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INFLATION PULLS Q4 2023, FULL-YEAR GDP TO 5.6%, BELOW GOV’T TARGET

By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE economy grew slightly quicker than
expected last year, data showed Wednes-
day, even as it was hit by high food prices
and weakness in overseas markets.
The 5.6 percent expansion in the
fourth quarter of 2023 was well down
from the 7.6 percent seen in 2022 but
beat the 5.5 percent estimated in a sur-
vey by Bloomberg.
However, it was below the govern-
VOL. XXXVII • NO. 351 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
ment’s target of 6 percent to 7 percent for
2023, Socio-Economic Planning Secre-
tary Arsenio Balisacan told reporters.
“We are concerned about the low
growth in food spending due to high
food prices,” he said, with a serious sea-
sonal dry spell in most of the country
expected to hit the laggard farm sector
in the early part of this year.
The services sector, household spend-
ing, construction, and durable equipment
Next page

Senate to start Cha-cha talks

Romualdez welcomes Zubiri commitment to tackle economic changes
By Macon Ramos-Araneta,
Maricel V. Cruz, and Othel V. Campos

‘ASEAN members can pursue

T
HE Senate will push

bilateral sea Code of Conduct’

through with its own
effort to amend economic
provisions of the Constitution,
which was earlier put on hold after By Charles Dantes
Año slams China sovereignty
senators raised the alarm over a claims over Scarborough
PRESIDENT Marcos
separate signature campaign for a raised the possibility
people’s initiative that they said NEWS / A2
of pursuing a sepa-
sought to make them irrelevant. rate bilat-
e r a l
code of conduct in the South China Sea with
Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday members of the Association of Southeast
welcomed Senate President Juan Miguel Zubi- Asian Nations (ASEAN).
ri’s commitment to begin discussing Charter “What I was saying before about
change next week. having an agreement, if we cannot
“We are heartened by the news that the Sen- finish the code of conduct with
ate, finally, will commence hearings on Reso- ASEAN and China, I said let
lution of Both Houses 6 next week. This marks us make it bilateral first with
a significant step towards the much-awaited the members of ASEAN,” the
constitutional amendments,” Romualdez said President said after his two-
in a statement. day state visit in Vietnam.
Next page Mr. Marcos said his visit
signals the beginning of
House resolution the dialogue in crafting
the COC between the two
to defend Speaker TOAST TO VIETNAM. President Marcos
offers a toast to Vietnamese President Vo Van nations.
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday Thuong and First Lady Phan Thi Thanh Tam Asked when talks on
declared its “vigorous support” for Speaker during the state banquet in his honor at the the COC with Vietnam
Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, defending International Convention Center in Hanoi, Viet- would begin, the Chief
nam on Tuesday night. The Philippines signed Executive said: “We’re
him from “unfounded” accusations by senators a five-year deal with Vietnam to ensure a
on the people’s initiative and calling for adher- pretty much there.”
steady supply of affordable rice to the country
ence to inter-parliamentary courtesy. as global prices of the staple continue to surge
“That’s the memo-
Next page (see related story on A4). PPA POOL Next page

Rody calls for Mindanao to secede via sign campaign Acorda to cops: Tune out political
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
and Maricel V. Cruz
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte
on Tuesday night called for Mindanao
to secede from the Philippines through
a process based on a signature cam-
paign that would be presented to the
United Nations.
‘noise’, stay focused on mandate
At a news conference in Davao City,
Duterte said it was Davao Del Norte
Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez who first
pushed for the secession.
“It’s not a rebellion; it’s not sedition,”
Duterte said.
“There’s a process, I think, before the
UN wherein you would gather signa-
tures from all sorts of Mindanao veri-
fied under oath in the presence of so
many people [to] decide that we want a
separate [state],” Duterte said.
“If you want to do it in Luzon and the
Visayas, too, that’s up to you,” he added
in Filipino.
Duterte has been critical of a signa-
ture campaign for a people’s initiative
Next page
THE Philippine National Police has
appealed to the public to spare the in-
stitution from political noise.
PNP chief Police General Benjamin
Acorda Jr. told police officers to re-
main focused on their mandate.
“Whatever news we’ve been hearing,
the PNP will not be affected and our
ence the PNP.
‘’We are just appealing to them to
spare the PNP. We know our mandate
and we will continue to do our duties
and that includes upholding and re-
specting the rule of law,” she said.
On Tuesday, the Armed Forces of
the Philippines said there is no need to

Sara: I don’t PNP chief always tells our cops, through

our respective regional directors, to not
listen to political noise,” PNP spokesper-
conduct loyalty checks among its ranks
amid the political fallout between
President Marcos and former President

have to agree son Col. Jean Fajardo said.

Fajardo said while the police re-
spect the right of interest groups to
Rodrigo Duterte.
“The statement of AFP chief of staff
Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. is there is not

with my dad express their own sentiments, even

those against the administration, but
these groups should not try to influ-
even a need for a loyalty check,” military
spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said.
Next page
VICE President Sara Duterte said
she does not need to agree with her
father, former President Rodrigo Du-
terte, over his differences with Presi-
dent Marcos, after a rift between the
Marcos and Duterte camps became
evident following separate rallies in
Manila and Davao City on Sunday.
“May respeto ako sa mga pananaw
at opinyon ni dating pangulong Rod-
rigo Duterte pati na ng aking mga
kapatid (I respect the views and opin-
ions of former President Rodrigo Du-
terte and of my brothers),” said the
Vice President in a statement issued
on Wednesday.
“Ngunit, katulad ng posisyon ko sa
maraming isyu, hindi kailangan na
‘DON’T FEAR INITIATIVE.’ House Ways and Means Chair and Albay Rep. Joey Sal- sumasang-ayon ako sa lahat ng mga
ceda discusses the People’s Initiative and Charter Change at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on
Wednesday. Salceda says there is no need to fear the ‘PI’ because the Constitution ‘created ito. Pinalaki ako ng aking mga magu-
by the people can be altered by the people.’ Norman Cruz Next page

PH lands on US Trade list of fake goods sellers anew

By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines again landed in the
list of notorious physical sites for coun-
terfeit and pirated goods of the US
Trade Representative.
The USTR 2023 Notorious Market
List cited the establishments at the
Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan
City as a hub for counterfeit brands of
accessories, bags, electronic gadgets,
footwear, perfumes, and watches.
The Philippines joined 19 other coun-
tries trading illicit goods in the USTR list.
The report noted that despite efforts
by state agencies to curb illegal trade of
counterfeit items in Greenhills, many
merchants operating within the shop-
ping mall managed to circumvent gov-
ernment monitoring.
Next page
SM BACKS DINAGYANG. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas (2nd from left) is flanked
by guests (from left) SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan, Miss Universe Philippines
2023 Michelle Dee, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and TV host Tim Yap as they watch
the different tribes’ stunning performances during the Dinagyang Festival 2024 last
Sunday at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.
A2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
DA: El Niño damage hits P109.4m
E
VEN though the El Niño phenomenon has yet to reach
its peak, damage and losses sustained by the agriculture
sector due to the severe climate condition have already
swelled to over P100 million, the government said.
Citing assessments from its regional field offices in Western Visayas and Zam-
boanga Peninsula, the Department of
Agriculture on Wednesday said damage
to crops brought about by El Niño stood
at P109.4 million -- significantly higher
than the initial P717,500 worth of losses
reported as of Jan. 24.
The DA said El Niño has affected
2,602 farmers who till 2,177 hectares
of rice fields in the two regions, with a
total 4,738 metric tons of rice damaged.
“Most of the damage and losses in-
Rody...
From A1
to amend the Constitution, and has
accused President Marcos and his
cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez,
of being behind the effort.
He added that the people’s initia-
tive was meant to keep some people
in power.
The former President said in its ini-
tial years as a separate and independ-
ent state, Mindanao would have to re-
strict the entry of people from Luzon
and the Visayas.
“But you can come. People from
Luzon, Visayas, we will not deny
you,” he said.
In calling for secession, Duterte
said nothing has happened to Mind-
anao even after so many presidents—
including himself.
“So I really want a separate
Mindanao,” he said. “I’m growing
tired… Nothing has happened in
the Philippines.”
Alvarez, meanwhile, blamed
Romualdez for reviving talk of a sep-
arate Mindanao.
“Honestly, I want to thank Martin
Romualdez for what he did, which ig-
nited this,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said once Mindanao se-
cedes, the International Criminal
Court (ICC) may be banned from
Mindanao—referring to a sore point
for Duterte, who has been accused of
crimes against humanity before the
tribunal for his bloody war on drugs.
“We will be a different country with-
out any ties to the ICC,” he added.
House...
From A1
The House held an all-member caucus
on Tuesday to address recent develop-
ments and growing sentiments among
congressmen, which will be voiced in a
resolution to be filed Monday.
The caucus was led by party lead-
ers House Majority Leader Manuel
Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Speaker
and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonza-
les Jr., Deputy Speaker and Quezon
Rep. David Suarez, Surigao del Norte
Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Camiguin
Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Quezon
Rep. Mark Enverga, Navotas Rep.
Toby Tiangco, Rizal Rep. Jack Duavit,
Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia, Cagayan
de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez,
Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Mad-
rona, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-
Meehan, BHW Partylist Rep. Angelica
Natasha Co, and others.
In their resolution, Dalipe said con-
gressmen also denounced the aggres-
sive tactics used by the Senate, which
are “detrimental to the spirit of cooper-
ative governance and the public’s con-
fidence in parliamentary processes.”
Acorda...
From A1
Duterte earlier called on the military
and the police to protect the Constitu-
tion against alleged threats from pro-
Charter change groups.
“The keyword here is that the AFP is
non-partisan. We will continue to focus
on our mission to end our local terrorist
insurgency problem and transition ulti-
mately to territorial defense,” she said.
In a press conference earlier this
month, Duterte said only “stupid people”
will link him to destabilization efforts
curred on rice are at reproductive stag-
es,” the DA said, adding it has taken
several measures to address the threat
of El Niño, including the following:
· Regular monitoring of weather con-
ditions and actual ground situation;
· Continuous dissemination of advi-
sories and agro-meteorological infor-
mation through Provincial, Municipal/
City Agriculturists and Report Officers
through Facebook/Messenger;
Año slams China sovereignty claims over Scarborough
NATIONAL Security Adviser Ed-
uardo Año slammed the China Coast
Guard’s claims that Beijing has an “in-
disputable sovereignty” over the Bajo
de Masinloc (also known as Scarbor-
ough Shoal) and its adjacent waters.
Año said the waterway is located in-
side the Philippines’ exclusive econom-
ic zone (EEZ).
He said Bajo de Masinloc is an inte-
gral part of Philippine territory, being
part of the municipality of Masinloc in
Zambales province.
“It is located 124 nautical miles west
of Luzon mainland and is well within the
200-nautical mile EEZ and the Philippine
Senate...
From A1
“As Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives, I await with great anticipa-
tion the outcomes of these Senate delib-
erations,” he added.
In an interview yesterday, Zubiri said
Resolution of Both Houses (RBH)
No. 6, which he had filed, would be
tackled in hearings starting next week.
The resolution seeks to amend three
specific economic provisions of the
Constitution through a constituent as-
sembly, with the Senate and the House
of Representatives voting separately.
The hearing will be handled by the
subcommittee on constitutional amend-
ments and revisions of codes and laws
led by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara.
Meanwhile, Zubiri, Angara, and
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren
Legarda had filed RBH 6. Zubiri said
he filed BHR 6 to avert a constitutional
crisis and to preserve bicameralism.
When the resolution was presented to
President Marcos in January, Zubiri said,
Romualdez had committed to approve it.
PH...
From A1
The Philippine government, through the
National Committee on Intellectual Proper-
ty Rights, has worked with right holders and
the management at Greenhills Shopping
Center on enforcement against counterfeit
sellers, including product seizures and legal
Sara:...
From A1
lang na may pagpapahalaga sa malayang
pag-iisip at pagpapasya,” she added.
(However, like my position on many
issues, I do not need to agree with all of
them [family’s views]. I was raised by
against the administration as he urged
Filipinos to observe the rule of law.
Asked if he is satisfied with the Mar-
cos administration, Duterte said then:
“In a sense, we have not seen any issue of
corruption or abuse. In a sense, Marcos
is treading a straight path.”
“I can’t say there is a need for change
or anything. I do not see any need for agi-
tation -- nothing,” he added.
On Sunday, however, Duterte warned
his successor that efforts to amend the
Constitution through a people’s initiative
could lead to Mr. Marcos suffering the
fate of his late father who was ousted in
1986. With Vince Lopez
· Information on proper crop man-
agement during El Niño, including
adjustment of planting schedules and
optimizing fertilizer use;
· Field validation of areas vulnerable
to drought and dry spell, and position-
ing of interventions for farmers to be
affected;
· Analyze data on planting and har-
vesting (rice and corn), sources of ir-
rigation systems (dams, SWIP, SSIPs),
as well as status of irrigation facilities
(operational, non-operational)
· Joint area assessment before the
conduct of cloud seeding operations by
concerned DA operating units and na-
tional agencies; and
· Adoption of drought-resistant crop
continental shelf,” he said in a statement.
Under international law, Año said
Manila exercises sovereign rights and
jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc,
as well as the waters and continental
shelf surrounding it.
He said it is an important fishing ground
for local fishermen of the provinces of
Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan.
“China’s repeated claims of sover-
eignty over Bajo de Masinloc have no
basis in international law or in fact. In-
ternational law is clear.
China cannot, therefore, lawfully exer-
cise sovereignty over it. As clearly stated by
the 2016 arbitral award, UNCLOS (United
But now Zubiri said they can pro-
ceed with the hearing of RBH 6 due the
President’s statement that people’s ini-
tiative is no longer an option for Char-
ter change.
Senator Grace Po said the people’s in-
itiative for Charter change was flawed
from the beginning because it focused
on having both chambers of Congress
vote together, instead of stating the pro-
visions that needed amendments in the
Constitution.
“It is inherently wrong,” she said.
“If the intention of the movers of PI
was on the economic amendments, then
the specific provisions should have been
spelled out in the petition,” she added.
The senator said things got worse with
reports and actual testimonies of individ-
uals that money or assistance was given
in exchange for their signatures.
Romualdez said the prospect of
amending and potentially easing cer-
tain restrictive provisions in the 1987
Constitution is more than a legislative
exercise. “It is a great stride towards
realizing the aspirations of our people
and unlocking the full potential of our
nation,” he said.
charges against counterfeit vendors.
Coordinated efforts between right
holders and mall management have
resulted in warning letters and suspen-
sion of business for repeat violators.
The mall management, with the sup-
port of city authorities, is reportedly
in the process of converting Green-
hills Shopping Center into a high-end
50-stall mall with legitimate sellers.
my parents to value freedom of thought
and decision-making.)
The former president accused Mar-
cos of being a drug addict, while Davao
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte called for
the President’s resignation.
Mr. Marcos said on Tuesday that his
relationship with VP Duterte remains
unchanged despite the accusations lob-
Inflation...
From A1
were the key growth drivers, national
statistician Dennis Mapa told reporters.
But export growth slowed sharply
to just 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter,
compared with 5.0 percent a year earlier.
Balisacan added that the government
would maintain its 2024 target of 6.5-
7.5 percent -- a figure analysts warned
was too optimistic given the expected
weaker global prospects.
“The domestic demand figures suggest
that the economy is holding up well against
varieties during El Niño.
Citing an El Niño advisory issued
by the state weather bureau PAGASA,
the DA said a strong El Niño was ongo-
ing and was expected to continue from
January to February 2024.
“Majority of global climate models
suggest that El Niño will likely persist
until the March-April-May 2024 sea-
son with a transition to ENSO (El Niño
Southern Oscillation)-neutral in the
April-May-June 2024 season,” it said.
The El Niño phenomenon is charac-
terized by the abnormal warming of
sea
surface temperature in the central
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)
superseded any ‘historic rights’ as claimed
by China. Therefore, China cannot claim
entitlements in areas of the ‘nine-dashed
line,’ now ‘10-dashed line,’ that exceed UN-
CLOS limits,” Año said.
He also pointed out that based on ear-
ly Spanish maps of the Philippines, in-
cluding the 1734 Pedro Murillo Velarde
Map, Bajo de Masinloc was always part
of the country’s territory.
When Spain ceded the Philippines to
the United States under the 1898 Treaty of
Paris, the Scarborough Reef was included
in the census of islands done by the US
government, Año said. Rey E. Requejo
Zubiri on Wednesday said the Sen-
ate will refrain from commenting on
the recent people’s initiative and buckle
down to work by shifting its focus to
pending bills.
“Let’s slow down the political bicker-
ing because what’s important is the wel-
fare of our people,” Zubiri said in Filipino.
Senator Imee Marcos, in a separate
interview, said senators are willing to
sit down with Speaker Romualdez and
other congressmen with the assurance
that they will no longer pursue PI.
Senator Marcos, who is now leading
the investigation of alleged irregulari-
ties in the PI, was answering the call of
congressmen to stop the investigation and
hasten the passage of the RBH 6 instead.
She questioned why members of the
House of Representatives are interfer-
ing in the affairs of the Senate.
The Senator said PI discredits the
Marcos administration and wastes a lot
of political capital which “can never be
recovered again.”
The senator was set to fly to Davao
on Friday to open the second inquiry
regarding the PI with another set of wit-
nesses and more resource persons.
The USTR noted that right holders
acknowledged the strong partnership
between various government agencies
and the mall management but said they
will need to wait and see the results.
The report highlighted that in 2023,
stakeholders reported that foot traffic at
many physical counterfeit markets has
significantly recovered from the im-
pacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
bied by her relatives against him.
“It’s exactly the same because (Vice
President Duterte) hasn’t said anything
of that nature,” he said.
The President also made it clear that
he will keep Duterte as his education
secretary, for which the Vice President
expressed her gratitude.
“We value the President’s recognition
the sharp rise in borrowing costs. But we
don’t expect this resilience to last,” said
Shivaan Tandon, at Capital Economics.
The October-to-December perfor-
mance brought the full-year economic
growth to 5.6 percent., lower than the
government’s target range of 6 percent
to 7 percent and slower than 7.6 percent
registered in the same period in 2022.
“The main contributors to the fourth
quarter 2023 annual growth were: Finan-
cial and insurance activities, 11.8 percent;
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor
vehicles and motorcycles, 5.2 percent; and
Construction, 8.5 percent,” the PSA said.
For the full year of 2023, the indus-
NEWS
SPEAKER’S STATEMENT
ON RBH 6 IN THE SENATE
WE ARE heartened by the news that
the Senate, finally, will commence
hearings on Resolution of Both Hous-
es 6 next week. This marks a signifi-
cant step towards the much-awaited
constitutional amendments.
As Speaker of the House of Rep-
resentatives, I await with great an-
ticipation the outcomes of these
Senate deliberations. The prospect
of amending and potentially easing
certain restrictive provisions in the
1987 Constitution is more than a leg-
islative exercise; it is a great stride
towards realizing the aspirations of
our people and unlocking the full po-
tential of our nation.
We welcome this latest develop-
ment as the announcement of Senate
President Juan Miguel Zubiri dem-
onstrates a united legislative front in
addressing crucial changes that have
the potential to shape the future of
our country.
As the Senate embarks on this
momentous task, the House of Rep-
resentatives stands ready to collabo-
rate and contribute to this significant
legislative endeavor. We share a com-
mon goal – to ensure that any amend-
ments to our Constitution serve the
best interests of the Filipino people
and lay a strong foundation for a more
prosperous and equitable Philippines.
Asahan po ng ating mga Senador na
kasama nila ang House of Represent-
atives sa misyong ito. Handa kami na
umaksyon at aprubahan sa Kamara
ang mga pagbabagong ipapasok ng
Senado sa ating Konstitusyon, Mata-
gal na namin itong hinihintay.
I commend Senate President
Zubiri for his leadership in tak-
ing this bold step forward and look
forward to the insightful outcomes
of the Senate’s deliberations. To-
gether, we are writing a new chap-
ter in our nation’s history, one that
holds the promise of transformative
change and enduring progress.
‘ASEAN...
From A1
randum of understanding (MOU)
we’re working on between our two
coastguards and the plans to have joint
cruises, joint exercises this year 2024,”
Mr. Marcos said, referring to one of
the MOUs he signed with Vietnamese
President Vo Van Thuong on Tuesday.
The Philippines and Vietnam are
both claimants in the tension-filled
South China Sea and share the same
sentiments against China’s massive
claims in the region.
“Well, the agreement is between
Vietnam and the Philippines. So,
whatever other countries do, that’s
not included,” Mr. Marcos said.
Earlier, Mr. Marcos said the South
China Sea remains to be a “point of con-
tention” during his call with Vietnamese
Prime Minister Pham Minh Ching.
Mr. Marcos said the Philippines
continue to uphold the 1982 United
Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea.
‘’On regional and international is-
sues, the South China Sea remains to
be a point of contention. The Philip-
pines’ position on the South China
Sea has been consistent, clear, and
firmly anchored in the 1982 United
Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea,’’ he said.
of the role of everyone at the Department
of Education to push the 8-point Socioec-
onomic Agenda of the administration for
the Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines).”
The Vice President also thanked Mr.
Marcos for respecting her views, especially
regarding the controversial People’s Initia-
tive, which she called an insult to the poor
and a violation of their right to free choice.
tries which contributed the most to the
annual growth were: Wholesale and re-
tail trade; repair of motor vehicles and
motorcycles, 5.5 percent; Financial and
insurance activities, 8.9 percent; and
Construction, 8.8 percent.
The PSA said all major economic sec-
tors, namely: Agriculture, forestry, and
fishing (AFF); Industry; and Services
posted year-on-year growth in the fourth
quarter of 2023 at 1.4 percent, 3.2 per-
cent, and 7.4 percent, respectively.
For the full year of 2023, AFF, Indus-
try, and Services also posted growth in
2023 at 1.2 percent, 3.6 percent, and 7.2
percent, respectively.

NEWS
MULTICOLORED BRIDGE.
The Esplanade extension bridge
in Iloilo City, probably the most
colourful span in the country,
continues to draw visitors
wishing to admire the artworks
by members of the Bausulangpu
Artists Society depicting
indigenous children’s games such
as pino, sungka, and tumbang
patis. Norman Cruz
Battle lines drawn: Digong dares
PBBM to take drug test with him
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
T
HE battle lines appeared to have been drawn as former
president Rodrigo Duterte dared President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. to undergo a drug test in public to prove that
he is not a drug user.
Duterte tossed the challenge during a
press conference in Davao City where he
said he too , would undergo a blood test
at the Luneta Park in Manila to be super-
vised by an independent doctor, GMA
News reported.
It may be recalled that Marcos ran for
the presidency under the Uniteam Alli-
ance banner with then Davao City Mayor-
now Vice President and concurrent Edu-
Galvez enjoins people to rally behind
Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas initiative
By Vince Lopez
PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Peace,
Reconciliation and Unity Carlito
Galvez, Jr. throws full support to the
Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pili-
pinas” initiative as he called on the peo-
ple to rally behind the campaign that
aims to bring greater peace, progress
and unity to the country.
“I urge my fellow Filipinos to fully
support the national government’s
Bagong Pilipinas campaign. This is a
multi-sectoral effort that seeks to bring
all of us together as one nation regard-
less of ethnicity, religion, economic
status or personal beliefs,” Galvez said.
DBM, COA sign circular on revised manual
governing proper disposal of state properties
THE Department of Budget and Man-
agement (DBM) and the Commission
on Audit (COA) have issued a joint cir-
cular embodying the revised manual on
the disposal of government properties
to ensure accountability, efficiency, and
sustainability in managing state assets.
In a statement, the DBM said the
signing ceremony for the circular, led
by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangan-
daman and COA chairperson Gamaliel
Cordoba, was held at the DBM Central
Office in Manila on Tuesday.
“The revised manual seeks to update
GS1 PHILIPPINES CONFAB. GS1 Philippines officers hold their annual conference
and general membership meeting at Crown Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. In photo are
(from left) Teodoro Padilla, public relations officer, Pharmaceutical and Health Association of the
Philippines; Anna Marie Anastacio, corporate secretary, Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the
Philippines; Sergio Ortiz Luis Jr. , trustee, Philippines Exporters Confederation; Roberto Claudio,
president/CEO, Philippine Retailers Association; Atty. Pablo Gancayco, chairman, Philippine
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Comm. Joseph Ross Jocson, vice president, Packaging
Institute of the Philippines; Carlos Cabochan, Philippines Consumer Centric Association; Antonio
Sayo, trustee, Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization. Revoli Cortez
cation Secretary Sara Duterte, daughter of
the former president.
Duterte also said a Cabinet official al-
legedly uses cocaine along with Marcos,
and insisted that the President was on the
watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforce-
ment Agency. PDEA however, belied the
allegation.
The former president also dared his suc-
cessor to explained why he purportedly
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on
Sunday formally launched the “Bagong
Pilipinas” campaign, outlining “a mas-
ter plan for genuine development that
benefits all our people.”
In his speech at the launch ceremony,
the President stressed that it is not a
“mere slogan” but a “holistic and in-
clusive brand of governance” that will
guide the government in its develop-
ment and peace- building efforts.
“The purpose of Bagong Pilipinas is
to lay down ideals that we must achieve
for the future of our country. The
patchy plan that is different is over and
all that’s happening is that we’re falling
apart,” the Chief Executive said.
the National Budget Circular (NBC)
No. 425 dated 28 January 1992 pre-
scribing the Manual on the Disposal
of Government Property to guide the
agencies concerned in their disposal
undertakings,” the DBM said.
Among the salient features of the
new manual is the determination of
coverage and scope of implementation,
covering all government properties that
are movable or personal, purchased,
owned, or otherwise acquired includ-
ing those donated to, stocked, and used
by the government in its operations.
underwent rehabilitation in Germany prior
to the onset of the campaign for the 2022
elections.
Duterte, who was at the center of the
bloody anti-drug war during his adminis-
tration, said he would publicize the PDEA
list containing Marcos’s name if he could
get hold of it.
Duterte raised the challenge after
Speaker Martin Romualdez, an uncle of
the President, dared him to substantiate his
allegation that Mr. Marcos was a drug user.
The erstwhile leader, during a prayer ral-
ly in Davao City, also reportedly described
the sitting Chief Executive as “bangag,”
a Filipino colloquial for a person high on
drugs, and even accused him of being a
drug addict.
Duterte likewise charged that the Mar-
NGO MARKS FIRST 1,000 DAYS. The non-government organization Child Coalition headed by former Senator Joey Lina
marks its first 1,000 days with the inauguration of the Fraternal Order of Philippine Eagles led by Ronald Delos Santos as national
president. The event also sees the signing of an agreement to help address malnutrition in the country. Lino Santos
OCD, NEXTGEN forge accord on emergency response
THE Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and
Next Generation Advocate Foundation
PH Inc. (NEXTGEN) on Tuesday forged
an agreement on to bolster the govern-
ment’s response operations during emer-
gencies and disasters.
Under the accord, NEXTGEN will pro-
vide support to the government’s response
operations by furnishing resources such as
relief goods for disaster and emergency vic-
tims as recommended by the OCD.
NEXTGEN will also assist in other
Zubiri renews push for special economic zone project in Bulacan
SENATE President Juan Miguel Zu-
biri on Wednesday reiterated his push
for the creation of a special economic
zone in Bulacan province to entice
more foreign investors and comple-
ment the soon-to-be-finished aer-
otropolis outside of Metro Manila.
At the hearing of the Senate Com-
mittee on Economic Affairs, Zubiri
said he refiled Senate Bill No. 2266
titled An Act Establishing the Bula-
DPWH finishes P38-m road, bridge rehab projects in Zamboanga
By Vito Barcelo
THE Department of Public Works and High-
ways (DPWH) has completed the P38 mil-
lion rehabilitation and improvement of road
and bridge projects in the municipalities of
Ipil and Kabasalan in Zamboanga province.
DPWH regional director Cayamombao
cos administration was waging a campaign
to amend the Constitution to “perpetuate
themselves in power.”
The President however, merely laughed
off the charges, saying it could be the effect
of fentanyl, a drug his predecessor admit-
ted to taking during his watch at Mala-
canang.
“It is highly addictive and it has very se-
rious side effects,” Marcos was quoted as
saying of fentanyl.
The United States Drug Enforcement
Administration described fentanyl is a po-
tent synthetic opioid used as a pain reliever
and anesthetic.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, reputedly a
strong ally of Duterte, tried to dissociate
himself from the brewing row between
Marcos and his former boss.
projects and activities related to response
initiatives.
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ari-
el Nepomuceno and NEXTGEN’s Treasur-
er Princess Go concluded the agreement.
In a statement, Nepomuceno expressed
gratitude to the NEXTGEN Foundation
for collaborating with the OCD in terms
of response operations, emphasizing the
importance of ensuring timely and ad-
equate assistance to populations affected
by disasters.
can Airport City Special Economic
Zone and Freeport.
The said the facility will help spur
economic development by encourag-
ing manufacturers in various indus-
tries to build their facilities in the
area.
“It embodies a vision of compre-
hensive development and inclusive
growth in the province of Bulacan
and nearby areas,” Zubiri said.
Dia said the road in Sibugay was widened
from two to four lanes to ease traffic con-
gestion in the area.
The widened road now caters to more
vehicles, helping relieve traffic and provid-
ing more convenient travel along the area,”
Dia said.
The scope of works on the project in-
A3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
‘I’m not angry
at him,’ Imee
says of Speaker
SENATOR Imee Marcos on Wednes-
day declared she has no ill-feelings
towards her uncle Speaker Martin
Romualdez.
“I am not angry at him. No anger
towards him. It’s not personal.
There’s no such thing!” Marcos
said, adding it has nothing to do with
their family.
Marcos and Romualdez have en-
gaged in a “word war” following
their contrasting hard-line stance
over people’s initiative movement to-
ward Charter change (Cha-cha).
In a media briefing, Marcos pointed
out that the row between the Speaker
and the President involved those who
are out to destroy the administration
which carries the name of the Marcos
family.
“All I want is to correct them. I
don’t want a fight with anybody....I’m
not quarrelsome, and rude....I don’t
like their gas lighting on all of us,”
the senator stressed.
Responding to Romualdez pro-
nouncement that he is open to a dis-
cussion with her, Marcos said the
Speaker should end first his push for
people’s initiative.
Pressed on her stand if she’s with
the Dutertes or the Marcoses, the sen-
ator retorted; “Why should I be re-
quired to make a choice? I love them
all. I just do not want (someone) de-
stroying our name,” she reiterated.
According to Marcos, they had
fought a tough battle for 35 years af-
ter the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
The bloodless revolution toppled
the 20-year strong-armed rule of her
father, the late President Ferdinand
Marcos Sr.
“I have gone places. It was really
very difficult for our family,” related
the senator.
Marcos said she will not toler-
ate anybody destroying this second
chance for the Marcos family, which
she considers a “blessing from Heav-
en.” Macon Ramos-Araneta
He highlighted the broader positive
impact of the agreement on all Filipinos,
particularly the younger generation.
“We have to help the younger gen-
eration understand the importance of
preparedness and the need for a reliable
system in the event of major calamities,”
Nepomuceno said.
For her part, Go conveyed the founda-
tion’s commitment to support the OCD
and serve Filipino communities.
Vince Lopez
He added that Bulacan can be the
next growth area for ecozones, citing
the successes of the ecozones in Clark
in Pampanga and the Subic Bay Met-
ropolitan Authority (SBMA).
“Despite being previously vetoed
by President Marcos, it remains a
crucial catalyst to bring infrastructure
development, attract investments and
create jobs in the area,” he said.
Macon Ramos-Araneta
cluded concreting, earthworks, subbase and
base course, with provisions for drainage
and slope protection.
Meanwhile, the newly rehabilitated
69.8-meter Kabasalan Bridge now ensures
the safety of motorists traversing the La-
nao-Pagadian-Zamboanga City Road, the
DPWH official said.
A4
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
MST.DAYDESK@GMAIL.COM
De Lima says gab with UN’s
Khan ‘engaging, insightful’
By Rio N. Araja
FORMER Senator Leila de Lima recent-
ly met with United Nations Special Rap-
porteur (UNSR) for Freedom of Opinion
and Expression Irene Khan, who is cur-
rently on an official visit to assess the
state of free speech in the Philippines.
De Lima described the meeting as
“very engaging and insightful.”
She took the opportunity to share with
Khan her struggles as a political pris-
oner during the administration of former
President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Shared my insights on press freedom
under Duterte and my difficult journey
amid relentless persecution by the Du-
terte regime,” De Lima posted on X after
their meeting on Tuesday.
“Honored [and] grateful, Madame
Khan, for your unbending support for our
shared causes in fighting disinformation,
protecting free speech, and upholding jus-
tice [and] human rights,” the former Justice
Secretary and Commission on Human
BAMBINO EXHIBIT. As part of Pasig City’s celebration of the 23rd Bambino Grand Festival, a Bambino Exhibit is Rights (CHR) chairperson added.
opened showcasing various images of the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus, on the 2nd floor of SM City East Ortigas from Jan. Khan also met with CHR representa-
29 to Feb. 11. Norman Cruz tives on Wednesday, Jan. 31, to share her
own insights on the state of press free-
NEWS
dom in the country, laws on the rights to
freedom of expression, access to digital
communications and their various sec-
tors, including the marginalized.
The independent constitutional office
noted the significance of Khan’s visit as
“part of the special procedures estab-
lished by the UN.” CHR said it respects
her mandate to report on a range of hu-
man rights concerns from a thematic or
country-specific point of view on behalf
of the Human Rights Council.
CHR is one of the government institu-
tions visited by the special rapporteur to
assess the current state of the Philippines’
compliance to its human rights obliga-
tions, particularly within the context of
freedom of opinion and expression.
Representatives f rom civil society or-
ganizations and private companies also
took part in separate engagements with
Khan as arranged by the Office of the
High Commissioner for Human Rights,
alongside field visits in Baguio and Cebu.
The findings of the Special Rappor-
teur based on her meeting with the CHR
would be part of her final report to be
presented at the 59th Session of the UN
Human Rights Council in June 2025.

Rapporteur
meets with Farmers group challenges Recto
PH human
rights body
to address agriculture import woes
By Othel V. Campos and Maricel V. Cruz diversifying the country’s sources of rice, BoC maintained reference prices. If we go
FFF noted. back to 2019 when the Rice Tariffication
REPRESENTATIVES of the Com- The group lamented the continued failure Law or RTL was enacted, the accumulat-

mission on Human Rights (CHR) on
Wednesday met with United Nations
Special Rapporteur Irene Khan to gain
insights on the situation of the coun-
try’s press freedom.
The meeting also tackled laws on
the rights of Filipinos to expression
and access to digital communications
and their impacts on various sectors,
including the marginalized.
The findings of the Special Rappor-
teur based on her meeting with the CHR
would be part of her final report to be
presented at the 59th Session of the UN
Human Rights Council in June 2025.
The preliminary observations and
implementation of Khan’s recommen-
dations would be discussed with the
government at the end of her visit.
“It must be noted that the conduct of
country visits of Special Rapporteurs
are part of the special procedures es-
tablished by the UN. Their mandate is
to report and advise on a range of hu-
man rights concerns from a thematic
or country-specific point of view on
behalf of the Human Rights Council,”
CHR said.
The CHR is one of the government
institutions visited by the Special
Rapporteur in order to assess the
current status of the Philippines’
compliance to its human rights ob-
ligations, particularly within the
context of freedom of opinion and
expression. Rio N. Araja
T
HE Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) challenged of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to curb
newly appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto the undervaluation of rice imports, which
has resulted in billions of pesos of foregone
to decisively address the unabated and worsening tariff revenues that could have been used by
undervaluation and misclassification of imports of the government to assist rice farmers.
An analysis of BOC data revealed that
agricultural commodities. costs for imported rice, excluding tariffs,
“Tariff losses from rice imports are total volume of rice imported in 2023 averaged only P24.12 per kilogram (kg)
only the tip of the iceberg. The situation was undervalued, with almost half un- in 2023, 22 percent lower than the BoC’s
with imports of pork, chicken, corn, and dervalued by 20 percent or more. reference price of P30.78/kg. FFF said.
vegetables is much worse. If Secretary About 3.582 million tons of rice were Montemayor stressed that an ad-
Recto really wants to generate more reve- imported in 2023, of which 83 percent ditional P2.34 per kilo in tariffs could
nues for the government without imposing was sourced from Vietnam. Less than have been collected by the BoC if there
new taxes, he does not have to look far,” 4 percent of total imports came from was no undervaluation.
FFF president Raul Montemayor said non-ASEAN countries, validating claims “The total revenue loss in 2023
Wednesday. that the reduction in tariffs on non-ASE- alone was almost P7.5 billion from the
The FFF noted that 90 percent of the AN rice imports has not succeeded in 3.2 million tons of imports for which the
MMDA: Traffic czar not needed
to tackle congestion in metro
By Joel Zurbano
THE Metropolitan Manila Develop-
ment Authority (MMDA) on Wednes-
day said there is no need to appoint a
traffic czar to address road congestion
in Metro Manila, citing ongoing gov-
ernment efforts.
The Management Association of the
Philippines (MAP) claimed that Metro
Manila has a traffic crisis, listed as
among the worst-traffic areas in 2023.
ed foregone tariffs due to undervaluation
would reach almost P25 billion,” he added.
Rep. Wilbert Lee of AGRI party-list
meanwhile cited the need for the govern-
ment to tighten the implementation of
laws against overfishing to increase the
country’s fish stock.
The Philippine Statistics Authority
earlier reported a 5.2 percent decrease in
the fisheries production in the country for
the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to
the year before.
Lee said the decline in fisheries pro-
duction “is certainly very concerning
considering that we are an archipelagic
country with one of the longest coastlines
in the world.”
ernment is already making continuous
efforts to mitigate traffic problems and
there is no need to appoint a traffic czar.
“The main problem is our infrastruc-
ture because we really have a lack of
road network when compared to the
number of vehicles,” he said in an inter-
view with ABS-CBN Teleradyo.
“The infrastructure project of the
government is massive. There is the
Skyway, Subway, and rail system. The
MRT-7 is about to be completed. With

PNP report says

MAP suggested that a traffic czar
should be appointed by President Ferdi-
nand Marcos Jr. and given full powers to
READY FOR THE ROAD. A mechanic in Quezon City inspects a modernized
focus crimes
mobilize, direct, and deploy government
jeepney imported from China that will be distributed in the local market for P2.4 million resources to ease traffic in the metropolis.
to P2.5 million. The government said it is keeping the electric vehicle market open to But MMDA general manager Proco-
speed up modernization. Manny Palmero
those projects, when they are finished,
it will be a big relief,” he added.
The Japan International Coopera-
tion Agency (JICA) has stated that
Metro Manila’s traffic congestion
costs the Philippine economy billions

drop by 28%
pio Lipana rejected this, saying the gov- of pesos daily.

THE Philippine National Police (PNP)

has recorded a 28-percent drop in focus
crimes from Jan. 1 to 30 this year.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame,
Quezon City Wednesday, PNP spokes-
person Col. Jean Fajardo said a total of
2,301 focus crimes were recorded during
this period, as compared to 3,223 crimes
recorded in the same period last year.
Classified as focus crimes are mur-
der, homicide, physical injury, rape,
theft, robbery, vehicle theft, and mo-
torcycle theft.
“We saw a 28.61 percent drop in fo-
cus crimes and I hope with the help of
our countrymen, we can sustain this
decrease in crimes. The low crime rate
motivates our police officers for them to
do better in their jobs and they know their
focus, which is to enforce the law and
implement legal orders of the duly consti-
tuted authorities,” Fajardo said.
Meanwhile, Fajardo assured that
there is no brewing destabilization plot
among the PNP’s ranks.
“Whatever we hear, let us be cau-
tious of these rumors, but on the part
of the PNP, we have not monitored any
destabilization plot or even the coup
d’état,” she said.
She said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin
Acorda Jr.’s guidance is for police of-
ficials to remain apolitical.
“We know our mandate and we will re-
maincommittedtofulfillingourdutyand
that includes upholding and respecting
the rule of law,” she added.
Padilla urges government to fight for country’s rights to Sabah
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
AMID the government’s efforts to as-
sert the Philippines’ rights over its terri-
tory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS),
it must do the same for Sabah, Sen.
Robinhood Padilla said.
Padilla, in his interpellation of the bill
on the proposed Philippine Maritime
Zones Act, said Sabah has many natural
Israel ‘open’ to negotiations
with Hamas, says envoy to PH
By Rey E. Requejo
ISRAEL is ready to cooperate for
talks that may lead to a ceasefire in
its war with Hamas “as long as the
Israeli security is protected,” Israe-
li Ambassador to the Philippines
Ilan Fluss said on Wednesday.
Fluss said while Israel is now
more open to negotiations com-
pared to the early days of the war,
the country’s goals remain the
same.
Fluss said their war objectives
include the release of all hostages
by Hamas and the eradication of
resources that can be used by Filipinos, ready has a law - Republic Act 5446, baselines under the Maritime Zones
especially those in Muslim Mindanao. signed in August 1968 - that regards bill, to include the Philippines’ posi-
“We must fight for our rights in Sa- Sabah as a territory over which the tion on Sabah which was provided for
bah. We are talking not of small islands Philippines has acquired “dominion under RA 5446.
but of a large land mass with oil and and sovereignty.” Sen. Francis Tolentino, who spon-
minerals that we Filipinos have rights In his first privilege speech in 2022, sored the bill for the proposed Philip-
to. If we can assert our rights in the Padilla pushed for the Philippines to as- pine Maritime Zones Act, agreed to
West Philippine Sea, so must we do the sert its rights over Sabah. include a line that the Philippines is not
same but in a peaceful manner,” he said. Padilla said he intends to propose abandoning its claim to Sabah, so long
He said that the Philippines al- an amendment to the definition of as it is phrased properly.
FREEDOM.
Bureau of
Corrections Director
General Gregorio
Pio Catapang Jr.
(2nd from right),
Acosta (right) led
Hamas and all its facilities. “The
the distribution
war is imposed on us. We need
to protect our citizens,” Fluss of the certificates
of discharge from
stressed.
prison, grooming
Last weekend, intelligence
kits, and gratuity
officials from the US, Israel, and transportation
and Egypt engaged in talks that allowances to 632
could finally secure a truce in former inmates
the war that started on Oct. 7. at the National
Qatar, also one of the negotiators, Bilibid Prison in
said there was “good progress” in Muntinlupa City
the negotiations, while Israel said on Jan. 30.
they were “constructive.” Joseph Muego
“What would be the political
outcome of this war is too early for
us to say,” Fluss added.
 B1
OPINION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
HONOR BLANCO CABIE, Editor

Citizen Barok
Louis ‘Barok’ Biraogo
Remulla in the ICC’s enigmatic gaze
IN THE twisted legal saga that unfolds on
the Philippine stage, Justice Secretary Je-
sus Crispin Remulla emerges as the man
of the hour, battling for the nation’s sover-
eignty against the International Criminal
Court’s scrutiny into the deadly war on
drugs during President Rodrigo Duterte’s
administration.
This legal drama unfolds as Remulla
grapples with legal intricacies to ensure
the rights of his countrymen are preserved.
Remulla, the unyielding advocate, lays
out his stance with a firm resolve.
“We’re not here to stop them because if
they’re not doing anything illegal, there’s
nothing wrong with that,” he asserts in an
interview with Kyodo News.
The justice secretary’s willingness to
cooperate, contingent on adherence to le-
gal procedures, sets the stage for a legal
showdown where the intricacies of the law
become the battleground.
—“—
The legal battleground
becomes the arena
where Remulla, armed
with legal acumen,
defends the rights and
dignity of the Filipino
people
The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s
anti-narcotics campaign, shrouded in al-
legations of human rights violations and
thousands of casualties, becomes the focal
point of this legal thriller.
Remulla, donning the armor of a legal
master, acknowledges the legitimacy of the
ICC’s pursuit of evidence.
“If they’re getting statements, they’re
getting evidence. It’s okay,” he concedes,
adding, “But we have to clarify many is-
sues, especially about procedure.”
The plot thickens as Remulla confronts
the complex issue of the Philippines’ with-
drawal from the ICC in March 2019, initi-
ated by the Duterte administration.
The government’s objection to the ICC’s
jurisdiction, based on its non-membership
status since 2019, becomes a central legal
argument.
The ICC, however, claims jurisdiction
over alleged crimes committed during the
Philippines’ membership from November
2011, setting the stage for Remulla’s legal
maneuvering.
As Remulla navigates the maze of legal
implications, he hints at a potential climax
in the Supreme Court.
“We will have to deal with several legal
implications of the action of the ICC in the
Philippines, and it might have to end up
in the Supreme Court of the country,” he
declares, emphasizing the importance of
procedural adherence to protect the rights
of the Filipino people.
The all-star cast includes President Fer-
dinand Marcos Jr., who succeeds Duterte
and stands opposed to the ICC investiga-
tion.
Marcos argues for the capability of local
authorities to conduct any probe, hinting at
a potential reevaluation of the Philippines’
membership in the ICC.
The plot thickens as the nation grapples
with the shifting tides of leadership and le-
gal intricacies.
In this legal thriller, Remulla emerges
not just as a defender of the nation’s auton-
omy but also as a guardian of procedural
justice.
The intricate dance between international
law and national sovereignty unfolds as Re-
mulla stands resolute against the ICC’s gaze.
The legal battleground becomes the are-
na where Remulla, armed with legal acu-
men, defends the rights and dignity of the
Filipino people.
As Filipinos witness this legal odyssey,
they should appreciate Remulla’s efforts
in navigating the complexities of interna-
tional law while safeguarding the nation’s
autonomy.
Remulla’s call for procedural clarity
ensures that the rights of the people are
respected, a crucial element in this legal
drama.
In the face of external scrutiny, Remulla
emerges as a symbol of legal fortitude, de-
termined to uphold justice and defend the
Philippines against perceived threats.
In the eerie corridors of legal ambiguity,
Remulla shines as an illuminant of resil-
ience, ready to face whatever legal chal-
lenges may come.
The Filipino people, in turn, should rec-
ognize the significance of his role in this
legal drama, appreciating the delicate bal-
ance he maintains between national sover-
eignty and international accountability.
‘Bagong Pilipinas’ campaign
A
S EXPECTED,
the Marcos
administration’s
launch of its Bagong Pilipinas
campaign at the Quirino
Grandstand in Manila last
Sunday was well-attended,
with a huge crowd of over
400,000 from Metro Manila
and outlying provinces.
According to its organizers, the Ba-
gong Pilipinas campaign is the overarch-
ing theme of the administration’s brand
of governance and leadership, character-
ized by a principled, accountable, and
dependable government reinforced by
unified institutions of society.
It encourages every Filipino to see be-
yond differences and work harmoniously
to build a nation that shapes a more prom-
ising future for its citizens.
Underscoring the important role of
the government to attain national devel-
opment, President Marcos Jr. vowed to
make the government more responsive
to people’s needs, and urged government
officials and personnel to help his admin-
istration carry out the much- needed re-
forms in the bureaucracy.
“For this I pledge, government will nei-
ther ask the people for sacrifices it will
not exact first upon itself, nor impose a
Duty Calls
Florencio Fianza
AFTER 89 years of relative quiet, many
are now doubting the integrity of the
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes lottery
draws.
One Congressman, in fact, went as far
as demanding the resignation of the PCSO
General Manager due to what he termed as
EDITORIAL
burden that is heavier than what people “We will meet our greatest obligation
can carry,” he told the huge crowd. to our youth, to mold them into critical
The President also vowed to fight cor- thinkers, problem-solvers, and brave vi-
ruption and extravagant spending in gov- sionaries for their country,” he added.
ernment. Aside from addressing the needs of
young people, Marcos also promised to as-
—“— sist the country’s farmers and fisherfolk.
Amid the looming El Niño phenom-
More public gatherings culturaltheprograms
enon, government will extend agri-
and support to Filipino
such as this are needed farmers to protect their livelihood.
to give the national At the same time, the President prom-
ised to boost the defense of the people and
leadership a platform communities against calamities through
to directly talk to the the provision of additional resources.
Other key government officials spoke
people and explain at the rally.
to them what the
Among them were Department of In-
terior and Local Government Secretary
government wants to Benjamin Abalos Jr., who told the crowd
achieve in the years that the Bagong Pilipinas campaign seeks
to bring public services closer to the Fili-
ahead pino people.
The agency, he said, is working closely
with the Department of Information and
Communications Technology and the
Anti-Red Tape Authority for the digitali-
Under the reform campaign, he ex- zation of their services.
plained, abuses and government excesses More public gatherings such as this
will not be tolerated as government work- are needed to give the national leadership
ers and officials are servants of the peo- a platform to directly talk to the people
ple, not their masters. and explain to them what the government
The government will prioritize the wants to achieve in the years ahead.
welfare of the Filipino youth under Ba- The success of government programs
gong Pilipinas, the President declared, hinges, after all, on broad public support
thus giving due recognition to the role of and the active participation of the people
young people as future nation-builders. in implementing them.
Lutong macao
draw to make sure they all have the same For the ultra-lotto which has 58 numbers,
weights? the odds is one is to 40,475,358.
Maybe the manipulation could be in the So, winning should not be so easy to al-
betting machines. low the price money to roll over longer to
But these machines would have been long become bigger.
switched off when the draw takes place. But this is not the case because someone
very “lucky” is always winning which is

Myanmar junta takes heavy hits “improbable and doubtful winnings.”

three years after coup
BANGKOK – One morning last October
as the dawn light touched the cold hills of
northern Myanmar a barrage of rockets
and drones streaked through the sky and
slammed into dugouts and bases housing
military troops.
The fiery spectacle was repeated across
a hundred-kilometer stretch of Shan state,
heralding the launch of an offensive by an
ethnic minority alliance that has left the
ruling junta battered and its opponents dar-
ing to believe it can be toppled.
The Arakan Army (AA), Myanmar
National Democratic Alliance Army
(MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Libera-
tion Army (TNLA) had largely stayed out
of the conflict raging between Myanmar’s
junta and opponents of the coup it launched
three years ago on Thursday.
But with the military stretched thin
struggling to crush dozens of pro-democ-
racy armed groups, the so-called “Broth-
erhood Alliance” saw a chance to renew
its decades-old war with the military and
seize territory and resources.
Screened by waves of commercial
drones modified to hit junta positions with
crude “drop bombs” its battle-hardened
fighters swiftly overran dozens of military
positions and took control of lucrative bor-
der crossings to China.
Over the following weeks “Operation
1027” -- named for its starting date -- went
from victory to victory, with the normally
reclusive rebels broadcasting their hauls of
captured weapons, ammunition and pris-
oners.
The chief of the military promised a
counterattack, then a few days later the
junta-backed president warned Myanmar
was at risk of “breaking up.”
Under the pressure of “Operation 1027,”
hairline cracks have appeared in the once-
unassailable facade of the military that has
ruled Myanmar for much of its 70-plus
years of independence.
Troops have surrendered in their thou-
sands, whole units have fled into India and
China and the military’s supporters have
aired rare public criticism of its top leader-
ship.
The setbacks in Shan have also galva-
nized pro-democracy groups to renew their
own attacks on the military elsewhere in
the country.
“The junta has never been weaker,”
Htwe Htwe Thein of Curtin University in
Australia told AFP.
“It now seems possible that the army...
can suffer a series of significant defeats,”
she said.
Scam city
A ceasefire brokered earlier this month
by junta ally China has largely halted the
fighting in Shan state -- although clashes
continue elsewhere -- and left the alliance
free to consolidate its gains.
—“—
Fighting has continued
in western Rakhine
state, where the
Arakan Army claims it
has seized a port town
and several positions
near the India border
The jewel in the crown is the town of
Laukkai, a few kilometers from the China
border, home to around 25,000 people and
a rich vein of vice, prostitution and drug
trafficking.
Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made a
name for himself in Laukkai in 2009 when,
as a regional commander, he expelled the
MNDAA and installed a pro-military mili-
tia to run the town.
Around 2,000 troops surrendered when
the MNDAA re-captured the town ear-
lier this month, sparking howls of protest
on pro-military social media at one of the
gravest defeats the military has suffered in
decades.
The six brigadier-generals who led the
capitulation are now facing the death pen-
alty.
Fighting has continued in western Ra-
Jokes are now swirling whether PCSO
draws are real or simply “lutong macao.”
This is not the first time the charity agen-
cy received a lot of flak with regard to its
draws.
In 2022, about 433 bettors all guessed the
same winning numbers.
What is the probability of 433 people
guessing the same six-number combina-
tion?
It is probably incalculable.
But for one reason or another, the PCSO
never gave a satisfactory answer and the is-
sue soon disappeared from the news.
That should have been fully investigated
to clear any suspicions that PCSO lottery
draws can be rigged. With all the current
hullabaloo, it is perhaps a good time to re-
visit the issue of trust and the integrity of
our lottery draws.
A lottery is supposed to be a game of
chance which means that winning cannot
be predetermined.
The PCSO for its part has always main-
tained the draws are beyond reproach.
But why the lingering suspicions?
Could the PCSO draws be manipulated
given that the numbers are written on ping
pong balls which are randomly sucked by air?
Is it possible, for instance, to put six tam-
pered ping pong balls which are lighter or
heavier in weights that will make the suck-
ing instrument pick the six lighter or heavi-
er ping pong balls?
Could the air pressure be controlled?
Are all the ping pong balls being used
in the draws weighed every time there is a
khine state, where the AA claims it has
seized a port town and several positions
near the India border.
Last week a transport plane sent to India
to bring home dozens of soldiers who had
fled there to escape clashes with the AA
overshot the runway and crashed, injuring
several crew members.
The cascade of setbacks has dented mo-
rale among low and mid-level officers,
according to several military sources con-
tacted by AFP, all of whom requested ano-
nymity.
Earlier this month that dissatisfaction was
given a public airing at a military rally in the
former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin,
home to the military’s elite officer training
academy.
At an open square in the town a monk
addressed a crowd of more than 100 peo-
—“—
If there is anything
positive about the
PCSO Senate hearing,
it is that the public is
beginning to know
how the charity
agency divides the
betting money
That was the question raised by many
when that 2022 draw took place wherein
433 people guessed the six winning num-
bers.
One explanation by the PCSO at that time
was a possible betting machine glitches.
But is that possible for so many machines
scattered in different places?
Another issue being raised by some law-
makers is the frequency of someone win-
ning.
Given the odds of winning and all, some-
one seems to be winning all the time.
For the grand lotto, the odds of winning
is something like one is to 28,000,000.
ple and called for Min Aung Hlaing to step
down in a speech widely shared on pro-mil-
itary social media.
‘Don’t deserve to live’
It is unclear if the “Brotherhood Alli-
ance” will throw its weight behind the larger
democracy struggle in Myanmar.
The TNLA did not respond to questions
on whether it still had military objectives
outside of its claimed territory in Shan state.
A source close to the MNDAA said the
group was working to install a new admin-
istration in Laukkai, without giving details.
Analysts say it is too early to predict the
fall of the junta or a change of top leader-
ship.
But they warn such extensive battlefield
losses are uncharted territory for the gener-
als, whose likely response will be to unleash
more violence upon a country ravaged by
stretching incredulity.
If there is anything positive about the
PCSO Senate hearing, it is that the public is
beginning to know how the charity agency
divides the betting money.
How much, for instance, does the PCSO
keep for charity and how much goes back
for lottery prices. We are now learning the
PCSO is making tons of money and had it
not been for these suspicions of irregular
lottery draws, the public would not have
known all these.
Clearly, the PCSO needs to be more
transparent.
But in spite of the number of games being
drawn, the PCSO thinks that more games
are needed because it just added the e-lotto
with a seed price of P500 million which was
predictably won easily after getting to only
P680 million.
In fact, all the games wherein the PCSO
added P500 million were all won in no time
at all.
Yet, the e-lotto was launched anyway
with only the word of the PCSO that the
draws cannot be hacked. That does not give
us much confidence.
So, after everything is said and done,
could the PCSO lottery draws be rigged?
Unfortunately, I do not have the answer
and I doubt whether the Senate can arrive
at one.
Inviting Senators to watch the draws will
also not prove anything.
But if there are no changes and more
transparency, these suspicions will linger
and the draws will continue to be viewed by
many as “lutong macao.”
three years of war.
“Terror and extreme violence, rape and
torture, domicide, and pillage are long-
standing military operational doctrines,”
independent Myanmar analyst David Math-
ieson told AFP.
“The SAC (the State Administration
Council, as the junta calls itself) believes
that consistency in atrocity and heavy fire-
power will ensure regime survival.”
In the hills of northern Shan state last
month, “Sugar,” a fighter with the pro-de-
mocracy Mandalay People’s Defence said
he was up for the fight.
“I have fought in more than 16 battles and
faced countless air strikes,” he told AFP
from his trench, a few kilometres from a
junta position, asking to use a pseudonym.
“For me, military soldiers are creatures
that don’t deserve to live on our Earth.” AFP

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

ManilaStandard
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser
can be accessed at:
ONLINE manilastandard.net Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager Chin Wong Associate Editor Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo MEMBER Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions
Jimbo Owen Gulle News Editor

PPI
de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Philippine Press Institute
Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager
The National Association
(connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, of Philippine Newspapers
(Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post
Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
B2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
mst.daydesk@gmail.com WORLD
Israel floods Hamas tunnels Pakistan ex-PM
Khan, wife get
as UN pleads for aid funding 14 years in jail
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—For-
mer Pakistan prime minister Imran

P
ALESTINIAN Territories—Israel’s army has begun gave journalists a tour of a tunnel they complexes with water in a bidCYAN to MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Khan was sentenced Wednesday to
flooding Hamas’s network of tunnels as intense
Manila
Standard
said had been used as a Hamas command
center.
“neutralize the threat of Hamas’
subterranean network.”
14 years in jail on a graft charge,
fighting
TODAY rages in Gaza, with the UN warning of the
“Every war has its own characteristics, The war was touched off by
a day after he was given a 10-year
prison term in verdicts handed
potential “collapse of the humanitarian system” in the and I think that this war, its basic character Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, down just a week before national
is about that over- and underground which resulted in the deaths of around elections.
territory after a funding row hit its Palestinian aid agency. maneuver,” Dan Goldfus, commander 1,140 people, mostly civilians, Khan and his wife were found
of the 98th Paratroopers Division, told according to an AFP tally based on guilty of graft in a case involving
The epicentere of the fighting in “We left the Nasser hospital without reporters outside of the shaft. official Israeli figures. gifts he received while premier, af-
recent weeks has been Khan Yunis, any mattresses, under tank and air “I think the enemy is on the run and is About 250 foreign and Israeli hostages ter he was Tuesday handed 10 years
southern Gaza’s main city, where vast strikes. We didn’t know where to go,” trying to put itself under the civilians as were also dragged to Gaza during the in a case related to leaking state se-
areas have been reduced to a muddy said one young woman. much as it can,” he added. Oct. 7 attack, of whom around 132 are crets.
wasteland of bombed-out buildings, “We’re out in the cold, left to fend for The Israeli military, which has still there. Pakistan goes to the polls next
and where an AFP journalist witnessed ourselves, with no tents and nothing to dubbed the vast network of tunnels That figure includes the bodies of at Thursday in a ballot already marred
people leaving town on Tuesday as survive on.” “the Gaza metro”, said Tuesday that least 28 people believed to have been by allegations of rigging, with
explosions sounded nearby. Elsewhere in the city, Israeli troops it had begun flooding the underground killed. AFP Khan barred from running and his
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party sub-
ject to a massive crackdown.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC BREATHING “Another sad day in our judicial
FOR UPGRADING OF SPACE. Women system history, which is being dis-
BUSINESS COMPANY NAME stand by clothes mantled,” a party spokesman told
drying on a laundry media.
This is to inform the public that
MJCG CONST. INC. upgraded line outside It was not immediately clear if
it’s company business name to a Palestinian Khan’s sentences were to run con-
MJCG CONTRUCTION AND outpost painted in secutively or concurrently follow-
DEVELOPMENT CORP. as camouflage colors ing a trial held inside the jail where
per approved SEC Company where they are he has been detained for much of
taking refuge near the time since his arrest in August.
Registration No. CS201103212 a make-shift shelter
dated September 14, 2023. But his lawyer, Salman Safdar,
for Palestinians who confirmed to AFP he had been sen-
fled to Rafah in the tenced alongside his wife, Bushra
JOB VACANCY: southern Gaza Strip Bibi, who had been on remand

2 Pearl Farm Technician

on Tuesday amid
throughout the trial.
the ongoing conflict
between Israel and Intazar Hussain Panjutha, one of
the Palestinian Khan’s legal team, said Bibi had
militant group surrendered herself to authorities.
Qualifications: Hamas. AFP Bibi, a faith healer who met
* 18 years old and above
* College Graduate
Khan when he approached her for
* With experience in surgery of shells spiritual guidance, rarely appears
* Expert in sorting and analyzing shells for culture, in public and only wearing a face-
skilled in harvesting shells and appraising the
finished products after harvest
covering hijab when she does.
The pair married in 2018, months
Submit your applications thru email at: before Khan was elected prime
hikari.iloilo@gmail.com
Company name: HIKARI SSP CORPORATION
minister.
Address: 11F Ramon Magsaysay Center, About 127 million Pakistanis are
1680 Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila eligible to vote next Thursday, with
Khan and his PTI at the centre of
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES debate despite being squeezed out
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION
of the limelight. AFP
OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT

Biden says he’s decided on response to Yemen’s Huthi’s drone strike

& EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF
MANDALUYONG CITY
Email: rtc1mdlocc@judiciary.gov.ph
Hotline: 639952598147/82876702

BDO UNIBANK, INC.,

Mortgagee, JUPITER—US President Joe Biden the region since the Israel-Hamas war looking for,” he added. -- the latest in a series of such incidents
said Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) broke out in October. In Sanaa, Yemen’s Huthi rebels fired in the Red Sea.
“several” missiles at a US warship in
-versus- FRE-MC24-1749
EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE OF REAL he had decided on a response to a A leading pro-Iranian group in Iraq “Iranian-backed Huthi militants
ESTATE MORTGAGE UNDER ACT 3135 AS
AMENDED BY ACT 4118
drone strike that killed three Ameri- said Tuesday that it would halt at- the Red Sea, they said on Wednesday, fired one anti-ship cruise missile from
can troops in Jordan, while insisting tacks on US forces as military action hours after the US military reported Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen to-
SPOUSES KAYE ANN ROCES CASILANG
and ARVIN GAASIS CASILANG and
he did not want a wider war in the loomed, but there was no sign it would shooting down a missile. ward the Red Sea,” a Centcom state-
SPOUSES ELIZABETH DELA CRUZ ROCES Middle East. be enough to stop Washington retaliat- “The naval forces of the Yemeni ment said.
and AVELINO LUSTADO ROCES,
Debtors/Mortgagors. Facing growing pressure in a US ing. Armed Forces, with the help of God “The missile was shot down by USS
x-------------------------------------------------------x election year, Biden said he held Iran “Yes,” Biden told reporters as he Almighty, fired several... naval mis- Gravely. There were no injuries or
NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
Upon Extra-Judicial petition for sale under Act 3135 as
responsible for supplying the weapons headed for campaign fundraisers in siles at the American destroyer USS damage reported.”
amended by Act 4118 filed by BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee, to the people who carried out the dead- Florida when asked if he had decided Gravely in the Red Sea,” the Huthi The Huthis, part of the anti-Western,
against SPOUSES KAYE ANN ROCES CASILANG and ARVIN
GAASIS CASILANG and SPOUSES ELIZABETH DELA CRUZ ly attack on a military base. on his response, but he did not give statement said. anti-Israel “axis of resistance” of Iranian-
ROCES and AVELINO LUSTADO ROCES, with postal address/ The White House warned that “mul- details. Earlier, US Central Command said backed groups, have been harassing Red
the USS Gravely shot down a Huthi Sea shipping for months, triggering US
es at: (1) Unit 2903, Tower 2, Light Residences, EDSA corner
Madison St., Barangay Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City and tiple actions” were likely in retaliation “I don’t think we need a wider war
(2) 339 A and V Subdivision, Barangay Panginay, Balagtas for the first fatal attack on US forces in in the Middle East. That’s not what I’m missile at about 11:30 pm on Tuesday and British reprisal attacks. AFP
Bulacan 3016, to secure the payment and all other obligation
which as of December 27, 2023, amounts to SEVEN MILLION
TWO HUNDRED NINETEEN THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED

Taiwan warns against China flight

EIGHTY SIX PESOS & 98/100 (Php 7,219,786.98) ONLY,
Philippine Currency, including interest, penalties and expenses
incidental thereto (Subject Obligation), the Ex-Officio Sheriff
of Mandaluyong City or his duly authorized deputy will sell at

path change that runs through Strait

PUBIC AUCTION to the HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH OR
MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency on the 1st
day of March 2024 at 9:00 o’clock in the morning or soon
thereafter but not later than 12:00 o’clock in the afternoon
at the main entrance of Mandaluyong City Hall, Maysilo Circle,
Mandaluyong City, the Condominium unit together with all the TAIPEI—Taiwan condemned on Beijing to “immediately” reverse the
improvements existing thereon to wit:
Wednesday China’s decision to decision.
CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. adjust an aviation route that runs Transport Minister Wang Kwo-
-008-2019007854-
Registry of Deeds – City of Mandaluyong through the Taiwan Strait, warning tsai also warned the route runs close
IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED that the unit identified and
the change could impact stability in to Taipei’s flight information region
described as: the sensitive waterway. -- just 4.2 nautical miles at its nearest
TOWER : TOWER 2 The Taiwanese defence ministry’s point.
UNIT : 2903 statement came a day after China’s “When the weather is bad, (a
UNIT TYPE : 1-BEDROOM UNIT W/BALCONY
TOTAL AREA : 27.74 civil aviation authority said it was plane) might fly east and this could
OF THE “LIGHT RESIDENCES” CONDOMINIUM PROJECT
introducing changes to flights headed clash with our civil and military
southwards along the M503 route aircraft,” he told reporters.
In the diagrammatic floor plan appended to the enabling or master
deed of the condominium project annotated on TRANSFER
starting from Feb. 1. Route M503 had sparked an outcry
CERTIFICATE OF TITLE 2014 000439; 24843 which embraces The Chinese authority said the in Taiwan when China launched it
and describes the land located at MANDALUYONG CITY with
an area of NINETEEN THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY move was aimed at improving in 2015, given its proximity to the
TWO SQUARE METERS AND FIFTY SQUARE DECIMETERS efficiency in a congested area. median line that runs through the
(19,422.50) Square Meter more or less xxxxx
However, Taiwan’s defense Taiwan Strait. NEW SECURITY LAW. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (center), Secretary
“ All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the ministry branded the adjustment as China, which claims self-ruled for Justice Paul Lam (left) and Secretary for Security Chris Tang (right) hold a press
above stated time and date.”
“unilateral and arbitrary”. Taiwan as part of its territory and conference at government headquarters in Hong Kong on Tuesday after Hong Kong
“In the event the public auction should not take place on the formally began the process of enacting a controversial homegrown national security
The move, it warned, could “lead does not recognize the median line, on
said dater, it shall be held on March 8, 2024 at the same time law in a move that could have deep ramifications for the city’s status as a global
and place without further notice.” to an escalation in tensions”, urging Wednesday reiterated its position. AFP financial hub. AFP
Prospective bidders or buyers are hereby enjoined to

South Korea president warns Pyongyang will meddle in April election with drone attacks
investigate for themselves the title of the said real property and
the encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Mandaluyong City, Philippines, January 27, 2024.

FOR THE EX-OFFICIO SHERIFF SEOUL—South Korean President Yoon analysts said the North could be country’s police and spy agencies, According to Seoul, Tokyo and
By: Suk Yeol said Wednesday the North’s supplying to Russia for use in Ukraine. and other officials. Washington, Pyongyang has supported
(Sgd.) LUCY LILIBETH A. ALCABA “irrational” regime was likely to carry South Korea is gearing up for a Yoon said that “multiple” its banned weapons programmes in
Sheriff IV out multiple provocations, including crucial election on April 10, with provocations by the North were part by gathering information through
Copy furnished:
cyberattacks and drone intrusions, ahead hawkish Yoon—who came to office expected ahead of the April general “malicious cyber activities.”
BDO UNIBANK, INC. of the South’s April election. in 2022 vowing to get tough on elections. North Korea has a long track record
RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP-REMEDIAL MANAGEMENT UNIT
11th Floor, BDO Towers Valero (formerly Citibank Tower), 8741 In recent weeks, North Korean leader Pyongyang—and his party aiming to “This year, we are expecting multiple of provocations ahead of South Korean
Paseo de Roxas, Makati City Kim Jong Un has declared Seoul his regain a parliamentary majority for the provocations for election intervention elections, experts say -- part of its
SPS. KAYE ANN R. CASILANG and ARVIN G. CASILANG, country’s “principal enemy”, jettisoned first time since 2016. such as border provocations, drone broader strategy to cause disruption
SPS. ELIZABETH D. ROCES and AVELINO L. ROCES
Unit 2903 Tower 2, Light Residences, EDSA cor. Madison St.,
agencies dedicated to reunification “The North Korean regime is the intrusions, fake news, cyberattacks and south of the border.
Brgy. Barangka Ilaya, Mandaluyong City / #339 A & V Subdivision, and outreach, and threatened war only irrational group in the world that rear disturbances,” he said. In December, Seoul’s spy agency
Barangay Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan 3016 over “even 0.001 mm” of territorial has legislated the preemptive use of “Cyberattacks can paralyse national issued a statement forecasting that
WARNING:
It is absolutely prohibited to remove, deface or destroy this
infringement. nuclear weapons,” Yoon said during functions and people’s daily lives in an Pyongyang would carry out military
Notice of Sheriff’s Sale on or before the date of Auction Sale Kim has also ramped up weapons an annual defense council meeting, instant. Also, society can fall into great and cyber provocations in 2024,
under Penalty of the law. testing, including this week’s launch which was attended by members of confusion due to fake news and false targeting election campaigns in the
(MStandard - Feb. 1, 8 & 15, 2024)
of a flurry of cruise missiles, which the public, representatives of the propaganda,” he added. United States and South Korea. AFP
BUSINESS B3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH stocks rise as traders view

below target GDP ‘positively’
PHILIPPINES stocks advanced
Wednesday even as the 2023 gross do-
mestic product (GDP) growth fell be-
low the government’s target.
The 30-company Philippine Stock
Exchange index traded above 6,700
at mid-day before closing at 6,646.44,
up 24.43 points, or 0.37 percent, from
previous day’s finish. The broader all-
shares index picked up 11.78 points, or
0.34 percent, to finish at 3,499.49.
China Bank Capital managing direc-
tor Juan Paolo Colet said the investors
still welcomed the 5.6-percent growth
for 2023 as this signals that the econo-
my remains strong.
SOLAR DONATION. Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, donates “Although this was below the gov-
P1.2 million to Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. (TWHI) and SasonbiSolar for solar power system installation in TWHI ernment’s target of at least 6-percent,
to generate savings from electricity bills which will go towards projects that help benefit persons with disabilities. the market viewed the data positively
Signing the deed of donation are (from left) Angelita Evangelista, TWHI executive vice president; Felix Gonzalez Jr., as this was not only above the medi-
TWHI president and chief executive; Raissa Bautista, Chevron Philippines Inc. head of corporate affairs; Dante Briones, an estimate of many economists, but
Sasonbi Inc. chief executive and president; and Ricky Jacinto, renewable energy and ESG advocate.
also showed that the Philippines was
the fastest-growing economy among
ASEAN countries that have published
their respective GDP data to date,” Co-
let said.
Value turnover reached P6.3 billion.
The peso also climbed to 56.275
against the US dollar Wednesday from
56.401 Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Asian equities were
mixed Wednesday after a tepid per-
formance on Wall Street, with traders
keenly awaiting what the Federal Re-
serve has to say after its much-antici-
pated policy meeting later in the day.
A key Treasury auction, US jobs
figures and earnings from some of the
world’s biggest companies including
Apple and Amazon were also in view
this week.
That all comes while the crisis surround-
ing China’s fallen property titan Ever-
grande casts a shadow and stokes worries
about the world’s number two economy.
Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

SEC gets Recto’s support for market reforms

By Jenniffer B. Austria in implementing reforms to make corporations, as part of efforts
the Philippine capital market to tackle tax evasion and money
more accessible to both issuers laundering, among others.

T
HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
and investors, intensify financial “As we push for the development
said it obtained Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s consumer protection through of the capital market and the business
support in pushing for business and capital market enhanced supervision and regulation sector, we will also closely work
reforms. of the financial system, advance together with the BIR and other
financial literacy and promote government agencies in improving
sustainability practices. tax administration and implementing
The SEC said Recto, in briefing initiatives to further digitalize He also urged the SEC to work other reforms to ensure inclusive
at the SEC headquarters in Makati and adopt advanced technologies with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and sustainable economic growth,”
City on Jan. 30, commended its to make company registration (BIR) to streamline and improve the Aquino said.
digitalization initiatives, which and regulatory compliance more efficiency of data sharing between The SEC also committed to
contributed in improving ease of convenient and efficient. the two agencies, as part of efforts to working more closely with other
doing business and fostering capital SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino enhance tax collection efficiency. government agencies in advancing
market development in the country. presented the agency’s priority The SEC and the BIR have other programs and initiatives
Recto also assured the SEC of the plans, activities and programs to data sharing agreements covering aimed at sustaining the Philippine
Department of Finance’s staunch Recto during the briefing. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto financial, beneficial ownership economy’s growth, including the
support for ongoing and future Recto also supported the SEC and SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino and other information concerning improvement of tax administration.

Regulators should clamp down

on marketing e-cigarettes in PH
—“—
Out in the Open
Ray S. Eñano
SELLING vapes and other forms of electronic cigarettes
to the youth without the prescribed health warning, as
mandated by health authorities, is a crime and smacks of
corporate greed.
The World Health Organization has already noted in
an earlier warning that e-cigarettes, which pose serious
health risks, are being “aggressively marketed” to young
people, and decried the absence of rules in place in large
parts of the world to protect children from their harmful
effects.
WHO’s notice should not be ignored. It found out that
Selling and promoting them to
minors without the prescribed
health warning is equally
irresponsible.
Children aged 13 to 15 worldwide are using
e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults, WHO research
has found. The number of young users in the United
Kingdom has tripled in the past three years.
Flava, in the meantime, has to face other government
investigations. Per the Bureau of Customs report,
the agency confiscated a total of 1.4 million pieces of
illegally imported vape products of Flava. CONSUMER ADVOCATES. Youth convenor Francine Pradez and the representative
of Batangas convenor Arven Bravo lead the launch of ILAW, an energy organization that seeks
Rep. Joey Salceda and Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, during to give consumers a strong voice on electricity issues in the country in a news conference on
a December 12, 2023 hearing, inquired from the BOC and Jan. 31 at Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
BIR about Flava’s capability to import. Upon submission

Therma Visayas’ 150-MW Cebu coal

88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes
can be bought and 74 countries have not implemented
any e-cigarette regulations.
The world health body has also warned that the
tobacco industry “funds and promotes false evidence”
in their argument that e-cigarettes reduce harm, while
at the same time “heavily promoting these products to
children and non-smokers and continuing to sell billions
of cigarettes.”
Here in the Philippines, a major importer of e-cigarettes
is being accused of several violations, including the
sale and marketing of products and variants not duly
registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
Flava Corp. is feeling the heat from lawmakers, who
earlier conducted an investigation on its alleged illegal
importation and misdeclaration of its products’ nicotine
content.
Flava’s alleged disregard of the law does not end
with tax evasion and its reported illegal trade practices.
Social media reports indicate that Flava has committed
violations against the other provisions of RA 11900,
particularly in terms of marketing, distribution, point-of-
sale and flavoring. The law, among others, regulate the
sale, packaging, use and communication of vaporized
nicotine and non-nicotine products.
Posters and invitations to events sponsored by Flava’s
products do not contain the prescribed health warning
and provide for no age requirement for participation.
Probers also bared social media posts with claims about
being the “trendsetter” in the disposable market vaping
industry―which is tantamount to depiction of vaping
as a lifestyle. In addition, the company is active in
sponsoring music festivals that are open to minors.
Such practices have prompted WHO chief Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus to call on countries to ramp
up prevention measures, saying that “kids are being
recruited and trapped at an early age to use e-cigarettes
and may get hooked to nicotine.”
of findings by the two agencies, it was discovered that
Flava was a registered importer. However, the company
has no products or brands registered for importation.
Thus, the 1.4 million confiscated vape products were
imported illegally to the country.
The company’s action qualifies as an illicit trade, a
bane among our tax collectors. The illegal trade deprives
the government of billion pesos worth of revenues and
finds ways to circumvent product standards.
The illegal trade continues to pose challenges to the
government. As an archipelago with porous borders
that encourage smuggling, the Philippines is at the
receiving end of illicit trade. Mr. Salceda in a House
report correctly points out the evils of illicit trade and its
adverse impact on government social services and the
whole business community.
“Eighty percent of revenues from vape sin taxes are
spent towards universal health care and government
hospitals. So, the health impacts of smoking vape aside,
tax evasion in this product, is stealing from our hospitals
and our sick,” he says.
The growing popularity of vapor nicotine and non-
nicotine products, or e-cigarettes, has apparently
emboldened sellers and manufacturers to resort to the
illegal practice.
Selling and promoting them to minors without the
prescribed health warning is equally irresponsible.
According to the UN health agency, the illegal promotion
has resulted in increased use of e-cigarettes, with nine
out of 10 smokers starting before the age of 18―and
some as early as 11.
“Considering that children spend nearly one-third
of their waking hours in school, and much of the peer
pressure they encounter occurs within these educational
environments, schools play a pivotal role,” WHO said.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com
or extrastory2000@gmail.com
plant excluded from moratorium—DOE
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) said
Wednesday said Therma Visayas Inc.’s
planned 150-megawatt coal expansion in
Toledo, Cebu is exempted from the coal
moratorium imposed in 2020.
It said that item 2(b) of the coal
moratorium policy exempts existing
power plant complexes which already
have firm expansion plans and existing
land site provision.
“The DOE verified that the TVI’s 150-
MW Unit 3 expansion project is covered
by the said provision. The project is part
of the expansion of the existing circulating
fluidized bed coal plant (units 1 and 2) of
Concepcion Industrial’s income rose 86% in 2023
CONCEPCION Industrial Corp. (CIC),
a local air-conditioning and refrigeration
appliance manufacturer, saw its net income
rise 86 percent in 2023 to P667.8 million
from a year ago on the back of a double-digit
growth in sales.
CIC said in a stock exchange filing
Wednesday net sales expanded 11-percent
year-on-year to P14.7 billion. The group’s net
sales posted 15-percent growth to P18.2 billion,
including its associate Concepcion Midea Inc.
“CIC has shown time and again our ability to
overcome challenges as our resilient business
allows us to adapt quickly and pivot when the
situation calls for it,” said CIC chairman and
president Raul Joseph Concepcion.
TVI in Toledo City,” the agency said.
It endorsed TVI’s 150 MW expansion to
the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines
for a system impact study.
TVI’s parent firm Aboitiz Power Corp.
wants to pursue the expansion to address
the growing demand for power in Cebu.
Aboitiz Power president and chief
executive Emmanuel Rubio said last year
the proposed expansion was excluded
from the coal ban and has an existing
environmental compliance certificate.
Rubio said they were weighing their
options whether to pursue the coal plant
or put up a 150-MW liquefied natural gas
plant in Cebu as they would have different
costs and financing options.
“As we reflect on our achievements in
2023, we look ahead with optimism, ready
to welcome opportunities and face the
challenges of 2024. CIC is well-positioned
to capitalize on emerging opportunities, and
our commitment to innovation, customer
satisfaction, and operational excellence
remains firm,” he said.
CIC’s commercial business generated
P1.4 billion in net sales, a 33-percent
growth compared to last year. The increase
was attributable to higher sales of heating,
ventilation and air-conditioning equipment as
well as the timely arrival of elevator equipment
and significant progress in both air conditioning
and elevator projects. Jenniffer B. Austria
B4
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
BUSINESS
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

ICTSI’s investment to transform

Iloilo port, fuel growth—Drilon
INTERNATIONAL Container Termi-
nal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) investment
in the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex
(ICPC) will reinvigorate the economy
and establish Iloilo as an international
gateway, said former Senate President
Franklin Drilon, a strong advocate or
the privatization of the project.
Drilon said the privatization would
see about P1.1 billion in investment
within the first two years, and more is
expected as cargo volume increases.
“With the substantial investment that
ICTSI is poised to inject, we are now
on the path to realizing our shared as-
piration of restoring Iloilo to its former
stature as an international gateway, as
it was at the turn of the 20th Century
when Iloilo was dubbed as the ‘Queen
City of the South,’” Drilon said.
“I am glad that ICTSI has finally
been awarded the 25-year concession
as the port operator. Ricky Razon and
ICTSI deserve special recognition for
their significant investment and un-
wavering confidence in Iloilo. ICTSI
is a true partner in moving Iloilo for-
ward,” Drilon said.
Drilon, who has played a pivotal role in
the development and growth of Iloilo, said
the condition of the port was a significant
impediment to progress, and this partner-
ship with ICTSI could be a game-changer.
“The condition of our ports has been NEW ECONOMIC ZONES. Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Tereso Panga (second from
a stumbling block for our development. left) and Bureau of Corrections director-general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. (third from left) sign a memorandum of
Iloilo had endured neglect during the understanding for the establishment of ecozones in portions of land under BuCor at the PEZA Auditorium in Pasay
past administration, resulting in a lack of City on Jan. 30, 2024. With them are Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco (right) and PEZA deputy director-general
capacity and inefficient operations that for policy and planning Maria Veronica Magsino. Joseph Muego
deterred shipping companies from using
Iloilo as a port of call,” Drilon said.

PCC clears $1.8-b Aboitiz-Coca Cola deal

By Jenniffer B. Austria Both parties signed in August 2023 a AEV said the acquisition would sup-

BSP sees January non-binding letter of intent to acquire

The Coca-Cola Company’s 100-percent
port its portfolio diversification strategy
to enter the branded consumer goods

T
HE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)
inflation settling
stake in CCBP, which has an enterprise space.
said Wednesday it approved Aboitiz Equity value of $1.8 billion on a debt-free and “AEV is well positioned to support
Ventures Inc. (AEV) and Coca-Cola Europacific cash-free basis. CCBPI’s growth ambition due to the

within target range

Partners PLC’s $1.8 billion acquisition of Coca-Cola
Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), the exclusive bottler
Under the agreement, AEV will hold
a 40-percent beneficial ownership in
CCBPI, while CCEP will have the re-
and distributor of Coca-Cola products in the country. maining 60-percent stake.
The final cash consideration will be
subject to cash, debt-like items and
AEV and CCEP said they received the ment’s anti-trust body on Jan. 30, 2024 to working capital adjustments at comple-
certificate of approval from the govern- proceed with the acquisition of CCBPI. tion of the transaction.
synergies which could be generated
from AEV’s other business interests in
the country,” it said.
It is one of the most diversified con- By Darwin G. Amojelar
glomerates in the country with interests in
power generation, financial services, real THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
estate development, infrastructure, food, (BSP) said Wednesday it expects
data science and artificial intelligence. January 2024 inflation to settle within
a range of 2.8 percent to 3.6 percent.

PLDT investing P2.11b for 34.9%

The forecast is within the bank’s
SM’S AWARDS. 2024 target band of 2 percent to 4
SM Investments Corp.
president and chief percent. The Philippine Statistics

stake in Meralco’s Radius Telecoms
PLDT Inc. said Wednesday it plans to
invest P2.1 billion in Radius Telecoms
Inc., a telecommunications company
with a strong fiber network infrastruc-
ture to strengthen its market position
and increase its market share in the
Philippines.
The company’s strategic investment
will see PLDT acquire 2.49 million
shares, or 34.9-percent equity shares
in Radius, bolstering its fiber network
reach and unlocking potential synergies
between the two firms.
It said the indicative purchase price is
subject to due diligence and execution
of definitive agreements.
“The proposed Investment is a stra-
tegic move to fortify PLDT’s market
position and increase its market share
through a harmonious integration of so-
lution capabilities and market coverage
by capitalizing on Radius’ 100-percent
fiber facilities that span 150 enterprise
buildings, 200+ residential multi-dwell-
ing units and 200+ villages,” PLDT
said.
executive Frederic Authority will release the official
DyBuncio thanks inflation report next week.
the International “Higher prices of some agricul-
Association of Business tural items, like rice, meat, fruits
Radius holds a congressional tele- Communicators (IABC)
communications franchise to construct, and fish, along with increased
Philippines for SM’s 20
install, establish, operate and maintain wins in the recently
petroleum prices, electricity and
for commercial purposes and in the held 20th Philippine water rates, annual adjustment in
public interest, the business of provid- Quill Awards. The sin taxes and the depreciation of
ing basic and enhanced telecommu- SM Group, led by SM the peso are the primary sources
nications services in the Philippines, Investments Corp., with of upward price pressures for the
and between the Philippines and other BDO Unibank Inc., SM month,” the BSP said.
countries and territories. Foundation Inc. and Lower prices of vegetables and
SM Supermalls, won 20
Radius is 100-percent owned by Par- awards for excellence sugar could contribute to down-
agon Vertical Corp., a wholly-owned in communications. ward price pressures, it said.
subsidiary of e-Meralco Ventures Inc., SM Foundation Inc. “Going forward, the BSP will
which is also wholly-owned by Manila was also recognized as continue to monitor developments
Electric Company. the 2nd runner up for affecting the outlook for inflation
“By leveraging on the existing infra- Company of the Year. and growth in line with its data-de-
structure and co-building in key areas, pendent approach to monetary policy
both PLDT and Radius stand to gain decision-making,” the BSP said.
cost efficiencies,” PLDT said. The Philippine Statistics
“This potential partnership will Authority earlier reported that
strengthen the market presence of
inflation settled at 3.9 percent
PLDT and Radius and unlock synergies
in December, lower than the 4.1
in solution capabilities and network
coverage to better serve and improve percent in November and 8.1
quality of service to PLDT and Radius percent in December in 2022. It
customers across the country,” it said. was also the lowest since it settled
Darwin G. Amojelar at 3.0 percent in February 2022.

DOE issues circular adopting new rules on downstream natural gas industry
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Department of Energy (DOE) said
Wednesday it adopted the amended rules
and regulations governing the down-
stream natural gas (DNG) industry.
It issued Department Circular DC
2024-01-0007 signed by Energy Sec-
retary Raphael Lotilla on Jan. 12, 2024
prescribing the requirements for the is-
suance of permits to operators for the
construction of DNG facilities.
The circular aims to provide a
conducive environment for the
development of the DNG industry
and promote financial liability by
liberalizing the entry of investors and
encourage access to capital and off-taker
market under a transparent, competitive
and fair trade system.
It seeks to ensure the transparent pric-
ing of natural gas and rates for its impor-
tation, storage, regasification, transmis-
sion and distribution.
The DOE said the procurement, deliv-
ery and pricing of natural gas from im-
portation and from indigenous produc-
tion should be transparent, competitive
and secure.
It said DNG facilities may be de-
signed and constructed to accommodate
indigenous gas, imported liquefied natu-
ral gas or both.
The circular said the DOE should sup-
port the optimal supply and use of natu-
ral gas, especially indigenous sources,
including, as may be necessary, the pri-
ority dispatch or sourcing of indigenous
natural gas.
The DOE may also mandate the
blending or aggregation of imported
LNG and indigenous natural gas and/
or enforce the priority source of indig-
enous gas for power generation.
It said the entire capacity of a DNG
facility may be offered to third party.
The negotiated third party access refers
to a commercial arrangement which al-
lows the operator and a third-party end-
user or affiliate to agree and execute ne-
gotiated terms and conditions for the use
of the DNG capacity.
DBM, COA issue
revised manual
on gov’t asset sale
THE Department of Budget and Man-
agement (DBM) and the Commission
on Audit (COA) on Wednesday issued
a joint circular adopting the revised
manual on the disposal of government
properties.
The revised manual seeks to update
the National Budget Circular (NBC)
No. 425 dated Jan. 28, 1992 to guide the
agencies concerned in their disposal un-

Prime Infra unit opens country’s first

dertakings.
“A lot of our rules and regulations, cir-
culars and memoranda were done from

automated materials recovery facility
PRIME Integrated Waste Solutions Inc.
(PWS), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., in-
augurated on Jan. 29 the country’s first
materials recovery facility (MRF) in
Cebu that uses state-of-the-art equip-
ment for waste segregation and storage.
PWS was established in response to
the increasing demand for proper waste
management and resource recovery
solutions in industrialized and fast-
growing cities in the Philippines. PWS’
model is based on Prime Infra’s overall
objective to convert recovered resourc-
es into sustainable fuels.
“I need not tell you how groundbreak-
Executives of Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PWS) lead the inauguration
of the company’s first automated materials recovery facility (MRF) in Cebu that ing this is because this is in fact the first
uses state-of-the-art equipment for waste segregation and storage—a first in the in the country,” said Department of En-
Philippines. vironment and Natural Resources Sec-
retary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
“Efforts like this that make our job
possible…The first thing we need to
do in this country is regard the solid
waste management sector as an indus-
try and for that, it needs to realize the
efficiencies according to scale. Invest-
ments will not make sense without all
the moving parts put on the table and
that includes local governance, environ-
mental management; that includes pri-
vate investment with government and
aligned with government in addressing
these particular issues,” she said.
The DENR secretary also lauded
PWS for the “social impact of this tran-
sition in solid waste management tech-
nology” by incorporating the informal
waste picker sector into the process.
way back. I think, with the changing
times, with the modern times, it’s just but
wise for us to also evolve and try to cope
with what’s happening around us,” DBM
Secretary Mina Pangandaman said.
Among the salient features of the revised
manual is the determination of its coverage
and scope of implementation, which will
cover all government properties that are
movable or personal, purchased, owned or
otherwise acquired including those donat-
ed to, stocked and used by the government
in its operations, excluding real properties,
public records, and imported properties
consigned to the government.
It also identifies the duties and respon-
sibilities of accountable personnel and the
procedures and methods in the conduct of
disposal. The revised manual also includes
the constitution of a disposal committee,
composed of a chairperson and its mem-
bers and sets the conditions of properties
for disposal, and the various modes of dis-
posal. Darwin G. Amojelar
 C1
SPORTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Mr. Basketball
Fajardo named San Miguel Beer’s
Junemar Fajardo

PBA’s Player
(center) is joined
by (from left) his
Gilas Pilipinas

of the Week
mentor Tim Cone,
POC president
Abraham Tolentino,
PSC chairman
JUNE Mar Fajardo continues to tower Richard Bachmann
above the entire San Miguel Beer team. and Samahang
The seven-time MVP averaged in Basketbol ng
double-double to guide the Beermen to Pilipinas president
the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals Al S. Panlilio at the
following a 3-0 sweep of Barangay
Ginebra in their semifinals series. PSA Awards Night,
Fajardo had 11 points and 10 re- where the 6’10”
bounds in the series-clinching 94-91 center was named
win fashioned out before a large crowd Mr. Basketball.
of 15,126 at the Mall of Asia Arena last
Sunday.
Consistency has been the name of
the game for the 6-foot-10 center for
the entire best-of-five series where he’s
the only San Miguel local to average
in double-doubles of 15.3 points and 11
rebounds per game, aside from turning
in 3.7 blocks including a high of five
blocks in a 106-96 Game 2 win.
Fajardo, who was recently honored
as Mr. Basketball in the Philippine
Sportswriters Association Awards
Night, also shot 61.5 percent from the

Gilas center Sotto bulking up

field, while holding his own against
leading Best Player of the Conference
candidate Christian Standhardinger
in the marquee match-up between the
two big men.
Coming off a fractured left hand

for tougher FIBA grind ahead

injury, Fajardo successfully made his
way back to San Miguel’s scheme of
things that earned him his very first
PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player
of the Week this season.
San Miguel Beer teammate CJ Perez
crowded out Fajardo for the weekly
honor covering the period Jan. 24-27.
Perez emerged a close second be-
hind Fajardo following the voting
By Randy Caluag According to Manila Standard source, the training
regimen pays a meticulous attention to Sotto’s nutri-
made by the group of men and women tion, strategically aiming to bulk him up in anticipa-

who cover the PBA beat.
The 30-year-old Perez averaged 18.0
points on a high 50 percent shooting
from beyond the arc, while also sub-
mitting numbers of 7.0 rebounds, 3.0
assists, and 1.7 steals as he teamed up
with Fajardo a nd the rest of the Beer-
men in dethroning Barangay Ginebra.
The win was the ninth straight for
the Beermen including eight since Fa-
jardo returned to injury and put them
in a perfect position as they vie for their
29th PBA championship.
F
ILIPINO center Kai Sotto is
diligently honing his skills
and physique, while actively
playing in the Japanese B.League,
with the Yokohama B-Corsairs, even
as he is looking forward to upcoming
challenges in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025
Qualifiers, set to kick off in February.
Working under the guidance of renowned strength
coach Mel Lantin, the 7’3” Sotto is committed to
enhance his strength, quickness, and overall perfor-
tion of the rigorous competitions ahead.
Sotto was among the 12 players selected by newly
appointed Gilas Pilipinas mentor Tim Cone.
The elite roster is set to represent the Philippines
in the opening window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025
Qualifiers this February.
The line-up also included familiar faces such as
Dwight Ramos, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thomp-
son, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie
Malonzo, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao.
Having joined forces with Lantin in August last year
at the Fit Twenty One fitness gym in Las Pinas City,
Sotto’s dedication to conditioning was evident even be-
fore his stint with Gilas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Lantin, a respected figure in conditioning, has pre-

SBP exec Dy
mance and achieve an optimal weight to fortify his viously worked with diverse athletes, including rising
presence in the paint. boxing star Carl Jammes Martin and the UP Junior
In a recent Facebook post, coach Lantin shared im- Maroons’ basketball team.

bats for more

ages of Sotto engaging in various exercises designed He also handled teams from Perpetual Help Altas,
to enhance what is known as SAQ (speed, agility, and De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and
quickness) in sports science. Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP. Kai Sotto deep in training

cage meets
for women Tolentino breaks PH mark in hunt for Olympic quota seat
THERE is a need to come up with
more local 3x3 basketball competitions
for women.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
executive director Erika Dy stressed
the importance of putting up as many
domestic leagues as possible right be-
fore the start of Manila Hustle 3x3,
which is in its second season.
“It’s very important. Even before
we go to international meets, we need
to provide our clubs with local tourna-
ments,” said Dy.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women, previ-
ously known as the Lady MacBeth
Riots when they won the crown last
year, will be back with Camille Clarin,
Mikka Cacho, Tin Cayabyab and new
player Monique del Carmen.
There will be other local teams seed-
ed with national players.
This includes Uratex Dream, with
By Peter Atencio
JOHN Cabang Tolentino, who recent-
ly smashed the existing national re-
cord in the indoor 60-meter hurdles’
event, will have a chance to continue
pursuing his elusive dream of quali-
fying in the Paris Olympics.
Tolentino will join another Olym-
pic hopeful in Janry Ubas in the 11th
Asian Indoor Athletic Champion-
ships in Tehran, Iran, slated on Feb-
ruary 17 to 19.
Philippine Athletics Track and
Field Association secretary general
Jasper Tanhueco said this is one of
the competitions which will get To-
lentino and Ubas ready for the com-
ing outdoor
season and
the quali-
fication process for the Olympics.
“We are looking for competitions for
them. Both will compete and are cur-
rently in a good position to qualify on
the road to Paris especially Janry. So
let’s hope they will have a good per-
formance this competition,” said Tan-
hueco, who spoke of Tolentino’s good
chances during the recent 2023 Philip-
pine Sportswriters’ Awards Night.
The 22-year-old, Spain-based To-
lentino showed the good shape that he
is in when he eclipsed the Philippine
record in the Euskadi Indoor meet in
San Sebastian.
Tolentino won the gold medal
7.73 seconds, which was better than
the 7.86 seconds of Eric Cray in the
Cherry and Silver meet in Albuquer-
que back in 2014.
During that meet, Tolentino fin-
John Cabang Tolentino
ished ahead of Oscar Urdanoz (8.18)
and Daniel San Juan (8.19).
Over the weekend, on Jan. 27, To-
lentino won the gold in the Astana
Indoor meet in Kazakhstan with a
time of 7.99 meters, some 2/10ths of
second short of the Philippine mark
he shattered two weeks ago.
He is within the quota ranking of pos-
sible Olympic qualifiers at no. 31 out of
a possible 40 who can make the cut to
the Paris Games after joining 12 com-
petitions, including the Southeast Asian
Games and Asian Games.
Joining these meets have earned
Tolentino a total of 1199 points, and
a world ranking of 58.
For Tolentino to make it to the
Paris, he has to stay within the quota
ranking of 40 until July, or hit the en-
try standard of 13.27 seconds.

Baby Falcons advance to cage finals

Kaye Pingol in the roster, along with
Chinese reinforcement Renzhu Li.
“These domestic tournaments will
help them continue to operate as a
club. Otherwise, they will just to inter-
national tournaments, once or twice a
year,” added Dy.
Uratex Tibay will have Afril Ber-
nardino and Spanish dazzler Ari Geli,
while the Titans will be buoyed by
Thai star Supavadee Kunchuan playing
with national cagers Jhazmin Joso and
Katrina Guytingco.
The other local clubs are Discovery
Perlas, Bluefire LPG, and Army Altama.
Last year’s semifinalist Dinoman
Hansol of Korea will be around with
Kim Dunarang as the skipper.
They will be among the favorites
with Japanese teams Tokyo Dime,
Owls.EXE, and Zoos Tokyo of world
no. 25 Aoi Katsura.
There’s also the Shoot It Dragons of
Thailand and Jumpshot of Singapore,
while Korean team Unicle, Royals
Basketball of Australia, and Shiv Na-
dar School of India are playing for the
first time. Peter Atencio
ADAMSON University pulled off an
80-66 win over University of Santo
Tomas to advance to the Finals of the
UAAP Season 86 high school boys’
basketball tournament Wednesday at
the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Vince Reyes logged a double-
double of 23 points and 11 re-
bounds and had two steals and
two blocks, Mark Esperanza had
12 points and eight assists while
Justine Garcia was also solid for
the Baby Falcons with 11 points,
six assists, and four steals.
Adamson coach Mike Fermin
wanted his troops to address its
first half problems in the champi-
onship round.
“Parang naulit ‘yung game na-
min against NU, nanggigigil noong
Adamson’s Vince Reyes first half. Sabl ko, hindi naman nat-
ing kailangang talunin ng first half
because it is a 40-minute game or
extra,” said Fermin after the San
Marcelino-based squad reached the
Finals for the second straight year.
“Constant reminders ko sa
kanila, stay within the game plan.
Noong second half nagising na-
man sila kaya hats off again sa mga
players,” he added.
It was the Tiger Cubs who dealt
their only loss of the season and
Reyes was simply glad that the Baby
Falcons hurdled another stumbling
block to achieve their ultimate goal.
“Talagang naniwala na lang kami
sa mga sarili namin, nagtulungan
naman kami,” said Reyes, a Grade
12 senior.
Adamson will play the winner of
the other Final Four between Nation-
al University Nazareth School and
Far Eastern University-Diliman.
After a scoreless first half, Wacky
Ludovice exploded for 19 points but
his effort was not enough to extend
UST’s campaign.
The Tiger Cubs ended their first
season under coach Manu Iñigo in
fourth place.
The Scores:
AdU (80) – Reyes 23, Esperanza
12, Garcia 11, Medina 11, Bonzalida
6, Abayon 5, Carillo 4, Tumaneng 4,
Umali 2, De Jesus 2, Sajili 0.
UST (66) – Ludovice 19, Dungo
17, Buenaflor 8, Ronquillo 7, Man-
ding 6, Bucsit 6, Esteban 3, Lim 0,
Verzosa 0, Reyes 0, Velasquez 0, Lo-
reto 0.
Quarterscores: 23-17, 37-27, 61-50,
80-66
C2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
SPORTS
SPECIAL CITATION:
Slasher
Standard Insurance Centennial
V lady sailor Alysa Belmonte
(4th from right) received a
Cup draws
citation trophy during the
San Miguel Corp.-Philippine
Sportswriters Association
world’s best
Awards Night at the Diamond
Hotel last Monday. The all-
Filipino sailing team, include
breeders
the Richly Magsanay, boat By Peter Atencio
owner and Standard Insurance
chairman Ernesto “Judes” TOP breeders from the United States
Echauz, Stephen Tan, Rubin and the Visayas region will be among
Cruz, Ridgely Balladares, Joel those seeking out the biggest prizes at
Mejarito, Bernard Floren and stake in the “Olympics of Cockfight-
Louie Perfectua. ing” as the 2024 World Slasher Cup
reeled off on Monday at the Smart Ara-
neta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
A big turnout of around 200 par-
ticipants has excited the organizers in
the event regarded as the Holy Grail of
cockfighting.
“Magandang turnout ito,” said chief
organizer Dong Lamoste during Satur-
day’s launch at the Gloria Maris Res-
taurant inside the Gateway Mall in Cu-
bao, Quezon City,
Top breeders, led by the Hawaii
group of Mike For mosa, are in town,

RSA pays tribute to PH athletes,

together with a Nathan Jumper’s group
from Mississippi.
The weeklong tournament will
draw all the major players in cock-
fighting, including Northern Samar’s
Don Destura.

says Paris breakthrough possible

Their entries are expected to fight it
out until the finale on Feb. 4.
The participants plunge into a two-
day elimination, followed by the semi-
finals on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
After a break on Feb. 2, the match-
es will resume in the Pre-Finals on

L
ONGTIME sports patron Ramon S. Ang believes the opportunity to be part of it, and we thank Feb. 3, and the much-awaited Grand
MVP for lifting Philippine basketball to Finals on Feb. 4.
country is geared to win more golds in the coming greater heights,” he added. Last season, two were hailed as
Paris Olympics as he paid tribute to all Filipino At the invitation of Pangilinan, Ang champions in Jose Panganiban Jr.’s
athletes, particularly those who were honored during the supported the country’s successful co- Infiniti Gold 6-Cock Derby June 21
hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Manila Arena-2 and partners Pablito
recent Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards. Cup, when Philippine team shared the Gregore and Dennis Lumpay’s 22GF/
spotlight with the world’s best basket- Ormoc Joe with identical 7.5 points.
Ang, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Diaz shone in Tokyo for our first gold ball teams. The co-winners were Tata Gov/
President and Chief Executive Officer, in the Olympics. And just last year, we “I thank the PSA for the honor and Tata Rey, Fiscal Moises Villanue-
received his second PSA Executive of the grabbed the Asian Games gold in bas- dedicate it to the Gilas Pilipinas team va, Eddie Gonzales, Jon Jon Cano,
Year award and this time, he shared it with ketball that eluded us for 60 years. So who worked so hard to bring home the Frank/Guam Boys/Joey Melendres,
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation I think another breakthrough is pos- gold medal in the face of tough odds,” and Nene Araneta, who accumulated
(MPIC) Chairman and President Manny sible,” Ang said. Ang, who was first conferred with the seven points each while Bebot Uy
V. Pangilinan as their partnership paved “That gold medal was the result of the PSA Executive of the Year Award in and Patrick Antonio listed 6.5 points
the way for the Asiad basketball gold. hard work and effort of not just the players 2017, said. while Daday Siochi/Raymond Dela
He said the upcoming OIympiad will and coaching staff, but most especially, He added: “ I hope the amazing feat Cruz’s Old Model/SN.
mark the 100th year of Philippines’ par- MVP himself. The Gilas Pilipinas pro- of Philippine basketball team will also
ticipation as the country looks to replicate gram is really his brainchild, and without inspire our athletes to go for more gold
the feat of gold-winning weightlifter Hi- his vision, commitment, and patriotism to medals in Paris.”
dilyn Diaz in the Tokyo Games.
“Everything is possible when all the
country’s stakeholders work together. It
see the program through all these years,
we probably would not have a champion
Gilas team,” Ang said.
Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena
led those who were feted during the an-
nual awards conducted by the country’s
Cosca, Mercado
Ramon S. Ang was just three years ago when Hidilyn “We are proud to have been given the oldest sportswriting organization.
lead chase as
Malixi, 5 other Pinays launch bid in Asia-Pacific golf Fr. Suarez Cup
RIANNE Malixi sets out in a highly anticipated
showdown with world No. 4 Minsol Kim of South
treeyapas, while Gaccion, a grand finalist in the in-
augural Junior Philippine Golf Tour last year, also
gets underway
Korea and India’s Queen Sirikit Cup titleholder tees off on the first hole in an 8:03 a.m. flight with
Avani Prashanth, aiming for a strong start in the Hong Kong’s Siuue Wu and Mannat Brar, also from DARWIN Cosca Jr. and Chloe Mer-
Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship India. cado brace for spirited battle against a
Thursday in Pattaya, Thailand. Abelar clashes with Thai Suvichaya Vinijchaitham field of talented emerging stars as the
They slug it out at 8:03 a.m. at the backside of and Sania Wahyudi of Indonesia at 11:30 a.m. on No. Fr. Fernando Suarez M-Cup National
the par-72 layout in one of the top match-ups in the 10; Gabasa also starts at the backside against Kiwi Juniors Tennis Championships kicks
opener of the sixth edition of the 72-hole champion- Mimi Guo and Singapore’s Xingtong Chen at 12:03 off Thursday in Biñan, Laguna.
ship, which also features Thai defending champion p.m.; while Quintanilla hopes to buck the odds in the Presented by Rep. Len-Len Alonte-
Eila Galitsky, Japan’s Mamika Shinchi and Rin Yo- 12:25 p.m. flight that includes Daniah Syed of Paki- Naguiat and Dunlop, the Group 2 tour-
shida, Korea’s Eunseo Choi, Aussies Caitlin Peirce stan and Jillian Kuk of Singapore on No. 10. nament features over 250 entries vy-
and Justice Bosio. But all eyes will be on Malixi, who scored a break- ing for top honors and ranking points,
The ICTSI-backed Malixi tied for third in the 2022 through win in the Australian Master of the Ama- utilizing three courts at the South City
edition of this event won by Taiwanese Ting-Hsuan teurs Championship last month. The 16-year-old Recreational Tennis Center, the South-
Huang at the Siam Country Club’s Waterside course, shotmaker also rallied to tie for eighth in the Austra- ville and the Filinvest courts.
which is again hosting this year’s championship. lian Amateur. Costa and Mercado gain the top
Galitsky kicks off her title-retention drive at 12:03 So much is at stake in the championship, which seedings in the premier 18-and-under
p.m. on No. 1 against Korean Soomin Oh and Hina- drew 90 players from 22 countries and territories, division with the boys’ roster also
no Muguruma of Japan, while Shinchi, winner of the with the winner to receive invitations to play in three drawing such talents as Ariel Cabaral,
recent Australian Amateur, seeks back-to-back title major championships – the Women’s Open, the Evi- siblings Frank and France Dilao, Al
romp against Taiwanese Huai-Chien Hsu and Bosio. an Championship and the Chevron Championship. Tristan Licayan, Gerard Manigque,
Other Filipina entries are Anya Cedo, Alethea Also up for grabs are berths in elite championships Lervin Cunanan and Nathan Andal.
Gaccion, Nicole Abelar, Junia Gabasa and Grace such as the Hana Financial Group Championship, On the girls’ side, Mercado,
Quintanilla. the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open, the 121st looking for redemption after a re-
Cedo drew an early tee-time at 7:41 a.m. on No. 1 Women’s Amateur Championship and the Augusta cent finals defeat to Mica Emana in
with India’s Heena Kang and Thai Navaporn Soon- National Women’s Amateur. Rianne Malixi last week’s Valle Verde meet, leads
the charge, alongside Sandra Bau-
tista, Ronielle Oliveros and Erynne
Ong, in the event dedicated to the late
Sarmiento, Quinones top Nationall Table Tennis tilt healing priest, who was a tennis en-
thusiast and supporter.
Nearly all of the nine age-group cat-
NATIONAL pool members Cate Jazztyne national level,” said Charlie Lim, honorary egories, including 16-, 14-, 12-and-U
Sarmiento and Kyle Quinones led the young president of the Table Tennis Association for and 10-unisex, have drawn full-packed
achievers in the 5th FESSAP National Age- National Development (TATAND). rosters of 32 players, highlighting the
Group Table Tennis Championship over the “These events are not only about competition but enthusiastic response of young players
weekend at the Ayala Malls Cloverleaf Wellness also serve as a reunion for our community. It is an from the host city and nearby towns
Center in Quezon City. opportunity for all of us to come together, share our and provinces.
The 18-year-old Sarmiento, the pride of Lipa City, love for the sport, and celebrate our achievements. The event, supported by Slazenger
beat rival Ashley Allorde of PCAF to be crowned As we gather to compete, let us not forget that the and which also features the boys’ and
queen in the 19-under women’s class the tourna- true essence of these events lies in the joy of playing girls’ doubles competition, falls under
ment organized by former national champion and and the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said. the Palawan Pawnshop junior program,
coach Julius Esposo, in collaboration with Chawi In other results, Zane Patricia F. Cabalu of led by president/CEO Bobby Castro,
Sports Center and Federation of School Sports As- Cabalu Table Tennis Training Center won the offering Philta ranking points.
sociation of the Philippines (FESSAP). 9-under Girls; Titus Alexander Pachica of Event organizer Bobby Mangu-
Quinones of Adamson University won the Team PROTTEC took home the 9-under boys nay emphasized the support from
crown in the men’s 19-under class by defeating title; Liu Shiwen Garcia of Bulacan led the the new sets of officers of Philta
Sean Arvin Garcia in the tournament that was 11-under (girls); wag one 11-under (boys) Ga- (Philippine Tennis Association),
also supported by Chawi Sports Apparel, Joola briel Noche of Bulacan; headed by president and Parañaque
Philippines, Mr. Philip Uy, Totopol Fishbroker, Ma. Mikaela Jopillo of Bulacan dominated City Mayor Eric Olivarez. This
Vision Quest Optical Clinic, and Besttank. the 13-under (girls); Prince Achilles Troy “AKI” support encompasses various tour-
TATAND honorary president Charlie Lim (2nd from right) and “We are committed to support events like D. Maminta of Spin Master Table Tennis Urda- naments nationwide, such as the re-
Philippine cadet top player Khevine Kheith Cruz present a the 5th FESSAP National Age-Group Cham- neta claimed the boys 13-under and the 16-under cently-concluded Kasadyahan Fes-
souvenir jersey from Chawi Sports apparel at the 5th FESSAP pionship and other grassroots programs that class; while Farhana A. Abdul (Ue/Triple Arrow tival in Iloilo and the Valle Verde
National Age-Group Championship award ceremony. promote the development of table tennis at a Chanel Team) won the 16-under girls. Country Club championships.

SHOWBIZ
OPM band Cup of Joe is popularly known for its chart-topping
single ‘Tingin’
Touchbass
Yugel Losorata
California nursing school run
by Filipino experts
THERE’S a new nursing school in the state of California
being run by experts in the field who happened to be
Filipinos. That is worth celebrating amid the need for
nurses in the aftermath of a pandemic, and considering the
estimable reputation of Filipino nurses and educators.
Aberdeen Institute, located at the heart of San Fernando
Valley, was launched last Jan. 13 with a ribbon-cutting
ceremony attended by key figures in the community.
If you’re guessing that 13 must be a significant number
and in no way unlucky for those behind the foundation of
the school, your guess is right. There are 13 key individuals
who have poured in their years of experience and proven
expertise in the profession to put up Aberdeen Institute.
Dr. Bernard Riccomini, director of nursing education
programs, expressed high hopes in realizing the vision
of the new school. He shared, “The community in San
Fernando Valley is going to be affected in many ways with
the unveiling of Aberdeen Institute. Our mission is to be
able to ameliorate the gap of nursing shortage made worse
by the pandemic.”
The new nursing school had gotten the necessary
approvals for it to formally open, as it targets to start classes
by March.
Dr. Riccomini noted that they are currently screening and
selecting students, expecting to tap those qualified within
the community or even in neighboring places, be they
Filipinos or non-Filipinos.
Interestingly, they have also been getting inquiries from
the states of Arizona, Texas, and Nevada.
The de facto leader of Aberdeen Institute’s Magic 13
shared that he handpicked each one of them by partly
considering significant personal connections. “Being in
the profession of nursing for 29 years, I have met a lot of
wonderful teachers, friends, and colleagues “Dr. Riccomini
said, “Several of them were my nursing student graduates.
Dr. Em Garcia holds office in two different hospitals. A
couple more are deans in colleges of nursing outside of Los
Angeles. We’re a pretty solid team.”
Part of the team’s dream is to be able to provide the
future with nurses that are caring and compassionate, and
molded through a good nursing school. The inaugural
event’s success was also reflected during the networking
sessions which organizers believe were “truly invaluable”
and “will contribute greatly to the growth and development
of Aberdeen Institute.”
The power of personal connection among owners was
further emphasized by the speech of Leila Villon who shared
her thoughts over her involvement. She said, “The roots of
my relationship with the visionary mind behind Aberdeen
Institute go beyond the realm of professional collaboration.
We are high school classmates, business partners, and, most
importantly, long-time friends.”
Aberdeen Institute has its facilities situated at 7136
Haskell Avenue in Van Nuys, California. It is being eyed as
the first of many.
The urbanized San Fernando Valley contains a large
portion of Los Angeles, and is notable for having the film
studios Warner Bros. and Walt Disney, as well as Universal
Studios Hollywood theme park.
Dr. Riccomini, who takes pride in being a traveler, having
been to 130 cities in nearly 40 countries, revealed that
he had Aberdeen Institute named after a city in Scotland
known for its sandy coastline. The motto of that Scottish
city is “Bon Accord,” meaning “good agreement.”
There’s certainly a good one for the 13 fellows who came
together to open Aberdeen Institute.
Thirteen individuals have poured in their years of experience and
proven expertise in the profession to put up the nursing school
Cup of Joe in concert at New Frontier Theater
TODAY’S hottest and trending only here in the Philippines but also
band, Cup of Joe, will be staging in other countries.
a live concert at the New Frontier The band is set to perform its
Theater in Araneta City, Cubao, chart-topping single “Tingin,” along
Quezon City on Feb. 9 and 10. with the enchanting collaboration
Titled Seatbelts On!, the show with Janine Teñoso. Discover why
will feature vocalists Gian the group has over four million
Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao, monthly listeners on Spotify as
keyboardist Xen Gareza, lead audiences track down their road
guitarist Gab Fernandez, bassist to success with past hits like
Sevii Severino, and guitarist CJ “Estranghero” (over 41 million
Fernandez performing all the streams), “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin
songs that gained them millions of Ko” (26 million), “Mananatili”
streams, views, and followers not (12 million), “Patutunguhan” (9
Newest youth-oriented show
tackles love and challenges faced
by ‘zoomers’
F
ORMER Goin Bulilit
star Harvey Bautista and
former PBB housemate
Criza Taa clinched the
lead roles of ABS-CBN Studios’
new youth-reality series Zoomers
after undergoing a rigorous audition
process and impressing three
distinguished directors.
Harvey and Criza were selected among
18 Gen Z artists by ABS-CBN Star Magic
and TV production head Laurenti Dyogi,
blockbuster film director Theodore
Boborol, and He’s Into Her director Chad
Vidanes.
Joining them are former YeY star Luke
Alford, commercial model Ralph de Leon,
and dancer Krystl Ball, who also showed
potential and charm to be part of the
latest ABS-CBN
Studios offering.
The newest
Kapamilya
series revolves
around the
lives of senior
high students
Jiggs (Harvey),
Broadway legend Chita Rivera dies
CHITA Rivera, who electrified Broadway
stages over six decades in shows including
West Side Story and Chicago as one of the
foremost entertainers of her generation,
died Tuesday at 91, her publicist said.
Rivera – a singer, dancer, and actress –
died in New York after a “brief illness,” her
daughter Lisa Mordente said in a statement
released by publicist Merle Frimark.
Trained in voice, piano, and ballet
from a young age, Rivera was dancing on
Broadway before she was 20 and kept at it
all the way into her early ‘80s.
Rivera became one of the most nominated
actors in the history of the Tony Awards,
Broadway’s highest prizes, with 10 nods.
In 2002 she earned Kennedy Center
honors – a top US arts distinction – and was
feted at the White House in 2009 with the
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Sensual and with a brassy stage presence, Rivera
C3
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
million), “Sinderela” (13 million), Although all members are now busy
“Bukod Tangi” (10 million), with college studies, they continue
“Tataya” (7 million), and others recording their own music and
available on the Viva Music label. creating hits.
Cup of Joe was born when its Tickets for the Seatbelts On!
members decided to record a song concert are priced as follows:
that would serve as a souvenir of SVIP with Meet and Greet and
their senior year in high school, Soundcheck at P5200; VIP with
anticipating that they would not be Soundcheck at P3850; Orchestra at
seeing each other often in college. P2800; Loge at P1300; and Balcony
That song was “Nag-iisang Muli,” at P700. Tickets are now available
which, to the band’s surprise, was at ticketnet.com and at the Viva Live
named Best Regional Song at hotlines, (0955) 017-1799 and (02)
the MOR Music Awards in 2019. 8687-5853 local 841.
The youth-oriented show features a new generation of actors and actresses
Hope (Criza), Kokoy (Luke), and excitement. It is something that I’ve
Tania (Krystl), and Atom been waiting for, and it is something that I’m
(Ralph), who have thankful for. I want to make them proud. I
forged a special bond want to make the bosses proud.”
of friendship during Criza, who was a part of the hit series
the pandemic. As they Kadenang Ginto and He’s Into Her, is
find their footing in honored to play one of the main characters
this post-pandemic in the series.
reality, witness how “This is my first lead role under Star Magic
their friendship will and ABS-CBN that they handle. It left a mark
be tested as they on me, and I’m so grateful and thankful that
will be challenged they entrusted me with this role. The number
by their own pains, one thing I can promise is that I will give
struggles, and my 199 percent to my character. I will bring
dreams. Hope to life.”
Former child Likewise, Luke, Ralph, and Krystl
star Harvey expressed their gratefulness for the
opened up about opportunity to be part of a series tackling
how important relevant social issues faced by their
the series is generation.
to him. “Big Zoomers is directed by Chad Vidanes and
deal ito para is written by Charisse Bayona and Michael
sa akin. Ito Transfiguracion. Also part of Zoomers
yung first are Luis Vera Perez, Kei Kurosawa,
project Erika Davis, Hadiyah Santos, and Zabel
ko with a Lamberth.
partner. Zoomers airs weeknighht after Can’t
M a y Buy Me Love, 10:15 p.m. on Kapamilya
kaba Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and
konti TV5. Stream its full episodes on ABS-CBN
Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
‘Zoomers’ lead stars Harvey Bautista (left) and Criza Taa
played some of Broadway’s most
acclaimed roles and worked under
legendary talents including Leonard
Bernstein, Bob Fosse, Stephen
Sondheim, and Jerome Robbins.
She and fellow actress Rita Moreno
paved the way for other stars of Puerto Rican
descent, such as actor-songwriter-playwright
Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, to
conquer Broadway.
“The trailblazer for PR on Broadway,”
Miranda wrote of Rivera on Instagram Tuesday.
“She IS magnificent, not ready for the past tense
just yet.”
Rivera earned the 1957 breakout role of Anita
in West Side Story,, the 20th century American
adaptation of the Shakespeare tale Romeo and
Juliet,, which made her a star and earned her
first Tony nomination. AFP
Broadway performer Chita Rivera
C4
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
Research suggests that strong relationships contribute to overall health
Bye situationships?
A loving partner can be good
for your heart
LOVE can spark joy in everyday
moments, making even simple tasks
feel special. In other words, love
makes life sweeter.
Rosario Soledad C. Neri-Velhagen,
MD from the Section of Cardiology
at the top hospital in the Philippines
Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed)
reveals that science backs loving
relationships as they can contribute to
one’s heart health.
“Research suggests that strong
relationships, particularly in marriage,
contribute to overall health,” explains
Dr. Neri-Velhagen.
The medical expert cited a
2017 study that found unmarried
individuals with heart disease had a
52 higher likelihood of a heart attack
or cardiovascular-related death over
nearly four years compared to married
counterparts with heart conditions.
“Overall, data indicates a lower
mortality rate for married individuals
compared to those never married,
divorced, or widowed,” she adds.
According to Dr. Neri-Velhagen,
how it works is that the feeling of
being in love releases hormones
such as oxytocin, which is released
in response to hugging, kissing, and
other forms of physical touch. Such
hormones decrease stress levels and
promote calm and relaxation.
“When you’re relaxed, this helps
the blood vessels dilate more and
ultimately lower your blood pressure,”
Leading health and beauty retailer expands
in Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5
WATSONS, the country’s leading
health, wellness, and beauty retailer,
is redefining the retail experience with
the opening of its Power Plant Mall and
Greenbelt 5 stores on Jan. 18 and 19,
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Located strategically, these stores
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(O+O) shopping experience, allowing
The newly-opened stores offer a seamless Online plus Offline (O+O) shopping experience, allowing customers to
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shares Dr. Neri-Velhagen. “A decrease
in blood pressure means less force is
exerted on the walls of the arteries
with each heartbeat, improving overall
heart health.”
Even just thinking of your partner
helps says Dr. Neri-Velhagen.
“Studies using imaging techniques
reveal that looking at pictures of a
romantic partner triggers the parts
of the brain associated with mood
and pain regulation,” she carries on.
“The thought of one’s partner may
enhance energy levels by improving
blood glucose levels. Healthy blood
glucose levels prevent damage to
your blood vessels and the nerves that
control your heart and blood vessels,
decreasing the risk of heart disease
over time.”
Of course, the right partner might
also encourage you to adopt healthier
lifestyle habits.
“Doctors can give all the advice
they want but the truth is you’re more
likely to listen to your spouse if they
urge you to eat healthier and exercise
more,” admits Dr. Neri-Velhagen.
The next time you see your special
person, don’t just thank them for
their love, thank them too for giving
you a healthier heart. And if you
don’t have anyone just yet, be patient
and wait for the right one – the one
that won’t give you heartaches and
heartbreaks. Your heart will thank
you for it.
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LIFE
Rabiya’s crowning glory
H
By Nickie Wang
AIR health is a
crucial aspect
of overall
well-being,
and it holds particular
significance for women.
Beautiful, lustrous hair is
often considered a symbol
of health and vitality,
contributing significantly to
one’s overall appearance and
self-esteem.
From left: Jan Navarro, Rabiya Mateo, Hairfix Managing Director Margaret Lee,
In a world that celebrates beauty, and Hairfix President Lawrence Lance Lee
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said actress and beauty queen Rabiya conquer life.”
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counters and an O+O Pharmacists. Our digital-forward
model that facilitates online Online plus Offline (O+O) model
Every shopping through the app or website. is designed to adapt to the evolving
branch has
Additionally, the Power Plant Mall omnichannel shopping preferences of
in-store
kiosks that and Greenbelt stores house pharmacies our customers. Simultaneously, we
provide manned by well-trained professionals, maintain our commitment to providing a
customers offering guidance on prescription details contemporary perspective on health and
access to and recommending generic alternatives. wellness that aligns with their needs,”
Watsons’ The integration of e-commerce platforms said Jared De Guzman, Customer
wide allows for a diverse product selection with Director of Watsons Philippines.
selection of
health and
convenient options like Click & Collect As a member of Watsons Club,
wellness and Express Delivery Service. shoppers can enjoy exclusive benefits
beauty “In response to customers’ desire like special promotions, bigger
essentials for shorter wait times, we have discounts, and extra reward points.
introduced self-checkout stations. They can receive invites to exclusive
Additionally, we are streamlining events celebrating health, beauty, and
prescription refills through our Watsons wellness.