Manila Standard - 2024 Dec 21 - Saturday

DOJ eyes EJK state witnesses

Probe to start with resource persons on killings of Barayuga, 3 Chinese convicts in Davao

By Charles Dantes

RESOURCE

PNP resurrecting probe into PCSO official's slay

persons who will be invited by the Department of Justice for its probe into extrajudicials killings during the Duterte administration may be granted state witness status if their testimonies are needed to secure a conviction, DOJ Usec. Jesse Andres said.

Andres said based on the hearings of the House Quad Committee, two possible EJK cases have a "trail of possible evidence."

By Rio N. Araja

He cited the killing of former PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020 and the deaths of three Chinese drug convicts at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016.

TTop Bamban POGO exec nabbed; Court denies Guo's

By Vito Barcelo and Charles Dantes

THE long arm of the law finally caught up with the alleged finance officer of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Bam-

ban, Tarlac after a months-spanning cat-and-mouse game with authorities.

Pan Meishu, alias “Hannah,” who supposedly led financial operations at Zun Yuan Technology (formerly Hongsheng Gaming Technology), was arrested by combined elements of the Presidential Anti-Organized

Crime Commission (PAOCC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as she was dining at a hotpot restaurant in Pasay City on Thursday.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado on Friday hailed the Chinese national’s arrest, saying the operation

is just one of many targeting illegal aliens working at scam hubs.

"These companies doing illegal activities have no place in the country," said Viado.

"Expect more arrests as we crack down on illegal POGO operations," he added.

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

"We will talk to all the possible resource persons there and if needed, we will grant them the stature of a state witness, if their testimony is very much needed to ensure the conviction of the real perpetrators," Andres said.

He said the DOJ will work to strengthen the testimonies that were already given during previous Quad Comm hearings.

On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma.

At the House, police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the Quad Committee that former National Police Commission head Edilberto Leonardo and retired police colonel and former PCSO general manager Royina Garma conspired to have Barayuga killed.

Garma was also implicated in the killings of suspected Chinese drug lords Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan and Wong Meng Pin inside the Davao Prison and Penal Farm.

Garma admitted during a Quad Comm hearing that former President

Mendoza narrated before congressmen how Garma allegedly facilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.

The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.

By Charles Dantes

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

PRESIDENT Marcos reiterated his commitment to modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) capabilities, highlighting the importance of

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

IN COMMAND. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. leads prayers yesterday before the start of the annual Armed Forces of the Philippines Command Conference for the year 2024 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. PPA Pool

tackling emerging security challenges as the organization marks its 89th anniversary.

Speaking in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the President highlighted the importance of the AFP’s Self-Re-

THE legal counsel of Chinese businessman Tony Yang sought to disparage lawmakers’ conclusions about his client’s supposedly

By Darwin Amojelar

airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.

“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added.

Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was

Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry

liant Defense Posture Revitalization Program, which aims to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign sources.

“For the threats we face today are

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile

Navy spokes debunks China claim of military exercises in Scarborough shoal

By Rex Espiritu

By Charles Dantes

THE Philippine Navy debunked on Sunday the recent announcement by China that it conducted military exercises off Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). China reportedly made the announcement coinciding with the fourth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the regional waters over the weekend. Philippine Navy Spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vin -

cent Trinidad told reporters that Manila troops did not monitor any such activity, adding that Beijing’s statement was meant only for its internal audience.

“Our troops did not observe any exercise, we have to understand that sometimes, China is doing this for their internal audience, right? For them not to look weak and embarrassed,” Trinidad said. Two Chinese warships were monitored at a distance ranging from eight to 14 nautical miles. One of these went up to 1,000 yards at the MMCA site but eventually went away. “It was not threatening, just normal,” accord -

By Alena Mae S. Flores

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

THE Department of Energy (DOE) expects local pump prices to increase by as much as P1.40 per liter on Christmas Eve.

The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.

and dedication

On Friday, DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) director Rodela Romero said that based on the four-day trading in Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the prices of all domestic oil products would go up on Tuesday.

Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.

She estimates gasoline will likely increase by P0.35 to P0.70 per liter, diesel by P1.10 to P1.40 per liter, and kerosene by P0.90 to P1 per liter.

The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.

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

Meanwhile, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said diesel may increase by P1.40 to P1.60 per liter and gasoline by P0.60 to P0.80 per liter. Bellas attributed the imminent price increase to the anticipated supply impact of tighter international sanctions against Russia and demand for oil following the US Federal Reserve interest rate cut, among other factors.

He said another factor is the tight diesel and gasoline supply in Asia due to limited exports from China and South Korea, even if this is mitigated

The OIMB head explained that several factors contribute to next week's expected oil price hike, including the stronger dollar and the fall of US crude stocks. “Final adjustments will be determined by today’s MOPS trading and other operating costs of the oil companies,” Romero noted.

as the “first Asian Re-

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas confirmed Friday that images of Philippine

PAGASA

A WEB OF CRIME? House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by

adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal

trade and extrajudicial killings.

Roque’s wife asks SC to junk arrest order

MYLAH Roque, wife of former Palace spokesman Harry Roque, has asked the Supreme Court to scrap the House of Representatives quad committee's contempt and arrest orders against her.

Mylah filed the petition for certiorari and prohibition before the SC last Wednesday. She was ordered arrested by the quad comm in October.

The Quad Comm had summoned the Roque couple over their alleged links to illegal operations of POGOs.

The former Duterte spokesman was first cited for contempt and ordered arrested for not attending the hearings.

"Mrs. Roque beseeched the Supreme Court to exercise its power of judicial review on whether the Quad Comm acted in grave abuse of discretion... The members of the quad comm, according to Mrs. Roque have gravely exceeded their authority because of these actions," Roque said in a statement.

Both Harry and Mylah are reportedly outside the Philippines. Mylah is said to be in Singapore for medical treatment while the former Palace spokesman's last known location was Abu Dhabi where they both submitted affidavits at the Philippine embassy.

In her petition, Mylah said the quad comm's arrest order threatened her “right to travel” and the contempt charge was “a violation of due process” since no subpoena was issued upon her first before she was cited.

She said her right to privacy was being threatened as the members of quad comm are "probing her medical condition, which is irrelevant to the inquiries in aid of legislation."

A former trustee of the Pag-IBIG Fund, Mylah said that she has been “regularly complying” with the quad committee’s requests, but that “every time I submit a medical document, the good officials always, without fail, ask for something else and something new.”

Polymer ...

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Production Management Department, said the images of heroes have been removed from the new P500, P100 and P50 banknotes.

The new banknotes will feature native and protected animals and plants alongside traditional local weave designs. Among the animals featured in the notes are the Visayan spotted deer, Palawan peacock pheasant and whale shark.

'We want to also feature what other elements of Filipino identities are. Bukod sa heroes, we are also known for our rich biodiversity kasi ,so ‘yung mga endemic, endangered species unto naman natin I-feature," she said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.

The images of former presidents Corazon Aquino, “Dito sa polymer banknotes, hindi po natin siya nai-feature pero we want to ensure na circulating pa rin po ang ating papel na banknotes. In terms of ratio, mas marami pa rin ang paper banknotes.”

Aside from Aquino, other images no longer featured in the new banknotes are former presidents Sergio Osmena and Manuel Roxas.

Curtis however said that the BSP will ensuree that the paper notes will still be circulated, pointing out that "in terms of ratio, there are more paper notes."

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. unveiled the first Philippine polymer banknote series on December 19, 2024, at Malacañang Palace.

This historic launch includes new denominations of PHP 50, PHP 100, PHP 500, and the previously introduced PHP 1,000 note.

"It builds on the success of the 1,000peso polymer note introduced in April of 2022 and aligns with the global best practice of updating currency features every 10 years," the President explained. He also cited that polymer banknotes have been adopted by over 40 countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

"The Philippines proudly joins their ranks, ensuring that our currency remains secure, durable, and sustainable," he remarked.

"Polymer banknotes are designed to keep up with the demands of everyday life. Unlike paper bills, which wear out after about a year, a year and a half, polymer banknotes can last up to seven and a half years—five times longer," President Marcos assured.

DOJ...

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Rodrigo Duterte and other highranking officials during his term operationalized the so-called "Davao model" of EJKs on a nationwide scale, rewarding cops for every drug suspect killed with incentives ranging from P20,000 to P1 million.

Andres said the DOJ is evaluating the recommendations of the Quad Committee to file cases against Duterte and several other individuals linked to alleged EJKs during the previous administration's war on drugs.

"We will ensure that everyone involved here is given the opportunity

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Viado said that the suspect will remain in the custody of the BI while undergoing deportation proceedings.

Meanwhile, PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz said Pan potentially faces human trafficking and money laundering charges, similar to those filed against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo.

He noted that Pan worked directly with Walter Wong Long, a co-accused of Guo.

PBBM...

From A1 of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various PAPs of the government, and their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-eco-

Marcos...

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no longer confined to our shores or to the traditional battlefield. They are now complex, multifaceted, and, at times, invisible,” he said during a command conference that coincided with anniversary celebrations. Present at the top-level meeting were Executive Sec. Lucas Bersamin, Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and AFP Chief-ofStaff Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr.

“The geopolitical developments and tensions continue to test our sovereignty and our resolve. The surge in cybersecurity threats, if unchallenged and unaddressed, will challenge our national security," the President told them. He noted that the program goes be-

to present their side -- whether you are a respondent or a witness, we will conduct a very thorough investigation," he said.

"We assure you that we will act on the basis of evidence and hold all those involved in this crime legally accountable based on evidence," he added.

While initial cases focused on murder charges, Andres said the DOJ is now also exploring possible violations of international humanitarian law and crimes against humanity.

"But now, because the area of concern is something very broad that we call crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law, we have to understand the big-

“Let’s see what cases we will file against her [Pan]. Although we already know that she is truly a part of Alice Guo’s circle,” Cruz said in Filipino.

He also described her as a “top-level” POGO executive.

In March, lawmen enforced a search warrant on Zun Yuan Technology’s offices at the Baofu Compound in Bamban in response to reports of human trafficking and various online scamming activities.

However, Pan managed to evade arrest and subsequently went into hiding.

“Through documents we recovered from their vehicles [during the Baofu

nomic challenges.”

Employees who have rendered three months but less than four months of service may receive up to P6,000, while those with two months but less than three months may receive up to P5,000. Workers with less than two months of service may be eligible for gratuity pay not

yond acquiring advanced equipment, focusing on enhancing strategies, upgrading technologies, and training personnel to adapt to both traditional and emerging threats.

"But modernization is not simply about acquiring advanced equipment; it is about transforming the way we think, the way we act, and the way we operate as a unified force," the Commander-inChief said.

"After all, we are building an AFP that can hold its own on the global stage—one that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest armed forces," he added.

The President pointed to new security challenges, including cybersecurity threats and disinformation campaigns, which require the AFP to evolve into an agile and responsive force.

Mr. Marcos underscored the impor-

ger context because these crimes can only be proven if examined within a broader national scope," Andres said.

Apart from the EJKs, the Quad Comm also pointed to the alleged involvement of high-profile figures, including Duterte's son, Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former economic adviser Michael Yang, in the illegal drug trade. Andres said these claims would also be investigated thoroughly.

Meanwhile, Quad Comm chairperson Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said their initial findings and recommendations were not politically motivated.

"There's no politically motivated information that we shared. We only follow where the evidence leads us.

raid], we discovered the name she was using inside the Bamban POGO hub.

So, we are also studying whether her offenses fall under qualified trafficking,” the PAOCC official added.

As this developed, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed that a Pasig court denied the petition for bail Guo and her co-accused in connection with the qualified trafficking cases they are facing due to the strength of the evidence against them.

Guo and her alleged cohorts are accused of violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Per-

exceeding P4,000. This is the second time President Marcos has approved an increase in gratuity pay for COS and JO workers, following a previous adjustment in 2021 that raised the amount from P3,000 to P5,000. The new gratuity pay will take effect not earlier than Dec. 15 and will

tance of equipping the military with tools to succeed in battles not only in the field but also in cyberspace, ensuring peace and stability for the Filipino people.

To further support the AFP, he assured continued government investment in modernization efforts, the welfare of military personnel and their families, and recognition of the armed forces' invaluable contributions.

Highlighting the heroism within the ranks, the chief executive posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor to First Lieutenant Dhell Jun C. Evangelista, praising his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice in service to the nation.

As the AFP advances into its next chapter, the President urged its members to remain committed to their values of honor, compassion, and patriotism, promising that the government and the Filipino people stand firmly behind them.

Testimonial and documentary evidence were the basis of our committee report,” Barbers said.

“We agree that testimonoes must not be based on hearsay and witnesses must be credible. That is why we recommend for further investigation," he added.

During the anti-drug campaign he launched shortly after taking office in 2016, Duterte ordered cops to shoot dead suspects if the police believed their lives were in danger.

"Do not question my policies because I offer no apologies, no excuses. I did what I had to do, and whether or not you believe it or not, I did it for my country," the 79-year-old Duterte said in a Senate hearing in October.

sons Act of 2012 and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. The complaints were filed after over 800 Filipinos and foreigners were rescued from the Bamban POGO hub.

Guo denied allegations that she facilitated the entry of POGOs into the Tarlac municipality and that she was a Chinese spy.

On top of those, the dismissed mayor also faces a graft case before a Valenzuela court and a material misrepresentation case before a Tarlac court. She is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail Female Dormitory.

be implemented immediately after the administrative order is published in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. The measure provides much-needed support and recognition for thousands of government workers, many of whom continue to face economic challenges.

Christmas... From A1

somewhat by ample regional stockpile.

On Dec. 17, oil companies implemented a P0.80 per liter hike in gasoline and diesel while kerosene went up by P0.10 per liter.

Year-to-date, total adjustment of gasoline and diesel stands at a net increase of P12.55 per liter and P9.85 per liter, respectively.

On the

ROCKY SANTA. A natural rock outcrop that resembles the image of Santa Claus has attracted children and visitors in Mt. Dakiwagan, Balacbac, Kapangan, Benguet. Dave Leprozo jr

PNP reshuffles

6 key officials

SIX ranking police officials have been reassigned in the latest reorganization of the Philippine National Police.

In a Dec. 19 order that took effect yesterday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil designated Southern Police District head Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang as the new chief of the Anti-Cybercrime Group. Yang assumed the position vacated by Maj. Gen. Ronnie Cariaga, who was reassigned to the Area Police Command in Northern Luzon.

Cariaga was previously administratively relieved over alleged anomalies during a raid on a Philippine offshore gaming operator hub in Manila.

Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, Deputy Director of Special Action Force, will be the acting SPD chief, replacing Yang.

The SPD covers the cities of Makati, Pasay,

Taguig, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa, as well as the municipality of Pateros. Meanwhile, four police colonels got new assignments in the National Capital Region Police Office.

Col. Erosito Miranda was assigned officer-in-charge of Regional Staff at the NCRPO headquarters while colonels Amante Daro, Randy Glenn Silvio and Rodel Pastor were chosen to be Acting Deputy Directors for Administration of the Northern Police District and Quezon City Police District as well as Acting Deputy Director for Operations of the SPD, respectively.

Marbil earlier said the reshuffle was necessary to “preposition” officials who are fit for their next assignments.

Comelec sells 81k ‘unserviceable’ PCOS machines for P12.26 million

THE Commission on Elections has sold at least 81,000 unserviceable Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines for more than P12 million.

In a resolution made public Friday, the Comelec en banc adopted the recommendation of its Disposal Committee to award the sale to Microsphere System Technology Microsphere submitted the highest financial proposal of P12.264 million for the 81,776 units of PCOS machines, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said. He said of the 20 companies bought auction documents, eight submitted their auction bids while one was disqualified.

On the other hand, the poll body also approved the sale of the PCOS/VCM plastic bins with cover, yellow metal ballot boxes, and plastic pallets to the RHT Storage Center for P202,800. The PCOS machines were last used in the 2013 midterm polls.

The machines first used during the May 2010 presidential polls to automate the electoral exercises in the country as provided by Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law. These were replaced by the vote counting machines (VCMs), introduced in the 2016 elections.

GUT ISSUE. Farmers, fisherfolks, and food security advocates conduct a noise barrage in front of the Department of Agriculture headquarters in Quezon City to protest what they described as an ‘agricultural crisis,’ particularly the rise in prices of basic food items, on Friday, December 20, 2024. Manny Palmero

RENEWED PARTNERSHIP. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (seated) present a signed copy of their memorandum of agreement to renew the ‘Tara, Basa!’ tutoring program until 2028 at the DepEd headquarters on Friday, December 20, 2024. Screengrab from DepEd

IN BRIEF

BRP Magluyan joins Naval Forces fleet in Mindanao

THE Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) welcomed a new asset with the arrival of the BRP Juan Magluyan (PC-392), a Jose Andrada-Class Coastal Patrol Vessel of the Philippine Navy, into their area of responsibility. The ceremony took place at Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE), in Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Prior to joining NFWM, the BRP Juan Magluyan underwent dry docking and repairs at the Josefa Slipways Inc. in Navotas.

This vessel enhances the fleet’s capability to address regional maritime security challenges.

Col. Jonathan Gabor, NFWM’s deputy commander for marine operations, underscored the evolving nature of threats in the region.

He said these challenges now extend beyond traditional warfare to include non-traditional threats such as piracy, human trafficking, smuggling, and terrorism. Rex Espiritu

Hostage-taker in Taguig slapped with criminal raps

CHARGES were filed against a man who held hostage his live-in partner and three children inside their house in Taguig City, the National Capital Region Police said Friday.

NCRPO acting director Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said charges of illegal detention, direct assault, alarm and scandal, and unlawful possession of bladed, pointed, or blunt weapons were filed against the 28-year-old construction worker.

By Rio N. Araja

SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara for the extension of the “Tara, Basa!” tutoring program.

“The signing signifies the renewed commitment of the DSWD and DepEd in providing educational support to the youth and making learning more accessible to struggling or nonreader students,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.

The agreement would ensure the smooth execution of the program until 2028.

The DSWD and DepEd signed the first partnership agreement during the launch of the pilot implementation of the “Tara, Basa!” Tutoring program in August 2023.

This year, a total of 120,359 college students, struggling and non-reader elementary learners, and parents benefitted from the agency’s tutoring program.

The tutoring program was piloted in the National Capital Region in Quezon City as well as in the cities of Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, Navotas, Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasay, Las Pinas, Marikina, San Juan, Pasig, Taguig, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, and in the municipality of Pateros. Under the program, college students are capacitated and deployed as tutors to teach poor and/or struggling readers in public elementary schools or as youth development workers to conduct parent education sessions.

The hostage-taking happened on Thursday morning in Barangay Bagumbayan, which stemmed from a domestic dispute between the suspect, identified as “alias Raymond,” and his live-in partner.

The situation escalated when Raymond became violent during their argument, demanding money for alcohol and physically assaulting his partner.

Fearing for their safety, the victims, including their 8-month-old son and other children, sought assistance from the Barangay Bagumbayan Security Force (BSF).

The suspect also attempted to harm the responding officers.

PNP anti-cybercrime, TikTok team up vs. online scams

THE Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) announced it is working with videosharing network TikTok to boost efforts against online scams and other types of cybercrimes.

In a meeting held on December 18, 2024, at Camp Crame in Quezon City, both parties discussed key operational challenges and explored collaborative strategies to address online threats, including scams and other forms of cybercrime.

PNP-ACG officer-in-charge Col. Rommel Batangan highlighted the increasing misuse of TikTok by cybercriminals.

“TikTok is one of the most widely used social media platforms today. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have also exploited this platform for scamming activities,“ Batangan said.

“This collaboration will significantly expedite our investigations and reinforce our mission of creating a safer cyberspace for everyone,” he added.

TikTok expressed its commitment to support the PNP-ACG by offering training sessions for its investigation teams.

Stars parade sets off 50th MMFF

THE Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is set to celebrate its 50th edition with a grand Parade of Stars on Saturday (Dec. 21) in Manila which serves as host city for the affair.

The parade, one of the most anticipated events leading up to the MMFF’s official opening, will showcase vibrantly-designed and colorful floats carrying celebrities from 10 official entries participating in the festival: The entries are “The Kingdom,” “Topakk,” “Espantaho,” “And The Breadwinner Is…,” “Uninvited,” “Hold Me Close,” “Green Bones,” “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” “Isang

BOC: P661-m smuggled rice in Bulacan

By Vito Barcelo

BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), have discovered more than P661 million worth of smuggled rice stored at nine warehouses in the towns of Bocaue and Balagtas in Bulacan.

The raid was conducted following intelligence information saying significant volumes of the cereal were stashed at the Bulacan.

Subsequent investigation disclosed that the stocks were apparently smuggled as the owners or their representatives could not show proof of correct tax payments.

For the sake of transparency and to ensure fairness and due process, the BOC talked with the warehouse owners was held on Thursday (Dec. 18).

The owners were given 15 days to submit pertinent documents, notably proof of duty and tax payments, failure of which would necessitate filing of appropriate charges against them in court.

A House of Representatives committee earlier raised concerns over a conspiracy theory among major rice importers and traders to manipulate rice prices regardless of oversupply and reduced import tariffs under Executive Order (EO) 62.

Airports

By Joel E. Zurbano

Himala,” and “My Future You”. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and MMFF chairman Romando Artes said this year’s parade promises to be an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and audiences alike as it commemorates five decades of MMFF’s milestone edition.

“We are expecting large crowds to flock the parade route to see their fa-

vorite stars, so we have laid down measures and deployment plans to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Artes.

“At least 3,000 personnel from the MMDA, the Manila city government, the Office of the Civil Defense-National Capital Region, and the Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies will be deployed along the parade route to manage crowd control and ensure a smooth flow of the activities during the parade,” he added.

The parade will start at 3 p.m. from the Kartilya ng Katipunan and cruise along Natividad Lopez St. then right at P. Burgos St. straight toward Jones

Bridge to Quintin Paredes and Reina Regente Sts., proceed to Recto Ave. and Abad Santos Ave., then Tayuman St. toward Lacson Ave. to España Blvd. left to Nicanor Reyes St. (Morayta), then left to C.M. Recto Ave., right to Legarda St. straight to P. Casal St. to Ayala Blvd., left to Taft Ave. then right to T.M. Kalaw St., right to Roxas Blvd. and back to P. Burgos going to Magallanes Drive toward the Manila Central Post Office. The route will cover approximately 12 kilometers and is expected to last about two hours and 30 minutes. Street sweepers will clean the affected roads immediately after the parade.

IN BRIEF

Airport worker finds, returns fat wallet

MANILA airport officials have lauded the honesty of a screening officer who found and returned a lost wallet containing ₱84,603.

The worker found the wallet behind the Final Security Screening Checkpoint of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 2. Security Screening Officer (SSO) Searjie Kixxs Peñaflor was on duty at the checkpoint when he discovered the wallet. He immediately informed his supervisor, Rosie Oller who had the recovered item announced through the airport’s paging system.

A passenger bound for Puerto Princesa on Philippine Airlines flight PR 2785 subsequently claimed ownership of the wallet. Authorities vetted the passenger’s identification before giving him the item.

OTS Administrator Crizaldo Nieves commended Peñaflor for his good deed and acknowledged the efforts of other SSOs in maintaining integrity and honesty in the service. Joel E. Zurbano

DepEd bags $1-m aid for classroom backlog

EDUCATION Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara has signed a $1-million Technical Assistance Agreement with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center to address part of the 165,000-classroom shortage.

The accord provides technical support for the construction of 15,000 classrooms next year under the PPP for School Infrastructure Program Phase III program.

The Project Development and Monitoring Facility grant from the PPP Center aims to streamline the planning and implementation of PSIP III, ensuring a more effective approach to addressing the country’s classroom backlog.

“He (President Marcos) would appreciate this partnership today because it’s in line with his directives as this will not only improve the quality of education but also improve the learning environment,” Angara said. Ralph Harvey Rirao

Comelec warns vs. election scammers THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday warned political candidates against persons claiming to be poll officials offering purported “sure win” in the 2025 national and local elections (NLE) in exchange for money.

Poll chairman George Erwin Garcia issued the warning after receiving reports that two national bets, four partylist groups, and local aspirants were allegedly offered by unscrupulous individuals who introduced themselves as Comelec staffmembers to secure victory in the coming polls.

“Some politicians reported the offer to us. Asking P100 million for congressmen, P70 million to P80 million for governor post,” Garcia said in a radio interview. Vito Barcelo

Comelec, NBI forge agreement for peaceful, credible elections

By Pot Chavez

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday forged an agreement insuring credible results of the 2025 midterm elections.

Comelec chairman George Garcia underscored the significance of the

accord to secure the integrity and credibility of next year’s political exercise.

“The foundation of democracy is elections... We need the help of the NBI. The modern-day election is facing a lot of challenges that we must fight such as cybersecurity,” said Garcia during the signing rite.

Every national government agency must have increased attention on the issue of cybercrime, he added. Garcia recalled that the Comelec was hacked in 2016 whereby the list of voters was compromised in violation of the voters’ right to data privacy. Garcia also clarified that Comelec powers will set in on 12th of January

once the election period begins. He underscored that they will need the support of the NBI and other law enforcement agencies such as monitoring cyberspace.

For his part, NBI director Jaime Santiago assured the Comelec and the Filipino people that there will be honest, orderly, and peaceful elections.

AIRPORT authorities have increased security measures nationwide in anticipation of a surge of passengers during the Yuletide season.

The move follows Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista's directive to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and comfort of holiday travelers.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is committed to providing safe, efficient, and comfortable travel at the 44 airports under its jurisdiction.

The agency also gave assurance on the full operational readiness of its Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems.

“CAAP recognizes the importance of a stressfree travel experience during the holiday season.

By ensuring the reliability of our systems and the readiness of our facilities, we aim to deliver smooth and safe journeys for all passengers,” stated CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo.

The CAAP collaborates closely with airline operators and other government agencies to maintain efficient airport operations and enhance passenger satisfaction.

In a related development, Office for Transport Security (OTS) administrator Crizaldo Nieves directed auditors across civil aviation, maritime, road, and rail sectors to inspect all transportation hubs.

Comprehensive contingency measures have also been established to address potential flight disruptions and ensure smooth airport operations amid the influx of travelers.

PCG SPREADS XMAS JOY. The Philippine Coast Guard personnel take time out from their routine tasks to bring cheers and gifts to some 300 families of fishermen, mangrove growers, and ‘river warriors,’ as well as school children in Cavite.

ARTIST CHASES HIS PASSION ON THE STREET. Christian missionary and street artist Felix Manahan paints portraits on canvas at a footbridge on EDSAMunoz in Quezon City. Manahan says he goes around Metro Manila not just to

of passersby.

Philippines self-harm from US wishes

“IF YOU want to understand today, you have to search yesterday,” the great storyteller of 19th century Chinese rural life wisely advises.

Hence, looking at the sorry state of our country today, the Philippines, I go back to the before and after of Feb. 2023 when the then quite new president of the Philippines turned his back on the independent international relations of the country and returned to US captivity.

On Feb. 2, 2023 the agreement between the US and the Philippines for the expansion of unconstitutional US military bases in the Philippines was unveiled during the visit of US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, and during talks with Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Prior to this the Philippines enjoyed free and open relations with China, Russia, the BRICS countries, and enjoyed the respect of ASEAN neighbors, and beneficial economic ties with all.

The open arms of Bongbong Marcos to the Americans immediately brought the open and tremendously beneficial relations with China to a unilateral stop, opened the Philippines to the unfettered and undisguised intervention by the US with its Philippine Coast Guard proxies in South China Sea instigating clashes at sea with the Chinese Coast Guard and propagandizing “China bully” which has totally no effect after 22 months.

The worse part of the damage from US intervention is to the fabric of Philippine socio-political and economic life.

The US introduced, through its proxy politicians, the subversive projects to schismatize Philippine society through re-insertion of the International Criminal Court trumped-up EJK issues against Duterte to tangentially strike at the independent foreign policy he instituted and likewise target VP Sara Duterte.

The Americans triggered the antiPOGO crusade with Senator Risa Hontiveros collaborating in quickly discredited “Chinese spy” and People’s Liberation Army men in uniforms conspiracy tales, costing at least 100,000 Filipino jobs and now triggering a real estate-condominium glut costing $2.5-billion in unoccupied units.

Then the baseless black propaganda attacks on VP Sara Duterte which have devastatingly divided the nation.

No less damaging is the US military bases expansion and installation of Typhon missile launchers that are now, being Tomahawk capable, doubtlessly offensive in nature and violate the Constitution and even the already illegal Mutual Defense Treaty (as well as ASEAN ZOPFAN and SEANWFZT), and compelling the Philippines to divert budgets vital to development to weapons purchases from the US and its allies – sacrificing welfare and development.

The recent international media highlight on China’s Central Economic Work Committee report on their country’s 2025 economic action agenda, focusing on “proactive and moderately loosen-

ing of monetary policy” which means extending more credit to its 400-million middle class consumers to buy imports and travel for leisure – which the Philippines is deliberately missing out due to US restrictions on Philippine economic freedom.

Meanwhile, it is now clear the Philippines is losing its rightful share of the fantabulous China market as data shows Vietnam taking the lead as top banana exporter to China after the Philippines loses 45 percent of its previous share, while Chinese tourists to the Philippines has dropped to 1/6 of its 2019 arrivals and the Philippines is not getting any Chinese off-shoring of its EV car manufacturing that has gone to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

The open arms of Bongbong Marcos to the Americans immediately brought the open and tremendously beneficial relations with China to a unilateral stop

The Philippines in 2025 faces further deterioration of its political divisions as retired AFP officers voice out the rebellion active officers cannot express in protest of US-instigated “trapo-politicianleftist-party list” attacks and detentions of police and military officials in kangaroo congressional hearings – they are now treading on dangerous grounds not entirely unwelcome to reformists of Philippine society needing AFP participation in the new People Power.

Looking at the balance of pros and cons of Bongbong Marcos’ acquiescence to US hegemony over the Philippines, the Philippines is giving in to every wish and imposition of the Americans and getting only more negatives in return.

Chinese infrastructure ODAs are indefinitely frozen while US-Japan promises, like the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, remain an unfulfillable especially with protectionist and austerity advocate Trump swearing in soon.

I am sure the Filipino people do not relish sadomasochism and how long they will stand for it when they realize their government is practicing it on them, but the lavish luxury-living of the legislative house-vermins who recently divided up billions of “ayuda funds” for themselves and syphoned off up to P200-billion from regular departments like education and PhilHealth to unprogrammed “pork barrel” enjoy hedonistic luxuries and the protection of America!

(rpkapunan@gmail.com)

Trump triumph, Assad fall, Olympic joy... key events in 2024

PARIS – Donald Trump’s US presidential election win, the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, and the Paris Olympics were among the news events that marked 2024.

AFP looks back at the major stories that made the headlines: Mideast war spreads

After the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel continued its offensive against the Palestinian armed group in Gaza, killing several of its chiefs, and extending its campaign into Lebanon.

In September Israel launched a huge air strike against Iran-backed Hamas ally Hezbollah, then a ground offensive in southern Lebanon against its strongholds.

In early October Iran then responded to the killings of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh -- in a strike on Tehran in July blamed on Israel -- and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, by launching 200 missiles at Israel. Israel riposted by hitting Iranian military sites.

Fall of Bashar al-Assad

In Syria, president Bashar al-Assad fled the country to Moscow after an 11-day lightning offensive launched on November 27 by Islamist rebel group

Letter and spirit of the law

THE ball, as the saying goes, is now in the grassplot of the Department of Justice or DOJ.

We refer to the submitted findings and recommendations of the Quad Comm of Congress, which conducted an oversight hearing on then President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, its findings and recommendations to file charges against Duterte and others submitted to the government agency.

The 79-year-old Duterte, Senators Christopher Lawrence Go, 50, and Ronald Dela Rosa, 62, and other police officials are charged with crimes against humanity in connection with the alleged extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s incumbency from 2016 to 2022.

The Human Rights Watch said Duterte’s “war on drugs” killed between 12,000 and 27,000, far bigger than the 6,700 listed by the police in June 2019.

Six years ago, in August 2018, rela-

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

One of the emblematic moments of the fall of Damascus was the freeing of inmates from the infamous Sednaya prison.

That jail north of the capital was a symbol of the torture and executions under the 50-year rule of the Assad clan, especially since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011.

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russian president in May after winning an election the West slammed as a sham

Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates

After a failed counteroffensive in 2023, following Russia’s Feb. 24, 2022 invasion, Ukraine in August launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region.

However, it has failed in its goal of diverting Moscow’s forces from fight-

ing in eastern Ukraine.

Russia responded with deadly strikes and Kyiv’s outgunned and outmanned troops have struggled to hold back steady advances from Russian forces, notably in the eastern Donbas region.

The West, Ukraine and South Korea say thousands of North Korean soldiers are reinforcing Russia’s war effort.

Trump is back

Donald Trump once again stunned the world, and wrong-footed pollsters who had projected a very tight race, to win the US presidential election.

He won all seven swing states on Nov. 5, keeping control of the House and winning back the Senate. He also became the first Republican president in 20 years to win the popular vote.

He beat his Democrat rival Kamala Harris, who had been parachuted into the process just 100 days before the election after the 81-year-old outgoing President Joe Biden pulled out.

That was just one twist in a particularly tumultuous campaign that also included two failed assassination attempts on Trump, 78, who faced four indictments and a criminal conviction.

He returns to the White House on

tives of several people slain in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign asked the Hague-based International Criminal Court to prosecute him for alleged crimes against humanity, in the second such request for a ruling on thousands of deaths that have occurred during the clampdown.

We cannot hyperbolize the importance of not just looking at the letter of the law but reading as well its spirit

We heard the President say the DOJ will carefully evaluate the Quad Comm oversight committee’s recommendation to file the charges against Duterte and others, stressing how the legal process is done, with the findings forwarded to the DOJ which will now make the assessment.

We agree with what the President said, that the evaluation process is still in its early stages as he under-

Jan. 20, 2025. Among the personalities he has chosen for his team are billionaire Elon Musk, who helped finance his campaign.

Russia tightens grip

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term as Russian president in May after winning an election the West slammed as a sham.

His nemesis Alexei Navalny died in February in murky circumstances in the Arctic prison where he had been serving a 19-year sentence for leading an “extremist” organisation.

In August Moscow negotiated the biggest East-West prisoner swap since the end of the Cold War, releasing 16 Westerners and Russians including US journalist Evan Gershkovich, in exchange for 10 Russians.

Paris Olympics joy

The summer Games in the French capital brought a welcome respite, particularly in the host country that had for weeks been gripped by bitter political jockeying caused by snap parliamentary elections.

But for three sunny weeks, Paris and its world-famous monuments and sites, from the Eiffel Tower to Versailles,

lined the importance of exhaustive assessment.

On conviction, in general, a person guilty of committing crimes against humanity shall suffer the penalty of reclusion temporal in its medium to maximum period – 12 years and one day to 20 years – and a fine to be computed by the court.

We also heard DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres say the Quad Comm recommendations will undergo prompt and punctilious scrutiny by prosecutors who will be independently evaluating all documentary evidence, giving assurances no unsubstantiated harassment suits will be lodged.

The DOJ has established a task force on extrajudicial killings, and has started to collect evidence.

“If the evidence warrants, we will proceed with the filing of cases through the National Prosecution Service,” Andres said, stressing they will not file a harassment case but will hold people accountable when there is sufficient evidence.

At this point, we cannot hyperbolize the importance of not just looking at the letter of the law but reading as well its spirit.

welcomed a spectacular display of sport, kicking off with an extravagant opening ceremony along the Seine. Records tumbled and stars were crowned, from home crowd darling and swim sensation Leon Marchand to US gym genius Simone Biles who made a joyful return to glory. Deadly flooding

Temperature records continued to tumble in 2024 across huge swathes of the world during what will almost certainly be the hottest year on record. Relentless global warming provoked heatwaves, droughts and deadly flooding, with the wet weather proving particularly dramatic.

An unusually intense rainy season in West and Central Africa killed more than 1,500 people, according to the International Organization of Migration (IOM).

In a September of wild weather, Hurricane Helene pounded the southeast United States, Typhoon Krathon slammed into Taiwan and Storm Boris brought floods and devastation to central Europe.

Typhoons Yagi and Bebinca left a trail of destruction in Asia. AFP

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024 MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM

Malaysia agrees to resume search for MH370 plane

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s cabinet has agreed to a proposal to launch a new search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared mysteriously 10 years ago, the transport minister said Friday.

The Boeing 777 carrying 239 people disappeared from radar screens on March 8, 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, and despite the largest search in aviation history, the plane has never been found.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government on December 13 “agreed in principle to accept the proposal from Ocean Infinity”, a company based in the United States and the United Kingdom, to proceed with the search “in a new area estimated at 15,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean”.

“The proposal for a search operation by Ocean Infinity is a solid one and deserves to be considered,” Loke told reporters. He said the Ministry of Transport is currently negotiating the terms of the agreement, which is expected to be finalized by early 2025.

The new search will be on a “no find, no fee” principle, in which the Malaysian government will not pay Ocean Infinity anything the they find the aircraft, Loke added.

The government had previously engaged Ocean Infinity in 2018 to search for the plane but there were no result.

“The new search area proposed by Ocean Infinity is based on the latest information and data analysis conducted by experts and researchers,” Loke said. AFP

Search extended for Vanuatu survivors

IN BRIEF P

Japan inspects US air base over spill

TOKYO --Japanese authorities on Friday staged an inspection of a US military base in Tokyo, a government spokesman said, after being informed by the American side of a chemical leak. Japan’s probe at the Yokota Air Base followed a US notice two months ago that water containing PFOS -- classified by the World Health Organization as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” -- had spilled from the site.

PFOS is part of a large group of manmade chemicals known as PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily, experts say. The US military informed Tokyo in October that the PFOS-laced water had leaked from an area of the base where a fire-fighting drill was being carried out, Fumitoshi Sato, deputy chief cabinet secretary, told reporters.

“This inspection was realised in response to the fears and concerns harboured by local residents, and we will continue to work together with the US side,” Sato said. AFP

Probe team issues Xmas summons for Yoon

SEOUL – Investigators probing suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol over his foiled martial law bid on Friday ordered him to appear before the country’s corruption watchdog on Christmas Day -- after he snubbed a previous summons this week. Conservative leader Yoon was stripped of his duties by parliament last weekend following his short-lived December 3 martial law declaration, which plunged the country into its worst political turmoil in decades. Yoon faces impeachment and criminal charges of insurrection that could see him jailed for life, or even face the death penalty, over a drama that stunned democratic South Korea’s allies around the world. He is being investigated by prosecutors as well as a joint team of police, defence ministry and anti-corruption investigators. AFP

Macron thanks Gisele Pelicot after France rape trial

PARIS – France’s president on Friday thanked Gisele Pelicot, the woman who was drugged and raped for a decade by her now ex-husband and strangers he enlisted online, for the strength and poise she showed during a trial that shocked the world.

“Thank you Gisele Pelicot... For all of us, because your dignity and your courage have moved and inspired France and the world”, Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media platform X, a day after her former husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other defendants were found guilty after a three-month trial. Gisele Pelicot, 72, became a hero in France and abroad after she waived her right to a closed trial, insisting that shame should trade sides from rape victims to perpetrators. Her husband of decades, Dominique Pelicot, 72, had admitted to drugging her for almost a decade

Taiwan lawmakers brawl over bills that Lai’s party says would ‘damage democracy’ of island

TAIPEI – Taiwanese lawmakers tackled and doused each other with water on Friday as President Lai Ching-te’s party tried to block the passage of bills they say could harm the self-ruled island’s “democratic system.”

Scores of lawmakers from Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party had occupied the podium of the parliament’s main chamber since Thursday night and barricaded themselves inside -- piling up chairs to block entrances.

The DPP parliamentarians were attempting to stop three legal amendments proposed by the opposition bloc, which would make it more difficult for voters to oust elected officials who they see as unfit.

“Parliamentary dictatorship,” some DPP lawmakers shouted to criticize the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party and its ally Taiwan People’s Party for trying to pass the bills with their majority.

“If the KMT forcefully passes the amendments... Taiwan’s democratic selfchecking and self-repairing mechanism will be gone, and it will also cause significant and irreversible damage to Taiwan’s civil society and democratic system,” the ruling party said in a statement.

“At a time when Taiwan’s democracy is being violated and damaged, we must stand up and take action,” it added.

Among the disputed bills was a

planned revision to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act pressed ahead by the KMT and TPP to raise the threshold for removing elected officials. The Beijing-friendly KMT said it would prevent the power of recalls from “being abused” but some DPP lawmakers said they fear the move would revoke voters’ rights to remove unfit officials. Han Kuo-yu, the current parliament speaker from the KMT, was ousted in 2020 as mayor of southern Kaohsiung city following a failed presidential bid.

Outside the parliament on Friday, thousands of people gathered to protest the bills, shouting “return the evil amendments”, and “Defend Taiwan”. AFP

US diplomats visit Syria to meet Islamist rulers after al-Assad fall

DAMASCUS , Syria – US diplomats are in Syria to meet the country’s new Islamist-led rulers, the State Department said Friday, as outside powers seek assurances they will be moderate and inclusive.

The ouster of former president Bashar al-Assad ended decades of abuses and years of civil war, but it has raised concerns about the rights of minorities, as well as women, and the future of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators in Damascus demanded democracy and women’s rights, in the first such protest since Assad’s departure. In northeast Syria’s Qamishli, thousands demonstrated in support of a USbacked, Kurdish-led force that is under pressure from Turkey and allied rebel fighters.

The lightning offensive that forced Assad’s departure was led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in AlQaeda’s Syria branch but has more recently adopted a moderate tone.

Still, its sudden arrival in the capital has left foreign governments scrambling for a new policy, particularly in some countries where HTS is designated a terrorist group.

US diplomats have not been to Damascus on a formal mission since the early days of the civil war that erupted after Assad cracked down on anti-government protests in 2011. They will meet representatives from HTS, which Washington deems a terrorist group, as well as activists, minority groups and civil society, the State Department said. AFP

ORT VILA, Vanuatu – Rescuers say they have expanded a search for trapped survivors in quake-rocked Vanuatu to “numerous places of collapse” beyond the capital on Friday, after the death toll climbed to at least 10.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the main island on Tuesday, toppling concrete buildings in Port Vila and setting off landslides. It has damaged water supplies, knocked out mobile networks, halted operations at the capital’s main shipping port and led to a suspension of commercial flights.

Ten people have been confirmed killed so far, according to ministry of health figures relayed Thursday by the United Nations’ humanitarian affairs office. Two of the dead were Chinese and one French, their embassies have confirmed. Toll figures issued by the authorities have sometimes been contradictory as officials grapple with the disaster. Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu said there were “around 16 dead”, citing the police, in a televised address posted by the public broadcaster VBTC News to social media.

About 80,000 people have been directly affected by the earthquake in the archipelago of 320,000, which sits in the Pacific’s quake-prone Ring of Fire, the UN said.

More than 14,000 of them are children. Australia and New Zealand have dispatched more than 100 personnel, along with rescue gear, dogs and aid supplies, to help hunt for survivors and make emergency repairs.

There are “several major collapse sites where buildings are fully pancaked”, Australia’s 69-strong rescue team leader Douglas May said in a video update provided by Canberra on Friday.

“Outside of that, there’s a lot of smaller collapses around the place,” May said.

“We’re now starting to spread out to see whether there’s further people trapped and further damage. And we’ve found numerous places of collapse east and west out of the city.” AFP

BIRTH AND RESURRECTION. People walk past a Christmas tree in the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday. Islamist-led rebels took Damascus in a lightning offensive on Dec. 8, ousting president Bashar al-Assad and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria. AFP

EXTRADITION WAIVED. A Luigi Mangione supporter wears a shirt with his picture outside Manhattan Federal Court in lower Manhattan as Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the United Healthcare CEO killing has waived extradition to New York on Friday (Manila time). Mangione, 26, is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on Dec. 4, triggering a nationwide manhunt that ended last week. AFP

TRAPPED SURVIVORS. This handout photo taken and released on Friday by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade shows New Zealand and local officials moving supplies at Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Overseas rescuers joined a hunt for survivors in the rubble of shattered buildings in earthquake-rocked Vanuatu, with officials saying the toll of nine dead is set to rise. AFP

Season-opening United Cup introduces timeouts in tennis

SYDNEY— Tactical timeouts

will be allowed in mixed-doubles matches at the ATP-WTA seasonopening United Cup, organizers said Friday, calling it a world first for tennis. The new rule will permit a player or captain to call a 60-second time-

out to confer on strategy by pressing a large red buzzer in the team zone courtside. It can only be used while on serve, and not between first and second serves, with a maximum of one per team allowed during a match.

Manila Standard TODAY

They will not be used during singles clashes. “Timeouts initiate a pause in play, it’s a time for teams to discuss tactics and strategy and potentially change the momentum of a match,” said United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow.

Anthony, Rivers, Howard up for Hall of Fame spots

NEW YORK—Former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Marc Gasol and NBA champion coach Doc Rivers were among the first-time nominees for the Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Thursday.

The list of candidates for induction in 2025 also included women’s stars Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles and Chamique Holdsclaw.

“The nominees on the official ballot for the Class of 2025 represent a broad cross-section of our game,” Hall of Fame president John L. Doleva said.

“From Olympic gold medals to NBA and WNBA titles to collegiate championships, these nominees epitomize the career of a Hall of Famer.”

Finalists will be selected by various screening committees and announced on February 14. The final Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be revealed on April 5. The Hall also announced an eligibility change, cutting the wait time for player candidates to be out of the game from three seasons to two.

“To better recognize the distinguished careers of potential first-ballot nominees in a more timely manner, the board has appropriately shortened the waiting period,” said Jerry Colangelo, the Hall of Fame chairman.

“We’re excited about this change and believe that honoring individuals while their contributions are still fresh in people’s minds is both meaningful and impactful.”

The enshrinement ceremony will be conducted September 6 at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Anthony, 40, was a 10-time

NBA All-Star forward who averaged 22.5 points and 6.2 rebounds a game over 19 seasons in the league, claiming the NBA scoring crown in 2013 while with New York. He also played for Denver, Oklahoma City, Houston, Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers. He also helped the United States to three Olympic gold medals and a bronze.

Three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Howard, 39, won an NBA crown with the Lakers in 2020. The top overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft played for seven different clubs through 2022 before a final campaign in Taiwan. He averaged 15.7 points and 11.8 rebounds over his career.

Spaniard Gasol, 39, won an NBA title with Toronto in 2019. The 2013 NBA Defensive Player of the Year also played for the Lakers and Memphis in an NBA career from 2008-2021. He also played for Barcelona and Girona in Spain. AFP

Bulls stun Celtics, LeBron sets minutes-played mark

WASHINGTON—Zach LaVine scored a season-high 36 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 117-108 upset victory at defending NBA champion Boston on Thursday while LeBron James once again made history.

LaVine went 11-of-19 from the floor and made six 3-pointers while adding six rebounds and four assists for the Bulls, who improved to 13-15 on the season.

“We’re a good team,” LaVine said. “We’re competitive and we’re a resilient group.”

Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points for the Bulls while Nikola Vucevic had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Chicago.

The Bulls outscored Boston 35-22 in the fourth quarter to rally past the Celtics, who had 31 points and 10 rebounds from Jason Tatum, 20 points from Kristaps Porzingis and 19 from Jaylen Brown in a losing cause as Boston fell to 21-6 on the season.

James broke the NBA all-time minutes played record that had belonged to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar when he was on the court for his 57,447th minute of NBA competition and 10th of the game in helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat Sacramento 113-100.

James, who passed Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA all-time scoring record earlier this year, scored 19 points while Austin Reaves had 25 points and Anthony Davis added 21 points and 20 rebounds.

“It’s just a commitment to the craft and to the passion and love I have for the game,” James said. “I don’t take much time in the off-season, a little bit more time now.” AFP

Qualification:

• With at least eighteen (18) years of experience in a leadership role; • Has proven experience and expertise in an executive role; • With at least twenty (20) years of experience in the Financial field; • Holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or similar field; Key Responsibilities:

• Direct overall operational oversight and allocation of resources for goal achievement; • Provide strategic planning leadership and manage strategic partnerships; • Develop new business opportunities and oversee the execution/launch of new products; • Manage financial, tax, risk and facilities to ensure the same are within budget guidelines; • Monitor country, industry, legal and competitive trends and align the same with company objectives; • Develop sales plans and monitor key metrics for sales productivity; • Lead talent management; and • Establish long – term vision and annual goals for all departments. For inquire please contact: Mr. Ruben A. Balilo, Human Resources Manager Email: info@transunion.ph TRANSUNION INFORMATION SOLUTIONS INC. Unit 1, 2, 9, & 10, 19th Floor., Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City Metro Manila, 1227

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 56 COMPOSTELA, DAVAO DE ORO EMAIL AD:rtc2cvy056@judiciary.gov.ph TELEPHONE NO. (084) 637 2036

IN THE MATTER OF THE VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION OF A DOMESTIC CORPORATION UNDER SECTION 90 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO 10142, SPEC PRO CASE NO. 08-2024 MAC

BANAFAMILYA CORP., PETITIONER. x---------------------------------------------x AMENDED LIQUIDATION ORDER

Insolvency1 is the financial incapacity of the debtors that is generally unable to pay their liabilities as they fall due in the ordinary course of business or whenever their liabilities are greater than their assets. When a juridical entity is on the verge of financial difficulty or bankruptcy, the law affords two (2) remedies to address the same. These are: 1) rehabilitation, and 2) liquidation. In this case, the petitioner opted for liquidation.

In liquidation proceedings, the basic premise is that the debtor does not have enough assets/property to cover his obligations. The Court, upon examination of the documents appended to the petition, is convinced that indeed the petitioner is already INSOLVENT. First, the financial records of petitioner indicates a continued decrease in cash flow since the year 2021 to July 2024. Second, the presence of a low cash or capital balance in the operations against the significant losses of the corporation is very apparent. Third, the petitioner is unable to meet debt obligations such as loans in banks. Fourth, even the stockholders and officers of the corporation (Saporga and Sison, III) are already injecting more personal money into the business to satisfy debts or payroll. Technically, under these situations, the only conclusion would be is that the corporation is operating under bankruptcy.

Having established petitioner’s state of insolvency, the Court hereby DECLARES, the petitioner BANAFAMILYA CORPORATION INSOLVENT. The petitioner’s juridical personality is likewise ordered DISSOLVED

In the meantime that the liquidator is yet to be elected, the Sheriff of the Court is hereby DIRECTED with dispatch to take possession and control of all the property of the petitioner except those that may be exempt from execution. He shall submit the inventory of the properties within a period of five (5) days from receipt of this order.

While under liquidation, the petitioner is PROHIBITED to make PAYMENTS and TRANSFER of all or any of its properties. However, with regards to administrative expenses that is already due, the petitioner is AUTHORIZED to pay the same. Moreover, payments of any claims and conveyances of any property due to the petitioner shall be made only to the liquidator appointed by the Court. For this purpose, the election of the liquidator will be conducted on 16 January 2025 at 8:30 in the morning at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 56, Compostela, Davao de Oro. All the creditors of the petitioner are NOTIFIED by this order through publication and are hereby ENJOINED to partiCipate during the election. The following persons are the nominees for liquidator as per submission by the petitioner: 1) Ms. Marina A. Tan-Du - CPA, MBA; 2) Atty. Ryan James N. Amistad, CPA; and 3) Mr. Roy C. Castaneras, CPA.

In the event that the creditors of the petitioner have someone to nominate for liquidator other than those listed above, they may submit the names of the nominees to the court ten (10) days prior to the date of the election, copy furnish the petitioner.

All CREDITORS of the petitioner are hereby DIRECTED to file their claim with the liquidator not later than five (5) days from the time the liquidator takes his oath of office furnishing a copy thereof to the court.

Let copy of this Liquidation Order, together with the petition, be published in any newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks at the expense of the petitioner. SO ORDERED.

Done in Chamber this 29th day of November 2024 at Compostela, Davao de Oro, Philippines.

CARMEL GIL GRADO Presiding Judge

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 11th JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 56 COMPOSTELA, DAVAO DE ORO

IN THE MATTER OF THE VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION OF A DOMESTIC CORPORATION UNDER SECTION 90 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10142

SPEC PRO CASE NO. 08-2024 MAC

BANAFAMILYA CORP., PETITIONER. x--------------------------------------x PETITION

COMES NOW, the Petitioner, BANAFAMILYA CORPORATION through the undersigned counsel, and unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully states that:

1. Petitioner, BANAFAMILYA CORPORATION represented by Ms. Dinie Duco Borja, is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under, and by virtue, of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal address at Purok 2 Taglawig, Maco, Compostela Province (now Davao de Oro).

A copy of the Secretary’s Certificate issued in favor Ms. Dinie Duco Borja is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “A” and made an integral part hereof.

2. Petitioner commenced its operation on November 14, 2016, and is primarily engaged in the development of agricultural lands for the production of bananas and other agricultural fruits and crops for domestic and export markets, and in the buying and selling of bananas and other agricultural fruits for the domestic and domestic and foreign markets through export and acts as agent for the sourcing and production of such bananas and other agricultural fruits for any domestic and foreign principal.

A Certified True Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation with the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of the Petitioner issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission are thereto attached and marked as Exhibits “B”, “B-1” and ‘B2”, respectively and made an integral part hereof.

3. Petitioner has an authorized capital stock of FIFTY MILLION PESOS (P50,000,000), divided into 500,000 common shares with a par value of P100 per share.

4. The subscribed and paid-up capital of petitioner amounts to TWELVE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND (P12,500,000) as of December 31, 2023.

A Certified True Copy of the General Information Sheet (GIS) of the Petitioner issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “C”

“We’re excited to see how the best tennis players in the world and their teams utilise this new tool.”

The 18-team United Cup kicks off the 2025 season from December 27-January 5 in Perth and Sydney ahead of the Australian Open Grand Slam in Melbourne.

Each team features three men and three women, with ties comprising one men’s and one women’s singles and an often decisive mixed-doubles clash.

A host of the world’s top players have signed up, including Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev. AFP

as Exhibit “J” and made an integral part hereof.

A Copy of the Annual Income Tax Return (AITR) for the Calendar Year 2021 is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “K” and made an integral part hereof.

9. As of July 31, 2024, Petitioner has PhP 12,054,965.00 worth of assets.

A Copy of the list of Assets as of July 31, 2024, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, Entla-Vldo Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “L” and made an Integral part hereof,

10. Further, as of July 31, 2024, Petitioner has PhP 45,783,468.00 worth of liabilities,

A Copy of the Summary of liabilities as of July 31, 2024, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, Entia-Vido Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “M” and made an integral part hereof,

11. The Petitioner did not acquire any significant properties in the Years 2022 and 2023, For the year 2022, the total value of the property acquired by the Petitioner was PhP 28,000; for the year 2023, the total value of the property acquired by the petitioner was PhP 20,910,00,

A Copy of the List of Properties Acquired, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, Entia-Vido Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit liN” and made an integral part hereof,

12. Additionally, the Petitioner did not dispose of any of its assets during the years 2023 and 2022,

A Copy of the List of Properties Sold, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, Entia-Vido Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “O” and made an integral part hereof,

13. Subsequently, three (3) months prior to the filing of the petition, the Petitioner, from May 2024 to July 2024, realized no income but incurred an operational cost of PHP 1,858,757.46

A Copy of the Statement of Income for periods covering May 2024 to July 2024, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, EntiaVido Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “P” and made an integral part hereof,

14. The petitioner still holds an executory and unexpired lease with Mr, Efrenio Lastimosa and Ms, Josefa Acas, valid until May 1, 2025, at a cost of PhP 27,250,00 per contract.

A Copy of the Summary of Unexpired Leases, prepared and certified by Accounting Firm, Entia-Vido Bontuyan & Co” is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “Q” and made an integral part hereof.

15. The petitioner anticipates that it is no longer feasible to continue operations without incurring further losses because it has not realized any income from 2020 to the present. With this, petitioner decided to proceed with the liquidation and cease to carry on business.

16. Additionally, the Petitioner’s total assets are insufficient to satisfy its total liabilities, as indicated by the evidence presented. Consequently, the Petitioner has become insolvent.

17. Section 90 of Republic Act No. 10142 [also known as Financial Rehabilitation and Insolvency Act (FRIA) of 2010] provides the remedy for liquidation of voluntary liquidation of insolvent juridical debtors, viz: Section 90. Voluntary Liquidation. - An insolvent debtor may apply for liquidation by filing a petition for liquidation with the court. The petition shall be verified, shall establish the insolvency of the debtor and shall contain, whether as an attachment or as part of the body of the petition; (a) a schedule of the debtor’s debts and liabilities including a list of creditors with their addresses, amounts of claims and collaterals, or securities, if any; (b) an inventory of all its assets including receivables and claims against third parties; and (c) the names of at least three (3) nominees to the position of liquidator.

18. The filing of the petition was duly approved by at least a majority of the members of the board of directors and stockholders holding at least two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding capital stock of petitioner.

A Copy of the Notarized Certification and Board Resolution is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “R” respectively and made an integral part hereof.

19. Petitioner hereby nominates to the position of liquidator the following:

a. Ms. Marina A. Tan Du - CPA, MBA A Copy of the Professional Profile of Ms. Tan-Du is thereto attached and marked as Exhibit “S”, respectively and made an integral part hereof.

b. Atty. Ryan James N. Amistad, CPA A Copy of the Professional Profile of Atty.

Carmelo Anthony

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Sosa admits mistakes, reconciles with Cubs

CHICAGO—Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs ended a 17-year split on Thursday after the Dominican-born slugger admitted to “mistakes” during his Major League Baseball career.

Sosa was on a 2003 list of players who had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs during MLB’s steroids scandal era, according to a 2009 New York Times report.

In a 2005 US Congressional hearing, Sosa denied ever taking performance-enhancing drugs through his attorney, but the links to doping tainted his home run achievements in the eyes of many fans.

On Thursday, Sosa did not admit to any doping but said in a statement that he made errors pertaining to fitness.

“I understand why some players in my era don’t always get the recognition that our stats deserve,” Sosa said.

“There were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games.

“I never broke any laws, but in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize.”

Sosa admitted he hoped the apology would help him reconcile with the Cubs.

“I hope that fans, the Cubs and I can all come together again and move forward,” he said in the statement.

“We can’t change the past but the future is bright. In my heart, I have always been a Cub and I can’t wait to see Cubs fans again.” Shortly after his statement was made public, the Cubs invited Sosa to a 2025 off-season fan convention by Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts.

“We appreciate Sammy releasing his statement and for reaching out. No one played harder or wanted to win more. Nobody’s perfect but we never doubted his passion for the game and the Cubs,” Ricketts said in a statement.

“It’s an understatement to say Sammy is a fan favorite. We plan on inviting him to the 2025 Cubs convention and while it’s short notice we hope that he can attend. AFP

Aussie Raygun says row over musical resolved

SYDNEY—Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn says her legal dispute with the makers of a parody musical about her has been resolved, with a new version planned.

The 37-year-old hit out at online reaction to the “Raygun: The Musical” affair as “so negative and awful, just awful”. Gunn’s performances at the Paris Olympics -- which included kangaroo hops and “The Sprinkler” -- failed to impress the judges and was lampooned around the world.

The comedian behind the musical, Stephanie Broadbridge, cancelled the original show before it opened this month, saying Gunn’s lawyers had threatened action to protect her reputation and dance moves.

“I’m really pleased to say we have resolved everything,” Gunn said in a video posted to her Instagram account on Thursday.

“We’ve managed to come to an agreement. As you know, she gets to go ahead with the musical -- she’s got a new name, new poster, and she still gets to take that show on the road.”

Gunn said she was “sorry for any hurt” caused in the dispute, stressing that was never her intention.

“This has been a stressful time for me and it’s been tough for me,” she said, adding that she was keen to “put the whole thing to bed”.

Broadbridge posted a message on Instagram as well, saying she was “deeply sorry” for the backlash against the breakdancer.

The comedian unveiled a poster for the new show: “Breaking The Musical”, which was subtitled “A completely legal parody musical”.

The poster describes the show as being ranked number one “by the world musical sports federation” and also features a silhouette of a kangaroo doing a dance step similar to Gunn’s signature move. AFP

UE quenches 39-year thirst for cage title with juniors’ win

AFTER 39 long years, a UAAP basketball championship is finally headed back to Recto.

University of the East seized the moment, dominating University of Santo Tomas, 78-47, in a winnertake-all Game 3 to clinch the first regular UAAP Junior High School Boys Basketball championship on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The last time UE celebrated a basketball championship was during UAAP Season 48 (1985) when its men’s basketball team, led by legends Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera, brought home the crown.

The Junior Warriors last tasted high school basketball glory in Season 44 (1981), under the guidance of coach Gabriel Reyala, with standout players like Codiñera, Modesto Hojilla, and the Longalong brothers.

“Finally, after how many years. It’s important for the

school and the program. As I’ve said before, this would be enough na puntahan kami ng mga players. All of the teams namin sa basketball, puntahan na,” said Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella.

The Junior Warriors had been dominant all seasonlong, absorbing only two losses: an 81-66 defeat to the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws during the eliminations and a 98-84 setback in Game 1 of the Finals against UST.

However, UE turned the series around, solving the Tiger Cubs puzzle with a hard-fought 76-70 win in Game 2 to force the decider.

In Game 3, UE broke away as early as the second quarter. After a 15-all deadlock in the opening period, Brian Orca and Ethan Oraa spearheaded a 19-point explosion for the Junior Warriors.

Meanwhile, Gab Delos Reyes anchored the defense, holding UST to just eight points in the quarter to secure a 34-23 halftime lead.

The momentum carried on, with UE unloading a

telling 9-0 run to open the second half and led by as many as 33 points, 72-39, in what Estrella described as a “perfect game.”

“It’s a perfect game. The boys wanted it. They delivered. Sa gameplan namin, hindi sila bumitaw. In short, they wanted the championship and here it is,” said Estrella.

By the midway point of the third quarter, the UE community—led by school president Dr. Zosimo Battad—was already on its feet, dancing to the beat of the UE Drummers in celebration.

“This is so sweet. This is my first time in the UAAP. Credit to the UE community and, most especially, SGA, Boss Frank, Boss Jared, and Boss Jacob (Lao) for building this team,” said Estrella. “Three months of sacrifices. We went through adversities but we rose above it.”

Also present in the game was Derrick Pumaren, the coach who gave UE its first-ever boys’ basketball title back in Season 35 (1972).

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang introduces ‘Rising Open’

SINGAPORE—Popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) officially introduces MLBB Rising Open (MRO), a new and improved iteration of MLBB Competitive League (MCL) that allows players from around the world to experience competitive gaming similar to the professional scene.

With the theme, “The One From Everyone,” MRO aims to be an in-game esports tournament platform that discovers the best of the best players from various MLBB regions. The MRO allows gamers to participate in the games and experience the esports thrill while earning in-game rewards and recognitions. Rise and become the one from your region

MRO is open to all players regardless of their ingame ranks. Upon entering the game, players start their match on the Neighborhood Bracket. Every time the player wins the bracket, the player moves onto the higher bracket from the City Bracket, Provincial Bracket, Regional Qualifier Round 1, Regional Qualifier 2, and Division Championship. Mythic-ranked players will start on a higher-tier bracket than the other players to keep the game’s fairness.

In the early stages of the MRO, players’ unfinished bracket progress will be carried over to the next week, making the advancement easier. Players can also change their team anytime and continue with their

current bracket. This allows players to choose likeminded teammates to form an unbeatable team and be recognized as the best player in the city. MLBB gamers can play the MRO matches, earn rewards, and exclusive honorary titles, like “Esports Player,” “Neighborhood Champion,” and “City Champion,” among others. Those who will be declared the

Division Champion can win massive in-game diamond rewards. What’s more, players can earn MRO coins to redeem permanent skins, exclusive battle effects, and gift packs, just by playing the game. Reservations for MRO are open, and the competitions will officially start on 20 December. Users can participate in MRO by logging in to MLBB on weekends.

Zamboanga plans to test Rassohyna’s grappling

DENICE “The Menace” Zamboanga will walk into Lumpinee Stadium for her long-awaited ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title fight against Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 on January 11, with a whole lot to prove.

Aside from being highly motivated to claim her first gold belt in ONE Championship, Zamboanga is out to make a statement at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Seeing how fans feel that Rassohyna will be the better grappler between the two, the Filipina is excited to show that the Ukrainian’s grappling hasn’t fully been tested to begin with.

“I haven’t seen her face a true grappler, or a wrestler,” she said.

“It’s always a striker, which allows her to dominate on the ground. In this fight, I’d like to prove that

I’m a better grappler.”

The Filipina also believes that her recent activity will also fall to her advantage, especially as she’s coming off a convincing but nonetheless tough fight against Noelle Grandjean just a few months ago. Rassohyna, on the other hand, gave birth to her daughter and hasn’t competed in quite some time.

“I feel like my main advantage would certainly be my activity. She hasn’t competed in a long time, and I’m way more active,” she said.

Still, that’s the only advantage that Zamboanga thinks she’ll have over Rassohyna. In fact, she expects the Ukrainian to be fired up in her return to ONE.

“I feel like she’s gonna come out hungry,” Zamboanga said. “Her hunger to win will be there. Her inspiration would be her family for sure.”

The UE Junior Warriors raise their championship trophy.

MLBB Rising Open

Denice Zamboanga (left) believes that her recent activity will be her advantage against Alyona Rassohyna.

POLYMER BANKNOTES.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas unveils the ‘First Philippine Polymer Banknote Series’ composed of the 1000-piso polymer banknote, which was introduced in April 2022 as well as new polymer denominations: 500-, 100- and 50piso. Showcasing the Philippines’ rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, the 1000-, 500-, 100-, and 50-piso denominations of the polymer series feature images of native and protected species in the country alongside traditional local weave designs. The new series will co-circulate alongside paper banknotes. Both polymer and paper banknotes can be used for payments.

Business, consumer confidence up

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

(BSP) said Friday both business and consumer sentiment improved in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Results of the latest Business Expectation Survey showed that the business sentiment in the Philippines was more optimistic in the fourth quarter 2024 as the overall confidence index (CI) climbed to 44.5 percent from 32.9 percent in the third quarter of 2024.

“This reflected the combined increase in the percentage of optimists and the decrease in the percentage of pessimists. The firms’ more bullish business confidence in the fourth quarter of 2024 was driven by their anticipation of an increase in demand for certain goods and services and the related seasonal uptick in business activities,” the BSP said.

“In particular, this could lead to increased demand in agricultural products, infrastructure projects, shipping and distribution services, transportation units, enrollment, chemicals, graphics services, among others. Moreover, the expected easing inflation and lower interest rates as well as the expansion and improvement of business operations buoyed business sentiment,” it said.

It said that for the first quarter of 2025, business confidence was less upbeat as the overall CI dropped to 40.3 percent from 56.8 percent in the third quarter of 2024 survey results. For the next 12 months, business outlook was similarly less buoyant as the overall CI declined to 56.4 percent from 58.0 percent in the Q3 2024 survey results.

Meanwhile, consumer sentiment for the fourth quarter of 2024 improved as the overall confidence index (CI) turned less negative at -11.1 percent from -15.6 percent in Q3 2024. Darwin G. Amojelar

IMF expects PH economy to grow faster next 2 years

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the Philippine economy to grow faster in 2025 and 2026 on the back of higher spending and slower inflation.

“Growth is expected to accelerate in 2024-25, supported by disinflation, and gradually declining borrowing costs as monetary policy normalizes,” the IMF Executive Board said at the conclusion of the 2024 Article IV consultation with the Philippines.

The IMF sees the gross domestic product of the Philippines expanding 5.8 percent in 2024, 6.1 percent in 2025 and 6.3 percent in 2026. Inflation is seen at 3.2 percent in 2024, 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.0 percent in 2026.

“The Philippines has successfully navigated multiple external headwinds in recent years and is pursuing an extensive plan to achieve high and inclusive growth. After moderating in 2023, growth is expected to pick up in 2024-25, supported by gradual mon-

etary policy easing,” it said.

“Inflation has declined to within the target band, though supply shocks pose upside risks. Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, including from recurrent commodity price volatility, escalation of geopolitical tensions and lower-than-expected payoffs from recent reforms. With macroeconomic policies well calibrated to achieve a soft landing in the near-term, expanding the economy’s growth potential will be pivotal for the mediumterm outlook,” the IMF said.

Data showed that GDP growth recovered to 5.8 percent in the first three quarters of 2024, driven by strong public consumption and public construction, which was partially offset by the El Nino weather phenomena and subdued private consumption.

Both headline and core inflation decelerated from their peaks in early 2023—to 2.3 and 2.4 percent respectively in October 2024. The current account deficit narrowed to 2.7 percent of GDP in 2023 from 4.5 percent and is expected to narrow further in 2024 amid lower commodity prices, a gradual pick-up in tourism and business process outsourcing sector receipts, the IMF said.

5.8% 6.1% 6.3%

IMF growth forecast for 2024

IMF growth forecast for 2025

IMF growth forecast for 2026

Packworks study: Filipinos rely more on seasoning mixes to stretch

A RECENT study by Packworks, a leading B2B small store supply platform, reveals that Filipino households are increasingly relying on seasoning mixes to stretch their budgets.

As the cost of living continues to rise, consumers are turning to affordable additives to enhance the flavor of cheaper ingredients, it says.

“Filipinos’ resilience shines through in how they adapt their purchasing habits to make ends meet. These insights highlight not only the shifting preferences of sari-sari store customers but also their enduring ingenuity in navigating economic challenges,” said Packworks chief data officer Andoy Montiel.

budget

Key findings from the Sari IQ report reveals a soaring demand for flavor enhancers. Sales of seasoning mix items surged by 80 percent year-overyear, while recipe mix sales jumped by 72 percent. Seasoning mixes were sold in 69 percent more sari-sari stores, and recipe mixes reached 79 percent more locations.

According to the study, Bicol emerged as the fastest-growing region, surpassing previous years’ top performers. Meanwhile, Packworks’ inaugural Sari-Sari Store Innovation Summit brought together industry leaders to discuss the future of the sector.

Othel V. Campos MICTSI contract extended by 25 years

Monetary Board likely to cut policy rates again in 2025

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Monetary Board is expected to reduce key interest rates in its first policy meeting next year.

“We would be open to a cut [ in the first meeting next year] given the data,” BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said in an interview with Bloomberg TV.

Oxford Economics said it is also maintaining its expectation that the BSP easing cycle would continue at the next meeting in the first quarter.

“We anticipate a total of 75 bps cuts next year,” it said.

Oxford Economics said, however, the interest rate reduction on Dec. 19 increased the peso depreciation risks, and the pass-through effect of a weaker peso on inflation would be a concern for BSP.

Remolona has yet to disclose the date of the first policy meeting next year, but the Monetary Board will meet six times in 2025.

“Looking at all the data, what we’ve decided is that we more or less stay in the same trajectory. So as you know, it’s really two decisions. It’s a decision on the policy rate, and then it’s a decision on the trajectory. We decided to ease the policy rate, but it’s more or less going to be on the same trajectory as before,” Remolona said.

“Well, it’s not that trajectory of the last few months. It’s a trajectory that we’ve described in our forward guidance. So it’s a trajectory going forward, and we haven’t really changed that…I wouldn’t say more cuts than we were leaning to before, but we’re leaning towards additional cuts in 2025,” he said. The MB, in its Dec. 20 meeting, reduced the BSP’s overnight borrowing rate by 25 basis points to 5.75 percent.

BCDA welcomes CA ruling on Capas landfill

By Othel V. Campos

STATE-RUN Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) welcomed the Court of Appeals’ decision to temporarily suspend the writ of preliminary injunction (WPI) issued by Branch 66 of the Capas Regional Trial Court on the Kalangitan Sanitary Lanfill case. The injunction hindered the BCDA and Clark Development Corp. (CDC) from reclaiming the 100-hectare Kalangitan sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac.

The CA’s 10th Division, in a notice of resolution dated Dec. 16, 2024 related to case number CA-GR SP No. 186856, granted CDC and BCDA’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO). The TRO halts the implementation of the WPI issued on Oct. 29 by Judge Ronald Leo Haban of RTC Branch 66, Capas, Tarlac. It also prevents any further action on the injunction case by Judge Haban or other courts until the appellate court resolves all issues raised in the petition. The TRO is effective for 60 days. The BCDA said this is a step forward in addressing legal obstacles that impede the government’s pursuit of sustainable and transformative projects in New Clark City.

350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The new berth will enable the shipping industry to deploy larger ships on new service routes to support growth and demand from Mindanao’s importers and exporters. Additionally, the expansion project will further promote PHIVIDEC’s agenda to grow its locator base. Darwin G. Amojelar

FREE RIDES. Metro Rail Transit Lin3 3 general manager Oscar Bongon inspects the rail stations to ensure smooth flow of service and personally greet passengers. MRT 3 announced free rides on Dec. 20, 2024 as a simple way to reduce the cost of passengers busy preparing for Christmas.

d.

f. Importation - an act of bringing into the country by sea, land, or air foreign products intended for planting, consumption, manufacturing, trading, distribution, domestication, formulation, repacking, or any other purposes

g. Importer - shall refer to any person, individual or juridical entity, as well as any farmers’ cooperatives/organization/association, or proprietor or authorized representatives or broker, partner, in case of a partnership, who transacts with the BPI for purposes of licensing and issuance of SPSIC in connection with the importation of plants, planting materials, and plant products.

h. Inspection - Official visual examination of plants, planting materials, plant products, or other regulated articles to determine if pests are present or to determine compliance with phytosanitary regulations.

i. Interception (of a consignment) - The refusal or controlled entry of an imported consignment due to failure to comply with phytosanitary regulations.

j. Interception (of a pest) - The detection of a pest during the inspection and testing of an imported consignment.

k. International SPS Certificate - a written guarantee issued by a competent authority from the country of origin, certifying that the products have been handled, processed, and packed in a hygienic manner and do not contain microorganisms, harmful substances that may pose food safety hazard and endanger human,

DALRRD must verify the implementation of the required management practices.

2.2.3. Management programs undertaken throughout the table grapes growing season must be provided to BPI-NPQSD upon request.

2.2.4. Growers must ensure that adequate records of spray programs are kept and that these are made available to BPI-NPQSD upon request.

2.3. Monitoring for Fruit Flies (Ceratitis capitata and Ceratitis rosa) and False Codling Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta)

2.3.1. Registered production units must implement regular trap monitoring for fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata, C. rosa) and false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) and must keep records of its monitoring which should be made available upon request by DALRRD and BPI.

2.3.2. In vineyards where fruit flies and false codling moth catches exceed thethreshold level and pest control measures were not implemented in accordance with the table grapes production guidelines, the DALRRD will not approve the vineyard to export fresh table grapes to the Republic of the Philippines for the remainder of the export season.

2.3.3. Detection of fruit flies and false codling moth by the DALRRD during pre-export quarantine inspection shall result in the rejection of the consignment and fruit in the consignment will not be allowed to be exported to the Philippines.

2.3.4. DALRRD inspectors must check the presence of false codling moth at the export orchards or packing houses and must keep records of fresh fruit inspection which should be made available upon request by BPI.

2.4. Monitoring for Scale Insects

2.4.1. The growers must check for the presence of scale insects in registered orchards.

2.4.2. In case of infestation, growers must implement phytosanitary measures to control scale insects.

2.5. Management at the Packing Houses

2.5.1. Packing houses must be kept clean and free from pests, plant parts and other debris.

2.5.2. Packing houses must implement Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure quarantine pests of concern and other contaminants are mitigated during the processing period.

2.5.3. Fresh table grapes shall be free from quarantine pests.

2.5.4. Sorting of fresh table grapes must follow the commercial packing process in order to eliminate pests and contaminants attached on fruit surfaces.

2.5.5. Fresh table grapes must be sorted, graded and inspected by trained packhouse personnel before being packed into boxes/cartons.

2.5.6 Fresh table grapes for export to the Philippines must be separated from fresh table grapes for export to other destinations and fruits from nonregistered production units.

2.5.7. Packed fruits must be transferred immediately in approved cold storage facilities and stored properly to avoid re-infestation.

2.6. Packing and Labeling

2.6.1. Fresh table grapes must be packed in new cartons/boxes.

2.6.2. Boxes must be free from foreign materials such as soil, sand and contaminating plant materials such as leaves, stem, plant debris and other potential carriers of quarantine pests.

2.6.3 All boxes should be properly labeled with packing house identity, source of the commodity (orchards and production units). The label is to be placed on the conspicuous area of the box.

2.6.4 All wood packaging materials used must comply with ISPM 15.

2.6.5. Fresh table grapes shall comply with the required CODEX or Republic of South Africa (RSA) Standard for Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)

2.7. Traceback Mechanism Each individual carton/box packed for export shall be properly labeled with farm and pack house identity (PUC, PHC), registered name and address of exporter / individual grower’s number and production date for traceability purposes. These details must be placed on conspicuous area of the box.

2.8. Export Inspection

2.8.1. Pre -export quarantine inspection shall be conducted by DALRRD authorized officer to ensure freedom from the Philippines’ quarantine pests of concern.

2.8.2. Two percent (2 %) of the total number of cartons/boxes packed will berandomly sampled and inspected for quarantine pests of concern to the Philippines.

2.8.3. In case of interception of these species during the export inspection, DALRRD will cause the rejection of the consignment and ensure that the fruits will not be allowed to be exported to the Philippines.

2.8.4. The concerned orchards where pest infestation has been recorded will be suspended to export to the Philippines for the remainder of the export season.

2.9. Treatment

2.9.1. Fresh table grape shall be subjected to an in-transit cold treatment which satisfies either one of the following regimes/schedules:

2.9.1.1. 1.2°C for 19 days or more which requires pre-cooling at ≤ (+) 0.6 C, below, prior to loading OR

2.9.1.2. - 0.1°C for at least 16 days which requires pre-cooling at ≤ minus 0.5 C, or below prior to loading

2.9.2. Containers used for the in-transit cold treatment are of suitable type and have refrigerated equipment capable of achieving and holding the required temperatures.

2.9.3. Recorder must be capable of the following:

2.9.3.1. Recording and storing data for the treatment period.

2.9.3.2. Recording all temperature sensors at least every hour to the same degree of accuracy as is required of the sensors.

2.9.3.3. Producing printout which identify each sensor, time and the temperature, identification number of the recorder and the container.

2.9.4. Calibration of temperature sensors

2.9.4.1. Temperature sensors must be calibrated against a standard thermometer approved by the Perishable Product Export Control Board (PPECB) (assignee of the DALRRD) officer.

2.9.4.2. The record of the calibration of temperature sensors for each container must be signed and stamped by a PPECB officer. The original must be attached to the phytosanitary certificate which accompanies the consignment.

2.9.5. Placement of temperature sensors inside the container

2.9.5.1. PPECB officers must supervise the placement of sensors inside the container.

2.9.5.2. At least three temperature sensors shall be used to monitor the innermost fruit pulp temperature in a container and two temperature sensors shall be used to monitor air temperature inside the container.

2.9.5.3. The three fruit temperature sensors must be inserted into the center of the test fruits which should be the biggest fruit in the lot. Consignments shall be rejected if the tips of the sensors extend beyond the fruit and fruits opened due to sensor insertion.

2.9.5.4. The fruit temperature sensors must be placed at the front, middle and end of the container at the second level from the top of each pallet or stack.

2.9.5.5. Printout of the in-transit cold treatment must be made available to BPINPQSD inspector at the port of arrival.

2.9.6. Loaded containers must be sealed by PPECB officer and the seal number must be indicated in the accompanying Phytosanitary Certificate.

2.10. Phytosanitary Certification

2.10.1. A phytosanitary certificate issued by NPPOZA (DALRRD) must accompany every consignment of fresh table grapes from South Africa and must bear the following additional declaration: “Fresh table grapes are exported in compliance with the conditions stated in the Bilateral Agreement between DALRRD and BPI. These have been inspected by DALRRD and are found to be free from quarantine pests of concern to the Philippines.” Fresh table grapes have been cold treated at 1.2°C for a period of at least 19 days.” OR

“Fresh table grapes are exported in compliance with the conditions stated in the Bilateral Agreement between DALRRD and BPI. These have been inspected by DALRRD and are found to be free from quarantine pests of concern to the Philippines.” Fresh table grapes have been cold treated at - 0.1°c. for a period of at least 16 days.“ PPECB has supervised the calibration and the placement of fruit sensors into the fruit within the container /s in accordance with the requirements of the Bilateral Agreement and that cold disinfestation treatment has been initiated.”

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor

ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Meralco’s power sales grew 6.6% in 11 months

By Alena Mae S. Flores

POWER retailer Manila Electric Co.

(Meralco) reported a 6.6-percent increase in its power sales from January to November to 49,953 gigawatthours (GWh) from 46,866 GWh in the same period last year, driven by higher demand from the residential and commercial sectors.

Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said residential year-to-date sales reached 17,962 GWh, or 9.8 percent higher than 16,363 GWh a year ago, through consistent energization of new accounts and steady organic growth.

He said commercial sales hit

18,719 GWh, or 7.6 percent higher than 17,394 GWh a year earlier, brought upon by continued expansion of retail, real estate and hotel accounts.

Geluz said industrial sales amounted to 13,138 GWh, up 1.2 percent from 12,977 GWh year-on-year, buoyed by increased demand in semiconductor, food and beverage (F&B) and plastics.

He said November sales alone went up 4.8 percent to 4,528 GWh from November 2023 sales.

Geluz earlier forecasted a sales growth of 6 percent for full year 2024 on the back of the high growth coming from the residential segment.

SM, through the SM Store’s ‘Shop and Share a Toy’ provides Christmas

BOI sees investments hitting P1.75t in 2025

By Othel V. Campos

THE Board of Investments (BOI) said Friday it expects investment approvals to hit P1.75 trillion in 2025, an 8 percent increase over the recordbreaking P1.62 trillion achieved in 2024.

The BOI is optimistic for continued growth, building on robust economic indicators and strategic sectoral initiatives to sustain and surpass current investment levels.

“Renewable energy will still dominate, but we are intensifying promotion efforts in high-value sectors like

manufacturing, semiconductors, and IT-enabled services to attract new investments,” said BOI director Lanie Dormiento during the yearend briefing of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The BOI reported an unprecedented P1.62 trillion in investment approvals

PH stocks rebound on bargain-hunting as BSP hints of another rate cut in 2025

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE stocks ended the week in the green, after a seven-day losing streak on bargain hunting.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 10.78 points, or 0.17 percent, to close at 6,406.38, while the wider all-shares index gained 4.08 points, or 0.11 percent, to finish at 3,675.83.

The peso also rebounded to 58.81 against the US dollar Friday from a record low of 59 Thursday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the stock index finally corrected after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona hinted the possibility of another rate cut in its first rate-setting meeting in 2025.

Ricafort said investors also welcomed Remolona’s dovish stance despite concerns about stubborn inflation rate. With only three trading days to go before the end of the year, Ricafort said some funds were also gearing up for window-dressing activities.

Mining and oil led all sectors, rising by 1.56 percent, followed by services which went up 1.04 percent. Financial and property sectors were still in the red, declining by 1 percent and 0.40 percent, respectively.

Value turnover reached P6.76 billion.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. advanced 1.3 percent to P390 after the company reported it secured 25-year extension to operate Mindanao Container Terminal. BDO Unibank Inc. dropped 2.3 percent to P144.60.

as of Dec. 17, 2024, surpassing its P1.5-trillion target and representing a 28-percent growth from 2023’s P1.26 trillion.

Renewable energy posted the biggest increase of 40 percent to P1.38 trillion, year-on-year, due to big-ticket alternative power projects.

Other key contributors included air and water transport, which accounted for P121.20 billion; real estate with P37.26 billion; manufacturing with P31.67 billion; and water and waste management which achieved an extraordinary 1,540-percent growth to reach P16.28 billion.

Local investments soared by 150

percent, contributing P1.23 trillion to the total.

The CALABARZON region was the top performer with P630.97 billion; followed by Central Luzon with P277.80 billion; Western Visayas with P252.88 billion; Bicol Region with P144.97 billion; the National Capital Region with P129.17 billion; and the Ilocos Region with P88.32 billion. Foreign investments reached P383.31 billion, with Switzerland emerging as the largest contributor at P289.06 billion—an astonishing 770,263-percent increase from 2023.

Filinvest Land’s P12-b bond offering gets ‘PRS Aaa’ rating from PhilRatings

FILINVEST Land Inc. (FLI), the real estate arm of the Gotianun family, reported Friday that its planned P12billion bond offering received ‘PRS Aaa’ from the Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings).

A credit rating of PRS Aaa means that the offering if of the highest quality with minimal credit risk and that the issuer’s has the financial capability to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

SMC waives toll during holidays SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC), through SMC Infrastructure, said it is again waiving toll on its expressways to ease holiday travel for motorists. Toll across SMC’s expressways —the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) — will be waived from 10 p.m. on Dec. 24 to 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, and again from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025. “This is our way of saying thank you to everyone who uses the expressways we operate. It’s something we look forward to every year because it helps thousands of motorists get home to their families a little easier, especially during Christmas and New Year,” SMC chairman Ramon Ang said. Ang said the company also laid out operational initiatives to ensure the safety and security of motorists along its tollway network. Starting 12 noon on Dec. 20, patrollers and security personnel are to be deployed in critical areas, while emergency response personnel will be placed on alert. Darwin G. Amojelar

DTI vows to monitor sale of firecrackers

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau said they will intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of uncertified firecrackers ahead of the New Year celebrations.

FTEB director Gino Mallari emphasized the department’s commitment to strict law enforcement and close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure public safety.

The rating also carries a stable outlook, which means that PhilRatings is not likely to change its decision within the next 12 months.

FLI’s proposed P12-billion bonds have a base amount of P9 billion and an oversubscription option of P3 billion.

Pricing for the bonds will be set in the coming months. FLI intends to list the bonds with the Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. (PDEx).

“We are grateful to PhilRatings for the credit rating they issued for our most recent bond issuance. This is a testament to the confidence of the capital market community in our vision of continuing to provide bestvalue homes to more customers and improve their lifestyles in pursuit of the Filipino dream,” said FLI president and chief executive Tristan Las Marias.

Philratings said it considered FLI’s

established brand name and track record, with geographically diverse real estate products and substantial land bank for future expansion.

It also noted that FLI has sound growth strategies and solid foothold in the affordable and middle-income segments. More than 85 percent of the company’s total real estate sales were from the middled-income segment as of end-September 2024. Jenniffer B. Austria

CebuPac takes delivery of 10th A330neo to boost seat capacity, support expansion

By Darwin G. Amojelar

CEBU Pacific said Friday it took delivery of its 16th aircraft this year, boosting its seat capacity to accommodate rising travel demand and support its expanding network.

The brand-new an A330neo 459-seater aircraft arrived in Manila on Dec. 19, 2024, bringing the current number of A330neos in CEB’s fleet to 10.

“The A330neo’s versatility and efficiency are key to our goal of providing affordable and reliable travel options for every Juan,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.

“This aircraft enables us to serve high-traffic routes and long-haul destinations more effectively while opti-

mizing seat capacity to accommodate increasing demand,” he said Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15 percent less fuel per flight and produce less noise compared to the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding reduction in aircraft carbon emissions.

Cebu Pacific announced on Oct. 2 that it signed a landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. The acquisition is the largest in Philippine aviation history, valued at about $24 billion (P1.4 trillion) based

“We make sure to have constant coordination with the PNP, especially on identifying areas where uncertified firecrackers are being sold. Safety remains a top priority,” Mallari said, noting the slight overlap in enforcement responsibilities between the DTI and the PNP in addressing firecracker violations. Local government units (LGUs) play a crucial role in regulating firecracker sales, he said.

“Everything is very much controlled by the LGUs, particularly regarding designated spaces for selling and buying firecrackers,” he said. He said large-scale importation may have led to the availability of uncertified products in the market. Othel V. Campos

Alternery gets more funds for wind project

ALTERNERGY

TOY DONATION.

Cagayan,

SITE DEVELOPMENT. Aboitiz Construction secures the Taiheiyo Cement site development works in Calaca, Batangas. Aboitiz Construction was

Amethyst Jubilee: Celebrating 47 years of excellence

Unlock affordable housing solutions with NHMFC’s housing loan receivables purchase programs

THE National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) has been a driving force in reshaping the housing landscape, bridging gaps, and connecting the housing sector to private investments and capital markets. Through its innovative approach, NHMFC ensures availability of funds for housing in the capital market while making homeownership more accessible to Filipinos.

At the heart of this mission is the Housing Loan Receivables Purchase Program (HLRPP)—a groundbreaking initiative of National Home Mortgage launched in 2010. By purchasing quality housing loan receivables, the HLRPP strengthens liquidity for housing developers and home financing institutions, pooling these receivables for securitization. This innovative model fuels affordable housing while promoting sustainable growth in the housing sector. HLRPP Subprograms: Tailored for Every Filipino Family’s Needs NHMFC offers four subprograms under HLRPP, each designed to address specific housing market:

1. HOME Program (HLRPP 1): The PurcHase of Originated EconoMic/LowCost Receivables program provides a lifeline to economic and low-cost housing developers, enabling them to recover funds quickly while offering

homebuyers low, fixed interest rates— no membership required.

2. SHeLTeR Program (HLRPP 2):

The Socialized Housing Loan Take-Out of Receivables program increases home accessibility by offering an affordable loan facility to low income homebuyers, empowering socialized housing developers to build more homes and

address the nation’s housing backlog.

3. MaBuHAY Program (HLRPP 3):

The MAginhawang BUhay sa Bahay program is a Reverse Mortgage Program designed to give Filipino senior citizens financial independence. By converting home equity into cash, they can enjoy a comfortable retirement without monthly mortgage payments.

4. BERDE Program (HLRPP 4): The Building Eligible Resilient Dwelling for Everyone program supports green-

certified housing projects, promoting environmental sustainability and resilience while addressing the housing needs of future generations.

As NHMFC fulfills its mandate of being the sole secondary mortgage institution in the country through the HLRPP, it also upholds its commitment to the administration’s 4PH initiatives, aligning its strategies with the goal of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient housing sector. By providing innovative programs which aim to strengthen the liquidity to the developers and originators and offering financing schemes that are affordable to borrowers, NHMFC not only addresses the present housing needs but also builds a foundation for the Filipino families of today and the future generations.

Start your journey to a better home and a brighter future with NHMFC. For more information, visit our website www. nhmfc.gov.ph or contact us at (+632) 8893-1501 today!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

Amethyst Jubilee: Celebrating 47 years of excellence

TDHSUD gives out cash assistance, HOMEs to typhoon victims in Albay, Catanduanes

HE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday distributed unconditional cash assistance and home materials and essentials (HOMEs) to typhoonaffected families in the provinces of Albay and Catanduanes.

More than P6 million in cash assistance under DHSUD’s Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) was given out to more than 350 families during the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held in Legazpi City.

Among the recipients of IDSAP were seven families from Camalig; six from Daraga; 31 from Guinobatan; 32 from Libon; 15 from Oas; 10 from Pio Duran; 33 from Polangui, and 20 from Tabaco City--all had totally damaged houses. They received P30,000 each.

Those who received P10,000 for their partially damaged residences were 186 families from Daraga; nine from Oas; five from Pio Duran, and two in Polangui.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar said that the distribution of shelter aid is pursuant to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s directive for all government agencies to extend assistance to victims of the recent typhoons.

“Kami po sa DHSUD ay patuloy na tutugon sa bilin ng mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. na tulungan makabangon ang ating mga kababayan,” Secretary Acuzar said.

“Kasama po ang DHSUD sa patuloy na pag andar ng conveyor belt of aid na utos ng Pangulo para sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad,” he added.

Undersecretary for Disaster Response

Randy Escolango, who represented Secretary Acuzar, personally oversaw the humanitarian mission at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legazpi City along with DHSUD Regional Office

5 Director Richard Manila, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Service Director Mario Mallari and other housing officials. Prior to the Legazpi City event, Undersecretary Escolango joined House

Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative and House Appropriations Committee chairman Zaldy Co in Virac, Catanduanes for a separate humanitarian mission. Some P15 million worth of home

SHFC launches new 4PH project in Laguna

THE Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), in collaboration with the Municipality of Los Baños, broke ground on a new housing project under the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (4PH) on November 27. This initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s mission to address the nation’s housing backlog and provide affordable and quality homes to Filipinos.

Located in Barangay Anos, Bagong Los Baños Residences is a vertical housing development that is set to benefit more than 2,100 member-

beneficiaries, including families living in danger zones, informal settler families, and local government employees.

Leading the event were SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa, Mayor Anthony Genuino, and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Regional Office IV-A Director Jean Paul Ilao.

In his address, Laxa emphasized the importance of strategic site selection for vertical housing projects, given the scarcity of land. “We deliberately choose locations that are near essential amenities such as commercial centers, schools, and hospitals,” he said.

Laxa also highlighted the months of careful planning invested to ensure the quality of the housing development. “We didn’t settle for the usual; we brainstormed tirelessly to deliver a project that exceeds expectations. This isn’t just socialized housing—it’s a community equipped with modern amenities that ensure a high standard of living,” he added.

Mayor Genuino expressed his gratitude and excitement, calling the project a “dream come true” for the people of Los Baños. He added that the project will be a lasting legacy for his constituents, symbolizing hope and progress for future generations. Representing DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino

materials and essentials (HOMEs) were delivered to Catanduanes for distribution to typhoon victims. “Ang utos po ni Secretary Jerry Acuzar ay agarang tulong sa mga biktima ng kalamidad. Kaya mabilis ang pagtugon ng DHSUD sa tuwing may mga disasters,” Undersecretary Escolango said. Last week, the DHSUD also delivered 1,000 home materials and essentials (HOMEs), worth about P14 million, in Naga City and Camarines Sur. Another batch of HOMEs amounting to P22 million are set to be delivered to Camarines Sur and Naga City in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

addressing the housing gap through the 4PH. The Bagong Los Baños Residences is part of SHFC’s broader efforts to contribute to the success of the 4PH Program, which aims to deliver affordable, resilient, and well-planned housing developments nationwide.

To date, SHFC is currently overseeing 12 4PH projects, including significant developments in Crystal Peak Estates in San Fernando City, Pampanga., People’s Ville in Davao City; and Valley View Township in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. These projects form part of the 111 shovel-ready initiatives aimed at providing more than 505,000 units by 2028.

SHFC president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa and Los Baños Mayor Genuino lead the groundbreaking of Bagong Los Baños Residences.

SHFC president and chief executive officer Federico Laxa, Mayor Genuino, and other guests listen to SHFC Laguna staff during the project briefing.

Acuzar, Regional Office IV-A Director Ilao, reaffirmed the department’s unwavering support for the project, emphasizing its vital role in

SHOWBIZ

Tolome is back for high-stakes thrills

Very Wang Nickie Wang

THE screen tandem of Senator Bong Revilla Jr. and actress Beauty Gonzalez is back for the much-anticipated third season of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis premiering on Dec. 22 on GMA Network.

In an exclusive interview during the grand press conference for the show at Novotel Manila in Araneta City, both stars shared insights into the new season’s action-packed stunts, their characters, and the evolving dynamic between them.

Revilla, who plays the iconic character Bartolome (Tolome), revealed that the third season came about due to fan demand. Initially focused on filming Alyas Pogi for the Metro Manila Film Festival, Revilla’s plans were delayed after suffering an Achilles tendon injury while shooting an action scene.

“I was able to heal in time for the new season of Walang Matigas,” he told Manila Standard Entertainment, adding that this allowed him to return to the series ahead of the election campaign season.

With his recovery in mind, Revilla expressed pride in the new action sequences.

“The action scenes are like those in movies. You’ll see that I can do it again,” he said, explaining how his leg has become stronger, enabling him to perform stunts despite the previous injury.

Gonzalez, who portrays Gloria, was in awe of Revilla’s commitment to the part.

As she considered the amazing stunts Revilla does on set, she remarked, “We’re still nervous, but we’re still in awe of him.”

The crew was worried about Revilla’s safety after one particular sequence in

which his character fell out of a car. “I

told them I was fine, even though they were worried about my foot,” Revilla remembered.

The pair also discussed one of the season’s most exciting stunts, in which a car falls into a river.

Gonzalez revealed that while she was not inside the car for the stunt, she did perform an underwater scene, her first time doing such a stunt.

“I’m also a diver, so I was able to handle it and we felt safe doing the scene because there were divers nearby ready to assist us anytime,” she said.

Revilla added that the season’s new title—Tolome: Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis—was introduced to make it easier for audiences to remember.

“People were having trouble with the long title, so we added ‘Tolome,’”

he explained. “The name has already gained popularity.” Revilla said that this season, viewers will meet a host of new characters, including Leo Martinez as Adonis, Sid Lucero as Jeffrey “Jepoy” Guzman, Jillian Ward as Dra. Barbara Hidalgo, Jon Lucas as Homer, Jay Manalo as

Dennis Padilla as Police Major Vincent

Blanco, Faith Da Silva as Janice Luna, Ryan Eigenmann as Rico, Long Mejia as Lucio “Darak” Cinco, Boss Toyo as himself, Ms. Gloria Diaz as Nadia Hilario, Neil Ryan Sese as Teddy, King Gutierrez as Arturo, Roxie Smith as Aira Dela Cruz, and Joko Diaz as Diego. Adding to the roster of returning cast members are Kapuso fan-favorites Carmi Martin as Lucing, Jestoni Alarcon as Chief Gener Alberto, Liezel Lopez as Jacqueline “Jacq” Dela Torre, Niño Muhlach as Sylvestre

How is Kathryn Bernardo making her Christmas more special?

BOX office star Kathryn Bernardo shares how she’s making her Christmas extra special this year, focusing on spending the holidays with her family.

Fresh from the success of her latest movie, Hello, Love, Again, the actress plans to keep things simple for the season.

“The most important thing is spending Christmas with loved ones. We’ll keep it simple, surrounded by love and good energy. This will be our first Christmas in our new house, so we’ll be here for both Christmas and New Year,” she said.

Kathryn added that the holiday celebration will include a quiet dinner, gift exchanges, and a family photo to mark their first Christmas in their new home.

“We’re not joining the crowds this year. Work has been non-stop, so I just want to rest, stay home, and bond with my family. We’ll keep it simple,” she shared.

To stay connected with friends and loved ones abroad, Kathryn relies on her smartphone to send messages, share photos, and catch up via video calls.

“We’re lucky because, with smartphones, it’s so much easier to connect with our KaTropas and loved ones to share the warmth of our love this Christmas— anytime, anywhere,” she said.

Meanwhile, TNT subscribers have more opportunities to connect with their own KaTropas this holiday season. By loading TNT SAYA ALL 99, they can earn entries for the ongoing TNT Paskong Panalo Raffle Promo. The promotion runs until Dec. 28, with five grand winners each receiving P1 million. To join, subscribers can text “RAFFLE” to 5858 after loading TNT SAYA ALL 99. Learn more about TNT Paskong Panalo at https://tntph.com/Pages/ paskongpanalo2024.

THE MVP Group of Companies, led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, brought joy and inspiration to Filipino families this Christmas with its “Merry ang Vibes ng Pasko” campaign.

The initiative featured a donation drive to support relief efforts for communities affected by recent typhoons. The campaign culminated in a grand Christmas party held on Dec. 12 at the Araneta Coliseum, with participation from PLDT, Smart, Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, Mediaquest Holdings, Cignal TV, TV5, Philippine Star, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Health, Philex Mining, Landco Pacific Corporation, and various foundations

under the MVP Group.

The campaign celebrated the courage and resilience of MVP Group frontliners who have been dedicated to providing essential services, particularly in electricity and water, throughout the pandemic and recent typhoons. Their inspiring stories highlighted the Group’s commitment to the Filipino people. The MVP Group Christmas Party featured performances from Maja Salvador, Apl.de.Ap, Sarah Geronimo, and Bamboo, along with stars from TV5 and MediaQuest, including Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, Willie Revillame, Senator Raffy Tulfo, Korina Sanchez-Roxas, Aga, Charlene, Atasha Muhlach,

“Although there is a lot of action, we will also go deeper into our characters’ relationships to learn more about their pasts and how they became the people they are now,” Gonzalez shared. Revilla emphasized the cast’s chemistry as they prepare for the season, calling them a “family” both on and off the set.

“We joke around often when we’re off-camera, and everything is natural. There’s no awkwardness,” he stated.

For Gonzalez, the show has been a welcome opportunity to showcase her comedic chops.

“I’ve been doing a lot of drama and horror, so I’m thankful for this show because I got to show my comedy side,” she said.

Revilla, whose background in action roles is well known, expressed his enjoyment of the show’s balance of action and humor.

“Action is the closest to me,” he said while hinting at the possibility of a Tolome movie in the future. “Why not? But maybe we’ll have a Season 4 after the elections,” he added with a smile. Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis premieres tomorrow at 7:15 p.m.

Martin Nievera, and Carlos Yulo

Over 8,000 attendees enjoyed a night filled with live entertainment and heartfelt stories, emphasizing the Group’s nationbuilding efforts and initiatives that uplift the lives of Filipinos.

“We are thankful to bring together our companies to share the spirit of Christmas with our fellow Filipinos,” said Pangilinan. “‘Merry ang Vibes ng Pasko’ is a celebration of our shared values, our gratitude for our frontliners, and our continued mission to serve our communities.”

The event airs in two parts, the second part will air on Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. on TV5, One PH, Sari Sari, and Buko, with catch-up episodes on RPTV at 10:00 p.m.

Awardwinning actress Kathryn Bernardo

‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ stars actress Beauty Gonzalez (left) and Senator Bong Revilla Jr.

The third season of ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ takes a deeper dive into the pasts of some characters

The cast of ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ during the grand press conference

‘Merry ang Vibes ng Pasko’ campaign features a donation drive for typhoon victims

Pancho

“Style” Salonga,

Policarpio, Maey Bautista as Candida Magtulis, Raphael Landicho as Kiko Reynaldo, and Jeffrey Tam as Onofre “Bunso” Batumbakal.

C4 TECH

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2024

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

rier amallari@yahoo.com

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

By Jessica Luna

SO you’ve nearly used up all of your earnings with all of your Christmas expenses. But you still owe your favorite ‘inaanak’ a smartphone, or you want to gift yourself a nice, capable budget phone.

What to do?

Don’t worry. The Nubia V70 might be the smartphone you want.

As its name implies, the Nubia V70 Design impresses with its sleek and modern design, with flat edges, a vegan leather back and an eye-catching overall aesthetic. Its design alone is worth its budget price (we’ll get into that later).

It is relatively compact and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and use.

Camera

While the V70 Design’s design is undoubtedly top-notch, its performance and camera capabilities are also noteworthy, especially considering its budget-friendly price point.

The V70 Design sports a 50MP main AI camera sensor capable of capturing detailed photos, and videos, especially in well-lit conditions, from vibrant portraits with artistic background blur. Even its night shots with RAW Super Night Shot are acceptable at this price point. For selfies and video calls, the device features a 16MP front-facing camera, and while video recording only offers a 1080p resolution, this is sufficient for most users.

Editing is a breeze with AI Magic Photos, allowing you to effortlessly clean up backgrounds with the Magic Eraser and keep your memories perfectly organized in the Smart Gallery, which even suggests captions for your snaps.

Performance

Powered by the UNISOC T606 chipset, the V70 Design offers decent performance for everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and light gaming.

With 14GB (4GB + 10GB) Dynamic RAM and 256GB storage, you’ll enjoy smooth multitasking and ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos. It runs on Android, providing a familiar user interface and access to a wide range of apps on the Google Play Store.

Fossil

Nubia V70 Design: Capable, budget-friendly smartphone

Battery

V70 Design

charging for quick recharges. Affordability Available in sleek Stone Gray and Jade Green with a premium leather-textured finish, the nubia V70 Design adds a touch of

PH ushers in the holidays with elegant timepieces

FOSSIL Philippines has welcomed the festive season in style with the launch of its Holiday 2024 Collection at SM Mall of Asia. The event brought together an exciting blend of design, craftsmanship, and storytelling, offering guests more than just a showcase of accessories—it was a celebration of meaningful connections and individuality. Adding to the excitement, Fossil introduced its newest brand partner, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, a Filipino-American artistic gymnast whose inspiring journey resonates with the brand’s values of determination and creativity.

A Collection Designed for Gifting

The Holiday 2024 Collection emphasizes thoughtful gifting with its range of stylish and functional pieces. Among the highlights are the Black & Gold Classics, featuring bestselling watches with sleek finishes that add a refined touch to any outfit. Whether for formal gatherings or relaxed holiday parties, these timepieces are a versatile choice for the season.

For those seeking precision and practicality, the Sport Tourer series delivers high-performance timekeeping with its Japanese center-second chronograph and tachymeter bezel for speed measurement. Available in silicone, leather, or bracelet straps, the Sport Tourer watches cater to both active and stylish lifestyles. Fossil also adds flair to the season with its Wildly Festive Accessories, featuring leopard print as the standout trend. The Jessie and Lennox bags, offered in haircalf and printed canvas, make bold yet versatile statements, perfect for the

Whether for formal gatherings or

modern holiday wardrobe.

Levi Jung-Ruivivar: A Story of Perseverance and Passion

Levi Jung-Ruivivar brings a unique energy to Fossil Philippines as its newest brand partner. A Filipino-American artistic gymnast, Levi’s story is one of resilience and achievement. She began her gymnastics journey at just 18 months old, and her passion for the sport has carried her to the highest levels of competition. Most recently, she represented the Philippines at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, cementing her place as one of the country’s most inspiring athletes.

Levi’s connection to her Filipino heritage runs

tles it collects to Alon and Araw and will also procure its trash bins from the group’s upcycled products. Additionally, Converge has collaborated with Humble, a local climate technology company, to recycle and resell its discarded IT equipment, thus promoting circularity.

‘Countdown

introduces

seg-

aims to enhance the reuse,

and recovery of

materials, in accordance with the local regulations of Pasig, where the headquarters of Converge is located. To support this initiative, Converge has partnered with Alon and Araw, a non-profit organization based in Zambales. The group helps underprivileged children in coastal communities while tackling marine pollution by upcycling plastics into reusable materials. Converge will donate the plastic bot-

“We are committed to providing essential broadband access for Filipinos while minimizing any negative impacts we have on individuals and the environment. Among our sustainability targets is to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2030 and currently, we strive to effectively manage our solid waste from operations,” said Converge Chief Commercial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer Benjamin Azada.

“For this waste segregation, we aligned with the city of Pasig to ensure that while we do good and care for the environment, we are also compliant with local regulations. Starting next year, we will install these three trash bins in all our common

deep, influenced by her late grandfather, who encouraged her to embrace her cultural roots. This connection guided her decision to represent the Philippines internationally, honoring her family’s legacy while celebrating her dual identity.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Levi embodies creativity and curiosity. She finds joy in pottery, writing, drawing, and even playing the drums. Her academic interests in science, particularly biology and anatomy, reflect a well-rounded personality that resonates with Fossil’s celebration of individuality and self-expression. Despite facing challenges, including wrist surgeries that tested her resilience, Levi’s determination remains unwavering. Her ability to balance a rigorous athletic career with personal pursuits makes her a role model for the younger generation. Fossil’s partnership with Levi underscores its commitment to championing individuals who inspire others with their passion, creativity, and perseverance.

A Celebration of Style and Stories

The Holiday 2024 Collection launch at SM Mall of Asia transformed the venue into a hub of festive cheer and style. Guests explored Fossil’s latest designs while being inspired by Levi’s journey of resilience and creativity.

This holiday season, Fossil encourages everyone to celebrate with gifts that are more than just accessories—they’re symbols of connection and personal expression. With its new collection and partnership, Fossil Philippines sets the tone for a season filled with style, substance, and stories that matter.

sophistication to your everyday style. Priced at just P5,299.00, it offers exceptional value for a smartphone that does it all. Celebrate its launch with exclusive Shopee Payday Sale offers, including up to P795 off with Shopee vouchers and a free speaker with every purchase (while supplies last). Experience the nubia V70 Design today at any nubia concept store or shop online at Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok.

Other Features

Fingerprint Sensor: The V70 Design typically features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.

Display: Immerse yourself in a seamless viewing experience with the 6.7-inch HD+ display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and vibrant colors for all your photos and videos.

Connectivity: It offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G LTE. Verdict In conclusion, the Nubia V70 Design offers a compelling package for budget-conscious consumers, delivering a solid performance and decent camera quality for its price.

Hitster: Perfect way to get the party started

In a country where

a

dear place in its culture, get ready to sing, dance, and showcase your music knowledge with Hitster! From classic hits such as “I wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston, something a bit more modern like Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” or

party started! #HitsterPhilippineEdition #musicpartygame #RichwellClubPH Now available in all leading toy stores nationwide!

areas,” Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado added. In 2022, Converge initiated its Countdown to Zero Waste campaign to attain zero waste to landfill by 2030. In its first phase, the company launched an initiative aimed at managing waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) or e-waste. Converge considers this a strategically important initiative as the Philippines is the third biggest generator of e-waste in Southeast Asia, producing approximately 540 million kg in 2022, equating to 4.67 kg per person, according to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024. “Given that e-waste contains hazardous chemicals as well as valuable metals that can be reused, we have implemented measures to handle it safely through our partners. These efforts enable Converge to contribute to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, focusing on responsible consumption and production,” Azada explained.

here are

Sample photo

Nubia V70 Design

relaxed holiday parties, these timepieces are a versatile choice for the season.