Manila Standard - 2020 April 30 - Thursday

UST-LEGAZPI GRAD LEADS 2,103 BAR PASSERS; UP, ATENEO FAIL TOP 10

By Rey E. Requejo

of 91.0490 percent.

Mae Diane Azores of UST Legazpi—formerly of A LAW graduate from the University of Santo Tomas- Aquinas University—received the highest rating among Legazpi City topped the 2019 Bar Exams with a rating the 2,103 candidates who passed the exams last year, the Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM APRIL 29)

8,212

AREAS UNDER ECQ (until May 15)

Metro Manila Central Luzon (except Aurora province) Calabarzon (Region 4-A) Pangasinan

NUMBER OF CASES

558 (28 new)

Benguet Baguio City Iloilo Cebu Province Cebu City Davao City

DEATHS

1,023 (48 new) RECOVERIES

254

FROM ECQ TO GCQ (starting May 1)

Capiz Aklan Davao del Norte

Davao de Oro Iloilo City Aurora

NEW CASES

Roadblock common sense VOL. XXXIV • NO. 70 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace to ECQ enforcers: Be mindful of law in disciplining violators

By Vito Barcelo and Jimbo Owen Gulle

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UTHORITIES should use “common sense” in deciding who are allowed to pass checkpoints and in imposing discipline on violators of the Enhanced Community Quarantine implemented to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Palace said Wednesday.

Without guidelines for the specific conduct of ECQ enforcers on the local and national levels, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that while President Rodrigo Duterte’s order was to enforce the ECQ strictly in their respective localities, authorities “should still follow the law.”

This developed as the Philippine

National Police said it will tighten the implementation of quarantine rules, as the number of police officers afflicted with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rose to 89.

“We need everybody’s cooperation as we strictly impose the law in this time of national emergency,” PNP spokesperson Next page

AID FOR KALINGA.

An elderly woman receives emergency cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program from a soldier of the 50th Infantry Battalion and the city social welfare office of Tabuk City in Kalinga, as 393 residents of three barangays received aid with the help of the military, firefighters and police on Wednesday.

Philippine Army photo

PH virus cases hit 8,212, deaths 558

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja THE number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 has reached 8,212 as 254 new cases were confirmed Wednesday.

Total fatalities as a result of the disease

ECQ PUNISHMENT.

Curfew violators who roamed the streets of Antipolo City are made to exercise by authorities amid the extension of the Luzon-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Antipolo City Facebook page

climbed to 558 as 28 new deaths were reported. On the other hand, 1,023 people have recovered from the disease, 48 of them logged on Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said the Philippines will likely miss its target of at least 8,000 COVID-19 tests a day by April 30 but said the goal will be

met “in the coming days.”

The failure to meet the target of mass testing was the result of a slowdown in the processing of tests, she said.

She cited the case at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), where manpower has been reduced after Next page

US records 1m COVID infections WASHINGTON—The United States on Tuesday recorded its one-millionth coronavirus case as countries including Spain, Russia and Nigeria took tentative steps back towards normal life by preparing to reopen some businesses.

Excitement over partial easing of the lockdowns affecting more than half of humanity has been tempered by fear of new outbreaks and growing evidence of the economic devastation wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US—where millions of jobs have gone—reached another grim milestone as it registered 58,351 deaths, a larger loss of life than recorded by the US military in the Vietnam War. Next page

‘Balik Probinsya’ top gov’t priority in post-pandemic THE proposal to grant incentives and livelihood assistance to Filipinos who want to return to their respective provinces after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the ‘top

priority” of the government, Malacañang proposal of Senator Christopher Lawrence said on Wednesday.

Go is now under discussion.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, Roque said the government is finding in an interview over ABS-CBN News ways to assist those who wish to return to Next page Channel, said the “Balik Probinsya”

No June opening for grade school, August likely for all CLASSES for grade school students will not begin in June due to the prevailing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which, as of Wednesday infected 8,212 and killed 558, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this clarification amid the intention of some private schools to start classes in June by implementing a “multi-modal approach” which allows combination of both face-to-face and online classes.

Roque reiterated that only Higher Education Institutions may resume operations on a skeletal workforce in areas not under the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“I can announce that there will be no classes this June for grade school, but for higher education institutes, they can have skeletal forces but only to finish the academic year and only to consider alternative learning,” Roque said in a

television interview.

Andy Lord Cabie, who has two sons at the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cainta, welcomed Malacanang’s announcement after the Federation of Associations of Private Schools, after a video consultation with DepEd officials, declared its intention to open classes in June.

“No can do,” Cabie said in his Facebook account, adding “they can start the academic year this June all they want (but) my kids are staying home.”

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) earlier recommended moving the next school opening to September, subject to the approval of the DepEd. DepEd, which is eyeing the opening of classes in late August, is set to present its recommendations to the IATF-EID in Next page May.

Dominguez: Pass CITIRA bill

By Julito G. Rada F I N A N C E Secretary Carlos Dominguez III urged lawmakers on Wednesday to urgently pass the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act (CITIRA) bill to stimulate the sagging economy due to the pandemic coronavirus.

In a Harvard Business Group's briefing, Dominguez cited the move of the Congress to pass a legislation for a stimulus bill, which he said "won't pass very easily."

"Hearings in House, Senate, right? Right now we already have the CITIRA bill passed in the House and it is already in the Next page

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Mark COVID cuts, DBM asked

By Maricel V. Cruz

He said workers were also expecting to return to their jobs once the extended Enhanced Community Quarantine was lifted or relaxed.

“Remember, there is life after COVID-19 or after ECQ. It means there should be development in every part of the country,” Cayetano said.

He said allocations for travel were funds that could also be used to fight COVID-19, as well as the expenses for paper and other office supplies.

If an office had ordered P500 million worth of paper, only P100 million could be spent and the rest diverted to the COVID-19 fund, Cayetano said.

The department might be correct in withholding releases for some projects to reserve funds for COVID-19, but it should inform Congress about the projects, programs and activities that would be affected by the cost-cutting

measures, Cayetano said.

“Budget officials should be extra careful in the use of funds because of the graft and corruption cases filed against previous bureaucrats, but there is now complete transparency and people will understand

how funds are used,” Cayetano said.

Last week, the department issued a circular withholding the release of 35 percent of the programmed appropriations for this year and imposing mandatory savings of 10 percent on nonessential expenditures.

Cayetano said there were certain infrastructure projects programmed for this year that could be done next year, but “there are roads and bridges whose implementation this year could not be postponed.”

“For instance, the ongoing multi-year bridge construction. The funds for it should not be touched. Implementation has to continue,” Cayetano said.

Road...

Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement late Tuesday.

Roque said those who made mistakes while enforcing ECQ restrictions will be disciplined.

According to existing ECQ guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, LGUs are merely “charged with the promotion of health and safety within their jurisdiction.”

“LGUs are strictly enjoined to use the various issuances of the National Government as guidelines and may not overextend its implementation nor leave out its explicit provisions,” the IATF directive last March 24, two weeks into the lockdown of Luzon, says.

The general rule is mandatory home quarantine for people living in ECQ areas, except for certain frontliners and except when leaving home to buy basic necessities.

Police and local government officials across the region have varied widely in punishing ECQ violations, from merely confiscating persons' quarantine passes and making them exercise on basketball courts to imprisoning men in dog cages and using physical violence.

The Palace statement came after a fish vendor was beaten by members of a Quezon City task force and arrested for not wearing a face mask.

The city government said it would investigate the incident, which was captured on video and posted online.

“I believe this incident in Quezon City will be investigated fairly by Mayor Joy Belmonte and a punishment will be imposed on the barangay officials if they are proven guilty,” he said.

Video footage showed members of the task force hitting the vendor with a piece of wood and dragging him towards a city government van.

Quezon City legal officer Niño Casimiro said the vendor was brought to a government hospital for a medical checkup. Based on the medico-legal

report, the victim had “abrasions.”

The Commission on Human Rights and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said human rights must be upheld during the ECQ period, which is expected to lapse on May 15.

Meanwhile, Roque also urged police, military, and local officials at checkpoints to allow the unhampered passage of basic necessities such as food, medicine and medical supplies.

“Although we know the rules, we have to see this on a case to case basis. Those who need medical attention should be allowed to pass through. Let’s use our common sense,” he said.

On Sunday, a delivery van carrying medical oxygen tanks was barred by a purok leader from exiting a checkpoint in Quezon City.

Based on the video uploaded on Facebook by Gina Romanos, the supplier, she and her live-in partner showed a quarantine pass and their Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Internal Revenue and mayor’s permits to be able to pass through the checkpoint in Zytec Riosa Compound in Barangay Pasong Tamo but purok leader Noel Talon still stopped them from leaving.

Romanos said the purok leader told them that they are still not authorized to operate and to travel during the ECQ. With the help of some barangay officials, Romanos said they were able to pass through and successfully deliver the oxygen tank to the patient.

Romanos, whose family has been a supplier of medical oxygen tanks for 10 years, said they will file charges against the purok leader.

As of Tuesday noon, PNP Health Service director Brig. Gen. Herminio Tadeo Jr. said there were 559 suspect and 199 probable COVID-19 cases in the police force.

The Palace on Wednesday said all areas that have been omitted from the list of places under ECQ will now be under General Community Quarantine beginning May 1.

This developed after the IATF-EID revised the roster of areas under GCQ. In an interview with ANC, Roque said

Capiz, Aklan, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Iloilo City and Aurora have been removed from the list of areas that are still under ECQ until May 15.

“I confirm that these areas will be on GCQ effective May 1,” Roque said.

The IATF-EID on Monday approved Resolution 29, which extends the ECQ in Metro Manila; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Calabarzon (Region 4-A); Pangasinan; Benguet; Baguio City; Iloilo; Cebu; Cebu City; and Davao City until May 15.

The original recommendation of IATFEID, which was approved by President Duterte on April 23, was to place Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, Catanduanes, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Oriental Mindoro, Antique, Iloilo, Cebu, and Cebu City under ECQ until May 15.

Roque said other areas that are not on the revised list would also be under GCQ from May 1 to 15.

Public movement in areas under GCQ is less restricted.

People living in areas under ECQ are still required to observe strict home quarantine unless they are among the exempted individuals who can go out of their homes.

This is meant to stop the further transmission COVID-19, which has so far infected 7,958 individuals in the country.

The imposition, lifting, or extension of the quarantine in provinces, highly urbanized cities, and independent component cities will rest on the IATFEID starting May 16.

Provincial governors have the authority to impose ECQ in component cities, municipalities, and villages upon the concurrence of their respective regional inter-agency task groups.

Roque said the IATF will release guidelines for the limited resumption of public transportation under a GCQ on Thursday.

“There will be a partial reopening of transport because while industries are open, we can’t have people traveling without transport. It will be finalized today. By tomorrow (Thursday), we will find out the final guideline,” Roque said in

an interview over GMA TV. Under the GCQ, Roque said the IATF has recommended the resumption of public transport “but in a reduced capacity.”

Jeepneys may remain banned under the GCQ since it would be difficult to maintain physical distancing while buses may be allowed for as long as passengers are seated on “every other seat,” he said.

The IATF-EID is also eyeing the resumption of limited operations of the LRT, MRT and the Philippine National Railways.

Public transport remains suspended under the ECQ, which was extended in Metro Manila and some areas until May 15.

The IATF has also recommended the 50 percent to 100 percent reopening of select establishments “subject to minimum health standards” in areas under GCQ, Roque said.

Starting Friday, the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, Davao del Norte, Davao del Oro, and Aurora, as well as Iloilo City will be under GCQ. Several sectors, including malls and commercial centers, will be allowed to reopen subject to strict hygiene standards.

However, Roque said mall owners will be required to keep their air-conditioning temperatures warm--at least 26°C-- to prevent people from loitering.

Roque said the IATF may also tackle the possibility of requiring the elderly and children to remain indoors during the GCQ since they are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Under the GCQ, mass gatherings such as concerts, conferences, parades, among others are still prohibited and the public will still be required to wear face masks.

The IATF's recommendations are still subject to the approval of President Duterte.

Also on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said private companies reopening in GCQ areas have the option to test employees for COVID-19 when necessary.

Only those that are suspected to have the disease and are showing symptoms will be screened, Lopez said in an interview on radio dzMM.

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The overall US case load rose to 1,011,877 in a public health disaster that could threaten President Donald Trump’s re-election chances.

Excitement over moves towards normality is being tempered by fear of fresh outbreaks of the disease, as new coronavirus has killed at least 214,451 people since the outbreak first emerged in China in December, according to a tally compiled by AFP at 1900 GMT on Tuesday.

More than three million cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories, although the official tally is widely thought to lag far behind the actual figures.

But some countries have reported falling infection numbers, and governments have begun to chart their way out of the shutdowns.

European countries are working to find a balance in how far to ease coronavirus lockdowns, with Germany enforcing mandatory masks in all shops from Wednesday, as the crushing global economic cost of the pandemic becomes clearer.

Even a gradual return to everyday activity is “risky”, warned French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, as he unveiled plans to gradually end the lockdown starting next month.

From Wednesday in Germany, masks will be needed to enter shops, which began to open last week after the government declared its outbreak under control.

Nose and mouth coverings are already compulsory on buses, trains and trams.

“We all need to take care that we don’t end up with more infections,” said Lothar Wieler, president of Berlin’s Robert Koch Institute.

Forecasts warn of the worst global recession in a century, with demand for goods gutted, and travel and tourism hammered.

British Airways became the latest airline to sound the alarm, saying it may have to cut its workforce by a third, while big banks are reporting deep falls in quarterly profit. AFP

some of its staff got infected with COVID-19.

She said the Department of Health intends to increase its coronavirus testing capacity by April 30 as several areas are set to shift to a less strict community quarantine by May 1.

She said government-accredited laboratories have a testing capacity of 6,320 but for the last three days, actual tests averaged 4,443 a day.

The Philippines currently has 19 accredited COVID-19 testing centers.

Meanwhile, Senator Richard J. Gordon proposed the creation of an independent and competent Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

In filing Senate Bill No. 1440, or the Philippine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Act (Philippine CDC Act), Gordon pointed out that the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreaks of different infectious diseases highlight the lack of preparedness and capability of the country’s public health units to effectively prevent and control possible epidemics of communicable diseases.

“With almost 8,000 confirmed cases and a death toll of more than 500, in our country alone, this ongoing pandemic is a dire reminder that communicable and infectious diseases and public health threats respect no borders,” Gordon said.

Under SBN 1440, the proposed national center for disease control and prevention, which will be attached to the Department of Health for policy and program coordination, will be the country’s principal health protection agency tasked to prevent and manage the spread of diseases and other health threats originating domestically and internationally.

With sufficient funding and equipped with bio-safety level 2-4 laboratories, the CDC will be the country’s epidemiology and surveillance body, which will develop and maintain a network of reference and specialized laboratories for pathogen detection, disease surveillance and outbreak response and will strengthen diagnostic capacity for laboratory surveillance of infectious diseases.

their respective provinces subject to the quarantine requirements.

Quarantine measures are currently in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Under the proposed “Balik Probinsya” program introduced by Go, Metro Manila residents who want to be relocated to their respective provinces after the COVID-19 outbreak will be provided free transportation and livelihood assistance.

The proposed relocation would begin once the pandemic is over.

Roque said the government is looking for best ways, including long-term solutions, to address the challenges that Filipinos are facing amid the health crisis.

Go earlier said the “Balik Probinsya” program is a long-term plan that intends to help the public adapt to the “new normal” after the COVID-19 crisis.

Go said his proposal would address overpopulation, traffic congestion and pollution in Metro Manila.

He added that the government would also be able to prepare for future possible disease outbreaks, other crises and natural disasters once the relocation program is implemented.

In a televised public address on April 23, President Rodrigo Duterte said the “Balik Probinsya” program is a good proposal because it would give hope to Filipinos who are in Metro Manila but want to be relocated.

The 2015 census revealed that Metro Manila is home to 12.87 million Filipinos.

Deliver aid, local officials told Malacanang on Wednesday warned local government officials to effectively deliver all financial aid to poor families before the end of the month or face sanctions.

Roque said President Duterte recognizes the suffering of people living under quarantine restrictions and wants concerned local government officials to hasten the distribution of the emergency subsidy. Vito Barcelo, Macon RamosAraneta

Supreme Court announced.

The result stunned the legal community following the failure of the Bar takers from the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo Law School to make it to the top.

None of the law graduates from the UP-College of Law and the Ateneo Law School made it to the top 10 last year.

The examinees who also obtained the highest ratings were Princess Fatima Parahiman, a graduate of the University of the East who placed second with 89.5230 percent, and Myra Baranda, also of USTLegazpi, who landed third with a score of 88.8250 percent.

In fourth place was Dawna Fya Bandiola of San Beda College Alabang with 88.3360 percent, while Jocelyn Fabello of Palawan State University took fifth with 88.2630 percent.

With a rating of 88.173 percent, Kenneth Glenn Manuel of the University of Santo Tomas placed sixth, while Rhowee Buergo of Jose Rizal University landed seventh with 87.8710 percent.

Anton Luis Avila of Saint Louis University took eighth place with 87.5820 percent, followed by Jun Dexter Rojas of Polytechnic University of the Philippines with 87.5765 percent and Bebelan Madera of the University of St. La Salle with 87.3795 percent, the two who landed ninth and 10th, respectively.

PEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano has called for a dialogue between Congress leaders and Budget department officials to discuss planning and transparency in the war against COVID-19.

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Senate and it is a stimulus bill because it reduces taxes for everyone, whether or not you were hit by the COVID virus.

Everyone was hit but others were worse," Dominguez said.

"I encourage them to please pass the CITIRA bill because of tax incentives there that can act as stimulus to the economy," Dominguez said.

Dominguez noted the socio-economic impact of the pandemic, adding the

Palace respects Taiwan’s call on anti-Rody OFW

By Vito Barcelo and Rio N. Araja MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said it would respect the decision of Taiwan refusing to deport Filipino caregiver Elanel Egot Ordidor who criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response on social media.

In a television interview, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippine government could not compel Taiwan to deport Ordidor for her “nasty” remarks against the Duterte administration.

“The deportation is a decision to be made solely by Taiwanese authorities. We respect that decision and, of course, in the same way that we will enforce our law on all foreigners while they are under our jurisdiction,” Roque said.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ou Jiangan said the rights and interests of its foreign workers were protected by the country’s laws and regulations and would not deport the Filipino caregiver because she did not violate their laws and regulations.

The Taiwanese official also said Taiwan was a sovereign, independent country where foreign workers enjoy 'citizen treatment,' and their rights and interests are protected by relevant laws and regulations, including freedom of speech, which should be respected by governments of all countries.

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Roque said: “I don’t think there’s much of a difference between the recommendation of the IATF and the law because we’re only talking of one week. I think that can be threshed out.”

Although continuity of learning is important, Roque said “the primary consideration now is the health of the nation.”

Citing a study by the University of the Philippines, Roque said the youth “have the most contact with vulnerable populations including the elderly.”

“As far as epidemiology is concerned, the worst ‘carriers’ are actually young people,” he said.

Last April 23, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the IATF-EID’s recommendation to place Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, Catanduanes, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Iloilo, Cebu, and Cebu City under ECQ until May 15 since these are considered as high-risk areas.

But the EITF-EID recommended to revise the list of areas to be placed under ECQ, Roque announced on Tuesday.

The revised list includes Metro Manila; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Calabarzon; Pangasinan; Benguet; Baguio City; Iloilo; Cebu; Cebu City; and Davao City.

Roque said other areas will be placed under a less-stringent general community quarantine from May 1 to 15.

GCQ in low-risk areas may be lifted after May 15, in case there is no deterioration in their risk level.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights urged the government to respect the views and opinions of the public amid the pandemic.

"We continue to remind the government that public service requires a higher tolerance for opinions and criticisms, especially that a democracy works best when there are healthy discourses on governance; thereby, allowing greater accountability from our public officials," lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

She reacted to a move to deport an overseas Filipino worker in Taiwan— Elanel Egot Ordidor, a caregiver—for her online criticisms against the Duterte administration.

"It is then a cause of concern when a Labor Attaché works towards the deportation of Filipina caregiver, later named Elanel Egot Ordidor employed in Yunlin County, Taiwan, -over what appears to be an exercise of her right to express concerns on the plight of fellow Filipinos in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic," the commission's statement read. Rio N. Araja government was anticipating a significant contraction of the country's gross national product.

"By our estimates, we expect as many as 1.2 million jobs will be temporarily lost. That sets back over recent gains in employment and poverty reduction," he said.

He said revenues would likely remain flat or fall below 2019 levels and budget deficit could widen to 5.3 percent of GDP. "We will need to bridge this gap with additional borrowings. Our debt to GDP ratio could increase to 6.7 percent," he said.

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Tondo lockdown set on weekend

By Willie Casas MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso announced on Wednesday that the entire Tondo 1 district will be placed under hard lockdown this weekend.

Domagoso said the city government will conduct mass testing operations during the looming 48-hour lockdown of Tondo 1 amid the continuous rise of positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“We will try again 48 hours. I think that is good enough to do massive testing,” Domagoso said.

“I’m hoping that it will have a better effect with regard sa infection or contagion of COVID-19,” he added.

According to Domagoso, the executive order for the lockdown is being finalized and will be released to the public today (Thursday).

The mayor said that all wet and dry markets as well as grocery stores inside the Tondo 1 area will be closed during the hard lockdown.

Likewise, four public schools are being targeted as sites to conduct the mass testing for Tondo 1 residents.

Domagoso said these are the Rosario Almario Elementary School, T. Paez High School, Tondo High School, and Isabelo Delos Reyes Elementary School.

As of Tuesday, April 28, there are about 81 active cases of COVID-19, and 222 suspected cases in Tondo 1.

CLOSED. The Emergency Room of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center in Domagoso earlier ordered the shutdown Tondo, Manila is temporarily closed starting Wednesday, April 29, for disinfection procedure of Sampaloc district due to the rise of COafter at least seven of their medical staff tested positive for COVID-19. It will reopen on May 5, VID-19 cases in the area. according to officials. Norman Cruz

IN BRIEF DSWD releases funds for Antique seniors UP TO 40,440 senior citizens in Antique will receive their social pension as the Department of Social Welfare and Development released the amount needed--P121,320,000 last week.

This was revealed by Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda, who said the release was done in line with the Special Guidelines on the Provision of Social Measures to the Affected Residents of the Areas Under Community Quarantine and Continuation of the Implementation of the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and the Supplementary Feeding Programs.

Legarda, the principal author of the Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009, expressed hopes that the social pension will ease the burden of indigent senior citizens during the COVID-19 crisis and will augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs.

“It is our responsibility in the government to provide timely social assistance to our senior citizens in need, especially in this time of crisis,” Legarda said. Maricel V. Cruz

Gov’t, NDFP urged to heed call on humanitarian pause HOUSE Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Wednesday called on the Duterte administration and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to support the United Nations Security Council plans to call for a 90-day “humanitarian pause” in conflicts worldwide as part of the ongoing struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being a member country of the UN, the Duterte administration should readily support this call, especially that the country is still reeling from the grave effects of the COVID-19 crisis,” Zarate said.

Zarate also said the NDFP should also support this call “since it has also previously acceded to the UN’s call last March for a ceasefire among parties in conflict in this time of pandemic.”

It was reported that an initial version of the UN resolution last week--co-authored by France and Tunisia--only asked for a 30-day pause,along with a call to end all hostilities in the involved countries and to increase international cooperation to counter the virus.

The new draft, which was revised on Monday, now “calls upon all parties to armed conflicts to engage immediately in a durable humanitarian pause for at least 90 consecutive days.” Maricel V. Cruz

DAR warns against use of bogus IDs, passes THE Department of Agrarian Reform on Wednesday warned its field officials against illegal use of fake agrarian reform beneficiary identification card and quarantine accreditation pass.

Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Office Luis Meinrado Pangulayan reminded the DAR field officials to guard themselves against the fabrication and distribution of such bogus IDs and passes.

DAR has been issuing ID cards for the facilitation of the farmers’ accessibility to government aid, while the quarantine accreditation passes are issued to enable the farmers to continue supplying agricultural products to critical areas affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

“Vigilance must always be observed in preventing the existence of fake agrarian reform beneficiary IDs, the issuance and distribution of which are based on Memorandum Circulars No. 4, and No. 9, Series of 2020, and bogus quarantine accreditation passes, the issuance of which are based on MC No. 5 Series of 2020.” Pangulayan said. Rio N. Araja

‘Relax ECQ on low-risk NCR cities’ A

GROUP of Metro Manila mayors whose cities and municipality are not as severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is asking the national government to initiate a less stringent quarantine rule in the National Capital Region.

These mayors are asking for a modified quarantine system in Metro Manila, where cities that have very low incidents of COVID-19 presence be allowed to go on General Community Quarantine status, from the stricter Enhanced Community

Quarantine status the NCR is now under.

Many sectors from NCR have expressed concern that the continued extended ECQ on all cities of the metro will soon take its toll on the already restless underprivileged sector. They believe its

negative impact on the country’s economic base not to mention food security is inevitable.

These mayors believe that a selective geographical approach in determining the cities to be placed on ECQ or GCQ is a better and more prudent approach to the situation. This will provide a better balance between addressing the pandemic and keeping a strong economic base with a continued source of essential goods.

Statistics show that as of April 24, northern cities like Caloocan City only has 9.07 cases for every 100,000 people

(“Attack Rate” or “AR”) despite having the third highest population in Metro Manila. Valenzuela has 12.18 while Navotas has 10.11. In the middle of the northern cluster is Malabon and Navotas with the lowest AR in Metro Manila at 8.18 and 10.11, respectively. Clearly, these cities should not be included in the same group of cities with case rates that are up to almost 20 times higher.

Moving southward, cities like Las Piñas, Taguig and Muntinlupa evidently show lower case statistics with AR ranging from 20 to 24.

Duterte son wants Trillanes law junked

By Maricel V. Cruz DEPUTY Speaker Paolo Duterte on Wednesday sought the repeal of Republic Act 10912 or the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016, citing “financial and other burdens” it imposed on licensed professionals.

“While we all want a life-long learning process among professionals to further their craft, the requirements set by the CPD law merely adds to the burden they have to deal with. After a long day of work, they are forced to spend a bulk of their salary, take leaves of absence or fail to report for work, and go through unreasonable hardships just so they can renew their licenses and continue the practice of their professions,” said Duterte, who represents Davao City’s first district in the House of Representatives.

“This CPD law is uncalled for. To address this, I will file a bill repealing this anti-professional measure. We can actually help professionals meet global standards through other means, without passing the burden to them,” Duterte noted.

The bill that was enacted as RA 10912 was filed by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and was signed into law by then President Benigno Simeon Aquino III as one of the midnight laws he signed before stepping down.

“My proposed measure will also serve as an expession of gratitude to the professional health frontliners who continuously render service to the nation in this time of crisis. I have witnessed the selfless acts of our professional frontliners. They do not deserve the CPD law,” Duterte said.

GOING HOME. A total of 312 Filipino workers in Kombulcha, Ethiopia are returning home via Qatar Airways to the Philippines on April 29.

AFP chief using Chinese med for COVID-19 not wrong—Bato

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa sees nothing wrong when Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. asked Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian for help to buy 5 boxes of Carrimycin tablets, an unregistered drug from Beijing, that supposedly helped him recover from COVID-19 infection.

In times of crisis, Dela Rosa said we have to be practical as there is no prescribed medicine yet that can cure COVID-19.

“If I were in his shoes, as a COVID-19 patient, I would even reach out to a quack doctor just to stay alive,” added Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police.

But Senator Leila de Lima considered as “wrong in so many levels” Santos’ letter for the non-FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved medicine to give to his close friends.

De Lima said solicitation of personal favors by public officials is a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

She also said dispensation of medicine by a non-licensed individual is an illegal practice of medicine in violation of the Medical Act. “Even doctors who prescribe non-FDA approved medicines are in danger of losing their license,” she said.

“But most importantly, she said that the AFP Chief of Staff is the highest military officer of the land, answerable only to the Office of the President. She said Santos is the ultimate person charged with protecting our national interest.”

QC’s coronavirus infections reach 1,259

By Rio N. Araja

COVID FACILITY. The City Government of Navotas Tuesday opened a community isolation facility for mild cases of the COVID-19 converting the new four-story building of Navotas National High School into a CIF with 100 bed capacity. Present at the turnover (inset) were Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco; Dr. Corazon Flores, Regional Director of the Department of Health-National Capital Region; Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo; councilors and other city officials. Andrew Rabulan

THE number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached 1,259 as of April 28, 7 p.m.

The city government through its official Viber account said there were 27 new recoveries from COVID-19, while there was no new death.

Barangay Batasan Hills has the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 31, followed by Old Balara at 23, and Bahay Toro and Pasong Tamo with 18.

Extreme Enhanced Community Quarantine was implemented in barangays with two or more confirmed case located in different streets and/or in congested urban poor areas where fast transmission

of the disease is highly possible, the city government said.

At least 34 villages have been placed under extreme lockdown.

Also in Quezon City, operatives of the QCPD-Masambong PS 2, NCRPO antidrug units seized 6.8 M worth of shabu and arrest three suspects QCPD Director, Police Brigadier General Ronnie S Montejo said the arrest was made following a joint buy-bust operation conducted by QCPD Masambong Police Station (PS 2) Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) headed

by PLTCOL Rodrigo Soriano and PCPT Wennie Ann Cale and NCRPO Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) led by PMAJ Lymel John Pasquin on Wednesday in Taguig City.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Special people SANTA Banana, it appears that China is taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to further its assertiveness in the disputed West Philippine Sea. It continues to occupy shoals and islets.

Its Navy vessels commit incursions into Philippine territories!

Who do these foreigners think they are?

There was even this report that those onboard a Chinese coast guard vessel pointed their guns at a Philippine vessel. This prompted our Department of Foreign Affairs to file a diplomatic protest against China.

At a time when the country’s attention is on the pandemic, these developments are indeed worrisome. Our problem is that all we can do is protest.

As if this were not enough, there are also reports that President Rodrigo Duterte is considering allowing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to reopen, supposedly because we need the money for COVID-related expenses. Will it also mean the return of Chinese criminal syndicates that made our country their playground?

I am a Filipino who loves his country above all. It appears that despite what China is doing, President Duterte continues to regard the Chinese as a special people. I have been told that many from mainland China believe that the Philippines is now a province of China that is why they regard us as second-class.

Have we really come to this point, when foreigners can lord it over our own people?

That Dasmariñas Village incident is another example of how foreigners treat us in our own country. One Javier Salvador Parra confronted a police-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

man who simply told a member of the household staff to wear a mask even while working in the garden.

The foreigner stormed out of the house, shirtless, and went ballistic.

He cursed and hurled invectives at the cops. And when they tried to arrest him, he resisted. My gulay, he should be deported, to teach him a lesson! *** There seems to be no light yet at the end of the tunnel, with the continuing upsurge of new cases of COVID-19.

There is no cure yet. The World Health Organization says it may take weeks, even months, until a cure is discovered.

In the meantime, all we can do is to bear with the Enhanced Community Quarantine. This is for our own good.

The ECQ has even been extended until May 15 in Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Other areas without an alarming rate of infection will be under a General Community Quarantine.

I can imagine how difficult it must be to stay indoors in a house without air conditioning. The heat and humidity could be unbearable!

Another restriction is that of the delivery of printed editions of newspapers. This makes me rely solely on the Internet and social media. The problem here is that one can sometimes fall victim to fake news. *** Now we know the difference between ECQ and GCQ. In the latter, it is as if there is no more lockdown.

With ECQ, restrictions are still in place.

If the curve is finally flattened, we in Metro Manila can look forward to being under a GCQ, almost normal, even though we will really never be the same again.

In Wuhan, people have gone back to normal.

If there is one good thing I can say about President Duterte, it is that he made a quick and draconian response to the pandemic.

I am no health expert, and I cannot predict when the WHO will come to a cure. I am only hoping that we will all be able to celebrate Christmas.

Petty tyrants in our midst

R

AGE and pity are the emotions that contend when we watch COVID-19 quarantine enforcers from a Quezon City task force beat a fish vendor for failing to wear a face mask while selling outdoors.

Eyewitness accounts and video footage indicate that four men from the Office of the Mayor’s Oplan Task Force Disiplina tried to arrest Michael Rubuia along Panay Avenue in Quezon City on Monday shortly after noon.

Rubuia tried to get away and held on to a railing but the men dragged him to the sidewalk where they began to beat him. He did not fight back.

A witness who worked at a laundry shop near the incident, Yolly Aragon, said she heard the screams and the sound of wood hitting flesh and recorded the beating with her mobile phone.

The video, which has been uploaded to YouTube, shows four masked men dragging Rubuia towards an official Oplan Task Force Disiplina van, while another man kept beating him with a wooden stick. The fish vendor, who did not fight back, can be heard screaming and crying, and protesting that he had done nothing as he was hoisted into the van.

Aragon can be heard on the video castigating the enforcers. “You’re abusing your power. You should not be beating up another person,” she says in a mix of English and Filipino.

The stick-wielding man replied: “What he did was a violation of our Enhanced Community Quarantine.”

Aragon shot back, saying they could tie him up, but they didn’t have to hurt him.

“What you are doing is not right,” another woman is heard shouting in the video.

A female security guard chimed in: “He’s a human being, not a dog.”

The Quezon City government has issued a statement, saying it has begun a “full-blown investigation” into the incident.

“The City Government shall never condone any acts of violence or violation of human rights, regardless of reason or justification, especially when committed by an official or employee

of the city government or any of the city's barangays,” the statement said.

It added: “While the city government reiterates its resolve to fully enforce ECQ protocols at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, all its personnel and agents are strongly reminded to always conduct themselves with proper decorum and restraint, and to observe compassion and tolerance, especially in these difficult times.”

Rubuia’s beating Monday was just another in a string of incidents in which police and local officials enforce the quarantine restrictions all too zealously. Such incidents do more harm than good to the quarantine effort and stoke the resentment that has been building up in a populace forced shelter in place without any source of income.

The statement issued by the Quezon City government is woefully inadequate as it fails to even say what punishment awaits the abusive quarantine enforcers—and others who might follow in their path. In the fight against COVID-19, the last thing we need are petty tyrants in our midst. We already have enough to worry about.

Balik-probinsya for rural development

THE quarantine period brought out how population congestion plays a role in the rapid transmission of highly communicable diseases such as this COVID-19 pandemic. At present, Metro Manila recorded the most number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

In an effort to address this risk, the national government has devised the Balik-Probinsya program which encourages temporary residents and workers in the National Capital Region to go home to their provinces once the Enhanced Community Quarantine is lifted, with the condition that they are tested negative for COVID-19. The program intends to decongest Metro Manila and, in the long run, improve transportation and telecommunication systems in the other regions.

For many years now, Metro Manila has one of the highest population rates in the country due to internal migration. From the Philippine Statistics Authority 2018 National Migration Survey, the top three internal migration streams are from Eastern Visayas region to NCR, CALABARZON region to NCR, and NCR to CALABARZON region, each stream involving at least 95,000 migrants.

Here, we are talking about thousands of workers that have migrated to Metro Manila. It is safe to say that we can expect the same number to return to their respective provinces.

We also note that, according to the same report, 46 percent of the internal migrants in the Philippines, or those who have moved within the Philippines, were motivated by employment opportunities. Fourteen percent had housing-related reasons, while 12 percent moved due to school. While we await the actualization of this program, local government units must be prepared to accommodate their returning residents and address their needs accordingly.

The program teems with hope.

To cushion the initial impact of this program, it is important to consider the demographics of these returning residents. Most likely, many of them are workers or employees from Metro Manila who are perhaps skilled and knowledgeable in businesses, trade, or manufacturing. Hence, business or work opportunities should be provided where their skills and knowledge can be utilized and maximized. In Quezon, for instance, marine and agricultural raw materials and products abound.

There are farmlands and areas for aquaculture which have not been utilized or developed. These are actually business and employment opportunities waiting for these returning workers. In fact, this presents a win-win situation.

The Quezon Provincial Office offers its help to entrepreneurs who intend to develop and market marine and agricultural products. While the LGU Turn to A5

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Sun worshippers: Indonesians soak up the rays to ward off virus

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By Agnes Anya/ Safrin Labatu FROM shirtless soldiers to teens suntanning on their parents' driveways, Indonesians are soaking up rays like never before in the hope that plentiful sunshine will ward off coronavirus.

The rush to take up a practice usually associated with Bali-bound foreigners has been driven by unfounded claims on social media that sunlight—and the vitamin D it supplies—can slow or kill the virus.

That hope got a boost last week when a senior US official said new research showed sunlight quickly destroys the virus. The study has yet to be evaluated independently, but US President Donald Trump spoke about it enthusiastically during a press conference.

"I always avoided the sun before because I didn't want to get tanned,"

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

said Theresia Rikke Astria, a 27-yearold housewife in Indonesia's cultural capital Yogyakarta.

"But I'm hoping this will strengthen my immune system," she added.

Medics have their doubts, but say a 15-minute burst of morning sunshine can be good for you.

"Exposing the body to direct sunlight is good to get vitamin D, not to directly prevent the disease," said Dr. Dirga Sakti Rambe at Jakarta’s OMNI Pulomas Hospital.

Vitamin D, which comes from fish, eggs, milk and sunlight exposure, is important in maintaining a healthy immune system, he said, but added: "Sunbathing does not kill the virus that causes COVID-19."

Whatever the science, one thing is for sure: There is no shortage of sunshine in the tropical 5,000-kilometer(3,100-mile-) long Southeast Asian archipelago.

The rush outdoors has led to an Indonesian government warning about the dangers of skin cancer, and calls for novice sun-seekers to slap on protection.

It was a rare caution in a place where sunbathing is not practiced widely and beauty product commercials extol the virtues of fair skin.

Across Asia, pale skin has long been associated with a higher social class and skin-lightening products are big sellers.

Muslim majority Indonesia's relatively conservative dress codes—especially for women—mean skimpy swimwear isn't a feature of the new craze.

Asian skin tone But the pandemic has made a convert of Rio Zikrizal, even if he struggles with the idea of soaking his shirtTurn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

COVID and women

No one has to die unnecessarily THE reason for the Enhanced Community Quarantine is to prevent people from dying of the dreaded COVID-19 disease. When people are killed for violating quarantine restrictions instead of simply being arrested or told to go home, this defeats the very purpose of the lockdown.

By now, the public is very much aware of the death of retired Army Cpl. Winston Ragos. He was shot and killed

by Police Master Sgt. Daniel Florendo Jr. last April 21 in Quezon City. Ragos was allegedly trying to pull a gun from his shoulder bag when accosted by a police team who were manning a checkpoint.

Some witnesses, however, dispute this police version. The Philippine National Police initially said that it was a judgement call on the part of MSg. Florendo Jr. which usually is the case in any police shooting. Why Florendo found it necessary to shoot to kill and not simply attempt to disable Ragos, I do not know.

The cop is now facing a homicide case.

Records from the PNP indicate that Florendo appears to have a good service record with no derogatory reports.

Ragos, on the other hand, was retired because of what is normally called complete disability discharge due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

PTSD is a condition that is not very much talked about. It is a kind of mental disorder due to combat stress. Some soldiers who experience combat are sometimes unable to adjust to normal life after their combat tours even as the vast majority of soldiers are able to. At the time of his death, Ragos was reported to be under medical care and taking medications. This was well known to most people in the barangay.

He was buried last Sunday at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani with full military honors, including the presence of the Army Commanding General. This was

very unusual, because the burial of a corporal would not ordinarily merit the presence of the Commanding General of the Army. If at all, his former Company Commander or Battalion Commander would have sufficed. Perhaps the Army simply wanted to show their great displeasure at what transpired and want something done about it. Many in the Army believe that Ragos did not have to die.

The Philippine National Police is governed by uniform Rules of Engagement.

Could MSgt. Florendo have handled the situation differently? Perhaps. He could have asked for more information from the people telling him that Ragos had a mental disorder. The more information he could gather, the more options he could have had on what to do next. If his decision was to use force, he could also have simply fired to disable Ragos or tried to subdue him physically.

But because of what he did, he is now facing multiple charges. Most of all, his retirement is now imperiled. Was Florendo overworked as many of our police personnel have been continuously manning our checkpoints since March 15, which could perhaps partly explain his decision-making process? This will have to be carefully evaluated. Police personnel assigned to check point duties must be properly rested so that they can perform their duties effectively without any untoward incidents.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act presupposes that the lockdown be implemented in the spirit of community cooperation for the good of the public.

In this instance however, it ended in the tragic death of an individual which was totally avoidable. Contrast this incident to what happened to another Police Master Sergeant in one exclusive subdivision in Makati City. It had an entirely different outcome. The incident was recorded on video by the

police and the family of the foreign civilian involved from start to finish.

We therefore have a fair idea of what exactly happened. The video taken by the Barangay tanod shows PMSgt. Roland Von Madrona politely explaining why they were there and the violation committed then followed by the video taken by the wife of the expat showing the physical altercation. The expat, regardless of who he is or thinks he is, was talking to police officer in the performance of his official duties and therefore could not talk that way or behave belligerently when confronted by the police. Madrano was exercising proper police procedures when he attempted to arrest the expat. In making an arrest, the police are authorized to use reasonable force to subdue a suspect. I am surprised that the companions of Madrona did not do anything to help. Perhaps the events of April 21 in Quezon City was still fresh in their minds and were avoiding another controversial incident. In this case however, MSgt Madrona was right in trying to effect arrest.

The unfortunate thing in this incident is that it was so minor that it could have been settled easily. Unfortunately, but civility and common decency were nowhere to be found that morning. The judicial process will now have to take over. The video taken of the foreigner interacting with the police is revealing as well as disconcerting. He was humiliating, insulting, mocking and was contemptuous of the policeman he was talking to.

I thought that kind of behavior ended in 1898 but some foreigners apparently still think that they can treat natives that way in this poor land of ours. It is very fortunate that this sordid episode did not end in a serious tragedy. I agree with the police action of filing charges against the individual and should include the wife for police interference in the conduct of police operations. In the two incidents, the police acted differently in enforcing the quarantine. Considering that there is only one set of rules of engagement to be followed by all police units, the PNP should ensure uniformity of procedures.

Debate swirls on use of virus ‘immunity passports’

By Rob Lever GOVERNMENTS and organizations around the world are mulling the use of hotly-debated "immunity passports" aimed at easing pandemic-related lockdowns and restrictions on movements.

The certificates could identify people with antibodies that reduce the risk of they will spread the deadly coronavirus, helping them to resume activities and return to work.

But global health authorities and experts are urging caution, pointing to concerns over the accuracy of antibody tests as well as privacy fears and the potential for abuse.

Backers of the idea say the people who qualify could receive digital certificates displayed like smartphone boarding passes, or on paper.

"If this situation lasts six months or nine months, or if there is a second wave, you can assume people will want to leave their homes," said Husayn Kassai, chief executive of the digital identity startup Onfido.

"There needs to be some mechanism to verify a person's immunity. The immunity passport, if it works effectively, is more likely to help people comply with staying at home."

Onfido, which has been in talks with the British government and other authorities, said immunity would be determined by a home testing kit similar to those used for pregnancy tests and validated by health authorities.

These could flash as green for fully immune, amber for partly immune or red for risky. The results could be modified in a database if needed, according to Kassai.

British-based startup Bizagi has a "CoronaPass" developed for businesses to screen employees, but CEO Gustavo Gomez says "it could help a lot more people" return to activity.

French tech startup Socios is developing an immunity pass for sporting events so that "only fans who are at low

or zero health risk are initially able to attend matches," according to its website.

Chile this month began issuing certificates to people who have recovered from COVID-19; talks on similar efforts are ongoing in Germany and elsewhere.

Accuracy unclear The World Health Organization recently issued a warning that there was "not enough evidence" to give people "risk-free certificates," but hours later appeared to backpedal with a modified statement.

In the follow-up, WHO said it expected that people who are infected with COVID-19 "will develop an antibody response that will provide some level of protection" but added that "what we don't yet know is the level of protection or how long it will last."

Claire Standley, a research professor specializing in public health at the Georgetown University Center for Global Health Science and Security, said she was skeptical of the certificates in part due to the "lack of certainty over the extent to which antibodies offer protection against reinfection."

University of California-San Francisco pathologist Alan Wu also sounded a note of caution.

"Everybody wants to be believe that if I have antibodies, I'm immune," said Wu. "Well, we can't be certain of that.

The antibody test for this virus hasn't been around long enough to show that nobody can get infected again if they have antibodies."

Privacy concerns The idea of immunity certificates is not new. Children who get vaccinations for measles, polio and other diseases often must show certificates to attend schools.

The adult film industry used a system for several years called SxCheck that provided certificates to show performers were free of HIV and other sexually

Balik-probinsya...

From A4

provides them support, these businesses will also help develop and promote industries in the province, enticing investors and large companies alike.

The Balik-Probinsya Program is a laudable proposal from the Executive. This program will help both Metro Manila and the provinces, especially rural areas. In the long run, provinces which will

transmitted diseases.

Some fear a stigma against those who are not immune, from systems developed in China where a person's status is displayed on a device.

But firms specializing in digital identity maintain that it is feasible to create immunity certificates without sacrificing privacy.

Kassai said that privacy could be maintained by using QR codes, read by a scanner and associated with a person's photo.

"Immunity passports prove that you are who you claim to be and the test results belong to you. You don't need to share any more information," said Kassai.

Dakota Greuner, executive director of ID2020, a consortium of digital identity organizations and focused on privacy, said any certification program should be done "using identity technology that places control of private data in the hands of the individual."

But the passports could create other issues—such as, according to Standley, a perverse incentive for people to deliberately infect themselves to obtain a certificate, allowing them to return to work or normal activity.

"There are people who are legitimately struggling, economically and socially," she said. "The longer the restrictions continue, the more likely it is, I would think, that people may consider risking their own health if they see a potential way out of lockdowns. " The deployment of immunity certifications would be "a spectacularly unsuitable path that is unlikely to be useful and is likely to be harmful," said Jules Polonetsky, chief executive of the Future of Privacy Forum, a Washington advocacy group.

"If people want to go back to work there are huge incentives for cheating or figuring out how to share a code or get one of these certificates so they can work," he said. AFP

be able to maximize the potential of their workforce will be able to develop self-sufficiency, food security, and record significant economic growth comparable with that of urban Manila.

This will also greatly help in alleviating poverty in the provinces as investments become equitably distributed all over the country. Moreover, it will be a stimulus for improving education, infrastructure, and access to capital and financial institutions all over the country. It will pave the way for modernization of our agriculture, transportation,

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Antonio Guterres

alone—many of them in exactly these sectors.

And just as they are losing their EARLY signs are that the COVID-19 paid employment, many women face virus poses a greater direct health a huge increase in care work due to risk to men, and particularly older school closures, overwhelmed health men. But the pandemic is exposing systems, and the increased needs of and exploiting inequalities of all older people.

And let’s not forget the girls who kinds, including gender inequality. In the long term, its impact on women’s have had their education cut short. In health, rights and freedoms could some villages in Sierra Leone, school enrolment rates for teenage girls harm us all. fell from 50 to 34 percent after suffer Women are already sufferthe Ebola epidemic, with ing the deadly impact of lifelong implications for lockdowns and quarantheir wellbeing and that tines. These restrictions of their communities are essential—but they and societies. increase the risk of viMany men, too, are olence towards women facing job losses and trapped with abusive conflicting demands. partners. Recent weeks But even at the best of have seen an alarming times, women do three global surge in domestic times as much domestic violence; the largest sup-work as men. That means port organization in the UK they are more likely to be reported a 700 percent inGuterres called on to look after chilcrease in calls. At the same time, support services for women at dren if businesses open while schools remain closed, delaying their return risk face cuts and closures.

This was the background to my re- to the paid labor force.

Entrenched inequality also means cent appeal for peace in homes around the world. Since then, more than 143 that while women make up 70 pergovernments have committed to sup- cent of healthcare workers, they porting women and girls at risk of are vastly outnumbered by men in violence during the pandemic. Every healthcare management, and comcountry can take action by moving prise just one in every ten political services online, expanding domes- leaders worldwide—which harms us tic violence shelters and designating all. We need women at the table when them as essential, and increasing sup- decisions are taken on this pandemic, port to frontline organizations. The to prevent worst-case scenarios like United Nations’ partnership with the a second spike in infections, labor European Union, the Spotlight Initia- shortages, and even social unrest.

Women in insecure jobs urgently tive, is working with governments in more than 25 countries on these and need basic social protections, from similar measures, and stands ready to health insurance to paid sick leave, childcare, income protection and expand its support.

But the threat to women’s rights unemployment benefits. Looking and freedoms posed by COVID-19 ahead, measures to stimulate the goes far beyond physical violence. economy, like cash transfers, credits, The deep economic downturn ac- loans and bailouts, must be targeted companying the pandemic is likely to at women—whether they are working full-time in the formal economy, have a distinctly female face.

The unfair and unequal treatment as part-time or seasonal workers in of working women is one reason why the informal economy, or as entrepreI went into politics. In the late 1960s, neurs and business owners.

The COVID-19 pandemic has as a student volunteer doing social work in poor areas of Lisbon, I saw made it clearer than ever that womwomen in very difficult situations, en’s unpaid domestic labour is subdoing menial jobs and carrying the sidizing both public services and weight of their extended families. I private profits. This work must be knew this had to change—and I have included in economic metrics and deseen important change in my life- cision-making. We will all gain from working arrangements that recognize time.

But decades later, COVID-19 people’s caring responsibilities, and threatens to bring back these con- from inclusive economic models that ditions and worse, for many women value work in the home.

This pandemic is not only chalaround the world.

Women are disproportionately rep- lenging global health systems, but resented in poorly paid jobs without our commitment to equality and hubenefits, as domestic workers, casual man dignity.

With women’s interests and rights laborers, street vendors, and in smallscale services like hairdressing. The front and centre, we can get through International Labor Organization es- this pandemic faster, and build more timates that nearly 200 million jobs equal and resilient communities and will be lost in the next three months societies that benefit everyone.

Secretary-General, United Nations

Sun worshippers:...

From A4

less torso in the sun.

"In normal times I'd be reluctant to sunbathe," the Jakarta resident said.

"I've got an Asian skin tone which gets dark easily so I often use products to make my skin lighter."

Nabillah Ayu, who lives on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, starts her newly adopted sunbathing routine around 10 am—when she used to be in the office—in the hopes of avoiding the deadly respiratory disease.

"Sunlight can't directly kill coronavirus, but it can boost the immune system and stop you from getting it," the 22-year-old said.

Bare-chested suntan sessions have been incorporated into morning exercise routines for some military and police units.

And in major cities, residents are flocking from neighborhoods

and other industries and utilities.

Perhaps, in due time, the national government can seriously consider the transfer of the government centers to the countryside to effect long-term decongestion of Metro Manila and facilitate urban and rural planning and resettlement to better maximize land use and further promote infrastructure development.

Finally, I ask our national government to favorably consider giving incentives or preferential rates to those businesses or factories who will be

crammed with narrow, dark alleyways to open areas—including commuter train tracks—where they can catch some unobstructed rays.

It is a motley mix of women in head-covering hijabs with rolled up sleeves and pants, shirtless male teens and wrinkly pensioners all clamoring for a bit of sunshine as the odd train zips by.

"I've just started sunbathing regularly since the pandemic hit," Alfian, who goes by one name, told AFP near train tracks in Tangerang on the edge of Jakarta.

"Afterwards I take a shower and my body feels fitter."

Pensioner Wadianto Wadito, who suffers from heart disease and diabetes, figures he can use all the help he can get.

"I'm already taking a lot of medicines anyway, so now I'm sunbathing to get all my vitamins without taking more pills," the 65-year-old said.

AFP

moving their operations to the provinces. For this program to succeed, let us make the best of what we have to help them.

I am grateful for this proposal because it banks on and highlights the capacities of provinces in providing and improving economic opportunities and livelihood for its residents. This program is not only teeming with hope, but also provides the most sought-after equitable and egalitarian opportunities for cities, municipalities, and provinces outside Metro Manila.

A6

World

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China puts off top Congress yearly session

IN BRIEF Hillary Clinton endorses Biden's White House bid WASHINGTON, USA—Hillary Clinton endorsed Joe Biden's White House bid on Tuesday, April 28, saying the United States needs a "real president" and not just "somebody who plays one on TV." "I want to add my voice to the many who have endorsed you to be our president," Clinton told Biden during a live video linkup from their respective homes.

"I wish you were president right now," said Clinton, who headed the Democratic ticket in 2016 but lost to Republican Donald Trump. (READ: Leading Democrat Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for US president) "Joe Biden has been preparing for this moment his entire life," the former First Lady said.

"I've had the privilege to work with him," said Clinton, who served in the US Senate with Biden and was Secretary of State for 4 years when he was former president Barack Obama's vice president.

Clinton said the coronavirus crisis gripping the United States—which has by far the world's highest death toll and caseload—"is a moment that we need a leader, a president, like Joe Biden. AFP

YouTube expands fact-check panels YOUTUBE on Tuesday began adding fact-check panels to search results in the US for videos on hot-topic claims shown to be bogus.

The Google-owned video streaming service said it is expanding to the US a fact-check information panel feature launched last year in Brazil and India.

Fact-check information panels highlight credible findings by third-parties so YouTube viewers can make informed decisions about claims, according to the company.

"Over the past several years, we've seen more and more people coming to YouTube for news and information," the service said.

"The outbreak of COVID-19 and its spread around the world has reaffirmed how important it is for viewers to get accurate information during fast-moving events." AFP

Violence threatens Afghan peace effort TWO months after the US and the Taliban signed a deal Washington heralded as the way to end Afghanistan's war, violence is spiralling out of control and experts say a fragile peace process risks collapse.

Dozens of Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters have been dying almost daily with civilian casualties rising across the country as both sides ramp up operations.

The insurgents have been emboldened by a deal that gave them many concessions in exchange for few commitments, fuelling their surge of attacks in recent weeks, analysts say.

The timing could hardly be worse, as Afghanistan also grapples with a coronavirus epidemic.

The peace "process isn't dead yet, but it is on life support", said Ashley Jackson, a researcher at the Overseas Development Institute.

"It's anyone's guess how much time we have before it does begin to irrevocably fall apart." AFP

Japan hits pachinkos with ‘shamegame’ JAPANESE governors are turning to an old-fashioned weapon in a bid to get the country's pachinko gambling parlours to close during the coronavirus pandemic: naming and shaming.

The country is under a month-long state of emergency and officials have asked nonessential businesses to shut their doors.

But Japanese law does not allow the government to force closures, or punish those who stay open, leaving officials turning to a bit of public shaming in the hopes of obtaining compliance.

Spearheading the effort is Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, who has fended off critics who accuse him of unfairly pressuring businesses.

"It is very possible that infections spread at these places," he told reporters Tuesday.

"I am not doing this to make examples out of them or to apply pressure. This is being done to ask Osaka residents not to go there." AFP

Hollywood moves to reinvent the reel MOVIE moguls, directors and lawyers are searching for radical solutions to reopen Hollywood as soundstages gather dust and studio profits slide weeks after cameras stopped rolling due to coronavirus.

The film industry has been on lockdown in California since mid-March following strict stay-at-home orders, with movie and television shoots particularly exposed to the pandemic because of the large casts and crews required.

But even as politicians mull a gradual easing of restrictions, insiders say Tinseltown's sky-high costs—and liabilities—mean filmmaking could look very different to what came before, and be many months away.

"It's impossible to make a 'Star Wars' or a Marvel movie tomorrow morning," said Nicolas Chartier, Oscar-winning producer of "The Hurt Locker." AFP

The NPC is used to portray the Communist Party as answerable to the people's representatives, but its deliberations are determined in advance and the event is tightly choreographed. (Inset) US President Donald Trump, right, and China President Xi Jin Ping. AFP

Beijing livid over Trump suing for virus damages B

EIJING issued Tuesday furious response to US President Trump suggestion that he may seek damages from China over the coronavirus pandemic which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan and spread around the world.

China's foreign ministry spokesman on Tuesday accused US politicians of "telling barefaced lies," without naming Trump specifically, and of ignoring their "own serious problems."

"American politicians have repeatedly ignored the truth and have been telling barefaced lies," Geng Shuang told reporters at a regular press briefing.

"They have only one objective: shirk their responsibility for their own poor epidemic prevention and control measures, and divert public attention."

Geng said US politicians should "reflect on their own problems and find ways to contain the outbreak as quickly as possible."

Beijing and Washington have clashed repeatedly over the outbreak as tensions

have soared between the world's two biggest economic powers.

"We are not happy with China," Trump said at a White House briefing Monday, April 27. "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, saying there were many options to "hold them accountable."

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

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

"Germany is looking at things, we are looking at things," he said. "We haven't determined the final amount yet," Trump said.

Tensions and doubt There have been nearly a million infections with more than 56,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the United States and the pandemic has shut down huge swathes of the economy.

In China, the outbreak seems to be under control with no new deaths reported for 13 straight days and the toll standing at 4,633— lthough several countries have cast doubt over whether the numbers are accurate.

Trump and his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo angered Beijing last month by repeatedly referring to "the Chinese virus" when discussing the COVID-19 outbreak — although they later appeared to drop the term.

But a foreign ministry spokesman in Beijing later suggested that it was the US military which brought the virus to Wuhan —prompting angry claims from Trump that China was spreading misinformation. AFP

Lebanese protesters back on the streets as economy crashes LEBANESE protesters confronted soldiers for a second day Tuesday as anger over a spiraling economic crisis reenergised a months-old anti-government movement despite a coronavirus lockdown.

In second city Tripoli, protesters hurled rocks at security forces, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.

The violence came after a protester died on Tuesday from a bullet wound he had sustained during overnight confrontations between troops and hundreds of demonstrators in Tripoli.

Following the funeral of 26-year-old Fawaz al-Samman in the city's central AlNour Square, demonstrators went on the rampage, torching and vandalising banks and military vehicles.

Troops fired live rounds into the air to try to disperse stone-throwing protesters under clouds of tear gas.

Tuesday's confrontations were the latest in a string of anti-government protests fuelled by unprecedented inflation and a plummeting Lebanese pound.

Angered by the financial collapse, demonstrators have rallied across Leba-

Lebanese anti-government protesters burn tyres amid clashes with security forces in the northern city of Tripoli late on April 27, 2020, following a demonstration over the country's deteriorating economy despite a coronavirus lockdown. AFP

non, blocking roads and attacking banks, renergizing a protest movement launched in October against a political class the activists deem inept and corrupt.

"I came down to raise my voice against hunger, poverty and rising prices," Khaled, 41, told AFP, saying he had lost his job selling motorcycle parts and could no longer support his three children.

'Increasingly desperate' After a few hours of calm in Tripoli on Tuesday evening, protesters again hit the

Fuel truck bomb kills more than 40 in northern Syria A FUEL truck bomb in a market in northern Syria killed at least 46 people including Turkish-backed rebel fighters on Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The blast in Afrin, a city controlled by Ankara's proxies, came as people went shopping in preparation to break the Ramadan fast, according to the US State Department, which condemned the attack as a "cowardly act of evil."

Photos released by the Syrian Civil Defence rescue workers, also known as the "White Helmets", showed firefighters battling to douse flames amid gutted buildings and rescue workers carrying charred bodies away from the scene on makeshift stretchers.

Rami Abdul Rahman, head of the Britain-based Observatory, a monitor with a network of sources inside Syria, said "at least 46" people had been killed and 50 wounded, some critically, adding that the death toll could rise.

At least six pro-Turkish Syrian fighters were among the dead, he added.

In a post on its official Twitter account, the Observatory said 11 children were among those killed. AFP

streets, vandalising the facade of a bank in the al-Mina district.

A demonstration was also held outside the home of former prime minister Najib Mikati, who has been accused of wrongly receiving millions in subsidised housing loans—charges he denies.

More than 20 protesters were injured in the Tuesday night clashes, including four who were hospitalised, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. AFP

CHINA'S top legislature will hold its annual session next month after postponing the meeting for the first time in decades due to the virus outbreak, official news agency Xinhua said Wednesday.

The Communist Party leadership announced in February that it would put off the annual National People's Congress (NPC) for the first time since the Cultural Revolution as the country battled the coronavirus outbreak, which has since become a global pandemic.

The rescheduled session on May 22 will be seen as a sign of confidence by the leadership that the country has largely brought its outbreak under control.

Top Communist Party leaders including President Xi Jinping attend each year's gathering with delegates from across the country, to rubber-stamps bills, budgets and personnel moves already decided by the party.

According to a statement on Xinhua, the decision was adopted by the NPC Standing Committee—a body that oversees the country's legislature session— which met for four days from Sunday.

The NPC was originally due to start on March 5.

While most of the strict lockdown restrictions imposed on the epicentre of Hubei province have now been lifted, there are still strict quarantine measures on those arriving in the capital city from other parts of China.

It was not immediately clear how that process would affect the gathering of nearly 3,000 delegates.

The NPC's Standing Committee said at the time the parliament was postponed that the top officials who would normally attend the meeting should prioritise tackling the virus in their home regions.

The gathering is used to portray the government as answerable to the people's representatives, but its deliberations are pre-determined well in advance and the whole event is tightly choreographed by the Communist Party. AFP

US panel wants India on religious freedom blacklist A US government panel on Tuesday called for India to be put on a religious freedom blacklist over a "drastic" downturn under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering a sharp rebuttal from New Delhi.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recommends but does not set policy, and there is virtually no chance the State Department will follow its lead on India, an increasingly close US ally.

In an annual report, the bipartisan panel narrowly agreed that India should join the ranks of "countries of particular concern" that would be subject to sanctions if they do not improve their records.

"In 2019, religious freedom conditions in India experienced a drastic turn downward, with religious minorities under increasing assault," the report said.

It called on the United States to impose punitive measures, including visa bans, on Indian officials believed responsible and grant funding to civil society groups that monitor hate speech.

The commission said that Modi's Hindu nationalist government, which won a convincing election victory last year, "allowed violence against minorities and their houses of worship to continue with impunity, and also engaged in and tolerated hate speech and incitement to violence."

It pointed to comments by Home Minister Amit Shah, who notoriously referred to mostly Muslim migrants as "termites," and to a citizenship law that has triggered nationwide protests. AFP

Coronavirus: The difficult process of counting the dead PARIS, France—The daily count of fatalities of the COVID-19 pandemic, whose official toll has now passed 210,000, is a sensitive business, with data often incomplete and differing methods between countries.

Hospitals, care homes Germany, Luxembourg, South Korea and Spain count all deaths of those who have tested positive for COVID-19, whether they take place in hospital or elsewhere.

In Belgium, where care homes have officially accounted for more than half the deaths, the figures include even people who have not been tested, but are suspected of having been infected.

France also counts deaths in care homes, which make up more than a third of the number.

Other countries, such as China and Iran, only count deaths in hospital in their daily tolls.

That is also the case in Britain. More complete figures are published every week by the Office for National Statistics, but with a time lag of 10 days, and these figures do not include deaths in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In Italy, which has Europe's highest official death toll, only the biggest retirement home hotspots are accounted for, according to the Civil Protection.

In the United States, which has the highest death toll in the world at more than 50,000, the counting method varies from one state to another: while New York counts deaths in

WAITING. A cemetery worker wearing protective gear

waits for an unclaimed COVID-19 victim, at the municipal cemetery No. 13 in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on April 21, 2020. (File Photo) AFP

care homes, California does not.

COVID-19, or another disease?

Some countries, such as Belgium, Britain, Italy, Luxembourg, South Korea and Spain include in their figures all the people who have tested positive for the coronavirus, even those who died of complications from a pre-existing condition. Other countries are more selective. AFP

Business

A7

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market climbs again; PLDT rises S TOCKS rose again Wednesday, buoyed by a further easing of coronavirus lockdown measures worldwide, though the advances remain capped by concern that the re-openings could spark a second wave of infections.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 68.99 points, or 1.2 percent, to 5,643.97 on a value turnover of P4.5 billion. Gainer beat losers, 110 to 78, with 49 issues unchanged.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications company, advanced 5.3 percent to P1,270, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group, was up 4.2 percent to P30.95.

Dito CME Holdings Corp., the third

telecommunications player and owned by businessman Dennis Uy, surged 7.4 percent to P2.18, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fast-food chain, added 4.1 percent to P147.

The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, climbed again Wednesday.

Traders brushed off more data showing the gaping hole being blown in the global economy that is also seeing companies either pull their earnings reports or provide grave forward guidance as demand is battered.

Equities have broadly moved into a bull market, having bounced more than 20 percent from their March lows, thanks to multi-trillion-dollar stimulus from governments and pledges of extra support from central banks.

Adding to the relatively upbeat mood is news that countries are beginning to slowly re-emerge from the crisis.

As sunseekers flocked to beaches in

ic risks with the chances of the second round of infections.”

Shanghai ended up 0.4 percent, while Sydney, Mumbai and Taipei were all more than one percent higher. Hong Kong and Singapore ticked 0.2 percent up, while there were also rises in Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok.

Wellington, though, was hit by profittaking following a more than three percent surge Tuesday. Tokyo was closed for a public holiday.

Investor attention is now on the release later in the day of US growth data, which is expected to show the world’s top economy contracted in the first three months of the year.

Also, the Federal Reserve will end its latest policy meeting, with traders looking to see if it has any more words of comfort for markets after pledging financial backstops to banks, businesses and local and state governments. With AFP

Australia and New Zealanders ate from reopened takeaways, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday that shops could reopen on May 11, following an easing up in Italy, Germany, Spain and parts of the United States.

The moves come as the rate of infections shows a general pattern of slowing, following a weeks-long shutdown.

“The whole idea of returning to work has aroused the fancy of many an investor. And while no one expects the global economy to immediately time shift back to January 2020, market reopenings are positive,” said Stephen Innes of AxiCorp.

However, he did warn that “over the next few weeks, markets are going to struggle for direction while the debate over easing lockdown restrictions continues. Fundamentally, investors are caught in the same pickle as governments who have to balance the econom-

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review wedneSday, arpil 29, 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 FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK

48.5 58.4 98.9 19.8 16 7.8 2.72 0.96 639 0.325 38 0.64 16.7 23.15 167.9 42.45 17 104.4 54.6

48.5 59.05 99.5 19.84 16 7.83 2.94 0.96 639 0.37 38.05 0.64 16.7 23.4 167.9 42.5 17 106 54.6

48.5 58.3 98.5 19.74 15.42 7.61 2.7 0.96 639 0.31 37.4 0.64 16.5 23.15 166.5 42.45 16.5 103 53.5

FINANCIALS 48.5 5,000 58.5 1,843,740 98.7 2,041,860 19.74 62,800 15.42 20,400 7.61 181,900 2.74 112,000 0.96 1,000 639 10 0.345 9,810,000 37.6 2,108,600 0.64 1,000 16.5 700 23.4 10,600 166.5 170 42.5 6,100 16.6 9,700 103 970,310 53.55 4,060

242,500 108,054,930.50 201,859,496 1,242,056 316,976 1,403,415 307,270 960 6,390 3,415,100 79,440,720 640 11,650 247,330 28,485 259,160 162,450 101,051,136 218,502

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT AXELUM BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL 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 MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

27.05 2.34 8.36 0.57 3.04 0.169 86.95 1.1 14.3 188.6 9.2 25 58.5 51 1.73 4 3.83 5.5 8.29 5.5 7.86 2.8 18.64 57.05 1.43 32.3 1.24 11.2 6.07 1.2 141.2 3.63 6.4 10.9 6.52 6.6 264 0.121 1.91 2.47 3.17 8.88 11.26 18.5 4.21 4.36 1.65 1.43 1.22 6.62 59.9 7.9 0.113 0.88 123.1 2.5 0.86 13.52 0.72

27.5 2.34 8.36 0.57 3.08 0.179 86.95 1.12 14.4 188.6 9.4 25 60 63 1.79 4 3.83 5.55 8.29 5.5 7.9 2.93 18.64 57.2 1.47 32.4 1.34 11.2 6.1 1.2 147 3.66 6.52 11.02 6.74 6.6 264 0.14 1.92 2.47 3.17 8.88 11.26 18.5 4.21 4.4 1.65 1.43 1.3 6.85 60 7.96 0.115 0.89 123.7 2.5 0.87 13.52 0.75

27 2.27 8.12 0.53 2.95 0.169 86.9 1.08 14.28 180 8.61 24.75 58.5 50.55 1.71 4 3.66 5.36 8.02 5.29 7.85 2.74 18.4 57 1.41 32 1.22 10.98 5.8 1.17 139.1 3.6 5.9 10.82 6.4 6.39 255.2 0.121 1.91 2.4 3.13 8.88 11.16 18.24 4.2 4.35 1.57 1.4 1.18 6.4 58.7 7.82 0.11 0.82 119.7 2.5 0.83 13.52 0.71

INDUSTRIAL 27.5 628,500 2.3 5,915,000 8.2 715,200 0.55 1,449,000 3 3,567,000 0.179 190,000 86.95 300 1.11 4,861,000 14.3 2,275,900 183.9 430 8.81 4,362,900 24.75 11,900 60 3,260 62.95 11,580 1.75 100,000 4 500 3.75 23,000 5.4 1,690,200 8.1 457,300 5.3 5,617,800 7.9 612,500 2.8 2,001,000 18.58 812,800 57 21,010 1.45 9,749,000 32 56,500 1.33 5,411,000 11.2 666,600 5.85 610,400 1.18 358,000 147 1,477,640 3.66 18,000 6 10,200 10.88 3,276,300 6.7 978,000 6.39 1,875,000 261.8 203,710 0.14 50,000 1.91 644,000 2.4 18,000 3.15 2,721,000 8.88 200 11.16 213,700 18.24 652,400 4.2 297,000 4.35 101,000 1.62 2,121,000 1.4 84,000 1.22 4,236,000 6.82 1,470,200 59 153,780 7.83 26,700 0.11 1,150,000 0.89 370,000 122 1,307,530 2.5 1,000 0.85 4,861,000 13.52 100 0.73 1,202,000

17,166,345 13,567,110 5,866,941 796,300 10,706,920 33,510 26,082.50 5,368,810 32,546,684 78,650 39,306,834 296,960 193,695 657,928.50 176,260 2,000 86,370 9,198,667 3,704,143 30,026,729 4,838,451 5,639,580 15,062,506 1,198,006 13,993,570 1,810,370 6,886,540 7,454,012 3,616,171 424,350 212,998,092 65,520 64,424 35,770,410 6,422,869 12,096,262 53,113,332 6,420 1,230,520 43,300 8,576,020 1,776 2,388,928 11,945,736 1,247,420 439,600 3,364,510 119,310 5,206,690 9,742,241 9,080,146.50 209,851 130,440 318,290 158,711,812 2,500 4,096,710 1,352 874,220

-3,043,280 -89,720.00 -60,471.00 31,740.00 1,324,190 -671,060 -5,591,720 -3,700 334,305 -121,960 -3,780 -7,661,424.00 -2,256,677 -3,873,458 -4,740,000 -29,000 -4,968,932 -564,810.50 -2,860 25,840.00 1,238,440 -1,950,676 -1,046,162 7,812,167 -38,402 -15,809,836 -51,643 -413,765 -16,825,522 1,104,140 -632,820 -113,852 -1,460,240 -1,020,620 30,400 176,700 1,974,518 410,980.50 7,830 -93,024,710 30,240 -

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 FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.57 42 6.37 0.53 6 7.29 0.51 0.53 583 1.81 4.93 4.21 2.89 452 3.71 50.6 4.51 0.495 2.68 7.7 0.455 2.53 2.9 0.84 97.85 820 0.64 170 139.5 0.178 0.155

0.59 42.75 6.37 0.53 6.08 7.78 0.53 0.55 591 1.81 4.94 4.21 2.89 464 3.71 51.7 6.22 0.495 2.7 7.8 0.475 2.55 3.11 0.85 97.85 843 0.64 170 142 0.185 0.159

0.57 41.15 6.25 0.53 6 7.2 0.5 0.53 573 1.72 4.91 4.13 2.89 451 3.7 50.25 4.51 0.485 2.67 7.7 0.455 2.51 2.9 0.81 97.05 805 0.6 165 139.5 0.175 0.15

HOLDING FIRMS 0.59 1,957,000 745,900 41.5 6.25 3,356,900 0.53 6,000 6 6,700 7.59 22,000 0.53 2,831,000 0.55 90,000 588 231,420 1.8 1,693,000 4.93 2,446,000 4.14 2,945,000 2.89 1,000 460 130,080 3.7 149,000 50.95 1,029,720 6.22 3,000 0.485 30,000 2.67 350,000 7.72 1,141,800 0.475 180,000 2.52 28,672,000 3.11 2,000 0.85 115,000 97.05 250,200 831 115,960 0.64 547,000 166 160 142 1,640 0.185 110,000 0.159 830,000

1,141,190 31,025,145 21,069,178 3,180 40,240 167,538 1,459,700 48,900 135,116,745 2,994,240 12,055,880 12,246,440 2,890 59,462,150 551,310 52,332,990.50 15,240 14,650 936,680 8,831,823 82,700 72,544,810 6,010 94,160 24,364,120.50 96,168,925 342,350 26,660 229,030 19,470 126,950

-162,200 -5,506,815 -13,928,325 22,000 -2,438,715 58,080 112,300 -3,053,430 -10,546,740 -518,000 -33,097,374 -56,140 3,367,170 -28,540,210.00 2,619,364 -36,861,830 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY

10.72 0.58 1.05 0.57 30.45 1.4 3.98 5.9 0.355 0.75 0.125 0.295 6.95 16.14 0.08 0.93 0.85 2.57 0.171 0.32 0.84 0.245

11 0.59 1.05 0.58 31.7 1.4 3.98 5.9 0.36 0.77 0.134 0.31 6.99 16.16 0.08 0.96 0.85 2.6 0.172 0.32 0.88 0.245

10.7 0.56 0.99 0.56 30.3 1.37 3.91 5.9 0.35 0.75 0.123 0.29 6.95 16.02 0.06 0.92 0.8 2.55 0.167 0.3 0.83 0.24

PROPERTY 10.7 19,600 0.58 2,986,000 1.01 77,000 0.56 665,000 31 12,591,200 1.38 285,000 3.98 1,298,000 5.9 100 0.36 3,550,000 0.77 132,000 0.134 640,000 0.295 780,000 6.95 10,700 16.14 92,400 0.072 2,120,000 0.95 5,537,000 0.85 6,000 2.57 39,505,000 0.167 10,810,000 0.3 20,000 0.86 994,000 0.24 50,000

242,500 -61,319,313 -134,055,063.50 -640,278 62,501 -196,250 -45,235,535 -69,960 -33,310 -139,069 -100,885

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

1.52 15.3 1.54 2.75 29.75 1.85 1.25 4.07 4.04

1.52 15.5 1.54 2.75 31 1.9 1.29 4.18 4.05

1.52 15.1 1.47 2.7 29.15 1.85 1.23 4.04 3.9

1.52 15.48 1.54 2.73 30.95 1.9 1.26 4.13 4.01

1,000 558,000 21,000 68,000 6,020,100 79,000 1,243,000 894,000 41,000

1,520 8,537,276 32,020 184,100 181,694,165 149,260 1,570,410 3,689,320 164,460

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD 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 MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

9.5 16.6 5.83 0.31 0.042 16.48 2.35 5.73 0.028 49.75 6.1 3.27 3.1 1.51 2.05 7.56 2,258 4.8 320 0.9 86 0.082 13.7 1.45 0.78 5.1 0.37 2.05 1.89 2.9 2.8 10.22 1.8 7.2 2.82 129 2.3 1,231 0.31 0.255 46.9 62 5.21 1.23 0.35 0.19 0.405 14.3

11.3 16.68 5.83 0.31 0.042 16.48 2.42 5.73 0.029 50 6.2 3.35 3.1 1.51 2.18 8.95 2,258 4.8 329 0.91 86.8 0.083 13.7 1.48 0.78 5.25 0.37 2.05 1.91 3.19 3.05 10.22 1.84 7.3 2.97 129 2.39 1,270 0.315 0.255 46.9 65 5.21 1.33 0.35 0.191 0.41 14.3

9.15 16.48 5.7 0.295 0.04 16.48 2.31 5.53 0.028 49.1 6.1 3.24 3.1 1.51 2 7.56 2,186 4.77 310.8 0.88 85 0.081 13.6 1.44 0.72 4.98 0.37 2.05 1.85 2.56 2.79 10.22 1.77 7 2.82 125 2.3 1,231 0.305 0.247 45.8 62 5.2 1.2 0.335 0.181 0.4 13.9

SERVICES 11.2 16.58 5.7 0.295 0.042 16.48 2.35 5.53 0.029 49.4 6.2 3.34 3.1 1.51 2.18 8.03 2,230 4.8 310.8 0.89 86.2 0.083 13.7 1.44 0.78 5.12 0.37 2.05 1.91 2.68 2.91 10.22 1.83 7.25 2.94 125 2.35 1,270 0.31 0.25 46.4 64.95 5.2 1.3 0.35 0.19 0.41 14

1,448,900 193,100 14,486,500 370,000 17,700,000 300 151,000 6,691,800 4,500,000 76,500 2,700 741,000 1,000 1,000 55,259,000 1,300,400 26,950 133,000 1,110 366,000 1,554,540 1,410,000 2,800 96,000 41,000 14,792,500 30,000 13,000 2,235,000 28,995,000 337,000 600 1,297,000 9,000 154,000 41,720 1,232,000 394,375 2,050,000 10,590,000 7,425,900 1,613,800 10,400 20,537,000 5,240,000 1,320,000 250,000 3,841,300

15,292,949 3,194,878 83,171,578 110,450 736,700 4,944 352,000 37,383,361 128,800 3,789,835 16,570 2,457,950 3,100 1,510 116,735,810 10,969,133 59,787,390 637,110 363,740 327,000 133,837,021.50 115,560 38,310 139,290 31,840 75,935,526 11,100 26,650 4,224,250 82,604,740 1,002,230 6,132 2,342,890 64,571 435,230 5,348,419 2,876,800 497,832,980 635,550 2,628,680 345,326,435 103,121,466.50 54,113 26,038,570 1,792,300 248,590 101,400 54,021,960

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

0.0011 6.94 0.97 1.85 10.7 1.02 2.69 0.2 6.59 0.88 0.201 0.081 0.09 0.0066 0.59 1.7 0.96 0.395 0.51 0.0084 0.0085 0.0083 2.3 4.27 12.2 0.0042

0.0011 6.94 0.97 1.85 10.7 1.1 2.73 0.205 7.22 0.91 0.204 0.084 0.091 0.0066 0.6 1.72 0.96 0.4 0.52 0.0084 0.0095 0.0083 2.35 4.39 12.2 0.0042

0.001 6.65 0.92 1.85 10.7 1.02 2.69 0.2 6.59 0.86 0.2 0.081 0.085 0.0065 0.58 1.68 0.91 0.395 0.49 0.0084 0.0085 0.0083 2.3 4.18 12 0.0042

MINING & OIL 0.0011 28,000,000 6.7 47,300 0.94 1,590,000 1.85 35,000 10.7 4,400 1.1 3,000 2.73 221,000 0.205 160,000 7 16,300 0.9 6,659,000 0.201 440,000 0.084 1,700,000 0.09 220,000 0.0066 36,000,000 0.58 132,000 1.68 6,698,000 0.91 2,000 0.4 40,000 0.49 80,000 0.0084 12,000,000 0.0095 12,000,000 0.0083 1,000,000 2.3 107,000 4.32 1,103,000 12.1 973,800 0.0042 4,000,000

30,500 319,938 1,492,620 64,750 47,080 3,140 598,130 32,650 113,265 5,950,600 88,100 139,310 19,720 234,200 77,430 11,366,280 1,870 15,950 40,700 100,800 108,000 8,300 247,120 4,739,840 11,782,758 16,800

2,200 680 251,120 -278,600 -3,063,550 8,300 -69,280 -561,000.00 2,207,214 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 ALCO PREF B CPG PREF A DD PREF FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

15.24 500 100 99 99 495 500 982 99 100 1,013 1,040 99 102 1,000 76.45 75.5 75.5

15.24 500 100 99.5 99 495 500 982 99 100.1 1,013 1,040 99 104.5 1,000 77 75.5 75.5

15.14 500 100 99 99 490 500 981 99 100 1,011 1,040 98.8 100.1 997 76.45 75.5 75.5

PREFERRED 15.24 88,600 500 20 100 1,060 99.5 9,950 99 44,640 490 40 500 240 982 3,600 99 40 100 440 1,011 550 1,040 10 98.8 14,000 100.1 8,270 997 1,590 77 25,450 75.5 9,500 75.5 10

1,349,064 10,000 106,000 985,095 4,419,360 19,700 120,000 3,532,100 3,960 44,001 556,760 10,400 1,383,712 833,609 1,585,260 1,946,395 717,250 755

-1,121,664 693,000 52,250 77,000 -

LR WARRANT

0.74

0.78

0.73

WARRANTS 0.77 155,000

115,530

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

2.3 6.9 0.61

2.43 7.72 0.63

2.2 6.9 0.61

2.24 7.5 0.62

FIRST METRO ETF

85.05

86.75

84.5

MS 212,214 1,699,660 76,890 378,970 390,503,390 398,550 5,100,430 590 1,270,350 99,230 82,290 230,600 74,410 1,490,762 142,110 5,233,410 4,950 101,439,980 1,815,620 6,200 850,740 12,050

-19,668 -50,384,830 28,000 -292,900 82,500 -47,261 -154,648 2,400 1,848,490 -15,959,250 -17,200 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

17,896,860

INDUSTRIAL

81,736,769

HOLDING FIRMS

50,036,949

PROPERTY

91,873,082

SERVICES

212,468,614

MINING & OIL

113,415,644

GRAND TOTAL

584,339,964

SME

15,631,000 243,100 1,023,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 86.25 10,930

-2,186,218 12,320 13,550 -12,252,365 -358,400 -50,730.00 62,061,586 -2,606,425 -1,424,120 2,103,080.00 67,360 -15,026,250 -15,540 90,000 -30,533,636 10,080 -20,665,900.00 -1,062,760 -58,400 63,350 -733,659 -44,690 105,631,555 -45,472,560 -31,061,162 -14,572,500 -277,700 13,137,974

-

36,331,770 1,804,465 640,310

1,473,750 -26,070 -

938,225.50

123,878

VALUE 1,169.87 (up) 0.52 550,748,196.42 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 7,465.39 (up) 50.20 773,475,517.07 HOLDING FIRMS 5,509.37 (up) 44.66 539,776,578.71 PROPERTY 2,887.73 (up) 82.50 1,349.00 (up) 11.23 733,308,755.62 SERVICES MINING & OIL 4,692.94 (up) 57.30 1,866,994,035.71 PSEI 5,643.97 (up) 68.99 37,650,068.90 All Shares Index 3,425.28 (up) 30.53 4,541,676,072.88 Gainers: 110; Losers:78; Unchanged: 49; Total: 237

SEC okays rules boosting rights of small shareholders

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission has finalized the rules empowering minority shareholders of publicly-listed companies to include items in the agenda whether for a regular or special meeting.

The SEC said it approved Memorandum Circular 12 Series of 2020 providing for the right of a shareholder or a group of shareholders holding at least five percent of the outstanding capital stock of a publicly-listed corporation to add items on the agenda prior to a regular or special stockholders’ meeting.

All items included in the agenda by qualified shareholders following the circular after the definitive information statement has been filed with the SECshould be filed under “Other Matters.”

The reporting company will longer be required to amend its DIS. Under the approved rules, any officer or agent of the corporation who shall unjustly refuse to allow a qualified shareholder or group of shareholders to exercise his right to put items on the agenda will face administrative sanctions provided under Section 158 of Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

If the refusal is made pursuant to a resolution or order of the board of directors, the liability for such action will be imposed on the directors who made the negative response.

“The newly issued rules promote good corporate governance and the protection of minority investors, in line with our mandate as the overseer of the corporate sector and the champion of the investing public,” said SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino said.

“The rules also bolster the reforms that the Commission and other government agencies have been pursuing to further improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines and make our economy more competitive globally,” he added.

URC’s net income in 1st quarter down by 35% to P1.98b UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker and owned by the Gokongwei Group, said Wednesday net income attributable to equity holders of the parent decreased 35 percent in the first quarter of the year to P1.98 billion from P3.03 billion a year ago due to foreign exchange losses.

URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange first-quarter sales stood at P33.45 billion, slightly higher than P33.3 billion year-on-year, despite the enhanced community quarantine in the country and in other nations where the company operates.

The food manufacturing said the strong start during the first two months of the 2020 helped cushion the operational disruptions caused by the sudden ECQ. “We started 2020 well, continuing our strong results in 2019 with good sales and profit growth in many of our divisions and geographies. However, as we closed the first quarter in March, our growth momentum was impacted

by COVID-19 related disruptions,” URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee said.

“We have made immediate steps to adjust to this crisis―protecting our employees’ safety and health, maintaining essential food and drinks supply to the public, and providing additional resources to communities and societies in need,” he said.

“We are also now evolving our operating model to adapt to the “new” normal. We are fortunate to be in the food industry and in a better situation than other companies amidst this crisis. With a strong balance sheet and healthy cash position, we can weather these short-term challenges and emerge even stronger,” Lee added.

Sales of branded consumer foods to both domestic and international markets contributed P25.7 billion to total revenues.

Domestic revenues increased rose three percent to P15.692 billion, while operating income grew 17 percent from last year’s, as sales from snack foods and noodles drove growth in the quarter. Jenniffer B. Austria

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

A8

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

World Bank, PH sign $100-m loan to contain virus outbreak

By Julito G. Rada THE Philippines signed a $100-million (P5-billion) loan agreement with the World Bank to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to the threat posed by the coronavirus disease 2019.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Achim Fock, the bank’s acting country director for Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, signed the loan on the COVID-19 Emergency Response Project.

It followed an earlier agreement on the $500-million Third Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan that aims to augment the Philippine government’s urgent financing requirements in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The World Bank has again acted swiftly to help developing economies like the Philippines meet the ever-increasing demand for medical care and health facilities resulting from the coronavirus-induced global health crisis,” Dominguez said.

“We thank the World Bank once again for supporting our efforts to contain the spread of the virus and expand our capacity to prevent and prepare for emerging infectious diseases in the future,” Dominguez said.

Fock said “boosting the [Philippines’] capacity to respond to COVID-19 will save lives.”

“The government has taken quick and decisive action in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the World Bank is proud to support its efforts. Right now, no other investment offers greater return,” Fock said.

The COVID-19 ERP consists of different components, such as strengthening the country’s emergency COVID-19 health care response efforts; strengthening laboratory capacity at the national and sub-national levels to support the prevention of, preparedness against and response to emerging infectious diseases; implementation management and monitoring and evaluation; and contingent emergency response.

The COVID-19 ERP will support the government’s efforts in the procurement of medical and laboratory equipment and reagents; medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPEs), medicines and ambulances; and isolation and quarantine facilities. It will be implemented by the Department of Health.

The World Bank said it might also provide proactive assistance in accessing existing supply chains through its Bank-Facilitated Procurement to assist the DOH in implementing the project, “which will be beneficial considering the current disruptions in the usual supply chains for medical consumables and equipment for COVID-19 response,” the DOF said.

Business

Cebu Pacific posts P1.18-b loss as virus freezes travel

By Darwin G. Amojelar

EBU Air Inc., the operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific, on Wednesday reported a net loss of nearly P1.2 billion in the first quarter after authorities shut down the aviation sector in the middle of March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

C

The airline unit of the Gokongwei Group reported a net loss of P1.18 billion from January to March, a reversal from the P3.35-billion net income posted in the same period last year.

Revenue tumbled 25 percent in the first quarter to P15.91 billon from P21.77 billion a year ago following the cancellation of regional flights.

“The overall decline in revenues was brought about by the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak which started with cancellation of flights to China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea in varying periods during the quarter due to the imposition of travel restrictions,” Cebu Pacific.

“With the rapid escalation of the situation surrounding COVID-19, the Philippine government implemented an enhanced community quarantine over the entire Luzon, which then prompted the Group to suspend all its scheduled flights beginning March 19, 2020,” it said.

Passenger revenues decreased 27.4 percent to P11.38 billion from P15.679 billion in the three months ending March 2019.

The group saw a 16.5-percent drop in passenger traffic from 5.3 million to 4.4 million, as flights decreased 14.7 percent and load factor declined 2.9 percentage points from 84.2 percent to

81.3 percent.

Average fares also declined 13 percent to P2,580 in the first three months this year from P2,965 in the same period last year, contributing to the reduced revenues.

Cargo revenues dropped 29.7 percent to P1.013 billion from P1.442 billion last year following the decrease in cargo volume transported in 2020 by 20 percent as a result of reduced flight operations and the effect of lower cargo yield by about 12.2 percent.

Operating expenses fell 4.2 percent to P16.60 billion from P17.33 billion a year earlier. “Such decline is primarily driven by the suspension of the group’s operations due to the COVID-19 global pandemic since a material portion of its expenses are based on flights and flight hours,” Cebu Pacific said.

Flying operations expenses went down 13.8 percent to P6.180 billion from P7.17 billion incurred in the same period last year. This was due to the 2.14-percent decline in fuel expenses.

MASS TESTING.

SEND-OFF CEREMONY.

Shipping and logistics company 2GO Group Inc. bids bon voyage to two batches of seafarers who completed their 14-day mandatory quarantine in Manila.

Around 500 stranded seafarers were repatriated back to their home provinces in Visayas and Mindanao.

This is in line with the government’s BalikProbinsya Program. The seafarers departed on April 26 and 27 onboard 2GO’s M/V St. Michael the Archangel and M/V St. Leo the Great.

The first vessel sailed for Cebu, Dumaguete, Ozamiz, Iligan and Zamboanga while the second sailed for Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Bacolod.

GLOBE Telecom Inc. appointed a new chief executive of Mynt, operator of GCash, effective June 1, 2020.

The company, owned by conglomerate Ayala Corp., said Martha Sazon, Globe’s senior vice president and head of Broadband Business, would replace Anthony Thomas, who led the fintech company in the last three years.

Sazon joins Mynt with 12 years of leadership experience across various businesses in Globe, such as Postpaid Mobile, Small and Medium Business, and Broadband Business.

“Inherent to her is the ability to pioneer and execute breakthroughs that led to significant and sustainable results, all anchored on addressing the most important customer needs such as the MySuperPlan, SME solutions-selling, and Home Prepaid Wifi and Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid, while transforming operations through agile and digitalization,” Ernest Cu, Globe president and chief executive, said.

“Martha, as a leader, is a clear embodiment of Mynt’s current state that is ready to take on the future, fired up for sustainable growth and armed with an evolved, progressive approach to customer experience,” he added. Darwin G. Amojelar

EEI building more COVID-19 centers

EEI Corp. is build more COVID-19 centers as its contribution to combating the dreaded virus.

EEI in partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Filinvest Development Corp. started working on the conversion of the Filinvest Tent in Muntinlupa into a 108-bed quarantine facility.

EEI is also putting up panelized temporary structures at the Marikina Hospital.

Earlier, the Yuchengco-led construction firm helped in the conversion of the Philippine International Convention Center Forum Halls and Rizal Memorial Coliseum into COVID-19 treatment and monitoring facilities.

EEI deployed 275 workers in these sites which were contributory to the completion of the facilities ahead of the schedule.

Moreover, the major construction firm made available 64 modules to hospitals across Luzon designed to accommodate frontliners or patients.

These were distributed to eight hospitals identified to be in most need of the modules.

THE Bankers Association of the Philippines, composed of universal and commercial banks in the country, has committed continued banking services amid the extension of the enhanced community quarantine in major areas of Luzon until May 15, 2020.

The BAP said in a statement the industry would continue to provide unhampered banking services and ensure the industry’s resiliency and cooperation as some areas in Luzon go into another two weeks of extended quarantine to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.

“Further to this, the banks have enhanced their operations to adapt to this new normal.

The public is likewise reminded to ensure that their information is protected against cybercrime that can proliferate during this time,” BAP said.

While the banking sector continues to provide critical support to the economy and the general public, BAP said efforts were now geared towards economic recovery of the country.

“The BAP is now working closely and collaborating with the regulators and legislators to ensure liquidity and rehabilitation of industries severely affected by the COVID19 health crisis,” it said.

Rustans boosts Robinsons Retail’s income to P923m ROBINSONS Retail Holdings Inc., the retail holding company of the Gokongwei Group, said Wednesday net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company surged 45 percent in the first quarter to P923 million from a year ago, lifted by the strong performance of Rustans Supermarket.

Robinsons Retail said in a disclosure to the stock exchange core net earnings, excluding interest from bonds, equitized net earnings from the 40-percent stake in Robinsons Bank and unrealized foreign exchange gains/losses, increased 32.7 percent to P784 million.

It said net sales increased 7.3 percent in the three-month period to

Globe appoints new Mynt chief executive

BAP commits services amid extension of ECQ

Project ARK, an initiative led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and over 100 companies including the Aboitiz Group, conducts COVID-19 mass testing for residents of Sampaloc, Manila.

The Aboitiz Group pledges support for the private sectorled Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kits) COVID-19, along with more than a hundred companies in preparation for the gradual lifting of the enhanced community quarantine by May 15 when most employees are expected to return to work.

By Jenniffer B. Austria

IN BRIEF

P40.1 billion despite the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon on March 17.

The government allowed only the essential retail formats including supermarkets, drugstores and convenience stores or establishments providing basic necessities to operate during the ECQ. These three segments comprised 77 percent of the company’s consolidated sales.

Blended same-store-sales-growth was strong at 6.9 percent in the first quarter as evidenced by the high sales induced by panic buying for essential goods such as food and medicines, most especially in March.

Supermarkets generated a record high SSSG of 18.7 percent, while the drugstore segment sustained a doubledigit growth of 13.7 percent after an

already high base in the comparable period last year.

Both segments significantly drove SSSG while the rest of the formats are in the negative territory.

Gross profit increased 3.1 percent to P8.7 billion, with gross margins down 90 basis points to 21.8 percent on lower back-end margins caused by the temporary closure of stores.

It said excluding the franchised stores of The Generics Pharmacy, Robinsons Retail ended the quarter with 1,891 stores comprising of 262 supermarkets, 49 department stores, 223 do-it-yourself stores, 511 convenience stores, 518 drugstores and 328 specialty stores.

About 40 percent of Robinsons Retail stores, excluding TGP, were temporarily closed during the ECQ.

DA asks Mindanao hog raisers to deliver excess production to Luzon and Visayas

By Othel V. Campos THE Agriculture Department asked Mindanao-based hog raisers to ship their surplus production to Luzon and the Visayas, which are experiencing tight pork supply.

“We are looking at an initial volume of 1,700 metric tons of pork from Davao and General Santos City that are available for immediate transport to the Visayas and Luzon,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar Wednesday.

Davao hog raisers committed to ship 500 MT of surplus pork each month, while those in General Santos and Cagayan de Oro pledged to deliver 3,000 MT a month.

“However, we are confronted with a few challenges in transporting frozen pork, including other food and fishery products, from Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon. We are addressing them swiftly in direct consultation with concerned local government units,” Dar said.

The department, while strongly advocating for the unhampered movement of pork amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, assured the public that pork from Mindanao was free from the African swine fever and of good quality.

“We continue to strictly enforce the biosecurity and quarantine measures to effectively manage, contain and control ASF, and prevent it from spreading to Visayas and Mindanao that are free from the dreaded swine disease,” Dar said.

He said despite the adverse impact of ASF in Luzon, there might be adequate supply of pork in the second and third quarters of 2020. He said a gap in the fourth quarter representing 31 days of demand could affect supply and prices, especially during the holiday season.

The country has a pork sufficiency level of 93 percent, which means about 7 percent of the supply comes from other countries.

Meralco unit keen on completing solar projects this year

By Alena Mae S. Flores MERALCO PowerGen Corp., the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., said it is keen on completing 100 megawatts of solar power projects this year despite the delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“In terms of renewables, we are still committed to about 100 MW of renewables. Unfortunately, there are two projects that we are supposed to be already on COD [commercial operations date] this year,” Meralco PowerGen president Rogelio Singson said.

The first is the 50-MW solar project of MGEN Renewable Energy Inc., the renewable energy subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen, in San Miguel, Bulacan, with PowerSource First Bulacan Solar Inc. as partner.

“Unfortunately because of the lockdown and because our EPC [engineering, procurement and construction] contractor here is from China, the delivery of solar panels have been delayed,” Singson said.

Singson said the developer of the project received partial authority to restart works “because we wanted to do advance works on the drainage of the site so that when the rains come, we will just be ready to mount the panels.”

He said the other 50-MW solar project is in Tarlac province, which is also delayed because of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created an extremely challenging environment of unprecedented scale, posing a grave threat to public health and almost all forms of human activity,” said Meralco president and chief executive Ray Espinosa.

Espinosa said Meralco should ensure the continuity of its services. “Our business continuity and resiliency plans and the dedication of our employees and personnel have allowed us to continue delivering reliable and affordable power and to swiftly respond to service outages and interruptions in this time of great public need,” Espinosa said.

Sports

December date for PH athletics’ meet eyed THE 2020 Philippine National Athletics Championships will most likely be held this December.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Philip Ella Juico said this when the yearly trackfest had to be called off this May after the government imposed a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

“We had a very bad situation with the coronavirus pandemic. But it;s a good thing, tuluy-tuloy ang training ng mga athletes,” said Juico.

This time, the annual trackfest won’t be held in the Ilagan Sports Complex, just like in the past years.

It will now be held at the newly renovated track stadium of the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

The meet will come, with still a year left before the 2021 Southeast Asian Games.

“Matagal pa ang SEA Games when we hold this by then,” added Juico.

When it was last held in Isabela, Fil-American sprinter Kristina Knott emerged as the most bemedalled sprinter after winning three gold medals.

Knott, who is currently seeking qualification for the Tokyo Olympics, took home three gold medals in the 100-meter and 200 meter sprints, and in the 4x100-meter relays.

She went on to claim a gold, two silvers and a bronze medal in the 2019 SEA Games.

The 24-year-old Knott is expected to be around again, along with five national athletes, who have remained focused in their relentless pursuit of the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines.

EJ Obiena is now mapping out plans together with his personal Ukrainian coach Vitali Petrov, while training under lockdown in Italy, which has been heavily hit by the pandemic. Peter Atencio

World boxing tourney moved to Belgrade NEW DELHI—The 2021 Men’s World Boxing Championships have been moved to Belgrade from New Delhi, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, AIBA said it had terminated New Delhi’s contract after it did not pay an agreed host fee, meaning that India will have to pay a cancellation penalty of $500,000 (461,366 euros).

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) blamed AIBA for its inability to pay the host fee, saying that AIBA’s bank account in Lausanne was “frozen”.

“AIBA could not resolve these issues,” Indian media quoted the BFI as saying.

“We have reasons to believe that the decision to change the venue of WCH2021 was taken in haste without due consultation with BFI ... the penalty that is imposed is shocking and surprising.”

The BFI added that it feels it has no obligation to pay any cancellation or penalty fees to AIBA and is working towards “an amicable solution.”

The AIBA was last year stripped by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of its right to run boxing at the Tokyo Games due to serious mismanagement.

Boxing competition at the Tokyo Games, which have been postponed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, is instead being organised by the IOC Boxing Task Force.

AIBA interim president Mohamed Moustahsane said there are plans to hold the world championships after the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, slated to open in July 2021 after being postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. AFP

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

B1

Olympic hopeful Kristina Knott, who shattered the 200-meter record in the Southeast Asian Games last December, is expected to be back to participate in the Philippine National Athletics Championships, also slated in December.

PSC withdraws support to ASEAN Paragames

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Philippine Sports Commission is withdrawing its support to the 10th ASEAN Paragames.

Agency officials said this after they decided to implement belt-tightening actions in their effort to keep its commitment of support to members of the national team, in compliance with a government advisory to cancel the staging of sports activities for the next seven months.

The agency’s top officials arrived at this decision during a virtual board meeting Wednesday.

The decision came after the agency received directives from the Department of Budget Management on projects that will be discontinued under National Budget Circular 580.

The Inter-agency Task Force on

Emerging Infectious Diseases also gave an advisory on prohibited activities even beyond the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Because of this, the PSC will comply with the advisory that all sports activities are cancelled until December of this year.

This ASEAN Paragames has already been postponed twice this year, first because of budget constraints, and second, because of the ongoing measures being done by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite its withdrawal of support, the agency will still honor its previous commitments with the organizing committee to cover initial operations’ expenses.

“We heed the call of the national government to cut expenses as we re-route majority of our resources to fighting the pandemic, but we also stand by our commitment to keep supporting members of the national

team,” said Ramirez.

Also in the meeting were commissioners Celia Kiram, Ramon Fernandez, Arnold Agustin and Charles Maxey, along with Executive Director Merly Ibay, Deputy Executive Directors Dennis Rivera and Atty. Guillermo Iroy, as well as Chief of Staff Marc Velasco.

Ramirez said they will continue to support the allowance releases for national athletes and coaches, with the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. coming out with steady remittances to the agency.

“The present enhanced community quarantine may have affected PAGCOR’s income, and will have an effect on its remittances to PSC,” added Ramirez.

“We continue to study projections and proposals and the board is ready to take necessary actions should they be needed,” said Ramirez.

So far, the PAGCOR has remitted P150.75 million to the PSC since March 31.

Top prospect drops UCLA for G-League LOS ANGELES—Highly rated point guard Daishen Nix has backed out of an agreement to play college basketball at UCLA, choosing a place in the NBA’s development G League instead, it was confirmed on Tuesday.

The G-League announced in a statement that Nevada high school senior Nix had followed the example set by star prospects Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd in opting to join the league’s pathway program.

All three players are set to play on the G-League’s select team, where they will command sixfigure salaries while training and playing alongside NBA veterans.

Nix, 18, is reportedly set to earn $300,000 (277,089 euros) for his one-year contract. Green is reported to be earning $500,000 for his deal.

Those kind of numbers contrast sharply with college basketball, where athletes’ earning power is

strictly limited by the governing NCAA. “I think it was the right thing for me because it was a family thing and a myself thing,” Nix told the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday.

“Playing in G League is basically getting me ready for the NBA Draft. It’s just one step below the NBA.” The salaries now on offer to top prospects such as Nix, Green and Todd also act as a deterrent to overseas leagues looking to poach high school talent.

Players on the G League select team will be mentored by professional NBA coaches and players and will play exhibition games against G League teams.

Multiple reports have said the team could be based at the late Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy at Thousand Oaks, outside Los Angeles for the upcoming Daishen Nix (nba.com) 2020-2021 seasons.

Smart powers Mobile Legends Pro League Season 5 IN AN effort to support the country’s eSports scene despite the current COVID-19 crisis, moxbile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. has officially announced that season 5 of the Mobile Legends Professional League will resume this May. Season 5 of the MPL, which will be broadcast online for Filipino fans, will run the week 4 to 6 of the season on May 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 15 to 17.

The Grand Finals of the tournament is scheduled for May 29-31.

The latest MPL season is made possible

by Smart’s new partnership with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer and publisher Shanghai Moonton Technology, as part of its commitment to the growth of eSports in the Philippines. Smart has previously partnered with Moonton to power past Mobile Legends events.

Smart’s efforts in powering the eSports community is also in recognition of how Mobile Legends and other games keep Filipinos connected during this pandemic, by allowing them to socialize and bond over their favorite games.

Mobile Legends players and fans get to enjoy the best gaming experience with Smart’s fastest and most widely-available LTE network, as cited

by US-based mobile internet analytics and insights firm Opensignal. Internationally-renowned internet testing firm Ookla® also named Smart the Philippines’ Speedtest Awards Winner for mobile network speed for 2019.

Smart subscribers can stream the Mobile Legends Professional League Season 5 on Facebook Gaming with Giga Games 99, which comes with 2 GB data and 1 GB Games All Day for Mobile Legends and Facebook Gaming for seven days! Simply dial *123# and choose Giga Games now!

For more updates and info on Mobile Legends events, like Smart Communications on Facebook, and follow @ LiveSmart on Instagram and Twitter.

Murray warns against quick return after virus

GOLF HAS COME A LONG WAY IN CHINA. This file photo taken on November

12, 2005 shows US golfer Tiger Woods (front left, in white hat) being followed by a large crowd of Chinese spectators as he walks from the tee-off area during the HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai. Twenty-five years ago in 1995 professional tournament golf took its first baby steps in China and, despite a few stumbles, paved the way to establish the sport in a country where it was once banned as a "bourgeois pursuit for millionaires".

LONDON—Andy Murray insists tennis must take it slowly as the sport’s bosses consider when to return after the coronavirus.

The men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours are suspended until at least July 13 due to the pandemic, while this year’s Wimbledon has been cancelled.

Premier League football clubs are hoping to finish their postponed season in the summer.

But former world number one Murray believes tennis will be one of the last sports to resume due to the travel required.

“I’m sure all tennis players want to get back to competing and playing as soon as possible. But right now that is not the most important thing, Murray said on Tuesday.

“First of all, we want to get our normal lives back, just being able to go out,

see friends, go to restaurants and have your normal freedoms.

“And then hopefully over time, things will start to allow for travelling and sport will be able to go back to normal as well. But I don’t see that happening very soon.”

Murray believes containing the virus is essential before there is any thought of tennis getting Andy Murray back in full swing.

At present the US Open and French Open are both set for August and September, but Murray said: “The first thing is to try and find a way to stop the virus spreading and once we have done that we will be able to do more normal things that everyone does rather

than thinking about competing at sport.

“When you don’t get to see it for a while, maybe people realise how much they love playing it, but just because it’s difficult not to have sport just now doesn’t mean we have to speed things up.

“I’m obviously no expert on this but I assume the danger is when you try to do things too quickly—like avoiding social distancing.

“If we get back to international travel, then maybe there could be a second wave of infections and that would slow everything down again and that’s not what anyone wants. Let’s just get things back to normal first.” AFP

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B2

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Entertainment

Youtube to host virtual filmfest featuring work from Cannes, Venice THE globe’s top film festivals including Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Berlin will participate in a free 10-day virtual cinema program starting next month, New York’s Tribeca festival announced Monday.

YouTube will host screenings for “We Are One: A Global Film Festival” beginning May 29 and including feature films, shorts, documentaries, and round tables.

The festival will benefit the World Health Organization, and encourage viewers to donate to COVID-19 relief

efforts, organizers said.

They have not yet announced a precise program for the digital event.

Earlier this month organizers of Cannes, the premier festival held each year on the French Riviera, indicated that glittering the event would be difficult to put on “in original form” due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Initially planned for May 12 to 23, the festival was postponed to late June, but the French government then banned all large festivals until mid-July at the earliest in a bid to stem the outbreak.

The highly contagious and potentially fatal novel coronavirus has stalled cultural events worldwide, shuttering theaters and museums and forcing the cancellation of spring programming as much of the globe’s population is urged to stay home.

“We often talk about film’s uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world,” said Tribeca festival CEO Jane Rosenthal in a statement.

“All of the world needs healing right now.” AFP

US actor Bill Murray at the 2019 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which will contribute entries to ‘We Are One: A Global Film Festival.’

‘Wowowin’ vows uncompromised entertainment for loyal viewers FOLLOWING the government’s implementation of lockdown in Luzon and other parts of the country, the entertainment industry has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic with the suspension of TV production and ban on mass gatherings.

But in order to help his fellow Filipinos in need, TV host Willie Revillame pushed for the return of the live broadcast of his program Wowowin, with the help

FRIDAY FEVER

NEXT BIG THING. The author with his band The Pub Forties on Wishbus September last year.

L

ATE last month, I quietly celebrated upon finding out that the latest digital single of my band The Pub Forties made YUGEL LOSORATA it to Spotify’s New Music Friday Philippines playlist. The song, “Next Big Thing,” distributed by O/C Records, is now on YouTube with its music video showing places under community quarantine.

As songwriter, I had extra reason to feel happy because it’s my fifth consecutive single release that got into the cut, and third straight for our band whose previous tracks “Drive On” and “Stop The World” were also picked in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The two other compositions were recorded

by Syato (“Pagsapit Ng Unos”) and Angel Andal (“Sandalan”); the former uploaded Friday the 13th of September last year and the latter last February.

On the day of the release of “Sandalan,” a news feature about the playlist of currently 43 versions worldwide announced its global rebrand and stated that “it will continue to serve as the leading destination for listeners who want to discover new music from both established and emerging talents.” It

added that “it’s an achievement and milestone for artists to have their new tracks included on the list.”

When the playlist was established in 2015, it was noted that the selection is “handpicked by our team of curators, not automated.” The Philippines version is usually comprised of singles from international, K-pop, and OPM artists.

You bet my lucky streak gave me a good dosage of morale boost both as tunesmith and recording artist, especially in this difficult time when you can’t even get out to play your songs face-to-face with audiences or appear on a radio or TV program to promote your new release. I›m grateful to Spotify editors for the nods.

The efforts I and the pool of artists I worked with for the recording of both

Japanese vlogger Yuka Kinoshita lends her voice to Amanda in ‘We Bare Bears.’

Japanese mukbang blogger meets ‘We Bare Bears’ DO YOU like watching people eat on YouTube? Do you like bears? Well, you’re in for a treat as Yuka Kinoshita, a wildly popular “mukbang,” has caught the eyes of Cartoon Network, the brand behind Asia’s favorite cartoon, We Bare Bears.

Last year, Yuka munched her way through the entire menu (only 11,000 calories!) at the Princess pop-up We Bare Bears café in Tokyo and has always professed her love for the comedy show. Cartoon Network then decided to cast this competitive eater in

an episode where she played Amanda, Panda’s love interest in the Japanese version of the episode “Summer Love.”

“It was a dream of mine to appear in We Bare Bears, and I was thrilled when Cartoon Network gave me the opportunity. Now I’m hungry for more,” Yuka said.

We Bare Bears is a Cartoon Network original, created by AsianAmerican Daniel Chong. Now in its fourth season, there are plenty of Asian food references so the partnership with Yuka is the perfect mashup.

“Sandalan” and “Next Big Thing” are still fresh in my head considering they were pulled off in the weeks right before we’re all sent home by the world’s latest pandemic. In hindsight, it was all worth it.

Naturally, the current situation has given me much focus on embracing the essentials of my craft. May I say I have been a little bit productive over the month and a half in quarantine, coming up with a handful of new melody runs and completing unfinished compositions.

Going over past notes, I came across a couple of reminders from hitmaker Jim Paredes during the first FILSCAP songwriting camp four years ago. He said, “Find an angle that has not been used. Pain is personal and doesn’t just say you are sad. Also, bring the listeners to a place they’ve never been.”

Just last week, I reconnected with my college buddy Chris Datijan whom I collaborated with in the late ‘90s.

Songwriting had tightly linked us as young men. “I won’t forget you, brother,” he quipped. The feeling is mutual as evident in a lyric line for a compo I demoed: “And when we’re all alone we penned our songs.”

of GMA Network to continue bringing joy and hope among his countrymen especially during this tough time.

With strict adherence to social distancing measures and important guidelines given by experts, Willie decided to rehash the format of his show without compromising the fun and amazing prizes at stake for those watching at home.

“We changed our theme, it’s now like a talk show. Talk show na may entertainment, may game,” he explained.

Wowowin is now being held live at the Wil Tower instead of its newly-renovated studio in GMA. There is no audience present, only a few production

staff and a band for Willie’s song numbers and performances. It also launched a new segment called “Tutok to Win,” wherein Willie calls a lucky viewer to win cash prizes ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 if they answer his questions right.

It’s as simple as it sounds since Willie believes that everyone, techie or not, should have a chance to receive help, “I’m not a techie person, I can only do calls and text using my phone. Salamat kasi pinagkatiwalaan n’yo po ako at gumagawa po ako ngayon ng bagay na talagang gusto kong gawin para sa inyong lahat. I wanted to help the government, I wanted to help my countrymen, too.”

Recently, Willie also pledged one million pesos for the relief efforts of GMA Kapuso Foundation to widen their reach in giving out to less fortunate communities who have no means of providing for their families.

Wowowin can be streamed simultaneously online through its official social media pages and on TV every Monday to Friday at 4:30 p.m. on GMA.

‘Wowowin’ host Willie Revillame

Fresh collab pops up in 8 Asian countries’Spotify playlist SINGER-ACTRESS Pau Palacio’s new bop “Used To Do” featuring American singer-songwriter Delly Flay is crossing borders, landing on Spotify’s New Music Friday Regional playlists in various countries in Asia after its digital release.

“Happy to share with you guys that ‘Used To Do’ is now included in Spotify›s International Playlist and is now streaming in 8 countries: Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong since last Friday,” Pau wrote on Instagram.

The track, which puts a spotlight on the attempt to rescue and recharge a romance going downhill by remembering the good things about the relationship, was also positively received

by Filipino listeners.

Pau, alongside Young JV, Yeliee, and King Murph, is one of the artists under ABS-CBN Music International’s new urban pop and hip-hop label Not So Famous (NSF). As a singer, she has already performed on a number of big events, including the successful 1MX Manila Concert in 2019.

Delly Flay, on the other hand, is an independent rapper, singer, song-

Singer-actress Pau Palacio (left) collaborates with New York-based Pinoy rapper Dely Flay.

writer, and music producer hailing from Staten Island, New York. He has already worked with hip-hop personalities like Ty Fyffe, AZ, and Shy Boogs, and has since taken his endeavors abroad, thus his collaboration

with Pau for this song.

The encouraging response to “Used To Do” across Asia is in line with ABSCBN Music International’s objective of producing music that reaches both local and global audiences.

Life

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

HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

B3

A 200-year family history celebrated in the 21st century

By Ambassador (ret.)

Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr.

W

HY is February a favored month for clan reunions in the Philippines? Astute social observers may take note that the holiday season being over and airfares more reasonable, the second month of the year—still cool and pleasant and less beset by traffic—is auspicious for mammoth family gatherings.

One such family, the Tempongkos—a Manila-based family with roots in the Fujian province of China and Binondo—met for the third time (preceded by 2010 and 2015) in 10 years at the La Salle Gymnasium in Greenhills, San Juan.

Two days after Valentine’s Day and within striking distance of Chinese New Year, February 16 turned out to be a day well chosen. It also managed to escape the draconian measures imposed once coronavirus became a worldwide pandemic.

As confirmed from records traced through the Church of the Latter Day Saints (popularly known as the Mormons), the Tempongkos draw their roots to one Co Pong Tien, who changed his name once Christianized to Matias and married Josefa Maxima, presumably a native of the Philippines, sometime in 1800.

Their son Rosalio married another Filipina-Chinese mestiza while their grandson Ambrosio (married to a FilHispanic mestiza called Inez Calixto) became an established member of the Filipino Chinese gremio or racial class.

Ambrosio, however, always kept in touch with his Tondo relatives (meaning, his Filipino roots) and the archives today reveal that Tempongkos were neighbors of the family of Andres Bonifacio, possibly showing another side of their political inclinations.

Binondo and San Nicolas were dynamic, effervescent Manila districts or arrabales which housed the entrepreneur class and were effectively the Makati and Bonifacio Global City of their day. A later offshoot would be Escolta in Sta. Cruz, which was where the Hispanic, Chinese, and native worlds met on the banks of the River Pasig.

REUNITED. About 300 members of the huge Tempongko clan, a Manila-based family with roots in the Fujian province of China, come together for their 2020 reunion at the La Salle Gymnasium in Greenhills, San Juan. (Below, from left) The 2020 Tempongko Reunion organizing committee led by Chairman Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr.; the Tempongko-Magpayo art deco house in Paco, Manila; the Tempongko-Alcantara family; Elisea and Resurreccion with their brother Clodualdo at the 1908 Carnival with its Queen, Pura Villanueva (later Kalaw).

Rather than just being a “lucky Chinatown,” Binondo was unrepentantly hedonist, cosmopolitan, and multinational.

Foreigners preferred to live there rather than in the administrative and bureaucratic center of Intramuros, which was staid, hierarchical, and religious in nature.

It was not surprising that Binondo, with its splendid parish church on a grand plaza, Venetian-like esteros and fountains, pocket parks, picturesque bridges, hotels, and manufacturing centers, would be likened to Paris by some. It was by far the richest district in the whole of the Philippine Islands.

This is what the Tempongkos called home. Since their father was a shipping agent and broker, they moved around in the social circles of the Yangcos,

the Chuidians, the Sunicos, the Cuyegkengs, and the Ongpins. Despite their Chinese surnames, these old-time Manila families spoke Spanish, Tagalog, and the native patois mix called lengua de tienda (e.g. Donde esta el palayok?

En el sulok, nakasuksok).

They were Spanish subjects who felt at home in the Europeanized world of 19th-century Philippines, as graphically described by Jose Rizal in his novels.

They were also among those who supported the Philippine Revolution when it broke out in 1896, with notably Roman Ongpin leading the pack.

Ambrosio Tempongko and Inez Calixto had seven children—Felipe, Clodualdo, Agapita, Cristina, Demetria, Elisea, and Resurreccion. Their progeny are now the

KITCHENS have become the busiest part of the house, and grocery stores the most visited place outside as most are homebound these days. As many are staying at home, the current situation offers an opportune time to build good habits for a healthy lifestyle.

One-stop shop for home essentials, SM Home shares a couple of tips from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization on maintaining a healthy lifestyle: 1. Prepare a Weekly Meal Plan and make a shopping list of items needed at home before going to the store. Create the list from the meal plan and include back-up ingredients in case your first choice is out of stock.

2. Stock up on nutrient-packed food items such as whole grains, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables; and staples like sauces, milk, eggs, spices, and condiments. Fresh products should be consumed first. Frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as canned vegetables and fruits are good alternatives as these have longer shelf life.

3. Build up a stock of healthy snacks for children—yogurt, nuts, cheese, chopped or dried fruits, and more. Stock them up in a stackable glass container to seal freshness and label them.

Fresh fruit shakes made at home using personal blender.

at the fencing school of Juan and Antonio Luna on Azcarraga Street and taught the skill to his sister Elisea and his daughter Esther, who were among the first women fencers of the Philippines.

The Tempongkos now number in the thousands and are also dispersed in the worldwide diaspora as far as the United States, Canada, Russia, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As many as 300 members were able to make it to the 2020 reunion after months of preparation by an organizing committee based in Manila.

This entailed painstaking work in the midst of busy schedules, pressing family needs, and Manila traffic.

Read the rest of the story at www.manilastandard.net.

ADD TO CART

Healthy at home

Kitchen and dining essentials are now available on SM Home’s website.

21st-century Tempongko descendants.

Felipe married a French mestiza, Leocadia L’heritier. Clodualdo was one of the first graduates of the UP College of Agriculture in 1911 but died young and without issue.

Their attractive sisters, some of whom would be in the court of the first Carnival Queen in 1908, would marry into the distinguished Magpayo, Ongpin, Quintos, Macapinlac, and Roco clans.

Family legend has it that since the women studied at the La Concordia College, the fashionable school founded by Margarita Roxas de Ayala, they would see Dr. Rizal visit his sisters there. Felipe himself, a graduate of San Juan de Letran, a high-ranking Mason who fought in the Revolution and worked as chief accountant of Estrella del Norte, studied fencing

Online store rustans.com now delivers some of its personal care items and small appliances under the Essentials collection.

Small appliances, personal care items available for delivery Practice food hygiene and safety by washing fruits and vegetables under running water, using separate chopping boards for meat and seafood, and washing hands thoroughly before and after preparing meals.

4. Practice food hygiene and safety. Wash fruits and vegetables under running water and dry them with vegetable spinner. Use separate chopping boards for meat and seafood.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after preparing meals.

5. Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water a day to boost immune system.

6. Make cooking and eating together a family habit. Kids can help wash and sort the ingredients and set the table before each meal. In addition, practice mindful eating and stay away from processed food.

Shoppers looking for kitchen and dining essentials, among others, can now place their orders online through thesmtore. com and ShopSM app.

IN ADDITION to food and medicines, other essential personal care, hair care, baby care, and small appliances are now available for delivery.

To aid in social distancing, Rustan’s has made selection of essentials available for delivery. All items purchased from the “essentials” collection will be delivered to customers within the NCR and select Northern and Southern Luzon areas.

The online store rustans.com offers a wide selection of personal care products for both men and women from brands like Phyto, Babaria, L’Occitane, Mario Badescu, Clinique, Clarins, Perricone, and many others.

Hair care essentials including dryers, curling irons, and straighteners from Vidal Sassoon and BaByliss are also available. Philips electric shavers and trimmers are likewise on offer.

Mothers can now order bath and skin essentials from Mustela, wet wipes and cotton buds from Tiny

Buds, and toothpaste from SansFlou, as well as Baby Club bibs and Piccolo Bambino towels, infant laundry detergents and bottle cleansers from Cycles, feeding bottles and breastfeeding essentials from Doctor Brown, Pigeon, and NUK. Parents with children undertaking online lessons will be able to access activity items and audio gear such as headphones.

Select small appliances such as rice cooker, toaster, and electric kettle from Breville, De’longhi, and Imarflex are available for delivery. Fans and air purifiers from Dyson, and room fresheners and candles from Diptyque, Voluspa, and others are also available.

Undergarments for men and women, as well comfortable lounge and sleepwear are likewise part of the range. Fitness essentials from Under Armour and New Balance, and wearables from Fitbit and Garmin are also available for purchase.

B4

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

HOUSING IN LOCKDOWN Buying property during the pandemic

W

ITH the number of coronavirus cases not slowing down, the property industry copes with the new normal: real estate professionals working from home, providing value to clients with the aid of technology. Most of the focus now is geared towards understanding and adapting to changing customer preferences during this pandemic.

In a recent Lamudi’s developer webinar series, experts shared their insights on how they’ve been adjusting.

Sustaining operations Jose Soberano III, chief executive officer of Cebu Landmasters, Inc. shared that while some of their teams are working remotely, a few have been able to carry out normal operations, such as construction activities, despite the lockdown in Visayas-Mindanao regions. “it’s important for property developers to not lose sight of the reality that the pandemic will be over eventually,” he said. “When things start to normalize, we have to gradually make sure we’re ready for addressing that market that will come in.”

Tomas Lorenzo, chief executive officer of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation, noted that for him,

“COVID is just another challenge we’re given. Sometimes I think it’s a pause.

It’s a pause button given to us so we can really take stock and catch up on all the work that has been pending, especially in terms of designing.”

He reiterated the nature of real estate business, that it’s a long-term game.

“Plans should be relevant to the kind of world people will be living in five to 15 years from now. That’s why for me, planning never stops,” he said..

Being creative, engaging clients For David Rafael, chief executive officer of AboitizLand, Inc creating value in services means being creative and resourceful, which meant maximizing technologies and tools available. “The basic process [of property-buying] has remained the same. It’s the medium where that process is implemented that is different,” he said.

Pre-pandemic, seekers get information from flyers or billboards. Now, they learn online. Pre-pandemic, open houses are the norm. Now, virtual tour is the new normal. Pre-pandemic, face-toface meetings happen in restaurants or coffee shops. Now, it’s through video conferencing tools.

Lorenzo agreed with Rafael and mentioned that their company has been operating in online platforms as well to cater to the needs of clients. Expanding on customers’ needs, he pointed out that from experience, there are four key things people look for when buying a property, regardless of the times, whether there’s a crisis or none: location, track record, quality, and value for money.

He explained, “In terms of location, even in a quarantine situation, people virtually go places. They look at Google Maps, Google Earth. Even the Lamudi site, it will show where the property is.

Secondly, track record. They look for a developer who has finished projects, who has already a track record of finishing that kind of project.”

Buying property in the time of COVID Soberano said that the need for a home has never been so pronounced until this crisis came about. “There’s no better time for [people to realize] the need to have a home or a condo unit [than

now],” he said.

Pointing out that several people are now staying in their family homes, perhaps cramped with siblings and other relatives, Soberano said that many may be considering moving out and finding their own place.

Helping property seekers The highest level of customer service is needed during this time, one that exercises empathy. People today are anxious and conscious about finances. Rafael recognized the fact that many are holding on to their money, given the economic uncertainty the pandemic has brought.

“Some have been laid off, while others are struggling in their own businesses,” he said. “When money moves out, it’s only spent on basic goods. Since property purchases are a long-term commitment, it’s understandable that there’s some hesitation on the part of buyers.”

What Aboitiz does, according to Rafael, is give property buyers incentives, such as discounts, to help them in their financial need. They extend this incentive scheme to sellers as well, adjusting their commission fees to honor their being “frontliners” in the business.

Banding together as developers Asked how property developers can unite to address seekers’ needs, Soberano said: “don’t wait for orders to

come in before you build.”

The shift in buyers’ preferences, meanwhile, is what Rafael thinks developers should focus on. “With this pandemic and the possibility of something like it happening again in the future, there’s a possibility that people are reconsidering their default preferences, looking on to the possibility of getting a property that may be outside the central business district, but provides more open space, located in a lowerdensity neighborhood, if that means better living conditions during a crisis,” her mused.

While acknowledging Rafael’s insights, Lorenzo said that there will still be a market who will be keen on being near key establishments, especially offices. He noted the fact that people find it inconvenient to travel across barangays now, as there are required quarantine passes. For professionals who need to report to the office despite the lockdown, living near their place of work is a huge benefit.

“It’s still really what people’s aspirations are and what their needs are at that moment,” he said. “The needs of a 24-year-old single person, a 39-yearold married person, and a 67-year-old retiree are different. Developers should try to fill those needs.”

COVID-19 is different from the 1997 Asian Crisis

By Alejandro Mañalac chairman, Havitas Developments

TONDO CHURCH GIVES HOPE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 AMID the difficulties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the rise of a church from what used to be a mountain of garbage provides hope that with faith the entire world will overcome this horrific plague.

It started with scavengers at the infamous Smokey Mountain in Tondo putting up a modest makeshift chapel of only around 100 square meters--a mere part of an unfinished structure that provided a roof to a livehood facility.

That time the chapel could only accommodate 60 worshippers, out of the 2,500 households or some 25,000 individual residents of the Parish of the Risen Christ.

The parish at the dumpsite was established on 27 March 1989 through the proclamation of then Manila Archbishop Cardinal Sin, upon the request of Rev. Fr. Cornelio Alpuerto of the Societas Verbi Divini (SVD, or the Divine Word Missionaries).

“Kristo Basurero” Neither the thick and suffocating dark smoke which usually engulfs the church nor a swarm of flies pestering the area prevented it from functioning as a house of prayer holding regular ceremonies like baptisms, confirmations, weddings, catechism classes, retreats, recollections, and bible studies.

The altar of the Risen Christ with an image of Jesus rising from decaying garbage in triumph, depicting the parishioners’ aspiration to rise from their wretched situation. Scavengers fondly refer to the image as “Kristo Basurero.”

In a bid to address their basic needs, especially health and education, the parishioners formed several organizations with the church at the fulcrum and common faith as the driving force.

But the situation would change when businessman Reghis Romero II took on the challenge of building a medium-rise residential condominium complex atop an unstable ground of methane-emitting and leachate-contaminated muddy soil, now known as the Smokey Mountain Development and Reclamation Project (SMDRP).

As fate would have it, Romero of R-II

Builders and parish priest Fr. Ben Beltran crossed paths at the National Housing Authority. Beltran was then seeking for an onsite housing project at the Smokey Mountain while Romero was in the lookout for an opportunity to rid Manila of the eyesore dump.

Because of the project’s technical and financial challenges, only two companies submitted the bid. It took two presidents to complete the bidding process and another two to finish the project and award it to beneficiaries.

Refuge for the poor The project was finally completed and turned over to the NHA by R-II Builders in 1999, and its housing units awarded to the beneficiaries in 2003. At this point, the Church of the Risen Christ remained on the same site, which is a prime 2,000-sqm lot that formed part of Romero’s 5-hectare share in the project.

Romero’s R2 completed the construction of the Church of the Risen Christ on 04 October 2017, expanded the 100-sqm floor area to 3,500 square meters, including the second floor, for a total combined seating and standing capacity of 532.

From its humble beginning, the chapel morphed into a full-fledged house of prayer, with large frames of stained glass depicting the Stations of the Cross and a wooden altar carved by renowned craftsmen from Guagua, Pampanga.

Despite the improvements, the church kept its patron “Kristo Basurero” in its original form, but this time in a glass showcase, and the image of Virgin Mary known as Maria Ina ng Bayan—in modest Filipiniana garb.

Paradise Heights Both religious icons symbolize the transformation of the lives of the residents of Smokey Mountain— now caller Paradise Heights.

Recently, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Tagle reviewed the photos of the old and new church, in preparation to its consecration, the realization of the dream of the Smokey Mountain residents which took six presidents, three cardinals, and three decades to come to fruition.

SINCE the lockdown last March, I have done a several webinars and accommodated some interviews about my outlook on the industry after the lockdown or after the covid -19 crisis.

First of all, just like everybody else, I do not have an idea on how long this pandemic will last especially whenever I see the video clips of crowds completely ignoring the social distancing instructions of the government, and totally oblivious to the consequences of contracting the disease. Only God knows when this will end. However, in all these talks, I have tried to be as realistically optimistic as possible.

Having had the chance to experience and survive the crises in 1989 and 1997, learning from these challenges have not only made me stronger but also trained me in being resilient and find opportunities amidst the challenges.

I’d like to share these ideas so our friends can prepare because this global pandemic is something that no one has experienced before.

Total lockdown, a plethora of bad news This is the first time in the country’s entire history that the whole country was placed on a total lockdown for more than a month. I don’t think any government was prepared for this scenario.

The government has to spend more than what it has and which was not included in the original budget.

No tax collections as originally scheduled this month to supposedly replenish the funds.

No money in circulation because almost all businesses has stopped

except for the essentials.

This is also the first time that almost the whole world is practically on a lockdown, gravely affecting international trade and the supply chain.

During the Asian crisis, the world was doing business as usual.

In 1997, our market for real estate was still mostly local since we were still in the very early stages of free International online communications.

Another very important thing to consider is that in 1997, the pre-selling payment terms were just cash or deferred cash wherein the full amount is paid within the construction period of either 24 or 36 months. Almost no one was availing of bank financing.

Now, most of the buyers acquired their units by financing up to 90% of the total price. Because of these highly

financed purchases and possible massive layoffs, If this crisis extends for more than 3 months, there will be an increase in the volume of sales cancellations, forfeitures and foreclosures that we have never seen before.

Most of the tenants occupying the units now owned by investors relying on the rental income for the amortizations are Chinese POGO employees who are still facing the uncertainty of staying or leaving. Some are doing short term rental business like Airbnb.

There will always be the risk of these POGO workers either being sent back to their countries or moved to less expensive cities outside Metro Manila. Either way, this will cause high vacancy rates and investors may not be able to sustain their monthly amortizations.

Lastly, we may not have had fast Internet in 1997 but we can still move around and still close transactions in person. Now, we have faster online access.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to consummate transactions.

Bouncing back Given all of these, I am confident that we can bounce back stronger from this crisis.

Our economy is much stronger than what we had in 1997.

We didn’t have BPOs with young single workers making more than the minimum wage that most head of families were receiving.

Our OFWs were still just settling down in their respective countries in 1997, and there were very few foreign investors in real estate since we didn’t have the online tools that we have now.

The Filipinos are not new to challenging calamities and disaster, and we learned valuable lessons from every crisis. This is how we got our reputation for being a resilient nation.