Manila Standard - 2024 November 26 - Tuesday

President slams ‘criminal plot’

Says VP must answer funds misuse issue, not resort to drama

By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT

Ferdinand

“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. condemned the threats to his life issued by the Vice President, noting that “this kind of criminal plotting must not be ignored.”

“It is alarming to hear statements of unrestrained cursing and threats to kill some of us,” Mr. Marcos said, breaking his silence on the issue.

“If it is that easy to plan the assassination of a president, what more for ordinary citizens?” he added.

The President vowed to uphold the Constitution and ensure accountability.

“This kind of criminal plotting must not be ignored. It is something I will firmly oppose,” he said.

The President issued the stronglyworded statement after Vice President Sara Duterte lashed out against the First Couple and his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Vice President said she contacted an assassin to kill the presidential couple and Romualdez if something happened to her.

Duterte eventually explained her threat was “maliciously taken out of logical context” as it was conditional.

Mr. Marcos likewise criticized efforts to hinder the ongoing investiga-

tions

Mr. Marcos said the “political drama” would not have happened if all individuals appeared and cooperated in the House panel’s investigation into

the Vice President’s use of confidential funds.

“Ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat i-tokhang (The truth must not be silenced),” he said, referring to the bloody war on drugs during his prede-

Sara says kill remark ‘taken out of logical context’

By Rachelle Tonelada and Maricel V. Cruz

VICE President Sara Duterte on Monday defended her controversial remarks about allegedly plotting the assassination of President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, insisting that they were “maliciously taken out of logical context.”

The VP made this point in an open letter to the National Security Council (NSC) after it stated that it considers “all threats to President Marcos as serious and a matter of national security.”

“I would like to see a copy of the notice of meeting with proof of service, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting, and the notarized minutes of meeting where the Council, whether present or past, resolved to consider the remarks by a Vice President against a President, maliciously taken out of logical context, as a national security concern,” Duterte wrote.

By Charles Dantes

By Pot Chavez and Charles Dantes

THE Department of Justice on Monday labeled Vice President Sara Duterte the “mastermind” of a plot to assassinate the President and gave her five days to respond to a subpoena.

“The government is taking action to protect our duly elected president,” Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres told reporters Monday.

“The premeditated plot to assassinate the president as declared by the

self-confessed mastermind will now face legal consequences... and the legal consequences arising out of this criminal plot will be dealt with the full force of the law.”

Speaking to reporters, Duterte said she planned to respond to the subpoena.

“I will gladly answer the questions they want to ask, but they must answer my questions as well,” she said. “We’ll just talk there when I get the subpoena.”

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) warned the public against disinformation circulating over the internet suggesting that certain quarters in the military are ‘mobilizing’ around embattled Vice President Sara Duterte.

“These claims come from unreliable sources and are not supported by any official AFP releases. Such misinformation only serves to create unnecessary panic and confusion,” it added.

In an online statement on Monday, the AFP said these so-called reports are “completely false and misleading.”

By Alena Mae S. Flores

STRAIGHT TALK. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. addresses the nation concerning death threats against him and the First Lady, reaffirming his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all Filipinos. Inset shows Speaker Ferdinand Martin G.

IN THE HOUSE. Vice President Sara Duterte engages in a discussion yesterday with committee Chairman Rep. Joel Chua, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Speaker David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez during a short break of the Committee on Good Government and Public hearing on the OVP’s confidential funds at the People’s Center in the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

cessor’s term.

“This issue would have been resolved if public servants simply honored their oath to tell the truth and not obstruct the process,” he said.

While expressing respect for Congress as a co-equal branch of government, Mr. Marcos underscored the importance of transparency and cooperation to address national challenges.

“We must not let political schemes drag the country into the mud,” he said.

“Let us respect the process, uphold the law, and fulfill the trust given to us by millions of Filipinos,” he added.

The President also reaffirmed his commitment to governance despite the political tensions, reiterating that the rule of law must prevail in all situations.

Romualdez, for his part, challenged Duterte anew to explain her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential

funds the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education received in 2022 and 2023 when she was concurrent education secretary.

politics of destruction has never been part of my principle,” he said.

government institutions.”

Duterte is being asked to explain herself in the wake of a blistering weekend press conference where she said she had instructed a hitman to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos should an alleged plot to kill her succeed.

The Vice President, who is facing potential impeachment hearings, told reporters early Saturday that she herself was the subject of an assassination plot.

In the expletive-laced press conference, Duterte also singled out First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez as potential targets.

“The Vice President is not immune from suit. She can be the subject of any criminal or administrative case,” Andres said, adding the subpoena was in the process of being served.

He said the Office of the Ombudsman holds jurisdiction over highranking government officials and has the authority to investigate and discipline them.

He added that a manhunt was underway for the “assassin” allegedly engaged by Duterte.

“The investigation that the government will undertake is urgent. It is important to know what steps were taken to hire the services of a murderer who is planning a bad plan against our president,” said Andres.

“There are numerous legal liabilities for anyone found to have conspired to commit an attempt on the life of our Chief Executive,” he added.

For his part, Richard Anthony Fadullon, prosecutor general of the National Prosecution Service (NPS), said the threat “cannot be taken lightly.”

“We, being part of the executive branch, are mandated to closely work with the National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies in making sure that whatever cases may be filed later on will be backed-up and supported by evidence.”

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said it will do a separate probe.

“The PNP is looking into that matter because we have specific details. We are at that level. Is there really a hitman? Maybe there is no hitman and it was another figure of speech. These are the things we are looking at and we will be including all of those in our investigation,” CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said at a press briefing held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He said they would identify the facts of the case, make a chronology of events and analyze and discuss the possible laws violated by Duterte.

“The investigation report will be forwarded to the proper authorities to determine who must file cases because this could be something that will need a private complainant. This could be something that can be taken up by other branches of the government. This could be taken up by the SolGen (Solicitor General) and the other instrumentalities,” Torre said.

“If there is a need to subpoena other resource persons or other subjects or witnesses on this matter, we will cross the bridge when we get there. As of the moment, this early, we’re just making the investigation proper,” he added.

In remarks before his colleagues, Romualdez said the Vice President’s threat was “both alarming and unprecedented” and was “not just reckless -- it is dangerous.”

“Let me be clear: This is no joke. This is no longer normal speech. This is a direct threat to our democracy, our government, and the security of our country,” Romualdez said.

He likewise defended the House from the attacks and breach of protocols by Duterte, urging his colleagues to join him in this effort.

He said the Vice President’s allegations that he was plotting to destroy her because of her supposed political ambitions in 2028 were “unfounded and baseless” and “are a desperate attempt to distract from the real issues at hand.”

“The truth is crystal clear: My job as Speaker is to serve, not to destroy. The

He accused the Vice President of making baseless accusations “to divert attention from mounting evidence of fund misuse under her leadership at the OVP and DepEd.”

“The issues surrounding confidential and intelligence funds, the questionable disbursements, and the lack of transparency demand answers. We will not tolerate and accept vague explanations and evasive responses,” he said.

As this developed, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, sponsored on Monday a resolution expressing support for the President and the Speaker.

House Resolution No. 2092 expressed the body’s unequivocal support for Mr. Marcos and Romualdez in the “face of serious and dangerous remarks and defiant acts that threaten the very foundation of democratic governance, rule of law, and public trust and integrity of

“The importance of this resolution cannot be overstated. As members of this honorable and highly esteemed institution, it is our responsibility to uphold the dignity, honor and integrity of the House of Representatives,” Gonzales said.

Duterte was Mr. Marcos’ running mate in the 2022 presidential election that saw their ticket win in a landslide.

Duterte’s Saturday press briefing came shortly after House officials ordered to transfer her chief of staff Zuleika Lopez—being held for contempt— from the lower chamber’s detention center to a correctional facility.

Lopez has been detained since Wednesday, when she was cited for allegedly interfering in a congressional probe into the OVP’s finances.

Duterte stepped down from her Cabinet post of education secretary in June as relations between the two families reached breaking point. With AFP

“These adjustments are attributed to the following, escalating geopolitical situation around Russia continued to dominate sentiment, underpinning

the week’s gains, Russia’s oil refinery business is at risk of plant closure amid heavy losses, lower production, and news of oil production outage in Norway,” Romero said.

Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said supply concerns were triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions, one of

which is the use by Ukraine of Western weapons striking Russian territory and energy infrastructure.

He said worries of an oversupplied market in the coming months limited gains.

On Nov. 19, the oil firms cut pump prices by P0.85 per liter for gasoline,

Internet scuttlebutt about brewing military adventurism suddenly popped up as Duterte faces increasing scrutiny over her latest tirade wherein she admitted masterminding a plot to kill President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

However, the AFP said it remains focused on “fulfilling its mandate with professionalism, dedication, and loyalty to the Constitution and the chain of command.”

“Attempts to undermine our military and democratic institutions with these fraudulent posts will not be tolerated,” it added.

The AFP also clarified that the videos circulating online to support the supposed mobilization of troops were file footage of previous military operations.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that such disinformation causes unnecessary panic and confusion, stating the AFP leadership would not tolerate attempts to undermine the military or democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo Brawner Jr., underscored the critical role of soldiers in maintaining professionalism and upholding the Constitution amidst the current political challenges facing the nation.

“In the past days, we have seen a myriad of events that transpired… and this has shaken the political environment of our country. As soldiers, we should not be shaken by this,” he said during Monday’s launch of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

“In addition, please include in the agenda for the next meeting, my request to present to the Council the threats to the Vice President, the OVP institution and its personnel,” she added.

Duterte further noted that she has not received any “single notice of meeting” since 2022, calling for a review of the NSC’s accomplishments, policies, and national security recommendations.

Questioning the structure of the council, Duterte asked why the Vice President is excluded from NSC membership.

“Please submit within 24 hours, an explanation in writing with legal basis why the VP is not a member of the NSC or why as member I have not been invited to the meetings, whichever is applicable,” the VP demanded, challenging transparency and accountability against NSC and its personnel.

However, lawmakers from both houses of Congress are taking seriously Duterte’s threat to kill leaders of the Executive and

Legislative branches of government.

Senate President Chiz Escudero called the statements “deeply concerning and inappropriate” for a national official occupying “the second highest office of the land.”

“She should keep in mind that as a public official, she has a duty to set an example for the personnel in the Office of the Vice President and our fellow Filipinos, especially our children,” Escudero declared in a statement.

At the Lower Chamber, House Deputy Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre echoed the same sentiments declaring the behavior of the VP “toxic.”

“As Vice President, she should refrain from acting like she is not in her right mind. Her toxic behavior is concerning and may reflect an alarming state of mind. This does not suit her, especially given the dignity of her office,” Acidre said in mixture of Filipino and English.

As this developed, Duterte showed up at the House of Representatives on Monday and immediately questioned lawmakers investigating the alleged fund misuse in the Office of the Vice

President and Department of Education.

The Vice President had dodged earlier hearings despite repeated invitations from the investigating panel.

However, the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s hearing proceeded far from smoothly as Duterte had to be reminded repeatedly to refrain from disrespecting panel members.

She also asked the panel members to explain why they doubled the detention period of her chief-of-staff Zuleika Lopez, who was previously cited in contempt over “undue interference” in the panel proceedings.

Initially ordered detained for five days following the November 20 hearing, Lopez will now remain in detention until November 30.

It can be recalled that Duterte made the assassination remark against the First Couple and House Speaker soon after lawmakers ordered Lopez transferred to the Women’s Correctional Facility in Mandaluyong City.

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, who filed the motion to prolong Lopez’s de -

However, specific details of their responsibilities were not immediately disclosed.

In his previous trips, President Marcos appointed Vice President Sara Duterte as the caretaker of the country. He has now appointed new caretakers following her resignation from the Cabinet and their deteriorating relationship.

Mr. Marcos is set to meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss shared values and mutual interests, as well as enhance bilateral relations.

Malacañang stated that the President decided to keep the delegation minimal because he plans to return to Manila immediately to oversee typhoon recovery efforts.

He apologized to Filipinos in the UAE for not holding a community meeting, citing his commitment to ongoing disaster response.

P0.75 per liter for diesel and P0.90 per liter for kerosene.

Year to date, total adjustment for gasoline and diesel stands at a net increase of P11 per liter and P10.15 per liter, respectively.

On the other hand, kerosene has a net decrease of P0.50 per liter.

tention, described her actions as a clear attempt to obstruct the investigation.

“Considering the totality of her acts of undue interference to the proceedings of this committee and the Congress as a whole, I move that the period of detention of Atty. Zuleika Lopez be 10 days instead of five days,” Castro said.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, the committee chair, approved the motion after it was seconded and faced no objections.

Later during the hearing, special disbursing officers (SDOs) of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) revealed that they disbursed multi-million-peso confidential funds to designated security officers, strictly following Duterte’s instructions.

Gina Acosta, the OVP’s SDO, admitted to releasing P125 million in confidential funds to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, commander of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, on December 20, 2022—the same day she encashed the full amount at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Shaw Boulevard branch in Mandaluyong City.

PLAY TIME. Play time and gymnastics skills are on display for two youngsters along the beach of Tangkahan Island in Balabac, Palawan. Dave Leprozo Jr.

IN BRIEF

‘TUPAD beneficiaries must improve skills’

REP. Fidel Nograles said the government must ensure that the skillsets of beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program are improved during the period they are working with the government.

Nograles, chair of the House of Representatives Labor and Employment Committee added:

“We can improve the value of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program by providing our beneficiaries with opportunities to gain new knowledge that would give them a better chance at finding employment or starting small businesses.”

The TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provides temporary employment from 10 to 90 days to displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers. Maricel V. Cruz

Solon hails DILG chief on LGU code review

CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte hailed newly confirmed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juan Victor Remulla for supporting calls in the Congress for a review of the Local Government Code (LGC) to strengthen the fiscal autonomy of local governments.

Earlier, Remulla also expressed the need to streamline the glut of bureaucratic orders that he himself believes only complicates the work of local executives.

Villafuerte, House majority leader for the House contingent’s Commission on Appointments, said that when asked during his confirmation hearing at the Commission on Appointments on whether he supports measures to strengthen local autonomy through the issuance of new DILG orders or proposed amendatory laws in the Congress to the LGC, Remulla said he “totally agrees.” Maricel V. Cruz

BI deports Indonesian involved in Bagac raid

AN INDONESIAN who was among the 42 foreigners arrested by the Philippine AntiOrganized Crime Commission (PAOCC) in Bagac, Bataan was deported to his own country, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

Handoyo Salman was ordered deported for being wanted in Indonesia for violating information and electronic transactions, money laundering crimes, and for being a fugitive from justice.

Meanwhile, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado clarified that 41 other foreign nationals arrested in Bataan are still undergoing deportation proceedings. Viado issued this clarification following reports that the foreigners were freed without proper immigration receipts. However, Viado emphasized that the cases remain active, with the BI committed to pursuing due process in compliance with the directive from Malacañang. Vito Barcelo

Lawmakers begin reviewing PH-Japan Reciprocal Treaty

By Ralph Harvey Rirao

THE Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan was endorsed and sent to the plenary on Monday.

The RAA allows Filipino soldiers to undergo joint combat training with their counterparts in Japan.

“In principle, it was endorsed into the plenary. So we’re trying to iron out issues about jurisdiction and the privileges to be extended to the Japanese visiting forces as well as the civilian component,” Senator Imee Marcos, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chair, said.

FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER.

Donors place a light bulb at a huge Christmas Tree during “Project: Angel of Hope” on Sunday at Sol Y Viento Hotels and Resorts in Barangay Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna. The purpose of the said program is to raise funds to help children with cancer. Dennis Abrina

The senator also emphasized that the Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the US is different from the Japan treaty.

The Philippines and the US have the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows U.S. forces to be stationed in certain areas of the Philippines for joint training, exercises, and humanitarian missions.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro also clarified that the RAA is not a militarybasing agreement.

“Article 4 states clearly that it is not a military basing agreement which is prohibited under our laws,” Teodoro on Monday told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which began its ratification hearings on the treaty.

“Article 4 states clearly that it is not a military basing agreement, which is prohibited under our laws,” Teodoro explained.

While the agreement was signed in July, it needs to be ratified by the Senate before it comes into effect, as required by the 1987 Constitution.

In his opening statement to the panel

AFP confirms deceased body of JAGS member

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that Col. Rolando Escalona Jr., a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Service (JAGS), was discovered deceased in his quarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In a statement sent to the Philippines News Agency Sunday, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the body of Escalona was found in the early hours of Nov. 22.

Padilla said the AFP and Philippine National are conducting a “thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

She also extended the AFP’s condolences to the bereaved family of Escalona.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Colonel Escalona during this difficult time. The AFP is committed to ensuring a complete and impartial investigation

to shed light on this matter,” Padilla said.

JAGS provides legal services to the military.

“The AFP, in coordination with the Philippine National Police’s scene of the crime operatives, is conducting a probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Padilla said.

No other details were provided on the death of Escalona.

Rex Espiritu

‘No plans yet on rally for Inday Sara’

By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

THE Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) is still in the planning stage on whether or not to conduct a rally in support of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Tagum City businessman Cesar Cuntapay, who is the PDP Laban’s congressional bet in the 2025 mid-term election against Vice Governor De Carlo Oyo Uy, disclosed that they are still planning their move now that the conflict between the Vice President and the administration “has worsened” following the detention of Duterte’s chief of staff Zuleika Lopez after the Quad Committee of the House of Representative cited her in contempt during a hearing last week.

Cuntapay in a phone interview with Manila Standard on Monday said that the supposed rally did not push through on Sunday as they are still finalizing some details.

“It’s not that easy to put into action such a big plan. It needs a thorough plan and we are still in the planning stage” he admitted.

led by Marcos, Teodoro, quoted by ABS-CBN News, said Japan is also a supplier of domain awareness capabilities to the Philippines and a heavy contributor to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“Therefore it was deemed proper that defense and security cooperation and a reciprocal access agreement be entered into so that our personnel can train side by side and exercise scenarios side by side in the aim of increasing trust and confidence amongst each other,” he said.

The RAA has a total of 29 articles “and none of the articles in the RAA shall be construed to mean an amendment of any domestic law or much less a constitutional provision,” Teodoro said.

By Vince Lopez

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief Police Major General Ronnie Cariaga were transferred due to complaints over a police raid in an alleged scam hub in Manila.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said Hernia was assigned as officer-in-charge of Area Police Command (APC) Southern Luzon while Cariaga was assigned as the commander of APC Northern Luzon.

“The PNP decided to put them in [these positions] because while waiting for the final disposition as to their status. So it’s a waste of their expertise,” Fajardo said at a press briefing. The PNP spokesperson also said that the two police officials took over the vacant positions in the APCs following the retirement of some senior officers.

Hernia and Cariaga have been relieved from their posts for 10 days after four Chinese nationals questioned their arrest during a police raid at an alleged scam hub in Manila on October 30.

IN BRIEF

DSWD rallies behind campaign on VAW

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has joined snowballing advocacy for a violencefree Philippines as the agency kicked off an 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW) on Nov. 25.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian conveyed the Department’s support for the country’s fight against VAW in his video message played during the agency’s Monday flagraising ceremony.

“The DSWD, as the lead of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children, stands united with fellow government agencies and the private sector in this critical fight,” Gatchalian said.

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, this year’s theme—”VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” underscored the urgency of the fight to end VAW.

The DSWD, an agency that protects the welfare of women and children, prepared numerous activities to support the campaign. Maricel V. Cruz

DOH upgrades Boracay hospital to Level One

THE administration of the Ciriaco Tirol Hospital on Boracay announced that they have expanded their operations both for residents and tourists visiting the worldfamous resort island.

In a press briefing, Dr Carl Lachica, hospital administrator said the Department of Health has given the permit to convert the Ciriaco Tirol Hospital into a Level One hospital.

For several years, the Tirol Hospital, the only government health facility in this resort island is considered a primary health care center.

“We are now allowed to do surgical operations. We are also building a five storey building as we improve our health services in Boracay,” he said.

Aklan Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores said the recognition of a Level One hospital would pave the way to make Boracay a medical tourism destination. Jun Aguirre

BPSU rolls out brgy resilience project

THE Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) has teamed up with the provincial government for the implementation of a barangaybased project.

The Bataan Barangay Resilience Project was conceptualized under the leadership of BPSU president Dr. Ruby Matibag acting as university extensionists coach and mentor of barangay officials for the resiliency program.

The University Resilient Center (UNRC) headed by director Kristine Ortega oversees the training and deployment of the extensionists to the barangays.

The BPSU Office of Extension and Training Services headed byDr. Bernadeth Gabor monitored and evaluated the performance of extensionists, and provided funding for the project.

The Extensionists are primarily tasked to evaluate the barangays’ resilience efforts using the Barangay Resilience Bingo Scorecard (BRBS), a tool adopted by the provincial government for the Bataan Barangay Resilience Project. They evaluate barangays for their disaster risk reduction and management initiatives and how ready to handle various challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. Butch Gunio

Makati outstrips national ‘23 GDP with 6.3% growth

By Joel E. Zurbano

MAKATI City has recorded a 6.3-percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, with the economy valued at P1.18 trillion.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the city’s performance is “not just about numbers, but has directly improved the quality of life for residents, creating meaningful changes and better services in health, education, and social services.”

Makati’s growth rate surpassed the Philippines’ national GDP growth of 5.6 percent which is recognized as the fastest among major Asian economies.

Key industries that fueled Makati’s economic growth in 2023 included accommodation and food service activities, and other services such as electricity, steam, water, and waste management.

“Economic growth is not just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that Makatizens feel the difference. With a stronger economy, we’ve been able to improve healthcare, provide better education, and expand social programs that uplift our communities. This is what progress should look like,” Binay said.

Makati’s strong economic foundation allows it to fund programs that create real benefits for its residents.

Healthcare initiatives remain a model for effective public service, with the Makati Health Plus (Yellow Card) providing free medical consultations, hospital care, and medications to close to 80,000 residents and city government employees.

The Ospital ng Makati and the Makati Life Medical Center continue to meet the needs of the city’s population, ensuring accessible and highquality healthcare.

In education, the city supports students with free schooling, supplies, uniforms, digital learning tools, and scholarships for further education and skills training.

‘Postponing BARMM polls will violate Constitution’

By Maricel V. Cruz

DEPUTY Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv

Hataman raised serious constitutional concerns regarding proposals to reset the 2025 Bangsamoro region elections to May 2026.

Hataman said the postponement would violate the constitutional mandate for synchronized elections.

During the hearing of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Hataman said the SC clearly laid out in the 2011 case of Kida vs. Senate of the Philippines that national and local elections should be synchronized, with the exception of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“Even if we want to postpone the BARMM elections, it is my opinion that we cannot do it because it is against the mandate of the Constitution that the elections should be ‘synchronized,” Hataman said.

He cited the High Court’s ruling,

TOURISM PROJECT BREAKS GROUND IN BOLINAO.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Bolinao, Pangasinan

Mayor Alfonso Celeste lead the ground-breaking rites for the ‘Legacy of the Sea’ project on Silaki Island. Norman Cruz

which underscored the constitutional intent to synchronize national and local elections, including those in autonomous regions like the BARMM.

“If we postpone the 2025 BARMM elections, and according to the proposal we are talking about in Congress now that the election is every three years, the succeeding elections would fall on May 2029. It is no longer synchronized with our national elections,” he said in Filipino.

Hataman also expressed dismay that “Congress, [being] an integral part of the national government, seem to take the right to suffrage of the people in the Bangsamoro region very lightly as evinced by many in-

stances of postponing the elections in BARMM.”

Although the issue of the exclusion of Sulu is a very serious one, both Comelec chairman George Garcia and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity headed by Secretary Carlito Galvez both believed the ruling was not final. He reiterated that the synchronization of elections is a constitutional mandate that Congress must uphold, encompassing the BARMM polls. Hataman cited the SC ruling on Kida vs. Senate of the Philippines as stating; “While the Constitution does not expressly state that Congress has to synchronize national and local elections, the clear intent towards this objective can be gleaned from the transitory provisions of the Constitution, which show the extent to which the Constitutional Commission, by deliberately making adjustments to the terms of the incumbent officials, sought to attain synchronization of elections.”

CAAP, FAA forge work plan enhancing air navigation, cooperation

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have signed a non-binding Air Navigation and Implementation Cooperation Work Plan strengthening collaboration between the two agencies. CAAP director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo and FAA Air Traffic Organization chief operating officer Timothy Arel signed the

document on the sideline of the 35th Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group meeting Monday in Bangkok, Thailand. The work plan establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at enhancing air navigation and safety through the sharing of non-sensitive data and resources. It aligns with international efforts to modernize avia-

tion systems and practices.

“This work plan reflects our shared commitment to a safer, more efficient, and forward-thinking aviation industry,” Tamayo said. The agreement also focuses on key areas such as the modernization of communication, navigation, and surveillance systems and automation infrastructure, air traffic flow management, contingency planning, and the

potential privatization of airports and air navigation and traffic services.

The partnership highlights the Philippines’ commitment to aviation safety, efficiency, and modernization through international collaboration.

Tamayo emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering a safer and more innovative aviation industry.

Joel E. Zurbano

DOJ eyes end to violence against women

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday launched an 18-day campaign to serve as a critical platform to raise awareness, mobilize action, and promote stronger multi-sector collaboration in the fight to end all forms of violence against Women. The drive is a nationwide initiative held annually as spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women with support from the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC).

In her message, DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez said the campaign is not merely an event, but a solemn vow of the agency to protect

the dignity and humanity of every person.

“From November 25 to December 12, we come together with one purpose, to break the chain of silence, to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and to demand an end to the violence that shadows the lives of women and children,” said Gutierrez. She noted that through the DOJ’s Justice and Action lecture series, they are strengthening the legal framework to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. The 18 days is an opportunity to “educate, empower and take action, stand firm against violence in all forms and listen to survivors with empathy,” Gutierrez said.

PARU-PARO FESTIVAL. Dasmarinas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga waves to the crowd during the annual Paru Paro Festival along Aguinaldo Highway in Barangay San Agustin where hundreds of students from various public and private schools joined the street dance competition highlighting the celebration.

EMPHATIZING WITH FIRE VICTIMS. Mayor Honey

Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto reach out to the fire victims in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo and Dos Castillas in Sampaloc districts to offer sympathy and assistance to ease the victims’ plight after losing their homes and pieces of property.

Nearly 2,000 families were left homeless by the fire that swept Isla Puting Bato and Dos Castillas Street on Monday.

OPINION

Duterte’s game plan

WHEN former President Duterte testified before the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee about all the killings in his brutal and bloody war against illegal drugs, I knew that he was up to something.

Like when, Santa Banana, he admitted the so-called Death Squad when he was mayor of Davao City, composed not of members of the police force but of gangsters and ordinary citizens who love to kill. My suspicion was that Duterte had a game plan not only to confuse the International Criminal Court (ICC), but the Marcos administration as well. When Duterte also testified before the House of Representatives Quad Committee repeating what he told the Senate, I was convinced about his game plan.

Sure enough, my suspicion was confirmed that the former President was really up to something. He wanted to make the issue to his benefit. Several questions come up in the wake of what Duterte was up to. Can he really confuse the ICC and the Marcos administration? Does Duterte really believe that he can get out of the clutches of the ICC, thinking that being a lawyer he must have thought that there was no specific law in the Philippines that he could be accused of for all the killings and even for all the extrajudicial killings?

What Duterte failed to consider was that while the Revised Penal Code was not specific about “crimes against humanity,” Duterte and his cohorts can be tried by any local court under “international humanitarian law.” And there’s no special court to be created for that since any local court can be designated as a special court to try him and his cohorts.

My own sources say that any moment now an arrest order by the ICC can be issued. And there is really no problem of the ICC not issuing the arrest warrant since the Interpol is there.

The Interpol has a standing cooperation agreement with the Marcos

administration to serve the ICC’s warrants of arrest anywhere in the Philippines, and the Marcos administration has to cooperate.

My gulay, the case “crimes against humanity” against Duterte and his cohorts is beginning to look like a teleserye. But if Duterte and his cohorts think they can escape the clutches of the ICC, they are sadly mistaken. I have read the history of the ICC when it was formed by the United Nations Rome Statute when the UN went after the Nazis after the Holocaust and when Nazi Germany surrendered.The ICC’s history is that everybody it went after never escaped its clutches. Duterte and his cohorts won’t be the exception, and even with Duterte’s game plan.

—“—

He wanted to confuse the ICC, the Marcos administration, and the rest of us.

What I find ridiculous is an attempt of Duterte to plead full moral and legal responsibility and accountability for the killings of the “Davao Death Squad” was his claim that the killings were done by gangsters and even the rich people of the city who just wanted to kill criminals and everybody else involved in illegal drugs. And being the mayor of the city at that, he encouraged them?

That is silly being the mayor of the city; those killings were definitely his responsibility. If anybody would believe him, he must be crazy. The truth of the matter was that the death squad were members of the police force and every Davaoeño knew it, Santa Banana!

I am surprised with the statement of Sara Duterte that her father should be given an award as the Best Dramatic Actor. Was she implying that her father was just acting, not telling the truth? And for what reason? The investigation of the Senators of the House should find answers.

Bank records and bold claims

WHEN Rodrigo Duterte accused Antonio Trillanes IV of spinning lies for more than a decade, it was more than a political statement—it was a declaration of war. The stakes in this libel case, which Duterte has threatened to file against Trillanes, are staggering, involving a claim of P2.4 billion allegedly funneled into Duterte’s and his daughter Sara’s bank accounts. Trillanes insists he has proof; Duterte dismisses it as fabrication. What unfolds next is a battle between two men who have defined modern Philippine politics through their bitter rivalry. At the heart of this legal drama lies a broader question: can truth prevail in a system often blurred by political ambition and public mistrust? Duterte’s impending libel complaint would most probably allege that Trillanes’s accusations are not only baseless but malicious, aiming to tarnish his reputation and dismantle his legacy. To prevail, Duterte must meet the high threshold of Philippine libel law: proving that Trillanes knowingly spread falsehoods or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. For Duterte, the evidence he brings to court will be critical. If he can present irrefutable proof— authentic bank records, testimony

EDITORIAL

An active threat

THE idea of an elected national official having a meltdown in the dark during a Zoom press conference, cursing and threatening to kill her political opponents, is almost incomprehensible. One wonders whether it is not a deepfake video.

Then again, the said official happens to be Vice President Sara Duterte. And then it starts making sense. Knowing her history and predisposition to act tough – a trait clearly inherited from her father – one could then begin to hazard explanations for her words and actions.

from financial experts, or whistleblowers attesting to the falsity of the allegations—his case could devastate Trillanes. But this is no straightforward task. In libel cases involving public figures, Philippine courts have demanded extraordinary evidence of malice, as seen in past decisions like Yuchengco v. The Manila Chronicle. The burden is steep, and the stakes are immense.

Trillanes faces Duterte’s legal wrath.

Trillanes, ever the firebrand, has built his defense on two pillars: the veracity of his claims and the public’s right to scrutinize those in power. Philippine law recognizes truth as an absolute defense in libel cases, and Trillanes has promised to present bank documents and testimonies to support his allegations. If these hold up in court, they could not only shield him from conviction but also reinforce his image as an anti-corruption crusader. Yet, if his evidence collapses, it risks exposing him as a reckless provocateur, leaving his credibility in tatters.

Ms. Duterte seems to outdo herself every time. She first rose to national prominence in 2011 by punching a sheriff in the middle of a demolition. These days, questions regarding her use of a self-promoting children’s book and her obstinate refusal to shed light on how she has spent

More than just a personal feud, this case epitomizes the enduring tension in Philippine democracy between free speech and accountability. The Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act give public figures like Duterte legal recourse against defamation, but they also raise concerns about weaponizing libel to stifle dissent. Trillanes’s defense will likely lean heavily on the principle of public interest, arguing that his allegations, even if controversial, are part of a legitimate effort to expose potential wrongdoing. In the landmark case Borjal v. Court of Appeals, the Philippine Supreme Court stressed the importance of protecting criticism of public officials to preserve a healthy democracy. Trillanes will surely evoke this precedent as his shield.

For Duterte, a victory in this case could restore his reputation among supporters and cement his legacy as a leader targeted by relentless political enemies. But the risks are equally profound. If the court rules against him, it could cast a long shadow over his political career and

her confidential funds, and even her challenge to all government officials to take a drug test, all betray a character that is anything but calm and reasonable. Her latest episode was triggered by the detention of her chief of staff who had been cited in contempt by the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, and who had been ordered moved to the Correctional Institute for Women.

Politics aside, it is difficult to imagine how anybody can continue to support and justify the unabashed thuggery.

Perhaps the Vice President is naturally poor at handling her emotions, especially when it comes to people who shared her confidence. She could say anything in the heat of the moment, only to “put it in the proper logical context” later on.

Perhaps she is not used to being challenged. The Dutertes have lorded

lend credence to allegations of corruption. Trillanes, too, faces a gamble. A conviction could undermine his credibility and limit his ability to challenge the establishment, but an acquittal could rejuvenate his political influence and embolden his critique of the Duterte dynasty. The implications of this case stretch far beyond its two protagonists. For the Filipino public, the trial has become a litmus test for the country’s judiciary and its commitment to impartial justice. A perception of bias could deepen existing political divisions and erode trust in institutions already plagued by skepticism. Conversely, a fair and transparent process could set critical precedents for balancing free speech with accountability, reminding public officials and critics alike of their responsibilities.

This trial, if it proceeds, embodies the Philippines’ political theater, where power struggles often blur the line between truth and spectacle. Duterte and Trillanes are no strangers to these battles, each wielding influence and rhetoric as weapons. But as they square off in court, the

it over Davao for many years. Now at the national arena, not having her way could be something new to her.

Perhaps she feels the noose tightening around her neck. Ms. Duterte has evaded questions for so long, questions that are in fact so easy to answer in a straightforward manner by somebody not hiding anything. Now she might feel backed into a corner, running out of excuses for not talking. The obvious ploy then is to create some noise and hope people would forget the basic questions that led us here in the first place. What is certain is that Ms. Duterte’s acts demean her office and channel precious government resources to situations she has created yet again. Nothing justifies the unabashed threat to other people’s lives.Ms. Duterte is a lawyer. She should know better than to forget that such pronouncements partake of a criminal nature, whether she was only being dramatic or whether she really meant it.

Politics aside, it is difficult to imagine how anybody can continue to support and justify the unabashed thuggery. Let’s do away with the drama, answer the questions, and face the consequences of what she has done, and what she has said.

question remains: who will bear the greater burden of proof? The presumption of innocence favors Trillanes, forcing Duterte to build a case strong enough to overcome doubt. Yet the complexities of proving malice and falsity in such a high-profile case leave both men vulnerable to the capriciousness of public opinion and legal scrutiny. In this unfolding drama, the choices made by Duterte, Trillanes, and the judiciary will resonate far beyond the courtroom. For Duterte, restraint and evidence could prove more powerful than fiery rhetoric. For Trillanes, the integrity of his evidence and the sincerity of his motives will be under the harshest spotlight. And for the Filipino people, this trial is not merely a legal proceeding but a defining moment. Will it demand truth and accountability from its leaders, or will it succumb to the allure of political theater? As the courtroom becomes the stage for this well-anticipated showdown, one truth emerges with clarity: the stakes are nothing less than the future of democratic discourse in the Philippines.

39 foreigners flee Myanmar scam center

IN BRIEF

Namibia’s female VP goes for top job

One is convincing young voters hit by high unemployment to pick her as next leader, and the second is persuading the electorate to support a woman in a country analysts like John Mendelsohn describe as “patriarchal”.

“Probably a lot of people (in Namibia) would not be terribly enthusiastic about voting for a woman. But we have seen it in other parts of Africa,” said the author of an atlas on Namibia.

Since Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won elections in Liberia in 2006, becoming Africa’s first female head of state, the number of women leaders on the continent has been low. AFP

Taiwan detects Chinese balloon near island

TAIWAN said Monday it had detected a Chinese balloon over waters northwest of the island, the first reported since April, as Beijing maintains pressure on Taipei to accept its claims of sovereignty. Communist China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has refused to renounce the use of force to bring it under its control. Beijing regularly deploys fighter jets, drones and warships around Taiwan, and occasionally balloons, as it keeps up military pressure.

The latest balloon was spotted at 6:21 pm (1021 GMT) on Sunday about 111 kilometres (69

Plastic pollution treaty talks begin

BUSAN — A final round of talks on a treaty to end plastic pollution opened on Monday, with deep differences between nations emerging almost immediately.

The meeting opened just hours after a chaotic end to the COP29 climate talks in Baku, which agreed to a boost in climate funding that developing countries slammed as insufficient.

Opening the meeting, the Ecuadorian diplomat chairing the talks warned nations that the conference was about “far more than drafting an international treaty.”

“It is about humanity rising to meet an existential challenge,” Luis Vayas Valdivieso told an opening plenary in South

Korea’s Busan.

Plastic pollution is so ubiquitous that it has been found in clouds, the deepest ocean trenches and even human breastmilk.

And while almost everyone agrees it is a problem, there is less consensus on how to solve it.

Among the most contentious issues are whether the treaty should cap plastic production, a possible ban on chemicals feared toxic to human health, and how to pay for implementation.

The deep differences have dogged four previous rounds of talks over the last two years, resulting in a lengthy and contradictory draft treaty running over 70 pages.

Valdivieso has produced an alternative document intended to synthesise the views of delegations and move negotiations forward.

But several countries, including Russia and India, warned Monday that they were not willing to use it as a basis for negotiations.

“The reality is that many countries do not see themselves represented in this paper,” warned Saudi Arabia’s delegation head Eyad Aljubran, speaking on behalf of the Arab group. In 2019, the world produced around 460 million tonnes of plastic, a figure that has doubled since 2000, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. AFP

BANGKOK — Thirty-nine foreigners have fled an online

in Myanmar across the border to Thailand, where officials are working to identify potential trafficking victims, police told AFP on Monday.

Scam compounds have mushroomed in Myanmar’s borderlands and are staffed by foreigners who are often trafficked and forced to work, swindling their compatriots in an industry analysts say is worth billions.

The group from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia and Russia crossed into Thailand’s Tak province, according to the police chief in the city of Mae Sot. They had fled from Myawaddy just across the border, Colonel Pittayakorn Petcharat told AFP. Myawaddy is controlled by a militaryaligned militia and is a hotbed of drug production and online scam outfits, according to observers.

Sri Lanka’s embassy in Bangkok had asked Thai authorities for help after it was informed that 32 of its citizens were trapped in Myanmar, said Petcharat. Five Nepalis, one Malaysian and one Russian were also in the group that escaped and arrived in Thailand. AFP has contacted the embassies of the four countries for comment.

The group crossed into Thailand on Sunday night, said a member of the security forces in Mae Sot, who asked for anonymity to talk to the media.

Immigration officials were working to identify potential victims of human trafficking, Petcharat said.

Thai local media reported the group had responded to adverts on social media promising well-paid work but were then subjected to gruelling conditions in a scam centre. Some of the Sri Lankan workers later successfully contacted the embassy.

Myanmar’s northern border with China was previously a hotbed for online scam centres, often run by militias aligned with the ruling junta.

But a sweeping offensive by an alliance of ethnic rebels last year cleared many of the scam centres out. AFP

Menendez brothers face judge in bid for freedom

SIEM REAP — The UN Secretary-General on Monday slammed the “renewed threat” of anti-personnel landmines, days after the United States said it would supply the weapons to Ukrainian forces battling Russia’s invasion.

In remarks sent to a conference in Cambodia to review progress on the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, UN chief Antonio Guterres hailed the work of clearing and destroying landmines across the world.

“But the threat remains. This includes the renewed use of anti-personnel mines by some of the Parties to the Convention, as well as some Parties falling behind in their commitments to destroy these weapons,” he said in the statement.

He called on the 164 signatories -which include Ukraine but not Russia or the United States -- to “meet their obligations and ensure compliance to the Convention”.

Guterres’ remarks were delivered by UN Under-Secretary General Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. AFP

Rights group: Haiti gangs ramp up sexual violence

WHILE fighting between criminal groups in Haiti decreased during 2024, attacks on civilians have risen, including an expanded use of “horrific sexual abuse,” according to a new report by Human Rights Watch.

“Criminal groups have often used sexual violence to instill fear in rival territories,” the New York-based group says.

“The rule of law in Haiti is so broken that members of criminal groups rape girls or women without fearing any consequences,” according to HRW researcher Nathalye Cotrino.

HRW said it conducted scores of inperson and remote interviews with survivors of sexual abuse in the impoverished Caribbean nation, as well as with officials and rights and humanitarian workers.

It said that from January to October of this year, “nearly 4,000 girls and women report-

ed sexual violence, including gang rape.” And it cited UN research showing cases involving children were up 1,000 percent from the 2023 period.

“The bandits don’t care about their age,” one aid worker said. “They rape because they have the power. Sometimes they do it for days or weeks,” leaving some survivors pregnant -- in a country that bans abortion -- or injured without access to care.

One 25-year-old mother said she was gang-raped by four men while looking for water for her children.

“They didn’t used to do this, but now they do whatever they want,” she said. Rape has become so “normalized that most women who come to us say, ‘They raped me, but at least they didn’t kill me,’” one humanitarian worker is quoted as saying. AFP

REFUGEE LIFE. Palestinian boys share a plate of food in their displacement tent at the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. AFP

Future of PH sports honored at Siklab Youth Awards 2024

THE finest young Filipino athletes get their share of the spotlight as they are set to be celebrated in the Nickel Asia Corporation Siklab Youth Sports Awards 2024 on December 5 at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City.

A total of 79 youth and junior athletes from 36 sports will be recognized in the fourth edition of the awards night organized by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC)Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group (PSC). World junior champions Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan headline the Young Heroes Awards together with 2024 US Junior Girls champion Rianne Mikhaela Malixi of golf and wushu’s Alexander Gabriel Delos Reyes. Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, world youth champion Isabella Butler of ju-jitsu, Asian age-group swimming gold medalist Jamesray Mishael Ajido and table tennis youth

champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz.

The event supported by MVPSF, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Entrepro, Pacquiao Coffee and powered by Smart will likewise recognize muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino in the Super Kids Award category.

Four special awards will be handed out to Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito ``Terry’’ Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporters Sen. Christopher Lawrence ``Bong’’ Go (Lifetime Achievement Award) and Quezon City Represen-

tative Juan Carlos ``Arjo’’ Atayde (Trailblazer of the Year Award). Three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalists

Albert Jose Amaro II (seven golds) of swimming, Mitchloni Dinauanao and Francis Dave Sombal (five golds each) of dancesports banner the Rising Youth Stars Award category. Also leading the list are world youth muay champion Royeth Rosa, fencers Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez, Hagia Del Castillo and Nicol Amethyst Canlas along with golfers Francesca Nicole Gaisano Gan, Geoffrey Drew Ong Tan, swimmer Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh and figure skater Dawn Jasmine Gothong.

Super League grand slam fuels NU’s UAAP repeat dream

NATIONAL University hopes its historic grand slam run in the 2024 Shakey’s Super League will translate into a second straight title conquest in the UAAP early next year.

Led by Alas Pilipinas standouts Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon and under a new decorated coach, Sherwin Meneses, the Lady Bulldogs capped a banner year with a three-peat in the Collegiate Pre-season Championship.

Flexing its signature firepower, grit, and swag, the battle-hardened NU squad completed a best-of-three finals series sweep of De La Salle University with a 23-25, 25-18, 25-16, 25-20, Game 2 victory Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to reign supreme in the league’s centerpiece 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.

“Siyempre sobrang excited din ako na nanalo kami. Malaking tulong talaga ‘to sa preparation for UAAP. ‘Yun naman talaga ‘yung goal kaya sumali kami dito,” said the multi-titled tactician.

Meneses, who will make his UAAP return after his last stint with Adamson University back in 2016, took over the coaching reins from Norman Miguel following the Lady Bulldogs’ first-ever National Invitationals championship last July.

Solomon and Most Valuable Player winner Belen showed the way in rallying NU back from an opening set setback to once again beat UAAP archrival Lady Spikers in an SSL titular showdown since its sweeping victory in the one-game championship of the inaugural edition two years ago.

The Lady Bulldogs took Game 1 in a clinical dismantling of La Salle in straight sets last Friday.

“I’m very happy kasi nakamit namin yung goal namin for Shakey’s kasi isa rin na to para magiging stepping stone na-

min, preparation namin for the upcoming UAAP Season,” said Belen, who had 15 points to back Solomon’s 19-point explosion in Game 2. “Kaya ayun, I’m very happy na nagawa ng team kung ano yung dapat gawin. Kaya ayun, sumunod lang ‘yung pagkapanalo.”

It was a sweet statement win for NU after the Lady Spikers halted the Lady Bulldogs’ 28-game winning streak -- an unbeaten run that spanned four tournaments starting in 2022 –- with

a four-set triumph in the second round.

NU got the last laugh as it ended La Salle’s campaign with back-to-back losses after racking up eight wins in a row heading into the much-anticipated finale between two powerhouse squads in the competition which has Smart Sports, PLDT Fibr, Mikasa, Asics, Rebel Sports, Eurotel, Victory Liner, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and SM Tickets as technical partners.

The Lady Bulldogs are now looking

Monsalve, Avaricio gear up for fierce Match Play clash

STA. ROSA, Laguna – The Ladies ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational kicks off today (Tuesday, Nov. 26) with exciting pairings promising high-stakes drama.

Defending champion Mikha Fortuna faces a formidable test against 16-year-old rising star Jiwon Lee, while the Marvi Monsalve-Chanelle Avaricio showdown is shaping up to be another must-watch duel. Both Monsalve and Avaricio are fresh from their campaigns in Taiwan, setting the stage for a closely contested match. They tee off at 7:08 a.m., with Monsalve seeking to end her search for a career breakthrough. Avaricio, on the other hand, draws on her wealth of experience, including a stellar 2022 season on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, where she notched multiple victories.

Although Avaricio’s track record in stroke play gives her an edge, the unpredictable nature of match play levels the playing field, giving Monsalve a chance to capitalize on her hunger for a breakthrough win.

At 7:16 a.m., Fortuna begins her title defense against Lee, a prodigious talent who has already made waves in the Junior PGT and earned a breakthrough professional win at the Splendido Taal leg, where she bested none other than Fortuna herself.

Lee’s relative inexperience in match play is balanced by the mental toughness gained from her recent stints in Taiwan, making this matchup one to watch.

Reigning Order of Merit (OOM) winner and 2022 Match Play champion Harmie Constantino takes on Kyla Nocum in the final pairing of the opening round

at 7:56 a.m. Constantino, while tempering expectations due to the competitive field, remains a strong contender for another title.

Last year’s OOM champion Daniella Uy is heavily favored in her 7 a.m. clash against Apple Fudolin, while Florence Bisera aims to secure a victory over Velinda Castil. Other first-round matchups include Gretchen Villacencio versus Rev Alcantara, Chihiro Ikeda against Kristine Fleetwood, and Sarah Ababa battling Pamela Mariano.

The winners of today’s matches will advance to the quarterfinals on Wednesday, with the semifinals and championship rounds set for the following two days. With an even playing field and the match play format encouraging bold strategies, the stage is set for four days of thrilling competition in the season-ending event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

to build on their preseason momentum as they aim for a UAAP repeat title.

“Siguro yung motivation lang namin is parang to move forward, to aim higher pa sa mga sa susunod na laro. Lalo na ‘yung UAAP, siya ‘yung big league for college. ‘Yun talaga yung league ng lahat. Kahit kami, okay looking forward kami maglaro sa UAAP kasi alam namin lahat ng teams aangat pa, marami pa silang iiimprove,” said Belen, who also bagged the 1st Best Open Spiker recognition.

A total of 30 awardees have been lined up in the Youth Heroes Award including Ana Bhianca Espenilla (athletics), John Andre Aguja (cycling), JR Pandi (badminton), Brandon Sanchez (baseball), Kieffer Alas (basketball), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Nick Anjelo Payla (boxing) and Naina Dominique Tagle (archery), Gavin Moses Bangayan Ti (obstacle course racing), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), Jonathan Reyes (squash), Jeniva Consigna (sambo) and Joseph Godbout (modern pentathlon). Meanwhile, Ella Olaso (wrestling), Danielle Escolano (bowling), Xian Baguhin (boxing) Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Sebastien Mañalac (karate), Julia Claret Bintulan (karate), Zyche Mae Cruz Jizmundo (pencak silat), Shai Nitura (volleyball), Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling), Paul Sondrei Capinig (wrestling), Andreas Lucho Aguilar (wrestling), Johanna Jeiel Barbero (wushu), Mark John Lazo (wushu), Carlstein Jade Dulay (sailing), Josa Gonzales (sailing), Marvin Mandac (cycling) and Thirdy Mana-ay (cycling) complete the roster for the Super Kids accolade.

UST female, male tossers eye seats in UAAP finals

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas needs two victories to achieve a third consecutive golden double as its women’s and men’s teams eye a place in the Final and win it all today (Tuesday) in the UAAP Season 87 collegiate beach volleyball tournament at Sands SM By The Bay. Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella eye to give the Tiger Sands’ a seven-peat and a record 10th women’s crown overall.

Reigning MVP Alche Gupiteo and Dominique Gabito are seeking to give UST a sixth consecutive men’s championship and ninth overall. Steamrolling the elimination round without dropping a set for both teams, the Tiger Sands remained on course for another double championship. Pagara and Progella will face Far Eastern University’s Lovely Lopez and Melody Pons at 9:30 a.m. in the women’s Final Four, while Gupiteo and Gabito will play University of the Philippines’ Angelo Lipata and Christian Pitogo in the men’s semifinal at 8 a.m.

National University’s women’s and men’s teams hope to arrange a championship rematch with UST and end several seasons of heartbreaks.

Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa battle Adamson University’s prized rookies Shai Nitura and Fei Sagaysay in the women’s semis at 10:15 a.m., while Alex Iraya and Sky Gemarino go up against FEU’s Amet Bituin and Reynan Postorioso at 8:45 a.m. in the men’s Final Four.

The Bulldogs finished second behind the Tiger Sands in the women’s and men’s divisions at 6-1.

The Lady Falcons impressed in the elims to finish third at 5-2, while the Lady Tamaraws ended fourth at 4-3.

In men’s play, the Tamaraws went 5-2 in third spot, while the Fighting Maroons were the last team to reach the Final Four at 4-3.

The survivors of the knockout semifinal will play in the one-match final for women at 4:15 p.m. and men at 3:30 p.m. The losers will play in the third place match for women at 2:45 p.m. and men at 2 p.m.

High Speed Hitters eye solo lead as PVL returns to Pasig

The NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate their grand slam. Roman Prospero

Marvi Monsalve

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024

Editor

RIERA U. MALLARI,

RANDY M. CALUAG,

Asst. Editor

Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO,

Golf’s best face o as TCC Match Play starts

STA. ROSA, Laguna—The ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational begins today (Tuesday, Nov. 26), bringing together the Philippines’ top golfing talents for an exciting conclusion to the Philippine Golf Tour season. Held at the challenging TCC course, this four-day tournament promises drama, surprises and intense rivalries as every hole feels like a championship decider.

Top seed Tony Lascuña, fresh off clinching his fifth Order of Merit title in the 10-leg circuit, leads the field. Despite his dominance this season, where no player managed multiple wins, Lascuña approaches his match against No. 32 Rico Depilo cautiously. Though Depilo has been a consistent performer, his lack of strong finishes could give the favorite an edge. The match play format, which emphasizes head-to-head competition, levels the playing field. It demands mental toughness and strategic risk-taking, with every hole presenting a fresh opportunity.

Unlike stroke play, where one poor hole can derail a round, match play isolates mistakes, allowing players to recover quickly and take bold chances.

Angelo Que, seeded second and returning from the Hong Kong Open, faces Elee Bisera at 8:52 a.m. Other early matches include Jhonnel Ababa versus Marvin Dumandan, Rupert Zaragosa against Arnold Villacencio, and Reymon Jaraula clashing with Jerson Balasabas.

The event kicks off at 7 a.m. with a match between No. 16 Nilo Salahog and No. 17 Art Arbole, promising an intense battle. Other notable pairings include Guido van der Valk taking on Mars Pucay, Ira Alido meeting Albin Engino, and Clyde Mondilla battling Nelson Huerva. Set against the backdrop of TCC’s demanding layout, the course challenges players with its length, strategic hazards and fast greens. Navigating such a venue requires not just precision but also mental resilience and smart decision-making –qualities that separate good players from great ones.

WA chief Coe vows to protect women’s sport

PARIS—World Athletics President

Sebastian Coe has vowed to protect women’s sport following the gender eligibility row at this year’s Paris Games if he becomes head of the International Olympic Committee.

Coe told AFP in an interview that ensuring a clear set of policies around women’s participation would be top of his in-tray if he is elected next March to succeed Thomas Bach.

The 68-year-old Briton also vowed to widen the decision-making process surrounding Russia’s re-admission to the Olympics.

Coe said the furore surrounding Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, who won Olympic gold medals in women’s boxing despite failing gender tests at last year’s world championships, left him “uncomfortable”.

Diaz’s weightlifting ward wins Batang Pinoy gold

By Peter Atencio

PUERTO Princesa City—Reynadine

Marie Jimenez

drew inspiration from the presence of her aunt, the country’s first Olympic medallist Hidilyn Diaz, in claiming her first gold in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships.

Diaz quietly cheered Jimenez on as the 13-year-old lifter, who is coached by the Olympian’s husband Julius Naranjo, came up with a final lift of 59 kgs in the clean and jerk, when morning action in weightlifting ended at the Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex.

“This is our first gold medal for the

2024 Batang Pinoy. This is significant because we are very new, considering that we are into grassroots, competing against the powerhouses of Zamboanga City and Cebu City,” said Naranjo.

The feat allowed Jimenez to complement her 43-kg lift in the snatch for a total of 102 in the 12-13 year old 40-kg category.

“Masaya po. First time ko po kasi maka-gold,“ said Jimenez, who is a niece of Hidilyn, in giving Rizal Province its first gold medal in the event, and on its second day.

Jimenez said she feels that she has a future in weightlifting, inspired to seek a gold, after getting a silver and a bronze during her previous Batang Pinoy campaigns.

Bohol’s Rhian Macato settled for the silver behind Jimenez, with her total of 101, while Zamboanga City’s Elarie Colonia took the bronze at 91.

Rizal Province’s first gold came

as Zamboanga City, under Hidilyn’s cousin Allen Diaz’s guidance, picked up two mints, first off 14-year-old Faith Leonor with her total of 113 in the 1314 year old 40 kg event.

Zamboanga City’s other gold came from Adrian Bucol in the 11-12 year old side, with his tally of 112. Eight meet records fell in swimming and athletics, while swimmers Arvin Taguinota of Pasig and Sofia Garra of Malabon walked away with their third gold medals.

Taguinota, the most bemedalled swimmer in the 12-13 year old category last year with seven mints, earned his third gold for Pasig City in the boys’ 200-meter backstroke with a clocking of 2:19.88.

Masbate’s Bianca Espenilla accounted for one of eight new meet records, with her heave of 51.17 meters in the under-18 women’s javelin throw in athletics, which eclipsed the 46.61 meters she did last year.

Boxing was a sport with “inherent dangers” which required crystal-clear guidelines from the top of the Olympic tree, he said.

“I don’t think you can play fast and loose with a sport like boxing. You have to have clear policies as you do across all sports,” Coe said, speaking after a World Athletics event launch in Budapest. He added: “International federations are expecting that landscape to be created by the Olympic movement. It is a co-curation, if you like, but the thought leadership and the lead that needs to be taken does have to come through the Olympic movement.

“If we do not protect women’s sport and we don’t have a clear and unambiguous set of policies to do that, then we run the risk of losing women’s sport . AFP

Tokyo Olympics’ gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz is shown with her niece/protege Reynadine Marie Jimenez during the latter’s gold-medal winning feat in the Batang Pinoy.

Sebastian Coe

PH leaders asked to ensure rules consistency amid political feud

$1.3 trillion 46% 52% Assets of ASEAN social security providers Social security coverage in ASEAN Global social security coverage

ASEAN social security assets reach $1.3t, says Veloso

GOVERNMENT Service Insurance

System (GSIS) president and general manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso said Monday the $1.3 trillion in collective assets of the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) members now shape global capital markets.

Veloso said in a news briefing after the opening of the 41st ASSA Conference and Board Meetings at the Seda Manila Bay Hotel in Paranaque City that that the economic vitality across ASEAN provides ASSA a strong foundation to enhance social security systems.

“The $1.3 trillion in collective assets under our management represents more than just financial strength. It positions us members as significant players in global capital markets and demonstrates our capacity to influence economic trends,” said Veloso, who also sits as ASSA vice chairperson.

Veloso acknowledged the “tremendous responsibility” in securing these funds considering the rapid transformation of economies which can either bring more opportunities or challenges especially in digital economy.

“The rise of the digital economy, evolving employment patterns, and emerging social needs of our diverse populations demand our immediate attention. This is why our conference theme, ‘Navigating the Future of Social Security: Integration, Innovation, and Inclusion’ is particularly relevant,” Veloso said.

The gathering comes as ASEAN demonstrates remarkable economic resilience, with the Philippines projected to maintain its position as the region’s fastest-growing economy, expecting GDP growth of 5.8 to 6.3 percent in 2024.

ASSA Chairperson Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn said the series of meetings would help the body to determine where these investible funds are best deployed.

Onn said that among the ASEAN member states, only 46 percent of the population is covered by at least one social protection benefit, lower than the global average of 52 percent.

THE Management Association of the Philippines, one of the most influential business groups in the country, underscored the need for consistency and regularity of policies amid the exacerbating political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

MAP president Rene Almendras said the competitiveness of the Philippines as an investment destination is affected by its image and reputation as a country, with businesses looking at consistency and regularity of policy.

“I am hoping that that will continue to be and will be emphasized as we go through these politically challenging times,” Almendras said at the sidelines of the MAP general membership meeting and awarding of the MAP Management Person of the

Year 2024 at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The MAP named Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and chief executive Rogelio Singson as the Management Person of the Year 2024. Singson is a former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, while Almendras served as secretary of the Cabinet, Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Energy under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III.

Almendras was responding to questions on the impact of the widening rift between President Marcos and Vice President Duterte who disclosed an assassination plot.

Almendras said political leaders should assure local and foreign investors about the consistency of its economic policies. “We need to show the world that we are still consistent, and we still have the regular businessas-usual situation,” he said.

The MAP also said that the policies of US president-elect Donald Trump might also affect the global economy.

“Everybody’s waiting for what the new US President will roll out as far as his international policy will be. There are many questions as to whether are we going to see a trade war. Are we not going to see a trade war? Or if there will be, to what extent it will be?” he said.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippines and Sweden signed a government-to-government financial and development cooperation agreement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

DOF Secretary Ralph Recto said the sealed agreement with Sweden would generate more investment that would benefit more Filipino people.

“I am proud to take our collaboration to the next level. We entered another agreement that will enhance the economic security of Filipinos

through increased access to Swedish financing for our development initiatives,” Recto said during the ceremonial signing of the agreement.

Recto and Sweden Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson signed the memorandum of understanding on financial and development cooperation on Nov. 22, 2024.

“In these times marked by your political uncertainty, it is the conviction of the Swedish government that we must do everything possible to foster strong partnerships for growth, pros-

Bicol’s first solar power plant opens, gets green lane support

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) and Nexif Ratch Energy Investments Pte. Ltd. (NREI) inaugurated the Bicol region’s first fully-operational green lane-certified Calabanga Solar Power Plant on Sept. 12, 2024.

As the region’s inaugural solar power plant, the project underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy investments, the BOI said.

BOI Investment Assistance Center executive director Bobby Fondevilla emphasized the significance of initiatives like green lane in fostering transformative projects.

“This solar power plant is more

than just a shift from traditional energy sources. It will lower carbon emissions, reduce energy costs, promote renewable energy, attract tourism, and create jobs while fostering innovation,” he said.

Developed by Calabanga Renewable Energy (CARE) Inc., a subsidiary of Singapore-based NREI, the facility in Camarines Sur supports 2,000 jobs and reduces 36,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to replacing a coal plant of similar capacity. With more than 137,000 solar panels, the plant will generate 74 megawatts at peak of clean energy, enough to power about 46,000 homes each year for the next three decades.

perity, and security in our respective countries and around the world with trusted partners. The Philippines is one of the very important partners in the world,” Carlson said.

The MOU will provide an additional basis for the Philippine government to tap and access grants, technical assistance, concessional official development assistance and/or blended financing from the Swedish government for priority programs and projects of the country.

The high-impact sectors covered by

the agreement—where Sweden has a comparative advantage—are sustainable infrastructure development, public transportation, renewable energy, and water and waste management, among others. The projects in the pipeline include the EDSA Busway Project, the Iloilo Bus Rapid Transit, the Subic-ClarkManila-Batangas Railway Project, the National Bus Standardization, the Hydropower Potential Resource Assessment and the National Power Corporation - Hybridizing Diesel Power Plants.

MAP president Rene Almendras

Meralco achieves new milestone, with subscribers surpassing 8m

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SUBSCRIBERS of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) topped 8 million as of end-October 2024 on sustained efforts to energize new customers, a significant milestone for the country’s biggest power retailer.

“Yes, we hit 8 millionth last Oct. 29, 2024. Approximately 210,000 more customers compared to a year ago at around 7.79 [million]’ vs. 8 million. We ended the October 2024 month at 8.006 million versus 7.792 million in October 2023,” Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz.

STI’s profit soared in third quarter on higher enrollment

STI Education Systems Holdings Inc., the largest network of private schools in the Philippines, saw its net income surge 1,233 percent year-on-year to P263.2 million in the third quarter of 2024 from P20.3 million in the same period last year.

STI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday revenues in the three-month period rose 59 percent to P1.03 billion from P650.7 million a year ago.

The company attributed the significant increase in net income and revenues to the 15-percent growth in the number of students across all schools and the earlier start of classes.

Total enrollment at STI schools reached a record 138,000 for the SY 2024-2025. Programs regulated by the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) registered a 20-percent increase from previous year’s level.

STI said it continued to invest in campus infrastructure to cater to the growing student population. It recently acquired properties in Alabang and Tanauan, Batangas for the construction of future campuses.

STI said it also renovated existing campuses to expand capacity and implemented measures to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

Among these are the installation of solar panels across various campuses, reducing energy consumption and operational expenses while supporting environmental initiatives.

STI operates a network of schools under STI Education Services Group (STI-ESG), STI West Negros University (STI-WNU) and iAcademy.

STI-ESG operates 63 campuses nationwide with total capacity of 146,585 students. It offers various college courses including junior and senior high school programs.

STI-WNU, based in Bacolod City, provides programs ranging from preelementary to post graduate and can accommodate up to 15,000 students, while iAcademy, with campuses in Makati and Cebu, offers arts and design programs. Jenniffer B. Austria

Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said the company sees the need to be more aggressive in grid modernization projects and operational efficiency through advanced metering infrastructure that would lead to a more robust, resilient and intelligent network.

“Equally significant for Meralco is making sure that we are prepared to meet the supply needs of our customers without necessarily exposing them to volatile prices,” he said.

“To this end, our efforts are centered on competitive bidding, which historically yielded lowest rates that translate into savings for our millions of customers,” Aperocho said.

Meralco assured customers that it would remain proactive in working with the energy Industry players and the regulator in promoting consumer welfare.

Residential power consumption maintained a double-digit growth of 10 percent in the first nine months to

14,758 gigawatt-hours from 13,363 GWh a year ago, driven by sustained energization of new accountants, higher per capita demand, underpinned by warmer temperatures.

Commercial sales volumes saw an 8-percent increase to 15,261 GWh from 14,122 GWh last year despite the exit of offshore gaming operations and the continuing remote work arrangements.

Energy consumption of real estate was led by surging office occupancy rates from mixed-use developments, while the growth in retail, restaurants and hotels was anchored on new mall openings, increased leisure activities and higher foot traffic in food outlets.

AWARD. Energy Development Corp. (EDC), First Gen Corp.’s

Shell announces 15 winners of 57th National Students Art Competition

By Roy Tomandao

FIFTEEN talented Filipino artists across the country emerged as winners of the 57th Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), a platform celebrating and nurturing the artistic talents of the Filipino youth.

This year’s competition showcased a diverse range of powerful stories told through art pieces that reflect the richness of our culture, the resilience of the Filipino spirit, and the hope for a brighter future.

For over half a century, Shell NSAC has been a vital platform for young Filipino artists to showcase their talent.

“Shell has been here for 110 years and for more than half of that time,

IN A decision that it promulgated last month, the Ninth Division of the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed a civil forfeitures case filed against three alleged accomplices of convicted pork barrel scam queen Janet Lim Napoles. The CA reversed the Regional Court (RTC) of Manila, which had denied defendants’ motion for the dismissal of the case against them. What happened in the CA last month is highly disturbing because of the identity of the complainant and the basis for the appellate court’s decision to dismiss the complaint.

In June 2014, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) filed a civil forfeiture complaint against Hector Ang, Nicole Tiffany Ang and Jacquilene Ang in the RTC of Manila. The pre-trial of the case was held eight years and five months after the filing of the last pleading. The defendants filed a motion for the dismissal of the case against them on the ground of violation of their constitutional right to a speedy disposition of the case against them.

we’ve run this particular competition because we all know that Filipinos are very, very artistic,” Shell Pilipinas Corp. (SPC) vice president of corporate relations Serge Bernal said.

“The theme for the 57th year of Shell NSAC is an open invite. It does not actually put a standard theme for our artists. What caught my attention is that when you open up a theme this way, you’re not prescriptive on the artist and you’ll see that everything is about the future. There is hope for the Philippines,” Bernal said.

With the theme ‘Lika na, Likha pa ng Obra,’ the 57th Shell NSAC reflects the journey of Filipinos, whose grit, resilience, determination, and collaboration have driven remarkable progress and turned aspirations into realities.

stocks rise, peso slumps to 58.99 a dollar

By Jenniffer B. Austria

3,811.02. Analysts said the

market started the week in the

despite the “political noises” over the

end. The peso, however, fell to 58.99 against the US dollar Monday from 58.87 Friday.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the investor sentiment improved after US president-elect Donald Trump appointed Scott Bessent as the next Treasury Secretary, a move the market believed signaled a more moderate stance on tariffs. Trading was strong, with net value turnover at P9.84 billion. Foreigners were net sellers, with net outflows amounting to P308.74 million. All sectoral indices ended in the positive territory, with the services seeing the largest increase of 2.06 percent. Gainers outnumbered losers, 94 to 91.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. was the top index gainer, rising 10.96 percent to P24.30. On the other hand, PLDT Inc. was the worst index performer, dropping 3.70 percent to P1,300.

Brokerage firm Unicapital Group expects the PSEi to hit 8,000 in 2025, which implies a 14-percent year-onyear gain from the estimated 7,000 level by end-2024. It also expects further policy rate easing to boost corporate earnings through a lower cost of capital and increased consumer spending.

“However, there are downside risks, including prolonged elevated interest rates and the escalation of geopolitical tensions that could disrupt trade supply,” Unicapital said.

Was AMLC negligent in dismissed pork barrel case?

The RTC denied the motion in 2022.

In their motion to dismiss, the defendants alleged that the case against them “did not move from June 2014 to June 2018”, that AMLC “did not present a valid reason for the delay” and that “ the case records do not show any meritorious reason for the delay”. As a consequence, their constitutional right to a speedy disposition of the case against them was violated, they claimed.

The CA agreed with the defendants. Said the appellate court: “The lapse of eight years and five months, without having the case moved from one stage to another, is a long delay –an inordinate delay – and there was no reason provided as to why there was a delay in the case’s proceedings”. The court went on to say that the possible deprivation of property was “a circumstance that would be unjust and oppressive”.

Grave abuse of discretion was committed by the trial court in denying the appellants’

The Filipino people don’t expect AMLC to lose the cases that it files. But lose this case it did—and in an unpardonable way.

motion to dismiss the case against them, the CA concluded.

AMLC being the complainant should have been sufficient for Filipinos to take notice of the case. AMLC was created by Congress to be the frontline agency in the government’s effort to curb suspicious and corruption—tainted movements of funds through this country’s banking system.

The Filipino people expect AMLC to be good at the job of policing the flow of funds through the Philippines banking system; after all, it has

all the necessary administrative and regulatory resources as its disposal.

The Filipino people don’t expect AMLC to lose the cases that it files. But lose this case it did- and in an unpardonable way.

The words of the CA ruling bear repeating. “The lapse of eight years and five months, without having the case moved from one stage to another, is a long delay – an inordinate delay – and there was no reason provided as to why there was a delay in the case’s proceedings”.

The appellate court said. The pre– trial of the case was held eight years and five months after the filing of the last pleading.

Something went very badly wrong here. As things stand, the government, nay the Filipino people, lost a strong anti-pork barrel case on account of gross negligence on the part of AMLC.

The Filipino people deserve a good explanation from AMLC. Let it be forthcoming. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

EDC’S

100-percent renewable energy arm, receives the prestigious Green Company of the Year Award by the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) on Nov. 14, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The recognition, awarded to only one company annually, highlights EDC’s unwavering dedication to advancing the Philippines’ renewable energy sector and leading ecological programs that promote biodiversity, restore forest lands and combat the devastating effects of climate change in the country through its banner environmental program, BINHI.

BDO FIESTA. BDO Unibank Inc. personnel gamely facilitate the registration process and address queries from clients on various BDO products and services during the BDO Fiesta held in SM City Bacolod.

Unicapital bullish, expects 6.3% GDP growth in 2025

By Jenniffer B. Austria

FINANCIAL service provide Unicapital Group is bullish on the Philippine economy, expecting the gross domestic product (GDP) to expand by 6.3 percent in 2025.

It also sees inflation easing to 3.1 percent, driven by expectations of lower global oil prices. This will provide relief for households and fuel consumer spending, it said.

“We are confident that there are opportunities for the Philippines despite the risks. We have seen similar circumstances in the past but with the government stepping up to ensure measures are in place to boost the equity market, everything will fall into place and yield positive results,” said Unicapital chief executive and president Jaime Martirez.

Martirez said the signing of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating Economy (CREATE MORE) would help boost the domestic economy by providing incentives to investors.

The law’s incentives including tax reductions and increased foreign ownership limits are expected to drive both domestic and foreign capital inflows, particularly into sectors poised for growth.

Under the CREATE MORE law, the corporate income tax (CIT) rate will drop to 20 percent from 25 percent, while export-oriented consumer companies are positioned to gain from VAT zero-rating on local purchases and essential services.

“This reduction in tax burden will create more allowance for companies

to open more jobs and fuel economic activities,” Unicapital said.

Unicapital also sees the overall vacancy rate in the office segment rising to 20.5 percent following the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators by end-2024. This should start to moderate in 2025, with less new supply in the pipeline, it said.

It said that in the residential segment, inventory levels are expected to slightly decline from 12 months to 11 months of sales as demand recovers and supply slows.

It also sees developers taking a more cautious stance and temper new launches for 2025. However, take-up will grow by 9 percent next year on easing mortgage in response to lower policy rates and attractive payment terms which should also drive demand.

LIVEABLE CITY. Iloilo City receives the Liveable City Award at the 3rd CityNet-UNESCAP SDG City Awards participated in by about 100 mayors and high-ranking officials from 17 countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Nepal and Fiji on Nov. 18 to 20, 2024 at the Iloilo Convention Center. Iloilo City was recognized for its efforts in enhancing urban livability through innovative programs and sustainable urban planning, cementing its status as a model for other cities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A special mention was also given to the Iloilo River Esplanade, celebrated for aligning with CityNet’s themes of inclusivity, circular economy and resilience.

Group warns vs. formaldehyde in vapes

A GROUP advocating for tighter regulation on vaping products and gadgets raised the alert on the alleged proliferation of vaping products that failed tests on formaldehyde.

The Safe Vape PH blew the whistle on the continued sale and distribution of the Flare vape brand despite the ban imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry. It said Flava changed its name to Flare to return to the market by using its huge blackmarket distribution channels.

It said the vape product was imported from China and widely distributed in the country.

A test report of Flare products issued by the testing agency

shows that formaldehyde in its products is as high as 32.1mg/L, exceeding the maximum standard of 22mg/L by 31.1 percent. Formaldehyde is a harmful substance that can cause a variety of health problems after long-term exposure. In the short term, it may irritate the eyes, nose and throat, causing dryness and discomfort.

Long-term inhalation of formaldehyde may cause respiratory diseases and even increase the risk of cancer. For teenagers, whose immune and respiratory systems are not yet fully developed, the harm of formaldehyde is particularly serious.

PH signs Riyadh treaty on int’l design protection

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines, along with 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), signed the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT) on Nov. 22, 2024, marking the conclusion of nearly two decades of negotiations.

The treaty establishes a streamlined, standardized and modernized framework for international design protection.

“The Philippines, with WIPO Member States, seeks to make design protection easier and to open greater opportunities for global scaling,” said IPOPHL director-general Rowel Barba.

The DLT simplifies the design application process by reducing costs and increasing flexibility. It limits application requirements, allows multiple designs per filing and permits various formats for design representation, such as drawings, photos or videos. Key provisions include minimal filing requirements, a 12-month grace period for disclosures, a six-month publication delay option, relief for missed deadlines, simplified renewal procedures and a focus on e-filings to enhance efficiency. Barba highlighted the treaty’s alignment

with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s initiatives to grow the creative economy.

“The Riyadh Design Law Treaty complements our efforts to develop creative and innovative industries, crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and our Philippine Development Plan 20232028,” he said.

Barba expressed the Philippines gratitude to Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and conference president and chief executive Abdulaziz Muhammad Al-Suwailem for guiding negotiations to a successful outcome.

The DLT is the second multilateral treaty adopted by WIPO member states this year, following the May adoption of the WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge.

N D A 1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Notice and Quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 15 December 2022 and 14 December 2023 4. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 4.1. Change of Principal Office Address to 1505 Princeton Street corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Wack-Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City

5. Management Report

6. Approval of the Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022 and as of 31 December 2023

7. Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 15 December 2022 to 18 December 2024

8. Election of Directors

9. Appointment of External Auditor

10. Other Matters

11. Adjournment

The Board of Directors of GEOGRACE has fixed the RECORD DATE for stockholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be on 25 October 2024.

The 2024 Annual Stockholders‘ Meeting of GEOGRACE will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://geograceholdings. com/ and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy”.

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to g.geograce@yahoo.com.ph on or before 30 November 2024. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 11 December 2024 through GEOGRACE’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation.

GEOGRACE is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to g.geograce@ yahoo.com.ph, not later than 11 December 2024.

Stockholders of Record may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to g.geograce@ yahoo.com.ph on or before 11 December 2024.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/ voting (through remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at https://geograceholdings.com/.

yours,

truly

Very

(SGD.) ARSENIO C. CABRERA, JR. Corporate Secretary

PEZA commits to advance UN’s sustainable development goals

Typhoons leave over 1m Filipino children vulnerable

SAVE the Children Philippines is expanding efforts to protect children and communities through the launch of the #LahatDapatSafe campaign as the Philippines reeled in the aftermath of Typhoons Julian, Kristine, Leon, Marce and Nica battering the country in rapid succession, The storms have left over one million children vulnerable to devastating impacts—displaced from their homes, separated from their schools and exposed to the dangers of disease.

“I am afraid to sleep because the wind is so strong. I worry about my family, and I don’t know where we will go next. The rain reminds me of that terrible night when we lost everything,” said 12-year-old Mica, a child affected by Typhoon Julian.

Children like Mica, along with countless others, face compounded risks of hunger, trauma and long-term developmental delays.

The devastating impact of these typhoons requires immediate, coordinated action. In response, Save the Children has launched the

#LahatDapatSafe campaign to ensure that children are not only kept safe but also given the resources they need to recover and rebuild their futures.

The campaign aims to provide food, hygiene kits, educational materials and emotional support to thousands of children and their families in affected regions such as Camarines Sur, Batangas and Calabarzon.

Through the #LahatDapatSafe campaign, Save the Children has mobilized urgent relief efforts with the help of key partners and donors.

They include Lifestrong Marketing Inc., FWD and others which are helping to ensure a swift and effective response. On the ground, The Miss Philippines and Mister Pilipinas Worldwide have been actively involved by packing essential relief items, such as hygiene kits and household supplies, which will be distributed to affected families in the hardest-hit areas.

“A child’s safety and well-being should never be at risk, especially during such a critical time. The #LahatDapatSafe campaign ensures

How protecting freshwater ecosystems can help

nations meet biodiversity targets

Conclusion

3. Embrace Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge Indigenous Peoples’ traditional knowledge has played an important role in preserving and restoring biodiversity worldwide, and incorporating this wisdom into modern conservation practices is crucial. For instance, the Indigenous P’ganyaw (Karen) communities along Thailand’s Mae Ngao River have created more than 50 so called “no-take river reserves”—protected zones banning extractive activities—to boost fish stocks.

These small, community-based reserves set clear fishing boundaries along the river and enforce penalties for violations. Because freshwater ecosystems are interconnected, this network of reserves is a model for preventing further biodiversity loss.

UNEP’s SDG 6.6.1 support program, which focuses on water-basin management, highlights the use of this traditional knowledge through monitoring and evaluation of changes in freshwater ecosystems.

4. Tap into new tools for managing freshwater

There are several resources that can help countries manage their lakes, rivers and aquifers. For example, UNEP’s Freshwater Explorer and Global Wetlands Watch monitors the status of freshwater ecosystems worldwide. These tools draw from best practices around the world and highlight the need for water governance to protect freshwater ecosystems. As well, UNEP’s Integrated Water Resource Management Support Program can guide governments in their efforts to better manage water and reach their development goals.

5. Embrace integrated water resource management

The coordinated management of freshwater ecosystems, including through a process known as integrated water resource management, can build resilience to climate-related disasters, such as drought.

For example, in drought-wracked Somalia, the European Union and UNEP are helping communities to build boreholes, rehabilitate shallow wells for irrigation and introduce highly efficient drip irrigation for crops. This holistic approach is designed to help stretch out available water resources and prevent displacement.

More than 90 percent of “natural” disasters are related to water in some way. Experts say embracing integrated water resource management is critical to reducing the frequency and magnitude of these calamities. UNEP News

Save the Children is one of the first responders and last to leave during disasters, which manifests in their urgent action for affected children and communities. that children who are affected by these disasters receive the immediate relief and long-term support they need to recover and thrive,” said lawyer Alberto Muyot, chief

executive officer of Save the Children Philippines. “Through the help of our partners, we are committed to supporting these families and helping them rebuild their lives.

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PEZA Director General Tereso Panga and UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carriè signed the agreement on Nov. 14 at the PEZA headquarters in Pasay City.

UN member states in 2015 adopted the SDGs to create a more just, sustainable and peaceful world by 2030. The private sector plays a vital role in the path towards transformational change because sustainable development can only be achieved through multistakeholder collaboration.

The MOU initiates the collaboration between PEZA and UNDP Philippines in promoting the SDGs with PEZA, along with its registered business enterprises, and the private sector in general.

UNDP’s global strategy for private sector engagemen aims to make markets work for the SDGs by assisting countries in aligning private sector activities and investments with the 2030 Agenda. The vision is to make the SDG framework as the business sector’s guiding principle for their strategies and operations.

The MoU will strengthen PEZA and UNDP’s collaboration in key areas. The SDG initiatives include building awareness, increasing knowledge and developing uptake for action on the SDGs.

The two agencies committed to co-design initiatives that will promote sustainable development in the ecozones, such as digitalization productions and value chain analysis that will promote circularity and sustainability of goods and services. PEZA and UNDP will also support promotion of programs on SDG monitoring and reporting, especially to PEZA registered business enterprises.

AS THE dangers posed by climate change become increasingly evident worldwide, the need for reliable and accurate information on the impact of the environmental crisis is more crucial than ever.

To address this, the United Nations, together with the Organization’s education and science agency, UNESCO and the Brazilian government launched the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change on Tuesday.

The joint effort announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil aims to strengthen research and measures to address all disinformation which has the effect of delaying or derailing climate action.

Speaking at the G20 Session on Sustainable Development and Energy Transition, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that the

initiative will “work with researchers and partners to strengthen action against climate disinformation”. “Coordinated disinformation campaigns are impeding global progress on climate change” he added

AS NOVEMBER 19 marked World Toilet Day, LIXIL, maker of pioneering water and housing products, takes pride in highlighting the significant strides the company has made in global sanitation and hygiene.

Global sanitation and hygiene is one of the strategic pillars of LIXIL’s Impact Strategy, and an important driver towards realizing its corporate purpose to make better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.

Globally, approximately 3.5 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation services and roughly 2 billion people are without basic hand washing facilities at home.

LIXIL has set the target of improving sanitation and hygiene for 100 million people around the world by 2025 through its sanitation and hand hygiene solutions.

LIXIL has made steady progress, positively impacting the lives of approximately 68 million people across 45 countries.

To maximize LIXIL’s impact and accelerate its sanitation initiatives, LIXIL works closely with influential international and local organizations, including the United Nations agency for children (UNICEF) and the United States Agency for

in a social media post.

At a time when scientists are warning that the world is running out of time, the initiative will boost support for urgent climate action.

“We must fight the coordinated disinformation campaigns impeding global progress on climate change, ranging from outright denial to greenwashing to harassment of climate scientists,” said Guterres.

Aiming to expand the scope of research into climate disinformation and its impacts, the effort will gather evidence from around the world to inform and bolster strategic action, advocacy and communications.

Speaking at the launch, UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that “without access to reliable information about this existential challenge, we can never hope to overcome it.” UN News

International Development (USAID).

LIXIL’s ‘Make a Splash!’ partnership with UNICEF has increased the availability and affordability of safe sanitation in six target countries, including Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Over the past five years, the collaboration has provided 12.7 million people with access to basic sanitation and hygiene. This shared-value partnership, extended to 2027, builds on LIXIL’s tangible impact and key lessons learned, focusing on market-based strategies to make sanitation and hygiene accessible where they are needed most across Asia and Africa.

LIXIL’s partnership with UNICEF has provided critical insights into five key dimensions required to develop sustainable sanitation markets: supply, demand, financing, enabling environment and sales. By focusing on these areas and taking a holistic approach, the company aims to scale its impact and bring safe sanitation and hygiene to even more people in the coming years.

USAID and LIXIL launched the “Partnership for Better Living: Affordable, Accessible, Adaptable Sanitation and Hygiene Solutions (PBL)” program in 2022.

Photo credit: Pixabay

At the signing ceremony are (from left) Philippine Economic Zone Authority Deputy Director General for Operations Vivian Santos, UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals specialist Aljo Quintans, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie, PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, PEZA Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration Maria Veronica Magsino and PEZA Deputy Director General for Policy and Planning Anidelle Joy Alguso. PEZA photo

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Mining for a Better tomorrow: Responsible and Sustainable Practices

PH miners embrace sustainable practices

MINING companies in the Philippines have committed to embracing responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the steady growth of the industry.

The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) announced that, beginning this year, all its 19 member-companies with operating mines will fully implement the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, a global ESG performance measurement standard—with public reporting—that COMP adopted in 2017.

Starting 2024, the 19 membercompanies of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) with operating mines agreed to fully implement the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative.

TSM is a global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance measurement standard with public reporting that COMP adopted in 2017. This means that these mines will submit self-assessment reports on eight TSM Protocols for their annual performance via an online app called Mine Site Sustainability Audit (MSSA).

The mines will conduct internal audits and should be able to support their selfratings with proof and evidence.

Based on the submissions, four operating members of the COMP performed at par with global best mining practices in five protocols or key areas that minerals development firms should focus on under the TSM standard.

The results, confirmed by independent external verifiers, were revealed during the recent Digging Deeper Mining Policy Forum at The Westin Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“Level A is broadly defined as good practice and AAA, excellence and leadership. As TSM presupposes that a mine is compliant with the law, a ‘C’ or ‘Fail’ rating means the mine, while legally compliant, does not meet TSM’s foundational practice or starting position of conformance with global industry standards.”

Now being implemented in 15 mining jurisdictions worldwide, TSM was established by the Mining Association of Canada in 2004 and adopted by COMP in 2017. This year marks the first year of COMP’s full implementation of the program.

Filminera Resources Corp.’s Masbate Gold Project received the highest verified ratings of AAA in TSM’s Biodiversity Conservation Management across all of this Protocol’s 3 Indicators, while Philex Mining Co.’s Padcal Project was rated AAA in all 6 Indicators under Tailings Management.

TVI Resource Development Phils. Inc. was rated AAA in 3 of the 4 Indicators under Water Stewardship. Taganito Mining Co., meanwhile, had the highest scores in 4 of the 5 Indicators under Safety & Health, as well as in all 5 Indicators under the IP and Community Outreach and Social Development Management.

“We are extremely encouraged by the active participation of our members in the first year of TSM’s full implementation in our country,” COMP chairman Michael Toledo said.

“TSM provides us a roadmap with which to measure our performance on important areas that our stakeholders, especially our host communities, care about. We now know how to achieve global mining best practices, and our members will constantly strive to reach the highest ratings towards better ESG performance, and consequently, improved relationships and bottom line,” Toledo said.

All of COMP’s 19 members with active mine sites submitted their TSM selfassessment results.

Majority of the verified mines performed well in IP community outreach and social development management, as well as safety and health. Most of them, however, need to perform better in the water stewardship and climate change protocols.

“COMP has established the goal of having all of its member facilities achieve a Level A or better in all indicators under all 8 Protocols COMP has adopted,” Toledo said.

Since 2018, the association of the Philippines’ biggest large-scale metallic mining firms had been preparing for TSM, including the Filipinization of TSM Protocols and Indicators, the formation of a multi-sector advisory panel, the accreditation of external verifiers, and the development of the TSM online submission app. The COMP also encourages members to address key challenges hindering the country’s progress in value-added mineral processing.

Toledo, speaking during the “Digging Deeper: A Mining Policy Forum,” said these challenges drove away mining investors and should be resolved to achieve the shared goal of the Marcos administration and the mining sector.

Toledo identified four primary challenges including long-term policy consistency, lengthy and complex approval processes, business continuity risks from local government units (LGUs) and communities, and tax uncertainties.

“First, we must ensure long-term policy consistency by drafting a robust mining policy that clarifies the roles of national and local governments and specifies the approach to Indigenous community management,” Toledo said.

To streamline and expedite approval processes for mineral agreements, Toledo proposed simplifying application steps, eliminating redundancies, and implementing clear-cut timelines in coordination with relevant government agencies. He also recommended establishing an online register of pending applications.

Addressing business continuity risks from local ordinances, Toledo suggested clarifying the status of mining companies as government contractors and exporters, rationalizing LGU powers to issue mining prohibitions, and empowering the AntiRed Tape Authority (ARTA) to identify and fix inconsistencies between national laws and local ordinances. Toledo stressed the need to address uncertainties in tax policy and investment incentives by establishing a stable mining fiscal regime, including a financial stability clause in mineral agreements and appointing a senior government official dedicated to promoting mining investments. Othel V. Campos

SUSTAINABILITY @ PHILEX MINING

Sustainability is at the heart of Philex Mining Corporation’s purpose-driven organization. At the core of its business strategy is right and principled mining – a commitment that evolved from the principles under Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, and its implementing rules and regulations.

Since its incorporation in 1955, and having operated its Padcal mine for over 66 years since 1958, Philex Mining continues to prioritize the economic, social, and environmental impacts and contributions of its responsible mining operations in the Philippines.

substation – we explore, adapt, develop and implement more innovative, sustainable and resilient ways and means in our processes and systems.

We showcase Silangan as a new way of doing mining in the Philippines, adaptive to current global trends and technologies, processes and standards, while at the same time applying the best practices that we have developed and evolved from our Padcal mine through the years. In 2023, Philex Mining reforested 64 additional hectares. To date, more than 12 million trees on 4,700 hectares have been planted in its project sites (Padcal, Silangan, Bulawan, Sibutad).

Driven by its commitment to right and principled mining, Philex has developed a sustainability framework hinged on five unified pillars: adherence to good governance; promotion of employee wellness; community empowerment; environmental protection; and workplace safety.

Guided by these unified pillars, Philex continues to strengthen its approach to sustainability and uphold its advocacy of right and principled mining.

At Philex Mining Corporation, innovation and sustainability, as well as ESG, long before they became the buzzwords that they are today, have always been part of our corporate DNA.

As we prioritize the acceleration of our Silangan Project this year – particularly in our mine development and in the construction of our process plant and other critical infrastructures, our tailings storage facility and main power

It is the kind of sustainability, innovation, and even resilience, that Philex brings in the development of its Silangan Project in Surigao del Norte.

For the Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (AEPEP), Philex spent Php 226 million for its Padcal mine and Php 86.55 million for the Silangan Project.

Under its 2023 Social Development & Management Program (SDMP), Philex Padcal spent Php 115 Million while the Silangan Project spent Php 5 Million as an advance on SDMP. These are but some examples of the kind of commitment Philex has to right and principled mining.

PHILEX MINING. A GIFT OF GOD, A WORK OF MAN.

COMP chairman Michael Toledo

Mining for a Better tomorrow: Responsible and Sustainable Practices

Ipilan Nickel Corporation secures endorsement of the indigenous community in Brooke’s Point

IPILAN Nickel Corporation has secured a Certification Precondition (CP) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, gaining the endorsement of the indigenous community in Brooke’s Point to advance its mineral production plans under its Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).

The CP, a regulatory requirement under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), ensures that Ipilan Nickel Corporation’ (INC) operations respect indigenous peoples’ (IP) ancestral lands. The approval followed a thorough vetting process and the consent of the BICAMM community, which includes indigenous members from the barangays of Barong-Barong, Ipilan, Calasaguen, Aribungos, Maasin, and Mambalot—all with ancestral claims in INC’s mining area.

INC’s path to securing the CP involved multiple community consultations, where it presented its operational plans and potential impacts on ancestral lands. The process began with community meetings, where INC laid out its plans and explained the possible impact on ancestral lands, which helped build trust and open communication among all parties,” it said. INC explained that the approval process, however, spanned an extensive period due to prolonged consultations and legal steps.

“Despite the challenges, initial disagreements, and misunderstandings, INC stayed committed and worked closely with the indigenous groups to resolve their concerns and find common ground,” said Alexa Arabis, Resident Mine Manager of INC.

Even before obtaining the CP, INC allocated millions of pesos toward livelihood, education, and healthcare initiatives for Indigenous communities in IP-BICAMM. It invested ₱2,025,939.80 in livelihood programs and launched the “Hapag Katutubo Project” on September 3, distributing 170 fruit-bearing tree seedlings. The company has also provided employment for 274 indigenous members, surpassing legal employment quotas.

Educational assistance has reached 1,599 students—686 in elementary, 661 in secondary, and 252 in college—with college students receiving ₱5,000 to ₱7,500 per semester. Medical and burial aid for Indigenous communities amounted to ₱1,064,513.27. For 2024, INC will distribute ₱73,875,204.32 in Royalty Shares, and funds include ₱4 million for the IP-BICAMM Tribal Hall and ₱3 million for CADT processing.

“This success also sets an example for key players in the mining industry by showing that responsible mining is possible and collaboration with community members is achievable through transparency, truthfulness, and mutual respect,” said Mr. Arabis.

Responsible mining: Building a sustainable future in Asia

MINING is a cornerstone of the global economy, providing vital resources that drive industrial growth and economic progress.

However, the industry’s significant environmental and social impacts demand sustainable and ethical solutions.

Responsible mining seeks to minimize harm while fostering longterm benefits. Particularly in Asia, a region rich in natural resources, adopting responsible mining practices has become an urgent priority.

At its core, responsible mining integrates environmental stewardship, community engagement, and governance transparency.

Companies committed to these principles employ cleaner technologies, reduce emissions, and rehabilitate mined land to mitigate ecological damage. Additionally, engaging with local communities ensures equitable sharing of benefits while fostering trust. Economic contributions, such as creating jobs, investing in infrastructure, and supporting local development initiatives, further reinforce the value of ethical mining. Rigorous health and safety protocols, alongside adherence to global standards like the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM), enhance accountability and operational integrity.

Asia’s mining sector faces unique challenges. Weak regulatory frameworks and corruption often impede progress, as highlighted by GreenDev Solutions. Illegal mining exacerbates environmental and social issues, while community resistance frequently stalls projects.

Despite these obstacles, progress is evident as governments implement stricter regulations and companies adopt innovative technologies like renewable energy and drones to reduce their footprint. Initiatives such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) are fostering greater accountability across the sector.

The benefits of responsible mining are far-reaching. Sustainable practices protect ecosystems, ensur-

ing resources for future generations. Ethical operations strengthen community relationships, fostering trust and cooperation.

They also spur economic development through employment, infrastructure enhancements, and community programs. Importantly, companies committed to transparency and accountability are more likely to gain the enduring support of local populations, earning their “social license to operate.”

To overcome challenges, robust governance and enforcement are essential. Governments must develop clear regulations, enforce them effectively, and address illegal mining by supporting small-scale miners in adopting lawful practices. Building trust through open dialogue with communities is also critical, as it helps address concerns and align stakeholder interests.

Looking forward, Asia’s mining future depends on the widespread adoption of responsible practices. Integrating advanced technologies, adhering to international standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and fostering collaboration among stakeholders will ensure the industry minimizes harm while maximizing benefits.

According to GreenDev Solutions, frameworks like GRI and EITI offer actionable guidelines for ethical operations, demonstrating the value of transparency and accountability.

As Asia continues to play a significant role in global resource extraction, its commitment to responsible mining will shape its legacy.

By prioritizing sustainability, ethical governance, and community engagement, the region can lead the charge in redefining mining practices, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental and social responsibilities.

For more insights on responsible mining in Asia, visit GreenDev Solutions at https://greendevsolutions. com/responsible-mining-projectsin-asia.

SHOWBIZ

John Arcenas is April Boy Regino in ‘Idol’

By Angelica Villanueva

WHEN rising actor John Arcenas was selected to portray OPM icon April Boy Regino in the upcoming biopic Idol , he described the moment as one of disbelief.

In an interview, John talked about the life-changing opportunity, sharing that portraying a singer whose music still resonates with audiences today is both “an honor and responsibility.”

“It’s a huge responsibility, especially since April Boy is known not just here in the Philippines, but all over the world as well,” John told Manila Standard Entertainment

John Arcenas

shares how his preparation for the role involved

The film, Idol, chronicles the life of April Boy, celebrated for his hits such as Hindi Ko Kayang Tanggapin and Umiiyak ang Puso, which defined a generation of Filipino music.

Acknowledging the challenge of portraying a beloved figure whose songs have touched generations and transcended borders, the 23-year-old actor said he recognized the weight of his task.

“April Boy is extremely iconic, especially with his songs, which are still very well-known even in this generation. So, there’s a huge amount of pressure and responsibility as well,” he said.

Despite the challenges, John expressed his deep gratitude for the role, calling it both humbling and inspiring.

“I can’t believe it. To be entrusted with such a significant role, I really feel so blessed. I prayed right away. I said, ‘Lord, I will do my best. It’s up to You,’” John shared.

Preparing for the role involved rigorous study and training. John revealed that he delved deeply into understanding April Boy’s unique vocal style and mannerisms, even taking voice lessons to capture the late singer’s distinct sound and movements.

“Since I got the role, I studied everything carefully, from how he sings to how he moves. I even took voice lessons to replicate his vocal style and practiced his signature shoulder movements. He’s very iconic, and I wanted to do justice to his legacy,” the actor explained.

Beyond perfecting the music, John emphasized the importance of embodying April Boy’s character and life story, which was filled with personal adversity and resilience.

“What I liked the most is probably how he became inspirational. We know his songs are moving, but many don’t realize how inspiring his life was. This movie will show just how incredible his journey was, and that’s what really stayed with me,” he said. The film also delves into the singer’s personal life, including his enduring love story with his wife, Madeleine, portrayed by Kate Yalung

“In the movie, it highlights their journey, from the beginning through the challenges, showcasing April Boy’s love story and Madeleine’s unwavering support,” John added. Idol premieres Nov. 27 in cinemas.

war has long ended’

IN A recent interview, Vina Morales expressed her belief that the long-standing network rivalry between ABS-CBN and GMA has significantly softened over the years.

“Actually, even before, the two top TV stations of the land, GMA and ABS-CBN, have been borrowing and lending their talents to each other. Perhaps, it was just stricter before. Now, they even collaborate to produce quality shows where Kapamilya stars can be seen on Kapuso ground. They’re just more open now,” she said.

The singer-actress considers herself fortunate to have the opportunity to work with both networks.

“That’s true! I’ve worked with both ABS-CBN and GMA, and they are always welcoming. I had no problem with the Kapuso when I was still there, and the same goes for my Kapamilya stint. I’m always willing to work with both of them. Hopefully, I get to do shows again for GMA.”

Vina’s career began with GMA through the teen-oriented talent show That’s Entertainment and the variety program SOP. Asked if she would consider performing on All Out Sundays (AOS), she replied enthusiastically.

“Why not? Yes, that would be nice. Anytime GMA needs my services, I will make myself available. It would depend on the project.”

Fans have expressed interest in seeing Vina in a grand production number in AOS alongside Julie Anne San Jose who is also an all-around performer. Does she know Julie Anne, dubbed Asia’s Limitless Star?

“Not personally. I still have to work with her in concerts and the like. But I’ve seen her performances on television. She’s very good. She always shines, whether it’s singing, dancing, or acting. But I’ve worked with her boyfriend, Rayver [Cruz], many times,” Vina concluded.

Enrique Gil on showbiz as ‘just a phase in my life’

Enrique Gil is unbothered by the possibility that his current popularity might one day fade.

“It’s part of life,” he said. “It’s part of growing up. Anyway, I don’t plan to be an artist forever.”

Asked about his ultimate goal in life, Enrique shared a more personal aspiration.

“To be a family man! Showbiz is just a phase in my life. Being an actor is not my whole life. It’s just a part of my life. For me, there’s more to life than just being an actor or being in showbiz. It’s just my job. I feel that my true calling is to have my own family and be a dad in the future.”

The actor reflected on what he values most.

“Perhaps, the public will remember me as an actor, but what matters to me more is to be with my loved ones. On your deathbed, your fame or money won’t make you happy. It means nothing. What would matter is the presence of people you truly care for,” Enrique said.

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

The Ookla Speedtest results of Smart and other networks during the Stray Kids concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan

Shticks

Singer-actress

Vina Morales is willing to work with both ABS-CBN and GMA

‘Idol’ explores the life of the late singer-songwriter April Boy Regino

Rising actor John Arcenas calls his role as April Boy humbling and inspiring

rigorous training and study

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

Ten years of transforming Filipino homes with timeless designs

At its 10th anniversary celebration recently held at SM Aura Premier, Crate and Barrel Philippines hosted a Thanksgiving-inspired event that proudly showcased the brand’s decadelong journey of transforming Filipino homes into chic and functional spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture and houseware.

In his speech, Steven Ticzon, vice president and business unit head of Crate and Barrel Philippines, took the attendees down memory lane as he recounted the brand’s humble beginnings and enduring philosophy.

“Our first store was in an old elevator factory on Chicago’s Wells Street, with products displayed on actual crates and barrels—a simple beginning for what is now a global brand,” Ticzon began.

TOBY’S Sports has been named Sporting Goods Retailer of the Year – Philippines at the Retail Asia Awards 2024. This recognition follows the brand’s 45th anniversary and its continuous impact on the sports retail industry in the country. Since its founding in 1978, Toby’s Sports has built a reputation as a leader in providing highquality athletic gear and fostering a culture of sports and fitness across the Philippines. This recent accolade underscores the brand’s legacy of innovation, growth, and customer loyalty.

“For over 45 years, Toby’s Sports has championed a culture of fitness in the Philippines,” said Jojo Claudio, chairman and CEO of Quorum Holdings Inc., the parent company of Toby’s Sports.

“We’ve been dedicated to offering top-tier products from the best local and international brands, and it’s rewarding to see our efforts recognized by such a prestigious award,” Claudio says. In addition to the Retail Asia Award, Toby’s Sports recently

Turning his attention to the crowd, Ticzon passionately spoke about the brand’s guiding principles of quality craftsmanship and innovation. He shared how these values fuel the brand’s mission to help customers turn their living spaces into personalized sanctuaries filled with timeless designs.

“Crate and Barrel has become a trusted destination for modern and classic furniture that helps people create meaningful spaces,” Ticzon added.

During the event, five signature products that have remained customer favorites since the brand’s launch were presented by Crate And Barrel’s assistant vice president of Merchandising, Emsie Serra , and division manager of Business Development Karina Santiago . These included the Fields Cane Back Accent Chair, Maxine Bar Cabinet, Petrie Sofa, Mercer White Dinnerware, and the French Kitchen Marble Collection.

The evening also featured a toast led by Ticzon and other SM Retail executives, including Senior Vice President for Finance Jonathan Ng . Guests were invited to contribute to a gratitude wall to share their memories and experiences with the brand over the years.

Ticzon acknowledged the growing appreciation for modern and functional furniture among Filipino consumers, stating that Crate and Barrel is committed to introducing designs that align with global trends while meeting the needs of local households.

Established in 2014, Crate and Barrel Philippines operates under SM Retail through HMS Development Corporation. It is part of a global network of over 100 stores across nine countries.

As the brand moves forward, Ticzon emphasizes its mission to continue inspiring Filipino homes with pieces that combine style and functionality.

For inquiries or assistance, you can reach Crate and Barrel at their branches: SM Aura Premier at 0917 889 5667, SM Makati at 0917 583 3373, and SM Megamall at 0917 870 4796. You may also contact them via Viber at 0917 817 4473. For online selections, visit their website at www.crateandbarrel.com.ph.

C4 LIFE

The French Kitchen Marble Collection, Marin Dinnerware, and Nattie Wine Glasses

From left: SM Retail Senior Vice President of Finance Jonathan Ng, Crate and Barrel Vice President and Business Unit Head Steven Ticzon, and SM Retail former Senior Vice President of Business Development Pascale Jimenez

Leanne Ford’s Fields Cane Back Accent Chair is one of the top favorites of Crate and Barrel customers

Crate and Barrel features numerous festive items that are perfect for the holiday season