Manila Standard - 2020 June 8 - Monday

’Terror bill’ critics terrorized

Hundreds of socmed accounts attacked; DOJ, PNP step in

By Willie Casas, Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

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UNDREDS of Facebook users who reported their accounts cloned on Sunday said they had signed an online petition against the new anti-terrorism bill approved by Congress a few days ago, and a number of them said they received threatening messages from those accounts.

“Facebook and social media account cloning is a form of cyber attack or cyber harassment, said Ariel Casilao, a former lawmaker for the Anakpawis party-list group. “Such duplicate accounts could post under the name of a certain individual like what troll farms

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra

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VOL. XXXIV • NO. 103 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN VOGUE. The 'new normal' triggered by the virus pandemic has sent demand for bicycles skyrocketing as commuters look for a transport mode that conforms to 'social distancing' rules amid the artificial lack of public utility vehicles. With anti-virus measures in mind, barbershops like this one in Quezon City (below) reopen after being idled for two months, observing government-set 'new normal' protocols under the more liberal general community quarantine. AFP, Norman Cruz

ARISE tops six anti-virus House proposals

By Maricel V. Cruz

Social Welfare on the carpet over slow aid to poor

By Maricel V. Cruz SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday slammed the failure of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to immediately distribute the government's social amelioration program

(SAP) .

Cayetano said what the DSWD did has negated President Rodrigo Duterte's hard work to coordinate closely with congressional leaders in passing the Bayanihan Heal As Once Act to ensure the immediate delivery of financial aid

to the beneficiaries.

“So, I go back to President Duterte’s consistency. Those of you, those of us who knew the President before he became President, his policy is simple: Don’t let the people wait, deliver ser vice promptly.

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COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JUNE 7)

21,895 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

THE House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading six major bills that are aimed at strengthening the government's efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and mitigate the economic crisis that the lockdowns caused.

"As promised, we worked round the clock to ensure the approval of major anti-COVID measures that were filed in the House of Representatives,” Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said Friday, just before Congress went on recess.

"These landmark measures are the contribution of the House of Representatives in the war against the COVID-19.

We go on sine die adjournment today (Friday), fully satisfied that we have done our work in this age of pandemic,” he said.

Topping the list of anti-COVID-related measures was House Bill 6815 or the P1.3 trillion Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy of the Philippines (ARISE Philippines Act), which is designed to protect jobs and bail out job-creating businesses.

"The Department of Labor and Employment is not discounting the

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LOCAL ROUNDUP

MMDA puts coding plan on hold anew

WORLD ROUNDUP Oil, power price hikes in the offing

By Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. “Expect fuel prices to go up next week Cruz, and Rio N. Araja

By Alena Mae S. Flores 9 - June 15, 2020).

• Global death toll CONSUMERS are facing a hefty oil (JuneDiesel THE Metropolitan Manila Development should increase by P1.10 price hike of as much as P1.90 per liter to P1.20 per liter. Gasoline should Authority announced Sunday it had nearing 400,000 this week to reflect the movement of oil increase by P1.70 to P1.90 per liter. suspended the implementation of the prices in the world market. modified number coding scheme in the Load up accordingly.”

Unioil Philippines said in its advisory: National Capital Region.

US bouncing back • Worst of COVID Wearable tech: Grandma finds gaming a motivation in life over in Italy—Pope EWD vs. virus EVERY day, 90-year-old JapaNext page

THE global death toll from the coronavirus neared 400,000 on Sunday with fatalities accelerating in Latin America.

Brazil now has the world's third-highest death toll from the virus, but President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to leave the World Health Organization over "ideological bias," following the example of the United States.

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CAN your Fitbit or Apple Watch detect a coronavirus infection before the onset of symptoms?

Researchers are increasingly looking at these devices and other such wearables as a possible early warning system for the deadly virus.

Last month, scientists at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Next page

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nese grandma Hamako Mori flexes her fingers to keep them nimble. Not for knitting or needlepoint, but to keep them in shape for playing video games.

The pensioner known as "Gamer Grandma" spends three or more hours a day battling monsters and going on Next page

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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Health widens testing targets Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, with infectious disease experts Dr. Benjamin Co and Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, discussed the department’s new direction in testing.

Ong-Lim, immediate past president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease

Society of the Philippines, explained there would still be criteria for deciding which groups of the asymptomatic population should be tested to efficiently maximize the limited supply.

While testing is a vital part of the country’s overall strategy against the

pandemic, expanded targeted testing with other strategies like prevention through increasing resilience, contact tracing, isolation, and treatment and management remains the ideal approach to quell the spread of the disease.

Co, an infectious diseases and clinical pharmocology expert, reported that the Philippines’ COVID-19 positivity rate of 7.2 percent was below the World Health Organization’s 10 percent benchmark, a good indicator that the country was sufficiently testing.

The positivity rate shows what percentage of the population that has been tested turns out positive for the disease

‘Terror...

media platforms and to silence all forms of expression -- either online or offline," he said.

He cited recent government actions against social media users whose posts are against the government.

"The cloned accounts could be a result of a glitch, a bug, or social engineering.

We urge netizens to practice digital security and precaution online. Any form or harassment will not hinder the people from voicing out their legitimate demands,” Casilao said.

The Department of Justice said it has ordered its Office of the Cybercrime to investigate the proliferation of dummy and fictitious accounts on Facebook.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the Office of Cybercrime would coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the rapid increase in the number of fake or dubious Facebook accounts.

He expressed concern over the false information that might be posted on these fictitious accounts, particularly now that the country is in public health emergency.

“This gives me cause for worry. We don't need false information at a time when we're dealing with a serious public health crisis,” Guevarra said.

As public criticism of the anti-terrorism bill mounted, Senate President Vicente Sotto III sought to defend it, saying its passage meant there would no longer be a need to declare martial law.

In a radio interview, Sotto described the the Human Security Act, which the new bill seeks to replace, as the weakest anti-terrorism policy in the world.

In the House, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate and party chairman Neri Colmenares assailed the Senate for introducing travel restrictions in the new anti-terror bill.

“The senators claim they invited genuine oppositors to their Senate hearings on the new terror bill. We would like to know who they invited since we have not heard of any genuine oppositor who claims to have been invited. Many were surprised in fact when the senators approved the new anti-terror bill last February without even getting inputs from those who oppose it," Colmenares said.

"On the other hand, the House of Representatives invited oppositors, who attended all the hearings. In fact, the House committee considered the inputs of the oppositors and deleted the travel restrictions under the new terror bill, which provides for the house arrest of those accused under the terror law, even if they have been granted bail because the evidence of guilt is not strong. The Senate, however, inserted Section 34, which is not only unconstitutional but violative of the basic precepts of fairness and justice. This is condemnable because Sec. 34 tramples on the right to bail, the presumption of innocence, and due process of any Filipino who happens to be charged under the new terror law," he added.

Zarate said that it is "certainly unfair to insist that a judge shall obey President Duterte's prosecutors to restrict the travel of a person on a mere 'motion'. This is a powerful weapon that can be used by an incumbent President anytime, even during elections, against his political opponents."

"This is compounded when the Senate took out the safeguard under the current Human Security Act that suspends the terror law one month before and two months after an election. This safeguard was contained in the already draconian Human Security Act so that it cannot be abused by the incumbent President against his political opponents."

Lawyers and law students worldwide have expressed their opposition to the Philippines’ new anti-terrorism bill, the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) said in a statement.

The signatories to the joint statement of opposition, which was spearheaded

by NUPL, include staunch human rights lawyers, legal luminaries, professors of law and law students.

The unity statement said the bill is an "institutionalization of further brazen threats and attacks on civil liberties despite formal assurances that are proven to be rhetorical than real."

“We did not have a difficult time asking lawyers, both here and abroad, for their support to the unity statement. It only proves that members of the legal profession frown upon these kinds of draconian legislation, with its provisions that discourage, undermine and violate basic human rights and even institutionalize impunity for its violations,” NUPL Secretary General Ephraim Cortez said.

Meanwhile, lawyers and lawyers’ groups like the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, National Lawyers Guild of the US, European Lawyers for World Human Rights and Democracy, American Association of Jurists and the Confederation of Lawyers in Asia and Pacific, have shown their support and solidarity with their Filipino colleagues against the bill.

“Support from the worldwide legal community is also overwhelming. Within three days, we were able to gather the support of eminent law professors and practitioners from the US, UK, Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Turkey, South Africa, Portugal, Switzerland and Canada,” NUPL spokesperson Josalee Deinla said.

The Philippine National Police on Sunday assured the public that the antiterror bill would not be abused once it becomes a law.

persons who are confirmed, suspected or probable COVID-19 cases.

Discrimination is also prohibited against essential and frontline workers, health care workers, responders, recognized volunteers, stranded individuals, service workers, repatriated OFWs and family members of the mentioned categories.

Persons who are found guilty of harassment, assault, unjust distinction, exclusion or restriction against individuals who fit in the categories can be imprisoned for one year to 10 years.

Another COVID-related measure passed was HB 6816 or the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act, which provides help to financial institutions to resolve their debts and manage their non-performing assets (NPAs) during and after the pandemic.

The bill mandates the Bangko Sentral to provide the banking system with the support it needs to insulate itself from a buildup of bad loans that may result from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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possibility that 10 million workers will lose their jobs this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We acted with dispatch in approving the ARISE Philippines Act to save our people from joblessness and their families from starvation," said Romualdez, who chairs the committee on rules.

"With this measure, we hope to protect the jobs of 62 percent of the workforce who are employed in MSMEs (micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises)," he said.

The P1.3-trillion ARISE Philippines Act provides, among others, a budget of P650 billion for an expanded infrastructure program on health care, education and food security. A P20 billion fund was also allotted for mass testing.

Another measure approved was the HB 6865 or the “Crushing COVID-19 Act," which mandates the conduct of

baseline Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing as the protocol for COVID-19 testing for the vulnerable members of the society, including those who do not exhibit symptoms.

The bill, if passed into law, would require the government to use the RT-PCR test for the following: • Patients and health workers with mild to severe symptoms, or no symptoms but with history of travel or contact with a confirmed case; • Non-health frontliners responding to the pandemic; • Filipino workers with preexisting medical conditions; • Persons, both Filipinos and foreigners, entering the Philippines from abroad; • Filipino workers who have quarantine passes and do most errands for their households; • Patients required by their doctors to submit an RT-PCR test result prior to a treatment or procedure.

Also approved on third reading was HB 6817 or the COVID-19-Related Anti-Discrimination Act, which protect

Grandma...

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missions in the virtual worlds of her favourite games, and even has a popular YouTube channel for her fans.

"I'm passionate about playing games every day," the white-haired widow told AFP in an interview conducted by videochat.

"Every day is an enjoyable day," she said, describing eviscerating on-screen foes as a fantastic stress reliever.

Mori cuts an elegant, mild-mannered figure, with her hair pulled back into a ponytail and a pair of large glasses perched on her nose.

She begins the videos she posts on her YouTube channel with a friendly "Konnichiwa" and a bow.

But her grandmotherly demeanor disappears when she plays, transformed into a gun-toting character in Call of Duty or a sword-wielding android in NieR: Automata.

Mori, who lives in Chiba, southeast of Tokyo with her family, holds a Guinness World Record certifying her as the world's oldest gaming YouTuber.

"She always gets into the games," her only grandchild, 43-year-old Keisuke Nagao, told AFP. "I think she is slightly different. Ordinary old people are not so enthusiastic about video games as she is." AFP

Neuroscience Institute said they had created a digital platform that can detect COVID-19 symptoms up to three days before they show up using the Oura ring, a wearable fitness and activity tracker.

An app developed by the researchers uses artificial intelligence to forecast the onset of COVID-19 related symptoms such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulties and fatigue, with over 90 percent accuracy, according to the university.

The researchers said the system could offer clues of infection in people not yet showing symptoms—helping address one of the problems in detection and containment of the deadly outbreak.

Separately, Scripps Research Institute has enrolled more than 30,000 people – and aims for much more—in a similar study aiming to use wearables to find "presymptomatic" and asymptomatic people with COVID-19.

Scripps researchers had already previously demonstrated the value of wearables in predicting influenza in a study published in January in the British journal The Lancet.

Early indications suggest the devices "have the potential to identify people who are presymptomatic but still infectious," said Jennifer Radin, a Scripps epidemiologist leading the research. AFP

"The United States left the WHO, and we're studying that, in the future. Either the WHO works without ideological bias, or we leave, too," the far-right leader told journalists.

Bolsonaro is among those arguing that the economic damage lockdowns are causing is worse than the virus itself.

Pope: Worst is over for Italy Pope Francis said on Sunday the worst of the coronavirus crisis was over in Italy, addressing the faithful for the first time in Saint Peter's Square since the health emergency began.

The pontiff's address came a day after the Vatican said there were no more cases of COVID-19 within its population.

"Your presence in the square is a sign that in Italy the acute phase of the epidemic is over," Francis told those assembled for his weekly Angelus prayer.

"But be careful... do not celebrate victory too soon," he added, warning of the need to continue following social distancing rules.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement late Saturday that the last person found to have been infected with the coronavirus in recent weeks had tested negative.

US 'largely through' The worst health crisis in more than a century has infected nearly 6.9 million globally and forced tens of millions out of work just in the United States, the world's hardest-hit nation. AFP

By Willie Casas and Vito Barcelo

T

HE Department of Health plans to expand coronavirus testing to include asymptomatic subgroups after the country reached 10,000 tests daily.

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are doing when they are using legitimate or cloned Facebook accounts to post spam messages and comments, mostly hateful and abusive comments.”

On Sunday, students from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Polytechnic University of the Philippines reported the duplicate accounts, like those reported in UP Cebu, where seven protesters were arrested on Friday.

The University of the Philippines (UP) issued a public advisory about the existence of these duplicate accounts and asked members to check their Facebook accounts and if there are accounts made without their consent, they should report to the Data Protection Officer of Facebook.

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon, National Privacy Commissioner Raymund Liboro said the commission was monitoring reports about the proliferation of alleged impostor Facebook accounts, and urged users to report suspected clones.

"While the extent of these incidents [is] not yet fully determined at this time, we have been receiving reports from different sectors, mostly coming from academic institutions. We immediately brought this to the attention of Facebook," Liboro said.

"According to Ms. Clare Amador, Facebook Representative in the Philippines, they are already investigating this... matter as well as other information on unauthorized FB accounts,” he added.

Casilao said the cloned accounts could be a bid to silence social media criticism of the government.

"We are aware that there are desperate attempts to take away even these social

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Co also noted that the case fatality rate was within 4.8 percent, which would likely decrease further once testing had been expanded.

It is also important to distinguish the difference between the positivity rate and the infectivity rate, explained OngLim. She said those who had tested positive did not mean they could infect others already, adding some individuals who recovered from COVID-19 might continue to test positive with ReverseTransmission Polymerase-Chain-Reaction due to the sensitivity of the test towards the virus.

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That’s still his policy as President. He always tells us, no red tape, no corruption,” Cayetano said.

He recalled before Congress approved the Bayanihan Law last March 23, agencies promised to distribute the first tranche of P100 billion “in 10 days.”

“But what happened? The distribution for April was finished in May. The enhanced community quarantine was lifted in many areas. It’s not clear now what will happen to the second tranche. But they told us that P200 billion was needed to help 18 million poor and near-poor families: P100 billion for April and P100 billion for May,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano called on the heads of the agencies "for a better, smoother system of distributing the second P100-billion financial aid to millions of low-income families.”

Addressing members of the House of Representatives before they adjourned their First Regular Session last Friday, Cayetano said the DSWD, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), and other SAP implementers should have learned their lessons from their mistakes in the delivery of the first P100 billion last month.

Before adjourning Friday, the House approved on second reading a measure on financial inclusion, which is part of a reform package designed to let the government upgrade the delivery of its future social amelioration programs.

At the same time, Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said House Bill (HB) 1297, the proposed ‘Bangko sa Baryo Act," once enacted, would avoid a repeat of the hitches that plagued the initial release of cash subsidies to 18 million poor and low-income hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

HB 1297 will authorize “cash agents” to help serve the banking needs of people living in faraway places without banks, said Villafuerte, the bill's lead author.

The chamber passed HB 1297 in support of President Duterte’s policy on financial inclusion. It was earlier approved by the House committee on banks and financial intermediaries chaired by Qurino Rep. Junie Cua.

Popcom steps up ’family planning’ amid virus crisis THE Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) has intensified family planning and responsible parenthood programs as the COVID 19 crisis is feared to cause poverty-worsening, economy-debilitating population boom.

A historically observed social phenomenon, a population boom has been noted to follow a crisis. Regardless of the reasons behind this trend, POPCOM said it had taken measures to strengthen its family planning programs and distribution of contraceptives.

“We saw in the past during the lifetime of our parents or grandparents the significant increase in birth rate after a major adverse event,” according to Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, POPCOM Executive Director.

“This is the reason why family planning is even more important during our current COVID-19 crisis.”

Dr. Perez stressed the importance of family planning during his participation in a live Facebook session organized by Bayer Philippines. The online channel, Ask Mara PH, intends to provide relevant information to women about reproductive health and contraceptive options.

“While it is more difficult now to provide important information about family planning and reproductive health issues, we appreciate initiatives such as Ask Mara where people can just log on to ask questions about these topics and get answers right away," said Dr. Perez.

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"The MMDA's Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or number coding scheme is still suspended on Monday, June 8, until further notice due to limited operations of public transportation in Metro Manila," the agency said in its advisory.

"The number coding suspension is for public mobility to continue and assist the motorists, particularly those reporting for work," it added.

Based on MMDA Regulation 2020001 series of 2020, the following vehicles are automatically exempted from the new traffic scheme: • all private vehicles provided that: a) there are two or more passengers including the driver; b) physical distancing is strictly observed; and c) all passengers shall wear face masks.

• owner-driven or self-driven private motor vehicles of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel.

Operators of transport network vehicle service are required to put a signage so they could easily be recognized as TNVS. Special IDs A party-list lawmaker on Sunday urged the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID) to just issue special identification cards or exemption passes for couples and family members to allow them to travel together during the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) period.

Rep. Ronnie Ong of Ang Probinsyano party-list group made the advice to the IATF-EID instead of completely banning motorcycle riders to have a backrider.

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In a related development, Manila Electric Co. consumers are likely to receive higher electricity bills in their June billing even as this month’s charges may see a rate reduction, officials said over the weekend.

Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said this was due to the compounded four month billing and higher residential consumption during the enhanced community quarantine as people stayed home.

Higher temperatures during the dry months also forced consumers to increase the usage of electric fans, airconditioners, electronic gadgets and other home appliances, he said.

Zaldarriaga said that due to the ECQ restriction, there were around 2.8 million Meralco customers whose meters have not yet been read in May. The expected oil price hike on Tuesday does not yet include the impact of the higher duties on pump prices from the imposition of Executive Order 113 imposing additional 10 percent duty on all crude petroleum oil and refined petroleum products to help bolster government revenues to fight COVID-19.

On Saturday, oil producers led by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to extend production cuts to bolster oil prices.

OPEC and other oil producers led by Russia agreed Saturday to cut production by 9.7 million barrels per day.

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50k Pinoy seafarers still onboard ships

By Vito Barcelo

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ETWEEN 40,000 to 50,000 Filipinos seafarers were stuck on board cargo ships and waiting for their replacement crews after international ports around the globe were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to migrant and recruitment expert Emmanuel Geslani.

Citing a report from the International Chamber of Shipping, Geslani said that Filipino seafarers were among the 150,000 seafarers working onboard various types of cargo ships that transport

goods around the world are stuck on board their ships since April.

“These men and women are responsible for transporting 90% of the world’s trade. From the food that we eat to the

clothes that we wear, pretty much everything we own was transported by a seafarer,” Geslani said.

He said these workers live and work onboard for months at a time, driving the ship, maintaining its machinery and loading and discharging cargo at ports around the world.

He said that because of the pandemic, between 40,000 to 50,000 Filipino seamen on board merchant ships are still stuck at sea as many cargo vessels are unable to disembark their crews and take on new crews as the Covid 19 pandemic has closed many ports all over the world.

“They are still onboard cargo ships as

countries across the world have imposed lockdowns, shut borders and suspended international flights to curb the spread of the new coronavirus,” he said, saying merchant ship crews have become unintended collateral damage.

Geslani called on the Maritime Industry officials to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to repatriate the Filipino seamen who comprised one-third of the world’s shipping crews.

“So far the Department of Foreign Affairs and the manning agencies have repatriated 30,000 Filipino crews from charter flights including the latest arrival

Ex-PCGG chair arrested for graft

IN BRIEF P’que police ordered to file cases vs lockdown violators PARAÑAQUE City Mayor Edwin Olivarez ordered the city police to immediately file appropriate charges against 125 residents arrested during the three-day calibrated lockdown imposed in two populated streets in Barangay San Dionisio.

Olivarez was informed by Parañaque police commander Col. Robin King Sarmiento that the 125 quarantine violators are now detained in a police holding center and subject to proper inquest proceedings.

Tramo I and Tramo II in Barangay San Dionisio were placed under the 89-hour hard lockdown at 6 a.m. last Thursday, until midnight of Saturday, as ordered by Olivarez to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19).

As of Sunday, Barangay San Dionisio has a total of 119 cases of COVID-19 with 41 active cases and 76 recoveries while two fatalities.

There are about 780 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the entire city with 233 active cases, 498 recoveries and 49 fatalities.

Joel E. Zurbano

Mayor Isko lifts liquor ban in Manila staring June 8 MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said on Sunday that the liquor ban imposed in the nation’s capital will be lifted starting Monday, June 8.

Domagoso earlier issued Executive Order No. 18 to prohibit the sale and distribution of liquor in all establishments in the city upon declaration of a State of Calamity amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the mayor said that sale of liquor to minors and drinking in public places are still prohibited under existing laws and city ordinances.

He added that the order to lift the temporary alcohol ban in the nation’s capital was in line with the policy of the national government to relax stringent measures.

“The downgrading of the community quarantine category of HUCs (highly urbanized cities) in the NCR (National Capital Region) would necessarily result in the relaxation of some stringent measures and limitations earlier imposed on the movement and transportation of goods and people, and conduct of businesses within the region,” the order read. Willie Casas

QC warns barangay execs on conduct of rapid testing THE Quezon City government on Sunday warned all barangay officials not to conduct rapid testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) without proper coordination pursuant to Mayor Joy Belmonte’s May 29 memorandum providing the guidelines for general community quarantine.

“It came to the city’s attention that Barangay South Triangle allegedly had 168 of its barangay employees undergo rapid testing on June 4 without informing concerned city hall offices, particularly the city health department,” its statement said in its official Viber account.

“This is a clear violation of Item No. 6 on the Responsibility of the Barangays, which requires that each barangay must obtain the approval of the city, pursuant to the recommendation of the city health department, before imposing any health or safety measures,” it read.

The lack of coordination resulted in panic and confusion as 30 employees were allegedly declared as COVID-19 positive due to their lack of proper knowledge regarding the results.

The 30 employees who tested “positive” were then required to undergo swab test at the community testing center. Rio N. Araja

from Barbados, Bahamas and from the Royal Caribbean Lines flown in by a special chartered flight of Philippine Airlines which landed at Clark International Airport Saturday noon, June 6,” he said.

He said another 8,000 crew members from 26 cruise ships also dropped anchor at Manila Bay to disembark Filipino seafarers who had to undergo a 14-day quarantine and swab tests by the Philippine Coast Guard before they were allowed to land ashore to go home to their provinces.

“Five cruise ships with at least 3,000 Filipino seafarers are expected to drop anchor in Manila this June to July,” Geslani said.

By Willie Casas

DEVOTION. Devotees wait outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Sunday to attend a mass. The IATF standards for religious gatherings require that only a few devotees are allowed to hear mass inside the church. Norman Cruz

20-year housing and dev’t plan in the works—DHUD

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development is now working on a 20-year housing and urban development strategic plan designed to primarily address the country’s housing needs of 6.5 million housing units in 2022.

Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said the national housing strategic plan to provide adequate and affordable housing for the Filipinos is aimed to accelerate the building of high-quality but affordable housing projects in partnership with the private sector.

The initiative would also support the housing and real-estate industry in pump priming the economy, he added.

The proposed roadmap is seen to be

implemented in the form of short, medium- and long-term programs and projects, and covers a 20-year period aligned with the Ambisyon Natin 2040.

“Our strategic plan will serve as the blueprint of the government’s long-term program aimed not only in addressing the housing gap with affordable, decent and sustainable communities but more importantly, it sets the standards in human settlements and urban development,” Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario said.

“This roadmap will further boost the Duterte administration’s flagship BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive) Filipino Housing Program and institutionalizes effective shelter delivery strategies,” he added.

Earlier, Del Rosario created a technical working group headed by Commissioner Marilyn Pintor and director Mylene Rivera to start engaging with key stakeholders, especially those in the private sector, and formulate the strategic plan.

The housing czar is the first-ever DHSUD chief.

He directed the technical working group to include representatives from the four major developers’ groups in the country to ensure that the roadmap would have inclusive policies, rules and regulations.

He gave the group until October to come up with a strategic plan.

THE National Bureau of Investigation on Sunday said its operatives have arrested lawyer Camilo L. Sabio, former Chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, at his residence in Quezon City last Friday, June 5, 2020.

The 83-year old Sabio, who chaired the PCGG in 2005 up to 2010, has a number of graft charges pending before the Sandiganbayan for Violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act that he allegedly committed during his stint at the PCGG. The arrest of Sabio by agents of the NBI-Technical Intelligence Division was based on a Bench Warrant of Arrest issued by the Fourth Division of the Sandiganbayan in relation to the execution of judgment in one of the criminal cases pending before the court.

Sabio was arrested at his residence in 48-B Biak na Bato street, Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City.

After the usual booking procedures at the NBI head office, Sabio was brought to the Sandiganbayan in the afternoon of the same day.

The Sandiganbayan, however, was temporarily closed due to the sanitation of the area because of COVID-19.

Sabio was then returned to the NBI detention center.

He will be presented before the Sandiganbayan on Monday.

Masbate mayor acquitted of ‘gun’ cases THE Regional Trial Court of Masbate province has dismissed the criminal complaints for illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed by the Philippine National Police against Batuan town mayor, Charmax Jan A. Yuson, paving the way to his eventual return to office.

In a 12-page decision, Arturo Clemente Revil, presiding judge of Branch 50, Masbate RTC, granted the motion of Yuson’s camp to suppress all the evidence the police purportedly found on their property on February 13, 2019, or some three months before the local elections.

The confiscated evidence allegedly found by the raiding team headed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group includes assorted firearms, ammunition and explosives. The raid was on the basis of several search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Manila.

At the time, the Yusons accused former PCSO board member Sandra Cam of instigating the raid and the police of planting evidence to stop Charmax from contesting the mayoralty post of Batuan

with Cam’s son, Marco Martin.

Cam, her son and five of their supporters are now facing murder and frustrated murder cases filed by the National Bureau of Investigation before the Department of Justice over the killing of Charmax’s father and Batuan vice mayor, Charlie Yuson III. The elder Yuson was assassinated and killed in broad daylight in Manila and his companions seriously wounded last October 9, 2019.

The killing took place after he was acquitted from the illegal possession of firearms and explosives that were filed against him and his son, Charmax.

In dismissing the case for illegal possession of firearms and explosives the PNP filed against Charmax, the judge noted that the police, through Maj. Dave Mahilum, first applied for the issuance of the search warrant against the Yusons at the sala of Quezon City executive judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villabert on January 10, 2019.

Villabert, however, turned down the application.

CONFISCATED.

Some 6.8 million pesos worth of shabu was confiscated by joint operatives of PDEA and members of the Bacoor police during a buybust operation at a mall in Brgy. Molino in Bacoor, Cavite. The suspect was identified as Jeffrey Santos, 39, and Alexander Said, 28. They are are temporary detained at the PDEA Jail facility in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna.

JR Josue

A BIG FISH FALLS. Former Presidential Commission and Good Government (PCGG) chairman and lawyer Camilo L. Sabio (shown in photo) has been arrested by NBI agents at his residence in Quezon City last Friday, June 5, 2020 to face several graft charges.

‘Electricity a must for alternative learning’

By Joel E. Zurbano SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has asked the Department of Energy to ensure the continuous delivery of electricity services in every household for students to employ alternative learning modalities while schools prepare for the “new normal” in the education system.

Gatchalian said aside from online learning, the shift to blended learning does not necessarily require students to have internet connectivity or own gadgets to access educational content. This is why the lawmaker has been advocating to tap television and radio-based instructions“Many underprivileged students living in remote areas have no electricity and they will be left behind in their studies by more socially advantaged students as well as those from private schools. The DOE should make true on its commitment of 100% electrification

within the year,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, has prodded the DOE to come up with strategies and roll out plans on how the agency intends to provide reliable electricity service in unserved and underserved areas.

He suggests the use of new technology, such as the microgrid systems, to provide reliable electric services to every household in the country and accelerate total electrification in areas with no electricity access, no distribution system lines, no home power systems, or no connection to any microgrid.

“Admittedly, it is challenging to reach the households and students in the last mile.

We will now use new technology to reach them. The technology is there but we don’t have sufficient funds. We are now looking for ways to fund this new technology so that we can provide electricity to every student and household,” he said.

A4

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

Cavite churches ready for Masses

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TURTLE CARE. The municipal government of Maitum, Sarangani recently released 657 marine turtle hatchlings into the Celebes Sea in line with the observance of International Ocean Month. The sea turtles, belonging to the olive ridley (lepidochelys olivacea) and green sea turtle (shelonia mydas) species, were the latest batch released from the nesting site at the Barangay Kiambing Pawikan Learning Center. The hatchlings sum up to around 2,000 hatchlings nurtured and released back to the sea, making it one of the most productive months.

Over 4,000 eggs are nurtured in Kiambing and other nesting sites along Maitum’s municipal shorelines (inset photo). The hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelyz imbricata) species will be hatched in July and released into the sea.

Baguio nurse in virus vaccine trial Safety measures B in place at Clark AGUIO CITY—A nurse at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) who tested positive for the coronavirus disease on June 2 will be part of the ongoing clinical solidarity trial of countries to find a cure for COVID-19.

CLARK FREEPORT—More locators resumed operations since the start of General Community Quarantine (GCQ) last week, showing early signs of return to normalcy on allowed industries inside this Freeport.

Records from the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) Business Development and Enhancement Group show that locators under Manufacturing/Supply Chain and Logistics, ICT/BPO, Restaurants & Fast Food, Retail Stores, Hospitals, Pharmacy, Gas Stations and Ancillary, Trading, Canteens and Banks have gradually increased in the past three months.

In the Manufacturing/Supply Chain and Logistics sector, 165 of 262 locators are now back in operation, while 11,043 of their employees have reported back to work. This shows a 50 percent and 74 percent increase, respectively, from when the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) were in place.

The ICT/BPO Industry has shown a 51 percent increase in operations since the ECQ and MECQ, with 59 out of 149 locators back to provide services. This sector posted a 70 percent increase in workforce, with some 3,416 workers reporting for work, compared to when Pampanga was under ECQ and MECQ. Restaurants have recorded a 30 percent increase in operations, with 26 out of 115 establishments now open. Meanwhile, 26 of 37 retail stores are now providing services, posting a 13 percent increase since ECQ and MECQ. In the trading sector, 3 out of 5 establishments are now operating, while five canteens have opened their doors to provide services. Ten banks inside the Freeport have been operational since ECQ and MECQ, and an additional one bank in operation marks a 10 percent increase in operations.

Shopping malls have also been allowed to open, but under limited operations.

John Dellinger Batulan, 38, was reported as the 35th case here. He is a cancer survivor who beat the disease in 2016.

Despite being immunocompromised, he continued to serve as a frontliner.

Aileen Refuerzo, chief of the city information office said Saturday Batulan is the city’s first participant to the ongoing international clinical trial to find a cure for COVID-19, and the first in the Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR).

Refuerzo said Batulan gave his consent to the BGHMC authorities to join the trial on June 2, after he was informed of the infection.

“I want to be part of the solution to this health problem despite the risks

and the challenges. The medicine may not be effective to me but the results will help determine if it can be effective to other patients,” Batulan said as relayed by the information office.

Batulan said the experimental medicine was administered to him after his vitals and creatinine levels stabilized.

His brother, Jeffrey, who was also found positive for COVID-19 last June 4, opted for the regular medication.

Both patients recently agreed to reveal their identities to speed up contact tracing and prevent the spread of the disease.

Known as “solidarity trial”, the treatment study aims “to compare four treatment options against standard of

care, to assess their relative effectiveness against COVID-19 by enrolling patients in multiple countries,” according to the World Health Organization.

The medicines on trial include Remdesivir made by Gilead, Lopinavir by Hetero Labs Ltd. and Interferon by Merck Shark and Dohme.

As of Saturday evening, Baguio has recorded 36 cases with five still active.

One death has been recorded and 30 others recovered from the disease.

Refuerzo said the city continues to go for its 10 percent target to test residents.

On Saturday, the BGHMC processed 44 swab samples for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) bringing to 5,075 tests for the city.

There were 695 who underwent rapid diagnostic test (RDT), bringing the total tally to 2,598.

Mayor Benjamjn Magalong had earlier said the aim is to test 10 percent of the 300,000 population to be able to see the real situation of the city on the public health crisis. PNA

IMUS, Cavite­—Around 3.5 million Catholics in the province can now attend Mass starting June 15, once the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases downgrades the status of Cavite from General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) after the month-long GCQ that started on May 16.

Churches in areas under MGCQ are allowed to hold worship services at 50 percent of its building’s seating capacity.

“All the parish priests in the 82 parishes in 7 cities and 16 towns of Cavite are putting markings on all benches, preparing sanitizer, alcohol, foot bath in entrance of the church, thermal scanners, same as other gadgets used in IATF protocols,” Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of the Diocese of Imus said.

There will be ushers and lay people to control the Mass, and when the seating capacity is full, others will be allowed to attend worship outside the churches, he added.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) suggested adding more Mass schedules so that the worship does not become crowded.

Anticipated masses will start at on Saturdays to cope with the volume of churchgoers, the bishop said.

On the mass proper program, there will be no hand-to-mouth communion, only communion by the hand, lining up to follow the markings for physical distance during the communion, he added.

Dennis Abrina

Navotas gives out cash aid to pupils

By Jun David THE City Government of Navotas will resume distribution of educational assistance to high school students today (Monday).

Some 383 junior high students from Tanza National High School and Kaunlaran High School will receive P5,000 each.

“When I was still in Congress, we allotted P5.5 million for the educational assistance of 1,100 indigent learners. Some of the funds have already been distributed last year and before the COVID-19 pandemic happened,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.

“Our schools are now accepting enrollees and we expect classes to start in August. We hope the cash assistance will somehow help our students and their families, especially as they adjust to the blended learning approach of our education sector,” he added.

Last year, Navotas installed NavoConnect free WiFi in schools and other public areas within the city. Tiangco said students and teachers may use it for online classes.

Those who do not have access to computers or internet will be given NavoSchool in a Box, which will contain modules and activity sheets that will be brought to the learner’s home.

Air pollution levels rising anew as NCR enters GCQ AIR pollution levels have rebounded in the National Capital Region with the return of fossil fuel reliant transport and industry, a new report released on World Bicycle Day last week by Greenpeace and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows.

The groups are calling for the immediate adoption of measures that would safeguard the air quality in cities and municipalities.

They noted that while the restriction of movement during the ECQ was largely responsible for the improved air quality in the past 10 weeks, stringent policies and better city and mobility planning will, moving forward after the pandemic, truly address Metro Manila’s transportation emissions problem and improve its air quality.

The Special Report on Managing Air Quality Beyond COVID-19 reveals that pollution levels in Metro Manila have been steadily increasing since the beginning of May, as industries restart and cities that have major connecting highways reportedly began seeing more vehicles on the road.

The report compiles data of two major air pollutants that are emitted

from fossil fuel combustion: nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Analysis of these two pollutants from March 15 to May 15 this year shows an initial and dramatic drop in air pollutant concentrations at the beginning of the lockdown, and the gradual rebound during the MECQ. With the metropolis shifting to looser restrictions on travel and other activities under the general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1, a return to smog and pollution levels prior to the ECQ may not be far behind.

“Air pollution doesn’t have to be an inescapable reality. The ECQ gave Filipino citizens a glimpse of what cities can be like with healthy, clean air. It also showed us that air pollution can be solved without sacrificing people’s access to mobility,” said Greenpeace campaigner Rhea Jane Pescador-Mallari.

“Moving forward, if the government is willing to use the opportunities and lessons learned from the pandemic and amplify it through policies and infrastructure, active mobility and micro mobility, as well as invest in efficient and safe mass public

transport, then a return to the massive pollution levels before COVID-19 can be avoided.”

While the report looks at the entire Metro Manila, it examined closely the air quality in seven major cities in the metropolis -- Makati, Pasig, Manila, Quezon, Marikina, San Juan, and Caloocan -- to show that the rebound trends are consistent across the capital.

Detailed analysis shows that levels of NO2 and PM2.5 drastically diminished within the first two weeks of ECQ, with the exception of Caloocan. Quezon City and Manila saw the highest reductions of the six.

Although the metro’s overall air quality remained much improved compared to previous years, the air quality gains are now sliding back in all these cities. This change is expected as the country remains heavily reliant on highly polluting fossil fuel energy sources across all sectors.

NO2 and PM2.5 are linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular health illnesses. Exposure to high levels of air pollution affects the body’s natural defenses against airborne viruses and increases vulnerability to COVID-19.

TRANSFER WOES. An elderly woman shows off a copy of an ‘emancipation patent’ issued to her husband on October 25, 1973. Agrarian reform beneficiaries of San MIguel, Bulacan asked visiting DAR Secretary John Castriciones how they would transfer the land titles to their next generations. Abe Almirol

‘Emancipation’ transfer needed when ARB dies

By Abe Almirol

TEST KIT DONATION. Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar (right) receives the donation of COVID-19 test kits from SM Foundation turned over by SM Supermalls’ Anthony Cosue. The 200 test kits, worth close to P5 million, is good for 2,400 tests and is in support of wider access to testing. This forms part of SM Foundation’s donation efforts of over P270 million for hospitals and local governments to support the country’s fight against COVID-19.

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan—Holding their ‘emancipation patent’ or the land titles awarded by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 27, elderly agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) came to DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones for advice last Thursday (04 June 2020).

“How could we transfer our land title to the next generation?

This is causing trouble in the family of deceased agrarian reform beneficiaries,” a woman in the company of the heirs of agrar-

ian reform beneficiary Rodolfo Sarmiento asked.

Sarmiento is the recipient of Emancipation Patent 406522 issued October 25, 1973.

Castriciones visited Barangay King Kabayo here to distribute some food packs to help ARBs cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

His meeting with ARBs revealed that the absence of proper transfer of land titles to the next of kin when an agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) dies has caused conflict within many families here.

An Emancipation Patent (EP) issued under PD 27 or a Certifi-

cate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) issued under CARP does not allow the heirs of an ARB to divide the lots into several parcels and apply for individual titles.

“The deceased ARB’s family should agree among themselves whose name the title would be transferred to,” DAR Regional Director Ma. Celestina M. Tam explained.

Castriciones directed the DAR Provincial Office to look at possible ways to facilitate the transfer of title to the proper person designated by the family of a deceased ARB.

NAKED THOUGHT

O EE O AYO

ROADS

A. CRUZ

Opinion

CHARLIE V. MANALO

THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE

Fair and square OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES BEFORE the COVID-19 lockdowns, the Department of Energy (DoE) was expecting a very tight power supply situation in 2020. Concurring with this projection, just this January, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. (IEMOP), operator of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), expected rising prices because of the increasing consumer demand, worsened by delays in the building of new power generation sources.

At best, new power plants were expected to go online in 2021-2022, that is before the lockdowns happened.

The stay-at-home restrictions of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) reversed the looming power shortage virtually overnight as the daily congestion of Luzon’s business districts, bustling malls, and factories, suddenly stopped operations.

The height of the lockdowns in March was reported by the DoE to have dropped electricity demand by 30 percent.

So where is the 70-percent demand coming from?

Consumers demand nothing less from Meralco.

Aside from the essential operations that were allowed to continue during the ECQ, we consumers shifted at least eight hours of our electricity consumption from our workplace to our homes. Whatever we consume at home, whether it be food, water, electricity, domestic services, and entertainment, must be paid for like all transactions.

As rising figures are reported daily on the country’s COVID-19 data, there seems to be a disconnect in interpretations on whether we are flattening the curve or just beginning to find out where we actually are as testing rates and capacities improve.

Anxieties are already high, and everyone is sensitive to any perceived aggravation of the already serious situation.

This disconnection or failure to understand is oftentimes a gap in communication especially when jargon, technicalities, and knee jerk, emotional reactions fog out a more factual, calm, and unbiased view of a situation. This is what happened to the confusion over Meralco’s electric bill during the ECQ months.

A not-so-simple approach to understanding a controversy is to listen to all sides, filter the facts from fiction, and analyze the data to

IN A previous article, I identified the tourism and travel sector as the “biggest loser” in this war against the pandemic.

Last year, the Philippines received 8.26 million tourists, and yes, count in the CROSSROADS POGO workers into the pot. This year, it does not look like we areJ.A. going to achieve even a half of those DELA 2019 numbers, CRUZ thanks but no thanks to the virus that originated in Wuhan upon Hubei in central China.

But of course, thanks but no thanks as well to the inadequate (the kindest descriptive I could fathom) to the “duke” in charge of health concerns.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, our Asean partner, is opening its doors to tourists, but selectively.

The Indo-Chinese country is probably the best template to use as comparison. It has a population of 96 million; ours is 108.

It has a land area of 33 million hectares; ours is 30 million. Its per capita income is $2,850; ours is about $3,200. It also has an overseas worker component to its economy; ours is larger in numbers, though.

Now let us segue to the travel sector, the one worst hit by Covid and the inadequacy of our response to the same. Last year, Vietnam welcomed 18 million tourists, still less than neighboring Thailand, the tourism leader in the Asean region. But compare this to our 8.26 million, and drool with envy.

In 2000, there were just about 1 million foreign visitors to Vietnam. In the same year, we had about half a million more, which includes a legion of balikbayans sporting American and Canadian passports. (How many times did Gabby Lopez fly into Manila from San Francisco?) Compare the growth of tourism in Vietnam from 2000 to 2019 (1 to 18) versus ours (1.5

come up with an easy to understand explanation. In this case where there is public interest, simplifying the communication is best.

Listening to the testimonies from the hearings in both Houses and Congress and a cursory review of the highly regulated mandate of Meralco as a Distribution Utility service, it seems that the billing confusion can be traced to the Energy Regulation Commission’s (ERC) policy to charge an estimated amount based on electricity consumption in the past three months when ECQ conditions did not allow Meralco’s electric meter readers to make their normal rounds. When meter reading resumes, the actual consumption can then be computed and reconciled in the succeeding billings.

Apparently, everybody was understandably pre-occupied with lockdown concerns and did not give this force majeure procedure, though announced and discussed in some of the news and daily updates on COVID 19, could not compete with the overload of pandemic news. Hence the bill shock when the May billing was delivered.

Electricity bills during the cooler weather months of January to February are always relatively lower compared to the hot and humid summer months when air conditioning and electric fans are blowing day and night. Meralco explained that the bill received in May was based on “actual” meter reading already adjusted from the previous “estimated” consumption. Observing the reactions of stakeholders, this did not match their perceived average consumption. Meralco, seeing the misunderstanding, admitted that there should have been better communication; it has apologized in many venues.

Moving forward, a more Solomonic and simple solution was allowed SO by the Energy Regulatory Commission. All affected in the SEE ECQ areas will just waitI for the June billing where actual consumption will be reconciled LITO whether you paid your previous billing or BANAYO not. To avoid the expected high billing from consumption in the ECQ months, consumers with 201 KWH monthly consumption have the option to pay in four monthly installments while all others may pay in six months. This is simple and reasonable.

The simplest wayCROSSROADS to check is to compare your meter reading in June with the last preJ.A. ECQ bill. That’s how much KWH you actualDELA ly consumed while you and CRUZ your family, still quarantined, used electric fans, aircons, TV, lights and all other gadgets and appliances in your home 24/7. Just the number of times you open your refrigerator and iron your clothes will already affect your electric bill.

More alleviation measures are being implemented to lower the electricity bill, such as: suspension of the Guaranteed Minimum Billing Demand for Meralco customers with contracted consumption, suspension of Minimum Off take Provision by power generation plants, and the suspension of the environmental charge component in the universal charge starting July.

Meralco has promised to be fair and square. As consumers, we demand no less.

L

AST Thursday marked the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Massacre in China. We commemorate this event with heightened urgency given what is happening in the world and in our own country.

One of the most powerful images that came out of Tiananmen was a Since when has it been man standing in front of a tank, trying to stop it from advancing toward pro- wrong to point out the ills and testers. Up to now, the identity and the misdeeds in government? fate of that man is not known. What we can imagine with likelihood is that he was not without fear, and that he ever, leave much room for interpretation stood his ground despite that fear. and is open to abuse.

This sounds way too familiar.

More than three decades hence, Here at home, Filipinos face similar that image has become iconic in any effort to stand against oppression and struggles as the public clamor against the Anti-Terrorism Bill reaches fever repression from authority.

In Hong Kong, for instance, a semi- pitch. Nobody is opposing moves to autonomous city, thousands defied a fight terrorists. But many believe police ban to mourn the victims of that the law is too broad and may be the Tiananmen Massacre, reported stretched to go after those who simply The Guardian. Protesters—wary still disagree with the government.

Friday’s protest at the University of about the coronavirus threat—lit candles and chanted slogans nonetheless. the Philippines–Cebu resulted in variChina prevents and punishes acts and ous arrests that, like the arrest of jeepactivities that it claims threaten national ney drivers last week, are devoid of security. Hong Kong lawmakers passed credibility given the flagrant violations a law that prohibits behavior insulting of police and other public officials of the or misusing the Chinese national an- rules they were meant to enforce.

And then on Sunday, social media them, including “publicly and intentionally” altering its lyrics orNAKED score, users critical of the government reportand playing or singing it in a “distorted THOUGHTed having duplicate or fake accounts or disrespectful way.” The words, how- to their name. What online hacks can CHARLIE V. MANALO

OPEN time, cannotTHOUGHTS give quickly enough.

Travel is ORLANDO going to be anchored on trust over the nextOXALES three years, probably beyond, depending on whether a vaccine can be discovered and tested within the next 12 months, and distributed universally towards the end of next year. Trust of the country to be visited, that is.

Trust in its health system.

Just the other day, Vietnam’s prime minister proudly announced that being the host of this year’s Asean summit in Da Nang, he prefers to welcome his confreres personally, instead of a summit via Zoom or whichever. Because he knows theirs is a safe place on the Covid scale.

(Only 328 cases with no fatality, even if they share a 1,400 kilometer land border with China).

That trust will be conditio sine qua non before people regain enough confidence to chuck their worries and anxieties about health in favor of their proclivity to feast their senses upon the wonders of the rest of the world.

Taiwan is studying when to open their borders to international visitors other than

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do with these accounts is a matter of speculation—they can amass artificial support or ascribe unlawful posts that may be the basis of arrest. Whatever that may be, it sends the unmistakable message that it does not pay to be critical of the government.

The Duterte administration claims it upholds democracy, and that it respects the rule of law, and that our public officials including law enforcers only have the interests of the public at heart. What is going on does little to make us believe that claim, and we hope, for the good of all, that our leaders will reverse course.

Since when has it been wrong to point out the ills and misdeeds in government? Why are there enforcers who implement unjust orders and conduct themselves like tyrants? Why are there people who follow blindly without thinking for themselves and consulting their own moral compass? Why is staying silent convenient, nay, beneficial, for some?

There is a sense of foreboding as we gradually venture out with the stillpresent threat of COVID-19. One day, and we hope, soon, the virus will be contained and eradicated. But a nation whose well-intentioned citizens are intimidated from speaking out and participating will be doomed to chaos and darkness, indefinitely.

A new springtime, a new Pentecost THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE

of Metro Manila in fact asked their faithful to observe the quarantine measures calling such actions “an act of charity”. But heeding the call of Pope Francis, it likewise encouraged the clergy to not be remised in their pastoral duties, both in prayer and acts of charity.

We must move forward in courage and hope.

As the churches were emptied, clergy and lay Catholics went to into the communities to bring relief to those stranded in their homes, and those who lost their jobs. Caritas Manila distributed relief bags and hygiene kits, as did several other dioceses throughout the country.

They mobilized relief operations, medical clinics and even cash-for-work programs. Many parishes and religious congregations have opened their schools and churches to house the homeless and the medical frontliners.

There are critics, though, who think, the Church could have done more. In a way, I agree with them. The crisis of these past weeks have caused the world to stand still and significantly changed our familiar way of life. In fact, the challenge applies not only to churches, but schools, hospitals as well as governments should do more to make our families safer and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. But more than the relief services, people of faith would agree that the greatest contribution that the Catholic Church as well as other churches have made during this difficult crisis are their efforts of pastoral accompaniment, bringing the faith into our home, comforting us with their prayers for protection and assuring us with the confidence of hope that, this too, shall pass.

The painful restrictions that the Church has imposed on itself have not been made lightly, but these are consistent with its long-held realization that faith, service and science are not exclusive of each other. In fact, the most important early

the most important of business travelers, examining how other countries have managed their health situation. To revive the domestic economy though, the government has relaxed domestic travel restrictions, and offered a $1 to $3 consumer coupon starting this month.

Which means for say, a 1,000 NT dollar purchase, you get a 3,000 dollar coupon acceptable for most everything you buy, or eat, the 2,000 of which government subsidizes. Just so you will spend, and revive the economy.

Initial studies show that in the first tier of countries Taiwan might welcome are New Zealand and Palau, then Vietnam and Brunei, and they are studying how they would welcome their “best” friends, the Japanese, who in the latest coronavirus figures ranked 44th in the world tally, with about 17,000 cases, and taming the contagion well, versus our country which has overtaken Argentina and Romania, to become the 38th most infected nation with more than 20,000, and still raging.

And then again, does any country in the rest of the world trust the figures churned out by our health officials, led by the duke who blames everyone and everyone’s moth-

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

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er but himself? Have mercy on us, St. Francis (thanks to Sen. Sonny Angara).

Or in this land of anting-antings, one asks THE “anong bertud (that’s how Tagalog folks GO mispronounce virtue insofar as they refer CROSSROADS (www.manilastandard.net) to amulets) meron ang duque de Aguilar (in J J.A. Pangasinan, not in Bacoor) that he cannot AC SO DELA CRUZ let go? The analogy was supplied by another I SEE NAKED senator, Ping Lacson.

Someone THOUGHT LITO Kawawang Berna.SO She reminds me of the has to take BANAYO Red Queen in AliceI SEE in Wonderland, who CHARLIE V. LITO MANALO will huff and puff and run in circles twice a stand BANAYO and thrice as before just to coax visitors to come have fun in the Philippines.

OPEN But unless visitors find our health situaTHOUGHTS CROSSROADS THE FIFTH tion trustworthy enough to take a risk, per84% ORLANDO GOSPEL ish the efforts forCROSSROADS now. Or perhaps beyond J.A. OXALES this year, and into 2021.

JUDE DELA CRUZ J.A. ACIDRE Better perhapsDELA to prepare for the beyond.

CRUZ Better perhaps to improve the infrastructure, focus on just a few places, and make them truly world-class, sustainable, and infrastructure-equipped, as legacy to the ‘Hiya’ people for the next president.

OPEN All bad things shall pass, but we mustTHOUGHTS prepare first. And the first element is re-

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

sets of public health guidelines for quarantine were compiled by Cardinal Girolamo Gastaldi in the seventeenth century, outlining public health measures considered to be the most effective at the time for containing contagion.

At the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis, envisioned the Church as a “field hospital after a battle”—with the “ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful.”

A seeming premonition to what was bound to happen during this COVID-19 pandemic. The pope himself has taken advantage of modern media especially the internet, to show his nearness to the faithful, even broadcasting his daily masses, and portraying himself as the “world’s parish priest”—inviting the whole world into his own private chapel.

In the 50 days that followed after Easter, Mary and the apostles were in the Upper Room, spending their time in prayer and reflection—in a period of spiritual quarantine, fearful perhaps of persecution from the Jews, or possibly puzzled by the miracles of the resurrection. There they remained until when the Holy Spirit came down upon them in forms of tongues of fire.

Pentecost this year marks a similar time of rebirth for today’s Church. From the isolation of the past weeks, our churches will open once more, even more confident of God’s enduring faithfulness that has stayed true even in the faith of illness and death. The COVID-19 virus will still be there, but we move forward in hope that now and in the future, as it was in the past, we are not alone.

Faith, science and service. So we must move forward in courage and hope. We must move on with the comfort of faith. We must listen to sound medical guidelines and verified scientific facts, and not give in to confusion and “alternative truths”. We are called to obedience and cooperation with our duly constituted civil authorities. We continue to be inspired by the compassion of the people who have risked their lives and health to save others. In a post-COVID-19 world, we are asked to be examples of Christ’s SO our words and actions. saving love—in SEE Spirit, and renew the face Come IHoly of the earth!

LITO

BANAYO

prepare first.

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Crackdown

IN THE aftermath of typhoon Haiyan, relief workers from the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation visited the roofless Santo Nino Church in Tacloban City to offer help in rebuilding the church. It was truly an unexpected gesture for people of another faith. DeeplyOPEN moved by their generosity, then parish priest Msgr. Alex Opiniano inTHOUGHTS quired of the reason behind their donation.

They haveORLANDO seen the faith of the people, they explained, and they realized how important OXALES the church was to them.

Such an opportune moment that on Pentecost this year, many churches in different parts of the country began to open up for “masses with the people”. For weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic began, masses in predominantly Catholic Philippines have been celebrated “sine populo”, that is “without the people”. Although many of these liturgies have been livestreamed via the internet or broadcast through television, many of the Catholic faithful have not received the NAKED Eucharist during Holy Week and Easter, the to 8.26) and die with envy.

But that’s not the sad part. While the most solemn season of the church calendar.

THOUGHT number of tourists throughout the world But despite being separated from each other will shrink drastically because ofCHARLIE the virus, V.during this period of community quarantine, how much less welcoming would MANALO our funCatholics and other Christians found a new way loving country in 2020, 2021 and 2022, as of living and expressing their faith—through compared to Vietnam, where the people family prayer and livestreamed liturgies. While are rather dour, not as friendly or as funmany of our church buildings were locked and loving as we are (or claim to be)? empty—prayers were even broadcast on loud Don’t figure. Especially if you are in isospeakers, transforming homes into—as what THEorFIFTH lation, either in your home in some shelthe Church calls—domestic churches.

GOSPEL ter for Covid victims, waiting for that preOpening the churches did not happen withcious test that the “duke” and his minions, out controversy. Calls for the government to alJUDE mercilessly thrown under the bus each low churches resume began to increase with the ACIDRE shift from ECQ to GCQ measures. The government flip-flopped at least once in its decision to allow religious gatherings, but despite the obviAll bad things shall ous disappointment, the Church patiently complied with government regulations. The bishops pass, but we must

ONLINE

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Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Trust and travel SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

ORLANDO OXALES Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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World

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Plan to slash US troops sparks concern in Berlin

SIGN OF THE TIMES. A

GERMAN Foreign Minister Heiko Maas voiced regret Sunday at reports that President Donald Trump plans to cut the number of US troops stationed in Germany, stressing that close cooperation was in the interests of both countries.

Other senior politicians in Berlin were more blunt in their criticism, slamming the plan as the latest blow to US-German ties and a potential security risk.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Trump had ordered the Pentagon to slash the number of US military personnel by 9,500 from the current 34,500 permanently assigned in Germany.

Such a move would significantly reduce the US commitment to European defence under the NATO umbrella, and appeared to catch Berlin off guard.

“Should it come to the withdrawal of part of the US troops, we take note of this,” Maas told the Bild am Sonntag daily.

“We appreciate the cooperation with the US armed forces that has grown over decades. It is in the interest of both of our countries.”

sign sits in a trashcan during a peaceful protest against police brutality and racism on June 6, 2020 in Dallas, Texas, the 12th day of protests since George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. AFP

But he admitted ties had become strained under Trump.

“We are close partners in the transatlantic alliance. But it’s complicated,” Maas told Bild.

There was no immediate confirmation from US officials about the alleged plan to slash US troop numbers in Germany and cap them at 25,000 in future.

But it comes amid tensions between the Trump administration and European allies over longstanding cooperation agreements.

Trump has been particularly critical of Germany in recent years, accusing the fellow NATO member of not spending enough on defense.

Germany hosts more US troops than any other country in Europe, a legacy of the Allied occupation after World War II. Johann Wadephul, a senior member in Merkel’s conservative CDU party, said the plan showed that the Trump administration was “neglecting an elementary leadership task: involving alliance partners in the decision-making process.” AFP

World rallies vs. racism, police brutality IN BRIEF T AKING a knee, banging drums and ignoring social distancing measures, outraged protesters from Sydney to London on Saturday kicked off a weekend of global rallies against racism and police brutality.

The death at police hands of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in the US state of Minnesota, brought tens of thousands out onto the streets during a pandemic that is ebbing in Asia and Europe but spreading in other parts of the world.

“It is time to burn down institutional racism,” one speaker shouted through a megaphone at a hooting crowd of thousands outside the parliament building in London.

“Silence is violence,” the throng shouted back in the rain, before mounted police moved in to disperse a small missile-pelting crowd trying to push its way closer to Downing Street.

Thousands more marched in the northern English city of Manchester.

Officials around the world have been trying to balance understanding at people’s pent-up anger with warnings about the dangers of a disease that has officially claimed nearly 400,000 lives globally.

Yet tens of thousands of Australians defied Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s call to “find a better way,” tens of thousands marched in France, and thousands more in Britain ignored the health min-

ister’s warning.

And in Tunis, hundreds chanted: “We want justice! We want to breathe!”

In Sydney, aborigines performed a traditional smoking ceremony at the start of a “Black Lives Matter” protest, which was allowed at the last minute after initially being banned on health grounds.

Many held up signs and wore face masks marked with the words “I can’t breathe” – the words Floyd kept saying while handcuffed as a policeman knelt on his neck.

One placard simply read “8:46” – the amount of time the 46-year-old was pinned to the ground by the white officer before his death.

Floyd’s death came during the spread of a disease that has disproportionately affected black people and ethnic minori-

ties in global centres such as London and New York.

It also came in the throes of a historic economic downturn that has statistically affected the poor and marginalised the most vulnerable.

This, and the outrage at US President Donald Trump’s response, has refocused attention on the world’s racial divides like few other events since the 1960s.

In Paris, riot police held back a crowd of several thousand who gathered outside the US embassy for an unsanctioned protest.

“I’ve had racist abuse all my life,” said one demonstrator, 46-year-old Nadine. “That is our life. To be a black French woman in France, it’s not easy.”

According to interior ministry figures, 23,000 people demonstrated in cities across France, 5,500 of them in Paris.AFP

Pandemic, dire economy, unrest upend US presidential campaign THREE concurrent crises scarring the United States – a deadly health pandemic, economic despair and widespread social unrest – have reframed this year’s presidential contest and prompted national reflection over racial inequality in America.

Is the country on the cusp of a transformation, or will systemic inequalities exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis persist, allowing alienation and marginalization to fester?

In weeks, the unprecedented strain has become the focal point of the ferocious White House campaign between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, two politicians approaching the disasters with very different strategies.

It has been several generations since Manila the country has experienced such a Standard sharp andTODAY rapid confluence of major emergencies, a national low point that philosopher Cornell West has branded “America’s moment of reckoning.”

Nearly 110,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and tens of millions are jobless due to pandemic-prompted lockdowns.

At the same time, unrest has gripped dozens of US cities where protesters

demand justice over the killing by Minneapolis police of unarmed black man George Floyd.

Repeated episodes of police brutality caught on camera, even as most demonstrations have been peaceful, have further laid bare the nation’s deep social wounds.

“It’s a pretty bad moment,” said Daniel Gillion, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “The Loud Minority.”

The crises, he told AFP, have been “horrific” for African Americans, who traditionally have poorer health care outcomes, have just a fraction of the household wealth of whites, and are more likely to face police brutality.

“I can’t think of a (modern-day) period where blacks have experienced such strife, such pain, such hardship,” Gillion said.

Among COVID-19 victims, a disproportionate number are people of color.

While Trump on Friday touted a surprise drop in the overall jobless rate from 14.7 percent in April to 13.3 percent in May, black unemployment actually rose, to 16.8 percent.

The injustice that erupted into ugly view when a white police officer pressed his knee onto Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes is ERRATUM the latest manifestation of a sysIn the RTC-QC, Br. 101 re: ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, plaintiff, published on March 4, 2020 the ffg. should have read as temic racism that has persisted for follows and not as published. generations. AFP THE CHUAN CHOW SOY & CANNING COMPANY, INC./BENITA O. CHUA/VICTOR O. CHUA/MARY O. CHUA in their personal capacities and as officers, Directors and Stockholders / MAYNARD TIMOTHY CHUA in his capacity as Director and Stockholder, Defendants.

In the Complaint: Civil Case No.: R-QZN-17-08210-CV; For Sum of Money In the Complaint: Item No. 2: “…where it may be served with summons, notices and other court processes…”

In the Complaint: Item No. 13: “Copies of the above-mentioned Promissory Notes are attached hereto as Annexes “F”, “F-1” to “F-11”.

Our apology.

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that L.P. LIM CITY FAMILY FARM, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as New Producer of Broiler Eggs Integrated with Growing of Parent Stock on a Non-Pioneer Status to be located in Brgy. Aguinaldo, Ramon, Isabela with capacity, as follows: Annual Capacity Growing of Parent Stock Broiler Eggs

63,480 birds 8,009,684 broiler eggs

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication/posting.

(SGD.) RAQUEL B. ECHAGUE OIC-Director Resource-Based Industries Service (MS-JUNE 8, 2020)

Syria air raids kill 12: monitor

AT LEAST 12 pro-Iranian fighters died in strikes by unidentified aircraft on eastern Syria late Saturday evening, a war monitor said.

“Eight air strikes before midnight on Saturday night targeted a base of pro-Iranian forces in rural eastern Deir Ezzor (province), killing 12 Iraqi and Afghan fighters and destroying equipment and ammunition,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Observatory did not identify the aircraft responsible, but its head Rami Abdul Rahman told AFP that Israel was likely responsible.

The Jewish state has carried out hundreds of strikes targeting regime and Iranian-backed forces, notably in Deir Ezzor.

The Israeli military rarely claims responsibility for such attacks but has vowed to prevent Iran gaining a foothold in the war-torn country or delivering advanced weaponry to Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

Iranian and Iraqi armed groups backing the regime of Bashar Al-Assad have deployed across swathes of Deir Ezzor, a large desert province bordering on Iraq.

The Observatory said the latest strikes came after Afghan forces brought in reinforcements from near the Iraqi border to a large Iranian base near the town of Al-Mayadin on the Euphrates river.

Two waves of similar strikes in May killed 12 pro-Iranian fighters, according to the Observatory. AFP

Korean shelter head found dead

CYAN

SHUTTERED NO MORE. Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok on June 7, 2020, as it reopened for visitors following restrictions to halt the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. AFP

India, China to ‘peacefully resolve’ border face-off INDIA and China have agreed to “peacefully resolve” a latest border flare-up that has heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, New Delhi said Sunday, after a high-level meeting between army commanders.

Tensions have flared in recent weeks between the two regional powers over their 3,500-kilometer frontier, which has never been properly demarcated.

Thousands of troops from both countries are involved in the face-off concentrated in India’s Ladakh region, just opposite Tibet.

“Both sides agreed to peacefully resolve the situation in the border areas in accordance with various bilateral agreements,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the commanders agreed an “early resolution” was “essential” for bilateral relations between the world’s two most-populous nations.

“Accordingly, the two sides will continue the military and diplomatic engagements to resolve the situa-

tion and to ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas,” the statement said.

There have been numerous face-offs and brawls between Chinese and Indian soldiers at the frontier, but they have become more frequent in recent years.

On May 9, several Indian and Chinese soldiers were injured in a high-altitude cross-border clash involving fists and stone-throwing in Sikkim state.

Indian officials said that within days, Chinese troops encroached over the demarcation line in the Ladakh region, further to the west.

India moved extra troops to positions opposite.

The talks, which took place in the Chushul-Moldo region between the two commanders, is believed to be the highest-level meeting since the Sikkim exchange.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have sought to ease the tensions at summits over the past two years when they agreed to boost border communications between their militaries. AFP

A WOMAN running a shelter for South Korean victims of Japan’s wartime sexual slavery has been found dead in her home, police said Sunday, amid a widening probe into a corruption scandal involving its owners.

Prosecutors are investigating allegations that activist group the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance misused funds meant for the so-called “comfort women” – a euphemism for Japan’s former war-era sex slaves.

The 60-year-old woman was believed to have taken her own life, police said.

“She came home by herself and the door was locked,” police told AFP without giving MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK the woman’s name.

Officers said they did not believe anyone else was involved in her death.

The reason for her death was not known, but South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported she previously said she was going through a hard time after prosecutors raided the shelter.

The plight of comfort women has been a thorny issue between Seoul and Tokyo for decades and the activist group had campaigned for compensation from Japan.

But last month, Lee Yong-soo, one prominent victim, accused the group and its former leader of exploiting comfort women to collect government funds and public donations.

Lee said little money had been spent on their cause, prompting prosecutors to open a probe.

The investigation includes allegations that the former leader, Yoon Mee-hyang, embezzled funds to buy apartments and to pay for her daughter’s tuition in the United States. AFP

Ten people killed in Mexico attack TEN people were killed in an attack Saturday on a drug rehabilitation center in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, local authorities said.

An armed group stormed the center in Irapuato in the afternoon and opened fire, killing nine people instantly, the municipal government said.

A 10th person was wounded but later died in hospital, the state secretariat of public security said.

“The attackers entered the place with great violence,” the authorities said.

Police arrived to safeguard the scene and officers from the state prosecutor’s office later collected evidence to start the preliminary investigation.

Guanajuato is an important industrial center in Mexico, hosting major international manufacturers of automobiles, aircraft and other heavy industry.

These activities, along with the presence of important energy infrastructure, have attracted two major cartels which are engaged in drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping.

Mexico last year registered a record 34,582 intentional homicides, the highest since official records started in 1997. AFP

Business

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Analysts see volatile stock trading

By Jenniffer B. Austria

RADING in the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile during this shortened trading week as investors weigh mixed economic data that came out last week.

T

The stock market will be closed on Friday as the country celebrates Independence Day. “Volatility will continue in the equities market since we still have the turbid

air of uncertainty lingering. This will last until the complete lifting of Luzonwide ECQ takes place and the process of normalization begins. COVID-19 will alter consumer behavior and take a bite on corporate profits, down 15.8 percent in Q1 (for 23 reports out of 30 constituent stocks), until the virus subsides.”

First Metro Investments Corp. said.

First Metro, however, expects the index to continue to increase to the 6,500-point level on hopes the overall economic conditions will improve in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives last week approved on third and final reading the P1.3-billion economic stimulus program aimed at boosting the domestic economy. But the National

Economic and Development Authority conceded that the stimulus program was not fundable.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index rallied 10.7 percent week-on-week for the second straight week to 6,465.13 on positive sentiments arising from the gradual reopening of the economy and improving investor sentiment.

Investors also welcomed the deceleration in the country’s inflation rate, which stood at 2.1 percent in May from 2.2 percent recorded in April.

The record high unemployment rate of 17.70 percent in April, however, may cause investors to capitalize on their recent gains.

Meanwhile, bourses in Europe and

the United States surged Friday following a surprisingly strong US jobs report, which markets viewed as validating recent equity gains and proving the economy is recovering.

The Labor Department reported the US economy regained 2.5 million jobs in May and the unemployment rate dropped as coronavirus pandemic shutdowns began to ease.

The report defied even the most optimistic expectations among economists, who had been expecting a payroll decline of more than eight million and a jobless rate of 20 percent or higher.

“This a mind-blowing number and shows that the economy is improving,” said Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at AvaTrade. AFP

Exodus plunges India’s factories into a quandary BAHADURGARH, INDIA―An acute shortage of workers has turned the roar of machines to a soft hum at a footwear factory near New Delhi, just one of thousands in India struggling to restart after an exodus of migrant workers during the virus lockdown.

India is slowly emerging from strict containment measures imposed in late March as leaders look to revive the battered economy, but manufacturers don’t have enough workers to man the machinery.

The big cities―once an attractive destination for workers from poor, rural regions―have been hit by reverse migration as millions of laborers flee back to their far-flung home villages, some uncertain if they will ever return.

“Sixty percent of our laborers have gone back. How can we run a production unit with just one-third of our workforce?” asked Sanjeev Kharbanda, a senior executive with Aqualite Industries, which owns the footwear factory in the northern state of Haryana.

Kharbanda said the company’s sports shoe unit had been sitting idle as there were no skilled workers to operate the high-tech machines.

“We are running just one shift now.

The cost of production has gone up and our profits are going down,” he said, a conveyor belt carrying semifinished flip-flops running slowly in the background.

In Gujarat state’s Surat city―where 90 percent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished―many factories have been unable to open after more than two-thirds of workers fled, Surat diamond association president Babu Kathiriya told AFP. AFP

RENAULT CUTBACK. Employees of Renault plant of Choisy-Le-Roi demonstrate on June 6, 2020 in Choisy-Le-Roi, to protest against the plan by the French carmaker to cut nearly 15,000 jobs by 2022, including 4,600 at its core French operations The site of Choisy-le-Roi is alone among 14 French production sites earmarked for closure by 2022. AFP

China imports dive, exports drop as virus takes its toll BEIJING, China―China’s exports and imports fell in May as the economic slowdown abroad started to take its toll, and after a surprise jump driven by increased demand for anti-epidemic supplies, official data showed Sunday.

With consumer demand muted and key overseas markets suffering downturns, imports saw their sharpest on-year fall in over four years, even as the country worked to restart its economy after bringing activity to a standstill to curb the coronavirus.

Exports from the manufacturing powerhouse fell 3.3 percent on-year last month, better than the 6.5-percent slide expected by a Bloomberg poll of analysts.

But the return to negative territory came after a surprise 3.5 percent jump in April, which was partly due to medical exports.

Analysts have warned of signs that a larger downturn awaits.

Customs data released Sunday also showed a larger than expected drop in imports on-year, which were down by 16.7 percent and at a four-year low.

Part of the plunge in the value of imports could be explained by falling commodity prices worldwide, said Rajiv Biswas of IHS Markit.

Iris Pang, ING chief economist for Greater China, told AFP another reason was likely a drop in parts bought for re-exports―imported goods that are shipped out after further processing―due to the uncertainty of global demand.

Medical exports supported Chinese shipments in April and May, with shipments of textile yarns, fabrics and products rising 21.3 percent for the first five months on-year.

Analysts expect this boost to fade however, as the virus situation improves

Bounce Forward THE morning of March 16 was a surreal scene out of a movie. A sea of night shift employees surfaced, oblivious to what had just been announced. Meanwhile, agitated exchanges between managers spewing commands replaced the soft clicking of keyboards. One by one, the mighty extruders, boilers and winders shut down to be silenced indefinitely. And as tears fell in between signing COEs, I had to motion to a sympathetic union officer to maintain social distancing.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) defined disaster as “a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society… “ The pandemic and the ensuing lockdown are decidedly so. Up until then, the majority of organizations have shrouded themselves in a false sense of security and, subsequently, complacency. The disaster managed to expose glaring vulnerabilities, in our case, as with other “brick and mortars,” the sore lack of digital literacy and digitization in the organization. This elusive challenge has become imperative for business continuity. “… which exceeds the ability of the affected community or society to cope with using its own resources.” The lockdown caused many establishments to close physically, with consumers shifting focus to “essentials.”

But rather than feel paralyzed, bonafide entrepreneurial thinkers understand that such setbacks are doors to other opportunities. This is the stuff that Strategic Management, albeit crisis edition, is made for­ —the overarching theme of which is to leverage the way your products, assets, and competencies can be relevant TODAY. No sooner than two weeks in, companies were pivoting in unprecedented ways.

Maybe temporarily, maybe permanently.

Think liquor manufacturers producing sanitizers or car engineers retooling ventilator machines. And increasingly, fashion brands assembling PPEs, emerging SME alliances, and going online for just about anything!

Within my personal, professional and academic realm, I had probably manifested the five stages of grief by Kubler-Ross and then some. But what I could never fathom ever was to surrender.

This is perhaps borne from my roots in sports. Out of the good and at times, frustrating experiences there, I organized a non-profit whose mission is to promote excellence and convene interdisciplinary approaches to sport development challenges. Not spared, the sport industry and sport professionals are similarly reeling.

My nagging distraction, nay, obsession, was to start conversations online, on how the “community” can navigate around the constraints of the pandemic on their respective practice. But more critical than ever is to reinforce the role of physical education and sports as purveyors of healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing. Since the ECQ, I’ve organized 4 Zoom webinars that have garnered more than 50,000 views, a testament of modest mission success, with plans to institutionalize learning sessions later on.

On the other hand, while we purposely need to “stay afloat” during the lockdown, can there be other measures to show where we may have gained in areas beyond the financial standpoint?

For instance, how much of your time was used to check on your students or employees? What of your resources has lent a modicum of survival to the frontliners, ambulant vendors, or the momand-pop businesses? And have any of

worldwide.

“Export growth rebounded in March and April, even as lockdowns came into effect abroad, because of a backlog of orders that had piled up while Chinese factories were shut in February,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a recent report.

But he noted the Purchasing Managers’ Index, a key gauge of factory activity, still pointed to “a deep downturn in exports that has yet to materialize” as activity in China’s major export markets remains subdued.

Exports would likely take a further hit in June and July, said IHS Markit’s Biswas, before recovering towards the end of the year supported by lockdowns ending across Europe and the US and the Christmas season. AFP

GERALDINE GO-BERNARDO

Green Light your recent undertakings consciously contributed to social or environmental sustainability Without trivializing the “disaster,” there has never been a more fascinating time of discovery than what we have now. But I cringe a bit whenever I hear of “bouncing back.” I believe the operative term should be “bouncing FORWARD,” which connotes transitioning from a state of tragedy to one of newfound strength and growth.

What we have undergone globally is perhaps the most cathartic reset button ever. That said, it is incumbent that we regroup, reevaluate, and most importantly, repurpose. I do wax nostalgic over how life was so different only a few months ago. But if we happened to miss those crucial teaching points moving forward, then sadly, that will be the biggest disaster.

Geraldine Go-Bernardo manages several family businesses and sportphil. com. She is an adjunct faculty of Strategic Management and Sport Management at the Management and Organization Department of the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University, where she is also pursuing her doctorate in Business Administration.

Her research interests include athlete and sport entrepreneurship and sport governance.

Email: geraldine.bernardo@dlsu.edu. ph The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the position of De La Salle University, its faculty, and its administrators.

OPEC, allies agree to deep cuts in output through July VIENNA, Austria―OPEC members, led by Saudi Arabia, and other key oil producers agreed Saturday to extend historic output cuts through July, as oil prices tentatively recover and coronavirus lockdowns ease.

The 13-member cartel and its allies, notably Russia, decided to extend by a month deep May and June cuts agreed in April to boost prices, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said in a statement.

But Mexico, which had already made clear ahead of the talks that it “could not adjust... production further,” announced that it would not be complying.

Oil prices have plummeted as a result of falling demand as countries around the world impose strict lockdowns to stop the spread of the new coronavirus.

“All participating countries... agreed the option of extending the first phase of the production adjustments pertaining in May and June by one further month,” the OPEC statement said.

Under the terms of the April agreement, OPEC and the so-called OPEC+ pledged to cut output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) from May 1 until the end of June.

The cuts were then to be gradually eased from July, to 7.7 million bpd until December.

Algerian Oil Minister Mohamed Arkab, who currently holds OPEC’s rotating presidency, told AFP that the agreed cut for July was 9.6 mbpd, just slightly below the 9.7 mbpd for May and June.

Oil ministers from key producers will meet monthly to assess the agreement, he added.

US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette welcomed the extension of cuts.

“I applaud OPEC-plus for reaching an important agreement today which comes at a pivotal time as oil demand continues to recover and economies reopen around the world,” he said in a tweet.

Analysts had expected the May-June cuts to be extended by at least another month, if not longer.

Although more countries around the world are gradually moving out of lockdown, crude consumption has not returned to pre-confinement levels, which were already comparatively low. AFP

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

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Business

GDP seen rebounding by 9% in 2021 PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, June 5, 2020

52.36 points

TOTAL VOLUME 946,665,161 TOTAL TRADES 154,911 TOTAL VALUE 9,111,898,138.56 ADVANCES 118 DECLINES 77 UNCHANGED 43

6,465.13

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.9820

Japan

Yen

0.009166

0.4581

UK

Pound

1.259400

62.9473

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129034

6.4494

Switzerland

Franc

1.047230

52.3426

Canada

Dollar

0.740631

37.0182

Singapore

Dollar

0.715564

35.7653

Australia

Dollar

0.693900

34.6825

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655196

132.712

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266454

13.3179

Brunei

Dollar

0.713012

35.6378

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000071

0.0035

Thailand

Baht

0.031656

1.5822

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.6087

Euro

Euro

1.133800

56.6696

Korea

Won

0.000822

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.140588

7.0269

India

Rupee

0.013256

0.6626

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234192

11.7054

New Zealand

Dollar

0.645500

32.2634

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033509

1.6748 Source: BSP

IN BRIEF

Ayala Land hikes bond offer to P10b

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. increased the size of its planned retail bond offering to P10 billion from an initial target of P6 billion.

Ayala Land said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it planned to issue up to P6 billion in fixed-rate bonds with an oversubscription of up to P4 billion due 2022.

The planned bond offering will be the fourth tranche to be issued under its P50-billion bondshelf registration approved by the SEC. “Proceeds of the offer are intended to be used to partially finance the company’s general corporate requirements and/or capital expenditure requirements, particularly for its leasing business,” Ayala Land said.

The fixed-rate bonds were rated Aaa by Philippine Rating Services Corp. Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Julito G. Rada

said the two months of enhanced community quarantine from mid-March to May would translate into a deeper GDP HE Philippine decline in the second quarter. economy is expected “A return to some form of normalcy may speed up by July, when governto rebound by 8 ment dismantles the lockdown in most percent to 9 percent in of the country and get the economy run2021 on the back of strong ning at a faster pace in the second half,” they said. stimulus package from an “However, this may prove insufficient expected contraction of 2 to avert the first annual decline in GDP in 22 years, given the new health protopercent to 3.4 percent this cols and the difficulties in reestablishing year amid the coronavirus supply chains. However, the sizeable pandemic. fiscal stimulus and firms get into the full Economists from the University of ‘new normal’ mode, we expect a sharp Asia & the Pacific and First Metro In- GDP recovery of 8 percent to 9 percent vestment Corp. said in a joint report in 2021,” they said.

T

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the GDP contracted by 0.2 percent in the first quarter, a turnaround from the 5.7 percent in the same period last year and 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019.

The National Economic and Development Authority expressed optimism the economy would rebound strongly in 2021 by 7.1 percent to 8.1 percent.

NEDA said the timely implementation of well-targeted recovery program alongside efforts of the private sector would mitigate the impact of the pandemic. It said such a program would help the country regain confidence, attain higher economic growth and restore employment rates to precrisis level.

ROLLING STORES AT PETRON. San Miguel Corp.

and the Department of Agriculture expand the network of ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita’ rolling farmers’ stores at Petron gas stations in Metro Manila to help the agriculture industry recover from the impact of the pandemic, while providing consumers easier access to fresh fruits and vegetables straight from local farms. SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang says the partnership with the DA, covering the Kadiwa stores and the purchase of major raw materials for food production, has benefited a lot of farmers suffering from loss of critical markets and income following the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine.

Clark airport reopens to accommodate OFWs

CLARK International Airport resumed operations on June 5 to accommodate flights carrying returning overseas Filipino workers.

“We opened Clark Airport, so we can decentralize the arrival of our OFWs. It will be a lot swifter and more comfortable for them to return via Clark Airport, and we can easily attend to their needs,” said Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and chief executive Vince Dizon.

Dizon said the plan was to allow the OFWs to stay in Clark hotels for a maximum of five nights and send them home if they tested negative of the virus.

The first flight arrived from Dubai, bringing home 262 passengers, of which 257 are OFWs. The returnees were welcomed by Dizon who is also the National Action Plan Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. chief executive Bi Yong Chungunco, Clark Development Corp. president Noel Manankil and BCDA senior vice president for business development and operations Joshua Bingcang. Othel V. Campos

DPWH eyes 1.5m infrastructure jobs

THE Department of Public Works and Highways said it expects to generate more than 1.5 million jobs this year despite the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 on the economy.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the continuous yearly increase in infrastructure budget had led to the massive employment generation across the country.

“This year, although we have slowed down a little bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 1,525,342 of jobs will be generated from the 2020 budget,” said Villar.

The agency’s statement came after the Philippine Statistical Authority reported an unemployment rate of 17.7 percent, representing 7.3 million jobless Filipinos in April.

The PSA said this was a record high in unemployment rate, reflecting the effects of the economic shutdown on the Philippine labor market.

Darwin G. Amojelar

NATIONAL Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the country’s private transmission operator, said utility customers pay just P0.04 for every peso spent on their monthly electricity bill.

NGCP, in an infographics, said based on the May 2020 electricity billing by distribution utility from the April 2020 transmission charge, the

rate was only P0.04 for every peso spent on electricity, representing 3.93 percent of the total electricity for the month.

Transmission charge is the cost of delivering and balancing high-voltage electricity from the generators to the distribution utilities.

NGCP said that ancillary services charge only accounts only for 4.10 percent. NGCP collects the AS but remit

NGCP, in an infographics, says based on the May 2020 electricity billing by distribution utility from the April 2020 transmission charge, the rate was only P0.04 for every peso spent on electricity, representing 3.93 percent of the total electricity for the month.

them directly to the AS provider.

It said the transmission charge had been on a downtrend in recent years compared with the P0.69 kilowatt-hour charged by the National Transmission Corp.prior to the privatization of the transmission assets in 2009.

It said NGCP’s pass-on transmission charge went down to a record low of P0.51 per kWh as of 2019. Transmission charge is the cost of delivering and balancing high-voltage electricity from the generators to the distribution utilities.

Data showed an initial seesaw on the transmission tariff upon NGCP’s assumption until successive reductions came in recent years as NGCP brought it down further to P0.51 per kWh as of 2019.

NGCP is the private entity that won the 25-year contract to manage, operate, expand and improve the country’s power transmission system in a privatization exercise carried out by state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation in 2009.

It said that when NGCP assumed the management of the country’s transmission facilities in 2009, TransCo rate in 2008 was at P0.69 per kWh. The NGCP infographics showed that the share of generation charge or the fraction paid to power plant owners and operators has the lion’s share of 44.03 percent; while distribution charge represents 33.49 percent; and others like government taxes take up the remaining 14.45 percent.

“Utility customers actually are paying only P0.04 on transmission charges for every peso spent on electricity,” NGCP said.

PMI executive pushes transparent, fact-based approach to resolve health problem Olczak

By Othel V. Campos NISSAN Philippines plans to collaborate with partner Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. to assemble sports utility vehicles in Mitsubishi’s plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“We are studying collaboration with our alliance partner Mitsubishi on producing Nissan SUVs and pickups in Mitsubishi’s plant in Santa Rosa,” said Nissan president and managing ditector Atsushi Najima.

The two car companies belong to the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, which is considered the world’s largest automotive partnership. The alliance’s business model aims to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of the three partner companies.

“With a strategy aligned with the global direction, we see the new alliance plan as a great opportunity to explore further collaboration, with the aim to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of the partner companies,” Najima said.

He said that in the Asia and Oceania region, Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi enjoy a very constructive collaboration.

Najima said that in the Philippines, the alliance companies share a joint staff training center and warehouse while in Indonesia, Mitsubishi produces Nissan Livina, a multi-purpose vehicle that has great acceptance and success with Indonesian customers.

He said the Philippines remains one of the key markets for Nissan’s business strategy for the Asia and Oceania region. Core models such as the Nissan Terra and Navara have become a favorite among consumers and continue to deliver excellent services and products to Filipino customers, he said.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., the parent company, recently announced a four-year plan to achieve sustainable growth, financial stability and profitability by the end of fiscal-year 2023.

By implementing the plan, Nissan aims to achieve a 5-percent operating profit margin and a sustainable global market share of 6 percent by the end of fiscal year 2023, including proportionate contributions from its 50-percent equity joint venture in China.

MORE opposes NGCP charge accounts just for 3.93% of electric bill Panay Electric’s

By Alena Mae S. Flores appeal for CPCN

Honda assures customer support

HONDA Cars Philippines Inc. expressed its continued and full support to customers in the Philippines despite the closure of four dealerships in the northern part of Metro Manila.

Established in 1991 and the first of the six global mobility brands under AC Motors, an Ayala company, Honda Cars is in the process of developing new sales and after-sales channels, optimizing facilities and resources and adopting new safety protocols.

It said these measures were intended to serve customers better and keep them and employees safe.

Honda Cars has a nationwide network of 11 dealerships in Makati, Pasig, Alabang, Shaw, Global City, Manila Bay, Cebu, Mandaue, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Cagayan de Oro. The company’s dealers committed to provide Honda car owners with the sales and after-sales support that they need, especially during the challenging period. Othel V. Campos

Nissan eyes tieup with Mitsubishi to produce SUVs in Sta. Rosa plant

A TOP executive of Philip Morris International stressed the importance of fact-based approach and transparency in promoting innovative solutions such as reduced-risk nicotine products in the market amid the tide of public skepticism.

“The bar for us is very much higher to be very transparent. If we know about a new product and what this product can offer to the population at large, this requires more effort on our side. Transparency is the key,” PMI chief operating officer Jacek Olczak said in a webinar organized by The Economist on June 4, 2020.

“We have a good objective in front of us…

Obviously, this trust-building component is a long journey but is worth taking because we have a great objective to achieve,” he said.

Olczak is among the proponents of smokefree revolution in PMI which encourages smokers to switch from combustible cigarettes to reduced-risk, smoke-free alternatives such as heat-not-burn tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

“It is a very legitimate objective to replace combustible tobacco smoking with better alternatives,” said Olzcak in clarifying PMI’s decision to undertake scientific research on

reduced-risk products.

The webinar, “Defying #conventionalwisdom: Promoting a fact-based approach”, discussed the issues of building trust in innovation and using facts and evidence against conventional wisdom. It was moderated by Christopher Clague, managing editor for Asia and global editorial lead of The Economist. Aside from Olczak, other panelists were Will Moy, chief executive of UK-based fact-checking organization Full Fact and Poppy Gustafsson, chief executive of AI cybersecurity company Darktrace.

MORE Electric and Power Corp. asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to deny the appeal of Panay Electric Co. to reinstate its provisional certificate of public convenience and necessity.

MORE Power said in a statement it was opposing PECO’s supplemental motion filed with the ERC as the latter had shown total disregard of consumer interests.

“The deterioration of the distribution system of PECO accelerated during the one-year period when PECO, using all sorts of dilatory actions in the various courts, delayed the issuance and implementation of the writ of possession for the takeover of the distribution by MORE,” MORE Power said.

“During that one-year period PECO ran the distribution to the ground with little or no rehabilitation or maintenance. Many parts of the aging system were overheating and bursting into flames on a regular basis,” it said.

MORE Power said the former distribution utility of Iloilo City also showed grave abuse of the courts for filing different legal cases to bar the full takeover by the new congressional franchisee as the city’s new power utility through the expropriation of the distribution system.

The company informed ERC that PECO continued to send monthly bills to Iloilo customers despite losing its provisional CPCN. MORE Power said the Iloilo City government had already revoked PECO’s business permit, making its activities related to the operation of the distribution system highly illegal.

It said PECO also does not have a franchise and is no longer a legitimate CPCN holder.

President Rodrigo Duterte signedRepublic Act No. 11212 on Feb. 14, 2019 granting MORE Power the franchise to operate a distribution utility a few weeks before PECO’s franchise expired.

MORE Power also said PECO’s failure to do preventive maintenance left the distribution system “rotting, decrepit, and a ticking time bomb.”

The company said the current state of disrepair of Iloilo City’s distribution system that MORE Power tries to solve with preventive maintenance operations is the real cause of the numerous power outages, contrary to PECO’s claim of MORE Power’s lack of experience and the expertise to run an electricity distribution system. Alena Mae S. Flores

UFC superstar McGregor retires again LONDON, United KingdomMixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor announced his retirement from the sport on Sunday.

The two-division Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) World Champion said his fighting days were over in a Twitter message posted on his verified account, alongside a picture of the Irishman with his mother, Margaret.

“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!” he wrote.

“Here is a picture of myself and my mother in Las Vegas post one of my World title wins! Pick the home of your dreams Mags I love you! Whatever you desire it’s yours.”

The controversial fighter, nicknamed “The Notorious”, first announced his retirement from the sport in March last year after being battered into submission by archrival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.

He made a return to the octagon in January after 15 months of inaction to knock out American Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in just 40 seconds in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old, an icon of the UFC, is no stranger to controversy and hit the headlines last year for an attack on an older man in a Dublin bar that was captured in a viral video.

McGregor, one of the most popular fighters in MMA history, has a record of 22-4 and was the first UFC fighter to hold two championship belts at the same time.

He achieved that feat in 2016, when he stopped Eddie Alvarez in a lightweight title fight, adding it to his featherweight title.

That triumph was followed by a loss to boxing great Floyd Mayweather in a cross-combat superfight in 2017, his loss to Nurmagomedov, announcements of retirements and returns to fighting. AFP

PH E-9 chess club supports Baby Uno THE Baby Uno chess challenge, which resume on June 14 (Sunday), gets a big boost as Philippine E-9 chess club announced its sponsorship of the online tournament featuring the country’s finest woodpushers.

Thirteen-time Philippine Open champion Grandmaster Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr., the inaugural champion and Grandmaster Darwin Laylo head the list of participants that includes International Master Barlo Nadera, Fide Master Dale Bernardo and National Master Robert Arellano, among others.

“In behalf of the Philippine E-9 chess club here in South Korea, we will support the Baby Uno chess challenge online tournament,” said Jun Jun Jabay, top honcho of the Philippine E-9 chess club, the only Filipino chess club in South Korea.

Other sponsors of the free registration tournament using the three minutes plus two seconds increment blitz time control format include Philippine Executive Chess Association president Dr. Fred Paez, Dr. Jenny Mayor, Espana Chess Club boss engineer. Ernie Faeldonia, McDaniel Ebao, Teddy Cu, Pretty Zada Skincare Product, Europe gaming consultant sportsman Kim Zafra, Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes and Auckland, New Zealand based Jun Isaac.

Meanwhile, Grandmaster (GM) Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. ruled via tie break the 1st Baby Uno chess challenge online blitz tournament last Friday at the lichess.org.

Antonio, tied for first and second places with Grandmaster (GM) Mark Paragua with 13.5 apiece in the three minutes plus two seconds in the increment time control event organized by Bayanihan chess club led by AGM Marlon Bernardino and Genghis Imperial.

It was backed by Europe based gaming consultant sportsman Kim Zafra, Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based Jimmy Reyes, Mr. Danilo Ebao and Pretty Zada Skincare Product.

With the highest tie break points, Antonio took the title while Paragua finished second.

Batangas non-master bet Doodeel “Dudz “ Libongcogon finished solo third with 13 points.

Sports

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

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor exults after beating Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246 in Las Vegas last January. AFP

Equestrian association to resume activities

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Equestrian Association of the Philippines is poised to resume activities soon.

Newly-elected EAP president Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski said the equestrian community does not have issues with social distancing.

“Pumayag ang IATF sa amin. At hindi rin naman kami puede maglapit dito sa equestrian. That’s because our sport has natural social distancing,” said Cojuangco-Jaworski.

Equestrian is among the eight outdoor sports which got clearance from the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases. And the EAP has the privilege to hold outdoor activities.

Cojuangco-Jaworski said they have been conducting training activities, and technical officials’ education and programs while the country is under community quarantine protocols to control the control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the EAP had to cancel two international meets that they were supposed to stage in the coming months because of health and safety concerns.

“We are just into accreditation of officials. We are polishing up on this,” said Cojuangco-Jaworski in an online interview.

The EAP, according to CojuangcoJaworski, is currently updating itself on the new policies of their international federations, and linking up with members of the Southeast Asian Federation at this time.

Cojuangco-Jaworski, who is the

Philippine representative to the International Olympic Committee, came aboard as the new president following polls that were held last March 10.

She took over from his father, longtime head, and former Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. The elder Cojuangco stepped down as the president during the polls. But he stayed on as a board member.

Many former athletes were named to the new board, Xavier Virata, who was voted to fill the seat of Vice President.

Another former athlete Michelle Barrera, is the new secretary-general. Barrera once competed in the World Cup finals, and in the Busan Asian Games.

Other former athletes who are now directors are Janine Felix, Karen Concepcion and Gaby Herbosa.

PBA commissioner to hold dialogue with players PHILIPPINE Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial reached out to the players and will hold a dialogue with representatives the 12 member teams. He will explain to the players measures the league will adopt once training and practices by group is finally allowed to resume.

Marcial will sit down with two players from each team on June 23 to discuss the said measures.

“Magpapatawag tayo ng dialogue, we’ll reach out to the players,” said Marcial. “Kukunin namin yung consensus nila, yung opinion nila, kung ano ang tingin nila doon sa mga gagawin natin.

“At the same time, mapapaliwanag ko rin sa kanila yung mga protocols na gagawin kung payagan na ang PBA teams na makapag-practice.”

The PBA submitted to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) the guidelines it drafted for implementation when training among teams are finally given a clearance.

Marcial hopes the IATF makes a decision on the request by the time he gets to meet with the 24 players.

The Board of Governors approved the measures which they hoped would ensure the safety of the players.

“I think the dialogue Commissioner Willie will do is to assure our players that we’re doing all we can to make (basketball court) safe,” said PBA Board chairman Ricky Vargas.

“We should assure the players that they will be safe and that proper testing will be done.”

Marcial will explain to the players the need for compulsory testing before they are allowed to practice. They will also be made to undergo rapid test, swab test, and another rapid test every 10 days before being allowed to practice.

Training sessions among teams will be held in batches of six persons at a time. It will consist of four players, one trainer, and

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial says he reached out to the league players and will hold a dialogue to discuss safety measures before they are allowed to start practice sessions. PBA

a health officer, who will check their temperatures and observe if they are practicing social distancing and other health protocols.

All six will leave the gym premises after their practice session ends. The facility will then be disinfected before the next batch of players take their turn.

“Kung apat sila, walang dalawahan, walang scrimmages, walang game. Conditioning lang talaga,” said the commissioner. “Conditioning lang talaga. Biruin mo, apat kayo sa isang court. Kaya yung social distancing, magagawa natin.”

Davao Tigers concerned with health of its players THE health and safety of the players and team members are of paramount importance for Representative Claudine Diana Bautista, team owner of the Davao Occidental Tigers, She is willing to give up the Tigers’ quest for the division and national titles of the stalled Chooksto-Go MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Lakan Season finals just to make sure their lives are not put at risk because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The safety and health of our players, the team, their families are our priority,” said Bautista of Dumper PTDA party-list. “The championship trophy is not worth the lives (of people).”

No wonder, Bautista, daughter of Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista, agrees with the decision of MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, with the concurrence of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, MPBL Founder and CEO, to scrap the 2020-2021 season supposed to start June 12.

The division finals, pitting the Tigers against the Basilan Steel in the South and the San Juan Knights against the Makati Super Crunch in the North, also got derailed by the nationwide lockdown imposed due to the Coronavirus. Both the TigersSteel and Knights-Super Crunch playoffs were tied at 1-1 and slated for Game 3 deciders then.

“We will conform with what the MPBL decides,” said Bautista. “Let us not push matters during these uncertain times. If possible, we shouldn’t resume play until a vaccine is found.”

While the MPBL waits for the gosignal from the national government to resume sporting activities indoors, Bautista said the Tigers are training at their homes under the guidance and monitoring of their physical fitness trainer via Zoom.

Knowing venues would be a problem for the division finalists because of travel and social distancing protocols, Bautista said the Tigers are willing to play in a neutral venue where the teams could play to wrap up the playoffs.

Dixon wins IndyCar opener after Covid delay

Scott Dixon celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NTT IndyCar Series—Genesys 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States —New Zealand’s Scott Dixon climbed out of his car and donned a white protective face mask after seizing the checkered flag in the delayed IndyCar season-opening race in Texas on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time).

Dixon crossed the finish line first ahead of runner-up Simon Pagenaud in the Genesys 300, the first IndyCar race in eight months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Such strange times right now,” said Dixon immediately after the race. “It was awesome.

The power out there. We could just go for it.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic led to a postponement of the 2020 IndyCar campaign, the series finally got underway with no spectators in the grandstands at the 1.5 mile (2.4 kilometer) Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

“I am bummed that the fans aren’t here,” Dixon said. “I wish everybody was here to celebrate.”

Former Indianapolis 500 winner Pagenaud finished 4.4 seconds back in second and reigning series champion Josef Newgarden placed third.

Organizers decided to run the practice, qualifying and 200-lap

race all on the same day to minimize the amount of time the participants would be at the venue.

“Today was compact,” he said.

“We flew in this morning and we had a hour and 20 minute practice, then straight to qualifying and straight to the race, and then fly back out tonight. That is very different. Normally we have a couple of days of prep, so that was difficult.”

Dixon earned his 47th career win to move within just five victories of Italian-born American Mario Andretti, who is second all-time with 52. He also matched AJ Foyt’s record of 18 seasons with a victory. AFP

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Sports

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

McIlroy, Rahm head strong PGA field at Colonial

Bulls, Lavine disappointed for early end of their season FOR Zach Lavine, his season with the Chicago Bulls ended as one of the best ever.

The six-foot-five small forward/ shooting guard averaged 25.5 points per game before the 2019-2020 season of the National Basketball Association came to an abrupt halt last March following the postponement of games.

The Bulls were 11th in the Central Division with their 22-43 winloss record.

But, unfortunately, they won’t be among that squads that will be back in action when the season restart this July 22.

This was after the NBA Board of Governors approved a competitive format, and named a list of teams which can return.

And the Board’s approval is the first formal step among many required to resume the season.

“It sucks. You’ve got to understand it. It’s a weird time, especially with everything that’s going on right now, but it’s upsetting too,” said Lavine in an audio interview of a Zoom video conference that was forwarded by NBA Philippines.

And because he was able to shoot 45% on field goals, 38% on three pointers and 80.2% on his free throws, observers believe that he is close to being part of the so called 50-40-90 club in the NBA. The 50-40-90 club is all about a small batch of players who can do 50 percent from the field goal range, 40 percent from 3-point area, and 90 percent from the freethrow line in one season.

The players who can do this are Larry Bird, Malcolm Brogdon, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry, Reggie Miller, Kevin Durant, Mark Price and Steve Nash.

“We weren’t even good enough to get to the play-in game, so it’s upsetting and it just shows that we’ve got to do a lot of things differently to get ourselves that recognition to get to that spot. For me, it’s twofold. Obviously, I wanted to play.

I wanted to be a part of it,” said Lavine. Peter Atencio

Demonstrators hold placards at the Lincoln Memorial during a peaceful protest against police brutality and the death of George Floyd, on June 6, 2020 in Washington, DC. Demonstrations are being held across the US following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, while being arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota. AFP

Heavyweight champion Joshua hits out at racism L

ONDON, United Kingdom—World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua told a Black Lives Matter march on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) that protesters were the “vaccine” to the “virus” of racism.

“The virus I am referring to is called racism,” he said, comparing its effects to the damage done by COVID-19.

Meanwhile the British boxer asked: “How long are we going to allow racism to spread through our communities?”

Worldwide protests under the banner of Black Lives Matter took place Saturday in response to the death of George Floyd, a black American man who died in Minneapolis last month while being arrested by police officers.

“You are the vaccine, I am the vaccine,” the 30-year-old Joshua told a rally in his home town of Watford.

“Killing a person outright is unforgivable, but stripping them of their human rights, oppressing them, mocking them, insulting them, placing glass ceilings above them... is just a slower way of killing them and taking the life out of their soul.”

Joshua was on cr utches at times on Saturday and was also seen wearing a knee brace, but a spokesperson insisted that was just

a “precautionar y measure”.

Joshua, the reigning WBA, IBF and WBO title-holder, felt a “slight twinge” in his left knee in a training session earlier this week.

But his camp insisted there was no cause for alarm.

“Anthony felt a slight twinge in his knee whilst training,” the spokesperson said.

“The brace is a precautionar y measure on the advice of physios.

It will be further checked by his doctors but there is no immediate concer n.”

Joshua was due to defend his belts against Kubrat Pulev at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20 only for the bout to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. AFP

Pregnant Iniong to step away from ONE circle GINA “Conviction” Iniong will take time off her professional mixed martial arts career to devote time to her growing family.

The fifth-ranked women’s atomweight contender from Team Lakay tied the knot with her longtime partner Richard Araos last October.

The happy couple is expecting their first baby.

Upon learning of her pregnancy Iniong considered retirement until Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao sat her down and advised her that now is not the time to make such a lifechanging decision.

“She thought about retirement, but I told her, ‘Don’t think about it yet.’

I told her to focus on her pregnancy and then maybe she can make decisions after if she really wants to stop,” Sangiao says.

“I told her that it is hard to decide right now. I’ve seen a lot of people retire, then come out of retirement.

It’s best for her to just focus

on her well-being and pregnancy, and then worry about the next steps in her career later.”

“Conviction” won a 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medal in kickboxing last December, and then she earned a convincing decision victory over Asha “Knockout Queen” Roka at ONE: Fire and Fury last January.

Her MMA career was on the upswing but her lifechanging pregnancy made her reconsider her career options.

“Even before the SEA Games, she was telling me that she wanted to focus on her family. She said they’re getting older and they already want to have a child,” Sangiao explains.

“This is such a huge blessing for her. She wanted this for a long time, and it was given.”

With motherhood beckoning ONE fans may have seen the last of Iniong in combat but she enjoys the full support of Team Lakay as well

Gina Iniong (left) and Asha Roka trade kicks at the center of the ONE circle at ONE: Fire and Fury last January at the Mall of Asia Arena. ONE Championship

as ONE Championship pro“We told ONE already about to think about retirement at this motion regardless of the final it, and they sent their congratu- time. It’s her life and whatever decision she makes. lations. They also told her not she does, we’ll support her.”

LOS ANGELES, United States— World number one Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm of Spain will highlight a strong field in Fort Worth, Texas next week as the PGA Tour returns from a three-month break due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Americans Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas will also tee it up on Thursday at the Charles Schwab Challenge at the Colonial Country Club course.

The 148-player Fort Worth field also includes world No. 3 Brooks Koepka, defending champion Kevin Na and Phil Mickelson.

One major change is that organizers are not allowing any spectators at the event which runs through June 14.

The PGA Tour cancelled 11 tournaments during its shutdown, and revised its remaining schedule.

The first five events of the restart, including the Charles Schwab, will be played without spectators.

The first tournament to have fans will be The Memorial, July 16-19 in Dublin, Ohio.

After the Charles Schwab, the PGA Tour now will feature the RBC Heritage (June 18-21) in Hilton Head, South Carolina; the Travelers Championship (June 25-28) in Cromwell, Connecticut; and the Rocket Mortgage Classic (July 2-5) in Detroit, Michigan.

The PGA Championship will be played August 6-9 in San Francisco and the US Open is rescheduled for September 17-20 in New York. AFP

Will saliva ban threaten cricket’s kings of swing?

LONDON, United Kingdom—An International Cricket Council board meeting on Wednesday could see the global governing body uphold a recommendation to prohibit the use of saliva in order to stop the transmission of the coronavirus.

Bowlers traditionally get the ball to move or swing in the air, thereby making it harder for batsmen to hit, by applying shine to one side via sweat— which can still be used—or saliva.

However, as a temporary measure to combat COVID-19, the ICC’s cricket committee has suggested banning the use of saliva.

One of the most extraordinary individual performances in cricket history saw Australia swing bowler Bob Massie take 16 for 137 on his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 1972.

Yet Massie won just five more caps and took only 15 more wickets, with the bowler himself saying he had struggled on a subsequent tour of the West Indies where he adjusted his action and was never the same cricketer again.

Massie’s remarkable maiden Test and the lavish swing he generated at Lord’s led to suggestions he’d applied lip salve to the ball in order to maintain the shine —an accusation he has always denied.

“Some days things go just right,” Massie said by way of explaining his remarkable introduction to Test cricket.

It used to be thought that as a cricket ball got older it would swing less.

But a technique pioneered by Pakistan paceman Sarfraz Nawaz, partly in response to the slow and batsmenfriendly pitches of his homeland, led to the development of reverse swing.

“Just using sweat won’t be of much help because that will only make the ball wet and that shine will be missing,” said Sarfraz. AFP

Ex-athletics chief faces court over corruption

Outgoing International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Lamine Diack speaks during a press conference in Beijing ahead of the 2015 IAAF World Championships in this file photo taken August 21, 2015. AFP

PARIS, France—Lamine Diack, the disgraced former head of athletics’ world governing body, goes on trial in Paris on Monday facing a potential 10-year prison sentence on charges of accepting millions of dollars to cover up Russian doping tests.

Diack, the Senegalese who was in charge of the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics), between 1999 and 2015, is charged with “giving and receiving bribes”, “breach of trust” and “organised money laundering”, and is expected to attend court.

The prosecution alleges that Diack, who turns 87 on Sunday, obtained $1.5 million of Russian funds to help back Macky Sall’s campaign for the

2012 Senegal presidential election— which he won—in exchange for the IAAF’s anti-doping arm covering up or delaying offences by 23 Russians.

The aim, prosecutors will say, was to allow the Russians to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 World Athletics Championships in Moscow.

The trial, following a four-year investigation by the French Financial Prosecutor’s Office, was originally scheduled to start on January 13, and the charges carry not only a maximum sentence of 10 years’ prison but also a heavy fine.

Also appearing in court will be Habib Cisse, Diack’s former legal advisor, who is suspected of having acted as an inter-

mediary between the then-IAAF and Russian athletics and having received hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The former IAAF anti-doping chief Gabriel Dolle will also be there, accused of “receiving bribes” amounting to 190,000 euros. Both are French.

Son’s ‘central role’ Missing from the trial, however, will be Diack’s son Papa Massata Diack, who handled lucrative contracts for the IAAF. He was implicated through a payment of 450,000 euros from Russian runner Liliya Shobukhova, allegedly to have her blood passport case delayed in order to compete in the 2012 Olympic marathon, as revealed by German TV station ARD in 2014.

Diack junior is accused of playing a “central role” in the network of corruption and is charged with “money laundering”, “giving bribes” and “aiding the receiving of bribes”.

The deal that prosecutors say helped fund the 2012 presidential election campaign of Diack senior’s friend Sall also allegedly smoothed the way for negotiations with Russian sponsors and broadcasters before the Moscow world championships.

Together, the Diacks are suspected of being at the heart of a web of corruption.

The case is being pursued by the French authorities because the alleged money-laundering happened in France. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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Beginning your day with ‘Unang Hirit’ MISS waking up early with the Unang Hirit barkada? Fret no more as the longest-running morning TV show will now be airing at 5:30 a.m. beginning today.

Early risers can get more dose of energy boost as UH hosts Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Connie Sison, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Lyn Ching, Love Añover-Llanko, and Lhar Santiago bring them the freshest news and entertaining features.

Like most TV shows, UH had to temporarily stop airing last March in compliance with the enhanced community quarantine being implemented in Luzon. While off-air, the show kept its followers updated online via its Facebook page and Instagram account.

The award-winning program returned on-air last

April 13 through Unang Hirit: COVID-19 Special Coverage, which aired weekdays from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m.. With social distancing still being encouraged amid the pandemic, only a few hosts were able to broadcast from the studio.

Using technology, the rest of the UH barkada kept the viewers company from their respective homes.

They also utilized video conference applications in conducting their interviews and other live guestings of featured artists.

And now that UH has adjusted to an earlier time slot starting today, viewers can expect more “Serbisyong Totoo” from the UH barkada. Aside from news, weather reports, and traffic updates, viewers will still be informed about the latest topics that make it to the headline with UH’s in-depth interviews with various newsmakers.

Ode to joy South Korean heartthrob Hyun Bin is Smart Communications’ first international celebrity ambassador.

Photo from Metro Style

it safe to assume that the probability of these two upstarts will be their brand ambassadors? If this becomes a reality, we can definitely expect that the Sarawat and Tine fandoms will make their presence felt.

Are we all going to be witnesses to won on an international star, for sure a Hyun Bin versus Bright and Win they have also allocated billions of pe- telco battle? Wow! This is one war that sos for the needs of their employees, screams win-win for all. frontliners, subscribers, and those who The only thing lamentable about suffered during the quarantine season. these megawatt endorsements is that What kind of activities can we expect after so many years, and I believe so then once Hyun Bin is here? His legion many attempts, our movie companies of fans will definitely wait for him at and television networks have not created an actor like Hyun Bin, or for that matter the BL Who cares about confipairing of Vachiwarit and dentiality clauses and adMetawin. Not only are they vertising protocols that must popular in their countries be followed to the dot and of origin, they are also well letter? Definitely not Maknown, with tremendous nuel V. Panglinan who fanbases in other nations as first announced via his well, such as ours. official Twitter account We have the likes of Lea that the South Korean Salonga, Christian Bautissuperstar is the newest ta, Jericho Rosales, Regine brand ambassador of Smart Velasquez, and Jaclyn Jose, Communications. who somehow made a mark Whatever were the supin the international performposed hush-hush reminders ing and acting arenas (most of his underlings and that we especially Salonga) but we must contain the information cannot deny the fact that we with restraint and poise, all have not found the actor or went for naught since it was actress and the formula to their boss who spread the earn the mass adulation givword about this casting coup. en to Hyun Bin, Bright and Of course, the public’s reWin, and other Asian and sponse to Hyun Bin is “elecSoutheast superstars.

Bright Vachiwarit and Win Metawin of the massively popular tric.” Crash Landing On That is why it truly makes ‘2gether’ series.

You fanatics, and those who me cringe when we say knew him since My Name that Vice Ganda is an Asian Is Kim Sam Soon, are dethe airport. A grand press conference Phenomenal Box Office Star, and they liriously overjoyed. He being the telco’s will surely be in place as his welcome call minuscule stars with monikers like talent acquisition is likened to mana feast. A fan meeting in a massive venue, Asia’s Pop Star and Asia’s Multimedia from heaven which we all so deserve I suppose. And maybe, Bin spending Star when in fact they are no match to for being quarantine survivors and all. time with COVID-19 survivors or giv- the likes of a Hyun Bin, Song Hye Kyo, And, the possibility of the Kore- ing donations to institutions that are at Cha Eun Woo, Bae Suzy, and they are an oppa visiting Manila, is indeed a the forefront during the pandemic. For no way near the immense addiction and slice of heaven on earth. We may safely sure, the moment the date of his Ma- clamor of their public to anything and predict that once a vaccine is found and nila arrival is confirmed, the inevitable everything that is Bright and Win. the pandemic’s havoc is all clear, Bin countdown begins.

Should we hold on to the old saying might be the perfect Christmas aguiMeanwhile, according to an online that hope springs eternal? Can we see naldo or the New Year wish granted story, the fiercest competitor of the it becoming a reality in the nearest fuby the Universe, and we have the telco telco will throw their support for the ture? One of these days, Beethoven’s giant to give thanks, of course. online fanmeet of Bright Vachiwar- “Ode to Joy,” a Filipino actor or actress I have no doubt that the media mo- it and Win Metawin, the BL pair from is the main reason for us humming the gul and his team did not remiss on their the phenomenal 2gether series. Is this immortal classic, with a smile plastered corporate social responsibilities. If they support just the tip of the iceberg and on our faces, and we are filled with that can afford to splurge so many million we can expect a double celebration? Is undeniable sense of Pinoy pride?

Beginning today, GMA’s morning show ‘Unang Hirit’ starts airing at 5:30 a.m.

Digitally restored ‘Eskapo’ streams for free on iWant WHEN ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III faced the House of Representatives on Wednesday (June 3), he recalled the time he escaped the country in 1977 with his father, Eugenio Lopez Jr. and former senator Sergio Osmeña III, who were both imprisoned after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972.

Their fight for freedom during a critical time in the nation’s history is portrayed in the digitally remastered movie Eskapo, directed by Chito S. Rono, now streaming for free on iWant.

The film begins with the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 that resulted in the arrests of many Filipinos, including Geny Lopez (Christopher de Leon) and Serge Osmeña (Richard Gomez), sons of ABS-CBN founder Eugenio Lopez, Sr. and former President Sergio Osmeña, Jr.. Both men are detained without formal charges and accused of plotting to assassinate the president.

Geny and Serge, who are practically strangers and had previously known of each other in social circles, become cellmates and friends in Fort Bonifacio, while their families exhaust all means to negotiate for their release, to no avail.

In prison, Geny and Sergio initiate a hunger strike to protest the unjust de-

tainment of thousands of Filipinos, but the administration refuses to set them free. Having been incarcerated for five years, the two hatch a perilous plan to break out of their cell and flee the country, with the help of Geny’s best friend Jake (Ricky Davao) and sons Gabby (Mark Anthony Fernandez) and Raffy (Eric Fructuoso).

During Martial Law, ABS-CBN was forcibly shut down and its properties were seized from the network.

The cast of Eskapo also includes Dina Bonnevie, Armando Goyena, Amado Cortez, Farrah Florer, Paula Peralejo, TJ Cruz as Ernie Lopez, Camille Prats, Carlo Prats, Maila Gumila, with the special participation of Mark Gil, Joel Torre, and Teresa Loyzaga.

The digitally restored version of Eskapo, as well as Dekada ’70, may be streamed for free for a limited time on the iWant app on iOS or Android and on iwant.ph. Other digitally restored versions of classic Filipino movies available on iWant via premium access are Karnal, Himala, Oro Plata Mata, Madrasta, Cedie, Batang PX, Magic Temple, Sana Maulit Muli, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, and Got 2 Believe.

A

FTER being so totally engrossed with a symphonic orchestra’s flash mob performance of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” the classical piece from the German composer has become today’s column title because it is about the man of the hour who gives us doses of kilig that make us giddy and happy. Yes, no other day but today, let us talk about Hyun Bin.

Christopher de Leon (left) and Richard Gomez in a scene from the political drama, ‘Eskapo.’

Martin Garrix releases eagerly awaited ‘Higher Ground’ with John Martin AFTER lots of teasing and suspense, Martin Garrix treats his fans on his birthday with the release of his brand-new track “Higher Ground,” which sees him reuniting with John Martin, who he previously worked with on “Now That I’ve Found You.” Nothing short of an instant Garrix classic, John Martin’s bright vocals perfectly complement the overall uplifting sound of the track, proving that the two are still a suc-cessful combination. No stranger to collaborations, John Martin’s voice also gained worldwide recognition after being featured on tracks such as “Don’t You Worry Child” and “Save The World.” “ H i g h e r Ground” illustrates the story of going through hard times but finding your way back up and eventually feeling happy

and alive again. Even though the lyrics were written back in October last year, they are fitting for the time and place the world is in right now, providing words of hope and optimism.

The new track was teased for the first time during Garrix’s livestream from his rooftop. The release is accompanied by an official music video which was made with the help of fans from all over the world.

For the video, watch it here: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=rp31_ j9knMI

EDM star Martin Garrix has finally dropped his highly anticipated collaboration with John Martin, the scintillating progressive house jam ‘Higher Ground.’

Life

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

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FOOD

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Vegan luncheon meat, anyone?

By Bernadette Lunas

T

HE world’s first plant-based luncheon meat is coming to the Philippines soon.

OmniPork, a line of vegan pork products by OmniFoods, launches the world’s first plantbased luncheon meat and pork strip.

According to the company, OmniPork Luncheon was created in a bid to provide the Asian market—which is a heavy consumer of luncheon meat—with a healthier alternative.

Industry forecasts expect annual sales of the processed meat product to exceed 400 million cans in the Asia Pacific region this year, notwithstanding the adverse health effects such as increasing cancer risk by about 18 percent according to the World Health Organization.

The cruelty-free OmniPork Luncheon, on the other hand, is made from non-GMO soy protein, wheat, coconut oil, and beetroot. Its maker adds that the vegan luncheon meat has no added hormones, preservatives, antibiotics, and MSG. When compared to traditional canned pork meat, OmniFoods says the plant-based variant has 49 percent less fat, 40 percent less calories, and 62 percent less sodium content.

Meanwhile the protein-rich alternative to regular pork shoulder, OmniPork Strip is made from soy, wheat, beetroot, and sunflower oil, and boasts the same cruelty-free, non-GMO, and no added hormones tags.

First launched in Hong Kong, the two new products will be coming to the country soon through local food distributor Prime Pacific Foods.

PLANT-BASED. OmniFoods launches

the world’s first vegan luncheon meat made from non-GMO soy, wheat, beetroot, and coconut oil.

OmniPork Strip is a protein-rich, plant-based alternative to regular pork shoulder. It is made from soy, wheat, beetroot, and sunflower oil.

How to celebrate Father’s Day at home IN NEW normal times, the celebrations go on at home. As another one is coming up on June 21, Father’s Day, malls and restaurants—popular destinations for celebrations—come up with suggestions to make the occasion just as fun and memorable.

SM City North Edsa has partnered with food online apps Grabfood, foodpanda, and LalaFood to help customers conveniently order dad’s favorite food for his special day.

Happy 9’s Crispy Roasted Pork with Dark Soya Sauce

Iberico pork, beef brisket, laksa: Cooked, packed, delivered

by Resorts World Manila

By Steph Llarena WHEN chairs were stacked and tables emptied, restaurants—big and small— relied on motorbikes to deliver their meals to customers.

First we had the usual fast food fare, then came dishes from well-loved establishments, the most recent of which are the restaurants in Resorts World Manila.

Packed Stewed Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodle Soup from Victoria Harbour Café, Crispy Roasted Pork Belly with Dark Soya Sauce from Happy 9, Curry Laksa from Silk Road, and Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl from Casa Buenas are now available for delivery beginning June 6.

In addition to the aforementioned, the four specialty restaurants offer some of their most popular dishes.

To place orders, call 7908-8885 or text 0917-878-8856. Orders are cooked, packed, and delivered fresh right to the customer’s doorsteps. To ensure utmost efficiency in its delivery system, RWM devised its own delivery service called “Delishvery” which stands for: delicious dishes delivered.

Orders may be settled via MasterCard and Visa debit cards, major credit cards, or COD. Likewise, dining outlets of RWMbased hotels like Marriott Hotel Ma-

Casa Buenas’ Grilled Iberico Pork Jowl

Victoria Harbour’s Stewed Beef Brisket and Tendon Noodle Soup

Eat like a Viking Treat him to an #EatLikeAViking experience with Vikings Luxury Buffet feast sets. Order and create your own buffet via SM City North Edsa’s Facebook messenger: m.me/VIKINGSSMNORTH.

Enjoy local Indulge him with great taste and warm memories with Kapampangan gourmet favorites like crispy tadyang, kare-kare, knockout knuckles, and more from Bistro Remedios. Visit them at The Block or contact them at 83724077 or 0915-284-0837.

Or make it a fun day with a seafood boodle from Seafood Island. Call 84414913 to order.

Make it Michelin

chicken, hotdog, and pasta available for take-out or delivery from its outlet at The Block via LalaFood and foodpanda.

More pizza options? Organize a pizza party with Amici’s Al Quattro Formaggi and Pepperoni and Three Cheese; Grape Escape’s brick oven pizzas; or Sbarro’s timeless tradition of fresh and handmade pizzas and pastas.

Delight him with specialties from Hotpot at home Michelin star restaurants like Tim Ho Tong Yang Plus lets customers bring Wan and Hawker Chan. Order from these restaurants or through these hot- home the #UltimateGrillandHotpotExlines or Viber groups: 0945-330-3314, perience with its create your own hotpot and grill feast using wide selection of 0945-330-3317, and 8374-2966. soup bases, barbecue, and sliced meats.

Pizza party

Silk Road’s Curry Laksa

Seafood boodle viands from Seafood Island.

Desserts for dad Experience a New York moment For dads who have a sweet tooth, with the whole family with S&R’s New York style pizzas, burgers, fries, salads, treat him to cakes from Conti’s, avail-

able for take-out and delivery, or create a dessert buffet featuring Famous Amos cookies, Mary Grace’s all-time favorite baked goodies, donuts from Krispy Kreme and JCo, and French Baker’s Parisian delights.

Capped with a cup After filling meal or a delightful dessert, invite dad to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or milk tea from Starbucks, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Café Amazon, Black Scoop Café, The Alley, Tiger Sugar, or Macao Imperial Tea. Join SM Viber Community for the latest news and deals of restaurants open for take-out and delivery in SM Malls in Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan and Rizal. Check out this link: bit.ly/ SMTakeOutAndDelivery.

nila, Sheraton Manila Hotel, and Hotel Okura Manila, as well as select restaurants at Newport Mall offer pick-up and delivery services. Contact the individual hotels to order.

Visit www.rwmanila.com, or follow @ rwmanila on Facebook and Twitter or @resortsworldmanila on Instagram for more information.

Dim sum and more from Tim Ho Wan.

Vikings Luxury Buffet offers meal sets.