region III Director Roseller Tolentino.
The 260-linear meter project features a 6.7-meter-wide carriageway, a sidewalk of 2.9 meters, and bicycle lanes measuring 3.53 meters wide, promoting safer transportation options in Moriones-Balanti Section.
“Roadway lighting and bollards have also been installed for the safety of both residents and tourists, especially during challenging weather conditions,” he said.
Tolentino said the completion of the flood control project provides long-term protection for vulnerable areas and further contributes to the growth of the local economy.
Marcos welcomes 8 ambassadors to PH
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. welcomed eight non-resident ambassadors to Malacañang on Thursday, as he accepted their letters of credence and expressed enthusiasm for expanding partnerships across a range of sectors.
The ambassadors included Kenya’s Galma Mukhe Boru, Cyprus’ Nicholas Panayiotou, Moussa Fanta Camara of Guinea, John S. Fritz from the Federated States of Micronesia, Tomáš Ferko of the Slovak Republic, Cristina González of Uruguay, Mauricio Mauro Epkua Obama Bindang of Equatorial Guinea, and Mario José Armengol Campos from Nicaragua.
The President said each ambassador represents an opportunity for collaboration with the Philippines in areas such as economic growth, trade, renewable energy, agriculture, technology, defense, climate action, and people-to-people exchanges.
“There are many opportunities that we can explore, such as people-to-people relationships and future interactions,” he said.
Charles Dantes
Education aid given to 171 kids of MILF
THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Mindanao State University recently awarded educational assistance to 171 children of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in Marawi City.
As part of the Educational Assistance Program, each student received checks for P25,000 per semester, aimed at supporting the education of children from families transitioning to peaceful civilian life under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
This program is part of broader efforts to assist decommissioned MILF combatants and their families, which include transitional cash assistance and various capacity-building initiatives.
With a 2024 budget of P54 million, the educational initiative supports over 1,000 students in Mindanao, providing each student with P50,000 annually. Rex Espiritu
By Rio N. Araja
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources underscored the importance of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to help address financing gaps in climate action.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga will lead the Philippine delegation on an official mission to Baku, Azerbaijan for the COP29 or the 2024 United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change from Nov. 11 until Nov. 22. Amid the worsening climate crisis,
Yulo expressed “cautious optimism” as the Philippine delegation strives to follow up on previous commitments and advance new ones.
The Philippines, along with other countries, will also set a new global climate finance target for 2025 onward, working from the $100 billion per year commitment which the parties have previously agreed on.
The Asia-Pacific nations that host a number of islands, including the Philippines, are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Loyzaga said.
“Limited fiscal space in climate vul-
nerable developing countries means we need urgent access to the best science, along with new, additional and appropriate financing and innovative mechanisms and instruments from public and private sources,” she said.
“We are heading into COP29 inextricably linking Paris to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations auspices and the Plastics Treaty as well as other international commitments. All these must be linked because they rely on human and largely political decisions and actions and are truly interdependent.”
OPINION
Facing Trump’s return, EU confronts economic challenges
By Raziye Akkoc
BUDAPEST,
HUNGARY
— Confronted with the return of Donald Trump, EU leaders on Friday are set to commit to deeply reform Europe’s economy and tackle challenges highlighted by a blockbuster report.
Ex-European Central Bank head Mario Draghi was tasked last year with preparing the report that would steer the direction of the next five years of the EU’s executive arm.
The big takeaway? Europe must invest up to 800 billion euros ($863 billion) more a year to avoid falling further behind the United States.
But with Germany mired in political turmoil, divergent national interests and bitter disagreements over how to face the challenges head on, there is no guarantee that the EU will be able to step up to the mark.
If the European Union does not take heed of his report’s recommendations published in September, Draghi warned the 27-country bloc would face a “slow agony” of decline.
His report has taken on greater urgency, experts say, with Trump’s resounding comeback in Tuesday’s US election.
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly professed his love for tariffs and threatened to punish Europe for taking advantage of the United States with higher duties.
“The Draghi report itself, in a way, becomes even more interesting and urgent in relation to this outcome,” said Ian Lesser, vice president at the German Marshall Fund of the United States think tank.
There is a lot in Draghi’s 400page tome for the leaders to digest before lunch.
Besides his call for more investment to improve economic output, Draghi controversially called for common borrowing — an idea torpedoed by Germany -- as well as reforming the EU’s approach to competition policy to encourage big spending.
Leaders’ talks will “focus on funding, funding and funding”, an EU diplomat said, but the ways to raise the money are “all open questions” in the months ahead.
‘Decisive action’ needed
In a draft declaration seen by AFP, the leaders stress “the pressing need for decisive action” in which they back Draghi’s proposals to deepen the single market, build the capital markets union that
would better mobilise private capital as well as a trade policy that defends Europe’s interests.
They also agree on “mobilising both public and private financing”, adding they would explore “all instruments... to match our goals”, a controversial inclusion that will likely spark long discussions.
Germany and other frugal northern European countries strongly reject taking on joint debt to finance investments despite the success of the pan-EU 800-billion-euro Covid recovery plan and Draghi’s proposal, backed by France.
The Draghi report “can be a solid foundation for further work of the
—“—
Trump repeatedly professed his love for tariffs and threatened to punish Europe for taking advantage of the United States with higher duties.
union”, a senior EU official said.
There could be more public financing via the EU’s own budget or turning to the bloc’s own lender, the European Investment Bank.
The discussions come at a difficult time as many countries in the EU scramble to bring under control their debt and deficit which ballooned during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Friday’s talks only kickstart the conversation and concrete proposals are expected to come months later, with implementing reforms set to take even longer.
EU states all agree on the poison hurting Europe but the antidote, despite being clearly laid out by Draghi and others, has always been harder for countries to accept.
The strong message from Draghi is to deepen the bloc’s cooperation overall by forming a capital markets union and creating single markets for telecoms, defence and energy. But whether leaders will act is another question.
“I fear that the states will produce fine words but there will not be much behind them,” said Sylvie Matelly, director of the Institut Jacques Delors think tank.
The leaders “can all agree that we need to invest massively, but how do we do it with Germans who are not determined to undertake a paradigm shift on debt?” AFP
Onward with a shared purpose
By Melandrew T. Velasco
I CAME across a Guidance Paper for the National Development Summit, first semester of 1997 published in one of the books of speeches of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
The paper listed the “must do” reforms and programs to be the nation we want to be and will become. While many of the reforms and programs have been done, the reality remains: Nation-building is never-ending. One of programs on the list relates to energy. This is of particular interest to me not only because energy fuels industries and economic growth, but also because I come from Pangasinan where the Sual Coal Fired Thermal Power Plant is situated.
The power plant at Barangay Pangascasan in Sual, was one of the projects the Ramos Administration had under-
EDITORIAL
Addressing food poverty
THE national government is making steady progress in addressing the food needs of the poor and the needy.
That’s the assurance given recently by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in remarks before a sectoral meeting in Malacañang attended by officials and key staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as he bared a significant drop in the number of food-poor families.
“We are doing a better job of feeding people who need it,” he said.
Proof of this is the DSWD report that the number of food-poor families slid by 300,000 last year from one million families with the implementation of the government’s Food Stamp Program (FSP).
According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the number of foodpoor families has dropped to 700,000 at the time the FSP was designed.
“Because of this, we have more leg
partnership initiative. Construction of the power plant began in 1996. The contract term was for 25 years.
The Sual Coal Fired Power Thermal Plant project involved the design, supply, delivery, installation, erection and operation including civil works, testing and commissioning of a 1,000 MW coal-fired thermal power station consisting of 2x500 mw generating units.
taken to address the energy and power crisis that gripped the country in the 1990s. During that time, it was not unusual to experience eight to ten hours of brownouts. This went on for about three years, crippling many industries and damaging the country’s economy.
dynamism of the private sector is evident in infrastructure projects that have opened up many growth corridors.
The power plant was built under a build-operate-transfer (B-O-T) scheme of the government’s public-private
It started operations in 1999 and has since energized Luzon—from homes, factories, offices,schools to hospitals—spurring the development of areas within its coverage.
The presence of the power plant in the municipality also contributed to increased income and generated more employment to Sual and its residents. The growth was so noticeable that by 2006, Sual was classified as a firstclass municipality.
Sual, a town that is 23 kms from Lingayen, the capital of Pangasinan, was founded on May 20, 1803, separating it from the municipality of Labrador.
Last month, the Sual Coal Fired Thermal Power Plant was turned over to the government through the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), and National Power Corp. (Napocor) with the expiration of the cooperation period. At the same time, Sual Power, Inc. (SPI) received the facility from PSALM.
room now in this particular area,” he told the gathering. The data are based on the files released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2023.
The program seeks to alleviate the plight of poor families living a hand-to-mouth existence.
The FSP was established through Executive Order No. 44, s. 2023 as a flagship program of the national government through the DSWD to address involuntary hunger experienced by low-income households in the country.
Piloted from December 2023 to July 2024, covering 2,366 households, it provides eligible households with P3,000 worth of food credits monthly through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which the beneficiaries use to purchase select
SPI, formerly known as San Miguel Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power, is the independent power producer administrator (IPPA) of the Sual facility. It must be recalled that in September 2009, SPI inked an IPPA agreement with PSALM that enabled the former to serve as the administrator of the Sual Power Plant. The transfer of Sual Power Plant to SPI is pursuant to the IPPA agreement. With the transfer, SPI now assumes full operation control of the plant. There is no doubt, the SMC subsidiary will continue to ensure the generation of electricity for the Luzon grid.
TeaM Energy officer in charge Mitsuhiro Kojima said SPI is well-positioned to manage the plant’s operations going forward.
I have written previously on SMC’s involvement in the energy/power sector through its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) through San Miguel Global Power. The BESS in Limay Bataan was inaugurated last year. There are 32 facilities nationwide that comprise the SMC BESS network. The network has an aggregate capacity of 1,000 MWh.
The dynamism of the private sector is evident in infrastructure projects that have opened up many growth corridors.
food items at KADIWA stalls and authorized retail stores.
As of mid-October, the program had 182,771 verified beneficiaries, of whom 89,772 households have redeemed their food.
The planned expansion will cover an additional 300,000 household beneficiaries in 2025 and another 400,000 in 2026 in 10 regions and 22 provinces. The goal is to support one million food-poor households by 2027.
The Food Stamp Program is a laudable project as it seeks to alleviate the plight of poor families living a handto-mouth existence and unable to feed themselves on a daily basis. It is in sync with the of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) for 2023-2028 of the National Economic and Development Administration (NEDA) to achieve a decrease in poverty incidence from double-digit to singledigit level by the end of the term of the current administration. It is one small step forward in the war on poverty in this country that requires the full support of the government, the private sector and civil society groups, not to mention the international community.
SMC is among the country’s big business entities committed to extend a helping hand to the government for the success of the latter’s programs and projects. Its presence in the various sectors from agriculture, manufacturing, energy, finance, to infrastructure is a testament to this.
SMC Chairman and CEO Don Ramon S. Ang has articulated many times SMC’s commitment to nation-building and helping uplift the lives of more Filipinos. He wants to leave a legacy to future generations of Filipinos: that of a better and progressive Philippines. This brings to mind former President Fidel V. Ramos who once said that the top goal to be achieved is a higher quality of lives for Filipinos. The goal can be reached, according to the late president, through a sense of U-S-T which translates into unity of purpose, solidarity in values, and teamwork in nation-building. The success of SMC manifests how U-S-T works. There is no doubt the country can overcome all adversities and achieve its goals through U-S-T with the constructive engagement of citizens and leaders.
(The author is president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. He is also a writer and publisher of coffee-table books.)
Judge deals blow to undocumented spouses policy
HOUSTON — A federal judge on Thursday struck down a policy aimed at helping undocumented spouses of US citizens obtain legal status, dealing a blow to outgoing President Joe Biden and an estimated half a million people eligible under the program.
The ruling comes just days after Donald Trump swept to victory in the presidential election on promises of cracking down on illegal immigration and launching a massive deportation effort.
The “Keeping Families Together” policy, which had been previously suspended amid a court challenge, allowed certain undocumented immigrants married to US nationals to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, as was previously required.
Judge J. Campbell Barker, of the Eastern District of Texas, who was nominated by Trump during his first White House term, ruled that federal agencies “lack statutory authority” for the program. Biden announced “Keeping Families Together” in June at the height of his reelection bid, before dropping out of the race the next month. AFP
Seoul does missile drills after North’s launch
IN BRIEF
UN says famine looming in Myanmar’s Rakhine state
MYANMAR’S conflict-torn Rakhine state is heading toward famine, the United Nations warned on Thursday, as the country’s civil war squeezes commerce and agricultural production.
“Rakhine’s economy has stopped functioning,” a new report from the UN Development Programme said, projecting “famine conditions by mid-2025” if current levels of food insecurity are left unaddressed.
Some two million people are at risk of starvation, it said.
Amid the fighting roiling the country, international and domestic trade routes leading into the already impoverished state have been closed, leaving the entrance of aid and goods severely restricted.
In addition to intense fighting, people in Rakhine are facing “absence of incomes, hyperinflation (and) significantly reduced domestic food production,” the UNDP report warned. AFP
China passes energy law for carbon neutrality
CHINA on Friday passed a new energy law to “promote... carbon neutrality”, state media reported, as Beijing moves ahead with its pledge to decarbonise its economy by 2060.
The announcement came as the country’s top lawmaking body gathered in Beijing this week, with a suite of new laws and economic support high on their agenda.
State news agency Xinhua reported that the officials had “voted to pass” the energy law on Friday, saying it would “actively and steadily promote carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”.
The law was formulated to “promote high-quality energy development, ensure national energy security, (and) promote green and low-carbon transformation and sustainable development of the economy and society”, according to Xinhua.
It said the legislation, which contains sections on energy planning, development and utilisation, would also “adapt to the needs of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way”. AFP
Qantas plane turns back due to engine failure
SYDNEY — A Qantas plane made an emergency landing due to a “contained engine failure” Friday, soon after taking off from Sydney Airport, the carrier said in a statement.
The Qantas flight, QF520, was bound for Brisbane and was circling for a “short period of time” before landing safely at Sydney Airport, Qantas Chief Pilot Captain Richard Tobiano said in the statement.
“Qantas engineers have conducted a preliminary inspection of the engine and confirmed it was a contained engine failure,” the airline said.
“While customers would have heard a loud bang, there was not an explosion.”
A Sydney Airport spokesperson said it was not yet clear whether the plane’s emergency landing and a grassfire on a nearby runway were linked, but investigations were ongoing. AFP
SOUTH Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea in a show of force after North Korea’s recent salvo of missile launches, Seoul said Friday.
The nuclear-armed North had testfired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as well as a number of short-range ballistic missiles in separate drills over the last two weeks.
South Korea’s military command said its live-fire exercise was aimed at demonstrating its “strong resolve to firmly re-
spond to any North Korean provocation”. It also underlined its “capability and readiness for precision strikes against the enemy’s origin of provocation,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff added. A Hyunmoo surface-to-surface shortrange missile was sent into the West Sea in the exercise, the military command said.
South Korea started domestic produc-
tion of short-range ballistic missiles in the 1970s to counter the threats posed
the country displayed for the first time its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5, which is capable of destroying underground bunkers. Last Sunday, South Korea, Japan and the United States conducted a joint air drill involving a US B-1B bomber, South Korean F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, and Japanese F-2 jets, in response to the North’s ICBM launch.
First artwork by humanoid robot sells for $1.3m
LONDON — A portrait of English mathematician Alan Turing became the first artwork by a humanoid robot to be sold at auction, fetching $1,320,000 on Thursday.
The 2.2 metre (7.5 feet) portrait “A.I.
God” by “Ai-Da”, the world’s first ultrarealistic robot artist, smashed pre-sale expectations of $180,000 when it went under the hammer at London auction house Sotheby’s Digital Art Sale.
“Today’s record-breaking sale price for the first artwork by a humanoid robot artist to go up for auction marks a moment in the history of modern and contemporary art and reflects the growing intersection between A.I. technology and
the global art market,” said the auction house.
Ai-Da Robot, which uses AI to speak, said: “The key value of my work is its capacity to serve as a catalyst for dialogue about emerging technologies.”
Ai-Da added that a “portrait of pioneer Alan Turing invites viewers to reflect on the god-like nature of AI and computing while considering the ethical and societal implications of these advancements.”
The ultra-realistic robot, one of the most advanced in the world, is designed to resemble a human woman with a face, large eyes and a brown wig.
Ai-Da is named after Ada Lovelace,
Paris’ Notre Dame bells ring for first time since 2019 fire
THE bells of Notre Dame in Paris rang out together on Friday for the first time since a 2019 fire that devastated the historic cathedral, AFP reporters said. The sound of the eight bells in Notre Dame’s northern belfry came a month before the cathedral is to reopen following five years of painstaking restoration work in the wake of the blaze.
“This is a beautiful, important and symbolic step,” said Philippe Jost, who runs the public body tasked with restoring the cathedral under challenging circumstances. On the evening of April 19, 2019 Parisians and the world watched in horror
as flames ravaged the world heritage
landmark and then toppled its spire.
President Emmanuel Macron quickly set the ambitious goal to rebuild Notre Dame within five years and make it “even more beautiful” than before.
Some 250 companies and hundreds of experts were mobilised for a restoration costing hundreds of millions of euros.
Friday shortly before 10:30 am (0930 GMT), the bells sounded one by one until all eight chimed in harmony.
“It’s not perfect yet, but we will make it perfect,” said Alexandre Gougeon who is in charge of the re-installation of the bells.
“This first test was a success.” AFP
the world’s first computer programmer and was devised by Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art.
“The greatest artists in history grappled with their period of time, and both celebrated and questioned society’s shifts,” said Meller.
“Ai-Da Robot as technology, is the perfect artist today to discuss the current developments with technology and its unfolding legacy,” he added.
Ai-Da generates ideas through conversations with members of the studio, and suggested creating an image of Turing during a discussion about “A.I. for good”. AFP
Kim Yo Jong, sister of the country’s leader and a key spokesperson, called the US-South Korea-Japan exercises an “action-based explanation of the most hostile and dangerous aggressive nature of the enemy toward our Republic”. AFP
Iran leader’s
aide warns vs. impulsive response to Israel
AN adviser to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned against launching an “instinctive” response to Israeli air strikes on the Islamic republic last month.
Israel, Iran’s sworn enemy, is engaged in conflicts with the Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israeli warplanes struck military sites in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for a large Iranian missile attack on Israel at the start of the month.
“Israel aims to bring the conflict to Iran. We must act wisely to avoid its trap and not react instinctively,” the adviser, Ali Larijani, told state television late Thursday.
Iran said it fired 200 missiles at Israel on October 1 in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was in Tehran. After Israel hit back, it warned Iran against any counterattack, but the Islamic republic has vowed to respond.
“Our actions and reactions are strategically defined, so we must avoid instinctive or emotional responses and remain entirely rational,” Larijani added.
The former parliament speaker also praised Nasrallah for accepting a ceasefire during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war rather than making an “emotional decision”.
On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a potential ceasefire between Tehran’s allies and Israel could affect Iran’s response to the Israeli strikes. AFP
ERUPTION. Residents watch the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki from Eputobi village in Titihena, East Nusa Tenggara. AFP
SHELTER. People take shelter in a metro station during a Russian strike in the centre of Kharkiv, on November 8, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP
above-mentioned data requirements shall be used in the map overlay analysis to determine the relative location of the CCLOAs, overlaps with other thematic data, and conduct of other pertinent GIS analysis necessary to ensure the accuracy of the analysis. Section 8. Process of Verification of Land Classification Status. Prior to the conduct of pre-processing activities, the concerned DENR Regional Offices should ensure that the cleansing of data in the Land Administration and Management Systems Digital Cadastral Database {LAMS DC DB} is already completed. Moreover, existing applications for land titling should be verified to ensure that there are no_ overlaps with previously approved titles. The following provides for the process of verification of land classification status (please see Annex A for the process flow):
8.1. Data Acquisition and Pre-Processing
8.1.1. The DENR-LMB -shall verify the list of Survey Plans of CCLOAs, including its shapefiles, in the LAMS DCDB, upon submission by the “Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). The DENR-LMB shall ensure that the submitted shapefiles have complete data/information in the attribute table.
Deparartment of Agrarian Reform - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DAR-DENR) Joint Administrative Order No. 09, series of 2021 “Rules Governing the Management of Collective Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CCLOAs) falling within Lands Classified as Forest lands/Timberlands,
Section 4. Definition of Terms. For this guideline, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
a. Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) - refers to farmers who were granted lands under Presidential Decree No. 27, Republic Act No. 6657, and Republic Act No. 9700 and regular farmworkers who are landless, irrespective of tenurial agreement, who benefited from· the redistribution of lands, regardless of crops or fruits produced, to include the totality of factors and support services designed to lift the economic status of the·beneficiaries and all other alternative arrangements to the physical distribution of lands, such as production or profit-sharing, labor administration, and the distribution of shares of stock which will allow beneficiaries to receive a just share of the fruits of the lands they work.
b. Agricultural Lands (Alienable and Disposable Land) - refers to lan devoted to agricultural activity as defined in RA 6657 (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Law of 1988) and is not classified as mineral, forest, residential, or commercial.
c. Approved Survey Plans - refers to the survey plans of subdivided· CLOA verified and approved by the DENR.
d. Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) - refers to an agrarian reform title evidencing ownership of the land granted or awarded to agrarian reform beneficiaries.
e. Collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CCLOA) - refers to an existing registered CLOA issued by the DAR to farmer’s cooperative, farmer’s association, other organized groups of ARBs, or . groups of ARBs not organized.
f. Forest lands - refer to the lands of the public domain which includes the public forest, the permanent forest or forest reserves, and forest· reservations.
g. Indicative Map - refers to the map showing the parcel of CCLOAs overlaid using the replotted LC Map.
h. Land Classification (LC) - refers to the system of determining lands of the public domain· into forest lands, mineral lands, national parks, and agricultural lands based on the 1987 Philippine Constitution.
i. Land Classification Map - refers to the map showing the classification of lands of the public domain found on the land , classification system undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), through the Bureau of Forestry, the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Bureau of Forest Development, and the DENR.
j. Land Classification Verification Zone - refers to the identified area covered by the one (1) kilometer LC Verification Zone (500 meters on both sides) from the common boundary line of opposing determined land classifications.
k. Mineral lands - any area where mineral resources are found.
I. National Parks - refers to the lands of the public domain classified as such in the Constitution which include all areas under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) under Republic Act No.7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, primarily designated for the conservation of native plants and animals, their associated habitats and cultural diversity.
m. Projection - refers to the activity of defining the correct geographic and projected coordinate system of the CCLOA parcels and their actual location based on the attached technical description.
n. Proclamation - an act of the President reserving any tract/s of land of the public domain for government use or any of its branches or instrumentalities or of the inhabitants thereof, for public or quasi-public or uses.
o. Protected Area - refers to an identified portion of land and/or water set aside because of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against destructive human exploitation. It refers to all legislated protected areas/national parks under RA 7586 and RA 11038.
p. Replotted Land Classification Map - refers to the map showing the boundary lines between forest and alienable and disposable lands as a result of LC map plotting which is a method of transferring and adjusting the LC lines and corners in a topographic map based on natural features common to both maps.
q. Support to Parcelization of Land for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project refers to the program conceptualized and spearheaded by DAR which aims to improve land tenure security and strengthen the property rights of ARBs through the parcelization and individual titling of 1,368,883 hectares of land covered by CCLOAs in in all provinces in all provinces in the country except for BARMM and NCR.
r. Unclassified Public Forest (UPF) - refers to lands of the public domain which have not yet been subjected to land classification.
s. Verification - refers to establishing the accuracy and validity of the Land Classification Status of the subject CCLOA parcel.
Section 5. The DENR SPLIT Project Technical Working Group (TWG). The TWG shall provide guidance and ensure effective and efficient implementation in the assessment, verification, and issuance of LC status of CCLOAs covered by the project.
The TWG shall be chaired by the Director of the Forest Management Bureau (FMB) while the Director of the Land Management Bureau (LMB) shall serve as its Vice-Chair and they shall be assisted by the TWG Secretariat from FMB for all the administrative and technical support. The representative/s from the Legal Affairs Service (LAS), Policy and Planning Service (PPS), Office of the Undersecretary for Field Operations (OUFO) of the DENR Central Office; National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA); Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB); Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB); FMB; and LMB shall serve as its Members. The TWG may identify and add members as it deems necessary.
The TWG shall have the following functions and responsibilities: 5.1 Prescribe technical standards to field teams in the preparation of indicative maps;
Organize and provide technical support in the conduct of appropriate training programs, preparation of training materials, data analysis, and monitoring of program implementation;
Assure conformance to quality standards of the delineation and assessment of work, the conduct of periodic performance monitoring, including field validation as deemed necessary;
Formulate recommendations to resolve operational problems pertaining to special field conditions at the request of the Regional SPLIT Ground Validation Team; 5.5 Manage records, survey
8.1.2. Survey Plans that do not have shapefiles and are not included in the LAMS database including those that are deemed erroneous (e.g. inaccurate location, duplicated, erroneous technical descriptions, etc.) upon checking of LMB in the LAMS DCDB, shall officially be returned to DAR for encoding, digitization, and/or rectification. The LMB shall uniquely identify the erroneous accounts as a reference for the rectification of DAR. The DAR shall return the rectified shapefiles to LMB within three (3) working days upon receipt for rechecking ..
8.1.3. Shapefiles that were included in the LAMS DCDB and are already encoded, digitized, and rectified by DAR shall then be transmitted to NAMRIA for projection and initial filtering.
8.1.4 The NAMRIA shall then conduct the initial filtering of the datasets. The map overlay analysis of the” shapefiles (e.g. coastline, administrative boundaries, CCLOA parcels and satellite imagery, among others) shall be conducted to beable to segregate the following parcels: a. Those that are found to be on bodies of water; b. Those that are claimed to be geographically located within a certain Region/Province/Municipality/City/Barangay but are found to be outside of that location; and c. Those that have long boundary lines or which have erroneous Technical Descriptions (TDs).
The parcels should have three (3) Iines or corners common to actual ground features such as but not limited to roads, rice paddies/pilapil, waterways, tree lines, CHB walls/fences, adjacent parcels, and Iand cover. Those-CCLOAs that are found to be in scenarios described in letters a to c above shall not pass the initial filtering.
8.1.5. All shapefiles pertaining to the Survey Plans of CCLOA parcels that did not pass the initial filtering shall be returned to DAR for rectification. The NAMRIA shall uniquely identify the erroneous accounts as a. reference for the rectification of DAR.
8.1.6. All rectified shapefiles of Survey Plans of the CCLOA parcels from DAR shall be transmitted back to NAMRIA within three (3) working days for re-verification.
8.2. Data Analysis and Land Classification Verification
8.2.1. Shapefiles of the Survey Plans of CCLOA parcels that passed the initial filtering shall proceed with the Data Analysis and . Land Classification Verification. The NAMRIA shall conduct a map overlay of the shapefiles of the CCLOA parcel and LC Maps. It shall then standardize the attribute table of all CCLOA parcels by identifying and supplying information such as but not limited to: the LC Status, Project Number, Block Number, LC Map Number, and Remarks.
In the event that there are missing LC maps, the CCLOAs affected by the missing LC maps shall not be subjected to parcelization and cannot be issued with individual titles.
The following scenarios may be produced in the conduct of the map overlay:
a. CCLOA parcels within classified Agricultural lands (Alienable and Disposable);
b. CCLOA parcels within classified Forest lands (FL), National Parks (NP), Mineral lands (ML), or Unclassified Public Forests (UPF); or
c. CCLOA parcels within the one (1) kilometer (500 meters on both sides) LC Verification Zone.
The results of the map overlay shall be presented by NAMRIA to the TWG for information and vetting.
8.2.2 CCLOAs which, are found to be entirely within classified Agricultural lands (Alienable and Disposable Lands) shall be referred to DAR for subdivision and issuance of Individual Titles. The database of CCLOAs within A&D shall be updated by LMB.
CCLOAs that are found to be within Forest lands, National Parks, Mineral lands, and Unclassified Public Forests shall be transmitted to the DENR Regional Office for the issuance of the Certification of LC Status.
NAMRIA shall provide appropriate documents/ certifications to the Regional Offices concerned as the basis for issuing Certification of LC Status.
8.2.3. Parcels of CCLOAs found to be within one (1) kilometer LC Verification Zone (500 meters on both sides of the LC line) shall undergo reverification through ground validation using the indicative map prepared by NAMRIA.
8.3. Ground Validation
Parcels of CCLOAs which are found to be entirely or with portions within the LC Verification Zone shall be subjected to ground validation by the Regional SPLIT Ground Validation Team duly created in consonance to Section 6 of this Order.
The Team shall determine and assess the condition of the area and gather relevant information that can be used as a basis for determining the appropriate land classification of the subject parcel/s subject to existing policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
8.4 Consultation Workshop
The TWG upon the request of the DENR Regional Office shall conduct a consultation meeting to discuss the findings of the SPLIT Regional Ground Validation Team.
The TWG Secretariat shall· prepare an agreement form containing the issues, recommendations, and agreed course/s of action· signed by the concerned representatives from the DENR present during the consultation workshop.
8.5. Submission of ground validation results and agreement forms
A ground validation report with pertinent documentation (i.e. geo-tagged photos, field notes, etc.) and categorical recommendations shall be submitted to the Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services (ARDTS) to issue the appropriate certification of LC status. A copy of the validation report should be furnished to the TWG, through the TWG Secretariat for information and record purposes.
8.6 Issuance of Certification of Land Classification Status and subsequent appropriate management arrangement
The certification of land classification status shall be issued corresponding to the LC status of the· parcels of CCLOAs that are found to be within classified agricultural lands, forest lands, national parks, mineral lands, or unclassified public forests.
8.6.1 CCLOAs within classified Agricultural lands (Alienable and Disposable) which were already issued with the appropriate certification shall be transmitted back to DAR by the DENR Regional SPLIT Ground Validation Team through the TWG to continue the process of subdivision/ parcelization of the CCLOAs, and issuance of individual titles
8.6.2 CCLOAs within forest lands, national parks, mineral lands, or unclassified public forests shall be recommended by the TWG for cancellation of DAR pursuant to DMC No. 11 s. 2000.
Upon cancellation by DAR, it shall be transmitted to FMB and BMB for assessment and subsequent issuance of appropriate tenurial instruments.
8.7 Updating of database
Parcels of CCLOAs which are found to be within forest lands, national parks, mineral lands, or unclassified public forests that are included in the LAMS DCDB shall be delisted by the LMB upon issuance of appropriate tenure by DENR
Section 9. Miscellaneous Provision. The DENR Field Offices shall exert due dilligence in the review and verification of the status of lands subject to CLOA application that is undergoing processing to ensure that no new CLOAs shall be issued within lands classified as forest lands/timberlands, national parks, mineral lands, or unclassified public forests.
Section 10. Conduct of Training and Leveling-Off. The DENR shall conduct training/ orientation/leveling-off activities and workshops in the Regional and Field Offices to be participated by technical personnel from the DENR and DAR to ensure that the activities in the field shall be conducted correctly and efficiently relative to the operations stated herewith.
Section 11. Issuing Authority. The Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services (ARDTS) shall be authorized to issue Certification of LC Status for SPLIT” project purposes only.
Provided, that appropriate documentation such as, but not limited to agreement forms, field notes, validation reports, map outputs, and other pertinent documents from NAMRIA (whichever is applicable) shall be used as basis of the ARDTS in issuing such certification.
Section 12. Funding Activities pertaining to the conduct of verification and issuance of the certification of Land Classification Status shall be charged to the SPLIT Project Fund of DAR in consonance with the signed inter-agency Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
Section 13. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the other portions or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 14. Effectivity Clause. This Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgment of receipt of a copy hereof by the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) of the UP Law Center.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Chinese teams end Alas PH’s run in Asian Beach Volley
OLYMPIANS and continental cham-
pions from China proved a little bit too much for Alas Pilipinas Women, marching on to the quarterfinals of the Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships on Friday at the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa.
Xia Xinyi and Xue Chen, Paris Olympians and winners of the Asian Seniors last year in Pingtan, moved on to the round of eight separately as they seek the title with new partners.
Xia and Wang Jingzhe turned back the spirited challenge from Gen Eslapor and Kly Orillaneda, 21-13, 21-8, to advance.
Xue, an Olympic bronze medalist and former world champion, also stayed on track in her bid for another title as she and Zeng Jinjin defeated Alas Pilipinas’ teen tandem of Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara, 21-14, 21-11.
The Air Force pair of Eslapor and Orillaneda got off to a flyer and led 5-3, but the energy and enthusiasm simply was not enough against the pair of grizzled Chinese spikers.
“We wanted a good start and we did, but we just lost steam because it’s not easy trying to match the game of these veterans,” Orillaneda said.
Eslapor is confident they will emerge better players with the experience gained from 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 and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation.
“We played with nothing to lose, everything to gain. The important thing was we did out best because we were given an opportunity to face players of their level,” Eslapor said.
The 18-year-old Progella and the 19-year-old Pagara showed flashes of brilliance but Chinese six-footers kept control throughout the 31-minute match.
“We tried to keep it close but it was really tough to overcome their advantage in height and experience,” Progella said.
Pirates turn back Bombers to keep semis hopes alive
LBy Peter Atencio
CEBUANA teen Giuliana Angeli
Dinopol finished first in the short program of the advanced novice girls’ event of the two-day 2024 Philippine National Figure Skating Championships.
The 14-year-old Dinopol was way ahead with 23.56 points, besting Celine Tansipek of Quezon City and Indonesian Pearl Huang during the meet which got going on Thursday at the SM Skating Rink of Mall of Asia.
“I did good. I’m surprised. This is my first time doing this (routine) in the short program,” said Dinopol, who impressed the judges with her double
YCEUM of the Philippines University survived a tough challenge from Jose Rizal University, emerging victorious with an 82-80 win on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.
The Pirates’ victory kept their Final Four hopes alive in NCAA Season 100.
John Barba and Renz Villegas once again led the way for Lyceum, scoring 20 and 18 points, respectively.
With this win, the Pirates improved their record to 8-8 and remain in the hunt for a coveted Final Four spot.
To qualify, LPU would need to find ways to hurdle its last two foes in Emilio Aguinaldo College Tuesday and College of St. Benilde next week.
flip and double toe loop moves.
The tournament, according to Philippine Ice Skating Union (PHSU) lPresident Nikki Cheng, will serve as selection of skaters who will compete in three international meets next year -- the 2025 Asian Winter Games set in February next year in Harbin, China, the Thailand Open Trophy in May and the 2025 Four Continents meet in Seoul, Korea.
Coached by Frankin Masayon and Dale Feliciano, the Liloan native Dinopol was more than a point ahead of Tansipek (22.51) when she skated to the tune of the Japanese version of theme music of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”
“One game at a time lang muna kami pero kailangan namin manalo every game,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan. It was another pair of strong efforts for Villegas and Barba after the two erupted for 25 and 20 points, respectively, in LPU’s 93-85 win over San Sebastian last Tuesday.
“Nagdagdag pa kami effort para mas malaki chance pumasok sa Final Four,” said Villegas.
But the Pirates almost blew it as they saw their 11-point lead, their biggest in the game, disappear when the Bombers, a team with nothing to lose but everything to gain after being eliminated from the Final Four race, unleashed a furious fight back that saw them inch closer late.
In fact, JRU nearly snatched victory from defeat after getting one last shot at it, but Shawn Argente missed a desperation three-pointer from way
Meanwhhile, Fil-Americans
Maxine Marie Bautista and Cathryn Limketkai upstaged defending champion Sofia Lexi Jacqueline Frank in the short program of the senior women’s action.
The 23-year-old Bautista, from River Grove, Illinois, came up with a high score of 50.03, with Winchester, Massachusetts-based Limketkai behind with 43.46 points.
Frank, who is seeking to earn her third straight crown, was in third at 41.53 points.
The 19-year-old Frank, a FilipinoAmerican standout from Los Angeles, is one of six entries seeking podium finishes as she tries to do better in the free skating event.
deep as time expired.
The Bombers, who were led by skipper Joshua Guiab’s mammoth 27-point effort, dropped to the bottom with a 4-12 record.
Meanwhile, Allen Liwag flexed his MVP muscles as College of St. Benilde downed Letran, 83-78, Friday to inch closer to a twice-to-beat incentive. Liwag pounded his way to 20 points, eight boards and two blocks as the Blazers improved to a league-best 13-2 record, or one win closer to the semis bonus. It also underscored Liwag as the leading candidate to win the most coveted individual plum in the league—MVP.
“Hindi ko muna iniisip ‘yun, focus namin ay manalo ng championship,” he said.
The Knights, who were minus best big man Kevin Santos, couldn’t sustain a strong start and dropped from a share of fourth to sixth with a 7-9 slate.
and Ayl Gonzaga while Vinz Bering, Pete Bandala, Al Rashid Arasad, and Khair Patron are among the top contenders in the boys’ premier side. Bandala also heads the boys’ 16-and-U division of the tournament sponsored by Gov. Victor Yu and Vice Gov. Roy Lariosa, joined by strong challengers Deem Lanticse, Krisnel Batilo and Earl Albaño. With a full 32-player lineup, the boys’ 14-and-U category highlights the incredible enthusiasm of young athletes from Pagadian and nearby areas, all eager to showcase their skills in the event, part of the nationwide talent search initiative by Palawan Pawnshop, led by president/ CEO Bobby Castro, aiming to discover and nurture future tennis stars.
Following the Governor’s Cup, the PPS-PEPP circuit will continue with a stop in Dipolog City from Nov. 14 to 18 in Zamboanga del Norte, where another competitive field is anticipated. For details and listup, contact tournament director and PPS-PEPP Sports Program and Development head Bobby Mangunay at
AS the entire firearms industry braces for the impact of gun bans in the coming midterm national elections, expect extravagance and grandiose displays of state-of-the-art sporting firearms and shooting products as the Association of Firearms and Ammaunition Dealers (AFAD) hosts the second and final part of the 30th Defense and Sports Arms Show from November 20 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
AFAD Spokesman Alaric ‘Aric’ Topacio said as the heat of the election gun ban is expected to hit hard on the firearms’ industry, they are making sure this year’s final show will be a whole lot different from the previous show last August, and the Davao City edition last month.
“We take this election gun ban as a challenge to overcome,” said AFAD spokesman Alaric ‘Aric’ Topacio.
“Some people may think the gun ban (because of the special holidays and the coming elections) is something that could hurt us. On the contrary, AFAD wholeheartedly welcomes gun bans due to special circumstances, and this is part of
Lyceum’s John Barba
Giuliana Dinopol with her coaches Franklin Masayon (left) and Dale Feliciano
Shown here are (from left) IIlline Sapasap, Cristina Tuazon-Gonzales, AFAD president Edwin Lim, Edwin Ano, Grace Tan and Aric Topacio.
$112.43 billion
GIR as of October 2024
$112.71 billion
GIR as of September 2024
$101 billion
GIR as of October 2023
GIR slightly declines to $112.4b—BSP
By Darwin G.Amojelar
THE gross international reserves
(GIR) of the Philippines settled at $112.43 billion as of end-October 2024 from the end-September 2024 level of $112.71 billion, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.
Data showed that on a year-onyear basis, the GIR increased from $101 billion in October 2023. The BSP’s reserve assets include the BSP’s foreign investments, gold, foreign exchange, reserve position in the IMF and special drawing rights.
“The latest GIR level represents a more than adequate external liquidity buffer equivalent to 8.1 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. Moreover, it is also about 4.5 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity,” the BSP said.
Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the proceeds of the national government’s $2.5 billion global (ROP) bond issuance contributed to the GIR in September 2024 .
“For the coming months, GIR could still increase due to the remaining $500-million global [ROP] bond issuance programmed for the rest of 2024, adding to the country’s balance of payments [BOP] and GIR,” Ricafort said.
PH economy expected to expand faster in Q4 U
K-BASED Oxford Economics expects the Philippine economy to grow faster in the fourth quarter of 2024, after expanding 5.2 percent in the third quarter.
“We think Q4 growth will be supported by seasonal holiday spending, which would likely result in 2024 growing by 5.8 percent yearon-year,” Oxford Economics.
The country’s gross domestic product grew by 5.2 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, slower than 6.4 percent in the second quarter. The slowdown was due to persistent weakness in goods exports and was partially related to extreme weather conditions.
“This sharp slowdown was partly related to extreme weather conditions
– six storms in third quarter had caused delays in government projects and had devastated crops,” it said.
Oxford Economic noted that private consumption, a main driver of the GDP growth, showed some improvement, edging up to 5.1 percent in the third quarter from 4.7 percent in the second quarter. It said that with gains in households’ purchasing power due to easing inflation, private consumption is expected to continue improving, but at a slow pace.
Oxford Economics also predicted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would continue its monetary easing cycle, providing support for growth prospects in 2025.
“We expect the central bank will cut their policy rate by another 25 bps [basis points] at its next meeting in December, and by 25 bps each quarter in the coming year. More accommodative monetary policy settings will support growth next year,” Oxford Economics said.
“But, the uncertain growth outlook of China and policy risks from the US under Trump pose material downside risks to our forecasts,” it said. Data showed that investment grew by 7.5 percent the third quarter, after a 9.7-percent increase in the second quarter.
By Othel V. Campos
AMERICAN electric vehicle company Tesla Inc. opened its flagship showroom at the Uptown Mall in Taguig City and brought two of its more popular EV units tailored for the Philippine market.
Tesla introduced the Model 3 and Model Y, positioned to be the best option for Filipino drivers looking for high-performance, eco-friendly vehicles. Model 3, the world’s bestselling electric sedan, has a starting price of P2.1 million, while the versatile Model Y begins at P2.36 million.
Tesla regional director Isabel Fan said the company is committed to offering customized vehicles for the Philippines
US investment firm taking over Belo Medical
ARES Management Corp., a New York-listed investment manager, prepares to increase its stake in Belo Medical Group up to 70 percent after its initial investment in July 2024.
A report by business news site InsiderPH placed the value of Belo Medical Group, led by celebrity entrepreneur Dr. Victoria “Vicki” Belo at under P20 billion. The report said Ares Management would take a majority position of up to 70-percent interest in Belo Medical Group. Ares Management announced in July 2024 a strategic investment into Belo Medical Group which has 14 branches across the Philippines. Founded by Dr. Belo in 1990, Belo
Medical Group was the first Philippine company accredited by the prestigious National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) as an ambulatory clinic. The investment aimed to enable Belo Medical Group to expand to new locations and services, invest in innovative technologies and build out its skincare product portfolio while continuing its mission in seeking to deliver world-class aesthetic services to its discerning clients.
Ares Management said that as of endMarch 2024, it had about $428 billion of assets under management with 2,900 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Othel V. Campos
to meet the needs of local customers.
The personalized approach, she said, aligns with Tesla’s strategy of adapting its products and services to each market, ensuring an optimal ownership experience.
“We’re not a typical company. As we see fit, we try to customize and adapt to the preferences unique to each market,” she said during the launch Friday.
The global leader in EVs expanded into its 50th country, adding the Philippines to its growing list of global markets.
The launch of Tesla’s flagship showroom and experience center was made possible through a partnership with Megaworld Real Estate Investment Trust (MREIT).
MREIT president Kevin Tan said the lease agreement for the flagship showroom and service center was finalized in just two months, despite the rapid timeline. Tesla, which traditionally operates independently in each market, worked directly with MREIT to establish its presence in the Philippines.
“Tesla always comes alone, on their own in any country. We’re thrilled to have them as part of our mall network. We’ve been working with Tesla since May this year, and we were able to finalize the deal quickly. This flagship showroom is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to supporting Tesla’s growth in the Philippines with more supercharging stations at all 25 of our malls,” he said.
CONSTRUCTION SHOW. Philconstruct Manila 2024 opens on Nov. 7, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center Manila and World Trade Center Manila –
expo which runs from Nov. 7 to 10, promises to be even
PH stocks
slide, peso rebounds
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHILIPPINE stocks continued to slide
even as Wall Street’s extended its rally as investors try to ascertain US President Donald Trump’s policies.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index ended the week at 6,977.18, down 37.26 points, or 0.53 percent. The broader all-shares index closed at 3,883.80, lower by 7.84 points, or 0.20 percent.
The peso, however, bounced back to 58.26 against the US dollar Friday from 58.73 Thursday. While investors welcomed the US Federal Reserve’s 25 basis points rate cut, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said the uncertainty over Trump’s presidency was affecting market sentiment.
“With Trump’s policies still uncertain, expect more market fluctuations,” Limlingan said. Sectors were mixed, with the miners gaining the most, adding 1.26 percent. Holding firms lost 1.16 percent. Value turnover was moderate at P5.281 billion, with 99 gainers, 94 decliners and 55 unchanged issues. Foreigners were net sellers, with net outflows amounting to P1.90 billion.
Converge ICT Solutions Inc. was the top index gainer, jumping 4.71 percent to P16.00, while SM Investments Corp. was the main index laggard, falling 2.55 percent to P916. Meanwhile, Asia’s markets rally stuttered Friday after early gains as traders struggled to keep up with another Wall Street record following the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut, while they were also weighing the outlook with another Trump administration.
Traders were also awaiting the end of a week-long meeting of key Chinese officials who have been hammering out a major stimulus package for the world’s number two economy with an eye on the US election result.
While there are concerns that another four years of Donald Trump could see a rise in tensions between Beijing and Washington, investors are optimistic that his plans to slash taxes and push through more deregulation will boost companies’ bottom lines.
There are worries that the Republican’s policies could stoke inflation again, dealing a blow to the Fed’s long-running battle against prices. With AFP
ERC approves lower P310-b
revenue for NGCP
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved a draft final determination indicating a total maximum allowable revenue of P310 billion to transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for 2016 to 2022, lower than its P552-billion application.
The ERC said in a statement Friday it issued a call for energy stakeholders and the public to provide comments on the draft final determination for the fourth regulatory period (RP) of NGCP. “This step takes us to a pivotal point of the reset process for the transmission sector. The Commission has fervently acted on its duty to conduct the long-delayed reset of the rates of our regulated entities. Our mandate requires nothing less from ERC as the sole regulator of the power sector to ensure greater compliance and accountability,” ERC chairperson and chief executive Monalisa Dimalanta said.
The ERC promulgated ERC Resolution No. 08, Series of 2022 or the Amended Rules for Setting of Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR) in September 2022. This set the methodology to be used in setting the maximum transmission wheeling rates that may be charged by the transmission sector, including the methodology for the 4th RP covering the historical period from Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2022, as well as the processes that will govern the subsequent regulatory periods.
The ERC adopted a phased-in approach in its review of the NGCP’s 4th RP To conduct the reset process without further delay, with Phase 1 covering the period of Jan. 1, 2016 to Dec. 31, 2020. Alena Mae S. Flores
Globe’s nine-month profit expanded 6% to over P20b
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GLOBE Telecom Inc. said Friday its net income grew 6 percent to P20.6 billion in the first nine months of 2024 from P19.4 billion in the same period last year.
Excluding the one-time gain from tower sale, the telecom unit of the Ayala Group said its normalized net income would have stood at P17.8 billion, or up by 20 percent from a year earlier.
It said that excluding the impact
of non-recurring charges, foreign exchange and mark-to-market charges, Globe’s core net income expanded by 19 percent year-on-year to P17.6 billion in the nine-month period.
Globe said that on a comparable basis, assuming that ECPay had been de-
consolidated from Globe’s books in the first nine months of 2023, core net income would have grown by 22 percent.
“Our unwavering resilience and agility have propelled us forward, leading us to extraordinary accomplishments. The robustness of our business model is evident in the impressive EBITDA [earnings before, interest, tax, depreciation and amortization] we’ve achieved, along with a notable increase in Core NIAT [net income after tax] during the first nine months of the year,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu.
“With our country’s digital econ-
omy poised for expansive growth, Globe is committed to empowering Filipinos across all economic segments. Our focus remains on unlocking value as a hyper-focused digital company, winning customers through network improvement and digital innovations while strengthening our core telco business,” he said.
Globe posted consolidated gross service revenues of P124 billion, up by 2 percent year-on-year.
The company’s mobile business posted a record P87.7 billion in revenues, surpassing its previous peak of P83.2 billion reported a year ago.
Alternergy buys Shell’s 40% stake
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Friday its wholly-owned wind subholding Alternergy Wind Holdings Corp. acquired the entire interest of Shell Overseas Investment B.V. in Tablas Strait Offshore Wind Power Corp. (TSOWPC) which is developing the Tablas Strait 1, 2 and 3 offshore wind facilities.
“ALTER is bullish on the prospect of the offshore wind power in the Philippines, a priority of the PBBM Administration. Beyond our 500 MW
capacity target by 2026, our Tablas offshore wind projects form part of the next pipeline of projects. With full control of the Tablas Projects, we are eager to proceed at a more accelerated pace,” AWHC president Knud Hedeager said. Prior to the acquisition, Alternergy owned a 60-percent interest in TSOWPC, with Shell taking the remaining 40 percent. Alternergy did not disclose the transaction price.
Hedeager underscored the potential of the Tablas projects following
SM Group gets 7 LEED Gold certifications
THE SM Group’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., completed LEED Gold certification for seven properties as of 2024 as it continues to work on green certification of its other properties to address climate change and enhance disaster resilience.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
To achieve gold, the second highest level, a building goes through a rigorous review process that includes pre-certification, construction, and post-construction reviews.
“We continue to invest in sustainable designs in our properties. LEED Green certification is an affirmation by independent parties that we are building our properties right and adopting the highest standards. Sustainability for us was never a fad we had to follow. It’s deeply embedded in our core,” said Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls vice
president and program director for the environment at SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of the SM Supermalls. SM’s properties that have achieved LEED Gold since 2017 include SM Aura Premier in City of Taguig,The Podium Complex, SM City Baguio, Mega Tower in Mandaluyong City, Conrad Manila, SM North Tower, Quezon City and SM Three E-Com Center in the Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
It said of all the 42 LEED Gold and Platinum-recognized properties in the Philippines as of the first quarter of 2024, SM contributes over 15 percent to this with seven developments— malls, offices and hotels recognized LEED Gold.
One of its recently-recognized LEED Gold properties is SM City Baguio which secured LEED Gold in March 2023. During the construction of the mall’s expansion in 2016. SM’s architects, planners and designers closely monitored its progress to ensure compliance from start to finish.
the conduct of an initial study to assess the technical feasibility of the projects.
“The initial study indicated the projects are viable. We will build on the results of this study and move forward with pre-development activities. In time, we expect to initiate collaboration with interested third parties to realize the Tablas Projects,” he said.
Hedeager also highlighted the positive developments in OSW spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE).
in Tablas offshore wind projects DMCI registers P4-b profit despite weak mining business
DMCI Holdings Inc. said Friday it booked a P4-billion net income in the third quarter of 2024, up 3 percent from P3.87 billion in the same quarter last year.
The increase was driven by stronger contributions from the water utility, power generation, construction and nickel businesses, mitigating the impact of weaker results from coal mining and real estate, DMCI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
“Each of our businesses has been affected differently by the new normal in an increasingly complex environment. We are working hard to strengthen our group’s ecosystem, enhance operational efficiency to address macroeconomic challenges and weaker commodity prices, and
These include the recent agreement between the DOE and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to simplify the issuance of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for offshore wind energy projects. He also noted the collaboration between DOE and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to repurpose and modernize ports infrastructures initially at three locations, which includes the Port of Batangas in Batangas City, the nearest port to the Tablas Projects.
effectively protect our margins,” said DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji. Semirara Mining and Power Corp.’s attributable net income contribution in the third quarter declined 5 percent to P1.8 billion from P1.9 billion last year, mainly due to weaker coal selling prices. Improved power generation contribution and higher coal shipments helped partially offset the impact of the stabilizing energy market.
Maynilad Water Services contributed P921 million in net income, up 55 percent from P596 million, on the back of higher billed volume, increased average effective tariff and lower cash costs. Jenniffer B. Austria
SM City Baguio is the most recent property of the SM Group to achieve LEED Gold recognition. SM City Baguio received the award for its green features—energy efficiency, public transport access, water use reduction, water efficient landscaping and vegetated open spaces and reinforced concrete construction with regional materials and high recycled content.
PAMPANGA SUBSTATION. The new 10MVA mobile substation of Pampanga
Electric Cooperative (PELCO II), co-managed by Manila Electric Company (Meralco),
DITO, LIPAD
wow to improve Clark airport WiFi
By Darwin G. Amojelar
DITO Telecommunity teamed up with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. to elevate the digital experience at Clark International Airport.
The company is investing P50 million over the next two years to provide passengers and stakeholders with high-speed WiFi services powered by DITO’s 5G infrastructure.
“At DITO, we are driven by a vision of a brighter future for the Filipino people, powered by our 5G technology. We now serve millions of Filipinos and actively engage in community-building efforts, government programs, and cultural celebrations nationwide. Adding to this mission is to ensure we also provide convenient and accessible internet access to tourism gateways in the country,” said DITO president and chief executive Eric Alberto.
“This partnership with Clark International Airport symbolizes our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, showcasing what we can achieve when we unite our strengths,” he said. To further elevate passengers’ experience, DITO deploys working tables, charging stations, and SIM vending
machines at key locations inside the airport.
Working tables are equipped with charging stations that allow passengers to charge their devices while relaxing or working on the go.
Kiosk-type charging stations offer quick and accessible solutions for passengers needing a battery boost for their travels, while SIM card vending machines are also available for travelers to easily purchase DITO SIM cards for reliable connectivity upon arrival.
As the travel and tourism industry steadily recovers from the pandemic, DITO is committed to improving services for Filipinos and welcoming tourists to the country.
Clark International Airport recorded 629,000 international tourists and 140,000 domestic passengers in 2022, highlighting its role as a key regional transport hub. This year, the total passenger count is already at 948,608 for the first half and is expected to reach 2 million by year-end.
Jobstreet, SM, PSAC announce 13,800 new hires
By Othel V. Campos
JOBSTREET by SEEK, in partnership with SM Supermalls and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), has successfully facilitated the hiring of over 13,800 jobseekers through the Trabaho Para sa Bayan:
J.O.B.S. nationwide job fair.
“We are thrilled to have contributed to the hiring of over 13,800 jobseekers. Our partnership with SM Supermalls and PSAC has been crucial in
addressing the country’s job skills mismatch and creating a more robust workforce,” said Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines managing director Dannah Majarocon.
The initiative , launched in January, was instrumental in connecting jobseekers with potential employers across various industries.
By organizing both on-ground and online job fairs, Jobstreet by SEEK has empowered individuals to secure employment opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations. The platform offers a range of resources, including career guidance materials on resume writing and interview techniques, to help jobseekers improve their employability. The company is also organizing a nationwide J.O.B.S. Caravan with SM Supermalls to provide insights and solutions to employers, encouraging them to participate in the initiative and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
German, PH investors optimistic on economic growth, employment
GERMAN and Philippine businesses are optimistic on investments and employment, while citing concerns over skilled labor shortages, policy uncertainties, demand fluctuations and supply chain issues.
The latest Fall 2024 AHK World Business Outlook Survey, conducted by the German–Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), examined external factors impacting competitiveness, focusing on supplier networks, new markets and
DTI, PRA sign MOU on retail competitiveness
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed Friday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) and the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) to bolster competitiveness and growth of the wholesale and retail industry.
The partnership aims to address key challenges in the sector, promote job creation and lay out a roadmap for the industry’s sustainable development.
The wholesale and retail sector is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, accounting for about P4.4 trillion in gross domestic product in 2023, up from P4.2 trillion in the previous year. It also employs over 10 million Filipinos, making it the second-largest employer in the country after agriculture.
Recognizing its vital role, acting Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque emphasized the need for continued innovation and policy development to maintain the sector’s momentum.
“The wholesale and retail trade sector is at the heart of our economy. With the collaboration between DTI, the PRA, and SCMAP, we are positioning the sector to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive global market,” she said.
A key component of the partnership is the development of the Section G: Job Blueprint for Wholesale and Retail Trade, a strategic framework designed to foster job creation, enhance supply chain integration, and promote digital transformation. The blueprint will be a cornerstone of the upcoming 1st Wholesale and Retail Trade Forum, which will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the industry’s future and explore solutions to current challenges. Othel V. Campos
competition challenges as well as trends over the past five years.
The latest survey revealed growing optimism, with 58 percent of businesses anticipating improved conditions, up from 50 percent in Spring 2024.
Investment intentions are similarly strong, with 55 percent of companies planning to boost investments—an encouraging rise from 44 percent in the previous survey.
Employment projections are also climbing, signaling potential
growth in local job creation over the coming year.
“The optimism from GermanPhilippine businesses demonstrates our commitment to reinforcing economic ties. The increase in investment and employment intentions reflects confidence in the Philippine market, and we look forward to seeing these positive trends realized in the coming year,” said GPCCI president Marie Antoniette Mariano.
Businesses report challenges including a shortage of skilled
workers, complex economic policies and policy unpredictability.
Supply chain disruptions and changing market demands are additional hurdles affecting operational efficiency, they said.
To help companies manage these regulatory and market risks, GPCCI introduced the GermanPhilippine Business Action Portal (GPBAP), a platform aimed at guiding businesses through emerging challenges and promoting resilience. Othel V. Campos
DOE to check compliance with 3% CME blend
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) is intensifying its monitoring to ensure full compliance with the mandated 3-percent coconut methyl ester (CME) blend in all diesel fuel sold nationwide.
The DOE said a statement a notable avoidance in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions was recorded for B3, totaling 7,433 kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent based on the April 2007 to September 2024 sales data from accredited local biofuels producers.
It said this achievement highlights the positive impact of biofuels in mitigating GHG.
The country implemented a 1-percent biodiesel blend (B1) in 2007 in compliance with the Biofuels Act adopted in 2006. The blend increased to 2 percent (B2) in 2011.
Undersecretary Alessandro Sales, who supervises the OIMB, emphasized the DOE’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to the higher biodiesel blend.
“Oil companies have been given ample time to make this adjustment, and the OIMB will now conduct inspections at bulk depots to enforce compliance. Timely action at the depot level is crucial to maintaining an up-to-date and efficient fuel distribution chain,” Sales said.
The OIMB will gradually expand its inspections to include gasoline stations in the coming weeks.
THE passing of the Konektadong Pinoy Act could lead to lower internet quality in the Philippines, as it may force telecom companies to cut corners with their services to get ahead of the new playing field with new entrants, a think tank said.
CitizenWatch Philippines said new telcos might use their position as a new player to cut prices and force everyone to focus on lower costs, which could lower service quality.
“New entrants might resort to aggressive pricing strategies to gain market share, which could force all players to cut costs and reduce investments in critical infrastructure, leading to slower expansion, especially in GIDAs areas where broadband services are most needed,” CitizenWatch
lead convenor Orlando Oxales said.
SB 2699, if passed, will eliminate the need for a congressional franchise for telecommunication companies, which “diminishes” the regulatory powers of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) into mere oversight, CitizenWatch said.
The network fears that stripping the NTC of its oversight functions would leave consumers with little recourse to poor and unfair practices brought by the new competition landscape.
“As a result, there could be erosion of consumer protection because it is the NTC’s mandate to hold telecommunications providers accountable and compliant to standards that protect consumers,” he said.
A volunteer joins the Adopt a Watershed program of NKS Solar One, a subsidiary of Blueleaf Energy Philippines as part of its sustainability initiatives. NKS Solar One adopted a 3.2-hectare watershed forest under the jurisdiction of the National Power Corp. whjich forms part of the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed. Roy Tomandao
FINTECH FESTIVAL. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlights the national government’s key investments and reforms in digital transformation during the Fintech Festival in Singapore on
Nov. 7, 2024. Pangandaman shares that the Philippines allocated P72.08 billion to support the ICT-related programs and projects of government agencies for 2025.
FOREST COVER.
TREATMENT PLANT. Calbayog Water’s Panlayahan Water Treatment Plant supplies 13 million liters of water to Calbayog City. Calbayog Water is a unit of Manila Water Co. Inc.’s subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
OFWs’ bank accounts linked to GCash wallets
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GCASH, the country’s leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, expanded its presence overseas by launching a new feature that allows overseas Filipinos in the UK and Europe to seamlessly link their international bank accounts to their GCash wallets starting this month.
“Many Filipinos have chosen Europe and the United Kingdom as their home. GCash hopes to provide their needs and help them connect with their loved ones, as a trusted digital finance partner made for Filipinos, by Filipinos,” said GCash International general manager Paul Albano.
Floris de Kort, chief executive of Thunes, said the company is expanding its collaboration with GCash, a long-
standing valued member of Direct Global Network, to transform digital wallet top-ups.
“Through Thunes’ Direct Global Network, we are now delivering an instant top-up service that simplifies crossborder transactions. Our alliance with GCash is a testament to our passion for innovation, the versatility of our proprietary network, and our dedication to financial inclusion through money movement around the world,” he said.
Through the UK/EU bank cash-in feature and other partnerships with international remittance companies, GCash hopes to widen its push towards Digital Financial Inclusion, ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in accessing financial services regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender and location.
Study cites need to protect gig workers
THE lack of regulations in the online gig economy may leave this segment of the work force and companies vulnerable to exploitation, according to a study.
The results of the study were released as the online gig economy maintained its upward momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic, with more workers turning to informal online work for a living.
Oren said that in 2019 to 2020, freelance earnings in the Philippines rose by 208 percent. The massive shift to virtual work during and after the COVID-19 pandemic only boosted this upward trajectory for remote work.
social isolation, overwork, psychological harm, free labor, and the race to the bottom wage rates,” Oren said.
Freelancers, online workers and their virtual work environment were the focus of the recent knowledge sharing forum organized by the Socioeconomic Research Portal for the Philippines (SERP-P), an initiative of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).
The study titled, “Exploring Policies and Initiatives for Online Workers in the Philippines”, was presented by PIDS research specialist Queen Cel Oren, highlighting the challenges online workers face in securing decent work in this growing online economy.
CIMB, Lazada PH boost partnership to launch all-digital savings account
CIMB Bank Philippines and Lazada Philippines launched the all-digital LazSave savings account which is fully enabled on the Lazada app.
Powered by CIMB, LazSave makes saving and payments on the Lazada platforms more rewarding as the firstof-its-kind ‘save and pay’ account that can be opened and maintained directly from the Lazada app.
It has no initial deposit and no minimum maintaining balance, allowing customers to transact online securely and with peace of mind.
It is also the only bank account in the Philippines that rewards customers with an offering of a 1-percent rebate, no cap, for purchases on the Lazada platform.
Customers will also enjoy 5-percent per annum (p.a.) interest on their savings in LazSave. Both of these special features are available during LazSave’s
introductory period.
CIMB Bank PH and Lazada Philippines joined forces early in 2024 to create an ecosystem that goes beyond conventional e-commerce, with CIMB becoming the newest partner powering LazPayLater.
Leveraging on CIMB’s robust underwriting capabilities, LazPayLater, which is Lazada’s flagship buy-nowpay-later (BNPL) product that provides customers with convenient access to credit within the Lazada platform, is now also powered by CIMB.
“When we first partnered with Lazada for LazPayLater, we always had the goal of not only championing financial inclusion but credit inclusion in the Philippines as well, which is why we have over 8.5 million customers of which 3.5 million enjoy access to our credit facility,” said Vijay Manoharan, chief executive of CIMB Bank PH.
Filipino workers, however, face growing competition from countries with better internet infrastructure. Despite lucrative opportunities, gaps in local policies and infrastructure may hinder worker’s potential, according to the study.
“Online workers are also susceptible to risk and exploitation, such as oversupply of online workers, employment insecurity, discrimination,
She said that freelancers generally enjoy flexible work, but the lack of standardized compensation and social protections leaves them vulnerable to overwork and low wages. “The challenge for the government is how to ensure that online work adheres to decent work principles or ideals,” Oren said.
Oren said that ensuring decent work, as defined in the Sustainable Development Goals, would require fair income, workplace security, and social integration for online workers.
“True to our mission as we pioneered mobile digital banking in the Philippines, we are going beyond credit-related inclusion on the Lazada platform and expanding our efforts to also help Filipinos grow their savings as well, alongside earning rebates for their online purchases with Lazada, to help them achieve even more of their financial needs and life goals,” said Manoharan.
counsel Rowena Wilwayco.
“At Lazada we are committed to building a superior online platform that optimizes user experience while safeguarding our buyers and sellers. Launching LazSave with CIMB brings new value and rewards for Lazada app users, empowering Filipinos with more ways to take charge of their finances and participate in the digital economy,” said Lazada Philippines chief executive Carlos Barrera.
Higala, RCBC launch SynerFi to help rural banks offer digital services
HIGALA Group Inc., an inclusive instant payments platform operator, teamed up with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) to launch SynerFi, an open payments platform that expands digital financial access to the unserved and underserved sectors in the Philippines.
Many rural and community banks were excluded from the digital financial ecosystem due to regulatory and technological constraints. SynerFi changes this by providing these institutions with a seamless way to offer digital services to their customers and clients.
Under the partnership, Higala will provide the technology that powers SynerFi, enabling rural banks and
SynerFi was created to help rural banks and microfinance institutions (MFIs) offer their customers digital transactions through InstaPay, bringing banking services directly to their communities and fostering broader financial inclusion.
microfinance institutions to connect seamlessly to a digital payments network. RCBC will act as the sponsor platform bank and manage the essential regulatory requirements, such as compliance, clearing, and settlement.
“SynerFi brings digital services within reach for rural banks and MFIs that have traditionally been left out of the payments ecosystem,” said Higala chief executive Vice Catudio.
“Through SynerFi, we are reducing entry barriers and ensuring these in-
stitutions can thrive in InstaPay. Expanding financial access allows them to empower more Filipinos with the tools needed for economic participation and progress,” Catudio said. By connecting local banks and MFIs to InstaPay, SynerFi allows these smaller, community-based financial institutions to offer faster, more affordable digital transactions, such as sending money, paying bills, and buying or selling goods online.
Darwin G. Amojelar
Robinsons Hotels, Skye sign renewable power deal to reduce carbon footprint
By Othel V. Campos
ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR) signed a power supply agreement (PSA) with Skye Renewables to transition several hotels to renewable energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
“We needed a partner who could help us transition efficiently to renewable energy, and Skye Renewables met all our requirements,” said RHR senior vice president and business unit general manager Barun Jolly during the agreement signing at Robinsons Cyberscape Alpha.
and a
commitment
the
hotels, solar energy isn’t just an
it’s also an economic one. Our properties represent significant capital investments, so protecting them is critical. Skye not only addressed our concerns about installation impact but also offered practical solutions and committed to resolving any potential issues. Such dedication is rare in this industry,” Jolly said.
The partnership will initially focus on three hotels—Summit Hotel Naga, Go Hotels Plus Naga and Grand Summit General Santos—which will be powered by rooftop solar systems featuring advanced building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology. The initiative is a key step in RHR’s broader sustainability strategy, contributing to their goal of sourcing 10 percent of energy from renewable sources. RHR said Skye was able to meet
INNOVATION AWARD. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) bags the ‘Best Recirculation/ Distribution Initiative or Innovation’ award from the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) for its rollout of coin deposit machines (CoDMs) across Metro Manila. According to IACA, the CODM project’s aim to entice Filipinos to empty their coin jars for e-wallet credits and shopping vouchers exemplifies BSP’s ‘forward-thinking approach toward a more efficient and sustainable Philippine coin cycle’.
Artists share how TCL NXTFRAME TV transforms their art to a new light
TCL, a global consumer electronics brand, one of the world’s top two TV brands, and the No.1 Panel TV in the Philippines, successfully unveiled its newest innovation, The TCL NXTFRAME TV. The “Seamless Art, Beyond Space” exhibit showcased the TV’s unique ability as a ‘living canvas’ to adapt and enhance the art in real time creating a truly immersive experience.
“Our aim for the whole exhibit is Blending Art and Technology. We chose Pop Art as an ideal theme because of its vibrant, visually engaging nature that attracts attention and creates a dynamic atmosphere. It blends art with consumer culture, aligning perfectly with the TCL Frame TV’s fusion of technology and artistic display,” TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cernitchez explains.
Four talented artists collaborated with TCL to transform the NXTFRAME TV into a canvas for their innovative artworks, elevating the viewing experience.
“A Gamer’s Journey: From Analog to Digital” by Chill Chill is known for his dynamic and thoughtprovoking artwork that blends traditional Filipino culture with contemporary themes. Driven by a passion for urban expression, Chill has significantly contributed to the local art scene.
that reflects his aspirations, dreams, and desires. His works often feature subliminal messages, birds, flowers, animals, and other elements that illustrate different human characteristics.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the TCL and Ronac Art collaboration. This project aligns perfectly with my artistic vision, and I’m excited to contribute to such a dynamic partnership,” says Chill. He calls his artwork “A Gamer’s Journey: From Analog to Digital”. For someone, who grew up in a world where games, cartoons, anime, and movies were integral to his identity. From the simplest consoles of the ‘90s to the latest technologies, his passion for these mediums was not just a pastime; it became the foundation of my art and character.
His piece reflects the evolution of technology and its impact on our lives. From classic games and cartoons that inspired me to modern gadgets that simplify our daily routines, Chill aims to express his appreciation for this developmental process. As he would put it, ‘My art is not just about nostalgia; it also conveys hope for future generations—a reminder that technology can be a tool for creativity and understanding.”
‘Different Vision’ by Reynold Dela Cruz Reynold Dela Cruz is a talented Filipino contemporary artist, who draws inspiration from everyday life and creates artwork
He called his masterpiece for this collaboration, Different Vision showing how an image transcends the surface of a singular definition. His complex, multifaceted layering of many images upon one another shows how the general human perception is composed of interpretive layers that operate on different wavelengths to understand a concept. Reynold testifies, “I am honored to have contributed to this groundbreaking exhibit. The opportunity to fuse my artistic vision with TCL’s cutting-edge technology was both stimulating and rewarding.”
“BamBam and Friends” by RA Tijing
For renowned pop-surreal visual artist RA Tijing, he was thrilled to see how his work will look on the NXTFRAME TV. His works often blend pop surrealism, contemporary art, and social realism, incorporating elements of magic and dreams to reflect reality and personal experiences.
“The TCL NXTFRAME TV gives vibrant colors and has a sleek design that creates a stunning visual experience that complements my paintings perfectly.”
He calls his exhibit, “BamBam and Friends”. Focusing on his Black Sheep character, and his experi-
ences during his art residency in Europe. It also features stories about the friends that
and even the delivery boys.
“Recent Works’ by Ronson Culibrina Ronson Culibrina, a talented Filipino contemporary artist who has gained recognition and exhibited his work both locally and internationally at such a young age. He has created his works as a byproduct of his daily musings as a full-time artist and a father.
But his participation in the Seamless Art, Beyond Space exhibit, he had a different realization and eventually formed into a transformative experience. “TCL NXTFRAMETV transformed the gallery into a fusion of color and technology, where artist’s creation seamlessly blending into each space with immersive visuals”
THE vision of a unified and integrated 911 emergency response system across the country is swiftly moving towards realization.
Advanced technology from Smart Telecommunications and the Philippine Long-Distance Telephone (PLDT) Company began to enable the seamless routing of 911 calls to the activated Local Command Centers in Morong, Rizal; Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and Cagayan De Oro City in October.
For Smart and PLDT subscribers in these areas, emergency calls are now routed directly to the respective local government unit’s (LGU) Local Emergency Response Centers. The streamlined process eliminates the previous step of routing calls through the Emergency 911 (E911) National Office and results in faster, more direct responses to emergencies.
“The primary mandate of the E911 National Office under the 911 National Program is to provide and ensure improved public safety services to the general public by providing a clear command structure for responsibility and accessibility. We should also facilitate the prompt deployment of a seamless nationwide communication infrastructure for emergency services through the joint efforts of the government, the private sector, and civil society,” said Executive Director Fajardo.
Overall, The “Seamless Art, Beyond Space” exhibit showcased the potential of the TCL NXTFRAME TV to revolutionize art, inspiring artists to explore new creative possibilities. It also showed that TCL is a brand that supports not just current art but the future artistic exploration.
Experience it for yourself. Get to know more about TCL NXTFRAME TV, log on to https:// www.tcl.com/ph/en or check out TCL Philippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Polaroid: Expanding horizons thru brand values, retail presence
IN the landscape of the Philippine market, Polaroid officially marks its presence, aiming to capture the hearts of a diverse consumer base. Known worldwide for its instant photography products, Polaroid’s arrival in the Philippines is a strategic move to broaden its retail capacity and enhance brand awareness among the Filipino populace. This initiative is rooted in the company’s core values of creativity, self-expression, and the joy of capturing the beauty in everyday life. The Essence of Polaroid Polaroid embodies a spirit of unpredictability, spontaneity, and fun. The brand’s global campaign, “Capture Real Life,” resonates deeply in the Filipino culture that values family, friendship, and shared experiences, no matter how unpredictable and imperfect it may be. In the Philippines, Filipinos are able to smile so easily and generously—finding joy in even the simplest things—despite being in challenging situations. Polaroid seeks to leverage these cultural
touchstones to create deeper connections with the Filipino consumer. Real life is beautifully imperfect and unpredictable. Real life is beautiful as it is. The brand’s focus on innovation, combined with its rich heritage, positions it uniquely in the market, appealing to both millennials and Gen Z who seek to blend the analog with the digital.
Strategic Retail Expansion Accessibility to a wider audience is key to achieve its brand goals. One of the key strategies for Polaroid in the Philippines is to broaden its reach in a retail capacity partnering with retail chains and enhancing its online presence. The rise of e-commerce in the Philippines presents a significant opportunity for Polaroid to tap into online sales, offering convenience to tech-savvy consumers who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, the brand is keen on establishing a presence in popular retail stores and specialty shops, where consumers can experience the products firsthand.
Building Brand Awareness
To create robust brand and product aware-
The Executive Director thanked PLDT and Smart for their commitment to ensure that their subscribers have quick and direct access to emergency assistance. Fajardo urged other telecommunications providers to join this lifesaving initiative for the greater public’s good, safety, and survival.
NGA 911 Philippines Country Head Rob Llaguno echoed these sentiments, commending PLDT and Smart for facilitating the early routing of their subscribers’ 911 calls to the LGU Command Centers. This significant advancement further speeds up emergency response, enhancing the LGUs’ ability to protect lives and property, Llaguno said.
“We are integration-ready for any telco and eager to work with all concerned to equip our local government units with our NextGen emergency response system that is faster, more responsive, and resilient,” Llaguno added. Llaguno emphasized the comprehensive support provided to the LGUs they serve, including the Philippine National Police Public Safety Command Center (PNP PCC).
“Our services include fully recorded 911 environments, seamless conference and transfer facilities for responders, and advanced mapping and location detection capabilities. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 90% of 911 calls received by the PNP PCC in NCR are met with response times of five minutes or less as a result,” Llaguno said.
ness, Polaroid is implementing a multifaceted marketing campaign that resonates with local culture. The campaign will harness social media platforms, influencer partnerships, and community-driven events to engage potential customers. Given the Philippines’ vibrant social media landscape, where platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive, Polaroid’s strategy includes leveraging user-generated content and collaborations with local influencers who embody the brand’s values of creativity and spontaneity.
Product Lineup: Blending Tradition with Modernity
Polaroid’s product lineup in the Philippines consist of iconic Polaroid instant cameras with modernized features (Polaroid Go, Polaroid Now, Polaroid Now+) and their corresponding nostalgic films, as well as the Polaroid Hi-Print, A Bluetooth® pocket photo printer that can print photos directly from your smartphone.
The iconic Polaroid cameras and films, known for their nostalgic appeal, target photography enthusiasts and collectors. Meanwhile, the Hi-Print blends the idea of Polaroid instant print photography with the modern smartphone camera, which will appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for convenience and versatility. This diverse product range ensures
“A Gamer’s Journey: From Analog to Digital” by Chill
E911 command center
he made
“Recent Works’ by Ronson Culibrina
‘Di erent Vision’ by Reynold Dela Cruz
Polaroid Go Gen2
Polaroid Hi-Print Paper Cartridge
LEADING global smart devices provider, HONOR Philippines, today just dropped HONOR X7c with a splashing price of just P8,999 and from November 7 to 10, you can get a FREE HONOR Gift Camping Light Speaker for every purchase! Run to the nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_ X7c_PR), Shopee (https:// bit.ly/Shop_X7c_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/ TikTok_X7c_PR).
“The HONOR X7c represents HONOR’s dedication to providing practical, feature-rich smartphones that cater to the needs of budget-conscious consumers who still desire modern functionality and reliable performance in their mobile devices,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. Exceptional Durability for Everyday Confidence HONOR has implemented an innovative cushioning architecture that works in tandem with tempered glass screen protection to significantly boost the device’s overall impact resistance. This comprehensive approach to durability ensures that the HONOR X7c can withstand the rigors of daily use, providing users with peace of mind and confidence in their device’s longevity. The HONOR X7c sets a new benchmark in smartphone durability with its impressive 5-star Drop Resistance rating. This device has earned the prestigious SGS Premium Performance Certification for Drop & Crush Resistance, underscoring its exceptional build quality and resilience.
All-angle water-resistant HONOR X7c, now
The HONOR X7c’s robust design is further enhanced by an IP64 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. Whether it’s accidental drops or exposure to environmental elements, the HONOR X7c is engineered to deliver superior protection, making it a reliable companion for users in various settings and situations.
Exceptional Battery Life and Performance
The HONOR X7c is powered by a robust 6000mAh Super Durable Battery, designed to keep up with the demands of modern users. This highcapacity battery offers worry-free us-
Alibaba DAMO Academy unveils advanced weather forecasting model
ALIBABA DAMO Academy, the research and development arm of Alibaba Group, recently announced the official launch of “Baguan” weather forecasting model. Named after the Chinese concept of “observing from different perspectives,” Baguan harnesses cutting-edge AI to revolutionize weather prediction capabilities.
Baguan offers unprecedented accuracy in weather forecasts, ranging from one hour to ten days ahead. The machine-learning model stands out with its high spatial resolution, delivering detailed meteorological predictions down to a 1 x 1 kilometer grid, updated hourly. These capabilities make Baguan an essential tool for applications in climate science, electricity load forecast, renewable energy forecast and natural disaster prevention.
“Baguan represents a significant advancement in our dedication to harnessing technology for the greater good,” said Wotao Yin,Director of Decision Intelligence Lab at Alibaba DAMO Academy. “Its sophisticated technology not only helps elevate climate science but also benefits sustainable practices across diverse sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture.”
The technical backbone of Baguan is its innovative use of the Siamese Masked Autoencoders (SiamMAE) structure and a robust pre-training methodology. These innovations empower the model to uncover intricate patterns gleaned from complex dynamic atmospheric data. Furthermore, through an autoregressive pre-training approach, Baguan is able to make precise predictions across various spatio-temporal scales, from one hour to 10 days in advance.
Baguan leverages ERA5, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) atmospheric reanalysis of the global weather from 1979 to present, to construct the foundational model for weather forecasting. Baguan is further refined with key regional meteorological indicators such as regional temperature, irradiance, and wind speed. This meticulous global-regional modeling approach not only boosts Baguan’s forecasting accuracy down to regional level but also tailors its insights to specific local conditions.
With the surging global demand for renewable energy, Baguan’s precise weather predictions have become vitally important. The model significantly enhances the reliability of renewable energy forecasts, facilitating more stable power management and supporting the expansion of green energy consumption.
Baguan’s capability in weather forecasting has already been used in the power and energy sectors in China, supporting critical applications such as electricity load forecasting and renewable energy forecasting.
age throughout the day, supporting up to 28.5 hours of online streaming or an impressive 21.5 hours of YouTube video playback. For those unexpected situations when battery life is critical, the HONOR Ultra Power-Saving Mode allows users to make the most of every last percentage – even with just 2% battery remaining, users can still enjoy 55 minutes of continuous calls. Charging anxiety is a thing of the past with the 35W HONOR SuperCharge technology, which rapidly replenishes the battery via Type-C wired charging.
Ample Storage for All Your Needs
The HONOR X7c comes equipped
with a generous 256GB of internal storage, providing ample space for years of precious memories. Complementing this power efficiency is HONOR’s innovative RAM Turbo Technology, which effectively provides a 16GB RAM equivalent experience (8GB physical + 8GB virtual). This ensures smooth performance even after extended use, allowing users to multitask effortlessly and switch between apps with ease.
AI Ultra-Clear Camera with a 108MP Main Camera
The HONOR X7c takes mobile photography to new heights with its
sophisticated 108MP camera system. This cutting-edge setup is designed to capture life’s most precious moments with exceptional clarity and detail. At the heart of this system is the powerful 108MP main camera, which delivers stunning image quality across a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Immersive Display with Enhanced Visual Comfort
The HONOR X7c features an expansive 6.77-inch display, offering an immersive viewing experience with its impressive 90.76% screento-body ratio. The display supports 16.7 million colors and boasts a crisp 1610 x 720 resolution, ensuring vivid and detailed visuals. With a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, users can enjoy fluid scrolling and responsive interactions across applications. HONOR has prioritized user comfort by incorporating TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification, reducing eye strain during extended use. This combination of a large, high-quality display with advanced eye protection makes the HONOR X7c an ideal device for both productivity and entertainment, all within a sleek form factor measuring 166.9mm x 76.8mm x 8.09mm and weighing just 199g. HONOR X7c with a Splashing Price! HONOR X7c was officially launched with a price tag of P8,999 and from November 7 to 10, you can get a FREE HONOR Gift Camping Light Speaker for every purchase! Run to the nearest HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online via Lazada (https://bit. ly/Laz_X7c_PR), Shopee (https://bit. ly/Shop_X7c_PR), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X7c_PR).
Unleashing your creativity with Heart, CHERRY
CHERRY Philippines and Heart Evangelista-Escudero partnered in an event last Nov. 4, 2024 at Cork Elite.
The Strike a Pose winners showed their creativity by posing fashionably like Heart Evangelista and joined Strike a Pose with CHERRY Philippines, unleashing their inner fashionista through this contest.
The opportunity to flaunt their flair was seized, so they highlighted their unique personality and style as fashion enthusiasts. This contest is not just about showcasing their best looks because it’s about celebrating creativity and individuality—the art of self-expression.
The venue buzzed with anticipation as people arrived to meet and greet Heart Evangelista.
COO of CHERRY Philippines, Michelle Ngu-Cinco stated: “It is no longer a secret that we recently announced Ms. Heart EvangelistaEscudero as our fashionably smart brand ambassador. We are very happy to have her with our growing roaster of IoT or smart devices that promote convenience.”
The attendees chattered as the
atmosphere was vibrant. Heart radiated warmth and charm as she gracefully greeted the media/blogger partners including the CHERRY Strike a Pose winners.
She emphasized the importance of self-expression in fashion, stating: “Fashion is not just about what you wear; it’s about how you feel in what you wear. Every outfit tells
a story, and I love seeing how people interpret that.”
Her presence at the event inspired attendees to embrace their personal style, and she encouraged them to take risks with their fashion choices. As she interacted with the crowd, Heart shared her favorites from CHERRY.
One of the products included the CHERRY Move and View.
“It’s like your own personal, onthe-go mobile smart TV. Imagine a 32-inch FHD IPS screen that you can rotate, built-in speakers that pack a punch, and even an 8MP camera! Plus, it comes with builtin apps ready to enjoy anytime, anywhere.”
Heart also highlighted certain products like the KTV series for entertainment, security cameras for safety, and CHERRY fans for cooling, pet essentials for furbabies, devices for air treatment, and the allnew Core Flasks by CHERRY.
“We’re very thankful to the media, bloggers, partners, and to all the participants of CHERRY Strike a pose contest. At Cherry Philippines, we believe in the power of creativity and self-expression, and today is all about embracing that spirit,” said Agnes Conopio, the PR Head of CHERRY.
Attendees received gift bags from CHERRY Philippines which included the newest Core Flasks and the CHERRY High Speed Ice Cooling Fan. In the end, it was all about individuality and self-expression.
Empowering Filipino businesses: PayMongo launches Soundbox to elevate in-store payment solutions
PAYMONGO, a leading digital financial service for Filipino entrepreneurs, announces the launch of its latest innovation: the PayMongo Soundbox. This in-store payment device is designed to make quick response (QR) payments more seamless and accessible for businesses of all sizes, helping merchants streamline operations and offer cashless transactions tailored to the everyday
habits of Filipino consumers.
With the Soundbox, PayMongo introduces a new way for merchants to accept digital payments confidently. The device provides real-time, audible notifications for successful transactions, eliminating doubts about payment status and reassuring merchants and customers.
This makes it especially effective in high-traffic environments like supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, and retail shops, where quick and smooth payment processing is essential to delivering great customer experience. Simplifying digital payments for Filipino market
As the first fintech company in the Philippines to launch such a solution, PayMongo builds on its expertise to enable thousands of merchants to succeed in the digital economy.
The Soundbox leverages the experience gained from similar successful deployments in India by platforms like PayTM, Google Pay, and PhonePe, allowing PayMongo to introduce a consumerfriendly product, and encouraging more Filipino businesses to adopt QR payments over cash.
“Our mission is to empower growing businesses with reliable, scalable solutions aligned with customer behavior,” said Jojo Malolos, CEO
of PayMongo. “With the Soundbox, we’re providing merchants with the tools to accept payments more efficiently and focus on what truly matters—offering an exceptional customer experience. Supporting Growth and Scalability for SMEs Designed to handle high transaction volumes effortlessly, the Soundbox provides scalability for fast-growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Its ability to automate payment confirmation helps reduce operational complexity, freeing business owners to focus on scaling operations rather than daily transactional concerns. Through this launch, PayMongo strengthens its commitment to empowering Filipino businesses with solutions that foster growth and operational efficiency.
Whether a business is transitioning from traditional cash-based systems to digital payments or looking to scale operations with advanced tools, the Soundbox is a powerful enabler in shifting toward a digital-first economy. Leader in payment innovation
PayMongo’s introduction of the Soundbox underscored its leadership in the fintech space, providing merchants with the edge needed to thrive in a competitive market.
When you buy from November 7 to 10, you can get a FREE HONOR Gift Camping Light Speaker for every purchase!
Shown here are (from left) Agnes Conopio, PR Head of CHERRY, Heart Evangelista, Michelle Ngu-Cinco, Chief Operating O cer of CHERRY
PayMongo introduces a new way for merchants to accept digital payments con dently
SHOWBIZ
What makes these celebrities feel beautiful inside and out
By Nickie Wang
BEAUTY
For Shaira Diaz, beauty comes from the simplest of affirmations.
“For me, it’s simple,” she says. “When people you love comment that you look pretty, those simple words of affirmation are enough.”
Miguel Tanfelix, known for his adventurous spirit, finds his beauty through life’s experiences.
“I love to travel, and the experiences I get out of traveling make me feel good inside and out,” Miguel shares. His solo backpacking trips and the lessons learned along the way give him a sense of fulfillment and beauty.
“I’m currently writing a book that I’d like to share with my future children,” he adds. “I feel satisfied and beautiful inside and out when I’m able to share the lessons I’ve learned with people around me.”
For Ysabel Ortega, beauty is linked
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
THE Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc.
(DGPI) issued a statement in support of creative freedom and safety, stating that the unfortunate cancellation of the film is a “stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the entrenched through their art.”
Now, Lost Sabungeros has found a new platform to share the story of these individuals through the QCinema International Film Festival.
Director Bryan Brazil expressed his gratitude to QCinema for including the film in their roster of documentaries for this year’s screenings.
“Thank you very much, QCinema. This film has gone a long way, and we’re really happy to be given this platform in QCinema. Lost Sabungeros is the story of the families of missing cockfighters who have still not been found. This is not just their story but also the story of our nation and the solutions for our society,” he said.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all cockfighting arenas in the Philippines, the centuryold gambling bloodsport moved online and grew into a money-making machine overnight. But things took a shocking turn when more than 30 men disappeared without a trace.
Lost Sabungeros documents the lives of people whose worlds have been turned upside down because of the bloodsport.
The highlight of Lost Sabungeros is the three whistleblowers who came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros
Lost Sabungeros premiere today at 8:35 p.m. at Cinema 16, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City. This will be followed by a talk-back session moderated by Kara David, during which the directors, producers, and relatives of the missing sabungeros will be interviewed.
The film will have additional screenings tomorrow, Nov. 10, at 5:15 p.m. at Cinema 16 and on Nov. 12 at 1:45 p.m. at Cinema 15 of Gateway Cineplex 18.
when I start my day with a good feeling and outlook,” she explains. “When you feel healthy, when you hear compliments from people you love, that’s what lights up
Sofia Pablo’s journey to feeling beautiful starts with self-reflection. “I feel good and beautiful inside and out when I wake up and look in the mirror and I like what I’m seeing,” she says. “But what really makes me feel good is when I get compliments because it kind of validates what I feel.”
to excellence is evident in her brand’s mission. “When choosing an endorser, attitude matters. Ysabel, Miguel, Sofia, and Shaira exude sincerity and grace. I admire their growth and I love their youthful energy.”
As Tan continues, “They know what they’re advocating for: a healthy lifestyle supported by healthy products. We should prioritize health and wellness, ensuring that we consume the right supplements, drinks, and juices.”
Beautederm CEO and president Rhea
Anicoche Tan , who welcomed the four Sparkle artists during the grand launch on Oct. 16 said that “The essence of our brand is the transformative experience that we provide to our consumers. Belle Dolls is a revolutionary brand for men and women everywhere.”
Tan’s commitment
This is where Belle Dolls comes in— offering a range of FDA and Halalapproved wellness supplements and juices that support skin and health needs, from Stemcell Juice Drink to Vitamin C Capsules and Healthy Coffee.
For Tan, it’s all about the lifestyle decisions that make a difference. “Lifestyle decisions have a clear impact on our careers. Take the time to prioritize your health and well-being, and you will reap the rewards,” she concludes.
“The song’s melodic and heartfelt nature resonates with anyone who has experienced the thrill and sweetness of budding romance,” Alex explained, describing what attracted her to the classic hit.
According to Alex, she chose to sign with O/C to showcase her musicality. She is now part of the label that also manages OPM hitmakers like Unique Salonga, Arthur Nery, Adie, mrld, and Ryannah J “Pasulyap-Sulyap” is now available for streaming on all major digital music platforms.
MUSIC label O/C Records, led by celebrity duo Kean Cipriano and Chynna Ortaleza , has officially signed singer-actress and social media personality Alex Gonzaga to their roster of recording artists. The announcement was made with the surprise release of her new single on Friday, Nov. 8 – a rendition of Vehnee Saturno’s classic hit “Pasulyap-Sulyap,” which was popularized by Tootsie
Guevarra in the late ’90s. The lyrics of “Pasulyap-Sulyap” express the emotions of someone enamored with another person, often describing moments of stealing glances or brief encounters that evoke deep feelings – one of the main reasons Alex was drawn to the song.
Singer-actress and social media personality Alex Gonzaga’s latest single is a rendition of the hit song ‘Pasulyap-sulyap’
Belle Dolls’ newest ambassadors and Rhea Anicoche Tan with the brand’s mascots
From left: Miguel Tanfelix, Sofia Pablo, Beautederm CEO and President Rhea Anicoche Tan, Ysabel Ortega, and Sofia Pablo
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Very
Decking the halls
Simple ways to transform your home for the holidays
AS CHRISTMAS draws near, many of us find joy in transforming our homes into festive havens. And it’s not just about creating a new space or giving our homes a new look. The act of decorating for the holidays offers more than just a chance to make our living spaces beautif ul—it’s a way to create lasting memories and set the tone for the seaso n.
The Christmas tree, often the centerpiece of holiday decor, serves as the heart of many homes. From there, the possibilities are endless, whether you’re embracing the time-honored reds and greens or experimenting with modern, minimalist styles. And with each ornament or string of lights added, the space becomes infused with the magic of the season.
Crate & Barrel, a favorite for holiday shoppers, is offering a variety of decorations, furniture, and gift
ideas this year to help people create cozy, welcoming homes. Their 2024 collection includes both classic and contemporary items, making it easy to craft a space that feels both festive and stylish.
Among the standouts are the brand’s signature holiday village sets, which include architectural pieces in white ceramic, brass, and mercury glass.
These miniature houses, perfect for mantels or dining tables, can be filled with tea lights, adding a soft, glowing
warmth to the room.
Crate & Barrel’s holiday reindeer sculptures bring a playful touch to any space, with hand-crafted details and various finishes. These whimsical pieces capture the spirit of the season while offering a fresh, abstract look at holiday décor. Meanwhile, the starshaped tree collar provides an elegant alternative to the traditional tree skirt, making it easy to create a polished, eye-catching base for the tree.
For those planning to host holiday
Casual wear brand kicks off holiday season with festive jingle, new collection
UNIQLO is celebrating the start of the holiday season in the Philippines with new collections, special offers, and a holiday jingle that brings a festive spirit to gift shopping.
This year’s campaign, “Gifted with Joy,” features a new jingle performed by pop queen
Sarah Geronimo, Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan, and indie band Lola Amour. The song
highlights the joy of giving and receiving gifts, celebrating the season’s warmth.
“With ‘Gifted with Joy,’ we want our customers to feel the happiness of both giving and receiving LifeWear – high-quality, versatile items that anyone can enjoy,” said Geraldine Sia, Uniqlo Philippines Chief Operating Officer. Sia added that Uniqlo aims to be a go-to for thoughtful
gatherings, Crate & Barrel also offers an array of furniture pieces, including the Wythe Leather Sofa, which combines comfort with vintage-inspired design, and the Fleur Faux Travertine Coffee Table, known for its smooth, organic aesthetic. Adding sophistication to any living space, these pieces provide both style and functionality during the busiest season of the year. To bring a touch of nature indoors, Crate & Barrel’s Holiday Botanicals, like faux pine and magnolia leaves, are perfect for creating lush, festive arrangements. Their Venezia Spruce Green Glass Taper Candle Holder offers a mid-century twist, while the Wooden Snowman Decoration adds a minimalist charm to the mix.
With these thoughtfully curated options, Crate & Barrel makes it easier than ever to fill your home with the warmth and joy of the season. From festive accents to functional furniture, their 2024 collection helps create spaces that are not only beautiful but also welcoming for all to enjoy.
Visit Crate & Barrel at SM Aura Premier, SM Makati, or SM Megamall, or explore their selections online at www.crateandbarrel.com.ph.
For inquiries, call SM Aura Premier at 0917 889 5667, SM Makati at 0917 583 3373, or SM Megamall at 0917 870 4796. For customers outside Metro Manila, contact 0917 817 4473. Product availability is subject to change without prior notice.
Uniqlo’s ‘Gifted with Joy’ jingle was sung by Lola Amour, Sarah Geronimo, and Jose Mari Chan
The brand has a number of special offers for the holiday season
holiday gifts for families and friends alike.
Uniqlo’s LifeWear has grown popular for its mix of style and function, favored by celebrities like Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Solenn Heussaff, who highlight the comfort and design of the Uniqlo Bra Top collection. Kim Kianna Dy, a volleyball star, recommends the Uniqlo Sport Utility Wear for its versatility, praising items like the Ultra-Stretch DRY EX Hoodie and AIRism UV Hoodie
The Christmas tree is one of the most notable decorations during the holiday season
Wang Nickie Wang
The Venezia Spruce Green Glass Taper Candle Holder can add a mid-century twist to one’s home The store’s
The Wythe Leather Sofa and the Fleur Faux Travertine Coffee Table are some of the furniture pieces offered by Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel’s Christmas tree ornaments come in various colors