Manila Standard - 2020 June 13 - Saturday

Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE. The national emblem is unfurled during a

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 109 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

flag-raising ceremony to mark the 122nd Philippine Independence Day held at the Quezon City Hall grounds, with Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto leading the rites amid the steady rise in virus infections. Other national and local leaders take part in the nationwide celebration with Rizal Park, Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, Barasoain Church in Bulacan and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City as focal points.

Manny Palmero

PH assured of China vaccine Xi considers Manila, a friendly neighbor, as a priority—Palace

By Vito Barcelo

WORLD ROUNDUP

C

HINA’S President Xi Jinping has promised to give the Philippines priority access to a vaccine against COVID-19 once it develops one, the Palace said Friday.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

• Australia eases (AS OF 4 PM JUNE 12) virus restrictions 615 24,787 • Tourism bubbles 336 in Thailand up NEW

“President Xi reiterated China’s commitment to the international community to make any vaccine it develops a global public good and that as a friendly neighbor, China certainly considers the Philippines as a priority,” the Palace said in a statement.

The Palace said Xi made the assurance during a 38-minute phone conversation with President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday. BILATERAL TIES. President Rodrigo Duterte talks with China President Xi Jinping (inset) During the call, Duterte said vaccines on the phone to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperations amid the should be accessible and affordable to all raging virus pandemic. Xi promised to grant Manila priority access to an anti-virus vaccine.

Next page Presidential Photo

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CROWDS of up 10,000 people will be allowed into Australian sports stadiums from next month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday, as COVID-19 restrictions are further relaxed.

The announcement comes a day before New Zealand prepares to welcome

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PROTEST SYMBOL. Japanese anime’ character Voltes V

becomes a symbol of protest that UP Diliman students put on display during a rally to oppose the anti-terror bill.The rally was dubbed ‘Grand Mañanita’ in mocking reference to the much-maligned morning birthday bash hosted by a police general who adorned his cake with a Voltes V cutout.

Screen grab from ABS-CBN.

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

after June 15, but the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has yet to DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana decide the issue.

In a press briefing Friday, Lorenzasaid he would prefer that Metro Manila be put under a more relaxed modified na, who heads the COVID-19 National general community quarantine (GCQ) Next page

SHABU HAUL. Drug suspect Muad Abedin Mangontara seems to be pondering his fate while a policeman inspects some of the 374 kilos of shabu seized from the suspects’ house during a buy-bust raid in General Trias, Cavite on June 11, 2020. Police estimate the illegal drug’s value at P2.54 billion. JR Josue

LOCAL ROUNDUP

• Tax on sellers online bucked • Go after scam artists – solon

By Maricel Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rio N. Araja and Joel Zurbano AN OFFICIAL appealed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Friday to delay the implementation of its memo ordering online sellers to register their businesses and settle their taxes not later than July 31.

Rep. Alfred Delos Santos made his appeal after the bureau issued a circular on June 10 outlining the obligations of Next page

Rainy season sets in; storm gains strength

By Rio N. Araja THE weather bureau declared the onset of the rainy season on Friday as tropical depression “Butchoy” continued to spawn light to moderate rain, and at times heavy monsoon rain, in Metro Next page

Protesters defy warning, hold ‘Grand Mañanita’ rally at UP

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas Friday flocked to the University of the other leftist groups was dubbed “Grand

Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City Mañanita” rally to dramatize the rallySCORES of protesters, ignoring ap- which coincided with the celebration of ists’ sentiments against the passage of peals and warnings from government the country’s 122nd Independence Day. the anti-terrorism bill and the recent The protest action by militants and Next page officials and the national police, on

Pandemic shuts Earth’s eyes on the skies IT’S as if the Earth has closed its eyes, some scientists say: the coronavirus pandemic has forced astronomers in northern Chile to shut down the world’s most powerful telescopes, running the risk of missing out Next page

Yasay, ex-DFA chief, dies at 73

By Rey E. Requejo FORMER Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. has passed away due to pneumonia caused by the recurrence of his cancer. He was 73 years old.

In a Facebook post, Next page

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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PH assured...

From A1 countries, including the Philippines, the Palace said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved a Chinese company that is developing a vaccine, Sinovac Biotech, as a potential collaborating organization for clinical trials in the Philippines.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to build stronger bilateral cooperation to address the COVID-19

pandemic, which first broke out in Wuhan, China.

“The President mentioned to his Chinese counterpart the need for cooperation in research trials for COVID-19 vaccine development and underscored the importance of making the vaccine accessible and affordable to all countries,” Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.

In a press statement, Palace said the two leaders also recognize the two countries’ efforts in addressing the COVID-19 crisis and reboot their respective economies.

Malacañang said Xi had assured Duterte of the continued supply of medical supplies and equipment, the promotion of

the free flow of goods, and the resumption and completion of priority infrastructure cooperation projects in the Philippines.

Duterte on Friday called on the Filipino people to be united in the battle against the unseen enemy, COVID-19, which has already claimed more than 1,000 lives and infected more than 24,000 since March.

Duterte, who is in Davao city, made the call in a taped message for the country’s 122nd Independence Day. The President was represented by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument and attended by

World...

From A1

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From A1

back fans at its Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament, which kicks off on Saturday.

Morrison said it would only apply to stadiums with a capacity of 40,000.

“We will be moving, as part of step 3, for events in stadia or other venues of that nature with a capacity of 40,000 or less to enable attendance at those events,” he told reporters.

All patrons must be ticketed and seated with social distancing rules in place, and attendance will be limited to 25 percent of the venue’s capacity.

people conducting business transactions using all platforms, including electronic media and digital channels, to ensure online sellers were tax compliant.

“While we are cognizant of the role of the BIR to enforce tax laws and collect taxes to boost government coffers, we cannot set aside the dire situation of small businesses and those who lost their jobs who are trying to make a living by selling online,” Delos Santos said.

“We are living in extraordinary times, and I strongly feel that the memorandum is ill-timed.”

said the NBI and the PNP’s anti-cybercrime thing if there is no face-to-face educaunit should step in to protect the public. tion,” Belmonte said.

Among the provisions the city gov‘Defer tuition increase’ ernment is offering are a cash incentive Senator Win Gatchalian has urged to the top three students in senior high private Higher Education Institutions to school, Joy of Public Service award of defer their petitions to increase their tu- P10,000, free scholarship for the top senition as most families have been strug- ior high school graduate from the Jorge gling with financial problems since the Amado Araneta Foundation, QC Balik COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

Eskwela subsidy, P120-million budget for Some of the HEIs submitted their tu- the reproduction of learning modules for ition-increase applications even before 254,708 kinder to grade 6 pupils, P1.2the enforcement of lockdown measures, billion budget for pre-loaded tablets for according to the Commission on High- grade 7 to senior high school students, er Education. It also reported during and free school supplies. a recent Senate panel hearing that the dip in enrollment among the country’s Assistance offered 3.5-million higher education students The city government of Pasay has would further compel the HEIs to in- offered to bring stranded individuals crease their tuition. staying under the Ninoy Aquino InterWith the number of jobless Filipi- national Airport flyover bridge to Vilnos soaring to a record 7.3 million lamor Air Base Elementary School to amid the pandemic, Gatchalian said, have a safer place to stay. raising the tuition would burden Mayor Emi Rubiano also asked his struggling families and increase the fellow officials to accommodate the number of dropouts. people who were stranded for more than two weeks and were temporarily Parents encouraged staying under the NAIA flyover due to Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation of their flights.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is Some of those people do not have encouraging parents to still enroll their plane tickets, but have proceeded to the children this calendar year. airport hoping for a chance to fly home.

“First of all, I want to encourage parRubiano expressed concern that the ents who are having second thoughts people under the flyover were risking of enrolling their children. It does not their health following the onslaught of mean their children will not learn any- Typhoon “Butchoy” in Metro Manila.

Thailand eyes tourism ‘travel bubbles’ Thailand will open “travel bubbles” with countries which have comparably low coronavirus infections, officials said Friday, as the kingdom tries to claw back money for its battered tourism sector.

The country closed its borders at the start of April, leading to millions of job losses across a tourism industry which accounts for around 20 percent of GDP. Despite registering the first COVID-19 case outside of China in January, Thailand has recorded just 3,129 infections with 58 deaths.

“These so-called ‘travel bubbles’ will allow people from countries who have the same level of virus to visit... without the mandatory 14-day quarantine,” said Taweesin Visanuyothin, spokesman for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration. He did not give a date for the select reopening.

Travelers would need to have complete “health checks” before and after arrival as well as valid medical insurance, he added.

Child labor cases to surge – UN Millions of children could be pushed into work by the coronavirus crisis, the UN said Friday as it braced for the first rise in child labor in two decades.

In a joint brief, the International Labour Organization and UNICEF noted that the number of children locked in child labor had declined by 94 million since 2000.

But the UN agencies warned that “the COVID-19 pandemic poses very real risks of backtracking.”

Friday’s report pointed out that the crisis would likely cause a significant rise in poverty.

According to the World Bank, the number of people in extreme poverty could potentially skyrocket by up to 60 million this year alone.

“As the pandemic wreaks havoc on family incomes, without support, many could resort to child labor,” ILO chief Guy Ryder said in a statement.

Trump: Attend rally, sign waiver Donald Trump supporters who attend the US president’s upcoming election rally must sign a waiver promising not to sue if they catch COVID-19 at the event, according to his campaign website.

The Republican billionaire announced on Wednesday that he would resume his campaign rallies in four states – Oklahoma, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina – despite the coronavirus pandemic that continues to rage in the US. AFP

Rainy...

From A1 Manila and the rest of Luzon and Western Visayas.

“The scattered thunderstorms, tropical depression “Butchoy” and the southwest monsoon during the last five days have brought significant amounts of

Yasay,...

From A1 Yasay’s wife Cecile announced her husband died at 7:26 a.m. on Friday.

“Jun Yasay, you are loved. We will miss you lots,” Cecile said.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately disclosed.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. also confirmed the news on his Twitter post.

“Jun Yasay has donned the garment

‘Go after scammers’ A House leader on Friday urged the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to go after online sellers of fake COVID19-related products who, she said, were making a killing victimizing unsuspecting buyers.

“There are so many of these vultures who take advantage of the pandemic.

They peddle their wares on the Internet, and so many of our countrymen unfortunately fall victim to these scammers,” assistant majority leader and Quezon City Rep. Precious Castelo said.

Castelo, vice chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila Development,

Protesters...

From A1 birthday celebration of National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, who earned the ire of the public for violating the protocols of the enhanced community quarantine.

Among those who joined the protest rally were members of the Congress of Teachers/Educators for Nationalism and Democracy, Movement Against Tyranny, Gabriela Youth, Anakbayan-Albertus Magnus, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Concerned Artists of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Anakpawis.

Protesters were seen holding placards calling for the ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte. They are also urging the national government to conduct mass testing amid the threat of COVID-19.

Critics fear the anti-terrorism bill would give Duterte sweeping powers to stifle dissent, adding it would create a council of presidential appointees that could order warrantless arrests of people they deemed terrorists.

According to them, the bill, if signed into law, would allow for weeks of detention without charge.

Activists fear the legislation could open the door to a crackdown on Duterte’s opponents.

“They (authorities) shouldn’t fool us that this terror bill is for terrorists. It’s for all of us,” said Neri Colmenares, an activist and lawyer.

Groups such as the kidnap-for-ransom gang Abu Sayyaf would continue killing regardless of the legislation, Colmenares told protesters who had ignored police warnings they were breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Protester Ana Celestial said she feared the bill would be the “death of democracy for all of us.”

The legislation defines terrorism as intending to cause death or injury, damage government or private property or use weapons of mass destruction to “spread a message of fear” or intimidate the government.

Suspects could be held up to 24 days without charge in violation of a threeday limit in the Constitution, said rights group National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

The vague wording of the bill gives “almost absolute power to designate – even wrongly, mistakenly or maliciously – groups as ‘terrorists,’” NUPL said.

The United Nations’ human rights office has also criticized the legislation, saying in a recent report that it “dilutes human rights safeguards.”

But government officials say the alarm is overblown, citing provisions that exempt “advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work... not intended to cause death or serious physical harm.”

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that “anybody who makes peaceful protests, they’re not terrorists.”

Authorities argue the Philippines needs additional powers to battle the multiple armed groups that regularly carry out attacks on police and civilians.

However, watchdogs note that on top of granting new powers to authorities, the legislation also strips away old safeguards.

The act would do away with penalties against law enforcement agents of up to $10,000 for every day a suspect was found to have been wrongfully detained, Human Rights Watch said.

In a related development, the militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas, which joined the protesters, said: “We fight for our right to rally. Not even a threat from the police will stop us to gather in streets and air our sentiment against the repressive measures of the govern-

rain over the western sections of Luzon and the Visayas, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

“This satisfies the criteria of the start of the rainy season in the areas affected by the habagat, which will continue to experience scattered to widespread rain and thunderstorms in the coming days.

“However, such rain events may be

followed by dry periods that could last for several days to two weeks,” Pagasa administrator Vicente Malano said.

“Butchoy” intensified slightly while moving west- northwest away from Luzon.

The storm’s center was estimated 285 kilometers west of Dagupan City, with maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 70 kph. It was moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

of immortality . . . More important it makes him finally impervious to pain,” said Locsin, who succeeded him.

The country’s top diplomat admitted it was Yasay who recommended him for his job in the United Nations.

“He hurt no one and helped everyone he could. He did what many fighting tyranny had to: shield themselves with US law,” Locsin said, in eulogizing the former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Yasay served as the country’s foreign secretary from June 30, 2016, soon as

President Rodrigo Duterte took his oath of office, until March 8, 2017, when lawmakers rejected his appointment over a citizenship controversy.

The Commission on Appointments, composed of legislators from both houses of Congress, removed Yasay from office after he denied under oath that he was once a US citizen.

Yasay was a campaign supporter and once a dormitory roommate of Duterte when they were law students, the latter a student at the Benedictine-run San Beda University.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, and Philippine Navy flagofficer-in-command, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo.

“As we wage a united battle against COVID-19, we now have the opportunity to demonstrate that we possess the same gallantry of spirit and the nobility of character as the heroes of our past,” Duterte said.

“Let us now move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as we overcome this pandemic,” he added.

Only 10 guests were present in the wreath-laying ceremony in line with the IATF’s health and safety protocols.

ment such as the anti-terrorism bill.”

“Unlike Chief Sinas’ birthday bash along with dozens of party cops, we did not violate any health protocols. This proves that we can still exercise and assert our democratic rights without compromising the health safety of each other,” Fernando Hicap, Pamalakaya national chairperson, said during the protest.

At the same time, several celebrities joined rallyists during an online Independence Day protest calling on the government to defend the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea, as well as junking the anti-terrorism bill, which they said threatened freedom of speech.

President Duterte should fulfill his campaign promise of defending the West Philippine Sea from Chinese incursion, actor Enchong Dee said.

“It’s unacceptable to say during the campaign that you will go to Scarborough Shoal, and say that it’s just a joke once you win the elections,” he said, referring to how Duterte dismissed as a joke his promise of riding a jetski to hoist the Philippine flag in disputed waters during the 2016 presidential campaign.

“What’s that? Are we just a joke? That’s unacceptable. We are Filipinos. We are counting on you to protect us,” said Dee. For her part, actress Agot Isidro questioned the government as being lenient on China’s illegal militarization of Philippine islets when an international arbitration court already invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the strategic waterway.

In 2016, a Hague-based arbitration court awarded the Philippines a legal victory, invalidating China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea. “We won the arbitration case... but why does it seem that we are just giving our islands away? Why does it seem that we are at the mercy of other countries?” said Isidro. With AFP

Pandemic...

From A1 on supernovas and other spectacles in space.

Scientists have been unable to take advantage of the pristine skies over Chile’s Atacama desert since late March, when its array of world-renowned observatories were shuttered.

That means humans will be oblivious to what astronomers call randomly occurring transitory phenomena, like Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) or supernovas—lost forever to the starry wastes.

“Any GRB or supernova that goes off while we’re shut down, we can’t really observe it. We will have missed the opportunity to observe it because it catches on so fast and then fades away, so it’s these opportunities that are lost,” says astronomer John Carpenter.

It’s also a critical time to observe Betelgeuse, the giant red star in the

DND...

From A1 Task Force, said much would depend on the IATF’s recommendation.

But Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, a member of the IATF, said Metro Manila would likely remain under a GCQ after June 15 because it continues to record fresh COVID-19 cases.

He said if quarantine restrictions are further relaxed, this could lead to a surge in new cases.

“For me, it’s 50-50, but it’s more likely that we will remain in a GCQ,” he told CNN Philippines in Filipino.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Año said he expected Metro Manila to ease out of the modified GCQ by July.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government said its special concern lockdown has helped detect and isolate more COVID-19 cases in densely populated areas.

“We’re able to find new cases and prevent the risk of spreading the disease by immediately transferring positive cases to our HOPE community care facilities or to hospitals,” said Dr. Rolly Cruz, head of the QC-Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) of the city’s health department.

“Imagine if those areas haven’t been placed under special concern lockdown, people who might be carrying the disease can easily go in and out of their homes and spread the virus around their communities,” he added.

Between May and June 5, at least 4,013 residents from areas under the special concern lockdown had gone through the rapid testing with 240 coming back positive for antibodies.

Swab testing showed that only 53 of these were positive for COVID-19.

Assistant city administrator for operations Alberto Kimpo said the special concern lockdown proved to be an effective strategy in preventing the spread of the deadly virus in communities.

“This strategy is effective because we are able to zero-in on areas that need extra attention and identify clustering of positive cases,” he said.

On June 10, the city government lifted the special concern lockdown after completing the 14-day lockdown period, most with extension, without discovering new COVID-19 cases after additional tests.

Also on Friday, the National Policy Against Covid-19 Deputy Chief Implementer, Vivencio Dizon, said the supply of test kits will be stable starting next week.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Dizon said the first batch of test kits that the government procured will arrive this weekend.

“The Department of Budget and Management committed that the first batch of our bulk supply of test kits will arrive this weekend. By next week, we will have steady supply,” he said in Filipino.

He said the lack of test kit supplies in the past months has been a challenge for the government.

“This supply in testing kit is a big problem not only in the Philippines but around the world. In the Philippines, we don’t make our own kits. Only Korea, China, Singapore, America, and Europe are the test kits producers in the world,” he said.

Dizon said that with a steady supply of test kits, the government will now expand the COVID-19 testing to include asymptomatic individuals.

Aside from health workers, Dizon said the expanded testing will also include other front-liners that help in the government’s effort to fight COVID-19 such as police personnel, soldiers, government workers, and community front-liners.

He added that the country’s testing capacity has improved from having one testing laboratory in February to 56 labs to date.

In the Senate, Senator Francis Tolentino filed a resolution to look into the possibility of providing emergency assistance to the tourism ventures, noting micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises make up 80 percent of the industry. constellation of Orion – the 10th brightest in the night sky – which has suddenly dimmed, prompting speculation that it could explode, though that could take decades.

“We were starting a campaign to observe and monitor it when we had to close – so we couldn’t continue,” Carpenter told AFP.

Eyes on the Skies Carpenter is chief scientist at the revolutionary Atacama Large Millimeter Array, or ALMA, an observatory whose 66 antennae combine to make it the world’s most advanced radio telescope.

Carpenter said his observatory’s operations have been on hold since March 18.

ALMA is just one of an array of observatories in Chile’s arid north that comprise more than half of humanity’s astronomical power. Just 400 kilometers away from ALMA is the Paranal Observatory and its Very Large Telescope, the world’s most powerful. AFP

News

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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DA urged to cancel overpriced fertilizer supply deal

By Rey E. Requejo

A

N ALLIANCE of farmers' groups in Central Luzon has called on President Rodrigo Duterte to crack the whip on Agriculture officials involved in the alleged overpriced supply contract for fertilizers under the government's emergency response program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joseph Canlas, chairman of the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson, also urged Agriculture Secretary William Dar to rescind the questionable P1.8 billion fertilizer contract and file appropriate charges if the allegations of overpricing are proven.

"This issue must go all the way up

to the leadership of the Department of Agriculture so he can take to task his subordinates involved in this. We have very limited funds as it is now because of the pandemic yet these unscrupulous people still dipped their hands into these funds," Canlas said.

The Agriculture department conduct-

ed a series of bidding for the procurement of 1,811,090 bags of urea fertilizers for P1.8 billion, or a price tag of P1,000 per bag.

However, two Central Luzon-based farmers earlier said that the prevailing average retail price in the market of urea fertilizer is pegged at only P850 per bag— which would mean that the deal was overpriced by at least P271.66 million.

"The President should look into this and take action. He has promised to be unforgiving when it comes to officials who would commit corruption during this pandemic. Cases must be filed against those involved in this," Canlas said.

Farmers William Laureta of Tarlac

and Ernesto Agustin Domingo of Nueva Ecija said the anomalous purchase was part of the DA’s stimulus program Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra Covid-19 (ALPAS sa Covid-19) that was intended to help farmers cope during this crisis.

In the terms of reference released by the DA when it sought a request for quotation, the agency noted that achieving food sufficiency is crucial as the country continues to battle the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.

"Pursuant to this direction, the department is implementing a stimulus program named Agri 4Ps—Plant, Plant, Plant Program otherwise known as Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra

IN BRIEF

Gov’t agents seize P25-M ‘hot meats’ in Pampanga

Cimatu slams Princesa’s top cop ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu, a retired Army general, on Friday hit the police director of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan for the "illegal" arrest and "police brutality" on his environmental officers.

He slammed Col. Marion Balonglong, expressing "outrage" for such an "isolated case."

He, however, said he still believes the incident would not affect the agency's working relationship with the Philippine National Police.

According to Cimatu, Balonglong reportedly caused the unlawful arrest and detention of eight agency employees and two others while they were doing field work in Barangay Iwahig on June 10.

“As much as I’m furious at what happened to my men, I hope this incident won’t affect the cordial relationship and collaborative partnership the DENR has with the PNP in the fight against environmental crime,” he said. Rio N. Araja

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

CHR raises concern on Facebook ‘glitch’ THE Commission on Human Rights on Friday raised concern over the National Bureau of Investigation's statement that dummy accounts on Facebook could be a possible glitch.

"We note the statements from the National Bureau of Investigation that it will investigate the matter, despite being quick to attribute the incident to a possible glitch, as well as the ongoing coordination of the National Privacy Commission with Facebook Philippines to look into the issue," lawyer-spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

"The CHR, however, continues to express grave concern," she added.

The agency expressed alarm over a number of dummy accounts created from original profiles on social media site Facebook.

"Journalists, students, and ordinary citizens were subjects of this unexpected trend. Some of the said dummy accounts are empty, others have pictures and a few added friends," De Guia said in a statement.

"To date, some of these accounts have been taken down also due to aggressive reporting from concerned Facebook users," she noted. Rio N. Araja

FLAG-RAISING. Kawit, Cavite Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo leads the flag-raising ceremony at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine early morning on Friday, June 12, 2020 in observance of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day. The national emblem was first hoisted on June 12, 1898 when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo declared the country's independence from Spain. Norman Cruz

BOC confiscates P76-M smuggled fake cigarettes

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs seized a shipment of smuggled fake cigarettes worth P76 million at the Port of Cebu.

Port of Cebu District Collector Atty.

Charlito Martin Mendoza said that the seized shipment, contained in a 40 footer container van, was filled with

fake Mighty and Marvels brand cigarettes.

The shipment was declared as an “oval dish” which came from China.

“During the 100% physical examination conducted by Customs Examiner Edy Neil D. Camalongay, together with representatives from the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, X-Ray In-

spection Project, and the Philippine Coast Guard, the shipment was confirmed to contain 1,522 master cases of smuggled cigarettes,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza warned would-be-smugglers that the Bureau never waned with its anti-smuggling campaign and is, in fact, at a heightened alert during this pandemic.

Solon backs move to free old, sick PDLs A LEGISLATOR who advocates for the swift delivery of justice on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court announcement on the possible resolution of the petitions for release of sick and elderly detainees.

In an online news conference, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said the Court may issue the resolution next week.

Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles, vice chairman of the House of Representatives's Committee on Justice, said the SC announcement gives hope to hundreds of detainees, considering the highly infectious nature of the Coronavirus Disease 2019.

In April, several detainees filed a petition for their provisional release on humanitarian grounds. Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez earlier said more than 22,000 detainees have been released during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Department of Justice, on the other hand, has allowed simplified rules in applications for parole and executive clemency for convicted prisoners. Maricel V. Cruz

Covid-19 (ALPAS sa Covid-19) Program to improve the country's food adequacy. Highlighting the significance of rice to local food security and price stability, being a major source of calorie intake for Filipinos, one of the projects under Agri 4Ps is the Rice Resilience Project which aims to increase local rice production to combat global uncertainties and put the country in a more food-secure position."

Laureta said it was ironic that the DA, which was in a position to negotiate for a lower contract price as it was buying in bulk, approved a deal that pegged the price of urea fertilizer at levels higher than the prevailing market price.

HOME FROM THE SEA. About 230 Filipino seafarers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Paranaque City yesterday from Hamburg, Gearmany organized by the Peter Doele group for its merchant marines via a chartered flight onboard Condor Air. The flight is to help Filipino seafarers who are having a hard time going back to the country due to travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine government. Norman Cruz

Congress to ban dual citizens from owning media firms

By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Friday asserted the power of Congress to regulate media ownership by banning dual citizens from owning any share in any media company to protect the national interest.

Rep. Mike Defensor of Anakalusugan said the House hearings on the proposed fresh grant of a 25-year franchise to ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. “have shown that allowing a Filipino who is at the same time a citizen of another country is inimical to national security and the nation’s interest.”

“It is contrary to the provision of the Constitution that media should be 100-percent owned and managed by Filipinos or cooperatives or

corporations wholly owned by Filipinos. It is against another provision of the Charter banning dual allegiance,” he said.

The constitutional prohibitions have been highlighted in the hearings on the ABS-CBN franchise proposal because Eugenio Lopez lll, the network’s current chairman emeritus and previous chairman/president/general manager is a dual citizen - a Filipino and at the same time an American.

Defensor, a vice chairman of one of the two hearing committees, recalled that the Department of Justice told them on Monday that Congress has the authority to flesh out the constitutional mandate on ownership of media by Filipinos.

“I think the consensus is to do just that, so

that dual citizens who certainly have allegiance to two countries would be prohibited from becoming media owners or shareholders. I, for one, will recommend or support legislation that would impose such prohibition,” he said.

He said he would also initiate or support a proposal to implement the constitutional provision against dual allegiance.

Defensor reiterated his example of a Filipino who is at the same time a citizen of China and who owns a newspaper or a television or radio station.

“At this time when Manila and Beijing are involved in a bitter dispute over the West Philippine Sea, which side such a Filipino-Chinese take? Which country’s interest he would protect?” he asked.

GOVERNMENT agents seized P25 million worth of smuggled shipment of peking ducks, pork meat, and other food products during an operation at a warehouse in the province of Pampanga.

Members of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service intercepted the shipment in Baragay Anunas in Angeles City because of the bird flu threat.

The raid was conducted Thursday in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit and the Philippine Coast Guard based on the Letter of Authority and mission order issued by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

With the help of the local police and barangay officials in the area, the LOA was served to one Jimgold M. Tan, a representative of the warehouse owner.

The authorities discovered 1, 149 boxes and sealed plastics containing soy sauce, oil, and frozen food products such as Peking ducks, fish balls, squid balls, vegetables, and frozen pork meat.

“Initial inventory of the goods resulted to 1,149 boxes, each with at least 10 heads of Peking ducks valued at P23 million while the other frozen goods worth P2 million,” the BOC said.

The shipment, according to the Customs bureau, was believed to have been smuggled into the country because of a ban on importing poultry products from a number of countries except the United States, Canada, and Australia.

These imported poultry products should pass stringent requirements and tests by the Customs and other regulatory government agencies.

LGUs

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

A4

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

T

HE capital city of Batangas province has been named the Philippine winner in the latest edition of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge, joining the list of national winners from 22 countries worldwide.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Batangas City tops PH One Planet City contest

The city’s comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation plan, which includes interventions based on cityspecific climate vulnerabilities, impressed the urban sustainability experts from across the globe that compose the OPCC jury.

Batangas City also reported an ambitious target for carbon neutrality by 2030 and its vision to be the first carbon-neutral city in the Philippines.

In a letter from the OPCC Team in Stockholm, the jury acknowledged the city’s aggressive efforts in promoting climate risk assessment.

“Batangas City showed particularly strong performance related to its vision.

The city scored well across different indicators especially political action and climate risk assessment and evidence of action, especially related to adaptation.”

Together with Batangas City, fellow finalists Muntinlupa and Santa Rosa, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Dipolog, La Carlota, Pasig, San Carlos, Tagum, Malolos, Parañaque, and Quezon City, were included in the country’s roster of qualifiers for OPCC 2019-2020.

WWF-Philippines Executive Director Joel Palma praised the City of Batangas, as well as the other local qualifiers, for representing the Philippines well. Jimbo Gulle

OPCC WINNER. Batangas City’s comprehensive climate mitigation and adaptation plan impressed the urban sustainability experts from across the globe that compose the One Planet City Challenge jury. Inset shows the WWF badge the city receives for topping the challenge.

Boracay opens to WV tourists on June 16 THE Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) has approved the reopening of Boracay to tourists from Western Visayas starting June 16.

This was announced by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu, citing the island's readiness to accept local travelers.

"The local government (of Aklan) passed a resolution before the BIATF today, the task force approved the recommendation of the local government unit (LGU) of the opening of Boracay for tourism effective June 16 this year but will only be applicable to tourists coming from Western Visayas," he told reporters during a BIATF-hosted virtual presser.

Among the factors considered in the reopening was the progress of Aklan in controlling the coronavirus infections, said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

"Boracay is zero coronavirus disease, in fact, the whole Aklan. They've had positive cases who are returning Filipinos, but these cases have been managed already," he said in Filipino.

While tourism resumes, Año said restrictions such as curfew may still be imposed within the discretion of LGU. "They can still impose curfew under MGCQ (modified general community quarantine)."

The BIATF has yet to enumerate the tourism activities allowed on the island but the general idea is anchored on "no contact" movements. Those below 21 years old and above 60 years old would also be denied entry in compliance with the existing MGCQ guidelines.

With Boracay under the "new normal", Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the same protocols applied for MGCQ areas will serve as rules for hotel operations.

Under said guidelines, accommodation establishments are required to impose stringent measures for physical distancing. PNA

Caloocan gets DOH praise, DA urban farming program THE Department of Health has praised the City Government of Caloocan after the DOH inspected the Kanlungan Drug Rehabilitation Complex that was temporarily made a quarantine facility for Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for the coronavirus.

The DOH inspection team also found that the city has complied with health safety standards against COVID-19.

Dr. Evelyn Cuevas, City Health Officer, confirmed that “the hard-working city health workers at all quarantine facilities carry out the protocols such as physical distancing, wearing a mask and hygiene maintenance.”

The Kanlungan Drug Rehablitation quarantine facility has a 40-bed capacity, and only one person occupies a double-deck bunk. Only PUIs showing mild symptoms will be accepted in the quarantine facility, Cuevas noted.

They will be immediately subjected to swab tests and transferred to a hos-

pital once they are diagnosed with the disease, she added.

Meanwhile, the city government successfully launched its Urban Agricultural Program in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Seed Industry Associate (PSIA) at the Caloocan North City Hall.

As Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan’s representative, City Administrator Oliver Hernandez and Agriculture Secretary William Dar signed a memorandum of agreement with PSIA President Dr. Mary Ann Sayoc.

Hernandez expressed Mayor Oca's sincere gratitude for being chosen by the DA and PSIA to be part of an important and useful project amid the pandemic.

“The urban agricultural program is already a part of our city's annual budget and is included in our city's comprehensive development plan," he added. Jun David

SM SALUTE. SM City San Jose Del Monte’s security force

and frontliners salute the Philippine Flag in commemoration of the country’s 122nd Independence Day, while security officers, customer service representatives, and janitorial staff—the modern day frontliners—recite a meaningful Panatang Makabayan during SM City Baliwag’s flag raising ceremony (inset). Jun David

Bulacan malls salute heroes, MSMEs in June

By Jun David

GEAR FOR LAGUNA. PITC President and CEO Usec. Dave Almarinez (left, front row), Laguna 1st District Board Member Abigael Alonte (right, front row) and San Pedro City Mayor Lourdes Cataquiz (center, behind desk) join volunteers in distributing 250 personal protective equipment (PPE), 2,000 N88 surgical masks, 500 shoe covers, and 500 latex gloves for frontliners in Laguna’s towns and cities. Roy Tomandao

INDEPENDENCE Day celebrations this year are different, as restrictive measures are imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Taking a new approach, SM malls in Bulacan have expanded its efforts with its #SupportLocalAtSM campaign to encourage shoppers to buy local as a way of helping businesses, especially Filipino brands and homegrown micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), who have been greatly affected by the pandemic.

This campaign is rolled out all throughout the month to help shoppers find, discover, and support MSMEs and local businesses in the malls, SM officials said.

SM Bulacan Malls in Marilao, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag and Pulilan also paid tribute to past and modern-

Bataan Las Casas heritage resort reopens LAS Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the country’s only heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan, is reopening to receive guests starting June 16, three months after the lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Along with its recently launched “Secured Stays at Las Casas” campaign, the 400-hectare, 217-room property aspires to redefine cleanliness and safety measures to bring back guests’ confidence in hotel stays and traveling in general.

Marivent Resort Hotel, Inc. president Paul Kerr emphasized that the brand gives utmost importance on the safety of its guests and employees and derives

guidance from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) for stringent health and sanitation standards.

Health protocols under the campaign include contactless check-in, disinfection of high-touch areas, and implementation of face masks, thermal scanning, and physical distancing.

A part of Historic Hotels Worldwide, Las Casas was awarded by Destination Deluxe as Asia’s Most Excellent Destination in 2017. and is included in the Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Global Collection and Hotels Pencities Luxe Guide.

day heroes as the country commemorated its 122nd Philippine Independence Day. “Independence Day takes on a greater meaning this 2020,” said SM City Marilao Mall Manager Emmanuel Gatmaitan.

“SM salutes the bravery of our frontliners and honors all health workers, soldiers, policemen, and employees at groceries, stores, and volunteers who continue to serve the public in this time of crisis” Gatmaitan added.

SM affiliates and tenants took part in the campaign by highlighting their locally made products, goods and services to encourage patronization among the locals.

SM Bulacan malls also introduced a number of initiatives to assist local businesses and to help MSMEs generate revenue during community quarantine period.

These include tapping local delivery and errand services such as Pabili-Bulacan, Ride Eat, Pa Suyo Po, and Cartel De Marilao, as well as JoyRide and Bulacan 3 Wheels On-The-Go. SM Bulacan Malls are also keeping up with the changing times as they launched a first-ever virtual concert.

Shoppers can celebrate Independence Day and rock and roll at the convenience of their homes by watching Pinoy rock icon Bamboo on June 20 at 8 p.m. via ZOOM. Fans can get a chance to win an exclusive pass for every single receipt purchase of P500 from June 10 to 14.

“As we transition to the new lifestyle, our typical celebrations are not possible. SM Supermalls are looking for a different means to celebrate Independence Day in a responsible way,” shared SM City San Del Monte Mall Manager Jose Mari Emmanuel Correa.

READY TO OPEN. Health

protocols under the ‘Secured Stays at Las Casas’ campaign include contactless check-in, disinfection of high-touch areas, and implementation of face masks, thermal scanning, and physical distancing.

Opinion Stand for independence, protect our freedoms POWER POINT

ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO ON JUNE 12, 1898, the leaders of our revolutionary forces gathered in Kawit (formerly Cavite el Viejo), Cavite, at the home of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo to undertake one of the most important and glorious moments in the history of our country. Many more revolutionaries and town folks were waiting outside for an event that we commemorate yearly­—the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish rule.

It was quite a daring act as our revolutionaries were still fighting the forces of Spain. Aguinaldo has just returned from exile in Hong Kong a few weeks back. He immediately reorganized the forces of the revolution and proceeded to resume the revolution. His forces won their first battle on May 28, 1898 in Alapan when enemies attacked as our revolutionaries were meeting the shipment of arms to aid in the struggle for independence. To celebrate this victory, Aguinaldo, for the first time, unfurled the Philippine flag he brought home from Hong Kong for the people in the area to see.

This is the reason why May 28 of each year is celebrated as the Flag Day and starts the celebration of flag days until June 12, the day Filipinos declared our independence.

The Declaration of Philippine Independence, originally in Spanish, was written and read by Ambrosio Rianzares-Bautista during the event. Contrary to what many Filipinos now believe, it was also Rianzares-Bautista who waved the flag, not Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo who was inside his house. This is really understandable because he was the leader of the revolution.

It was the first time that Filipinos saw the national flag proudly being waved as a sign of independence. It was also during this event that the “Marcha Nacional Filipina” (the original national anthem) composed by Julian Felipe was played to the jubilation of those gathered for the momentous event.

We can only imagine what our ancestors were feeling as they listened to the declaration, saw the flag for the first time, and heard, and perhaps marched to the tune of our national march. It must have been glorious to witness the birth of our nation.

After the event, there is evidence showing that the Filipino people loved and were proud of this national symbol. In the book Philippine National Flag and Anthem (1936), the author wrote that, “during the short life of the Philippine Republic, crude and hand-made national flags were in evidence, everywhere, white silk and embroidered ones were not uncommon in the homes of the well-to-do families. In those days it was an established custom for the

young ladies of a town or province to give hand-embroidered flags to the revolutionary army; the offer was considered a privilege and its acceptance a distinction.”

The Filipinos’ love of and respect for the flag and national anthem was rooted in our independence, our being free as a nation and as a people. They are symbols that the Philippines is a sovereign country.

These symbols were given to us by Gen. Aguinaldo and the tens of thousands who spilled their blood on the very grounds we now traverse.

It is now our time to shine.

I am part of a generation that sang the national anthem in school each day that our flag was being raised. After which, we put our right hand over our hearts and recited Panatang Makabayan. We would stand erect each time we would hear Lupang Hinirang play anywhere, and not just inside movie houses.

Thus, it is very painful to see neglected and worn out flags flying the poles of offices or along major thoroughfares. It hurts when Filipinos refuse to stand and pay respect when the national anthem is played. Many of us seem to have lost our fervor for the very symbols of the independence that enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we now have.

At a time when these freedoms are being disrespected and curtailed by those who are supposed to protect them, at a time when as a people we face hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic and government inability to effectively address it, at a time when our very sovereignty is being challenged and our territory is being claimed

by China while government turns a blind eye, the Filipino people need to assert our independence and rights as a people.

On August 31, 1899, while the Philippine-American war was raging, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo released a manifesto entitled, “Sa Bayang Filipinas” that partly said, “Tangi sa rito’y minamatamis sa puso ng ating hokbo ang makalilibong mamatay, maipagtangol lamang ang santong katowiran at ang… iaanhin pa nga naman ang manga katawan sa ibabaw nang lupa, kung mabubuhay rin lamang sa di katowiran at sa kaalipnan?” (It is sweeter to die a thousand deaths to be able to defend righteousness… what good is it to be alive if we live in injustice and slavery?)

It will do us good to remember why our heroes fought for us. It is now our time to shine. Stand for independence, protect our freedoms. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

Above the law NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO THEY were supposed to be role models for their constituents. After three months of being in community quarantine, people are starting to get bored, itching to report back to work as government assistance in most cases won’t suffice, if cases it gets to the hands of the beneficiaries and not to the pockets of some government officials who see the COVID-19 pandemic as some sort of fund-raising for them, and looking forward to recover their lives they missed during the old normal.

Some officials are the first to break the rules.

But apparently, the officials are the first to break the law.

In the Visayas, former mayor of Taft, Eastern Samar, Diego Lim, his wife and their son, Municipal Councilor Marvin Lim, were also reported to have breached the province’s quarantine protocols, when arriving from Manila, they supposedly ignored police officers who were supposed to escort them to a quarantine facility.

According to Taft Police Chief Lt. Robin Caspe, Municipal Health Officer Dra. Avendaño intervened to allow the Lim family to stay at the quarantine facility at Brgy. Mantang Elementary School.

Agreeing to the request, the police then reportedly escorted the Lims to the school.

However, as they were on their way to Brgy Mantang, the private car suddenly swerved and entered the gate of the Katrina Beach resort owned by the former mayor, and the gate was immediately closed, the police chief added.

“Naruyag kami nga didto hira ha Mantang mag quarantine kay asya man an siring ni Dra. Imelda Abenio (We agreed to allow Engr Lim’s family to use the Mantang quarantine facility upon the order of Dra. Abenio),” says Caspe.

“Niloko kami nira. (They duped us),”the chief of police stressed.

The police chief said there was apparent connivance between Abenio and Lim as the former was already insisting on a home quarantine during the negotiation.

According to Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, the acts of Lim, his wife and their son, and Abenio constitute clear violations of his “lawful executive order, the joint memorandum of the DILG and DOH, IATF guidelines, and Republic Act 11332.”

“Engr. (Mayor) Lim family’s display of arrogance was an insult to the policemen and checkpoint personnel, and defiance of lawful orders, and put in danger the health and safety of the people of Taft and Eastern Samar,” he avers, adding he is equally appalled by the action of Lim’s son Marvin, who, as a municipal councilor, should have showed decency and role model as an “honorable person by following lawful orders, and ensuring the safety of his own constituents.

Evardone bares the police are now readying charges against Abenio and the Lims, who also failed to produce Travel Authority issued by the JTF CV SHIELD (PNP).

The Eastern Samar governor says it’s rather unfair for the OFWs who have to undergo rigid process in going back to their provinces and yet people like Lim and his family could just break the law.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

B1

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Celebrating COVID frontliners A TYPICAL, this week's celebration of the country's 122nd National Independence Day, with eight straightforward and manageable celebrations, as the Philippines continues to reel from the coronavirus pandemic.

lenges imposed by the deadly and unseen virus, at least 24,175 have been infected and 1,036 have died since the government clamped down an Enhanced Community Quarantine in mid-March in much of the country.

And the numbers are rising.

They put their lives and future at stake.

The plain-sailing celebrations in at least three sites—under cloudy skies and spasmodic rains at the Rizal Monument in Manila, the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, the site of the proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1898, and the Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in the City of Malolos in Bulacan where the First Philippine Republic was born in 1899—have been forced on this nation of 108 million by the dreaded coronavirus which has put the multi-ethnic archipelago under strict restrictions and quarantine protocols.

By Friday, while health authorities continued to battle anxiety and the chal-

It is only propitious that authorities have found it necessary, if mandatory, that the celebrations in the eight areas be limited each to 10 people, with a gentle but firm reminder to the public not to hold assemblies nor mass actions during the nationwide celebrations for health and safety reasons.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has warned on the eve of the celebrations that sanctions under existing pub-

lic health laws remain in effect.

With the coronavirus still up and invisible, far more dangerous than a gruesome and repulsive leech, we cannot ignore those standing up to the unseen clapperclaws of the unforgiving coronavirus, blown to the country's shoreline, the countryside and the urban areas from its epicenter in Wuhan, China.

Reason why, as the country marked “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan” on Friday—a fitting moment for liberation from this hideous virus—we need to continue to celebrate, and be grateful for, the efforts and the sacrifices of the many nameless and faceless frontliners, properly the 21st century heroes of this generation.

They have staked their lives, their future that those who stay at home under the protocols may have a longer life to enjoy and continue to be of service eventually not only to kin and friends but to the community and the nation.

As we feel the symbols of Independence, we celebrate the frontliners.

Scrapping an infirm agreement BACKBENCHER

ROD P. KAPUNAN WHEN the President took back his decision to withdraw from the VFA, it did not earn for him the respect of our neighbors. His flip-flopping was uncharacteristic of him, not seen even at the height of the opposition attacks against his administration for alleged human rights violation. This was not even seen during the Marcos administration after he sought to redefine our foreign policy by distancing ourselves from the US. For all President Duterte’s bravado in asserting an independent foreign policy, one could sense an inner insecurity that either he does not understand what an agreement is or what its implications are; whether from a legal standpoint, it is in accord with our constitution or politically, and can be equated to our current policy in pursuing our national interest. Even from that angle, one has to measure whether the agreement we entered into is working to our advantage.

For instance, the US has always sounded the idea that China is a threat to the region. Taking that position, the US always put its best foot forward as if to pre-empt what others have in mind. This strategy is intended to entice countries to join the alliance conditioned by the belief that China is a threat to our national security.

China is pointed to as the potential enemy in the region to justify the need for an alliance but failed to ramify whether we need the US as our ally or that the US would be depending on us to secure its interest.

This is based on that Pavlovian mindset that China is a threat to our security.

The disjointed premise of who needs

“This I can assure our people: Hindi natin palalampasin ito, It’s my sworn duty to protect the health and safety of our people!”

Evardone vows.

Evardone of course has every reason to fume at such violations. Under his brilliant stewardship, Eastern Samar remains to be the only province in Eastern Visayas to remain COVID-free. At the very onset, he has instituted plans to fight possible contamination, and yet putting up quarantine and other health facilities should the need arises.

He just can’t let the arrogance of a former official and his family put all of his province’s effort to naught.

While the Lims have yet to report for any symptoms of the dreaded disease, that is not the concern. What matters most is that have violated the law and they should pay the price.

Which then reminds us of San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora who led a convoy of six vehicles in breaching the city’s coronavirus disease protocols when his entourage sped past a quarantine checkpoint and quickly proceeded to a country club.

While he had since issued an apology, the reasons he cited appear to be as weird as the Department of Health’s explanation on the rise of the cases of COVID-19 infections.

According to Zamora, he was asleep when his convoy approached the checkpoint. Further, he explained they had to go to Baguio

who for our security is the reason we signed the VFA in violation of our constitution just to accommodate the return of the US bases in our country. In the geopolitical assessment of our interest, one has to carefully balance whether our alliance with a foreign power would enhance our interest or reduce us instead to one of re-enforcing their interest. We have to take into account that all alliances are formed on the basis of national security consideration.

Perhaps, identifying our enemies in the region has become dynamic, depending on the exigencies of one’s interest. However, if our perception about our potential enemy is generated from without, then we can frankly say we have failed to identify what con-

China is pointed to as the potential enemy in the region to justify the need for an alliance. stitutes our national interest, or much more in delineating our interest from that of the US. This kind of misconception serves as a fulcrum to justify US hegemony in the region.

The general provision regarding treaties is provided in Section 4, Article XVIII of the Constitution, and to quote: “All existing treaties and International agreements which have not been ratified shall not be renewed or extended without the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.” With respect to our military alliance with the US, considered by many as unconstitutional, is Section 25 of Article XVIII, to quote: “After the expiration in 1991of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States,

City as his wife, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, was advised by her doctors to take a complete rest. And that they had decided his wife’s family’s old house in the City of Pines would be most suited for her.

I have been to Baguio countless times, with different people—family, colleagues, friends—and on all occasions, I just can’t remember anyone in all the groups I have been with, sleeping by the time we get to Baguio’s famous zigzag roads. Not because it’s fun or scary, but the endless turns would surely wake you up.

Or maybe the good mayor of San Juan is really a sound sleeper.

But what I find more ridiculous is his claim they were going to his wife’s family’s old house. If indeed that was their destination, then why make a stop at the Baguio Country Club? Surely it was not just to buy some raisin bread for merienda.

While I am offering some prayers for her wife’s recovery, Zamora and his entourage, just like Lim and his family, should be made answerable for violating the law. *** I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mr. Rolly Reyes, columnist of the Manila Times for facilitating the request of colleague, Wendell Vigilia, to the Philippine Red Cross for bags of blood for her mother who was scheduled undergo surgey for her spine yesterday.

Thanks again Sir Rolly and to the PRC for their very quick response.

foreign military basis, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognize as a treaty by the other contracting party.”

One argument raised by the Senators to oppose the decision of the President to terminate the VFA was the lack of notice in informing the other party – that accordingly, notice should take effect after 180 days, otherwise it would violate the “agreement.”

But the basic question, can we violate an agreement that in the first place never came into being as a treaty following the provisions of Sections 4 and 25, Article XVIII of the Constitution?

While admittedly our constitution cannot compel the other party to ratify an agreement similar to our process, nether can they compel us to faithfully comply to a treaty obligation they refused to ratify.

It would be the height of constitutional absurdity to punish our chief executive for allegedly violating the constitution which they themselves refused to recognize as a treaty. Under international law, all parties must comply with the customary rules and practices. With regard to agreements, we must abide by it pursuant to the principle of pacta sunt servanda.

Petitioner-members of the Senate should be reminded that we entered into an agreement and not an unconditional surrender where the contracting parties must comply unless there are fundamental changes of circumstance to the agreement to warrant a party to invoke the principle of rebus sic stantibus. Here, no substantial change occurred except that the other party refuses to ratify the agreement.

(Full version at www.manilastandard.net)

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CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Twitter deletes 17,000 Chinese ‘state-linked’ fake accounts TWITTER said Friday it had deleted more than 170,000 accounts linked to a Chinese government disinformation campaign that targeted Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and sought to discredit the United States.

Twitter – along with YouTube, Google and Facebook – is banned in China, which uses a “Great Firewall” to restrict access to news and information.

But Chinese diplomats and state media have flocked to such platforms in recent years to push Beijing’s narrative.

Researchers and some Western governments have voiced fears that China deploys networks of state-controlled or state-linked accounts that masquerade as genuine users to spread government messaging or disinformation.

Twitter said it had dismantled “statelinked” networks run by a “highly engaged core” of 23,750 accounts and boosted by a further 150,000 “amplifier” accounts.

“They were tweeting predominantly in Chinese languages and spreading geopolitical narratives favorable to the Communist Party of China, while continuing to push deceptive narratives about the political dynamics in Hong Kong,” Twitter wrote in its analysis.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) – a Canberra based thinktank – analyzed the dataset ahead of the announcement and said the network was primarily looking to sway views within the global Chinese diaspora.

As well as pushing Beijing’s narrative on the Hong Kong protests, the network did the same for the coronavirus pandemic and criticising Taiwan.

Some of the group also later “pivoted” to the US government’s response to seething racial injustice protests “to create the perception of moral equivalence with the suppression of protests in Hong Kong,” ASPI wrote.

“While the Chinese Communist Party won’t allow the Chinese people to use Twitter, our analysis shows it is happy to use it to sow propaganda and disinformation internationally,” Fergus Hanson, director of ASPI’s cyber center, wrote. AFP

IN BRIEF Indonesia’s roving teachers vs. virus

School students hold signs during a pro-democracy protest near their school in Hong Kong on June 12, 2020. AFP

Fearful Hong Kongers seek British passports S HORTLY before Hong Kong was handed back to China, Simon Ng applied for a British National (Overseas) passport, a document he never thought he’d need.

Now he is considering whether to use it to emigrate.

China’s plan to impose a sweeping national security law on the city in response to huge pro-democracy protests has Ng mulling the prospect of leaving, the first time he has contemplated such action since Britain returned the former colony in 1997.

“Back then, like many of my peers, I thought China would reform and there was hope,” the 52-year-old assistant professor told AFP.

Manila

Standard ORIENTAL MINDORO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE TODAY

(ORMECO, Inc.)

Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

INVITATION TO BID 1.

ORIENTAL MINDORO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (ORMECO, INC.), through its BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE (BAC), hereby intends to apply the sum of Three Million Sixty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty Three and Sixty Centavos (Php 3,069,723.60), inclusive of all applicable taxes and fees, being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), for the procurement, supply, and services of Security Agency with 19 Security Guards;

2.

ORMECO, INC. now calls for the submission of Eligibility Documents.

Submission of the same by the interested bidders must be duly received by ORMECO, INC. BAC from 15-19 June 2020, at ORMECO, INC. Main Office, Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. Bidding documents will only be made available to the prospective bidder after it has been duly accredited by ORMECO, INC. The list of the ORMECO, INC. Eligibility Requirements may be viewed at https://web.facebook.com/OrmecoOGMOfficial, and may be requested through email ormeco_coop@yaho.com, including the numbers listed above;

3.

ORMECO, INC. now invites suppliers for the following:

LOT

ITEM DESCRIPTION

FUNDING SOURCE

ABC (INCLUSIVE OF VAT)

COST OF BID DOCUMENTS (NONREFUNDABLE)

I

1. Supply of Security Agency (19 Security Guards)

General Fund

Php 3,069,723.60

Php 5,000.00

4.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the NEA Memorandum NO. 2017-019: Revised Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives, IRR-RA 10531 (2017);

5.

The schedule of Bidding activities is as follows; ACTIVITIES

SCHEDULE

Release of Invitation to Bid

13 June 2020 (Saturday)

Submission of Letter of Intent and Eligibility Documents

15-19 June 2020, Office Hours, at ORMECO, INC. Office of the General Manager

Pre-Bid Conference

23 June 2020 (Tuesday) at ORMECO, INC. Board Room, 2:00 pm for Lot I

Deadline of Submission, Evaluation of Bids

Opening,

and

6 July 2020 (Monday) at ORMECO, INC. Board Room 2:00 pm for Lot I

Post-Qualification

7 July 2020 (Tuesday)

Validity of Contract

1 Year, extendable up to 1 year upon renewal

Awarding

Contract

Mode of Payment

Monthly

6.

Only those who have bought the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to attend or participate during the Pre-Bidding conference, where their presence is MANDATORY.

7.

All bids shall be opened and read in the presence of Bidders or their duly authorized representatives. All bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security payable to ORMECO, INC., in the form of Cash, Check, Manager’s Check, equivalent to two percent (2%) of the ABC. Only those who have purchased the Bidding Documents shall be allowed to participate in the pre-bid conference;

8.

The winning bidder shall issue Performance Security in the form of Cash, Cashier’s Check, Manager’s Check, issued by a Universal or Commercial Bank, equivalent to five percent (5%) of the ABC; and

9.

ORMECO, INC. reserves the right to accept or reject any bids, declare failure of bidding and not to award the contract without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. ORMECO, INC. also has no responsibility whatsoever to compensate or indemnify bidders for any expenses incurred in the preparation of their bids.

Certified by: (Signed) VICENTE V. FERRERA Chairperson Bids and Awards Committee (BAC)

(MS-JUNE 13, 2020)

Noted by: (Signed) ATTY. NORBERTO M. MENDOZA Head Of Procuring Entity (HOPE)

“But now, this is really a dark moment, and the future is quite likely to be even worse.”

BN(O) status was the product of an earlier round of similar fears. The run up to the 1997 handover was a febrile time.

While Ng was optimistic, many other Hong Kongers worried about what rule by authoritarian communist China might mean for the city’s freedoms and thriving capitalist system.

As a result Britain offered anyone born before handover the option of applying for a BN(O) passport.

The document was of limited value.

It gave Hong Kongers access to British consular services overseas and permission to travel to the UK for up to six months at a time, but not to live or work there.

But it was recognition that Britain had some sort of responsibility to the people who were once its subjects.

Now the usefulness of the document

NZ removes colonist statue THE New Zealand city of Hamilton on Friday tore down a statue of the colonial military commander after whom it was named, joining a growing list of places worldwide that are reckoning with their past.

A crane hoisted the bronze sculpture of Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton from the town square after requests from local Maori and threats from antiracism protesters to topple it.

A small group of cheering spectators looked on.

Hamilton City Council acknowledged the statue’s extraction was part of a push to remove memorials “which are seen to represent cultural disharmony and oppression” sparked by global anti-racism protests.

“I know many people – in fact, a growing number of people – find the statue personally and culturally offensive,” mayor Paula Southgate said.

“We can’t ignore what is happening all over the world and nor should we.

At a time when we are trying to build tolerance and understanding... I don’t think the statue helps us to bridge those gaps.” AFP

could all change after China last month unveiled plans to enact a law banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism and foreign interference.

Beijing says the law – which will bypass Hong Kong’s legislature – is needed to tackle “terrorism” and “separatism” and restore confidence in a city rocked by a year of unrest.

But critics fear it will bring mainlandstyle political oppression to a business hub supposedly guaranteed freedoms and autonomy for 50 years after its handover.

Britain views the law as a breach of that handover deal and in response has said it will look into extending the immigration rights of those with BN(O) status, including a possible “path to citizenship.”

There are currently some 350,000 BN(O) passport holders – a figure that nearly doubled in the last twelve months as the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters raged. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Zoom bows down to Beijing’s demands ZOOM said Thursday it acceded to Chinese government demands that it close accounts of US and Hong Kong activists who gathered on the popular chat app to mark the deadly Tiananmen crackdown.

The admission came as the American video app, which has soared in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic, said it would build software to stop takedown demands from authoritarian regimes silencing users overseas.

California-based Zoom has been engulfed by a free speech row after prominent US and Hong Kong activists found their accounts suspended in the run-up to the anniversary events marking Beijing’s crushing of the pro-democracy uprising on June 4, 1989, in Tiananmen square.

Mystery surrounded why the meetings were closed and the accounts locked with Zoom saying little beyond it needing to comply with local laws in the countries it operates in.

But on Thursday night, the company released its most detailed statement yet.

In it Zoom said the Chinese government alerted them to four public meetings commemorating Tiananmen.

“The Chinese government informed us that this activity is illegal in China and demanded

TEACHER Henrikus Suroto vowed his students wouldn’t be cheated out of their education when the global pandemic forced schools to be closed in Indonesia’s remote Kenalan village.

So he braves windy mountain roads and sheer cliff drops to visit the poor farming community in Central Java, where online classes are out of the question due to a lack of Internet service – a luxury few parents could afford anyway.

Not only is Suroto risking death or serious illness from COVID-19, he is violating government orders not to hold in-person classes to prevent the spread of the disease.

“No one’s forcing me to do this – it’s something inside telling me to do it,” the 57-year-old told AFP. “I feel a bit guilty about breaking (orders) to hold online classes, but the reality is that it isn’t easy here. The only solution is to be close to students with door-to-door teaching,” he added. AFP

that Zoom terminate the meetings and host accounts,” the firm said, adding it acted against those online gatherings that had users from mainland China present.

Zoom said its current tech does not allow it to “remove specific participants from a meeting or block participants from a certain country.”

“As such, we made the decision to end three of the four meetings and suspended or terminated the host accounts associated with the three meetings,” the company said.

Zoom said its response “fell short” and that it “should not have impacted users outside of mainland China.”

It has since reinstated the three shuttered accounts and will create tools allowing it to block or remove participants from certain countries.

“Going forward Zoom will not allow requests from the Chinese government to impact anyone outside of mainland China,” the company said.

Zoom did not name who owned the shuttered accounts.

But in the last few days Wang Dan and Zhou Fengsuo – two US based Tiananmen survivors – and Lee Cheuk-yan, the Hong Kong based organizer of the city’s annual June 4 vigil, said their accounts had been closed. AFP

Nokor hits US to mark summit

NORTH Korea criticised Donald Trump in a stinging denunciation of the United States on Friday, the second anniversary of a landmark summit in Singapore where the US president shook hands with leader Kim Jong Un. It was the latest in a series of vitriolic statements from Pyongyang aimed at both Washington and Seoul, and came a day after the North implicitly threatened to disrupt November’s election if the US did not stay out of inter-Korean affairs.

In recent days, Pyongyang has excoriated the South over defectors launching leaflets criticizing Kim into the North and announced it was cutting all official communication links with Seoul.

Friday’s broadside contained some of the harshest criticism Pyongyang has sent Washington’s way in recent months, and casts doubt over the future of the two sides’ long-stalled nuclear talks process.

In the onslaught, the North’s foreign minister Ri Son Gwon accused Washington of hypocrisy and seeking regime change, saying that the hopes of 2018 had “faded away into a dark nightmare.” AFP

Seattle mayor tells Trump to ‘go back to your bunker’ SEATTLE’S mayor told Donald Trump to “Go back to your bunker,” escalating a spat after the president threatened to intervene over a police-free autonomous zone protesters have set up in the western US city.

The reference to a “bunker” was a nod to reports Trump was rushed by Secret Service agents to a secure area in the White House as demonstrations against racism and police brutality sparked by the death of George Floyd reached the president’s residence.

Trump sparked the spat when he threatened to intervene in the neighborhood in Seattle dubbed “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone,” or CHAZ, which was agreed upon by demonstrators and the city’s police department.

“Take back your city NOW. If you don’t do it, I will,” Trump warned mayor Jenny Durkan and Washington state governor Jay Inslee – both Democrats – in a tweet late Wednesday, calling the protesters “domestic terrorists” who have taken over Seattle.

“This is not a game. These ugly Anarchists must be stooped (sic) IMMEDIATELY. MOVE FAST,” he continued in another tweet.

Mayor Jenny Durkan replied, urging Trump to “make us all safe. Go back to your bunker,” with Inslee joining in the Twitter mockery of Trump.

“A man who is totally incapable of governing should stay out of Washington state’s business. ‘Stoop’ tweeting,” Inslee wrote. AFP

FOR THE FALLEN. Aerial view of activists from the Brazilian NGO Rio de Paz digging mock graves on Copacabana beach symbolizing deaths due to the COVID-19 coronavirus and protest against Brazil’s “bad governance” of the pandemic. AFP

Business PSEi June 11, 2020 TOP GAINERS

UK economy fell by 20.4% in April on virus lockdown

By Roland Jackson

ONDON, United Kingdom―Britain’s economy shrank by more than a fifth in April from March, official data showed Friday, as the first full month of coronavirus lockdown ravaged activity.

L TOP LOSERS

B3

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Gross domestic product nosedived by a record 20.4 percent from the previous month, after a 5.8-percent contraction in March, the Office for National Statistics said.

The UK government had imposed a lockdown on March 23 in an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19, and also stepped in to back up employee wages in a costly “furlough” jobs retention scheme.

“GDP fell by 20.4 percent in the

month, the largest fall since monthly records began in 1997, reflecting record widespread falls in services, production and construction output,” the ONS added.

The dramatic collapse in April was three times greater than the slump experienced during the 2008-2009 global financial crisis, it said.

Britain is now gradually easing stayat-home restrictions, with widespread concern about the impact of two months of lockdown on the economy.

Yet the harsh restrictions―under which shops and factories shut down and workers were sent home―is widely expected to have sent the nation into recession.

Jonathan Athow, ONS deputy national statistician, described the 20-percent slump as “unprecedented.”

“April’s fall in GDP is the biggest the UK has ever seen, more than three times larger than last month and almost ten times larger than the steepest pre-COV-

ID-19 fall,” said Athow.

“In April, the economy was around 25 percent smaller than in February.”

The hardest hit areas were pubs, education, health and car sales.

GDP, meanwhile, shrank by 10.4 percent in the three months to the end of April.

“The economy has experienced a significant shock since the start of the coronavirus pandemic; GDP has fallen dramatically, with record broad-based falls in output for production, services and construction,” the ONS added.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has blighted economies worldwide, had a “significant and wide-ranging negative impact” in April on British businesses.

“April 2020 has experienced sharper falls than March as the negative impacts of social distancing and ‘lockdown’ have led to a significant fall in consumer demand and business and factory closures, as well as supply chain disruptions,” the ONS said. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

SINGAPORE EASES. A woman pushes a trolley through a quiet street in the Chinatown district in Singapore on June 12, 2020, as the city state eased its partial lockdown restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. AFP

Stock markets, oil prices stutter on second wave fears HONG KONG―Equities and oil sank Friday while the dollar rallied as investors ran for the hills following the worst Wall Street rout since March, fueled by worries about the economic recovery and a second virus wave in the US. And the magnitude of the financial earthquake caused by the crisis was brought home by data showing the British economy shrank 20.4 percent month-on-month in April.

World markets have blasted higher since hitting a deep trough three months ago, supported by trillions of dollars in government and central bank help and an easing of lockdown measures.

But the optimism on trading floors was shattered Wednesday when Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell signaled the world’s top economy would take some time to bounce back from the crisis.

While his comments, and the bank’s decision to keep interest rates at near zero for at least two years, was expected, the dose of reality jolted traders.

That coincided with figures showing a spike in new infections in key states

including Texas, California, Arizona and Florida, which fanned concerns of a new wave as the nation slowly reopens.

However, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said there would be no more shutdowns, telling CNBC: “I think we’ve learned that if you shut down the economy, you’re going to create more damage.”

“Investors have been arguing in recent weeks that the stock market performance and economic reality have been disconnected, wondering when reality might hit the market,” said JP Morgan Asset Management strategist Tai Hui. “The fear of a rising rate of COVID-19 infections is the most important driver in our view for this sell-off.”

Hong Kong, Sydney, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok all fell between one and two percent while Wellington and Seoul were more than two percent lower. Tokyo finished 0.8 percent lower and Shanghai was slightly off.

London opened more than one percent lower after the GDP figures were

released, while Paris and Frankfurt were also lower.

Still, the losses were shallower than earlier in the day and much lighter than on Wall Street on Thursday, where all three main indexes were routed.

Analysts also blamed profit-taking after the huge run-up since March, which has seen some indexes rise more than 50 percent, with many saying investors had run ahead of themselves on hopes for a V-shaped recovery.

“There is an argument to be made that equities were due a decent correction in light of the gains made in the past three months,” said David Madden of CMC Markets.

“On the other hand, economies can’t stay locked down forever so a jump in the infection rate is going to be the cost of trying to get things back to normal.”

The world equities retreat was reflected in oil markets, with both main contracts tumbling more than eight percent Thursday, hit by uncertainty over demand and data showing a jump in US stockpiles. AFP

British airlines initiate legal suit over new policy on quarantine LONDON—British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair said on Friday they have launched legal action against the UK government over the introduction earlier this week of its “flawed” 14-day coronavirus quarantine.

The three airlines said the policy will “have a devastating effect on British tourism and the wider economy and destroy thousands of jobs” and that they have asked for their judicial review “to be heard as soon as possible”.

“There was no consultation and no scientific evidence provided for such a severe policy,” they added as among the reasons for the legal challenge.

Britain rolled out its new two-week quarantine on Monday for most people arriving from abroad to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus, sparking condemnation from the ailing aviation sector.

British residents and overseas visitors must comply with the 14-day self-isolation rules or face a £1,000 ($1,250, 1,125-euro) fine or prosecution.

But critics have questioned why Britain, which has been hardest hit

by COVID-19 in Europe and is only gradually easing a lockdown, is inflicting more pain on hotels and airlines by reducing travel from countries with fewer virus cases.

British Airways and the budget carriers had planned to launch immediate joint legal proceedings over the step, but delayed amid reports that the government was set to introduce so-called “air bridges” to certain countries.

But in their statement Friday, the airlines said they have “not yet seen any evidence on how and when proposed ‘air bridges’ between the UK and other countries will be implemented.”

The airlines said they want the government to reinstate measures introduced on March 10 which saw only passengers from “high risk” countries quarantined.

“This would be the most practical and effective solution and enables civil servants to focus on other, more significant, issues arising from the pandemic while bringing the UK in line with much of Europe which is opening its borders mid-June,” they added. AFP

US still reporting massive layoffs even as businesses try to reopen WASHINGTON―Layoffs caused by the coronavirus pandemic have reached 44.2 million in the US even as businesses try to reopen, and analysts warn of continuing damage to the world’s largest economy as COVID-19 shows few signs of abating.

Wall Street stocks plunged Thursday in their worst performance since March, reversing recent momentum as traders were spooked by resurgent cases of the virus in parts of the country and new Labor Department data showed another 1.54 million workers filing for unemployment benefits last week.

The massive layoffs have become routine since shutdowns to stop the coronavirus from spreading began in mid-March, reaching their peak later that month and declining since.

Some workers are back at work as states reopen, but the total for the week ended June 6 is still well above any figure seen during the global financial crisis in 2008, even though it fell 355,000

from the prior week.

Rubeela Farooqi of High Frequency Economics said the data showed the US economy was clearly not back to normal.

“States and businesses have reopened, but activity remains restricted and subdued, which will likely result in ongoing layoffs over coming weeks,” she said in an analysis.

COVID-19 remains a stubborn threat in the United States, which continues to record around 20,000 new cases every day with few signs of reduction.

States like Texas and North Carolina are seeing more patients hospitalized with the virus than a month ago.

Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday released forecasts projecting the US economy would contract by 6.5 percent this year, and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell warned that some workers may not find jobs for a long time.

But President Donald Trump lashed out Thursday, saying the Fed had been “wrong so often.” AFP

Saudi Arabia wealth fund ‘shopping spree’ belies economic pain

By Anuj Chopra

Women shopping at a mall in the Saudi capital Riyadh, wear face masks on June 4, 2020, after the authorities eased some of the restrictive measures put in place to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, but at the same time imposed tough penalties against those not wearing protective face masks in public places. AFP

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia―Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has snapped up around $8 billion worth of stakes in global giants―from Boeing to Facebook―in a spree that belies deep and unpopular austerity measures at home.

The twin shocks of the novel coronavirus pandemic and a plunge in oil prices have prompted the government to triple its value-added tax, suspend a monthly allowance to civil servants and slash spending as it seeks to tame a ballooning budget deficit.

The harsh measures are straining a socalled “rentier” social contract, which for decades saw the kingdom use its oil wealth to provide citizens with generous subsidies, jobs and a tax-free lifestyle.

Amid its worst economic crisis in decades, the seemingly contradictory state policy to splurge billions on overseas assets is raising eyebrows.

The kingdom’s Public Investment Fund is emerging as one of the world’s biggest bargain hunters, dishing out billions to buy minority stakes in Ameri-

can and European bluechip firms.

“You don’t want to waste a crisis,” PIF governor Yasir al-Rumayyan said in April, indicating the $300-billion fund was taking advantage of a virus-induced recession to snap up stakes at knockdown prices.

In the first quarter of this year, it bought $7.7 billion holdings in a host of companies―from Boeing, Walt Disney and Starbucks to Marriott and Citigroup.

It also took stakes in energy giants including Royal Dutch Shell and Total―a move at odds with Saudi policy to steer away from oil dependence―as well as Facebook, which has triggered privacy concerns from a US watchdog.

The PIF is also backing a proposed ￡300-million ($372 million) takeover of football club Newcastle United, though the deal looks to be in trouble over allegations that Saudi Arabia was behind a pirate sports broadcaster.

Spending ‘nest egg’ The painful austerity drive could heighten public scrutiny of such spending―especially after VAT, introduced just over two years ago, is tripled to 15

percent from July.

“Companies are happy to see their stocks in demand and share prices buoyed,” Karen Young, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, told AFP. “However, it is more important to think about how Saudi citizens view their savings and collective national nest egg being spent on international equity markets at a time of a national economic crisis.”

Shopkeepers in Riyadh privately wonder why the crucial investments were not instead used to prop up struggling small and medium enterprises choked by the pandemic.

The investments are also unlikely to soothe concern among young Saudis worried about finding jobs amid already high youth unemployment.

In an absolute monarchy where few publicly question official decrees, columnist Khalid al-Sulaiman wrote in a pro-government newspaper that the austerity measures will have a “significant effect on society’s purchasing power.”AFP

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

B4

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Business

March remittances fell 4.7% to $2.4b IN BRIEF

Maynilad, DLSMC to build laboratory

A P15-MILLION facility featuring the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction procedure, the gold standard testing method to detect the COVID-19 virus, will soon rise at the grounds of De Los Santos Medical Center in Quezon City.

Maynilad Water Services Inc., the water and sewerage concessionaire for the west zone of Metro Manila, signed a memorandum of agreement with the multi-specialty medical center along E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard to fund the construction of the facility.

The MOA, with deed of donation, was signed by Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez and DLSMC president and chief executive Raul Pagdanganan.

MWSI is a company of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investment Corp. while DLSMC is a member hospital of the Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., MPIC’s medical arm.

The Maynilad-DLSMC testing center will boost the capacity of the 30 existing RT-PCR laboratories and five GeneXpert facilities licensed to operate by the Department of Health to speed up the processing and release of COVID-19 confirmatory test results in the country.

By Julito G. Rada

EMITTANCES fell 4.7 percent in March to $2.397 billion from $2.514 billion a year ago, the first decline in nine months, as the deployment of overseas Filipino workers was adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

R

The figure brought cash remittances in the first quarter to $7.403 billion, up by 1.4 percent from $7.299 billion in the same period last year.

“The decline in cash remittances in March was largely due to the lesser number of Filipinos deployed overseas relative to the comparable level last year,” the BSP said in a statement.

It said the countries that registered lower cash remittances in March were mostly oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates

and Kuwait where demand for workers was affected by depressed oil price in the world market.

The BSP said the slight growth in remittances of 1.4 percent in the first three months was supported by inflows from both land-based and sea-based Filipino workers ($5.79 billion and $1.613 billion, respectively), which increased by 1.3 percent and 1.8 percent, respective from a year ago.

The United States posted the highest share to overall remittances at 39 percent

in March 2020. It was followed by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, United Kingdom, UAE, Qatar, Canada, Hong Kong and Korea. The combined remittances from these countries accounted for 79.1 percent of total cash remittances.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also posted its first decline in nine months at 5.2 percent to $2.652 billion from $2.796 billion a year ago. This brought personal remittances in the first quarter to $8.218 billion, up by 1.5 percent from $8.098 billion in the same period last year.

Personal remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more declined 6.7 percent in March to $2.014 billion from $2.157 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, remittances from seabased workers and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year rose 2.7 percent to $591 million from $575 million a year ago.

Globe joins zero emission campaign

GLOBE Telecom Inc. said it joined a global campaign for zero carbon emissions by 2050 spearheaded by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and COP26 Presidency and supported by the GSMA, the global mobile industry body.

“We are one with global mobile operators in helping the mobile industry achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We acknowledge that this requires a collective effort to realize large-scale positive impact,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. “We thank the GSMA for this initiative and for utilizing scientific measures to ensure a low carbon future benefiting our entire ecosystem,” he said.

The Race To Zero was launched on June 5 in time for the World Environment Day celebration. The campaign, which involves a major multi-stakeholder coalition of leaders, aims to send a resounding signal to governments that businesses, cities, regions and investors are united in achieving net zero emissions and in creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PTT’s net loss hit P15.6m in 1st quarter

PHILIPPINE Telegraph and Telephone Corp. said Friday net loss narrowed 23.4 percent in the first quarter despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

PT&T said net loss amounted to P15.60 million in the first three months, lower than the P20.36-million loss in the same period last year.

The company said revenues increased 38 percent in the first quarter to P107.37 million from P77.55 million a year ago. PT&T has over 1,800 data services circuits in the first quarter, mostly broadband connections.

Fixed broadband for enterprises increased by 44 percent from a year ago, driven by a 192-percent increase in subscribers since 2017 due to the added capacity on its network and extended fiber reach within the high-growth potential areas in National Capital Region, Cavite, Laguna, Barangas, Rizal and Quezon. Darwin G. Amojelar

ALCANTARA’S DONATION. The Alcantara Group of Companies, through the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., together with Sarangani Energy Corp., Alsons Agri-Business Unit and the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone Development Corp., donate more than 8,000 facemasks, 3,000 gloves, 182 goggles and 150 personal protective equipment sets to the Sarangani provincial government. Sarangani is a COVID-free province, with no confirmed case of the dreaded contagion. Leading the turnover of the protective gear are (from left) Sarangani assistant provincial administrator Gerald Faciol, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer Rene Punzalan, KAEIDC property manager Max Allawan, chief of staff Cesario Cagas and SEC’s HR-administration and project assurance manager Joel Aton.

Business groups urge public to support ‘anything local’

By Othel V. Campos BUSINESS groups, including hotel and retail establishments, launch an advocacy campaign to promote “anything local” to revive the domestic economy and cushion the effects of the health crisis.

The campaign “#Pinas Muna Tayo” debuted online Friday with representatives from the government, hotel and retail sectors coming up with concepts on how to get back and supporting each other.

Working on the premise that the country’s economic growth has been historically driven by consumption, the online movement led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alliance Global Group Inc. and Resorts World Manila encouraged “bayanihan” among Filipinos to support local businesses first and spend their money in the

Philippines to stimulate the growth of domestic consumption.

AGI chief executive Andrew Tan said the nationwide campaign would encourage partnership among the business sectors.

“This is the time to unite. We should all do that. It doesn’t matter if there are or we are prominent companies. In fact, during the crisis, quite a number of business groups and companies have actually joined together and worked together in partnership with government,” he said during the online launch of the campaign.

Tan said the two platforms of engaging consumers—virtual and physical venues—would be utilized to their full potential to push for homegrown products and services.

Tan heads Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the property company’s brand for mall and commercial developments

with at least 15 full-scale malls all over the country.

Supported by AGI companies like Emperador Inc., Global-Estate Resorts Inc., Empire East Land Holdings Inc. and Golden Arches Development Corp., master franchise holder of McDonald’s Philippines, the advocacy has gained some traction in promoting local retail.

“We can explore the informal market space where we can bring a lot of the Filipino products from all over the country into specific destinations so that it can be readily available to the public.

We also want to be able to deliver some of these products to people’s homes because I know a lot of people might be scared to get out of their homes. So we’re devising a way also to be able to source products from all over the country for special finds, unique finds,” Tan said.

PCCI asks banks to grant temporary relief to COVID-affected companies THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry called on banks and other financing institutions to grant temporary relief to borrowers hardest hit by the pandemic through voluntary and negotiated loan term extension or restructuring.

PCCI president Benedicto Yujuico also asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to incentivize lenders that will defer or restructure loan principal repayments for individual and corporate borrowers heavily burdened by the impact of the prolonged community quarantine upon mutually acceptable and reasonable terms and conditions.

Yujuico said instead of making loan deferments or restructuring mandatory, the BSP should consider the grant of regulatory relief measures, such as the relaxation of rules on loan loss provisioning and staggered booking of loan loss provisions as proposed by House Bill No. 6815, or the Accelerated Recovery and Investments Stimulus for the Economy bill.

“The key to obtaining relief for our

members is for the BSP to encourage and help banks to be able to support the businesses and industries hardest hit by the pandemic,” Yujuico said.

He said PCCI and the business community were supporting the ARISE bill’s provision to extend loan terms for a period of one to two years. He also asked the banking sector to provide businesses more breathing room to help support trade and industry survive the pandemic.

“We are calling on the banks to review their guidelines with a request to align with the ARISE to allow longer payment extensions so that they can respond appropriately to the big negative impact of the pandemic on many borrowers,” Yujuico said.

He said that during the lockdown, many member companies of PCCI were unable to generate enough revenues to pay outstanding loans to banks.

The willingness of bank to restructure loans will breathe life back into businesses and preserve employment, he said. Othel V. Campos

PSE INDEX

Thursday, June 11, 2020

36.87 PTS. 6,476.24

TOTAL VOLUME 1,865,817,402 TOTAL TRADES 115,337 TOTAL VALUE 7,041,507,087.17 ADVANCES 72 DECLINES 117 UNCHANGED 51

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.9540

Japan

Yen

0.009338

0.4665

UK

Pound

1.274900

63.6864

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129034

6.4458

Switzerland

Franc

1.059434

52.9230

Canada

Dollar

0.746269

37.2791

Singapore

Dollar

0.723223

36.1279

Australia

Dollar

0.699400

34.9378

Bahrain

Dinar

2.651113

132.433

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266560

13.3157

Brunei

Dollar

0.720617

35.9977

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000072

0.0036

Thailand

Baht

0.032103

1.6037

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.6011

Euro

Euro

1.137800

56.8377

Korea

Won

0.000840

0.0420

China

Yuan

0.141597

7.0733

India

Rupee

0.013215

0.6601

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.235349

11.7566

New Zealand

Dollar

0.653000

32.6200

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033817

1.6893 Source: BSP

Aboitiz Power readies P9.55-b bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria ABOITIZ Power Corp. is pushing through with its planned P9.55billion bond offering this year.

The company said in a latest filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would issue up to P6 billion in fixed-rate retail bonds, with an oversubscription option for another P3.55 billion.

The bonds will be issued in two series with tenors of two and five years, shorter than the original target of five and seven years.

The bonds will be the fourth issuance of Aboitiz Power in relation to its three-year shelf registration of up to P30 billion.

It said the net proceeds would be used primarily for the company’s equity contributions through AA Thermal Inc. and Therma Power Inc. to GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. in relation to the construction of its 2x668 MW supercritical coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan. Proceeds would also support general corporate purposes.

The bonds will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The company tapped BDO Capital and Investments Corp., First Metro Investments Corp. and ChinaBank Capital as joint issue managers and underwriters for the offering.

The P9.55-billion bond offering was rated PRS Aaa, with a stable outlook by Philippine Ratings Services Corp. Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk which means that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

PRS Aaa is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings.

Other companies are also looking to issue fixed-rate bonds amid current coronavirus pandemic.

Ayala Land earlier reported plans to issue up to P10-billion bonds due 2022 while Robinsons Land Corp. is also looking to raise as much as P20-billion bonds due 2023 and 2025.

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CEBU QUARANTINE FACILITY. The Aboitiz

Group, through Aboitiz Foundation, donates P3 million for the construction of the newly-opened quarantine facility at the Bayanihan Cebu IEC Field Center, joining the multi-sectoral Bayanihan Cebu PH movement in ensuring proper care and management for coronavirus patients. The quarantine facility inside the IEC Convention Center on Pope John Paul II Avenue, Cebu City, opened on May 26.

It caters to COVID-19-positive patients to help decongest Cebu City hospitals.

ASEAN group expects tourism to rebound from virus impact THE Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations expressed confidence the tourism industry will be one of the first sectors to rapidly recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

FATA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said in a statement that once tourism within the region recovered, it would become the catalyst for the revival of other affected sectors linked to the industry.

“Ensuring that the travel and tourism industry is the first to recover would mean instant activation of a wide range of relat-

ed micro-economies. The impact from the tremendous growth of tourism in ASEAN will be an eye opener; creating curiosity and branding opportunities in international markets,” Liang said.

FATA secretary general and current Philippine Travel Agencies Association president Ritchie Tuaño said the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan for 2016 to 2025 would remain their guidepost during the pandemic and beyond.

“We need to continue to position and brand ASEAN as a single market destination. Then, within each member state, sub-

regional destinations and circuits must be promoted. FATA members will work with governments in the region to ensure that tourism survives during the pandemic while ensuring stakeholders readiness post COVID19,” Tuaño said.

Visitor arrivals to the ASEAN region reached 133 million in 2019, or 10 million ahead of the ATSP projection. This translated into tourism playing a crucial role in economies within the region, contributing at least 2 percent to 14.5 percent to each member’s gross domestic product. Othel V. Campos

Sports

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Varner, Rose share lead in PGA return

BEFORE A ‘CROWD’ OF CARDBOARD CUTOUTS. Lea Springer of Switzerland competes in the women 300m hurdles event at the Impossible Games 2020 at the Bislett Stadium in Oslo. Cardboards are displayed in the stands as the event takes place without audience due to the new coronavirus pandemic. AFP

Poll: Majority of sponsors unsure about ‘21 Olympics TOKYO—Two-thirds of Tokyo 2020’s corporate sponsors are undecided on whether to continue supporting the Games now the event has been pushed to 2021, according to a new survey.

In the poll published late Thursday by Japanese public broadcaster NHK, 65 percent of the sponsors surveyed said they had not made up their minds about whether to extend their financial backing for another year.

According to NHK, some companies voiced concerns that their promotional activities around the Games could be curtailed due to crowd-reduction measures imposed against the coronavirus.

They were also worried the Games could be scrapped altogether, with several senior Olympic officials saying the Tokyo Olympics must take place next year or not at all.

Many also said they had not decided whether to extend their sponsorship because they had not yet opened negotiations with the organizers—suggesting they may be open to persuasion.

More than two-thirds (68 percent) of respondents said coronavirus had taken a toll on their own financial situation, as Olympic organisers face having to fund the unprecedented postponement of the Games.

Tokyo 2020 organizers have refused to put a price tag on the additional costs of postponing the Games by one year, but the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set aside $800 million.

According to the latest budget, the Games were due to cost $12.6 billion, shared between the organising committee, the government of Japan and Tokyo city.

Tokyo 2020 “Gold” sponsors include such Japanese household names as Canon, NEC and Asahi Breweries, while car giant Toyota is a worldwide Olympic sponsor.

According to the latest version of the Tokyo 2020 budget, local sponsorship was due to bring in $3.3 billion, more than half the projected revenues of $5.9 billion.

Since the postponement, officials have been stressing the need to slim down the Games, both in terms of costs and organization. AFP

Wesley takes semis lead vs Caruana at Clutch tilt

By Peter Atencio

But Caruana wasn’t able to capitalize on his advantage and his hesitation allowed his opponent to counter FTER scoring a breakthrough win in Game 5, Filipino with a mating threat. grandmaster Wesley So came off with four victories In Game 6, So went on to force Caruana to out of a possible six to take the lead in first round of his give up in 45 moves of a Sicilian Defense.

In clinching Games 5 and 6, the 2017 semifinal series with American-Italian GM Fabiano Caruana.

United States Champion So claimed an additional $2000 for his efforts.

This put the 26-year-old So on a colBoth duelled it out with So using the On the other hand, Carlsen took the lision course with world no. 1 Magnus King’s Pawn Game in their next games and upperhand in Game 5, which he won Carlsen in the finals of the 2020 Clutch ekeing out two more wins in 46 moves of an English Chess International online. and two draws.

Opening.

So’s decisive 53-move triumph in his In Game 5, the first The world champion King’s Pawn Game with Caruana put clutch game, the whitewatched Aronian miss his him ahead, 6-2. playing Caruana surprised winning chances.

Both he and Caruano believe that things So in the opening by using Carlsen took the the ficould still go either way in their last six the Evans Gambit to counnal game of the day when matches of their 12-game showdown. ter black’s opening moves. he managed to check the Meanwhile, Carlsen also came away The 2773 ELO-rated black king with the queen with a 6-2 edge over Armenian GM Caruana got a winning poon the sixth rank.

Levon Aronian. sition out of the opening as Eight of the world’s top Playing white in his first game, the his pieces allowed him to chess players are battling 2741 ELO-rated So got the lead after pre- gain a kingside attack and online from Saturday vailing over Caruano in 32 moves of a a chance to pressure his for eight days for a total Wesley So Queen’s Pawn Game. opponent’s exposed king. $265,000 in prize money.

A

ONE eyes comeback to live event sked ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong plans to take a very measured approach before action resumes on the global stage.

Although Sityodtong would love to squeeze in as many world-class spectacles throughout the remaining half of 2020 once restrictions due to the COVID-19 global pandemic loosens up, the lifelong martial artist admits that safety of the staff, fans, and athletes is his top priority.

The world’s largest martial arts organization – which came in fourth in terms of cross-platform views in 2019 with 5.6 billion views, a whopping 1.8 billion views more than UFC – has given fans four incredible events since the start of the year.

Their most recent event, ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE in Singapore this past February, was done in a closed-door and audience-free setting.

“At ONE Championship, we have the same level of intensity, but I would say we are a little more prudent, because safety is our highest priority,” Sityodtong said “We are not in a rush to come back just for the sake of coming back due to our financial commitments to broadcasters and brands and whatnot.

“We want to come back in an environment where we are sure that we can do it safely for all parties involved.”

Apart from the safety of everyone in attendance, Sityodtong admits there are many other factors involved when it comes to producing world-class spectacles at iconic venues across Asia.

Dealing with different countries and various stakeholders means there are different rule sets to abide by. And, with the COVID-19 situation still present, each nation has tightened up their border security to halt the spread of the virus.

There may be some challenges, but Sityodtong has been in talks with government officials to get ONE Championship’s

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ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong

event calendar back and running in the shortest time possible.

“Different governments have different policies on their borders, as well as their lockdown policies, so that’s been a little bit tricky in getting everything up and running,” he said. “But my team and I have been working on it nonstop, and we feel pretty good about it.”

Once the organization finalizes its plans, fans can expect the largest sports media property in Asian history to give them more extraordinary shows over and over again.

WASHINGTON—Harold Varner III, among only three black golfers on the US PGA Tour, fired a seven-under par 63 Thursday to grab a share of the Charles Schwab Challenge lead as the tour paid tribute to George Floyd and ended a three-month coronavirus shutdown.

Floyd, whose killing by a police officer touched off worldwide protests over racial and social injustice, was remembered with a moment of silence hours before Varner matched Britain’s Justin Rose atop the leaderboard in the opening round at Colonial Country Club.

Asked if he felt he was playing for more than himself this week, Varner said, “I for sure think that.”

Varner, the 2016 Australian PGA Championship winner, spent the past few days at the center of the PGA’s social injustice discussion in the wake of Floyd’s death.

But the issue was not on his mind as he and 147 others returned to competition after 91 days off due to the deadly virus outbreak.

“I didn’t think about that when I was on the golf course,” Varner said. “I was in the zone. I just wanted to play well.

It was good to be back out there, trying to keep it as normal as possible.

“I know we’re still in a tight spot. I’ll handle it when I get done with work.

The platform I have is through golf. I have to focus the most on what I’m doing and trying to play well.”

The 29-year-old American matched the second-best round of his career, one shot off a 62 in 2016 at Mayakoba. Varner made 29 putts and hit all 18 greens in regulation, firing a bogey-free round like Rose at Fort Worth, Texas.

“It goes to show you life is precious,” Varner said. “You take every day as it comes.”

A moment of silence was observed at 8:46 a.m. for Floyd. The time represents the eight minutes and 46 seconds while a Minnesota policeman held a knee to the back of the handcuffed black man. AFP

Next Media is Bundesliga’s new partner NEXT Media Solutions JSC (Next Media) will become the new official partner of the German Bundesliga following a new five-year agreement which starts August 2020.

The partnership will deliver exclusive live coverage of more than 300 matches per season from the Bundesliga. The long-term agreement also includes live broadcasting of the DFL Supercup, relegation play-off matches, rights to Bundesliga 2. matches, and additional on-demand programming such as highlights and magazine shows.

The agreement ensures that Bundesliga matches will be shown countrywide, on both free-to-air (FTA) channels and as part of a paid subscription service. Next Media will cooperate with local broadcasters to broadcast live matches every week as the 2020/21 season gets underway.

Speaking about the new deal, Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein said: “This is a landmark moment for us, as it signifies the first time a private media company in Vietnam has acquired the rights to distribute a major European football competition. The Vietnamese have a huge appetite for football, and we are confident that the authentic, entertaining, goal-filled matches will entertain fans throughout the country. Next Media is an ideal partner, having close ties with domestic broadcasters, media and football stakeholders. Together, we look forward to growing the Bundesliga brand and supporting the growth of Vietnamese football with our strategic roadmap, to be delivered with our partner Next Media.”

James finances ‘More than a Vote’ to stop voter suppression

LeBron James

WASHINGTON—A conservative commentator once advised him to “shut up and dribble,” but basketball legend LeBron James is bringing star power to a voter mobilization movement as concerns over disenfranchisement swell ahead of November’s presidential election.

“This is the time for us to finally make a difference,” James recently told The New York Times, speaking during a period of historic protests following the death of an unarmed African American, George Floyd, in police custody.

With barely 20 weeks before Americans cast their ballots, “King James” is making a foray into US politics to protect

voting rights of blacks and upend what he calls a “structurally racist” system.

The Los Angeles Lakers power forward will finance the group, called More than A Vote, as the nation prepares to decide whether to stick with President Donald Trump for four more years or replace him with Democrat Joe Biden.

Basketball colleagues Trae Yong and Jalen Rose, football player Alvin Kamara, and actor/comedian Kevin Hart are among those who will help James with outreach in places like Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida.

The move comes on the heels of a voting fiasco in the state of Georgia this week that multiplied concerns about

voter suppression, particularly affecting people of color.

James highlighted activists’ observations that voters in some black neighborhoods in Atlanta stood in line for several hours to cast their ballots, while those in white areas barely had to wait.

“Everyone talking about ‘how do we fix this?’ They say ‘go out and vote?’”

James tweeted Tuesday. “What about asking if how we vote is also structurally racist?”

James said the group aims to combat apathy among younger blacks, who showed a drop-off in turnout in 2016 compared with 2012, but also will alert minority voters to efforts to keep them

from the polls.

Georgia’s Republican leadership, for their part, rejected the suppression accusations and said responsibility for the “unacceptable” conditions in certain local districts, including faulty machines and lack of ballots, fell on local organizers, often Democrats.

The problems extend beyond Georgia.

Experts say about two dozen states have taken steps to restrict voting, with a disproportionate impact on minority groups.

The group Fair Fight said it looks forward to working with James and other stars “to stop voter suppression and protect the right to vote for Black voters across the country.” AFP

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Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

V

IVO unveiled in the Philippines the new V19 Neo, which comes with an innovative Ultra O Screen design that provides consumers with a whole new viewing experience beyond their imagination.

Housed with a total of 5 professional-grade cameras on the front and back, V19 Neo helps consumers to ignite their night and allows them to shoot everyday life. Completing its futuristic design with brilliant colors and a glossy finish, the V19 Neo is the ultimate answer for what the young and stylish consumers are searching for.

“V19 Neo represents our understanding of today’s consumers’ needs and it is an innovation which we are extremely proud of. The 5-camera design, together with the Ultra O Screen, provides consumers with a brand-new photo-taking and viewing experience. V19 Neo will also help consumers to ignite their night with the advanced night shooting abilities,” said Charisma Buan, vivo PR team lead. “The creation of V19 Neo once again showcases our strong consumer-centric innovation approach and reinforces our position as a pioneer in bringing best-in-class mobile experiences to the Philippines.”

vivo V19 Neo

brings stunning night shots with 5-camera design

Latest Ultra O Screen design opens the door to a brave new world

V19 Neo features an innovative Super AMOLED Ultra O Screen with the industry’s slimmest in-display front camera design. The 6.44-inch FHD+ display houses 2.98mm wide super-clear front camera, providing a trendy and futuristic look without sacrificing the viewing experience.

The customized next-gen Super AMOLED display features an aspect ratio of 20:9, bringing vibrant and authentic colors and filtering out 92.5% of blue light and boasts SGS Eye Care Display certification.

The smartphone also comes with vivo’s industry-leading In-Display Fingerprint Scanning Technology. With its higher fingerprint pixel density and more sophisticated algorithms, it allows consumers to unlock the smartphone safely and easily.

48MP AI quad camera and 32MP front camera captures life’s fantastic moments V19 Neo features a powerful AI quad camera which allows users to shoot precious moments in everyday life. The 48MP main camera, 8MP super wide-angle camera, 2MP macro camera and 2MP bokeh camera line-up, together with the embedded AI algorithms, brings a new photography experience by capturing even better photo clarity. The smartphone also features a super wide-angle camera that expands landscape shots even further.

With a 32MP front camera, the V19 Neo helps users capture high-quality selfies and group shots effortlessly. To complete the professional shot options, the smartphone also has “Super Night Mode”

Professional-grade 48MP AI quad camera and 32MP front camera with super night mode helps shoot everyday life

and “Super Night Selfie” features that enhance clarity even in night shots, offering best-in-class photo quality anytime, anywhere.

Larger battery capacity and strong hardware performance to support all-day usage V19 Neo is also designed for users to complete all their everyday tasks with their mobile, be it work, social,

or entertainment. It is supported by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 675 AIE processor with 8GB RAM + 128GB ROM, delivering performance for all applications and ensuring systems can be operated smoothly at all times.

Its 4500mAh battery with dual-engine fast charging technology brings higher durability and faster charging so the smartphone can provide a long-lasting and safe mobile experience.

For gamers who want a smooth mobile gaming experience, the V19 Neo comes with an Ultra Game Mode that brings out the best and uninterrupted gaming experience by temporarily blocking messages and notifications so users can fully immerse themselves into their fantasy world. The Multi-Turbo acceleration technology actively tunes the operating system to ensure gamers can enjoy a more exhilarating game performance. V19 Neo also comes with a “Voice Changer” feature, which can inject more fun into game time by providing a variety of voices to match game characters.

The smartphone comes in two trendsetting color options—Admiral Blue & Crystal White. vivo is a leading global technology company that is product-driven with core businesses including smart terminals and intelligent services. vivo is committed to connecting users to the digital world by designing exciting and trendsetting smart mobile products and services which integrate technology and fashion in unique and creative ways. Adhering to its core values, which include "Benfen”, “innovation” and “consumer orientation”, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy to achieve its vision of becoming a leading, long-lasting, world-class enterprise. vivo’s headquarters is located in Dongguan, China, with 9 R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo and San Diego. These centers focus on the development of cutting-edge consumer technologies including 5G, artificial intelligence, photography, design and other emerging fields. vivo has also set up five production hubs across China, South Asia and Southeast Asia, which manufacture over 200 million smartphones every year.

As of 2019, vivo has developed its sales network across more than 30 countries and regions, attracting more than 300 million active users worldwide.

LG OLED TVs are ‘Eye Comfort Display Certified’ AS PEOPLE are forced to stay home for longer periods of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been glued to their devices and screens more and more. While bingeing your favorite shows and movies on Netflix seems like a winning proposition for most, one has to take into account the increased risk of eye strain. With the movement of social distancing together with stay at home orders, the use of digital devices and screen time has significantly increased. This proves to be quite a predicament as while we’re safe from the COVID-19 virus outside, the risk for eye strain or other ocular complications has risen.

The reason for this is too much exposure to blue light, which can damage light-sensitive cells in the retina. Prolonged exposure, especially at night, can contribute to eye health issues and potential sleep disorders. One of the best ways to avoid ocular issues during this time is to designate breaks in screen time during the day and at least two hours before sleeping at night. Another

Binge watch with less blue light and easier viewing. LG OLED TVs surpass standards for blue light, flicker, and high-quality imaging.

option to mitigate risk is to use technological innovations that are engineered to lessen the risk of eye fatigue, such as LG’s OLED TVs, which is Eye Comfort Display Certified.

LG’s industry leading OLED TV tech-

Sony pulls back curtain on PlayStation 5 console SAN FRANCISCO—Sony on Thursday encased it like a partially open clamshell.

Two versions of the PS5 were shown, gave the world the first look at its upcoming PlayStation 5, along with a glimpse at one with a slot for game or video disks and action-packed games being tailored for the another without for players who prefer to download titles via the internet. next-generation consoles.

Ryan touted PS5 as Sony's most "strikThe Japanese consumer electronics giant did not reveal pricing or a launch date for the ing" console design to date.

The PlayStation presentation, though, PS5, which will take on a new Xbox Series X from Microsoft when the rival consoles hit showcased games, which are main drivers of console sales. the market later this year.

Sony said the latest edition of the contro"With PlayStation 5, we are making a versial blockbuster video significant leap to deliver a truly new gengame Grand Theft Auto, eration of transformative play experiences in which players engaged that will redefine expectations for what in rampant criminal activgames can be," said Sony Interactive Enity, is being tuned for PS5 tertainment chief Jim Ryan. with expanded content and Ryan said the powerful hardware will improved performance. offer "richer and more beautiful" content Games shown during that will "captivate your senses in ways the PS5 event included you didn't think possible."

Marvel's Spider-Man A streamed, hour-long preMiles Morales and firstsentation showing off titles person shooter Deathloop being readied for PS5 in which rival assassins are ended with a first glimpse locked in a time loop on an at the console—a dark Sony PlayStation5 AFP island rife with enemies. tower with white sides that

nology received in 2019 an Eye Comfort Display certification from TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in independent inspection services, for its large-sized OLED TV panels. The certification has three key qualifications for eye-comfort

standards, including such “common concerns” as: blue light content, flicker, and high-quality imaging. Most LED LCD TVs in the market today emit as much as 64% blue light which is very dangerous. The inspection service found that light produced by LG Display’s 65inch OLED panels consists of 34% blue light, which is significantly lower than the 50% threshold. While the highest spec 65-inch LCD panels produce 64% blue light, LG’s OLED panels emit only half that amount. These findings are important because anything above 50% is very dangerous to eyes, especially with prolonged exposure.

Aside from the Eye Comfort Display certification, LG’s OLED TVs also deliver perfect black and true-to-life color, the ingredients for outstanding picture quality. Its state of the art OLED technology gives the ability to offer 1 billion vivid colors. These Perfect Blacks, combined with Perfect Color and Eye Comfort, provides a viewing experience like no other.

Huawei wins 8 awards at Interop Tokyo 2020 TOKYO—The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to diverse industries and sectors, but it cannot prevent the rapid development of the ICT industry.

Illustrating this, the Organizing Committee of Interop Tokyo 2020, the largest ICT exhibition in Japan, has announced the winners of the ‘Best of Show Awards’, with Huawei's innovative products and solutions winning eight awards, including five grand prizes.

Huawei received the following awards at Interop Tokyo 2020: Grand Prize in Network Infrastructure: OptiXtrans OSN 9800 M12, the industry's first super C-band transmission product.

Grand Prize in Cloud Infrastructure: CloudEngine 16800 data center switch, the industry's highest-density 400 GE line card for data centers in the AI era.

Grand Prize in Server and Storage: Huawei's next-generation all-flash storage OceanStor Dorado 8000/18000 V6, oriented to core production and transaction scenarios, and continuously setting performance, reliability, and intelligence benchmarks.

Grand Prize in IoT: Huawei edge computing gateway AR502H. Grand Prize in Facility: The eMIMO edge computing facility solution.

In the AI category, the industryleading Atlas 900 AI cluster is the only award-winning product.

Special Prize in Enterprise IT: Huawei 5G AR NetEngine AR6000.

Special Prize in Network Infrastructure: Huawei OptiXtrans DC908, an intelligent Data Center Interconnect (DCI) product with a single-fiber capacity of 88 Tbit/s and AI-enabled O&M. The awards that Huawei received at Interop Tokyo in 2020, and in the years preceding it, show the industry’s recognition of Huawei's emphasis on innovation and quality, and is a reflection of its long-term strategic investment in R&D. Such recognition, both from peers and customers alike, remains the driving force behind Huawei's ongoing efforts. Huawei is committed to investing in R&D for the longer term, in order to provide customers with more competitive, innovative, unique ICT products and solutions through core technological innovation.

Affected by the pandemic, Interop Tokyo 2020 canceled on-site demonstrations, with online demonstrations and ICT award selection activities being held from April 13 to June 30 instead.

The conference showcased the most advanced technological innovation and practices in the industry, and gathered together leading solutions in multiple fields, including AI, IoT, edge computing, and the industrial Internet. As a result, Interop Tokyo has helped to inject new vitality and confidence into the industry and the wider world.

Achieving clearer connections, enhanced productivity TODAY, smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets play a crucial role in keeping families together and helping them to continue work while staying indoors. With this, Samsung shares how the Galaxy devices can make homes better through stronger connections and enhanced productivity.

Ways to Strengthen Connections With restrictions on face-to-face interactions, people need to develop a stronger sense of connection to ease the effects of isolation. Allot an hour of phone or video calls with family to check on them, ask about their needs or share updates on personal life.

For friends, it is great to set a weekly virtual catch up through video conferencing. Ask what hobbies they have developed or share recipes they can explore in the kitchen. If possible, host quiz nights or streaming parties after work.

Ensure uninterrupted interactions with loved ones through the Galaxy S20 Series and A Series. These devices are equipped with all-day batteries and infinity displays so users can connect with loved ones longer and clearer. Those who need a bigger screen for activities with friends can use the Galaxy Tabs. Pair these with the Galaxy Buds+ for a clear and crisp sound when doing voice calls.

Ways to Enhance Productivity Having a workstation at home can help create some sense of normalcy and boost creativity when working. To make a productivity corner more pleasant, make sure that the chosen spot has abundant natural lighting.

Another way is to equip the workspace with powerful tools that will help tick all the tasks on the list. Galaxy devices such as the S20 Series, A71, Note10 Lite, and Tabs are powered

with Microsoft Office so users can utilize Word, Excel, and Powerpoint when needed. The Galaxy Note10 Lite has an intuitive S Pen to help users jot down notes easily during meetings and conference calls.

Seamlessly manage the daily schedule at home with Bixby. This virtual assistant can set and snooze the alarm, track workout, toggle between camera modes, or set a meeting or a call. To enable this feature, simply press and hold the key found on the side of the Galaxy device or go to 'Advanced features' on ‘Settings’.

Lastly, stay informed and updated about the news and trends with the help of Galaxy Tab S5e. The device is perfect when browsing articles online as it is equipped with a bigger screen.

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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LIMITLESS: A new world of possibilities SHOPPING in the new normal just got more rewarding.

Nowadays, when every purchase is crucial not only for its value, but also for the level of safety the shopping experience offers, every peso being spent counts.

But how does one make the most bang for their buck? In comes LIMITLESS, a lifestyle rewards program that is equipped with its own mobile application. It offers an array of features to let members enjoy exclusive perks that add more benefits to every transaction with participating merchants.

With LIMITLESS, members can earn points, claim rewards, and have access to exclusive promos and privileges. By downloading the free mobile app from the App Store or from Google Play, users can register to become members of LIMITLESS and instantly be rewarded with 100 points. Members can earn more points through transactions with accredited merchants, such as Phoenix Petroleum and FamilyMart Philippines. For further convenience, members only need to show their QR code on the app upon transaction in order to earn points.

Every P200 worth of purchase earns 1 point, while every point earned is equal to P1, which can be used towards purchases and vouchers. The points can also be donated to a cause, including one that raises funds to acquire ventilators, which will be turned over to a partner medical facility.

The perks don’t stop there. Aside from earning, redeeming, and monitoring points, the LIMITLESS app also offers other fun and useful features, including a game that allows members to earn even more points.

Making it more convenient, the app also features a store finder for accredited merchants, and a directory of different establishments that offer delivery. These include Phoenix SUPER LPG, FamilyMart, Wendy’s, Conti’s, Shakey’s, and Lalamove.

Meanwhile, the ‘Communities’ function allows members to easily join group chats based on their preferred location for buyand-sell purposes. True to its name, more features will eventually be added to the app to offer unlimited possibilities.

5G robot welcomes visitors to a shopping mall in Bangkok, as sectors of the economy reopen following restrictions to halt the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. AFP

Globe debunks 5G myths with studies A

S THE world uses technology to face the new normal, there are also great efforts to malign technology and sow fear in the people’s mind. These emerging technologies will always be the favorite subject of malicious and unfounded claims. In recent weeks, 5G have been the subject of such claims in different parts of the world including the United States and in Europe.

5G is the latest wireless internet connectivity that promises faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and more stable internet connections compared to 4G. Is 5G bad for someone’s health?

Does it have serious health implications to people?

Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), there are no proven detrimental health effects caused by exposure to 5G or to any wireless technology up to this day.

In a recent article published by the UK's The Guardian, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the international body in charge of set-

ting limits to exposure to radiation, asserts that 5G is safe.

The ICNIRP is a German-based scientific body that studies the health risks of radio broadcasts. It called for new guidelines for millimeterwave 5G, the most high-frequency version of the telecommunications standard. Based on the norms set by ICNIRP, the standards being implemented in the United States and soon in Europe were improved further for added safety.

The ICNIRP also explained that 5G wireless standard uses beam-foaming technology which allows radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF

PLDT, Smart partner with Grab TWO of the country’s industry leaders— PLDT Inc., the country’s leading telco and digital services provider, and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading everyday superapp—have announced a groundbreaking partnership to quickly deliver internet solutions straight to Filipino homes.

This is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to further pivot toward more online-driven services, bolstering its already significant digital presence in anticipation of the ‘next new normal’. By selecting Grab as their strategic partner, PLDT shares in their vision of empowering the whole of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, through the power of technology.

Under this partnership, PLDT and Grab will provide various online channels through which customers can conveniently order PLDT Home and Smart’s products and have them delivered straight to their homes within 24 hours.

Starting Monday, June 8, 2020, PLDT Home customers in the Greater Metro Manila area can order PLDT Home Wifi Prepaid units through the PLDT Home website and get their units delivered via the Grab Express delivery service. Purchases can be either paid through debit or credit card for cashless delivery or cash-on-delivery.

Another ingenious offering by both PLDT Inc. and Grab are the PLDT Home

and Smart Stores on GrabMart, an ondemand grocery delivery solution, where customers can likewise order the PLDT Home Wifi Prepaid kit and have it immediately brought to their homes.

To further enhance the partnership, Smart will also allow instant loading of prepaid accounts through the Grab app using the GrabPay wallet. Smart prepaid customers can easily buy load or mobile data packages for as low as P50 using their own number or buy for family and friends.

PLDT-Smart SVP and Consumer Business Customer Development Head Alex O. Caeg added, “We’ve started with PLDT products. Soon, more of Smart’s products and services will be made more accessible through GrabMart. This is aligned with Smart’s commitment to bring simple solutions and amazing experiences to enrich the digital lives of Filipinos.”

While Grab Philippines president Brian Cu was quoted as saying, “We are thrilled to partner with PLDT Inc. in making internet more available to more homes using our superapp services. It has always been Grab’s aim to empower Filipinos to do more everyday by leveraging the use of digital technologies that improve their lives and make them future-ready. Our partnership with PLDT jumpstarts the many initiatives we have to deliver positive and a sustainable impact for the benefit of all Filipinos"

EMF) “to be focused to the region where it is needed,” meaning it won’t be spread all throughout a large area.

This will allow, for example, the same RF EMF frequencies to be sent to different users concurrently without interfering with one another, which increases communication rates because the frequency band does not need to be shared between users.

“We know parts of the community are concerned about the safety of 5G and we hope the updated guidelines will put people at ease,” said Dr. Eric van Rongen, chair of the ICNIRP. Both the WHO and the ICNIRP also noted that 5G isn’t a health risk as long as overall exposure adheres below international guidelines.

“Currently, exposure from 5G infrastructures at around 3.5 GHz is similar to that from existing mobile phone base stations. With the use of multiple beams from 5G antennas, exposure could be more variable as a function of location of the users and their usage,” the WHO explained.

Local experts have also shared their opinions on the matter. Dr. Gladys R. Cabrera, Health Physicist IV of DOH, said that since 2001, the Health Department has maintained that no study so far has proven that cell sites cause cancer. “Cell sites do not cause adverse side effects. It is harmless,” she explained.

This position was also supported by a respected oncologist, Dr. Johanna Cañal, VP of the Philippine Radiology Oncology Society, when she maintained that proximity to cell sites does not cause any known health risks, contrary to what many homeowners associations believe.

“Texting while driving or walking will cause more harm than radiation from cell phone use or cell tower. So far, the science says, there is no evidence to say that cell phone use or a nearby cell tower causes cancer,” she added.

5G is safe for the public and more importantly, there is no evidence to support the connection between the pandemic and 5G.

88 government agencies in Zambo now connected to GovNet

Al S. Panlilio

“Together with Grab, a leader in the digital, app-based transport, food, and logistics space, we are making it quick, convenient, and safe for our customers to enjoy our products and services through on-demand orders coupled with rapid delivery,” says Smart President and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer, Al S. Panlilio. “This is part of our overall shift and broader strategy of moving toward online-driven solutions as we ready ourselves for the next stage of the new normal. This partnership extends our reach not only online, but also kicks-off our other strategic initiatives in the space of remote working, e-learning and e-health,” he concluded.

ZAMBOANGA City will soon experience faster and more efficient public services with the launch of the Philippine Government Network (GovNet) last June 11, 2020.

This project covers 88 nodes and clients in Zamboanga City comprising of 56 national government agencies, 12 local government unit offices, 6 government-owned or controlled corporations, 3 state universities and colleges, 2 public schools, 4 COVID-19 facilities, among others.

“With GovNet, the delivery of services is expected to become faster and more efficient as government agencies become interconnected, their functions integrated, and their operations interoperable,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said. “These efforts are in keeping with the marching orders of our President Rodrigo Duterte to connect the government to other governments, domestic and global, government to businesses, and government to citizens, and everybody to each other, in a faster, cheaper (if not free), and in a more secure manner,” he added.

GovNet uses fiber optic technology

to provide government offices with high speed broadband connection by connecting government agencies to a data center that is operational and secured 24/7. It is equipped with the necessary network machines, cooling, power, fire protection, and monitoring systems. The use of fiber optics also allows transfer of large amounts of data or information, owing to more responsive and transparent government online services.

The GovNet project aims to provide the necessary infrastructure and ICT equipment needed to support the DICT’s agenda of a recalibrated digital government for the “new normal”. This project implements the objectives laid out in the eGovernment Master Plan 2.0 (EGMP 2.0) through the execution of basic infrastructure and shared services.

The success of this project is attributed to the efforts of Director Maria Teresa Camba as well as the DICT personnel from the Field Operations Office in Mindanao Cluster 1, who tirelessly spearheaded the accomplishment of this project in spite of the limitations and challenges posed by the COVID-19 situation.

Smart’s green programs lauded in latest GSMA report THE GSM Association (GSMA), the global industry organization of mobile network operators, has cited wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) for initiating environmental protection programs that utilize innovative technologies.

In its report “Digital Dividends in Natural Resource Management” released on World Environment Day, the GSMA commended Smart in two out of its three featured environmental programs.

The study highlighted Smart's innovations that protect rainforests and restore coastal communities, which are currently under the PLDT Group’s Gabay Kalikasan effective environmental stewardship sustainability pillar.

Conducted under the GSMA CleanTech programme, the study explored the “Digital Dividends” of applying various types of technology to natural resource management (NRM). The

report emphasized how digital solutions can significantly improve the efficiency, responsiveness and efficacy of NRM activities. “Innovative approaches to environmental concerns are believed to contribute to at least 10 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as natural resources, livelihoods and poverty are interlinked,” PLDT-Smart Chief Sustainability Officer and concurrent PLDT SVP and Group Controller and Smart Chief Financial Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla explains.

Guarding the rainforest Launched in the first quarter of 2020, the Rainforest Connection Program is a collaborative effort between Smart, the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Huawei Technologies Philippines (Huawei). It has been successfully deployed in five DENR-designated areas in Palawan, which

is recognized as the “last ecological frontier” of the country.

The program uses an Internet of Things (IoT) solution that taps mobile technology to record sounds in the rainforest sounds in order to detect illegal logging and poaching activities in the country’s rainforests.

Developed by a US-based NGO of the same name, Rainforest Connection makes use of old cell phones, all powered by solar panels and wireless technology, to monitor and record ambient sounds of DENR-identified priority forest areas.

The bio-acoustics are then uploaded to a cloud service using Smart’s mobile network connectivity. Findings based on the collected data are accessible via a mobile app and may be used by key community stakeholders to interpret patterns of forest activity and to guide their course of action.

As the first Philippine telco partner, Smart provided wireless connectivity to all the designated pilot sites in Palawan, namely: Cadlao Island, Maranlao and Pasadena in El Nido; and New Guinlo and Pancol in Taytay.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Motoring

VIRTUAL SHOWROOM

•Toyota makes car-buying a safer experience

F

ROM entry to the dealership to making an inquiry, car buyers can feel an actual showroom experience through an easily accessible digital platform.

The digital experience enables users to select their preferred vehicle and get a 360 view of the available model’s exterior and interior.

That's what Toyota has in mind when it set in motion its virtual showroom that anyone can check out anytime and anywhere.

For more details on the available models and variants, brochures and product videos are also available for viewing.

Once the customer has chosen a vehicle, payment estimates can be calculated in the site and personal details may be submitted to connect the customer to their dealership of choice. Dealer representatives will then contact the customer to address further inquiries, offer official quotation and facilitate car purchase.

“With the current situation where safety takes a priority, we designed

Live life differently: Isuzu D-Max sets digital launch FOR Isuzu Philippines Corporation, the nearly three months that Filipino motorists and families spent with each other in the relative safety of their homes during the various stages of the community quarantines have imparted valuable life lessons and inspiration to live a life unlike they had before.

IPC President Hajime Koso conveys a message of hope for the Filipino people, IPC employees, and Isuzu customers: “We will emerge even stronger from every challenge. You can count on IPC to support you in your efforts to rebuild and recover. We support the Filipino people and its leaders as we get back on track to global greatness.”

In this light, IPC’s new campaign “Live Life Differently”, conceptualized just before this public health crisis began, now takes on a more meaningful light.

The “Live Life Differently” campaign encourages IPC’s clients and would-be customers to discover

the endless possibilities of driving an Isuzu vehicle. To “Live Life Differently” would mean to simply go beyond the comfort of our homes, to explore the outdoors, and open ourselves up to more adventures, all the while driving an Isuzu vehicle.

The campaign is now the rallying cry for the new Isuzu D-MAX Boondock 4x4, which will be digitally launched via Facebook at 5 p.m. on June 17, 2020. This will be IPC’s first online vehicle launch, and it is but fitting that the campaign will be carried by Isuzu’s ultimate off-roader, that is now made available in 4x4 variant both for manual and automatic transmissions.

Koso stresses, “We move on from every challenge, and with every obstacle we hurdle, we must live life differently to be able to be tougher, more resilient, more enduring, and more dependable.

The new D-MAX Boondock 4x4 is our response to the toughest challenge we have faced yet.”

Top executives of Isuzu Philippines unveiled the Isuzu D-MAX last year pre virus pandemic.

FORD Philippines is making vehicle ownership easier and more affordable this June with special deals and promotions for its pick-ups, SUVs, and Ford Transit van.

New offerings available this month include a buy now, pay later payment scheme, low monthly plans, and a financing plan with 0% interest up to 3 years.

“With our special offers this month, we are making our Ford vehicles accessible to more Filipinos especially during these challenging times. With our easy-to-own plans, low monthly fees, freebies, and cash discounts, customers can choose which option best matches their purchase preferences. Now, it’s easier and more convenient to own a Ford vehicle,” says Ryan Lorenzo, marketing director, Ford Philippines.

Ford Ranger now available for as low as P9,999 monthly Still available at a starting retail price of PHP943,000, the Ford Ranger 2.2L XLS can now be purchased through options of a PHP9,999 low monthly amortization, an all-in low downpayment of PHP88,000, or 0% interest up to 24 months.

Customers purchasing a Ranger 2.0L BiTurbo Wildtrak 4x4 can still get a cash discount

our virtual showroom to simulate the actual customer’s buying journey without leaving the comfort of their homes. They can rotate the exterior view as if walking around the actual vehicle, or manipulate the interior view to see detailed specifications. They can even have a sample a computation and prepare the required vehicle purchase documents ahead of time. This way, they are better equipped when they finally visit the dealer,” explained Cristina Arevalo, First Vice President for Brand & Product Planning Cluster.

“Even interested customers who reside outside the country can take advantage of the virtual showroom,” Arevalo said.

The Toyota Virtual Showroom will be continuously updated to add more 360-degree vehicle displays and interactive features designed to enhance customer experience.

E-RACING EVENT

GR Supra GT Cup launched E-SPORTS in the Philippines have grown in popularity over the years.

The addition of e-sports programs in various international competitions, producing Filipino medalists, have further legitimized the sport.

With this in consideration, Toyota Motor Philippines has launched its latest online e-Sports program: GR Supra GT Cup Asia—Philippines.

This move was brought about by the latest situation where safety is of highest concern to everyone and mass gatherings like physical races are foreseen to be limited in the coming months owing to the presistent threat of the coronavirus disease.

“Safety of our customers, employees, and fans are always at the top of our priority,” said. TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto. “But we also recognize the value of wakudoki spirit in everyone! This is a great way to sustain the excitement of motorsports program in the Philippines in a safe environment.”

The GR Supra GT Cup Asia— Philippines, an e-racing event under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsports program, will be fully held online and will be open to the public, ages 18 and above. “Finally, Toyota fans can participate in our sports program at the comfort and safety of their own homes. We also expect this activity

to reach a wider and younger audience, based on the profile of gamers.”

The online e-race, using Toyota’s legendary sports car icon, the GR Supra, is expected to start in July 2020.

Winners of the e-race will get a chance to participate in the regional finals, the GR Supra GT Cup—Asia.

The GR Supra GT Cup Asia— Philippines is Toyota’s fun and safe alternative to holding the country’s number one motorsports program, The Vios Racing Festival. Usually

Buy now, pay later • Ford offers easy, more affordable options

held in 3 legs from the second to the fourth quarter, the current situation makes it very challenging for Toyota, the racings teams, the drivers, and public spectators to do this physical event.

“We look forward to a better 2021 Vios Racing Festival Season where we can go back to the tracks again and feel the heat and excitement. But for now, we invite everyone to join the GR Supra GT Cup Asia E-Sports Program,” Okamoto said.

of PHP100,000. Those who prefer to avail of this variant on a financing promo can also take advantage of the 0% interest offer for up to 18 months.

All Ranger 2.2L FX4 and XLT variants are available with a cash discount of PHP90,000 or via a financing promo of 0% interest for up to 18 months.

Ford EcoSport now offered with a free 4-month amortization, Ford Explorer and Expedition available at 0% interest up to 3 years Customers can also take advantage of Ford’s great deals across its SUV lineup. As a new offer, those who will buy any EcoSport variant on a financing promo can avail of a free 4-month amortization.

Meanwhile, those who prefer to pay in cash can get a PHP100,000 cash discount for all EcoSport variants. Alternatively, customers getting the EcoSport 1.5L Trend MT have the option to avail of the PHP68,000 all-in low downpayment.

On the other hand, the Expedition 4x4 Limited MAX with Bucket Seats, Expedition 4x4 Limited MAX, and Explorer 3.5L Sport V6 EcoBoost AT are now offered on a financing promo of 0% interest up to 36 months at 20% downpayment.