Manila Standard - 2024 November 16 - Saturday

(Story on A4)

‘INDONESIA MAY ALLOW VELOSO TO SERVE TIME IN

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Marcos on Friday

inaugurated Phase 1 of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project in fulfillment of a forwardlooking infrastructure and transportation development vision that was first pitched in the late 1990s. Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite

Extension covers five new stations— Redemptorist-ASEANA, Manila International Airport Road, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos. During the inauguration ceremonies in Parañaque, Mr. Marcos highlighted the project’s importance, citing the new stations' expected capacity of 80,000

resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

By Rio N. Araja

Tits investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

General Rommel Francisco Mar bil 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.

gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated 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.

incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption within the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.

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

By Abigail Adriatico

the

competition

Arena CDMX in Mexico City. The costume paid tribute to both Muslim and Christian traditions, incorporating traditional fabrics and symbols, including an image of Our Lady of Antipolo and Mindanao-inspired details.

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 Rachelle Tonelada

“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

First landfall in Catanduanes; 'Ofel' exits PAR

By Ratziel San Juan, Rio Araja, Rex Espiritu and Vito Barcelo

TYPHOON "Pepito" is forecast to rapidly intensify today (Saturday), possibly reaching super typhoon category before its landfall this evening or early Sunday morning, according to the latest bulletin of state weather bureau PAGASA.

and

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

THE 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 organized crime.

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 criminal court.

“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

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”

However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.

On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.

“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue

of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.

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.

During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

By Ram Superable

THE National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) called the simultaneous formation of four tropical storms in the Western Pacific Ocean that hit the Philippines this November an "unusual sight." In a Facebook post late Thursday, NASA said it was the first time since records began in 1951 that such a phenomenon was documented.

“In an unusual sight, four storms churned simultaneously in the Western Pacific Ocean in November 2024,” NASA said.

“Typhoon season in the West Pacific stretches across the entire year, but most storms form between May and October. November typically sees three named storms, with one becoming a super typhoon, based on the 1991-2000 average,” it added.

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.

By Rex Espiritu and Charles Dantes

DEFENSE Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. on Friday dismissed China's warnings aimed at dissuading the Philippines from acquiring sophisticated mid-range missiles, asserting that the country has the right to

By Rachelle Tonelada

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 -

“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.

bolster its defense capabilities and does not need the approval of its neighbor. He responded to Beijing's statement cautioning the Philippines "not to go down the wrong path," after it learned the Department of National Defense

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 -

photo dated July 27, 2016 shows

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales

David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations

Gov’t to import more rice—PBBM

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed concern on Friday over the agricultural losses caused by recent typhoons and said the government might have to import more rice before the year ends.

"I just received a report from the Department of Agriculture, and it looks like we’ll need to boost our imports. Fortunately, the prices for imported rice have significantly decreased compared to last year," he said.

The President said rice imports could go up to 4.5 million metric tons of rice this year, an increase from the 3.9 million metric tons imported last year. He noted significant damage to rice

‘Pepito’...

From A1

Hundreds of people fled Friday as “Pepito” bore down on the country, threatening yet more destruction even as rescuers tried to reach people stranded on rooftops by the last tropical cyclone.

“Pepito” is the sixth major storm to have battered the country in the last three weeks.

Rescuers on Friday were still scrambling to reach residents stranded on rooftops in northern Luzon island, while authorities began evacuating hundreds of people from Catanduanes, which will likely be the first landmass hit directly by “Pepito” today.

"We expect thousands more to evacuate in the hours before landfall,” Roberto Monterola, operations chief

‘Unusual’:...

From A1

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that tropical cyclones “Marce” (Yinxing), “Nika” (Toraji), “Ofel” (Usagi), and “Pepito” (ManYi) were actively impacting the region based on its Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) imager on Nov. 11.

“Pepito” is actually the sixth storm to barrel through the country in a span of three weeks.

The brutal wave of weather disturbances began with "Kristine" and "Leon" that left nearly 159 people

US-PH...

From A1

relations are anticipated to progress under Trump 2.0,” Alarilla, who is now with De La Salle University, told Manila Standard.

“With 24% of global trade passing annually through the sea lanes of the South China Sea, maintaining freedom of navigation is essential to avoid supply chain disruptions and to ensure cost efficiency in import and export transactions,” Alarilla added.

While Trump’s "America First" policy might suggest prioritizing US national interests over foreign relations, Alarilla explained that “the state of regional and international peace and security has serious consequences on a country’s economic, social, and political stability.” Alarilla added that the defense relationship is also expected to continue with advancements in “technological capabilities, enhancing maritime domain awareness through improved maritime surveillance and informationsharing for threat assessment and preventive strategies.”

Regarding Trump’s hawkish stance against China, Alarilla noted that while there are areas of competition between the US and China, there are also potential areas for cooperation. Department of Defense (DND)

LRT-1...

From A1

additional passengers daily, reducing the travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City, and Bacoor, Cavite, from 70 minutes to just 25 minutes.

It is envisioned to serve up to 650,000 passengers daily by 2028. The chief executive acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors— Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte—each of whom played a role in advancing the

fields and other crops, which may require an increase in rice imports to stabilize the food supply and prices.

"In terms of food security, we’re in a good position, but the damage is extensive," President Marcos told reporters.

"We’ve seen numerous rice fields and crops destroyed, which requires immediate attention," he added.

The Philippines remained the top rice importer for 2024 following the

of the Catanduanes civil defense office, told Agence France Presse.

"We do not have enough evacuation centers, so some of them will be sheltering with neighbors who own houses made of stronger materials."

Fash floods driven by “Ofel” struck 10 largely evacuated villages around the town of Gonzaga in Cagayan province, local rescue official Edward Gaspar said.

"We rescued a number of people who had refused to move to the shelters and got trapped on their rooftops," Gaspar added.

He said two houses were swept away and many others were damaged while the farming region's livestock industry took a heavy blow.

"We have yet to account for the exact number of hogs, cattle and poultry lost from the floods, but I can say the losses were huge," Gaspar said.

dead, mostly from "Kristine."

On Thursday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. reiterated his order to overhaul the country's flood control master plan, citing the escalating impact of climate change with the series of storms to hit the country.

"The storms are different now," Mr. Marcos said.

"We have flood control measures, but due to the increased water from the rainfall, they can no longer cope," he added.

The damage left by the first five typhoons prompted the United Nations to request $32.9 million in aid for the worst-affected regions.

Secretary Gilberto Teodoro meanwhile said the Philippines will not ever take any pieces of advice from a “truth distorter.”

In an ambush interview, Teodoro said that it is a waste of airtime to share the claims of China as they only believe in their own narratives.

"I think the whole world knows who is on the right path and the wrong path. Definitely, you know, we cannot take advice from people who distort the truth and nobody believes them anyway ano. So, I think it's a waste of air time to broadcast the claims of China because only their leadership believes in what they say anyway." He reiterated.

Teodoro also noted that the Philippines will continue to execute its capability no matter what China says.

"We have the force of international law on our side, not purely Philippine law. China does not have the force of law on its side. It does not have a right on its side. That's why they're leftist," he explained.

He also said Philippine and US representatives will continue to hold bilateral talks.

Teodoro further said the new Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy has been instructed to continue ongoing defense programs under the Comprehensive Armed Forces Development Concept, which outlines the strategic and operational goals for the Armed Forces. Rex Espiritu

LRT-1 extension.

"This project spans five administrations. We owe this progress to their dedication," he said.

The extension marks one step in the Marcos administration’s commitment to expanding rail infrastructure.

The President emphasized ongoing projects like the MRT-7, the NorthSouth Commuter Railway, and the Metro Manila Subway Project, which aim to create a more seamless transport experience for millions of Filipinos.

"Our journey towards a more seamless, modernized public transportation system does not end

damage brought by El Niño and the string of typhoons that ravaged the country.

The Philippines is expected to import around 5.1 MMT of grain in 2025, according to the latest Grain: World Markets and Trade Report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This updated forecast marks a 200,000 MT increase from the USDA’s October estimate of 4.9 MMT and is slightly above the 5 MMT projected for 2024.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture previously reported about P7 billion in damage to agriculture from Typhoons 'Kristine' and 'Leon'.

The president explained that, unlike during the El Niño period when rice shortages impacted several ASEAN

Motorist Janford Bonifacio said he saw Gonzaga residents digging for their animals, many dead but some still alive, beneath mud and uprooted trees.

"I saw people digging for their cattle that were still alive, and some were trying to save their hogs which they found among the logs," he said.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan placed its District Disaster and Incident Management teams in Northern Luzon on Friday under “blue alert” in light of “Pepito.”

“Blue Alert” signifies readiness for a full-scale disaster management where all resources are activated and made available for deployment.

Meanwhile, teams in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley are still under Red Alert, as they continue ongoing clearing operations

"Typhoons are overlapping. As soon as communities attempt to recover from the shock, the next tropical storm is already hitting them again," UN Philippines Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said.

"In this context, the response capacity gets exhausted and budgets depleted,” he added.

President Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other agencies to amend the country’s flood control master plan to meet the demands of increasingly severe weather events.

PH...

From A1

(DND) was seriously considering purchasing Typhon missile systems from the United States.

"The whole world knows who is on the right path and who is on the wrong path. We cannot take advice from people who distort the truth, and nobody believes them anyway," Teodoro said at the sidelines of appointment ceremonies for the Philippine Navy’s new Flag Officerin-Command.

The Typhon is one of three U.S. Army ground-based missile systems, alongside the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon.

It can launch two types of antisurface and anti-air missiles used by the Navy: the Tomahawk and the Standard Missile 6.

Teodoro emphasized that Manila’s legal stance rests on the 2016 ruling and broader international support, adding that China’s statements are "a waste of airtime to broadcast" because “only their leadership believes in what they say anyway.”

"We have the force of international law on our side, not only Philippine law," he told reporters.

here," Mr. Marcos assured.

"We are committed to building station after station, reaching as far and as fast as our people’s needs dictate," he added.

The President acknowledged that the long-term nature of these projects means some will extend beyond his administration.

It can be recalled that the project, with a reported price tag of almost P65 billion, suffered cost overruns by an estimated two to three billion pesos as a result of construction delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and pending right-of-way issues.

countries, the current situation is more localized, giving the Philippines an advantage in securing lower-priced imports.

He emphasized that the government is focusing on controlling food prices, especially for items affected by recent typhoons.

President Marcos pointed out the unprecedented series of storms, with six typhoons striking the country in just three weeks.

"This hasn’t happened since 1946, just after the war. In my lifetime, I haven’t seen anything like this," he remarked.

The government is currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused by Typhoon Pepito and other storms to ensure adequate support for affected farmers and communities.

following the effects of previous tropical cyclones “Nika” and “Ofel.”

Tropical cyclones “Nika” and “Ofel” affected over 419,900 people across several regions, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday.

As per the latest report, a total of 3,214 homes were damaged—2,922 partially and 292 completely—with Cagayan Valley reporting the highest number of damaged homes at 2,739.

A UN assessment said the past month's storms damaged or destroyed 207,000 houses, with 700,000 people forced to seek temporary shelter.

About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Philippines or its surrounding waters each year, killing scores of people, but it is unusual for multiple such weather events to take place in a small window. With AFP

He likewise instructed the DENR and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to encourage local government units to utilize geohazard maps from the DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

These maps, he said, are essential for identifying areas prone to landslides and flooding, helping communities better prepare for potential threats.

The President also tasked the DPWH, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Science and Technology, and other agencies with assessing the integrity of roads and other infrastructure to ensure resilience against severe weather. Rio Araja

When asked whether the DND intends to proceed with plans to modernize the country’s deterrent capabilities, the defense chief said, “Definitely.”

However, Teodoro noted that the missile procurement plan is still under consideration and not necessarily limited to the U.S.'s Typhon missile system. It can be recalled that Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said he wants the U.S. Typhon mid-range missile system to stay in the Philippines "forever."

The U.S. military flew the Typhon system to the Philippines in April for use in war games but decided to preposition it indefinitely.

As this developed, the AFP confirmed that Thursday’s resupply and personnel rotation mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) proceeded smoothly, without the usual harassment from Chinese maritime forces.

“There were no untoward incidents during the mission,” the AFP said in a statement.

“The AFP continues to uphold its mandate of safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and ensuring the welfare of its stationed personnel in the West Philippine Sea,” it added.

Indonesia... From A1 in Jakarta between Philippine Ambassador Gina Alagon Jamoralin and Indonesian Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra at Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correction (Kemenko Kumham Imipas).

“Indonesia respects the request from the Philippine government to consider the transfer of Mary Jane Veloso in the interest of law enforcement in the Philip-

VP Sara to snub House hearing on confi funds

By Rachelle Tonelada

VICE President Sara Duterte announced Friday she will not attend the scheduled House Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on November 20 next week regarding her confidential funds, despite receiving an invitation. The Vice President said she plans to submit a letter explaining her absence, along with an affidavit addressing the confidential funds under oath.

“I don’t know why I was invited. They did not send me questions, but I will not attend the next hearing. Because I was there, I went there, but they did not do anything. They just let me take a seat,” Duterte said in Filipino during a press conference celebrating the 89th anniversary of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Duterte expressed frustration over her previous attendance at the congressional hearings, saying “it was a waste of time."

“I was wasting my time, so I asked permission to leave. They allowed me,” she said, reflecting on her last appearance at the House of Representatives. It was not clear if this statement was referring to the House Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry or the House Quad Committee hearing last Wednesday, Nov. 13, where she showed up to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

DOE sees oil price rollback next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS

can expect a rollback in the price of petroleum products next week by as much as P1 per liter due to the softening of world oil prices.

Department of Energy Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading in the international oil market, gasoline prices will rollback by P0.70 to P1 per liter, diesel by P0.65 to P0.95 per liter and kerosene by P0.70 to P0.80 per liter. Romero said this is driven by several factors such as the decision of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies to lower its oil demand forecast for the 4th time. She said other factors include the US Energy Information Administration’s trimming of its 2025 crude price forecast by $1.53 per barrel citing the potential for higher global oil production and China’s weak economy as “investors maintained a pessimistic outlook on Chinese demand.”

Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas confirmed the possible price rollback due to concerns about weak global demand “but tight diesel and gasoline supply in the region due to lower exports from China provided a floor to prices.”

From A1

The gown, designed by Manny Halasan, highlighted traditional Filipino craftsmanship while celebrating the Tagalog concept of hiraya, meaning the power of imagination and aspiration. Crafted with Inaul fabric from Sultan Kudarat, the dress displayed intricate gold patterns, jewels, and traditional Tongkaling bells, reflecting the cultural heritage and spiritual symbols cherished by Filipino Muslims. In a nod to her Christian roots, the gown’s back panel featured an exquisite image of Our Lady of Antipolo, also known as Our Lady of Good Voyage, adorned with gold and jewels. The design was complemented by a unique headpiece inspired by a galleon ship from the historic Galleon Trade, symbolizing resilience and the Filipino spirit of exploration and unity across different cultures and faiths.

pines. However, the Philippine Government is obligated to acknowledge and respect the legal process regarding Mary Jane, including the verdict issued by the Indonesian court,” the Indon official said in a statement. Minister Mahendra proposed two possible approaches for facilitating the transfer: direct bilateral negotiations between Jakarta and Manila, or the development of a comprehensive policy framework in Indonesia for prisoner transfers. The proposal has already been brought to the attention of President Prabowo Subianto, according to Mahendra.

Ms....

Gov’t, BARMM roll out peace project

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), in collaboration with the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Government, the Embassy of Japan, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Assistance for Peace, Security, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security (ASPIRE) Project.

This initiative is aimed at bolstering peace and security in the Bangsamoro region.

ASPIRE is an extension of OPAPRU’s Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program, which seeks to register and stencil unlicensed firearms across BARMM under the oversight of the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC).

This strategic initiative focuses on improving security and fostering community-wide participation by providing socio-economic incentives for individuals who register their firearms, encouraging a sense of collective responsibility.

At the event, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua emphasized the importance of controlling unregulated arms, while MILF Peace Implementing Panel member MP Ali Salik noted the project’s critical role in stabilizing the region.

OPAPRU Assistant Cesar Yano echoed this sentiment, stressing ASPIRE’s alignment with the Annex on Normalization in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

‘Bring back P10b in AFP budget’

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATE Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito is seeking to restore the P10-billion cut from the Department of National Defense (DND) budget to fund the AFP Modernization Program.

During the deliberations regarding the DND’s proposed 2025 budget, Ejercito emphasized that this budget cut undermines the intent of the Revised AFP Modernization Act, which requires an annual minimum appropriation of P75 billion in the General Appropriations Act to support the AFP’s modernization needs.

“It has been almost a decade since we passed the Revised AFP Modernization Law, yet we have not yet allocated the P75 billion mandated by the law for the modernization of our Armed Forces,” he stated.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the sponsor of the DND budget, noted that the

reduction in the AFP Modernization Funds would affect seven projects. These projects include cyber systems, forward-support equipment, aviationengineering equipment, additional aircraft, joint tactical combat vehicles, and radar-basing support systems.

Ejercito highlighted that without consistent investments, the AFP would struggle to achieve Horizon 3 of the modernization program, a phase aimed at establishing a credible defense posture capable of territorial defense. “We need to catch up and properly position our external defense, especially given

DEPORTATION CASE.

Former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, alias Guo Hua Ping, consults her lawyer during a hearing related to her immigration documents and deportation case at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila on Friday. Norman Cruz

Zubiri endorses simpler words for weather forecasting

By Joel E. Zurbano

SENATOR Juan Miguel Zubiri said he is supporting simplifying weather terms used to enhance public understanding and response to weather forecasts.

While defending the 2025 budget for the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Wednesday, Zubiri highlighted that complex jargon can confuse the public, resulting in inadequate disaster preparedness and management.

DepEd, Aussie firm sign education pact

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

the precarious situation in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

Ejercito also expressed concerns about where newly acquired naval vessels would be stationed, particularly questioning the suitability of the AFP’s current rented facility.

“I was shocked to learn that the AFP is renting a location at P1 billion per year, but the site lacks adequate support for our naval fleet,” he said, suggesting that Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a former naval base, could be a more viable alternative due to its existing infrastructure.

IN BRIEF

Army unit rescues 42 stranded in Cagayan

THE 525th Combat Engineer “Forerunner” Battalion of the Philippine Army’s Combat Engineer Regiment reported that it has successfully rescued 42 people stranded from severe flooding in Barangay Bauan East, Solana, Cagayan, following the destructive path of Typhoon Nika. A specialized team of 20 members undertook the rescue operation as floodwaters surged throughout the area.

“The Army leadership assures the Filipino people of the Army HADR teams’ operational readiness and commitment to help save calamity-afflicted families and provide aid to communities affected by the recent successive storms that impacted most of Luzon,” stated Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala.

Currently, the Forerunner Battalion remains on standby at the Office of Civil Defense Region 2 in Tuguegarao City, prepared to respond to the effects of Typhoon Ofel and the anticipated threat posed by Severe Tropical Storm Pepito. Rex Espiritu

PhilHealth pitches new services to DOH

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) endorsed new enhanced benefit packages to the agency’s board.

“You’re right; they should just simplify it in Filipino. I think the issue, and I really asked them this: how do we disseminate this information to as many people as possible?” the senator stated.

Zubiri proposed increasing the DOST budget from P28.506 billion to P29.37 billion, which he stated would fund the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to repair weather stations and replace defective instruments. This investment is crucial for improving disaster risk reduction and management, especially following recent typhoons.

THE Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with Delivery Associates Australia, and the Ayala Foundation on Thursday for the delivery of quality basic education in the country.

As part of the agreement, Delivery Associates will conduct a rapid assessment of the agency’s current capacity to perform its programs and initiatives. Moreover, after the initial evaluation, it will provide the DepEd with recommendations on what programs are needed to prioritize and align with the DepEd’s priority of providing quality education. It will then assist DepEd in setting up a dedicated team to focus on implementing the identified targets. This team will have a clear structure, staffing plan, and accountability mechanisms.

Additionally, a significant portion of the budget increase will support the establishment of a Philippine Science High School campus in the Negros Island Region, ensuring that students inclined toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) have access to a quality science education.

The PhilHealth benefits committee and board of directors, chaired by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa endorsed the new packages.

The benefit packages include heart attacks, ten rare diseases, preventive oral health at primary care, peritoneal dialysis, and assistive mobility devices. The Board En Banc will have its next regular meeting before the end of the month.

A new PhilHealth benefit or to enhance an existing one has to undergo eight major steps: 1) benefit development; 2) policy development; 3) policy approval; 4) IT system development; 5) publication; 6) IT system enhancement; 7) user training/orientation; and 8) effectiveness assessment. Ralph Harvey Rirao

Chavit unveils own e-jeep; promises affordable units

LUIS “Chavit” Singson said he is taking a hands-on approach to ensure the success of the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) by making it more inclusive and financially accessible to Filipino jeepney operators.

Speaking at the recent Western Visayas Transport Summit in Iloilo, Singson launched his e-jeep and shared how his involvement in the modernization effort began even before he officially entered the Senate race. While Singson acknowledged that the PUVMP was a well-intentioned initiative, he pointed out that its financial model was impractical for many drivers—particularly those without access to bank loans or the financial literacy to navigate the system.

RESCUE FROM ‘NIKA.’ Members of the 525th Combat Engineer ‘Forerunner’ Battalion of the Philippine Army’s Combat Engineer Regiment conduct rescue operations for people stranded from severe flooding in Barangay Bauan East, Solana, Cagayan, following Typhoon ‘Nika’.

FOR ‘CLIMATE JUSTICE.’

Cops assured of legal assistance

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has forged an agreement entered with a financial institution to provide legal assistance to police personnel facing charges from January 2017 to December 2022.

In a press briefing on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen Jean Fajardo said the unnamed financial institution had an agreement with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) that it would provide legal assistance to police officers with criminal charges filed against them dur-

DOJ logs 100% in complaints resolution

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has posted a 100-percent resolution and compliance rating in the recent scorecard of the Office of the President - Citizens’ Complaint Center (Hotline 8888 or 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center).

The center was established to serve as a mechanism for citizens to report their complaints and grievances over acts of red tape or corruption in any national government agency, government-owned or controlled corporation, government financial institutions, or any other state instrumentality.

“Guided by the principles of a Bagong Pilipinas, this is another remarkable accomplishment for the DOJ which is a testament that we are serious in delivering justice for all in real time,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

He said the DOJ is steadfast in its commitment to uphold the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance.

Based on the 8888 Agency Statistics, the DOJ received 205 concerns and has resolved all of them within the 72-hour prescribed period from January to October 2024.

ing the Duterte administration.

The PNP Legal Service also assists policemen, Fajardo said, adding that the number of cases handled by the unit from January 2017 to December 2022 has reached 1,214, while the number of PNP personnel it represented in various

legal forums I totalled 4,033.

“This is more than 4,000 police officers who have faced cases and were represented by the Legal Service. The PNP has an allocated legal assistance fund, but again, as we’ve said, we welcome this development. We have a MOA (memorandum of agreement) between the PNP and a financial institution that started this year, and the legal assistance was signed,” Fajardo said.

She said that under the accord, once a police officer facing charges signifies an intention to avail of legal aid, the IBP would extend the necessary assistance. Fajardo also said they welcome for-

mer President Rodrigo Duterte’s pledge to raise P1 million to assist policemen charged over their involvement in drugrelated operations.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to the former President for initiating it. This is a welcome development,” she said.

Fajardo added that it would be a big help, citing earlier statements of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil that 214 officers were facing 352 criminal cases from July 2016 to June 2022.

She also said that 1,286 policemen were affected over the period, with 312 losing their lives and 974 getting injured.

CHINATOWN LIGHTS UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Chinatown in Binondo, Manila starts to glow with multi-colored lamps and bulbs ahead of the onset of the Holiday Season. Edd Castro

IN BRIEF

Police nab 3 suspects in Bacoor drug raid

A POLICE buy-bust operation on Thursday in Bacoor City netted three suspected drug pushers and the seizure of P4.7 million worth of shabu.

The operation was conducted in the parking lot of a popular mall in the city.

Police identified the suspects as alias Faisal, 31, security guard, and resident of Brgy. Bacao, Gen. Trias; alias Gringo, 33, of Baseco compound, Tondo, Manila; and alias Esmael, 42, driver, also of Brgy. Bacao. The suspects were reportedly under close surveillance prior to the raid.

The suspects’ red Toyota car with plate number NDT 8473 and buybust money were also seized. Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency burned ₱486.8 million worth of shabu and marijuana at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. (WMI), Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City, Cavite. Dennis Abrina

PH, Indonesia talk on military relations

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI) co-chaired the 4th Philippines-Indonesia Military Cooperation Meeting at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

The meeting was led by Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida of the Philippine Navy, AFP deputy chief; and Lt. Gen. Richard T.H. Tampubolon, chief of General Staff of the TNI.

The annual meeting mserves as a high-level platform to strengthen military-to-military bilateral relations based on the Joint Understanding between the AFP and the TNI. It aims to provide a framework for ongoing collaboration, enhancing bilateral military activities across key domains.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed and finalized several bilateral initiatives under three sub-committees: Joint Intelligence, Joint Operations and Exercises, and Joint Education and Training. Rex Espiritu

15 Cavite LGUs bag DILG recognitions

EIGHT cities and seven municipalities of Cavite province bagged this year’s of Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) as shown on the social media page of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Cavite’s local government-awardees were Bacoor, Carmona, Cavite City, Dasmariñas, Imus, General Trias, Trece Martires and Tagaytay, while Alfonso, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez and Rosario.

This is the eighth consecutive year of awards for Carmona City, a grand slam victory for General Trias City under the leadership of Mayor Luis Ferrer IV, while Rosario notched its fifth SGLG award. Dennis Abrina

Three murders in a row trigger curfew in Davao del Norte town

By Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

THE municipal government New Corella, Davao Del Norte has raised the alarm over successive shooting incidents that left at least three local residents dead in just one week. Killed were an ambulance crewman, a vendor, and a senior citizen.

The cases compelled the local government to impose curfew and set up checkpoints to curb the violent incidents that also resulted in injury for a resident of Barangay Del Pilar in New Corella this month.

Mayor Jorjan Federiso ordered the imposition of curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. effective on Nov. 14 as a definitive measure to bolster public safety and security.

Policemen were also directed to install checkpoints at the main highway entering Del Pilar town or going through New Corella town proper.

Police investigations showed that the first shooting incident that took place on Nov. 3 killed alias Okie Recto who was driving an improvised tricycle vehicle called Bao-Bao in Barangay Mesaoy, New Corella.

Recto, 46, of Brgy. Del Pilar, worked as an ambulance crewman Davao Regional Medical Center. He sustained five gunshot wounds in the body.

Another shooting incident happened last Nov.10 where a vendor identified as Marcelino Tinapay was shot by a still unidentified suspect while the victim and his wife were aboard a tricycle.

By Dexter A. See

BAGUJIO City—Hundreds of mining industry stakeholders will gather here for the 70 th Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference spearheaded by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) on Nov. 19 to 22

One of the major highlights of the weeklong event is the partnership between the PMSEA and Business Sweden to aggressively promote sustainable mining practices, to be sealed with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

PMSEA president Luis Sarmiento said the transformative collaboration is set to be a major step forward for the country’s mining industry.

PMSEA is a forerunner in practicing and promoting responsible mining in the country, and plays host to numerous mining operations over the past several decades.

Sarmiento underscored the group’s commitment to significantly improve mining safety and environmental standards.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration to achieve responsible mining that is beneficial not only to the industry, the community but also the people living in mining areas around the country.

“PMSEA has worked with various foreign missions in the country to bolster our mining industry’s capabilities. Every year, we also welcome the diplomatic corps to the Annual Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio,” Sarmiento stressed.

Azerbaijan. Manny Palmero

OPINION

Trump’s Cabinet

PRESIDENT-ELECT Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks at this early stage defines what the world can expect as his new government rolls into action the day after his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The highest in the concerns of Asia and the Philippines is the selection of Senator Marco Rubio for U.S. Secretary of State which will reflect part of Trump’s policies for Asia as our particular concern, but of course for the world in general as well.

Rubio has been such a China hawk that China officials have in the past years already sanctioned by the US twice in 2020 in a counteraction measure which Rubio sponsored over alleged (and clearly false, as the U.N. has not sustained accusations of genocide or ethnic cleansing) mistreatment of Uygur ethnic minorities in China, and a second for sanctioning mainland and Hong Kong officials for cracking down on violent 2019 Hong Kong protests. Rubio has — if Asia Times’ top sinologist David P. Goldman can be believed, and I agree with him — has a less known side. In a response to Rubio’s appointment Goldman wrote, “Rubio brings China Realism to the State Department” pointing as evidence to a 60-page Rubio report “The World China Made” rationally analyzing China’s economic success apparently without demagoguery that he believes could be a basis for making a “grand deal.” Goldman sees China hawk realists who detest China but recognize China’s headway. Rubio, the best-informed realist, writes in his report that “the United States has to make extraordinary efforts to stay ahead of China and should not delude itself that a stroke of the pen can hold back this technological behemoth.” A way forward then is a Grand Deal, ala the 1972 Nixon with Mao, between Trump and Xi, and Rubio a known China hawk can do a Kissinger without being tagged a “sell out.” In July of 2024, Trump, in an address at the Republican National Convention, said, “’Right now as we speak, large factories just are being built across the border in Mexico’ by China to make cars to sell in the US... ‘Those plants are going to be built in the United States and our people are going to man those plants,’ he said, adding that he would otherwise slap tariffs as high as 200% on each car...” which was a clear signal the transactional Trump is ready to talk turkey with China.

This transactional potential augurs well for de-escalating the proxy-war mode the U.S. has imposed on the Philippines through Filipino proxies in the traditional political and security establishment. It will help decouple the Philippines from the U.S. war industry’s ramping up of war preparations in the region. Rubio did pitch for U.S. “commitment” to Philippine defense ties last July, but we know how these “commitments” go after seeing what is happening to Ukraine.

These are the risks and opportunities.

For many Filipinos, the US immigration policy under Trump will be a top concern with the reported 370,000 TNTs (Tago-Ng-Tago or Hide-AndHide) Filipinos in America fearing deportation and families back home and consequently, the loss of remittances. The appointments of Tom Homan as “border czar” and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy reflect the priority of the immigration crackdown on the Latinos streaming in from the U.S. south -- not on Filipino TNTs.

For a long time, Filipino TNTs will have little to worry about as there are 12,700,000 other priority illegal immigrants that the U.S. will need to deport under much less costly and difficult procedures such as sending Mexican or Honduran farm workers across the border, before they come to the Filipino TNTs who are professional workers and need to be enplaned back across the oceans. That is why Philippine Ambassador Babes Romualdez’s call for TNTs to surrender was such a disservice to them.

While the U.S. is going through a transition again in its national governance for the nth time after the nth election and inevitably ending up to face the same endemic problems of inconsistency and contradictory national ideological convictions. This is engendered by the political contests themselves rooted in economic class conflicts that cannot be resolved without a social revolution, the rest of the globe is moving on with BRICS, the APEC and the G-20 going forward.

rpkapunan@gmail.com

FEATURE

By Sabina QAZI

DADU, PAKISTAN — Before monsoon rains broke over Pakistan, 14-yearold Shamila and her 13-year-old sister Amina were married off in exchange for money, a decision their parents made to help the family survive the threat of floods.

“I was happy to hear I was getting married... I thought my life would become easier,” Shamila told AFP after her wedding to a man twice her age in hope of a more prosperous life.

“But I have nothing more. And with the rain, I fear I will have even less, if that is possible.” Pakistan’s high rate of marriages for underage girls had been inching lower in recent years, but after unprecedented floods in 2022, rights workers warn such weddings are now on the rise due to climate-driven economic insecurity.

The summer monsoon between July and September is vital for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and food security, but scientists say climate change is making them heavier and longer, raising the risk of landslides, floods and long-term crop damage.

Many villages in the agricultural belt of Sindh have not recovered from the 2022 floods, which plunged a third of the country underwater, displaced millions and ruined harvests.

“This has led to a new trend of ‘monsoon brides’,” said Mashooque Birhmani, the founder of the NGO Sujag Sansar, which works with religious scholars to combat child marriage.

EDITORIAL

Young workforce will drive our economy

HOW do experts assess the prospects of the Philippine economy in the coming years?

HSBC Global Research believes that after two decades of comprehensive economic reforms, the Philippine economy is poised for take-off, with the country’s hardworking people as its main source of growth.

The research firm says that among the members of the ASEAN, it is the Philippines, with a working-age population that will be the last to peak in 2035, that can enjoy the demographic dividend. This would, in turn, boost gross domestic product per capita and increase the absolute savings available for further investment. Between 2024 and 2029, average incremental savings in the economy are expected to increase by $17.7 billion each year.

“Families will find any means of survival. The first and most obvious way is to give their daughters away in marriage in exchange for money.”

Birhmani said since the 2022 floods, child marriage has spiked in villages in Dadu district, one of the worst-hit areas that for months resembled a lake.

In Khan Mohammad Mallah village, where Shamila and Amina were married in a joint ceremony in June, 45 underage girls have become wives since the last monsoon -- 15 of them in May and June this year.

“Before the 2022 rains, there was no such need to get girls married so young in our area,” said village elder Mai Hajani, 65.

“They would work on the land, make rope for wooden beds, the men would be busy with fishing and agriculture. There was always work to be done”.

Parents told AFP that they hurried the marriage of their daughters to save them from poverty, usually in exchange for money.

Shamila’s mother-in-law, Bibi Sachal, said they gave 200,000 Pakistan Rupees ($720) to the young bride’s parents –- a major sum in a region where most families survive on around one dollar a day.

Government data indicate that gross national savings amounted to P6.6 trillion based on 2023 prices. This represents an increase of 35 percent from P4.89 trillion in 2022, as savings from households and the government bounced back from three straight years of contraction.

Employment levels in the country have been higher than predicted, boost-

‘I thought I would get lipstick’

Najma Ali was initially swept up in the excitement of becoming a wife when she married at 14 in 2022 and began living with her in-laws, as is tradition in Pakistan.

“My husband gave my parents 250,000 rupees for our wedding. But it was on loan (from a third party) that he has no way of paying back now,” she said.

“I thought I would get lipstick, makeup, clothes and crockery,” she told AFP, cradling her six-month-old baby.

“Now I am back home with a husband and a baby because we have nothing to eat.”

Their village, which lies on the banks of a canal in the Main Nara Valley, is barren and there are no fish left in the polluted water -- its stench overwhelms the area.

“We had lush rice fields where girls used to work,” said Hakim Zaadi, 58, the village matron and Najma’s mother.

“They would grow many vegetables, which are all dead now because the wa-

ed by job creation focused on digitalization and the greater participation of women in the workforce. And while many economies in the world have been experiencing rising public debt levels, the Philippines has strengthened its fiscal coffers to finance long-term investments needed to boost its overall potential.

We should ramp up investments in developing Filipinos’ human capital— knowledge, skills and experiences that individuals accumulate throughout their lives.

While the Philippines may not have experienced the same boost in manufacturing as the rest of its regional peers, it has found its niche in exporting ‘light-asset’ services,” or the digital, telecommunications and creative fields, including business process outsourcing and professional consulting.

ter in the ground is poisonous. This has happened especially after 2022,” she added.

“The girls were not a burden on us before then. At the age girls used to get married, they now have five children, and they come back to live with their parents because their husbands are jobless.”

‘I want to study’

Child marriages are common in parts of Pakistan, which has the sixth-highest number of girls married before the age of 18 in the world, according to government data published in December.

The legal age for marriage varies from 16 to 18 in different regions, but the law is rarely enforced.

UNICEF has reported “significant strides” in reducing child marriage, but evidence shows that extreme weather events put girls at risk.

“We would expect to see an 18 percent increase in the prevalence of child marriage, equivalent to erasing five years of progress,” it said in a report after the 2022 floods.

From another direction, the International Monetary Fund predicts that the Philippine economy will rise to become the 28th largest economy in the world by 2029 from its current 33rd spot.

But the World Bank (WB) sets several conditions for such growth to take place. First, the government must immediately boost investments in education, jobs and health to avoid ending up with an economy backed by a legion of young workers who are not productive enough to help fuel its growth. The WB said the country has only one generation left—or about 20 to 25 years— before the window to harness the benefits of its relatively young population closes, as it is projected to see another demographic shift after that. What should the government do in the meantime? The Washingtonbased multilateral lender urges the Philippines to ramp up investments in developing Filipinos’ human capital— knowledge, skills and experiences that individuals accumulate throughout their lives. It is really important, it said, to invest now so that the younger generation poised to enter the labor market will have better capacity and better skills to be able to join the workforce in an effective manner. Sound advice, we think, that the administration should consider if we want the economy to grow in the years ahead.

Dildar Ali Sheikh, 31, had planned to marry off his eldest daughter Mehtab while living in an aid camp after being displaced by the floods.

“When I was there, I thought to myself ‘we should get our daughter married so at least she can eat and have basic facilities’,” the daily wage labourer told AFP. Mehtab was just 10 years old.

“The night I decided to get her married, I couldn’t sleep,” said her mother, Sumbal Ali Sheikh, who was 18 when she married.

An intervention from the NGO Sujag Sansar led to the wedding being postponed, and Mehtab was enrolled in a sewing workshop, allowing her to earn a small income while continuing her education.

But when the monsoon rains fall, she is overcome by dread that her promised wedding will also arrive.

“I have told my father I want to study,” she said. “I see married girls around me who have very challenging lives and I don’t want this for myself.” AFP

China to build lunar base with soil bricks

CHINA is pushing forward in its quest to build the first lunar base, launching an in-space experiment to test whether the station’s bricks could be made from the moon’s own soil.

Brick samples were set to blast off aboard a cargo rocket heading for China’s Tiangong space station, part of Beijing’s mission to put humans on the Moon by 2030 and build a permanent base there by 2035.

It is a daunting task: any structure has to withstand huge amounts of cosmic radiation, extreme temperature variations and moonquakes, and getting building materials there in the first place is a costly procedure.

Constructing the base out of the Moon itself could be a solution to those problems, scientists from a university in central Wuhan province hope. They have created a series of proto-

type bricks made of various compositions of materials found on earth, such as basalt, which mimic the properties of lunar soil.

Slivers of those test bricks will be subjected to a series of stringent tests once they reach the Tiangong space station.

“It’s mainly exposure,” said Zhou Cheng, a professor at Wuhan’s Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

“To put it simply, we put (the material) in space and let it sit there... to see whether its durability, its performance will degrade under the extreme environment.”

The temperature on the Moon can vary drastically between 180 and -190 degrees Celsius (356 to -310 degrees Fahrenheit).

Its lack of an atmosphere means it is subjected to large quantities of cosmic radiation as well as micrometeorites, while moonquakes can weaken any structure on its surface.

The exposure experiment will last three years, with samples sent back for testing every year. AFP

NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the “mass production” of attack drones, state media reported Friday, as concerns mount over the country’s deepening military cooperation with Russia.

Pyongyang first unveiled its attack drones in August, with experts saying the capability may be attributable to the country’s budding alliance with Russia.

The nuclear-armed country has ratified a landmark defence pact with Moscow and is accused of deploying thousands of troops to Russia to support its war in Ukraine, prompting South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to warn about the potential transfer of sensitive Russian military technology to North Korea.

Kim on Thursday oversaw the tests of drones designed to hit both land and sea targets, produced by North Korea’s Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

“He underscored the need to build a serial production system as early as possible and go into full-scale mass production,” KCNA said.

The unmanned drones are designed to carry explosives and be deliberately crashed into enemy targets, effectively

acting as guided missiles.

Thursday’s test saw the drones “precisely” hit targets after flying along predetermined paths, KCNA reported.

“The suicide attack drones to be used within different striking ranges are to perform a mission to precisely attack any enemy targets on the ground and in the sea,” the agency said.

Kim said the drones were an “easy to use... component of striking power” due to their relatively low production cost and expansive range of applications, according to KCNA.

He said the North had “recently attached importance” to developing unmanned hardware systems and to integrating them with the country’s overall military strategy.

Experts said the drones -- in images released by state media in August -- looked similar to the Israeli-made “HAROP” drone, Russian-made “Lancet-3” and Israeli “HERO 30”.

North Korea may have acquired these technologies from Russia, which in turn likely obtained them from Iran -- with Tehran itself suspected of accessing them through hacking or theft from Israel. AFP

IS gunmen kill Pakistan politician

PESHAWAR — Gunmen from the regional branch of the Islamic State group have killed a politician in northwest Pakistan, police and the militants said Friday. “Jamaat-e-Islami Bajaur leader Sufi Hameed was leaving the mosque after offering prayers after sunset (Thursday) when two masked men on a motorcycle opened fire on him,” senior police official Waqar Rafiq told AFP.

The official said the attackers escaped after shooting the Islamist politician in Bajaur district, near the border with Afghanistan where militants remain active. Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) said its “soldiers shot an official of the apostate political party”, in a message on Telegram. The local chapter of the IS group accuses religious political parties of going against strict religious preachings and supporting the country’s government and the military.

IS-K has recently carried out several attacks against political parties, including a suicide bomb blast at a rally in Bajaur last year which killed at least 54 people including 23 children. AFP

Croatian PM fires health minister suspected of graft

ZAGREB — Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic sacked his health minister on Friday amid reports in local media that the minister had been arrested and his home raided during a corruption investigation.

“The prime minister dismissed Vili Beros from his ministerial post,” a government spokesman said.

The announcement came shortly after the Jutarnji List daily paper reported that Beros had been taken into custody by officials from the country’s anti-corruption and organised crime bureau.

The paper said the arrest was connected to an ongoing probe into a scheme involving the procurement of medical equipment.

The bureau for the fight against organised crime and corruption said “arrests and urgent evidentiary actions” were underway in Zagreb and the town of Skradin, in southern Croatia.

The bureau did not name the minister specifically.

The arrests concerned “several people, one of whom is a high-ranking government official, who are reasonably suspected of having committed corrupt criminal acts”, it said.

According to the Jutarnji List, prosecutors were also investigating several doctors and hospital administrators in the European Union nation of 3.8 million.

Since taking power in 2016, several ministers from Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic’s conservative HDZ party have stepped down amid graft allegations. AFP

Ghobeiri

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Alas PH duo fuels UST in beach volley

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas’ Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella saw their bid for a seven-peat and 10th women’s crown overall off to a smashing start in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate beach volleyball tournament at the Sands SM By The Bay on Friday.

Progella’s collegiate debut was triumphant as the two-time UAAP high school girls beach volleyball champion joined forces with Pagara in beating Far Eastern University’s Lovely Lopez and Melody Pons, 21-16, 21-14, and Ateneo’s Liz Lomocso and Grydelle Matibag, 21-17, 21-13. Pagara, last season’s top rookie, Progella has a vast experience, as the Alas Pilipinas pair was fresh from a stint in the recently-concluded Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championship in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

National University’s Honey Grace Cordero and debuting Kat Epa also recorded two wins to start the season on a high note.

Cordero and Epa made quick work of University of the Philippines’ Euri Eslapor and Julia De Leon, 21-16, 21-14, before returning in the afternoon session with a 2117, 21-18 conquest of Adamson University rookies Shai Nitura and Fei Sagaysay.

Progella took over the spot from last year’s MVP Gen Eslapor, who has already graduated.

The Tiger Sands-Blue Eagles match saw the first meeting between former high school teammates Progella and Matibag, who teamed up in UST’s first-ever girls beach volleyball championship last year. In other games, University of the East’s Van Bangayan and Krisha Revilla outlasted Ateneo’s Lomocso and Matibag, 21-18, 15-21, 15-11, while Adamson’s Nitura and Sagaysay defeated La Salle’s Sophia Sindayen and Ela Raagas, 21-6, 21-18. Action resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. with six matches.

Pirates stun Blazers, claim last berth in NCAA Final 4

LYCEUM of the Philippines University leaned on John Barba’s red-hot shooting and held its ground against Allen Liwag and College of St. Benilde as it eked out a pulsating 82-81 victory on Friday to claim the last Final Four slot in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

Barba was perfect from the field as he made all his nine shots there, including five triples and finished with 27 points.

His only misses were twice from the free throw line where he went four of six.

“Nag extra kami kagabi, halos 10 p.m. na kami natapos,” said Barba. The Pirates also survived a monster 20-point, 16-rebound

effort from the towering, bull-strong Liwag to snare their 10th win in 18 outings and the last ticket to the semis where they will clash either with the Blazers (14-4) or the Mapua Cardinals (14-3).

Saturday (Cuneta Astrodome) 11 a.m.-

vs Mapua 2:30 p.m.- SSC-R vs San Beda

If Mapua wins over Arellano University at the Cuneta Astrodome on Saturday, it will seal the top seeding and a duel with LPU where it will brandish the precious Final Four incentive.

The other Final Four duel would pit CSB with No. 3 San Beda.

“Pina-practice naman niya (Barba) ‘yun,” said LPU coach Gilbert Malabanan. “Game plan is, if ma-limit si Liwag, malaki chance namin manalo.”

JM Bravo also came through when needed, chipping in 12 points while Renz Villegas, Mclaude Guadana and Jonathan Daileg scattered 11 points apiece.

CSB had all the chances in the dying seconds to either knot the count and force overtime or snatch victory but squandered each and every one of its opportunities.

Aguilar: DEFTAC eyes more

MORE world jiu-jitsu titleholders will come from DEFTAC in years to come after producing five new elite world champions in the just-concluded 2024 World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championship, according to founder and president Alvin Aguilar.

Aguilar, the president of Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP), expressed his gratitude to the young athletes composed of Princess Akeisha Reuma, Ma. Althea Louise Brion, her daughter Aielle Aguilar, Marcus Sebastian Dela Cruz and Yani Alexii Lopez for winning the gold.

He also thanked Ella Rosario Daza Olaso for bagging a silver medal in the teen yellow 48-kg class.

Games Saturday (Rizal Memorial Coliseum) 3:30 p.m. –- UE vs UP (classification 7th to 8th) 6 p.m. --- Ateneo vs CSB (classification 5th to 6th)

COLLEGE of Saint Benilde and Ateneo de Manila University square off in an interesting battle for fifth in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. After emerging victorious in the first phase of the classification round, the Lady Blazers and Blue Eagles clash at 6 p.m. to salvage some pride and end their campaign on a winning note. Meanwhile, University of the East and University of the Philippines meet at 3:30 p.m. to dispute seventh place in the tournament supported by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea, Grab Philippines, and Summit Water. Saint Benilde, the lone NCAA team to advance into the playoffs, looks to add Ateneo to the list of its UAAP victims after beating Adamson University in the first round and sweeping UP, 25-19, 25-14, 25-20, in the classification round opener last November 6.

“Lagi naman kaming may chance every game. Every game gusto lang namin na maging maayos ang game namin and lalaban lang kami as much as possible,” Lady Blazers veteran winger Mycah Go said. The reigning three-peat NCAA champion will also bank on Clydel Catarig, Zamantha Nolasco, Mary Grace Borromeo and heady playmaker Chenae Basarte to score an upset over the fancied Blue Eagles.

“It has been 26 years since the first time we competed abroad, and we are happy that through those years we have been able to produce countless world champions. Now, we have five,” Aguilar, also Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) founder and president, said.

“This year the WAP Junior Grappling team made up of homegrown talents from DEFTAC has already produced 21 World Champions this year in different tournaments,” he added.

Aguilar thanked the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by president Abraham To-

lentino, Tingog Party List, and the WAP for supporting their young athletes who represented the Philippines in the 2024 World Festival Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Reuma won the gold in the junior white 48 kgs by beating all her counterparts — Kazakhstan’s Safina Akmetshina, UAE’s Noora Ali Aljaheri, Russian Vasilisa Rakova, and Kazakhstan’s Aisha Zamalbek — via different submission maneuvers like Americana, armlock, armbar and kimura.

Brion bagged the infant white 40 kgs gold medal after beating UAE’s Alyazia Saad Alhadhrami, Maha Abdula, and Reem Almansoori all by rear naked choke submission, Nigerian Valerie Umunna by points, 14-0, and Kazakhstan’s Rayana Seitova by points, 1-0.

The seven-year-old Aguilar also bested two opponents for the gold to become a three-time world champion in a new weight class - the kids 2 gray -22 kgs event.

Dela Cruz claimed the kid 3 white -24kgs gold medal after submitting UAE’s Mohamed Ali Almazrouei within 20 seconds via rear naked choke and Jordan’s Yousef Hayari also via same submission maneuver within 34 seconds.

Liwag turned from hero to goat after he missed the bonus charity that would have tied the count and the short stab that would have given CSB the win had he nailed it. Meanwhile, Emilio Aguinaldo College consoled itself with a 73-66 win over Jose Rizal University Friday to finish with a 9-9 record and fifth place.

King Gurtiza and Harvey Pagsanjan paced the Generals with 18 and 17 points, respectively, in their final NCAA game. Also graduating were Axel Doromal, JC Luciano and Erland Umpad.

EAC was already eliminated even before the game had started after Lyceum of the Philippines U stunned College of St. Benilde, 82-81, in the game earlier.

“The boys were already crying before the game,” said EAC mentor Jerson Cabiltes.

The Bombers ended with a 4-14 mark.

Strong

TAIWAN—Needing a strong finish to secure a Top 10 spot, Pauline del Rosario rallied impressively at the Party Golfers Ladies Open, firing birdies on the last two holes to close with a 69 and earn a share of eighth place.

Ling-Jie Chen won the tournament for the second consecutive year at Hsinchu County’s Lily Golf and Country Club.

Del Rosario, who was initially stalled by a double bogey on the par-4 ninth hole, fought back resiliently, drilling birdies on Nos. 10 and 14 to recover from a bogey on the 12th, and holing out with back-to-back birdies for a 35-34 and a 54hole total of seven-under 209.

“I wanted to make birdies but didn’t push too hard,” said del Rosario, who earned NT$100,000 for her effort. “I’m happy I was able to finish strong.”

Her eighth-place finish was just short of her sixth-place showing at the same event last year but underscored her steady improvement as she prepares for the Epson Tour next year.

Chen, meanwhile, defended her crown

with a gritty finish, fending off Thai

challenger Pakin Kawinpakorn. Tied with Chen at 10-under after birdying the 16th, Kawinpakorn’s rally fell short as Chen responded with a precise approach on the 17th, setting up a birdie putt that reclaimed her the lead. She parred the final hole to seal her victory with a 70, posted a 54-hole total of 205 and earned NT$900,000. Unlike her four-stroke triumph last year, this win was a nail-biter, making the backto-back triumph even sweeter for Chen. Kawinpakorn’s final-round 67 left her one stroke shy at 206, while five players, including former leader PK Kongkraphan, finished tied for third at 208. Kongkraphan surged early with a 34 on the front nine but was derailed by a double bogey on the 10th , finishing with a 72 to tie compatriots Green Poruangrong and Wannasiri Sirisampant, who carded 70 and 71, respectively, and Tsai-Ching Tseng, who carded a 71 and matched their eight-under total.

Starting the day five strokes behind

Chen and Nook Sukapan of Thailand, del Rosario looked poised for a breakout round. She played steadily through the opening stretch, parring five consecutive holes before birdying the par-5 sixth and the par-3 eighth. However, a double bogey on the ninth hindered her charge, forcing her to regroup and play catch-up. Undeterred, del Rosario birdied the 10th and 14th, although a bogey on the 12th tempered her momentum before unleashing a strong windup to post a second straight three-under card.

Reflecting on her tournament, the ICTSI-backed del Rosario acknowledged initial nerves due to recent swing adjustments.

“Honestly, I was nervous. We made a few changes to my swing, so I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it yet,” she said. “But I was happy I was able to perform and score well,” said del Rosario, the first Filipina to win on the TLPGA in 2017. After opening with a 71 and

Lyceum’s John Barba scores 27 points to carry the Pirates past the Benilde Blazers.

WAP president Alvin Aguilar and coach Mike Tabamo with their world-champ proteges.

Pauline del Rosario

UST’s So ah Pagara and Khy Progella

NEW BDO CENTER.

BDO Unibank Inc. chairperson

Teresita Sy-Coson (fifth from left) and BDO president and chief executive Nestor Tan (center) lead a time capsule-laying ceremony on Nov. 15, 2024, marking the commencement of construction of the new BDO Corporate Center Makati. The Makati complex is one of three BDO main office complexes, alongside the existing BDO Corporate Center Ortigas in Pasig City and the nearingcompletion structure of BDO Corporate Center Cebu in the Visayas. With Sy-Coson and Tan are (from left) DATEM Inc. president Lesley Villanueva, DATEM partner Lilit Tumbocon, DATEM chairman and chief executive Liberito Espiritu, BDO senior vice president Bubut Montejo and chief of staff Jerome Guevara. Manny Palmero

$3.01 billion

Cash remittances in September 2024

$2.91 billion

Cash remittances in September 2023

$25.23 billion

Cash remittances in 9 months of 2024

10-month car sales rose 8.9% to 384,310 units

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine automotive industry reported an 8.9-percent increase in vehicle sales from January to October 2024, totaling 384,310 units from 352,971 sold in the same period last year.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) said in a joint report sales also rose 1.2 percent month-on-month in October, reflecting a steady demand.

CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez attributed the growth to “good sales and good stock availability, neutralizing the effect of Typhoon Kristine on dealer operations nationwide last month.”

Commercial vehicles (CVs) continued to drive industry growth, accounting for 283,501 units, or 74 percent of total vehicle sales, while passenger cars contributed 100,809 units, making up 26 percent of the market.

Data showed that within the CV segment, the Asian utility vehicle (AUV) category posted the largest year-to-date (YTD) growth at 36.9 percent, selling 67,099 units compared to 49,025 units last year.

Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) saw a 1.3-percent increase in sales, strengthening its leading position within the segment with 207,198 units sold.

Medium-duty trucks and buses grew 7.8 percent, reaching 3,376 units. The mixed performance reflects both evolving demand dynamics and the resilience of key segments in the industry.

The two industry groups said that on a monthly basis, October sales showed a modest rise, with a 4.9 percent year-on-year growth from October 2023. CAMPI attributed the stability to the industry’s adaptability to challenges, as automotive brands work to meet consumer demand while navigating supply and operational pressures.

Cash remittances grew 3.3% to $3b in September

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CASH remittances from Filipinos working overseas grew 3.3 percent in September 2024 from a year ago, ensuring the steady growth of foreign funds that support consumer spending in the Philippines.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that cash remittances which were coursed through banks reached $3.01 billion in September, up from $2.91 billion posted in the same month last year. It was also higher than $2.88 billion seen in August.

share of overall cash remittances from January to September, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, personal remittances which cover cash sent through banks and informal channels as well as remittances in kind, amounted to $3.34 billion in September, higher by 3.3 percent than $3.23 billion in the same month last year.

The growth in cash remittances from the United States (US), Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) contributed mainly to the increase in remittances in January-September 2024.

“The growth in cash remittances in September 2024 was due to the growth in receipts from land- and sea-based workers,” the BSP said in a statement. This brought total cash remittances in the first nine months to $25.23 billion, up by 3 percent from $24.49 billion registered a year ago.

The US accounted for the largest

The BSP said the expansion in personal remittances was due to higher remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year. It said that in the first nine months, personal remittances increased 3 percent to $28.07 billion from $27.24 billion.

DONATION. Citi Foundation is granting $500,000 to Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation for the 2024 Global Innovation Challenge. Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation is one of the 50 community organizations around the world set to receive a collective $25 million in catalytic funding to address this pressing global issue.

Collins to equip PAL planes with locally-made seats

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) teamed up with Collins Aerospace to equip its aircraft with locally-manufactured seats, the Board of Investments (BOI) said Friday.

The BOI joined the first article inspection (FAI) of main cabin seats produced by Collins Aerospace at its Batangas facility on Nov. 13, 2024. The FAI is a rigorous quality assurance process ensuring the new seating products meet customer specifications.

“This is a show of trust and pride in the capabilities of the Filipino workforce.

This achievement underscores the Philippines’ growing role in the global aerospace value chain,” said BOI

executive director Ma. Corazon HaliliDichosa during the FAI. Collins Aerospace, a Tier 1 global aerospace manufacturer operating at the First Philippine Industrial Park since 2012, is a cornerstone of the country’s aerospace sector.

Its Batangas facility produces lavatories, cabin galleys and seats for major airlines, including Airbus and Boeing. With over 3,500 Filipino employees, the facility recently delivered its first shipment of Meridian main cabin seats to Airbus and is on track to triple production by the end of 2024.

“This collaboration lets our passengers experience the

Pag-IBIG launches online auction for properties

PAG-IBIG Fund on Friday launched the Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets Online Public Auction (OPA), allowing homebuyers to select from its properties for sale and submit their bids using an online platform. Using any device with an internet connection, homebuyers can register for their permanent Buyer ID and explore available properties—all without needing to visit a Pag-IBIG branch. The “Add to Cart” feature also allows them to submit their bids on multiple properties with just one click.

“The OPA is Pag-IBIG Fund’s response to the government’s call to be innovative in the approach to making homeownership more accessible to Filipino workers. Through this new

platform, we hope to make the process of buying Pag-IBIG Fund’s acquired assets convenient and more accessible,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the 11-member PagIBIG Fund board of trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta, who led the launch, emphasized the fund’s commitment to digitalization and capitalizing on technology for improved service offerings.

“We are in the digital age. The OPA is part of our continued commitment to harness technology, with the ultimate objective of helping the Filipino worker achieve their dream of homeownership,” Acosta said.

craftsmanship, quality, and comfort of seats made right here in the Philippines. It’s a step forward not only for PAL but for the entire country,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Stanley Ng. Collins Aerospace Philippines general manager Mary Destaffan highlighted the partnership’s significance.

“It is the first time that our locallymanufactured seating products will be used by the Philippine flag carrier. We are excited to continue growing our presence in the Philippines and contributing to the country’s position as a leading aerospace manufacturing hub,” she said. Othel V. Campos

LOCAL and international stakeholders on Friday called for a collective action in support of nuclear power generation and related industries at the conclusion of the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024.

The Philippines received commitment from international global nuclear energy leaders supporting the country’s nuclear energy program through technology transfer, technical assistance and workforce development, among other strategic collaborations during the three-day event. The forum, which opened on Nov. 13, 2024, brought together global and local stakeholders, including public and private sectors and civil society organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange in a bid to advance the Philippines’ nuclear energy goals.

Senate energy committee vice-chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the path to nuclear energy is no simple journey, and expertise and commitment are precisely what the country needs to chart a secure, reliable and forward-looking roadmap for the Philippines.

“The path to nuclear energy is no easy undertaking. What the Philippines needs is the collective expertise and unwavering commitment of our international and local partners to create a secure, reliable, and future-focused roadmap for our energy future,” Gatchalian said.

US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson announced a $100,000 seed fund from the Philippine-American Education Foundation to support nuclear energy scholarships for Filipinos, focusing on training in nuclear infrastructure through Fulbright programs. Alena Mae S. Flores

SMPH to launch luxury residential enclave next year

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) is venturing into the resilient luxury residential market, with a 200-hectare development to be launched next year.

The move to venture into the high-end market comes amid the persistent weakness in middleincome residential market which has been SMPH residential unit’s main market segment for the past few years.

The company said it has pipelined projects of different formats, with prices ranging from P25 million to over P100 million.

“The price adjustments will allow us to target a broader segment of the housing market. It will also enable us to better address the growing demand for affordable and quality housing, while contributing to the government’s efforts to reduce the housing backlog,” said SMPH president Jeffrey Lim.

Part of this strategy involves the consolidation all residential projects of SM Prime under the SM Residences brand, which will cover a range of offerings from economic, medium-cost, premium and leisure developments.

SMPH said it earmarked over 1,000 hectares of land for its SM Residences projects, slated for development over the next

five years. Around 85 percent of which is earmarked for horizontal development.

“Our growth over the past 30 years has been largely driven by our market-leading position in the mall and retail segment,” said Lim.

“As we move forward, our goal is to unlock the full potential of our extensive land bank through SM Residences and more integrated developments. This will enable us to sustain long-term growth across a broader business portfolio,” he said.

Property consultant Colliers Philippines and Leechiu Property Consultants earlier reported that the middle-income market, offering P3 million to P8 million in projects, remained weak amid high interest and inflation rates.

The high-end and premium market segment remained resilient despite the current market environment.

Other property developers like Ayala Land Inc., Rockwell Land Inc. and Robinsons Land Corp. also launched high-end projects.

DoubleDragon plans IPO for Centralhub in 2025

DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said Friday it plans to conduct an initial public offering for its unit Centralhub which is engaged in development of industrial assets across the country in the second half of 2025.

CentralHub, which has 60.57 hectares of industrial assets worth P24.8 billion, continues to ramp up construction of its industry warehouse portfolio in preparation for the Philippines’ first industrial-themed real estate investment (REIT) offering, DoubleDragon said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“With interest rates now starting to consistently decline, REIT listing of DD’s Industrial Warehouse subsidiary, CentralHub, may push through by the second half of 2025,

once the cap rates start to go back to 5-to-6 percent level which would most likely be possible by the second half of next year,” the company said.

CentralHub’s industrial warehouse complexes are fit for use as a warehouse, commissary, cold storage facility and logistics distribution center.

DoubleDragon is also gearing up for the listing of Hotel101 Global in US’ NASDAQ before end-2024.

“We are excited to make happen Hotel101 Global listing as it is set to be the first from the Philippines to list in Nasdaq and our listing team and counsels in Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York are currently working on the process that

By Alena Mae S. Flores

said Friday it posted consolidated net income of P692 million in the first nine months of 2024, down from P874 million a year ago, on lower oil production, lower oil prices and higher expenses. PERC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange the revenue contribution from the Gabon oil operations declined 3 percent to P399 million.

PERC holds a 2.53-percent participating interest in the exploration and production sharing contract covering the Etame block in Gabon, West Africa. The PERC parent financials were also negatively affected by higher interest and tax expenses related to its series of direct equity acquisition in PetroWind Energy Inc. (PWEI), PetroSolar Corp. (PSC) and PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC) to boost PERC’s footprint in the renewable energy sector.

The company’s consolidated gross revenue, however, climbed 19 percent to P2.57 billion as of the third quarter of 2024 from P2.16 billion in same period last year. The uptick was due to a 24-percent increase in electricity sales of its RE units which rose from P1.68 billion to P2.09 billion, driven by the consolidation of financials after PERC

acquired EEI Power Corp.’s 20-percent equity in PWEI last year.

The additional revenue from PWEI’s phase 2 wind project in Aklan, which started exporting power in April 2024, also boosted electricity sales.

PERC’s consolidated total assets grew from P20.82 billion to P23.23 billion.

we expect before the end of the year or as soon as possible,” said DoubleDragon chairman Edgar Injap Sia II.

Hotel101 sold a significant inventory of units from its Hotel101 overseas projects, including Hotel101Niseko and Hotel101-Madrid as of Sept. 30, 2024, Meanwhile, DoubleDragon said that its nine-month net income grew 2.4 percent year-on-year to P2.53 billion. Revenues rose 4.46 percent to P6.42 billion.

DoubleDragon is a joint venture between Sia, founder of Mang Inasal and Honeystar Holdings Corp. led by Jollibee Foods Corp. founder Tony Tan Caktiong. Jenniffer B. Austria

PH stocks rebound to end 7-day slump, close above 6,600 level

THE main composite index of the Philippine Stock Exchange rebounded from a seven-day slump, closing above the 6,600 level on bargain-hunting Friday.

The PSE index rallied by 119.56 points, or 1.82 percent, to close at 6,676.65, while the broader all-shares index climbed 92.18 points, or 2.50 percent, to settle at 3,772.80, as investors bought back shares that were heavily sold down in the past trading sessions.

“Philippine shares finally broker the losing streak to finally close a few points below 6,700 as investors bought into the oversold index,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said. US stocks declined Thursday as US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell signaled a cautious stance on future rate cuts due to the economy’s resilience. Most of the sectoral indices ended in the positive territory, with industrial rising the most, climbing by 3.46 percent and financial by 3.15 percent. Holding firms, however, declined 0.18 percent.

Value turnover climbed to P5.826 billion, with 146 advancers and 56 decliners, while 52 issues were unchanged.

Bank of the Philippine Islands rose 3.45 percent to P140, while Universal Robina Corp., dropped 3.58 percent to P82.35.

The PSE entered the bear market Thursday after the index plunged by 2.34 percent to 6,557.09.

B. Austria Manila Standard TODAY

Jenniffer

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Megawide declared 69% growth in 3-quarter income

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. said Friday it recorded a net income of P562 million in the first nine months of 2024, a 69-percent increase from the previous year.

The performance was driven by higher consolidated revenues of P16.3 billion, complemented by lower costs and expense management. This resulted in a 126-percent growth in operating profit to P1.98 billion and an improvement in operating margin to 12 percent from 6 percent last year.

Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached P3.65 billion, up 29 percent from the same period in 2023. The construction segment delivered P15.5 billion and contributed 96 percent to consolidated revenues, benefiting from increased economic activities

and the government’s infrastructure build-up.

“Strong macroeconomic growth, coupled with easing interest rates, supported business expansion and bodes well for construction. Additionally, we are benefiting from the government’s infrastructure development and renewable energy capacity build-up, which we hope to capitalize on moving forward,” said Megawide president and chief executive Edgar Saavedra.

The company secured eight new contracts during the period, totaling P8.91 billion, six of which were solar power plants for newly-listed affiliate Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. This brought the company’s order backlog to P42.6 billion as of end-September, representing two to three years of revenues.

Manila Water’s 9-month profit grew

MANILA Water Co. Inc. reported a net income of P10.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 39-percent increase from the same period last year.

The company attributed the strong performance to tariff adjustments for its east zone concession and several non-east zone Philippines (NEZ PH) businesses as well as robust customer demand.

Consolidated revenues grew 19 percent to P27.5 billion, driven by tariff adjustments and a 3-percent increase in billed volume. While costs and expenses rose 4 percent to P8.8

billion, primarily due to investments in new facilities, the company’s consolidated EBITDA improved 26 percent to P19.2 billion. The east zone concession saw a 20-perent increase in revenue to P21.8 billion, supported by the second tranche of the rate rebasing tariff adjustment and growth in billed volume, particularly from industrial customers. Net income

DOE endorses 24 power projects for NGCP’s grid impact study

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Department of Energy said Friday it endorsed to grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines 24 power generation projects for the conduct of a system impact study in October, led by the 2,000-megawatt wind project of Bondoc Wind Corp. in Masbate and the 1,000-megawatt offshore wind project of Vortex Offshore Wind Corp. in Antique.

“In October 2024, the DOE issued 24 SIS endorsements to the NGCP which are all new applications,” the DOE said.

The SIS will determine the capacity of the power grid to accommodate additional capacities and identify necessary improvements needed such as transmission lines,

transformers or substations.

The endorsed projects to NGCP also include the 425-MW solar plant of Tuy Solar Power Corp. in Batangas, the 370-MW onshore wind project of Haraya Wind Energy Corp. in Zambales, the 380-MW solar project of AP Renewable Energy Corp. in Zambales, the 400-MW wind project of Solus Wind Energy Corp. (SWEC) in Sorsogon, the 112-MW Lobo wind project of Aboitiz Solar Power Inc. and the 506-MW solar project of Casilagan Solar Power Corp. (CSPC) in Cagayan.

The DOE also endorsed the 100MW wind project of First Gen Visayas Energy Inc. in Nueva Ecija, the 229-MW solar project of Apolaki Four Inc. in Surigao del Sur and the 206-MW solar project of Gigasol 9 Inc. in Quezon.

for the east zone rose 45 percent to P9.3 billion.

NEZ PH businesses, including Laguna, Clark, Boracay and Estate Water, contributed to the overall growth with a 23-percent increase in revenue to P6.5 billion. Billed volume grew 6 percent, and EBITDA improved 36 percent to P3.2 billion. Net income for NEZ PH increased 89 percent to P908 million.

Manila Water International, however, reported a net loss of P19 million due to lower contributions from its investments in East Water in Thailand and its Vietnam businesses.

As of September, Manila Water in-

vested P16.7 billion in capital expenditures, with 90 percent allocated to the east zone.

Manila Water president and chief executive Jocot de Dios attributed the strong performance to the company’s focus on recovery and growth.

“We understood that sacrifices would need to be made at the onset, so that we can establish a robust structure and adopt practices that will result in sustainable efficiencies in our operations, better, more reliable service to our customers, and a more disciplined view of how we pursue growth,” de Dios said.

Alliance Global Group reports P13-b net income on higher real estate sales

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ALLIANCE Global Group Inc.

(AGI), the listed holding company of billionaire Andrew Tan, on Friday reported an attributable net income of P13 billion in the first nine-months of 2024 on strong contribution from real estate unit.

Consolidated nine-month revenues rose 7.4 percent to P161.6 billion from P150.4 billion, AGI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

“AGI’s healthy topline performance in the first three quarters of the year was largely driven by significant increases in residential sales in the real estate business, coupled with rising contribution from its hospitality segment and quick-service restaurants. The growth was achieved despite challenges brought about by generally elevated inflation and weaker global economy,” said AGI president and chief executive Kevin Tan.

AGI’s attributable profit jumped 14

percent in the third quarter to P4.2 billion from P3.68 billion a year earlier.

Property unit Megaworld Corp. saw its net income increase 14 percent in the first nine months to P13.7 billion from P12 billion the year before.

Megaworld’s consolidated revenue grew 23 percent year-on-year to P59.8 billion, boosted by stronger real estate sales as well as the sustained improvement in the contribution from its hotel and mall operations, while office rentals remained steady.

Liquor unit Emperador Inc. saw its nine-month net income decline 28.5 percent year-on-year to P4.67 billion, while third-quarter net profit plunged to P980 million from P2.05 billion.

Emperador’s consolidated revenue in the first three quarters of the year reached P43.2 billion, as the group’s brandy segment was affected by the general weakness in demand in key markets like Spain, Mexico and the Philippines, with consumers shifting to value brands.

Las Piñas mayor’s daughter asks PBBM, DENR to support reclamation project

A DAUGHTER of Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar expressed support for the resumption of the P103.8-billion Las Piñas-Paranaque Coastal Bay Reclamation Project as it would generate billion of income to the city’s coffer.

Businesswoman Alelee AguilarAndanar appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Antonia YuloLoyzaga to sign the notice to proceed of the project as this would create thousands of local jobs, realize pro-poor projects, including socialized housing.

Aguilar-Andanar, who is running for councilor for next year’s election, is the third daughter of the late Las

Pinas Mayor Vergel and incumbent Mayor Imelda. Alelle is the wife of former Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. Aguilar-Andanar said the reclamation project is a dream and aspiration of her late father who served as mayor of Las Piñas City from 1995 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2016. She said his father’s vision is to keep pace with modern development.

“If we don’t keep up or if we don’t devise a way (to generate income), it will become more difficult for the next generation,” said Aguilar-Andanar, quoting her father. She said his father wanted to call the reclamation project Las Piñas, Our Home 2.0.

TECH

DROP/WATER RESISTANT HONOR X7c

Tough companion for the Filipino lifestyle

By Jessica Luna

FILIPINOS are a tough lot. They are known for their resilience and adaptability, traits honed by years of adversity. Their daily lives often involve navigating challenges that would test the limits of many. Commuting to work or school is often a grueling ordeal. Living in a tropical country visited by typhoons and natural disasters all year long, Filipinos brave the elements – rain, floor and earthquake like it’s just a day in the office, learning to adapt to nature’s challenges with smiles on their faces. And bouncing back from countless adversities is a testament to their unwavering spirit.

But what if I tell you that there is a perfect phone for the tough Filipino?

The phone?

HONOR X7c.

This latest offering from global tech giant HONOR is a smartphone designed to keep up with the dynamic and often challenging lifestyle of Filipinos. With its robust build and IP64 rating, it offers a level of durability that’s perfect in the local setting.

Durability for Filipinos

Active lifestyle—Filipinos are known for their active and outdoor lifestyle. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains, or simply commuting in bustling city streets, a durable phone can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

When exploring nature, whether it’s a beach trip or a camping expedition, the X7c’s durability ensures that it can withstand sand, dust, and accidental drops.

On the other hand, daily commutes in the Philippines can be chaotic and

unpredictable. The X7c’s rugged design can protect it from bumps and scratches, ensuring it stays in good condition even in crowded public transportation.

Tropical Climate—The Philippines’ tropical climate can be harsh on electronic devices. High humidity and frequent rain showers can damage delicate gadgets. The X7c’s resistance 5-star drop resistance & washable water resistance ensure that accidental spills or sudden rain showers won’t be a major concern.

Rainy Season—The Philippines experiences a rainy season, and unexpected downpours can happen anytime. With its IP64 rating, the X7c can withstand light rain and accidental spills, protecting your valuable data. But its toughness against the elements is not only the HONOR X7c’s strong suit.

Camera Overview

The HONOR X7c features a versatile quad-camera setup, with its main clicker (108MP) offering detailed, sharp images in good lighting, perfect for general photography. Its ultrawide 8MP shooter captures wider scenes with a 120-degree field of view, great for landscapes or group photos.

video capability records 1080p video at 30fps with basic electronic sta-

Cebuana Lhuillier champions financial inclusion, embraces future of digital finance

CEBUANA Lhuillier, a leader in traditional financial services, is making a bold commitment to financial inclusion by stepping into the digital age with its participation in TOKEN2049, Asia’s premier crypto and Web3 event held recently in Singapore. This strategic move highlights the company’s vision to advance financial accessibility and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global financial trends, especially in underserved communities.

For decades, Cebuana Lhuillier has been synonymous with trust and security, providing essential microfinancial services to millions of Filipinos. By engaging with TOKEN2049, the company seeks to bridge the gap between its strong legacy in traditional finance and the rapidly evolving world of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain

technology. In doing so, Cebuana Lhuillier aims to empower its customers by offering more inclusive and accessible financial solutions that are both secure and forward-looking.

TOKEN2049 serves as a key platform for thought leaders, innovators, and industry pioneers to explore how cutting-edge technologies can reshape the financial landscape. For Cebuana Lhuillier, this event provides a unique opportunity to engage with experts, learn about the latest advancements in digital finance, and explore how blockchain and digital currencies can be harnessed to improve financial inclusion for underserved populations.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, emphasizes, “Our participation in TOKEN2049 reflects our unwavering commitment to financial inclusion. We believe

that embracing blockchain technology and decentralized finance can help us extend our services to more people— especially those who are traditionally excluded from the formal financial system. We want to ensure that every Filipino has access to the financial tools they need to thrive in the digital age.”

The potential for blockchain to enhance financial services is immense. Faster transaction speeds, greater transparency, and enhanced security could significantly improve the customer experience while ensuring that financial services remain accessible, even to those in remote or underserved areas. Moreover, integrating DeFi solutions could allow Cebuana Lhuillier to offer a wider range of financial products, such as digital savings, lending, and remittance services, that are tailored to the needs of today’s digital-first consumers. Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President, adds, “TOKEN2049 will be a key venue for Cebuana Lhuillier to engage with leading players in the financial technology sector, gaining valuable insights that will shape our approach to financial inclusion. We are committed to bringing the benefits of decentralized finance to those who need it the most, and this event provides the ideal platform for us to connect, collaborate, and innovate.”

As the company embraces the future of finance, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide accessible, reliable, and inclusive financial solutions. Erlinda Sumanga, First Vice President and Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Money Transfer, states, “By integrating the trust and values that have been the cornerstone of Cebuana Lhuillier with the opportunities of modern technologies, we are redefining what it means to serve our customers in an increasingly digital world. Financial inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and this journey will allow us to better meet the needs of the Filipino people.”

108MP main camera shines, offering sharp and vibrant images. The 8MP ultrawide adds flexibility, while the depth and macro cameras provide extra creative options. However, lowlight performance can be a limitation, especially with the secondary sensors but that is expected for a phone in this price range.

Long-Lasting Battery (6000mAh)

Equipped with a 6000mAh battery, the X7c offers excellent battery life. It can easily last a full day of regular use, including browsing, social media, and light gaming, without needing a recharge. This is especially helpful for users with active lifestyles or those who rely on their phones throughout the day.

Large Display (6.77-inch HD+)

The 6.77-inch HD+ display is large and vibrant, providing an enjoyable experience for watching videos, playing games, and browsing. The HD+ resolution offers decent clarity for most tasks, though it’s not as sharp as Full HD or higher-end displays.

Performance (Processor & RAM)

Powered by a reliable mid-range ¥Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm) processor, the HONOR X7c can handle everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media with ease. While not a powerhouse for gaming or heavy apps, it’s more than adequate for typical use. It also comes with ample RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance in most scenarios.

Conclusion

The HONOR X7c stands out for its durable design, long battery life, large display, and affordable price, making it a great option for users who prioritize practicality and reliability in a budget phone. It balances key features like camera performance, battery endurance, and expandable storage, making it an all-around solid choice for everyday use.

The HONOR X7c’s strongest come on, though, is its durability and water resistance. If you want a phone that can keep up with the demands of daily life, ensuring that you stay connected, even in the most challenging conditions, the HONOR X7c is for you.

Price

The HONOR X7C retails for P8,999, at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores or online: Lazada - https://bit.ly/Laz_X7c_Media Shopee - https://bit.ly/Shop_X7c_ Media TikTok Shop - https://bit.ly/TikTok_ X7c_Media #HONORX7c #AllAngleWaterRe-

supports the IoT in promoting smarter Philippines

IN the recently concluded Internet of Things (IoT) Conference 2024 held last October 29 and 30, 2024, PlayTime, the fastest-growing online gaming platform in the country, participated as one of the major sponsors of the said event, sharing its insights on how online games can further promote transformative innovation in the country’s IT landscape.

The IoT conference, which aimed at working towards a smarter Philippines, gathered experts in various fields, and served as an avenue that showcases the latest updates about the fields of robotics, smart agriculture, weather monitoring systems, urban innovation, home appliance connectivity, and a lot more.

PlayTime, as a forefront of online entertainment games, represented the industry in this game-changing event. PlayTime’s Senior PR Manager, January “Jay” Sabale, delivered an insightful talk about the future of gaming for everyone, citing how IoT technology is shaping the future of the gaming industry. His discussion addressed the transformative potential of IoT in creating immersive, personalized, and responsible gaming environments, aligning with PlayTime’s vision of innovation and player enjoyment. He also emphasized how the online gaming industry has been growing rapidly in the Philippines.

“PlayTime’s participation in this IoT Conference has been a milestone for us. We see IoT as a key enabler of next-generation gaming experiences, and we are thrilled to be part of these significant developments in the Philippines. This conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with tech enthusiasts and share our vision for the future,” says Sabale.

Present as well at the IoT was the ever-vibrant PlayTimeKada, who engaged with event attendees throughout the two-day conference, offering exclusive giveaways that highlighted PlayTime’s commitment to fun and innovative experiences. PlayTime

HONOR X7c: Tough against the elements

Crisp, sharp image in good lighting conditions

Shown here are (from left) Maynard Enrile, Head, International Sales Division; Erlinda Sumanga, FVP and Money Transfer Group Head; Richard Dijamco, Treasury Division Manager.

Salmon named leading

Fintech Group at Business Outlook Awards ‘24

SALMON, the fintech leader driving financial inclusion in Southeast Asia, has been recognized as the Leading Fintech Group Philippines at the esteemed World Business Outlook Awards 2024. This accolade highlights Salmon’s ongoing innovation and dedication to modernizing the financial services sector in the Philippines.

The World Business Outlook Awards celebrate excellence across global industries, with Salmon honored for its groundbreaking use of technology, particularly in addressing the needs of underserved communities. This recognition underscores Salmon’s significant contributions to enhancing financial access and empowering Filipinos.

Since its inception, Salmon has focused on bridging gaps in the Philippine financial ecosystem. By utilizing AI and cutting-edge technology, Salmon has enabled faster, more inclusive credit decisions, particularly benefiting Filipinos without formal credit histories. This approach has positioned the company as a major player in the fintech space, with strong potential to scale its impact across Southeast Asia in the near future.

Salmon’s flagship product, the Salmon App, continues to redefine the customer experience by offering streamlined loan applications, financial management, and payment solutions. With a consistent 4.7-star rating, the app exemplifies Salmon’s mission to provide accessible and userfriendly financial tools.

Salmon Co-Founder Pavel Fedorov reflected on the award: “Being named Leading Fintech Group Philippines 2024 fuels our commitment to making modern financial services accessible to everyone. This recognition highlights the impact we’ve made so far and strengthens our resolve to expand our services throughout Southeast Asia.”

Salmon’s recent oversubscribed $30M USD funding round further reinforces investor confidence in its growth strategy. Raffy Montemayor, Chairman of Salmon’s Bank subsidiary, added, “This funding enables us to scale even faster and introduce more products that bridge the gap between traditional banking and fintech, empowering more Filipinos in their financial journey.”

With its focus on financial inclusion and technological innovation, Salmon is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial services across the region.

OPPO IMAGINE IF PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

Stories of love, memory, joy and everyday beauty

ATTRACTING

over a million entries from 81 countries and regions, OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards celebrates the powerful potential of mobile photography to capture life’s most compelling moments.

Honoring 56 exceptional works showcased at the Paris Photo 2024, this year’s competition reveals how mobile imaging goes beyond technology—it captures and shares stories of humanity, creativity, and cultural diversity.

Each winning work offers a glimpse into universal experiences, capturing moments that resonate across cultures and bridging human connections.

These stories reveal the unique power of mobile photography to connect us, and how advanced imaging technology empowers everyone to share their world, frame by frame.

Beyond Capturing Moments: A Snapshot of Pure Joy

By the banks of the Hutuo River in Hebei, China, a child plays in a swirl of bubbles on a bright summer day, his laughter filling the air.

In “Summer by Hutuo River,” amateur photographer Liang Xibing captures this simple joy with a vividness

that conveys the magic of childhood. This heartfelt image, taken with an OPPO smartphone, won the prestigious Master Award at the 2024 OPPO imagine IF Photography Awards. As a dedicated father, Liang values mobile photography for its accessibility and ability to capture memories as they happen. “With the OPPO Find X7 Ultra, I don’t have to worry about missing a good scene, and I can share it with my friends or on social media directly after shooting,” he shares. Liang’s approach goes beyond just documenting a moment; it brings to life the warmth and innocence of youth, all framed by OPPO’s advanced imaging technology that allows for an intuitive, precise capture of fleeting expressions. “A good photo isn’t just a visual snapshot. It resonates emotionally and connects with the viewer on a deeper level,” Liang adds, embodying OPPO’s vision of ena-

bling everyone to preserve life’s fleeting emotions with a single click. Threads of Memory and Unspoken Bond: Connecting Generations From a Chinese city to the Japanese countryside, “Thread” by Kazuyuki Kawahara—a Bronze Award winner— takes us into the intimate world of family bonds. With OPPO’s Find X7 Ultra, Kawahara captured a poignant scene featuring his daughters and their grandmother, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. The three generations share a day in their ancestral home, where they spent abundant time revisiting the grandmother’s fading memories. In this series of photos, they played games with strings, picked vegetables in the fields, put on lipstick at the vanity, cut their bangs, and played with handmade dolls. In the slow passage of time, happiness was all around. Photography

allows everyone to hold on to memories that words can’t express, recorded by the OPPO smartphone, these treasured family bonds are forever etched into memory.

In the language of photography, love isn’t spoken but vividly captured. Similarly, in “Unspoken Bond” by Hana Galal Gad from Egypt, a poignant connection between man and horse is captured in a simple yet profound portrait. This piece, recognized in the Portrait category, echoes Gad’s own memories of horseback riding in her youth- a student evading her father and school to ride horses, now reflected in her role as a parent facing her child who escapes to the open fields much like she once did, where joy on horseback is found. For Gad, OPPO’s imaging technology brings out the story within each image, combining precise details and natural light to create an emotional impact that feels authentic. Photography captures moments that transcends language. From “Thread” in Japan to “Unspoken Bond” in Egypt, we can feel photography’s unique ability to weave a compelling tapestry of unwavering love that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Dexterton redefines online presence with reimagined website

DEXTERTON Corporation, a reputable institution for premium and luxury home products with exquisite showrooms in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City, has unveiled another destination for elevated living: the freshly redesigned www.dexterton.com.

Currently undergoing an exciting transformation, Dexterton’s website relaunch provides a glimpse into the bright future the home furnishings distributor is headed toward.

The website’s landing page greets visitors with a montage of Dexterton’s showroom buildings and the phrase “Designed Differently” displayed over it — a striking two-liner that perfectly encapsulates the company’s strong commitment to providing Filipinos access to the most unique, high-quality brands and products from around the world.

The website also proudly showcases the company’s impressive collection of top-tier global brands in the home furnishings industry in the “partners” page.

Dexterton carries globally renowned names crafted from an array of cultural, technological, and artistic inspiration that sets them apart from the ordinary. The distribution and local visibility of these partners, and the vision to fill the world with their distinctive beauty is at the

IN response to the recent wraths caused by typhoon Kristine, DITO Telecommunity provided technological and funding support to communities heavily affected by the recent calamity. Through DITO’s platform

Galing DITO CampX, a school caravan program aimed at empowering students with the company’s digital products and services. DITO, in partnership with Batangas State University (BSU), recently held a school concert featuring Galing DITO ambassadors and Pinoy pop boy group Alamat. Ticket sales amounting to Php 250,000 were donated to “PB is UNITED, PB is ONE for Batangas,” BSU’s fund-

heart of Dexterton’s new slogan: “designed differently.”

Dexterton’s range was expertly curated over the years to include, among others, leading North American luxury brands Kohler and Brizo, known for their bold aesthetics and fashion-forward designs, respectively; the elegant Falper from Italy, whose design philosophy contrasts with

Agape’s sleek minimalism, also crafted in Europe; and other timeless global brands like Simmons and Jacuzzi, whose innovative technologies push boundaries and foster a constant dialogue between form and function. Unlike its previous version, the site now allows users to explore the core principles of the brands Dexterton represents, making it easier than ever for visitors to find products that align with their project needs or lifestyle.

With category sections such as: “Bath & Fixtures,” “Tiles & Builders,” and “Home & Lifestyle,” these brands are conveniently arranged according to the products they offer which Dexterton is honored to help flourish locally; a dedicated service for both partners and consumers the company has masterfully perfected for over 50 years.

Dexterton’s inspiring journey from a small familyowned hardware business to one of the Philippine’s most trusted names in luxury home furnishings is also beautifully told through an interactive carousel of photos that highlight the company’s historical timeline and its consistent pursuit of being a reliable partner in creating spaces that inspire and elevate living. This pursuit underscores Dexterton’s current era of transformation.

DITO extends support to typhoon Kristine victims

raising campaign, to support immediate relief efforts such as essential supplies, temporary shelters, food packs, and other rebuilding efforts.

Part of the proceeds also went to the construction of a MultiFaith Chapel, supporting BSU’s initiative towards creating a space for unity and reflection around the school campus.

“At DITO, we believe in the strength of community and the power of coming together in times of adversity,” said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by typhoon Kristine, and through this event and our other efforts, we aim to bring relief and hope to those in need. This is also

BSU

CampX, BSU students also had the chance to enjoy interactive booths and learn more about DITO’s mobile prepaid, postpaid, and home products, including other over-the-top (OTT) services.

“The typhoon left devastated hearts, but on the other hand, we’re glad to see the ‘Bayanihan’ spirit and strong community resilience, especially in the eyes of the students. We’re also thankful for DITO’s support; it increased the morale of our students, and the funds provided essential support to the victims of the typhoon,” said Ran Drick Kenneth Umali, SSC President of BSU.

The Galing DITO CampX also recently went to Ateneo

De Davao University, giving students access to non-stop entertainment and an opportunity to learn more about DITO’s mobile and home products that suit their needs. Enhanced technological support in Naga City Meanwhile, in Naga City, DITO also provided technological support to aid the relief operations of typhoon Kristine’s aftermath. DITO supported the local government by providing mobile phones with SIM cards and load, which call line operators used. DITO also deployed several booths with free calls, WiFi access, and charging stations in Barangay Dayangdang, Lerma, and Triangulo.

hand when challenges arise,” Jimenez added. During the Galing DITO

students enjoying the interactive booths during the GalingDITO CampX school caravan.

SHOWBIZ

Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan dive into digital romance

By Nickie Wang

THE complexities of online dating and digital deception are explored in the new Filipino series, How to Spot a Red Flag, a Viu Original premiering on Nov. 25. Starring Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan, and Jameson Blake, the series highlights the risks of meeting people online and the consequences of catfishing.

The show, which offers a fresh take on modern love stories filled with twists and unexpected turns, follows Cha Fontanilla (Belle), a young woman who connects with Matt Flores (Donny) through an online forum. As their friendship

deepens, Cha discovers that Matt may not be who he claims to be. She learns that the real Matt is investigating a case of identity theft involving his close friend, JR Valdez (Jameson), who has been pretending to be him online. Rather than confront JR, Matt decides to pursue Cha to help set up a meeting between her and JR. As the story unfolds, Cha develops feelings for Matt, complicating the situation further.

The series is the first original production from Viu and ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment, following their previous collaborations on adapted series. How to Spot a Red Flag offers a mix of romance and suspense, addressing real issues faced by many internet users today, such as online deception and the blurred lines between virtual and real relationships.

With a “will-they-won’t-they” storyline, How to Spot a Red Flag promises to keep viewers engaged with its romantic drama, love triangle, and relatable scenarios. The chemistry between Belle, Donny, and Jameson, along with the scenic beauty of La Union, adds to the show’s charm.

Why Sam Verzosa encourages youth to dream big

By Angelica Villanueva

WEARING a white shirt with “SV” printed on it, a man arrived at the basketball court of Barangay Rawis in Tondo, Manila, one Saturday morning. The crowd erupted in cheers as he stood with pride and confidence.

Residents quickly gathered around him, sharing their concerns with the TV host-turned-aspiring politician. Sam Verzosa greeted each one warmly, making an effort to listen to everyone.

He briefly paused to speak with members of the press, explaining his desire to hear directly from his fellow Manileños.

“We are now here in Tondo. Later, we will have another gathering here. I just prioritized this basketball league for the kids first,” Sam said.

For weeks, the Dear SV host had been conducting outreach programs across Manila to offer help and inspiration, particularly to the youth.

“The youth have always been excited whenever they see me. I’m just here to provide a little support and inspiration for them. They say they see me on TV, helping out, providing livelihoods and businesses to our fellow kababayans in the Philippines,” he said.

On that day, Sam, now vying for a political position, believed his transition from television to public service was no accident. It was part of a larger goal to use his platform and influence to drive meaningful change.

Recalling his childhood, Sam shared that growing up, he didn’t have the luxury of fame or fortune. He was just like the kids on the basketball court.

“I just used to play basketball outside our house. Leagues like this in the neighborhood. Every day, it was all basketball for me back then. But the only ones I looked up to at that time were my parents because they were the ones I saw working hard,” Sam said.

“I am here to give inspiration to them. They say they see me on TV helping out. I told them that when they grow up, they should also help and study well,” he added.

This simple message—to help others and value education— has guided his life, from his humble beginnings to his current aspirations in politics, a lesson he learned from his parents.

“My parents said the greatest inheritance they could leave me was a good education. That’s why I really made an effort to study hard until I became the valedictorian, entered the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and became a civil engineer. That’s what I used to lift myself out of poverty,” explained Sam.

Now, as a candidate for public office, he hopes to instill the same values in the next generation. His message to the youth of Tondo, and the country at large, is clear.

“I always tell them to study hard and to dream. Because that’s where it all begins. When you have a dream, a goal, something you want to achieve in life, you’ll do everything to attain it,” he said. He has always believed that it’s not just about personal success but about uplifting others along the way.

“That’s what I always say. Dream, work hard for it, use your studies, use strategy, pray to God, and have confidence in yourself to achieve your dreams for yourself and your family,” Sam said.

The parade of Canadians during Remembrance Day

From left: Ferdz de Ocampo, Lucky Guillermo, Cirilito Sobejana, and Ryan Ferrer

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

TC4 LIFE

HE Kultura Christmas Crawl isn’t just a shopping event—it’s an opportunity to support Filipino businesses while making holiday celebrations more meaningful. Whether you’re after unique gifts or simply want to immerse yourself in the festive spirit, this curated market offers the best of Filipino creativity and enterprise.

Running from Nov. 18 to 24 at the Main Mall Atrium, this annual event gathers a generous mix of homegrown brands and products, making it a convenient one-stop destination for holiday gifting.

The crawl showcases a variety of items, including contemporary fashion, personal care products, home accessories, gourmet treats, and uniquely Filipino souvenirs. Whether you’re shopping for practical everyday items or artisanal goods, there’s something to fit every personality and budget. But what sets this event apart is the experience it offers. The festive atmosphere is designed to make shopping more enjoyable. Participants are given a “Kultura Crawl Hunt Card” to collect stickers, earning chances to win prizes through a spin-and-win game. Shoppers using BDO credit or debit cards or Alipay can also enjoy cashback vouchers, adding extra value to their purchases.

have leather

monogrammed at Bags in the City, personalized jewelry at Dam Good Stuff, or opt for laser engraving on materials such

as wood, glass, ceramic, and select fabrics. These services will be offered on specific dates – Nov. 18, 23, and 24.

To enhance the overall experience, the event also features live demonstrations and tastings. The opening day, hosted by KC Montero, includes demos on cocktail mixing, coffee brewing, and snack pairing. Throughout the week, visitors can sample locally crafted beverages such as Destileria Barako’s Ube Cream Liqueur and Don Papa’s premium rum, perfect for holiday gatherings. Those dropping by on Nov. 23 and 24 will also be treated to live caroling performances.

SMART Bro is offering an exclusive Unli 5G plan for P749, down from the original price of P999. The plan provides unlimited 5G data for 30 days in 5G areas, and uninterrupted data connectivity in non-5G areas, allowing users to stay connected for work, research, gaming, and streaming.

Subscribers can avail themselves of this offer through the Smart App, Smart Online Store, or by dialing *123# on their smartphones. The plan is also available at accredited retailers and Smart booths at airports nationwide. Smart Bro also offers other Unli 5G options to suit various needs, including 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day plans priced at P75, P125, and P249, respectively.

To maximize 5G speeds, subscribers must use a Smart 5G SIM in a compatible device and be in a Smart

Kultura Christmas Crawl is also known for celebrating Filipino craftsmanship, which means fashion enthusiasts can explore brands like Alixia Marie PH, which combines traditional elements with modern designs, or Bags in the City, known for its customizable leather accessories. Binibini Marikit offers clothing inspired by local heritage, while Boho Manila features bohemian-style pieces handcrafted by underserved communities.

For food and beverage lovers, there’s Auro Chocolate’s tree-to-bar creations that support local farmers and Theo & Philo’s premium chocolates made from Davao cacao beans. Destileria Limtuaco, the country’s oldest distillery, brings its timeless spirits, while Nom Poptails introduces ready-to-freeze lambanog cocktails.

Home and personal care are also well-represented. Amber and Anne present tableware and dining sets with a Filipino twist, while Cocobody highlights virgin coconut oil-based personal care products. Wonderhome completes the lineup with sustainable cleaning products in eco-friendly packaging.

For more information on the list of brands to be showcased at the holiday shopping crawl, visit the Kultura website at http://www. kulturafilipino.com.

By Aian Guanzon

VEHICLE financing company Global Dominion is set to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline its credit evaluation process, aiming for near-instant application approvals.

“This move is both timely and necessary as we expand operations across the country,” said Rodrigo Matinong Jr., the company’s credit head. Global Dominion has added 32 branches this year, with plans for further expansion in early 2025.

The company’s Information Technology Group (GDFI-ITG) is spearheading initiatives to enhance

5G-covered area. The Unli 5G 749 plan is ideal for use with the Smart Bro 5G Pocket Pro, a device that can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. The Pocket Pro is available in two models: Evoluzn (with LCD display) and Genew (with touchscreen LCD), both featuring Qualcomm’s SDX62 chipset and a 5,000mAh battery, designed for users who need reliable connectivity on the go. The Smart Bro 5G Pocket Pro is particularly useful for travelers, concert-goers, and gamers, offering fast, reliable connectivity even in crowded or remote locations. The device’s 5G capabilities ensure smooth video sharing, live streaming, and a lagfree gaming experience. For more information on Smart Bro’s offers, visit their website.

Kultura Christmas Crawl brings Filipino creativity to holiday shopping

Scented candle brand Wix Cozy Homes promotes aromatherapy through the use of artisan home fragrances as self-care

IT governance and operations. The shared-service model is designed to reduce costs and improve efficiency across the organization, with the ultimate goal of lowering interest rates for consumers.

“Centralizing back-office operations has enabled cost reductions, improved service quality, and more effective asset management,” said Eric Salazar, Global Dominion’s chief information officer. He noted the company’s efforts to eliminate redundancies in IT resources and standardize best practices. “This is just the beginning for us,” he added.

Global Dominion is exploring advanced technology solutions, including explainable AI, to refine its processes. It has evaluated more than ten vendors as part of its push toward automation, machine learning, and mobile-enabled self-service capabilities.

The transition to a cloud-based setup and the growing demand for AI integration are key components of the company’s strategic roadmap. Since 2003, Global Dominion has provided vehicle mortgage loans and financing services, focusing on helping individuals and organizations achieve growth and transformation.

Papemelroti’s offerings include adorable decorations with a vibrant illustration of the holy family

Vintage Candles offers a wide variety of aesthetic candles in various shapes and sizes

Theo & Philo’s premium chocolates are made from cacao beans grown in Davao

StarKaffea Corporation produces delicious coffee and chocolate drinks

Salbahe packs a punch with its various types of spicy nuts

One Weave takes pride in its beautiful handmade bags which utilizes handwoven textiles