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More oil price shocks ahead

DOE sees no letup in rising trend, Palace asks transport strike put off By Alena Mae Flores and Vito Barcelo

ORLD oil prices are expected to trend higher in the following weeks, which would translate to higher domestic pump prices – a situation neither the government nor the country has control over, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday.

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 112 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 calls on people to rally behind Marcos govt By Joyce Pangco Pañares

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night called on Filipinos to rally behind his successor, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., amid the daunting challenges the incoming

administration will face. “President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him. That’s democracy. That is how we operate,” Duterte said in his televised Talk to the People. “We must all be united in confront-

ing the issues ahead of us. We have no room for politicking or actions that are divisive to the country. The people have spoken -- we already have our leader.” “Once the people have spoken as to the leader they want, we should follow. Next page

“Let’s see the trading prices this week, but the factors we cited would support an increase in prices. I don’t see a significant factor or event that would offset those factors at the moment,” Rino Abad, Director for the DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, said. Another huge oil price hike is set to be imposed today, Tuesday, with diesel prices going up by P6.55 per liter, while gasoline prices will rise by P2.70 per liter and kerosene by P5.45 per liter. This developed as the Palace appealed to jeepney drivers and operators to post-

pone their planned transport strike this month, assuring them the government is doing its best to help them amid skyrocketing fuel prices. The factors Abad mentioned include increased fuel demand from the United States due to its summer driving season, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in China, and the ban by most countries on Russian oil owing to its invasion of Ukraine. The Philippines imports more than 90 percent of its supply from the world market, and has no control on global Next page

DAR: P20/kilo of rice possible thru mega farm By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform believes incoming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. can lower the prices of palay and rice in the market to P20 per kilo through its “mega farm” project that will consolidate small and contiguous farm lots into big farms for rice production. Secretary Bernie Cruz said the agency has conducted several studies showing that the 150,000-hectare farm can produce an average of 142 cavans of palay per hectare per cropping season. This translates to an income of P76,501 a year for a farmer-beneficiary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. “We will present this to President Marcos Next page

INCOMING ECONOMIC TEAM. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads a meeting of his incoming economic team, composed of Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, Finance

Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Monday.

US Deputy State Sec. Sherman to meet Marcos as part of Asian swing Gov’t workers free to choose flexi-time plan By Rey E. Requejo

US DEPUTY Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is expected to visit the Philippines this month purportedly to meet President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The US Department of State said Sherman will travel to Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Laos from June 5 to 14.

Besides meeting with Marcos, Sherman will also meet senior officials of the incoming and outgoing administrations to discuss new measures to strengthen the bilateral relations between Washington and Manila. On May 23, Marcos met with US Charges d’ Affaires Heather Variava and discussed the possible extension

and redefinition of the Visiting Forces Agreement, along with other issues, such as security issues. Meanwhile, Marcos received ambassadors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations during a courtesy call Monday at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Those present were Brunei Darus-

salam Ambassador to the Philippines Johariah Wahab, Cambodia Ambassador Phan Peuv, Indonesia Ambassador Agus Widjojo, and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Ambassador Songkane Luangmuninthone. Also present were Singapore Ambassador Gerard Ho, Thailand Chargé Next page

BBM submits SOCE, beats June 8 cut-off By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections warned candidates who participated in the recent national and local elections to submit their respective Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) by June 8, 2022 or risk not being able to assume their posts until they have met the requirement. Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco issued the reminder after the political party of president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. filed its SOCE. He said candidates who withdrew their candidacy and political parties will still have to submit their expenses as well as the contribution they received during the campaign period. Lawyer George Briones, general counsel of Next page

FLEXIBLE work arrangements for government employees will now become permanent starting June 15. Resolution No. 2200209 of the Civil Service Commission makes the alternative work arrangement permanent, subject to the discretion of the head of agency on the condition that all stakeholders are assured of continuous delivery of services from 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. The flexible work arrangement guidelines cover 1.7 million government employees regardless of the status of appointment, the CSC said. “This will certainly change the landscape of work in the country. The CSC is confident that greater flexibility will lead to increased productivity as the work environment becomes more responsive to employees’ unique individual needs,” it added in a statement. Prior to this, alternative and flexible work arrangements were only allowed Next page

MISS WORLD QUEENS. Crowned Sunday night in the Miss World Philippines pageant are (from left) Miss World

Philippines Charity 2022 Cassandra Bermeo Chan (San Juan), Miss Eco Teen Philippines Beatriz Mclelland (Aklan), Miss Supranational Philippines Alison Black (Las Piñas City), Miss World Philippines Gwendolyne Fourniol (Negros Occidental), Miss Eco Philippines Ashley Subijano Montenegro (Makati City), Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Ingrid Santamaria (Parañaque City), and Miss World Philippines Tourism 2022 Justine Beatrice Felizarta (Marikina). Danny Pata

French-Filipino beauty crowned Miss World PH By Eton Concepcion

SUV DRIVER IN CRUEL HIT & RUN KNOWN NEWS / A4

CRUEL CORNERING. In these series of stills from a now-viral video, a white

SUV is seen bumping then running over security guard Christian Floralde, who was directing traffic at a busy corner in Mandaluyong City on Sunday. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has identified and summoned the owner of the SUV, who now faces charges of reckless imprudence (See full story on A4).

FRENCH-Filipino Gwendolyne Bolivar Fourniol was crowned Miss World Philippines 2022 during the live coronation night held at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City that ended early Monday morning. The 21-year-old Fourniol, who grew up in France and is currently pursuing an Economics degree at Oxford Brooks in the United Kingdom, also bagged the Best in Evening Gown and Miss Silka special awards. Fourniol, who was a Top 15 finalist Next page

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

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BBM urges PH: Fly flag every day P

RESIDENT-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday urged homes, government, and business establishments to display the Philippine flag at all times, saying this is a good reminder of the people’s love for their country.

advantage of this activity,” de Leon said. He said they are also coordinating with the Manila City government and nearby local government units (LGUs) for the “no permit, no rally” policy. The PNP said so far, local government units have not issued any permits for any protest action on the day of Marcos’s inauguration. De Leon said the same level of preparation is also being done for the inauguration of Vice President-elect Sara Duterte in Davao City on June 19. He said they have yet to get any report of any possible disruptions during the inauguration of Duterte-Carpio on June 19, amid the recent bombing incidents in Mindanao. In his vlog uploaded to YouTube on

June 4, Marcos stressed the importance of displaying the Philippine flag. “I agree with you all. We should encourage all those establishments — business and government — to display and take pride in our country’s flag,” he said. According to the President-elect, the flag should be displayed at all times, not just during Independence Day. “I think that there is nothing wrong, whatsoever, in displaying our flag, not just when Independence Day comes. We should display the flag in our houses,” Marcos pointed out. “I even know someone who erected a flag pole in their house and they have a flag-raising ceremony every day,” he added. Rey E. Requejo

Marcos made the statement as the country celebrates its Philippines’ 124th Independence Day on June 12. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Kalayaan 2022: Pag-suong sa Hamon Ng Panibagong Bukas (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).” Meanwhile, about 2,000 Metro Manila police officers will be deployed to secure the inauguration of Marcos Jr. at the National Museum of the Philippines on June 30, a police official said Monday. Philippine National Police (PNP)

director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon inspected the museum as part of security preparations for the event. De Leon said PNP officer in charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. emphasized the need for early preparations to anticipate all the possible scenarios that could affect the oath taking ceremony. “Our personnel from Regions 3 and 4 will only be utilized to ensure that there will be no movements, especially those that are left-leaning organizations taking

DAR:... From A1

SWS: 3.1m families experienced hunger in Q1 ‘22

Jr. The decision is up to him on how to implement this. We are willing to help,” Cruz said in a press conference. He said the Philippines has the modern technology and the capacity to produce “quality rice” compared to imported rice varieties which have higher pesticide residue and preservatives. “What is also important is that we can help our local farmers. What is happening now is we are helping the foreign farmers,” Cruz said. According to DAR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and Research Office David Erro, should the Marcos administration adopt the mega farm project, it would not only bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo but it would also liberate the farmer-beneficiaries from “subsistence farming.” Last month, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said there is still a shortage in the local production of fish, pork, and rice due in part to years of neglect of agriculture. “Local production is not enough,” Dar said. Food producers are also set to increase the prices of basic goods such as bread and sardines on the back of higher prices of raw materials. The Philippine Baking Industry Group (PhilBaking) is looking to hike prices of the more affordable bread by P4.00 per pack—Pinoy Pandesal to P27.50 from P23.50 per 10-piece pack, and Pinoy Tasty to P42.50 from P38.50. The Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Association (Sophil) is also seeking to hike prices of sardines by P1.00, and by another P0.75 monthly given the higher prices of tin cans and logistics. With Jun David

French-Filipino... From A1 in last year’s edition, was crowned by Tracy Maureen Perez. Fourniol, who uses her platform to support the Educational Research and Development Assistance or ERDA Foundation that provides free education to underprivileged Filipino children, hopes to put up a French tutorial service in the Philippines. Her mother, Sim Bolivar, a native of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, finished college through ERDA and worked as a housemaid in Luxembourg where she met Fourniol’s French father, Thierry. During the question and answer portion, she was asked about coping with the education deficit caused by the pandemic. “As an advocate of education, I do agree that during the pandemic, we have suffered the most but the children who have the lack of access to education have suffered the greatest,” Fourniol said. “Working hand in hand with ERDA Foundation who empowered the marginalized Filipinos, I believe by uniting benefactors and encouraging our children and allowing them to go back to school especially during this pandemic will make this world a better place because education is the greatest weapon against poverty,” she added.

Gov’t... From A1 during a state of public health emergency, which is set to end by September this year. “The CSC seeks to institutionalize flexible work arrangements as part of the nationwide effort to transition from a state of public health emergency to the new normal. It serves as a preventive measure to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of government officials and employees while ensuring the government’s continued operations and

AN ESTIMATED 3.1 million Filipino families, or 12.2% of total families in the country, experienced involuntary hunger -- defined as being hungry and not having anything to eat —at least once in the past three months, a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said. The hunger rate in the April 19-27, 2022 survey, released Monday, is 0.4 points higher than the 11.8% or estimated 3 million families in December

2021, and 2.2 points above the 10% (estimated 2.5 million families rate in September 2021. However, it is 0.9 points below the 13.1% annual average for 2021, the survey firm said. The non-commissioned national survey, participated in by 1, 440 adults, was conducted using face-to-face interviews. Its sampling error margins are ±2.6% for national percentages and ±5.2% for Balance Luzon, Metro Ma-

nila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Hunger was felt the most by families in Metro Manila (18.6%) followed by Mindanao (13.1%), Balance Luzon (11.7%), and the Visayas (7.8%). It has been highest in Metro Manila in 23 out of 97 surveys since July 1998. According to the survey, the higher hunger incidence in the country was due to the increases in Balance Luzon and Mindanao, combined with decreases in Metro Manila and the Visayas region.

CALM AFTER ERUPTION. Smoke rises from Bulusan volcano as seen from the port of Sorsogon City, Sorsogon on Monday. The volcano in Bicol Region spewed a huge, dark cloud on June 5, prompting evacuations from ash-covered towns while authorities warned of possible further eruptions (See full story on A3). AFP

supply, Abad noted. The DOE also continues to appeal to local oil companies to implement price discounts or promotions to soften the impact to the public. Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said one of the efforts the government continues to do is giving fuel subsidies to affected drivers. “We call on all jeepney drivers and operators not to continue with their plan to suspend their operations this week,” he said. He said the government’s distribution of fuel subsidies is ongoing and that more than 180,000 public utility drivers have already received the aid as of June 1. Various transport groups have complained about the continuous oil price hikes even as they are not allowed to raise fares. Most of the members of Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) said they would rather stop working to avoid further losses, with another huge increase in the price of diesel looming. But the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it is unlikely to approve pending fare hike petitions in the re-

maining days of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, Transport groups filed petitions back in January to increase minimum fares up to P15 from P9 to mitigate the impact of rising pump prices. But the decision will likely be left to the administration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., LTFRB Executive Director Ma. Kristina Cassion said. Hearings for the fare hike petitions are set on June 28 and 29, which coincide with the last week of the Duterte administration. Duterte earlier approved a fuel subsidy for PUV drivers and the poorest families instead of suspending the excise taxes on fuel, as local pump prices soared. Earlier, transport groups vowed to “bury” the LTFRB with complaints over the government’s inaction on their fuel subsidies. In an interview over radio DZRH, Liga ng mga Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas national president Orlando Marquez said public transport groups would try to pin down LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra, who they said has not acted on their petitions for a fare hike amid the global oil crisis. Marquez said of Delgra: “He’s more slippery than a catfish. He doesn’t even talk to us, he doesn’t even have a public consultation.” This week’s oil price hike was driven

efficient delivery of public services,” the CSC said. Based on the CSC resolution, flexible work arrangements include the following: - Flexiplace, wherein officials and employees may be authorized to render services away from their office; - Compressed work week, in which the 40-hour work week is compressed into four days or less, instead of five; - Skeleton workforce, where a minimum number of personnel will be required to report to the office when full staffing is not possible; - Work shifting for agencies required

by law to operate 24/7 or agencies required to observe workplace health and safety protocols; - Flexitime, where employees are allowed to report between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. provided they complete the required 40-hour workweek; and - Combination of f lexible work arrangements that may be adopted by an agency according to what is appropriate or applicable to its mandate and functions. The adoption of flexible work arrangements may be allowed on a regular or recurring basis, situational, or for medical reasons.

More oil... From A1

Sandiganbayan junks Napoles bid to nix case By Maricel V. Cruz

DETAINED businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles has lost her bid for the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the graft charges filed against her in connection with the P15-million “pork barrel” funds of a congressman. This came after the Sandiganbayan’s Second Division dismissed for lack of merit Napoles’ motion for leave to file demurrer to evidence for the graft case involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of then-Nueva Ecija Rep. Aurelio Umali. A demurrer to evidence is a petition asking the court to decide the case solely on the basis of the evidence presented by the prosecution, while challenging such evidence to prove that it is not enough to merit conviction. The anti-graft court also dismissed similar motions filed by Napoles’ coaccused in graft case number SB-19CRM-0059, namely Renato Manantan and Narcisa Maningding. “It is significant to note that grounds raised in the instant motions were mere general allegations that the prosecution’s pieces of evidence are insufficient to prove beyond reasonable doubt the elements of violation of Sec. 3(e) of RA No. 3019 as well as their conspiracy in the commission. They have not provided any reason or explanation on how they arrived at such a conclusion,” the Sandiganbayan said in a resolution.

US Deputy... From A1

by increased demand from northern hemisphere countries due to the summer peak period from June to September, the Russian oil ban by the European Union; and the easing of lockdowns in China, which is projected to increase the oil demand, industry sources said. On May 31, the oil companies implemented a price decrease in gasoline by P1.70 per liter contrary to diesel and kerosene, which increased by P1.20 and P2.45 per liter, respectively. These resulted in the year-to-date net increase of P23.85 per liter for gasoline, P30.30 per liter for diesel, and P27.65 per liter for kerosene. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said the fuel price hikes will dissipate the value of wage hikes recently granted by the wage boards across 14 regions in the country. “The new fuel price hike will surely trigger prices of basic commodities and cost of services to shoot up and would further diminish the buying power of wages,” TUCP President Raymond Mendoza said. He said the buying power of the current wage adjustments is being dissipated by the series of extraordinary increases in prices of basic commodities and cost of services and have no impact in lifting the lives of workers from worsening poverty caused by the pandemic crisis.

BBM... From A1 Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), said it spent some P272 million during the 90-day campaign period. “The SOCE of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas consists of 400 pages. The PFP spent P272 million by way of expenses in the last 2022 presidential campaign, which is well below the maximum expenditure of P337 million allowed by law for a national political party,” Briones said. Under the law, all political parties are allowed to spend P5 for every

d’affaires Thawat Sumitmor, and Vietnam Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung. Also paying a courtesy call to the President-elect was Ambassador Marcos Clemente of Italy. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Manila said China intends to keep its “good relations” with the Philippines under the new administration. In an online conference, Chinese Embassy Counsellor Xie Yonghui recounted a May 18 phone conversation between Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who urged both countries to “carry forward the friendship of the two sides and stay true to their original aspirations.” “President Xi stressed that both countries should carry forward the friendship of the two sides and stay true to their original aspirations. The two countries should also grasp the general trend, write a grand story on the China-Philippines friendship in the new era and follow through the blueprint for bilateral friendly relations, so as to usher in an even higher, brighter future for the bilateral ties,” Xie said. With Mervin Vince Lopez

Du30... From A1 We should avoid politicking. We rally behind the elected leaders of our country. That is how our form of government works,” he added. Duterte earlier formed the Presidential Transition Team, headed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, to ensure a smooth transition ahead of Marcos’ inauguration on June 30. Medialdea said his team already met his possible successor, Vic Rodriguez. Duterte, who will end his six-year term in less than a month, said he has chosen to keep his peace as he urged Filipinos to refrain from politicking. “As for me, I am done. I will say nothing,” he said. “What I do not want is if there are people who would resort to politicking or just plain criticize the new administration. You do not do that,” the President added. voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies, where it has official candidates. Briones said the PFP’s SOCE was signed and prepared by its national treasurer, Antonio Ernesto “Anton” Lagdameo, who is nominated as Marcos’s Special Assistant to the President (SAP). The Comelec said Marcos Jr. is still required to file a separate SOCE, as Republic Act No. 7166 states that “every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, within 30 days after the day of the election, file in duplicate with the offices of the commission the full, true and itemized SOCE in connection with the election.”

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP on alert as evacuation starts in Bulusan By Rio N. Araja, Willie Casas, Joel E. Zurbano

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday ordered the immediate mobilization of police units to assist residents of Sorsogon and nearby areas following Sunday’s phreatic eruption of the Bulusan Volcano. Over 200 people have ﬂed their homes

following the eruption of the Bulusan Volcano, Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero said. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is closely monitoring the situation after a phreatic eruption of the Bulusan Volcano which caused ashfalls in Juban and Casiguran in Sorsogon. Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, PNP director for operations, said these units were also ordered to secure business establishments against potential looters. “PNP OIC (ofﬁcer-in-charge) Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. instructed RD (Regional Director) PRO5 (Police Regional Ofﬁce 5) to coordinate with the concerned local government units to determine the assistance that our local police units could extend to

ensure the safety of the affected local residents,” De Leon said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 1 around the Bulusan Volcano after it spewed a thick plume mid-morning Sunday, causing ashfalls in some areas in Sorsogon and Albay. He added that there were still some families living in danger zones and the priority now is to evacuate these people as soon as possible. De Leon also said unit commanders in Albay and Sorsogon were instructed put on standby available vehicles and means of transportation assets for the evacuation operations. The PRO-5 was also tasked to constantly communicate with local government units and local ofﬁces of the Ofﬁce of Civil De-

fense (OCD) in order to determine the assistance that local residents need, including food, medicine, and other basic needs. The NDRRMC tasked the Bicol Regional DRRMC to ban entry into the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) and exercise vigilance in the two-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions; as well as ensure compliance of the local government units, especially the high-risk barangays, on the dissemination of advisories from the authorities regarding the management of ashfall and other volcanic hazards. The NDRRMC also directed the Bicol RDRRMC to preposition teams and resources to support the affected LGUs should

Chiz says Robin can sit as chairman of any committee

IN BRIEF Ai-ai, 2 others face sanction for disrespect of QC seal A QUEZON City councilor has filed a resolution declaring a comedienne, a film director, and a losing mayoral candidate persona non grata for disrespecting the seal of the city government in political ads. Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) rewarded six informants P9.6 million in cold cash for providing intelligence information for leading to successful anti-drug operations. Those facing sanctions were identified as prominent comedienne-actress Ai-ai delas Alas, film director Darryl Yap, and Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, who lost to Mayor Joy Belmonte in the May 9 local polls. In her privilege speech during yesterday’s regular session, outgoing Distrtict 4 Councilor Ivy Lagman hit Delas Alas, Yap and Defensor, citing their supposed “great disrespect and disregard to superimpose the Quezon City seal just to campaign for a politician.” “The city and its citizens must always be respected. I call for Yap, Ai-Ai and Mike Defensor to apologize and (promise) never to do such act again,” she said. Rio N. Araja

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PARTY-LIST POST-ELECTION PROTEST.

Leaders of various party-list groups stage a protest before the Commission on Elections headquarters in Intramuros, Manila to ask the poll body to summarily disqualify and delist all party-list groups, regardless of their performance in the recently-concluded polls. Norman Cruz

Cops kill cabbie who robs his passenger POLICE have killed a taxi driver who reportedly robbed his passenger in Bonifacio Global City on Sunday. The cabbie, identiﬁed as Ryan Guanieso, 36, of Pasay City, was cut down after he reportedly tried to shoot at responding policemen. Initial investigation showed that the victim took the taxi driven by Guanieso at the Gate 1 of Afpovai Subdivision along C-5 Sampaguita West Service Road ﬂyover in Taguig City around 1:50 a.m. The victim asked the driver to bring him to BGC. Upon reaching American Cemetery circle, the taxi driver pulled over, pulled out a gun, and at gunpoint announced the holdup. The driver took the victim’s wallet and mobile phone, and instructed the passenger to get off, then drove away. The victim sought police assistance from BGC Police Substation 1. The responding policemen conducted a mobile patrol in the areas and spotted Guanesio. A car chase and a shootout ensued resulting in the death of the taxi driver.

MIMAROPA survives Pandemic by gardening MIMAROPA region (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) has obtained a readily available source of food during the height of COVID-19 pandemic. This was through the recently completed project, “Edible Gardening for Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis,” funded and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). In a project terminal review, project leader, Dr. Maria Concepcion Mores, said that members of participating households were guided in establishing and maintaining their respective edible gardens through on-site demonstrations of production technologies and practices. They were equipped with knowledge and skills in growing food crops at home through training courses and provision of supplies and materials comprised of seeds, gardening tools, African night crawler worms, and other materials including printed information, education, and communication materials. They were also trained on vermicomposting and preparation of natural liquid fertilizers from plant juice/extracts. Butch Gunio

the need arise and prepare for possible alert escalation. Meanwhile, the OCD, NDRRMC, Bicol RDRRMC, and the Phivolcs continue to coordinate with the local government units and disaster managers for any developments. Advisories, emergency text alerts and local announcements are being released continuously to remind the public of the preparedness and response measures. The Philvolcs on Monday recorded 29 volcanic earthquakes and one phreatic eruption that lasted 17 minutes. The agency warned of possible hazards that can occur, such as sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. The volcano emitted a plume 150 meters high with its ediﬁce being inﬂated.

Win cautions DOE on Malampaya sell-off SENATOR Win Gatchalian has urged the incoming officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that existing laws and prescribed regulations are followed before giving its consent to the entry of Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Holdings Inc. (Prime Infra) into the Malampaya gas-to-power project. In making the call, Gatchalian underscored the need to protect the interest of the nation above everything else. “The mere fact that the business unit of Dennis Uy’s Udenna Corp., which took over the 45 percent stake of Chevron Malampaya LLC, is now disposing of its hold in the gas field project negates the DOE’s earlier assertions that UC Malampaya Philippines Pte. Ltd. Was financially and technically capable from the very beginning,” Gatchalian said. This latest development concerning Malampaya’s operations also affirmed the

senator’s previous claims that the DOE railroaded the approval of the transfer of a substantial participating interest in the gas project which clearly states that the DOE violated laws. Gatchalian stressed that the law is clear —that Department Circular 2007-04-0003 mandates that the rights and obligations under a petroleum service contract executed under Presidential Decree 87 shall not be assigned or transferred without prior approval of the DOE. Such a transaction likewise requires securing the consent of other members of the Malampaya consortium that includes the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) which holds the remaining 10 percent interest in Malampaya. Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) holds the 45% controlling interest in Petroleum Service Contract 38 (SC 38)

which is the Malampaya gas ﬁeld. Gatchalian expressed belief that Prime Infra is willing to go through the process and indicated openness in being scrutinized under existing regulatory approval processes to ensure that the deal to be sealed is above board. “As our country’s single most important energy resource, it is imperative to say the least that the company—whichever is interested in Malampaya—is compliant with the ﬁnancial, technical, and legal aspects as prescribed by existing laws and is willing to secure prior government approval,” Gatchalian said. “We expect transparency on the part of Prime Infra in dealing with government regulations to make the transfer of interest binding and effective,” he said. “The future of our energy security is at stake in the years to come,” Gatchalian added. Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR-ELECT Chiz Escudero yesterday took they cudgels for actorturned-politician-turned Sen. Robin Padilla for the latter’s desire to lead the Senate Committee on Constitutional Reforms and Revision of Codes and Laws. Padilla was earlier advised by incoming Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and outgoing Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon to study hard about the law. Zubiri said Padilla cannot simplify complicated legal terminologies, particularly on revising laws and the Constitution, especially if Padilla had to debate with constitutionalists, or deans of the law of various colleges and universities. Drilon, on the other hand noted that the post Padilla wants required legal knowledge” and the senator must have “exposure” on the Constitution.” “Remember, it says Revision of Codes and Laws. This would refer to major laws like Civil Code, Revised Penal Code, all the codified laws and it’s not easy to do that,” Drilon said. In defending the neophyte senator, Escudero said all senators are equal. “They have one vote each and get the same monthly salary.” The come-backing senator asserted that a senator can chair any committee since there is no special qualification to chair a specific committee. “It rests solely on the decision via election made by a majority of senators on the floor,” he said. He also emphasized that no senator should be discriminated upon and should solely be judged by his/her performance after serving as such. “Senator Parilla is as qualified as any senator elected to serve as such to chair any committee that the majority decides to elect him to,” Escudero pointed out. Earlier, Padilla announced that former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo would be his legislative adviser.

POPCOM chief optimistic BBM will adopt BP2 program THE continuity of the government’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa (BP2) program will promote “inclusive economic development”. “The incoming Marcos administration must consider the continuation of the BP2 program to equalize opportunities nationwide,” said Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, head of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM). “We hope that the Balik Probinsya Program will be really studied by the next administration and will include the population dynamics,” Perez said in a radio interview. He urged the incoming ofﬁcials to promote policies that would encourage people’s migration from rural to urban areas and address “income disparity” among regions. Lilibeth Domo, a native of Kauswagan,

LEAGUE OF CITIES ASSEMBLY. Mayor Kristel Lagman-Luistro is a graceful representative of Tabaco City in Albay at the League of Cities Special General Assembly at the Marriott Hotel, Newport City in Pasay City with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia handing out awards. Norman Cruz

PDEA gave away P9.6-m bounties to 6 informants By Rio N. Araja, Joel E. Zurbano THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday gave away P9.6 million in cash rewards to six informants for providing intelligence leading to successful anti-drug operations. PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva personally thanked the six informants through Operation Private Eye (OPE), a reward and incentive scheme to encourage private citizens to report to PDEA any suspected illegal drug activities within their community. Meanwhile, police arrested four suspected drug pushers in a buy-bust operation Late Sunday night in Taguig City.

The anti-narcotics operation also resulted in the seizure of 61 grams of metamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth P414,800. Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg identiﬁed the suspects as Jose Reyna Monroe, alias Jojo, 43; Elpidio de Asis Lagoc, 32; Michael Loganao, 20, nd Steven John Deguzman, 21. He said Monroe was listed as a high value individual and the main target of the police operation while the three other suspects were described as street level individuals in the ﬁght against narcotics. All suspects are believed to be members of a drug syndicate operating in south Metro Manila

and neighboring provinces. The SPD chief said his men from the Taguig City Police - Station Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the buy-bust operation along Kawayan Street in Barangay North Signal Village around 11 p.m. The authorities also recovered from the suspects a coin purse, and the cash and boodle money used in the entrapment operation. The suspects are now detained at the Taguig Police detention cell and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 while the recovered evidences were turned over to SPD Forensic Unit for chemical analysis. Macaraeg commended his men for their accomplishment.

Lanao del Norte, said her life in Metro Manila did not change since she migrated 22 years ago and was even made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, her decision to avail herself of the BP2 program. “Construction worker ang asawa ko tapos noong nagka-pandemic, wala na kaming pambayad ng renta. Wala na halos makain tapos nag-aantay na lang ng bigay ng kumpanya Domo said in an interview before taking off for Lanao del Norte on May 31. Domo’s family was among those sent back home to Agusan del Sur, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro. “Sobrang saya ko na, lalo na ‘yung may tumawag na sa akin. Approved na yung naaplayan kong ‘Balik Probinsya,” she said.

BOUNTIES GALORE.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director Gen. Wilkins Villanueva, hands out a total of P4.5 million pesos to drug informants whose intelligence tips led to successful raids and apprehensions of suspects. Manny Palmero

Okada execs file criminal raps over ‘violent takeover’

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

News

By Rey E. Requejo

HREE officials of Tiger Resort Leisure & Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI), which operates hotel-casino Okada Manila Resort in Paranaque, on Monday filed separate criminal complaints before the Department of Justice, in connection with the “violent takeover “ by the group of gaming tycoon Kazuo Okada and his Filipino partner and businessman Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco last week.

The complaints were filed by Japanese nationals Michiaki Satate, co-vice chairperson and director of TRLEI; Hajima Tokuda, co-vice chairperson and authorized representative of Universal Entertainment Corporation (UEC); and James Lorenzana, a Filipino member of the Board of Directors of TRLEI. UEC, a publicly-listed company in Japan, owns 99.99 percent of TRLEI, the Philippine firm that owns and operates the Okada Manila Resort. In his complaint, Satate filed grave coercion under Article 286 and unjust vexation under Article 287 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) while Tokuda filed a complaint for kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267, grave coercion under Article 286 and unjust vexation under Article 287 of the RPC. On the other hand, Lorenzana filed grave coercion under Article 286, slight physical injuries and unjust vexation under Article 287 of the RPC. All the three complainants named the same respondents in their respective complaint-affidavits which in-

clude Okada; TRLEI president and board member Cojuangco; TRLEI board members Dino Espeleta, Maximo Modesto Flores, Tetsuya Yokota, CRIMINAL CASES. Counsels of plaintiff lead by Atty. Estrella C. Elamparo (right) shows a criminal complaint document they filed and Hiroshi Kawamura; Kazuo’s le- at the Department of Justice on Monday on behalf of Hajime Tokuda. Tokuda filed a kidnapping and serious illegal detention case gal counsel Florentino “Binky” Her- against Antonio Cojuangco and 22 others over an alleged forcible takeover of Okada Manila. Danny Pata rera III; and several security guards who participated in the Okada takeover. Lorenzana said the respondents should also be indicted for slight physiTHE Land Transportation Office (LTO) accident (Sec. 55 of RA 4136) and why owner’s driver’s license has been placed cal injuries under Article 266 of the has identified and summoned the owner his driver’s license should not be sus- under a 90-day preventive suspension RPC. of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) involved pended or revoked in connection with and their motor vehicle record placed unTiger Resort Asia Ltd. (TRAL), the in the hit-and-run of a traffic enforcer in the incident stated above,” the order der alarm to prevent “any and all transacparent company of TRLEI, meanwhile Mandaluyong City on Sunday. read. tions while under investigation.” has branded as a “sham board” the In a show-cause order issued on The LTO’s show-cause order against The LTO requested the identity of the newly created board of directors of the Monday, LTO Intelligence and Investithe owner of the vehicle involved in vehicle owner be kept in confidence. group of Japanese billionaire Kazuo gation Division (IID) officer-in-charge the hit-and-run of a traffic enforcer in Based on the signed copy of the docuOkada, which took control the casino Renante Melitante ordered the vehicle Mandaluyong City on Sunday. ment, the father of the vehicle owner and hotel last week. owner and the “assigned driver” to apIn a now-viral dashcam footage has received the show cause order. Estrella Elamparo, legal counsel for pear at the LTO IID in East Avenue, shared by another motorist, a white Meanwhile, the Philippine National Tiger Resorts group said TRAL will Quezon City on Tuesday. Toyota RAV4 was signaled to stop at Police (PNP) said the owner of the venot recognize any businesses or trans“The assigned driver is further di- the corner of Julia Vargas Avenue and hicle has sent surrender feelers. actions that will be entered upon by the rected to submit a written comment/ St. Francis Street but instead, the drivPNP director for operations Maj. group of Kazuo Okada. explanation thereon to show cause er bumped the guard who immediately Gen. Valeriano de Leon said the lawThe gaming regulator Pagcor meanwhy he should not be administratively fell and ran over the victim before fleeyer of the vehicle owner had already while emphasized its neutrality in the charged for Reckless Driving (Sec. 48 ing the scene. coordinated with them with regard to ongoing corporate dispute. of RA 4136), Duty of driver in case of Due to the severity of the incident, the the surrender. With Jenniffer B. Austria

LTO identifies SUV driver in hit-and-run of traffic enforcer

IN BRIEF

PGH says ER is currently at 200% over its usual capacity THE emergency room (ER) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is operating at 200-percent over capacity, handling patients suffering from illnesses not related to COVID-19. PGH spokesperson Jonas del Rosario, in an ABS-CBN report, urged the public to try visiting other local hospitals first as there was a “bottleneck” in their ward admissions due to more patients coming in. The PGH ER only has a regular capacity of 70 patients but caters to 120 to 150 patients daily, Del Rosario said. “Many patients probably did not see their doctors in a long time and only had the chance now to go to the hospital. Some of them have neglected their health, that’s why sometimes when they get to the hospital, their situation is severe,” del Rosario said, adding that “the number of patients has affected our patient care. Some of our patients lie on the floor because we no longer have a stretcher, a wheelchair, or a bed. It’s not an ideal situation. Del Rosario disclosed that patients currently in the PGH ER with non-COVID illnesses include those with pneumonia, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes with complications, and those in need of dialysis, among others. Other hospitals are urged to coordinate first with PGH before sending their patients, he added.

ANOTHER OIL PRICE HIKE.

A motorcycle rider stops up at a gasoline station in Metro Manila on Monday. Oil prices are expected to rise again. Diesel will increase by P6.30 to P6.60 per liter, and gasoline by P2.50 to P2.80 per liter. Norman Cruz

Rody urged to sign bill for senior citizens SENIOR Citizen Rep. Rodolfo Ordales on Monday expressed hopes that President Duterte will sign the reconciled version of House Bill 9459 and Senate Bill 2506, that mandate an increase in the monthly benefit given to indigent senior citizens, soon. “Senior Citizen Party-list group, the House Special Committee on Senior Citizens, and the entire House thank all the senators, especially Senate President Tito Sotto and Senator Joel Villanueva,” Ordales said. He said the House panel supported the adoption of the reconciled version because “it is essentially what we pushed for and labored during the Committee and plenary deliberations in the House. This is the bicameral legislative system working well for the people.” The reconciled version includes an automatic adjustment of the P1000 pension, mandating the National Commission on Senior Citizens to adjust the pension rate based on the consumer price index at the time. The reconciled version had a provision on waiver of service fees so that the pensioners receive the pension in full and the pensioner does not bear the service cost, Ordales explained. Maricel V. Cruz

Lawmaker backs tourism plan of incoming admin LONG LINE. Commuters form a long line along footbridges at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City while waiting for a ride. Manny Palmero

Tulfo vows to go after DSWD ‘fixers’ and charge them INCOMING Department of Social Welfare Secretary (DSWD) Erwin Tulfo on Monday said he will not tolerate ‘fixers’ in the DSWD who target poor families lining up for aid. The veteran broadcaster, speaking to reporters after he met with outgoing Sec. Rolando Bautista, also said he is giving fixers until “the end of the month.” “Come July 1, I will hunt you down. If I would have to arrest you, I will have you arrested by the PNP. You fixers outside DSWD, stop what you’re doing because I will pursue you and file charges against you, wherever you

may be in the country,” Tulfo said in an ABS-CBN report. Tulfo met with former DSWD chief Bautista and was given an overview of the projects and highlights of the achievements of the outgoing leadership, ABS-CBN reported. The broadcaster reportedly “learned a lot” in the three-hour briefing. Tulfo, in the report, also said “his priority projects have already been started under Bautista’s watch, including the digitalization of aid distribution and purging the lists of beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“We need to shorten the queues and expedite the process, not just here but in other areas of the country,” he said. It can be recalled that In 2019, Tulfo lambasted Bautista for not appearing on his show. Tulfo said the incident “has already been resolved, noting that his meeting with Bautista was cordial.” Tulfo added that he had apologized to Bautista for what happened, to which the outgoing secretary replied, ABSCBN reported. Bautista did not give a statement, but the transition process will continue in the next few days.

Locsin urges public to give Justice chief time to review de Lima case FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. urged the public not to rush Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra who vowed to review the remaining evidence against detained outgoing Senator Leila de Lima, even as the country’s top diplomat vouched for the integrity of his fellow Cabinet member. “Don’t rush him. This is a man of more integrity and intelligence than all of the rest of the Filipino nation,” Locsin said, in his Twitter account in urging the public to give Guevarra and the Department of Justice more time to go over De Lima’s case. Locsin made the statement after Guevarra said that the DOJ would be examining the remaining evidence against De

Lima following the recantations of witnesses who had linked her to the illegal drug trade. “He was my fallback; the result: no mistakes; all successes. He turned down the Supreme Court to keep serving our country in real terms,” Locsin said. It can be recalled that former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-incharge Rafael Ragos recanted his testimony against De Lima. He had claimed to deliver money to her at her home as instructed by a convict in 2012. He also contended that then Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre threatened him and that all his allegations against de Lima were “all fiction, false and fabricated.”

Rey E. Requejo

QUEZON City Rep. Alfred Vargas on Monday described as a step in the right direction the incoming Marcos administration’s emphasis on reviving the tourism sector to boost economic recovery. He also welcomed the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco to strengthen ties between local governments and the private sector. “Strong partnerships between local governments and private sector stakeholders in the tourism sector will provide both focus and synergy,” Vargas said. “As a former local executive, Secretary Frasco can provide the dynamism needed to strengthen not only collaboration between LGUs and the private sector but public-private tourism partnerships at the local level,” he added. Vargas said local governments and the tourism industry will also benefit from the priority to be given by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to tourism and infrastructure in the 2023 budget. Maricel V. Cruz

Pinoy pilots hone skills with foreign allies FILIPINO jet fighter pilots have been honing their combat skills in local and foreign training exercises hosted by military allies of the country. Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano made this remark when asked what is being done to sharpen the combat skills, particularly those related to air combat of the country’s jet fighter pilots. “We have been honing our skills in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat with exercises such as Talon Vision, Bilateral Air Contingent Exercise Philippines (BACE-P), Balikatan, and soon the Cope Thunder Philippines will be back in the country,” he added in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Sunday. These exercises are carried out annually by Filipino and American forces. Mariano also said the PAF, through the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 5th Fighter Wing, also has a very robust training syllabus for Filipino fighter pilots. ‘”We have a very robust training syllabus done by our very own 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the ‘Bulldogs’ of the 5th Fighter Wing, the syllabus is a combination of US and (South) Korean (training methods),” he added.

Opinion RCM Achievement Award LAST week, I got an e-mail from the Rotary Club of Manila that I’d be awarded on June 16, 2022 (Thursday) the LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AS OUTSTANDING JOURNALIST in the 2022 RCM Journalism Awards. Honestly, I had mixed feelings on reading the RCM letter. I was not only surprised in my twilight years that a very prestigious organizaton like the RCM would remember and take notice of me as a journalist of over 70 years. During its more than 100 years of existence, it has on its roster prominent personalities and leaders of the academe, business and government notably President Fidel V. Ramos and United Nations’ First Asian President Carlos P. Romulo. In RCM’s letter to me, it cited Benjamin Franklin’s words: “What does it take for a journalist not to be forgotten. Either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing. Emil Jurado did both. “His work — reporting, writing a column, teaching future journalists — all done in every exemplary way would not risk a reversal by posterity’s critical assessment with the benefit of hindsight. His genius lies in the freedom of thought with the guidance of conscience that characterize his life.” The citation said “the corridors of power were his hunting ground, his presence a sword of Damocles to those with ill intentions. The opportunity allowed him to accumulate wisdom from those who thought along parallel lines with him and even those with the opposites. “He mixed all these in one brew and imparted them to his students and younger journalists — the totality of his experiences his gift to them. His lifetime is his legacy to the world.”

When I was hired by the Philippines Herald, that began my realto-goodness career in journalism which I never left Indeed as far as I am concerned, journalism is a “calling”. The road never ends until I write “30.” To the Rotary Club of Manila, my eternal gratitude for such an honor. I really treasure it especially at this time of my twilight years. My thanks goes especially to RCM President Felix Francisco Zaldarriaga and to Amado Valdez, chairman of the RCM Journalism Awards and to all the directors and members of RCM. I hope and pray that I am really worth the award. With this Life Achievement Award as Outstanding in Journalism, I cannot but reminisce how I became a journalist. Frankly, my ambition in life was to be a lawyer and perhaps a jurist someday. My eldest brother, Desi, was a lawyer and a justice of the Court of Appeals. My other brother, Willie, was also a lawyer but became a businessman. We all got it from our parents whose lifelong ambition was to have a doctor in the family and a lawyer. It seemed every Ilocano family’s ambition in life is to have at least one doctor and one lawyer in the family. Well, our parents had three lawyers and one doctor, my eldest sister. When I was finishing my Bachelor of Arts course at the old Ateneo de Manila at Padre Faura, I was also taking selective subjects in law. During my third and fourth year in my AB course, I was also associate editor of the Guidon, the college organ which made me familiar with editing and closing the pages of the school organ. Thus, after our graduation in 1950, an Oblate priest, Fr. Cuttbert Billman from Cotabato City, came to the Ateneo, seeking to find volunteers to

handle the “Mindanao Cross,” a weekly paper of the OMI (Oblates of Mary Immaculate) that was circulated throughout Mindanao, but mostly the Notre Dame schools and colleges. Santa Banana, I could not believe it, but “The Mindanao Cross” had a weekly circulation of 178,000, more than many of the mainstream newspapers in Manila. Thus, it was only natural that Rudy Tupas, the Guidon’s editor-in-chief and I volunteered to go to Cotabato City. We had a two-year contract. That became my acid test as a journalist. But, at that time, I still wanted to become a lawyer. After my two-year contract, I came back to Manila to continue my law studies, but at the same time was teaching at the old Ateneo High School at Loyola Heights. After I passed the Bar, I was taken as junior partner at Salonga and Padilla Law Office, which I thought would be a permanent job. But, it seemed God had other plans for me when an opportunity came for me to be hired at the defunct Philippine Herald in 1957 as Business Editor. That began my real-to-goodness career in journalism which I never left. I am still pounding on my old Olympia typewriter (I never learned to use the computer, which makes me jurassic in many ways.) I also got into broadcasting when I was hired by the Kanlaon Broadcasting System. Come to think of it, I never left journalism and I am now in my twilight years. It is for this reason why I believe journalism is more than a profession. It is a “calling”. This is why I treasure the RCM award because it gives meaning to my calling as a journalist. I co-founded the Manila Standard back in February 1987, with my good friend Rod Reyes. I have never left the Standard despite some openings in other publications. I will stay on with The Manila Standard till I write “30.” Truth, fairness, justice, honor and integrity are things a real journalist must live for, or even die for. ••• Events caught up with my column last Friday when I predicted that the oath-taking of presidentelect Bongbong Marcos would probably be at the Rizal Park, as suggested by his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, for “sentimental reasons” because their father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, took his oath of office at the Quirino Grandstand. It was finally decided that President-elect Bongbong will take his oath-of-office at the National Museum at the old Legislative Building, where Manuel L. Quezon took his in 1935, where also Jose P. Laurel took his in 1943 during the Japanese Occupation, and where Manuel A. Roxas took his in 1948. The venue is just as well for historical purposes, since the landslide victory of BBM in the May 9, 2022 national election carries with it some historical significance, being a first in many aspects. Santa Banana, it was a first that an elected President won by a majority vote of over 50 percent. It was also the first time that the old criticism against Marcos like Martial Law and all the bad connotations that go with it did not make a dent at all on the conscience of the majority of the voters. So, that’s it, at the old Legislative Building where the National Museum is. ••• It would do well for the incoming President to correct a very serious mistake that his Press Secretary, Trixie Cruz-Angeles did when she announced that vloggers like her, will be accredited to cover Bongbong’s press conferences and interviews. It was a serious mistake because vloggers do not have accountability because they are not responsible to any company they represent or to any organization they are involved in and are not responsible for what they do in social media. It would do well for Ms. Cruz-Angeles and the PCOO to think first on whatever they say because press people tend to interpret her statements as having the approval of the President-elect. ••• COVID-19 cases may be increasing nationwide, but the Department of Health says there is nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about? The DOH said that before in the past when COVID-19 cases surged/ People may not worry about it, but my wife and I are worried.

Ukrainian jobseekers collide with German language barrier By Yasmine Guenard-Monin GANNA Nikolska comes back dejected from the stand of an insurer ready to hire Ukrainian refugees in Berlin: “I don’t speak German,” she explains in halting English. The 42-year-old trained doctor fled Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine in March “with her backpack and her daughter,” her sister Olena Nikitoshkina, 36, who speaks fluent German, told AFP. Nikolska would like to stay in Germany, but is having trouble finding work in her field “because her degree would need to be recognized and she’d need to speak German but that takes a long time,” Nikitoshkina said. Around 1,000 Ukrainian new arrivals showed up this week at the stands of companies gathered at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry for a job fair. Three months after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which touched off a mass exodus of more than six million people, Germany has taken in more Ukrainians than any other nation

apart from the bordering countries, according to the United Nations. German authorities estimate that more than 700,000 people have arrived from Ukraine since February 24, without knowing how many have continued on to third countries. Manpower shortage In Berlin, some 44,000 Ukrainians have applied for a permanent residence permit. Following the hectic first few weeks getting settled, the refugees – the vast majority of them women — now aim to integrate and earn a living. A wide range of around 60 employers including hotels, private clinics and construction companies took part in the job fair, said Yvonne Meyer of the IHK. As Europe’s biggest economy with its ageing population and low unemployment faces a manpower shortage across many sectors, Ukrainian newcomers are seen as an attractive option in industry, retail jobs and healthcare. The Institute for Employment Research at Germany’s Federal Employment Agency reports that

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EDITORIAL

Underlining STEM benefits HE other day, President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos underlined his commitment to address the gap in research and development in science and technology.

The 64-year-old incoming chief executive has acknowledged that the Philippines, a country of 110 million plus, is lagging in STEM education and has much to do to go at full throttle. But what is STEM education? This (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) teaches students how to solve problems by using their critical thinking skills. By engaging in STEM, students learn how to examine problems and then create a plan to solve them. Verily, the rapid development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and research since the beginning of this century has benefited from strong, ongoing support from many different entities, including government agencies, professional organizations, industries, and education institutions. We find the presidential push timely and right on track, with the President-elect vowing to start at the primary and secondary levels as he said he would task the Department of Education, under the leadership of Vice President-elect Sara DuterteCarpio, to address the STEM issue. In a video on his official Facebook page, the President-elect bemoaned

that Filipinos, under the educational system, do not do well when it comes to mathematics and the sciences as compared to other countries.

STEM-based education teaches children more than science and mathematics concepts Reason, he said, why the new administration, particularly the DepEd, will have among its focus an emphasis on STEM from which children can derive skills. . STEM-based education teaches children more than science and mathematics concepts. The focus on hands-on learning with real-world applications helps develop manifold skill sets, including creativity and 21st-century skills. These skills include media and technology literacy, productivity, social skills, communication, flexibility and initiative. Other skills attained through STEM education include problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, leadership, entrepreneurship, acceptance

of failure and more. We agree with education experts that regardless of the future career path considered by these children, these skill sets go a long way to preparing them to be innovative. It is an axiom that the ability to think critically and challenge standards is the basis of innovation. According to the Providence, Rhode Island-based Equality of Opportunity Project, innovation is a critical component of economic growth, acknowledging that innovative thinkers are the movers and shakers that have the potential to change the world. The president-elect has stressed that the country must adapt to current developments since the Philippine economy is “very largely technical-based, based on science and technical innovations.” His words: “We need the talent. That is one of the major areas that our DepEd is going to be looking at, and how to strengthen the instruction for our children and our students.” His analysis underscores his lament six years ago how the Philippines “has only around 80 scientists per million of the population when other countries have some 4,000 per million.” His proposal to create science high schools in major provinces and cities – the country only has 15 science high schools – should be a defining feature for the “Filipino dream.”

De Lima release, easy win for Marcos With this series of recantations, the truth and the whole truth is unraveling before our eyes with dizzying speed. The cases for the prosecution that De Lima is linked to the drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison when she was justice chief are crumbling like a house of cards. THAT former Senator De Lima is a victim of a frame-up and fabricated accusations is getting more obvious by the day with the recent recantations of prosecution witnesses. At the onset, numerous organizations and individuals, local and foreign, have been calling all along for her release as there have been serious doubts about the veracity of the accusation against her. First to recant was Kerwin Espinosa, a confessed drug lord, who made a statement that he had no dealings with the detained lawmaker; that he was “only coerced, pressured, intimidated, and seriously threatened by the police” during Senate hearings in November and December 2016. Then next to retract was former BuCor Chief Rafael Ragos, stating in his new affidavit dated April 30 that “all of my allegations to the contrary in my affidavits and House and court testimonies are all fiction, false, and fabricated.” Ragos previously stated in an affidavit that he, accompanied by Jovencio Ablen of the National Bureau of Investigation, delivered P10 million to De Lima’s house in Parañaque: P5 million on Nov. 24, 2012 and another P5 million on Dec. 15, 2012. Then another witness retracted his claims against De Lima. This time its Ronnie Dayan, the senator’s former security aide who denied getting P10 million from Ragos, the star witness of the prosecution. And the latest, but not necessarily the last, Marcelo Adorco, who testified on the shabu and money seized during a raid in Espinosa’s house in Albuera, Leyte in August 2016. He too recanted his allegation that De Lima and self-confessed drug lord Espinosa met up in Baguio City. At the bail hearing, a prosecution witness also denied knowing, transacting with the jailed lawmaker. there are currently 1.69 million jobs unfilled in the country — a new record. “We are still searching for personnel so it’s a very good opportunity for us,” a recruiter from the Berlin street cleaning service said at the fair.

In Berlin, some 44,000 Ukrainians have applied for a permanent residence permit Some companies including the Grill Royal group of upscale restaurants and Policum health clinics have started offering new staff German courses.

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

The incoming (Marcos) administration would concretize its call for unity if, upon assumption, the president would take the steps necessary to secure (De Lima’s) release With no more witnesses and, so far, no damning incriminating evidence to prove the charges, the cases against de Lima have no more leg to stand on. That most of the witnesses against her have backtracked and repudiated their previous statements is an affirmation of the truth that the accusations are but malicious fabrications by some unscrupulous individual to silence her. The very least the prosecution can do is to withdraw their objections over the petition for bail filed by De Lima’s camp. Of course, whether or not the cases will be dismissed depends mostly on the appreciation of extant evidence by the courts handling the cases. But it cannot be denied that the recent developments seriously weakened, if not, dealt a fatal blow on the remaining cases. Five years can be a long time to suffer in jail for one’s principles and convictions. Over the years we can only admire how the good Senator comported herself all throughout the ordeal which could have broken lesser individuals. But she remained defiant and steadfast in her resolve to seek justice, to fight for what she beBut none of the jobs that interest Yuliia Bokk provide this possibility. “It’s not enough that I speak English. I ask everybody and they all say to me ‘learn basic German and come back’,” said the 24-year-old woman, who had a good job in retail back in Kyiv. The Syrian precedent Bokk nevertheless considers herself lucky to be in Germany. Since June 1, Ukrainian refugees have been able to benefit from state assistance of up to 449 euros ($481) per month and are registered with the social security service. She has also started a free “integration course” offering a six-month introduction to the German language and culture. Around 80,000 Ukrainians have already been enrolled, according to the Office for Migration and Refugees. “The courses are very in demand and because

lieves is right. As an elected public servant, she continued to discharge her duties with fidelity, never for a moment did she shirk away from her obligation to fight for what is right, exposing anomalies and irregularities in the incumbent administration without fear. The whole world is witness to the woman’s remarkable courage and unbreakable spirit even if the cards were stacked against her. Former Senator (soon to be Congressman) Ralph Recto put it most aptly when he joined the chorus and delivered an impassioned speech during the last session day of the 18th Congress for her release. He characterized De Lima as a “feisty lady worthy of our respect.”xxx a “prisoner of conscience, punished for her courage, but whose spirit no prison walls could contain.” And that “Trolls put her behind bars. The truth shall set her free.” The incoming administration of Bongbong Marcos would concretize its call for unity if, upon assumption, the president would take the steps necessary to secure her release. Surely, to keep her in detention is an indictment to us as a people. True, the judicial process has begun and that should be allowed to conclude. But what the Department of Justice can do, after proper review, is to withdraw its objections to the good Senator’s petitions for bail. In fact, I always thought that Secretary Menardo Guevarra would have the courage to do this. He has been a big disappointment in this regard. The handwriting is on the wall – the courts will eventually order the release of Senator De Lima. The incoming Marcos administration, through decisive action by its designated Secretary of Justice, Jesus Crispin Remulla, whom I personally know to be a lawyer’s lawyer even as our politics differ, should take the credit for this. This would be a low hanging fruit indeed for the call to unity that Marcos said is the mark of his government. Website: tonylavina.com Facebook page: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs a lot of refugees arrived in Germany in 2015 from Syria or Afghanistan, the structures were already in place,” said Martin Eckermann, a consultant at the BAMF. In 2015, Germany left its borders open to more than one million people fleeing war and misery so the number of asylum seekers working in Germany has increased more than sixfold since then. Daria Tatarenko, a 23-year-old with a degree in management and energy sector economics, applied for a job at a bakery “because you don’t need to speak German”. It’s a temporary solution for the young woman who fled Kyiv in March. “I feel gratitude for the German people because they helped us a lot, but I want to go home when the war is over. Because it is my home, it is my country,” she said. AFP

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AT LEAST 20 CATHOLIC WORSHIPPERS SHOT DEAD

Gunmen kill ‘many’ in Nigeria church

AGOS—Gunmen with explosives stormed a Catholic church and opened fire in southwest Nigeria on Sunday, killing “many” worshippers and wounding others, the government and police said.

The violence at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo town in Ondo State erupted during the morning service in a rare attack in the southwest of Nigeria,

where jihadists and criminal gangs operate in other regions. Pope Francis said in a statement he had learned of the “death of dozens of faithful”, many children, during the celebration of the Christian holiday of the Pentecost. “While the details of the incident are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and for the country,” he said. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. The motives and the exact death toll were not immediately clear, but President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the “heinous killing of worshippers”. State police spokes-

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

woman Ibukun Odunlami said the gunmen also attacked the church with explosives, leaving an unknown number of worshippers dead. “It’s still premature to say exactly how many people were killed. But many worshippers lost their lives while others were injured in the attack,” she told AFP. A spokesman for the Ondo State governor’s office said they would not be giving an official casualty figure for the moment. But a witness, who gave his name as Abayomi, told AFP at least 20 worshippers had died in the attack. “I was passing through the area when I heard a loud explosion and gunshots inside the church,” he said.

He said he saw at least five gunmen on the church premises before he ran for safety. ‘Vile and satanic attack’ Attacks on religious sites are particularly sensitive in Nigeria where tensions sometimes flare between communities in a country with a mostly Christian south and a predominantly Muslim north. Gun and bomb attacks are rare in Ondo state, but Nigeria’s military is battling a 12-year-old jihadist insurgency in the northeast, gangs in the northwest and separatist agitation in the southeast. Boko Haram jihadist group in the northeast targeted churches in the past as part of Nigeria’s conflict that has killed 40,000 and displaced 2 million more.

5 slain, 2 dozen wounded in weekend US mass shootings

Project Targaryen FAQs

What is the DITO Level-Up 499 and 999 Pack bundled with a bonus 1-month HBO GO voucher? DITO subscribers can enjoy a 1-month HBO GO subscription voucher when they purchase a DITO LevelUp 499 or 999 Pack from the DITO APP.

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Kidnapping assaults are common in most parts of Nigeria but mass gun attacks like Sunday’s violence are rare in the country’s relatively peaceful southwest. Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredolu said Sunday’s attack was a “vile and satanic attack” and appealed to the security forces to track down the assailants. The attack comes a day before the ruling APC party starts primaries for its candidate in the 2023 election to replace Buhari, a former army commander who steps down after two terms in office. Security will be a major challenge for whoever wins the race to govern Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s largest economy. AFP

DEPOT BURNING. Firefighters arrive at the site after a fire broke out at a container storage facility in Sitakunda, about 40 km (25 miles) from the key port of Chittagong, southern Bangladesh on June 5. At least 16 people were killed and 170 others injured after a massive fire tore through the depot. AFP

At least 49 die in Bangladesh depot blast SITAKUNDA—Bangladesh authorities accused a container depot operator Monday of not telling firefighters about a chemical stockpile before it exploded with devastating consequences, killing at least 49 people -- nine of them from the fire service. The toll from the giant blast, which followed a fire at the B.M Container Depot in Sitakunda and sent fireballs into the sky, was expected to rise further. Some containers were still smoldering on Monday, more than 36 hours after the explosion, preventing rescuers from checking the area around them for victims. Around a dozen of the 300 injured were in critical condition. The nine dead firefighters are the worst toll ever for the fire department in the industrial-accidentprone country, where safety standards are lax and corruption often enables them to be ignored. “The depot authority did not inform us that there were deadly chemicals there. Nine of our officers were killed. Two fighters are still missing. Several people are also missing,” fire department official Mohammad Kamruzzaman told AFP.

Purnachandra Mutsuddi, who led the firefighting effort at the 26-acre facility on Saturday night, said it “didn’t have any fire safety plan” and lacked firefighting equipment to douse the blaze before it turned into an inferno. “The safety plan lays out how the depot will fight and control a fire. But there was nothing,” Mutsuddi, an assistant director of the Chittagong fire station, told AFP. “They also did not inform us about the chemicals. If they did, the casualties would have been much less,” he said. The B.M Container Depot in Sitakunda, an industrial town 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Chittagong Port, is a joint venture between Bangladeshi and Dutch businessmen with around 600 employees, and began operations in 2012. Its chairman is named on its website as Bert Pronk, a Dutch citizen, but AFP was unable to reach him for comment. Few European businessmen operate in the country. Local newspapers said another of its owners is a senior official of the ruling Awami League party based in Chittagong, who is also the editor of a local Bengali daily. AFP

PHILADELPHIA—Five people were gunned down and two dozen others wounded in a pair of weekend mass shootings in the United States, the latest in a string of deadly gun attacks that have left lawmakers scrambling to tackle the crisis. The shootings -- late Saturday in Philadelphia and early Sunday in Chattanooga, Tennessee -- further jolted a country facing a gun violence epidemic that has already claimed several thousand American lives this year and shows no signs of abating. They come as polarized US senators find themselves under pressure to craft a measure that codifies at least basic, preliminary steps to help reduce the carnage. In Philadelphia, two men and a woman were killed when multiple people opened fire on a crowd at a popular South Street nightlife area. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said one of the victims had gotten into a fight with another man, which could have been the cause of the shooting. The two others were “innocent bystanders,” she told reporters. An eruption of violence in Chattanooga resulted in 14 people being shot, including two killed, while another person died and two more were injured after they were struck by vehicles fleeing the scene, police chief Celeste Murphy said, adding “several” victims remained in critical condition. The pre-dawn incident occurred near a nightclub in a downtown section of the city of 180,000. As of mid-Sunday no arrests had been made in either case, Murphy and Philadelphia media said. AFP

Ukraine says it controls ‘half’ of Severodonetsk KYIV—Ukrainian troops have beaten back Russian forces to control half of a flashpoint eastern city, local officials said, as President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the front lines to support his country’s “true heroes.” As the see-saw battle raged on for the strategically important city of Severodonetsk -- the largest in the Lugansk region not under Russian control -more help was promised from abroad. The United Kingdom said it would follow the United States and send long-range missile systems to Ukraine, defying warnings from Russian President Vladimir Putin against supplying Kyiv with the advanced weapons. Thousands of civilians have been killed and millions forced to flee their homes since Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine on February 24. Fighting since April has been concentrated in the east of the country, where Russian forces have made slow but steady advances after being beaten back from other parts of Ukraine, including the capital Kyiv. Ukraine’s gains in Severodonetsk, announced by regional governor Sergiy Gaiday, would represent a significant advance by Kyiv’s troops, who earlier appeared on the verge of being driven out of the city. “The Armed Forces have cleared half of Severodonetsk and are moving forward,” Gaiday posted on Telegram. However, he warned in a video in the same post that a major new Russian push on the industrial hub appeared imminent. Across a river in the neighbouring city of Lysychansk, pensioner Oleksandr Lyakhovets said he had just enough time to save his cat before the flames engulfed his flat after it was hit by a Russian missile. AFP

NAUGHTY PRINCE. Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (left) and her son Britain’s Prince Louis of Cambridge react during the Platinum Pageant in London on June 5 as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations. The curtain comes down on four days of momentous nationwide celebrations to honor the 96-year-old monarch’s record seven decades on the throne. AFP

Trudeau states Canada handgun ‘freeze’ OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday a proposed freeze on handgun ownership in Canada that would effectively ban their importation and sale, following recent mass shootings in the United States. The bill must still be passed by Parliament, with the ruling Liberals holding only a minority of seats. “We’re introducing legislation to implement a national freeze on handgun ownership,” Trudeau told a news conference, joined by dozens of families and friends of victims of gun violence. “What this means is that it will no longer be possible to buy, sell, transfer or import handguns anywhere in Canada,” he said. “In other words, we’re capping the market for handguns.”

Days after Canada’s worst mass shooting left 23 dead in rural Nova Scotia in April 2020, the government banned 1,500 types of military-grade or assault-style firearms. But Trudeau acknowledged Monday that gun violence continues to rise. The government statistical agency reported last week that firearms-related violent crimes account for less than three percent of all violent crimes in Canada. But since 2009 the per capita rate of guns being pointed at someone has nearly tripled, while the rate at which a gun was fired with an intent to kill or wound is up five-fold. Almost two-thirds of gun crimes in urban areas involved handguns. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business PSEi June 6, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

X BKR LPZ ALCPC V REG CTS APC SMPH

0.365 2.16 3.19 108.3 0.77 3.08 0.88 0.223 39.45

0.04 0.21 0.25 8.1 0.05 0.18 0.04 0.009 1.55

12.31% 10.77% 8.50% 8.08% 6.94% 6.21% 4.76% 4.21% 4.09%

ALCPD

519

3.59%

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market down slightly; Converge and Ayala retreat

TOCKS retreated Monday ahead of the inflation report today that will likely show prices further accelerated in May due to surging crude and food prices.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 24.52 points, or 0.4 percent, to 6,716.88 on a value turnover of P5.9 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 134 to 60, with 47 issues unchanged. Fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. sank 5.4 percent

to P23.85, while conglomerate Ayala Corp. of the Ayala Group dropped 4.8 percent to P661.50. Semirara Mining and Power Corp., the biggest coal producer, fell 2.8 percent to P35.95, but SM Prime Holdings Corp. of the Sy Group climbed 4.1 percent to P39.45. The rest of Asian equity markets were mixed Monday following losses on Wall Street as a forecast-topping US jobs report gave the Federal Reserve room to continue hiking interest rates, while there was some cheer in China as leaders eased COVID curbs. US traders took flight after the closely watched non-farm payroll figures Friday, which showed a slowdown in hir-

ing but still with more new posts created than expected. That came as more officials suggested the Federal Reserve could continue lifting borrowing costs sharply as they try to rein in inflation. However, with prices being driven higher by factors ranging from the Ukraine war to China’s lockdowninduced slowdown, there are fears the bank’s measures could deal a blow to the world’s biggest economy. The jump in inflation has forced finance chiefs around the world to tighten monetary policy, with the European Central Bank indicating it will raise rates in July for the first time in more than a decade. With AFP

TOP LOSERS 1 ACEX 2 MJC

LAST PRICE CHANGE 10.36 -2.38 1.5 -0.24

% CHANGE -18.68% -13.79%

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

23.05 7.23 0.94 0.285 10.16 1.63 1.31 15.4

-10.83% -9.17% -8.74% -8.06% -7.64% -7.39% -6.43% -6.33%

LBC IPO TUGS EVER CAT MARC LOTO APVI

-2.8 -0.73 -0.09 -0.025 -0.84 -0.13 -0.09 -1.04

LONDON STRIKE. Commuters wait at a bus stop outside Victoria train station in London on June 6, 2022, during a 24hour strike by nearly 4,000 London Underground station staff. AFP

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MOST ACTIVE Saudi to triple foreign tourists

1 SMPH 2 ASLAG 3 CNVRG 4 AC 5 SCC 6 JFC 7 SM 8 ALI 9 SECB

VOLUME 28,756,400 256,288,000 23,566,800 460,800 6,608,400 1,123,770 245,190 6,684,700 2,050,790

VALUE (PHP) 1,124,058,350 569,099,910 568,330,225 307,557,050 238,040,810 227,177,152 211,122,120 198,842,210 182,493,497

1,263,070

162,882,275

BDO

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Saudi Arabia aims to triple foreign tourism this year as pandemic restrictions ease, hajj pilgrims return and the first elements of the crown prince’s signature projects open, its tourism minister told AFP Sunday. The famously conservative and closed-off kingdom inaugurated tourist visas in September 2019, just months before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the industry globally. An uptick in domestic travel in 2020 and 2021—authorities tallied a record 64 million “domestic visits” last year—helped save the nascent Saudi tourism sector from collapse, and now authorities want to seize more of the international

market, Ahmed Al Khateeb said in an interview. “Now we are pushing and moving to attract more... international visitors,” he said, specifying the goal for this year was 12 million, up from 4 million in 2021. “We are back and we are very optimistic. Countries started to open their borders, restrictions started to ease down and people started to travel,” he said. Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows with its goal of attracting 100 million visitors by 2030, an element of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda intended to diversify the oil-dependent economy and open up to the world. AFP

EU electric car adventurers should plan carefully

FRANKFURT, Germany—The European Central Bank is set to draw a line under its massive bond-buying stimulus program at a meeting in Amsterdam on Thursday, as inflation in the eurozone soars to all-time highs. The decision, already extensively flagged in advance by senior policymakers, is then expected to pave the way for the ECB to raise its interest rates for the first time in over a decade in the weeks that follow. Eurozone consumer prices rose by 8.1 percent year-on-year in May, a record since the single currency was launched and well above the ECB’s own target of two percent. The surge, driven by the war in Ukraine and the consequent rise in energy prices, has boosted calls for the ECB to move more quickly to end its expansionary monetary policy. The ECB is lagging behind the central banks in Britain and the United States, which have moved aggressively to try to stamp out inflation. But the ECB first plans to discontinue asset purchases under its crisis-era stimulus program before proceeding to actual rate hikes. The so-called asset purchase program, or APP, is the last in a series of debt-purchasing measures worth a total of around five trillion euros ($5.4 trillion) deployed by the ECB since 2014. ECB chief Christine Lagarde suggested recently that the APP would “end very early in the third quarter.” For ING’s head of macro, Carsten Brzeski, the comments by Lagarde, a former French finance minister, were “remarkable” in that she has taken the unusual step of mapping out a timetable for ECB policy into the second half of the year. AFP

MEGAWIDE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION No. 20 N. Domingo Street, Barangay Valencia, Quezon City Tel. No. (02) 8655-1111

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING To the Stockholders of MEGAWIDE CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION (the “Company”): Notice is hereby given that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of the Company will be held on 30 June 2022, at 2:00 P.M. The meeting will be conducted via remote communication and can be accessed through the following link: Please click here. The agenda of the meeting is as follows: 1.

Call to Order •

The Chairman will call the meeting to order.

Proof of Notice and Quorum •

The Corporate Secretary will certify that notices of the meeting have been duly sent to the stockholders of record date as required by the By-Laws. He will also attest to the attendance at the meeting and whether a quorum is present. Except as otherwise provided by law, a quorum shall consist of stockholders owning majority of the outstanding capital stock (exclusive of treasury stock) participating in person, in absentia, or by proxy.

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held last 30 June 2021 •

By Taimaz Szirniks PARIS, France—With summer holidays looming, Europe’s electric car owners may be wondering whether to risk taking their vehicles for long journeys. AFP investigates the pitfalls and joys of longdistance emissions-free motoring. While fully electric cars have proved themselves in urban areas, winning fans for their ease of use and low emissions, many owners still suffer from “range anxiety” when it comes to long trips cross-country or on motorways. The latest batteries, even on new models, still require regular recharges and the infrastructure remains patchy in many areas. An AFP team set out to travel from Paris to Namur, south of the Belgian capital Brussels, and back, a distance of 900 kilometers(550 miles), in a Citroen e-C4, a mid-range compact car with SUV styling that advertises a fully charged range of 350 kilometers. Armed with the ChargeMap app for locating charging stations—other options include A Better Route Planner— the team set off from central Paris in typically heavy traffic. Reduced range, slow charging At slow speeds and in stop-start movements, most electric cars can drive for hours without difficulty and the e-C4 was no different. But once out on the motorway, the battery dipped quickly. Its displayed range of 250 kilometers fell to less than 100 kilometers in far less time than it would take to cover such a distance. Just how far the range stretches can depend on the model of vehicle and the outside temperature, meaning careful planning is needed for winter trips. And the e-C4 does not feature the fast charging of more expensive models, meaning longer stops can be required. But topping up the battery to 80 percent—the final 20 percent take longer— cost only around 10 euros ($11) on a stop at the service station near Verdun, near the borders with Belgian and Luxembourg. The European carmakers’ association ACEA says around 6.8 million char-

ECB to end stimulus plan in prelude to rate hikes

The Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held last 30 June 2021 will be submitted for approval. It contains the following matters: (a) Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held last 30 June 2020; (b) Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held last 21 May 2021; (c) Chairman’s Address and President’s Report; (d) Election of Directors; (d) Approval of the 2020 Audited Financial Statements; (e) Appointment of the External Auditor; and (f) Ratification of All Acts of Management and the Board of Directors.

A copy of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held last 30 June 2021 is available in the Company’s website and attached to the Information Statement as Exhibit “5”. 4.

Chairman’s Address and President’s Report •

Election of Directors •

gers will be needed across the European Union—or 14,000 installations per week—for the bloc to achieve its 2030 climate goal of reducing CO2 emissions from cars by 55 percent. In 2021, just 300,000 slow chargers and 50,000 fast ones were installed. Apps tested by AFP were mostly up to date with charger locations and any charger will accept payments by bank card—although subscribers to a particular charging network can score better rates. ‘Just like a smartphone’ Dropping off the motorway onto regional routes around the Belgian border, the car’s thirst for power fell off and the many chargers on offer at town halls, car dealerships and supermarkets soothed range anxiety. At one Lidl supermarket, 52-year-old Emmanuel Verpoort was filling up his large Polestar car. “I’ve already been to the Alps and at the end of June we’re heading to the Cote d’Azur” in southern France, he said, predicting the trip would cost just 22 euros in power. “There’ll probably be a lot of people on the roads in the summertime but I’m not worried,” he added. As a buyer, “you have to pick a car with adequate range and that recharges quickly. It’s just like a smartphone.” On the approach to Brussels, it was time to find somewhere to stay that offered recharging so as to set off at 100 percent the next day. For now, that’s restricted to higher-end hotels, many with Tesla stations, or a few Airbnb listings. On the way back, Dutch travelers could be found topping up before entering France, which has a reputation as backward compared to the Netherlands’ dense charging network. “The problem is that between Belgium and Spain, there’s France,” said 55-year-old Frank Berg, who was heading south with his wife Olga. AFP

The stockholders will approve the appointment of Punongbayan & Araullo as the Company’s external auditor.

Approval of the Amendment of Articles of Incorporation •

The 2021 Audited Financial Statements of the Company will be submitted for the approval of the stockholders.

Appointment of the External Auditor •

The stockholders will approve the election of the regular and independent directors to hold office until the next Annual Stockholders’ Meeting and until their respective successors have been elected and qualified. The nominees were evaluated on the basis of all qualifications required by the Company’s By-Laws, New Manual on Corporate Governance, and that no provision on disqualification would apply to them. The profile and qualifications of the nominees are in the Company’s Information Statement and Annual Report (“SEC Form 17A”) which are available in its website.

Approval of the 2021 Audited Financial Statements •

In this file photo taken on March 17, 2014 a man plugs his car in Paris, at the charging station for electric vehicles dedicated to public services staff at the French economic and financial ministries after its inauguration. With summer holidays looming, Europe’s electric car owners may be wondering whether to risk taking their vehicles for long journeys. AFP

The Chairman and President of the Company will give a welcome address and provide the operational highlights of 2021.

The Amendment of Article Second of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company will be submitted for the approval of the stockholders. The proposed amendments are intended to expressly remove the development of real estate in the purposes of the Company, given that it does not engage in the business of real estate development.

Approval of the Amendment of By-Laws •

10.

The Amendment of Article II, Sections 1 to 7, and Article III, Section 1(h) of the By-Laws of the Company will be submitted for the approval of the stockholders. The amendments to the By-Laws are intended to align with the provisions of the Revised Corporation Code and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2020. Ratification of All Acts of the Board of Directors and Management •

11.

For ratification of the stockholders are all acts of the Board of Directors and Management in the ordinary course of the Company’s business. A list of such acts is too voluminous to be included in the Information Statement. These acts pertain to obtaining government permits and clearances, execution of contracts, availment of services from banks, and other acts necessary for various construction projects of the Company.

Other Matters •

The floor will be open for questions from the stockholders.

All stockholders of record at the close of business on 13 May 2022 are entitled to notice of and vote at the annual meeting and at any adjournment thereof. The stock and transfer books of the Company will be closed from end of business day on 14 May 2022 until 30 June 2022. Please refer to Exhibit “1” of the Information Statement (available in the PSE EDGE website) or visit https://mcc-stockholders-meeting.web.app/ for the full details on the submission of proxies, procedure for voting, participation in the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, and to view the SEC Form 17-A. Quezon City, Philippines, 07 June 2022. ______________________________ CHARLOTTE Y. KING Corporate Secretary

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

ERC approves NGCP’s P19.6-b Cebu-Bohol line By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission approved the P19.61-billion Cebu-Bohol 230 kV interconnection project of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. It approved NGCP’s proposed option 1 for the Cebu-Bohol transmission project which involves the laying of outright double circuit 230 kV submarine cable with 600 megawatts of capacity, construction of 230 kV double circuit transmission line, development of 230 kV switchyard and expansion of the Dumanjug 230 kV substation. Option 1 or the Cebu-Bohol 230 kV interconnection project is consistent with the proposed Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project as it will help prepare for NGCP’s long-term plan to loop Cebu, Leyte and Bohol in a 230 kV level, the ERC said. The regulator said the approval of the NGCP’s project will redound to the benefit of the electricity consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. The commission directed NGCP to pay a permit fee amounting to P147.109 million. “With the implementation of the project, the congestion in the existing Leyte-Bohol 138 kV submarine cable will be prevented hence, resulting in reduced generation and line rental costs,” the ERC said. The ERC said option 1 was found to be the more favorable solution that will address the security, reliability and load growth in Central Visayas. It said the project would further provide another source of power supply for Bohol, reducing its dependency on diesel power plants and imported power from Leyte.

Business Fiscal discipline enabled gov’t to avoid P2.2-t debt F By Julito G. Rada

ISCAL discipline enabled the government to stave off P2.2-trillion worth of public debt amid the pandemic, Finance chief economist Gil Beltran said Monday. Beltran said the national government’s debt would have reached P15.4 trillion in 2022, higher by P2.2 trillion than the actual P12.76 trillion in April, because of revenue-eroding legislative proposals or those requiring new appropriations if the Duterte administration had not exercised fiscal discipline in responding to the pandemic. “As we have said over the past few years, the government has consistently exercised fiscal prudence in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We spent what we had to, but not more than what we could afford. In fact, had we acquiesced to pressure for us to spend more, our debt would have increased by P2.2 trillion more and reached P 15.4 trillion,” Beltran said in a statement. He said the government’s pandemic

response strategically targeted the most vulnerable sectors. Beltran said financing for the two Bayanihan Laws focused on ensuring that the most essential health interventions and emergency economic relief measures were funded fully. He was referring to Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and RA 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. “Aware of the effects of additional spending on our borrowings, the DOF worked closely with legislators to limit the interventions under Bayanihan II to P140 billion, despite the objections of many other stakeholders,” Beltran said. “The government did not support several stimulus bills, each proposing hundreds of billions of additional

appropriations, precisely because we understood that this would translate into further increases in the deficit and debt,” he said. Beltran said to deal with the effects of the pandemic in a strategic and cost-efficient manner, the government secured additional financing from multilateral partner-institutions to procure an adequate supply of vaccines for the target population. He said the accelerated vaccination program, along with shifting to the alert level system with granular lockdowns and increased public transport capacity, paved the way to aggressively reopen the economy and restore jobs. Other fiscally sustainable economic recovery programs were also enacted, including the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer Act, which helps banks extend credit to more sectors by allowing them to offload non-performing assets and non-performing loans to FIST corporations; and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which balanced a reduction in the corporate income tax rate with the rationalization of fiscal incentives.

RIVER CLEANUP. San Miguel Corp. president and chief executive Ramon Ang (fourth from left) accepts two new equipment donated by NYK Line through president Hitoshi Nagasawa (second from left) in a ceremony attended by Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa (third from left) and Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones (left) at a staging area in Pandacan, Manila. San Miguel will use the excavators to accelerate its multi-billion Pasig River rehabilitation initiative.

would explore relevant opportunities in the energy sector, including Service Contract 55, as it continues to look for the right partner on the project. ACEN and ENEX on Oct. 18 last year approved the share swap, which was supposed to involve the transfer of direct interest in Palawan 55 to ENEX from ACEN. Palawan 55 has an ownership interest in service contract 55 and in several diesel assets, such as Bulacan Power Generation Corp., CIP II Power Corp. and One Subic Power Generation Corp. The swap would also involve its in-

GCash kept mobile wallet leadership as March transactions topped P500b By Darwin G. Amojelar GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom, said Monday it breached the P500-billion mark in gross transaction value in March, sustaining its market dominance as the country’s number one finance app. The company said its users were five times larger than the next e-wallet, with daily logins and transactions of up to 29 million and 19 million, respectively. “GCash remains the leader in terms of users, usage and the ecosystem around it. We’re able to do this while achieving profitability through multiple revenue streams. This is a feat that only a handful of fintech companies in the world have been able to achieve,” said GCash president and chief executive Martha Sazon said. GCash expects to end the year with a profit and achieve better levels than last year. It said 83-percent of the Philippine adult population, or 60 million Filipinos, already have a GCash account, inspiring the popular e-wallet platform

Monday, June 6, 2022

-24.52 PTS. 6,716.88

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

1,875,477,386 75,868

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

5,938,119,616.28 60 134

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.8210

Japan

Yen

0.007641

0.4036

Pound

1.249500

65.9998

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127468

6.7330

Switzerland

Franc

1.039609

54.9132

Canada

Dollar

0.794407

41.9614

Singapore

Dollar

0.728014

38.4544

Australia

Dollar

0.720800

38.0734

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653224

140.1459

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266617

14.0830

Brunei

Dollar

0.725374

38.3150

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.029121

1.5382

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.3825

Euro

1.072300

56.6400

Korea

Won

0.000800

0.0423

China

Yuan

0.150150

7.9311

India

Rupee

0.012888

0.6808

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.227946

12.0403

New Zealand

Dollar

0.650700

34.3706

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034047

1.7984 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

Housing developers seeking gov’t support

THE real estate industry expressed hope that the country’s housing backlog, now affecting some 6.7 million poor families, will receive higher priority under the administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’Associations Inc. said the industry looks forward to housing concerns being included among the new administration’s priority agenda. CREBA national chairman Charlie Gorayeb said the problem of homelessness continued to escalate 35 years since the adoption of the constitutional mandate for an urban land reform and housing program for the underprivileged. “Problems besetting housing efforts have remained unresolved, the major ones being lack of affordable and effective homebuyer financing mechanisms that targeted the truly underprivileged, inaccessibility of land, over-regulation and bottlenecks in the licensing and permitting processes for land and housing development, especially at the local government level,” he said. He said that with the new administration, the housing sector anticipates a cohesive, concrete and well-targeted approach towards a lasting solution. Othel V. Campos

Professional should lead DOE, says group

ACEN seeks ways to transition from diesel plants to green projects ACEN Corp. of the Ayala Group said Monday it is exploring ways to dispose of diesel assets and its direct ownership interest in Palawan 55 Exploration & Production Corp. in line with a commitment to attain 100-percent renewable energy generation by 2025. This developed as the boards of ACEN and subsidiary ACE Enexor Inc. approved the cancellation of the property-for-share swap between the two companies due to prevailing market conditions. ACEN said in a statement ENEX

PSE INDEX CLOSING

to look for more innovative solutions to address various financial needs of the public. With GCash reaching out to the unbanked population, its GSave savings account now has 5.3 million depositors. Its investment marketplace, GInvest, has 3 million registered users representing 77 percent of the unit investment trust fund accounts in the Philippines. GCredit, the first foray of GCash into digital lending, provided P29 billion worth of credit lines to qualified users since its launch in 2018, while quick cash loan platform GLoan handed out P2.2 billion worth of loans in ten months of operations. “Across the financial services landscape, we partnered with and are trusted by the most innovative and biggest market players, from savings, investment, insurance to lending, as we change the game and democratize financial access to Filipinos,” Sazon said. “Our goal is to let people know that these services are not just for the privileged but for everyone,” she said.

terest in Ingrid3 Power Corp., a special purpose vehicle for a potential gas power generation project, in exchange for ENEX issuing 339,076,058 primary shares to ACEN. ACEN said the transaction would have required a follow-on offering and stock rights offering but found it “challenging to execute under current economic conditions.” The company said the management teams of ACEN and ENEX exerted diligent and good faith efforts to comply with the FOO and SRO in the past months.

“However, this has proven to be very challenging given the economic uncertainties due to the continuing pandemic and exacerbated by the Ukraine-Russia conflict,” it said. ACEN is the listed energy platform of the Ayala Group. It has about 3,800 megawatts of attributable capacity in the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Australia, of which close to 90 percent comes from renewable energy. The company aims to reach 5,000 MW in renewable capacity by 2025. Alena Mae S. Flores

AN INFRASTRUCTURE watchdog called on the incoming administration to appoint an energy professional as head of the Department of Energy. “The next DOE secretary should have real, professional expertise and track record in the energy sector. He should be mindful of the sector’s role as a pillar of economic growth for the country while balancing the concerns of electricity consumers for affordable and reliable electricity,” Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon said. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to appoint a new secretary of the DOE although some names were floated to replace Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi. “It would be better if an energy professional runs the department, as the sector’s future is too important to be left to politicians making high-level decisions on the country’s electricity needs particularly under the current escalated prices in the global oil market,” Ridon said. Alena Mae S. Flores

D&L keeps positive outlook on business

FOOD ingredients and plastics manufacturer D&L Industries Inc. said Monday it remains positive about the overall business this year as the increase in commodity prices and higher inflation has not affected demand yet. D&L president Alvin Lao said in an interview following the annual shareholders’ meeting demand from customers remained strong as people continued to dine out and travel despite rising prices. “There is still strong desire for people to go out and travel after two years of lockdown due to the pandemic and this is offsetting the higher costs,” Lao said. “While things are lot more expensive now, the high cost is not a factor because of the people’s desire to spend,” he said. Lao said given this trend, the company’s second-quarter performance would be better than the first quarter. He said aside from election-related spending, a more relaxed quarantine restrictions during the second quarter of the year helped the company’s business. Jenniffer B. Austria

Solar power producer Raslag’s stock advances on market debut By Jenniffer B. Austria SOLAR power producer Raslag Corp. rose in its market debut at the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday as the company announced plans to develop more solar farms to increase generation capacity. Share price of Raslag climbed to as high as P2.48 per share from its initial public offering price of P2 before closing at P2.02. Raslag chairman and chief executive Peter Nepomuceno said during the listing ceremony for its P700-million IPO the company was ready to “energize” its third solar farm which would nearly double its generation capacity. “We have clear path of becoming several larger than we are today. We have the land bank, the resources and the track record to deliver strong organic growth,” said Nepomuceno.

“In fact we are ready to energize our third solar farm Raslag which will nearly double generation capacity. We are also preparing to boost our project pipeline and will be on he look out for expansion opportunities,” he said. Raslag has two solar power plants, including the 10.046-megawatt RASLAG-1 and the 13.141-MW RASLAG-2 in Pampanga. Both plants are running under the feed-in-tariff system of the Department of Energy with a base tariff of P9.68 per kWh and P8.69 per kWh, respectively. The company’s third solar plant, the 18.011-MW RASLAG-3 in Mabalacat and Magalang, is scheduled for commercial operations soon. The company also commenced work on the 35.2-MW peak RASLAG-4 solar plant costing P1.5 billion and acquired the site for the 60-MWp RASLAG-5 solar plant amounting to P2.1 billion.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. hosts a listing ceremony on the stock market debut of Raslag Corp. The renewable energy firm, which is traded under the ticker ASLAG, listed 1.5 billion shares on June 6. Attending the ceremony are (by row, from left) ASLAG director Robert Gerard Nepomuceno and PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran; ASLAG independent director Pedro Maniego Jr., ASLAG chairman, president and chief executive Peter Nepomuceno, PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon and PSE issuer regulation division head Marigel Garcia; ASLAG independent director Daniel Gabriel Montecillo, ASLAG director Conrado Pecjo, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines chief operating officer Renee Rubio and PSE general counsel Veronica Del Rosario.

Sports

Kerr salutes ‘breathtaking’ Curry after Warriors’ win SAN FRANCISCO—Golden State coach Steve Kerr saluted the “breathtaking” contribution of Stephen Curry after the Warriors star inspired a series-levelling victory over Boston in the NBA Finals on Sunday. Curry led the scoring for the Warriors with 29 points in a 107-88 blowout that tied the best-of-seven series at 1-1. The 34-year-old two-time NBA MVP was at his majestic best in a third quarter that effectively decided the game as the Warriors outscored Boston 35-14. Curry contributed 14 points to that third-quarter onslaught, and was also a key contributor to a steely Warriors defensive display that shut down Boston’s scoring. “Steph was breathtaking in that quarter,” Warriors coach Kerr said afterwards. “Not just the shot-making but the defensive effort. He just doesn’t get enough credit for his level of conditioning, physicality and defense. “People go at him to try to wear him down because they know how important he is to us offensively.” At 6ft 2in (1.88m) and weighing in at around 185 pounds (84kg), Curry has often faced criticism of being “too small” for the NBA despite establishing himself as one of the greatest players in history. Kerr said Curry’s physique had evolved since he arrived at Golden State. “The difference in Steph’s strength and physicality in his body now than from eight years ago when I first got here is pretty dramatic,” Kerr said. “The guy’s amazing. He just keeps working on his game, his strength, his conditioning year after year, and it’s a pleasure to watch him play every night.” Curry says attitude has played as much a part in his success as his physical conditioning. “It’s been a physical development that’s happened over time that obviously helps, a lot of work that’s gone into that,” Curry said. “But at the end of the day, from my rookie year to now, it’s always been about effort and just a care factor ... If you try hard, good things will happen. And you’ll continue to get better. “It’s always been a point of emphasis. Just better at it now.” Golden State’s defensive general Draymond Green said Curry doesn’t get enough credit for his defensive prowess. “I’ve been talking about it the last couple years how much he’s improved on that side of the ball,” Green said. “Teams used to try to call him into every action, and just try to pick on him. AFP

Meralco, Pioneer Pro show way in PBA 3x3 MERALCO and Pioneer Pro Tibay showed the way in the Leg 3 opener of the PBA 3x3 Third Conference, with both teams winning their first two games Monday at Robinsons Magnolia. With their roster back in full force, the Bolts whipped Zamboanga Valientes, 20-9, and turned back Limitless App, 19-16, for a 2-0 record on top of Pool A. The Bolts welcomed back fitagain mainstay Tonino Gonzaga to the active roster as they bid to win a second straight leg championship in a week’s span. Gonzaga replaced injured big man Maclean Sabellina. In Pool C, Pioneer also sports a 2-0 slate behind wins over Sista Super Sealers, 18-12, and Barangay Ginebra, 16-10. With their unbeaten marks, both Pioneer and Meralco are in strong contention for berths in the knockout stage to be played Tuesday also at the same venue. The rest of the pool plays in Day 1 are still being played as of press time. Leg 1 winner TNT is on top of Pool B, while Purefoods heads Pool D, both with similar 1-0 standings. Pool play action continues in Day 2 before the top two teams in each pool advance into the quarterfinal playoffs. The Bolts won the Leg 2 championship last week behind an amazing 18-17 comeback win in overtime against the Cavitex Braves. A grand prize of P100,000 awaits the champion of the ongoing leg.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Boston Celtics during Game 2 of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. AFP

Donaire mentality: I’m the best, the champion, the undisputed By Randy Caluag

ILIPINO champion Nonito Donaire is bidding for what could be his ﬁnal shot at his greatest glory in a two-decade boxing career as he takes another crack at undefeated Japanese champion Naoya Inoue. And so expect the two protagonists to go all out in their rematch on Tuesday evening (Asian time) at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The bantamweight title unification bout is scheduled for 12 rounds with three belts on the line. At 39, Donaire will have one more chance at becoming the undisputed world champion as he stakes his World Boxing Council bantamweight title and takes aim at the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation crowns of the younger Inoue. Donaire (42 wins, 28 Kos, and 6 losses) said he feels stronger than ever and his mindset only points him in one direction. “I am the undisputed — that goes into my head, that goes into my meditation,” he said. “In the next few days, that’s all I’m saying. I am the best, I am the champion, I am undisputed.” Donaire cannot be blamed for feeling that way. During the last defense of his crown, he showed that he still packs

a punch, knocking out countryman Reymart Gaballo in the fourth round. His confidence was also boosted by the fact that he has proven that he could hurt Inoue, who overcame a broken facial bone and nose to win via unanimous decision in their first encounter in November 2019 at Saitama Super Arena. It was hailed as the Fight of the Year. But Inoue, who is undefeated in 22 fights, 17 of them in world title bouts, also has a plan of his own and that is to stop Donaire and retire him for good. The 29-year-old Inoue is coming off an eighth-round stoppage of unheralded Thai Aran Dipaen in Tokyo in December. He promised to be faster and stronger and no more “Drama in Saitama.” “It will be over without him touching me, “ Inoue said through an interpreter. “I think Donaire might retire if he loses.” Donaire is one of the only three remaining active world Filipino cham-

IBF and WBA bantamweight boxing champion Naoya Inoue of Japan (left) and WBC champion Nonito Donaire of Philippines pose during a press event in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. Donaire said on June 3, 2022 there was “a fire burning inside” him as he prepares to face Inoue Tuesday in a hotly anticipated sequel to their 2019 boxing classic. AFP

pions, with the two other being Mark Magsayo and Rene Cuarto. Magsayo wrested the WBC featherweight title from Gary Russell Jr. with a majority decision win in January in New Jersey, while Cuarto kept his IBF minimumweight title after repeating over fellow Filipino Pedro Taduran in February in Davao del Sur. Jerwin Ancajas’ long reign in the IBF Super flyweight division was halted by

Argentinian Fernando Martinez, who won the title bout via unanimous decision last February in Las Vegas. Just last month, John Riel Casimero was stripped of his WBO bantamweight title after he failed to defend it on two occasions against challenger Paul Butler. And Donaire hopes to save the number from diminishing come Tuesday night Saitama, Japan.

Etheridge leads 24-man Azkals’ team to Asian Cup By Peter Atencio FIL-BRITISH goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will keep his place in the Azkals. The 32-year-old Etheridge is among the 24 players the Philippine Football Federation called up to make the Philippine national men’s team for the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers. This will be Etheridge’s 14th year with the Azkals, since his first season back in 2008. The Azkals are situated in Group B in competitions that will be held from June 8 to 14 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Returning coach Thomas Dooley has picked Etheridge to be back,

Joining the fun ride were United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez (second from right) with (from left) Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Shehabeldin, SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant VicePresident Perkin So, Pasay City Mayor’s Chief of Staff Peter Pardo, and French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz.UN Philippines World Bicycle Day at SM

along with defender Jefferson Tabinas and holdovers from the Philippine under-23 team that competed in the recent 31st Southeast Asian Games. The young players include midfielders Oliver Bias, Oskari Kekkonen, and Sandro Reyes. The Azkals will start their qualifying campaign against Yemen on June 8, before fighting host Mongolia on June 11. Palestine will be the Azkals’ last opponent on June 14 in matches that will be played at the MFF Stadium. The Philippines seeks to be one of the 11 teams hoping to qualify for the final competition to be

Neil Etheridge

held next year. The team is done with its training camp at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila and left for Mongolia last Saturday. Joining the trip to Mongolia are goalies Kevin Hansen and Anthony Pinthus, defenders, Amani Aguinaldo, Kenshiro Daniels, Vincent Diano, Miguel Mendoza, Simone Rota, Tabinas and Dennis Villanueva. Among the midfielders are Oliver Bias, Jess Curran, Dylan de Bruycker, Hartmann and Kekkonen. The forwards are Jesus Melliza, Manyel and Mike Ott, Reyes, Gerrit Holtmann, Bienvenido Maranon, Jose Portreria and Patrick Reichelt.

UN celebrates World Bicycle Day with fun ride UNITED Nations Philippines recently celebrated World Bicycle Day with a Fun Bike Ride around the SM Mall of Asia. Joining the ride were around 250 cyclists from UN Philippines; the embassies of the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Netherlands and Poland; and cycling advocacy groups, including Firefly Brigade, to highlight the bicycle as a healthy, sustainable and inclusive means of transportation. Also joining the fun ride were United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez with Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed Shehabeldin, SM Mall of Asia Senior Assistant Vice-President Perkin So, Pasay City Mayor’s Chief of Staff Peter Pardo, and French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz.

Sports

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Nadal: Warrior with iron will to win

ARIS—There are three certainties in life— death, taxes and Rafael Nadal winning the French Open.

The Spaniard secured a 14th title at Roland Garros with a straight-sets rout of Casper Ruud on Sunday, swelling his record-setting Grand Slam collection to 22. Nadal, the oldest ever champion in Paris at 36, now has 112 match wins on the famous crushed red brick against just three defeats in 17 years. “He is a great champion, he is humble. He is the best athlete I have ever seen in any sport,” another tennis legend, John McEnroe said in January when Nadal collected the Australian Open. However, you will never hear Nadal indulge in any similar self-praise. Just as happy fishing or playing golf in Manacor, Nadal is ruthless on the tennis court but disarmingly humble off it. “I have doubts every day but that’s good as it makes me work hard with more intensity,” said Nadal, whose ca-

reer has been constantly under siege from knee, wrist and foot injuries. “Life is never clear. If you have no doubts, then you are very arrogant. I am not an arrogant person.” It is that forthright modesty which endears Nadal to his legion of fans as is his respect for opponents. Respect He applauds every vanquished foe off court at every tournament. When Alexander Zverev was forced to retire with an ankle injury in their semifinal on Friday, Nadal stayed with his tearful German rival in the medical room. “If you are human, you have sympathy for a colleague,” he explained. Nadal’s idiosyncracies are just as charming to his supporters even if the time it takes him to complete his rituals can drive opponents to distraction. His picking at the rear of his shorts

and mopping of his brow, aligned with his obsessive devotion to lining up his water bottles, labels facing out, are part of the Nadal DNA. His Grand Slam CV now boasts 14 French Opens, four US Open titles, two at Wimbledon and two at the Australian Open. His 2008 Wimbledon final triumph over Roger Federer is widely regarded as the greatest ever final at the majors. He has 92 career titles in total of which 63 have been on clay. As well as his 22 majors, he possesses 36 Masters. Gold in singles at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was followed by doubles gold at the Rio Games in 2016. He has also led Spain to five Davis Cups. Along with Federer and Novak Djokovic, he has comfortably passed the $100 million prize money barrier. Tennis has been good for Nadal but he has been just as influential as a key driver of the sport’s growth. ‘Great champion’ “I could probably tell you all the finals and who he has played and who he

has beaten, because I watched them all on TV,” said Ruud in the build-up to Sunday’s final. Nadal won an under-12 regional crown at age eight and by 12 had captured Spanish and European age-group junior titles. By 15, he had turned professional and, two years later, won his first match against Federer. At 19, he won the 2005 French Open on his debut. Nadal has Wimbledon crowns in 2008 and 2010, an Australian Open title in 2009 and completed the career Grand Slam in 2010 by defeating Djokovic in the US Open final, becoming the youngest in the Open era to complete the four-event career sweep. Injuries have taken a toll throughout his career, however, costing him numerous Slam appearances, including Wimbledon and the US Open last year. A recurrence of a chronic left foot injury which has plagued him throughout his career almost saw him miss Paris this year as well. AFP

PBA streaming abroad on iWantTFC starting June 9 MORE hoops action awaits Filipinos overseas as iWantTFC brings all the drama, exhilarating plays, and triumphant moments from the country’s most iconic basketball league, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), to audiences abroad starting June 9 (Thursday). Following the continuous success of bringing intense collegiate basketball and volleyball games from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) to viewers worldwide, ABS-CBN Global and Pilipinas Global Network Limited (PGNL) partner anew to stream PBA games in territories outside the Philippines except for the U.S. via iWantTFC, live and on-demand. Now in its historic 47th year, Asia’s longest-running professional basketball league recently opened its 2022–23 season last June 5, with 12 teams featuring its newest contender Converge Fiber Xers, battling out for the coveted title in the latest installment of the Philippine Cup, followed by the Commissioner’s and Governor’s Cups. The 47th season opens with TNT Tropang Giga defending their Philippine Cup crown against perennial powerhouse teams and dark-horse contenders. Another title is up for grabs as the Commissioner’s Cup finally re-opens this season while defending Governor’s Cup champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel hopes to win it all this year with their “Never Say Die” mantra in full force. Apart from streaming the season opener and previous games on-demand, fans can watch the live broadcast of PBA’s Thursday double-header, featuring a headto-head collision between the defending Philippine Cup champions TNT Tropang Giga and the reloaded Blackwater Bossing, followed by the Rain or Shine Elastopainters taking on Northport Batang Pier. Coverage begins at 5:15 PM PH Time.

This combination of file pictures shows Spanish Rafael Nadal holding the Mousquetaires Cup (The Musketeers) after his 14 victories at the tennis French Open at Roland Garros. Nadal won a 14th French Open and recordextending 22nd Grand Slam title with a straightsets rout of Casper Ruud to become the oldest male champion at Roland Garros. AFP

Young guns resume PPS title chase in Tagum ACTION in the PPS-PEPP national age-group tennis circuit shifts to Tagum, Davao del Norte beginning today (Tuesday, June 7) with close to 150 youngsters clashing for top honors and ranking points in the Governor’s Cup at the DavNor Tourism Sports Complex courts. Top seed Andre Sing and recent Pigcawayan, Cotabato leg winner Vince Serna of Butuan headline the full-packed 32-player field in the boys’ 18-and-under division while James Aquino and Jayson Battad earning the top two seeding in the 16-U play which will also hold a qualifier to accommodate the big number of entries. Chelsea Bernaldez and Juliana Carvajal, meanwhile, are the marked players in the girls’ premier class while Chloe Mercado and multi-titled Dhea Cua lead the chase in the 16-U side of the Group 2 tournament, part of the nationwide talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. For details, contact event organizer Bobby Mangunay at 09154046464. Cua, who dominated the 14and 16-U classes in the recent three-leg Cotabato swing in Kabacan, Kidapawan and Pigcawayan, also spearheads the 14-U field that includes Wendelyn Anino with Aquino and Battad likewise looming as the players to beat in their side of the event presented by Dunlop and backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating). It will be a tossup between Paul Cabrera and David Lazaro in the boys’ 12-U category with Lexter Mondragon and Erwan Manuel plus a host of others out to foil their bid while Clausxie Flores and Teika Ello set out to dispute the girls’ trophy in the youngest age division of the five-day tournament.

PSA Forum to discuss Gilas PH’s preparations Sonny Barrios

SAMAHANG Basketbol ng Pilipinas takes the limelight in the first virtual session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum for the second half of 2022 this Tuesday. On hand to represent the country’s national basketball federation in the 10 a.m. public sports program is executive director Sonny Barrios. The SBP is currently busy preparing the Gilas men’s basketball team for the World Cup qualifiers and the FIBA Asia Cup, as well as the U-16 national team bound to Qatar for the FIBA U-16 Asian Championship. The federation likewise has its

Lee wins US Women’s Open with 72-hole record WASHINGTON—Australia’s Minjee Lee won the 77th US Women’s Open on Sunday, rolling to a four-stroke victory to capture her second career major golf title in record-smashing fashion. The 26-year-old from Perth fired a level par 71 in the final round at Pine Needles in Southern Pines, North Carolina, to finish on a 72-hole event record 13-under 271. “I’m speechless. I can’t believe it right now,” Lee said. “It’s super special. It has been my dream since I was a little girl.” World number four Lee, who took her first major title at last year’s Evian Championship, followed in the footsteps of Aussie mentor Karrie Webb, who won a US Women’s Open title at Pine Needles in 2001. “This was the one I’ve always wanted to win so it feels extra special and I feel amazing right now,” Lee said. The old US Women’s Open low 72-hole mark was 272 set by Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam at Pine Needles in 1996 and matched by American Juli Inkster in 1999 and South Korean Chun In-gee in 2015. The Philippines’ Bianca Pagdanganan placed 68th overall with a 15 over score. Japan’s Yuka Saso was cut, alongside Filipina Dottie Ardina. Lee captured her eighth LPGA title by holding

off American Mina Harigae, second on 275 after a closing 72, and claimed a record $1.8 million top prize from a $10-million purse, the richest in women’s golf history. “We’re only moving in the right direction,” Lee said of the prize money. “It’s only going to get better from here. It’s such a large sum. I’m honored to be the first winner of the sum but it’s only going to get better and better.” South Korean Choi Hye-jin was third on 277, one stroke ahead of world number one Ko Jinyoung of South Korea with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko fifth on 279. Lee, who also set a 54-hole Open record of 200, began with a three-stroke lead over Harigae and a six-shot edge on the rest of the field, but felt nervous throughout the round. “I felt a little ‘jelly’ all day but I’m here and I’m happy now,” Lee said. “With a little bit of nerves, overall, I felt like I did pretty good. “I just tried to breathe a lot but it’s hard when so many people are watching you and so much is at stake.” Lee opened with back-to-back birdies to reach 15-under, a 35-foot birdie putt at the second hole stretching her lead to five shots, but she found a greenside bunker and made

Minjee Lee of Australia poses with the trophy after winning the 77th U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina. AFP

hands full preparing for the country’s co-hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The weekly For um is presented by San Miguel Cor poration, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Unilever, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Cor poration. The session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page f b.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2, which likewise shared on its Facebook page.

bogey at the par-3 fifth. At the seventh, Lee’s tee shot went next to a weed in the sandy native area. She blasted out to greenside fringe but took a bogey, yet kept her four-stroke lead when Harigae made bogey as well. Lee sank a clutch seven-foot par putt at the ninth and made another par save at the par-5 10th, where her second shot bounced over the green and landed in a dead bush. Lee wedged a bump-and-run shot to the far side of the green and two-putted. “I started good, had a little struggle in the middle and at the end was just trying to make pars,” Lee said. Harigae made a bogey at 11 and Lee sank an eight-foot birdie putt at the 12th, then birdied the par-5 15th to keep a six-stroke edge. That was plenty for Lee to grab the triumph despite a bogey at the par-3 16th and a tap-in miss to bogey the 18th. Harigae’s best major Harigae, who won $1 million as runner-up, battled her own nerves and settled for her first top-10 major finish. “That was probably one of the top rounds where I was really nervous, but I handled it pretty well. I’m proud of myself,” Harigae said. “I’m not going to lie, my stomach hurt the last couple holes coming down. I was really stressed out, but I was really just focusing on making solid contact and hitting good putts. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Josep is back

Comedian Jo Koy to bring ‘Funny World Tour’ to MOA Arena on August 31 COMEDIAN Jo Koy announces he’ll bring his Funny Is Funny World Tour to the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila on August, 31. As one of today’s premier standup comics Jo Koy has come a long way from his modest beginnings performing at a Las Vegas coffee house. The hugely relatable comic pulls inspiration from his family, specifically his son. Koy started 2022 with a bang, selling out the Climate Pledge Arena (over 14,000 tickets) in

Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy

Zendaya wins big at MTV awards AMERICAN singer-actress Zendaya dominated the MTV Movie and TV Awards on Sunday as her teen drama Euphoria and big-screen superhero blockbuster SpiderMan: No Way Home were voted best show and best movie, respectively. The light-hearted awards, taking place at the start of the summer blockbuster season, are voted for online by the public, and underscored the huge popularity of the 25-year-old former Disney child star. Zendaya won best performance in a show for Euphoria, HBO’s often bleak and hardhitting look at modern teen life, which also won offbeat awards for “best fight” and a new award for the best on-screen “hookup.” The MTV awards have long bestowed tongue-in-cheek “golden popcorn” statuettes for categories ranging from “best kiss” to “most frightened performance.” With obsessive fans encouraged to vote multiple times for their favorites, the awards tend to recognize mainstream and commercial hits with large and devoted social media followings. It was little surprise therefore that “SpiderMan: No Way Home” — by far the biggest box office hit since the pandemic — won best movie. The film has earned almost $1.9 billion worldwide and is the third-biggest hit for domestic theaters ever. It also won best performance in a movie for Zendaya’s on-screen and real-life boyfriend Tom Holland, who plays the latest incarnation of the web-slinging superhero — although neither attended the ceremony in Santa Monica, near Los Angeles, in person. Lending some A-list stardust to the room, Jennifer Lopez was presented a noncompetitive “Generation Award.” She thanked “true love” before telling her fiance Ben Affleck “and everybody at home” that she was on her way back for dinner. Lopez also won best song, for On My Way (Marry Me), while 19-year-old multiple Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo won best music documentary Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u. AFP

his hometown of Seattle. Today, he continues breaking sales records at some of the most prestigious venues around the world including Mall of Asia Arena (Manila, PH), The Forum (Los Angeles), Coca-Cola Arena (Dubai), ICC Theatre (Sydney, AU), and Radio City Music Hall (New York City) to name a few. In 2017, Koy broke a record for the most tickets sold by a single artist at 23,000 tickets and 11 sold-out shows at The Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall in Honolulu. In response, the mayor’s office in Honolulu proclaimed November 24t as “Jo Koy Day.” Koy will next be starring in the Amblin Partners and Universal Picture film, Easter

Sunday releasing in theaters August 31. The feature film is loosely based on Koy’s life experiences, and will be set around a family gathering to celebrate Easter Sunday. In March 2021, the comedian released his first autobiography, Mixed Plate with Harper Collins Publishers. In this funny and moving memoir, Koy uncovers the stories behind his stand-up: the conflict, the drama, and the laughter as he struggles to find his place in the entertainment industry, a country, and the world. The comedian has had five highlyrated and successful stand-up specials on Comedy Central and Netflix including his latest variety special In His Element

currently streaming on Netflix. The comedian will be releasing his highly anticipated 4th stand-up special in 2022. In 2018, Koy was given the prestigious “Stand-Up Comedian of The Year” award at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. In 2019, the comedian reached #1 on the Billboard Charts for his stand-up comedy album, Live From Seattle. Pre-sale to Jo Koy’s Funny World Tour begins on June 13 at 10:00 a.m., and tickets go on-sale June 14 at 10:00 a.m. Ticket prices will range from P1,750 – P8,000 and will be available to purchase at smtickets.com and its outlets.

Joseph Marco joins Hipon Girl in ‘Ang Babae Sa Likod Ng Face Mask’ A

BRAND-NEW love team is set to deliver kilig and laughs in an upcoming online series. Herlene Budol and her leading man Joseph Marco star together in Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask, a 13-episode romantic comedy series conceptualized with Puregold, produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Cahilig, and directed by criticallyacclaimed Victor Villanueva.

Joseph Marco plays Sieg, the love interest of Herlene Budol’s Malta

Popularly known as “Hipon Girl,” Herlene’s wit and charm make her the ideal leading lady for this hilarious and heartwarming new show. Playing opposite her in her first-ever leading role, television heartthrob Joseph Marco, known for his onscreen credits on Sabel, Honesto, Pasion de Amor, and Wildflower. “Napaka-exciting na opportunity ang ibinigay ng Puregold sa akin,” Herlene gushes of. “Gusto ko ipakita sa lahat ng followers at Hiponatic supporters ang kakayahan ko bilang isang leading lady.”

At the same time Herlene proudly addresses her co-star and what he brings to the table as well. “Sobrang lucky ako na kasama ko si Joseph Marco para sa show na ito. Siyempre, you always want to work with the best, kaya ang saya ko talaga noong nalaman ko na si Joseph Marco ang leading man ko.” “Ang exciting talaga,” says Marco of his role. “I’m super honored that Puregold chose me to be the leading man for the show. It’s been an absolute joy working with Herlene, and I think the viewers will be able to feel how much fun we had working together through the screen.” Indeed, the pairing of Budol and Marco crackles with chemistry in the upcoming series. Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask tells the story of Malta, played by Herlene Budol, a 25-year-old cashier. Malta works hard to support her mother, Madam Baby, portrayed by seasoned actress, Mickey Ferriols. One day at work, Malta meets the handsome but unlucky in love Sieg, played by Joseph Marco. It’s love at first sight for Sieg, who is mesmerized by Malta’s eyes. What unfolds is the story of how Malta and Sieg find love and overcome their doubts and insecurities, and break the negative cycles of their past. “Ang classic ng kwento,” says Budol. “Nakakakilig, nakakatawa, lahat ng gusto mo sa isang series, meron kami rito.” Ang Babae… is the latest in Puregold’s online series that takes inspiration from classic Filipino TV

Joseph Marco brings his years of television acting experience to the new Puregold online series

of the past decades. As such, it’s sure to spark the warm sensations of both nostalgia and renewed discovery as viewers come to fall in love with both Herlene Budol’s Malta and Joseph Marco’s Sieg. Puregold marketing manager Ivy Piedad adds, “The everpresent face mask is now a symbol of hope and self-love for our lead in this new series. And we hope to entertain a large number Herlene Budol stars as Malta in of viewers online especially given the Puregold’s new Pinoy’s fondness digital series for light, romantic comedies.” Expect laughter, tears, and so much more from the Ang Babae sa Likod ng Face Mask. Stream the digital series for free on YouTube Puregold Channel every Saturday, 6:00 p.m., beginning June 11. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube. Herlene Budol has expressed excitement to show her Hiponatics her abilities as a leading lady

Ken Chan sets record straight

Zendaya’s performances in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Spiderman: No Way Home’ earn her plums at the MTV Awards

ACTOR Ken Chan has cleared the cobwebs and said that Rita Daniela was not the subject of cryptic tweets he posted a month ago alluding to someone who was trying to put him down. “Definitely, it’s not Rita!” he says. “On the contrary, we’re very okay even if we don’t get to see each other that often at this point.” The actor doesn’t want to give away the identity of the person he’s referring to. “There are really people who will try to put you down. It happens not only here in showbiz. It can happen in any field. Many people feast on other’s downfall. All of us will undergo such experience.”

“In cases such as this, I always think that our screen partnership was remember what my folks told me. just accidental. We’re just so blessed According to them, those who are being that people supported our tandem in put down will be elevated. God will lift ‘My Special Tatay.’ So, yes, I’m still them up. That motivates me to keep on open to working with Rita. I’m not just going!” certain if it’s going to be this year or Despite what happened, Ken still next year. considers the person involved a friend. “We both believe that it’s better if we “I’m the type who doesn’t harbor would be paired with other stars also. It any ill feeling towards someone who would be beneficial for us. It’s healthier has done me wrong. I’m if we get to work blessed and thankful with fellow that I’m like that. I actors. We’ll both easily forgive. My experience growth doors are still open for in our craft!” friendship!” Meanwhile, How about Rita? Is Ken lists Bianca he still keen on doing Umali, Ruru projects with her in the Madrid, Glaiza future? de Castro, Julie “I’m looking forward Ann San Jose, and to working with her Gabbi Garcia as again soon. But Rita and some of the people I believe that eventually, whom he would we have to go solo. As want to work with Sparkle explained to us, Actor Ken Chan still considers in his showbiz the love team phase is Rita Daniela as a friend despite project. temporary. ••• allegations that his cryptic tweets “Especially if you’ll are referring to her I T’S exciting to

see Mona Louise Rey, who started as a child actress in GMA and is presently using the screen name Mona Alawi make a limited acting comeback as she breathes life to the young Ivana Alawi in the upcoming Kapamilya prime time show A Family Affair. In real life, Mona is the younger sister of Ivana. It can be remembered that Mona stormed into the showbiz scene in 2011 after bagging the title role in the hit Kapuso soap Munting Heredera. After this, she was given the opportunity to appear in other hit programs like Aso ni San Roque in 2012, Bukod Kang Pinagpala in 2013, My BFF in 2014, and Hahamakin ang Lahat in 2016. After this, she took a break from the ‘biz and later entered the vlogging world along with Ivana. In A Family Affair, Mona will be seen in flashback scenes where her character will enter the lives of the Estrellabrothers to be portrayed by Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, Jake Ejercito, and Jameson Blake. This will be Mona’s first soap opera appearance in six years.

Star-studded, week-long festivities highlight most intense PBA season yet on TV5 AFTER the successful run of the Governor’s Cup Season 46, with the Finals series hitting record-breaking ratings and audience shares since 2016 and attracting one of the biggest live crowd attendance, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) continues to evolve kicking off Season 47 with a week-long lineup of star-studded and spectacular festivities leading to the grand season opening on June 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Airing live on TV5, One Sports, and Cignal TV’s PBA Rush, PBA Season 47 becomes one of the most highly anticipated comebacks among basketball enthusiasts hungry for hardcourt action. The June 5 Opening Ceremonies was

the culmination of a week-long trail of activities for the PBA — starting with a press conference on May 30, Pre-Season TV Specials on June 1 and 3 (airing at 6:00 p.m. on TV5 & PBA Rush), an Officials Meeting & Media Day on June 2, and a fireworks display on June 4. The Leo Awards and the much-awaited PBA Season 47 Opening on June 5 aired live on TV5, One Sports, and Cignal TV’s PBA Rush. To kick things off, the PBA Season 46 Leo Awards took place as a pre-event to the Season 47 opening ceremony. The awarding ceremonies were hosted by former national athlete Denise Tan and sports journalist Jutt Sulit. This awardgiving body allows PBA to continue its tradition and honor last season’s

standouts, recognizing the recipients of the following categories: Most Valuable Player, Mythical Selection, Rookie of the Year, All-Defensive Team, Most Improved Player, and Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award. Hosted by former volleyball star Gretchen Ho and comedian-actor Vhong Navarro, PBA fans were treated to performances by Lovi Poe, Buganda Drumline, G-Force dancers, Born to be a Star winner Jehramae Trangia, One Voice Children’s Choir, POPinoy winners, and Sing Galing Kantastic 6. This season’s campaign, “Game Tayo Dito!”, highlights the all-new level of intensity and the competitiveness the teams are bringing. A campaign

that resonates with the basketball game, the players, the league, the broadcast team, and m o s t especially to the fans.

Now back to its original three full conference format, stay tuned to TV5, One Sports, and Cignal TV’s PBA Rush for the most thrilling PBA action this Season 47.

Lovi Poe makes an appearance at the opening ceremonies of the new PBA season

Meister’s Uncorked A place where whisky and food-pairing magic happens

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

OS BAÑOS restaurateur David Lobo had this in his mind for many years: a place where people could come visit to know more about what they’re drinking; a place where they could relax and enjoy, and maybe even have a dram or two of that whisky that they’ve never tried before. This vision turned into reality when Meister’s Uncorked opened its doors in the bustling town of Los Baños. Meister’s Uncorked, a newcomer in the restaurant and bar landscape of the province, enters the scene with Mediterranean, and European-inspired cuisine, a well-stocked bar of wine and spirits; and an impressive whisky collection one may never perhaps find, south of Metro Manila. As a passion project fulfilled, its founder revealed that the idea of Meister’s Uncorked has been gestating with him for over a decade. “I love hosting private parties, I love to cook, and in the company of friends, I love to drink. I want to give the community something different. The Los Baños dining and drinking scene has always been variations of existing establishments. They serve the standard whiskies and wines. We’d like to change that.” An avid wine and whisky enthusiast himself, David takes special pride in what Meister’s Uncorked has to offer: a wide variety of whiskies for all drinkers, from the newbies looking to expand their horizons, to independent bottlings and rare gems for the whisky aficionado. Meister’s Uncorked took it up a notch when it hosted what could very well be, the first-ever whisky tasting session in Los Baños. Scotch Malt Whisky Soci-

Life

Buffalo Trace produces fine bourbon whiskey

for its interesting rye-forward scents and an intensity that may seem just enough even for a beginner. The tasting session then ended with the monstrous Smokehead Sherry Bomb, a flavorful Islay (Scotland) single malt whisky which combines the rich briny smoke the region is known for, with dried fruits from the Oloroso sherry casks used to mature the whisky.

The Whisky Appreciation Night is just the first of more tasting sessions ahead. Meister’s Uncorked is looking to expand it further to include other liquors such as wine, rum, and gin, and even a wide-reaching selection of cigars in the future. Ultimately, Meister’s Uncorked is envisioned to be a destination for enthusiasts south of the metro.

A selection of whiskies for tasting

ety Philippine Liaison Kris Ong opened the world of whisky to a group of local businessmen, professors, doctors, and enthusiasts: from the basics, to production, classification, how to nose, and taste varieties. The night started with the doubleaged blended Scotch whisky, Dewar’s 15. This multi-awarded whisky is famed for its smoothness and long finish. From the blended malt category, guests were treated to Timorous Beastie, a Scotch

whisky that combines spirits from three distilleries. Its producers describe it as “a medley of vanilla, malted barley meringue, honey and citrus just bursting to be unleashed.” Borders was a special surprise, being one of the few Single Grain Scotch Whiskies in the world. It has a malty fruitiness and some floral qualities that thrilled the tasters. Crossing the Atlantic to Kentucky, USA, guests had a taste of Buffalo Trace. The bourbon is special

Kris Ong discusses the different whisky styles

Refresh your carts with the best deals from Lazada’s Mid-year Mega Sale

International grocery experiences await shoppers in Antipolo ON MAY 26, Shopwise Antipolo unveiled its updated look and assortment highlighting a curated selection of imported goods and exclusive international brands ready to give shoppers more options for their grocery shopping. The recently renovated hypermarket, which is located in the commercial epicenter of Rizal province, aims to delight customers from Mega Manila through unique and elevated shopping experiences, augmented by world-class modern interiors and a high level of customer service. Housing an extensive array of gourmet options and lifestyle products, the store offers exciting finds for a diverse and discerning market, from professional chefs and foodies to homemakers looking for unique ingredients and excellent merchandise options. The assortment currently includes products sourced from all over the world, such as exclusive product lines from leading food retailers and producers Woolworths of Australia, Meadows, and No Brand. “From our redesigned lighting fixtures, to our grocery aisles and what we put on our shelves, the goal in our rebranding was for Shopwise Antipolo to give the best of what modern re-

tail has to offer. This really comes down to store experience. We believe that we have the opportunity to cater to an emerging market of consumers who value better quality and specialized service, as well as convenience. After all, we’re doing it all under one roof,” shared Stanley Geometric shapes and bright blues add depth to the facade of Co, Managing Director of Shopwise Antipolo Robinsons Retail’s Superalso has premium bedroom linen from Hudson market Segment. Essex, Pur & Calm, and Madison Avenue, among True to its value proposition to serve a large others. breadth of customer needs, Shopwise also showMoreover, Shopwise Antipolo houses Project cases a product range beyond food and grocery, Pie of the Shakey’s Group, which was one of the such as appliances, home and kitchen essentials, pioneers of the ‘build-your-own” pizza service. bed and bath, and general merchandise. Diners can experiment and customize what goes Onboarded brands include high-grade kitch- on in their meal as they choose from a multitude of en appliances and kitchenware makers Russell ingredients that are freshly baked onto their pizza. Hobbes, Oster, and Tefal. There is dinnerware by Aside from this, the menu includes favorites like Corelle, which combines elegant style with du- their famous chicken, pasta, and salads. Another rable design, and notable home furnishings manu- crowd-pleaser is Krispy Kreme, home of the origfacturers Seville Classics and Lifetime. The store inal glazed doughnut.

The new Shopwise Antipolo offers a wide array of gourmet and lifestyle products

Customers can choose from baked goods and other treats inside Shopwise Antipolo

Alden Richards is the face of Lazada

LAZADA is serving up a refreshing mid-year break as Southeast Asia’s pioneer eCommerce platform rolls out its annual 6.6 Mid-year Mega Sale. Looking to rejuvenate shoppers and re-energize them for the next half of the year, consumers can look out for incredible deals and inspiration to keep them going for the second half of the year. Want to achieve your mid-year goals? Simply use the hashtag #LazadaMidYearGoals and share what you aspire to achieve together with your Lazada cart to win P66,000 Lazada Wallet Credits so you can purchase everything you need to achieve your mid-year resolution. Lazada will also help online shoppers make that switchup by offering fast and free shipping and 6x stackable vouchers, as well as 60 percent cash back (no minimum spend, capped at P60) and 10 percent Lazada Bonus (P500 minimum spend), so bag the best deals at Lazada’s 6.6 Mid-year Mega Sale. Lazada’s Midyear Mega Sale started on June 6 and will run until tomorrow, June 8.

Pupil qualifies at the IMG Academy Junior World Championship FIVE-YEAR-OLD golfer Rafael Lucas L. De Guzman has secured a spot at the IMG Academy Junior World Championship after a splendid performance at the recently concluded qualifiers in Cavite. The young golf player scored a total of 239 on the three-day tournament in the “6 and under” boys division. He then form part of the top three finishers along with Sorreen Lee and Kenzo Handog Tan who

earned the coveted slots to play at the Junior World Championship set July 10 to 14 in San Diego, California. Inspired by his impressive performance, Lucas continued to clinch the top spots in the four golf tournaments that he joined thereafter. Currently, a first-grader at Kinder Crib, he was accelerated with a notably advanced intelligence as affirmed by his teachers. He has been a consistent top student in his class.

Lucas has been playing golf competitively since the age of three. He has been under the tutelage of Coach Andre Casimiro and will be further guided for the upcoming international competition by Coach Toch Altea, the coach of Asian Games gold medalist Yuka Saso. “If he wins in the US, we have no clue as to what’s in store for him after since all the best golfers in the world will be there. We don’t want

to expect anything but then again we are certain that he will bring honor to the Philippines,” his proud mom shared. “I’m very proud of everything my son has accomplished at such a young age. At five years old, I already see how dedicated he is to develop his skills. Beyond the medals and trophies, I’m most proud of seeing how Lucas (left) posing with his mom he has this innate drive to become the during the qualifiers event in Cavite best he can be,” his mom ended.

Lucas is a five-yearold golfer who began honing his skills at the age of three