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PULSE ASIA EXEC: LOOKS LIKE GAME OVER WITH MARCOS-DUTERTE WIN By Rey E. Requejo THE polling company Pulse Asia on Tuesday predicted a victory for presidential frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, saying that its surveys show that a majority of the 65 million registered voters have already
decided at this time and no amount of convincing would make them change their minds about their preferred bets. The company offered its prediction after its latest survey, conducted from April 16-21, showed Marcos getting 56 percent of its 2,400 respondents. In a radio interview on radio dzRH,
Ana Maria Tabunda, research director of Pulse Asia, also insisted that she believes that the result of the survey could also be the final result of the May 9 elections. “Even if you change a little, there will be no upset. It will be really difficult for the other contenders to catch up,” Tabunda predicted.
Asked if the voting population has already decided, she answered: “It looks like that.” She said 80 percent of those who said they preferred Marcos said they would not change their vote. Tabunda said this was the first time a presidential candidate has garnered a
majority of the respondents. She added that Marcos’s consistently high numbers are historic since it was the first time since they started conducting pre-election surveys that a presidential candidate has been able to maintain his 50-plus percentage voter preference Next page
INC lineup for nat’l posts out
Confirms backing BBM, Sara; Endorses half of UniTeam senatorial bets By Rey E. Requejo and Vito Barcelo
T
HE Iglesia ni Cristo on Tuesday confirmed its endorsement of presidential and vice presidential candidates Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, respectively.
The independent non-Trinitarian Christian church, founded in 1913, also announced its endorsement of 12 senatorial candidates, including six from the Marcos-Duterte UniTeam, over its church-owned Net 25 television. The 64-year-old Marcos, scheduled to hold the UniTeam's miting de avance Wednesday in Davao, welcomed the endorsement of the INC in the May 9 elections, while vowing the UniTeam would continue to unify the country and help it immediately recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party thanked INC for deciding to support its chairperson Duterte-Carpio, 43, with just six days left before the national polls. The INC also announced its endorsement of the following senatoriables: Jejomar Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Guillermo Eleazar, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, Mark Villar, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Of this dozen, Estrada, Gatchalian, Legarda, and Zubiri—all former or current senators—ex-Public Works Secretary Villar, and former movie star Padilla are on the official UniTeam senatorial slate. Former Vice President Binay and Sorsogon governor Escudero are “guest” Next page
IGLESIA'S BLESSING. UniTeam tandem Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio stand with Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo as they paid a courtesy call on the leader of the influential religious group last month.
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DAYS BEFORE ELECTION DAY
VOL. XXXVI • NO. 78 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
JEJOMAR BINAY
ALAN PETER CAYETANO
JV EJERCITO
GUILLERMO ELEAZAR
FRANCIS ESCUDERO
SHERWIN GATCHALIAN
LOREN LEGARDA
ROBIN PADILLA
MARK VILLAR
JOEL VILLANUEVA
JINGGOY ESTRADA
JUAN MIGUEL ZUBIRI
Digong stops ‘e-sabong,’ cites Rody spares cops, soldiers from Comelec gun ban negative impact on families By Vito Barcelo and Julito G. Rada
By Vito Barcelo, Julito Rada, and Macon Ramos-Araneta
industry sparked by the disappearance of dozens of workers and concerns about the social costs of gambling. “The recommendation of [Interior PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has Secretary Eduardo] Año is to do away ordered the immediate suspension with e-sabong, as he cited the validation of e-sabong [online cockfighting] report coming from all sources. It's his operations following outcry over the Next page
LAST BET.
A man watches and bets on Pitmaster Online Sabong though his mobile phone on Tuesday as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered immediate suspension of operations of 'e-sabong' after learning its negative impact on the Filipino people. Manny Palmero
Booster shot first before voting—Du30 By Vito Barcelo, Othel V. Campos, and Willie Casas
booster shots before participating in the May 9 national and local elections. The President made the call during his regular “Talk to the People” Monday night, reminding the people to get PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte reiterated inoculated with a booster to protect them Next page his call to Filipinos to get COVID-19
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said late Monday all members of police and military should be automatically exempted from the gun ban of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying the election period is not the time
to impose restrictions on uniformed personnel. Duterte said members of the police and the military would have difficulties in securing clearances as they would have no time to process these during the May 9 elections. He said there are instances where some police were apprehended after they were off duty and were bound for home
Sermonia poised to replace Carlos as new PNP chief
because their clearances did not cover their residences. “Getting individual clearances from the Comelec is really a bad idea, because some policemen are assigned in an area different from where he… lives,” he said. “Uniformed personnel are supposed to act according to their oath of office with or without an exemption from the Next page
NO. 2 TO NO. 1?
Police Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, the secondhighest-ranking officer in the Philippine National Police, is poised to take the reins from Police General Dionardo Carlos on May 8 when the latter retires from the force.
POLICE Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia was poised to succeed Police General Dionardo Carlos as chief of the Philippine National Police, a move that was expected to be announced last night based on a statement by President Rodrigo Duterte. During his regular Talk to the People on Monday night, Duterte said his choice Next page
’See you in hell’: President won’t endorse a successor
Leaked draft shows US court set to cancel abortion rights
IT’S final: President Rodrigo Duterte will not endorse any preferred successor with five days to go before the national elections on May 9. Duterte, whose six-year-term will end in less than two months, said he is ready to vacate the country’s seat of power —even as he joked about meeting some of his followers in hell. “There is time for everything. It is already set that I
WASHINGTON—The Supreme Court is poised to strike down the right to abortion in the United States, according to a bombshell leaked draft of a majority opinion that would shred nearly 50 years of constitutional protections. The draft opinion was written by Justice Samuel Alito and has been circulating inside the conservative-dominated court since February, the news outlet Politico reported. The leak of a draft opinion while a case is still pending is an extraordinary breach. Next page
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News
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
De Lima: No ill about telling truth De Lima said the Department of Justice’s decision to keep her detained despite the recent developments in her trumped-up drug cases puts into question the agency’s fidelity to justice, even more than her ongoing cases already do.
"Anyone can see how I am in no position to force anything from the witnesses against me,” she said. "There are many things questionable about the cases against me, " added the senator.
On Monday, a key witness in the drug case against the opposition senator retracted his testimony and accused former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II of coercing him to testify against her. Rafael Ragos, former deputy director for intelligence at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), signed a sworn statement Saturday disavowing his earlier claim that he personally delivered P5 million to Ronnie Dayan, De Lima's bodyguard at the time, at her residence in Parañaque City in November and December 2012. De Lima was Justice Secretary at that time, and the drug money was supposedly
INC...
kandidato na kanilang sinusuportahan sa pagka-presidente at bise presidente sa darating na halalan ay isang malaking karangalan na may kaakibat na hamong nakatuon sa aming kakayahang mapagisa ang bansa … mapagbuklod ang mga Pilipino … at maitawid and sambayanan sa krisis na dulot ng pandemya.” [Choosing Apo Bongbong Marcos and I as the candidates they would support for president and vice president in the coming elections is a huge honor that comes with it a challenge, to test our abilities to unite the nation… bring Filipinos together… and guide the country past the crisis caused by the pandemic.] Marcos, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer, assured the INC leadership that the UniTeam would not fail them in choosing them as the next leaders of the country. House Majority Leader and LakasCMD party president Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, the UniTeam’s campaign manager, added: “On behalf of Lakas-CMD, under which Mayor Sara is running for vice president, let me express our sincerest gratitude to the INC and its millions of members for supporting our candidates. There are no words to describe our appreciation for their decision, and we cannot thank them enough.”
“The INC is one of the biggest religious groups in the country. It is known to vote as a bloc. Its announcement today (Tuesday), together with the expressions of support for the BBM-Sara tandem of other religious and sectoral organizations and local officials, seals what we expect to be the landslide victory on Monday of our candidates,” Romualdez said. The Leyte solon said Marcos and Duterte-Carpio spread and shared their message of hope, healing, unity, and patriotism during the entire length of the election campaign. “With broad support from our people, including INC members, it will be easier for our candidates, should they win the vote, to deliver on their promise of uniting the nation behind its new leaders and the difficult challenges it will face ahead,” Romualdez said. For his part, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson and chief of staff of Marcos, also thanked the leadership of INC for its support to the UniTeam. “We value the support given by the INC as much as we value the support extended by majority of the Filipino people,” Rodriguez said. Marcos and Duterte are currently leading in all the surveys in the country, including those conducted by the Social Weather Stations, Pulse Asia, OCTA
Research, Laylo Research, PUBLiCUS Asia, and even the so-called “Kalye Surveys” (see related story on A1— Editors). In 2016, the INC endorsed thenMayor Rodrigo Duterte—father of the incumbent Davao Mayor—and Marcos, who was then running for vice president with Miriam Defensor Santiago as his running-mate. Politicians traditionally seek the endorsement of the INC, which has been known to deliver the votes of its millions of members. Old hands in politics said the INC also backed Ferdinand Marcos Sr., during the national elections in 1965 (against re-electionist Diosdado Macapagal Sr.); 1969 (against challenger Sergio Osmena Jr.); 1981 (against challenger Alejo Santos); and 1986 (against Corazon Aquino). It was proven in recent elections that INC’s bloc voting could deliver victories for most if not all of its chosen candidates. Previously, the Facebook group UniTeam BBM-Sara shared a YouTube video claiming the INC had already endorsed Marcos and Duterte, which was viewed over 110,000 times. The UniTeam in February had its proclamation rally at the INC-owned Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Holmes was responding to opinion pieces written by statistician Romulo A. Virola, who said that some groups are overrepresented in the Pulse Asia's February 2022 surveys, while others are underrepresented. Virola is the former secretarygeneral of the then-National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) of the Philippines, now part of the Philippine Statistics Authority. Holmes said with their sampling method, it is really possible to have more
respondents from a certain age group or bracket, since they only need the respondents to be over the age of 18, a registered voter, and likely to vote in the May 9 elections. “In this kind of sampling, you can get respondents from different groups and the number may not be necessarily proportionate to the size of the group,” he added Other sampling methods are available, but these would cost more and entail more work, he said.
Holmes said respondents are chosen randomly. He also said he would look into Virola's study and will write his response. In the April 16 to 21 survey, Vice President Leni Robredo came in second after Marcos, with 23 percent, one percentage point down from her showing in March. Pulse Asia said it has correctly predicted the results of the country's national elections since it began polling in 1999.
taxes from the industry were helping to replenish government coffers depleted by the pandemic. The state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. said it will implement “immediately” Duterte’s order, even as it acknowledged this will result in revenue losses of about P4 billion to P5 billion this year. “Pagcor has to implement the President's decision to stop e-sabong operations immediately. The Executive Secretary will issue a formal memorandum to this effect, and we will serve the appropriate notice to the Pagcor-regulated e-sabong operators,” Pagcor chairperson Andrea Domingo said in a statement Tuesday. “We will also inform the Commission on Audit [COA] Auditor officially that starting today, there will no longer be revenues collected from e-sabong operations,” Domingo said. At the Upper Chamber, Senator Francis Tolentino said the suspension order was a “testament” to the political will of the President. Tolentino, along with Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs chairman Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, earlier spearheaded a series of parallel inquiries over the missing “sabungeros.” Sen. Grace Poe said Duterte’s directive is a step in the right direction in efforts to give justice to the missing cockfighting aficionados. "Life and family are always the most important," Poe said.
Rody...
router source code, which is needed to ensure the secure distribution of election results and other related data to different endpoints. The source code was deposited in a high-security vault, as mandated by Republic Act No. 9369 or The Election Automation Law. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, Comelec’s Pangarungan, and representatives from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, and the media were present during the turnover. "We share the Comelec’s strong commitment to upholding integrity and reinforcing public trust and confidence in the upcoming elections,” Diokno said during the event. The source code was stored on a flash drive and kept in a secure metal box, similar to the initial batch deposited on Feb. 2. The BSP had also kept in its vaults the election source codes from 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019. The Comelec on Monday said all vote counting machines (VCMs) that would be used in the May 9 national elections have already been distributed to local hubs. Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said 100 percent of the 106,000 VCMs and another 1,000 VCMs for contingency have already been delivered on time for final testing and sealing of the VCMs to be held from May 2 to 7. Pangarungan expressed confidence that the final testing and sealing of the VCMs will boost voter confidence. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
candidate to replace him come June 30. “There are always assumptions just because I am seen in the company [of some people],” he said in a pre-recorded Talk to the People public address aired Tuesday. “But let me repeat myself: You better disabuse your minds about getting into guesses and assumptions. None – I have no candidate for president,” he added. The administration faction of the PDP-Laban has backed the presidential bid of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., whose running mate is Duterte’s daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio. The President earlier described Marcos as a "spoiled brat" and a "weak leader" —comments that the former senator dismissed as just part of politics. Vito Barcelo
Leaked...
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
R
E-ELECTIONIST Senator Leila M. de Lima on Tuesday asserted there is nothing questionable about witnesses finally speaking the truth and finding it in their conscience to retract their lies against her in relation to illegal drugs.
From A1
candidates of the UniTeam, while Taguig congressman Cayetano, fellow ex-senator Ejercito, ex-national police chief Eleazar, and incumbent senator Villanueva are considered independents. With at least two million voting members, INC faithful are expected to follow the church leaders’ choice of candidates when they vote, in line with their strength in unity doctrine. Marcos, speaking in Filipino, said: “Ako po at ang aking pamilya, sampu ng buong alyansang nakapaloob sa UniTeam, ay labis na nagagalak at buong pusong nagpapasalamat sa suportang inihayag ng kapatirang Iglesia Ni Cristo, sa pangunguna ng kanilang Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan Kapatid Eduardo V. Manalo.” [My family and I, along with the alliances represented by the UniTeam, are extremely happy and wholeheartedly thank the faithful of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, as headed by their Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, for their support.] Duterte herself, also speaking in Filipino in a pre-recorded video with Marcos, said: “Ang pagpili sa amin ni Apo Bongbong Marcos bilang mga
Pulse... From A1
throughout the duration of the presidential race. Meanwhile, Pulse Asia’s chief Ronnie Holmes told ABS-CBN that the polling company has used the same probability sampling method for the last two decades, and do not set quotas on respondents based on age or educational attainment.
Digong... From A1
recommendation and I agree with it, and it is good,” Duterte said in his regular pretaped Talk to the People public address aired Tuesday. Duterte earlier directed the DILG chief to conduct a survey on the social impacts of e-sabong on Filipinos after the alleged kidnapping and suspected murder of at least 34 people who had supplied roosters to a licensed e-sabong operator. “I've been hearing [reports]—and the message is loud and very clear—that it was working against our values and the impact that it has on families—it keeps sabungeros up for 24 hours,” the President added. In one extreme case, a young mother was accused of selling her eight-monthold daughter for about P45,000 to a buyer she contacted through social media in March to pay off e-sabong debts. The police said the girl was later found and the buyer arrested. Cockfighting is a popular sport in the country, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of traditional arenas where spectators flock to watch roosters wearing bladed spurs fight to the death. The government instead granted franchises to seven firms to show the bloody contests and take bets online 24 hours a day. Duterte had previously rejected calls to stop the practice, noting that the roughly P640 million in monthly
‘See... From A1
am to step down,” he said in a speech in Taguig City Sunday evening. “If I die, don’t be afraid. I will see you in hell. I will wait for you there… I can even give you an exhibition – I will go to Satan and slap the son of a b***h. I will tell him to leave, or I will snap his tail and cook it for bulalo.” “I will tell him to step aside – the President of the Philippines is now here to replace you. That is my promise to all of you, because there is nothing more I can promise because I will be out of office by then,” Duterte added. The tough-talking commander-inchief, however, said he has no preferred
From A1
gun ban, and do what is right and fulfill their duty,” he said. He said that the law should automatically exempt police and military men from the gun ban. “You know elections here are a heat game for some politicians. After the elections, there is still the possibility of violence before, during, and after a certain period. It’s not time to be imposing so many requirements,” he said. Under Comelec Resolution 10728, the bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms or deadly weapons outside of residence or place of business and in all public places is banned from Jan. 9 to June 8, 2022 during the election period. Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan has the authority to grant gun ban exemptions for “urgent and meritorious cases” and place identified election areas of concern under Comelec control. Pangarungan earlier clarified that Duterte already has an exemption as the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the agency already issued a general authority to carry firearms for the military and the police. Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it received the final source code for the May 9 national and local elections from the Comelec on Monday. The poll body handed over to the BSP the final trusted build of the transmission
From A1
The 98-page draft majority opinion calls the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision enshrining the right to abortion "egregiously wrong from the start." "We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled," Alito writes in the document, labeled as the "Opinion of the Court" and published on Politico's website. "It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives." In Roe v. Wade, the nation's highest court held that access to abortion is a constitutional right. In a 1992 ruling, Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the court guaranteed a
for the 2013 elections—even though she did not run in that year. The recantation of witnesses, she said, is not one of them. If anything, this is the only thing that makes sense: it's proof that the truth will always come out. “The DOJ is supposed to search for the truth. Ngayon, the DOJ wants to bury the truth... dahil ba mga opisyales nila ang sangkot? [is it because their officials are involved?]” she asked. In a statement, the DOJ questioned the delay on the part of Ragos in recanting his previous statements, saying it casts doubt on its truthfulness. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
woman's right to an abortion until the fetus is viable outside the womb, which is typically around 22 to 24 weeks of gestation. "Abortion presents a profound moral question," Alito wrote. "The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each state from regulating or prohibiting abortion." "The inescapable conclusion is that a right to an abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nation's history and traditions," he said. Reproductive rights have been under threat in the United States in recent months as Republican-led states move to tighten restrictions, with some seeking to ban all abortions after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
56.89% of all PH public schools in in-person classes OVER half of all public schools nationwide have already gone back to in-person learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) said. In her presentation during President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People aired Tuesday, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said a total of 25,668 public schools or 56.89% of the total have resumes face-to-face studies. DepEd is expecting 5,948,640 public school students from all grade levels to participate in face-to-face classes. Briones noted that this number is 25.61% of the 23,230,898 total enrollees in the public school sector in the current academic year. All in all, 6,175,631 students are attending face-to-face classes in 26,344 schools nationwide. The Education secretary said it remains a challenge for DepEd that only 676 private schools or 5.47% of its total number have resumed face-to-face classes. At least 226,991 students or 7.09% of the private school learners are expected to join this development. Willie Casas (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Sermonia... From A1
of next PNP chief from the list given to him by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año "will be made public tomorrow (Tuesday)." Sermonia is the PNP’s No. 2 man as the Deputy Chief for Administration behind Carlos, who is due to retire on May 8 – on the eve of Election Day. Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao was assumed to be the other candidate for PNP chief, but he was promoted on Monday—from being the No. 4 man as chief of the PNP Directorial Staff to the No. 3 as Deputy Chief for Operations. Danao replaced Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, who retired on May 2, or six days before the scheduled retirement of Carlos. In appointing the eighth PNP chief under his tenure, Duterte said: "I will review the recommendation, pati yung ano ang nagawa nila (including what they have done). The biodata of the contenders, the history of their previous work in the government (will be reviewed)." Carlos is reaching the mandatory PNP retirement age of 56. He was appointed the seventh PNP chief under the Duterte administration on November 12, 2021. Año earlier said he recommended two senior police officials for acting PNP chief post to Duterte. Citing Article 7 Section 15 of the Constitution, Año said the president can only order temporary appointments within 60 days before the national elections. “I have already submitted my recommendation on Tuesday to the President alongside with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Resolution 2022-0236. I have submitted the names of two senior police officials who may be designated by the President as the replacement of Gen. Dionardo Carlos in an acting capacity upon his retirement on May 8, 2022,” Año told the Philippine News Agency (PNA). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Booster... From A1
against reinfection, especially for the immunocompromised. Given the crowding that would ensue in polling centers, it would be good for voters to get their booster shots before they went to the polls, Duterte said, saying this would provide them protection against infection and serious illness. Last month, the country's Food and Drug Administration authorized a second booster shot for senior citizens, immunocompromised people, and frontline health workers. The Health Department has said that the second booster dose should be administered at least four months after the first booster. Duterte said that while the COVID-19 threat is not as "serious" as before, the public should not let their guard down. “Complacency is really… the enemy,” he said. An infectious disease expert on Monday backed proposals to set up vaccination sites near or in polling places of the general elections to increase the COVID-19 primary vaccine series and booster shot coverage. Dr. Edsel Salvana, a member of the Department of Health (DOH) Technical Advisory Group, said it would be convenient for voters if they would also be given the opportunity to get their vaccines or booster shots near the voting precincts. “I think whatever it takes to vaccinate and boost people, is very, very important. We have protocols to reduce risks,” Salvana said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
News
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
GETTING READY FOR THE POLLS.
IN BRIEF Fil-Am group launches anti-troll campaign
Workers unload the vote counting machines (VCMs) in the presence of Gil Alintana, principal of the Dr. Rafael Palma Elementary School in Manila. The VCMs will undergo final testing and sealing before the national and local elections on May 9. Norman Cruz
Think tank urge voters to elect pro-reform bets “GOVERNANCE is measured through definite composite indicators, not mere rhetoric, and Filipinos need to elect candidates who actively pursue reforms and build strong institutions so that we can recover and eventually thrive in a post-pandemic world,” a think tank stated in a study. The research paper also recommended to make corruption a “high-risk activity in an upright government.” The special study entitled “Governance agenda for development in a post-COVID-19 Philippines” was presented by Stratbase ADR Institute trustee and program convenor, Dr. Francisco Magno, during an online forum dubbed “Beyond the Crisis: A Strategic Agenda for the Next President” on April 28. “Corruption is not just a matter of having corrupt individuals. We have to consider the presence of corrupt systems,” Magno said during the online launch. “Corruption prevention strategies should reduce monopolistic power, limit and clarify discretion, and promote accountability in governments. Corruption could be countered by converting it to a high-risk activity,” he added. He cited the Philippines’ dismal performance – 53rd out of 53 countries ranked – in Bloomberg’s COVID-19 Resilience Ranking for September 2021. “The resulting analysis points to democratic backsliding and weak governance as the main contributory factors to the country’s poor pandemic performance,” Magno said. According to Dr. Magno, there are six Worldwide Governance Indicators, and the Philippines fares unevenly in comparison with its neighbors in the ASEAN region in each of these respects.
A GROUP of Filipino-American citizens has launched an aggressive campaign to unmask internet trolls believed to be “at the forefront of widespread disinformation that is heavily influencing the Philippine elections.” Calling themselves the US Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG), the group called on Meta/Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to immediately remove fake posts and accounts “maliciously tagging independent presidential candidate Leni Robredo a communist terrorist” “Our country has become extremely polarized through vigorous troll activity” said Eric Lachica, USFGG Washington DC coordinator.
Solon wants palm oil smuggling eradicated
Palawan ex-gov faces disqualification plea By Rey E. Requejo
T
WO Palawan-based voters have urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify former governor Mario Joel Reyes who is seeking to regain the province’s top elective position in the coming May 9 election.
The petitioners cited as reason Reyes’ conviction by the Sandiganbayan for corruption, thus perpetually barring him from holding public office. In their 16-page petition for disqualification, Nasir Radjudin Miranda and Mohammad Vinarao Asgali, both registered voters and residents of Batazara, Palawan, also asked the Comelec to cancel Reyes’ certificate of candidacy for governor for being a “fugitive from justice” when he fled
the country to evade a warrant of arrest issued against him in connection with the alleged murder of Dr. Gerry Ortega in January 2011. A former bodyguard of Reyes who turned state witness in the murder case tagged the ex-governor as the mastermind of Ortega in the killing of Ortega, a staunch anti-corruption crusader, environmentalist, and broad journalist. The petitioners invoked Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 which imposes a
penalty of imprisonment of six years to eight years, with permanent disqualification from holding public office. Reyes’ anti-graft conviction stemmed from a May 5, 2011 information filed with the Sandiganbayan, indicting the former Palawan governor for allegedly giving “unwarranted benefits, preference, and advantage” to Olympic Mines and Development Corp. Records of the case stated that Reyes committed graft by approving the renewal of the firm’s small-scale mining permit despite violations of the terms and conditions of its previous permit. The petitioners said the case was docketed as Criminal Case No. SBII-CRM-008 and raffled to the Third Division of the Sandiganbayan.
PICTURE! PICTURE!
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, who is seeking reelection, takes selfies with teenagers during a campaign sortie in Barangay Estefania on Monday night.
NBI turns over to PDEA P1b illegal drugs seized in Infanta, Quezon
THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has turned over P11 billion worth of illegal drugs to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). In a statement issued onTuesday, NBI Director Eric Distor said the turn-over of the illegal drugs to PDEA was in compliance with an order by the Regional Trial Court under the Fourth Ju-
dicial Region of Infanta, Quezon. The turnover was done by the NBI Forensic Chemistry Division (FCD) that has custody of the illegal drugs involved 1,855.0 kilos of illegal drugs. Distor said that on March 15, 2022, joint operatives of the NBI and the Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (NBI-TFAID) seized more than one ton of suspected il-
Bets told not to pay fees to rebels
THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has warned candidates in the May 9 national and local elections that they risk disqualification if they collaborated with communist terrorist groups (CTGs) by paying the so-called permit to win (PTW) and (permit to campaign) fees imposed by the communist rebel movement. In a statement released on Monday, Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., National Security Adviser and Vice-Chairman of the NTF-ELCAC, hailed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for ensuring that conduct of clean, honest, and peaceful elections by keeping the communist rebels from interfering in the electoral processes. “The Comelec has spoken. The PTW and PTC extortion schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF
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legal drugs worth P11 billion in Barangay Comon, Infanta, Quezon. Distor said aside from operatives of TFAID, the dawn operation involved the Agents of NBI-Research and Analysis Division (RAD) and Lucena District Office (LUCDO), in coordination with PNP Infanta, Quezon and PDEA Lucena.
(Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) and their allied front organizations are prohibited, outlawed, and illegal,” Esperon said. He added that the CPP-NPA-NDF “has no place in our electoral processes. These terrorists must not be allowed to interfere in the Filipino people’s right to suffrage or to capitalize on the elections in order to sabotage the government from within.” Esperon pointed out that any candidate in the national and local elections who would pay for the PTW and the PTC to the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations “commit the highest form of betrayal against the Filipino people, of the public trust, and of our constitution,” and is a ground for disqualification. Willie Casas
The operation also resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects caught in the act of transporting the contraband on board three vans. Distor said the arrested Subjects were presented initial inquiry to the state prosecutor of Infanta, Quezon for alleged violation of the anti-drugs law. Willie Casas
ALBAY Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda seeks an end to the rampant palm oil smuggling in order to revive the moribund coconut industry. Salceda said equal treatment for feedstock palm oil and palm oil for human consumption can be a “lifeline for coconut farmers” Salceda, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means, said the policy of differentiating palm oil fit for inputs to animal feeds, and palm oil fit for human consumption should be junked to avoid technical smuggling, which he said could involve as much as P300 billion annually. Maricel Cruz
Aug. 30 now officially ‘Press Freedom Day’ THE Philippine media community has hailed President Duterte’s signing into law a measure declaring August 30 as “National Press Freedom Day” in the country. Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Egco, thanked the President for enacting the “much-awaited law.” “All our hard work and efforts have paid off. As a veteran journalist myself, I have worked together with our media friends such as the Katipunan ng mga Alagad ni Marcelo H. Del Pilar (KAMPI) for the enactment of a law that will promote press freedom and at the same time highlight our identity as a nation of freedom-loving Filipinos that can be traced back even during colonial times,” Egco said in a statement.
GSIS collects P113m thru Bayad outlets
THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has collected P113 million in loan payments over 10 months of implementation of its partnership with Bayad (formerly Bayad Center). “Maraming salamat sa suporta ng aming miyembro at pensiyonado. We have so far collected P113.33 million for 17,720 transactions with Bayad. Ito ay patunay na maginhawa, mabilis at ligtas ang transactions sa Bayad,” said GSIS president and general manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet. The state pension fund’s collections over the 10-month period include P36.06 million for 5,144 consoloan accounts; P26.26 million for 2,018 GSIS Financial Assistance Loan accounts; P16.05 million for 2,396 Multipurpose Loan accounts; and P12.95 million for 3,395 emergency loan accounts. “Kaagapay kayo ng GSIS sa pangangalaga ng ating pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabuti ng aming collection efficiency,” Macasaet added. To date, GSIS has accredited 3,003 Bayad outlets to accept payments for loans in advance; that are underpaid, delayed or unpaid; or in-default or unpaid for more than six months.
ANTI-COVID PARTNERSHIP.
Sen. Cynthia Villar and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar thank Rickett Philippines officials for their support to help thwart the spread of Covid-19 through the use antispetic and disinfectants as part of health protocol. Top officials of pharmaceutical giant Pharma, producer of Lysol, partnered with Las Piñas General Hospital for concerted efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus especially among health frontliners.
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Leni holds sortie in Baguio, gets support from universities
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
By Rio N. Araja
News
TRADITIONAL DANCE. Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo joined youth volunteers in performing “Bendian,” a traditional dance of the Ibalois, at the “Takder Kordi, Ranniag Ti Namnama: Cordillera People’s Rally” held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand, Baguio City, Benguet, on Monday. With Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan at the people’s rally were National Artists Virgilio “Rio Alma” Almario (for Literature), Eric “Kidlat Tahimik” de Guia (for Film), and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera (for the Visual Arts).
VICE President Leni Robredo met with supporters in Baguio City and thanked Cordillerans “for all their sacrifices.” “I thank you all. Just like what the national artists are saying awhile ago, despite difficulties, we will fight. Even if there are obstacles, we cannot give up because we all know that what we are fighting is right, we will win,” she said. She thanked the endorsement of three prominent personalities whose works are widely celebrated in the region: National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, also known as Rio Alma; National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera or BenCab, as he is popularly known; and National Artit for Film Eric Oteyza de Guia, also known as Kidlat Tahimik. Robredo and her running-mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan held that Takder Kordi Cordillera Grand Rally held at Mervin Jones Football Field Monday evening in Baguio. An estimated crowd of about 30,000 intermittently burst into chants of “Awan Ti Solid North”, meaning “there is no Solid North,” rejecting the perception
BBM-Sara team holds series of ‘miting de avance’ rallies
By Maricel V. Cruz
T
HE UniTeam presidential-vice presidential tandem of former Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is scheduled to series of miting de avance rallies this week in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The large assemblies cap the 90-day election campaign, which, under a resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), ends on Saturday, two days before Monday’s combined presidential-congressional-local elections. The Visayas miting de avance will happen Tuesday night at the Guimbal football field in Guimbal, Iloilo, while the Mindanao assembly will take place at the city hall grounds in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Thursday. The culminating Luzon rally will
Domagoso tells constituents to practice ‘right to choose’ By Rey E. Requejo AKSYON Demokratiko presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso on Monday stressed to Manileňos their constitutional right to choose whoever they think is rightful to lead the country in the May 9 elections. “I give you freedom, freedom as guaranteed by our law. You will not feel oppression, you will not feel restraint, you will not feel any kind of pressure,” Moreno told City Hall employees and department heads during the regular flag-raising ceremony. “You are free to choose. If you think others are better, you should follow your feelings,” the Manila City mayor said. Moreno said that it is his only hope that his constituents, as well as all Filipinos, will be guided by God and their own sense of judiciousness in their choice of candidate. “So may God guide you this coming Monday. Let our Lord enlighten your minds that when the judgment of the people comes, may our minds be clear, not full of clouds of confusion. May our countrymen find the qualities they are looking for in a leader this coming Monday,” Moreno said. Having said that, the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer urged the people to look not in the past, but to look toward the future in contemplating their votes. Moreno again called on the people to put a stop on the decades-long conflict between the Marcoses and the Aquinos, to vote for a candidate who will give them peace of mind and a chance for a better life. “But I remind you all, just be careful because, remember, I have told you a few times, we cannot live in the past. We cannot live in the past. We must not allow their histories to continue to pull us back,” he said. Moreno said what happened recently at a posh mall in Makati City where supporters of his rivals Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos had a shouting match is just a preview of what things to come for the country if either one of them becomes president.
be held on Saturday in a lot fronting Solaire Resort in Parañaque City. House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez, one of Duterte’s campaign managers, said he expects hundreds of thousands of supporters of the BBM-Sara tandem to attend the miting de avance events. “These are the culmination of our cross-country campaign visits. In behalf of our candidates, let me express our sincere gratitude to our supporters, local officials, and community and
sectoral leaders, and ordinary Filipinos who have been helping and supporting us. Let us keep it up until we achieve victory,” Romualdez said. Romualdez said Marcos and Duterte would continue to share their message of unity, healing, hope, and patriotism in the miting de avance assemblies. Romualdez appealed to UniTeam supporters to continue observing health protocols like wearing of a face mask in these gatherings. He also urged to them to vote early on Monday and to guard their votes during the entire balloting and counting process. Kalye Surveys meanwhile noted that a survey on April 11 to April 30 showed Marcos Jr. getting 68.3 percent and is poised to record a “supermajority win” This observation was based on the data gathered by SPLAT Communications from Kalye Surveys conducted
nationwide from April 11 to 30 where Marcos and Duterte will be runaway winners, garnering voter preference shares of 68.3 percent and 68.2 percent, respectively. Robredo was second with her preference shares of 14 percent. Vice presidential aspirant Tito Sotto, on the other hand, has preference shares of 15.6 percent, which is way off from frontrunner Duterte. For the third place in the upcoming presidential race, Senator Manny Pacquiao outpaced Isko Domagoso, with 5.8 percent preference shares as against Domagoso’s 4.6 percent. There were 10,091 respondents for the presidential survey with the undecided pegged at 6 percent; while there were 6,881 respondents for the vicepresidential survey, with 7.9 percent undecided. With Rey E. Requejo
RODY BACKS LUNAS PARTY- LIST. President
Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go join Taguig 2nd District Congresswoman and mayoral bet Lani Cayetano, LUNAS Partylist nominees Brian Raymund Yamsuan and Darwin Bernabe Icay at a grand rally led by former Speaker and senatorial candidate Alan Peter Cayetano held on Labor Day at the Arca South in Taguig City. The President has supported LUNAS as the voice of the “nowork, no-pay” sector in Congress. Number 58 in the May 9 ballot, LUNAS is advocating for better pay and working conditions, as well as financial aid and benefits for the ‘no-work, no-pay’ members of the labor force.
Ping says he’d rather wait for May 9 than speculate PRESIDENTIAL candidate Sen. Panfilo Lacson it will still be best to wait for the actual results of the May 9 elections “instead of speculating,” amid the release of a new pre-election survey. A Pulse Asia survey released on Monday said Lacson was fifth place among the 10 contenders. The survey said Lacson got the support of 2 percent of the 2,400 respondents nationwide, while the frontrunner, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. got 56 percent, followed by Vice President Leni Robredo with 23 percent. Sen. Manny Pacquiao got 7 percent and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso got 4 percent, the survey said. “Instead of speculating, it is best for
me to just wait for the May 9 election results which is not too long a wait after all,” Lacson, in an ABS-CBN News report said. Analysts earlier said pre-election surveys can be considered “snapshots of the moment” and reflect the people’s sentiments at the time these surveys were conducted. Lacson meanwhile Filipinos should not be complacent even as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases at present do not spike at alarming levels compared to previous months unlike in other countries. Addressing supporters gathered at the Mutual Homes Park in Muntinlupa City, Lacson reiterated his preparedness to lead the Philippines’ transition from a state of
pandemic to endemic in terms of dealing with the COVID-19 situation, once he receives his executive mandate in the upcoming May 9 elections. “While we are prepared to transition from a pandemic to endemic state—meaning, that’s when we start to treat it (COVID-19) just like an ordinary flu—we must not forget that a new variant may enter our borders anytime and cause another surge,” Lacson said. Based on the latest assessment of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), Metro Manila as well as 88 other areas will remain under Alert Level 1 or a ‘low-risk’ status for COVID-19 within the next 15 days. With Macon Ramos-Araneta
‘Retrieve stolen govt funds for workers’
EXPOSING PATRIMONIAL ASSETS. Manila Mayoral aspirant Congressman Amado Bagatsing discusses his expose of P65.3 billion sales of Manila’s “patrimonial assets” from 2019 to 2022 during a press conference at Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City on May 3. Manny Palmero
LABOR leader and presidential aspirant Ka Leody de Guzman said funds “stolen” by previous administrations “should be retrieved and be used to help support the workers.” De Guzman, in a GMA News report, brought up the proposal when asked during the PiliPinas Forum of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas on how he could lift the Philippines out of its current challenges and crises. “We must take back the stolen wealth by past administrations — not only of Ferdinand Marcos but all of them — and use it to help the workers who lost their jobs and to support our health workers,” De Guzman, in the report, said. Earlier, De Guzman slammed the Marcos family for their more than P203 billion estate tax debt, while also calling for the government to tax the billionaires and “recover the wealth of the corrupt politicians.” The labor leader also suggested that taking the funds directly from the rich or those who have the capacity to pay would be among the solutions to the plight of small businesses. De Guzman also reiterated his call “to increase the national minimum wage to P750, to abolish the regional wage boards, and to dissolve manpower agencies to end contractualization in the country.”
that Northern Luzon voters fully support Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Last Easter Sunday, Marcos reportedly skipped his Baguio rally at the same venue because of low turn-out. Fr. Gilbert Sales, president of St. Louis University, said universities and colleges in the city have gathered and expressed support for the LeniKiko tandem. Sales said because the schools realize that Robredo is a “God-fearing” leader who loves her country. He also urged residents to vote for Robredo. Ray Dean Salvosa, board chair of the University of Cordilleras, said For the first time in the history of Baguio, the big three universities: University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras and St. Louis University are shedding their neutrality and are openly coming out for Leni and her team.” “I am 75 years old. I will die in the next five years or so but my children and my grandchildren are going to live in this country and ang hino-hope ko is they will live under a government, a president that they can respect. So tandaan niyo’ yan, laban natin ‘to. Laban ‘to ng mga anak natin. Laban ‘to ng mga apo ko,” he added.
Binay vows to focus on dev’t of Mindanao By Joel E. Zurbano UNITED Nationalist Alliance party senatorial bet Jejomar Binay on Tuesday said the development of Mindanao will be central to the country’s sustained economic growth. The former vice president said if elected, he would push for measures that would increase government spending for social services and infrastructure in Mindanao, and bring more foreign investments, particularly in agriculture and power. Binay visited provinces in South Mindanao where he met with local officials who pledged their support for his candidacy. He also met with former Davao City mayor and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte at the Davao City Hall on Monday. Binay thanked Duterte for her support, and referred to the presidential daughter as “madam vice president.” Binay said he intends to push for laws that would help create a business environment that will attract investors in agriculture and power generation. “We will support and encourage policy measures that will make crops from Mindanao globally competitive. This should go hand in hand with expanding rural infrastructure,” he said. The former vice president also said government would need to allocate more for investments in health, infrastructure, and education in Mindanao. “Investing in the social well-being of the people needs to be a priority since the people will form the backbone of Mindanao’s development,” he said. Binay also said more infrastructure projects in Mindanao will translate to more jobs, more economic activities, and more investors.
Alan urges govt to create mobile apps for efficiency SENATORIAL aspirant and Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano urged government agencies to make it easier for people to access their financial aid programs amid surging inflation, suggesting that departments use mobile apps to make their processes more efficient. “Why do we have to make it difficult for people to get help when that is people’s money,” Cayetano said. Cayetano pointed out that the government has billions of pesos in funds ready for distribution to vulnerable sectors through the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Transportation as part of the P5-trillion national budget for 2022. However, the much-needed assistance are delayed by government red tape, fixers positioned in frontline government agencies, and local politicians who act as mediators between national financial aid programs and their respective constituencies. Cayetano said the government’s current situation is a reversal of its previous experiences when a lack of funds rendered it incapable of providing aid to vulnerable segments of the population. Cayetano one way is to leverage technology by developing mobile apps that people can use to process government transactions and receive financial aid through fintech services like GCash or PayMaya. “With the digital age and with the cellphone, dapat you could do almost everything when it comes to government transactions sa cellphone mo,” he said. Maricel V. Cruz
Opinion What’s wrong with our system of governance?
WHAT’S wrong with it is this: “I have a daughter running for vice president, a son for congressman and (another for) mayor. I am fulfilled.” That was President Rodrigo Duterte talking recently. And it sums up, we think, what’s gross and sickening about our political culture today—political dynasties—and what we must still do to achieve inclusive democracy. What’s also distressing about Duterte’s statement is that he uttered it with not a small measure of pride, as if boasting that all members of his immediate family deserved to control the levers of political power not just in their city but also at the national level at some future time.
The constitutional prohibition on political dynasties is sound in principle and should be fully implemented with an enabling law. In the first place, the 1987 Constitution contains a provision prohibiting political dynasties to broaden access to public office. But as we know, that provision left it to Congress, the lawmaking body, to flesh it out. There were several attempts in the past by progressive-thinking legislators to pass an anti-dynasty bill, but to no avail, as the prodynasty members of Congress promptly shot these down, obviously unwilling to give up pelf and privilege and allowed self-interest, pure greed and unmitigated hubris to cloud their decisions. In the second place, as a lawyer and the highest official of the land, Duterte should have set an example of self-abnegation and high statesmanship to the current and future leaders of this country. But it could have been worse. Recall that a small faction in his political party, PDPLaban, even entertained the idea of letting him run for the vice-presidency and later, as a senator. When few except dyed-in-thewool sycophants reacted positively to his political plans after six years as president and more than two decades as Davao City mayor, the idea of holding on to public office after 2022 was quietly dropped. As vice president or even as senator, however, he would not be immune from suit and could be hounded and prosecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the killing by the police of nearly 7,000 of alleged drug suspects without benefit of due process. But will Rodrigo Duterte really retire from public office after turning over the reins of power to a new president after June 30 this year? Given what appears to be his determined bid to keep public office as a family business, expect the unexpected from
Rodrigo Duterte. As his daughter Sara leads the race for the country’s second highest office according to the latest surveys, Duterte expressed satisfaction that he had “accomplished” his job. Experts, however, take a dim view of the country’s economic and political prospects with political dynasties in near-total control of our political system. A recent news report entitled “PH political dynasties tighten grip on power” quoted De La Salle University professor Julio Teehankee: “Power begets power — the more they stay in power, the more they accumulate power, the more powerful they get.” The country has produced about 319 dynastic families, dating back to when it was a US colony in the first half of the 20th century, he pointed out, adding that while dozens have withered, members of at least 234 such families won positions in the 2019 midterm elections. “You cannot expect a house full of dynasties to pass an anti-dynasty legislation— it’s like asking Dracula to guard the blood bank,” said Teehankee. The same report also cited Ronald Mendoza, dean of the Ateneo School of Government, as saying that the growing influence of political dynasties is evident in the fact that around 80 percent of governors belong to “fat dynasties”—clans with two or more members in power at the same time — compared with 57 percent in 2004. Meanwhile, political families now hold 67 percent of seats in the House of Representatives, compared with 48 percent in 2004, and 53 percent of mayoral posts, up from 40 percent. Of the leading candidates for 12 Senate seats being contested, at least three already have a relative in the chamber. Even the party-list system, which seeks to give those from the marginalized and underrepresented sectors a voice in Congress, has been largely taken over by a handful of political families. According to Mendoza: “We managed to liberalize the economy, but we failed miserably to liberalize our politics. Eventually, even if you liberalize your economy, you will still hit a ceiling because of bad governance and because of that failure to liberalize politics.” We agree totally with these views. We’ve seen how political families in various parts of the country have managed to hold on to power, perhaps more often than not, through the use of the so-called 3Gs—guns, goons and gold. If there are political dynasties that deserve to occupy public office because they are sincere in uplifting the quality of life of their constituents, especially the poor, they are the exception rather than the rule, and urge them to exert even greater effort to render genuine service to their constituents. At the same time, however, we believe that the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties is sound in principle and should be fully implemented with an enabling law. It has been suggested that the country shift from a presidential system to a federal one as the way forward in attaining political stability, economic development, and social concord. But there’s also the danger that regions grouped into federal states could turn out to be governed by already entrenched political families. What happens then? (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Coming to terms with history
WE generally expect families to stand up for their own even when they are wrong, so it is heartwarming to know that Wanna Ver, in a recent interview with Rappler, found the facts too overwhelming for her to continue believing the stories she was told as a child. In the history of epiphanies, her coming to terms with her father General Fabian Ver’s actions to perpetuate the Marcos dictatorship is one most welcome and appreciated. Similarly, Lila Shahani, niece of President Fidel V. Ramos, also a general and chief of Marcos’ constabulary and his second cousin, has written her thoughts on her uncle’s legacy and human rights violations that happened under his watch. Shahani, daughter of the late senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, said that in her research, she found that her uncle “FVR must have had an idea about what was happening under his watch, but he did not directly order, let alone orchestrate, torture sessions, unlike General Ver, Marcos’ chief henchman. This was eventually corroborated by official documents in the human rights class action suit against Marcos in Hawaii, where Ver is explicitly named, among others.” According to Wanna Ver, she was told growing up that the Philippines had needed martial law to fight communism and poverty. She believed Marcos Sr. brought positive
transformation to the country. Later, she came to read other accounts of the era and meet survivors of the human rights abuses of the time. This gave her a clearer view of historical facts undistorted by personal agenda and justification. “Before watching it, the data on human rights violations were names on a page, numbers on a graph,” Wanna said. “After seeing the interviews of [human rights victims] Hilda Narciso, Etta Rosales, and May Rodriguez, they turned into real people to me. They had been harmed and continue to suffer from the abuses of my father’s regime. It was the human rights survivors that made me finally realize that the Marcos’ Golden Age history was a fabrication.” Under the weight of this knowledge, Ver offers apologies in behalf. “I feel like a million sorries is not enough. I needed to learn the truth of what happened so I could tell a different story, to help those without a voice to tell their story…because of the role my father played in their suffering.” Meanwhile, Shahani’s account relates the heinous atrocities perpetrated upon several victims of that regime. She found a report from 1983 on a farmer from Davao del Sur, Buenaventura Tampipi, “who had been found earlier that year with a four-inch nail protruding from his head. “The report continued: ‘The shank of the nail was driven straight back into his brain above and directly between his eyes. Mr. Tampipi was paralyzed on the right side of his body and unable to speak.’” He eventually died of his wounds. Shahani goes on: “What of Dr. Johnny
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EDITORIAL
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Justice perverted
SELF-CONFESSED drug lord and a former law enforcement officer last week recanted the testimony they gave against Senator Leila de Lima, highlighting the dangers of a justice system that can be weaponized for political reasons.
The Department of Justice needs to be insulated from the politics of the day so that real justice may be done, and so that critics of those in power are not persecuted unjustly.
For five years, De Lima, former Justice secretary under the Aquino administration, has been detained on three separate drug charges, one of which was already dismissed in February 2021. A second case, in which former chief of the Bureau of Corrections Rafael Ragos was a key witness, is still in court, partly on the strength of his testimony that he personally delivered a drug payout to De Lima’s bodyguard at her residence. Now Ragos says in a sworn statement that his testimony was coerced by former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguire II, who is now a commissioner at the National Police Commission. Aguirre, according to Ragos’ sworn statement, threatened to
throw him in jail as well for being part of the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison—a charge that he said is untrue. Ragos is the second witness to go back on his accusations against De Lima, the first being self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa. The Department of Justice (DOJ), now under Secretary Menardo Guevarra, has played down the impact of the recantations, saying it still has a strong case against the jailed senator. Without getting into the specifics of the cases, we beg to differ. Whether the administration admits it or not, the recantations by Espinosa and Ragos have blown a gaping hole in the state’s
credibility to prosecute a case without resorting to coercion of witnesses and the creation of false narratives. If these witnesses could be pressured into lying, who else was subject to the same treatment? Is this how the state measures the strength of its cases? How many people can it coral to bear false witness against the unfortunate target of its ire? De Lima herself should be familiar with these tactics. As Justice secretary for the late President Benigno Aquino III, she was the tip of the spear that the government at the time wielded against its opponents. As Justice secretary, De Lima in November 2011 blocked the departure of former President Gloria Arroyo from the Philippines, defying a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court. Arroyo was finally released from detention after nearly four years—with none of the cases against her prospering. What happened to De Lima when the political winds changed was wrong—just as what she did when she was Justice secretary was questionable. Of all the line departments, the Department of Justice needs to be insulated from the politics of the day so that real justice may be done, and so that critics of those in power are not persecuted unjustly. Sadly, De Lima has proven in more ways than one that this is not the case.
A better deal for investors WITH the expected landslide victory of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the question now is what kind of economic policy will he embrace? A President Marcos II inherits a government that is technically bankrupt (with debts of nearly P12 trillion as of end-December 2021 alone), in need of fresh investments, local and foreign; and with herculean challenges on three fronts -- each one unprecedented in scale and severity in the last 40 years—raging inflation, war in Europe, and post-COVID new normal. The need for cash, in tax revenue and investments, local and foreign, is urgent and critical. Fortunately for Marcos 2.0, the outgoing Duterte administration has approved among the most reform-minded economic pieces of legislation in the last 50 years. These include the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), the Public Service Act (PSA), and the Foreign Investments Act (FIA). These investment reforms removed restrictions on the entry of foreign investments in key areas like retail, real estate, telecommunications, and transportation. The Philippines is a consumption economy. Up to 84 percent of GDP is fueled by household and government spending. So freeing up retail and otgher key areas for participation by foreign players is a big deal. On March 21, President Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11659, which lists down the amendments to the 85-year-old Public Service Act, allowing 100 percent foreign equity across economic sectors, except for entities engaged in the transmission and distribution of electricity, water pipeline and sewerage, seaports, petroleum pipeline, and public utility vehicles. On March 4, Malacañang released the signed Republic Act No. 11647, an “Act Promoting Foreign Investments” through amendments of the decades-old Foreign Investments Act (FIA) of 1991. It effectively governs foreign investors setting up shops in the country. The law followed RA 11595, signed over a month later, amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 (RTLA). These laws certainly go a long way in attracrting substantial non-Filipino investors to enter new areas of investments, to build up scale and logistics, improve local tech-
The truth remains as it is and is there for anyone willing to come to terms with it. Escandor of the Philippine General Hospital, who was found dead in early 1983 with dirty rags, socks, soiled briefs, and plastic wrapping inside his cranial cavity? The pathologist who performed the autopsy could not even write a histopathology report down and, to this day, remains too fearful to be interviewed.” The Marcos years, far from being the
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager
nology and manpower and generally help local industries to compete with their ASEAN rivals. Previously, the state limited foreign investments to just 40 percent in many areas, in pursuit of misplaced nationalism. True, full foreign ownership was allowed in retail, but restrictions imposed on paid-in capital and investment per store turned off investors. The RTLA now allows 100 percent foreign ownership of startups or startup enablers, enterprises involving advanced technology, businesses where a majority of direct employees are Filipinos and with minimum local employment of 15 Filipinos.
With better laws, we can now attract more and higher quality investments. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman and Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda has estimated full foreign ownership in telecommunications, railways, airlines, and airports would attract an astronomical P299 billion over the next five years. Another salient feature of RA 11647 (FIA) is Section 8 which reserves small domestic enterprises with paid-in capital of $200,000 or less only for Filipinos. After all, 99 percent of Philippine enterprises are SMEs. The old law used a higher threshold as barrier for foreign investors, $500,000. The FIA refined the Foreign Investment Negative List and narrowed it to cover only defense-related businesses like the manufacture, repair, storage, and distribution of firearms, ammunition, and lethal weapons. The FIA creates Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to craft the master plan of promoting the Philippines as an aggressive foreign investment destination. The committee will also keep an online database where local enterprises, especially the startups, can look for foreign investors to tap. It will likewise help local governments to address concerns of foreign investors. But then, to ensure that the strength of the law will be utilized, the committee should golden age that many claim it to be, were among the darkest days of our country. Martial law, meant to stem the tide of communism, was misused as an excuse to hunt down dissidents. Any accomplishments made during that era can in no degree mitigate the excesses perpetrated by the abusers. The infrastructure development and other gains that many point to as redounding to Marcos Sr.’s credit are only the bare minimum of his responsibility and obligation to the nation as a public servant and elected official. They are not offshoots of his magnanimity or personal generosity – they were his job. This is not to say that a Bongbong Marcos presidency will turn out to be the same as Marcos Sr.’s; as many of his supporters say, the sins of the father should not be visited upon the son. But for many who grew up in
guarantee sound and just public policy, resolutions, and case decisions supportive of the FIA, the PSA, and the RTLA. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — as the government agency mandated to scrutinize, among others, the securities and investments in the country — should also resolve pending cases of foreign investors. If the government wants to maximize these law reforms, the SEC should step up and work closely with the DTI-led committee to remove these regulatory snags. RTLA (RA 11595) lowers the minimum paid-up capital of foreign retail companies to just P25 million, from P125 million previously. It also removed other requirements like minimum net worth, minimum retail branches, and retailing track record. However, foreign retailers must carry an inventory of local products. “These are welcome changes from the previous rule that disproportionately favored already-large enterprises, prevented diverse smaller investors such as startups from entering the Philippine retail market, and complicated compliance for foreign retailers,” explained Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. In a recent presentation at the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) recent webinar, NEDA Director Bien A. Ganapin confirmed that foreign retailers have already signified their interest to ramp up investment in the country. However, they still have to wait for the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the law. Ganapin disclosed that Japanese retailers are interested in convenience store expansion and specialty restaurants while Indonesians are keen on pharmaceuticals and China in foodservice and motor vehicle retail operations. Retailers from South Korea are likewise looking at investing in feeds and food franchises while Unite Arab Emirates retailers are looking at setting up medical equipment as well as food detailing. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, total foreign investments (FI) approved in the last quarter of 2021 alone reached P133.47 billion. Total approved projects of foreign and Filipino investors in the fourth quarter of 2021 were projected to generate 34,403 jobs. With better laws for investors, the Philippines finally has brighter chances of attracting better quality foreign investors. biznewsasia@gmail.com the shadows of his father’s administration, apologies for their suffering never came. Wanna Ver is giving one apology at a time. Lila Shahani is fervently researching and revealing the truth. But as Marcos Jr. said in the ‘Kingmaker’ documentary, “What am I to say sorry about?” He still claims, Shahani wrote, that “torture did not happen” under his father’s leadership. His remark speaks volumes about his character and values. And while historical narratives may be distorted by lies and fabrications, fake news and loud misleading and misled discourse, the truth remains as it is and is there for anyone willing to come to terms with it and reality, as Wanna Ver and Lila Shahani have. *** FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO
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OF THE PHILIPPINES Standard StandardREPUBLIC REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
Standard No. 004-2011005831 dated 28 April 2016 was sent to the addresses of the private defendants with one TODAY labeled to their local address in Quezon City and another to their previous USA address.
However, both letters were returned to sender a few months later for the reason it was unclaimed despite due notices. The Letter of Final demand to Surrender Owner’s Duplicate Copy of TCT No. 004-2011005831 dated 28 April 2016 is attached as Annex “F” and made an integral part of this Complaint. 17. Furthermore, despite the fact that the Civil Case No. QZN-16-09111 have been instituted and decided ARNOLD J. TAGORDA, as represented by this Honorable Court, private defendants show no indication of any interest to exercise their right of by ABDON OWENS B. CABATU, legal pre-emption. Plaintiff, Recent Notice to Remind -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-21-05453-CV Private Defendant’s Right of For: Judicial Partition of Real Property Pre-emption – 18. In the earnest desire of the plaintiff to remind private defendants of their Pre-emptive Right, the previous SPOUSES REYNALDO D. CORPUS Letter of Revocation of Special Power of Attorney with Notice to Exercise Pre-emptive Right dated 28 and EVELYN B. CORPUS, NILDA T. January 2015 and the Letter of Final Demand to Surrender Owner’s Duplicate Copy of TCT No. 004TOLENTINO-INGOGLIA, the CITY 2011005831 dated 28 April 2016 (In the form of attachment to the Final Notice of Pre-emptive Right) were TREASURER OF QUEZON CITY and mailed once again to the private defendants’ new found addresses in the USA via LBC on 10 April 2021. The REGISTRY OF DEEDS OF QUEZON Also, the same notice with its attachments were sent on their old known address in Quezon City and the CITY new USA addresses through registered mail on 12 April 2021. Defendants. The Final Notice of Pre-emptive Right dated 09 April 2021 with proof of mailing is attached as Annex “G” x---------------------------------------------------x and made an integral part of this Complaint. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION 19. Further the plaintiff sought other available means to send the said notice through Facebook accounts of SPS. REYNALDO D. CORPUS and EVELYN B. CORPUS Spouses Reynaldo and Evelyn Corpus as well as Jericho Corpus, their son, on 09 April 2021. No. 172 Guava Ct., Vallejo, California USA (previous USA address) The print out copy of the Facebook messages dated 09 April 2021 is attached as Annex “H” and made 141 Bluebell PI, Vallejo, California, USA (current USA address) an integral part of this Complaint. NILDA T. TOLENTINO-INGOGLIA 20. However, despite these efforts, private defendants failed to show any interest in the sale of Roderick’s 1E Broadway Apt 6L, Long Beach, New York (USA address) share over the subject property. Hence, private defendant’s silence constitutes a waiver to exercise their WHEREFORE, on July 1, 2021 plaintiff filed a Complaint for the Judicial Partition of Real Property Pre-emptive Right. under Co-Ownership. Tax deficiency – WHEREFORE, on October 13, 2021, the Branch Clerk of Court issue a Summons upon defendants 21. Sometime in 2016, plaintiff was informed that the entire undivided subject property has accrued real Sps. Reynaldo D. Corpus and Evelyn B. Corpus, Nilda T. Tolentino-Ingoglia requiring them to file an property tax arrears. As reflected in the print out of the Real Property Assessment Record by the City Answer to the Complaint. Assessor’s Office on 06 April 2021, the Quezon City Treasurer’s Office issued a Warrant of Levy per Tax WHEREAS, on November 16, 2021, the plaintiff through his counsel, filed a Motion for Leave of Dec. Ref. No. 47 dated 11 September 2013. Court for Extraterritorial Service of Summon by Publication. The aforementioned defendants are The print out of the Real Property Assessment Record by the City Assessor’s Office on 06 April 2021 is residents of another country, beyond territorial jurisdiction of this Court, and pursuant to Sec. 17, Rule attached as Annex “I” and made on integral part of this Complaint. 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules of Court on Civil Procedure, the instant motion is granted in an Order 22. The above-mentioned accrual of tax deficiencies and the issuance of Warrant of Levy are prejudicial to dated November 17, 2021. the rights of the plaintiff over the subject property. Hence, the plaintiff demanded the extrajudicial partition NOW THEREFORE, defendants Sps. Reynaldo D.Corpus and Evelyn B. Corpus, Nilda T. of the subject property. Hence, the plaintiff demanded the extrajudicial partition of the subject property at Tolentino-Ingoglia are hereby summoned and required to file with Regional Trial Court, Branch 91, the Barangay Project 6. National Capital Judicial Region, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City, their verified Answer to the Earnest effort to conciliate complaint within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication of this Summons. Failure of the Before the Barangay – defendants to file their Answer within the reglementary period, the plaintiff will take judgment by default 23.To buy peace and good will, the plaintiff requested the private defendants for possible extrajudicial partition before the Barangay of Project 6, Quezon City. Plaintiff submitted a proposed subdivision / and maybe granted relief applied for in the Complaint. WHEREFORE, let this summons together with the copy of the Complaint and the Order dated partition plan least prejudicial or detrimental to the entire property, taking into consideration the rights of the other co-owners, given the fact that they leased out portions of the subject property to third persons. November 17, 2021 be published once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of The Proposed Subdivision / Partition Plan is attached as Annex “J” and made an integral part of this general circulation to be selected by raffle pursuant to PD 1079, at the expense of the plaintiff. Complaint. Witness the Hon. Kathleen Rosario D. De la Cruz-Espinosa, Presiding Judge of this Court, this 18th 24. However, despite issuance of several notices of Barangay Summons for mediation /conciliation, private day of November 2021. defendants refused to heed the said summons. Consequently, the Barangay issued a Certificate to File (Sgd.) ATTY. CHARISE ANN D. ALVARO Action on 05 August 2016. Branch Clerk of Court The Certificate to File Action is attached as Annex “K” and made an integral part of this Complaint. Republic of the Philippines The plaintiff seeks judicial NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Partition of the subject Property – REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, Quezon City Manila 25. To plaintiff’s knowledge, the subject property is free from any lien and/or encumbrances. In addition, Manila BRANCH 91 ORIENTAL MINDORO COOPERATIVE, INC aside from the tenants who lease theELECTRIC portion of the subject property, no person or entities other than himself ARNOLD J. TAGORDA, as represented by and private defendants have an interest in ownership of the property involved. (ORMECO) ABDON OWENS B. CABATU, Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 26. Hence, this instant Complaint for Partition under Rule 69 of the Rules of Court praying before the Plaintiff, 043.288.7801 / 288.7802 / 288.7803 Fax the No. above 043.288.7804 • E-mail: ormeco_coop@yahoo.com • Website: www.ormeco-inc.com Honorable Court that specified real property be now judicially partitioned, between and among the plaintiff and herein privateINVITATION defendants, as respectfully suggested in the attached Proposed Subdivision/ -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-21-05453-CV TOAND BID INVITATION FOR THIRD-PARTY BIDS AWARDS COMMITTEE Partition Plan. For: JUDICIAL PARTITION OR REAL PROPERTY (TPBAC)ELECTRIC MEMBERS FORLAWS CAPTIVE CUSTOMERS APPLICABLE AND JURISPRUDENCE SPOUSES REYNALDO D. CORPUS and ORIENTAL MINDORO COOPERATIVE, INC. (ORMECO, INC.), through FOR THE CONDUCT OFdivision, COMPETITIVE PROCESS 27. Partition is the separation, and assignment ofSELECTION a thing heldto in common among thoseoftoThree whom EVELYN B. CORPUS, NILDA T. its BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC), hereby intends apply the sum it may belong. Every act which is intended to put an end to indivision among co-heirs80/100Pesos and legatees or TOLENTINO-INGOLGIA, THE CITY Million Nine Hundred Nine Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-Twoand 1. In compliance with the jurisdictional requirements of the Department of Energy devisees is deemed to be a partition. (Marcos v. Heirs of Isidro Bangi, G.R. No. 185745, 15 October TREASURER OF QUEZON CITY and the Only (₱3,909,382.80)funded by General Fundinclusive of all applicable taxes and 2014). as per Circular No. DC-2018-02-0003 in connection with the Selection REGISTRY OF DEEDS QUEZON CITY, fees, (DOE) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), for the procurement, supply, Processof ofmaterials/supplies/equipment. the Representatives of the Captive Customer ofa the Third 28. “Petitioners who project themselves as prejudiced co-owners may bring suit forproposed partition, which is one Defendants. and delivery of the modes of extinguishing co-ownership. Article 494 of the Civil Code provides no co-owner shall Party Bids and Award Committee (TPBAC) for the new 60MW that Power Supply x----------------------------------------------------x be obliged to remain in the co-ownership, and that each co-owner may demand at any time partition of the Requirement, ORMECO, INC. now calls for the submission of Eligibility ORDER 1. ORMECO, INC. now calls for the submission of Letter of Intentbyinterested thing owned in common insofar as his share is concerned. X X X” (Arambulo, et al, v. Nolasco, et al., Documents. For resolution is the “Motion for Leave of Court for Extraterritorial Service of thru bidders email at 26 ormeco.bac.official@gmail.com.The list of the ORMECO, G.R. No. 189420, March 2014.) Summons by Publication”, filed by the plaintiff, through counsel on October 7, INC. Eligibility Requirements mayRules be viewed at www.ormeco-inc.com,https:// 29. UnderRequirements Section 1 of Rule 69 of the hereunder of Court,may “A person, having the right todownloaded compel the partition 2021. As alleged, the defendants Reynaldo D. Corpus, Evelyn B. 2. Corpus and The Eligibility listed be viewed and atof web.facebook.com/OrmecoOGMOfficial, be requested through email in this Rule, settingand forth inmay his complaint the nature and extent of his title Nilda T. Tolentino-Ingoglia are already residing at California, U.S.A. and New York, real estate may do so as provided https://web.facebook.com/OrientalMindoroElectricCooperativeInc and may ormeco_coop@yahoo.com, including the numbers listed above. An amount and an adequate prescription of the real estate of which partition is demanded and joining as defendants allof respectively thus, plaintiff moved with leave of court to serve summons by publication. be requested through email atproperty.” ormeco_coop@yahoo.com, including two hundred fifty pesos (₱in 250.00) is required as Accreditation Fee;the numbers other persons interested the above; Acting on the motion and finding the same to be well-taken consideringlisted that the 30. “The law does not encourage co-ownerships among individuals as oftentimes it results in inequitable aforementioned defendants are residents of another country, beyond territorial situations 2.the ORMECO, INC.such now suppliers for the following: as ininvites the instant case. Co-owners should be afforded every available opportunity to divide A. List of Requirements TPBAC member – Two (2) Representatives jurisdiction of this Court, and pursuant to Sec. 17,Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules their co-owned propertyQualification to prevent theseof situations from arising.” (Patricio v. Dario III, et al., G.R. No. COST OF BID on Civil Procedure, the instant motion is hereby GRANTED. for Captive 170829, 20Customers November 2006.) ABC DOCUMENTS FUNDING B. Grading Scheme and Documentary Requirements LOT ITEM DESCRIPTION (INCLUSIVE OF Let the summons as against defendants Reynaldo D. Corpus, Evelyn B. Corpus 31.Article 1620 of the New Civil Code provides: (NONSOURCE VAT) and Nilda T. Tolentino-Ingoglia be served or effected by publication pursuant to Sec. A co-owner of a thing may exercise the right of redemption in case the shares of all the co-owners or of REFUNDABLE) 3. The Selection Process customers is dulytheapproved 17, Rule 14 of the 2019 Revised Rules of Civil Procedure. any of them, are soldfor to acaptive third person. If the price ofas theTPBAC alienation members is grossly excessive, redemptioner I bySupply of Security Agency ₱5,000.00 the Department Energyone. per ₱3,202,432.80 letter dated March 16, 2020. shall pay only a of reasonable SO ORDERED. Bolt,Double Arming,5/8 x Should two or more co-owners desire to exercise the right of redemption, they may only do so in proportion Quezon City, November 17, 2021. 16”,with and washer 4. The schedule of activities is as follows: to nut the share they may respectively have in the thing owned in common. – (200pcs.), Eyenut,5/8 (Sgd.) KATHLEEN ROSARIO D. DE LA CRUZ-ESPINOSA 32. Article 1620 contemplate of a situation where a co-owner has alienated his pro indiviso shares to a ACTIVITIES DATE & TIME VENUE dia. – (300pcs.), Machine Presiding Judge stranger. By the very nature of the right of “legal redemption”, a co-owner’s light to redeem is invoked only bolt,5/8after with nut &April Copy furnished: the shares of the other20, co-owners third party or stranger to the Local co-ownership. Publication ofx 16” 2022: are sold to aLocal TV Networks and Radio[Marina washerZ.–Reyes, (100pcs.), et al. v.CrossTheWednesday Honorable Alfredo B. Concepcion, Atty. Juan DC Gonzales Invitation Stationset al., G.R. No. L-56550, 01 October 1990, General Fund citing Estrada v. Reyes, 33 Phil. 31, (1915).] arm,steel,4-1/2 x 5-1/2 x April 27, 2022: B59 L27 Area I, Sto.Nino 1. Sapang Palay II 10ft.,0.3mm thickness,hot ₱706,950.00 ₱ 1,000.00 Website:https://web.facebook.com/ 33. The law does not Wednesday prohibit a co-owner from selling , alienating or mortgaging his ideal share in the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan dip galvanized – (50pcs.), property held in common. The law merely provides OrientalMindoroElectricCooperativeInc that the alienation or mortgage shall be limited only to www.ormeco-inc.com, the portion of the property which may be allotted to him upon termination of the co-ownership [See Mercado Cross-arm,steel,4-1/2 x 5-1/2 Republic of the Philippines v. Liwanag, G.P. No. L-14429, June 30, 1962, 5 SCRA The Honorable Court of Appeals, x 8 ft.,0.3mm thickness,hot NEA 472; and PNB DOEv. Websites: National Capital Judicial Region G.R. No. L-34404, June 25, 1980, 98 SCRA 207; Go Ong v. The Honorable Court of Appeals, G.R. No. dip galvanized – (50pcs.), REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 75884, September 24, 1987, 154 SCRA 270,] and,LGU as earlier discussed, that ORMECO, the remainingInc. co-owners Bulletin Boards: Insulator,suspension,15,000 have the right to redeem, within a specified period, the shares which may have been sold to the third party. Offices Quezon City lbs.,10”[Articles – (375pcs.) 1620 and 1623 of the New Civil Code.] [Marina Z. Reyes, et al. v. The Honorable Alfredo B. Branch__ SubmissionConcepcion, et April 21, 2022: Thursday, INC. Office of the General al., G.R. No. L-56550, 01 October ORMECO, 1990.] 3. ofDue in compliance with the Manager Community Quarantine (CQ),Online/ LettertoofCOVID-19, ARNOLD J. TAGORDA, as represented by 34. x x x The applicable law istoArticle 493 ofconducted. the New Civil Code, which spells out the rights of co-ownersis 0800H 1700H Virtual Bidding Conferences will be Stable internet connection ormeco_coop@yahoo.com Intent (LOI)over a co-owned property, to wit: ABDON OWENS B. CABATU, required to all prospective bidders during theormeco.inc.tpbac@gmail.com conferences. BAC shall not be liable and Eligibility to May 05, 2022: Plaintiff, Art. 493. Each co-owner shall have the full ownership of his part and of the fruits and benefits in any unexpected disruption due to poor/unstable signal which may causepertaining loss of Documents Thursday, -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-21-05453-CV connection thereto, andinability he may therefore alienate,to assign or mortgage and even substitute another person in its and of Bidders engross withit,the conferences. enjoyment, except when personal rights are involved. But the effect of the alienation or the mortgage, with For: Judicial Partition of Real Property 0800H to 1700H respect to the co-owners, shall be limited to the portion which may be allotted to him in the division upon SPOUSES REYNALDO D. CORPUS For Additional infoMay be Thursday, guided in the following: refer to Online ORMECO, INC.(please Board Room Deadline ofthe termination 2022: ofplease the05, co-ownership. and EVELYN B. CORPUS, Bidding procedures) ormeco_coop@yahoo.com Receipt Letter of to this law, a co-owner 1700H Pursuant has the right to alienation his pro indiviso share in the co-owned property NILDA T. TOLENTINO-INGOGLIA, ormeco.inc.tpbac@gmail.com Intent (LOI)even without the consent of his co-owners. This right is absolute and in accordance with the well-settled the CITY TREASURER OF QUEZON CITY, a. Payment of bidding documents shall be deposited to has BAC bank account (to doctrine that a co-owner has full ownership of his pro indiviso share and the right to alienate, assign Preliminary May 10, 2022: Tuesday ORMECO, INC. Board Room and the REGISTRY OF DEEDS QUEZON CITY, be of emailed BAC secretariat). or mortgageby it, and substitute another person for its enjoyment. In other words, the law does not prohibit Screening Defendants. a co-owner from selling, alienating, mortgaging his ideal share in the property held in common. (Heirs of Applicants Reynaldo Dela Rosa, et al., v. Mario A. Batongbacal, et al., G.R. No. 179205, July 30, 2014.) x----------------------------------------------------------x b. Prospective bidders must submit to the BAC via email the scanned copy of COMPLAINT Final Screening of bank May 13, 2022: Friday, INC. Board Roomfund transfer validated deposit slip /WITNESSES screenshot of PRESENTED successful electronic TOORMECO, BE (For Partition of Real Property Under Co-Ownership) Applicants as proof payment. 35. The of plaintiff’s Attorney-in-Fact, Abdon Owens B. Cabatu, to testify the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s 0800H to 1700H Plaintiff, represented by his Attorney-in-Fact, by the undersigned counsel, unto this Honorable Court, title over the subject property, and the compelling circumstances to exercise the right of the plaintiff to Endorsement 2022: real Tuesday ORMECO, INC.by Board most respectfully files this Complaint and states: demand partition over the subject property. c. Scanned copyMay of 17, Bidding Documents will be sent theRoom BAC secretariat of evaluation upon that the payments are credited to the“L”coop’s bank PARTIES Thevalidation Judicial Affidavit of plaintiff’s Attorney-if-fact is attached as Annex and made integralaccount. part of this report of qualified Complaint. 1. Plaintiff Arnold J. Tagorda, is of legal age, Filipino citizen, and with an address at No. applicants 5, Rodriguez to the d. ID number or link of the Online/Virtual conference will be provided BAC St., Sta. Barbara, Iloilo City. Era Mae G. Encina, to testify: (1) the earnest effort to notify private defendants the Finalby Notice to Board by 36 2. Plaintiff is hereby represented by Abdon Owens B. Cabatu, of legal age and Filipino citizen,secretariat Exercise Pre-emptive Right via Facebook Messenger (FB), accredited courier (LBC), and registeredManila mail; virtue of a special Power of Attorney. For purposes of this complaint, plaintiff may beSubmission served with and (2) the productionMay of the18, print2022: out copies of the messages from the FB Messenger. notices and other pertinent processes at Lot 6H, Block 15, Carnation St., West Fairview Fairview, 4. Park, Bidding will ofWednesday be through open bidding ofOnline the resultThe Judicial Affidavit witnessconducted is attached as Annex “M” and made integralcompetitive part of this Complaint. Quezon City. ofprocedures the TPBAC using as specified NEA 37. The plaintiffnon-discretionary respectfully reserves the “pass/fail” right to presentcriterion additional documentary as wellin as the testimonial The Special Power of Attorney dated 14 April 2021 is attached as Annex “A” and made an integralprocess selection Memorandum NO. 2017-019: Revised Procurement Guidelines and Simplified evidence during the trial of the instant cases for meritorious reasons. part of this Complaint. toBidding the DOE Procedures for for Electric Cooperatives, IRR-RA 10531 (2017); All video PRAYER 3. Defendants Reynaldo D. Corpus and Evelyn B. Corpus are husband and wife,confirmation citizenships conferences shall be recorded in CD/DVD for reference and other purposes. unknown, Philippine address at No. 78 Mindanao Avenue, Project 6, Quezon City, previous United WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is most respectfully prayed to the Honorable Court that after due notice and trial, judgment be rendered as follows: States of America (USA) address at No. 172 Cuava Ct., Vallejo, California, and current address 5. USA The schedule of bidding activities is as follows: at 141 Bulebell Pl., Vallejo, California. 1. ToInc.: order the partition of the subject property between the plaintiff and the private defendants of their For ORMECO, ACTIVITIES respective equal shares as indicated in the TCT No.SCHEDULE 004-2011005831 and in accordance Proposed 4. Defendant Nilda T. Tolentino-Ingoglia is of legal age, present civil status unknown, citizenship Subdivision/Partition unknown, with Philippine address at No. 78 Mindanao Avenue, Project 6, Quezon City and USA -sgdRelease of Invitation to BidPlan; 4December 2021 (Saturday) 2. To order the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City the re-issuance of the Original Owner’s Duplicate Copy address at 1 E Broadway Apt. 6L, Long Beach, New York. MR. REGINO M. QUING, JR. Submission of Letter of TCT No. 004-2011005831 should the Court favor the subdivision/partition of the said property for the 5. The City Treasurer of Quezon City with address at City Treasurer’s Office, Annex Building, Quezon Acting General Manager (MS-APR. 20 INC. & 27, 2022) of/ a new title 5-11December under the names of respective Intent thruissuance email 2021 co-owners. OfficeHours,at ORMECO, City Hall Compound is impleaded as a nominal party to the case considering its roleof to send demand To order the City Treasurer Quezon City to provide the plaintiff the current tax delinquency incurred Officeof(ormeco.bac.official@gmail.com) letters/notices to all delinquent realty taxpayers within Quezon City and to determineAvailability the collection ofof3. Bidding over the subject property for the settlement of the same. Documents deficiency taxes of the subject property. 9:00 am for 6. The Registry of Deeds of Quezon City with address at Land Registration Authority-East Avenue, Other relief just and equitable under the premises are also prayed for. Lot I corner NIA Road, Diliman, Quezon City is likewise impleaded as nominal party to the case, considering Quezon Online/Virtual Pre-Bid 2021 (Monday) at City, 20th April 13December 2021. its role in the cancellation, issuance and/or registration of new title/s anent the property depending on Conference ORMECO, INC. Board Room 1:00 pm for J. TAGORDA the decision of this Honorable Court. Sulit Summer Vibes Promo(Sgd.) ARNOLD Lot II Affiant (DITO Level-up 99 with 1GB of Viber Daily on the DITO E-shop) ANTECEDENT FACTS Assisted by: Deadline of Bid 9:00 am for 7. This is the second time that the plaintiff seeks the partition of this subject property regarding the same (ormeco.bac. Submission Lot I (Sgd.)2021 JOAN DC. GONZALES 27December (Monday) at subject matter. The first was in Civil Case No. QZN-16-09111 entitled “Arnold J. Tagorda, represented official@gmail.com), Mechanics: Attorney’s Roll No.Room 73357 INC. Board 1:00 pm for by Abdon Owens B. Cabatu v. Spouses Reynaldo and Evelyn Corpus, et al.” which was dismissedand by Evaluation of ORMECO, Opening PTR No. 2472969; 02/05/2021; CSJDM, Bulacan the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 92, Quezon City, and CA-G.R. SP. No. 150339 entitled “Arnold Lot II Bids (Online/Virtual) IBP No. 146486; 02/05/2021, Bulacan et al,”Promo Period: April 26–May 31, 2022 J. Tagorda, represented by Abdon Owens B. Cabatu v. Spouses Reynaldo and Evelyn Corpus, MCLE Compliance No. New Lawyer Post-Qualification 28December 2021isCert. before the Court of Appeals who affirmed the dismissal of the said case by the RTC, The Decision This promo is priced at P99 and inclusive of the following: Email Address: atty.joandcgonzales@gmail.com thereof is without prejudice to the re-filing of this Complaint. Approval through Board 7GB all access data valid for 30 days Contact No.:for +63-9956511287 Resolution and Issuance Board Meeting the Month(Globe) of December 2021 Description of the Subject Property” Unlimited texts to all mobile networks. +63-9494121608 (Smart) of Notice of Award 8. Project 6, Quezon City, consisting of 390.50 square meters, is covered by Transfer Certificate of Manila Unlimited DITO to DITO calls. ADDRESS of Contract After IssuanceOFFICE of Notice of Award Title (CTC) No. 004-2011005831 issued by the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City, andSigning more particularly 300 mins call B59 L27 networks Area I, Sto. Nino 1, Sapang Palay, Conference described as follows: Delivery Schedule To to beother announced during the Pre-Bid City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan DITO SIM card TCT No. 004-2011005831 6. Only those who have the Viber Bidding Documents daily bought exclusive access for 30shall days.be allowed to attend Furnished: “ A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 16-A OF THE SUBDN. PLAN (LRC) PSD-96262, BEING A PORTION Copy1GB or participate during the Online/Virtual Conference, where their NILDA T. TOLENTINO-INGOGLIA Viber Sticker Pack Pre-Bidding OF LOT 16, BLK. LCH -671, PSD-53250, LRC (GLRO) REC. NO. 7681), SITUATED IN THE DIST. OF SPS.Digital REYNALDO AND EVELYN CORPUS is MANDATORY; DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY, IS. OF LUZON, BOUNDED ON THE N., POINTS 2-3 BY LOT 18,presence BOTH OF Defendants P100.00 Shopee NEW USERDefendant Voucher (P200.00 minimum BLK. LCH-671, PSD-53250; ON THE N., POINTS 3-4 BY LOT 24; AND POINTS 4-5 BY LOT 19, BOTH No. 78 Mindanao Avenue, Project 6, Quezon City No. 78 Mindanao Avenue, Project 6, Quezon City spend) 7. PLAN; All bids presence of Bidders or their duly OF BLK. LCH-671, PSD-53250; ON THE S., POINTS 5-1 BY LOT 16-B OF THE SUBDN. AND shall be opened and read in the 1E Broadway Apt. 61., No. 172 St., the promo: ATHow toGuava avail authorized representatives. All bids shall be Long accompanied by a scanned copy of ON THE W., POINTS 1-2 BY LOT 28, BLK LCH 671-, PSD 53250 (SERVICE RD.) BEGINNING Beach, New York (USA address) address) THE POINT MARKED “1” ON PLAN, BEING N. 2 DEG. 30’W., 2687.39 M. FROM BLLM 7,validated QUEZON Vallejo, bank deposit slip or screenshot of successful electronic fund transfer GoCalifornia to the(USA DITO E-shop via your mobile device : https://getsim. CITY TREASURER CITYL THENCE N. 2 DEG 45’W 15.10 M. TO POINT 2, THENCE N. 86 DEC. 27’E., 20.01 M. TO 141 dito.ph/eshopmobile/v2/third/channel Bluevell PI, representing payment of bid bond equivalent to 2% of ABC. Defendant POINT 3; THENCE S. 2 DEG. 45’E., 1.78 M. TO POINT 4; THENCE S. 2 DEG. 24’W., 13.22 M. TO Vallejo, California (USA address) Purchase the DITO Level up 99 with DITO Sim and POINT 5; THENCE S. 86 DEG. 10’W., 19.93 M. TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; CONTAINING AN City package Treasurer’s Office 349 Meadows Dr., shall issue Performance Securityin the form of Cash, 8. The winning bidder AREA OF THREE HUNDRED SQ. METERS AND FIFTY SQ. DECIMETERS (300.50), MORE OR 1GB of Viber Daily for 30 days. pay using Annex Customers Building, Q.C. Hall can California (USA address) Cashier’s Check, Manager’s Check, issued by a Universal or Compound Commercial Bank, LESS ALL POINTS REFERRED TO ARE INDICATED ON THE PLAN AND ARE MARKED ON THE Vallejo, City credit/debit variousQuezon e-wallet to five percentcards (5%)ofand the Contract Price; andas indicated in the GROUND AS FF; POINTS 1 & 5 BY PS AND THE REST BY OLD BL CONC. MONS. equivalent 15X60CM; DITO E-Shop.REGISTRY Customers willOFbe asked OF DEEDS QUEZON CITY to input their name, BEARINGS TRUE; DATE OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY, DEC. 1910-JUNE 1911 AND THAT OF THE address, delivery address SUBDN. SURVEY, NOV. 17, 1968.” 9. ORMECO, email INC. reserves thecontact right to number accept reject any bids, declarewhere failure of Defendant orand Registration Avenue not DITO to award theLand contract thereby incurring is any liability to the packaged will without beAuthority-East delivered, delivery valid within The certified true copy of the Transfer Certificate of Title No. 004-2011005831 is attachedbidding as Annex andthe Corner NIA Road, Diliman, affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO, INC. alsoQuezon has City no responsibility whatsoever “B” and made an integral part of this Complaint. the promo areas only.
TODAY TODAY
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 91, QUEZON CITY
Standard Standard TODAY TODAY
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
World
HK plummets to last of press freedom rank
H
ONG KONG has plummeted down an international press freedom chart as authorities have wielded a draconian new security law to silence critical news outlets and jail journalists, a new report said on Tuesday.
For two decades, media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has ranked countries and territories around the world by how free their press is. Hong Kong, a regional hub for both international and local media, has been steadily slipping down the table under Chinese rule. In the last year it has plunged 68 places to 148th, sandwiching the business hub between the Philippines and Turkey. “It is the biggest downfall of the year, but it is fully deserved due to the consistent attacks on freedom of the press and the slow disappearance of the rule of law in Hong Kong,” Cedric Alviani, head of RSF’s Taiwan-based East Asia bureau, told AFP. “In the past year we have seen a drastic, drastic move against journalists,” he added. China has imposed increasingly authoritarian strictures on Hong Kong following large-scale and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests three years ago. It implemented a sweeping national security law in 2020 that has crushed dissent and seen dozens of democracy activists jailed as
Manila
TODAY
TODAY SETTLEMENT of ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MA. RODELIA CABILAO ZANDUETA has been extra-judicially settled among her heirs WITH THE WAIVER OF RIGHTS consisting of Agricultural land covered by OCT/ TCT NOs. T-132551 of the Register of Deeds of Subasta, Calinan, Davao for Agrarian Reform, Agrarian Reform Bond with Serial Number AR0242170 issued by the National Government through Landbank of the Philippines. As per Apostille No. 13124 before Notary Public NINA DUNG (State of California, USA) TODAY
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to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation The Assessed Value of the subject property for jurisdictional purposes – How to activate the promo VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING of their bids. 9. The plaintiff respectfully submits certified true copies of the originals on file of the tax declarations We,Insert the DITOandSIM in the prescreened DITO compatible ARNOLD J. TAGORDA ABDON OWENS B. CABATU, both of legal age, and residents of No. 5, of the subject property (land and improvements) issued by the Office of the City Assessor – Quezon device The DITO Rodgriguez St.,or Sta.other Barbara,DITO Iloilo City,compatible and Lot 6H, Blockdevices. 15, Carnation St., West FairviewLevel-up Park, Fairview, by: Noted by: City on 13 April 2021. Based on the said tax declaration documents, the assessed value f the subjectCertified Quezon respectively, under oath, depose and state that: 99 City, data plus 1GB daily Viber access, on-net call, and on-net property is enumerated as follows: 1. We are the Plaintiff shall and Attorney-in-fact in the above case, and we have causedactivation the preparationsofand text promo be automatically enabled upon of the foregoing Complaint; (SGD) filing LINA C. YUMANG (SGD) NORBERTO M. MENDOZA Property Amount the SIM Card. To activate the ATTY. SIM card, subscribers may turn 2. We have read theand same and declare that the contents thereof are true and Entity correct of(HOPE) our knowledge and Chairperson Bids Head Of Procuring 1. Land assessment value of property under Evelyn B. Corpus et al. Php 375,630 onontheir data, attempt official and authentic records; a call or send an SMS. 2. Improvements and Building Php 399,780 Awardsbased Committee (BAC) Complaint is filedwill not toreceive harass, cause unnecessary delay, needlessly cost of litigation. Subscribers confirmation viaorSMS forincrease the activation Total Php 755.410 3. This Moreover, thisSIM Complaint contains allegations that have evidentiary support or will likewise have of the card andfactual the promo. The certified true copies of the originals on file of the Tax Declarations issued by the Office of the City evidentiary support after reasonable opportunity for discovery; will foralso receive the link to“Arnold the J.FREE Viber Assessor – Quezon City on 13 April 2021 with Nos. F-085-00783, D-085-04505, D-085-04506, and 4. WeSubscribers further certify that, except Civil Case No. QZN-16-09111 entitled Tagorda, represented D-085-01914 are attached as Annex “C1”, “C2”, “C3”, and “C4”, respectively, and made integral by Abdon Sticker and P100Reynaldo New and User Voucher from Shopee via OwensPack B. Cabatu v. Spouses Evelyn Corpus, et al.” dismissed by the Regional part of this Complaint. TrialSMS. Court (RTC), Branch 92, Quezon City, and CA-G.R. SP. No. 150339 entitled “Arnold J. Tagorda, Viber and Shopee terms and conditions apply. 10. Based on the above assessed value, it is most respectfully submitted that the Honorable Court represented by Abdon Owens B. Cabatu v. Spouses Reynaldo and Evelyn Corpus et al. “ before the Court Oncewho availed, the promo non-refundable non-replaceable / has the jurisdiction over the subject matter of the case as provided for under relevant laws and of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of theissaid case by the RTC, we /have not commenced any other non-exchangeable. Theissues promo availed activated jurisprudence. action or proceeding involving the same in themust Supremebe Court, the Courtand of Appeals or different divisions thereof, any otherfrom tribunalthe or agency; to the bestDITO of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding within 30or days date the SIM was successfully Nature and extent of plaintiff’s title – is pending in the Supreme Court knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, 11. It is worth noting that the registered co-owners of the subject property are the following, namely: (1) the purchased. Court of Appeals or different divisions thereof, any other tribunal or agency; and Roderick T. Tolentino (Roderick), the vendor f the aliquot 100-square meter part of the total 300 square 5. IfThe promo cannot used in conjunction anyor isunlimited we should thereafter learn that be the same or similar action or claim haswith been filed pending before meter subject property; (2) Private defendants Spouses Reynaldo Corpus and Evelyn B. Corpus; and the promo Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals oravailable different divisions thereof, or anyexclusive other tribunal orpromo agency, we offers, discount and other (3) Private defendant Nilda Tolentino-Ingoglia; all in equal share respectively consisting of one hundred shall report that fact within five (5) calendar days therefrom to the court wherein, the aforesaid complaint offers. (100) square meters each of the three of them. or initiatory pleading has been filed. The promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods 12. The aforementioned TCT No. 004-2011005831 indicated the determined equal share of the IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this APRIL 20, 2021. respective registered co-owners, Roderick Tolentino, Evelyn Corpus, and Nilda Tolentino. and services of DITO. 13. Plaintiff Arnold J. Tagorda brought the proportionate property owned by Roderick by virtue of the (Sgd.) J. TAGORDA (Sgd.) ABDON OWENS B. CABATU By ARNOLD availing of the promo, the subscriber confirms that he/she execution of the Deed of Absolute Sale on 01 August 2016. Affiant understood, and agrees to the promo Affiant mechanics, has read, Driver’s License No. F03-00-135508 Driver’s License No. N02-11-009310 The Deed of Absolute Sale dated 01 August 2016 is attached as Annex “D”, and made an integral its terms the terms and conditions the SIM Expiration Date: and 15 Dec.conditions, 2022 Expiration Date: 05 Aug.of 2024 part of this Complaint. card. Subscriber also agrees toofuse SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO BEFORE ME this not 20th day ,APR. the 2021,SIM affiant card exhibitingand/or to me their Compliance with the Notice to promo illicit or illegal means. ________ with for number __________bearing their picture and signature. Exercise Pre-emptive Right and Promo is available nationwide where DITO services are Peculiar circumstances of NOTARY PUBLIC Actual notice of the sale of the available. (Sgd.) ATTY. Michael JOSEPH C. CAPINPIN Subject property – For any concerns and/or inquiries Notaryregarding Public for Quezonthe City promo, 14. Prior to the execution of the Deed of Absolute Sale dated 01 August 2016, Roderick was made information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All Until December 31, 2021 to sign a document/Special Power of Attorney by the private defendants, authorizing them to sell his PTR No. 5265600/1-4-2021/QC matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision pro indiviso share. However, Roderick never received any notice from the private defendants of their IBP Lifetime No. 08330 willingness to buy his share. of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made by DITO ROLL No. 56199 15. On 03 February 2015, Roderick sent a Letter of Revocation of Special Power of Attorney Notice Telecommunity pertaining to the MCLE promo will be deemed final Compliance No. VI-0008995 to Exercise Pre-emptive Right dated 28 January 2015. However, despite reasonable notice and time Adm. Matter No. NP-207(2020-2021) and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI. given to the private defendants, they failed and continue to refuse to exercise the said right. 101 Malakas Lane Brgy. Central Q.C. Letter of Revocation of Special Power of Attorney with Notice to Exercise Pre-emptive Right dated 28 Doc. No. 498; Page No. 100; January 2015 are attached as Annex “E”, and made an integral part of this Complaint. (MS-APRIL 27, 2022 16. Further, for purposes of subdividing the land, the plaintiff demanded the private defendants to Book No.V surrender the said Original Owner’s Duplicate Copy of TCT. A letter of final demand to surrender TCT Series of 2021. (Abante- Apr. 20, 27 & May 4, 2022)
well as journalists. Alviani said authorities initially usedCYANC the law to pursue political opponents, but throughout 2021 it began to increasingly be deployed against local media. Last year, Apple Daily and Stand News, two popular outlets critical of the government, collapsed after newsroom leaders were arrested and company assets were frozen by the security law. Alviani said RSF’s database lists 13 Hong Kong media workers in jail, a number he said was “enormous” and equivalent to almost ten percent of all known journalist detentions in China. China has consistently been ranked by RSF as one of the world’s most hostile countries for journalists, and currently sits at 175th out of 180. But until recently Hong Kong was a comparative oasis of free speech thanks to a “One Country, Two Systems” formula, in which Beijing promised the city could keep key freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after the 1997 handover by Britain. AFP
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
CYAN
(MS-APRIL 27/MAY 4/11, 2022)
UNITED IN PRAYER. Muslim devotees offer a special morning prayer to start the Eid’l-Fitr festival, which marks the end of their holy fasting month of Ramadan, at the Jama Masjid Mosque in the old quarters of New Delhi on May 3, 2022. AFP
IN BRIEF Russia steps up attacks in Ukraine FIGHTING raged in the critical port city of Odessa and across Ukraine’s east as fresh evacuations of civilians from war-ravaged Mariupol were set to take place Tuesday. The United States was warning that Moscow is preparing to formally annex regions in the east, while the European Union told member states to brace for a complete breakdown in Russian gas supplies as it prepared a new package of sanctions. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meanwhile sparked outrage by alleging Adolf Hitler may have “had Jewish blood,” invoking a conspiracy theory in a bid to discredit Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky – who is of Jewish ancestry. Israel – which has sought to keep a delicate balance between the two sides since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – condemned the remarks and summoned Moscow’s ambassador. Zelensky also slammed Lavrov’s remarks as “anti-Semitic,” and said they showed Russia had “forgotten all the lessons of World War II.” “It is no coincidence that they are waging a socalled total war to destroy all living things, after which only the burned ruins of entire cities and villages remain,” he added. AFP
Anti-, pro-abortion face off at US court
(MS-MAY 4 & 11, 2022)
(MS-APRIL 27, 2022) (MS-MAY 4 & 11, 2022)
HUNDREDS of pro-choice and anti-abortion activists gathered in front of the US Supreme Court on Monday night, hours after a stunning leak of a draft opinion that signals the institution may be set to strike down the right to abortion. According to the draft majority opinion obtained by news outlet Politico, the top US court is poised to overturn the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that enshrined the right to abortion in the United States. Squaring off on either side of the white marble building a stone’s throw from the Capitol, the pro-choice and anti-abortion groups railed at each other. “Roe v. Wade is going to go,” anti-abortion protesters taunted, while the pro-choice crowd yelled: “My body, my choice.” The two groups chanted and waved placards in the plaza in front of the steps to the Supreme Court, with barriers and a few uniformed police officers barring access to the colonnaded building. Abby Korb, a 23-year-old graduate student and congressional aide, said she was “in literal shock” when the news broke and quickly headed to the Supreme Court with a friend. “I’m a woman and my rights are being taken away every single day,” she told AFP. Like many others at the spontaneous demonstration, Korb, originally from Wisconsin, is now calling for legislation at the federal level to protect access to abortion. AFP
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Markets dip as traders brace for Fed hike H TOP GAINERS PSEi May 2, 2022
LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE
1 2
IPO PBC
7.98 17
1.27 1.46
18.93% 9.40%
3 4 5
OPM IRC ANI
0.012 0.94 4.84
0.001 0.05 0.25
9.09% 5.62% 5.45%
6 7
2GO BCB
7.38 7.3
0.38 0.33
5.43% 4.73%
8
NRCP
0.71
0.03
4.41%
9 10
RFM PIZZA
4.39 8.1
0.17 0.3
4.03% 3.85%
ONG KONG, China—Asian stocks fell Tuesday as markets braced for a sharp US interest rate hike and similar moves by other central banks as they struggle to control inflation, with traders increasingly worried about another possible recession. Surging prices, moves to tighten monetary policy, China’s Covid lockdowns, the Ukraine war and a stronger dollar have come together in recent weeks to cause a massive headache for investors, sending them running to the hills. All eyes are on the conclusion Wednesday of the US Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, where it is expected to lift borrowing costs 0.5 percentage points for the first time since 2000.
However, while officials see a hawkish move as necessary to control 40year high inflation while still allowing for economic growth, there is a growing unease that they could knock the fragile pandemic recovery off course and even cause a recession. Meanwhile, the policy board is also expected to discuss offloading the trillions of dollars worth of bonds bought to help keep prices subdued in the past, a move known as quantitative easing.
“With a 50 basis point hike... all but certain, the (post meeting) press conference will provide important color around the prospects of a soft landing, the neutral fed funds rate and balance sheet normalization,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. “One question on everyone’s mind: Are 75 basis point increments on the table?” Forecasts for a swift run-up in rates this year have hammered tech firms who are reliant on debt to fund growth, though dip-buying helped them record a much-needed gain Monday in New York. Asian traders were unable to track the positive lead with liquidity thinned by public holidays around the region.
Hong Kong returned from a long weekend break to shed more than two percent in early exchanges before paring these losses following a more than four percent surge Friday. Alibaba was a key support in the bounce as it recovered from an initial drop of more than nine percent in reaction to a report by state broadcaster CCTV that officials in Hangzhou, where the firm is based, had imposed curbs on an individual surnamed Ma -- raising worries about founder Jack Ma. The losses were soon erased, however, after police indicated the accused person’s name was spelled with three Chinese characters. Jack Ma’s Chinese name is Ma Yun. With AFP
BP registers $20.4-b net loss on Russia exit
TOP LOSERS
LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE
1 2
MED LAND
0.295 0.82
-0.03 -0.08
-9.23% -8.89%
3
ECP
4.01
-0.39
-8.86%
4
MG
0.125
-0.01
-7.41%
5
VLL
2.4
-0.18
-6.98%
6 7
CNVRG TECHW
27.3 0.56
-1.5 -0.03
-5.21% -5.08%
8
BRN
0.84
-0.04
-4.55%
9
SSP
1.1
-0.05
-4.35%
10
ALLHC
4.29
-0.19
-4.24%
MOST ACTIVE
VOLUME
VALUE (PHP)
1
ALI
8,375,000
268,436,815
2 3
MBT BDO
4,633,400 1,291,820
233,422,694 165,515,277
4
SMPH
4,028,100
140,467,215
5
URC
1,225,710
128,471,165
6 7 8
CNVRG ACEN TEL
4,265,200 15,341,900 56,125
118,315,360 112,959,658 104,412,160
9
JFC
468,060
101,360,268
10
GLO
44,165
100,426,650
The Reserve Bank of Australia building is seen in Sydney. Australia’s central bank raised interest rates for the first time in more than a decade on May 3, a pre-election hike designed to curb soaring consumer prices. AFP
Australia increases interest rates for first time since 2010 SYDNEY, Australia—Australia’s central bank raised interest rates for the first time in more than a decade on Tuesday, a pre-election hike designed to tame soaring consumer prices. The Reserve Bank of Australia raised the main lending rate by 25 basis points to 0.35 percent, the first increase since November 2010. Ending record-low rates, the bank said inflation had “picked up significantly and by more than expected” while signaling that “further increases in interest rates” would come. The move plunged the bank into the center of a fierce political debate about the health of Australia’s economy, just weeks before a May 21 election.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is trailing in the polls, said he sympathized with mortgage borrowers who would now face rising costs. But he insisted Australia is faring better than its peers and that rising inflation is a result of worldwide trends. Like consumers around the world, Australians have been hit by soaring prices for food and fuel. Australia’s annual inflation rate is currently at 5.1 percent. But house prices have been rising for years even as wages have stagnated. Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive cities in the world to live. Morrison pointed to the impact of
supply chain constraints caused by the pandemic and a war in Ukraine that has caused “the single largest energy shock we’ve seen around the world since the 1970s.” The opposition Labor party painted the rate rise as evidence of a weakening economy and the conservative government’s economic maladministration. “If only you could pay your mortgage with Scott Morrison’s excuses,” said opposition economic spokesman Jim Chalmers. The rate rise is expected to be the first of several, which could have serious implications for Australia’s onceperennially growing economy. AFP
Buffett details spending spree, takes jab at Wall Street NEW YORK, United States—The billionaire finance guru Warren Buffett, who complained recently that he did not know where to put his money, said Saturday he has invested billions of dollars so far this year, even as he took jabs at Wall Street. Buffett, 91, took questions for five hours at the much-anticipated annual shareholder meeting of his holding company Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska, its first in-person gathering since before the COVID-19 pandemic. He did so along with his right-hand man Charlie Munger, who is 98. The event, dubbed a “Woodstock for Capitalists,” draws thousands of shareholders from around the world to hear the investment wisdom of Buffett, revered among investors as the “Oracle of Omaha.” As markets vacillated since the start of the year, Berkshire Hathaway spotted bargains and bought shares worth more than $51 billion from January through March. For example, it raised its investment in oil company Chevron from $4.5 billion in late 2021 to $26 billion in late March. Chevron is now among the top four of the holding’s investments, along with American Express, Apple and Bank of America. Berkshire Hathaway also acquired a 14-percent stake in Occidental Petroleum. It bought an 11 percent stake in computer maker HP, as well, and increased its share of video game maker Activision—which is being acquired by Microsoft—to 9.5 percent. Berkshire sold shares worth $10 billion over the same January to March period. Bottom line, Berkshire’s war chest of cash on hand dropped from $147 billion to $106 billion. But Buffett said investors need not worry because Berkshire “will always have a lot of cash” to weather hard times.
LONDON, United Kingdom--British energy giant BP on Tuesday plunged into a huge net loss in the first quarter after it decided to exit Russia over the country’s invasion of neighbor Ukraine. The loss after tax stood at $20.4 billion (19.4 billion euros) following BP’s decision in February to pull its 19.75-percent stake in energy group Rosneft, ending more than three decades of investment in Russia. BP had posted a net profit of $4.7 billion in the first quarter of 2021. “Our decision... to exit our shareholding in Rosneft resulted in the material non-cash charges and headline loss,” BP chief executive Bernard Looney said in a statement. The group booked a pre-tax charge of $25.5 billion owing to its break with Rosneft. That wiped out the benefit of surging energy prices, which have been fueled by fears of tight supplies following the invasion by major oil and gas producer Russia. BP revenue jumped 40 percent to $51 billion in the first quarter from a year earlier. “In a quarter dominated by the tragic events in Ukraine and volatility in energy markets, BP’s focus has been on supplying the reliable energy our customers need,” Looney said. The European Commission will on Tuesday propose to member states a new package of sanctions to punish President Vladimir Putin’s Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine, including an embargo on Russian oil, officials said. It comes after the EU on Monday warned member states to prepare for a possible complete breakdown in gas supplies from Russia, insisting it would not cede to Moscow’s demand that imports be paid for in rubles. AFP
Manila
Standard
TODAY
NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING To All Stockholders: Please be advised that the annual meeting of stockholders of BRIGHT KINDLE RESOURCES & INVESTMENTS, INC. (the “Corporation”) will be held virtually on 26 May 2022 (Thursday) at 2:00 p.m. Due to Covid-19, there will be no physical venue for the meeting. The meeting will be held via remote communication at https://conveneagm.com/ph/bkr/ with the Chairman of the meeting presiding from Makati City. The Agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
A woman looks at the screen with a live view of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett (left) and vice chairman Charlie Munger (right) at the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska on April 30, 2022. AFP
Joining him and Munger on the podium were vice president Greg Abel—at 59, he is Buffett’s designated successor—and company executive Ajit Jain. Profits down Buffett took some pot shots at Wall Street, saying, “They make a lot more money when people are gambling than when they are investing.” He said the fact that his company acquired 14 percent of Occidental Petroleum in just two weeks shows that “overwhelmingly large companies in America, they became poker chips.” Of cryptocurrencies, he said: “Whether it goes up or down in the next year or five or 10 years, I don’t know. But the one thing I’m pretty sure of is it doesn’t produce anything.” The question of succession at Berkshire Hathaway is a big one because of the age of Buffett and Munger, but neither said anything about retiring. Before the meeting, Berkshire said its net profit plunged by 53 percent in the first quarter due to a drop in the paper value of its investments.
Berkshire listed net profits of $5.5 billion, down sharply from the $11.7 billion of the year-earlier period. Operating profits of companies owned by the conglomerate—ranging from insurance companies to energy providers and even frozen desserts—remained essentially unchanged, at $7.04 billion. A drop in profits from insurance companies was compensated by profits from rail lines, energy firms, manufacturing, services and retail sales, said a statement from Berkshire Hathaway. But the value of its investments, which can be volatile from one quarter to the next, plunged amid the year’s market weakness, leading to a paper loss of $1.58 billion. Buffett regularly advises his shareholders to ignore quarterly fluctuations, whether positive or negative. The value of Berkshire shares themselves has held up well—rising seven percent since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 index, representing the 500 biggest Wall Streettraded firms, lost more than 13 percent. AFP
6. 7. 8. 9.
Call to Order Proof of Notice and Certification of Quorum Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders’ Meeting Approval of the Management Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2021 Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management Election of Directors Appointment of the Independent External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment
For purposes of the meeting, stockholders of record as of April 26, 2022 are entitled to receive notice and to vote at the said meeting. Stockholders intending to participate by remote communication should pre-register at https://conveneagm.com/ph/bkr/ on or before May 16, 2022. Please refer to the Requirements and Procedure for Participation and Voting at the 2022 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting (attached to the Definitive Information Statement) for detailed information on participation by remote communication and voting in absentia (electronic voting) or by proxy*’ Pursuant to SEC’s Notice dated April 20, 2020, a copy of the Notice of the meeting, Definitive Information Statement, minutes of the previous meeting of the stockholders, and other documents related to the meeting may be accessed through the Company’s website: https://brightkindle.com/. For any question about the conduct of the virtual meeting, you may refer to the Frequently Asked Questions at https:// conveneagm.com/ph/bkr/ or email mdc.bkr@gmail.com. Makati City, 03 May 2022.
MAILA LOURDES G. DE CASTRO Corporate Secretary * All proxies which have been previously submitted shall remain valid unless revoked.
(MS-MAY 3 & 4, 2022)
Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
Business
PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, May 2, 2022
-10.17 PTS. 6,721.08
TOTAL VOLUME
795,481,880
TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES
45,220 3,606,056,788.05 60 99
UNCHANGED
67
F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022
Currency
Unit
US Dollar
Peso
United States
Dollar
1.000000
52.3350
Japan
Yen
0.007699
0.4029
UK
Pound
1.258400
65.8584
Hong Kong
Dollar
0.127444
6.6698
Switzerland
Franc
1.028278
53.8149
Canada
Dollar
0.778150
40.7245
Singapore
Dollar
0.723170
37.8471
Australia
Dollar
0.706700
36.9851
Bahrain
Dinar
2.652731
138.8307
Saudi Arabia
Rial
0.266617
13.9534
Brunei
Dollar
0.720565
37.7108
Indonesia
Rupiah
0.000069
0.0036
Thailand
Baht
0.029231
1.5298
UAE
Dirham
0.272287
14.2501
Euro
Euro
1.054900
55.2082
Korea
Won
0.000792
0.0414
China
Yuan
0.150932
7.8990
India
Rupee
0.013068
0.6839
Malaysia
Ringgit
0.229779
12.0255
New Zealand
Dollar
0.646400
33.8293
Taiwan
Dollar
0.033960
1.7773 Source: BSP
Manufacturing gauge reaches 53-month peak By Othel V. Campos THE Purchasing Managers Index, a gauge of manufacturing sector, hit a 53-month peak at 54.3 in April from 53.2 in March, suggesting the sustained growth of the sector as the government reopened more industries. The PMI, published by global provider IHS Markit, considers new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery time and stocks. A reading above 50 signals growth. The Department of Trade and Industry said the latest reading was consistent with the expansion of the manufacturing sector and the increase in operating capacity of the manufacturers, as outputs and new orders further rose amid the pandemic. “We continue to be optimistic with the country now progressing towards economic recovery as proven by the expansion in our manufacturing sector. The continuous growth of our manufacturing sector was propelled by the more economic sectors reopening, as well as the de-escalation of more areas in the country to Alert Levels 1 and 2 that led to eased mobility, which reached its highest in ASEAN at 96 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. Employment rate also stabilized after two years in pandemic, while business confidence outlook was at a four-month high. Transport mobility jumped to 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels in April 2022, the highest in ASEAN region. Lopez said the PMI and mobility rate were expected to continue to grow in the coming months. “We expect both mobility and manufacturing PMI to stay above 90 percent and 50, respectively, in May as restrictions are lessened and vaccination drive intensified, as well as the ongoing election-related economic activities. We are hopeful that these gains will not be outweighed by the downside from Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he said.
GCASH, the country’s leading mobile wallet, said Tuesday it blocked more than 900,000 users suspected of fraud in the first quarter through joint efforts with authorities as it ramps up app security and fraud management to better protect customers. GCash said it is working with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police in its crackdown against fraudsters to fight online scam. “GCash has been providing invaluable service to Filipinos, especially during the pandemic. It is crucial that we work together to protect the platform against fraud. As we continue to bolster our security system, we are also counting on the support of our customers and ask that they be vigilant against online scam,” GCash president and chief executive Martha Sazon said. GCash also encourages users to report fraud through Chat with Gigi, the
Smart clinches 11 Opensignal awards SMART Communications Inc. said Tuesday it won the most number of citations in the latest Mobile Network Experience Awards by Opensignal, underscoring its superiority as the operator to beat with the widest 5G reach and best 4G coverage experience. Opensignal’s April 2022 report, which covered the period Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2022, showed that Smart won 11 awards, covering the essential aspects of service, especially speed and experience. These awards included Best Overall Video Experience, Games Experience, Voice App Experience and Download Speed Experience across all technologies; Best 5G Games Experience, 5G Voice App Experience, 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed Experience; Best 5G Availability, 5G Reach and 4G Coverage Experience. “These citations are a testament to our sustained investments in our network and our combined efforts to continuously improve our customers’ experience,” PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and chief executive Al S. Panlilio said. Darwin G. Amojelar
KargaX provides seamless logistics
AG&P MILESTONE. AG&P’s Industrial division (AG&P) celebrates Labor Day with the successful load out and sail away of four modules consisting of pre-assembled units and pipe racks, weighing a total of 1,334.061 metric tons as part of its scope for the Thai Oil Clean Fuel Project. The project was awarded to AG&P for the expansion and upgrade of the Sriracha Refinery in Thailand. This is the fifth of the seven shipments exported from the 100-hectare facility in Batangas province. AG&P’s over 900-strong workforce is involved in the 35-module fabrication, assembly, pre-commissioning and sail-away scope.
Total bank deposits grew 9% to reach record P16.2t in 2021 By Julito G. Rada
F
ILIPINOS continued to save money amid the pandemic, as total deposits in the banking system grew 9 percent in 2021 to a record P16.2 trillion from P14.9 trillion in 2020, as the economy started to recover from the impact of the pandemic, state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. said Tuesday. PDIC president Roberto Tan said in a statement that while the pandemic might have been an unpleasant wake-up call for many Filipinos, it highlighted the importance of saving for the future and emergencies. “With more banks offering basic deposit accounts, saving money in banks becomes much easier and practical,” Tan said.
The expansion was driven by deposits with balances of above P5 million in terms of size of account and non-term deposits in terms of type of deposits. Meanwhile, the number of domestic deposit accounts increased 8.8 percent to 87.1 million in 2021 from 80.1 million accounts in 2020. Deposits with balances of P5,000 and below and savings deposits mostly accounted for the increase in the number of domestic deposit accounts. Deposits with balances of above P5.0 million contributed 85.2 percent or P1.1 trillion to the annual expansion of domestic deposits. By type of deposits, demand and savings posted annual increases at 17.6 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively. These two deposit types accounted for the entire growth in domestic deposits, data from the PDIC showed. Long-term negotiable certificates of deposit and time deposits, however, contracted by 5.9 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, exerting downward pressure on the overall domestic deposit growth.
PDIC said that given the growth in domestic deposits, insurance up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000 per depositor per bank expanded by 3 percent in 2021 to P3.2 trillion, representing 19.5 percent of the total domestic deposits. The deposit insurance system fully covered 96.8 percent or 84.3 million of domestic deposit accounts, higher by 8.9 percent than the 77.4 million fullycovered domestic deposits accounts in 2020. The PDIC said that as of Dec. 31, 2021, the Philippine banking system had 506 banks, comprising 413 rural banks, 47 thrift banks and 46 commercial banks, including 24 branches of foreign banks. Banks licensed to operate in the Philippines by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas are members of the PDIC which insures bank deposits. Most universal and commercial banks reported strong growth in 2021 on the back of steady increase in deposits and loans despite the record low interestrate environment.
Citicore Energy renews supply contracts with 5 customers By Alena Mae S. Flores CITICORE Energy Solutions Inc., the retail arm of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp., renewed power supply contracts with five clients that are about to expire in 2022. CREC, which is also the parent company of the country’s first energy REIT—Citicore Energy REIT Corp., said CESI recently signed deals with long-time partners Bench Tower (through Ground18), Citystate Condominium, Eastfield, Succeed Ventures Asia and Prince Alumer Development Corp. for another two years involving an aggregate capacity of 5.1 megawatts. This is the same amount of energy originally committed under the Retail Competition Open Access. RCOA makes contestable customers the ultimate decision-maker for their power supply requirements. By directly
transacting with power generation companies, these customers can freely choose their suppliers of electricity, who can offer the most competitive price and best service suitable to their needs. “We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our customers in the product we offer and service we provide, allowing us to achieve 100-percent of our target as early as the first quarter of 2022. We expect to continue this long-term collaboration with our existing customers and also look forward to forming new ones,” said CREC president and chief executive Oliver Tan. The contracted capacity is 16 percent of the company’s clients whose contracts are expiring this year. The company also closed a contract with a new commercial partner, Clear Water Ice Plant—a cold storage facil-
ity with 24/7 operations in Mandaue, Cebu. The contract was signed through CESI under its Green Energy Program which will source energy from Citicore Solar Cebu in Toledo. GEOP helps interested customers transition to RE, with a commitment of green energy supply by allowing endusers to choose their RE resources as their sources of energy. “We welcome partners from different businesses and industries who are willing and ready to shift to green energy solutions and share with us the goal of achieving a net-zero carbon future. By educating and encouraging more end users to change their lifestyles, we can build a critical mass of RE advocates and promote a sustainable co-existence between the different stakeholders—such as RE suppliers, business partners, consumers—and the environment,” Tan said.
GCash blocked over 900,000 fraudsters in Q1 By Darwin G. Amojelar
IN BRIEF
newest beta chatbot. Reported fake pages are taken down within 24 hours. GCash said to make sure that cybercriminals are monitored, caught and apprehended, it also works closely with the National Bureau of InvestigationCybercrime Division and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group in preventing scams and other illegal activities and apprehending any guilty parties. It also ensures strict compliance with the guidance of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to ensure the safety and security of customers. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,300 partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 4.5 million partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at over 170,000 partner agents.
NEW LOGISTICS FIRM. Industry executives lead the lauching of Bulacan Express Courier Services and the rollout of 360 franchised branches nationwide this year. Aside from express parcel delivery between an online seller and a customer, BEXCS offers logistics solutions such as international shipping; land, air and sea cargo and warehouse and inventory management. The company now has 10 branches, including four company-owned and six through joint ventures. Attending the launching at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City are (from left) BEXCS vice president Rodel Rubio, BEXCS president Marjorey Medina-Rubio, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry honorary chair Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco who is also the vice chair of Philippine Franchise Association and PCCI president George Barcelon.
THE founder of Filipino-owned logistics platform KargaX, the first inter-region and interisland cargo delivery app in the country, vowed to provide a seamless solution to businesses, particularly the problems in the supply chain. KargaX founder and president Jack Montebon said the mobile app is designed to connect shippers or businesses to accredited truckers in the country for their inter-island or inter-region shipment needs. “This gives shippers the most effective logistics solution and truckers a more optimized less-costly trip,” said Montebon. Montebon is sharing his expertise with KargaX as he has worked with startups like Ninja Van, Transportify, Lalamove and many others. His 12-year experience in the technology and logistics industry helped him see the divided and inefficient supply chain due to the water that separates cities and regions in the country. Montebon said innovation can help the persistent problems in the industry, especially the truckers’ “empty miles,” as in the freight industry, empty miles are non-revenue or less profitable miles that are usually under-optimized.
MREIT’s distributable income up 18% in Q1 MREIT Inc., the real estate investment trust unit of Megaworld Corp., said Tuesday it registered distributable income of P639 million in the first quarter. This translated into an 18-percent growth from the previous quarter as the company’s recent acquisitions provided their first fullquarter contribution during the period. Revenue and net income in the first three came in at P901.6-million and P687.2-million respectively. MREIT completed the acquisition of four income-generating properties amounting to P9.1 billion in December last year. This expanded MREIT’s portfolio gross leasable area by 25 percent from 224,000 square meters during its initial public offering to 280,000 sq. m., with occupancy rate averaging at 96 percent with five office assets registering 100-percent occupancy. The company said that as of end-March 2022, its portfolio value stood at P59.3 billion. “Our solid performance in the first quarter of 2022 affirms our efforts to sustain MREIT’s growth via a combination of organic and inorganic means. The combination of rent escalation, steady occupancy and implementation of our acquisition plans puts us on track to deliver on our targeted returns for our shareholders in 2022,” said MREIT president and chief executive Kevin Tan.
BPO firms asked to register with BOI for WFH arrangement THE Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday encouraged IT-business process management companies to register with the Board of Investments to exempt them from the geographical limitation which is intrinsic to operating within economic zones. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government is open to expanding the ratio of off-site or work-from-home arrangement, if not for the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act which limits all operations of business enterprises registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority inside economic zones. “It’s provided in the law that the activities will have to be performed within the zones. So that’s our limitation. So the next move, there should be a revision of the PEZA law or the alternative for other companies, especially those planning to expand, is to register under the BOI,” said Lopez. He said companies registered with BOI could still avail of the same set of incentives, “and yet, there will be no limitation on their location from where they need or want to operate.” Lopez said that with the BOI there are no locational restrictions and companies could adopt WFH and hybrid work arrangements as they wish. He encouraged companies to take their concerns on flexible working arrangement to the next administration in the next Congress. Both legal counsels of PEZA and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are working on acceptable work arrangement that will still keep the incentives given to PEZA registered business enterprises. They are looking at 70-percent onsite and 30-percent WFH setup. “We really want to support the BPO sector. That’s the reason why we extended WFH from December 2021 to October 2022,” Lopez said. Othel V. Campos
Sports
PH Under-23 booters open campaign vs Timor-Leste THE Philippines’ Under-23 men’s national football team is better prepared when they start competing against Timor Leste in the 30th Vietnam Southeast Asian Games football tournament this week. Team skipper Stephan Schrock, one of the two veteran players in squad, said this ahead of the beginning of the matches on Friday at the Viet Tri Stadium in the northern province of Phu Tho. “I’m very excited to be in the tournament. Finally, we are close to the opening games. We are more prepared than the last time,” said Schrock in a Zoom huddle with reporters before their practice sessions. The Junior Azkals arrived in Hanoi on Monday, with Schrock, a FilGerman booter on his second stint with the nationals, and Oskari Kekkonen reinforcing the young team. Kekkonen, a 22-year-old FilipinoFinnish midfielder, has been part of different national teams since he came to the Philippines last October. National coach Norman Fegidero expressed confidence of the team’s capabilities in the days leading to their first game against Timor-Leste. “Schrocky is a big help with the team because he can lead the boys. Our objective is to make it to the semifinals,” said Fegidero on their 4 p.m. clash with the Timorese booters. The Viet Tri Stadium is one of the three stadiums selected to host the matches of Group A. The Philippines is in the same group with defending champion Vietnam following a draw held last month. Also in Group A with the host and Timor Leste are Indonesia and Myanmar. Under the rules, the participating team must have under-23 players that will form the majority of the contingent. They are allowed to have only three players to be over the stipulated age of 23. Group B is composed of Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and Laos. British mentor Stewart Hall is assisting Fegidero. It will be recalled that the Filipinos drew 2-2 with the Timorese in the group stage of the ASEAN Football Federation Under-23 tournament in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last February. The national women’s squad was also drawn in Group A, with reigning titleholder Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia. The Vietnamese swept the football golds in the 30th Philippine SEA Games and are seeking to retain their crowns. Peter Atencio
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
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Tokyo Olympian Cris Nievarez will be trying to retain his rowing gold in the SEA Games.
Filipino rowers want to equal or surpass 3-gold SEAG haul
T
HE Philippine rowing team will try to equal if not surpass the three golds it won in the Southeast Asian Games three years ago, which the country hosted.
Philippine Rowing Association president Patrick Gregorio said the Filipino paddlers are all in high spirits, confident of doing well in the coming Hanoi edition of the biennial meet despite having to race on borrowed boats. “Three golds in Subic. It will be tougher in Vietnam, but hopefully Cris Nievarez can retain his gold medal, and si Joanie Delgaco will also compete. She also won gold in Subic,” said the rowing federation head in Tuesday’s virtual session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. “We’ve been training very hard. No letup. That’s what we’ve been doing ever since,” Gregorio added. The Filipino paddlers have kept an optimistic mindset notwithstanding
the fact they won’t be bringing in their own boats in the Vietnamese province of Bac Ninh – almost a two-hour drive from Hanoi – due to what Gregorio referred to as logistical issue. “Since last month, the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) already informed us the logistics provider cannot bring it kasi sa container van siya sinasakay, and buti sana kung sa Ho Chi Minh lang ito, but it’s two hours outside of Hanoi. So very difficult ang logistics’ process,” said Gregorio. “No one’s fault, it is how it is. In terms of logistics, hindi naman maliit na equipment na dadalhin mo lang ‘yan. These are very big boats,” he added. “We did everything to send our boats, but talagang, logistically, the timing
is (not right). Not even two months (is enough) to bring in there.” The Vietnam rowing federation though, assured the Philippines and the other countries which also won’t be bringing their own equipment that it will lend them competition boats to be used during the event from May 9 to 14 at the Thuy Nguyen Boat Racing Center. Nonetheless, the coaching staff, led by Ed Maerina and foreign counterpart Shukhrat Ganiev of Uzbekistan, have high hopes on the chances of the 16man squad led by Nievarez, who represented the country in the Tokyo Olympics, and Delgaco. The team concluded its training camp at the La Mesa dam on Monday and will leave for Hanoi on May 6. “We will do our best na maibigay ‘yung kanilang best performance to haul medals. We don’t know what’s the color of the medals, basta meron tayong tatlong kulay diyan na makuku-
Picson: Training in Thailand has pros, cons SETTING up training camp in Thailand can work both ways for members of the Philippine boxing team gearing up for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi scheduled from May 12 to 23. Ed Picson, president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, said what’s important is that the 10-member national team is getting the kind of training they need for the biennial event. Picson has discussed the matter with ABAP coaches, led by Australian Don Abnett, saying it wasn’t much of a concern to share camp with the Thais, still
Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor
the biggest threat to the Filipinos in the SEA Games. “If they can see us, we can see them,” Picson told the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, where he was joined by ABAP secretary-general Marcus Manalo on Tuesday. “We looked at the cost and benefit of it. Ano ang mawawala, ang ano ang benefit? Besides, the Vietnamese boxers are also there training,” Picson told the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Com-
mittee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Manalo echoed Picson’s statements. “The main factor why we decided to stay there is the quality of training. And at the end of the day, wala ka na din naman itatago (there’s nothing to hide). It’s how you execute in the ring,” he said. Picson said they took the offer of the Thai boxing association for the Philippine squad to train there for the Thailand Open, where Rogen Ladon won the flyweight gold last month.
Chatri begins hunt for next ‘Apprentice’ Ed Picson
Eagles won’t underestimate Tamaraws at start of Final 4 Tab Baldwin
By Peter Atencio THE defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles won’t be underestimating the Far Eastern University Tamaraws when they meet in the Final Four today of the 84th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. Both teams, who are almost in the same situation the last time they met in a Final Four setting back in 2018, will clash at 6 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena. The second-seeded University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons will also have a twice-to-beat incentive like the Eagles, when they confront the La Salle Green Archers earlier at 2 p.m. The Eagles were also the top-seeded squad four years ago as they came into the fight exuding confidence, following
a seven-game winning streak the end of the elimination round. But this time, the Blue Eagles enter the court feeling humbled from their single defeat in the eliminations, an 8384 edging handed on them by the Maroons last Sunday. Denied an outright finals’ berth that comes with a 14-game sweep, the Eagles and coach Tab Baldwin hope that their Final Four series with the Tams will not go the distance. “We don’t expect anything less, you know (FEU coach) Olsen (Racela) just does a great job, and they’re gonna be ready, they’re gonna feel like, they gave us hard time in the last game, and then we separated in the second half, but they’re gonna fancy their chances for sure. But we will regroup and we have to make sure this loss (vs UP) is useful for us, and there will be lessons taken and lessons learned,” said Baldwin. Four years ago, the twice-to-beat Blue Eagles quickly dealt with FEU, 80-61, to reach the finals with the Fighting Maroons. But this time, Baldwin is cautious given their recent experience with the
ha natin,” said Maerina in the public sports program presented by San Miguel Corporation, MILO, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Unilever, Amelie Hotel Manila, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. Nievarez, gold winner in the lightweight single sculls three years ago, will definitely be under the radar of the other competing countries as he leads the nine-man team together with CJ Jasmin, Zuriel Sumintac, Van Maxilom, Athens Tolentino, Edgar Ilas, Roque Abala, Joachim De Jesus, and EJ Obana. Delgaco, meanwhile, will be at the forefront of the women’s side along with Juliann Sha, Alyssa Go, Feiza Lenton, Amelyn Pagulayan, Mireille Qua, and Kristine Paraon. Along with Melcah Jen Caballero, Delgaco won the gold in the women’s lightweight double sculls.
Maroons, and with noted improvements in FEU’s game. “This is a good humbling experience for all our organization, for me, for the team. And I told the team after the game, I said in large part ‘this loss is on me’ so they gotta play better too. But that’s just the way it is, so the truth is you don’t win them all, and now it’s just a case of re-grouping and bouncing back, getting ready for a tough FEU team,” added Baldwin. The Tamaraws come into their encounter in high spirits after their 109-65 smothering of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. The outcome was the second-biggest margin in UAAP eclipsing the La Salle Green Archers’ 99-56 smashing of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Oct 23, 2016. Racela said they will need to play 40 minutes of good basketball to be able to outperform the Blue Eagles. “Una, hindi natatapos ang laro after 20-minutes, so ‘yun sinabi namin sa kanila (in game against UST) na kailangan. We have to sustain that for 40-minutes, it’s not going to be offense, but defense ang magpapanalo sa amin,” said Racela.
THOSE who missed out on the chance to become Chatri Sityodtong’s protege will now get a second chance. The ONE Chairman and CEO announced on Monday that applications for the second season of “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” are now being accepted, but only 10 global candidates will make the cut. Like the first season, the winner will get a $250,000 job offer to work under Sityodtong at ONE’s headquarters in Singapore. But he or she will also get to learn under Sityodtong, an experience in itself. “The prize is much bigger than just $250,000 for the winner. As your mentor, I am going to teach you how to do good in the world by following your heart and chasing your dreams,” Sityodtong said. “Additionally, I am going to show you how to make more money than you ever imagined possible through my win-win philosophy. Finally, I am also going to share the invaluable lessons and IP on how my team and I built one of Asia’s hottest unicorns from scratch.” It was a highly successful first run for “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition,” as it incorporated martial arts into the business-themed reality show. In fact, it was so well-received that it won awards for Best NonScripted Entertainment and Best Adaptation of an Existing Format in the Asian Academy Creative Awards ceremony last year.
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Sports
WEDBESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
Suns eclipse Doncic’s heroics; Miami Heat torch Sixers, 106-92 M
IAMI—Deandre Ayton scored 25 points as top seeds Phoenix overpowered Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Monday while Miami exploited the absence of Joel Embiid to rout Philadelphia in the NBA playoffs. Doncic led the scoring with a game-high 45 points but it was not enough to stop Phoenix claiming a wire-to-wire 121-114 victory in the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series opener. Ayton shot 12-of-20 from the field for Phoenix while Devin Booker added offensive thrust with 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Chris Paul chipped in with 19 points and Cameron Johnson added 17 from the bench as six Suns players posted double-digit points totals.
Phoenix had sprinted out of the blocks to lead by 10 at the end of the first quarter and surged into a 69-56 lead at the interval. They led by as much as 21 points in the final quarter before a furious late onslaught led by Doncic saw Dallas get to within five points in the closing seconds. The Mavs rally ultimately fell short, however, leaving Phoenix 1-0 up ahead of game two on Wednesday. - Herro spurs Heat Tyler Herro scored 25 points from the bench
as the Miami Heat swept aside the depleted Philadelphia 76ers 106-92 in their Eastern Conference series opener. Herro led a balanced offensive effort as top seeds Miami pulled away after trailing at half-time to go 1-0 up in the best-of-seven semi-final series. Five Miami players finished with double-digit points tallies as the depleted Sixers faded from contention after a gutsy first-half display that left the fourth seeds leading 51-50 at half-time. Philadelphia’s preparations were rocked on Friday after confirmation that star big man Embiid had suffered an orbital fracture and concussion in the Sixers’ first-round series-clincher against Toronto on Thursday. Embiid’s presence was sorely lacking at Miami’s FTX Arena on Monday as
the Heat outscored the Sixers 56-41 in the second half. “They’re a very good team even without Embiid,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We just were able to get organized in the second half. We did it with a little bit more thought and discipline, and just that extra effort ignited everyone on the team.” Herro led the scoring for Miami despite starting on the bench, shooting 9-of-17 from the field including four three-pointers with seven assists. “It’s always all hands on deck with us, next man up mentality no matter what,” Herro said of his contribution. “We just had to find a way to keep the offense going and guys stepped up defensively. We just want to keep playing well and keep things going.” AFP
Valenzuela, Bacolod win; MPBL visits Paco Arena BACOLOD Bingo Plus worked in cohesion to offset the absence of a key player and open its stint in the MPBL(Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) fourth season with a 67-57 victory over Imus Bandera late Monday, May 2 at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. Jhan McHale Nermal fired 17 points and snared 8 rebounds to lead 11 other Bacolodnons who managed to score in the game they took control after a 10-point run, 48-43, closing the third quarter. Imus led, 40-30, midway of the third, before collapsing to its second straight defeat. The 6-foot-3 Nermal, a local star from STI-West Negros, was supported by Jeramer Cabanag (12 points), Edrian Lao (9 points) and Aaron Jeruta 7 points as Bacolod showed its worth sans veteran Mark Yee, who did not play. With Coach Alex Angeles distributing playing time, Bacolod’s bench outscored that of Imus, 54-36, and led by as many as 14 points, 63-49, early in the fourth quarter. Imus Coach Manny Torralba got 18 points from homegrown star Ian Melencio but no other Bandera could score in twin digits. Earlier, Valenzuela City rebounded from an opening day loss with a 79-67 conquest of Mindoro. Valenzuela, being supported by MJAS Zenith, banked on Jhaymar Gimpayan, Patrick Cabahug, Felix Apreku and Lordy Casajeros to thwart Mindoro, which is backed by PBA Party-list and CDO. Gimpayan tallied 21 points and 17 rebounds, Cabahug 14 points and 12 rebounds, Casajeros 13 points, and Apreku 9 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks for Coach Aldrin Morante. Mindoro drew 14 points each from former Ginebra guard Teytey Teodoro and Larce Christian Sunga, who added 12 rebounds. The MPBL continues today (Tuesday) with another doubleheader at new venue Paco Arena. Makati clashes with Valenzuela at 6:30 p.m., followed by the MarikinaManila tussle at 8:30 p.m.
Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Maxi Kleber of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of Game One of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. AFP
Serna eyes repeat vs. Gabuat in PPS netfest VINCE Serna hopes to start strong coming off a break, eyeing to score a repeat of his Sindangan feat in the PPS-PEPP national age group tennis circuit, which got going at the Maranding, Lala courts in Lanao del Norte last Monday. The unranked Serna from Butuan stunned top seed Thomas Gabuat, 6-2, 2-6, 10-6, to snare the boys’ 18-and-under crown two weeks ago but skipped the next two legs in Labason and Liloy, making him A-ready and fresh for another title crack in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Now ranked No. 2 in the 32-player field headed by Gabuat, Serna is tipped to get past his rivals in the lower half of the draw for another possible encounter with the Zambo Sibugay ace, who has dominated the 16- and 18-U divisions in Dipolog, Labason and Liloy. But Gabuat also braces for a rough sailing in the 16-U play with the likes of Cyril Paster, Kurt Bandolis, Pete Bandala and Benedict Lim all going all out to stop his domination in the Mindanao swing of the country’s longest-running age-grouper put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Next up is the Misamis Oriental leg in Oroquieta City on May 4-6. For details and registration, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. AJ Acabo, also from Zambo Sibugay, tries to make it two-in-row over top seed Ma. Judyann Padilla from Ozamiz in the premier class in the distaff side after the former toppled the latter in Liloy via a thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 12-10 decision. They are also expected to dispute the 16-U diadem with Sindangan’s Marlyn Mesiona and Christine Gulagula raring to spring a surprise in the three-day ranking tournament sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).
Perpetual Help, St. Benilde dispute last Final 4 slot UNIVERSITY of Perpetual Help System Dalta and College of Saint Benilde dispute the remaining Final Four slot in the NCAA men’s basketball play-in stage Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre. The winner of the 3 p.m. match will go on to face defending champion and top ranked Letran in the Final Four on Sunday. The other semifinal pairing pits no. 2 Mapua and no. 3 San Beda. CSB coach Charles Tiu knows that the Blazers, who defeated the Altas, 83-73, on April 9, will need to elevate their level of play. “They’re on a roll playing with a lot of confidence. Lots of individual talent there. It’s going to be a challenge defending them in this game. And the elimination game means nothing now,” said Tiu on Perpetual. Kim Aurin has been sensational as of late, as the 6’2” forward bailed the Altas from the brink in the past
two games. Mark Omega has also been solid for Perpetual, while Jielo Razon and Lean Martel are also producing their usual numbers. CSB’s top guns Will Gozum and Robi Nayve need to leave their offensive struggles behind. The two combined for 5-of-27 in last Sunday’s 57-63 loss to the Red Lions. The Blazers can also count on Miggy Corteza, who fired a career-high 24 points in their elimination round conquest of the Altas. CSB last made it to the Final Four in 2002. The Altas, for their part, are determined to make a return trip to the Final Four after missing the bus in 2019. Aurin, who has applied for the pro draft, has been on the forefront of Perpetual’s last-gasp semis bid. “I give credit to Kim Aurin kasi kita naman na nag-take over talaga siya,” said Altas coach Myk Saguiguit.
Game today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 3 p.m. – CSB vs Perpetual
Fernandez pays courtesy visit to PH Embassy in Hanoi HANOI—Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner and 31st Southeast Asian Games Chef de Mission Ramon Fernandez led a courtesy visit to Ambassador Meynardo Montealegre at the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam this Monday, the first full day of Team Philippines after their arrival in Hanoi late night of Sunday. The PSC Commissioner was well-received by Ambassador Montealegre and discussed Team Philippines’ participation in the Vietnam-hosted SEA Games. Fernandez thanked the Ambassador for receiving him and his team. “We are very happy and grateful for your support to Team Philippines,” Fernandez told Ambassador Montealegre, who assured the PSC official that they are ready to support however they can and reminded the CDM that Team Philippines has Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Meynardo Montealegre is flanked by PH team Chef de Mission and PSC commissioner Ramon Fernandezand wife Karla Fernandez. They are joined by PSC a home in Hanoi. According to Ambassador Montealegre, the Filiand Embassy staff at the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi on Sunday.
pino community in Hanoi is very active and that Filipino residents from as far as Ho chi Minh and Danang have been inquiring on tickets to watch and support the team on their matches. There are around 7,000 documented Filipinos in Vietnam. Fernandez turned over the list of the members of the whole Philippine Delegation to the Ambassador for their reference and to symbolize the delegation being in the care of the Philippine mission here in Vietnam. The PSC team led by Deputy Executive Director for Finance and Administration Merlita Ibay, and staff Maria Luisa Ner, Caroline Tobias, Michelle Balunan, Sharon Llameda and Malyn Bamba joined Fernandez and wife Karla Fernandez in the said visit. The two Deputy Chefs de Mission, Carl Sembrano and Pearl Managuelod joined the first part of the Delegation Registration Meetings for Team Philippines which started Monday and still on-going Tuesday.
Entertainment
Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
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Stars sparkle at Met Gala in New York Olivia Rodrigo at the Met Gala (Photo from Billboard)
VERY WANG
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NICKIE WANG
N A grand event attended by the stars of Viva’s summer offerings, the message of the media company’s executives was clear—they are now the leading content creator in the country.
Vivamax, the entertainment company’s streaming service, now has three million subscribers. And the numbers don’t lie, it’s the country’s top streaming platform, which is also available in 41 territories. “Vivamax has a strong presence in 41 territories across the globe, catering to Filipinos’ love of homegrown content wherever they are in the world,” the host said during the summer-themed event. “This makes Vivamax your go-to bingewatching companion all year round, and especially this summer! With a growing diverse array of genres sure to appeal to every Vivamax subscriber, it can only mean unlimited streaming pleasure for everyone,” the host added. Viva organized the event to share its “explosive” and star-studded summer lineup of “exciting and steamy” titles. The A-listers on board are Nadine Lustre in her acting masterpiece Greed and Bela Padilla taking her creative powers to full realization as the writer, director, and star of her own movie, 366. Vice Ganda also makes his debut on Vivamax with the travelogue Gandara: The Beksplorer. He documents his first trip to Sagada, and what happens along the way is signature Vice Ganda laugh trips with a lot of genuine heart thrown in. For romantic titles, Elisse Joson and McCoy De Leon in Habangbuhay, and
A-LISTERS dressed to the theme of "gilded glamour" sparkled on the red carpet as the annual Met Gala extravaganza known as "the party of the year" returned to its pre-pandemic schedule in New York Monday (Tuesday in Manila). Co-host Blake Lively wowed in a beaded Versace gown with an
A scene from ‘Cria Puercos’ Ehecatl Garcia
Romance movie ‘Leona’ by Isaac Cherem
Liberty, the Empire State Building and Grand Central station. Singer Alicia Keys also paid tribute to Big Apple buildings with a black Ralph Lauren cape that portrayed the city's skyline in silver beading. Some 400 famous names from the worlds of music, film, fashion, sports and strutted their stuff at the
Vivamax drops explosive summer titles
Nadine Lustre in ‘Greed’
Bella Padilla stars in ‘366,’ a movie that she wrote and directed herself
A scene from the horror flick ‘Rooftop’
Rising Viva Star Angeli Khang Zanjoe Marudo (left) and Kylie Versoza in ‘Ikaw Lang Ang Mahal’
Elisse Joson (left) and McCoy De Leon in ‘Habangbuhay’
Sue Ramirez and Diego Loyzaga in How classic, Working Boys, this time starring to Love Mr. Heartless, are the headliners. Mikoy Morales, McCoy De Leon, Also coming soon on Vivamax is a Andrew Muhlach, and Jerald Napoles. remake of a Tito, Vic and Joey comedy Other titles include Ikaw Lang Ang Mahal
Celebrating Mexican culture through film
THE Embassy of Mexico, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) brings to Filipino audiences, Cinco de Mayo Film Fest. The festival runs from May 5 to 8 at the Cinematheque centers in Manila, Iloilo, Davao, Nabunturan, and Negros. The Embassy of Mexico and FDCP want to celebrate one of the most popular Mexican Festivities around the world, screening a cinematographic sample of Mexico`s cinema industry. With such a wide array of films to choose from, viewers of all ages, backgrounds, and interests will surely find a film that will leave them wanting more. Cinco de Mayo Film Fest will open its doors to moviegoers with five thoughtprovoking and award-winning movies from Mexico. These films include Maquinaria Panamericana (2016), a film by Joaquin Del Paso, showcasing the effects on workers of the death
oversized satin bow that unfurled to reveal a light blue train, while singer Billie Eilish wore an ornate Gucci bodice with green lace sleeves. Actress Lively, whose husband actor Ryan Reynolds wore a brown velvet tuxedo, described her dress as an "homage" to New York City architecture, including the Statue of
of their boss to surreal and engaging impact with no prospect of employment elsewhere, no retirement fund, and worst, the company is in bankrupt. The film was awarded Best Mexican Film & FIPRESCI Prize at the Guadalajara International Film Festival, Best First Film at the Tucuman Film Festival, and Best Film at the Leyva Film Festival. Maquinaria Panamericana will be followed by romance movies such as Leona (2018) by Isaac Cherem, and Novia que te vea (1993) by Guita Schyfter. Both films showcased the upsetting reality of traditional families in which characters have to take important personal choices. Such films show a sentimental, more romantic side of Mexico’s industry and also cater to the Filipino’s appreciation for such a storyline. Included in this festival are Cria Puercos (2018) by Ehecatl Garcia, which storyline focuses on the grief that the death of the antagonist’s husband and the absence of her son leave in her life until a piglet comes along, and Más Amanceres (2013), a masterpiece of Jorge Leyva, distinguished as the 'Best Debut Film' at the 2013 Guanajuato International Film Festival, about the lives of two children and how their actions affect each one of them. All films will be in Spanish with English subtitles. Entrance is free of charge on a firstcome, first-served basis. For further information, please visit the Embassy of Mexico’s official Facebook page at https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / embamex.filipinas/ and the Film Development Council of the Philippines website page at https:// www.fdcp.ph/
(Kylie Verzosa, Zanjoe Marudo, Cara Gonzales), Babaylan (Jennifer Lee, Marco Gallo), Live Scream (Elijah Canlas, Kokoy de Santos), Adik Sa’yo (Cindy Miranda,
over-the-top costume parade on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's carpeted steps. The invite-only guest list is a closely guarded secret. Those in attendance included singers Jon Batiste, Shawn Mendes, Olivia Rodrigo, and Lizzo, tennis star Venus Williams, and The Crown actress Emma Corrin. AFP
Vince Rillon (left) and AJ Raval star in ‘Kaliwaan’
JM De Guzman), Seoulmeyt (Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles), Baby Boy, Baby Girl (Heaven Peralejo, Kiko Estrada), Tondo Prince (Jerald Napoles), Rooftop (Ryza Cenon, Marco Gumabao, Ella Cruz, Rhen Escaño, Marco Gallo, Andrew Muhlach). Those who need a little more spice to their binge-watching nights will have long viewing sessions ahead with Vivamax, as it got the hottest films and series this side of the streaming world: Island Of Desire (Christine Bermas, Jela Cuenca, Sean De Guzman), Iskandalo (Cindy Miranda, Ayanna Misola, Angela Morena, Sean De Guzman, AJ Raval), Kaliwaan (AJ Raval, Vince Rillon, Denise Esteban, Mark Anthony Fernandez), Doblado (Denise Esteban, Josef Elizalde), Putahe (Ayanna Misola, Janelle Tee), Pusoy (Vince Rillon, Janelle Tee, Jela Cuenca, Angeli Khang, Baron Geisler), Breathe Again (Tony Labrusca, Ariella Arida, Jela Cuenca, Ivan Padilla), High On Sex (Wilbert Ross, Denise Esteban, Kat Dovey, Migs Almendras, Angela Morena), and Kitty K7 (Rose Van Ginkel, Marco Gallo). Also part of the “hot list” are Virgin Forest (Angeli Khang, Sid Lucero, Kat Dovey, Vince Rillon, Rob Guinto), Secrets (Janelle Tee, Denise Esteban), Ang Babaeng Nawawala Sa Sarili (Ayanna Misola), My Mother’s Keeper (Angeli Khang, Jamilla Obispo), Scorpio Nights 3 (Christine Bermas), Sitio Diablo (AJ Raval), Us X Her (Ayanna Misola, Angeli Khang, Diego Loyzaga), Lampas Langit (Christine Bermas), Kara Krus (Rhen Escaño), and Itago Sa Dilim (Angeli Khang, Kylie Verzosa, Raymond Bagatsing).
Celebrities encourage voters to make the right choice
“HOW do I see myself six years from now?” A new video uploaded by Pinoy Rap Radio, titled “Kinabukasan” opens with this question, as the 2022 Philippine Elections draw nearer, the fate of the country lies in the choice of millions of Filipinos. Pinoy Rap Radio, an online radio streaming page featuring Filipino hiphop music currently has over seven million likes and eight million followers on Facebook. Truly one for the books, the upcoming elections has Filipino artists participating more than ever, in various ways. Several artists have endorsed the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, appearing in their rallies and sorties, or engaging in other campaign activities, like house-to-house visits. Elections-related videos have also surfaced on social media, with different goals: to show support, educate the audience on candidates’ platforms, and urge Filipino viewers to be wise in their Actor Jon Santos is back to delight audiences with his plethora of characters
MASTER satirist Jon Santos is vaccinated and ready to flex his acting chops again with Jon Santos: LiveScreaming. The pandemic is long from over but Jon Santos and his plethora of characters are finally coming out of lockdown to delight live audiences from the country’s pioneer lifestyle and entertainment destination, Resorts World Manila (RWM).
choices, like the Pinoy Rap Radio’s “Kinabukasan” video, uploaded a week before the elections. Popular celebrities with thousands of followers on their platforms appear in the video, and speak about their worries about their own futures, and how our choice in this month’s elections can significantly change our individual fates. Among the artists expressing their views and encouraging Filipinos to vote for the right candidate are singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino, actor, singer, dancer, and commercial model Kokoy de Santos, actor Elijah Canlas, actress and former courtside reporter Aiyana Perlas, musician and actor Kean Cipriano, theater, film and TV actor Cedric Juan, actress and Kendo athlete Karen Toyoshima, and comedian and content creator Mark “Macoy Dubs” Averilla. In the video, the stars reflect on how our economy, livelihood, and the state of our country in the next few years heavily depend on the choice we make; thus, we
Singer-songwriter Yeng Constantino
must choose a leader with clear platforms, and who truly wants the Philippines to have a better future. The celebrities encourage Filipinos to be critical of the candidates–to be wary of those who have a history of theft and deception, as they most likely seek power for personal gains, and not to genuinely serve the Filipino people. The video ends with a clear call-to-action for next week’s voters: “Bumoto para sa kinabukasan ng bayan, hindi ng iilan.”
LiveScreaming now: Jon Santos The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater stage is getting dressed up for Jon Santos and his arsenal of impersonations, old and new, on May 14 at 8:00 p.m. The decorated theater actor and comedian is bringing his beloved characters into the new normal, mixed in with more new and newsworthy (real news or otherwise) celebrities for a night of fun that we haven’t had in quite a while. This gem of a show demonstrates why Jon Santos remains as the country’s top political impersonator and the sharpest comic barometer of society. Jon Santos: LiveScreaming will also feature stellar performances from Alisah
Sam Concepcion drops music video for ‘Diwata’
SINGER and actor Sam Concepcion drops the music video for “Diwata” featuring PBB Kumunity Season 10 celebrity housemate Shanaia Gomez. The colorful music video, which is set at a summer afternoon party complements the song’s upbeat sound, was dropped last week and is currently trending on YouTube with more than 415,000 views as of writing. “Diwata” served as the theme song for Miss Universe Philippines 2021 swimsuit competition written by KIKX Salazar, Nhiko Sabiniano, Ismael Alshdefat, and Theo Martel.
Bonaobra, Gian Magdangal, and OJ Mariano. The show, produced by Full House Theater Company and Resorts World Manila in cooperation with Ultimate Shows, Inc., is a collaborative project with Jon Santos’s conceptualizing and writing with Dingdong Novenario, Enrico Santos, and Joel Mercado with Jamie Wilson stage directing. To know more about Jon Santos: LiveScreaming and RWM’s entertainment schedule, visit www.rwmanila.com or follow @ rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter, and @resortsworldmanila on Instagram.
Singeractor Sam Concepcion
Nickie Wang, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022
Life
‘Chinatown Is Not A Place’ discusses the stories of Chinese Filipinos who rose from rags to riches and serve as an inspiration to future generations
Jullie Yap Daza’s latest: ‘Chinatown Is Not A Place’ “CHINATOWN is not a place,” declared journalist-author Jullie Yap Daza to her friends. Now that sentence is the title of her latest book. Technically, Chinatown is only one square kilometer in size, an area surrounded by streets whose real estate values rival Makati’s. If it’s not a place, what is it? In Daza’s words, Chinatown is as much
about the Binondo-born as the Greenhillsbred. It is remembering the hard-working “Intsik’ who rose from rags to riches as it is about raising today’s generation of Chinese Filipinos who, like her own grandchildren, show no trace of the Chineseness that once set their ancestors apart as a minority group in Philippine society. In her easily recognizable style, Daza
puts together a collection of anecdotes and jokes, tales told by Chinese-Filipinos aka Chinoys about themselves. With humor and her usual light touch, she scratches taipans and tai-tai in their unguarded moments along with other prosperous but famously frugal merchants and traders. Published by Manila Bulletin Publish-
ing Corp., Chinatown is Not a Place “is not a history book,” according to the author, “though someday it might well be.” In the meantime, there is much to discover about the Chinoys’ trademark frugality vs. their propensity toward prosperity. Available at National Book Store and Fully Booked; or call circulation department, Manila Bulletin, 8527-8121.
Journalist-author Julie Yap Daza
Art collection and alternative art spaces A still from ‘Gapos sa Kadenang Walang Kandado’
Historical revisionism confronted in award-winning student film
Knowing the history of an artwork also helps art curators choose an item
Choosing an artwork comes from one’s connection with an artist
GLAZING LIFE BY GLAIZA LEE
F
OR most people, visiting museums and galleries can feel intimidating. Admittedly, even for me.
I once visited a gallery on a whim because I was in the area and thought about going in. I couldn’t find my way in figuratively and ended up more puzzled than enlightened. I remember having a conversation with someone about a museum. It was a new concept, way ahead of its time, but the museum hasn’t caught on. If I had to give feedback, this could partly be about the atmosphere that the museum evokes. It seems that it was created to impress rather than inspire the visitors. There was an explanation to help viewers or visitors to understand what it is trying to do. But it’s too high-browed that normal people like me have a hard time grasping the content. I know educating the viewers is part of its responsibility, but how can it educate people when they are not inclined to even take a glimpse, or it doesn’t pique their interest simply because they could not understand the content or its purpose? There should be a balance somewhere. Maybe it’s just me, but every time I walk inside an art gallery, I feel this certain pressure that I need to know something about arts, that I at least know what I’m looking at, or I have a little understanding of what the artist is trying to convey. I could count the times I got so engrossed with a gallery visit, and they were mostly when a curator spent time explaining and sharing stories about the artworks and the artists with the visitors. In layman’s terms, not the highfalutin explanation they often do, so I got so much more from the artworks. But those are rare occasions. Most of the time, I would see invigilators spend more time telling them to stop touching things or taking photos with flash rather than engaging the people. There should be a more relaxed environment for the public to see and appreciate artworks. I find that I’m more appreciative of artworks when they are displayed in non-traditional spaces like restaurants, coffee shops, malls, and other alternative spaces where people who are not inclined to visit an art gallery can go and see art. For new artists, alternative spaces are a good way for exposure outside legitimized institutions. For veteran artists, it gives a venue to connect with the market who would otherwise be intimidated by traditional art spaces. Henjie Carmona, an art collector, found his connection with the art scene while having dinner at a restaurant in Makati. While waiting for their food to be served, he looked around the restaurant and an artwork caught his attention. He called the number posted with it and
Henjie Carmona also considers how an artwork makes him feel before he buys it
As an art collector, Henjie Carmona likes artists who are driven by their passion and paint based on their artistic philosophies started a conversation with the curator, which turned out to be Jaime Ponce de Leon, the owner of Leon Gallery. “Jaime was very engaging. He shared his knowledge of arts, telling me about art history, about the masters and artists. He recommended getting pen and ink, based on my budget at that time,” shared Carmona. As years came by, Carmona sold his pen and ink artworks and eventually bought pieces by Vicente Manansala, Federico Alcuaz, Jose Joya, among others. He also bought Sanso, Luz, Legazpi, and other old masters, as well as new artists like Gino Bueza, Jim Paul Martin, John Paul Duray, and even John Lloyd. “I’m not really knowledgeable when it comes to art. I’m just very visual. I’ve always been fascinated with artworks done by the masters. I’ve wanted to own one, but purchasing power was an issue back then,” shared Carmona. After starting his condotel hospitality business in 2001, he began thinking about buying something that would make him happy. Rather than putting his money elsewhere, he decided to collect artworks. One question usually arises when it comes to buying artworks – are you buying one for art’s sake, or for investment? Carmona has this to say: “Appreciation is just relative. After all, it is often driven by market-
ing. For me, the most important thing is my connection to the artwork, to the artist. You don’t buy artworks because they appreciate. That’s a no-no because you might find yourself disappointed. It is not always a guarantee that it will appreciate or even sustain its price.” Also, he cautioned about picking something just because someone tells you to. “It’s always good to know about arts and history. You can weigh in what art dealers or curators say about a piece. But in the end, it’s all about the connection.” How an artwork makes him feel becomes one of the major considerations when buying it. “When I look at the painting, it has to make me happy. I’m quite partial to colors. They make me happy. I don’t like something dark. I know there are many talented artists, but if their works are too weird or too depressing, I don’t like that. I’m not putting them down, but it is just a matter of personal preference.” Another consideration is his connection with the artist. “It’s good to know the artist personally. I talk to them. I get to pick their brains.” Carmona likes artists who are driven by their passion and paint based on their artistic philosophies rather than make artworks that they think would make them rich. He finds a new thrill in meeting new artists. Some of the artworks he has collected can be seen in his restaurant, Rafael’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant, located in Resorts World Manila. The restaurant is peppered with artworks – from music-inspired chandeliers to commissioned paintings and sculptures. “Artworks create something different to a space. Artworks have a powerful vision to create a mood – happy mood for the diners. Restaurants are good venues to appreciate artworks. That’s what happened to me. I got to appreciate artworks while dining in a restaurant. I surround my restaurant with artwork because it makes me feel good, and when other people appreciate them, it’s another good feeling. And in some way, it validates me.” When people label him as an art collector, Carmona often shies away from the term. “I have a certain perception of an art collector, and I have met art collectors who built a house for their art collections. I’m not at that point. But I guess what drives them to collect arts is the same passion that I have. But it is just that our purchasing power is different.” At the end of the conversation with Carmona, I realized that if we want people to appreciate arts, we have to make them accessible, whether geographically or educationally.
AS THE nation sees another election, since our grade school years yet people still 21-year-old student-filmmaker Dan Verzo- disregard it,” she stressed. sa reminds the general public of the horrors The student-artist hopes that her film of the nation’s past and the present threats motivates the viewers to stand their ground of historical revisionism in her award- in the upcoming elections. “Make the right winning short film entidecision,” she reiterated. tled Gapos sa Kadenang “Our vote matters and we Walang Kandado. should not just vote for ourSet in the present time, selves but for everyone. We the six-minute monochroshould vote for our future.” matic work immerses Gapos sa Kadenang viewers into a mourning Walang Kandado earned mother (Lita Colina) who the Misha Boris Anissilongs for the return of her mov Award, a recognition daughter (Ysabella Vernamed after the pioneer of zosa), a student-activist the SineDisipulo X Film abducted during the MarFestival, which was orcos era. As she grieves, she ganized by University of finds herself listening and San Carlo’s film organizareminiscing about the old tion CINEMATA. cassette tapes that recount Verzosa is no stranger to utilizing her creativity the sufferings of her child. De La Salle-College of Saint and platform in tackling Initially written at the Benilde filmmaking student some of the most pressing onset of the election peDan Verzosa issues in our society. She riod, Gapos sa Kadenang was recently hailed as one Walang Kandado is a prompt of the dark days in the Philippines, of the Film Ambassadors by the Film Develparticularly when the late President Ferdi- opment Council of the Philippines (FDCP) nand E. Marcos imposed Martial Law, the when her short animated film IAMANNIKA, era wherein a number of Filipinos suffered which promotes gender equality and women from violence, human rights violations and empowerment, took home the Southeast Asia Audience Award at the Southeast Asia Comextrajudicial killings. “History seems to be changed by the peo- petition of Short Animations – CRAFT Interple in power, but it will never be forgotten by national Animation Festival. the family of the victims,” Verzosa expressed. Her short film on extrajudicial killings enti“Altering events that happened in the tled Malapit Na, ‘Nay! (Almost There, Mother!) past or omitting them altogether only al- swept awards at the 2019 CineMorayta Film lows mistakes to be repeated,” she added. Festival, 2020 Karapatan at Kabataan Film Fes“It is especially dangerous nowadays when tival, and 2020 CineMapua Film Festival. politicians exploit this revisionism to clean Her Sala, Salin-Laway (Living Room Banter) was a Metro Manila Film Festival their names and mislead the people.” Gapos sa Kadenang Walang Kandado (MMFF) finalist and 2021 Manila Student is the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Film Festival Best Film Awardee. Ang Awit Digital Filmmaking (DFilm) student’s invita- Na Lipos Sa Pangungulila (A Song of a tion to the viewers to consider the past to be Yearning Soul) was one of the official selections in the 2021 Viddsee Juree Luzon able to make a choice for a brighter future. “History is the best teacher; it was taught and 2021 Nabunturan Film Exhibition.
Jinggoy Buensuceso’s art installation features bululs made of molded fibreglass infused with burnt debris, soil, and dust
A dramatic assembly of humans and nature
THE Cultural Center of the Philippines presents KAINGIN: An Earth Month Art Installation by Jinggoy Buensuceso. Curated by Junyee as a continuation of Angud (2007), the installation was launched on April 30 at the CCP Front Lawn and 4th Floor Atrium. Visual artist Jinggoy Buensuceso transforms the CCP Front Lawn into a burnt forest with over a thousand contemporary bululs made of molded fibreglass infused with burnt debris, soil, and dust, collected from areas in the Philippines that encounter the most serious environmental struggles. These new sculptures, and their state at every phase of the exhibit, represent the forests that are synonymous to humanity, as their fates are intertwined. If forests die, we die. KAINGIN is a dramatic assembly of humans and nature, a wake-up call to make a stand for our land, challenge the current ways, and push for solutions that will sustain humanity without collateral damage. Jinggoy Buensuceso (b. 1982, Samal, Bataan)
is a visual artist and sculptor working at the new frontier of art and design to create a synesthetic creative language that fuses the natural and artificial worlds. Buensuceso’s art is informed by a deep knowledge of materials and processes, both ancient and modern. The artist feels his way through the connective tissues between humanity and nature, envisioning lines that create the contours of the physical and metaphysical. Each installation and sculpture is influenced by these linear movements. The dichotomy of existence, with its eternal and opposing forces of chaos and order, nurtures his iconoclastic convictions of the divine pairings that feature in his work. True to his anarchic style, he has embraced the color black as an ambiguous muse: black is everything and nothing; it is sensuous and solemn; it is the color of the void that births manifold universes. Buensuceso is a graduate of Visual Communications from the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.