Manila Standard - 2020 July 9 - Thursday

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Duterte bucks full reopening ‘We are poor and cannot gamble. We must do it slowly or be in big trouble.’

By Vito Barcelo, Julito G. Rada and Macon Ramos-Araneta

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would not gamble on fully reopening the country’s economy and will not follow other the lead of other countries that were doing so and now grappling to contain a resurgence of COVID-19 infections.

“We have to be very circumspect in reopening of the economy. Slowly, slowly” the President said in a meeting with his Cabinet members and the Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) t the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City, on Tuesday night.

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 135 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30: Fear not anti-terror law unless you’re a communist rebel or terrorist

PH tally soars over 50,000

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

The Philippines’ coronavirus case tally crashed the 50,000 barrier on Wednesday as the Department of Health reported 2,539 new confirmed cases, including 1,922 “fresh” ones.

The total now stands at 50,359 – from just under 48,000 on Tuesday – as the DOH also reported 202 new recoveries and five new deaths. Total deaths stood at 1,314, while recoveries numbered 12,588.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said that communist rebels or terrorists are the least of his concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he assured the public that they have nothing to fear from the new Anti-Terror Act of 2020, which critics say is open to abuse.

“This left or the communists, they think that we are always thinking of them. I don’t—I Next page

Duterte said he doesn’t want the Philippines to follow the example of the United States, Brazil, Japan or Korea, which are now experiencing spikes in COVID-19 cases after opening up their economies.

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM JULY 8)

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50,359 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

1,314

2,539 NEW

1,922 FRESH

5

DEATHS

NEW

12,588

202

RECOVERIES

NEW

CIRCUMSPECT. President Rodrigo

Duterte talks to members of the InterAgency Task Force on the coronavirus pandemic during a televised speech aired early Wednesday at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City. The President said the country must be ‘circumspect’ in reopening the country amid the COVID-19 crisis. Presidential Photo

WORLD ROUNDUP

• US exits WHO; critics outraged • WHO sees proof virus is airborne WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump on Tuesday formally started the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), making good on threats to deprive the United Nations body of its top funding source over its response to the coronavirus.

Public health advocates and Trump’s political opponents voiced outrage at the departure from the Geneva-based body, which leads the global fight on maladies from polio to measles to mental health—as well as COVID-19, at a time when cases have again been rising in the United States and around the world.

After threatening to suspend the $400 million in annual US contributions and then announcing a withdrawal, the Trump administration has Next page

Rody tears Ressa as ‘fraud,’ hails Cabinet for fast response to LSIs PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has described Rappler chief Maria Ressa as a “fraud” and predicted that, “someday, she would have a taste of her own medicine.”

He made the remarks in a meeting with his Cabinet and the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious diseases in Panacan, Davao

THE joint panel in the House of Representatives deliberating on the ABSCBN franchise bill is expected to decide today (Thursday) on giving or denying a fresh 25-year franchise for the media giant.

Meanwhile, Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez said there was no decision yet by congressmen on the application of ABS-CBN Corp. for a new broadcast franchise, contrary to a local broadsheet’s report.

Passenger safety President Rodrigo Duterte said the government was “very careful” in ensuring the health and safety of passengers of the Metro Rail Transit-Line 3 or MRT-3.

He made the statement after MRT-3 operations were suspended for five days starting Tuesday following the increas-

ing number of personnel, including ticket sellers, who had tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019.

“We are very careful that even those manning those equipment will not jeopardize or put you in jeopardy while riding the trains,” Duterte said in a taped Next page

HOMEWARD. A family arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City to catch their flight leaving the country on Wednesday, while others dutifully queue up and have their temperature checked by security guards. The airport resumed operations after the government task force on the coronavirus crisis lifted restrictions on non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos. PNA

House votes on ABS-CBN today

By Maricel V. Cruz

City, on Tuesday night He dared Ressa to expose anything about corruption in his administration, and if she found any evidence he was corrupt, he would resign.

“Go ahead and expose anything about corruption in this government,” Duterte said.

250k private students shift to public schools

A list published by the English language broadsheet on Wednesday showed the votes of the 46 regular members of the Committee on Legislative Franchises, which Alvarez chairs, as well as the votes of the 48 House leaders who have voted in all committees of the House.

The House website says Alvarez’s committee is set to reconvene with the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Thursday to listen to the summations of Reps. Ru-

NEARLY 251,000 learners have transferred to public elementary and high schools from private schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs) offering basic education, the Department of Education said Wednesday.

DepEd data showed 250,539 learners from elementary to senior high school, including non-graded students, had enrolled in public schools – where tuition is free – as of Tuesday.

The transferees are 148,852 elementary students; 69,851 junior high school students; 26,138 senior high

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Rody: Follow travel conditions P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has advised Filipinos to strictly follow the conditions imposed for non-essential travel abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte made the remarks in a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 early Wednesday after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on Monday lifted the suspension of non-essential outbound travel by Filipinos.

“The suspension of non-essential travel by Filipinos is now lifted. All exit travel restrictions are also lifted. But the conditions for outbound travel should be remembered by Filipinos who want to go out of the country,” Duterte said.

Wednesday ordered all commanders, especially in Eastern Visayas, to further strengthen border control amid reports of locally stranded individuals sneaking into various areas where a travel ban is in effect. · A House leader on Wednesday renewed his appeal for the inter-agency task force on the COVID-19 Response and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to allow more repatriation flights for the Filipino workers stranded abroad.

Rep. Mike Defensor reminded the CAAP, the Department of Foreign AfIn related developments: fairs and the Department of Labor and · The Philippine National Police on Employment that they should work to-

gether to bring in more Filipino workers who have been stuck in their host countries since the coronavirus outbreak more than three months ago. · The Philippines has issued a temporary moratorium on the participation of Filipinos in the United States Exchange Visitor Program amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Philippine Exchange Visitor Program Committee, in an advisory, cited the “urgent nature and life-threatening implications” associated with the health crisis that continues to affect citizens and economies worldwide.

Under IATF Resolution 52 approved on Monday, Filipinos traveling on tourist visas must submit confirmed roundtrip tickets before they can be allowed to embark on non-essential outbound travel.

Filipino travelers should also submit travel and health insurance to cover rebooking

and accommodation expenses if stranded, and hospitalization in case of infection.

They should also show proof of allowed entry by the destination country in accordance with their travel, health and quarantine restrictions.

A declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling, including the risk of delay in their return trip, should also be executed.

Upon the travelers’ return, the guidelines set by the National Task Force against COVID-19 for returning Filipinos, such as testing and mandatory quarantine, should be observed.

Duterte said the conditions must be followed to ensure the safety of Filipino travelers.

“This is not only a mandate here in the Philippines. This is so because COVID is still rampaging,” Duterte said.

Du30:...

From A1

Fil-Am family suffers slurs from white CEO

know that we are also thinking of other matters, as a matter of fact they are the least that we are spending our time [on],” the President said.

The President said “law-abiding citizens” should not fear the anti-terror law, as he reiterated that communist rebels are terrorists under the controversial measure.

“They would like to be treated with another set of laws. When as a matter of fact, they are terrorists,” Duterte said.

He said he had spent most of his days trying to figure out how to connect with the communists to arrive at a peaceful solution to the decades long insurgency.

Duterte reached out to the communist rebels upon assuming as President but walked away from the peace negotiations in November 2017 as both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations.

Duterte and his security officials have since labeled the communist group as terrorists.

The President also stressed that the new law is a “much-needed legal weapon” against terrorism.

Critics and oppositions immediately filed a petition with Supreme Court challenging the new law’s constitutionality.

Among its contentious features is a provision allowing suspected terrorists to be arrested without a warrant and detained without charges for up to 24 days.

There are now six petitions lodged before the Supreme Court seeking to declare Republic Act 11479 otherwise known as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” unconstitutional, after two petitions were filed on Wednesday by a former government corporate counsel and two members of the 1986 commission that framed the 1987 Constitution.

The fifth petition seeking to nullify RA 11479 was filed by former Office of the Government Corporate Counsel chief Rudolph Philip Jurado and the sixth petition was filed by the group of former Commission on Elections chairman Christian Monsod and Felicitas Arroyo, who were both members of defunct 1986 Constitutional Commission that framed the present constitution.

Monsod and Arroyo were joined by several faculty members of the Ateneo Law School and Ateneo Human Rights Center, and faculty members of the Xavier University College of Law and several others.

A FILIPINO-American family celebrating a birthday at a Southern California restaurant became the victim of a racist tirade by a white technology executive, who later apologized for his actions on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Raymond Orosa, a native of Makati City, told the Asian Journal that his family was celebrating his wife Mari’s birthday on July 4 — Independence Day in the United States — with his sisterin-law and her two children at the Lucia restaurant of the Bernardus Lodge and Spa in Carmel Valley, California.

That was when Michael Lofthouse, who owns a tech company called Solid8 in San Francisco, started berating them, apparently over their singing of “Happy

Birthday,” Orosa said.

“We were having fun, playing games and when we were having dessert, suddenly, we hear somebody behind us yelling, ‘You f***ing Asians,” Orosa, who has been in the US for 26 years, told the Asian Journal.

Orosa’s niece Jordan Chan pulled out her cellphone and told Lofthouse to repeat what he had said. In the video Chan posted on her Instagram, Lofthouse is seen sticking up his middle finger to the family, and then says, “Trump’s gonna f*** you.”

Later in the video, Lofthouse gets ready to leave and tells them, “You f****** need to leave. You f***ing Asian piece of s***.”

After the video went viral on Tues-

day, multiple journalists identified Lofthouse of Solid8, a cloud computing firm based in San Francisco. By the day’s end, Lofthouse had deleted all his social media accounts and issued an apology to a local TV station.

“My behavior in the video is appalling,” he told San Francisco’s KGO-TV in a statement. “This was clearly a moment where I lost control and made incredibly hurtful and divisive comments.”

However, the incident was “the latest vivid illustration of a rising tide of racist abuse against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, a trend many critics tie to Republican leaders blaming China for the disease,” the Washington Post reported.

Duterte...

From A1 “If you open the entire Philippines and thousands upon thousands of new cases would happen, then we are in deep s***. That’s difficult. First, we don’t have enough money,” he said.

“We are poor and we cannot gamble.

I cannot follow the example of other countries,” he said.

He defended the gradual easing of restrictions, from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to a general community quarantine (GCQ), saying the number of people allowed to leave their homes is still within the “manageable” level.

“We are still grappling with the first wave,” the President said, citing the latest number of infections in the country at 34,178 of active cases. “Have we arrived at the second wave? I don’t think so.”

Palace spokesperson Harry Roque has said the Philippines had to partially reopen the economy or people would have died from a lack of livelihood.

The Palace official said the country’s health care system has enough critical care resources and that the majority of the cases were mild or asymptomatic.

“The report is the COVID-19 cases are raising. We expected this because there is no vaccine yet. But we are prepared and we have enough beds to accommodate those who will be infected,” Roque said.

As of Tuesday, the Philippines had 47,873 COVID-19 cases, with 12,386 recoveries and 1,309 deaths FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said there is a need to strike a “reasonable balance between safeguarding public health and restart-

ing the economy.”

The head of the government’s economic team said that while the people’s health and safety remained the government’s top priority, Filipinos cannot keep retreating from the virus at the cost of their livelihoods, especially in Metro Manila and the Cavite-Laguna Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (Calabarzon) region that collectively account for 67 percent of the domestic economy.

“It is vital that these regions reopen.

The reality is that this virus will not go away until a vaccine is found. In the meantime, we must get back to work while staying safe,” Dominguez said during the pre-State of the Nation Address forum of the Cabinet’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters held Wednesday.

Dominguez said the government would never take the threat posed by COVID-19 lightly, as it must continue protecting lives in ways that do not prevent people from earning a living.

“This is a tough decision to make but we need to do this. Revving up the economy essentially means raising consumer and investor confidence, which requires some functional level of interaction among groups and individuals,” he said.

“We are asking all Filipinos to cultivate in themselves a renewed sense of confidence through continued vigilance–not out of fear, but with the knowledge that most factors of viral transmission are under our personal control,” he said.

Dominguez said the government remained fully committed to implementing the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program with more projects focused in the areas of health, educa-

tion, housing, and water and sanitation.

The national government is working round-the-clock to minimize the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and to ensure sustainable recovery of the economy, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Ahead of President Duterte’s fifth state of the nation address (SONA) on July 27, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea made this assurance during the first of three pre-SONA forums aired over state-run PTV-4.

“We have been relentless in mobilizing every resource and seeking every opportunity to attain better days for our nation. We are confident that in spite of the continuation of this health crisis, our economy can resume its growth trajectory and that our economic and infrastructure development will generate jobs for Filipino workers enabling them to provide a more comfortable life for their families,” he said in his speech.

Medialdea acknowledged that the country will continue to face “immense challenges’ until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available. However, he also said the President will not lose focus on his priority to “save lives and protect communities” by taking immediate action.

Among these actions, he said was the President’s imposition of strong quarantine guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

He said the President also rolled out “the largest economic protection program in our history” such as the small business wage subsidy (SBWS) for small business workers and social amelioration program for informal sector families while the government proceeded to enhance and establish health facilities across the country.

House...

From A1

Alan Peter Cayetano—who is considered anti-ABS-CBN—for a conscience vote.

“Speaker Cayetano said he will allow a conscience vote on the ABS-CBN franchise. I hope he will deliver on that.

If it’s a conscience vote, ABS-CBN wins,” said Atienza.

This developed as a report by Fitch Solutions on Wednesday said the “forceful termination” of ABS-CBN Corp. and its subsidiary Sky Cable will

weigh on the country’s ability to lure foreign investors, noting the decision was “highly politicized.”

The gover nment’s actions were “clearly linked to President Rodrigo Duterte’s opposition toward ABS-CBN,” the Fitch Solutions Countr y Risk and Industr y Research report said.

“The regulator’s apparent ability to be influenced by the government continues to be a key impediment to for-

eign investor sentiment, and has also made the telecoms landscape difficult for both new entrants and existing players,” it said.

Sky Cable earlier said the shutdown of its Sky Direct services will affect close to 1.5 million direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers.

In the Senate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the government should not meddle in private business and editorial content.

fus Rodriguez and Rodante Marcoleta, representing the pros and antis in the franchise renewal debate.

The bill’s proponents, led by Rodriguez who authored House Bill 6694, claimed victory for ABS-CBN. Rep. Lito Atienza of Buhay partylist also welcomed the call of Speaker

250k...

From A1 school students, and 5,698 non-graded learners with disabilities Excluding transferees from SUCs, 233,257 are from private schools, Education Undersecretary Jesus Mateo said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the low enrollment in private schools was due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the income of parents.

She told a virtual press briefing: “With the impact on the economy... the private sector is really affected because they charge tuition and some of them

charge additional fees.

“If jobs will be restored, if people will start to work again, then they will have more confidence in enrolling their children in the private schools.”

Briones said some parents chose to have their children home-schooled instead of enrolling them in regular school.

The report on homeschooled children is not yet complete, Briones said.

Another factor, Briones noted, was that private schools and SUCs have different dates for their enrollment period and school opening.

As of Wednesday morning, 17.9 million have enrolled in public schools while more than 894,000 have registered in private schools.

World...

From A1 formally sent notice to UN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres, a State Department spokesperson said.

The withdrawal of the key WHO founding member is effective in one year—July 6, 2021.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus responded to the news with a one-word tweet—“Together!”—as he linked to a discussion by US health experts on how leaving the global body could impede efforts to prevent future pandemics.

In line with conditions set when the WHO was set up in 1948, the United

States can leave within one year but must meet its remaining assessed financial obligations, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Bato says US may restore his cancelled visa

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Ronald Dela Rosa said Wednesday the United States Embassy in Manila had told him his cancelled visa might be restored—even as Senate President Vicente Sotto told a forum later that the visa’s revocation did not sit well with United States President Donald Trump.

He told ANC that he received a call from the US embassy after President Rodrigo Duterte and Trump had talked. But he did not say who called him from the embassy and when the call took place.

“After COVID when their staff go back to work, they will invite me, they will ask me to go there to fix my visa,” Dela Rosa said.

He said he would be going to the US embassy to attend to his US visa once the health situation stabilized.

Dela Rosa’s visa was canceled because of his alleged involvement in the extrajudicial killings when he was chief of police during the early months of the Duterte administration.

When asked if he thought the move to restore his visa prodded the Philippine government not to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, Dela Rosa said he did not know.

“To be frank, my take from that is after they talked, the two Presidents of the US and the Philippines, they had an understanding,” Dela Rosa said.

“Maybe the American President gave instructions to fix [my] visa, so the US Embassy called me.”

Sotto said Duterte had told him and some Executive officials in a meeting a “few weeks ago” what Trump had thought about Dela Rosa’s cancelled visa.

“He talked with President Trump.

There’s a word used by President Trump.

I won’t repeat it but the President [Duterte] related it to us,” Sotto said.

“Those … people from the State Department, he [Trump] said.

They shouldn’t have done that in the first place.

“So it was surprising that they told Senator Dela Rosa they will return or renew his visa because President Trump himself did not agree with what happened.”

Rody...

From A1 public address aired early Wednesday.

Food packs

President Rodrigo Duterte thanked the members of his Cabinet for their “prompt response” in assisting locally stranded individuals and sending them back to their respective hometowns.

“They are really pitiful and it took you just two days to solve the problem,” Duterte said in a televised meeting aired early Wednesday.

He specifically expressed gratitude to Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade for his “fast action” in providing modes of transport for the stranded Filipinos.

Back home

A total of 48,189 returning Filipino workers are back to their respective provinces, Defense Secretary and National Task Force Against COVID-19 chairman Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday.

“The first category are those [workers] who voluntarily returned to the country. We have transported 19,791 by land, 23,899 by air and 4,499 by sea,” Lorenzana said on a televised Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, a total of 75,895 migrant workers who lost their jobs abroad due to the COVID -19 pandemic, and were forced back to the Philippines, were now safely home in their home provinces, Lorenzana said.

in the fight against COVID-19, which has killed more than 538,000 people and infected over 11.6 million since it emerged in China last December.

Tedros said the pandemic was show‘Emerging evidence’ of ing no signs of slowing down, after 400,000 new cases were reported over airborne virus The WHO pointed Tuesday to the weekend. It took 12 weeks for the “emerging evidence” that the corona- world to reach the first 400,000 COVvirus might spread by air further than ID-19 cases. previously thought, and warned the pandemic was still accelerating.

Death tally rises to 539k The WHO said it would put out a new The novel coronavirus has killed at scientific brief within days, after an inter- least 539,620 people since the outbreak national group of scientists concluded the emerged in China last December, acvirus could travel far beyond two meters. cording to a tally from official sources The two-meter physical distancing compiled by the Agence France-Presse guideline has been a major element on Tuesday.

News

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Cadets, doctors in hazing ordered arrested T

HE Regional Trial Court Branch 5 of Baguio City has issued arrest warrants against three Philippine Military Academy cadets indicted over the hazing death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio, who died last September after months of alleged maltreatment by fellow cadets.

VIOLATORS. Quarantine violators from different

parts of Quezon City were brought to the Amoranto Stadium for a short lecture about COVID-19 on Wednesday July 8, 2020.

‘Bidding for Nat’l Broadcaster Severino held for not wearing mask ID project rigged’ By Rio N. Araja

By Maricel V. Cruz A CONGRESSIONAL leader has called on top finance officials to immediately step in and stop the implementation of an alleged rigged bidding of the P4-Billion supply contract for the Philippine identification card project.

Deputy Speaker Prospero A. Pichay, Jr., one of the principal authors of the national ID law, in particular called on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno and Finance Secretary Dominguez to halt the implementation of the alleged questionable P 4-billion national ID project bidding.

At the same time, Pichay said he will file a resolution to dig deeper into the matter. “A congressional probe should be commenced as soon as possible to bring to light these anomalous practices that had long plagued the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas long before the stint of Gov. Diokno and expose certain unscrupulous parties from within and outside of the BSP.“ “I am totally confident that BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, leaders of proven integrity and two of the vanguards of the Duterte government against corruption and malfeasance in government will not allow this rotten bid from prospering at all,” Pichay added.

Pichay said after all participating bidders had submitted their eligibility requirements, the BSP bids and awards committee imposed a controversial and questionable additional provision that virtually wiped out participating bidders to the P4-billion ID card project save for ‘two complying bidders.’

“However, one of the two surviving bidders copped out. This strange event virtually handed over the lucrative P4Billion contract to the lone surviving bidder,” Pichay said.

Pichay said “evidently this is why a rigged contract is called ‘Lutong Macao’ as the chain of events depict a scripted machination carried out on cue with one of two surviving bidders opting out to conveniently hand over the P4-Billion contract to the only remaining eligible, complying” bidder.”

AUTHORITIES on Wednesday apprehended veteran broadcast journalist Howie Severino for supposedly not wearing a face mask in Quezon City.

Ret. police general Elmo San Diego, the city government’s Department of Public Order and Safety head, however, clarified that Severino was taken to the Amoranto Stadium for an “interview validation,” and that he did not go through a short seminar

on the proper use of face masks in public.

“Our enforcers validated if it’s true that he was using a face mask, but just lowered it down momentarily to take a drink,” he told the Manila Standard.

“There were at least six convoys of enforcers at that time when Severino was spotted in front of a shop (along Mother Ignacia Street). The first five convoys just passed by him, while those at the last and sixth convoy stopped in front of him and called his attention because it was then

when he was chanced upon that his mask was pulled down,” he said.

He warned that the law on wearing face masks and the other quarantine protocols must apply to all.

“I know Howie. (But) No one is exempted,” he said.

Hundreds of people were at the Amoranto Stadium in Barangay Paligsahan to attend a seminar on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) when Severino was brought there.

43k PDLs released via videoconference

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court on Wednesday dis-

closed that a total of 43,171 persons deprived of liberty and prisoners who have served the minimum period of their jail terms have been ordered released by various trial courts after conducting hearings via video conferencing as of July 3.

The SC, through the Office of the Court Administrator, said that among those ordered released include children in conflict with the law.

In a report to Chief Justice Diosdado M. Peralta, Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez said the PDLs were released after hearings either on bail or on their recognizance.

The implementation of community quarantine arising from the coronavirus pandemic has prompted the SC to adopt various measures aimed at expediting the resolution of cases and decongest jails to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In fact, more than 1,500 trial courts have been allowed by the high court to hold hearings via video conferencing.

Chief Justice Peralta said the SC will issue the rules of court on video conferencing to institutionalize the use of the online system in all courts in both civil and criminal cases.

In his report, Marquez said that as of July 3, a total of 8,909 PDLs were released in the National Capital Region; 3,621 in Region 1; 1,796 in Region 2; 6,203 in Region 3; 7,443 in Region 4; 1,192 in Region 5; 1,431 in Region 6; 4,528 in Region 7; 1,183 in Region 8; 1,158 in Region 9; 2,537 in Region 10; 2,168 in Region 11; and 1,002 in Region 12.

IN BRIEF Hire OFWs as teachers, solon urged educators

ENTRAPMENT. The Philippine National Police Anti Kidnaping Group (PNP-AKG) announced the arrest of a Malaysian and Indonesian nationals during an entrapment operation that resulted to the rescue of Lee Jun Sheng and. The suspects were identified as Malaysian Ong Way Plak and Indonesian Rano Herman during a press-conference at the AKG office Camp Crame Quezon City

DICT told to ‘improve’ internet

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Grace Poe on Wednesday urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Telecommunications Commission and telecommunications companies to fulfill their promise to submit by July 13 detailed plans on improving internet service and coverage in the country amid increased demand from Filipinos going online with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Agencies and telcos need a nudge to act as fast as they can to bring the internet to everyone’s homes,” she said.

Poe said she wants to find out how many more towers telcos plan to build in the coming years to give the Filipinos better online experience.

Following an earlier hearing conducted by the Senate public services committee which she heads, Poe asked for the submission of several reports to find out the progress of government and telcos’ initiatives in a bid to expedite the needed infrastructure to boost connectivity.

With the advent of online learning this coming academic year due to the health crisis, Poe said efficient connectivity is a must for the millions of students and educators.

DENR, PLDT to protect PH’s peatland

By Rio N. Araja

PETITIONER. Former government corporate counsel Rudolf Philip Jurado on

Wednesday, July 8, 2020, files a petition asking the Supreme Court to strike down the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020. Jurado headed the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel until he was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 for alleged irregularity. His petition is the fifth one to be filed against the new law. Norman Cruz

Baguio City Police chief Col. Allen Rae Co confirmed this to reporters, saying they were already coordinating with other agencies for the arrest of Cadets Shalimar Imperial Jr. and Felix Lumbag Jr. for hazing and murder charges as well as Cadet Julius Carlo Tadena for hazing and “less serious physical injuries” charges.

Co said the cadets were currently under the custody of the Armed Forces of the Philippines general headquarters, but stopped short of saying when the arrests would be made.

The RTC also released warrants of arrest against former PMA Station Hospital chief Lt. Col. Ceasar Candelaria and medical officers Capt. Flor Apple Apostol and Maj. Maria Ofelia Beloy who have also been charged with murder.

According to the warrant of arrest issued last July 7 by Presiding Judge Maria Ligaya Itliong-Rivera, military doctors Candelaria, Apostol, and Beloy could post bail at P200,000 each.

No bail was recommended for the cadets, the warrant of arrest stated.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to receive a copy of the warrant of arrest issued by the court.

“The AFP’s Judge Advocate General will attend to the matter and give (the) appropriate recommendation to the AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. as to the disposition of the named cadets,” AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

He also confirmed that six PMA cadets involved in the incident are under the custody of the AFP General Headquarters.

“They are now facing trial before a General Court Martial for violation of Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline,” he added.

Arevalo also assured that the PMA will take appropriate action on the officers named in the warrant.

“We once more commit to the court that we will cooperate and, when needed, assist in the swift dispensation of justice.

We owe it to the people--especially to the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio—and the community of PMA Alumni,” he said. AFP

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Inc., along with its sister-company Smart Communications Inc. have partnered to protect one of the country’s most vital natural resources needed to fight climate change, its peatland, in the next three years.

Under the arrangement, the agency, through its attached agency, the Biodiversity Management Bureau in CARAGA, would work with PLDT and Smart to set up a program to protect, conserve and re-

store the Caimpugan peatland in the Agusan marsh wildlife sanctuary in Agusan del Sur. The peatland holds the only recorded remaining intact peat swamp forest, the largest of its kind in the country.

Peatlands cover only 3 percent of the earth’s land surface. These are wetlands whose peat soils consist of carbon-rich dead and decaying plant matter.

DENR cited the peatlands’ crucial role in mitigating climate change and the huge costs that arise when these natural carbon sinks are damaged, remains largely overlooked.

TWO legislators on Wednesday urged education authorities and school administrators to avail of the expertise of highly-skilled and educated migrant workers who were forced to come home by restrictions imposed to contain the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic.

Party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo of ACTCIS, vice chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and member of the Committee on Social Services, said the maritime colleges, training centers, and senior high schools can be hired as seamen, while HRM and culinary schools can hire as faculty members the chefs, cooks, banquet crew, and housekeeping staff of cruise ships.

“There could be call centers that could be in need of these skilled and professional overseas workers as specialists or subject matter experts with international work experience.

BPOs can offer compensation and benefits packages that are higher than what most Filipino employers can offer,” Tulfo said.

Jobs must be found for displaced OFWs since the Covid-19 restrictions on travel and other activities may last for another two years or more, she added.

Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles echoed Tulfo’s suggestion even as he reiterated his call to the Department of Education to also find ways to provide parents with skills on how to supervise the home schooling of their children. Maricel V. Cruz

NBI rescues child held on P1 million ransom A ONE-YEAR-OLD child, who was held on a P1 million ransom, was rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation during a rescue operation recently in San Pedro, Laguna.

A couple, who earlier borrowed and failed to return the child to her parents, were arrested and charged with kidnapping.

A case of Violation of Article 270, “Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor” of the Revised Penal Code was filed against the suspects, spouses Charito and Eleser Sause.

On June 25, 2020, Nadjullah Rashid, a resident of Binan City, Laguna, filed a case of “kidnapping” against spouses Eleser and Charito Sause. Willie Casas

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Paranaque ready to distribute P200m via ATMs

By Joel E. Zurbano THE city government of Paranaque will start next week the distribution of P200 million in financial assistance to residents using the Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) online service transaction.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said eligible residents will receive their respective Union Bank EON VISA Cards after the bank and the city signed an agreement.

The EON account comes with a card that enables the beneficiaries to withdraw the city’s P5,000 cash assistance per household from any automated teller machine or ATM nationwide, or pay for purchases in any online merchant, in establishments or for utility bills.

Olivarez said families who will benefit from the program are those “leftout households” that did not receive any form of cash assistance from the national government under the Social Amelioration Program, Expanded 4Ps, and COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

He said households who did not receive cash from the national government are entitled to P5,000 cash assistance as part of the city’s relief efforts to mitigate the economic impact caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“A total of 50,000 qualified households will receive a P5,000 cash assistance within the month,” Olivarez assured.

The signing of the agreement realizes their goal to make disbursements of cash aid in this time of pandemic fast and efficient, he said.

DOH accredits Lanao APMC lab for virus tests

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TBOLI RITUAL. Tboli tribal chieftain Kanan Sakong (right) administers the L'Muog, an ancient indigenous ritual, as they converge in seashores or river banks to celebrate the traditional thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of fish. They also held the 'damsu' offering ritual for abundant harvest, blessings, guidance and protection for the rest of the year. The interior village of New La Union in Maitum, Sarangani, hosts a National Commission for Culture and the Arts-supervised School of Living of Traditions, which produces the exquisite 'tnalak' abaca handweaving. It is also known for the Pangi River Whitewater Tubing, which combines adventure and culture experience for guests.

Joy B catches COVID; QC service continues

By Rio N. Araja

Q

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Wednesday confirmed that she tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

She was found to be asymptomatic.

However, Belmonte did not mention where she got the disease.

On her official Facebook account, the mayor announced that her latest swab test showed she was COVID-19 positive.

“I'm thankful that I immediately learned about it. Right now, I am in a better situation, and that I have not felt any symptoms (of the infection). I am

now strictly observing the quarantine protocols of our Department of Health as the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit has started contract-tracing procedures,” Belmonte said.

“Apart from this, we have temporarily closed my office to disinfect it as well as the common areas at the city hall,” she added.

Belmonte said she does not regret visiting the city’s health centers, hospitals, special concern lockdown areas, and the other communities to personally see the needs of the people.

The mayor said she already knew she would face the risk of getting infected.

“I have already prepared myself for that and I wholeheartedly accept it,” Belmonte said.

LGU RECOGNIZED.

By Nash Maulana COTABATO CITY―The Department of Health has accredited the Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City with a License to Operate (LTO) for the GenExpert medical laboratory machine used in efficient tests of suspected COVID-19 cases.

The APMC is about to set up a biomolecular laboratory, from a P15million capability assistance package from the Bangsamoro Government, through the Office of the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al-Hadj Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Earlier, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. directed the provincial government to transfer P10 million in aid to the APMC last May, so as to upgrade the hospital’s capability in testing suspected COVID-19 cases, the Provincial Information Office said.

Dr. Shalimar Rakiin, Medical Center Chief of APMC, said the hospital received its LTO on Monday.

The DOH accreditation will allow a team of trained hospital staff to run the GenExpert machine for COVID-19 tests within three months, from June 29 to September 29, 2020.

“These things still happened despite the safety precautions, such as wearing of the face mask, habitual hand washing and social distancing. This should serve as a reminder that COVID-19 is a different kind of disease that we really have to be extra careful with ourselves,” she added.

Amid her quarantine, Belmonte gave the assurance of the city’s continued public service.

“Despite my limited movement, I will still stay focused on the situation (on the ground) and the needs of Quezon City,” she said.

“Thank you so much and rest assured that once I get well, I will be with you to personally serve you,” Belmonte added.

Sta. Maria, Laguna Mayor Ma. Rocelle 'Cindy' Carolino (middle) receives the certificate of recognition for their partnership with the Philippine National Police from Laguna Police Provincial Office (PPO) headed by Laguna Provincial Director PCol. Serafin Petalio (right), together with guest of honor and speaker, lawyer Mia Antonette M. Quijano of the Laguna Provincial Office, at Kampo Heneral Paciano Rizal in Bagumbayan, Sta Cruz, Laguna. Roy Tomandao

NY firm bent on $500m WTE plant in Bataan BALANGA CITY, Bataan―A New York-based multinational company is bent on putting up a $500 million (P25 billion) Waste-to-Energy (WTE) power plant in Bataan after it signed a memorandum of understanding with Governor Albert Garcia for the project.

AgriPower Inc., represented by the company's Chief Executive Officer Barry J. Berman, and Garcia formally signed the MOU last month for the project that could produce 100 MW of electricity in Bataan.

A leading company in the United States, AgriPower has already set up more than 60 WTE “heat only” systems, now operating in the US and Canada for more than 12 years.

The WTE power plant project was facilitated by Mario T. Supnad, a provincial consultant of Bataan.

Despite the pandemic that has paralyzed economic activities across the world, Berman and Supnad continued to work hand in hand to pave the way for the formal signing of the MOU. Through the instruction of the governor, Supnad has worked with Hermosa Mayor Jopet Inton for the preparation of the plant’s site in the area.

“We will give priority on the project in Bataan, since this is one of our biggest undertakings,” said Berman in a telephone conversation with Supnad, a practicing journalist and newspaper editor.

Garcia welcomed the project since the province is pushing for Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) to invite investors and generate employment and at the same time he expressed his gratitude to AgriPower in trusting Bataan. Butch Gunio

PCR machine to boost testing for Las Piñas hospital

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center (LPGHSTC) testing capacity to process more COVID-19 tests would be further boosted with a set of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Machine donated by San Miguel Foundation

Inc., said Senator Cynthia Villar.

Villar is thankful to San Miguel Foundation for its donation. which was facilitated by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar.

“The PCR Machine with UPS, AVR and laptop will be a very good addition

to LPGHSTC’s Covid-19 Testing Laboratory,” the senator said.

The first set of equipment for the laboratory, which consists of a passbox, biological freezer, biological refrigerator, autoclave sterilizer and ventilator, was donated by the senator in June.

The LPGHSTC Testing Laboratory

will be using both its existing Genexpert machine and the newly donated PCR machine to boost its capacity.

"As we all know, hospitals especially in Metro Manila are operating in full capacity as the number of cases increases, so they need all the help they can get,” said Villar.

Mamba looks north for development in Cagayan

By Jessica M. Bacud

READY TO DONATE. Carmona Mayor Roy Loyola, along with Rep. Dahlia Loyola

and Vice Mayor Cesar Ines Jr., stands with volunteers at the Carmona Town Plaza before the distribution of sacks of rice and food packs to 6,935 senior citizens across the municipality, as donated by ROHM Electronics Philippines Inc. Benjamin Chavez

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan—In observance of the annual Aggao Nac Cagayan, marking the province’ 437th founding anniversary, Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba envisions an economic curve that points upward despite the coronavirus pandemic.

"There are silver linings out of the pandemic we are in now. Let us not lose hope, this is the chance that we can work together,” Mamba said.

“I have this vision for Cagayan province as a place to be proud of, livable and peaceful locale to live in, a progressive locality with disciplined people, with leaders who will love and care for its populace and be connected with the developing countries in the

north, as stated in Cagayan Development Agenda 2025, which I started during my stint to lead the province,” he stressed.

This year’s festival theme, “Mappa Sigiran," Ibanag words which mean “going north,” aims to reconnect the province to its neighboring developed countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan.

It will put the province as a major economic, tourism and investment hub and open opportunities not only for economic drives, but also for tourism and agriculture development, Mamba said.

As a growing economic haven of the Cagayan Valley Region, Cagayan province is the most viable site for development, considering its location not only among Asian countries but across

the globe, he said.

“We make it a point that it was not us solely developi ng our place, but rather making the Cagayanos as part of the development. Alongside, Cagayan Gov. we create better acManuel Mamba cessibility to sites and services even for our children,” the governor said.

“In 10 to 20 years from now, it will be possible to achieve the growth at par with the developing countries,” Mamba said.

Opinion R

Cyber wimps

During the hearing, Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla said he would file a complaint at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over what he called "cyber bullying" after he and other lawmakers were deluged by negative comments on social media over their actions during congressional hearings.

Offering no proof or evidence, the congressman said the attacks were plotted by “some ABS-CBN people.”

“I’d like to tell the committee that today, after my experience over the past 10 days of being the subject of many organized attacks on social media, I have gone to the NBI to complain about the cyber bullying to my person and to other members of the House,” he told the committees on legislative franchises and good government and public accountability.

A video that made the rounds of social media last week showed Remulla scribbling notes while the rest of his colleagues were

standing at attention while the National Anthem was being played before the start of the House deliberation on the broadcast network’s franchise.

In the same hearing, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin used her time to attack ABS-CBN officials for their news coverage of the Dengvaxia controversy when she was still Health secretary under the Aquino administration.

Lawmakers are losing touch with the essence of a functioning democracy in which elected officials are accountable to the people who put them in office.

Garin, who is facing a number of court cases over the administration of the controversial anti-dengue vaccine to hundreds of thousands of children in 2016, blamed the network’s coverage for the loss of public confidence in vaccines, paving the way for the return of diseases such as measles—but

did not mention the belated warning issued

by Sanofi-Pasteur, the drug’s manufacturer, that Dengvaxia poses a risk to people who had not been previously exposed to dengue.

All this led Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, chairman of the committee on good government and public accountability, to urge the public not to launch direct or personal attacks on House members involved in the franchise hearings.

“My appeal is…let’s not launch direct attacks against members of this committee, especially on social media and YouTube,” said Alvarado, who noted the barrage of online criticism on both sides of the issue.

This is a truly hair-raising proposition.

Perhaps because they are too close to the issue, lawmakers are losing touch with the essence of a functioning democracy in which elected officials are accountable to the people who put them in office.

This accountability extends to criticism and even personal attacks that go with the territory. These officials should be able to fend off or defend against such attacks as a matter of course—if their record is clean.

What these lawmakers were not elected to do is waste public funds by asking a law enforcement agency to devote time and resources to investigate online criticism every time their egos get bruised.

Public servants must serve the people, not themselves, and realize that politics is not for the faint of heart. Cyber wimps need not apply.

By Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, UNAIDS LIKE the HIV epidemic before it, COVID-19 is exploiting the extreme inequalities between countries and within them to take root among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.

I am proud that decades of experience in responding to HIV are being used in the fight against the coronavirus and that activists all over the world are working hard to make sure that the disruption to HIV services is minimized.

But I am also deeply concerned.

Even before the onset of COVID-19, the world was failing in its commitment to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The UNAIDS new Global Report, Seizing The Moment: tackling entrenched inequalities to tackle epidemics, shows that there were 690,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2019 and 1.7 million new infections— far from the global targets of fewer than 500,000 deaths and 500,000 new infections a year that were set for 2020.

The collective failure to implement and sufficiently invest in comprehensive, rights-based HIV responses has come at a dreadful price. There were 3.5 million more HIV infections and 820,000 more AIDS-related deaths from 2015 to 2020 than the world had aimed to achieve.

This is unacceptable when we have medicines to keep people living with HIV alive and well and an array of prevention tools to stop new infections. We are being held back by entrenched inequalities that put vulnerable and marginalized groups of people at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV and dying of AIDS-related illnesses.

Of course, there are bright spots. South Africa has massively expanded the numbers of people on treatment in the last decade, from 1.4 million people in 2010 to 5.2 million people in 2019. Countries such as Eswatini and Lesotho are showing that new infections can be driven down by rolling out combination prevention options.

But in too many countries the epidemic is worsening. Infections have risen by 72 percent in Eastern Europe and Central Asia since 2010, with rises of 22 percent recorded in the Middle East and North Africa and 21 percent in Latin America.

As ever, it is the most vulnerable who pay the price. Every day, marginalized groups such as gay men, sex workers, transgender people, people who use drugs, prisoners and migrants are prevented from receiving proper health care and are criminalized and marginalized. Denied their right to health, these groups and their sexual partners comprised 62 percent of all new adult infections in 2019.

Meanwhile, women and girls are too often denied their sexual and reproductive health and rights, while gender-based violence and gender inequalities continue to drive the epidemic forward among young women and girls. In 2019, young women and adolescent girls accounted for one in four new infections in sub-Saharan Africa, despite making up about 10

America is failing the world SINCE the end of the Second World War, the current world order has been dictated by the victorious western liberal democracies led by the United States. Well, this was until 2016 when business tycoon Donald Trump won the US presidency and came up with a new doctrine of making America great again.

It took some time for the world to digest what this new doctrine was all about, but it has now become crystal clear. It is America first. He started with his border wall and vitriolic rhetoric against Latino immigrants calling them murderers and rapists. According to reports, however, this did not prevent his companies from employing undocumented aliens and paying them very low wages.

Then he said that NATO, the lynchpin of western defense alliance, is obsolete.

He started criticizing US allies like Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

As reported in the media, he was also very insulting and rude when talking to the German leader Angela Merkel and former UK Prime Minister Theresa May on the phone. Yet, he was reverential to the Russian president.

Now, in the midst of a devastating pandemic and a time when countries are looking for American leadership, what is the US President doing? Well, he is concentrating on his reelection campaign, defending Andrew Jackson, and one might think campaigning for the Presidency of the Confederacy which does not exist anymore.

“Chaotic” is the best way to describe how the US is handling the pandemic.

He refuses to wear a mask even in indoor gatherings, tells people to take disinfectants to protect themselves against the virus, does not follow what his medical experts are telling him and as reports are

DUTY CALLS

FLORENCIO FIANZA saying, basically spends his time glued on TV and tweeting. He even finds time to go out and play golf when hundreds of Americans are dying every day.

US leadership is nowhere to be found.

Instead of appealing to the American people for unity in the middle of the Black Lives Matter street protests, Trump is stoking racial divisiveness and culture wars. It now seems all right for white supremacists and neo-Nazis to come out in the open and have their say because the guy in the White House believes that there are good people among them. It is as if his mind is somewhere else and not focused on governing or leading his country in the fight against the virus ravaging the world.

The traditional role of the US leading the world during trying times is nowhere to be found. What we see instead is the US government selfishly wanting to buy all available Remdesivir, the only drug proven to have therapeutic effect in the treatment of COVID-19, unmindful whether there will be enough of the drug left for other countries to buy.

It is hard to fathom what is going on in the head of Donald Trump. He is running for reelection and should be doing every-

thing right to win. Instead, he seems to be doing all the wrong things in order to lose the election. He is also insisting on having his convention in Florida which is now the epicenter of the pandemic in the US. Florida is where many senior citizens are living but this does not seem to bother the Trump campaign that these people who are Trump supporters might die if exposed to the disease.

Up to now, there is still no coherent national policy to combat COVID-19.

The most powerful country in the world that is so used to telling countries what to do refuses to mandate the wearing of a mask on a national level. It has become so political even if it is already a settled science that wearing a mask slows the spread of the disease.

This is perhaps the reason why the US is now the laughingstock of the world.

The European Union has banned Americans from entering the EU because of the dramatic rise in US infections. If the US President refuses to lead, at least he should refrain from issuing baseless and unsubstantiated statements that tend to add to the already confusing situation like saying that 99 percent of COVID-19 infections are harmless. He does not seem to have any clue of what leadership entails or what it takes to be a leader.

Whatever it is with him, he is missing an opportunity to rise to the occasion and be a unifier of his people instead of devoting his time on monuments and fanning racial division.

Trump should take this occasion to lead the American people in confronting historical misdeeds of the past like slavery and the brutal treatment of native Americans. Only then can the country really move forward and be a truly great country—not just a powerful one.

State-owned power transmission OVERSIGHT

DANILO SUAREZ AS THE number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country, it is inevitable that we adapt to the “new normal” living arrangement. Under this new normal, many of us are shifting to remote and virtual alternatives to continue daily activities. Primarily, this entails the use of the internet or telecommunications to engage in business transactions or conduct online classes, among others. As a consequence, there is a higher demand for power and telecommunications services.

Our dependence on these two public utilities is more accentuated today than before.

Accordingly, the need to secure these two public utilities to ensure reliable services

and prevent external or foreign interference becomes a prime concern.

I have repeatedly stated the risks posed to our national security by the current ownership by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the participation of State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) in the company. As a private entity, capitalization of NGCP affects the management and operations of the company. However, as a public utility, public interest must take precedence. These conflicting interests affect the performance of the corporation despite legal and government regulations.

When I visited the NGCP facilities during the previous Congress, I was disturbed by the possibility that our power lines can be easily shut down remotely. With the role played by the SGCC in the corporation, technology sharing is inevitable. A team composed of foreign nationals were reportedly hired as technical advisers; they gave expert advice to the corporate executives.

Also, the equipment used by the NGCP

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were procured from China. With this, we cannot dismiss the idea that foreign entities involved in the NGCP can control our power transmission.

We have to ensure that our networks are secure.

The NGCP has also stated during the Senate hearings that they have been vulnerable to cyberattacks. If these cybersecurity incidents have become common to NGCP, how will it be able to counter foreign control of our power transmission? This aggravates our present concerns.

With NGCP’s commitment to ensure reliable transmission of power from the generation facilities to our homes, the corporation launched its One Grid project which aims to fully connect all three grids in the

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Anita F. Grefal

Baldwin R. Felipe

Edgar M. Valmorida

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

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Seizing the moment: Tackling entrenched inequalities to end epidemics

EDITORIAL

EGARDLESS of where one stands on the broadcast network ABSCBN’s bid to renew its legislative license, the congressional hearings Monday revealed an appalling unwillingness on the part of some lawmakers to take criticism, both in traditional and social media.

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

entire country. The One Grid project is set to be finished with the completion of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project which will link the Visayas and Mindanao power grids.

While the project promises less power interruptions and energy resource sharing, the risks still outweigh the benefits. As the issues on the corporation’s ownership and control remain questionable and unsettled, we cannot let NGCP gain access to the entire country’s power grid. Once all power grids are united under the control of this privately-owned corporation, our power supply is left vulnerable to external or foreign intrusion. This is the consequence we have to face with the privatization of this public utility.

Our national transmission lines need to be state-owned. By turning over the operation and maintenance of the power grid to the State, we are assured that our power networks are secure. This also means that the National Grid Corporation will be absolutely and definitely Filipino-owned. While there is compliance with the letter of the law regarding 6040 ownership of public utilities, now, more than ever, we must take to heart the spirit of the law.

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percent of the total population.

It is estimated that globally, 243 million women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have been subjected to sexual and/or physical violence perpetrated by an intimate partner in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, we know that women who experience such violence are 1.5 times more likely to acquire HIV than women who have not experienced violence. Among marginalized groups, a high prevalence of violence is also linked with higher rates of HIV infection. Female sex workers have a 30-times greater risk of acquiring HIV than the general population.

All this must change, and we have to act on multiple fronts. A multi-sectoral approach that respects the rights and dignity of women and of all marginalized groups is urgently needed to reduce HIV infections and guarantee their right to health and other essential services.

For example, completion of quality secondary education reduces the HIV vulnerability of adolescent girls and young women by half and also yields multiple other social and economic outcomes for advancing health, gender equality, economic empowerment and addressing gender-based violence.

Just like HIV, COVID-19 holds up a mirror to the stark inequalities and injustices that run through our societies.

The COVID-19 pandemic will also be exacerbated unless we address the human rights impact on vulnerable people and their lack of access to health services, education, protection from violence and social, economic and psychological support.

And we need a global commitment that diagnostics, medicines, and an eventual vaccine against the coronavirus are available free at the point of use to everyone everywhere. When a vaccine becomes available it must be a People’s Vaccine.

Successful pandemic responses are grounded in human rights, implement evidence-based programming, and should be fully funded to achieve their targets.

Unfortunately, the funding gap for HIV responses is widening. Increases in resources for HIV responses in low- and middle-income countries stalled in 2017, and funding decreased by 7 percent between 2017 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation. The total HIV funding available in these countries in 2019 amounted to about 70 percent of the 2020 target set by the United Nations General Assembly.

HIV has been slipping down the international agenda for some years. Now, I am calling on leaders to convene a new United Nations High-Level Meeting On Ending AIDS next year to address with urgency the outstanding issues that are holding us back from ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

We cannot drop the ball on HIV. The futures of millions of people are at stake.

The UNAIDS 2020 global report is a call to action. It highlights the terrible scale of the HIV epidemic and how it runs along the fault lines of inequalities.

We can and must close the gaps.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net) NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO

Epic fail

EVERYMAN US-China war is unlikely

by Ernesto Banawis

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Brazil’s Bolsonaro Hong Kong protesters let white, blank signs do the talking positive for virus BRASÍLIA—Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro—an outspoken skeptic about the seriousness of the coronavirus—announced Tuesday he had tested positive but said he was feeling “perfectly well” and had only mild symptoms.

The far-right leader has caused huge controversy in Brazil for repeatedly flouting lockdown measures in place to curb the spread of the virus, which has killed 65,000 people and infected 1.6 million more in the South American giant.

The test “has come out and it’s positive,” Bolsonaro said in a television interview from his residence in the capital Brasilia, adding that he was taking hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin to treat the illness.

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication usually used to treat malaria and lupus, while azithromycin is an antibiotic that can be used to treat pneumonia.

At 65, Bolsonaro is in one of the highest risk categories for a virus that has killed more than half a million people worldwide and infected nearly 12 million. AFP

HONG KONG—As they gathered inside a Hong Kong shopping mall this week, a small group of protesters silently held up blank sheets of paper as a way to express their fears that the city’s culture of rowdy and colourful dissent is in peril.

Not much later, riot police entered and declared the gathering illegal. They later held up new signs of their own, a purple coloured placard warning the protesters they could be breaking a new national security law.

Eight people were detained for unlawful assembly or for obstructing officers,

police said, the latest of more than 9,000 people arrested in little over a year of often violent protests.

Since Beijing imposed the new security law on Hong Kong last week, however, even peaceful protests have become risky.

People are scrubbing their online histories of sensitive content, while businesses have removed pro-democracy displays from their premises.

At the occasional flash mob rallies taking place, sheets of blank paper have become the latest protest symbol.

A 16-year-old named Jessie, among

around 70 people gathered at Kwun Tong mall on Monday, told AFP the blank sheets were a message for the government.

“What you cannot see is what we cherish most, and what you cannot see will continue to exist in our hearts and minds,” she said.

“Maybe at this point our freedom of speech is undermined, but after the past year I am sure people’s minds are not blank.”

‘White terror’ Over the last year protesters have waved flags and banners emblazoned with slogans or chanted rallying cries that are now illegal under the new legislation.

Monday’s protest was noticeably quieter.

“This piece of white paper represents white terror,” said 17-year-old student Carrie, using a Chinese term for political persecution.

Over the last few days the Hong Kong government has pulled politically sensitive books from public libraries—ostensibly to evaluate the legality of their content.

One book was by activist Joshua Wong, whose activist group Demosisto announced it was disbanding after the law passed. AFP

HK in tumult over security law H

ONG KONG— China has imposed a sweeping new national security law on Hong Kong that opponents say undermines the semi-autonomous city’s liberties. Here are the key developments since Beijing first floated the legislation.

Microsoft, Zoom pause data requests SAN FRANCISCO—Microsoft and Zoom on Tuesday joined other major internet firms that have stopped considering requests by Hong Kong’s government for information on users in the wake of China’s imposition of a sweeping new security law.

Microsoft and Zoom said they are pausing consideration of data requests by officials or police in Hong Kong, a precaution also taken by Facebook, Google and Twitter.

“As we would with any new legislation, we are reviewing the new law to understand its implications,” Microsoft said in response to an AFP inquiry.

“In the past, we’ve typically received only a relatively small number of requests from Hong Kong authorities, but we are pausing our responses to these requests as we conduct our review.”

Zoom a video-conferencing platform that has boom during the pandemic, said it is monitoring developments in Hong Kong and looking for guidance from the US government. AFP

GALLERY OPENS. A member of staff wearing a protective face mask moves through a room inside the National Gallery on July 4, as the gallery prepares to reopen on July 8 following the easing of restrictions imposed during the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

English art galleries, museums and cinemas are able to open their doors from Saturday, July 4, as relaxations of the coronavirus restrictions continue. AFP

ORIENTAL MINDORO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (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 Pesos 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 10-16 July 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@yahoo.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

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

9 July 2020 (Thursday)

Submission of Letter of Intent and Eligibility Documents

10-16 July 2020, Office Hours, at ORMECO, INC. Office of the General Manager (Php 250.00 cost for Accreditation Fee)

Pre-Bid Conference

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

Deadline of Submission, Opening, and Evaluation of Bids

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

Post-Qualification

30 July 2020 (Thursday)

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

9.

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 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-JULY 9, 2020)

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

Panic-buying returns to Melbourne shops MELBOURNE—Shoppers in Australia’s second-biggest city stripped supermarket shelves Wednesday as millions in Melbourne prepared for a return to virus lockdown, with warnings the new restrictions could prompt a mental health crisis.

Five million residents were ordered back into a six-week lockdown beginning midnight Wednesday into Thursday as soaring community transmission of the coronavirus brings more than 100 new cases daily.

A further 134 infections were detected in the past 24 hours— small in comparison to the tens of thousands in hard-hit countries such as the US and Brazil, NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Estate of the Late Ricardo Ko Ching also known as Richard Ching was extrajudicially settled among his heirs with waiver of rights on March 10, 2020 as per Doc. No. 384 Page 78, Book VIII, Series of 2020 under Notary Public Atty.

Rodmel L. Bautista of Makati City.

(MS-JULY 2, 9 & 16, 2020)

but considered a major spike in Australia, which had otherwise been successful in containing COVID-19.

The country’s largest supermarket chain, Woolworths, said it had reimposed buying limits on items including pasta, vegetables and sugar after shoppers rushed to stores across Victoria state.

Experts have warned that people everywhere will have to get used to the “new normal” of onand-off restrictions as new clusters emerge and subside, while there are also concerns over the economic and mental health impacts the measures will bring.

“As frustrating as it is I support (the lockdown)—but ask

me again in six weeks,” stoic Melbourne resident Michael Albert told AFP. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Melbourne lockdown would cost the economy up to Aus$1 billion ($700 million) a week, telling public broadcaster ABC the burden would “fall heavily on businesses”.

“This is not the situation that anybody wanted to be in, but it is the reality that we must confront,” said state Premier Daniel Andrews.

Restaurants and cafes will be limited to serving takeaway food, while gyms, beauty salons and cinemas will be forced to close again. AFP

On May 22, China unveiled plans to strengthen “enforcement mechanisms” in Hong Kong.

A draft proposal for the law says it will “guard against, stop and punish any separatism, subversion of the national regime, terrorist group activities and such behaviours that seriously harm national security”.

But the precise content of the legislation is kept hidden from Hong Kong’s 7.5 million residents.

An attempt by the Hong Kong government to introduce a similar law in 2003 sparked huge protests and was eventually shelved.

Beijing’s new plan draws a rebuke from many Western nations, which say China is eradicating the freedoms it promised the city under its handover from Britain in 1997.

Washington takes a stand The United States on May 27 revokes Hong Kong’s special status under US law, paving the way to strip the city of its trading privileges. Washington accuses Beijing of trampling on the territory’s autonomy.

The next day China’s parliament endorses the law despite mounting pressure from the West.

Law passed Two weeks after it was first unveiled, China passes the security law on June 30, only revealing its wording later that evening.

The legislation is unanimously approved

by Beijing’s rubber-stamp parliament and signed by President Xi Jinping, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

It allows Beijing jurisdiction over cases deemed to be serious breaches and introduces life sentences for the worst offences.

It also allows China’s security agents to operate openly in Hong Kong for the first time.

Four young pro-democracy leaders announce the same day they are resigning from their party, Demosisto, which is then disbanded. One of them, Nathan Law, flees the territory. AFP

AirAsia future in ‘significant’ doubt; share price falls KUALA LUMPUR—The future of top regional budget carrier AirAsia is in “significant doubt” due to the collapse in demand for air travel caused by coronavirus, its auditor warned, sending its share price tumbling 18 percent on Wednesday.

The aviation industry is facing its biggest-ever crisis due to the pandemic, with airlines worldwide laying off huge

numbers of staff while some have already gone out of business.

AirAsia, led by colourful chief executive Tony Fernandes, pioneered low-cost air travel across Asia in the early 2000s at a time of growing demand from a fastemerging middle class.

But on Monday the debt-laden Malaysian airline reported a record quarterly loss of 803 million ringgit ($187

million) for the first three months of the year, after being forced to ground its fleet due to the virus.

Auditor Ernst & Young said Tuesday that “travel and border restrictions implemented by countries around the world has led to a significant fall in demand for air travel which impacted the group’s financial performance and cash flows”. AFP

LEGAL NOTICE EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED RIZALINO BALTAZAR FAVILA, JR. WITH GENERAL WAIVERS OF SHARES/RIGHTS BY ALEX FRANCIS FLORES FAVILA AND ERIC MARCO FLORES FAVILA

Notice is hereby given that the legal heirs of the late Rizalino Baltazar Favila, Jr. (the “Decedent”), who died intestate on April 17, 2019 at Taguig City, have executed a DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH GENERAL WAIVER OF SHARES/RIGHTS. The parties, being all of legal age, hereby adjudicate unto themselves the properties left by the decedent. As per Doc No. 20; Page No. 3, Book No. 35; Series of 2020; under Notary Public of Atty. Melchor J. Manalo.

(MS-JULY 2, 9 & 16, 2020)

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is given that Manila Bulletin Stock Certificates Nos. 89-0011 for 230,500 shares, 89-0030 for 44,800 shares, 89-0053 for 15,926 shares, 89-0075 for 27,405 shares, 89-0118 for 112,586 shares and DV0018 for 141,349 shares issued in favor of Ricardo Ching also known as Richard Ching was declared lost by his heirs in an Affidavit of Loss recorded in the notarial register of Atty. Rodmel Bautista of Makati City as Doc. No. 388, Page No.79, Book No. VIII, Series of 2020. If no adverse claim is made within one (1) year from the last publication of this Notice, the right to make such clam shall be barred and the Corporation shall issue new certificates in lieu of the lost certificates.

(MS-JULY 2, 9 & 16, 2020)

RAIN RUIN. A man walks in a landslide site caused by heavy rain in Tsunagi, Kumamoto prefecture on July 7. Japan will deploy more troops to search for survivors of devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 52 people in the southwest of the country, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged on July 7. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business Dubai reopens doors to foreign travelers after long shutdown

By Mohamad Ali Harissi DUBAI, United Arab Emirates― With a “welcome” passport sticker and coronavirus tests on arrival, Dubai reopened its doors to international visitors Tuesday in the hope of reviving its tourism industry after a nearly four-month closure.

But businesses are mainly betting on those already living in the gleaming desert city to energize its ailing economy and serve as a test run before wary foreign holiday-makers return.

“A warm welcome to your second home,” said the sticker applied to passports at Dubai airport, where employees wore hazmat suits and vending machines offered personal protective equipment.

Italian tourist Francesca Conte said on arrival she was worried up until the last minute that her flight would be canceled.

“When I saw passengers queueing at the gate, I thought today we are not leaving, since the trip to Dubai had already been skipped three times,” Conte said.

She said she felt sad “seeing empty spaces” on the plane and stewards and hostesses “dressed like nurses and doctors,” in their lab coats.

The reopening Tuesday came as the number of COVID-19 cases in the United Arab Emirates climbed to 52,600 included 326 deaths, with millions of foreign workers living in cramped accommodation particularly hard hit.

Incoming tourists are required to present a negative test result taken within four days of the flight. If not, they can take the test on arrival, but must self-isolate until they receive the all-clear.

Tourism has long been the lifeline of the glitzy Gulf emirate, one of the seven sheikhdoms that make up the UAE. High season starts in October when the scorching heat of the Gulf summer starts to dissipate.

Staycation, daycation Dubai welcomed more than 16.7 million visitors last year, and before the pandemic crippled global travel, the aim had been to reach 20 million arrivals in 2020.

“We are ready to receive tourists while we take all necessary precautions,” said Talal al-Shanqiti of Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in a video message tweeted on Sunday.

With scant oil resources compared to its neighbors, Dubai has built the most diversified economy in the Gulf, boasting a reputation as a financial, commercial and tourism hub despite an economic downturn in recent years. AFP

B3

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rises slightly; PLDT climbs S HARE prices rose slightly Wednesday on select buying despite a spike in local COVID-19 cases and with some investors staying on the sidelines.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 18.10 points, or 0.3 percent, to 6,285.50 on a value turnover of P8.7 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 106 to 82, with 44 issues unchanged.

Cement maker Holcim Philippines Inc. advanced 6 percent to P6.55, while PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, climbed 3.9 percent to P1,348.

SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group increased 2.8 percent to P975.50, but unit BDO Unibank Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets, declined 2.4 percent to P95.60.

The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, were mixed Wednesday follow-

ing the previous day’s sharp drop, with optimism about the reopening of economies clouded by concerns about fresh spikes in infections around the world.

A string of positive indicators from China to the US in recent weeks―as well hopes for a vaccine and the easing of lockdowns around the world― has added fuel to a global rally that has lifted equities out of the March depths.

But while investors are generally upbeat that the world economy will recover from an expected recession this year, the ongoing spread of coronavirus continues to act as the terrifying backdrop that keeps them in check.

Adding to the unease are ongoing tensions between China, the US and several other nations over Beijing’s imposition of a security law in Hong Kong.

And Raphael Bostic, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, fanned concerns about the US rebound by warning in a Financial Times interview that key data indicated a “leveling off” of economic activity.

Hong Kong rose 0.4 percent and Shanghai was up 1.7 percent, while Sin-

gapore added 0.1 percent and Jakarta piled on 1.8 percent. Taipei also gained.

But Tokyo finished 0.8 percent lower, while Seoul fell 0.2 percent and Wellington slipped 0.3 percent with Mumbai and Bangkok dropping 0.1 percent each.

Sydney sank 1.5 percent, with Australian traders spooked by the decision to impose a six-week lockdown in the second-biggest city of Melbourne―which is a major contributor to the national economy―as it struggles to control a new outbreak of the disease.

After “a five-day rally where the market’s up quite a bit, it’s not so surprising to have a little bit of a pause,” Jeff Mills, at Bryn Mawr Trust, said. “It’s just sort of the natural movements of the market.

You can’t go up in a straight line every single day.”

And Stephen Innes at AxiCorp added: “As summer trading gets under way, investors are more prone to book profits and move to the sidelines.”

While the virus is the major weight around traders’ necks, they are also having to contend with other risk factors. With AFP

PSEi July 8, 2020 TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

A man sunbathes along the Marina beach near the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on July 7, Dubai reopened its doors to international visitors Tuesday in the hope of reviving its tourism industry after a nearly four-month closure. AFP

‘Trapped’ illegal workers in Saudi look to virus for escape RIYADH, Saudi Arabia―Jobless and broke, Sudanese electrician Hatem is stranded in limbo in Riyadh like countless other illegal workers, but he hopes the fast-spreading coronavirus will offer a chance for escape.

While coronavirus drives a huge exodus of expatriates, campaigners say potentially hundreds of thousands of illegal workers remain stranded in Saudi Arabia, complicating efforts to fight the disease.

The pandemic has laid bare what activists call systemic injustices roiling the lives of blue-collar foreign workers in Saudi Arabia―overcrowded housing, exploitative employers and a lack of effective recourse.

Campaigners have called on Saudi Arabia to reform its long-criticized labor policy and offer an amnesty to poor debt-ridden work-

ers trapped in the country, a predicament that risks fueling the pandemic.

The problem is rooted in the “kafala” sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers, whose permission is required to enter and exit the kingdom as well as to change jobs.

Employers also hold enough sway to render their status illegal, according to activists and interviews with four undocumented workers, including Hatem, a 45-year-old electrician living in hiding in Riyadh to avoid arrest.

“My six kids, my old mother, my sister in Sudan... are living in a difficult situation, but I live in much worse conditions,” Hatem told AFP in his squalid Riyadh apartment, which he shares with other workers.

“The sponsorship system is very un-

just,” said Hatem, who arrived in 2016.

Calls for amnesty Saudi Arabia, home to around 10 million expats, has expelled hundreds of thousands of illegal workers in recent years.

But many like Hatem who are stuck in a debt trap are not permitted to leave before settling their dues, even as kafala curbs prevent them from legally earning their way to freedom.

“The Saudi government should offer an amnesty for irregular migrants to regularize their status or return to their home countries,” Annas Shaker, a research fellow at the advocacy group Migrant Rights, told AFP. Holding back such workers, many of whom are forced to go into hiding, risks fanning the pandemic, observers including Shaker warned. AFP

Ambiguous ERC advisories sparked electricity bill shock CUSTOMERS of Manila Electric Co. and other distribution utilities across the Philippines have a right to complain about their high electric billings at the height of the lockdown period. But outrightly blaming Meralco, the DUs and electric cooperatives seems to be misguided.

The Energy Regulatory Commission, according to advocacy group Laban Konsyumer Inc., is mainly responsible for the steep rise in billings because of the confusing advisories it issued to electricity retailers.

LKI president Victorio Mario Dimagiba wrote to Rep. Lord Alan Velasco, chairman of the Committee on Energy in Congress, during the July 2 2020 public hearing on electricity bills that “the bill shock occurred and happened partly due to an ambiguous advisories issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission.”

Dimagiba said “consumers could have been relieved of this additional burden if there was no ambiguity of the advisory on ESTIMATE BILL and the lack of implementing details of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).”

“If there was more clarity in the guidelines and advisories of the regulator, the confusion and stress consumers are feeling now with their electricity bills may have been avoided,” he said.

The estimate bill phrase was the clear culprit that precipitated the high billings charged on electricity customers. It referred to the three months of actual consumption prior to the lockdown, or from November 2019 to March 15, 2020.

“Even when the consumers shut down his work office or simply stayed home, the ‘estimate’ bills for March and April 2020 will show a higher kWh

consumption as the months of November 2019 to February 2020 were peaked months in kWh usages primarily due to the long traditional holidays of the country,” says Dimagiba.

“As we had learned, when the May 2020 bills were issued, the kwh consumption shot up as these included the March and April 2020 estimate consumption computed in accordance with... ambiguous ERC advisories. The adjustments of the kwh consumption made the whole process circuitous.”

With a mere general guideline from the ERC, electricity retailers proceeded to implement the directive from the state regulator.

“Our group believes that the lack of implementing details created confusion and lack of clarity provided to the distribution utilities and electric cooperatives all around the Philippines. These DUs and ECs nationwide were left to implement their own estimation without any clear details or guidelines by the ERC, and this may have brought about confusion both on the end of the DUs and ECs, and also on the part of the consumers,” says Dimagiba.

The ERC, the consumer advocate adds, should be accountable to the consumers following the ambiguous advisory, just “as ERC warned and issued Show Cause Orders on all DUs and ECs to comply with their directives.”

Electricity retailers were at a loss on how to present or justify the ‘estimate bill’ to consumers simply because the ERC did not spell out the details of its directive. The retailers complied with the advisory “to the best of their ability but without solid and granular directions.”

“Only in the Joint Committee on Energy meeting did Meralco present a 2-step process to understand our bills. Yet, that Meralco presentation can hardly cascade to the understanding of the bulk of residential customers of Meralco,” says Dimagiba.

The Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham Teknolohiya para sa Mamayan, or AGHAM, shared a similar sentiment.

Group president Angelo Palmones asked the government and regulator to take a deeper, more comprehensive look into the country’s shared experience of higher electricity bills.

“This is not an issue being faced only by NCR, or

by DUs like Meralco alone. Consumers all around the country are seeking a better understanding of their bills, and perhaps for ways that government and regulator can ease the burden on consumers by also assessing the other electric cooperatives as well.”

Meralco, meanwhile, tried to ease the pain of customers, apologizing for the bill shock and also assured customers it would waive the P47 convenience fee for online payments and refund any overcharging.

Meralco president and chief executive officer Ray Espinosa told the Senate committee on energy that the utility was doing its best to ease the problems of customers, who have complained of high billing during the quarantine period.

Espinosa said Meralco began issuing separate billings to customers to explain the computation in detail.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@ manilastandard.net or extrastory2000.com

Six candidates battling it out for WTO leadership GENEVA―Six candidates are vying to become the next head of the World Trade Organization―an institution which faced mammoth challenges even before the pandemic-driven global economic crisis struck.

The window to enter the race slams shut on Wednesday, in a speeded-up contest to replace the outgoing WTO director-general Roberto Azevedo― the Brazilian career diplomat who is stepping down one year early at the end of August.

The six candidates in the running are from Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria and South Korea.

The new chief must revive stalled trade talks, lay the ground for the 2021 ministerial conference―one of the WTO’s major events―and thaw relations with Washington.

The United States, which has threatened to leave the WTO, has blocked the organization’s dispute settlement appeal system since December, and wants China moved up from the developing economies category.

In a surprise move in mid-May, Azevedo, 62, announced that he would end his second four-year term early for personal reasons, forcing the Genevabased WTO’s 164 member states to come up with a successor in just three months instead of the usual nine.

Rather than an election, the procedure for selecting the next WTO boss relies on finding consensus, with candidates gradually being eliminated in turn.

A vote is possible as a measure of last resort, but that scenario has never occurred.

In 1999, when countries could not decide between two runners, both candidates each served a three-year term.

The next incumbent faces a tough task, with the WTO caught in the middle of rising tensions between the United States and China.

“If the process of choosing the next director-general is heavily politicized, that could block things up,” a diplomatic source told AFP. If a consensus cannot be reached in time, one of the four deputy directorsgeneral will take the reins in September on a caretaker basis.

First African WTO boss? AFP

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

B4

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

PSE INDEX CLOSING Wednesday, July 8, 2020

18.10 PTS. 6,285.50

TOTAL VOLUME 2,389,339,090 TOTAL TRADES 111,976 TOTAL VALUE 8,722,780,679.19 ADVANCES 82 DECLINES 106 UNCHANGED 44

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.4060

Japan

Yen

0.009301

0.4595

UK

Pound

1.255500

62.0292

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129031

6.3749

Switzerland

Franc

1.061008

52.4202

Canada

Dollar

0.735024

36.3146

Singapore

Dollar

0.716794

35.4139

Australia

Dollar

0.694300

34.3026

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652520

131.050

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

13.1732

Brunei

Dollar

0.714235

35.2875

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.032000

1.5810

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.4519

Euro

Euro

1.127700

55.7151

Korea

Won

0.000836

0.0413

China

Yuan

0.142592

7.0449

India

Rupee

0.013368

0.6605

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234028

11.5624

New Zealand

Dollar

0.654600

32.3412

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033959

1.6778 Source: BSP

Cirtek unit wins major contract from US company

Business NAIA Consortium breaks up, 2 more firms eye airport deal

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE government said Wednesday it is not worried about the pullout by big conglomerates from their bid to upgrade and rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as two other potential proponents are willing to take over the project.

Cosette Canilao, chief operating officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., one of the members of NAIA Consortium, said her group was no longer interested to pursue the project.

The P102-billion NAIA rehabilitation project was proposed

by NAIA Consortium that includes Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Holdings Inc. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. earlier backed out from the consortium over unresolved issues with the government.

The members of the consortium sent a letter to the National Economic and Development Authority on July 6 informing the agency that they were not confident about financing the project and pushing through with it.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said in a virtual press briefing after the Pre-SONA forum that the Transportation Department was in talks with two more potential proponents for the NAIA project.

“These two other proponents are willing to get into agreement with the government which are very similar to the terms of agreement with Clark airport,” Dominguez said.

“We’re not worried about it. We believe these other two proponents step up to the plate here,” he said, although he did not disclose the identity of the interested parties.

Earlier, Megawide Construction Corp. and partner Indiabased GMR Infrastructure Ltd. submitted a proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade NAIA for $3 billion with a contractperiod of 18 years. Megawide-GMR is the same group that built the new Mactan terminal facility.

The NAIA project aims to alleviate the worsening air traffic congestion at the main gateway and resolve capacity constraints by reconfiguring and renovating facilities and enhancing operation and maintenance. This will allow for the accommodation of more traffic.

The rehabilitation project also aims to broaden NAIA’s role as a key economic and tourism driver for Metro Manila and the whole Philippines, deliver capital infrastructure investment to improve the airport’s efficiency and increase its capacity to meet the growing passenger demand from the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region.

ABS-CBN to close O Shopping Channel

ACJ O Shopping Corp., a joint venture of ABS-CBN Corp. and South Korea’s CJ ENM, said it will cease operations by the end of the year amid financial losses, after seven years of offering TV shopping via the O Shopping Channel.

“The past two years have been challenging for the company as it experienced financial losses,” ABS-CBN said.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has and will continue to take a toll on the business this year. ABS-CBN’s partner, CJ ENM, has also decided to move its business out of Southeast Asia completely,” it said.

ACJ O said it made the difficult decision to let go of employees starting Aug. 7, 2020.

“The company is thankful for their valuable contributions through the years and ensures that they will receive separation packages as the law requires,” ABS-CBN said.

The government earlier shut down the operations of ABS-CBN Channel 2, TV Plus and SkyCable Direct because of expired Congressional franchise.

Darwin G. Amojelar

NGCP defers iMAR to help consumers

GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines said it voluntarily deferred the implementation of the Energy Regulatory Commission-approved interim maximum allowable revenue this year, taking into account the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said that following the pronouncement of enhanced community quarantine across the country in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “NGCP, on its own, informed us that they are not implementing.”

Senator Risa Hontiveros in Senate energy committee hearing on July 6 questioned ERC on whether it approved a petition from NGCP to raise the iMAR from P43 billion in 2019 to P47.1 billion in 2020. Devanadera said a pending application by NGCP was acted upon by the commission en banc on Feb. 13.

“Now, what is known status of this iMAR, if you read the decision, it was approved by the ERC because it will help lower rates,” said Devanadera. Alena Mae S. Flores

MPIC hospital unit explores telemedicine

By Jenniffer B. Austria CIRTEK Holdings Philippines Inc. said a subsidiary bagged a multi-million contract from a Silicon Valley-based tech company to produce 5G-supporting chipsets to be used in fiber optic networks.

Cirtek said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday unit Cirtek Advanced Technologies and Solutions Inc., which manufactures microwave and millimeter, would start production of 5G chipsets by the fourth quarter. A single chipset enables data processing speeds of up to 400 gigabits per second in optical networks.

“Such capability, when used collectively will allow great scalability and cater to the growing data processing requirements of an increasingly networked society. CATSI is capitalizing its decades of history and experience in specialized Microwave Integrated Circuit assembly and test know-how capabilities to begin production for the chipsets by Q4 2020” Cirtek Holdings chief finance officer Brian Gregory Liu said.

Cirtek also reported that US-based subsidiary Quintel USA Inc. obtained approval for the use of nine antennas for 5G mobile network deployment previously used for the US government’s navy, aircraft and satellites.

The new range of antennas are equipped with Citizens Broadband Radio Service frequencies. This frequency band, previously reserved for the Federal Government’s navy, aircraft and satellite applications, was released for commercial use by the Federal Communications Commission on Jan. 27, 2020.

Under the FCC rule, wireless carriers may deploy 5G mobile networks using the CBRS spectrum without acquiring additional licenses.

“Quintel is very excited to participate in the nationwide swap out of existing antennas to add CBRS functionality on top of current infrastructure. This comes at an opportune time when the pandemic has forced millions of companies and employees to work from home thereby shifting rapid growth and traffic to voice and data networks,” Cirtek vice chairman and president Jorge Aguilar said.

IN BRIEF

FRONTLINERS’ DORMS. Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways turn over to the Quezon City government four cluster dormitories with 64 rooms intended for 128 hospital workers. The fully-furnished dormitories constructed at the Quezon City Memorial Circle were received by Quezon City administrator Michael Victor Alimurung from DPWH Undersecretary Emil Sadain, head of DPWH Task Force for Augmentation of Health Facilities formed by Secretary Mark Villar.

BSP injects P1.3t in financial system to support economy

By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas injected around P1.3 trillion in the financial system through the implementation of various measures to ensure sufficient liquidity during the lockdown implemented by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a presentation during the Pre-SONA forum that the Monetary Board acted swiftly and promptly implemented these measures to complement the government’s broader health and fiscal programs amid the sustained uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.

“The BSP’s liquidity-enhancing measures are intended to reassure markets, restore business confidence and ensure quick recovery once the community quarantines are lifted,” Diokno said.

“Besides the cumulative 175-basis point reduction in the policy rate, the

200 basis points reduction of the reserve requirement among others, the BSP also implemented other extraordinary liquidity measures to complement the national government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19,” he said.

Diokno said these included the repurchase agreement with the national government, the purchase of government securities in the secondary market and the remittance of advance dividends to the national government.

“The estimated BSP liquidity injection to the financial system is about P1.3 trillion, equivalent to 6.4 percent of the country’s GDP. The implementation of these measures has helped ensure ample liquidity as well as the proper functioning of the financial system during the lockdown,” Diokno said.

Diokno said earlier there was a need for substantial targeted policies to prevent the economy from further slowing down.

Meanwhile, an economist of the Bank of the Philippine Islands said the BSP would likely refrain from further reduction of policy rates as inflation was expected to accelerate in the coming months.

BPI lead economist Jun Neri said with the policy rate at a historical low of 2.25 percent, it was now below the inflation average of 2.5 percent in the first half.

“The possibility of higher inflation in the coming months may prevent the central bank from cutting its policy rates further. Moreover, the benefits from additional rate cuts may be marginal already,” Neri said.

“Cutting interest rates further may no longer stimulate lending in a significant manner since the demand for goods and services is very weak. Businesses will most likely control their capital expenditures despite the low interest rate environment given the risks and uncertainties in the country,” Neri said.

FDA authorizes marketing of PMI’s IQOS

LEARNING ACCESS. Students in Laoag City are now able to go online and do their schoolwork, thanks to a mobile internet truck called ‘Vertext on Wheels’ deployed

by PLDT and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. in partnership with Ilocos Norte provincial distributor Vertext Handyphones.

THE US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of IQOS, Philip Morris International’s electrically-heated tobacco system, as a modified risk tobacco product.

It means the FDA found that an IQOS exposure modification order is appropriate to promote the public health. The decision demonstrates that IQOS is a fundamentally different tobacco product and a better choice for adults who would otherwise continue smoking.

IQOS is the first and only electronic nicotine product to be granted marketing orders through the FDA’s MRTP process.

“The FDA’s decision is a historic public health milestone. Many of the tens of millions of American men and women who smoke today will quit—but many won’t. Today’s decision makes it possible to inform these adults that switching completely to IQOS is a better choice than continuing to smoke,” said PMI chief executive André Calantzopoulos.

“IQOS is a fundamentally different

product than combustible cigarettes and must be regulated differently, as the FDA has recognized. Now—more than ever—there is an urgent need for a fundamentally different conversation on a cooperative approach to achieve a smoke-free future. The FDA’s decision provides an important example of how governments and public health organizations can regulate smoke-free alternatives to differentiate them from cigarettes in order to promote the public health,” Calantzopoulos said.

The FDA authorized the marketing of IQOS with the information that the IQOS System heats tobacco but does not burn it and this significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals. Scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system reduces your body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals, according to the information.

METRO Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc. said it is stepping up efforts to find a “new normal” solution so member hospitals can resume full services to patients, while keeping hospital foot traffic to a safe minimum.

The group is introducing virtual consultation and other services like e-pharmacy, mobile laboratories, remote patient monitoring and continuity of care beyond the hospital room.

Previously considered as a means to provide health care for remote and therefore underserved locations, telemedicine is now viewed as a way to cope amidst an overwhelmed healthcare system dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The country’s healthcare system faces unprecedented challenges because of the ongoing pandemic, caused by a virus that is unfamiliar, and seems easily transmitted,” said Metro Pacific Investment Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan when he designated Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital as the group’s main COVID referral facility in March.

Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, MPHHI is now seriously looking at tapping modern information and communication technologies to virtually connect medical professionals with patients in lieu of actual physical meet-ups in hospitals or clinics.

Metrobank prices $500-m senior fixed-rate notes METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Company said Wednesday it successfully priced US dollar-denominated Reg-S 5.5-year offering for $500 million with a fixed coupon of 2.125 percent, payable semi-annually.

Metrobank is rated ‘Baa2’ with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investor Service and BBB- with stable outlook

by Fitch Ratings.

The notes were priced at US Treasury spreads of T+200 bps, after initial price guidance of T+235 bps area.

The order book was in excess of five times oversubscribed with 120 investors at its peak. “This reflects the strong confidence investors’ have in Metrobank’s credit,” the bank said.

It said that in terms of distribution, the order book was allocated predominantly to Asia (81 percent), and the remaining to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (19 percent).

The issuance of the notes represents the first senior notes of Metrobank in the international capital markets, matching the lowest coupon for a Philippine borrower.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the successful issuance which confirms the confidence and strength of Metrobank’s name and track record in the Philippines. This bond issuance will further enhance our business strength and optimize our capital structure especially in this current market environment,” said Metrobank president Fabian Dee. “We are thankful for the strong support from the global investors after our re-entry in 17 years. The successful 5.5-year USD-denominated issuance will allow us to diversify our funding sources and shore up our financial position as we prepare for a bounce back and recovery,” said Fernand Antonio Tansingco, head of the bank’s financial market sector.

Sports

Number of PH athletes eyeing Tokyo games finalized soon

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

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By Peter Atencio THE exact number of athletes shooting for Tokyo Olympic berths will be resolved by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee soon.

Last January, sports officials counted 38 athletes from 15 national sports associations as among those who were aiming for Olympic qualification competitions, but the number could change after the country underwent a series of lockdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

And this is what the Philippine Sports Commission is set to discuss with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases in the coming days.

The PSC made efforts to resolve this matter on Wednesday, following an online meeting of officials of the POC and Olympics’ chef de mission Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

“We had a fruitful discussion and agreed on all matters. We will now recommend to IATF the resumption of training bound for Tokyo and those who still have slots for qualifying. We will update the list with the different NSAs,” said Tolentino.

So far, four Filipino athletes have earned seats to the Olympics, namely pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno.

At the beginning of the year, sports officials were informed that athletes seeking Olympic participation could go as high as 38.

At that time, athletics hoped to send a total of four, with aquatics expecting two swimmers, 3x3 basketball looking at four and boxing aiming for six.

Also seeking qualification are athletes in golf (2), judo (2), skateboarding (2), weightlifting (2), taekwondo (12), cycling (3), Table tennis (1), canoeing (2), karatedo (6).

Tolentino, in his talks with PSC off icer in charge Ramon Fer nandez, added that training in PSC-managed facilities can start once the areas have been disinfected.

Many PSC facilities are not available because they are being used by frontliners and COVID-19 patients.

For instance, the Philsports complex is currently being tapped as a quarantine facility and monitoring for coronavirus patients and so are the venues inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

FILIPINO VISUAL ARTISTS. NBA Canada recently launched the official tribute site for Vince Carter (www.nba.com/vince), which features highlights from Carter’s 22-year career, a print collection, and a soon-to-be released tribute video. In particular, the print collection includes 15 digital designs/wallpapers created by 15 visual artists from around the world, including five from Asia-PacifiC, two of which are Filipinos in Jayson Atienza (left artwork) and AJ Dimarucot (right artwork). Atienza is a visual artist, who splits his time between NYC and Shanghai. His passion for painting extends beyond the canvas, and you’ll likely find him painting giant murals, and customizing sneakers, cars, and more. His signature style combines bright colors and bold line detail, and spreads organically across all mediums. Atienza’s client list includes Nike, Jordan Brand, ESPN, and MINI, among others. Dimarucot is a self-taught graphic designer, art director, and illustrator, who has worked on experiential, digital, web/mobile, and integrated campaigns for brands all over the world. He has designed for and collaborated with brands like Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, to a multitude of smaller independent brands. NBACanada

Resumption of Olympic qualifiers’ training pushed

T

HE Tokyo Olympics is still a good year away, but Filipino athletes who qualified to the games will have to continue their training.

The Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee agreed to endorse for approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force the resumption of training of the four qualified national athletes to the Tokyo games and a number of hopefuls.

The PSC Board initiated a virtual board with POC President Representative Bambol Tolentino, POC SecretaryGeneral Atty. Ed Gastanes Tuesday to discuss plans to resume training of our Olympic-bound athletes as well as those who will compete in Olympic qualifiers.

Both PSC and POC agreed that given the present situation, it would be best to focus on our Olympic bid first.

“We initiated the meeting with POC with the good of our national athletes in mind. Lagi ‘yan priority as Chairman Butch Ramirez always say” said PSC Officer in charge, Commissioner Ramon Fernandez,

who stressed that the board wants to leave no stone unturned to ensure that our Olympic hopefuls can keep their momentum.

“COVID-19 notwithstanding, we must never lose sight of our goal to give our best for our first Olympic gold.”

The PSC was quick to say though that the final decision will remain with the IATF. “We can only recommend, but they have the final say,” reminded the sports agency OIC. The PSC board has already identified six facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila City and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City which may be available for training. The Fencing Hall, Multi-purpose Center, Strength and Conditioning Building, Dormitory Training Hall in Philsports and the Taekwondo and Boxing gyms at the RMSC. Marc Velasco, PSC’s National

Training Director informed that the agency will conduct a “massive disinfection of facilities on both complexes to ensure the safety of our athletes should they restart training.”

Both complexes of the PSC have three “we heal as one centers” between them.

Presently the Multi-purpose Arena in Pasig City and the Ninoy Aquino Coliseum in RMSC have suspected and mild-positive patients, as the Rizal Coliseum undergoes disinfection, inspection and repairs.

Fernandez added that they are open to the private sector and local government units with low to no-cases of COVID-19 infection to “adopting” other sports training for their respective Olympic qualifying competitions.

The PSC will next meet with Tokyo Olympics Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta to discuss the POC’s projection on our Olympic bid.

“The POC will know who has and where we have a high percentage of qualifying so we will consult them and move from there,” said Fernandez.

Ceres looking for new owners THE Ceres-Negros Football Club in the Philippine Football League is looking for new owners.

The club is currently in talks with investors, who will be taking over the management and ownership of the team.

Because of this, the Ceres Busmen will have a new name under a different franchise in the coming days.

The team was preparing for the fourth season of the PFL and the Asian Football Confederation Cup. Team officials confirmed this in their official website, after team members emerged from home quarantine during the months that the country went into a series of lockdowns to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases finally allowed the resumption of practices for basketball and football.

“As soon as the takeover is completed, the club will no longer be known as CeresNegros,” said the club in their statement.

Officials said current chairman Leo

Rey Yanson will not be involved in any way in the affairs of the club.

“This is one of the toughest decisions made by Mr. Yanson, whose passion for football was reflected at the way he poured his personal resources and steered the club to unprecedented heights since it was formed eight years ago,” club officials added.

They added that while the pandemic has struck hard on businesses all over the world, “Ceres has made its best efforts to compensate its players and staff.”

Ace Bright, who is the general manager of the club, will be the point person with regards to the planned transfer of ownership.

Bright will also be around during the the transition to the new management and owners of the club.

The change taking place in the team’s franchise came almost a week after famed Azkals’ booter James Younghusband said goodbye to his teammates, his coaches and his team as he announced his decision to retire.

A few weeks ago, the 33-year-old Younghusband said he made up his mind to just hang his jersey while at staying at home

The Ceres Busmen will have a new name under a different franchise

and spending a lot of time with her sister while in home quarantine for the last three months.

He said his plans to retire took shape last year when Ceres FC won its second of three crowns in the Philippine Football

League with him around.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit and the Busmen’s games in the Asian Football Confederation 2020 Cup got cut short, that was when Younghusband finally made up his mind. Peter Atencio

Howard will play for Lakers when NBA resumes in Orlando LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard says he will play when the NBA season resumes in Orlando on July 30 despite concerns the restart might distract from his social activism.

Howard announced his decision to join LeBron James and his other Laker teammates in a CNN appearance late Monday, citing his contract and his hunger to win an NBA crown at age 34.

“Yes, I will be joining my team in Orlando, but during that time we will be getting a lot of work done,” Howard said of mixing his NBA goals with his activism.

Howard said he will donate his salary from the restart, about $700,000, to his Breathe Again charity.

This season, Howard has averaged 7.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots a game for the Lakers, who led the Western Conference at 49-14 when the NBA season was shut down March 11 after Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

“I feel like we have a great opportunity, the Lakers do, for winning the title this year,” Howard said.

“I have an obligation. I have a contractual obligation to my teammates, to my fans, the Lakers, the and everyone. But at the same time I also have an obligation to my family and my community.”

Howard said last month that he might sit out, saying the NBA season restart in a bubble at Disney World in Orlando might distract from the a growing movement against police brutality and racism in the wake of unarmed black man George Floyd’s killing while in police custody in May. The Lakers, powered by James and Anthony Davis, are expected to remain title contenders despite the absence of guard Avery Bradley, whose concern over how coronavirus issues would impact at-risk family members will keep him from playing when the season resumes.

Howard, the top overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, is an eight-time NBA All-Star but has never won a league title as he nears the end of his 16th season.

Howard, a member of the 2008 US Olympic gold medal squad, spent his first eight seasons with the Orlando Magic and has since played for Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington and the Lakers. AFP

Zamboanga wants slot in Bangkok Card

Denice Zamboanga (right)

ONE Championship recently announced that it will resume its flagship event schedule beginning with ONE: NO SURRENDER, scheduled for Friday, 31 July in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s the first card to be held by ONE since worldwide lockdowns were imposed due to the Covid-19 situation.

The blockbuster offering features three spectacular ONE Super Series contests, with reigning ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon defending his title against the young phenom, Petchdam “The Baby Shark” Petchyindee Academy in the main event.

Mixed martial arts bouts have yet to be announced, but one particular athlete in the vicinity wants on. Number one ranked women’s atomweight contender Denice “The Menace”

Zamboanga of the Philippines is eyeing inclusion on ONE: NO SURRENDER. Zamboanga, who earned a shot at the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship currently held by Singapore’s Angela Lee, says she would rather stay busy than wait explicitly for the Lee bout which most likely won’t materialize until the Covid-19 global situation drastically improves.

“Obviously the travel situation is very hard right now, with so many restrictions in different countries. I understand it has been difficult to nail the logistics. But if Angela [Lee] can’t come out to play yet, then I want to stay sharp and compete,” said Zamboanga.

“I would love to be on the Bangkok card, if possible.”

Zamboanga had been training onThai-

land’s pristine coastline since country lockdowns were imposed. She is accompanied by her older brother Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga, also a mixed martial arts champion.

“The Menace” was in training when Covid-19 hit, but instead of opting to take a repatriation flight back to Manila, she chose to wait it out in Thailand to further sharpen her skills.

“You know I’ve been training here in Thailand for quite some time now, during this whole lockdown period. I started just training with my brother during quarantine, and it’s been great,” said Zamboanga.

“I’m lucky I have the full support of my family, and that I’m surrounded by people I can trust. I’m just working hard everyday, and I can’t wait to get back in the Circle and compete. It’s what I love to do.”

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FAMILY COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 6 SANTA CRUZ, LAGUNA PETER NICK T. OBLEPIAS, Petitioner, - versus -

CIVIL CASE NO. SC-6201 FOR: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

BANELA CRISTY T. NAVARRO-OBLEPIAS, Respondent. x - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

insulting him of how he failed to give her a more comfortable life. She continued to ‘do whatever she likes and did not care whether this would end up in a fight; 11. That sometime in the year 2015, Petitioner discovered that there was a third party involved in their relationship when he caught her thru her email messages. He read a note stating “I love you” addressed to the Respondent and she responded with “I love you, too”. It turned out that the message sender is her co-worker. This made him lose his respect for the Respondent.

By reason of which, Petitioner finally decided to have their marriage annulled;

12. That the parties have been separated de facto for almost four (4) years now and during their cohabitation as husband and TO: BANELA CRISTY T. NAVARRO-OBLEPIAS, wife, the parties were not able to acquire any real property. Reconciliation between herein No. 170, Baco Street parties is also very impossible owing to the cold La Loma, Quezon City treatment with each other and more importantly, their love that once bloom have already dried; GREETINGS:

SUMMONS

You are hereby required, within fifteen (15) days after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the petitioner your ANSWER to the petition, a copy of which is herewith attached together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time aforesaid, the petitioner will take judgment against you by default and demand from this Court the reliefs applied for in the said Complaint.

Santa Cruz, Laguna.

January 21, 2020.

(Sgd.) SUWERTE L. OFRECIO Presiding Judge

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES FAMILY COURT FOURTH JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 6 SANTA CRUZ, LAGUNA PETER NICK T. OBLEPIAS, Petitioner, CIVIL CASE NO. SC - 6201 For: Judicial Declaration of Nullity of Marriage BANELA CRlSTY T. NAVARRO-OBLEPIAS, Respondent. x-------------------------------------x

ORDER

13. That from all indications, both the parties’ grave and manifest display of psychological incapacities render them unfit to discharge the essential marital obligations entailed of a married life. They had fully abandoned their solemn obligation and civil responsibility to render mutual help and support to the family, live together and harmoniously with each other and observe respect, fidelity and love.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that after due notice and hearing, judgment be rendered annulling and rendering as VOID the marriage entered into by the parties on November 15, 2011 and ordering the Civil Registrar of Luisiana, Laguna to cancel the corresponding marriage contract and its entry on file relative the Petitioner and the Respondent.

Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED. Santa Cruz, Laguna, November 12, 2019 (Sgd.) SIR JONAS MATIAS L. JAVIER Councel for herein Petitioner 2nd Floor, Andal Bldg., Mabini Street, Brgy.

Poblacion III, Santa Cruz, Laguna .

(0917)555 8084 / email add: sirjon_javier@ yahoo.com PTR No. 6502694/01-07-19/Laguna Lifetime IBP No. 07199 /01-16-08/Laguna Roll of Attorneys No. 53464 MCLE Compliance No.:VI-0005193/up to 04-142022/Pasig City

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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Sports

Silver: Significant virus spread could thwart NBA July 30 restart L

OS ANGELES—NBA commissioner Adam Silver reiterated Tuesday that a “significant spread” of coronavirus could burst the league’s safety “bubble” and cause a second shutdown of the season.

Silver said he fully expects some players who gather in Florida to resume the suspended season will test positive for coronavirus, especially as teams first arrive in Orlando from their home markets.

But he said fresh outbreaks after players go through quarantine procedures could prove more damaging.

“Certainly, if we had any sort of a significant spread at all within our campus, we would be shut down again,” Silver said at Fortune’s virtual Brainstorm Health conference.

“It would be concerning if once (the players) sit through our quarantine period, and then were to test positive, we would know that, in essence, there’s a hole in our bubble.”

The NBA halted play on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

The season is set to resume on July 30 with 22 teams jockeying for a spot in the 16team playoffs that start August 17.

All games will be held at the ESPN Sports Complex at Walt Disney World

in Orlando, where players will stay in a quarantine environment.

Coronavirus testing and contact tracing measures will be in place, which Silver hopes will make the campus safe for players and NBA personnel despite the rise in COVID-19 cases in Florida.

“We can analyze the virus itself and try to track whether, if there’s more than one case, if it’s in essence the same virus, the same genetic variation of the virus that has passed from one player to another,” Silver said.

“This should work,” he said.

“But again, this virus has humbled many, so I am not going to express any higher level of confidence than we are following the protocols and we hope it works as we designed it.”

Acting on the Motion for Leave of Court to VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF Effect Service of Summons by Publication filed by NON-FORUM SHOPPING Atty. Sir Jonas Matias L. Javier, counsel for the petitioner, dated February II, 2020, and pursuant to the Order of the Court, dated January 28, 2020, I, PETER NICK T. OBLEPIAS, of legal age, Filipino Citizen, married and with postal and the same is hereby GRANTED. residence address at No. 129, Roasa Street, Pursuant to Section 14, Rule 14 of the Rules Extension, Brgy. Zone VI, Luisiana, Laguna, of Civil Procedure, let service of summons by after having been duly ~ sworn to in accordance publication in a newspaper of general circulation with law, do hereby depose and state: be served on the respondent at the expense of the petitioner.

1. That I am the Petitioner in the above-entitled case; SO ORDERED. Given in Chambers this 18th day of February 2. That I have caused the preparation of 2020 in Santa Cruz, Laguna. the foregoing Petition and have read all the allegations contained therein, which are true (Sgd.) SUWERTE L. OFRECIO and correct to the best of my knowledge; Presiding Judge Copy Furnished: 3. That I attest to the authenticity of the annexes Atty. Sir Jonas Matias L. Javier thereof; 2nd Floor, Andal Building, Mabini Street, Brgy. Poblacion Ill, Santa Cruz, Laguna Peter Nick T. Oblepias No. 129, Roasa Street Extension, Brgy. Zone VI, Luisiana, Laguna Banela Cristy T. Navarro-Oblepias No. 107, Baco Street, La Lorna, Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General #134 Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City Office of the Provincial Prosecutor Santa Cruz, Laguna

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 4th JUDICIAL REGION DESIGNATED FAMILY COURT BRANCH SANTA CRUZ, LAGUNA PETER NICK T. OBLEPIAS, Petitioner, -vs-

4. That I certify that I have not commenced any other action or proceeding before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different divisions thereof, or before any other tribunal or agency; 5. That to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different divisions thereof, or before any other tribunal or agency; 6. That in the event that I should learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different divisions thereof, or before any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to immediately notice this Honorable Court within five (5) days from knowledge thereof.

Santa Cruz, Laguna, November 12, 2019

Civil Case No.: SC - 6 2 0 1 For: Judicial Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

BANELA CRISTY T. NAVARRO-OBLEPIAS, Respondent. x-----------------------------------------------------x PETITION

(Sgd.) PETER NICK T. OBLEPIAS Affiant REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) PROVINCE OF LAGUNA ) SS. MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ )

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines, on this 12th COMES NOW, the Petitioner, thru the day of November 2019 affiant being personal undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable known to the undersigned Notary Public.

Court, most respectfully states: THE PARTIES

Petitioner is of legal age, Filipino Citizen, married to herein Respondent and with postal and residence address at No. 129, Roasa Street Extension, Brgy. Zone VI, Luisiana, Laguna while Respondent is likewise of legal age, Filipino Citizen and with postal and residence address at No. 170, Baco Street, La Lorna, Quezon City, where they may be respectively served with summons, writs and processes to be issued by this Honorable Court.

Doc. No. 272 Page No. 56 Book No. 64 Series of 2019

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) PROVINCE OF LAGUNA ) SS. MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ)

Attached to this instant Petition is 1) a sworn certification of residency issued by the barangay, SWORN CERTIFICATION with the corresponding house sketch of the (ON THE RESIDENCY OF THE PETITIONER) Petitioner, 2) a sworn statement of the undersigned counsel on the residency of the Petitioner and 3) I. ATTY. SIR JONAS MATIAS L. JAVIER, of Government Issued Identification Cards as proof of legal age, Filipino Citizen, married and with his actual residence. office address at 2nd Floor, Andal Building, Mabini Street, Brgy. Poblacion III, Santa Cruz, FACTS OF THE CASE Laguna, after being duly sworn to in accordance 1.That Petitioner met the Respondent sometime with law, do hereby depose and say: in May 2010 during a drinking session. He got attracted to her immediately, hence, he got her 1. That I am the counsel of Peter Nick T. cellular phone number and they became textmates. Oblepias who is the Petitioner in a Civil Case for After a while, the two became a couple; Judicial Declaration of Nullity of Marriage, due for filing before the Regional Trial Court of Santa 2. That as boyfriend-girlfriend, the parties were initially happy with the way their relationship was Cruz, Laguna; then going. However, they would fight from time to time due to the extreme jealousy on the part 2. That I personally ascertained her residency, of each other and other petty issues. Notably and which is at No. 129, Roasa Street, Brgy. VI, every time they would have a fight, Respondent Luisina, Laguna; would always dare him for a break up; 3. That I executed this sworn certification to 3. That one time, Petitioner saw in Respondent’s attest to the truth of the foregoing, as well as cellular phone an old text message which turned for all legal purposes and intents to which this out to be from the latter’s ex-boyfriend. He asked her why she had not deleted the same, leading document may serve.

to an eventual argument between the two. Just like before, Respondent would again dare the IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of November 2019 at Petitioner for a break up; Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines.

4. That sometime in the year 2011, Petitioner was invited by his cousin’s birthday party in Pangasinan. He asked the Respondent to come (Sgd.) ATTY. SIR JONAS MATIAS L. JAVIER along but she refused. While at the celebration, Name and Signature of Affiant Petitioners’ cousins asked him to have a picture taken together with the sister-in-law of his cousin.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at When the Respondent saw the said picture on th social media, she got mad at Petitioner’s cousin, Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines on this 12 day of November 2019 affiant exhibiting his IBP Id including his (Petitioner) mother and siblings; with Roll No. 53464.

5. That although herein parties always fight on trivial matters, their emotional bonding was so Doc. No. 489 intimate. Being young, too aggressive, easily Page No. 98 subdued and emotionally weak, the two had Book No. LXXXVII engaged in premarital sex. Thus, Respondent got pregnant and having been confronted with such a Series of 2019 situation, they both agreed to get married;

6. That before the date of their wedding, the parties had fights and arguments that Petitioner wanted to call off the wedding. Respondent was too demanding and controlling and had no respect to him and to his parents; 7. That the parties got married on November 15, 2011 at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court of LuisianaCavinti, Laguna Nagcarlan, Laguna before the Honorable Judge Donna B. Pascual and in less than two (2) months thereafter, Respondent gave birth to their child they named Nicaela Gabrielle N. Oblepias who was born on January 5, 2012. (a reproduction copy of their Marriage Contract and the Certificate of Live Birth of their child is attached and marked herewith as Annex “A” and “B” respectively, both made integral parts hereof);

Attachment “1”

Attachment “2”

Attachment “3”

8. That after the marriage, the parties stayed at the house of the Respondent. This was the sole decision of the latter claiming that she was about to give birth at that time. Petitioner relented to it but they agreed that after giving birth, they would stay at the house of the Petitioner; 9. That they stayed in his mother’s place only for a month because her uncle offered them his condo unit in San Lazaro, Manila. It was a studio type condominium and it was enough for them as a starting family. However, to Petitioner’s disgust, Respondent’s mother would come to the place and at times, would stay for many days and so, they found it difficult during sleeping time as they would all sleep together in one bed and he felt no privacy. Respondents’ mother would also meddle in their affairs and this would lead to an argument and every time they had this, Respondent would always say “hiwalay na tayo”. Petitioner would try to explain to her that it would not be good for their child and they have to consider their child’s welfare, but all of which were ignored by the Respondent; 10. That this scenario became a vicious cycle as Respondent would always dare him that they separate as she knows that he would not agree to it.

She would do whatever she likes and would always go out with friends. As far as their finances are concerned, Respondent could not handle it as well as she would spend more on her personal needs.

Whenever her attention is called by the Petitioner, she would react angrily and shout invectives at him,

ANNEXES Annex “A”

Annex “B”

(MStandard - July 9 & 16, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Jamal Murray (left) of the Denver Nuggets, DeAndre Ayton (center) of the Phoenix Suns and Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic arrive at the hotel where NBA players are billeted as part of the NBA Restart 2020 in Orlando, Florida. AFP

‘20 Ryder Cup to be postponed LOS ANGELES—The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021.

“There will not be a Ryder Cup this year,” the source told the US sports news outlet.

“The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there.”

The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday.

The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.

British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far.

Spectators ‘essential’ Passionate fan involvement—in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere—has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup. With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates.

Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans want-

ing to come from Europe.

World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique.

US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don’t want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators.

“I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play,” McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England’s Lee Westwood said spectators were “essential” to the event.

Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments.

The European Tour won’t resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course.

But the Ryder Cup isn’t the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar.

The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George’s Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled.

The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September. AFP

Greek sailing federation sues former Olympic gold medallist ATHENS—Former Olympic windsurfing champion Nikos Kaklamanakis is being sued by the Greek sailing federation for 100,000 euros ($112,000) over comments he made against the organisation, the Athens News Agency (ANA) reported on Tuesday.

Kaklamanakis, 51, won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games in the Mistral category, and silver in Athens eight years later where he lit the Olympic torch in the opening ceremony, as well as winning three gold and two world championship silver medals.

“In the 32 years of continuous administration of the federation, we have not sent an out-of-court settlement or lawsuit against anyone,” the federation was quoted as saying by the ANA. “However against the former athlete and current coach we had to for what he had said in the Greek Parliament last November in which he had spoken about the squandering of public money by the federation,” it added.

The federation said the money won from the lawsuit would be given to handicapped sailing athletes as well as to local sailing clubs.

“Since he did not respond to the out-of-court settlement, the federation was required to file a lawsuit, for if we did not, it would be as if we accepted the accusations of the former athlete and current coach,” the federation said.

Sports minister Lefteris Avgenakis, in a Twitter post, described the action by the federation as “sad, outside the boundaries of sportsmanship and values” and added “every Olympian is not only a ‘role model’ for his medals, but also for the courage of his opinion.”

Kaklamanakis has not so far commented on the lawsuit.

WNBA players hit back at Dream co-owner Loeffler LOS ANGELES—Current and former WNBA players pushed back against Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler after the US senator from Georgia voiced opposition to league plans to honor the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Loeffler had urged WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a letter to scrap plans for players in the US women’s basketball league to wear warmup jerseys reading “Black Lives Matter” and “Say Her Name” suggesting the apparel should bear the US flag instead.

“The truth is, we need less—not more politics in sports,” the conservative Republican said.

“E-N-O-U-G-H! O-U-T!” the WNBA players’ union tweeted in response to Loeffler’s stance.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Tuesday said that Loeff ler, who co-owns the Dream with Mary Brock, does not, in fact, serve as governor of the team within the league.

“The WNBA is based on the principle of equal and fair treatment of all people and we, along with the teams and players, will continue to use our platforms to vigorously advocate for social justice,” Engelbert said in a statement.

“Senator Kelly Loeffler has not served as a Governor of the Atlanta Dream since October 2019 and is no longer involved in the day-to-day business of the team.”

Past and present WNBA players had already been angered by Loeffler’s recent appearance on Fox News in which she called armed black protesters in Atlanta “mob rule” although she is a vocal supporter of Second Amendment rights to bear arms.

The “mob rule” comment prompted former WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist Sheryl Swoopes to tweet that the “WNBA MUST do better.”

Dream guard Renee Montgomery, who has opted out of the 2020 season to focus her time on social justice issues, tweeted of those comments: “The second amendment is a part of the Bill of Rights. The problem some may be having is who is bearing the arms.” AFP

Entertainment

C3

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com

JANELLA

breaks silence on controversial

J

‘PA issue’

ANELLA Salvador took to Twitter to respond to allegations thrown at her by her former personal assistant (PA) who claimed that she failed to pay the latter for the service rendered.

On Tuesday evening, Michelle Pelongco appeared on Raffy Tulfo in Action, a program that streams on YouTube, to air her grievance against the Killer Bride star. Via phone patch, she claimed that the actress still owed her P3,600 for 12 days of service.

The next day, Salvador addressed the complaint saying that this is “the only

time you are gonna hear from me about this ‘PA issue.’”

“I really don’t believe I have to defend myself because trial by media is not the appropriate venue for this,” her social media post started.

“If you believe in your own lies and I really violated something, sue me. If you’re gonna twist the story in your

desperate attempt to get money from me… sorry, hun 3.6k is small and I would gladly give it to someone who deserves it. Not worth my time,” she carried on.

During the interview with Raffy Tulfo, Pelongco revealed that Salvador fired her on June 12. She added that her monthly salary was P8,000 pesos.

“Other PAs were receiving higher pay,” Pelongco said in Tagalog and claimed that she spoke to Salvador’s handler about her salary issue then was suddenly told that she should leave, and “that I don’t deserve the food in the house.” Nickie Wang

Actress Janella Salvador took to Twitter to address the ‘PA issue’ that is now going viral online.

Vicky Morales plays ‘fairy godmother’ anew in ‘Wish Ko Lang!’ special season Even established musicians are finding it hard to score hits these days, perhaps the next big song to dominate the airwaves may come from an unknown tunesmith or a faceless singer.

Roaming 2020s MUSIC has often defined a particular decade especially in the latter half of the 20th century. You can easily distinguish the psychedelic ‘60s from that of the New Wave ‘80s. Grunge music was so associated with the ‘90s as disco was to ‘70s.

While the past two decades were lessdefinable, owing to the emergence of a lot of genres with relatively equal exposure via digital and social media platforms, we entered this new decade somewhat in high hopes that it will be as identifiable as that of the Jazz Age or otherwise known as the Roaring Twenties that happened a century ago. Besides, 2020 is naturally linked with the term most people would rather think of as perfect vision. We all were envisioning a great year, probably including feng shui experts since none of them vocally predicted that it would be as catastrophic as how it has become.

Pandemic happened and it is still ongoing, far from being eradicated because there’s no vaccine available yet to serve as saving grace. Thus, the music scene has taken a backseat—no concerts, no gigs, no recordings the way these were done. Before COVID-19, scoring a legit hit song was already an uphill climb and even going viral has no specific formula.

The past months (or since community quarantine took its effect) saw no hands-down, certified LSS (Last Song Syndrome) track, in part because the Director Bong Joon-ho (rightmost) with the cast of the internationallyacclaimed film, ‘Parasite.’

prevailing scenario is not conducive for most people to hear new releases on a regular basis, like one coming off the radio whether you are in a public utility vehicle, or in the office. Even a barrage of new songs being shared on social media, many of them composed to uplift spirits in this time of global strife, would only reach some listeners and quickly be forgotten.

Don’t feel bad if you aspire to score a major hit, the virus redirected us back to dealing with basics like food storage and medicine supplies. Somehow, people would rather hear inspirational classics rendered as covers. The difficult times lessened the urge of listeners to immerse themselves to new melodies.

But then again, we have to remember that the jazzy 1920s came after the carnage of the First World War and the Spanish Flu pandemic that infected 500 million people. So, there’s no reason to lose hope.

Keep writing and recording songs.

When the so-called “new normal” really sinks in and people accept the fact that there’s no choice but to adjust to the new ways of surviving our current world, public consciousness will regain its interest in music in the same breath as when not threatened by a vicious killer.

It won’t hurt if songwriters create, no pun intended, truly infectious melodies instead of focusing too much on the message of the lyrics. Music is melody; lyrics are poetry, get that. The same’s true with people behind the machinery promoting possible hits. It’s melody over words and arrangement, it's the quality of the composition over the singer’s fame or the songwriter’s status. The next big hit may come from an unknown tunesmith or faceless singer.

AWARD-WINNING program Wish Ko Lang!, hosted by Vicky Morales, is set to bring hope and inspiration to Filipinos by opening its doors to deserving individuals in this time of great need.

“As the world continues to face the pandemic and its effects on our lives, there is a need for us to be inspired, to be reassured that we will get through this together.

We just need to continue to hope. And Wish Ko Lang! aims to spark that hope among the hearts of everyone,” says Morales.

“I am grateful that I get to be the ‘fairy godmother’ again—even for the time being—and help our Kapuso in these trying times. Nothing is impossible, even if we are in the middle of a pandemic, as long as we don’t lose hope,” she adds.

Wish Ko Lang! airs fresh episodes starting this Saturday. For July, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Tita Kita, Untrue) directs the dramatization segments of the episodes. Some stars who will grace the program include Prima Donnas mainstays Elijah Alejo and Chanel Latorre.

For its first two episodes, Wish Ko Lang! features the stories of child breadwinner Manny and the construction worker mom Joan.

Manny loves playing basketball. His dream is to make it to his school’s varsity team.

But he must set aside his dreams for a while. Because of the pandemic, Manny became his family’s breadwinner. In the morning he sells various household items while in the afternoon he offers balut along North Caloocan.

His earnings are spent on his parents’ medicines and their food.

After falling in a construction site, Manny’s father became disabled.

His mother, on the other hand, has tuberculosis. What little savings Manny has he intends to use for his enrollment and to buy items to play basketball. But given his new role in the family, he is now unsure if he can still go to school.

Meanwhile, Joan used to sell fruits in Laguna, while her husband Sherwin used to be a construction worker in Rizal. When the enhanced community quarantine was implemented, both lost their jobs.

Sherwin became a localized stranded individual (LSI) who can’t go home to his family. Joan was left with no choice but to take on work to provide for their family.

She applied for a construction job in their area and at the same time took a house help job as a sideline. Joan worries about Sherwin and hopes to be reunited with her husband.

Her wish is that they could face the hardship brought about by the pandemic together.

The program will also be asking viewers to send in their most urgent wishes so these may be featured in future episodes.

Catch the special season of Wish Ko Lang! beginning July 11, 4:00 p.m. on GMA 7.

‘Wish Ko Lang!’ Returns on the small screen for a special season with host Vicky Morales.

Evanescence unleashes the ‘monsters within’ AMERICAN rock band Evanescence has released “The Game is Over,” the second song from The Bitter Truth (BMG), its first album of new original music in nine years.

“The Game is Over” music video goes live tomorrow during a live YouTube premiere featuring a fan Q&A with Amy Lee, the group’s pianist and lead vocalist.

A guitar-driven anthem commanded by Amy Lee’s peerless mezzo-soprano and Will Hunt’s heavy arena percussion, “The Game is Over” is a protest against the facades we are pressured to put on by society. In the face of depression and anxiety - and especially in a world that seems to crumble further each day - it’s a cry to end the charade that everything’s fine.

The accompanying video is a nightmarish, effects-laden look at the emotional havoc that this period has wrought.

Despite being restricted to shooting themselves on iPhones, the band, in collaboration with director P.R. Brown, managed to achieve a highly stylized production literalizing the metaphorical monsters within us. The video is astonishing proof of the creative spark of working with limited resources and a testament to the band’s commitment to its craft. Spotlighting the mental darkness behind the false smiles, it’s a disturbing, technicolor tribute to the light at the end of the tunnel - if you’re willing to face the terrors that line its walls.

“This song is about being sick of the facade. The disguises

we wear for others to make them feel comfortable, the inside feelings being so different than what we show on the outside to fit within the boundaries of what’s socially acceptable, or what’s not going to make you unpleasant or too ‘weird’ to be around,” Amy Lee says of “The Game is Over:”

Evanescence's surreal, iPhone-filmed latest music video premieres tomorrow on YouTube.

Diverse Korean culture made accessible via digital platform CULTURE as a shared experience became one of the casualties of COVID19’s onslaught around the world. But as the world stayed at home, Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines made K-Culture more accessible by utilizing the internet to serve vibrant, unique, and diverse cultural experiences through “Korea at Home.”

In place of the crowded and physical events, “Korea at Home” brings musical performances, food, arts, pop culture, movies, museum exhibits, and tours right on the screens of the K-Culture enthusiasts

for them to enjoy anytime, anywhere, and while staying safe at home.

Launched on June 16 on KCC’s Facebook Page, “Korea at Home” has been living up to the promise of offering various options for those interested and loyal to the Korean culture. The live-streamed events follow the regular programming composed of arts, music, performance, food, and museum and exhibitions.

July is also set to be bigger and brighter for “Korea at Home” as K-Culture enthusiasts can look forward to Parasite’s

highly-acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho’s most favorite films courtesy of Korea Film Archives. Meanwhile, additional categories featuring K-pop, quiz bees, contests, and various video tutorials are set to be included under “Korea at Home” in August.

As the world heals from the pandemic, KCC will continue to reinvent and adapt to the times through “Korea at Home” and other online events in order to ensure that K-Culture would continuously shine bright and sow seeds of hope and inspiration through information and entertainment.

Life

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

C4

HOUSEHOLD

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

ENRICHING E-LEARNING.

COPING WITH SCHOOL CLOSURE:

Online language tools and videoconferencing can help remote educators enrich lessons and promote student engagement.

Bridging social distancing with language learning

By Ofer Tirosh

A

BOUT 1.5 billion children in 165 countries have been profoundly affected by school closures due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet there’s an opportunity in this crisis to advance learning goals through innovation.

The sudden scramble for distance learning solutions The sudden developments have driven school administrators and educators scrambling for online distance learning solutions that can engage students and permit both regular learning and completion of academic requirements.

As an entrepreneur and founder of an interpretation and translation company that provides online language services to organizations worldwide, I have always had a keen interest in distance learning solutions. In practice, however, there are substantial practical obstacles to successful implementation of an educational program.

As K-12 teachers and parents have learned, this is not an easy time to focus the attention of young people on their studies.

Kids have been buffeted by the shock of a profound change in lifestyle as well as social and family life. Without diminishing the profound challenges in our societies,

the innovative use of online language tools can contribute to revolutionizing learning norms, improving engagement, and facilitating educational progress beyond the current crisis.

Putting ourselves into the shoes of our children, we can well understand the frustration of suddenly losing most social interactions. Kids at home are limited in their ability to go out and play.

Classrooms were a social experience and an energetic interaction among pupils.

Is there a way to restore these friendly and cheerful aspects of learning? Can distance learning be educational and fun?

Virtual world travel and conversation across language barriers There are exciting opportunities in language learning. In Spanish classes, I loved learning about life in Madrid or Mexico. The cultural dimension intrigued and excited me. I enjoyed conversational

dialogues with strangers from another country, using a newly learned language to make social connections.

Now, with travel limited and faceto-face foreign language dialogue impeded, online learning programs and translation tools once used for business can be adapted to help our kids learn and interact.

Distance learning platforms use video conferencing and chat systems to connect teachers with students in their classes, enabling teacher-to-students, student-to-teacher, as well as peer-topeer communications. That’s great, and amazing when it works. The reality, unfortunately, is that many students aren’t engaged by the artificial nature of such interactions.

A modest proposal to meld media to create cross-language conversations The idea—a vision to inspire educators and entrepreneurs—is to combine dedicated platforms in use and free online platforms to meld social interactions between local schools and those in foreign communities.

Our kids sit bored and lonely in their homes. Why not use virtual connections to build bridges across language frontiers, building excitement and engagement in the process.

We have amazing online language courses platforms, such as Blackboard, Moodle, and others recommended by UNESCO. We have machine translation tools like Google Translate, letting us hear how to say and understand anything in dozens of languages, or to read any foreign language sign or menu. They’re free. They’re exciting. Our kids love them.

The current global health crisis has driven school administrators and educators scrambling for online distance learning solutions that can engage students and permit both regular learning and completion of academic requirements.

Our businesses also use Hangouts and Zoom to video conference. Our teens have group video platforms like Houseparty.

Wouldn’t it be thrilling, in a learning context, to combine the best of these solutions for cross-language global communication? Let’s empower kids in Spain to meet their peers in Manila via voice and video, sharing their current lives and learning languages along the way. Filipino kids wouldn’t just learn Spanish online. They’d be making

Lush living in Antipolo

SM Appliance Center delivers TV, air conditioner

AMPLE space, fresh air, and sweeping views of nature are luxuries that greatly improve living. Throw in resort-like amenities and accessibility to conveniences, and you’ve got a nurturing place in which to live, build a life, settle down.

About an hour from the metro, at 1,000 feet above sea level, the 640-hectare Eastland Heights in Antipolo by Megaworld subsidiary Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. allows residents to live a life amid natural wonders.

According to Filipino architect JJ Acuna, people nowadays yearn for “more ventilation, more daylight, access to greenery, and indoor-outdoor spaces at home.”

In a world hit by a pandemic where people have no choice but to stay indoors most of the time, most of us crave for “sunlight, fresh air, space, and an

SMALL and big appliances retailer SM Appliance Center makes online shopping for household items easier with its Order to Deliver service.

Customers looking for air conditioners to cool their homes, inverter refrigerators or chest freezers for household or small business use, inverter washing machines with smart features to replace their faulty washer-dryers, new laptops to use while working at home, and television and entertainment centers can now shop online and have their items delivered straight to their doorsteps.

To order, browse the catalog at bit. ly/3d53Z8t and place orders at bit. ly/2WN5aEn. An SM Appliance rep-

Springs is a water-leisure park with landscaped pools and slides, spa concessionaires, and cabanas, among others.

open sky,” he added.

Designed with the well-being of families in mind, Eastland Heights is an integrated lifestyle community that thrives with nature as its backdrop. Abodes can be built on ample space, with lots ranging from 300 square meters to an expansive 2,000 square meters.

Within Eastland Heights’ sprawling residential village is the world-class 36hole Forest Hills Golf Course. Places for relaxation of the mind and body are just a few steps away, such as Springs, a

Residents at Eastland Heights are afforded ample space, fresh air, sweeping views of nature, and modern facilities and amenities.

water-leisure park which uses natural spring water.

Inspired by the ambience of worldfamous resort island Bali in Indonesia, Springs has landscaped pools and slides for adults and children alike, revitalizing spa concessionaires, and cabanas, among others.

Putting a premium on health and relaxation, amenities and facilities include a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, pocket gazebos, picnic tables, a pool bar, and an event pavilion where residents can host family and business gatherings.

Convenience is a prime feature in this community as commercial, retail, and institutional establishments are all nearby.

Residents also enjoy sights of rare flowers and birds that can be found within the community, as 40 percent of the entire property is dedicated for environmental preservation.

To top it all off, panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, the Ortigas skyline, and lush greenery are like a warm embrace of Mother Nature.

friends, injecting closeness across the distances dividing us.

“Sister Cities” and “foreign penpals” are old-school. Innovative minds can update these paradigms to adapt videoconferencing, teaching, translation, and interpretation tools to solve the urgent educational challenges coronavirus compels us to confront.

The author is the CEO of Tomedes, a translation agency specializing in remote interpretation and online translation.

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