Manila Standard - 2020 April 29 - Wednesday

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM APRIL 28)

7,958

NUMBER OF CASES

530 (19 new) DEATHS

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 69 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

975 (43 new) RECOVERIES

181

NEW CASES

SPECIAL DELIVERY. Members of the Philippine Coast Guard distribute relief goods to the residents of Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila who cannot leave their homes in light of the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon and other high-risk areas. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte (inset) hinted that the government would relax the lockdown by May 15 in a televised address Monday night. Norman Cruz

Gov’t sets tone for ‘new normal’

By Maricel V. Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Jimbo Owen Gulle

OUSE Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday led the filing of a bill providing a “whole-of-society” approach to the “new normal” way of life anchored on strict mandatory safety and physical distancing protocols that will still remain in place once quarantine measures are lifted.

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The proposed New Normal for the Workplace and Public Spaces Act of 2020 aims to prepare and educate Filipinos for life after the lifting of the restrictions imposed by the national government and local governments to contain the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through new norms of social or physical distancing and safety measures in government and private offices, schools, commercial establishments and other public spaces.

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‘Candidate vaccines’ won’t be ready till a year Tuesday said several “candidate vaccines” against COVID-19 were undergoing thorough studies in different parts of the world but said these were at least a year THE World Health Organization acting away from being ready.

“So that would be the shortest period representative to the Philippines on

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas

in order to study if the vaccines are safe and effective and can be administered to people,” said Dr. Socorro Escalante, the acting WHO representative.

She admitted that it’s very difficult to Next page

Massive testing of COVID cases in MM on next week

By Macon Ramos-Araneta MASS testing for COVID-19 will begin

by May 7 and focus on Metro Manila, the “center of gravity” of the coronavirus pandemic in the country, the government said Tuesday.

In a virtual hearing before a House committee on the pandemic, National Task Force Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. said the mass testing would focus on persons under investigation and monitoring for possible infection, as well as front-liners.

“Once we are able to flatten the curve in NCR, we are 70 percent finished in

winning the fight against COVID-19,” Galvez said.

Mass testing for other high-risk areas under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine will be done no later than May 15, he said.

He noted that the national task force also aims to conduct 20,000 tests daily starting May 15 and 30,000 tests a day not later than May 30 with a standard processing time of 24 to 48 hours in releasing the results.

He said all facilities will be reconfigured to the “new normal” of social and physical distancing.

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Nations reopening as global infections hit 3m-plus people

VIRUS BE DAMNED. Surfers and swimmers are seen in the ocean—and gleefully walking toward the sand despite the barricades and the ‘Beach Closed’ sign (inset)—after Bondi Beach reopened following a five-week closure in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday amid the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP

Salceda pushes ‘BBB’ program as stimulus tack Duterte scraps talks with Reds

By Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has stopped any peace talks with communist insurgents, after members of the New People’s Army killed two government soldiers in Aurora province while guarding the distribution of aid to COVID-19 affected communities.

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By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE head of the House of Representatives’ ways and means committee on Tuesday pushed for the inclusion of the “enhanced Build, Build, Build” program in the economic stimulus strategies to be implemented once the COVID-19 threat has passed.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, also House economic stimulus cluster co-chairman, similarly pushed for the passage of his Build, Build, Build emergency-powers proposal to speed up the completion of high-value projects and to frontload economic gains.

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PARIS―France and Spain were on Tuesday set to announce plans to lift strict coronavirus lockdowns that have endured for weeks, while on the other side of world surfers returned to Bondi Beach as Australia took its own first steps to ease restrictions.

Countries are beginning to chart their path out of shutdowns imposed to stem the spread of the deadly disease, which emerged in China late last year and has now infected more than three million people worldwide.

At least 209,000 people have died from COVID-19--a quarter of them in the US,

the worst-hit country followed by Italy, Spain, France and the UK. As some death rates slow, governments are exploring how to relax stay-athome orders that are exacting their own damaging economic and psychological tolls, without sparking a dangerous second wave of contagion.

Hundreds of eager surfers and swimmers rushed into the waves at Bondi Beach in Sydney, five weeks after police closed the area because of large crowds ignoring social distancing rules.

“I’ve been excited for like a week, I was Next page

SMC DONATION.

Members of the Philippine Navy fix a 15-bed emergency quarantine area for COVID-19 patients during the turnover ceremony for the facility donated by San Miguel Corp. at Sangley Point, Cavite City on Tuesday (See related story on A8). JR Josue

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News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

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Raps filed vs. woman with ’cure’

By Joel E. Zurbano and Willie Casas

more than 1,000 complaints, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. We will send these to our DILG regional, provincial, city and municipal offices all over the Philippines,” DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said in Filipino in a radio interview.

The complaints will be subject to validation before erring barangay officials are issued show cause orders. Diño said they have started releasing show cause orders for erring barangay officials on March 17.

Reported violations include gambling and drinking liquor in public places, “quarantine pass for sale” scheme, and favoritism in the distribution of relief goods, among others.

Charged with violation of the Republic Act 3720 (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 2009) and RA 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act) before the City Prosecutors Office was Yumei Liang, also known as Liza Wu, a resident of Alabang,

Muntinlupa City.

The 44-year-old suspect was also charged for violating the city revenue code and sanitation code, and for operating without a permit from the Office of the Mayor.

Members of the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office and City Health Office raided Yumei’s clinic located at 3985 Garcia St. cor. Airport Road in Bgy. Baclaran last Sunday.

The authorities seized several boxes of medicines allegedly being used to treat COVID-19 patients, and cure other illnesses such as STDs and HIV-AIDS. ECQ raps vs. village execs breach 1k mark The Department of the Interior and Local Government has already received over 1,000 complaints against barangay officials regarding violations of the Enhanced Community Quarantine rules, an official said on Tuesday.

“In the whole country, we already got

Gov't...

resume, the number of classes should be reduced and staggered class days should be implemented to enable students and teachers to comply with physical distancing protocols and other safety measures.

The bill also provides that restaurants and other food service places may resume operations under a “new normal,” but initially only for takeout and delivery.

Buffets and salad bars would be prohibited once dine-in services are gradually introduced, two-meter distancing between diners should be strictly followed, and disposable or nonshareable menu booklets and cutlery should be used as much as possible.

In banks, supermarkets, malls and most commercial spaces, the entry of people will be limited at any given time, and online transactions and shopping services as well as cashless and contactless payments should be encouraged.

Salons, parlors and spas, once allowed to reopen, should strictly observe frequent hand washing, disinfecting and cleaning practices, including the sanitizing of scissors and other tools.

Applicable safety and distancing measures should also be applied in construction sites, industrial workplaces, offices, call centers, and other public spaces.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday announced he will lift the Enhanced Community Quarantine but will maintain the general community quarantine in Luzon after the lockdown expires on May 15 to allow a partial reopening of the economy.

In a televised address, President Duterte said some areas would be ready to transition from the ECQ to a GCQ, and some sectors, such as construction, would be allowed to reopen.

Mass transport, he said, could also be reopened but at a minimal level, while workers in some industries would be able to go back to work.

Palace Spokesman Harry Roque said the country is preparing a partial reopening of its economy next month as it eases lockdown guidelines in some areas.

While most businesses will be allowed to resume, there are still services that will remain barred under the general community quarantine or GCQ. Roque said GCQ in low-risk areas may be lifted after May 15 should no deterioration in their risk level occur, according to the task force.

For GCQ areas, public transportation would resume at reduced capacity, some workers would be allowed to work, and some establishments would partially open but subject to minimum health standards, Roque said.

However, areas with a high risk of COVID-19 transmissions such as Metro Manila and Central Luzon except Aurora, CALABARZON; Pangasinan; Benguet;

Baguio City: Iloilo province; Cebu province; Cebu City and Davao City would remain under the ECQ until May 15.

The following businesses and services will not be allowed to resume both in areas under the ECQ and those under the GCQ: 1. Gyms, fitness studios, and sports facilities 2. Entertainment-related mass gatherings such as: theaters, cinemas, large concerts, festivals, carnivals, conventions, shows, pubs and bars.

3. Business-related mass gatherings such as: trade shows, conferences, conventions, workshops and retreats 4. Politically-related mass gatherings such as election rallies, polling centers, parades, speeches, 5. Sports-related mass gatherings such as training, games, tournaments, championships 6. Religious mass gatherings 7. Going to libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural activities 8. Gambling and betting activities 9. Activities of travel agencies, tour operators, reservation services 10. Activities of membership organizations The sectors allowed in both ECQ and GCQ are: • Agriculture; Industry (e.g. manufacturing and processing plants and the entire value chain); • Hospitals and medical clinics; • Dental and EENT clinics (with strict health standards); • Retail establishments (e.g. groceries, supermarkets, convenience stores); • Food preparation and water refilling stations; • Logistics service providers (e.g. cargo handling, warehousing, trucking); • Delivery services; • Banks and capital markets; • Power, energy, water, IT, and telecommunications supplies and facilities; • Electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply; • Postal and courier activities; • Water collection; • Waste collection; • Sewerage (except emptying of septic tanks); • Veterinary activities; • Repair and installation of machinery and equipment; • Repair of computers and personal and household goods; • Service to buildings and landscape activities (except landscape care); • Employment activities; • Security and investigation activities; • Programming and broadcasting activities; • Rental leasing activities (except for entertainment/mass gathering purposes); • Accommodation (used as quarantine facilities for OFWs and workers of

essential industries); • Services to buildings and landscape activities; • Extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas; • Gasoline stations; • Laundry shops (including selfservice); • Funeral services; • Export companies (with temporary accommodation and shuttle services; work from home); • Business process outsourcing companies (with temporary accommodation and shuttle services; WFH); and • Mining and quarrying Sectors allowed during GCQ only: • Other manufacturing activities (e.g. beverages, cement and steel, electrical machinery); • Malls and commercial centers (e.g. hardware stores, clothing and accessories, and non-leisure stores); • Barbershops, salon, spas, and other personal care industries (with strict health standards); • Wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; • Construction and Build, Build, Build; • Forestry and logging; • Publishing activities; • Motion picture, video, and television program production, sound recording, and music publishing activities; • Advertising and market research; • Real estate activities (except real estate buying and selling); • Office administrative, office support, and other business activities; • Legal and accounting; • Insurance, reinsurance, and pension funding, except compulsory social security; • Architecture and engineering activities, technical testing and analysis; • Scientific and research development; • Other professional, scientific, and technical activities; • Social work activities without accommodation; and • Government office-frontline offices Roque said the IATF approved Resolution 29 revising the list of areas that will remain under ECQ from May 1 to 15.

Among the areas are the National Capital Region, Central Luzon except Aurora province, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Baguio City, Iloilo province, Cebu province, Cebu City, and Davao City, which are considered “high-risk areas.”

High- and moderate-risk areas are still subject to further evaluation, he added.

On the last day of the ECQ on May 15, Roque said the IATF would decide whether more areas may be placed under GCQ. In his TV address, the President said the country could soon shift to a “modified quarantine” mode and thanked Filipinos for heeding the measures enforced during the Luzon-wide lockdown.

told the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Science and Technology to operate 24 hours during the COVID-19 crisis and authorized them to increase their workforces.

At the same time, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and other government-run testing facilities have doubled their operating hours, running 16 hours a day now, said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. “’They’re talking about the extension of hours of RITM due to the current number of people [who must be tested],

they’re looking on making it 24 hours,” she added.

Vergeire said the operation of the Philippine Genome Center, the scheduled opening of new accredited laboratories for COVID-19 testing, and the arrival of additional GeneXpert cartridges will help the government achieve the daily testing capacity of 8,000 by the end of April.

According to the DOH, some 76,000 people have undergone COVID-19 test in the Philippines as of April 25.

The DOH also said they are planning

and coordinating with other government agencies mass COVID-19 testing in jails.

As of April 28, there were 7,958 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 530 deaths and 975 recoveries.

There were 181 new cases, 43 recoveries and 19 new deaths.

The DOH said more than 3,000 Filipino doctors and nurses have been either quarantined or tested positive for COVID-19. In all, 1,245 health workers have tested positive for COVID-19, including 464 doctors and 471 nurses.

really take time, Escalante called on the Philippines to prepare its regulatory processes in terms of assessment and evaluation of the vaccines to hasten the process and registration once they are received here.

She also cited the need to prepare the deployment of the vaccines, depending on how the country will prioritize the administration of the vaccines.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. asked Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for assistance in procuring five boxes of Carrimycin tablets, an unregistered drug from Beijing that supposedly helped him recover from COVID-19.

“The said medicine helped me in my recovery from the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] infection and I intend to give the said drug to my close friends who have also been infected,” a letter sent

by Santos said.

“I took Carrimycin tablets given to me by a Chinese friend with a dosage of two tablets a day for six days. On April 5, I was tested negative for COVID-19.”

Nations...

RIMINAL charges have been filed against a Chinese woman who owns and operates an illegal health facility in Parañaque City, where several boxes of medicines reportedly for coronavirus and sexually transmitted diseases worth P30 million were discovered.

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From A1

Cayetano, together with House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Deputy Speakers Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Paolo Duterte and Loren Legarda; and Representatives Eric Yap, Michael Defensor, and Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado authored House Bill 6623.

Romualdez, meanwhile, warned of social upheaval as an offshoot of the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, as the Enhanced Community Quarantine has thrown millions of workers out of work and kept almost the whole population indoors, causing problems in basic survival.

“We know that when people are hungry, frustrated and angry, the potential for social unrest, violence, and confusion increases. This threat of social upheaval would greatly undermine our ability to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” Romualdez said before the meeting of the Peace and Order Cluster of the Defeat COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee.

“We cannot allow hunger, frustration, and hopelessness to reign among our people. This unprecedented global health emergency must be our sole motivation to employ measures that will ensure the safety, security and protection of our citizens, Romualdez added.

He said it was the responsibility of lawmakers to voice out lingering concerns of their constituents in ECQ and general community quarantine districts.

Under HB 6623, social distancing and other protocols will remain in place for three years.

These include the mandatory wearing of masks, the availability of hand washing or sanitizing stations in public areas, temperature checks and physical distancing of at least one meter, but preferable two meters, in all public spaces.

In public transportation, physical distancing also applies during queueing for tickets and in the interiors of vehicles.

Contactless payment mechanisms will be implemented, and passengers will be required to wash their hands or sanitize before boarding public utility vehicles.

The operation of motorcycle taxis will remain suspended to prevent the spread of the virus through the use of common helmets and close contact between drivers and their passengers.

For schools and other learning institutions, on-site classes, sports and other extracurricular activities will remain suspended subject to consultation with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.

Online learning platforms will, in the meantime, be the primary mode of learning for students in all public and private schools.

Once on-site classes gradually

Massive...

From A1

Inbound overseas Filipino workers will be properly processed, with onestop shops available for rapid testing in airports.

Arriving OFWs will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at a government-managed facility and would take a polymerase chain reaction swab test.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte

‘Candidate...

From A1

contain the novel coronavirus since right now, there is no cure for it. She said this condition is also the reason for the spread of the virus to more than 200 countries around the globe, infecting almost three million people and killing almost 200,000 others.

“It’s hard to eliminate COVID-19 because it is easily transmitted from human to human and everybody can be infected—children, adults and even healthy individuals... we saw them getting sick of COVID-19,” the WHO official said.

In addition, she said the effects of the virus are worse on those with comorbidities like diabetes, heart disease, cancer or asthma.

“So we really need vaccines to stop its spread from one person to another and to prevent individuals from getting the disease,” said Escalante.

Since vaccine development will

From A1

like: 7:30 right here,” Diane Delaurens told AFP, dripping after his early-morning surf session.

The sand remained largely empty, as people are still banned from sunbathing.

With a handful of US states taking steps to revive their shuttered economies, schools and shops in some parts of Europe have opened up.

From next week, Italians will be able to exercise outdoors and visit relatives—but only if they wear masks and refrain from hugs and handshakes.

Spain has already begun easing its tight lockdown and was set to announce more detailed plans on Tuesday, as was France, which has said it will begin to ease confinement on May 11. AFP

Salceda...

From A1

“Infrastructure remains one of the most powerful economic stimulus tools— especially if you can finish it on time,” Salceda said.

“Estimates have it that every P200 billion in infrastructure can create up to 463,000 jobs on the year it is spent,” he said.

Deputy Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Precious Castelo echoed Salceda.

She said the government must take advantage “of the remaining dry-season window” to resume work on BBB projects.

“We have at most May and June to do public works activities before the onset of the rainy season, which will surely slow down again the implementation of our national and local government infrastructure programs,” Castelo said.

Spanish man faces case for fight with cops CRIMINAL charges were filed before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday against a foreigner who figured in an altercation with a police officer for failing to comply with quarantine regulations.

The Makati police filed charges of direct assault, resisting arrest and disobeying a person in authority, unjust vexation and failing to wear a face mask as required against Spanish citizen Javier Parra.

In a cellular phone video footage, Senior Master Sgt. Roland Von Madrona was shown struggling with a shirtless Parra who resisted arrest during the incident in Dasmariñas Village on Sunday.

Before the incident, another footage showed Parra on the street outside his house cursing Madrona after Madrona asked the foreigner’s Filipino maid why she was not wearing a face mask while gardening.

City police Chief Rogelio Simon welcomed the charges against Parra.

“This is a warning to abusive foreigners,” Simon said in a statement, adding Spain had 220,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 23,521 deaths since the outbreak.

Año defends Madrona Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday defended Madrona, saying the policeman had every reason to arrest Parra who was drunk, topless and cursing the police officer. Rio N. Araja, Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Courts still shut, but must receive cases filed online

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has ordered all courts in areas placed under the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine until May 15 due to the coronavirus disease will remain physically closed, but they are mandated to receive and resolve cases filed online.

It also adopted various measures and innovations to ensure the rights of persons deprived of liberty to constitutional due process are respected, even while the courts are physically closed due to the COVID-19.

In a circular on Monday, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta directed trial courts in areas under ECQ utilize videoconferencing in hearing and resolving urgent matters filed by PDLs or people deprived of their liberties.

“The hearings through videoconferencing shall cover all PDLs and may apply to all stages of trial of newly-filed and pending criminal cases, including but not limited to, arraignment, pre-trial, bail hearings, trial proper, and promulgation of judgment,” Peralta said.

In the circular Peralta stressed that while physically closed, all courts under extended ECQ would continue to function and “may be reached through hotline numbers, e-mail addresses, or Facebook accounts posted in the Supreme Court website-- sc.judiciary.gov.ph.”

Duterte...

From A1

President Duterte said the Communist Party of the Philippines “does not respect” its own pledge to carry out a ceasefire.

Duterte, in a televised address Tuesday night, said: “There is no more peace talks to talk about. I am not and I will never be ready for any round of talks. “[This is because] the NPA guerrillas, [armed wing of the] Communist Party of the Philippines, have no respect either for their spoken words or in their deeds of killing soldiers who are on humanitarian missions.

The President’s action coincided with reports from Tarlac that Air Force troops from the Special Operations Wing thwarted the alleged plan by the NPA to snatch large amelioration cash intended for distribution to residents at Sitio Pisabungan, an indigenous community upland of Barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas at dawn of Tuesday.

Military sources, citing intelligence reports, said Mayor Rey Catacutan, who was to distribute the intended amelioration Wednesday, said the Special Operations Wing was tipped off by a resident on the presence of heavily armed men past noon Tuesday.

A dismayed Duterte said: “It is a sad thing to know that my soldiers are being killed, while even doing the most honorable task of accompanying the government workers delivering money and food.”

The President believed the NPA atrocities would eventually be punished, but stopped short of saying how.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said several government soldiers had been killed or wounded during clashes in San Fernando, Masbate on April 19, in Aurora on April 21, in Paquibato, Davao on April 22, in Victoria City, Negros Occidental on April 24, and again during a police operation in Masbate.With Jess Malabanan

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Makati gives cash gifts to graduates via online payment

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Makati City government will be using an online transaction to give cash incentives ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 to some 11,713 graduates of public elementary and senior high schools in the city, whether or not they are Makati residents.

This was announced Tuesday by Mayor Abigail Binay, saying graduates from Grades 6 and 12 will each receive P1,000 as cash incentive through electronic money transfer, except for those who have graduated with academic honors, who will be entitled to cash incentives between P2,000 to P5,000.

“For the first time, we will be awarding a P1,000 cash incentive to all nonhonor graduates from Grade 6 and Grade 12, residents and non-residents alike. We would like to help augment their family’s resources, most especially those whose parents have lost their livelihood while the Enhanced Community Quarantine remains in effect,” said Binay.

“We will be using contactless distribution so the students will not have to go out and get the money themselves.

We will credit their incentives to their parents’ GCash account instead,” she added.

The city chief executive assured the graduates that their parents or guardians need not have an existing GCash account since one can be made for them using their mobile phone number, regardless of the service provider – Smart, Globe, TM or TNT. According to DepEd-Makati, the city has a total of 7,207 graduates from Grade 6 and 5,506 graduates from Grade 12 in its public schools this year, including 2,885 from the Higher School ng UMak at the University of Makati.

Based on the approved incentive program for honor graduates from the city’s public elementary and senior high schools this year, graduates “with honors” will each receive P2,000; “with high honors”, P3,000; and “with highest honors”, P5,000 each.

AID TO DRIVERS. Jeepney drivers who weren’t able to ply their respective routes due to COVID-19 lockdown extension receive relief packs and basic necessities from the Manila Police Station 7 led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Lorenzo. Manila PIO Photo

Solons blast downplay of radar tiff A

NUMBER of lawmakers on Tuesday were dismayed with the action of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who they said appeared to be favoring China even after a Chinese warship aimed a radar gun on a Philippine Navy ship at the country’s territory within the West Philippine Sea. Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said Lorenzana seemed to preempt the investigation on the issue by telling the public that China has no intention to harm the Navy, “but was merely testing what the reaction of the Filipinos will be.”

“The Defense Secretary was preempting the investigation (of the House). He’s like a fortune teller in favor of Beijing, when a diplomatic protest was already filed

because of their violations,” said Brosas.

“The Armed Forces should not turn blind and deaf to this violation of our country’s sovereign rights. A thorough investigation is needed, not just guesswork or dismissiveness,” added the congresswoman.

For his part, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate doesn’t believe China is just testing the Philippine Navy, since it initially intimidated the Filipinos ver-

bally, before later on, pointed a radar gun on the claimant.

“Whether they fired their radar gun or not, China’s intention is clear: to bully the Philippine Navy and small countries like the Philippines who are claimants to the WPS. Before, they only used verbal threats, now they are pointing their guns at us,” said Zarate.

He added that if the government will continue to ignore the matter and won’t take any action to defend the Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea, Zarate will no longer be surprised if the time comes when China will directly fire at the Navy.

“Tomorrow or soon, they will fire their guns to stress their desire to claim our territories,” according to Zarate.

Even House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante wasn’t in favor of Lorenzana’s statement, since the firing of the radar gun took place inside the Philippine territory.

“Whether China has an intention or not, the fact they did it is a very clear provocation. Are we going to allow China to always provoke us like this incident?” asked Abante.

The Manila lawmaker requested the Navy to be strong and not be threatened since it is inside the Philippine territory.

Meanwhile, the incident where a Chinese corvette pointed its gun director control at a Filipino naval ship last Feb. 17 will not affect China’s donation of medical supplies to the Philippines.

QC COVID-19 cases now at 1,261

By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City has 1,261 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of April 27, 7 p.m.

In its official Viber account, the city government said there were 13 new recoveries with a total number of recoveries of 155 cases.

There were seven new deaths of COVID-19 patients bringing the total number of deaths at 125.

Barangay Batasan Hills has the highest number of cases at 31, followed by Barangay Old Balara at 23, Barangay Tatalon at 15 and Barangay Pinyahan at 14.

Meanwhile, the city has approved an additional budget to fund P4,000 cash assistance each to those excluded from the list of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s social amelioration

program.

To beef up its capability in its fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Mayor Joy Belmonte approved a second and third supplemental budget of P1.9 billion for 2020.

The added budget shall cover those not included as SAP beneficiaries and the vulnerable sectors under the Kalingang QC program as well as additional food packs for residents.

A qualified family who has been left out from the SAP shall receive a P4,000 cash assistance or half of the P8,000 provided under the SAP, Belmonte said.

“We cannot just leave behind the others,” she said.

“We are trying our best to address the concerns of the people by regularly going around different barangays and to personally know their needs,” she added.

Police frontliners to receive PPE FRONTLINE service units of the Police Security and Protection Group tasked to protect the people from the spread of the dreaded coronavirus have received protection against the “unseen enemy” in the form of face shields and washable masks.

The protective gears were distributed to those in the frontlines by the PSPG Advisory Council director, PBGen. Marcelo C. Morales, accompanied by businessman and civic leader-philanthropist Dr. Reghis M. Romero II, the council’s chairman.

Romero donated the protective gears, saying they were intended to offer personal protection to the PSPG personnel in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus.

As of April 22, there were 6,710 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in the country, with 446 fatalities.

The first case of COVID-19 in the country was confirmed by the Department of Health on Jan. 30, 2020. Rapid spread of the coronavirus infection led the declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon.

Various units of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were tapped by the government to help contain the spread of the virus.

In a statement, the PSPG said that thousands of face shields donated by Romero have been distributed to their frontline service units and hospitals.

BLESSED. Philippine Navy Fleet Chaplain Lt. Cdr. Rey David Loyola blessed a 15-bed emergency quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients during a turnover ceremony of the emergency quarantine facility to the Philippine fleet donated by San Miguel Corp. at Sangley Point in Cavite City on April 28, 2020. The facility is for Philippine Navy frontliners who are suspected infected with COVID-19 infection assigned in different parts in Manila and other regions. JR Josue

Other Manila areas face hard lockdown Taguig sets program

By Willie Casas MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said on Tuesday the city government is studying the possibility of implementing hard lockdown in some areas due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Domagoso said that city officials are assessing if a hard lockdown will be enforced in Tondo, Sta. Cruz, San Andres and Malate.

“It’s in my table already last (Monday) night ‘yung plan... we’re gonna do more communication kasi when we do a hard lockdown, we give them ample time to

prepare. We do not want to do it ura-urada ba...” Domagoso said.

Domagoso said this aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Manila City.

“Yun ang isang basehan, ‘yung exposure ng ating mga kababayan sa pagiging PUI (person under investigation) at saka ‘yung presensya ng coronavirus sa community,” he said.

Last week, a 48-hour hard lockdown was implemented in Sampaloc due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in the area.

So far, Manila has 644 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 60 deaths and 89 recoveries.

Ocean Park seeks donation for animals

PPE DONATION. Protective gears were distributed to those in the frontlines by the PSPG Advisory Council director, PBGen. Marcelo C. Morales, accompanied by businessman and civic leader-philanthropist Dr. Reghis M. Romero II, the council’s chairman.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE—The biggest tourist crowd drawer in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, which is now hardest hit by the slump in tourism as a result of the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, has appealed to people and organizations for donations for its animals.

Ocean Adventure, which is being operated by Subic Bay Marine Exploration, is launching the donation drive to keep its animals, mainly sea lions and dolphins, alive and well amidst the lockdown in Luzon, SBMEI president and CEO Robert Gonzaga said.

“In many ways, this is an unprecedented but absolutely necessary step for us to do.” Gonzaga said.

Last week, Ocean Adventure issued an

appeal for the Department of Tourism to step in to prevent tourism operators from collapsing, and tourism jobs from being permanently destroyed.

Aside from Ocean Adventure marine theme park, SBMEI also operates the Adventure Beach Waterpark and the Camayan Beach hotel and resort. These businesses have the combined capability of drawing thousands into the Subic Bay Freeport during normal times.

SBMEI, however, has been grappling with the adverse impact of the lockdown and has been in the red with revenues down to zero since the implementation of the ECQ in the entire Luzon, yet its operating costs remain high for facilities maintenance and for the caring and feeding of its animals. Ansbert B. Joaquin

for ‘new normal’

By Joel E. Zurbano

THE Taguig City government announced on Tuesday that it is initiating various programs for the people in preparation for the so-called “new normal” after the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

The program, dubbed Taguig Online Resources and Community Hub (TORCH), introduces training for teachers, open campus for professionals, online resource hub for seniors, resource page for businesses to help and prepare them transition post-ECQ and government information portals.

Under the TORCH program are: 1) Cyberlab@Home, 2) TECTOC (Training and Enrichment Courses from Taguig Online Campus), 3) Online Senior Citizen Center and Resources, 4) Taguig Online Portal, and 5) Open for Business Taguig.

At present, 4,500 public school teachers and 1,000 private school teachers are under trainings to conduct classes through Web meetings and self-paced learning tools. With Cyberlab@Home, teachers may conduct at least one class a week on the Web. The study-from-home arrangements would then help decongest schools.

Cyberlab@Home is the first component of TORCH to roll out. Since April 20, public and private school teachers have been taking the month-long course from their homes via desktop computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones.

Through TECTOC, Taguig is offering learning opportunities for a wider range of citizens.

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Salceda’s lament CROSSROADS J.A. DE LA CRUZ ‘ANYARE’—this was what Albay Representative Joey Salceda had to say as he decried the inability of the Department of Health and the Inter-Agency Task Force to ramp up the agreed COVID-19 testing and contact tracing operations in the entire Luzon and other areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine.

A rush to lift will only have grave consequences.

Noting that only through massive, targeted testing and contract tracing can we justify any kind of easing of lockdown restrictions, the veteran solon who is himself an experienced local executive knows whereof he speaks. Given the rapid transmissibility, virulence and the unique features of this invisible enemy, there is no question that the old reliable WHO formula in combating pandemics of lockdown—test, trace and protect (TTP)—remains our main and perhaps only weapon against COVID-19 for as long as no vaccine and cure come along.

Just to emphasize the point if only to get DOH and IATF on the ball given the grave consequences of continued inaction, I have decided to print parts of Salceda's lament which was posted in a friend's Viber group and the timely advisory of Doctor Dennis Garcia, a known virologist, about the danger of any “rush-to-lift" being espoused by a number of politicians and business groups who should know better.

Here's Salceda's lament: "..IATF/NTF—Anyare, palipat lipat na tracing from DOH to LGUs, to OCD now to PNP. Pero till now only 5 thousand out of 77,000 tested is from

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

tracing. So nag aantay tayo na may magkasakit at pumunta sa ospital saka natin isubo sa testing capacity. Pano yong mga asymptomatic. Even if we lift, consumer confidence, labor confidence and business confidence will not return. Lifting will only return the virus into a second wave. Sa bawat recommend ko ng lockdown (at naka tatlo na ako) ang bigat bigat sa kalooban. Ten thousand testing per day, more tracing and more isolation—we only have 17 days left. Sinayang natin ang sakripisyo ng tao kasi hindi naman tayo nag targetted testing and so few tracing. Diyos Ko. My God." Salceda's statement definitely reinforces what the medical experts have been saying all along—a rush to lift will only have grave consequences and perhaps may even bring us down to our knees in sheer unimaginable terms. To think that aside from our inability to ramp up testing and contact tracing we have yet to expand our medical care capacity with enough personnel, equipment, funding and other resources and, yes, facilities (both isolation and intensive care).

That lament is reinforced in the observations posted last April 27 by Doctor Dennis Garcia, a known virologist. Here's parts of Garcia's notes: "The Phl lockdown has been quite successful. What should we expect when the lockdown is lifted on May 15? We had 7579 cases as of yesterday with 285 cases. The US has 965,910 cases and 30,000 new cases a day. The US had one case on January 23 and as their lockdown was not uniformly done across the 50 states, they have disproportionately much worse than we have, considering that the US population is only three times ours. Indeed, our 200 cases/day for a country of 110 million is already very low; we cannot realistically achieve an actual figure of zero. ‘’The reason government extended the lockdown to May 15 is mostly because the LGUs, hospitals, healthcare system and the continuing education of our people, are still far from ideal. We

Learning from others

N

EW Zealand reported just one new infection on Monday, but its leaders remain cautious with their words.

"That does give us confidence that we've achieved our goal of elimination, which never meant zero but it does mean we know where our cases are coming from," its Director General of Health said.

Since the virus was first detected, New Zealand has had 1,472 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases, with 82 percent having recovered. There have been 19 deaths.

On Tuesday, the country eased into a lower-level lockdown with 400,000 more New Zealanders heading back to work and 75 percent of the economy operating, said its prime minister Jacinda Ardern.

“We are not out of the woods,” she said.

These words are from a leader whose decisive action and extraordinary compassion are widely rec-

ognized. While it is true that New Zealand’s remote location has helped it contain the spread of the virus, its swift, science-based steps have been equally crucial to its relative success.

Numerous countries are now grappling with the need to open up their economies, albeit in a limited or gradual fashion, on one hand, and preventing a further spread or succeeding waves of contagion on the other. Weeks of lockdown have crippled businesses and highlighted the plight of the poor, but some countries that have initially seen success in containing the virus found themselves facing bigger problems once they eased restrictions.

The Philippines faces a similar dilemma, especially since President Rodrigo Duterte has extended the enhanced community quarantine in critical areas to May 15, even as a less restrictive general quarantine would be in place in other places beginning Friday. While the rise number of recovered patients has long outpaced the number of deaths, the number of new confirmed cases continues to fluctuate.

And even when we do begin to

see a downward trend, we cannot be completely confident in the numbers, because mass or random testing—the only way we can get a sense of the prevalence of infection across the country—remains a work in progress.

The reckoning period will keep moving for the weeks to come. In the meantime, it is unconscionable to return to the way things were before the pandemic hit. “New normal” is a term overused these days, but it is true. Even if some restrictions were eventually relaxed, we would always have to wear masks, wash hands frequently, keep physical distance, and constantly evaluate our activities as essential—or not.

Meanwhile, we should always keep ourselves informed of what other countries are doing, either well or poorly. Only then can we decide which practices to adopt, emulate, or junk altogether. In the same vein, local governments can learn much from each other if they compare notes and collaborate. It is never a competition, after all. We have a common enemy, and it is not each other.

Turn to A5

Ten things about the coronavirus (2) THE following is the second part of my column last Friday, April 24, 2020: Seven, under the Bayanihan Heal as One Act, Republic Act 11469 of March 23, 2020, the President of the Philippines has the power to “ensure the availability of credit to productive sectors of the economy especially in the countryside, through measures such as, but not limited to, lowering the effective lending rates of interest and reserve requirement of lending institutions.”

Under the same Act, the President can “direct all banks, quasi-banks, financing companies, lending companies, and other financial institutions, public and private, including the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System and Pag-IBIG, to implement a minimum of a 30-day grace period for the payment of all loans, including but not limited to salary, personal, housing, and motor vehicle loans, as well as credit card payments, falling due within the period of the Enhanced Community Quarantine without incurring interests, penalties, fees and other charges…”

The interest that need not be paid by borrowers of the commercial banking system if this law were applied to the letter would have been P73 billion for one month of no-interest payment.

However, in the DOF’s implementing rules and regulations, what was waived as interest was only the interest on the P73-billion interest. Assuming annual interest of 8 percent, the waived interest on interest would only be P480 million.

Borrowers lost P73 billion. The banks saved P72.52 billion—P73 billion minus P480 million. The banks made P72. l52 billion in windfall profits.

This P72.52 billion should now be given out by the banks as additional loans to MSMEs.

Eight, there are four Ts—to cope with the coronavirus: Testing, Tracing contacts or those possibly infected by COVID-19 patients; Treatment, and Trust.

The Department of Health cannot get a passing grade for all four Ts. To do honest-to-goodness testing, the Philippines must scale up testing to the level of 10,000 tests a day.

How come more generals are employed than scientists, when the issue is science, not security?

Wuhan, the epicenter of the original COVID-19 outbreak, has a population of 11 million, one-fifth of the population of Luzon. Yet, they conducted 10,000 tests daily. The Philippines, after 38 days of lockdown, has conducted 60,000 tests—the equivalent of six days.

Wuhan also deployed 1,800 contact tracing teams; each team had five members. These teams traced tens of thousands of people every day. They did nothing but trace the people who might have been in contact with the patient infected with COVID-19. These people included relatives, friends, colleagues, anyone who might have been within six feet of the infected.

The Chinese record is 99 to 100 percent of contacts were traced. Most of those contacted had to be tested. And one to five percent of the tested contacts were found positive for COVID-19.

Treatment refers to Manila having at least 100,000 new hospital beds. This is to treat the COVID-19 patients and to quarantine suspects whose COVID-19 is not yet confirmed. So far, only about 6,000 new hospital beds have been assembled.

We also need easily 300,000 additional medical personnel—doctors, nurses, assistants, and cleaning crews.

Turn to A5

Finding Nagaland: Tribes on India-Myanmar frontier dream of unity

By Richard Sargent THE king of the Konyak tribe sleeps in Myanmar, but eats in India—his house, village and people divided by a mountain border which serves as a vulnerable lifeline now severed by a coronavirus lockdown.

The Konyak are just one of dozens of Naga tribes, a people yearning to reunite the 3 million living in India with their 400,000 estranged—and much poorer—cousins in Myanmar’s isolated far north.

Many from Myanmar cross the border to attend school, sell vegetables or visit a hospital, as it is a days-long journeys by foot to the nearest town in Myanmar.

Even in normal times, they live at the mercy of Indian soldiers guarding checkpoints against the threat of guerrilla groups fighting for reunification.

Tonyei Phawng claims to be the 12th

generation of his family to rule the Konyak, whose feared tattooed warriors once brought home their enemies' heads as trophies.

His son, the crown prince, will one day take over in a lineage many believe possess supernatural powers.

Dressed in civilian tracksuit and trainers in his village of Longwa, the 43-year-old king described to AFP in February how his Myanmar brothers were often stopped at the border and detained.

"Their rights are denied."

Days later, the border was shuttered, not at the whim of Indian soldiers, but due to the threat of COVID-19.

While the Indian government was providing some emergency rations, nothing had arrived from Myanmar authorities, Longwa-based tour guide Nahmai Konyak, 34, told AFP by phone.

Those living hand-to-mouth in

Myanmar are finding it very difficult, he said.

"We just can’t help them."

'Brainwashed' brothers Retreating British colonialists left behind the frontier after World War II, cleaving the Konyak tribe of 44 villages in two—alongside several other tribes.

The Naga on both sides enjoy some degree of autonomy, but there is a huge disparity of development.

Indian roads lead right up to the frontier, bringing business and even some hardy tourists.

Over the border, off-grid villages with few schools or amenities dot thickly-forested slopes, connected by muddy paths in one of Myanmar’s poorest regions.

Thousands of Naga have taken up arms over decades to try to win a Turn to A5

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Opinion Taiwan can help combat COVID-19: Working together for the benefit of humankind

By Peiyung Hsu Representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines THE coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was first identified in Wuhan, China, has already resulted in over 3 million confirmed cases and has killed more than 210,000 individuals worldwide, affecting 185 countries as of April 28, 2020. The pandemic is undoubtedly one of the most devastating global crisis of the 21st century and has brought about serious challenges to the international community, including Taiwan and the Philippines.

In response to the severe situation and to effectively control the spread of the virus, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on the entire island of Luzon from March 16 to April 30, 2020. Under the ECQ, the Philippines implemented strict measures, such as border control, social distancing, suspension of work and businesses, the requirement to wear face masks in public places to ensure the safety of its citizens and to combat the global pandemic. The ECQ has been extended to May 15 in some key areas.

When the ECQ is lifted, we are concerned about how to face a “new normal.” In this difficult time, as the closest neighbor of the Philippines, people in Taiwan would like to share with our Filipino brothers and sisters how Taiwan contain the spread of COVID-19 without a lockdown.

The government of Taiwan learned from its 2003 SARS experience and established the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) to enforce better coordination across government departments. Taiwan’s CDC activated the CECC on 20 January 2020, and afterwards the CECC took quick and decisive actions including early prevention measures, fast mobilization of necessary resources, strict monitoring and border control, efficient tracing, and the use of big data analysis.

Furthermore, under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, Tai-

Finding...

From A4

united homeland by force.

The rebels splintered in the late 80s into two main groups, one fighting for the Naga cause each side of the border.

Civilians must pay taxes to help finance the groups and many families "sacrifice" a son to the resistance, says Myanmar Naga activist Jacob Ngansa.

But Delhi's relative investment is chiselling away support over the border, the 23-year-old admits with sadness.

"They are brainwashed by the Indian government."

With India-Myanmar relations blossoming, these are ominous times for Naga nationalists.

The Southeast Asian nation is hungry for new allies after being snubbed by the West over the Rohingya crisis, while India is keen to counter China’s regional influence over its smaller neighbour.

The allies recently held joint-military exercises and Myanmar’s president in February signed numerous deals on his visit to the subcontinent—also re-affirming a pact to prevent rebels mounting cross-border attacks.

Dose of realism?

Other Naga unionists choose politics over force.

The newly-formed Naga National

Salceda’s...

From A4

need to continue to educate everyone that the COVID-19 virus has high infectivity, high pathogenicity and high virulence in the setting of a propagative pandemic where the population has no pre-existing immunity. The feared polio virus has high infectivity but has low pathogenicity and low vir-

wan proactively responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 press briefing is held every day.

Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung provides up-to-date information to raise public awareness for Taiwan’s citizens, including where and when people should wear face masks as well as how to wash hands correctly, etc.

Taiwan’s one of the world’s top health care systems, strong research capabilities, transparent information, people’s trust and confidence in government, as well as the competent leaders at both the national and local levels, have all contributed to the success of the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 is a humanitarian disaster that requires the joint efforts of all countries. Taiwan is willing and prepared to share its experiences with the world. Bringing Taiwan into the global public system would allow Taiwan to make substantial contributions, not only to guarantee the right to health of its 23 million people, but also yield benefits for the global fight against coronavirus.

Taiwan is willing and looking to continue working with bilateral and multilateral partners—including the World Health Organization—to defend global health and stop the continued spread of this pandemic.

Taiwan once again calls on the WHO Secretariat to cast aside political considerations, abide by the WHO Charter’s call to work for the highest attainable standard of human health, and bring Taiwan to fully participate in its meetings, mechanisms, and activities.

On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines donated 300,000 medical masks to the Philippines on 15 April 2020. I have been overwhelmed by the very warm and touching feedback from our Filipino brothers and sisters which we received through our social media.

Let bayanihan spirit shine and include Taiwan in the WHO to achieve “Health for all.”

Party (NNP) aims to woo the Naga vote in Myanmar's elections due later this year.

Once they are in power, chairman Shu Maung says, they will work within the system to bring change.

"You cannot live in your uncle's house forever."

The battle for the ballot box has already started.

Regional MP for the National League of Democracy Kail, who goes by one name, is Naga but says his immediate priorities are education, healthcare and food.

"Once we have those, then maybe the younger generations can take up the fight again for the dream."

But analyst Bertil Lintner believes the best the Myanmar Naga can hope for is more autonomy within the country.

A united Nagaland is "never going to happen," he says, not least because the tribes are so divided among themselves.

At a viewpoint overlooking Longwa village, smartly-dressed Rongsen Ao was one of the last tourists to make it to the border before it closed.

Excitedly hopping from one side of a demarcation post to the other, the 65-year-old Indian Naga doctor said he had fulfilled a childhood dream by seeing the frontier in person.

But his smile faded when asked about the Naga's quest for a homeland.

"Everyone feels bitter about being divided...but this is beyond our control." AFP

ulence but we have vaccine for it."

Garcia then proceeds to extrapolate what happens after lifting using Pasig City which has 20 infected people as an example. Upon lifting with people going out of their homes without masks and without physical distancing with certain assumptions, which are usually used in mathematical calculations on the COVID-19 such as incubation period, reproduction rate and disease manifestations (80 per-

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

What now?

AS ALL unfortunate things come to an end, “this too shall pass” as it is often said, the coronavirus pandemic will eventually abate. In other countries, particularly where it originated, the danger signs have been lifted. Some of course did not even have to engage their territories into lockdowns, partial or complete.

While it is comforting to take note of signals from the Palace that the Enhanced Community Quarantine may soon be “modified,” the impact on the macro-economy of the 60-day lockdown has already been quite damaging. It gets worse when we consider the effect on the lives of the marginalized, from the poorest of the poor to the lower middle class.

What now? What next?

Many have been talking about the “new normal,” of how our lives have been changed by the pandemic, but that is something for the “haves” to chew upon. For those who live below the poverty line, and even those in the margins, the “isang kahig, isang tuka,” there will be no new normal. The problems will remain, and because the government’s resources have been diminished greatly by the unprecedented response to the pandemic, succor from above will be below even the normal.

Even the long-presumed saving graces of our economy, the OFWs, whether land-based or maritime, are on exodus-mode. The entire world is reeling from the effects of the pandemic, their own economies crippled, whether these are based on natural resources like oil, or manufacturing whose supply chains have been disrupted, and will take some time to recover.

There are thousands of oil tankers dormant in piers around the world, unable to disgorge what once was such a precious commodity, because demand for such “lifeblood” has dried up. So our sailors are returning, their savings just enough to tide their families over if at all for the rest of the year, but with disposable incomes and purchasing power limited to the basics. Our consumption-driven economy will be negatively affected, and so will taxes, VAT revenues being one of the major sources of government means.

My friend Doc Ernie Pernia must be relieved that he is no longer in charge of planning what and how government must react to control the damage. And the new kid on the block, Karl Kendrick Chua, has youthful energy at least as an ally in looking for the ways and means. One can only wish him well. *** Our agriculture secretary, Willy Dar, hastens to assure us all that there is no need to worry about the supply of rice, despite concerns triggered by the recent action of the Vietnamese government to limit exports of its major cash crop in order to ensure the country’s own food security. Vietnam, while being a major rice exporter, also has to

grapple with the enormity of a 96-million population to feed. Its production has been steadily declining over the past few years with farmers shifting to high-value crops with less dependence on the waters of the Mekong River.

Private sector importers already given permits by the Bureau of Plant Industry are having problems of fulfilling their import commitments at the prices they forecast. While this has created a favorable impact on our domestic palay farmers, the previous year’s rice tariffication impact, followed by the lockdown, does not augur well for better summer harvests.

The impact on the macro-economy of the 60-day lockdown has already been quite damaging.

And though present inventory levels are comfortable enough, a major typhoon at the wrong time later in the year may create price and supply problems for our heavy rice-consuming population.

Though difficult, especially with the lifting of quantitative restrictions on rice importation, the need for ensuring food security at all times is essential.

In fact more than essential, because food security IS a matter of national security.

Long-term solutions have to be crafted and properly implemented. In the case of Malaysia, a policy decision made way back was to ensure local production of its rice needs for up to 70 percent of consumer demand, while using its land for higher-value crops with export demand, such as oil palm and rubber.

To respond to the 30 percent consumer requirement, they import. But they have a strategy which we cannot employ on account of our procurement laws, which requires contracting such imports on the basis of actual need. Malaysia financed milling facilities in producing countries premised on assured supply contracts which thus inures them from the volatilities of the market.

Still, there is no substitute for domestic self-reliance, not necessarily targeted at 100 percent self-sufficiency, but reasonably adequate for our high consumer demand. And the key is assured good prices for our palay farmers, the great majority of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries till-

Ten things...

From A4

We don’t have them.

And then Trust—do you trust the DOH under Secretary Duque to bring us to the plateau, with curve bended or flattened so we can return to normalcy?

Basic to having the four Ts is having the science behind the coronavirus. Where are our scientists? What do they say about the pandemic and its course? How come more generals are employed than scientists, when the issue is science, not security?

Nine. According to the Joint WHO-China Report on the Wuhan Coronavirus Epidemic, the coronavirus was first discovered on Dec. 30, 2019 when samples were taken from a patient with pneumonia of unknown origin, at the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital. The virus had 96 percent similarity with the SARS coronavirus strain from bats.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific and the disease presentation can range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe pneumonia and death. As of Feb. 20, 2020 and based on 55,924 laboratory confirmed cases, typical signs and symptoms include: fever (87.9 percent), dry cough (67.7 percent), fatigue (38.1 percent), sputum production (33.4 percent), shortness of breath (18.6 percent), sore throat (13.9 percent), headache (13.6 percent), myalgia or arthralgia (14.8 percent), chills (11.4 percent), nausea or vomiting (5.0 percent), nasal congestion (4.8 percent), diarrhea (3.7 percent), and hemoptysis (0.9 percent), and conjunctival congestion (0.8 percent).

People with COVID-19 generally develop signs and symptoms, including mild respiratory symptoms and fever, on an average of 5-6 days after infection (mean incubation

cent mild, 20 percent grave which will be needing hospitalization). On that basis, Garcia said that by July 3, Pasig will have 50,977 cases, 20 percent of which or 10,195 will be needing hospital care. Meaning, there should be at least 10,000 beds available by that time to take care of the Pasig cases alone. I do not think we have that number of beds in all of the hospitals in the entire Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon. Plainly, that

ing small, un-economic parcels of land.

They cannot mechanize because their plots are too small, and cooperatives have been a failure in local practice.

It is a very complicated problem, and has been left unattended to for the longest time, such that the offspring of our farmers no longer want to work in their parents’ “emancipated” farm plots, preferring instead to migrate to the cities for better-paying jobs, and ultimately join the “Filipino dream” of overseas work.

But as we have seen, this hegira poses complicated problems, too, “kawing-kawing,” the Tagalogs describe.

In a future article, we would propose a possible solution, occasioned by the inspiring story of what private businessmen like Ramon S. Ang have done in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

A lengthy explanation requires another column. *** Once again we are deeply saddened by the death of a friend—a titan in the advertising industry and tourism as well, from which sectors I have also been involved.

I first met Ramon Jimenez through a common friend, former Senator Orly Mercado in whose previous political career I was active upon. Both products of the University of the Philippines, Mon was Orly’s creative marketing “guru.”

Thereafter, I collaborated with Mon and his secret weapon—his wife Abby, in crafting the ads for the successful presidential campaign of Cory Aquino’s son, Noynoy in 2010. I crafted the message; Mon and Abby executed the creatives.

We were on different sides of the political fence in 2016. But P-Noy wisely chose him to be tourism secretary in 2010, and his initiatives were a smashing success, particularly centered on the slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!”

In the immediate wake of President Rodrigo Duterte’s victory in 2016, I wanted to recommend that the president retain Mon Jimenez as tourism secretary. So I asked a common friend to first ask Mon about whether he would consider remaining in the tourism portfolio.

At the time, his loving partner Abby had just left him after a long bout with the Big C, and Mon was still disconsolate. He begged off.

It is to Mon’s credit that the present secretary, Berna Romulo-Puyat, chose to maintain the tourism slogan which he crafted, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” Unlike predecessors whose first wont is to change everything, and reproduce policies in their new image, Secretary Berna wisely maintained the national tourism come-on.

Friends as well as the entire tourism sector will miss Ramon Jimenez. He is now having more fun in heaven with Abby.

period 5-6 days; range 1-14 days).

Most people infected with COVID-19 virus have mild disease and recover. Approximately 80 percent of laboratory confirmed patients have had mild to moderate disease, which includes non-pneumonia and pneumonia cases.

Mortality increases with age. The crude fatality ratio (CFR) is 21.9 percent for people over 80. If you have no other diseases (what they call comorbidity), the CFR is only 1.4 percent. Patients with cardiovascular diseases have CFR of 13.2 percent; diabetes 9.2 percent; hypertension 8.4 percent; chronic respiratory disease 8 percent; and cancer 7.6 percent.

Recovery for mild cases is two weeks; three to six weeks for patients with severe or critical disease. A critical patient could die within one week. In China, of those who died, the period from first appearance of symptoms to the time a patient dies could be two weeks to eight weeks.

Ten, the coronavirus has no brain, is invisible, and is a dead matter.

It operates by denying you that one thing which made Nike best selling and famous Air. You die of COVID-19 because the virus denies you oxygen. The oxygen level in your blood plummets and you cannot breathe. You are connected to a ventilator. Still, many die.

Please note, the world has been conquered by a speck of matter that has no brain and is even dead, defeating the combined brain power of 7.8 billion people on earth.

How does the coronavirus do it? Well, it is smart. It kills only five percent of its victims, leaving each of the 95 to go on infecting two to four other people each of which in turn will infect two to four other people on their own. Hence, the pandemic. biznewsasia@gmail.com

will collapse the hospital system.

So, what then should we do aside from ramping up testing, contact tracing, educating and disciplining people and enforcing more responsibly existing protocols? Here's Garcia: "We are Asians. Let us be educated and disciplined like the Taiwanese and South Koreans. We do not have the hospital care system like these two countries. It is our discipline, as a people, that will get us through. Each

person, each town, each city and each province should regard the other beside us as a collection of links—each link is dependent on the next. It is only if we work as one big family of Filipinos that we can hope to survive this crisis."

Indeed, it is only by taking care of ourselves and of each other that we will be able to work our way out of this crisis. Whether we are talking health or the economy. We cannot be islands unto ourselves. There is no other way.

A6

World

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WHO: World should have listened G

ENEVA, Switzerland—The World Health Organization's director-general said Monday, April 27, that the agency had sounded the highest level of alarm over the novel coronavirus early on, but lamented that not all countries had heeded its advice.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that the WHO warned the COVID-19 outbreak constituted a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" on January 30, when there were no deaths and only 82 cases registered outside China.

"The world should have listened to WHO then, carefully," he told a virtual press briefing.

The organization has faced scathing criticism from US President Donald Trump, who earlier this month suspended Washington's funding after accusing WHO of downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak and kowtowing to China, where the novel coronavirus first surfaced late last year.

Trump has provided no evidence to support his claims.

Tedros insisted that the UN health agency had provided sound advice from the beginning "based on the best science and evidence."

But he stressed though that "we do not have any mandate to force countries... to take our advice."

When the WHO announced on Jan. 30 that the novel coronavirus represented "the highest level of emergency... every country could have triggered all its public health measures," Tedros pointed out.

"I think that suffices the importance of listening to WHO's advice."

"We advised the whole world to implement a comprehensive public health approach, and we said find, test, isolate, and do contact tracing," he said.

"You can check for yourselves: countries who followed that are in a better position than others. This is fact."

"It is up to the countries to reject or accept," he said.

"Each country takes its own responsibility."

The pandemic has claimed more than 206,000 lives and infected nearly 3 million people, according to a tally from official sources compiled by Agence France-Presse Monday.

The United States has the highest number of deaths at nearly 55,000, out of close to one million registered cases. AFP

WHO CHIEF. A TV grab taken from a video released by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attending a virtual news briefing on COVID-19 from the WHO headquarters in Geneva on April 6, 2020. AFP file photo

UN warns of cop California governor admonishes weekend crowds brutality, human rights curtailing under pandemic GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom on Monday admonished Californians who flocked to beaches by the thousands at the weekend, warning that their behavior could reverse progress made in combating the coronavirus pandemic.

"We can't see images like we saw, particularly on Saturday, in Newport Beach and elsewhere," Newsom told reporters, referring to photos showing people packing several beaches in southern California amid a heatwave.

"The virus doesn't take the weekend off because it's a beautiful sunny day around our coasts," he added.

The images from Newport Beach and neighboring Huntington Beach have prompted a backlash, with many comparing them to photos in April of beachgoers in Florida that sparked the #FloridaMorons hashtag.

Newsom said that while the most populous state in the country is weeks away from starting to gradually lift stay-

GENEVA, Switzerland—The UN rights chief warned Monday, April 27, that countries flouting the rule of law in the name of fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic risk sparking a "human rights disaster."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on countries to refrain from violating fundamental rights "under the guise of exceptional or emergency measures."

"Emergency powers should not be a weapon governments can wield to quash dissent, control the population, and even perpetuate their time in power," she warned in a statement.

"They should be used to cope effectively with the pandemic—nothing more, nothing less."

Her comments came after more than 200,000 people have perished in the pandemic and some 3 million have been infected worldwide by the novel coronavirus since it surfaced in China late last year.

Bachelet acknowledged that states have the right to restrict some rights to protect public health, but she insisted that any restrictions should be necessary, proportionate and non-discriminatory, and also limited in duration.

"There have been numerous reports from different regions that police and other security forces have been using excessive, and at times lethal, force to make people abide by lockdowns and curfews," she said, lamenting that "such violations have often been committed against people belonging to the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population." AFP

at-home orders, the beach scenes from the weekend could push back that goal.

"The only thing that will set us back is our behavior," he said.

"The only thing that can stop that is more images like we saw this weekend."

Beaches in California have been closed to the public because of the pandemic, but a handful of cities have moved to allow visitors while enforcing restrictions, including for parking and social distancing.

California was the first state in the nation to impose a stay-at-home order in early March, a move largely seen as having contributed to preventing a death toll similar to those in New York or New Jersey.

The western state has registered nearly 45,000 cases of COVID-19 so far with almost 1,800 deaths, a fatality rate deemed modest considering the size of the state.

Newsom said he plans to work with

local officials to reassess enforcement measures to avoid a repeat of the weekend beach scenes.

The city council in Newport Beach said on Monday it was considering closing the beaches for the next three weeks or blocking roads to avoid large crowds.

Life goes on Los Angeles County's public beaches, which include Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu beaches, for their part are closed to the public until May 14, as are public hiking trails, bike paths and piers.

"We won't let one weekend undo a month of progress," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted Sunday. "While the sunshine is tempting, we're staying home to save lives."

On Monday, several beaches in San Diego and nearby towns opened for recreational activities such as walking or swimming, but group gatherings and sunbathing were not allowed. AFP

Internally displaced people now at 50.8m GENEVA, Switzerland—Conflict and disaster forced more than 33 million people to flee within their own countries last year, putting them at greater risk amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, monitors said Tuesday, April 28.

The new figure brings the total number of people living in internal displacement to a record 50.8 million, according to a report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

The number of internally displaced people (IDPs) is far higher than the some 26 million who have fled across borders as refugees.

"IDPs are often highly vulnerable people living in crowded camps, emergency shelters, and informal settlements with little or no access to health care," IDMC director Alexandra Bilak said in a statement.

"The global coronavirus pandemic will make them more vulnerable still," she said, warning it would "compromise their already precarious living conditions by further limiting their access to essential services and humanitarian aid." (READ: [OPINION] Leaving no one behind: Internal displacement and the virus) AFP

Prague mayor gets protection over plot PRAGUE'S mayor said on Monday that he was under police protection, but stopped short of confirming Czech media reports that he had been targeted by Russia for removing a statue of a Soviet war hero.

Zdenek Hrib clashed with Moscow earlier this month after he oversaw the removal of a controversial Cold War-era statue dedicated to Soviet general Ivan Konev, a move Russian diplomats called an "unfriendly" act of "vandalism by unhinged municipal representatives."

Regarded as a hero in Russia, many Czechs see Konev as a symbol of Soviet-era oppression.

"Protection was simply granted to me by the Czech police," Hrib told independent Russian radio station Echo of Moscow on Monday.

"It was their decision, I am unable to comment on the reasons" behind this decision, he added.

The comments came on the heels of a Monday report in the Czech weekly news magazine Respekt claiming that a Russian national using a diplomatic passport had recently arrived in Prague carrying ricin, a toxic poison that can be used as a biological weapon. AFP

Pentagon downplays Iran military satellite

People enjoy the beach amid the novel coronavirus pandemic in Huntington Beach, California on April 25, 2020. AFP

As society opens, Saudi women surge into job market US may seek LIKE thousands of Saudi women, Rouaa al-Mousa entered the workforce as reforms sweep the ultra-conservative kingdom and is certain that neither grumbling male bosses nor the coronavirus will change that.

Armed with a college degree but bound by conservative Saudi attitudes to women working, the 25-year-old was expecting to wait years before finding a suitable job.

But Mousa graduated in the midst of changes in the kingdom that have seen women flood the labour market.

She got a job working the evening shift as a receptionist at a government institution in Riyadh—part of a mixed team of 10

IN BRIEF

women and six men.

And although the coronavirus has threatened a global recession and put Mousa in lockdown for now, she is confident the long-term trend of getting women into the workforce is here to stay.

"I wanted to do my best during my studies so that I could get a job in academia afterwards, because that was the best option available for us. But big changes happened during the past four years," she told AFP. "Almost all of my friends are now working, and when one of them doesn't get a job, it seems strange."

For decades, straitlaced Saudi society offered limited opportunities for women

seeking a paid job and the few who did find work were mostly restricted to the health and education sectors.

An oppressive "guardianship" system also gave male relatives the right to object to the women's professional aspirations.

But change came in mid-2016 when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled his "Vision 2030" plan aimed at diversifying the kingdom's economy and ending its addiction to oil.

The national blueprint promotes the tourism and entertainment sectors, while opening wide the doors of the labour market to millions of women by paring back the restrictions that had constrained them. AFP

Trump abandons media briefings—then comes right back PRESIDENT Donald Trump was so angry at the media, and so sore from ridicule over his suggestion that coronavirus patients be injected with disinfectant, that he abandoned his daily briefing Monday. Well, for a couple hours anyway.

In a confusing series of announcements, the White House scheduled a press conference with Trump for Monday afternoon. Then scrapped it.

Then put it back on.

In the end, Trump held forth in the Rose Garden. It was by his standards a largely drama free event, where he pronounced America's pandemic and economic crisis was poised to bottom out and predicted an "incredible" recovery next year.

"Every day it gets better," said the Republican president, whose reelection campaign has been upended by the sudden crisis.

This was Trump's latest attempt at damage control after criticism —even from some in his own party—that the daily briefings were too combative, turning into miniature versions of his now suspended campaign rallies.

On Thursday, he sparked a public relations disaster when he suggested people could possibly inject disinfectants to fight the virus.

A barrage of scorn, alarm and criticism ensued around the world.

The next day, an angry Trump left the briefing without taking questions. Over the weekend, no briefing was held. Then came Monday's mixed message.

"We like to keep reporters on their toes," White House strategic communications director Alyssa Farah tweeted, with the lighthearted addition of a winking emoji. AFP

damages from China over virus

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump suggested on Monday that he may seek damages from China over the coronavirus outbreak which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan and spread around the world.

"We are not happy with China," Trump said at a White House briefing. "We are not happy with that whole situation because we believe it could have been stopped at the source.

"It could have been stopped quickly and it wouldn't have spread all over the world," he said.

"There are a lot of ways you can hold them accountable," Trump said. "We're doing some very serious investigations as you probably know."

Trump was asked about a recent German newspaper editorial which called on China to pay Germany $165 billion in reparations because of economic damage done by the virus.

Asked if the US would consider doing the same, the US president said "we can do something much easier than that."

"Germany is looking at things, we are looking at things," he said. "We are talking about a lot more money than Germany's talking about." AFP

THE head of the US Space Command said the Pentagon believes that Iran's first successful launch of a military satellite into space does not pose any intelligence threat.

The Nour satellite placed into orbit on April 22 is classified by the US military as a small 3U Cubesat, three adjoined units each no more than a liter in volume and less than 1.3 kilograms (one pound) each, said General Jay Raymond in a tweet late Sunday.

"Iran states it has imaging capabilities— actually, it's a tumbling webcam in space; unlikely providing intel," he wrote. "#spaceishard," Raymond added to the tweet.

While Raymond downplayed any threat from the satellite, the United States has warned that Tehran's ability to place it into space represents a significant advance in its long-range missile capability, posing a greater threat to US forces and allies in the Middle East. AFP

Michelle Obama book tour docu hits Netflix MICHELLE Obama will star in a new documentary out next week which follows the former first lady's global book tour for her smash-hit memoir, Netflix said Monday.

"Becoming," out May 6, is the Obamas' latest collaboration with the streaming giant after last year's "American Factory," which won the best documentary Oscar in February.

The movie "shares the stories of the amazing people I met after the release of my memoir," tweeted Obama following the surprise announcement Monday.

"During this difficult time, I hope you'll find some inspiration and joy in this film."

The book of the same name by Obama —America's first African American first lady and wife of the first black US president—became a publishing sensation upon its release in 2018, selling more than two million copies in North America in two weeks. AFP

US airlines announce new policies to slow coronavirus spread

A video invites passengers to safely cough in their elbows before a Delta flight departs from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport on April 25, 2020. AFP

MAJOR US airlines announced Monday new health and safety measures to protect in-flight personnel and passengers from the coronavirus, even as states begin lifting restrictions.

In a memo to employees and shared with AFP, Delta Airlines said that from Tuesday, "all employees and partners" will be required to wear masks in case they cannot maintain social distancing.

Flights from all airlines have been grounded since mid-March as potential passengers hunkered down at home under lockdown orders to slow the spread of

the virus. Most transatlantic flights were suspended after an order from the White House.

But over the past several days, certain US states—including Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Alaska and Colorado—began easing their restrictions, raising fears of an increase in air passenger traffic in the near future.

Airlines have also tended to cancel multiple flights in recent weeks to rationalize costs, putting larger groups of passengers on the same aircraft.

Mandatory masks for cabin crew are in line with recommendations from the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent transmission of COVID-19.

"We are also strongly encouraging our customers to wear masks and are making masks available at ticket counters, gates and onboard airplanes," a Delta spokeswoman told AFP. American Airlines personnel on national and regional flights will also begin wearing masks from May 1, the company announced Monday.

In addition, the airline will offer protective gear to passengers. AFP

View of the cabin of a Delta flight between Minneapolis and Baltimore on April 25, 2020. AFP

Business

A7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rally; ICTSI, Jollibee up T

HE stock market rallied Tuesday as investors track government moves to ease lockdown measures around the world.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 124.53 points, or 2.3 percent, to 5,574.98 on a value turnover of P4.6 billion. Gainers beat losers, 109 to 78, with 35 issues unchanged.

International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator and owned by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., surged 7.3 percent to P88, while sister unit Bloomberry Resorts Corp., which operates a casino on a reclaimed portion of Manila Bay, advanced 5.4 percent to P5.64.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy

Group rose 5 percent to P819, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fastfood chain, also climbed 5 percent to P141.20.

Asian stocks, meanwhile, mostly rose Tuesday, but US oil prices suffered another collapse.

While data is beginning to highlight the impact coronavirus has had on economies, markets have been buoyed in recent days by news that some of the worst-hit countries are finally seeing infection and death rates slow to levels not seen for a month.

However, profit-taking and concern that some containment measures could be lifted too soon—leading to a possible second wave of infections—are tempering any surge across markets.

Those concerns were highlighted by data out of Germany Tuesday showing a slight pick-up in transmission just as the

country was beginning to open up.

Focus this week is on policy decisions by the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, after the Bank of Japan said it would lift the limit on its bondbuying programme to provide liquidity to financial markets.

Equities in Asia started weakly but picked up through the day.

Hong Kong added one percent, Seoul gained 0.6 percent and Taipei put on 0.5 percent, while Jakarta and Bangkok rose 0.3 percent and Mumbai was marginally higher.

Wellington surged more than three percent as investors returned from a long weekend when the New Zealand government declared victory in its battle against the virus and considered lifting restrictions.

But Tokyo, Sydney and Shanghai ended slightly lower with Singapore.

Stephen Innes at AxiCorp said the general mood for now was positive.

“Investors continue to play off the bullish-for-growth narrative as several economies around the world set to reopen to the timely central bank week, where guidance will pledge to expand existing asset-purchase schemes if conditions deteriorate,” he wrote in a note.

But CMC Markets’ Michael Hewson warned that while massive central bank and government support had been providing a boost to stocks, “the economic data has gone from bad to worse and unlikely to get better in the short term, which means that investors appear to be banking on a quick return to normal as governments slowly relax restrictions.”

Despite tentative re-openings in some countries, crude continues to be mauled by concerns over collapsed demand and storage facilities filling up. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review tueSday, april 28, 2020

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK MEDCO HLDG METROBANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

48 58.95 97.8 19.78 15.8 7.66 0.305 38.25 16.58 22.85 166 116.9 40.5 17.3 101.5 1,598 54.4

48.3 59.15 99.9 19.8 16 7.72 0.345 38.6 16.58 23.25 166.5 116.9 40.5 17.3 103 1,598 54.8

47.5 58 97.6 19.7 15.78 7.61 0.3 37.5 16.5 22.8 166 116.9 40.45 16.82 101.5 1,598 52.85

FINANCIALS 48 5,200 58.4 4,931,350 98.9 1,893,760 19.74 85,700 16 14,300 7.66 161,500 0.31 1,630,000 37.5 4,941,000 16.5 5,000 23.15 65,900 166.5 90 116.9 10 40.5 3,700 16.82 38,300 102 497,200 1,598 20 54.7 2,160

248,650 288,275,972 187,141,119 1,693,764 225,970 1,236,754 517,650 187,155,065 82,590 1,515,900 14,980 1,169 149,830 651,544 50,753,773 31,960 117,626.50

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT AXELUM BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE MABUHAY VINYL MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP ROXAS AND CO SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VITARICH VULCAN INDL

27.15 2.35 8.62 0.59 2.92 0.179 86.95 1.07 14.38 8.6 25.4 59.9 1.71 3.65 5.31 8.02 5.19 7.85 2.7 18.64 54.8 1.44 32.4 1.26 11.22 5.85 1.2 136 3.55 10.86 6.41 6.46 252.2 4.3 1.88 2.4 3.18 11.26 18.5 4.2 1.56 1.35 6.6 58 7.95 0.107 0.9 121 0.83 0.73

27.45 2.38 8.75 0.61 3.05 0.179 86.95 1.14 14.38 9.1 25.4 59.9 1.84 3.8 5.6 8.26 5.8 7.98 2.9 18.68 56.4 1.46 32.4 1.28 11.3 6 1.24 141.4 3.64 10.86 6.69 6.79 263.8 4.3 1.91 2.4 3.21 11.36 18.8 4.21 1.68 1.39 6.68 58.5 7.97 0.11 0.93 125.5 0.87 0.8

27 2.3 8 0.54 2.89 0.179 86.95 1.07 14.24 8.2 25 59.9 1.7 3.56 5.22 8.01 5.19 7.85 2.7 18.2 54.8 1.42 31.5 1.22 11.08 5.81 1.14 135.6 3.46 10.64 6.32 6.31 252.2 4.3 1.88 2.31 3.14 11.16 18.4 4.2 1.56 1.1 6.42 57.55 7.88 0.107 0.85 119.5 0.83 0.71

INDUSTRIAL 27.05 353,000 2.34 4,266,000 8.4 1,139,800 0.55 3,348,000 3 5,049,000 0.179 20,000 86.95 110 1.09 9,900,000 14.3 381,200 9.1 5,167,100 25.2 7,800 59.9 510 1.8 164,000 3.61 87,000 5.42 922,400 8.2 383,000 5.27 6,507,600 7.9 506,100 2.8 3,488,000 18.5 828,400 56 19,970 1.43 8,562,000 32.4 900 1.24 4,078,000 11.2 728,100 6 1,043,100 1.22 757,000 141.2 2,294,620 3.64 92,000 10.72 631,500 6.52 982,600 6.44 4,739,500 262.2 150,710 4.3 2,000 1.91 501,000 2.39 21,000 3.16 1,774,000 11.36 286,200 18.4 316,200 4.21 6,000 1.65 9,847,000 1.24 12,259,000 6.5 2,244,800 58.4 1,938,820 7.9 17,100 0.107 170,000 0.88 355,000 123 920,050 0.84 14,791,000 0.73 4,868,000

9,580,550 9,995,390 9,510,802 1,909,440 14,912,710 3,580 9,564.50 10,906,050 5,451,916 45,511,155 196,955 30,549 284,360 318,150 5,000,616 3,094,894 34,766,825 3,988,214 9,821,650 15,338,398 1,116,996.50 12,310,510 29,070 5,083,690 8,139,400 6,242,840 890,840 321,709,005 329,530 6,772,394 6,400,987 30,833,484 39,149,962 8,600 950,910 49,130 5,635,650 3,227,564 5,860,704 25,210 15,786,720 14,916,460 14,677,128 112,423,192.50 135,237 18,280 315,120 113,867,763 12,560,370 3,670,650

-4,856,715 353,990 167,010 79,200 -535,430 -122,190 2,913,106 480,239.00 -126,420 36,000 -69,220 -2,700,490 -1,027,412 -810,931 -3,940,000 14,460 -7,594,090 -288,505.50 -278,980 1,265,530 -3,564,248 -3,456,000 120,754,629 -3,089,752 -408,896 -10,417,720 -4,415,814 793,800 -598,270 -1,346,718 -849,352 -4,200 16,760 -334,569 2,865,817 -56,088,603 -21,060 -

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.58 42 6.37 0.55 6 7.46 0.51 0.53 565 1.84 4.81 4.2 8.5 2.89 448 3.61 50 6.27 0.485 2.85 7.62 0.435 2.58 0.89 98 782 0.65 1 163 141 0.19 0.153

0.58 42.85 6.44 0.55 6 7.46 0.53 0.53 585 1.84 4.93 4.25 8.5 2.91 453.6 3.92 51.95 6.28 0.5 2.85 7.8 0.47 2.59 0.89 98 820 0.65 1 163 145 0.19 0.164

0.57 41.9 6.25 0.54 5.97 7.09 0.5 0.53 565 1.8 4.79 4.12 8.5 2.89 440 3.6 49.75 6.27 0.48 2.67 7.5 0.435 2.48 0.81 97.05 782 0.64 0.99 160 139.5 0.19 0.153

HOLDING FIRMS 0.57 1,351,000 42 882,900 6.25 2,972,300 0.55 53,000 6 11,300 7.16 7,500 0.51 3,025,000 0.53 200,000 585 289,460 1.82 1,165,000 4.93 406,000 4.12 4,106,000 8.5 1,100 2.91 3,000 450 220,740 3.7 66,000 50.6 942,410 6.28 12,300 0.48 180,000 2.68 1,181,000 7.6 530,500 0.47 40,000 2.5 39,197,000 0.84 444,000 97.5 272,760 819 250,110 0.65 104,000 1 14,000 163 470 139.5 5,000 0.19 40,000 0.16 400,000

775,260 37,297,845 18,752,187 29,110 67,740 53,747 1,554,910 106,000 167,054,835 2,112,890 1,967,240 17,131,330 9,350 8,690 99,339,224 241,500 48,081,170.50 77,185 88,500 3,179,420 4,082,605 18,100 98,544,240 375,410 26,593,105.50 202,280,150 67,380 13,920 75,800 701,750 7,600 63,580

-113,000.00 2,360,415 -13,703,427 9,600 0 -9,456,545 3,900 -109,040 -9,893,300 -22,061,906 -39,200 -21,842,562 -1,504,580 -1,287,612 -30,333,140 -2,823,590.50 1,931,910 13,950 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND

11 0.56 1.05 0.6 29.45 1.33 3.9 0.35 0.74 0.121 0.29 7 16.1 0.93 0.85 2.58 0.163 0.325 0.81 0.234 1.51 15.48 1.54 2.72 28.8 1.9

11 0.59 1.05 0.6 30.3 1.34 3.98 0.36 0.74 0.121 0.3 7 16.14 0.94 0.85 2.64 0.172 0.325 0.84 0.234 1.52 15.48 1.54 2.75 29.7 1.9

10.72 0.56 1.05 0.55 29.4 1.32 3.9 0.35 0.74 0.121 0.29 6.98 15.92 0.92 0.8 2.52 0.16 0.32 0.81 0.232 1.5 15.08 1.53 2.71 28.7 1.84

PROPERTY 10.74 1,800 0.58 2,017,000 1.05 6,000 0.57 1,918,000 30.25 8,868,000 1.34 315,000 3.98 522,000 0.355 2,830,000 0.74 1,000 0.121 10,000 0.3 460,000 6.99 37,900 16.14 139,300 0.92 1,960,000 0.85 23,000 2.56 23,089,000 0.17 18,000,000 0.32 130,000 0.83 660,000 0.232 230,000 1.5 118,000 15.3 1,132,200 1.53 7,000 2.75 37,000 29.7 6,917,500 1.9 152,000

243,850 -184,206,912.50 -40,904,892 -636,192 -764,525 -30,000 -37,355,270 -113,480 -28,846.00 11,037,886 3,808

NAME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

1.26 4 4.1

1.26 4.18 4.16

1.2 4 3.96

1.25 4.08 4.06

1,692,000 622,000 74,000

2,085,280 2,541,380 298,650

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DITO CME HLDG EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER ISLAND INFO LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

9.1 16.58 5.67 0.31 0.039 2.59 5.35 0.03 48.35 3.27 3.03 2.07 6.63 2,210 4.85 319 0.91 82.15 0.083 13.3 1.47 0.7 4.98 0.35 1.91 2.36 2 10.22 1.76 1.65 7.3 2.01 2.86 137.5 2.33 1,240 0.315 0.26 47.4 63 1.2 0.34 0.194 0.42 14.2

10 16.68 5.9 0.32 0.041 2.59 5.74 0.03 49 3.27 3.05 2.1 9.38 2,268 4.85 323 0.91 88 0.083 13.7 1.49 0.77 5.08 0.355 1.98 3.1 3 10.22 1.79 1.65 7.3 2.01 2.9 137.5 2.45 1,265 0.32 0.26 47.5 64.5 1.22 0.345 0.194 0.42 14.54

8.6 16.58 5.62 0.3 0.039 2.3 5.34 0.028 47.85 3.13 3.03 1.98 6.63 2,210 4.79 317 0.87 81.5 0.083 13.3 1.44 0.7 4.9 0.35 1.81 2.26 2 10.22 1.74 1.65 7 2.01 2.82 129 2.27 1,206 0.305 0.247 46.65 62.25 1.15 0.335 0.185 0.41 14.02

SERVICES 9.4 16.6 5.83 0.3 0.041 2.32 5.64 0.028 49 3.25 3.05 2.03 7.54 2,258 4.8 317 0.89 88 0.083 13.7 1.48 0.77 5.02 0.355 1.87 2.84 2.79 10.22 1.77 1.65 7.1 2.01 2.9 129 2.28 1,206 0.315 0.255 47 62.5 1.21 0.345 0.191 0.41 14.04

626,600 70,900 1,736,100 760,000 31,500,000 848,000 12,920,300 19,700,000 118,500 1,360,000 19,000 99,460,000 2,107,300 23,120 141,000 140 735,000 1,919,750 170,000 2,700 146,000 33,000 6,528,000 60,000 4,617,000 17,480,000 301,000 300 972,000 1,000 14,600 10,000 145,000 138,040 1,715,000 180,805 4,870,000 12,030,000 3,995,200 609,090 4,738,000 4,940,000 2,750,000 230,000 2,439,700

5,775,296 1,177,180 10,129,246 230,900 1,279,500 1,978,040 70,373,669 562,700 5,729,310 4,331,270 57,630 202,317,070 17,627,883 52,029,160 678,430 44,506 652,110 163,689,094 14,110 36,580 213,340 23,240 32,681,840 21,050 8,779,160 48,858,000 827,850 3,066 1,711,560 1,650 105,067 20,100 410,200 17,947,054 4,022,590 224,253,595 1,512,950 3,001,600 187,891,210 38,133,931 5,627,570 1,680,450 514,970 95,700 34,476,572

53,235 1,066,356 3,608,323.00 5,600 556,600 -3,797,160 -23,112 10,704,950 -28,590 72,024,616.50 11,720 -2,264,590 -2,350 159,620 -165,561 -4,232,850 -3,050 -23,685,950 -13,038,241 -3,578,240 -244,750 3,791,618

ABRA MINING ACE ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0011 6.55 0.99 1.79 10.5 2.69 0.205 6.59 0.95 0.205 0.081 0.082 0.0066 0.61 1.8 0.96 0.475 0.0085 2.39 4.22 12.36 0.004

0.0011 6.92 1 1.85 10.7 2.69 0.205 6.86 0.95 0.205 0.084 0.09 0.0066 0.61 1.81 0.96 0.495 0.0085 2.4 4.34 12.36 0.004

0.001 6.55 0.94 1.72 10.5 2.69 0.205 6.59 0.83 0.201 0.081 0.082 0.0065 0.58 1.66 0.91 0.475 0.0085 2.3 4.21 11.82 0.004

MINING & OIL 0.0011 31,000,000 6.83 52,400 0.95 3,007,000 1.85 616,000 10.7 9,300 2.69 13,000 0.205 100,000 6.86 1,100 0.85 16,788,000 0.201 440,000 0.082 3,100,000 0.09 450,000 0.0065 99,000,000 0.6 368,000 1.66 16,484,000 0.91 14,000 0.495 20,000 0.0085 3,000,000 2.3 672,000 4.25 538,000 11.98 574,700 0.004 15,000,000

33,900 349,046 2,885,410 1,074,190 97,710 34,970 20,500 7,519 14,670,130 88,510 251,220 38,280 643,900 218,360 28,458,100 12,880 9,700 25,500 1,578,720 2,294,040 6,903,596 60,000

-2,200 231,600 169,060 -2,494,640 -191,510 -114,840 -1,061,536 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2R ALCO PREF B ALCO PREF C CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GLO PREF P HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

15.2 504.5 100 98.5 99 99 104 485 500 98 100 1,030 1,000 1,021 99 1,000 76.9 75 75.05 75.3 75

15.2 504.5 100 98.5 99.5 99 104 485 500 98.8 100 1,030 1,012 1,021 99 1,000 77.5 75.1 75.05 75.3 75.5

15.2 502 100 98 99 99 104 485 500 97.9 100 1,030 1,000 1,020 99 996 76.45 75 75.05 75.3 75

PREFERRED 15.2 5,000 504 2,420 100 8,520 98 500 99 12,030 99 360 104 7,300 485 80 500 100 98.8 1,620 100 27,840 1,030 10 1,012 8,500 1,020 7,060 99 5,000 1,000 6,415 76.45 8,340 75.1 84,810 75.05 550,000 75.3 10 75.5 800,090

76,000 1,220,565 852,000 49,200 1,192,985 35,640 759,200 38,800 50,000 159,608 2,784,000 10,300 8,506,000 7,202,170 495,000 6,399,185 640,321.50 6,360,751 41,277,500 753 60,006,795

3,775

LR WARRANT

0.8

0.8

0.73

WARRANTS 0.73 49,000

37,170

MS 19,382 1,155,880 6,300 1,094,240 266,835,035 421,360 2,068,800 1,002,550 740 1,210 136,400 264,972 2,237,188 1,817,670 19,060 59,281,850 3,024,330 41,650 547,240 53,530 177,810 17,395,130 10,770 100,600 203,261,260 288,410

-35,541,240 -5,340 -297,070 -140,700 1,126,572 -108,230 -21,419,450 -1,650 -22,920 -692,090 -3,305,310 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

OPEN

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

2.12 7.14 0.62

2.35 7.14 0.63

2.06 6.81 0.61

FIRST METRO ETF

83

84.95

82.9

USD DMPL A2

9.7

9.7

9.7

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,746,839

INDUSTRIAL

116,986,442

HOLDING FIRMS

59,833,443

PROPERTY

77,452,879

SERVICES

251,849,576

MINING & OIL

192,357,375

GRAND TOTAL

728,176,770

2.24 7.09 0.61

SME

12,677,000 52,400 1,199,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 84.4 17,370 9.7

DDS

1,030

-338,660 -

-

28,031,870 363,922 736,990

-404,250 -6,200

1,466,472

35,454

9,991

-

VALUE 1,169.35 (UP) 6.74 791,281,949.42 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 7,415.19 (UP) 165.52 950,493,299.765 HOLDING FIRMS 5,464.71 (UP) 152.13 840,312,420.58 PROPERTY 2,805.23 (UP) 72.79 1,337.77 (UP) 19.54 722,301,214.043 SERVICES MINING & OIL 4,635.64 (DOWN) 199.22 1,219,553,314.76 PSEI 5,574.98 (UP) 124.53 59,766,570.9032 All Shares Index 3,394.75 (UP) 52.03 4,614,318,744.31 Gainers: 109; Losers: 78; Unchanged: 35; Total: 222

Security Bank says net profit in 1st quarter up 21% to P2.9b

By Julito G. Rada SECURITY Bank Corp., the seventhlargest lender in terms of assets, said net profit in the first quarter jumped 21 percent year-on-year to P2.9 billion, driven by sustained growth in core business income and securities trading gains.

Th bank said in a statement to the stock exchange Tuesday that total revenues, excluding trading gains, rose 41 percent to P9.7 billion from the same period last year.

Total net interest income increased 41 percent to P8.1 billion. Net interest margin in the first quarter improved to 4.68 percent, up 129 basis points yearon-year. Total non-interest income jumped 184 percent to P5.1 billion.

Securities trading gains were P3.5 billion, 420 percent higher than P671 million a year ago.

Operating expense grew 28 percent, driven primarily by manpower and costs related to business expansion. The costto-income ratio climbed to 39.4 percent from 53.7 percent a year ago.

Pre-provision operating profit in the first quarter was P8 billion, 129 percent higher than a year ago. The bank set aside P5.7 billion as provisions for credit losses in the first quarter. This is more than the full-year 2019 provision for credit losses of P4.2 billion.

“Factors impacting the increase in provisions in Q1-2020 included: credit model refinements reflecting the bank’s views on the current environment, headwinds in consumer and commercial lending, and the change in the loan mix towards more consumer loans. In view of the possible client impact of the pandemic, the bank has initiated portfolio reviews, reassessed its provisioning, and intensified client engagement during this period,” it said.

Return on shareholders’ equity increased 112 basis points to 9.8 percent from 8.6 percent a year ago. Return on assets rose 23 basis points to 1.47 percent from 1.24 percent a year ago.

It said the gross non-performing loan ratio of 1.59 percent remained better than industry peers’ 1.79 percent as of February 2020 based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. Non-performing loan reserve cover was at 128 percent versus 129 percent a quarter ago and 186 percent a year ago.

Pryce’s income rose by 9.4% in Q1 to P396.4m

By Alena Mae S. Flores LISTED Pryce Corp. and its subsidiaries posted a net income of P396.36 million in the first quarter, 9.4 percent higher than P362.35 million in the same period last year.

“The government’s Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) only slightly affected the company’s first quarter performance since the ECQ was implemented near the end of the quarter,” Pryce said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

“However, the company expects the succeeding quarters to be adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. A fall of anywhere between 5 percent to 10 percent in sales volume (compared to 2019 levels) could result if the pandemic continues throughout the year.

It is our hope that this disrupting phenomenon will be resolved soon,” the company said.

Pryce said the company’s first-quarter net income represented a 12.5-percent return on sales.

Consolidated revenue increased 24.2 percent to P3.18 billion from P2.56 billion a year ago.

“The sales performance of the company’s principal product, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas or cooking gas), along with its cylinders & accessories, and LPG gensets, was responsible for such positive outcomes,” Pryce said.

It said LPG products accounted for 95.3 percent of the total revenues, with the balance covered by sales of industrial gases, real estate and pharmaceutical products.

The company mainly attributed the rise in revenue to the 15-percent growth in LPG sales volume to 58,745 metric tons from 51,047 MT a year ago.

Pryce said contributing to the rise was the higher average international LPG contract price $527 per MT in the first quarter from last year’s average of $465 per MT.

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

A8

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

IN BRIEF

Business

AirAsia PH’s traffic declined by 9% in Q1 THE Philippine unit of AirAsia said Tuesday passenger traffic dropped 9 percent in the first quarter amid the increasing and unprecedented travel restrictions because of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Air Asia Philippines said it carried 1.80 million in the first three months, lower than 1.97 million passengers it flew in the same period last year.

The airline’s capacity also decreased 1 percent year-on-year as domestic routes and international routes were halted beginning mid-March 2020. The government issued the enhanced community quarantine last March 15 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Load factor was at 84 percent, down 7 percentage points from 91 percent last year.

The airline operates several flights to and from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark and Iloilo in the Philippines. It operates international flights to and from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Shenzhen, Kaohshing, Bali, Shenzhen, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan. Darwin G. Amojelar

ADB approves $200-m loan in support of gov’t cash subsidies THE Asian Development Bank approved a $200-million (P10-billion) loan to support the Philippine government’s effort to provide emergency cash subsidies to vulnerable households amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

ADB vice president Ahmed Saeed said in a statement the new loan would support the government’s emergency subsidy program, which was designed to help vulnerable households get through the difficult period and avoid falling into poverty.

“This global pandemic, of a kind not seen in the last century, has disrupted the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos and could set back the very substantial gains the country has made in reducing poverty in recent years,” Saeed said.

High, sustained economic growth and job creation in recent years and the government’s social assistance programs have combined to reduce the Philippines’ national poverty rate from 23.3 percent in 2015 to 16.6 percent in 2018, translating into 5.9 million Filipinos escaping poverty during the period.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act”—or Republic Act No. 11469— authorizing the government to implement a COVID-19 emergency subsidy program that provides cash payments of P5,000 to P8,000 ($100 to $158) per month for two months to 18 million low-income families nationwide.

The large program includes 4.3 million poor households covered under the country’s conditional cash transfer program known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. ADB has been supporting the 4Ps CCT program since 2010.

ADB’s $200-million loan, under the Social Protection Support Project–Second Additional Financing, will contribute to the $726 million required to provide emergency subsidies to 4Ps households in April and May 2020.

Julito G. Rada

SMC donates testing machines, kits to DOH STANDARD CHARTERED DONATION. Standard Chartered Bank head of corporate affairs Mai Sangalang (second from left) leads the distribution of relief packs in Inarawan, Antipolo City. With her are community coordinator Cecilio Dan Cruz, Barangay Inarawan chairman Ric Ric Bautista and representatives from the bank and distribution partner Caritas Manila. SCB Philippines donated P12.5 million for COVID-19 relief efforts in the country in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress. The bank’s donation will provide 10,000 food packs through Caritas Manila and Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid.

PH sells $2.35b in global bonds on strong demand T

By Julito G. Rada

HE Philippine government on Tuesday raised $2.35 billion from the sale of 10-year and 25-year global bonds amid strong demand.

The Finance Department said in a statement the new 10year global bonds were priced at US Treasury spreads of T+180 basis points, after an initial pricing guidance of T+220 bps area, while the 25-year tranche was priced at 2.950 percent, which was 42.5 bps tighter than the initial pricing guidance of 3.375 percent area.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said the transaction registered the country’s lowest ever coupon for a 10- and 25year benchmark issuance amid an environment gripped with pandemic fear.

“This makes the Philippines, at least for the time being, a

diamond in the sovereign issuance space for we were able to convert immense pressure into an opportunity to dazzle in brilliant shine,” de Leon said.

The global bonds were rated investment grade or “Baa2”

by Moody’s Investors Service, “BBB+” by Standard & Poor’s and “BBB” by Fitch Ratings. The transaction is expected to settle on May 5, 2020.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the strong demand for the bond issuance demonstrated the resiliency of investor interest in the Philippine economy despite the global economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Such support from the investor community is a result of the continued strong macroeconomic fundamentals of the country brought about by the reform agenda of the Duterte administration,” Dominguez said.

“The success of this bond float despite the COVID-induced volatility is also reflective of the global recognition of, and support for, the Duterte administration’s four-pillar strategy to mitigate the impact of the global health crisis,” he said.

He said the four-pillar strategy included providing immediate financial support to millions of the most vulnerable families as well as employees of small businesses; mobilizing resources to support the frontline health workers and increase testing capacity; providing liquidity and support to the economy; and putting in place an economic recovery plan that is responsive to the needs of consumers and businesses to create jobs and sustain growth.

Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven said the government was expecting another successful US dollar-denominated bond issuance despite the challenges the global economy was facing.

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. is donating five sets of high-capacity testing machines and 20,000 test kits to the Department of Health to boost the government’s testing capacity by 11,000 per day.

San Miguel said in a statement it would distribute the RT-PCR machines and highthroughput automated RNA extraction systems to critical government centers in the country.

The donation will help increase the government’s capacity and efficiency to mass test for COVID-19, as the nation starts drawing up plans to transition safely out of quarantine by middle of May. It will also allow beneficiary laboratories to test faster, using less time and human intervention.

The World Health Organization earlier laid down conditions for governments wanting to ease restrictions and reopen their economies to include capacity to mass test and control transmission.

The testing machines which arrived Monday via a chartered flight will be distributed by the DOH to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Meralco cancels plan to auction 1,200 MW MANILA Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, cancelled the planned competitive selection process for 1,200 megawatts of greenfield baseload capacity needed by 2024 and will conduct a new CSP covering 1,800 MW of power.

Meralco said it would push the new CSP to a later date amid low oil prices and the impact of the enhanced community quarantine that prevents face-to-face interaction.

“With the delay in the second round for the 1,200 MW CSP, the decision was to combine it with another CSP we were supposed to conduct this year. That was why it became 1,800 MW,” Meralco head of utility economics Lawrence Fernandez said.

Meralco said it updated its power supply procurement plan and distribution development plan. “It was determined by Meralco that the bidding for the greenfield baseload capacity of 1,200 COD [commercial operations date] 2024 shall be discontinued,” the company said.

Alena Mae S. Flores

DTI recommends easing of restrictions on services and manufacturing sectors

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry has recommended the easing of restrictions on the services sector and relevant manufacturing industries in areas under the general community quarantine.

It will present the recommendation during a meeting with members of the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases Wednesday.

“These recommendations, if approved by the IATF, will be enforced starting May 1, 2020,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

He said the list of areas that would be reopened under the GCQ include real estate activities; office administrative/office support; legal and accounting; insurance, reinsurance and pension funding, except compulsory social security; architecture and engineering, technical testing and analysis; scientific and research development; other professional, scientific and technical activities; social work activities without accom-

modation; and government frontline offices.

Manufacturing across activities specifically on the production of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, was deemed an important industrial activity in a GCQ area.

“If health indicators—testing capacity, infection rate, health facilities—improve, the classification and sectors can be [further] relaxed,” Lopez said.

Entertainment and leisure enterprises would not be allowed to reopen under the GCQ. These include theaters, play centers, concerts venues, events, conventions, trade shows and similar establishments.

“Hotels are allowed [to operate] but for special purpose of providing accommodations for workers in the business process outsourcing companies, exporting firms, banks, etc.,” Lopez said.

He said the tourism and travel sector would continue to experience a difficult time. “At any rate, expect that travel and tourism will still be very weak,” he said.

Imported vehicle sales fell 34% in first quarter SALES of a group of vehicle importers plunged 34.4 percent in the first quarter to 14,404 units from a year ago amid the Luzon lockdown designed to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc., which groups 20 membercompanies representing 26 global brands, said most if not all dealerships and their accompanying repair and maintenance facilities had been closed since March 16, 2020.

“The local industry is reeling from this invisible enemy as vehicle manufacturing, importation, distribution and maintenance have stopped completely. Demand has likewise declined as consumers spend on more urgent needs. With this disruption, we estimate that

car sales may drop by around 40 percent for the year,” AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

“The industry is no stranger to adversity but this pandemic will be our toughest challenge yet. We estimate that it would take at least 12 months for the local industry to recover once the ECQ is completely lifted. There will be a ‘new normal’ and we must be quick to adapt since Filipino consumers will be even more prudent and looking for more value in their purchases,” Agudo said.

Sales of passenger cars declined 43 percent in the first quarter to 4,506 units from 7,848 units in the same period last year. Hyundai led the segment with 2,724 units sold, followed

by Suzuki with 1,127 units and Ford with 415 units.

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

B1

Lakers return $4.6M to virus relief fund, says report

This file photo shows Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori speaking during a press conference following the International Olympic Committee project review meeting in Tokyo. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn’t brought under control by next year, the organizing committee’s president Yoshiro Mori said in comments. AFP

Rice Vanguards’ owners give back to virus victims WHAT the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards are doling out during this COVID-19 pandemic is a giveaway. Rice, of course.

Headed by team owner Bong Cuevas and his wife, Mayor Rianne Cuevas of Palayan City, the Rice Vanguards are distributing the Filipinos’ staple food in Central Luzon and other areas as their main contribution to the needy population hardest hit by the Luzon-wide lockdown.

According to Jai Reyes, the Rice Vanguards’ head of basketball operations and main point guard at the same time, the Cuevases also donated PPEs (personal protective equipment) to frontliners against the coronavirus.

Owing to Nueva Ecija’s distinction as Rice Bowl of the Philippines, however, the Cuevases make sure the precious commodity is delivered daily to depressed areas, charitable institutions, and even to companies affected by work stoppage like the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League where the Rice Vanguards belong.

With the Chooks-to-Go Lakan Season division championships and national finals stalled by the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, the Cuevases included MPBL personnel among the recipients of their rice allocation on Sunday.

“Mr. Cuevas and the Mayor commiserate with the people in these trying times,” said Reyes, an MPBL All-Star. “They want to help ease the suffering of the people.”

Fact is, apart from food packs 12,000 Palayan families got P3,000 each.

While the Cuevases are compassionate, they are also driven to excel in their undertakings. The Rice Vanguards’ failure to advance to the Lakan Season playoffs is not to be repeated.

No wonder, they have given Reyes the leeway to bolster the team’s roster and go after the national title of the MPBL fourth season supposed to start on June 12 but will be reset till the end of the Lakan Season.

“Championship talaga is the goal.

We want Novo Ecijanos to be proud of us” said Reyes, who believes the Rice Vanguards’ buildup will spur the other teams to strengthen their lineups as well for the good of the league.

Olympics to be cancelled if virus pandemic not over

T

OKYO—The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn’t brought under control by next year, the organizing committee’s president said in comments published Tuesday.

The pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Games—which are now scheduled to open on July 23, 2021—but Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said no further postponement was possible.

In an interview with Japan’s Nikkan Sports daily, Mori was categorical when asked if the Olympics could be delayed until 2022 if the pandemic remains a threat next year, replying: “No.” “In that case, it’s cancelled,” Mori said.

Mori noted the Games had been cancelled previously only during wartime, and compared the battle against coronavirus to “fighting an invisible enemy”.

If the virus is successfully contained, “we’ll hold the Olympics in peace next summer”, he added. “Mankind is betting on it.”

Masa Takaya, a Tokyo 2020 spokesman, declined to comment on a possible

cancellation of the Games, telling reporters that Mori’s remarks were based on “the chairman’s own thoughts.”

Japanese organizers and the International Olympic Committee, under heavy pressure from athletes and international sports federations, agreed in March to a year-long postponement of the Games.

Organizers and Japanese officials have said the delayed Olympics will be a chance to showcase the world’s triumph over the coronavirus, but questions have arisen about whether even a year’s postponement is sufficient.

On Tuesday, the head of Japan Medical Association warned it would be “exceedingly difficult” to hold the Games next year if a vaccine has not been found.

“I would not say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult,” Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters at a briefing.

And last week a Japanese medical expert who has criticized the country’s response to the coronavirus warned that he was “very pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021.

“To be honest with you I don’t think the Olympics is likely to be held next year,” said Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University, at a briefing.

But Tokyo 2020 spokesman Takaya countered that even medical experts said it was too early to make a judgement on such a possibility.

In the interview, Mori also said organizers were considering holding joint opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics and the Paralympics in an effort to cut costs.

Under the plan, the Paralympics would join the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, and the Olympic closing ceremony would be integrated into the Paralympics closing event in September.

But Mori admitted that Tokyo organizers had not yet obtained the consent of the IOC and their Paralympic counterparts on that plan. AFP

Last Dance documentary fills TV void for NBA fans NEW YORK—A new Michael Jordan television documentary has become a smash hit for NBA fans whose hope of watching the playoffs these days was scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Last Dance” details the career of the NBA legend who led the Chicago Bulls to six titles in the 1990s, with editions three and four of the 10-part saga telecast on Sunday.

It was the top ESPN telecast in the advertiser-prized 18-to-34 demographic since the shut down of sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In all, 6.1 million people watched the opening episodes in the United States, making the documentary Twitter’s top trending topic and ESPN’s most watched original program since the network began producing such shows 16 years ago. An average of 5.9 million viewers watched the latest episodes aired in the US on Sunday.

Josua Pacio

ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is just one of seven local stars to break into the first official rankings for ONE Championship in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.

The Home Of Martial Arts unveiled its rankings last Monday, 27 April, and gave fans a clearer look at where their favorite athletes stand in their respective divisions.

Results will be published on ONEFC.com and the ONE Super App accordingly.

“It is with great excitement that I announce the inaugural ONE Championship official rankings,” ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said.

“The rankings will bring more clarity and transparency for our athletes as they chase their dreams for a World Championship title. Fans can also follow their favorite athletes and their journeys more closely as they climb or fall in the rankings.”

Pacio sits as the World Champion of the strawweight division, with two other Filipinos

Chicago Bulls guard Michael Jordan (23) takes to the air against Orlando Magic guard Nick Anderson for two points during the second period of game four of their teams’ 1996 Eastern Conference Finals at the Orlando Arena. From Premier League stars reliving their own iconic moments to the documentary that broke records in America, the lack of sport during the coronavirus lockdown has triggered a wave of nostalgia among fans and players. AFP

“The Last Dance” mixes previously unaired behind-the-scenes footage taken by a special camera crew with the Bulls during their 1997-98 NBA championship run with the retelling of Jordan’s amazing story from his youthful days to Chicago’s amazing dynasty run of six 1990s NBA titles.

The project was set to be broadcast in June when the NBA Finals were scheduled, but when sports programs were wiped out due to the global virus pandemic, ESPN advanced the release date.

The Jordan documentary’s blockbuster success looks likely to spark similar projects.

Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died in a January helicopter crash, had a personal camera crew follow him around during his final NBA season, ESPN reported last week, hinting that behind-the-scenes footage could become part of a Bryant documentary.

Pacio, 6 others break into ONE’s rankings making the cut.

Catalan Fighting System’s Rene “The Challenger” Catalan is currently at third place while Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang rounds up the list at number five. The Japanese pair of Yosuke “The Ninja” Saruta and Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito sits at one and two respectively while Brazilian Alex “Little Rock” Silva is at four.

Pacio’s teammate Kevin “The Silencer’ Belingon is still the best contender in the bantamweight division, as he takes the number one spot behind longtime rival and World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes.

Rounding up the division is Shoko Sato (2), Yusup Saadulaev (3), Shuya “Stealth” Kamikubo (4), and Daichi Takenaka (5).

Over in the women’s category, Denice “The Menace Fairtex” Zamboanga currently tops the list of atomweight contenders as she sits at number one behind World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee. Team Lakay’s Gina “Conviction” Iniong is at number five.

LOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Lakers have returned about $4.6 million obtained from a US government program meant to help small businesses recover f rom the coronavi r us pandem ic shutdow n, ESPN repor ted Monday.

The NBA club, valued by Forbes magazine at $4.4 billion, told the sports television network in a statement they returned the money after learning the $349 billion in the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program had been exhausted within two weeks, with hundreds of thousands of small businesses unable to get access.

“The Lakers qualified for and received a loan under the Payroll Protection Program,” ESPN reported the Lakers said in a statement.

“Once we found out the funds from the program had been depleted, we repaid the loan so that financial support would be directed to those most in need. The Lakers remain completely committed to supporting both our employees and our community.”

The Lakers, who typically have $434 million in annual revenue according to Forbes, would have access to loans from the NBA’s line of credit of more than $1 billion.

The program was part of a $2.2 trillion federal initiative aimed at helping small businesses cover employee salaries, rents and other expenses while being forced to shut their doors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

There were complaints after many business with huge financing were able to obtain money while others struggling to survive were shut out.

The Lakers boast multiple billionaires among their ownership group and $150 million in annual local television revenue, the NBA’s richest such contract. AFP

NCAA donates P.5M worth of protective equipment

By Peter Atencio AROUND P500,000 worth of personal protective equipment was donated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association to medical frontliners working in hospitals around Metro Manila.

NCAA management committee chairman Peter Cayco of Season 95 host Arellano University said this is part of their league’s advocacy by extending assistance in the fight to control the coronavirus pandemic.

“Each member school of the NCAA has done its part in the relief efforts with donations of food and equipment for the frontliners, but this is the first time that as a whole—as one NCAA family—we’re giving our donation,” said Cayco.

The league has momentarily shifted its priorities after the policy board of the NCAA terminated all activities of Season 95 last month.

The decision was reached after the government imposed an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon until May 15 in its bid to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are one in hoping and praying that this will be over soon,” added Cayco.

The PPEs will be distributed within the next two weeks.

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Entertainment Netflix enjoys record success

Netflix’s new dating reality TV show ‘Too Hot To Handle’ features a cast of singles who can’t have sex.

WHILE coronavirus has brought Hollywood to a halt, Netflix has enjoyed record success. But will the streaming giant’s well-stocked slate of future shows be enough to maintain that growth?

Netflix announced this week that it has finished filming the majority of movies and series due for release this year, playing down concerns that its flow of hit shows such as Tiger King could run dry, or the next Unorthodox be delayed.

«Our 2020 slate of series and films are largely shot, and are in post-production remotely in locations all over the world. And we›re actually pretty deep into our 2021 slate. So we›re not anticipating moving things around,» said content chief Ted Sarandos.

Analysts say Netflix’s scale, in terms of its sheer number of ongoing productions and global presence, make it best-placed to weather the pandemic storm.

“Any other studio... might have four or five films in the can, or in post-production that they can still work on. But Netflix has possibly hundreds,” said Jeff Bock,

senior analyst at Exhibitor Relations.

“There are so many productions that are financed

by Netflix, it’s almost mind boggling. They’re almost putting out as much content as all the studios put together.”

The deep-pocketed platform can also turn to its vast network of overseas partners to license content -- often subtitled -- for domestic audiences.

But even Netflix’s content pipeline has inevitable limits if an unprecedented shutdown nobody could have predicted extends much longer.

“They like to put out a lot of content, each and every week,” said Bock. “Maybe as we go along into the fourth or fifth month in terms of lockdowns... they certainly will be ahead of the game, but they’ll certainly be hurt.”

New, original programming plays a bigger part in Netflix’s appeal than rival platforms like Disney+ -- home to the Mouse House’s enviable 80-year back catalog. Andrew Marszal, AFP

Keeping relationships

alive during lockdown P

ROTECTING your relationship during this time of stress and separation due to COVID-19 lockdown has been a bit of a challenge. No amount of virtual communication can replace physical intimacy and talking to the one you love in the flesh.

For celebrity life coach Myke Celis, who’s also the best selling author of the #bestmeever book series, this selfisolation that we are in is one game-changer when it comes to relationships. According to him, the quarantine threatens everyone with the drastic changes it brings.

Admittedly, people who are very much in love but have been separated by the enhanced community quarantine find it a little challenging to adjust simply because they have gotten used to being together.

Suddenly, no more after work strolls, Friday night days and weekend cuddles. And these changes can cause havoc in relationships if not addressed properly.

“It changes the way people view their relationships.

Whether romantic ones or those with their family and friends, people begin to re-assess their value. The lockdown makes us think whether a relationship is worth keeping during the time when we have little or no physical interaction with the people involved. This is particularly harder for those in the baby stages of their romantic relationship where being together always has become part of an unspoken routine,” Celis pointed out.

What exactly is the biggest issue that surfaces during the lockdown?

“More often than not, trust issues surface. People begin to doubt unreasonably. Simply because they can›t see the other person as often as they want to. Sometimes it›s also self-projection on the other person based on unresolved issues he or she may have before,” he related.

“People whose love language is quality time and physical touch can also have difficulties in expressing them because of the physical distancing the current COVID-19 situation requires,” he added.

Given those concerns, Celis further said that it is a case to case basis because some people take it as a challenge, others feel sad about it, and there are people who act angry and frustrated.

“There›s a certain longing to make things go back as they use to be. But truth be told, and I always say this, after the lockdown, every single one of us won›t be the same person Celebrity life again, based on the coach Myke Celis choices we made,” he stressed out.

Here are a few tips that the life coach suggests to help people and their relationships survive the enhanced community quarantine:

At the end of the day, whether or not there’s a pandemic, it takes two to tango to make relationships work.

‘Dobol B Sa News TV’ turns 3

DAILY newscast Dobol B Sa News TV celebrates another successful year and takes “Serbisyong Totoo” up a notch as it continues with its extended programming to deliver more relevant news and commentaries especially while the nation faces challenging times.

Fondly known via the tagline “Radyo na, TV pa!”, Dobol B sa News TV currently airs from 6:00 a.m. up to the 24 Oras simulcast every Monday to Sunday. It is led by the country’s most trusted and award-winning radio anchors – GMA News pillars Mike Enriquez and Arnold Clavio, as well as Ali Sotto, Melo Del Prado, Joel Reyes Zobel, Susan Enriquez, Nathaniel ‘Mang Tani’ Cruz, and Connie Sison.

An addition to its top-rating program line-up is the ”Bantay COVID-19 Special Coverage” bringing the

latest updates and stories on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we are grateful to be celebrating our 3rd anniversary, we also know that reliable news and information are very much needed as we face this crisis together. Rest assured that the men and women of Dobol B sa News TV are working tirelessly to deliver ’Serbisyong Totoo.’ And as our battle cry goes, walang iwanan!,” says GMA Network Vice President for Radio Operations Glenn F. Allona.

Dobol B sa News TV is the collaboration of GMA Network’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB 594khz and the country’s leading local news channel GMA News TV. Catch Dobol B Sa News TV on GMA News TV via Channel 27, and abroad via GMA News TV International.

According to Celis, while some couples are separated due to COVID-19 lockdown, they should never underestimate the power of video calls.

overwhelmed by your emotions. This will allow you and your partner to grow in harmony in your current space.

Have virtual dates Never underestimate the power of video calls (whether Facetime or via Whatsapp or Facebook). Then watch movies together online and enjoy your popcorn. Or go outside and exercise in the morning and show each other the sights you have seen via simultaneous video calls too. Virtual dates give you that feeling that you’re actually together with the real-time virtual interaction, which can lessen the longing.

Make your presence felt more Send Facebook messages once in a while. Funny memes.

Random pictures about how your day is going. Little things in between. Assure your partner that you are still there and that you are thinking about them.

Communicate openly This is very important if you want to make the relationship work. Be honest with your feelings. Express your fears, your worries, your concerns. Ask for support and give the same thing to your partner. By having a clear understanding of what each one is going through, you are able to prevent any complications that may arise from dangerous assumptions.

End your day always by asking the person See the how his or her day was lockdown This means a lot. Allow yourself and your loved one to enas a gage in a meaningful conversation. Be genuinely interested blessing and feel free to help your partner process everything that has

By changing your space from being resentful to being open, you are able to discover more and fully understand the situation without being

Fondly known via the tagline ‘Radyo na, TV pa!,’‘Dobol B Sa News TV’ celebrates another successful year.

happened that day. By ending each day on a positively clear note, you can ensure that both of you will be able to sleep soundly as you prepare for the next day ahead.

“It takes two to tango. Do your part. Remember why you fell in love with that person in the first place. Now, more than ever, is the best time to find more and more new reasons to fall in love with the same person as you find more and more ways to express it, given your current space. In the end, what’s meant to be, will be. Your love story, included,” Celis concluded.

A scene from ‘John Denver Trending’ with young actor Jansen Magpusao.

Cinemalaya best film ‘John Denver Trending’ streams for free CINEMALAYA 2019’s Best Film John Denver Trending, a story of a motherand-son’s heartbreaking fight against discrimination and bullying, is the latest film to join iWant’s collection of more than 1,000 free movies.

The film centers on the life of 14-yearold farm boy John (Jansen Magpusao), who is wrongly accused of stealing an iPad. As he defends himself, he gets into a brawl with a classmate, and his whole life is changed when a video of the incident spreads online. With no one but his strong-willed mother Marites (Meryll Soriano) on his side, a victim of cyber-bullying must go up against fake news, corrupt law enforcement, and incompetent local politicians to prove his innocence.

A film of firsts, John Denver Trending is the first feature film directed

by Arden Rod Condez and features an ensemble cast who are mostly first-time actors, including Jansen, who won the Cinemalaya 2019 Best Actor award. It also used Kiniray-a,

the native language of Antiquenos, and was shot in Pandan, Antique, the director’s hometown.

The cast also includes Glenn Mas, Sunshine Teodoro, Sammy Rubido, Vince Philip Alegre, Jofranz Ambubuyog, Christian Alarcon, Zandro Leo Canlog, Luz Venus, Andy Yuarata, Estela Patino, and Renato Sagot.

Apart from Best Film, it also won the NETPAC Jury Prize, Best Actor, Best Editing, Best Cinematograpy, and Best Original Score at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2019. It also bagged major awards at the Vesoul International Film Festival in France including Special Jury Prize, Audience›s Choice Award, and Critics› Choice Award, as well as several recognitions from various international film festivals.

John Denver Trending is now in competition in the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards and will be up for nominations.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

B3

NEW TRENDS IN FASHION:

Renewable energy, zero emissions

Kaia Gerber in Jimmy Choo spring 2020 campaign.

DOGS IN VOGUE. Michael Kors spring 2020 campaign, shot on the grounds of a Beverly Hills estate, showcases the timelessness of American style.

The label is part of Capri Holdings Limited which commits to net zero carbon emissions and 100 percent renewable energy by 2025.

T

HE fashion industry, with all its glory and breakthroughs, deeply hurts the planet.

Far from the inspired fashion editorials and stunning fashion shows, the ugly truth is that the industry produces 10 percent of the humanity’s carbon emissions, pollutes oceans with microplastics, and consumes an awful lot of water, among other environmental offenses.

A 2017 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that 35 percent of all microplastics in the ocean came from washing synthetic textiles such as polyester.

Fashion industry’s total carbon emissions are said to be worse than emissions from international flights and maritime shipping combined. And like a cherry on top of a sundae, a 2017 report estimated that it could jump to 26 percent by 2050 if it continues on its current trajectory.

Hence, fashion giants which own the world’s biggest brands come together to finally address the issue.

Luxury fashion group Capri Holdings Limited recently announced its group-

wide corporate social responsibility strategy which aims to net zero emissions and to source 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

Capri Holdings’ subsidiaries include Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, and Versace.

The report, released on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, builds upon the meaningful initiatives each of the company’s brands has already been working on.

It outlines the company’s global strategy to achieve significant, measurable goals across a range of important environmental and social sustainability issues, including material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste reduction, diversity and inclusion, and philanthropic giving.

Capri Holdings has set targets to be 100 percent carbon neutral in its direct operations and to source 100 percent of energy for its owned and operated facilities from renewable sources by 2025.

Building on its net zero carbon emis-

sions commitment, and in an effort to deliver on the goals of the Paris Agreement, the company will also commit to set emissions reduction targets across its operations and supply chain with the Science Based Targets initiative by 2021.

The company has additionally committed to, and has already been working towards, a number of important initiatives, including: all plastic in packaging to be recyclable, compostable, recycled, or reusable by 2025; 100 percent of point-of-sale packaging materials to be recyclable or sustainably sourced by 2025; partnering with key suppliers to reduce water use.

Other initiatives include traceability of its supply chain; sourcing at least 95 percent of its leather from certified tanneries by 2025; furthering diversity and inclusion within the organization; and supply chain empowerment programs focused on human rights and fair wages.

“We are proud of the actions our company is taking to drive positive environmental and social change within

our organization and our world,” enthused John D. Idol, chairman and chief executive of Capri Holdings.

Idol continued, “We recognize that as our company grows, so do our responsibilities, and welcome the opportunity

ADD TO CART

Virtual meeting-appropriate makeup routine

By Monica Sanchez

to dress for the job they have and for the place where they are.

The power to only look work-appropriate from the waist up.

BUSINESS on top, lounge on bottom. Today’s work-fromBelow are some useful makeup tips to appear smart and home arrangements have given remote employees the power presentable for those Skype, Zoom, or Facetime meetings.

Start with a fresh base Without the rush of everyday traffic, keeping skin looking healthy and glowing has become easier. Apply a small amount of BB cream or foundation like Ever Bilena Pro Flawless Finish Foundation starting from the middle of the face going outwards, blending properly using your fingertips or Ever Bilena Blend Me Sponge.

Light and even base and a subtle pop of neutral colors achieve that busybut-fresh work from home look.

Go easy on the eyeshadow While it can be tempting to play with those fun, but terribly unused eyeshadow palettes, opt for light or neutral shades. Ever Bilena Eyeshadow Pink Palette consists of six neutral and classic shades that match everyday m a keup.

It is pigmented a n d blendable for easier a p pl ic a tion.

SSI brands now online Some of SSI Group brands will be available through the Rustan’s Department Store online store (rustans.com).

Under the “Shop Now, Ship Later” scheme, shoppers may browse and order from Makeroom, Superga, and Furla on the site. orders will be delivered once the ECQ has been lifted.

More specialty brands such as Brooks Brothers, Coach, Kurt Geiger, Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Michael Kors will be available in the coming weeks.

Other e-commerce platforms such as BananaRepublic.com.ph, DuneLondon. ph, Gap.com.ph, Lacoste.com.ph, Pay- Coach’s colorful crossbody bags less.ph, and Superga.ph continue to serve its customers and accept orders, but will resume deliveries only after the ECQ has ended.

Email customerservice@ssigroup.com.ph for inquiries.

Get a little Lush

Conceal dark circles Bad lighting makes those dark circles even darker. Cover them using a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone. On top of foundation, apply Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer on the darkest shadows of your eye bags to even out the color of your under eye.

This concealer can also be used to spot conceal other skin imperfections.

to do more. We believe that sound environmental and social policies are both ethically correct and fiscally responsible.

To that end, we are committed to improving the way we work in order to better the world in which we live.” Steph Llarena

Define your eyes effortlessly

And on your lips, too

No time to draw a perfect cat eye? Opt for a mascara instead to liven up those peepers. Swipe on EB Advance Lash Define Mascara to visibly define and lengthen top and bottom lashes with its waterproof jet black ink.

Go for neutral lipstick shades to make you look more formal. Ever Bilena Matte Nude Lipsticks come in six colors that complement the brand’s eyeshadow palettes.

Add color to your cheeks It’s pretty easy to look pale in video calls, so add a flush a color on your face.

Blend a generous amount of the multipurpose Ever Bilena Matte Color Stick over the apples of your cheeks all the way through your cheekbones for a natural-looking flush.

Check to see if your makeup appears as desired. Sit where there is ample lighting so your colleagues can see you clearly.

The aforementioned products are available on the brand’s official Lazada store.

Stock up on Mask of Magnaminty, shampoo bars, and other handmade cosmetics as Lush opens its online store (lush.com.ph).

Free shipping applies to orders worth P2,500 and up. Delivery covers Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. Orders previously placed from March 13 onwards will be prioritized accordingly.

Provincial customers outside of Luzon may still place their orders online, however, because of the travel restrictions in place, Lush will only be able to process orders once ECQ measures have been lifted.

Mask of Magnaminty from Lush

The beauty bar is open

Skin care and cosmetics retailer Beauty Bar now accepts online orders for delivery.

Metro Manila orders made through beautybar.com.ph will be delivered within five days, and the rest of Luzon within 10 days. Delays might be expected due to limited delivery couriers.

Beauty Bar staff practices proper sanitation before packing all ordered items, disinfecting and sealing the goods to ensure they are safe when they reach the customers. However, wiping down the boxes and products is still encouraged as a precautionary measure.

Product inquiries may be directed Beauty Bar now accepts online orders to custserv@beautybar.com.ph. for delivery.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

B4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

Motoring

Auto importers downbeat amid lockdown; sales dip

Fueling the frontline workers

P

ROSPECTS for recovery of one of the major economic drivers, the auto industry, are dampened by the continuing lockdown of Luzon and parts ofVisayas and Minanao, following a hefty 34% drop in sales for the first quarter.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID) – with 20 member companies representing 26 global brands – recorded sales of only 14,404 units.

Most, if not all, dealerships and their accompanying repair and maintenance facilities have been closed since March 16, 2020, AVID said. Based on government data, the Philippine automotive sector, directly and indirectly, employs 408,000 people.

“The local industry is reeling from this invisible enemy as vehicle manufacturing, importation, distribution, and maintenance have stopped completely. Demand has likewise declined as consumers spend on more urgent needs.

With this disruption, we estimate that car sales may drop by around 40% for the year,” AVID President Ma. Fe PerPer ez-Agudo said.

“The industry is no stranger to adversity but this pandemic will be our toughest challenge yet. We estimate that it would take at least 12 months for the local industry to recover once the ECQ is completely lifted. There will be a ‘new normal’ and we must be quick to adapt since Filipino consumers will be even more prudent and looking for more value in their purchases,” Ms. Agudo added.

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 43% in the first quarter of 2020 with 4,506 units sold versus the 7,848 units in the same period last year. Hyundai leads this segment with 2,724 units sold, followed by Suzuki with 1,127 units and Ford with 415 units.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, year-to-date sales dipped by over 29% with 9,806 units sold. Ford leads this segment with a total of 3,479 units while Hyundai comes in second with 2,797 units closely followed by Suzuki with 2,740 units.

Commercial Vehicles (CV) sales declined by 62% to just 92 units over the period.

2nd quarter sales may dip even further due to the ECQ for the whole month of April and at least half of May in major urban areas.

AVID noted, however, that despite the bleak short-term outlook, many members have joined the nation’s battle to fight COVID-19. Several AVID companies are providing free mobility which includes the transport of our front liners, medical supplies, and essential goods across the country. Some have donated personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, gloves, etc. to COVID facilities. Others are supporting their home communities and LGUs. “Mobility is the lifeblood that drives the nation’s economy and this has been further underscored by this pandemic. Hospitals, groceries, and other essential establishments rely on mobility for sustained operations. We are working closely with our stakeholders so we can resume serour operations, especially our repair and maintenance ser vices, in a manner that protects the health and safety of our workforce and customers, once the ECQs and GCQs are lifted,” Ms. Agudo added.

AVID member companies have used the lockdown to develop COVID-ready processes, structures, and organizations. Health protection and safety strategies are being put in place for employees, business partners, and to meet the emerging needs of the customer in the next normal environment. It added that the industry is very much aware of the protocols on social distancing - wearing of appropriate protective equipment, and additional sanitation measures— which it committed to observe. As an added layer of protection, some AVID members will be conducting antibody testing prior to the re-entry of their workforce. This will be done as part of Project ARK, a private sector-led initiative to conduct mass testing for the new coronavirus at the community level.

“AVID fully supports the government’s initiatives to combat this pandemic and we remain optimistic and confident in the tried and tested resilience of the Filipino. The timely restart of the automotive sector is of utmost importance to mitigate the impact of this crisis since tens of thousands of Filipinos and their families depend on this sector. There is life after COVID and we will be there to ensure better journeys ahead,” she ended. Motoring@MS

RANGER DELIVERS Built-Ford-tough qualities put to good use THE Ford Ranger has put its Built Ford Tough capabilities to good use after helping transport food and medical supplies to various frontliners amid the enhanced community quarantine.

Ford Philippines partnered with San Miguel Foods to deliver over 49,000 pieces of baked products and breads to frontliners in various local government units (LGU), police districts, parishes, charities and hospitals around Metro

Manila. The delivery took place daily over a course of two weeks.

Ford also joined forces with The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service Foundation and AmCham Foundation to facilitate the delivery of medical supplies to various hospitals onboard the Ford Ranger. The medical supplies consisted of personal protective equipment, face masks, gloves, shower caps, and alcohol products that will benefit medical frontliners.

Ford also transported via the Ford Ranger its own donations of medical supplies to medical frontliners from Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Ospital ng Muntinlupa, and San Juan De Dios Hospital.

Ford also donated medical supplies to Philippine College of Occupational Medicine and Bauan Medical Society, its partner medical organizations in its

Toyota group steps up production of face shields TOYOTA City—Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Group companies are engaged in fullscale production of medical face shields in Japan, with Toyota largely expanding its production capacity from 500 to 600 units per week by approximately 20 times to start production of 40,000 units per month (approximately 2,000 units per day) from April 27.

Toyota plans to further expand in-house production to approximately 70,000 pieces per month (approximately 3,600 pieces per day).

Toyota Group companies now producing medical face shields include Toyota Motor East Japan, Inc., which provided 3,000 units it produced to Miyagi Prefecture on April 20, and Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu)*1, and Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino), which have all started trial production, with Daihatsu and Hino now providing medical face shields to medical facilities in their immediate areas.

Additionally, Toyota Industries Corporation plans to produce 10,000 units per month (approximately 500 units per day) from April 29, and Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. is furthering considerations toward starting production of medical face shields from midMay. The Toyota Group has posi-

medical missions.

“We recognize the urgency of transporting food and medical supplies during these times of restricted mobility. With our Ford Ranger pickup truck, we are able to deliver these essential products to our medical and healthcare frontliners so they can continue to perform their critical tasks,” shares PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. “With the Ford Ranger and its payload capacity, we can deliver big bulks of food and medical supplies with lesser trips, making the delivery operations faster and more efficient.”

Earlier into the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine, Ford lent its Ford Transit van to Lifeline 16911 to transport medical frontliners to Lifeline’s standalone ambulance stations spread across Metro

tioned this initiative for supporting the around-the-clock efforts of the frontlines of the medical sector, which are working hard to diagnose and treat patients for COVID-19, as part of Toyota’s Kokoro Hakobu Project*2. Going forward, the Toyota Group intends to prioritize the provision of the medical face shields it produces to medical facilities and local governments in the localities of the various companies of the group.

Based on the policy to be “mindful of the feelings of those in the midst of this pandemic, reach conclusions more swiftly, make prompt decisions, and take immediate action faster than ever focusing on safety and security as the highest priorities,” Toyota and Toyota Group companies will do what they can to help efforts on the frontlines of treatment and in limiting the further spread of COVID-19, which has become society’s biggest priority.

The Kokoro Hakobu Project (with “Kokoro Hakobu” meaning “to carry or deliver one’s heart” in Japanese) has been the collective name of nationwide initiatives by Toyota, Toyota sales outlets in Japan, and their employees to provide continuous and long-term support to disaster-affected areas in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The name has the connotation of “carrying you in our hearts.” Based on Toyota’s desire to contribute in some way to people who have contracted and are suffering from COVID-19, as well as to the medical professionals, Japan’s central government, and local governments in Japan fighting the disease night and day, Toyota has decided to apply “The Kokoro Hakobu Project” as its overall moniker for related support activities conducted by companies of the Toyota Group working together. Motoring@MS

Manila. Another Ford Transit van was lent to Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City to shuttle medical workers from various pick-up points in the city to the hospital and then back to designed drop-off points. Both Lifeline 16911 and Asian Hospital will be able to use the Ford Transit vans until May 4, 2020.

IN TIMES like these, you can count on socially responsible companies. Take for instance Petron Corporation, a major oil company that has partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to help with the transportation needs of medical frontliners.

Petron has extended its fuel subsidy assistance for participating bus units in the Free Ride Service for Health Workers Program until 15 May 2020.

The move follows the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) now being enforced in the entire Luzon and other “high risk” areas in the country.

Since 13 April 2020, Petron Corporation has been granting free fuel to bus companies that are participating in the Free Ride Service for Health Workers Program, which aims to transport frontline health workers to hospitals and medical communities daily as the country continues its fight to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Petron’s fuel subsidy was made possible through the donation of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure. Petron will continue to provide 50 liters of fuel to 60 vehicle units per day or a total daily allocation of 3,000 liters.

Four Petron stations (4) are assigned to accommodate participating private bus units. These Petron stations are located at Filinvest in Alabang, Macapagal Blvd. in Parañaque City, East Avenue in Quezon City, and in Mandaluyong City.

“It is a welcome development that our oil company partners are extending their fuel subsidies for the Free Ride Service for Health Workers. Secretary Tugade, and the whole of DOTr, are grateful for Petron’s generosity. This help will go a long way especially now that the ECQ will go on until May 15,” DOTr Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon Jr. said.

The DOTr Free Bus Service for Health Workers Program, which started on 18 March 2020, has partnered with various government agencies and private bus companies to transport frontline health workers since the start of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Aside from Petron, the DOTr has also partnered with other oil firms such as Clean Fuel and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., which have also extended their respective fuel subsidy assistance programs for the DOTr Free Bus Service for Health Workers Program until May 15. The other oil companies that have provided fuel subsidies were Seaoil Philippines and Total Philippines.

Currently, the program has recorded a total of 429,927 ridership as of 26 April 2020.

Malacañang earlier announced the extension of the enforcement period of the ECQ in the National Capital Region, other parts of Luzon, and other areas that are considered “high risk” for COVID-19 until 15 May 2020. The ECQ was initially set to end on 30 April. Motoring@MS