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Anti-terror law now in force DOJ chief sees IRR in 90 days; Lacson, Sotto strike back at US critics

By Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

HE Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 takes effect today, July 18, even without its Implementing Rules and Regulations as two senators defended the measure amid criticisms from US lawmakers. VOL. XXXIV • NO. 144 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

“We’re just about to start drafting the IRR. We have to finish this in 90 days. (But) the promulgation of the IRR is not a condition for the effectivity of the law,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. Next page

Sotto

MRT MARSHALLS.

Train marshalls have deployed at MRT-3 stations to enforce health and safety protocols such as social distancing and a ban on conversations between or among passengers. Three marshalls, all fitted with personal protective equipment, face shields, gowns and gloves, will man each train, according to the management. Lacson

Steady spike in virus cases very alarming, ex-Palace adviser says By Willie Casas A FORMER adviser to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said the sustained rise in COVID-19 cas-

es in Metro Manila was “very alarming” and had recommended to the President that he reimpose a strict lockdown for two weeks to slow down the infections. Former task force adviser Dr. Tony Leachon told CNN Philippines he had

made the recommendation to President Rodrigo Duterte after receiving a surprise invitation to a meeting at the Palace just weeks after he was told to resign for openly criticizing the IATF policies. Instead of the lockdowns, the President

opted to keep Metro Manila under the general community quarantine (GCQ) with localized lockdowns where needed. “During my turn, I told the President that if I would decide this based on my Next page

LOCAL ROUNDUP

50,000 more OFWs want to come home By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja AT LEAST 50,000 Filipino workers are expected to be repatriated by the end of July due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, an official said Friday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Arriola made the announcement before the House Committee on overseas workers as she appealed for Congress’ funding support, citing her Next page

RAPID TEST. Quezon City health workers conduct rapid testing for COVID-19 on city residents at the Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School in Barangay Lourdes as they intensify efforts to contain the spread of virus in the city, one of the heavily infected areas in Metro Manila.

PH lets in aliens with long-term visas, pre-booked COVID-19 test By Vito Barcelo

188th SC MAGISTRATE. Justice Priscilla Baltazar-Padilla (left) takes her oath of office as 188th Associate Justice before Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta on July 17, 2020 at the En Banc Session Hall of the Supreme Court. Her appointment completes the 15-member roster of the high tribunal. She served as Associated Justice of the Court of Appeals for 14 years. SC PIO (Story on A3)

5th Sona: Rights lawyers on alert By Rey Requejo HUMAN rights lawyers will be on guard against the possible warrantless arrests by the police of protesters who will be joining the rallies during President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth State-ofthe-Nation Address on July 27, a source

said Friday. Law expert Tony La Viña of the Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties says they will be protecting the protesters who might be arrested by the authorities without a warrant. “We’ll be out in full force on July Next page

THE Philippine government will allow the entry of foreign nationals with long-term visas in the country beginning August 1, amid threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said Friday. However, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s COVID-19 task force would set conditions prior to their entry. In a statement, Roque said foreigners

must first have valid and existing visas at the time of the entry, meaning no new entry visa shall be accepted. Roque said foreign nationals traveling to the country are subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry because returning overseas Filipinos will be given priority. He also said foreign nationals must also secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and a pre-booked

WORLD ROUNDUP

US, UK, Canada accuse Russia of vaccine theft THE US, UK and Canada have accused Russia of trying to steal coronavirus vaccine research as the pandemic surges across the world, with Brazil surpassing two million confirmed cases and the US notching a new daily record. The virus has killed more than 588,000 people, infected more than 13.7 million and crippled the global economy since emerging late last year, and world hopes have turned to a vaccine to end the onslaught. In the latest positive sign, British media reported Thursday that an Oxford University trial had shown its prototype vaccine generated an immune response against COVID-19. But hours later, the UK’s National Cyber Security Center said a hacking group called APT29 had targeted British labs conducting vaccine research to “steal valuable intellectual property.” The agency said it was “almost certain (95%+) that APT29 are part of Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 17)

63,001

1,841 NEW

TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

39,593

1,660

21,748

311

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

ACTIVE

NEW

Health endorses criminal raps against Pimentel the complaint against Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III for breaching COVID-19 quarantine protocols last March. “We have endorsed it to the approTHE Department of Health, standing tough against violators of lockdown re- priate authority such as NBI (National strictions, said Friday it had endorsed Bureau of Investigation) and PNP (Phil-

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

ippine National Police),” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said when asked about the complaint filed by Lawyer Rico Quicho. Vergeire said the endorsement of Next page

News

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sell ABS-CBN, save jobs—solon T

HE Lopez family should sell ABS-CBN Corporation to save its employees from being jobless or risk remaining being shut down even after the end of the Duterte administration, House Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte said Friday. He made the statement to ANC when asked if the House could instead have given ABS-CBN the chance to correct its alleged violations to prevent its workers from losing their jobs. “My suggestion to the Lopez family [is to just] sell the corporation,” said Villafuerte, one of the 70 lawmakers who voted to reject ABS-CBN’s franchise application. “If they really love the 11,000 employees or more and they really want to serve

the Filipino people, just sell the company.” Villafuerte then said he was sure that, under the new owners, all of the network’s employees would be safe from losing their jobs. He made his statement even as Rep. Lito Atienza appealed to the House leadership to elevate ABS-CBN’s case from the committee level to the plenary for a thorough discussion. Atienza, one of the proponents of the network’s franchise renewal, made the

Steady... From A1

Anti-terror... From A1

clinical acumen as a physician — and not thinking of the economy and the social amelioration funds — I would perhaps suggest an ECQ (in Metro Manila) patterned after the first ECQ in March 15 onwards and in Cebu,” Leachon told CNN Philippines Friday. “Clearly, there’s a rapid acceleration right now of the cases.” Leachon also said the latest spikes show that the current strategies are not working, with more resources needed to prevent more Filipinos from getting the disease. “These are telltale signs that we are not doing well in terms of arresting the virus transmission. I would say we have not really flattened the curve here,” he said. The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 1,841 new COVID-19 cases, of which 710 are “fresh” and 1,131 are “late,” bringing the nationwide tally of cases to 63,001. The DOH also reported that total recoveries rose to 21,748 with 311 new ones. The DOH also reported 17 more fatalities bringing the death toll in the country to 1,660. The five provinces or cities with the highest number of new cases are Manila with 441, Quezon City with 140, Mandaluyong with 96, Cebu City with 87, and Navotas with 86. The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City on Friday said it has reached a “critical level” in the admission of patients with COVID-19. Around 90 percent of the public hospital’s COVID-19 beds are currently occupied, said EAMC spokesman Dr. Dennis Ordoña. EAMC is converting some of its wards for the use of COVID-19 patients. However, authorities expect these additional facilities to be filled up in just a week, Ordoña said. The hospital cannot convert all of its facilities into COVID-19 wards because it has some 300 patients who have other illnesses, Ordoña said. Because of this, the EAMC is trying to refer coronavirus patients with mild to moderate symptoms to other hospitals, he said. Quezon City as of Thursday had the second highest COVID-19 tally in the country, next to Cebu City, with 4,644 cases. This includes 2,502 patients who recovered, and 193 who died, according to health department’s website.

Some provisions, such as the establishment of the Anti-Terrorism Council, are self-executing, he said. There are other provisions, however, where operational details need to be spelled out, he conceded. Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, advised US lawmakers who were critical of the anti-terrorism law he sponsored, to “shut up.” “I wonder how many among those 50 or so members of the US Congress voted in favor of their own country’s AntiTerrorism Act of 2001,” said Lacson. Unlike the US version of the AntiTerror Law, Lacson said, Republic Act No. 11479 has no provision for a Guantánamo Bay-like detention facility where indefinite detention without trial of suspected terrorists, on top of torture and breach of human rights, suicides and suicide attempts have been reported by Amnesty International – all in violation of the due process clause of the US Constitution. And unlike their Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001, Lacson said, the Philippine law does not allow one-party consent in the conduct of electronic or

World... From A1

ern Xinjiang region curtailed most f lights into the city on Friday and has shut down subway and public bus services after several coronavirus infections were detected, government authorities and state-controlled media said. So far, at least five cases linked to Urumqi have been discovered, including a man who was confirmed positive after he traveled from the city to the eastern province of Zhejiang, state media said. The infections were detected beginning on Wednesday, and news of the cases prompted state media outlets in Urumqi to issue assurances on Friday

the Russian Intelligence Services” and its targeting of researchers was “highly likely (80-90%)” to “collect information on COVID-19 vaccine research.” The US, UK and Canada all accused Russia in a joint security advisory. Moscow denied any involvement, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying: “Russia has nothing to do with these attempts.”

China’s new virus cases

The capital of China’s far-west-

Local... From A1 department’s increased expenses as a result of its repatriation efforts. Arriola said of the more than 86,000 Filipino workers repatriated by her department, 21,171 were sent home in July alone. “We are hoping to bring home 50,557 by the end of the month,” she said.

Drilon slams Gamboa

PH... From A1 COVID-19 testing provider. Right after the coronavirus disease hit the country in March, the Philippine government suspended visa-free privileges of foreigners to arrest the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Last week, the government eased travel restrictions for Filipinos, allowing non-essential travel abroad including for tourism purposes. The Bureau of Immigration said it was ready to implement the new resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowing the entry of foreigners with existing visas into the country. Meanwhile, the IATF-EID has ordered the reclassification of several business industries in the country, Malacañang said. The Department of Trade and Industry was tasked to re-categorize certain industries for the resumption of their operations or the gradual increase of operating capacity of those that are now open, Roque said.

the search for COVID-19 patients to hunting down criminals. He warned Gamboa and other officials to be more circumspect in their choice of words, saying Gamboa’s remarks could fuel fear and distrust in the government and police authorities. “Such remarks are uncalled for. They do not achieve anything but instead instill fear rather than trust in law enforcers,” Drilon said. “I would like to caution PNP Chief Gamboa and all other officials to be more circumspect in their choice of words.”

The people infected with the coronavirus are not criminals and should not No recovery yet be compared to criminals, Senate MiQuezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte nority Leader Franklin Drilon said as he slammed Philippine National Police said Friday she has not yet recovered Chief Archie Gamboa when he likened from the coronavirus disease a week

appeal as he stressed that the network still had available remedies to secure a franchise following the decision of the House legislative franchise committee to reject its application on July 10. “We can suspend the rules and take this up to the plenary for a full ventilation of the issues and debate involving all 305 members of Congress,” Atienza said. He called on Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to allow a plenary discussion of the matter. “If the Speaker is really fair and for the people, he would allow this so we could have a true hearing and not a prosecution as what happened in the legislative franchise committee,” Atienza said. He asked the House leadership to

heed the public clamor for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise, citing a recent SWS survey showing that 75 percent of the Filipinos it polled favored the grant of the franchise. Lawyer Romulo Macalintal supported Atienza’s proposal. “At present, the HR [House of Representatives] is composed of 304 representatives representing 243 district representatives and 61 party-lists,” he said in a statement. “But those who participated in deciding ABS-CBN’s franchise totaled 84 only. Thus, a great majority of our people are asking: What happened to our representatives? How did they vote on this issue?”

technical surveillance. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for his part, said the US lawmakers should look at their own draconian law before criticizing the country’s AntiTerrorism Act of 2020. “Mind your own business and scratch your own mange,” Sotto said. Guevarra said the Anti-Terrorism Council, in consultation with law enforcement agencies and the military that will come up with the IRR within 90 days. At the same time, the Justice secretary said protest actions are not covered by the definition of terrorism under Section 4 of the law, “as long as they are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create a serious risk to public safety.” He acknowledged, however, that this is one area where the IRR may go into greater detail. “In addition, and as a precautionary measure, any such protest action should necessarily comply with local ordinances and existing health protocols, considering that the NCR (National Capital Region) is still under GCQ (general community quarantine),” he said. Guevarra’s statement comes as more protest rallies are expected against the controversial law in the run-up to Presi-

dent Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27. Nine separate petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the anti-terror law. The latest was filed by labor groups, who said the law violated their rights to organize and conduct activities to petition the government for redress of grievances. In a separate development, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo said he would file a bill that provides for an information technology-based modernization for the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). “For crime enforcement, we need a system that would readily provide a single, flexible collaborative environment that would assist law enforcement, defense, government agencies, and commercial private sector businesses to disrupt criminal, terrorist, and fraudulent activities,” Arroyo said. A reliable IT system, he said, “would serve as a basis for more informed decision making, by identifying when pertinent operational data is available or altered for improved reaction times. Suspicious activity reports, 911-style calls and other incoming reports of unlawful or unusual occurrences can contain useful information, but only if recognized by the system.”

The IATF-EID gave the directive during its meeting on Thursday, Roque said. He said the DTI should consult the departments of finance, local government, and tourism. “The DTI is likewise given authority of the IATF to issue a negative list of industries, which shall remain prohibited even in areas under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine),” Roque said. The government has further relaxed the quarantine protocols in the country to allow more business establishments to resume operations, especially in areas placed under MGCQ. He said the IATF-EID’s latest move was meant to revive the economy in Metro Manila and Region 4-A (Calabarzon). “These recent actions of the IATF are in compliance with the directive to ensure the increase of the capacities of the business sector vis-à-vis available transportation to revitalize the economy in Metro Manila and Region 4-A,” Roque said. President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday announced the new quarantine classifications in the country for the July 16 to 31 period. The President consulted doctors and experts on the possible reopening of the Philippine economy so long as local-

ized lockdown was implemented, the COVID-19 testing capacity improved, and vulnerable groups were protected. Meanwhile, spectators are still barred from attending all non-contact sporting activities allowed to resume in the country. “The members of the IATF prohibited spectators in all outdoor non-contact sports and exercises in areas under GCQ, and indoor and outdoor sports and exercises in areas under modified general community quarantine MGCQ,” said Roque. Several activities, such as sporting events, have been suspended when COVID-19 hit the country last March. The omnibus guidelines amended by the IATF-EID on July 16 allow the resumption of non-contact sports in areas placed under GCQ and MGCQ. Allowed in areas under GCQ are walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, and skateboarding. Athletes and enthusiasts of walking, jogging, running, biking, golf, swimming, tennis, badminton, equestrian, range shooting, and skateboarding are now allowed to play the sports they love for areas under MGCQ.

that supermarkets had ample stocks of food – an apparent attempt to discourage panic-buying. The new cases illustrate the continuing difficulty China faces in stamping out the contagion, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year before spreading throughout the country and globally.

With more than 600 people dying daily in India, lockdowns have been reimposed on millions of people across the world’s second-most-populous nation. India’s main hotspots had previously been the megacities of Mumbai and New Delhi, but smaller cities and rural areas – where 70 percent of Indians live – have recently begun to raise the alarm. The coastal tourist region of Goa on Thursday evening became the latest Indian state to go under lockdown, imposing a three-day shutdown and a night time curfew until August 10. AFP

India breaches 1 million cases

India on Friday became the third country in the world to record one million coronavirus cases, following Brazil and the United States where infections also continued to surge. after she was found infected. “My 14-day quarantine is not yet finished, so I am not considered recovered until such time I am fully compliant with the Department of Health protocols and cleared by a health professional,” Belmonte said in a statement. Hours earlier, city legal officer Niño Casimiro told reporters he was merely complying with health protocols, but he had already tested negative for the virus twice.

Violators held

An official said the Quezon City government has arrested 99 violators, including a minor who was caught roaming outside his residence, in their intensified campaign that began on July 8 against people disobeying quarantine guidelines.

5th Sona:... From A1 27 if arrests are going to be done, but we can assure you, from a legal point of view, that cannot be because those would all be unconstitutional arrests,” La Viña said in a virtual forum called #SONAgkaisa. He says his group and other lawyers’ groups will deploy their people in full force “to make sure, to guide people.” He says they will also make sure that the participants will not be exposed to COVID-19 due to the alleged lack of health protocols among the police who might be making arrests. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said

New tech may halt virus spread NOW a familiar mantra: masks, handwashing and physical distancing can slow the spread of the coronavirus while work continues on developing the vaccines and treatments needed to rid the world of its threat. But as tens of millions of people return to public transit, their workplaces and schools, are these interventions enough? Researchers are increasingly looking at the pandemic through the lens of engineering, devising ways to make indoor environments safer. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:

Heated nickel air filters

Scientists are getting more worried about the potential airborne spread of the coronavirus, at distances far greater than the two meters of spacing urged by guidelines. Certain super-spreading events, such as a choir practice in Washington state in the spring, appeared to involve so-called microdroplets that became suspended in the air. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters – technology that first came to market in the 1950s – are used widely in hospitals, biocontainment labs and airplanes. These use a fan to draw air through felt-like filters to capture the tiniest of microbes. But the filters become contaminated over time and must eventually be incinerated or autoclaved. A research team at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at University of Houston and Galveston National Laboratory has now demonstrated the efficiency of a new type of filter based on an ultra-fine foam made of nickel. By heating the foam to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit), the researchers were able to eliminate 99.8 percent of airborne SARS-CoV-2 virus from a room on first pass.

New UV technology

Lamps that operate on a particular area of the ultraviolet spectrum known as UVC have long been used to kill bacteria, viruses and molds, notably in hospitals and in the foodprocessing industry. But direct exposure to UVC is dangerous because the rays, which aren’t present in regular sunlight, cause skin cancer and eye problems – meaning they can only be used once people leave. AFP

Health... From A1 the complaint was part of their regular process. “The DOH is usually administrative but, with regard to this, there is another process that is needed so we have submitted it to the proper authority. So this is our regular process when we receive this kind of complaints,” said Vergeire. Quicho, a former law dean of the University of Makati, posted on social media on Thursday that, “DOH formally endorsed the complaint vs. Sen. Pimentel to PNP Chief Gamboa and NBI Director Distor to undertake investigation for possible violations of RA No. 11332.” Republic Act No. 11332 is the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.Reacting to Vergeire’s statement, Pimentel said the complaint filed against him was supposed to be a legal matter and not a political one. Respecting the principle of sub judice analogously, Pimentel said his counter affidavit to the complaint was for submission to the DOJ and not to the media. “We better ask Atty Quicho why he is pursuing his baseless case before the media. As if his rantings will ‘influence the jury,’ said Pimentel. “Was it not obvious who is after the free media exposure? I thought this case was in pursuit of justice”? This might be in pursuit of something else. Come 2022, you will say I’m right,” further stated Pimentel. Thursday Duterte will deliver his SONA at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. But presidential spokesman Harry Roque said it was not yet sure if the 75-year-old President would be physically present there. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Friday Duterte’s address must present a 20/20 vision. “Wherever it is delivered, through whatever medium, the SONA 2020 must contain one thing: an inspiring 20/20 vision that will rally this nation to move as one,” Recto said. He says the message of the SONA is more important than where the messenger is. The principal audience of the SONA are not the politicians inside the hall but the people outside.

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SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Caloocan bishop is CBCP acting chief CALOOCAN Bishop Pablo Virgilio David on Friday has been designated as acting president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. He was appointed by CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles, who is now recovering from a mild stroke. “He asked me to take over as acting CBCP president while he’s recuperating,” Pablo, who is also CBCP vice president said in an interview. He said Valles’ mild stroke was “aggravated by hospital-acquired pneumonia.” “He has been discharged already from the hospital and is recuperating well in his residence,” David said. In July 2019, the two top officials of the CBCP were re-elected during their Plenary Assembly. Valles and David started their second term on Dec. 1, 2019. Their term of office is until Nov. 30, 2021.

IN BRIEF BOC destroys smuggled Peking duck, meats THE Bureau of Customs destroyed seized smuggled Peking Duck, meat and meat products, fish products and assorted Chinese condiments believed contaminated which were found in a warehouse in Bgy. Anunas, Angeles city, Pampanga. The BOC said the condemned goods include 1,226 cartons of Peking Duck; several boxes of meat products such as Chicken Feet, Hotdog and nuggets; fish and seafood products including Espada, Baby lobster, Crab sticks and octopus tentacles; and various Chinese condiments which were illegally imported. In a statement, the BOC confiscated the goods after the warehouse representative failed to provide proof of payment of duties and taxes on the subject goods in violation of importing meat and other products without proper permits from concerned government agencies. The condemnation was witnessed by National Meat Inspection Service Director Orlando Ongsolo, Angeles City Veterinarian’s Office Head Dr. Allan Gamueda, representatives from Bureau of Animal Industry, AOCG, CIIS and ESS. Vito Barcelo

Construction of LCP’s medical center done THE Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the construction of dormitories for medical personnel of the Lung Center of the Philippines within the hospital compound in Quezon City. Secretary Mark Villar said that the government has helped alleviate daily operational challenges of healthcare workers of the Lung Center of Philippines by providing two units of ‘We Heal As One Offsite Dormitory for Medical Personnel’. The fully furnished offsite dormitories were officially turned over yesterday by Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain representing Secretary Villar to the management of Lung Center of the Philippines represented by Deputy Executive Director for Medical Services Sullian Sy-Naval and Deputy Executive Director for Hospital Support Services Dr. Victoria Idolor. The preparation of plan, construction management and supervision of the completed dormitories were undertaken by the DPWH Task Force to Facilitate Augmentation of Local and National Healthcare Facilities headed by Undersecretary Sadain. The cluster dormitory is made of modular components fabricated to assemble 16 rooms with the middle space intended for the living room. Vito Barcelo

More private firms help rebuild Marawi mosques MORE private companies want to help Lanao del Sur’s Marawi City rebuild its mosques heavily damaged during a fivemonth armed conflict between government troops and the terrorists in 2017. Housing czar Eduardo del Rosario said the Task Force Bangon Marawi has allocated P105 million for the reconstruction of Dansalan Bato mosque that was assessed to be “structurally unsound” after the siege. The reconstruction of the historic Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque, one of the oldest masjids in Marawi’s most affected area or ground zero provides new hope for all Maranaos, he said. “We have already secured donations for the reconstruction of the Dansalan Bato Mosque. There are 31 mosques within the most affected area and we intend to rehabilitate all of them,” Del Rosario said. Sultan Nasser Sampaco, Marawi Sultanate League chairperson, thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and Del Rosario for their support to the sultanate comprising 23 clans acting as administrators of the Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque. Rio N. Araja

REGIONAL TRANSPORT CONFAB. Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade attended the Asean-China Transport Ministers Special Meeting on COVID-19 via

videoconference on July 16, 2020. Recognizing that the pandemic poses unprecedented challenges, transport ministers of the region discussed strengthening engagement and stepping up information sharing of best practices in containing the disease.

35 arrested in Angeles raid By Jess Malabanan and Vito Barcelo

NGELES CITY—At least 35 persons were arrested by government anti-narcotics agents during simultaneous raids at Hadrian Extension, a slum area in Barangay Balibago here Friday.

Philipine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 3 director Christian Frivaldo said 16 were nabbed for sniffing shabu while the rest were taken to the PDEA headquarters for further investigation and drug testing. Frivaldo said the raids were aimed at apprehending the Journale brothers who are in the region’s list of top drug personalities maintaining drug dens in Angeles City.

Louie De Veyra Journale was arrested in his residence while his brothers Santhy and Daniel were able to escape. Frivaldo said a manhunt has been launched against the two others who escaped the PDEA dragnet. “Seemingly no intervention had been made by barangay officials that the drug problem reached to this extent. The missing link here is the active participation of

the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC),” PDEA Director General Wilkerson Villanueva said. “The absence of illegal drugs rehabilitation center in the area forced us to conduct barangay clearing operations. Tamaan na ang dapat tamaan,” Villanueva said. Meanwhile, Malacañang backed a Supreme Court circular order for the immediate destruction of illegal drugs seized by government authorities to prevent it from being recycled. Palace spokesperson Harry Roque welcomed the new order, saying this measure will stop unscrupulous individuals in the police, military or any law enforcement agencies to recycle confiscated drugs.

Under Circular 118-2020 issued on Wednesday, Court Administer Jose Midas Marquez said all regional trial courts have been advised to “strictly comply” with the requirements of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 on the immediate destruction of illegal drugs confiscated. Marquez said RTC judges are mandated under the Dangerous Drugs Act to conduct inspection of the seized dangerous drugs within 72 hours from the filing of a criminal complaint in court and to issue a destruction order within 24 hours after the ocular inspection. “It is good because the illegal drugs might fall in the wrong hands. It will be better to destroy them if they are no longer needed,” Roque said.

New SC Associate Justice takes oath By Rey E. Requejo NEWLY appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Priscilla J. Baltazar Padilla on Friday took her oath of office before Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta vice Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. who retired last May 11. President Rodrigo Duterte promoted Padilla to the SC post, completing the membership of the 15-member bench. Padilla started her judicial career in 1996 as metropolitan trial court judge in Manila and later as a regional trial court judge. She was appointed CA associate justice in 2006. Padilla, who graduated at the Lyceum of the Philippines, placed fifth in the 1984 bar examinations with a rating of 90.3 per cent. After passing the bar, she joined the law firm of Puno and Associates and, later in 1991, she formed a law office in partnership with her husband, Venancio Padilla. The lady magistrate is currently a professor at the New Era University and the Universidad de Manila. She is also a pre-bar reviewer on Persons and Family Relations, Obligations and Contracts, and Remedial Law subjects. Padilla also authored a book entitled “Quick Reviewer on the Law on Marriage and Family Relations.” With her appointment, President Rodrigo now has 11 appointees who are incumbent members of the SC, on top of his appointment of Chief Justice Peralta last year. Aside from Padilla, the 10 other Duterte appointees are Associate Justices Alexander G. Gesmundo, Jose C. Reyes Jr., Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Rosmari D. Carandang, Amy C. Lazaro Javier, Henri Jean Paul B. Inting, Rodil V. Zalameda, Mario V. Lopez, Edgardo L. Delos Santos, and Samuel H. Gaerlan. The other SC members are Senior Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas Bernabe and Associate Justices Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen and Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa. In September this year, there will be a vacancy at the SC when Justice Jose Reyes mandatorily retires when he reaches the age of 70. The Judicial and Bar Council has announced the opening of applications and nomination for Reyes’ post.

GROWERS’ INPUTS. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the distribution of several agricultural inputs and equipment to mango, rice, vegetable, and other high-value crops growers in the province last July 10. A total of 2,500 bags of organic fertilizers, 2,000 bags of calcium sulfate, 700 bags of calcium nitrate, and 930 liters of insecticide were given to mango growers.

‘Gov’t must assist private schools’ Release stipend By Macon R. Araneta to seniors, DSWD told DUE to the low turnout of enrollment in private schools, Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the need for the government to immediately give them assistance. He said enrollment in these institutions reached only 24.3 percent from last year’s 4 million. Out of 20,220,507 learners enrolled nationwide as of July 15, Gatchalian said only 1,050,437 are enrolled in private schools. The Department of Education also reported that 323,524 learners from private schools, state universities and colleges, and local universities and colleges have moved to public schools. DepEd clarified earlier that enrollment is still ongoing in some private institutions. According to Gatchalian, ensuring the continued implementation of government subsidy programs, including the Senior High School Voucher Program and the

Education Service Contracting (ESC) will help learners to continue their education while giving relief to private schools, especially those who are struggling to sustain operations because of lockdown measures and postponed enrollment. The SHS VP is a program of financial assistance wherein subsidies in the form of vouchers are provided to qualified SHS learners from private or non-DepEd schools. The ESC, on the other hand, utilizes the excess capacities of certified private junior high schools by allocating slots to students who would have gone to public schools. The slots come with subsidies called ESC grants. Gatchalian added that there should be enough allocations for these programs under the 2021 budget so as not to reduce the number of beneficiaries as it could lead to a potential spike in dropouts.

By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader on Friday urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development to release the P500 monthly pension for millions of indigent senior citizens every three months, instead of every six months. In Resolution 1047, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City said Covid-19 “has affected and disrupted the lives of all Filipinos, with the end to this pandemic still nowhere in sight as the number of cases still continues to increase.” “Due to lockdowns and quarantines in many parts of the country, many businesses struggled, resulting in loss of jobs for many Filipinos, including senior citizens who are still productive members of society,” Rodriguez said. “Now more than ever, these indigent senior citizens need financial assistance from the government,” he said. According to Rodriguez, many beneficiaries of the government’s social pension program in Cagayan de Oro City and other parts of the country have complained to him that six months is too long for them to wait for such assistance. “They need it to augment whatever money they have for their maintenance medicines, food and other essentials,” he said.

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

34 parents held for letting kids roam in Manila By Willie Casas

MANILA Police District (MPD) officers on Thursday arrested 34 parents of minors who have been tagged as quarantine protocol violators. The parents were arrested after Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko" Domagoso warned that their neglect of children is a violation of the Anti-Child Endangerment Act. Domagoso said the city government is serious in implementing its policies particularly in this time of pandemic. "Parents need to learn to discipline their children," Domagoso said. "I have to bite the bullet, I have to implement the law to keep the order in Manila," he added. This developed as the Manila Health Department (MHD) reported that as of July 16, a total of 2,100 city residents have already recovered from COVID-19. The MHD also reported 188 others died due to the disease. About 1,351 Manilenos were identified as confirmed cases after the MHD recorded 79 new active cases. About 413 residents were also tagged as “suspects” while 71 residents were tagged as “probable.” Domagoso said the city government has no choice but to intervene if parents allow their children to leave their homes without face mask during curfew hours. "We’re not happy about it. I am not happy. I don’t want to separate children and parents. But I will do that if you’re irresponsible parents," the Mayor said. "I will intervene as government to take care of our children or minors. That is also the job of the government, to intervene," he added. The MPD and Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) said the arrests were made in the following barangays: 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 61, 221, 228.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Makati gets highest audit rating ‘3-peat’ T By Joel E. Zurbano

HE City of Makati City got the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2019 financial statements, an unprecedented 'three-peat' achievement for a local government unit.

Makati now holds the record of earning COA's highest audit rating for three consecutive years. Mayor Abigail Binay said she was "extremely delighted" by COA's ‘unmodified opinion’ after concluding that the city's financial statements were

presented fairly and in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The city government received the good news through a letter dated July 6, 2020 signed by COA director Omar Roque.

As this developed, Mayor Binay shared that her administration posted a four percent-revenue growth in the first half of the year. City Treasurer Jesusa Cuneta reported that Business Tax collections jumped four percent to P6.69 billion in June 2020 from P6.42 billion the previous year. Revenue from Real Property Tax also increased by three percent to P4.72 billion from P4.58 billion. As of June 2020, Cuneta also reported that the city has attained 73 percent of its revenue target for 2020 with a

Isko eyes Quirino Grandstand as testing center

CDC DONATES TO ANGELES. Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has donated two units of Patient Care Monitor (PCM) to the Angeles City Government. CDC President and CEO Noel F. Manankil (2nd from right) and CDC Communications Division Head Noel G. Tulabut (right) turn over the equipment to Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. (2nd from left) with Executive Assistant IV Raffy Angeles (left). The donations were part of CDC’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts for its adjacent communities in Metro Clark, including Mabalacat City and the municipalities of Porac in Pampanga and Bamban and Capas in Tarlac.

349 nabbed in Navotas despite Cabinet praises Taguig initiatives vs. coronavirus 14-day lockdown By Jun David JUST two days after the 14-day citywide lockdown began in Navotas City, 349 individuals were arrested for not following safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to Mayor Toby Tiangco, “This is only the data as of July 16, 5 p.m.” Most of those arrested by the police were not wearing face masks appropriately, violating the 1-to-2 meters social distancing, and not following the 24-hour curfew for those under 21 years old. For the arrested minors, their parents or guardians were fined P1,000 for the first offense. Navotas has deployed 300 policemen in various places to ensure that no one violates the ordinances, “but many are still violating the safety protocols,” Tiangco said. The lockdown will end on July 29, as the city hopes to stem the increase in the number of COVID-19 patients.

total of P12.98 billion in actual collections. Target revenue collection for the year is P17.76 billion. “I'm heartened by these positive developments as the city grapples with the pandemic. We're thankful for meeting COA’s stringent standards for the third straight year,” said Binay. She added she was pleasantly surprised to learn that the city achieved a four percent year-on-year gain in revenue collections for the first half of 2020 despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.

CABINET officials on Friday praised the Taguig City government for its health initiative and strict enforcement to fight the coronavirus disease in the city. “We all saw how Taguig City and its officials conducted their aggressive tracing, testing and treatment and partnership. Their efforts are really a role model (in containing the disease)," said Health secretary Francisco Duque III in a recent meeting with various government officials at the Bonifacio Global City.

National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also commended city officials led by Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano for their effective drive against the deadly virus. “This action demonstrates the balance between the economy and health. Mayor Lino shows decisiveness can save lives and the economy at the same time," Galvez said, referring to the en-

forcement of a localized lockdown. Galvez said Taguig was also able to save its economy from losing some P16.7 billion if it had opted to do a twoweek BGC lockdown instead of a localized lockdown. He said this lesson shows that local executives can use granular in implementing targeted lockdowns, adding that Taguig City can serve as a role model in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in Regions 3 and 4 and even those in Davao and Cebu Cities.

MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso has announced that he is eyeing the Quirino Grandstand as a new site for the local government's free COVID-19 drive-through testing center. Domagoso said National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) executive director Cecille Lorenzana- Romero has agreed with his proposal to create a new testing site at the grandstand. The mayor inspected the site upon reports of heavy traffic caused by the long line of vehicles going to the COVID-19 drive-thru testing site in front of the Andres Bonifacio Monument beside Manila City Hall. "Here, it’s bigger, longer, and more convenient," Domagoso said after inspecting the Quirino Grandstand with city government officials. "Just give me 48 hours (to set this area up). I will do my very best with the help of our co-workers." "We will always strive to be better, we will continue to listen to you. We will continue to adapt sensible suggestions," he said during a subsequent Facebook Live broadcast. Lanes will be designated for fourwheel vehicles, tricycles, pedicabs, and motorized and non-motorized vehicles. The grandstand can accommodate up to 700 vehicles at a time through six lanes, Domagoso said. Manila's first COVID-19 drive thru testing facility was launched at the Andres Bonifacio Monument on Wednesday, July 15. It is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city government offered the tests at the facility for free to both Manila residents and non-Manila residents. "We cannot just take care of our people and leave our neighbors behind. We give more weight to people’s health issues," Domagoso said in an interview with radio DZBB. Willie Casas

BARMM invests P19b in education for 1m enrollees By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government will invest much on developing human capital through basic, tertiary, and technical education. This year, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has

been allocated P19 billion in administrative and operational budget and support funds, which constitutes the biggest pie in the region’s 2020 P 65-billion Regional Expenditure Program (REP). The MBHTE-BARMM said it was expecting one million enrollees this school year, as it opened the region’s public-school system to a “blended learning mode” by which teachers en-

gage learners in both online and print instructional modules. BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro Parliament delved into the constitutional and legal bases of assigning the highest budgetary priority to education in the region, as provided under the Bangsamoro Basic Law (Republic Act 11054).

MBHTE Minister Mohaguer Iqbal said in addition to his agency charged mainly with the education welfare of the region's Moro and non-Moro children and youth, Ebrahim has also tasked other BARMM ministries into “collaborative efforts,” by designing and “implementing programs and projects in support to the region’s educational framework.”

Smart-backed DLP aids DepEd ALS Butuan learners RIDING a motorcycle to different learning centers in hinterlands, sustaining the attention of distracted learners, and handling a multi-grade classroom are just some of the challenges that Alternative Learning System (ALS) mobile teachers face every day. The COVID-19 health crisis has made it even tougher for them, as they look for ways to continue teaching their learners remotely. To help the Department of Education (DepEd) - ALS of Butuan City continue teaching in the new normal, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) conducted an online workshop on the implementation of the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP). Forty-nine mobile teachers and education program specialists joined the first run of the virtual training, dubbed as DLP In Action. One of the attendees was Rachel Cas-

sion, an ALS mobile teacher and Education Program Specialist of DepEd Butuan. “I heard about the DLP from a colleague in Cagayan de Oro and I have been longing for this teaching approach to be implemented in ALS Butuan as well. Even without the pandemic, this pedagogy would be suitable to ALS scenarios. As we resume our classes, we are thankful that we can now fully adopt it,” Cassion said. Ana Marie Ceniza, ALS Focal Person of DepEd Butuan City believes DLP makes things easier for both the teachers and the learners, especially when social distancing is strictly imposed. “It gives the students more time to focus and absorb the topics, while teachers can easily track the learners' progress through their activity sheets,” she explained. “DLP also develops the psychomo-

tor skills of the learners since writing is their main task. Their sense of accountability and responsibility are also more likely to develop,” Ceniza added. The CVIF-DLP is an innovative teaching pedagogy developed by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees and physicists, Dr. Chris Bernido and Dr. M. Victoria Carpio-Bernido. It is recognized by the DepEd as a Flexible Learning Option to hone students to be independent learners, as they continue their studies at home even with limited or no access to digital tools and internet, and with minimal teacher and parent intervention. DLP in Action’s first virtual workshop facilitated by Dr. Ray Butch Mahinay, Regional ALS Focal Person of DepEd Region X, taught the Butuanon ALS educators how they could create their own Learning Activity Sheets (LAS).

DLP IN ACTION. Dr. Ray Butch Mahinay, Regional ALS Focal Person of DepEd Region X, facilitates the first Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) In Action virtual workshop.

Opinion POWER POINT

ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO IN THE midst of anxiety, fear, poverty, and hopelessness experienced by Filipinos, especially those in Metro Manila and places being devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, government continues to employ more punitive, rather than medical and social responses.

I hope the mayor realizes this can easily be abused. For instance, Quezon City residents and those who regularly travel to this city were alarmed when a memorandum dated 13 July 2020 issued by Mayor Joy Belmonte surfaced on social media. The memo’s subject, “Guidelines on the warrantless apprehensions and arrest of violators of quarantine measures within the territorial jurisdiction of Quezon City during the periods of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ)” understandably made people more nervous. It would seem that Quezon City, known for being the home of academic excellence and human rights defenders, went ahead and started implementing the “terror law” even before it becomes implementable. The memo says that because of the increase in COVID-19 cases, heightened enforcement of quarantine measures need to be implemented. And in QC’s case, warrantless arrest will be used against those who violate quarantine rules. As legal bases the memo cites R.A. No. 11332, or the Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases. Specifically, section 9 (Prohibited Acts) that includes: “(d) Non-cooperation of persons and entities that should report and/or respond to notifiable diseases or health events of public concern; and Non-cooperation of the person or entities identified as having the notifiable disease, or affected by the health event of public concern” and section 10 (Penalties) indicating that violations of the preceding section shall be penalized with a fine of between PhP20,000.00 and PhP50,000.00, or prison term of between one to six months. These prohibited acts are quite vague if applied to the pandemic. For instance, who are the persons and entities that should report and/or respond to notifiable diseases or health events? If I hear my neighbor cough, should I report him/her? If I do not, am I a violator? Who would say if a person has COVID-19? If a Barangay Captain suspects that one has it and if this person disagrees, will the person be arrested? Also cited as a legal basis of Belmonte’s memo is R.A. 3815, the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, specifically Article 151 on “Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person”. The penalty for less serious disobedience to a per-

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Elizabeth

EVERYMAN

The measure of a man By JV Arcena

Assistant Secretary for Global Media and Public Affairs of the Presidential Cmmunications Operations Office WE HAVE officially entered the penultimate year of this administration last June 30. The last four years are testament to the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, yet many still do not understand, or refuse to understand, his unorthodox ways. In the fourth quarter survey for 2019 of the Social Weather Stations, the results of which were released in March, the results showed public satisfaction with the President was at a record-high "excellent" net rating of +72. This was up by seven points from his "very good" +65 rating in September last year. It is the highest satisfaction rating of any president since the late Corazon Aquino’s +72 in October 1986. President Duterte was also the only president to breach the 90% mark in terms of trust rating. According to Pulse Asia, he has the highest trust ratings compared to his three predecessors—Joseph Estrada (whose highest was 44%), Gloria Arroyo (55% in

October 2001, plunged to record-low of 10% in February 2010) and Benigno Aquino III (highest rating at 80%). This has prompted some political pundits to remark that President Duterte, the much-maligned, much-criticized probinsyano from Davao City, must be coated in Teflon. The figures must have also resulted in some vigorous hair-pulling among the chief executive's critics. To say that the President is polarizing is putting it nicely: You either love him or hate him. There is no middle ground. And this is not necessarily a bad thing. We need the support of Filipinos to implement the programs of the administration just as we need a robust opposition to keep us in check and on our toes. My only concern is that we seem to lack critics who offer logical criticisms that are actually good for this nation. Some have ridiculed him for the most petty of things: his Visayan accent, the way he dresses up, and the size of his nose that has ridiculously become bigger and bigger in certain political caricatures. Others got stuck in his language. Colorful and punctuated with curses

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

EDITORIAL

The questionable Belmonte memorandum son in authority is arresto menor or a fine of PhP2,000.00 to PhP20,000.00. Serious disobedience or resistance, on the other hand, will be punished by arresto mayor AND a fine of PhP100,000.00. Again, what acts constitute less serious and serious disobedience? Who will determine this? Is asking law enforcers for explanation when apprehended serious or less serious? Is reasoning out with a barangay official serious or less serious? It appears that these are the cases that may be filed if the LGU so desires, and the penalties that may be meted against “violators” of quarantine rules. As contained in the memo, these are very easy to abuse, to say the least. Even more disturbing are the provisions dealing with warrantless arrest. While the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure has provisions on warrantless arrest, my more than thirty years of experience in crafting bills and advocating for specific legislations has taught me that if a law will use warrantless arrest, or even citizen’s arrest, the specific law should have provisions for such. I am not a lawyer but warrantless arrest proposals in bills have always been met with fierce objections because it is considered as a serious violation of human rights and very easy to abuse. Using warrantless arrests against violators of quarantine rules is an overreaction. It may also be illegal since even R.A. 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act does NOT provide for arrest without warrant. The Belmonte memo quotes City Ordinances SP-2934 s. 2020 on Limited Gatherings and Social Distancing; SP-2908 s. 2020 on Mandatory Wearing of Facemasks or Other Face Coverings; SP-2928 s. 2020 on Regulations of Liquor Sales, Distribution, and Consumption; and, SP-2905 s. 2020 as amended by SP-2947 s. 2020 on Public Safety Hours (or setting curfew in QC). These City Ordinances set specific rules to be followed during the quarantine period BUT none of them provides for warrantless arrests. However, with the mayor’s memorandum, warrantless arrests will be used against violators of these Ordinances. A specific recent incident comes to mind involving veteran journalist Howie Severino, a COVID-19 survivor himself. He was accosted by QC police and brought to the Amoranto Stadium (where many others who were also apprehended were also brought) for a seminar. What was Howie’s violation? He took down his facemask to drink water because he was biking and needed to drink. Was that illegal? Well, the QC ordinance says that one should ALWAYS wear facemask when in public places. Under Belmonte’s memo, Howie could have been the subject of warrantless arrest and brought to the nearest police station so he could be charged. Absurd? Yes, but in effect, this is what the memorandum will result in. Lawyers should look closely into the legality of this memorandum. Hopefully, Mayor Belmonte realizes that her memorandum can be easily abused and may be considered as a violation of human rights.

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Testing clamor

IVEN the choice, any reasonable Filipino would want to be tested for COVID-19, especially if he or she is experiencing symptoms of the disease.

sorts of articles that may simply increase one’s stress levels. It also removes the anxiety that one may have passed on the disease to friends, colleagues and loved ones.

Any reasonable person would want to know.

Knowing whether one has the coronavirus or whether the symptoms are caused by other illnesses is key to making choices on what to do next. For example, would resting at home be enough, or does the need to physically see a medical professional outweigh the risk of going to the hospital and potentially getting exposed to the virus? Should the patient recall everybody he or she has been with and warn them that they could possibly be infected, as well? Certainty about one’s condition does away with searching the internet and reading all

However, despite the increased capacity for COVID-19 testing, many are still at a loss on where they could get themselves tested, how, and how much they have to shell out for their peace of mind. Barangay leaders may be able to provide some guidance, but the test remains costly for the average Filipino, and often there is confusion as to the process between suspect-

ing you may have the virus and actually getting tested for it. The agonizing wait for the results is another story. Because of this, local governments who offer free testing for their constituents must be lauded. Employers who provide free testing must also be acknowledged—this is the least they can do to help their people navigate these trying times. People are worried that they might lose their jobs, or that they may contract the disease, likely both. They should at least be free from the burden of paying for the knowledge. We have neither flattened nor bent the curve, and the virus will not go away however we try to dismiss it or pretend that the threat is not there. The numbers continue to soar every day. This is a fight that is far from over. The people need to know that they are not left to their own devices during these perilous days.

A lesson on democracy WE HAVE completely lost track of our understanding of that political principle called “democracy” when we began to tamper that Greek city-state concept about the right to govern after holding a ceremony called “election”. As winners, we are given the authority to govern. However, the rule of the majority is both anomalous and misleading much that it now revolves on number than in expressing our desire to explore and expand the horizons of freedom which is the substance of true democracy. Today, all elections are based on number and call it democracy. The candidate that obtains the highest number is accorded authority to govern. But examining the mechanism how it operates clearly shows it has nothing to do with democracy. Election is just a qualifier. On that premise, number has become crucial to our understanding of democracy, and to our dismay modern political thinkers representing the various classes of society gave different interpretations to it, and even imposed conditions in the guise of perfecting the political formula for an ideal government. The first rule is to vest authority to one who obtains the majority. There are two accepted formula to determine who wins. The simple majority vote and the vote by plurality, that if a candidate fails to obtain the 50 percent plus 1 vote must run again in a runoff election until the simple majority is obtained. Unfortunately, the process has only encouraged people to cheat knowing that he who obtains the majority wins. Candidates do everything to obtain the highest number of votes. Ninety-five percent of electoral shenanigans revolve on the quest to win. Second, we attached a term limit to serve public office. This is a distortion to the concept of democracy. Others say, term limit is undemocratic because it substitutes the will of the majority in the broad name of giving others a chance to serve without regard to

here and there, his words may not be that of the elite and of the self-professed decent people, but it is certainly the language of the masses fed up with the system traditionally ran by oligarchs who have enriched themselves while leaving ordinary Filipinos at the gutter. And yes, it is also the language of a simple man upon whose shoulders lie the burden of protecting and uplifting the lives of 108 million of his people. There were those who raised the issue of human rights, citing alleged abuses in the government's war against drugs as well as raising the specter of fear with the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act. But violations of human rights have never been, and never will be, a state policy of this administration. They claim a systematic, government-sponsored attack, yet do so without offering proof and despite evidence to the contrary. So how should we measure the success of this administration, and perhaps, in the process, the President's commitment and love for this country and its people? Do not take my word for it. I am, after all, a member of his communications team. Measure the man, instead, by looking at the tangibles. • Under the Basic Education Facilities Program, a total of 137,098 classrooms were constructed in various schools nationwide as of May. To support the Department of Education's Learning Continuity Plan, 271,538 ICT equip-

BACKBENCHER

ROD P. KAPUNAN the will of the majority. Strictly speaking, the only legal limitation to this is physical disability, amnesia, insanity and conviction. For as long as the winner possesses none of the disabilities, term limitation should not be applied against a candidate. Such is a distortion on the rule of the majority.

A fraudulent leader is a perversion. Notably, term limit is an American political concept imposed on the US President. It originated during the presidency of George Washington. In fact, he opted to serve for only one term. Since then, all presidents are allowed only to seek one re-election. The tradition was only interrupted during the time of Franklin Roosevelt. He served for four consecutive terms, and that was due to the advent of the Great Depression in 1920's and World War II in the 40s. Our strict limitation is borne out of our misplaced understanding of democracy which is “to prevent the rise of another dictatorship.” Leaders like China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin enjoy a constitutionally extended stay in office because of their track record as achievers for their country. But it would seem, the hypocrites fear more of their being in office than on what he can do to develop their country. Today, the economy is evolving as ledger in measuring the value of democracy. Both the Chinese and the Russians are not both-

ment have been delivered to schools as of May, and another set of 119,850 ICT equipment will be delivered before the end of the year. • From 2016 to 2019, a total of P7.2 billion was spent for the construction of at least 197 evacuation centers nationwide. As of June 2020, 129 evacuation centers have already been completed. The government aims to build at least one evacuation center per province to minimize disturbance to school buildings being used as evacuation centers post-disaster. Out of the 81 provinces, 65 have at least one completed evacuation center. • To boost tourism, P104.5 billion has been allocated to date to develop 3,667 kilometers of access roads to enhance connectivity to tourism sites. As of May, 1,950 kilometers of tourism roads have been completed. • A total of P38.6 billion was spent for the construction or improvement of 3,859 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to help farmers across the country. As of May, 1,540 kilometers of these roads were completed. • This month, the 89-kilometer Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX will be fully utilized from Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union, reducing travel time from 3.5 hours to 1 hour and benefitting 20,000 travelers daily. • The 5.58-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 elevated expressway connecting McArthur Highway and C-3

ered about that American political nuance. They focus their attention on how their leader can do more which reason why in just 30 years China has dramatically overtaken the US and now Russia is threatening the same. What they accomplished is the meat and substance of their democracy. There is an adage that for a working President to stay in office is too short, but too long for an idle President. If Section 4, Article VII of the Constitution is amended, will the opposition allow the President to seek re-election? As said, there is nothing wrong in extending his term. We cannot keep on harping about that American implanted principle that has been proven to be costly and economically ruinous to our system. We cannot deny that the best achievers in our history have been maligned as dictators, yet those who amassed enormous wealth at the expense of the great majority continue to value democracy that is bereft of economic opportunities. Our failure to fully understand democracy as a process of electing our leaders is the reason why we loosely use the word “dictatorship” to any political leader we despise. We easily call one a dictator because we do not agree to his policy, or that he belongs to a diffident political party not affiliated with us. In short, our contempt has nothing to do with his administration or on our knowledge and intelligent assessment of his government. Half of our people are influenced by propaganda and ideology and not of their judgment of the system. This explains why we easily call our President a dictator for that suits our stereotype thinking purposely fed to us by people having their agenda to pursue. Most importantly, our leaders are called “dictators” by simpleton interpreters of democracy without taking into consideration that a rigged election is as good as no election at all. Full version at www.manilastandard.net

was opened last year. The 2.6-kilometer C-3 - R10 Section (Exit Ramp), on the other hand, was opened in June. Travel time from NLEX to Radial Road 10 in Navotas City (and vice versa) was reduced from 1 hour to just 10 minutes, ensuring not just the movement of people but the timely delivery of goods to and from the Port of Manila. Full version at www.manilastandard.net

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Tokhang in drug war and pandemic

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Taiwan’s main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Lu Ming-che (left) fights with ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Wu Ping-jui (center) to protest the nomination of Chen Chu Taiwan, former secretary general of President Tsai Ing-wen, as head of the Control Yuan, the country’s watchdog body of other branches of government. The scuffle, the third parliamentary brawl in a fortnight, saw DPP lawmakers and parliament staffers use boards and sheets to block water balloons thrown by KMT legislators, who also took away a polling booth during the brawl on July 17, 2020. AFP

Punches, water balloons in Taiwan parliament melee

AIWANESE lawmakers threw punches and water balloons inside the legislature on Friday, the third parliamentary brawl in a fortnight, over the nomination of the head of a top government watchdog.

punching an opposition party member during a vote on nominee Chen Chu. Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers later threw water balloons at the speakers’ podium, forcing their DPP colleagues to don plastic raincoats and hold up cardboard shields. The parliament in Taipei was once notorious for mass brawls, and has been the scene of frequent protests. Scuffles broke out over reform policies and pension cuts when President Tsai Ing-wen first took A legislator from the ruling Democratic office four years ago. Progressive Party (DPP) was caught on camera Such confrontations had since subsided, but in SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

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

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139. SCN CASE NO. x------------------ ------- x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN , but I have also been known since childhood as N/A or I have been N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, City/Municipality of Manila Province of N/A , and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 2006-2015 Room 409, NCC Building, 1185 G. Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila 1997-2006 Unit 8, 62 Don Vicente, Don Antonio Heights, Diliman, Quezon City 3. I was born on October 27, 1997 in Manila, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China. 4. My father's name is WeiPing Chen aka Danny Tan and he was born on July 19, 1965, in Jiangsu, China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Fely Chin Chen and she was born on January 9, 1964 in Manila, Philippines. She is a citizen or subject of Taiwan. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Finance and Accounting Associate Manager and from which I P930,000.00,, inclusive of derive an average annual income of P930,000.00 bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of N/A (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A,, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship. Single,, I was married on N/A My wife's/ 6. My civil status is Single husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on N/A. She/ he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have 0 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence

Place of School

St. Stephen’s High School

Manila, Philippines Manila, Philippines N/A

St. Stephen’s High School N/A

2004-2010 Grade 6 Elementary School N/A N/A

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

N/A

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ /] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ /] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [/ ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [/ ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [/ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [/ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: I-Card Certificate, Spiral Group, Inc. Certificate of Employment, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA (ROHQ) Certificate of Employment

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

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

VAST swathes of China have been inundated by the worst flooding in decades along the mighty Yangtze River, with residents piling into boats and makeshift rafts to escape a deluge that has collapsed flood defences and turned their homes into waterways. Heavy rains since June have left at least 141 people dead and missing, forced nearly 15 million people to be evacuated from their homes in July alone, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses, according to the government. An AFP photographer traveled through central Jiangxi, floating past partly submerged villages and towns as rescue workers battled to repair levees and dikes as forecasters warned of yet more rain.

BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, Manila Telephone Number: (02) 8518968 / (0917) 8503452

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that UNIVERSAL POWER SOLUTIONS, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Operator of 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Component of Integrated Renewable Power Facility Hub (R-HUB) in Concepcion, Tarlac (Phase 2) on a Pioneer Status under Book I of EO 226 otherwise known as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, as amended. Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE OIC-Director Resource-based Industries Service

M. Standard – July 18, 2020

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that UNIVERSAL POWER SOLUTIONS, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Operator of 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Component of Integrated Renewable Power Facility Hub (R-HUB) in San Manuel, Pangasinan (Phase 2) on a Pioneer Status under Book I of EO 226 otherwise known as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, as amended. Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF TAGUIG) S.S.

RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE OIC-Director Resource-based Industries Service M. Standard – July 18, 2020

of legal age and a I, BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN resident of Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, Manila after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at CITY OF MANILA, this 23 JAN 2020.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that MASINLOC POWER PARTNERS CO. LTD. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Operator of 20MW Masinloc Battery Energy Storage System Phase 2 Project in Masinloc, Zambales on a Non-Pioneer Status under Book I of EO 226 otherwise known as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, as amended. Any person with valid objection/s on the above-mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(MS-JULY 18, 25 & AUG. 1, 2020)

Waters in more than 400 rivers have exceeded warning levels, while some have reached historic highs over a period that officials say has caused the highest average rainfall levels across the Yangtze basin since 1961. Summer rains and seasonal glacial melt in the river’s Tibetan plateau headwaters cause routine annual flooding. Authorities are particularly concerned with Poyang Lake – China’s largest freshwater lake – in hard-hit Jiangxi province. Water levels there have hit historic highs, prompting an effort by more than 100,000 soldiers and other personnel to rescue residents and shore up dykes and levees to prevent worse flooding. Dramatic improvement is not expected anytime soon. AFP

IN BRIEF

WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139. Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 12 day of January 2020. January,

the nominations be withdrawn,” KMT chairman Johnny Chiang told supporters gathered outside the Control Yuan building, also in the capital. Chen is a long-time human rights advocate and was jailed for six years when Taiwan was a dictatorship under the KMT. Despite the morning’s melee, voting went ahead and Chen’s nomination was approved. She has said she will quit the DPP after her nomination is approved, to maintain the impartiality of the position, and accused the opposition of smearing her with unfounded accusations. AFP

Yangtze floods force millions to evacuate

PRAYER

Dates Highest Grade of Completed Study 2010-2014 4th Year High School

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

Name of Child

14. My character witnesses are Francis Shernyn, Jan Koengchiat Lao and Royce Cavin Chan Chang both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 712 Madrid St., San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila and 48 A Apo St., Quezon City respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

N/A

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

Name of School

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

the last fortnight they have returned with abandon over the decision to nominate Chen, 70, to head the Control Yuan, an investigatory agency that monitors the other branches of government. The KMT is opposed to her appointment, which requires approval from the DPP-dominated parliament. The party also claimed that 24 out of 27 people nominated for membership of the Control Yuan have close ties with the DPP in the “worst ever” nomination list for the agency. “We demand a new review and we demand

RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE OIC-Director Resource-based Industries Service M. Standard – July 18, 2020

Vietnam opens press museum

UNDETERRED by its dismal ranking in media freedom and grim reputation for jailing reporters who stray from the government line, Vietnam has launched a museum dedicated to the open press. From Pulitzer Prize-winning photos from the Vietnam War to the story of the struggle over press freedom during the French colonial era, the carefully curated exhibits offer a highly selective history of journalism in the communist nation. Its opening last month in Hanoi came shortly after the arrests of two journalists critical of the government, both on anti-state charges which carry heavy jail terms. All newspapers and television are state-controlled in Vietnam. Reporters Without Borders – which ranks Vietnam 175th out of 180 countries for press freedom – said the reporters’ arrests sent a “chilling message” ahead of the Communist Party’s five-yearly congress in January. However, for museum director Tran Thi Kim Hoa, the exhibition is a proud example of the apparent liberties enjoyed by the country’s press corps. “With the press freedom law that the French brought to Vietnam, we have always been highly aware of what freedom of the press was,” she told AFP Thursday, referencing an 1881 law that applied to France and its colonial territory, but was patchily used in Vietnam. “The fact we were able to build this museum shows that we have press freedom.” Nowhere in the museum, which got official approval from the government, does it mention that Vietnam’s secretive regime bans all homegrown independent media outlets. AFP

Trump niece’s memoir a major hit

A NEW book on Donald Trump written by his niece sold nearly a million copies on the first day it went on sale in the United States, its publisher said Thursday. Mary Trump’s “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of the US president by a family insider. Mary, a psychologist whose father was Trump’s oldest brother Fred, accuses the president of hubris and ignorance, and says he fits the clinical criteria for being a narcissist. The 950,000 copies sold Tuesday, including pre-orders as well as audio and digital versions, “is a company record” for the Simon & Schuster publishing house, it said in a statement. The White House has dismissed the memoir as a “book of falsehoods.” The president’s younger brother Robert Trump went to court to try to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather’s estate, but to no avail. Simon & Schuster has ordered more copies printed, which will bring the number to 1.15 million for the American market alone. The book also tops Amazon’s sales charts in Canada and Australia. AFP

Mars probe launch rescheduled

A JAPANESE rocket carrying the first Arab mission to Mars will blast into space on Monday, after being delayed by bad weather, the launch company said Friday. The lift-off of the United Arab Emirates’ “Hope” probe, originally planned for Wednesday, is now set for 6:58 a.m. Monday (21:58 GMT Sunday) from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said. The UAE, made up of seven emirates, is set to be the first Arab nation to send a probe to Mars. The probe is one of three racing to the Red Planet, with Chinese and US rockets also taking advantage of the Earth and Mars being unusually close: a mere hop of 55 million kilometers. “Hope” – “Al-Amal” in Arabic – is expected to start orbiting Mars by February 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of the unification of the UAE. Once there, it will loop the planet for a whole Martian year of 687 Earth days. The goal is to provide a comprehensive image of weather dynamics in the Red Planet’s atmosphere. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business PSEi July 17, 2020 TOP GAINERS

Market drops; Ayala Land and SM Prime lead losers

HE stock market retreated Friday on profit taking, as disappointing recent US and China data jolted optimism over the economic recovery that has helped drive gains for the past few months.

TOP LOSERS

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 58.91 points, or 1 percent, to 6,088.75 on a value turnover of P4.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 123 to 69, with 44 issues unchanged. SM Prime Holdings of the Sy Group dropped 4.6 percent to P31.20, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. declined 3.6 percent to P31.70. Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity distribution, hospitals and infrastructure, slipped 2.1 percent to P3.26, while MerryMart Consumer Corp., the

newly-listed grocery chain owned by businessman Edgar Sia II, shed 3.4 percent to P2.60. Most Asian markets, meanwhile, edged up Friday following an acrossthe-board sell-off the previous day. Traders have for weeks been able to look past fresh spikes in infections around the globe to focus on the trillions of dollars spent on government support and the easing of lockdowns. But with containment measures being reintroduced in parts of the world that had appeared in control of the outbreak—including Hong Kong, Japan and Australia—confidence has taken a hit. Markets around the world tumbled Thursday, though they staged a mild recovery ahead of the weekend. Hong Kong added 0.5 percent and Shanghai inched up 0.1 percent after collapsing 4.5 percent following a rally of around 15 percent since the start of July. Mumbai rose 0.7 percent, despite news that India had become the third

country to record more than a million cases of COVID-19, while lockdowns are put in place in several regions. Sydney added 0.4 percent and Seoul climbed 0.8 percent. Taipei, Bangkok and Wellington also edged up but there were losses in Singapore and Jakarta. Tokyo finished 0.3 percent lower. Data out of China on Thursday showed that while the economy grew more than expected, the crucial reading on retail sales was below forecasts, indicating consumers—key to reigniting growth—were still reluctant to go out and spend. A later report showed US retail sales continued to rise in June, but at a slower pace than May. And new claims for US unemployment benefits last week were little changed from the previous week at 1.3 million, a historically high level. Economists fear the figure might rise again as major states including California and Texas impose fresh lockdown measures. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

Manila

Standard APPLE FLAGSHIP STORE. People observe social distancing due to the COVID-19 coronavirus as they queue up to enter TODAY

US fines big surgical glove manufacturer KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—The US has banned the import of surgical gloves from two subsidiaries of Malaysia’s Top Glove—the world’s biggest manufacturer of the product—over forced labor concerns, despite soaring demand during the coronavirus pandemic. Countries worldwide have been scrambling to stock up on protective gear, from gloves to faces masks, since the pandemic began earlier this year. But US Customs and Border Protection said it decided to impose the ban on Top Glove “based on reasonable evidence of forced labor in the manufacturing process.” This included indications of “debt bondage, excessive overtime, retention of identification documents, and abusive working and living conditions,” it said in a statement. It noted the “critical need” for disposable gloves during the pandemic but said the move would not have a major impact on US imports of the product. Top Glove said the ban affects about half of its sales to the United States. Malaysia is the world’s biggest supplier of rubber gloves but the industry has long faced allegations of mistreating its workforce, who are mainly low-paid migrants. Top Glove previously faced claims in media reports that its employees worked in exploitative conditions, but insists it has worked hard to resolve any problems. The company said the ban may relate specifically to the issue of fees paid by foreign workers to employment agents. Migrant workers often pay large sums to secure jobs in Malaysia but activists have long complained the practice leaves them with huge debts they cannot pay back. Top Glove said it had been covering all recruitment fees since January 2019 but it still needed to return some fees to workers. “Over the past few months, we have been working on this issue which involves extensive tracing, to establish the correct amount to be paid back to our workers,” said a company statement. The firm said it hoped to get the ban lifted within two weeks. Its shares slipped 2.5 percent following the news. AFP

the new Apple flagship store before it opens in Beijing on July 17, 2020. Apple opened its new flagship store in Beijing on July 17, replacing its first store in China which opened in 2008. AFP

Handmade ties from southern Italy with a British twist By Celine Cornu NAPLES, Italy—Film star Marcello Mastroianni, John F. Kennedy, even Prince Charles—all have donned handmade ties from one shop in Naples so famed for its artisanal finery some devotees boast thousands. The painstaking needlework cannot be rushed, despite demand for E. Marinella ties usually far outstripping production. In Naples, the tiny shop near the sea remains much as it was when it opened in 1914, with its wood-framed windows, chandelier, and counter where the red, blue, polka dot or diamondpatterned ties are displayed. Maurizio Marinella, 64, who is the third generation to head up the company, says his family’s success in the southern Italian city, which struggles with poverty and unemployment, was “a kind of miracle.” “It all started in 20 square meters in Naples, where everything is a little more difficult than elsewhere,” he told AFP. Maurizio’s grandfather Eugenio wanted to create “a little corner of England in Naples” in this city with its view of Mount Vesuvius, offering men’s shirts and accessories with fabrics shipped directly across the Channel. Little by little, however, the tie became Marinella’s signature piece. ‘Maniacal’ care for detail The silk is still hand-printed in Macclesfield, England, and the ties themselves are sewn by hand in a workshop close to the boutique, which employs 20 seamstresses. Loyal customer Rudy Girardi has been frequenting the shop since his late teens and now boasts “thousands of Marinella ties,” costing from between 130 to 215 euros. “The tie is fundamental,” he says, as a sign of “respect,” and he loves Marinella for its “maniacal care for every detail.” He changes his ties several times a day, selecting a colorful one in the morning, something a little more institutional in the afternoon, and an elegant option for upmarket dinners. Each Marinella tie takes about 45 minutes to make, with ten steps in all, from cutting the silk to doing the stitching, and addMaurizio Marinella (left) and his son Alessandro work in the “E. Marinella” shirt and tie makers family business shop in Naples on June 30, 2020. Symbols of Italian elegance E.Marinella ties have been seen around the necks of Jacques Chirac, John Kennedy and Prince Charles. The ties which are entirely handmade are in greater demand than their production, in contrast to a market at half-mast. AFP

Cathay Pacific to post historic loss of $1.3b in 1st six months HONG KONG—Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific issued a profit warning on Friday, estimating it will suffer a historic loss of HK$9.9 billion (US$1.3 billion) in the first half of 2020 as it reels from the coronavirus pandemic. “The Group will record a net loss attributable to shareholders of approximately HK$9.9 billion, which compares to a net profit to shareholders of HK$1.3 billion for the same period in 2019,” the airline said in a statement. Like airlines worldwide, Cathay has been battered by the evaporation of global travel during the pandemic. But the carrier is especially vulnerable because it has no domestic market to fall back on. In a stark illustration of the travel collapse, Cathay said June passenger numbers were down 99.1 percent year on year. “The landscape of international aviation remains incredibly uncertain with border restrictions and quarantine measures still in place across the globe,” chief customer and commercial officer Ronald Lam said in the statement. He added there was a slight increase in the number of transit passengers following the easing of restrictions at Hong Kong’s airport but they are “yet to see any significant signs of immediate improvement.” The airline also said 16 aircraft are “unlikely” to operate until summer in 2021, causing impairment charges amounting to around HK$2.4 billion. On the cargo front, the carrier said there were fewer cargo-only passenger flights compared with May. Its cargo tonnage fell five percent month-onmonth as demand for medical supplies waned following a peak month in May. Hong Kong’s government came to the rescue of Cathay earlier this year with a HK$39-billion ($5 billion) recapitalization plan. Cathay chairman Patrick Healy had described the bailout as the only way to save the airline from collapse. Shareholders approved the plan on Monday. Under the proposal, Cathay will raise about HK$11.7 billion in a rights issue on the basis of seven rights shares for every 11 existing shares held, while preference shares will be sold to the government via Aviation 2020 for HK$19.5 billion and warrants for HK$1.95 billion, subject to adjustment. Aviation 2020 will also have two “observers” to attend board meetings. AFP

ing the loop and label. “It’s precision work, comparable to that of a goldsmith. We work on half-millimeters,” says Maria Rosaria Guarino, 60, who has worked for the company for 38 years. Customers can personalize the length, width or thickness of the ties. Every day, about 150 ties are produced. But the demand precoronavirus crisis was much _______________________________________________________________________________________ 593 Antonio Drive, Bagumbayan, Taguig City 1630 higher—as much as double or even triple. And in the three NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING months leading up to Christmas, it could be “as high as 900 ties a day,” Marinella said. To the Stockholders: The company had ruled out making more, however, saying it would Please be advised that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of compromise quality. “Each tie is a JACKSTONES, INC. will be held on 7 August 2020 at 9:00 A.M. through remote communication to discuss the following: unique work of art,” he says, admitting that “quality is almost an obsesAGENDA sion” for him. 1. Call to Order; Personalities from all over the 2. Determination of Existence of Quorum; world have donned the ties, includ3. Approval of Minutes of the 24 June 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting; ing Chancellor Helmut Kohl—a “gi4. Report of the President; ant for whom we made ties 65 centi5. Approval of Audited Financial Statements for 2019; meters longer than normal.” 6. Ratification of All Acts and Resolutions of the Board of Directors and Management Adopted From 24 June 2019 to 7 August 2020; ‘Pamper them’ 7. Election of Directors (including the Independent Directors); Almost every day, Sunday in8. Appointment of External Auditor; cluded, from 6.30 a.m., Marinella is 9. Consideration of Such Other Business as May Properly Come Before the Meeting; and at the shop to “welcome, pamper the 10. Adjournment; customers, offer them coffee,” in the pure Neapolitan tradition. A brief explanation of each agenda item which requires stockholders’ While the brand had a turnover approval is provided herein. The Information Statement accompanying this contains additional information regarding the agenda items particularly of 18 million euros in 2019, it is ex- notice those to be voted upon. pected to suffer a “significant” drop For the instructions regarding the registration and attendance of the this year because of the coronavirus Stockholders’ Meeting, please refer to the http://jackstonesinc.com/ epidemic, which forced the shop Annual wp-content/uploads/2020/07/JAS-DIS-Annex-A-Remote-Communicationto close, stopped tourism and saw Instructions-v4.pdf. The Definitive Information Statement and other many formal events cancelled. AFP documents to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be viewed at the website

JACKSTONES, INC.

of Jackstones, Inc. at http://jackstonesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ JAS_Definitive-Information-Statement.pdf and in the Philippine Stock Exchange Electronic Disclosure Generation Technology (PSE EDGE) at https://edge.pse.com.ph/companyDisclosures/form.do?cmpy_id=134.

Registration shall start at 8:00 AM and will close at exactly 8:45 AM. Only stockholders of record as of 20 July 2020 shall be entitled to vote. We are NOT SOLICITING PROXIES. If, however, you would be unable to attend the meeting but would like to be represented thereat, you may accomplish the proxy form annexed to the Definitive Information Statement. All proxy forms must be received through email to mcdelafuente@ zglaw.com, by the Corporate Secretary for inspection and recording not later than 27 July 2020. Proxies shall be validated on 29 July 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 27th Floor, 88 Corporate Center Building, 139 Sedeno St, Salcedo Village, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila. The Organizational Meeting of the Board of Directors will follow soon after the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders with the following agenda: By order of the Board of Directors, (Sgd.) JUAN MIGUEL VICTOR C. DE LA FUENTE Corporate Secretary (MS-JULY 17 & 18, 2020)

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

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

Business

Megawide inches closer to NAIA deal IN BRIEF

Robinsons Land raises P13.2b from bond issue ROBINSONS Land Corp. has successfully raised P13.2 billion from the issuance of fixed rate bonds due 2023 and 2025. Robinsons said Friday in a disclosure to the stock exchange the P13.2-billion retail bonds were listed on Philippine Dealing Exchange Corp. through a virtual ceremony. The three-year bonds due 2023 carry a coupon rate of 3.683 per annum while the five-year bonds due 2025 has an annual coupon rate of 3.8 percent. The market received the bonds strongly, enabling Robinsons Land to tap a portion of the over allotment option to raise a total of P13.2 billion in fresh capital. “We are very grateful of the market’s positive reception of our bond offer resulting to it being oversubscribed. It underscores the investors’ continued vote of confidence in the company’s strength and growth prospects,” said Robinsons Land president and chief executive Frederick Go. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar

EGAWIDE Construction Corp. and partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd. of India secured the original proponent status from the government for the development of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, after the previous group backed out over financing issue.

Megawide said in a disclosure Friday the Manila International Airport Authority on July 15 granted the partnership the OPS status for the development of NAIA. The government granted the new OPS to Megawide group after the NAIA Consortium withdrew their offer. “The decongestion and rehabilitation of NAIA is vital to sustainably supporting the air traffic needs of our national capital region. Megawide has always been supportive of our government’s vision to improve and modernize the airport infrastructure in the Philippines

and we are committed to bringing our experience in airport operations and management, and engineering excellence to the country’s main gateway,” Louie Ferrer, Megawide managing director for transportation, said. “We believe in the potential of NAIA and we see its vital role in our economy’s recovery and continuing development. As our main gateway, it is a symbol of our Philippine identity and its rehabilitation will be a big step towards achieving our vision of a First-World Philippines,” he said.

Ferrer said the Megawide-led consortium was now awaiting the next steps from the government. Megawide offered to develop NAIA for $3 billion and a contract period of 18 years on March 1, 2018. Its proposal was two weeks behind the proposal of NAIA Consortium which was submitted to the government on Feb. 12, 2018. The consortium’s $3-billion investment proposal would include all airside, terminal and landside improvements, which would be done in three phases. The Megawide proposal does not include building a third runway. Even without it, Megawide estimates it could increase terminal capacity to 72 million against the competitor’s estimate of just 65 million. The consortium said the solutions would increase airfield capacity to 950 to 1,000 aircraft movements per day, representing 30-percent to 35-percent increase from the current 730 aircraft movements a day.

Globe Telecom sells $600m worth of notes GLOBE Telecom Inc. has raised $600 million from the international debt market to refinance maturing debt and fund capital expenditures. The Ayala-led telecommunications firm said the $300 million 10-year and $300 million 15-year REG S only dual tranche unrated US dollar-denominated senior notes had a coupon rate of 2.500 percent and 3.000 percent, respectively. Globe returned to the international debt capital market after 16 years to take advantage of the favorable interest rate environment and diversify its lender base. The company said it would use the net proceeds from the issue to finance its capex, refinance maturing and/or existing obligations and for general corporate requirements. The final order book was oversubscribed by 6.5 times, allowing Globe to tighten by 40 basis points from the initial pricing guidance for the 10-year tranche and 35 basis points for the 15-year tranche. The 10-year tranche represents the lowest ever yield for an unrated 10-year US dollar issuance globally and the tightest spread ever for any unrated corporate US dollar issuance in Southeast Asia. Darwin G. Amojelar

PCC resumes review of merger transactions THE Philippine Competition Commission issued guidelines in resuming its regular merger review operations in anticipation of more activities in the modified general community quarantine. “With the pandemic, Philippine markets will witness changes and restructuring in the form of mergers, consolidations, or even exit of firms. It is during this period that the PCC must watch out through proper merger review for risks of concentration or rise of virtual monopolies to protect consumer welfare,” said PCC chairman Arsenio Balisacan. The commission adopted the interim guidelines on the operations of its Mergers and Acquisitions Office during GCQ and MGCQ for the notification and review of merger and acquisition transactions; payment and collection of filing fees; and investigation of M&A transactions that may be in violation of the Philippine Competition Act. The commission will continue digital and alternative arrangements for the timely and efficient conduct of merger reviews and investigation functions. Othel V. Campos

CDC DONATION. Clark Development Corp. turns over two units of patient care monitor to the local government unit of Angeles City. Leading the turnover ceremony are (from left) Angeles City executive assistant Raffy Angeles, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., CDC president and chief executive officer Noel Manankil and CDC communications division head Noel Tulabut. The donations are part of the COVID-19 efforts of CDC in helping adjacent communities in Metro Clark areas including Mabalacat City, Porac, Bamban and Capas.

BSP to go after individuals involved in Wirecard fraud By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Anti-Money Laundering Council warned that strict rules will be applied in “full force” against any individual found guilty of wrongdoing in connection with the controversial Wirecard issue that stirred the domestic financial system recently. “Over the years, the BSP has instituted reforms that have promoted good corporate governance and effective risk management systems. These include strict regulations on the disqualification and watch-listing of erring bank officers. These regulations prevent individuals found as unfit from becoming officers in all BSP-supervised entities,” the BSP and AMLC said in a joint statement Friday. “These measures will be used with their full force against any individual found culpable of wrongdoing,” they

said. They said in response to the Wirecard fraud, all relevant institutions in the country were mobilized to investigate, announce relevant findings and ensure that clear and credible information was made available to the public. The BSP and the AMLC swiftly launched a multi-pronged investigation into the matter to determine if illicit funds entered the country. Investigation by the BSP’s Financial Supervision Sector, which focuses on determining whether any banking regulations were breached, is well underway. AMLC, the Philippines’ financial intelligence unit that is chaired by the BSP governor, conducted a financial investigation into the matter to determine any violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended. They said current available evidence showed that the money did not enter the Philippine banking system. They said

the systems are in place that send red flags in case of huge/suspicious transactions. The two institutions said strong financial oversight is one of the hallmarks of the Philippines’ economic success. AMLC also issued regulations in relation to the identification of the beneficial owner of accounts, as well as guidelines for designated non-financial businesses and professions, which cover the so-called gatekeepers, such as lawyers and accountants, requiring them to comply with their obligations under the AMLA, as amended, on know-yourcustomer requirements, recordkeeping, and transaction-reporting. “It is because of a sound regulatory environment and proactive industry response that the Philippine banking system has remained strong and stable, playing a significant role in fueling economic growth over the years,” they said.

PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, July 17, 2020

58.91 points 6,088.75

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,841,661,013 65,155 4,115,189,361.09 69 123 44

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.5440

Japan

Yen

0.009324

0.4619

Pound

1.255900

62.2223

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128977

6.3900

Switzerland

Franc

1.058089

52.4220

Canada

Dollar

0.736757

36.5019

Singapore

Dollar

0.718494

35.5971

Australia

Dollar

0.696700

34.5173

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652238

131.402

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

13.2107

Brunei

Dollar

0.715922

35.4696

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031596

1.5654

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.4894

Euro

1.138300

56.3959

Korea

Won

0.000830

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.143080

7.0888

India

Rupee

0.013303

0.6591

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234412

11.6137

New Zealand

Dollar

0.653400

32.3720

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033944

1.6817 Source: BSP

PXP Energy still keen on Recto Bank gas prospect By Alena Mae S. Flores PXP Energy Corp., a unit of Philex Mining Corp., is reviewing two prospects in Service Contract 72 (Recto Bank) that have an estimated gas potential of over 5 trillion cubic feet. “SC 72 or Recto Bank is the site of the Sampaguita gas field which is estimated to contain about 2.6 trillion cubic feet of contingent gas resources. It has a total area of 8,800 square km,” PXP Energy president Daniel Stephen Carlos said during a virtual stockholders’ meeting early this week. Carlos said while SC 72 was still under force majeure because of the territorial dispute with China, PXP Energy completed in July last year the processing of the Sampaguita 3D data set to further improve its quality using modern technology, such as broadband pre-stack depth migration. This was followed by the interpretation of the seismic data and the formulation of a drilling program on the Sampaguita field to determine the optimum location of future appraisal wells. “These wells will be drilled once we get permission from the government to resume exploration activities in the block. In addition to the drilling program, we also intend to perform further work on the North Bank prospect, which is located 70km northest of Sampaguita,” Carlos said. He said once the moratorium on SC 72 was lifted, PXP Energy’s immediate plan for North Bank was to conduct a 2,000 sq. m. 3D seismic survey to further evaluate the prospect, which could eventually lead to a drilling on an exploratory well. “The North Bank is estimated to contain 3 trillion cubic feet of prospective gas resources,” Carlos said. Prospective resources are estimated quantities of petroleum potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations, while contingent resources are those quantities of petroleum which are estimated to be potentially recoverable, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable. “We remain optimistic that the continued talks between the Philippines and China on the West Philippines issue will eventually lead to an agreement that will allow us to resume exploration activities in our highly prospective SC 72 and SC 75 blocks,” Carlos said.

2 1600

PMI: IQOS authorization ‘appropriate’ THE recent decision of the US Food and Drug Administration authorizing IQOS as a “modified risk tobacco product” acknowledged that the marketing of the product is “appropriate for the promotion of public health,” according to Philip Morris International chief executive André Calantzopoulos. Calantzopoulos, in a global virtual press conference, described the US FDA decision as a “historic moment for public health” as the agency noted that the order is expected “to benefit the health of the population.” Issued on July 7, 2020, the US FDA’s latest decision marks the first time the agency granted MRTP marketing order for an innovative electronic alternative to cigarettes. The IQOS tobacco heating system includes the electronic IQOS device that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol by heating tobacco-filled sticks wrapped in paper (HeatSticks). “I hope that the FDA decision will end the debate on whether all tobacco products are the same and whether nicotine is the issue. We now know that not all tobacco products are the same and that combustion—not nicotine—is the issue. An enormous public health opportunity will be missed if smoke-free products that are scientifically reviewed are not made available to smokers today, and if appropriate cost commercialization poli-

cies and surveillance are not implemented to maximize adoption of smoke-free alternatives by adult smokers and minimize any unintended use by nonsmokers, especially the youth.” “The latest MRTP authorization issued by the US FDA with the designation ‘appropriate for the promotion of public health’ is certainly a step up,” said Dr. Moira Gilchrist, vice president for strategic and scientific communications of PMI. “Underpinning all of the US FDA decisions is a science-based approach, something that we certainly want to see happen in many other countries around the world,” she said. “This decision confirms that IQOS is distinctly different than cigarettes. This information should be communicated to consumers to help guide their choices,” said Dr. Gilchrist. “Now is the time to rapidly shift smokers away from cigarettes. Scientifically substantiated better alternatives like IQOS represent a public health opportunity.” “For many years, tobacco control policies have focused on restrictive marketing and fiscal measures in order to convince smokers to quit and prevent non-smokers from smoking. Although largely appropriate, these measures have reached their limit in many countries… [and] there are still over a billion smokers globally,” Calantzopoulos said.

MACTAN ZONE DISCOUNT. Aboitiz real estate arm Aboitiz Land Inc. extends a 50-percent discount on rent covering a five-month period to industrial locators in Mactan Economic Zone II as they reel from a drop in sales and unexpected expenses. The pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine have forced manufacturing businesses to adapt to production demand changes, labor support challenges and supply chain ecosystem constraints.

Tiaxa supports agriculture expansion through WeSqore platform TIAXA offers its newest AI platform WeSqore to boost the modernization and industrialization of farms and improve the lives of more than 15 million Filipino smallholder farmers. The Department of Agriculture is laying the groundwork to digitize its operations. “We need to have good data management and a very robust M&E system to attain reliable and credible agri-fishery information down to the ground level. We will also have a data analytics group as we invest in data science and go digital in the agriculture sector,” said Agriculture Sec-

retary William Dar. Tiaxa signed an agreement with KAMMMPI, a confederation of Philippine farmers, promoting GETSMARTFARMS with the Department of Agriculture. KAMMMPI will use WeSqore as its platform for millions of farmers participating in the DA Farm Consolidation program, of the agency’s eight paradigms to advance the Philippine agriculture sector. “We are thrilled to be supporting millions of Filipino farmers, providing them access to valuable data and digital content,

as well as helping each individual build a digital footprint with a record of their abilities and hard work to facilitate their access to financial services. Our partnership with the Department of Agriculture and KAMMMPI brings together the multiple skill sets required to be successful at scale. Particularly facing the challenges of COVID, we take pride and responsibility in contributing to the advancement of the small entrepreneur through this exciting digital inclusion initiative,” said Tiaxa chief executive and founder Felipe Valdes.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

Warriors to practice at own venue

The NLEX Road Warriors, led by Kiefer Ravena, were given the green light by the IATF to hold separate workouts, aside from the venue that the PBA will provide.

Real Madrid clinches 34th Liga title with game to spare MADRID—Real Madrid were crowned La Liga champions for the 34th time on Thursday after Karim Benzema scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Villarreal which clinched the title with one game to spare. Benzema’s double included a second-half penalty at the empty Alfredo di Stefano Stadium as Madrid moved seven points clear to end Barcelona’s two-year hold on the trophy. Barca had to prevail against Osasuna at home and hope Madrid slipped up but their fading challenge ended with a 2-1 defeat at Camp Nou, despite a brilliant Lionel Messi free-kick. It means Madrid claim their third La Liga title in 12 years, after a relentless run of form since Spanish football resumed on June 11 following the coronavirus pandemic. Zinedine Zidane’s side have won 10 games out 10 since the restart. They have conceded four goals in that time and never been behind in a match. “For me this is one of the best days in my professional career,” said Zidane. “After lockdown and everything, it’s astonishing.” Asked if it trumps the Champions League titles Madrid won in his first spell as manager, Zidane said: “This is better than anything. It takes a tremendous effort to win La Liga. After 38 matches, you have more points than anyone else. It’s bloody fantastic.” Madrid have also been awarded five penalties during the run-in, some of them controversially, and this one caused a stir too as Sergio Ramos tried to roll the ball to Benzema, who finished, but had entered the area too early. Much to Villarreal’s irritation, Madrid were allowed to retake and this time Benzema made no mistake, before Vicente Iborra headed in what proved a late consolation. “It’s a prize for all the work we’ve done, this is the reward,” said Ramos. “We have one more match and we want to win 11 out of 11.” Setien under pressure at Barca After three months away, Barcelona had returned sitting top of the table but draws with Sevilla, struggling Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid allowed Madrid to take charge. Barca were also in first place when they sacked Ernesto Valverde in January and while the club’s problems go deeper than their coach, Quique Setien’s position will come under scrutiny. AFP

ABS-CBN, collegiate leagues to discuss pact By Peter Atencio

BS-CBN executives have kept their lines of communication open with board members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Discussions are bound to continue on ABS-CBN’s possible airing of the leagues’ games even after the closure of the network’s sports department—Sports + Action. Although collegiate action is expected to resume by February 2021, board members from both leagues will soon tackle the fate of their television broadcast rights with their perennial broadcast partner ABS-CBN. “We are still talking to the two leagues about their plans,” said Vince Rodriguez, ABS CBN Channel and Production Head.

“But as they had already announced, they have no plans of mounting any of their major sporting events until next year,” added Rodriguez. Last week, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Legislative Franchises denied the application for a franchise of ABS-CBN Corp., prompting the network to cease its S+A operations on Aug. 31. For now, the UAAP is still busy organizing a closing ceremony for Season 82 and the turnover rites for incoming host De La Salle University. “That still has to be discussed. We will

update once all the details are settled,” said incoming league president Emmanuel Calanog of de La Salle University. Collegiate sports events were left without a broadcast partner with the shutting down of ABS-CBN’s S+A. But even without a franchise, the league is still in talks with executives over the network’s involvement in Season 83. Another network, or broadcaster may be involved, but the league will still pursue its plans when De La Salle University takes over as host. On the other hand, officials of the NCAA still have no clear picture on how to go about the league’s TV broadcast at the time. NCAA officials, led by management committee chairman Fr. Vic Calvo of incoming host Colegio de San Juan de Letran, said they are still gathering information on their situation. A board meeting will be scheduled to tackle the matter.

THE NLEX Road Warriors will be have a chance to practice on their own venue. Road Warriors’ coach Yeng Guiao said team management has made efforts to find the team its own gymnasium once practice sessions in the Philippine Basketball Association are finally allowed on July 22. Speaking in the weekly podcast of Chasedown, Guiao said they have informed the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases of their moves. Because of this, Guiao said the squad was given the green light to hold separate workouts, aside from the venue that the PBA will provide. “This is one reason kung bakit malakas ang loob namin na sumulat sa IATF. Kasi, alam namin na puwede naming ipangako sa kanila na walang ibang makakapasok dito, at puwede namin pangalagaan ang mga sarili namin,” said Guiao. The PBA is asking the teams to go through cluster isolations when they finally do the workouts, which is the league’s way of controlling the spread of the coronavir us (COVID-19) disease. The PBA is set to follow health protocols closely when practices begin. “By batches. Doon natin titingnan kung may nag-positive,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, who met with team officials and coaches early this week. PBA teams were allowed the return to practice after the IATF gave the green light for professional basketball and football players. Guidelines were disclosed when PBA coaches met with the the Games and Amusement Board officials. Under the guidelines, only four players per team with one coach and a health officer will be allowed at the training facility. The four players will have an hour to train, before another batch replaces them for another practice session. Then, there will also be separate schedules for groups, so players will have alternate training days. Peter Atencio

Folayang analyzes potential clash with Lee WITH just a few weeks away until ONE Championship resumes its flagship event schedule, conversations regarding potential bouts have begun to open up. Fans in Asia are craving martial arts action. The live sports industry was among those greatly and directly impacted by the Covid-19 global situation. With major leagues like NBA basketball soon reopening events, martial arts in Asia is ready to follow suit. Just a couple of weeks ago, reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee talked about the possibility of facing American legend Eddie Alvarez and ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin Nguyen upon his return. Another potential name he brought up was former lightweight titleholder Eduard “Landslide” Folayang of the Philippines. Folayang, it seems, took interest in the 22-year-old champion’s comments and contemplated a future showdown between the two. “If it happens, it would be my honor. Christian [Lee] is a solid martial arts athlete. I have a lot of respect for that young man,” said Folayang. “He has great skills and can mix it

up pretty good. He has a good ground game, with explosive wrestling and a lot of crazy submissions. And his striking is decent. I would love to test him in all areas of the game.” Folayang is the 2-time former ONE Lightweight World Champion, and at the age of 36, is nearly 15 years Lee’s senior. The Filipino icon has seen it all inside the ONE Circle, having faced the biggest names in the sport over the last 13 years. Although he’s dropped three of his last four bouts, Folayang still remains considered among the very top in his division. In contrast, Lee has just been competing for five years as a professional. At 22, he’s the youngest male mixed martial arts world champion in history. Folayang doesn’t believe age or experience has much to do with being a champion. For the Filipino veteran, it’s all about skill, willpower, and heart. Nevertheless, there are areas Folayang would like to bring Lee into, should they face each other in the Circle soon. “He’s a terrific finisher and very fast and powerful, especially with his takedowns. He’s got great athleticism, which allows him to overwhelm most of his opponents, and he has a lot of

Eduard Folayang

finishes. I’m not sure how confident he is with his striking though, so that’s something specific I want to test out,” said Folayang. “I was really impressed with how Christian handled Dagi [Saygid Guseyn Arslanaliev] in his last bout. A lot of people were quick to write him off, but he went in there with a good game plan and executed. I think that came as a surprise to most. But you can’t really underestimate anyone in this game, especially at this level.” Folayang and his band of brothers at the famed Team Lakay are back in training at their main gym in La Trinidad, Ben-

guet. While none of them have confirmed bouts lined up at the moment, fans are expecting ONE Championship to begin announcing upcoming bouts soon. As such, “Landslide”, along with other prominent Team Lakay athletes, are staying ready as best as they can and waiting patiently for a call. ONE Championship returns on July 31, with ONE: NO SURRENDER. The main event features ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon defending his title against the phenom, Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy.

Tuason Racing shapes ‘new norm’ in PH motorsports

Triathlete and columnist Jeanette Ipapo-Tuason and CEO of Tuason Racing JP Tuason

PHYSICALLY distant, but close in spirit. The on-going worldwide coronavirus pandemic deeply changed the Filipinos’ way of living—from the way people live, communicate and work. Even world-renowned events and sports activities have been cancelled and postponed indefinitely. Adjusting to the new normal When Metro Manila went to an Enhanced Community Quarantine last March, Tuason Racing quickly embraced its transition to online activities. “We knew we wanted to be in the digital space as early as 2019. So we pushed forward all our digital events such as the young driver program online with a skew to help our frontliners. What was very interesting was this pivot to online racing was done while in lockdown without even one physical meeting with our team,” said JP Tuason, founder and CEO of Tuason Racing.

Shift to Sim Racing Sim or virtual racing may not be new in the e-gaming industry, but it has shaped the way gamers and enthusiasts see this game in the new normal. The Philippines’ pioneering professional racing school, Tuason Racing, took this opportunity to launch motorsports in the virtual world. “There has been a continuous surge for online games during the lockdown. More and more people are doing games since there are limited live activities to do. In the US all gaming stocks are on a high showing that this is really the future,” said Tuason. Since Sim racing is still at its infancy stage in the Philippines, according to Tuason, the racing school will lead the way in providing professional league for players to enhance their skills on the track and on online platforms.

Programs of Tuason Racing in the new normal Apart from the recently concluded Race for Frontliners, Tuason Racing has new programs that were also launched on its social media platforms. “We have decided that the whole 2020 will be work-from-home. We have moved to the digital arena by creating online race series. We have finished race for frontliners, Toyota has just launched their esports program The GR Supra GT Cup which we are helping organize and in August we are launching another online league on a PC platform along with a complimentary spectators program where they can make their own teams and win prizes. Aside from this we are creating weekly content for race enthusiasts called Riding shotgun conversations with TRS,” said Tuason.

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

Riera U. Mallari, Editor

Battling COVID-19 with rapid testing By Peter Atencio

ASS testing has been one of the best ways to combat the coronavirus pandemic that has gripped the world over.

Lawmakers, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, have pushed for mass testing for the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, saying “"Quarantines and social distancing, while important, are clearly only part of the solution. We can only end this pandemic if we identify, isolate and treat every

person infected with COVID-19." But the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, the gold standard of COVID-19 testing more popularly known as the swab test, costs a fortune and isn't readily available to the masses. Fortunately, there is an alternative that is cheaper, yields results

in minutes and within reach of everyone—the BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test. Distributed in the Philippines by Jenka Global OPC and manufactured by Xiamen Boson Biotech Co., the BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test, is a Food and Drug Administrationapproved immunochromatographybased, one step in vitro test designed for the rapid qualitative determination of IgG and IgM antibodies to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019nCoV. SARS-CoV-2) in human serum, plasma or blood. The Rapid 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM Combo Test Card is a fabulous

Manila

Standard Public document to be completed by the contracting authority SUPPLY CONTRACT NOTICE Supply of Hybrid Power Plant System

Criteria for legal persons: 1-the tenderer has delivered similar supplies to similar places as those in the lot. 2-The value of the tenderer’s Single Largest Completed Contract (SLCC), adjusted to current prices using the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) price index, must be at least 50% of the ABC. Capacity-providing entities An economic operator may, where appropriate and for a particular contract, rely on the capacities of other entities, regardless of the legal nature of the links which it has with them. If the tenderer relies on other entities it must prove to the contracting authority that it will have at its disposal the resources necessary for performance of the contract by producing a commitment on the part of those entities to place those resources at its disposal. Such entities, for instance the parent company of the economic operator, must respect the same rules of eligibility and notably that of nationality, as the economic operator relying on them and must comply with the selection criteria for which the economic operator relies on them. Furthermore, the data for this third entity for the relevant selection criterion should be included in the tender in a separate document. Proof of the capacity will also have to be provided when requested by the contracting authority.

Siargao and Dinagat, Philippines 1. Publication reference EU SMILE Project PH HYBRID SYSTEM EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT 2. Procedure Open 3. Programme title Solar Community-Based Island Tourism and Livelihood Energizer Platform (SMILE) - Philippines 4. Financing From the Budget of the SMILE Project – Budget line item 3.3.1 to 3.3.4

With regard to technical and professional criteria, a tenderer may only rely on the capacities of other entities where the latter will perform the tasks for which these capacities are required.

5. Contracting authority AIEC Missionary Green Energy Corporation

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

Description of the contract A contract for the supply and delivery of a complete Hybrid Solar PV-Genset Power Supply system with Energy Storage, including but not limited to following components: Solar PV array, Energy storage system, Inverters and controllers, Diesel generator set and fuel storage system, Transformer and Take-off structure, Remote Monitoring and Data, Retrieval System/Energy Management System, Wiring and circuit protection, Lightning protection and earthing system

With regard to economic and financial criteria, the entities upon whose capacity the tenderer relies, become jointly and severally liable for the performance of the contract. The criteria for Compliance with the Technical Specifications is as follows:

Criteria

Evaluation

(1) Adherence and compliance with the technical specifications, standards and warranty requirements

Number and titles of lots 2 lots Lot titles: Lot 1: Siargao Lot 2: Dinagat

a) Component specifications and standards € € € €

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION 8.

Eligibility and rules of origin Participation is open to all legal persons (participating in a grouping – consortium – of tenderers) which are effectively established in a Member State of the European Union or in any country. Participation is also open to all legal persons from all countries. All supplies under this contract may originate from all countries.

Grounds for exclusion Tenderers must submit a signed declaration, included in the tender form for a supply contract, to the effect that they are not in any of the situations listed in Section 2.6.10.1. of the practical guide.

Diesel Generator

Tenderers included in the lists of EU restrictive measures (see Section 2.4. of the PRAG) at the moment of the award decision cannot be awarded the contract. 10. Number of tenders The candidates may submit an application for one lot only, several lots or all of the lots, but only one application may be submitted per lot. Tenders for parts of a lot will not be considered. Tenderers may not submit a tender for a variant solution in addition to their tender for the supplies required in the tender dossier.

€ €

Any tenderer may state in its tender that it would offer a discount in the event that its tender is accepted for more than one lot.

€ € €

11. Tender guarantee No tender guarantee is required.

PV Modules

12. Performance guarantee The successful tenderer will be asked to provide a performance guarantee of 7% of the amount of the contract at the signing of the contract. This guarantee must be provided together with the return of the countersigned contract no later than 30 days after the tenderer receives the contract signed by the contracting authority. If the selected tenderer fails to provide such a guarantee within this period, the contract will be void and a new contract may be drawn up and sent to the tenderer which has submitted the next cheapest compliant tender.

14. Tender validity Tenders must remain valid for a period of 90 days after the deadline for submission of tenders. In exceptional circumstances, the contracting authority may, before the validity period expires, request that tenderers extend the validity of tenders for a specific period (see para 8.2 of the instructions to tenderers). 15. Period of implementation of tasks DATE Clarification meeting / site visit (if any)

[Not applicable]

TIME* [Not applicable]

Deadline for requesting clarifications from the contracting authority

July 22, 2020

5:00 PM

Last date on which clarifications are issued by the contracting authority

August 3, 2020

5:00 PM

Deadline for submission of tenders

August 13, 2020

10:00 AM

Tender opening session

August 18, 2020

2:00 PM

Notification of award to the successful tenderer

September 14, 2020**

Signature of the contract

September 21, 2020**

Lithium Ion Batteries

Energy Management System

The selection criteria for tenderers to the 2 lots are as follows:

NFCC = [(current assets minus current liabilities) x 15] minus the value of all outstanding projects, including uncompleted projects and awarded contracts yet to be started 2)

Professional capacity of tenderer (based on i.a. items 4 and 5 of the tender form for a supply contract). The reference period which will be taken into account will be the last three years preceding the submission deadline.

Criteria for legal persons: 1-The proposed project Organizational Chart should have the following: - Person-in-charge (PIC) - Backup - Logistics Personnel 2-The minimum qualification requirements for the personnel are as follows:

- Import license in the Philippines or; - Philippine Customs Broker 3)

Technical capacity of tenderer (based on i.a. items 5 and 6 of the tender form for a supply contract). The reference period which will be taken into account will be the last five years preceding the submission deadline. This means that the contract the tenderer refers to could have been started or completed at any time during the indicated period but it does not necessarily have to be started and completed during that period, nor implemented during the entire period. Tenderers are allowed to refer either to projects completed within the reference period (although started earlier) or to projects not yet completed. In the first case the project will be considered in its whole if proper evidence of performance is provided (statement or certificate from the entity which awarded the contract, final acceptance). In case of projects still on-going only the portion satisfactorily completed during the reference period will be taken into consideration. This portion will have to be supported by documentary evidence (similarly to projects

SFOC

L/kWh

0.4200

25%

L/kWh

0.3500

50%

L/kWh

0.2975

75%

L/kWh

0.2878

100%

L/kWh

0.2840

Generator shall be capable of 10% minimal loading for at least 2 hours during a day Rated frequency of the generators must be 60 Hz, at a rated speed of 1800 RPM and 3-phase. Polycrystalline type Minimum module efficiency of 18% under STC Mounting structure that can withstand up to 250 kph windspeed PV modules must have a minimum product warranty of 10 years and 25 years performance warranty at 80% 10-year warranty on the mounting structure Standards: IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 62548, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001

€

4000 cycles at 80% DOD (Lithium technology) Round-trip efficiency>88% End-of-life useable capacity > 80% Charging rate 0.5C All batteries must have a minimum product warranty of 5 years and performance warranty of 10 years Standards: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and IEC 61427

€ €

5-year warranty on the Energy Management System Standard: ISO 9001

€ € € € €

TENDERING 18. How to obtain the tender dossier The tender dossier is available from the following Internet address: https://webgate. ec.europa.eu/europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome. The tender dossier is also available from the contracting authority. Tenders must be submitted using the standard tender form for a supply contract included in the tender dossier, whose format and instructions must be strictly observed. Tenderers with questions regarding this tender should send them in writing to abio. aiecjv@gmail.com (mentioning the publication reference shown in item 1) at the latest 21 days before the deadline for submission of tenders given in item 19. The contracting authority must reply to all tenderers’ questions at the latest 11 days before the deadline for submission of tenders. Eventual clarifications or minor changes to the tender dossier shall be published at the latest 11 days before the submission deadline on the website of DG International Cooperation and Development at https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/ europeaid/online-services/index.cfm?do=publi.welcome 19. Deadline for submission of tenders Due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 outbreak, tenders shall be submitted by electronic mail based on a risk assessment (i.e. risk of contamination, risk of postal services not being available, risk of applicants/tenderers working from home not being capable to print, etc.). to the following addresses: • etindoc@elementrenewables.energy for the technical offer and cclemente@ elementrenewables.energy for the financial offer •

A copy of the technical and financial offers will also be sent to delegationphilippines-cfs@eeas.europa.eu.

The deadline for submission of tenders is August 13, 2020. Any tender submitted to the contracting authority after this deadline will not be considered. How tenders may be submitted Tenders must be submitted in English exclusively to the contracting authority via email. The contract title and the Publication reference (see item 1 above) must be clearly indicated in the email subject and must always be mentioned in all subsequent correspondence with the contracting authority. Tenders submitted by any other means will not be considered. By submitting a tender, candidates accept to receive notification of the outcome of the procedure by electronic means. Such notification shall be deemed to have been received on the date upon which the contracting authority sends it to the electronic address referred to in the tender. 20. Tender opening session August 18, 2020. Venue is to be announced or may be opened during an online meeting. In the case that at the date of the opening session some tenders have not been delivered to the contracting authority but their representatives can show evidence that they have been sent on time, the contracting authority will allow them to participate in the first opening session and inform all representatives of the tenderers that a second opening session will be organised.

- PIC: 5 years of related experience - Backup: 3 years of related experience - Logistics Personnel: 3 years of related experience 3-The legal persons should have the following:

Unit

15%

17b: Lowest Price (All bidders who pass 17a will be evaluated, and the bidder with the lowest price will be awarded with the contract)

The selection criteria for each tenderer are as follows:

Criteria for legal persons: 1-Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC) must be at least equal to the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC).

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17a: Tenderers must meet all the criteria for following: -Economic and Financial Capacity -Professional Capacity -Technical Capacity -Compliance with the Technical Specifications.

SELECTION AND AWARD CRITERIA

Economic and financial capacity of tenderer (based on i.a. item 3 of the tender form for a supply contract). In case of the tenderer being a public body, equivalent information should be provided. The reference period which will be taken into account will be the last three financial years for which accounts have been closed.

High speed diesel generator Warranty of 3 year or 3000 running hours Standards: ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Specific fuel oil consumption of each generator must be within the values below.

17. Award criteria

* All times are in the time zone of the country of the contracting authority provisional date ** Provisional date

16. Selection criteria The following selection criteria will be applied to tenderers. In the case of tenders submitted by a consortium, these selection criteria will be applied to the consortium as a whole unless specified otherwise. The selection criteria will not be applied to natural persons and single-member companies when they are sub-contractors:

€ € €

13. Information meeting and/or site visit No information meeting is planned

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

completed) also detailing its value.

TODAY

There is an alternative to swab testing that is cheaper, yields results in minutes and within reach of everyone—the BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test.

21. Language of the procedure All written communications for this tender procedure and contract must be in English. 22. Legal basis1 [General budget of the Union: for calls where the CIR applies: Regulation (EU) No 236/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 laying down common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Union’s instruments for financing external action and DCI] 23. Additional information Financial data to be provided by the tenderer in the standard tender form must be expressed in EUR. If applicable, where a candidate refers to amounts originally expressed in a different currency, the conversion to EUR shall be made in accordance with the InforEuro exchange rate of June 2020, which can be found at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/budget/graphs/inforeuro.html. 1

Please state any specificity that might have an impact on rules on participation (such as geographic or thematic or long/short term). (MS-JULY 18, 2020)

supplement detection for COVID19-suspected infected patients besides the nucleic acid test, which could greatly raise the accuracy of the detection for COVID-19. COVID-19 is an acute infectious disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with an incubation period of one to 14 days, mostly 3 to 7 days. The incubation period is infectious. Asymptomatic infections may also be the source of infection. Respiratory droplets and contact are the main routes of transmission. The initial symptoms of the patients were fever, fatigue and cough, and gradually developed dyspnea and other serious manifestations. Most of the patients have a good prognosis, some of the severe cases may have acute respiratory distress syndrome or septic shock, or even death. At present, there is no specific treatment for the disease. There are several days of incubation period after being infected by 2019-nCoV. But IgM antibodies can be detected soon after the incubation period and are kept for a short time. Those IgM-positive in blood samples can be an indicator of acute infection. IgG antibodies appear after few days of incubation period and are kept for a long time. Those IgG positives in blood samples can be an indicator of infected or previous infection. The Rapid 2019-nCoV IgG/IgM Combo Test Card utilizes the principle of immunochromatography. Anti human IgM and human IgG antibodies are immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane respectively, as two individual test lines (IgM line and IgG line) in the test window of the test device. The IgM line in the test window is closer to the sample well and followed by the IgG line. As the test sample flows through the membrane within the test device, the colored2019-nCoV antigen-colloidal gold conjugate complexes with specific antibodies (IgM and/or IgG) of the 2019 novel coronavirus, if present in the sample. This complex moves further on the membrane to the test region where it is captured by the anti-human IgM and/or human IgG antibodies coated on the membrane leading to formation of a colored band, which indicates a

positive test results. Absence of this colored band in the test window indicates a negative test result. A built-in control line will always appear in the test window when the test has performed properly, regardless of the presence or absence of anti-2019 novel coronavirus antibodies in the specimen. The way the BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test works may sound complicated, but its results can be obtained in as little as 15 minutes, with strong positive samples showing faster results. Sen. Hontiveros, during her call for mass testing, urged the government that asymptomatic individuals should be tested, too. "Malinaw na hindi dapat limitado sa mga taong may malalang sintomas ng COVID-19 ang ginagawang testing ng pamahalaan para matigil ang pagkalat ng sakit na ito," she said in a statement. “Mass testing requires ramped up local production of testing kits and capacitated regional testing centers in the Visayas and Mindanao.” That call got the boost it deserved from no less than COVID-19 survivor Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who distributed 6,000 BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test kits to hospitals in Mindanao. The senator said that testings should not only be focused in Metro Manila so that the spread of the virus will be prevented in other areas. “If we only focus on Metro Manila, we cannot defeat COVID-19. The longer we hold other regions back from massive testing, the higher the chances that the virus will continue to spread there, even with community quarantine,” said Senator Zubiri, who tested positive for the virus after being exposed to an infected person in a Senate hearing. “We can’t afford for that to happen. We must address this as soon as possible. I know the gold standard of testing for COVID-19 are the PCR test kits, like those we donated to PGH. But in the absence of accredited laboratories across the country, these rapid test kits will have to do for now.”

BOSON Rapid nCov Combo Test Philippine distributor Jenka Global OPC is an importer, exporter, trader, distributor and wholesaler of wide Turn to C3

HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds launched SHENZHEN—Global smartphone brand HONOR recently announced the availability of HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds, the first HONOR CHOICE product to launch in its overseas markets. HONOR CHOICE is a portfolio of HONOR smart life products, co-developed by HONOR and a select group of industry-leading manufacturers. Equipped with a binaural synchronous transmission technology and a 7mm composite diaphragm speakers, the HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds deliver a superb and lag-free audio experience. Its 24-hour battery life also makes it a perfect accessory for all-day usage. The wallet-friendly earbuds will be available in Philippines from today.

HONOR CHOICE: High-tech and Aesthetically Pleasing IoT Products for a Smarter Life

HONOR CHOICE is a sub-brand under HONOR that comprises a portfolio of IoT products made by a select group of industry-leading manufacturers. Representing the “N” in the “1+8+N” IoT strategy, HONOR CHOICE consists of a wide range of devices in categories such as Sports, Entertainment, Technology and Travel which provides users with a seamless and intelligent experience in their everyday lives. The HONOR CHOICE series is manufactured by industry-leading partners to bring users a personalized and enriched experience. With stringent tests and strict criteria, HONOR CHOICE ensures all products are of impeccable quality, and users can en-

HONOR CHOICE aims to strengthen the company’s “1+8+N” IoT strategy with a comprehensive range of allscenario products joy them safely. As a tech-chic brand beloved by global youth, HONOR insists its human-centric and trendy design philosophy in the HONOR CHOICE products. HONOR CHOICE products are also empowered by cutting edge technology such as HUAWEI HiLink and HiSilicon chipsets to enable all-scenario intelligence experiences.

HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds: All-day entertainment accessory

The HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds allow users to stream music continuously for up to six hours and enjoy up to four hours of uninterrupted call time on a single charge. The lightweight charging case holds three full charges which give users an additional 18 hours of entertainment. With a combined audio playback of 24 hours, the HONOR CHOICE True Wireless Earbuds are the perfect accessory for audiophiles and general everyday use.

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Smart holds online workshop for trainors of digital farmers

HE pandemic has stopped general farming in its tracks, with 15 percent of crop-raising and ﬁshing activities in the countryside suspended in March. The movement of produce from the provinces was thus affected, curtailing food supply in Metro Manila.

While the government granted subsidies to farmers, the private sector teamed up with farmers’ groups to alleviate the problem by bringing produce to the cities during the enhanced community quarantine. Facebook and Instagram served as the marketplace. The farmers’ knowledge of technology and digital tools served them in good stead. To help boost productivity and marketability, the Department of AgricultureAgricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) last year launched the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The program teaches small-scale farmers to use digital tools through courses like the use of smartphones, ecommerce and online payment systems. While the Department of Agriculture had already developed many online resources, including mobile apps, farmers weren't using the new technology. Now, more than ever, farmers can beneﬁt from learning how to be more techsavvy. The average age of a farmer in the Philippines is 57 years. "With uncertainties brought on by COVID-19, we all have to adapt. The Digital Farmers Program is a training ground for the new style of doing things. It is digital and inclusive and geared toward the growth of the agriculture sector," said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

Advanced projector-less LED movie theater features full Dolby Atmos for breathtaking immersive audio

DFP links technology-savvy youths with small-holder farmers so that the latter could tap the digital space, and consequently, establish a channel for exchanging ideas—from using modern agricultural technologies, to discovering time-tested farming traditions. To continue the roll-out of DFP lessons, the DA-ATI and Smart recently completed the DFP 101 Master Trainers’ Bootcamp, the ﬁrst virtual interactive “Training for Trainors" workshop for DFP. Information ofﬁcers and media production specialists from the Information Services Section of 15 Regional ATI Training Centers nationwide joined the web event. The workshop was facilitated by trainers from Limitless Lab, a strategic design and innovation company. StartupPH Training also gave pointers on effective online training to sustain participants’ interest. The DFP is an advocacy of Smart Communities, which taps Technology for Development to narrow down the digital divide. The program is also aligned with the commitment of Smart's parent company, PLDT, to support the 17 Sustainable Goals of the United Nations. For the second half 2020, 28 batches of the DFP 101 trainings will be rolled out starting in August. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SmartCommunities.

True theatrical experience with LG LED Cinema Display

Bethel John Sinon, a media production specialist from DA-ATI Regional Training Center VIII, said the virtual workshop made him ready to conduct his own web trainings to help farmers.

Jotun Philippines awarded ISO certifications JOTUN PHIILIPPINES INC., a local subsidiary of Jotun A/S, one of the world's top producers of paints and coatings based in Norway, has recently been awarded ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications for the following—14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems, 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and 9001:2015

Quality Management Systems—a major feat made in just two years after the inauguration of its modern manufacturing plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Stamatis Solomakos, General Manager of Jotun Philippines Inc. said these certifications are further proof that the firm is serious in upgrading its already globally acclaimed facilities, plants and business processes to world’s

best standards and practices. “The Philippine market is important to us because we see good growth prospects in the future especially with the steady increase of investments in business areas where Jotun is relevant such as infrastructure, energy and marine,” he added. In 2017, Jotun launched its 1st manufacturing plant in the country, which costs

INTERTEK officials led by (left) Giovanni Ken Evardoni—Audit Head, Business Assurance Systems Certification and INTERTEK; Karen Ng, Audit Manager, Business Assurance Systems Certification, award the ISO certifications to Stamatis Solomakos, General Manager, Jotun Philippines, Inc. Joining them are Mahavir Ekad, Operations Manager, Jotun Philippines Inc.; Edmon Cruz, HSE Manager, Jotun Philippines Inc. and Angelica Quisel, QC and Process Manager, Jotun Philippines Inc.

more than a billion peso to build. The inaugural event was graced by Princess Martha Louise of Norway and top officials of Jotun A/S, including the owner/Chairman of the Board, Odd Gleditsch D.Y. The local certifications were part of Jotun’s global certification initiative, awarded by INTERTEK, a global leader in quality assurance testing. Jotun is a Norwegian multinational, privately-owned paint company incorporated in 1926. The company has 40 production facilities in 24 countries, 62 companies in 45 countries and is represented in over 100 countries around the world. In the Philippines, it started through an agent in 1987, then became a branch office of Singapore operations in 2004. Jotun Philippines Inc. became fully operational in 2011 with offices in Sucat, Paranaque and in Mandaue, Cebu. In 2013, it made a bold decision to invest in local production. Construction of the factory started in 2016 and was inaugurated November 2017. For more information, call Stamatis Solomakos, General Manager Jotun (Philippines) Inc: 09778213129 , Stamatis.solomakos@jotun.ph, Roberto Alonzo, Marketing Manager Jotun (Philippines) Inc: 09175533302, Roberto.alonzo@jotun.ph Or you may visit our website at www.jotun. com/ap or follow us in Facebook at https:// web.facebook.com/jotunphilippinesinc/

ePLDT Cyber Security joins FIRST ePLDT Inc., the country’s leading enabler of digital solutions, officially becomes the first and only Philippine organizational member of global leader in incident response Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams—strengthening its cyber security capabilities and enabling it to respond better to security incidents. FIRST is the premier organization and recognized global leader in incident response. ePLDT Cyber Security became a certified FIRST member in February after undergoing a rigorous process of application, including sponsorship from existing members, site visits to ePLDT’s Security Operations Center (SOC) for the review of its cyber threat response capabilities, and board approval. ePLDT’s FIRST membership improves and augments its existing Cyber Security capabilities to respond to cyberattacks. More so, being a FIRST member enables ePLDT to share knowledge among similar cyber security organizations around the world, boosting collaboration and improving communication with their security teams, including collecting feedback, exchanging ideas and sharing best practices. In the same way, ePLDT will also be sharing its own experiences in dealing with threats in the Philippine context. “We at ePLDT are proud to become the

first and only organization in the Philippines to be part of such a prestigious global organization. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improve our capabilities and in turn support our customers,” says Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups. “By expanding our cyber security capabilities and network, we are better able to safeguard organizations against today’s increasing cyber threats.” ePLDT delivers best-in-class Cyber Security services and solutions that allow local businesses to redefine their cyber defenses against a wide range of cyber threats. With its official affiliation with FIRST, ePLDT stays up-to-date with the latest cyber security news and use cases affecting enterprises—enabling them to effectively prepare customers for possible incidents. Angel Redoble, First Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT Group, PLDT Group & SMART, adds that “our FIRST membership greatly scales up ePLDT’s expertise and capabilities in Cyber Security. This bolsters our portfolio and strengthens ePLDT’s Security Operations Center in monitoring and responding to cyber threats, allowing our customers to get the best cyber security service in the country.”

GLOBAL technology innovator LG Electronics continue to push boundaries and the limits of imagination as they recently opened the world’s first movie theater equipped with LG LED Cinema Display technology featuring Dolby’s cinema server solution and Dolby Atmos immersive audio in Taiwan. In collaboration with Taiwan’s leading theater chain, Showtime Cinemas, the futuristic theater is also the first in the market to completely replace the projector with LED technology. LG and Dolby Laboratories closely collaborated to integrate Dolby’s Integrated Media Server (IMS3000) with LG’s innovative LED Cinema Display. Dolby’s IMS3000 allows movies to play in full Dolby Atmos to produce a wide soundstage that surrounds the audience by projecting sounds corresponding to the movement and position of objects on the screen. Pairing Dolby Atmos with the vibrant, lifelike images of LG’s LED Cinema Display creates a more immersive experience that makes going to the movies even more memorable and magical. At 45 feet wide and 22 feet high, the dazzling LG screen produces finely-detailed 4K images on a scale rarely seen. Unlike standard projectors using a single light source, LG LED Cinema has LEDs emitting individually and offers an excellent brilliance uniformity. As there is no dimming and image distortion like fading, LG LED Cinema delivers a clearer and uniform image representation on the entire screen. Due to its ability to control each individual pixel, LG LED Cinema Display guarantees a superior contrast ratio and amazingly accurate color reproduction. Most cinema screens feature a DCI-P3 Color Gamut spec, but the actual colors that the audience feels may be different. LG LED Cinema accurately reproduces the colors intended by the content creator and delivers the DCI-P3 Color more vividly. Furthermore, LG LED Cinema Display meets the highest standards for content security and Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) certification. Moviegoers will be able to enjoy an elevated and thoroughly captivating cinematic experience like no other.

BATTLING...

From C2

variety of products including but not limited to essential and non-essential items like food and beverage, personal care and cosmetics, toiletries, health and fitness products, baby products, pet food, and medicine and medical/fitness device, among others. The company specializes on sourcing global quality and innovative products to offer to the local Philippine market. It is comprised of a team of experts in Export/ Import Management, Market Research, and Sales and Distribution. For more information about Boson Rapid n-Cov IgG/IgM Combo Test, you may email sales@jenkaglobal.com. ACE Biolabs provides a large-scale, reliable and rapid diagnostic method for COVID-19 IgG/IgM antibody rapid tests.

Shown here are (from left) Cheese Ong, Co-Founder at Binggo Mobile, Joel Ong, Co-Founder at Binggo Mobile, Paolo Baltao, SVP and Head EON Banking Group and Kimberly Espiritu, Communities and Linkages Head, EON.

Binggo Mobile taps EON to tech up entrepreneurs BINGGO Mobile, the company behind smartbinggo.com, has partnered with Union Bank of the Philippines, through EON, as it transforms micro-enterprises, like cafés and sari-sari stores, into phygital (physical to digital) storefronts, starting in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. By becoming a Binggo Mobile affiliate, micro-entrepreneurs can sell airtime load and earn commissions without having to maintain an inventory, just as Grab offers transport services without owning a fleet. They will also get a Binggo Mobile account and a Binggo Mobile VISA card, powered by EON, so they can start saving,

do cashless transactions, and even avail of Binggo Mobile loans. “Even as the world turns digital and seemingly dominated by tech giants, Binggo Mobile proves that there will always be a place for micro-entrepreneurs—the neighborhood stores we have been so used to. Just like EON, it leverages on technology to reinvent the way things are done to allow its customers to earn more and fulfill their aspirations,” said Kimberly Espiritu, Assistant Vice President and Communities and Linkages Head of EON. “As we strive towards financial inclusion, we equally aspire for inclusive prosperity. No one should be left behind. Col-

laborating with Binggo Mobile gets us closer and closer,” said Paolo Baltao, Senior Vice President and EON Banking Group Head. “We believe that this partnership with EON is the best way to realize our vision for Binggo Mobile. We were looking for a payment solution. EON gave us more than that. EON gave us the opportunity to ensure the financial well-being of our affiliates,” said Joel Ong, Co-founder at Binggo Mobile. Cheese Ong, Co-Founder at Binggo Mobile, also added “EON is the best fit with our platform. It is scalable to support our growth as we reach more of the unbanked and add more products in our offering.”

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2020

Geely Coolray emerges as top selling sub-compact crossover in June

WHILE the Philippines is on its way to reviving its hard hit automotive industry, Geely Philippines has bounced back from crisis. Based on the latest CAMPI and AVID data, Geely Coolray emerged as top selling 5-seater sub-compact crossover in June with 154 units sold. Meanwhile, Geely Philippines ranksed 10th in the month of June with 184 units combined sales of Coolray and

Auto importers’ group regains footing

HE Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) maintained its trek toward a better normal in June 2020, posting 3,697 units in sales, or a 198% increase from the 1,239 units sold in the previous month.

While June has shown significant sales and recovery highlighting pent-up demand during the lockdown, AVID said many factors may continue to dampen industry sales in the coming months. “While AVID members and their partner dealerships have gone to great lengths to COVID-proof their facilities, strengthen online e-commerce assets, and offer extraordinary promotions and deals to win back customers and encourage buying, headwinds remain. These include lower remittances, weaker demand, and the prospect of a second wave, so we can’t let our guard down,” said the group’s president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

The group, which is made up of 21 member companies representing 26 global brands, used the previous lockdown to develop COVID-ready processes, structures, and organizations. This allowed AVID members to quickly restart in the second half of May and serve customers in urgent need of maintenance, business enterprises, and customers seeking private mobility. “They say, breakdowns lead to breakthroughs and we are seeing more and more innovations in the industry, highlighted by quick, efficient, and ‘contactless’ services that allow us to adapt and create a ‘better normal’ for our industry.

Ultimately, these changes will be good for our customers, giving them more value for every peso spent,” Agudo said. With the closing of dealerships for over two months in the first half of 2020, AVID sales dropped by 54.8%, from the 43,082 units sold in the first half of 2019 to 19,455 units in the same period this year. Despite said drop across major segments, the auto industry is expected to undergo gradual improvement with more relaxed guidelines in the coming months and the reopening of more businesses. “This is not the industry’s first crisis but it is surely the most challenging. We can’t face it alone, so we are closely working with Government and other stakeholders to help contain this pandemic while gradually reviving the industry in a safe and sustainable manner. Mobility is key to driving the economy forward and a stronger AVID, within and beyond this pandemic, will definitely play a key role,” Agudo said.

Load-carrying Hiace variant rolls out THE Toyota Hiace utility van works even harder with the addition of a cargo variant. The Hiace Cargo is everything customers love about the Commuter except that now, it transports load instead of passengers. By providing a seat-less option, the Hiace further expands its service to more industries. In 2019, Toyota Motor Philippines introduced the Full Model Change Hiace with the addition of Super Grandia Elite, and GL Tourer variants to cater to a more luxurious markets. Meanwhile, the Commuter variant continues to be the staple peoplemover used as company shuttles for private use, and UV express to serve the public. Overall, the variant line-up expansion, backed by the Toyota standard of quality, durability and reliability, plus a host of new

comfort, convenience and safety functionalities made it the preferred choice in the utility van segment. As of May 2020, the

Isuzu Davao showroom

breaks ground

Hiace holds 66% market share. But Toyota recognizes the need to transport cargo as well as people. “TMP in pursuit of providing for the needs of the market, it has introduced the Hiace Cargo to cater to customers who have requirements to transport load in a safe and secure way. It is also timely as we are also able to cater to the needs of the market for goods transfer during this pandemic situation,” explained Sherwin Chualim, Toyota Motor Philippines First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations. “The Philippines is the largest Hiace market outside Japan. We want to continue expanding our Hiace line-up for more versatile use.” The Hiace Cargo retails at PHP 1,101,000.00

NOT even a global pandemic could stop the relentless march of modernization with the country’s leading truck maker. On July 8, Isuzu Philippines Corporation held the formal groundbreaking ceremony for its Isuzu Davao dealership at MacArthur Highway, Matina in Davao City. The occasion was witnessed by officers and executives of IPC and Southern Motors of Davao Inc. The proceedings were shared to members of the local and national motoring media via an online conference. The outlet will adopt the Isuzu Outlet Standardization which envisions the Japanese truck maker’s role in the global and Philippine automotive industry in the decades to come. The guiding principles in forming the new design focuses on: (1) the creation of a conducive atmosphere that leads to improved customer experience and smoother business

the recently launched Azkarra. This is the brand’s highest monthly sales record since January of this year. For the first half of 2020, Geely Philippines has sold a total of 549 units. Sojitz G Auto Philippines president & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said, “this is definitely a very positive development as every auto brand try to bounce back during this post-ECQ period. We are very delighted of this outcome since it is

mainly driven by one model, the Coolray and only one showroom located in North Edsa”. “We expect Geely sales to improve further as we open new dealership outlets and further complement our product line up this year.”, Takayama added. SGAP sales of 184 units represented a 160% jump from its 70 units sales record in May.

How to spell premium, comfort and unrattled in seven words SPIN doctors of this royal-sounding nameplate, have come up with a clever sales push, this time zeroing in on its premium SUV amid the sales-dampening effect of the virus pandemic. The sole distributor of Hyundai cars, HARI, short for Hyundai Asia Resources Inc., zooms in the aspect of riding and driving comfort to make a strong point. Driving and riding comfort, it said, are two aspects that are often overlooked when it comes to mobility. Sometimes, it’s just the matter of getting from Point A to Point B while looking formidable at it. But for those who see driving and riding comfort as an investment for their well-being especially in their dynamic lifestyles, Hyundai possesses the premium mid-size SUV that can give you the refinement you seek to stay confident and unrattled during your daily drives: the Hyundai SANTA FE. Style. From its imposing cascading grille with Hyundai’s signature honeycomb pattern, the bold character lines complementing its separated headlight design* (highefficiency LED lights matched with LED Daytime Running Lights), the wheel air curtain and the lateral blocking of the rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics, down to its 19-inch alloy wheels*, the Santa Fe is sure to command attention even from afar, minus the noise. Agility & Efficiency. When it comes to performance, the Santa Fe effortlessly gives you a maximum power of 200ps/441Nm from its 2.2L CRDi eVGT diesel engine that meets the strict Euro 4 emission rating, lessening your carbon footprint for a more sustainable drive. This being a Hyundai, you know it’s got fuel efficiency in its DNA…and when you mate that to an 8-speed automatic transmission? You’re sure to be quicker and more agile on the road without compromising fuel economy. Notable Comfort. The Santa Fe’s pre-

operations; (2) the application of purposeful design that is tailored to varying customer needs; and (3) the communication of Isuzu’s reputation for durable, reliable, strong and fuel-efficient vehicles. Isuzu Davao’s IOS dealership will feature industrial style elements that speak to Isuzu’s truck and lifestyle vehicle customers. The fascia of the new dealership will be fitted with robust-looking expanded metal mesh between long red bands, expressing Isuzu’s reputation for durable and reliable products. The minimalist interior design, on the other hand, conveys a clean and sleek atmosphere while providing a more spacious and organized area for its users. The new dealership layout was carefully arranged by taking the standpoint of the customers, enhancing the overall customer journey. Productivity will also be improved in both sales and service operations

mium driving and riding experience comes from within--from its monocoque or unibody structure, to be exact. With its chassis and body frame built together, the Santa Fe’s structure offers greater stability, flexibility and ability to withstand stress without the noise and vibrations that may be more pronounced in ladderframe vehicles. The result? A calm, composed, and never rattled ride, making the Santa Fe one of the best-sellers in the American and European markets. Technology. Santa Fe drivers are treated to a cockpit full of tech goodies that can make driving safer and more entertaining: the 7-inch floating type radio display* with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, AUX-in, USB & Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition—which also serves as your Surround View Monitor*, the wireless smartphone charging* to make connectivity more convenient, the Head-up Display (HUD)* that provides added safety and ease by projecting vehicle information on your windshield to minimize eye movement while driving, and the Automatic Power Tailgate System with Smart Sensors that detects your Key FOB and opens your tailgate for you—no waving of hands or feet needed! Accessibility. Step inside the Santa Fe and you’ll be greeted by its generously refined interior. Its 7-seating cabin has comfortable plush leather seats, Automatic Recline & Slide Buttons to easily adjust legroom for the 2nd row seats, as well as armrests, air-conditioning controls and 12V socket charging for the 3rd row. And when it comes to easy accessibility, the Santa Fe’s seats can also quickly respond to the Smart One-Touch Walk-in Button that automatically slides the 2nd row seats for your passengers’ easy access to the 3rd row, as well as Smart One-Touch Folding Switch that can automatically fold the 2nd row seats down to increase your luggage space.

by outlining the flow of people and products within the dealership. Jockson Liu, President of Isuzu Davao, stressed during his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony that the dealership which it owns and manages is nearing the final stages of its re-building. “As we face the Covid-19 pandemic, local and world business leaders are adopting new measures in order to protect and preserve their identity in the market. We at Isuzu Davao are firm and resolute in our decision to carry out the mission of demolishing the old building and constructing a new and modern showroom. We have reached this final phase of construction which I consider like no other. I say this because we will be demolishing and building all in the same location. As we break this ground today, we will lay a stronger foundation that could last another 70 years.”