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NATION BIDS FAREWELL TO FORMER PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS ONE MORE GOODBYE.

Former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos (lower left photo) waves at the urn of her husband, former President Fidel V. Ramos, before his inurnment and state funeral on Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (top). Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio also visited Ramos’ wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. Revoli Cortez with NIB

FORMER President Fidel V. Ramos will be given a state funeral today (Tuesday) before he is laid to rest beside the grave sites of fellow former presidents Elpidio Quirino and Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. This will be the first state funeral for a former president since 1997 for the late Diosdado Macapagal. The family of the late presidents Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino III previously declined the Palace offer to accord each of them a state funeral in 2009 and 2021, respectively. The Philippine Army said its Security and Escort Battalion is all set for the state funeral

for Ramos, who died on July 31 at the age of 94. Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said a battalion-sized contingent of honor guards will render funeral departure honors for Ramos at the Heritage Park in Taguig City, where the cremated remains of the former commander-in-chief currently lie in state. “Soldiers will then accompany the convoy of the former first family and other VIP guests to the Libingan ng mga Bayani. A second battalion-sized contingent will accord funeral arrival honors for the remains of the late president upon arrival at the Libingan ng Next page

VOL. XXXVI • NO. 175 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BBM warns of uncertain times Calls on AFP to secure peace amid unpredictable world situations

By Vince Lopez and Vito Barcelo

RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday warned of a “constantly changing world wrought with conditions and situations that are hard to predict” as he rallied members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to remain steadfast in the commitment to securing the peace.

TOP BRASS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. walks with new Armed Forces Chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro in the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, then crossed over to Camp Crame also in Quezon City to sign a logbook after leading the 121st Police Service Anniversary with new Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (inset). Rey Baniquet/NIB Photos

During the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo where Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro assumed the post of AFP Chief of Staff – the first to serve with a fixed three-year term – Marcos underscored the challenges that Next page

Taiwan holds anti-invasion drills as China restarts military exercises Singapore PM:

TAIWAN will hold live-fire military drills this week, simulating a defense of the island against a Chinese invasion, officials said Monday, as Beijing confirmed it carried out fresh exercises around its neighbor. China said Monday that its joint air

and sea drills were ongoing, reporting that “the eastern theatre of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army continued to carry out practical joint exercises and training in the sea and airspace around Taiwan island.” The exercises, the Chinese military’s

Eastern Command said, were “focusing on organizing joint anti-submarine and sea assault operations.” Beijing was also set to carry out livefire drills on Monday in parts of the South China Sea and the Yellow Sea as it defied calls for it to end its largest-

ever exercises encircling the democratic island in the wake of a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Taiwan lives under the constant threat of invasion by China, which sees it as part of Chinese territory to be reclaimed one Next page

P2.50 per liter, diesel by P2.20 per liter, and gasoline by P2.10 per liter. Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said consumers will see lower rates this month after its overall rates for a typical household went down by P0.2087 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P9.5458 per kWh from P9.7545 per kWh last month.

SINGAPORE—“A storm is gathering” as relations between the United States and China are worsening over Taiwan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned the city-state on Monday – and they were unlikely to ease soon as the mistrust between the global giants could lead to “miscalculations.” Therefore, Singapore should be ready for a less peaceful and stable future, Lee said on the eve of the former British colony’s National Day today (Tuesday), as he noted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also has profound implications for the world and Singaporeans. “Singapore will be buffeted by intense rivalry and tensions in the region

Consumers get big break from oil price rollback, Meralco rates cut By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS buffeted by rising prices will get a breather this week as oil companies roll back pump prices by as much as P2.50 per liter on Tuesday, and as power rates continue to decline. To reflect the movement of prices in the world market, oil companies said they would cut the price of kerosene by

Storm gathering over Taiwan row

Omicron BA.5 ‘most predominant’ sub-variant of samples sequenced BOOSTED FOR SCHOOL. A girl is inoculated with a COVID-19 booster shot at the Multipurpose hall in Baclaran Elementary School Unit 1 in Parañaque City on Monday, in preparation for the resumption of in-person classes in public schools starting on Aug. 22. Norman Cruz By Willie Casas THE current increase in COVID-19 cases may be attributed to the coronavirus Omicron BA.5 sub-variant, which now comprises about 85 percent of the samples sequenced by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC). Of the 1,100 to 1,200 samples being sequenced in the country per week,

BA.5 was the “most predominant variant” detected, said PCG Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Saloma. The subvariant overshadowed other Omicron sub-variants such as BA.4, BA.2.12.1, and BA.2.3, she said. “If we consolidate the data from Visayas, Mindanao, and Luzon… if we look at this in the past month alone, Next page

Walden Bello

Sen. Imee Marcos

Sen. Raffy Tulfo

W. Bello arrested for cyber libel rap

Imee Marcos tests positive for COVID

Tulfo hits Angara birthday ‘killjoys’

Story on A4

News

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

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PH unemployment rate holds steady By Julito G. Rada and Maricel V. Cruz

HE country’s unemployment rate in June 2022 remained unchanged at 6 percent, the same rate a month ago, but significantly lower than the 7.7 percent unemployment rate of the same period last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Monday.

“The most notable figure from the jobs report is the one on the wholesale and retail trade, which lost 1.2 million jobs. That is almost as much as the jobs gain in agriculture, at 1.26 million,” Salceda said. “What this could indicate is that inflation is constraining people from spending on more discretionary items. Disposable income remains subdued, as I also stated regarding the July 2022 inflation report,” he added. According to the legislator, the major job losers in that sector are supermarkets and department stores (192,000), hardware stores (189,000), and online or direct sales (144,000). “I expect things to continue getting harder for brick and mortar stores as malls have begun to charge previously deferred or reduced rental payments. This is on top of the tighter competi-

tion due to online shopping networks- which also tend to be tax advantaged as we find it harder to enforce VAT on online sales,” Salceda said. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the country needs a safe and full reopening of the economy to return to a high-growth path and reinvigorate job creation. “In the near term, we will prioritize the immediate issues of rising inflation, the vulnerability of certain groups to shocks, and the pandemic-induced scarring to ensure that growth and employment gains are sustained,” Balisacan said. He said the reopening of the economy, including the resumption of faceto-face schooling, will boost domestic activities and insulate the economy against external headwinds.

In an online briefing, national statistician and civil registrar general Dennis Mapa said this translated to 2.99 million unemployed Filipinos out of 49.58 million who were in the labor force in June 2022. The country’s employment rate in June 2022 also remained the same as the 94 percent rate reported a month ago. This was higher than the employment rate of 92.3 percent registered in the same period of 2021. Over 1.5 million Filipinos joined the labor force in

June 2022 from the same month in 2021, bringing total employment to 46.6 million. “There are significant increases in employment in the agriculture and forestry sector due to the harvest season... We hope the downward trend [in unemployment] will continue but we will see what will happen in July 2022,” Mapa said. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said the number of jobless Filipinos has something to do with inflation.

Taiwan... From A1

‘Dengue cases up 118% from same period last year’

day, by force if necessary. The island’s forces will hold antilanding exercises in the southernmost county of Pingtung on Tuesday and Thursday, the Taiwanese army said. “We will practice counter moves against simulated enemy attacks on Taiwan,” Lou Woei-jye, spokesman for the Eighth Army Corps, said. They will include the deployment of hundreds of troops and about 40 howitzer guns, the army said. Lou said the Taiwanese drills were already scheduled and were not being held in response to China’s exercises. In Manila, the incoming chairman of the Senate committee on migrant workers, Senator Raffy Tulfo, urged the government to come up with a contingency plan for overseas Filipino workers in case tension between China and Taiwan escalates. Tulfo said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Philippine Overseas Labor & Office (POLO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should come up with a coordinated plan to ensure the safety of Filipino workers in Taiwan and other neighboring countries. There are reportedly about 200,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan. “We should be ready to evacuate OFWs in the event the current situation escalates into a war,” Tulfo said. The island routinely stages military drills simulating a Chinese invasion and last month practiced repelling attacks from the sea in a “joint interception operation” as part of its largest annual exercises. The latest war games come after China was accused of simulating a blockade and invasion of Taiwan in its drills in recent days. Those drills had been expected to draw to a close on Sunday, but China on Monday said they were ongoing. Beijing has raged at the trip by Pelosi -- the highest-ranking elected US official to visit Taiwan in decades -- ripping up a series of talks and cooperation agreements with Washington, most notably on climate change and defense. It has also deployed fighter jets, warships, and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade and ultimate invasion of the self-ruled island that China claims as its territory. Those drills had been expected to end in the weekend, but neither Beijing nor Taipei confirmed their conclusion, though Taiwan’s transport ministry said it had seen some evidence suggesting at least a partial drawdown. Taipei on Monday condemned Beijing’s exercises but insisted that no Chinese planes or ships had entered Taiwan’s territorial waters. AFP with Macon Ramos-Araneta

Consumers... From A1 This is equivalent to around P42 in the total bill of a residential customer consuming 200 kWh. This followed the reduction of P0.7067 per kWh in the total rate of a residential customer with 200 kWh consumption in July. “Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will decrease the prices of diesel by P2.20 per liter and gasoline by P2.10 per liter effective 6 a.m. of Aug. 9, 2022,” the company said in its advisory. Petron, Seaoil Philippines, Cleanfuel, Chevron Philippines, and PetroGazz issued separate price cut announcements. World oil prices have been declining in the past weeks due to US recession fears that could significantly

By Willie Casas and Rio Araja THE Philippines logged 92,343 dengue cases from January 1 to July 23, 2022 – a 118 percent increase compared to the cases recorded during the same period last year, the Department of Health said Monday. The DOH’s National Dengue Data for the week showed there were 42,294 dengue cases recorded from January 1 to July 23 last year. Cumulatively, most of the dengue cases this year, or 17 percent, were reported in Central Luzon with 15,951 cases.

BBM... From A1 his administration, and the military, will face. “As we look and think about a world that is constantly changing, a world wrought with conditions and situations that are hard to predict, a world full of elements and forces that can wreak havoc on its domain, the kind of leadership that you possess: the strong presence, the administrative and operational proficiency, unmatched discipline, and unwavering commitment will come in useful for the work that you are facing ahead of you,” the President said. “I know that you know well that the journey will not be an easy one. It will be sometimes treacherous, always complex. It will be difficult and at times seemingly unbearable. But with the AFP beside us, assisting and putting in place the fundamental prerequisites for nation-building, we shall overcome and emerge victorious in the end,” he added. Marcos described Bacarro, the 58th leader of the AFP, as a “reliable partner” as his administration begins “the difficult undertaking of rebirth and restoration of the Republic, transform-

Nation... From A1 mga Bayani,” Trinidad said. “The honor guards will then join a composite team in the funeral march to the inurnment site. Full military honors and a 21-gun salute will conclude the state funeral,” he added “Soldiers are also wearing black armbands on their uniform’s left sleeve in accordance with the military tradition on the passing of a former commanderin-chief,” Trinidad said. Guests who will attend the ceremony are requested to wear white and bring their umbrellas in case of inclement weather. Movement will be restricted affect oil demand. Crude prices also fell as COVID-19 cases increased in China, coupled with a seasonal buildup in gasoline inventories in the US. The decision of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for a limited increase in production also lowered the world oil price. On Aug. 2, the oil companies cut diesel prices by P0.60 per liter and kerosene by P0.75 per liter, but raised the price of gasoline by P0.75 per liter. These resulted in the total year-todate net increase of P19.65 per liter for gasoline, P32.35 per liter for diesel, and P27.30 per liter for kerosene. Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said Meralco rates declined by a total of P0.9154 per kWh over the past two months and a net decrease of P0.2315 per kWh since the start of the year.

It was followed by Central Visayas with 9,429 (10 percent) and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 7,962 (9 percent). In Quezon City alone, a total of 1,280 cases of dengue have been recorded for the past seven months, the City’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) said on Monday. Compared to the same period last year, the CESU said cases rose by 129.80 percent. Quezon City likewise recorded seven deaths due to dengue. “We are seeing a rise in cases in our city, not just of COVID-19 but also of

dengue so we are encouraging our residents to get tested so they can seek consultation and start treatment early,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “Prevention is better than cure. We cannot address this alone, and we highly encourage our residents to take part in helping the community, in their own way, to prevent the rising cases of dengue. Let us help our community so you can also protect your own family,” she added. The Health Department has urged early detection and consultation in case people experience fever that lasts up to three days.

ing the country into a haven that is safe, secure, peaceful, and prosperous for all present and future Filipinos to enjoy.” Before becoming AFP chief, Bacarro, a Medal of Valor awardee, served as commander of the Southern Luzon Command. In his speech, Bacarro underscored the need to move forward with the military’s self-reliant defense posture program to make the AFP at par with that of other nations in the region. “Through this, we shall be one of the many faces of national strength that our Commander-in-Chief has emphasized. Attaining this minimum credible defense posture will allow us to adapt more quickly and discover new techniques to help us deliver services that are geared towards attaining peace and protecting the sovereignty of our country,” he said. Bacarro also vowed to ensure judicious spending, especially for AFP modernization projects. “Given our country’s continuing struggle to overcome the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, no one can deny that government resources are currently stretched to the limit,” he said. “Aligned with our modernization ef-

forts, we will carefully monitor our acquisition based on the upgrade tranche. We will facilitate these new and upcoming capabilities. ensuring that the delivery and related processes are followed to the dot,” Bacarro added. “The use of force must always be reasonable, justifiable, and only undertaken when necessary. Execution of authority must be fair, it must be impartial, and it must be devoid of favoritism or discrimination regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, religious belief, and the like. It is only then that you can effectively sustain with great respect and wide support the authority that you possess as uniformed servicemen of the Republic,” he added. PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., for his part, vowed to sustain the gains of the country’s “hard-won” democracy. “Our collective dedication and focus enabled us to strengthen peace and security and promote public order and safety where it mattered the most, at the grassroots where quality police service is most needed by the Filipino people,” Azurin said. Yesterday’s event marked the founding of the country’s first insular police force, the Philippine Constabulary, on Aug. 8, 1901.

when the ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., and military marshals will also be onsite to guide and direct the flow of traffic and people. Three tents will be positioned near the gravesite for the Diplomatic Corps, government officials, and family and close friends, the Army added. After the ceremonies, refreshments will be available at the Bulwagan, which is approximately 20 to 25 meters from the gravesite. Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio yesterday paid her last respects to Ramos, whom she described as the “most disciplined and missionaccomplished President.” “As Filipinos, we will never forget FVR’s efforts to raise the economic level of our country and bring peace to

Mindanao and the entire Philippines,” she said. Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored Ramos’ service to the country both as a soldier and a public servant. “We clearly have suffered the loss for our country. But the memories of him will be good because of the good work he did for the Philippines,” Marcos said of Ramos, who is his distant uncle. Ramos was the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. He previously served as chief of the then-Philippine Constabulary, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Secretary of National Defense. Marcos Jr., in Proclamation No. 33, has declared July 31 to Aug. 9, 2022, as national days of mourning for Ramos.

Omicron... From A1 BA.5 is really the most predominant sample or variant that we are sequencing in the Philippines. It’s about 85 percent of our sequenced samples,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino. “All in all, we can probably say that this current wave is really the BA.5 wave here in our country,” she added. Saloma said that based on the PGC’s sequencing analysis, most of the detected BA.5 cases in the country were composed specifically of the BA.5.2. The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported an additional 95 BA.5 cases in the Philippines, which brought its total caseload to over 3,100. On the other hand, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David said that the

COVID-19 wave in the country was lasting longer than expected and could continue until the last quarter. “Initially, we expected a two-month wave due to Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 because that is how long it lasted in South Africa, but our wave has not peaked yet. It’s taking longer,” he said. “Right now, it’s looking like it will last up to four to five months,” he added. On Tuesday, the Department of Health (DOH) announced that the country detected its first two cases of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2.75, dubbed “Centaurus,” in the Western Visayas. Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana, meanwhile, said there is no need to raise the COVID-19 alert level, even though the country has logged more than 4,000 new cases for four consecutive days.

Garcia: Comelec ready for village, SK polls in Dec. COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia said the poll regulator is prepared to conduct the 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in December. Garcia, in a GMA News report, also added that the Comelec is also ready to conduct four plebiscites. In the report, Garcia explained that “elections are not interdependent and the conduct of plebiscites should push through in accordance with the laws that provide for it.” According to the Comelec, four plebiscites are set to be conducted this year, including the ratification of the creation of Barangay New Canaan out of Barangay Pag-Asa in Alabel, Sarangani on August 20, 2022; ratification of conversion of Municipality of Calaca in Batangas into a component city on September 3, 2022; ratification of the division of Maguindanao Province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur on September 17; and ratification of the merging of 28 barangays and one remaining barangay in Ormoc City on October 8 Ina related development, the Comelec also resumed the issuance of voter’s certification for both local and overseas voters a week after a fire hit its main office in Intramuros, Manila. Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said its Election Records and Statistics Department (ERSD) and the Office For Overseas Voting (OFOV) are now ready to accept applications for voter’s certification. “The public is hereby informed that the issuance of voter’s certification at the Comelec main office resumes today, August 8. We are now accepting requests/applications for issuance of overseas voters’ certificates starting today,” he said in an advisory.

Singapore... From A1 around us,” the PM said in a televised address on Channel News Asia. “What can we do about this? Staying united is key to Singapore’s survival – it is the only way to deal with challenges in an increasingly troubled world.” “Around us, a storm is gathering. US-China relations are worsening, with intractable issues, deep suspicions, and limited engagement. This is unlikely to improve anytime soon. Furthermore, miscalculations or mishaps can easily make things much worse,” Lee added. To that end, Singapore must maintain a strong and credible Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team, the premier added. “We must also brace ourselves and be psychologically prepared that in the next decades our region may not be as peaceful and stable as it has been thus far,” he said on the eve of Singapore’s 57th National Day. The Russian invasion has set it against many states, especially the US and NATO countries, Lee said, noting it “violates fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and war in Europe will affect regional security in the Asia-Pacific.” It has also further strained China’s relations with the US and with America’s partners in Asia, the prime minister noted in a message recorded at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and telecast on Monday. Last week, US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, prompting Beijing to hold live-fire drills in waters around the self-ruled island (see related story on A1 -- Editors). Jimbo Gulle “Our health utilization [rate] is still good, and the ADAR [average daily attack rate] is still below 18, so those are the parameters. Because the number of cases is not as important as it was before,” he said in Filipino “We had a lot of severe cases before but now most of us are vaccinated, others have been boosted, we have medicine, and we know how to prevent this. Its impact on health care utilization is more important,” he said. The National Capital Region and several other areas will remain under a COVID-19 Alert Level 1 from Aug. 1 to 15. He also advised the public to remain calm, saying there is no evidence that the Omicron subvariant BA.2.75 is “taking over.” He also reminded the public to observe minimum health protocols in wearing face masks.

News

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DepEd says no backing out: New school year to start on August 22 T HE Department of Education (DepEd) conﬁrmed that its decision to start the coming school year on Aug. 22 will push through despite calls to postpone the said opening.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte meanwhile said it is high time for leaders to invest among the youth of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region to achieve growth and stability. Speaking on the school opening, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, in an ABS-CBN News report said the DepEd is “pushing through with this. There’s no backing out. We will open our classes this year on August 22, 2022.” Earlier, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition urged the DepEd to move the school opening to mid-September.

The group argued that the school break was insufﬁcient to allow teachers to recover from the previous academic year and prepare for the next one, ABS-CBN News reported. However, Poa said “many” have already participated in the government’s Brigada Eskwela program. The program calls on stakeholders and volunteers to prepare schools for the coming school year. Poa said that the DepEd was coordinating with other government agencies for the school opening, such as trade department to regulate the prices of school supplies, and the Department of Health to vaccinate

students and school personnel against COVID-19, ABS-CBN News also reported. In a related report, Vice President Duterte, in her speech during the 55th Asean anniversary celebration at the DepEd headquarters in Pasig City attended by members of the diplomatic corps, said supporting the youth will help realize the 2030 regional targets. “As we endeavor to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, our challenge is to ﬁgure out how to ensure that all of Asean will reach its potential by 2030. Your excellencies, I believe that we should focus on the Asean youth,” she said. She emphasized how quality education and regional collaboration amid diversity may help unleash the competence of the young people. “One of the ways to involve the Asean youth is to ensure that they are

equipped with the knowledge and skill set needed in a highly competitive environment. By strengthening intraregional scholarships and cultural exchanges between our countries, we will be able to increase the free ﬂow of ideas, innovations, and skills,” she added. Asean Secretary-General, Dato Lim Jock Hoi, shared the same level of value for the youth, noting that regional integration will surely help secure a resilient and productive Asean community. “We should pay particular attention to the region’s youth initiative, such as the ﬁrst Asean youth dialogue, as well as the Asean Junior fellowship program, which is part of our efforts to enable them to play a larger and more meaningful role in building a more equitable, inclusive, and greener community,” he said in a prerecorded video message.

IN BRIEF Cops nab crime group involved in robberies POLICE arrested in Taguig City a member of a notorious criminal group responsible in the series of robberies in southern Metro Manila and Bulacan. A composite team from the Southern Police District, and Taguig and Makati Police Intelligence Units caught the suspect John Carlo Marces Sunday afternoon at Atab’s Motor Shop along Ganchero Street in Barangay Central Bicutan. The operation was conducted with the help of operatives of the Meycauayan Regional Police Intelligence Unit and concerned residents in Taguig. Marces was arrested in possession of a .38-cal revolver Armscor loaded with three live ammunition and a hand grenade. SPD commander Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said Marces is a member of Bobby Arao Criminal Gang responsible in the robberies happened in cities of Taguig, Makati and Muntinlupa, and another in Meycauayan, Bulacan. “The suspect was arrested in an operation that stemmed from a tip coming from a concerned citizen. According to the Taguig City Police, information was received from Barangay Intelligence Network agent regarding the suspect carrying a ﬁrearm at the motor shop,” he said. Marces is now under the custody of Taguig City Police Station for proper disposition. Joel E. Zurbano

DAR Bicol supports payment moratorium THE Department of Agrarian Reform in Bicol region is supporting the initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to pass a moratorium in the payment of loan amortizations for farmer-beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. Rodrigo Realubit, DAR’s provincial officer-in-charge, supports Secretary Conrado Estrella III to “actively” push for the condonation of loan payments and interest fees through a one-year moratorium as earlier announced by the President in his first State-of-the-Nation Address. He believes that the condonation involving 650,000 farmers would surely boost their productivity. Estrella earlier said the moratorium could set the precedent to a free land distribution of all farm lots under CARP once Republic Act 6657 is amended to emancipate the farmerbeneficiaries from debt burden. “We are behind our secretary in pushing for the initiatives of the President for agrarian reform beneficiaries. We have readied all documents and statistics needed should the Congress and the Senate ask for them,” Realubit said. “It’s a good strategic move by the president. It will provide the much-needed relief to our ARBs as they can now use the money, supposedly for land amortization, to invest it for their farm production instead,” he added. Rio N. Araja

FLOOD MONITORING. An official of Brgy. Roxas in Quezon City points to possible areas that may be flooded as monsoon rains continue. Rescue equipment is also being prepared. Manny Palmero

Solon seeks to establish dialysis units in hospitals By Maricel V. Cruz DEPUTY Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar has filed a measure seeking to establish dialysis units in government hospitals and provide free treatments to indigent patients. In filing House Bill 3098, Villar said chronic kidney disease is among the leading causes of death in the country and a major cause of hospitalization. “With the number of citizens affected with kidney diseases that continue to increase annually, together with the high mortality risk posed, the need to capacitate our government hospitals is immediate and significant,” the lone district representative pointed out. Once enacted, all national, regional, and provincial government hospitals shall be required to establish, operate and maintain a dialysis ward, with a complete dialysis machine, equipment, and supplies within two years from the proposed law’s approval. Moreover, dialysis treatment of patients who have no visible means of income or support, as determined by the Social Welfare department, shall be provided free of charge. A dialysis session usually costs P4,500, and is recommended to be conducted thrice weekly, which would sum up to P13,500. This amount, Villar said, could be considered a huge amount for an average family and potentially hinders patients to avail of regular treatments.

Current Quarter 0.00 3,527,754,436.64 584,528,118.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 670,460,051.01 0.00 0.00 123,280,222.14 548,278,138.00 1,098,309.13 5,353,554.04 0.00 3,324,715.96 0.00 0.00 99,402,543.35 0.00 4,890,823,419.32

Previous Quarter 0.00 1,255,487,700.00 365,196,707.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 194,586.50 0.00 0.00 196,552.02 0.00 1,965.52 0.00 0.00 3,929,387.56 0.00 0.00 44,465,740.62 0.00 1,669,274,122.37

LIABILITIES 0.00 Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss 3,260,196,532.61 Deposit Liabilities 0.00 Due to Other Banks 0.00 Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) 0.00 b) Interbank Loans Payable 0.00 c) Other Deposit Substitute 0.00 d) Others 0.00 0.00 Bonds Payable-Net 0.00 Unsecured Subordinated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Shares 0.00 Special Time Deposit 0.00 Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 0.00 Other Financial Liabilities 14,578,253.89 Other Liabilities 130,334,424.01 Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) 0.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,405,109,210.51

0.00 150,500,150.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 328.80 135,481,804.88 0.00 285,982,283.68

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Acocunts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

1,700,000,000.00 0.00 -214,285,791.19 0.00 1,485,714,208.81 4,890,823,419.32

1,500,000,000.00 0.00 -116,708,161.31 0.00 1,383,291,838.69 1,669,274,122.37

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 54,687,699.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 54,687,699.58

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 27,700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 27,700.00

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accouts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory /Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) 673,393,310.85 Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP 1,834,950.71 Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) 0.00 a. Gross NPLs 0.00 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 0.00% 0.00 c. Net NPLs 0.00% d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) 0.00% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) 0.00 Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses 0.00 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses 0.00 Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) 0.00 Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables 0.00 Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) 0.00 Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) 0.00 a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 108.30 b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 0.00 Return on Equity (ROE) (%) -37.19% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) 326.22% b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) 325.97% 325.97% c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), conduct cleaning and beautification of the Baclaran Elementary School Unit 1, during “Brigada Eskwela” in Paranaque City. The PCG and PCGA also donated school supplies and paint materials to the school. Norman Cruz

Go Negosyo launches plan on COVID-19 booster jabs By Othel V. Campos GO Negosyo recently launched its “Isa Pa” campaign to support calls for booster vaccinations in the country. “There really needs to be a concerted effort to tell Filipinos that booster vaccinations are necessary to protect our families, our friends and our economy,” said Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion. “We already achieved so much in reopening the economy. It’s time to work on sustaining what we have gained, and we can do that by reinforcing our wall of immunity,” he added. The “Isa Pa” campaign emphasizes the importance of booster vaccinations to support the country’s MSMEs, including small vendors, drivers, and farmers. Moreover, the business group believed that the project drives home the point that booster vaccinations also serve to reinforce the wall of protection around loved ones, especially the elderly and the young children in the family. The Advisory Council of Experts (ACE), which comprise the country’s foremost authorities on medicine, public health, economics, and research and data analytics, emphasized need for COVID-19 boosters. The authorities from ACE have reiterated that the data is clear on why primary vaccinations are insufﬁcient to safeguard against COVID-19 and its variants, and that boosters restore protection to sufﬁcient levels. ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro meanwhile raised concern over the “slow rollout” of vaccination among minors. Citing reports as of March 17 of this year, Castro said 2.46 kids aged 5-11 and 9.7 million aged 12-17 minors have been fully vaccinated. “Vaccination has been the most effective way to protect ourselves and our children from severe COVID-19 infection,” Castro said. “Ramping up vaccine rollout for kids and minors in time for the government’s plan for 100% face-to-face classes will provide children extra protection from the virus,” she added. Castro urged the Department of Health to also release updated numbers on the status of the vaccine rollout for kids and minors. With Maricel Cruz

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Phil. branch of a TOTAL ASSETS

OTHER INFORMATION

BRIGADA ESKWELA IN PARAÑAQUE. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and

Basel III Leverage Ratio (BLR) on Solo Basis as prescribed under existing regulation a. Capital Measure - Tier 1 Capital 1,395,515,301.18 b. Exposure Measure 4,807,201,848.06 c. Total BLR (%) 29.03% Liquidity Coverage Ratio(LCR) on Single Currency Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total High- Quality Liquid Assets 3,527,754,436.64 b. Total Net Cash Outflows 225,085,900.45 c. Total LCR (%) 1567.29% Net Stable Funding Ratio(NSFR) on Single Currency Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Available Stable Funding 4,500,081,070.44 b. Required Stable Funding 280,684,852.67 c. Total NSFR (%) 1603.25% Deferred Charges not yet Written Down 0.00 Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received 0.00

196,552.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 0.00 0.00% 0.00% 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -6.60% 690.77% 690.77%

MAYA BANK, INC.

Published Balance Sheet Amounts in Philippine Pesos as of June 30, 2022

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alfredo S. Panilio Chairman Orlando B. Vea Director Anabelle L. Chua Director Shailesh S. Baidwan Director Inderbir Singh Dhingra Director Ashish Jaiprakash Shastry Director Victorio P. Vargas Director Jose Ma. K. Lim Director Anthony Q. Chua Independent Director Roberto Panlilio Independent Director Francisco S.A. Sandejas Independent Director Vicky Castillo L. Tan Independent Director Christopher Paulus Nicolas T. Po Independent Director

SENIOR OFFICERS Simeon Angelo S. Madrid President Steven Michael Reyes Head of Treasury Jouela Traballo Chief Financial Officer Gian Carlo Val F. Ebao Chief Technology Officer

690.77% 1,347,117,855.95 1,633,104,875.15 82.49% 1,255,487,700.00 44,847,582.99 2799.45% 1,458,954,399.01 231,092,035.04 631.33% 0.00 0.00

We hereby certify that all matters set forth in this Balance Sheet Report are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief

(SGD) Jouela Traballo

(SGD) Simeon Angelo Madrid

Chief Financial Officer

President

News A4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Speaker echoes BBM call for LGUs to enter into PPPs By Maricel V. Cruz

PEAKER Martin Romualdez on Monday supported the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for local government units (LGUs) to enter into more partnerships with the private sector for their infrastructure development, services, and expansion.

Romualdez also lauded the Iloilo City government under former congressman Mayor Jerry Treñas, for forging a public-private-partnership (PPP) with SM Prime Holdings for the redevelopment of two city-owned public markets. TOP LEVEL CHAT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr chats with Speaker Martin “I support the appeal of President Romualdez during the 121st Police Service anniversary celebration at Philippine National Bongbong Marcos for LGUs to get into Police (PNP) Multi-purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City with the Chief Executive as more PPPs to speed up growth in the reguest of honor and speaker. Inset shows Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary gions, which in turn will generate emSara Duterte in a huddle with Speaker Romualdez and Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez ployment and livelihood opportunities during the Armed Forces of the Philippines change of command at the AFP General for our people,” Romualdez said. Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Ver Noveno He said engaging in PPPs would free up funds that LGUs could use for other vital public services. It would also discharge LGUs from the responsibility of running infrastructure THE House of Representatives on and preservation. to the needs of the poor and marginalprojects that, based on government expeMonday adopted a resolution con“Through the leadership of its pre- ized, providing job opportunities and rience, are better managed by the private gratulating Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) ex- sent Executive Minister, Brother Ed- gainful employment to many, members sector, Romualdez said. ecutive minister Eduardo Manalo and uardo V. Manalo, the Church continues and non-members alike, and instilling The Iloilo city government recently members of the congregation on their to progress and succeed, and its mem- good values, it is but fitting to join the signed a 25-year lease agreement with 108th founding anniversary last July bership has been constantly increas- Iglesia ni Cristo in commemorating its SM Prime Holdings, Inc. for the rede27. ing,” the resolution stated. 108th founding anniversary,” the resovelopment of the Central Market and The INC was deemed the largest The measure was filed by Speaker lution further stated. the Iloilo Terminal Market. Christian religious organization that Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader The INC was founded by Felix The SM allocated about P3 billion to originated from the Philippines, and and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose Manalo, and was registered in the fund the redevelopment. the biggest independent church in Asia. Dalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps par- Philippines on July 27, 1914, according According to the accord, the project The House adopted Resolution 185 ty-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, senior to the resolution. will be implemented at no cost to the that cited the INC for expanding its Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos From its first local congregation in city and would benefit about 2,800 mission through socio-civic programs Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Mar- Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila, the group market vendors. and projects such as aid to humanity; cos, Tingog party-list Reps. Yedda spread not only throughout the differThe Speaker pointed out that aside community, livelihood and housing Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre. ent areas in the country, but also overprojects; and environmental protection “For demonstrating responsiveness seas. Maricel V. Cruz

House congratulates INC on 108th founding anniversary

Police arrest ex-solon Walden Bello for two counts of alleged cyber libel

Tulfo calls Angara bashers as killjoys; says it’s only human to go partying

By Rio N. Araja and Maricel V. Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta “THEY’RE all killjoys!” This was the curt reaction of Sen. Raffy Tulfo when sought for comment on the severe criticisms they got during the birthday celebration of Senator Sonny Angara. “Those who said that are killjoys. Perhaps, they should know the reason, what’s one reason why we were there,” Tulfo said in a media briefing. He asserted that it was charity that drove government officials to a night of partying last Saturday at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The event was also attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who, together with the senators, belted out the Westlife song “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’.” The post on social media of the singing President and senators received bashings from netizens. They were specifically assailed for being “callous” to the conditions of Filipinos who were allegedly mired into poverty due to the pandemic. The critics claimed that while the President and the senators were partying, Filipinos are suffering from inflation and other problems. Tulfo said they were just humans (to celebrate somebody’s birthday). “We should also know how to relax. Second, it was for a cause,” Tulfo added. Angara’s 50th party celebration was intended to raise funds for donation to the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc. It raised P3 million . “So, that party was of help. It was not just about dancing. It’s for a good cause…charity,” Tulfo said. Also present during the party were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Mark Villar, Robin Padilla, Joseph Victor Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, Bong Revilla, Loren Legarda, and Grace Poe.

WAITING FOR A RIDE IN THE RAIN. Commuters with umbrellas line up on the road side to wait for rides to their respective destinations on a rainy Monday morning at the Philcoa area in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

POLICE have arrested former Anakbayan party-list lawmaker and defeated vice presidential candidate Walden Bello in his home in Quezon City on Monday afternoon. Meanwhile, at least two lawmakers filed a bill seeking to criminalized dissemination of fake news. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) chief Brig. Gen. Remus Medina said Bello was arrested on the strength of a warrant issued by a trial court for two counts of cyber libel filed by ex-Davao City information officer Jefry Tupas. Leomar Doctolero, Laban ng Masa spokesman, said Bello expected his arrest. Bello, 76, was placed in the custody of the QCPD Station 8 in Project 4, but will be transferred to the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal. In a June 9 seven-page resolution, Quezon City Prosecutor Jose Charito Cortez noted that “all the elements of libel are present” in the charges against Bello.

Sen. Imee Marcos tests positive for COVID—Zubiri SENATOR Imee Marcos has tested positive for COVID-19, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Monday. Zubiri disclosed the information after the roll call for the day’s Senate session. “Senator Imee Marcos, for the record, had written to us that she had tested positive for COVID-19,” Zubiri said. “[She] is asking if she should still have to go on cam because she has raging fever. Maybe she can acknowledge, just acknowledge that she is online so we can mark her as present without having to open cam,” he added. Senator Marcos was the second senator to test positive for COVID-19 after the 19th Congress opened on June 25. After the roll call Zubiri declared that Marcos will be virtually present.

Padilla eyes regional penal farms to decongest New Bilibid Prisons in Munti SENATOR Robinhood Padilla eyes the decongestion of the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City through the creation of regional penal farms. Padilla filed Senate Bill 235 which he said would also ensure inmates serving “final judgment” to be visited by their respective families. The measure seeks to set up penitentiary systems in at least 10 regions - Regions I, II, III, V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIII. “Ultimately, this bill seeks to create additional regional penal institutions not only to address the severe congestion in the country’s jails and prisons, but to also ensure the welfare of persons serving final judgment as they await

from public markets, there are a number of projects LGUs could offer to private investors for funding and development arrangement, such as toll roads, hospitals, irrigation systems, and housing. These could easily attract private funders because such projects would not run out of customers and users, he added. Romualdez noted that people in many highly urbanized and populous areas in the regions are experiencing Metro Manila-type traffic congestion due to lack of roads, and development has been focused in the town centers. LGUs could go into PPPs for diversion roads that would decongest these areas and promote faster travel, he said. Romualdez also said local governments could tap big companies, adding that the Iloilo City-SM market development project would benefit thousands of vendors and small, medium and micro entrepreneurs. President Marcos encouraged LGUs to go into more PPPs during a meeting with officers of the League of Cities of the Philippines in Malacañang on Tuesday. “There are plenty of opportunities, especially in infrastructure…Local government generally cannot do it by itself. We have to find partners, we have to find investors. You’re used to that,” he told the city mayors.

their reintegration to society,” the bill stated. “While (congestion) remains a pressing issue, this representation wants to focus more on the impact of far incarceration of persons serving final judgment from their families,” it added. Padilla noted that there were only seven penitentiary institutions nationwide: the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City; Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City; Iwahig Penal Colony in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City; Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro; Leyte Regional Prison; and Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Senator Imee Marcos

While not expounding on her condition, Marcos then greeted everyone and said, “See you soon.” Earlier, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was also found positive for the coronavirus. Cayetano is yet to attend the sessions. To avert the spread of the virus, the Senate leadership imposed stricter health protocols inside the Senate building. Visitors entering the building have to present results of RT-PCR (swab tests) for the next 48 hours or anti-gen test results within the next 24 hours, issued by a DOH-accredited hospital. Loitering at the hallways of the sixstorey Senate building was not allowed. Sen. Chiz Escudero, who had also tested positive for COVID-19 failed to attend the Senate sessions as he had gone on isolation. Macon Ramos-Araneta

TYPICAL SIGHT OF POVERTY.

A young mother cuddles her baby while waiting for a ride outside a hospital along Padre Faura in Manila. The Philippine Statistics Authority says about 2.99 million Filipinos were jobless in June 2022 as the unemployment rate remains at six percent. Danny Pata

The resolution, approved by City Prosecutor Jophee Avanceña, rejected Bello’s claim that he was not the administrator of the “Walden Bello” account on Facebook as he “failed to identify such person in his counter-affidavit.” In his complaint, Tupas cited a March 1 post on the “Walden Bello” Facebook page, which contained an online press conference, where Bello allegedly claimed that “Tupas was nabbed at a beach party where she and her friends were snorting 1.5 million worth of drugs on November 6, 2021.” Bello’s counsels said the Regional Trial Court 10 in Davao issued the arrest warrant against Bello on Monday afternoon. “We have been anticipating the arrest warrant because of the indictment (by) the Davao Prosecutor. It’s a bailable offense and counsel is on the way to assist him,” Doctolero said. Bello’s camp filed a motion for reconsideration before the Davao prosecutor’s office, but it was denied, Doctolero explained. With Gabriellea Parino and Lee Gabriel Seril

DOJ sends rape case file vs. Vhong Navarro to Taguig prosecutor By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said the case file of ABS-CBN television host and actor Ferdinand “Vhong” Navarro has been transmitted to the office of the prosecutor in Taguig City two weeks after the Court of Appeals ordered the filing of rape and acts of lasciviousness case against him. “The folder was transmitted to the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) in Taguig City last Friday,” DOJNational Prosecution Service (NPS) Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said, referring to the case file of Navarro. Malcontento made the statement to deny a newspaper report that Navarro’s case records were missing. According to Malcontento, they were able to trace the case file which was previously subject to a petition for review before the DOJ. “When it was located, it contained numerous pages. The paging must be indicated in the transmittal,” he said. The CA 14th division issued last July 21 a decision directing the city prosecutor of Taguig to file rape by sexual intercourse and acts of lasciviousness charges against Navarro. The appellate court reversed and set aside the 2018 and 2020 resolutions of the DOJ dismissing the complaint filed in 2014 by model Deniece Cornejo against the actor-host. The CA ruled that it was “erroneous” for the DOJ to junk Cornejo’s petition for review on the ground that her statements in the complaint-affidavits were inconsistent and incredible.

Opinion Appeal to BBM and Acuzar THE appointment of businessman Jose “Jerry” Acuzar, owner of San Jose Builders Inc., by President Marcos as the country’s “Housing Czar” – this makes him Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development, a Cabinet position -gives hope to the owners of the 54 townhouses of Ecology Village that is a big anomaly and should be rectified, Santa Banana! The 54 units of Ecology Village in Makati were built along the National Power Corporation power line during the Martial Law days by then First lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, as Minister of Human Settlements. The Napocor power line property is alongside the gated San Lorenzo Village and Dasmarinas Village, extending kilometers long up to the Makati Medical Center. Owners of the 54 townhouses were given Certificates of Ownership by the Technology Resource Foundation, an agency under the Department of Human Settlements. But, my gulay, when the Marcoses went into exile in 1986, the Cory Aquino government abolished the Ministry of Human Settlements and the Technology Resource Foundation and canceled the 50 years lease of the townhouses. This made the buyers and owners of the 54 townhouses virtual squatters and informal settlers on a government property, creating a big anomaly which made the owners of the 54 townhouses without titles to show ownership. This anomaly must be rectified in fairness to the owners of the 54 townhouses of Ecology Village. The big anomaly here is that despite the lack of papers showing their ownership of those townhouses, they cannot be ejected, being virtually informal settlers, since under the law they were all buyers in good faith. That’s a big anomaly which must be rectified in fairness and justice to the owners and buyers of the townhouses, a problem which only the new Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development and President Marcos can rectify. Back in 1979 when I learned of that townhouse development, I bought Unit B, close to the Don Bosco Church and near a shopping mall cum movie house and all the restaurants along Pasay Road. I had always wanted to stay in Makati, especially in a very prime property. With our small savings, my wife and I were happy to pay cash for one townhouse and occupied it in 1980. At my age of 94 and next month I will be 95, my wife and I want to sell that townhouse. There are so many who want to buy it, but since we have no title to the land to show that we are owners of that property, we cannot sell. Thus, this column is more of an appeal to Secretary Acuzar and President Marcos to rectify a big anomaly in fairness and in justice to the 54 owners of Ecology Village. Since all the owners of those 54 townhouses were all buyers in good faith and since we have become the victims of the hateful government of Cory Aquino, I appeal once again to the new Housing Czar, Secretary Acuzar, and President Marcos for justice and vindication. Since Ecology Village has its own homeowners association , I urge them to also appeal to the authorities to rectify a big anomaly and to give all the buyers in good faith justice and vindication. My gulay, we, the 54 owners and buyers of those townhouses, deserve no less, since we are all buyers in good faith! What is worse is that the City Government of Makati continues to make all owners of the Ecology Village townhouses pay real estate taxes. Santa Banana, that’s adding insult to injury! ••• The entry of the monkeypox virus into the country is alarming and frightening enough. By its name alone, it is very frightful with all its pus-filled lesions. Now there is the Omicron subvariant “Centaurus” which, according to health experts, is more transmissible The “Centaurus” virus reportedly is

more capable of being vaccine-resistant. So, Santa Banana, what will come next after the Omicron variant? I guess the only thing to do is to observe health protocols, like getting vaccinated and get booster shots, always wearing masks, washing hands, and observing social distancing. My gulay, when will these end? They say that the pandemic will probably end this year. I have my serious doubts, with all these frightening and alarming variants and sub-variants evolving. It’s for this reason why I pray, “God, Thy Will be done.”

This is where all those who believe that press freedom and the right of free expression should raise their voices against the NTC’s attempt to regulate block timers, a right as free as the air we breathe ••• The National Telecommunications Commission wants to go after block timers in television to ensure that those buying time in television networks are observing NTC rules and regulations. This means all the contracts entered into by block timers must observe NTC rules and regulations, which, to my mind, seems impossible with thousands of contracts entered into between those buying time and television networks. My gulay, block timers do not only buy time in GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Channel 5, but in most of the television channels. Aside from the impossibility of NTC in going over all contracts of those buying time in television networks, I believe that this attempt of the NTC is truly an intrusion on press freedom and the right of free expression and is unconstitutional. This is where all those who believe that press freedom and the right of free expression should raise their voices against the NTC’s attempt to regulate block timers, a right as free as the air we breathe. It’s also time that President Marcos should have the press secretary look into why the NTC has suddenly become so concerned with the regulation of block timers in television networks. As a lawyer, I believe that the NTC has no right to regulate anybody who wants to buy time, except when it involves national interest and national security like seditious blocktime or when it is libelous against anybody. President Marcos should put his foot down on ignorant people in government who intrude on the right of free speech and press freedom. Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles should watch out for any attempt to suppress freedom and the right to free speech. ••• It is well that the Senate will probe the reported loss of no less than P5.1 billion worth of expired vaccines caught by both the government and the private sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. My gulay, that amount is not peanuts and the vaccines could well have been used by those who have not yet been vaccinated. I believe that whoever was responsible for the waste of good money should be held accountable if they are in government and, my gulay, I cannot think of anybody else but that group involved in procuring those vaccines and they should be held accountable. Senator Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, should do well to prioritize the investigation if only to prevent this waste of good money from happening again. The waste of good money by the government and the private sector because of expired vaccines is a big crime considering that the government is already in much need of money. In the case of the private sector, Santa Banana, that’s their concern, which I believe should also be punishable by law.

Moscow TV protester plays ‘Russian roulette’ with risky comeback By Romain Colas MARINA Ovsyannikova, who denounced Russia’s intervention in Ukraine during a live TV broadcast, knew that coming back to Moscow would be akin to playing a game of Russian roulette. Speaking to AFP in an interview, the 44-yearold mother of two, who returned from Europe last month, said she understood she could be arrested at any moment. “I decided to play Russian roulette,” the former editor at Channel One television said, sitting on a bench in central Moscow in an elegant black dress. “If they make this decision, they will arrest me in a single day. It will only take a few seconds,” she said after dropping her 11-year-old daughter off for art lessons. In March, Ovsyannikova shot to prominence for interrupting a live TV broadcast to denounce President Vladimir Putin’s military intervention in Ukraine. In the months following her protest, Ovsyannikova spent time abroad, working for Germany’s

Die Welt for three months. In early July, she made the “difficult decision” to return home when her ex-husband, an employee of Kremlin-backed broadcaster RT, sued her for custody of their two children. Since her widely publicized protest, Ovsyannikova has been fined several times and is due to appear in court again on Monday over discrediting the Russian army. She will also be attending custody hearings. Public criticism of Russia’s intervention in Ukraine has been outlawed, and most government critics have either fled the country fearing prosecution or ended up behind bars. Ovsyannikova said however she would continue speaking up. “I am a fighter, I continue to actively denounce the war,” she said cheerfully. “I do not plan to stop, I am not afraid despite the constant intimidation from the authorities.” ‘Putin the murderer’ Since her return, Ovsyannikova came out to support opposition politician Ilya Yashin in court, staged a protest with a poster calling Pu-

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

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

EDITORIAL

Friend to all, enemy to none ROM where we are, we watch with disquietude the Chinese military live-fire drills around Taiwan are continuing Monday, a day after Beijing was set Sunday to wrap up its largest-ever military exercises in the area.

China has been beside itself at the trip – an overnight stop in Taipei during the official four-nation tour of the 82-yearold US Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the third in line on presidential succession in the US of A. China has also deployed fighter jets, warships and ballistic missiles in what analysts have described as practice for a blockade and ultimate invasion of the selfruled island which China claims as its territory. We saw the usual hustle and bustle of a Taipei weekend missing, as mega war games staged by the mainland’s People’s Liberation Army to encircle Taiwan during four days stopped flights and put the sea lanes in a tizzy. At home, it was not fear of Beijing’s unprecedented saber-rattling, in reaction to Pelosi’s visit, that sent Taipei residents hurrying home. They disappeared off the streets to escape a heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit) last weekend. One 22-year-old health worker was quoted as saying, commenting on the livedire drills, “Why should I be afraid? The Chinese Communists have [always] been doing that when they are not happy. They

think it will scare us, but we are already used to it.”

In Taiwan, there are also some 160,000 Filipino migrant workers. Should the tension escalate, although the live-fire drills have ended, we are sure Manila has a ready diagram for immediate evacuation Elsewhere in Quemoy, a Taiwan-controlled islet also known as Kinmen just 3.2 km from the mainland city of Xiamen, residents were also unfazed despite repeated flyovers three nights in a row by PLA drones aiming to intimidate. Beijing had repeatedly warned against such a trip by Pelosi – the third in line to the US presidency – and had reacted strongly against the “provocation.” The US does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and acknowledges the

one-China principle, but it opposes any attempt to take by force the island, where 23 million people live. What causes great concern here is that in Taiwan, there are some 160,000 Filipino migrant workers. Should the tension escalate – we have no idea when the Chinese military exercises will end – we are sure Manila has a ready diagram for immediate evacuation. A Chinese invasion of Taipei at this point would not be a picnic for the People’s Liberation Army, since Taiwan is widely deemed to have US firepower behind it At the same time, if Xi Jinping goes to war now, with his upcoming appointment to a third term just a couple or so months away, such confrontation could be costly. We need not take sides. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. repeatedly vowed as he laid down the foreign policy of his government, setting the country’s independent foreign policy as “a friend to everyone and an enemy to no one.” The president indicated he would seek to strike a balance between China and the United States, which are vying to have the closest ties with his administration. “We are a small player among very large giants in geopolitics. We have to ply our own way,” the 64-year-old President had said, adding “I do not subscribe to the old thinking of the Cold War where we had these spheres of influence where you’re under the Soviet Union or you’re under the United States.”

Gilbert Son, missionary of hope I WRITE this column not to praise a man but to give witness to the truthfulness of St. Teresa of Avila’s words: “God writes straight with crooked lines.” Gilbert Son, as he himself said, was a most unlikely candidate to be called by God. But by his exemplary life, Gilbert might as well be speaking when St. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Gilbert did not only keep the Catholic faith. He proclaimed it to thousands and nurtured dozens of communities in that faith. It is important to have an adult itinerary of faith, so that believers, with the grace of God, step by step, find that path of salvation, where one can proclaim with joy, even amid all trials, “The Redeemer lives!” One such itinerary is that of the Neo-catechumenal Way, an itinerary of Christian formation within the Catholic Church that was begun in the Palomeras slums of Madrid, Spain in 1962 by its co-initiators Kiko Arguello and Carmen Hernandez, who was later joined by Fr. Mario Pezzi. Carmen died on July 19, 2016 in Madrid at age 85 and recently the cause of her beatification and canonization was opened. From Rome, since 1968, and from where there are Neocatechumenal communities, thousands of lay missionaries, priests, and families would be sent to evangelize throughout the world. The first parish that accepted the way in the Philippines was the Jesuit parish of Mary the Queen in Greenhills, San Juan. It was a Jesuit, Fr. Juan Andechaga S.J, who opened and accepted The Way, an association of Christian faithful within the Catholic Church. Later on, Fr. Andechaga would himself become an itinerant priest catechizing communities in the Visayas. My wife and I walked in the second community of Mary the Queen and this was where we first met Gilbert, who was the Responsible, with tin a “murderer” and published anti-government posts online.

Marina Ovsyannikova stressed her problems were nothing compared to the suffering of the Ukrainian people, faced with an offensive that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions She was briefly detained by police near her home in mid-July.

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his wife Donna, of the First Community of that Parish. Gilbert, who succumbed to cardiac arrest last July 23, graduated Valedictorian from Xavier School and Management Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University. He could have been anything and could have accumulated money and power. But Gilbert experienced the love of God and his life changed. Gilbert loved our Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind, body, and soul. And he loved the Catholic Church and said yes to the mission entrusted to him through the Neocatechumenal Way.

It is important to have an adult itinerary of faith, so that believers, with the grace of God, step by step, find that path of salvation, where one can proclaim with joy, even amid all trials, ‘The Redeemer lives!’ In an autobiographical essay published by his alma mater, one is truly amazed by how God used this humble man as instrument to draw people closer to Him. Gilbert came from well-to-do Filipino Chinese family. He could have chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps as a successful businessman but God had other plans. Gilbert’s father died when he was still in college. Being the eldest, the responsibility to earn a living to support his mother and siblings fell on his shoulders. In moments of despair and weakness with the passing of his father and the weight of responsibilities, he began to question God . . . until one day Fr. Andechaga invited him to join The Way. Being young and ambitious, Gilbert said he “loved the nightlife.” Ovsyannikova, who does not currently have a permanent job, works as a freelancer for foreign media. Most of Russia’s independent media have either been shut down or operate from abroad. The journalist, who worked for state TV for 19 years, said she had recently sold her car to bring in some extra money. Her protest has drawn hostile reactions from many quarters. Pro-Kremlin officials and former colleagues have accused Ovsyannikova of betraying her country. Critics in Ukraine and the West have claimed she is a spy still embedded in the Russian state media. Many members of the Russian opposition have blamed her for jumping ship in an opportunistic move and seeking fame. Ovsyannikova rejects the allegations. “It is convenient for the authorities to constantly create new conspiracy theories around me, people already don’t know what to believe,” she said. But Ovsyannikova admitted she had made mis-

He put off the invitation to join The Way for years but eventually decided to join The Way and became himself a catechist with his wife Donna. Their team would evangelize in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas. His mission brought him to different parts of the country including Dagami, Leyte in 2013, after Typhoon Yolanda devastated the region and the Lumad of Bukidnon in 2016, among other places. Last July 31, 2022, in the mass celebrating the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the homilist Fr. Daniel Huang SJ, who is based in Rome, challenged the faithful to become missionaries of hope. Quoting a Dominican author, he described hope as not optimism but courage – to face harsh reality but also to believe in a God that promises not quick fixes but faithful presence, a God of surprises who in raising Jesus from the dead shows us He is greater than our possibilities and imagination. Hope is the courage to continue loving and serving; love alone is eternal, according to Fr. Danny, and no single act of love is ever wasted or fruitless. I cried listening to the homily of Fr Danny, inspired by it to hope even in this very challenging world we live in. I cried also because I know one messenger of hope – Gilbert Son, my brother in the Neocatechumenal Way. I thank Gilbert and his family -- Donna, Andrew, and Genevieve, his in-laws and extended family. I have observed them through the years; clearly they manifest the Holy Family of Nazareth, living in humility, simplicity, and praise, a witness of faith to all of us whose lives they touched. We will miss Gilbert terribly but we will see his family among us and will continue to be graced by their presence. Every Easter, we will definitely feel Gilbert’s presence not as a memory but as a sign. Gilbert Son was laid to rest last Thursday, after a funeral mass presided over by Mary the Queen parish priest Fr. Guy Guibelonde SJ. How appropriate our recessional song in that mass: “Take me to heaven, take me to heaven. Oh Lord! Because to die is certainly better, to stay with you, to be with you.” Website; tonylavina.com. Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs takes in the past and has stayed “too long” in her comfort zone, without “finding the strength” to leave state television sooner. For her, inaction and indifference, embraced by many Russians, are a form of “self-preservation” fuelled by fear. “Our people are really very frightened,” she said. “Even those who understand the absurdity, the horror of what is happening prefer to stay silent.” In a throwback to the Soviet times, many Russians now criticize authorities only “in their kitchens” where nobody can hear them, she said. ‘Unenviable fate’ Apart from facing criticism in Russia and abroad, Ovsyannikova said she also had to fight a “war at home.” She said her mother had become a victim of state propaganda, her son turned against her and she had to fight for the custody of her children. AFP

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Kremlin accuses Kyiv of hits M on Zaporizhzhia power plant

OSCOW—The Kremlin on Monday accused Ukrainian forces of firing on the Zaporizhzhia atomic power plant, warning of potential “catastrophic consequences” for Europe.

IN BRIEF China spox ridiculed for restaurant tweet BEIJING—A senior Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman has prompted a storm of ridicule online, after a late-night tweet where she used restaurant listings to assert Beijing’s claim over Taiwan. “Baidu Maps show that there are 38 Shandong dumpling restaurants and 67 Shanxi noodle restaurants in Taipei,” spokeswoman Hua Chunying posted on the social media site late on Sunday. “Palates don’t cheat. #Taiwan has always been a part of China. The long-lost child will eventually return home,” she added. Hua’s tweet on Sunday appeared to backfire, as thousands of users on Twitter —a site banned in China and only accessible via special VPN software—piled on to poke holes in the top official’s logic. “There are over 100 ramen restaurants in Taipei, so Taiwan is definitely a part of Japan,” a Twitter user with the handle “Marco Chu” wrote in Hua’s replies. “Google Maps show that there are 17 McDonalds, 18 KFCs, 19 Burger Kings, and 19 Starbucks in Beijing. Palates don’t cheat. #China has always been a part of America. The long lost child will eventually return home,” Twitter user “@plasticreceiver” wrote in a parody of Hua’s tweet. Others wondered jokingly if Hua’s logic meant Beijing could place claims on territories far beyond the Asia Pacific region. “There are 29 dumpling houses in the Greater Los Angeles area not to mention 89 noodle restaurants,” a person tweeting under the name “Terry Adams” wrote. AFP

PNG premier’s party asked to form gov’t PORT MORESBY—The party of Papua New Guinea’s prime minister was asked Monday to form a new government after snaring more seats than its rivals in violence-scarred national elections. Prime Minister James Marape’s party has won 36 seats so far in the Pacific island nation’s 111-seat parliament and will need allies to cobble together a coalition. Voting ended on Friday, but the count is still underway in some seats in the mountainous, forest-blanketed country, which is rich in resources but suffers from widespread poverty. Governor General Bob Dadae, who represents the head of state Queen Elizabeth, invited Marape’s Pangu Pati to form government in an official ceremony, saying it had won more seats than any other single party so far. About 10,000 police, army, and corrections services personnel were mobilized for the vote. In one politically motivated attack on July 26, a machete-wielding gang chased down two victims outside a counting center, leaving one with a traumatic brain injury and another with an injured limb. Commonwealth election observers condemned the violence in an interim report. They called for an “urgent review” of the voting process, citing missing names from the electoral roll and multiple allegations of bribery. Parliament is scheduled to sit Tuesday for the first time since the protracted election began on July 4. In an ethnically diverse country with more than 800 languages, voters traditionally focus on the material benefits candidates can bring to their communities. AFP

Thanks to cop, statue reunited with its feet WELLINGTON—A stolen statue of Lord Ernest Rutherford, a pioneer of nuclear physics, will be reunited with its feet after a quick-thinking police officer dived into an icy New Zealand river to arrest the suspected thief. Lord Rutherford, who won the Nobel Prize in 1908, was born in the town of Brightwater, on New Zealand’s South Island, where a statue of him as a child stood until it was stolen on Friday night with only the feet remaining. Images of the thief cycling away from the scene on a bicycle carrying the heavy metallic statue were caught on CCTV. However, when the 35-year-old man suspected of stealing the statue jumped into the flooded Wai-iti River in the middle of winter to evade police on Sunday night, constable Jamie White plunged into the icy waters to make the arrest. “Despite his best efforts to escape down the Wai-iti River, to his surprise, I swam after him and managed to apprehend him,” White told AFP in a statement. “Safe to say I enjoyed a nice warm shower after that.” By Monday, the suspected thief was scheduled to appear in court. The statue was recovered in good condition from a residential property. It is set to be reunited with its feet at Rutherford Memorial Grounds on Lord Rutherford Road South in Brightwater. AFP

STILL BURNING. Black smoke

from oil tanks on fire is seen near Matanzas Bay, Cuba, on August 7. Planes with products, firefighters, and specialists from Mexico and Venezuela arrived in Cuba to help put out this Sunday the fire of two oil tanks, which enters its third day with one dead, 17 missing and 36 hospitalized. AFP

US Senate adopts Biden’s sweeping climate, health plans WASHINGTON—After 18 months of arduous negotiations and a marathon night of debate, the US Senate on Sunday passed Joe Biden’s ambitious climate, tax and health care plan—a significant victory for the president ahead of crucial midterm elections. Voting as a unified bloc and with the tie-breaking vote cast by Vice President Kamala Harris, Democrats approved the $430-billion spending plan, which will go to the House of Representatives next week, where it is expected to pass before being signed into law by Biden. The plan, crafted in sensitive talks with members on the right wing of his Democratic Party, would include the biggest US investment ever on climate —$370 billion aimed at effecting a 40 percent drop in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

That would give Biden a clear victory on one of his top agenda items, and go some way toward restoring US leadership in meeting the global climate challenge. Biden hailed the passage of the bill, highlighting the work that went into it —and acknowledging that not everyone is happy with the final result. “It required many compromises. Doing important things almost always does. The House should pass this as soon as possible and I look forward to signing it into law,” the president said in a statement. The bill—officially known as the “Inflation Reduction Act”—passed the Senate with no Republicans voting in favor. Conservative lawmakers have criticized the bill as wasteful spending, with top Republican Senator Mitch

McConnell accusing Democrats of voting to “double down on their economic disaster.” ‘Change America for decades’ The bill would provide Americans with a tax credit of up to $7,500 when purchasing an electric car, plus a 30 percent discount when they install solar panels on their roofs. But the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a group representing major automakers, on Sunday said that most cars would not meet the bill’s electric vehicle tax credit requirements, calling it a “missed opportunity.” The legislation would also provide millions to help protect and conserve forests—which have been increasingly ravaged in recent years by wildfires during record heat waves that scientists say are linked to global warming. AFP

“The shelling of the territory of the nuclear plant by the Ukrainian armed forces is a potentially extremely dangerous activity... fraught with catastrophic consequences for a vast area, including the territory of Europe,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He called on Ukraine’s allies “to use their influence to prevent the continuation of such shelling”. Russia’s defense ministry said on Monday that the Ukrainian army damaged a high-voltage power line that provides electricity to nearby regions. The ministry added that a “power surge” took place at the station, causing smoke in a switchgear, used to protect electrical equipment. Firefighters at the scene were able to stop the smoke, the ministry said. Moscow and Kyiv have blamed each other for strikes on the atomic power plant, where recent fighting sparked a UN warning of a potential nuclear disaster. Zaporizhzhia--Europe’s largest atomic power complex that was occupied by Russia early in its offensive-has in recent days been the scene of military strikes that have damaged several structures, forcing the shutdown of a reactor. ‘A suicidal thing’ Moscow and Kyiv traded accusations on Sunday over who bombed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site in southern Ukraine. Europe’s largest atomic power complex has been under Russian control since the early days of the February 24 invasion. Recent fighting at the plant has prompted the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to warn of “the very real risk of a nuclear disaster”. Russia’s occupying authorities in the town of Enerhodar, where the plant is located, said the Ukrainian army overnight “carried out a strike with a cluster bomb fired from an Uragan multiple rocket launcher”. The projectiles fell “within 400 meters of a working reactor” and in a “zone storing used nuclear fuel”, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported. AFP

Gaza crossing opens; Truce holds between Islamic Jihad and Israel RAFAH—Fuel trucks entered Gaza as an Egypt-brokered truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad militants held Monday, raising hopes that the intense conflict that left dozens of Palestinians dead has ended. An AFP journalist at the goods crossing to southern Gaza saw trucks loaded with fuel enter the enclave, ending a severe shortage that prompted the only power station there to shut down Saturday. The arrival of vital supplies follows the implementation of a ceasefire at 11:30 pm (2030 GMT) Sunday, to stem the worst fighting in Gaza since an 11-day war last year devastated the Palestinian coastal territory. Gaza’s health ministry said 15 children were among 44 people killed in the intense fighting. Despite a flurry of strikes and rocket attacks in the run-up to the truce, neither side had reported any major violations of the agreement overnight.

The Israeli military said roads will gradually reopen in the border area on Monday. “It was decided to gradually lift the restrictions,” which have seen Israelis remain close to their bomb shelters, the army said. ‘Fragile’ truce In a statement sent three minutes after the ceasefire began, Israel’s army said that “in response to rockets fired toward Israeli territory, the (military) is currently striking a wide range of targets” belonging to Islamic Jihad in Gaza. In a subsequent statement, the army clarified that its “last” strikes took place at 11:25 pm. While both sides agreed to the truce, each warned the other that it would respond with force to any violence. US President Joe Biden welcomed the ceasefire and thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his country’s role in brokering it. AFP

This picture taken from the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon shows Palestinian rockets fired from the Gaza Strip on August 7. Israel agreed to an Egyptian proposed truce with Palestinian militants in Gaza after three days of intense conflict, an Egyptian source said. AFP

Petro sworn in as Colombia’s first leftist Chief Executive

LAVA IN ICELAND. A photo taken August 7 shows lava flowing from the vulcano in Fagradalsfjall, Iceland, around 40 kilometers from the capital Reykjavik, following an eruption that has been ongoing since August 3, mesmerizing tourists and spectators who flocked to the scene. AFP

BOGOTA—Gustavo Petro on augural address for Colombian Sunday took the oath of ofarmed groups to “lay down fice as Colombia’s first-evtheir arms” and accept leer leftist president, before gal benefits “in exchange a crowd of hundreds of for peace.” thousands at his inauguHe also took aim at deration in Bogota. cades of counter-narcotics The 62-year-old former efforts, saying: “It is time guerrilla and onetime mayfor a new international conor takes over from the deeply vention recognizing that the unpopular Ivan Duque, with Gustavo Petro war on drugs has failed.” plans for profound reforms in And he called for the creation a country beset by economic inequal- of an international fund to help the defority and drug violence. estation-plagued Colombian Amazon. Petro’s hard-fought victory in the On the campaign trail, Petro had June elections brought Colombia, long promised during his four-year term to ruled by a conservative elite, into an ex- raise taxes on the rich, invest in health panding left-wing fold in Latin America. care and education, and reform the po“I swear to God and promise the lice after a brutal crackdown on antipeople that I will faithfully enforce the inequality protests last year that was constitution and the laws of Colom- internationally condemned. bia,” said Petro before the large crowd He has vowed to suspend oil exof supporters gathered in Bogota’s Bo- ploration, promote clean energy, and livar Square. reactivate diplomatic and commercial Petro—whose government should relations with the government of Nicoenjoy support from a left-leaning ma- las Maduro in Venezuela, suspended jority in Congress—called in his in- since 2019. AFP

Business PSEi August 8, 2022

TOP GAINERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

MG MAXS

0.119 5.19

0.017 0.69

16.67% 15.33%

VVT

17.96

2.26

14.39%

BNCOM

9.43

0.99

11.73%

5 6

ABS PNX4

11.16 799.5

0.96 66.5

9.41% 9.07%

LOTO

1.49

0.11

7.97%

8 9

ABSP WEB

10.9 3.1

0.8 0.22

7.92% 7.64%

APVI

14.38

1.02

7.63%

TOP LOSERS LAST PRICE

% CHANGE CHANGE

1 2

OPMB DIZ

0.011 3.5

-0.001 -0.3

-8.33% -7.89%

MVC

5.1

-0.41

-7.44%

ELI

0.194

-0.015

-7.18%

5 6

MB HOME

0.335 4.64

-0.02 -0.26

-5.63% -5.31%

ION

0.66

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8 9 10

MAH SCC NOW

0.89 39.5 1.1

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market climbs; Ayala, Monde Nissin lead advances

TOCKS gained Monday ahead of the release of secondquarter GDP figures today, with most traders expecting a robust gross domestic product growth as supported by strong positive corporate earnings.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 28.74 points, or 0.4 percent, to 6,434.24 on a value turnover of P7.9 billion. Gainers beat losers, 113 to 55, with 55 issues unchanged. Conglomerate Ayala Corp. of the Ayala Group climbed 2.6 percent to P715, while noodles maker Monde Nissin Corp. advanced 2 percent to P16.12. Security Bank Corp., the eighth biggest lender in terms of assets, added 1.7 percent to P83.40, but Semirara Mining

and Power Corp., the largest coal producer, fell 3.7 percent to P39.50. The rest of Asian markets were mixed Monday and the dollar held big gains as a blockbuster US jobs report ramped up bets that the Federal Reserve will announce more sharp interest rate hikes as it tries to tame runaway inflation. The jobs figures left Wall Street’s main indexes mixed Friday, and Asia followed suit with markets fluctuating in early trade. However, there was some relief that tensions had calmed since US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last week sparked a furious reaction from China, including live-fire military drills around the island that continued Monday. Hong Kong fell, with little excitement generated by news that the city will cut the amount of time incoming travelers must spend in hotel quarantine. Singapore, Taipei, Bangkok, Jakarta and

Wellington were also down, but Tokyo, Sydney, Seoul and Mumbai edged up. Shanghai was boosted by better-thanexpected Chinese trade data, though the gains were tempered by fresh worries about COVID lockdowns in the country that threaten the economic recovery. While the employment reading— which was more than twice as high as expected—indicated the world’s top economy remained resilient despite rising prices and borrowing costs, it will complicate the central bank’s plans to tighten monetary policy. Traders have hoped that with several indicators pointing to a slowdown, including GDP figures showing a technical recession, policymakers could begin to ease back on their pace of rate hikes. Now, speculation is growing that the Fed will have to announce a third successive 75 basis-point increase next month, particularly as officials have said their decisions will be data-dependent. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE 1

SCC

VOLUME 19,710,200

VALUE (PHP) 778,394,190

2 3

SM SECB

441,390 3,935,750

342,830,745 329,692,034

4 5

SMPH MONDE

8,579,300 19,418,400

311,288,660 310,974,948

6 7

CNVRG AC

13,172,200 370,200

263,368,385 261,215,075

8 9 10

URC ACEN EMI

1,719,380 20,725,400 7,276,500

214,269,538 183,692,248 139,019,372

Turkish-flagged ship Polarnet carrying tons of grain from Ukraine sails along the Bosphorus Strait past Istanbul on August 7, 2022, after being officially inspected. Ukraine and Russia signed a landmark deal with Turkey and the United Nations aimed at relieving the global food crisis. AFP

Historic drought and desertification force Spain to rethink its water use By Valentin Bontemps MADRID, Spain—Faced with a historic drought and threatened by desertification, Spain is rethinking how it spends its water resources, which are used mainly to irrigate crops. “We must be extremely careful and responsible instead of looking the other way,” Spain’s Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera said recently, about the impact of the lack of rain. Like France and Italy, Spain has been gripped by several extreme heatwaves this summer after an unusually dry winter. That has left the country’s reservoirs at 40.4 percent of their capacity in August, 20 percentage points below the average over the last decade for this time of the year. Officials have responded by limiting water use, especially in the southern region of Andalusia, which grows much of Europe’s fruits and vegetables. Reservoir water levels in the region are particularly low, just 25 percent at most of their capacity. “The situation is dramatic,” said University of Jaen hydrology professor Rosario Jimenez, adding both underground aquifers and surface bodies of water were running low. The situation is especially worrying since it is part of a long-term trend linked to climate change, she added. Parts of Spain are the driest they have been in a thousand years due to an atmospheric high-pressure system driven by climate change, according to a study published last month in the journal, Nature Geoscience. Greenpeace estimates that 75 percent of the country

is susceptible to desertification. ‘Overexploitation’ Spain has built a vast network of dams to provide water for its farms and towns. During the 20th century, 1,200 large dams were built in the country, the highest number in Europe per capita. This has allowed Spain to increase the amount of irrigated land it has from 900,000 hectares (2,224,000 acres) to 3,400,000 hectares, according to the ecological transition ministry’s website, which calls the country’s water management system “an example of success .” But many experts say the system is now showing its limits. The dams “had their use” but they have also encouraged the “overexploitation” of water and the decline in its quality by blocking the natural course of rivers, said Julio Barea, a water expert at Greenpeace Spain. For the scientific council of the Rhone-Mediterranean Basin Committee, a French body which groups hydrology specialists, Spain is nearing the “physical limits” of its water management model. Spain’s network of dams relies on sufficient rainfall to replenish its many reservoirs, it said. But “the climate changes already under way, which will continue in the decades to come, will increase the risk of failures,” the body said in a recent report. Experts say the way Spain uses water is also a major problem. “Consumption has not stopped increasing while water is becoming increasingly scarce. It’s an aberration,” said Barea. AFP

More Ukraine grain leaves the Black Sea KYIV, Ukraine—Four more ships carrying around 170,000 tons of grain set off from the Black Sea ports of Odessa and Chornomorsk on Sunday, Ukrainian authorities said, as Moscow accused Kyiv of carrying out a new strike against a Russianoccupied nuclear plant. “The second convoy of Ukrainian supplies has just left... three from Chornomorsk and one from Odessa,” Kyiv’s infrastructure ministry wrote on Telegram. It said that the ships—which it named as the Mustafa Necati, the Star Helena, the Glory and the Riva Wind—were carrying “around 170,000 tons of agriculture-related merchandise,” without specifying further. The renewed shipments of Ukrainian grain to help ease global food shortages and bring down prices nevertheless offer a small glimmer of hope as the war enters its sixth month. Ukraine, one of the world’s largest grain exporters, had been forced to halt almost all deliveries in the wake of Russia’s invasion on February 24, sending global food prices soaring and making imports prohibitively expensive for some of the world’s poorest nations. In Rome on Sunday, Pope Francis welcomed the resumption of grain exports as “a sign of hope” that showed dialogue was possible to end the war. “This step shows that it is possible to dialogue and achieve concrete results, which benefit everyone,” the pontiff said in his weekly Angelus prayer. “Therefore, this event can be seen as a sign of hope, and I sincerely hope that, following this path, we can put an end to the fighting and arrive at a just and lasting peace.” AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY 16th to 19th and 22nd Floor, Fort Legend Towers 31st Street corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City 1634 Statement of Condition (Head Office and Branches) As of June 30, 2022 AMOUNTS

ASSETS

CURRENT QUARTER

PREVIOUS QUARTER

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Other Assets-Net

518,202,487.96 3,522,361,104.36 715,058,075.43 289,170,757.22 5,905,128,521.13 9,206,958,395.79 42,538,477,635.10 3,139,072,500.01 39,994,699,032.02 0.00 595,293,896.93 451,030,741.70 969,965,462.63 202,236,668.73 1,072,922,885.48

498,613,781.23 3,231,649,037.73 1,189,518,658.14 232,715,957.51 5,357,331,528.60 7,694,138,185.94 35,767,551,479.20 2,157,558,000.01 33,955,437,729.16 185,716,663.00 531,160,912.97 412,486,401.77 986,729,308.46 83,361,571.03 1,294,051,217.40

TOTAL ASSETS

65,391,512,735.53

56,748,147,127.01

Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Bills Payable a) Interbank Loans Payable Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities

189,641,003.54 49,652,183,223.69 2,089,050,000.20 2,089,050,000.20 0.00 533,502,960.69 2,619,454,386.57

66,629,902.25 41,090,031,085.33 2,276,560,000.19 2,276,560,000.19 4,521,225.24 173,586,580.73 2,767,730,897.74

TOTAL LIABILITIES

55,083,831,574.69

46,379,059,691.48

5,505,833,769.57 (531,885,091.73) 5,333,732,483.00

DIRECTORS OLIVER D. JIMENO LI-HSUAN JUAN JUI-CHENG HUANG a.k.a. KEVIN HUANG ALEXANDER A. PATRICIO STEPHEN D. SY LUIS Y. BENITEZ JR.

OLIVER D. JIMENO President and CEO ARTHUR WANG Deputy Chief Executive Officer ERIBERTO LUIS S. ELIZAGA Executive Vice President

5,505,833,769.57 (470,478,817.03) 5,333,732,482.99

RAFAEL V. RUFINO III Senior Vice President REMO ROMULO M. GAROVILLO JR. Senior Vice President

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

10,307,681,160.84

10,369,087,435.53

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

65,391,512,735.53

56,748,147,127.01

Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts Derivatives Others

1,393,492,357.68 196,044,502.98 1,989,909,809.16 861,386,738.52 1,326,202,143.09 5,112,965,047.47 1,851,922,638.58 572,461,737.24 1,279,460,901.34 11,878,050,901.40 857,380,678.70

1,168,999,133.08 170,391,903.48 1,220,209,185.91 0.00 343,722,337.20 3,008,634,438.61 1,846,778,599.49 570,217,627.54 1,276,560,971.95 7,086,603,719.98 50,164,049.00

TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

25,467,354,817.58

14,895,503,366.75

LOLITO RAMON A. CERRER, JR. Senior Vice President

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

Gross Total Loan Portfolio (TLP) 44,048,131,673.13 37,212,743,265.10 Specific Allowance for credit losses on the TLP 914,360,141.10 914,030,872.93 Non-performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs 789,248,096.22 918,647,087.33 b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) 1.79% 2.47% c. Net NPLs 265,626,405.36 397,207,313.98 d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) 0.60% 1.07% e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPL (%) 191.28% 157.32% f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPL (%) 115.85% 99.50% Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses 4,013,130,778.85 4,185,337,545.19 DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses 18,407,298.01 17,045,523.84 Ratio of DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to TLP (%) 0.04% 0.05% Gross Non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables 0.00 0.00 Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivable to TLP (%) 0.00% 0.00% Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises 2.23% 2.41% b. 2% for Medium Enterprises 1.44% 1.86% Return on Equity (ROE) (%) 2.55% 1.79% Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis a. Total CAR (%) 19.75% 23.23% b. TIER 1 Ratio (%) 18.86% 22.36% c. CET 1 (%) 18.86% 22.36% Deferred Charges not yet Written Down 0.00 0.00 Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received 0.00 0.00 Basel III Leverage Ratio (BLR) on Solo Basis, as prescribe under existing regulations i. Capital Measure - Tier 1 9,730,211,044.27 9,787,203,872.34 ii. Exposure Measure 68,419,849,108.20 58,640,808,817.90 iii. Total BLR (%) 14.22% 16.69% Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) on Single Currency Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations i. Total High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) 18,030,777,403.90 16,711,699,935.37 ii. Total Net Cash Outflows 13,672,119,191.80 10,034,758,907.35 iii. Total LCR (%) 131.88% 166.54% I/ We hereby certify that all matters set forth in this Published Balance Sheet are true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) ANDREW A. FALCON Chief Finance Officer (Signature Over Printed Name)

WILLIAM B. GO Vice Chairman

JIMMY ARSENIO Y. SAMONTE Senior Vice President

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This file photo taken on July 22, 2022 shows the La Fernandina dam near La Carolina, south-eastern Spain. The country’s reservoirs are at 40.4 percent of their capacity in August, 20 percentage points below the average over the last decade for this time of the year. AFP

CHENG-HSIN WANG Chairman

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

LIABILITIES

Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(Sgd.) OLIVER D. JIMENO President and CEO (Signature Over Printed Name)

JUSTINE BENEDICT G. DELA ROSA Senior Vice President MARY ANNE G. BERNAL Senior Vice President MARIA ALICIA C. MARASIGAN Senior Vice President JEREVEN B. ADRIANO Senior Vice President MICHAEL C. ALBOTRA Senior Vice President CARINA FRANCESCA C. UY Senior Vice President

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

PSE INDEX CLOSING Monday, August 8, 2022

28.74 PTS. 6,434.24

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

591,402,246 62,265 7,913,701,142.45 113 55 55

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

55.2940

Japan

Yen

0.007403

0.4093

Pound

1.207000

66.7399

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127392

7.0440

Switzerland

Franc

1.040258

57.5200

Canada

Dollar

0.773096

42.7476

Singapore

Dollar

0.723903

40.0275

Australia

Dollar

0.690500

38.1805

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652872

146.6879

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266170

14.7176

Brunei

Dollar

0.721293

39.8832

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.028118

1.5548

UAE

Dirham

0.272264

15.0546

Euro

1.018200

56.3004

Korea

Won

0.000768

0.0425

China

Yuan

0.147863

8.1759

India

Rupee

0.012601

0.6968

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.224517

12.4144

New Zealand

Dollar

0.625000

34.5587

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033383

1.8459 Source: BSP

Bloomberry back in the black, posts net profit of P2.5b By Jenniffer B. Austria CASINO resort operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. said Monday net income reached P1.8 billion in the second quarter, a reversal of the P1.2billion net loss in the same period last year, amid the relaxation of mobility restrictions. The income boosted Bloomberry’s first -half profit to P2.5 billion, a turnaround from a net loss of P1.9 billion in the first half of 2021. Consolidated gross gaming revenues from January to June totaled P22 billion, an increase of 76 percent from P12.6 billion in the first half of 2021. Bloomberry said in a disclosure to the stock exchange gross gaming revenues at Solaire Resorts & Casino in Parañaque City jumped 131 percent in the second quarter to P13.1 billion from P5.7 billion a year ago. “Our performance in the second quarter indicates a sustained recovery in all segments of our Philippine operations. Strong demand from the domestic mass market is pushing revenues closer to pre-pandemic levels and spurring the continued improvement of EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization] and net income,” said Bloomberry chairman and chief executive Enrique Razon Jr. “Absent the emergence of new COVID-19 variants that could disrupt our gains, we see scope for further recovery as regional travel starts to pick up in the coming months. In the meantime, we will grow our market leadership by continuing to operate Solaire at the highest levels of service and health security,” Razon said. Bloomberry said VIP gross gaming revenue at Solaire surged 281 percent in the second quarter to P4.4 billion. Mass table and electric gaming machines gross gaming revenues reached P4.1 billion and P4.6 billion, representing year-over-year increases of 45 percent and 175 percent, respectively. Non-gaming revenue in the second quarter rose 163 percent to P1.7 billion from the P657 million generated in the same quarter last year.

Business Moody’s unit expects 8.8% GDP growth; agri contracts By Julito G. Rada

HE Philippine economy likely expanded by 8.8 percent in the second quarter, faster than the revised 8.2 percent in the first quarter, despite the slump in agriculture sector, Moody’s Analytics, a unit of Moody’s Corp., said in a report Monday. Moody’s Analytics made the projection following the slight downward revision in the first-quarter GDP growth to 8.2 percent from the preliminary estimate of 8.3 percent and the release of second-quarter agriculture performance, which showed a 0.6-percent contraction in the second quarter. “Increases in the value of production in livestock and poultry were noted during the period. On the other hand, value of production in crops and fisheries dropped,” the Philippine Statistics Authority said. Crops harvests declined 2.8 percent, while fisheries contracted 2.3 percent in the April to June quarter. Livestock posted a 2.1-percent growth while poultry went up by 7.8 percent.

“Philippine GDP growth will likely hit 8.8 percent year on year in the June quarter. This follows four quarters of spectacular growth that have put the country on track to comfortably meet its GDP growth target of 7 percent to 9 percent in 2022,” Moody’s Analytics said. “Private consumption and investment will buoy second-quarter growth,” it said. It said higher inflation, rising interest rates and fiscal consolidation would temper the economic expansion in the second half. The government is set to release the second-quarter GDP data today. Moody’s Analytics earlier said the economy largely withstood the Omi-

cron-led surge in COVID-19 cases at the start of the year. The government in January this year transitioned to endemic strategies and allowed international travelers to return that bolstered services employment. Higher mobility and the unleashing of pent-up demand drove domestic consumption in the quarter. The PSA said unemployment rate in June eased to 6.0 percent from 7.7 percent a year ago, as more than 1.5 million Filipinos joined the labor force that brought total employment to 46.6 million as of end-June. Moody’s Analytics said the risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, amid the rising inflation rate. Latest data showed that inflation in July accelerated to a 45-month high of 6.4 percent from 6.1 percent in June, driven by faster increases in the prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages and higher transport fares. The July outturn was faster than 3.7 percent in July 2021. This brought the average inflation in the first seven months to 4.7 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

IN BRIEF

CityState Savings bares digital initiatives

CITYSTATE Savings Bank, the thrift bank unit of the ALC Group of Companies founded by the late Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, plans to launch digital and online platforms to better serve its customers as it marks its 25th anniversary this month. CSBank president Benjamin Ramos said Monday the bank, with 30 branches in Metro Manila and key provinces, is embarking on aggressive plans that will include online and mobile banking soon, with focus on addressing the ever-changing and demanding needs of its clients. “On our 25th year, we are more than ever committed to serving our countrymen with their financial requirements, and growing the bank,” Ramos, an ALC Group veteran of over 30 years, said in a statement. CSBank chief operating officer Jaime Araneta said the bank was working on a digital-first platform and automated credit decisioning and other support systems for core lending business, subject to regulatory approval. “This aims to provide easier but secure access to bank services, enhancement of products, and simplified processes to enhance customer experience,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Agriculture, vegetable study report launched

THE Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry Human Resources Development Foundation (PCCIHRDF) Inc. will launch the 2022 Philippines fruits and vegetable processing sector labor market intelligence report on August 11, 2022 In partnership with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the research, “A Future that Works,” aims to lay down possible human resource development intervention and improvements within the sector. PCCIHRDF president Alberto Fenix, Jr. said with agriculture a key sector, studies that focus on specific sub-sector could help policymakers look at possible areas that might need assistance and collaboration. “All studies for the agriculture sector are essential especially for our country since we are moving out of the pandemic. We are one with the government in looking for solutions and possible interventions that could be implemented, in this case for the fruits and vegetable processing sector,” he said. Othel V. Campos

Globe invests P4b in IT modernization

GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Monday said it invested P4.1 billion on a major IT modernization project to reduce service outages and further improve billing system infrastructure. This multi-year modernization effort is meant to improve user access to various company products and services by addressing glitches that customers encounter, such as issues in loading and registering for promos, to benefit an estimated 87.4 million mobile customers. The IT program runs parallel to Globe’s network modernization, which involves upgrading cell sites to 4G/LTE and ramping up fiberization of Filipino homes. With both IT platforms and its network enhanced, Globe aims to provide best-inclass service and connectivity for its over 92 million mobile, broadband and fixed line voice customers. Darwin G. Amojelar

MOBILE ATMS. Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah Lacuña-Pangan (sixth from left) and Land Bank of the Philippines president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo (fifth from left) lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the launching of 10 new LandBank mobile automated teller machines in Manila. With them are (from left) LandBank senior vice presidents Carel Halog, Randolph Montesa and Ramon Monteloyola, director Virgilio Robes, Vice Mayor John Marvin Nieto, executive vice presidents Alan Bornas and Alex Lorayes, and LBP Leasing and Finance Corp. president and chief executive Michael Arañas.

Pag-IBIG’s income jumped 27% to P20.48b in the first half PAG-IBIG Fund posted earnings of P20.48 billion in the first half, up 27 percent from the same period last year, top executives said Monday. Pag-IBIG Fund said gross income reached P32.19 billion from January to June, while net income amounted to P20.48 billion. Compared to the same period last year, gross income grew 19 percent and net income rose 27 percent, driven by earnings from housing and shortterm loans and trading gains. “Pag-IBIG Fund continues its strong performance this year. The double-digit increase in our income figures proves that we remain as one of the best performing government corporations in the country today. This places us in a strong position to continue providing social services

and help more Filipinos gain better lives, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,” said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. Acuzar, who also serves as chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, said that as of June, Pag-IBIG Fund posted record-highs in both home loan releases and membership savings collections. The agency released P51.96 billion in home loans to finance the acquisition of 47,184 homes for members in the first half of the year. Savings from its members reached P38.82 billion, strongly driven by the agency’s popular MP2 Savings where members collectively saved P19.40 billion.

Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Acmad Rizaldy Moti said the agency’s gains would redound to the benefit of members. He said that under its charter, Pag-IBIG Fund is mandated to return at least 70 percent of its annual net income to members in the form of dividends which are credited to their savings. “Pag-IBIG Fund is wholly-owned by the Filipino workers. That is why it is our responsibility, as the administrators of the Fund, to manage their contributions responsibly and excellently. With our second half prospects in terms of loan releases and collections high, we are optimistic that we will achieve at least P30 billion in annual net income level for the sixth consecutive year. This is our commitment to our members,” Moti said.

DITO files complaint with anti-trust body against rivals Smart and Globe By Darwin G. Amojelar

STARPAY-SAN JUAN TIEUP. Starpay Corp. becomes the official partner of San Juan City Business Permit and Licensing Office, enabling residents and entrepreneurs to conveniently process their business permits without visiting the physical office. Leading the partnership agreement are (from left) Starpay chief financial officer Ulysses Lao, corporate secretary Philip Co Jr., San Juan City administrator Dennis Pamintuan, Mayor Francis Zamora, Starpay operations head Richard Rosettes and director Ryan Uy.

DITO Telecommunity Corp. said Monday it filed a complaint with the Philippine Competition Commission against Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. for allegedly blocking about 70 percent to 80 percent of calls made by its subscribers to the rival networks. DITO chief administrative officer Adel Tamano told reporters the company filed an “anti-competitive behavior” complaint against Globe and Smart over network interconnection. “We are constrained to file these cases because it’s unfair to our subscribers. When Smart and Globe call us they get through, but when we call we are unable [to connect],” he said. “They have refused to really provide genuine interconnection,” Tamayo said. The Philippine Competition Commission

confirmed it received two separate complaints filed by DITO against the two networks for possible anti-competitive practice in their interconnection agreements. Interconnection is an essential component of the telecommunications industry as it allows interoperability and exchange of calls, SMS and other information from one network to another. The PCC said the Competition Enforcement Office was evaluating the merits of DITO’s complaints. The commission has 10 days to decide whether or not to give due course to the complaint. DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said 70 to 80 of every 100 calls to Smart and Globe were unable to connect. “Our subscribers are mad because of poor interconnection,” he said. The National Telecommunications Commission set a minimum grade service of 1 for every 100 calls.

Dimalanta quits Aboitiz post after ERC designation By Alena Mae S. Flores NEWLY-APPOINTED Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta resigned from her post as the compliance officer of Aboitiz Power Corp. Aboitiz Power announced the resignation of Dimalanta due to her “nomination and appointment to government position.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Dimalanta as ERC chair in place of Agnes Devanadera. Dimalanta will serve for seven years or until July 10, 2029. She served as chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board from 2019 to 2021. Renewable energy groups welcomed Dimalanta’s appointment. “The Philippine Solar Alliance welcomes the appointment of Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta as chair of the ERC. Her track record in NREB bares the type of governance she will promote in this critical regulatory body—professional and with integrity,” said PSSEA chairperson Tetchi Capellan. Capellan said her appointment affirms the president’s pronouncement on pushing renewable projects. “Dimalanta rolled out all the implementing rules spelled by the RE Law. She made sure the ecosystem of renewables is set so the developers and market participants can create the infrastructure for clean energy,” Capellan said. Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent Inc. president Jay Layug said they were also supporting Dimalanta’s appointment. “We look forward to working with her on addressing all pertinent issues relating to the RE sector as we are certain that she has a great understanding of the industry, having served also as former NREB chairman,” Layug said. The Power for People Coalition, however, expressed concern over the appointment of Dimalanta.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

PH hopes at Chess Olympiad dwindle

SMB GRABS 2-1 LEAD. San Miguel

Beer’s JuneMar Fajardo loses the ball to the sticky defense of Meralco’s Cliff Hodge and Kyle Pascual in a PBA Philippine Cup semifinal game on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. Fajardo scored 21 points and hauled 16 rebounds as the Beermen took a 96-91 victory and a 2-1 lead in the series.

Obiena’s bid to ascend world rankings continues in Hungary By Peter Atencio

OING up in the world rankings and being at no. 3 have ﬁnally sunk in for Filipino pole vault star Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.

But to stay there and go even higher would mean a lot of hard work for the 26-year-old Obiena. This is what Obiena will be doing as he competes in the Gyulai Istvan Memorial 2022, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold Level Meeting at the athletics stadium in Szekesfehervar, Hungary. “Yes, definitely, it has already sunk in. And I got over it already. The honors have been appreciated. I’m blessed to do this,” said Obiena before the competition got under way. The 6’2” Obiena will once again take on the world’s best pole vaulter, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis and

Vera on Buchecha: His Jiu Jitsu is scary BRANDON Vera may have long relinquished his place as the ONE Heavyweight World Champion, but he’s still keeping a close eye on the division he once ruled. A fighter that the Filipino-American star has been watching closely is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. “Buchecha” is 3-0 in his young mixed martial arts career, but the hulking heavyweight was an unstoppable force in the submission grappling realm. The American Top Team fighter holds 17 World Titles across the ADCC, IBJJF World Championship, and the Abu Dhabi World Cup among other organizations. Vera, a BJJ black belt himself, said Almeida’s submission game is in a league of its own and that there’s almost no escape once he latches on to you. “‘Buchecha’ is a heavyweight man, he’s flying around submitting all these big heavyweights with no problem,” Vera said. “Dude, his takedowns look so beautiful and it’s not the technique of his takedowns that impresses me but the timing of his takedown, off the shots. Your back-and-forth motion, very impressive ‘Buchecha,’ I’ve been watching you.” Almeida’s BJJ game was on full display in his first two matches in ONE Championship when he submitted knockout artists Anderson “Braddock” Silva and Kang Ji Won. He changed his approach in his third fight against Simon Carson when he scored a ground-and-pound knockout against the Australian veteran. Vera added that Almeida’s BJJ is at such a high level that it’s hard even putting it into casual parlance. The best the former heavyweight king mustered is describing how older brothers usually play with their smaller and younger brothers when they are young.

American Chris Nilsen, who are in no. 1 and 2 in the world rankings. The Filipino star is trying to stay within distance in ranking points with Duplantis, who broke another meet record with a successful jump of 6.10 meters for the gold on Saturday in the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial. This came after Duplantis made 6.21 meters in two tries for a new world record and the gold last month in the 2022 World Athletics Championships at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Because of this and Duplantis’ string of eight straight championships won this season, the Swede solidified

his hold on no. 1 with a seemingly unreachable 1612 points. Nilsen follows in second with eight golds and two silvers won in 12 events that he joined since the start of the European outdoor season, earning him 1435 points. As for Obiena, he has entered in eight outdoor competitions, which yielded him four golds and three bronze medals for a total of 1408 points at third place in the World Athletics rankings. Obiena moved ahead of Rio Olympics gold medallist Thiago Braz, who is now in fourth with 1386 points. American Sam Kendricks, the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, dropped to fifth with 1371 points, after missing a lot of meets early this year due to injury. “There’s a very short time celebrate this (bronze medal wins). The world’s top pole vaulter Mondo has again broken the world, and now it’s back to the office (for me) and to keep working hard,” added Obiena.

Ernest John Obiena

So far, Obiena will have good chance of catching up with Nilsen, since he is closer to the 24-year-old Nilsen in terms of points.

THE Philippines fell to Hungary in the women’s section and Georgia in the men’s side with the same 2.5-1.5 scores in the ninth round Sunday that may have zapped its hopes of a top 10 finish in the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India. Woman FIDE Master Shania Mae Mendoza and Woman International Master Kylen Joy Mordido lost their matches on boards three and four, while WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda won her game on board two and Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna drew hers on top board. The stinging loss sent the Filipinas, whose trip is financed by the Philippine Sports Commission, reeling to a 17-nation logjam at 31st place with 11 match points and would need to win their last two games including one against Southeast Asian rival Vietnam for them to finish in the top 20. But they could have turned it around as Frayna had the winning position against old conqueror GM Hoang Thanh Trang and Mendoza scrambled to turn an inferior position and a pawn deficit into a drawn endgame. Frayna and Mendoza threw away their opportunities though with the former ending up with a standoff and the latter a heartbreaking setback. The men’s, for their part, saw IM Paulo Bersamina losing to GM Levan Pantsulaia on board four, while GMs Mark Paragua, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo all carved out fighting draws on the first three boards. It sent the Filipinos to a 24-country tie at 58th spot with 10 points but they could move up from there if they could beat the lower-ranked Guatemalans in the 10th and penultimate round at press time.

Kingwhale 6 eases out Army in big PVL debut KINGWHALE-TAIPEI, a blend of young and veteran players, subdued Army Black Mamba with its power game behind Brazilian import Bea Flavio de Car valho and gutsy plays in a couple of sets that

Players from Kingwhale-Taipei huddle up.

went down-to-the-wire as it pounded excited to play more games in this out a 26-24, 25-18, 26-24 victory in a tournament,” Teng said. Game today rousing Premier Volleyball League (SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City) The visiting squad finished with 4 p.m. – KingWhale vs PLDT debut at the SM Mall of Asia Arena 47 attack points, 17 more than yesterday. the Lady Troopers, who actually The Taiwanese saved a set point each produced more blocks and aces, 7-5, in the first and third frames with a fine display of grace and 2-1, respectively, and scored 27 points off Kingwhale composure while dominating the second to complete the miscues while yielding 24 points of their own. one-hour, 30-minute romp that put the lone foreign guest Army fought back from big deficits in the first and squad on track of the finals while bundling out the Lady third sets but just couldn’t unleash the strong finishing Troopers from the race. kick to snatch a win. They moved to match point at 24The lefty Carvalho provided a menacing presence 23 in the opener but yielded the next three points on a whenever she was on flight, banging in those vicious Carvalho kill, a block off Jovelyn Gonzaga and another kills that often hit their targets to the delight of the crowd hit from Chen Li-Jun. but to the chagrin of the Lady Troopers, who could not A Gonzaga blast ended a long rally that featured furious neutralize most of those blasts, one of which even hit Ivy exchanges of hits and saves with libero Angela Nunag Perez in the chest in the third set. diving to keep the ball in play that led to the Cebuana “This is the first time we mixed our young and ace’s hit that made it 24-23 for Army in the third. But like veteran players in a tournament,” said Kingwhale in the previous frame, the Lady Troopers failed to step up coach Teng Yen-Min, who drew double-digit outputs as Chang Chih-Hsuan took over with a couple of kills that from three starters with Carvalhoo finishing with 15, sandwiched Wang Yu-Wen’s key block off Jem Gutierrez. including 13 attack points. Wang and Cheng produced 10 points apiece while “We’re happy the PVL invited us. In our first game Chen Chieh and Tsai Qin-Yao chipped in six hits each against Army, we felt good,” added Teng, whose wards also and Chang added five points for Kingwhale, which kept their excitement in check throughout the encounter. expects to get better and stronger as it tangles with PLDT “This was also the first time that we played in a big in a lone match set at 4 p.m. today (Tuesday), also at the gym because there’s nothing this in Taiwan. We are just Pasay venue.

PH standouts join Basketball Without Borders BASKETBALL without Borders, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, returned to Australia for the first time since 2016 in Melbourne to stage the 12th BWB Asia camp at NBA Global Academy, the league’s elite basketball training center at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport, with Filipino standouts LA John Andres and Caerum Harris joining. This year, BWB Asia featured the top 60 high-school age boys and girls from 15 countries and territories across the AsiaPacific region, including the Philippines’ Andres of Ateneo and junior Gilas standout Harris. They had the opportunity to learn from NBA All-Star Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers), Australian native and BWB alumnus Josh Green

(Dallas Mavericks), Cameron Johnson (Phoenix Suns) and Coby White (Chicago Bulls). NBA assistant coaches Damian Cotter (Bulls), David Akinyooye (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Eric Glass (Miami Heat); New York Knicks international scout and Serbia Men’s National Team assistant coach Adam Tatalovich; former WNBA players Kristi Harrower (Australia) and Annie La Fleur (Australia); and FIBA Players’ Commission Deputy Chairwoman and former Australia Women’s National Team player Jenni Screen (Australia) are serving as BWB Asia coaches. In addition, Patrick Hunt (President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches) is the camp director, while Dan Shimensky (Denver Nuggets) is serving as the camp’s athletic trainer. BWB Asia 2022 tipped off with an

LA John Andres

Caerum Harris

opening ceremony with remarks from FIBA Oceania Executive Director Amanda Jenkins, Camp Director Patrick Hunt, NBA Head of International

Basketball Operations Chris Ebersole, and Josh Green, who previously participated as a camper in BWB Global 2018 in Los Angeles.

Sports

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Cocolife Pirates top 21-Under PSL elims THE PASIG Cocolife Pirates topped the elimination round of the Pilipinas Super League 21-Under Luzon leg at the Bren C. Guiao Sports and Covention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga recently. The powerhouse team of Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, supported by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, SVP Joseph Ronquillo, VP Rowena Asnan and EVP Franz Joie Araque, finished the one-round robin elimination with a sterling 6-1 win-loss record going to the next phase—the quarterfinals, where it has a twice to beat luxury. Gov. Dennis Pineda’s Pampanga Delta (5-2) dealt its ‘kabalen’ team Luid One Kapampangan (3-4) its fourth setback, 65-62, last Sunday at the jam-packed BCGSCC to grab second spot, along with ICC Blue Hawks in a three-way tie with Paranaque Worthrands in the team standing. The Blue Hawks handed the Pirates its lone setback so far. Luid One and NBS Kris Cainta/Tawi-tawi finished the round with identical 3-4 slates, while Prime C Forte could only show a win (1-6) over cellar dweller QC-Bohol (0-7) in the league organized by PSL president Rocky Chan, with VP Ray Alao and Commissioner Mark Pingris. “We’re fortunate to be on top in this high level of competition. Our boys are determined to continue our winning tradition for a mission,” said Aries Conde, Cocolife’s basketball operation head. In the next stage, the Pirates will once again lean on its big three in Jonnel Policarpio, Sonny Estil and Vhoris Marasigan, court generals Lanze Ronquillo, Tonichi Conde and Kent Pelipel with James Pradella, Reginald Ching, Lorenzo Morales, Kevin Peregrina, Nathan Manarang, Brin Versoza, James Nacua, Marcus Dimaunahan, Kerby Villanueva and JE Lopez. Calling the shots are head coach Manu Inigo and deputies Andy Mejos,VL Sandalo and Tony Mejos.

Kyrgios whips Nishioka for 1st ATP title in 3 years Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves a shot to Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan in their Men’s Singles Final match during Day 9 of the Citi Open at Rock Creek Tennis Center in Washington, DC. AFP

ASHINGTON—Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios won his seventh ATP title and ﬁrst in three years by defeating Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka in Sunday’s men’s ﬁnal at the ATP and WTA Washington Open.

The 27-year-old Australian downed 96th-ranked left-hander Nishioka 6-4, 6-3 for his first ATP title since capturing the 2019 Washington crown. “It’s emotional for me to be back here again and claim another title,” Kyrgios said. Kyrgios, who lost to Novak Djokovic last month in his first Grand Slam final, made back-to-back tour-level finals for the first time in his career and didn’t allow a service break all week. “It’s just very emotional for me to see where I was at last year to now. It’s just an incredible transformation,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve been in some really dark places. “There are so many people who have helped me get there but myself, I’ve shown some serious strength to just continue and just persevere and get through all those times and be able to still perform and win tournaments like this one.” World number 63 Kyrgios fired 12 aces and 32 winners against four double faults and 20 unforced errors while taking 22 of 25 first-serve points to defeat Nishioka in 81 minutes. “I came out with great energy,” Kyrgios said. “I knew I had experience on

my side. I’m really happy with myself.” Kyrgios improved to 4-0 against Nishioka, the most recent prior win coming in the third round of his 2019 Washington title run. In the women’s final, Liudmila Samsonova won her second career WTA title by beating Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3. Her first title came at last year’s German Open on Berlin grass. “It’s like a dream,” Samsonova said. “It’s unbelievable.” Kyrgios became the first man to sweep singles and doubles titles in the event’s 53-year history—a feat he called “super special”—by joining American Jack Sock to beat Croatian Ivan Dodig and American Austin Krajicek 7-5, 6-4 in the final. Nishioka netted a backhand to surrender a break in the opening game and Kyrgios denied the Asian southpaw’s lone break chance with a backhand winner in the sixth game, holding out to claim the first set with his seventh ace. Kyrgios broke in the first game of the second set when Nishioka sent a forehand long and again in the final game when Nishioka netted a backhand on the Aussie’s third match point.

Nishioka, who captured his only ATP crown in 2018 at Shenzhen, hadn’t won a tour-level match since March until this week, when he upset eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev in the semi-finals. He will jump to 54th in Monday’s world rankings, six off his career best. “At the beginning of the year I had a nightmare,” Nishioka said. “I thought if I can’t make the top 50 again I will retire. Now I think maybe I can play a few more years.” Kyrgios will leap to 37th in the world rankings. He would have been 15th had world ranking points been awarded at Wimbledon. Kanepi drought extended World number 60 Samsonova fired 10 aces and 27 winners to beat Kanepi. The 23-year-old Russian came off a six-week layoff after Russian and Belarus players were not allowed at Wimbledon due to the invasion of Ukraine. “I think we are all very angry about the situation. It was a really tough month,” said Samsonova, who only got her US visa two weeks ago. Kanepi, ranked 37th at age 37, was foiled in her bid to end a nine-year WTA title drought. She last won a WTA crown at the 2013 Brussels Open. “Overall the week was very good,” Kanepi said. “She served better than me and maybe that was the key.” Samsonova dispatched three of the top six seeds, ousting reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu, fifth seed Elise Mertens and sixth seed Kanepi. AFP

Malixi starts US Women’s Amateur golf campaign RIANNE Malixi launches her drive in the US Women’s Amateur Monday, confident of her chances but wary of a stellar field all armed with the same resolve to go for one of the biggest prizes in women’s amateur golf at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington. Malixi fell short of her title bid in last week’s Girls Junior PGA Championship, losing the lead midway through the final round and eventually the title to American Kaitlyn Schroeder on a two-shot swing on the final hole. But the ICTSI-backed Malixi said she was more than satisfied with her showing at Cog Hill in Illinois and expressed confidence she’ll be playing her best this week, starting with the 36-hole stroke play elims with the top 64 advancing to the next phase where play shifts to match. Malixi slugs it out with Americans Lauren Lehigh and Brooke Biermann at 8:28 a.m. on No. 10 of Chambers Bay, a par-73 layout which has gone through a series of changes since staging the 2015 US Open. It is expected to test the field’s length and strength with three par-5s featured on the first nine and mental toughness with its tricky surface with the wind also expected to come into play in most holes. Two other Pinays are also in the hunt with Nicole Abelar drawing an 8:17 a.m. start, also on the first hole, with Aliea Clark and Kaleiya Romero, both of the US, and Tomi Arejola teeing off at 8:20 a.m. with locals Claire Wright and Emily Dunlap. The rest of the 156 starting field, made up of the best female amateur golfers in the world, are also coming into the event determined and ready, ensuring a spirited chase for spots in the knockout rounds for a crack at the championship. They include defending champion Jensen Castle, a senior at Kentucky, and US Girls’ Junior champions Rose Zhang (2022), Lei Ye (2019) and Erica Shepherd (2017), along with Megha Ganne, Tsubasa Kajitani, Rachel Heck, Emilia Migliaccio, Brooke Matthews, Kennedy Swann and Kaitlyn Schroeder. Castle went on a historic run last year after clinching one of the last two slots in a 12-player playoff after the 36-hole stroke play elims, winning it all as the 63rd seed. Malixi finished at No. 58 last year then worked her way up to trounce two players ranked higher than her but fell short of her rally from three holes down in the last four

How ONE is making submission grappling next big thing WHEN ONE Championship says they’re The Home of Martial Arts, it’s not mere exaggeration. Aside from its dynamic mixed martial arts line up and all-striking superstars in both Muay Thai and kickboxing, the largest martial arts organization on the planet is also home to some of the finest grapplers in the world. A quick look at ONE’s signed fighters shows that. From 17-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida to 15-time World Champion Andre Galvao, ONE has been signing the who’s who of the BJJ world, thus starting the grappling revolution and running away with it.

MILO® Philippines energized the summer season of kids from all over the country with its innovative grassroots sports program – MILO® Barangay Liga. Filipinos’ love for basketball was evident during the summer league, with hundreds of kids from various barangays in the country showcasing their skills on the court, accompanied with enthusiasm of the crowd. Players and enthusiasts alike filled the barangay courts with excitement as the country’s favorite sport slowly reopens on-ground from the pandemic. “It is with excitement that we welcome again our Champion kids from couch to court, and see them playing on team setting. At the MILO® Barangay Liga, we see teamwork, discipline and respect in action. Aligned with the brand’s purpose of nourishing kids’ journey to success with nutritious energy and inspiration to grow with sports, the MILO® barangay Liga served as a platform for kids to develop their skills, build confidence, and become a role model to their peers. More than that, we see a lot of potential talents that we can hone and build as champions in and outside the court,“ said Carlo Sampan, MILO Sports Executive.

“I think ONE and [its CEO, Chatri Sityodtong,] are doing a really amazing job with that,” Buchecha told the South China Morning Post in an interview. “ONE Championship is the place to be. It’s making grappling great again.” Buchecha, for all his brilliance on the mats, hasn’t actually competed in an official submission grappling match in ONE yet. However, he has been running through opponents under mixed martial arts rules, stopping all of his three foes inside the first round thanks to his high-level grappling. But while ONE has signed some of the most accomplished grapplers, they’ve also focused on acquiring the next generation of submission

stars, evident in their recent signings. From the Ruotolo Brothers, Kade and Tye, to Mikey Musumeci to Danielle Kelly and Jessa Khan, ONE has picked up proteges and phenoms to create the foundation for what’s shaping up to be an exciting division. “[Submission grappling] is such an amazing sport, and ONE does an amazing job of promoting it for what it is. It’s to get the submission the fastest way you can, and do it in a proper way,” Tye told ONEFC.com. “Everything, even Chatri’s pep talks before [the events], really instills into every athlete why they’re there. They’re there for the finish. That’s how it needs to be. It’s going to be huge for jiu-jitsu,” Kade added.

Chatri Sityodtong

MILO energizes kids’ summer with Barangay Liga MILO® Barangay Liga is well-supported by local government units, as it is aligned with their development programs for the youth. “Sports is the best way to get them off the unnecessary or negative influences in the community. It also sends a positive message to everybody, that the government and private sector can work together for the development of the kids. Initiatives

Teamwork, discipline and respect are emphasized by coaches of the MILO® Barangay Liga

Moms also played a vital part to the Champion journey of their kids, even as they compete in the MILO Barangay Liga. “Yung mga ganitong activities (MBL) ay malaking tulong para sa physical and social kids ng mga bata, kaya full support ako sa kanya,” said Jean Calude Bunagan from Brgy. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro, mother of MBL participant Jean Jeariel Bunagan.

“Aside from giving him words of wisdom and encouragement, I make sure na kumpleto ang kanyang nutrisyon para sa energy na kailangan niya sa sports at sa everyday activities niya,” added Bunagan.

Barangay Liga game time

like the MILO® Barangay Liga are for our next generation. This is part of our shared legacy with MILO®, and it adds to the positive perception of the community in engaging into sports. When kids step into the court, kids just play and be active!,” said Michael Denton P.Aportadera, Officer in Charge, Sports Development Division in Davao City. Faced with a new reality and challenges, MILO® Philippines and DepEd has proven to parents across the country that there are opportunities to adapt and continue their child’s Champion journey at home. As schools and sports venues start to open up again, MILO® Philippines is excited to welcome back kids to continue to their Champion journeys in the upcoming MILO® Summer Sports Clinics. For more details on how to join, please visit the official MILO® Philippines website

Entertainment As an artist, Eric Ejercito thrives in mixing his interests to create a unique outcome

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

No fool, this Ejercito can sing ERIC Ejercito is a man of many interests. He’s an actor, director, dancer, and an Animé Hypebeast (just ask him about this last one). This particular season though, he’s going to be Eric Ejercito, the music artist. Those who know their local Pinoy pop scene would recognize Ejercito – who previously operated as Eric E.– the solo music act who wrote, performed, and produced “Fearless” back in 2018 and whose music video mixed cinematic story telling with a tightly choreographed dance performance.

He’s not just any dancer, he also leads his own dance crew. That’s how deep he’s into music and performance. “I love pop music in general, may it be western pop, K-pop groups, or solo artists,” Ejercito said. He might’ve also stumbled onto K-pop when early on he was told that his “style and the way I look resembles the ‘Korean’ aesthetic” that prompted him to research the music genre and dove into it more and has since, in his own words, been “bitten by the (K-pop) bug.” “Before I dove into pop, I had a band throughout high school and college. I have a dance crew as well where we competed internationally. Through the years, it hit me to combine both.” And it’s with that realization that he came to find himself in the type of music he’s currently in now, adding that his sound

is made up of “a lot of inspiration of many combined.” Apparently, this is where Ejercito thrives. In mixing his interests. In taking one thing and combining it with another. Enter his new single, the energetic and electro-tinged dance single titled “Fool.” Here, listeners can expect the same (if not more) of the same kind of exuberance that he’s put into his interests. The new track – about being made a fool of in the name of love – also puts on display, His love for K-styled pop (essentially P-pop) and dance. He is co-directing the music video (with L.A.-based director Jeff Centauri) that’s going to see daylight soon. The new song is practically, “a collation of every single thing I love doing, producing, film making, dancing, singing, art design, performing. All of these things

Rico Blanco gears up

for concert scene return O By Patricia Taculao

RIGINAL Pilipino Music (OPM) is alive and well, thanks to the new and established artists who made significant contributions to the music industry. Among the OPM artists who remained active, especially during the pandemic, is singer-songwriter and former Rivermaya frontman, Rico Blanco.

Despite his activity on social media and encouraging other artists to pursue their careers, fans missed the OPM icon on the concert scene. Rico shares the same sentiments as he’s now preparing to hold a solo concert in September. “It’s been a while since I performed there, and I think for everyone, it’s been a while na makanood uli tayo ng mga concert sa mga ganitong venue,” Rico said. “Untiunti tayong bumabalik sa concert scene. We started sa bars, then medium-sized venues, so I’m happy to announce na we’re starting to do this in big venues again.” As most of his fans know, Rico’s concerts are energetic and immersive. Since it’s been years since he last held a solo performance, he has to train his body to have the stamina and endurance to last the night. His previous concerts are an exercise for him, literally. “I need to ramp up my cardio as I usually do kapag matagal akong hindi nakakapagconcert. Kung tuloy-tuloy kasi yung concert, like dati every week meron, kahit papaano ,” the OPM icon said. kondisyon,” Now, he has a month to prepare himself for his solo concert. Rico added that he has his exercise bike ready beside his bed to get in shape as much as possible. Rico’s concert will also feature OPM artists Zild Benitez and Ebe Dancel. However, his partner, Maris Racal, might not make an appearance during his solo performance as she has prior commitments for her acting career. Still, Rico said she would try to be present even as an audience member to watch the concert and

support the OPM icon. Yet, holding a concert in a massive venue such as the Smart Araneta Coliseum is no idle talk, especially with the pandemic, recession, and another health crisis posing a threat to the public. Rico said he is aware of the challenges in ticket sales but is ready to face them. “I’m happy to take on that risk with the support of our friends. We know this is a different environment. This is not the height of people going out, but also we know that people are [really, really] hungry to experience live music again in this way. So, we’ll try and just go for it. It’s part of my career anyway, to try things for the first time. I’ve always seen challenges as opportunities to bring about new things and a new way of doing things,” he said. He added that going to concerts is a habit and part of the lifestyle of going out that people thoroughly enjoy and crave. Although Rico plans to explore his music further in the future, his fans would most likely agree with a line from one of his famous songs, “Antukin,” which goes: “Okay lang, baby, ‘wag kang magbago.” Catch Rico Blanco’s concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on September 11.

Choosing the Araneta Coliseum as a venue is a challenge but Rico is ready to face it

Rico is currently focusing on his cardio to prepare for his concert

are a work of art and I’m merging them into a masterpiece.” “My style is a representation of myself I must say, Also I’m a solo act. I’m not in a group like most here so as far as a comparison, Surely, it’s fresh for the P-pop scene, I’m just being me.” Ultimately, Ejercito’s desire goes beyond that dance numbers he dishes out. “I want to be known as an overall versatile artist. The guy who can literally make it happen from the very first step, up to this moment. I am managing to give it my all every single day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s really tough producing and performing simultaneously and all but I’m just grateful for the people I’ve worked with and helped me along the way and we were able to come up with this fantastic project that I’m truly proud of,” he ended.

Brad Pitt in a scene from ‘Bullet Train’

‘Bullet Train’ speeds to top of box office SONY’S Bullet Train, the last major studio release of the summer, sped to solid ticket sales of $30.1 million this weekend to top the North American box office, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations estimated Sunday. It was a “solid opening for an action thriller,” said analyst David A. Gross, adding that the presence of lead star Brad Pitt “is going to ensure international success.” Pitt, who plays a professional assassin on a Japanese train seemingly loaded with them, heads a cast that includes Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Latin music star Bad Bunny, as well as Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum in bit roles. Helming Bullet Train is Pitt’s former stunt double, David Leitch who has earned a name directing action films. Leitch, Last weekend’s box-office leader, Warner Bros.’ animated DC Super-Pets slipped a notch to second, taking in $11.2 League of Super-Pets, million for the Friday-through-Sunday period. Third place went to Universal’s horror flick Nope, at $8.5 million. The sci-fi flick, boosted by the involvement of popular writer/director Jordan Peele, stands just shy of a $100 million gross domestically. Daniel Kaluuya stars. In fourth was Disney’s action comedy Thor: Love and Thunder, at $7.6 million. Chris Hemsworth stars as the uber-muscular ( space Viking, who pines for his ex-girlfriend (Natalie Portman). And in fifth was Universal’s family-friendly animation Minions: Gru This latest episode in the Despicable Me franchise The Rise of Gru. took in $7.1 million. AFP

Multi-talented artist Maris Racal will try to make an appearance for Rico’s concert

A still of ‘Tella’ by Filipino animator and Benilde Animation Program alumnus Zachary Conlu

Filipino animated short sweeps int’l film fest awards

Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega love team in spotlight YOUNG Kapuso love team Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega point out that their upcoming drama series What We Could Be is not a preparation for Voltes V: Legacy in which they are also paired. In a recent interview, Miguel and Ysabel said that the project was really intended to be shown ahead of Voltes V: Legacy. “We all know that the latter is an ambitious project and very huge in scope so there are still a lot of things to be done before its full completion. There are things to prepare. But Voltes V: Legacy is not focused on a love team. It’s not the main story,” they said. What We Could Be, according to Miguel, has a different plot. “This project is entirely different from Voltes V: Legacy. When we were doing this, it felt different since it’s a different genre.” The two don’t deny that they became closer when they did “What We Could Be.” In fact, many speculate that they’re an item already. “Isabel and I, we’re really very close. If you’ll ask how I’ll describe our relationship, it’s smooth. For one, we’re comfortable with each other. We help each other in doing our scenes. We talk and discuss before and after the take. When it

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

comes to our personal state, I can say that it’s okay. We’re happy about it. It’s generally fine. I can’t think of a word to describe it. But as I’ve mentioned earlier, we’re happy together,” Miguel averred. “Perhaps, the best label for us is ‘what we could be,’” Ysabel said in jest. “Well, I’m open to all possibilities. First of all, I’m single and so is she. It can happen. We don’t know what the future holds. Let’s just wait and see,” Miguel butted in. For Ysabel, it’s important that they just enjoy their time together. She believes that it’s part of the cycle of doing a show. “We’re very close with everyone there. We make it a point to develop our relationship outside of work. It helps in the projects we’re doing. As of now, Miguel and I are simply enjoying the moment. We enjoy what we do together,” she ended. ••• Actress Eula Valdes is very happy to be working again with GMA through its latest afternoon drama series titled, Return to Paradise headlined by Derrick Monasterio and Elle Villanueva. “It’s a jolly set for one. My work relationship with my fellow actors and the production team is just great!

Everyone is treated fairly. Work is light when there’s unity on the set and everyone is easy to deal with,” she explained. What can she say that she has breathed life into the character of a mother searching for her lost child a couple of times already? “Well, I believe that there’s no small role. In every acting assignment, there is a challenge. It depends on the actor on how you’ll make your attack special.” I n t e r e s t i n g l y, what can she say about Elle since this is her major project as a female lead? “She is fearless! She doesn’t get intimidated by our scenes together. She is serious with her craft. Apart from her beauty, she’s got what it takes to become a good actress,” Eula stated. Miguel Tanfelix (left) and Ysabel Ortega now share a closer relationship after filming‘What We Could Be’

TELLA, a short Filipino animated film on a mysterious girl and TELLA a misplaced star, has earned multiple recognitions in different film festivals across the globe. The 12-minute piece follows the journey of a little girl in a good night’s sleep, who was woken up by a fallen star. The celestial body wishes to return to the night sky. The short was written and directed by Filipino animator Conlu who honed his skills under the Animation Zachary Conlu, Program of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He shared the award-winning short was created as a magical world where Tella can play carefree. “I had Tella in my head since college days. She was always lingering, appearing in the doodles I made during class, finding her way on my notebooks, sketchbooks, and different papers I could get my hands on. But strange as it may seem, I never really knew who or what she was,” the artist started. “The story grew in my head till it became an epic – different characters sprang up and Tella became nothing more than this side character.” So when it was time to finally put this vision into an actual film, Conlu realized that it was about time to finally turn the spotlight on Tella and give her the back story she deserves. In the titular film, Tella leads spectators into an adventure far from the worries of daily life and reminds them of the value of friendship and trust. With the help of fellow Benildeans Pauline Jan Villanueva, who composed the musical score, and Anthony Tobias, who was tapped for sound design, Conlu’s Tella won the hearts of many viewers across different competitions here and abroad. The short bagged Best Soundtrack at the Reale Film Festival Italy. It also won Best Original Score at the Vesuvius International Film Fest Italy, Venezia Shorts Italy. It was also recognized at the Feel The Reel International Film Festival UK with Best Original Score, Best Animation, and Audience Awards. It garnered the Best Sound Design Award at the International Cosmopolitan Film Festival in Tokyo, Japan. Musical scorer Villanueva was also hailed as Best Composer at the Toronto Indie Shorts in Canada. The film was included as an Official Selection at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival, Spark Animation and Around International Barcelona, where it bagged the Best Animation. It was recognized with the Best Animation Award from Kalakari Film Festival in India. Honorable Mentions for Best Animation were granted by the Long Story Shorts International Film Festival Romania and ARFF Paris Film Festival. In local shoes, Tella was nominated for Best Director and Best Editing and won Best Sound Score and Best Sound Design titles at the CineANIMO Film Festival.

Sustainability mandate keeps Tagaytay Highlands safe for generations

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

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

N A semi-annual consumer sentiment survey conducted by PropertyGuru, respondents expressed their aspirations to live in sustainable homes, no matter the cost. More now prefer to future-proof their abodes by living in self-contained townships that provide an abundance of lifestyle amenities and infrastructure within the vicinity while strongly focused on environmental conservation. World-class residential and leisure estate Tagaytay Highlands continues to visualize a secure future for generations to come. Sprawled across 1,290 hectares of rolling terrain, it is the only mountain resort of its kind and scale that boasts a profusion of flora and fauna, year-round nippy weather, and stunning vistas of Taal Lake, Mt. Makiling, Canlubang Valley, and Laguna de Bay. Whether as a picturesque getaway or as an alternative primary home for harried urbanites, Tagaytay Highlands has proven to be conducive to productivity, spurring career-driven homeowners to continue working from home. And to refresh the mind, body, and spirit, one can indulge in its tranquil green spaces for leisurely walks, jogging, and breathing in fresh air. Complementing nature’s bounty, Tagaytay Highlands is considered one of the most environment-friendly and sustainable leisure estates in the Philippines. Its environmental conservation programs have, in fact, earned it the “Friend of Biodiversity” recognition from the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. Tagaytay Highlands reinforces this image by adhering to a strict sustainability mandate, ensuring the responsible use of its resources. Under this directive, all structures in the development are designed for resilience to reduce the impact of environmental risks. Likewise, nearly half of developable areas is allocated for wellness and accessibility features, such as walking paths as well as access ramps for differently abled persons. All residential developments have introduced big lawns and pocket parks of their own, which provide ample space to have their own corner for individual and family outdoor activities. To promote and protect biodiversity, the ground cover in the resort, including the greens and fairways of Tagaytay Highlands’ championship golf courses, consists of native and low-maintenance plants and trees. Sustainability measures, including the planting of such native trees and shrubs, are kept in mind even in landscape design. To further support environmental protection, a yearly key active program is

Tagaytay Highlands routinely monitors water levels against projected demand and employs best practices in optimizing water use at the golf course, common areas, and establishments.

Ground cover including Tagaytay Highlands’ golf course greens and fairways consists of native and low-maintenance plants and trees to protect and promote biodiversity

Tagaytay Highlands has been holding its One Tree at a Time activity for a decade now, with the aim of planting one million trees by 2044. Today, there are over 490,000 trees planted within the Tagaytay Highlands Complex

implemented for the planting of tree species indigenous to Tagaytay Highlands. Along with reforestation and propagation initiatives, the vast estate operates electricity-run golf carts to help maintain its fresh mountain air. Tagaytay Highlands makes sure that every drop counts through its conservation efforts. It routinely monitors water levels against projected demand and employs best practices in optimizing water use at the golf

Life

Along with reforestation and propagation initiatives, the vast estate operates electricity-run golf carts to help maintain its fresh mountain air

course, common areas, and establishments. On some of its new residential projects, retention/detention ponds and rain gardens are developed as landscape features. Also integrated into its environmental sustainability initiatives is the use of LED bulbs as well as PWD friendly amenities. To keep its wells and attendant pipes clean and fully functional, as well as to ensure steady electricity supply and internet connectivity, Tagaytay Highlands conducts

periodic preventive maintenance. Waste management systems divert residual waste from the landfill through composting and recycling programs. To encourage homeowners to live sustainably healthy lifestyles, residents are granted access to fresh produce and greens at Pick and Pay, Tagaytay Highlands’ organic farm. Also, Tagaytay Highlands has been holding its “One Tree at a Time” activity for a

decade now, with the aim of planting one million trees by 2044. Today, there are over 490,000 trees planted within the Tagaytay Highlands Complex. Attesting to Tagaytay Highlands’ commitment to sustainability, safety, and security is its recently awarded “Safety Seal” given by the City Government of Tagaytay. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) also hailed Tagaytay Highlands’ developer Highlands Prime, Inc., a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings, as one of CALABARZON’s 2021 Outstanding Developers for Open Market Projects. With its competent property management, residents and members are assured of all facilities and personnel continuously adhering to strict sanitation procedures and safety protocols, including disinfection, hand sanitation, wearing of face masks, and social distancing. Tagaytay Highlands’ property management will remain efficient in complying with health and safety precautionary measures and delivering quick crisis responses during adverse natural and high-risk events. Tagaytay Highlands continues to revisit its sustainability initiatives and regularly sense-checks them against the changing development landscape and evolving needs of its members and nearby communities. The development remains steadfast in its goal to make the estate truly livable to ensure discerning families’ health and well-being in the forthcoming years.

Purchase rare sneakers via Ox Street

By Tet Defensor

FOR sneakerheads, footwear is an extension of their true selves. In fact, every pair in their ginormous collection carries a piece of their true nature. People buy sneakers for various reasons. Those who dress for comfort, truly appreciate the soft soles, which are perfect for long walks. Others love showing off flashy colors on their feet while a more distinct group is in high heaven when they can acquire a limited-edition pair. This team of sneaker lovers does not mind, queuing outside stores for hours just to purchase their rare shoes. The good news is Carousel Philippines now carries Ox Street the newest playground for local sneaker lovers, Ox Street is the fastest-growing end-to-end marketplace for authenticated sneakers and streetwear in the region. Instead of procuring the pair of their dreams on their own, via FB messenger, which leads to meet-ups, sneaker fans now have a legitimate and truly reliable platform where they can resell or buy quality sneakers. And while authenticity is a major factor, when purchasing limited edition shoes, with Ox Street, users are assured of the security and authenticity of sneakers that they will buy or sell. Ox Street founder and CEO Gijs Verheijke explains, “Imagine a casual buyer meeting up with seller or standing in the store, what will you do? You cannot ask the seller, if it’s authentic, of course, they will say ‘yes,’ You can’t authenticate on the spot, you need to compare it to several pairs or have the real thing with you,” he said. With Ox Street all pairs are shipped to an authentication center, where a team of experts compares them to the real product, or to a database of the picture. He added that the process also has a “secret sauce” that guarantees the pair’s authenticity. Gijs started the company in 2019. After spending years in finance, and building marketplaces he decided to revisit his love for sneakers. “I remember when I was ten years old, my classmate had a pair of Air Max Ones. the whole

With Ox Street all pairs are shipped to an authentication center, where a team of experts compares them to the real product, or to a database of the picture

idea of walking on air was the best thing in the world. I didn’t have any money and the shoes were too expensive. I started delivering newspapers and doing odd jobs so I can buy the shoes that I wanted. Since then, I tend to accumulate too many shoes,” he said. Although he loves shoes, he emphasized that he is not a collector, the ones who buy a pair only to be displayed inside a glass case, with strict instructions to keep it brand new. “I wear every single pair I buy. For me, it’s more about self-expression.” When he moved to Singapore, he remembers having problems procuring limited edition shoes. With his experience in marketplace building, topped with his fascination for comfy shoes, Ox Street was born, ‘I felt like it was the natural thing to do,” he said. Before the platform, sneaker collectors had to source shoes on their own, most of the time from shops like Titan or from independent online sellers via Facebook. If you happen to pass the Titan store in BGC and wonder why there was a long line of people even before the store opens, they are actually collectors who are eager to get their hands on a limited-edition pair. “Can you believe resellers actually hire people to line up for them” shared Ox Street Marketing Manager Jasper Delegencia. “With Ox Street there is no need for long queues, buyers are sure to get an authentic pair even if the transaction is done online. “People can sell on the platform and it’s very safe because we authenticate everything that comes in before it reaches the buyer.” Buying rare shoes is no longer an underground activity, no need for a secret meet-up. High up on the platform’s agenda for the Philippines is reaching out to local users for feedback. “We’re taking part in relevant events and gatherings. We are also partnering with various local brands to help small Ox Street founder and CEO Gijs Verheijke assures Filipino businesses. Ox Street is part of the Carousell group, the the users of the security and authenticity of leading community marketplace platform. sneakers that they will buy or sell.

Anaise Cane 3-Drawer Chest

Bridget Classic Window Pane Mirror

Libby Cane Dining Chair

Go neutrals for a warm and cozy home THE best homes have the power to transport you. They are filled with personal treasures; travel finds and culinary discoveries. This season, Crate and Barrel draws inspiration from the eco-cities of the tropics where the team has traveled to find globally-inspired designs, artisanal details, warm soulful flavors, and new ideas for living sustainably. Soulful neutrals, warm woods, matte whites, and ebonized blacks, lush with tropical greens. It’s a new take on a neutral palette with warmth, texture, and depth. Decorate with items that feel traveled, found, and collected to make a home feel deeply personal. Check out Crate and Barrel’s new arrivals of quality furniture and houseware pieces. Discover these and more when you visit the Crate and Barrel stores, order by phone, or shop online. Anaise Cane 3-Drawer Chest. A black stain provides the perfect counterpoint to the warm color and woven texture of natural cane that fronts the three stacked drawers and offset door. Dunewood Charcoal 65” Dining Table. Using traditional parquetry techniques, skilled woodworkers add artisan rusticity to our clean,

contemporary Dunewood table. Bringing geometric complexity to the table’s slab legs, each piece of mango wood is carefully cut and inlaid by hand to create a modern mosaic of angled lines. The Libby Cane Dining Chair frames intricately woven natural cane in bold black and gives a new take on caning as it provides the centuriesold technique a modern edge. Solid nettlewood with a brushed ebony finish shapes the chair’s clean lines and crisp angles, with the seat left natural

Dunewood Charcoal 65” Dining Table

Anaise Cane Queen Bed

for an additional layer of contrast. Bridget Classic Window Pane Mirror. Make a small room look larger or maximize an outdoor view with our Bridget mirror. Slim blackfinished metal grilles divide the rectangular mirror into small panes, giving it the look of a window. Anaise Cane Queen Bed channels 1930s curves and mid-century caning in an eye-catching design that’s totally now. We love the interplay between the graphic lines and the warm color and woven texture of natural cane in this contemporary yet approachable bed. In the Philippines, Crate and Barrel opened its first store in 2014 at SM Megamall (0917 8704796), followed by SM Aura Premier (0917 8895667), and the flagship at SM Makati ( 0917 5833573). Browse the store catalog: www. storecatalog.crateandbarrel.com.ph Online selections: www.crateandbarrel.com.ph