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PH spots first monkeypox case

Patient shows symptoms after trip abroad, gov't seeks US vax vs. virus By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz

LONG BEFORE EXPIRY DATE

‘Private sector had option to donate vaccines to LGUs’

HE Philippines has detected its first case of monkeypox, only days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of the disease a global health emergency. "The case had prior travel to countries with documented monkeypox cases," said Health Undersecretary Dr. Beverly Ho, who did not specify the gender of the person, saying only that the patient was 31 years old. Ho advised those with a history of travel in countries with confirmed monkeypox cases and are now experiencing

By Willie Casas, Othel V. Campos, and Vince Lopez

PAINFUL SPOTS. In this file photo, a man with monkeypox holds out his hands full of rashes, spots, and lesions. Other symptoms of the viral disease include fever, headaches, sharp muscle pains, fatigue, and swollen and painful lymph nodes. The Philippines detected its first case of monkeypox on Friday. AFP

February 10. Also, active cases further increased to 32,637 from 29,897 on Thursday. At that time, the DOH said the private sector was given the option of donating its vaccines directly to local government units. It noted that the law allows chief medical officers of private companies to make their own vaccine recipient lists and implement steps that could expedite vaccine deployment and avoid expiry. Data from the Zuellig Pharma Cold Chain Warehouse show that beginning

THE government on Friday said private companies that had bought COVID-19 vaccines that have expired knew what to do with them as early as October last year. Meanwhile, the Philippines recorded 4,127 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, the highest daily tally in more than five months, according to the Department of Health (DOH). The latest daily tally was the highest since 4,575 cases were reported on

Death toll from quake now 10, over 1k aftershocks recorded THE death toll from a major earthquake centered in the northern Philippines rose to 10 Friday after another four bodies were found in the rubble, authorities said, as aftershocks continued to rock the mountainous region. Rescuers in the town of Luba in the hardest hit province of Abra retrieved the remains of the men on a section of road that was buried by a landslide during Wednesday's 7.0-magnitude quake, the provincial civil defense office told Agence-France Presse. Landslides and collapsing structures killed six others in Abra

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 164 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MORE QUAKE CASUALTIES. The bodies

of four males buried by a landslide were recovered in Sitio Cayaddacad, Luba, Abra on Friday after a 16-hour search following the earthquake on Wednesday. Aftershocks in Bontoc, Mt. Province caused rocks to fall onto a jeepney, injuring the driver and his passengers, while road clearing operations resume along Mt. Data, Bauko at the Halsema Highway in Mountain Province. Dave Leprozo and Abra PNP Photos

LPA BECOMES TROPICAL DEPRESSION ‘ESTER’

WEATHER

NBI told to stop ops vs. POGOs over extort raps By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to cease its operations against Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) following complaints of extortion and other irregularities. “I told the NBI to stop activities against POGOs,” Remulla said during an event hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila late Thursday. Remulla said his directive was issued just before he took over the top post at the DOJ on a complaint by a POGO establishment that money was found missing during an NBI operation. “The NBI was not established to arrest foreigners or businessmen. We had to put a stop to that and right now,” Next page he declared.

NEWS / A2

Palace set to submit P5.6T nat'l budget to Congress THE proposed P5.628-trillion national budget for 2023 will likely be submitted to Congress next week, Malacañang said on Friday, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a special meeting with his Cabinet to discuss the proposed spending plan. In a press conference, Press

Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the 2023 budget plan is currently being finetuned after several Cabinet secretaries gave their inputs during the meeting. "Different secretaries gave some inputs for the fine-tuning. The department will submit [the proposed 2023 budget] to Congress by next

week," she said. On Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman vowed to submit to Congress the proposed P5.628-trillion General Appropriations Act on time to ensure its passage before yearend. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) initially sought

to submit the proposed budget on August 22. The 1987 Constitution mandates the executive department to submit the proposed National Expenditure Program to Congress within 30 days from the opening of the regular session of Congress. Next page

Another diesel price rollback seen, Dad of Ateneo shooter shot dead in Basilan but gasoline may increase instead By Maricel V. Cruz THE price per liter of diesel fuel is expected to go down next week for the fifth straight week, while gasoline prices may increase slightly by Tuesday, industry sources said yesterday. An oil industry source told the Standard pump prices for diesel may be reduced by P1.00 to P1.20, citing oil

trading monitoring from July 25 to 28 based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), a pricing basis for many refined oil products in southeast Asia. Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may rise by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter, the same source added. This developed as a lawmaker from the Bicol region on Friday urged the

THE father of Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, the suspect in the recent shooting at Ateneo de Manila University that left three persons dead, was shot dead outside his home in Basilan early Friday, police said.

Rolando Yumol, a retired policeman and businessman, was killed by unidentified assassins who shot him four times in the back in front of his house in Brgy. Maganda,

SC CLEARS RICKETTS OF GRAFT CHARGES

RAZON TAKES 45% MALAMPAYA STAKE

BLINKEN, MARCOS TO MEET AUG. 6

NEWS / A4

BUSINESS / B4

NEWS / A2

SLAIN IN BASILAN. The body of Rolando Yumol (also inset) lies in an open casket surrounded by his relatives in Lamitan, Basilan, in this Facebook photo posted on the Ronda Del Basilan page on Friday. Yumol was the father of Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol, the suspect in the Ateneo campus shooting that left three persons dead last Sunday.

News

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US: Blinken, Marcos to meet Aug. 6 W

Blinken will meet Marcos in MaThey will also discuss "our shared nila on August 6 as part of efforts "to democratic values," a statement said. strengthen the US-Philippines alliBlinken will head to the Philipance" including on energy and trade, pines after attending talks of the Asthe State Department said. sociation of Southeast Asian Nations

in Cambodia. Marcos—the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.—quickly received a congratulatory call from President Joe Biden after he won the May 9 elections. The United States has a treaty alliance with the Philippines and has backed its former colony in increasingly heated disputes in the South China Sea with Beijing. US relations rebounded with Ma-

nila toward the end of the tenure of Marcos' predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who waged a brutal war on drugs that rights groups say left tens of thousands dead. Then-US President Barack Obama raised concerns about human rights in 2016, leading Duterte to attack Obama publicly with profanity, but Duterte enjoyed unstinting support from Obama's successor Donald Trump. AFP

"For men who have sex with men, this includes, for the moment, reducing your number of sexual partners, reconsidering sex with new partners, and exchanging contact details with any new partners to enable follow-up if needed," he said. The Philippines sought to head off potential panic, saying monkeypox was not like COVID-19. "This is not like COVID that can be spread by air very easily and could possibly be fatal," said Trixie Cruz-Angeles, press secretary for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "This is not particularly fatal." Ho said the Philippines was working with the United States to secure monkeypox vaccines. She added that only a select group of the population would have to be vaccinated. In June, US health authorities said they were immediately releasing 56,000 doses of the monkeypox vaccine — five times the number distributed so far — to areas of high transmission as part of a major escalation of the country's immunization strategy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only recommend-

ed monkeypox vaccines be offered to those who had confirmed exposures. Ho advised those with travel history in countries with confirmed monkeypox cases and are now experiencing symptoms to immediately seek medical attention. Monkeypox is a virus transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal or contaminated materials, the DOH said. A viral infection resembling smallpox and first detected in humans in 1970, monkeypox is less dangerous and contagious than smallpox, which was eradicated in 1980. The first symptoms can include a fever, headaches, sharp muscle pains, fatigue, a rash, as well as swollen and painful lymph nodes. Rashes subsequently appear on the face, the palms of hands, and the soles of the feet, followed by lesions, spots, and finally scabs. Ninety-five percent of cases have been transmitted through sexual activity, according to a study of 528 people in 16 countries published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Overall, 98 percent of infected people were gay or bisexual men, and around a third were known to have visited sex-onsite venues such as sex parties or saunas within the previous month. “There is a very clear need to be more careful who we interact with, particularly sexual intimate contact,” Ho said. “We are working closely with those population groups so that they will have better preparation, risk perception that this is a disease that will probably concern them more than the general population.” Also on Friday, Abra Rep. Ching Bernos filed a bill to create a uniform national response towards public health emergencies. “The COVID-19 pandemic caught us off-guard, with preventive measures from the time of SARS not enough to push back against COVID,” Bernos said. “With the potential pandemic-level diseases lurking around the corner, we need an initial response to ensure the safety of our people.” Bernos, in filing the bill, seeks to comprehensively address not only medical concerns during a public health emergency, but also the creation of social and economic relief programs. With AFP

have been consumed, it added. The DOH recommended that the private sector continue to coordinate with DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs) and LGUs regarding their COVID-19 vaccination strategies and plans to use their COVID-19 vaccine supplies. The former presidential adviser on entrepreneurship, Joey Concepcion, said the private sector would continue to buy vaccines, if needed, despite its frustration over P5.1 billion worth of expiring doses. He said 4.2 million vaccine doses are set to expire on July 31, but the private sector could do nothing about it after spending billions of pesos on them. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said the government is continuously reviewing the current COVID-19 alert levels. The Palace has kept the COVID Alert Level 1 on July 19 until the end

of July and said this would remain in place until the Department of Health comes up with a new classification by mid-August. During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, President Marcos vowed that there will no longer be lockdowns due to COVID-19. The DOH said Thursday that Metro Manila is now classified as a "moderate risk" for COVID-19 following an increase in cases. The National Capital Region’s average daily attack rate (ADAR), or the number of new cases over a two-week period divided by its population, was at 7.25 cases per 100,000 population, the DOH said. The Philippines overall is still classified as "low risk" for coronavirus cases due to "low risk" health care utilization, despite all regions showing rising cases in the last one and two weeks, the DOH said.

There is a "continued slow incline" in intensive care unit admissions but the utilization remains "low risk" at 21 percent, Health Undersecretary Beverly Ho said. “Our severe and critical cases remain below 1,000 since mid-March. There aren't as many hospital admissions as there are new cases,” she said. The country has an ADAR of 2.43 cases per 100,000 population and a 14.8 percent positivity rate, up from last week's 12.5 percent, Ho said. The entry of more transmissible Omicron subvariants BA.5, BA.4, and BA.2.12.1 is a factor in the country's continuously rising virus infections, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said. The public's increased mobility, waning immunity, and lower compliance to health standards also contribute to the rise in cases, Vergeire said.

18, and 1 school respectively from Calabarzon Region and National Capital Region. In these schools, 422 classrooms were “totally damaged” while 636 classrooms were “partially major damaged,” DepEd added in a statement. At the same time, the President underscored the need to procure more water purifying systems to solve supply problems during disasters. “One of the things that we have found useful in all of the disasters is the water supply, there is a need to procure more water purifying systems that will address supply problems during disasters,” he said. “We should procure more of those because immediately water is always going to be a problem.” The President ordered the immediate restoration of water systems, saying this was even more important than communications and power. Abra Vice Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos reported that soil movement may have caused problems in the province’s water system lines. The Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera Administrative Region (OCD-CAR) said the whole province of Abra needs 300,000 bottles of drinking water. Senator Imee Marcos said she would send a purifier to Abra province. “We’ve found in Ilocos Norte that those are very helpful. You don’t have the disposal of plastic and all the other issues that surround distilled water,” she said. The President said the government could source the water purifying system from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that also provided the device when super typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Palace...

managers, is only 4 percent higher than the 2022 budget, that's a very small increase compared to previous years," he told ANC's Headstart. "But perhaps you'll see more focused spending because the President wants to do so many things so the departments have to take their cue and focus on what the President mentioned in his SONA." He added, "That's probably why the President started his SONA with a budget responsibility call... precisely so we can focus on all these issues." Asked where the government can get the budget for the additionalhospitals and rural health units that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr mentioned in his first SONA, Angara said there are some P10 billion to P20 billion "health facility enhancement funds" every year. Some local governments are capable of funding the improvement of their local hospitals, he added. "Now there's a new development in local government finance which is the Mandanas doctrine which gives more resources to the health personnel... We can be creative on how we fund the healthcare system," he said. "Some of the cities are also very healthy, you also have PPPs (publicprivate partnerships). It's not only the national government who is only capable of spending for these things." The SONA was the "perfect time" for Marcos to bring up tax reform, Angara said. "He has an overwhelming mandate and political capital. Do it at your most popular," he said. Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta

two years running on the watch of thenSecretary Alfonso Cusi.” The local oil industry uses MOPS, the daily average of all trading transactions between buyers and sellers of petroleum products, as assessed and summarized by Standard and Poor’s Platts. Oil companies usually announce price adjustments every Monday, to be implemented the following day. Villafuerte said local motorists were on “a seemingly rollercoaster ride, albeit mostly ups than downs, that gasoline and diesel prices have been through in the

retail market, especially this year.” One way for the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stabilize pump prices under the watch of new Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla “is to put up an SPR or storage facility to let the government bring in additional inventory that could help soften future price surges," he said. This would shield consumers and motorists from the debilitating effects of sky-high prices of gasoline and fuel, said the Bicol solon, who had broached the idea of a national fuel reserve in 2019. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

ASHINGTON—US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel next week to the Philippines to meet new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with Washington expecting a close alliance despite rights concerns.

PH... From A1

symptoms—a fever, headaches, sharp muscle pains, fatigue, a rash, as well as swollen and painful lymph nodes—to immediately seek medical attention. She said 10 close contacts—three of them from the patient’s household—have been advised to go into quarantine and were being monitored by the department. A surge in monkeypox infections has been reported since May outside the West and Central African countries where the disease has long been endemic. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Wednesday that more than 18,000 cases have now been reported to the organization from 78 countries, with 70 percent of them in Europe and 25 percent in the Americas. Five deaths have been reported in the outbreak since May, he said. Ghebreyesus, who last Saturday declared monkeypox a global health emergency, told reporters that the best way to protect against infection was "to reduce the risk of exposure".

‘Private... From A1

Dec. 19, 2021, the private sector received 12.4 million AstraZeneca and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses procured through government mechanisms, with expiry dates in July and August 2022. At the time these private sectorprocured vaccines came in, there were 8.1 million working Filipinos— economic frontliners — who were due for their first booster. This demand grew to as high as 14 million economic frontliners as of July 26, 2022, the DOH statement said. Even if all the economic frontliners due for first boosters were given their company shots in December, there would still be around 1.6 million workers waiting for their first boosters after all near-expiring private doses

Death... From A1

and nearby provinces, authorities had said previously. More than 150 people were injured. This developed as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday told the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to prioritize the inspection of hospitals and health care facilities in Abra following the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted the province Wednesday. During a visit to the province, Marcos checked on the condition of the Abra Provincial Hospital and its patients. More than a thousand aftershocks have been recorded since the quake hit, the state seismology office said Friday. “Let’s go first to the hospitals, let’s go first to the clinics, the health care centers… then we can then go look at the government buildings after which we can [go to] residential areas [to see] if they are safe,” he said. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that 54 health care facilities have been damaged by the quake. This included eight hospitals, 28 rural health units, and 18 barangay health stations. The Department of Education (DepEd) also said there are now 226 damaged buildings from the 9,539 schools affected by the earthquake that would need about P1.3 billion for their rehabilitation or reconstruction, according to its updated field report. Based on the latest Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) information, the 226 damaged schools were from Cordillera Administrative Region with 132, Ilocos Region with 49, Cagayan Valley Region with 25, Central Luzon Region with

Another... From A1

government to act on the long-conceived national strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) to ensure an adequate inventory of fuel in the domestic market. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said he was looking forward “to the prospect that it wouldn’t be business-as-usual at the DOE (Department of Energy), where this SPR plan had sadly crawled at a snail’s pace for more than

From A1

The Marcos administration's top priority sectors in the budget spending include education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture. The education sector, Cruz-Angeles said, will receive the biggest budgetary allocation for next year. Asked how much will be allocated for the country's COVID-19 response, Cruz-Angeles said: "We don't have details because it's still being finetuned. It will be finalized and then submitted to Congress next week. Cruz-Angeles said the special meeting began around 9 in the morning. Marcos' chief legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile was present during the meeting, as shown in a video by Radio Television Malacañang. Sen. Sonny Angara, head of the Senate Committee on Finance, earlier said the Marcos administration will likely enforce "more focused spending" as it eyes only a 4-percent increase in next year's budget. Marcos vowed to prioritize economic recovery, accessible health care to all Filipinos, ease farmers' debt burden, and streamline government functions during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Angara also said the wish of the Agriculture Department – headed by the President himself in the interim -- to triple its budget would be "very hard." "It’s very hard to triple a budget because the proposed 2023 budget, from what I’m hearing from the economic

Dad... From A1

Lamitan City, Basilan, said national police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo. With no arrests made as of press time, “the case is still under investigation, we are still collecting information," Police Lt. Col. Tadzhabel Managola, chief of Lamitan City Police, told radio DZBB. The elder Yumol was buried immediately, according to the Ronda Del

‘Remulla must raise PCGG shift with President’ IT WILL be up to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to raise to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. his proposal to expand the mandate of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), Malacañang said on Friday. "Since it is Secretary Remulla who has made the proposal, we'll have to wait for him to bring it up," Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace briefing. On Thursday, Remulla proposed to expand the PCGG's functions beyondb recovering the supposed ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses and their cronies. The justice chief's proposal aims to cover the seizure of smuggled shipments and confiscation of properties and assets for non-payment of taxes, drug trafficking, graft and corruption, and other crimes. The PCGG was created in 1986 to recover the Marcoses' and their cronies' alleged ill-gotten wealth. It has so far recovered P171 billion. Asked if Remulla's suggestion will be adopted by the Marcos administration, CruzAngeles said: "Right now, there is no policy." Some have raised concerns over Remulla's proposed expansion, saying this will dilute the PCGG's mandate. Sought for a reaction, Cruz-Angeles said: "We don't respond to speculation." Vince Lopez and Rey Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

LPA now ‘Ester’, threatens Bicol, enhances rains THE low-pressure area (LPA) east of extreme northern Luzon has developed into a tropical depression (TD), and was named "Ester," the weather bureau said Friday. Ester was last tracked 845 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, moving west northwestward at 15 kph. It packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast Ester and the southwest monsoon to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Bicol Region, Mindoro provinces, Samar provinces, Batangas, Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon. The areas may experience flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy rains. Other areas in the country will continue to experience isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate seas and slight to moderate seas will also continue to prevail over the entire country, PAGASA said. Rio N. Araja

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Remulla did not say when he arrived at the decision or if he had signed a written directive to the NBI to formalize the order. He just said during his speech that he received a call Thursday morning from a private man of Chinese descent complaining that he had been victimized by “huli-dap.” “There are a lot of similar incidents happening. Many have reported. So, they requested that POGOs stop their operations. I asked (NBI) OIC Director [Medardo] De Lemos to stop everybody from operating on POGOs because we are getting a very bad operation on the matter,” he said. The justice chief said it is best for the NBI to stay out of the problems in the POGO industry. “They kidnap each other. In the end, they will sue each other at the DOJ and in the end, they’ll just settle with each other. So, we are just wasting our time. We were just being dragged into the intramurals so we have to stop it,” he explained. “We will only act if there is really a police matter that is necessary for us to police or for the NBI to work on but in the meantime we will not do it because it may worsen the situation,” he added. Remulla said he has yet to receive information if there were high-ranking officials involved in the alleged “hulidap” operations. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) Basilan Facebook page, which posted photos of the slain man in an open casket in a field, surrounded by relatives. The younger Yumol, currently detained in Quezon City, was arrested on Sunday after the shooting incident at the Ateneo that left former Lamitan Mayor Rose Furigay, her aide Victor Capistrano, and security guard Jeneven Bandiala dead. Furigay's daughter Hannah, who was supposed to graduate on Sunday, is still recuperating at a hospital. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

News

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

IN BRIEF Pontifical coronation given to Muntinlupa City church THE Vatican has granted a pontifical coronation of the venerated image of the Our Lady of the Abandoned that is enshrined in Muntinlupa City. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news website reported on Friday that the shrine received the decree dated July 8, 2022, indicating the grant of canonical coronation for its Marian patroness from the Dicastery on Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. Fr. Jonathan Cadiz, rector of the Our Lady of the Abandoned Shrine, said the people of Muntinlupa, especially the devotees of the Our Lady of the Abandoned, welcomed the good news.

Health groups support Medical Reserve Corps DOCTORS and health groups expressed support for the creation of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) aimed at overseeing public health emergencies. The House of Representatives last March approved on second reading the proposal to organize the MRC, which aims to support the country’s health system in times of public health emergencies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. included the creation of the MRC among the bills that will be prioritized by his administration during his first State of the Nation Address. Willie Casa

Solon refiles 2 water resources measures BAGONG Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera has refiled two bills creating new government agencies that would ensure sustainable use and management of the country’s water resources. Herrera filed House Bill (HB) 1013 and 1014, which seek to create the Water Regulatory Commission (WRC) and the Department of Water, Sewage and Sanitation (DWSS), respectively. The twin measures, she said, would help the country achieve universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water services and sanitation for all Filipinos. “The Philippines is a water-rich country, yet despite an overflowing capital, many Filipinos experience deprivation from affordable, safe drinking water and a working sanitation system,” Herrera lamented. Maricel V. Cruz

Villar to award winners of PH youth program

FUMIGATION AGAINST DENGUE.

A worker from the Manila Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office conducts fumigation against dengue at the Victorino Mapa High School in San Miguel Manila on Friday in preparation for the opening of classes in August. Danny Pata/ Norman Cruz

Cayetano: I’m not ‘fighting’ for any Senate committee By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano stressed Friday he is not “fighting for any committee” in the Senate.

Cayetano said “there are problems” in the majority because many committees “are being given.” “We are indeed not fighting (for any position). Even Koko (Pimentel) appreciates that we did not fight for the position of minority leader,” Cayetano said. Cayetano however said, “if there’s an available committee that is suited to me, I won’t reject it.” Cayetano also earlier said he won’t join the “super majority” bloc in the Senate in the 19th Congress if the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations (Blue Ribbon) will not be given to him. Sen. Francis Tolentino was the elected

chairperson of the Blue Ribbon committee while Cayetano got the chairmanship of the committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises. His sister, Sen. Pia Cayetano, retained her chairmanship of the Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking committee which she held in the previous 18th Congress. The Cayetano siblings did not join either the majority or minority bloc in the Upper Chamber and opted to remain independent. Except for Sen. Imee Marcos who has two committees—Foreign Relations and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development during the first round of the election for committee chairmanship, the

other senators each got one committee. They are the following: Finance- Senator Sonny Angara; Accounts- Sen. Nancy Binay; Public Order and Dangerous Drugs- Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa; Local Government- Sen. JV Ejercito; National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation- Sen. Jinggoy Estrada; Ways and Means- Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian; Health and DemographySen. Christopher “Bong” Go; Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality- Sen. Risa Hontiveros; Games and Amusement- Sen. Lito Lapid, Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes- Sen. Robin Padilla; Public Services- Sen. Grace Poe; Public Works- Sen. Bong Revilla; Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education- Sen. Chiz Escudero; EnergySen. Raffy Tulfo; Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform- Sen. Cynthia A. Villar; and Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship- Sen. Mark Villar.

RIVER CLEANUP.

Marikina City personnel remove water lilies and other debris stuck beside a pontoon bridge at the Marikina Riverpark in Marikina City on Friday. Joey O. Razon

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Villar SIPAG Awards will award winners in its Villar SIPAG AwardsYouth Poverty Reduction Challenges with P150,000 and trophies. A special awardee will also get a trophy and P50,000 cash. The awarding ceremony will be held on August 5, 2022, at the Villar SIPAG Center sa Las Piñas City. The challenge, which is in its fifth year now, is a way of the founders of Villar SIPAG, former Senate President Manny Villar, and Senator Cynthia Villar to support youth empowerment. The Villars want more youth to participate in nation-building. The senator said the annual search for “empowered youth organizations” who worked hard to alleviate poverty in their community through their advocacies. The winners for this year are the following: From the NCR: Gloria Compound Youth Organization, Pilar, Las Piñas City; Tondo Youth Pataas Community Care, Inc.; Simeona F. Chanyungco Lahing Kayumanggi Mananayaw Ng Marikina Inc., Marikina City.

HEALTHY KARINDERIA.

Karinderya owners pray during the launching of the Department of Health (DOH) “Healthy Karinderya Pare sa Healthy Pilipinas” program at Brgy Parang Covered Court in Marikina CIty. The program aims to encourage karinderyas to champion nutrition at the community level. Manny Palmero

Angara bats for more hospitals in remote areas By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sonny Angara said the establishment of specialty hospitals is timely and doable. With this, he vowed to push for the passage of a law that would provide Filipinos with easier access to specialized medical care, particularly for those who are situated in remote areas. Angara has filed Senate Bill 93, which seeks to establish satellite specialty hospitals in provinces that are geographically isolated from their regions’ tertiary care hospitals. These specialty hospitals namely the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center are all operated by the Department of Health and are all situated in the National Capital Region. In his visit to the so-called specialty hospitals, Angara said he found that many patients there from far places like Maguindanao and General Santos City. He said this entails huge expenses for patients and their relatives who need to go to these specialty hospitals for their medical needs. “We have many provinces that are still underserved when it comes to health services. These are the isolated areas from their regional tertiary care hospitals,” he also said. Due to this, he said his proposed measure will provide the establishment of specialty hospitals in provinces. Angara filed the same bill in the 18th Congress and now with the backing of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he is optimistic the measure will have a better chance of being enacted into law. In his SONA, the President said medical services must be brought to the people and not the other way around.

Escudero urges BBM to include farmers’ coops in land distribution By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Chiz Escudero on Friday said the government should not forget farmers’ cooperatives in the distribution of some 52,000 hectares of unused public agricultural lands. Escudero said he is pushing for inclu-

sion in the list of beneficiaries cooperatives with excellent track records. Escudero said this is inaccordance with the Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 as amended. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. intends to distribute public land. In his

state of the nation address (SONA), Marcos said he plans to assign these vast tracks of untilled farmlands to “veterans, their surviving relatives, retirees of the AFP - and PNP, and agricultural degree holders who are all landless.” Escudero said there is still room to expand the list of beneficiaries.

“I believe there is room for people who have made a living in tilling the land,” Escudero said. “If we are going to mobilize farmers to ramp up food production, then let us begin with those who have the expertise. In our war against hunger and poverty, let us tap those with experience and proven track records.”

Arrest order vs. Narvacan ex-mayors By Maricel V. Cruz THE Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of two former mayors of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, and two others facing malversation and graft charges. Ordered arrested are Edgardo Zaragoza and his son, Zuriel, who are both former mayors of the town, municipal accountant Melody Cadacio, and education research assistant Mario Cabinte. The four were charged with malversation of public funds amounting to P81 million and violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act Incumbent Narvacan Mayor Luis Singson

filed the charges against the four for allegedly misappropriating the P81 million that the town received as a share from the excise tax on locally manufactured cigarettes. The antigraft court set the bail for the four at P210,000 each. In his complaint, Singson alleged that the misappropriated funds were meant for tobacco farmers in the town and should have been given to the Farmers Association of Narvacan. The respondents allegedly forged records to pad the number of farmer-beneficiaries of the excise tax, Singson claimed. “The people of Narvacan suffered due to the abuses committed by local officials,” Singson said.

News

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

SC overturns Sandigan, clears Ricketts of graft By Rey E. Requejo

DARLINGS OF THE PRESS. Endearing beauties with winsome smile and declared “darlings of the press” among candidates of the ongoing search for Miss Earth Phili pines 2022 pose for press photograghers gathered at the Okada Manila in Paranaque City. Jenny Ramp from Santa Ignacia, Tarlac romps off with the first place slot, followed by Justiene Ortega of Manila and Jennifer De Asis of Mandaluyong, in that order. Danny Pata

THE Supreme Court (SC) has overturned a Sandiganbayan ruling and acquitted actor and former chair and chief executive officer of the Optical Media Board (OMB) Ronald “Ronnie” Ricketts of graft charges. However, in a decision promulgated last March 16, but made public only on July 28, the SC upheld the antigraft court’s March 15, 2019 decision that convicted Glenn S. Perez, OMB computer operator, of graft for which he was sentenced to a prison term of six years day to eight years with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The Sandiganbayan also acquitted OMB executive directors Cyrus Paul S. Valenzuela, Manuel J. Mangubat, and Joseph D. Arnaldo for failure of the prosecution to prove the respondents’ guilt beyond reasonable doubt. “The appeal of Ricketts is meritorious. We find that the evidence against him is mere hearsay. The prosecution failed to prove his participation in the crime beyond reasonable doubt,” the SC decision penned by Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario ruled. “However, the appeal of Perez is without merit. Having been caught red-handedly taking out the seized

Bus operators seek minimum fare hike

ITING continually rising pump prices of fuel, bus operators are seeking adjustments in the minimum fare for airconditioned units from P13 to P20 for the first five kilometers (kms) and P3.40 for every succeeding kilometer thereafter. The bus operators submitted their appeal to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) which held an en banc meeting on the issue on Friday. For their part, the regular passenger utility buses (PUBs) or non-airconditioned units were asking for a minimum fare of P15, up by P4 from the existing

P11 for the first five kilometers, and an additional of P2.70 for every succeeding kilometer. The provincial PUBs were also seeking a minimum fare of P15 for ordinary units for the first five kilometers and P2 per kilometer thereafter, while regular air-conditioned PUBs want P2.50 per kilometer charge, P2.60 per km for

‘De Luxe’ units, P2.70 per km for ‘Super De Luxe’ units, and P3.60 per km for ‘Luxury’ units. The petitions were submitted by the Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association, the Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panglalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas, and the Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas, Inc.= The transport groups said there were fewer buses operating nationwide due to the high price of fuel, with the current fare matrix enforced by the LTFRB when the price of diesel was still P44 per liter, compared to around P80 per liter as of July 25. They promised that the return to 100 percent operations of PUBs would ac-

celerate once the LTFRB granted their petition. In a statement, the LTFRB said they understand the needs of PUB operators amid the spiraling fuel prices and the coronavirus pandemic. “Aside from studying the implementation of a provisional fare increase for PUBs, the agency is looking into opening more routes to address the expected surge of passengers once face-to-face classes resume,” the LTFRB said. Meanwhile, the LTFRB will seek the input of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) on the petition, with its next hearing scheduled on August 11.

Socmed players offer to help gov’t fight corruption A GROUP of social media practitioners, including vloggers, “tiktokers” and infotainers, wants to help in the government’s battle against graft and corruption. Dr. Michael Raymond Aragon, founding chair of the Kapisanan ng Social Media Broadcasters ng Pilipinas Inc., reacted to a statement of opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros saying she was hoping that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would include in his first State-of-the-Nation Address the issue of corruption. “… the KSMBPI would like to offer our sincere help to the new President for him to be able to effectively address this issue of corruption in government,” Aragon said. “Our humble and simple idea of fighting the social cancer of corruption in government is based on the strategy of developing a very strong fourth estate in the pillars of our democracy,” he added. While the mass media is a “proactive” fourth estate that can act as an effective fiscalizers or vanguards against corruption, it has only its own share of problem, he cited. “We offer to train thousands, if not millions of community journalists or reporters nationwide, down to the barangay level of our society and develop them as an effective private sector watchdog for good governance in our democracy,” Aragon said. He expressed belief that corrupt a government official could not afford to buy out millions of accredited social media practitioners, including community broadcast and print journalists, vloggers, infotainers, tiktokers and online streamers. Andy Vital, a veteran broadcast journalist and KSMBPI president, said “our organization was founded in 2017 primarily to fight fake news by educating social media practitioners in the proper way of a righteous reporter or broadcaster” after a seven-day online training course. “How to be a ‘Social Media Broadcaster in 7 Days using your Smartphone’ is offered free of charge to those qualified and interested to serve our country and people,” he added. Rio N. Araja

RESPITE FROM STRICT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS.

Villa Escudero Resort in Tiaong, Quezon province offers a welcome treat for customers wishing to leave the pandemic behind, at least even for a moment. Visitors can take a ride on the archaic wooden cart pulled by a carabao, or enjoy scrumptious meals over a stream with your feet soaked in chilly waters running underneath the table. And be serenaded with Filipino folk songs as the wind brushes your hair. How about a swim in an Olympicsize pool, or perhaps a rough ride on a kayak along a stream running amid large trees and adorable plants. W.A. Clamor

Party-list lawmaker defends call to arms measure By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday defended the filing of a bill requiring mandatory military service for all citizens “only when the President mobilizes the nation in case of actual invasion or when public safety requires.” “The National Defense Bill is not

a sounding call for Filipinos to arm themselves for war. Nor does it require mandatory military service in normal times,” Rep. Jude Acidre of party-list Tingog said. In a statement, Acidre said any mobilization plan as embodied House Bill 11 would conform to the provisions of the Constitution. “Military service in war time

does not only involve carrying guns and shooting people. There are also priests, doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals needed for their service in war,” Acidre stated. “Mobilization in defense of country is a must for any nation to survive. Any patriot knows this,” he added.

DFA designates new spokesperson

TRASH IN, GARBAGE OUT. Ecowaste Coalition holds a photo exhibit at the Peace Bell in the Quezon City Memorial Circle drum up public awareness and support to their advocacy for zero waste with special emphasis on the single-use plastic production problem. Manny Palmero

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has designated a new spokesperson who will be tasked to articulate the country’s position on foreign policy issues. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo appointed Ma. Teresita Daza as the DFA’s spokesperson, in concurrent capacity to work alongside the agency’s Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy. It was four years ago when the DFA secretary last designated a spokesperson, and 18 years since it last had a female spokesperson. Daza, a veteran career diplomat, “brings a wealth of experience to her position,” the DFA said in a statement. Daza served as the Philippine Ambassador to Chile, with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Ecuador and the Republic of Peru, prior to her designation.

She was also the Philippine Ambassador to India, with concurrent jurisdiction over Nepal, and served as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. And Deputy Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN in Jakarta. At the DFA’s Philippine office, Daza also occupied positions in key offices, including the Office of ASEAN Affairs, Office of Protocol, and the Office of the Secretary-Economic Diplomacy Unit. Daza said she was humbled by her new assignment. “With the guidance of Secretary Manalo, I hope to assist in the articulation of our country’s position on various foreign policy issues, while keeping the media, especially the DFA Press Corps, abreast with the work of our Department,” the new DFA spokesperson stressed. Rey E. Requejo

items without written authorization, Perez’ justifications for his actions are irrelevant since the mere act of taking out and returning the seized items without written authority from the 0MB amounts to giving an unwarranted benefit to the owner of the seized items,” the SC said. In reversing the anti-graft court’s decision, the SC stressed that it has always supported the government’s efforts to stamp out graft and corruption in the service. “ Indeed, we have always held that the tentacles of greed must be cut and the offenders punished. However, this objective can only be accomplished if the evidence adduced by the prosecution, which must closely be scrutinized under the lens of the spirit that animates RA 3019, passes the test of moral certainty,” the high court said. “Where doubt lingers, as in this case, the Court is mandated to uphold the presumption of innocence guaranteed by our Constitution to the accused. As a rule, findings of fact of the Sandiganbayan, as a trial court, are accorded great weight and respect. However, in cases where there is a misappreciation of facts, the Court (SC) will not hesitate to reverse the conclusions reached by the trial court,” it added.

GSIS focuses on info-tech makeover THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) aims its focus on digital transformation “to provide the ultimate customer experience for its more than two million members and pensioners.” “I want GSIS to be the ‘gold standard’ or the benchmark for public sector digitalization,” GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said in a press conference in Pasay City on Friday. “We will achieve this by harnessing the power of information technology (IT) to give our stakeholders faster, better and more convenient service,” echoing the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his state-of-the-nation address for government agencies to shift to digital platforms. Veloso stressed he would ensure that the “hard-earned premium contributions of GSIS members are invested wisely” to pay their benefits promptly. Also included in his priorities as pension fund chief is to make certain that all the properties and interests of the government are insured with GSIS. “To grow our general insurance business and protect government assets, we will market our insurance products to governors, mayors, and all officials of the different branches of government,” Veloso said. He also said he would advocate to make insurance part of “good governance.” Under the law (RA 656), GSIS is mandated to provide insurance cover to all government assets and properties with insurable interests. Veloso was elected GSIS president and general manager by the GSIS Board of Trustees last July 21. He is a veteran banker with close to 40 years of banking experience and a multi-awarded CEO who was responsible for the financial success of the Philippine National Bank and HSBC-Philippines, among other banking institutions.

BOC foils P18-m onion smuggling attempt in CDO By Joel E. Zurbano BUREAU of Customs (BOC) agents assigned at the Port of Cagayan de Oro have intercepted shipments of red and white onions worth P18 million, a first of such achievement under the leadership of newly installed Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz. The banned shipments from China, consigned to Primex Export and Import Producer, were found to contain red and white onions contrary to its declaration of soft tortilla wrap stated in its importation manifest. Prior to the seizure, the shipments underwent examination at the Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI) yard in the presence of the Customs district collector, sub-port collector, and agents of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), the Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc., and MICTSI. Commissioner Ruiz, whose top priority programs included curbing smuggling, said the swift implementation of the operation stopped the entry of the smuggled agricultural goods into the country. “We have a legacy to continue here, one that was started by the previous administration. We know that we have been a target of agricultural smuggling for years, and I personally believe it is high-time we put more resources into these efforts,” said Ruiz.

Opinion Australia totally ignored our Constitution (Part 2) TO CARRY out intelligence and military operations outside the country though purportedly intended to monitor the activities of China in the South China Sea would still require military bases. Without our Constitution extending its approval under a treaty or executive agreement, those bases would not be able to operate. Australia cannot even avail itself of the privilege we granted to US military personnel under the visiting forces agreement (VFA) or under the enhanced defense cooperation agreement (EDCA). Our national interest is personal to this particular country; that it cannot be transferred collaterally in a manner of treating Australia as an ally, all because we have a string of military alliance with the US. The old ANZUS (stands for Australia, New Zealand and the U.S.) treaty only applies to Australia’s security interest and to the members of that pact made up of New Zealand and the US. The same can be said of the newly organized AUKUS agreement between Australia, UK and the US for the construction of eight nuclear-powered submarines to deter China’s alleged naval expansion in the South China Sea, it being integral to the area except to geographically remove China. If one will have to scrutinize the impact of AUKUS, one gets the suspicion that the treaty was purposely organized to deter China from expanding its influence in the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Political analysts see AUKUS as a specialized form of military alliance zeroing in on China. The two military agreements which Australia entered into with the US, UK and New Zealand have no precedent similar to NATO. Our permission to have an Australian military base in our country is more difficult because, even if we desire to enter into an agreement, the Philippines is prohibited by our Constitution. The wording is rather prohibitory to us. We cannot violate our Constitution just to accommodate Australia to include it in securing its interest against China. Notably, China just completed a large military exercise in the waters off the Hainan Island where it issued a navigation warning. Unfortunately, it is poking the dragon under the guise of freedom of navigation to gather intelligence on Chinese warships at its naval base at Yulin in Southern Hainan where it harbors some of its nuclear-powered submarines. US-made P-8As are armed with torpedoes, harpoon anti-ship missiles and other weapons. The P-8A is a militarized version of the Boeing 737 commercial aircraft, intended to replace the US Navy’s ageing P-3 Orion fleet as the service’s front-line anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Those P-8As cannot drop sonobuoys to gather information on the performance capa-

BOMBSHELLS AND WEDDING BELLS

Ukraine sees wartime marriage rush By Anna Koriagina SHE should have awoken to the sound of popping champagne corks on her wedding day, but Tetyana was instead startled out of bed by Russian rocket fire near her home in central Ukraine. “At first I thought it was thunder. But the sky was clear, and I realized that it was shelling,” the 31-year-old designer told AFP, recalling how she raced to the corridor outside her room in case of a direct hit. Shocked at the destruction wreaked by the pre-dawn explosions but determined to go ahead with their nuptials, Tetyana and her fiance Taras exchanged their vows on schedule, six hours later. “Initially I thought we should cancel the wedding, but my fiance told me we should go ahead.... The war doesn’t have any right to ruin our plans,” said Tetyana, who asked for the couple to be allowed to use assumed names. “And we have the right to create our family and live our lives to the fullest.” The couple, who married in June in the industrial hub of Kremenchuk, 250 kilometers southeast of Kyiv, are part of a massive surge in weddings brought on by the war with Russia. Her neighbor since the age of six, Taras proposed to Tetyana last year and they had origi-

nally envisaged a spring wedding. “In May we realised that the war might last quite a long time. We decided not to postpone life until later because, as this war has shown us, later might never happen,” Tetyana told AFP. In the Poltava region where Tetyana and Taras tied the knot, there were 1,600 weddings in the first six weeks after Moscow’s February 24 invasion -- compared with 1,300 for the whole of 2020. ‘The war goes on’ In the capital the uptick is even more pronounced, with 9,120 marriages registered in five months, a more than eight-fold increase on the 1,110 ceremonies that took place during the same period in 2021. A sunny recent Saturday in Kyiv saw more than 40 newlyweds embark on their lives together in one downtown register office. “Getting married during the war is the bravest and hardest step you can take, because you never know what will happen next,” said Vitaliy, 25, who was about to marry 22-yearold Anastasiya in full military uniform before heading to war. “I could leave for the front at any moment.” In Ukraine, would-be spouses have been taking advantage of a simplification in the red tape around marriage that allows them to wed on the spot, rather than having to register first and

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bilities and signature of surface vessels and to locate and track those submarines. If P-8A attempts to “out” a submarine, China may see that as a threat or an “unfriendly” act. This may have indicated on the use of “laser” in Australia’s northern EEZ in February when Chinese warship fired a laser at an Australian P-8A that was dropping sonobouys. The question is “where was the P-8A located?” Most dangerous is the failure by Australia to promptly inform the Philippines of its violation of our air space pursuant to its use of the Philippines as base operations. For instance, the Australian defense ministry did not inform us that the Chinese aircraft flew very close to its P-8A when China’s jets released flares to ingest chaff putting in danger their engines and threatened the security of the aircraft and its crew. Australia’s defense ministry never reported that it was Australia’s aircraft that seriously threatened China’s sovereignty and security, and the countermeasures taken by the Chinese military were reasonable and lawful. The information gathered was that RAAF P-8A flew out of the former US Clark Air Base in the Philippines and headed directly to the Paracel Islands (Xisha Islands). If true, this means the Philippines enabled the mission to violate our territory without permission. Both the secretary of foreign affairs Teodoro Locsin and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana remained unusually silent about the incident that could have pushed the Philippines to war without us knowing it. Yet, the two clowns easily made so much noise to protest China’s anchorage of its fishing fleet on international waters off the South China Sea. Last February, Australia’s “surveillance plane” P-8A was intercepted by a Chinese J-15 jet fighter based on Woody Island in the Paracels. If the P-8A flew over China’s claimed high tide features or its 12 nautical mile -(nm) territorial sea, that clearly violated China’s sovereignty. Probably, China considers the deployment of sonobouys as abuse of rights under the UNCLOS because “maritime scientific research” in its EEZ requires its consent. The ugly thing about the incident is it seems Australia is the one carving our foreign policy while PBBM is doing his best to cement relations initiated by his late father. As one would put it, the people behind the deal with Australia are the remnants of the old scouts out to defend the remaining bastion of US imperialism and Australia’s new neo-hegemonistic role in the Pacific. To avoid being entrapped into violating the Constitution, it was President Duterte who assigned the job of letting his defense secretary sign an agreement which in law is “ultra vires” act, meaning that his subaltern has no authority or right to sign such agreement. In the meantime, as people wonder about the viability of that unconstitutional agreement, many of them are made to believe that everything is alright – that both the US and Australia can continue to operate their bases in this country with absolute impunity. (rpkapunan@gmail.com)

We cannot violate our Constitution just to accommodate Australia to include it in securing its interest against China

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

Stop toying with PH’s education system

HE directive by President Ferdinand Marcos Marcos Jr. to have a thorough review of the K-12 program was a step in the right direction to put a semblance of order in the country’s education system. The K-12 program was trumpeted by the associates of then president Benigno Aquino III, who signed the K-12 law, as his administration’s legacy in education. Despite the plea of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders in the education sector to delay the implementation of the program that was deemed raw in guidelines and inadequate in funding, the education department under then secretary Bro. Armin Luistro pushed through with it. Luistro called it the “biggest education reform” not done in past decades. The K-12 program enabled the birth of junior and senior high school, increasing basic education from 10 to 13 years. It turned out to be a dud. It proved to be just a waste of money, a waste of time for

parents and students for the two years of delay in completing a four-year college course. The curricula under the programs do not respond to the actual need of the students, especially those who come from poor families struggling to have their children finish college education in the hopes of uplifting their family’s quality of life.

The K-12 must serve as a lesson that new programs in the education system should not be done in a hurry Studies on the program were inadequate, resulting in underemployment. Education officials pushing for the program bragged that after the two-year extension, senior-high graduates are deemed legitimate for employment and can perform their jobs effectively. There’s no such thing. Absolutely zilch. If at all, the K-12 program is more effective on

technical courses where students who passed junior and senior high can become either a graphic designer or small machine mechanic, two of the most sought-after labor nowadays. In business courses, two more years of extra education should enable the graduate to be accepted as an accounting clerk or licensed realtor. But there were no such particular objectives. With no less than Vice President Sarah Duterte leading the education department as its secretary, there should be more thorough assessments on the pros and cons of the K-12 program and more research should be done on the implementation of either new or returning programs, including the re-introduction of the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC). It was scrapped during the administration of Cory Aquino because of various complaints of abuses and corruption by instructors and student officers. The instructions in the old ROTC were no longer serving the very purpose of developing a responsible and honest officer and a gentleman ready to serve the country in times of war. The K-12 must serve as a lesson that new programs in the education system should not be done in a hurry. In these times of uncertainty, ROTC is a must but it can wait. Stop flirting with our country’s educational system. Let us not spoil our next generation.

Terrible disinformation on Furigay killing THE gangland style shooting at the Arete inside the Ateneo de Manila campus in Quezon City that claimed the lives of ex-Lamitan, Basilan mayor Rosita Furigay, her executive assistant, Victor George Capistrano, and campus security guard Jeneven Bandiola is an utterly deportable and condemnable act that cannot be tolerated by any decent and right-thinking person. There is no justification for what suspect Dr. Chiao Tiao Yumul did and it must be condemned by all men and women of good will. Only evil people can justify his actions. That is why I was taken aback by the terrible disinformation around the killings, one that portrayed the accused murderer as an aggrieved, oppressed citizen, as a vigilante for justice. We must also condemn then those who later propagated. a narrative of a killer who was justified in his actions because of an imagined injustice (the closure of his clinic which was not even an act by the Lamitan city government but of the BARMM) or because of baseless accusations. Mayor Rosita Furigay’s governance record is exemplary; that is for everyone to see. That her reputation and that of the Furigay family is unfairly tainted through social media by architects of disinformation who have their own agenda is disturbing. We need to combat this false narrative vigorously, and that also means holding social media platforms like Facebook/Meta accountable for allowing such narrative to become viral and for allowing the killer to have a platform to attack the Furigays even before this incident. At this point let me quote the statement of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD), which I serve as founding President, to condemn the killings. “The shooter was allegedly motivated by a personal vendetta against the ex-mayor. His social media profiles revealed that he supports vigilante justice and is strongly against prominent figures of the opposition, as well as journalists and networks that he perceived as ‘biased.’ “However, ex-mayor Furigay’s track record tells a different story. During her 9-year term, she was seen as a caring mother to her constituents, especially to the poor. She was known to be an advocate for peace in Mindanao and had

In the capital the uptick is even more pronounced, with 9,120 marriages registered in five months come back after a long wait. Vitaliy and Anastasiya, who did not give their surnames, have had vague notions of making their commitment official for three years— but only signed up the day before the happy occasion. “The war goes on. It’s better to do it now,” the groom told AFP. Vitaliy Charnykh has been conducting backto-back ceremonies at the administrative building since early March, and sees his role as his

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

received awards for her projects on infrastructure and social services.” MAD also points out the role of social media platforms “in radicalizing and sowing violence in the hearts and minds of its users. With inadequate and ineffective safeguards, social media platforms become instruments to the spread of disinformation and hate speech online, have enabled and emboldened online violence to crossover to real world violence.” The MAD manifesto expresses alarm over certain individuals who “transform the narrative of the shooter to garner public’s sympathy, thus confusing and diluting the problems of violence and impunity that have manifested in this incident.”

MAD continues: “Instead of addressing the problems, the lies and false narratives that freely circulate in the social media platforms, are diverting the public’s attention to conspiracy theories and red-tagging.” We appealed to social media platforms, particularly Meta/Facebook, “to rein in the spread of lies and disinformation relating to this incident, which just obscures the truth that online violence and impunity translate to real world hate and harm.” On a personal note, let me disclose that I am a long-time professor of Ateneo Law School. I have taught many of the students whose graduation was the reason for the gathering at the Arete. What was supposed to be a day for celebrations became a day of tragedy and mourning. I must also disclose that Hannah Furigay,

the daughter of the slain former mayor who was also injured and now recovering from her injuries, was my student two years ago in a course titled International Environmental Law Practice. In other interviews, I have described Hannah as a brilliant and excellent student. The course is interactive, with students participating in climate negotiation games and climate justice moot courts and Hannah excelled in that. She was also a member of the Ateneo Law School moot court team in the Stetson environmental law competition and that showed in her performance in class. She was insightful, articulate, and passionate. The final requirement was an oral exams and she also aced that, so I ended up giving her the highest grade you could give in Ateneo Law School alongside a few of her classmates. Hannah was definitely interested in environmental law as her thesis on the rights of nature was brilliant. I think her being from Mindanao and Basilan formed the way she thought of law and its connection to nature, land, and even people. I have been to Lamitan several times in the last 30 years and I know what the Furigays have done with their city, and it is good. And to all my law students, in Ateneo and elsewhere, especially those who witnessed what happened in Arete: do not be paralyzded by trauma and fear. Let us act collectively against impunity, against violence, and, yes, against disinformation. It has been said that the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing. There is a time when good men and women must stand up for what’s right, even when it involves risk. And that time is now!

own special contribution to the war effort. “As a civil servant, I believe I can help my country by supporting Ukrainians emotionally,” the 21-year-old told AFP. ‘Defiant message’ Unsure of what the future might bring and suddenly forced to focus on the things that matter, young lovers have historically proven unable to resist the urge to formalize blossoming romance in wartime. At the height of World War II in 1942, the United States saw 1.8 million weddings in 12 months—an 83 percent increase from a decade earlier. Charnykh said he had seen a particular upsurge in soldiers getting married. “In such tough times, people don’t really know what will happen tomorrow, so they are eager to marry as soon as possible,” he said. Daria Steniukova, a 31-year-old yoga teacher from Vinnytsia, 200 kilometers southwest of the capital, had been planning her wedding to 30-year-old Vitalii Zavalniuk for weeks but disaster struck with just one day to go. A Russian cruise missile devastated the city center two weeks ago, killing 26 people, dam-

aging the register office and destroying her apartment. “We were shocked but determined to go through with it. It was out of the question to give up. My house was ruined, but not our life,” she said. They were forced to postpone the celebration with friends and family -- no one in Vinnytsia was in the mood for partying -- but they set their hearts on swapping vows that day in an alternative venue. “None of the administrative centers had a single free slot. But we decided to go to one even though we were told that we had no chance,” Steniukova told AFP. “We were ready to wait the whole day but then we got a result: we were married within three minutes of arriving.” Topping an already astonishing wedding, they marked their union in an unusual but striking way—opting for a photo shoot in Steniukova’s bombed flat. “It was a defiant message to the whole world —stressing how strong Ukrainians are. We are ready to get married even with rockets flying over our heads.” AFP

There is no justification for what suspect Dr. Chiao Tiao Yumul did and it must be condemned by all men and women of good will

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World

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Finns say halt ‘unbearable’ Russian tourism LAPPEENRANTA—Buses of Russian tourists stream into Finland at Nuijamaa border crossing in the country’s southeast, some hoping to enjoy the peaceful Finnish summer and others planning to travel further into Europe. Finland may be seeking NATO membership following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, but the Nordic country remains Russia’s only EU neighbor to grant tourist visas to Russian citizens. “I have traveled here for 12 years,” 37-year-old Boris Surovtcev from Saint Petersburg told AFP while waiting to cross. “This is a wonderful country with nature and lakes.” After the EU shut its airspace to Russian flights, Finland has also become an important transit country for Russians looking to fly elsewhere in Europe. But many Finns are unhappy with

UK PM rivals hold first clash in front of Tory membership Standard Manila

TODAY LEEDS—British Conservatives Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss Thursday underwent their first grilling in front of party members as they wage a bitter duel to succeed Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The hustings in Leeds, northern England, were the opening bout of 12 nationwide events as the grassroots members elect a new leader after a cabinet revolt forced scandal-hit Johnson to quit. The result will be announced on September 5, and Truss has built up a strong lead in surveys of Tory members after vowing immediate tax cuts as Britain confronts a slump in living standards. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace used an editorial published in The Times daily after the hustings to throw his support behind Truss, saying she was the “only candidate who has both the breadth and depth of experience needed”. “From day one the new prime minister needs to know their way around the international community as well as the Treasury. Only Liz can do that,” wrote Wallace, a popular figure in the ruling Conservatives. On foreign policy, both rivals used the debate to extend Johnson’s staunch support for Ukraine, and to resist China’s increasingly authoritarian rise, while profiting from vaguely defined “Brexit opportunities”. The foreign secretary went to high school in an affluent suburb of Leeds, while Sunak’s Westminster seat lies about an hour’s drive north in the same county of Yorkshire. Truss said her Yorkshire upbringing had given her “grit, determination and straight-talking.” AFP

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Atty. Lydio I. Lachica, located at 84 Liberation St. Galas Quezon City, has been extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per Extrajudicial Settlement with Waiver of Rights per Doc. No. 262, Page No. 54, Book No. V, Series of 2022 of Atty. Arnold Cacho, Notary Public for Manila (MS-JUL. 30/ AUG. 6 & 13, 2022)

the situation, and the thought of Russians enjoying a Finnish summer while Ukrainians suffer under a brutal invasion has been met with indignation. “It is not right that Russians can freely travel to Finland. It takes away the basis for the sanctions,” local Kirsi Iljin said. “I think there should be some restrictions.” Restrictions proposed As an act of solidarity with Ukraine, Finland’s conservative opposition party proposed a halt to new tourist visas for Russians this week. “This situation is unbearable,” Jukka Kopra, a National Coalition Party MP told AFP. “Ukraine’s citizens are being killed, including civilians, women and children, and at the same time Russians are spending holidays in the EU.”

FATAL CRASH. A police officer collects shoes from a crashed bus at the PanAmerican highway in Condega, Nicaragua, on July 28. A traffic accident that occurred Wednesday night on a highway in northern Nicaragua left 16 people dead, including 13 Venezuelans, presumably migrants, in addition to 47 injured, the National Police reported Thursday. AFP

Biden, Xi agree to face-to-face summit after tense phone call CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

ASHINGTON —US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to schedule their first in-person summit during a sometimes-tense phone call Thursday where Xi warned the United States not to “play with fire” in Taiwan. Although this was their fifth phone or video call since Biden took office a year and a half ago, the summit would be their first in-person meeting as lead-

ers. No detail was given on the timing or location. Biden and Xi “discussed the value of meeting face-to-face and agreed to have their teams follow up to find a mutually agreeable time to do so,” a US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Both sides described the call, which lasted two hours and 17 minutes, as a robust exchange on the many disputes between the world’s two biggest economic powers. China’s state-run Xinhua agency said Xi delivered harsh words on US policy towards Taiwan, a democratic island with close ties to the United States but which China considers part of its territory. “Those who play with fire will even-

tually get burned,” Xi was quoted as telling Biden, repeating language he employed when they spoke last November. “I hope the US side fully understands that.” Tensions around Taiwan are steadily escalating amid fears that Xi could ultimately order an invasion to impose Beijing’s rule. In the latest flashpoint, Chinese authorities are furious at unconfirmed plans by Biden ally and speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, to visit the island. Although US officials frequently visit Taiwan, separated by a narrow strip of water from the Chinese mainland, Beijing considers a Pelosi trip a major provocation. She’s second in line to the US presidency and given her position may

travel with military transport. Washington will “bear the consequences” if the trip goes ahead, China warned Wednesday. During the call, Xi was quoted as telling Biden “the position of the Chinese government and people on the Taiwan issue is consistent.” “It is the firm will of the over 1.4 billion Chinese people to firmly safeguard China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. In response, Biden reassured Xi that US policy, known as “strategic ambiguity,” was unchanged—essentially favoring the status quo in Taiwan, with Washington recognizing Chinese sovereignty but opposing any enforcement, allowing the Taiwanese to retain their distinct rule. AFP

IN BRIEF 8 dead in ‘devastating’ Kentucky flooding

NOTHING LEFT. Olga, 67, looks at her house destroyed after shelling the village of Moshchun, Kyiv region, on July 28 amid the Russian military invasion of Ukraine. Russian strikes on the heavily bombed Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv near the country’s southern frontline killed five people and wounded seven more on Friday, the regional governor said. AFP

Macron defies anger to welcome Saudi strongman ‘MBS’ in Paris DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF THE LATE MARLENE I. GARCIA Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARLENE I. GARCIA who died on March 16, 2021 at Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines have been extra-judicially settled among heirs before Notary Public Atty. Jan Rurik D. Padiernos of Makati City as per Doc. No. 435; Page No.: 80; Book No.: 11; Series of 2022. (MStandard - July 16, 23 & 30, 2022)

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC DITO Bonus HBO GO Subscription for 1 Month Title of the Promo Promo Mechanics: 1.

This promo is valid from August 1, 2022 – September 9, 2022.

Get bonus 1-month subscription of HBO Go when the subscriber purchases a DITO LEVEL UP PACK 499 or 999 via DITO App. The HBO GO subscription is valid for 30 days.

How to avail the promo: Purchase DITO LEVEL UP PACK 499 or 999 via DITO App, subscribers will automatically get the bonus 1-month HBO Go subscription. (Except Auto Pay, Advance Pay and via Redeem option).

There appears to be widespread backing for the proposal in the Finnish parliament, with MPs across party lines voicing support for visa restrictions. “Personally, I think restrictions should be increased,” said Aki Linden from the ruling Social Democrats, acting PM while Sanna Marin is away. “The matter is currently (with) the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he told AFP. The high number of existing visas— up to 100,000—makes the issue more complicated, Linden said. Finland’s foreign ministry told AFP “alternatives are currently being examined”. Other Schengen countries that share a border with Russia—Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland—have already restricted Russian visas. AFP

How to activate the promo: Subscriber will get an SMS notification about the 1-month HBO Go subscription code. Subscriber will have to go to http://hbogoasia.ph/DITOPH to activate their subscription code.

Once availed, the promo is non-refundable / non-replaceable / nonexchangeable.

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The promo cannot be converted to cash, credit, or other goods and services of DITO.

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For any concerns and/or inquiries regarding the promo, information may be sent to customerservice@dito.ph. All matters and disputes will be subject to the final decision of DITO Telecommunity. All decisions made by DITO Telecommunity pertaining to the promo will be deemed final and irrevocable, with the prior concurrence of DTI.

10. The Promo will be available nationwide where DITO services are available. (MS-JULY 30, 2022)

PARIS—French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warmly welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for talks in Paris, defying anger sparked by hosting the controversial strongman less than four years after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The meeting is the latest step in the diplomatic rehabilitation of the de-facto leader of the kingdom who became a pariah in the West following the killing of Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside Saudi’s Istanbul consulate. Macron warmly greeted the ruler universally known as MBS ahead of a dinner, with the two men enjoying a warm handshake that they emphasized by using all four hands. Shaking off criticism from rights groups and Khashoggi’s fiancé, Macron then guided MBS up the steps on the red carpet into the Elysee Palace. Neither man made any comment, but a statement is expected later from the Elysee after the talks.

MBS, seen by supporters as an ambitious and by critics as a tyrant with a ruthless streak, arrived in France following a visit from US President Joe Biden to Riyadh earlier this month. On his way to France, he stopped in Greece this week, his first trip to the EU since the murder of Khashoggi. The killing of Khashoggi was described by a UN probe as an “extrajudicial killing for which Saudi Arabia is responsible”. US intelligence agencies determined that MBS had “approved” the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death. Riyadh denies this, blaming rogue operatives. “I am scandalized and outraged that Emmanuel Macron is receiving with all the honors the executioner of my fiancé, Jamal Khashoggi,” his widow Hatice Cengiz, who had waited outside the consulate in Istanbul when her husband disappeared, told AFP on Thursday. AFP

BLOODY MESS. An

abortion rights activist lays in a pool of fake blood during a ‘die-in’ protest at the Urban Light sculpture, outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on July 28 in Los Angeles, to call on the US federal government to restore abortion rights nationwide. AFP

JACKSON—Flash flooding caused by torrential rains has killed at least eight people in eastern Kentucky and left some residents stranded on rooftops and in trees, the governor of the south-central US state said Thursday. The world has been hit by extreme weather events in recent months, incidents that scientists say are an unmistakable sign of climate change. “This is going to be the worst flooding in recent memory—devastating and deadly,” Governor Andy Beshear told local NBC affiliate WLEX in an interview. “We’re going to end up with doubledigit deaths. Right now, I believe we can confirm at least eight, but that number is increasing, it seems, by the hour.” The victims include an 81-year-old woman in Perry County. Beshear said that responders have rescued “between 20 and 30” people by air. Earlier, he described people standing on rooftops or climbing up trees to escape the floodwaters while waiting for rescue. Many roads resembled rivers, mangled cars littered the landscape, and muddy brown floodwaters lapped against the rooftops of low-lying houses in the state’s Appalachian region. Some areas reported receiving more than eight inches (20 centimeters) of rain in a 24-hour period. AFP

Indigenous protest as Pope tours Canada

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BEAUPRÉ, Canada—Indigenous women briefly protested as Pope Francis celebrated mass during his visit to Canada on Thursday, demanding that he retract centuries-old Church doctrine that empowered Europeans to colonize non-Christian native lands. The brief incident at the shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre in Quebec province—North America’s oldest Catholic shrine—came as the 85-year-old pontiff attempts to reset the Church’s fraught relationship with Indigenous people. The two women unfurled a banner in front of the altar, just a few feet away from Francis, which read: “Rescind the doctrine.” It referred to the Doctrine of Discovery, the 15th-century papal edicts that legitimized the seizure of non-Christian lands and people. Calls for the pope to rescind it have followed him during his visit, where he is apologizing for the abuse of Indigenous children in Catholicrun schools. The writing on the banner was only on the side facing away from the pope, and it was calmly and quickly removed while mass continued uninterrupted. Later, during a homily at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec City, the pope used the words “sexual abuse” for the first time on his visit—something he has been criticized by Indigenous people for failing to address. AFP

Business PSEi July 29, 2022

TOP GAINERS

1 LFM 2 FAF 3 WLCON 4 T

LAST PRICE CHANGE 20.4 2.42 0.68 0.06 27.65 2.25 0.71 0.05

% CHANGE 13.46% 9.68% 8.86% 7.58%

5 6 7 8 9 10

0.65 1.3 44.85 10.62 4.4 105

6.56% 5.69% 5.53% 5.15% 5.01% 5.00%

NRCP ROCK AUB GPH MWIDE PTC

0.04 0.07 2.35 0.52 0.21 5

TOP LOSERS 1 VVT 2 REG 3 DFNN 4 MER 5 JGS 6 SOC 7 RLT 8 CHP 9 HTI

LAST PRICE CHANGE 15.64 -2.72 2.62 -0.28 3.39 -0.29 340 -26 51.5 -3.5 0.61 -0.04 0.216 -0.014 0.71 -0.04 0.85 -0.04

% CHANGE -14.81% -9.66% -7.88% -7.10% -6.36% -6.15% -6.09% -5.33% -4.49%

0.85

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-0.04

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; Meralco and Converge lead losers S TOCKS retreated Friday after another contraction in the US economy reinforced recession fears but boosted expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow its pace of interest rate hikes.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 63.33 points, or 1 percent, to 6,315.93 on a value turnover of P18 billion. Losers beat gainers, 116 to 74, with 50 issues unchanged. Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, sank 7.1 percent to P340, while fiber broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dropped 3.6 percent to P19. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy

Group declined 3.1 percent to P775.50, but International Container Terminal Services Inc. of business tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., the largest port operator, rose 2.4 percent to P194.20. The rest of Asian stocks were mixed Friday. After an extended period of pessimism on trading floors fueled by soaring inflation and the US central bank’s monetary tightening campaign, investors are beginning to speculate that the market may have reached its nadir. The world’s top economy shrank 0.9 percent in April-June following a 1.6-percent retreat in the first quarter, as it was buffeted by the four-decade-high spike in inflation and rising borrowing costs. But the reading was taken as a sign of good news, as it could give the Fed room to take its foot off the pedal, with Treasury yields—considered a barom-

eter of future interest rates--easing. Officials are expected to continue lifting rates, but analysts estimate they will announce a 50-basis-point rise in September, compared with 75 at the past two meetings. And some analysts said the quick, sharp pace of increases would allow the bank to begin cutting sooner in 2023. Others said any recession would likely only be shallow and short. The news saw all three main indexes on Wall Street rally more than one percent, with tech firms—which are susceptible to higher rates—leading the way. The gains extended a rally Wednesday that came after Fed chief Jerome Powell hinted that the bank could start to take it easier in its tightening. Most of Asia followed suit in early trade but struggled to maintain the momentum as the day progressed. With AFP

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks on the state of the US economy during a press conference at the Department of Treasury in Washington, DC, July 28, 2022. Yellen said Thursday it will be possible to bring down high inflation without triggering a big increase in joblessness. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

1 ALI 2 MER 3 SMPH 4 SM 5 CNVRG

VOLUME 23,148,100 1,583,710 14,340,500 639,650 15,970,200

VALUE (PHP) 577,314,655 539,370,776 520,880,350 502,325,955 309,110,560

6 7 8 9

GLO BDO BPI ICT

114,960 1,870,750 2,068,590 982,000

235,101,420 223,403,641 191,394,548 188,521,840

URC

1,550,060

170,868,492

House passes bill to increase manufacturing of American semiconductors WASHINGTON, United States—The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday to boost domestic production of semiconductors, the in-demand microchips that power everything from smartphones to cars and weapons. The CHIPS Act was approved by the House in a 243-187 vote with 24 Republicans joining Democrats and now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. Biden had lobbied strongly for passage of the bill, which will increase US competitiveness with major chipmaker China. He welcomed its approval, saying it will “lower the costs

of every day goods.” “And, it will create high-paying manufacturing jobs across the country and strengthen US leadership in the industries of the future at the same time,” the president said in a statement. “By making more semiconductors in the United States, this bill will increase domestic manufacturing and lower costs for families,” he said. “And, it will strengthen our national security by making us less dependent on foreign sources of semiconductors.” The legislation provides $52 billion to increase domestic semiconductor

production and more than $100 billion over five years for research and development. The CHIPS Act was passed on Wednesday in the Senate by a rare bipartisan vote of 64 to 33, with 17 Republicans joining hands with Democrats. Global semiconductor supplies were disrupted by fallout from COVID-19 shutdowns, sparking widespread shortages of the chips—many of which are made in Asia. Worldwide chip shortages notably slowed production of new automobiles last year, causing prices to increase.

Passage of the CHIPS Act by the House came shortly after a lengthy telephone call between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China criticized details of the bill earlier Thursday. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said that while the act “claims to be aimed at improving the competitiveness of US technology and chips, (it) contains provisions that restrict normal scientific and technological cooperation between China and the United States. “China is firmly opposed to this,” Zhao told reporters. AFP

Bitter harvest: Malaysian oil palm farmers face labor crunch By M. Jegathesan IJOK, Malaysia—Overripe palm oil fruits hang untouched in trees while others lie rotting scattered around a plantation, as Malaysian farmers reap the bitter harvest of a severe labor shortage. The tropical country is the world’s second-biggest producer of the edible vegetable oil, which is found in many everyday goods from chocolate to cosmetics. The sector has long been reliant on migrants from neighboring Indonesia for back-breaking plantation work, which is shunned by most in more affluent Malaysia. Lengthy COVID border closures had already reduced the foreign labor force, but now bureaucratic hurdles and a ban by Indonesia on sending new workers have dramatically worsened the problems. “A lot of bunches of fruit are rotting on the trees,” Suzaidee Rajan, 47, who owns a 300-acre (120-hectare) plantation in Ijok, central Selangor state, told AFP. “We usually harvest twice a month. But now due to the labor shortage, we can (do so) just once a month. Our income has plunged and locals are angry.” With just four foreign workers—two fewer than the number he needs—now has to drive into his plantation and load the fruit onto a lorry himself.

This picture taken on June 30, 2022 shows a foreign worker pushing a wheelbarrow full of palm oil fruits in Ijok, in Malaysia’s Selangor state. AFP

Palm oil is a controversial commodity, blamed by environmentalists for fueling the destruction of rainforest in Malaysia and Indonesia, which together produce 85 percent of global output. Green groups say rapid expansion of plantations has destroyed rare animals’ habitats, while there have been allegations of foreign workers being abused and mistreated on some estates. The sector nevertheless remains a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy, and has continued to attract foreign workers who can earn higher wages than back home. Agricultural firms run large estates, while there are also numerous small-

scale farmers like Suzaidee. ‘Darkness on horizon’ Other Malaysian industries, including construction and manufacturing, also rely on migrant workers from across Asia, and suffered as a result of lengthy pandemic border closures. While authorities ended a freeze on hiring foreigners in February, laborers have been slow to return because of red tape and difficult negotiations with countries of origin. Problems in the plantation sector have been particularly acute, however, and look set to get worse after Indonesia banned sending new workers to Malaysia earlier this month.

Hermono—Indonesia’s ambassador in Kuala Lumpur, who goes by one name—said Jakarta took the decision as Malaysia was not abiding by an agreement aimed at protecting his compatriots. The Malaysian estate owners’ association says there is currently a shortage of about 120,000 workers. And this month Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, who oversees the plantation sector, said the industry lost 10.46 billion ringgit ($2.35 billion) in the first five months of 2022 as palm oil fruit was left unharvested. “I can see only darkness on the horizon unless migrant workers are brought into the country immediately,” farmer Sahman Duriat, who has a plantation in Ijok, told AFP. “My earnings are falling while inflation and production costs are rising.” After the Indonesian ban was announced, Malaysia’s human resources ministry vowed to address Jakarta’s concerns quickly to ensure it is reversed. For Indonesian plantation workers still in Malaysia, there is now much more to do. “Usually we work in a group of five... but now there are just two of us,” said Zan, who goes by one name, as he cut fruit from a tree while a second man loaded it into a wheelbarrow. “We harvest 200 tonn a month with five people but now only 80 tons with just two of us.” AFP

US recession fears deepen as economy shrinks again WASHINGTON, United States—The US economy contracted for a second straight quarter between April and June, according to official data released Thursday, adding fuel to recession fears and creating a headache for President Joe Biden ahead of midterm elections. Gross domestic product declined at an annual rate of 0.9 percent in the second quarter, following a bigger drop in the first three months of the year, according to the Commerce Department. While not the official definition, two quarters of negative growth is commonly viewed as a strong signal that a recession is underway, and a downturn in the world’s largest economy would have global consequences—as well as domestic political costs. Biden insisted that the US economy is “on the right path” despite the slowdown, touting the strong labor market. “That doesn’t sound like a recession to me,” he said in remarks at the White House, noting unemployment at near record lows and more than a million jobs created in the latest quarter. But his critics are sure to seize on the report as proof of the veteran Democrat’s mismanagement. After a 1.6-percent decline in the first three months of the year, the report said the slowdown in the latest quarter was largely due to drops in government spending at all levels, in private investment on goods including autos, and on residential buildings, despite an increase in exports. But personal consumption expenditures (PCE) continued to increase, though at a slower rate than the prior quarter, the data showed. Still, American families continue to feel the bite from sky-high inflation, as a result of supply chain snarls due to COVID-19 lockdowns, as well as the fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has sent food and fuel prices soaring. Consumer prices topped nine percent in June, the highest in more than four decades, and the GDP data showed another key inflation measure, the PCE price index, rose a still-high 7.1 percent in the latest three months, the same as in the January-March period.AFP

Airline JetBlue discloses $3.8-b Spirit purchase NEW YORK, United States—JetBlue Airways plans to acquire lowprice carrier Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion, the companies announced Thursday, in what would establish the fifth largest US airline. The proposed takeover, which requires regulatory approval, comes a day after Spirit terminated a combination with the Frontier Group following JetBlue’s competing bid challenging the transaction. By combining, the companies will be able to challenge giant US carriers American, Delta, United and Southwest. They expect $600-$700 million in annual savings by joining forces, said a joint press release from Spirit and JetBlue. The companies plan to argue the deal will help consumers. “We believe we can uniquely be a solution to the lack of competition in the US airline industry and the continued dominance of the Big Four,” said JetBlue Chief Executive Robin Hayes. “By enabling JetBlue to grow faster, we can go head-to-head with the legacies in more places to lower fares and improve service for everyone. Even combined with Spirit, JetBlue will still be significantly smaller than the Big Four.” But some aviation watchers think the transaction could draw criticism in Washington, where antitrust regulators sued to block an alliance of American Airlines and JetBlue. The all-cash transaction adjusts the price if the deal is delayed because of regulatory challenges. The price will be $33.50 per share if the transaction is completed by December 2023. But the price would increase to $34.15 per share if the transaction is consummated in July 2024. JetBlue also agreed to a pay Spirit a fee of $70 million and Spirit shareholders $400 million “in the unlikely event the proposed agreement is not consummated for antitrust reasons,” according to the press release. In the wake of JetBlue’s challenge to the Spirit-Frontier deal, Spirit leaders, including Chief Executive Ted Christie, had depicted the JetBlue transaction as a risky bet in light of antitrust concerns, as they continued to advocate for the Frontier tie-up. AFP

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

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

Business

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, July 29, 2022

-63.33 PTS. 6,315.93

TOTAL VOLUME

566,041,242

TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES

61,417 18,046,896,720.69 74 116

UNCHANGED

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

55.7220

Japan

Yen

0.007445

0.4149

Pound

1.217800

67.8583

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127392

7.0985

Switzerland

Franc

1.047449

58.3660

Canada

Dollar

0.780945

43.5158

Singapore

Dollar

0.724900

40.3929

Australia

Dollar

0.698700

38.9330

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652661

147.8116

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266255

14.8363

Brunei

Dollar

0.722282

40.2470

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.027285

1.5204

UAE

Dirham

0.272279

15.1719

Euro

1.019800

56.8253

Korea

Won

0.000772

0.0430

China

Yuan

0.148223

8.2593

India

Rupee

0.012559

0.6998

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224669

12.5190

New Zealand

Dollar

0.629100

35.0547

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033454

1.8641 Source: BSP

VACCINE DELIVERY MILESTONE. Cebu Pacific reaches another delivery milestone after airlifting 76,935,820 COVID-19 vaccine doses across the country as the government pushes for the administration of fourth dose. The fourth dose may now be administered to adults aged 50 years old and above, and individuals aged 18 years to 49 years with co-morbidities. Since March 2021, CEB has transported life-saving vaccines to 31 provinces.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

RIME Exploration Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., formally acquired the 45-percent stake owned by a unit of Udenna Corp. in the Malampaya gas project off northwest Palawan. vestments on the Malampaya gas field to improve the output of existing wells and, if possible, develop new wells in the area once the license extension is secured from the government,” said Razon. Prime Infra, Shell Philippines Exploration B. V. and Udenna are working together to transition SPEX into Prime Infra smoothly, the parties said in a joint statement. “We look forward to this opportunity to partner with Prime Infrastructure and PNOC EC as we explore more ways to fulfill our common vision to

make Malampaya continue to operate safely and reliably to strongly support our country’s need for indigenous and sustainable energy for many years to come,” said Udenna chairman and chief executive Dennis Uy. MEXP earlier signed an agreement with Shell Petroleum N. V. to acquire Shell Philippines Exploration B. V. SPEX owns a 45-percent participating interest in Malampaya project and is the operator of the project’s consortium. “Shell remains committed to complete our shares sale of SPEX which holds 45-percent operating interest in Service Contract 38. The sales and purchase agreement we have executed with Malampaya Energy XP remains in place,” SPEX said. MEXP said while there was a change of ownership from Udenna to Prime Infra, the terms and conditions under which Shell sold SPEX to MEXP had

not changed. The other members of the SC 38 consortium are UC38 LLC, another subsidiary of Udenna, and state-run PNOC Exploration Corp., which respectively own a 45-percent and 10-percent participating interest in the project. The change in control of SPEX from Shell to Prime Infra is subject to the consent of PNOC EC and the Department of Energy. Once the consents are given and the transition process for a safe and seamless handover of operations is completed, Prime Infra will assume full ownership and control of SPEX. “Shell is working closely with both MEXP and Prime Infra to ensure the change of ownership will not unduly disrupt the transition process and continue to work with PNOC EC and DOE to complete the deal by fourth quarter 2022,” SPEX said.

JG Summit sells P12.4-b worth of Meralco shares JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc., the listed holding company of the Gokongwei family, said Friday it sold over P12 billion worth of shares in Manila Electric Co. through a block sale transaction in the stock market. “[We are] just taking advantage of an opportunity to sell some shares at a good price. Proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and strengthening our balance sheet,” said JG Summit head for strategic investments Bach Johann Sebastian. The conglomerate sold 36 million Meralco common shares at P344 apiece, or for a total of P12.384 billion. “We will still have a meaningful stake in Meralco and a presence on their board of directors. We continue to be long-term shareholders in Meralco,” Sebastian said. The shares were equivalent to 3.2 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of Meralco. Before the transaction, JG Summit owned 29.56 percent of Meralco, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. had 10.5 percent and Beacon Electric Assets Holdings Inc. held 34.96 percent. Together, they held 75.03 percent of Meralco shares. Institutional investors, directors, officers and employees of Meralco and other investors owned the remaining 24.92 percent. MPIC said in a separate disclosure to the stock exchange it acquired an additional 22.542 million Meralco shares, equivalent to about 2 percent of Meralco’s issued and outstanding capital stock, at P344 apiece, for a total of P7,754,448,000. “The transaction will result in MPIC holding an approximately 47.5 percent direct and indirect interest in Meralco,” said MPIC, which also owns 100-percent interest in Beacon Electric. JG Summit said that on July 28, its board approved holding an overnight block trade for selling 36 million common shares in Meralco. Meralco’s stock closed at P340 on Friday, down 7.1 percent from P366 Thursday. JG Summit’s stock also fell 6.4 percent to P51.50. Alena Mae S. Flores

Bank of Commerce lists P7.5-b bonds

BANK of Commerce, the banking unit of San Miguel Corp., listed its maiden issuance of P7.5-billion 2-year Series A Bonds on Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp., with aggregate order book exceeding the original target issue size by more than three times. The bank said the strong demand prompted it to increase the issue size from the original P3 billion to P7.5 billion and end the offering period on July 12, 10 days ahead of the original closing date. “The overwhelming response from both institutional and retail investors on our first ever Peso bond issuance underscores the market’s confidence in BankCom’s performance and our growth potential,” Bank of Commerce president and chief executive Michelangelo Aguilar said. The bond was offered on July 11 at a coupon rate of 5.0263 percent per annum due 2024. Minimum denominations were set for P100,000 and increments of P50,000 thereafter. The bonds were listed on July 29 in PDEx.

UK bank maintains 8% growth forecast

Razon takes 45% Malampaya stake Prime Exploration signed a share purchase agreement to purchase MEXP Holding Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Udenna. “Prime Infra’s acquisition of MEXP reflects our shared commitment with the national government to help maintain energy security and independence as we transition to a renewable energyfueled Philippine economy,” said Prime Infra chairman Enrique Razon Jr. “We believe that gas is an important transition fuel in the near-term, reducing the need for baseload fossil fuels like coal. Hence, we intend to accelerate in-

IN BRIEF

STANDARD Chartered Bank on Friday maintained its gross domestic product growth forecast of 8 percent for the Philippines this year. The bank, however, said in a report the forecast may be affected by downside risks such as the lingering pandemic and the weaker external demand due to monetary policy tightening in response to elevated prices and geopolitical tensions. “Inflation is likely to broaden further as the domestic economy recovers. We expect policy normalization to continue for the rest of 2022,” it said. The bank said the latest activity indicators showed a further improvement in economic activity. Mobility indicators improved to above pre-pandemic levels as of May. The wholeeconomy Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 56.5 in April, with all sectors above 50. “We expect private consumption to remain a key growth driver for the rest of the year, after contributing 7.5 percentage point of Q1’s 8.3 percent year-on-year GDP growth. Labor-market conditions continue to improve. The unemployment rate dipped to 5.8 percent in March,” the bank said.

Cemex registered P528-m loss in Q2

CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc. said Friday it posted a net loss of P528 million in the second quarter, a turnaround from the P598million net income in the same period last year. CHP in a disclosure to the stock exchange attributed the net loss to foreign exchange losses, higher income tax expense and lower sales volume. Net sales in the second quarter, which is seasonally the strongest quarter for cement firms, decreased 5 percent to P5.43 billion from P5.69 billion in the same quarter last year. The decline was primarily due to 11-percent drop in domestic cement volume and lower-thanexpected demand during the national elections. Domestic cement prices went up 9 percent in the second quarter on higher input cost. “We believe the Philippine economy will continue to recover in the months to come, despite current challenges. Like many, we are dealing with significant inflationary pressures to input costs such as energy and transport. We will remain focused on executing our strategies, managing the variables that we can control,” CHP president and chief executive Luis Franco said. Jenniffer B. Austria

June hot money yielded outflows of $324m—BSP By Julito G. Rada

COASTAL CLEANUP. Direct sellers and customers of Personal Collection, one of the biggest direct selling companies in the Philippines, take part in a coastal cleanup. The Filipino-led company celebrates the one-year milestone of #GreenLifeGreatLife movement that aims to address the sustainability demand of consumers and be part of the solution by reducing packaging waste. It also empowers direct sellers and customers to take part in protecting the environment.

URC’s profit fell 23% to P6.2b in 1st half due to 2021 asset sale By Jenniffer B. Austria UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, said Friday net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company dropped 23 percent in the first half to P6.2 billion from P8.05 billion in the same period last year when it sold idle assets. URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-half consolidated revenues grew 23 percent to P71.1 billion from a year ago, as all business units registered double-digit growth in sales. First-half operating income climbed 2 percent to P7.4 billion despite material cost increases and the strengthening of the US dollar against the peso.

“We are very pleased to see the strong performance of the business, as we exit the first half of 2022 with record high sales. We anticipate sales momentum to be maintained as consumer demand continues to be resilient across the region,” URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said. “At the same time, we are closely watching demand signals given the inflationary environment. As we continue to navigate global headwinds, we remain confident that we will be able to continue increasing our absolute profits as we couple strong topline growth with our reinforced cost savings initiatives,” he said. Sales of domestic and international branded consumer foods rose 27 percent to P50.7 billion. Domestic sales of

branded food group reached P36.1 billion, up 19.7 percent from a year ago, driven by double-digit growth across major categories particularly snacks, ready-to-drink beverages and noodles. International sales also jumped 43.4 percent to P15.6 billion from P10.89 billion a year earlier, on strong sales from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Sales in Vietnam grew by 15.1 percent, while Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia sales grew by 12.2 percent, 17.6 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively. Revenues from agro-industrial and commodities divisions also saw an increase of 15 percent and ended the half at P9.4 billion.

FOREIGN portfolio investments yielded $342 million in net outflows in June, a reversal of the $335-million inflows a year ago amid the uncertain global economy, aggressive interest rate hikes in the United States and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that the June net outflows were larger than the $270-million net outflows in May. The figure resulted from the $1.4-billion gross outflows and $1.0-billion gross inflows for the month. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the June net outflows were the widest in 14 months, or since April 2021. Ricafort attributed the outflows to “increased volatility and some sell-off in global financial markets after more hawkish Fed signals and the biggest Fed rate hike since 1994 at +0.75 on June 14, 2022… in an effort to bring down elevated US inflation at new 40year highs recently”. “These led to some risks of possible US economic slowdown or even recession in the US,” he said. The US Fed on Wednesday raised the policy rates by another 75 basis points to contain the surging inflation. Ricafort said some volatility in global and local financial markets could be expected in the coming months, if the Russia-Ukraine conflict would drag on and global oil and other commodity prices would remain at multi-year highs.

Semirara Mining joins 30-company PSE benchmark index after a routine review THE Philippine Stock Exchange added Semirara Mining and Power Corp. to the 30-company benchmark index while removing Security Bank Corp. following a routine review. It said in a statement Friday the recomposition of the 30-company PSE index would take effect Aug. 8, 2022. The change is part of the biannual re-composition of the benchmark index conducted by the local bourse. The PSE said a listed firm to qualify for inclusion in the PSEi should be among the

top companies in terms of liquidity and market capitalization. A listed company should also have a free float of at least 15 percent of outstanding shares. PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said it would be the last index re-composition with a free float requirement of at least 15 percent. “Companies should have a public ownership level of at least 20 percent to qualify for index inclusion in the next review period. We expect companies that would like to remain index constituents but have

a free float of less than 20 percent to take the necessary corporate action to address this concern,” Monzon said. The sector indices will also see minor changes, with the addition of seven securities. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. will become a component of the financials index, while Benguet Corp. is set to be included in the mining and oil index. The property index will see the addition of 8990 Holdings Inc. and DDMP REIT Inc., while Phinma Corp., Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. and Synergy Grid &

Development Phils. Inc. will all be part of the industrial index. The PSE mid-cap and dividend yield indices, which were launched in March 2022, will also see a revamp of its 20-member composition. Semirara will be removed from the PSE mid-cap index following its PSEi inclusion, together with Cebu Air Inc., DoubleDragon Corp. and Filinvest Land Inc. Replacing them are AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp., DDMPR, SECB, and Union Bank of the Philippines. Jenniffer B. Austria

Sports

Gin Kings bounce back vs Bolts, level series at 1-1

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

By Peter Atencio JAPETH Aguilar banged in a gamehigh 25 points as the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings held off the Meralco Bolts, 94-84, on Friday in Game 2 of their best-of three quarterfinal series in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the FilOil Ecocenter in San Juan. Aguilar’s dunk in the last 2:10 gave the Gin Kings a seven-point cushion during a physical match with the Bolts. Christian Standhardinger had 15 points for the Gin Kings, who can clinch a semifinal berth if they hurdle the Bolts for the second time on Sunday. “We got to put on another performance like we did today. This game wasn’t for boys,” said Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone after they equalized the series at 1-all. Standhardinger’s three-point play in the last 5:35 signalled the Gin Kings’ final push to move out of range as they grabbed a four-point edge, 83-79. Cliff Hodge fired 25 points for the Bolts, who took Game 1 with a 93-82 victory. Hodge was backed up by Allein Maliksi and Alvin Pasaol, who knocked in 14 points each. Cone said it was not easy getting past the Bolts. “This was a man’s game. It was physical, rough and tumble,” said Cone. “There was blood on the floor, and they were doing things that they have not done to us before,” he added. TNT booked the first seat in the Philippine Cup semifinals after clobbering Converge, 116-95, in their quarterfinal game on Wednesday, while the top-seeded San Miguel Beermen followed them to the next round after getting past the Blackwater Elite Bossings, 123-93.

PH chessers start Olympiad campaign vs Oman, Guam THE Philippines sets its sights for a better, more memorable performance as it clashes with Oman in the men’s section and Guam in the women’s in the opening round of the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. The country, ranked 52nd, will play Grandmasters Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo and International Master Paulo Bersamina against 146th seed Oman, as GM Banjo Barcenilla, who was designated as Board Two player, gets the early rest. WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda, WFM Shania Mae Mendoza, WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego and WGMcandidate Kylen Joy Mordido will see action in the women’s as a 39th seed versus 119th pick Guam. WGH Janelle Mae Frayna gets the breather. The first round of this 11-round, 12-day tournament that drew 184 men’s teams from 182 countries and 158 women’s squads from 156 nations was being played Friday night (Philippine time). GMs Eugene Torre and Jayson Gonzales are coaches and non-playing captains of the squad. The Filipinos are aiming to eclipse their 37th-place effort in the men’s and 67th-place performance in the women’s in the last face-to-face edition of this biennial meet in Batumi, Georgia four years ago. Interestingly, they could face along the way Cavite-born American Wesley So, who will spearhead the top-seeded United States team.

Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is fouled going to the basket by Meralco’s Kyle Pascual in a PBA Philippine Cup semifinal game at the FilOil Eco Oil Centre in San Juan on Friday. The Kings won, 94-84.

PH bets gird for action; 11th ASEAN Para Games blast off S

URAKARTA, Indonesia—Filipino para-athletes ﬁnally get to showcase their skills as the 11th ASEAN Para Games formally opens Saturday at the sprawling 20,000-seat Manahan Stadium here.

Led by powerlifter Achelle “Jinky” Guion as the standard-bearer, a compact group of 30 athletes, coaches, and officials will attend the ethnic-inspired colorful program in the hometown of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. National team chef de mission Walter Torres announced Friday that the 30-man contingent at the opening day parade will come from 10 ports that the country will be vying in the weeklong meet gathering all the top para-athletes from 11 countries in Southeast Asia. “For health and safety reasons, we decided not to include representatives from swimming because their competition venue is in the city of Semarang, which is about two hours from Surakarta,” Torres said.

Rhenz Abando

“Our athletes will be all clad in tracksuits provided by the Philippine Sports Commission,” he added of the stint supported by the PSC. CDM Torres also reminded the athletes that “the Games will start soon. Achieve your dreams and let your disability be your wings to aim and fly high…be it not your anchor to pull and drag you down. I am confident that you will make things happen. All the best to Para Team Philippines!” Aside from Torres and deputies Irene Remo and Tricia Rana, those attending the inaugural rites are Athletics—Randy Magcawas, Arvie John Arreglado, King James Reyes, and Maekel Lita; Archery —William Ca-

blog and Dina Managdang; Badminton—Julie Peral Guadayo and Johnlo Respicio; Chess—Cheyzer Mendoza, Cheryl Angot, Evangeline Gamao, Felix Aguilera and Patrisha Anne Salgado; Boccia—David Gonzaga and Ruel Fernando; Judo—Rezil Rosalejos and Mary Ann Taguinod; Table Tennis— Gerald Tuazon and Homber Tiongson; Goalball—Jorge Lucero, Marco Lucero, Fred Estacion; Powerlifting—Guion, Nikki Vidal, Rico Canlas; Sitting volleyball—Mayie Procina and Orwen Elumir. Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo, who arrived in Surakarta Wednesday, urged both veterans and rookies alike to compete in the Games “with a positive mindset and winning attitude. If you feel nervous that’s okay because even the best athletes have jitters. Use it to pump up the adrenaline and I pray that our veterans and newcomers feed off each other’s energy and inspire one another. After all,

we are one family. Let’s all go for the gold!” Noting that the slogan of the 11th ASEAN Para Games was “Striving for Equality,” Barredo said that this was among the core values of the International Paralympic movement which are determination, inspiration, courage, and equality. “Our para-athletes strive to be equals with their able-bodied counterparts through the vehicle of sports.” the PPC chief stated. From Manila, PSC executive director, and officer-in-charge Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. also had inspiring words for the PH campaigners competing here. “Some, if not most, of our national paraathletes have not had international competition for the last four to five years. So now make the most of the opportunity to shine and bring glory to our country,” Iroy said. “You have sacrificed and trained long and hard so we believe that you will excel. The entire nation is behind you. We salute you all!” Atty. Iroy added.

Abando joins Korean club, skips last year with Letran THREE-TIME champion Anyang-Korean Ginseng Corporation has signed up Gilas Pilipinas national men’s team standout Rhenz Abando, who is skipping his final year with Letran in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. KGC offcials, in an announcement on social media, revealed that Abando inked a two-year deal with them. He will soon see action in the Korean Basketball League, where KGC won three KBL titles during the 2011–12, 2016–17 and 2020–21 seasons. Abando is the sixth Filipino player tapped to play for clubs in the KBL. The other ballclubs, who have either signed up and are planning to sign Filipino cagers are Wonju DB, Seoul Samsung, Changwon LG, Daegu Korea Gas Corporation and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis. Other Filipino players, who have signed up with KBL club teams, include former Far Eastern University standout RJ Abarrientos, who is now with

Ulsan Hyundai Mobis and Ateneo’s SJ Belangel, who was taken by new entry, Daegu KOGAS Pegasus for the next two seasons. Abarrientos’ Ulsan Hyundai Mobis team was a finalist in the 2020-2021 season of the KBL. Team officials said that Abando fits the profile of the player they were looking for, “a guard with explosive athleticism and shooting ability, capable of showing competitiveness in various positions.” They noted that Abando, the reigning MVP of NCAA Season 97, “played a big role and showed his presence in two matches against the Korean national team in Anyang last June.” “I am very happy to start my first professional career in Anyang, I like the enthusiasm of the fans and the atmosphere of the city. I am looking forward to joining the team and meeting KGC fans and will do my best for the team to win in the future,” said Abando in statement after the signing ceremony. Peter Atencio

Wild PVL finish up as 3 teams dispute 2 semis slots THE chase for the last two semifinal berths in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference couldn’t get any tighter and wilder as three teams of varying strength slug it out for the coveted slots against separate rivals at the close of the elims at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan today (Saturday). Army and PLDT, tied at third with 3-2 slates, collide with Creamline and Cignal HD at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively, upbeat but cautious mixing it up with rivals already assured themselves of berths in the next phase of the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Choco Mucho, which fueled its semis drive with a gripping five-set escape over PLDT the other day, also

Games today (Saturday) 11:30 a.m. – Creamline vs Army 2:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Cignal 5:30 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Choco Mucho

sets out for its 5:30 p.m. clash with Petro Gazz confident but likewise wary of facing an ousted team out to play the spoiler’s role. The Flying Titans remain outside of the Top 4 with a 2-3 card but could force a three-way tie for third with a straight-set win over the Angels coupled with victories by the Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers, also via sweep or in four. The PVL points system will be used to break the tie. Heading to the final elims playdate, Army and PLDT both have 9 points while Cho-

co Mucho has 6. Under the PVL points system, teams receive 3 points for a 3-0 or 3-1 victory, 2 points for a 3-2 win, and 1 point for a match lost via 2-3. No points are awarded for games lost in 0-3 or 1-3 fashions or via forfeit. But that could drastically change after the results of the only triple-bill slated in the league’s elims schedule with the novel semifinals firing off Tuesday where the Kobe Shinwa from Japan and the KingWhale from Taiwan will join the four local squads. The two foreign guest teams, however, will only see action starting Aug. 8 in a daily grind to the finals with Aug. 11 set as the rest day. Focus, however, will be on the three crucial matches at hand with the Lady Troopers seeking to ride the

momentum of their three-set romp over the also-ran Chery Tiggo Crossovers last Tuesday. But the seasoned crew of Jovelyn Gonzaga, Joanne Bunag, MJ BalsePabayo and Nene Bautista, along with Ivy Perez, Jeanette Villareal, Audrey Paran, Mary Anne Esguerra, Angela Nunag, Christine Agno and Jem Gutierrez will have a lot of work to do to stop the Cool Smashers, who bounced back from a four-set defeat to the HD Spikers with victories over the Flying Titans and the Crossovers. Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses even hinted at the team’s desire to keep their win run going into the semis. “Hopefully, we could win again para maganda ang pasok sa semis,” he said.

PLDT’s Chin Basas, whose lean frame belies her power off the flight, sets out for another grind-out battle against the Cignal HD Spikers.

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022

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

Home/Design

BPOs, e-commerce, logistics are top space demand drivers

USTAINED positive market sentiment carried the local real estate sector over to the 2nd quarter of 2022, according to real estate consultancy firm JLL Philippines.

In a recent market overview for the second quarter of 2022, the firm presented trends in the office, retail, residential, and hospitality sectors, as well as an overview of logistics and industrial opportunities in Metro Manila. Metro Manila office overview “Sustained positive market sentiment carried real estate momentum in the second quarter of 2022,” said Janlo de los Reyes, JLL head of research and

strategic consulting. In Metro Manila, office leasing volumes continue to climb, with a 21.2% increase compared to the previous quarter. Demand in the second quarter of 2022 is diversified, meaning there are different sectors leasing spaces, compared to the ITBPM-driven first quarter. Non-ITBPM services account for 45% of demand, while IT-BPM and POGO players represent 42.7% and 12%, respectively. Retail, residential, hospitality Move-ins are gradually outpacing move-outs in the retail industry. The food and beverage sector continue to lead both move-ins (22.1%) and move-outs (23.6%). “The improving demand and the absence of supply saw vacancy

ASEANA’S MIDPARK TOWERS READY TO OPEN DOORS.

The need for a residential estate with world-class amenities and a generous home layout is something that MidPark Towers is preparing to fill for Filipinos. Aseana Residential Holdings Corporation’s newest development, MidPark Towers, is a four-tower residential estate located at the heart of Aseana City – bay area’s emerging Central Business District. The project is more than ready to fill the market need as the recent residential projection by Colliers estimates a total of 10,500 units being available in the market by end of 2022. “MidPark Towers is inside a master planned community that complements the rest of the offerings we have in Aseana City,” said Buds Wenceslao, CEO of D.M. Wenceslao Group of Companies. Interested buyers can choose from MidPark Towers’ unit layouts that range from a 40 sqm+/for a studio unit, 52 sqm+/ for a one-bedroom unit, 80 sqm+/- for a twobedroom unit, and a 120 sqm+/- for a three-bedroom unit.

DMCI HOMES’ UPSCALE MAKATI CONDO SET FOR LAUNCH.

DMCI Homes is gearing up for the sales launch next month of Fortis Residences, a new upscale mixed-use development with one residential tower in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. The project will be the company’s second project under premium brand DMCI Homes’ Exclusive after Oak Harbor Residences, a residential condominium in Asiaworld City, Parañaque. Fortis Residences will be part of the upcoming Chino Roces Special Mixed-Use District—seen to be the Philippine financial capital’s next center of commerce, cultural hub, and recreational zone.

ease,” said de los Reyes. “Rents are gradually climbing, and lease terms are returning to pre- pandemic arrangements,” he added. In the residential sector, return-tooffice and soft rentals continue to drive leasing demand, as people are moving back from the province to stay in units near their workplaces. Residential sales continue to move sideways, while prices maintain growth uptick behind flexible terms. In the hospitality sector, occupancy levels decline as demand slows down. Room rates are picking up, but the average as of the second quarter of 2022 (PHP6,100 per room per night) is still far from pre-pandemic rates (PHP 9,100 per room per night in 2019). The luxury segment continues to lead room rates, averaging PHP 15,390 per room

per night in the last quarter, owing to reopening of club rooms and exclusive access areas. Economy rates closed at an average of P2,280 per room per night. Investing in logistics Charlie McNaught, director for logistics and industrial, observed that “the strong demand from e-commerce, third party logistics (3PLs) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) is being met with a critical lack of modern logistics supply, suitable for the occupational needs of these occupiers.” He also touched on growing subsectors such as cold storage and urban logistics. “We are seeing demand from sub-sectors such as cold storage and urban logistics to supplement the backlog of

requirements due to increased demand from grocery and next day delivery,” he said. Outlook JLL expects the Metro Manila real estate market to see continued market recovery, and sustained momentum in the third quarter, owing to increasing return-to-office (RTO) by occupiers. De los Reyes also presented highlights from the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which may affect the real estate market. These include increased incentives outside Metro Manila, focus on infrastructure—specifically on transport and railway, and digital business expansion, which is seen to affect data centers.

Idyllic city living

FILINVEST Land Inc. is banking on its 58-hectare masterplanned development, City di Mare, as the next “lifestyle capital of Cebu,” offering a livework-play lifestyle experience to the community. With its strategic foothold in quality township and development, it offers possibilities whether for investors, professionals, or home

buyers looking for a convenient and accessible new home,” said Don Ubaldo, first vice president of Filinvest Townships. City di Mare also offers a wellbalanced lifestyle in an urban community that is surrounded by the calming views of nature. City di Mare Open Park, where outdoor installations such as giant games and

Global city lifestyle at Trion Towers THE Trion Towers, a ready-for-occupancy development under the RLC Residences brand, presents an edge for urban professionals looking to advance their careers with its proximity to a number of global and promising startups. At present, over 2,000 offices can be found in BGC’s towering skyscrapers serving headquarters to various local and international brands such as Procter & Gamble, Shopee, Lazada, Globe, Google Philippines, TaskUs, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Pru Life UK, and Nissan Philippines Inc., among others. As the majority of these offices shift to hybrid work arrangements, the Trion Towers makes for an appealing living space, with units offering ample space to accommodate work-from-home nooks, fiber-optic cabling for faster connections, zoned amenities that intentionally separate the active and quiet areas, as well as serene views conducive for virtual meetings whatever time of day.

picnic tables, are perfect for families and friends to enjoy. Across City di Mare is the IL Corso Lifemalls, where one can enjoy retail therapy or al fresco dining by sea. The soon-to-be-constructed pedestrian bridge, with a dedicated bike lane, will connect City di Mare to IL Corso Lifemalls for quick access between the two properties.

Motoring

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022 MILO RIVERA, Sub-editor

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Next Gen Ford Ranger, Everest launched: A blend of adventure, technology, comfort By Milo Rivera (Speciﬁcations and Features taken from Ford PH)

S THE main highlight of the ongoing 5th edition of the ‘Ford Island Conquest’ test drive event at Arcovia City in Pasig, Ford Philippines has ofﬁcially launched the much-awaited next-generation Ford Ranger and Ford Everest.

Now being the smartest, most versatile, and most capable Ranger ever. The next-gen Ranger features improved capability and comfort, advanced technologies, and smart connectivity that deliver new and improved experiences to pick-up customers. On the other hand, the allnew Everest provides the perfect blend of adventure-ready capability with exceptional comfort and customer-focused technology- all in a rugged, refined, and fun to drive SUV. Armed with more customer feedback than ever before, the objective behind the development for the next-gen Everest was clear: Tough on the outside, sanctuary on the inside, amazing capability underneath. Alongside the local launch, Ford Philippines also announced that the next-gen Ranger and Everest will come with a 5-year warranty to enhance the ownership experience. The longer warranty offering will cover up to 5 years or a total mileage of up to 150,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. *** #NEXTGENFORDRANGER New Look, New Strengths Visually, the next-generation Ranger is bold and confident, with a purposeful exterior that shares Ford’s global truck design DNA. The design features a defined new grille and signature C-clamp headlight treatment at the front while a subtle shoulder line down the sides incorporates new wheel-arches design that gives Ranger a sure-footed stance. For the first time, the next-gen Ranger is equipped with matrix LED headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System for the Wildtrak 4x4 variant. Consistent with the look in front, the LED taillamps clamp onto the new

tailgate, now proudly stamped with the RANGER badge. Beneath the new bodywork is an upgraded chassis riding on a wheelbase 50mm longer and a track 50mm wider than the previous Ranger. With new fenders and larger wheel arches, the next-gen Ranger has a more

dramatic, sculpted appearance. In the Wildtrak model, the roof rails create even more space for oversized cargo. For easier tailgate operations, the next-generation Ranger has the Tailgate Lift Assist– enabling users to close the tailgate with just a light touch. Cargo organizing also comes with a new load box and tailgate protective capping for more grip and safety. Redesigned Interior and Enhanced Connectivity Inside, the next-gen Ranger is a step up from its previous iterations, using premium soft-touch materials to go with a roomy cabin. At the heart of the Ranger’s connective experience is the large 10-inch or bestin-class 12-inch touchscreen in the center stack. It complements the fully digital instrument panel and is loaded with Ford’s latest SYNC® 4A with wireless Apple

Carplay and Android Auto capability. The next-gen Ranger is equipped with a 360-degree camera to make crossing and parking a breeze in tight urban spaces. The design team also created clever storage and useful features for owners, such as digital owner’s manual, new climate system, and wireless charging. Improved Ride and Handling To develop the ride and handling expected of a truck customer’s use for a wide range of work, family and play, Ford engineers focused on the fundamentals and made improvements on the chassis and suspension. They moved the front wheels forward by 50mm for a better approach angle and outboard for better off-road articulation, both of which improve the off-roading experience. They also shifted the rear suspension dampers outboard of the frame rails to give drivers and passengers a better ride both onand off-road. Reliable Drivetrain and Drive Modes The next-gen Ranger gives customers a choice of engines to suit their needs and lifestyles. The 2.0L Bi-Turbo mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission is available on the 4x4 Wildtrak variant capable of 210PS of maximum power and 500Nm of maximum torque, while the 2.0L Single Turbo mated with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission is available for the other Ranger variants, capable of 170PS of maximum

Refined, functional scooter All-New CLICK160 now available at Honda S shops nationwide HONDA Philippines, Inc., (HPI) takes one of its most-coveted models up a notch with a reﬁned functional scooter, The All-New CLICK160. The successor to the widely successful CLICK150i, a twowheeler that has become a favorite among Filipino riders, The All-New CLICK160 features a revamped sporty design that draws shades with more premium and bigger scooter looks. It presents a stronger engine to match that commuters and fans will instantly love as they make their way in and around town. Combined with agile handling and good maneuverability, The All-New CLICK160 offers the stability and comfort needed for convenient daily commuting and leisure trips. Agile and Competitive Let your presence be felt when you cruise the streets with an outstanding, sporty look that trumps all others with The All-New CLICK160. Reminiscent of bigger bikes, the dynamic design presents a pointy bodywork, complementing its updated Matte Brown Painted alloy wheels on a new and wider wheel design. With a well-proportioned height of 778 mm a n d ground clearance of 138 mm, the seat is quite wide and ultra-comfortable, which makes long-hour journeys enjoyable with a pillion rider. In terms of performance, The AllNew CLICK160 allows you to stay on track anywhere you go. A powerful, New Generation 157cc, 4-valve, liquid-cooled, eSP+ engine packs quite the punch for a scooter with a max power of 11.3 kW @ 8,500 rpm and a top

torque of 13.8 Nm @ 7,000 rpm. This scooter also runs on a PGM-FI System for much-valued fuel efficiency at 46.7 km/L based on World Motorcycle Test Cycle Method, perfect for daily city driving and weekend road trips. Meanwhile, all that power and premium look will be under your control at all times, thanks to The All-New CLICK160’s new Enhanced Smart Architecture Frame. This makes every turn feel lighter and stronger as you zig and zag your way to your destination. With its advanced motorcycle suspension featuring a telescopic front and unit swing at the rear, look forward to better performance and irresistible sporty character. Along with Combined Brake System (CBS) and Idling Stop System (ISS), every ride is made safer, smoother, and more responsive. For those who are partial to the look and feel of a motorcycle’s dominating presence, The All-New CLICK160 is enhanced with a Premium 3D Emblem, New Sporty Muffler Design, and Park Brake Lock. These and more instantly elevates its outgoing, sporty vibe in all the right places. The All-New CLICK160 also offers a new USB Charger to keep your phone juiced up, a Full Digital Panel Meter, an All LED Lighting System to clearly light the way that comes with the New Headlight and Taillight Design to bolster its premium look and feel, too. It also comes with a Large Luggage Box where you can store your personal items with excellent space efficiency. Worth mentioning as well is its Honda Smart Key System, which includes an answer-back and anti-theft alarm feature. Long-time riders swear that this is considered one of the highly-important features of a worry-free road trip. The All-New CLICK160 is available in three color variants. There’s Matte Pearl Crater White for a cleaner finish, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic for those who prefer a more elegant look, and a Matte Solar Red Metallic for a statement ride with a suggested retail price of Php 116,900. Step up your game with the refined functional scooter of your dreams. For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), or contacting (02)8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

power and 405Nm of maximum torque. The next-gen Ford pick-up also allows customers to explore new horizons through selectable drive modes that include Normal, Eco, Tow Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand. These drive modes allow the Ranger to tackle any destination and deliver optimized performance for different surfaces, road conditions and vehicle usage. Smarter and Safer Than Ever Safety remains at the core of the nextgen Ranger with its suite of smart driverassist technologies that include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering, Lane Keeping System with Road Edge Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Aid & Lane Departure Warning, Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection, among others. It also comes with up to seven (7) airbags, providing exceptional protection for everyone inside the vehicle. The next-gen Ranger also has an Intel-

ligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM), a smart new feature that tells the owner when to have an oil change based on actual engine data, operating conditions, and owner driving habits. #NEXTGENFORDEVEREST Rugged Outside A wider track by 50mm and 50mm longer wheelbase give the next-gen Everest its more progressive, muscular appearance, with a dramatic swell over the wheels that comes from a strong shoulder line that runs from front to back enhancing the strong and modern look. A mix of horizontal and vertical elements on the front end add to a more stable look, with Ford’s global design DNA reflected in the C-clamp headlamps and horizontal upper grille bar. The LED taillights set in a full-width design emphasize the Everest’s increased track. The panoramic moonroof available in the Titanium variants allows fresh air to get into the cabin at the touch of a button, while the hands-free power liftgate allows easy and quick access into the Everest’s spacious trunk with a kick of one’s foot under the sensor. A Sanctuary Inside Inside, the next-gen Everest boasts of a roomy interior with plush leather seats, premium finishes and ambient lighting in areas where they can be appreciated best. The sense of spaciousness is amplified by the full-width instrument panel and center console with dual cupholder recesses, plus dash-mounted ‘pop out’ cupholders for front seat occupants. Thanks to the second-row seats’ ability to slide further forward than before, access to the third-row seats is much easier. Additionally, all occupants have more places to store their things, and can charge their devices through power outlets in all three rows.

An issue with chip supply? CAR manufacturers are also hit by the shortages in the supply of microchips, one very important electronic product that brings new and comfortable features in every new car. The various reasons that affected the supply and logistics chain—lockdown due to Covid-19 in various major ports, lack of manpower, trade tensions, lack of raw materials, and even the rise of 5G technology in smart phones that create a huge need for microchips— have created havoc on all major car manufacturers. Did you know that there are about 700 steps within a span of 14 weeks in order to produce those microchips in an assembly? Much of this is spent waiting for the fabrication of crystals for silicon wafers to grow. And much of these chips are being gobbled up by companies that are in the 5G technology (yes, the consumer electronics, especially those smart phone manufacturers). The auto industry are said to be using around 5 to 10 percent of the total chip production around the world – Taiwan is the largest producer. But since many car manufacturers are slowly coming back to life after almost two years of stagnancy, they have to wait in a long line when ordering for the microchips since the world is undergoing the so-called “microchip supply shock.” The world-leading car manufacturer Toyota, for example, has stopped taking orders for their much-sought Land Cruiser and RAV-4. And there are many other manufacturers with various eye-catching models following suit. Nissan is also hard-hit as its net proﬁt for the last two quarters this year dipped to a whopping 60 percent compared to that of last year. World experts said the microchip shortage problem is expected to go on not only for the next year but up to 2024. Well, that would be a grim picture to deal with. oooo IT is very surprising that in spite of the decline in the sales of vehicles abroad, experts here believe that there will be a modest rebound as the country is expected a brisk sale in new and used cars for the next several months. This is welcome news for the local vehicle manufacturers and dealers who are still reeling from the effect of several lockdowns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. A big boost to this welcome news is the coming CAMPI Philippine International Motors Show, which is now on its eighth edition, slated this Aug. 15. Car enthusiasts and prospective buyers are expected to crowd the World Trade Center to see and even experience to drive all the new vehicles to be presented by the various participants. A car event of this magnitude is really a crowd-drawer and an instant hit to all as consumer goods pertaining to cars and vehicle all at discounted and promotional prices are also being showcased left and right

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022 rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

PLDT Home still fastest in PH, tops Speedtest Award PLDT Home is consistently named the Philippines’ fastest broadband, besting all major internet providers in the country, as it wins for the fifth consecutive year at the Ookla®Speedtest™ Awards Q1-Q2. The global benchmarking company, Ookla®, announced that PLDT achieved a speed score of 77.91 and logged the fastest download and upload speeds at 210.83 Mbps and 234.21 Mbps, respectively. “The past years have proven how essential fast and reliable internet services are for Filipinos to work, study, and be entertained at home. With this award, we thank Ookla® for recognizing our consistent efforts to top ourselves. This win reiterates our unwavering commitment to power our customers with the best digital services so that they can progress in life as they do things digitally better at home,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business – Home. PLDT Home has been the country’s fastest ISP for five consecutive years and is strongly committed to deliver undisputable speeds to every Filipino household. “Speedtest Awards, presented by Ookla, are reserved for an elite delegation of network operators that have delivered exceptional internet performance and coverage within a market. It is our pleasure to present PLDT with the award for Fastest Broadband in the Philippines.This recognition is testament to their exceptional performance in Q1-Q2 2022 based on Ookla’s rigorous analysis of consumer-initiated tests taken with Speedtest” said Doug Suttles, Ookla CEO. Fastest Broadband in PH’s Key Cities: PLDT Home also clocked the top speeds in 15major areas in the Philippines, besting all other major telco providers. These areas include: Quezon City, Pasig City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Bulacan, Bacolod, Cainta, Baguio City, Pasay City, Iloilo City, Lucena, Malabon City, Valenzuela City, Marikina Cityand Batangas. For the top four (4) areas, PLDT achieved highest download and upload speeds, respectively, at 68.30 Mbps and 70.73 Mbps in Quezon City; 89.57 Mbps and 83.42 Mbps in Bulacan; In Mindanao, PLDT Home recorded 47.64 download and 47.58 upload speeds, respectively, at 79.35 Mbps and 79.10 Mbps in Davao City; and, 84.75 Mbps and 84.56 Mbps in Cagayan De Oro. Home in Fastest Mode with PLDT PLDT Home, as the country’s leading digital services provider, seeks stay on top of the ever-changing digital shift by continuously delivering the most powerful and fastest fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network to its over 3.1 million fiber subscribers.

Tech & Gadgets Japan, UNICEF provide educational tablets to learners of Region VIII

HE Government of Japan and UNICEF Philippines turned over 400 educational tablets containing digital learning materials in select mother tongues of Eastern Visayas to support at least 800 Samar and Norther Samar learners classified as nonreaders and struggling readers. As young children learn most effectively in their mother tongue, the tablets will be provided to Grades 1 to 3 learners of 30 schools to support the development of their foundational skills in early literacy. This is part of the UNICEF-supported Learning Recovery Programme being rolled out by the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII, which aims to mitigate learning loss caused by school closures during the lockdowns in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the digital learning materials, Japan and UNICEF are also supporting the development of the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment in Mother Tongue and the training needed to effectively utilize the tool. This is a crucial intervention, as results from the administered assessments will determine learner profiles and necessary interventions needed for each student. “Today’s event is a testament to our commitment to helping every child learn despite the most difficult circumstances. We have always believed in meeting children where they are. Providing them with resources in the language they know best, through digital learning, will give them the confidence and skills needed to become lifelong learners,” said UNICEF Philippines Chief of Education Isy Faingold. To further make instruction more conducive for learners, UNICEF will

Evelyn Fetalvero, Regional Director for Department of Education Region VIII, Chihiro Kanno, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, and Isy Faingold, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Education, pose for a photo with students and their parents at the handover ceremony of digital devices by UNICEF Philippines and Embassy of Japan to DepEd Region VIII and Multistakeholders in Tacloban City on Thursday, 28 July 2022. (UNICEF Philippines/2022/Cecilia Forbes)

A few of the four hundred donated tablets on display at the handover ceremony (UNICEF Philippines/2022/Cecilia Forbes)

also roll out a professional development programme to capacitate teachers and school heads on effective early literacy strategies. The Government of Japan’s support is part of its $2.5 million donation to UNICEF Philippines through its Hu-

manitarian Assistance for Asia Pacific. Since the start of the pandemic, Japan has donated $5.87 million (approximately P331 million) of COVID-19 assistance to the Philippines through UNICEF. “I am hopeful that this intervention will be effective in mitigating learning

loss on children that is aggravated by the pandemic. As a long-standing partner of the UNICEF, the Government of Japan is grateful to add this programme to our roster of development cooperation with the UNICEF Philippines,” said First Secretary KANNO Chihiro from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. All schools in the Philippines were closed between March 2020 and October 2021 due to the pandemic and Filipino children mostly experienced distance learning as way to continue education. This has aggravated a serious learning crisis in the country, leaving the most marginalized children further behind. However, with DepEd expressing plans to re-open in-person classes in all schools in late 2022, efforts are now focused on learning recovery. The Government of Japan and UNICEF Philippines remain committed to working with DepEd in ensuring that every Filipino child regains all learning lost during the pandemic.

Cyber security firm offers businesses in PH with enhanced virtual defenses By Stephanie Caesar

Third-Party Cyber Risk Management plays a crucial role in establishing cybersecurity among companies with extensive supply chains and various external partners.

A NEW York-based cyber security firm shared plans to help businesses in the Philippines by increasing cyber defenses in combating malicious attacks online. BlueVoyant’s international chief operating officer, Tal Blaustein, discussed the company’s plans in identifying, validating and mitigating cybersecurity issues through their third-party management solution. “Redefining how businesses understand and address their cyber risk environments is a core focus for BlueVoyant, especially when it comes to third-party risks posed by their supply chain,” said Blaustein. Through BlueVoyant Elements, an outcomes-based, cyber-defense platform that the company just recently unveiled, cyber issues and other malicious attacks and threats in the virtual arena are consistently monitored and can be resolved within a short period of time.

“The idea is to find the right solution to the nature of the business so it won’t be too aggressive and it will just be secure. It’s important to always have the ability to detect what’s going on,” he added. Blaustein talked about the threats that are being faced by institutions in the financial sector, particularly banks, in the country. He noted that the three major cyber attacks which continue to spread within the Philippine cyber landscape are phishing attacks, scam calls, and data breaches—which he underscored are primarily done ‘to steal’ money from organizations. BlueVoyant features the use of “risk operation centers” which aims to deliver a completely operationalized outsourced third-party cyber risk solution that helps a business’s vendor to identify a cyber issue and how to act upon it. “To gain visibility into the risks across their supply chain, we make sure

that businesses operationalize their data for improved visibility and maximized value,” explained Blaustein. Moreover, Gino Montaño, business development and sales manager of BlueVoyant Philippines, stressed that not taking action upon cybersecurity attacks and not increasing defenses can result in companies facing costly damages. “Over the potential financial losses that an organization or company can suffer (from), there’s also reputational loss and loss of trust that could occur between the company and their clients. With social media and how everyone is interconnected, one small security incident can all of a sudden, just be volatile and spread brand damage over the financial loss,” said Montaño. According to Montaño, cyber attackers now target smaller and less-defended companies within the bigger company’s supply chain, to gain higher returns and prevent losses on their part.

SARTiNE: Adopting latest tech to elevate quality of life, empower businesses THE Philippines was well-represented by SARTiNE chief executive officer Renesar Deunida in all three of the tech world’s recent must-attend events on information technology innovations, cybersecurity, and digital marketing trends held in the United States within days of each other. First stop for the 44-year-old father of two was the 2022 Augmented World Expo, which gathered together in Sta. Clara 2,500 attendees, 200-plus tech gurus and speakers, and over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest hardware, software, and extended reality (XR) concepts in over 5,000 square meters of exposition space. “SARTiNE’s goals in coming to AWE, the RSA Conference in San Francisco, and the Digital Marketing Convention (DigiMarCon) in San Diego are to bring back home and adopt for the peculiar needs of Filipinos the latest technologies that could elevate our quality of life, empower businesses and, ultimately, help our country traverse the ever-changing digital trade and social

media landscape,” Deunida said. “I never travel for leisure, but to learn and to be inspired that we, Filipinos, can get to enjoy the latest technologies in a world where nations may be separated by geography and geopolitics, but are nonetheless conjoined by digital innovations,” he added. Back home at Sartine’s office in Makati City, Deunida said that a key takeaway from the AWE convention is that the Philippines must open up its markets and take advantage of the virtual world industry, in order to grow and expand even amid the economic slowdown precipitated by the pandemic, rising fuel prices, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He pointed out that with the pandemic exposing individuals and businesses to cyber threats from multiple vulnerable entry points like unprotected Wi-Fi connections, the RSA convention brought out the best available tools and systems to stop hackers and other malevolent digital players who are always looking at the Achilles heels of the Internet of Things (IOTs) like mo-

dems, smartphones and online security cameras, just to name a few. DigiMarCon, on the other hand, put the spotlight on new insights, methodologies, and strategies to help bring brand campaigns to the next level, he said. Asked why he chose to spend nearly all of June flying from one US expo to another, Deunida said it is very important for local industries to innovate lest they go the way of the dinosaurs. “It’s either you embrace technology or you go extinct; either you innovate or die,” he warned. While he is considered by his peers in the local tech industry as an innovator and disruptor, one who’s not averse to reinventing the wheel when not creating something from scratch, Deunida said it’s all about “helping industries differentiate themselves and their products from the competition.” “Innovation serves as a connection to developing and even to uncharted markets, especially when it comes to adver-

tising and technology. With the proper tools, local industries can save time, money and get an overwhelming advantage over old-school, think-insidethe-box competitors,” he said. Even for ordinary people, the SARTiNE CEO said innovation meant interacting with friends, relatives, and classmates through Facebook, holding classes and business meetings through Zoom, or having food and other goods delivered through Shopee or Lazada using fintech such as online payments. “At AWE, we’ve seen how XR has gone beyond virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming and how we, at SARTiNE, are on the right track in the adoption of immersive technologies,” he said. “Indeed, we can help businesses implement that buzz phrase ‘try-before-youbuy’ experiences, like people knowing if that huge 80-inch 8K video panel would fit on their living room wall and whether that’s too big a screen for comfortable viewing,” he said.

SARTiNE’s Renesar Deunida blazes through US tech expos, saying it’s ‘innovate or die’.