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BBM keeps wide lead in poll Publicus latest survey shows Marcos with 57%, Leni 21%

UNITEAM IN TAGUIG. UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) and running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte raise their hands before a huge crowd of supporters Sunday night during their Grand Campaign Rally at the Arca South open grounds in Taguig City. Ver Noveno VOL. XXXVI • NO. 70 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

RESIDENTIAL aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has maintained his wide lead over other candidates with less than three weeks before the May 9 elections, results of the latest pre-election survey conducted by PUBLiCUS between April 19 to 21 showed.

At least 57 percent of the 1,500 registered Filipino voters who participated in the PAHAYAG National Tracker: April Survey chose Marcos as their presidential bet. Marcos’ voters’ preference rating was

two percentage points higher than his 55 percent in the March 9 to 14 survey of PUBLiCUS. “Marcos is the only presidential candidate who has notched a statistically significant increase in voter preference dur-

ing the campaign period. He has gained 5 percentage points over the past two months after notching an initial preference share of 52 percent in our February survey,” said Aureli Sinsuat, Executive Director of PUBLiCUS. Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential preference numbers, on the other hand, have consistently hovered between 20 to 23 percent in the six preelection surveys conducted by PUBLiCUS between October 2021 and the Next page

Comelec drops pres’l, VP debates, changes format to panel interview By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) will no longer hold presidential and vice-presidential town hall debates but will push for a panel interview with

Cusi wing party raps Facebook for censorship A FACTION of the ruling PDP-Laban on Monday hit Facebook Philippines for flagging the party’s official posts and photos as well as the pages of its national and local candidates for violating the platform’s community standards by spreading false information. In a statement, the leader of one faction of the PDP-Laban, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, accused the opposition of being behind the flagging of his party’s content, saying this was part of efforts to discredit the Duterte administration and “maliciously influence” voters ahead of the May polls. “It is alarming that a foreign media company is blatantly controlling and censoring in violation of our freedom of speech and the right to information Next page

10 POLL COMMANDMENTS. Residents walk past

signs -- guidelines in choosing candidates according to the 10 Commandments -- displayed in front of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Monday, with just 14 days until the May 9 elections. Norman Cruz

each candidate instead. “The debates were recently rescheduled to April 30 and May 1, but because of inevitable scheduling conflicts, will instead hold a panel interview for presidential and vice-presidential candidates,” Commissioner George Garcia said. The Comelec will also conduct an internal probe for possible criminal liability of several poll executives for alleged “disadvantageous deal” with Impact Hub Manila (IHM), the private firm that had organized the previous presidential and vice-presidential debates at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel. Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay expressed alarm after the poll body nearly paid Impact Hub P15 million without any legal basis, since the contract to hold the debate with the private firm is supposed to be “free.” “In fairness to the office of (Comelec) chairman Saidamen Pangarungan, it is on hold,” Commissioner Rey Bulay, who will head the internal investigation, said of the payout in a press conference. He said he was unaware of the reason behind Pangarungan’s hold order. “The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, has announced Next page

Another big-time oil price hike takes effect today By Alena Mae S. Flores PUMP prices went up by as much as P4.10 per liter effective 6am Tuesday, the second consecutive week of oil price hike, to reflect the movement of prices

in the world oil market. The oil firms raised the price of diesel by P4.10 per liter, kerosene by P3.50 per liter and gasoline by P3 per liter. “Flying V will implement Price Movement for the following products

on APRIL 26, 2022, Tuesday at 6:00 a.m.: Gasoline, P3/li increase, kerosene, P3.50/li increase and biodiesel, P4.10/li increase,” the company said. Seaoil Philippines, Total Philippines, Next page

DOH tracking increase of virus cases in 13 areas By Willie Casas

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it is closely monitoring 13 areas that recorded an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, but said they were not alarming. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the rise in COVID-19 cases is not significant enough to merit concern. “We are not seeing significant increases as of this time. And more imNext page

BOOSTER JABS. A health worker

injects a COVID-19 booster vaccine to an immunocompromised person at the Marikina City Mega Vaccination Center in Marikina City on Monday as the country begins administering a fourth dose or second booster shot of the vaccine. Manny Palmero

Macron wins 2nd term as French leader FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron sought to unite a deeply divided nation Monday after winning re-election in a battle against rival Marine Le Pen that saw the far right

come its closest yet to taking power. Centrist Macron won 58.54 percent of the vote in the second-round run-off compared with 41.46 for Le Next page

Group seeks reckon of DQ petition THE group Pudno Nga Ilokano filed a partial motion for reconsideration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday after the poll body denied their petition to disqualify presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Comelec denied Pudno Nga Ilokano’s petition on Wednesday for lack

of merit and addressed each of the petitioners’ claims to disqualify Marcos Jr. Marcos’ party had yet to comment on the move as of press time. In the 32-page document, the petitioners asked the Commission en banc to review and partially set aside its resolution as the bases and reasoning of Next page

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TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

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423 firms ask for hybrid work setup By Othel V. Campos

BOUT 423 IT and business process management (BPM) firms signed to petition the government to institutionalize the hybrid work scheme after the September 2022 extension lapses, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Monday.

“As of today, 432 registered business enterprises (RBEs) applied for workfrom-home (WFH) through letters of authority (LOA) to PEZA,” said PEZA director general Charito Plaza. She noted that major IT and BPM companies submitted their respective requests for LOAs, and all of the companies have been actively seeking for a

permanent hybrid work ratio since the WFH mode was disrupted with the government asking for more people movement to support economic recovery. PEZA is continuing to push the hybrid workplace initiative to help IT and BPM companies optimize their operations in the Philippines. Out of 1,733 locators inside the eco-

Comelec... From A1

BBM... From A1

that the concluding event of the PiliPinas Debates 2022 Series will no longer be Vice-Presidential and Presidential Town Hall Debates,” Garcia said earlier. Comelec “has the final say, including editing,” on the debates. “The panelist will be provided by KBP,” Garcia said. “In consideration of the inevitable scheduling conflicts as the candidates approach the homestretch of the campaign period, and as advised by the KBP, the Comelec will now be adopting a Single Candidate/Team - Panel Interview format,” he said. “All (candidates) will be entitled to a 1-hour panel interview,” Garcia added, noting the candidates can attend either virtually or in person. On the Impact Hub issue, Bulay said the Comelec signed an agreement dated March 7 through then-acting Comelec chair Socorro Inting and IHM founder Celeste Rondario, with IHM official Lawrence Libo-On and poll spokesman James Jimenez as witnesses. It stated the Comelec would not provide any P15.3million counterpart money to be paid to the organizer. Bulay asked why Comelec executives allowed Impact Hub to profit from the debates by selling airtime for commercials, and that the poll agency should pay the organizer P15.3 million without any legal basis. He gave Comelec Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr., Deputy Executive Director for Operations Teopisto Elnas Jr., Deputy Executive Director for Administration Helen Aguila-Flores, poll spokesman James Jimenez, Comelec Education and Information Director Frances Aguindadao Arabe, and all other directors of the Comelec main office to submit their explanation within 24 hours. The poll official also demanded an explanation on why the Sofitel’s letter on March 31 that Impact Hub’s checks had repeatedly bounced, even after spokesman Jimenez guaranteed that Impact Hub would be able to pay up. Jimenez had assured Sofitel that “under the MOA [memorandum of agreement with Comelec], Impact Hub Manila will receive a total budget of P15,300,000 for the staging of the said debates.” “In full support of the team behind Impact Hub Manila and its founder Celeste Eden Rondario, I would like to offer my vote of confidence that the provider will honor the checks due to Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (owner of Sofitel Hotel),” Jimenez wrote the hotel’s general manager on April 1.

third week of April 2022. The latest survey showed 21 percent of the respondents saying they would vote for Robredo. Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio also continued to lead the vicepresidential race, with 59 percent of the vote among respondents. Sinsuat said Duterte-Carpio has also notched a significant 5 percentage point increase in voter preference since the second week of February when she earned a preference share of 54 percent. Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III are statistically tied for second place after notching preference shares of 15 percent and 9 percent, respectively. Respondents to the non-commis-

Cusi... From A1 and expression of not only our citizens but as well as many of our government institutions. This is a direct attack on the rights and sovereignty of Filipinos,” Cusi said. He challenged Facebook to stay “neutral and apolitical” in the last few days

DOH... From A1 portantly, even though there is a slight increase in cases, hospitals aren’t filling up,” Vergeire said in Filipino. Vergeire also said that Pateros, Malabon and Navotas in Metro Manila are being watched for their number of cases and hospital occupancy numbers. “There is positive growth in Pateros. In other areas like Malabon, the ICU beds are filling up. But there are only three ICU beds so they’re all being used now. In Navotas, there are only 46 COVID ward beds. And even though

Macron... From A1 Pen, according to final results from the interior ministry. Macron is the first French president in two decades to win a second term and his victory prompted a sigh of relief throughout Europe that the far right had again been thwarted from taking power in the key EU state. But his latest victory over his far-right rival was narrower than their last faceoff in 2017 when Macron won over 66 percent, and Le Pen’s result was the best ever for the far right. The president already has a daunting in-tray, ranging from preparing for parliamentary elections as soon as June to implementing explosive pension reform plans and dealing with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

nomic zones, only 423 companies have sought the permanent implementation of the hybrid work program. The Department of Trade and Industry is currently preparing to expand the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) to render permanent the proposed 30 percent WFH and 70 percent onsite ratio for qualified RBEs. The SIPP will institutionalize WFH scheme or the hybrid workplace as an eligible activity with incentives. PEZA maintained that the 30 percent work from home is permissible activity under PEZA, CREATE and Telecommuting laws. Plaza emphasized that even prior to

the pandemic, the hybrid work model is also being practiced worldwide specifically in India, the Philippine’s top competitor in the IT-BPM sector. “Thus, recognizing and adapting to this global trend is needed to maintain the country’s competitiveness and flexibility in the new normal,” she said. As of December 2021, PEZA has 1,274 IT locator companies operating in 297 IT centers/parks and providing 1,017,559 jobs nationwide with exports of $15.797 billion. The IT-BPO industry has been one of the major contributors and frontliners in keeping the nation’s economy going during the pandemic.

sioned nationwide purposive sampling survey were randomly drawn by the Singapore office of American firm PureSpectrum from its market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos. The final survey panel was restricted to registered voters. Parameters based on respondent age, gender, and location were also utilized in the sample formulation in order for the resulting sample to conform more closely to the features of the voting population, as defined by statistics from the Commission on Elections. The nationwide margin of error is +/3 percent. Earlier, the chief data scientist of PUBLiCUS, Dr. David Yap Jr., said there is a low possibility of voters switching preference at this point. “People are set, people have preferences and people have personalities,” Yap said. “You just don’t come up to them

and alter their entire opinions. These are things that you have to consider,” he added. But for Dr. Ronald Holmes, president of Pulse Asia Research Inc., there is a possibility that the numbers in the survey results may still change before election day. “There is a possibility of change. You cannot rule out change because there are certain events that transpire that we cannot, in any way, predict that may eventually change people’s voting decision,” Holmes said. “It’s hard to predict. Certain events may transpire from now until May 9. We don’t know whether those are events that would shift or reinforce the voting preferences,” he added. Dr. Guido David, fellow of OCTA Research, said based strictly on what the surveys are showing, there is already a significant lead of the front-runner in the presidential race.

be critical for his ambitions. In a sign of roadblocks ahead, two polls published late Sunday showed that most voters do not wish for him to also carry the parliamentary vote. “Macron’s biggest challenge will be to create a sense of cohesion in an extremely fragmented country,” said Tara Varma, senior policy fellow and head of the Paris office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The praise was echoed by other world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Russian President Vladimir Putin -- who Macron has unsuccessfully sought to persuade to end the invasion of Ukraine -- said Monday he wished the French president “success in your state activities, as well as good health and well-being”.

Bulay: No threat, just warning for Comelec critics By Vito Barcelo COMMISSION on Elections Commissioner Rey Bulay on Monday said he did not threaten the poll body’s critics following his statement last week of having them arrested. He said his statement was a “warning” to those who plan to induce lawless violence as a response to the results of the May 9 polls, rather than a threat. Bulay said there is a “world of difference” between criticisms and accusations of electoral fraud. “What I said was, to those that will comment on lawless violence by inducement, with respect to the results of this election, you will be met with the full force of the law. It’s no threat; it is the truth,” Bulay said. “I am actually warning people to obey the laws in case they don’t know it. Nowhere in the whole video did I mention the word ‘threat,’” the commissioner added. Bulay earlier claimed those accusing the Comelec of favoring candidates in the 2022 polls that they could be arrested and jailed. Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon blasted Bulay for his statement, reminding him not to be “onion-skinned” because people are only expressing their concerns about the elections. Meanwhile, the Comelec tried to allay concerns about the “deactivated” status of some voters in its online Precinct Finder and said it would issue a clarification. In an interview with radio dzBB, Commissioner George Garcia admitted that the Comelec has been receiving such complaints from voters who said they were active voters in previous elections.

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Addressing supporters in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower late Sunday, Macron vowed to heal rifts in a deeply divided country. “From now on, I am not the candidate of one camp, but everybody’s president,” he said. “An answer must be found to the anger and disagreements that led many of our compatriots to vote for the extreme right.” Turnout was the lowest in any presidential election second-round run-off since 1969 and, in another striking sign of disenchantment with politics, 8.6 percent of people who voted either delivered a blank ballot or spoilt their papers. The 44-year-old president now faces the challenge of parliamentary elections in June, where keeping a majority will

French daily Le Monde called Macron’s win “an evening of victory without a triumph”, while left-leaning Liberation called it “a victory without the glory”. Conservative daily Le Figaro said after all the challenges of his first term, Macron’s win was “no mean feat”, but also asked: “Who can possibly believe that it is rooted in popular support?” For Le Pen, her third defeat in a presidential poll was a bitter pill after years of effort at making herself electable. On Sunday Le Pen, 53, said she would “never abandon” the French and was already preparing for the June legislative elections. Macron’s re-election sparked relief across Europe where he has been seen as a guarantor of continuity. Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi called Macron’s victory “great news for all of Europe” while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said French voters “sent a strong vote of confidence in Europe today”. European Council president Charles Michel said the bloc could now “count on France for five more years” while European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was “delighted”.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky told Macron he was “a true friend of Ukraine”. China’s President Xi Jinping said he wanted “to maintain diplomatic relations based on independence, mutual understanding, foresight and mutual benefit” with Macron. The French leader will now try to implement his vision of more pro-business reform and tighter EU integration, after a first term shadowed by protests, then the coronavirus pandemic and finally Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The president’s re-election failed to spark much positive sentiment on the Paris stock exchange, where investors paid more attention to geopolitical worries and inflation fears, but also noted France’s coming challenges. Analysts at Danske Bank said he “is facing growing headwinds both from the economy, and growing divisions” which they said “could make it difficult for Macron to continue his ambitious reform of the pension, health and education systems”. The euro fell back against the dollar, having earlier recorded small gains on the election result. AFP

of the election campaign and during the proceedings of the May 9 national and local elections. “Let the people speak and express their opinions on this very important matter. Let the Filipino people decide,” he added. PDP Laban Secretary-General and Cabinet Secretary Melvin Matibag said Facebook’s censorship through their so-called community standards is “un-

ethical” and “against public safety and national security.” “This flagging, blocking and censorship affect the Filipinos’ freedom to choose and vote in favor of the candidates they truly believe in,” Matibag said. Matibag questioned the third-party fact-checkers that partnered with Facebook Philippines to prevent false news from spreading on the social media platform.

In 2018, Facebook announced its partnership with VERA files and Rappler to help fight the spread of fake news. “I was told that Facebook employs third-party fact-checkers to monitor and censor posts that are allegedly against community standards. Who are these fact-checkers that even official government press statements and legitimate news stories are being censored?” he said.

the First Division were “clearly insufficient” to justify such resolution and are contrary to law. The petitioners enumerated the following: Marcos, Jr.’s multiple convictions for his repeated violation of the law, and for 4 consecutive years, carried with it moral turpitude for which he should be disqualified from running for and holding any public office; Marcos, Jr. was convicted for a crime which carried a penalty of imprisonment of 3 years and a payment of a P30,000 fine, for which he should be disqualified from running for and holding any public office; Marcos, Jr. remained the sitting Provincial Governor of Ilocos Norte, while serving as Chairman of the Philippine Communications Satellite Corporation (“Philcomsat”), at the time of the consummation of the offense of non-filing of income tax returns on 18 March 1986 and must therefore suffer the penalty of perpetual disqualification; and Marcos, Jr. is not only disqualified, but is likewise not qualified to begin with, to run for or to hold any elective position, much less for the position of Philippine President, based on the 1987 Constitution, the relevant laws, and Philippine jurisprudence. In their original disqualification petition, the petitioners -- Margarita Salonga Salandanan, Crisanto Palabay, Mario Ben, Danilo Consumido, Gil Derilo, Raoul Tividad, Nida Gatchalian and Nomer Kuan -- said Marcos is not qualified to run for or to hold any elective position, much less for the position of Philippine president, because: For having been found guilty by final judgment of crimes involving “moral turpitude” pursuant to Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code. For having been found guilty, by final judgment, of a crime that carries the penalty of more than 18 months also pursuant to Sec. 12 of the OEC.

there’s a slight uptick, the utilization rate is less than 60 percent. So they’re easily filled up because they’re so few,” said Vergeire. Vergeire attributed the slight increase in cases to lax compliance with minimum public health standards, gatherings in campaign sorties, and people going on vacation during the Holy Week. Vergeire also reminded the public to adhere to health protocols to prevent another spike in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, the inoculation of a second COVID-19 booster shot for the immunocompromised population started in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday.

Another... From A1

next week,” Erguiza said. He said the high oil prices is a global problem amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war which affected oil production. The DOE official said production cuts in Libra also affected oil prices while Iran’s sanctions continue. “Basically, we have shortage of supply and production. Because the reserves were tapped, prices went up,” he said. On April 19, the oil companies implemented a price increase in domestic oil products. Gasoline has increased by P0.45 per liter, diesel by P1.70 per liter, and kerosene by P0.45 per liter. These resulted to the year-to-date adjustments to stand at a net increase of

P15.45/liter for gasoline, P27.35/liter for diesel and P21.55/liter for kerosene. Other firms have yet to make similar announcements for the week. Domestic pump prices have been on an uptrend in 13 out of the past 16 weeks, which the Department of Energy has attributed the the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in China which have driven demand. Latest data available from the Department of Energy indicate that adjustments stand at a net increase of P15.45 per liter for gasoline, P27.35 per liter for diesel, and P21.55 per liter for kerosene as of April 19, 2022.

‘Everybody’s president’

‘Victory without triumph’

Cleanfuel, PetroGazz, PTT Philippines and Chevron Philippines also announced the oil price hike. Gerardo Erguiza, Jr., Department of Energy assistant secretary said in a government briefing oil prices went up last week but there was no “significant increases sa prices unlike in the past” where prices climbed to P12 per liter. “The indication now, average last week compared today, Monday, it went down slightly. If it continues to go down until Friday, we might have a rollback

‘A true friend’

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TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Poe reminds bus operators: Serve commuters diligently

IT IS BACK TO SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS. A teacher from the Aurora Quezon Elementary School waits outside the Rosario Reyes health center in San Andres Malate Manila while her co-teachers undergo an annual physical check-up before going back to their respective classrooms.. Government teachers are now obliged to report for work as directed by the Department of Education. Danny Pata

SEN. Grace Poe on Monday asked the bus operators to carry out their mandate accordingly in serving the commuters, many of whom have been stranded and inconvenienced since last week. “The bottomline is to serve our passengers coming to and from the provinces carrying heavy belongings, with meager resources and no home or place to stay in Metro Manila,” said Poe, head of the Senate public services committee. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued show-cause orders to six provincial buses to explain why passengers were unduly stranded. The agency set a virtual hearing on May 10. Some provincial bus operators reportedly limited their operations based on the window hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the use of their respective private terminals in Metro Manila. Transport ofﬁcials maintained that the said buses can ply to the National Capital Region even outside the said hours to their designated

DA urges DOJ to speed up prosecution of agri-smuggling cases, jail culprits

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to speed up the prosecution of cases involving smuggling of agricultural products into the local market. “We want the process to be faster to set an example and to discourage this (smuggling) because the government suffers substantial revenue losses, while the impact is greater on our farmers,” Adriano said during the Laging Handa virtual brieﬁng in Malacanang. Meanwhile, Congress is looking into the smuggling of agricultural products in the country, with high-proﬁle personalities supposedly involved in illegal trade. During a Senate hearing earlier this month, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he received infor-

mation naming four alleged vegetable smugglers. [The DOJ needs to step up the prosecution process processing and fast-track it. We are trying to lobby, to advocate to the DOJ to make the process much faster,” Adriano said. Sotto on Sunday disclosed that the National Intelligence Coordination Agency (NICA) would submit the names of suspected smugglers of agricultural products. Sotto, who is running for vice president in the May 9 elections, said he was informed by NICA they would release the

names on April 28 following their meeting the day before. During the last Senate Committee of the Whole hearing, Sotto tagged four individuals as the alleged brains behind the smuggling of agricultural products. He identiﬁed them as Manuel Tan, who supposedly operates in the freeports of Subic, Cagayan de Oro (CDO), and Batangas; Andrew Chang, who allegedly operates in Subic, the Manila International Container Port (MICP), Port of Manila (POM), and Batangas; Luz/Lea Cruz, the so-called “onion queen” who operates in Subic, MICP, and CDO; and Jun Diamante who allegedly specialized in the smuggling of ﬁsh through the CDO port. The names of the four suspects, Sotto said, were given to him by a whistleblower

who described them as “well-versed” in the importation processes and familiar with the DA and the Bureau of Customs. Sotto said he would recommend the ﬁling of criminal charges against the suspects if NICA failed to provide the names of the inﬂuential persons coddling the smugglers, believed to be politicians. NICA director Edsel Batalla of the SubTask Group on economic Intelligence (STG-EI), said the names of the four suspects were already in their watch list. Aside from the four, Batalla also said there were more than 20 individuals, including the so-called “protectors” who were on their list, but added they were still validating the information. Customs chief Rey Leonardo Guerrero also said he was familiar with some of the names disclosed by Sotto.

Las Piñas raid nets P250m worth of fake products GOVERNMENT agents have seized P250 million worth of counterfeit products during a raid late last week in Las Pinas City. A Joint team from the Manila International Container Port—Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service and the National Bureau of Investigation—Special Action Unit raided an establishment at 6 Peter Street in Perpetual Village where they found the smuggled fake products. Among the seized items were baby apparel, T-shirts, bags, rubber shoes and other items bearing the “signature brands” of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Lacoste, Levi’s, Adidas, Nike, Fila, Champion, Zara, Jo Malone, Lanvin, and H&M. Customs Intelligence chief ofﬁcer Jeoffrey Tacio said the items infringed on intellectual property rights (IPR). “This operation was not going to be possible without the cooperation from our partner agencies. We have been

working hard on trying to stop these infringed items from getting into our markets, fooling consumers, and turning us into a replica capital,” he said. Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Raniel Ramiro commended the NBI and the MICP-CIIS men for their latest accomplishment. “We don’t want the country to suffer from a certain reputation that allows infringed goods to get into the market and make a mockery of our laws and systems,” Ramiro said. “This is non-negotiable for us. We’re not only working to protect our borders; we want to secure our markets, too,” he added. The seized items were subjected to further inventory and investigation for possible violation of Section 1400 of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act (CMTA), as well as other relevant intellectual property laws of the Philippines. Joel E. Zurbano

OFW PARTYLIST JOINS THE POLLS.

One Filipino World Wide (OFW), an organization of veteran OFW advocates, calls for a press conference to air their views and advocacies for the wellbeing of all OFWs worldwide through active participation in electoral processes.

IN BRIEF South Korean wanted for murder in Seoul faces deportation THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered the deportation of a South Korean national wanted by the authorities in Seoul for alleged homicide and involvement in telecommunications fraud. Meanwhile, BI agents nabbed another South Korean for illegally working in the country. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente identiﬁed the fugitive as Jang Youngjin, who was arrested earlier at his residence in Cubao, Quezon City. The other Korean, identiﬁed as Lee Mikyong, 52, was collared while working in a food mart along the Alabang Zapote Road in Las Pinas City. Lee was reportedly overstaying and has been working without the proper permit and visa. Jang is currently detained at the BI warden facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending his deportation. According to BI-FSU chief Rendel Ryan Sy, Jang is the subject of a red notice from the Interpol, as well as an arrest warrant issued by the Cheongju district court in Korea in connection with a murder case. Vito Barcelo

SSS tells members, employers to keep online records secret

ILOILO SUNSET BLVD. BREAKS GROUND. Senator Franklin Drilon, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., Pavia Mayor Mike Gorrecita and Department of Public Works and Highways Region 6 Director Tiburcio DL Canlas lead the groundbreaking rite for the Iloilo River North Bank Road, envisioned to be a beautiful thoroughfare stretching from Mandurriao to Oton.

Air Force gets 2 new planes to boost maritime security A LOGISTICS company on Monday said it was ready to support the country’s defense sector with the delivery of additional two military aircraft in the coming months. Johan Pelissier, head of Asia Paciﬁc, Airbus Defence and Space, said the Philippines is an important market for his ﬁrm, and where the company has been present with a physical footprint in the local aerospace industry for over four decades. Citing the success of the C295 program in the region which represents nearly 30 percent of the global orders acquired by military agencies, Pelissier said the

intermodal terminals. The senator’s team made the rounds of the intermodal transport terminals, including the North Luzon Express Terminal in Bocaue, Bulacan, which had few buses and passengers last Friday. “What further hurts commuters is that they have to shell out more for fares instead of spending less,” Poe said. The senator earlier raised the urgency to have seamless connectivity in public transportation to be able to conveniently move people faster. She had also stressed the importance of putting up intermodal terminals in strategic locations for greater access to the public. “We must place the highest interest of commuters above all. This cannot be compromised,” Poe said. At the same time, Poe took to task Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, urging him to ensure that challenges hounding those taking the provincial buses to and from Metro Manila were promptly addressed. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Philippine Air Force uses its fleet of C295 extensively for humanitarian and airlift missions across the counbtry, notably in recent times supporting COVID-19 aid and disaster reliefs. “The Philippine Air Force’s active use of the C295 has fully demonstrated it as a reference user of the tactical airlifter in the region,” Pelissier said. Beyond its tactical airlifting capability, said the C295 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) can boost the Philippines’ maritime security readiness. “The C295 is already widely recognized in the country

for its airlifting prowess, representing the best combination of value and capability. It is also designed for demanding MPA missions. With a proven track record in similar operations, the C295 MPA offers the lowest risks, yet the best acquisition, operating and life-cycle costs in its category,” Pelissier said. The C295 MPA is equipped with Airbus’ state-of-the-art mission system – Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), and comprehensive sensor suites, which makes it the only military MPA platform in-service today that is highly robust and tactically ready at any time.

Rody congratulates 3 Bar passers in the PSG PRESIDENT Duterte has personally congratulated three members of the Presidential Security Group who passed the latest Philippine bar examinations. Duterte invited the trio to a photo opportunity at Malago Clubhouse, Malacañang Park last April 21, PSG spokesperson Maj. Zeerah Blanche Lucrecia said on Monday. She identiﬁed the new lawyers as Capt. Joan Napay who is assigned at the PSG Station Hospital, Lt. April Bayabao from the Ofﬁce of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, and PSSgt. Byron

Angelo Bacud from the Presidential Police Security Force Unit. “The President shared to them his personal experiences as a lawyer and as a prosecutor when he was still in practice,” Lucrecia said, quoting Napay. “The President advised the trio to read more books on trial techniques, and practice their new profession whether in the AFP or in private,” she added. A total of 8,241 out of 11, 402 law graduates who took the Bar last Feb. 4 and 6 passed the tests, the Supreme Court said.

THE Social Security System (SSS) on Monday urged members, pensioners, and employers to secure their login credentials on the My.SSS portal and other personal information to protect their accounts from fraudulent transactions. SSS president and CEO Michael G. Regino issued the reminder following several complaints from SSS members that their accounts with the My.SSS were being hacked by scammers and other unscrupulous persons. One of the reasons why such fraudulent transactions occur, SSS insiders noted, was the tendency of some members to share their login credentials with unauthorized persons. These login information, Regino noted, should be kept confidential by accountholders to protect themselves from scammers. Regino likened the SSS login credentials to the Personal Identification Number (PIN) that bank depositors use to access their accounts at the Automated Teller Machines (ATM). An ATM card PIN is a multi-digit number required at bank ATMs for carrying out transactions and is initially provided by the banks. This PIN can be reset or changed to a new PIN by the card owner but is kept as a strictly confidential information by the user.

Laoag City to have P380-m transpo terminal THE Ilocos Norte provincial government on Monday welcomed a partnership with the Department of Transportation to fund the construction of a P380-million Ilocos Norte Central Terminal Hub designed to help alleviate trafﬁc congestion in central business areas here. Cipriano Martinez III, Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) general manager, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc have signed a memorandum of agreement on the matter even as they were completing the requirements for the fund to be downloaded. The transport hub to be constructed in Barangay 5, San Pedro, Laoag City was designed as an intermodal terminal with multi-level platforms to alleviate trafﬁc congestion in business districts and provide seamless interconnectivity of various modes of transportation, such as public utility jeepneys, buses, taxis, vans and tricycles. It would also function as a transfer point for commuters entering and exiting the province, making land travel more convenient and comfortable. Rio N. Araja

Marcos vows funds for R&D on animal feeds raw materials By Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENTIAL frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. vowed to allocate funds to further research on alternative raw materials for animal feeds in a bid to lower the price of pork after he wins in the fast-approaching May 9 national elections. Marcos stressed that the country’s reliance on foreign-sourced raw materials in animal feeds as contributing greatly to the high production costs in local swine farming. “Our dependence on imported ingredients for our local animal feed production is one of the reasons why the price of pork products remains high in the country. Reducing or eliminating this would ultimately lead to reduced farm gate prices,” Marcos said. Based on 2021 data, feeds represent the most expensive input in swine farming, such that the Philippines has higher feed costs than Vietnam and China. Feeds equate to 54.64 percent of the cost for backyard raisers and 64.53 percent for commercial raisers. “There is ongoing research for the use of copra meal and cassava as an alternative feed ingredient and we will support that initiative. Alongside this, we will look into improving the yield of cassava

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

to make it readily available as raw material,” Marcos said. According to 2020 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), local swine production is a P249.66 billion industry primarily composed of backyard raisers. Supply issues also hound local swine production, which saw a 6.9% dip with the onslaught of African Swine Fever (ASF) in 2020. “There is also an urgent need for us to revive our local corn production because the high tariff imposed on imported corn drives the price of feeds further, Marcos added. He pointed out that when it comes to the protein component of feeds, imported soybeans are still the major source despite local sorghum, Azolla, or copra meal showing promise as a substitute. Marcos was also lukewarm on the proposal to lift the ban on imported animal proteins used in feed production as this may open the local swine industry to the risks of a resurgence in African Swine Fever (ASF). “We need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the proposal to lift the ban on processed animal protein. The local hog industry is just beginning to recover. We UNITEAM IN TAGUIG CITY. UniTeam presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Lakascannot risk this sector to be devastated CMD/HNP vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte chat with Lakas-CMD President and House Majority Leader again by ASF,” Marcos added. Martin Romualdez (center) during the UniTeam’s Grand Campaign rally Sunday night in Taguig City. Ver Noveno

News

PDP stalwart sees overwhelming victory for Marcos-Sara in SJDM By Maricel V. Cruz

PARTIDO Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan stalwart at the House of Representatives has assured an “overwhelming victory” for former Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Davao Cty Mayor Sara Duterte in the city in the coming May 9, 2022 elections. Rep. Rida Robes of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, made the statement as stressed “80 percent” of their constituents will cast their vote for the BBM-Sara tandem on election day. “They will win because in our survey BBM is at 61 percent, Mayor Inday is 53 percent,” Rep. Robes said. “There is no doubt that they will win because they have the people’s support.

Aksyon camp: 65,000 attend Moreno’s Cebu concert-rallies THE camp of Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Isko Moreno Domagoso said the “silent majority” in Moreno’s campaign sorties was in full force again with about 65,000 people attending the “Grand Iskoncert-Rally” in Carcar, Cebu on Sunday. Moreno was not able to attend the Carcar grand rally but the presence of his actor-son Joaquin Domagoso and entertainer Mocha Uson of the Mothers for Change (MoCha) Partylist was enough to keep the crowd of 65,000 electrified to stay until the end of the concert. In a statement, the Moreno camp said the crowd was composed mostly of youth supporters and ordinary people who converged in front of the new Carcar Coliseum located at the back of the new city hall to attend the four-hour concert dubbed “Carcar Bilis Kilos: Iskoncert Rally Yorme Isko.” “Purely local entertainers performed last night at the concert followed by Joaquin Domagoso, and tiktokers for Isko. There was no talent fee. Volunteerism everyone performs. No t-shirts were given and everyone in attendance volunteered,” said event organizer Winley Dela Fuente. Iskoncert performers included the Range 999, Cookies, J-Blaque, Makii/RKTEQ, Ruzz/Furio, Kyle Zagado, Freshe/Christine, and Father and Sons. DJs Jhsss, Shanyl Hofer, and Ram Monsanto also graced the concert-rally. Carcar City Police Station chief Colonel Erdy Cabagnot said the crowd in the concert-rally was estimated to have reached more than 65,000 at its peak. No untoward incidents were reported. Carcar City’s 65,000 crowd topped the two previous concert-rallies in Cebu City last April 7 and 8. The concert events capped Moreno’s barnstorming of the Cebu province with a mix of motorcades and town hall meetings. Rey E. Requejo

You just can feel it and they openly show their support to the Uniteam. More than 80 percent will vote here. They will win overwhelmingly here,” she added. Robes maintained that 21 mayors of vote-rich Bulacan already expressed their support to the BBM-Sara Uniteam. Thirteen of them signed a manifes-

to of support for Marcos and Duterte. Some of the signatories are Mayors Arthur Robes of SJDM, Eladio Gonzales Jr. of Balagtas, Jose Santiago Jr. of Bocaue, Francis Albert Juan of Bustos, Ricky Silvestre of Marilao, Mary Ann Marcos of Paombong, Roderick Tiongson of San Miguel, Cipriano Violago Jr. of San Rafael, Raulito Manlapaz of Hagonoy, Edwin Santos of Obando, Russel Pleyto of Sta. Maria, Narding de Leon of Angat, Ferdie Estrella of Baliuag, and Vergel Meneses of Bulakan. Robes, who sits as chair of the House committee on people’s participation, together with her husband, SJDM Mayor Arthur Robes, gave a rousing welcome to Duterte when she visited the city Saturday for her “Sara para sa Ba-

rangay” campaign where she met with local and sectoral officials in Bulacan. The female legislator also earlier met with Marcos in his headquarters in Mandaluyong City last Friday in which she pledged her support for him saying he will be a good leader because he has a good heart. “We know what the people need. You have a good heart. You can really lead the country. All we have to do is support you, to let the people vote for you. For all of us here in our own districts, we have to make this campaign real,” she said. In her speech, Duterte said the UniTeam would unite Filipinos sans political colors to address the pandemic with dispatch and create more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos.

‘Vote for Lacson-Sotto to protect PH agri sector’ SENATE President Vicente Sotto III today said a vote for the Lacson-Sotto tandem in the May 9 elections would be a vote equivalent to the protection of the agriculture industry and its sectoral players and the prosecution of vegetable smugglers and their backers. Sotto said that if he and Sen. Panfilo Lacson win in the coming elections, they will ensure that agricultural criminals would be charged within a year of their administration, and convicted and sent to jail before their six-year term ends. Sotto also appealed to farmers, fisherfolks, and poultry and hog raisers to help the Lacson-Sotto tandem

in May. He noted that the tandem can help unmask criminal syndicates behind “agricultural smuggling” in the country. The Bureau of Customs has said that 103 cases related to agricultural smuggling have been filed from 2016 to March 2022. The total value of the goods involved in these cases add up to P1.35 billion, including duties and taxes. The National Prosecution Service said it filed agricultural smugglingrelated cases only against four people, one of which has been dismissed due to lack of evidence. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency said it has identified more

than 20 possible “smugglers and players” who reportedly get protection from the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs. He also vowed that the Lacson-Sotto tandem will dismantle these criminal syndicates and send criminals in jail. He added that this is necessary to uplift the lives of stakeholders in the country’s agriculture sector. “Tututukan natin ang agriculture industry nang sa gayon ay manatiling maayos ang suplay ng ating bigas at fishery, meat and chicken products. Sa pamahalaang Lacson-Sotto, aangat ang buhay ng mga Pinoy,” Sotto said.

Academic orgs back Robredo’s bid in May polls By Rio N. Araja A COALITION of 35 organizations and 21 experts from the academe backed Vice President Leni Robredo’s presidential bid, giving her a perfect score for education plans anchored on data-driven, and fact-based research and monitoring of platforms and track records. The so-called Education Nation gave Robredo 10 out of 10 or a perfect score for her plans to solve the education woes. @OnePBEd said Robredo is the county’s “Education President.” “Leni Robredo is the only candidate with a detailed strategy to take us out of this mess,” Philippine Business for Education Policy and Advocacy manager Marco de los Reyes said. Education Nation said only “one candidate stood out by showing a brand of leadership that makes education a priority.” “In our analysis of the candidates’ platforms, only the vice president has presented a clear plan to stem the crisis outlined in her Kalayaan sa Kakulangan sa Edukasyon platform,” Delos Reyes said. Robredo’s running mate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan meanwhile made a firm commitment to provide better protection and social security benefits to land-based and sea-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in a covenant he and Robredo signed with the sector. In signing the covenant, Pangilinan hailed anew the OFWs’ hard work to give their families better lives. OFW remittances have also kept the economy afloat despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pangilinan said he supports the creation of migrant resource centers especially in the provinces “to make integrated and efficient migration services available in communities for OFWs and their families.”

Stop ‘negative’ campaigning, says Binay By Joel E. Zurbano

LOCAL POLL GIMMICKS. Incumbent 1st

district councilor and entertainer Virgilio Jhong Hilario tries selling “taho,” while Makati City local bets do the rounds in Brgy. Olympia in a more informal meet-andgreet. Mayor Benjie Magalong continues to campaign for “Good Governance Beyond Politics” during his visit to various barangays in Baguio City. Diana B. Noche

Trillanes: Leni to focus on COVID recovery By Macon Ramos-Araneta FORMER senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes said the Robredo presidency will implement post-COVID recovery programs that aim at reinvigorating MSMEs and improving the purchasing power of people. Trillanes, who is again running for senator under the banner of Robredo, said the legislative priority of the new administration will be a slew of economic policies that will include financial aid for those most affected by the pandemic. If he will be lucky to win anew as senator and Robredo as president, the first to be passed is her post-COVID economic recovery program.

Trillanes noted the policy agenda would help recover the economy and generate jobs. “That will be the marching orders of VP Leni in the Senate slate. Because within the first 100 days, we need to pass this especially since our economy is in a very critical condition,” Trillanes said. Among the measures that would be implemented are: unemployment insurance, financial aid to small businesses, and an expanded cash aid program or “ayuda” for poor families. He also said there are employment benefits like assistance for those who lost their jobs, to help them in their daily needs while looking for a job.

SENATORIAL aspirant Jejomar Binay on Monday urged fellow candidates in the May 9 elections to stop negative campaigning and instead focus on what needs to be done to help the country recover from the health crisis brought by COVID-19. The former vice president appealed for a more positive tone among candidates and their supporters in the closing weeks of the campaign period. “My appeal is to stop exchanging destructive words for the rest of the campaign period. It is not too late for us to make the tone of our campaign positive,” he said. Binay, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), said the focus should be on what needs to be done to help sectors affected

BUS NI ISKO.

Youth supporters of Aksyon Demokratiko standardbearer Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso aboard the “Bus ni Isko” make a stop at the famous Pink Mosque in Municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. The campaign caravan aims to convince young Filipino voters to “Switch to Isko.”

by the pandemic. “The coming years will not be easy, and it is important that we never lose our focus on what needs to be done to improve the lives of our countrymen who have been displaced by the pandemic,” he said. “Partisan politics should take a backseat to the urgent task of rebuilding the country. We need to work together after the elections, but we cannot do that if the atmosphere has been poisoned by malice and animosity,” he added. Binay said the heated political exchanges, both in public and in social media, have reached a point where even family members are being maligned. “Even the loved ones of the candidates are being attacked especially on social media. This is unfortunate, and must be stopped,” he said.

Opinion A public servant more than a politician

POLITICIANS are often perceived to be opportunistic and exploitative, primarily motivated by personal gain with little or no real concern for people’s welfare. I would say Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go does not ﬁt such a derogatory description because for me he is not a “politician” as characterized above, one who lusts for power.

This man is neither opportunistic nor exploitative. Contrary to criticism, Bong is not being opportunistic and exploitative when he goes out of his way to extend a helping hand to victims of fire and other calamities. Long before he declared his intention to run in the May 9 elections, Bong was slammed for “calamity politics” for consistently going to areas hit by fire and typhoons for “photo-ops,” distributing relief goods to affected families. As expected, he was virtually subjected to crucifixion as soon as he filed his candidacy for Vice President back in October and then President as demanded by his political party leadership. Bong gladly withdrew in deference to the filing of candidacy for VP by Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio. Little did Bong’s critics know that

for many years he has been doing the same kind of public service when he was Assistant to Mayor Rody Duterte of Davao City. That was long before he was appointed Special Assistant to the President, and eventually elected senator in 2019. Judgmental critics, particularly supporters of the Opposition, deplore Bong’s “hypocrisy” or “pakitang-tao” in acting like a superhero who readily comes to the rescue of victims of conflagration even in most remote areas of the country. They just don’t know Bong Go, who is one of the most decent, most sincere people I’ve met. Being a Davaoeño myself, I have known the 47-year old senator for many years since his days at Davao City Hall during which he and Digong had no inkling about running for national office. Bong, who wishes to just go back to simple life in exotic Davao City had always reached out to the less fortunate, something he carried on at Malacañang and the Senate. I share his passion for public service which inspired him to spearhead the establishment of 149 Malasakit Centers, benefitting thousands of poor Filipinos. RA11463 mandates the one-stop shop Malasakit center program to facilitate the medical benefits and financial assistance from PhilHealth, PCSO, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Bong has also provided various assistance to PUV drivers affected by the skyrocketing fuel prices and street vendors displaced by restrictions during the pandemic. Long after the elections, the public servant with a big heart will still be out there coming to the aid of Filipinos in calamityhit areas.

tial candidates want Robredo to withdraw. Then again, as to those tailenders in the presidential race, the call of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso and Senator Ping Lacson for Robredo to withdraw is truly a pathetic and desperate attempt. Knowing fully well that Robredo won’t withdraw despite the big difference between her and Bongbong Marcos according to all poll surveys, personally I believe that even if the other presidential candidates trailing behind Bongbong were to add up all their voting percentage preferences, they still would not be able to catch up with Marcos. Knowing full well how voters react, Isko Moreno and Manny Pacquiao, or Leni Robredo for that matter, would not withdraw from the race. They will deﬁnitely at this point in time be convinced that Bongbong would be the next president. The result of all these developments is also the new connection of Leni’s candidacy, claimed by some as being supported by Joma Sison of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which is a destructive development on the part of the opposition.

Is it game over for the rest? Santa Banana, the BBM-Sara tandem had a grand rally in Cebu with with no less than the Cebu Governor, Cebu City Mayor and most of the Cebu mayors in attendance! What we the people should be concerned now about is that when Bongbong assumes the presidency, who will comprise the members of his cabinet. I ask this because the success or failures of an administration largely depends on the kind of members in the president’s cabinet, they being his alter egos. In this connection, I would like to suggest to the BBM-Sara tandem that the change of power not be overall. BBM and Sara should not forget two cabinet members of the Duterte administration whoi are needed in the continuity of the administration projects, especially to jumpstart the economic recovery. Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and National Economic Development Authority Director General Karl Chua could be very useful to the BBM-Sara administration. They could qualify for whatever position could be open to them as far as the BBM-Sara administration is concerned. Personally, I would like to know who would be Bongbong’s Press Secretary and Spokesman because a Press Secretary and

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EDITORIAL

BBM-Sara, the victors

SANTA Banana, pollsters are saying that Bongbong Marcos and his teammate Inday Sara Duterte Carpio will have a landslide victory on Election Day on May 9, 2022 ! With pollsters saying that it will be a “miracle” for second placer Vice President Leni Robredo to overcome the lead of BBM-Sara in poll surveys, I can believe that with 13 days to go, no amount of attacks or dirt thrown at Bongbong by his enemies and the opposition can dent his popularity and that of Sara. This can only mean, my gulay, that out of 64 million voters registered, Bongbong has a signiﬁcant lead. Out of the 81 provincial governors, Bongbong has the support of at least 53 of them. My gulay, Bongbong also has the support of command votes from the Iglesia ni Cristo, El Shaddai, Iglesia ni Aglipay, and from Apollo Quiboloy’s ﬂock of 1 million, headed by the self-appointed “son of God.” Take note of the fact that many governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao have committed millions of votes for Marcos. And note also the fact that in Maguindano and Sultan Kudarat and other areas of the BARMM, there are enclaves of Ilocanos. In fact, all over Mindanao, there are many Ilocanos. All these and the fact that Inday Sara is a Cebuana. Not only the Solid North and the South are for the BBM-Sara tandem. My gulay, even many in the vote-rich central and western Visayas, including Samar and Leyte, are committed to BBM-Sara. Santa Banana, the last survey of OCTA and PUBLICUS Asia found the BBMSara team again ruling the surveys with Bongbong Marcos having 57 percent of the 1,200 respondents. They are the preferred candidates of many. Marcos has over 35 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR), 60 percent in the Visayas, and 50 percent in Mindanao. In terms of socio-economic class, Bongbong got 51 percent in the ABC segment, 39 percent in the Class D and E, and 44 percent in Class E segment or the poorest among the poor socio-economic class. It’s no surprise that the other presiden-

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Clarity, compassion, empathy for commuters

E understand that most decision-makers in both government and the business sector are blessed with their own private vehicles. They can comfortably go from one place to another without the hassles of public transportation.

That does not mean they should be oblivious to the daily struggles of ordinary commuters, whom they are supposed to serve. We saw the harrowing effects of hastily thought up—and poorly communicated and chaotically implemented— policies on hapless commuters anew last week, created by the confusion about the so-called window hours, as set by the Metro Manila Development Authority supposedly to help ease trafﬁc on major thoroughfares. The window hours are from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. During these hours, provincial buses are allowed to use their private terminals in Metro Manila. But outside of these hours, for the rest of the day, the buses must use integrated terminals like the North Luzon Express Terminal and the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. Last week, however, passengers found themselves stranded because some bus companies did not ply their routes be-

The government and transport companies should remember that they are supposed to serve the public—not punish it. yond the window hours. The MMDA and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are blaming the bus operators for reneging on their “gentlemen’s agreement,” holding their passengers hostage as they insist on being allowed to use their terminals in Metro Manila at any time, not just during the window hours. In fact, the bus operators—Victory Liner, Bataan Transit, Five Star Bus Company, First North Luzon Transit, Maria de Leon and Genesis—have been issued show cause orders and

asked to explain why they did not operate outside the window hours when they were allowed to do so. A hearing has been set for May 10. Congestion on our major thoroughfares was already a problem before the pandemic, and is again emerging as a challenge because of the economy opening up and people going back to work. It is a shame that stakeholders in the public transport industry—the government and the businesses that provide transport services—failed to agree on and commit to the details of a scheme that is supposed to make transportation easier, not more difﬁcult, for ordinary citizens who need to physically go to work to earn a living. By forgetting the public service nature of their business and focusing on their egos as they defend their hasty solutions, it is—as is tragically always the case—the people who are left as pawns, suffering the consequences of decisions of those who may not have even experienced waiting indeﬁnitely for a ride home after an exhausting day at work. The government and transport companies need to get their act together— and remember that they are supposed to serve the public, not punish it.

The next 14 days THERE are four data points to consider in predicting the results of the 2022 elections. First, who is dominating the internet and social media? On this, there seems to be a parity. Marcos disinformation dominated social media platforms but this is being neutralized. Google Trends predicts a Robredo victory but there is no Philippine data in past elections to support this. Second, attendance in rallies is a good gauge of the strength of a campaign and clearly Robredo has the lead on this. Third, endorsements by individual politicians and political groups are critical and there seems to be also parity in this area. Finally, election surveys that are well conducted and following the best scientific practices have had reasonable success in predicting election results. In the March Pulse Asia survey, VP Leni Robredo was able to raise her numbers to 24, gaining 9 total percentage points and gaining support nearly across all regions and all socio-economic classes. The latest OCTA survey, for ﬁeld work conducted in early April, shows that the momentum seems to have been blunted. Meanwhile, Robredo’s rallies continue to turn pink from province to province, the most recent of which was the Pasay City birthday rally of VP Leni which saw 400,000 plus citizens coming together to show their support. Endorsements have also come in for VP Leni – the De Venecias in Pangasinan and many Mindanao leaders including just last Friday the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In my view, Robredo is now competitive in Mindanao and leads in Bicol and Western Visayas. Marcos leads in Northern Luzon and Eastern Visayas. But while the numbers favor Marcos in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, and Central Luzon, Robredo can overtake him. I think Spokesman is vital for the president’s sake. I had said when the candidates for President and Vice President were forming their own teams and tandems that when BBM and former Davao City Mayor Sara Duerte Carpio united that : “Tapos na ang boksing” ( The game is over). As of today, I would like to repeat what I have been saying, that it would be impossible or a major miracle for Vice President Leni Robredo to catch up with the lead of Bongbong Marcos and also the other VP candidates to catch up with Sara. At this point in time, there is no need for an ofﬁcial endorsement from President Duterte for Bongbong Marcos and even for his

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Cebu is also like Mindanao, competitive. In an online article, I observed that the Robredo rallies are organic and volunteer driven, unlike the Marcos-Duterte sorties which are machinery driven and do not seem to be spontaneously organized. I pointed out that the nearest comparison to this signiﬁcant phenomenon are the Duterte rallies in 2016 which started with intense activity in social media and led to similar big rallies before ﬁnally Duterte catching up in the surveys by mid-April. He kept that lead up to the end and won by a large margin in 2016.

Many things can still happen between now and May 9. It should be said that there is always a possibility that the surveys this time are mistaken—that the random sampling methodologies used are faulty and outdated or that the results are distorted because of special circumstances of the pandemic or the hyper partisan atmosphere. But any good political operative would not ignore the data and should be guided by it. In any case, many things can happen between now and May 9, the day of the elections that could make voters change their mind in the last weekend before elections. The last surveys won’t be able to capture these last-minute events. The war in Ukraine could escalate and intensify and could propel foreign policy to the top of campaign issues. The disqualification case against Marcos could reach a critical moment soon when the Comelec en banc decides with finality the four cases. But it won’t end there as petitions in the Supreme Court appealing the Comelec decisions will be filed and most probably in the week before the elections. While Robredo’s big rallies are good daughter Sara. As the common man would say, Bongbong and Sara could now sleep at night till Election Day. *** While the nation is now concerned about the coming Election Day on May 9, two weeks from now, we should also be concerned about reports that COVID cases will surge. In fact, this is expected by the Department of Health and health experts, not only because of the easing of the safety protocols and restrictions, but because of all the sorties and rallies in connection with the May 9 elections, which have given way to the lack of social distancing . Yes, come Election day, all eyes will

and should be continued, the most obvious task is to scale up the house-to-house campaign that Robredo volunteers have been doing. The country has over 42,000 barangays which must all be covered in the final 14 days. In my online article, I observed that almost everyone I know personally and professionally, from progressive and militant organizations to business and church leaders I give election briefings to, and of course my undergraduate, law, police, and military students, are for RobredoPangilinan. But many voters I asked at random, such as security guards, delivery persons, grocery people, baristas, etc are for Marcos-Duterte. Nevertheless, in the course of conversations with these Marcos supporters, discounting the most rabid Marcos loyalists, I find that the Marcos support is shallow, not firm, and ripe for conversion to other candidates. In that online article, I emphasized the role of the Catholic Church. My impression is that most bishops, priests, and religious are in favor of the RobredoPangilinan ticket. I encourage them to take an active role in nonpartisan voter’s education, something that I am doing in my election talks to diverse groups. I do not endorse candidates in my talks but I articulate principles that should guide voting and apply them to all the candidates so that the voters can decide for themselves who are the best leaders for the Philippines. While I am with those who would not want to see the pulpit - through Sunday sermons for example - used to endorse specific candidates, if the bishop or the parish priest would like to write a letter endorsing a candidate, that would be fine as long as it is not read during church services. 14 days to go! Nobody should give up on their candidate! Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs focus on the results of the elections nationwide, But we should not forget the more important concern which is the surge of COVID-19 nationwide, which affects everyone. For those victorious in the elections, they should not also forget that when it comes to the well-being of people, health comes first. It’s for this reason why we should all be concerned about the unseen enemy, Covid-19 and all its ramifications. Thus, it would do well for President Duterte to remind the people that when Election Day is over, there is still something that the nation should be concerned about, the COVID-19 pandemic.

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US diplomats to start returning to Ukraine As Washington pledges $700m in military aid

NITED States diplomats will begin a gradual return to Ukraine this week, Washington’s secretary of state and defence chief said Monday, as they announced $700 million in military aid during their first war-time visit to Kyiv.

lions displaced. Austin said Ukraine can win the war against Russia if it has the right equipment. “The first step in winning is believing that you can win. And so they believe that we can win. We believe that we can win, they can win if they have the right equipment, the right support,” the Pentagon chief said. Presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky met the US officials Sunday, as The trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence the port city of Mariupol’s defenses were “on the brink of Secretary Lloyd Austin – which the United States confirmed collapse” and Kyiv was in dire need of offensive weapons. Washington ordered the withdrawal of its diplomats in the weeks only after the two had left Ukrainian territory – came as the invasion enters its third month, with thousands dead and mil- prior to Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine, but has been a leading donor of financial aid and weaponry to the country, and a key sponsor of sanctions targeting Moscow. “Since the start of hostilities, we’ve had a team across the border in Poland who’s been handling this work for us,” the official told reporters waiting for Blinken and Austin on the Polish side of the border. INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO SUBMIT “Starting this week, members of that team will be COMPARATIVE PROPOSALS (IAESP) able to do day trips instead into Ukraine,” he said. The Metro Tayug Water District (MTWD), created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, received an unsolicited “Ultimately, (they will) resume presence in Kyiv.” proposal from the Original Proponent for the Joint Venture Agreement for the Financing, Development, Rehabilitation, Expansion, Improvement, Operation and Maintenance of the Water The visiting envoys also pledged another $700 milSupply and Septage Management Systems of the Metro Tayug Water District. lion in military aid to Ukraine, including some $300 Pursuant to the 2013 Guidelines issued by the National Economic Development Authority under million to allow the country to purchase necessary Section 8 of Executive Order No. 423 dated 30 April 2005, negotiations ensued between MTWD and Original Proponent on the JV Proposal. Subsequently, an agreement was reached between weapons. MTWD and Original Proponent to form an Unincorporated Joint Venture to undertake the JV The rest of the money will go to Ukraine’s regional allies Project. who need to resupply after sending weapons to their neighIn compliance with the MTWD Board Resolution No. 07 Series of 2022, the MTWD, through its Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC), invites Interested Private Proponent/s (IPPs) to bor. challenge the JV Proposal by submitting comparative proposals for the following: The United States has sent some $4 billion in military aid NAME OF PROJECT: FINANCING, DEVELOPMENT, REHABILITATION, since Biden’s term began last year, and already announced EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCEOF THE WATER SUPPLY AND Thursday a new $800 million aid package to bolster Ukraine SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF THE METRO TAYUG WATER DISTRICT in their fight against Russian troops in the country’s east. LOCATION OF PROJECT: Tayug and Natividad, Pangasinan But it has been reluctant to intervene militarily, for PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The project involves a joint venture between the MTWD fear of entering a conflict against nuclear-armed Rusand the Winning Private Proponent to undertake the following: (i) to optimize existing water sources and sia, and officials Monday poured water over claims the to develop new/additional sustainable water sources to meet long-term water demand; (ii) to reduce and/or visit represented a major escalation of US involvement maintain distribution losses (Non-Revenue Water) to in Ukraine. AFP national or industry acceptable levels; (iii) to expand service coverage to unserved barangays and improving MTWD Facilities; (iv) to ensure, as far as possible, uninterrupted 24-hour water supply to connected Consumers; and (v) to ensure that water supplied to consumers comply with PNSDW requirements.

a. A duly licensed sole proprietorship owned by a Filipino citizen; or b. A partnership or corporation created pursuant to the Corporation Code of the Philippines and registered with the SEC. c. A Consortium of two or more entities with at least sixty percent (60%) of both voting and non-voting interest in the said Consortium being owned and held, by citizens of the Philippines and/or by Philippine registered corporations at least sixty percent (60%) of both the total number of outstanding shares of stock, whether or not entitled to vote in the election of directors are owned by Philippine nationals. 1.2 The nationality of the IPP shall be determined via the Grandfather Rule. 1.3. If the IPP is a Consortium, each member of the Consortium must be disclosed during the pre-qualification stage and the Lead Member thereof must be specifically identified. For this purpose, the Lead member must have at least fifty-one percent (51%) equity interest in the Consortium, and the total percentage interest of all Consortium Members must be one hundred percent (100%).a 1.4. The IPP or each Consortium member must execute Omnibus Sworn Statement. TECHNICAL ELIGIBILITY 2.1. The IPP must have completed a project similar or related to the JV activity whose value, adjusted to current prices using the National Statistics Office (NSO) Consumer Price Index (CPI), must be at least fifty percent (50%) of the cost of the JV activity subject of the selection process within the relevant period as determined by the MTWD. For the avoidance of doubt, cost of the JV Activity/Project pertains to the contribution of MTWD and the Original Proponent representing the present value of capital expenditures amounting to One Hundred Niney Two Million One Hundred Sixty Two Thousand Five Hundred Two Pesos (PhP 192,162,502.00). 3.

3.2 A letter from a domestic universal/commercial bank, or an international bank with a subsidiary/branch in the Philippines, or any international bank recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), attesting that the IPP is one of its current clients, and is in good financial standing. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ARE SPECIFIED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS TO IPPS Only those lPP/s that are deemed eligible shall be entitled to submit Comparative Proposals, which must be in accordance with instructions contained in the Request for Proposal Documents (RFP Documents). The JVSC shall evaluate the proposals using the Quality Based Evaluation/Selection (QBE/ QBS) procedure. The criteria and rating system for the evaluation of the proposals shall be provided in the Instructions to Interested Private Proponent/s (IIPPs). The following procedures, schedules and instructions shall be strictly observed: ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Publication of the IAESP

April 26, 2022

2. Posting of the IAESP

April 26 to 2, 2022

2. Purchase of Eligibility Documents for a non-refundable fee Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP200,000.00) in cash or Manager Check made payable to Metro Tayug Water District.

April 26 to May 5, 2022 (from 8:00am to 3:00pm)

3.Submission of Eligibility Documents

On or before June 6, 2022 (until 10:00 am only)

Deadline of Submission of Eligibility Documents to the MTWD Office, Rizal Street, Tayug, Pangasinan

4. Opening of Eligibility Documents

June 6, 2022 at 1:00pm onwards

JVSC will determine the completeness of the eligibility documents based on a pass or fail criteria. For those IPPs with incomplete, irregular or patently insufficient submission shall be considered failed. For those IPPs whose eligibility documents appear to be complete shall be further evaluated to determine its eligibility.

5. Determination of Eligibility

On or before June 13, 2022

JVSC will evaluate the eligibility documents of the IPPs to determine if they are eligible or ineligible, and the IPPs will be notified of the result of the evaluation.

Filed with the Court is a verified petition for correction of entries in the certificate of live birth of the petitioner represented by her counsel, praying that due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be rendered , to wit: 1.) GRANTING the instant petition for correction of entries in the certificate of live birth filed by herein petitioner; and ORDERING and DIRECTING the Local Civil Registrar of Taytay, Rizal and the Philippine Statistic Authority to correct the erroneous entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner to wit; a.) ITEM NO. 3, denominated as “DATE OF BIRTH” from “21 (Day) June (Month) 1999 (Year) to “21 (Day) June (Month) 1996 (Year)”.

5. Purchase of Tender Documents by IPPs declared “eligible” for nonrefundable fee of Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 200,000.00), payable either in cash or Manager’s Check made payable to Metro Tayug Water District.

June 13 to 20, 2022

Tender Documents may be purchased ONLY from the MTWD-JVSC Secretariat at the MTWD Office, Rizal Street, Tayug, Pangasinan

Finding the instant petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on MAY 26, 2022 at 8:30 in the morning at Regional Trial Court, Branch 138, Ynares , Building Rizal Provincial Jail Compound, Cabrera Road, Kaytikling. Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal, at which date, place and hour aforesaid, any interested person may appear and show cause, if they have any, why the said petition should not be granted.

6. Pre-selection conference will thereafter be held.

September 19, 2022 (1:00 pm)

All Eligible IPPs are encouraged to attend the conference to be held at the MTWD Office, Rizal Street, Tayug, Pangasinan

7. Submission and Opening of Comparative Proposal

October 20, 2022 (until 10:00am only)

Comparative Proposals shall addressed to: Rachael C. Espinoza Chairperson - JVSC METRO TAYUG WATER DISTRICT Rizal Street, Tayug, Pangasinan

Manila

The Eligibility Documents may be purchased ONLY from the MTWD-JVSC at the MTWD Office, Rizal Street, Tayug, Pangasinan

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MTWD reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive any minor defects therein and accept the offer it deems most advantageous to the government. All proposals must be accompanied by a Proposal Security in the form as required by MTWD which may be in cash, certified check, manager’s check, letter of credit, or bank draft/guarantee issued by a reputable local/foreign bank, or a surety bond callable on demand issued by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or an entity duly registered and recognized by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, or any combination thereof payable to MTWD equivalent to 2% of the estimated participation of the Original Proponent for the entire cooperation period amounting PhP 3,038,630.00

(MS-APRIL 26, 2022)

Thai court jails cop over road mishap

IN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH AYRA GARILAO MABULAC Petitioner/s -versus-

SP. PROC. CASE NO. 22-3404

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OFFICE OF TAYTAY , RIZAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTIC AUTHORITY (PSA) MA. CHRISTINE TEVES GARILAO, ROMMEL CEBREROS MABULAC and all persons who have may claims and interest, Respondent/s x------------------------------------------------------------------------x ORDER

Pursuant to Section 4 of Rule 108, the petitioner is hereby ordered to publish the instant Order once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province. Let therefore copies of this order, petition and its annexes be funished the Office of the Solicitor General, at 134 AmorsoIo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Civil Registrar General, of the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly National Statistics Office), and the Local Civil Registry of Taytay, Rizal. SO ORDERED. Taytay, Rizal, Antipolo City, March 11, 2022. REY R. LOR Presiding Judge OffIce of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

Philippine Statistics Authority East Avenue, Quezon City

Local Civil Registrar of Taytay, RizaI Taytay Municipal HaIl, Don Hilario Street Taytay, Rizal

Ma. Christine Teves Garilao Rommel Cebrerros Mabulac Blk 1, Lot 9, Tanzaville, Phase 4, Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain. Brgy. San San Jose, Antlpolo City

Ayra Garilao Mabulac No.3 Verbena St., Cainta Greenpark, Brgy. Isidro, Cainta, Rizal Atty. Jocelyn R. Sales-Masangkay Public Attorney’s Office 2nd Floor, Lores Country Plaza, M.L. Quezon Ext, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City

(MS-ARPIL 26, MAY 3, 7 10, 2022)

MTWD assumes no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any IPP for expenses incurred in the preparation of the comparative proposals. The IPP shall be solely responsible for having taken all the necessary steps to carefully examine and acquaint himself with the requirements and terms and conditions of the selection documents with respect to the cost, duration and execution/operation of the project as it affects the preparation and submission of its proposal. MTWD shall not assume any responsibility regarding erroneous interpretations or conclusions by the IPP out of data furnished or indicated in the competitive selection documents.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT FOURT JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 138- ANTIPOLO CITY (RIZAL PROVINCIAL JAIL COMPOUND

TODAY

For any queries and/or clarifications, please address your communication in writing to the Chairperson of the MTWD-JVSC at the address indicated above or fax the same at (075) 560 2507 or email the same to metrotayugwd@yahoo.com

IN BRIEF

Child confirmed dead in boat accident

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY

SCHEDULE (using Philippine Standard Time)

He did not give any details on when a verdict would be reached. Journalists have been barred from attending the special court hearings in the military-built capital Naypyidaw and Suu Kyi’s lawyers have been banned from speaking to the media. Suu Kyi has already been handed a six-year sentence for violating COVID-19 rules and walkie-talkie import regulations – likely excluding the popular leader from elections the junta has said it plans to hold by next year. Under a previous junta regime, Suu Kyi spent long spells under house arrest at her family’s colonial-era mansion in Yangon. More than 1,700 people have been killed and over 10,000 arrested in a crackdown on dissent since the coup, according to a local monitoring group. AFP

JAPANESE rescuers on Monday confirmed the death of a child in a weekend sightseeing boat accident, raising the death toll to at least 11, as efforts to find survivors continued. The Kazu I was carrying 24 passengers, including two children and two crew, when it sent a distress signal on Saturday afternoon as it began to take on water in the frigid waters off Japan’s northern Hokkaido island. Ten people were recovered and confirmed dead by early Sunday evening, and the coast guard said it retrieved a child later that night, whose death was confirmed on Monday morning. The boat sent a distress signal from off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, prompting the launch of a search-and-rescue operation. But the remote location and poor conditions meant it took several hours for coast guard vessels and aircrafts to arrive on the scene. All those on board were reportedly wearing life jackets, but hopes for survivors faded quickly given the icy temperatures in the region, with the water estimated to be around two or three degrees Celsius (36 or 37 degrees Fahrenheit). AFP The boat had set out on Saturday morning on a sightseeing cruise of the sort that is popular in the Shiretoko Peninsula, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site for its pristine natural environment and diverse wildlife. AFP

3.1. The IPP should have the capability to finance the completion of the entire JV Project evidenced by financial documents to be submitted and will form as an integral part of the Financial Proposal.

A MYANMAR junta court on Monday postponed giving its first verdict in the corruption trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a junta spokesman told AFP, a case which could see the Nobel laureate jailed for 15 years. Suu Kyi, 76, has been detained since the generals staged a coup and ousted her government in February last year, ending the Southeast Asian country’s brief period of democracy. She has since been hit with a series of charges, including violating the official secrets act, corruption and electoral fraud, and she faces decades in jail if convicted on all counts. “There was no verdict today,” in the corruption trial in which Suu Kyi is accused of accepting a bribe of $600,000 cash and gold bars from the former chief minister of Yangon, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun told AFP.

FEARS of a hard COVID lockdown sparked panic buying in Beijing as long queues formed on Monday in a large central district for mass testing ordered by the Chinese authorities. China was already trying to contain a wave of infections in its largest city Shanghai, which has been almost entirely locked down for weeks and reported 51 new COVID deaths on Monday. Shanghai has struggled to provide fresh food to those confined at home, while patients have reported trouble accessing non-COVID medical care – and the rising cases in the capital triggered fears of a similar lockdown. Downtown Beijing’s biggest district Chaoyang, home to around 3.5 million people, ordered mass testing from Monday for residents and those coming to work there – the area hosts the headquarters of many multinational firms and embassies. Queues snaked around malls and outside office complexes on Monday as people waited to be swabbed for samples by health workers in protective gear. “If a single case is found, this area could be affected,” said office worker Yao Leiming, 25, as he headed for a testing site in Chaoyang with a group of his colleagues. AFP

LEGAL ELIGIBILITY 1.1 The IPP must be either of the following:

Junta court delays Suu Kyi verdict

Mass testing, panic buying in Beijing

Applications for eligibility shall be evaluated based on a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion. An IPP shall be considered eligible upon compliance with the following minimum qualification requirements: 1.

WARTIME VISIT. In this image provided by the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (left) and Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 24, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Blinken and Austin announced during the trip the gradual return of US diplomats to Ukraine starting ‘this week.’ AFP

(MS-APRIL 26, 2022)

A THAI court on Monday jailed a policeman who ran over and killed a pedestrian on a street crossing in the capital Bangkok, a case that caused outrage over the country’s appalling road safety record. Off-duty police Manila REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES sergeant Norawit REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Standard FOURT JUDICIAL REGION Buadok ran down TODAY BRANCH 138- ANTIPOLO CITY (RIZAL PROVINCIAL JAIL COMPOUND Waralak SupawatjariIN RE: PETITION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN yakul with his motorTHE CERTIFICATE OF LIVE BIRTH AYRA GARILAO MABULAC bike at high speed as Petitioner/s she was crossing the -versusSP. PROC. CASE NO. 22-3404 road in front of the THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OFFICE OF TAYTAY , RIZAL, PHILIPPINE STATISTIC AUTHORITY (PSA) MA. hospital where she CHRISTINE TEVES GARILAO, ROMMEL CEBREROS MABULAC and all persons who have may claims and worked as an eye docinterest, Respondent/s tor in January. x------------------------------------------------------------------------x A video of the crash ORDER went viral on social meFiled with the Court is a verified petition for correction of entries in the certificate of live birth of the petitioner represented by her counsel, praying that due notice, publication and hearing, judgment be rendered dia in Thailand, sparking , to wit: 1.) GRANTING the instant petition for correction of entries in the certificate of live birth filed by herein petitioner; and ORDERING and DIRECTING the Local Civil Registrar of Taytay, Rizal and the Philippine Statistic anger and debate about Authority to correct the erroneous entries in the Certificate of Live Birth of the petitioner to wit; a.) ITEM NO. 3, denominated as “DATE OF BIRTH” from “21 (Day) June (Month) 1999 (Year) to “21 (Day) June (Month) pedestrian safety in a 1996 (Year)”. country with one of the Finding the instant petition to be sufficient in form and in substance, the same is hereby set for hearing on MAY 26, 2022 at 8:30 in the morning at Regional Trial Court, Branch 138, Ynares , Building world’s highest road trafRizal Provincial Jail Compound, Cabrera Road, Kaytikling. Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal, at which date, place and hour aforesaid, any interested person may appear and show cause, if they have any, why the said fic death rates. petition should not be granted. Pursuant to Section 4 of Rule 108, the petitioner is hereby ordered to publish the instant Order A Bangkok criminal once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province. court on Monday senLet therefore copies of this order, petition and its annexes be funished the Office of the Solicitor General, at 134 AmorsoIo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, the Civil Registrar General, of the Philippine tenced Norawit to two Statistics Authority (formerly National Statistics Office), and the Local Civil Registry of Taytay, Rizal. years in jail for causSO ORDERED. Taytay, Rizal, Antipolo City, March 11, 2022. ing a death by speeding, plus a month for careREY R. LOR Presiding Judge less driving. He was also fined 8,000 baht OffIce of the Solicitor General Philippine Statistics Authority 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City East Avenue, Quezon City ($235) for several miLocal Civil Registrar of Taytay, RizaI Ma. Christine Teves Garilao nor offences. Taytay Municipal HaIl, Don Hilario Street Taytay, Rizal Rommel Cebrerros Mabulac Blk 1, Lot 9, Tanzaville, Phase 4, His sentence was Ayra Garilao Mabulac Touch of Glory Prayer Mountain. Brgy. No.3 Verbena St., Cainta Greenpark, Brgy. Isidro, San San Jose, Antlpolo City halved because he pleadCainta, Rizal ed guilty, so he will serve Atty. Jocelyn R. Sales-Masangkay Public Attorney’s Office one year and 15 days, 2nd Floor, Lores Country Plaza, M.L. Quezon Ext, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City and pay a fine of 4,000 (MS-ARPIL 26, MAY 3, 7 10, 2022) baht ($120). AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Standard

Business

Stock market rises slightly; Semirara and BDO decline S HARE prices edged slightly higher Monday on mixed trading, with select blue chips weathering the bearish mood of investors.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 22.24 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,020.83 on a value turnover of P4.5 billion. Losers, however, overwhelmed gainers, 127 to 54, with 47 issues unchanged. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group, climbed 1.8 percent to P885, while PLDT Inc., the biggest telecom-

munications firm, rose 0.5 percent to P1,910. Semirara Mining and Power Corp., the largest coal producer, however, slumped 6.2 percent to P28.90, while BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, fell 1.5 percent to P133. The rest of the Asian stock markets sank Monday on growing concerns that lock-

WILDCAT STRIKE. Travelers wait in a departure hall at Schiphol airport, near

Amsterdam, a day after a wildcat strike by KLM luggage handlers which caused many flights to be canceled, on April 24, 2022. A wildcat strike broke out on April 23, 2022 among KLM personnel responsible for loading and unloading luggage, as KLM wants to outsource part of the work of its staff to an independent handling company. AFP

Sri Lanka bourse stops again after nearly 13% drop COLOMBO, Sri Lanka—Crisis-hit Sri Lanka’s stock exchange halted again Monday after a nearly 13 percent plunge, derailing the bourse’s tentative reopening after a two-week break aimed at forestalling a market collapse. The island nation is grappling with its worst economic downturn since independence in 1948, with months of regular blackouts and acute shortages of food and fuel. Equities have shed nearly 40 percent of their value since January, with the local currency falling by a similar amount against the greenback in the past month. Monday was the first morning of trade on the Colombo bourse since a weeklong Sri Lankan New Year holiday and a subsequent five-day trading halt after the government hiked interest rates and defaulted on its $51-billion foreign debt. The local S&P index fell seven percent in the opening minute of trade, more than the five percent needed to trigger an automatic half-hour halt. Shares continued their rapid slide after a brief resumption, prompting the market to declare a halt to trading for the rest of the day. Sri Lankan officials were in Washington last week to negotiate with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, but official sources said there was no immediate prospect of emergency funding from the lender. AFP

Twitter reviews Musk’s takeover bid, says report WASHINGTON, United States—Twitter is reconsidering Elon Musk’s buyout proposal, with discussions between the two camps ongoing Sunday, The Wall Street Journal reported, after the billionaire said Thursday he had secured the necessary funding. “Twitter is taking a fresh look at the offer and is more likely than before to seek to negotiate,” the business daily reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Tesla CEO Musk said Thursday he had secured close to $46.5 billion to finance the transaction, but also that he planned to appeal directly the company’s shareholders as he looks to take over the social media platform. The Twitter board of directors had been opposed to the proposal, lining up a “poison pill” clause that would make it harder for Musk to acquire more than 15 percent of the company via the market. He currently owns 9.2 percent of shares. “The potential turnabout on Twitter’s part comes after Mr. Musk met privately Friday with several shareholders of the company,” the Journal reported. Musk “pledged to solve the freespeech issues he sees as plaguing the platform and the country more broadly, whether his bid succeeds or not,” the sources added, according to the Journal. AFP

downs in China aimed at fighting a worsening COVID outbreak could threaten the country’s economy and global supply chains. The losses extended a sell-off across the world last week fueled by comments from Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell indicating officials will hike interest rates by half a point next month and possibly several times more by year’s end. All three main indexes on Wall Street ended more than two percent down Friday, and Asia followed suit with hefty losses. Hong Kong and Shanghai led the selling, with both markets suffering hefty losses, while Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta were also deep in the red. Sydney and Wellington were closed for holidays. China’s struggle to get a grip on a COVID outbreak has forced Shanghai—the country’s biggest city— into lockdown, dealing a blow to demand. Officials in the finance hub reported 51 deaths Monday, its highest daily toll despite weeks of strict containment measures, while Beijing warned of a “grim” situation as infections rise. The lockdowns will “cause a logistical problem that’s going to affect not just China but also the rest of the world,” OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley told Bloomberg TV. Officials’ determination to continue with a zeroCOVID policy as well as a lack of government stimulus, “that all points to lower China stocks and we are going to see a weaker yuan going forward.” Investors were already fleeing risk assets as they become worried that the Fed tightening—to fight inflation at more than 40-year highs—will knock the pandemic economic recovery off course and dent companies’ bottom line. With earnings season under way, a close eye is being kept on what firms say about the impact on and the outlook for business in light of inflation, forecast rate hikes, supply chain snarls and the Ukraine war. With AFP

TODAY

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

INVITATION TO BID Our company, Bataan-BASECO Joint Venture, Inc. (BBJVI), a Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Registered Enterprise, owns a 300.4-hectare property in Mariveles, Bataan and engaged in real estate activities, among others. We desire to appoint/contract/engage a contractor/supplier to conduct a Pre-Feasibility Study and prepare a Conceptual Design for the 2.5-hectare of the 13.7-hectare property that will be use for the company’s township project. For the Terms of Reference (TOR), you may inquire with Ms. Arlene G. Dacdac, 3F 06, The Bunker Building, Provincial Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan with mobile no. 09209556497.

Signed; ROMULO J. DE LA ROSA Chairman BBJVI Bids and Awards Committee

(MS-APRIL 26, 2022)

GMA NETWORK, INC. NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING TO: ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF GMA NETWORK, INC. Please be notified that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of GMA Network, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on May 18, 2022 (Wednesday) at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom application through https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85298995357 to consider, discuss or vote on the following: 1. Call to Order 2. Certification of Notice and Quorum 3. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting Held on May 19, 2021 and the Minutes of the Special Stockholders’ Meeting Held on December 9, 2021 4. Annual Report of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 5. Financial Report 6. Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Corporate Officers 7. Approval of the Meritorious Justifications for the Retention of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban and Dr. Jaime C. Laya as Independent Directors 8. Election of Directors (including the Independent Directors) 9. Election of the External Auditor 10. Consideration of such other business as may properly come before the meeting 11. Adjournment A brief description of each item is summarized under Annex “A” of this Notice. Moreover, the rationale for each agenda item including the requirements and procedure for nomination and election of Directors is set forth in detail under Annex “B” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the Definitive Information Statement (“DIS”). The DIS, the Management Report, and the Annual Report may be viewed at and downloaded from www. gmanetwork.com/asm2022.

ANNEX “A” BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH AGENDA ITEM CALL TO ORDER The Chairman will call the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. on May 18, 2022. CERTIFICATION OF NOTICE AND QUORUM The Corporate Secretary will certify that a written notice for the meeting was duly sent to stockholders and that a quorum exists for the transaction of business. Kindly see Procedure for Registration, Participation, and Attendance in the GMA Annual Stockholders’ Meeting 2022 by Remote Communication and Procedure for Voting in Absentia, under Annex “A” of the Notice of the Meeting contained in the DIS. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON MAY 19, 2021 AND THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 9, 2021 The approval of the minutes of the previous year’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and Special Stockholders’ Meeting is made part of the agenda for transparency and in order to comply with the requirements of the Company’s By-laws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 11232), as well as the pertinent rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The draft of the minutes of the annual stockholders’ meeting held on May 19, 2021 and draft of the minutes of the special stockholders’ meeting held on December 9, 2021 are posted on the Company’s website and attached as Annexes “I” and “I-1” of the DIS. These minutes are subject to stockholders’ approval during this year’s meeting.

For purposes of the meeting, the Board of Directors has set April 27, 2022 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice, to participate, and to vote in absentia, at such meeting and any adjournment thereof. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Company will be conducting the annual stockholders’ meeting via remote communication. The conduct of the annual stockholders’ meeting including the attendance and participation thereto will be through Zoom application. Stockholders of record who intend to attend and participate via remote communication and/or vote in absentia shall notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary by email to GMA2022ASM@gmanetwork.com beginning April 27, 2022 until May 6, 2022 and shall register in accordance with the procedure set forth in the attached Procedure for Registration, Participation and Attendance in the Meeting by Remote Communication and Procedure for Voting in Absentia (Annex “A” of the Notice of Meeting attached to the DIS). All information to be submitted as required under Annex “A” shall be subject to verification and validation by the Corporate Secretary. Upon successful registration, the meeting link will be sent to the participant/stockholder. Voting for matters to be submitted for approval, including the election of directors, shall be made in absentia through a secure online voting facility. Once duly registered, the stockholder may vote in absentia on or before May 16, 2022 in accordance with the procedure set forth in Annex “A” and in the Information Statement. In order to allow time to validate the votes, the deadline to cast votes shall be on or before May 16, 2022. Votes submitted after May 16, 2022 will no longer be included in the tabulation of the total votes cast for each of the items in the Agenda.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The annual report of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer is made part of the Agenda in order to inform the stockholders of the Company’s ratings and financial performance during the previous year and to adhere to the principles of transparency and good corporate governance. The annual report also contains the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) for the year ended December 31, 2021, which were audited by Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.), and reviewed and approved by the Audit and Risk Management Committee and subsequently by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 25, 2022. Stockholders may request for a hard or soft copy of the 2021 Annual Report through GMA2022ASM@gmanetwork.com. The Annual Report is also posted on the Company’s website. FINANCIAL REPORT The Company’s financial performance during the year 2021 has been detailed in the Audited Financial Statements (AFS) of the Company which were reviewed in audit by the Company’s independent external auditor. The AFS have been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors, as recommended by the Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Company’s 2021 AFS is attached as Annex “G” of the DIS. RATIFICATION OF THE ACTS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND CORPORATE OFFICERS The Acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Corporate Officers taken or adopted since the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on May 19, 2021, until May 18, 2022 were duly deliberated upon prior to their approval and were conducted in the Company’s ordinary course of business. The aforementioned acts of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Corporate Officers, including the approval of the amendments and corrections to the By-laws, are submitted for approval to

We are not soliciting your proxy. However, if you are unable to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you may accomplish the sample proxy form attached as Annex “C” and “D” of the Notice of the Meeting. Stockholders who wish to appoint a proxy should submit advance electronic copies of their duly accomplished forms during registration and must send the originals on or before 3:00 p.m. of May 6, 2022 at the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 15/F Sagittarius Building, H.V. De la Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati not later than May 6, 2022, for validation purposes. Any stockholder may vote by proxy provided that such authorization remains unrevoked and on file with, or is submitted to, the undersigned at the said address. A video and audio recording of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting will be available ten (10) days after the meeting and the recording shall be available for access by the stockholder within thirty (30) days from posting date, subject to the stockholder’s compliance with the requirements set forth in Annex “A” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS. For complete information on the annual meeting, kindly visit: www.gmanetwork.com/asm2022 through the QR Code provided hereunder. For the Board of Directors

ANNA TERESA M. GOZON-VALDES Corporate Secretary

the stockholders in compliance with the Company’s Bylaws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as pertinent rules and regulations of the SEC. APPROVAL OF THE MERITORIOUS JUSTIFICATIONS FOR THE RETENTION OF CHIEF JUSTICE ARTEMIO V. PANGANIBAN AND DR. JAIME C. LAYA AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS On March 25, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company provided meritorious reasons for the retention of Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban and Dr. Jaime Laya as Independent Directors, subject to the stockholders’ approval at the May 18, 2022 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting. The meritorious reasons for their recommended retention are set forth as Annex “B-1” of the Notice of the Meeting attached to the DIS. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The incumbent Directors have been recommended by the Company’s Nomination Committee for re-election. On the basis of the nominated directors’ proven track record as shown by the results of the Company’s performance and after review of their qualifications, the said Directors were recommended for re-election by the Nomination Committee. Their appointment is submitted for approval to the stockholders in compliance with the Company’s Bylaws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as the pertinent rules and regulations of the SEC. The Procedure for Nomination of Directors is set forth under Annex “B” of the Notice of the Meeting in the DIS. ELECTION OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR Upon the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and after proper deliberation, the Board approved the re-appointment of SyCip Gorres & Velayo & Co. (SGV) as the Company’s external auditor for 2022. The SGV’s appointment is submitted for approval to the stockholders in compliance with the Company’s By-laws, the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, as well as the pertinent rules and regulations of the SEC.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

AC Energy hikes capital spending plan 68% to P56b AC ENERGY Corp., a unit of conglomerate Ayala Corp., plans to spend P56 billion this year, up 68 percent from last year’s capital expenditures of P33 billion, to complete new and ongoing projects and achieve its target of 5,000 megawatts by 2025. ACEN chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala said during the annual stockholder’s meeting the company also increased its project pipeline to 18,000 MW, putting it in a position to aggressively expand its renewable investments. He said ACEN now has 3,800 MW of attributable capacity in the Philippines and overseas, including 3,300 MW from renewable sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal energy. “We achieved this notable milestone in the midst of ACEN’s continuing energy transformation journey, which began in 2019. Last year was a noteworthy period, as we added 1,200 MW of renewable attributable capacity,” Zobel de Ayala said. “We are confident that the integration of our Philippines and international platform in 2021 puts ACEN in a strong position to realize our aspiration of becoming the largest renewables platform in Southeast Asia,” he said. ACEN will develop 18,000 MW of renewable energy projects organically and with partners. The projects are in various stages of progress, including 1,800 MW in India, 1,600 MW in Vietnam, 8,100 MW in Australia and 6,500 MW in the Philippines. Zobel de Ayala said the Philippines remains ACEN’s core market, accounting for 40 percent of ACEN’s capacity, with the other 60 percent comes from international markets. “We remain bullish with ACEN’s Manila renewables growth strategy and beStandard lieve that there will be sustained TODAY growth in renewable energy demand, as the world accelerates its transition to cleaner sources of power,” he said. ACEN president Eric Francia said the Philippine market is experiencing a tight supply as demand already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, April 25, 2022

22.24 PTS. 7,020.83

ANILA Electric Co. said Monday consolidated core net income grew 10 percent in the first quarter to P5.624 billion from P5.1 billion in the same period last year on the back of increased contribution from power generation business and higher energy sales. Meralco’s wholly-owned subsidiary Meralco PowerGen Corp. contributed P1.2 billion to Meralco’s income in the first quarter, up from P119.4 million a year ago, driven by the contribution of Singapore-based PacificLight Power Pte. Ltd. MGen had a total power generation capacity of 2,251 megawatts as of end-March. Reported net income rose 28 percent to P5.564 billion from P4.3 billion a year earlier, with the adjustments made

in 2021 on the implementation of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act. “We remain vigilant over global geopolitical developments and remain cautious about their impact on the Philippine economies. We are working with industry players, including the government, regulators and our suppliers to agree on ways to mitigate the adverse impact of these challenging circumstances to our customers,” Meralco

chairman Manuel Pangilinan said. “The challenges notwithstanding, we remain positive that we shall be able to sustain Meralco’s operational and financial performance in the course of the year, as we bank on the further reopening of the economy, and traverse the road towards post-pandemic recovery,” said Pangilinan. Consolidated revenues climbed 33 percent to P85.9 billion from P64.7 billion, as electricity revenues also increased 33 percent to P 83.3 billion from P62.5 billion. This was due to higher pass-through charges on account of the unprecedented increase in global fuel prices. Consolidated energy sales rose 5.7 percent to 11,069 gigawatt-hours from 10,473 gWh in the same three months last year following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and higher temperature.

Honda Philippines Inc. president Susumu Mitsuishi (10th from left) and Triumph JT Marketing Corp. president Jayson Te (11th from left), along with other executives of both companies, lead the launching of HPI’s latest flagship store in Grace Park West, Caloocan City that will offer the complete line-up of HPI motorcycles, CYAN power products and genuine spare parts. The store’s dealer, Triumph JT Marketing, is considered one of the pioneers in the Philippine motorcycle industry. The Caloocan branch is the 3rd HPI flagship store to be launched this year.

SMDC to build 20,000 units in shift to mid-rise projects By Jenniffer B. Austria

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of FIRST GEN CORPORATION will be conducted virtually at https://conveneagm.com/ph/fgen_asm2022 at 10am on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Following is the agenda1 of the meeting: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the May 19, 2021 Annual General Meeting Annual Report and Audited Consolidated Financial Statements Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Management Approval of an Amendment to Article Sixth of the Articles of Incorporation to Increase the Number of Directors from Nine (9) to Ten (10) 7. Election of Directors2 (Including Independent Directors) 8. Election of External Auditor 9. Other Matters 10. Adjournment Only stockholders of record as of March 1, 2022 are entitled to notice of, and vote at, the meeting. Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting by remote communication are required to register by 6pm on May 10, 2022 at https://conveneagm.com/ph/fgen_asm2022. Stockholders who have successfully registered will receive an email with instructions on how to access a secure online portal which will allow them to participate and vote at the meeting, either by voting electronically or through the Chairman of the meeting as proxy. A stockholder who participates by remote communication or votes in absentia shall be deemed present for purposes of quorum. The procedure for participating in the meeting through remote communication and casting of votes in absentia are set forth in Annex “A” of the Information Statement (Requirements and Procedure for Voting and Participating in the 2022 Annual General Meeting). Duly accomplished proxy forms should be submitted on or before May 10, 2022 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at the 6th Floor Rockwell Business Center Tower 3, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, or by email to 2022asm_info@firstgen.com.ph. Pursuant to the February 16, 2022 Notice of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Information Statement and its attachments, minutes of the previous meeting of stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting, can be accessed through the company website www.firstgen.com. ph. The meeting proceedings will be recorded in audio and video format. Should you have any questions about the conduct of the meeting, you may send an email to 2022asm_info@firstgen.com.ph. For technical concerns, you may contact support@conveneagm. com. Pasig City, April 25, 2022. By Order of the Board of Directors: (Sgd.) CARA MARTHA D. MATHAY Assistant Corporate Secretary 1 2

Please refer to the Definitive Information Statement in www.firstgen.com.ph. Including a regular director who will occupy the additional board seat upon SEC approval of the Amended Articles of Incorporation. (MS-APRIL 25 & 26, 2022)

4,520,694,746.50

ADVANCES DECLINES

54 127

UNCHANGED

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022

HONDA FLAGSHIP STORE.

NOTICE OF 2022 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

650,100,361 57,635

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

F oreign E xchange R ate

Meralco booked 28% growth in 1st-quarter profit to P5.6b By Alena Mae S. Flores

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

SM Development Corp., the residential arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., has shifted focus to developing mid-rise and horizontal housing projects to adapt to the reduced purchasing power of homebuyers amid the pandemic. SMDC president Jose Mari Banzon said in a news briefing following the company’s annual stockholders meeting the company would launch 12,000 to 20,000 units in mostly medium-rise buildings this year. Banzon said the mid-rise buildings would be built mostly in provinces near Metro Manila, while the horizontal projects would be in provincial areas with SM malls. These units are priced below P3.2 million each. “With the pandemic and war in Ukraine, many Filipinos have been dislocated and destabilized. We want to have a product that Filipinos can afford, considering that many of them have reduced income now,” Banzon said. He said the company would also take a pause on high-rise developments as this segment would account for a small portion of launches this year. Meanwhile, the company’s strategy of offering medium-rise buildings outside Metro Manila is expected to boost sales to the overseas Filipino market. SM Prime president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim expressed optimism about company’s this year after the government lowered the alert level in most areas in the country.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.3370

Japan

Yen

0.007783

0.4073

Pound

1.284300

67.2164

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127445

6.6701

Switzerland

Franc

1.044714

54.6772

Canada

Dollar

0.786906

41.1843

Singapore

Dollar

0.729501

38.1799

Australia

Dollar

0.724600

37.9234

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653224

138.8618

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266652

13.9558

Brunei

Dollar

0.726850

38.0411

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000070

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029481

1.5429

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

14.2495

Euro

1.080700

56.5606

Korea

Won

0.000804

0.0421

China

Yuan

0.153808

8.0498

India

Rupee

0.013079

0.6845

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.231321

12.1066

New Zealand

Dollar

0.663600

34.7308

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034106

1.7850 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF DTI woos US battery maker to expand to PH THE Department of Trade and Industry is wooing US battery maker ZAF Energy Systems and Battery Grade Materials Inc. to expand to the Philippines, citing the country’s attractive menu of incentives and perks. “Apart from having vast resources of green metals such copper, cobalt and nickel, which are key inputs to the production and manufacture of battery and other technology products, US companies stand to benefit from a partnership with the Philippines with the set of incentives the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a meeting with ZAF chief executive Randy Moore at the sidelines of the high-level diplomatic reception for government officials and business leaders in Washington D.C. Lopez said the proposed hydroxide processing plant and battery manufacturing projects of ZAF and BGM may both qualify for tier II under industrial value chain gaps of the proposed 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan. The proposed investment for the project is estimated at $500 million. ZAF and affiliate BGM are already in talks with some Philippines-based nickel mining companies and are looking for more possible suppliers, according to the DTI. Othel V. Campos

BDO YELLOW warns public MAGENTA BLACK

against scammers

BDO Unibank Inc. warned the public on Monday against scammers offering help in opening online bank accounts. “As online scammers remain on the prowl for potential victims, BDO Unibank advises its clients and the banking public in general to follow this simple caution: if you didn’t join any contest, you didn’t win anything. Don’t fall for offers that are too good to be true because they most probably are not true,” the bank said in a statement. It said scammers were calling account holders to inform them about a prize they allegedly won and encouraging them to open an online bank account to redeem it. These scammers offer their help and ask the victim to activate it using a code they will be providing. BDO said this supposed offer to “help” or “assist” account holders in opening an online bank account is a modus by scammers to get direct access to their would-be victims’ bank account. BDO warned clients that if they have an online bank account, scammers may try to take over the account through email or phone scam by offering higher daily transfer limit, stronger account security or other enticements. Julito G. Rada

Megaworld launches new Bacolod tower MEGAWORLD Corp. said Monday it expects to raise up to P1.9-billion in sales from a newly launched residential project in Bacolod City. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it launched the 12-story Herald Parksuites, its fourth residential condominium development with the 34-hectare The Upper East township in Bacolod City. Under the plan, the new residential tower will offer 246 studio and two-bedroom units, with sizes ranging from 24 square meters to 109 sq. m. “Taking inspiration from the posh apartments in New York City’s Upper East Side, this new residential tower will highlight Bacolod’s first ‘smart home’ amenities in a condominium with select loft units in generous layouts,” Megaworld Bacolod vice president for sales and marketing Jennifer Palmares-Fong said. The project is slated for completion by 2028. Jenniffer B. Austria

US firm constructing P10.7-b telco towers in PH By Othel V. Campos TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday SBA Communications Corp. of the US is investing P10.7 billion in the Philippines to build telecommunications towers. Lopez revealed the SBA project during a Philippine investment mission to Washington D.C. last week. “As the Philippines is in the middle of updating its digital infrastructure, we welcome SBA’s continued expansion in the country, which will create more jobs while enhancing competition that will lead to better and more affordable telecommunication services for the people,” Lopez said. The Board of Investments approved SBA’s application for registration on March 31, 2021 under a pioneer status. The project is expected to provide employment to 353 workers with plans to install 1,470 tower structures in the

country within five years. The BOI assists SBA on the incorporation of its local entity in the Philippines as the company starts hiring local staff to fill various positions in its Philippine office. Lopez, in a meeting with SBA senior director for international affairs Nicholas Van Slyck and senior director for government and regulatory affairs Maria Alexandra, assured the telecommunications infrastructure firm of the government’s support for its operations in the Philippines. Van Slyck said the company aims to build 180 towers in 2022 and is in talks with mobile network operators Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Dito Telecommunity which were receptive to SBA’s shared tower model. The company already installed 20 towers and expects to build 42 more by the end of the second quarter.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Nuggets stay alive; Bucks, Heat a win shy of semis

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors plays defense on Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. AFP

Removal from title tiff planned by organizers, says Casimero By Randy Caluag

ORLD Boxing Organization champion John Riel Casimero on Monday denied that he was struggling in weight before he was prevented from defending his title against British contender Paul Butler.

John Riel Casimero shows his form two weeks before his title bout with Paul Butler in the UK.

The Filipino believed that the scenario to remove him from the championship fight may have already been planned beforehand. “Kuha na namin ang timbang sa San Diego pa lang, chill na chill na nga ako dito. ‘Yun talaga katotohanan guys. Wala, planado na pala lahat,” Casimero said on his youtube video without elaborating. “Dapat sana hindi na kami pinapunta dito. Sayang lang pagod namin.” For now, Casimero is taking it cool

Knights try to move closer to cage sweep Games Today (La Salle Greenhills Gym) 12 noon – CSB vs San Beda 3 p.m. – SSC-R vs Letran

DEFENDING champion Letran seeks to move closer to a nine-game, elimination-round sweep as it takes on San Sebastian Tuesday in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the La Salle Greenhills Gym. The only undefeated team in the season at 7-0, the Knights take on the Stags at 3 p.m. clash with an eye on a berth to the Final Four. Coming off a 14-point loss to Mapua, San Beda tries to rediscover its winning ways as it plays College of Saint Benilde in a game which has major implications for the other outright Final Four berth at 12 noon. The Red Lions are running second with a 6-1 card, just half a game ahead of the Cardinals, who are sporting a 6-2 record in third place. With a 5-3 slate in fourth spot, the Blazers’ chances of making it to the Final Four outright is not entirely in their hands. A loss will drop CSB to the play-in stage, which will determine the other two Final Four qualifiers. As the league used a different tournament format for this shortened season, there will be no outright Finals’ berth for Letran even if it wins its last two games, including this Friday’s rivalry game against San Beda. The best incentive the Knights will get if they finish in the top two after the eliminations is a twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four, which is set on May 8 right after the play-in stage.

even as the WBO is expected to come out with a decision on whether to strip him of his bantamweight crown or retain his status as a fully recognized champion in the division. “Pero hayaan niyo, hindi pa ngayon magsasabi ng statement namin. Bahala na attorney namin, sa ngayon wala tayo magagawa. Chill lang muna tayo,” he added. Casimero was prevented by the British Boxing Board of Control (BboC) from defending his title against Butler, only three days before their scheduled bout on April 23 at the M&S Arena in Liverpool. The BBoC formally informed the WBO of its decision not to allow Casimero to go on with the bout for violating its medical guidelines. The BboC further stated that they found out Casimero used a sauna suit in a drastic effort to meet the required weight, a measure that it prohibits. Immediately, the WBO approved the sanction for the Butler bout against another Filipino in Jonas Sultan for the interim title and asked Casimero’s camp to explain within 48 hours why he should not be stripped of his title for

failing to defend his title within the organization’s prescribed period. Butler eventually claimed the WBO interim bantamweight crown with a unanimous decision win over Sultan, who, incidentally, was also in the U.K., while the development in the botched CasimeroButler matchup was happening. As of this writing, the WBO has yet to come out with a verdict on Casimero who vowed to plead his case. “Walang gusto na mangyari ganito. Kami dito pumunta para sa laban na ‘to. Pero wala pala plano eh. Hindi pala kami kalaban. ‘Yung hirap (na) dinanas namin sobra, walang kapalit. Abangan niyo na lang ang susunod na kabanata,” he said. On fight night, Casimero was in the vicinity of the Arena, taking videos and posting them on his youtube channel. “Mga kababayan, (eto) sa baba lang venue. Hindi na kami nanoood,” said Casimero, who claimed Butler would have been an easy job for him. He also asked his viewers to message him to get free VIP passes that were given to him. “Salamat sa mga hindi nang iwan sakin,” he said.

WASHINGTON—Nikola Jokic scored 37 points and the Denver Nuggets avoided being swept out of the NBA playoffs on Sunday, holding off the Golden State Warriors 126-121. The 27-year-old Serbian, last season’s NBA Most Valuable Player, also delivered eight rebounds and six assists as the Nuggets pulled within 3-1 in their best-of-seven Western Conference firstround series to force a fifth game on Wednesday at San Francisco. The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks and the Eastern Conference topseeded Miami Heat pushed their series leads to 3-1 with lopsided victories to move to within a win shy of the semifinals. The Bucks routed the Chicago Bulls 119-95 and the Heat dominated the Atlanta Hawks 110-86. The upstart New Orleans Pelicans, last team to clinch their playoff spot, beat the West’s top-seeded Phoenix Suns 118-103 to knot their series two games apiece. Jokic acknowledged that the Nuggets were determined to avoid a sweep on their home floor against the Warriors. “We put up the fight,” Jokic said. “We didn’t want to get swept. We have more pride in ourselves.” After Stephen Curry nailed a long jumper to give Golden State a 121-119 lead with 1:21 to play, Jokic made a layup, Monte Morris sank a go-ahead jumper with 33 seconds remaining and, after a steal by Austin Rivers, Jokic fired a pass to Will Barton for the deciding corner three-pointer with 8.3 seconds remaining. No team in NBA history has overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series, but Jokic says the Nuggets have the spirit to make history. “We’ve really got our second wind, so why not?” he said. In the 2020 playoffs played in the coronavirus bubble, the Nuggets became the first team to rally from 3-1 down in a series twice in the same postseason. “Can I say we have them right where we want them? No,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “But we’re alive.” Morris had 24 points and Aaron Gordon added 21 for Denver. Curry had 33 off the bench—15 in the fourth quarter—to lead Golden State, while Klay Thompson had 32 in his first 30-point playoff game since the 2019 NBA Finals. AFP

Brooks arranges showdown with Pacio SECOND-RANKED contender Jarred Brooks promised to take care of business and finish no. 1-ranked Bokang Masunyane in their strawweight World Title eliminator bout at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic—and “The Monkey God” kept his word. Not even the South African’s tremendous wrestling background could stop the rampaging Brooks, as the latter needed a single round to beat Masunyane, putting “Little Giant” to sleep with a rear-naked choke at the 4:39 mark of the first round.

The win catapulted the Mash Fight Team star to a World Title showdown with longtime divisional king Joshua Pacio, who Brooks has wanted to face since joining ONE. “I got a bone to pick. I got to go against Joshua Pacio now, so please be ready Joshua. If you can see, in all facets, I’m ready man,” Brooks told Mitch Chilson in the post-fight interview. “Joshua Pacio, I’m coming for you man. I know I’ve said it twice now, but three times is a charm. I swear I’m taking that belt to the United

States—I promise you.” Brooks has been shooting hard on Team Lakay ever since signing with The Home of Martial Arts early last year, and he quickly proved that he can walk the walk as well as he can talk the talk. Brooks submitted Pacio’s teammate Lito Adiwang in his debut before beating up Hiroba Minowa in his next assignment, leading to this clash of contenders with Masunyane. Surprisingly, his bout with Masunyane turned out to be his quickest, shut-

ting down the Coach Quan University star’s world-class wrestling by controlling his back and eventually securing the choke. For Pacio’s part, he kept his response short and simple, not wanting to be dragged into a war of words with the fiery Brooks. “Congratulations to [Jarred Brooks] for winning the spot. Awesome performance. I’ll see you soon,” he said. Catch all the ONE Championship action by downloading ONE Super App.

Arevalo, Singson rule National Stroke Play KRISTOFFER Arevalo used a solid start to break away from Perry Bucay and went on to fire a 69 and beat Rho Hyun Ho by two while Mafy Singson pounced on Lois Kaye Go’s backside meltdown to rally from two down and snare a one-stroke triumph in the National Stroke Play Championship at Manila Southwoods’ Legends course last weekend. Tied with Bucay after 54 holes, Arevalo shook off his rival’s challenge with back-toback opening birdies then shot three more birdies against two bogeys for a 33-36 card and a 286 as Ho moved from joint third and took the runner-up honors in the men’s side with a 70 for a 288. Bucay failed to match Arevalo’s fiery start with pars and fell farther back with a double-bogey on No. 3 for a frontside 40. He matched par at the back but his closing 76 dropped him to joint fifth at 293 with Gabriel Manotoc and Ivan Monsalve, who shot 70 and 71, respectively, and Shinichi Suzuki, who started the final round just a stroke behind the joint leaders but faltered with a 38-37 for a 75. Korean Kim Tae Soo carded a 73 and finished third at 291 while Jet Hernandez, who topped the recent SEA Games qualifying at Luisita, failed to sustain a third round 69 with a 74, ending up

fourth at 292. Two strokes off Go in a tie with Laurea Duque with 18 holes left, Singson cashed in on her familiarity with the bunker-laden layout which she calls home, hitting two birdies against a bogey at the front then bouncing back from a bogey-bogey start at the back with an eagle on the par-5 14th. The ICTSI-backed member of the SEAG-bound ladies squad actually wavered at the finish, making two bogeys against a birdie in the last four holes to settle for a 72 and a 295. But Go, who will join Singson and top amateur Rianne Malixi in the biennial regional games in Hanoi next month, also faltered with back-to-back closing bogeys and wound up with a 75 for a 296. Go, member of the team that swept the gold medals in the last SEA Games at Luisita in 2019, held on a one-stroke lead despite a 36 start and went 3-up again on Singson’s shaky backside start. But the Cebuana ace bogeyed the 12th and dropped into a tie with Singson, who gained on a two-shot swing on No. 14 (eagle-par). Go regained the lead as Singson bogeyed the next but the latter pounced on the former’s bogey on the 17th which birdied for the decisive two-stroke swing and the lead.

Mafy Singson holds her huge National Stroke Play trophy after out-dueling SEA Games teammate LK Go.

Sports

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Mercedes boss admits Hamilton car not worthy of world champion I MOLA, Italy—Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff made an extraordinary public apology to a crestfallen Lewis Hamilton on Sunday, describing his car as “undriveable” and unworthy for a world champion.

Wolff spoke on team radio and then to reporters after a desultory day for Hamilton who finished the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in a lowly 13th while Mercedes team-mate George Russell was fourth. Adding insult to injury, Hamilton was lapped by his recent nemesis world champion Max Verstappen. Verstappen won the race ahead of Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez to trim Charles Leclerc’s lead in the title race to 27 points with Lando Norris finishing third for McLaren. Russell, 24, competing in the same difficult ‘porpoising’ and under-performing Mercedes car as the 37-year-old seven-

time champion has now beaten Hamilton in each of the last three races. “We are not good enough for a world champion -- and we just need to fix the car,” said Wolff. On team radio, he apologised to Hamilton as soon as the race ended. “I am sorry for what you had to drive today. I know it was undriveable. This was a terrible race.” Hamilton responded: “No worries, Toto. Just keep working hard.” Hamilton’s most humbling moment in a desultory race came when he was lapped by Verstappen who enjoyed an easy pass for the race-leading Red Bull.

Sunday’s result was one of Hamilton’s worst since he joined Mercedes. His only previous pointless finish came at last year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he was 15th. His previous worst run of results came in 2009 when he struggled in an uncompetitive McLaren and registered his worst finish of 18th at the German Grand Prix. Hamilton was at a loss. “It’s been difficult, but I don’t really know what to say,” he said. “It’s definitely not easy and we all feel it as a team. At least George got some points so my apologies to everyone (that) I wasn’t able to do the same. “I just wasn’t fast enough to overtake and I don’t really know why. I just wasn’t moving forwards. I was just a bit of a sitting duck.” Hamilton said he had experienced worse times in his career.

“I’ve definitely had lower moments so it’s not the lowest, for sure,” he said. “Everyone’s feeling it and everyone’s just head down trying their best. There’s no-one that’s giving up and everyone’s just trying to move it forward as fast as they can. Mercedes are now third in the constructors standings with Russell having contributed 49 of their 77 points. “Lewis is going to come back incredibly strong, I have no doubt,” said Russell. “He’s definitely going to be pushing me all the way. I think it’s just how things fall out sometimes in a race weekend. I made a very strong start -- I don’t know what happened to him at the start. “But I expect him to come back so strong. The way he is pushing and motivating the team is inspiring. I’m not getting comfortable with this position, because I know what he’s capable of.” AFP

PSA Forum tackles SEAG triathlon, basketball PROSPECTS of another Philippine sweep of the basketball and triathlon events in the Southeast Asian Games will be discussed Tuesday in the virtual Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. Gilas Pilipinas team manager and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas deputy executive director Butch Antonio, along with defending men’s individual gold medalist John Chicano and coach Melvin Fausto of triathlon are going to talk Butch Antonio about their respective campaigns in the May 12 to 23 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. In the 2019 edition of the biennial meet which the country hosted, the Philippines both completed a sweep of all events at stake in basketball and triathlon, respectively. The weekly session starts at 10 a.m. and presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation. The Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis the same day at 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which also shares the livestreaming over its Facebook page.

Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton is pushed to the grid for the start of the sprint race at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari race track in Imola, Italy ahead of the Formula One Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. AFP

Serna, Acabo steal show in PPS tilt VINCE Serna and AJ Acabo pulled off victories in varying fashions to foil Thomas Gabuat and Ma. Judyann Padilla’s bid for another two-title sweep in the PPS-PEPP National age group tennis tournament at the Sindangan tennis courts in Zamboanga del Norte over the weekend. Serna, ranked ninth in the fullpacked 32-player draw in the boys’ 18-and-under division, racked up four straight wins to barge into the finals then out-steadied Gabuat in a tensefilled decider, 6-2, 2-6, 10-6, while Acabo got back at Padilla in the girls’ 16-U finals, 6-3, 6-2, to lead the winners in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. But Gabuat kept the 16-U crown with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over top seed Neo Maratas, while Padilla reigned in the 18-U play for the second straight week with a 6-2, 6-3 romp over Acabo. “Serna and Acabo’s victories further underscored the level playing field and we expect more new faces to emerge as the circuit holds more tournaments in various towns and cities in search for talents,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Other winners in the four-day tournament serving as part of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala age grouper’s Mindanao swing were Dipolog’s Rashdi Macaundas, Alexa Manahan from Manukan, Zambo del Norte, Maranding’s Josh Lim and local bet Marlyn Mesiona. Macaundas routed Yuree Madrona, 6-3, 6-2, while Manahan edged Nathalie Barrios, 7-6(4), 6-4, to share the 12-U honors, while Lim upended top seed Pete Bandala, 6-1, 6-4, and Mesiona trampled Cielo Gonzales, 6-1, 6-1, to split the 14-U diadems. Meanwhile, the chase for leg titles and ranking points moves to Labason this week. For details and registration, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. Liloy will host the next stop on April 28-30, both in Zambo del Norte. The circuit moves to Lanao del Norte on May 1-3 for the Maranding leg and then to Oroquieta City in Misamis Oriental on May 4-6.

Fueling PH athletes’ #thirstforgold in SEAG SUMMIT Natural Drinking Water showcases, once again, its unwavering commitment to supporting Filipino athletes thrive, this time in their bid to bring honor to the country in the 31st Hanoi Southeast Asian Games this May 12 to 23. As the official bottled water partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Summit is one with our athletes in their journey to aspire, perspire, and inspire fellow Filipinos. The Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Asian pole vault record-holder EJ Obiena, and now, Filipinas, the Philippine National Women’s Football Team are all set to have their hydration levels covered

by Summit with the right minerals, allowing them to remain focused on their goals and deliver at peak performance. Even before Hidilyn and EJ entered the pantheon of Filipino sports icons, Summit has been there to support their respective journeys. Hidilyn’s Journey to the Summit Diaz has been making a name for herself since 2008, when she was selected as a wildcard entry for the Beijing Games, becoming the first-ever Filipina to compete in weightlifting. It was in 2016 when Diaz ended the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought by bagging silver at the women’s 53-kg category in weightlifting. Summit was honored to have witnessed that feat at the Rio Olympics. To show their love and support for Diaz, Summit officially made her one of their ambassadors in the year 2018. The goal is not only for Diaz to pro-

mote the brand but also to back her up in terms of training and hydration as Summit believes in her persistence, motivation, and capacity in achieving a Gold. True enough, in 2019, Diaz won her first SEA Games Gold medal after topping the 55-kg division. With a committed sponsor by her side, Diaz powered through challenges en route to her historic win in the Tokyo Games that ended the country’s 93-year hunt for an Olympic gold medal. With back-to-back milestones from various competitions, she proved that she has always had a #ThirstforGold. To commemorate Diaz’s success story, Summit Natural Drinking Water is launching Summit Labels featuring Diaz in 350ml, 500ml and 1L formats and Sports Bottles in 500ml format, which you can now get in leading stores nationwide.

Malaysian coach to guide Filipino shuttlers By Peter Atencio NINETEEN Filipino shuttlers, many of whom have yet to see action in the coming Southeast Asian Games, get the privilege to take on Asia’s best badminton players on the playing court this week under a world-class coach. Former Malaysian team mentor Rozman Razak will help members of the Philippine national squad play better against the world’s best players, who are coming to play in Manila for the SMART Asia Badminton Championships starting on Tuesday. Razak, who helped Malaysian shuttlers grab numerous titles in international meets, will watch over local shuttlers when they compete against top players as they plunge into action at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Muntinlupa City. Razak left his job with the Malaysian national squad last February

to accept his new appointment from Team Philippines. With Razak around two years ago, Malaysia won the overall badminton crown in the 2019 SEA Games with three golds, two silvers and five bronze medals. But Malaysian authorities did not renew his contracts afterwards. Razak, who was instrumental in producing top shuttlers like 2014 Asian Games bronze medal winners Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and 2021 Swiss Open champions Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, has been in Manila since September last year. Meanwhile, the presence of reigning world women’s singles’ champion Yamaguchi Akane and four Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Anthony Sinisuka Ginting (men’s singles) and PV Sindhu (women’s singles), and the Malaysian pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the men’s doubles will make competition even more challenging for Filipi-

Shown here are (from left) Hong Kong’s Lee Chuek Yiu, Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Badminton Asia chairman of events Bambang Roedyanto, Badminton Asia secretary-general Moosa Nashki, Philippine Badminton Association vice president Jude Turcuato, Philippine national badminton team head coach Rosman Razak, Smart head of Go To Market Melvin Nubla, Mika De Guzman and Jewel Albo.

no bets who are seeking to have good preparation for the SEA Games. They will be led by national shuttlers Jewel Alba and Ros Pedrosa, who are expected to step up as they go for qualification slots to the main draw. Also raring to show their play are Mikhaela Joy de Guzman and Janelle

Andres, who are entered in the women’s singles qualifiers, along with Solomon Padiz Jr. and Julius Villabrillo in the men’s. Philippine Badminton Association vice president Jude Turcuato said the level of competition in the tournament will hopefully bring back in interest in

the sport in the country. “This is something that we are hoping and planning for in the PBA, which is for us to bring it back to level that it was before, as one of most popular sports in the country,” said Turcuato during Sunday’s presentation at the Crimson Hotel in Muntinlupa.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Ivana Alawi finally gets first lead role in TV series

Sean de Guzman takes the lead in the film ‘Fall Guy’

Is Sean de Guzman

the next Coco Martin? Y

OUNG actor Sean de Guzman hopes to work in a television project one day but in the meantime, while he is yet to receive an offer to do a project intended for TV, he’d like to channel all his energies into becoming a good movie actor.

Speaking to Manila Standard Entertainment right after the story conference for Joel Lamangan’s newest film Fall Guy, the 22-yearold former boy band member shared how his life changed because of the opportunities that landed on his lap. “Somehow I can already feel that there are people who begin to recognize me in public,” he said in vernacular. “But more than the attention, it’s my being able to provide for my family that really made me feel that acting is a career that I need to cherish. Hopefully this year I’ll be able to buy my own house.” Since he was launched in Anak Ng Macho Dancer, which was released in January 2021, Sean has made nine other films prompting the movie press to call him a “pandemic star” and even comparing his showbiz journey with that of Coco Martin’s. “He is his own person,” said Joel Lamangan, who directed Sean’s launching movie plus five other films (Lockdown, Bekis on the Run, Huling Baklang Birhen sa Balat ng Lupa, and Island of Desire) including Fall Guy. The director said that it’s unfair to call Sean the next Coco Martin or any other actors who have made a

Sean de Guzman (left) with award-winning director Joel Lamangan

successful career in television and in movies because he’s carving his own path and making a name for himself. “Ito po ang pelikula na siya talaga ang magdadala. Siya ang tatanghaling best actor sa mga susunod na panahon,” Lamangan said alluding to his latest project topbilled by the young actor. “Even before, nu’ng nakatrabaho ko si Sean sa una niyang pelikula ay alam kong malayo talaga ang mararating niya bilang aktor. Hindi ko kailanman pinagdudahan ang kanyang kakayahan. Alam kong he will deliver,” he went on. The movie centers on Sean’s character Julius who was born in the slums. He gains access to the world of the rich kids by being their go-to-servant, even involving himself in the group’s delinquent antics. He is a lowly caretaker of a rich family’s ancestral home together with her mom. A nobody, he was raised in a broken home thus becoming an eternal ambitious

young man yearning for an upper place in the sun. “I knew that I really have to work on how I portray the role as it is very different from the films that I’ve made in the past. It delves more into drama. You can say this is my attempt to crossover to a different genre,” Sean said of his new film character. “Julius wants to belong to the flashy and hifalutin world, of what his little dreams picture as society,” said writer Troy Espiritu. Joining Sean in Fall Guy are Glydel Mercado, Shamaine Buencamino, Vance Larena, Cloe Baretto, Quinn Carrillo, Marco Gomez, Karl Aquino, Tina Paner, Jim Pebanco, Pancho Carrillo, Mark Cardona, Tiffany Grey, Azekah Alvarez, Nisa Ortiz, Hershie de Leon, and Itan Rosales. The film is produced by Len Carillo of 3:16 Media network and John Bryan Diamante of Mentorque Productions.

Joel Lamangan (third from right) is joined by ‘Fall Guy’ lead star Sean de Guzman (center) and the cast, writer, and producers during the film’s story conference

‘Bad Guys’ topples ‘Fantastic Beasts’ in weekend box office THREE new releases helped fuel the North American box office this weekend, with Universal’s animated action-comedy The Bad Guys on top with an estimated $24 million take, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. Bad Guys, a sort of animal-eye

version of Oceans 11, follows the exploits of a wickedly clever gang of creatures. Produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film has a voice cast including Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Marc Ramon, Anthony Ramos, and Lilly Singh. Overall, this was a good weekend

A scene from ‘Bad Guys’

for family-geared films—hit harder by the COVID effect than films targeting other demographics—with Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 again placing second, at $15.2 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. “Family moviegoing was certainly rocked by the pandemic, but families are returning now,” said David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. “We’re still far from prepandemic levels... but this is a good start.” Third spot went to Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore from Warner Bros., at $14 million, a fairly sharp drop from last weekend’s $43 million opening for the Wizarding World film. New releases claimed the next two spots. The Northman from Focus Features took in $12 million. And in fifth was Lionsgate’s very meta film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, at $7.2 million. Nicolas Cage plays, none too seriously, a man named Nick Cage. AFP

ACTRESS Ivana Alawi is all over the internet supported by legion of fans across social media sites, thus people wonder why its only now that she is getting her first lead role in a television series. The 25-year-old star admits her excitement over her soap opera project, A Family Affair, produced by Star Creatives Television. Though the airing date is still yet to be announced, Ivana is thrilled especially when she saw the special video ABS-CBN has recently released which features her along with Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, Jameson Blake, and Jake Ejercito. “In the story, I play the character of Cherry Red while the four breathe life into the Estrella brothers. How I’ll get involved with each of them is one thing the viewers should watch out for,” she avers. The sexy star reveals that she felt nervous working with her leading men, particularly Sam and Gerald. “Well, for one, they started ahead of me in the ‘biz. Before our taping officially commenced, I really had butterflies in my stomach, so to speak. Imagine, I would share the frame with them, especially Gerald and Sam whose projects I used to watch when I wasn’t still an actress. I was also excited to work with Jameson and Jake.” Ivana is pleased with the treatment she got from the whole cast considering that it’s her first huge TV role. “I had real fun working with all of them. All of them are very supportive. I didn’t feel awkward with them because they are so welcoming, warm, and friendly,” she says. “I really enjoyed the experience! It was my first time visiting Masbate and it was great. I had a great time there from the breathtaking view to our horse riding adventure. I love the company of everybody from my co-stars to the production team. We were all like buddies. It’s a beautiful project overall,” ends Ivana. *** The local entertainment industry lost another of its icons with the recent demise of Gloria Sevilla who is known as Queen of Visayan Movies. Reports confirm that she died in her sleep in her abode in

Oakland, California on April 16. She was 90 years old. One of Gloria’s major accomplishments was winning the FAMAS Beast Actress trophy in 1969 for the Visayan movie Badlis sa Kinabuhi. She has done a lot of films in her entire career. After a hiatus, she came back to doing potboilers once again in 2019 with Ang Pagbabalik, an entry to the annual Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. In one of her last interviews, the legendary actress said that her dream is for Visayan movies to be given importance. “They’re an essential part of the Philippine film industry. There are lots of good actors and actresses from the Visayas whose talent can never be underestimated,” she noted. With her late husband Mat Ranillo, Jr. who was tagged as King of Visayan Movies, Gloria had six offspring namely, Suzette, Mat III, Dandin, Juni, Jojo, and Lilybeth. The first three also ventured into acting. In line with their mother’s passing away, the Ranillo children released their heartwarming message to all who extended their sympathy in this time of sorrow. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Gloria Sevilla, the Queen of Visayan Movies, in Oakland, California at 11:00 AM, April 16, 2022. She died peacefully in her sleep,” the statement read.

Ivana Alawi

Newest ‘Tradigital’ entertainment channel launched THE country’s leading content provider ABS-CBN, innovative entertainment company KROMA, and foremost corporate venture builder 917Ventures, introduce “tradigital” viewing to Filipinos through PIE, the Philippines’s first real-time and multi-screen interactive channel that will officially launch in May 2022. PIE or Pinoy Interactive Entertainment offers Filipinos a digital upgrade to their traditional media consumption habits by allowing them to watch TV shows, join all-day contests, build following, and even steer the storyline of a teleserye across multiple screens including TV sets, laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. On PIE, those in the audience are not just viewers but a well-engaged community that plays an active role in storytelling, game shows, and talk shows. “Filipinos are very social. We love hanging out with our friends, doing activities together, and simply having fun together. But this kind of connection is something we abruptly lost at the onset of the pandemic. Filipinos long for collective fun, and PIE hopes to fill that gap,” said KROMA Entertainment CEO Ian Monsod. PIE is bringing back the classic game show Pera o Bayong that takes on a new level with an interactive format and prizes given away every hour to viewers at home. It is also introducing the country’s first interactive teleserye UZI and reality show Palong Follow, where viewers will work together to find the Philippines’ next big digital content creator. The channel also has a roster of exciting shows that will invite viewers to take part and own: Ekstra Ordinaryo, Bida Body Part, and Playlist Natin. “Our goal as a company is to continue bringing pioneering digital solutions to Filipinos especially as the pandemic lingers. This time, with PIE, we want to bring our kababayans an entertainment experience they can share. We want Filipinos to have a new way to enjoy

PIE is the Philippines’s first real-time and multi-screen interactive channel

and celebrate everyday wins to help uplift them despite their daily battles. We want them to feel like we are still together even while physically apart,” said Vince Yamat, Managing Director of 917Ventures. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes said the company’s venture into PIE is testament to their organization’s boosted digital pivot. “ABS-CBN is committed to bringing innovative content to as many Filipinos as possible, and in recent years, we have been engaging audiences more through a stronger digital presence and collaboration with various groups. Our partnership with PIE is a significant step in that direction and we’re looking forward to engaging with Kapamilyas in a whole new way,” said Vidanes. Test broadcast of PIE has begun this month. Its revolutionary brand of entertainment will also be available 21/7 to everyone through YouTube. It will be accessible to some 11 million households with digital TV boxes in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Naga, Baguio and nearby provinces and to 85 Million digitallyconnected Filipinos this May 2022. To find PIE, viewers may rescan their digiboxes now.

Life

Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Unique community inspired by Batangas’ rich culture, diverse lifestyle IN A Facebook Live event entitled Come Home to Something More, PHINMA Properties opened its doors to virtually launch its first horizontal residential project in Batangas, PHINMA Maayo San Jose. Hosted by Bianca Valerio, the event showcased what Batangas offers – inspiring destinations, well-established traditions, a proud heritage, and the latest addition to all these, PHINMA Maayo San Jose. The unique Filipino community on the rise is inspired

The Management Committee of PHINMA Properties during the groundbreaking ceremony

by Batangas’ rich culture and diverse lifestyle. Through the lens of the digital screen, local Batangueños discovered an excellent reason to stay closer to their loved ones. At the same time, those people living outside Batangas who always visit for vacations realized that they could finally own a home near their favorite getaways. OFWs who only want the best for their families found a way how they can invest their hard-earned money in a home that is made with the needs of their family in mind. The groundbreaking ceremony is a milestone led by the visionary Management Committee—Raphael B. Felix, President and CEO of PHINMA Properties, Rogelio M. Garcia, VP for Business Development, Franciz Z. Villegas, VP for Project Management, President and CEO of Community Developers & Construction (CDCC), Cris M. Igelsias, VP for Operations of Community Developers & Construction (CDCC), and Mia Reyes, Corporate Communications & Marketing Manager. It was indeed a breakthrough moment not just for the lead team but for every Filipino family that will now be able to own their dream home in a development that is master-planned even to the smallest detail. To show this, special house tour speaker Julia Rivera from Presello

took on-ground and virtual guests on a home tour of Rosario, a two-storey townhouse and one of three house designs at PHINMA Maayo San Jose. Bianca and Julia spoke about how PHINMA Maayo San Jose is filled with exciting and beneficial amenities while still providing residents with enough areas for relaxation and bonding. Boasting 48 percent open space, the development has its own jogging path, garden, park, kids’ playground, separate adults’ and kids’ swimming pools, and an outdoor lounge. On top of these, PHINMA Maayo San Jose also makes indoor living less stifling and more exciting with various function rooms, conference rooms, a kids’ play area, a fitness studio, a gym, and a basketball court. They also discussed the community’s commitment to providing a safe and secure community through the following: RFID access on the entrance gates, CCTV surveillance, and 24-hour roving security. And just when we thought PHINMA Maayo San Jose has revealed all that it can offer, the development also presents a life that is more sustainable and better for our planet. Each home comes with a rainwater collection system which will help residents save on water bills because it can be used for cleaning or watering plants. It also comes with

Julia Rivera from Presello solar panels for better energy efficiency and lower electricity bills. The community will also have its own materials recovery facility for single-stream recycled materials. At the end of the program, one can’t help but say, “Ala eh! Tira na ga sa Batangas!”

The joys of Pinoy breakfast with famous sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread

A bowl of bulalo is a must-try whenever you’re in Batangas

Sand Trap’s raisin bread

Weekend feast at

Mount Malarayat Country Club

By Tet Defensor

FTER two years of staying home, weekend warriors can’t wait to leave Manila and check out the outside world. And while some are heading for the farthest adventure possible, those who prefer a quick getaway might want to experience the interesting sites in Lipa City. An hour and a half away from Manila, Lipa City is known as the coffee capital. The first coffee tree was introduced in Lipa, Batangas in 1740 by a Spanish Franciscan monk. From there, coffee growing spread to other parts of the province. Lipa City is also home to several churches and leisure destinations.

Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club is noted for its all-weather championship golf course designed by Michael Poellot Golf Design Group. Cited as one of the best golf courses in the country, it is the favorite venue of prestigious tournaments like the ASEAN Tour and Philippine Open. Players cannot get enough of the mountain view and the cool air whenever they play at Malarayat. Recently, even non-golfers are enjoying the refreshing view, the cool mountain breeze topped by the destination’s homey accommodations and culinary treats. The Suites at Mount Malarayat offer cozy rooms and villas for guests who wish to spend a quiet weekend of good food amid a refreshing ambiance. You can ask for a room with veranda so you can enjoy the mountain view at dawn. You can even savor the famous Batangas coffee as ducks, mallards, egrets, and peacocks parade in the greens. The interesting line-up of dishes at Sand Trap Café is sure to heighten the quiet weekend amid the golfing greens.

Sand Trap Cafe offers baked goodies, cold cuts, local treats, and other deli items

Operated by Culinary Adventures Inc., Sand Trap Café is located on the ground floor of the country club although guests can request a table outside so they can have lunch or afternoon cocktails while enjoying the view of the mountains. If you like starting your meal with vegetables, the chicken adobo salad should not be missed. There is something delectable about chewing vegetables with a tangy meaty taste. And since you are in Batangas, you must try their beef bulalo and sinaing na tulingan, (the famous mackerel can also be served fried.) They also serve lechon belly, crispy pata, callos, kare-kare, kalderatang kambing, dinuguan, lengua, and other Pinoy favorites. Planning a busy day of sightseeing? Load up with the hearty Sunrise Breakfast – garlic rice, two eggs, sliced fruit, with your choice of beef steak, tocino, bangus, corned beef or longanisa or their version of eggs benedict. For snacks, pizzas at Sand Trap are very popular among kids and adults. You can also ask for the bakeshop’s raisin bread served with flavored butter. Enjoy the warm slice topped with mango, cranberry, shallots, and parsley or garlic and herb butter. This is such a treat, you just might end up finishing an entire loaf. The café bakeshop offers a variety of baked goodies (pandesal, empanada, toasted siopao etc.), cold cuts, local treats like tapa, Vigan Longanisa, and other deli items like Smoked Ham and Pastrami. For cocktails and dinner, you can choose from the Japanese and Korean goodies at Katsu Kimchi. Ice cold beer is a good match for ikayaki (grilled squid), yakitori skewers, salmon belly or ebi tempura. They also serve tasty bowls like udon and tonkotsu ramen. For your main course, you can try their beef bulgogi, dolsot bibimbap, or kimchi jijae. During the lockdown, residents in the area were ordering meals from Sand Trap and Katsu Kimchi. The raisin bread became such a big hit that it can now be ordered from Manila. Check out the Facebook Page of Culinary Adventures, for more details. Depending on the occasion, the chef regularly prepares surprise offerings like a weekend carvery, cookout at the Country Club Lawn, and other exciting treats. A weekend in Malarayat is truly a feast amid the serene surroundings and cool mountain breeze. If you plan to play golf, non-members can book their golf game through their sales and marketing office. The club also has a pool and a playground to keep the kids entertained. Check out their FB page and their website for more details.

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Shop for your next back-into-the-sun experience AFTER two years, it’s great to be able to plan again for your summer adventure. And whether you’re looking forward to camping, a beach-bound holiday, sporty fun with family and friends, or simply enjoying summer in the city, our adventure begins with having the right stuff for your adventure. And this begins at SM City North EDSA, a one-stop shop for your ultimate back into the sun experience. Explore the great outdoors with Columbia Sportswear (2F Annex) and their lightweight, breathable, and sun protection sportswear. Backpacks are also your best buddies when embarking on your summer adventure. Deuter (3F The Block) backpacks are designed to carry heavy loads and have an extensive range of travel features. They also have luggage, security bags, duffel, shoulder bags, mountain biking, hip bags, and travel packing bags perfect for any activity. Back to the beach for some fun in the sun and surfing? When it comes to the technical side of surfing, Quiksilver (at 2F Annex) has no shortage of performance wetsuits that will keep you comfortable in a range of water conditions, layer it up with classic hoodies or keep it light with the latest tees and board shorts. Get into the swim of things again with Decathlon swimwear for the whole family at 2F North Tower. They have eye-catching performance swimsuits for women, men’s comfortable water shorts and swimsuits, cute to cool swimwear and apparel from the kids’ swimwear collections and a wide range of goggles for all types of swimmers. Swim with ease as an aqua learner or choose the best technology fit for advanced swimmers by Decathlon. This is also the best time to enjoy the sporting life once more. Playing b a d minton gives you a complete body workout and a great way to keep you active. It’s all sun, sea, and surfing fun with Quiksilver

Breathtaking view + Deuter backpacks = pure summer bliss. Deuter is located at the 3F of The Block. Get your Ultramax Badminton Racket Steel available at Sportshouse (Lower GF City Center). Aside from Badminton, another popular racket sport is tennis. Passionate tennis communities share benefits of playing tennis including fitness, mental strength, and stress relief, and since anyone can play, it lets you meet like-minded players that turn into friendships. Enjoy this game in style with the ASICS Women’s Collection, at ASICS Store (UGF ANNEX). You can also check out their collection featuring other shoes for Running, Trail & Hiking, Volleyball, and Netball. Basketball is also a nice activity to do this time. It is enjoyed and loved around the world. Practice your shooting skills with your dad, brothers, and the team with Toby’s Sports Spalding Silver Portable available at Toby’s (Lower GF City Center). Aside from getting sporty, you can also try Summer Cycling to work with easy-to-carry foldable bikes and e-bikes or outdoor cycling adventure with your friends. Visit Bike Plus (LG City Center) for affordable & great quality bicycles for all ages. Find bicycle parts and accessories in Bike Plus’ one-stop-shop. Get your gear essentials at SM City North EDSA for the outdoor adventure this summertime.