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(Story
File photoon
datedA4)
DOLE SETS P35 TO P50 MINIMUM WAGE HIKE FOR CALABARZON WORKERS
July 27, 2016 shows President Duterte during a National Security Council meeting attended by four former presidents
including (from left) Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Fidel V. Ramos and Benigno Aquino III. Presidential Spokesman Harry
(SEE STORY BELOW)
Roque says Malacanang is inclined to ask the four ex-presidents to attend a meeting on issues besetting the West Philippine Sea. NSC file

VOL. XXXVII • NO. 206• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EO triggers drop in rice prices

Speaker: Cancellations of PH imports lead to 21% fall in world prices
By Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes According to US-based Markets not only in our country, (but in the
Insider, the price of rice in the world world as well). We are hoping that the
market decreased by 21 percent, price decline in rice will continue,”

S
PEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday declared from $384 per metric ton last July to Romualdez said in a statement.
that the huge reduction in the prices of rice in the global market can $332.4 per metric ton this month. Romualdez said he believes that
be attributed to the recent implementation of Executive Order (EO) “It is proven that the EO 39 of the drop in the price of rice in the
President (Ferdinand) Bongbong R. world market was due to mass
39, which imposed price ceilings on two varieties of rice in the Philippines. Marcos Jr. set commendable results Next page
Speaker Martin Romualdez

PBBM hits ‘dangerous use’ ‘ASEAN, East Asia partners must boost food security’
of coast guard, sea militia By Charles Danes Speaking at the 26th Summit
of the ASEAN-Plus Three, which
society.”
“With the future in mind, we will
JAKARTA—President Ferdinand R. groups the 10 member-states with tighten collaboration with each other
By Charles Dantes and South China Sea. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday empha- China, Japan, and South Korea, Mr. and focus on the sustainable develop-
Maricel V. Cruz In a speech at the 18th East
Asia Summit, President Marcos
sized the need for the Association Marcos said for the region to move ment of our region,” he added.
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASE- forward, ASEAN and its partner Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japa-
emphasized the country's AN) and its partners in East Asia states must “stay united, take adver- nese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida,
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on commitment to uphold its sovereignty to strengthen regional food security sity in stride, and work together to and South Korean President Yoon Suk
Thursday urged members and maritime rights in its territories, mechanisms before he flew home focus on strengthening food security, Yeol, also acting as the coordinatorof
of the Association citing the need to foster rules- Thursday. climate change mitigation and ad- the Plus Three countries, were present
of Southeast based international order to ease the The President arrived at Villamor aptation, and developing the digital at the Summit and each expressed
Asian Nations tension in the area. Next page Air Base at about 12:40 a.m. Friday. domain to encompass all levels of Next page
(ASEAN)
to rally
against the
"dangerous
use" of
coast guard
and militia
vessels in the

ASEAN-EAST ASIA SUMMIT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sits at the 18th ASEAN-East Asia Summit, where he
said that a diplomatic solution is needed for threats such as the war in Ukraine and ballistic missile tests conducted by North Korea.
ASEAN Photo

DOLE: P35-P50 DepEd: Late enrollees to be accepted until end-Sept.

base pay hike By Macon Ramos-Araneta weather disturbances. Calabarzon has the most number of

in Calabarzon WITH the government still 3 million

short of its student target for this school
“We are on course of meeting our
28.8 million target. We will be looking at
a final number considering the variance
enrollees so far at 3,821,034, followed
by Central Luzon with 2,817,827, and
National Capital Region with 2,675,386.
Source: DoF's Magno By Vito Barcelo year, the Department of Education said between Grade 12 who graduated and The Cordillera Administrative Region
quits over price ceiling WORKERS in the Calabarzon region
late enrollees will be accepted until the
end of the month.
incoming Kindergarten, among others,”
he said.
logged the lowest number of enrollees at
406,815.
NEWS / A2 will receive a P35 to P50 hike in their DepEd deputy spokesperson As of Wednesday, only a total of 25.8 “Once 100% of schools have reported,
daily minimum wage this month, the Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said million students were enrolled. we will have the official number for this
Department of Labor and Employ- the decision was reached in light of the Data from DepEd’s Learner school year,” Bringas said.
ment said. disruptions brought about by the recent Information System (LIS) showed that Next page
Calabarzon's Regional Tripartite
Wages and Productivity Board issued
the wage hike order on Sept. 1. The
Next page QUAKE
DRILL.
Health workers
Marcos names Cacdac
Migrant Workers OIC ‘Entering false info of Manila
Medical Center
participate
NEWS / A2 in SIM listup can in the 3rd
Quarter 2023

lead to jail time’

Nationwide
Simultaneous
Earthquake
Drill on
INDIVIDUALS who entered false Thursday.
information during their mobile SIM This is part of
card registration would face penalties, the country's
including imprisonment, the National preparation
Telecommunications Commission in case a
Tim Cone takes over (NTC) said on Thursday. magnitude 7.2
earthquake hits
Gilas reins from Chot NTC Commissioner Jon Paulo Salva-
han said those who will enter false regis- Metro Manila.
Norman Cruz
SPORTS / C1 tration details may face jail time from 6
Next page
A2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
NEWS
Marcos names Cacdac DMW OIC tation (DOTr). RTM a job as Chief Cook onboard a con-
Source: DoF's
Magno quits over
rice price ceiling
By Charles Dantes and Vito Barcelo

M
ALACAÑANG on Thursday appointed Hans Leo
J. Cacdac as officer-in-charge of the Department of
Migrant Workers (DMW), replacing the late Secretary
Susan “Toots” Ople who died on Aug. 22.
Cacdac was one of three new appoin-
tees of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,
the Palace announced in a statement.
Before he was appointed DMW OIC,
Cacdac was the DMW’s undersecretary
for welfare and foreign employment.
He also served as administrator of the
Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator
(OWWA) and the Philippine Overseas
EO...
From A1
cancellations made on imported rice by
Philippine rice traders and importers in
reaction to the price ceilings set by the
government.
“Maybe because the importers
and traders canceled their orders, there
was suddenly an increase in the supply of
rice abroad,” Romualdez said.
“It is obvious that the rise in rice prices
in the markets isartificial because they
have been hiding the rice in bodegas, as
we have seen during our inspections,” he
said.
Romualdez insisted that the palace
Employment Administration (POEA).
Also named to a new position was Jen-
nifer Pia S. Las as chairperson of the Na-
tional Commission on Indigenous Peo-
ples (NCIP). Prior to this, Las was NCIP’s
Central Mindanao Commissioner.
The Palace also announced the ap-
pointment of Jose F. Lim IV as Assistant
Secretary of the Department of Transpor-
House ways and means committee
chairman Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda echoed
Romualdez’s explanation, saying that the
increase in the price of ricein the world
market was artificial due to the high
volume of demand from the Philippines.
“We have seen this crisis before and
we know how to deal with it,” Salceda
said.
“But we should not over-import so that
our neighboring countries won’tanticipate
that prices will go up,” Salcedo said in a
mix of English and Filipino.
“The imposition of the price cap on rice
by Malacañang shows that the artificial
increase in the prices of rice in the world
market is unacceptable,” he added.
Earlier, President Marcos issued EO
The DMW meanwhile closed a mari-
time consultancy firm for fake job offers,
illegal recruitment, and unauthorized col-
lection of fees.
The DMW said it closed down the
offices of R. T. M. Maritime Consul-
tancy Services Corp. located on the
2nd floor of the J & P Building along
Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Santo Nino,
Paranaque City, for alleged illegal re-
cruitment activities and unauthorized
collection of fees.
The closure was ordered in the wake
of complaints sent separately by “Ernes-
to” and “Dindo” (not their real names) to
the DMW earlier this year.
Ernesto stated that he was promised by
government received information that
someunscrupulous traders were planning
to raise prices to as high as P70 per kilo.
“This remarkable development marks
a significant shift in ouragricultural
landscape and offers hope for our local
consumers,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez, along with several
lawmakers, earlier joined a series of
surprise inspections by the Bureau of
Customs (BoC) of several warehouses in
Bulacan storing rice.
The House leader recently asked
the BoC and law enforcers to send rice
smugglers and hoarders to jail.
Meanwhile, the Philippines and
Vietnam are finalizing a deal on an
inter-government rice trade to ensure
tainer vessel in Dubai with a monthly sal-
ary of $900, or the equivalent of P51,300.
In exchange, Ernesto was asked to pay
a total of P105,000 at RTM’s office rep-
resenting alleged “consultancy” fees for
finding him an overseas job.
Dino, meanwhile, applied for the posi-
tion of Engine Cadet with a promised sal-
ary of $350, or approximately P20,000,
per month. He was asked by RTM to
cough up P140,000 as a consultation fee
for the job placement.
Both Ernesto and Dino applied for
their alleged jobs in the first quarter of
2023. After waiting several months for
their deployment, they decided to file
their complaints with the DMW.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham
Minh Chinh gave the suggestion of
forming a five-year rice supply agreement
between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“I would suggest that the Ministries
of Trade and Agriculture of the two
countries will work together so that we
can come up with a five-year agreement
on the supply of rice and actually… the
rice will be determined by the market,”
Pham said
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
welcomed the idea of a rice importation
agreement, citing its importance in
stabilizing the surge in rice prices and
shortage of rice supply.
“However, the suggestion of a longer-
term arrangement is an important one
By Julito G. Rada
FINANCE Undersecretary for Fiscal
Policy and Monitoring Group Cielo
Magno has filed her resignation which
will take effect on Sept. 16, 2023.
A source from the Depart-
ment of Finance, on condition of
anonymity,confirmed her resignation,
although no further details were given.
Manila Standard tried to reach Mag-
no through mobile call and text mes-
sage but she did not respond.
Online reports said Magno was
asked by Malacañang to resign. The
Presidential Communications Office
has yet to react to this development as
of press time.
The reports said Magno’s apparent fir-
ing from the DOF was triggered by her
Facebook post that allegedly criticized the
imposition of a rice price ceiling.
On Facebook, Magno wrote: “A
wise man told me, if you do your job
with integrity, you will be back in UPSE
soon,” referring to the University of the
Philippines School of Economics.
Prior to that, Magno also posted on FB
that “I miss teaching.” Magno told ABS-
CBN News in an interview that she was
grateful for the opportunity to serve the
Filipino people, “but I think the academe
will give me the flexibility I need to advo-
cate for good policies.” (See full story
online at manilastandard.net)

was correct in imposing a price cap as it
was the only effective way to discourage
hoarders and price manipulators from
carrying on with their illegal schemes.
PBBM...
From A1
“The Philippines remains resolute
towards the peaceful resolution
ofdisputes. We continue to support
freedom of navigation and overflight, and
the rules-based international order in the
South China Sea,” Marcos said.
"We must not allow tensions in the
South China Sea to further escalate," he
added.
The East Asia Summit was attended
by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Australian
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japan
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South
Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, US
Vice President Kamala Harris, and other
world leaders.
In his speech, Marcos also expressed
his concern about the illegal,unreported,
and unregulated fishing and the
militarization of reclaimed features in the
South China Sea.
The President has been pushing the
ASEAN community for a peaceful and
responsible way of dealing with disputes
in the Indo-Pacific region.
Previously, the President praised the
progress in negotiations on the Code of
Conduct in the South China Sea, which
‘ASEAN,...
From A1
their full support for and cooperation
with the ASEAN.
To ensure food security, President
Marcos said regional mechanisms, such
as the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency
Rice Reserve, must be strengthened.
He urged the ASEAN Plus Three to
consider diversifying the emergencyre-
serve by adding other commodities and
staple foods to strengthen food security
and eradicate hunger and malnutrition
in the region.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Ro-
mualdez on Thursday lauded the call
of the President to broaden coopera-
tion among ASEAN members and their
partners in East Asia to help feed their
citizens in times of need.
“The recent spike in rice prices
worldwide underscores the urgent need
for stronger regional cooperation to
ensure mutual food security and the
President’s call for action at the APT
Summit is a prudent course of action,”
Romualdez said.
In July, global prices for rice shot
to their highest level since Septem-
ber 2011, spurred by the decision of
India to ban exports of the grain in
a bid to tame soaring food prices at
home.
“Neighbors helping feed each other
is the highest and sincerest form of co-
operation,” Romualdez said.
On Thursday, Mr. Marcos urged
ASEAN to establish a “Loss and Dam-
age Fund” to combat climate change.
"Countries with the smallest carbon
footprints disproportionately bear the
heaviest burden of climate change. We
need to urgently realize the Loss and
Damage Fund (LDF) to catalyze assis-
tance to address climate change," Mar-
cos said during a speech at the 18th East
39 ordering a ceiling in the prices of rice:
P41 per kilo for regular milled rice and
P45 for well-milled rice.
The action came after the
have been going on for more than 20 years.
Mr. Marcos had earlier urged ASEAN
to resist the “hegemonic ambitions” in the
South China Sea but did not single out
China in his remarks.
But on the sidelines of the ASEAN-
China Summit, Marcos told Chinese
Premier Li Qiang that the Philippines
will continue to push for cooperation with
China, the Palace said Thursday.
A week before the ASEAN Summit,
China drew international ire for using a
10-dash line map that marks nearly the
entire South China Sea—including areas
within the exclusive economic zones of
other countries like the Philippines—as
Chinese territory.
On the sidelines of the summit in
Jakarta, Japan, the United States and
the Philippines agreed to jointly address
unilateral attempts to change the status
quo, Japanese officials said.
Prime Minister Kishida, Vice
President Harris, and President Marcos
Jr. also pledged to further strengthen the
three nations' cooperation "in various
forms" during their brief talks in Jakarta,
according to the Japanese Foreign
Ministry.
The talks were held as Washington
and two of its security allies, Tokyo and
Manila, have been boosting ties to counter
Beijing'smaritime assertiveness in the
Asia Summit.
Mr. Marcos said climate financ-
ing, which is complemented by viable
and effective technology transfer and
country-specific capacity building, is
needed to expedite a “just transition” to
a climate-resilient economy.
At the plenary session of the 43rd
ASEAN Summit on Tuesday, Marcos
urged the ASEAN to pressure the more
developed countries to strengthen the
implementation of their commitments
at the upcoming 2023 United Nations
Climate Change Conference.
As one of the most disaster-prone
countries in the world, Marcos said the
Philippines would continue to give pri-
ority to internationalcooperation that
would make ASEAN climate-smart
and disaster-ready through the ASEAN
Center for Biodiversity.
Also on the sidelines of the summit:
• The President hailed India's com-
mitment to support the ASEAN push
for stability and peace in the Indo-Pa-
cific region. “Allow me also to begin by
thanking India for supporting ASEAN
during
the last Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM) Meeting where India stood in
solidarity with ASEAN, especially on
our call to factually update paragraphs
on the South China Sea in the NAM
Ministerial Outcome Document,” he
said at the ASEAN-India Summit. Mr.
Marcos praised India’s influence and its
efforts to promote the rule of law as a
major power in the region.
• Mr. Marcos and Cambodian Prime
Minister Hun Manet vowed to commit
to stronger cooperation between the two
nations. The President raised the possibil-
ity of importing rice from Cambodia and
further boosting commercial aviation be-
tween the two countries. “I see that there’s
so much room for growth, so much room
for partnership," the President said. With
Maricel V. Cruz (See full story online at
manilastandard.net)
Comelec warns
enough rice supply in the country during because just having that as an assurance
a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of will stabilize the situation, not only for the
the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Philippines but for all of us in the region,”
Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia. President Marcos said.
of vote-buying
Indo-Pacific region against the backdrop
of the US-China rivalry.
ASEAN on Wednesday raised
all other states.”
There is a need to “enhance mutual
trust and confidence” and to “exercise
ahead of BSKE
concerns over “serious incidents’ in self-restraint in the conduct of activities DISTRIBUTING anything of value
the South China Sea that have “put the that would complicate or escalate disputes such as t-shirts, fans, caps, and ballers
to campaign for the 2023 Barangay
safety of all persons at risk” and caused and affect peace and stability, andavoid
and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
damage to the maritime environment. actions that may further complicate the (BSKE) could be considered vote-buy-
These incidents have “increased tensions situation,” the regional bloc said. ing or vote-selling, the Commission on
and may undermine peace, security, While the ASEAN did not directly Elections said on Thursday.
and stability in the region,” the regional mention China, Asia’s largest economy Meanwhile, 65 petitions to cancel
bloc said in its Chairman’s Statement— has been repeatedly criticized for illegally certificates of candidacy (COC) and
without specifically naming China. building airstrips and other military disqualify candidates for the nation-
“We discussed the situation in the facilities in shoals within other countries’ wide village elections have been filed,
South China Sea, during which concerns exclusive economic zones. the poll body said.
were expressed by some ASEAN member In August, several countries— including Also, two alleged accomplices in
states on the land reclamations, activities, some ASEAN members— condemned the killing of a village chief seeking re-
and serious incidents in the area, the Chinese Coast Guard’s use of a water election in the upcoming BSKE in Taal
including actions that put the safety of cannon against Philippine vessels delivering town in Batangas province were arrest-
all persons at risk, damage to the marine fresh supplies to Filipino soldiers station ed, a police official said on Wednesday.
environment, which have eroded trust and near Ayungin Shoal. At a public briefing, Comelec spokes-
confidence, increased tensions, and may ASEAN emphasized the “need to person Rex Laudiangco stressed that the
undermine peace, security, and stability in maintain and further strengthen stability maximum size for posters and tarpaulins is
the region,” the statement read. in the maritime sphere” through the 2x3 feet; 8.5x14 inches for leaflets and fli-
“We reaffirmed the importance of crafting of a Code of Conduct in the ers; and 3x8 feet for banners and streamers.
maintaining and promoting peace, security, South China Sea. “Any other kind of campaign para-
stability, safety, and freedom of navigation “We emphasized the need to maintain phernalia such as t-shirts, ball caps,
baller bands, and others, because they
in and overflight above the South China Sea and promote an environment conducive
have value, that could be considered
and recognized the benefits of having the to the COC negotiations, and thus as a method of buying votes," he said.
South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, welcomed practical measures that could
Vince Lopez (See full story online at
and prosperity,” it read. reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, manilastandard.net)
“We emphasized the importance of misunderstandings, and miscalculation,”
non-militarization and self-restraint in the it said. (See full story online at
conduct of all activities by claimants and manilastandard.net)
‘Entering...
From A1
DepEd:... months to 2 years or a fine ranging from
From A1 P100,000 to P300,000.
Under our law, if you provide false
He said DepEd will also implement "child-find procedures" to determine or fictitious information or used ficti-
the reasons why some students are not returning to school. tious identity or fraudulent ID to reg-
ister your SIM, you can be put behind
“The reason for not enrolling is not because they are displaced. Public
bars," Salvahan said.
schools do not refuse enrolment,” Bringas said.
On Wednesday, the National Bureau
“Schools will employ child-find procedures to determine reasons
for not returning to school. ALS will be the other alternative for them of Investigation informed the Senate that
to continue if they are unable to continue formal schooling for some they successfully registered a SIM using
reasons,” he added. a photo of a monkey when they tested the
systems of various telco providers.
Meanwhile, amid calls to review the Universal Access to Quality
This prompted lawmakers to seek
Tertiary Education (Republic Act No. 10931), Senator Sherwin Gatchalian amendments to the implementing
is seeking the expansion of the capacity of State Universities and Colleges rules and regulations of the SIM
(SUCs) to ensure that more qualified students can receive free college Registration Act.
education. Salvahan said the NTC has al-
He said the free higher education law, which he co-authored and co- ready ordered telco firms to submit
sponsored, increased the number of basic education learners who pursued data on similar incidents of fraudu-
college. lent or fictitious registration.
Before the enactment of the free higher education law, the progression He also warned people against sell-
rates from high school to college stood at 54% and 62% for Academic ing pre-registered SIMs as unauthorized
Years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, respectively. transfer may result in imprisonment be-
When the free higher education law was implemented, the progressionrate tween 6 months and 6 years or a fine
from senior high school to college surged to an average of 81% from 2018 ranging from P100,000 to P300,000.
to 2022. Salvahan said the NTC is aiming to
Senator Pia Cayetano, for her part, backed the position of both Finance release the amended IRR of the SIM
Secretary Benjamin Diokno and CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera that Registration law next week.
there is a need to revisit the free tertiary education program. Authorities were also looking at
"We will continue supporting the financial assistance to students. Butwe the possibility of limiting the number
also need to prioritize the courses that would have a direct contribution to of SIMs one can register as there was
no provision under the existing law on
economic and social development," Cayetano said.
setting a cap. (See full story online at
"We have to allocate our limited public funds judiciously," Cayetano
manilastandard.net)
added.
ularly employing less than 10 workers will pay, service incentive leave(SlL), and
DOLE:... see their daily pay rise to P385. social security benefits such as SSS,
From A1 Meanwhile, agricultural workers in PhilHealth, and Pag-lBlG."
Calaca and Carmona will see anincrease of "About 1.6 million full-time wage and
order is to take effect 15 days from its P89 in their daily wage due to their locali- salary workers earning above the mini-
publication or on Sept. 24. ties' reclassification as component cities. mum wage may also indirectly benefit as
Non-agricultural workers in the re- The new rates are expected to ben- a result of upwardadjustments at the en-
gion will see their pay increase to P520 efit over 719,000 minimum wage earn- terprise level arising from the correction
per day. ers in the region, DOLE said. of wage distortion," it added.
On the other hand, service and retail es- DOLE said this will result in a "com- In June, the wage board approved
tablishments employing 10 or fewer work- parable 23 percent increase in wage- a P40 hike in the minimum wage in
ers and manufacturing establishments reg- related benefits covering 13th-month Metro Manila.
 NEWS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 A3
mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FOR MAKATI.
IN BRIEF A resident of
Brgy. Pitogo--a
community
5 ecstasy shipments formerly under
the jurisdiction
worth P14m seized of Makati City
but is now part
AGENTS assigned to the Ni- of Taguig City-
noy Aquino International Airport -stands before
(NAIA) intercepted five drug ship- posted messages
ments worth more than P14 million asking residents
at the Central Mail Exchange Center to unite to retain
in Pasay City. their district
Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task under Makati City.
Force (CAIDTF) operatives discov- Danny Pata
ered five parcels of ecstasy and its
raw material at CMEC, originating
from France and the Netherlands.
The shipments were consigned to
five individuals, namely Ma. Isa-
belle Albano, Lexter Malabanan,
Abelardo Rabago, Gerlyn Guinto,
and Angelina Strik
Customs officials said ecstasy is a
Class-A drug, which is an artificial
stimulant popular among clubbers.
Officials said those who take the

BI: Rules revised for Pinoy tourists

drug can have a rush of energy, which
makes them alert, excited, and happy.
The Port of NAIA is set to turn over
the seized shipments to the Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency for proper
disposition. Joel E. Zurbano

By Vito Barcelo of foreign nationals holding tourist The MOA aims to provide a sim-
11 Chinese, 3 Pinoys or other limited period of stay visas plified and more efficient means of
nabbed for gambling are no longer required to undergo the processing, collecting, verifying, and

POLICE arrested 11 Chinese and 3
Filipinos in a raid on an illegal gam-
bling den inside a salon in Bayview
Drive, Tambo, Parañaque City.
Authorities conducted the raid af-
ter receiving a tip that the salon was
a front for gambling operations, ac-
cording to Police Lieutenant Colonel
Jolet Guevara, chief of the District
Special Operations Unit (DSOU) of
the Southern Police District.
Guevara said the salon was a front,
“but when you enter, you will see a
large area full of machines that we
call fish table games.”
“It’s like he’s in an arcade, the one
T
HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will implement
CFO’s guidance and counseling pro- sharing information needed by both
new regulations to lessen the requirements previously gram (GCP). agencies through system interoperabil-
imposed on Filipinos with foreign partners departing to However, the CFO clarified that the ity and real-time data sharing.
meet or marry abroad. requirements for Filipinos departing Meanwhile, Immigration Officers
with immigrant or with long-term per- assigned at the Ninoy Aquino Inter-
manent residence visas, spouse or part- national Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3
The BI said this streamlining plan been disseminated to their immigration ner visas, J1 visa holders bound for the barred from entering the country an
follows the recommendations set by officers nationwide. United States of America, and au pair American national tagged as a regis-
the Commission on Filipinos Overseas The streamlined requirements were visa holders bound for Europe remain, tered sex offender (RSO).
(CFO) for departing Filipino tourists. part of the 2023 Revised Guidelines on which requires them to secure the GCP The American, identified as Gabriel
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco Departure Formalities released by Inter- prior to departure. Rodriguez, 34, attempted to enter the coun-
said the agency has already coordinated Agency Council Against Trafficking, but The new rule is set to be implement- try but was intercepted by BI officers.
with the CFO to address issues on the which implementation was suspended. ed after the CFO signed a memorandum Records reveal that Rodriguez has
travel requirements for departing Fili- Under the new guidelines, Filipino of agreement on the shared government been convicted in 2019 in the US for
pino tourists, adding the new rule has fiancées, spouses, and other partners information system on migration. unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

PH once again
who catches fish then the correspond- FOR THE
ing points equivalent to money. So ENVIRONMENT.
they will bet a token and then after Members of

Asia’s leading
the money comes out, the Philippine the Pamalakaya
money will be cashed out. The value fisherfolk group,
together with
per token is P1,000. Although they use
environmental

a machine, their money bets are big.
It’s clear that this is illegal gambling,”
Guevara added. Vince Lopez
‘Prisons: Breeding
grounds of despair’
REP. Brian Raymund Yamsuan of
Bicol Saro Partylist lamented the
Bay pending a review
deterioration of the country’s penal
institutions into “breeding grounds
with environmental
of despair and recidivism.”
The lawmaker is also urging his
colleagues to help revert these insti-
tutions into “places of rehabilitation
and transformation.”
In demonstrating the appalling
state of the Philippines’ penal facili-
ties, Yamsuan in a privilege speech
said officials of the Bureau of Jail
Management and Penology (BJMP)
have informed him that there are
only 16 medical officers and 3 psy-
chiatrists to provide health care ser-
vices to persons deprived of liberty
(PDLs) locked up in district, mu-
nicipal and city jails managed by
the agency throughout the country.
Maricel V. Cruz
dive destination
activists protest
against the
dumping of wastes
as well as ongoing THE Philippines has once again secured
reclamation and
dredging projects.
the title of Asia’s “leading dive destination”
after bagging the award at the prestigious
The government 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA), the De-
has suspended partment of Tourism (DOT) said Thursday.
all 22 reclamation
The country clinched the title for the
projects in Manila
fifth consecutive year at the preemi-
of their compliance nent WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Cer-
emony 2023 in Vietnam on Sept. 6.
regulations. “The Philippines’ fifth consecutive win
Norman Cruz as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination fur-
ther affirms the unparalleled beauty and
mega biodiversity of our country loved by
divers and tourists all over the world,” said
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.
Frasco said this is a testament to the
Philippines’ commitment to sustainable
tourism development and strengthened
collaboration with tourism stakeholders.
“From our ridges to our reefs, you
will never run out of reasons to Love
the Philippines,” she added.
DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar
Hofer Tamano personally received the
WTA Asia’s Leading Dive Destination
2023 trophy, which was awarded based
on public votes and validation from the
group’s panel of travel professionals.
The following Philippine private

Teodoro asks lawmakers to allow Defense to provide OT, hazard pay

DEPARTMENT of National Defense
(DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
is asking lawmakers for a special pro-
vision allowing the DND to provide
overtime and hazard pay for its civilian
disaster and arsenal personnel.
Teodoro made the request during the
budget hearing of the House Committee
on Appropriations for the department.
Teodoro, quoted by GMA News, said:
“we have a little bit of lambing to you,
some special provisions to allow us to
pay our civilian employees overtime
pay and, in situations where warranted,
hazard pay.”
The Defense chief added that em-
ployees of the Office of Civil Defense
(OCD)--an agency under the DND—do
not get hazard pay “but PhiVolcs and
other employees do.”
“Government arsenal personnel need
hazard pay because they work in a very
hazardous environment,” Teodor said.
He also asked for a special provision to
allow the government arsenal to barter or
sell scraps to generate funds, lessen envi-
ronmental hazards and remove long and
complicated processes in disposing of them.
Aside from this, Teodoro is also calling
for some amendments including the re-
establishment of hospitals in the govern-
ment arsenal, GMA News also reported.
tourism stakeholders also bagged no-
table victories at the WTA Asia &
Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023:
• Okada Manila (Asia’s Leading Ca-
sino Resort)
• Discovery Shores Boracay (Philip-
pines’ Leading Beach Resort 2023)
• Travelite Travel and Tours Co.
(Philippines’ Leading Destination
Management Company 2023)
• Seda Hotels (Philippines’ Leading
Hotel Group 2023)

Navy frigates upgraded with anti-torpedo modules

FRENCH defense manufacturer Naval
Group on Wednesday announced that it
has outfitted anti-torpedo reaction mod-
ules to the Philippine Navy’s (PN) two
Jose Rizal-class missile frigates.
The company said on August 31, its
Contralto anti-torpedo reaction mod-
ule was successfully installed into the
C-Guard decoy launching system of
the PN’s two Jose Rizal class frigates.
“This important milestone is part
of the contract signed in December
2021 to provide an anti-torpedo de-
fense system based on Naval Group’s
Canto/Contralto solutions,” it added
in a statement.
Under this contract, Naval Group
would supply these defensive systems to
the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP
Antonio Luna (FF-151). The commis-
sioning of the anti-submarine warfare
and Contralto anti-torpedo reaction
modules completes the armament of the
two Jose Rizal-class frigates.

Drilon: Restrict intelligence funds to NBI, military

By Macon Ramos-Araneta
FORMER Senate President Franklin
M. Drilon is proposing to restrict con-
fidential and intelligence funds to agen-
BOOK NOOK IN TABACO CITY. Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro speaks cies responsible for security and peace-
during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting and official launching of the Book Nook at the Tabaco keeping operations.
City Library.
He said these funds should only be
allocated to organizations--military or
civilian--such as the National Bureau of
Investigation (NBA), which is directly
engaged in intelligence gathering for
security and peace and order purposes.
“Only those agencies involved in gath-
ering intelligence should be given con-
fidential and intelligence funds. That
should be the clear standard,” Drilon said.
He said agencies not directly in-
volved in confidential and intelligence
gathering such as the Department of
Education (DepEd) should rely on the
information provided by intelligence
agencies rather than receiving confi-
dential funds.
A4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
NEWS
Stable supply of chicken, eggs seen IN BRIEF
SC disbars prosecutor
for grave misbehavior
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE Supreme Court (SC) has disbarred
a prosecutor after she was found guilty

S
PEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday of violating the Code of Professional
lauded the initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos, Responsibility for uttering foul and of-
Jr. to hasten the acquisition of avian flu vaccines that fensive remarks to the justices and for
would help revitalize the country’s poultry industry and ensure insulting the Bar Confidant.
affordable food on every Filipino family’s table. In a per curiam decision, the SC or-
dered lawyer Perla D. Ramirez to be
stricken off the Roll of Attorneys af-
This developed after President, con- attributed to the threat of the avian flu. ter finding her guilty of violating the
current Secretary of the Department of “The President is keenly aware of the Lawyer’s Oath and Rule 7.03 of Canon
Agriculture, met Tuesday night with plight of the poultry industry sector, 7, Rule 8.01 of Canon 8, and Rule 11.03
leading Indonesian animal health firm and the engagement with Vaksindo is of Canon 11 of the Code of Profession-
PT Vaksindo Satwa Nusantara. a positive step towards addressing the al Responsibility (CPR), or the canons
Vaksindo intends to cooperate with problem of avian flu that continues to governing lawyers’ conduct towards
its offshore partner, Unahco Inc. (Uni- beset this sector,” Romualdez said. the legal profession and the courts.
vet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare “Making avian flu vaccines available “This Court has always reminded
Co.) Philippines on veterinary vaccines to our poultry sector, along with the members of the Bar that the practice of
and plans to invest around $2 million adoption of best practices, would help law is not a right, but a mere privilege
this year. ensure we could sustain the encourag- which is subject to the inherent regula-
Likewise, it would soon provide the ing signs of recovery of the industry,” tory power of this Court. It is impera-
Philippines with avian flu vaccine. he added. tive for lawyers ‘to observe the highest
“The early delivery of Vaksindo vac- He said this is the reason why the degree of morality and integrity not
cines could spur the revitalization of meeting with Vaksindo officials was only upon admission to the Bar, but also
our country’s poultry industry which among the President’s top priorities in throughout their career in order to safe-
has faced serious challenges due to his trip to Indonesia to participate in guard the reputation of the legal profes-
the continuing threat of the avian flu,” the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related sion,” the SC ruled. Rey E. Requejo
Romualdez said. Summits in Jakarta,” he added.
Among others, he noted that egg pro- The Speaker expressed hopes for
ducers recently confirmed a 20 percent the enactment of a law that would MMDA moves to ease
drop in their production due to the cull-
ing of at least 10 million chicken lay-
establish the Virology and Vac-
cine Institute of the Philippines, Katipunan Ave. traffic
ers as an offshoot of the avian flu, first envisioned to focus on applied re- THE Metropolitan Manila Develop-
reported in the country in 2017. search and studies to develop ment Authority (MMDA) on Thurs-
As a result, prices of eggs spiked diagnostic kits and vaccines not day inspected Katipunan Ave. in
early this year with the average cost of only for humans but also for animal Quezon City to address traffic con-
a medium-sized egg in Metro Manila and plant diseases. gestion in the area, particularly dur-
markets rising from ₱6.90 to ₱8.70. In In December 2022 the House of Rep- ing rush hours.
some markets, prices even reach ₱10 resentatives approved on third and MMDA general manager Procop-
for a regular-sized egg. final reading its version of the meas- PH SPEAKER MEETS US VP. Speaker Martin Romualdez of the Philippines walks io Lipana said the agency was study-
On the other hand, the price of whole ure, or House Bill No. 6452. The with United States Vice President Kamala Harris Wednesday night as they join the ing measures to mitigate traffic as it
chicken in Metro Manila ranged from Senate has yet to pass the counter- delegates to the Philippine-American bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN has observed worsening traffic con-
P150 to P200 as of June this year, partly part bill. Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. gestion in the area.
“We are looking at adjusting At-
eneo de Manila’s entrance gate for

Garin says DOH Solon censures PhilHealth execs’ 300% salary hikes
vehicles without stickers to accom-
modate more vehicles that would
lessen traffic congestion in Katipu-
nan Ave.,” he said. Joel E. Zurbano

adviser on public ANAKALUSUGAN Party-list Rep.

Ray Reyes on Thursday sought a con-
Reyes, vice chair of the health com-
mittee, filed the resolution calling
allowances threefold in the middle of a
pandemic,” Reyes said.
Abalos says DILG used
health no expert
gressional inquiry into the Philippine for the House inquiry after Phil- “They cannot even provide a zero
Health Corp. (PhilHealth) for prioritiz- Health officials confirmed the find- balance billing for its members despite funds wisely, effectively
ing the increase of its executives’ pay ings were true during budget delib- millions collected in additional increas-
during the pandemic. erations this week. es in premium contributions, billions of DEPARTMENT of the Interior and
DEPUTY Majority Leader and Il- Local Government (DILG) Secre-
In filing House Resolution 1261, “It is ridiculous and reeks with cal- proceeds from their investments, and
oilo Rep. Janette Garin on Thursday tary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the
Reyes urged the House Committee lous lack of empathy that PhilHealth the multiple sources of funding provid-
slammed the appointment of former DILG and its attached agencies have
on Health to look into the tripling of thought it necessary to apply for a cer- ed for by several statutes enacted for the
Special Adviser to the National Task
PhilHealth executives’ pay in 2022. tification to increase their salaries and purpose,” he added. Maricel V. Cruz been “prudent and effective” in the
Force against COVID-19 Dr. Tony utilization of its funds as 98.7 per-
Leachon, saying that he is not an ex- cent or P139.366-billion out of the
pert on public health. total P141.2-billion obligation for the
Garin questioned Leachon’s exper- UNRAVELING first semester of fiscal year 2023 had
tise on public health following his PERENNIAL already been disbursed.
appointment as special adviser for TRAFFIC “We assure you that the DILG is
non-communicable diseases of the SNARLS ON
KATIPUNAN prudent in utilizing the funds intend-
Department of Health (DOH).
During the budget deliberations AVENUE. ed for their allocated purpose. The
Officials of the Department ensures transparency
on Wednesday, it was revealed Metropolitan Manila in financial management following
that Leachon does not have a mas- Development existing auditing rules and regula-
teral or doctorate degree in Public Authority and tions,” Abalos said.
Health to be considered an expert the Quezon City In his report during the budget
in the field. government pore hearing at the House of Representa-
Furthermore, Garin cited a state- at a road map of tives, Abalos explained that of the
ment of Presidential Adviser on Peace the Katipunan Ave.
P141.206-billion fund, P123.508-bil-
Carlito Galvez Jr. who claimed that vicinity in an attempt
to the root cause lion went to personnel services for
the data released on vaccines were the entire DILG family, including
“skewed” and “malicious.” of the daily traffic
mess and find the all its attached agencies; P15.642-
“Do you think its fair for the Depart- most viable options billion for maintenance and other
ment of Health to (to give) P100,000 to hasten vehicular operating expenses and P2.055-bil-
to a person whose statements were flow. Manny Palmero lion for capital outlay, as of June 30,
always skewed and malicious?...I’m 2023. Vince Lopez
saying this because as a Secretary of
Health, you have allies and colleagues
with you whose tasks and functions

Tulfo eyes Senate inquiry on abusive practices by money lenders

will be affected,” Garin told Health
Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
“You can hire him as your personal
consultant, but you cannot give him
the platform of the Department of
Health because that is a lot different,”
Garin added.
Instead of giving compensation to
a non-expert, Garin said the money
should be allotted to the MAIP (Medi-
cal Assistance for Indigents Program)
workers. Maricel V. Cruz
By Macon Ramos-Araneta
SENATOR Raffy Tulfo seeks a Sen-
ate investigation on the alleged unfair
debt collection practices of lending
companies involving harassment of
borrowers and other abusive means to
collect payments.
Tulfo stressed the need for a probe
to solve the mounting complaints
number of against abusive lenders in
the industry.
In his Senate Resolution (SR) No. 746,
Tulfo lamented that some lending com-
panies even post libelous and defama-
tory articles on social media buy and
sell groups, collecting payments from
random contacts of their borrowers, and
sending coffins and death threats.
Despite the laws and regulations,
Tulfo divulged that there was still an
alarming number of lending compa-
nies failing to disclose their online
lending platforms and employing abu-
sive debt collection practices to the
detriment of consumers.
He added that these lending companies
also commit significant violations of Re-
public Act No. 10173 or the “Data Privacy
Act of 2012”, with most of the companies
facing numerous complaints with the Na-
tional Privacy Commission.

Arjo sees governance ‘not that simple’

A NEOPHYTE lawmaker has admitted that he was
overwhelmed by the complexities and intricacies of
the problems of governance.
At a flag raising ceremony of the House of Represent-
atives hosted by the Legislative Information Resources
Management Department, Quezon City Rep. Juan Car-
los “Arjo” Atayde also cited the “unwavering dedication
and commitment” of government workers.
“I realized that problems and issues confronting
our nation were not that simple.
He emphasized that while it was quite easy for out-
siders to comment on national issues, “crafting vi-
able solutions requires collaboration, expertise, and
an understanding of the complexities involved.”
Atayde expressed his appreciation for the work-
force of Congress, saying it was his “first time
speaking to the staff and employees of the House.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to all of you
for welcoming me—a first-time public servant, a
rookie legislator—with open arms,” he added.
“Our bureaucracy, in truth, is a machine with
many moving parts, governed by many laws. The Fil-
ipino civil servant often has to deal with a myriad of
problems with limited resources. Kalimitan kailan-
gan mag-overtime ang government employee, nang
walang dagdag na bayad, para lang magawa ang tra-
baho nya,” Atayde said.
Atayde emphasized the importance of continuous
improvement, collaboration, and competence in pub-
lic service.
“It’s not enough to want to do good; we have to
know how to mobilize our resources, particularly our
human resources, in order to address our constitu-
ents’ concerns. We representatives need the help of
our staff here in Congress, and the assistance of our
staff in our district offices, as well as the personnel ACTOR-POLITICIAN IS INITIATED IN GOVERNANCE. Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde
of so many other government offices, to be able to (front row, center) praises the workers of Congress as he leads the flag raising ceremony of the House of
better help the people we represent,” he said. Representatives hosted by the Legislative Information Resources Management Department on Monday.

Contributory negligence
NEGLIGENCE is “the conduct which creates
undue risk of harm to another, the failure to observe
that degree of care, precaution and vigilance that
the circumstance justly demand, whereby that
other person suffers injury” (Philippine National
Construction Corporation v. Court of Appeals, et
al., G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“The test for determining whether a person is
negligent in doing an act whereby injury or damage
results to the person or property of another is this:
could a prudent man, in the position of the person
to whom negligence is attributed, foresee harm to
the person injured as a reasonable consequence
of the course actually pursued?” (G.R. 159270,
August 22, 2005).
“The question as to what would constitute the
conduct of a prudent man in a given situation
must of course be always determined in the light
of human experience and in view of the facts
involved in the particular case.”
“Reasonable men govern their conduct by the
circumstances which are before them or known to
them, [t]hey are not… omniscient of the future”
(Picart v. Smith, G.R. L-12219, March 15, 1918).
“Hence, they can be expected to take care only
when there is something before them to suggest or
warn of danger.”
“Conduct is said to be negligent when a prudent
man in the position of the tortfeasor would have
foreseen that an effect harmful to another was
sufficiently probable to warrant his foregoing
conduct or guarding against its consequences”
(Picart v. Smith, G.R. L-12219, March 15, 1918).
With this in mind, “[w]hoever by act or
omission causes damage to another, there being
fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the
damage done” (Article 2176, Civil Code of the
Philippines). However, “[w]hen the plaintiff’s
own negligence was the immediate and proximate
cause of the injury, he cannot recover damages”
(Article 2179, Civil Code of the Philippines).
If the proximate cause of the injury is the
defendant, the plaintiff can recover damages.
“[And] if [the plaintiff’s] negligence was only
contributory, the immediate and proximate cause
of the injury being the defendant’s lack of due
care, the plaintiff may recover damages, but the
courts shall mitigate the damages to be awarded”
(Article 2179, Civil Code of the Philippines).
If the proximate
cause of the injury
is the defendant, the
plaintiff can recover
damages
In the case of Philippine National Construction
Corporation (PNCC) v. Court of Appeals, et al.,
Pampanga Sugar Development Company, Inc.
and the Toll Regulatory Board entered into a
Memorandum of Agreement wherein the former
was allowed to enter and pass through the North
Luzon Expressway.
In the early morning of January 23, 1993, Alex
Sendin, PNCC security personnel supervisor
together with two (2) other co-employees were
patrolling Km. 72 going north of the NLEX.
“They saw a pile of sugarcane in the middle
portion of the north and southbound lanes of the
road, [and] [t]hey placed… lane dividers with
reflectorized markings, to warn motorists of the
obstruction.”
They “proceeded to the PASUDECO office,
believing that the pile of sugarcane belonged to it
since it was the only milling company in the area.
They requested for a payloader or grader to
clear the area.
However, Engineer Oscar Mallari,
PASUDECO’s equipment supervisor and
transportation superintendent, told them that no
equipment operator was available as it was still
very early” (G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“Nonetheless, Mallari told them that he
would send someone to clear the affected area.
Thereafter, [the PNCC employees] went back to
Km. 72 and manned the traffic [until]… around
4:00 a.m., [when] five PASUDECO men arrived
and started clearing the highway of the sugarcane
[and]… stacked the sugarcane at the side of the
road” (G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“As the bulk of the sugar canes had been piled
and transferred along the roadside, Sendin thought
there was no longer a need to man the traffic.
As dawn was already approaching, [the PNCC
personnel] removed the lighted cans and lane
EARLIER in July, the Philippines was facing a
very serious water supply problem.
Water concessionaires in Metropolitan
Manila, the region which apparently uses
the largest volume of water in the country,
announced plans to cut water distribution to
keep the water supply viable until the situation
improves.
Those plans, however, were changed by
the many typhoons that suddenly came to the
country.
The water levels in the country’s dams rose
to levels high enough to secure the nation’s
water security for the meantime, estimated to
last for only about three months.
Then there is the anticipated El Niño
phenomenon, which means a protracted period
of intense dryness, as well the unmitigated
effects of global warming.
So far, the prognosis on the water supply
situation in the Philippines is not very
encouraging, particularly for the agricultural
industry that depends on irrigation.
The National Irrigation Administration
is the government agency tasked to, among
others, monitor and develop available water
Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard
Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo
de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.
Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229
(connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554,
(Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post
Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net
OPINION
dividers [and] Sendin went to his office in Sta.
Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan, and made the necessary
report” (G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“At about 6:30 a.m., Rodrigo S. Arnaiz, a
certified mechanic and marketing manager of
JETTY Marketing, Inc., was driving his two-
door Toyota Corolla… along the NLEX at about
65 kilometers per hour… with his sister Regina
Latagan, and his friend Ricardo Generalao…
on their way to Baguio… ran over the scattered
sugarcane, [and] flew out of control and turned
turtle several times” (G.R. 159270, August 22,
2005).
The Supreme Court said “that the petitioner
(PNCC) failed to exercise the requisite diligence
in maintaining the NLEX safe for motorists.
“The lighted cans and lane dividers on
the highway were removed even as flattened
sugarcanes lay scattered on the ground [while] [t]
he highway was still wet from the juice and sap
of the flattened sugarcanes” (G.R. 159270, August
22, 2005).
Affirming the findings of the Court of Appeals,
“[b]oth defendants, appellant PASUDECO and
appellee PNCC, should be held liable.
“PNCC, in charge of the maintenance of the
expressway, has been negligent in the performance
of its duties. The obligation of PNCC should not
be relegated to, by virtue of a private agreement,
to other parties” (G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“PASUDECO’s negligence in transporting sugar
canes without proper harness/straps, and that of
PNCC in removing the emergency warning devices,
were two successive negligent acts which were the
direct and proximate cause of Latagan’s injuries.
“As such, PASUDECO and PNCC are jointly
and severally liable” (G.R. 159270, August 22,
2005).
“Where the concurrent or successive negligent
acts or omissions of two or more persons, although
acting independently, are in combination with the
direct and proximate cause of a single injury to
a third person, it is impossible to determine in
what proportion each contributed to the injury and
either of them is responsible for the whole injury”
(G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“Thus, with PASUDECO’s and the petitioner’s
successive negligent acts, [make them] joint
tortfeasors who are solidarily liable…”
However, regarding the “respondent Arnaiz’s
negligence in driving his car [at an unreasonably
high speed], both the trial court and the CA agreed
it was only contributory and considered the same
in mitigating the award of damages in his favor
as provided under Article 2179 of the New Civil
Code” (G.R. 159270, August 22, 2005).
“Contributory negligence is conduct on the part
of the injured party, contributing as a legal cause
to the harm he has suffered, which falls below the
standard which he is required to conform for his
own protection.
“It is an act or omission amounting to
want of ordinary care on the part of the person
injured which, concurring with the defendant’s
negligence, is the proximate cause of the injury”
(G.R. 190022, February 15, 2012).
In the case of Philippine National Railways
Corporation, et al. v. Vizacara, et al., “[i]t was
established during the trial that the jeepney carrying
the respondents was following a ten-wheeler truck
which was only about three to five meters ahead.
“When the truck proceeded to traverse the
railroad track, Reynaldo, the driver of the jeepney,
simply followed through [because he was] under
the impression that it was safe to proceed” (G.R.
190022, February 15, 2012).
“[T]here was no crossing bar to prevent them
from proceeding or, at least, a stoplight or signage
to forewarn them of the approaching peril.”
“He proceeded to cross the track and, all of
a sudden, his jeepney was rammed by the train
being operated by the petitioners… [these]
circumstances … negate the imputation of
contributory negligence on the part of the
respondents” (G.R. 190022, February 15, 2012).
In the case of De la Cruz v. Octaviano, et al.,
“[p]laintiff Renato Octaviano’s right leg was
crushed by the impact of the Honda Civic driven
by defendant Dela Cruz against the tricycle where
the Octavianos were riding and as a result thereof,
Renato’s right leg was amputated.
“Plaintiff Wilma Octaviano suffered traumatic
injuries/hematoma on different parts of her
body…” (G.R. 219649, July 26, 2017).
Full text at www.manilastandard.net
Did NIA’s Antiporda ignore the expected water crisis?
resources for irrigation purposes, and to
address all concerns regarding the supply of
water for nationwide irrigation throughout the
year.
A certain Benny Antiporda was the Acting
NIA administrator for the substantial part of
2022.
News reports available online reveal that
Antiporda has been at the center of a number
of alleged irregularities in government service.
It appears that back in September 2020,
Antiporda, who was then an undersecretary
of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, was questioned about
the costly dolomite beach constructed by
the DENR along a segment of the coast of
Manila Bay.
The dolomite was shipped in from Cebu.
According to the news reports, ex-Kabataan
partylist representative Terry Ridon publicly
asked Antiporda to explain why the dolomite
beach was overpriced at P389-million, with
P360-million remaining unaccounted for.
Scientists from the University of the
Philippines Marine Science Institute and an
official of the Archdiocese of Manila also
questioned Antiporda about the beach project.
The scientists maintained the project
staunchly defended by Antiporda is bad for the
environment.
ManilaStandard
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
can be accessed at:
ONLINE manilastandard.net
MEMBER
PPI
Philippine Press Institute
Edgar M. Valmorida
The National Association
of Philippine Newspapers
Tuition-free college education
should continue
N
O ONE should be
left behind. That’s
the goal that our
education system should
aspire to. Now and in the
future.
But it appears Finance Secretary Benjamin
Diokno has other ideas—and not exactly to give
the youth from the poor and disadvantaged sectors
in our society comprising nearly a fourth of the
total population the means to acquire college
education and improve their lives.
The head of the administration’s economic
team is pushing for a review of free college
education in state universities and colleges
(SUCs) because, he said, the program is
“unwieldy, inefficient and wasteful” and
government resources are finite.
He wants the Universal Access to Quality
Tertiary Education (UAQTE) law enacted during
the previous administration to be radically changed
to remove the “universal” part to “limited,” that is,
only to those who pass a national examination.
The problem with this kind of thinking is it
is highly discriminatory and leaves those who
have undergone less-than-ideal primary and high
school education no opportunity to pursue quality
All-out war vs. rice hoarders/manipulators
WHAT the cap or ceiling on rice prices ordered
by President Marcos Jr. really means is this: The
days of rice smugglers, hoarders and profiteers are
numbered.
It is nothing less than a declaration of war
against those who have nothing else in their minds
than to burn a hole in our pockets and hope they
can get away with it.
Executive Order 39, signed by Executive
Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 31, imposes a
price cap of P41 for regular milled rice and P45
for well-milled rice.
The price ceiling took effect nationwide last
September 5.
But the government said the price ceilings are
temporary and will stay only until the harvest
season starts and rice imports begin to arrive by
the middle of this month.
That’s the clear message we get from various
statements from Malacañang.
Before he left for Indonesia early this month to
attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit, the President gave
assurances that while there he would constantly
monitor the rice supply and price situation.
“We in the Department of Agriculture and
other agencies do not see any compelling reason
why rice prices should go up to over P50 per
kilo,” he said.
“Our investigation has revealed that this is due
to price manipulation by smugglers and hoarders.”
The President has been concurrent Secretary of
the Department of Agriculture since he took office
on June 30 last year. That’s because, he said, food
security is among his top priorities.
“My approach toward economic issues is
to avoid any intervention and let the market
do its work. But (unseen) market forces are
manipulating prices and that is why what we have
done is to impose price ceilings for rice. We will
continue to run after smugglers and hoarders.”
It is true, as he pointed out, that Filipinos now
suffer from high prices.
There’s the northward trajectory of just about
everything from fuel to basic food items.
Hence, the government has been forced to
resort to price controls to help the people.
“This is a new system we are implementing.
But we have been forced to do this because
our people need help. We are doing this so that
Filipinos do not have to spend so much for rice.
There’s really no reason why rice prices should go
up,” he told media.
Marcos pointed out: “We know there will be
retailers who stand to lose money because they
bought rice at higher prices. Now they will have
to sell their rice stocks at lower prices.
Observers say
Antiporda did nothing
concrete while he was
at NIA to prepare the
country’s agricultural
sector for the
anticipated long dry
spell
In response, Antiporda insisted at P389-
million the dolomite beach project was not
overpriced.
For reasons unknown, Antiporda eventually
deviated from the issue and criticized Ridon
for the latter’s past travel expenses.
Sarcastically, Antiporda offered to give
Ridon a lecture on basic mathematics.
Impertinently, Antiporda branded the
UPMSI scientists “paid hacks” of undisclosed
interests groups, and, as such, the scientists
Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser
Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager
Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions
Circulation Manager
EDITORIAL
Secretary Diokno
headed the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas
during the previous
administration and
presumed to have
approved the tuition-free
college education law
higher education that would give them new skills
and knowledge necessary to turn their lives
around.
Secretary Diokno, it should be pointed out,
headed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during
the previous administration and presumed to have
approved the tuition-free college education law.
Why is he now singing a different tune,
considering that he graduated from the state-
funded University of the Philippines?
No wonder groups such as the Alliance of
Concerned Teachers (ACT)-SUCs are stoutly
opposed to Diokno’s proposal, saying efforts
“We are well aware of this but the Department
of Trade and Industry and the Department of
Agriculture are drawing up a list of our rice
retailers and the associations of rice retailers.
“They are calculating how much the retailers
would lose because of the price cap.”
The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), the President explained, has
enough funds to help retailers recoup their losses.
The Department
of Social Welfare and
Development, the
President explained, has
enough funds to help
retailers recoup their
losses
The latest development here is that ayuda to
the tune of P15,000 would be available for rice
retailers who can prove that they sold rice at the
required price ceilings.
Make no mistake about the government’s
political will.
It will definitely run after violators of the rice
price ceiling ordered by Malacañang, according to
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
“We are now forming teams that will visit
various markets, and we are currently studying
the various possible cases that can be filed against
those who do not comply with the mandated rice
price ceiling,” he said.
The cases that can be filed against violators
include economic sabotage, which is a non-
bailable offense, and profiteering.
At the same time, the DOJ is also looking at the
supply side of the issue.
“We are studying the supply side to understand
where these people are coming from, the basis for
the high pricing, and why it’s happening because
we need to understand the root of the problem.”
But even if, as expected, there is opposition
to the price ceilings from certain groups, the
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has
gathered those in the MIMAROPA and Eastern
Visayas regions have already expressed support
for the government move.
have no right to criticize the dolomite beach
project.
Ridon replied he did not need any math
lecture from Antiporda because he (Ridon)
took up finance and economics at the
University of the Philippines and at Harvard
University in the United States.
Thereafter, a group of Filipino scientists
demanded Antiporda’s resignation from the
DENR for his rude remarks about the UPMSI
scientists.
Actually, Antiporda’s statement that the
UPMSI scientists have no right to question the
dolomite beach project is baseless, patently
mistaken and legally untenable because P389-
million in taxpayers’ money was involved in
Antiporda’s project.
Being so, the public at large had,
undoubtedly, the right to question the cost of
the project.
In June 2022, a columnist from another
publication revealed that Antiporda made a
pseudoscientific attempt to justify the dolomite
beach project through a supposed aquarium
experiment.
The columnist said Antiporda’s experiment
was criticized by many for its lack of scientific
parameters.
Later in November 2022, when Antiporda
was already with the NIA, the Office of the
Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher
Chin Wong Associate Editor
Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor
Jimbo Owen Gulle News Editor
Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
Honor Blanco Cabie, Editor
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
B1
“to scrimp” on tertiary education subsidy appear
“contemptuous of our Filipino youth.”
The group pointed out that Diokno’s statement
that the UAQTE program is wasteful is alarming
as the budget for the program “only totals… 0.83
percent of the 2023 national budget” but has
granted free college education to over two million
students in SUCs.
“How can that be seen as a waste of public
funds?” they asked.
Diokno has argued that an indicator of
wastefulness is the rising dropout rate.
He cited data from the Commission on Higher
Education showing that at least 40 percent of
pandemic-era students either paused or stopped
attending school.
But critics say this is not the fault of the students
forced to stop schooling during the pandemic
because of the tight economic situation resulting
from job losses and closure of many businesses.
What Secretary Diokno ought to do, as a
first step, may be to trim the fat in top-heavy
government offices.
Then he should take the lead in fighting
corruption in those agencies that everybody
knows are already steeped in shady deals.
If the World Bank is to be believed, over a
fourth of our national budget is lost to corruption
every year.
Surely the Department of Finance—led by
Diokno himself—has enough power and influence
in his hands to remedy this dire situation.
We have the Bantay Buklura ARBs and Farmers’
Association in MIMAROPA who said they support
the government’s decision to implement the mandated
price ceilings on rice as they hope the price of the food
staple will be made affordable to ordinary Filipinos.
The Palawan ARC Cooperative Federation
also expressed its support for the implementation
of the mandated rice price caps as this would
eliminate the unhealthy competition among rice
traders who are taking advantage of the situation.
They said this would get rid of the abusive
cartels who are playing a big part in the
manipulation of rice prices.
The Malsada Pisco farmers’ group in Leyte also
welcomed the price cap since consumers will now
be able to buy rice products at a reasonable price.
“We support the mandated price ceilings on
rice because this is a big help for us farmers,” the
San Isidro Organic Farmers Association said in
the vernacular.
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
MORE
OPINION
ONLINE
(www.manilastandard.net)
What can PH do
with China’s
nine-dash line?
Ombudsman put Antiporda under preventive
suspension for six months without pay,
pending the investigation of complaints filed
against him by NIA employees.
The complaints accused Antiporda of grave
misconduct, harassment and oppression.
According to the complaints, Antiporda
threatened NIA employees, bullied them
during the weekly flag-raising ceremony,
maligned them through the media, misled
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. about certain
public-private partnership deals, and required
NIA technicians to repair the air-conditioners
at the Antiporda residence.
It was also alleged that when Antiporda was
still acting NIA administrator, he repeatedly
demanded that the word “acting” be dropped
from his official title.
In December 2022, President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. finally fired Antiporda.
When he was still the acting chief of the
NIA, what did Antiporda do to prepare for the
dry times predicted for agricultural irrigation
nationwide?
Observers say Antiporda did nothing
concrete while he was at NIA to prepare the
country’s agricultural sector for the anticipated
long dry spell.
That’s bad news for the agricultural sector
and the general public as well.
Honor Blanco Cabie Opinion Editor
Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer
 CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

WORLD
Manila
Standard
TODAY

B2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US posts $1-b Ukraine aid; Russian strike kills 17

K
YIV, Ukraine—US in the eastern Donetsk region—in one war crimes,” the bloc said in a statement.
of the deadliest strikes in weeks. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena
Secretary of State “They smashed everything, all the Baerbock wrote on X, formerly Twitter,
Antony Blinken shop windows, everything was strewn that “this Russian war of aggression is an
announced $1 billion of around,” an eyewitness told AFP. attack on international law, on humanity.”
“Thank God we are alive, of course. Meanwhile, White House spokes-
aid during a surprise visit But the girls who were selling there, woman Karine Jean-Pierre said the
Wednesday to Ukraine, they are all dead,” the witness said. incident underscored “the importance
which suffered a Russian Images distributed by officials of continuing to support the people of
showed rescue workers picking through Ukraine as they defend their territory.”
strike that killed at least 17 the debris and carrying away some of During a meeting with Zelensky,
people at a market. the 32 people reportedly wounded in the Blinken reiterated Washington’s support
blast, which left vehicles charred and ki- for Kyiv in its fight to liberate territory
The attack, which President Volody- osks torn to pieces. in the south and east.
myr Zelensky de- “Anyone in the world who is still “We are determined in the United
EXTRAJUDICIAL scribed as deliber- dealing with anything Russian simply States to continue to walk side by side
SETTLEMENT OF
ESTATE – LATE ate and “heinous,” ignores this reality,” said Zelensky. with you. And President Biden asked
ROSARIO FLORES WITH
WAIVER OF RIGHTS drew international “Heinous evil. Brazen wickedness. me to come to reaffirm strongly our sup-
Notice is hereby given that c o n d e m n a t i o n
Utter inhumanity.” port,” he told Zelensky.
the intestate estate of the late from the West, He later accused Russia of deliberately “We see the important progress that’s be-
ROSARIO PARAISO FLORES
WITH WAIVER has been including accu- targeting civilians and said there were no ing made now in the counteroffensive and
extrajudicially settled by among
their heirs as per EXTRAJUDICIAL sations of war military units “anywhere near” the scene. that’s very, very encouraging,” he added.
SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF
ROSARIO PARAISO FLORES, crimes.
The European Union condemned the The new $1 billion aid package,
executed on 20th July 2023 and
entered as per Doc. No. 237,
Projectiles tore strike along with the “escalation” of which includes $665.5 million in mili- INTERNATIONAL CONDEMNATION. A Ukrainian military member walks
Page No. 46, Book No. IX, Series through the center Russian attacks on “civilian objects” tary and civilian security assistance, past burned cars at a market following a Russian strike in Kostyantynivka, Ukraine’s
of 2023 of the notarial registry of
Atty. John Edward Trinidad Ang, a of Kostiantynivka
that has seen hundreds killed or wound- would further “build momentum” for eastern Donetsk region on Wednesday, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A Russian
notary public for the City of Manila. —a town of near- ed in recent weeks. the counteroffensive, Blinken said at a strike killed at least 17 people at a market in east Ukraine, officials said, in an attack that
(MS-SEPT. 8/15/22, 2023)
ly 70,000 people “Intentional attacks against civilians are later press conference. AFP President Volodymyr Zelensky described as deliberate and ‘heinous.’ AFP
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Chinese delegation to visit North Korea for key anniversary

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT
National Capital Judicial Region
BRANCH 106, QUEZON CITY
rtc2qzn106@judiciary.gov.ph/8639-6019
AUGUSTUS L. CUI
Petitioner,
SEOUL—A high-level delegation of Chinese officials rea’s party and government, it added. economic benefactor, their relationship forged in the
-versus- R-QZN-23-04443-CV will visit North Korea this week to attend celebrations China’s foreign ministry confirmed the trip, saying bloodshed of the Korean War in the 1950s.
For: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage
under Article 36 of the Family Code for a key national holiday, both sides said Thursday. the delegation will visit North Korea “starting from North Korea has been largely closed off from the
Pyongyang celebrates the 75th anniversary of September 8”. outside world since early 2020, when it shut its bor-
MARIA JUANITA ATIENZA-CUI,
Respondent. the country’s founding day on September 9 and the “We believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, ders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
x------------------------------------------x
ORDER OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
nuclear-armed state has previously indicated it will this visit can be a complete success and promote the But after three years of COVID-induced isolation,
In a verified Petition for Declaration of Nullity of Marriage filed
hold a “militia parade” to mark the event. further deepening and development of China-DPRK there are increasing signs Pyongyang may be becom-
on May 9, 2023, petitioner prays that after due hearing, his A delegation headed by China’s vice premier Liu ties,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. ing more flexible on border controls.
marriage to the respondent which was solemnized on March
30, 1995, by Hon. Edgardo D. Alfonso Jr., Judge, Municipal Trial
Guozhong “will visit the DPRK to participate in the “China and North Korea are close neighbors con- North Korea’s first international commercial flight
Court, Branch 5, Olongapo City be declared NULL AND VOID AB celebrations of the 75th birthday,” of the country, the nected by mountains and rivers, and the two parties in three years landed in Beijing last month.
INITIO, on the ground of psychological incapacity of the parties to
comply with the essential marital of obligations.
official Korean Central News Agency said, using the and countries have always maintained a tradition of Pyongyang also allowed a delegation of athletes
country’s official acronym. friendly communication.” to attend a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan in
Summons was issued on June 26, 2023. The Return of
Summons states that the respondent was no longer residing
The visit came “on the invitation” of North Ko- Beijing is North Korea’s most important ally and August. AFP
thereat and is currently abroad.

Escaped killer
On July 19, 2023, petitioner filed a Manifestation (with Motion
for Leave to Serve Summons by Publication) praying that
the service of summons be effected upon the respondent by
publication which was granted, per Order dated August 8, 2023
EMERGENCY
OPERATION.
evades police
of the court.
NOW, THEREFORE, respondent MARIA JUANITA ATIENZA- A man walks
CUI whose last known address is at 311 Filtration Street, Sta. through a street
Rita, Olongapo City, is summoned and required to file with the

in manhunt
Regional Trial Court, Branch 106, Quezon City, National Capital
covered with mud
Judicial Region, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Quezon City, her and debris after a
Answer to the petition within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the last cyclone in Muçum,
date of publication of this summons. In the event of failure to
do so, this court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct Rio Grande do
an investigation to determine whether or not collusion exists Sul State, Brazil
between the parties in the filing of the instant petition; and if it is
on Thursday. NEW YORK—The manhunt con-
determined that there is no such collusion, the petitioner shall be
allowed to present his evidence in support of the petition. The death toll tinued for a sixth day Wednesday
Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive from a cyclone (Thursday in Manila) for a convicted
weeks in a newspaper of national circulation, pursuant to P.D. No. that unleashed murderer who escaped from prison
1079, at the expense of the petitioner.
torrential rain in Pennsylvania, with local schools
Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the and flooding rose closed and residents asked to lock
petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and
sent by registered mail to the respondent at her last known to at least 36, their doors.
address also at the expense of the petitioner, and for petitioner to authorities said, as Almost a week after 34-year Bra-
submit to this court proof of compliance.
the region braced zilian national Danelo Cavalcante
SO ORDERED. for more violent slipped away from the Chester Coun-
Quezon City, August 15, 2023. weather. AFP ty Prison, hundreds of law enforce-
(Sgd.) NOEL L. PAREL ment officers with helicopters, drones
NLP/trc
Presiding Judge and search dogs were still out in full
force looking for the fugitive.
OSG “Residents... are asked to lock
ACP
Counsel their doors, check their cars and be-

At least 36 dead in Brazil cyclone, many still stranded

Petitioner
Respondent (MStandard - Sep. 1 & 8, 2023)
longings, and to stay aware of their
surroundings,” the Chester County
District Attorney’s office said in a
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES statement on Facebook.
REGIONAL TRIAL COURT MUCUM, Brazil—The death toll hit town of Roca Sales, where emer- of emergency, called it the deadliest The fugitive was last spotted on
NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION from a cyclone that unleashed tor- gency workers recovered six bodies. weather disaster ever to hit Rio Grande Tuesday.
BRANCH 100, QUEZON CITY rential rain and flooding on southern “There were so many people scream- do Sul, as hundreds of rescue workers, “Last evening, we had another sight-
rtc1qzn100@judiciary.gov.ph
Tel. No. 8639-1731 Brazil rose to at least 36 Wednesday ing, calling for help. We’re only alive police and volunteers continued ef- ing of Cavalcante by a resident in the
(Thursday in Manla), authorities thanks to God,” he told AFP. forts to reach areas cut off by flooding. area,” Pennsylvania State Police offi-
IN Re: SETTLEMENT OF INTESTATE
ESTATE OF THE LATE DR. ROGELIO B.
said, as the region braced for more Flash floods and landslides obliter- More than 5,300 people have been cial George Bevins told reporters. “The
BELLEZA, JR., violent weather. ated huge swathes of the affected com- forced from their homes, with at least team searched the area for hours but
With the flood waters forcing some munities, leaving trails of wrecked 52,000 residents and 70 towns affect- were unable to locate him.”
R-QZN-22-07829-SP
FEMINDA B. BELLEZA, residents to climb onto their roofs, a houses and muddy brown water. ed in all, authorities said. Prison officials on Wednesday re-
Petitioner. major emergency operation was un- It is the latest in a series of deadly Leite warned the situation could leased a video showing how Caval-
X---------------------------------------------X
derway, with one official saying more weather disasters to hit Brazil, which worsen, with more rain forecast for cante, who was sentenced to life in
CONNIE R. BELLEZA, than 1,000 people were awaiting res- experts say are likely being made late Wednesday and into Thursday, prison for stabbing his girlfriend to
Administratrix.
X------------------------------------------------X cue. worse by climate change. Brazil’s independence day. death, was able to make his escape.
ORDER The storms, which started Monday, Governor Eduardo Leite, who went President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva In the clip, the convict, wearing a
Pursuant to Section 1 Rule 86 of the Revised Rules of Court, left whole neighborhoods submerged on a flyover of flood-hit areas, said said he had spoken with the governor white T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, is
notice us hereby issued requiring all persons having money
claims arising from contracts, express or implied, whether in the southern state of Rio Grande do thousands of people were waiting to and promised his administration’s sup- seen crab-walking up two parallel
the same be due, not due or contingent, all claims for funeral Sul. be rescued. port. walls and then climbing to the roof.
expenses, and expenses of the last sickness of decedent Dr.
Rogelio B. Belleza, Jr., and judgment for money against him, to “The water rose so fast, I didn’t even “There are still a lot of families “I reiterated that the federal govern- Bevins warned residents that Cav-
file them in this Court bot more than twelve (12) nor less than have time to take anything with me. I stranded on the roofs of their houses,” ment is at the disposal of the people of
six (6) months after the date of the first publication of this notice. alcante was likely looking to bur-
lost everything,” said Paulo Roberto he said. Rio Grande do Sul to face this crisis,” glarize their homes looking for food,
The appointed administratrix of the estate of decedent Dr. Neto Vargas, 39, a resident of the hard- The governor, who declared a state Lula wrote on X, formerly Twitter. AFP clothes and other supplies. AFP
Rogelio B. Belleza, Jr. is ordered to cause the publication of this
notice for three (3) successive weeks in a newspaper of general
circulation chosen by raffle, and its posting for the same period in
four (4) public places in the province where the properties of the
decedent lie as well as in two (2) public places in the city where
the decedent last resided. Within ten (10) days after the notice
has been published and posted, the appointed administratrix
Wildfire evacuees return to Canada’s north SPACE
RACE.
is directed to file before this Court a printed copy of the notice OTTAWA, Canada—Residents of The first flights to Yellowknife An H-IIA rocket
accompanied with an affidavit setting forth the dates of the
first, second, and last publication thereof and the name of the the northern Canadian city of Yel- landed in the morning while thou- carrying a small
newspaper in which the same is printed. lowknife started returning home sands were expected to arrive by car lunar surface
Let herein notice be posted for the same period at the bulletin Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), over the coming days. probe and
Boards this Court, the Office of the Clerk of Court, RTC, Quezon three weeks after wildfires forced A big “Welcome Home” sign on other objects
City, and City Assessor’s, Office, main entrance of the Quezon
City Hall Building and at the Barangay Hall of the barangay where its evacuation as tens of thousands the side of the highway marked the lifts off from the
the decedent resided immediately prior to his demise.
across the Northwest Territories fled. way for drivers. Tanegashima
Space
The appointed administratrix is require to render a true “We’re home!” exclaimed Steph Waiting for them, according to of-
and just account to the Court within one (1) year from the Center on
appointment, and at any time when so required by the Court Hendrix on Instagram, posing with a ficials and local media, Yellowknife Tanegashima
pursuant to Section 8 Rule of 85 of the Rules of Court. broad smile under blue skies outside grocery stores have stocked their island,
SO ORDERED. her house in Yellowknife, with her shelves, and municipal services such Kagoshima
23 May 2023, Quezon City, Metro Manila. partner and their dog. as garbage pickup were set to resume prefecture on
(Sgd.) EDITHA G. MINA-AGUBA She said they were excited to drive this week. Thursday. Japan
Copy furnished:
Presiding Judge home, but that “seeing the devasta- “I want to extend a warm welcome launched the
tion of the fires along the way was back home,” Yellowknife Mayor Re- rocket carrying
ZOMSLAW OFFICES
Counsel for the Petitioner sobering and sad.” becca Alty said in an online video post. what it hopes
aimacapundag@zomslaw.com; zomslawoffice@gmail.com
An evacuation order was down- “Yellowknife will look a little dif- will be its first
successful
PALATTAO LAW OFFICE
graded on Wednesday as the fire ferent,” she said, pointing to fire
Counsel for the Administratrix Moon lander,
palattaolaw@gmail.com; mcb@palattao.com; jkm@palattao.com threat has subsided. breaks installed around the city to live footage
FEMINDA B. BELLEZA Although officials said there has help protect it. from the
Petitioner
been no fire damage to infrastructure She urged residents to be self-reli- country’s
CONNIE R. BELLEZA
Administratrix
and property in the regional capital, ant for a few days on their return and space agency
Conniebelleza73@yahoo.com residents were told to brace for new to be patient as “stores are getting up showed. AFP
(MStandard - Aug. 25, 2023 & Sep. 1 & 8, 2023) measures to control blazes. and running.” AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK


Stocks end 4-day advance
on new Fed hike concerns
By Jenniffer B. Austria
T
HE local stock market ended its four-day advance
as investors tempered expectations on the US
Federal Reserve’s next moves.
The 30-company Philippine Stock
Exchange index dropped 58.62 points,
for 0.94 percent, to close at 6,183.07,
while the broader all-shares index de-
clined 21.26 points to settle at 3,346.99.
China Bank Capital managing direc-
tor Juan Paolo Colet said latest data
from Europe, China and the United
States dampened sentiment and contrib-
uted to selling pressures.
“The stronger-than-expected ISM ser-
vice index for August, which reached
54.5, its highest since February 2023,
US consumer
savings boost
economy—Fed
WASHINGTON, United States—
The US economy saw “modest”
growth over the summer as consum-
ers kept the wheels turning by dip-
ping into rapidly diminishing savings
to finance tourism spending, the Fed-
eral Reserve said Wednesday.
The US economy has shown signs of
resiliency in recent months despite an ag-
gressive campaign of interest rate hikes
by the Fed to tackle high inflation.
A recent spurt of good economic
news has led analysts to cut the likeli-
hood of the world’s biggest economy
entering a recession this year, while
keeping pressure on the Fed as it bat-
tles inflation through rate increases.
Analysts and traders broadly ex-
pect the central bank to hold interest
rates steady this month amid signs of
a slowdown in new job creation and
uptick in unemployment.
In its regular report on econom-
ic conditions known as the “beige
book,” the Fed indicated that positive
economic news could soon come to
an end, along with consumer savings
accumulated during the pandemic.
“Contacts from most Districts in-
dicated economic growth was mod-
est during July and August,” the Fed
said on Wednesday, in contrast to its
previous report noting only “slightly”
increasing growth.
“Consumer spending on tourism
was stronger than expected, surging
during what most contacts consid-
ered the last stage of pent-up demand
for leisure travel from the pandemic
era,” the Fed added. AFP
Chinese exports,
imports decline,
fuel stimulus calls
BEIJING—China’s exports and im-
ports sank again in August, data showed
Thursday, adding to growing pressure
on authorities to introduce fresh stimu-
lus for the world’s number two econ-
omy even as the figures showed some
sign of improvement.
The threat of recession in Europe and
high inflation in many major economies
has contributed to a plunge in demand
for Chinese goods, which has been com-
pounded by tensions with the United
States and a move by parts of the West to
reduce dependence on Beijing.
On top of that, a much-anticipated strong
recovery following the lifting of painful
zero-Covid rules at the end of last year has
run off the tracks, while the gargantuan
property sector continues to teeter.
All of which has given leaders a
headache as they try to reinvigorate
growth while at the same time trying
to recalibrate the economy from one
driven by state investment to one that
is consumer-led and more sustainable.
Customs figures Thursday showed
they have a long way to go to achieve
the latter, with imports shrinking 7.3
percent on-year last month as consum-
ers remained reluctant to purchase
while prices fell in July for the first
time in more than two years.
Exports—which have historically
served as a key growth engine for Chi-
na— sank 8.8 percent.
Still, the pace of contraction in both
was slower than the previous month
and was better than the nine percent
drop forecast by economists in a survey
by Bloomberg News.
Shipments to Western countries in
August fell significantly on-year, with
US-bound goods diving 17.4 percent
and those to the European Union 10.5
percent lower. AFP
signaled strong US economic activity and
led some investors to scale back expecta-
tions of the path of the Federal Reserve’s
interest rate cuts next year,” Colet said.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research and
engagement officer Mikhail Plopenio
said the local bourse also mirrored the
drop in Asian markets caused by the
rise in US Treasury yields and concerns
over China.
“The market opened and stayed in the
red territory for the whole session. Mar-
ket participation was weak with net value
CHINA-AUSTRALIA DIALOGUE. Australia’s former trade minister Craig Emerson and China’s former foreign minister Li
Zhaoxing attend the 7th China-Australia High Level Dialogue at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on September 7, 2023. AFP
United Nations called for strict rules,
age limits on AI tools in classrooms
PARIS, France—The United Nations
called on Thursday for strict rules on
the use of AI tools such as viral chatbot
ChatGPT in classrooms, including lim-
iting their use to older children.
In new guidance for governments, the
UN’s education body UNESCO warned
that public authorities were not ready
to deal with the ethical issues of rolling
out “generative” Artificial Intelligence
programs in schools.
The Paris-based body said relying
on such programs rather than human
teachers could affect a child’s emotion-
al wellbeing and leave them vulnerable
to manipulation.
“Generative AI can be a tremendous
opportunity for human development,
but it can also cause harm and
prejudice,” said Audrey Azoulay of
UNESCO.
“It cannot be integrated into educa-
Some infra projects, malls must submit traffic impact study
INFRASTRUCTURE projects like
railways, toll roads and bridges are
designed to speed up traffic and the
delivery of goods and services. Faster
transportation leads to increased
economic production by way of
creating new economic opportunities
and generating more jobs.
Major railway and toll road projects
also ease traffic, especially in the
metropolis, and eliminate the gridlock
often found in busy road lanes such as
EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, España Blvd.
and Taft Avenue. They are specifically
drawn up to serve as alternative routes,
and as mode of mass transportation to
decongest traffic.
But what if some infrastructure
projects and centers of economic
activities, like mega malls and big
commercial centers, are built and,
instead, result in more traffic logjams
in Metro Manila?
Policy makers, perhaps, should
discourage certain infrastructure
projects that only worsen the bottleneck
in the capital region, and put a stop to
the construction of giant malls that lure
foot traffic and compound the logjam.
Schools also contribute to the traffic
problem.
The opening of certain private
schools in San Juan, as I’ve written in
this previous column before, caused a
BUSINESS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
extrastory2000@gmail.com
B3
PSEi September 7, 2023
TOP GAINERS
turnover of P3.5 billion,” Plopenio said. gloom that has characterized markets
1
2
3
PRC
GPH
ALCPD
LAST
PRICE
7.19
9.92
487.4
CHANGE
2.15
0.93
37.4
%
CHANGE
42.66%
10.34%
8.31%
Investors took fright Thursday at a for much of the summer has returned 4 MG 0.108 0.008 8.00%
forecast-busting reading on the US ser- as traders contemplate the possibility
vices sector that revived speculation the of more tightening and borrowing costs 5 FERRO 3 0.19 6.76%
Federal Reserve could lift interest rates kept elevated for an extended period to
6 LCB 0.085 0.005 6.25%
again, compounding a spike in oil pric- tame inflation.
es that has fanned fresh inflation fears. Decision-makers at the Fed have 7 PERC 4.54 0.25 5.83%
Wall Street dived and Treasury yields given differing views on the best way
rose after the release of the Institute of forward, with some calling for more 8 ENEX 6.2 0.33 5.62%
Supply Management figures, which dealt hikes and others suggesting rates are 9 EURO 0.79 0.04 5.33%
a blow to hopes the US central bank had high enough.
reached the end of its tightening cycle fol- Boss Jerome Powell has asserted that all 10 LOTO 3.56 0.17 5.01%
lowing a string of recent positive data. decisions will be made based on how the
The reading put further upward pres-
sure on the dollar, with the yen partic-
ularly in focus as it sat at its weakest
data stacks up over the coming months.
While the economy and the jobs mar-
ket have shown continued strength, there
TOP LOSERS
point for 10 months -- when Japanese is a growing worry on trading floors that LAST %
officials intervened in money markets more than a year of increases—and any PRICE CHANGE CHANGE
last year to prop it up. more should they come—could tip the 1 IPO 5.81 -1.69 -22.53%
After a rosy couple of weeks, the United States into recession. With AFP
2 PNX3B 23.85 -3.15 -11.67%
3 T 0.52 -0.05 -8.77%
4 APL 0.016 -0.001 -5.88%
5
6
X
TCB2A
0.245
0.85
-0.015
-0.05
-5.77%
-5.56%
7
8
PNX4
ZHI
159.4
0.076
-8.6
-0.004
-5.12%
-5.00%
9 SUN 0.81 -0.04 -4.71%
10 ACE 1.66 -0.08 -4.60%
MOST ACTIVE
VOLUME VALUE (PHP)
1 BDO 3,137,960 423,040,700
2 JFC 1,375,420 323,830,050
3 BLOOM 25,809,400 296,973,254
4 BPI 2,566,810 269,032,481
5 ALI 7,730,700 212,410,520
6 GTCAP 326,600 188,266,410
7 SMPH 5,215,900 155,289,970
8 SM 165,670 136,993,345
9 AC 183,470 113,371,820
10 ACEN 18,237,600 90,932,986
tion without public engagement, and
the necessary safeguards and regula-
tions from governments.”
Generative AI programs burst into
the spotlight late last year, with ChatG-
PT demonstrating an ability to generate
essays, poems and conversations from
the briefest prompts.
It sparked fears of plagiarism and
cheating in schools and universities.
But investors poured money into the
field and boosters targeted education as
a possible lucrative market.
The UNESCO guidance said AI tools
have the potential to help children with
special needs, act as an opponent in
“Socratic dialogues” or as a research
assistant.
But the tools would only be safe and
effective if teachers, learners and re- TRANSMISSION TOWER. Workers build an electricity transmission tower near
searchers helped to design them and Huai’an, in China’s eastern Jiangsu Province on September 7, 2023, part of a project to
governments regulated their use. AFP provide power for the Huai’an container port, which will be completed in 2025. AFP
gridlock along the northbound stretch implementing rules and regulations.
of EDSA that intersects Ortigas Avenue A consortium composed of six of
in Quezon City. For two straight days in the country’s biggest conglomerates
late August this year, the logjam at the earlier offered an unsolicited proposal
intersection created a two-kilometer to modernize NAIA and make it at par
traffic as all types of vehicles occupied with modern airports in Asia. With
at least three lanes of EDSA, jostling the makeover, the consortium assured
against each other before turning right NAIA would have the ability to serve similar to what is asked of new power
to Ortigas Avenue. up to 70 million passengers a year generation projects.
A growing population, the lack of efficiently, or more than double its Power companies have the obligation
mass transportation system and wide current capacity. to submit the SIS to National Grid
roads, and the continuous migration of But a modern NAIA with a much Corporation of the Philippines to
workers from the provinces have created bigger passenger capacity will certainly ensure their new projects can connect
the perfect storm that is causing mayhem contribute to the traffic logjam in Metro to the grid without causing issues to the
in the whole of the capital region. The Manila, unless it offered a solution to network.
traffic situation in the metropolis may get address the gridlock it will create. The conduct of the SIS is necessary
worse even before it improves. Growing Expanding Clark International to determine the capacity of the power
vehicle sales in the Philippines are further Airport in Pampanga seems to be a grid to accommodate a new generator.
constricting the capacities of the roads in more logical choice. It decongests It identifies necessary improvements,
traffic in the capital region, especially
Metro Manila. such as additional transmission lines,
The government has favored a if it incorporates a railway component. transformers, or substations.
decongestion policy to solve the traffic Modern urban centers in the world In the case of the SIS on traffic,
mess in the National Capital Region. build and design their airports with a authorities must require proponents to
But it is far from implementing one. rail link to improve the accessibility of offer solutions to the traffic that their
The Department of Transportation, passengers to downtown areas or, in projects may create. A government
for instance, is pushing through with some cases, suburbs or distant cities. agency in charge of approving the
the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino Building a satellite city just outside SIS should dismiss projects outright
International Airport (NAIA). Metro Manila that includes malls and if the proponents fail to address Metro
It began inviting interested parties to schools also makes better sense. Manila’s traffic congestion. The SIS
Authorities, in the meantime,
participate in a single-stage competitive on traffic should put teeth into the
bidding process for a rehabilitate- should require infrastructure project
government decongestion policy.
operate-expand-transfer modality in proponents, owners of mega malls
accordance with the Build-Operate- and big school operators to submit E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or
and-Transfer Law and its revised 2022 system impact studies (SIS) on traffic, extrastory2000@gmail.com
 BUSINESS
B4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
Roderick T. dela Cruz, Editor
Alena Mae S. Flores, Assistant Editor
business@manilastandard.net
extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSE INDEX CLOSING

Thursday, September 7, 2023
-58.62 PTS. TOTAL VOLUME 322,391,510
San Miguel, GMR plan to bid
for NAIA contract—Bautista
TOTAL TRADES 42,885
TOTAL VALUE (IN PHP) 3,852,646,435.95
ADVANCES 62

6,183.07 DECLINES
UNCHANGED
96
50

F oreign e xchange r ate

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
Currency Unit US Dollar Peso
United States Dollar 1.000000 56.9380
Japan Yen 0.006774 0.3857
UK Pound 1.250500 71.2010 By Darwin G. Amojelar Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance participation fee of P2.75 million or
Hong Kong Dollar 0.127514 7.2604 Global-Infracorp Development Inc., Fil- $50,000.

S
Switzerland Franc 1.122083 63.8892 AN Miguel Corp. and India’s GMR Group plan to bid invest Development Corp. and JG Sum- The issuance of the draft concession
Canada Dollar 0.733353 41.7557 mit Infrastructure Holdings Corp. agreement is set on Sept. 8, while the
Singapore Dollar 0.733407 41.7587 for the P171-billion contract to rehabilitate, optimize The DOTr and the Manila Internation- pre-bid conference will be on Sept. 22.
Australia
Bahrain
Dollar
Dinar
0.638100
2.652801
36.3321
151.0452
and maintain the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, al Airport Authority on Aug. 23 began The bid submission is scheduled on Dec.
Saudi Arabia Rial 0.266610 15.1802 the Department of Transportation said Thursday. inviting interested parties to participate 27, 2023.
Brunei Dollar 0.730727 41.6061
in a single-stage competitive bidding The DOTr said the bidder should have
Indonesia Rupiah 0.000065 0.0037 Transportation Secretary Jaime passengers in excess of 100 million an- process for a rehabilitate-operate-ex- a net worth of at least P20 billion and
Thailand Baht 0.028177 1.6043 Bautista said SMC and GMR bought bid nually and a partner of Megawide Corp. pand-transfer modality, in accordance would be required to post bid security of
UAE Dirham 0.272287 15.5035 documents for the NAIA rehabilitation for the Mactan Cebu International Air- with the Build-Operate-and-Transfer P1.71 billion standby letter of credit as
Euro Euro 1.072600 61.0717 project. port. Law and its revised 2022 implementing part of its bid proposal.
Korea Won 0.000751 0.0428 San Miguel Aerocity Inc., a wholly- Cosette Canilao, president and chief rules and regulations. “If the bidder is a consortium and any
China Yuan 0.136642 7.7801 owned subsidiary of San Miguel Hold- executive of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., Based on the invitation to bid, the consortium member or such consortium
India Rupee 0.012017 0.6842
ings Corp., the infrastructure arm of earlier said the Manila International concession agreement and certain other members’ affiliates is an airline-related
Malaysia Ringgit 0.214041 12.1871
New Zealand Dollar 0.587000 33.4226
SMC, is building the P734-billion New Airport Consortium also purchased bid documents that provide background in- entity, then such consortium member
Taiwan Dollar 0.031283 1.7812
Manila International Airport in Bu- documents for the NAIA project. formation on the project will be made cannot own or be proposed to own more
Source: BSP lacan, while India’s GMR is the largest The other members of the MIAC available to prospective bidders through than 33 percent interest in such consor-
private airport operator in Asia handling are AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., a virtual data room upon payment of a tium,” the agency said.

Factory output IN BRIEF

Foreign reserves fell
rose in July on below $100b in August
THE country’s gross international reserves

strong demand
declined to $99.8 billion as of end-August
2023 from $100 billion in July as the gov-
ernment settled some of its foreign debt, the

forecast for Q4
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Thursday.
It said the latest GIR level represented a
more than adequate external liquidity buffer
equivalent to 7.4 months’ worth of imports
of goods and payments of services and pri-
By Julito G. Rada mary income. It was also about 5.9 times the
country’s short-term external debt based on
original maturity and 4.1 times based on re-
THE manufacturing sector picked sidual maturity.
up in July 2023 in preparation for the “The month-on-month decrease in the
stronger demand expectations in the SM DIGI-U PROGRAM. The SM Prime Group comprised of SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Supermalls, SM Engineering, Design GIR level reflected mainly the national gov-
fourth quarter. & Development and SM Development Corp. solidifies its partnership with LinkedIn. Through the innovative SM Digi-U program, ernment’s payments of its foreign currency
Data from the Philippine Statistics powered by LinkedIn Learning, SM employees now have access to curated, on-demand courses, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly debt obligations and the downward adjust-
Authority showed Thursday that the changing business landscape. Attending the signing ceremony on Sept. 5, 2023 at the MOA Arena Annex Building in Pasay City are ments in the value of Bangko Sentral ng
SM Supermalls president Steven Tan (fourth from left), LinkedIn Learning Asia-Pacific head Geargina O’Brien (fourth from right) and Pilipinas’ gold holdings due to the decrease
volume of production index for man- in the price of gold in the international mar-
ufacturing registered a year-on-year other executives of SM and LinkedIn.
ket,” the BSP said.
increase of 5.7 percent in July, faster Net international reserves, which refer to

First Gen’s offshore LNG terminal ready for operations

than 3.4 percent in June and 3.6 per- the difference between the BSP’s reserve as-
cent a year ago. sets and reserve liabilities, fell by $100 mil-
“The higher annual growth of lion to $99.8 billion as of end-August from
the end-July level of $99.9 billion. The BSP
the VoPI in July 2023 was mainly
brought about by the annual in- By Alena Mae S. Flores the Department of Energy. FGEN LNG constructed its project earlier retained the GIR forecasts at $100
First Gen said in July that BW Batan- and executed a five-year time charter billion in 2023 and $102 billion in 2024.
creases in the same top three indus- Julito G. Rada
FIRST Gen Corp.’s interim offshore ter- gas floating storage regasification unit party for the BW Batangas to provide
try divisions that contributed to the
vessel is now berthed at the LNG ter- LNG storage and regasification servic-
higher annual rate of VaPI during the minal project in Batangas is now under
the commissioning process, an execu- minal. es. Cebu Pacific brings back
period,” the PSA said in a statement
posted on its website. tive said Thursday. First Gen awarded the contract to “The FGEN LNG terminal will ac- trademark piso sale promo
It said the manufacture of beverag- “First Gen Corp.’s LNG terminal is Shell Eastern Trading (Pte.) Ltd. for the celerate the ability to introduce LNG to CEBU Pacific brought back its trademark
now in the commissioning process, and first LNG cargo based on an interna- the Philippines, to serve the natural gas piso sale promo for domestic and interna-
es grew by 12.6 percent in July from tional destinations ahead of the holiday sea-
we look forward to utilizing LNG to tional tender. requirements of existing and future gas-
-11.4 percent annual decrease in the
support the energy security needs of the The LNG to be purchased by First fired power plants of third parties and son.
past month while the manufacture of The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group
Gen will be utilized by the company’s FGEN’s affiliates,” the company said.
coke and refined petroleum products island nation,” said First Gen executive said passengers could book their flights to
vice president and chief commercial of- gas-fired power plants at its Clean Ener- The company believes the FGEN select domestic destinations including Ba-
also expanded 36.2 percent from
15.9 percent in the previous month. ficer Jonathan Russell. gy Complex in Batangas City. First Gen LNG terminal will play a critical role in colod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, and Laoag and
The LNG terminal will be the second owns four gas-fired power plants with a ensuring the energy security of the Lu- international destinations such as Ho Chi
The manufacture of food products
to be completed this year, according to combined capacity of 2,017 megawatts. zon grid and the entire country. Minh City, Macau, Seoul, Singapore and
grew 1.2 percent, from a -3.1 percent Taipei for as low as P1 one-way base fare,
decrease in June 2023. exclusive of surcharges and other fees from
The PSA said of the remaining
19 industry divisions, six registered
year-on-year increases in July. In
SRA expects sugar harvests to grow 2.7% to 1.79m tons Sept. 7 to 10, 2023.
The travel period will be from April 1 to
Aug. 31, 2024, allowing passengers to book
contrast, 13 industry divisions post- ahead and score value-for-money fares.
ed annual declines during the period. By Othel V. Campos Yield may decline by 10 percent to Aside from the piso sale, the airline is
15 percent if the dry spell would be se- also offering a special 27-percent discount
The highest annual drop was ob- on CEB transfers for all routes serving Bora-
LOCAL sugar harvests may reach vere, Azcona said. The spate of strong
served in the manufacture of furni- cay, making travel to one of the world’s best
1.84 million metric tons in the crop typhoons in the fourth quarter of 2022
ture at -27.7 percent. island resorts much easier and more afford-
year 2023 to 2024, or 2.7 percent high- and the first half of 2023 affected the able. Darwin G. Amojelar
Michael Ricafort, chief econo-
er than 1.79 million MT a year ago, projected output of 2.2 million MT, he
mist of Rizal Commercial Bank-
ing Corp., said manufacturers
given a mild El Niño situation, based
on a pre-milling estimate by the Sugar
said.
The PSA said a severe El Niño
SMC plans to issue P65b
“ramp up importation, produc-
Regulatory Administration. would hit growing sugarcane harvest. worth of preferred shares
tion, inventory building and even- CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said
SRA administrator and chief execu- Azcona said the projected output
tually distribution to the domestic it is raising P65 billion from the issuance of
tive Pablo Luis Azcona said an addi- would be re-assessed on a mid-milling
and export market in preparation preferred shares.
tional 50,000 MT of raw sugar output estimate to determine if the expected SMC said its board of directors approved
for the fourth quarter holiday
was expected, if the dry spell would output was on track or if there was a the filing of shelf registration of 886.666
spending season.”
not be as severe as predicted by ex- need to revise it. million Series 2 preferred shares at P75
He said the storm damage since
perts as a long dry season favors sug- The Philippine sugar crop year starts apiece. The shares may be issued in tranches
the latter part of July 2023 also led
arcane output. on the first day of September until the for a period three years.
to some repair activities, leading to The company said for the initial offering,
“The outlook is basically very pre- last day of August of the following
a pickup in production activities. SRA administrator and chief executive it would issue up to 666,666 million pre-
liminary. That is based on the area year.
The value of production index for Pablo Luis Azcona ferred shares worth about P50 billion.
planted [to sugarcane] and based on The SRA said the country has The shares will be registered with the Se-
manufacturing increased at an an-
the production average last year,” He said an increase in hectarage ample stock of refined sugar, or curities and Exchange Commission and will
nual rate of 5.7 percent in July, faster
Azcona said at the sidelines of the planted to sugarcane would contribute about 200 percent better than last be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.
than the growth of 4.2 percent in the The SMC board authorized the manage-
2023 Sustainable Agriculture Forum to a prospective increase in yield in year’s and nearly two months worth
previous month. This was, however, ment to finalize other terms and conditions
organized by the European Cham- crop year 2023-2024, despite the clo- of inventory, buffered by the gov-
slower than the 12.1 percent increase of the offering including timetable and divi-
ber of Commerce of the Philippines sure of a sugar mill in Batangas. ernment-sanctioned importation of
in July 2022. dend rate for the preferred shares.
Thursday. 440,00 MT. Jenniffer B. Austria

Nidec’s P4.2-b investment in Subic expected to open 5,000 jobs

By Butch Gunio
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Nidec Subic
Philippines Corp. will soon open about
5,000 jobs from its expansion in this
Freeport, a top executive said Thursday.
Nidec Subic president Takeshi Ya-
mamoto disclosed this during a simple
awarding ceremony of the certificate of
registration with incentives under the
Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives
for Enterprises Act for the company’s
P4.2-billion expansion project.
Nidec Subic has a workforce of 622
employees, but the expansion project is
AIA GRANT. AIA Philippines renews for another five years the institutional grant expected to generate close to 5,000 job
with the National Museum as part of the company’s commitment in contributing
to nation-building and art appreciation in support of mental wellness. Signing the opportunities until the final incentivized
agreement are (from left) AIA Philippines head of branding and communications year. The expansion project, dubbed as
Bernadette Chincuanco, chief executive Kelvin Ang, National Museum director-general Project Kinematix, involves production
Jeremy Barns and deputy director-general Jorell Legaspi. and assembly of gearboxes for indus-
trial robotics gears.
Yamamoto said the company chose
Subic Bay Freeport for its expansion
because of its strategic location, making
it possible for them to market their prod-
ucts to the European Union, the United
States, Brazil, Korea and China.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan
led the simple ceremony, together with se-
nior deputy administrator for business and
investment Renato Lee III and business
and investment department for manufac-
turing and maritime manager Karen Mag-
no in awarding the COR to Yamamoto
and general manager Marissa Tamayo.
Tan said Kinematix is a new product
that is a high-accuracy gearbox used as
base, arm or shoulder for industrial ro-
bots for auto tool changer/ loader of ma-
chines. He said the aim of the expansion
of Nidec Subic Philippines is to produce
these gearboxes outside Japan.
“This is certainly a milestone for
Subic Freeport as this new product
will be solely manufactured by Nidec
Subic,” he said, adding that these gear-
boxes would be “Gawang Pinoy.”
He said this is the first expansion of
the company outside Japan which was
made possible due to the CREATE law.
Lee said the CREATE law enabled the
granting of the tax incentives including
a six-year income tax holiday, ten-year
special corporate income tax, 16-year
Customs duty exemption on importation
of capital equipment, raw materials, spare
parts and accessories; 16-year value-add-
ed tax zero-rating on local purchase and
a 16-year VAT exemption on importation.
 SPORTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 C1
Riera U. Mallari, Editor
Randy M. Caluag, Assistant Editor

House honors EJ Obiena

for bagging world tilt silver
By Maricel V. Cruz They said the Filipino ath-
lete “steadily ascended
THE House of Representa- and reached the standard
tives has commended and to qualify for the 2023
congratulated Filipino World Athletics Cham-
pole vaulter Ernest John pionships in Budapest,
“EJ” Uy Obiena for bag- Hungary by perfecting
ging the silver medal in the his pole vaulting skills
2023 World Athletics Cham- and showing exceptional
pionships held in Budapest, progress after finishing with
Hungary last August 26. Ernest John a bronze medal during the
The message of commenda- Obiena previous World Athletics
tion is contained in Resolution Championships held in Or-
1255, which the House adopted unan- egon, United States of America.”
imously on Wednesday. They said Obiena was the “only
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Ro- Filipino to stand on the medal po-
mualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker and dium of the 2023 World Athletics
Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Championships.”
Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, The resolution enumerated the pole
Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, vaulter’s other achievements, includ-
Senior Majority Leader and Ilocos ing: a gold medal in the Bergen Jump
Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Challenge in Norway on June 10, 2023;
Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. another gold medal in the Orlen Cup
Yedda Marie K. Romualdez and Jude held in Lodz, Poland on
Acidre authored the resolution. February 5, 2023; gold medal in the
The authors cited Obiena’s numer- Perche En Or indoor pole vaulting match
ous accomplishments in his chosen field in Roubaix, France on January 29, 2023;
of sport, describing him as a “Filipino a gold medal during the True Athletes
HOT LUKA. Fan favorite Luka Doncic waxed hot with 26 points, five assists, and four rebounds, but he was not able to carry Olympian and internationally renowned Classics in Leverkusen, Germany on
Slovenia in the endgame as he was thrown out due to two technical fouls, leading to a 100-89 victory by Canada. FIBA and multi-awarded pole vaulter.” August 28, 2022;

FIBA World Cup

proving Filipino Coaching Asiad-bound Gilas
fans, hosts
like no other
THE Philippines is world-renowned as
a basketball-crazy country.
is call of duty, says Tim Cone
Tim Reynolds, lead basketball By Randy Caluag medal, losing only to Korea and China.
Cone was officially introduced to the media by Sama-
writer for the Associated Press, begs hang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, San

to differ, as he has lived and breathed
the air of basketball all around Metro
Manila for the last two weeks in FIBA
World Cup 2023.
“We came here knowing they were
basketball-crazy, but I didn’t know what
that meant until you get here. It’s unfair
to call them basketball-crazy,” he said.
“They’re basketball-deranged, is what
they are.”
Reynolds has been producing wire
stories—the recaps and features on the
NBA and Olympics, among many oth-
ers, that are distributed to and used by
local newspapers and websites—for
over two decades. As it turns out, how-
ever, he has never experienced anything
like a big game on the big stage and un-
der the bright lights in the Philippines.
“The level of it surprised me. It’s not
just a few people. It’s not just a couple-
thousand people. It’s awesome to see,
and it just speaks to the power of this
game,” he said. “I’ve seen it (basketball)
C
OACH Time Cone has
already said no, but he could
not refuse when San Miguel
Corporation’s top big boss Ramon
Ang called him up to handle the
national team for the coming Asian
Games in Hangzhou, China.
“He (Ang) said it was ‘para sa bayan’, so I said yes
because for me, it was a call of duty. I know how difficult
it is but how can I say no to a special request like this
(from Ang),” the multi-titled Ginebra mentor said during
a press conference on Thursday.
Cone served as Chot Reyes’ assistant at Gilas Pilipi-
nas in the FIBA World Cup and experienced himself
the difficulty of handling a national team and dealing
with passionate Filipino basketball fans. When Reyes
resigned as head coach, some camps pointed to him as a
possible successor, but he refused.
But he could not refuse his bosses in the San Miguel
Tim Cone (right) with former Gilas coach Chot Reyes
(center) and NBA star Jordan Clarkson (left)
Corp. organization and the call to serve the nation again.
“The only time I broke and shed tears (in basketball)
was in the Asian Games 1998. That’s how tough it is.
That’s how tough the job is,” said Cone, referring to
the Centennial basketball squad that bagged the bronze
Miguel Beer sports executive Alfrancis Chua, and Phil-
ippine Basketball Association chairman Ricky Vargas
and commissioner Willie Marcial.
“No matter how slim the chance, we’ll gonna support
you. I know you are a fighter, basketball naman ito at
hindi volleyball, alam mo na ito,” assured Chua, who was
designated as the team manager.
Marcial will serve as his deputy.
“I guess we’re not gonna sleep. Wala namang gagalaw
na iba. Yes it’s not the World Cup, mahirap or hindi ma-
hirap, lalaban kami,” added Chua.
Cone said the first step now is building the team
with only two weeks left even as he assured that “there
will be no surprises” in the line-up and “we will get
the usual suspects and we’d like the come up with the
best team possible.”
Most of the players will still come from the national pool
in the World Cup except those who are playing overseas.
He mentioned players like JuneMar Fajardo, Japeth
Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Justin Brownlee. And of
course, Jamie Malonzo, RR Pojoy, Chris Newsome, and
Ange Kouame.

Kerr: My worry is the World Cup and I intend to win it

played in a lot of places in the world and
they love it in a lot of places, but I don’t
know if any place loves the game more
than the people do here.”
The AP writer was glad to share that
he has now seen the world-famous bas- STEVE Kerr has promised to focus on 8) at the Mall of Asia Arena after the the US, 99-91, but not after a 16-point
ketball courts anywhere and basketball the World Cup, easing himself off from 4:45 duel in the other semifinal pairing rally down the stretch.
games anytime. Alongside that, he also thinking about the Paris Olympics next between Serbia and Canada. What it meant for the Germans
zoned in at how Filipinos continued to year in which Team USA has already Whatever happens in the semifinals, though is that they can know they take
support their national team through its qualified. Germany has already outdone its best the lead against the Americans.
struggles in the world meet. “My worry is about the World Cup performance thus far in the 2002 World Germany has never beaten the USA
“There’s so much passion here. Their and I intend to win it,” he said after Championships, the pre-cursor of the in six encounters—including three
team went 1-4 and finished 24th-place. his team rolled past Italy,100-63, in FIBA World Cup, where it finished World Cups (1986, 2002, 2006). But
For people who aren’t here and don’t un- the quarterfinals on Tuesday to gain a third in the rankings. that was in the past.
derstand how difficult it is to get around semifinal seat. The Americans are looking for their Meanwhile, Canada will play in the
this city in a typhoon, and they (Filipino Then, Germany emerged as their 6th World Cup crown, hoping to re- FIBA World Cup semis for the first
fans) still filled that place to cheer on a
semifinal opponent after holding off deem themselves from their worst sev- time ever. RJ Barrett recorded a FIBA
winless team at that time, that tells you
all you need to know,” he said. Latvia, 81-79, in a separate quarter- enth-place finish in the last World Cup World Cup career-high 24 points on
“It is so much more than what I final pairing. Germany was led by held in Beijing, China in 2019. The five- top of nine rebounds in Canada’s win
thought it was. I knew from covering Franz Wagner with 16 points, becom- time champs have advanced to the top over Slovenia in the quarterfinals on
the [Miami] Heat and [Filipino-Amer- ing the only team in the World Cup to four for the 15th time. Wednesday. Canada has already made
ican/coach] Erik Spoelstra that people emerge unbeaten way back from the The current Team USA and German history by securing their first-ever top-
from the Philippines love basketball, but classification stage. players have already laid a familiar set- four finish.
I had no idea how much.” The US-Germany semifinal show- ting between themselves as they met in Serbia and Canada have never played
Steve Kerr FIBA down is set at 8:40 PM on Friday (Sept. a pre-tournament practice game won by against each other.

Uy rallies with 70, nails 2nd straight win

BUKIDNON—Daniella Uy, who could not
seem to snap a run of near-misses on the Ladies
Philippine Golf Tour, now could not seem to lose
in stretch-run finishes.
The former Junior World champion battled back
from three strokes down and won for the second
straight time with a closing two-under 70, beating
Seoyun Kim of Korea and amateurs Mafy Singson
and Velinda Castil by two in the ICTSI Del Monte
Championship here on Thursday.
She actually dominated the final 18 holes
with a four-under card after 13 holes in third-
to-last flight but got too excited trying to rip
the field and cap her fiery run in the closing
holes, leading to a couple of bogeys in the
last four and giving Kim, Singson and Castil
some glimmer of hope in a wet finish to the
P750,000 championship.
But she dashed it with a routine par on the par-
5 18th in driving rain as she signed for a pair of
35s for a 54-hole haul of 219 and took the top
P90,000 purse, a couple of months after snap-
ping a long title spell with a one-stroke escape
over Yvon Bisera at Forest Hills.
“After going 4-under, I thought of pushing
it more but made bogeys on Nos. 15 and 17
instead,” said Uy, who thus matched Harmie
Constantino’s back-to-back title wins at Lu-
isita and Villamor. win and I worked on my
tempo on every shot.”
Castil, 15, who showed up the pros in the first
two rounds, proved resolute in her young age
majority of the final round, staying in the title
hunt despite a two-bogey, one-birdie card after
14 holes until she blew it all with a closing dou-
ble-bogey in tough conditions.
She wound up with a 75 and settled for joint
second with Kim and Singson at 221.
Kim rallied with a bogey-free 70 while tee-
ing off at the back, and Singson, who nailed
her second LPGT win at Valley, also last June,
carded a 73.
Singson later took the low amateur honors
after edging the promising junior golfer in the
countback.
Bisera shot a third straight 74 and wound up
fifth at 222 while Constantino put in a 73 to
tie Pamela Mariano at sixth with 223 after the
latter, just one stroke behind Castil after 36
holes, who skied to a 76.
Juyoung Yang made a 75 for eighth at 224
while fellow Korean Minyeong Kim placed
ninth at 226 after a 76 and Chihiro Ikeda shot
a 74 for joint 10th at 227 with Korean amateur
Jiwon Lee, who tripped with a 78,
After anchoring her Forest Hills’ romp on
conservative play, Uy said she changed tactics at
Del Monte, switching on the attack mode early
on and sustaining her assault to the finish.
“At Forest Hills, it was more like of playing
it safe. But here I was hitting my driver off the
tee. I was very confident of my drives here. This
course is rather long for us, so I forced myself
to hit the driver and it worked since it gave me
more chances for birdies,” said Uy, who thanked
the host club, her family and friends for her
continued success in the circuit backed by the
organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.’s
official apparel Kampfortis Golf. Daniella Uy kisses her championship trophy. Manny Marcelo
C2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 SPORTS
Lady Blazers
vs. Lady Tams:
Showdown of
unbeaten teams
Alcaraz powers Games Friday

way to semis
10 a.m. – Enderun vs Lyceum (women’s)
12 noon – FEU vs St. Benilde (women’s)
2 p.m. – EAC vs La Salle (men’s)
4 p.m. – FEU vs San Beda U (men’s)

FAR Eastern University stakes its un-

in brutal US
beaten slate against an equally streaking
College of Saint Benilde in a highly-
charged duel highlighting the four-game
bill in the V-League Women’s Colle-
giate Challenge at the Paco Arena in

Open conditions
Manila Friday.
After racking up four victories in con-
vincing fashions to gain a share of the lead
with the idle University of the East side,
the Lady Tams gear up for a stern test
against the Lady Blazers in the 12 noon
clash, ushering in the last three playdates
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz Alcaraz completed a clinical 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 win in 2 hours, 30 minutes over Daniil Medvedev. AFP in the single-round elims of the tourna-
ment organized by Sports Vision.
the quarter-final—but Medvedev was her problems, making it hard to focus on “Ang focus lang namin is one game at

N
EW YORK—Carlos Alcaraz powered into the
semi-finals of the US Open on Wednesday as
rival Daniil Medvedev battled through a brutal
heatwave to join the Spaniard in the last four.
Defending champion Alcaraz moved to
within one win of a potential dream final
with Novak Djokovic with an emphatic
straight sets victory over German 12th
Alexander Zverev.
Zverev had emerged as a dark horse
after a marathon five-set win over Italy’s
sixth seed Jannik Sinner on Monday.
But the German’s hopes of extending
his stay in New York were obliterated
by a devastatingly clinical performance
from Alcaraz, who completed a 6-3, 6-2,
6-4 win in 2hr 30min on the Arthur Ashe
Stadium court.
The victory leaves the 20-year-old Al-
caraz firmly on course for another final
showdown with 23-time Grand Slam
champion Djokovic after their Wimble-
don classic in July.
Djokovic faces unseeded American
Ben Shelton in Friday’s other semi-final.
“I’m feeling really comfortable play-
ing on this court, playing in New York,”
said Alcaraz, who will face Russian
third seed Medvedev in the semi-finals
on Friday.
“I’m feeling strong. I think I’m ready
for a great battle against Medvedev,”
added Alcaraz, who has dropped just
one set en route to the last four.
Medvedev had earlier secured his place
in the semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 vic-
tory over compatriot Andrey Rublev in
punishing, furnace-like conditions that
the Russian said endangered players.
New York has been sweltering in a
heatwave this week, with high humidity
and temperatures at Flushing Meadows
on Wednesday hitting 35 degrees Celsius
(95 Fahrenheit).
Tournament organisers confirmed that
extreme heat measures were in effect for
clearly unimpressed.
At one point during the third set, the
2021 US Open champion muttered to a
nearby TV camera “one player is going
to die and they’re going to see” as he
grabbed a towel.
“The conditions were brutal. The only
good thing is that both players suffer, so
it’s tough for both of us,” Medvedev said
after his victory in 2hr 48min.
“At the end of the first set I kind of
couldn’t see the ball anymore. I kind of
just played with sensations.”
Both Medvedev and Rublev at-
tempted to cool down during change-
overs by wrapping towels packed with
ice around them, while Medvedev could
be seen puffing from an inhaler.
Zheng left in shade
Wednesday’s play got under way ear-
lier in blazing sunshine on Arthur Ashe,
where China’s Zheng Qinwen struggled
before being overwhelmed by second
seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4.
Zheng said the partially closed roof on
Arthur Ashe—a move designed to pro-
tect spectators from the sun—had caused
the ball with shadows darkening part of
the court.
“I hate that different half-shadow, half-
sun,” Zheng said. “Because I feel that’s
also bad, I mean, my eyes.”
Sabalenka however had no difficulty
in adapting, with the Belarusian domi-
nating her opponent with a powerful
service game that sends her into a last
four meeting with 17th seeded Ameri-
can Madison Keys.
Sabalenka was assured of replacing
Iga Swiatek at the top of the women’s
rankings after the Polish No.1 crashed
out of the US Open on Sunday.
However Sabalenka said she is not
thinking about her new-found status as
the world’s top player just yet.
“Of course I’m happy ... it’s incredible
for me and my family.
“But I have some things still to do in
New York this year and I’ll think about
becoming No.1 after the US Open.”
Sabalenka now faces another Grand
Slam clash with Keys after beating the
American in the quarter-finals at Wim-
bledon in July. AFP
a time. Kung ano yung nasa harap namin,
yun yung kailangan namin trabahuin,”
said FEU interim coach Manolo Refugia.
“Kung ano ‘yung pagkukulang namin sa
bawat game, dodoblehin namin ang tra-
baho para makapaghanda kami sa CSB.”
The Lady Blazers, however, are also
going flat-out to extend their own run to
four in the event supported by Bola.TV,
Beyond Active Wear, Asics and Mikasa.
Meanwhile, Lyceum and Enderun
Colleges tangle at 10 a.m. in the first
women’s clash.
In men’s play, La Salle seeks to bounce
back from a five-set setback to National
U as it faces Emilio Aguinaldo College
at 2 p.m. while FEU and San Beda col-
lide in the 4 p.m. main encounter.
The Green Spikers blew a 2-0 against
the defending champions as Leo Aringo
and Michaelo Buddin stepped up and
ralliedc the Bulldogs to a 19-25, 23-25,
25-15, 25-22, 15-11 decision.
All games will be aired on Solar
Sports, the V-League’s official website,
and Bola.TV’s app.

Mondilla regains touch with late birdie-binge Loman: Lineker’s

BUKIDNON—Clyde Mondilla found the putting touch he
flaunted in the first round but lost in the next and put himself
back at the helm with an eagle-spiked 65 in overcast skies, one
shot ahead of Reymon Jaraula in the third round of the ICTSI
Del Monte Championship here yesterday.
Despite a solid frontside that featured a birdie on No. 4 and
an eagle on the ninth, Mondilla still scrambled trying to regain
the right strokes as he missed short birdie bids in the first three
holes and three-putted from 10 feet on No. 10 to typify his
Clyde Mondilla studies the possible lines of his putt.
Manny Marcelo
struggle on the surface he’s so familiar with.
But things turned around after he dropped a three-foot
birdie putt on No. 13 as he picked up another stroke on
weaknesses exposed
a muffed 8-foot eagle putt on the next then drilled three STEPHEN “The Sniper” Loman un- tenders for the ONE Bantamweight
more inside six feet to string a clutch five birdie-run that derstands the enormity of his upcoming MMA World Championship could very
carried the multi-titled campaigner past three aces and match against John “Hands of Stone” well determine the next challenger for
moved him on the threshold of back-to-back champion- Lineker at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp the throne of defending titleholder Fa-
ships on the Philippine Golf Tour. vs. Ham on September 30 at the Singa- bricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade.
He was actually aiming to make it six straight but hit a pore Indoor Stadium. And the Team Lakay stalwart has
tree on his second shot on the par-5 18th and blasted way The clash between the top two con- really been taking notes, studying his
past the hole to settle for par and a 33-32 for a 54-hole opponent’s movement that he drew in-
total of 15-under 201. spiration from one of Lineker’s conquer-
“I didn’t expect to be on top again, just tried to put myself ors—no less than Andrade himself.
into good position but got my confidence back (in putting) in “Pinanood ko ‘yung laban nila. Pina-
the last 9 holes,” said the runaway winner at Forest Hills last Stephen nood ko talaga ‘yun at natuto ako sa
June who drove past halfway point leader Justin Quiban and Loman strengths at weaknesses niya,” he shared.
erstwhile joint second-running Reymon Jaraula and Jhonnel Andrade and Lineker fought twice,
Ababa to zero in on the top P437,000 purse in the P2.5 million first ending in a no contest at ONE on
championship put up by ICTSI. Prime Video 3 in October 2022 and
But Jaraula stayed where he stood at after 36 holes, pressing his the following at ONE Fight Night 7 last
own title drive following a big win at Valley, also last June, with February where “Wonder Boy” scored a
a bogey-free 67, capped by birdies in the last two holes as he as- fourth round technical knockout victory
sembled a 202 to seal a final round duel of homegrown bets. to win the crown.
“Maganda ang putting pero kulang lang sa swerte,” said Ja- For Loman, Andrade’s gameplan ex-
raula, who also rued a couple of missed birdie opportunities posed a lot of chink in Lineker’s armor.
from short range in near-ideal scoring conditions. “Kumpy- “Maganda ‘yung striking ni Andrade,
ansa naman ako kasi nag bogey-free pero kailangan na mag- snappy and in and out kaya natatamaan
focus sa putting bukas (Friday).” niya si John Lineker. ‘Yung mga ga-
Quiban snapped a two-birdie, two-bogey card after 12 noong bagay is pwede ko rin i-add sa
holes with an eagle and two birdies against one more birdie gameplan ko kaya nire-review ko na
for a 69 and a 203, setting the stage for a three-man shootout lang ‘yung laban at nagpe-prepare ako
in the last 18 holes of this eighth leg of the Pilipinas Golf ng matindi from counters and defense to
Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit supported by PGTI of- offense ko rin sa kanya,” he said.
ficial apparel Kampfortis Golf.

Weiss in high spirits despite

Michael Kempter, Gerrit Holtmann, Against the same team tonight, Weiss will go back home to prepare against the
Dylan de Bruycker, Sandro Reyes, Josh- said he expects a much better perfor- visiting Afghanistan. The two sides will
ua Grommen and Oskari Kekkonen. mance from the Azkals. “I’m very posi- face each other on September 12, 7pm at

injuries to key Azkals

THE Philippine Men’s National Football
Team arrived in Kaohsiung in Taiwan
last Wednesday for its friendly against
Chinese Taipei today. Of the initial list
released earlier by the Philippine Foot-
ball Federation for the tuneup games
against Chinese Taipei and Afghanistan
this September, several Azkals begged
off due to various injuries and other rea-
sons. Fortunately, there are more Azkals
ready to pounce on the privilege to play
for the flag and country.
Despite this, Coach Hans Michael
Weiss would rather concentrate on the
players that are with him in Taiwan right
now. He also maintained that the absence
of several key players will not affect the
team’s preparation against Chinese Tai-
pei and against Afghanistan too.
“It will not impact because the players
who are not here don’t count. It means I
will always focus on the squad that is at
my disposal. This is always what is rele-
vant for me when it comes to the national
team,” Weiss said.
These latest additions to the squad
include Justin Baas, Marwin Angeles,
Audie Menzi, Jhan Melliza, Jarvey Gay-
oso and Dennis Villanueva. They will
join Neil Etheridge, Patrick Deyto, Kev-
in Mendoza, Jesse Curran, Daisuke Sato,
John Patrick Strauss, Santiago Rublico,
Christian Rontini, OJ Porteria, brothers
Mike and Manny Ott, Patrick Reichelt,
Bienvenido Maranon, Jens Rasmussen,
Carli de Murga, Amani Aguinaldo and
Enrique Linares.
Missing in Taiwan are Kevin Ingreso,
“(Gerrit) Holtmann pulled out at the
last minute, Grommen pulled out too at
the last minute. Kempter has a knee in-
jury again unfortunately. These are three
possible starters on the squad but they
are not here. It’s a reality in football. Last
minute pull outs happen with any nation-
al team. But again, I don’t dwell on that
anymore, I focus on the people who are
here,” Weiss explained.
Weiss maintained that compared to
the team that competed against Chinese
Taipei last June at the Rizal Football Sta-
dium, he has a better team with him in
Kaohsiung right now.
“We have people who are in very high
spirits, talented and match-fit players
coming from various clubs in Indonesia,
Malaysia and Thailand. They are also
joined by local based Azkals who are
also preparing for the AFC Champions
League representing the Philippines.
These players are literally in full swing
this season and not unlike the players we
have last June who were basically com-
ing from the holidays and were not in
regular training,” he said.
tive you will see that our players are in a
much different physical state. We have a
good group.”
While he would rather put his mind on
the games at hand, Weiss remains opti-
mistic that those who will miss the two
friendlies this September will be able to
come and play for the team next month
and in November. But then again.
“I don’t know how fast they will recover
from their injury but we have a bigger pool
of players. We have motivated players, we
are busy preparing them, telling them how
we want to play the game and how we can
beat our opponents,” he added.
Weiss said he is hoping that fans will
continue to support the team in the com-
ing months. He is also expecting that
OFWs in Taiwan will show up in the
game against the host.
Calling all our kababayans who are
now in Taiwan, especially those who
are based in Kaohsiung, to be the 12th
man for the Azkals as they tangle with
the host, 7pm tonight at the Kaohsiung
National Stadium.
After the Taiwan tuneup, the Azkals
the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Philippines got off to a rough start
in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2024 Quali-
fiers. The U-23 team got clobbered, 5-0
at the Chonburi Stadium, in Thailand
last Wednesday night by the host team.
The Philippines is Group H along with
Malaysia, Bangladesh and Thailand.
Hoping the team, sent by the Philip-
pine Football Federation, will be able to
bounce back in its succeeding games.
Speaking of upcoming games, the
Philippine National Women’s Football
team will also be busy in the coming
weeks. Eight Filipinas who played in
the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will
banner the team along with eight oth-
ers who played in various tournaments.
They will be joined by 12 newcomers
based on the list of call-ups who were in-
vited to the training camp.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can
reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_
cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his ac-
count at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
 ENTERTAINMENT C3
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Nickie Wang, Editor

Angelica Villanueva , Writer
E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Cast makes emotional farewell

as 'Voltes V: Legacy'
concludes epic journey
M
IGUEL Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Matt Lozano, Radson Flores,
and Raphael Landicho are now bidding farewell to their characters
Steve Armstrong, Jamie Robinson, Bigbert Armstrong, Mark
Gordon, and Little John in the live-action adaptation of Voltes V.

As the series comes to a close, the cast help Matt with his props. Outside the set, I’ll
members take a moment to contemplate miss our spontaneous outings. We’ll all
how these characters deeply connected miss each other,” the 24-year-old
with audiences throughout the show’s rising star shared.
four-month run. Meanwhile, when asked
Miguel couldn’t help but experience a about the most challenging
mix of emotions. “When they called ‘it’s scenes in the series,
a wrap,’ four years of memories flooded Raphael shared, “The
back. From the initial lockdown and scenes where we
quarantine to the substantial investment fought the beast
in taping during the pandemic, it’s fighters were tough. It was hard to imagine
bittersweet to close this significant that we were getting hurt or electrocuted.
chapter in my life. I’m sad, yet eager for It was also memorable when I built Octo-
everyone to appreciate the greater picture 1. And of course, the scene where I rode a
we’ve painstakingly crafted.” dolphin. It was my first time handling and
Ysabel, on the other hand, emphasized feeding a dolphin. I was really scared at first,
how this live-action adaptation has but I did it and enjoyed it.”
brought Filipino pride to the global From left: ‘Voltest V’ lead stars Radson Flores, Ysabel Ortega, Miguel Matt reiterated that Voltes V: Legacy The Voltes V robot remains an iconic symbol of the anime and
stage. Tanfelix, Raphael Landicho, and Matt Lozano had to overcome various struggles throughout its live-action adaptation
“Most of the time, when there’s a the show.
project, I think about how it’s good and Radson fondly remembered the little things they “I never imagined I would be part of an we fought,” he recounted.
a big step for my career. But Voltes V: Legacy, I can did for each other on set and off. iconic anime that I watched when I was a kid. I’m Also, now that the Voltes team is on its way to the ultimate
say, is for the entire Philippines. It’s a milestone for “On set, my favorite moments were the little very proud to be part of this big project, and I’m battle, devoted fans and new-generation enthusiasts express
everyone. The whole GMA team was very hands-on things we did for each other. For example, we all ate even prouder because we went through so many how much they will miss this groundbreaking program.
with this project. That’s why I feel honored, grateful, together. When there was something wrong with a challenges on set, with each of our characters. We’re The epic finale of Voltes V: Legacy airs tonight at 8:00 on
and proud,” the actress said. costume, Miguel would come and fix it, or I would proud because from day one to the last taping day, GMA Telebabad and at 9:40 on GTV.

Five important life lessons we learned

‘Home Along Da Riles’ cast members are present at the screening of
the restored and remastered version of its 1993 movie adaptation
from new teen K-dramas
TWO Korean dramas made their premiere on Viu earlier
and, by the looks of it, they’re on their way to becoming
modern classics and huge hits.
If you’re a murder-mystery fan, My Perfect Stranger
is a fascinating whodunit with a twist: the main characters
travel back in time to 1987. The male lead, news anchor
Yoon Hae-Joon (played by the handsome Kim Dong-
Wook), is trying to solve a series of murders to prevent his
own death in the present. The female lead, literary editor
Baek Yoon-Young (played by Jin Ki-Joo who at 34 can
easily pass as a high school student), accidentally time

'Home Along Da Riles'

cast reunites to kick off
Philippine Film Industry Month
THE cast of the popular ‘90s sitcom Home Along Da Riles
came together to celebrate the opening of Philippine Film
Industry Month on September 1 with a free screening of
the restored and remastered version of its 1993 movie
adaptation.
Present during the premiere were the kids of Dolphy’s
iconic character Kevin Cosme starting with Claudine
Barretto (Bing), Vandolph Quizon (Baldo), Boy 2 Quizon
(Estong), Smokey Manaloto (Bill), and Gio Alvarez (Bob).
They were also joined by Maybelyn dela Cruz (Maybe
Madamba), Dang Cruz (Yaya Roxanne), and Nova Villa
(Aling Ason).
With the theme “Tuloy pa rin ang Tawanan,” the Film
Development Council of the Philippines’ month-long
showcase is dedicated to paying tribute to iconic Filipino
comedians such as Dolphy, TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto,
and Joey de Leon), Eugene Domingo, Aiai Delas Alas,
Michael V, Vice Ganda, and many others who have played
pivotal roles in shaping and enriching our film and TV
culture.
Film lovers can enjoy more ABS-CBN restored comedy
classics for free at the Rizal Open Air Auditorium and all
Cinematheques for the whole month of September. The
lineup includes D’Lucky Ones (September 6), Mr. Suave
Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! Hoy! (September 7), Isprikitik
Walastik Kung Pumitik (Septemebr 7), Here Comes the
Bride (September 13), Ang Tanging Ina (Septemeber 26),
and Daddy O, Baby O! (September 28).
travels and chooses to stay to get to know her mother more.
Meanwhile, All That We Loved is a story about two very
close high school friends, Go Yoo (Sehun of EXO) and Ko
Joon-Hee (Jo Jun-Young), and their object of affection,
Han So-Yeon (Jang Yeo-Bin). Go Yoo is the school’s star
basketball player while Go Joon-Hee is a shy, less athletic
student. While the series also fast-forwards to when they
are adults, the main story plays out when they are in high
school.
The two K-dramas have very different plotlines, but My
Perfect Stranger and All That We Loved are both set in high From left: ‘All That We Loved’ stars Jang Yeo-Bin, EXO’s Sehun, and Jo Jun-Young
school — and here are a few lessons everyone can learn
from their stories about teenage life in South Korea: close; Yoo defends Joon-Hee from school bullies while Joon-Hee and his
1. Have fun while you’re young. My Perfect Stranger shows that while grandmother provide him with a sense of family.
Korean kids wore colorful outfits in the ‘80s, it wasn’t nearly as “wild” as 3. Don’t let complicated family relations break you. In My Perfect
they were in the West. But, like everywhere else, teenagers just wanna have Stranger, Yoon-Young’s mom Lee Soon-Ae (Syeo Ji-Hye) commits suicide
fun, even in a rural Korean village. The 80s vibe is so fun to watch.
in the present, leaving her a note by the riverbank where she drowns herself.
2. Keep your friends close — they can literally save your life. All That When she sees her mom in 1987, who is now younger than her, all her
We Loved opens with a big plot point. Go Yoo and Go Joon-Hee are wearing feelings of guilt make her stay. Yoon-Young tries to prevent her mom from
hospital gowns and fooling around — or at least the former is laughing while marrying her dad who will not be a good husband. It’s amusing to watch the
the latter is quite somber. In the next scene, they are being wheeled into an two women play out familiar family dynamics in reverse.
operating room where Joon-Hee is getting a kidney transplant from Yoo. The In All That We Loved, Yoo’s parents are both doctors and have no time
two boys have very different personalities, but their friendship keeps them for him. This leads him to become very resentful and so he appreciates his
friendship all the more with Joon-Hee. It is Yoo’s parents who look after Joon-
Hee when he is beaten up by the school bullies and brought to the hospital.
4. Knowing how to stand up for yourself is essential. It’s a lesson that
high schoolers need to learn: stand up for yourself or you will be bullied all
your life. Yoon-Young tries to teach her mom Lee Soon-Ae to stand up against
her classmate Ko Mi-Sook who orders her to do her writing assignments.
Yoo also tries to teach Joon-Hee to stand up to bullies, telling him that
he is taller than even their teachers, but it’s just not Joon-Hee’s personality
to fight back — or at least not yet in the earlier episodes. Joon-Hee suffers
from cellular memory syndrome (memories transferred through cells from an
organ transplant) and when he is attacked by bullies, Yoo can also feel that his
friend is experiencing physical pain.
5.Walk your own path. To the point of being stubborn, the main
characters in My Perfect Stranger and All That We Loved are all headstrong
and resolute in what they want. They are all charming and likable, but like
with any good drama, we want to shake them by the shoulders and say, “Hey,
communicate with each other!” or “Tell him about your past!” or “Tell her
that you love her!”
Stream My Perfect Stranger, All That We Loved, and more Korean hit
Korean artists Kim Dong-Wook (left) and Jin Ki-Joo in a scene from ‘My dramas for only P80/month on your PLDT Home Fiber account – the most
Perfect Stranger’ affordable Viu Premium subscription in the Philippines.

Small-town pageant
for good-looking men
and women
The 15 male and 15 female official candidates of Mister & Miss San Mateo 2023 Lilibeth Woods launches New Faces of Fashion 2023

A small-town pageant in San Mateo, Rizal was launched to kick
off the Municipality’s annual September Fest events. Rivaling
the province’s famous “Kakanin” Festival, the highly-anticipated
search for Mister & Miss San Mateo 2023 held a presscon at the
Ciudad Christia Resort, organized by Peñaflorida Production,
headed by pageant head/CEO Amanda Jazz Peñaflorida.
The good-looking male and female candidates from the
municipality’s fifteen barangays exhibited excitement and
determination during their introduction and were asked about
their advocacies and how they could help promote tourism in
their localities.
The event, directed by Jaja Amante and assisted by CJ
Lenguaje, Bhadz Allair, and Mark Santos, concluded with the
announcement of the Darling of the Press winners. In the male
group, the top three were Wencell Mark Gabrinao Acosta of
Bgy. Pintong Bukawe, Marvin Luna of Bgy. Gulod Malaya,
and Boy Guiller Ganituen of Bgy. Silangan. On the distaff side,
the top three were Irish Garcia Obogne of Bgy. Malanday, Tia
Kristina Manders of Bgy. Banaba, and Julla Icy Ramirez of
Bgy. Guinayang.
A fashion show preliminary event will be held before the
Grand Coronation Night set at Jose F. Diaz Memorial Stadium,
San Mateo, Rizal on September 29.
***
Newest modeling search in town
A new search for Philippine fashion’s next generation of
models, New Faces of Fashion 2023, was launched with the
second screening of aspirants, held at I-Top View Café and
Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila on Sunday.
The force behind the newest modeling competition in town
is Lilibeth Woods. A former beauty pageant and modeling
aspirant, Woods is the founder and CEO of the newest events
and talent management company, Faces Events, and heads the
Organizing Committee of the New Faces of Fashion search.
Woods obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism at the
University of the Philippines and worked as head of People
and Talent at Pure Watercraft, a company based in Seattle,
Washington USA.
Finding her true calling in the human resources world,
Woods put up her own fashion label Betchesa, and organized
the New Faces of Fashion 2023 to help novice models start their
careers in the world of fashion. The New Faces of Fashion 2023
search will also serve as a fund-raising event for the benefit of
various charities and the primary goal of building a home for
LGBTIA+ elderlies.
C4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

Nickie Wang, Editor

Angelica Villanueva , Writer
E-mail: lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com LIFE
Accelerating your big bike dreams
Maybank’s ‘Super Bike Loan’
program helps Filipinos to get
their dream big bike through
flexible tenor options and a
low down payment

By Nickie Wang The appeal of big bikes also
goes mere practicality. These
FILIPINOS are increasingly turn turn- two-wheelers are seen as fashion
ing to motorcycles and superbikes statements and symbols of modern
as a solution to the perpetual is is- masculinity. Their sleek designs
sue of traffic congestion in urban and powerful engines attract those
areas. The relentless traffic snarls who want to make a statement
in cities in Metro Manila have led about their style and adventurous
people to seek alternatives spirit.
that offer speed and Riding a superbike aligns with
convenience. the image of a modern macho
Motor- man, embodying traits like confi-
cycles and dence and daring.
superbikes In response to this growing de-
have emerged mand and the aspiration of many
as practical Filipinos to embrace the big bike
choices, lifestyle, Maybank has introduced
thanks to the Super Bike Loan program.
their agil- This innovative addition to their
ity in nav- Auto Loan offerings aims to facili-
igating tate Filipinos’ foray into the world
through of powerful motorcycles with en-
congested gine displacements of 400cc and
streets, al- beyond.
lowing ridrid- The program extends a helping
ers to reach hand through flexible tenor options
destina-
their destina and a low down payment threshold
tions swiftly. starting at 20 percent. Loans span
12, 18, 24, and 36 months, with a
0.78 percent monthly interest rate
for a three-year term.
The official launch, hosted at
Maybank’s Bonifacio Global City
headquarters in Taguig, show-
cased a diverse array of partici-
pants, including representatives
from various automotive and bike
brand partners, top bank execu-
tives, and devoted clients. Leading
motorcycle brands such as BMW
Motorrad, Ducati, Harley-David-
son, Husqvarna, and Triumph took
center stage during the event.
Although initially available to
individual clients in Metro Manila
and Luzon, the Super Bike Loan
program has ambitious plans to
broaden its scope to encompass
more bike brands in the near fu-
ture. This expansion underscores
Maybank’s unwavering commit-
ment to meeting the evolving
needs of Filipinos, addressing
both their mobility concerns amid
congestion and their aspirations
for a dynamic and stylish lifestyle.

Finding your true hue

The art of color analysis
N a world where first impressions hinge upon a glance, colors

Pinilian weave clutch bag of Not a Daydream

I play a huge role in shaping perceptions, conveying emotions,
and defining personal style. For someone like me whose go-to
wardrobe color is black, coming across trending color analysis
videos on Instagram and TikTok gave me a nudge to put a little more
effort and literally “add color” to my life. I headed over to an expert
to help me unlock the power of colors.

Handcrafted treasures “Color analysis is a way of finding the tone,” Ginny went on to explain, empha-
best colors for an individual,” certified sizing the purpose of the activity.
image consultant Ginny Villegas intro- She laid out a bunch of fabric swatch-
different age groups,” Ginny shared.
“Some are students who book in groups
with their friends. Some are profession-

from artisanal
duced. “You can choose the best clothes, es on the table with a range of hues, tones, als. We have executives who avail of
makeup, and accessories based on your and shades. “We have different seasons,” the service to help them choose their
color undertone, and season.” she shared.”Winter and summer are for clothes, hair dye, and makeup based on
The Flair Im- cool undertones. For the season.” Ginny provides her clients
age Consultancy winter, it’s usually cool with e-color guides so they can choose

communities
founder further and dark with deep fea- their best colors.
explained that tures, and if it’s sum- As Ginny further explained, “Color
color analysis has mer, it’s usually for light analysis is not just based on the skin
become big lately and soft features. For color. We also look at the features.” Ac-
because of so- warm undertones, we cording to her, the best way to do the
cial media but it have autumn, which is color analysis is to have the client cover
HONORING Filipino craftsmanship contemporary knitwear from Allena; as dates back to the warm and deep. And for their hair with a bandana and body with
has always been at the heart of Kultura well as handcrafted bohemian-inspired 20th century. She spring, we have warm, a cape. The person becomes like a blank
and to further raise awareness and cele- jewelry from Boho Manila; and leather added, “It started bright, and light.” canvas, and the focus is solely on the
brate Pinoy talent, the brand is bringing goods from YHF Manila. in the Western Ginny demonstrat- face.
back its Filipino The Filipino De- world. It was very ed a thorough under- I was fortunate to have experienced
Design Studio, sign Studio also popular in the standing and mastery of a color analysis session firsthand. With
popping up on works with local US, especially in the craft. To gain cred- a bare face, I wore a white bandana,
September 14 communities and the 80s.” Ginny ibility, she underwent and Ginny had different colored fabrics
to 30 at Atrium supports sustainabil- draped around my neck and shoulders,
East, Level 2 of ity. Not a Daydream recalled having training to be a certified
heard about color color consultant at the covering a large portion of my upper
The Podium. has unique and styl- body. Each fabric swatch was draped
This sea- ish bags handmade analysis during Ginny (right) with host and actress International Image In-
son, traditional by mothers in Tondo her college years. Hershey Neri stitute in Toronto, Cana- and assessed by herone at a time.
techniques meet using local textiles; “There was da, facilitated by Karen I saw the value of seeking the ex-
modern aesthet- Anmari & Co. are this famous book Brunger. Both Villegas pertise of someone with trained eyes,
ics. Discover the native and molded by Carole Jackson, ‘Color Me Beauti- and Brunger are certified image profes- as I could not always distinguish the
charm of hand- bags using locally ful,’” Ginny said, sounding so passionate sionals who are part of the Association of differences until Ginny pointed them
crafted treasures sourced materials. about the concept. “She just gave the ba- Image Consultants International. out and gave feedback on my overall
while supporting And Again sic seasons - winter, spring, summer, and “It was through her [Brunger] that we appearance. She paid careful attention
local artisans, Clothing has fash- fall. But now, it has been further devel- learned how to analyze the skin color and to whether a color makes my skin look
from trendy up- ionable outfits made oped.” the features of each client,” Ginny said. radiant or dull and whether it accentu-
cycled apparel from upcycled flour “Color analysis is used to determine Asked about her usual clients, the ates or detracts from my natural features.
to eco-conscious sacks, scraps, and whether a person looks good with cool or proud business owner presented how di-
homeware, surplus fabric; Ma- warm colors based on their color under- verse her clientele is. “I have clients from
statement acces- copa has trendy,
sories, mindful- one-of-a-kind ap-
ly-made well- parel sustainably
ness products, made from upcycled
and more. flour sacks; and
Kultura se- Vivo Handicrafts
lected exotic has trendy clothes
indigenous in- by Negrense weav-
spired across ers that feature up-
the regions, as cycled fabric.
well as mod- Trendy top, sustainably made from Refresh your
ern expressions upcycled flour sacks by Macopa homes with Abel
alongside its PH’s high-quality
existing house home items from
brands. Explore using handwoven
Filipino tradi- inabel by artisans in
tions reimagined the Northern Philip-
into contempo- pines; Isabela-based
rary creations at Bibisita’s Filipino- Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste
Kultura’s Design themed artwork Cortesi (left) and Ginny Villegas at a
Studio. transformed into corporate event
Wear your everyday items;
culture with Amber & Anne’s “It is better to do a face-to-face
Love, Camille’s colorful embroi- color analysis because if you do it
modern apparel dered placemats and virtually, it might not be as accurate,”
using local tex- coasters; and 11th Ginny explained. She said that while
tiles handwoven Earth’s eco-friendly a virtual session can be done, the
by artisans in Ilo- home décor and ac- resolution of the screen, filters, or the
cos Sur; Masabel cessories. type of lighting can affect the analysis.
Iloco’s contem- Boost your well- “We do it with daylight. It is best done
porary clothes ness routine with outdoors, under the sun, or to simulate it
and apparel and Yoga Love’s mind- with a good LED light that mimics day-
accessories made fully made personal light,” she concluded.
with iconic abel care and wellness In less than an hour, I gained a better
weave patterns; products using natu-
and Inne Stu- ral ingredients. understanding of the colors that suit me
dio’s footwear, Join our raffle best and which ones I should avoid. Each
bags, and ac- for a chance to win session can be a powerful investment to
cessories using an overnight stay discover the most impactful shades for
natural materials in Taal Vista Hotel, a person and create lasting impressions.
inspired by tra- Radisson Clark, To book a session with Flair Im-
ditional Filipino or Pico De Loro Ginny becomes a certified age Consultancy, check out the brand’s
Love, Camille’s Pinya Clara top is Facebook page, Instagram account (@
techniques. Other with a single receipt color consultant under
finds: quality handwoven by the artisans of Ilocos Sur purchase of P2,000. Karen Brunger's training flair.image), and website imagebyflair.
com.