Manila Standard - 2022 June 16 - Thursday

twitter.com/ MlaStandard

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

manilastandard.net

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net

DOJ: Let peaceful rallies be Rejects PNP stand on protests on inauguration day

By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja

J

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday said the police should allow peaceful rallies regardless of their political beliefs on the June 30 inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Guevarra contradicted the officer-incharge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., who said only supporters of Marcos Jr. would be allowed. “The right of peaceful assembly, regardless of one’s political beliefs or affiliation, is guaranteed by the Constitution, subject to reasonable regulations to maintain peace and order, including the requirement to obtain a prior permit,” Guevarra said. “As long as their statements do not constitute an actionable offense, such as inciting to sedition or oral defamation, rallyists enjoy freedom of expression,” Guevarra said. On Monday, June 13, Danao said only those who will show support for Marcos will

be allowed to come near the inauguration. "As long as you shout ‘long live’ the new President, then there is no problem,” Danao said. “But if you are pulling down the government, especially those who are leading it, it’s a problem.”

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 120 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FARE HIKE PUSH.

Batangas-bound passengers flock to a bus station in Pasay City on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. A group of provincial buses submitted a petition for a fare increase due to skyrocketing oil prices. Danny Pata

DILG eyes legal action vs. Garcia Surge in severe, critical COVID-19 cases up for defying higher order on mask By Willie Casas

By Joel E. Zurbano, Rey E. Requejo, and Willie Casas AMID her continued defiance of the national government-set mask mandate, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said it is looking to take legal action against Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia. "That's what we will do," Interior

Secretary Eduardo Año said in a radio interview on Wednesday. "If they continue to do it and it causes injury, damage and confusion, the national government cannot just allow that to happen,” Año added. Garcia, however, insisted she has a responsibility to her constituents and “not to outgoing and unelected officials," and stood pat on her executive order to make

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned of a possible increase in severe and critical COVID-19 cases by August because of the waning immunity of the public. In an interview with ANC, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire

said the country’s severe and critical cases are currently stable and hospitals are not overwhelmed. “There is this projection that maybe by… August, our hospitalizations will increase and there would be more severe and critical cases because of the waning immunity of the population,” Vergeire said.

The waning immunity is due to the slow uptake of booster shots, she said. Vergeire stressed that maintaining a low number of severe and critical cases is what is important amid the observed increase in COVID-19 cases. At present, 14.56 million individuals have received their first booster against Next page

Next page

WHO may declare monkeypox as global public health concern THE World Health Organization said Tuesday it would hold an emergency meeting next week to determine whether to classify the global monkeypox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. The UN agency is also working to change the name of the disease, which was long confined to Western and Central

Africa until more than 1,000 cases were detected in dozens of countries across the world over the last two months. "The outbreak of monkeypox is unusual and concerning," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists. "For that reason, I have decided to

Romualdez sees better life under BBM leadership

Next page

By Maricel V. Cruz

OATH OF OFFICE. Barangay chairman Rodolfo Padillo (left) administers the oath of office of House Majority and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (2nd from left). Romualdez’s wife, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie, witnessed the ceremony at the RTR Gym in Tacloban City. Ver Noveno

ARMY BEMOANS BTS HIATUS DECISION ENTERTAINMENT/ C3 TAKING A BREAK. K-pop supergroup BTS on June 14, 2022 announced they were taking an indefinite ‘hiatus’ from one of the world's most popular acts to focus on solo pursuits. AFP

FILIPINOS can look forward to a better life under the leadership of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and incoming Vice President Sara Duterte, House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez said Wednesday. Next page

Imee: Bongbong won't live in Palace during his stint PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will not live in Malacañang, where he grew up during his father's two-decade term, once he takes over as Chief Executive on July 1, according to his sister Sen. Imee Marcos. "Before my brother won the (May

9) elections, he already told me he wouldn't live in Malacañang. I said that's fine because when we were kids he frequently sneaked out of the Palace," the senator said in a chance interview Wednesday. "What is important now is we lift

our name, and for my father's legacy to be revisited," said Imee, the incoming President’s elder sister. "As for Malacañang... We already lived there. That's enough," she added of the presidential palace. Next page

A2

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PNP: Gun ban ahead of inauguration By Macon Ramos-Araneta

“This was already approved by our (OIC) officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., and the suspension covers the period of full preparations, deployment, and implementation of the security measures for the oath-taking events of the two highest-ranking officials of the country,” said PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon. The suspension will be in effect in Davao City from June 16 to 21 and in

Metro Manila from June 27 to July 2. Duterte will take her oath as the country's 15th Vice President in Davao City on June 19 while Marcos will take his oath as the 17th President at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila on June 30. De Leon said violation of the rule would result in the confiscation of firearms and revocation of the gun owners' PTFCOR as well as appropriate charges.

He also added they are also on alert against groups that might try to disrupt these activities. While protest actions are allowed in "freedom parks" without any permits, De Leon said they will not allow protesters to go near the venues of the inaugurations to prevent any untoward incidents. On Monday night, De Leon met with PNP commanders led by Police Regional Office 11 chief, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo, Regional Manila Police District chief, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco to discuss security preparations for the two events. “The security plans are ready. I just made some suggestions on the aspect of reliable communication lines and some specifics based on my experience in handling big events,” De Leon said. For instance, he said he wants to get the names of all police personnel who would

DOJ:..

administration demonstrators should know their rights entail obligations, and that the exercise of these rights must never include violence or harm. She also acknowledged a police clarification that protesters would be allowed to assemble in freedom parks if local governments do not issue them permits. Guevarra likewise urged government officials involved in the anti-insurgency campaign to stop red-tagging certain people or groups, saying that doing so would put their lives at risk for merely exercising their political rights. He said instead of red-tagging people or groups, those involved in the anti-insurgency campaign should file appropriate charges in court if they have sufficient evidence against them. Guevarra said red-tagging is not part of the policy of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), but some individuals who are associated with the task force are vocal about their impression on certain groups and individuals and have resorted to redtagging.

He said the NTF-ELCAC has a “whole of nation approach” with the purpose to reduce or eliminate insurgency in the country through rehabilitation and not by killing their members or engaging them in combat. “The DOJ has been very clear with its position that if for instance, if there are persons who committed certain acts that are against the law, then do not just label them. File the necessary action against them, if you have evidence to prove that they are committing offenses or violating our existing law,” Guevarra said during a breakfast forum in Manila. If there is no evidence to support such accusations, except a suspicion that these are fronts of a communist terrorist group, Guevarra said it would be better for these officials to keep their mouths shut so as not to endanger certain people. “It is possible that these individuals would become targets, when they were just being vocal about their own political views,” Guevarra said. He said the Department of Justice,

which is part of the NTF-ELCAC, has already expressed its position on the matter but did not know if it was considered. Earlier, in-coming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos also expressed her disapproval of red-tagging. “Perhaps let's not use labels. We gain nothing if we keep on labeling people,” she said in a recent interview. The Supreme Court has also issued several measures intended to protect the members of the judiciary and lawyers from threats and red-tagging. Meanwhile, Norwegian Ambassador Bjorn Jahnsen said Marcos discussed peace talks with him when he called on the incoming President. "I wouldn’t use this opportunity to talk so much about what the Presidentelect said, but yes, we discussed this topic," he said when asked about peace talks with the communist rebels. Norway served as a third-party facilitator in peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), but the talks eventually fell apart.

The Philippines logged 257 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, bringing the nationwide tally to 3,693,865, according to the latest data released by DOH. The new infections brought the country’s active tally to 3,130, from 3,097 on Monday. More patients recovered from the viral disease, bringing the recovery tally to 3,630,274. The DOH said the country’s death toll stood at 60,461 with no new fatalities reported. Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Wednesday the current situation does not merit raising the alert level status to 2. “Our metrics to raise Alert Level 2 include the number of cases and our hospitalization rate. We still have a lot of metrics to look at,” he said. The Palace said Wednesday Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 1 until June 30, citing the decision by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Alert Level 1 will be implemented in the following highly urbanized cities (HUCs), independent component cities (ICCs): • Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR): Abra, Apayao, Baguio City,

Kalinga, and Mountain Province • Region 1: Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan • Region 2: Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino • Region 3: Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales • Region 4-A: Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena City, and Rizal • Region 4-B: Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa City, and Romblon • Region 5: Albay, Catanduanes, Naga City, and Sorsogon • Region 6: Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Iloilo City • Region 7: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City (Opon), Mandaue City, and Siquijor • Region 8: Biliran, Eastern Samar, Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, and Tacloban City • Region 9: Zamboanga City • Region 10: Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Iligan City, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental • Region 11: Davao City and Davao Oriental • Region 12: South Cotabato • Caraga: Butuan City, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte

• Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Cotabato City Also on Wednesday, the DOH said it has detected 16 more cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants BA.5 and BA.2.12.1. The number of new infections increases the total BA.5 and BA.2.12.1 cases nationwide to 11 and 39, respectively, the DOH said. Six more BA.5 cases were found, of which two were from Metro Manila, and one each from Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, while the location of the remaining patient was still being verified, Vergeire said. Four patients were fully vaccinated while the DOH was still looking into the status of the others, Vergeire said. Five individuals have been tagged as recovered while one remains under home isolation, Vergeire also said. Ten more cases of the BA.2.12.1, a sublineage of the dominant Omicron BA.2 variant, have been detected. Four patients were from Metro Manila, 2 from Calabarzon, one each from Cagayan Valley, Bicol region, and Western Visayas, and one is a returning overseas Filipino, Vergeire said. With PNA

your character,” Garcia said in a press conference, addressing Danao directly. “And above all, I think all officers, all uniformed personnel in thePNP for as long as they have acted within the bounds of law, deserve all due respect, even from an OIC PNP chief like Lt. General Vicente Danao,” she said. But what Garcia should have done instead of defying President Duterte’s orders was to confer with the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and request for a change of policy, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday. During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay virtual forum, Guevarra stressed the IATF may consider pilot testing the optional wearing of face masks in Cebu during the group’s next meeting. “So, the IATF, in its next meeting, may probably consider that suggestion. We could test it in Cebu and if there is no upsurge in (COVID-19) cases if the wearing of face masks would only become optional, maybe it is a good time for us to change the rules on the

mandatory wearing of face masks,” he said. The Palace cited the legal opinion of the Justice chief that the IATF resolution on the mandatory wearing of face masks "shall prevail over the executive orders by local government units, including the one issued by the provincial government of Cebu." “In my experience, the IATF is very reasonable to talk to about such issues. It would be easy for the IATF to make the adjustments if they could show proof of scientific basis to take such particular action,” the DOJ secretary said. But in discrediting Guevarra’s opinion, Garcia noted that a provision in the Local Government Code grants local governments autonomy in issuing policy, and that the resolutions issued by IATF are merely recommendatory. Garcia added that even the IATF recognizes that its resolutions are neither equivalent to laws created and passed by Congress nor any executive order. However, the task force is composed of Cabinet secretaries who are alter egos of the President, Guevarra said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) warned Wednesday it is risky for local governments to lift face mask mandates as COVID-19 cases increase, more transmissible subvariants enter the country, and immunity from vaccines wanes. Health Undersecretary and spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire made the remark with Garcia’s local EO in mind, saying under the current rules of the IATF, removing face masks outdoors is allowed for al fresco dining and exercise in open spaces. "If you go to the mountain and you do not remove your mask, that’s up to you, you’re all alone there. You can always do that and no one’s going to apprehend you," Vergeire told ANC's Headstart. "If you as a local government announce to the public, that might be risky, especially now that cases have increased, especially now that subvariants have entered the country, and the country has waning immunity,” she said. (See full story online at manilastandard. net)

Marcos Jr.'s camp last month said it remained to be seen whether he and his family would live at the Bahay Pangarap (House of Dreams) in Malacañang Park in Manila. “BBM” was only eight years old— and Imee ten years old—when Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was elected President in 1965. Sen. Marcos said the entire family would attend her brother's inauguration on June 30 at the National Museum. "For sure, my mom will surely attend, no matter how many stairs there would be," she said of the Marcos matriarch, 92-year-old Imelda. Meanwhile, in his last 15 days as the country's chief executive, President Rodrigo R. Duterte will remain busy performing his duties, Malacañang said on Tuesday. Duterte, while fulfilling his job as the country's leader, will be spending most of his time flying back and forth from the Palace to his official residence in Davao City, said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan. "He's shuttling between official duties, as well as going back to his hometown in Davao. And we'll see more of that in the final 15 days before the inauguration this coming June 30," Ablan said in an interview with CNN Philippines' ‘Politics as Usual’ that aired on Tuesday night. When he became President, Duterte opted to divide his time between Manila and Davao. The former Davao City mayor usually stays in Manila on weekdays or his working days and spends the weekend with his family in his hometown. Vito Barcelo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

outbreak, which posed a "real risk" with more than 1,500 cases reported in the region. "Europe remains the epicenter of this escalating outbreak with 25 countries reporting more than 1,500 cases, or 85 percent of the global total," Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, told a press conference Wednesday. WHO's European region comprises 53 countries, including several in Central Asia. "The magnitude of this outbreak poses a real risk. The longer the virus circulates, the more it will extend its reach, and the

stronger the disease's foothold will get in non-endemic countries," Kluge said. Tedros added that the "WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of monkeypox virus... and the disease it causes." "We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible." The announcement comes after more than 30 scientists wrote last week that there was an "urgent need for a nondiscriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox." "In the context of the current global

outbreak, continued reference to, and nomenclature of this virus being African is not only inaccurate but is also discriminatory and stigmatizing," they wrote. While monkeypox was first discovered in macaques, many cases are believed to be transmitted to humans by rodents. The normal initial symptoms of monkeypox include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a blistery chickenpoxlike rash. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week that current cases do not always present flu-

like symptoms, and rashes are sometimes limited to certain areas. Tedros said that 1,600 confirmed monkeypox cases and 1,500 suspected cases have been reported to the WHO this year from 39 countries, 32 of which have been recently hit by the virus. While 72 deaths have been reported in countries where monkeypox was already endemic, none have been seen in the newly affected countries, Tedros said. "Although WHO is seeking to verify news reports from Brazil of a monkeypox-related death there," he added. AFP

T

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it will suspend the permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTFCOR) as part of security measures ahead of the inauguration rites of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.

From A1

The Commission on Human Rights weighed in on Wednesday, chiding the PNP for its policy. Executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia raised concern over Danao’s remarks. “While we note his concern in keeping the inauguration orderly, CHR continues to stress the primacy of upholding human rights as similarly stressed by the President-elect himself during a meeting with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines on Friday, 10 June 2022,” she said. She invoked that the freedom of speech, of expression, and the right of the people peaceably to assemble are guaranteed rights under the 1987 Constitution. “These rights are meant to be enjoyed by all — regardless of whether they express dissent or support, may it be spoken or in any other form,” she added. She said both pro- and anti-

Surge... From A1

COVID-19 while around 557,000 have been inoculated with the second dose. Despite this, Vergeire said making the second booster shot available to the general population who wish to receive it is not the answer. Vergeire said the waning immunity stems from the effect of the transmissible Omicron variant on the primary vaccine series. “Therefore because of that, all of us who have received our primary series, the first and second dose, should receive the third booster shot,” she said. Vergeiresaidonlyimmunocompromised individuals, health workers, and senior citizens may avail of the second booster shot. Meanwhile, Vergeire said the average number of new cases per day rose to 270 from 182 per day last week. “But if you look at the numbers even in the different areas where increasing cases are happening, it's not that big,” she said. “Actually, our average daily attack rate has not gone over one or even two in the Philippines,” she said.

DILG... From A1

the use of face masks against COVID-19 optional in well-ventilated and open spaces in her province. And with the Cebu provincial board also passing an ordinance legalizing her Executive Order 16 on Tuesday, Garcia on Wednesday defended the provincial police chief who said her order “remains the law” in the province -- but was later sacked by national authorities. In a press conference, she called out acting Philippine National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao for the “public shaming” of Police Col. Engelbert Soriano. Soriano was relieved by the PNP for defying the orders of both the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which supervises the national police, and later President Rodrigo Duterte, who said his directive on face masks was “clear” and should be continued. “If you publicly shame a fellow officer, that does not speak well of

WHO... From A1

convene the Emergency Committee under the international health regulations next week, to assesswhether this outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern." The emergency committee will meet on June 23 to discuss the designation, which is the highest alarm the UN agency can sound. The WHO said Europe remained the epicenter of the global monkeypox

be assigned to the entrances to ensure accountability for any incident that might result from lapses in the implementation of the approved security plans. At least 3,700 police officers will be tapped to secure the oath taking of Duterte while at least 6,000 police officers will be deployed for Marcos's inauguration. “These figures do not include those who would be deployed for border control and the forces from the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), PCG (Philippine Coast Guard), and other allied forces that we have yet to consolidate,” De Leon added. He said that Civil Disturbance Management units will also be deployed near the oath taking sites while road closures will also be implemented. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

BBM can choose to be ‘best ever leader’—ex-SFA FORMER Foreign Affairs chief Amb. Albert del Rosario on Wednesday said President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. can choose to become the best ever leader of the country. Del Rosario, who actively campaigned for Marcos' main rival—Vice President Leni Robredo—in the May 9 polls, said the country's future will be largely shaped by the decisions of the incoming 17th president. "As the world turns some more, we ask what kind of a person did Filipinos elect? Are we facing a catastrophe? Maybe. Maybe not," Del Rosario said. "Everyone has the capacity to be a better person. If one chooses to be a leader, one can also choose to be a better leader. Or, one can choose to be the best ever leader." Del Rosario underscored how Marcos will be the leader not only of the 31 million people who.voted for him but of the entire nation "President- elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the honor and privilege of constructively leading 110 million people. He can successfully do this by subjecting every presidential decision to the test of what is best for our countrymen," Del Rosario said.

Romualdez... From A1

Romualdez said this after his ceremonial oath-taking as reelected representative—witnessed in person by Duterte —at the Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation Gymnasium in Calanipawan Road in Tacloban City. “My kasimanwas (countrymen), a brighter future awaits all of us. Our new President and Vice President share with us our dream of a better generation for our children. Not only here in Tacloban and Eastern Visayas, but in all parts of the country,” the lawmaker said in his inaugural address. This developed as an opposition lawmaker on Wednesday urged the incoming 19th Congress to urgently pass measures that will help ease the impact of increasing oil prices. "The consecutive big-time oil price hikes have taken a huge toll on our people. Prices of basic services and commodities like food have started to increase as well because of the high cost of fuel," Assistant Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said. "In the incoming 19th Congress, we, along with the other Makabayan progressive party-lists, will prioritize filing bills to mitigate effects of the oil crisis," she added. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Imee:... From A1

News

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

Hit-and-run suspect surrenders A

FTER days of being on the lam, the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) who intentionally ran over a security guard in Mandaluyong City last June 5 finally surrendered to the authorities on Wednesday.

The suspect, Jose Antonio Sanvicente, 34, was accompanied by his parents and their lawyer when he turned himself in at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. They group also turned over the SUV with plate number NCO 3781, which was allegedly involved in the incident. “My apologies sa nangyari (over what happened), my apologies to Mr. (Christian Joseph) Floralde at sa kanyang pamilya (and to his family),” Sanvicente said in a press conference, where he was presented by PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. Pressed by the media on the events surrounding the incident, Sanvicente said he could not clearly remember what happened. “The events that occurred are now blurred in my mind. My mind is in chaos at the time. I cannot think properly now,” he said in mixed English and Filipino. Sanvicente’s mother, who refused to be identified, said they decided to surrender her son and face the music following ultimatums issued by Danao. In the same briefing, Sanvicente’s father, Joel, said several policemen went to their house and confronted him as he was the registered owner of the vehicle. “I told them that I am not the registered owner. I am Joel Sanvicente and my son is Jose Antonio (Sanvicente),” he said. He explained that the address that was reflected in the car’s registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) was their residence because he bought the vehicle for his son who was the driver of the car when the incident occurred.

FUGITIVE NO MORE. Acting

Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao talks to Jose Antonio Sanvicente, driver of a sports utility van (SUV) who went into hiding after deliberately running over a mall security guard in Mandaluyong City last June 5. Accompanied by his parents and a lawyer, the suspect surrendered on Wednesday to the PNP at Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

The older Sanvicente said it was lawyer Danny Macalino who appeared at the Mandaluyong City Police and he was reported to have asked for police assistance to reach out to the family of victim Floralde. The father said he also panicked at that time after realizing how serious the trouble his son got into. “I cannot think well because it was not a natural accident, so the first thing that I did is to contact a lawyer. I think it was natural for such kind of accident to call a lawyer as I could not think well because it’s my son,” he said. Since then, Joel said he has been consulting Macalino regarding the matter.

Joint SEC-PNP team arrests 19 in crypto scam By Jennifer Austria

The younger Sanvicente likewise denied that he is a drug addict. The counsel said Sanvicente’s parents were not tolerating their son about the incident. “He didn’t want the accident to happen. Coincidentally, he was scared and he panicked. Anton has to appear in person so that he can reveal what really happened and then extend the apology to the public. This is Anton and he came here. I told his parents, he had to show up and then surrender the SUV he used to drive,” Macalino said. He also denied rumors that they had called Floralde’s camp for a settlement.

The Sanvicente family promised to shoulder all medical expenses of Floralde. Danao, meanwhile, said the case can now be considered “solved”. “Well as far as the PNP is concerned, we consider this case solved considering that we already filed the case and the person of interest or suspect voluntarily gave up to clear the matters at hand. So we are now leaving it to the prosecutor’s office, to the courts on the proper venue to answer the matters at hand. It is now in their hands and we do not want to further comment because it might prejudice the results of the matter at hand,” Danao said.

Agents intercept P2.3-m HK-bound cocaine shipment By Joel E. Zurbano GOVERNMENT agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have seized a Hong Kong-bound shipment of cocaine worth more than P2.3 million. A composite team from the Bureau of Customs - NAIA, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group intercepted the shipment at a DHL Cargo warehouse in Pasay City on Wednesday. The authorities confiscated 445 grams of cocaine from the shipment consigned to one Chan Yuen On of A. Castle Peak Road Cheung Sha Wan, 999077 Hong Kong. The sender was identified as a certain ‘Jane’ of Talon, Moonwalk, Las Pinas City. She declared the shipment as ‘motorcycle muffler, brake pads and radiator hose.” The investigators are tracking down the perpetrators who would face charges of illegal trade and violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act and RA 10863 also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). Customs officials gave assurance that the NAIA Task Force, in close coordination with PDEA, would remain vigilant in preventing the entry and transhipment of illegal drugs at the country’s premier airport.

A3

ANTI-FISH IMPORTATION PROTEST. Members of the militant fishermen’s group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) stage a protest at the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Quezon City to denounce the importation of 38,000 metric tons of fish including galunggong, mackerel, and sardines from China. Manny Palmero

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) have arrested 19 officers of a company allegedly specializing in investment scam by promising investors of fast and guaranteed returns from crypto currencies. The SEC in a statement said the 19 officers of Decentra were caught in an entrapment operations in a hotel in Quezon City while in the act of soliciting investments from the public without a license. The SEC, through a mission order dated June 10, authorized and deputized a team of the PNP-ACG personnel and Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD), to conduct the joint entrapment operation, after receiving an email tip on Decentra’s unauthorized investment solicitation activities. The suspects, identified as Arnel Laxa, Michael Anderson, Arnold Black, Rodolfo A. Asadan, Roberto A Betinol, Fritzie Abalde, Nely Carvajal, Wyndell Español, Jenny A Tampulan, Alice Fabroa, Lawrence Ruiz, Kieth Reñola, Mary Joy Mendoza, Joy Esclamado, Rose Marie Razon, Analiza Narvaez, Warpath Chu, Teodorick Acuña, and Fe Paglingayen, were booked for violation of Republic Act No. 8799, or the Securities Regulation Code (SRC), for publicly offering securities without a license from the SEC.

Tiangco seeks expanded 2nd booster program NAVOTAS Mayor Toby Tiangco is seeking clarification on the administration of COVID-19 booster shots, saying many of his constituents were willing to get the jabs but were disqualified based on Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. “When there are enough vaccines with near to reaching its expiry, what is the logic behind making the 2nd booster exclusive to the above priority groups on the one hand, and disallow all other sectors that are most willing to get their 2nd booster, on the other?” Tiangco stated in a letter to the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) and the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC). He questioned why the second booster was being given only to selected groups although government data showed “low uptake” from the priority sectors. DOH Memorandum No. 2022-0206 stated that in addition to immunocompromised individuals, only senior citizens and frontline healthcare workers may receive second booster of Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. Jun David

CHR backs creation of Teacher Education Centers of Excellence By Rio N. Araja AFTER a prolonged online learning, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday backed the immediate implementation of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act under the Marcos administration. CHR executive director and spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the agency joins the call of Senator Sherwin

Gatchalian for the next administration to prioritize implementation of the law. “CHR is hopeful that this intensified preparation for incoming and current teachers will respond to the needs in the basic education sector,” she said. Republic Act 11713 enhances the mandate and functions of the Teacher Education Council and seeks to level up the standards of institutions that provide teacher education.

It mandates the establishment of Teacher Education Centers of Excellence in key places in each region to provide innovative and relevant education and training programs for incoming and current teachers. “The Commission believes that this will provide quality support and evidence-based professional development that will genuinely upgrade the quality of teachers,” De Guia said. Under the law, the provision of scholar-

ship for qualified basic education graduates and tertiary level students is another key feature to help attract more young people to pursue teaching while also promoting equal opportunity to earn an education degree, especially among less privileged students. “CHR recognizes the commitment of the government to provide quality education with the enactment of the RA 11713 especially during this crucial period of recovery,” De Guia said.

Poe presses passage of SIM card registration bill SENATOR Grace Poe on Wednesday urged her colleagues in the 19th Congress to pass the SIM Card Registration bill to “effectively thwart text scams.” Unless a law is passed, that the bombardment of unwanted text messages will persist, Poe stressed.

“We need more than band-aid solutions to these unrelenting scams,” she said. The senator said she will refile her original bill that will make the registration of all SIM cards mandatory. “Our problem today is the growing number of pranksters, offering jobs.

They will rob you once you gave your information,” she said. Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, admitted it is difficult to go after the text scammers who were using prepaid SIM cards. “They are not registered,” she added. Macon Ramos-Araneta

MMDA bares traffic reroute for Rock ‘n’ Roll run THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it will enforce road closure and traffic rerouting on major streets in Manila on Sunday (June 19) to give way to Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series marathon. To be closed to traffic from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 3 p.m. onwards are Roxas

Blvd. from Katigbak Drive to President Quirino Avenue, Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle to Katigbak Drive, Katigbak Drive and South Drive, Independence Road, P. Burgos Avenue from Roxas Blvd. to Jones Bridge, Ma. Orosa Street from P. Burgos to Kalaw, Finance Road from P. Burgos Avenue

to Taft Avenue, Northbound lane of Taft Avenue from Ayala Boulevard to P. Burgos Avenue, Muralla Street from Sta. Lucia to Real Streets, Real from Muralla to Sta. Lucia Streets, Sta. Lucia from Real to Muralla Streets, and Quintin Paredes Street from Jones Bridge to Ongpin Street. Joel E. Zurbano

CITATION. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro, escorted by her team, receive an

award as Outstanding Local Chief Executive of the Philippines- component city for Luzon, in ceremony held at the SMX convention center in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

A4

DOLE: Wage hikes to start this month

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

By Vito Barcelo

News

COURTESY CALL.

Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache of Romania makes a courtesy call to President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Mandaluyong City. Two weeks before he formally assumes office, the president-elect received more members of the diplomatic community.

Norway to help PH energy devt By Rey E Requejo and Vince Lopez

N

ORWEGIAN Ambassador to the Philippines Bjorn Jahnsen on Wednesday committed to President-Elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. that Norway will help the incoming administration in the development of renewable energy sources.

After paying a courtesy visit to Marcos, Jahnsen said he discussed with the President-elect offshore wind energy that could provide job opportunities for Filipinos. “Norway has made investments in the Philippines in renewable energy and more companies and more investments will come in the coming years—offshore wind, floating solar and also hy-

dro. So that’s the plan for the future for Norway and the Philippines... really to increase our imprint on renewable energy in the country,” Jahnsen said. “I mentioned to the President-elect that according to a study by the World Bank: A Roadmap on Offshore Wind for the Philippines, which we think, will be an important new sector in the country that

presents great opportunities for the Philippines in the future,” he added. According to him, the new sector could provide 50,000 “good-paying” jobs for Filipinos. However, the envoy emphasized that this needs amendments in the Philippine government’s policies on foreign firms. “That requires some adjustments and policies on the Filipino side. For instance, foreign companies should be able to own a majority of the equity in these types of investments as they often are investments with several billions of dollars and foreign investors would like to have a certainty of having a majority stake in their investment,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for the Philippines for a plenty supply of energy. As you know, the country is growing in economy and energy consumption is increasing so offshore wind is really one of your best bets for the future,” Jahnsen said. Aside from energy issues, Jahnsen said he and Marcos also discussed maritime issues. He added that Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl would dock in Manila in October of this year. Two weeks before he formally assumes office, the president-elect received more members of the diplomatic community holding productive meetings with foreign dignitaries from different parts of the globe.

SALARY adjustments for thousands of workers in the private sectors in all regions, including domestic workers, will take effect this month, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). In a statement, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said workers in the private sectors will receive higher pay after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) granted the workers wage hike petitions. Completing the wage orders granting minimum wage increases in private establishments are those issued by the RTWPBs in Eastern Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Bello said. The P50-pay hike in Eastern Visayas will take effect on June 27, while the P35-wage increase in the Zamboanga Peninsula will take effect on June 25, bringing the new minimum wage rates to P345-P375 in Region 8 and P338P351 in Region 9, said Bello. Meanwhile, the new minimum wage of P533-P570 in NCR took effect on June 4, followed by Western Visayas, where the minimum wage of P410-P450 took effect on June 5, and the Ilocos and Caraga Regions where the minimum wage of P372-P400 and P350, respectively, took effect on June 6. The new minimum wage in the following regions is also in effect: P400-P420 in Cagayan Valley starting June 8; P347P368 in SOCCSKSARGEN starting June 9; P329-P355 in Mimaropa starting June 10, and P400 in CAR and P382-P435 in Central Visayas starting June 14. Following the series of pay hikes are Bicol Region and Northern Mindanao, with the new minimum wage of P365 and P378-P405, respectively, taking effect on June 18; Davao Region, with the minimum wage of P438-P443 starting June 19; Central Luzon, with the P344-P460 new minimum wage starting June 20; and Calabarzon, with the minimum wage of P350-P470 taking effect on June 30.

Senators support Robin’s choice to speak Tagalog in debates By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATORS on Wednesday aired their support to actor-turned Senator Robin Padilla that he will speak in Tagalog during debates in the Upper Chamber. Padilla is eyeing the chairmanship of the Senate Committed on Constitional Amendments and Revision of Laws and Codes in the upcoming 19 Congress which opens on July 25. The neophyte senator was asked the other day if he will debate in Tagalog. Noting that he will not be facing Americans, so he would debate in Tagalog. The neophyte lawmaker also said in jest that he has been studying the English language with his two-year old and four-year old children. Outgoing Senate President Vicente Sotto III said debating in Tagalog is indeed an option “if you have difficulty

in the English language.” “But you cannot force others to interpellate in Filipino,” he stressed. He related that the journal, rules, index and bills are all written in English not to mention the Constitution. Sen. Chiz Escudero said he has spoken in Filipino on the floor since he was a Congressman in 1998. “There is nothing wrong with it and it is allowed by the Rules,” he added. Sen.Jinggoy Estrada also agreed that there will be “no problem with debating in Filipino.” “Remember during the impeachment trial of (the late) Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, I was speaking in our native language in order for the masa to understand it well. “ In fact, he said there is no rule in the Senate that bars you from speaking in our own language.

CLIMATE CHANGE PROTEST. Climate campaigners stage a protest in front of the Asian Development Bank headquarters in

Mandaluyong City on June 15 to call on the participants of the 2022 Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF) to commit to make low-carbon energy transition in Asia and the Pacific. Jimmy A. Domingo

DFA chief slams Lawmakers hail Duterte apology for allowing e-sabong to continue Australia on PH bid in CLCS By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rey E. Requejo FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has expressed displeasure against Australia for not supporting the Philippines’ bid for a seat in the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). Locsin expressed his sentiments on Wednesday, amid the election for CLCS members held in New York until June 17. The country’s top diplomat also lamented taking a risk for the trilateral security pact among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (AUKUS). “I am extremely disappointed Australia cannot support our candidature to the CLCS. Stuck out my neck for AUKUS. Thought we were partners in upholding rules-based order in the maritime domain. Come through for us,” Locsin said, on his Twitter account. The election for the CLCS members is held in line with the 32nd Conference of States Parties to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Philippines launched the country’s bid for a seat in the commission on May 23, naming Deputy Adminis-

“BETTER late than never.” This was the reaction of Senator-elect Joel Villanueva and outgoing Senate President Vicente Sotto III on President Rodrigo Duterte’s apology for allowing e-sabong. The President admitted he realized his mistake in allowing e-sabong opera-

tions despite reports of bettors finding themselves in heavy debts and cockfight enthusiasts getting abducted. “We admire his tenacity to stop esabong after meticulously studying the ill effects of this online gambling,” Villanueva said. Villanueva also said e-sabong’s ill effects that can result to irreparable damage to the family and the society have

been “exposed.” Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also thanked the President for finally giving more weight on the social costs brought about by e-sabong than the revenue that the government is collecting from it. “Afterall, revenues lost are recoverable but lives lost are forever gone,” he said. The former PNP chief further stated “it is never too late.”

WREATHLAYING CEREMONY.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the wreath-laying ceremony during the 124th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City. Manny Palmero

Ilocos Norte governor tests positive for COVID SENATOR Imee Marcos disclosed that her son, re-elected Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has tested positive for COVID-19. Senator Marcos said “my son, the governor of Ilocos Norte, has fallen ill with COVID once again,” GMA News reported. But the governor is in good condition, the senator said.

Marcos meanwhile said the government should not impose new lockdowns, reminding the public to strictly follow the minimum public health standards. “No more lockdowns please. Let’s just be cautious,” she said in the GMA News report. Marcos also appealed to senior citizens to avail of COVID-19 booster shots provided by the government.

“Personally, I am anti-gambling, but I do not want to preempt the decision of the incoming administration,” Dela Rosa said. He said if the Marcos administration decides to continue e-sabong operations, he assured that the Senate is ready to provide the needed legislation to have online sabong properly regulated and minimize the social costs it may bring.

Comelec: Guanzon now official rep for P3PWD By Vito Barcelo RETIRED poll commissioner Maria Rowena V. Guanzon will sit as the Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD) representative after the Commission on elections (Comelec) granted and approved the new list of nominees submitted by the party-list group. Guanzon has become the P3WP party-list group’s first nominee after five of its previous nominees had resigned, according to the Comelec. “Upon majority vote, the Commission on Elections in its regular en banc meeting on June 15, 2022, approved the recommendation of the Law Department on the June 14, 2022 submission of Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD) Party List as follows: Grant the respective Withdrawal of Nomination of: Grace S. Yeneza as Nominee No. 1; Ira Paulo A. Pozon as Nominee No. 2; Marianne Heidi C. Fullon as Nominee No. 3; Peter Jonas R. David as Nominee No. 4; and Lily Grace A Tiangco as Nominee No. 5,” Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a statement.

Opinion Peeking into Muslim marriage and divorce

PEOPLE have various misconceptions about Muslim marriage, primarily because of a lack of knowledge of Muslim culture and law. The author will discuss the minimum requirements for marriage and divorce under the Muslim Personal Law (MPL) which took effect on February 4, 1977 (Presidential Decree No. 1083). The MPL applies when both parties are Muslims, or when the male party is a Muslim and the marriage is solemnized under Muslim Laws or the MPL. However, the Civil Code of the Philippines will apply to marriages solemnized between a Muslim and a non-Muslim outside of the former’s law and the MPL (Article 13 [1], MPL). In one case, Rohaina and Abdulgani, both Muslims, were first married under Muslim rites. Barely six years after, they renewed their wedding vows in a civil ceremony. The Muslim Code under which their first marriage was celebrated still applies, and consequently, the civil law will not (Sumagka v. Sumagka, G.R. No. 200697, June 10, 2019). In yet another case, the Supreme Court, citing Justice Rasul and Dr. Ghazali’s Commentaries and Jurisprudence on the Muslim Code of the Philippines, declared that in “combined Muslim and civil law wedding rites” where both parties are Muslims, the law governing the first marriage (Muslim Law) prevails (Zamoranos v. People, G.R. No. 193902, June 1, 2011). The Court says: It is of no moment that a second wedding between the parties was celebrated using the solemnities of civil law. The second wedding cannot and does not alter the character of the first wedding. After all, it is the first wedding which creates the marriage bonds between the parties (Zamoranos v. People, G.R. No. 193902, June 1, 2011). No marriage or nikah shall be perfected unless the contracting parties have legal capacity and have freely given their mutual consent. It is also essential that the offer (ijab) and acceptance (qabul) is duly witnessed by at least two competent persons after the proper guardian in marriage (wali) has given his consent (Article 15, MPL). Another essential requirement is the stipulation of the customary dower (mahr), which must be witnessed by two competent persons (Article 15, MPL). The dower is the gift given by the husband to the wife as a consequence of the marriage (Quran 4:4). Who has the capacity to marry under the MPL? Any Muslim male who is at least 15

years of age and any Muslim female who has begun puberty and is not suffering from any impediment under the provisions of the MPL may contract marriage. There is a presumption of puberty when the female reaches the age of 15 (Article 16, MPL). However, a wali or guardian may petition the Shari’a District Court for an order allowing a female Muslim to marry even if she is less than 15 (but not below 12) years of age if she has reached puberty (Article 16, MPL). Marriage through a wali by a minor below the prescribed age shall be regarded as betrothal.

While Islamic law permits a Muslim to have more than one wife, he must deal with them with equal companionship and just treatment Within four years from reaching puberty, either party may petition to end or an’ed the marriage, provided no voluntary cohabitation has taken place and the wali was someone other than the father or paternal grandfather (Article 16, MPL). While Islamic law permits a Muslim to have more than one wife, he must deal with them with equal companionship and just treatment (Article 27, MPL). “Polygamy is only encouraged by the Koran where it concerns the ‘oppressed or the orphans among women,’ if justice can be done by marrying more than one” (Muhammad Asadi). There is no particular form of marriage ceremony required, but the ijab and the gabul in marriage shall be declared publicly in the presence of the person solemnizing the marriage and the two competent witnesses (Article 17, MPL). The marriage shall be solemnized publicly in any mosque, office of the Shari’a judge, office of the District or Circuit Registrar, residence of the bride or her wali, or at any other suitable place agreed upon by the parties (Article 19, MPL). The marriage can be solemnized by the proper wali of the woman to be wed; or upon authority of the proper wali, by any person who is competent under Muslim law to solemnize marriage (Article 18, MPL). The judge of the Shari’a District Court of Shari’a Circuit Court or any person designated and authorized by the judge may also solemnize the marriage, should the proper wali refuse without justifiable reason (Article 18, MPL). Full version on www.manilastandard.net

Travel hassles My two friends queued at the online check-in lane, and had the most stressful experience of their post-pandemic life. They had assumed that the online check-in route was the more convenient, as they had used the same in their numerous domestic travels during the campaign. To their consternation, WITH more countries, ours included, easing that was not to be so in the flight to Bangkok. the restrictions for inbound travel, the better to save the tourism industry after travel bans practically decimated it, the Philippines has As you exit the seen a slow but growing influx of foreign Manila airport visitor arrivals. It has also spurred more outbound travel terminal, heavy for Filipinos deprived of the travel itch in the traffic awaits last two years. This writer, along with two co-workers you, all because in the Isko Moreno presidential campaign, airport guards were recently went to Thailand for an eight-day powerless over sojourn. Our flight to Bangkok was scheduled undisciplined drivers at around nine in the morning, and so this waiting for feelingwriter entered Terminal 2 at six in the morning, while my companions arrived around 10 entitled passengers to minutes after. reach them We had earlier checked in online, and expected our check-in process to be a simple matter of dropping our luggage at the counter and be given our boarding passes for preThe national flag carrier, the “Heart of the selected seats. Filipino” it claims to be, assigned just one There being a long queue of passengers ground attendant in a single counter for all for the Bangkok and Singapore routes which online checked-in passengers, versus three, were co-mingled around the same check-in later with an additional four, in the airport counters, I asked whether there was a senior- check-in line. citizen line. Which is why, tired feet and all, I manI was told that the online check-ins should aged to get my boarding pass and go through be where senior citizens queue up, but that immigration faster because every other pasthe regular check-in line was faster because senger was bottled up in the airline check-in there were three counters open for these, as process. against only one for the online checked-in Not so my two friends, who had compassengers. plained to the ground attendants about a sys-

ManilaStandard

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

B1

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Beijing’s gunboat diplomacy must stop RESIDENTelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent statement that he would assert the 2016 decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring Manila against Beijing’s sweeping claims to virtually the entire South China Sea is most welcome.

P

In fact, two of the most outspoken critics of the stand taken by the outgoing Duterte administration on the issue are elated over this turn of events. Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio said Marcos has taken “the only correct position that any president of the Philippines can take” and his 180-degree turn from an earlier stand represents “a dramatic and surprising sea change on the West Philippine Sea issue.” Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who led Manila’s arbitration team in The Hague, also welcomed Marcos’ statement, saying it was his “fervent hope” that President

Duterte’s successor would stand by his words to protect the West Philippine Sea for the benefit of Filipinos.

This is outand-out gunboat diplomacy that has no place in a rulesbased order and does not contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region At the same time, we commend the Department of Foreign Affairs for protesting the return of over 100 Chinese vessels illegally operating in the waters in and around Julian Felipe Reef in April this year, or a year after the same swarming incident was protested by the Philippine Government. The DFA is entirely correct in urging China “to comply with its obligations under international law, cease and desist from displaying illegal and irresponsible behavior, avoid further escalating tensions at sea and immediately withdraw all of its vessels from Philippine maritime zones. ”

The Philippines is also well within its right to protest China’s “unilateral” fishing ban lasting for over three months in areas of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea, as it “undermines mutual trust, confidence, and respect.” The DFA filed the protest last month, and urged China to “cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions that violate the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones.” Strong words, indeed, from our DFA, but will Beijing listen? In their telesummit last April 8, President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their commitment to resolving issues of mutual concern through peaceful dialogue and to exercise restraint in any and all endeavors relating to the South China Sea. We cannot understand, therefore, why the Chinese Coast Guard and coastal militia vessels have been deployed in parts of the West Philippine Sea to keep our Coast Guard at bay and prevent our fishermen from approaching areas where they can catch fish to feed their families. This is out-and-out gunboat diplomacy that has no place in a rulesbased order and does not contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Thailand legalizes marijuana possession seem to mind the work load. One interesting issue that came out during that debate was the fact that no one ever died of marijuana overdose. Another was the experiences of many people who smoke marijuana to help alleviate their medical conditions. There is now a growing number of incontrovertible evidence that marijuana does provide medical relief to certain types of medical conditions.

LAST week, Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize the cultivation and possession of marijuana. I would have thought that we will be the first but Thailand went ahead and did it. But before marijuana recreational users there start celebrating, they must be cautious because the Thai parliament will still have to pass a law detailing the exact parameters of marijuana use. There is however, a reason for some celebration. For one, those thousands languishing in jail for marijuana possession can now look forward to being released. One of the main intentions of the Thai government is to use marijuana for medicinal purposes but, with that, recreational use will not be far behind. Many issues will almost certainly have to be ironed out and a lot of countries in the region will be watching for developments. Thailand, for instance, did not go as far as allowing recreational use openly. This issue about allowing the use of marijuana on medical grounds was debated here but got nowhere. Some sectors were strongly opposed to the idea of legalizing marijuana. One was, surprisingly, the Philippine National Police. Instead of remaining silent and simply let the medical experts and lawmakers do the debating, the PNP came out not favoring marijuana legalization. Why the PNP would not like to lessen its work load so that it can concentrate on hard core illegal drugs like heroin, methamphetamine and deadly prescription drugs like fentanyl is difficult to understand. Marijuana enforcement, especially involving small quantities, involves a lot of police work. It appears, however, that the PNP does not

None of these, however, was enough to convince those opposing. Perhaps, with what Thailand did, this issue will again be revisited by the 19th Congress. Currently, due to our strict illegal drugs laws, there are thousands of people in jail because of marijuana possession. People caught with two sticks of marijuana, for instance, could be kept in jail indefinitely because illegal drug offenses are unbailable. Our jails could easily be decongested if marijuana possession is decriminalized. Although there are more and more countries legalizing the possession of marijuana, many countries still consider marijuana possession illegal and we are one of these countries. Let us hope that, like divorce, we will not be the only one left unwilling to allow it. It would make sense to take the initial steps and view marijuana use from different angles like economic, medical, jail management and others.

tem that was simply absurd and thoughtless. So were the other passengers in that single queue as grumpy. The online check-in, touted as the more convenient, was simply chaotic. I was already boarding the plane when my two friends were plucked out of the line, put on a “special” lane suddenly created so they could board at the last minute. And indeed, they came into the plane in the nick of time, along with others who went through the same harrowing experience. There were about a dozen other “late” entrants, all of them, wearing long, long faces. And yet in the case of my companions, they were in the airport three hours before the

flight, which seems to be the practice only in the Philippines. The voyage was smooth though, and we landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport a few minutes ahead of schedule. Then we checked in for our domestic flight to Chiang Mai, at the fourth floor of the huge terminal, with utmost ease. The plane to Chiang Mai was full, packed mostly by Caucasian visitors. Going about the Chiang Mai City airport was a breeze, and even getting a taxi was facilitated through an airport counter where you paid 150 baht (about 220 pesos) and be given a numbered ticket which coincided with your number in the taxi lane.

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

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

There is now a growing number of incontrovertible evidence that marijuana does provide medical relief to certain types of medical conditions

Some of the varieties of cannabis produced in the country are high grade and much sought after. Controlled cultivation of these for export can benefit the country economically. If there are indeed medicinal benefits, the more that marijuana should be legalized to benefit those who need it. It should not be that we are keeping thousands of people in jail for possession of small amounts of marijuana. It is time law enforcement professionals and legislatures reconsidered their positions. I do not think we should go the way other countries are doing like, for instance, the Netherlands where people can freely use heroin and other hard core addictive drugs that are illegal elsewhere. The philosophy in that country is that people using these drugs openly can be monitored and violent crime is discouraged. In this country, we can probably start by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This alone will release many people currently in jail. It will also protect people from corrupt law enforcement personnel who have the propensity to plant evidence. Then the legislature can tackle the medical use of the plant. How it can be dispensed and where it can be legally be bought. Rules on cultivation and the marketing of the plant by authorized and licensed individuals or companies should also be prescribed by law. What is important is that the government has full control and knows the exact quantity being produced and who are involved in the production, distribution and use of the plant. Law enforcement can then concentrate its effort in preventing the trafficking of large quantities of marijuana and other destructive hard-core drugs. The PNP is overloaded with work that are often not crime related like pandemics and natural disasters. It would make sense for the PNP to keep finding ways of lessening its workload to be a more efficient police force.

A few meters away, the taxis were waiting, and in a few minutes, we were off to the Old City Center. No over-charging, and no haggling; very systematic, very visitor-friendly. Our boutique garden hotel was close to the entry gate of the preserved old town where, on weekends, a quaint and colorful street market sold everything from souvenirs to snacks to “cannabis” tea drinks. Yes Virginia, Thailand has relaxed the sale of cannabis products for medicinal purposes, though regulating marijuana for recreational use. But no, we did not try the cannabis drink. Full version on www.manilastandard.net

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

Associate Editors News Editor City Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

B2

World

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Switzerland closes airspace after glitch

SWITZERLAND closed its airspace on Wednesday after a computer glitch with the air traffic control system grounded flights, officials said. “Swiss airspace is closed to traffic for security reasons after computer failure with Skyguide, the Swiss air traffic control service,” Skyguide said in a statement. It did not give any details about the computer crash, but said it “regrets this incident and its consequences for the clients, partners and passengers of Geneva and Zurich airports and is working flat out to find a solution.” Earlier, Geneva’s airport said in a tweet that it was grounding all of its flights until 11 a.m. (0900 GMT) because of the computer failure. The Swiss news agency ATS-Keystone said international flights to Switzerland were being re-routed to Milan. AFP

Russia eyes humanitarian corridor in besieged Ukraine industrial hub

R

USSIA said it would establish a humanitarian corridor to evacuate civilians from a chemical plant in Severodonetsk starting Wednesday as Ukrainian forces wage a desperate battle for control of the city.

Eight dead in Iran birthday party fire

FOUR children were among eight people who died of smoke inhalation after fire tore through an underground restaurant hosting a birthday party outside Tehran, state media reported Wednesday. The blaze broke out on Tuesday evening in the town of Andisheh west of the capital, the official IRNA news agency reported. “Seven people died at the scene and a three-year-old child died in hospital,” Tehran province Red Crescent official Shahin Fathi told the news agency. County prosecutor Hamid Asgari said the blaze quickly spread throughout the restaurant. “All the fixtures and fittings... were flammable,” Asgari told IRNA. AFP

Court starts appeal trial of neo-Nazis

THE appeal trial of dozens of senior Greek neo-Nazis began Wednesday, nearly two years after their conviction in a landmark case over the murder of an anti-fascist rapper and other crimes. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the courthouse in Athens on Wednesday, calling for harsher prison terms for the nearly fifty members of the Golden Dawn group. “Do NOT reduce their sentences,” read one of the banners carried by the protesters, many of whom were chanting: “Nazis in prison forever.” The appeal was filed in October 2020 by a senior Greek prosecutor immediately after the original trial concluded, on the grounds that the sentences handed down were too lenient. Golden Dawn leader Nikos Michaloliakos and other senior members of the group – which was once Greece’s third most popular political party – received prison sentences ranging from five to just under 14 years. They now face a maximum sentence of 15 years behind bars. The Golden Dawn trial, which lasted more than five years, has been described as one of the most significant in Greek political history. Prosecuting lawyers had been seeking tougher sentences for the 2013 murder of antifascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas and the savage beatings of migrants and political opponents. Golden Dawn leader Nikos Michaloliakos and nearly 60 other members were found guilty of participation in a criminal organization in 2020. Michaloliakos is currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and is not expected to attend. Other prominent former Golden Dawn members on trial are European Parliament member Ioannis Lagos and former party spokesman Ilias Kasidiaris, who has formed a new nationalist group. Golden Dawn, a xenophobic and antiSemitic organization, existed on the fringes of Greek politics until the country’s 2010 debt crisis. It capitalized on public anger over immigration and austerity cuts, entering parliament for the first time in 2012 with a total of 18 seats. AFP

SUPER MOON. Photo shows a full moon, known as the “Strawberry Moon,” behind the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, south of Athens, on June 14, 2022. AFP

US panel weighs COVID vax for youngest kids AFTER months of anxious wait for some parents, a panel of experts convened by the US Food and Drug Administration will meet Wednesday to weigh recommending COVID vaccines for the nation’s youngest children. Children under five are the only age group not yet eligible for COVID immunization in the United States and most other countries. If, as expected, panelists vote in favor of greenlighting the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, formal authorizations should follow quickly, with the first shots in arms expected by next week. Ahead of the meeting, the FDA posted its independent analyses of the two

drugs, deeming both safe and effective. It also said there was a pressing unmet need to inoculate children in the age group since their rates of hospitalization and death “are higher than among children and adolescents 5-17 years of age.” Both vaccines are based on messenger RNA technology, which delivers genetic code for the coronavirus spike protein to human cells, training the immune system to be ready for when it encounters the real virus. Pfizer is seeking authorization for three doses at three micrograms given to ages six months through four years, while Moderna has asked for the FDA

to approve its vaccine as two doses of a higher 30 micrograms, for ages six months through five years. They were tested in trials of thousands of children where they were found to have similar levels of mild effects to older age groups and triggered similar levels of antibodies. Efficacy against infection was higher for Pfizer, with the company placing it at 80 percent compared to Moderna’s estimates of 51 percent in the sixmonth-old to age two group and 37 percent in the two to five years age group. But the figures are provisional and Moderna is studying adding a third dose later that may increase its figures.AFP

REFRESHING.

A child cools off in a fountain in the city center of Montpellier, southern France as a heatwave hits France. France’s weather service said a heatwave would hit southern regions from late June 14, 2022, worsening a drought across much of the country that is threatening farm harvests. AFP

The industrial hub is under intense bombardment as Russia focuses its offensive on the eastern Donbas region in an effort to seize a swathe of Ukraine. Moscow’s forces have intensified efforts to cut off Ukrainian troops remaining in the city, destroying all three bridges which connect it across a river to the twin city of Lysychansk. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg meanwhile urged allies to send more heavy weapons to Ukraine, and said officials from the alliance would be discussing the subject at talks Wednesday. About 500 civilians are taking shelter in Severodonetsk’s Azot chemical plant, according to the head of the city’s administration. The Russian defense ministry announced a humanitarian corridor would be established on Wednesday for evacuations from the plant, saying it was “guided by the principles of humanity.” Evacuees would be transported to the city of Svatovo in the separatistheld region of Lugansk, Moscow said, urging those holding out at the plant to cease their “senseless resistance.” There was no response from Kyiv to the announcement, and in a video address Tuesday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lamented “painful losses” in the ongoing fighting. “But we must stay strong. This is our nation... Hanging in there in Donbas is crucial. Donbas is the key to deciding who will dominate in the coming weeks.” AFP

China’s middle class looks to flee as COVID policies bite

ALAN Li no longer sees any future for his family in China after harsh COVID rules decimated his business, upended his son’s education and left his country out of step with the rest of the world. He has given up hope of a return to normal after months of lockdowns in Shanghai, and now plans to close his firm and move to Hungary, where he sees better opportunities and his 13-year-old son can attend an international school. “Our losses this year mean that it’s over for us,” he told AFP wearily, asking to withhold his real name. “We have been using our own cash savings to pay 400 workers (during more than a dozen staff, saying: ‘How the lockdown). What if it happens much money and time do you think we again this winter?” had to spend on you?’” she told reportShanghai’s long shutdown, which ers recently in Tokyo. brought food shortages and protests, “When girls as young as, say, 18 or CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK stayhas driven some to reconsider 19 are presented with an opportunity ing in a country where livelihoods to make their dream come true, I don’t and lifestyles can vanish at the whim think they are capable of level-headed of the state. judgement.” Schools have been closed and Porn makers who use intimidation exams called off, including assessto stop actors withdrawing contracts ments for applying to American uniwill now face up to three years in jail versities. and a fine of up to three million yen Li is frustrated that his son’s ex($23,000). pensive bilingual schooling has been For companies, fines can reach 100 mostly online for two years, and he million yen. is anxious about the way Beijing has Industry officials say internal comtightened oversight of the curricupliance guidelines were established in lum. 2018, and Ito acknowledges that some “This is a waste of our children’s efforts have been made to improve the youth,” Li said. AFP situation. AFP

New Japan law aims to help people pressured into porn JAPAN on Wednesday passed its first law aimed at protecting people from being pressured into appearing in porn films, a move hailed as a “groundbreaking” bid to fight exploitation in the multi-billion-dollar industry. Manila The new law is intended to prevent Standard TODAY talent scouts offering work as Notice of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate a model or idol Notice is hereby given performer bethat the estate of VILMA VILLACORTA QUETULIO fore pushing who died intestate on October 19, 2021 at Dagupan City, recruits into sex Pangasinan, consisting of and nudity. personal property, in relation to One (1) Share of Stock These experiin Baguio Country Club, has been subject of an ences can cause Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate executed on March 3, “serious trau2022 at Makati City recorded ma,” said Kazuas Doc. No. 472, Page No. 96, Book VIII, Series of 2022, ko Ito, a Tokyoin the Notarial Registry of Atty. Rodmel L. Bautista, a Notary based lawyer Public for and in the City of Makati. who campaigns (MS-JUNE 16, 23 & 30 2022)

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JULIETA P. LOBITAÑA, who passed away last March 3, 2012 at Otis, Paco, Manila and left a real property pursuant with a transfer certificate of title, with size lot of 88 sqm, TCT No. 060-2022005769, located at Sta. Rosa, Laguna has been extrajudicially settled among heirs with waiver of rights executed on May 20, 2022 by her legal heirs before Notary Public Atty. Al Whilan A. Baljon as per Doc. No. 261; Page No. 54; Book No. 3; Series of 2022. (MS-JUNE 2, 9 & 16, 2022)

against coercion in adult entertainment. The law allows those who appear in adult movies to cancel their contracts within a year of the work’s release for any reason and without paying penalty fees. When this happens, the video must be deleted and recalled – an attempt to prevent producers from bullying or tricking people into appearing in porn that remains online for years. “Once the films are distributed, they stay online essentially forever, to be consumed by an unspecified number of people, effectively becoming ‘digital tattoos,’” Ito told AFP. The “groundbreaking” new law “aligns very closely to the interests of the victims,” she added. Initially it will allow contracts to be cancelled up to two years after a film is

released, but that period is expected to be later revised to a standard 12 months. The law also stipulates that porn makers must wait a month after a contract is signed to begin shooting and four months to release the work after it has been filmed. Lawmakers began lobbying for the new rules when Japan lowered its age of adulthood from 20 to 18 in April. That raised concerns that recruiters could target 18- and 19year-olds, who previously had the right to withdraw from contracts signed without a guardian’s permission. A YouTuber who goes by the name of Kurumin Aroma says recruiters preyed on her aspiration to become a musician before pressuring her into becoming a porn actress. “At one point, I was surrounded by

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION LENEWTION INC. Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of LENEWTION INC., shortening the term of its existence into two (2) Years and Nine (9) Months from and after the date of issuance of its Certificate of Incorporation and thereby dissolving the said corporation as of March 01, 2021 and a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All person having claims against the corporation are requested to present the same at its principal office at 4th Floor PCCI Corporate Center 118 L.P Leviste St. Brgy. Bel-Air Makati City for immediate settlement. This announcement will serve as a notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the said corporation.

(MS-JUNE 2/9/16, 2022)

Bankrupt Sri Lanka saves scarce gas supplies for cremations BANKRUPT Sri Lanka will reserve a portion of its scarce fuel supplies for the cremation of Buddhists, whose funeral rites have been disrupted during a dire economic crisis. The island nation’s 22 million people have faced months of food, petrol and medicine shortages after traders ran out of money to import essentials. Local media reported that several

cemeteries outside the capital Colombo had cancelled cremation services after running out of liquefied petroleum gas, instead offering burials to bereaved families. A gas shipment that arrived in port on Tuesday will be allocated to cemeteries and other priority industries, including Sri Lanka’s flagging tourism sector.

“We will supply bulk users -- that is hotels, hospitals and crematoriums,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Tuesday, adding that another shipment was expected in two weeks to supply households. Most of Sri Lanka’s people are Buddhist, whose adherents are traditionally cremated, while its minority Christians and Muslims opt for burials. AFP

Business PSEi June 15, 2022

TOP GAINERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

FFI

6.02

1.97

48.64%

2

ROX

1.37

0.15

12.30%

3

OPM

0.012

0.001

9.09%

4

FOOD

0.6

0.04

7.14%

5

DIZ

4.29

0.25

6.19%

6

COAL

0.228

0.011

5.07%

7

UPM

0.0066

0.0003

4.76%

8

PERC

4.9

0.22

4.70%

9

MA

0.0098

0.0004

4.26%

10

GMA7

12.1

0.48

4.13%

TOP LOSERS

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE

1

APVI

12.5

-2.5

-16.67%

2

BKR

2.29

-0.31

-11.92%

3

CA

40.3

-4.7

-10.44%

4

SLF

2250

-250

-10.00%

5

SOC

0.55

-0.06

-9.84%

6

VMC

2.53

-0.27

-9.64%

7

NI

0.93

-0.08

-7.92%

8

ALLHC

3.4

-0.29

-7.86%

9

CIC

18.02

-1.44

-7.40%

10

IPM

6.5

-0.5

-7.14%

B3

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market sinks; URC, Ayala Land lead decliners

S

HARE prices tumbled Wednesday on worries about rising inflation and interest rates, and a possible recession in the world’s biggest economy.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slumped 155.11 points, or 2.4 percent, to 6,319.42 on a value turnover of P11 billion. Losers routed gainers, 137 to 40, with 53 issues unchanged. Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, sank 6 percent to P94, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. of the Ayala Group fell 4.3 percent to P28.10. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group dropped 4.2 percent to P795, while fiber broadband provider Con-

verge ICT Solutions Inc. declined 3.6 percent to P21.35. The rest of Asian equities were mixed Wednesday with investors nervously awaiting a Federal Reserve interest rate decision that has taken on greater significance since a forecast-busting inflation report sent shockwaves through world markets. In Asia markets were mixed with some seeing a pick-up on bargain-buying after the week’s painful start. Hong Kong and Shanghai enjoyed some healthy buying after data showed an improvement in Chinese retail sales and factory output last month thanks to an easing of COVID restrictions in major cities. The readings lifted hopes that government support can help lift the world’s number two economy out of its torpor. Singapore and Mumbai were also in positive territory, while Tokyo, Syd-

ney, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok and Jakarta slipped. Trading floors saw a sea of red at the start of the week after data showed US consumer prices soared at their fastest pace in four decades last month, confounding hopes they were stabilizing and putting pressure on officials to act. The news ramped up bets that the central bank would hike interest rates at a steeper and faster pace than expected as it struggles to retain credibility. Before Friday’s data, the Fed had been tipped to lift borrowing costs by half a point when its policy meeting ends Wednesday but investors are now widely anticipating a three-quarter point increase, with some even suggesting one percentage point. Manila The moves fueled worries that the Standard tighter monetary conditions will deal a TODAY blow to the US economy and potentially send it into recession next year.

MOST ACTIVE

VOLUME

VALUE (PHP)

1

SMPH

26,719,600

1,001,000,210

2

ICT

4,291,780

821,096,718

3

URC

3,274,560

312,719,856

4

CNVRG

12,463,300

272,132,060

5

VREIT

158,200,000 270,287,770

6

ALI

9,069,800

261,537,785

7

SCC

6,687,500

233,065,790

8

SM

265,140

212,405,395

9

BDO

1,474,060

181,625,306

10

AC

237,510

150,997,935

GROUNDED. Travelers queue at Geneva Airport on June 15, 2022 after Swiss airspace was closed after a computer glitch with the air traffic control system grounded flights at the country’s main airport. Swiss airspace reopened on June 15, 2022 morning after a computer glitch grounded flights across the Alpine nation for several hours, officials said. AFP

Widodo replaces trade minister over cooking oil crisis JAKARATA, Indonesia—Indonesian President Joko Widodo replaced his trade minister Wednesday over a cooking oil crisis that has roiled global markets, saying “the people need someone experienced.” Despite being the world’s biggest palm oil producer, Indonesia has been dealing with domestic shortages and sharp price increases for months as the Ukraine war chokes global supplies. In April, the government imposed a nowlifted palm oil export ban, further stunning global markets after Russia invaded its neighbor. On Wednesday Widodo removed Muhammad Lutfi from his post in a cabinet shake-

up, naming Zulkifli Hasan, who sits in the ruling coalition, as his successor. “He (Hasan) will be good as the trade minister. Right now for food problems, the people need someone experienced, someone who goes to work on the ground directly,” Widodo told reporters. The new minister said his first priority would be to “immediately” fix the cooking oil crisis plaguing Indonesia’s 270 million people, many of whom rely on the commodity for food and business. Lutfi, who once served as Indonesia’s envoy to Japan, had blamed a “palm oil mafia” for stymieing efforts to bring cooking oil

(MS-JUNE 16 & 23, 2022)

prices down. Indonesia produces about 60 percent of the world’s palm oil, which is used in products from chocolate spreads to cosmetics, with one-third consumed by its domestic market. The cabinet revamp came as Widodo tries to respond to a series of issues in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy with domestic shortages of edible cooking oil the most pressing, experts said. “It’s okay to replace the players during injury time as long as it is aimed for better performance and not for political consolidation,” Hendri Satrio, a political analyst from Paramadina University told AFP. AFP

Turkey bets on state-of-the-art port to boost cruise tourism By Fulya Ozerkan ISTANBUL, Turkey―A state-of-the-art port in Istanbul with an underground terminal, a celebrity chef’s restaurant and a shopping center, welcomes yet another 5,000-passenger cruise ship, bringing more cash to Turkey’s struggling tourism industry. Hit hard by COVID, Turkey’s tourism sector could get a shot in the arm from the revenue generated at Galataport, which opened in 2021―a year later than planned due to the pandemic. The port could also provide a boost to an economy that has been weighed down by double-digit inflation and a currency in free fall, though the project has drawn criticism over the destruction of historical monuments and the potential environmental impact. Figen Ayan, chief port officer at Galataport, said “ships began to arrive one after the other” after the facility opened in October. “Galataport has become the face of tourism,” she told AFP. The 20-story Costa Venezia vessel from Italy was taking passengers from an 11-day voyage to the Aegean Sea when it docked in Galataport, its gangway connecting directly to the futuristic underground customs terminal. The port is home to a shopping center, a hotel, cultural venues and a restaurant owned by Turkish butcher Nusret Gokce, better known as Salt Bae, the social media star who sprinkles salt on steaks in front of

Visitors stroll in Galataport in Istanbul, on June 3, 2022. Galataport, located in Istanbul’s neighborhood of Karakoy, is set to energize cruise tourism from the Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea amid the Turkish economy tailspin over a weakening lira currency and soaring inflation. AFP

celebrity customers. “Galataport Istanbul is much more than a cruise port,” Ayan said. High-spending passengers Around 30 cruise ships have so far anchored at Galataport and 200 more are expected by the end of the year, which amounts to 450,000 passengers. The pandemic caused havoc in the global cruise ship industry as vessels were hit by outbreaks and vessels were banned in sev-

eral countries. “Now we can say that we have left the pandemic behind and that the cruise sector, which is an important segment of tourism, has revived and is on the move,” Ayan said. The target is 1.5 million cruise passengers and 25 million visitors annually. “If a regular tourist spends $62 daily, a cruise passenger spends $400. He spends up to eight times more in one day,” she said. AFP (MS-JUNE 16 & 23, 2022)

Still, many observers say acting now is the only option available to policymakers if they want to rein in prices and prevent stagflation. “The sooner they are going to be clear about how quickly they are going to raise rates and what is an acceptable rate of inflation for them, the sooner markets will calm down,” Wincrest Capital’s Barbara Ann Bernard told Bloomberg Television. And StoneX Financial’s Matt Simpson added: “A bullish outcome for risk-appetite is the well-telegraphed 75-basis-point hike, conviction from the Fed that they’ll manage a soft landing, alongside a downwardly revised CPI forecast for good measure.” But he warned that a half-point increase “could inadvertently weigh on sentiment as markets are concerned the Fed aren’t taking inflation seriously enough.” With AFP

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

B4

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, June 15, 2022

-155.11 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP)

6,319.42

3,654,212,442 77,805 11,030,255,139.78

ADVANCES

40

DECLINES

137

UNCHANGED

53

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.2730

Japan

Yen

0.007377

0.3930

UK

Pound

1.200100

63.9329

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127390

6.7864

Switzerland

Franc

0.997904

53.1613

Canada

Dollar

0.771962

41.1247

Singapore

Dollar

0.717360

38.2159

Australia

Dollar

0.687300

36.6145

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

141.3265

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266539

14.1993

Brunei

Dollar

0.714796

38.0793

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.028559

1.5214

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

14.5055

Euro

Euro

1.041800

55.4998

Korea

Won

0.000776

0.0413

China

Yuan

0.148313

7.9011

India

Rupee

0.012822

0.6831

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.226244

12.0527

New Zealand

Dollar

0.621600

33.1145

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033717

1.7962 Source: BSP

May car sales climbed 19.5% to 26,370 units By Othel V. Campos VEHICLE sales rose 19.5 percent in May to 26,370 units from 22,062 units in the same month last year, two industry groups said Wednesday. The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association said in a joint report the improving economy and business conditions bolstered sales in May. “The economic recovery from the ripple effects of the pandemic and the overall robust domestic demand are major contributing factors to the continued improvement of the automotive sales performance recorded in May,” said CAMPI president Rommel Gutierrez. “Based on our data, the industry has already recorded double-digit percentage growths for three consecutive months on a year-over-year basis, indicating that recovery is underway,” he said. Data showed that commercial vehicle sales climbed 34.2 percent in May to 19,946 units from 14,463 units a year earlier. Passenger car sales slowed down 8.4 percent to 5,964 from 7,599 units. Total sales in the first five months grew 14.6 percent to 126,273 units from 110,217 units in the same period in 2021. The commercial vehicle segment posted a growth of 26 percent to 94,727 units from 75,193 units, while passenger car sales fell 9.9 percent to 31,546 from 35,024 units. The industry groups said that on a monthly basis, car sales went up by 4.9 percent from 25,149 units in April. Both passenger car and commercial vehicle registered growths of 11.26 percent from 6,259 units and 2.7 percent from 18,890 units, respectively. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the market leader with a share of 62 percent in May, followed by Mitsubishi Motor Philippines with 12.84 percent. Nissan Philippines Inc. placed third with 7.58 percent market share, while Suzuki Phils. Inc. ranked fourth with 6.46 percent. Ford Motor Company Phils. Inc. was fifth with 5.5 percent. “The industry is optimistic for a sustained economic growth anchored on domestic demand amid the continued containment of the pandemic, all-important to the full recovery of the industry,” Gutierrez said.

Business VISTAREIT LISTING. The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. board and management welcome VistaREIT Inc. in the roster of PSElisted companies through a bell ringing ceremony. VREIT listed 7.5 billion shares. Attending the ceremony are (by row, from left) VREIT president and chief executive Manuel Paolo Villar and PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon; VREIT chairperson Jerylle Luz Quismundo, Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. chairman Manuel Villar Jr., PSE chairman Jose Pardo and PSE chief operating officer Roel Refran; China Bank Capital Corp. president Ryan Martin Tapia, VREIT chief finance officer Melissa Camille Domingo, Securities Clearing Corporation of the Philippines COO Renee Rubio and PSE issuer regulation division head Marigel Garcia.

Remittances grew 3.9% to $2.39b in April—BSP

By Julito G. Rada

R

EMITTANCES climbed 3.9 percent in April from a year ago, the fastest expansion in five months, on the sustained deployment of Filipino workers overseas as most economies showed recovery from the global health crisis, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show Wednesday.

The BSP said cash remittances reached $2.395 billion in April, up from $2.305 billion in the same month last year. The April figure, however, was lower than the $2.6 billion registered in March. The latest figure brought total cash

remittances in the first four months to $10.167 billion, up 2.7 percent from $9.898 billion in the same period in 2021. “The expansion in cash remittances was due to the growth in receipts from land-based and sea-based workers, which increased by 4.7 percent to $1.863 billion from $1.779 billion and 1.4 percent to $533 million from $526 million, respectively,” the BSP said in a statement. “The growth in cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore contributed largely to the increase in remittances in the January-to-April period,” it said. Data showed the US registered the highest share of overall remittances at 41.2 percent in the first four months, followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Qatar, South Korea and Taiwan. The combined remittances from these 10 countries accounted for 79.2 percent of total cash remittances during the period.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also went up by 3.8 percent in April to $2.671 billion from $2.574 billion a year earlier. The fourmonth personal remittances amounted to $11.317 billion, up 2.6 percent from $11.028 billion a year ago. “The increase in personal remittances in April was due to remittances sent by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, which increased by 4.7 percent to $2.022 billion from $1.931 billion in the same month last year, and sea- and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year, which grew by 1.4 percent to $581 million from $574 million a year ago. Cash remittances hit a record $31.418 billion in 2021, up 5.1 percent from $29.903 billion in 2020. The 5.1-percent expansion missed the 6-percent growth target for the year but it was a significant improvement from the 0.8-percent contraction in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

VACC welcomes appointment of new PCSO head

PLDT MOMENTUM. Coming off the group’s record-breaking revenues in 2021, PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio (third from right) remains optimistic on PLDT’s growth momentum amid the shifting industry landscape as he speaks at the 2022 annual shareholders’ meeting a year after assuming the top post. Panlilio’s ASM report detailed how the company carried out on its commitments over the past year and beyond, despite persistent challenges in the operating environment. Building on the legacy of PLDT chairman Manuel Pangilinan (second from right), Panlilio is determined to further establish the group as a leadingedge technology company.

PH improves four places to 48th most competitive economy in ‘22 THE Philippines climbed four spots from 52nd to 48th place in the 2022 World Competitiveness Ranking, the second sharpest rise in Asia Pacific, despite the threats posed by the global health crisis and the war in Eastern Europe. The Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development said in a statement the Philippines showed major improvements in the economic performance (from 58th to 48th), specifically in the employment sub-factor (50th to 19th) along with international investment (from 49th to 42nd) and domestic economy (from 58th to 48th). Economic growth recovered in 2021, with 5.7 percent, following the 9.6-percent contraction in 2020. Economic managers expect a faster GDP growth of 7 percent to 8 percent in 2022. Unemployment rate in April declined to 5.7 percent from 8.7 percent a year ago and marked the lowest since the start of the pandemic. This was also slower than the 5.8 percent in March 2022. Employment rate in April was esti-

mated at 94.3 percent, translating into about 45.63 million employed Filipinos. This was higher compared to the reported employment rate of 91.3 percent in April 2021 or a year-on-year increase of about 2.36 million employed Filipinos from 43.27 million. The latest ranking showed that the Philippines improved in infrastructure (from 57th to 52nd), while maintaining its position in education and a slight decline in health and environment. IMD said the Philippines remained the poorest performing country among Asian economies, as it faced challenges in promoting innovative governance and a smooth post-election transition of power. “The other challenges it faces include implementing effective post-pandemic economic recovery strategies, regaining lost momentum in poverty reduction and inclusive economic development, building resilient healthcare and education systems and sustainable infrastructure,” it said. Julito G. Rada

THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption welcomed Malacañang’s designation of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Anselmo Pinili as acting general manager as it called on president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reorganize the agency. “Anselmo Pinili has brought integrity and character to the office of the Chairman of the Board of PCSO,” said VACC president Arsenio Evangelista in a statement. Royina Garma earlier resigned as vice chairperson, general manager and member of the board of PCSO. The VACC asked the incoming Marcos administration to appoint a general manager who has familiarity with the gaming operations of PCSO and a track record of integrity. Evangelista said the incoming administration would need around P326 billion in annual revenues to cover both principal and interest payments because of the debts incurred during the coronavirus disease pandemic. “The general manager to be appointed by the next administration does not have the luxury of a learning curve. PCSO gaming operations must be digitized and retooled to maximize online sales while ensuring that all gaming ticket revenues are accounted for,” Evangelista said. VACC also lashed out at alleged attempts resisting digitalization in the agency. “We call upon president-elect BBM, as we fondly call him, to order a thorough, top to bottom investigation of PCSO,” Evangelista said. President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2017 ordered the gaming operations of PCSO to stop over alleged “massive corruption” in the agency. “Over the years, certain PCSO officials have caused the government to lose out on revenue opportunities. It is high time to do a full investigation, and if warranted by evidence, charge and prosecute them,” Evangelista said.

Amber Kinetics nears completion of second PH flywheel factory By Alena Mae S. Flores AMBER Kinetics Philippines Inc. said Wednesday it is in the final stages of completing a second manufacturing facility for long-duration Kinetic Energy Storage System that will support the growth of renewable energy in the country. The local unit of Amber Kinetics of the US operates a manufacturing facility in the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. “We estimate that the facility will be completed by the end of the year. [Our] capacity will be doubled from about 600 to 700 [flywheels]. When it is fully operational, we will produce 1,800 to 2,000 flywheels per annum. We are very excited about this industry,” said Amber Kinetics director of business development for the Philippines Roberto Kanapi. A flywheel is a rotating device which stores kinetic energy. The flywheel does not contain nor emit any hazardous materials over its design lifespan of 30 years. The modular system is suitable for applications such as capacity or demand reduction and ancillary services. The company invested $150 million to $160 million in the Philippines. The KESS features a power capacity of 8 kilowatts and a discharge duration of four hours. Amber Kinetics said it uses recyclable steel materials to provide a more sustainable energy solution. “We are already putting up pilot projects. Meralco [Manila Electric Co.] is already one of them...The biggest advantage is many of our themes are related to sustainability,” Kanapi said. Amber Kinetics and Meralco are pioneering a pilot project that will allow the power distributor to test and demonstrate Amber Kinetics’ FESS at the Meralco Power Tech center as part of initiatives to explore new and clean energy technologies.

IN BRIEF VistaREIT shares flat in stock market debut

VISTAREIT Inc. (VREIT), the commercial real estate investment trust company (REIT) of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc.of the Villar Group on Wednesday debuted at the Philippine Stock Exchange through its P4.8-billion initial public offering. Shares of VREIT ended flat on the first day of listing to close at P1.75 apiece amid the volatility in the equities market. VREIT president and chief executive Manuel Paolo Villar during the listing ceremony expressed optimism about the company’s prospects given its solid expansion to expand its current commercial leasing portfolio. “We aim to be among the leading diversified commercial REITs in the Philippines in terms of portfolio, profitability, growth, sustainability and dividend yield,” said Villar. “We are optimistic about the prospect of a reinvigorated economy due to the easing of the restrictions, VREIT sees a robust foundation, its synergies with Villar-group retail ecosystem,” he added. Villar said the company’s expansion program is focused on the robust pipeline of Vista Land’s profitable assets. Jenniffer B. Austria

PLDT, UNDP and DICT roll out school Wi-Fi

PLDT Inc. has teamed up with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to roll out Wi-Fi access to 220 state universities and colleges across the country. “We at PLDT believe in the power of education as an enabler of Filipinos in the face of challenges. As long-time supporters of the academic sector, we remain committed to exploring more solutions for students and faculty of learning institutions across the country,” said PLDT and Smart Communications president and chief executive Alfredo Panlilio, Launched at the Bulacan Polytechnic College in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan with a simultaneous online screening at Nueva Vizcaya State University on June 7, the flagship project will further boost the online and blended learning programs of the education sector and support the connectivity requirements of faculty and academe. Darwin G. Amojelar

LandBank, workers tackle issue on salary

THE Land Bank of the Philippines assured members of the Land Bank of the Philippines Employees Association (LBPEA) that it will work with the relevant regulatory authorities to find solutions to the concerns raised by the group on the implementation of the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS). LandBank said in a statement it would consolidate and evaluate all relevant items raised by employees and elevate them to the bank’s management and the board, and eventually to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) for reconsideration. The implementation of the CPCS is envisioned as a competitive compensation and remuneration system to attract and retain talents, while allowing LandBank to become financially sound and sustainable. The bank will implement the CPCS on employees following the issuance of an authority to implement by the GCG, in accordance with Executive Order No. 150 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on October 1, 2021.

Sports

Robinson carries USA past Bulgaria REIGNING Volleyball Nations League holders United States, with a mix of Tokyo Olympians and newcomers, made quick work of Bulgaria, 25-20, 25-22, 25-20, to open its Week 2 campaign on a high note Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Outside hitter Kelsey Robinson, one of the five Tokyo gold medalists playing in the Quezon City leg, came through with 14 points and four receptions to lead the Americans. It was a big bounce back win for USA from the iopening week’s shock loss to undefeated Japan in the event that has Mikasa, Ganten, Gerflor and Senoh as global sponsors and global suppliers, PLDT Home as presenting partner, Rebisco, MG Philippines, TOP Speed Insurance, Asics and Maynilad as official sponsors, Havas Ortega, The Look Company, Summit Outdoor Media, The Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Marketing Media Ventures, Strong Media Advertising Solutions. 91.5 Win Radio, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, City of Taguig, Quezon City and F2 Logistics as official suppliers. “I’m just so happy to be wearing the USA jersey and back with amazing teammates and fun to play with new faces,” said Robinson, whose match-winning spike sent her team to a 4-1 card. Among those young standouts who were included in the Philippine roster who shone was opposite spiker Danielle Cuttino, who scored 12 points, including two blocks, and seven digs, and middle blocker Hanna Tapp, who had 11 points. Setter Micha Hancock, who is also the team captain, like what she saw with the new bunch of players for the opportunity to get better. “We will just have fun while we play the best of the world,” said Hancock. Middle blocker Haleigh Washington, another Tokyo Olympian, was the other American in double digits with 10 points highlighted by match-highs four service aces and two blocks. Fan favorite Justine Wong-Orantes, a member of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics team whose mother is full Chinese and father is full Mexican, was so happy the reception given to her by Filipino fans. “I’m super excited that the Filipino fans are amazing,” said WongOrantes, who collected eight digs. “I’m just looking forward to see the fans coming out in the next couple of days.”

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

Kelsey Robinson of the United States scores against two Bulgarian defenders in the Volleyball Nations League Wednesday. PNVF

Abueva, Dela Rosa power Magnolia past NorthPort 5 By Peter Atencio

C

ALVIN Abueva knocked in 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Magnolia Hotshots Timplados to an 80-77 triumph over the NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. It was a close encounter, with the Timplados banking on a triple from Rome de la Rosa in the last six seconds to send Magnolia to their first win in three outings.

Coach Chito Victolero said the Timplados played with consistency in two previous matches, which were also tight in the final minutes, and lost, but his players made a dif-

ference this time around. “We had that discipline and character that we want. And good this happened at the start of the season. And I hope that my players, even if we had a tough week, will have that mental toughness,” said Victolero. The Timplados, who are seeking to recover from the setback that they suffered at the hands of the TNT Tropang Giga and Converge Fiber Xers, kept possession of the ball in the final 2.3 seconds after Gio Jalalon rebounded the ball off a missed three-point attempt from Arwind Santos. Santos showed the way for the

Batang Pier with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Roi Sumang and Jerrick Balanza added 15 points each. Sumang’s trey with 2:17 left allowed Batang Pier to threaten, 74-75, before another triple from Robert Bolick put NorthPOrt ahead for the last time, 77-75, in the 53-second mark. Then, Abueva’s layup with 39 seconds remaining gave the game its sixth and final tie at 77-all, before Dela Rosa made the go-ahead triple for the final tally. The Hotshot will clash with the San Miguel Beermen on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Alkhaldi, 2 others join 19th world swim meet THREE Filipino swimmers led by two-time Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi, will participate in the 19th edition of the FINA World Championships set June 18 to July 3 in Budapest, Hungary. Aside from Alkhaldi, Southeast Asian Games multi-medalist Miranda Renner and Jonathan Cook will also see action in the tournament. Alkhaldi will compete in the women’s 50-meter freestyle event, while Renner will participate in the women’s 50-meter butterfly. Cook is entered in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke. The national team, led by Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lailani Velasco left for Budapest late Tuesday. Aside from Alkhaldi, also with Velasco is swimming mentor Sher-

C1

wyn John Santiago. Renner and Cook will join the delegation in Budapest as both will be coming from the United States. “The 19th FINA World Championships is the Olympics of swimming,” said Velasco, who met President Duterte hours before her departure to Hungary as they attended the final inspection of the National Academy of Sports in the New Clark City Complex in Capas, Tarlac. “Most of the world’s top talents will be in attendance. Therefore, we have modest goals for the World Championships.” Velasco said the first goal is to “ride on the momentum we gained” during the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam where the Philippines won a gold medal courtesy of Chloe Isleta in the women’s 200-meter back-

stroke, with three silvers and the same number of bronze medals. Also, PSI is optimistic that the three swimmers competing in the worlds can maybe produce “a few more national records if not personal bests.” The main goal, according to Velasco, is for the Alkhaldi, Renner and Cook to crack the Top 16 in their respective events. “We can hopefully qualify for the semifinals (top 16). From there, we will see how our swimmers will do. The World Championships is a venue for us to gauge how far we are from the world’s best talents so this is an important event for PSI,” Velasco, who recently was given a fresh four-year term following her re-election as President Duterte meets PSI head Lailani Velasco during the head of the swimming body in final inspection of the National Academy of Sports at the the country, said. New Clark City on Capas, Tarlac.

Fajardo, Maliksi to be feted by PBA scribes JUNEMAR Fajardo, Allein Maliksi, and the memorable San Miguel-NorthPort showdown will be among those to be honored in the 2022 PBA Press Corps Awards Night at Novotel Manila Araneta Center next week. Fajardo is the latest recipient of the William ‘Bogs’ Adornado Comeback Player of the Year, Maliksi is named Mr. Quality Minutes, while the Beermen-Batang Pier duel during the Philippine Cup quarterfinals is voted as Game of the Season. The Awards Night is set on June 21. Program starts at 7 p.m. The 6’10” Fajardo successfully came back from a one-year absence after going down with a fracture on his right tibia and lead the Beermen back to the semifinals of the all-Filipino Cup, where they lost out to eventual champion TNT Tropang Giga in a best-of-seven series that went the full route. The league’s only six-time MVP winner finished the season with averages of 13.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists and finished fifth overall in statistical points, good enough to be named part of the Mythical First Team. Fajardo will be receiving the special award named after Adornado, the great shooting forward who overcame two career-threatening injuries and win the MVP award three times in a 13-year Hall of Fame career that saw him play for Crispa, U-Text, Great Taste, Shell, and Alaska. Maliksi meanwhile, was voted Mr. Quality Minutes or equal to the Sixth Man Award. The Meralco shooting guard came off the bench in 24 of 42 games while averaging 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. He shot a high 41 percent from three-point range.

Avaricio blitzes Pradera cast with record 64

Chanelle Avaricio studies the line of her putt on No. 9. Manny Marcelo

LUBAO, Pampanga—Chanelle Avaricio broke out with a Tour record-setting seven-under frontside romp then recovered from a couple of mishaps at the back with three birdies in the last five holes to fire an eight-under 64 and post a whopping five-stroke lead over Pamela Mariano at the start of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Ladies Classic here yesterday. A pair of three-birdie binges from Nos. 1 and 5 and another birdie on the ninth for a stirring 29 set Avaricio’s title drive in motion and left flightmates Martina Miñoza and amateur Kayla Nocum in awe while driving an early wedge between her and her fancied rivals in the 54-hole championship serving as the sixth leg of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. She credited her solid putting on her early surge then kept her composure when things had started to turn a little bit shaky at the back. “I played really good and it had a lot to do with my putting, especially on the frontnine,” said Avaricio, who spiked her superb start with a chip-in feat from around 18 feet on No. 6. “I struggled at the back but the whole day, I had a steady long game and then my putts just kept on dropping,” she added. It was easily the best frontside performance by any player in the 10-year history of the ICTSIbacked tour and her mastery of the well-kept Prade-

ra Verde layout in humid day eclipsed the previous best of 67s posted by Princess Superal and Thai Pimpadsorn Sangkagaro in the 2017 and 2018 editions, respectively, of the event. More importantly, it gave her a big five-shot cushion that could be too tough for the rest to overcome. But there are still 36 holes left for the likes of Mariano, Chihiro Ikeda, Harmie Constantino, Sarah Ababa and Sunshine Baraquiel to mount a challenge on a course that could yield low scores for one day and high for the next especially if the winds come into play. Avaricio, however, is keen on sustaining her form in pursuit of a third championship in the last five tournaments she laced up with a couple of runner-up finishes at Mt. Malarayat and Splendido Taal. “I’ll try to play as steady and hope that my putts will drop like today (yesterday),” said the winner at Hallow Ridge and Caliraya Springs stops of the Pilipinas Golf tournaments, Inc.organized circuit. “She played near-perfect,” said Miñoza, who birdied two of the last seven holes to save a 75, while Nocum, who made double bogeys on a couple of par-3s and bogeyed the last two holes for a 78, described Avaricio’s round as “amazing and fantastic.” Mariano, playing in a threesome ahead of Avaricio’s, also sizzled early with three birdies in

the first five holes but yielded strokes on Nos. 9 and 10, which she however recovered with birdies on Nos. 12 and 18, her opening round best 69 netting her solo second. “My tee and regulation shots were good but I had a hard time on the greens,” said the Cagayan de Oro City find, who hit a pitch-in birdie on No. 2 but bogeyed the ninth on wrong clubbing. She underscored the need to be more aggressive in the last two rounds to get a shot at a first championship. Ikeda, the Manila Southwoods and Asia Global Technologies-backed winner at Mt. Malarayat, also blew a three-under card after 11 holes as she fumbled with three straight bogeys from No. 12 but birdied the last to card a 71 while former leg winner Ababa also birdied the 18th to salvage a 72 and tie Constantino, who holed out with a bogey, at fourth. Baraquiel, out to make up for her backside foldup at Splendido that paved the way for amateur Mafy Singson’s title breakthrough, missed joining Ikeda at third with bogeys on Nos. 16 and 17, ending up with a 73 for solo sixth, 11 strokes behind Avaricio, while Marvi Monsalve carded a 74 for seventh. Eagle Ace Superal and Arnie Taguines matched 77s while Nocum and Mariel Tee turned in a pair of 78s in what promises to be a tight battle for low amateur honors that includes Aily Kidwell, who hobbled with an 83.

C2

Sports

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

BEST Center adds more venues for cage classes SCHOOL break means yet another BEST Center season and this year, the multi-awarded and pioneering sports clinic will add more venues to accommodate students, who wish to take part in its highly successful program. Saint Gabriel International School at 512 Sandoval Ave., St. Paul Compound in Pasig City has been added to the Best Center’s still-growing list of venues for its basketball offering. Preparatory and levels 1 and 2 classes are being offered at the site from July 1 to 26. Classes will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Our Lady of Guadalupe in Makati City also offers basketball (levels 1 and 2) and volleyball (levels 1 and 2) clinics every Monday and Thursday starting today until July 11. The Masambong Community Center in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City will have Saturday volleyball clinics for level 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and levels 1 and 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. from June 18 to August 6. Sunday basketball clinics are offered from June 19 to August 7 (preparatory level and level) from June 19 to August 7. Other details of the clinics are available by calling 8371-9724 and 34116260 , or via E-mail (bestcenter.inquiry@gmail.com).

Sarangani shocks GenSan in overtime YVAN Ludovice saved Sarangani from certain death and the Marlins used the opportunity to subdue the GenSan Warriors, 79-77, in overtime Tuesday night in the OKBet-MPBL 4th Season presented by Extreme at the packed Bacoor City Strike Gym. Steady under pressure, Ludovice made 2 charities and then buried a fallaway buzzer-beater in the last 8 seconds as the Marlins extended the game and went on to stretch their unbeaten run to five and keep top spot in the 22-team tournament. Paul Sanga and Andoy Estrella took over in extra time with 3 free throws and a 3-point play, respectively, which proved enough for the Warriors to complete their amazing turnaround. Down by 10 points, 62-72, with just 1 minute and 53 seconds to go, the Marlins didn’t lose composure and charge right back on a drive by Estrella, a triple by Sanga and a layup by Enrique Caunan, 69-72, only 21 ticks left. Niko Elorde split 2 free throws to give GenSan a 73-69, lead with time down to 8 seconds which should have been enough to ensure victory. Unfortunately, Cristopher Masaglang committed an unsportsmanlike foul on Ludovice that altered the course of the game and pulled down the Warriors to 1-4 instead of 2-3. Ludovice wound up with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists; Sanga 17 points plus rebounds, anrangani, d Estrella 16 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists for the Marlins, who trailed by as many as 15 points, 47-62, in the third quarter. GenSan, which is being supported by OKBet like Sarangani, was hounded by poor shooting from the 15-foot-line where the Warriors made only 8 of 16 for 50 percent. In contrast, the Marlins of Coach John Kallos, drilled in 22 of 27 tries for a high 81.5 percent. The other games saw Laguna Krah Asia dumped Makati City, 80-49, and Mindoro finally snap a 5-game skid with a 70-65 victory over host Bacoor. The Laguna Heroes, drawing twin digits from four players, level their slate at 1-1 while the Makati MNL Kingpins fell to 1-4. Jopet Soriano paced Laguna with 19 points, followed by Paolo Pontejos with 12 points plus 12 rebounds, and Lawrence Mallari and Darius Duane Estrella with 11 points each. Mindoro, being supported by CDO Idol Cheesedog, drew 14 points from Marlon John Espiritu, 12 from Christian Lance Sunga, 11 from Rodel Vaygan and 10 from former Ginebra guard Tey Teodoro. Still searching for cohesion, Bacoor got 11 points from Edsel Magisa and 10 from Mark Mantuano.

BUKIDNON BASKETBALL DREAMS. Participants of the Hoopz Dreams Basketball Training Center are shown here following their 10-day Camp in Maramag, Bukidnon from May 30 to June 3 and from June 6 to 10. The basketball camp was made possible through the efforts of the Municipal Government of Maramag, headed by Mayor Jose Joel Doromal. Formed in March, 2022 by Coach Henry Subido, the Hoopz Dreams Basketball Training Center teaches boys and girls the fundamentals and advanced skills in basketball. It also hopes to open up opportunities for the talented youth cagers to play and compete in Manila and be fortunate enough to be recruited by schools in the city. In photo are coach Subido (last row, second from the left), Raffy Sabellina, Executive Asst. to the Mayor (third row standing, ninth from left) and Asst. Coach Miko Oliveros (third row, first from the left).

Koepka says LIV-PGA questions put ‘black cloud’ over US Open B

ROOKLINE—Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau trading barbs on social media was golf’s biggest spat a year ago, but the latest feud isn’t so much fun for four-time major winner Koepka. The 32-year-old American, chasing his third US Open crown this week at The Country Club, became irked Tuesday when the hot topic of the US PGA Tour and upstart Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series came up. US stars Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and DeChambeau are among the rebels playing LIV Golf events for the richest purses in golf history at $25 million for 54-hole events with a team format. Koepka’s brother, Chase Koepka, shared 33rd place last week’s LIV Golf opener in England. “LIV is trying to make a big push for golf,” Brooks Koepka said. “I love my brother. Whatever he does, I’m cheering for him.” Asked about his prospects of leaving

the PGA, Koepka bristled. “There has been no other option to this point, so where else are you going to go?” he said. “I wasn’t playing last week. I’m here at the US Open. I’m ready to play US Open and I think it kind of sucks, too, you are all throwing this black cloud over the US Open. “I don’t know why you guys keep doing that. The more legs you give it, the more you keep talking about it.” Koepka said that he can create a schedule with fewer events than PGA usual within the has played Tour, noting he WGC Match only the Masters, Championship Play and PGA in the past three months.

“I can come out here and play as little weeks as I want,” he said. “I choose my own schedule regardless what tour I play.” Asked if there was an amount of money that would get him to jump to LIV Golf, Kopeka said, “I haven’t given it that much thought.” When that brought a surprised reaction, Koepka cut loose again. “I’m trying to focus on the US Open, man. I legitimately don’t get it. I’m tired of the conversations. I’m tired of all this stuff,” he said. “You all are throwing a black cloud on the US Open. I think that sucks. I act ually do feel bad

Brooks Koepka of the United States is shown on the eighth tee during a practice round prior to the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. AFP

Patrombon, Arcilla stay on collision course TOP seed Jeson Patrombon and No. 2 Johnny Arcilla both moved a victory away from sealing another explosive title showdown, trouncing their rivals in similar straight-set fashions to roll into the semifinal round of the PPS-PEPP City of Mati Open in Davao Oriental yesterday. Patrombon, 29, came away with a 7-5, 2-0(ret.) win over Jose Maria Pague following a 6-1, 6-1 romp over Brent Cortes while Arcilla dispatched NJ Enriquez, 6-3, 6-2, after repulsing a tough Alexis Acabo, 6-3, 4-6, 10-2, in the lower half of the 32-player draw in the tournament presented by Dunlop. But the top guns brace for a stiff challenge from No. 4 Josshua Kinaadman and Nilo Ledama, respectively, after the former, ranked fourth in the first Open tournament co-organized by City of Mati Tennis Club president Rosendo Linsag, crushed fifth seed Leander Lazaro, 6-3, 6-2, and the latter shocked veteran Vicente Anasta, 6-3, 6-2. Ledama broke Anasta right in the

Jeson Patrombon

for them for once because it’s a (lousy) situation. We’re here to play, and you are talking about an event that happened last week. “You can’t drive a car looking in the rearview mirror, can you?” While there are seven more LIV Golf events this year, the next in two weeks in Oregon, Koepka was more than happy to look back at his June 4 wedding to actress Jena Sims. “Jena did all the planning for that, so I just kind of gave my opinion when necessary, but she did a hell of a job,” Kopeka said. “It was really cool. I know everybody that was part of it had a blast.” Having played so few events and practiced little since the wedding doesn’t worry Koepka. “I’ve practiced enough,” he said. “I haven’t played tournament golf but I can take time off and still come back and win. It’s not an issue. “I like where my game is at.” AFP

Johnny Arcilla

second game of the opening set then the fifth and seventh games of the next traded serves to cruise to victory then frame to fashion out the 21-minute, surprised his third seeded rival again in 26-second romp.

But the Pagadian City bet, who also upended No. 6 Fritz Verdad, 6-3, 7-5, will need more than power and guts to upend the seasoned Arcilla, who is gunning for a second straight Open championship after beating Lazaro to capture the Fr. Suarez Open in Navotas City last month. Patrombon, who missed the Fr. Suarez Open to help spearhead the country’s campaign in the recent Hanoi SEA Games, also expects a tough outing against Kinaadman but remains upbeat of his chances for the top P40,000 purse in the week-long tournament put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. Patrombon and Arcilla also gear up for a duel in doubles play with the former teaming up with Anasta against Jarell Edangga and Cortes and the latter partnering with Noel Damian, Jr. against Eric Tangub and Acabo in the quarterfinal round being played at presstime, according to event organizer Bobby Mangunay. Other pairings pit Kinaadman and Jelic Amazona against Ledama and Pague; and Lazaro and Verdad versus Norman Enriquez and AJ Alejandre.

D’ Shipper/BBB, Guagua Cockpit 1 crowned World Slasher Cup 2 champs By Peter Atencio AGGRESSIVE bloodlines of fighting cocks took centerstage as top entries D’ Shipper/BBB and Guagua Cockpit 1 ruled the finale of this year’s 2022 World Slasher Cup 2 9-cock derby recently at the Smart Araneta Coliseum With D’Shipper/BBB doing well with the combined breeds of the Boston and Gray Sweaters, along with the Kelso lineage, the Nueva Ecija-based bets finished with Team members of Guagua Cockpit Arena, composed of Engr. Efren Canlas, Nyok De Leon and Tony Camaya, together with D’ Shipper/ BBB owners Roel C. Facundo, Beng Joson and Jojo Bacar, are shown with 2021 Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold.

the same 8-1 win-loss record with Pampanga’s Guagua Cockpit 1 at the end of their three-weekend contest. The Sweater is a breed of fighting cocks known to pound its opponent into either submission or retreat, while the Kelso bloodline is popular for its fighting style on the ground. D’Shipper/BBB spokesman Roel Facundo said they were able to choose their bloodlines well for the series of contests that they went through.

“It was joint effort, it was teamwork. We were able to score and concentrate,” said Facundo following Tuesday’s awarding ceremony at the Novo Hotel with the Pampanga-based group of Nyok de Leon, Tony Camayo and Efren Canlas. De Leon said Team Guagua is celebrating its first win in two years as they had a layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Naka 8-1 kami. Hindi kami nakasali nu’ng last two years dahil sa pandemic,” said De Leon, as Team Guagua ended up sharing the total purse of P5.6 million with D’Shipper/BBB. Facundo, along with teammates Beng Joson and Jojo Bacar, capped their victory with three consecutive triumphs over the groups of Minalin Cockpit, Sta. Ana and Bulldog. On the other hand, Guagua also swept its final day assignments with wins over Alamat, Ju Papa Bravo and Digamo Waste of Porac. BP’s Royce Hotel & Casino 2 entry, Antonio Celedio Jr.’s Bulldog and KGWD Man/ Dr. Lapena’s KGWD Man/ JL Balibago 2 entry bagged runner-up honors with 7.5 points each. Seven entries shared third, namely J. Genesis 727, Replica/Weind Gutz/Dream Come True/ SE, RR Polo, Ni Legacy, Kiniboy Gold, Rhino Tonio, and F.R. Ramos/ SE after they concluded the competition with 6.5 points each.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang,, Editor Patricia Taculao, Editorial Assistant E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

C3

Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ banned in 14 markets over lesbian kiss DISNEY’S latest animation Lightyear, which features a same-sex kiss, has been denied release in more than a dozen mainly Muslim countries, a source close to the company told AFP on Tuesday. Countries across Asia and the Middle East have refused to give Pixar’s Toy Story spinoff a showing, in the latest development for parent company Disney as it tries to navigate differing public and political attitudes on LGBTQ issues. Regulators in the United Arab Emirates this week announced they were banning the movie for “violation of the country’s media content standards,” tweeting a picture of titular hero Buzz Lightyear in a red “No” symbol. Indonesia – the world’s largest Muslimmajority country – said it had not banned the film, “but suggested the owner of

The controversial scene in the new movie ‘Lightyear’

KZ Tandingan is also present to introduce the trainees of ‘Top Class’ and wow the public with her powerful voice

‘Top Class: Rise to P-pop Stardom’ mentor Shanti Dope demonstrating his rap prowess

A

Catriona Gray hosts ‘Top Class: Rise To P-Pop Stardom’

“Our 30 trainees really came to deliver, seeing them in their element and chasing after their dreams is something that I am so passionate about supporting,” the 27-year-old beauty queen said of the P-Pop aspirants who were introduced to the public that day. As someone who had been in a few dynamic competitions in the past, Catriona could easily

relate to the struggles and challenges the trainees have to go through to emerge as victors in the talent show. “So, my advice for them is just to be yourself. I know that it’s something that we hear a lot but it is what makes you stand out from others. Other than that, really be present in all of your mentorships and training with all the amazing mentors and guest artists that we have,” she carried on. Catriona likened Top Class to beauty pageants since it’s all about being always on your toes to showcase your best abilities. “If I were a trainee, if this was a beauty pageant and there was a special award, I would want to get the most improved award. This is what sets Top Class apart, it’s all about seeing the growth of our trainees and seeing how they develop and really come into their own,” Catriona underscored. The whole cast of Top Class publicly gathered for the first time during the event held on June 12 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The event was hosted by VJ Ai, who is also the host of Kumu show P-Popsilog on the Top Classkumu channel.

P-Pop monster rookies VXON

P-Pop’s new girl group G22 is a special guest performer during the ‘Top Class’ grand

Present to join Catriona in introducing the trainees were cohosts Albie Casiño and Yukii Takahashi, and mentors KZ Tandingan, Brian Puspos, and Shanti Dope. P-Pop’s new girl group G22 and monster rookies VXON also graced the event as special guest performers. The state-of-the-art campus of National University Laguna will serve as the home of Top Class, an apt venue for a show that strives to bring out and hone the worldclass potential of P-Pop talent in the Philippines. Top Class: Rise to P-Pop Stardom is the product of a game-changing partnership between four Filipino entertainment powerhouses: Kumu, TV5, Cignal Entertainment, and Cornerstone Entertainment. With the combination of each powerhouse’s expertise in the world of Philippine entertainment, audiences are ensured that the reality show will be a truly unique entertainment experience. The exciting and innovative competition starts this June 18 on Kumu (daily streaming) and TV5 (every Saturday).

The mentors and trainees of the ‘Top Class: Rise to P-pop Stardom’ during the grand media conference

‘Regal Studio Presents’kicks off Season 4 with more heartwarming stories

Prince Carlos (left) and Hailey Mendez in ‘Long Distance’

GMA Network and Regal Entertainment’s weekly anthology Regal Studio Presents kicked off its fourth season on Sunday, June 12. The first episode is entitled “Openminded” and was headlined by Kate Valdez and Paul Salas. It revolves around the story of Mona (Kate), a college student who was enticed by Gino (Paul) to invest money

Kate Valdez (left) and Paul Salas in ‘Open-minded’

in a marketing company that sells health and wellness products. This coming Sunday, in time for the celebration of Father’s Day, RSP presents “Long Distance” top-billed by Benjie Paras, Prince Carlos, and Hailey Mendes. The episode tackles the sacrifices of Emerson (Benjie), who had to leave his child Sonny (Prince) to work abroad.

Elijah Canlas (right) and MJ Lastimosa in ‘She Likes Me, She Likes Me Not’

When Emerson finally comes home after a decade, he is eager to bond and create new memories with his son. However, the two are estranged from each other. While his father is away for years, Sonny takes comfort from his close friend Jenny (Hailey). But what will happen when Sonny finds out that Jenny is set to reside in another country? For its final episode this month,

World-renowned South Korean group BTS

K-POP megastars BTS told fans they were taking a break from the supergroup to focus on their solo careers, citing exhaustion and the pressures of stratospheric success in an emotional video appearance. But the Grammy-nominated septet’s label HYBE pushed back on Wednesday as their share price went into freefall, telling AFP that the pop juggernaut would still be working together. The seven members of BTS, credited with generating billions of dollars for the South Korean economy, dropped the bombshell on Tuesday, telling fans that they were “exhausted” and needed time apart. “We’re going into an off phase now,” said Suga, 29, speaking Korean to his bandmates at a group dinner, a video of which was posted to the group’s official YouTube channel. The clip included English subtitles, which used the word “hiatus,” but HYBE quickly disputed that, saying group activities would not be suspended. “They will be doing team and individual projects simultaneously,” a representative for the label, whose share price was down 27 percent early Wednesday, told AFP. In the video, RM, 27, said they were “exhausted” and that they “didn’t know what kind of group we were anymore.” “The problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature,” he said, referring to South Korea’s notoriously hard-driving music business model. “Somehow, it’s become my job to be a rapping machine,” he said, adding that this made him feel “trapped.” Jimin, 26, said the members are “slowly trying to figure things out now”. By the end of the dinner, several of the members of the group behind “Dynamite” and “Butter” had grown tearful as they voiced gratitude for their supporters, a fandom known online as the “ARMY”. ARMY’s online reaction was tearful but supportive, with tens of thousands of comments quickly posted under the YouTube video. “I can’t imagine how much pressure they felt these latest years. Being called the biggest band in the world, having all that responsibility... must be overwhelming,” one fan wrote. AFP

viewers will be seeing a new and intriguing love team. Beauty queen and actress MJ Lastimosa and awardwinning actor Elijah Canlas team up for the episode “She Likes Me, She Likes Me Not”. In this feel-good story airing on June 26, Paul (Elijah) is a young professional who decides to stay out of town and escape the city life. He then meets the

Keifer Sanchez drops tear-jerking debut single KEIFER Sanchez is the latest TNT Boys member to launch a solo single with “Last Reply,” an emotional ballad about one’s struggles over the end of a long-distance relationship. Now 17 years old, the first runner-up of “Tawag Ng Tanghalan Kids” exhibits his maturity not just through his voice but also in the theme of his new single, which he co-wrote with Debbie and Ferdie Mak, produced by Mak Entertainment Services, and released under Star Music. Keifer said “Last Reply” highlights the

significance of knowing when to let go. He said, “Once we make certain choices, we must learn to accept the outcomes that are associated with those choices, whether good or bad. And since those choices cannot be undone, we must learn to let them go in order to preserve our happiness.” As a member of the TNT Boys, Keifer has performed with fellow members Mackie Empuerto and Francis Concepcion in many countries such as the US, Canada, Italy, United Kingdom, and more. He has also guested in

territories where the company wanted to show Lightyear have not granted the film a release, AFP has learned. The other territories that banned the film are Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, the Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Lightyear tells the backstory of the main character from the hit franchise Toy Story, an action figure who believes he is real. The film follows Buzz Lightyear – supposedly the astronaut adventurer that inspired the figurine – as he and his fellow space rangers crash land on a hostile planet. One scene depicts Buzz’s best friend Alisha Hawthorne kissing her wife. The scene was already the subject of controversy in the United States, where it had originally been cut from the final film. AFP

Army storms socmed after ‘exhausted’BTS announces hiatus

Brian Puspos, another mentor of ‘Top Class,’ showing off his dance moves to the crowd

Rise to P-Pop stardom T THE grand media conference for Top Class: Rise To P-Pop Stardom – the newest, biggest, most advanced, and most interactive P-Pop talent reality competition in the country – Miss Universe 2018 and program host Catriona Gray described P-Pop as something uniquely Pinoy. She also emphasized how local talents can rise above and be known on the world stage when given the right opportunity and exposure.

the movie think about their audience in Indonesia where an LGBT kissing scene is still considered sensitive.” Rommy Fibri Hardiyanto, head of Indonesia’s censoring office overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture, told AFP that Disney has not offered a re-cut version of Lightyear. In neighboring Malaysia, the Film Censorship Board said if cuts were not made the film would not be screened in the country. “It is not appropriate to show the two scenes, and they are not suitable to be viewed by children,” an official, who declined to be named, told AFP. Disney is understood to have declined to make any cuts, offering the film “as is” in all markets. As a result, a total of 14 countries and

international TV shows like Little Big Shots in the UK, US, and Australia, World’s Best, and The Late Late Show with James Corden, where he even had the opportunity to sing with famous pop singer Ariana Grande. Currently, Keifer is a high school student attending online classes at the Ateneo de Davao University. He plans to eventually continue his studies abroad. Keifer’s “Last Reply” is now available on various digital music platforms and on ABSCBN Star Music’s YouTube channel.

Keifer Sanchez shows much he and his voice have matured with ‘Last Reply’

resort caretaker, Deena (MJ), whom Paul is instantly attracted to even though she is quite older than him. Deena is very affectionate, friendly, and hospitable, which made Paul even like her more. But does Deena have feelings for him too or is she just really nice to anyone like Paul? Regal Studio Presents airs at 4:35 p.m. on GMA.

Life

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

C4

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2022

JOB WELL DONE BY JOBA BOTANA

T

O A lot of people I know, their father is a picture of a strong, dependable, and resolute man who is always ready to protect the family. It is safe to assume that a father’s role is not limited to providing for the needs of the household. In fact, many of us aim to normalize dads who help look after the home and the children.

Give your dad the health and wellness gift he needs and deserves. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, a pioneer specialty pharmacy, offers health and wellness solutions that may just be perfect for the man of the house

Celebrating men’s health this Father’s Day and every day

Fortunately, this is something that’s becoming common nowadays. Be that as it may, it goes without saying that the Superman of the house is not invincible, even if he never shows any sign of sickness, weakness, or any health issue to speak of. I think, as members of the family, we need to be keen observers of any tell-tale signs among our loved ones that are indicative of a health problem; even exhaustion from a long day of working can be a sign of a health problem. With Father’s Day coming up, what better way to show him that we care and appreciate his love and hard work than really look after and, in a way, pamper him? It is also fitting being that we are also celebrating AIP’s customized healthcare solutions can put drugs into Men’s Health Month this specially flavored liquids, topical creams, transdermal gels, suppositories, or other dosage forms suitable for a patient’s June. If you haven’t decided unique needs yet and still looking for since 2014. Its customized medications a not-so-common yet special Father’s address a wide range of health concerns— Day gift, check out the offers at Apotheca from body pains to weight management to Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), a pioneer hair loss. specialty compounding pharmacy in the Easing body pains Philippines that offers health and wellness Doing physical work every day, sitting solutions for men. AIP is licensed by the for long hours, and staying late nights can Philippine Food and Drug Administration cause pains in the back, shoulders, and

other parts of the body. AIP compounds Lidocaine, Ketoprofen, and Benzocaine can help manage this kind of pain, and improve men’s quality of life. Compounded transdermal medications have been used to manage neuropathic, musculoskeletal, arthritic, postoperative pain, and other pain-causing conditions. Lidocaine is used as an antiarrhythmic and amide-type local anesthetic. AIP offers Lidocaine in ointments, jellies, patches, or aerosol form factors. It can be used as a topical or oral solution or as an injection. Ketoprofen, on the other hand, is a pain reliever that helps prevent natural substances from inducing inflammation in the body. It can be used to ease pain from arthritis, swelling, or stiffness. Benzocaine works as topical anesthesia. It can also help control mild pains and is used to relieve aches felt in the mucous membranes, except in the eyes. Weight management Consistent weight gain, sweating or running out of breath when climbing stairs, or having trouble performing the usual tasks can be symptoms of obesity. An unhealthy

lifestyle and diet are the most common causes of obesity, although genetics, physiological influences, weight history as well as underlying medical conditions are also possible causes. Obesity can put someone’s life at risk as it makes a person prone to serious illnesses such as heart diseases and stroke. AIP has weight management solutions that can manage appetite, increase metabolism, cleanse the liver, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and prevent fat accumulation. These solutions include LCarnitine, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC), Methionine, Inositol, and Choline. These also work for obesity caused by diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Healthy hair growth Hair loss and baldness affect many men — some as early as in their 20s or 30s. In fact, I know someone who experienced thinning hair in his 20s, and by the time he hit his 30s, he has been full-on bald. Genetics play a role here however, thinning hair is something that many men expect

once they reach the age of 40. AIP offers two compounded solutions: Finasteride and Minoxidil. Finasteride is a prescription medication that addresses male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It reduces DHT levels in the scalp and blood to prevent hair follicle miniaturization and interrupts a crucial factor in the progression of androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil promotes hair growth by relaxing one’s blood vessels. Topical minoxidil is usually effective in facilitating hair growth and helps prevent alopecia from worsening. Minoxidil is a commonly used treatment for hair loss problems and is known to provide remarkable results for patients with hair disorders. Making dad feel great The above-mentioned subjects are just some of the health solutions offered by AIP. They have oral medications used to treat some issues in male hormones, among many others. The compounded medicines are proven to be safe, with strength and dosage tailored to a user’s needs. Aside from that, preservatives and fillers that may cause harmful effects to the body are taken out of the medicines. Of course, it is important to speak with your doctor first before trying any medication for the first time, to be on the safe side. Educational campaign for medical practitioners Apart from its word-class compounded solutions and services, the pharmacy has an educational campaign on reaping the benefits of personalized medication with webinars co-sponsored by its international partners. AIP is a proud partner of MEDISCA, an innovative and entrepreneurial company in the pharmaceutical industry. Their upcoming exclusive webinars titled “Fundamental Principles and Practices for Personalized Hormone Restoration Therapy” are for medical practitioners and will be a five-part series to happen this June. As a pioneer in the industry, AIP is committed to providing high-quality compounded medication as well as moving toward pharmaceutical innovation. AIP works with registered licensed pharmacists who have international training in compounding medicine and maintains a strong collaboration with international affiliates such as the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) and Medisca Australia. Know more about Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy by visiting apotheca.com.ph and following its official Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels. For feedback, you may reach the author at joba.botana@gmail.com.

Why celebrity moms love mWell Sustainable nail polish brand strengthens advocacy efforts with breast care group Healthsavers Plan As a mother, Miriam Quiambao believes in mWell’s ability to provide healthcare to every member of the family

METRO Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI)’s mWell PH recently launched Healthsavers Plan, as it continues to win the hearts of health-conscious individuals, including celebrities, with its affordable scheme where users are allowed to pay less for online doctor consultations 24/7. Celebrities who make their family’s health a top priority are among the users of the mWell PH app. Roxanne Montealegre, Sunshine Cruz, Divine Lee, Empress Schuck, and beauty queens Miriam Quiambao and Gazini Ganados, are among those who enjoy mWell’s many features that benefit every member of the family. Sunshine and Divine speak from the heart of a mom. Divine wouldn’t have it any other way when she said, “mWell is a must-have for every mom.” Sunshine, mother to three lovely young ladies, Angelina, Samantha, and Chesca, for her part says, “It’s a good thing I have mWell PH. It is important to be healthy for our kids.” Gazini finds peace of mind with her newfound mWell PH app. “My mWell app helps me worry less about my health and wellness with 24/7 access to doc-

Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados prioritizes her health, which is why she chooses mWell’s Healthsavers Plan

Chaye Cabal-Revilla sees mWell as the family’s digital healthcare ally

tors,” she declares. mWell started the year by being honored as the Best Initiative in Technological Innovation in The Asset ESG Corporate Awards Singapore, one of the world’s leading and longestrunning honors in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) space. For as low as P399, users can avail of two online doctor consultations. The plan comes with a free e-prescription, medical certificate, or doctor referral. Healthsavers Plan is transferable so it can be used by any member of the family. Booking fee is waived for mWell’s best value deal. This is part of mWell’s mission to bring healthcare closer to more Filipinos. MPIC President, Chairman and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan recognizes the crucial role of MPIC group’s newest foray into digital healthcare. “Through a collaboration with trusted health experts, mWell has developed an ecosystem to provide integrated digital healthcare, even be-

yond the pandemic. In just a few taps on the mobile phone, our countrymen may access affordable online doctor consultation 24/7, empowering them to be in control of their health with just one app,” Pangilinan says. Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance, Risk and Sustainability Officer of MPIC group, on the other hand, highlights mWell’s role as the family’s digital healthcare ally. “mWell is designed to respond to the health and wellness needs of every family while keeping each member safe. The app is a fully integrated health and wellness expert that can be called on, any time of day, wherever they may be. mWell’s Healthsavers Plan makes it possible for more Filipinos to receive the expert medical advice they deserve at a price they can afford,” Cabal-Revilla underscored. Supporting Cabal-Revilla in the mWell leadership team are Gary Dujali, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, and Michael Muin, Chief Technical Officer. Read full story on manilastandard.net

Beauty products perfect for the bride-to-be JUST in time for the bridal season, CND and Kerasilk have come up with a list of products every bride should go for before walking down the aisle. First on the list is CND’s Romantic Shades dubbed as YES, I DO, Bridal Collection, which is inspired by the classic wedding color palette. It draws inspiration from the small details that come together to create a magical moment, such as the bride’s bouquet and an elegant veil flowing seamlessly over a gorgeous gown. Shoppers can find CND Philippines on Shopee: bit.ly/3sL9wuZ The second item on the list – Cynos Inside Hair Care’s Kerasilk Keratin Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner – is for brides seeking straight, silky, and healthy hair. Its non-sodium chloride formulation provides a perfect environment that cleanses and repairs processed hair. Specially formulated with a moisture replenishing system to

infuse rich nutrition into every hair shaft, making hair healthy and shiny. Take your entire bridal entourage to a hair makeover at @studandsassy and get a Keratin Treatment and bring our Kerasilk Keratin Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner home in an instant. This chic salon is located at UG Commercial 5B, Citadines Millenium Ortigas, Philippines. The third product is Cynos Argan Oil, otherwise known as liquid gold. Morocco Argan Oil is a luxurious pampering treatment enriched with essential fatty acids and Brides-to-be will Omega 6 ensuring the functions of gush over the repair defense of the hair and skin. light pastel colors This multi-use innovative treatment of CND’s Yes, I Do can be used on the hair, face, body, Bridal Collection

Kerasilk Keratin Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner will leave brides with straight, silky, and healthy hair

and nails. Shop on Lazada by searching for New Summit Colors and look under LazMall Flagship Stores, and key in ‘Argan Oil’ Completing the list is CND’s SOLAROIL. It is an award-winning cuticle oil that is infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E. Repeated use drives nutrients deeper, creating stronger, healthier nails, and hydrated cuticle area. Go for Gel Manicure service at Nail Addik for only P500 and ask their nail professional about CND’s SOLAROIL™.

NAMI Natural, a UK-formulated nail polish brand, envisions taking the lead in sustainability and brand advocacy within the Philippine nail care industry. The brand, which opened its doors to the Filipino market last December, offers a healthy, toxin-free, and planet-friendly alternative to conventional nail polishes. Committed to creating a positive impact on the community, it has pledged to donate a portion of its sales to the renowned Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. or the Kasuso Foundation. A study conducted by the Global Cancer Observatory showed that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Filipino women. In fact, the same study has shown that in 2020, breast cancer ranked as the most prevalent type of cancer in the country, recording an estimate of more than 27,000 thousand new cases. “Our team has always been serious advocates of health and sustainability. We wish to bring significant and positive changes to the beauty industry by offering consumers new and yet conscious products, especially within the Filipino market,” said Tim Michaels, Nami Natural’s COO. “Becoming partners with PFBCI along with earning our Dermatest and PETA certifications has helped us further our advocacies as a start-up business. Most importantly, I’m happy to share that we’re lining up a full new collection just for the foundation where I’m sure it also means a lot and provides a positive impact on many Filipinos and future generations,” Michaels added.

With a desire for innovation and the pursuit of sustainability, Nami Natural seeks to not only embrace self-expression, confidence, and creativity but to look after its customers’ well-being, the environment, and the planet. This is the starting point of its advocacy, ultimately developing an all-natural, non-toxic, health-friendly, and sustainable nail care brand. Nami Natural has eliminated 18 toxic ingredients commonly found in conventional nail polishes and came up with healthy substitutes that nourish the skin and nails. Equipped with the highest certifications from Dermatest in Germany and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Nami nail polishes are guaranteed dermatologist-approved, vegan, and cruelty-free. “With businesses that value a wide spectrum of sustainability and advocacy like Nami Natural, we can work together to empower our beneficiaries and even inspire the next generation of businessmen. Through this partnership, we will be able to further our programs—early detection, patient navigation, and organizational regeneration,” shared Fiery Jimenez, President of PFBCI. By providing support for financially-challenged Filipina breast cancer patients, Nami projects as one of the start-up nail polish brands to foster a culture of inclusivity where everyone feels heard, valued, and loved through sustainability and innovation-driven actions. Find out more about Nami Natural at https://bit.ly/NamixKasusoFoundation.

Nami Natural executives and Kasuso Foundation members (From left) Ogie Rodriguez, Juni Del Rosario, Millet Ilagan, Jennifer Angeles, Malu Del Rosario, Lizette Lim,Philipp Renner, Marnie Jaranilla, Nathalia Jardin, and Tim Michael posing for a group photo