THE country may face a “very detrimental precedent” if it follows the reasoning implied in the Iglesia Ni Cristo rally in support of the President’s opposition to impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte, chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday said. “There is a bigger question. Can the INC with all its members amend the Constitution or suspend any of its provisions? Are we prepared to discard or sacrifice the value of rule of law for a person
or a group of persons?” Enrile said in a Facebook post.
“Are we prepared and ready to face the longterm consequences of that INC move?” he added. Enrile said the impeachment was “just a constitutional legal process” to remove a government official from office, if there is a ground and evidence to support it. He said an impeached official is “not going to jail by the mere fact of his impeachment.”
For his part, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the President is open to the opinions of his Cabinet, including Enrile. Bersamin said Mr. Marcos is still not in favor of Duterte’s impeachment, but “seriously considers” Enrile’s stance.
“The President has always nurtured a culture of open ventilation of ideas within the Cabinet. In this way, policymaking is enriched by diverse
By Rachelle Tonelada
DA backs food security emergency declaration
Agri chief says move to bring down further rice prices
By Charles Dantes, Joel Zurbano, Othel Campos and Maricel Cruz
AGRICULTURE
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is pushing for a “food security emergency” declaration before the end of the month to further lower prices of rice.
This as the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) approved a resolution urging the DA to declare a “food security emergency for rice” as prices of the grain remained high despite declining global rice costs and tariff reductions ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Once it comes to my table, the chances are we will declare (the emergency) so that we can release the stocks of NFA (National Food Authority),” Tiu Laurel said in an interview on Thursday. He said the declaration of a food security emergency will enable the NFA to sell rice stocks to local government units and other government agencies at a lower price of P36 per kilo by February, free up
By Alena Mae Flores
MOTORISTS and other consumers must brace for a big-time oil price hike that may go as high as P2.50 per liter next week, as the world oil market’s volatility sets off the third consecutive increase in pump prices in as many weeks.
Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said early price movement indicators for week of January 20, which are based on the movements in the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark and foreign exchange rates, showed a possible increase in diesel of P2.30 to P2.50 per liter and gasoline by P1.60 to P1.80 per liter.
“Oil prices increased sharply on worries that the latest round of US sanctions against Russia could disrupt supply and distribution chains, potentially affecting Russian crude exports to top buyers China and India,” he said.
Local oil firms traditionally announce the imminent price movement every Monday, which in turn, is implemented by gas stations at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. On Jan. 14, 2025, oil companies implemented an increase of P0.80 per liter for both gasoline and
By Joel Zurbano
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recommended adjusting the working hours of national government agencies (NGAs) to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- one hour earlier than usual -- to ease traffic congestion.
In a statement on Thursday, the agency said it will seek President Marcos’ approval for the work schedule adjustment, whose target implementation would be sometime in March, coinciding the start of EDSA’s rehabilitation. The agency said insights gleaned from a survey conducted on local government units that adopted the 7
PNP: Online voyeurs on the rise
THE Philippine National Police reported an uptick in voyeurism and cyberlibel cases in 2024.
PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group chief
Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said reported cyberlibel cases rose by 4 percent from 1,403 in 2023 to 1,458 in 2024, while voyeurism cases saw an 18 percent increase --from 294 in 2023 to 347 last year.
“The rise in photo and video voyeurism, particularly among former lovers, is largely driven by acts of revenge or emotional retaliation,”
Yang said.
“The widespread availability of intimate content shared during relation-
ships, combined with the ease of online distribution, enables such harmful behavior to proliferate,” he added.
Under Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act, cyberlibel carries a penalty of six to eight years imprisonment or a fine ranging from P40,000 to P1.5 million.
Meanwhile, RA No. 9995 or the Anti-Voyeurism Act of 2009 penalizes voyeurism with three to seven years imprisonment, a fine ranging
from P100,000 to P500,000 or both.
“If you are a victim of online abuse, report it to us immediately for prompt action,” Yang said.
The ACG advised netizens to be cautious with their data and avoid sending explicit photos or videos to anyone.
Netizens should refrain from engaging in sexual activities during video calls, which can be recorded and later used to blackmail or exploit them, the ACG said. Vince Lopez
government agencies.
space in NFA warehouses, and help local farmers through palay procurement for the upcoming harvest season.
“The declaration will likely be by the end of January. We target to offer NFA stocks to LGUs and other government agencies in February,” he said in a separate interview yesterday at the sidelines of a council meeting with Metro Manila mayors and the MMDA. He said the NPCC resolution was already “approved in principle.”
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque underscored the urgency of the emergency declaratiin as it would ensure proper enforcement of reasonable rice prices against profiteers.
To date, the NFA has almost 300,000 metric tons of rice stocks, which can be sold to LGUs and other
“With the harvest season approaching, we need to start buying rice from farmers at fair prices. But without sufficient storage space, this becomes a technical problem for us,” Tiu Laurel said.
He also said the price ceiling and the suggested retail price for NFA rice will be set at P35 per kilo starting in March.
“In March, we will reduce the price to P33 per kilo in Metro Manila and other major cities across the country,” he said.
The DA chief also announced a price reduction today (Friday) for the 25 percent broken rice variety sold under the Department of Agriculture’s Rice-forAll program (RFA25).
“This price reduction will take effect on Friday, just ahead of the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P58 per kilo for 5 percent broken imported rice that
will begin on Monday, January 20, 2025,” he said.
A House leader on Wednesday criticized the DA for setting the MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice at P58 per kilo, calling the figure “unrealistic” and “a disservice to consumers.”
Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin expressed her frustration during the hearing of the Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Supercommittee.
Garin accused the DA of failing to address key issues in the rice supply chain that have driven up prices.
Panel chairman Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said the P58 per kilo MSRP was “too high.”
Initially, the new pricing scheme will be implemented in Metro Manila markets, with plans to expand the program to other key cities nationwide.
The MSRP will be reviewed monthly to reflect changes in global market pric-
es and tariff rates.
For his part, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr. flagged significant discrepancies in rice importation records involving Davao-based businessman Stewart Santiago and his companies, Nance II AgriTraders and Davao Solar Best Corporation.
Suansing called on the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) to investigate the matter.
“Per BOC records, Nance II and Davao Solar Best imported a total volume of 348,011 metric tons. But the problem, Mr. Chair, as per BPI data, they were only issued SPSICs for 48,852 metric tons. There is a discrepancy of 299,159 metric tons. There’s discrepancy,” Suansing said.
Suansing noted that Nance II AgriTraders and Davao Solar Best collectively control about 10 percent of the country’s rice imports.
DFA said in a news release.
Their alleged violations include the planting of evidence and the delay and bungling in the prosecution of the drug cases.
Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. previously revealed that ranking police officials were seen in the video footage of the operation in Tondo district, which led to the arrest of dismissed M/Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. and nine others. Abalos said some police officers took 42 kg. of shabu before the inventory of the confiscated 990 kg. of illegal drugs, based on security footage. The stolen shabu was later recovered.
A court earlier ordered the arrest of 29 active and former police officers involved in the case.
The order likewise “required to use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording devices” in the execution of the warrant pursuant to a 2021 resolution by the Supreme Court.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco
Marbil has instructed Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, chief of the Directorial Staff, to form a dedicated Task Force to ensure the swift apprehension of all implicated individuals.
In a statement, Marbil said administrative cases will be concurrently pursued to hold active personnel accountable, ensuring they face appropriate sanctions, including dismissal, and are made to answer for their actions under the full extent of the law. Vince Lopez
“Our position is clear and consistent, but so is our willingness to engage in dialogue. We firmly believe that despite the unresolved challenges and differences, there is genuine space for diplomatic and pragmatic cooperation in dealing with our issues in the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro said.
“The Philippines expressed serious concern regarding recent incidents in the South China Sea, particularly the activities of CCG 5901 and CCG 3103 in Philippine maritime zones that are inconsistent with the 1982 UNCLOS and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” the
The past weeks, concerns have grown over China’s “Monster” ship, a 165-meter (540-foot) vessel, which has been observed moving closer to the Luzon coastline.
The ship was last located 143 kilometers (89 miles) west of Capones Island in Zambales province.
On Wednesday, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela noted that while the ship does not carry out “aggressive actions,” its mere presence “is concerning.”
He said the massive vessel has remained off the coast of Zambales province despite the PCG’s efforts to drive it away.
The PCG officer said the CCG vessel’s movements have not been “continuous or expeditious,” showing that it is not in the area for “innocent passage.”
“In response, BRP Gabriela Silang has effectively maintained a protective position through skillful seamanship, successfully keeping the CCG at an average distance of 60-70 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline,” Tarriela said on X.
Meanwhile, the National Maritime Council demanded that China withdraw its massive ship from the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The Philippines strongly opposes the continued illegal presence and operations of the CCG vessels… The escalatory actions of these Chinese vessels and aircraft clearly disregard Philippine and international laws,” the NMC said.
“China does not have any basis to conduct law enforcement activities or maritime patrols over these waters,” the council added.
views resulting in decisions distilled from a wealth of varied experiences, different disciplines, and special expertise of those who contribute,” Bersamin said.
“It is in this spirit that Secretary Enrile came forward with his views. While his thoughts may carry weight and are always valued, his is one of many that the President seriously considers,” the Palace official added.
Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints before the House of Representatives for alleged violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder and malversation, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
In November last year, Mr. Marcos said filing an impeachment complaint against Duterte will only distract the government from the real work of the government “which is to improve the lives of all Filipinos.”
The President said the move to impeach Duterte is just a waste of time, as “none of this will help improve a single Filipino life.”
Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, an endorser of the first impeachment complaint against Duterte, urged the House to uphold its integrity and move forward with the proceedings.
Cendaña made the call during the “Misa ng Sambayanan: May Kapayapaan kung May Katarungan” attended by sectoral and religious groups at the EDSA Shrine Church on Thursday.
“If we want peace, we must first achieve justice,” Cendaña said.
Cendaña warned that inaction on the impeachment complaints not only delays justice but also “allows Duterte to undermine the country’s laws.”
“Ending impunity in the country should be the House leadership’s moral obligation,” he said.
a.m. - 4 p.m. work schedule indicates that such revised office hours would result in reduced traffic congestion.
The report stated that adopting the schedule will bring faster travel time during peak hours in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares, as well as decrease in traffic delays, the MMDA said.
“NGA employees using private vehicles during peak hours will be distrib -
uted by 37.15% of the 473,533 employees,” the agency said.
“Further, 47.20% of the total number of NGA employees, or an estimate of 223,508 employees using public transport, will avoid joining rush hour alongside private sector employees,” it added.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said he would formally send his recommendation to the Office of the President after getting consensus from the Metro Manila LGUs on their experiences with the modified working hours.
“We’ll get first the consensus of
the mayors. We’ll coordinate with them and ask them what their preference is so that the data we’ll be submitting to the President is complete and the recommendations will be in line with various experiences of each of the LGUs,” he said in a press briefing.
Artes noted that San Juan City mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora, as well as Pasay City mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano both expressed their support for the 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. work schedule.
Last week, Transportation Secre -
kerosene while diesel increased by P0.90 per liter.
On Jan. 7, 2025, oil firms also raised the price of both gasoline and kerosene by P1 per liter while diesel increased by P1.40 per liter.
Gasoline and kerosene have a total net increase of P1.80 per liter; diesel has a total net increase of P2.30 per liter. Prevailing prices of petroleum products at the National Capital Region for January 7 to 13, 2025 showed that gasoline prices range from P51.65 to P75.62 per liter, diesel from P49 to P72. 20 per liter and kerosene from P70.91 to P82.20 per liter. Pump prices vary depending on the product, location and market forces.
think it’s the midterm elections because you cannot shake things up now, the campaign period will also begin,” Remulla said.
“Indications that he will stay to take command of the PNP until after the elections,” he added.
However, the DILG secretary clarified that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will still decide whether to replace the current PNP chief or not.
Marbil has yet to comment on the reports that President Marcos might extend his tenure until June.
He is expected to retire this February or when he reaches his retirement age of 56 years old. Vince Lopez
tary Jaime Bautista said the scheduled EDSA rehabilitation will aggravate traffic in the metropolis’ already congested roads.
“For sure, there will be heavy traffic there [along EDSA]. So, we are expecting that many people will take the MRT, because won’t be as much affected by this rehabilitation, the Secretary said during a televised news forum.
Bautista said the operations of the EDSA busway will likely continue, as repairs will be concentrated on the side used by private vehicles.
(From left) Metro Manila Council head and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, MMDA Chair Romando Artes and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. discuss the expansion of ‘Kadiwa Ng Pangulo’ kiosks and stores in all public and private markets in the National Capital Region on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Manny Palmero
SUBWAY TUNNEL
BORER. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., along with Camp Aguinaldo commander
Brig. Gen. Armand Arevalo, Transportation Undersecretary
Jeremy Regino, Japan
International Cooperation Agency country representative Takema Sakjamoto, and Japanese Embassy Economic Minister Daosuke Nehei lead the commissioning of a huge tunnel boring machine for the Metro Manila Subway Project Contract Package 103 at the Camp Aguinaldo Station.
PBBM eyes further discussions on PH, US, Japan agreement
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Marcos looks forward to further talks on the Philippines’ trilateral agreement with Japan and the United States meant to further strengthen diplomatic, economic, and security relations among them.
“I think that it is good that we continue these discussions and also I hope that we would be able to have a chance for the Philippines to explain and to
IN BRIEF
QC now part of global bid on climate change
QUEZON City is now part of the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities), a global initiative that supports projects and solutions aimed at building climate resilient urban areas, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced on Thursday. This development aims to improve the living conditions of over 3.2 million “QCitizens,” she said.
At the same time, Belmonte acknowledged the challenges faced by many local government units (LGUs) in dealing with extreme weather events.
“Quezon City, like many other cities in the Philippines, is vulnerable to extreme heat, tropical cyclones and flooding. Unfortunately, these weather conditions are mostly felt by low-income and vulnerable communities,” she said. Rio N. Araja
Anti-mining priest dies in traffic mishap
A CATHOLIC priest known for his fight against mining operations in Eastern Samar province reportedly after his motorcycle was hit by a car near the town of Llorente in Samar.
Fr. Alejandro Galo Jr., 66, was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle at the outskirts of Llorente.
The car driver, a woman, is now in the custody of the Llorente police, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)..
Galo was a vocal critic of mining operations in the province, actively advocating for environmental protection and the rights of local communities.
Vito Barcelo
PH inks pact on OFW welfare with Finland
THE Philippines and Finland have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to provide fair, ethical, and sustainable working conditions for Filipino skilled workers in Finland.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Finland Minister Arto Olavi Sartonen signed the document during a ceremony at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong.
“The JDI covers the ethical and sustainable labor mobility of Filipino specialists and skilled workers in Finland,” Cacdac said.
“This joint declaration reaffirms our shared vision for a future where labor mobility is characterized by fairness, dignity, and mutual benefit. This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to advancing the interests of Filipino workers and strengthening our international partnerships,” he added.
Vito Barcelo
show what has been done in terms of agreement since the signing of the tripartite agreement,” the President told Japanese Ambassador Iwaya Takeshi
who called on the Philippine leader at Malacañang on Wednesday.
Marcos cited collaborative efforts on diplomatic and economic fronts during a recent virtual meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Iwaya conveyed Ishiba’s regards and highlighted the value of the Philippines as a strategic partner sharing Japan’s commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“I would like to ask for Your Excellency’s continued support in
strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Philippines on security issues and other global affairs,” Iwaya told President Marcos.
Iwaya also sought continued Philippine support on security and global affairs while inviting participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo which coincides with the observance of Philippine Independence Day.
Mr. Marcos and Iwaya reaffirmed mutual commitment to deepening cooperation amid increasing regional and global challenges.
3 weather systems to produce cloudy skies, rains
By Rio N. Araja
THREE weather systems will continue to produce cloudy skies and rains in some parts of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The weather bureau said shear line, the easterlies and northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan” will continue to bring cloudy skies and rains across the country.
Pagasa’s 4 a.m. bulletin said the Bicol Region, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the shear line.
The easterlies will trigger cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms in Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
The northeast monsoon will persist
to bring cloudy skies with rains over the Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley. The National Capital Region, Ilocos Region and the rest of Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains also because of the northeast monsoon. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms caused by the easterlies.
‘PH, Hungary rea rm vows to enhance bilateral ties’
By Maricel V. Cruz
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the Philippines and Hungary have reaffirmed shared commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
The mutual sentiment was raised during a meeting between Philippine legislators led by Romualdez and a Hungarian parliamentary delegation headed by Zsolt Németh, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Hungary’s National Assembly.
The discussions focused on initiatives aimed at building closer political and interparliamentary ties between the two countries.
The Speaker cited his visitors unwavering commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Philippines and Hungary.
“It is a pleasure to meet Chairman Zsolt Németh and discuss the numerous opportunities to strengthen our partnership. Hungary has been a steadfast friend to the Philippines, and I look forward to further deepening our cooperation in the years to come,” said Romualdez.
He commended the sustained high-level exchanges between the two countries, including the visit of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to the Philippines in June 2023.
“These visits reflect the strong diplomatic ties and mutual respect between our nations,” the Speaker noted.
Both parties emphasized the importance of fostering interparliamentary ties.
Romualdez acknowledged the efforts of Hungarian Deputy Speaker Istvan Jakab, who visited Manila in 2021, and former Philippine Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who led delegations to Hungary in 2019 and 2023.
To further strengthen relations, Romualdez said a Philippines-Hungary Parliamentarians’ Friendship Group in the House of Representatives would be established after the May 2025 midterm elections.
“Your visit today is an important addition to our interparliamentary relations, and I am confident it will pave the way for more meaningful exchanges,” he added.
DFA condemns slay of Pinay by Slovenian hubby
By Rachelle Tonelada
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has strongly condemned the killing of Filipina Marvil Facturan Kocjancic, allegedly by her husband, Mitja Kocjancic, while on vacation in Bled, Slovenia on Dec. 29.
“(The DFA] expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family here in the Philippines,” the agency said in a statement.
JUST ANOTHER IDYLLIC DAY AT BORACAY.
Local and foreign tourists lull it up at the powdery while sand of Boracay Island. Dave Leprozo
“The Philippine Embassy in Vienna, in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and other related agencies, is working with Slovenian authorities for the immediate shipment of the victim’s remains to the Philippines upon completion of all requisite forensic processes,” it announced.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega stated on Monday that the repatriation might be possible within the week.
“Possible within the week because the autopsy report has been secured. He added however, that shipment of the body was not yet guaranteed. De Vega further confirmed that the suspect was already in the custody of Slovenian authorities. The crime allegedly stemmed from a quarrel between the couple while they were on vacation in Slovenia, as reported by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.
‘MASS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE.’ Supporters of the impeachment movement against Vice President Sara Duterte hold a Holy Mass at the EDSA Shrine. Edd Castro
CHINA studies expert and University of Tokyo Professor Dr. Shin Kawashima is calling for stronger cooperation among like-minded nations amid expectations that China will continue its aggressive operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this 2025.
Kawashima was one of the experts who attended a forum on Japan and the Philippines’ strategic cooperation on Friday, organized by the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Kawashima said Beijing will continue to pursue aggressive tactics, including the spread of disinformation and false narratives, in the West Philippine Sea, Senkaku Islands, and Taiwan.
He emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among like-minded countries to deter aggressive Chinese actions in the West Philippine Sea and the Senkaku Islands.
“China will not stop their operations.
Maybe they will slow down temporarily but from a long-term view, China will not stop, especially given their strong strategy to go beyond the First Island Chain,” he said.
In 2024, the China Coast Guard escalated tensions in the West Philippine Sea by aiming a military-grade laser and firing water canon at Philippine Coast Guard vessels, repeatedly ramming it, brandishing weapons, and explicitly threatening the safety of Filipinos at sea.
In Japan, approximately 1,300 Chinese government ships swarmed the waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands, marking a record high for the third consecutive year. Additionally, in the same year, over 3,000 Chinese military aircraft breached Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone, setting another new record.
IN BRIEF
DHSUD: 100% rate on resolving concerns
THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on Thursday reported a 100% resolution rate in handling complaints coursed through the Office of the President’s 8888 Citizen’s Complaint Center for 2024.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar branded the excellent rating as a solid testament to the agency’s commitment to deliver only the best public service.
The rating should serve as an inspiration for all DHSUD staff members to work harder to assist more of its stakeholders, particularly the poorest of the poor, he emphasized.
The DHSUD, in a report also said it recorded a 98.55 percent rate for the 72-hour compliance period. It received a total of 758 concerns from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year and was able to resolve all within the 72hour period, except for 11 cases. Most of the concerns and cases resolved by DHSUD were about private developers (255 cases) and homeowners, associations (245 cases). Rio N. Araja
HB seeks live streaming of Sangguniang Bayan
A BILL filed at the House of Representatives seeks to mandate the livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan sessions to improve the accessibility of local legislative proceedings.
The proposed Livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan Sessions Act would amend Sections 50 and 52, Chapter III of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, according to the bill’s author, Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo.
“In a democratic country like ours, enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and openness in governmental processes is imperative. Livestreaming legislative sessions fosters transparency and ensures that public officials are held accountable,” Salo said, citing a study in Isabela City, Basilan. He highlighted that both chambers of Congress have already been livestreaming their sessions. Similarly, he mentioned Laoag City Council in Ilocos Norte, which has been livestreaming its sessions since July 2022. Maricel V. Cruz
Coast Guard setting up base in Negro Oriental
THE Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) will establish the Coast Guard Base Negros Island Region at a 10-hectare lot in Mabinay, Negros Oriental.
The said infrastructure plan was discussed during the Sangguniang Bayan Session on 13 January 2025.
The Mabinay local government unit was represented by officials during the discussions.
“Given that this proposed donation of the 10-hectare lot shall be granted by the Mabinay LGU, the groundbreaking of the new headquarters is anticipated in the coming months, ushering a new era of strengthened maritime governance in Southern Visayas,” the CGDSV said.
Officials discussed that the proposed land to be provided to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will serve as the site for the district’s future headquarters, a key facility aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security in the region. Vince Lopez
DOH secures funding for free HPV immunization for girls
By Ram Superable
THE Department of Health (DOH) is set to launch a free immunization program for girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) this year.
During a televised program, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced that funding for this initiative was already secured through the national budget. “For 2025, we can vaccinate all
Solon calls on DOH to probe report on non-compliant drugstores
By Maricel V. Cruz
CAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte called on the Department of Health (DOH) to look into reports that certain drug stores refuse to grant discounts to senior citizens who do not have their purchase booklets.
“The DOH and other government offices need to check on the compliance of drugstores with DOH Administrative Order 2024-0017 and to crack down on erring establishments, as the reported refusal of certain pharmacies to sell prescription medicines to elderly Filipinos is a blatant breach of Republic Act 9994,” Villafuerte said.
“I am at the same time appealing to the DOH and the other appropriate agencies to consider expanding this new privilege by similarly allowing PWDs (persons with disabilities) to present only their IDs and doctors’ prescriptions, and no longer their purchase booklets, when
availing of their same price discounts in their purchases,” Villafuerte said.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced on Dec. 23, 2024, the release of DOH AO 2024-0017 removing the requirement for senior citizens to present their purchase booklets to avail of their discounts when buying their medicines in drugstores. RA 9994, or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” entitled Filipinos 60 years of age and above to a 20 percent discount plus exemption from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) when they buy their medicines, provided they have with them their doctors’ prescriptions along with their senior citizen IDs and purchase booklets issued by the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCAs) in their localities. PWDs are entitled to the same discounts on their prescription medicines under RA 10754, or
Herbosa emphasized the importance of achieving a 95% immunization rate by 2025 to ensure herd immunity.
The DOH also plans to implement stronger school-based immunization programs to enhance vaccination rates.
Filipino girls,” he declared. A single dose of HPV vaccine typically retails for P4,000, requiring two doses for full protection. HPV is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer. The program aims to counteract the rising trend of anti-vaccination sentiments, which has led to only 60% of children being immunized.
By Maricel V. Cruz
i-Registro, a dynamic social registry (DSR) or online registration tool with self-service registration and data authentication of potential beneficiaries. The 4Ps national program manager said all household beneficiaries will have access to the online platform.
Last year, the DSWD piloted the i-Registro in the municipalities of Pateros in Metro Manila, Floridablanca in Pampanga, and Cordova in Cebu to update the beneficiary profiles of 4Ps households with pregnant and nursing women and those with children aged 0 to 2 years old. This is in preparation for the implementation of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) conditional cash grant this 2025.
A fire broke out in a residential area in Sulukan, Sampaloc, Manila, on Thursday. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the blaze, which reached the fourth alarm, destroyed approximately 100 houses and
around 300 families. Norman Cruz TABACO NANOGENARIANS. Tabaco City proudly honors 50 remarkable
OPINION
Free lunch
AT LAST year’s Senate hearing to dis-
cuss the 2025 budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, it was pointed out that a third of Filipino children are short for their age, and that stunting after two years can be permanent, irreversible, and even fatal.
The persistent issue of child stunting in the Philippines has therefore triggered calls for the DSWD to reassess the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The reasoning goes like this: If the 4Ps is intended to prevent children from getting malnourished, and the program takes care of the poorest of the poor, why is one-third of Filipinos still stunted?
For this year, the DSWD wanted a budget of P114 billion for the 4Ps, or an increase of P8 billion from its 2024 budget, but is the program effectively addressing hunger and malnutrition?
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies has pointed out that inadequate early childcare and prenatal interventions are major factors contributing to high stunting rates in the country.
For its part, the World Health Organization defines stunting as impaired growth due to poor nutrition and repeated infections, which can lead to long-term consequences such as poor cognition, low educational performance, and reduced productivity in adulthood.
Meanwhile, UNICEF has lamented that 95 children in the Philippines die every day from malnutrition, and 27 out of every 1,000 Filipino children do not make it past their fifth birthday.
The 4Ps program currently supports 4.2 million families, providing at least P750 a month to beneficiaries for the improvement of children and pregnant mothers’ health through check-ups and proper nutrition.
DSWD should not only monitor compliance but also whether or not 4Ps is truly improving children’s nutrition. In some regions, the level of stunting exceeds 40 percent of children under five years of age.
This is true in Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas. In rural areas, children are more likely to be stunted than their urban counterparts.
Among the primary causes of undernutrition are poor infant and young child feeding practices; ill health; low access to diverse, nutritious foods; inadequate access to health services; unhealthy household environment; and poverty.
What is clear at this point is that the country needs to invest more in programs tackling childhood undernutrition to eliminate what is long considered a “silent pandemic” afflicting many of the country’s poor and vulnerable population.
Childhood stunting – characterized by prolonged nutritional deficiency among infants and young children – is considered one of the most serious but leastaddressed problems in the world and an
even more pressing issue in the Philippines.
Here, the Philippines can follow the example of Indonesia, which recently launched an ambitious $4.3 billion freemeal program to combat stunted growth due to malnutrition.
Stunting affects 21.5 percent of children in the archipelago of some 282 million people. The government aims to reduce the rate to five percent by 2045.
The Indonesian government has pledged to provide nutritious meals free to tens of millions of schoolchildren as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, saying it would improve their quality of life and boost economic growth.
—“—
Around 30 percent of children under 5 years of age are stunted –considered high for its level of income and high compared to most of its neighbors
News reports indicate at least 190 kitchens run by third-party catering services have opened nationwide and preparing meals from midnight before distributing them to schoolchildren and pregnant women.
Our ASEAN neighbor has allocated 62 US cents per meal and a budget of $4.3 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. It is set to deliver meals to almost 83 million people by 2029.
In the Philippines, around 30 percent of children under 5 years of age are stunted – considered high for its level of income and high compared to most of its neighbors.
Other countries with similar levels of income have rates of stunting averaging around 20 percent of children under 5 years of age.
The Philippines’ rate of stunting places it fifth among countries in the East Asia and Pacific region with the highest stunting prevalence, and among the top 10 countries globally with the highest number of stunted children.
Hence, the World Bank recommends several measures to address the problem of malnutrition and child stunting, These include securing adequate and predictable financing for nutrition-related programs to achieve nutrition goals; implementing an evidence-based package of nutrition interventions that should be made available to eligible households in high-stunting municipalities; addressing the underlying determinants of undernutrition through a multi-sector effort, and ensuring that nutrition is one of the key priorities in the agendas of both the executive and legislative bodies in municipalities.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
UN agencies tremble as Trump term nears
GENEVA – With just days to go before Donald Trump again enters the White House, anxiety is rising across UN agencies fearful he could wreak even more havoc than last time.
During Trump’s first term in office, Washington slashed its contributions to United Nations operations and agencies, stormed out of the UN Human Rights Council, exited the Paris climate accord and the education agency UNESCO, and began withdrawing from the World Health Organization.
But while Trump’s first administration did not get to the harshest measures until later in the term, experts warn things could move faster this time.
“I don’t think Trump is going to hang about so long this time,” Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group told AFP.
“He’s likely to walk away from those UN mechanisms and arrangements that he boycotted before without much ceremony.” The United States remains the largest donor to the UN, which is already facing significant budget pressures, spurring palpable anxiety over the prospect of funding cuts.
UN officials have scrambled to emphasize the value of US partnership.
“The cooperation between the United States and the United Nations is a critical pillar of international relations, and the UN system,” Stephane Dujarric, spokes-
man for UN chief Antonio Guterres, told AFP.
But the love is not always mutual.
Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, whom Trump has tapped to become his UN ambassador, has described the organization as “a corrupt, defunct and paralyzed institution.”
But the love (between the United States and the United Nations) is not always mutual
And fears abound that Republicans in Congress could push ahead with a bill calling to defund the organization completely.
Total exit ‘unlikely’
Jussi Hanhimaki, an international history professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute, played down that threat.
“The total exit is unlikely,” he told AFP, suggesting that Washington would not want to cede the leverage it has within the UN system.
“The best argument against the US wholesale withdrawal is (that) China will... become more and more influential,” he said.
During Trump’s first term, China and
EDITORIAL
Flexible work setups
THE national government is on the right track in pushing for the adoption of “alternative work arrangements” (AWAs) this year as part of efforts to sustain gains in reducing unemployment and underemployment in the country.
The National Economic and Development Authority is in the forefront of this initiative. Economic Planning Secretary and concurrent Neda Director General Arsenio Balisacan said the government “remains committed to achieving its employment targets under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 by having a “multifaceted approach in place to ensure an efficient labor market.”
Hence, the government would facilitate the adoption of AWAs to account for workers’ evolving preferences while considering the emerging demands of both the public and private sectors.
The NEDA plan to adopt flexible work set-ups comes close on the heels of the drop in unemployment and underemployment figures in November last year. This indicates that the labor market continues to be robust.
NEDA has yet to provide details
its allies clearly expanded their influence in the bodies he left in Geneva, like the Human Rights Council.
Outgoing US ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Sheba Crocker, highlighted that “some of our strategic rivals are heavily invested in promoting their interests in Geneva”.
That, she told AFP in an email, “is why I believe the United States will remain engaged, and why I believe it is in our interest to do so”.
The exiting administration of Joe Biden has protected against another high-profile walk-out from the Human Rights Council, by opting not to re-apply for membership.
Hanhimaki suggested that the World Trade Organization might face “the most
on what AWA it intends to push this year to boost productivity and adapt to changing work environments while promoting employee well-being.
But the agency’s stance is based on findings of the National Evaluation Portal report released in 2023 that recommended modified work set-ups following the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of these is the Telecommuting Act of 2019 that allows private sector employees to perform their duties remotely, further supporting the shift toward flexible work setups.
An important requirement to maximize the benefits of alternative work arrangements is to improve the country’s digital infrastructure
Another is the flexible work arrangements that may include variations in hours, work locations and skill sets. We have also implemented other forms: work from home; work from a satellite office, or work from another fixed place. The Civil Service Commission has also outlined several alternative work arrangements for government agencies, which include WFH; skel-
challenging times” to start with, pointing to Trump’s focus on imposing tariffs on traditional foes and allies alike.
‘Very worried’
There is particular concern about funding for reproductive rights-linked programs.
During Trump’s first term, Washington cut funding to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which works to improve reproductive and maternal health worldwide.
“We’re very worried,” said Rachel Moynihan, deputy director of UNFPA’s Washington office.
But the agency, which says US contributions allowed it to prevent 3,800 likely deaths during pregnancy in 2023 alone, is accustomed to seeing its funding cut dur-
eton workforce; four-day (compressed) workweek; staggered working hours, and flexible (fluctuating) work schedules.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Department of Labor and Employment was already exploring flexible work time systems, with workers choosing from three work schemes: ‘compressed work week’, where employees work fewer days a week but for longer work hours; ‘gliding or flexible time schedule’, where employees may choose their shift or time of work; and ‘flexible holiday”, where employees may choose their days off.
After the pandemic gave rise to flexible work schemes, NEDA underscored the need for employers to offer jobs with either WFH or hybrid setup to adapt to changing employee preferences. This was also intended to ensure that companies can hire top talents who prefer such arrangements.
But an important requirement to maximize the benefits of alternative work arrangements is to improve the country’s digital infrastructure. At present, the number of Filipinos with internet access out of the total population stood at 89.34 percent in 2024 and could increase to 98 percent by 2029.
We’re wary of the accuracy of these statistics, considering our archipelagic character and poverty levels across regions, but we should really exert utmost efforts to expand our digital infrastructure in the years ahead.
ing Republican administrations.
“We are a resilient agency,” Moynihan told AFP.
Other agencies may be less prepared, with UN Women expected to be in the firing line, as was the UN rights office. And word on the street in Geneva is that the new Trump administration aims to withdraw from the WHO on day one.
Suerie Moon, co-director of the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, said that would be a mistake.
“Having a well-functioning, impartial WHO is very much in the US national interest,” she told AFP.
Anoher withdrawal would certainly leave Washington with “a less influential voice”, she warned. AFP
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Generate a political cartoon of a research ship with the chinese flag. Below the ship and underwater are metallic tentacles labeled “espionage?”
Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal welcomed
Rescuers evacuate thousands after volcano erupts
TERNATE, Indonesia – Hundreds of islanders have been evacuated, with thousands more awaiting their turn following increased volcanic eruptions in eastern Indonesia, officials said Thursday.
Mount Ibu, on the remote island of Halmahera in North Maluku province, erupted on Wednesday, sending a column of smoke up to four kilometers into the sky.
The volcano’s alert status was immediately raised to the highest level by Indonesia’s Geological Agency, prompting local authorities to call for the evacuation of 3,000 people living nearby.
As of Thursday morning, 517 residents from the village closest to the volcano had been evacuated, with the remaining residents scheduled to be moved later in the afternoon.
“The evacuation shelters have been prepared by the local administration, and today a thorough evacuation will be conducted for all residents in six villages,” said a spokesman of local disaster management agency, Irfan Idrus.
He added that evacuations began on Wednesday at 6:00 pm but were delayed due to administrative and logistical issues. Rainfall since Thursday morning further hampered the process, he said. According to an AFP reporter, residents were still carrying out their daily activities in their respective villages as trucks prepared for evacuation.
“Of course, there is some fear and concern, but we are already used to the eruptions here,” 32-yearold resident
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar and the United States have a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, adding they hoped it would pave the way for a permanent end to the war in Gaza.
After mediators said a deal had been reached, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “final details” were being worked on.
Netanyahu spoke with US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to thank them for their help securing the agreement, his office said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who holds a largely ceremonial role, said the deal was the “right move” to bring back hostages seized during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war.
That attack, the deadliest in Israeli history, resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.
Israel’s ensuing campaign has destroyed much of Gaza, killing 46,707 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry that the UN considers reliable.
Gaza’s civil defense agency said at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes after the agreement was announced.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani told a press conference Wednesday the “two belligerents in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal”, adding that the ceasefire between them would take effect on Sunday.
“We hope that this will be the last page of the war, and we hope that all parties will commit to implementing all the terms of this agreement,” he said.
Biden, meanwhile, said he was “deeply satisfied this day has come”, calling the negotiations some of the “toughest” of his career.
He added that an as-yet unfinalized second phase of the agreement would bring a “permanent end to the war”, saying he was “confident” the deal would hold.
Demonstrators in Tel Aviv calling for the release of the hostages embraced as news of the agreement spread, while thousands across Gaza celebrated the reported deal. AFP
Yoon avoids fresh questioning after arrest
SEOUL – South Korea’s impeached
President Yoon Suk Yeol refused to appear for fresh questioning by investigators Thursday, a day after his dramatic arrest over a failed martial law declaration.
The Constitutional Court also opened its second hearing in a trial that will decide whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, following the dawn raid that made him the country’s first-ever sitting president to be detained.
The former star prosecutor -- who faces charges of insurrection -- was questioned for hours Wednesday but exercised his right to remain silent before being moved to a detention center.
Investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office were to resume Yoon’s questioning Thursday afternoon, but his
team told them he would not attend.
“President Yoon Suk Yeol’s representatives informed the CIO through his legal counsel around 1:50 pm that there is ‘no change in his position’, indicating his intent not to appear,” the CIO said in a statement.
Lawyer Yoon confirmed to AFP the embattled leader would not attend, without specifying the reason, but told the Yonhap news agency it was for health reasons.
“President Yoon is not well and fully explained his position yesterday so there is nothing more to be interrogated about,” Yoon Kab-keun told Yonhap, an apparent reference to his Wednesday decision to not answer questions.
Wednesday’s dramatic arrest saw a hundreds-strong force of police and in-
vestigators bypass bus barricades, cut barbed wire and scale ladders to get inside the compound where Yoon was surrounded by hundreds of guards.
Yoon said he complied with investigators to avoid “bloodshed” but did not accept the legality of the investigation.
Meanwhile, officials were trying to secure a new warrant that could hold him for longer than 48 hours.
If investigators successfully obtain that warrant, they are expected to be given a 20-day extension to the leader’s detention to allow time to formalize an indictment against him.
South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party celebrated Yoon’s detention, while the parliament speaker said it was time to stabilize the country after weeks of turmoil. AFP
Biden warns US ‘soul’ at stake with
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Joe Biden warned Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that the “soul of America” is still at stake, as he prepared to deliver his farewell address to the nation before the return to power of Donald Trump. The 82-year-old Democrat will make a primetime speech from the Oval Office of the White House in which he is expected to tout the legacy of his single four-year term. In a letter previewing his remarks -- due to be made at 8:00 pm US Eastern time (9 am Friday Manila time) -- Biden took an implicit swipe at Republican Trump.
“I ran for president because I believed the soul of America was at stake. The very nature of who we are was at stake. And, that’s still the case,” Biden said in the letter.
“History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of
America lies in your hands,” he said.
“We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are.”
Biden said the United States was stronger than four years ago, when it “stood in a winter of peril” after Trump’s chaotic first term, the Covid pandemic and what he called “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”
Biden was sworn in just days after the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters trying to overturn his election loss.
He did not mention Trump by name -- but his words clearly echoed previous speeches in which he said he decided to run in the 2020 election because America’s “soul” was at risk from Trump and his supporters, and that Trump was a threat to democracy.
The US president said he had asked the White House to also release a long list of what he termed
Trump’s return
his administration’s achievements, covering issues ranging from the economy to healthcare and climate change. He said the United States had the “strongest economy in the world” and was bringing down inflation -- even if public anger over the cost of living was a major factor in the Democrats’ election loss.
“I have given my heart and my soul to our nation,” said Biden, adding that it had been the “privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years.” The outgoing president has spent much of his final days in power trying to burnish his legacy. Those efforts got a boost on Wednesday when
and
and
IN BRIEF
Rubio calls North Korean leader Kim ‘dictator’
WASHINGTON, DC – Marco Rubio, Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of state, on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) branded North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un a “dictator” but backed a “broader” approach to ease tensions.
Trump in his last term took the unusual step of meeting with Kim three times. He and his then secretary of state Mike Pompeo refrained from critical language on Kim, with Trump saying the two “fell in love.”
Rubio, a senator and former political rival of Trump turned supporter, acknowledged he was skeptical of the then president’s overtures to Kim but said “at least it calmed the situation quite a bit.”
“I think there has to be an appetite for a very serious look at broader North Korean policies,” Rubio said at his Senate confirmation hearing.
He called for efforts to prevent a war by North Korea with US allies South Korea and Japan and to see “what can we do to prevent a crisis without encouraging other nation-states to pursue their own nuclear weapons programs.” AFP
Survivors count mental cost of Los Angeles fires
PACIFIC PALISADES – When the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles went up in smoke, Alexander Swedelson lost his apartment, but also a bit of his identity: the flames ravaged the businesses he loved, the trails he ran, and even the place he fished.
“It’s just been the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Man, it’s just like a war zone,” the 39-year-old photographer told AFP, standing in the ruins of what was once one of the most desirable bits of real estate in the country. The awful sight of a place where familiar landmarks have been erased has reopened old wounds for Swedelson.
“I’m probably gonna restart therapy,” sighed the recovering alcoholic, who has been sober for six years. For the past week, the former volunteer firefighter has been doing his part to help his community.
Armed with a water pump and a chainsaw, he first tried -- in vain -- to save his parents’ house, before fighting the spread of embers in the neighborhood. AFP
Biden extends protections for Hong Kongers in US
WASHINGTON, DC – President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) ordered a two-year extension of a program allowing Hong Kong residents living in the United States -- many of whom fled repressive Chinese rule -- to stay beyond the expiry of their visas. The extension, just weeks before the program was due to run out, was likely to add to tensions between Beijing and Washington as the incoming administration of Donald Trump vowed to confront a “dangerous” China and deter any invasion of Taiwan.
It is the second time Biden has extended the program. He also did so for two years in 2022. AFP
ROAD TO PEACE. US President Joe Biden, flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaks about
Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal in the Cross Hall of the White House Thursday, Manila time. Israel and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages being held in
with Qatar’s prime minister,
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
US House bill bans transgender students from women’s sports
WASHINGTON (AFP) -- The Republican-led US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill severely restricting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
The legislation would bar transgender students from female teams at any school or university that receives federal funding, although its adoption by the Senate and passage into law is unlikely.
The bill defines sex as “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth” and restricts transgender athletes from participating in athletic activities “designated for women or girls.”
Republicans hammered Democrats on transgender issues -- especially with it came to youth and sports -- ahead of the 2024 election, capitalizing on a broader culture war over LGBTQ rights.
As transgender people -- a small minority of the population -- have become a more visible presence in the United States, sparking questions around gender norms and fairness, many conservatives have rallied around women’s sports.
“House Republicans yet again stood up for women,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end “transgender lunacy.”
The House garnered 218 votes for the bill, including two Democrats. In the Senate, however, Republicans are unlikely to get enough Democrats on board to overcome the upper chamber’s 60-vote threshold on most legislation.
Advocacy group Equality California slammed the bill as “yet another effort to deny transgender youth the dignity and respect they deserve.” AFP
Swiatek sets up Raducanu faceoff, Fritz fires warning
MELBOURNE—Iga Swiatek romped into a third-round showdown with Emma Raducanu in the Australian Open on Thursday while Taylor Fritz was just as emphatic in his pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title.
Later on day five in Melbourne, men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner and last year’s runner-up Daniil Medvedev will both be in action.
Medvedev is looking to avoid becoming the third top-10 player to be knocked out by a teenager when he faces Learner Tien, 19, of the United Stat es.
Another rising star in Joao Fonseca, 18, faces unseeded Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Women’s second seed Swiatek raced past world number 49 Rebecca Sramkova 6-0, 6-2 while Britain’s Raducanu reached the third round for the first time in Melbourne by beating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-5.
“I felt really solid today and it was a really efficient game,” said Poland’s Swiatek. Her victory sets up a high-profile
clash against the 2021 US Open winner for a place in the last 16.
Raducanu, seeking to climb up the rankings after an injury-hit 2024, said she was looking forward to the challenge of playing against the five-time Grand Slam champion.
“It will be a very good match for me. It’s an opportunity to test my game, see where I’m at,” she said.
Elena Rybakina, the sixth seed and former Wimbledon champion, powered past American wildcard Iva Jovic in straight sets.
Emma Navarro, the eighth seed from the United States, will face Ons Jabeur next after battling through three sets to beat China’s 108th-ranked Wang Xiyu.
The Tunisian three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur suffered an asthma attack in a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Colombia’s Camila Osorio.
“Very, very tough to breathe,” she said, adding that she may not have continued if she had lost the first set.
Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini faces Renata Zarazua of Mexico to round off the night on Rod Laver Arena. Fired-up Fritz Fritz scorched through to a thirdround clash against Gael Monfils with another emphatic win and has dropped just eight games in the tournament so far.
The American fourth seed was untouchable on Margaret Court Arena, swatting aside Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 in 82 minutes.
Fritz only gave up five games to blitz past Jenson Brooksby in the first round and has spent barely three hours on court.
“Always feels great to come out and play a match like that,” said Fritz, last year’s US Open finalist and yet to drop serve in his pursuit of a first major crown.
“I played well in my first round too so I’ll be high on confidence going into the third round.”
Australia’s main hope Alex de Minaur dismantled American Tristan Boyer in straight sets. AFP
Norman replaced as CEO of LIV Golf
MIAMI—Australian Greg Norman has been replaced as chief executive of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league announced on Wednesday.
LIV announced that experienced sports executive Scott O’Neil was taking over from former British Open winner Norman in the role.
“O’Neil will drive the strategic vision, business operations, and global growth for the league, its 13 teams and roster of world-class golfers, and its efforts to drive positive impact,” LIV Golf said in a statement.
“Greg Norman, who has been instrumental to the launch of LIV Golf as its first CEO and Commissioner, will hand off day-to-day management, but will remain involved with LIV Golf,” the league added.
Norman, 69, has been a polarising figure in the rift between the established PGA Tour and the start-up LIV Golf which is owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Leading PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy had said in 2022 that Norman “needs to go” if there was to be a reunification of the sport.
A controversial framework merger agreement was announced in June 2023 by US PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan but despite an easing of tensions between the warring factions no deal has been finalised with the PIF headed by Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
O’Neil, 54, has been working as CEO of Merlin Entertainments and previously was CEO for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Scott to the LIV Golf family, knowing he will capitalise on everything that has been accomplished over the past three years,” said LIV Golf Board Chairman Al-Rumayyan.
“Scott has the passion, the tenacity, and the vision to continue leveraging LIV Golf’s position as a pre-eminent, global sports and entertainment company and to lead our amazing teams and players for years to come,” he added.
Al-Rumayyan, who is also chairman of Premier League football club Newcastle United, praised Norman for his contribution to the league. AFP
MMA star Folayang visits Filipino high school students in Doha
FORMER two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang met with senior high school Filipino students in Qatar to close out his recent trip to Doha. Folayang addressed the students at Philippine School Doha, sharing his journey in the world of martial arts and inspiring them to pursue excellence, regardless of their chosen fields. While he was there to inspire the students, however, it was he who went home with an experience he’ll never forget. He was amazed with the community that they’ve built in the Middle East, making him feel like he never left the Philippines to begin with.
“Visiting Philippine Doha School was such a heartwarming experience. I saw passionate kids who truly love sports,” Folayang said.
“It’s amazing to see that even though they’re in the Middle East, they’re living in Qatar, the culture of the Philippines still lives through them. The traditions are still there, and they support each other out here.”
The Lions Nation MMA founder visited the school after holding a community watch party over dinner and drinks last Saturday. There, he bonded with his fellow Filipinos as they rewatched and celebrated Denice Zamboanga’s ONE Interim At-
Cracks and con icts of interest
THE bid to make the Philippine Men’s National Football Team a better and stronger squad before the March Asian Cup Qualifiers remains on target. Team Manager and Director of National Senior Teams Freddy Gonzalez gave an update regarding the status of outstanding prospects that we will see donning the sun and three stars as the Philippines begins its bid to return to the biggest tournament in the continent since 2019.
“Cole Mrowka and Andre Leipold have appointments already in their respective consuls, so they should’ve gone there by now. Josef Baccay and Randy Scheider are processing extra documents, but all four are sure to make it before the February 25 deadline,” Gonzalez said.
A source told The Designated Kit Man
before when a short reply or an acknowledgement of Gonzalez to these prospects were so rare and far in between.
that Mrowka has already secured his Philippine passport a few days ago.
Gonzalez also said that the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is working tirelessly to secure the documents of Nick and Anthony Markanich, Jacob Erlandson, Julius Myrbakk, Aidan Daniels, Caden Chung and David Choiniere. Their papers, however, will take a different route because of some technical concerns. Gonzalez also said that he is in constant communication with Owen and Tyler Wolff for them to consider playing for the country as well.
Gonzalez expects a full squad by March to include players, who were not given permission by their respective clubs to play in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) such as Manny Ott, Kevin Mendoza, Jeff Tabinas, Partrich Strauss, Jesse Curran and even Gerrit Holtmann. One of the upsides of the Philippines’ scintillating run in the AMEC was the fact that more players are now reaching out to Gonzalez and have expressed their willingness to play for the team. Unlike
“I just got a message from Jose Angel Carillo. He was never really interested before, but then all of a sudden he is messaging me, right?” Gonzalez explained.
Carillo is a Filipino-Spanish forward who plays for Real Murcia CF in Spain.
“He is tall, a good striker and a good option as well. At the end of the day, the more players we have, the more quality players we will have. It’s a good problem to have, nonetheless,” Gonzalez grinned.
The Philippine Women’s Futsal Team (PWFT) continues to surprise everyone with its current run in the ongoing AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The team overcame a poor first half to defeat Turkmenistan, 2-0, to remain unbeaten in Group C. The Filipinas 5 earlier beat Kuwait, 4-1, and a last-gasp goal by Judy Connolly in the dying seconds enabled the squad to hold host Uzbekistan to a 3-3 draw. With seven points in three games, the Filipinas 5 only need a good result against Australia to secure a spot in the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup on May 7 to 18 in China.
Despite less than two weeks of preparation to say that the PWFT is doing wonders in Tashkent is an understatement. Same, too, with the PNMFT’s run in the
AMEC. It is only logical to credit the players, the coaches, the managers and all other people, who worked silently and out of the limelight. Which brings us to some issues regarding some people who might be directly, indirectly claiming or being credited with the success of the two teams.
A long-time observer of Philippine football recently shared to The Designated Kit Man that proper credit should be given to those, who indeed sacrificed much just to assemble and send fighting teams in the AMEC and Asian Futsal Cup Qualifiers.
The source said that contrary to some claims, the coaches of a football academy and a top official of the PFF have nothing to do with the Senior National Teams for both Men and Women. The source also clarified that coach Albert Capellas and FC Barcelona have nothing to do with a newly established football academy except for branding. Moreover, the people behind this academy have no connections to the Senior National Teams.
The source is also not happy with the way some personalities are “taking advantage” of their connections with the PFF. The observer noted that while some PFF staff have no conflict of interest or self interest that may put the federation in a bad light, this can’t be said to all. PFF staff should have no club, academy or school that they run. More importantly, they shouldn’t have any business related to football.
“Everything they do should be to try and raise the standards of football around the country. They should do it because they love Philippine football,” the source explained. Regarding the futsal team’s run in Tashkent, the observer also insisted that credit should also be given to the right individuals. “When the leadership asked for help, these people answered the call. If they declined, they can be called unpatriotic to say the least. But in doing so, they helped the parties causing all the problems in the federation,” the source said. Hopefully, the leadership of the PFF will take note of these concerns raised by the source. And it will be done at the soonest possible time, because the once solid core team now appears to be unravelling. Cracks are beginning to show. And it will be bad for Philippine football that conflicts of interest and self interests take the limelight out and even negate the hard-earned wins that have taken more than a year to build by the current administration.
“Konting pino lang po sana lalo na sa harap ng mga bata.” Stay safe. Stay happy and Happy New Year, peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account
Former two-time world champion Eduard Folayang with students at Philippine School Doha
The Designated Kit Man
Erel Cabatbat
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, RANDY M. CALUAG, EDGARD HILARIO,
Dormitorio’s golden ride spurs PH bid in Thailand
By Randy M. Caluag
FILIPINO cyclist Alexandra “Lexi” Dormitorio of Coach D Racing-Philippines opened the UCI Thailand MTB XCO Cup with a stunning victory, claiming the gold medal in the 13km Women Junior Cross Country event.
The 16-year-old Philippine national champion delivered a dominant performance, crossing the finish line in 50:51—an impressive eight minutes ahead of her closest rival from Thailand.
PH nears AFC futsal tournament proper seat
By Peter Atencio
SHOWING courage and determination, the Philippine national women’s futsal team pulled off a 2-0 victory over Turkmenistan on Wednesday night in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 Group C qualifiers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The performance immediately drew praises from fans and the team’s mother federation.
“We are very happy of the way the girls are performing. We wish they can continue with this until the end of the tournament,” said Philippine Football Federation secretary general Angelo Mercader. “The girls have shown their competitive spirit, palaban sila.” It was the Philippines’ second win in the tournament, following a 3-0 draw with host Uzbekistan earlier in the qualifiers.
The victory also kept the Filipinas at the top of Group C and strengthened their chances of reaching the finals in four months. Katrina Guillou opened scoring in the 22nd minute, while Dionesia Tolentin sealed the win with a second goal in the 29th.
Their combined efforts propelled the Filipinas closer to earning a slot in the tournament proper, scheduled from May 7 to 18.
Indonesian rider Feri Yudoyuno narrowly edged them out in the 26km race, clocking 1:05:15.1, with Nacario and Aguja finishing at 1:05:15.18 and 1:05:30, respectively.
In the Men’s Junior category, Thirdy Mana-ay of Go for Gold added a silver medal, completing the 16km race just 50 seconds behind gold medalist Pongaryukun of Thailand.
The opening day concluded with Team Philippines earning an impressive tally of one gold, two silvers, and a bronze.
The rest of the opening day saw Filipino cyclists continue the momentum with more podium finishes.
Adrian Nacario and John Andre Aguja, both representing Go for Gold, secured silver and bronze in the Men’s Under-23 Cross Country event.
“This gold medal win is for you, mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” Dormitorio shared on social media. “When you have a huge number of people all over the world praying or visualizing for you to win, there’s no way it won’t manifest, especially if you surrender to God whatever the outcome will be.”
Inoue‘s foe Kim confident despite last-minute
TOKYO—South Korea’s Kim Yejoon believes he can shock Japan’s unbeaten Naoya Inoue in their superbantamweight world title fight next week despite having only a fortnight to prepare for the bout.
Kim was parachuted in last week as an 11th-hour replacement to face Inoue in Tokyo after the undisputed champion’s original challenger Sam Goodman was forced to pull out through injury.
The 32-year-old Kim is ranked No. 11 by the WBO in the super-bantamweight division but still believes he can cause an upset against “Monster” Inoue on January 24.”I don’t think Inoue has ever faced a fighter like me before,” Kim said on Wednesday.
“I can imagine what he’s thinking right now but I want to say that he’s completely wrong.
“I think he will understand what I’m saying when we get in the ring
switch
and we exchange punches for the first time.”
Kim goes into the fight as the rank outsider against Inoue, who has a 28-0 record with 25 knockouts.
The 31-year-old Japanese fighter is set to defend his super-bantamweight titles for the third time since becoming undisputed champion in December 2023.
He is just the second man to become undisputed world champion at two different weights since the fourbelt era began in 2004. American Terence Crawford was the first.
Kim, who grew up in care and did not take up boxing until he was 20, has a career record of 21 wins and two defeats with 13 knockouts and two draws.
South Korea has not had a world boxing champion in more than 15 years and Kim said he was ready to break the drought against Inoue.
Shagne Yaoyao of the Philippine national team, Nicole Quinones of Asian TCS Club, and Carl Dela Cruz of Go for Gold are set to compete on Friday in the Women and Men Elite events, aiming to build on their country’s strong start.
“I’ve been studying him for a long time, and I practice as if I’m going to face him,” Kim said.
“All my practice and all my fighting patterns are based on fighting Inoue.”
Scribes elevate weightlifting
FOR bringing pride and glory to the country with every lift she did in an outstanding sporting journey, a weightlifting icon is set for enshrinement in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Hall of Fame.
Hidilyn Diaz, the humble lady from Zamboanga City responsible for charting the name of the Philippines in the gold medal table of the Olympics after nearly a century, will be bestowed with the distinguished accolade during the San Miguel CorporationPSA Awards Night at the Manila Hotel on January 27. The 33-year-old lifter is just a few years removed from her historic feat of giving the country the breakthrough gold in the Olympiad during the 2020 Tokyo Games in what
Football officials said the team has turned around since its revamp last wee, following a disappointing showing during the recent 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship.
The first goal was a result of a wellorchestrated play. Cathrine Graversen initiated the attack by setting up Judy Connolly, who delivered a precise pass to Guillou. Guillou skillfully dribbled past defenders and found the net just outside the box.
New coach Rafael Merino, with national women’s football team coach Mark Torcaso assisting him, has kept the Filipinas in fighting shape.
As the 30th minute approached, Tolentin capitalized on an error by Turkmenistan’s keeper, Malika Eminova.
Tolentin intercepted a stray pass to Maya Musaskaya and sent the ball into the unguarded net.
McGregor accused of sexual assault in civil suit
MIAMI—Former UFC star Conor McGregor has been accused of a sexual assault at an NBA game in a civil lawsuit filed against the Irishman in a US court.
The alleged incident took place in 2023 and was previously part of a criminal allegation against McGregor which the Florida State Attorney’s office declined to go forward with.
The woman, whose name has not been released, alleges in court documents that she was sexually assaulted in the toilets at the Miami Heat’s Kaseya Center in June 2023 where the pair had been in the hospitality area.
The women reported the incident two days afterwards. Her attorney James Dunn said in an email that she had decided to bring the case now because her identity had been leaked to a media outlet.
“After the Miami-Dade County Prosecutor’s office elected not to pursue criminal charges, a civil case is the only avenue that my client has to seek justice in this case,” Dunn said in the emailed statement.
Barbara Llanes of Gelber, Schachter & Greenberg, counsel for McGregor said: “After a thorough investigation at the time, the State’s Attorney concluded that there was no case to pursue. Almost two years and at least three lawyers later the plaintiff has a new false story. We are confident that this case too will be dismissed.”
The plaintiff is suing the Kaseya Center staff and security for “gross negligence” and is asking for “for past and future medical treatment, compensatory damages, and costs, and such other and further relief as (the) Court deems reasonable,” according to the court documents. AFP
icon Hidilyn Diaz to PSA Hall of Fame
served as the highlight of a stellar career that had its roots in the small barangay of Mampang.
But the impact brought about by her Olympic success and other significant victories in the international front made her deserving to be enshrined in the PSA Hall of Fame alongside the greatest athletes in Philippine sports.
In what is the grandest Awards Night ever by the country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, Diaz will stand side by side with first ever Filipino Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo as they share center stage in the formal affair co-presented by ArenaPLus, Cignal, and MediaQuest. Yulo, 24, is the winner of the
coveted Athlet e of the Year honor. The grand celebration backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, Senator Bong Go, and Januarius Holdings, with support from the PBA, PVL, 1-Pacman Party List, Rain or Shine, AcroCity, and Akari marks the first time the country’s two Olympic champions will be in the limelight together. Diaz is the latest legendary athlete to be elevated in the Hall of Fame by the country’s sports writing fraternity since the late track and field grate Lydia De Vega in 2022. Others enshrined in the PSA ‘Hall’ were bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, chess grandmaster Eugene Torre, pool idol Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes, the late FIDE president Flor-
encio Campomanes, and the eminent boxer Manny Pacquiao.
Diaz virtually grew in the eyes of Filipino sports fans. The daughter of a tricycle driver who turned into farming and fishing, she started lifting weights at the age of nine by using makeshift barbels, eventually joining her first major competition in the 2002 Batang Pinoy, before becoming a member of the national team two years later at the age of 13. She won her first medal – a bronze – in the 2007 Nakhonratchasima Southeast Asian Games as a 16-yearold lass, and a year after, competed in her very first Olympic in the 2008 Beijing Games as a wild card entry. She also qualified in the 2012 London Games, but for the second straight time, came home empty handed.
Alexandra ’Lexi‘ Dormitorio
Naoya Inoue
Hidilyn Diaz
Asst. Editor
PH seen to be least affected in Asia by Trump’s tariff hikes
By Othel V. Campos
T
HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
expressed confidence in the country’s resilience to potential US tariff hikes under the second Trump administration.
“The Philippines’ negligible trade deficit with the US compared to other major economies in the region provides a significant buffer against potential US tariff hikes,” said PEZA director-general Tereso Panga. Panga said that within the China+ASEAN 6 trading bloc, the Philippines has the least trade surplus with the US at $4 billion in 2023, compared to Thailand’s $43 billion, Vietnam’s $109 billion and China’s $300 billion.
PH, EU to start second round of free trade talks in February
THE Philippines and the European Union (EU) are set to begin the second round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Feb. 10, 2025, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro said during the 9th Joint Economic Briefing by the European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines.
Santoro said the FTA has the potential to boost trade and economic ties between the Philippines and the EU.
“While the EU remains the fourth largest trading partner of the Philippines with a share of 11 percent of Philippine exports and 6 percent of imports, the Philippines is only the sixth economic partner of the EU amongst the ASEAN countries. We can do more, considering the potential and the size of the Philippine market and the resources of the country,” he said Santoro said the objective of the FTA is to bring bilateral economic ties to a new level, facilitate not only merchandise trade but also trade in services and create more incentives for investments.
“The combination of the FTA, the Philippines’ robust economic growth, controlled inflation and the positive regional environment in ASEAN will significantly boost trade and investment. Thanks to the possibility to bring to zero tariffs on a wider range of goods and services, this will be a further boost to the relaunching of our trade, economic and bilateral ties,” he said.
The first round of negotiations was held in October 2024 in Brussels, and continuous work at the technical level has been ongoing since then.
The second round, to be held in Manila from Feb. 10 to 14, 2024, will involve further discussions on existing chapters and the introduction of new ones.
Santoro listed the positive economic indicators in the Philippines including its strong GDP growth and controlled inflation as contributing factors to the promising future of EUPhilippines trade relations.
Othel V. Campos
Panga also emphasized the importance of the Philippine electronics and semiconductor manufacturing services (EMS-SMS) sector, which constitutes a significant portion of the country’s exports to the US.
He acknowledged concerns about the potential impact of tariffs on this sector. Panga said one of the sector’s concerns is whether the Philippine EMS-SMS exports to the US would be covered by the planned tariff hikes.
Another concern, he said, is whether the Philippines would benefit from the increased US import tariffs on exports of EMSSMS products by China, Mexico and
Vietnam, the leading offshore sites by many global export producers and industry leaders.
PEZA also expressed concerns if ‘America First policy’ would erode the Philippines’ and other ASEAN economies’ ability to attract more US investments and exports.
Panga said other countries also raised similar concerns at the recent Annual World Electronics Forum Breakfast Session in Las Vegas. He, however, highlighted potential opportunities for the Philippines, given the trade shifts that could position the Philippines as a costeffective alternative for off-shore manufacturing/ally shoring for American and other MNCs.
PEZA hosts 482 EMS-SMS companies, many of which are American companies.
$4 billion
Philippines trade surplus with the US
$109 billion
Vietnam’s trade surplus with the US
$300 billion
China’s trade surplus with the US
revenues increased 7.3% to P27.30b, surpassed 2024 target
STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said Thursday it posted total revenues of P27.30 billion in 2024, surpassing its target of P26.09 billion for the year. It was also the agency’s highest annual revenues since it was established in 1974. Preliminary data showed that the 2024 revenues represented a 7.29-percent increase from P25.45 billion it recorded in 2023. The PPA said the efficient capture of revenue streams is a result of efficiency in revenue collection and man-
agement of potential income sources due to the development of new business opportunities along with the external trade in goods last year.
“We would like to thank President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his commitment to usher economic reforms, programs and initiatives that ensure liberalization, privatization and globalization in the country. We are pleased that PPA has exceeded its 2024 fiscal year target, this is the highest so far since PPA was created. This is an excellent start to the year
for PPA, thanks to its employees and stakeholders with whom we share this accomplishment,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago. Santiago also attributed the fiscal performance to the PPA management’s strategic policy changes and the successful implementation of the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework (PTMRF). PPA awarded a 25-year concession contract to International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) for the development and operation of
the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex (ICPC) in Western Visayas in 2024.
The Pasig Port was transferred to Mega Lifters Cargo Handling Corp. under a 15-year port terminal management agreement. PPA privatized the operations of 28 terminals nationwide since June 30, 2021. Data revealed a 16.53-percent increase in wharfage dues compared to 2023, a 55.07-percent increase in domestic wharfage volumes, while import and export wharfage climbed by 6.21 percent and 17.37 percent, respectively.
MOTORCYCLE
HEARING.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Cebu Pacific reports 17.6% growth in passengers to 24.5m in 2024
By Darwin G. Amojelar
PEZA director-general Tereso Panga
By Jenniffer B. Austria
By Alena Mae S. Flores
MASDAR, a UAE-based global leader in renewable energy, plans to develop an initial 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the Philippines by 2030.
It expects to scale up the projects to 10 GW within a decade, with estimated investments of $15 billion.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla announced this landmark development during the signing of an implementation agreement between the
By Othel V. Campos
THE Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), reported $1.53 billion in export sales for the Philippines in 2024.
CITEM executive director Leah Pulido Ocampo said the recent gains stressed the pivotal role of the agency in expanding the global presence of Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across sectors such as creatives, home, fashion, lifestyle, food, beverage and ingredients.
“Our operations in CITEM are in full swing. Together with our governments and private partners and key stakeholders, CITEM is fully committed to advancing a competitive export sector. With the newly-issued Executive Order No. 75, we embark on a transformative journey to strengthen our role in promoting Filipino ingenuity on the global stage,” she said.
CITEM’s cohesive export promotion programs and projects empowered over 2,000 export-ready companies to access international markets. It has facilitated more than 32,000 trade inquiries from over 6,000 local and international buyers including three flagship events—the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines from May 10 to 12, 2024; CREATEPhilippines X MIPAM from September to October; and Manila FAME from Oct; 17 to 19, 2024.
Department of Energy (DOE) and Masdar on Jan. 15, 2025, marking Masdar’s entry into the Philippine RE sector.
The agreement operationalizes the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on energy transition coop-
eration signed by the Philippines and the UAE in November 2024, during the official working visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the UAE.
“Building on the longstanding ties between the Philippines and the UAE, and the recent energy transition cooperation, this partnership with Masdar marks a transformative step in our renewable energy journey,” said Lotilla.
“Under President Marcos Jr.’s leadership, the Philippines is integrating renewable energy into its energy mix on an unprecedented scale, ensur-
ing energy security while fostering sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for energy transition in the region,” he said. The agreement was signed by DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara on behalf of the DOE and Masdar chief executive Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, in the presence of Lotilla and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of Masdar.
IN BRIEF
PAL to expand Coron flights starting March
PHILIPPINE
ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said
Thursday it secured a P1-billion project finance senior term loan facility to fund the construction of its 28-megawattpeak Balsik Solar Power Project in Hermosa, Bataan.
Alternergy said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) it signed the project financing agreement with Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) through its unit Solana Solar Alpha Inc. (SSAI).
“We have signed the omnibus loan and security agreement for our Balsik solar power project. This is a celebration of perseverance and teamwork between Alternergy and RCBC to deliver sustainable energy projects,” Alterner-
gy president Gerry Magbanua said.
“The financing from RCBC further advances the ongoing construction of the Balsik solar power project as we aim to complete by early second half of this year,” he said.
The Basic solar project has a project cost of P1.374 billion.
RCBC Capital Corp. acted as lead arranger for the transaction, while Picazo Buyco Tan Fider and Santos (Picazo Law) acted as the lender’s counsel;. Tantoco Villanueva & De Guzman Law Offices (Tavidell) served as borrower’s counsel.
AFRY Philippines Inc. (AFRY) served as lender’s technical advisor and Marsh Philippines Inc. (Marsh)
was the lender’s insurance advisor.
“The Balsik Solar Power Project harnesses the power of strategic partnership between Alternergy and RCBC. We are proud to provide support to Alternergy as it rolls out its Road to 500 MW capacity target,” RCBC executive vice president and institutional banking group head Elizabeth Coronel said.
“The Balsik solar power Project adds to RCBC’s growing list of projects we have supported. More importantly, this further solidifies the longtime partnership between Alternergy and RCBC over the past decade and reaffirms our commitment to sustainability,” Coronel said. Alena Mae S. Flores
PHILIPPINE stocks plunged by more than 1 percent Thursday even as US and Asian markets ended higher.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index was trading mostly in the green during the morning session before closing at 6,265.52, down 64.94 points, or 1.03 percent, from the previous trading. The wider allshares index ended at 3,675.78, lower by 3.02 points or 0.08 percent.
“Philippines shares made complete turnaround closing at 6,200 level despite trading in the green and reaching 6,400 in earlier session”, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan said.
US stocks surged overnight, driven by December’s inflation rate report which showed core inflation slowing to 3.2 percent, below the 3.3 percent forecast.
Asian stocks also closed higher as cooling US inflation rate boosted hopes that US Federal Reserve will continue its monetary easing policy.
The peso also retreated to 58.61 against the US dollar Thursday from 58.57 Wednesday. Among the PSE’s sectoral indices, financials declined the most, dropping 1.69 percent, followed by property by 1.1 percent. Mining and oil rose 1.28 percent. Jennifer B. Austria
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with Masdar executives in the United Arab Emirates for renewable energy investments in the Philippines. Shown are (from left) Abdulla Karmustaji, Masdar manager for business development (APAC); Ambassador to the
United Arab Emirates Alfonso Ferdinand Ver; DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara; Lotilla; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Masdar chairman and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar CEO; Fatima Al Suwaidi, head of business development and investment (APAC); and Ooi Gunn Kar, senior manager, business development (APAC).
MAP BOARD. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan (sixth from left) inducts the Management Association of the Philippines’ (MAP) 2025 board of governors led by Maya Bank chair Alfredo Panlilio (fifth from left) as the 77th president of MAP. Other members of the MAP Board are (from left) MAP governor Marianne
LRT Cavite project faces delays over fare adjustment
LIGHT Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) warned that the construction of the remaining segments of the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project could face delays if the government would reject their request for a fare increase.
The private operator of LRT Line 1 said that the with approved fares below the national level given the government’s repeated nonperformance of their contractual obligations and with no payment of the fare deficits, banks may refuse them to draw on the loan for phases 2 and 3 of the LRT Cavite line.
LRMC obtained a P24 billion loan facility from several banks in February 2015 for the construction of the project.
“The repeated, long-term inaction on its contracted fare adjustments coupled with the expenses from the many capital project petitioner [LRMC] has implemented on the existing system that were supposed to be funded by firebox revenue also mean that the petitioner will most likely sustain significant net losses this year and the succeeding years,” LMRC said.
“This will negatively impact the breadth and the improvements the petitioner can implement. It will also increase the likelihood of the petitioner breaching the financial covenants in its loan facility, which to repeat can prompt its lenders to
decline further loan releases for Phase 2 and 3 of the L1CEP,” it said.
Phases 2 and 3 or the Cavite portion of the LRT extension project would cover the Las Pinas, Zapote and Niog stations.
The first phase or from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City started operations in December 2024.
LMRC said if the fare increase is not granted, the approved fares will be 27 percent below the notional fare, resulting in deficit of as much as P153 million per quarter from about P96 million on average.
Based on pre-pandemic ridership levels, the fare deficit increased around P125 million per quarter.
As of end-2023, the fare deficit reached around P3 billion, which the government has not paid.
“The timely implementation of contracted fare increases and the timely payment of fare deficit claims hen appropriate are among the most important obligations of the grantor’s [government] and corresponding rights of the petitioner [LMRC] under the concession agreement,” LRMC said.
“Any company or entity interested in participating in national government infrastructure and Build Better More Programs will undoubtedly look closely at how promptly and fully the grants comply with their payment obligations under their contracts,” it said.
LMRC said the government’s delays or failures to comply would severely erode the trust in the national government infrastructure programs.
“On the other hand, promptly and fully granting the petitioner’s contractual fare increases will send a strong signal to the local and international investors that the national government stands by its obligations and that it does not simply ‘promise the world’ to get entities to bid for national projects only to rename on those promises,” it said.
Based on the petition filed before the Rail Regulatory Unit of DOTr, LRMC is seeking P18.15 boarding fare plus P1.65 per kilometer distance fare. This represents a 10.25-percent increase from the actual fare of P13.29 plus P1.21. This means that the proposed fare for an end-to-end journey will reach P58 for stored value cards, up from P43. This would reach P60 for single journey tickets, up from P45. Under the concession agreement, LRMC’s notional fare would be adjusted on Aug. 1, 2016 and every second anniversary thereafter by an effective rate of 5 percent per annum, or 10.25 percent per adjustment. This means that the private operator LRMC is entitled to a 10-percent fare hike every two years.
Darwin G. Amojelar
MPT Mobility, the digital innovations arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), has been honored with the prestigious “Best Philippine Customer Experience of the Year” award at the 2024 Asian Experience Awards. This recognition acknowledges the success of its “#DriveYourWay” campaign for MPT DriveHub, underscoring the company’s dedication to enhancing the driving experience for Filipino motorists. This milestone marks MPT Mobility’s commitment to a customercentric approach to delivering an elevated driving experience for Filipino drivers. More importantly, the recognition only cements the company’s critical role in supporting MPTC’s tollway services in enhancing the customer experience. With its #DriveYourWay campaign, MPT Mobility showcased the full potential of MPT DriveHub. By highlighting the app’s key features, the campaign offered a fresh perspective on improving the average Filipino motorist’s driving experience.
With innovative features like RFID account management and integrated third-party services―such as the ability to purchase and update CTPL insurance directly within the app―MPT DriveHub recalibrates and smoothens key aspects of the driving experience, establishing itself as the go-to smart travel companion for Filipino drivers. Currently, MPT DriveHub has reached 1,926,225 downloads, with 1,189,589 user sign-ups.
DOTr prioritizes port modernization, welfare of seafarers
BOOKING.COM, one of the world’s leading travel companies, and Antom, a leading merchant payment and digitisation services provider under Ant International, today announced a strategic partnership which will enhance the payment experience for Booking.com customers by integrating diverse payment options across key markets in Asia.
This partnership will enable Booking.com to deliver a more tailored customer experience while unlocking business opportunities across China’s Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines — markets with a combined population of approximately 680 million. Each market presents distinct challenges, including varying payment methods, currencies and regulatory frameworks. Antom helps global merchants like Booking.com navigate this complexity by leveraging its extensive payment channel partnerships and deep knowledge of local payment landscapes. “Partnering with Antom allows us to streamline and enhance the payment experience for our travellers across Asia Pacific, integrating a wider range of local payment options that align with regional preferences. This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience from booking to checkout,” Daniel Marovitz, senior vice president of Fintech, at Booking.com said. Booking.com, Antom team up to elevate
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is actively pursuing maritime projects and initiatives, prioritizing the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, safeguarding our coastal territory, and modernizing port infrastructure.
To be constructed in Consolacion, Cebu, the DOTr said the P16.9 billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) will decongest the existing Cebu Base Port, while improving cargo handling capacity and reducing logistics cost.
A 1,365-meter access road will also be built to connect the new port via a 300-meter offshore bridge. Target completion is November 2027.
Once completed, the New Cebu International Container Port is expected to ensure faster turnaround and unimpeded flow of goods and services in anticipation of increasing cargo demand.
DOTr said the improved North Port Passenger Terminal offers a comfortable, efficient, and safe travel experience for passengers and port
operators.
Capable of accommodating 1,800 passengers at any given time, the enhanced seaport has new x-ray terminals, play area for children, prayer room, and nursing room.
THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has been recognized as a highly sought-after government employer by Filipino jobseekers, according to the recent Employee Job Happiness Index 2024 survey conducted by Jobstreet by SEEK. This recognition underscores PPA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and growthoriented workplace that attracts top talent across the country. The survey highlights that Filipino jobseekers prioritize work schedule flexibility, company reputation, and values when selecting potential employers. PPA’s inclu-
He added that the signed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers have sealed and guaranteed the protection of the rights and welfare of both domestic and overseas Filipino seafarers and promote their full employment.
The final version of the IRR consists of 22 rules, establishing a comprehensive framework to implement the principles outlined in the Magna Carta, including four key provisions such as strengthening seafarers’ rights and welfare, promoting equality and inclusion, advancing maritime education and training and ensuring accountability. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is also improving its maritime capability and response with strengthened workforce and modern air and sea assets, including the 40 fast patrol crafts to be purchased from France.
sion in the list of top government agencies—alongside esteemed institutions such as the Asian Development Bank, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Education—is a testament to its strong reputation and alignment with these priorities. PPA’s Human Resources Management Department (HRMD) drives employee development through extensive training and development programs. Since 2016, PPA has provided numerous local and international scholarships to enhance employees’ skills and knowledge, ensuring
their growth aligns with the organization’s goals. In 2023 alone, PPA provided 278 foreign and 136 local scholarships to its employees. These initiatives are complemented by in-house training programs and interventions that build core competencies and prepare employees for professional examinations through the Career Enrichment Program (CEP). PPA’s transition to hybrid learning platforms post-pandemic demonstrates its adaptability and dedication to continuous improvement.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
ASAP Sessionistas reunite onstage for pre-Valentine concert
SINGER, songwriter, and model Deanna Marie
“Dia” Mate will represent the Philippines at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 pageant, set for Feb. 9 at the Fexpocruz Convention Center in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
The 23-year-old Caviteña displayed confidence during her send-off event on Wednesday at La Noire Boutique Club in Makati City, expressing her readiness to compete against 25 candidates from Hispanic-influenced countries.
Mate, a Communication Technology graduate from Ateneo de Manila University, gained recognition in the music industry at 19 with her EP Don’t Quote Me and later signed with Universal Music as a recording artist.
She earned the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 title under Miss World Philippines 2024 and was previously awarded Miss Cream Silk at Miss Universe Philippines 2024. Mate has undergone extensive preparation to become the second Filipina to win the Latin-based pageant, following Winwyn Marquez, the first Filipina and Asian winner in 2017.
In the 2024 edition, the Philippines’ Michelle Arceo placed second runner-up, with Peru’s Maricielo Gamarra taking the crown.
Reina Hispanoamericana is an international beauty pageant that celebrates the shared cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking countries and nations with Hispanic influence. Founded in 1991 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, it originally focused on Latin American countries but later expanded to include participants from countries with historical or cultural ties to Spain, such as the Philippines, the United States, and Canada.
A HIGHLY anticipated reunion concert featuring some of the Philippines’ beloved music artists will take place this Valentine’s season. Fire and Ice Productions and Fire and Ice Live! present Love, Sessionistas: A PreValentine’s Concert at The Theatre at Solaire on Feb. 8 at 8:00 p.m.
The concert will bring together Ice Seguerra, Juris Fernandez, Nyoy Volante, Sitti Navarro, Kean Cipriano, Princess Velasco, and Duncan Ramos . The group last performed together in March 2015, but it has taken nearly a decade for them to reunite on stage. Despite the
connected online and are eager to share their music once more.
Seguerra explained that the idea for the reunion concert dates back to 2019, but the pandemic delayed the plans.
“We were ready with the venue, stage design, and production, but the pandemic halted everything. After my successful videoke concert, we revisited the idea. It’s about celebrating love in all its forms—romantic and otherwise—and our enduring friendship,” said Seguerra.
Volante added that while the group had performed together in various settings over the years, such as benefit concerts, this will be the first time they come
together as a full group since their last performance in 2015.
“It’s going to be an organized show with several surprises,” he said. “It’s a fun night for everyone to enjoy.”
Cipriano highlighted the personal nature of the concert. “This is going to be heartfelt and meaningful. It will appeal to people of all ages, and it’s a great opportunity to see us from different genres come together on stage.”
Fernandez shared her excitement, noting that singing has become an escape for her. “I’m glad we’re doing this. It’s a treat for everyone and for myself.”
Producer Liza Dino
Seguerra expressed her enthusiasm, emphasizing that the concert will showcase not only the group’s reunion but their individual journeys as artists.
“This is a concert celebrating their growth as individuals and their friendship over the years,” she said. “Fans will see the artists they know and love, but also the people they’ve become.”
Tickets for Love,
Sessionistas: A Pre-Valentine’s Concert are available at Ticketworld or at https://bit. ly/LoveSessionistasConcert. Tickets are also available at Fire and Ice Live! at 0917-7003262 or by emailing tickets@ fireandice.ph. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Fire and Ice Live at 0917-542-0303.
Puregold CinePanalo films continue to earn global recognition
WITH its focus on local narrative and talent, the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is highly anticipated by the Philippine film industry. The international attention further cements the festival’s significance in promoting Philippine cinema internationally that entries from its 2024 premiere continue to garner, showcasing the inventiveness of Filipino filmmakers.
Notably, three of the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival’s top winners were selected for presentation at various international film festivals. Best Picture winner Under a Piaya Moon, directed by Kurt Soberano, was featured at the 2024 Festival International du Film Transsaharien de Zagora in Morocco from Dec. 9 to 13. Meanwhile, A Lab Story, directed by Carlo Obispo, which won the Always Panalo Film and Audience Choice awards, was screened at the 2024 Asian Film Festival Barcelona in Spain from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 and at the 2024 Brunei Film Blitz from Dec. 18 to 20.
Additionally, the Special Jury Prize for Short Film winner Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366, directed by Kent Cadungog, was featured at the 2024 Singapore International Film Festival from Nov. 28 to Dec. 8 and is set to be showcased at the Emirates Film Festival from Jan. 15 to 18.
Beyond these three films, other entries from the first Puregold CinePanalo Festival also received international recognition. The student short Tiil ni Lola, directed by Reutsche Colle Lima, was presented at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Youth Micro Movie Festival in Hong Kong from Nov. 21 to 23.
Moreover, Joel Ferrer’s Road to Happy was featured in the noncompetitive Children Showcase section of the 2024 Jagran Film Festival, while A Lab Story competed in the International Feature category. Eugene Torres’ One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All was screened at the 2024 Exposures
Montreal Trans Film Festival, which concluded in September.
Joining Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366 at the Emirates Film Festival is Jenievive Adame’s student short Smokey Journey
For Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, the recognition of Puregold CinePanalo’s winning entries at international film festivals demonstrates that talented Filipino filmmakers simply needed a platform like Puregold CinePanalo to bring their dream projects to life.
“The ability of young Filipino filmmakers to create masterpieces has never been in question. It has always been about opportunity,” said Hayagan-Piedad.
“On behalf of all the organizers of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, we’re proud to have provided them with these opportunities. It proves that when you give Filipino artists a canvas, they will create art the entire world can appreciate.”
CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig echoed Hayagan-Piedad’s sentiment, expressing optimism that the success of the 2024 entries will generate excitement for the 2025 edition.
“Hopefully, the success of our 2024 CinePanalo batch encourages more people to see what the upcoming 2025 edition has to offer,” Cahilig said. “Together with Puregold, we aim to make the next CinePanalo even bigger and better.”
The eight finalists of the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 will each receive a P3 million grant, while the 25 student shorts will each receive a P150,000 production grant. The eight films and 25 student shorts will premiere at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, set to run from March 14 to 25 at Gateway Cinemas.
From left: Writer Leonard Ian Billones, lead actress Jade Mary Cornelia, and director Kent Cadungog at the SGIFF
SHOWBIZ
F R O N T R O W
The ‘Wolf Man’ is something to howl about
By Chong Ardivilla
WOLF Man (2024, produced by horror mainstay Blumhouse) is directed and co-written by Leigh Whannell. That name may not ring a bell, but you may be familiar with his work: he wrote the horror film franchises Insidious and the Saw films.
Whannell co-starred as one of the people who was tied up in the first Saw film. Saw I (2004) alone should give you an idea of Whannell’s approach to a well-known horror cinema character: the Wolf Man.
Whannell’s touch of economy of settings, focused on the rising horror of his few characters, is a benchmark from his first Saw film. Also, Whannell wrote and directed the unsettling remake of The Invisible Man (2020), in which the coalescing theme is relationship dysfunction.
It is essential to mention Invisible Man because, like the Wolf Man, both are intellectual properties of what was supposed to be the “Dark Universe,” which was initially interconnected horror films of characters made famous by Universal Pictures.
This attempt at a superhero-level blockbuster franchise via this world-building cinematic feat started with Tom Cruise’s starrer The Mummy (2017), but it underperformed. Dark Universe was done, or at least the big plans for it involving film superstars. Frankly, this opened these horror film characters to become more innovative, more attuned to actual horror, and less reliant on celebrities under Whannell’s expert hands.
Taking out the pressure to outperform superhero franchises, horror film characters, notably The Invisible Man and the Wolf Man, have become more of a creative playground for interwoven physical repulse and emotional foment than cheap celebrity vehicles.
Horror is about the creature and its effect on close relationships. Such is the case of the Wolf Man. Sticking to the theme of family dysfunction, Wolf Man is a monster treatment of generational trauma, particularly between fathers and sons. The lead acted brilliantly by Christopher Abbot; his transformation could make your skin crawl as his skin literally crawls with pustules and disintegration. The lycanthropy is no longer a simple transformation from a full moon but a series of body horrors of infection and unbridled disease.
Fans of practical effects who are tired of the CGI glut will appreciate Wolf Man. Watch out for how the director brilliantly framed a disintegration of communication
bridges between the family and the rampaging metamorphosis. It is putting cinematography to task from the point of view of the monster.
Furthermore, the creature design is not derivative of the older film werewolves with glares and snarls. The creature is designed and acted in a way that is genuinely a push and pull between humanity and monstrosity.
There are no super hairy rabid dogs here but a Wolf Man that lives up to its name, which is about dwindling humanity and what is left behind. Kudos also to the mother-daughter tandem played by Julia Garner (if you have not seen her as the high-rolling elite scammer Anna Delvey in Netflix’s Inventing Anna, you are missing out on an excellent study of character acting) and their young onscreen daughter Matilda Firth whose luminous eyes made the horror even more stark.
Wolf Man does not have jump scares but is a work of marvelous tensions made even more delicious by Christopher Abbot’s handling of a tortured beast. And that is exactly what horror is about: when our inner tortured beast decides to come out. This film is for horror fans and those who may be tired of the schlocky, over-the-top gore. Yes, there is such a thing as necessary gore, of which the Wolf Man is careful with its quick edits and carefully placed camera work. At its very basic, this is a film about family dynamics. What is a great family drama but a dance of metaphor, or in the case of Wolf Man, an actual monster?
You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@ gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social
A crisis of
faith
Viva Films’ ‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ explores the human condition
By Jasper Valdez
CINEMA has always offered a platform for delving into the complexities of the human experience, and Viva Films has consistently embraced this role, boldly tackling controversial themes often deemed ‘taboo.’
Their latest offering, Sampung Utos Kay Josh , promises to continue this tradition of storytelling, delivering a provocative narrative that explores faith, self-discovery, and the human condition.
Helmed by Marius Talampas of Ang Pangarap Kong Holdap fame, the film follows the story of Josh ( Jerald Napoles ), a devout Catholic man who, after a series of misfortunes, becomes disillusioned with his beliefs and spirals into depravity.
Speaking at the movie’s grand media conference, Talampas addressed speculations and assumptions about the new film, specifically the sensitive imagery and themes depicted in it.
“It’s not blasphemous. I just want to say that upfront. We’re not attacking any belief or faith. This is a story about a person—his battle with himself, his beliefs,” he said.
Talampas also assured the general public that the film underwent strict screening by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and passed.
“We know how strict the MTRCB is when it comes to sensitive topics like religion. The fact that it was
approved without any edits to the teaser, trailer, poster, or the movie itself shows they didn’t have a problem with it,” he stressed.
Building on this confidence, Napoles takes pride in what they’ve created, particularly in the message they aim to convey to the audience.
“We don’t have any fear about how viewers will receive this. I’m confident because the material is good. If it happens to affect people’s sensibilities, the story will still deliver the message we want to convey—in a way that the audience can relate to. They’ll laugh but also reflect.”
Pepe Herrera, who plays the controversial figure Satanas in the film, said he does not fear any backlash since they “have no intention of offending anyone.”
“But if someone does feel offended, which is possible, then we’ll apologize. We’ll explain that the intention is to entertain and impart a lesson,” he explained.
Also joining Herrera and Napoles in the film are veteran stand-up comedians James Caraan and GB Labrador , who make up twofifths of the popular The KoolPals podcast.
Created in collaboration with ANIMA and Sine Arcade, and brought to life through the vision of the late writer-comedian Sherwin Buenvenida, Sampung Utos Kay Josh , with its unconventional storytelling and nuanced portrayal of faith and humanity, promises to leave a profound and lasting impact on Filipino audiences. Catch it in cinemas starting Jan. 29.
‘Sampung Utos Kay Josh’ lead stars Pepe Herrera (left) and Jerald Napoles
From left: The KoolPal’s James Caraan and GB Labrador, Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, and director Marius Talampas
Comedian-host Vice Ganda’s ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ is one of the official entries of Metro Manila Film Festival 2024
Malou De Guzman, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy de Santos, Gladys Reyes, Jhong Hilario, Lassy Marquez, MC Muah, Argus Aspiras, Kulot Caponpon, Via Antonio, and Joel Torre
Hollywood actor Christopher Abbott (right) leads the thriller film ‘Wolfman’
Matilda Firth (left) plays as the daughter of Julia Garner in ‘Wolf Man’
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
ABIGAIL ADRIATICO, Writer
Life blooms at 40
Life lessons from ‘Lavender Fields’ lead actress Jodi Sta. Maria
TURNING 40 is often seen as a milestone, and for me, it felt like crossing a threshold into a season of self-awareness and growth.
and remind me of the beauty of life through nature.
Poised yet approachable in a flowy purple dress, her
I
reminded of her grace—not just in appearance but in the way she moves through life.
Here are the things I’ve learned from her that I want to carry with me into this new decade of life:
Watch what you consume Jodi has always emphasized the importance of being mindful of what we feed our minds.
“Limit your social media consumption,” she indirectly suggested, noting that negativity thrives where it is entertained. Instead, she chooses to immerse herself in nourishing reads that broaden her perspective and help her grow. This resonated deeply. Her tweets are often a source of inspiration with Jodi’s nuggets of personal wisdom.
Her passion for health and wellness includes a love for books. “Each book is a gift we can open again and again,” a quote once said. This holds true for our award-winning actress, as you see the sparkle in her eyes when she shares anecdotes about the lessons she’s gained.
Travel and see the world
I was reminded by Jodi to prioritize travel, not just for leisure but for the valuable learning.
While responsibilities may weigh us down, carving out time to satisfy our wanderlust is one way to live fully. As I look ahead, I’m inspired to map out journeys that will shape me
At the junket, Jodi revealed that she had achieved her goal of visiting all the continents of the world. Her next aim? To see all the Seven Wonders of the World. She only has three left on her list, including The Great Barrier Reef located on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Master your craft
It’s still amazing to think that the girl we grew up watching in a teenoriented show on ABS-CBN is now a seasoned and well-respected actress. This is the receipt of Jodi’s dedication to her work. Off-camera, she is softspoken and serene, but her onscreen transformations into fierce and complex characters are convincing.
To support this, a few years ago, I remember Jodi employing a special acting technique for her challenging role in The Broken Marriage Vow which later earned her the Best
Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2022 Asian Academy Creative Awards. She was the first Filipina to win it. Invest in yourself, fuel your creativity
“After Lavender Fields, what I plan to do is try something new. One day, you’ll find out what that is. For now, I’ll be taking a short break from
Jodi shares that it is important to limit yourself from using social media
drama
is to see all the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’
[acting in a] series. I also need to recharge and re-energize, to refill my creative juices,” Jodi announced and acknowledged reaching a point in life where she runs out of ideas and just needs to refill her cup.
Put a premium on education; learning is lifelong
The dream of becoming a doctor always popped up in old interviews with Jodi. Her academic journey is another source of potential inspiration for many.
my life had a plot twist.” Jodi added, “Whatever happens, I knew I had to finish my studies. I just looked for the right timing.”
Let go and let God
After sharing her plans, Jodi repeatedly mentioned this disclaimer in Taglish: “Those are the plans laid out for this year that are my plans, but if God’s plan has a redirection, that’s what I don’t know. He might give me a plot twist.”
At the height of her career, Jodi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with flying colors from Southville International School and Colleges. Now, at 42, she’s eyeing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy.
Jodi is proof that learning has no expiration date and that age is but a number. The best way to end the constant debate on whether a diploma is better than diskarte [strategy] in real life is to just have both (if one can find ways). What’s her motivation for studying? She gave the backstory, “Our family wasn’t well-to-do.
Of course, for my lola and for my mom, if I wanted to get a shot in life, I had to do well in my studies because that’s what would bring me success and opportunities. It is one thing that cannot be taken away from me. But
Jodi’s life is a masterclass in balance. She juggles motherhood, a thriving career, and personal goals with composure. Her secret? Jodi never claimed to have it all figured out. She’s realistic about tradeoffs and emphasizes setting priorities straight. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and tools, we can compartmentalize different aspects of our lives and achieve more than we think possible.
I am reminded that life doesn’t begin at 40. Instead, it peaks and blooms. It’s the moment when all the lessons come together, creating a version of ourselves with more experience, developed self-awareness, and greater stability. If we think about it, midlife isn’t a crisis but an opportunity. True fulfillment comes with maturity and self-discovery.
As Jodi has shown, midlife isn’t slow — it flows. And if you are lucky enough to find your purpose, it grows.
THE Bistro Group is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a special treat for everyone: 30 percent off at participating restaurants. This oneday offer is happening on Jan. 19. Founded with TGIFriday’s, The Bistro Group has expanded to over 25 brands known for their high-quality food and service. Customers can enjoy the discount at various locations, including TGIFriday’s, Watami, Italianni’s, Texas Roadhouse, Modern Shang, Red Lotus, Fish & Co., Siklab, Krazy Garlik, Bulgogi Brothers, Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny’s, Olive Garden, Hard Rock Cafe, Secret Recipe, Tomatito, Las Flores, Rumba, Rambla, The Test Kitchen, Ember, and Helm. To take advantage of the deal, just spend at least P3,000 (you can get up to P2,500 off), and enjoy the discount on food and drinks, VAT included.
The
actress’ next goal
At the age of 42, Jodi balances her life as a mom, as an actress, and as a woman with personal goals
