Manila Standard - 2020 May 2 - Saturday

POGOs get the greenlight Pagcor allows them to resume operations under ‘strict protocols’

By Vito Barcelo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

O

PERATIONS of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators will only be allowed if the operators have no tax liabilities and gain approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Friday.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 72 • 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Roque said the Inter-Agency Task their remittances would be used to fund Force for the Management of Emerging the government’s response to the novel Infectious Diseases allowed POGOs to coronavirus pandemic. resume partial operations under a GenPOGO operations, like most other eral Community Quarantine and said Next page

COVID-19 PH

‘Lockdown protocols key to success’

AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM MAY 1)

8,772

NUMBER OF CASES

579

By Vito Barcelo and Maricel V. Cruz

DEATHS

1,084 RECOVERIES

284

NEW CASES

One in every 5 infection cases a health worker

By Macon Ramos-Araneta ABOUT 20 percent of the people infected with COVID-19 are health workers, most of them doctors, the Department of Health said Friday, as the number of cases rose to 8,772.

In a virtual press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said there were 284 new cases and 11 new deaths Friday, bringing total fatalities to 579. The department also reported 41 new recoveries, bringing the total number of patients who survived COVID-19 to 1,084.

The number of health care workers who tested positive for COVID-19 climbed to 1,694, or 19.3 percent of the total cases.

Based on the latest DOH tally, 33 Next page

FRONTLINE WARRIOR. A healthcare worker drags her bike along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City on her way to work on Friday May1, 2020 as workers mark Labor Day in many parts of the world. Medical workers are among those on the front line of the battle against COVID-19. Joey Razon

PROTOCOLS against the pandemic coronavirus in the next 14 days will be important in ensuring business will not take a dangerous dive, presidential adviser on entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said Friday.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV heard nationwide, he said this meant staying home, liking it to the last two minutes in a basketball game with the rules duly followed.

“If after one month or two months we return again to the Enhanced Community Quarantine, business would surely drop, go, stop, go, stop, that cannot be the scenario,” Concepcion said in a mix of English and Tagalog.

Concepcion sounded optimistic the ECQ over Metro Manila and other high-risk provinces would be lifted on May 15, while acknowledging that continuous COVID-19 testing was Next page

Rody adds 4m more people to cash aid beneficiaries

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

The number is an add-on to the 18 million beneficiaries who will get financial assistance due to the Enhanced PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ap- Community Quarantine imposed to proved an additional four million ben- check COVID-19 spread, a Malacañang eficiaries to receive cash aid under the official said Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Social Amelioration Program.

Roque said the low-income families would receive a financial subsidy of from P5,000 to P8,000 depending on the minimum wage in their region.

“Before, there are only 18 million that will receive cash aid, but the decision of the President is that all must receive

cash aid. So another four million beneficiaries were added,” Roque said.

“Based on current data and not the 2015 data. That’s the problem so we need to include new names,” he said.

The estimated number of beneficiaries Next page

Trump belied on virus origin

INFO BLITZ. The Philippine Army dropped leaflets on coronavirus disease and facemasks in the remote villages of Agusan and Surigao provinces as part its awareness campaign. Major Francisco Garello, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade said that an Air Force Huey helicopter and two MG-520 gunships dropped 10,000 leaflets and 200 facemasks on Wednesday and Thursday on the remote villages of the towns of Kitcharao, Jabonga and Tubay in Agusan del Norte, and the towns of Alegria and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte. Army Facebook Photo

UNITED States President Donald Trump claimed he has seen evidence the new coronavirus originated in a Chinese lab, as he threatened tariffs on Beijing over its role in the global pandemic.

Trump’s assertion was immediately undermined by his intelligence chief

and by his top diplomat, who said: “We don’t know precisely where it began.”

Scientists believe the virus jumped from animals to humans, emerging in China late last year, possibly from a market selling exotic animals for meat.

But speculation has swirled about a Next page

Labor Day rallies worldwide tempered by lockdowns WORKERS were forced to scale back May Day rallies around the world on Friday because of coronavirus lockdowns, although some pushed on with online events and others hit the streets

in face masks. casional violent confrontations with The traditional festival of the work- police forces. ers’ movement usually attracts milThis year, the date carries extra siglions of people to loud and boisterous nificance after the COVID-19 outbreak marches through the streets and ocNext page

ISOLATION ROOMS. The interior of the police quarantine facility that can

accommodate 120 patients has amenities such as air-con rooms, nurse station, shower, bath and hand-wash area.

Pinoy cardinal goes up Vatican totem pole

Penguins get chance to explore zoo ONE cute group is making the most of Singapore’s partial virus lockdown – penguins at the city-state’s zoo, who are being given the run of the empty complex and reveling in the chance to do some exploring.

Next page

Militants slam arrest of May 1 volunteers THE women’s alliance GABRIELA unteers in Marikina City. and CURE COVID-Marikina Chapter They were identified as Batibot on Friday condemned the arrest and Teachers Relita Malundras and Ronel detention of 10 of their community volNext page

LABOR WOES. Members of a transport group hold a press conference to coincide with

Labor Day in Manila, calling on the government to extend financial help to the sector that was among those reeling from the enhanced community quarantine measures put in place amid the virus outbreak. AFP

Pope Francis promotes Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to Cardinal-Bishop. Tagle is now part of the highest order of the College of Cardinals.

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News

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘ECQ worked in ABS-CBN favor’

By Maricel V. Cruz

B

ROADCAST network ABS-CBN will continue operating even if Congress has not decided on the 11 bills seeking to extend its franchise, which expires on May 4, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Friday.

a chance to air their views.

The panel, led by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, conducted its first hearing on the 11 bills on March 10.

“There is no intention to close down the company or use its present predicament for that purpose,” Cayetano said.

“That is why the House has instructed the NTC [National Telecommunications Commission] that the network’s broadcasts should continue.”

The House earlier sent a letter to the NTC asking that the network be allowed to continue operating.

The Justice department had also issued a legal opinion that the NTC allow

the network to continue broadcasting as long as the House and the Senate did not oppose it.

“The status quo will be maintained.

We guarantee the network a fair hearing, and those who have complaints that it is being used as a political tool will be given the chance to air their side,” Cayetano said.

The House has not been meeting regularly owing to the lockdown that the government had imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chamber has only been conducting limited virtual meetings, and only over the pandemic.

“The fact that they are outlawed in their own country should have made it clear to us that they have no intention of following the law. They are here to line their pockets, nothing more,” she said.

Even House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, a staunch ally of the administration, said the enforcement of quarantine measures in POGO hubs could be a problem.

“I do not believe all POGOs are the same, but I agree with you enforcement is a problem,” Cayetano said.

Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez ordered his men to monitor the movement and activities of foreigners employed by POGOs following reports that a number of Chinese nationals were disrespecting COVID-19 protocols.

Olivarez also tapped Melanie Malaya, chief of the Business Permit and Licensing Office, to regularly inspect several Chinese-owned business establishments in two barangays reportedly operating despite the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Last week, authorities raided an illegal POGO operation in Barangay Tambo after receiving a call from a concerned citizen about a group of armed Chinese nationals outside their residence during the curfew hours.

The raid resulted in the arrest of 44 Chinese nationals and nine Filipinos.

Meanwhile, a group of online gaming service providers assured the government they would comply with strict quarantine protocols.

The Accredited Service Providers Association of Pagcor said its members will follow the strict conditions imposed by Pagcor and IATF. These include deep cleaning and disinfection of facilities, testing of Filipino and foreign workers for COVID-19 prior to deployment, payment of workers’ salaries and taxes to BIR, remittance of the P350-million minimum guaranteed fee to Pagcor, proper social distancing and other measures.

In a statement, ASPAP also said its members welcomed their classification as BPO companies. With Julito G. Rada

More than half a million workers affected by the coronavirus lockdown have received a one-time P5,000 cash assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment, the agency said Friday.

Data presented at a technical working group meeting of the House of Representatives’ Defeat COVID-19 Committee showed DOLE had distributed more than P2.6 billion to 522,855 beneficiaries under its COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program, as of 5 p.m. of April 30.

He said the quarantine imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to have favored the network.

“It seems that this [quarantine] extension would be to the benefit of ABSCBN,” Cayetano said.

He said all 11 bills were seeking the

renewal of the franchise of the Lopezowned broadcast company for another 25 years, and those had been sent to the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchises.

He said the committee will conduct public hearings where those opposed to the franchise’s renewal would be given

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POGOs get...

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health care workers died from COVID-19 and 256 of them got well. Of the 33 deaths, 24 were doctors and seven were nurses, Vergeire said.

As of April 30, 65 health workers at the National Center for Mental Health contracted the virus, three of whom recovered.

At the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, 45 were infected and 38 have recovered. Seven are still under quarantine.

The National Kidney Institute had nine positive cases for its health workers, one of whom has recovered.

Vergeire said there are other confirmed cases for COVID-19 in other hospitals, but the Lung Center of the Philippines has not reported any infections from its staff.

Those who have been infected include nursing assistants, medical technologists, radiologic technologists, midwives, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and such other health personnel such as barangay health workers, administrative aids or utility workers.

If this trend will continue, Vergeire warned, there will be a scarcity or doctors and other health workers who will take care of COVID-19 patients.

To prevent infection, she urged hospitals to check their inventory of personal protective equipment (PPE).

She also urged health workers to follow the guidelines on infection control and prevention measures provided by the World Health Organization and health experts.

“We in the Health department believe that we will continue to reduce the number of health care workers who acquire the COVID-19 if we are more careful and compliant with protocols,” she said.

A WHO official had earlier raised concern over the relatively high percentage of health workers who contracted the virus in the Philippines, citing that the regional average is only within the 2 percent to 3 percent range.

businesses, have been suspended since March 15 under the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine. But the Palace has eased restrictions on several non-essential businesses in areas where the ECQ has been downgraded to a GCQ. Under the government’s new guidelines, business process outsourcing (BPO) operations, which now include POGOs, can operate in areas under ECQ and GCQ so long as they provide temporary accommodation and shuttle services for on-site workers.

Roque said POGOs, like BPOs, cater to a foreign audience since gambling is done outside the country.

But Roque said the POGOs must have no unsettled tax liabilities and must get approval from Pagcor.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue earlier revealed that over P27 billion worth of tax liabilities remain uncollected from the POGO sector.

Pagcor chairman Andrea Domingo said in a television interview that only 30 percent of the total workforce will be allowed to report for work.

Domingo said she attended a virtual meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Thursday. In the same meeting, the IATF approved her recommendation to reopen online gambling services—insisting they are part of the BPO sector, not the gaming sector.

Domingo said POGOs will be allowed to resume operations under “strict protocols.”

She also said the employees should also undergo testing for COVID-19.

Several senators, however, criticized the resumption of POGO operations, citing health concerns and the non-payment of billions of pesos in taxes.

Senate Labor committee chairman Senator Joel Villanueva reminded Domingo that there were only two to three POGOs that have paid their franchise taxes.

He recalled Pagcor admitted there were 120 illegal POGOs operating in the country.

He also doubted Domingo’s assurance that only 30 percent of POGOs’ workforce will be allowed to operate only after payment of their back taxes.

“How will they strictly enforce that when they cannot even stop the ones operating illegally under quarantine? There are 120 POGOs illegally operating according to Pagcor itself,” Villanueva said.

He also dared Domingo to face his Senate inquiry into POGOs to explain the conflicting data on the number of Filipinos employed in the industry, urging her not to hide from such hearings.

Domingo has never attended Senate hearings on POGO operations.

In February, Villanueva said Pagcor data showed only one in two available jobs in the POGO industry goes to Filipinos.

But Domingo said Filipinos comprise a quarter of the POGO workforce.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said she was dismayed that the government brought back these POGO workers to their jobs rather than Filipinos who lost their work due to the lockdown.

“Pagcor should explain why it moved to recommend the opening of POGO while there are vehement opinions and serious concerns against it. Why the haste when we are under an Enhanced Community Quarantine?” she asked.

The resumption of POGO operations, the senator said, would mean mobility for at least 120,000 POGO workers, most of them in National Capital Region, the epicenter of the COVID-19 transmission.

She warned that the resumption of POGO operations was a risk to public health and safety.

Senator Leila de Lima also blasted POGOs for evading billions of pesos in taxes since Day One. “So, how on earth can it ‘boost state funds’ for COVID-19 response?” she asked.

She said the continuous operations of POGOs do not serve Filipino interest.

Instead, she said they serve the interests of Chinese criminals.

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bases show that more of their constituents are in need of cash aid compared to the national government’s estimated 18 million families.

But Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said over 13 million poor families have not yet received financial subsidy and decried the government’s slow response amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government admitted that some local government units failed to distribute cash aid in their respective areas as social distancing would be violated.

The Department of the Interior and

Local Government ordered local government units to finish the distribution of SAP benefits by April 30, but extended the deadline for another seven days.

“The implementation of the social amelioration program is still slow as 13 million families have not received their cash aid from the government,” Reyes said.

Reyes appealed to the government to speed up the financial aid, saying the government should ensure assistance to the poor and respect for human rights during the “new normal” as the COVID-19 crisis continues.

He refused to give details.

However, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo indicated he had not seen definitive evidence.

“We don’t know precisely where it began,” he said.

“We don’t know if it came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology. We don’t know if it emanated from the wet market or yet some other place. We don’t know those answers.”

The Office of the Director of National

Intelligence said analysts “will continue coronavirus was produced in a laboratory.”

“Many well-known medical experts to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine” in the world also believe that the socalled laboratory leak hypothesis has the source of the outbreak. no scientific basis.”

China’s denial Trump is making Beijing’s handling Beijing has denied the lab was the of the outbreak a major issue for his Nosource of the virus. vember re-election campaign.

Last month, foreign ministry spokesWhen asked about reports that he could man Zhao Lijian said: “[World Health Or- cancel US debt obligations to China, ganization] officials have repeatedly stated Trump said he could “do it differently” that there is no single evidence that the new and act in “more of a forthright manner.”

of the cash assistance from DSWD was indicated in the President’s latest report to the legislative department on April 27 remains at 18,046,093.

Another 1.3 million were identified to receive cash assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment and Department of Agriculture.

Several local government leaders previously said they had been caught in a muddle because their respective data-

Trump...

From A1 top-secret lab, reinforced by internet rumors and right-wing shock jocks – and increasingly taken up by the US president.

Asked if he had seen anything giving him a high degree of confidence that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was the source of the outbreak, Trump replied, “Yes, I have.”

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Release ordered Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro on Friday immediately ordered the release of the 10 arrested volunteers.

“The police overreacted. [The volunteers] should never have been arrested because they were doing nothing wrong,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said the 10 had been involved in a relief operation that strictly observed social distancing, and was in compliance with the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. He said the policemen could have misinterpreted the placards the volunteers had been carrying calling for a mass testing.

Artizuela, GABRIELA staff and Pinoy Weekly correspondent Joan Bernadette Paz, and seven jeepney drivers who were distributing food packs to the residents of Industrial Valley Complex village.

CURE COVID volunteer relief workers, in partnership with the Bayanihang Marikenyo’t Marikenya, have been providing hot meals for more than a month to Marikina residents following the Enhanced Community Quarantine and what the groups claim as the slow Vow renewed financial and food assistance from the President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday renational government. newed his vow to uphold the rights of Filipino The arrests happened as the country workers and urged the private sector to protect was observing Labor Day. them as the nation observed Labor Day.

Labor Day...

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But with drastic social distancing rules to halt the spread of the disease, labor leaders have opted to postpone the public gatherings or move events online.

With France still under lockdown, workers will mark the day on social networks or by calling from their balconies.

“This is an opportunity to bear the social demands that we have been defending for a long time and that the crisis has highlighted,” said Philippe Martinez, the general secretary of the umbrella trade union CGT. The government of Greece asked

500,000 workers affected

unions to delay public rallies by more than a week, but leading union GSEE called for a general strike to coincide with May Day. It has also urged demonstrators to “raise their fist and salute” health workers and other professionals helping to keep supplies and telecoms running.

Portugal’s main CGTP trade union confederation is planning a gathering of union leaders on the vast esplanade where their traditional May Day parade ends each year.

The group said they would stand four meters from each other and waved flags and placards.

Indonesia’s labor unions have called for an online protest against a pro-business bill aimed at simplifying layoffs, after calling off street rallies.

The Confederation of Indonesian

Queen releases tribute song: ‘You Are The Champions’ BRITISH band Queen on Friday released a new version of their rock classic “We Are The Champions” to raise money for health workers tackling the coronavirus outbreak.

The single changes the chorus at the end to “You Are The Champions” and is accompanied by a video of healthcare staff and COVID-19 lockdowns around the world.

Queen guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor—whose daughter is a doctor and features on the video—recorded it in their separate homes in London, where they have been taking part in virtual jams.

Singer Adam Lambert, who rose to fame on US talent show American Idol and has toured with the band, recorded the vocals in Los Angeles.

Proceeds will go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

“Just like our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new champions,” May said in a statement. AFP

‘Lockdown...

From A1 important in the gradual reopening of businesses in the country.

Malacañang, meanwhile, backpedaled from its previous announcement a day earlier that work gatherings and religious activities would be allowed in areas under the General Community Quarantine, saying such activities remained prohibited in areas under GCQ. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that mass gatherings, including religious and work-related, would still not be allowed in areas under GCQ because it would be difficult to observe social distancing.

“The Inter-Agency Task Force or IATF changed the guidelines, prohibiting work gatherings at religious activities even in areas under ng GCQ,” Roque said during the Laging Handa press briefing.

Local officials earlier expressed concern over the resumption of religious activities, saying it might defeat the purpose of preventing the spread of the coronavirus, Roque said.

He said this prompted the IATF for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to review its policies anew.

The Palace spokesman has earlier said that after his initial announcements, officials from areas under GCQ called him to protest the decision, complaining that social distancing would be difficult to implement in religious and work-related mass gatherings.

Penguins...

From A1 With the zoo closed to the public as the country battles a worsening virus outbreak, the African penguins had little in the way of stimulation without passers-by stopping to admire them.

So their keepers began taking them on outings around the complex, nudging the pint-sized explorers to check out the area around their exhibit and the children’s playground.

The colony of around a dozen birds appeared unimpressed by the climbing-frame and the slide, and soon waddled off to the next section.

Further along, several life-sized models of sea lions – which occasionally eat penguins in the wild – gave them pause for thought. AFP Trade Unions has also organized donation drives to buy face masks for factory workers and food for workers fired in the downturn sparked by the coronavirus.

In Finland, labor rallies are traditionally preceded by huge communal picnics in the largest public gathering of the year.

But only a handful of revelers congregated around the Manta statue in the market square, the traditional epicenter of the festival that was this year boarded up and patrolled by police enforcing the ban on groupings of more than 10 people.

Authorities have instead encouraged Finns to celebrate online this year, with several restaurants across the capital offering live streams of wine tastings or cocktail lessons, and serving up traditional May Day food for home delivery. AFP

News IN BRIEF MMDA warns enforcer for not wearing facemask THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Friday issued a warning against one of its traffic enforcers for not wearing a face mask while on duty following a complaint by a private citizen.

Based on photos posted by a private individual on Facebook, Traffic Aide 2 Lucas Alcaraz Jr. was not wearing a face mask while on duty manning a checkpoint along Alabang-Zapote Road, Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the agency immediately took action on the said complaint and ordered the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office to conduct an investigation.

Alcaraz admitted he was the person shown on the pictures, adding that the reason why he failed to wear his face mask and/or face shield was because he left it at the carinderia where he ate. Joel Zurbano

Manila to help sick, kin of fallen healthworkers HEALTHCARE workers under the Manila City government’s district hospitals and health centers who succumbed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will receive P1 million worth of endowment benefit.

Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso on April 30 announced that he has signed Ordinance No. 8639 or the Bagong Bayani Endowment Benefit Ordinance of 2020.

Under the ordinance, Domagoso said workers employed under the Manila Health Department or the city government district hospitals will receive the benefits should they succumb to the disease.

“For purposes of this ordinance, health workers shall mean all persons who are engaged in health and health-related work, and all persons employed in all City-owned Hospitals and Manila Health Department, regardless of their employment status,” the ordinance stated.

Qualified beneficiaries of fallen healthcare workers include the following: • Surviving spouse and children whether legitimate or illegitimate; surviving parents, nearest ascendants, nearest descendants or surviving siblings; common law partner (30 percent will go to the partner and the remaining 70 percent will go to the children, whether legitimate or illegitimate).Willie Casas

Navotas to grant risk allowance for health staff THE City Government of Navotas will grant a one-time special risk allowance to all city public health workers who serve during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

City Ordinance No. 2020-20 stated that public health workers in Navotas who are in direct contact with suspected, probable and positive COVID-19 patients will be provided with additional pay equivalent to a maximum of 25 percent of their monthly salary.

This is on top of their P500 daily hazard pay.

“We are grateful to our health workers for their professionalism and commitment to their duty. We want them to know our government and our people value their selfless sacrifice in this time of crisis,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

Public health workers included in the ordinance are medical, allied medical, and other necessary personnel assigned in hospital and healthcare facilities of the city who work directly with COVID-19 related cases.

Cainta needs P500m in fight vs. COVID-19 KEEPING up the programs aimed at combatting the novel coronavirus pandemic will cost the town of Cainta, Rizal an estimated P300 to 500 million until the contagion subsides.

This was disclosed by town mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto as he announced preparations ahead of the expected lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine on May 15.

“We expect to spend this amount within the next few months to a year, depending on how long it takes us to eradicate COVID-19 in our town,” he said. He explained that the planned allocation will be used on a mix of measures including putting up more medical facilities, the purchase of COVID-19 testing kits, and assistance to displaced workers, among others. The municipal government has spent some PHP 100 million to fight the epidemic in the 45-days since the lockdown took hold last March 15.

Nieto, however, said that by continuing to fund anti COVID-19 measures in the post quarantine period, other programs of his administration must necessarily be put on hold. Infrastructure development, the feeding program as well as giving out birthday gifts to senior citizens will be the first to be put aside, he added. Miguel C. Gil

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Unregistered Chinese meds seized

By Willie Casas

ROUND P40 million worth of unregistered medicines from China were seized by the National Bureau of Investigation during a raid at a warehouse in Malate, Manila on Friday.

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The NBI said this is believed to be “Carrymycin” the same brand used by some coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to cure the disease.

The NBI said the cargo was declared as “personal effects.”

The medicines were shipped along with personal protective equipment and masks, the NBI and the Bureau of Customs said.

The said drug from China is not registered with the Food and Drug Administration, they said.

Earlier this week, a Chinese-owned illegal establishment in Parañaque City was raided by city hall personnel resulting to the arrest of a 44-year-old woman who is practicing medical profession and reportedly treating COVID-19 patients.

UNREGISTERED. Some P40 million worth of unregistered medicine from China were seized at a warehouse in Malate, Manila on Arrested was Yumei Liang, using a Friday. According to the National Bureau of Investigation, this is believed to be ‘Carrymycin’ the same brand used by some COVID-19 patients Filipina name Liza Wu, reportedly residto cure the disease. Norman Cruz ing in Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The incomplete details of her Philippine driver’s license are reportedly altered. Her Filipino utility boy identified as Hinya Rodriguez, who was at the building during the raid, was also apprehended by authorities. An unidentified relative of Go as it will serve as a catalyst for quick cases of infections by this deadly virus in

By Maricel V. Cruz Yumei who is also present in the building economic recovery, especially in the coun- the province.

Villafuerte said the newly-built Ca- reportedly escaped.

DEPUTY Speaker Luis Raymund Vil- tryside, as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic The suspect yielded several boxes of marines Sur Medical Center has been lafuerte on Friday offered a 300-hectare is contained,” Villafuerte said.

“Providing incentives to businesses to converted into the province’s main the drugs which were sold at P100,000 industrial estate inside the Camarines Sur’ Provincial Capitol Complex near the air- set up shop outside Metro Manila jibes with COVID-19 facility, making it one of per box .Each box contains 400 packs of port as the first site where companies in both the commitment of President Duterte the premier hospitals outside Metro 24 capsules per pack.The packages of the Metro Manila could relocate to or open for to equitable growth and regional develop- Manila equipped with cutting-edge medicine bear Chinese character markings business once the COVID-19 pandemic is ment and the spirit of the proposed CITIRA equipment such as portable digital and English markings “Linhua Qingwen [Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Re- X-ray machines, an ABG machine to Jiaonang,” “Shuang Huang Lian Kou Fu over.

A three-term governor before his elec- form Act], which offers a menu of tax in- check oxygenation levels, handheld Ye” and compound amino acid injection tion as representative of the province’s Sec- centives to corporations that will set up shop ultrasound devices to check COVID- manufactured by Kelum Pharmaceutical in ond District, Villafuerte has told Trade and and create jobs outside the metropolis,” Vil- induced pneumonia, defibrillators to China.The assorted items are located at the Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez offered as lafuerte, a co-author of the House-approved revive people with irregular heartbeats third floor of the rented building. Medical and a computer-based ECG to monitor beds were also found at the fourth floor of a possible “Balik Probinsya” relocation area CITIRA bill, said. the heart’s electrical signals of patients the building. Lawyer Melanie MarquezVillafuerte added that the provincial the Camarines Sur government’s sprawling complex in the provincial capital of Pili that government of Camarines Sur has opened with heart conditions. Moreover, this Malaya, chief of the BPLO, said that they is just a five-minute drive from the Naga its own medical facility in the municipality COVID-19 facility in Bula is equipped found out that the medical clinic has operatof Bula to deal with COVID-19, and is now with about two dozen ventilators for ing in the city for two months only when the Airport.

“I am in full support of the Balik Probin- ready to assist the Department of Health in the use of patients with critical symp- government imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon last March. sya project of Senator Christopher “Bong” treating suspect, probable and confirmed toms of this virus.

CamSur site offered for ‘Balik Probinsya’

No aid yet for private school teachers, staff

By Willie Casas AS THE coronavirus disease 2019 (CO-

VID-19) is taking a heavy toll on public health, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Private Schools strongly denounced on Friday government’s neglect to equally pay attention to the plight of academic and non-academic personnel of private basic and tertiary education institutions.

In an online survey conducted by ACT Private Schools, 4,005 or 94 percent of the 4,268 respondents across 65 cities and provinces in the country received no financial assistance to sustain living amid prolonged lockdown.

“With the private school teachers and staff being among the most vulnerable educational sectors, the government should also pay utmost precedence to the health and welfare of privately employed educational workers nationwide, especially now that their employment is at stake more than ever because of the economic impact brought by COVID-19,” said Dr. Jonathan Geronimo, Secretary-General of ACT Private Schools.

ACT Private Schools conducted mass online survey through its COVID-19 Hotline Assistance for Teachers in Private Schools Project to gather concerns and correctly assess the situation of the sector.

Based on the data, 56.6 percent of the respondents said that their employers applied for the Department of Labor and Employment’s financial aid but only 6 percent of these respondents were granted the said aid.

On the other hand, many of the respondents said that they were either deemed unfit to receive such assistance based on DOLE’s qualifications, were rejected due to the exhaustion of funds for the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program, or their employers did not apply for the aid.

CALIBRATED. Security forces tighten quarantine measures for all motorists passing through the checkpoint at the border of Bacoor, Cavite, along Coastal Road on Thursday (April 30, 2020). Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla has placed the entire province of Cavite under a calibrated quarantine from May 1 to 15.

Mandatory mass tests, PPE for frontliners needed—Bayan

A LEADER of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Friday said there should be mandatory mass testing and immediate distribution of personal protective equipment for medical workers who continue to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

“Kaugnay din ng serbisyong pangkalusugan, nananawagan kami na pabilisin ang distribusyon ng PPE para sa mga health workers, libre at mandatory testing para sa kanila, at iba pang hakbang para protektahan sila (In relation to health services, we are calling on the government to speed up the distribution of PPEs for health workers, free

and mandatory testing for them and other steps to protect the medical frontliners.),” Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes said during an online protest on Labor Day. Reyes also underscored the importance of mass testing, isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients while the Enhanced Community Quarantine is in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease.

“Ang walang taning na lockdown, o indefinite na ECQ, ay pahirap sa mga mahihirap na walang kabuhayan, lalo na kung napakabagal ang tulong mula sa gobyerno. Ang mga hakbanging pangkalusugan ay dapat nakatuon sa pagpigil ng paglaganap ng sakit at paglalatag

ng batayan tungo sa pagluluwag ng ECQ sa lalong madaling panahon (The ongoing lockdown or indefinite ECQ has become difficult for poor families especially as there is a slow response from the government. Health strategies should be the focus to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease and to ease ECQ protocols.),” Reyes said.

“Kung walang mass testing, isolation at treatment, mauuwi lang ang gobyerno para sa indefinite lockdown na labis na pahirap sa mamamayan (If we do not have mass testing, isolation and treatment, the poor will continue to bear the brunt of the indefinite lockdown.),” said Reyes.

Build new prisons after COVID-19 crisis

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HOMELESS. Homeless people in Manila are brought to San Andres gym in Manila amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Norman Cruz

A PARTY-list legislator on Friday said recovery plans after the COVID-19 pandemic should include the expansion of existing prison facilities, “or better yet, the construction of new ones in order to address the awful congestion in the jails.”

CIBAC Rep. Eduardo Villanueva aired the proposal following the reported confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in the Quezon City and Cebu City jails last week.

The COVID-19 infections were blamed on overcrowding in the said facilities where social distancing is hard, if not impossible, to be implemented.

“CIBAC hopes that the government

will include in its COVID-19 recovery plan or in its FY 2021 National Expenditure Program, at the very least, a sizeable budgetary allocation that will significantly improve the conditions of jails. Especially that a ‘new normal’ in the conduct of living which includes social distancing and strict adherence to proper hygiene is expected to be observed at all facets of communal living,” said Villanueva who was detained at the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa during the imposition of martial law by the late President Ferdinand Marcos.

“Decongestion of detention facilities is a must to make sure jails will not be hotbeds or epicenters of infections and detainees and prisoners will be protected from contracting COVID-19 or any communicable disease,” he added.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The 365 Club story THE stay-at-home restriction under the Enhanced Community Quarantine may be hard to take in for some people, especially the young who are used to going out. This time of the year, people go to beaches and other vacation places.

For my wife and me, this stay-athome order is a blessing at our age.

In staying home, we are actually saving a lot of money. We no longer go to our favorite restaurant. We don’t go strolling in the mall buying things we don’t need. In fact, we are giving away our things now.

By staying home, we are able to do the things we have always wanted to do but have failed to do so for one reason or another. I read a lot, and my wife is fixing her memorabilia from school and our early married life.

We will mark our 65th wedding anniversary on May 14. But since we will still be under ECQ on that day, our problem is solved. No expenses, no relatives and friends to invite. Our main problem is whom to invite since many of our friends are either sick or have gone ahead of us. *** The sad thing about the lockdown and all the restrictions is that our usual Saturday get together for the 365 Club is on hold.

The 365 Club is a gathering of people of various political persuasions. We are composed of professionals, current and former government officials, businessmen and journalists.

Here is how we started in 1972, just upon the declaration of martial law. It was after I went to look at the defunct Channel 9 station along Roxas Boulevard, on my way home to Quezon City, that I decided to have coffee at Hotel Intercon.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

I saw Makati Mayor Nemesio Yabut, noted columnist Doroy Valencia, businessman Pat Dayrit and BIR official Joe Viterbo seated in the coffee shop.

I asked them what was happening, and Yabut told me that since martial law had been proclaimed, he expected to be picked up by the military. A couple of weeks earlier, Yabut was implicated in the killing of a labor leader. “This is why ka Doroy is here, as my insurance,” he said. Valencia was known to be close to Marcos.

There will never be another quite like this.

At this point, Valencia told me that all media people who would become jobless as a result of martial law can take their breakfast at Intercon, all at the expense of Mayor Yabut.

And indeed, media people came and took their breakfast, and even stayed on to have lunch and breakfast with their families. After a month or so, Yabut said his city treasurer was already complaining about the expenses. It was at this point when Valencia issued his “Proclamation 1082—everybody had to spring for his own meal.

You would not believe it, but even the stalwarts of the Marcos administration were there—Deputy Prime Minister Jose Rono, Immigration Commissioner Edmundo Reyes, SSS Administrator Gilberto Teodoro, Airport Manager Louie Tabuen and even Kokoy Romualdez, despite all the jokes and criticism against Marcos.

I commend the late Romualdez who was there almost every day, dressed in white—down to his shoes. This was why we called him “Puti.” He was always game. Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople and Press Secretary Jose

Differing strokes

S

sumption of “heath vulnerability” by the Department of Health “is not based on conclusive study and research, and at best a cautionary assumption.”

Their line, of course, is in and by itself an assumption, and an assumption without proof is an assumption denied.

On the other hand, the DOH, resting on research by medical experts and practitioners from the Genevabased World Health Organization, including epidemiologists and microbiologists, have said, repeatedly, that older people are at high risk in contracting COVID-19 which have infected at least more than 8,000 and killed nearly 600 in the Philippines— and the numbers are still rising.

This is not agreeing they are the only ones at high risk, since younger people have been included in the horrifying statistics on infections and deaths.

But it seems some seniors, if in fact gainfully employed, have glossed over the reality that their offices are closed-

OME seniors, by law those 60 years old and above, have raised a board in social media, arguing for protection, not isolation during the pandemic coronavirus which has infected thousands and killed hundreds in the Philippines.

“Do not shackle the healthy seniors,” goes their first line of argument, adding the object of government policies should be “ensuring protection and ease of living and mobility, not restriction and isolation.”

Their beef is there are still many— though figures were not raised for immediate appreciation by both sides—who are gainfully employed and physically fit.

They have also raised the line the as-

-or if essential services were on stream they could work off site or work from home but intentionally concealed in their argument.

Medical experts—not the seniors eager to go out for a short-sighted definition of mobility—have underlined that older people have weaker lungs, making them an easy target for the virus which has clawed into the world’s population.

And the elderly are higher likely to suffer from chronic inflammation which, in experts’ views we endorse, undermines the body’s ability to quickly respond to the virus.

Certainly the quarantine is not house arrest, which presupposes a crime, as some with jejune mental frames have described it.

The crime would be to allow unnecessary movements and let the healthy and working seniors infect, or be infected unnecessarily—when the government and health authorities can protect them for the greater good.

Turn to A5

Filipino women and COVID-19 LAST week, a 20-year-old pregnant woman went to her Barangay Health Center for her prenatal checkup. The BHC was closed and she was told that the service was temporarily suspended because of COVID-19. She went to a nearby private lying in clinic to get the service she needed even if she had to pay. The clinic was open but she was also told that they did not accept prenatal cases because the barangay told them not to. She was asked to just come back when she’s already about to give birth or when the quarantine is finished.

These and more are actual problems faced by Filipino women, especially in poor communities.

If this is the case in the entire Metro Manila, what will happen to poor women who are not able to have their prenatal checkups? How many will result in childbirth complications that will make women suffer even more, or at worst, die?

One of our leaders called me to ask how they can have contraceptive pills for their BHC because apparently, their Municipal Health Office no longer had stocks. Normally when this happens, we are able to provide them some until the commodities for their LGU arrives.

This time, we could not because there is no way to send the supply to them.

These and more are actual problems faced by Filipino women, especially those in poor communities.

To begin, Filipino women are already disadvantaged because of a patriarchal culture and misogynist government officials. Despite successful advocacy of feminist organizations in passing prowomen laws, these laws’ implementation is weak at best.

Since the Duterte administration took over, gains made by our feminist movement have continuously been

eroded even before COVID-19. Misogyny in government has never been this strong. Women’s rights, including laws protecting women, have been violated repeatedly by top government officials.

This attitude has reinforced sexism in Philippine culture. Women’s issues are deprioritized, even ignored.

Not a few emulate the anti-women perspectives and statements of public officials, especially the President. This is most evident in social media. We have witnessed how outspoken women are sexually harassed and directly threatened with violence, mostly by men.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit us, women in general, and more specifically those in locked down areas living in poor and congested communities, have been, and continue to be disproportionately affected.

Mothers as unpaid domestic helpers Imagine how hard it is for ordinary women who have to take care of their families. Women are our unpaid caregivers, thus, in this time of COVID-19, they are saddled with more responsibilities than the usual. With schools and most workplaces closed, mothers have to care for and attend to the needs of the whole family day in and day out. They do all the house chores and much more. Because of the lockdown, hygiene, sanitation, and disinfection have to be strictly observed and these are added to women’s unpaid carework.

As the children’s first teachers, mothers also need to see to it that their children are busy, and engage in educational activities as much as possible. If a family member gets sick when health facilities are overstretched, it is the women who attend to the sick.

It is more challenging in poor households where money is scarce since doing these work require resources. Money problems are also mostly attended to by women.

Heightened vulnerability to VAW There have been reports in other countries about the escalation of reported cases of violence against women during the pandemic. While there is none (yet) in the Philippines, this does not mean that there is no escalation of cases. Women in abusive relationships Turn to A5

When can one be unpatriotic?

YESTERDAY, I posted on my social media account an article regarding a vaccine being developed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company, Sinovach Biotech. It was not the first time I’ve posted articles like that. Every time I encounter stories on developments of vaccines or medicines for Covid-19, I always make it a point to report it as it gives hope to everyone else. However, yesterday was the first time my post elicited violent reactions from some of my media friends.

One commented she doesn’t trust the Chinese, which I just took lightly. It’s her own prerogative. But what struck me most were the comments of my two other media friends, one accusing China of infecting us and the whole world and then using the situation to make profit. Of course, he was referring to the conspiracy theory which abounds the social media, claiming the novel coronavirus was concocted in a laboratory in Wuhan, China, with the intention of using that for China’s biological warfare.

The other one went to the extent of accusing me of being unpatriotic, even asking that just for this situation, prove my being a Filipino.

But how does one get to be unpatriotic? By not subscribing to the conspiracy theory which they now uphold as their bible?

To be honest, I almost succumbed to the temptation. It cannot be denied that

the virus first infect the people in Wuhan. And the particular conspiracy theory had other stories to back it up. That there was a collusion between China and the World Health Organization to hide the truth behind the contagion.

Let’s go back to the basics of journalism.

That a Japanese Nobel Prize winner had attested the virus is man-made. That China, trying to profit on the situation, delivered substandard medical supplies to other countries. That because of the damage it had caused to lives and the economies of the countries affected, Germany is demanding damages from China. And so on and so forth.

But then, I am a journalist. And it has been our training to verify leads or even stories fed to us. And I’m sure my media friends I have mentioned also underwent the same training.

So, I had to check everything. First, was the virus a product of China’s bio-

logical warfare and that it accidentally leaked from the Wuhan Laboratory?

Let’s make it clear. Coronavirus has been around for several decades already.

In fact, the Spanish flu which claimed two million lives from 2018 to 2020, is said to be a strain of coronavirus.

NCov19 is just the latest strain. Now, WHO avers that all available evidence shows that COVID-19 originated from nature rather than artificial synthesis.

But, they may be quick to add, WHO is working in collusion with China.

For the record, WHO is an independent international organization composed of 194 UN Member States and thus, is next to impossible from being manipulated by one country.

In WHO's 21-member Headquarters Leadership Team, only one member is from China and 11 are from the United States, the European Union and Canada. Ren Minghui from China has been WHO's Assistant Director-General for AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Prevention and Control since January 2016.

So, do they think other countries would not protest if it suspects WHO is being partial to China? Even Russia, said to be China’s closest ally won’t allow this as the pandemic has already affected its citizens and its economy.

And no less than Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DisTurn to A5

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Opinion

THE Gospel tomorrow, the fourth week of Easter, uses the metaphor of Christ as the Good Shepherd. In the Old Testament and during the time of Christ, sheep were plentiful, Israel being a pastoral society.

They will guide us during the ‘new normal’ and not back to the unjust and unsustainable world which caused this pandemic.

Understandably, both the Old and the New Testaments make a lot of references to sheep and shepherds. Abel of the Book of Genesis is a shepherd and so are Abraham, Moses and David. A number of passages in both Books use the metaphor of the shepherd in reference to God. For instance, Isaiah 40 says―He [God] will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. It is no small wonder that Christ used the same metaphor to refer to him in relation to his people.

A good shepherd needs to know the condition of his flock in order to derive the most from his fold. He does all in his power to protect his flock because there are plenty of dangers coming from wild animals and thieves. The shepherd performs a lot of chores to ensure that the flock is protected and well-fed. He intimately knows every member of his flock and is willing to put his life in line for each and every one of them. In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as the consummate shepherd who does all of these.

The Gospel of John depicts Jesus as the perfect example of sacrificial love as the Divine Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Jesus, as a shepherd to his sheep is unlike a hired hand who runs away when danger pounces on his flock. By his passion and death, He has shown to us that he was willing to go all the way for us, His sheep; to sacrifice everything for His beloved. Suffering, persecution, rejection did not deter Him from His responsibility of caring for us in a total and complete way. Jesus’ example inspires us, consoles us and encourages us to know how deep His love for us really is.

Parable after parable, Christ portrays himself as the good shepherd. In Luke we hear of the parable of the lost sheep.

How happy the shepherd when he found the lost sheep, Jesus said of the shepherd. The imagery of the shepherd and Facebook page: Professor Tony La Vina his flock in the New Testament also al- Twitter: tonylavs

Filipino...

poor women who use contraceptives from public health providers. Given that couples are kept indoors and sex cannot From A4 be outlawed, unplanned pregnancies are most vulnerable when they are in significant numbers are likely to oclocked in isolation with their abusers cur and we can expect a baby boom in about eight months. every day.

Outside of the heightened vulnerabilPoor women become poorer ity to abuse and violence, because of the Since the lockdown started, millions lockdown, it can doubly be difficult to get assistance when violence occurs. of workers have stopped working. This Reporting of VAW cases may not be means that millions of workers in the easy. Possibly, these may not even be formal economy, those receiving daily entertained by authorities because of wages, do not get paid. Economic rethe workload brought by COVID-19. It cession is likely to occur and loss of is thus, understandable why there are no employment is a big possibility. MoreVAW and GBV reports as of the present. over, there are about 25 million workers in the informal economy and many Unplanned pregnancies and birth belong to the poorest of the poor. They are unprotected by law and without the complications Family planning and pre- and post- benefits enjoyed by those formally emnatal care are hard to get these days. I ployed. A substantial number of WIE inquired with the Commission on Pop- are women.

Most women WIE have lost their ulation about family planning and was told that FP is uninterrupted but was livelihood due to the lockdown. Even also told that BHCs have less people if they want to work, they are unable now and they are also called to assist to leave their homes. Because they are poor, not being able to work means that for COVID-19 work.

Therefore, the services, especially for they are not able to provide for their women, are taking a back seat. This is families. Surely, whatever little amount consistent with the reports I get from they had when the lockdown started the ground. Worse, in some areas un- have already been used for families’ der Enhanced Community Quarantine, needs. When the pandemic is over, even private lying-in clinics are pre- women WIE will have difficulties to revented from seeing pregnant women sume their livelihood activities because they will not have capital. unless in emergency cases.

Indeed, women, particularly poor FilPost natal checkups are usually done in BHCs or hospitals. Since hospitals ipino women are further disadvantaged are overcrowded, overstretched, and by COVID-19 and the lockdown. They there is a shortage of HCWs due to CO- will need a lot of help after this. I am VID-19, some services are suspended. not very hopeful that government will Moreover, poor community women are pay much attention but development orunable to go to hospitals because there ganizations must.

Bring women back to the agenda. is no public transportation. For some women, this situation can result to birth @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth complications.

The same difficulties are faced by Angsioco on Twitter

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Grossly misinterpreting ‘Isang Dagat’

Good shepherds in a pandemic ludes to eschatology judgment, likening the process to the separation of the (white) sheep from the goats. But Jesus is the shepherd of all. He was not only the shepherd of the Israelites, the chosen people, but of all nations, the righteous and sinners alike.

A true leader embodies the qualities of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. She serves not to be served; is protective of her people, does not oppress nor exploit, and at all times willing to subordinate her interests for the good of his sheep.

This is true to every person who finds themselves in whatever leadership role they find themselves to be in; be they a father or mother, an employer, or a community leader.

Much like Jesus, a shepherd-leader leads by example, worthy of trust, reliable, able to promote welfare of the community, and willing to sacrifice for the sake of his people. She is relational, that is, she intimately knows what is best for hers flock and finally, unlike a hireling who runs at the very first sign of danger, he invests on his flock and is willing to risk her time, fortune and even his very life for the good of the fold. A shepherd-leader never threatens and exposes his flock to any kind of unnecessary and avoidable danger; the safety and well-being of his followers being foremost in his mind. In turn, people follow him, not because they are coerced or intimidated, but because they love and respect him as a leader.

The moral lesson of the gospel of the Good Shepherd is most appropriate considering that we are living in the most trying times. Almost everyone in the planet is undergoing social and economic dislocation and disruption because of the coronavirus. In this time of crisis, what nations need are shepherd-leaders who act and not only react; who unite and not divide; who inspire and not discourage; and who provide and not deprive.

In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, it is women leaders who have done the best for their countries--among others the President of Taiwan, the Chancelor of Germany, and the Prime Ministers of New Zealand, Iceland, and Denmark.

In the Philippines, Vice President Leni Robredo has been the most outstanding official leading the mot effective response against the coronavirus. But this is not a gender thing , as you do have the leaders of South Korea and Vietnam, both males, that have also been praised for the response of their governments.

In the days, months, and years ahead, let us hope we will have more of these leaders in our countries and our communities; good shepherds that would guide us during the new normal and not back to the unjust and unsustainable world which caused this pandemic. We hope for shepherd-leaders that would work with us to build a better, kinder, and more just world where people and planet are revered and respected.

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

THERE is now a brouhaha of protest over the song “Isang Dagat” composed by the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Huang Xilian. The song was dedicated to the Filipino people to help ease the suffering they now experience, and to reemphasize that the sea that sets us apart is one, that we in Asia are living in one planet, sharing a common future.

The song was simple and should not have been interpreted to create confusion. Rather, it should have been seen as extending the hand of friendship by a brother in this trying time when our people need it most.

When some sectors reacted rather impulsively to denounce the song, they only exposed their complete ignorance to the truth that we should unite and act as brothers to face the threat to humanity. The whole of South China Sea is one and speaks to affirm that we live and inhabit the same planet.

The preparation and the undertaking to come out with that beautiful song was actively cooperated by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. to purposely assist his country’s fight against COVID-19.

On April 27, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian held a video conference with the board of FFCCCII on how to jointly assist the Philippines’ in its fight against COVID-19. Composing a song was one suggestion. The lyrics convey to the whole world our assistance; Ambassador Huang personally received 53 boxes containing medical supplies, masks, protective gears, medicines donated by the Philippine government to China last February. The song was our token gesture of friendship, solidarity and support to the Chinese people.

It was sung by Imelda Papin, a known singer who sang many songs during the Marcos administration. But even before it hit the airwaves, local media like Rapper and ABS-CBN denounced it as Chinese propaganda.

It would have been different if the lyrics glorified China for its assistance to contain the pandemic. In fact, in exchange, China delivered to us masks, air ventilators, protective gear, medicines and all things that could set the pace in our effort to contain the virus.

Denouncing an otherwise beautiful song is most pathetic. Their cry have clear undertone of Sinophobe slur that exposed our ignorance how differently we treat our former colonizer that deci-

mated ten percent of our people in the name of democracy and freedom at the turn of the 20th century. They want us to turn against our neighbor that has been there with us for civilizations. Our action was characterized by ambivalence, for it seems we hate everything about China. We even refuse to understand their language but uncannily could sing in public many of their patriotic songs.

Those who object to the song show only their ignorance.

There is paradox in us of hating what is ours but loving what is alien to our culture and way of life. In fact, there is nothing in that song that China is claiming a portion of our territory even by metaphor. We react to a point of madness when all it stated is about the friendship between China and the Philippines and they have a fine tradition of helping each other in times of calamity. Ambassador Xilian recalled that the Philippine government and people from all walks of life rendered massive support to tide over the Chinese people during the initial wave of the pandemic.

Such valuable assistance, he said, will be remembered by the Chinese government and its people forever.

Our misinterpretation of “Isang Dagat” only exposed our ignorance and our prejudgment of China. Our reaction is telling how the Americans brainwashed our people that it is deeply embedded into the inner recesses of their brain. Our reaction is Pavlovian that we react to it with our neighbors in Asia wondering why we always seek to identify ourselves with our former colonial master instead of with our Asian brothers who are much closer to us both in racial and cultural identity.

It would seem that many of our people from the so-called “learned class” got it all wrong to assume that the song is intended to remind us of our indebtedness for the help they extended to overcome the pandemic. As said, it was meant to thank us for the help we rpkapunan@gmail.com

The 365...

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Aspiras were also there.

At one time, the Wall Street Journal had a front-page article on the 365 Club, which it described as a first and unique club with people of different persuasions just airing their views.

Some people told me to have the club incorporated, but I did not. There were journalists arrested during martial law—Max Soliven, Louie Beltran, Art Borjal. There were judges and justices. There was nationalist Renato Constantino and former PLDT publicist Toto Oliveros.

When Valencia died in 1976, I took over as chairman of the club. We started meeting only once a week—on Saturdays until Hotel Intercon was demolished by the Ayalas.

I am sad because I don’t think we will ever meet again as a group after this pandemic. I must say that for 48 years, the 365 Club observed its purpose until newsmen like Manila Times owner Dante Ang and Manila Bulletin editor-in-chief Jun Icban started to absent themselves. The only journalists

When...

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eases since 1984, in an official White House briefing, rejected a conspiracy theory that the novel coronavirus was created in and escaped a Chinese lab.

And the claim that COVID-19 was mysteriously contained in Wuhan and did not affect other parts of china also proved to be false. Both Beijing and Shanghai, China’s two most populous cities, have reported confirmed Covid-19 cases and deaths since January 2020.

As of April 12, Shanghai, China’s financial hub, has reported 607 confirmed cases of COVID-19, while the Chinese capital of Beijing has reported 589 confirmed cases, according to statistics from China's National Health Commission published by state news agency Xinhua.

AFP also reported that Shanghai confirmed its first COVID-19 death on January 26. Two days later, on January 28, AFP reported the first COVID-19 fatality in Beijing.

And with regards to claims that Nobel laureate Tasuku Honjo suggested the virus was man-made, no articles could be found in the internet to substantiate that claim. The only articles that could be attributed to Tasuku Honjo were pronouncements underscoring the need to ramp up the PCR tests to detect vi-

extended to contain the deadly virus that was then taking its toll in the city of Wuhan. As ambassador Huang said, “China’s assistance is in reciprocation to the Philippines’ help and friendship rendered to China, demonstrating the tradition of helping and supporting each other in this trying time.”

The song was not meant to remind us of our indebtedness. Their assistance is beyond the giving of material support like the medical supplies and protective gears, but foremost in their sending of medical team. As President Xi Jinping once said, your closest neighbor even becomes closer to us than to our relatives living in the next village much that the building of strong friendship and good neighborliness becomes mutually obligatory. *** It is but proper that Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin lodged a diplomatic protest over the decision by the Chinese government to create two districts to exert its control over the South China Sea, referring to the disputed islands in the Paracel and Spratly Islands.

The protest is meant to let the world know we continue with our claim over those islands but should take caution not to interpret that to mean China is about to forcibly takeover those islands claimed and occupied by other countries like the Philippines. It is, in plain language, something for the record.

China’s decision was intended to scuttle once and for all the bothersome adjudication filed by countries with the unrecognized and unauthorized arbitration court over claims in the South China Sea. That decision is no different from the decision by President Marcos to issue P.D. No. 1596 declaring Kalayaan Island a municipality.

China has not acted to recover the island they equally claim as part of their territory. Rather, Marcos improved our relations with China despite that.

It would be totally different if China would take steps to physically eject the present occupants for the purpose of taking over. That would constitute a clear act of aggression which is prohibited by international law and by the UN charter.

Let us ignore former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario. Maybe he and his mentor have their agenda on how to handle the problem which we seek to avoid.

left were Andy del Rosario, who passed on last year, and former Senate President Johnny Ponce Enrile.

There will never be a group like the 365 Club. *** The mauling of a fish vendor in Quezon City for the sin of not wearing a face mask shows how some overzealous policemen can go overboard.

Local government units and all those implementing the ECQ should be told that when some people violate those restrictions, they should not be treated as criminals. We are in the middle of a health emergency, not a peace and order one.

Violators of the restrictions should be given some leeway. That fish vendor, for instance, simply wanted to earn a living. *** It’s a good thing that we are focusing on rebuilding the economy after this pandemic. I have my full trust in Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and newly appointed Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Chua.

The world is in a recession, and so is the Philippines. At least I am sure that we are in good hands, economically.

rus infections to more than 10,000 per day and calling on residents of the three cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya to impose “complete self-restraint from outings.”

In another interview prior to this, Tasuku Honjo encouraged Japanese authorities to adopt a more proactive approach. But nowhere in these interactions, he made the claims stated in the social media posts which stated that the coronavirus is not natural and that China manufactured it.

On the substandard medical articles being exported by China to other countries. I am not lawyering for China or the companies which produced the medical supplies. But a check on the articles which came out will give us a clearer picture on the issues.

When the Dutch media reported last March that more than 600,000 masks purchased by the Netherlands from China had quality problems and were all recalled by the Ministry of Health, it was found out that the Chinese companies which supplied the medical articles have informed Dutch importers beforehand that the masks are nonmedical masks before delivery. The export declaration themselves would prove they were processed under the name of "non-medical masks."

On March 23, a Czech health officer told Czech Radio that the error rate of COVID-19 virus rapid detection kits purchased from China was as high as

80 percent. However, Czech Deputy Minister of Health and Epidemiologist Primla clarified that the actual error rate of the rapid test kit was only between 20 percent and 30 percent, and some medical personnel did not strictly follow the operating procedures to carry out the test, causing previous misunderstanding. This test is only a directional test, and nucleic acid test is required to make a definite diagnosis.

For the donations from China to the Philippines, our Department of Health clarified that the two batches of 2,000 BGI PCR-type test kits and 100,000 Sansure PCR-type test kits donated by the Chinese government have been assessed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to be at par with World Health Organization-provided kits, and those test kits are of high quality and standards and have no accuracy problems, which are being used in Philippine test laboratories and have helped accelerate the testing process.

Now, am I to blame for my refusal to subscribe to their conspiracy theory given all these data to debunk their thesis? Does my refusal to join their ranks make me unpatriotic?

Just because I don’t subscribe to their political biases make me unpatriotic.

Maybe I am even more Filipino than them. If only they could go back to the basics of journalism. That is to check and countercheck the authenticity of their stories.

A6

World

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Animal lovers feed virus strays AN ARMY of Indian animal lovers has emerged to feed millions of strays left hungry and thirsty by the coronavirus lockdown across the world’s secondmost populous nation Tails are already wagging as Priyanka Gusain stops her car, sacks of cattle fodder and dog pellets on her back seat and water in the boot for her evening rounds in Delhi.

Gusain and her mother Vilochna are serving in an army of Indian animal lovers that has emerged to feed millions of strays left hungry and thirsty by the coronavirus lockdown in the world’s second-most populous nation.

Used to scavenging scraps from hotels, restaurants and roadside stalls, the animals were left without sustenance as people withdrew to their homes in late March.

“No-one is taking care of them. That thought made me do all of this,” Gusain, who designs and sells her own line of footwear, told AFP. An estimated 30 million stray dogs and five million stray cattle roam India’s usually bustling streets—weaving in and out of traffic and sheltering under highway overpasses during the scorching summer afternoons.

But as the virus lockdown took hold, many urban areas turned into virtual ghost towns, leaving the animals to fend for themselves. AFP

New York probes funeral home after decomposing bodies found P

“(Funeral homes) have an obligation to the people they serve to treat them with dignity,” he said.

Owner Andrew Cleckley told The New York Times that, like other funeral directors across the city, he had been overwhelmed by a deluge of bodies during the COVID-19 outbreak.

He said he had used the trucks for overflow space after his parlor had been filled with more than 100 bodies.

“I ran out of space. Bodies are coming out of our ears,” the paper quoted him as saying.

US media quoted sources as saying

EOPLE wearing hazmat suits and masks transport a casket into a funeral home in Brooklyn on April 30, 2020 where dozens of decomposing bodies were found in trucks.

New York officials launched an investigation Thursday after police found dozens of decomposing bodies in trucks outside a funeral parlor overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Officers made the grisly discovery on Wednesday after residents complained that an awful smell was coming from two vehicles parked outside the Andrew

T. Cleckley Funeral Home in Brooklyn.

“We are investigating,” Howard Zucker, the state health commissioner, told reporters, adding that his department had not received complaints about the business in the past.

Mayor Bill de Blasio described the treatment of the dead as “absolutely unacceptable.”

Irish airline cuts 3,000 jobs

‘Animal Crossing’ offers digital escape MILLIONS of people are skirting global coronavirus lockdowns to stroll through public spaces, fly overseas and watch idyllic sunsets... in the virtual world of smashhit video game “Animal Crossing: New Horizons.”

The leisurely land of Nintendo’s latest release has struck a chord with gamers around the world, many of them yearning for a virtual escape from the onerous restrictions on movement and social activity imposed to contain the infection.

The game sees players guide their digital personas around an uninhabited island, slowly transforming the landscape with a house, garden and eventually a thriving community of adorable cartoon animal neighbours.

“Right now, watching news on TV can really be scary, but in this game, it’s just as if nothing is happening, it’s all quiet and peaceful,” said 28-year-old Kanae Miya, a Tokyo-based illustrator.

Australian high school teacher Dante Gabriele said he bought the game the day after its March release and had played it for more than 30 hours each week since, with social distancing rules keeping him housebound. AFP

South Africa starts easing lockdown SOME outside activities such as cycling, walking and running are allowed, but for just three hours in the morning South Africa began to gradually ease its strict coronavirus lockdown on Friday, allowing some industries to reopen after five weeks of restrictions that plunged its struggling economy deeper into turmoil.

The economy of Africa’s most industrialised nation was already teetering with low growth and high debts when the lockdown kicked in on March 27.

On Wednesday S&P downgraded the country’s credit rating further to junk.

With 5,647 confirmed cases and 103 fatalities, South Africa has the continent’s highest COVID-19 death toll.

“Our president ... has got a very difficult battle with managing livelihoods and economic issues together with health issues,” Paul Kapelus, a development specialist cycling at a Johannesburg park, said in the early hours of the first day of the eased restrictions.

Around 1.5 million workers in selected industries will return to work in the next phase under strict health conditions, according to Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel. AFP

as many as 60 bodies were found inside the vehicles, which were a rental van and what looked like a tractortrailer.

The virus has killed almost 18,000 people in New York City in less than two months, in America’s worst outbreak of the virus.

Morgues, cemeteries and crematoriums across New York City have reported struggling to keep up with the high numbers of dead.

Refrigerated trucks to store bodies have become a common sight outside the most strained hospitals. AFP

People wearing hazmat suits and masks transport a casket into a funeral home in Brooklyn on April 30, 2020 where dozens of decomposing bodies were found in trucks.

Robot welcome at Tokyo quarantine “YOU can’t fight the coronavirus on an empty stomach. Please eat well to get healthy,” is among the messages that the pint-sized Pepper robot will be delivering to coronavirus patients waiting out their quarantine at one Tokyo establishment.

The local government has been working with hotels to secure rooms for patients with mild symptoms, hoping to free up space in hospitals that are feeling the strain.

And at one facility, arrivals will be interacting with Pepper, a white, humanoid robot with round eyes and a tablet attached to its front, who will be sporting a face mask while in service at the hotel.

“The patients are quarantined for two weeks, so we’re using a reception robot to help the patients feel a bit more mentally comfortable,” Tokyo government spokeswoman Naoko Kubota told reporters.

Tokyo’s government has so far made deals with five hotels, securing around 2,800 rooms for coronavirus patients, though only 200 are currently in use.

“Since patients are infected with COVID-19, it is not possible to have a real person to interact with,” said Kan Kiyota, marketing director of SoftBank, which makes the Pepper robot.

“This is where the robot comes in.”

Pepper, and a back-up model, are expected to interact with patients at reception and during meals, offering reassuring messages including “We are all supporting you” and “I am cheering for you! Please get lots of rest while you are here and recover!”

But the approximately four-foot tall robot is also there to administer reminders including “Please do not bring alcohol into the building” and “The fastest way to recover is to eat a balanced meal, rather than your

favourite dishes.”

The hotel is also trialling a robot cleaner, which will operate in the lobby without human assistance.

Around the world, robots are being deployed to battle the coronavirus pandemic by disinfecting facilities, delivering food and carrying out health checks.

At the Tokyo hotel, flesh-and-blood doctors and nurses will be responsible for healthcare, including monitoring data that patients must submit twice a day on their temperature and blood oxygen saturation level.

Japan has so far seen a relatively small outbreak compared to parts of Europe and the United States, with nearly 14,300 infections recorded and 432 deaths.

But the country is under a nationwide state of emergency that is expected to be extended after an initial month-long period expires on May 6. AFP

IRISH low-cost carrier Ryanair said on Friday it planned to axe 3,000 pilot and cabin crew jobs, or 15 percent of staff, with air transport paralysed by coronavirus.

Dublin-based Ryanair added in a statement that most of its flights would remain grounded until at least July and predicted it would take until summer 2022 at the earliest before passenger demand recovers.

The airline now expects to operate less than one percent of its scheduled flights in April, May and June.

“The Ryanair Airlines will shortly notify their trade unions about its restructuring and job loss program, which will commence from July 2020,” the group said in a statement.

“These plans will be subject to consultation but will affect all Ryanair Airlines, and may result in the loss of up to 3,000 mainly pilot and cabin crew jobs, unpaid leave, and pay cuts of up to 20 percent, and the closure of a number of aircraft bases across Europe until traffic recovers.”

The cost-cutting measures at the airline, which employs 18,000 staff worldwide, will be implemented “as a direct result of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis”, it added.

Chief Executive Michael O’Leary has meanwhile agreed to extend his 50-percent pay cut for the remainder of the financial year to March 2021.

“Today we are announcing cuts of just over 15 percent, of which we have to lose regrettably about 3,000 mainly pilots and cabin crew over the next three to four months,” O’Leary told Bloomberg TV. “That’s because this year we are now facing carrying less than a 100 million passengers against an original budget of 154 million passengers...

The situation is grim.”

“We expect to be allowed by the European governments to go back in July or from July onwards. What we are facing now is a historic decline in air traffic in Europe for the next 12-18 months.” AFP

In schools and offices, China steps up virus tests

Pepper Robot

Private group can’t run charity-haven .org: ICANN THE agency that oversees internet addresses late Thursday rejected a controversial bid to let a private equity firm control the .org online neighborhood known as a haven for nonprofits.

Ethos Capital made a billion-dollar deal last year to buy the Public Interest Registry (PIR) from the Internet Society.

PIR is the registry for website addresses ending in .org.

However, Ethos needed the approval of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to run the registry.

“It’s an understatement to say our decision to reject this request followed an extensive review,”

ICANN board chairman Maarten Botterman said in a statement to AFP. “This change of control request was extremely complex, in part because it included the conversion of a not-for-profit organization to a for-profit that would be burdened with a $360 million debt.”

The top-level domain has more than 10.5 million registered website names, and is known as an online neighborhood for charities and public interest groups.

Groups with .org online addresses include the World Health Organization; the World Bank; the Red Cross; Doctors Without Borders, and the United Nations.

ICANN entrusted .org online addressing to PIR as a not-for-profit with a “fundamental public interest nature,” according to Botterman.

“Transferring that control to a for-profit entity that has new and untested community engagement mechanisms to protect the .ORG community made it unreasonable for us to authorize that change,” Botterman said.

Ethos called the ICANN decision a “dangerous precedent” and said it is evaluating its options.

“Today’s action opens the door for ICANN to unilaterally reject future transfer requests based on agenda-driven pressure by outside parties,” Ethos said in response to an AFP inquiry. AFP

CHINA had ramped up capacity to produce more than four million testing kits a day by early April, according to officials Chinese tech giant Sina set up a special room in its Beijing office for workers to be tested for the coronavirus. A school took swab samples from students before allowing them into classrooms. A traveller took the test before a trip to another province.

Companies, schools and individuals across China are lining up to be tested for the virus as the country rises back to normal life after largely taming the epidemic.

Biotech firms are ramping up production of test kits with demand growing despite lingering questions over their accuracy, while the government is pushing for more testing.

E-commerce titans Alibaba and JD have facilitated nucleic acid tests for individuals at a number of designated places—including two Beijing hotels—for prices ranging between 200 yuan ($28) and 260 yuan ($36).

JD said its reservation page has had more than three million views since the service was launched in mid-April.

And at Sina, the parent company of China’s Twitter-like Weibo platform, employees can get tested whenever they want in a specially repurposed room.

Where most testing had previously focused on those with symptoms, especially in the central city of Wuhan where the virus first emerged, demand is now soaring across China.

Beijing has seen some of the most strident demand, with many taking the test before business trips, and a drive-through service set up in one of the capital’s districts.

At a private school run by the Hailiang Group in Zhuji, eastern Zhejiang province, some 20,000 students and teachers have taken the test since April 13.

Samples were taken from students on the playground as they stood 1.5 metres (five feet) apart from each other. They were only authorised to go to class after getting a negative result.

“Although the epidemic in China has now been effectively controlled, we still have some concerns,” said high school senior Tao Xiaxin.

But the school’s policies have “completely reassured us,” he added.

Shanghai writer Mao Li took the test on Saturday for her upcoming holiday in Zhejiang. AFP

Business

A7

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Casino Crude crash floors Singapore tycoon revenues of Macau S plummet

By Martin Abbugao

INGAPORE—Singapore tycoon O.K. Lim built up his oil empire from a single-truck outfit through hard work and high-risk gambles, a rags-to-riches tale that made him a legend among crude traders.

MACAU, China—Macau’s gaming revenue was virtually wiped out in April as casinos suffered their worst month on record owing to measures put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the tourist-dependent city.

Figures from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau showed gross gaming revenue of 754 million patacas ($95 million) last month—a drop of 97 percent from the $3 billion raked in during the same period last year.

The former Portuguese colony shuttered all its casinos for two weeks in February as the virus burst out of central China but while they have since reopened, anti-virus measures still mean mainland visitors cannot enter the city, leaving casino tables devoid of gamblers.

Some of the big operators are hemorrhaging millions a day in operation costs.

But unlike many global businesses taking a hit during the global crisis, Macau’s major casinos are well positioned to weather the current maelstrom as they sit on huge piles of cash from the boom times.

And unlike many Las Vegas operators, they do not have sizable debt piles.

In a client note from early April, JPMorgan Chase analyst DS Kim said operators “have ample liquidity to survive this unprecedented period of ‘near-zero revenue’ for over a year,” Bloomberg News reported.

Galaxy Entertainment, for example, ended 2019 with $6.8 billion in cash reserves.

But the colossal drop will hit Macau’s government hard as it draws as much as 80 percent of its revenue from the gaming sector.

Many analysts expect Macau’s fortunes to rebound in the early summer if travel restrictions are lifted and share prices have risen from their near four-year low back in March.

The gambling hub made impressive strides against the coronavirus outbreak and has not discovered any new cases for the past 20 days.

Neighboring Hong Kong has also not reported a new case for the five days. AFP

But it all came crashing down when oil markets were plunged into unprecedented turmoil by the coronavirus pandemic and revealed the keen poker player appeared to have overplayed his hand.

Lim—who projected a down-to-earth image but was, according to people who knew him, a “major risk-taker”—dashed to court seeking protection from creditors for his firm Hin Leong Trading last month.

In a bombshell affidavit seen by AFP, Lim revealed the oil trader had “in truth... not been making profits in the last few years”—despite having officially reported a healthy profit in 2019.

He admitted the firm he founded in the 1960s after emigrating from China had hidden $800 million in losses over the years, while it also owes almost $4 billion to banks.

Lim took responsibility for ordering the company, one of Asia’s biggest oil traders, not to report the losses and also confessed it had sold off inventories that were supposed to backstop loans.

Hin Leong—meaning “prosperity” in Chinese—is one of the biggest industry casualties yet of the crude market collapse, and its demise last month marks an ignominious fall from grace for Lim. ‘Major risk-taker’ The businessman—whose full name is Lim Oon Kuin—started the company with a single delivery truck shortly before Singapore became independent in 1965.

It grew into a major supplier of fuel used by ships, and its rise in some ways mirrored Singapore’s growth from a gritty port to an affluent financial hub.

The firm played a key role in helping

the city-state become the world’s top ship refueling port, observers say, and it expanded into ship chartering and management with a subsidiary that has a fleet of more than 150 vessels.

The picture that emerges of Lim himself, now in his 70s, is complex.

On one hand, he was a low-profile individual who sought to project a humble image—you would not know he was a wealthy tycoon if you saw him walking down the street, according to those who knew him.

But he maintained a firm grip on Hin Leong, with one oil trader in Singapore— who spoke anonymously—describing him as a “typical Asian patriarch making all the decisions for the family business.”

Jorge Montepeque, a veteran crude market executive who did business with Lim for a decade until 2001, said the Hin Leong founder could appear “almost detached” in meetings, as if unaware of what was happening.

“But that’s not true, he very much knows what is going on... The reality is that he has been a major risk-taker,” he told AFP. ‘Too big to fail’ The firm’s collapse has prompted a

Virus expenses pared Amazon’s earnings in Q1

In this file photo taken on April 20, 2016, oil storage tanks are seen on Jurong island off Singapore. Singapore tycoon O.K. Lim built up his oil empire from a single-truck outfit through hard work and high-risk gambles, a rags-to-riches tale that made him a legend among crude traders. AFP

Boeing raising $25b in bonds, not seeking US gov’t funds NEW YORK—Boeing said Thursday it does not plan to seek US government support now after receiving strong interest from the bond market for a $25-billion public offering.

The aviation giant, which has been badly hit by the devastating impact of coronavirus shutdowns on global airlines, said demand for the bond offering was “robust.”

“We do not plan to seek additional funding through the capital markets or the US government options at this time,” according to a company statement issued Thursday night, adding that it expects the bond offering to be completed on May 4.

police investigation and sent shockwaves through the financial community, with a government agency offering assurances that the city-state’s “oil-trading sector remains resilient.”

The Singapore oil trade told AFP: “Nobody appeared to have thought that anything was amiss.

“The sentiment was that Hin Leong was too big to fail.”

But it appears that taking risks and failing to hedge against a downturn came back to bite Hin Leong when it was hit by a double blow—a Saudi-Russia price war and a virus-triggered demand shock.

Global oil demand has collapsed by around a third, according to some estimates, as the virus pandemic brings economic activity to a standstill.

A slide presentation made by Hin Leong for creditors before it went to court showed the company had total liabilities of $4.05 billion against assets of $714 million.

Bank debts of $3.85 billion comprised the lion’s share of its liabilities—with large sums owed to lenders including HSBC, Dutch bank ABN Amro and France’s Societe Generale. AFP

The offering includes seven tranches of bonds expiring between 2023 and 2060. A securities filing Thursday did not list interest rates for the notes.

The announcement comes a day after Boeing reported a $641 million loss in the first quarter and said it was cutting 10 percent of its workforce in response to the crisis in the airline industry due to COVID-19 shutdowns.

S&P downgraded Boeing’s credit rating late Wednesday following the results, which also showed the lingering effects of the protracted grounding of its top-selling 737 MAX plane following two deadly

crashes.

However, Boeing’s credit rating remains investment grade in S&P’s rubric.

The CARES Act, a $2-trillion US relief package approved in March, included $17 billion in relief aimed at Boeing. It is part of an unprecedented series of measures from Washington to support the US economy as unemployment spikes in the wake of the virus outbreak.

Company officials said Wednesday they were exploring private markets in addition to CARES Act funding.

The US Treasury had directed companies to say by Friday whether they wanted US funds.

Boeing chief executive Dave Calhoun said this week that the passage of the CARES Act had improved conditions in the private credit markets, a point reiterated by the company Thursday night.

“The robust demand for the offering reflects strong support for the long-term strength of Boeing and the aviation industry,” Boeing said.

“It is also in part a result of the confidence in the market created by the CARES Act and federal support programs that have been put in place—a testament to the Administration, Congress and the Federal Reserve.” AFP

SAN FRANCISCO—Amazon said Thursday profits took a hit in the past quarter due to the global pandemic and that its earnings in the current period would be entirely wiped out by COVIDrelated expenses.

The technology and e-commerce giant said its revenues surged 26 percent in the first three months of 2020 to more than $75 billion, as people stuck at home due to the pandemic turned to it for supplies and entertainment.

But profits slipped 29 percent from a year ago to $2.5 billion for the giant which has been both a lifeline for consumers and a target for some activists.

Chief executive Jeff Bezos said all profits in the April-June quarter would be erased by expenses linked to the global virus outbreak.

“In this coming Q2, we’d expect to make some $4 billion or more in operating profit,” Bezos said.

“But these aren’t normal circumstances. Instead, we expect to spend the entirety of that $4 billion, and perhaps a bit more, on COVID-related expenses getting products to customers and keeping employees safe.”

Amazon has become a lifeline for consumers facing lockdowns and restrictions around the world, and the company is in the process of adding some 175,000 new employees to cope with surging demand.

But the company has also faced protests from warehouse workers and activists who claim Amazon has failed to do enough to keep them safe.

Shares in the Seattle-based company slipped some 4.2 percent in after-hours trades that followed release of the earnings report.

Bezos said that “the current crisis is demonstrating the adaptability and durability of Amazon’s business as never before, but it’s also the hardest time we’ve ever faced.”

“Providing for customers and protecting employees as this crisis continues for more months is going to take skill, humility, invention and money.”

Analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy said Amazon’s list of COVID initiatives was impressive “I don’t think anyone can accuse Amazon of profiteering from the virus,” Moorhead said. AFP

Yachts, wine cellars: isolating with the super-rich

By Jean-Baptiste Oubrier LONDON—Stranded on superyachts or confined to their sprawling mansions worrying about their wine cellars, the world’s super rich have invited ridicule throughout the coronavirus pandemic with their apparent insensitivity to the plight of ordinary people.

“Sunset last night... isolated in the Grenadines avoiding the virus. I’m hoping everybody is staying safe,” US media mogul David Geffen wrote on his Instagram account at the end of March.

Above his message, he shared a picture of a huge yacht sailing in calm waters off islands in the Caribbean.

The message triggered an avalanche of online indignation over the inequalities highlighted by the crisis, with Geffen’s paradise scene a world away from the grim spectacle of hours-long food queues elsewhere in the world.

Some of the global elite rushed to dream homes in the countryside or were whisked away by private jet to seaside retreats.

Specialist company PrivateFly said it had seen a surge in bookings from people wanting to leave at-risk countries, according to The Guardian.

Others chose to invest in underground shelters, with Texas-based firm Rising S Bunkers telling the Los Angeles Times that their telephone had been ringing off the hook.

Luxury bunkers Their bunker of choice, called the “Aristocrat,” includes a gym, sauna, swimming pool, jacuzzi, greenhouse garden and a garage—all for a cool $8.35 million (£6.6 million, 7.6 million euros).

Once hunkered down, the next question for the global glitterati has been how to cope in confinement.

The Wall Street Journal, daily newspaper of the US business world and a favorite of the wealthy, wondered on April 16: “For the Rich, A Dilemma: Quarantine With Staff, or Do Their Own Chores.”

The article cited the manager of a New York finance company who found himself calling his personnel management agency because he

could not get the bag out of his vacuum cleaner.

“How to spend it,” the weekly glossy supplement of the venerable Financial Times in London, offered advice to the “problems” faced by its prosperous readers.

It focused on the renowned London wine merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd, which sold its entire stock of fine Bordeaux wines at £150 a bottle.

“When the confinement started, I opened some of my best bottles, as if the world was going to end,” one unfortunate confined to Provence in the south of France told the magazine.

“I might as well drink them first.”

Others have taken the opportunity to refurbish their wine cellars. Spiral Cellars, in the upmarket Wimbledon area of southwest London, reported record-breaking activity.

The FT magazine also stressed the importance of not letting fashion standards slip, even when trapped indoors, recommending to readers luxurious dressing gowns from Dolce & Gabbana and Londonbased Hamilton and Hare. AFP

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

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SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Business

Gov’t plans to subsidize PUV fuel T

By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation said Friday it plans to provide assistance to drivers and operators of public utility vehicles that are allowed to operate only 50 percent of their capacity under the general community quarantine rules.

“We are in consultations and in discussions in packaging what we call an assistance package,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Tugade said the government was looking at subsidizing 30 percent of the fuel expenses of PUVs, providing cheap loans and extending loan payments between three months and six months.

“Public transportation in the road sector will be available in areas declared under GCQ but we will strictly impose health safety standards at all times to ensure the safety of our drivers and passengers,” DOTr Assistant Secretary for road transport and infrastructure Mark Richmund de Leon said.

All permitted PUVs and transport

terminals and operators should adhere to all three essential components dictated in the protocol/guidelines—safety, capacity and coverage/scope.

Safety refers to guidelines that reduce contact, transmission and spread of the virus through the mandatory use of facemasks and gloves for drivers. Thorough disinfecting practices of vehicles, terminals and even among passengers are also required.

Capacity and passenger load factors will be required for each mode of transportation to ensure that physical distancing is followed. Passenger load for public utility buses and public utility jeepneys should not exceed 50 percent or half of the vehicle’s capacity, excluding driver and conductor.

Passenger load at UV Express and

taxis should not exceed two passengers per row, except for the driver’s row where only one passenger is allowed.

Tricycles must not exceed one passenger in the side-car, while backriding is not allowed.

Private cars and motorcycles will be allowed to operate for the purpose of essential travels as defined by the Inter-Agency Task Force. Cars will only be allowed one passenger to occupy the front passenger seat, while front-facing seats should not exceed two passengers per row.

Motorcycles are prohibited from having backride passengers. The use of bicycles and similar devices are also highly encouraged, and LGUs are also encouraged to identify bike-lanes or bike-only roads.

Market index seen climbing back to 6,600

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index is expected to settle within a range of 6,200 to 6,600 by the end of 2020, factoring in a “modest recession” because of the coronavirus pandemic 2019, according to BPI Securities.

BPI Securities president Haj Narvaez said the local market could extend some of its gains into 2021 as investors start to price in the likelihood of an economic recovery.

He said while some investors were on the buy mode as stock prices dropped significantly over COVID-19 worries, investors should be ready for some volatility given uncertainties about the peaking of cases and the lifting of the lockdowns.

He said that researching and tracking stock trends and movements should be considered.

“Some sectors are probably doing better than others. Consumer manufacturing generally has been good, because there’s been a huge spike in demand for staple items. As for retail, I think a lot of retail companies derive their revenues from the supermarket-side of the business. So the near-term outlook has been positive,” Narvaez said.

The telecommunications industry also appears compelling, according to Narvaez.

“A lot of telcos have leveraged on this demand for the internet. I think strong online usage and work-fromhome arrangements are generally positive for the telcos. So there’s a strong chance for telcos to outperform in the near term as well,” he said.

He said the restaurant-related business would remain challenged even after the lifting of the lockdown.

“They are still very dependent on their revenue from people dining-in and a lot of restaurants are likewise concentrated in Luzon where the lockdown has been the most stringent. And given that they are not reliant yet on deliveries and take-out, it’s going to very be hard for restaurants to compensate for the absence of open stores,” said Narvaez.

IN BRIEF DOF extends tax payment to June 25 THE Department of Finance said it extended the deadlines on the payment of local taxes and fees to June 25 and waived the penalties and surcharges during the extended enhanced community quarantine period.

It said in a statement the move was in line with the provisions of Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which seeks to provide relief to Filipinos impacted by the severe disruption of economic activities brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019.

The department issued on April 23 Department Circular No. 002-2020 which extended deadlines for the payment of “taxes, fees, and charges of local government units, pursuant to Section 4 (z)” of RA 11469.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a letter transmitting the circular to Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año that it was the DOF’s view that Section 4 (z) should be “liberally construed to include all LGUs.” Dominguez said the DOF issued DC 002-2020 “for the uniform adoption and implementation by all LGUs on the extension of deadlines for the payment of local taxes, fees, and charges and providing relevant guidelines for the purpose.”

Julito G. Rada

Vehicle importers reopen dealership THE Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors announced the resumption of dealership operations on May 1 in areas under general community quarantine while fully implementing stringent health and safety measures.

“While we understand that people will not easily jump back into their usual routines, we want to assure the public that during the lock down, AVID members have been busy developing COVID-ready processes, structures and organizations,” said AVID president Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

“We are now set to implement these general safety guidelines at our facilities as a primary step toward adapting to the ‘next normal’ in business. We envision these protocols as guide posts for our industry to hurdle current and future challenges in a timely and well-coordinated manner,” said Agudo.

She said the guidelines were based on global and national standards for risk assessment and protocols which were designed to give utmost priority to the health and safety of employees, customers, suppliers, the community at large, covering the mandated physical distancing, wearing of face masks and other protective gear, temperature screening, proper hand washing and sanitizing, respiratory etiquette, and other regulations and best practices. Othel V. Campos

San Miguel donates 85,000 liters of fuel

‘WE HEAL AS ONE’ CENTER. The ‘We Heal as One’ Center at the Philippine Arena Complex in Bocaue, Bulacan is turnedover to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Disease and Philippine Coast Guard. The health facility consists of three air-conditioned tents with 300-bed cubicles completed by Department of Public Works and Highways Task Force for Augmentation of Health Facilities formed by Secretary Mark Villar. Leading the inspection of facility are Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force-COVID 19, Bases Conversion Development Authority president Vivencio Dizon and officials of DPWH, Department of Health, PCG and Bulacan province.

NGCP charters PAL to deliver over 2m facemasks

By Alena Mae S. Flores NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines said it chartered a Philippine Airlines flight to deliver two million facemasks, 400,000 KN95 masks, 50,000 N95 masks and 21,000 infrared thermometers which recently arrived in Manila.

The move is part of NGCP’s P1billion donation to the government’s COVID-19 relief and response efforts.

NGCP, the country’s lone transmission operator, said in a statement the medical supplies would be turned over to around 300 hospitals and city/municipal/rural health units across the country.

The medical equipment donation includes ventilators, respirators, 10,000 test kits and over 6.6 million pieces of personal protective equip-

ment for frontliners such as hazmat suits, full face shields, gloves, shoe covers, disposable gowns, surgical caps and goggles.

Essential supplies such as alcohol and disinfecting solution are also included.

NGCP said 43 hospitals already received an initial delivery of medical equipment and supplies as of April 30.

It said part of the P1-billion donation is the distribution of P500 million worth of grocery items to 1,028 cities and municipalities across the country.

Around 628 out of 1,028 local government units or 921,500 out of 1.25 million grocery packs have been distributed as of April 29.

Other COVID-19 donations by NGCP include a P5-million contribution to Project Ugnayan, which

distributes supermarket gift certificates to over 1..5 million economically displaced families in Metro Manila; earlier donations of medical supplies, PPEs and meals to frontliners; and the “Meals on Wheels” program which distributes hot meals to communities affected by the extended enhanced community quarantine.

“On behalf of NGCP’s board of directors, particularly major stockholders Henry Sy Jr., Robert Coyiuto Jr. and the State Grid of China Corp., we would like to inform you that NGCP will donate P1 billion to aid our medical frontliners to support the president’s efforts to combat the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines,” NGCP president and chief executive Anthony Almeda said in a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte earlier.

PCA teams up with other agencies to assess VCO as COVID-19 treatment

By Othel V. Campos

CASHLESS PAYMENT. Manila, in partnership with PayMaya, mobilizes Kadiwa rolling stores equipped with cashless technology to bring essential goods closer to the city citizens under the enhanced community quarantine. Manila residents can go cashless using PayMaya QR, PayMaya-powered citizen ID card or any debit or credit card whenever they purchase discounted essential items from the Kadiwa rolling store stationed near their homes.

THE Agriculture Department through the Philippine Coconut Authority teamed up with other government agencies and the academe to assess the therapeutic properties of virgin coconut oil against coronavirus disease 2019.

“This is indeed good news for us, a silver lining in the scientific community. This inter-agency effort is reflective of the ‘Bayanihan to Heal as One Act’ the success of which will not only help our COVID-19 patients, but also benefit our marginal coconut farmers,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. PCA administrator Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said previous studies showed that VCO had high potency anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities.

“Initial research results showed that the lauric acid in VCO helps fight the coronavirus in three ways. It disinte-

grates the virus membrane, inhibits virus maturation and prevents binding of viral proteins to the host cell membrane,” Madrigal said.

The ongoing study, with an initial P5 million funding, is being conducted by PCA in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Philippine Center for Health Research and Development and Science Department Region 4A, the Health Department, University of the PhilippinesPhilippine General Hospital and the team of Professor Fabian Antonio Dayrit of Ateneo de Manila University.

The two-pronged community-based modified clinical study on the use of VCO will involve persons under investigation for COVID-19 infection who exhibit symptoms of the disease. The tests are being conducted by the FNRI with DOST-4A, Santa Rosa City government in Laguna and Medical City South Luzon.

CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. on Friday donated 85,000 liters of fuel for the government’s Libreng Sakay programs, which provide free transportation to thousands of medical frontliners and workers reporting to hospitals throughout Metro Manila.

The donation, which consists of 40,000 liters of fuel for the Metro Manila Development Authority’s free shuttle program and another 45,000 liters for the Transportation Department’s parallel program, were provided by San Miguel subsidiaries SMC Infrastructure and Petron Corp.

“This is our simple way of honoring our brave and selfless medical workers on Labor Day. We want to continue honoring them by helping provide them this convenient, safe, and free means of transportation when they go on duty. Yes, it is a small thing, especially considering the risk they take and the sacrifices they make every day. But we are hoping it will at least make a little difference to them knowing that their government and donors like us, continue to support them in any way we can,” said SMC president Ramon Ang The fuel donation, estimated to cost P2.8 million, is the second batch of donation to benefit medical frontliners fighting the pandemic.

Alena Mae S. Flores

DOE eyes moves to ensure steady supply of power THE Energy Department said it is preparing measures to ensure the adequate and reliable power supply once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted by May 15.

“As we have prepared for this COVID-19 to make sure we have enough supply, we are now working together with the industry players. I thank them for their full cooperation, when the economy restarts because the demand will be increasing,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in an interview on ANC. “We want to make sure that all power plants will be operating and those that have been projected to be online let’s say in June will be able to come in even if there are little delays so during this time we are already preparing for the post-lockdown or the post-ECQ to make sure we can support the economy and the demand of the different industries,” Cusi said.

Cusi said the department should make sure that energy is sufficient to support the demand in restarting the economy.

“When restarting, demand is higher, so we are meeting to prepare for the post ECQ,” the energy chief said.

He said the agency should come out with new working standards for the “new normal” amid the persistent threat of the coronavirus disease.

“We need to set the working standard or protocol for the new normal.

Health protocol must be observed by all,” Cusi said.

“Certain rules and policies we need to amend and navigating this new normal, we have to be very careful and watchful.

We are now crafting the new standard for the energy family,” he said.

Cusi said power demand declined as much as 30 percent in Luzon in the wake of the ECQ. He said there is currently enough supply with the anticipated higher demand during the dry season. “We have more than enough supply for the entire country. Mindanao has around 42 percent [reserves] and Visayas has something like 32, overall. We have a little over 30 percent for the entire country,” Cusi said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Sports

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

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Lakers raring to play, refute report to scrap NBA season LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court injured during a time out in their last game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James he’s ready for the NBA to return, refuting a report some agents and team executives want the league to scrap the 2019-20 season. AFP

N

1st Star Wars Virtual Run launched on May 4

EW YORK—-Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James said Thursday he’s ready for the NBA to return, refuting a report some agents and team executives want the league to scrap the 2019-20 season.

THE battle between the light and dark side of the Force is upon us! STAR WARS fans, prepare to choose your side and join the Force in Southeast Asia’s first-ever STAR WARS Virtual Run! Registration is now open and interested participants can clock-in their run distance from May the 4th—a date derived from the iconic phrase “May the Force Be With You” — in celebration of the STAR WARS Day. Excitingly, this year also marks the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and runners will receive a commemorative Finisher Trophy upon completion of the virtual run. Limited edition merchandise will also be available for STAR WARS fans to purchase.

In collaboration with LIV3LY, Southeast Asia’s leading Social Fitness App, the STAR WARS Virtual Run is open to fans and runners from Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Runners can pledge their allegiance to their chosen side—light or dark—and fight in the galaxy’s most epic virtual run on treadmills or any running path they choose.

Runners may opt to run solo in the 5.4km (Individual) or pair up with a friend in the 40km (Individual or Group of Two) where the distances can be completed all at once or over a period of time. Runners will have to complete the distance by May 31, 2020 in order to be eligible for the Finisher Trophies. Finishers of the 40km distance will receive an additional The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Trophy. Registration can be done through the MOVE by LIV3LY app, which is available for download on App Store and Google Play. Participants will have to activate the MOVE Run Tracker in the app before they are able record their distances from 4 May to 31 May. Limited edition merchandise will also be available for purchase through the app including a STAR WARS Pass Holder and Mobile Phone Stand. The merchandise on sale will be exclusive to Southeast Asia and available in limited quantity only. Upon completion and verification by LIV3LY, the Finisher Trophy and any purchased merchandise will be sent to the registered address of the participants.For more details on the STAR WARS Virtual Run 2020 and registration information, please visit starwarsvirtualrunsea.liv3ly.com.

The NBA halted the current campaign on March 12 after Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

CNBC reported Thursday that unnamed player agents and club executives say team owners worry about liability issues due to health concerns and a lack of revenue from playing in an empty arena for a television audience.

James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player and three-time NBA champion, disputed the report, saying he and his Laker teammates are prepared to finish the season when officials deem conditions are safe to do so.

“Saw some reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel season???

That’s absolutely not true,” James wrote in a Twitter posting.

“Nobody I know saying anything like that. As soon as it’s safe we would like to finish our season. I’m ready and our team is ready. Nobody should be canceling anything.”

The Lakers boasted the best record

HOSTING the 10th ASEAN Para Games is no longer feasible.

Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo said this after learning that Philippine Sports Commission has withdrawn its support for the staging of the meet.

Agency officials made its decision last Wednesday following a virtual board meeting.

“While this is disheartening news for our local and ASEAN para-athletes, who have trained and sacrificed so much to represent their respective countries, their health, and safety as well as their coaches, members of their team, and families, remain our

Murray takes Virtual Madrid title after hiccup in connection PARIS —Andy Murray won the Virtual Madrid Open title on Thursday, helped by a semi-final walkover when opponent Diego Schwartzmann, logging in from Argentina, suffered a connection glitch.

Murray downed Belgium’s David Goffin in the final but the drama of the online tournament had been in the previous round.

Schwartzmann kept being awarded points even though they were winners from Murray.

With Murray exclaiming “this is madness”, his Argentine opponent withdrew.

“Due to technical problems with @dieschwartzman’s connection that prevented him from competing normally in his semi-final match, the players have agreed that @andy_murray should progress to the #MMOPEN Virtual Pro final,” the organisers tweeted.

Schwartzman told London-based Murray - a two-time champion of the real Madrid event - over the microphones: “I don’t deserve to be in the final...you play the final.”

In the women’s final, Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who won the WTA Madrid Open title last season, beat Fiona Ferro of France.

Murray and Bertens won 150,000 euros ($164,000) with the majority of the money going to colleagues lower down the tennis rankings who have been badly affected by the shutdown of tennis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The tennis season will not resume until July 13 at the earliest due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

In Berlin, Germany, there will be no handshakes, line judges, ball boys or spectators allowed, but tennis fans can get their fix from Friday when a series of exhibition matches will be streamed live from a rural German venue.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the ATP and WTA Tours are suspended until July 13 at the earliest.

However, tennis fans can enjoy live coverage of an eight-man tournament at the Base Tennis Academy in the tiny town of Hoehr-Grenzhausen, near Koblenz. AFP

Fighting Maroons continue fight amidst COVID-19 THE whole world of sports has come to a halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Team stay fighting.

The UP Fighting Maroons

Health, safety of games’ participants top priorities

By Peter Atencio

in the Western Conference, and the second-best in the league, at 49-14 when the league shut down with about a month of the regular season remaining, plus two months of playoffs.

Players would need time and opportunity to practice and regain fitness before resumption of play, even in empty arenas in a central location, key aspects of most of the plans discussed about how a season might proceed in the wake of the deadly virus that has shut down sport.

“It is the responsibility of the league office to explore all options for a return to play this season,” an NBA spokesman told CNBC. “We owe that to our fans, teams, players, partners and all who love the game. While our top priority remains everyone’s health and well-being, we continue to evaluate all options to finish this season.

“At the same time we’re intensely focused on addressing the potential impact of COID-19 on the 2020-21 season.”

The NBA and its players union have agreed on the league withholding 25% of player salaries starting in May. The league says players could begin individual workouts will be permitted at team facilities starting May 8 in areas where governments permit it, a small step on the path to resuming play but far from a timetable that many fans hope to hear in May. NBA ownership groups include many business partners who are losing money in other investments due to the coronavirus shutdown, the report noted.

“Some of them are looking at vast losses outside of just their basketball team,” Andy Dolich, the Memphis Grizzlies former president of business operations, told CNBC. White House health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told the New York Times that all sports might have to face a season wipeout, saying, “If you can’t guarantee safety, then unfortunately you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’”

But among the plans the NBA is reportedly considering is gathering teams at hotels and sports facilities at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where access could be controlled. AFP

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top priority,” said Barredo.

The agency is set to implement belttightening actions in its effort to keep its commitment of support to members of the national team.

The measures will also be done in compliance with an advisory coming from the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to cancel the staging of sports activities for the next seven months.

“Altogether, the hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support. We will send a communication to the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) on the present situation so that its Board of Governors may decide on the fate of the APG,” said Barredo in a statement.

Every member of the team is optimistic that Filipinos and the Philippines will get through the difficult challenges they are facing and are staying positive in words and deeds.

Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol has reminded his players to put in the same heart and passion they show in the game into their response to the pandemic, encouraging them to practice teamwork and find ways to help those who are affected by the scourge of the coronavirus.

The ongoing Enhanced Community Quarantine and the General Community Quarantine have prohibited sportsrelated mass gatherings like training, competitions and tournaments. Holed up in their respective homes, the Maroons still find ways to stay competitive and in shape, both physically and mentally.

UAAP Season 82 team captain Noah Webb says they “try our best to stay in shape by doing our workouts at home since we can’t go to the gym.

Our coaches are always guiding us and giving us programs to follow. It’s also very important for us to stay mentally tough since this is a different opponent we are facing.”

UP MBT team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero said it is also important for

the team and the players to be resilient since a lot of things will change and new protocols will be implemented even after the ECQ is lifted.

“We will always stay thankful to our fans who never tire of supporting us whether we are in active competition or not. And we will always be indebted to our partners and sponsors -- Robinsons Retail Group, STATS Performance Apparel, Palawan Express Pera Padala, and PayMaya -- for remaining committed to the team despite difficult times like these. Their support and their various efforts to provide assistance and relief to the frontliners and those most affected by the ECQ inspire us and buoy up our spirits,” Atty. Uvero added.

UPMBT players and alumni along with various UP teams and organizations sprang to action soon after the ECQ was declared. They initiated efforts to provide frontliners with necessary items like personal protective equipment and meals. They also reached out to affected communities with rice and other daily necessities.

New golf measures deny Spieth an ace LOS ANGELES—Jordan Spieth’s return to tournament golf on Thursday was underscored by the three-time major winner falling victim to new safety measures put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Spieth played in a group with retired NFL star Tony Romo as he and other PGA Tour pros teed it up in a no-spectator invitational charity event in Dallas.

Spieth was denied a hole-in-one on the par-three 110-yard 17th after his tee shot flew straight into the cup only to have it hit a plastic insert and bounce out and roll into a water hazard.

The ball didn’t stick because organizers of Jordan Spieth the Maridoe Samaritan Fund Invitational inserted social distancing plastic slats into each cup for protection so players wouldn’t have to bend so far down to retrieve their ball.

Spieth told ESPN.com he can’t remember the exact date of his last hole in one.

“It never left the flag,” Spieth said. “I knew it was going to land somewhere around the hole.

It’s my first one in probably three or four years.

I kind of had a three- or four-year streak where I had a few and I’ve been shut out for a while.

“I’m going to count it. It was one of those where it most likely would have stayed in. Hopefully it’s a good omen.”

Spieth played just one round of the tournament to raise money for out of work golf caddies, joining Romo’s group on the final day of the 54-hole event.

In an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event was played without galleries and players were not allowed to have caddies.

Golfers weren’t allowed to remove the flagsticks and no rakes were used in the bunkers.

Because he only played one round, Spieth had no chance to win the event. That honor went to PGA Tour rookie Scottie Scheffler, who finished ahead of Norway’s Viktor Hovland and Will Zalatoris. Scheffler shot a final-round 67 to win by one. AFP

Life

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

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TOURISM AND CULTURE

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

Cancelled trip?

3 steps to get your money back

Is tourism dead?

NAVIGATE the tricky and tedious refund procedure for those cancelled bookings.

SEE YOU SOON. Despite the uncertainty and expected losses, Philippine tourism strategists are optimistic that the industry will bounce back—the world will reopen and people will travel again—hence they are developing new strategies, approaches, and tools necessary to survive during and after this pandemic. (Photo by June Famur, Jr.)

MERCURY RISING

BY BOB ZOZOBRADO

F

AR from it! If you remember the past years, our industry has been dealt with many blows by all types of catastrophes. We’ve had a bloodless revolution, coup d’états, super typhoons, devastating earthquakes, volcanic ashfall, etc. Name it and we’ve had it.

Infographic by MasterCard

Tourism professionals are taking advantage of this time to sharpen their skills and prepare themselves for what is perceived to be the ‘new normal.’

Although I must admit that this latest blow to our industry is the biggest Included in our list are: Tax Holidays/ and will probably take us the longest to Tax Cuts; Interest-free Loans to cover recover from. employees’ payroll for the duration of However, every time we are faced the global standstill; and Government with an earth-shaking challenge, we alSubsidies to cover operational expenses ways bounce back, stronger than ever. aside from payroll.

Thank God, our industry is made up We also proposed several measures of hardworking, committed, never-saywhich we want the DOT to lobby for with die, astute strategists who bring it back the other government agencies like the to its feet.

Department of Finance, National Bureau Let us not be disappointed, frustrated, of Investigation, Civil Aeronautics Board, nor saddened by the fact that—NORand DOLE, to help ensure our survival MAL IS DEAD. We have to face and during these months of uncertainty. For accept that, but console ourselves with all the aforementioned requests, our DOT the fact that HOPE IS STILL VERY has signified its willingness to help.

MUCH ALIVE. This is why during this Meantime, we, tourism professionglobal standstill we keep ourselves busy. als are getting involved with webinars We learn new strategies, new tools, and to further sharpen our skills and prenew approaches to bring us back to the pare us for the challenges of what is rhythm of life, where we enjoyed servperceived to be the new normal. Future ing our customers and earning our keep Normal may be dead, but hope is still very business transactions in our industry at the same time. will then be very different from what much alive. (Photo by Gerald Yambao) The better question should now be: we are currently used to, but new things “How can government help us survive help tourism-related enterprises sur- always motivate people to do more, rethese trying times?” I have to say our vive these months of zero revenues. sulting in their exceeding target.

Department of Tourism (DOT), in coop- This was in response to the filing of I see our situation right now as someeration with other government agencies, the “Economy Moving Forward as thing similar to a group of people inhas been very supportive of us volved in the renovation of an esduring these times. It started with tablishment. Every design, every the Department of Labor and Emprocedure, and every detail is paid YOUR WEEKEND CHUCKLE ployment’s (DOLE) COVID-19 attention to, because we are all exAdjustment Measures Program cited looking forward to the day Do twins ever realize that one of them is (CAMP), which gave P5,000 cash our business starts grinding again. unplanned? to all employees of tourism-relatThe local tourism industry is ed establishments who are either getting ready for our RE-OPENunemployed or underemployed ING SALE. One” Act by Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo because of the imposed quarantine.

We have also submitted to DOT a of Marikina for a P375-billion stimuFor feedback, I’m at proposed list of measures that would lus package. bobzozobrado@gmail.com.

Masks on, one carry-on: Pilot on flying post-COVID PASSENGERS will now be required to bring and wear their own masks before, during, and after the flight lest they will be denied boarding. This is just one of the new policies expected to be enforced once airlines resume operations.

“A lot of our normal life has taken a ‘new normal’ turn. And flying will just be one of them,” said Captain Ling Liong Tien, pilot and chief safety officer of AirAsia. “But that just means that we are travelling with heightened steps when it comes to safety and health, which is good for everyone.”

In addition to requiring passengers to wear face masks, Capt. Ling said AirAsia will impose a new cabin baggage policy of only one piece of baggage not exceeding 7kg for each guest to help minimize contact with other

Parked aircraft of Malaysian airline AirAsia are regularly maintained by engineers to ensure they are kept in excellent condition.

passengers’ baggage.

“There will also be temperature checks at different checkpoints, including boarding gates. And all of our crew will also go through temperature checks after every shift,” he said.

The Malaysian airline recently launched its new cabin crew uniform—personal protective suits in AirAsia’s signature red color, designed

by Filipino fashion designer Puey Quiñones. Flight attendants will be required to wear PPE, including masks and gloves, on all domestic and international flights.

Social distancing will also be observed, according to Capt. Ling, hence “there will be floor markers at queuing areas, including check-in counters and kiosks.”

Alternate check-in counters will also be available to ensure sufficient distance, as well as contactless checkin processes to minimize person-toperson contact.

Passengers are also expected to fill up health declaration forms before or on arrival at their respective destinations.

AirAsia’s chief safety officer added that all the company’s aircraft go through regular, enhanced disinfection procedure. Further, at every night stop, each aircraft goes through a thorough two-hour cleaning procedure, in compliance with instructions from health authorities.

“This will be our new normal in the near future, and of course, we hope that the situation will gradually imCapt. Ling Liong Tien, chief safety officer of AirAsia prove soon,” said Capt. Ling.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Top US theater chain pulls Universal films over streaming row ’GMA Regional TV Weekend News’ starts new season

Adrian Prietos, Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, and Kaitlene Rivilla of 'GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas.'

Universal Pictures released "Trolls World Tour" directly to on-demand platforms.

T

HE leading US movie theater chain said Tuesday it will no longer play any Universal Pictures movies on its screens as a row over the record-breaking release of Trolls World Tour on streaming platforms sharply escalated.

The children's film sequel from Universal Pictures—one of Hollywood's largest and oldest studios—was released directly to on-demand platforms last month after its theatrical release was hit by the coronavirus.

At the time the studio indicated the move was an exceptional response to

the pandemic.

But a report Tuesday quoted a Universal boss saying the studio's movies would now be released "on both formats" even once theaters reopen, due to the film's record $95 million streaming haul.

AMC, the largest theater chain with

8,000 screens across North America, responded with a letter to Universal stating that "effectively immediately AMC will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theaters in the United States, Europe or the Middle East." ‘‘AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theaters simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies,’’ CEO Adam Aron added in the letter carried by US media.

Before the pandemic, studios typically waited 90 days to release films digitally after their theatrical opening. AFP

GMA Regional TV Weekend News starts its new season and returns to GMA News TV with a new timeslot at 6:15 p.m. beginning today.

Making local newscasts available to more viewers nationwide, GMA Regional TV Weekend News originally aired at 5:00 p.m. on GMA News TV. Following the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, the newscast temporarily moved to GMA-7 from March 21 to April 25.

As the program ushers in Season 3 of its broadcast this evening, GMA's only English newscast is now part of the news channel’s Saturday primetime line-up.

“GMA Regional TV Weekend News continues to bring Kapuso viewers in the different Philippine regions, includ-

Domingo, and Lou Anne Mae Rondina of GMA Regional TV’s flagship local newscast in Central and Eastern Visayas— GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak; and Atty. Sedfrey Cabaluna, Adrian Prietos, and Kaitlene Rivilla of pioneering Hiligaynon newscast GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas.

GMA Regional TV local news teams composed of RTV Balitang Amianan’s King Guevarra, Ivy Hernando, Kim Bandarlipe, and Russel Simorio; RTV Balitang Bisdak’s Nikko Sereno, Lou Anne Mae Rondina, Lian Singculan, and Fe Marie Dumaboc; RTV One Western Visayas’ Darylle Marie Sarmiento, Zen Quilantang, and John Sala; RTV One

Carousell to launch in PH to support NGOs helping COVID-19 affected communities CAROUSELL, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing classifieds, is stepping up to help in the fight against COVID-19 by announcing the launch of “COVID-19 Free Ads for Charity."

The initiative will offer up to $1.4 million in an advertising support program for nonprofit organizations helping the communities impacted by COVID-19.

The amount will focus on supporting any non-profit organizations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore and their efforts to replenish supply of food and essential health products, donations for upkeep cost, call for volunteers and other initiatives caring for families-at-risk and seniors in need.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is

Apart from supporting non-profit organizations, Carousell has committed to additional resources that will empower small and medium businesses and local entrepreneurs during this COVID-19 crisis.

greatly impacting the lives of many in the region including the Philippines. We want to support Caritas Manila, a non-profit organization that is playing a key role during the crisis, through access to our platform and users to get greater visibility and a larger reach.” said Raffy Montemayor, General Manager, Carousell Philippines.

“We know that Caritas Manila

will be able to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters in this time of great need while we all collectively do our part to help flatten the curve,” Montemayor continued.

The initiative will launch with existing partnerships including Caritas Manila in the Philippines, Parents Without Partners Berhad in Malaysia, Singapore Red Cross in Singapore and Habitat For Humanity in Hong Kong. Interested non-profit organizations can simply apply via https://caro.sl/freeadsforcharity.

“We want to thank Carousell for raising awareness for Caritas Manila so that we are able to receive resources to help alleviate the hunger of the less fortunate during this health and social pandemic,” said Fr. Anton CT Pascual, Executive Director, Caritas Manila.

Tek Ocampo, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and Real Sorroche of 'GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.'

ing the National Capital Region, all the freshest news and developments in key cities and provinces all over the Philippines,” says GMA Regional TV vice president and head Oliver Amoroso.

"Now that we are back on GMA News TV and on primetime block at that, we commit to providing our Kapuso all over the country the relevant information they need because local news matters especially in these challenging times. Now, more than ever, we believe that every Filipino must know what is happening in other areas of the country. GMA Regional TV Weekend News is here to do

Mindanao’s Sheillah Vergara-Rubio, Rgil Relator, Jandi Esteban, and Cyril Chavez; RTV Bicol’s Rhayne Palino who caters to Southern Luzon viewers; and RTV stringers based in different parts of the Philippines complete the hard-working force behind GMA Regional TV Weekend News.

GMA Regional TV has continuously shown improving performance for its various local newscasts. Recently, GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak, and GMA Regional TV One Mindanao triumphed over their respective competitions based

ANC premieres TV special, new show tackling ’new normal’ AS THE nation continues its battle against COVID-19, ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel launches a timely TV special and a new daily talk show to begin discussions on the new normal in the Philippines.

The country’s premier 24/7 English news channel zooms in on the global pandemic’s impact on the way we live and do business in The Boss Special: New Normal and ANC Conversations featuring the seasoned news anchors and hosts of ANC. ANC puts a spin on The Boss with its multi-awarded anchor Cathy Yang speaking to leaders from various industries on how they have responded to the crisis and what they plan to do after the pandemic.

In the pilot episode on April 27, Cathy engaged experts from the banking industry to give viewers an idea on how the landscape is changing. Another episode featured her one-on-one interview with billionaire Enrique Razon, who weighed in on the quarantine extension and the Philippine economy’s prospects. The Boss Special: New Normal airs weekdays at 8:00 p.m..

Meanwhile, airing from Monday to Saturday is ANC Conversations, a new talk show that debuted on April 20 over the video conferencing service Zoom.

The one hour and 15-minute program features ANC anchors taking turns in hosting

six days a week, each one focusing on how different sectors are responding to the new normal, and how individuals can adjust their lifestyles in light of the health crisis.

Every Monday, David Celdran gets to pick the minds of leaders in the leisure, travel, and hospital businesses about the measures they will adapt to make operations safe once the quarantine is lifted. Tuesday episodes are devoted to public service and innovations with Salve Duplito, who offers advice on what business can do moving forward.

Every Wednesday, Marie Lozano chats with influencers about using social media for social good in the time of COVID-19, while Quintin Pastrana discusses breakthroughs and new business practices.

Conversations become more light and fun entering the weekend with LSS host Martin Nievera giving out tips on how to survive the lockdown every Friday, and Green Living host Paolo Abrera offering new ideas in maintaining a sustainable living in the time of COVID-19 every Saturday.

Catch The Boss Special: New Normal every weekday at 8:00 p.m. and ANC Conversations from Monday to Friday at 5:15 p.m. and on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. only on ANC. Full episodes of ANC shows are also available for streaming on iWant.

Cecille Quibod-Castro, Alan Domingo, and Lou Anne Mae Rondina of 'GMA Regional TV BAlitang Bisdak.'

that," Amoroso added.

For its first primetime episode, Tek Ocampo, Sarah Hilomen-Velasco, and Real Sorroche of top-rating and award-winning GMA Regional TV One Mindanao serve as GMA Regional TV Weekend News anchors.

Other Kapuso news personalities taking turns as anchors are CJ Torida, Jasmin Gabriel-Galban, and Joanne Ponsoy of leading North Central Luzon newscast GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan; Cecille Quibod-Castro, Alan

on latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

During weekdays, GMA Regional TV’s regional newscasts are available from Monday to Friday at 5:00 p.m. via the Kapuso Network’s local channels all over the country.

Last April 20, GMA Regional TV also launched its newest addition to its local programs, the morning show GMA Regional TV Live! airing weekdays at 8:00 a.m. via GMA Regional TV’s Central and Eastern Visayas channels.

Joanne Ponsoy, CJ Torida, and Jasmin Gabriel-Galban of 'GMA Regional TV Balitang Amianan.'

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

B4

Entertainment

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2020

T

HE COVID-19 pandemic has everyone’s life on pause including many celebrities who have had to check in to self-quarantine and postpone what they’ve been doing to entertain the public.

Despite these uncertain times, and the enhanced community quarantine having another extension, celebrities like Alden Richards serve as a ray of hope during this difficult and trying situation.

The Kapuso star continues to share encouraging words with his fans via social media portals. In an exclusive email interview with Manila Standard, the actor shared how he gets by, how his family serves as his source of strength, and what he does to keep his legion of fans updated.

“Social media is my only way right now to reach out to people since everybody is on quarantine at their respective homes. Online na lang ako nakakapag-hatid ng tulong at saya sa kanila. I’d like them to know that I still pray for them every single day,” Alden told Manila Standard.

The 28-year-old multimedia star is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic will stay engraved in our history as one of the biggest challenges of modern times, and he’d like people to learn something out of this crisis so they could be more prepared in the future.

“We should be more careful now and give health more importance. This should serve as a lesson for everyone. It might sound cliche but health is wealth talaga. We should look after each other from now on kasi ang

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG

Alden Richards considers medical frontline workers as modern-day heroes.

sakit na iniinda ng isa ay puwedeng makaapekto ng marami. I hope and pray na we will all emerge from this and take a few lessons din from this experience,” he carried on adding that he fervently prays for the Lord to grant us immediate healing.

Last month, Alden turned emotional when he opened up about his elder brother working as a COVID-19 frontliner in California, United States. The actor shared that his family already asked his brother not to go out anymore but the latter refused due to his sworn duties as a nurse practitioner.

“I really hope that our experts would find a cure and put an end to this pandemic. I also pray for the protection of all the health workers - this is very close to me because my brother is a frontliner, too,” Alden said.

While he prays for the healing, protection, and recovery of every nation hit by the

Alden Richards’ message of hope in the midst of coronavirus pandemic As most of his fans know, the multimedia star is a pet lover, an avid gamer, and a big Iron Man fan.

lethal virus, Alden encourages people to be transparent regarding their travel history and exposure to COVID-19. He took to Instagram to remind people specifically those who are being evaluated for the disease to be truthful about their travel history.

“I think we should use our influence to spread awareness and to be a source of legitimate information for the public. We are given this platform so we must use it wisely. Also, I believe that we must share what we have to those in need in our own ways, especially during this time na marami ang hindi nakakapagtrabaho,” the Centerstage host pointed out.

Alden wanted to thank all the frontliners who risk their life each day that they report for work.

“I’d like to thank them sa araw-araw ay hinaharap ang banta ng COVID-19 para lang pagsilbihan ang ating mga kababayan. I salute you for your heroism, and for your unparalleled service. If not for your sacrifice, we would be able to hurdle every challenge that we face because of this crisis.

May God bless you po,” he said.

Live on Gram

The actor, 28, serves as his family's runner to do grocery shopping and buy their household supplies.

On Wednesday, Alden went live on Instagram to have a chat with his fans. For more than 30 minutes, he entertained his online viewers by giving them a quick tour of his house in Laguna, and by showing them his pets, gadgets, trophies and awards, and some personal collection.

On Wednesday, Alden was joined by more than 5000 fans as he went live on Instagram. Wearing his favorite white tee and Mickey Mouse boxer shorts, he gave online viewers a quick tour of their house in Laguna, he showed off his room filled with awards and his Iron Man collection.

According to the Pambansang Bae, it’s the first time he’s doing a live chat with his fans on the popular social media app and he’s doing it because he wanted to entertain the people who have not seen him live on the small screen due to the temporary ban of live TV production.

“I decided to do this kasi antagal na ng quarantine and there’s no TV appearance. I miss interacting with people who love and support me. This is my chance to do it. I’m going to be your company today,” he started and greeted his fans “Kamusta kayo?”

While staying at home, Alden serves as their family’s “runner,” he’s the one doing the grocery driving out of their village to buy their supplies.

“But I’m extra careful. Once I get home I immediately change my clothes at the garage where I also wash my hands. After that, I head to my room to take a bath,” the actor said.

“I can’t risk the situation, I live with my grandparents, mahirap na. I don’t want them to get sick because of me,” he added.

Talking about the lockdown, Alden believes that people will be able to survive this outbreak and they must see this situation “with a silver lining.”

“It’s a matter how you see things, how you see the current situation you are in. For me, the silver lining, this is really happening for a reason. There are things that we don’t understand and sometimes it’s unfair,” he stated.

For his parting words, he extends his gratitude to the medical workers who serve on the frontline to combat the killer virus.

“They are so brave, they are our hope and our saving grace at this moment. You are our new heroes. We can’t thank you enough,” he ended.