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Economic czar says renewable sector a priority for private sector partnership

FREDERICK D. GO —PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE RENEWABLE energy sector is among the priorities of the Philippines in its partnership with the private sector, the country’s economic czar said on Wednesday.

Partnerships in the renewable energy sector are considered long-term investments since they are “multi-year projects,” Presidential Investment Adviser Frederick D. Go said in a chance interview near the presidential palace.

“So it can’t be that our president would be invited, attract them to put up an investment and then in six months, it’s up,” he said. “Most of the renewable energy projects are four- or five-year projects.”

A 2024 Green Economy Report for Southeast Asia led by Bain & Company said the Philippines saw a 57% increase in “green” investments to $1.46 billion in 2023, but still falls short of the over $16 billion in required capital investments needed for its green transition.

When asked how the Philippines is faring in terms of attracting foreign investments, Mr. Go said: “We’re doing quite well. And we have so many leads that we are working on.”

Mr. Go touted the Philippine expansion of several big multinational companies such as Unilever, Inc., which invested €80 million in 2023 to boost its factory production for beauty care products in Cavite province south of the capital Manila.

He also cited an expansion of Nestle Philippines, which last year unveiled a plan to expand its coffee business in the country and explore new “growth initiatives” in the local dairy sector.

Mr. Go also touted Philip Morris International’s new P8.8-billion manufacturing facility in Tanauan, Batangas, which is aimed at boosting the production of “smoke-free” products such as the IQOS and Bonds brands.

“We have a lot of projects that are already in the pipeline now.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Go said the private sector will continue to play a big role in the Marcos administration, citing their strong partnership with the Private Sector Advisory Council, which was established in July 2022.

“They’ve been doing a great job in giving their suggestions and recommendations.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Universal social pension bill hurdles House panel

FREEPIK

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

THE HOUSE Committee on Appropriations approved on Wednesday a bill for universal social pensions, aiming to prevent elderly Filipinos from slipping into poverty.

Under the proposed legislation, the government would allocate P89 billion annually to cover 4.5 million senior citizens, said Laguna Rep. Loreto S. Amante.

“I believe the universal social pension will be crucial to keeping the near-poor and lower middle-income seniors from slipping into poverty,” Party-list Rep. Rodolfo M. Ordanes said in a statement.

“For now, only those qualified and registered senior citizens only receive P1,000 from the social pension,” Mr. Amante, who is a vice-chair of the House Senior Citizens Committee, told BusinessWorld in a text message in Filipino. “The bill now provides that every senior citizen will now receive a social pension, no longer requiring they be indigents to receive the aid.”

Mr. Amante explained the process for seniors to enroll through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), with payment options including electronic wallets and banks.

He noted plans for direct aid distribution in remote areas without banking access.

The bill aims to gradually raise pensions to P1,000 for all seniors. “Hopefully, in five years’ time, the P1,000 pension will be universal for all senior citizens.”

Imee: Extend aid to rice farmers

PHILIPPINE STAR/ANDY ZAPATA JR.

SENATOR Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos on Wednesday pushed for the extension of the P10-billion aid for farmers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) up to 2031 to equip them with state-of-the-art farming technology and to modernize the rice industry.

“After six years, the tax did not go to the farmers,” she said in a statement in Filipino. “What we want is to extend this (RCEF) until 2031 not 2025, so that they can benefit from this, give it to the Philippine Rice Research Institute, to local government units and coops.”

The House Committee on Agriculture and Food and Ways and Means on Tuesday approved proposals to allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice to retailers and to increase the funding of RCEF to P15 billion from P10 billion annually. 

The law, which took effect in 2019, allowed private traders to bring in rice shipments without restriction. At the time, they had to pay a 35% tariff on Southeast Asian grain.

The fund supports supplying farmers with farming equipment, seed and fertilizer, among others.

Ms. Marcos reiterated the need to address the disparity between farmgate and retail prices of rice, and proposed bringing back the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) and Kadiwa system.

She said the centralized collection and distribution of FTI-Kadiwa system allowed the discounted sale of agricultural produce at Kadiwa retail stores.

“What we need (to solve the rice price issue) is to have all hands on deck and help in any way,” said Ms. Marcos. “We don’t want the NFA since it always falls to corruption and other scams. Let’s not allow this.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

SC rules against red-tagging

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) in a landmark decision ruled that red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association threatens a person’s right to life, liberty, or security and could warrant the issuance of protection.

“Inherent in the practice of red-baiting is the use of threats and intimidation to discourage ‘subversive’ activities. Whether such threats ripen into actual abduction or killing of supposed ‘Reds’ is largely uncertain disappearance or extrajudicial killing when the writ of amparo becomes necessary,” read the 39-page ruling penned by Justice Rodil V. Zalameda.

The SC en banc decided on a case filed by an activist and former Bayan Muna party-list representative Siegfred D. Deduro, when the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council labeled him as a part of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Major General Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, instructed his officers to give the presentation that tagged Mr. Deduro.

Mr. Deduro said posters were put up around Iloilo City with his image tagged as a criminal, terrorist, and member of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF).

“The damages inflicted by red-baiting evolve too: They start from the psychological before they turn physical. Amid a history of shifting social and political ties, we affirm the Judiciary’s sworn duty to see to it that the protection of every right guaranteed in the Constitution remains constant for all,” the decision read.

“The heightened risk of danger or death brought about being labeled as a Communist, a Communist sympathizer, or even merely being adjacent to a Communist cause should be seriously considered by judges in Amparo proceedings,” wrote Senior Associate Justice Marvic MVF Leonen in his concurring opinion.

A writ of amparo seeks protection before a court.

SC Spokesperson Camille Sue Mae L. Ting said in a Viber message to reporters that anyone who felt red-tagged by state authorities may apply for protection but it depends on the courts to grant it or not.

Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno in an X post said the decision should serve as a “stern warning” to government forces and individuals to refrain from this “illegal practice.”

“The Civil Service Commission and all government agencies should direct their officials and employees to desist from red-tagging and abide by the rule of law,” he said.

Bayan Chair Emeritus Carol P. Araullo in a statement urged those tagged as “communist-terrorists” and suffered its negative effects to file charges against red-taggers as a “form of legal push back.”

For his part, Bayan Muna Executive Vice President Carlos Isagani T. Zarate in a separate statement said the decision shows “unconditional declaration” from the SC that red-tagging is “gravely dangerous.”

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France L. Castro urged her fellow solons to fast-track the passage of House Bill 1152 or the criminalization of red-tagging.

“The struggle for human rights and justice is far from over, but this decision is a significant step forward. We will continue to fight for a society that values human life, dignity, and freedom,” Ms. Castro said in a statement. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL human rights record scored

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

BAGUIO CITY — Amnesty International Philippines on Wednesday accused the state of escalating human rights violations in Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila, up north and down south.

In a press conference here during the first leg of its “State of the World’s Human Rights 2023/24 Annual Report” rolling launch, AI Philippines scored the Marcos administration for a supposed policy that portrays “activists as terrorists” and denies the role of human rights defenders in uplifting the nation.

“Attacks against human rights defenders and critics of the government have increased under a climate of impunity. A growing number of human rights defenders, including student activists, journalists, lawyers, and those belonging to Indigenous peoples’ groups have repeatedly been “red-tagged” in Luzon,” said Wilnor Papa, Amnesty Philippines’’Activism and Mobilization Manager. 

The group also criticized ongoing extrajudicial killings under the government’s anti-illegal drugs war, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. allegedly failed to address human rights issues.

“No progress in sight for this administration on key human rights issues, whether on civil and political or economic, social, and cultural rights,” said Mr. Papa. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Strip-searching alarms CHR

THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) said it is “gravely concerned” about reports of strip-searching visitors at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

“While we recognize the importance of maximum security inspection to ensure the safety and security of correctional facilities, it is vital that these security measures do not jeopardize visitors’ fundamental human rights. Inspections must be conducted in a way that respects the dignity, privacy, and rights of all individuals involved,” CHR said in a statement.

The CHR was reacting to complaints filed by the wives of two convicted prisoners who were reportedly subjected to a strip search at the NBP.

In a Viber message to BusinessWorld, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Ephraim B. Cortez said it should not be imposed unless the visitor is believed to be hiding something.

“It is a degrading treatment. It should not be imposed unless there is reasonable ground to believe that the guest is hiding something. But here, it became a standard operating procedure that every female guest has to be stripped searched,” he said.

“[Standard operating procedure] is not a justification [for strip searching]. That is the problem, they implement it as a standard operating procedure. If at all it should be allowed, only in instances that there is reasonable ground to believe that the guest is carrying contraband. Absent such reasonable ground, it should not be implemented as a matter of practice,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday assured it would not tolerate erring prison guards.

“Our Department remains fully committed to upholding the highest degree of respect for human rights in the conduct of our Corrections functions and guarantees that our agency will continue to innovate ways on how to improve our services to our PDLs and their loved ones,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said a strip search is strictly implemented in all prisons and penal farms after several visitors were caught sneaking contraband. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Poe fights electronic vote-buying

SENATOR Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares on Wednesday called for stricter measures and penalties against vote buying through electronic payment methods, ahead of the midterm elections.

In her privilege speech before the Senate floor, she said she will file a bill seeking stricter measures and punishments against electronic modes of vote-buying.

“Aside from technological reforms, a lot more needs to be done in our electoral landscape,” the senator said. “These include redefining what electoral crimes words like ‘premature campaigning,’ ‘vote-buying,’ and ‘vote-selling’ cover.”

Ms. Poe-Llmanzares cited the “Hello Garci” scandal, when phone calls were leaked between former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano conspiring to rig the 2004 presidential elections.

The former president had apologized for the incident in a televised message.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said it had received 1,226 vote-buying reports in the 2022 national and local elections.

Ms. Poe-Llmanzares said there is still a lack of measures punishing vote-buying through e-wallets.

Comelec has also backed a House bill making vote-buying a heinous crime, imposing a penalty of up to 40 years of jail time for those involved in vote-buying and a fine of at least P5 million.

International poll watchdog Asian Network for Free Elections has noted that rampant vote buying is “the biggest flaw in Philippine elections… which may plague the country more than any other in Asia.”

“So much must be done in so little time,” the senator said.

“We are fast approaching the midterm national elections next year and yet the landscape has not changed much since the electoral crisis two decades ago.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

PAGASA warns against dangerous heat in 20 areas

People shield themselves from the scorching sun while walking along EDSA in Quezon City, April 18, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE PHILIPPINE weather bureau said over 20 areas in the country may experience dangerous heat indices on Thursday.

A heat index of 45 degrees Celsius (°C) may be experienced in Virac, Catanduanes, followed by a heat index of 44°C in Pili, Camarines Sur and Roxas City in Capiz, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a report.

In Metro Manila extreme caution level of heat at 41 degrees Celsius is raised in Pasay City and Quezon City.

Areas that will also experience dangerous heat indices include Bacnotan, La Union (43°C), Munos, Nueva Ecija (43°C), San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (43°C), Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (43°C), Aborlan, Palawan (43°C), Cuyo Palawan (43°C), and Dumanga, Iloilo (43°C).

Also in the possible dangerous list with expected 42°C heat index are Clark, Pampanga; Subic Bay, Olongapo; Tanuan, Batangas; Alabat, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Masbate City, Masbate; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Samar; Tacloban City; Zamboanga City; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao.

Most areas affected by the El Niño weather pattern, which has already caused P5.9 billion in agricultural damage as of April 30, experience drought, a government task force earlier said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Guermali, Ubas top their favorite events in ICTSI national openers

YACINE GUERMALI — PHILIPPINE ATHLETICS TRACK AND FIELD ASSOCIATION

OLYMPIC hopefuls Yacine Guermali and Janry Ubas flexed their muscles as they blew away the competition in their respective events in yesterday’s start of the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships at the PhilSports oval.

Mr. Guermali made his debut on local soil memorable as he topped the 5000 meters in 14 minutes and 18.83 seconds, way ahead of national team mainstay Sonny Wagdos and Noli Torre, who took the silver and bronze in 14:54.95 and 15:05.00, respectively.

It was also made memorable that Mr. Guermali’s gold was the first won in this five-day meet backed by ICTSI, Milo, CEL Logistics, Inc., Pocari Sweat, SIP, Wireless Link, UA, Inc., Masiv Sports, Victory Liner, AAI Worldwide, and Filam Sports.

“Great moment for me,” said Mr. Guermali, whose roots were from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

The 24-year-old Fil-Moroccan, the national record-holder in 1500m and 5000m, said he still has a chance of making the Olympic cut.

“I hope to make Paris,” he said.

Mr. Ubas, for his part, cast his long, marauding shadow in the men’s long jump where he registered 7.83m, waylaying the competition that included Kent Francis Jardin (7.39m) and Algin Gomez (7.20m).

Also making her presence felt was national record holder Lauren Hoffman, who posted the best time in the 100m hurdles heat where she clocked 13.61 seconds, barely touching her own mark of 13.41 she set in the Duke Invitational less than a month ago.

The opening day though was not without some upsets as Phnom Penh Southeast Asian Games silver winner Gennah Malapit was stunned by Adamson’s Elizabeth Sicat, who copped the women’s Under-20 javelin throw gold with a 33.5m.

Ms. Malapit settled for the silver with 33.08m after reinjuring her left ankle sprain on her fifth attempt.

There was also some intrigue in the women’s 400m after Danae Manibog of Filam Sports posted the fastest time of 55.80 ahead of Angel Frank, a national team stalwart and owner of the record of the same event who clocked 56.35.

They were battling each other in the finals in the afternoon matches. — Joey Villar

La Salle guns for sweep of undermanned Centro Escolar for PBA D-League Aspirants Cup finals ‘three-peat’

ECOOIL-DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY GREEN ARCHERS — PBA.PH

Game Thursday
(Ynares Sports Arena)
7:30 p.m. — EcoOil-La Salle vs CEU

REIGNING champion EcoOil-De La Salle University goes for a sweep against the undermanned Centro Escolar University (CEU) in Game 2 of the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) D-League Aspirants’ Cup finals to realize a rare “three-peat” dream Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Action erupts at 7:30 p.m. with the Green Archers also sporting a chance to complete a perfect championship run and etch their place among the greatest squads ever assembled in the D-League.

Even without Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, a win by La Salle for a 9-0 slate would push it to a tie for the second winningest team in D-League history with Cignal at three titles apiece just behind NLEX — now in the PBA — with six championships. NLEX was also the first team to win three straight in the 2010s as part of its historic four-peat, paving the way for La Salle to become only the second team to do so.

“Winning a three-peat is the end goal. But Game 1 doesn’t give us the championship yet,” said assistant coach Gian Nazario after an easy 98-76 win in the opener for their eighth win in as many games.

“We still have to win one more game. It’s gonna be a feat if we get it.”

And as if they’re not already the favorites as the defending UAAP champions, too, the Green Archers can also enjoy the potential absence of Abdul Wahab-Olusesi for the second game in the best-of-three finale.

Mr. Olusesi had a left knee sprain in Game 3 of the semis, where CEU ran away with a 78-56 win over Marinerong Pilipino-San Beda University. As per coach Jeff Perlas, he’s still doubtful to return.

But there’s no surrendering for the Scorpions.

“We are preparing without him, obviously we are undersized compared to La Salle. I told them we are in the finals and we belong here we just have to play with more passion and big heart,” promised Mr. Perlas. — John Bryan Ulanday

Choco Mucho and Creamline face off for All-Filipino crown

CHOCO MUCHO FLYING TITANS — FACEBOOK.COM/PREMIERVOLLEYBALLLEAGUE

Games Thursday
(Smart Araneta Colisuem)
4 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Petro Gazz (battle for third)
6 p.m. — Creamline vs Choco Mucho (finals)

CREAMLINE aims to sustain a crumbling dynasty while Choco Mucho seeks to build a new one as they face off Thursday in a dream Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title showdown that is expected to break attendance records at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Cool Smashers, the reigning champions and seven-time titlists, made it through the best-of-three titular series, which is set at 6 p.m., by winning two of their three semifinal games while the Flying Titans did it by sweeping all three.

Game Two is slated Sunday while a decider, if necessary, Tuesday.

The dynastic franchise will come in as the underdogs after dropping its last duel with its younger sibling in a gripping five-set defeat where the former blew a two-set lead.

But Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses stressed they are thinking nothing but win it all.

While Creamline has been used to playing in the finale, 11 in all out of the 14 conferences in the league that netted it a record seven crowns, Choco Mucho has made it to the finals only one time and hasn’t won the big one yet.

The only time the Flying Titans did in their five years in the pro league, they were denied by the same team they are playing now, who end up sweeping them in two games a conference ago.

Choco Mucho spiker Sisi Rondina said they are now concentrating on the present.

Meanwhile, Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo collide in the battle for third place, also in a best-of-three affair. — Joey Villar

Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes signs partnership deal with UK firm Mansion Sports

EFREN “BATA” REYES — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

MANSION Sports, a private equity firm based in the United Kingdom (UK), specializing in investments across sports facilities, sports news portals, and sports entertainment, has announced its partnership with billiards icon Efren “Bata” Reyes, coinciding with the launch of Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce platform catering to global billiards enthusiasts. This strategic move underscores Mansion Sports’ commitment to elevating the billiards experience worldwide.

The partnership encompasses a series of events and tournaments showcasing high-level billiards play, as well as projects aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the sport’s enthusiasts. With Mr. Reyes’ involvement, these initiatives are poised to deliver thrilling matches and dynamic gameplay, leaving a lasting impact on the billiards community.

To kickoff the partnership, Mansion Sports unveiled Mansion Sports Billiards, an eCommerce site offering premium billiard products globally. Featuring high-quality cues, stylish tables, and top-notch accessories, the platform aims to enhance enthusiasts’ playing experience. Initially rolling out in Vietnam, Mansion Sports Billiards plans for global expansion.

Mr. Reyes, renowned for his  exceptional skill and long-standing dominance in billiards, joins Mansion Sports as Brand Ambassador. This partnership will leverage Mr. Reyes’ stature in the billiards community to bolster Mansion Sports’ presence through various events and initiatives.

“We are honored to have Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes as a Mansion Sports Brand Ambassador and are excited to work together to bring the sport of billiards to new heights.” said Denis Keet, Managing Director of Mansion Sports.

“We believe that Mr. Reyes brings decades of experience and a storied career to the partnership. His achievements have not only earned him numerous titles and awards but also a substantial fan base and respect within the sports community,” Mr. Keet added.

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