405 beneficiaries of VP ‘non-existent’
Solons warn fund misuse ground for plunder
By Maricel V. Cruz
OVER 400 individuals listed as recipients of confidential funds of Vice President Sara Duterte have no birth records in any Philippine Statistics Authority database, a House panel revealed yesterday.
Another 200 individuals who were supposedly handed funds have duplicate names in PSA records, the committee also found.
“Out of the 677 names we submitted, more than 400 had no birth records. Meanwhile, more than 200 of them had the same names as other individuals,”
By Vince Lopez
MORE than 41,000 cops will be deployed nationwide during the Christmas season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the Manila Standard report yesterday.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said: “Initially, we will deploy over 41,000 personnel nationwide,” adding that police officers will no longer be allowed to take leaves by December 15. According to Fajardo, PNP chief General Rommel Marbil ordered more police visibility in areas of convergence such as markets, malls, and transport terminals in light of the expected influx of travelers.
The PNP on Sunday said its units nationwide have been directed to intensify regular patrols in high-traffic areas as the holiday season approaches. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin meanwhile said that police officers from
Manila Rep. Joel Chua told TeleRadyo Serbisyo in Filipino. These were some of the latest findings of panel members as they wrapped up their controversial investigation, unveiling a long list of potential crimes, including plunder, committed at the agencies led by Duterte.
The Manila solon delivered a scathing summation, focusing on the central question of the months-long inquiry: “Where did the confidential funds go?”
By Caloy Lozada, Maricel Cruz, and Rex Espiritu
Bornas said. The eruption, which occurred at
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos began his working week by enacting a trifecta of laws in an apparent bid to make big strides towards realizing his administration’s legislative agenda before yearend.
Two of the three laws signed on Monday were geared towards helping key economic sectors become more competitive in the globalized economy, while the third aimed to put mental health care at the school system’s core.
“These three laws are not just policies— they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, the Filipino worker, the Filipino entrepreneur, the Filipino learner, and to every single citizen who dreams of a brighter, more resilient, and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said during signing ceremonies in Malacañang.
Mr. Marcos signed into law amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA), to make the country’s rice industry more competitive and ensure that farmers have consistent access to essential resources.
He explained that the amendments extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increase its annual funding from P10 billion to P30 billion.
The chief executive underscored the program’s success in providing farmers with high-quality seeds, mechanization, and training, enabling them to
The President signed into law a Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program for non-resident tourists in a bid to position the country as a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Marcos highlighted the significant contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s economic recovery in 2023 when it accounted for 8.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
He noted that shopping was the secondlargest expenditure for inbound tourists, underscoring its potential for growth.
“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for
MOSCOW—The Kremlin declined yesterday to confirm reports that toppled Syrian president Bashar al-Assad had fled to
The President also signed into law the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act,” which aims to institutionalize mental health programs for basic education learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.
He underscored the importance of fostering emotional and mental resilience in schools, calling the initiative a step toward holistic development.
“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but
THE PUBLIC GOOD. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed three significant laws yesterday to address national priorities at the Malacañang Palace. Witnessing the signing were lawmakers led by Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. PPA Pool
the capital and allied security personnel will be deployed in churches, malls, public markets, major thoroughfares, and transportation hubs. Police assistance desks have been established to provide assistance and ensure swift emergency response.
The Southern Police District (SPD) is set to deploy 2,154 SPD personnel to ensure public safety and security across Southern Metro Manila during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
In addition to SPD personnel, 2,069 officers from allied forces and force multipliers will be part of the operation, further enhancing the security presence in crowded areas.
Chua, who chairs the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, denounced the “abuse of public trust” connected to the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds entrusted to Duterte.
“Perhaps it is about time we face the reality that not all those elected to public office can be trusted,” he said in Filipino. He stressed the need for more safeguards in allocating confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs).
Chua said that his committee exposed the secretive nature of CIFs has been exploited to misappropriate taxpayers’ money for unknown purposes.
For his part, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop cited the sheer scale of the funds that went unaccounted for, saying there is definitely grounds for a plunder complaint.
“Let me remind the public of what is at stake here: it would constitute graft and corruption if public funds are misused or misappropriated or worse, if funds are diverted to personal use or benefit. And given the amount we are talking about here,
this is clearly plunder,” Acop declared in his opening statement.
He underscored the gravity of the inquiry, describing the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds as a blatant disregard for the law.
Other members of the panel enumerated a litany of possible including malversation, falsification, bribery and perjury, highlighting the scale of corruption uncovered in the investigation.
Assistant Majority Leader and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon stressed the gravity of the crimes committed, starting with technical malversation under the Revised Penal Code.
“Simply stated, it means that an accountable officer applies public funds to another purpose. Even if that is for public purpose, [but] different from which they were originally appropriated for by law or ordinance. In other words, public funds are squandered,” he explained in a mixture of Filipino and English.
He also pointed out that penalties for this offense include imprisonment of six years and one day to 12 years.
Bongalon further explained that the law presumes malversation took place when an accountable officer cannot
improve productivity and sustain their livelihoods.
“With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” Mr. Marcos said.
“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.
The additional funding will support several key projects, including training programs and extension services for farmers, financial assistance for those cultivating up to two hectares of land, and expanded credit options for rice production.
The government will also invest in composting facilities for biodegradable waste, pest and disease management initiatives, and programs to improve soil health and contract farming systems. Solarpowered irrigation systems will also be introduced to enhance agricultural sustainability.
The amended law strengthens the Seed and Mechanization Programs, ensuring more farmers have access to high-quality seeds and modern farming tools.
In addition to these measures, the law enhances the regulatory role of the Department of Agriculture (DA), granting it authority to monitor rice warehouses and maintain a national database for grain storage.
The DA will also be empowered to stabilize rice prices during shortages or price hikes, ensuring the staple remains affordable and accessible to Filipinos.
For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel expressed optimism about the long-term effects of the expanded Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), emphasizing its potential to lower rice prices and increase domestic production through improved efficiency and investments.
following the fall of the regime of Basher Al-Assad.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
urged Filipinos to take necessary precautions and keep in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus amid the heightened conflict.
He said the DMW was coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist Filipinos in Syria, whose exact number remained “uncertain” due to a total deployment ban imposed by the Philippines 15 years ago due to the conflict.
Some Filipinos in Syria are likely married to Syrian nationals, and some may be employed as domestic workers who could have skirted the deployment ban, Cacdac said.
“We will still help Filipinas who are married to Syrians especially those with children,” he said.
In brief comments on the dramatic events in Syria over the last few days, Peskov admitted the Kremlin was taken by surprise.
“What happened has surprised the
The EPD is set to deploy 1,665 EPD personnel who will man the Metro East strategic areas and places of convergence to ensure peace and order during holiday festivities.
EPD OIC Police Colonel Villamor Tuliao, directed all the officers of Pasig,
The Eastern Police District (EPD) is also gearing up to guarantee the safety and security of the community in its jurisdiction during major events such as Christmas Day, CPP/NPA Anniversary, Rizal Day and New Year celebration.
Mandaluyong, Marikina and San Juan City Police Stations and DMFB to conduct information drive on the modus operandi of criminals in their respective areas of responsibilities to raise public awareness and prevent crime.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued a heightened alert from December 13 to January 6, 2025.
explain where public funds under their care were spent.
“When you are asked where did the funds go and you could not answer, the law presumes that you pocketed the money,” he noted.
The lawmaker cited how their investigation revealed that Special Disbursing Officers (SDOs) Gina Acosta of the OVP and Edward Fajarda of DepEd handled millions in confidential funds without clear documentation.
Acosta encashed P125 million per quarter for three quarters in 2022-2023, while Fajarda encashed P37.5 million quarterly for three quarters in 2023.
Both SDOs admitted they handed the funds to security officers supposedly without knowing how the money was spent or who received it, Bongalon pointed out.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said that while the hearings of the panel were undertaken in aid of legislation, the lawmakers cannot turn a blind eye on the violations of law committed.
“I just want to reiterate that … our ultimate objective here in conducting this inquiry in aid of legislation is to be able to enhance existing laws, come up with
non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he said during the signing ceremony in Malacañang.
The program allows tourists to claim a VAT refund for goods purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided the goods meet a minimum transaction requirement of ₱3,000 and are taken out of the country within 60 days.
Mr. Marcos said the initiative aligns with global tourism trends, where shopping has become a significant factor in destination choice and overall travel experiences.
He emphasized the program’s potential to spotlight unique Filipino products, including Marikina shoes, handwoven textiles from northern provinces, and the iconic Filipino barong.
“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” he said.
The VAT refund initiative is expected to increase tourist spending by nearly 30%, benefiting both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Moreover, Mr. Marcos cited that tourists with positive shopping experiences are likely to return, bringing friends and family, further supporting the country’s tourism goals.
“This surge will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises—an important pillar of our local economy,” he added.
The President urged the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to craft implementing rules and regulations that ensure the VAT refund process is simple, accessible, and culturally inclusive.
whole world and, in this case, we are no exception,” he said.
Russia has strategically important army and naval bases in Syria, where it launched a military intervention on the side of Assad in 2015.
“Now there will be a very complex period due to instability,” Peskov said.
Asked what would happen to Russia’s bases, he said: “It is too early to say. This is a subject for discussion with whoever is going to be in power in Syria.”
The Kremlin spokesman said that the security of the bases was “very important.”
“We are doing everything that is possible and necessary to get in touch with those who can provide security. And our military are also taking precautionary measures,” it said.
The Kremlin source quoted by Russian news agencies on Sunday had said the rebels who ousted Assad “guaranteed the security of Russian army bases and diplomatic institutions on Syria’s territory.”
Syria’s embassy in Moscow raised the opposition flag at the building on Monday, with a spokesman saying the facility was operating normally.
Peskov said Russia was “in dialogue”
During the 25-day heightened alert period, PCG personnel will conduct inspections of passengers and their luggage. Medical teams will be assigned to assist in case of an emergency. Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the PCG Commandant, said that all those who shop this season will be able to double their vacations and go to the provinces or vacation spots that will be abundant as passengers.
new ones, if the needs are determined,” she noted.
“Nevertheless, we cannot brush aside certainly all the abuses and infractions that we have identified during the course of our inquiry in aid of legislation,” Luistro stressed.
“In addition to the offenses raised already by our esteemed colleagues, I wish to add perjury,” she said.
Luistro explained the elements of written perjury, citing the certifications submitted by the SDOs to the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the liquidation of confidential funds.
She said the SDOs signed a certification submitted to the COA, duly notarized, for the P125 million confidential funds when they said they did not know where the funds went.
Luistro also raised the issue of bribery, explaining its elements and pointing out that the public officials involved could be liable for accepting bribes in exchange for illegal acts.
Furthermore, she pointed out that officers involved can be charged with the crime of plunder if they continue to fail to explain where some P612.5 million in confidential funds went.
The 24/7 monitoring of nautical highway routes is especially important in the Visayas, a tourist destination.
Kanlaon...
3:03 PM, was recorded as more intense compared to previous eruptions, including the one on June 3 this year.
The volcano ejected ash, magma, and large rocks, unlike the June activity that only emitted ash and sulfur, Phivolcs also reported.
The explosion was preceded by a loud rumble and significantly affected Barangays Mansalanao, Biaknabato, and Cabagna-an in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. These areas are now covered in volcanic ash, with residents reporting a strong sulfur odor.
Phivolc has advised mandatory evacuations within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano, citing the likelihood of more hazardous eruptions.
Heavy rains have also caused wet ashfall in some areas of Negros, increasing risks for affected communities. Local government units have been urged to act swiftly to safeguard residents.
Authorities are closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and have called for heightened vigilance among residents.
thrive holistically,” Mr. Marcos said after enacting the measure.
“Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fosteri ng a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose,” he added.
The law mandates the establishment of Care Centers in all public basic education schools.
These centers, headed by School Counselors and supported by School Counselor Associates, will offer counseling services, stress management workshops, and programs to reduce mental health stigma.
Mr. Marcos stressed that prioritizing mental health benefits the entire education system by improving academic performance, reducing absenteeism, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding.
He called schools “sanctuaries of learning and well-being.”
The chief executive also highlighted the economic implications of neglecting mental health, citing a global projection of $16 trillion in losses by 2030 due to mental health challenges.
Locally, he noted the toll on academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school staff. The law, he said, is an investment in the nation’s intellectual, emotional, and social future.
Meanwhile, Sen. Gatchalian, the principal author and sponsor of the school-based mental health law, said the new law covers screening, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring; mental health first aid; crisis response and referral system; mental health awareness and literacy; and emotional, developmental and preventive programs, among other support services.
with Turkey, which supported rebel forces in Syria, saying: “Here it’s important to maintain dialogue with all countries. We firmly intend to do this and analyze the situation.”
With Assad gone, Middle East battle lines are redrawn It took just 11 days for Syrian rebels to force Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and impose a new revision of the strategic map in the Middle East.
The Syrian strongman had for nearly 14 years held off an uprising that many believed had been exhausted. But his downfall followed a series of battlefield convulsions for other allies of Iran.
Israel has all but decapitated the Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon since September, while the killing of Hamas figureheads has dealt major blows to Assad’s key backer Tehran.
Andreas Krieg, a security specialist at King’s College London, said that Iran and other “Axis of Resistance” members would now have to concentrate on their “home turf”.
“And so the axis will lose its transnational flavor and its regional strategic depth.”
The lightning speed at which the rebels, dominated by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, took Aleppo and then the country stunned the whole world.
No one in Syria, or in the capitals that opposed or supported Assad, had expected Damascus to fall so quickly. Attention had been focused on the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas and Israel’s strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The 59-year-old Syrian leader long seemed secure with the backing of his Iranian, Russian and Hezbollah allies.
Some Arab neighbors had even started moves to normalize relations, strained since the civil war started with the repression of anti-government protests in 2011.
But HTS, which originated from Al-Qaeda before severing ties, smashed that outlook in just a few days when cities fell and statues of Assad’s feared father Hafez al-Assad were toppled.
The Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, drew Iran and its “Axis of Resistance” allies into a conflict that
Emergency evacuation efforts are being initiated to protect the safety of families in the surrounding areas, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary and NDRRMC chairman Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. has issued directives to respond and assist immediately, particularly in evacuating affected residents to avoid casualties.
Ongoing evacuation is being implemented for residents within a sixkilometer radius of the volcano In Region 6, approximately 20,000 individuals from 12 barangays are expected to be impacted by the eruption. Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario of raising the alert level to Level 4 if necessary, which would necessitate further evacuation and safety measures. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public the agency is ready to dispatch family food packs (FFPs) to residents of Negros Province who will be affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano.
In a statement, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the regional directors of Field Offices 6 (Western Visayas) and 7 (Central Visayas) to coordinate with the affected local government units (LGUs) to assure them that the agency is ready to respond to all those who will be affected by the volcanic eruption.
has exposed their weaknesses.
Hezbollah’s military power has been undermined and its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has been killed by Israel. Israel had already been attacking Hezbollah’s military and financial supply lines from Iran through Syria. That support faces a fresh threat from the new masters of Damascus who will point to Hezbollah’s crucial role in keeping Assad in power for so long. Iran’s remaining supporters in Yemen and Iraq, while harassing the United States and its allies in the region, remain a nuisance but appear unable to effect major change.
Russia, embroiled in a resource-sapping war with Ukraine, also faces high stakes decisions as it biggest Middle East naval base is at Tartus on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
“They are likely going to lose that,” said Krieg. “I can’t see how the new regime or the new socio-political order will allow the Russians to remain after everything the Russians have done to prop up the Assad regime.”
Turkey, a key supporter of the rebels, is the big regional winner from Assad’s fall, Krieg added. AFP
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
Lawmakers file bill seeking to criminalize troll farms
By Maricel V. Cruz
ABILL was filed in the House of Representatives proposing to criminalize “troll” farms and disinformation campaigns.
Reps. Margarita Nograles-Almario of the PBA Partylist and Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental filed House Bill 11178, the “Anti-Troll Farm and Election Disinformation Act” as they were alarmed by the growing influence of troll farms and the spread of election disinformation.
The bill aims to protect the sanctity of Philippine elections by holding perpetrators accountable and promoting truth and transparency in the democratic process.
Oil firms say prices having mixed movements
By Alena Mae S. Flores
DOMESTIC pump prices had a mixed movement on Tuesday with gasoline prices going up by P0.40 per liter amid the ongoing volatility in the world oil prices.
Diesel and kerosene prices, however, had a price rollback of P0.50 per liter and P0.75 per liter, respectively.
Seaoil Philippines, PTT Philippines, PetroGazz, Chevron Philippines, and Jetti Petroleum issued separate advisories of the latest oil price movement while other oil firms are expected to follow suit.
The Department of Energy (DOE) said last week gasoline will increase by P0.10 to P0.30, while diesel and kerosene are expected to have a rollback.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said diesel may have a rollback of P0.40 to P0.70 per liter, and kerosene by P0.40 to P0.60 per liter. Romero cited among the reasons for the oil price hike the uncertain geopolitical climate in the Middle East particularly the recent strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, and delays in increased oil production by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+).
She said the reasons for rollback include a bearish demand outlook for 2025, especially from top importer China, the strengthening of the US dollar, and President Donald Trump’s promise to drill more.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said primary drivers of next week’s oil price movement include geopolitical tensions which have kept prices volatile and ample diesel supply in Asia due to increased outflows from India weighed on the price.
“However, lower exports of gasoline to the region supported the gas prices,” Bellas said.
On Dec. 3, oil companies implemented a mixed adjustment on the price of petroleum products.
“Troll farms are not just digital pranks—they are systematic tools designed to deceive voters and distort democracy,” said Nograles-Almario.
“This bill is our commitment to ensuring that the voice of the Filipino people remains genuine and untainted by lies.”
The proposed measure seeks to criminalize troll farms and disinformation campaigns targeting political candidates during elections.
It carries a penalty for violators with imprisonment of six to twelve years and fines ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱10 million. The bill also disqualifies political candidates who knowingly benefit from disinformation activities.
The bill also hold online platforms accountable for failure to remove disinformation, subjecting them to significant fines.
“This is about restoring trust in our democratic institutions,” said Almario. “Technology should be
a force for empowerment, not manipulation. House Bill 11178 is a proactive step to ensure that innovation strengthens, rather than weakens, our democracy.”
The bill empowers the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to work with agencies like the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to monitor and investigate troll farms. It also mandates educational campaigns led by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to promote voter awareness and critical thinking online.
“Education is a long-term solution. By equipping the public with the tools to recognize and combat disinformation, we can nurture a more informed and responsible electorate,” Nograles emphasized.
IN BRIEF
BI agents stop surrogate moms from leaving
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) foiled an attempt by two suspected surrogate mothers to illegally leave the country to Georgia, a country in Eastern Europe. The two victims, whose identities were kept confidential for their protection, claimed they had been recruited through Facebook by an online recruiter. Both victims claimed to be acquaintances and professionals traveling on a self-funded leisure trip to Tbilisi, Georgia. However, secondary inspectors discovered that their documents were fraudulent.
The victims later admitted that they had been offered the opportunity to serve as surrogate mothers for an unidentified individual, with a monthly salary of P700,000. According to the victims, the recruiter had explicitly instructed them to undergo a physical medical examination before traveling to Georgia. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stated that illegal surrogacy is considered a trafficking activity. The passengers were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for further investigation. Vito Barcelo
Bar exam results require consent—SC
THE Supreme Court (SC) said on Monday that the Bar examination scores cannot be disclosed without the prior consent of the examinees as these are sensitive personal information under the Data Privacy Act. The results of the 2024 Bar Examinations are set to be released on Friday, December 13.
In Bar Matter No. 4968, the SC En Banc approved the Guidelines on Requests for Disclosure of a Law School’s Bar Examination Performance. Under the guidelines, the High Tribunal may approve requests from law schools for Bar exam scores as long as it was aggregated, averaged, or anonymized and does not identify the examinee.
Permissible data includes the number of the law school’s graduates, the number or percentage of graduates within specific score ranges, the average score of all graduates in each subject, and the overall average general weighted average for law schools with multiple examinees. This information is not considered personal information and may be disclosed, according to the SC. Pot Chavez
Ex-Army chief gives pep talk in Ecija
RETIRED Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army, recently visited the Headquarters Army Artillery Regiment (AAR), Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija to share his invaluable leadership insights with AAR senior and junior officers, and personnel including Fires Center Training Command and its students.
The former Army Chief and Colonel Jo-Ar A. Herrera MNSA (INF) PA, engaged with AAR leaders and personnel in a discussion focused on strategic, operational and tactical leadership.
“By sharing their wealth of experience during the JTF Marawi Operation, General Bautista and Col. Herrera provided the AAR leaders and students with practical advice and innovative strategies to enhance their decision-making abilities and operational effectiveness,” Herrera said.
This event highlighted the capability demonstration conducted by AAR personnel, allowing future leaders to witness firsthand the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles within the Philippine Army. Rex Espiritu
Speaker welcomes appointment of David as new cardinal
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David’s appointment to the College of Cardinals.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David on his appointment to the College of Cardinals.
PBBM expected
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. is expected to sign the proposed P6.352 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2025 before Christmas Day, GMA News reported. This was according to Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Mark Leandro Mendoza on Monday.
‘’Yes, kasama... kasama na ‘yung sa budget (Yes, that’s included... the budget is included). Siguro ano (Maybe), before Christmas,’’ Mendoza said when asked on the expected date of budget signing.
This is a tremendous honor, not just for Cardinal David, but for the entire Filipino nation,” Romualdez said in a statement.
Romualdez said Cardinal David has always been a steadfast advocate for truth, justice, and compassion. “His leadership and service, especially during chal-
A joint technical working group (TWG) has been formed to summarize the disagreeing provisions of the Senate and the House of Representatives versions of the bill containing the national budget for 2025, the official further said. The final version of the 2025 national budget will be determined by the bicameral conference committee. Once they report it, it will be ratified by both houses of Congress. Once ratified, the bill will be forwarded to Malacañang for President Marcos’ review and approval.
lenging times, have left a deep impact on the Church and the communities he serves.
“This recognition affirms the respect and trust he has earned through his tireless work for the poor, the vulnerable, and those who need guidance. It is a moment of pride for all Filipinos to see
one of our own take on this significant role in the global Catholic Church,” he said.
“On behalf of the House of Representatives, I congratulate Cardinal David and assure him of our prayers and support as he takes on this important mission,” Romualdez said. Maricel V. Cruz
‘RESQCLYMPICS.’ Various Emergency Response Teams from di erent Barangays in Quezon City showcase their speed and skill in responding to emergency medical services on the rst day of the Quezon City Disaster and
WARM WELCOME. Tingog Partylist Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre warmly welcome the Philippine Dragon Boat team during a courtesy visit at the House of Representatives on Monday. Miko Noveno
The BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) docks in Port Area, Manila after its ve-day Manado, Indonesia Port Visit. Philippine Coast Guard personnel were at hand to welcome the vessel.
Lawmaker eyes disaster-resilient evacuation centers
By Maricel V. Cruz
A LEGISLATOR has appealed to the government to put up disaster-resilient mega evacuation centers (ECs) for the benefit of thousands of people fleeing their homes amid the increasingly devastating impact of climate change.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte made the appeal saying preemptive evacuation of families in highrisk areas has become the norm in light of the recent streak of six typhoons that hit the country in rapid succession over the past two months.
“It’s time for the national government to work with LGUs (local government units) in putting up permanent climateproof and fully-equipped mega ECs in elevated places to ensure that evacuees have safe and fully-equipped temporary shelters to go to whenever typhoons and other natural calamities strike, especially our high-risk communities with ever increasing ferocity and frequency as a result of planet heating,” Villafuerte said. Villafuerte hoped that in the construction of permanent ECs, priority will be given to building such disaster-resilient facilities in high-risk areas across the country.
SSS releases P32b for pensioners in Nov.
By Rio N. Araja
THE Social Security System (SSS) has released over P32 billion in 13th month stipends and December pensions of 3.6 million retirees as of Nov. 29
SSS officer-in-charge Voltaire Agas disclosed that the state pension fund initiated the early crediting of the 13th month pay and December 2024 pensions as a pre-Christmas gift for SSS and employees’ compensation pensioners.
“We are also aware of the plight of our pensioners who were not spared by the recent tropical cyclones that lashed the country in less than a
month. The early crediting of these pensions can help address some of their financial needs as they try to rebuild their lives after a series of calamities struck the country,” Agas said.
The first tranche of the 13th month and December pensions was disbursed on Nov. 29, benefiting some 2.09 million pensioners with a total amount of P17.9 billion.
This distribution covered pensioners whose dates of contingency fell within the first to the 15th day of the month.
The second tranche, released on Dec, 4, benefitted 1.52 million pensioners to the tune of P14.3 billion, covering dates of contingency from the 16th up to the last day of the month.
Agas said the SSS released P41.6 million worth of 13th month and December pensions to over 6,000 pensioners through non-PESONet participating banks and checks.
“Pensioners in non-PESONet participating banks received their pensions on Dec. 4; meanwhile, we have asked the Philippine Postal Corp. to expedite the delivery of checks to our
By Dennis Abrina
Income Classification of Local Government Units Act, enacted recently by President Marcos. The income classification for the LGUs were based cities on income ranges as Class Average Annual Regular Income The DOF order takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Noveleta Mayor Dino Chua cited his town’s reclassification as “a very important success because it reflects our good management, transparency and effective service” felt by his constituents. For his part, Maragondon Mayor Lawrence Arca the upgrade resulted from their concerted efforts to uplift quality of life in the town.
pensioners at their home addresses,” he added.
Pensioners who availed themselves of the advance 18-month pensions for their initial benefit received their 13th month pensions on Dec. 4.
Agas explained that retirement and survivor pensioners receive a 13thmonth pension equivalent to their regular monthly pensions, while total disability pensioners receive a 13thmonth pension equal to their monthly pensions without the medical allowance.
“Member’s children receiving dependent’s pension are also entitled to the 13th-month bonus, and partial disability pensioners can receive it if they have a pension duration of at least 12 months,” he said.
Aklan holds organic Agriculture congress
By Jun Aguirre
BALETE, Aklan — The Aklan Provincial Organic Producers Association (APOPA) on Monday launched here its inaugural Organic Agriculture Congress at the Bullo Hillside Integrated Farm.
Representatives of the Department of Agriculture, the Provincial Agriculturist Office, and the Aklan Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council, among others, participated in the two-day event.
APOPA president Godynel Isedenia said they organized the convention to promote organic farming in the province.
“The congress was organized to unite our organic farmers and discuss among ourselves the issues and challenges now being faced in organic farming,” Isedenia said.
APOPA is a group of farmers and entrepreneur-turnedfarmers in the province who underwent training in organic vegetable production previously conducted by the Agricultural Training Center-Western Visayas.
“For several years, the demand for organic food in Boracay has been sourced out from other provinces as far as Baguio City. I urged our organic farmers to take this challenge of providing the needed demand of food for tourists and residents from our own,” Provincial Agriculture Office chief Alexys Apolonio said.
Meanwhile, Balete Mayor Dexter Calizo said the local Sanguniang Bayan has enacted an organic agriculture ordinance. “We hope the Aklan province would do the same,” he said.
IN BRIEF
Police eye gun-for-hire in BFAR exec murder
POLICE are looking at the possibility that guns-for-hire might be behind the murder last Saturday of a female official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Panabo City. In a phone interview, Davao Del Norte police director Alexander Serrano disclosed they are also eyeing personal grudge or work-related dispute as a motive for the slaying of 42-year-old BFAR officer Karen Diana Candilosas, “We are still looking at all angles at this time and checking the CCTVs in the area of the incident,” Serrano said. Initial investigation showed that it was Candilosas’ first time to visit the area where she was gunned down. The victim was inside her vehicle, parked in front of a fisheries facility in Purok Marang, Barangay Cagangohan, Saturday morning, when the suspects aboard a motorcycle and wearing black jackets, drove up and shot her point blank. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa
PH marines take part in Hawaii defense talks
THE Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) participated in the fourth edition of the Multilateral Integrated Air and Missile Defense Summit and Senior International Leaders Event - Pacific 2024 (MISSILE PAC 24), held Dec. 4 to 6 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. PMC commandant Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas, along with Col. Geiram Aragones, chief of the Coastal Defense Regiment, and Lt. Col. Dennis Tubo PN(M), head of the Shore-Based Air Defense Battalion, met with other specialists in Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). Key topics discussed included IAMD in the Indo-Pacific Theater, interoperability among allies and partners, the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), Air Domain Awareness, and the role of policy in building IAMD architecture. MISSILE PAC is an annual event designed for senior leaders from partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region. Its primary
BI deports Japanese wanted in Japan
H
CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHILDREN. SM Prime Holdings chairman Hans Sy embraces a ward of Child Haus Manila as his wife Carol and renowned hair stylist Ricky Reyes look on. During the affair, five cancer-stricken patients of Child Haus who have completed their therapy were given the green light to go home for Christmas. Norman Cruz
PURPLE CORN. A farmer from Mobo, Kalibo, Aklan can’t help but admire his
purple corn, raised through organic farmer method. Jun N. Aguirre
OPINION
HOW do you solve a problem like Vice President Sara Duterte, who has become the biggest critic of President Marcos Jr.? This is the big question.
Well, that question has been answered with the filing of two cases of impeachment by members of the civil society and the second one by the Makabayan group.
The first impeachment case was filed by members of the House of Representatives and civil society led by former Senator Leila de Lima for betrayal of public trust and direct involvement in extrajudicial killings during the six-year term of then President Rodrigo Duterte, misuse and abuse of millions in confidential and intelligence funds, culpable violation of the Constitution, and issuing threats against high-ranking officials, Santa Banana!
Impeaching Sara —“—
She was also accused of graft and corruption.
The President had initially objected to an impeachment case against the Vice President because that would distract the government from problems which had to be prioritized by the President. Following the impeachment case against Sara, the President continues to distance himself.
As I write this column, the Makabayan group still has to acquire at least 60 signatures from the House members since impeachment would need at least 1/3 of members of the House.
I know the impeachment case against Sara, both legal and political in nature, is mostly political. My gulay, as a lawyer myself, I believe an impeachment case against the Vice President appears to be stacked against her. And it won’t take long before the articles of impeachment will be elevated to the Senate.
For one thing, in the House Quad Committee probing the misuse and abuse of the confidential funds by the Office of the Vice president and as secretary of education, it would prove that indeed Sara misused her confidential funds in many ways.
Santa Banana, when it appeared that one “Mary Grace Piattos” had been involved in the misuse of Sara’s confidential funds, that name does not appear in the Statistical Office by birth, marriage or death.
In other words, she does not exist, my gulay! There are at least many more names that have to be found as recipients of confidential funds but their existence cannot be established.
Santa Banana, if only for this, the Vice President appears she really did misuse or even abuse her confidential funds, all of which constitute culpable violation of the Constitution and even betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption.
The VP threatened that if she is killed she had already commissioned somebody to assassinate the President, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Santa Banana, that is a grave threat on the President that would constitute a threat against national security. And the National Bureau of Investigation , as I write this, has yet to investigate Sara. It is for these reasons why I believe the House impeachment against the VP is as good as done, my gulay!
If the VP gets impeached by the House, there’s also the Senate that will try her.
It won’t be long before the articles of impeachment will be elevated to the Senate
Again, as I said, impeachment cases are both legal and political, mostly political as in the impeachment cases of then President Erap Estrada and the then Chief Justice Renato Corona who by the vote of the majority of the Senate was impeached.
It would be interesting to find out how people would react to the impeachment of Sara.
I believe people would just accept it as something political. In the Senate, I can predict that Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa and Bong Go would be for Sara.
I cannot think of other senators who are for Sara. In any case, listening to the impeachment case of the Vice President by the House of Representatives and the Senate would certainly catch the attention of the people.
On the other hand, it would really distract the government from focusing on priority issues, which I believe should be attended to right away.
The most telling charge that would constitute graft and corruption is the misuse of the confidential funds amounting to P125 million in a space of only 11 days.
How can a public official like Sara spend that much in a space of a little over a week? Other names have also surfaced involved in the misuse of millions of confidential funds . And yet, Sara claims she cannot forgive her enemies, this being the Christmas Season, my gulay!
So, how do you solve a problem like Sara Duterte?
Considering that it takes only 1/3 of the House in a plenary session to impeach, I believe it won’t be long before the articles of impeachment will be elevated to the Senate.
Faith and politics
HOW
should religion
politics? This question looms
the Iglesia ni Cristo announces rallies to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance against Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment. With legal and ethical concerns at the forefront, the events challenge the delicate balance between church and state in the Philippines. A contextual overview
The controversy involves the INC, a religious organization known for its bloc-voting power, organizing rallies to support Marcos’ stance. This occurs amidst allegations against Vice President Duterte, including her alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and public statements implicating her in controversial actions. Progressive groups have filed impeachment complaints, citing betrayal of public trust, culpable violations of the Constitution, and corruption. President Marcos has dismissed the impeachment move as a distraction from
EDITORIAL
A gift of joy
SIX days from now, the Philippines will start the first of nine morning Masses with Christmas festivities continuing until Epiphany on Jan. 6, 2025.
In the run up to the festival celebrated by Christians as the birth of Jesus Christ, we see continuing conflicts in many areas – governments falling, leaders under threat of impeachment, persistent poverty, and challenges on populations from climate change.
We are certain the head of the Catholic Church, who previously made statements on concord or amity, will deliver his traditional Christmas message with focus on his call for peace and an end to violence and an appeal to help those in sufferance.
Millions are risking lives to reach Europe from different countries confronted by violent conflicts, insecurity or political repression.
Under focus in these conflicts are issues of inequality, injustice and exclusion.
Available figures suggest more than 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by violent conflicts,
(1969) underscores that freedom of expression is fundamental in a democratic society.
Religious Freedom
Article III, Section 5 of the Constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion. The INC’s actions can be seen as rooted in its religious values and organizational mission, aligning with its right to participate in civic matters without state interference.
more pressing national concerns. The legal basis for INC rallies Freedom of Expression and Assembly
While INC’s freedom of expression and religious exercise are protected, these rights must be balanced against the principle of a secular government
The Philippine Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly under Article III, Section 4. The INC’s rallies are a form of political expression and advocacy, a constitutionally guaranteed right. Precedent: Gonzales v. Comelec
Precedent: Estrada v. Escritor (2003) emphasized that religious freedom includes actions motivated by religious beliefs, even when intersecting with public life.
Non-Interference in Political Processes
The rallies do not constitute direct interference in legislative or judicial processes related to impeachment. The INC’s actions are limited to public advocacy, leaving the ultimate decision to Congress.
The legal challenge to INC rallies
Separation of Church and State
Article II, Section 6 of the Constitution mandates the separation of church and state. The INC’s overt political endorsement may blur these boundaries, raising concerns about undue influence on governance.
Precedent: Aglipay v. Ruiz (1937) highlighted the need to prevent religious groups from exerting influence over state decisions.
Potential Coercion and Bloc Voting
The INC’s history of bloc voting
59.5 million are forcibly displaced worldwide, 19.5 million of them refugees, of which half are children. Beyond the celebratory Christmas carols, tree decorations, gift-giving and parties, we underline here the acknowledgment that the Philippines has been battered by deadly typhoons during the last semester of the year.
Every Filipino deserves to celebrate the Yuletide despite the challenges
It is thus well-timed that as we approach Christmas we remember the victims of typhoons and other disasters since the season is a time of joy for all Filipinos.
could pressure members to support a political stance, undermining individual autonomy. This may violate Article II, Section 11, which upholds the dignity of every human person.
Ethical Standards: Such actions may breach the Code of Conduct for Political Parties (adopted principles), which discourages undue influence by nonpolitical entities.
Perception of Bias
Public rallies by a religious group supporting a political figure might erode trust in a secular government. The rallies could be perceived as using religious influence to shield public officials from accountability, undermining the principle of public trust in governance.
Balancing the arguments
The INC’s rallies exist in a constitutional gray area. While their freedom of expression and religious exercise are protected, these rights must be balanced against the principle of a secular government. The Supreme Court has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of church and state to prevent undue influence and preserve democratic integrity.
Recommendations for the INC
Focus on Ethical Engagement: Frame rallies as expressions of general support for due process rather than specific political figures to avoid perceptions of partisanship.
We heard President Marcos in his call on the nation and his reminder to everyone that Christmas is a time of joy for all Filipinos, a time to extend compassion to those in need, stressing that every Filipino deserves to celebrate the Yuletide despite the challenges.
We add our voice to the President’s call on everyone to remember those still recovering from the devastation caused by unforgiving typhoons and other calamities as he pointed out “we all deserve Christmas.”
Against environmental challenges like El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons that impacted this country of 117 million, we are allayed by the President’s assurance that his administration is committed to making Christmas 2024 memorable.
President Marcos has directed government agencies to ensure the spirit of Christmas reaches Filipino communities despite the recent climate challenges that caused loss of lives and properties.
As the President himself asked fellow Filipinos, they should continue to embrace the traditions of Christmas, while emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the season.
Promote Member Autonomy: Ensure that participation in rallies is voluntary and respects individual political beliefs.
For the Philippine government
Clarify Legal Boundaries: Issue guidelines to ensure that public advocacy by religious groups aligns with the Constitution’s mandate for secular governance.
Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Address the allegations against Vice President Duterte transparently to maintain public trust.
For Filipinos
Engage in Critical Analysis: Assess the motivations behind both the impeachment complaints and the rallies. Public discourse should prioritize national welfare and adherence to democratic principles.
Advocate for Institutional Integrity: Support initiatives that uphold the rule of law and prevent undue influence in governance.
Conclusion Do the INC rallies represent the strength of our democracy—or its fragility?
As religious groups wade deeper into political waters, the Philippines faces a pivotal question: How do we protect democratic values without compromising constitutional freedoms?
The answer will shape not only this moment but the future of governance in our nation.
Yoon banned from leaving South Korea
IN BRIEF
4 troops wounded in Israeli strike
BEIRUT – Lebanon’s army said one person was killed and four soldiers wounded Monday in an Israeli strike in the country’s south, where a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel came into force last month.
“The Israeli enemy targeted a car near the Saf al-Hawa/Bint Jbeil military checkpoint, killing a citizen and lightly wounding four soldiers,” the army said in a statement. The official National News Agency reported that “enemy aircraft struck a car on the Saf al-Hawa road in Bint Jbeil near an army checkpoint, killing the driver, a civilian”.
Israel stepped up its campaign in south Lebanon in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges begun by Hezbollah in support of its ally Hamas following the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. AFP
PM of Pacific nation Tonga abruptly resigns
NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga – Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni abruptly resigned on Monday, his office and parliament officials said, stepping down in the wake of a power struggle with the Pacific nation’s royal family.
“Yes, the prime minister has resigned but we’re not sure what happens next,” parliament official Rhonda Hufanga told AFP. Sovaleni told parliament he would quit just moments before lawmakers decided his future in a vote of no confidence.
It was not immediately clear who would replace Sovaleni, who has occupied the top job since 2021, although the no confidence vote was led by rival and veteran politician ‘Aisake Eke.
Asked to confirm Sovaleni’s resignation, a spokeswoman from the prime minister’s office told AFP: “It’s true.” Tonga has been a constitutional monarchy since the late 19th century. AFP
Toll in Hague building collapse climbs to 6: official
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The death toll from an explosion and fire that destroyed an apartment block in The Hague climbed to six on Monday, officials said, revealing that a teenage girl was among the victims.
Rescue workers pulled a sixth body from the rubble in the early hours of Monday, with fears they could discover more victims of the blast that took place at dawn on Saturday.
“At around 02:30am, a sixth body was found and recovered from the cellar of the collapsed building,” the local fire service said. Police identified four of the dead as two men aged 45 and 31, a 41-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old girl. Four other people are in hospital,
Taiwan on high alert after China restricts airspace
TAIPEI – Taiwan said its military was on high alert Monday as it launched combat readiness drills after detecting Chinese warships and coast guard vessels in waters around the island.
The exercises were also in response to Beijing’s army restricting the airspace off the Chinese coast.
“In response to these actions by the PLA, the MND has initiated combat readiness drills, factoring in enemy threats, weather conditions, and tactical positioning,” the defense ministry said in a statement, adding that military units were on “high” alert.
There has been intense speculation about the possibility of China launching military drills in response to Taiwan President Lai
Ching-te’s Pacific tour last week that included two stopovers on US soil.
The ministry said on X its forces had “identified PLA Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Command naval formations, along with Coast Guard vessels, entering areas around the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific.”
There was no immediate public announcement by the PLA or Chinese state media about increased military activity around Taiwan.
While Taiwan regards itself as a sovereign nation -- with its own government, military, and currency -- Beijing insists the island is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.
In Guam on Thursday, Lai spoke with Republican US House Speaker Mike Johnson -- the highest-level US contact the Taiwanese leader had during his week-long trip -- which drew a barrage of criticism from Beijing. China’s foreign ministry warned Taiwan on Friday that “seeking independence with the help of the United States will inevitably hit a wall”, and called on Washington to “cease meddling in Taiwan-related affairs”.
In response to a question about possible Chinese military drills around Taiwan following his trip, Lai told reporters on Friday that “raising your fists is not as good as opening your hands”. AFP
2024
‘certain’ to be
hottest year on record: EU monitor
PARIS – This year is “effectively certain” to be the hottest on record and the first above a critical threshold to protect the planet from dangerously overheating, Europe’s climate monitor said Monday. The new benchmark affirmed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service caps a year in which countries rich and poor were hammered by disasters that scientists have linked to humanity’s role in Earth’s rapid warming. Copernicus said an unprecedented spell of extraordinary heat had pushed average global temperatures so high between January and November that this year was sure to eclipse 2023 as the hottest yet. “At this point, it is effectively certain that 2024 is going to be the warmest year
on record,” the EU agency said in its monthly bulletin. In another grim milestone, 2024 will be the first calendar year more than 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial times before humanity started burning large volumes of fossil fuels.
Scientists warn that exceeding 1.5C over a decades-long period would greatly imperil the planet, and the world agreed under the Paris climate accord to strive to limit warming to this safer threshold.
Copernicus Climate Change Service deputy director Samantha Burgess said a single year above 1.5C “does not mean that the Paris Agreement has been breached, but it does mean ambitious climate action is more urgent than ever.” AFP
SEOUL — South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol was banned from leaving the country on Monday, the justice ministry said, less than a week after he plunged the country into chaos by briefly imposing martial law.
Yoon sent special forces and helicopters to parliament on the night of December 3 before lawmakers forced him to rescind the order by rejecting his decree.
The hugely unpopular leader narrowly survived an impeachment motion in parliament on Saturday even as huge crowds braved freezing temperatures to call for his ouster.
However, despite remaining in office, a clutch of investigations has been closing in on Yoon and his close allies, including a probe for alleged insurrection.
The ministry of justice confirmed on Monday that Yoon had become the first sitting South Korean president to be banned from leaving the country.
A lawmaker was asked at a parliamentary hearing on Monday whether Yoon had been banned from leaving the country. “Yes, that’s right,” Bae Sang-up, an immigration services commissioner at the ministry, replied.
Also under travel bans for their roles in last week’s events are former defence minister Kim Yong-hyun -- currently in detention -- and ex-interior minister Lee Sang-min.
General Park An-su, the officer in charge of the martial law operation, and defence counterintelligence commander Yeo In-hyung are also barred from leaving the country.
Investigators hauled Park in for further questioning on Monday.
The impeachment push failed to pass after members of Yoon’s own People Power Party (PPP) walked out of parliament, depriving it of the necessary two-thirds majority. AFP
Australian cops seek 3 suspects in synagogue fire
MELBOURNE – Australian police said Monday they are hunting for three suspects over an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, designating it a terrorist act. Mask-wearing attackers set the Adass Israel Synagogue ablaze before dawn on Friday, police said, gutting much of the building.
Some congregants were inside the single-story building at the time but no serious injuries were reported.
The fire sparked international condemnation, including from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Police have “three suspects in that matter, who we are pursuing”, Victorian police chief commissioner Shane Patton told a news conference.
Investigations over the weekend had made “significant progress”, Patton said, declining to provide further details of the operation.
Officials from the federal and state police, as well as Australia’s intelligence agency, met on Monday and concluded that the fire was “likely a terrorist incident”, the police chief said.
“Based on that, I am very confident that we now have had an attack, a terrorist attack on that synagogue,” he said. Counter-terrorism police have joined the probe.
Under Australian law, a terrorist act is one that causes death, injury or serious property damage to advance a political, religious or ideological cause and is aimed at intimidating the public or a government.AFP
TRAVEL DISRUPTED. Workmen check out the damage to kiosks on the pier at Llandudno in north Wales on Dec. 8, 2024, after storm Darragh brings winds of 90 mph to the west of Wales and north-west England. High winds and heavy rain have battered western parts of the United Kingdom, causing widespread travel disruption. AFP
SMOKE OF WAR. This picture taken from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights shows smoke billowing above the Syrian Governorate of Quneitra during
Camp John Hay 1 seizes
3-shot lead over Eastridge
BAGUIO—Paolo Wong shot an eagle-aided 39 points and the Camp John Hay Golf Club Team 1 opened up a three-shot lead against Eastridge in Fil A at the start of the regular competition of the 74th Januarius Fil Am invitational at Camp John Hay.
Wong made four birdies on Nos. 4, 8, 14 and 16 to negate his three bogeys. He highlighted his day with a 15-yard chip in for eagle on the 10th hole.
Together with the 31 of Melchor Rabanes and Emilio Curran and 29 of Ranz Balay-Odao, the host club posted 130 points.
“We are pleased to have the lead against the many talented teams. The boys are ecstatic especially on Paolo’s wonderful score. We used our homecourt advantage,” said CJHGC skipper Leo Corpuz.
Eastridge, featuring some of the best junior golfers, assembled 127 as Ralph Batican paced with 36. Other scorers were Vito Sarines 34, Armand Copok 31 and Harry Sales 26. Jared Saban, one of the youngest players in Fil Am history at 11 years old, failed to count with his 25. Forest Hills Team 1 later matched 127 to tie Eastridge at
second. The Antipolo-based club was led by Rocky Co’s 37 and was backed up by Don Breganza’s 34, Pierre Ticzon’s 32 and Adrian Romero’s 24.
In the Am-A at Baguio County Club, Team Master was the front runner with 96 points. Time Cargo Logistics Team 2 and Forest Hills Team 2 are locked in for second with 93 each.
Roy Abalos made 27, Victor Antigua had 25, Olan delos Santos contributed 24 and Felix Sorra added 20 for Team Master.
Leading the way for Time Cargo’s output were Richard delos Santos with 30 followed by Joseph Tambunting 24, Rusty Bayani 20 and Dwight Yao 19.
For Forest Hills, Jacob Tarik and Dennis Nicomedes each produced 25 and club general manager Raymond Bunquin turned in 24. Blue Recto’s 19 counted in the five-to-play, four-to-count format.
THE stage is set, the teams are ready, and the world will be watching as the Philippines hosts the eFIBA World Finals presented by Predator and sponsored by Smart, PLDT, Red Bull, and Nike on December 11 and 12 at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga.
Eight teams qualified through Regional Championships in eFIBA Season 3 and these squads have been divided into two groups.
Group A has USA, Algeria, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia while Group B will feature Brazil, New Zealand, Turkiye, and the Philippines.
“Esports has seen a massive rise in popularity in the past few years and FIBA wanted to grow the sport of basketball not just on the court but in that field as well,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy. “The SBP is fully committed to FIBA in this endeavour and that is the reason why we’re hosting the eFIBA World Finals in Clark. The SBP’s ability in hosting world-class events is proven and we’re hopeful the World Finals will be added to the long list of successful FIBA events we’ve had in the Philippines.” The public is invited to witness the event as admission is free. To further heat up the event, the SBP is also hosting a 1v1 Showdown that is open to all 2K Gamers.
“We’re inviting everyone to support the eFIBA World Finals and our very own eGilas Pilipinas as they take on the world’s best at the SMX Convention Center,” added Dy. “We appreciate the consistent support from Smart in all of the SBP events including the World Finals and we’ve also partnered with the Laus Group to give our eGilas
Filipino paddlers lead PSA’s November sports achievers
tournament in
dow to
men beat world No. 22 New Zealand for the first time in FIBA competition, 93-89, then followed it up with a 93-54 romp over Hong Kong to go 4-0 in Group B of the FIBA
Januarius teams hope for breakthrough Fil Am golf wins
BAGUIO—With three formidable teams in the field, Januarius is hoping for a breakthrough win in the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational, the longest-running and largest amateur team championship in the world.
Leading the Januarius contingent is the Private Equity squad composed of Jet Mathay, Terence Macatangay, Ray Sangil, Ayon Sanchez, Kirby Lachica and new recruit Masa Otake.
The Januarius Private Equity actually led after two rounds, but breaks didn’t go its way in the final half and eventually
finished third in last year’s competition behind Manila Southwoods and Eastridge.
This time, however, team manager Paolo Cagalingan said Januarius wilL once again contend for the title, especially in the premier Fil Championship division.
“We are pitted against national team players and other young guns, who aspire and train daily to turn professional. Our teams are composed mainly of top club players. We have great chemistry and will rely not on their skills but their extensive
experience and course knowledge. We are prepared and will contend for the championship,” Cagalingan also said.
For the Am Championship division, the Januarius Truespec will be led by Cagalingan, Charles Hong, Jonar Austria, Marco Olives, RJ Rizada and Migo Ochoa, who made an ace during the practice round.
Januarius Holdings Chairman and CEO JJ Atencio will spearhead the Januarius Private Equity Team 2 with Noel Estrella, Jake Ong, Jett Manuel, Jens Knuttle and Blair Carabuena.
Arabia with a
in the qualifying stage. The Philippines’ baseball squad scored a five-peat in the BFA XIV East Asia Baseball Cup in Clark, completing a clean sweep of the competition
Sen. Go receives Lifetime Achievement honor at 4th Siklab Awards
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards last week at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls, BGC, Taguig
Atayde as the Trailblazer of the Year awardee. In his acceptance speech, the Senator expressed gratitude and renewed his commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes. “I’m so proud and of
GOLF CHAMP. Members of the Team Nueva Ecija Travellers display their Fil-F
in the 74th Annual Fil Am Golf Tournament during the awarding ceremonies held at the Camp John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City on December 4, 2024. Shown in photo are (from left) Efren de Leon, Rodel Matias, Mark Cruz, Atty. Percival Peralta, Joseph Nocum and Mitos Riparip. The Fil Am Invitational Golf is the oldest and
Shown here are Januarius Private Equity members Ayon Sanchez, Kirby Lachica, Ray Sangil, Terence Macarangay, Jet Mathay and team manager Paolo Cagalingan
Senator Bong Go joins all young awardees including three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar during the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards Night last Thursday at the Market! Market! Ayala Malls in BGC Taguig.
Paolo Wong of Camp John Hay Golf Club
Shown here are (standing from left) Julian Mallillin, coach Nite Alparas, Clark Banzon (seated from left) Prich Diez, Kenneth Gutierrez and Isaiah Alindada.
A8 SPORTS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
5150 Bataan: An adventure like no other
THE 5150 FAB (Freeport Area of Bataan) Triathlon in Mariveles next year promises a unique and unforgettable race. With rave reviews from the FAB Recon Race over the weekend, the course features a 1.5km swim in calm, clear waters, a challenging 40-km bike route with rolling hills and stunning coastal views, and a flat, fast 10-km run through shaded paths.
Participants praised the wellorganized setup, pristine road conditions and breathtaking scenery. Multi-titled triathlete Mervin Santiago compared the bike course to New Zealand, highlighting its thrilling terrain and picturesque backdrop.
Dominant Filipino fencers flex might with 4 golds in SEA meet
By Randy Caluag
THE Philippines’ fencing team has emerged as a dominant force at the Southeast Asian Fencing Championships, bagging four golds in the competition that ends on Tuesday (December 10) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Leading the charge was Olympic hopeful Nathaniel Perez, who claimed gold in the Men’s Foil event.
Perez’s victory not only added to his growing list of achievements, but also marked a signifi-
PH
cant step toward his goal of representing the Philippines at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
After narrowly missing out on a slot for Paris 2024, Perez remains undeterred in his Olympic dream, buoyed by the support of the Ayala
Foundation, which has been instrumental in his training.
In the Women’s Foil event, Wilhelmina Lozada successfully defended her title, earning back-toback championships, while fellow Filipino fencer Janna Catantan collared the silver.
In the Men’s Épée, Noelito Jose delivered a heart-stopping performance in the final, edging Vietnam’s Phuoc Den Nguyen in a 1514 thriller.
Jose’s path to the gold was marked by emphatic victories, including decisive wins over Malaysia’s Mohd Maideen and Yam Ethan, as well as
Vietnam’s Nguyen Minh Hieu.
The Women’s Sabre team achieved a remarkable podium sweep with Charmaine Andres plucking the gold over former SEA Games champion Jylyn Nicanor with a commanding 15-8 win in the final.
Nicole Cortey, who narrowly lost to Andres in the semifinals, took the bronze, to complete the sweep.
Other notable performances included Ashley-May Michelle Harrison, who earned a silver medal in the Women’s Épée Individual event, and Shawn Nicollei Felipe, who took home bronze in the Men’s Foil.
taekwondo jins bag 2 silvers, 8 bronzes in HK
Members of the SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo pose after the 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong where it won two silvers and eight bronzes. They are (standing from left) King Nash Alcairo, Leno Maximus Subaste, Jeus Gabriel Yape, Justin Kobe Macario, Ernesto Guzman Jr., Jeordan Dominguez (coach), Rani Ortega (coach), Um Ji Min (coach) June Ninoba, Rodolfo Reyes Jr, Patrick Perez, Ian Corton, Darius Venerable. On second row are Alfonzo Gabriel Tormon, Bob Andrew Fabella, Dean Darnet Venerable, Jose Lucas Llarena, Janna Dominique Oliva, Zyka Angelica Santiago, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, So a Ysabelle Sarmiento, Aidaine Krishia Laxa, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Caleb Angelo Calde, Marcus Mariquaya, and Vinwulfe Racko Urquia. Kneeling are Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, Austine Zulaika Macaraeg, Elizabeth Marie Borres, Xian Gabriel Gamata, Kian Ezekiel Castigador, Jaynazh Angelo Jamias, Kristen Ambriel Aguila, Joniya Yua Obiacoro, Chezka Nicole Luzadas, Acey Kiana Oglayon, Casey De Leon and Julianna Martha Uy.
The SMART/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo capped another season to remember by winning two silver and eight bronze medals in the recent 2024 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Hong Kong.
The partnership of Justin Kobe Macario and Juvenile Faye Crisostomo came through with a near-flawless performance to finish second in the freestyle over 17-years category, and so were Leno Maximuz Subaste and Julianna Martha Uy in the junior pair.
Their achievements were fitting sequel to the gold-medal feat of Tachiana Mangin in the women’s -49 kilogram class of the World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea – the country’s first since Alex Borromeo reigned in the men’s -47kg division in the 1996 edition in Barcelona, Spain.
Winning individual bronze medals for the PH team backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) were Darius Venerable (freestyle over 17), Ian Matthew Corton (male under-30), June Ninobla (male under-60), and Jaynazh Angelo Jamias (cadet male individual).
Asian Games bronze medalist Patrick King Perez, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Janna Dominique Oliva, Justin Kobe Macario, and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape also made it to the podium in the freestyle team over 17.
Robinson cites UP’s defense, vows La Salle fightback in Game 2
By Peter Atencio
THE University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons succeeding in stopping big man Kevin Quiambao in the second half. For the defending champion La Salle Green Archers and coach Topex Robinson, he felt that the Fighting Maroons wanted badly to win Game 1 of the 87 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball finals.
UP’s defense on the 6’7” Quiambao succeeded as he only managed to score one point in the second half as the Fighting Maroons went on to post a 73-65 triumph in the opener of their best of three finals series on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
“They wanted it more than us. They did a lot of good things, defensively. They played well as a team. We just try to get back in Game 2,” said Robinson after UP stopped
their winning streak of four games.
Quiambao, who leads the Season 87 MVP race, made 19 points, but was held to just a point -- a technical free throw -- in the second half and was forced to commit six turnovers
With Quiambao struggling in the second half, UP moved closer to another title shot.
“They did a great job in stopping KQ (Kevin Quiambao), and we weren’t able to make adjustments down the line. At this point, it’s just for us to learn from this experience,” added Robinson.
The Green Archers will now seek to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday, with a win allowing them to force a decisive Game 3.
“The only thing that I told the team is that there’s a reason this is a series. You don’t win the championship by just winning one game. You need to win two games, so we still have a chance,” added Robinson.
“The bike course is unique – it’s not your usual flat race. The rolling hills and downhill sections make it exciting, and the views are simply stunning. It felt like racing in New Zealand, with the West Philippine Sea as a beautiful backdrop,” said Santiago. Every segment is thoughtfully designed to showcase Bataan’s natural wonders while testing the physical and mental strength of participants. Details of the 2025 event will be announced shortly, according to Princess Galura, president of Sunrise Events Inc., part of The IRONMAN Group.
One of the highlights was the pristine road conditions, largely untouched and well-maintained.
“I tested the run course with a little push earlier – it’s safe, fast, and exhilarating. It’s perfect for athletes of all levels,” said Santiago.
Fully recovered Obiena ready for new season
THE country’s top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena is expected to bounce back next year.
The 29-year-old Obiena has fallen from the world rankings after his stint in the Paris Olympics, but has recovered from a back injury in the months that followed.
Since the second week of September, Obiena has slipped from world no. 2 to no. 3, and then to fourth spot as he took his time off from competitions and focused on his recovery. Obiena is currently behind the topranked Armand Duplantis of Sweden in the World Athletcs rankings.
Sam Kendricks of the United States has assumed the no. 2 spot, followed by Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis at no. 3.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Terry Capistrano said he has monitored Obiena’s progression and is upbeat of his bid to get back on his feet in 2025.
“We have been supporting EJ quietly. We have been talking to him about his recovery. I have been with him through two world championships already,” said Capistrano.
Since the last week of October, Obiena has fully healed from the lower back injury he sustained during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League, where he finished fifth in August.
In the first week of January, Obiena is expected to start training for the indoor athletics’ season in Europe and join the World Indoor Championships in March.
“My understanding is that he’s fully (recovered) and he’s gonna get to competition and will be in the World Indoors,” added Capistrano.
In the meantime, Obiena has made progress in his plans to put up polevaulting pits around the country, the most recent of which was at the Marcos Stadium in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. Peter Atencio
Mervin Santiago
La Salle coach Topex Robinson
EEI, PH Resorts sign MOU on Emerald Bay investment
12.4 hectares
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Size of Emeral Bay Resort
PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. (PHR), the gaming firm led by businessman Dennis Uy, said Monday it signed a memorandum of understanding with EEI Corp. for the latter’s potential investment in Emerald Bay, the stalled Cebu integrated casino and resort development.
with another investor for Emerald Bay, after its most recent negotiation fell through.
The company had been negotiating with several investors including Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which operates Solaire Resorts and Casino; Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), the Japanese operator of Okada Manila; and Cebu-based AppleOne Properties Inc.
Number of hotel room bays
“The MOU provides an avenue for a potential partnership between EEI and PHR, upon the execution of the definitive agreements and subject to the fulfillment of conditions precedent and regulatory approvals, if any,” PHR said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
construct and compete the Emerald Bay project upon the execution of definitive agreement.
No other details were provided including the timetable for the execution of definitive agreements and terms and conditions of the agreement.
Negotiations with these investors also bogged down.
PHR obtained in 2017 a provisional gaming license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for the 12.4-hectare Emerald Bay Resort on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
780 146
PHR said EEI would help finance,
PHR said in July that it was in talks
Number of gaming tables
New NAIA Infra, Meralco set to upgrade airport’s power system
By Darwin G. Amojelar and Alena Mae S. Flores
NEW NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC)
teamed up with Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to power the modernization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The joint undertaking aims to provide sustainable and reliable energy solutions that will meet NAIA’s growing needs. NNIC and Meralco are ensuring the airport is ready to handle the demands of modern aviation while improving operational efficiency and resilience.
NAIA has faced persistent power issues due to aging infrastructure, lack of modernization and inadequate capacity to meet increasing demands.
These challenges disrupted operations, impacted passenger experiences, and limited the airport’s ability to function as an efficient transportation hub. With the airport’s privatization, NNIC is prioritizing foundational improvements to address these longstanding problems, with power reliability as a key focus.
“By enhancing power reliability for the new NAIA, we are going to help empower the tourism and travel industry, support economic growth and enrich the travel experience for countless travelers. This will be a step towards NNIC’s goal of transforming our country’s vital gateway into a world-class facility,” said Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan.
“We look forward to fostering a long-term partnership with NNIC, under the exceptional leadership of Mr. Ramon Ang. Together, we will power a brighter tomorrow rich with opportunities and advancements — not only for our companies but for the country we proudly serve,” he said.
NNIC president Ramon Ang said years of underinvestment left NAIA struggling to meet the demands of a modern airport.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Finance (DOF) expressed optimism on the 2025 economic outlook, fueled by the enactment of several laws aimed at stimulating tourism, local spending and food security.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) earlier updated its economic growth assumptions from 2025 to 2028 to a range of 6 percent to 8 percent. Gross domestic product growth in 2024 is
seen at 6.0 percent to 6.5 percent.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12079 or the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists Act and RA No. 12078 or the Amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act.
A priority reform led by the Department of Finance (DOF), RA 12079 introduces Section 112-A in the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) of the Philippines, which states that tourists shall be eligible
San Miguel, ADB most sought-after employers among Filipinos—Jobstreet
By Othel V. Campos
LEADING online job portal Jobstreet by SEEK released the results of its Employee Job Happiness Index 2024 survey, highlighting the most soughtafter employers among Filipino jobseekers.
San Miguel Corp. emerged as the top private company of choice, followed by Accenture and Ayala Corp. Other highly desired companies are Google, JP Morgan Chase & Co., SM Development Corp. (SMDC), Nestle, Globe, Procter & Gamble, Aboitiz, Amazon, BDO Unibank Inc. and Emapta.
Among government agencies and NGOs, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) topped the list, with the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) securing second and third places.
Other popular entities include the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the United Nations and the Department of Health (DOH), among others.
Filipino jobseekers identified work schedule, company reputation and organizational values as the key traits influencing their choice of employers. Work culture, benefits (monetary and non-monetary) and job security also play significant roles.
Thirty-eight percent of jobseekers mainly rely on social and traditional media, while 17 percent access company websites and 14 percent trust word-of-mouth to gather information about potential employers.
for VAT refunds on locally purchased goods.
The Philippines positions itself alongside countries around the world with a standard VAT system in place, which is designed to incentivize foreign tourists to spend more in the country.
“It is high time that the Philippines catches up with countries around the world that have long implemented a standard VAT refund system. This strategic initiative aims to encourage foreign tourists to spend more in our
country, stimulating our domestic economy,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.
“With increased tourism spending, we will have higher revenues to collect and we can create more jobs, raise incomes, and accelerate economic growth,” he said. RA 12079 states that goods should be purchased by foreign tourists in duly accredited stores in person and should be taken out of the country by the tourist within 60 days from the date of purchase.
PH second most attractive emerging market for renewable energy projects
THE Department of Energy (DOE) welcomes the 2024 Climatescope Report by BloombergNEF, which ranks the Philippines as the second most attractive emerging market for renewable energy investments. The milestone, marked by a rise from fourth place in 2023 and an impressive leap from
PHINMA unit completes acquisition of Cavite’s St. Jude College for P432m
By Jenniffer B. Austria
PHINMA Corp. said Monday its education arm completed the acquisition of St. Jude College (SJC) in Dasmariñas, Cavite for P432 million.
PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI) acquired a 94.62-percent stake in SJC, marking the company’s entry into the Cavite market, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. The acquisition will add 3,000 students to PEHI’s network.
SJC Dasmariñas, Cavite is PEHI’s tenth school in the Philippines and 12th in its regional network.
Growtheum Capital invests P7b in Mets to support expansion
By Othel V. Campos
Logistics
METS
Inc. and Growtheum Capital Partners (GCP) announced a P7-billion strategic partnership to support Mets’ expansion in the cold storage logistics sector across the Philippines.
“GCP’s experience in supporting management teams across diverse sectors makes them a valuable collaborator for us. This investment will further our expansion plans and help us enhance our cold chain logistics capabilities, providing greater value to our customers and stakeholders” said Mets chairman and president Eduard Tio.
Mets, a Philippines-based provider of cold chain solutions, operates cold storage facilities across the country with a total capacity of about 100,000 pallet positions.
Both Mets and GCP share a commitment to sustainable growth and creating long-term value by addressing the shortage of reliable, highquality cold storage services in the Philippines.
Mets maintains a strong presence in key regions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, focusing on improving food security by ensuring the safe storage and transport of perishable goods through efficient and reliable cold storage solutions.
“Mets’ core business and solid market position align with our investment strategy, and we look forward to working together with the founders and management to achieve their goals and leadership in the sector,” said GCP managing partner Amit Kunal.
Singapore-based GCP is a private equity firm targeting investments primarily in Southeast Asia.
The closing of the investment is subject to necessary regulatory approvals. PwC Philippines serves as Mets’ financial, tax and legal advisor for the transaction.
“SJC Dasmariñas Cavite continues our thrust to make education as accessible as possible to underserved youth. Our newest school expands PHINMA Education’s presence in Southern Luzon and nearby regions,” said PEHI country chief for the Philippines Happy Tan. This is also PEHI’s first school ac-
quisition since the closing of an P8.3billion investment from global investor group led by KKR.
“We will continue growing our network as we find more ways to reach learners that need education the most. The more students we can serve, the more individuals and families we will uplift through education,” said PEHI president and chief executive Chito Salazar.
Established in 2004, PEHI started operating in the education services sector through the acquisition of PHINMA Araullo University in Nueva Ecija.
It has since expanded its presence across the Philippines, serving more than 150,000 students across a school
network which includes PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, PHINMA University of Iloilo, Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu City, PHINMA St. Jude College in Manila and Quezon City, PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna. It also aims to expand across Southeast Asia beginning with Horizon Education in Indonesia.
PEHI reported revenues of P4.71 billion in the first nine months of 2024, improving from P3.96 billion as of September 2023 on higher enrollment for the school year 20242025.
UnionBank named ‘marketing team of the year’ for being customer-centric
UNION Bank of the Philippines’ groundbreaking approach to fulfilling customer experiences through digital transformation was recognized at the 2024 Marketech APAC Marketing Technology Awards in Singapore.
Marketech APAC, a regional marketing-centric media company that aims to create an ecosystem for marketing industry stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region, awarded UnionBank with “Marketing Team of the Year,” while its chief marketing and experience officer Albert Cuadrante was named “Chief Marketing Officer of the Year”.
“UnionBank’s win at the Marketing Technology Awards 2024 is a testament to their innovative approach to marketing and their ability to compete with leading APAC organizations. By leveraging marketing technology and data-driven insights, they’ve successfully differentiated themselves and
CITIZENS who render exemplary services to the nation should be honored during their lifetimes, but oftentimes such citizens are accorded their honors when they have departed for the Great Beyond. Posthumous honors are better than no honors, but they are of no value to the deceased honorees. Posthumous humors-giving should be avoided, and the obvious way to do that is to accord honors to deserving citizens while they are still in our midst. Millennials or Gen-Z members very probably are not familiar with the name Cesar Virata, considering that Mr. Virata figured prominently in our national life during the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. Cesar E. A. Virata goes around nowadays with a walker, but at 90, he remains physically fit and mentally sharp.
Virata is a perfect illustration of my firm belief that citizens who are deserving of national honors should be accorded those honors during their lifetimes. He should be able to savor the honors – and the underlying gratitude of his country – while he is still with us. Except for a stint with this country’s leading management services firm – Sycip, Gorrez, Velayo & Co. (SGV) –Virata’s pre-1986 career consisted of service with the government. In the three
driven significant business growth,” said Marketech APAC founder and chief executive Joven Barceñas.
“This recognition underscores UnionBank’s dedication to putting the customer front and center in all our initiatives. The marketing team has constantly worked on deeply understanding our customers’ needs, frustrations, preferences, and behaviors, to transform their insights into actionable strategies that resonate with those we serve,” Cuadrante said.
“The team works even harder to build campaigns to leverage on digital tools and technology to deliver personalized, delightful experiences as we set a new standard for how we engage and connect with our customers,” Cuadrante said. Cuadrante’s recognition highlights his impact in aligning UnionBank’s services with customer expectations.
the PSEi to trade sideways with a slight upward bias in the remaining trading days of the week on bargain-hunting. Sentiment may be dragged by geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, as Syrian rebels successfully ousted President Bashar al-Assad. South Korean stocks tumbled Monday as the country was racked with political uncertainty after President Yoon Suk Yeol escaped impeachment following his brief imposition of martial law last week.
The retreat came on a tough day for Asian markets despite another record on Wall Street, though Hong Kong bounced in the afternoon after China said it would adopt a looser approach to monetary policy. Traders were also keeping tabs on Syria after president Bashar alAssad’s removal.
Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
Cesar Virata, the quintessential finance secretary
government institutions that he headed – the Business Administration Department of the University of the Philippines (UP), the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Department of Finance (DOF), Virata served with distinction and exemplariness.
Virata was the youngest dean of the UP College of Business Administration. SGV’s Washington Sycip was so impressed by Virata that he invited him to join SGV’s management services division.
When Congress passed the Investment Incentives Act in 1967, President Ferdinand Marcos found himself having to find someone to head the Board of Investments that the law had created. Many people suggested Virata. Marcos heeded their suggestion and courteously told his friend Sycip of his desire to appoint Virata as BOI chairman. Sycip gladly agreed to let Virata go, knowing that he would be excellent for the newly-created government institution.
Under Virata’s leadership, BOI brought to reality the aspiration of the authors of the Investment Incentives Act. In time, the BOI became a highly effective government financial institution, respected by the foreign and domestic business communities. Virata set the template for the structure and operations of an institution mandated to oversee a country’s investment sector.
So firmly entrenched had Virata’s financialmanager reputation become that when Eduardo
Virata is a perfect illustration of my firm belief that citizens who are deserving of national honors should be accorded those honors during their lifetimes.
Romualdez resigned as secretary of finance in
the midst of the 1970 economic crisis, the heads of the decision-makers turned in the direction of Virata. It was rumored that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank told President Marcos that a stabilization program would be approved for the Philippines only if Virata was placed in charge of the DOF. Virata was then appointed secretary of finance.
Working in close coordination with the newlyappointed Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) Governor Gregorio Licaros, Virata saw to it that the terms and conditions of the IMF-WB stabilization program were strictly implemented. Stability
could be said to have been restored to the Philippine economy by the beginning of 1971. At the time he started his career in government, Virata almost certainly did not expect that his personal philosophy and public persona would be subjected to serious challenge down the road. The challenge materialized when President Marcos placed the nation under martial law – and assumed dictatorial powers – in September 1972. Virata, a non-political professional, now faced a moral challenge. Should he resign from the martial-law regime of Marcos, or should he remain with the regime to ensure continued good management of the nation’s finances? Those who wanted Virata to resign said that by remaining in the Marcos Cabinet, he was providing legitimacy to a non-democratic government. The majority of his countrymen wanted Virata to stay on, arguing that Virata was an internationallyrespected secretary of finance and that his remaining in that position was a guarantee to foreign creditors that Marcos-regime fiscal policies would be sound, honest and fair. Virata was convinced to stay. Today, Virata is vice-chairman of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), still active professionally and continues to be consulted by domestic and foreign financiers alike.
Let’s honor the man while he is still with us. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)
GLOBAL COOPERATION. Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing (left) and chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala address the Trilateral Commission during the regional meeting held on Nov. 22 to 23, 2024. Zobel de Ayala emphasized during his remarks how global cooperation through organizations like The Trilateral Commission support economies by globalizing markets.
TRADE CONNECTION. Contecon Guayaquil (CGSA), Ecuador’s main port and subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), signs a new commercial agreement for the Asia-South America (ASA) service, strengthening Contecon Guayaquil’s connectivity with the Asian market. The agreement brings back five shipping lines and their shippers’ customer base to the terminal.
BUSINESS
LIVELIHOOD BAZAAR.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (center), Undersecretary Benjo Santos Benavidez (left), Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent Añover (second from
and
PITX prepares for influx of 3m passengers amid holiday rush
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) said Monday it is prepared to accommodate some 3 million passengers during the Christmas and New Year holiday season from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025.
“The pre-Christmas rush is expected to peak on Dec. 20, as travelers begin their journeys home to celebrate the season. High passenger volumes will continue through Dec. 23 as families make their final holiday preparations, while the last weekend of December is
Go expects higher tourism revenues with VAT refund
SECRETARY Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA), emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its tourism industry with the approval of a value-added tax (VAT) refund mechanism for non-resident tourists.
The initiative, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Dec. 9, 2024, aligns the Philippines with global best practices and regional peers like Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
“The enactment of the VAT refund law for non-resident tourists is a direct response to the clamor from local tourism groups, demonstrating our government’s responsiveness to our stakeholders,” Go said.
He said the program aims to incentivize foreign travelers to spend more locally, thereby driving economic growth and job creation.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the new law is a major step in enhancing the Philippines’ position as a premier tourist destination.
“The VAT refund mechanism will strengthen our tourism appeal by providing an opportunity for affordable shopping while supporting local industries and small businesses,” she said.
The new law allows non-resident tourists with foreign passports to claim VAT refunds on locally purchased goods, provided they meet certain conditions.
Othel V. Campos
also expected to see significant travel activity leading into the New Year,” PITX said in a statement.
“The surge will extend until January 6, as the postholiday return to work and school begins,” it said.
PITX said it is working with the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office and the Metro Manila Development Authority to ensure smooth and stress-free travel. It said measures were put in place to accommodate the surge.
It said additional bus units would be deployed, vehicle safety checks and inspections would be rigorously conducted and traffic management would be enhanced to keep congestion at a minimum.
PITX said it also strengthened its preparations to assist passengers and ensure a “Biyaheng Ayos” experience. Terminal staff, marshals and customer service personnel will be on-site to assist commuters and
maintain order.
Real-time updates on travel schedules and bus availability will be accessible through PITX’s official platforms, while security personnel—including the Philippine National Police (PNP)—will oversee safety and security at the terminal. Terminal operations will remain 24/7 during the peak season to accommodate the needs of late-night and early-morning travelers.
“PITX is committed to ensuring ‘Biyaheng Ayos’ for all passengers this holiday season,” said PITX corporate affairs and government relation director said Jason Salvador.
“We understand how important this time is for families, and with the support of DOTr, LTFRB, LTO, and MMDA, we are ready to provide a smooth and worryfree journey for everyone,” he said. Passengers are encouraged to plan their trips ahead of time, purchase tickets in advance and arrive early at the terminal to avoid delays.
Citicore taps Sungrow for battery energy storage system
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.
(CREC) said Monday it signed a supply and services agreement with China’s Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. (Sungrow), a global PV inverter and energy storage system provider for its battery energy storage system (BESS) to support its solar projects. Under the agreement, CREC will procure 1.5 gigawatt-hours worth of BESS from Sungrow to be used for CREC’s solar power projects nationwide.
Sungrow will also provide support for the engineering and construction
design to CREC to ensure the optimal application of the BESS to the latter’s solar facilities.
“The immediate development of battery energy storage systems is a necessary step to fulfill the maximum potential of our renewable energy facilities and is crucial to our support for the Department of Energy’s ambitious energy transition plan. With these installed together with in our solar facilities, we will be able to provide needed power on a mid-merit basis,” said CREC president and chief executive Oliver Tan.
Sungrow will provide its Power Titan series which is capable of support-
ing both DC and AC coupling, with its lower leverage cost of electricity (LCOE), higher performance and easier operations and maintenance.
“We are happy to support CREC in its goals to advance energy storage systems in the Philippines. Through our technology, we will be able to help CREC and the Philippines with its power needs,” Sungrow vice president of PV and BESS Shawn Shi said.
A BESS is a system which stores the electricity from power plants or the grid for various applications such as grid stability, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration.
Smart asks customers to safeguard personal data, avoid clicking SMS links
SMART Communications Inc. asked its customers to avoid clicking links embedded in unwanted text or SMShing messages.
These links may lead to phishing web sites that steal users’ personal information, the company said.
Smart also sounded the alarm on criminals using ‘fake cell towers’ to bypass network defenses. The Philippine National Police had earlier called on the public to be more vigilant against text scams this holiday season.
Smart said criminals became more sophisticated as they use ‘fake cell towers’ that mimic legitimate cell towers to push messages directly to customers in an area. These messages often induce alarm to trick victims into clicking the at-
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Council of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) recommended measures to address waste and corruption in the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The proposal was approved by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., aligning with the agency’s commitment to minimizing inefficiencies and malpractice in the DA.
The approved measures included conducting a needs analysis at the regional level as the initial step and the drafting of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by all responsible parties before any grants are issued.
The MOA will include a detailed utilization proposal, ensuring financial viability through a comprehensive fiveyear cash flow analysis for relevant projects.
The track record and capability of beneficiary organizations will also be evaluated to confirm their qualifications. It also includes reallocating unutilized or underutilized assets to deserving beneficiaries in a timely manner.
“These measures are designed to ensure transparency and accountability while optimizing the use of resources,” said PCAFI president Danilo Fausto. He said the Commission on Audit (COA) previously reported that the DA had unliquidated and unexplained expenses amounting to 30 percent of its budget in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
A report by the Philippine Council of Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) revealed that 35 percent of governmentdistributed agricultural machinery from 2019 to 2022 was either unutilized or underutilized.
Another study conducted earlier this year across provinces in three regions found a 31-percent discrepancy rate in agriculture-funded grants, excluding those supported by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
ERC approves 2 Meralco power supply agreements
THE Energy Regulatory Commission approved two power supply agreements of power retailer Manila Electric Co. that are expected to redound to the benefit of consumers while securing adequate supply in its franchise area.
It approved Meralco’s PSA with ACEN Corp. subsidiary Gigasol3 Inc. (Gigasol3) and San Miguel Corp.-led San Roque Hydro Power Inc. (SRHI). The two companies, together with Santa Cruz Solar Energy Inc. submitted the best bids for the supply of 500 megawatts of renewable energy to Meralco through a competitive selection process (CSP) held in July.
The ERC said in separate decisions it approved the application for PSA of Meralco and Gigasol3 subject to the applicants’ submission of documents, and other instructions as directed by the Commission.
It said the applicable rate for the Meralco-Gigasol3 PSA would be fixed at P5.1908 per kilowatt-hour, without any escalation or adjustment. This is lower than Meralco than Gigasol3’s offered rate of P8.1819 per kWh for 139-MW supply, Meanwhile, the ERC granted provisional authority to Meralco’s PSA with SRHI, subject to conditions as directed by the commission.
tached link. They also have the capability to mask sender names or numbers to deceive victims into thinking they are receiving official messages from trusted sources. Smart said fraudsters recently launched phishing attacks where they prompted victims to re-register their SIM or risk losing mobile service.
“We remind our customers that there is no need to register their Smart or TNT SIM if they have successfully registered before. We also ask the public that if you receive a text message with a URL or clickable web link that should be a red flag because telecom providers are not allowed to send out messages that contain these links,” said Roy Ibay, Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs. Darwin G. Amojelar
The ERC said the applicable rate would be fixed at P5.1908 per kWh, without escalation or adjustment. This is also lower than the P7.1000 per kWh offer of SRHI for 340 MW of Meralco’s total requirement.
The regulator has yet to issue its decision on Meralco’s PSA application with SCSEI, also owned by ACEN.
“The rates provisionally approved by the commission were based on average rate of other mid-merit supply to Meralco. We need to further evaluate the higher rates in these PSAs [more than P8/kWh], as well as the reserve price set by Meralco, and these will all be covered in the final authority to be issued after evaluation,” ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said when asked for comment. Alena Mae S. Flores
right)
DOLE Organic Employees Association president Maria Teresa Cabance (right) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to signal the opening of the two-day livelihood bazaar of DOLE along Gen. Luna Street in Intramuros, Manila on Dec. 2, 2024. The bazaar is among
PCAFI supports extension of fund to boost rice sector
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine Council of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said Monday it fully supports the extension of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) being implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen the rice sector.
“In general, any additional budget to the DA is welcome. The issue lies in the implementation. COA [Commission on Audit] reports highlight the inefficiencies in how some DA agencies utilize their funds. Now that we have a larger amount, we need more decisive action,” said PCAFI
ChatGenie: AI to disrupt BPO industry
CHATGENIE, a customer engagement solutions startup, said it introduced a cutting-edge AI-driven multi-agent framework that can disrupt the Philippine business process outsourcing (BPO) sector by elevating the roles of traditional customer service agents.
ChatGenie said its multi-agent framework leverages multiple AI models designed to handle routine, repetitive interactions autonomously, empowering agents to focus on more complex, high-value responsibilities such as resolving intricate customer issues, building stronger client relationships, and driving strategic customer success initiatives.
Founded in 2020, ChatGenie’s solution uses advanced AI models including OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Meta’s Llama 3.1 to perform essential operational tasks such as query identification, issue classification, message filtering and response refinement.
These capabilities can enable BPOs to adopt a hybrid workforce model where AI agents handle the bulk of customer interactions, while human agents address complex, high-touch cases.
“At ChatGenie, we’re not just automating processes; we’re redefining the future of work in customer service,” said Ragde Falcis, chief executive and co-founder of ChatGenie.
“Our technology is accelerating the redundancy of traditional customer service roles, but this isn’t about job losses. It’s about elevating agents to focus on their intellectual edge — tackling complex scenarios that require critical thinking and human empathy. In this way, we help businesses operate more efficiently while enabling employees to grow in their careers,” said Falcis.
president and chairman Danilo Fausto said in a briefing Monday. PCAFI said the extension of the RCEF should prioritize faster fund disbursement for timely support for farmers.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed Republic Act 12078, or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, to strengthen the rice industry and ensure a more stable food supply in the country.
Marcos highlighted the government’s goal to ensure farmers have “steady access to resources they need to succeed in rice farming.”
The law included amendments that will extend the RCEF’s implementation until 2031 while increasing its
annual funding from P10 billion to P30 billion.
The expanded annual fund will support a range of initiatives to modernize and enhance rice farming across the country. that include P15 billion to be allocated for extension and training programs, financial assistance, soil improvement, solar-powered irrigation systems, and water-impounding projects.
Meanwhile, P9 billion will be dedicated to farm mechanization efforts and P6 billion will be used to distribute high-quality rice seeds to boost productivity and ensure the availability of essential resources for farmers.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
POWER retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday it completed the acquisition of 28,053 common shares of CIS Bayad Center Inc. (CBCI) from Japan’s Densan System Co. Ltd. Monday for P241.5 million.
Meralco said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange that Densan, a Japanese company that launched Japan’s first convenience store payment service, invested in CBCI in 2017.
Meralco said that following the acquisition of Densan’s stake, Customer Information Solutions Inc. will own 85 percent; Kayana Solutions Inc., 10 percent; and Meralco, 5 percent of CBCI. Customer Information Solutions Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meralco.
CBCI or Bayad (formerly Bayad Center) is the biggest and widest multi-channel payment platform in the Philippines.
Bayad has more than 20 solid years in the outsourced payment collection industry. It is the top-of-mind, leading brand when it comes to bills payment.
Bayad is a subsidiary of Meralco and a member of the MVP Group of
BDO warns banking public against SMS hijacking scam
BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest, asked the banking public to stay vigilant against the rising threat of text or SMS hijacking scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate senders to trick recipients into believing the messages are authentic.
According to reports from law enforcement agencies, illegal cellular sites, also known as International mobile subscriber identity catchers, are using sender IDs of trusted brands like BDO to make scam texts appear legitimate.
The spoofed messages usually entice clients with claims of prizes won,
operations
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has taken a firm stance against illegal motorcycle taxis, locally known as “kolorum” bikes, operating in MC taxi pilot areas and other parts of the country. The enforcement aligns with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of both the commuting public and the riders.
Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II emphasized the importance of compliance with set requirements for new MC taxi players seeking to operate in newly opened areas, specifically in Calabarzon and Region 3. “New players must comply with requirements. The participants shall
submit a master list of its onboarded riders for purposes of assignment of a rider code/number. Only those onboarded riders with corresponding rider code/number shall be allowed to operate; and any activation, deactivation, or reactivation shall be submitted to the MC Taxi Technical Working Group for its approval,” said Mendoza.
The directive underscores the government’s objective to enhance transportation options for the public while maintaining a regulated and orderly system. The MC Taxi TWG announced CALABARZON and Region 3 as new areas of operation, providing an opportunity for growth and expansion in the MC taxi industry.
free gifts or claims of account problems. In all these cases, the scammer instructs the client to click on a link included in the spoofed message, it said.
Once clicked, the fake link will lead to a fake website, where the victim will be instructed to enter his/her account details including username, password and One-Time PIN or OTP.
After the information was shared, the scammer will then use these bank credentials to gain access to the victim’s bank account and steal their money.
BDO said it would never send mes-
sages containing clickable links to its clients. To help avoid falling victim to SMS hijacking scams, BDO shared several important tips: never click on links, as BDO will never send links in its messages.
It said that if a message contains a link, it’s a scam. “Never share personal information via SMS; and always be cautious of unsolicited messages that offer deals that seem too good to be true. These precautions are essential in protecting oneself from fraud,” it said.
BDO also advised its clients to report and forward any suspicious messages to 22567888.
Companies.
Meralco said early this year it was not earning from convenience fees from online payment, but only processes it for its payment partners.
Meralco vice president and corporate communications head Joe Zaldarriaga said Bayad waived the fee as the payment processor for Meralco Online.
Meralco also said it was not earning profit from convenience fees charged to customers using thirdparty options like GCash, Maya, Visa, Mastercard and JCB Bankcards for bill settlements through Meralco Online.
“We would like to reiterate that there is no charge if customers use Bayad e-wallet and that convenience fees for other providers go to our payment partners. We do not earn a single centavo from these convenience fees contrary to what was inaccurately stated,” Zaldarriaga said.
IN BRIEF
UA&P book gains international fame UNIVERSITY of Asia and the Pacific professor Dr. Jovi Dacanay and her research associates Ella Mae Leonida and Michaela Nicole Meriño, both masteral graduates of the School of Economics, achieved a breakthrough into international publishing with their book Bank Competition and the Effects on Financial Stability: Insights into the Emerging Banking Markets of the Philippines. Carefully peered-reviewed, Palgrave Macmillan published the book as part of its series on Studies in Banking and Financial Institutions. It emerges as one of the few locally authored books that have been well received by the international publishing community.
The book thoroughly explores the stability and efficiency of Philippine universal and commercial banks with an industrial organization framework and application of powerful econometric methods. The authors find broad stability and efficiency in ASEAN banks, but focus more deeply into Philippine banks.
The book shows that the Top 20 Philippine banks have sufficient market power, efficiency and stability that enabled them to withstand economic disruptions like the recent pandemic. It is the result of five years of research by the authors into the complicated topic.
Gov’t raises P15b from T-bill auction THE government on Monday raised P15 billion from the sale of Treasury bills. The Bureau of the Treasury’s auc-
MOBILE LAB. Newport World Resorts, with the support of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., turns over a brandnew mobile laboratory to the city government of Malabon as part of the LAB for ALL program spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady. This program aims to provide mobile healthcare services especially to underserved Filipinos.
a series of community outreach activities. The branch conducted a coastal clean-up and treeplanting activity in San Fernando, La Union, in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. It also organized a bloodletting drive for the Philippine National Red Cross and took part in the Brigada Eskwela, supporting the Eulogio Clarence de Guzman Jr. Memorial National Vocational High School and the Baraoas Elementary School.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
Climate change, unsustainable land practices intensify droughts
DROUGHTS across the world are intensifying and have become a “slow onset, silent killer” to which no country is immune, according to the UN’s most senior official working on desertification, drought and land restoration issues.
Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was speaking at the opening of COP16 a major global conference taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where a new global drought regime is expected
to be agreed which will promote the shift from reactive relief response to proactive preparedness.
Droughts are a natural phenomenon, but in recent decades have been intensified by climate change and unsustainable land practices. Their
number has surged by nearly 30 percent in frequency and intensity since 2000, threatening agriculture, water security, and the livelihoods of 1.8 billion people, with the poorest nations bearing the brunt.
They can also lead to conflict over dwindling resources, including water, and the widespread displacement of people as they migrate towards more productive lands.
More than 30 countries declared drought emergencies in the past three years alone, from India and China, to high-income nations such as the US, Canada and Spain, as well as
Uruguay, Southern Africa and even Indonesia.
Droughts impeded grain transportation in the Rhine River in Europe, disrupted international trade via the Panama Canal in Central America, and led to hydropower cuts in the South America country, Brazil, which depends on water for more than 60 percent of its electricity supply.
Firefighters were even called to an urban park in New York City, in the United States in wintry November 2024 to tackle a bush fire after weeks of no rainfall.UN News
Eastern, NGOs team up to plant mangroves in Lian, Batangas
EASTERN Communications is making significant strides towards sustainability, a goal that manifests in various environment, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
From preserving coastal ecosystems to uplifting underprivileged communities, Eastern Communications is actively seeking to create a positive impact that aligns with global standards and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028.
To support the typhoon-prone country, Eastern continues its environmental stewardship through various initiatives.
Degraded peatlands in 177 countries put climate goals at risk
Conclusion
THE report warns peatland degradation and subsidence due to drainage in the tropics for agriculture, livestock farming, and oil palm plantations. Thawing permafrost due to climate change is another key factor in their rapid degradation.
Overall, 500,000 hectares (0.1 percent) of intact peatlands are destroyed annually by human activities in hotspots like East and Southeast Asia, while peatlands remain mostly intact in regions remote from international markets, within some (sub)arctic, boreal, and tropical zones.
The report builds on the 2022 Global Peatlands Assessment and continues to press decision-makers to prioritize peatland protection as a cost-effective climate solution, delivering multiple benefits to people, nature, and climate.
UNEP’s Global Peatlands Initiative (GPI) is at the forefront of advancing strategies for peatlands conservation, restoration, and sustainable management worldwide.
Using the Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, it promotes climate action in priority areas through holistic water management and a landscape approach. UNEP News
Building on its previous partnerships, including tree-planting activities with the Tuguegarao One Million Trees Movement in collaboration with former team Eastern Communications Perlas Spikers, the company has championed ecological conservation with coastal rehabilitation initiatives, starting with Project Pristine for Love Boracay 2024 and Metro Divers’ Code Blue 2024 underwater clean-up drive.
One of its upcoming initiatives is the mangrove planting initiative, to be conducted this month in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) One To Tree program. Mangroves, which protect coast-
lines from erosion, serve as nurseries for marine life and play an essential role in carbon sequestration, are critical to combating climate change.
To begin its long-term mangrove reforestation initiatives, Eastern kicked this off by planting 1,000 mangroves in Barangay. Lumaniag in Lian, Batangas. Eastern seeks to enhance and nurture these vital ecosystems and mitigate the impact of climate-related issues in vulnerable coastal areas.
Eastern Communications has long believed in the importance of supporting the next generation and furthering the quality of their
SHE may raise the ire of certain groups for her advocacy on the re-use of plastics—which for them, is anathema to their somewhat narrow-minded views on environmental preservation.
At the same time, she also has been given the thumbs-up as well as being lauded by a growing number of socially aware yet pragmatic beings who are openminded about the reality that plastics can indeed prove their worth as environmentally safe, reusable, and recyclable.
If these are not complete, she counts as her most trusted clients the biggest fast-food chain and some of the leading construction firms in the country and is always abreast with the latest trends not only on environmental awareness but on capacity-building as well—thanks to her travels both here and internationally with her contacts, who are esteemed experts in sustainability as well as human resources empowerment.
She instills among us humans to make use of our inner selves and put these potentials that we develop from our inner
education especially in underserved communities.
It recently teamed up with the “My Dream in a Shoebox” (MDIAS) campaign to help bridge the educational gap faced by underprivileged children. With the help of Eastern employee volunteers, the initiative focused on providing children with essential learning materials and opportunities for growth.
“Thank you to the generous hearts of our Eastern Communications partners. You inspire us by helping us make bigger dreams come true,” said Bea Lim, chief executive officers and president of TeamAsia.
THE Climate Change Commission (CCC) called for a stronger international cooperation to combat climate-related threats to oceans and cited the role of international legal frameworks in driving climate action.
The CCC made the appeal following the visit of Tomas Haukur Heidar, president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), to the Philippines.
Heidar delivered a series of high-level lectures at the University of the Philippines (UP), the Asian Institute of Management for the Office of the Solicitor General, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The engagements aimed to deepen the understanding of the international legal framework
awareness into function not only towards the betterment and empowering of ourselves, but for the good of the community and our fellow workers and associates as well.
Who else are we talking about but the one and only Dr. Gem Brion Zabala, president and chief executive officer of ACG Human Capital Solutions Corp. and master practitioner, advocate for practical eco-friendly solutions and above all, a person who truly adheres to walking the talk. Tender years
Her passion for sustainable solutions traces back to her childhood days growing up in San Pablo City, Laguna, where she fondly reminisced how her mother used to hang those heavy plastic bags after washing them—only for the sole reason that these are to be reused.
“My father, who used to work for Meralco and had his own shop of butingtings, was a tinkerer of sorts a la MacGyver, and I was so fascinated by what he used to cleverly do out of those bits and pieces,” she recalled with a hearty laugh.
plastic recycling bid
MONDELĒZ International in the Philippines celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey as it has been conferred the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal by the PCX Markets.
The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, particularly its adherence to the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law and ongoing efforts to manage plastic waste within the snacking industry. The Plastic Cleanup Partner label is awarded to companies that take significant, measurable actions to clean up plastic waste.
Mondelēz International’s involvement in the initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing packaging waste, evolving packaging designs, and improving recycling systems to contribute to a circular economy. PCX Markets is a plastic credit marketplace which collaborates with organizations that collect and divert post-consumer plastic waste through a transparent, environmentally sound, and socially responsible framework.
“Achieving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal is an important milestone for us,” said Aleli Arcilla, managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines.
“This seal is a powerful message to our stakeholders, consumers, and partners that we are actively working to ensure that plastic waste is diverted from nature and the landfill. It is a symbol of our dedication to our Sustainable Snacking Strategy,’ ensuring that the right snack is delivered in the right way,” she said.
Mondelēz International discussed its efforts to support the EPR Law. The company is committed to complying with the law’s guidelines and actively participates in initiatives to make packaging materials more circular and less wasteful.
in relation to climate change and its global impacts. Heidar’s historic visit to the Philippines, the first to be undertaken by an ITLOS president, highlighted the need for multi-stakeholder support for a rulesbased ocean regime to resolve disputes, clarify sovereign commitments under international frameworks, and identify areas for cooperation towards a just, peaceful, climate-resilient future for all. The call seeks to protect the oceans from climaterelated threats such as sea level rise and ocean acidification. For the Philippines, with one of the world’s longest coastlines and thriving coral ecosystems within the Coral Triangle, the threats pose significant risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal economies. CCC News
TeamAsia marketing manager Erika de Leon (from left), Eastern Communications cocoordinators Jaeson Evangelista and lawyer
Aileen Regio, and TeamAsia associate director
Tins Flores present the Dream Kits donated to the My Dream In A Shoebox Program. Inset is the mangrove planting site in Lian, Batangas.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
‘Moana 2’ sails to box office victory anew
MOANA 2, the sequel to the animated Disney musical about a spirited Polynesian teenager who embarks on seafaring adventures, has topped the North American box office for a second week, according to industry estimates. In the new installment of the hit, the title character, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, teams up with an unlikely crew and travels the far seas of Oceania to break the curse of an evil god who sank a mystical island.
She gets help from a once-mighty demigod called Maui, who is voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
The film took in $52 million over the weekend, a downturn from its debut over the long Thanksgiving holiday when it brought in a mega haul of $225 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. The weekend’s top four films remained unchanged from last weekend, with each earning thousands to tens of thousands of dollars less in revenue.
Universal’s Wicked: Part I, the latest offshoot of the
classic Wizard of Oz, raked in $34.9 million in its third weekend in theaters.
In third place, the other hotly awaited holiday season release, Paramount’s Gladiator II, earned $12.5 million. Remaining in fourth was the Christmas comedy Red One from Amazon and MGM, earning $7.0 million in revenue.
It is the second film in the top four featuring Johnson, who portrays a North Pole security officer trying to find a kidnapped Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) on Christmas Eve.
In fifth place was the Indian action flick Pushpa 2 – The Rule, chalking up $5.0 million.
Rounding out the top 10 were Interstellar: 10th Anniversary, which earned $4.4 million, followed by Solo Leveling - ReAwakening with $2.4 million. Y2K and For KING + COUNTRY’s A Drummer Boy Christmas LIVE both grossed $2.1 million each, while The Best Christmas Pageant Ever brought in $1.5 million. AFP
Kim Chiu turns up the heat as bold calendar girl
By Abigail Adriatico
ACTRESS and TV host Kim Chiu has long been making a name for herself, not only in the local entertainment industry but also internationally.
Kim’s recent accomplishments, including her role as the feisty Juliana in the hit drama Linlang and her portrayal of the hard-working Kimberly Liwanag in the Philippine adaptation of the K-drama What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, highlight her versatility as an artist.
While she continues to be one of
the most sought-after actresses in the country, Chiu has achieved another milestone in her career by being named the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025.
Her new role was unveiled during Tanduay’s grand event at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. Center in Pasay City on Nov. 20, where she appeared in an ethereal
DonBelle discusses love and red flags
IN THE recent media conference for their latest Viu series titled How to Spot a Red Flag, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano (more popularly known as DonBelle) revealed that their connection with each other is not a put-on.
“The feeling of excitement or the thrill—you can’t rehearse that,” Donny stated. “Definitely, our chemistry is genuine and goes beyond the screen. Of course, admittedly, when we were just starting as a love team, we couldn’t get the right emotions in doing our scenes. We didn’t know how to give and take on the emotions that we were required to exhibit. But after working on our first project, we learned to just go with the flow and let our emotions guide us when doing a scene.”
On her part, Belle averred, “Yes, you can’t fake the ‘kilig.’ As for me, I really get tickled pink whenever I do my sweet scenes with Donny. Yes, we rehearse our lines and movements, but then, I think what makes it natural is how we react.” Interestingly, based on the title of their new romantic comedy offering, the popular duo shared their ideas on how to handle red flags in real life.
“I think you have to be upfront,” Belle mused. “If you don’t feel comfortable anymore with how the guy treats you, be honest with him. Just say
what you like and what you don’t like. I think it would be a good help for them to reflect on what they’re doing,” Belle stated. Meanwhile, Donny elaborated on how to avoid complications in relationships. “I guess it’s very important for the both of you to talk first about your do’s and don’ts or non-negotiables so that you’re on the same page. Sometimes, in love, it’s easy to get blinded. So, it helps if you have other people who tell you about things you don’t see at first but are red flags already. Always be openminded and just be true to what you feel as well.”
How to Spot a Red Flag is something new for DonBelle. “I can say that this project stands out from our previous works because it marks our maiden foray into the rom-com genre,” Donny said. “Apart from this, I think the setting is great. When I learned that the beach is a major backdrop, I already imagined the whole set and
what the dynamics would be for everybody!”
For Belle, it was a fresh experience. “That’s true! I am grateful to be given the opportunity to try new things. For one, it was my first time shooting in La Union. I tried many firsts there, like surfing. I fell in love with the place, and it helped me to make my character Cha intact,” she ended.
* * *
TV host Kim Atienza still remains a Kapuso after he recently inked another three-year contract with GMA-7.
“I’m grateful, honored, and humbled that at this point, the management still needs my services. I’m so inspired,” he said.
How can he describe his first three years with the giant network?
“My stay here in GMA—I’m just having so much fun. I’m feeling so relevant, and I’m feeling so used in a good way. For me to continue for these coming three years, I look forward to it the most. I know these three years will pass so fast again, like the past three years, and we shall be sitting at this desk again, and I will be signing another three-year contract again!”
At present, Kuya Kim can be seen in the new infotainment show Dami Mong Alam Kuya Kim He is also part of the top-rating news program 24 Oras and the hit noontime variety show TiktoClock
white outfit, exuding the essence of a modern goddess. Chiu also delivered an energizing performance that showcased her superb dancing skills and captivating presence.
Speaking about the honor, Chiu shared with Manila Standard Entertainment that the news initially came as a surprise.
“I asked myself if I was ready to do this because a lot of people knew me since my time at the Pinoy Big Brother house. Since I grew up before everyone’s eyes, I figured it was about time for me to take on something like this,” she said.
Chiu added that becoming the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025 was empowering for her, marking a significant moment in her life and career—one she never anticipated achieving.
“I believe that this is a testament to how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come, not only as an artist and an individual but most especially as a woman,” Chiu expressed. She further noted that this new role symbolizes the possibility of pursuing dreams and thriving.
“This milestone for me is not only about being a calendar girl but also about embracing your confidence and celebrating every step of your journey,” she added.
The 2025 calendar features Chiu in various goddess-inspired layouts, highlighting her beauty, grace, and confidence—qualities she has become known for.
Lucio Tan Group and Tanduay Distillers, Inc. president Lucio C. Tan III explained why Chiu was the perfect choice for the role.
“For decades, the Tanduay Calendar Girl has symbolized strength, beauty, and confidence, inspiring people across generations. She represents more than a role—it’s a statement of resilience and empowerment, qualities that resonate deeply with our market and our brand,” he said.
He added, “This moment also reflects Tanduay’s incredible journey—a proud 170-year story of craftsmanship and innovation. So, let us raise a toast—to our new Tanduay Calendar Girl and to the continued success of Tanduay. May we honor our legacy while continuing to innovate, inspire, and empower.”
‘Moana 2’ revolves around the story of the title character and her quest to break a curse with the help of an unlikely crew
‘How to Spot a Red Flag’ stars Belle Mariano (left) and Donny Pangilinan
Actress and TV host Kim Chiu is featured in goddess-inspired layouts for the 2025 calendar
Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025 Kim Chiu
THE holiday season is an ideal time to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and one way to do this is through thoughtful table settings. Whether you prefer a grand, festive look or a simpler, classic style, there are many ways to dress up your dining table with seasonal charm.
A well-curated tablescape can include drinkware in seasonal hues, vibrant plates, and playful dinnerware. Consider a centerpiece such as a cluster of miniature light-up trees or candles arranged around a lush wreath for a cohesive look.
Seasonal dinnerware in vibrant colors and designs can help set the tone for a festive holiday gathering. Plates and bowls featuring cheerful patterns add a special touch to any meal, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Green marble trees, with their minimalist design, bring natural beauty to the table. When grouped together, they evoke a wintry woodland effect, making them ideal for mantels, buffets, or dining tables.
Hand-glazed green trees stoneware dinnerware, inspired by snow-covered evergreens, offers both texture and contrast, adding a unique element to holiday meals. A tree-shaped casserole dish, perfect for hot dips, desserts, or casseroles, brings festive flair to any occasion. Complementing this, an etched acacia wood cutting board, adorned with evergreen trees, is great for carving meats, slicing fruits, or serving appetizers.
For a cozy touch, the Windam holiday bowls set includes four bowls with hand-finished seasonal designs, perfect for snacks or cereals. Meanwhile, the Arctic Friends ceramic mixing bowl set, featuring whimsical arctic animal designs, adds a playful element, whether used for mixing or serving.
For drinks, a hand-hammered brass beverage
Festive and magical tablescapes for holiday season
tub and stand lend a vintage-inspired look, ideal for holiday gatherings. Green trees salad plates, with charming evergreen designs, offer seasonal elegance for any meal. A tree-shaped serving board, crafted from mango wood and marble, provides a stylish backdrop for appetizers or desserts.
Ribbed clear glass Christmas trees, when paired
with LED twinkle lights, create a magical winter forest effect, enhancing the festive ambiance. Lastly, Hatch drinkware, with its diamondpatterned glasses, offers a sophisticated yet practical touch, perfect for cocktails and easy to clean after the festivities.
Crate and Barrel is a top home furnishings retailer known for exclusive designs and quality
craftsmanship. With 100 stores in 8 countries, it offers curated furniture and housewares, along with distinctive packaging for gifts. For inquiries, you can reach SM Makati at 0917 583 3373, SM Megamall at 0917 870 4796, or for locations outside of Metro Manila, contact 0917 817 4473. You can also browse their online selections at www.crateandbarrel.com.ph
An environmental storytelling in a watchpiece
By Angelica Villanueva
IN OCTOBER, a large part of Luzon was severely affected by a series of typhoons. Last month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the situation could have been much worse if not for the protective barrier provided by the Sierra Madre mountain range.
A viral video showed how the Sierra Madre minimized the impact of typhoon Pepito, despite the heavy rains experienced in some parts of Luzon. Aside from shielding the provinces in Luzon from super typhoons for decades, the mountain range is also home to wildlife and endangered species.
This is what inspired the Japanese watchmaking brand Seiko for its 5th Philippine Limited Edition Watch. Following the success of previous editions—Tubbataha Reefs, the Philippine Sunrise, the Philippine Eagle, and the Banaue Rice Terraces—Seiko now pays homage to the endangered Whiskered Pitta, which is also found in the Sierra Madre mountain range.
During the launch of Seiko’s newest Limited Edition Watch, Karl Emmanuel Dy, president and CEO of Timeplus Corporation, Seiko’s Philippine distributor, emphasized that the watch is more than just a luxury item but also a call to action.
“For me, it is symbolic. And this is where Seiko is heading also—not only to sell watches but also to support the environment. Because it’s not easy to make a watch; there are a lot of environmental impacts, so we need to give back,” Dy told Manila Standard Life Dy then shared that the project holds personal meaning for him, describing it as something he is proud of.
“This is Sierra Madre. It’s there for a reason. And the beauty is [that] it protects us from these monsoons. So, I think out of the five limited editions, this is the one closest to my heart. Kasi nga because my relatives got hit by the typhoon. And I know how devastated they are,” continued Dy.
The timepiece pays homage to the endangered Whiskered Pitta, a bird native to the region. Its vibrant hues are subtly reflected in the watch’s red and blue accents, symbolizing the delicate balance between nature and humanity.
The watch’s design is rooted in environmental storytelling. Its textured dial mimics the rugged Sierra Madre terrain, while the brown gradient symbolizes the soil that forms the foundation of the mountain range.
“The gradient is based on our soil in Sierra Madre. Even the texture of the dial is loosely inspired by the mountain range. The watch speaks more for what it stands for rather than just being a product to sell,” he added.
“The way they did it is like, wow, I am very proud of this. And even if it’s simple, I think the watch speaks more for what it stands for, rather than just selling,” said Dy.
Dy then emphasized that the initiative aims to inspire a broader environmental movement, not just within Seiko but across industries.
“We’re hoping that this really, really starts something. Not only with Seiko but with other brands. Not just in the watch industry, but in general for the Philippines because we really need it. Everybody’s getting hit, no matter who you are,” he explained.
A flavorful twist to signature dishes with premium beers
By Angelica Villanueva
DRAFT Restaurant & Brewery is known as a destination for delicious food, premium draft beers, and a great ambiance. Located in Rockwell Center in Makati, the bistro bar is taking things a notch higher by infusing its dishes with the rich, world-class flavors of San Miguel Premium Beers.
The recently introduced beer-infused dishes, a distinctive fusion of quality brews and culinary inventiveness, provide a new way to savor the wellloved flavors of Draft Restaurant & Brewery and San Miguel.
San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) is not just about quenching thirst—it’s about elevating the dining experience. Now, with Draft Restaurant & Brewery’s newest menu, beer lovers and foodies alike have the perfect opportunity to savor flavors like never before.
For starters, the Spicy Blanca Shrimp is a dish that packs a punch. Infused with the crisp, refreshing taste of San Miguel Cerveza Blanca, the shrimp offers a zesty kick that awakens the taste buds, making it an exciting choice for anyone craving something with a bit of heat. But that’s just the beginning.
Those with a love for hearty, comforting dishes will find joy in the Midnight Melt Cheesy Onion Soup. This rich and savory soup gets its depth from a broth base made with San Miguel Cerveza Negra. The dark lager’s roasted malt flavor adds extra richness, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese that melts over the top. It’s a perfect pairing for long, cozy evenings when you need something warm and satisfying.
Another offering is the Brewer’s Catch, a classic fish and chips dish with a twist. San Miguel Premium All-Malt is used in the batter mix, making the deepfried fish not only crispier but also richer with malty flavor. This beer-infused twist adds an unexpected yet delicious complexity to a traditional favorite.
In addition to their special beerinfused dishes, Draft Restaurant & Brewery also offers a lineup of beer-matched items on their menu, including Pork & Fennel Sausage, Buffalo Wings, Chicken Skewers, Pork Schnitzel, Pork Skewers, and their signature Sisig Pizza.
Elevate your experience and savor each dish paired with San Miguel Premium Beers, whether with the full-flavored European-style lager brewed with 100 percent pure malt— San Miguel Premium All-Malt, the premium lager brewed with 100 percent imported aroma hops from Germany— San Miguel Super Dry, the full-bodied dark lager brewed using roasted malt with hints of caramel, coffee, and chocolate—San Miguel Cerveza Negra, or the Belgian-style wheat ale brewed with citrus, coriander, and spices—San Miguel Cerveza Blanca.
“It’s actually very personal. I have relatives who were hit by typhoons and monsoons in the past. When I presented the Sierra Madre concept, I explained its significance as our backbone. It protects us, especially during the monsoon season. Partnering with FEED Philippines, an organization dedicated to tree planting, was a natural step,” he said.
With each purchase of the Seiko 5th Philippine Limited Edition Watch, a tree is planted in the Sierra Madre. This initiative, made possible in partnership with Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), aims to support the rehabilitation and reforestation of the Sierra Madre, the natural habitat of the Whiskered Pitta. The non-governmental organization’s efforts focus on restoring the forest ecosystem while empowering local communities through sustainable programs.
“Please support the watch and let’s plant a tree. Let’s all plant a tree. No matter what,” Dy stated.
The special San Miguel Premium Beers-infused dishes are now available starting Nov. 14, 2024, at Draft Restaurant & Brewery in Rockwell Center, Makati. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the distinct flavors of San Miguel Premium Beers, offering a culinary experience that beer lovers won’t want to miss.
A ceramic mixing bowl featuring a festive design by Joan Anderson
Ribbed clear glass Christmas trees bring a festive feeling to dinner tables
Draft Restaurant & Brewery offers delicious dishes that goes well with San Miguel Premium Beers
Japanese watchmaking brand Seiko’s 5th Philippine Limited Edition Watch pays homage to the endangered Whiskered Pitta
A haven for gentle giants
COMING from an event in Aseana City, I passed through Quirino Avenue on my way home. When I saw the gates of the Manila Zoo, my thoughts immediately turned to Mali, the lone elephant that lived in captivity there until she passed away exactly a year ago.
The sight of the zoo reminded me of my recent trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where I had the chance to visit its renowned elephant sanctuaries.
Chiang Mai is famous for its elephant havens, which are a major tourist attraction in the region. Thailand is home to approximately 3,500 elephants, and their welfare is supported by a dedicated center specializing in the treatment of sick and injured elephants. Remarkably, this center also extends its care to elephants from neighboring countries under specific circumstances.
During our tour, I asked a specialist if it would be possible for an elephant from Manila to receive treatment at the center. The response was encouraging: the center might consider such cases if the elephant required advanced care that was unavailable locally and if transportation to Thailand could be arranged safely, without further risk to the animal’s health.
This left me wondering: If Mali had been sent to Thailand for specialized care and placed in a more natural and supportive environment,
could her quality of life have improved?
Could she have lived a longer, healthier life surrounded by conditions designed to meet her needs? Could she have lived without the moniker “the saddest elephant in the world?”
Could Thailand’s elephant sanctuaries have changed Mali’s story?
Known for their gentle demeanor despite their enormous size, elephants are remarkably friendly and intelligent creatures that thrive in groups. I had the opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals for the first time at Hug Chang Elephant Farm, where we fed them, bathed them, and prepared their food under the guidance of their caretakers.
The staff shared fascinating stories about the elephants and taught us about their habits and needs. They also showed us how to prepare herbal medicinal balls—made from natural herbs—that act as vitamins for elephants and can even benefit humans.
One particularly memorable part of the experience was making natural soap.
The staff demonstrated how to create sudsy soap from tree bark gathered from the wild. We pounded the bark ourselves, which we then used to bathe the elephants in the nearby river. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for these gentle giants and the dedication of their caretakers, who treat the elephants ethically, ensuring their well-being and fostering a natural, respectful environment.
A wellness escape rooted in culture
Where can you start your trip with a massage and end it with one as well?
Perhaps only in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s “Rose of the North.”
This culturally rich city, known for its ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and lush landscapes, offers travelers a retreat for relaxation and wellness. With countless yoga retreats and traditional Thai massage centers, Chiang Mai has firmly established itself as a destination for rejuvenation. We arrived at midnight and checked into Melia Chiang Mai, a five-star hotel in the heart of the city. After a leisurely breakfast the following morning, we traveled to Ontai Farm, a less than twohour drive away, for a day of wellness and cultural immersion.
Our day began with a Miang Kham DIY workshop, where we prepared the traditional Thai appetizer using fresh, local herbs and ingredients, gaining a deeper appreciation for Thai culinary traditions.
Next, we participated in an Herbal Compress Ball workshop led by local artisans, using farm-grown herbs to craft these therapeutic items. The morning concluded with a relaxing foot bath and spa session, an indulgence that also supported the On Tai community massage group.
In the afternoon, we embraced Lanna traditions by dressing in traditional Thai attire and participating in a DIY Krathong workshop at Lanna Resort. Crafting these intricate floating lanterns connected us to the cultural essence of the Loy Krathong Festival. Our guide explained that this is their version of a wishing well, with the only difference being that you place your coin in a flower lantern and release it into the river.
The evening brought culinary exploration and local charm. We visited the Firefly Factory Café for a refreshing break before
heading to the Chang Phuak Gate night market. There, we savored street food staples such as grilled pork skewers and khao soi, a Northern Thai noodle dish.
The next morning, we experienced a memorable encounter with nature at HugChang Elephant Farm. Feeding, bathing, and preparing food for the elephants allowed for ethical interactions that underscored the importance of their conservation. Lunch at Dantewada Angel Café offered a relaxing start to the afternoon, followed by a visit to the vibrant “I Love Flower” garden. Later, a Tuk Tuk city tour brought us to Chiang Mai’s iconic landmarks, including the Three Kings Monument and the historic Chedi Luang Temple. Our final evening combined elegance and serenity. We enjoyed afternoon tea at Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort and admired the sunset at the Intercontinental Rooftop. Dinner at The House by
Ginger served modern interpretations of traditional Thai dishes, providing a fitting end to the day.
Before leaving, we indulged in a twohour aroma oil massage at Let’s Relax Thapae, a perfect way to wrap up the trip. Refreshed and rejuvenated, we departed Chiang Mai with fond memories of its rich culture, natural beauty, and focus on wellness.
Travelers heading to Chiang Mai can now save time and money with Cebu
LATHERING UP. The author (right) bathes an adult elephant using natural soap made from pounded tree bark
A traditional Thai salad with meat strips, chili, and fresh lettuce
A baby elephant playfully splashes water at visitors
I Love Flower Farm features rows of vibrant flowers that make up a colorful oasis for visitors
Thailand’s famous mango sticky rice
The author (rightmost) with his group together with a Cebu Pacific representative and local guide
From left: Travel blogger Sandy Jones Pillarca, Philippine Star’s Vicky Veloso-Barrera, and the author in traditional Thai costumes
The phrase ‘Bon Bon’ serves as a cue for elephants to open their mouths for feeding
front
The historic facade of 14th century Wat Chedi Luang features intricate stone carvings, elephant sculptures, Naga staircases