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Security plans on ‘Big 3’ set • Protest China Sea incursions • Remain neutral on Russia war • Enhance defense treaty with US VOL. XXXVI • NO. 115 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Rey E. Requejo, Francisco Tuyay, and Mervin Vince Lopez

HE incoming Marcos administration has laid out its security plans for the ‘Big 3’ countries of China, Russia, and the United States—including lodging diplomatic protests against its Asian neighbor if it still sends ships into Philippine territorial waters, the incoming national security adviser said Friday. "We will continue to file diplomatic protests (against China). Never mind that we are filing 10,000 of them because if you don’t, that Next page

Marcos: China is PH ‘strongest partner’ BBM WITH ENVOYS. Ambassador Annika Thunborg of Sweden (left) exchanges gifts with President-elect Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Friday at the BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Other envoys who paid a courtesy call to Marcos were Ambassador Charles Brown of Holy See and Gustavo Fernando Gonzalez, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations to the Philippines. BBM Media Bureau

Carlos rejects revival of peace talks with CPP, hits Joma et al “WE’RE done with peace talks.” Incoming National Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos on Friday made this observation as she rejected the possibility of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines under the Marcos administration. “Tama na yang peace talks na yan, susmaryosep. I'm sure bata ka pa ginagawa na natin yan. We have agreement on certain things, let us proceed with that,”

Carlos said in an interview on ANC. [Let’s stop these peace talks. I’m sure we’ve been doing it since we were young.] She pointed out however, that the communist rebels would not be excluded from the transformation process and the government would still invite them to participate in the process. “I-include mo sila sa pag-implement Next page

Face mask violators in Cebu face arrest By Willie Casas THE lifting of the face mask rule in Cebu province is “not recognized” by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday police may

PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called China the Philippines’ “strongest partner” from among the community of nations in terms of recovering economically from COVID-19. Marcos made this declaration during the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding event at a hotel in Makati City, where he was the guest speaker. This developed as former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, an ally of Marcos, said Philippines-China relations were “at an all-time low” during the administration of her successor, the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Next page

BBM may attend UNGA, meets more envoys By Rey E. Requejo and Mervin Vince Lopez

tend the United Nations General Assembly in September, citing the importance of the event and his desire to meet with other world leaders. Marcos issued the statement afPRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said he was inclined to at- ter UN Resident Coordinator to the

Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez paid a courtesy call to Marcos at his headquarters in Mandaluyong City to discuss preparations for this year's UN General Assembly in New York, USA. Next page

arrest individuals in the province who violate health protocols "if necessary." The Department of Health (DOH) also stressed that face masks should still be worn outside and in public places amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Next page

JUNE 12 PREPARATIONS. Air force training aircrafts SF-260 fly in formation during a flyby practice near Rizal Park in Manila on Friday, while employees from Caloocan City Hall prepare the Philippine flag and paint around the Bonifacio Monument in preparation for the 124th Independence Day celebration on June 12. Andrew Rabulan with Ted Aljibe/AFP SOLGEN BASH. Solicitor General Jose Calida (left) welcomes House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, whom the former invited to be guest of honor and speaker during the 121st Midyear Agreement Activity and Anniversary celebration of the OSG at the PICC in Pasay City on Friday (see story on A4). Ver Noveno

BULUSAN POISED FOR ERUPTION ANEW—PHIVOLCS

JOBLESS RATE FALLS TO 2-YEAR LOW OF 5.7%

NEWS / A4

BUSINESS / B4

DAR chief insists rice at P20/kl doable Poor countries to pay more for By Rio N. Araja less food—UN and Othel V. Campos OUTGOING Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Bernie Cruz on Friday maintained that the government can bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo. Incoming DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III earlier said bringing down the price of rice to P20 per kilo is “difficult to

attain” at this time. But Estrella vowed to implement programs to achieve the goal of the incoming administration of Presidentelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) proposed to increase rice buffer stocking from 7 to 30 days at the local government unit (LGU) level and prioritize the selling of affordable rice to vulnerable sectors. Next page

PARIS—Poor countries are expected to suffer the most from worldwide food crises exacerbated by the war in Ukraine as they will be forced to pay more for less food, the United Nations warned on Thursday (Friday in Manila). The global food import bill was on course to hit a new record of $1.8 trillion Next page

News

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MM hospital utilization rate rising T By Willie Casas

Velasco said. The center is open to calls 24/7, Velasco said. The public may reach the center at 09199773333 (Smart) and 0915777777 (Globe). The NPNRC meanwhile urged the public to refrain from prank calling their hotline numbers. Velasco said the “numbers are for those needing medical assistance.” She said they are still receiving COVID-related calls, as most patients already know the process while they refer others needing isolation facilities to available centers. “Most of them know where to stay, if they can stay at home, they’ll report it to

the barangay officials or their barangay health centers,” she said. Most of the calls come from the National Capital Region (NCR), she said. Asked about the situation of hospitals in NCR after the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) closed down its elective procedures due to an influx of nonCOVID patients, Velasco said they have observed that hospitals are filling up. She said that this was because those with chronic illnesses or uncontrolled diseases can now get consultations and go to the emergency room. Velasco said the occupancy rate in NCR was observed to have increased. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

means we acquiesce to the situation on the ground,” said Clarita Carlos, selected by President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as his national security adviser. The Philippines will also stay neutral in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Carlos saying the country has had a “very good relationship” with Russia in the past, and a neutral stance could enable the Philippines to secure much-needed oil and gas from Russia. As she rejected the possibility the Philippines might join the West in sanctioning Russia, Carlos said she was considering enhancing the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States. Carlos said the 71-year treaty was old, and that the US has already come up with a new framework for its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. She said the review should also include the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, which are the legs on which the MDT stands. The incoming national security adviser said Manila would pursue multilateral and bilateral talks with China and other powers, saying the alternative to talk was “something unacceptable to all of us.” Beijing, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, rejects a 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that recognized Manila’s claim to its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea and rejected Beijing’s territorial claims as excessive. Last month, Marcos said he would not allow “a single millimeter” of the country’s coastal rights to be trampled upon. "We have a very important ruling in our favor and we will use it to continue to assert our territorial rights. It is not a claim. It is already our territorial right," he said. "We're talking about China. We talk to China consistently with a firm voice….

We cannot go to war with them. That’s the last thing we need right now,” the President-elect added. Carlos noted that there was an “error in judgment” in connection with the VFA review that was started by the Duterte administration, saying it is the MDT that needs to be reviewed and not its implementing arms. Asked if the Marcos administration will push for joint maritime patrols with the US, Carlos said they will include more countries. “We're trying to convince them (the US) the best way really to have international order is for us to be inclusive,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman committed to help the Philippines attain its defense modernization goals. Sherman reaffirmed this commitment to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. during her visit to Manila on Thursday, saying Washington will “help the Philippines meet its defense modernization goals.” The US official also reassured Locsin of Washington’s commitment to helping the Philippines, a traditional and longtime ally, address the daunting regional and global challenges both countries face. Locsin said both sides agreed to “engage constructively” in protecting democracy and human rights at home and abroad. The US, as an “important and strategic trading and investment partner of the Philippines,” will also support the country’s economic recovery efforts, including its transition to clean energy and digitalization. The country’s top diplomat reiterated the Philippines’ invitation for the US to support the three-year United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (2021-2024). During the meeting, Sherman thanked Locsin for his “significant contributions to the Philippine-United States alliance, especially in light of the restoration of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in July 2021.” Before the call on Locsin, Sherman

also met with President-elect Marcos Jr., who agreed to deepen the long-standing alliance between the two countries. Sherman is in the country to meet with both outgoing and incoming administrations to discuss concrete ways to further strengthen the relations. She is the highest-ranking State Department official to visit the country since the start of the pandemic, and is visiting the Philippines for the first time as part of a series of visits to the region. Also on Friday, the Federation of Free Workers labor group supported the appointment of Carlos as national security adviser, saying she is “more than qualified for the job.” China, the Philippines, and several other littoral states are locked in a territorial dispute over the SCS where Beijing claims around 80 percent of the strategic waters. To date, concerned parties are holding bilateral and multilateral negotiations to discuss the maritime row. The talks include the crafting of the binding Code of Conduct with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Meanwhile, outgoing Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has worked hard for the Philippines to attain a credible defense posture to protect its vast maritime territories. "The department also steadily worked towards achieving a credible defense posture through priority infrastructure development in the municipality of Kalayaan, construction of maritime domain awareness platforms, heightened deployment of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) detachments in border islands, and procurement of game-changing assets, such as combat utility helicopters, missile frigates, close air-support aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense systems, various force protection equipment, and weapon systems," he said in a statement Friday. With AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ficials and members of the Filipino-Chinese community, using the Philippines’ attempt to move into the post-pandemic stage, which he would lead when he assumes the presidency on June 30. “Come to the day that we can say that… we are beyond the pandemic crisis, we are beyond the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic,” the 64-year-old incoming President said. “We can only do it, certainly, in the Philippines, with our partners. And our strongest partner has always been, in that regard, our close neighbor

and our good friend, the People’s Republic of China,” he said, triggering a round of applause. Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte made huge strides in fixing PH-China ties after relations went through a down period in the previous Aquino government, mainly due to the longstanding maritime disputes between Manila and Beijing. But in his speech, Marcos focused on how the two nations can move their relationship forward in the post-pandemic world. “As we try to make our way in the post-pandemic world… each country will

not be able to thrive, to survive and to thrive by itself. We have developed such a close global community both in politics, both in diplomacy, also in business. And so that it is not possible any longer for a single country to make its own way and say that they will succeed,” he said. “I truly believe that it is the partnerships and alliances that we as a country will make with our friends and allies and partners around the world that will keep the stability of our economic recovery,” the Presidentelect added. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

wearing face masks because COVID-19 pandemic has not ended. Vergeire said the DOH is currently coordinating with the DILG regarding the executive order issued by Garcia. According to Vergeire, agencies should consult first with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases regarding this because the IATF is the one implementing such policies nationwide in the fight against COVID-19. Meanwhile, face mask mandates should not be lifted as the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over, a doctor said Friday. “A face mask is still protection. The pandemic is not yet over, so we think face masks must not be taken off in crowded places,” Dr. Antonio Dans told TeleRadyo. He noted that other countries saw a surge in cases when they no longer made face masks mandatory. “The cases are going down but we must not get rid of the precautionary measures, preventive measures because it's still there and in some countries, there is a surge of cases again,” he said. The doctor said mask mandates may be lifted when cases remain low for an extended period of time and fewer deaths are recorded. For now, he said the public should continue to follow minimum public health standards.

BBM... In a press briefing after his private meeting with Marcos, Gonzalez said the General Assembly will focus on the impact of COVID-19 on the world. Marcos told Gonzalez that “it would be very important to attend and represent the Philippines in the General Assembly and meet with other world leaders.” Apart from Gonzalez, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Annika Thunborg, Ambassador of Holy See Charles Brown, and Ambassador of Ireland William Carlos also met with Marcos separately during a series of meetings Friday morning. Gonzalez said he discussed three main points of the UN—human rights, peace, and development—with Marcos. Gonzalez said the President-elect emphasized the need to ensure a "high level of accountability" for human rights violations. "On human rights, my message was to, first of all, reiterate the support of the United Nations to all the efforts of the Philippines on the human rights agenda," he said. "He (Marcos) mentioned also the importance of ensuring a high level of accountability in terms of human rights." Gonzales said Marcos also said there has been a series of consultations to up-

hold and protect human rights in the Philippines. The two also tackled climate change and the impact of natural disasters. Sweden’s Ambassador Annika Thunborg said they discussed “building back better and greener, more resilient places sustainably and inclusively in light of the global crisis, the pandemic, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the climate crisis, and the socio–economic hardship that the world faces.” “I said that we do hope that the socioeconomic and financial reforms that have been put in place during the current government, will continue, with the incoming government,” Thunberg said. Thunborg said Marcos said he was committed to continuing his predecessor’s anti-drug campaign, “with respect for human rights and focus on rehabilitation.” OnTuesday Jorge Moragas, Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, Ambassador Mohammed Rida El Fassi of Morocco, and German Ambassador Anke Reiffenstuel were also received by Marcos separately during a series of meetings. On Monday, Marcos also met separately with ambassadors from Italy and different ASEAN countries during which they discussed expanded cooperation between the Philippines and their respective countries.

the streets.] Carlos also criticized the leaders of the communist rebel group, saying they were already in another space and they don't have first-hand knowledge of the situation of the country. “Well, I don't know what peace negotiations still need to be done,” she said. “And by the way, let's not talk to the people who are not here. Nasa ibang

geography na kayo, huwag na kayong mangialam dito sa amin. Kasi kami nangingialam [You’re in a different geography now, so don’t bother with us here, because we are handling things] and we know what's going on here,” she added. Carlos stressed that peace and order councils must be retained because "they work." Carlos, who earlier said she was against

red-tagging, added that she would retain the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). "If we have success, continue it (NTFELCAC), if it’s a failure then don’t," she said. The retired political science professor from the University of the Philippines (UP) said she has yet to form her team and talk to her predecessor, retired general Hermogenes Esperon.

HE hospital utilization rate in Metro Manila is going up due to non-COVID-19 cases, the National Patient Navigation and Referral Center (NPNRC) said on Friday.

The NPNRC, formerly known as One Hospital Command, refers patients from the provinces to their local hospitals and coordinates health facilities within the capital region, said Dr. Bernadett Velasco, operations manager of NPNRC. "Our hospitals are becoming full because of non-COVID cases. Just like what we experienced before, when COVID cases decline, non-COVID cases increase

because this is the time when patients with chronic diseases or uncontrolled illnesses seek consultation.),” Velasco said in a televised public briefing. "We also maximize the use of our health facilities so that not everyone goes to specialized facilities like the PGH,” Velasco also said. The NPNRC is also ready to identify and coordinate cases of monkeypox,

China will ‘not hesitate to start war’ over Taiwan

Security...

SINGAPORE—Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" if Taiwan declares independence, China's defense minister warned his US counterpart Friday, the latest salvo between the superpowers over the island. The warning came as Wei Fenghe held his first face-to-face meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. US-China tensions have been soaring over democratic, self-ruled Taiwan, which lives under constant threat of invasion by China. Beijing views the island as its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Wei warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost", defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting. The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland", according to the Chinese defense ministry. He "stressed that Taiwan is China's Taiwan... Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail", the ministry said. Austin "reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilizing actions toward Taiwan", according to the US Department of Defense. AFP (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Marcos: ... From A1

Arroyo, who earned a fresh term to Congress representing Pampanga’s 2nd District in the May 9 elections, made this remark during her induction as one of the Hall of Fame awardees of the Association for Philippines-China Understanding for their "remarkable contributions in promoting friendship between China and the Philippines.” Marcos framed his statement at the event, which was attended by Chinese of-

Face-mask.. From A1

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia earlier issued an executive order lifting the face mask rule in open spaces. The DOH said it was not consulted regarding Garcia’s executive order. The DILG said “the guidelines of the (national) COVID-19 task force should prevail since these have been approved by President Rodrigo Duterte,” ABS-CBN News reported. "Current [Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases] protocols allow only for specific instances when masks can be taken off, such as when eating or during certain well-ventilated sports and activities," Año said in the report. "This Department does not recognize the Executive Order issued by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia because we have the IATF Guidelines approved by the President," he added. Garcia’s Executive Order 16 said that face masks would be required only in closed and air-conditioned areas. “The use of face masks shall be optional in well-ventilated and open spaces,” the order read. Health Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is not yet time to lift the policy on

Carlos... From A1

nito on the ground dahil hindi naman puwede na sila na lang reklamo nang reklamo dyan, tumatakbo sa kalye,” she said. [Include them in implementing plans on the ground because you can’t let them keep on complaining and running around

From A1

Bello hopes new gov’t will sustain Labor dept. gains By Vito Barcelo LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed hope Friday that the incoming Marcos administration would be able to sustain gains of the Duterte government, citing the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report that the country’s employment rate improved as it continues to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we transition to the incoming administration, we will strive to maintain stability and industrial peace in the labor market until the last day of our work. We are confident that the incoming administration will be able to sustain the gains that we had, and even surpass them,” Bello said in a statement. “We will be leaving with a far better labor market condition,” he added. “We are ending our term in office this month on a happy note. We are turning over a labor market that is in a far better condition than what we previously had because of the pandemic, as shown in the April 2022 Labor Force Survey,” the Labor chief added. “While the worst may seem to be over, the challenges ahead are still enormous. Despite the lingering pandemic being put under control, external shocks triggering rising prices of fuel, food and other basic commodities adversely impact our economy and threaten our continued efforts to improve the labor market,” he said. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

DAR... From A1

The proposal forms part of a list of priorities in the agriculture sector for the first 100 days of the incoming administration as part of the agency’s transition document. At a media briefing, Cruz said his successor must first hear their proposal to implement a “mega farm” project. “It is viable. But as what he (Estrella) has said that a P27 per kilo or P28 per kilo is achievable, that would just be fine,” he told reporters. Marcos Jr. earlier said he will lower the price of rice to P20 per kilo as one of his campaign promises, but Estrella said that price level was hard to attain due to the high prices of fuel products and fertilizers. Cruz said Estrella must first see the agency’s studies on how to attain a lower rice price through the mega farm project. Agriculture Secretary William Dar presented the list of priorities as he discussed updates on major DA programs amid the challenges confronting the Philippine agriculture sector during the Secretary of Agriculture’s Group of Experts (SAGE) meeting on Wednesday. Among the priorities include a proposal for the National Food Authority (NFA) to rehabilitate rice milling centers and for state universities and colleges (SUCs) to distribute free vegetable seeds and other planting materials. The list also involves a massive information dissemination drive on the proper utilization of organic fertilizer and the conduct of free soil testing; and the strengthening of collaboration between the DA and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Poor... From A1

this year as the Ukraine conflict pushes up cereal and grain prices. But it was higher prices and transport costs rather than volumes that would account for the bulk of the expected increase, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization wrote in its latest Food Outlook. "Worryingly, many vulnerable countries are paying more but receiving less food," the report said. The FAO calculated that the global food import bill was projected to rise by $51 billion from 2021, of which $49 billion reflected higher prices. The least developed countries were anticipated to see a five-percent contraction in their food import bill this year. But sub-Saharan Africa and net foodimporting developing countries were "expected to register an increase in total costs, despite a reduction in imported volumes", the agency said. World production of major cereals was expected to decline in 2022 for the first time in four years, while global utilization was also seen down for the first time in 20 years, the FAO said. Amid soaring input prices, weather concerns and increased market uncertainties stemming from the Ukraine war, the forecasts "point to a likely tightening of food markets and food import bills reaching a new record high", said FAO economist Upali Galketi Aratchilage. "These are alarming signs from a food security perspective, indicating that importers will find it difficult to finance rising international costs, potentially heralding an end of their resilience to higher prices." AFP

News

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

Tiger Resort group blocks rivals legally

FUTURE TAGUIG HUB. Senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano (inset) joins DOST Sec. Fortunato de la Pena, DPWH Regional Director Nomer Abel Canlas, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, and other stakeholders during the groundbreaking of the Taguig City Science Terminal and Exhibit Center on Friday. Norman Cruz

18 BI men sacked over ‘pastillas’ By Rey E. Requejo

HE Department of Justice has sacked 18 Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers and employees for their involvement in the so-called “pastillas scheme.”

Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesman Neil Bainto said that in a resolution, the DOJ found the 18 BI personnel administratively liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Bainto said the respondents were found to have facilitated and allowed the facilitation of the arrival and departure of Chinese nationals without undergoing appropriate immigration

formalities “for a consideration” – in the form of peso bills rolled in paper to resemble “pastillas de leche,” a popular local milk-based candy. Under the scheme, some Chinese allegedly entered the Philippines as tourists, and later worked for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations hubs, paying immigration personnel around P10,000 each. “The 18 respondents have been meted

the penalty of dismissal from the service, with the imposition of the proper accessory penalties,” Bainto said. Ordered dismissed from the service include BI overall head of Border Control Intelligence Unit Erwin Ortañez, Terminal Head-Travel Control and Enforcement Unit Glenn Ford Comia, Francis Robles, Rodolfo Magbuhos Jr., Deon Carlo Albao, Danieve Binsol, Paul Erik Borja, Abdul Fahad Calaca; Anthony Lopez, Gabriel Ernest Estacio, Chevy Chase Naniong, Danilo Deudor, Ralph Ryan Garcia, Phol Villanueva, Fidel Mendoza, Benlando Guevarra, Bradford Allen So, and Cecille Jonathan Orozco. The decision came out several days

after the Office of the Ombudsman filed graft charges before the Sandiganbayan against 42 BI officers and a Chinese national who owns a travel agency, also in connection with the pastillas scheme. The graft information stated that the respondents conspired in perpetrating the pastillas scheme, which was exposed by Senator Risa Hontiveros in February 2020, prompting the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an extensive probe on the illegal activity. Charged for graft by the Ombudsman were BI Deputy Commissioner for Port Operations Division Marc Red Mariñas, Acting Chief of Port Operations Divisions Grifton San Pedro Medina, Ortañez and Comia.

Rody to grace June 12 rites for last time PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will be physically present in leading the commemoration of the country’s 124th Independence Day on June 12 in Rizal Park. An advisory sent by the Palace to reporters on Friday said Duterte will be gracing the Independence Day commemoration rites themed “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas.” The occasion will mark the last time Duterte will be leading the event as President since his term of office ends on June 30. Meanwhile, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim O. Sampulna said the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach will be reopened to the public on June 12 coinciding with the country’s celebration of Independence Day. Initially scheduled to reopen in May, the DENR has moved the date as some infrastructures have yet to be finished in the area. “We are excited to open the dolomite beach to the public again on June 12. This is the good legacy of the Duterte administration, that’s why we really aim to open it before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term ends,” said Sampulna. Also, commuters will get to board Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 for free on June 12, in celebration of the country’s 124th Independence Day. In a statement, LRT1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) said passengers of the railway line will enjoy free rides on June 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

THE parent-recognized board of Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc. (TRLEI) has formally opposed the attempts of the Kazuo Okada-led board to update the company’s General Information Sheet (GIS), warning the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the unscrupulous move. In a statement, the group also asked the Supreme Court to order the Kazuo faction to surrender the Okada Manila resort casino “to the legitimate TRLEI board.” In a letter to the SEC, TRLEI’s legal counsel Ocampo & Manalo Law Firm informed the SEC of an attempt from the illegitimate board to file a GIS electronically. “In connection therewith, we likewise formally oppose the electronic filing of the GIS of this unauthorized board,” the letter read. TRLEI has also filed an Extremely Urgent Manifestation with Motion for Ad Cautelam before the High Court. In its filing, TRLEI asked the Supreme Court to declare the sham board of Kazuo Okada as void for being violative of the status quo ante order (SQAO); to clarify that the takeover of Okada Manila is not allowed under the SQAO; and to direct the Kazuo Group to refrain from exercising management and board functions and surrender the physical possession of Okada Hotel to TRLEI.

BOI: No plan to ‘stockpile’ donated PPEs By Othel V. Campos

UNFAIR PAY. Members of the Land Bank of the Philippines Employees Association (LBPEA) protest the state-owned bank’s recent pay policy during a press conference Friday in Malate, Manila. They assailed the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) as ‘unacceptable, unjustified, and unfair’ for widening the disparity in the salaries of rank-and-file workers and top executives of the Land Bank. Danny Pata

THE Board of Investments (BOI) on Friday clarified reports that the hundreds of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) that remained undistributed to intended recipients were found not fit for medical use. The Commission on Audit (COA), in its recent audit report, alleged that 100,000 surgical masks, 49,800 PCV gloves, 900 protective gowns, 1,400 goggles and 999 disposable face masks are still in storage locked in unopened boxes. “There was no intention to hold or stockpile the donations. We have to understand also that the BOI, with the intention of acting based on prudence and compliance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, conducted due diligence first to ensure that everything is in order,” said Trade undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo. He explained that before the arrival of the PPE, the Chinese Bureau of Customs (BOC) asked the BOI to confirm if the products are compliant to the quality standards of China or the receiving country, however the BOI could not take appropriate action since the Philippines, at that time, did not have the technology to assess the products.

Empower IPOPHL, save creative industry from collapse, solons asked LAWMAKERS of the incoming Congress should provide the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) with greater police powers to prevent the collapse of the Philippine creative industry, a consumer advocacy group said in a statement. “IPOPHL should be empowered to implement rolling site blocking to effectively purge online pirates who vio-

late intellectual property and threaten the viability of the creative industry,” said lawyer Tim Abejo, convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines. “In the ASEAN region, the Philippines is the only county not enforcing rolling site-blocking. We are missing the opportunity to clamp down hard on these online pirates,” he said. Site blocking is an anti-piracy

mechanism where access to a particular website is restricted. To be effective, it requires constant coordination and information sharing between government, internet service providers, and stakeholders. A rolling site blocking is a more proactive form of site blocking. The IPOPHL has enforcement powers in acting on complaints from

IP rights owners. It has also partnered with internet service providers to improve coordination toward a streamlined and rapid blocking of pirated sites. But its Director General, Rowel Barba, said the IPOPHL’s power to block sites does not guarantee the removal of content or sites used for piracy or for selling counterfeit goods.

Win pushes policies to digitize government offices WITH the continuing pervasiveness of widespread corruption in government, Senator Win Gatchalian is eyeing to pursue policies that mandate the shift to a digital government. Gatchalian said Friday this would mean accelerating digitization and digitalization efforts in government processes and transactions, including collection of tax payments and other

regulatory fees. “No need to go to government offices to fall in line. The problem starts here,” he said. “If there is queueing in government transactions, there will surely be fixers, and we already know what will happen if there are fixers,” said Gatchalian. “All government collections should be paperless or done through electron-

ic means. It’s high time that we push the digital transformation of government services,” he added. According to Gatchalian, who won a fresh mandate in the Senate, it is also high time to restore the level of trust and confidence of the public to those in government and uphold the dignity of civil servants. Macon Ramos-Araneta

PDEA lauds Customs help in P1.6b drug seizures THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has recognized the Bureau of Customs for its relentless efforts helping the government in its battle against prohibited substances. This year alone, the Customs bureau under the supervision of Commissioner

Rey Leonardo Guerrero recorded a total of 46 drug seizures with an estimated value of P1.6 billion. PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva gave the plaque of recognition to Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) executive officer SP/Maj. Er-

nesto Pracale Jr. during the agency’s 20th anniversary celebration on June 3 held at Seda Vertis North Hotel in Quezon City. Villanueva said the Customs bureau has been an active partner of the PDEA in the government’s crusade against illegal drugs. Joel E. Zurbano

‘BRING BACK JOMA.’ Members of the Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) and League of Parents of the Philippines conduct a picket at the Dutch Embassy in Makati on Friday to demand the return of exiled communist leader Joma Sison from the Netherlands in a ‘rally for peace and independence’ before June 12. Norman Cruz

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

Romualdez hails SolGen for upholding rule of law By Maricel V. Cruz HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Friday hailed the Office of Solicitor General (OSG) headed by Jose Calida for outstanding job under the Duterte administration and for being a staunch defender of the country. Romualdez, a lawyer from University of the Philippines (UP) and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), cited the OSG role in upholding the rule of law and championing the people’s interests. “For a job well done, take a bow, men and women of OSG. You all deserve the highest commendation from a grateful nation,” Romualdez, said in his speech during observance of the 121st anniversary of OSG at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. “Truly, I stand proud to be in the company of The Great Jose Calida and his bunch of Republic Defenders. Yours is one of smallest offices in government, yet your mandate is one of the broad-

est and perhaps the most challenging,” Romualdez said. “As the people’s tribune, you all have shown unwavering commitment in upholding the rule of law without fear nor favor. As staunch defender of the Republic, you all displayed inexhaustible fervor in protecting the Filipino people’s interest at all times,” Romualdez added. He thanked the OSG “for being a pillar of good governance.” “Salamat po sa inyong serbisyo. Salamat po sa malasakit sa bansang Pilipinas,” Romualdez said. Romualdez said he expects “the lawyers, staff and personnel of the OSG to continue performing with the same zest their mission of providing excellent legal services to the Republic of the Philippines and its people.” “I trust that the men and women of OSG will carry on displaying the badge of core values that you embraced from your first day in office: Integrity, Dedication, Excellence, Accountability, and Loyalty,” Romualdez said.

LAKAS GAINS STRENGTH. House Majority Leader and

Lakas-CMD president Rep.Martin Romualdez (left) administers the oath to new party members from (right) Camiguin Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, Santiago City Mayor Sheena Tan, Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, and Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo. Inset shows Romualdez with another group of new Lakas-CMD members (from right) Isabela 6th District Rep.Faustino “Inno” Dy, Isabela 4th District Rep. Joseph Tan, and Quirino Rep.Mildy Cua taking their oath at the party headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Ver Noveno

Bulusan poised for another eruption

HE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said it expects another phreatic eruption at Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon.

The agency said it noted an increase in seismic activity and that Mt. Bulusan generated 149 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours. “Most of these were weak and shallow events, but may indicate that a phreatic eruption could possibly occur within the next few hours,” the agency added. PHIVOLCS underscored that Alert Level 1 remains over Bulusan, which indicates continued abnormal activity in the area, GMA News reported.

The agency posted a reminder to local government units and the public that entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) “must be strictly prohibited.” The PHIVOLCS also urged “vigilance” within the 2-kilometer “danger zone” in the southeast area of the volcano. PHIVOLCS said it is closely monitoring Mt. Bulusan. The Department of Health reported that it “mobilized” P84.5 million worth

of supplies for residents in affected areas. While most of these earthquakes were weak and shallow, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. confirmed that the increased number of volcanic quakes may indicate that a phreatic eruption could possibly occur. Volcanic earthquakes are caused by movements or eruptions of magma from the volcano. Phreatic eruptions, on the other hand, occur due to shallow hydrothermal activity. Meanwhile, 24 tons of sulfur dioxide emission was recorded on June 9. Moderate plume emission 100 meters high was also recorded. Volcanic plumes are columns of hot volcanic ash and gas emitted into the at-

mosphere during an explosive volcanic eruption. A weaker eruption is based on the height of the plume coming out of the crater. Alert Level 1 (low-level unrest) is maintained over Mount Bulusan. Entry into the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) must be strictly prohibited, and vigilance in the 2-kilometer extended danger zone on the southeast sector must be exercised due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions. Pilots are advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from a sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Rio N. Araja

Dengue up 23%, chinkungunya cases on rise—DOH By Willie Casas THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported a 23 percent increase in dengue cases nationwide this year. At the same time, the DOH reported that it recorded 43 cases of chinkungunya, a virus transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, from January 1 to May 21. The DOH said a total of 34,938 dengue cases were reported from January 1 to May 21, indicating a 23-percent rise from 28,336 cases registered during the same period last year. The DOH said most cases were reported from Region VII (4,544 cases), Region III (4,312 cases) and Region IX (3,215 cases). From April 24 to May 21, a total of 10,738 cases were reported, with the same regions accounting for the highest number of cases. The following regions also reported increasing cases from April 24 to May 21: • Regions II • Region III • Region IV-B (Mimaropa) • Region V • Region VI • Region VII

• Region IX • Region XI • Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao • Cordillera Administrative Region The DOH also reported 180 denguerelated deaths nationwide, with 23 percent of deaths chalked up in April. Deaths reported per month were as follows: • January: 39 deaths • February: 35 deaths • March: 33 deaths • April: 42 deaths • May: 31 deaths Early signs of dengue include fever, headache or pain behind the eyes, and body malaise, the DOH said. Dengue cases in Region 2 increased by more than 800 percent, a DOH official had said. The DOH said the number of chinkungunya cases this year was 169 percent higher compared to the record in the same period last year. Data from the DOH show that 29 cases or 67 percent were from Central Visayas while eight cases or 19 percent were from the Davao Region.

FOOD AND TRAVEL FEST. Sindaw Philippine Performance Art Guild from Pasig City performs the folk dance “Tinikling” to highlight the opening of the Department of Tourism’s “Kain Na! 2022: Foodie Adventures” at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City. The event showcases the regional culinary arts of the Philippines. Danny Pata

BANTAM CHICKENS. Eli Salas, daughter of a professional chicken breeder, shows off a pint-size Serama from Malaysia, deemed the smallest chicken species in the world at only 7 ounces. Various strains of chickens owned by the South Poultry Association are on display as an adjunct of the group’s summit at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Danny Pata

FORMER Speaker and senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano said he would join the majority bloc in the Upper Chamber provided he gets the chairmanship of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Cayetano disclosed that Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is eyeing the Senate presidency, asked him to join the majority given their history of working together. “What I can contribute is given and they’re for unity, “he said. “So I told him (Zubiri) what they need is a fiscalizer. So if you will give me the Blue Ribbon Committee, there might be a reason for me to join the majority because I will be able to do my job,” Cayetano said. He added that if Zubiri gave him a committee “where I cannot fiscalize, or only a few

will fiscalize or those who will fiscalize are in are in disagreement, that would be difficult.” The come-backing senator also told Zubiri that if he believed in democracy just like the 31 million Filipinos who voted for President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, he should also believe in fiscalizing. “So for those who did not vote for President-elect BBM, they also want a fiscalizer,” Cayetano said. He stressed that a fiscalizer is like media, adding that there is no democracy if there is no media. “So I’ll be happy to be in the minority if the majority cannot give me a role where I will be able to explicitly say what is right (and) what is wrong,” Cayetano said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

CHR denounces online sale of t-shirts depicting women in lewd sex scenes THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed grave concern that t-shirts portraying women in compromising sexual positions were being openly sold online. A report by the Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau, a feminist non-government organization, alerted the CHR that a company called KNPP is openly selling “hypersexual-

Hit-and-run suspect no-show at LTO inquiry A VAN owner involved in a hit-and-run incident in Mandaluyong City on Friday snubbed anew the hearing set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on the case. The LTO hearing panel thus decided to make its report on the case for submission to the Office of Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante. In a radio interview, Mandaluyong Police deputy chief Lt. Col. Marlon Mallorca said the suspect has yet to turn himself in. Earlier, Galvante said if the SUV owner again failed to show up for the hearing on the LTO’s final show cause order, the chance for him to explain the incident would be considered waived. The LTO would come up with a decision on the sanction that would be imposed against the SUV owner based on the evidence even without his cooperation, he added. According to Galvante, the SUV owner may face suspension or revocation of his driver’s license over the incident. As a preventive move, the suspect’s driver’s license had been suspended for 90 days. Mandaluyong City Police chief Police Colonel Gauvin Mel Unos on Tuesday said a complaint for frustrated murder and abandonment of one’s victim had been filed against the SUV owner whose identify remained unknown.

Taguig scholars receive 1st semester allowance

Cayetano: I’ll join the majority if I get Blue Ribbon Committee

By Rio N. Araja

IN BRIEF

ized” t-shirts on Facebook, Lazada and Shopee. The CHR said the t-shirts depicting women in obscene sexual positions, “normalize the sexual objectification of women, and are clearly sexist and misogynistic.” The posts and engagements on Facebook and other shopping outlets also revealed that the target market of the shirts were men. The CHR said there were already numerous reports about obscenity online, in-

cluding the Facebook but to no avail. “The open posting, display and sale of such shirts and other products of KNPP are blatant disregard of laws protecting women from discrimination, violence, and all forms of sexual harassment,” the commission said. “Despite provisions of the Magna Carta of Women on non-derogatory portrayal of women and the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act penalizing sexism and misogyny, businesses like

KNPP are still able to openly operate and earn from the sexual objectification of women. It is thus with urgency that CHR calls on Facebook, Lazada, and Shopee to immediately take down posts and accounts of KNPP,” the CHR added. The commission urged businesses and social media platforms to be its partners in protecting women’s human rights and not allow their platforms to be sites of violence and sexual harassment.

THE Taguig City government has distributed educational assistance worth up to P40,000 to its second batch of Lifeline Assistance for Neighbors In-Need (LANI) scholars for the 1st semester of the school year 2021-2022. The four-day distribution of over-thecounter scholarship allowance was set for June 8, 9, 10, and 13. For the second batch, 4,161 LANI scholars will benefit from the program, the amount of which depends on their scholarship type. The first batch was for 4,120 scholars, thus the 1st Semester LANI scholars numbered more than 8,000. For 2021 alone, Taguig Scholarships processed and released about 32,000 allowances under the LANI and TLC Scholarship programs and the Taguig City University Educational Assistance Allowance program. Also released and processed during that year were the allowances covering the city’s two science high schools. Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said the local government believes in the value of education and continuously supports its students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Joel E. Zurbano

QC employees foil bid to file forged PWD docs THE Quezon City government’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office has apprehended a person for falsification of public documents to acquire several persons with Disability (PWD) identification. A staff member of PDAO flagged the applications for five PWD ID which allegedly had forged signatures of medical professionals in their medical certificates. The applications were filed by only one person, who claimed to be the applicants’ authorized representative. The PDAO staff, along with representatives from the City Legal Department, requested the assistance of the Quezon City Police District in arresting the alleged fixer. The suspect is now detained and is set to undergo inquest proceedings. Debbie Dacanay, PDAO chief, warned those who would attempt to falsify or forge necessary documents in PWD ID registration. “The city government will not take this issue lightly, and we will continue to apprehend and file complaints against these fixers. Rio N. Araja

Opinion In former Stalingrad, many rally behind Putin’s Ukraine offensive VLADIMIR Zotov, a resident of the southern Russian city of Volgograd, says he feels sorry for Ukrainian civilians who died during Moscow’s intervention but insists the Kremlin had no other choice. “War, military hostilities always mean losses, heartbreak and tears,” the 68-year-old pensioner told AFP on a sunny morning following a visit to the dentist. “Of course, I feel sorry for people,” he said, referring to the ordeal of the devastated port city of Mariupol that fell under control of Russian troops after a weeks-long siege. “But such is life. “If you are surrounded on all sides, if you face danger, then you protect your life and your children,” he said, referring to Russia. To raise support for his decision to send troops to Ukraine on February 24, President Vladimir Putin has compared Moscow’s military intervention in the pro-Western country to the Red Army fighting against Nazi troops. Many Russians have enthusiastically embraced the rhetoric, and that sense of patriotism and support for Putin’s policies are on full display in Volgograd, known as Stalingrad in the Soviet era, scene of the bloodiest battle of World War II. The 1942-43 Battle of Stalingrad raged for almost six months and when it was over the city was in ruins and more than a million soldiers and civilians had lost their lives. The city’s legendary landmark is a hilltop memorial to the battle that includes the towering 85-meter sculpture of a woman with a raised sword known as “The Motherland Calls”. Denis Stepanov, a 51-year-old visitor from the central city of Nizhny Novgorod, says he visits the vast memorial complex every time he is in town. Stepanov sees parallels between Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine and other conflicts involving the Russian army — including in Chechnya, Afghanistan and World War II. “Each time, young people achieved feats,” Stepanov said near the monument. “They did it for Russia, that means patriotism is not weakening.” The Russian army has been tight-lipped on its losses in Ukraine, but in Volgograd and other cities local media frequently announce funerals for soldiers killed in combat in the ex-Soviet country. Alexander Grachev, who has lived in Volgograd for the past two decades, also draws parallels with Russia’s fight against Nazi troops. “Back then there was fascism, now there is neo-fascism,” said the 50-year-old, referring to Ukraine’s authorities. He describes Russia’s relations with Ukraine -- including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 —

as the result of a messy “divorce” between Moscow and Kyiv after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. He considers himself a patriot and points out that his Ukrainian grandfather fought in the Battle of Stalingrad and reached Berlin.

Putin has compared Moscow’s military intervention in proWestern Ukraine to the Red Army fighting against Nazi troops Lenin, Stalin, Putin Memories of the Soviet past are alive in former Stalingrad, with souvenir shops selling Soviet-era paraphernalia like magnets with Lenin and Stalin alongside portraits of President Putin. Now, as in other cities across Russia, there are also banners with the letter “Z,” which has become a symbol of Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine, displayed on buildings and billboards. “For our people, Stalingrad!” says one of the patriotic signs, sporting the “Z” letter. Zotov said his generation was brought up on patriotism and reverence of the Second World War. “The spirit of patriotism was everywhere,” said the retired factory worker. Since the start of the offensive, prison terms of up to 15 years have been introduced under new legislation for spreading “fake news” about the Russian army, while television channels have ratcheted up production of anti-Ukraine propaganda. Not all residents of Volgograd support Moscow’s military campaign, however. “I don’t particularly approve of the special operation, because it has claimed so many lives,” said student Marina Kiryanova, 20, using the Kremlin’s term for the intervention. “I think there were other ways to settle this issue.” Ilya, a 30-year-old engineer visiting from the city of Samara, called the offensive “surreal”. “Both nations are suffering,” said the young man, refusing to give his last name. He admitted that there were many supporters of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, however. “I think society has been split in half,” he said. AFP

Old tricks, new crises: how US misinformation spreads WITH gun control under debate and monkeypox in the headlines, Americans are facing a barrage of new twists on years-old misinformation in their social media feeds. Accurate news stories about mass shootings have attracted eyeballs but algorithms have also spurred baseless conspiracy theories from trolls who want to push lies to attract traffic. And thousands have unwittingly shared them on Facebook, Twitter and other sites. The May 24 attack at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas was a “false flag” operation aimed at pushing restrictive gun laws, according to Telegram posts from supporters of QAnon. Carl Paladino, a New York congressional candidate, was among those who shared a similar theory on Facebook, later deleting it. Others misidentified a shooting victim as “Bernie Gores” -- a made-up name paired with an image of a YouTuber who has been wrongly linked to other major news events, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Experts say such misinformation is part of a pattern in which unscrupulous operators intentionally repurpose old narratives. “A lot of this stuff is put together almost in this factory production style,” said Mike Caulfield, a misinformation researcher at the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public. “You have a shooting event, you have these various tropes you can apply.” Groundless claims of a “false flag” operation, which refers to political or military action that is carried out with the intention of blaming an opponent, can be traced back to the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. After 20 children and six staff members were killed, InfoWars founder Alex Jones falsely claimed the Newtown casualties were “crisis actors” -- people who are paid or volunteer to play disaster victims. In November 2021, a Connecticut judge found Jones liable for damages in a defamation suit brought by parents of the victims. But regardless, allegations of staged mass shootings have routinely spread from fringe online networks such as 4chan to mainstream platforms -- including the social media feeds of politicians such as Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and, more recently, Arizona state senator Wendy Rogers.

Hoax posts misidentifying gunmen or victims as internet personalities have also become common. In the race to capture online attention following breaking news, recycled narratives can be produced quickly and are easier for audiences to digest, Caulfield said. Content producers “make guesses” about what may go viral based on past popular tropes, which can help monetize that attention. “When you spread this stuff, you want to be seen as in the know,” he said, even though the information is demonstrably false or misleading.

Experts say such misinformation is part of a pattern in which unscrupulous operators intentionally repurpose old narratives Copying COVID-19 playbook Similarly, false claims about the recent spread of monkeypox -- a rare disease related to smallpox -- borrow from Covid-19 misinformation. Since the outbreak, social media posts have claimed without evidence that the virus is a bioweapon, that the outbreak was planned, and that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is behind it. Others have falsely equated monkeypox to other viruses, including shingles. Those claims resemble debunked conspiracy theories from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Memetica, a firm that conducts digital investigations, has researched some of the top COVID-19 misinformation recycled for monkeypox. One widespread theory points to a 2021 threat preparation exercise conducted by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) as purported evidence that the outbreak was planned. That conspiracy theory is nearly identical to claims about Event 201, a pandemic simulation held in October 2019, that circulated online in early 2020. “What was surprising to me was how similar (COVID-19 misinformation) is now to monkeypox,” Adi Cohen, chief operating officer at Me-

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EDITORIAL

A tale of two ‘poor’ Manileños UAN, born in Paco, Manila, used to live with his family that owns a house and lot in the country’s capital. He was not able to finish his college degree but still managed to get employed in a small company.

When he got married, he left the family house and lived in a small, rented unit good enough for the newlywed to raise a small bloodline. For 10 years or so, his family was renting the same house, working hard with a meager salary but choosing to live with some measure of dignity. In a small way, he contributed to the city’s coffer as a tax-paying citizen. He is still renting to date and plans to apply for a long-overdue, low-cost housing from a private real estate developer. In another zone and time, Pedro arrived in Manila from the province through an invitation of a relative in a squatters’ colony in Tondo. He joined a fairly big family cramped in a small space built on an unused government lot. Then he began to take odd jobs and sell goods on sidewalks. Before long, he got married and also built a smaller space in a nearby vacant lot.

The government needs to provide an equitable program that will benefit both the law-abiding citizens and those branded by politicians as the ‘poorest of the poor’ that live in squatters area During the onslaught of COVID-19, he was one of the prioritized beneficiaries of the government’s financial “ayuda” as he was considered among the “poorest of the poor.” Recently, he became a beneficiary of the city government’s housing program. He and his family can live in a

decent condominium unit for a minimum monthly amortization and for as long as he wants. Meanwhile, Juan, a natural-born Manileño, dutiful taxpayer, is still not able to own a house in Manila. Pedro, who arrived from the province years later, chose to squat and get “rewarded” with financial benefits in government’s financial assistance and a house of his own. What does this story tell us? The government needs to provide an equitable program that will benefit both the law-abiding citizens and those branded by politicians as the “poorest of the poor” that live in a squatters area. If the government wants to uplift the lives of the citizens, the small, the ordinary employees or informal workers must not be left out. What a simple, law-abiding citizen like Juan asks is for the government to have equitable treatment for everyone. They have house rental, water, and electric bills to pay. They work to feed their family and pay for their children’s education. And most of all, they follow the law of the land. Juan and others like him need help, too.

Understanding our alleged claim waters known as Malampaya, Recto and Reed Bank to which PNOC had laid its claim to exploit minerals, gas. It also granted service contracts to private corporations engaged in the exploration and exploitation of fuel energy and gas. An incident cropped up when the Philippines insisted that Scarborough Shoal or Panatag Shoal is part of our territorial waters, it being considered our historical fishing ground. China rejected our claim. For a while, there was a standoff between the two navies. China insisted that Panatag is outside of our 200-mile EEZ or 321 kms from Mariveles, Bataan.

RETIRED Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio talks as if he is not a lawyer. First, he should know that the only verifiable and acceptable document with respect to our national boundary in the South China Sea is the Treaty of Paris, signed, no less by the US, on December 10, 1898. There is no way he can deny that because the US is a party to that agreement, and for which it paid $20 million for the value of the whole archipelago. Second, the US is giving so many reasons for the Philippines to refute the boundaries. Former Justice Carpio seems to concur with what the US is saying, which is for us to reject the treaty, insisting that the area is rich in natural resources, has enormous mineral deposit, contains huge economic potential, and the SCS is invaluable as our strategic waterway. Even if the SCS has a total value a thousand times over, it is not relevant. The Treaty of Paris has been signed and long been consummated. We can no longer refuse the authenticity of that agreement. Third, the US is a party to the Treaty, but wants the Philippines to reject it. The treaty signed with Spain is valid and binding. Fourth, the US is urging the country to reject the treaty because the US sees the value and importance for its self-interest. Again, the Philippines is only a successor-ininterest but is obligated to abide by the terms and conditions of the agreement like observing the boundaries demarcated in the treaty. Fifth, as a treaty between the US and Spain, it is ridiculous for us to protest against an agreement to which the Philippines is not a signatory. Countries adjacent to the South China Sea (SCS) already acquired rights as sovereign states and as members of the UN. We can no longer alter the boundaries signed by the US and Spain. We are obligated to the terms and conditions of a treaty, following an old doctrine in international law under the Latin formula pacta sunt servanda, meaning agreements must be kept. Former Justice Carpio seems to concur with what the US is saying, which is for us to reject the treaty, insisting that the area is rich in natural resources, has enormous mineral deposit, contains huge economic potential, and that the SCS is invaluable as our strategic waterway. Sixth, our membership in the UNCLOS did not alter, in any way, the boundaries under the Treaty of Paris. We only ratified our adherence to UNCLOS in 1982 because that new law of the seas extended to us a 200-mile limit as our exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Other group of islands near Kalayaan or Spratly was declared part of our territorial waters by decree, it being a part of our continental shelf that stretched from the Palawan archipelago under PD 1596. PD 1597 stretched our EEZ to include those

Besides, China insisted that the whole of SCS historically belongs to them. Seventh, Carpio cannot present the so-called Murillo-Velarde map which allegedly indicates that the SCS was once a part of Philippine Territory. It is not about its authenticity but the validity of the map as evidence. What if China presents a map showing the whole of Latin-America as part of the Spanish empire? Would Spain not appear ridiculous? Eighth, after the defeat of Japan in World War II, the US ordered it to return all islands it occupied in the SCS – specifically to China. Question, why did the US not insist in taking them as conquered territories, or giving them to the Philippines or to any of the countries having claims in the SCS? The San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1950 was specific that the Treaty of Paris signed in 1898 was binding to all the countries in Asia; that all the islands and shoals in the SCS belong to China, and the US recognizes the rightful ownership of China over Paracel, Pratas and Spratly islands which today are being claimed by the Philippines. Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei have yet to achieve their independence or manifest their interest in some of the islands like the claim of Vietnam over the Paracel islands and Taiwan over the disputed islands allegedly occupied by the Philippines in the SCS. The Treaty of San Francisco was a meeting called by the US asking Japan to return all the islands it occupied in the Pacific during World War II to China. It specifically demanded that Japan return the Spratly group of islands, or locally called by us as the Kalayaan Group of islands.

metica, told AFP. “It’s the same exact story -- oh, this is all planned, it’s a ‘plandemic,’ here’s the proof.” Some monkeypox theories have been shared by conservative figures including Glenn Beck

and anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr, according to Memetica’s research. Both have previously promoted misinformation about COVID-19. Cohen said such tactics may be an effective

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

The Treaty of Paris has been signed and long been consummated. We can no longer refuse the authenticity of that agreement

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

The San Francisco treaty, in fact, is the first written document drafted by the US acknowledging that the islands, including the Spratly islands, belong to China. The Philippines’ act, as a signatory to that Peace Treaty in 1950, is a renunciation of whatever right we have in the SCS. The Philippine delegation was represented by luminaries like Carlos Romulo, Diosdado Macapagal, Vicente Cinco, Manuel Elizalde, to name a few. Carpio never mentioned the San Francisco Treaty because our presence and signature in that agreement means the forfeiture of all our rights and claims in the SCS. There was however a revision in the treaty of San Francisco by the signing of the Peace Agreement with Taiwan in 1952 because the runaway province of China insisted that the islands surrendered by Japan be given to Taiwan. Our relations with China have always been characterized as friendly and cordial. Except for one incident when the Noynoy Aquino’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario ordered the arrest of Chinese fisherman in the contested waters in Scarborough or Panatag Shoal. We sent our coast guard to arrest the Chinese fishermen inside the somewhat semi-circle shoal. Fortunately, the Chinese navy hurriedly blocked the entrance for our naval ship. There was a long standoff because China insisted in the release of their fishermen. The standoff took almost three months. Nonetheless, we agreed but then the Philippines lodged a complaint with the Permanent Court of Arbitration headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. While the PCA rejected China’s Nine dashline for reason that it refuses to submit to its jurisdiction or honor the decision, neither can we enforce the PCA decision in our favor. As party complainant who submitted to the PCA’s jurisdiction, the evidence we presented was the only item taken for consideration. We then proceeded to claim we won based on the evidence we presented. The coming of the Duterte administration saw the warming in the relations of the two countries. Trade has once again developed to unprecedented level. Economic development and assistance, particularly the medical assistance and vaccines given by China to counter the pandemic. This goes to show the unique diplomacy which China has adopted to bring about closer relations and understanding despite our seeming hostile stance during the previous administration. We are now holding fast to solidify our friendship and understanding with China. I hope the incoming BBM administration will exert its effort to remove the remaining obstacle in Philippine-China relations. (rpkapunan@gmail.com )

way to get engagement on social media, regardless of the falsity of the information being shared. “It’s the replication of what seems to work in the past,” he said. “Why work hard when you don’t have to?” AFP

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Jimbo Owen Gulle

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US Capitol riot probe puts Trump W at heart of Jan. 6 ‘attempted coup’

ASHINGTON —A congressional panel investigating last year’s mob assault on the US Capitol laid out its case Thursday that Donald Trump and his claims of a stolen election were at the heart of what amounted to an “attempted coup” to remain in power.

IN BRIEF Blood on suspect’s boat as Brit reporter missing

In a prime-time presentation of its CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK findings from a year-long probe, the special committee sought to persuade RIO DE JANEIRO—Traces of blood Manila Standard have been found on the boat of a suspect a divided country of the existence of CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK arrested TODAY in connection with the disappeara deep-rooted and ongoing plot -- orance of a British journalist and a Brazilchestrated by the former president -- to ian indigenous expert in the Amazon, auoverturn the result of the 2020 election thorities said Thursday, as calls grew to won by Joe Biden. intensify the search. “President Trump summoned the Dom Phillips, 57, a regular contribumob, assembled the mob and lit the tor to The Guardian newspaper, and Bruflame of this attack,” the Republican no Pereira, 41, a specialist in indigenous vice chairwoman of the panel, Liz peoples, were reported missing on SunCheney, said in her opening remarks at day after they ventured into the middle of the Amazon rainforest. the first in a series of hotly anticipated “Traces of blood were found on the summer hearings. boat of Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, Minutes earlier, Democratic com41,” Brazil police said in a statement, mittee chief Bennie Thompson acadding that the suspect known as “Pecused Trump of being “at the center of lado” was arrested on Tuesday. this conspiracy.” “The material collected is on its way “January 6 was the culmination of to Manaus,” the capital of the Amazonas an attempted coup—a brazen attempt, state, for expert analysis, the statement as one rioter put it shortly after January added. 6 -- to overthrow the government. The It was accompanied by images of investigators taking photos of what apviolence was no accident,” he said. peared to be a small bloodstain on a blue Rioters acted “at the encouragement tarp inside a motorboat with peeling of the president of the United States,” paint. TRUMP’S RED FLAG. Scenes from January 6, 2021 are shown onscreen during a House Select Committee hearing to Investigate to march on Congress and block the The statement is a grim twist in the formal transfer of power by lawmakthe January 6th Attack on the US Capitol, in the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on June 9, 2022. AFP ongoing search for the two men, whose ers to Biden, he added. fate remains unknown. The panel’s carefully produced The Brazilian authorities said they are presentation made use of testimony hopeful of finding the pair alive but do given behind closed doors by some of not exclude any outcome, including that Trump’s most senior and trusted adviof homicide, in a region where trafficking is rife. sors, including former attorney general LOS ANGELES—US President Joe and Venezuela on the grounds that they the half-century US pressure campaign High-profile personalities and enviBill Barr and Trump’s son-in-law and Biden faced open criticism Thursday at are autocrats -- a decision that already against Cuba a “crime against humanronmental and human rights groups have senior aide, Jared Kushner. an Americas summit, along with com- triggered a boycott by Mexico’s presi- ity.” rallied to the cause, urging President Jair ‘Witch hunt’ plaints about foreign pressure by Bradent. Prime Minister John Briceno also Bolsonaro to step up the search. AFP The panel aims to demonstrate that zil’s far-right leader, as he sought progArgentina’s center-left president, Al- questioned whether Biden would follow the violence was part of a broader— ress on issues from migration to climate berto Fernandez, who was persuaded to through financially on lofty promises. and ongoing—drive by Trump and his change. attend by Biden, said that dialogue “is “We know that money is not the inner circle to illegitimately cling to or Biden is welcoming leaders from the best way to promote democracy.” problem. In less than three months, two regain power, tearing up the Constituacross the hemisphere in Los Angeles “Being the host country of the sum- countries in this hemisphere committed LILLE, France—A former janitor action and more than two centuries of in a choreographed bid to show that de- mit doesn’t grant the ability to impose a $55 billion to Ukraine,” he said, refercused of dozens of rapes and sexual aspeaceful transitions from one adminismocracy can work, amid rapid inroads right of admission on member countries ring to the United States and Canada. saults in France and Belgium over several tration to the next. by China in a region long seen by Washof the continent,” Fernandez said. Biden, who applauded politely and decades will go on trial in France on FriThursday’s session and five subington as its turf. Biden heard even more direct critigreeted each leader, returned to the poday, after admitting to a spate of assaults. sequent hearings over the coming But just after Biden made his pitch at cism from one of the hemisphere’s dium to insist his agenda was on track. Dino Scala, known as the “Rapist of weeks will focus on Trump’s role in the Summit of the Americas, he heard smallest nations Belize, whose repre“Notwithstanding some of the disthe Sambre”—after the river near several the multi-pronged effort to return him an earful over his decision to exclude sentatives told him it was “inexcusable” agreements relating to participation, on towns along the France-Belgium border to the Oval Office by disenfranchising where he operated—was arrested in 2018 the leftist leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua not to invite all countries and called the substantive matters, what I heard millions of voters. AFP in northern France.

Biden faces open criticism at Americas Summit

‘Rapist of Sambre’ goes on France trial

He confessed to around 40 rapes and assaults he attributed to uncontrollable “compulsions”. The youngest victim was 13, the oldest 48, and most were attacked the same way—surprised on deserted streets in the early hours of winter, strangled and dragged into nearby bushes or trees. Scala, now 61, is a former janitor at an industrial site who was also head of a local football club, and was described as well-integrated and sociable by locals in his town of Pont-sur-Sambre after his arrest. “He has confessed freely since the beginning” and wants “to explain himself and answer the questions,” his lawyer Margaux Mathieu said. He is charged with 17 accounts of rape, 12 attempted rapes and 27 sexual assaults or attempts—for 56 victims in total, though investigators suspect there were other victims who did not come forward to police. AFP

NOT COMFY. US

President Joe Biden (right) and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attend a bilateral meeting at the 9th Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, June 9. Biden faced open criticism Thursday, along with complaints about foreign pressure by Brazil’s far-right leader. AFP

Ukrainian forces ‘holding on’ in key Severodonetsk battles LYSYCHANSK, Ukraine—President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces were “holding on” in the flashpoint eastern city Severodonetsk where intense street battles with Russian troops could determine the fate of the Donbas region. Moscow has concentrated its firepower on the industrial city, which it now mostly controls, with the area’s governor saying on Friday that Russian forces had destroyed a major sports arena. Pro-Russian rebels sentenced one Moroccan and two British fighters to death on Thursday after they were captured while fighting for Ukraine and accused of acting as mercenaries for Kyiv. Zelensky said in his evening address on Thursday night that several “cities in Donbas, which the occupiers now consider key targets, are holding on”. He added that Ukrainian forces have made positive strides in the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions, and are in the process of “liberating our land”. With the fiercest fighting now concentrated in Severodonetsk, governor Sergiy Gaiday—who earlier called for Western artillery to quickly help secure a Ukrainian victory—said “one of the symbols of Severodonetsk was destroyed. The Ice Palace burned down”.

Western countries have provided weapons and aid for Ukraine since the February 24 invasion, while several people from abroad have joined the fight against Russian forces. Up to 100 Ukrainian soldiers were being killed every day in frontline fighting and as many as 500 wounded, Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said. Death sentence Separatist authorities in the Donetsk region of the Donbas ordered the death penalty for Aiden Aslin, Shaun Pinner and Saadun Brahim, Russian media reported. Britain’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss called the sentence “a sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy”. A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the sentence contravenes the Geneva Convention, under which “prisoners of war are entitled to combatant immunity”. Britons Aslin and Pinner surrendered in April in the southern port city Mariupol, which was captured by Russian troops after a weeks-long siege. They later appeared on Russian TV calling on Johnson to negotiate their release. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

(MS-MAY 28, JUNE 4 & 11, 2022)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Kagawaran ng Pananahanang Pantao at Pagunlad ng Kalunsuran

‘Iran removal of cameras may scupper nuclear talks’

VIENNA—The UN atomic energy watchdog said Thursday that Iran was removing 27 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities, warning this could be a “fatal blow” to negotiations to revive a 2015 nuclear deal. Talks began in April last year to bring the United States back into that landmark agreement, after then president Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and left it hanging by a thread. The negotiations also aim to lift sanctions against Iran and bring it back into compliance with nuclear commitments it made to world powers as part of the deal. But the ever-delicate dialogue has been stalled since March—and, raising tensions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) members on Wednesday passed a resolution censuring Iran over its lack of cooperation with the watchdog. Iran has condemned the rebuke as “unconstructive” and announced on Wednesday it had disconnected some IAEA cameras monitoring its nuclear sites. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Thursday his agency had been informed that 27 cameras were being removed, leaving about 40 still in place. “So this of course poses a serious challenge to our ability to continue working there,” Grossi told reportREADY TO FIRE. ers, urging Iran to engage with him A Ukrainian serviceman “immediately”. keeps his position not far He said if a solution was not found from the Ukrainian town within three to four weeks, “a fatal of Chuguiv, in Kharkiv region on June 9. AFP blow” will have been dealt to negoCYAN MAGENTA tiations. AFPYELLOW BLACK

Dramatic footage of Hong Kong machete gang attack emerges HONG KONG—Dramatic footage of an attack by a group of machete-wielding assailants in one of Hong Kong’s busiest nightlife districts emerged Friday, as local media reported a clash that left one man with a gunshot wound and two others injured. Asked about the incident, reported to have taken place in the early hours of Friday morning, Hong Kong police confirmed to AFP that three men were hospitalized and another three

men were arrested. Friday daytime, a section of the road near the popular Lan Kwai Fong area was cordoned off by armed officers, as they searched a Lexus with its side and front crumpled in for evidence. A dashcam video, whose location, timestamp and events matched media descriptions of the clash, emerged Friday, though AFP was unable to trace the footage’s exact origin. The video shows a line of vehicles stopping

at a traffic junction, when four assailants holding machete-like knives spring out of a car that appears to be the Lexus left at the scene on Friday. They begin to attack an adjacent white car that had stopped by the traffic light. As the men begin the assault, a black van positioned behind the white car rams into the attackers’ car, hitting at least two of the assailants before speeding away from the scene. AFP

Business

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

US recession unlikely, says Janet Yellen

PSEi June 10, 2022

TOP GAINERS

1 CAB

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 46 6.9 17.65%

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

IMP FCG CHP PRIM 2GO FOOD IRC CEU

1.34 0.55 0.73 2.4 7.27 0.6 1.06 6.85

0.2 0.05 0.04 0.13 0.37 0.03 0.05 0.3

17.54% 10.00% 5.80% 5.73% 5.36% 5.26% 4.95% 4.58%

DFNN

3.35

0.12

3.72%

TOP LOSERS 1 FFI

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 4.05 -1.67 -29.20%

2 3 4

PBB REG RLT

7.01 2.9 0.221

-0.78 -0.32 -0.022

-10.01% -9.94% -9.05%

5 6 7 8 9 10

OPMB MARC CDC V CEBCP ALI

0.011 1.57 0.68 0.72 44 30

-0.001 -0.12 -0.05 -0.05 -2.6 -1.7

-8.33% -7.10% -6.85% -6.49% -5.58% -5.36%

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1 2 3 4 5 6

ICT SMPH ALI SM SCC BDO

3,113,910 12,677,500 13,299,300 485,030 9,296,200 2,455,320

626,411,176 473,691,555 405,734,665 400,185,785 318,633,125 311,094,483

7 8 9 10

AC TEL MBT URC

424,480 139,215 3,628,540 1,708,030

279,474,955 258,296,165 187,249,968 175,549,281

ARGENTINA PROTEST. An aerial view of members of social organizations and leftist groups marching to protest social and economic measures of the government of Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez, in Buenos Aires, on June 9, 2022. AFP

Stock market falls sharply; Ayala Land and PLDT down

HE stock market tumbled Friday to join a global sell-off after the European Central Bank laid the groundwork to join others in a program of interest rate hikes, while attention turns to the release of key US inflation data.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slumped 228.55 points, or 3.4 percent, to 6,530.04 on a value turnover of P6 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 131 to 45, with 40 issues unchanged. Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group sank 5.4 percent to 30, while SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group fell 4.9 percent to P820. PLDT Inc. of the Salim Group of Indonesia, the biggest telecommunications firm, dropped 4.4 percent to P1,836, while Semirara Mining and Power Corp. of the Consunji Group, the largest coal producer, declined 4.5 per-

cent to P34.10. The rest of Asian markets extended a global sell-off Friday. After a largely positive start to the week, Asian investors tracked their US and European colleagues in selling up as they contemplate higher borrowing costs and surging prices, which many fear could lead to a recession. Adding to the unease was news that officials in China had once again locked down millions of people for COVID testing due to another flare-up in cases, dealing a blow to hopes for an economic reopening. Still, the move helped push down oil prices—a key driver of global inflation—owing to concerns about the impact on demand. Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, Mumbai, Bangkok, Wellington and Jakarta were all down. With prices rising at a decades-high pace, central banks have been forced to withdraw the vast financial support measures put in place to combat the impact of the pandemic that helped fuel a

rally across markets to record or multiyear highs. The ECB became the latest to join the tightening campaign, announcing Thursday the end of its bond-buying program and signaling it will hike rates several times this year. It also sharply upgraded its inflation forecasts for this year and next while lowering the economic growth outlook. Focus now turns to the release of US consumer price figures later Friday, with a strong reading likely to give the Federal Reserve more room to be aggressive. “A robust May... print will probably prompt (policymakers) to hint at a 50 basis point hike for the September meeting,” said SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes. “The tone will remain hawkish and the tough talk on inflation will continue.” However, he added that “the significant upward revisions to core inflation projections are close to ending. Risk markets could take solace if one or two participants shift to seeing the inflation outlook is more balanced.” With AFP

Spain seaside staff shortages spell trouble for tourism By Valentin Bontemps with Anahi Aradas BANIDORM, Spain—In normal times, Pablo Gonzalez would never have considered closing his restaurant at the height of summer. But this year, he’s been forced to do just that for one day a week for lack of staff. “I advertised online... and asked everywhere” looking for staff, says Gonzalez, who runs the “Taberna Andaluza” in Benidorm, a hub for mass tourism on Spain’s southeastern coast. “But until now, I haven’t managed.” At full capacity, his restaurant can seat 120 people, but he is currently two waiters short among a staff of 16, making it “impossible” to open seven days a week. “My staff need to rest,” he says with a shrug. Whether it’s chefs, bar staff or dishwashers, many bars, restaurants and cafes across Benidorm are struggling to recruit workers, generating a new source of tension after two years of pandemic. “It looks like it’s going to be a great summer,” says Alex Fratini, watching tourists sit down on the terrace of his cafe, one of eight establishments he runs in Benidorm. “But the lack of staff is really problematic.” “We’ve always had problems finding people, but we’ve never seen it this bad,” he told AFP. “Two weeks ago, we’d lined up 10 people for interview, but none of them showed up!” A job with little appeal Diego Salinas, head of Benidorm’s Abreca association that represents bars, restaurants and cafes, believes there are some 1,200 vacancies in the sector, saying “various factors” were to blame. Among them were the seasonal nature of employment, the lack of training and the after-effects of the COVID crisis. “With the pandemic, many staff left and haven’t come back because they found work in other sectors,” he told AFP. And the situation has been exacerbated by Benidorm’s lack of housing, with many empty flats “turned into tourist apartments with very high rent-

China factory inflation rate decreases BEIJING, China—China’s factory-gate inflation dropped to its lowest in a year in May, official data showed Friday, while consumer prices were stable despite COVID-linked transport disruptions. The producer price index (PPI)—measuring the cost of goods at the factory gate—rose 6.4 percent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed, in line with analyst expectations. The figure was down from an 8.0 percent rise in April and the lowest since April last year, according to official data. “Regions and departments efficiently coordinated epidemic prevention and control in May... ensuring smooth and stable supply chains in key industrial areas,” NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. International crude oil prices fluctuated upwards, however, driving up costs in related industries, Dong said. China’s consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail inflation, rose 2.1 percent on-year in May, the same level as last month and just below analyst expectations. Domestic prices of flour, grain products and vegetable oil rose “due to high international grain prices,” but Dong said consumer prices remained stable overall, with fresh vegetable costs falling Manila while logistics problems eased. AFP Standard TODAY

Owner of ‘Taberna Andaluza’ restaurant Pablo Gonzalez serves customers at Levante Beach in Benidorm on June 7, 2022. Whether it’s chefs, bar staff or dishwashers, many bars, restaurants and cafes across Benidorm are struggling to recruit workers, generating a new source of tension after two years of pandemic. AFP

al costs,” Salinas explained. “So it is very difficult for workers to find housing.” For Francisco Giner, a union representative who works at a hotel in the town, COVID merely served to put a spotlight on problems that already existed, such as “low salaries” and “somewhat awful working conditions.” During the lockdown, “many people realized they didn’t want to work in this sector,” where the work is “intense” and “difficult to balance with family life.” Former waitress Lucia Camilia, who lives in Barcelona, agrees, pointing to the “job insecurity” in the sector. “You have to work at weekends, you miss birthdays... and you just don’t feel valued.” A widespread problem Before the pandemic, Spain was the world’s second most popular tourist destination after France, with the sector accounting for 12.4 percent of its economy. But the decreasing interest in jobs in the sector has affected the entire industry, from the Balearic Islands to the Costa Brava. Employers’ organizations say there are some 50,000 job positions unfilled, in what is a paradox given Spain’s 13.65-percent unemployment rate—one of the highest levels in the

NEW YORK, United States—The United States is unlikely to suffer an economic downturn, despite skyhigh inflation, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday. “There’s nothing to suggest that there’s a recession in the works,” she said during an interview at The New York Times’ economic forum. The US economy has recovered strongly from the COVID-19 damage, but the highest inflation in four decades and supply chain snarls exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are increasing pessimism. The US Labor Department is set to release the May consumer price index (CPI) report on Friday, and analysts expect the data could potentially show a modest slowdown in the torrid 8.3 percent annual pace. The Federal Reserve has begun raising interest rates aggressively, with another big hike expected next week, as policymakers attempt to combat inflationary pressures without triggering a recession. Yellen expressed confidence they will be successful. “I believe there is a path through this that entails a soft landing,” she said. But the swiftness of the Fed’s planned moves has increased fears of a recession, generally defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. At the forum, Yellen was asked to respond to rapper Cardi B’s tweet about a possible downturn. “Is there a recession risk? Of course there’s a recession risk,” the Treasury secretary said. “But is it likely? I don’t think so.” When asked if she knew who Cardi B was, Yellen quipped: “I don’t have a lot of time for her, but I am alive.” Fed Chair Jerome Powell and President Joe Biden have each sought to assuage recession fears, with Powell saying the US economy is strong enough to weather higher borrowing costs. AFP

OECD. The problem is “widespread” and can only be solved through “major reforms,” says Emilio Gallego, secretary-general of the employers’ organization Hosteleria de España, calling for “emergency measures” to be put in place. Aware of the problem, Spain’s left-wing government announced an easing of the rules for foreign workers at the start of June. Labor Minister Yolanda Diaz has also encouraged the sector to raise salaries. But it’s a message which has angered some restaurant owners in Benidorm, where after talks with unions they have just agreed to implement a 4.5-percent salary hike. “If the problem was down to salaries, the market would adapt, because those who pay more would have more workers,” which is not the case, says a clearly frustrated Fratini. “When there are no workers, there are just no workers,” says Angela Cabanas, who told AFP she was now offering “up to 2,000 euros ($2,139) a month” to find seasonal kitchen staff for her restaurant. But even that hasn’t worked, and this summer, she will only open the bar. “It’s a drastic decision, but I’ve no other option,” Cabanas said, admitting the situation has left her feeling very “discouraged.” AFP

(MS-JUNE 11, 2022)

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 10, 2022

-228.55 PTS. 6,530.04

TOTAL VOLUME

661,178,412

TOTAL TRADES

77,385

TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES

6,018,429,787.51 45

DECLINES UNCHANGED

131 40

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

52.9450

Japan

Yen

0.007441

0.3940

Pound

1.250100

66.1865

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127408

6.7456

Switzerland

Franc

1.019784

53.9925

Canada

Dollar

0.787526

41.6956

Singapore

Dollar

0.723275

38.2938

Australia

Dollar

0.709800

37.5804

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653294

140.4787

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266581

14.1141

Brunei

Dollar

0.720669

38.1558

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028944

1.5324

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.4162

Euro

1.062000

56.2276

Korea

Won

0.000791

0.0419

China

Yuan

0.149432

7.9117

India

Rupee

0.012853

0.6805

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.227687

12.0549

New Zealand

Dollar

0.638500

33.8054

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033839

1.7916 Source: BSP

TORRE LORENZO MALATE. Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. holds an inauguration ceremony for Torre Lorenzo Malate, its latest mixed-use premium lifestyle development in the heart of Manila’s bustling district. Located at the corner of Gen. Malvar St. and Vasquez St. in Malate, TLM is within walking distance to top universities, hospitals, retail centers and renowned tourist and cultural destinations. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (from left) TLDC chief executive Tomas Lorenzo, shareholder Paulo Lorenzo, shareholder Rica Lorenzo, chief operating officer Cathy Casares-Ko, shareholder Luis Lorenzo and The Ascott Limited country general manager Philip Barnes.

By Julito G. Rada

HE unemployment rate fell to 5.7 percent in April, the lowest since the start of the pandemic, as the economy continued to reopen and recovered from the impact of the global health crisis, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Friday. million from 43.27 million. On a monthly basis however, fewer Filipinos participated in the labor force in April because of the supply chain disruptions brought about by the RussiaUkraine conflict and seasonal factors in agriculture. The labor force participation rate declined from 65.4 percent in March to 63.4 percent, translating into a net employment loss of 1.3 million between the two months. The PSA said of the

1.3 million net employment loss, 1.1 million were from agriculture while 500,000 were from services. The industry sector added 300,000 jobs. Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said targeted subsidies and the full resumption of face-to-face schooling would help bring back employment in the hardest-hit sectors. “Higher oil prices and seasonal factors have impacted workers in the transport and agriculture sectors, respectively, and hindered some from going to work. To address this, the government will urgently distribute targeted subsidies to the hardest-hit sectors to cushion higher prices,” Chua said. The government is rolling out targeted subsidies amounting to P6.1 billion for the transport and agriculture sectors. These include P5 billion worth of fuel vouchers to qualified public utility vehicle drivers and operators who will

each receive P6,500 fuel subsidy under the Pantawid Pasada program. The government will also distribute P1.1 billion as fuel discounts to farmers and fisherfolk. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved one-peso provisional fare increase for public utility jeepneys in the National Capital Region, Region 3 and Region 4A to address increasing fuel prices. Chua said the Civil Service Commission allowed government offices to adopt flexible work arrangements such as four-day work weeks to help employees save on fuel costs. The National Economic and Development Authority said that despite the external risks, overall employment remained at 3.1 million above the prepandemic level, as around 80 percent of the economy was placed under Alert Level 1.

Meralco power rates to rise P0.39 per kWh in June

THE peso on Friday breached the 53-per-dollar level, its weakest in almost three and a half years, as financial markets expect a more aggressive rate hike by the US Federal Reserve next week. The peso lost five centavos to close at 53 against the greenback, down from 52.95 on Thursday. It was the local currency’s lowest level since 53.10 on Dec. 20, 2018. Total volume turnover reached $949.3 million. “[The] higher USD-PHP is likely due to market players anticipating the 50 bps rate hike from the Fed next week,” China Banking Corp. chief economist Domini Velasquez said in a statement. “Generally, we still see USD-PHP moving upwards both because of the Fed’s aggressive monetary tightening cycle and domestically, the value of import purchases are still bound [to] increase as oil and food prices continue to remain elevated. Hence, [there is] still more demand for dollars,” Velasquez said. Michael Ricafort, chief economist of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the market sentiment also weighed on the peso as global crude oil prices posted new three-month highs of over $120 per barrel. Julito G. Rada

THE Department of Finance said Friday the decision of business process outsourcing firm Concentrix to waive tax perks for work-from-home arrangement shows that such incentives are not priorities for economic zone investors. Finance Assistant Secretary Juvy Danofrata said in a statement the Financial Incentives Review Board welcomed the decision of Concentrix to give up the tax perks in exchange for a continued hybrid work setup for employees. “We support the decision of Concentrix to carry on with its flexible work arrangements. We respect that they are supportive of their employees who want such a work setup in this post-pandemic situation,” said Danofrata, who heads the FIRB secretariat. “This goes to show that tax perks are not that important to investors doing business in the Philippines,” Danofrata said. “This validates the DOF’’s policy thrust to avoid the grant of unnecessary tax incentives as this is apparently not the main consideration for them to do business in the country, especially for the business process outsourcing firms... ,” she said. Julito G. Rada

Alsons unit, DBP sign P3.3-b omnibus loan

SIGUIL Hydro Power Corp., a unit of Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc., signed a P3.3-billion omnibus loan and security agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund the construction of a 14.5-megawatt run-of-river hydropower plant in Sarangani province. “We share a common mission of bridging development gaps to improve the well-being of the people in the communities we are active in, doing so in a sustainable manner, and protecting the environment,” said Alsons chairman and president and Siguil Hydro chairman and president Nicasio Alcantara. Siguil Hydro, Alson’s first renewable energy project, is under construction in Maasim, Sarangani. It is expected to begin commercial operations by the second quarter of 2023. Once operational, the Siguil hydro plant will provide renewable energy to critical areas of Mindanao. “Eventually, renewable energy sources will comprise at least half of ACR’s long-term energy mix. We hope DBP will be involved in those future projects as well,” Alcantara said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Airlines announce promotional fares to lure passengers By Darwin G. Amojelar

By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. said Friday power rates will climb by P0.3982 per kilowatt-hour in June on higher generation charges. Meralco said the overall rate increased to P10.4612 per kWh this month from P10.0630 per kWh in May. The adjustment would translate into an increase of P80 in the monthly bill of a typical household consuming an average of 200 kWh per month. It said generation charges rose P0.3313 to P6.5590 per kWh in June from P6.2277 per kWh in May, with costs from independent power producers and power supply agreements increasing P0.6083 and P0.0859 per kWh, respectively, because of higher fuel costs. Fuel charges from the First Gas power plants went up 8 percent, with the increased usage of more expensive liquid fuel amid the Malampaya gas supply restriction. Coal prices also increased by an average of 23 percent, contributing to the higher IPP and PSA charges. Prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market remained elevated, with the secondary price cap imposed twice on April 29 and 30. WESM prices went up by 12 percent to P6.9253 per kWh from P6.4865 per kWh in May. Peak demand in the Luzon grid reached a record 12,113 megawatts in May following the continued easing of mobility restrictions and consequent increase in economic activity. Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said this month’s generation charge includes the last of three installments covering the deferred generation costs for the March bill and the second of three installments for the April bill. He said these accounted for around P0.20 per kWh of the generation charges. Meralco sourced the bulk of its supply from PSAs, accounting for 48 percent, followed by IPPs at 40 percent and WESM at 12 percent.

Peso depreciates to P53 versus dollar

Concentrix foregoes income tax incentives

Jobless rate falls to 2-year low of 5.7% Data showed the jobless rate eased from 5.8 percent in March and 8.7 percent in April 2021. The PSA said the total number of unemployed in terms of magnitude reached 2.76 million in April, lower by 1.38 million from a year ago. The PSA said the employment rate in April climbed to 94.3 percent, translating into about 45.63 million employed Filipinos. This was higher than 91.3 percent in April 2021, which represented a year-on-year increase of about 2.36

IN BRIEF

Philip Morris International invests in a new global business service hub in Makati City. The global shared service center, registered as PMI Business Solutions (Philippines) Inc., will render integrated business solutions to PMI affiliates in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, including the Philippines. Leading the inauguration ceremony are (from left) PMFTC head of consumer experience Arturas Bumblys, PMFTC director of finance and planning Eduardo Tsang, PMI Business Solutions president Sharmini Krishnan, PMFTC president Denis Gorkun, PMFTC director of people and culture Andreea Chiriac and LT Group president and chief operating officer Michael Tan. Norman Cruz

Philip Morris invests in new global business service hub in Makati PHILIP Morris International said Friday it is expanding its economic footprint in the Philippines as it invests in a new global business service hub in Makati City that will generate close to 1,000 jobs. The global shared service center, registered as PMI Business Solutions (Philippines) Inc., will render integrated business solutions to PMI affiliates in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, including the Philippines, it said in a statement. It is the second global center established by PMI. The first is in Krakow, Poland. It is on top of services to be rendered to PMFTC Inc., a business combination between LT Group Inc. and PMI, which

is leading the transformation of the Philippines tobacco industry. The global shared service center is expected to create hundreds of fresh job opportunities within the next three years, coming at an opportune time amid the economic disruptions brought by the pandemic. The wealth of Filipino talent and niche skills was the driving factor in PMI’s choice of Metro Manila as a strategic global hub. “The Philippines was chosen as a strategic location because of the diverse talent pool and availability in the country that would enable us to launch new capabilities to fuel transformation across PMI,”

said PBS president Sharmini Krishnan. “Global Hub - Manila will enable the design of digital and global solutions for PMI and deliver business solutions in the area of Finance, People & Culture and Information Technology,” Krishnan said during the inauguration of the new office at 8 Rockwell, Makati City. The global service hub is part of PMI’s multi-year investment and economic value creation plan in the country that would create almost 1,000 new jobs on top of the two million direct employment and dependents of the rotational rice-maize-tobacco industry in both upstream and downstream of the value chain.

LOCAL airlines on Friday introduced promotional fares to entice more passengers to travel. Philippine Airlines said it is offering domestic base fares for as low as P188 and international base fares for as low as $89 roundtrip. “We are happy to invite fellow Filipinos and all global citizens to celebrate the freedom to fly by availing of our Independence Day seat sale,” said PAL vice president for sales Bud Britanico. “With markets reopening and economies recovering, we hope you will hop on a Philippine Airlines flight and rediscover the wonders of air travel to the great destinations throughout our Philippine and global network,” he said. PAL said travelers may book until June 12, 2022 to enjoy the freedom to fly to their choice destinations. It sid that for flights within the Philippines and Asia, Guam and Australia, the travel period is from Aug. 1, 2022 to March 16, 2023. The airline said that for flights to North America and the Middle East, travel period is from Sept. 1, 2022 and onwards. Cebu Pacific said it is offering airfare for as low as P12, one-way base fare from June 10 to 12, with travel period from Feb. 1 to May 31, 2023. “We remain committed to keep enabling every Juan to move forward together from the challenges of the recent years, and remain hopeful that skies will continue to clear, so they can rekindle their love for travel and enjoy the freedom that this experience brings,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and customer experience Candice Iyog.

House leader cites need for vape bill to protect Filipino youth and save adult smokers A LAWMAKER said Friday the country needs the Vaporized Nicotine Product or vape bill to provide adult smokers with less harmful alternatives, while preventing minors from using these products. “There’s no law yet that imposes stricter regulations on the importation, manufacturing, selling and advertising of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products. This is where the vape bill comes in. It spells out the regulation and penalties, includ-

ing imprisonment for violators, to ensure that only adult smokers can get their hands on these less harmful alternatives,” said Deputy Speaker Wes Gatchalian in a statement. The Vape Bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, is in line with the tobacco harm reduction approach—a pragmatic strategy which aims to reduce the harm from smoking. The Philippines is among the countries

that continue to register high smoking prevalence despite the various prohibitive approaches implemented by the government. Once enacted into law, the Vape Bill will regulate smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, such as vapes and heated tobacco products. More than 16 million Filipinos continue to smoke, according to the 2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. About 77 percent of smokers planned or thought about quitting, but only 4 percent were

successful, leaving most smokers exposed to the harm of combustible cigarettes. Gatchalian said the bill was crafted to give adult smokers an opportunity to use less harmful alternatives, while stopping minor’s access to nicotine products. “We made sure that we strike a good balance between protecting minors and giving adult smokers a chance to leave their deadly habit behind when we crafted the vape bill,” he said.

TNT seeks 3rd straight basketball 3x3 crown TNT tries to extend its dominance in the PBA 3x3 Third Conference, eyeing a repeat title when Leg 4 tips off Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Coach Mau Belen kept the trio of Almond Vosotros, Chris Exciminiano, Lervin Flores, and inserted Samboy de Leon to replace the injured Gryan Mendoza as they bid for a fitting follow up to their camapaign just a few days ago which saw the team rule Leg 3 of the standalone tournament at Robinsons Magnolia. The Tropang Giga downed Purefoods Titans, 21-13, in the finals to win the P100,000 prize money. It was the second leg title this conference for the telecommunication franchise, which also topped the opening leg. The heavy, 14-game schedule on Day 1 starts at 9 a.m. Seeded no. 1, TNT leads Pool A along with Master Sardines, Pioneer Pro Tibay, and Barangay Ginebra, and will kick off its back-to-back bid by facing the Kings in the 9:25 a.m. second game. Last leg runner up Purefoods, meanwhile tops Pool B together with San Miguel Beer, and Cavitex. The Titans retain main man Joseph Eriobu and new acquisition Marvin Hayes, while reactivating Pao Javelona and Antonio Bonsubre to the regular roster. Platinum Karaoke, Sista Super Sealers, Zamboanga Valientes, and Terrafirma 3x3 comprise Pool C, while Pool D will have Meralco, Limitless App, and NorthPort. Same format applies where the top 2 teams in each pool will advance in the knockout stage to be played in Day 2 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Joseph Sedurifa of Meralco emerged the top-scoring player of the meet after three legs. The 31-year-old guard so far amassed a total of 117 points to lead Purefoods’ Eriobu, who has a 114-point total for second place. Vosotros, the two-time scoring champion, is at third with 108 points, followed by TNT teammate Mendoza with 75 points, and Chris De Chavez of Platinum Karaoke with 74. Eriobu though, tops the conference in scoring per average with 7.40 a game, slightly ahead of Sedurifa (7.31) and Vosotros (7.30). Terrafirma’s Shaq Alanes (6.36) and Wendel Comboy of San Miguel (6.25) round up the Top 5 list. TNT on the other hand, tops the ranking in Tour points after three legs with a total of 240 points, followed by Meralco (220), Purefoods (200), Platinum Karaoke (165), and Barangay Ginebra (161).

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

SMBeermen repulse Warriors for 2nd straight win, PBA lead By Peter Atencio

HE San Miguel Beermen played with composure and repulsed the NLEX Road Warriors, 100-92, Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. The imposing presence of CJ Perez and Mo Tuatuaa and the late entr y of big man JuneMar Fajardo helped the Beermen keep the Road Warriors at bay in the last period and allowed them to pose their second straight win. “We told the boys that we should have a good start in order for us to have a good rhythm,” said SMB coach Leo Austria. “In previous conferences, you never witnessed the team in the first few games na nanalo kami. In

fact, last conference, 0-2 agad kami. But this time, with this win, this will add some confidence to the team.” Perez banged in 19 points for the Beermen, who assumed the solo lead after they took control in the fourth period. The 6’2” Perez sank three of his last four points in the last 2:01, with his split freebie handing the Beermen a nine point cushion, 96-87. Fajardo, who connected with just nine points and 14 rebounds, earlier gave San Miguel an

eight-point edge with 3:33 left with his layup, 93-85. “Down kami ng 12 early in the game. We just kept our composure,” said Perez. The Beermen were finally out of trouble after they assumed a 10-point lead in the final 14 seconds with Chris Ross’ layup. Marcio Lassiter had 18, including seven in the first period, where the Beermen struggled to get out of an eight-point deficit, 25-33. The Beermen fought their way out of a 25-37 deficit in the second period and pulled even on Perez’s layup in the remaining 4:40 at 67-all. Vic Manuel drilled in 14 points, with his driving shot in the final 4:04, shattering the game’s final deadlock.

The Beermen then began moving away with a trey from Jericho Cruz in the last 3:33 of the third, for a 7267 count. Don Trollano shot 21 points for the Road Warriors, who now have a 1-1 slate. The scores: San Miguel 100 – Perez 19, Lassiter 18, Manuel 14, Ross 13, Cruz 10, Fajardo 9, Tautuaa 7, Brondial 6, Enciso 3, Pessumal 1, Herndon 0. NLEX 92 – Trollano 21, Oftana 16, Chua 12, Alas 10, Quinahan 10, Semerad 6, Rosales 5, Varilla 5, Fonacier 3, Soyud 2, Ighalo 2, Miranda 0. Quarters: 25-33; 50-53; 78-73; 100-92.

NLEX’s Justin Chua eludes the defense of SMB’s Mo Tautuaa in a PBA Philippine Cup game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Celebrities spice up ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll run series NCAA volley ACTOR Troy Montero and TV host Kim Atienza take time out from their hectic schedules to grace the ASICS Rock “n” Role Running Series, providing a positive influence on youth when it is staged June 19 around Manila’s famous sights and landmarks. A noted fitness buff with fellow celebrity partner Aubrey Miles, Montero has competed in a number of triathlon events put up by the IRONMAN Group while Atienza, a stroke survivor, has basked in fitness transformation the last decade or so. Though the world’s largest running series, sponsored by ASICS, is virtually a fun run event, the celebrity duo made themselves available to inspire not only the weekend and recreational runners but also the youth to take a mental break from their small screen gadgets. This marks the first time that the four-category event – 5K, 10K, 21K and 42K – will be staged in South-

east Asia and in Asia after the pandemic, thus drawing a merry mix of runners also wanting to experience the thrill and excitement of night racing that features bands, music and entertainment all over the course. Montero, an ASICS endorser, will vie in the 42K run while Atienza is entered in the 10K race. Unlike in regular marathon races, the RnR series blends running and endurance with partying and a concert with the organizers to infuse each course with music, live bands, cheer teams and drumlines to guarantee a fun and exciting staging of the event. It is actually a day-long affair in historic city atmosphere with the 5K and 10K races set to flag off early morning and the 21K and 42K events to be fired off late in the afternoon. For listup, log on to www.runrocknroll.com. manila with onsite registration at Garmin stores (through cash and Gcash mode of payment) at Glori-

etta I, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, The Podium, Ayala Vertis North, SM North, SM Aura, Uptown and Alabang Town Center. Fees are P950 for 5K, P1,850 for 10K, P2,450 for halfmarathon and P2,650 for the 42K run. For the Remix Challenge, rates are P3,600 for marathon +5K, P4,100 for marathon +10K, P3,800 for half-marathon +5K and P3,400 for half-marathon +10K. The race, backed by Gatorade as official hydration partner and Alaska, Lightwater, Regent and Sante, and held as part of the city’s 450th founding anniversary, will start at the Rizal Park where a wreath-laying ceremony for the national hero will be held at 8 a.m. It will pass through the National Museum complex, Intramuros, the Manila Cathedral, Manila City Hall, the Kartilya ng Katipunan, the Jones Bridge and Chinatown in Binondo, the walled city of Intramuros and back to Rizal Park.

Aludo, Aquino tame field in Tagum PPS netfest STEFI Aludo flashed top form in return to the PPS-PEPP junior tennis circuit, dominating the girls’ top two divisions while James Aquino stamped his class in boys’ 16-andunder play as they claimed the MVP honors in the Governor’s Cup at the DavNor Tourism Sports Complex courts in Tagum last Thursday. Aludo stopped Dhea Cua’s title run in the three-leg Cotabato swing last month, coming away with a 6-2, 6-3 triumph in the 16-U finals then the Trento, Agusan del Sur find, a recipient of a Prince of Tennis award in 2019, toppled Chloe Mercado, 6-1, 6-1, to pocket the 18-U crown in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. The top-seeded Aquino, on the other hand, survived a three-set scare from Maynard Castillon in the quarters, ripped Pete Cua, 6-0, 6-1, in the semis then blasted Robert Payot, 6-0, 6-0. But the Sto, Tomas, Davao del

Stefi Aludo (right) marks her return to action in big fashion, winning two titles to gain top honors in the PPS Tagum leg with James Aquino.

Norte bet failed to match Aludo’s feat as 6, in the 14-U semis of the event sponhe fell to Daniel Giducos, 6-1, 1-6, 10- sored by Gov. Edwin Jubahib.

Local bet Jayson Battad, however, foiled Giducos, 7-5, 6-1, in the finals to join Zhyrus Lozano, Marco Macalintal, Teiko Ello and Cua in the winners’ podium of the country’s longest talent-search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Lozano, from Maragusan, Davao de Oro, stunned top seed Paul Cabrera, 6-3, 6-3, for the boys’ 12-U title while Ello, from Tagum, took the girls’ diadem with a tough 7-5, 6-3 victory over Reign Maglana. Macalintal, meanwhile, repelled Romeo Largo, 7-5, 6-1, in a duel of unranked bets in the boys’ 18-U final. Though she yielded the 16-U trophy, Cua, from Kidapawan, kept the 14-U diadem with a 6-1, 6-0 romp over Ello in the five-day tournament backed by ProtekTODO, PalawanPay, the Unified Tennis Philippines and UTR (Universal Tennis Rating).

action returns after absence of 28 months Games today (Paco Arena) 10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony 12 noon – Arellano vs Mapua 2:30 p.m. – CSB vs San Beda

ARELLANO University finally will have a restart of its “four-peat” drive going against Mapua as the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament ends its 28-month absence and opens Saturday at the Paco Arena. Carla Donato and Princess Bello will now be the main gunners, with Donna Paralejas the new lead playmaker when the Lady Chiefs take on the Lady Cardinals at 12 noon right after the 10 a.m. opening ceremony. In Arellano’s first match since Feb. 13, 2020 before the league scrapped Season 95 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Legardabased spikers hope to move on without ace spikers Regine Arocha and Necole Ebuen and veteran playmaker Sarah Verutiao. College of Saint Benilde, which had an undefeated 7-0 campaign before the shutdown, plays San Beda at 2:30 p.m. Four more teams will make their tournament debut Sunday with Season 94 runner-up University of Perpetual Help System Dalta taking on Lyceum of the Philippines University at 2:30 p.m., right after the 12 noon clash between San Sebastian and Emilio Aguinaldo College. Letran and Jose Rizal University will be the last squads to play their respective openers on Tuesday at 12 noon. Despite losing vital cogs Klarisa Abriam, Matet Pablo Felicia Cui and setter Jewel Lai to graduation, the Lady Blazers still have a lot of weapons at their disposal behind skipper Mycah Go, Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual and new playmaker Cloanne Mondoñedo.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor E-mail: jdlacsamana@gmail.com

HE Philippine real estate industry is picking up as the country moves towards more positive developments from post-pandemic recovery initiatives, a study by property portal Lamudi claimed recently.

The study did acknowledge concerns drawn from uncertainty following the recent elections, particularly its implications to the Philippine economy after news of the Philippine Stock Exchange Index’s immediate decline sprad after the polls. But it anticipated “more clarity” as economic agendas and housing plans from the new administration roll out. Market volatility Since the filing of certificates of candidacies in October 2021, property seeker activity on Lamudi dipped significantly thrice: the Christmas season, during the Holy Week celebration, and in the days leading up to the national elections last May 9th. Property buying and selling activities may have taken a pause during these periods as offices close and clients schedule meetings before or after the festivities, the study surmised. Property seekers and sellers alike are out and about and partaking in the holiday activities during these weeks. But volatility is expected amid the political noise during election season. In general, elections create market uncertainty as project and policy continuity hangs in balance. Investors take wait-and-see stances as an economic agenda, cabinet appointments and post-pandemic recovery plans from the presumptive new president roll out. Optimistic consumer environment The property seeker market on Lamudi assumed the same position. Leads attracted by the platform dropped by 3% (April 25 - May 1, 2022) and 12% (May 2 - May 8, 2022) respectively in the two weeks leading up to election day. But property-seeking activity on the platform improved as leads picked up by 8% during the week of election day (May 9 - May 15, 2022) and has remained stable in the week since.

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PH real estate scene

on right track—Lamudi study Looking at week-on-week trends on Lamudi since the filing of candidacies in October 2021 until the week following the elections, growth in property-seeking activity on Lamudi coincided with periods marked by a safe and encouraging business environment. There were high week-on-week upticks in leads during times when the country was well past recovery from a COVID-19 variant, as well as at the beginning of the year. Leads during that period were consistently increasing and at its highest in early March, as the country recovered from the spread of the Omicron variant and as pediatric vaccination against COVID-19 expanded. The Lamudi study said it looks forward to seeing such efforts continued, and anticipates announcements on housing reforms and infrastructure development “to appease investor doubts and guide broker and developer activity.”

Industry group hails new housing ceiling

AboitizLand bats for seaside living ABOITIZLAND’S Seafront Residences recently launched its model beach home in San Juan, Batangas, opening the doors to those seeking for the perfect seaside sanctuary. Designed by architecture firm Budji+Royal, this 3-bedroom, 100sq. m. house rests on a 200 sq. m. lot with elements inspired by true seaside living. It features generous spaces that extend all the way from the living area to a patio transformed into a lanai, a balcony that comes with a view of the diamond park and an azotea that looks out into Tayabas Bay and the balcony in the master’s bedroom. Playful textiles The model home’s interior is filled with playful textiles, a soothing color palette, natural wood, and a hint of a coastal flair. Seaside living enthusiasts can now envision how they can build their house by the beach with a visit to the model home. Seafront Residences is a 43-hectare beach community that offers a variety of residential units: house and lots, lots only and villas (beach condominiums). It also features amenities such as diamond parks and a clubhouse designed by Budji+Royal and a soonto-rise town center that offers retail and F&B options for its vecinos. “Vecinos” is a spanish term for “neighbors” and this is what AboitizLand calls their homeowners.

Soaring property values Since its launch last 2017, the property value of a house unit in Seafront Residences has more than doubled. Early investors are now enjoying as much as a 295% value escalation of their

beach property. Currently, houses and lots start at Php 10 million, residential lots start at Php 4.6 million while beach condominiums start at Php 6.8 million. Developed by AboitizLand, the real estate arm of the Aboitiz group

of companies, it was hailed as the Best Housing Development in the Philippines and Best Housing Development in Southern Luzon at the 2021 PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

P1-b hotel to rise in Baguio City FILINVEST Hospitality Corporation (FHC) recently broke ground on a P1 billion ($19 million) hotel investment in Baguio. The hotel is located on a 5,700 sqm leased plot inside Camp John Hay. The 25-year lease agreement is with Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC). The full-service hotel will feature 240 keys amidst open spaces and natural landscaping, three outlets, a spa, and meeting facilities. The hotel is slated to be completed by the 4th quarter of 2024 and will be operated by the FHC affiliate Chroma Hospitality (CHI) under the Grafik Hotels and Resorts brand. “This new hotel in Baguio. is our vote of confidence that tourism will come back better than ever,” said Francis Gotianun, senior vice president of Filinvest Hospitality Corp. “We are thankful to our partners at BCDA, JHMC, and IFC for being part of our journey in creating a world-class, sustainable hotel in Baguio City. This is important for us as it will fortify our presence in Northern Luzon, both as a hospitality provider and a contributor to the local economy.”

THE real estate stakeholders affiliated with the National Real Estate Association (NREA) have welcomed the recent signing of the department order adjusting the economic housing price ceiling. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has increased the price ceiling for economic housing from P1.7 million to P2.5 million, which was determined after their extensive consultation with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The new price ceiling was signed by DHSUD secretary Eduardo del Rosario last June 3, 2022. Architect Ronie Biando, NREA national president, remarked that the economic housing adjustment is timely with the holding of the 26th NREA National Convention slated online, slated on 16 and 17 June 2022, with opening guests, including Secretary Eduardo del Rosario of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), which is jointly holding the convention with NREA. Participation in the two-day convention is free, except for those needing the certification for the 5-credit Continuing Professional Development (CPD), who shall pay P500 each, architect Biando, pointed out. The convention focused on the theme: “Real Estate: Roaring Into 2022 And Beyond” and featured 17 guest speaker-presenters, with whom participants may interact during the open forums, architect Ma. Ysolde Prado, NREA secretary-general and overall convention chairman, said her part. In addition, and part of its efforts to stimulate housing business and the national economy, NREA, for the first time since the pandemic, will conduct in-person housing trade exhibits on July 1 to 3, 2022 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Ayala Malls in Makati City and on October 5 to 7, 2022 at the Activity Center of Trinoma Mall, North EDSA in Quezon City, as announced by Imelda C. Magtoto, NREA board vice chairlady. For inquiries and/or registration, scan the QR code of the convention and fill out the forms, or contact Lhane Sta. Juana, NREA executive assistant and event officer at tel. nos. 8912-3492 / 7254-8731; mobile nos. 0969-2257466 / 0927-9231113 or via e-mail ar nrea_org@yahoo.com.

Motoring

MILO RIVERA Sub-editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

A RUSH LIKE NO OTHER

Toyota Rush gets ‘22 GR-S update T

Take your journeys to next level with MAXXIS tires Auto Assist Insurance AS ONE of the best tire brands in the world, MAXXIS has always been committed to delivering high performance tires to more than 157 countries. With over 50 years of manufacturing experience, MAXXIS crafts tires of unequaled quality for cars, light trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles using the most advanced engineering facilities in the industry. MAXXIS versatile tires are known for their excellent handling, traction, grip, tread wear and durability that are road-tested and perform very well on any terrain. Currently, three of MAXXIS’ most popular products namely the Bravo HP-M3, the Razr AT811 and the Bravo AT980. Safety has always been a primary consideration in the development of MAXXIS tires. The company recognizes the needs of customers and their relationship with their vehicles when coming up with product technology and initiatives. This is why MAXXIS together with Kwik.insure (Kwiktech Insurance Brokerage, Inc.) has come up with an exciting, new insurance program that adds value to its world-class tires. This June, MAXXIS is launching MAXXIS Tires Auto Assist Insurance, a personal accident insurance product with roadside assistance that highlights the company’s commitment for safety of providing and assisting their customers in their journey. Powered by Kwik.Insure, underwritten by Metropolitan Insurance Company, Inc. (MICI) and with roadside assistance provided by Assist and Assistance Concept, MAXXIS Tires Auto Assist Insurance offers numerous benefits including the extension of tire warranty for up to seven (7) years, accidental death, disablement, and dismemberment (ADD) for up to P100,000. Vehicles not more than 10 years old are also entitled to roadside assistance including emergency towing, crane services and minor onsite repairs. The accidental death, disablement and dismemberment coverage pays up to the sum insured in the event of death or disablement due to accident. The cash assistance benefit is comprehensive deductible and pays for the certain amount of the deductible in the event that insured will file a one-time claim on their comprehensive auto insurance for own damage or theft while the emergency towing and breakdown service covers up to three (3) service calls due to mechanical breakdown and unlimited call for accident cases. From June 1 to August 31, MAXXIS Tires Auto Assist Insurance will be available in selected Luzon dealers to customers who purchase at least two pieces of participating SUV tires for a single vehicle.

OYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) has revealed the latest update to its sub-compact SUV Toyota Rush, with the release of the model’s GAZOO Racing Sport (GR-S) variant. The New Toyota Rush GR-S now serves as the line’s top-grade vehicle. A favorite among customers who are intending to buy their first 7-seater SUV, the 2022 motorsports-inspired Rush is now styled with the official emblem and enhancements from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) line. The new Toyota Rush GR-S catches attention everywhere with its GR-branded front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, and side body moulding. It comes in three TGRmatching colors: Dark Red Mica Metallic, Black Metallic 1, and White 2. It is powered by a gasoline engine with 4-speed automatic transmission. Its modern features include Smart Entry functionality and a 7-inch display a with Apple Carplay and Android Auto working with its 8-speaker audio system. It also comes with standard safety and security functions like Anti-Lock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Control, HillStart Assist Control, Toyota Vehicle Security System and more, plus other features like built in camera and back sonar The new Toyota Rush GR-S retails at Php 1,176,000 and is now available in Toyota’s 72 dealerships all over the country. For more information about TMP’s products and services, visit the official website at toyota.com.ph, join its official social media

channels Toyota Motor Philippines (Facebook, access information or manage their Toyota Instagram, YouTube) or ToyotaMotorPH vehicle via the myTOYOTA PH app available (Twitter). Toyota fans and customers may also for Andorid and iOS.

TRB inspects soon to open CAVITEX C5 link flyover extension

TOLL Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Atty Alvin Carullo together with the TRB technical team, the grantor of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP), inspected the ongoing construction of the CAVITEX C5 Link Flyover extension (Segment 3A2: Merville to E. Rodriguez Ave.) of Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) and its joint venture partner,

Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA). Early this week, the TRB’s inspection team together with CIC representatives checked on the progress of the 1.6km flyover extension that will soon connect to the operational 2.2km Cavitex C5 Link flyover, providing convenient access for motorists bound to SLEX/C5 from Merville and vice versa. As of today, the segment has

reached more than 95% completion. Also discussed during the inspection is the traffic management plan for the area once the extension opens. This entails transferring of the Merville entry and exit ramp to in front of Shell C5 Southlink for better traffic flow. Traffic signalization and signages will be installed in coordination with the local authorities to help manage traffic for motorists bound to the

expressway, and those that will use the service road. Meanwhile, construction for its other segment, Segment 2 (CAVITEX R1 Expressway to Sucat Interchange) also continues in full swing, now reaching more than 30% completion. Once this segment connects CAVITEX to its Sucat Interchange, motorist travel time between the two areas will To further encourage motorists to avail of its RFID services, free RFID installation and reloading services are made available at CAVITEX C5 Link Customer Service Center. Other installations and reloading sites outside of the expressways are also made available for motorists. Full list may be found here: https://www. easytrip.ph/subscription/rfid-onsite/. Once the entire CAVITEX C5 Link project is completed in 2023, the 7.7km expressway will benefit more than 50,000 motorists. It will reduce travel time from CAVITEX to Makati, Taguig, and Pasay in under forty-five minutes while helping decongest EDSA, MIA Road., Roxas Boulevard and other major thoroughfares.

Hino delivers fleet of modern fire trucks to BFP

READY TO CONQUER 12 HOURS OF RACING AGAIN. Members of the GAC Motor Racing Team pose for a group picture moments after winning in last April’s PETRON Kagitingan Cup 4HR Endurance Race. The Chinese car manufacturer’s motorsport program is set to gun for more victories as the PETRON Kalayaan Cup - 12HR Challenge flags off at the Clark International Speedway tomorrow. Adding more star power to their multi-titled roster is Vios Cup, Formula V1, and Slalom Champion Estefano Rivera. He is expected to further boost GAC’s title hopes along with mainstay drivers Andre Tan, Milo Rivera, Kody Ng, and Brennan Lim.

HINO Motors Philippines (HMP) turned over a fleet of brand-new fire trucks to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) last June 3 in a ceremony held at the HMP headquarters in Calamba Laguna. BFP officers led by Chief Supt. Roel Jeremy Diaz received the vehicles from HMP’s Chairman Mr. Vicente Mills, Jr. and President Mr. Mitsuharu Tabata. Also in the event are heads of F. Cura Industries and Hanseo Precision Industry, Co. Ltd. which partnered with Hino for the supply of fire truck body and special equipment. The 15-unit delivery is the initial batch of a total 61 units procured from Hino and are set to be deployed to various LGUs nationwide. Mounted on an FG8J chassis, these fire trucks are equipped with Hanseo Korean-built bodies and run on a Hino J08E Euro 4, direct injection, electronic control common rail diesel engine with an output of 240 HP and 716 Nm of torque.

Hino’s Total Support philosophy maximizing vehicle uptime while minimizing costs is a key advantage for emergency vehicles. Often deployed in the most challenging situations, these vehicles must be up and running all the time. Hino’s holistic approach to serving customers begins from supply of a durable chassis, to a perfectly fused body application, extending all the way to training, repair and

maintenance. Hino is committed to continue its active role in providing quality commercial vehicle products and aftersales services to Filipinos. To know more about Hino’s latest updates, you may check out https://www.hino.com.ph. Watch out for more exciting announcements by liking h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / HinoMotorsPH or contact any Hino dealership near you.

Tech & Gadgets Light Rail Transit-1’s resilience, disaster preparedness get boost

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

RT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation has teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology through its Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System training among LRT-1 employees and partners. This is part of LRMC’s business continuity management to strengthen the disaster preparedness of LRT-1 operations and surrounding communities through resources, expertise, and facilities sharing. The REDAS is a software developed by PHIVOLCS in 2002 under a DOST-GIA Project. The software can simulate earthquake hazards such as ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, and tsunami. The software can also compute earthquake impact in terms of physical damage, casualties, and economic loss. The pilot training for LRMC employees was conducted in 2021 by the DOST-REDAS Team, which covered Module 1: Introduction to REDAS, Basic Map Reading, Understanding Geological Hazards, Earthquake and Tsunami Alerting Module Familiarization, Satellite Rainfall Monitor and Seismic Hazard Assessment Familiarization. For 2022, this was expanded to include LRT-1 partners for Module 1, and the conduct of Module 2 consisting of in-depth focus on SQLITE, SRM Data Acquisition, SHAKE Presentation, and REDAS as an Impact Assessment Tool. “We are grateful for our sustained partnership with the DOST. The REDAS software has become a tool of choice for LRMC in spearheading, planning, and execution during times of natural calamities. In times of disruptive incidents, one of our main tasks is to ensure the continued delivery of service at acceptable levels. REDAS has been a vital component in addressing the planning requirements of disaster monitoring and risk reduction. We decided to extend the same training, in coordination with PHIVOLCS, to our LGU partners along the LRT-1 who help us maintain an overall safe and resilient system. This is to have a concerted, harmonized, and systematic effort to strengthen our emergency preparedness,” LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Department Dr. Louernie De Sales said. The recent 5-day hybrid REDAS training was held from June 6 to 10, at the LRT-1 Depot in Baclaran and via ZOOM, which brought together participants from LRMC and different public and private partners. Some of the partners included

The REDAS software used by participants during the 2nd LRMC REDAS Training held at LRT-1 Depot in Baclaran

Light Rail Transit Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police Pasay, Pasay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Pasay City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Barangay 190 Pasay City, Caloocan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Department of Public Services—Manila, Parañaque City Risk Reduction and Management Office, Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, Metro Pacific Tollways South Management Corporation, NLEX Corporation, and Awesome Ways International Services. “The transport sector, in particular, is very vulnerable to various natural hazards. And they need to be protected because immediately after a major event—a disaster—the transport sector should be revived and be able to open the city, the metropolis, and have access in and out of this area. So, I am very glad, I remember, that we had this training also before, and I’m sure that LRMC and the local government units and its officials would really support your participation and make sure that what you will learn will be implemented to further improve

the overall operations resilient to these threats,” Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary and PHIVOLCS Officer-inCharge Renato U. Solidum, Jr. said. “I hope that this training and orientation with the REDAS will equip our attendees with knowledge necessary for disaster preparedness. We never know when the next earthquake will come but we should always be prepared. Preparedness and knowledge lessen damage to both lives and properties. I join you in the crusade for safety. Let’s all work together to ensure that safety is a priority in our respective offices. Let us all be prepared and let us all be ready to serve,” Pasay City LGU Chief of Staff Peter Eric Pardo said. For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.

Infinix NOTE 12: Engineered for #SmoothGameplay INFINIX released its all-new NOTE 12, the smartphone that brings the smoothest gaming experience for casual and heavy gamers alike. From its sleek 6.7” FHD+ True Color AMOLED Display, 33W Flash Charge, a hefty 5000mAh battery, and more. The NOTE 12 offers well-rounded and innovative performance features for multi-taskers and heavy users so they can bring their gaming and passions to the next level. Fast Charging and Excellent Design The NOTE 12 is one of the thinnest smartphones at 7.8 mm that comes equipped with a 33W Fast Charge feature, and a huge 5000mAh making this lightweight smartphone more portable than ever while staying powered all day long. All of this coming from a stylish and sophisticated design that when combined with high-performance features

create the ideal smartphone for gamers and high-use individuals alike. All the Speed & Power You Need Experience the smoothest gameplay experience with the MediaTek Helio G96 Ultra Gaming Processor providing more speed and power to the NOTE 12. The octa-core processor incorporates two powerful Cortex-A76 processor cores clocked up to 2.05GHz and MaliG57 GPU that works in tandem to harness next-level intelligence for groundbreaking performance. Casual and heavy gamers alike will find that no game is too heavy for the NOTE 12. Infinix expands the NOTE 12’s 8GB memory to 13GB by integrating RAM and ROM to provide users with up to 5GB extended RAM. This improves the smartphone’s processing speed and accelerates performance when users are using their smartphone to multi-task by delivering extra power

when it’s needed. Capture Fantastic Photos The NOTE 12 is equipped with a 50MP Ultra Night Camera with a depth and AI lens so you can take the clearest photos even at low-light settings. The NOTE 12 also comes with a 16MP selfie camera for the perfect selfie. The NOTE 12 will be available in Force Black, Sapphire Blue, and Snowfall in 128GB for P8,999 and 256GB for P9,999 at Infinix store nationwide and via Shopee. Get the best deals exclusively on Shopee. Set your alarms for June 13, from 12a.m. – 9a.m., score the NOTE 12 128GB variant for as low as P8,299 while the NOTE 12 256GB will be priced at P9,299. For more information, visit Infinix’ Facebook Page, website, and Shopee.

The Infinix NOTE 12 offers smoothest gaming experience for casual and heavy gamers alike.

Xiaomi Redmi 10C gets job done, starts at P6,299 PROFESSIONAL are always on the lookout for a gadget that can cater to their work-play routine. A laptop is what first comes to mind. But let’s face it: a smartphone is the ticket for people who want to access all of their tasks while on the go, in this hybrid era. Enter the Xiaomi Redmi 10C, a fast and efficient upper entry-level phone equipped with the Snapdragon 680 chipset. It is a powerful phone worth less than P10,000 that can handle anything from work documents to HD streaming. Here’s an in-depth look at how this phone gets the job done: Impressive processor speed The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 processor is built on the flagship-level 6nm process, which offers a max core speed of up to 2.4G-7. This ensures smooth and swift performance with every task, like scrolling through social media, taking photos, and streaming media, while conserving power. Redmi IUC also allows for faster installation and loading on all apps.

The Xiaomi Redmi 10C is a powerful phone that can handle anything.

High-res shots Equipped with a 50MP main camera, the Redmi 10C captures high-resolution photos and videos. When taking portraits, the camera applies a natural blur effect in the background to emphasize the subject. It also comes with Night Mode to illuminate details under low lighting. Large display for big picture This smartphone has a large 6.71” Dot Drop display that offers an immersive viewing experience for all types of entertainment—be it watching shows and movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, or playing mobile games. It also supports Widevine L1 HD streaming so users can watch in full detail. For those looking for a capable smartphone that suits their hybrid working setup and personal time, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C packs enough power to efficiently accomplish any activity. Get the Xiaomi Redmi 10C for P6,299 (4GB + 64GB) and P7,299 (4GB + 128GB) at Xiaomi Stores, Lazada, and Shopee. For updates, be sure to follow Xiaomi’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Visit the official website for more information.

The Oscars, Backrooms, PSY: What kids were looking for during spring ‘22 A NEW Kaspersky Safe Kids study has revealed the most viewed children’s interests between March and May 2022. Popular events such as the Oscars were trending and there were also some changes in the gaming segment, including the growing popularity of the creepy ‘Backrooms’ game. In the music field, all fame got PSY for the track “That That”, released in collaboration with BTS star SUGA. This past spring has been full of popular events. The Oscars made headlines, many trending songs were released, and the creepy game “The Backrooms” made a comeback. Children have been closely following all these events, which have influenced their interests. Kaspersky analyzed anonymized data voluntarily provided by Kaspersky Safe Kids users, such as search queries, the most popular Android applications and website categories requested. As for popular events, Will Smith’s infamous Oscars’ slap globally captured kids’ attention and was widely discussed throughout the spring. In addition to this, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s divorce trial, and speculation about the Spiderman

New trends and events in popular culture have a significant impact on kids’ interests

celebrity couple, Zendaya and Tom Holland, were trending pop-culture topics. Unexpectedly, children were also frequently searched for UwU, which is an emoticon depicting a cute face. The gaming section also saw some slight changes over the spring. One interesting case is The Backrooms game, which has become popular among children in recent months. It is a creepypasta (referring to horror related content on the internet) that puts the player in an endless maze of randomly generated office rooms. It includes several levels that gamers must explore. In addition, the game, ‘Among US’ has been trending downwards for the past few months, with kids losing almost all interest in it. Music is also one of the most popular categories on YouTube. Among the top leaders was a new music video, ‘That That’, by PSY, produced with and featuring BTS star, SUGA. Another popular newcomer was ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno (From “Encanto”)’. Speaking of movies and cartoons, a lot of children’s YouTube requests were devoted to the channel, My Story Animated. This channel animates stories,

claimed to be real, sent to them by teenagers. For movies the leaders were ‘The Bad Guys’, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’, ‘Rock Dog 2’ and ‘Heartstopper’. This spring children were interested in the software, audio and video (43.6%); internet communication (17.2%); and e-commerce (16.1%) web categories. The most popular apps on Android included YouTube (31.6%), TikTok (19%) and WhatsApp (18.3%). For Windows programs, in first place with a huge lead, was Google Chrome (44.7%); Microsoft’s browser, Microsoft Edge, managed to get 12.6%; and in third place was messaging platform, Discord, with a share of 9.8%. “New trends and events in popular culture have a significant impact on kids’ interests. Children’s passions change rapidly and for parents to better understand their little ones and build close relationships with them, it can be useful to explore their interests and hobbies together. Modern parental control apps are one way to help with this,” comments Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky. To ensure children have a positive online experience, Kaspersky recommends that as a parent: