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Eid’l Adha regular holiday on July 9 By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared July 9 a regular holiday in observance of the Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice. The Palace released the proclamation following the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 142 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

It says that the observance of the Eid’l Adha should be subject to the public health measures of the national government. Eid’l Adha is one of Islam’s two greatest feasts along with Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Next page

BBM eyes 9% poverty level

Hopes to elevate individual average income to about P200k by 2028 By Darwin Amojelar, Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr aims to lower the poverty incidence to 9 percent before the end of his term in 2028, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Wednesday.

By then, Diokno added, the country should have attained an upper middle income status. “We are shooting for a $4,046 per capita income for Filipinos,” Diokno said. Diokno said Marcos will unveil his economic game plan at his first State of the

Nation Address (SONA) later this month. Diokno said the government would have enough funds as tax collections are expected to rise with economic growth. “We are confident that our revenues will pick up,” Diokno said, while playing down his predecessor’s call

to raise taxes to cover debts incurred during the pandemic. Diokno said the economy is expected to grow 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year, and 6.5 percent to 8 percent from 2023 to 2028. The Finance chief said the administration hopes to cut the deficit-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio from the current 9 percent to 3 percent by 2023. The national debt-to-GDP level will also be reduced to about 60 percent by 2025, Dioko said, from the current 63 percent

ECONOMIC TARGETS GDP Growth Debt-to-GDP ratio Fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio Poverty rate

6.5 to 7.5% this year; 6.5 to 8% from 2023 to 2028 60% by 2025 3% by 2026 9% by 2028

due to pandemic-related expenses. 2023 to 2028. Diokno added that the administration The government will also spend 5 plans to spend 5 percent to 6 percent to 6 percent of GDP on infrastructure of GDP on infrastructure yearly from Next page

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pays a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Palace. Marcos said they discussed agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and “our commitment to maintaining the strong relationship between our peoples in the coming years.” (Inset) Earlier in the day, Wang and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo unveiled a project marker at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila. Presidential Photo and AFP

Minister Wang Yi calls on Marcos, hails ‘new phase in China-PH ties’ By Vince Lopez

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday, as President FerdiTHE relationship between the Philip- nand Marcos Jr. received him at pines and China has “turned a new Malacañang to discuss a wide range page,” Chinese State Councilor and Next page

DOH notes COVID positivity rate up 6.8% as six areas log over 5% By Willie Casas, Vito Bracelo and Vince Lopez

Junie Cua

Antonio Manuel Lagdameo

THE country’s weekly COVID-19 positivity rate increased to 6.8 percent, as six regions recorded rates higher than 5 percent, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday. The National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila reported the highest positivity rate of 9.3 percent as of

Babe Romualdez

New appointees, including 3 Duterte execs, named By Vito Barcelo and Rey E. Requejo

Marcos retained actor and former Pampanga governor Mark Lapid as chief operating officer PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Tourism Infrastructure and on Tuesday retained three more of- Enterprise Zone Authority, the ficials from the previous administra- Palace said. Also retained are former media extion in their respective posts.

ecutive Jose Manuel Romualdez as Philippine ambassador to the United States and long-time envoy Antonio Manuel Lagdameo as ambassador and permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations. Next page

July 3, meaning that 93 people among every 1,000 tested were found positive for COVID-19. Other regions that surpassed the 5 percent benchmark of the World Health Organization (WHO) were Calabarzon with 8.4 percent, Western Visayas with 7.1 percent, Mimaropa with 6.4 percent, Cordillera Administrative Region with 5.5 percent, and Next page

Ex-AFP comptroller found guilty of bribery, sentenced to 8 years In an eight-page decision, the anti-graft THE Sandiganbayan has found retired Major General Carlos Garcia guilty be- court granted Garcia’s plea bargain to the yond reasonable doubt of direct bribery lesser offense of direct bribery. and of facilitating money laundering, The former Armed Forces deputy sentencing him to four years to eight chief of staff for comptrollership was years in prison. Next page

Zubiri: Cha-cha is not Senate’s priority AMENDING the 1987 Constitution and extending the terms of elected officials will not be the priority of the Senate in the 19th Congress. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is poised to be the next Senate President, said this Wednesday in reaction to a proposal in the House of Representatives that would amend the Constitution and cut the President and Vice President’s terms to five

years but allow them one reelection each. Zubiri also revealed that the influential Senate Blue Ribbon Committee would be chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino, which the former said was what the majority wanted despite returning Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s expressed interest to lead the panel. Next page

Fast foods: No chicken on Chicken Day NO CHICKENJOY? No McChicken? Unthinkable, but it happened — on, ironically, International Fried Chicken Day. Jollibee and McDonald’s Philippines on Wednesday confirmed that some of their stores have temporarily stopped offering cer-

tain chicken products due to “unavailability of chicken supply that meet their standards and specifications.” In separate statements, the food giants said the chickens were just too small or too light for Next page

CABINET IN ACTION. (Left) Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo distributes relief goods and cash assistance to fire victims in Gagalangin, Tondo in Manila on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. (Right) Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista rides the MRT-3 incognito to experience firsthand the daily commute of passengers in one of the busiest rail lines in Metro Manila.

News

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annually from 2023 to 2028, Diokno said. At the same briefing, Diokno said the President was “misunderstood” when he disagreed with the 6.1 percent inflation rate in June reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Diokno clarified that the President was referring to the full-year inflation rate, the year-to-date average of which stands at 4.4 percent. He said Marcos was also correct in saying high inflation in June was not a problem unique to the Philippines because other countries are suffering the same problem. “Among our peers, Indonesia’s overall inflation climbed to 4.4 percent in June from 3.6 percent in May. Meanwhile, Thailand’s inflation rate increased to 7.7 percent in June from 7.1 percent in May. Inflation in the Euro zone stood at 8.6 percent in June, the highest in 11 years. Meanwhile, the United States’ inflation

rate in May reached a 40-year high of 8.6 percent,” Diokno said. The increase in June was driven by increases in fuel and transport costs as well as higher prices for basic commodities. Diokno said the government would work to maintain price stability. Among the measures aimed at easing inflationary pressures are the fuel subsidies for public utility vehicle operators and drivers. “Considering that oil prices are expected to remain elevated in the near term, the government will expedite the release of the second tranche of subsidies for the transport sector,” Diokno said. The President said his administration will focus on providing long-term solutions to the problems hounding the agricultural sector as a key to building a strong economy. Marcos, who heads the Department of Agriculture (DA) in a concurrent capacity, said the agricultural sector has a production shortfall in palay, corn, livestock and fisheries. “That is why I made agriculture the

single highest priority of everything that we are doing. Because you cannot build a strong economy unless you have a foundation of a robust agricultural sector, which assures food supply even in emergencies. And that’s what we’re working towards,” he said. “We need long-term solutions. Solutions that can take care of this problem. We no longer take care of the symptoms, we take care of the disease. And that’s what we are trying to do in agri. We have a ways to go.” Short-term solutions include increasing production for the rest of the year. He said he would try to address gaps in the value chain by encouraging integration. “When you vertically integrate, there are savings all along the line. And hopefully that gets to the point that we can retail these agricultural products at a good price that’s affordable to people,” he said. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said another round of wage increases is only possible if there is a supervening event that will

warrant it. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay foru that the regional wage boards can issue a wage order only once in a given year as a general rule. Within the 12-month period from the effectivity of the wage order, no petition for a wage hike may be entertained, except when there is a supervening condition, such as an extraordinary increase in prices of petroleum products and basic goods and services. The existence of the supervening condition is to be determined by the regional wage boards and confirmed by the National Wages and Productivity Commission. This comes as consumers and minimum wage earners continue to bear the brunt of soaring commodity prices, with the country’s inflation soaring to a three-year high of 6.1 percent in June. Earlier, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) in the National Capital Region (NCR) granted a P33 increase for minimum wage earners in the region.

Ex-AFP... From A1

Minister... From A1

initially charged with plunder, which has a punishment of reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years of imprisonment. Garcia was also fined P406.3 million, or three times the total value of the gifts he received, as per his pleabargaining agreement. Garcia entered the plea-bargaining agreement with the Office of the Special Prosecutor of the Office of the Ombudsman in 2010. As part of the plea-bargaining agreement, the Supreme Court said Garcia offered to cede P135.4 million worth of cash, real and personal properties owned by himself and his family in favor of the government. Though the Office of the Solicitor General filed a petition for certiorari against the plea-bargaining agreement, it was dismissed by the Supreme Court in September 2020. “The Court finds accused Carlos F. Garcia guilty beyond reasonable doubt of Direct Bribery, defined and penalized under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code,” the Sandiganbayan said. In 2005 and 2009, Garcia was charged with plunder and money laundering for conniving and conspiring with co-accused members of his family, amassing P303.2 million worth of ill-gotten wealth in the form of funds, landholdings, and other real and personal properties. For the money laundering charge, Garcia pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of facilitating money laundering. Garcia was sentenced to imprisonment of four years to six years and ordered to pay a fine of P1.5 million. “The Court finds accused Carlos F. Garcia guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 4, paragraph B of Republic Act No. 9160, or Facilitating Money Laundering,” it said.

of issues, including infrastructure, agriculture, and energy. “I am grateful to Minister Wang Yi for extending the message of congratulations and support from President Xi Jinping,” Marcos said in a tweet, where he also shared photos of his meeting with the top Chinese envoy. Marcos said he and Wang also discussed “agriculture, energy, and our commitment to maintaining the strong relationship between our peoples in the coming years.” State-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM) also broadcasted a video of the meeting. Wang made his “new page” remark during his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) offices in Pasay City. He pointed out that it is “equally important for China and the Philippines, as two close neighbors, to join hands to further enhance mutual trust [and] expand mutually beneficial cooperation.” “With President Marcos being elected, the China-Philippine relationship has turned a new page. We highly appreciate President Marcos’ recent com-

mitment to pursuing a friendly policy toward China and we speak highly of his latest statements that have sent a very positive signal to the outside world,” he said. Wang was referring to an earlier statement of Marcos in June when he branded China as the Philippines’ “strongest partner.” Marcos then said the difficulties and differences between the two countries would be “helped in every way as long as we continue trying and continue to communicate and continue to be forthright in the interest of each of our countries.” Wang welcomed this, stressing that China is ready to work with the Philippines to “open up a new golden era” for their bilateral relationship. “We are ready to work toward that same direction with the Philippines and to plan for our cooperation going forward in all areas of our comprehensive strategic partnership and I am confident that with our two sides working together, we can surely open up a new golden era for the bilateral relationship,” he said. Wang arrived in the country on Tuesday upon the invitation of DFA chief Manalo, who said he looks forward to having fruitful exchanges with China’s envoy on important matters between Manila and Beijing.

“China has been a good friend and close partner of the Philippines in our recovery efforts, and we have stood shoulder to shoulder in times of great difficulty, helping one another so that we may both bring progress to our people and nations,” he added. Wang was the first foreign counterpart received by Manalo since he assumed office on July 1. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Marcos told reporters that the South China Sea (SCS) territorial disputes, as well as the renewal of the Philippines and China’s closer cooperation in various fields, would be discussed during his meeting with Wang. “Let’s have cultural exchanges, educational exchanges, even the military (exchanges) if that will be useful. Of course, the GTG (government-to-government [partnership]) has always been there, and the private sector, and joint ventures have also been there. But I think that the more that we do, the more it will help resolve the issue,” he said. However, Marcos stressed there are other matters that need to be touched on to “normalize” the relationship between the Philippines and China. Wang was last in Manila in January 2021 for an official visit upon the invitation of former Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin.

have not yet translated to a rise in severe and critical hospital admissions across, the DOH added. The Philippines on Tuesday recorded 832 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the active infections to 10,032. On Tuesday, the DOH also reported that more Omicron COVID-19 subvariant cases were detected in the latest whole genome sequencing. According to the report, 43 BA.5 cases, 20 BA.2.12.1 cases, and seven BA.4 cases were detected from 211 samples sequenced from June 29 to July 4, 2022. The DOH also said in total, there were 190 cases testing positive for the Omicron and all of its sublineages with 90.5 percent, while 21 samples have no lineage assigned. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday likened the more transmissible Omicron variant to a flu, saying that it does not hit as hard as compared to other variants. Marcos said the country still has the capacity to manage the new COVID-19 infections.

He also said Omicron-infected individuals are usually down for about two to three days only, in contrast with earlier variants such as Alpha and Delta. Marcos on Wednesday agreed to require Filipinos to get booster shots after meeting with some officials of the Department of Health (DOH) in preparation for the full conduct of face-to-face classes by November. The President said that the people need to get the booster shots to have stronger immunity against Omicron subvariants in the country. The DOH officials who attended the meeting were Health Undersecretaries Lilibeth C. David, Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taiño, Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr., Maria Rosario SinghVergeire, and Assistant Secretary Maylene M. Beltran. During the meeting, the DOH advised the President of the need to increase the protection of the population against the Omicron subvariants, especially students who are ready to go back to school this September.

is not our priority,” Zubiri said in a chance interview. The Senate leader said the people are “allergic to political talk” when it comes to constitutional amendments, as the 19th Congress should prioritize discussions on how the economy will recover and how the government can provide livelihood to the Filipinos. “That’s the first thing we have to discuss because we’re coming from a pandemic. Many are still suffering because COVID-19 isn’t over yet. So we have to support the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) and his health program in the coming months,” he said. Zubiri said the only current Charter change-related issue senators have discussed was the federalism advocacy of Senator Robin Padilla. The neophyte lawmaker is poised to chair the Senate constitutional amendments panel. “I told him, go ahead, set your committee hearings. Of course, we will attend, and we will exchange our ideas with you.’ That’s as far as we are talking about any talk about Charter change,” Zubiri said. He also said the Senate in the 19th

Congress will not be a rubber stamp of the Marcos administration but will not be an obstructionist on the measures that seek to help various sectors in the country. “In the 18th Congress, I was also the Senate majority leader. Never did the Senate become a rubber stamp,” he added, citing as an example the push of the death penalty bill during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “We will go through the measures with a fine-toothed comb. If we think it is good for the country, we will pass these bills without a doubt. If it’s good for the country, it’s good for a particular sector,” he said. In their previous meetings, Zubiri said the Marcos administration did not ask for the passage of supposedly controversial bills. He also disclosed that the current administration would like to push for the remaining tax reform bills that were not approved under the Duterte administration, such as the Passive Income Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA), Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic

BBM... From A1

Fast foods... From A1 their requirements. The rising cost of poultry feeds has made it hard for local farmers to find quality “patuka” for their broilers. Imported chicken is also not an option, as dwindling stocks are exacerbated by runaway fuel prices and the disruptions in the global supply chain triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war. “We continue to serve chicken products in our stores. There are only a number of stores that temporarily don’t offer certain chicken products due to an increase in demand and unavailability of chicken supply that meet our standards and specifications, serving only our best to customers,” said Adi Timbol-Hernandez, Corporate Relations Director of McDonalds’ Philippines. In a separate interview, Timbol-Hernandez explained where the Golden Arches gets its chicken products from. “Our chicken fillet and nuggets, we import them. Our chicken McDo (are) locally sourced. There’s chicken when you go to your local market or grocery, but the size or weight of these are not fit for our requirements. There’s not enough supply of chicken that meets our standards,” she said. Jollibee and sister chain Mang Inasal are in the same gravy boat owing to the spike in demand ever since COVID-19 protocols were eased across the country. But Jollibee Foods Corp. said in a statement the situation is slowly getting better as it is confident the chicken supply will return to their branches with dwindling stocks.

DOH... From A1 Central Luzon with 5.4 percent. The DOH als reported that the national case trend showed a “continuous increase” of COVID-19 infections in 91 percent of provinces and cities, which averaged 1,103 cases per day from June 28 to July 4, 2022. “Most areas show sharp increase in cases, with the NCR showing the steepest increase, now exceeding 500 cases per day,” it added. The DOH said that Mindanao also showed a “slight uptick” in COVID-19 infections in mid-June 2022, but is now showing signs of plateauing with more than 50 cases per day. Despite this, DOH said the Philippines and all regions remain at a low risk case classification with their average daily attack rates also at low risk. The health care utilization rates are also still at low risk in all regions and the increase in COVID-19 infections

Zubiri:... From A1 Senator Imee Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s older sister, is set to chair the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Electoral Reform, Social Justice, and Cooperatives. “She is hardworking, and you know, I thank her because she is willing to hold these four committees,” Zubiri said. Cayetano had said he would only join the Senate majority led by Zubiri if he gets the chairmanship of the Blue Ribbon, also known as the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations. Zubiri said the majority had already offered the position to Tolentino, from the very beginning and the former happily accepted it. “Although with a little bit of a hesitation because it takes a lot of work. But we committed to him our support and he already accepted it. That’s already a done issue,” the presumptive Senate President told reporters. “Let’s not talk about Charter change when the (Marcos) administration is so new... I would say, right now, that

New... From A1 Marcos swore in Lapid, Romualdez, and Lagdameo at the Palace. Earlier, Marcos renominated former Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles as chairman of the Civil Service Commission. He was one of President Rodrigo Duterte’s ad-interim appointees bypassed by the Commission on Appointments due to a lack of quorum. Other appointees who also took their oath on Tuesday were Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman; General Manager and President of the Government Service Insurance System Jose Arnulfo Veloso; and Presidential Security Group Commander and Senior Military Assistant Ramon Zagala. Others who took their oath were Quirino Rep. Junie Cua as chairperson of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; Romeo Lumagui Jr. as deputy commissioner for operations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue; and former Basilan governor Abdulghani “Gerry” Salapuddin as administrator and chairperson of the Southern Philippines Development Authority. Actor Tirso Cruz III took his oath as chairperson and chief executive of the Film Development Council and Juan Revilla as a board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board. All appointees took their oath in the Palace. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has designated chief of the Immigration Regulation Division Rogelio Gevero, Jr. as officer-in-charge commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration. Gevero will be replacing BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to head the graft-ridden agency in July 2016. As OIC of the BI, Gevero will perform and discharge the duties and responsibilities of the office until July 31 or until a replacement has been appointed. During Morente’s term, 43 BI officers were charged with graft before Sandiganbayan, for their participation in the so-called “pastillas scheme,” where Chinese nationals allegedly bribed officers for easy access into the country. This led the Department of Justice to order the dismissal of 18 officers and employees of the agency after they were found administratively liable in the scheme. Also on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista designated Romeo Vera Cruz as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Before his designation, Vera Cruz had been serving as the agency’s executive director. As OIC, it said Vera Cruz is authorized to act on “administrative and dayto-day functions” of the LTO.

Eid’l... From A1 The Islamic festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Eid’l Adha lasts four days and celebrates the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims around the world to Mecca.

Recovery (GUIDE) bill, and the Real Property Valuation Reform. “I think those are non-controversial measures. These are not new taxes. It’s ‘no to new taxes.’ That is the theme of the Marcos administration in this first quarter,” he said. The lawmaker said they will wait for the administration’s priority bills, which will be laid out on Marcos’ first State of the Nation Address on July 25. On the Blue Ribbon committee, which is tasked to investigate alleged wrongdoings of the government, its officials, and its attached agencies, Zubiri emphasized the majority bloc wanted Tolentino to head it, “That’s what it is. Let’s be practical about it. It should be early, the assignment of positions. It’s not about really what you want. It’s about what the body wants. All selected chairmen would be elected on the floor,” Zubiri added. However, the Senate leader said he is still trying to appeal to Cayetano to join the majority. “We will still talk about it. What I know is there are still four available [committees]. Ethics is one. It should be no problem giving it to Senator Cayetano. Why not?” he said.

News BOC launches new program for database intel sharing THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has launched a new software called the National Customs Intelligence System (NCIS) designed to secure data warehouse of intelligence information from various units of the agency. The project was jointly spearheaded by the Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG), Risk Management Office (RMO), and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS). Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the new system covers various departments of the agency such as Accounts Management Office (AMO), Imports & Assessment Service (IAS), MISTG, Customs Operations Center (COC), CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and Legal Service. The NCIS allows for the generation of reports from various units, paving the way for “informed decision-making analysis and more responsive policies.” The NCIS also aims to break the “silo mentality and foster a robust exchange of information” within the agency. Aligned with the agency’s modernization program to meet global standards, this inter-office initiative will further improve the coordination and execution of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border protection activities. Meanwhile, the BOC was recognized by the Civil Service Commission - Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) as one of the Top 10 government agencies with the highest complaints resolution rate over seven years ending in 2021. The CCB is one of the Philippine government’s main feedback mechanisms that serves as the people’s direct line in providing feedback on the efficiency of government service delivery. Its establishment supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act, and its amendment, Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. Joel E. Zurbano

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NCRPO steps up anti-drug campaign

PERATIVES of the National Capital Region Police Ofﬁce (NCRPO) have seized more than P109 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of raids conducted in two days.

In a statement, NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said the campaign against illegal drugs “has been among the most signiﬁcant battles relentlessly fought not only by the Philippine National Police (PNP), but also by other government agencies responsible for upholding peace, safety, and security of communities in the country.” Natividad said the Manila Police District (MPD), together with operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested Chinese nationals Bin Hi, 42, and Jiankang Lang, in Baran-

gay 720, Malate, Manila in connection with the drive. The two suspects yielded about 15 kilos of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P102 million. On the same day, a composite team of the MPD, the Northern Police District (NPD), and the PDEA arrested Richard Allan de Asis while in possession of one kilo of suspected shabu valued at P6.8 million in a buy-bust at a restaurant inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle. An hour later, two suspects identiﬁed as Jenneve Bolgado and Arnold Cruz were

also apprehended by Quezon City policemen in another buy-bust operation on Viceroy St. in Barangay Greater Fairview. The agents seized from the suspects about 25 grams of suspected shabu valued at P170,000. Two more suspected drug traffickers were nabbed during a raid in Barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. Police identified the suspects as Marvin dela Cruz and Pauline Garlit who were caught while in possession of shabu worth P272,000. On the same day, five suspects identified as Gina Rubino, Rexon Reyes, Francis Caunar, Glenn Bacongallo, and Jennifer Amarille, were apprehended by the Malabon police along P. Aquino St. in Barangay Tonsuya. Seized from them were about 18 grams of suspected shabu

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday raised grave concern for the “considerable” delay in the implementation of a warrant of arrest for three policemen accused of involvement in the murder of Spanish businessman Diego Bello Lafuente in January 2020. “This delay, despite the accused ofﬁcers having been informed of the charges against them and the issuance of the warrant of ar-

STILL WORKING ON IT. Department of Public Works and Highways workers have their hands full trying to beat the deadline for repair of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover which sustained cracks and potholes attributed to the usual wear and tear. Additional damage was detected in the structure, but the agency said they could still finish the job with two weeks more to go before the onemonth schedule expires. Danny Pata

rest on 25 March 2022, goes beyond the reasonable promptness required in the effective administration of justice,” CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said. Such unreasonable delays in legal proceedings for failure to implement an arrest warrant causes a breakdown in the justice system due to the prevention of a timely and effective legal redress to the victim, she stressed. “In the same light, a protracted legal proceeding only extends the injustice experienced

by alleged perpetrators should they eventually be found innocent,” De Guia said. “We strongly urge the Philippine National Police to exert all efforts to locate the accused so that legal proceedings may continue and both the accused and the aggrieved may seek the remedy of the courts in the pursuit of justice,” she added. Lafuente, a suspected high-value drug suspect, was killed in a buy- bust operation in Siargao Islands on Jan. 8, 2020 for allegedly attempting to ﬁght the police.

The Ofﬁce of the Prosecutor General in a Feb. 9 resolution, charged Capt. Wise Vicente Panuelos, and staff sgts. Ronel Pazo and Nido Boy Cortes with murder and planting of evidence for Lafuente’s death before the 13th Judicial Region in Surigao del Norte. According to De Guia, the speedy and impartial resolution of cases is signiﬁcant in ensuring the improvement of the country’s justice system in responding to cases involving alleged human rights violation in the campaign against illegal drugs.

DPWH: 2 flood control projects done By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of two flood control projects worth P38.8 million along the Peñaranda River to protect nearby communities in the towns of General Tinio and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija. The projects were expected to reduce the incidence of flooding in low-lying areas in Barangay Rio Chico in General Tinio and Barangay San Roque in San Leonardo. DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said floods in these areas usually occur after heavy rains as the Penaranda River usually overflows. In his report to Bonoan, DPWH Re-

valued at P122,400. For its part, the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested eight suspects at No. 645 Purok 9 PNR Site FTI Compound, Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City. The suspects were identified as Alfatha Sumandal, Norhadz Ali, Arnold Milgaril, Richard Manansala, Fernan Rodriguez, Paul John Rodriguez, Ernesto Pascual, and Tony Watamama, who yielded about 51 grams of shabu worth P346,800. Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were being readied against the suspects. “These accomplishments prove that our police continue to serve and work to curb drug traffickers and sources of illegal drugs. Our dedication to the fight against illegal drugs will continue in the NCR),” Natividad said.

Popcom eyes 1% population growth a year

CHR questions delay in arrest of 3 cops tagged in bizman’s slay By Rio N. Araja

gion 3 director Roseller Tolentino underscored the importance of providing General Tinio and San Leonardo with revetment along their sections of Peñaranda River as both towns rely on farming rice, corn, and other vegetable produce. According to Tolentino, the security brought about by the structures greatly benefits local farmers by preventing low crop yields due to soil erosion caused by surplus of water from the river, while at the same time ensuring safety of residents from the adverse effects of flooding. The projects were implemented by DPWH Nueva Ecija 2nd District Engineering Office and was completed months ahead of schedule.

‘Uphold human rights in fight vs. rebel groups’

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISE. Senior high school graduates of the National College of Science and Technology (NCST) raise their diplomas during a face-to-face commencement exercise at the Dasmariñas Arena in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Tuesday. The Department of Education has allowed the no-social-distancing mass gathering in areas under Alert Level 1, provided that other health and safety protocols are observed.

Airline exec: Make COVID-19 rules simpler to boost PH aviation sector

UPBEAT TOURISM INDUSTRY. With the COVID-19 pandemic slowly but surely easing out, the domestic tourism sector sees better days ahead. The Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) even holds its first post- pandemic face-to-face general membership meeting at the Conrad Hotel. PIATA president Maria Paz Alberto poses with Conrad Hotel sales and marketing director Michael Albaña and Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Stanley Ng (left), guest speaker at the conference.

THE Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) on Wednesday said it aimed to keep the country’s yearly population growth at around one million or one percent. The Philippine population grew by about 0.9 percent in 2020 and 0.4 percent last year, according to Popcom executive director Juan Antonio Perez III. “I don’t expect that it will stay that low kasi bumabalik na iyong ekonomiya, nagiging mobile na ulit iyong mga tao (because the economy is opening up, people are getting more mobile). I expect population to growth to again go up. But we hope it will stay at around 1 percent,” Perez said in a televised public brieﬁng. “That is a manageable and stable population that will help government achieve… poverty reduction, iyong kagutuman mabawasan dahil hindi na nadadagdagan nang malaki iyong mga bilang ng mga pamilya,” he said. Before the pandemic, the country’s population went up by around 1.5 million every year, he said. “What we are aiming for [is] a population growth of around one million every year,” he added. This could “only be done if we’re able to maintain the family planning program which now covers 8 million to 9 million,” Perez said. “This is a major program so it needs, especially in the upcoming year, collaboration with local governments because they will mainly deliver the services,” Perez said. Some 68,000 births were recorded in January 2022, lower than the usual 100,000 births in the Philippines every month, Perez noted. He said unplanned pregnancies also decreased last year. Willie Casas

AN executive of low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) on Wednesday said he hopes the government could make COVID-19 protocols simpler to boost the aviation sector’s recovery. “Before the pandemic, what’s important to the passengers is the cost of the air fare, what’s (affordable). Now the passengers’ concern is more on the travel regulations,” CEB chief commercial officer Xander Lao said in an interview. He noted that protocols, as well as the COVID registration app, varied in many local government units. Lao suggested one way to simplify things by allowing passengers to just show their vaccination cards. Another thing that Lao hopes the Marcos administration would continue is the investments in airports and the training of air traffic controllers. “We need to increase the capacity so that more flights can be accommodated to and

from the country,” Lao said. The executive, meanwhile, acknowledged the previous administration’s aid to the airline industry, which was among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic globally. At the onset of the pandemic, the government deferred the local carriers’ payment for parking, landing, and take-off at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as well as all the airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. “The waving of fees is certainly appreciated,” Lao said. At present, CEB has already reached 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity. “International (capacity), however, is difﬁcult (to reach the 100 percent capacity) because this depends on regulations. Hong Kong, for example, is open but requires quarantine. How could someone want a vacation with quarantine?” he said. Joel Zurbano

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday deplored terrorism acts by the rebel groups, but appealed to the Department of National Defense (DND) to still uphold the protection of human rights in addressing rebellion. In a statement, CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said while the agency welcomed DND officer in charge Jose Faustino Jr.’s commitment to prioritize the protection of human rights, respect for international humanitarian law and efforts to address the root causes of internal conflict, “the endless cycle of violence, including those perpetrated by armed lawless groups, must be stopped.” “Violent unrest sows discord on the lives of civilians, which disturbs the peace in communities and prevents them from realizing certain human rights, including the right to a peaceful environment and development — both individually and as a community,” she said. Citing the bomb blast in Lamitan City, Basilan just barely a month after the bombings in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Basilan, she added it is more apparent that there is a need for sustainable solutions to armed conflict. “We at CHR condemn all violent, lawless actions, including employing armed conflict as a means to an end,” she said. “We continue to call the need to uphold the rule of law and support government efforts in its fight against terrorism, respect for international humanitarian law, and the principle of distinction, which remains paramount in ensuring the protection of the rights of combatants and civilians during times of conflict,” she emphasized. Rio N. Araja

Rights group urges probe on alleged PHSA harassment

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

BUDGET REVIEW. Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte leads the department’s budget review at the DepEd head office. The DepEd and its attached agencies received a P629. 8 billion budget for 2022. The figure is six percent higher than its P595 billion budget in 2021. Manny Palmero

AUTHORITIES should investigate allegations of sexual abuse and harassment at the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA), the Child Rights Network said. The child rights advocates also demanded the “safe return of students at the state-run boarding school in Laguna.” “The administrators of PHSA and the agencies that oversee it, including the Department of Education and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, must immediately address the cycle of abuse in this school,” a statement from the group, quoted by an ABSCBN report, said. “Our very own educational and cultural agencies should not be aiding and abetting the sexual abuse of students.” A report from Vice World News said current and former students had experienced sexual, physical and emotional abuse from the school’s teachers and staff. In January, current students and alumni also signed a letter urging the PHSA administration to ensure the campus would be safe from abuse. The child right’s group stressed these claims

News

Eriguel stopped from taking post as new mayor of Agoo By Rey E. Requejo

HE Supreme Court (SC) has issued a temporary restraining order against Stefanie Eriguel-Calongcagon from taking the position of mayor of Agoo Municipality in La Union from Frank Ong Sibuma, who was ordered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to vacate the post.

In a three-page order, the SC issued a TRO and Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO), to be made effective immediately and to continue until further orders from the Court. The SC has enjoined Comelec, one of the respondents, from implementing its assailed May 13 Resolution in SPA No. 21-172 and the corresponding Writ of

Execution dated June 29. “Accordingly, the Comelec directive to the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) of the Municipality of Agoo, La Union to reconvene at the Session Hall, 8th Floor, Palacio del Gobernador, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and thereafter

is restrained,” the Court stated. Also named respondents in the case are Alma Panelo and Calongcagon. The Petition for Certiorari with application for TRO and SQAO and Motion for Special Raffle was filed by the petitioner Sibuma. The SC issued the TRO without giving due course to the petition. The SC also required the respondents to submit their comment to the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice. On Tuesday, the Comelec’s Second Division granted the petition filed by Panelo to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Sibuma for Agoo mayor, over issues surrounding his residency. Panelo claimed that Sibuma reportedly committed material misrepresentation because he claimed to be living in Agoo for a year and three months be-

fore the May 9 elections, when in fact he is a resident of the neighboring town of Aringay. Calongcagon was proclaimed mayor by the Municipal Board of Canvassers at 2 p.m. of July 5. This marks Calongcagon’s third term as chief executive of Agoo, a first-class municipality with more than 60,000 residents in the second district of La Union. Calongcagon garnered 16,603 votes, as the duly-elected municipal mayor of Agoo. In a statement, Calongcagon cited the disqualification of her rival Sibuma on material misrepresentation of his certificate of candidacy. The Comelec cancelled Sibuma’s candidacy after a petitioner questioned his residency as early as November 2021. Material misrepresentation is an

63% of Pinoys back repeal of rice tariffs, says survey A MAJORITY of Filipinos support the repeal of the Rice Tariffication Law (Republic Act No. 11203), which removed quantitative restrictions on rice imports in favor of a tariff system when it was signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, a PUBLiCUS survey suggested. The survey said 63 percent of respondents to the PAHAYAG 2022 Second Quarter Survey, conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. from June 16 to 22, 2022, said they approve or strongly approve of ‘repealing the Rice Tariffication Law’ (RTL). 8 percent of respondents said they disapprove or strongly disapprove of repealing the law. 29 percent of respondents said they neither approve nor disapprove of the proposal. Atty. Aureli Sinsuat, Executive Director of PUBLiCUS, noted that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to take a firm stance on the proposed repeal of the RTL since ascending to the presidency. “While President Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture to conduct a reassessment of the Rice Tariffication Law, with particular emphasis on the PhP 10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or RCEF for farmers, he has not made any public statement clearly supporting repeal of the law since taking office,” Sinsuat said. “However, it is likely that President BBM will face significant pressure from farmers’ groups and their allies to adopt a more protectionist stance on agriculture in the coming months,” Sinsuat added. Meanwhile, PUBLiCUS’ resident economist predicts that repealing the RTL and reintroducing restrictions on rice imports would result in higher rice prices on the consumer market. “The RTL allows less expensive foreign rice to be sold in large supply on the Philippine market. According to President Duterte’s economic team, this has resulted in a seven-peso decrease in the per-kilo price of rice since 2018.

REAPPOINTMENT. Mark T.

Lapid (second from left) will continue to lead the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) as he took his oath of office as TIEZA chief operating officer before President Ferdinand R. MarcosJr. in Malacañang on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Accompanying Lapid was his wife Tanya and their three daughters.

OVP satellite offices start social service programs THE satellite offices of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) have started providing provide social services programs, including medical and burial assistance. Vice President Sara Duterte earlier opened satellite offices in several regions across the country so that her office can provide immediate services to the public, GMA News reported. The GMA News report said medical and burial assistance offered in the satellite offices can be availed through identified partner hospitals or direct walk-in applications.

“These established satellite offices across the country will widen the program’s reach and will guarantee a better provision of assistance,” Attorney Reynold Munsayac, Duterte’s spokesperson, said in a news release. Applicants must complete the following requirements to avail the services: 1. Filled-out application form. 2. Submit the complete requirements and form via walk-in to satellite office processor/staff. 3. Wait for the processing of application. 4. The processor/staff will inform the

applicant of the date of issuance of assistance that will be provided personally or via email. Munsayac also guaranteed that the OVP satellite offices would not be limited to remote areas as Duterte is eyeing “to open more in hopes to reach more Filipinos throughout the country,” GMA News reported. The OVP’s present satellite offices are located in: Dagupan (Region 1), Cebu (Region VII), Tacloban (Region VIII), Zamboanga (Region IX), Davao (Region XI), and Tandag in Surigao del Sur (Region XIII).

Lawmaker files civil partnership bill By Maricel V. Cruz

CLEAN ROAD. Photo shows an uncrowded road in front of the Quiapo Church on Wednesday after Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna ordered the numerous obstructions in the area dismantled. Norman Cruz

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has refiled a bill recognizing civil partnership of couples, regardless of sex, and providing their rights and obligations under the union. Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera filed House Bill 1015, also known as the “Civil Partnership Act” that aims to protect civil partnership couples by penalizing unlawful and discriminatory practices committed by persons or institutions against them based on their civil partnership status. In refiling the bill, Herrera said “It is about time that the Philippine government grant couples—whether they are of the opposite or of the same sex—adequate legal instruments to recognize their partnerships, respecting their dignity and recognizing equality before the law.” She noted that while there has been greater acceptance of minority groups in recent years, the Philippines has not made sufficient strides in providing some of the most basic civil rights to couples who are not eligible for marriage under existing laws.

of abuse violate laws aimed at protecting children, ABS-CBN News reported. “We call on DepEd, CCP, and the whole government to expedite the investigations, execute comprehensive actions, and ensure that not one more student would be subjected to sexual abuse and harassment,” the group’s statement also said. “We also call on the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine National Police to initiate a thorough investigation on the matter, and ensure that our educational institutions are safe spaces, especially for children.” In response to the report, the PHSA vowed it would provide its students a “safe learning environment” But the management described as “unfair” that the state-run school had become a “haven for abuse,” ABSCBN reported. “As felt by many of our alumni, teachers and staff, some of whom have worked at PHSA for more than 20 years, the sweeping generalization, as shown in the articles portraying the PHSA as haven for abuse, is unfair,” the PHSA said in a statement.

Vape act is still ‘uncertain,’ says Press Secretary THE fate of the proposed Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, also known as the Vape Regulation Bill is still uncertain, Malacañang said on Wednesday. In a Palace press briefing, Press Secretary Beatrix Rose “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said there is no indication that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would either sign the Vape Bill or let it lapse into law. “So, there has been no indication. The President has not commented on these bills right now,” Cruz-Angeles said, when asked if Marcos has plan to sign the Vape Bill into law. Cruz-Angeles, however, acknowledged that a bill might lapse into law, in the event that the President fails to act on it. “The President has not indicated either way. So, when you say that there are bills pending before the President, as you know, if no action is made, then it lapses into law,” she said. The Vape Bill was ratified by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Jan. 26, 2022. If the President does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it will lapse into law after 30 days of receipt, according to the Official Gazette. The Department of Health (DOH) and other health experts have been calling for the veto of the bill because of its provisions that contradict public health goals and international standards.

Revilla files bill to give cash aid to poor farmers in rural communities By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. has filed the “Pantawid Magsasakang Pilipino Act” meant to reduce rural poverty and ensure food security and sufficiency, Revilla’s proposed measure intends to provide conditional cash transfers to poor rice farming households. He noted that qualified poor rice farming households shall receive cash grants under the bill. When this bill passes into law, Revilla is hopeful that many rice farmers responsible for the food security of the nation shall be compensated for their great service to the Filipino people. In consultation with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform, the DSWD will identify the beneficiaries of this program. The amount of the cash grant shall be sourced from annual tariff revenues from rice importation in excess of P10 billion and shall be determined depending on the number of eligible beneficiaries and the administrative and financial cost of providing the grant. To provide additional income for rice farming household beneficiaries, DSWD is also mandated to facilitate short-term intervention to provide temporary employment to members of qualified rice farming households.

Opinion Between a rock and a hard place SENATORS Imee Marcos and Chiz Escudero posed a legal conundrum on the Day One veto of the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act. If the 18th Congress has already adjourned, to whom is the presidential veto being addressed? The Senate is a continuing body, with 12 senators who were elected in 2019, and whose terms end three years from now, even if its leadership positions have become functus oficio. The House has yet to be convened on July 25, when they elect their Speaker and other key positions in time for the State of the Nation Address. So is President Marcos Jr’s veto necessary, or has the inaction of the Duterte administration as of 30 June deemed the enrolled HB 7575 lapsed into law? Or, should the same be re-filed in the 19th Congress?

But that is because Congress in the past created so many eco-zones, virtually every congressman wanting to parade his province as an economic zone without any consideration of its comparative advantage. Indeed, there are “ecozones” which bear nothing but an entrance arch in its ingress proclaiming it to be such, without locators, and with nary an interest for anyone to invest. But that does not diminish the fact that the growth of regions like Calabarzon and Central Luzon are, to the greatest extent, a function of these economic zones, whether run by PEZA or by the private sector accredited to it. If poverty incidence is high in Cagayan province where Juan Ponce Enrile formed CEZA, blame it not on the law but on the implementation of the same. The same goes for the economic zone in Aurora province. Still, Mactan is what it is today, having created thousands of jobs, because a former airbase was converted into a special zone with tax incentives. Ditto Subic, and Clark, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, etc. The issue is between a rock and a hard place, as the saying goes. Do we want more jobs for Filipinos forced to leave the country because they find a lack of economic opportunity here? More jobs for the millions who are currently unemployed, pre and post-lockdowns, and the many more who are under-employed? Or is premium to be placed on government’s ability to raise more and more future tax revenues even if these are yet to be realized (the memorandum gives us a whopping sum of 1.62 trillion pesos of “foregone” revenues based on VAT and income taxes alone) on a yet to be built, yet to be developed marshland with nothing but dalag and hito populating it, giving a hand-to-mouth existence to the few hundreds eking survival on these lands? Let’s face it. We are not exactly the hottest kid on the regional bloc when it comes to attracting investments. FDI’s go to Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and now are looking at Cambodia, even Myanmar. Our archipelago is not a favored destination for capital. Our labor costs are not that competitive any longer, even if that is offset by relatively competitive labor skills (which are rapidly deteriorating, given a decrepit educational system). Our electricity costs are the highest in the region, fighting toe to toe in high prices with uber-developed Japan. Our infrastructure pales in comparison with Thailand, and now Vietnam and Indonesia, even with the Build, Build, Build initiative of the Duterte administration. As former Sen. Dick Gordon kept saying, “we should prioritize job creation over immediate revenues.” Revenues will come, if the investment come-ons are attractive. Anyway, we are consoled by the executive announcing that they just want to “cure the defects” of HB 7575 in the next Congress. The tragedy is: time lost cannot be regained. Investor interest lost because we keep changing the rules of the game cannot be easily rekindled. I need not cite the big names in the international business community where, as I understand, San Miguel has been kindling interest in the sleepy town of Bulakan. Our colleague in the Standard, Tony Lopez, estimates 200 billion US dollars in potential export revenues alone. That is 12 trillion pesos, by the way, reckoned at 2023 exchange values. And sure, the veto does not cover the franchise on the Bulakan airport, but, then again, how financially viable would the airport be if nobody locates in the surrounding areas because of our “bigay-bawi” attitude on FDI’s? The other question that I wonder about, and surely many more wonder is: Why didn’t the former president veto the bill in his time, given that there was a Dominguez memorandum as early as June 2? Why pass the buck to a new administration whose ostensible deadline “to be or not to be” was June the third?

The tragedy is: time lost cannot be regained. Investor interest lost because we keep changing the rules of the game cannot be easily rekindled Apparently, quantum caution got the palace to rush a veto message, addressed to the nonexistent leadership of both houses of Congress. The issue will of course become mute, because legislators and the executive have announced that they will “cure” the defects which the president in his veto message highlighted. A more acceptable version will be filed in the 19th Congress, when, expectedly, Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Miguel Zubiri are elected. If not for the end of President Duterte’s term on June 30, the bill, if un-acted upon by him, would have lapsed into law on July 3. But then again, there was a 14-page memorandum submitted by the Secretary of Finance, Carlos Dominguez, dated June 2, asking Pres. Duterte to veto the bill. In the memorandum, Dominguez cited powers exempting the Bulacan EcoZone Authority from economic regulations recently amended by Congress (such as the CREATE Law) but also “more importantly, regulations made in the exercise of police power as implemented by National Government Agencies.” Dominguez argued that the objectives of HB 7575 can be met by the implementation of the CREATE Law where “eligible enterprises may apply for and avail of tax incentives… subject to the review and approval of the Fiscal Incentives and Review Board.” But that is precisely refuted by Sen. Imee Marcos, who stated in an interview that the intent of the legislation which she sponsored as Chairperson of Economic Affairs, and got 21 senators to approve, precisely wants to cut through the bureaucratic rigmarole of the FIRB controlled by the economic managers, so as to create a more stable incentive package for both foreign and domestic investors to invest their capital, and thus create more and better jobs. There would be “enormous tax leakages” if the bill becomes law, the former finance secretary averred. To which Sen. Marcos said that there would be no tax revenue loss because there are no revenues collected in the present state of the location in the seaside town of Bulakan, Bulacan. The man on the street would say, “Oo nga naman.” If no businesses would locate in those foreshore lands, what lost tax revenues are we talking about? Our economic managers argue that investments are not necessarily lured into the country by tax incentives but by “a more stable business environment.” The Dominguez memo further states that according to the Philippine Statistics Authority “the difference in poverty incidences of provinces with eco-zones versus those without is insignificant.”

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Review the K-12 program

S THE national government’s K-12 enhanced basic education program working?

The K-12 program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (6 years of Primary Education, four years of Junior High School; and two years of Senior High School) to provide “sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development and entrepreneurship.” That’s the DepEd rationale for discarding the old set-up and adding two more years to basic education. The curriculum consists of Filipino and English; Mathematics; Science; Araling Panlipunan; Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (Humanities); Music; Arts; Physical Education; Health; Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan. Under the Technology and Livelihood Education component , there’s Agri-Fishery Arts; Home Economics; Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Industrial Arts. What the broad scope of the K-12 program tells us is that even if students complete the program and cannot pursue higher education for one reason or another, mainly financial, they can already seek gainful employment. But it’s one thing to wish for the moon and the stars, and quite another to actually

get things right. For ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker France Castro, a review of the K-12 program is needed to fully address the problems it created. Castro urged Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte “to see the realities and effects of underfunding, low salaries and the shortages brought about by the implementation of the enhanced basic education program.”

But it’s one thing to wish for the moon and the stars, and quite another to actually get things right The shortages, according to her, referred not only to facilities and learning materials, but also to inadequate salaries and benefits for teachers and nonteaching personnel that ultimately affected the quality of education. The K-12 program, the lawmaker added, did not enhance the basic education curriculum, but “simply mandated additional two years of high school and even condensed lessons to the pupils, leaving many behind.” But there are other problems in Philippine education that the DepEd under the Marcos administration must address.

There’s the worsening learning poverty among children, who at age 10 still can’t read simple texts and who continue to reel from the impact of school closures and the decline in the quality of education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to “The State of Global Learning Poverty: 2022 Update” report of the World Bank released last month. Citing reported estimates for 2019, it said learning poverty was already 90.9 percent in the Philippines pre-pandemic. Also last month, the Asian Development Bank said prolonged school closures, with the Philippines having one of the longest, would not only slow economic growth but also shed jobs across the Asia-Pacific region for a decade after the pandemic. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, the head of the Senate committee on basic education, has stressed the urgency of resuming faceto-face classes, subject to health protocols and improved vaccination rates, to overcome learning losses resulting from distance learning. We fully agree that face-to-face classes should be restarted this coming schoolyear. After all, results of three large-scale international learning assessments before the pandemic showed that Filipino children were “failing to master basic competencies and that they are being left behind by their peers abroad.” Let’s bring back pupils and students to schools where they can gain the skills and knowledge they can use to become productive citizens later on who can contribute to nation-building.

Tough act to follow AS DEFENSE OIC Jose Faustino Jr said himself during the turnover, it would be hard filling the shoes left by former Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana. This is because the defense establishment is now admittedly in a much better shape. Lorenzana must be feeling proud with what he has accomplished in his six years as Defense Chief. He should take a welldeserved bow. There are still of course, a lot more to be done to be at par with our neighbors, but he set something in motion that is irreversible. Just before leaving office, he signed a couple of contracts to go ahead with the acquisition of more naval assets such as the six offshore patrol vessels and early warning equipment such as radars. This includes the recently launched fastattack interdictor craft missiles (FAIC-M) which eventually would total nine from Israel. All told, the Philippine Navy would be acquiring about 19 new naval ships of varying types. In 2016, the Aquino administration procured 12 FA50 South Korean single engine fighter planes but as our military planners realize and know very well, we need better fighter planes and naval assets with more sophisticated capabilities to match what our neighbors already have. This is because in spite of all our efforts, we are still one of the weakest in the region in terms of modern military assets. Fortunately, PBBM, in his speech during the 75th Air Force anniversary, said it is necessary for the Air Force to have more modern air assets. The fact that his first official act as President is about AFP modernization bodes well for the new DOD team. Lorenzana’s accomplishments were not only limited in the area of arms acquisition but he also played an important moderating role in tempering some of the policy moves of former President Duterte.

For instance, when then President Duterte suddenly announced the abrupt termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and the cancellation of the yearly Balikatan military exercises with the US, Lorenzana was one of those who patiently counseled the president to rescind his decision.

With a new defense team under Secretary Jose Faustino Jr, we hope that he will reinvigorate the programs started by Lorenzana and perhaps introduce new ones that might have been missed or not included due to budgetary limitations Gradually, the Balikatan military exercises was resumed and just a year before the President left office, the biggest Balikatan exercise was conducted and the VFA is still in force with indications that the agreement might be reviewed to better suit the times that we are in. Delfin Lorenzana did an excellent job as Secretary and he will be missed. With a new defense team under Secretary Jose Faustino Jr, we hope that he will reinvigorate the programs started by Lorenzana and perhaps introduce new ones that might have been missed or not included due to budgetary limitations. Foremost among these is the need for more capable fighter planes that should be

procured in spite of our modest paying capability. The previous administration has been at a quandary whether to go for the Swedish fighter plane Saab JAS 30 Gripen or the most advanced version of the United States F16 fighter plane. In 2021, the United States State Department approved the possible sale of 12 of the newest versions to us including training, spare parts and more. Hopefully, a deal could still be made so that we can get a more capable fighter plane than the FA50. It is pointless to procure fighter planes that will completely be outgunned by the planes already available in the region. At the end of the day, we know that modernization is not only all about sophisticated modern weapons. Because if we look around us, the powers that be can easily swallow us due to their immense military and economic capability. We must also review our training, organization, doctrines and our relationship with our friends and allies who share the same values as ourselves. We obviously cannot defend our country all by ourselves because of our limited capability. This is where alliances become important. But this will depend on our elected leaders who will decide which direction the country will go. In the last administration, we heard for the first time about the policy of wanting to be a friend of all countries and an enemy of no one. Whether this is possible considering what is going on in the region in geopolitical terms is another matter. One pertinent question to ask about this new policy is whether our country will be left alone if there is a conflagration between the powers in the region. History teaches that this in all probability will not happen. Perhaps, our leaders in the end will decide that the best remaining option is simply to prepare ourselves the best way we can so that if we have to defend our country, our armed services can give a good accounting of themselves to make us all proud.

No place is safe: mass shootings in America By Paul Handley A MOSTLY Latino working-class elementary school. A supermarket with a largely Black clientele. A July 4th celebration in an upscale, mostly white community. The most recent mass shooting in the United States, which left seven people attending an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois dead on Monday, underlined the fact that--in a nation awash with guns--no community is immune. There was no way to predict the locations in any of the shocking shootings of the last two months, and in each, people never anticipated it would come to their homes. “You hear these things on the news. And they are horrifying. And then it’s in your own front yard. And you just can’t believe it’s real,” Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said on CBS. Planned attacks In addition to the fatalities at Highland Park, the shooting at a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, New York on May 14 left 10 dead; while 21 people, mostly young children, were killed at the primary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24.

Though the locations and communities targeted were varied, like most high-profile and deadly mass shootings in America they shared two things: they were undertaken by apparently disillusioned young white men. And all three shooters used high-powered easyto-acquire powerful semi-automatic assault rifles. The 18-year-old racist who targeted specifically African-Americans in Buffalo planned his attack for months, surveying the site ahead of time, and stockpiling several weapons and large amounts of ammunition. It was another teen who killed the 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde; his planning was less clear but it came just eight days after he turned 18, when he was able to buy his two guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. In Highland Park, police said suspected shooter Robert Crimo, 21, planned his attack at least several weeks in advance. Identical to the others, Crimo used a semi-automatic AR-15 style rifle. When he was caught later Monday, he had another rifle in his car, and more than one handgun in the place he was living, according to Chris Cov-

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Random mass shootings such as the one in Highland Park are only one component of US gun violence elli, Lake County deputy police chief. “They were in his name. They were legally purchased,” Covelli said. The AR-15 plays a central role in most deadly mass shootings, and since a ban was lifted in 2004, millions of assault rifles like it have been sold around the country. Designed as a war weapon rather than for hunting, it shoots high-powered rounds that tear gaping

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

wounds in their targets. And it shoots them fast. Crimo fired more than 70 rounds in a few minutes from a rooftop onto the July 4 parade, killing six and wounding at least 30. The Uvalde shooter fired off more than 160 rounds, and the Buffalo killer more than 50. Random mass shootings such as the one in Highland Park are only one component of US gun violence. Another is the frequent handgun shootings in urban areas, that are often targeted, such as those which involve drug-dealing rivals. ‘American tradition’ The Gun Violence Archive defines a “mass shooting” as a single incident in which at least four people are wounded or killed. It counted 20 such shootings across the United States over the long July 4 holiday weekend alone. Most of those appeared to involve handguns, millions of which are sold each year. “It does not have to be this way, yet we as a nation continue to allow this to happen,” said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. “Mass shootings have become our weekly American tradition,” he said.

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

Despite frequent calls for the government to ban assault rifles--especially after each high-profile mass shooting--lawmakers in the US Congress remain divided on the issue, with mostly Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. After the two shootings in May, Congress took limited action, legislating enhanced background checks for younger buyers and supporting “red flag” laws that allow courts to temporarily remove weapons from those considered a threat. But there were no new controls on sales of guns, which topped 11.3 million in 2020 alone. Lawmakers again called for tougher action on Tuesday. “What was supposed to be a celebration of freedom in Highland Park, Illinois yesterday turned into a massacre because our communities are flooded with weapons of war,” said Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, long an advocate for an assault rifle ban. “It’s shameful that we have allowed mass shootings to become so commonplace in the United States,” she said. AFP

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

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Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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Manila Standard TODAY THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

World

TODAY mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Evacuation calls as Russians advance in Ukraine’s Donbas

INUNDATED. A general view of a flooded CYAN YELLOW BLACK residential area nearMAGENTA the overflowing Hawkesbury CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK River in the northwestern Sydney suburb of Windsor on July 6, 2022. Thousands of Australians were ordered to evacuate their homes in Sydney as torrential rain battered the country’s largest city and floodwaters inundated its outskirts. AFP

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TODAY UKRAINIAN officials have called on civilians to urgently evacuate the city of Sloviansk as Russian troops press towards it in their campaign to secure the Donbas region. Sloviansk has been subjected to “massive” Russian bombardment in recent days, with at least two people killed and seven others wounded in an attack on a marketplace Tuesday. Pavlo Kyrylenko, governor of the Donetsk region, which includes Sloviansk, told Ukrainian media his “main advice is evacuate!” “This week there hasn’t been a day without shelling,” he said Tuesday evening, adding that the city was now within range of Russian multiple-rocket launchers. “The enemy is shelling chaotically, the attacks are aimed at destroying the local population,” he said “So, once again, the main advice is to

UK’s Johnson faces grilling after two top ministers quit UK PRIME Minister Boris Johnson faces two high-stakes encounters in parliament on Wednesday after his government was rocked by the shock departures of two senior ministers. Rishi Sunak resigned as finance minister and Sajid Javid as health secretary on Tuesday night. Both said they could no longer tolerate the culture of scandal that has stalked Johnson for months. They will now sit on the Conservative back benches at the weekly session of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons at 1100 GMT – which promises to be even more combustible than usual. Johnson then faces an hours-long grilling from the chairs of the Commons’ most powerful committees, who include some of his most virulent critics in the Tory ranks. The exits of Sunak and Javid were announced minutes after the prime minister apologized for appointing a senior Conservative, who quit last week after he was accused of drunkenly groping two men. Former education secretary Nadhim Zahawi has been elevated to the finance brief. “You don’t go into this job to have an easy life,” Zahawi told Sky News on Wednesday. “Sometimes it’s easy to walk away but actually, it’s much tougher to deliver for the country,” he added. Days of shifting explanations had followed the resignation of deputy chief whip Chris Pincher. Downing Street at first denied Johnson knew of prior allegations against Pincher when appointing him in February. But by Tuesday, that defence had collapsed after a former top civil servant said Johnson, as foreign minister, was told in 2019 about another incident involving his ally. The Pincher affair was the “icing on the cake” for Sunak and Javid, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, a Johnson critic, told Sky News. AFP

evacuate.” AFP journalists on the ground in Sloviansk saw rockets slam into the marketplace and surrounding streets, with firefighters scrambling to put out the resulting fires. Kyrylenko also reported shelling across “the entire frontline” in the eastern Donbas region, where Russia has refocused its efforts since abandoning its initial aim of capturing Kyiv, following tough Ukrainian resistance. Donbas is mainly comprised of Lugansk, which Russian forces have almost entirely captured, and Donetsk to its southwest – the current focus of Moscow’s attack The fall of Lysychansk in the region on Sunday, a week after the Ukrainian army also retreated from the neighbouring city of Severodonetsk, has freed up Russian troops to advance on Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. AFP

Blinken to meet China, shun Russia at G20 talks in Bali

– despite US-led efforts to isolate Moscow operation where our interests require,” S SECRETARY over its invasion of Ukraine. he told reporters. of State Antony The State Department said Blinken The meeting comes as the White Blinken will hold a will meet for the first time since October House expects a new conversation in the with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, coming weeks between US President rare meeting with China’s one of a string of recent meetings be- Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinforeign minister seeking tween the world’s two largest economic ping, who has not traveled internationpowers amid high tensions on issues in- ally since the COVID-19 pandemic. to contain tensions, but cluding Taiwan. In contrast to the effort to stabilize will shun his Russian “I expect that in the course of that relations with China, State Department counterpart at a conference meeting that we will be able to discuss spokesman Ned Price said that Blinken having guardrails, so to speak, on the re- would not meet with Russian Foreign in Bali this week, officials lationship so that our competition does Minister Sergei Lavrov. CYAN MAGENTA said Thursday. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK not spill over into miscalculation CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK or conBlinken last saw Lavrov in January Blinken will arrive Thursday in the Indonesian resort island for talks of foreign ministers of the Group of 20, the club of major economies that still includes Russia

“We would like to have the Russians give us a reason to meet on a bilateral basis with them,” Price said. “But the only thing we have seen emanate from Moscow is more brutality and aggression against the people and country of Ukraine.” Price declined to comment on the “choreography” in Bali or whether Blinken would walk out of any wider meetings involving Lavrov, a veteran diplomat known for his skill in stealing the show. “We expect the secretary to be a full and active participant while also staying frontation,” said Daniel Kritenbrink, the in Geneva, where Manila the top US diplomat true to another overriding objective and Manila Standard top US diplomat for East Asia. warned RussiaStandard of massive consequences that is the fact that it cannot be business TODAY TODAY as usual with the Russian Federation,” “The United States also remains com- if it went ahead and invaded Ukraine. Price said. AFP mitted to exploring areas of potential coIt did so on February 24.

Fresh COVID outbreaks put millions under lockdown in Xi’an, Shanghai TENS of millions of people were under lockdown in China on Wednesday as businesses in a major tourist city were forced to shut their doors and fresh clusters sparked fears of a return to blanket restrictions. Health authorities reported over 300 infections Wednesday, with clusters found in the historic northern city of Xi’an – home to the Terracotta Army – as well as the country’s biggest city Shanghai. The fresh cases and the official response to them have deepened fears that China may be set to return to the kinds of strict restrictions seen earlier this year, when Beijing’s hardline zero-COVID policy saw tens of millions locked down for weeks on end. In Shanghai, some residents on social media Tuesday reported receiving government food rations – a throwback to the month’s long confinement in the spring. “Let me tell you a scary story, Putuo district is sending out vegetables again,” read one resident’s viral WeChat post. “I’m so nervous, the epidemic has destroyed my youth. I’m about to go

FOR HIS HOLINESS.

An exiled Tibetan child waits to perform to mark the 87th birthday of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in New Delhi on July 6, 2022. AFP

Twitter challenges Indian orders to block content on social media

crazy,” posted another Shanghai-based Weibo user. Officials launched a new round of mass testing in over half of the city’s districts after a rebound in cases since the weekend, closing all karaoke bars Wednesday after some infections were linked to six such venues. And Xi’an – a historic city of 13 million that endured a month-long lockdown at the end of last year – was placed back under “temporary control measures” after 29 infections were found, mostly among waste recycling workers, since Saturday. Public entertainment venues including pubs, internet cafes and karaoke bars would shut their doors from midnight on Wednesday, the city government said in a notice. State media showed images of Xi’an residents queueing up for tests past midnight Tuesday, while stressing the city was not in lockdown. Officials have blamed the city’s outbreak on the BA.5.2 sublineage of the Omicron variant, which is more transmissible and immune evasive. AFP

Sri Lankans return to using firewood as economy burns AS ONCE relatively wealthy Sri Lanka

OLD SCHOOL.

suffers a dire economic crisis with shortTWITTER is challenging the Indian gov- ministry had failed to prove how some of A woman uses ages of everything from medicines to ernment’s orders to block content on its the content it wanted taken down violated firewood to cook food at a hotel social media site in court, local media IT rules, the newspaper quoted sources as gas, people are returning to cooking with in Colombo. reported Wednesday citing legal docu- saying. firewood. Sri Lankans are Last week Twitter confirmed that India ments. The switch began at the beginning of returning to The suit is the latest showdown be- had directed it to locally censor accounts the year when more than 1,000 kitchens cooking with tween Twitter and Indian authorities, and dozens of posts, including some talkexploded across the country, killing at firewood as the which have been accused of muzzling ing about declining internet freedom in the least seven people and injuring hundreds country suffers a world’s biggest democracy. criticism both on and offline. more. dire economic crisis Others were accounts operated by the In the case filed with a court in BanThe reason was suppliers looking to with shortages of galore, the social media giant alleged that Pakistani government, sparking an angry cut costs and increasing the proportion everything, from the basis on which multiple accounts and response from Islamabad. of propane, which raised the pressure to medicines to gas. Twitter and the Indian government decontent flagged by the government was AFP dangerous levels. either “overbroad and arbitrary” and “dis- clined to comment on the court case. But now, along with much else in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu proportionate,” the Indian Express daily country of 22 million people, gas is either in August. EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of cooking with firewood, but we have no EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of estate estate has sought in renationalist government reported. of unavailable or too expensive for most. of the the late late HADRIAN HADRIAN PAULO PAULO G. G. FLORES FLORES “Fortunately, no one was there at choice,” Karunawathi told AFP. “It is cent years to have more control over conThe social meNotice EXTRAJUDICIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the estate estate of of the the late late HADRIAN HADRIAN EXTRAJUDICIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL Some tried to shift to kerosene oil SETTLEMENT SETTLEMENT social in India, where Twit- OF dia giant PAULO G. FLORES died intestate on September 22. the time. There were pieces of glass also difficult to find firewood and it is SETTLEMENT OF OF ESTATE ESTATE SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE ESTATE PAULO G. submitFLORES who whotent diedon intestate onmedia September 22. 2019 been settled among his cookers, but the government did not have all over the floor. The glass-top stove also becoming very expensive.” NOTICE NOTICE 2019 have been extra-judicially extra-judicially settled20 among his heirs heirs ter has over million users. ted to have the KarnaNOTICE is is hereby hereby given given that that NOTICE is is hereby hereby given given that that duly the the duly executed executed on on April April 13, 13, 2022 2022 as as per per Acknowledgment Acknowledgment the estate estate of of the the late late ADONIS ADONIS the estate estate of of the the late late ADONIS ADONIS dollars to import it along with petrol and had exploded. I will never use gas for MENDIOLA DECANGCHON MENDIOLA DECANGCHON Last yearMarford as India saw massive anti-DECANGCHON taka stateissued highby Certificate General M. Sri Lanka used to be a middleMENDIOLA DECANGCHON MENDIOLA Certificate issued by Consul Consul General Marford M. Angeles Angeles who who intestate of United Arab Emirates recorded per who died died intestate intestate on on October October who died diedTwitintestate on on October October diesel, which are also in short supply. of Abu Abu Dhabi, Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and andprotests recorded as as perfarmers, government by court that the 3, 2021 in Manila, consisting of 3, 2021 in Manila, consisting of cooking. It is not safe. We are now on income country, with GDP per head 3, 2021 in Manila, consisting of Service No. 02780A; Doc. No. 005831; Book No. 024; Fee 3, 2021 in Manila, consisting of Service No. 02780A; Doc. No. 005831; Book No. 024; Fee his his share his conjugal conjugal share share to to the the extent extent And those who bought electric cookers firewood,” she said, despite moves to comparable to the Philippines and livhis conjugal conjugal share to to the the extent extent ter was Paid: of Paid: AEO100; AEO100; O.R. O.R. No. No. 716183. 716183. of one-half (1/2) portion of aa of one-half one-half (1/2) (1/2) portion portion of of aa of one-half (1/2) portion of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT estate (MStandard-June 23, 30 & 2022) parcel REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES parcel PHILIPPINES EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT of estate were in for a rude REPUBLIC shock when theOF gov-THE (MStandard-June 23,of 30 & July July 7, 7, 2022) ordered to parcel of of land land with with improvement improvement REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES parcel of of land land with with improvement improvement REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ing standards the envy of neighbouraddress the propane problem. erected erected of erected thereon thereon situated situated in in erected thereon thereon situated situated in in of the the late late HADRIAN HADRIAN PAULO PAULO G. G. FLORES FLORES Brgy. TARIFF COMMISSION Brgy. Immaculate Concepcion, ernment imposed lengthy power blacktake down TARIFF COMMISSION Brgy. Immaculate Immaculate Concepcion, Concepcion, TARIFF COMMISSION Brgy. Immaculate Concepcion, TARIFF COMMISSION ing India. Roadside eatery owner M.G. KaNotice is hereby given that the estate of the late HADRIAN Quezon City and covered Quezon City and covered Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HADRIAN Quezon City and covered Quezon Cityof and covered dozens PAULO outsof as it ran out of dollars to import fuel runawathi, 67, also switched to wood under under PAULO G. G. FLORES FLORES who who died died intestate intestate on on September September 22. 22. under Transfer Transfer Certificate Certificate of of But with economic mismanagement under Transfer Transfer Certificate Certificate of Title No. 004-2010002904, 2019 have been extra-judicially settled among his heirs Title No. 004-2010002904, ADOPTION OF 2022 APPROVED BY ADOPTION BY BOARD Title No. 004-2010002904, 2019 have been extra-judicially among his heirs Title ADOPTION OF AHTN AHTNsettled 2022 APPROVED NEDA BOARD aBY c c NEDA oNo. u n t004-2010002904, s BOARD ADOPTION OF OF AHTN AHTN 2022 2022 APPROVED APPROVED BY NEDA for generators. has has duly and the crucial tourism industry hamand said it was aNEDA choiceBOARD between closhas been been extrajudicially extrajudicially settled settled has been been extrajudicially extrajudicially settled settled duly executed executed on on April April 13, 13, 2022 2022 as as per per Acknowledgment Acknowledgment CYAN MAGENTA by and among his heirs as per by and among his heirs as per CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK for supCertificate by and among his heirs as per by and among his heirs as Niluka per Hapuarachchi, 41, was miracu- ing her business or putting up with Certificate issued issued by by Consul Consul General General Marford Marford M. M. Angeles Angeles Doc. Doc. No. 305, Page No. 60, mered by COVID-19, the nation has Doc. No. No. 305, 305, Page Page No. No. 60, 60, Doc. No.2022 305, Page No. 60, of Abu United Arab and as Tariff Commission (TC) will implement the version The Commission (TC) NOTICE ofThe Abu Dhabi, Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Emirates and recorded recorded as per per Book No. The Tariff Commission (TC) will implement the version Book No. I-C, of 2022 The Tariff Tariff Commission (TC) will implement implement the the 2022 2022 version version porting theSeries NOTICE Manila BookManila No. I-C, I-C, Series Series of of 2022 2022 unharmed when her gas range ex-will Book No.2022 I-C, Series oflously 2022 Manila Manila Service No. 02780A; Doc. No. 005831; Book No. 024; Fee NOTICE run out of dollars needed to pay for smoke and soot. in the Notarial Registry of Atty. in the Notarial Registry of Atty. Service No. 02780A; Doc. No. 005831; Book No. 024; Fee of the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN NOTICE of the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN in the Notarial Registry of Atty. Standard in the Notarial Registry of Atty. Standard of AEO100; the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN of after the cooking ASEAN Sunday Harmonised Nomenclature (AHTN demonstraPaid: O.R. 716183. Donato Donato C. Notice is hereby given that DEVELOPMENT ploded soon lunch Tariff Paid: AEO100; O.R. No. No. 716183. Donato C. C. Manguiat. Manguiat. Donato C. Manguiat. Manguiat. Notice is on hereby given that AXEIA AXEIA DEVELOPMENT TODAY TODAY most imports. AFP “We suffer (smoke inhalation) when 2022) 01 July 2022 following the approval by the National 2022) on 01 July 2022 following the approval by the National TODAY (MStandard-June 23, 30 & July 7, 2022) TODAY (MS-JUNE 23,30 JULY 7, 2022) CORP. (Formerly: Asiatic Development Corporation) Notice is hereby given that GREENCORE POWER (MS-JUNE 23,30 JULY 7, 2022) 2022) on 01 July 2022 following the approval by the National 2022) on 01 July 2022 following the approval by the National (MStandard-June 23, 30Corporation) & July 7, 2022) tions. AFP (MS-JUNE 23,30 JULY 7, 2022) CORP. (Formerly: Development Notice is hereby Asiatic given that GREENCORE POWER (MS-JUNE 23,30 JULY 7, 2022) Notice Notice of of Extrajudicial Extrajudicial Settlement Settlement of of Estate Estate

Notice Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that the the estate estate of of VILMA VILMA VILLACORTA QUETULIO VILLACORTA QUETULIO who died intestate on October

with office at & 6th Building, 3, INC. is applying for registration with Board of Economic and Authority of with office address at 5th 5th & 6th Floor, Floor, Westar Westar Building, 611 3, INC. isaddress applying forDevelopment registration with the the Board611 of Board Economic and Development Authority Board of its its adoption adoption Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig is for Investments (BOl) as Energy Developer Notice Shaw Blvd., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City, City, is applying applying for Investments (BOl) as Renewable Renewable Energy Developer Notice of of Extrajudicial Extrajudicial on 27 May 2022. on 27 May 2022. registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Settlement of of Solar Energy Resources (43.500MWdc / registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Settlement of Estate Estate of Solar ofEnergy Resources (43.500MWdc / Developer Economic and Housing Project 30.933MWac Arayat-Mexico Solar Power Plant Developer of01 Economic and Low-cost Low-cost Housing Project Notice is 30.933MWac Arayat-Mexico Solar Power Plant on Starting July 2022, all Advance Rulings Tariff Classification Notice is hereby hereby given given (Woodlands at Trece Martires Phase 1) with a capacity Starting 01 July 2022, all Advance Rulings on Tariff Classification that the estate of (Woodlands at Trece Martires Phase 1) with a capacity Project Phase 2) in Brgy. San Antonio, Arayat and that the estate of VILMA VILMA Project Phase 2) in low-cost Brgy. San Antonio, Arayat and of 744 economic and housing units, with project VILLACORTA QUETULIO issued pursuant to Section 1100 of the Customs Modernization of 744 economic and low-cost housing units, with project Brgy. Buenavista, Mexico, Pampanga, to avail of the VILLACORTA QUETULIO issued pursuant to Section 1100 of the Customs Modernization Brgy. Buenavista, Mexico, Pampanga, avail ofCity, the sited located at Brgy. Hugo Perez, Trece to Martires

Economic Economic and and Development Development Authority Authority Board Board of of its its adoption adoption on 27 May 2022. on 27 May 2022. Starting Starting 01 01 July July 2022, 2022, all all Advance Advance Rulings Rulings on on Tariff Tariff Classification Classification issued issued pursuant pursuant to to Section Section 1100 1100 of of the the Customs Customs Modernization Modernization

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Business

Manila

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US gets over 300 requests to maintain tariffs on China WASHINGTON, United States—The US government has received more than 300 requests as of Tuesday to retain the tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by former president Donald Trump. President Joe Biden is considering how and whether to remove some of the tariffs imposed by his predecessor, as he faces growing pressure to offer some relief to soaring US inflation, but is expected to talk first to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Trump imposed tariffs on about $350 billion in annual imports from China in retaliation for Beijing’s theft of American intellectual property and forced transfer of technology, but some were set to expire starting Wednesday unless extended by Washington. As part of a scheduled four-year review, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s office has solicited input from stakeholders, and a single request would trigger a review and continuation of the tariffs. By Tuesday evening, USTR had received more than 300 for the $10 billion in tariffs set to end Wednesday, and nearly 80 for the next round due to expire August 23. The agency’s website does not identify the firms posting comments, but a source confirmed more than 300 called for the tariffs to be continued. Biden could end the tariffs at any time, but his administration is divided. Tai has said she is reluctant to give up the leverage they provide, while Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has argued that some of the duties “serve no strategic purpose” and reconfiguring them could ease inflation, which has reached a 40-year high and is squeezing American families. Yellen on Monday held a discussion with her Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier Liu He, and raised the issue of Beijing’s “unfair” trade practices, according to the Treasury. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that no decision has yet been made on the tariffs. “The President’s team is continuing to look at our options on how to move forward,” she said during a press briefing. “We want to make sure that we have the right approach.” AFP

Stocks extend rally; URC, other blue chips advance T HE stock market extended its rally Wednesday as investors continued to pick up blue chip issues that have been battered in recent sessions.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index advanced 135.02 points, or 2.1 percent, to 6,445.01 on a value turnover of P5.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 114 to 71, with 47 issues unchanged. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group jumped 5.9 percent to P839, while Ayala Corp. of the Ayala Group climbed 4.8 percent to P650. Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, rose 3.7 percent to P118.20, while parent JG Summit Holdings Inc. added 2.4 percent to 52.50. Meanwhile, the rest of Asian equities mostly fell on Wednesday and the euro wallowed at a 20-year low as recession fears flowed through markets, while political uncertainty hit the pound as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a series of resignations.

Adding to the uncertainty was a fresh flare-up of coronavirus cases in parts of China that has seen some cities locked down as part of officials’ zero-COVID policy, reviving bad memories about strict measures in Shanghai and Beijing earlier this year that hammered the economy. Investors are growing increasingly concerned that sharp central bank interest rate hikes aimed at fighting decadeshigh inflation will lead to a contraction in leading economies, while a worsening energy crisis is compounding the problem in Europe. While there was a little help from speculation that US President Joe Biden was considering removing some Trumpera tariffs on Chinese goods, equities struggled. Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei and Jakarta all sank, though Wellington, Bangkok and Mumbai saw gains. Investors were racing “to price in both a US recession... and also the potential for wider virus restrictions in China following overnight developments,” OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley said. “The prospect of more COVID zero restrictions in China is an unwelcome dose of reality for Asia and is certainly

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

ANTI-FREE TRADE

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF KAREN CHUA KING a.k.a. QIAO QIAO GONG to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139. SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is Karen Chua King, but I have also been known since childhood as Qiao Qiao Gong my Chinese name or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias N/A . name(s)

Manila

Standard

2. My present place of residence is No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park City/Municipality of Meycauyan Province of Bulacan and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence)

TODAY

PSEi July 6, 2022

No. 9 Silverwood, Victoneta Ave., Malabon - 1998 - 2000 90 Apo St., Quezon City - from birth to 1997 3. I was born on March 6, 1992, in Chinese General Hospital, Manila Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China.

TOP GAINERS

1 LSC

LAST % PRICE CHANGE CHANGE 0.7 0.17 32.08%

2 3

PHR ACEX

0.88 11.98

0.09 1.04

11.39% 9.51%

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

OPM MAH PA BHI SFI APL SOC

0.012 0.98 2.47 0.09 0.095 0.041 0.5

0.001 0.08 0.2 0.007 0.007 0.003 0.035

9.09% 8.89% 8.81% 8.43% 7.95% 7.89% 7.53%

TOP LOSERS 1 BC 2 MWIDE 3 AT 4 DFNN 5 BCB 6 MG

LAST PRICE CHANGE 5.41 -0.39 4.81 -0.29 4.39 -0.25 3.16 -0.17 5.6 -0.3 0.113 -0.006

% CHANGE -6.72% -5.69% -5.39% -5.11% -5.08% -5.04%

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0.33 0.7 104 0.42

-4.35% -4.11% -3.53% -3.45%

-0.015 -0.03 -3.8 -0.015

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URC ALI SM SMPH BDO

4,377,860 15,866,600 375,910 7,593,900 1,813,580

517,202,200 423,313,125 309,842,915 285,661,735 215,787,216

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TEL AC SCC JGS CNVRG

120,515 307,290 4,984,900 2,643,360 5,749,500

212,012,050 198,402,915 183,357,255 137,875,530 120,526,050

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING DEAR STOCKHOLDERS: Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACE-LEGAZPI”) will be held on July 28, 2022 (Thursday) at 8:00 o’clock in the morning, via Zoom Webinar, in light of the COVID pandemic. For the conduct of the Webinar, please register on or before July 1, 2022, through the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ IiPJa0jsQXKlwjbYXWhI_g Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about the webinar meeting. The link will provide you the process for the registration. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered in the platform, including the details and procedures in the conduct of the meeting. Voting will be done via the online tool which you can access once you have logged in to the Webinar; voting in the election of directors may also be done in absentia through the above link. The meeting shall be recorded (visual and audio) for future reference. The Agenda: I. II. III. IV. V.

Call to Order Invocation Determination of Quorum Welcome Message from the Chairman of the Board Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Y2021 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting VI. Audited Financial Report 2021 VII. President’s Report VIII. Ratification of the Acts and Proceedings of the Board of Directors, Officers, and Management of the Corporation IX. Election of the Board of Directors 2022-2023 X. Appointment of External Auditor for the year 2022 XI. Other Matters XII. Adjournment Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 11, 2022, Monday, shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. If you cannot personally attend the meeting, you may opt to send your proxy to attend in your behalf. Kindly submit your duly executed proxy form with the undersigned, via email, at acemclegazpi@gmail.com not later than 5:00 p.m. on July 20, 2022 to enable your proxy to register in the Zoom Webinar. A sample proxy form is available at the Corporation’s website for your reference [NOTE: Management is not soliciting proxies.] The Information Statement and Management Report and SEC Form 17-A are available at the Corporation’s website at www.acemclegazpi.net You may contact the undersigned via email acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/ concerns regarding the meeting. Very truly yours,

RICO D. MADLANGBAYAN Corporate Secretary (MS-JULY 7 & 8, 2022)

carrying more weight, although Asian currency weakness is also in play,” he said in a note. Both main crude contracts edged up after being pummeled Tuesday, when WTI sank nearly nine percent below $100 a barrel for the first time since April and Brent shed around 10 percent. Those losses came on expectations that any recession will slam demand, despite tight supplies caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine. And Citigroup said in a note that a recession could lead prices to drop as low as $65 this year if OPEC and other major producers do not step in to provide support and companies do not invest. There are also signs that the high cost of fuel is hurting demand, in turn pushing prices down. Earlier this week, the head of Asia at crude trading giant Vitol said he saw signs consumers were beginning to feel the pressure of high prices--a phenomenon known as demand destruction. Still, Goldman Sachs said it thought the commodity would remain elevated. “While the odds of a recession are indeed rising, it is premature for the oil market to be succumbing to such concerns,” the bank’s analysts including Damien Courvalin said in a note. With AFP

and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

001554

Demonstrators called by various organizations stand with banners reading ‘CETA: Stop ratification! No parallel justice for corporations’ during a protest against the ‘Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)’, on July 6, 2022 in front of the Reichstag building, hosting Germany’s lower house of parliament, the Bundestag. AFP

STI LAND BRNP PHA

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

4. My father's name is Su Ling Chong King and he was born on February 11, 1964, in China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Cindy S. Chua a.k.a. Jin Jin Cai and she was born on October 5, 1964 in China. She is a citizen or subject of China. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Businesswoman and from which I derive an average annual income of 174,187.00 , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A . (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:BS Interdisiplinary Business Studies Minor in Business Management, (2) name of school: De La Salle University- Manila and (3) years graduated: 2012] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship. 6. My civil status is M, I was married on Jan. 15, 2016 in Manila Cathedral Church. My wife's/husband's name is Mingen Lu and she/he was born on in July 17, 1989 in China She/he is a citizen or subject of China and presently resides No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship. 14. My character witnesses are Rose Abelyn Tan and Camille Koa both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 15 Santiago St., San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City and 7 BS Tuano St., San Juan respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization. 15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR)CYAN [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ / ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ / ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: Clearance: NBI, Brgy. Clearance ,Police Clearance, RTC, MTC and Office of the Prosecutor Clearances PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139. Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this __ day of ___.

8. I have 2 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name

Date of Birth

Yaohui Lu

Nov. 13, 2016

Place of Birth Manila

Yini Lu

June 13, 2018

Manila

Residence No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park Meycauyan, Bulacan

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of School Grace Christian College

Place of School Quezon City

Grace Christian College De La Salle University

Quezon City Manila

Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed 1998 to 2004 Elementary 2004 to 2008 2008-2012

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

High School College

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: English/Tagalog

Name of Child

Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan Telephone Number: 0922-8269507

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139. I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S. I, Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong of legal age and a resident of No. 8 Olympia St. Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauyan, Bulacan. after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

Karen King a.k.a. Qiao Qiao Gong Name and Signature of Petitioner

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at San Juan City, this 20th day of December 2018.

(MS-JULY 7,14 & 21, 2022)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, July 6, 2022

135.02 PTS. 6,445.01

TOTAL VOLUME

915,723,006

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

66,658 5,322,403,748.53 114 71

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

55.0840

Japan

Yen

0.007362

0.4055

Pound

1.195700

65.8639

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127440

7.0199

Switzerland

Franc

1.032738

56.8873

Canada

Dollar

0.767519

42.2780

Singapore

Dollar

0.711491

39.1918

Australia

Dollar

0.679600

37.4351

Bahrain

Dinar

2.653012

146.1385

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266390

14.6738

Brunei

Dollar

0.708968

39.0528

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.027832

1.5331

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

14.9982

Euro

1.026800

56.5603

Korea

Won

0.000764

0.0421

China

Yuan

0.148832

8.1983

India

Rupee

0.012615

0.6949

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.226347

12.4681

New Zealand

Dollar

0.616900

33.9813

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033583

1.8499 Source: BSP

AG&P preparing to operate 1st LNG terminal this year By Alena Mae S. Flores ATLANTIC, Gulf & Pacific International Holdings said Wednesday it plans to commission the country’s first liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas City this year. “In the Philippines, we will commission the country’s first LNG import terminal this year in Ilijan, Batangas Bay on the main island of Luzon. Called the Philippines LNG import terminal, it will store LNG and dispatch natural gas to power plants, opening up a new era of clean, efficient fuel and doing its part for the Philippines to compete for and win investment and jobs in the years to come,” said AG&P Group chairman and chief executive Joseph Sigelman said. “We are proud of our strategy of ensuring that people and industry have the choice of fuel that will help them prioritize the environment and reduce overall costs at the same time. We profoundly thank the Energy Council for focusing on this important area.” Sigelman said. Linseed Field Power Corp. and AG&P are building the integrated LNG import terminal in Barangay Ilijan, Batangas City that will serve the requirements of the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan natural gas power plant of San Miguel Corp. “There is a great increase in LNG export coming in the next years, and there is clear demand from industry, power and home and vehicle owners who want clean, competitive fuel. AG&P’s mission is to bridge the coming surge in gas supply with the customers who need it by providing fast, standardized infrastructure and logistics,” Sigelman said. The company invested P14.6 billion in the PHLNG import terminal that has a capacity of 5 million tons per annum that will serve to establish the country’s LNG importation and regasification capacity, delivering gas beyond the lifespan of Malampaya to secure the current and future energy demand of the region. AG&P was recently named the APAC Company of the Year for 2022 in the LNG category of The Energy Council’s Annual Awards of Excellence. The award represents a global benchmark of excellence for the natural gas and LNG sectors. “This award recognizes the hard work that our team has invested to develop the terminals and city gas networks that we have already rolled out and are forthcoming across South and Southeast Asia and beyond,” Sigelman said.

Business

Gov’t raises low-cost housing cap to P2.5m By Othel V. Campos

OW-COST housing developers welcomed a joint declaration by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and National Economic and Development Authority increasing the price ceiling for economic housing from P1.7 million to P2.5 million. Subdivision and Housing Developers Association Inc. chairman George Siy said the adjustments considered the income and affordability of home buyers, aside from costs of production inputs. He said the new direction on pricing would have positive repercussions on the housing industry as developers would be encouraged to continue building more low-cost housing units for the population. Developers were pushing for the price adjustments, underscoring the need to align with economic events in the last six years, given substantial increases in costs of production inputs like land, labor, transport, construction materials and other costs of doing business.

The inflationary effect widened on increased economic activities, logistic bottlenecks, currency depreciation and political events like sanctions on international trade, the group said. The DHSUD issued an order on June 10, 2022 which provides the new pricing would apply to new projects to be launched. It said that projects with existing licenses to sell, the new price ceiling would apply to unsold and unconstructed low-cost housing units. SHDA said increasing the price ceiling would attract more developers to produce units under economic and socialized housing that would help address the housing backlog in the Philippines, which is forecast to reach 6.5

million units by 2030. The group said that if neglected, the housing need of the Philippines would exceed 22 million units by 2040, based on latest data. It said that to close the gap, the industry should increase production beyond the current rate of 250,000 houses a year. Siy said the housing sector is an economic pump-primer as it has a 3.4 output multiplier effect to the economy. It also supports 80 allied industries and involves all sectors, including women, children, vulnerable groups and health. Housing generates substantial direct employment, with an average of 120 and more man-days for the construction of each basic housing unit. SHDA, together with other housing organizations, also initiated discussions with the DHSUD and NEDA to determine price adjustments for socialized housing, after the adjustments were made on economic housing. The proposal, similar to economic housing pricing, considered the upticks in input cost and income of the population, especially those in the lower 30 percent of the income groups.

Cebu Pacific regains 88% of pre-COVID flight volume By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said Wednesday it restored 88 percent of its pre-pandemic system-wide capacity as it expands domestic and international flights. The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group said it now flies an average of 340 flights a day, covering 34 domestic and 18 international destinations. This is equivalent to roughly 64,000 seats offered in a day. The airline also restored 100 percent of its pre-pandemic domestic capacity in April this year. Cebu Pacific said it surpassed its December 2019 level for domestic capacity as it marked A 109-percent restoration in July 2022. “We are pleased to see more people confidently flying again, not just within the Philippines but even abroad,” Cebu Pacific chief commercial officer Xander Lao said. “This positive development has not only allowed us to carry more passengers, but also boosted our cargo service,” he said. Cebu Pacific said to continue spurring travel, it is offering flights for as low as P188 one-way base fare for domestic routes on sale from July 7 to 11, 2022. Travel period is from Sept. 1, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023. Cebu Pacific said it also offers simultaneous special international seat sale, on the same travel period, to key destinations for as low as P499 oneway base fare. These include flights to South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, among others.

IN BRIEF

ACEN to issue P10b worth of green bonds

CREIT’S AWARDS. Top executives of Citicore Energy REIT Corp., the country’s first energy real estate investment trust, receive the ‘Most Committed to Environmental Stewardship,’ ‘Most Committed to High Governance Best Standards’ and ‘Most Committed to Social Causes’ and four other country awards during FinanceAsia’s 22nd Best Companies in Asia Poll. CREIT debuted in the Philippine Stock Exchange on Feb. 22, 2022 as the first energy-themed REIT in the country, a trailblazer going beyond the traditional commercial REITs in the market. FinanceAsia is a Hong Kong-based publication covering financial and capital markets in Asia.

BSP sees digital transactions rising to 50% of all retail payments in 2023 THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Wednesday digital transactions will account for at least 50 percent of all retail payments by 2023. Data from the BSP showed the share of digital payments to total retail payments volume in the Philippines rose to 30.3 percent in 2021 from 20.1 percent in 2020. The value of digital payments accounted for 44.1 percent of total retail payments in 2021, up from 26.8 percent recorded a year earlier. “The latest results show we are closer to meeting our objective of converting at least 50 percent of retail payment transactions to digital form by the end of 2023, under the BSP Digital Payments Transformation Roadmap,” said BSP Governor Felipe Medalla. The key contributors to the overall growth of digital payments were merchant payments, peer-to-peer remittances and business payments of salaries and wages to employees, all of which are high-frequency, low value retail transactions. The volume of merchant payments also went up by 43.8 percent, while P2P remittances grew by 268.6 percent.

Business payments of salaries and wages surged by 170.2 percent last year, indicating that for salary disbursements, businesses are transitioning from cash to digital channels such as electronic fund transfers to bank or e-money accounts. It said the significant rise in the use of account-to-account electronic fund transfers could be a result of expanding access to transaction accounts and the shifting preference of consumers toward the use of digital modes for payments. Filipinos who had accounts were able to safely and conveniently conduct financial transactions using their mobile devices in the comfort of their homes during the pandemic. “This capability for digital transactions should be within reach of every Filipino in our increasingly digital economy,” Medalla said. “Hence, the BSP, with the support of the payments industry led by the Philippine Payments Management Inc. continues to promote a vibrant and inclusive digital payments ecosystem where every Filipino can actively participate and enjoy its benefits,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

BPI’S ASSISTANCE. BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, teams up with Bayan Academy to provide livelihood training and employment opportunities to 50 unemployed and underemployed individuals in Siargao Island through the BPI Technical-Vocational Training program. Attending the graduation ceremony at Siargao Island Institute of Technology in Dapa, Siargao are (seated on stage, from left) Bayan Academy president and chairman Prof. Jay Bernardo, BPI Foundation executive director Owen Cammayo, General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas, Ms. Philippines Earth 2020 Roxanne Baeyens, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority provincial training administrator Marife Peña and former Surigao del Norte provincial board member Simeon Castrense.

Doctors asked to study tobacco harm reduction MEDICAL doctors should look at the merits of tobacco harm reduction, or the public heath strategy that involves the use of less harmful cigarette alternatives like vapes and heated tobacco products, if they truly want to save smokers from death and diseases, according to the panelists in the Global Forum on Nicotine 2022. “The opinion of doctors and health care professionals carry a lot of weight,” William Stewart, president and founder of Povaddo, a US-based public opinion research firm, said during the GFN discussion on the topic “Misinformation: Who can we Trust”. “When people lack information, they are more susceptible to misinformation. Tobacco harm reduction is a prime example of this,” said Stewart, who cited the results of a 26-country survey conducted by Povaddo showing that nearly half of those surveyed wrongly believe that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are more harmful than or equally harmful as cigarettes. “Misinformation may win the sprint from time to time, but I remain confident that science and facts will ultimately win the marathon,” said Stewart. Stewart cited the results of another study showing that “the vast majority of adults say that decisions that impact society and public health should be made on the basis of science and facts”. Canadian Dr. John Oyston said in the same panel discussion there is a lot of disinformation about vaping in countries like Canada, where the mainstream media, medical foundations and anti-tobacco groups spread misinformation about ecigarettes.

ACEN Corp. said it will offer P10-billion worth of peso-denominated ASEAN green fixed-rate 5-year bonds to finance the construction of three solar projects with a combined capacity of 458 megawatts. ACEN said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the executive committee authorized the company to offer and issue up to P10 billion in green bonds as the first tranche of the debt securities program. The company said it would use the proceeds from the bonds to finance the 42-megawatt expansion of the Arayat-Mexico solar power project in Pampanga, 133-MW Cagayan Solar I project in Cagayan and the second phase of the San Marcelino solar/transmission line project involving 283 MW in Zambales. ACEN president and chief executive officer Eric Francia said the three projects would be completed by next year. “Arayat-Mexico will be constructed this year, operational next year. Arayat is the only expansion. Cagayan and Marcelino also have expansion plans, and these are just phase one,” Francia said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Some Jollibee stores run short of chicken

JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. confirmed on Wednesday a “small number” of stores were unable to serve chicken orders on higher demand and limited supply. “Due to continued increase in consumer demand and limited chicken supply in the market that meets our high-quality standards, a small number of stores of Jollibee and Mang Inasal are unable to serve some chicken orders,”Jollibee said in a statement. The company, however, said the supply was already improving and that was continuously working with suppliers to address the immediate demand. “We are confident that these select branches will be able to fully serve their customers’ chicken orders soon,” it said. Some McDonalds stores are also reportedly experiencing same situation. Prices of chicken shot up since the start of the year, which was due to low poultry production, according to the Department of Agriculture. Wet markets are selling whole dressed chicken for P200 per kilogram, up from P160 at the start of the year. Malaysia recently banned chicken exports to stabilize supply at home. Jenniffer B. Austria

Groups ask Marcos to keep PEZA’s Plaza

A NUMBER of public, private and business groups asked to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to retain Philippine Economic Zone Authority director-general Charito Plaza. Plaza received various endorsements for her outstanding performance as head of PEZA. Among the endorsers was the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. headed by its president Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, who said that it “gratefully appreciates how director-general Plaza transforms the promotion strategy for exportbased investment of PEZA.” The Semiconductor & Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. said that in the past six years, Plaza demonstrated “passion, assertiveness, dedication and diligence in working for the best interest of PEZA locators and country investments.” The IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines said it, “recognizes and extols the pro-active stance” of Plaza since her Sept. 2016 appointment by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The Confederation of Wearable Exporters of the Philippines said Plaza instituted major policy reforms revolutionizing PEZA to meet the challenging demands of the business environment in the country. Another valuable endorsement came from the Federation of the Provincial Press Clubs of the Philippines Inc., the Boracay Global Press Corps Philippines Inc. and the Publishers Association of the Philippines Inc. which recently convened for the Local Press Assembly 2022. Led by PAPI chairman emeritus, Johnny Dayang, other signatories in the endorsement were PAPI president Nelson Santos; Allan Sison, president of FPPCPI and broadcaster Rey Langit, BGPCPI president.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

Ikeda blitzes way to 6-shot lead with 68 at Aoki meet Chihiro Ikeda cranked up her game heading home, birdying the two par-5s and adding Nos. 13 and 15. Manny Marcelo

Landero, former world boxing title contender, drowns in Negros flood By Randy Caluag

HE Philippine boxing community is mourning the death of former world title contender Roberto “Toto” Landero, who drowned in his hometown in Negros Occidental. His lifeless body was found dead on Wednesday morning after he was reported missing on Monday afternoon (July 4). According to his manager and godfather Dante Almario, Landero was swept aboard a bamboo floater with his brother in Barangay Canlamay, while they were crossing a raging river amid heavy rains. They were going back home after helping their father work at the family’s farm in a nearby barangay.

Ateneo gets Salisbury U standout for next 2 seasons By Peter Atencio VERSATILE Fil-American point guard Paul Garcia is suiting up for Ateneo Blue Eagles in the next two seasons of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament. The 5’11” Garcia played for the Salisbury University Seagulls, a collegiate squad in the third division of the US National Collegiate Athletic Association. The 22-year-old Garcia plans to join the Blue Eagles’ practice sessions by the end of the month, as soon as he is done with his graduation chores. Coach Tab Baldwin intends to put Garcia in the spot which used to belong to SJ Belangel, who skipped his last two playing years to play for the Daegu Kogas in the Korean Basketball League. “Paul’s not just a dynamic point guard, he’s a well-rounded guard. He can score and play in the off-guard position as well,” said Baldwin in a Zoom meetup with scribes. The UAAP is planning to have Season 85 in late October this year, while Season 86 is set for next year. Garcia grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland and is the youngest of five children. He traces his roots in Manila, where his parents Fernando and Rita are from. After starting out his college career at Montgomery, Garcia went on to play at Salisbury University. “Yes, that’s my plan (join Ateneo). But I got to finish some things first,” said Garcia. The Blue Eagles are in a rebuilding mode following the graduation of key players like Gian Mamuyac and Tyler Tio, the departure of Belangel, and with Ange Kouame recovering from a partial ACL injury.

“Malungkot ko pong ipinababatid sa lahat na natagpuan na ang bangkay ng ating kasamang boxer, si Robert “Toto” Landero. Sa kasamaang palad, inanod po siya ng malakas na baha sa kanilang probinsya (Negros Occidental) noong Lunes ng hapon,” said Almario in his Facebook post. “Si Toto po ay aking inaanak sa kasal , siya po ay napakabait at magaling na boxer...at lumaban po siya ng ilang beses sa world title fight. Rest in peace Toto,” continued Almario.

Landero, who was 26, fought and lost twice in his two world title attempts. In March, 2018, he bowed to Thai Thammanoon Niyomtrong by a unanimous decision in the battle for the World Boxing Association world minimumweight title in Thailand. Four months later, he tried but failed to cop the International Boxing Federation World minimumweight title, losing to hometown hero Simpiwe Konkco in South Africa. Landero’s last appearance in the ring was on June 17 in Mandaue City, where he lost to Christian Araneta in a 10-round non-title light-flyweight bout. His boxing career record ended with 11 wins, 8 losses and two draws. He left behind his wife Rhe Ann Landero and three children. Almario told Fightnews Asia that he will raise funds for Landero’s family.

Roberto “Toto” Landero

Bolts edge Elasto Painters for 4th win THE struggling Meralco Bolts fought to keep their fading advantage at endgame and got a lift from Aaron Black and Bong Quinto to put away the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 7773, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Black’s triple and Quinto’s split free throw provided ample cushion for the Bolts to preserve whatever advantage they had in the last minute as they pulled of their fourth triumph in six games in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The Bolts, playing with assistant coach Luigi Trillo calling the shots, had

trouble holding on to a six-point lead after Black banged in a triple in the last 35.6 seconds, 76-70. The Elasto Painters fought to stay close and they did, threatening to within three, 73-76, off three freebies from Mark Borboran. But Quinto kept ROS from coming closer and shot a free throw off Leo Santillan’s foul with 4.8 seconds remaining. Trillo heaved a sigh of relief over the Bolts’ close call with ROS, saying he hasn’t handled head coaching duties in the last eight years. “It’s been eight years since I last coached. I was not in my flow. I just

let the players talk before the game,” said Trillo, who took over after Norman Black went to the US to attend to his ailing mother. Ronnie Magsanoc was supposed to come in, but he went to Singapore for Gilas’ FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup campaign. The younger Black fired a gamehigh 20 points for the Bolts as they rebounded from two straight losses. Allein Maliksi added 19, Cliff Hodge had 13 and Raymund Almazan chipped in 10 points and 15 boards. Gabe Norwood knocked in 13 points for ROS, which now has a 1-5 slate. Peter Atencio

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Chihiro Ikeda broke away from what had been a fierce, tight battle with a fiery backside finish that netted her a 68 and put her six strokes clear of Harmie Constantino and amateur Mikha Fortuna after two rounds of the ICTSI Eagle Ridge at Aoki Invitational here on Wednesday. Unable to shake off f irst round co-leaders Constantino and Sarah Ababa in a f ierce frontside skirmish, the Fil-Japanese cranked up her game heading home, birdying the two par-5s and adding Nos. 13 and 15 while saving a couple of par putts for that scorching 32 and a 68. With a 139 total and a huge lead, Ikeda moved 18 holes from nailing her second Ladies Philippine Golf Tour victory this year after posting a three-stroke romp at Mt. Malarayat while battling wrist injury last May. “Happy to be on top but it’s tough at the front nine because of the pin positions,” said Ikeda, who after stopping Chanelle Avaricio in Lipa, struggled for joint fifth at Splendido Taal ruled by ICTSI amateur Mafy Singson before bouncing back to tie for second at Pradera Verde topped by Avaricio last month. Despite the big gap, the Manila Southwoods and AsiaGlobal Technologies-backed ace remains wary of her chances in this seventh leg of this year’s LPGT, saying:’ I hope to settle down and play steady tomorrow (today).” Constantino, seeking to make it three-in-row at Aoki after posting her first two career wins here last year, actually grabbed a one-stroke lead at the turn with a 35 but bogeyed three of the last nine holes and ended up with a 74 for a 145. “My putts weren’t dropping at the backnine. I got a little bit careless on No. 17 and made a wrong clubbing on the last,” said Constantino, still hopeful of pulling off a big comeback in an attempt to preserve her winning run here and check a long skid in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “As much as possible, I’ll try to make as many birdies as I can,” she stressed. Fortuna, two strokes behind the leading troika after 18 holes, carded a two-birdie, two-bogey card for a 72 that tied her with Constantino. “My putting wasn’t that good so I need to practice,” she said. “Whatever happens tomorrow (today), happens.” But Ikeda already made things happen, checking a three birdiethree bogey game after nine holes with that sterling backside windup to prime herself up for a possible romp. Ababa also stayed within striking distance with a 36 start but like Constantino, she wavered at the back, fumbling with four bogeys against a lone birdie for a 39 and a 75. She slipped to fourth at 146 followed by Apple Fudolin, who pooled a 149 after a 76, while Lovelynn Guioguio shot a 74 for a 150.

Sizzling 66 puts Go past Que, leads by 2

Angelo Que: Fully rested and hungry for another crack at a local crown.

Lloyd Go watches his tee shot. Manny Marcelo

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite—Lloyd Go thrived in tough conditions, producing a near-impeccable six-under 66 to storm past Angelo Que by two halfway through the ICTSI Eagle Ridge at Aoki Invitational that saw the fall of a slew of early frontrunners and the rise of a mix of bidders here yesterday. On target all day with a superb iron play that set up a number of tap-in birdie chances on Aoki’s undulating, sleek surface that bedeviled the games of majority of the field, Go flourished with seven birdies to negate a three-putt miscue on the par-3 No. 7 as the former national champion charged from joint fifth to the top with a nine-under 135. “I’ve been working on my (mid) irons for quite some time, so coming into this event, I was kind of confident,” said the former Seton Hall U standout, who topped the Philippine Golf Tour Q-School in 2018 but has opted to vie in the other regional tours to toughen up. He rallied to earn a share of fifth at Splendido Taal last month on a closing 66, which he duplicated here at Aoki, which yielded to Go’s awesome form but bit back at some, including Que, who found the going a lot tougher and saved a 70 after kicking off his bid with a lead-sharing 67 in his first PGT foray since March last year, also here. “I birdied three of the four par-5s that’s why I played good,” said Go. “And it will be just the same for tomorrow (today)—get into the fairway and from there my irons play pretty good. So hopefully I could repeat what I did today.”

Only this time, he’ll be playing alongside the seasoned Que in what could be a test of character for the young Cebuano talent. “Putting saved me today (yesterday),” said Que, who, unlike Go, rued over his day-long struggle with his approach shots that often missed their targets. Que, who last won a PGT event at Southwoods in the PGT Asia in 2019, hit just three birdies against a one bogey caused by a mishit from the fairway bunker and into the water on the par-5 No. 6. “It was a tough shot but I think, a 2-under was okay, it’s still a good score,” said the Manila Southwoodsbacked former three-time Asian Tour champion all primed up for another shot at the crown just two shots behind at 137. “Hopefully, I’ll hit it better than today and my putting will still be the same,” said Que. “I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing and hopefully, I’ll be on top again.” While 36 holes remain in the P2 million championship put up by ICTSI, the next best placed challengers stood four strokes off Go with Tony Lascuña fighting back from an erratic backside start of 38 compounded by another bogey on No. 2 with four birdies in the last six holes to salvage a 71 and a 139. Splendido leg playoff winner Guido Van der Valk also battled back from a shaky 71 while trying to measure up with Que and Juvic Pagunsan in the first round, settling down with his all-around game to shoot a 68 marked by three-straight birdies from No. 16 for a share of third with Lascuña.

Sports

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

Sun Life 5150 race runners eye ultimate tri-sport prize

Knights face Saints to open PBA D-League cage action Games Thursday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 10:30 a.m. - Wangs Basketball @26-Letran vs Adalem Construction-St. Clare 12:30 p.m. - CEU vs AMA Online

WANGS Basketball @26-Letran and Adalem Construction-St. Clare raise the curtain to a brand new season as they start hostilities in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Champions in their respective tourneys, the Knights and the Saints battle at 10:30 a.m. as they usher in a long-awaited return of the developmental league after two years on the shelf. Wangs-Letran coach Bonnie Tan, however, would like to temper expectations from his wards despite coming into the tourney as back-toback NCAA kings. “Medyo kulang pa ang preparations namin. We just resumed practicing this week, so mate-test talaga yung tibay ng mga bata,” said the soft-spoken mentor with the Knights leaning on Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, and the debuting Ira Bataller. NCAA MVP Rhenz Abando remains doubtful for the tiff as he’s still with Gilas Pilipinas preparing for the 2022 Fiba Asia Cup in Indonesia. Adalem-St. Clare mentor Jinino Manansala, on the other hand, thinks that no team is a pushover in this eight-team field, saying, “Lalaban lahat yan, kaya importante sa amin na makasabay. Hindi naman kami sumali dito para tumakbotakbo lang.” The Saints are coming off a fivepeat triumph in NAASCU behind the efforts of MVP Johnsherick Estrada, John Rojas, and Senegalese center Babacar Ndong. In the second game, Centro Escolar University and AMA Online parade young wards when they collide at 12:30 p.m. Veterans Franz Diaz and Dave Bernabe will lead the fight for the Scorpions, while the Kings will once again field Reed Baclig and recording artist Eduardo “Young JV” Kapunan in the contest.

A NUMBER of tri-sport athletes in the Sun Life 5150 unfolding Sunday (July 10) are vying in the Olympic distance race in Panglao, Bohol to hone and toughen up for the grueling IRONMAN 70.3 slated in Cebu next month. The long hiatus due to pandemic has created a split effect on active people and events like triathlon and running races with the upcoming 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run marking the resumption of the multi-sports events in new normal. It also gives a good number of the 562 bidders the chance to test their power, speed and staying power on an Olympic-style course setup as part of their buildup for the 70.3 meet on Aug. 7 in Mactan, Cebu. Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado is also joining the 5150 aimed at providing those wanting to get into triathlon a venue for training at the same time provide quality tri-sport experience. While the event has drawn participants of various skills from the youngest 15-19 age category to the senior side of 65-69, focus will be on those bidding in the 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 and 4044 as they seek to sharpen up and reach high competitive level in time for the 70.3 meet on Aug. 7 in Mactan, Cebu. They include bets from Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom, South Africa, Vietnam, Singapore, France, India, Malaysia, Denmark, Hong Kong, the US, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Korea, Guatemala and Japan and host the Philippines. Also on tap on Sunday are the relay all men’s and women’s and the relay mixed while the Sunrise Sprint event, a subcategory to 5150 featuring 750m openwater swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run, has also lured over a hundred participants from at least 23 teams, all raring to get going in the event dubbed as S2. For details, visit www.ironman. com/5150-bohol with social media accounts at Sun Life 5150 Bohol (facebook) and 5150bohol (Instagram). For the Sunrise Sprint, log on to www.goforgold.sunrisesprint.com. Minimum health protocols will also be enforced starting Friday to guarantee a safe and successful staging of the event, according to the organizing The IRONMAN Group/ Sunrise Events, Inc. The event also features 72 women bidders in different age categories, including 12 in the relay all-female and 10 more in the relay mixed. There are 26 others seeing action in the Sunrise Sprint.

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur celebrates beating Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova during their women’s singles quarter final tennis match on the ninth day of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. AFP

Djokovic battles into Wimby semis; Jabeur makes history

ONDON—Defending champion Novak Djokovic battled back from two sets down to reach an 11th Wimbledon semi-ﬁnal on Tuesday as Ons Jabeur became the ﬁrst Arab woman to book a place in the lastfour of a Grand Slam. Djokovic triumphed 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 over Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner, recovering from a two-set deficit for the seventh time in his career. The Serb will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, who also needed five sets to get past David Goffin of Belgium, 3-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. World number two Jabeur of Tunisia defeated Marie Bouzkova 3-6, 6-1, 6-1. She will next face close friend and mother-of-two Tatjana Maria, who defeated fellow unseeded German Jule Niemeier, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. Djokovic, a 20-time major winner, said he had to give himself a talking to after going two sets down. “The first two sets compared to the next three were like two different matches,” he said. “But at the end of the second set I took a toilet break, gave myself a little pep talk, tried to gather my thoughts. “I broke early in the third set. I saw a little bit of doubt start to come into his movement. I have many years’ experience of playing on these courts and

coping with the pressure.” Djokovic is no stranger to Grand Slam adversity, having twice come back from two sets down as recently as last year’s French Open. The second of those stunning recoveries was in the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas. After Tuesday’s bathroom break, he returned to court and grabbed a break in the fourth game of the third set as he trimmed his quarter-final deficit. In control, the 35-year-old levelled the tie with a double break in the fourth set as Sinner took a worrying tumble on his ankle scrambling to the Centre Court net. ‘Adrenaline’ Djokovic carved out two more breaks in the decider, the second off the back of a stunning, cross-court backhand on the stretch to go to 5-2 before calmly serving it out. “I played well but he raised his level,” said Sinner, who had never won a grasscourt match before Wimbledon. Ninth seed Norrie got the better of

58th-ranked Goffin to make the last four of a Slam for the first time. Left-hander Norrie said he was struggling at the start of the match, admitting he was forced to dig deep. “It was all just adrenaline, using my legs and trying to put the ball in the court, and it’s great to get over the line,” he said. Norrie, the first British man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals since Andy Murray in 2016, said he was going to “take it” to top seed Djokovic. The result was tough on Goffin, who made the quarter-finals on his last appearance at Wimbledon in 2019. The Belgian hit more winners, 49 to 38, and won more points, with his 151 trumping Norrie’s 145. ‘BBQ buddy’ Jabeur, the only top 15 seed to make the last-eight in the women’s tournament, battled back to see off 66th-ranked Bouzkova of the Czech Republic. The Tunisian was broken twice as she lost the first set but lost only two games after that to power to a 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 win. Jabeur described semi-final opponent Maria as her “barbecue buddy”. “It’s going to be tough to play her, she is a great friend,” she said. “I am really happy she is in a semi-final —look at her now, she is in a semi-final after having two babies. It is an amazing story.” AFP

White House: Freeing WNBA’s Griner a priority for Biden WASHINGTON—US President Joe Biden has read a letter from Brittney Griner, the women’s basketball star who has been detained in Russia since February, and freeing her is a “priority,” the White House said Tuesday. Griner’s family had on Monday released portions of her handwritten letter to Biden, in which the WNBA star implores the president to “do all you can” to win her release. Her trial for charges of smuggling cannabis vape cartridges into Russia began last Friday, and the two-time Olympic champion faces up to 10 years in prison. “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner wrote. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday that “the president did read the letter.” “This is an issue that is a priority for

A sign for Brittney Griner during a game between Portland Thorns FC and Angel City FC at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

this president,” she stated simply at her daily press briefing, without adding further details. Griner was detained in the days before Russia began its full-on assault on Ukraine, after which the United States and its allies imposed unprecedented economic sanctions on Moscow. Her case has become one of many sticking points in historically low relations between the United States and Russia, with Washington saying the 31-year-old Griner has been “wrongfully detained” and putting its special envoy in charge of hostages on the case. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken “has had a couple of opportunities in recent days and recent weeks” to speak to the basketball star’s wife Cherrelle Griner, and the State Department has been in “almost daily contact” with her representatives, State Department spokesman Ned Price said Tuesday. “We want to see Americans released. We want to see this practice banished,

whether it is in the case of Russia or any other country, that engages in the practice of wrongfully -- unjustly -- detaining Americans or third-country nationals for political benefit,” Price told reporters. Asked about criticism of the US government’s response by Griner’s family and teammates, Price said that “we are doing everything we can to place their loved one in the most advantageous position to be released.” “We certainly understand the inclination on the part of families to bring as much publicity as they can to their cases,” he added. After their match on Monday night, Griner’s teammates on the Phoenix Mercury called for more prominent and consistent media coverage of her case. “There’s not enough outcry,” said forward Brianna Turner. “If it were LeBron James or Tom Brady, this would be news that would be in the headlines every day,” added guard Sophie Cunningham.

FESSAP National Interscholastic Table Tennis Championship slated July 9 at Robinsons Nova By Graham C. Lim THE 2022 National Interscholastic Table Tennis Championship, to be held at Robinsons Mall in Novaliches, Quezon City on July 9 and 10, 2022, will serve as the qualifying event for Jinjang City’s World School Games (also known as the 18th Gymnasiade) from November 26 to December 3. Tournament organizer, coach Julius Esposo, was appointed the Executive Director of the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Philippine

Inter-School Sport Association and other school institutions nationwide. To be contested are College Men’s and Women’s Team Events, with boys’ and girls divisions also set in the high school level. The college winners will also have a chance to qualify for future international competitions, such as the Asian University, ASEAN University and Asia Pacific Games. The 20th ASEAN University Games have been arranged earlier, with the Philippine delegation for Table Tennis composed of Charlie L. Lim (team manager); Esposo (coach)

and student-athletes Charles Joshua T. Lim, Neo Angelo D. Laudato, Francis A. Bendebel, Romualdo S. Ramiro Jr., Ken Andrei D. Memoria, Alexandra Dominique P. Reyes, Marriane Joyce S. Peralta, Andrea J. Gestosani and Patricia R. Lucas. The table tennis tournament is supported by Robinsons Mall- Novaliches, Joola Philippines, Omni Electrical & Lighting, PAGCOR, Bestank, Paddock’s Jeans, Green Paddle Equipment Inc., Table Tennis Association for National Development, Toto Pol Fish Broker, CHAWI Fishing, Dobin-

son, Carlson Digital Prints and sports patron Charlie Lim. Participating schools and teams in the National Capital Region are Nuestra Señora De Guia Academy, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Makati- Netto Club, Team PNP, College of Saint Benilde, Adamson University, PUP, UP, UST, UE, NU, Mapua. Luzon participants are St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur, Pozorrubio School Panga-

sinan, Romblon State University, Tabaco National High School, Albay Bicol, Netto Club, Pagsanjan Ping-Pong, Pagsanjan, Laguna Province, DMMMSU, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Seven Lakes Table Tennis Club, Sampville TTC - City of San Pedro. Bacolod City National High School is representing the Visayas, while Tangub City National High School is for Mindanao.

Entertainment

Lexi Gonzales Glaiza de Castro

Tirso Cruz III is new FDCP chair

‘Running Man PH’ puts on sprints on local TV

Buboy Villar

Angel Guardian

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

Kokoy de Santos

Ruru Madrid

Mikael Daez

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

GMA Network brings forth one of South Korea’s most popular variety programs with Running Man PH headlined by Glaiza de Castro, Ruru Madrid, Kokoy de Santos, Lexi Gonzales, Angel Guardian, Buboy Villar, and Mikael Daez. The seven Kapuso stars together with the production team are now in South Korea to shoot the entire season at the exact location of the original series. It will follow the original format where weekly missions are carried out in various landmarks. Mikael shares his excitement to shoot all the episodes in South Korea, “Alam niyo naman ako sobrang hilig ko mag-travel, so sobrang na-excite ako na magtrabaho outside the Philippines after so many things have happened to us in the world.” Glaiza guarantees that Running Man PH will not disappoint the Filipino fans and viewers, “Alam ko kung gaano niyo minahal itong show kaya ita-try namin na talagang ibigay sa inyo kung ano ‘yong deserved niyo.” Ruru is looking forward to the challenges that will bring out their amusing personalities, “This time, wala kaming ginagampanan na

role kaya mas makikilala kami ng mga tao at gusto ko rin patunayan na hindi ako puro pa-pogi lang.” Kokoy is also thrilled to spread good vibes to the audiences, “Ang goal namin is to entertain, magbigay ng inspirasyon at mag-share ng stories dahil gaya ko, hindi ko in-expect itong project na maituturing kong rurok ng mga pangarap ko.” Lexi admits that RMPH is a big opportunity for her to showcase her real self, “Sa ngayon, pinapakilala ko pa lang sarili ko sa mga tao kaya gusto kong makita naman nila ‘yung fun side ko, hindi puro ma-drama and yung pagiging competitive ko sa Starstruck.” Angel assures that despite her calm personality, she will give her best and be driven in the show, “Excited na kami sa missions at excited ako sa magiging bonding ng cast and we’ll prove that we deserve to be here.” Buboy is confident that the audience will love the diversity of the cast, “Swak kaming lahat dito dahil bawat isa samin may kanikaniyang character–may maingay, may sobrang competitive, kaya sigurado akong magmamarka ito sa mga tao.” Back in February 2020, GMA

Entertainment Group inked a co-production deal with SBS Korea for the local version of the game show. This is a milestone project for the Kapuso Network since this is the first time for one of South Korea’s biggest networks to collaborate with a Philippine TV network. Running Man is one of South Korea’s most popular variety shows, featuring well-loved top Korean stars as cast members and special guests like Jackie Chan, Tom Cruise, and Henry Cavill competing in fun challenges, games, and races in different locations. After being on-air for almost a decade, the show has gained legions of fans not just across Asia, but all over the world as well. The popularity and longevity of Running Man are attributed to its ability to make viewers laugh and the natural chemistry of its cast members. The missions are designed to be unpredictable, engaging, and hilarious— making the program highly entertaining to watch. Catch Running Man PH soon on GMA. Viewers abroad can also catch it on GMA Pinoy TV. For the latest news and updates on the Kapuso Network, visit www.gmanetwork. com.

The return of the Dreamer

Gary Valenciano takes on the role of Jacob for the 2022 rerun of 'Joseph The Dreamer'

A behind the scenes look at rehearsals for 'Joseph The Dreamer'

By Patricia Taculao Tirso Cruz III recognizes the responsibility in being the new FDCP chairperson

By Patricia Taculao SEASONED actor Tirso Cruz III has been appointed as the new chairperson and chief executive of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). He was sworn in by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday, July 5, in Malacañang, alongside other appointed officials. Cruz replaced former beauty queen and actress Liza Diño in the position. The 70-year-old actor and singer started his career in film in the late ‘60s and on television in the early ‘70s, is known for his roles in Guy and Pip (which launched his love team with Superstar Nora Aunor), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, Dekada 70, Mano Po, and recently in Ang Probinsyano, Honor Thy Father, and Rainbow’s Sunset, among others. Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reappointed Diño as the FDCP chair for another three years. But ultimately, it’s the incumbent president’s decision that pushed through. Meanwhile, Cruz was surprised at his appointment and recognized the amount of responsibility the job entails. Apart from Cruz, another actor appointed as a government official was Mark Lapid. He assumed the role of the chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

ACK in 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic completely took precedence in society, the musical Joseph The Dreamer completed its 12-show run with high praise and standing ovations from the audience. It was the last musical that swept the stage for a while.

me, but [I’m] thankful that things fell into place and I have a chance to be a part of Joseph The Dreamer again,” Gary said. This year’s revival also marks another fatherson collaboration as Paolo Valenciano, the country’s leading concert director, directs his father in this production. Reprising his role as Joseph from the 2020 run of the musical is Sam Concepcion. Joining him are Audie Gemora as Jacob, Kayla Rivera as Asenath, Carlo Orosa as the Pharaoh, and Bituin Escalante as Rachel, Joseph’s mother. On the other hand, the show’s production team includes associate director Nelsito Gomez, musical director Myke Salomon, choreographer MJ Arda of the A-Team, and the award-winning production designer Mio Infante. “I’m so happy that the next generation is taking on this incredible show that started in 1989. I guess the message is as relevant today as it is back then,” said Gemora. He added that the longevity of any theater company comes from succession, and it’s appropriate that Joseph The Dreamer encourages generational responsibility, as evident throughout the story and the involvement of cast and production members from different generations. The repeat of Joseph The Dreamer will run at the Maybank Performing Arts Theather, Bonifacio Global City, from July 15 to 31. For tickets, call Ticketworld at 8891-9999 or Sam Concepcion reprises visit https://bit.ly/JTD2022. his role as Joseph

to other shows, while others had to re-learn the show and its lines. Despite these challenges, the cast and production team behind Joseph The Dreamer answered the call to return on stage to share Trumpet’s adaptation of the inspiring Biblical story made colorful with alluring songs and a well-choreographed dance routine. Meanwhile, the musical itself isn’t the only thing that’s returning to the stage of live theater. Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, is also making a comeback to musical theater after 23 years. Gary played the lead role of Jacob during the 1999 run of the musical and now takes on the role of the father, Jacob. He took some time off from television shows such as Idol Philippines and ASAP Natin ‘To to participate in the musical. “[It’s] kind of something new, in a way, for

Yet now that the entertainment industries are slowly reopening, Trumpets Inc., a nonstock, non-profit theater company, believes bringing back Joseph The Dreamer is the appropriate move to signal the return of live theater performances in the country. “Joseph The Dreamer is a show that speaks to the family, with messages of love and forgiveness; and what a time it is now to forgive,” said Miguel Jimenez, the Marketing Head of Trumpets, during an online media conference for the wellreceived musical. With two months only to prepare, Jimenez divulged that they at Trumpets didn’t know if they could pull it off. Mr. Pure Energy returns to live theater after 23 years Some of their previous cast committed

Alex Diaz searches for spark in first PH’s boy's love dating game show ACTOR and TV host Alex Diaz is saying hello to the possibilities of finding his spark in Philippines’ first boy’s love dating game show, Hello Searcher, produced by Black Sheep. In his Tiktok account, Alex shared that even if he has been trying to create visibility in genderless love and bisexual people for years, by doing this show, people who are encountering the same situations as him feel understood. “I love disrupting and jumping at any opportunity to create representation in our (From left) Vilma Santos and Luis Manzano are passionate about following a healthy lifestyle

beloved conservative Filipino industry. Somewhere out there, there is a little boy or old man, who never had someone to look up to on TV who sees this and feels seen. That is always a win in my book,” said Alex. Helping Alex in the online show is the first Miss Trans Global, Mela Habijan, who will serve as the host or the “Mother Sparker.” In Hello Searcher, six lucky searchees will go through exciting virtual challenges and games until one searchee remains. Viewers can be part of the first boy-love

dating game show through the Sparks Call, an audition for the show’s searchees. The online audition is open to all male Filipinos living in the Philippines or abroad but willing to travel in the country, 21 years old and above, and must be able to understand Filipino. To audition, fill out the online form and send their audition videos through bit.ly/HelloSearcherSC. Join Alex and the six searchees in Hello, Searcher, part of the Made For YouTube shows starting August. Watch it soon on Black Sheep’s YouTube Channel.

Alex Diaz promotes genderless love with ‘Hello Searcher’

Vilma Santos, Luis Manzano's most ‘oat-standing’ role yet IN THE case of Vilma Santos and Luis Manzano, good looks, talent, and a healthy lifestyle seem to run in the family. The Star for All Seasons and her son are taking on their most “oatstanding” roles yet as the newest endorsers of Quaker Oats.

Known for their close and playful bond, the two are ecstatic to be endorsing a brand that stands for healthy living, something they both believe in. “The fact that we are both passionate about healthy living, parang match made in heaven ang partnership na ito,” Vilma shared. As a known fitness buff, Luis emphasized the importance of prioritizing one’s health, which is why

Quaker Oats is the perfect fit for him. “Yung Quaker Oats po kasi talaga is for healthy living, which becomes a priority as you get older.” The additional fiber in one’s diet provided by oats is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Moreover, every bowl of cooked Quaker Oats provides the necessary fuel one needs to start the day strong. Vilma is equally enthusiastic about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which

makes aging gracefully possible. Research has proven that Oats help to lower bad cholesterol thanks to the power of beta-glucan – which is a soluble fiber that prompts the liver to remove cholesterol from the blood. Vilma recounted that she has been eating Quaker Oats for breakfast since she was young, which is why she has passed this habit on to her children as well. Quaker Oats is available at all leading supermarkets nationwide.

Life

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

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022

(From left) Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. President, Chairman, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan

What is there to know about beef tallow

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Tallow is widely used in cooking and sometimes in skincare

saturated fat. However, this does not take away BY JOBA BOTANA the fact that beef tallow — especially if it is sourced from a grass-feed animal— is a nourishing food, and when consumed moderately, just like any other nutrient-rich food, one will reap its benefits. Health benefits and nutrition values Beef tallow is 100 percent fat by weight, with no carbohydrates or protein, and most of the fat is saturated. It is rich in healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins; promotes fat-burning; prevents oxidative damage; and nourishes the skin, among other benefits. Beef tallow is rich in a wide variety of healthy fatty acids including monounsaturated fatty acids like palmitoleic acid, saturated fatty acids like palmitic acid and stearic acid, and natural trans fats like conjugated linoleic acid. Palmitoleic acid, an omega 7 fat, is one of our skin’s most elemental building blocks and plays a vital role in main-

tamin A than muscle meat. Vitamin A plays an essential role in cell production and differentiation, especially in skin and eye cells. Tallow is also a modest source of vitamin D as well as Vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant. It also prevents LDL cholesterol from getting oxidized which can cause inflammation in our arteries. Grass-fed tallow contains small amounts of vitamin K2, a nutrient associated with improved cardiovascular health. Vitamin K also works to keep calcium in bones. Keep your blood sugar and insulin relatively low, and your body should be able to stay “I’m making a beef tallow to be made into in fat-burning mode. Bear in mind that some soap and shampoo bar,” she said nonchalantof beef tallow’s individual fatty acids can also ly in our vernacular. “Beef what?” my uninhelp your body liberate fatty acids from fat formed self asked. stores and use them for fuel. That day, I read whatever I could find from There are articles from reputable sources reputable sources online about this lovely that said that saturated fats in beef tallow may beef tallow my sister was talking about. also promote longevity; the more saturated A staple in the kitchen fat you eat, the more saturated your body’s A long time ago, long before olive oil, cell membranes tend to become, and that canola, or coconut oil became popular cookhigher levels of cell membrane saturation ing aids, beef tallow was a favorite kitchen protect your cells from glycation, staple. It was said that our forefathers considoxidation, endotoxin buildup, ered tallow as an important nutrition-giving and other types of stress. It was ingredient. Evidence of this can be found in also mentioned that Rodent studcookbooks from the 1800s to ies have found that a tallow-rich 1900s wherein many recipes diet can suppress colon cancer. feature liberal amounts of talTallow nourishes the skin, low. whether it’s ingested or applied This unusual cooking fat is topically. If you want to improve making a comeback and there your complexion and boost your are good reasons for it, which skincare regimen, apply tallow are scientifically supported. But directly onto your skin. Infuse before we go through that, let botanicals or antioxidants (like us first find out what beef talvitamin E) into your tallow to low is. make a special skincare product. Simply put, it is rendered, The fat found in tallow is a good In my sister’s concoction, she or heat-processed beef fat. The source of nutrients such as used jojoba and extra virgin olive rendering process involves genvitamins A, D, K, and E oil for her body soap and shamtly cooking and liquifying raw poo bar. Tallow’s fatty acid probeef fat, which was what my Although unknown to many, beef taining heart health file closely matches the makeup of our skin’s sister was doing the moment tallow promotes fat-burning, and insulin sensitiv- sebum oil. I guess it is for this reason that the I was introduced to her lovely prevents oxidative damage, and ity. It’s also good for word “sebum” means tallow in Latin. beef tallow. Once it has been nourishes the skin, among other the skin and hair as So if you’d like to up the ante of your skinliquified, it is allowed to cool benefits it counters the oxida- care game or looking for a nourishing, stable, and harden. The hardened off-white butter- tive damage that occurs when the skin gets and smoke-free cooking oil, try beef tallow. like tallow is a good substitute for butter or too much sun exposure. Studies also show Order online or make one at home. Its 420° cooking oil. But it’s not only that. Beef tallow that palmitoleic acid may also boost col- smoke point means tallow can be used for combined with other necessary ingredients lagen and elastin production. Palmitic acid, baking, sautéing, and frying. can be made into soap, skin moisturizer, or like palmitoleic acid, can improve skin health Speaking of frying, here’s some trivia: shampoo bar, among other products. by strengthening the barrier function of your Did you know that the original McDonald’s Beef tallow was popular back then and skin, and helps build the sphingolipid portion French Fry was 93 percent beef tallow-fried persisted well until the 1950s when American of cell membrane playing a role as signaling and that has made it famous? Sadly it is now Physiologist Ancel Benjamin Keys, who molecules. extinct. McDonald’s switched to ‘heartpopularized the K-rations and Mediterranean The fat found in tallow is a good source of healthy’ vegetable oils probably due to the sodiets, hypothesized that replacing dietary nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vita- called scaremongering in the 1990s. It is said saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat reduces min K, and vitamin E, which are all vital for that even the fast-food critics of long ago had cardiovascular heart disease. Moreso, mod- every aspect of cellular function as some play a hard time denying that these original tallowern dietary recommendations by health or- a role in growth, while others in immune sup- fried fries were simply delicious. ganizations, systematic reviews, and national port. Many fat-soluble vitamins also have a health agencies corroborate this claim. This potent antioxidant effect. For comments and feedback, you may has somehow frightened people away from Grass-fed tallow is slightly higher in vi- email the author at joba.botana@gmail.com.

HAVE never heard about beef tallow before (or maybe I did but just didn’t pay enough attention) until one day when I found my sister all busy in the kitchen, a huge pot on the stove in front of her. She’d been at it the entire morning and I just had to ask her what dish she was making or what she was experimenting on this time.

JOB WELL DONE

Too busy? Make time for a productive pause By Tet Defensor IT IS normal to feel disengaged from work, every so often. Just like any chosen path, there will always be humps on the road that challenges one’s ability to adapt to change. Such situations, when properly channeled can lead to growth and development. However, if the “disengagement” leads to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and work inefficiency then you could be suffering from burnout. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome from unmanaged chronic workplace stress. Characterized by feelings of depletion or exhaustion this can lead to cynicism and feeling mentally distant from one’s job. WHO emphasized that burnout is a phenomenon within the occupational context and must not be applied to describe experiences in other areas of life. Common signs of burnout include losing interest in activities that used to be enjoyable and feeling unmotivated at work. Some literally dread Mondays because of the stress and heavy pressure. In a recent webicon organized by Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC), entitled “Beat IT: Different Self-Care Strategies to Combat Burnout” the audience listened to the insights of Clinical Psychologist Ma. Araceli Balajadia-

mind and senses. She recAlcala. With over 20 years ommends straw breathing of experience, Alcala tackled exercises, where one inthe physical, behavioral, and hales through the nose and emotional barriers that lead to burnout. exhales through the mouth Skipping work or habitual slowly, as if one is blowing tardiness is a behavioral sign through a drinking straw. If of burnout. This is crucial one is seated taking a few because it can result in inefmoments to notice someficiency and reduced prothing, can help keep emotions in check. ductivity. Increased smoking “It can be a photo of a or frequent drinking session loved one, the sound of among workmates is anothbirds outside the window, er indication because these or a pleasant smell. As you “soothing patterns” can easily describe the details in your combat stress and pressure. head, pay attention to how There are also personality you feel.” factors that are predisposed to burnout according to Alcala. According to the WHO, work burnout is a syndrome from A healthy work-life bal“For example, having a pes- unmanaged chronic workplace stress ance can be attained by simistic view of yourself and engaging in activities that ence. the world, or having a high enrich the mind and body. Workplace stress must be addressed Having an exercise regimen, and engagneed for control and perfectionism,” can translate to excessive pressure that brings because the overwhelming feeling can ing in pleasurable activities not related to about mental and emotional exhaustion. trigger a fight or flight response, a psy- work like gardening or doing volunteer Citing the fermata in a music piece as chological reaction to a threatening situ- work are meaningful pauses that can calm an example, an effective way to prevent ation, where the person can either resist emotions. burnout is to observe a productive pause. or run away. “Our minds are revved up, With the recent focus on mental well“We need to pause to be aware of what even if nothing is going on. Pausing al- being especially during the pandemic, we are thinking or experiencing in the lows you to increase your focus. It helps organizations are taking steps to prevent moment,” she added that the “pause” slow down and increase your awareness employee burnout, which is prevalent is not simply an immediate solution. It to help you make more healthy choices.” among workers in the service and healthWhile at work a productive pause can care industry. should be strategically placed and must During the webicon, CSMC’s HR Spebe an integral part of the work experi- mean taking a few minutes to calm your

cialist Mikaela Joie Pascual shared the hospital’s psychosocial support programs help prevent or manage burnout “For us to create a safe and comfortable environment for our employees, we needed to build a culture where everyone was accountable for their own health and safety.” The hospital has a program called Ohana, a Hawaiian word that refers to extended family. For CSMC family means “nobody gets left behind.” With their employees at the frontline of the global pandemic, along with the hectic day-today operations are several programs on mental health and fun activities that prioritize self-care. CSMC also has a lounge and a healing garden where employees can relax and enjoy some quiet time in between work. To ease the ill effects of workplace frenzy, Alcala emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries to focus on self-care. “What has worked for me in the pandemic is to set a moment at the end of the day to quiet down, pray and meditate. I also tried to keep Sundays free. This means creating that structure in your daily life that will help you have a greater sense of control. For some, it could be having more time with loved ones, having a good night’s sleep, or having a rich spiritual life.”