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VOL. XXXIV • NO. 146• 2 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS.
Coastguards take swab samples from a Filipino crew aboard one of several cruise ships anchored at the Manila Bay in this file photo released by the Coast Guard on July 15, 2020. From engineers to waiters onboard cruise liners, ocean-going vessels around the world have been caught up in a growing humanitarian crisis that has been blamed for several suicides. AFP
DOJ probes Bilibid deaths Summons BuCor chief over demise of De Lima's co-accused at NBP
By Rey E. Requejo
WORLD ROUNDUP
B
UREAU of Corrections Director General Gerald Bantag has been summoned to report to the Department of Justice purportedly to shed light on the reported death of high profile inmate Jaybee Sebastian due to COVID-19 inside the New Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City. “We have summoned Director General Bantag to the DOJ tomorrow. We’ll find out what is really happening at the NBP,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. Sebastian reportedly died last Saturday after which his body was imme-
COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE
(AS OF 4 PM JULY 19)
67,456
43,160 ACTIVE
TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES
2,241
1,831
58
22,465
398
DEATHS
RECOVERIES
NEW
NEW
NEW
LOCAL ROUNDUP
Pillion riding curbs: 7,091 draw warning By Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio Araja MORE than 7,000 motorcycle riders across the country have been warned since the government on July 10 allowed pillion riding only for married couples or live-in partners. Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, JTF COVID Shield commander, said the 7,091 violators recorded as of July 18 showed the government’s resolve to implement the two rules for pillion riding: that there must be barriers that pass the safety standard of the National Task Next page
diately cremated, unconfirmed reports said. These reports said Sebastian was taken to a COVID-19 facility inside the New Bilibid Prison after showing symptoms of the virus. No autopsy was conducted beNext page fore he was cremated.
Total death toll tops 600,000; HK ’critical’ SEBASTIAN
BANTAG
Surging virus cases raise PH tally to 67, 456 By Willie Casas THE country's tally of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases topped 67,000 on Sunday after the Department of Health (DOH) announced 2,241 more infections, bringing the total to 67,456. The day's total was based on tests done by 74 of the 84 operational labs, the DOH said. The five provinces with the highest number of new cases were Metro Manila
with 1,625, Laguna with 115, Cavite with 76, Rizal with 75, and Cebu with 55. DOH reported 398 new recoveries, bringing the total number of patients who recovered from COVID-19 to 22,465. The death toll climbed to 1,831 with 58 new fatalities—25 of which were in July and 33 of which were in June. Deaths were from Region 7 (54 or 93 percent), NCR (one or 2 percent), Region 1 (one or 2 percent), Region 9 (one or 2 percent), and Region 11 (one or 2 percent).
Eighty-nine duplicates were removed from the total case count. There are also 43,160 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, 90.1 percent of which have mild symptoms, 9.1 percent are asymptomatic, 0.4 percent are severe, and 0.4 percent are in critical condition. As of July 18, the Philippines had 67 certified polymerase chain reaction facilities and 22 GeneXpert laboratories that had tested a total of 1,058,764 indiNext page viduals.
THE new coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 600,000 lives worldwide, an AFP tally showed Sunday. A total of 600,523 deaths were recorded globally out of 14,233,355 cases, a count based on official data showed, including 205,065 deaths in Europe—the worst-affected continent. The virus is spreading rapidly in Latin America—the region with the secondmost recorded deaths—where 160,726 people have died. The United States is the country with the most deaths with 140,103, followed by Brazil (78,772), Britain (45,273), Mexico (38,888) and Italy (35,042). The number of deaths linked to COVID-19 has doubled in just over two months, and more than 100,000 new deaths have been registered in the three Next page weeks since June 28.
44 groups file 10th plea vs. terror law By Rey E. Requejo SOME 44 cause-oriented and advocacy groups on Sunday filed the 10th petition before the Supreme Court seeking to declare the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as unconstitutional. The petitioners, most of which said they had been subjected to red-tagging by the government, sought to strike down the controversial law, a day after it took effect on Saturday, July 18, even
without its implementing rules and regulations. Represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, the petitioners urged the justices to immediately issued a temporary restraining order to enjoin the convening of the Anti-Terror Council (ATC) and the exercise of its functions. The ATC, under the new law, was given the authority to order the arrest of suspected terrorists and unilaterally designate persons as terrorists. Next page
Solons vow safe haven for frontliners By Rio N. Araja IN a bid to spur economic activities to preserve jobs and protect health-care workers, House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and the Office of the Civil Defense have billeted at least 100 emergency medical front liners of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center at the Leyte Park Hotel and Resort. “It is time for businesses to resume. This will help reopen our economy, pre-
serve jobs and show malasakit [compassion] to our medical front liners,” Romualdez said. The lawmakers thanked OCD Region 8 chairman Lord Byron Torrecarion “for a job well done,” which ensured that the medical workers would stay in 50 rooms for one month free of charge. “Despite being overworked, underpaid and at great risk, our health-care workers have remained committed to their mandate. They are our heroes for spearheading the fight against the CONext page VID-19,” Romualdez said.
CARING FOR FRONTLINERS. House Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez and wife Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of Tingog Party-list join the Office of Civil Defense in making sure that 100 frontline medical workers of the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center are billeted at the Leyte Park Hotel and Resort.
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MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
News
Gasoline price cut seen at P0.20 By Alena Mae S. Flores
“Expect fuel prices to have a mixed movement next week [July 21 to 27]. Diesel should have no price movement and gasoline should go down by P0.20 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said. World oil prices were affected last week by weak global economic data and a slowdown in consumption. Last week, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.65 per liter, kerosene by P0.40 per liter and diesel by P0.30 per liter.
The total year-to-date adjustments now stand at a net decrease of P4.97 per liter of gasoline, P8.54 per liter of diesel and P12.99 per liter of kerosene, according to data from the Energy department. Petron Corporation, meanwhile, announced it had extended its fuel subsidy to the participating vehicle units in the Free Ride Service for the Health Workers Program until July 31. The extension follows the govern-
ment’s decision to extend the General Community Quarantine in Metro Manila until July 31, and following the continuing increase in COVID-19 cases. Since April 7, Petron has been providing free fuel to the vehicles of transport companies participating in the Transportation department’s Free Ride Service for the Health Workers Program in the Greater Manila Area. The program aims to ferry front-line health workers to hospitals and medical communities daily as the Philippines continues its fight against the spread of COVID-19. Petron has provided the program with 255,000 liters of diesel fuel worth P7.913 million as of July 17. Petron's fuel subsidy was made possible through the donation of San Miguel Corp. Infrastructure.
DOJ...
napping-for-ransom and carjacking in 2009, is one of De Lima’s co-accused in one of the criminal cases filed against the senator before the regional trial court in Muntinlupa City, in connection with the illegal drug activities inside NBP. Even the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) refused to confirm Sebastian’s death, saying they are prohibited from disclosing such information under the Data Privacy Act. Nonetheless, BuCor spokesman Col. Gabriel Chaclag admitted that there were prisoners who passed away due to COVID-19.
“However, as much as we want to inform the public with respect to the names of [those] who died due to COVID-19, the data privacy act prohibits us from doing so,” Chaclag said. He said the bureau has been doing quick identification, isolation and treatment programs that have greatly mitigated the risks brought about by the Covid19 virus. The DOJ reported July 15 that the BuCor has not logged any new case of COVID-19 infection in all its penal farms and colonies since July 1. Its last count places the total confirmed
C
ONSUMERS may expect lower gasoline prices this week but no movement in diesel prices, a distributor said Sunday.
From A1
Guevarra said he would discuss recent deaths at the NBP, COVID-19-related or otherwise, with Bantag but did not confirm reports of Sebastian's death. Sebastian was a state witness who accused detained opposition Senator Leila de Lima of conspiring with him and other drug convicts during her term as Justice secretary to use drug money to raise campaign funds for her 2016 senatorial bid. Sebastian, who was convicted of kid-
Surging... From A1
Meanwhile, 47.4 percent of intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 patients nationwide were occupied while 24.3 percent of mechanical ventilators were in use. The Pasig City government placed several streets under localized enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) beginning Sunday due to the surge of confirmed COVID-19 cases. In a Facebook post, Mayor Vico Sotto said the localized lockdowns will be imposed on Pipino, Labanos, Okra and Ubas Streets in Napico, Barangay Manggahan. Sotto said the implementation of the lockdowns will begin Sunday evening and last "until lifted by the city government." "Residents will only be allowed to leave their houses for work and emergency reasons", he said. Food packs will be distributed to residents in those areas, Sotto said, to minimize the need to buy food outside. Pasig's latest data showed a total of 1,212 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with 457 active cases, 661 recoveries, and 94 deaths. Pasig recorded 109 confirmed cases, including 53 active cases, in Barangay Manggahan. Also on Sunday, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) said health workers
44...
From A1
The petitioners also urged the 15-member bench to stop the drafting of the IRR and the convening of the Joint Oversight Committee under Section 50 of the law. The petitioners are asking the Court to strike down the entire law for being unconstitutional. Before the enactment of Anti-Terrorism Act, petitioners argued that they had already been subjected to red-tagging as communists by the government. "Red-tagging, harassment, and killings of trade unionists continues. Intervention by state security forces in union meetings and affairs, threats and profiling of members--including of a national alliance of teachers--have been reported," the petitioners said. "The International Labour Organization Committee on Freedom of Association has also raised concerns about 'blanket linkages of trade unions to an insurgency,' placing unionists in situations of extreme danger, they said. Even members of the legal profession were not spared, they said. A total of 50 have been killed since June 2016, "many who were working on politically sensitive cases or advocating for land rights of farmers and indigenous peoples.” "As shown, the assailed law serves as the trigger for hands that have long been poised to shoot. Verily, the prosecution and escalated persecution of petitioners are not questions of if, but when and how large a scale the ensuing human rights crisis will be," they said. The NUPL warned that the controversial law has “a chilling effect” that deters people from freely exercising their constitutional-guaranteed freedoms of speech, expression, assembly and association. Reiterating the arguments of the first nine petition, the petitioners urged the Court to strike down the entire anti-terrorism law due to the unconstitutionality of the following issues:
from different hospitals in Metro Manila held a noontime online protest action called “Protest from Wards” to denounce “deplorable” conditions in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press briefing, the DOH said at least 11 Metro Manila hospitals have reached full capacity on their COVID-19 dedicated beds. These are: Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC), UST Hospital, University of Perpetual Help Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center (TMC), Seamen’s Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), Metro North Medical Center and Hospital, Las Pinas Doctors Hospital, De Los Santos Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital and Capitol Medical Center. Meanwhile, the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) reported utilization of 97 percent; East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC), 89 percent; and UERM, 83 percent. Even the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital with the largest COVID-19 referral hospital in the country with 200 beds is already full, said Robert Mendoza, AHW national president. On July 9, Dr. Rontgene Solante, Chief of the Adult Infectious Disease Division in San Lazaro Hospital, stated that their coronavirus ward is almost full. On July 13, 2020, National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the country’s prime kidney and dialysis center, has announced that they are already in the “danger zone” of their designated
bed capacity for COVID-19 patients. “AHW is deeply concerned over the growing numbers of public and private hospitals and health facilities announcing that they are already in a full utilization of their COVID-19 wards,” Mendoza said. Based on DOH data as of July 16, there are now 35 health workers who succumbed due to COVID-19. The total number of infected health care workers stands at 3,738 and 2,771 have recovered. “The growing number of infected health workers is still due to lack of PPE (personal protective equipment), nonimplementation of free mandatory regular testing for all health workers, working long hours and lack of manpower,” said Ulysses Arcilla, a nurse and president of San Lazaro Hospital Employees Association-AHW. In San Lazaro Hospital (SLH), there are now 80 infected health workers and yesterday one died of COVID-1. Two nurses are now in critical condition and nine health workers are still waiting to be admitted, but cannot be admitted because there are no vacant COVID-19 beds, Arcilla said. Many health workers are still waiting for their swab test results. They lack quality N95 masks. “Before, we used to take care of our patients. But now, it hurts to think that we are taking care of our fellow health workers. And what is even more depressing is when the day comes that even in our ranks there is no one to take care of because everyone is sick already,” Arcilla said.
The ATA violates the due process clause of the constitution due to the extremely vague definition of “terrorism” under Section 4; It is contrary to the free speech clause under the Constitution, particularly Sections 4 and 9 (Inciting to Commit Terrorism) of the ATA. It also violates the constitutional right to due process, right to property, and freedom of association, and for usurping judicial prerogatives because of ATA’s Section 25 Designation of Terrorist Individual, Groups of Persons, Organizations or Associations; It breaches the due process clause and encroaches upon protected freedoms, particularly the ATA’s Sections 26 Proscription of Terrorist Organizations, Association, or Group of Persons and 27 Preliminary Order of Proscription; It violates the constitutional protection against warrantless arrests and detention without charges (Section 29 Detention Without Judicial Warrant of Arrest); and It also counters the constitutionally protected right to bail and right to travel under the law’s Section 34 Restriction on the Right to Travel. The petitioners include Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr., activist nun Mother Mary Mananzan, former UP President Francisco Nemenzo, former UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay, former NCCA chair Felipe De Leon, former DSWD secretary Judy Taguiwalo, human rights defender Edith Burgos, civil libertarian Renato Constantino Jr., former NAPC undersecretary Corazon Jimenez-Tan, former DSWD undersecretary Malou TuraldeJarabe, playwright Bonifacio Ilagan, Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, former Bayan muna representative Teddy Casino, artist Mae Paner, journalist Vergel Santos, Prof. Temario Rivera, Francisco Alcuaz, Fr. Freddy Dulay, veteran activist Nanay Mameng Deunida and journalist Vergel Santos, among others. Representatives from Kilusang Mayo
Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, Health Alliance for Democracy, Pamalakaya, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students, Salinlahi, COURAGE, and Piston also joined the petition. Named respondents in the petition are President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and House of Representatives Speaker Alan Cayetano. The broad range of petitioners are represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL): Edre Olalia (President), Ephraim Cortez (SecretaryGeneral), Josalee Deinla (Spokesperson) and Kathy Panguban (Women and Children Committee Head), assisted by Angelo Guillen, Rene Estocapio, Melanie Pinlac, Hilton Lazo and Frank Tiongson. The petition was filed electronically. The physical filing of the petition will be on Thursday as the Supreme Court is closed for disinfection from Monday to Wednesday. Meanwhile, Catholic bishops said that the new law reminds them of warrantless arrests and detentions carried out in 1972 under martial law. In a pastoral letter dated July 16, and signed by Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) acting president Kaloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the bishops said that warrantless arrest is legalized in the new law, just as it was in 1972 under "ASSOs" (arrest, search and seizure orders). "We are still in disbelief about the manner in which the contentious AntiTerror Bill was fast-tracked and approved in both Houses of Congress while the whole country’s attention was focused on the COVID-19 pandemic," the pastoral letter said. “Dissenting voices were strong but they remained unheeded. None of the serious concerns that they expressed about this legislative measure seemed to be of any consequence to them,” the bishops said. “Alas, the political pressure from above seemed to weigh more heavily on our legislators than the voices from below.”
Petron says it will be providing 60 vehicles participating in the department’s Free Ride Service for the Health Workers Program with 50 liters of fuel each per day, or a total daily allocation of 3,000 liters daily until July 31, 2020. Four Petron stations were initially assigned to accommodate the participating private bus units carrying front liners. These Petron stations are at Filinvest in Alabang, Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City, East Avenue in Quezon City and in Mandaluyong City. Petron aside, the Transportation department has also teamed up with other oil firms, such as CleanFuel and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc., which also extended their respective fuel subsidy programs until May 31. cases all throughout the BuCor – gathered since the start of its monitoring in March – at 343 confirmed cases, 18 deaths, and so far, 323 recoveries. Of the 18 recorded deaths, 15 were from the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP) and three were from the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW). The NBP and CIW are the only penal farms and colonies managed by BuCor that logged cases of infection while the remaining five reported no cases of Covid19 all throughout the monitoring period. Visitation privileges remain suspended.
Local... From A1
Force for COVID-19 and the riders must be married or live-in couples. “For a long time, motorcycle riders had repeatedly requested the government to allow at least their partners to back-ride with them due to limited public transportation,” Eleazar said in a statement. “And now that the government finally granted their request, they openly and brazenly disregarded the rules.” Test kits ready The Health department said Sunday the test kits developed by University of the Philippines scientists were now ready for commercial use. The kits, which were approved by the Food and Drug Administration for commercial sale, were recalled in mid-May to undergo re-validation due to a minor deficiency. In a statement, the department said the key issue in the UP test kits, called Genamplify, had been addressed. "After several months of collaboration, we are proud to say GenAmplify version 2, the country's very own RT-PCR test kit, is finally ready for commercial use," the department said. Mass testing backed Some House leaders have backed a mass testing for COVID-19 to reopen the economy and preserve jobs. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, AnaK Kalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin supported San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang that the government must upgrade its mass testing, saying “we cannot lock down forever because people need to work to pay for their meals” and survive. The officials challenged Heath Secretary Francisco Duque III for his failure to defeat the spread of COVID-19. “We should intensify mass testing, implement test trace and treat and big corporations should do this on their own employees and maybe their families too. The initiative of Ramon Ang should be the cue of all corporations,” Barbers said. New subjects pushed Pandemics, epidemics and other health emergencies should be included in the subjects of primary and secondary schools in the country, Senator Sonny Angara said Sunday. He said the experience of the Philippines with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on the behavior of many Filipinos in spite of the dangers to their health, left much to be desired. He said there were constant reminders about wearing face masks, covering sneezes and coughs and social distancing during the pandemic, but many people still insisted on ignoring these health protocols. Senator Christopher Lawrence Go is pushing for a stricter implementation of policy on the mandatory wearing of face masks in public to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Solons.. From A1
“We have to protect our medical workers from the stress of their work by ensuring that they have a safe and comfortable place to stay. Rest assured that your representatives in Congress are in close coordination with the Executive department in trying to find ways to minimize the economic impact and social cost of COVID-19.” Romualdez is chairman of the House committee on rules and co-chairman of the Defeat COVID-19 committee.
Minority bloc vows to oppose Charter change By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Sunday Charter change should be locked down as he vowed that the minority will block any fresh attempts to push it in Congress amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “What we need now is a food and Cha-cha dance. Joblessness is the big problem, so we ought to lock down Chacha that is so divisive,” Drilon said as he noted that the pandemic had left over five-million people jobless and crippled the economy. Still, the Interior department on Saturday welcomed the League of Municipalities’ support for the administration's plan to amend the 1987 Constitution. In a statement, the department said that sent a "strong signal that local governments are clamoring for real change," and especially amid the pandemic. “The municipal mayors themselves have spoken and recognized the urgency of amending the Constitution because they recognize the greater need for regional development," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said. Drilon told DZBB radio he believed that the real motive behind the fresh attempts to revive Cha-cha was to postpone the 2022 national and local elections and to remove the politicians’ term limit. “I trust that my colleagues will see that this [Cha-cha] is not for the welfare of the country. We will block that in the Senate,” Drilon said. He says the chances of Cha-cha being passed in the Senate are very small. “We in the minority are ready to fight it." Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said that Cha-cha was not among the priorities in the Senate. Drilon said the local government units should not be worried about their higher Internal Revenue Allotments, adding neither the Executive nor Congress could set aside or revise the Supreme Court ruling in the Mandanas case in 2019. Last week, the Interior department said the League of Municipalities of the Philippines had passed a resolution seeking Charter amendments purportedly to institutionalize the Mandanas ruling of the Supreme Court and lift the restrictions on foreign investment.
World... From A1
'Really critical situation' The deadly coronavirus is spreading out of control in Hong Kong with a record 100 new cases confirmed, the finance hub's leader said Sunday as she tightened social distancing measures to tackle the sudden surge in infections. The finance hub was one of the first places to be struck by the virus when it emerged from central China. But the city had impressive success in tackling the disease, all but ending local transmissions by late June. However, in the last two weeks, infections have spiked once more and doctors fear the new outbreak is now spreading undetected in the densely packed territory of 7.5 million people. On Sunday chief executive Carrie Lam said more than 500 infections had been confirmed in the last fortnight alone, nearly a third of the 1,788 cases since the outbreak began. More than 100 were confirmed on Sunday, a record daily high for the finance hub. "I think the situation is really critical and there is no sign the situation is being brought under control," Lam told reporters. Melbourne makes mask-wearing compulsory Australia's second-biggest city will make it compulsory to wear a mask in public, authorities announced Sunday, as Melbourne steps up efforts to bring a coronavirus outbreak under control. Victoria state, which includes Melbourne, now has nearly 3,000 active cases of COVID-19 after a further 363 infections were reported Sunday despite a 10-day lockdown. Premier Daniel Andrews said more than five million people in Melbourne and neighboring Mitchell Shire would be required to wear a mask or other facecovering in public spaces from midnight Wednesday into Thursday. "Most of us wouldn't leave home without our keys, we wouldn't leave our home without our mobile phone," he told a press conference. "You won't be able to leave home without your mask and then wear it where it is absolutely essential to stop the spread of this virus." Failure to comply with the new rule will mean a $140 fine—though Andrews said "common sense" discretion would be applied to activities such as running or visiting a bank. AFP
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Opinion
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
Let’s sharpen our pencils P22 to P23 per kilo, if they had so much unsold inventory from the massive quantitative restriction-freed imports right after the NFA monopoly was lifted? The higher farm-gate prices somehow compensated our palay farmers from the massive losses of the previous year when their main harvest was sold so low due to the immediate impact of the RT Law, which is a good thing. Still, we are basically not self-sufficient in our rice consumption needs, and the Covid pandemic resulted in a distorted supply-demand situation. Though rice has inelastic demand, the unusual circumstances of the lockdown and its impact on people’s daily lives must have increased overall consumption. Which is why the DA’s proposal to import a modest 300,000 metric tons, about a nine-day national consumption requirement, was conservatively proper. There were some worries when Vietnam, our main supplier of rice imports, announced that they would stop exporting to ensure their food security needs amid the Covid pandemic. But later, the Vietnamese prime minister assured our President that they would be ready to supply the Philippines. So the PITC went into a country bidding process. But after announcing the winners, the agency announced that it was suspending awards because of a lack of certification of funds availability. NFA, when it was doing the importation of rice, could avail itself of supplier credits which the seller country could re-finance through a consortium of banks. In my time, we could get 270-day credit for instance, from Vietnam. We of course understand that the Covid pandemic has drained the national treasury, and revenue collections have gone down. But food security is a matter of national security as well, and I thought that funds would soon be made available to honor the bids already tendered and won. The other day, I found out that the whole procedure was cancelled. So now, we are totally reliant on the private millers and traders, with our public warehouse, the NFA, having an inventory equivalent to around seven days nationwide consumption. Now, that is worrisome. Not only because we went into government-to-government tenders and then welched. More so because we may be entering the second half of the year with world supply precarious. China, the world’s top rice producer followed by India, is experiencing the worst flooding in its Yangtze River Basin since 1998. With the rains still pouring from the heavens, the floods may worsen. Chongqing, Jiangxi, Hubei (birthplace of the novel coronavirus), Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, and Zhejiang provinces are gravely affected. Almost half of China’s annual rice production of some 205 million metric tons come from these provinces. The Three Gorges Dam has released so much water to protect it from bursting as the water levels from the Yangtze swell with more and more rainfall (they call it the “plum rain”).
ABOUT a month ago, I read in a business paper that the tender for 300,000 metric tons of rice done through a government-to-government purchase was put on hold, after winners had been announced. For the first instance in as long a time as I could recall, even Myanmar participated, and won, a portion of our staple reserve requirement. The bidding was conducted by the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC), an agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry.
The idea of a rice supply and price crisis in our poor country is quite worrisome. Earlier, the Department of Agriculture certified to the need for importing a food security reserve of 300,000 metric tons of rice, and since the Rice Tariffication Law which was passed in 2019 removed that function from the National Food Authority along with its commercial functions, the G2G mode of procurement was passed on to the PITC. The NFA can only procure palay from local farmers, have it milled, and keep the same for rice reserves to be used in times of emergency, with its buyers being the DSWD, local government units, and other government agencies for relief purposes. Of course, the implementing rules and regulations allowed for a phase-out of the commercial functions of the food security agency. By now, NFA’s 2018-2019 imports must have been sold out. What NFA holds in its warehouses by this time should either be rice milled from the palay it bought over the last 15 or so months, or yet in palay form. There was an unexpected heavy buying from NFA due to the Covid lockdowns, when both the national and local government units had to deliver food supplies to the quarantined population. With its 2019 and 2020 funds limited by the budget subsidy under the GAA, although augmented in the Bayanihan emergency legislation, NFA could only procure so much. And at its procurement price of 19 pesos per kilo, already adjusted from the previous 17 per kilo of palay, NFA had to compete with the private millers and traders who, surprisingly (because government statistics claim we had plenty of stocks imported by the privates in 2019 and the first quarter of 2020), were offering higher prices for palay. I read somewhere online that NFA management proposed to hike their buying price to P21, but the NFA Council did not approve. Why would the private traders buy the summer crop at higher prices, averaging
Full version at www.manilastandard.
Pray for the President THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE NERO, emperor of Rome from 54 to 68 AD, is remembered in history for everything decadent about those years of the Roman empire. Indulgent, cruel and violent, he framed Christians for the fire that burned Rome for days and consequently, he ordered the persecution and murder of thousands of early Christians—including the apostles Peter and Paul. But in his letter to his disciple Timothy, Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) It must have been a bitter pill to swallow for the Christians in ancient Rome. Paul asked them to pray for those in authority, and at that time, it probably referred to no one else but emperor Nero. For the first three hundred years of its existence, the early Church was persecuted by the Roman political establishment, but it is surprising that none of those derogatory, hateful or reproving language can be found in the writings of
the apostles, in referring to the political realities of the time. The epistles mention no condemnation of the political leaders of that period, not even a single criticism of the oppression and persecution that believers had to endure under the Roman emperors. Instead, the apostle Peter was very explicit in his instruction to the Church in Rome: “Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17) As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte prepares to deliver his penultimate State of the Nation Address, it is good to be reminded of the apostles’ exhortation for Christians to pray for “all those in authority.” For many people, it is easier to pray for people that we like, including leaders that we support or for whom we voted. Instead, Peter and Paul made no such preferences nor did they apply any distinctions based on the morality of the lives and legality of the actions of their leaders—they simply asked of Christians to pray and honor their leaders. Not an easy instruction to fulfill in a time when society is increasingly becoming more divided on partisan loyalties, when citizens fail to uphold the dignity of the political office, regardless of the person who holds it for a time or when our people increasingly find themselves at odds with each other over several issues of the day. This is not an easy thing to do even for
Adelle Chua, Editor
EDITORIAL
The least we can do They have not been getting support so that they could do their jobs well while protecting their own and their families’ health.
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memorandum circular from the budget department says some P3 billion has been earmarked for the pay increase of government nurses. We welcome this announcement.
Entry-level nurses will now be salary grade 15—P32,953 to P34,801 per month—from salary grade 11, or P22,316 to P24,391. The pay hike is overdue as health professionals have been at the forefront of battling COVID-19 since early this year. As of last week, some 3,643 health workers have been found ill with the virus; some 1,293, or a third, are nurses. In many hospitals across the country, many nurses have been threatening to quit their jobs because they were overworked, under-protected and underpaid.
The pay hike for nurses is relief long overdue, but a relief nonetheless. The pay hike, in fact, had been sought prior to the pandemic, highlighting how nurses have been struggling to make ends meet even during “ordinary” times. Imagine how much more support they need these days. With the battle against the dreaded virus, nurses’ responsibilities—and distress— have increased exponentially. Aside from anxiety over the greater number of patients, they also worry about their families, their
transport to and from their place of work, potential discrimination, and work prospects of other members of the family who may have become unemployed. Certainly, this relief is long overdue—but it is relief, nonetheless. We wonder how soon the additional pay can be felt by the nurses. Recall that the government has said it was setting aside assistance of P1 million for the families of each health worker who dies of the virus. After a while, it was revealed that the help had not yet reached the intended beneficiaries. How have Health authorities addressed this, we wonder. We hope this won’t be the case for the nurses’ pay. They, despite hardship and danger, continue to show up for work every day in fulfillment of their sworn duty to the public. Indeed this is the least the government can do for those at the forefront of this daunting war.
Prioritize appropriations for health laws “STAY safe and healthy!” has become the new customary closing in every personal and business correspondence we send every day. This seemingly small gesture of courtesy and sincerity reflects how this global pandemic from Wuhan is changing our very culture and behavior. For every Filipino, or any inhabitant of this planet for that matter, staying healthy has become a conscious comportment that we must always strictly observe. Since 2012, national surveys conducted by Pulse Asia on “Urgent Personal and National Concerns of Filipinos” have consistently ranked health and avoiding illness as the most “urgent personal concern.” An unexpected diagnosis or a debilitating injury from an accident can plunge the most vulnerable and even the rising middle class into financial ruin that will have long term consequences that extend to immediate or even extended family. This national concern is confirmed by data in the Philippine National Health Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in October 2019 which revealed household health expenditures were about twice that of government. It was reported that 2018 out-of-pocket expenses (OOP) increased by 10.5 percent to P449.171 billion or 58.6 percent of total health expenditures. The report said that the country’s Total Health Expenditures at current prices grew by 8.3 percent in 2018 amounting to P 799.1 billion from P 737.8 billion in 2017. The disruptive effects of the ongoing crisis have exposed the weakness of our public health system. With the upcoming State of the Nation Address and the resumption of Congress next week, there should be no doubt for our policy leaders and most especially our legislators on the importance of ensuring the adequate appropriations for the fast implementation of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA), two landmark health legislations that the President signed into law which directly
Christians who in good conscience support the President and his administration, considering his open hostility against a number of Catholic bishops and his use of strong language against the Church.
On whatever side of the political fence you stand With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing Congress from assembling in joint session, President Duterte will probably deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address from Malacañang—a stark reminder of the exigency where we now live in. This year, the audience expect less of the pompous enumeration of the accomplishments made by this administration, and they are more eager to hear the fate and the future that await this nation after months of this public health emergency. No other Filipino can best estimate the burden of political responsibility other than the person upon whose shoulders it actually rests. For those of us who have never been in such a position, it may be difficult to resist the pressures of public office, including the pressure to please their constituents, to align with their po-
addresses these decades old problems. In the online joint Congressional oversight committee on the UHC Law held last month, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Mario Villaverde presented their P182-billion proposed budget that will be “generally aligned” to the implementation of the law. UHC implementation-related programs will be allocated P53.20 billion while P20.89 billion will be for the Health System Resilience for Emerging Infectious Diseases or Pandemic-related Proposals. P35.11 billion was proposed for a cluster of health laws such as the NICCA, first 1,000 days, HIV/AIDS, the notifiable disease act, among others. Other urgent health needs such as tuberculosis and rabies control pro-
Will millions of cancer stakeholders be again disappointed? grams were allocated P37.83 billion. Good for the UHC law but what about the Cancer Law which earned international recognition and passed even ahead of the UHC because of the virtually unanimous support of both Houses of Congress? To the dismay of millions of cancer stakeholders, the DOH proposal for a specific line item was not approved last year. Crucial to the implementation of the cancer law is the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, mandated to lead policy formulation and programming, which has yet to convene pending the final approval of the candidates by the President, and the creation of the Cancer Assistance Fund to complement
litical party, to fulfill their own interests or to do what is popular, than to do what is right. President Duterte is no exception. It can be hard for a president or any political leader to find solutions that meet everyone’s wants and needs. In fact, the past six months must have been grueling for the President, who definitely did not anticipate a crisis of this magnitude in the six years of his term. Interestingly, the apostle Paul did not only ask the Christians of his times to pray for the emperor, but he also assured them with a promise “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Ironically for a country that is largest Catholic nation in Asia, seldom does the Church encourage the faithful to pray for their political leaders, other than the perfunctory intercessions made during Sunday Mass. Could it be the reason why time and again our political leaders have failed us, why corruption persists in our government and our society seemed to have tarried its way to progress? Early on in his pontificate, Pope Francis asked those attending one of his morning masses, “Who of us has prayed for our leaders? Who of us has prayed for our parliamentarians that they can find agreement and move the country forward?” It is sad, the pope explained that
the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act. Next only to cardiovascular disease, cancer has become the third leading cause of death in the country since 2004. Data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates even reveals an alarming increase in cancer incidence of up to 11 new cases and 7 deaths every hour for adult cancers and 11 new cases and 8 deaths per day for childhood cancer. This translates to some 110,000 new cancer cases and over 66,000 cancer deaths every year, excluding the unreported cases. To quote the DOH press statement on the signing of NICCA IRR, “The NICCA emphasizes cancer prevention and improvement of cancer survivorship by strengthening essential programs and increasing investments for the entire cancer care continuum. It aims to make cancer services and care more accessible to all Filipinos.” “By institutionalizing interdisciplinary care with a whole-of-government, equity-based, and life-course approach, access to quality and affordable care for cancer patients and survivors will be attained” said DOH. As of this writing, the DOH-proposed budget for cancer has not been approved by the Department of Budget and Management. A law no matter how beautifully crafted with its potential benefit to society will be nothing but a useless exercise in futility; which in the case of the UHC Law and the NICCA was the result of years of circuitous and passionate advocacy work of its stakeholders to solve what is in reality, deadly faults in the Philippine health system. Will millions of cancer stakeholders be again disappointed, or will the government finally institutionalize funding to implement these laws? As their constituents, let’s send a strong message to our congressmen to ensure the adequate appropriation of these health laws.
people are often quick to insult or criticize their political leaders, yet we fail to pray for those in government. “How can we leave those who have the responsibility to guide their nation alone,” the pope queried, “without asking God to bless them?” Full version at www.manilastandard.net
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200,000 seafarers in virus limbo I
NDIAN ship worker Tejasvi Duseja is desperate to go home after months stranded offshore by coronavirus border closures and lockdowns that have left more than 200,000 seafarers in limbo.
OUTDOOR THEATER. A man waits for the start of a video projection in the “Cour d’Honneur du Palais des Papes” in Avignon, southern France. As the 2020 edition of the
International Theater Festival of Since Avignon has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival’s organization has decided to offer a cycle of video projection of plays that made its history. AFP
Envoy denies Moscow helped vaccine hackers RUSSIA’S ambassador to London has denied accusations by Britain and its allies of helping hackers target labs conducting coronavirus vaccine research, in a UK television interview to be broadcast on Sunday. Andrei Kelin said the allegations Thursday by Britain, the United States and Canada that a hacking group called APT29 was behind the online attacks, and “almost certainly” linked to Russian intelligence, made “no sense.” “I don’t believe in this story at all, there is no sense in it,” he told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, adding he had learned about the hacking collective’s existence from British media reports. “In this world, to attribute any kind of computer hackers to any country, it is impossible.” Kelin, who was appointed Moscow’s top envoy in Britain last November, also rejected a separate claim by London that “Russian actors” sought to disrupt last year’s UK general election. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said Thursday the perpetrators had circulated leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States, in a bid to sow greater division in the contest. “I do not see any point in using this subject as a matter of interference,” Kelin said. “We do not interfere at all. We do not see any point in interference... we will try to settle relations and to establish better relations than now.” AFP
Syrians elect new parliament SYRIANS voted Sunday to elect a new parliament as the Damascus government grapples with international sanctions and a crumbling economy after retaking large parts of the war-torn country. More than 7,400 polling stations opened across government-held parts of Syria, including for the first time in former opposition strongholds, in the third such polls since the war started nine years ago. Several lists were allowed to run across the country but without any real opposition, President Bashar al-Assad’s Baath party and its allies are expected to take most of parliament’s 250 seats. The president and his wife Asma cast their votes in the capital, the presidency said, posting photos of the smartly dressed couple wearing white face masks to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. Volunteers stood outside polling stations carrying the programmes and pictures of their favourite candidates, and tried to woo passersby to come in and vote. Among the first to cast his ballot in Damascus was 50-year-old Khaled al-Shaleh. “My demands today are for the parliament to realize what laws need changing in the interest of the citizen,” said the government employee. “The conditions in the country have changed for the worse as the war drags on. But our demands before, during and after the war have always been to do with the economy,” he added. AFP
HK security law sends jitters through feisty press HONG Kong’s status as a bastion of press freedom is in crisis as authorities toughen their line against international media and fears grow about local selfcensorship under the city’s sweeping new security law. For decades the former British colony has been a shining light for journalists in Asia, lying on the fringes of an authoritarian China where the ruling Communist Party keeps a tight grip on public opinion. The civil liberties that have stewarded the city’s success were promised to Hong Kongers for another 50 years under a deal that returned the trading hub to Chinese rule in 1997. But Beijing’s new national security law—imposed in response to last year’s huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests – has sent a shiver through the financial hub’s media landscape. “It’s a body blow. It’s the end of press freedom as we knew it in Hong Kong,” Yuen Chan, a former local reporter now lecturing at London’s City University,
told AFP. The New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, the Financial Times and AFP are among numerous international media outlets with a presence in the city, many basing their regional headquarters there. Free from the harassment, censorship and restrictions pervasive on the authoritarian Chinese mainland, semi-autonomous Hong Kong has thrived as a safe haven for both local and foreign reporters. But signs of the sands shifting have begun to emerge since China introduced its draconian new law earlier this month. On Tuesday the New York Times announced it would relocate a third of its staff to Seoul, saying it faced unprecedented trouble obtaining visas. Hong Kong authorities recently launched a review of independent but state-funded broadcaster RTHK following accusations it was overly sympathet-
ic to pro-democracy protests. Immediately after the security law was passed, two columnists quit the city’s rambunctious Apple Daily newspaper, a staunch advocate for greater democracy. The tabloid is owned by Jimmy Lai, a tycoon who Chinese state media has labeled a leading “black hand” colluding with foreign forces to destroy the mainland. Beijing has made little secret of its desire to rein in Hong Kong’s media, both domestic and foreign. One provision of the national security law orders authorities to “strengthen the management” of foreign news organisations. “It seems like they are starting to at least consider using the visa as a means to punish the people they don’t like,” said Keith Richburg, director of the Journalism and Media Studies Center at the University of Hong Kong and a former foreign correspondent for the Washington Post. AFP
From engineers on cargo ships to waiters on luxury cruise liners, ocean-based workers around the world have been caught up in what the United Nations warns is a growing humanitarian crisis that has been blamed for several suicides. Many have been trapped on vessels for months after their tours were supposed to end as travel restrictions disrupted normal crew rotations. “Mentally, I am just done with it... but I’m still holding up because I have no other option,” Duseja, 27, told AFP via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger in late June as the Indian-owned cargo vessel he works on floated near Malaysia. Duseja, one of roughly 30,000 Indian workers unable to leave their ships, had extended his seven-month contract a few months before the pandemic struck. “The last time I stepped off from this 200-meter ship was in February,” he said. Seafarers typically work for six to eight months at a stretch before disembarking and flying back to their home countries, with new crews taking their place. But as the deadly virus whipped around the world and paralysed international travel, that was suddenly impossible. Underscoring the growing urgency of the situation, more than a dozen countries at a UK-hosted International Maritime Summit this month vowed to recognise seafarers as “key workers” to help them get home. Philippine luxury cruise ship technician Cherokee Capajo spent nearly four months on ships without setting foot on land due to virus shutdowns. The 31-year-old had barely heard of COVID-19 when he boarded the Carnival Ecstasy in Florida in late January. Soon, a number of Carnival-owned cruise ships were stricken with severe outbreaks— including the Diamond Princess in Japan. After the Ecstasy passengers disembarked in Jacksonville on March 14, Capajo and his colleagues were forced to stay on board for the next seven weeks. AFP
Virus a hoax— anti-mask groups
FOR Davey, a resident of the city of Huntington Beach in southern California, the requirement to wear a mask to curb the spread of coronavirus is not something he takes seriously. “It’s a hoax,” the 51-year-old told AFP as he exited a clothing store maskless, referring to a state rule that people in most public places wear face coverings. “The more you test people, the more you come up with new cases,” he said, echoing words from President Donald Trump as he attempted to explain the record number of infections recently recorded in California and several other states. Davey is not the only resident of this city in Orange County, which has a large Republican presence, to revolt against lockdowns and mask rules. “It’s my constitutional, God-given right not to wear a mask,” said Davey, who declined to give his last name. While the number of COVID-19 cases in Orange County has not exploded like in some particularly hard-hit cities across the country’s south and west, the disease’s incidence is still worrisome. An employee at a nearby shop said many business owners had given up trying to ensure mask compliance, given how sensitive the issue has become. “We had a lot of protests against beach closures and masks here,” said the employee, Manila who did not wish to be named. “Basically, a Standard lot of shops around here are doing what they TODAY can not to lose customers.” Few people encountered along city streets on a recent afternoon wore masks. Among them was Tracy, a 25-year-old DEADLOCKED. President of the European Council Charles Michel (left), Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel (center), France’s walking back from the beach carrying her President Emmanuel Macron (2nd from right) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pose during a bilateral meeting at the EU summit on a coronavirus recovery package at the European Council building in Brussels on July 19. The acrimonious surfboard. AFP EU summit headed into a third day as leaders remained deadlocked over the huge post-coronavirus economic recovery plan, unable to overcome fierce resistance from the Netherlands and its “frugal” allies. AFP
Three dead after glacier tour bus rolls over in Canada A GLACIER-VIEWING bus overturned on Saturday at a popular tourist spot in the Canadian Rockies, killing three people and seriously injuring several others, news reports said. The all-terrain vehicle rolled off the road near the Columbia Icefield in Jasper National Park, Alberta, national broadcaster CBC said. Photos published by media outlets show the upturned red-and-white bus, equipped with monster-truck style tires for crossing ice, on a rocky slope below the road across the glacier’s moraine. The bus lost control and rolled
down the hill, witness Vanja Krtolica told the Globe and Mail. “All of a sudden, everybody started screaming because they saw the coach lose control,” said Krtolica, who was on a similar bus. “It was careening down that 33 degree ... steep hill and lost control,” he told the newspaper. The bus was owned by Pursuit, a company which takes tourists on sightseeing trips to the Athabasca Glacier, which is one of the “toes” of the Columbia Icefield, CBC said. Of the 27 passengers on board, “three
adults were confirmed deceased, along with a number of other passengers critically injured,” the Jasper Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement, quoted by Global News. The injured were transported by helicopter from the remote site and then by air and ground ambulances to hospitals in the region, television reports said. The accident occurred in one of the most popular tourist areas in western Canada along the scenic Icefields Parkway that runs through Banff and Jasper national parks. AFP
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the estate of the late CESAR C. ACOSTA consisting of Bank deposits under BPI Current Account No. 3080-0395-46; BPI Account No. 3219-004442; RCBC Account No. 0000001273057761 and RCBC Account No. 0000009030516163 and the conjugal share of a parcel of land covered by TCT No. N-3307771 has been extra-judicially settled among the heirs before the Notary Public Atty. Vicente C. Cruz per Doc. No. 414; Page No. 83; Book No. VII; Series of 2020.
(MStandard-July 13, 20 & 27, 2020)
EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT with WAIVER of RIGHTS Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JESUS CHONG MARTINEZ has been extra-judicially settled among his heirs WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS consisting of: Personal Properties: • Bank of Commerce Checking Account No. 057-00-000059-2; • 170 Cumulative Convertible Stock in PLDT o SII-032816/0032563 (80 shares); o SIP-55952/0053210 (90 shares). Real Properties: • TCT No. S-42863 (Parañaque City); • TCT No. S-42958 (Parañaque City). As per Doc. No. 268; Page No. 55; Book No. LXIX; Series of 2019 before Notary Public ATTY. EDILBERTO F. PACINABAO. (MS-JULY 13/20/27, 2020)
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LGUs
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor / lgu@manilastandard.net
BARMM gov’t budgets P10m for teachers’ license review By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Government announced it is allocating P10 million for a free Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) review for educators in the region. This is part of the P19 billion allocated to the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), as the biggest slice of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) 2020 P65-billion Regional Expenditure Program (REP). The total amount is earmarked for the ministry’s administrative and operational budget and support funds, as the BARMM pledges to invest much on developing human capital through basic, tertiary, and technical education, Education Minister Mohaguer Iqbal said. The MBHTE has divided into six batches applicants and new graduates aspiring for the teachers’ license but could neither attend review classes nor take the LET because of extreme economic pressure in areas affected most by incidents of armed conflict and evacuation. “While we are preoccupied with the demands of the transition phase in the Bangsamoro Homeland, we are also caught off-guard by new rules implemented in our respective communities, ministries, and offices, due to the coronavirus pandemic,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim said. “Despite all these, here we are poised and ready to build the future of our region by improving the Education initiatives through the MBHTE’s Flagship Programs. Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God),” Ebrahim said. Ebrahim said the Moro people should take a cue from Malaysia’s experience. “Days after their independence, education became their development priority, and we see how Malaysia has progressed and in less than 50 years, they are already in a very stable situation,” he said.
2nd Manila virus drive-thru test center launched By Willie Casas THE Manila City government has launched its second free drive-thru coronavirus testing center at the Quirino Grandstand for both residents and nonresidents of the city, days after launching its first similar center at the Bonifacio Shrine near City Hall. The Manila Health Department (MHD) said the city government received approval from National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) executive director Cecille Lorenzana-Romero, within 48 hours after the first drive-thru COVID-19 facility, to establish the new testing site at the Quirino Grandstand. The NPDC manages the Rizal Park where Quirino Grandstand is located. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso led the launching along with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan and Acting City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Pangan. Domagoso said they designated lanes for cars, tricycles, pedicabs, motorcycles and non-motorized vehicles at the Grandstand. Six lanes were opened for four-wheel vehicles, tricycles, pedicabs, motorcycles and bikes. The city government launched the second testing center after an overwhelming response from citizens at its first testing center in Lawton. The grandstand center can conduct around 700 tests at once, Domagoso said. “We also have separate lanes for four-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled, motorized and non-motorized,” he added.
QC gives out P1.2b to 600k residents By Rio N. Araja
T
HE Quezon City government has given out P1.2 billion in financial aid to almost 600,000 vulnerable residents under the “Kalingang QC” program, Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Sunday. The city handed P2,000 financial assistance to each of 599,744 individuals from vulnerable sectors and those whose livelihoods were sorely affected by the enforcement of enhanced community quarantines amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We have realized our promise that we will not deprive any sector of our help amid the pandemic,” Belmonte said. The program initially covered drivers of public utility jeeps, tricycles, pedicabs, taxis, transport network vehicle services, and UV Express drivers as well as market vendors, laborers, household workers, and other daily
wage earners affected by the lockdown. Belmonte said she decided to expand the coverage to include solo parents, lactating mothers, persons with disability, senior citizens, scholars, and sellers of dry goods and cellular phone accessories. The city government earlier earmarked P200 million for 100,000 initial beneficiaries of the program, but the coverage expansion prompted it to increase funds through a supplemental budget to assist more people in need, the mayor said. Apart from the Kalingang QC program, the city government also initiated its own social amelioration program
(SAP), wherein families left out of the national government’s SAP stand to receive P4,000 financial assistance. Latest data showed that 19,011 beneficiaries from 23 barangays have already claimed financial aid from the city. While it has been downgraded to general community quarantine, the city will continue to distribute its own SAP to deserving recipients, Belmonte said. Meanwhile, the city government has attributed Quezon City’s high COVID-19 recovery rate to the Hope community care facilities, where patients with mild symptoms and suspected cases are admitted and properly taken care of until they test negative for the coronavirus. Dr. Rolly Cruz, the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head, said data as of July 16 showed the recovery rate in Quezon City is at 55 percent, higher than its active cases. It went as high as 61 percent last June 30. “This is in contrast to the average in the
National Capital Region, where active cases still outnumber recovered patients,” he said. Even before the national government initiated Oplan Kalinga, Cruz said the city had a standing policy of isolating mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients unable to comply with health protocols for home quarantine in its Hope facilities, as well as suspected cases waiting for the results of their swab tests. The city now has three Hope facilities with a total capacity of 500 beds, manned by skilled in-house health care personnel and all the patients’ needs, from food to medicine. “The Hope community caring facilities remain one of the priority programs of the city to battle COVID-19,” Belmonte said. “Our current capacity will be further expanded to ensure that those who cannot undergo self-isolation have a place to stay where they will be cared for and treated by medical professionals complete with meals and comfortable board and lodging,” she added.
Malabon’s ‘KKC’ a model feeding program for LGUs
FEEDING KIDS. Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta (left) spends time with the beneficiaries of the KKC program, in which young children are properly nurtured and strictly monitored to eat nutritious meals during the first 1,000 days of their lives.
Caloocan taps Baguio mayor for tracing tips By Jun David CALOOCAN City Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan has sought help from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong for more information on conducting effective contact tracing related to the fight against COVID-19. Malapitan and the city’s department heads met with the Baguio City mayor through an online meeting as Maga-
long shared the effective methods of contact tracing to identify people who are positive for the coronavirus and how to prevent it from spreading. Baguio City has only 131 COVID-19 cases, compared to Caloocan City’s more than 1,000 confirmed infections. Malapitan thanked Magalong for the information he shared. “We at the Caloocan City Government are always open to suggestions that can help prevent the escalation of
COVID-19 cases,” Mayor Oca said. The city’s disinfection team continues to clean and sanitize the entire Caloocan City Medical Center (CCMC), which was closed after some of its medical staff tested positive for COVID-19. Every corner of the hospital has gone thorough decontamination to ensure it is free of viruses. CCMC will be opened to the public again on July 23, Malapitan said.
THE crisis brought by the health pandemic will affect the most vulnerable sectors of our society—including children under three years old and lactating mothers. Both of them need the most help with correct nutrition, especially for proper brain development during a child’s first 1,000 days. This moment, however, is not a time to implement or test just any kind of nutrition program. Time is of the essence as the economic impact of the pandemic reaches the economically challenged sectors. LGUs and groups must immediately implement a nutrition program that has a proven record of success, showing the largest and most compelling impact, with a long-term viability which can be easily replicated by the greatest number of barangays. That program is called “Karinderia Para sa Kalusugan ni Chikiting at Buntis” or KKC. This program, started by the Malabon LGU in 2018 by Mayor Lenlen Oreta, is one of the most awarded and cited nutrition programs by the National Nutrition Council (NNC). “The pandemic will greatly affect all of us, especially the lowincome families of our nation. One of its grave effects will be the rise of malnutrition, especially among the kids,” said Mayor Oreta. “With the success of the KKC program in Malabon, where our city’s stunting rate fell to 5.84% in 2018 from a double-digit figure four years ago, the program can be replicated by other LGUs, who need all the help to recover from this Covid-19 crisis.” The KKC has a different approach to the traditional feeding programs, as it ensures program sustainability since it considers both the providers (livelihood and income for small carinderias in every barangay) and the beneficiaries (those in need of nutritious food).
Astrodome rising in Isabela town By Jessica M. Bacud
EDIFICE RISING. The first major fully roofed stadium in Isabela has a seating capacity of 8,000 people and rises 16 seat levels, says Tumauini Mayor Arnold S. Bautista (inset).
TUMAUINI, Isabela—This town will witness the rise of a state-of-the-art astrodome, the first of its kind in Region 2, this September, Mayor Arnold S. Bautista said. The fully roofed stadium has 16 seating levels and will have a seating capacity of 8,000 people, Bautista said of the project. The two-storey building is topped by a steel-ribbed roof spanning 1,812 sq m. Construction began in 2016 and will be completed under the “Ang Serbisyong Bayan” program, he added. “The locally important architectural structure as a prime edifice will soon usher in not only indoor sports activities but also multiple events, considering
‘Nganga’ dental mission for Tingguians vies for recognition By Mar T. Supnad BANGUED, Abra—The Project “Nganga” (betel nut chewing) launched jointly by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) - Abra Chapter and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) headed by its director Genesis Quiblado is now benefitting thousands of Tingguians. Dr. Ramarie Fernandez Dickson, president of the PDA-Abra chapter, said the objective of the program is to improve the behavior and safeguard the oral health of indigenous people in the 10 towns of this province from possible harmful effects of betel nut chewing. The World Health Organization estimates there are more than 600 million people chewing betel nut in South and South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Dr. Fernandez said the specific objectives of the project are to
educate the indigenous population of the negative effects of using betel nut/quid and the importance of stains removal caused by betel nut, and to increase the level of awareness of people using betel nuts on the importance of maintaining good oral health by providing lectures on basic oral health care, proper brushing techniques, and use of toothpaste with fluoride. PDA-Abra also aims to provide dental services based on the needs of indigenous adolescents and older persons and to enhance the “dental home facility” by adhering to appropriate PDA infection protocol standards in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group also seeks to conduct sugar awareness and advocate for policies that will help reduce sugar consumption among the people and to initiate comprehensive preventive strategies during infancy through primary health care approach, among others.”
BRIDGE BUILT. The local government of Alfonso, Cavite recently opened the Upli bridge leading to the town market. Mayor Randy Salamat (inset, 2nd from right) had promised that his Team SalamatPel (with Vice Mayor Madona Mojica-Pel) would build the bridge within a year and vowed a second bridge from Upli to Luksuhin Road would be built soon. Benjamin Chavez
its large playing field under a dome,” said Bautista, who is Isabela Chapter President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines. He expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government and the national government agencies for their support in realizing the astrodome. The mayor, called the “Master Planner” by locals for his numerous infrastructure projects, is also eyeing the erection of the new municipal hall for the first-class municipality between the cities of Tuguegarao and Cauayan. Bautista hopes that with the infrastructure developments and the developments under his administration, “the livable and progressive locale will soon be the next city in the province of Isabela.”
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MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
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Solon bats for ABS-CBN, gov’t partnership By Rio N. Araja
frequencies to expand alternative distance learning modes for students, and thus to help mitigate the pernicious imAMARINES Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte on Sunday pact of COVID-19. He explained that his resolution has no batted for an “exceptional partnership” between intention to sequester the network’s TV Malacañang and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. to enable and radio facilities for the planned distance the government to harness the network’s nationwide facilities learning modalities of state educators. “for a reasonable fee, of course,” for the blended education “In keeping with the network’s slogan—‘In the service of the Filipino’— system this coming school year to deal with the learning crisis ABS-CBN could engage the Duterte adbrought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. ministration in an exceptional partnership Villafuerte suggested a partnership proposed House Resolution No. 1044 for by letting the government temporarily use between the Duterte administration and the temporary use by the government of its facilities, for a reasonable fee of course, the Lopez-owned network following his ABS-CBN’s former television and radio for the distance learning component of
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what (Education) Secretary Leonor Briones has called the blended learning system this coming school year,” he said. “This is an exemplary way for ABSCBN to live up to its slogan of serving the Filipino by way of helping flesh out remote learning modalities at this extremely challenging season of the pandemic when face-to-face teaching and studying are anathema to the requisite social or physical distancing to avoid COVID-19 infection,” he added. By agreeing to lend its TV and radio facilities for distance learning for a reasonable fee, Villafuerte said “the network
could continue operating for the duration of the blended learning approach — and thereby allow it to keep a good number of its employees on the payroll.” Under HR No. 1044, Villafuerte said “exhausting all possible delivery modes such as the use of untapped TV and radio frequencies as those vacated by ABS-CBN is important in keeping students engaged” amid the learning crisis sweeping across the globe as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. “The unused frequencies may also be used for information on Covid-19 prevention and control, risk reduction and preparedness,” he said.
DepEd 90% ready for class opening By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Education is nearly 90% ready for next month’s opening of classes at the local level, where blended forms of learning methods will be used under the COVID-19 health threat, said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. “I would say mga 90% [ready] at the local level,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate basic education committee. Interviewed over DZBB, Gatchalian said he has been in coordination with the DepEd and its divisions in various localities to see how ready they are for the resumption of classes set on August 24. In the case of modular learning, he said the DepEd divisions are the ones tasked to print out the learning modules to be distributed among students. The learning modules, said, divided into two parts – one for parents of kindergarten to Grade 3 students to provide instructions on how to use the modules, and one for the learners themselves. “This self-learning module has a very clear instruction on how they will learn and what. to study. Every week, the teachers will collect them to determine if they learn or not. This will be done during the community quarantine,” Gatchalian said. At present, he said DepEd divisions are printing these modules by quarterly or monthly, depending on their budget and on the situation in their areas. The senator said this would be better to pursue blended or distance forms of learning in all areas nationwide, even as there are proposals for face-to-face classes in places with zero to low-risk of COVID-19 transmission. “Because this COVID situation is really uncertain. While we are under community quarantine, I agree to the distance learning as a mode of teaching,” he added. Education Secretary Leonor Briones Briones said the DepEd has been preparing for the implementation of blended learning methods.
MISTING. Personnel of the Navotas
Pangilinan backs quick passage of Anti-Dynasty bill By Macon Ramos-Araneta CERTIFYING the anti-political dynasty bill, which has been overdue, as urgent, is a tangible proof of the administration’s desire to dismantle the rule of political dynasties, Senator Francis Pangilinan said in making the call Sunday. Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, said the anti-political dynasty was ordered by the Constitution. “It has to progress in Congress, and it will only do so with the President’s imprimatur,” he said. The senator said he agrees with Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s observation that there should be a ban on
political dynasties to effectively remove the oligarchs in the country. President Duterte earlier boasted of dismantling oligarchy when a committee at the House of Representatives rejected the franchise application of ABS-CBN resulting in the shutdown of the network. Pangilinan said an oligarchy is usually characterized by the control of one family and transfer of power from one generation to the next. “As wealth means power and political control, the political elites in the country perpetuate themselves by means of political dynasties.” Pangilinan filed Senate Bill 264 in July last year defining and prohibiting political dynasties. However, as in the past initiatives of some senators, the bill has
hardly moved. He said that Congress has the constitutional duty to enact a law defining and prohibiting the establishment of political dynasties in accordance with the intent of Section 26, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution. “Three decades later and despite numerous attempts to enact such legislation, there is still no enabling law prohibiting political dynasties in the country. Thus, its existence has undermined the checks and balance in government, weakened the competition in the political system, resulting in less access for alternative leaders to be part of the political arena, and perpetuated personality-based politics by prompting politicians to invest in their relatives,” he said in his bill.
Shell leadership program empowers young innovators
Filipino CPAs rising amid challenges due to pandemic WITH a six-point agenda amid the pandemic affecting lives and businesses around the world, Filipino certified public accountants have come up with a plan to continue delivering their mandate for the good of the country under “new normal” conditions. Newly-elected Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants president Lope Bato Jr. has outlined the organization’s thrust for the Fiscal Year 20202021 in an aptly strengthened commitment called RISING. Starting with Recovery Programs from the Covid-19 health crisis, PICPA is to implement retooling, repurposing, and re-pivoting for many of its members with partnership and collaboration with private companies and government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as measures to dampen the effects of economic downfall.
As technology is now what pervades society in all aspects, PICPA reaches out to its more than 150,000 members worldwide through the use of Eventsbank for its In-house Programs. The organization aims to secure International Standards Organization (ISO) 9001:2015 certification on quality management system of documented information. The country’s CPAs have Social Responsibility Programs as well. PICPA enters into agreements with government agencies (DILG, DTI, CDA,BLGF, BIR) and private organizations (PCCI, PAMA, etc.) for the implementation of Financial Accounting and Tax Advisory (FATA) Project. The project is a free seminar workshop focused on financial accounting and taxation to help support barangays, municipalities, cities and micro enterprises in the management of bookkeeping, financial man-
agement, preparation of financial statements, and compliance to tax obligations due to the government to help support nation building. With its International Programs, PICPA continues to bring the Philippine brand of accountancy to the international stage through active involvement as officer, committee chairman or member of International Federation of Accountants, Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants, and ASEAN Federation of Accountants. Its New Programs include media campaigns of activities which are relevant to nationbuilding. Members in good standing are issued Member Privilege Card to avail of discounts and freebies with merchant partners. The Continuing Professional Development on the Net Project offers webinars for free to members in good standing.
YOUNG professionals and leaders are out to make the future of the country brighter. Even with the ongoing pandemic, the participants of the Shell Young Leaders Program pushed forward to hone their talents for the pilot run of the program. Pilipinas Shell’s SYLP began last year with tapping leaders on campuses to participate in an eight-month program for building leadership skills. Various senior Shell leaders were onboarded to provide workshops and mentorships to train leaders and innovators in the energy, engineering, and business segments. The initiative was done in partnership with the Philippine Business for Education, a non-profit organization founded by the country’s top CEOs to create partnerships for quality education and competitiveness in the business community. Fifteen organizations from seven universities in Metro Manila qualified to send their representatives to learn from top business leaders. The seven qualifying organizations from the University of the Philippines Diliman include Aggregates Inc., Chemical Engineering Society, Engineers without Borders, UP Career Assistance Program for Engineering Students, UP Circuit, UP Gears and Pinions, and UP Industrial and Engineering Club.
Bureau of Fire Protection conduct a misting operation along the streets of Gov. Pascual in Navotas City on July 19, the fourth day of a renewed 14-day lockdown ordered by Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The lockdown will end on July 29. Norman Cruz
Task Force to rebuild 31 mosques in Marawi City By Rio N. Araja THE Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) is committed to rebuild 31 mosques within the Islamic City’s most affected area or ground zero, housing czar Eduardo del Rosario said Sunday. “That is the order of President Rodrigo Duterte and that will be done,” he said. “We already have an inventory as to which of these sites need total reconstruction and those that require retrofitting and repairs,” he added. Sultan Nasser Sampaco, chairman of the Marawi Sultanate League composed of 23 clans serving as administrators of the Dansalan Bato Ali Mosque, already agreed to the TFBM for the demolition and rebuilding of the historic religious site. Islamic religious sites were damaged by the five-month siege laid by the Daesh-inspired Maute terrorist ground in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur in 2017. “During our March meeting with the President, he mentioned that we give priority to the construction of the affected mosques. I am happy to announce that we got a private donation for this,” Del Rosario said. “This proves that we give primary importance to reconstructing the mosques as ordered by our President,” he said.
Nurses to get pay hike, finally—Ping By Macon Ramos-Araneta AFTER years of waiting, Senator Panfilo Lacson said that government nurses - many of whom are now in the frontlines against COVID-19 - are finally in line for a much-needed wage increase after the Department of Budget and Management appropriated the funds for it. Lacson, who pushed for funding the nurses’ pay hike via an amendment to the P4.1-trillion 2020 budget, said this should provide much-needed support especially for the frontliners fighting the COVID threat. “Definitely, no amount is enough to show our appreciation for the sacrifices and hard work of our nurses, especially those in the front lines. Still, this pay increase - which was sought even before the COVID pandemic hit - will be of help to them in one way or another,” Lacson said. “As all of us are now dealing with the ‘new normal’ due to the pandemic, the pay increase should
hopefully make a difference for them,” he added. On July 17, the DBM issued Budget Circular 2020-4, upgrading the entry level salaries of government nurses from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15. It noted that some P3 billion was earmarked in the 2020 budget under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund for the implementation of the salary upgrading of the nurse positions. Through Lacson’s efforts last year, the 2020 budget contained a new special provision—“Increasing the Salary Grade of Government Nurses”—where the base pay of government nurses shall be Salary Grade 15, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision (G.R. 215746). During his interpellation of the Department of Health’s 2020 budget on Nov. 19 last year, Lacson noted P3.173 billion is needed for the salary upgrade of government nurses, so they can attain Salary Grade 15.
Sports
Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor
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MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
HOMELESS BALLPLAYERS. Bo Bichette (11) of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a home run during an intrasquad game at Rogers Centre in this file photo taken July 9, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. The Blue Jays will not play their 2020 Major League Baseball home games in their own ballpark after the Canadian government refused to give them a coronavirus travel exemption. AFP
Veteran floor general ready to pay it forward THREE-time PBA champion Chico Lanete has been tapped by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 as a playing assistant coach for its pro teams. The signing was made Friday afternoon. “Having Chico around will be of great help to our players as 3x3 is a game of court awareness,” said Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas. “Being an undrafted player but still playing 12 years in the PBA should serve as an inspiration to our players as well as Chico proved that hard work trumps all.” Lanete, 40, will be working alongside coach Eric Altamirano and his staff with the league’s three pro teams that compete in the global FIBA 3X3 circuit. Besides this, he will also help out the national team in its preparations for the 2021 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament that is set for May next year. “I’ve been wanting to be a coach nung padulo na ng career ko,” said Lanete. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa Chooks-to-Go for this opportunity na mag-give back sa new generation ng players at sa bagong sport na 3x3.” Besides being a coach, Lanete, who is also signed with MPBL club Sarangani, will also play in the upcoming 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league that is eyeing a September return. “Gusto ko rin siyempre ma-try ‘tong 3x3, kumbaga nasa bucket list ko ito. Alam ko kaya ko pa rin makipagsabayan kahit papano sa mga bata nating players,” said the native of Ormoc City.
Fil-Am resets pole vault record at US invitational By Peter Atencio
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ILIPINO-American bet Natalie Uy is expected to move up in the Asian and world rankings following her recordbreaking effort at the Acadia Invitational in Greenville, North Carolina over the weekend. Uy, making do with limitations imposed due to ongoing quarantine measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease, cleared 4.30 meters in pole vault at the UCS Pink Panther to place sixth behind American bets Sandi Morris and Katie Nageotte. In doing so, she went past the Philippine mark of 4.25 meters for the second
time since March 1. Last March, Uy had 4.26 meters during the KTTCCCA Indoors in Shelbyville, Indiana. During the 2019 SEA Games, she took the gold medal in record breaking fashion at 4.25 meters. Since then, Uy has been ranked no. 1 in Southeast, ahead of fellow Fil-Am Alyanna
Nicolas and Malaysian Yu Thian Chuah. She is now no. 74th in the world, and no. 6 in Asia. Uy is hoping the reach the Olympic entry standard of 4.70 meters, which will qualify her to the Tokyo Olympics. Morris, the silver medalist in the 2016 Rio Olympics, topped the nine-women competition with a vault of 4.81 meters. Nageotte, the 2018 US Indoor champion, made a similar feat of 4.81 meters but settled for second. “You train by yourself in the gym or in the tracks so having that motivation to have that real workout was really, really tough during that time,” Uy said in runnerspace.com.
Some PBA teams’ return to practice delayed MANY club teams in the Philippine Basketball Association won’t be able to return to practice on July 22. Some squads will still have to do swab testing to detect the presence of the coronavirus disease. Rain or Shine coach Carlos Garcia said this is the reason why they will have to do their practices on a later date. “The swab tests will delay this. And we were supposed to be practicing on July 22,” stated Garcia in a podcast. Garcia added that one of their players, Rain or Shine superstar James Yap, is still abroad. But he has been doing a lot of shooting practices while in Milano Marittima, Italy. “We are in touch with him via Zoom. He will be coming back once we have confirmed our date of practice,” said Garcia. The PBA is getting ready to have many its teams start practice this week. This was after the PBA got the green light through the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, which approved the return to practice of both basketball and football. The restart will be done under strict
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard Rey Nambatac (with ball) tries to dribble past Meralco Bolts defenders, from right: Raymond Almazan and Anjo Caram. PBA Media
health protocols that have also been Ravenna, with his partner Michela approved by the Games and Amuse- and their kids Michael James and ment Board. Francesca Michelle, since early June. Yap has been in the province of Peter Atencio
Rahm aims at No. 1 after grabbing lead
Jon Rahm of Spain putts on the 17th green during the third round of The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. AFP
WASHINGTON, United States—Jon Rahm, chasing the world number one ranking, birdied four of the last six holes to seize a four-stroke lead after Saturday’s (Sunday Philippine time) third round of the US PGA Memorial tournament. The 25-year-old Spaniard birdied four holes in a row starting at the 13th, surging while Tony Finau stumbled from the lead on the back nine, to take command after 54 holes at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. Rahm, whose most recent victory came at the European Tour’s November season finale in Dubai, fired a four-under par 68 to stand on 12-under 204 with Americans Finau and Ryan Palmer sharing second on 208 after 73s. “I was perfectly happy making pars,” Rahm said. “When I had that in mind, once I made it through 12, I thought 13, 14, 15 are holes you can attack if you put it in the right spot.” Rahm can overtake Rory McIlroy and claim the world number one ranking for the first time on Sunday by converting a 54-hole lead into victory for the first time or placing second. With a win, Rahm needs McIlroy to finish worse than a two-way share of second. If Rahm is alone
in second, he needs McIlroy outside the top 30 and Justin Thomas not to win. “The number one key thing is nothing ‘special’—100% commitment to every shot I hit. That’s what I need to keep doing. If I do that I’ll be in good shape tomorrow,” Rahm said. “If my short game is that good tomorrow, I can keep it good tee to green and make it a good walk down 18.” The Jack Nicklaus-hosted event is the sixth tournament since the US PGA Tour resumed following a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events played without spectators. Finau and Palmer shared the 36-hole lead at 9-under, one ahead of Rahm. Rahm sank a five-foot birdie putt at the par-5 seventh but found a bunker and made bogey at the par-3 eighth. In his late charge, Rahm sank a 13-foot birdie putt at 13, dropped his approach just beyond four feet and sank the putt at 14, holed a three-foot putt at the par-5 15th and rolled in a 26-foot birdie putt at the par-3 16th. “Sixteen was a complete bonus honestly,” Rahm said. “I didn’t see how anybody could hit that green. I got lucky.” AFP
Mikee elected IOC Executive Board member ASIAN Games champion Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski will have a new responsibility in the International Olympic Committe. The 46-year-old Cojuangco-Jaworski, who served for many years as the IOC Representative to the Philippines, was elected to the Executive Board of the world’s Olympic body. Her new post was conferred to her during an online meeting of the IOC’s 136th session. In the meeting, which was the first virtual session in the IOC’s history, replaced world champion pole vaulter Sergey Bubka, whose eight-year term on the Board came to an end. Bubka, is known to have held the indoor world record of 6.15 meters, set in 1993 in Donetsk before it was broken by France’s Renaud Lavillenie when he cleared 6.16 meters in 2014. Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay Representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded Cojuangco-Jaworski on her new responsibility. “Congratulations to her. Another laurel for Philippine sports and the entire region,” said Tolentino in a statement. Cojuangco will become the first Filipino and Asian woman to be a member of the powerful Executive Board. The daughter of former Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco’s responsibility revolved around the administration of the IOC, and the monitoring of compliance of member countries with the Olympic Charter. The current president of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines is a 2002 Busan Asian Games gold medalist. Cojuangco-Jaworski joined fellow equestrian Gerardo Werthein of Argentina in winning the two Executive Board positions that were being contested in three rounds of voting. Werthein takes the place of Ser Miang Ng, whose four-year term came to an end, and after he was elected Vice-President. Their terms of office will start at the end of the 136th IOC Session. Cojuangco-Jaworski placed second in the first round of voting before claiming the top slot in the second round with 45 majority votes from 93 IOC members. She will join the IOC President Thomas Bach, four vice Presidents, and nine other members in the Board. She has been a member of the IOC in 2013. Peter Atencio
GM Antonio wins Faeldonia online chess tournament GRANDMASTER Rogelio “Joey” Antonio Jr. pocketed the top honors in the 5th España Chess Club (ECC) Online Bullet Chess Tournament dubbed as 68th birthday of Rosalinda Faeldonia, mother of España Chess Club President engineer Ernie Faeldonia held Thursday, July 16, 2020 at the lichess.org. The 13-time Philippine Open Champion GM Antonio collected 15 points on 14 wins and two draws to win the 16-round tournament. This is one of the qualifying event for ECC Grand Finals set on December. Rounding up the top 10 winners were National Master (NM) Jasper Rom (2nd), National Master (NM) Julius Sinangote (3rd), Cyrus Nathaniel Calitisin (4th), engineer Joel Hicap (5th), Jeremy Marticio (6th), National Master (NM) Robert Arellano (7th), Jordaine Tupaz (8th), Jan Oriendo (9th) and National Master (NM) Gerardo “Gerry” Cabellon. Adjudged category winners were National Master (NM) Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. (Top 2100 below), Joel Obogne (Top 2000 below), Epifanio Bueno Jr. (Top 1900 below), Felix Duterte (Top 1800 below), National Master (NM) Elwin Retanal (Lucky 16th) and Alberto Andales (Lucky 68th). The sixth edition of España Chess Club Bullet Chess Tournament Online gets underway on August 8, 2020. Meanwhile, the CAPEX Cargo International Open Chess Championship, which resumes on August 8, 2020, gets a big boost as Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA) announced its sponsorship of the online tournament featuring the country’s aspiring and finest woodpushers at the lichess.org. “In behalf of the Philippine Executive Chess Association (PECA), we will support the CAPEX Cargo International Open Chess Championship,” said PECA president Dr. Alfredo “Fred” Paez, who is also the Southern Luzon Assistant Executive Director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) headed by its chairman/ president Rep. Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay Jr.
IN BRIEF Nearly 14,000 MSMEs in NCR remain closed NEARLY 14,000 micro, small and medium enterprises in the National Capital Region have yet to reopen after suspending their operations during the lockdown, according to the Department Trade and Industry. The COVID-19 monitoring report from regional offices of the department showed that 70 percent of the MSMEs in the metropolis were not yet operating. About 17 percent or 4,000 enterprises had limited operations. Data showed 56.4 percent of MSMEs across the country either stalled or terminated their operations amid the health crisis. Those operating under unique limitations represented 13.5 percent of the total while 29.9 percent restarted their businesses. The country had 998,342 registered MSMEs as of 2019. The government expects more MSMEs to reopen up in the comings weeks, with the support and relief measures from different agencies. Othel V. Campos
PH seen to get more investors post-crisis BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the Philippines will be one of the countries that will attract foreign investments once the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Diokno said in an interview with international financial publication The Banker the country has sound macroeconomic fundamentals, a stable and well-capitalized banking sector and a fiscal and monetary space that allows for a rollout of significant relief measures. “Once this pandemic is over, investors are expected to look for investment destinations that have survived the crisis better that others—I strongly believe the Philippines is among those,” Diokno said. “Our sovereign debt remains an attractive investment, as evidenced by the recently-announced $2.35-billion bond issuance. The fiscal and monetary space, which allows us to implement measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on livelihoods and lives, bodes well for the ability of the Philippines to attract jobgenerating investments for Filipinos post COVID-19,” Diokno said. “We are resilient people, and we have the monetary and fiscal space and the tools to bring to bear to ensure such a recovery,” he said. Julito G. Rada
Business Exchange OKs P15.1-b IPO of Ayala’s REIT unit T By Jenniffer B. Austria
HE Philippine Stock Exchange approved the P15.1-billion initial public offering of AREIT Inc., the country’s first real estate investment trust owned by property developer Ayala Land Inc.
AREIT will offer 502.57 million shares, including an over-allotment option of 45,688,700 shares, for P30.05 apiece. It will set the final price on July 22 and the offering period from July 27 to Aug. 3, 2020. “We are set to witness a milestone in the capital market with the first REIT IPO. We are excited over the prospects of the REIT sector now that we have a first mover in REIT listing,” said PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon. “We are pleased that AREIT has decided to pursue its IPO even under the present economic challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are optimistic that the company’s IPO
will pave the way for other property firms, even those that are not yet listed in the PSE, to consider listing REITs,” Monzon said. Under the revised implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9856, or the REIT Act of 2009, AREIT will reinvest the net proceeds in real estate and/or infrastructure projects in the Philippines within a year. REITs are also required to declare dividends of at least 90 percent of distributable income. AREIT’s property portfolio consists of three commercial buildings, excluding the land on which they stand, including Solaris One and Ayala North Exchange and, as of Feb. 1, 2020,
McKinley Exchange via lease from the sponsor. “Aside from the potential advantages this investment instrument provides to investors, REITs provide a positive multiplier effect on the economy due to enhanced economic activity. Furthermore, REITs may help boost the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program given the wide range of real estate property assets it can own, including hospitals, cell towers, airports, seaports, and infrastructure development,” Monzon said. “The reinvestment clause in the REIT rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission also facilitates that proceeds from identified activities are invested back in real estate or infrastructure projects in the country,” he said. AREIT’s offering will have a local small investor tranche. About 10 percent of the offered shares will be allocated to LSIs. Subscription to LSI shares may be done online through the PSE EASy website or mobile application.
Megaworld eyes P1.6-b sales from Iloilo project PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it expects to raise P1.6 billion from a newly-launched project in Iloilo City. Megaworld said in a statement it is expanding its residential portfolio in Iloilo City with the launch of its 6th residential project at the 72-hectare Iloilo Business Park township. The project called The Pinnacle will offer 574 condominium units ranging from studio (up to 34 square meters), studio with loft (up to 56 sqm), executive studio with loft (up to 73 sqm), onebedroom (up to 40 sqm), executive onebedroom (up to 61 sqm), two-bedroom (up to 84.5 sqm), two-bedroom with loft (up to 89.5 sqm) and two-bedroom with deck (up to 113.5 sqm). Located along the prestigious row of hotels and corporate towers in the township, the 20-story condominium will boost the company’s current residential inventory at Iloilo Business Park to 1,741 units. Jenniffer B. Austria
KOREA DONATION. South Korea donates 200 metric tons of locally-produced and well-milled rice to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to support the Philippine government in the relief efforts for the poor and vulnerable households in Metro Manila and neighboring areas affected by the community quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista (center) receives the donation from Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man.
PEZA still expects to attract P58.75-b investments in ‘20 DPWH to build separate Quezon-Bicol expressway By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority reduced its 2020 investment forecast to P58.75 billion from the actual figure of P117.5 billion in 2019 amid the health crisis. PEZA director-general Charito Plaza said the agency was trying its best to keep investors and attract new ones. “We are definitely expecting half or 50 percent of what we have achieved last year, especially that we are creating the impression that investing in the Philippines through our economic zones of PEZA will assure our investors that it’s COVID-free, and all of the assistance and reliefs are provided by the Philippine government with the best management. So, these are assurances that we hope to attract more investors and existing investors to expand,” she said. Data showed investment in the last three years steadily decreased from P237 billion in 2017 to P140.2 billion in 2018 to P117.5 billion in 2019. PEZA said investments in the first half reached P35.2 billion, as the agency did not register any project in March at the start of the lockdown. Plaza said the strong economic fundamentals were still in place despite the threat of the COVID-19. She said not a single company had pulled out its investments from the country. She said PEZA was also quick to provide relief to industries in the economic zones and offered tax deduction on COVID-related expenses such as procurement of personal protective equipment, dormitory expenses, shuttle services and virus-testing of ecozone workers. “We decided to allow this kind of assistance to all PEZA companies which will be deducted from the taxes that they will pay under the 5 percent GIE [gross income earned] until Dec. 31 [2020],” Plaza said.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Public Works and Highways may pursue the construction of the Quezon-to-Bicol expressway separate from San Miguel Corp.’s proposed tollway project. “We have other options. We can pursue [the project] as GAA [General Appropriations Act] funded project. San Miguel has their own plans for their version of the alignment. It doesn’t necessarily conflict our alignment,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said. “We can do both. It is possible to do both simultaneous, should the need arise. We are looking at involvement as PPP [public private partnership ] or doing some portions from GAA. Nev-
ertheless, it’s a billion-peso but at this point we are flexible. At this point it is ready for execution,” he said. Villar said the agency already completed the feasibility study on the Quezon-to-Bicol Expressway project, which will start in Pagbilao, Quezon and end at Maharlika Highway in San Fernando, Camarines Sur. The DPWH said the project would have an indicative length of about 220 kilometers and would be an alternative option of travel between Quezon and the Bicol provinces. The agency said the project aimed to provide a fast and developed alternative for commuters to use. It will also provide a safe and direct route to the provinces of Bicol Region as the original
route traverses through the mountainside and other fragmentary roads. San Miguel and state-run Philippine National Construction Corp. earlier disclosed plan to build SLEX-TR5 Project, which extends the South Luzon Expressway from Pagbilao in Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon. Once completed, the project would cut travel time from Manila to Bicol to four hours from the existing 10 hours. San Miguel’s project was already approved by the Toll Regulatory Board. South Luzon Tollways Corp. is the concessionaire of SLEX which currently spans 36.1 km from Alabang, Muntinlupa to Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The company plans to extend SLEX from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon.
Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
B1
PSE INDEX CLOSING Friday, July 17, 2020
58.91 points 6,088.75
TOTAL VOLUME 1,841,661,013 TOTAL TRADES 65,155 TOTAL VALUE 4,115,189,361.09 ADVANCES 69 DECLINES 123 UNCHANGED 44
F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020
Currency
Unit
US Dollar
Peso
United States
Dollar
1.000000
49.5440
Japan
Yen
0.009324
0.4619
UK
Pound
1.255900
62.2223
Hong Kong
Dollar
0.128977
6.3900
Switzerland
Franc
1.058089
52.4220
Canada
Dollar
0.736757
36.5019
Singapore
Dollar
0.718494
35.5971
Australia
Dollar
0.696700
34.5173
Bahrain
Dinar
2.652238
131.402
Saudi Arabia
Rial
0.266645
13.2107
Brunei
Dollar
0.715922
35.4696
Indonesia
Rupiah
0.000069
0.0034
Thailand
Baht
0.031596
1.5654
UAE
Dirham
0.272272
13.4894
Euro
Euro
1.138300
56.3959
Korea
Won
0.000830
0.0411
China
Yuan
0.143080
7.0888
India
Rupee
0.013303
0.6591
Malaysia
Ringgit
0.234412
11.6137
New Zealand
Dollar
0.653400
32.3720
Taiwan
Dollar
0.033944
1.6817 Source: BSP
SMIC readies P15-b worth of fixed-rate bond offer in August CONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. plans to issue P15 billion worth of fixed-rate retail bonds in August to repay maturing debt. SMIC said in a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission it would issue up to P10billion in fixed-rate bonds, with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion. The P15-billion bonds would include 3-year Series H Bonds due 2023, 5-year Series I bonds due 2025 and 7-year Series J Bonds due 2027. The bond offering represents the first tranche of the group’s P30-billion bond shelf registration program, which is still subject to SEC approval. SMIC hired BDO Capital and Investments Corp. and Chinabank Capital as joint underwriters for the offering. The bonds will be listed with Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. The company will use net proceeds from the bond offering to refinance debt and maturing loans. The company said it had P16.48 billion in loans maturing from 2020 to 2023 from eight lenders, such as MUFG Bank Ltd., Mizuho Bank Ltd., Landbank of the Philippines, The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp., Citibank NA, Cathay United Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines and Philippine National Bank. The initial tranche of the bonds was rated PRS Aaa by local debt watcher Philippine Ratings Services Corp. PRS Aaa is the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings, denoting that such obligations are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk and that the issuing company’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligations is extremely strong. Net income of SM Investments fell 16 percent in the first quarter to P9 billion because of the declines in contribution from retail, property and banking segments with the imposition of a strict lockdown in mid-March. The SM group is allocating P94 billion to P98 billion for 2020 capital expenditures. The conglomerate said it would strengthen its digital offerings to adapt to changing consumer behavior amid the pandemic. Jenniffer B. Austria
BIPCOR belies Bantayan Electric’s claims BANTAYAN Island Power Corp. described as baseless and irrelevant the statement of Bantayan Island Electric Cooperative general manager Lee Rivera on the exclusion of the power supplier from the competitive selection process conducted last year. “The allegations and claims of Mr. Rivera are irrelevant, baseless, misdirected, misplaced and mostly self-serving,” BIPCOR director Fichte Peñaloza said in a statement. BIPCOR is the current supplier of Banelco, which awarded the new supply contract covering the period November 2021 to November 2016 to another group. BIPCOR questioned the results of the CSP. “On the matter of relevance, the claim of Mr. Rivera that our ‘constant engine failure’ is the reason for the summary disqualification of our bid reveals how Banelco is now clutching at straws to justify its actions in ignoring the Department of Energy guidelines on CSP. Nowhere in the CSP terms of reference prepared and published by the
third-party bids and awards committee is constant engine failure mentioned nor was it even raised in the pre-bid conferences. If it was, we would have defended our record, as we do now,” Peñaloza. The company also denied there was a shortage of supply in Bantayan Island. “On the factual bases of Mr. Rivera’s claims that a ‘daily rotational brownout is due to a shortage of [power] supply’, attached is our letter on July 15, 2020 to Banelco president Oscar Seares affirming in verifiable data our compliance with our contractual obligations to Banelco,” Peñaloza said. “We consistently posted an availability factor of 99 percent or in that range and we posted surpluses even at peak demand. For the record, Bipcor’s annual availability and actual generated net energy delivered to Banelco stands at an average of 99.6 percent and 41, 361, 671 kWh, respectively, exceeding our contractual guarantees of 85 percent and 37,500,000 kWh, respectively,” he said.
FLOATING SOLAR PROJECT. The National Irrigation Administration develops more floating solar and hydroelectric power projects on irrigation systems and future irrigation projects nationwide. One of them is the 200-kilowatt floating solar project on a 2,500-square meter area over the Magat reservoir, which NIA and SN Aboitiz Power Group switched on on June 27, 2019 in Ramon, Isabela.
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Business
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com
EU leaders squabbling over scale of virus bailout BRUSSELS, Belgium—EU leaders return for a tense third day of summit talks on Sunday amid a clash over the scale and rules of a huge planned coronavirus economic rescue package. For two days, the Netherlands and its “frugal” allies have resisted the pleas of Germany and France, the bloc’s most powerful members, to agree a plan to lift the countries hardest hit by the pandemic—most notably Spain and Italy. The Dutch had demanded that member states wield a veto over national bailouts to ensure countries carry out labor market reforms, and Austria, Finland, Denmark and Sweden want to see the up to 750-billion-euro package of loans and subsidies cut down to size. But, after two days of meetings between various groups of the 27 leaders, EU Council President Charles Michel was left working through the night to draw up a compromise that could be satisfactory to all when the leaders reconvened in a plenary session at noon (1000 GMT) on Sunday. “The consultations are at an important stage,” said a member of the German delegation. “It cannot yet be said whether there will be a solution tomorrow, but it is worth continuing to work.” A French diplomatic source said that President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel refused pressure by Rutte and his allies to cut the grants in the scheme to below 400 billion euros ($460 billion). The offer was made in a meeting that pitted Macron and Merkel against Rutte and the other leaders of his “Frugal Five” allies—Austria, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. ‘No ultimatum’ Speaking to reporters, Rutte acknowledged that his French and German counterparts left the late-night meeting looking irritated. But “this wasn’t only because of me,” he said. “Tomorrow we continue,” he said. “I haven’t heard any ultimatum.” Europe is in the throes of a massive recession and leaders are trying to approve a plan that could quickly send EU cash to countries hit the hardest, most notably Spain and Italy. Michel, who chairs EU summits, was obliged to propose a fresh plan after previous versions were refused by the Netherlands on the grounds that they gave away too much cash as grants, instead of lending it as loans. Rutte is also wary about the plan’s governance and insists that national governments get a veto on the spending plans of governments receiving cash from the Brussels package. Underlying his concern is the reputation of Spain and Italy for lax public spending in the minds of voters in northern Europe, and Rutte wants them to reform their labor and pensions rules. AFP
DR. REGINA DY
Market to move in narrow range S
Green Light JULY is Nutrition Month. It is time for us to remember the importance of keeping a healthy diet to have a healthy body. A healthy body will boost our immune system to give us better protection, particularly from Covid-19. Recently, my cousin was not feeling well and was eventually brought to the hospital because she could no longer breathe properly. The doctors suspected her to have caught Covid-19, and true enough, she tested positive! How did she catch the virus? Has she done anything outside of her routine? My cousin’s daily routine was mundane; she goes to the office, the grocery and the bank. Has she been careless with safety protocols? My cousin is a very sensible and meticulous person. She changes her face mask every four hours and avoids touching her used face mask. She washes her hands like clockwork, especially when she removes her face mask. You can find alcohol and disinfectant in her purse. So where and how had she been infected? As her family traced back her activities, they found out that a week before she felt unwell, for three straight days, she had stayed in the office very late to finish backlog work. She lacked sleep, failed to eat on time, and stressed out from her job. Thus, her immune system went down. Our immune system is the body’s defense against any infection. A fully functioning immune system shields our body from invading pathogens. To function fully, our body’s immune system requires balance and harmony. We need to keep our immune system healthy, especially when we are all vulnerable to catch Covid-19.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
TOCKS are expected to move on narrow range as investors weigh concerns on rising coronavirus (COVID-1) cases in the country, which could result in the possible reversion of Metro Manila to stricter quarantine rules.
The government earlier warned that Metro Manila may revert back to the modified enhanced community quarantine if the COVID 19 cases continue to rise in the capital region in the next two weeks. Analysts said the reversion of Metro Manila could delay the recovery of the domestic economy. Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said initial indicators including, an
increase in unemployment rate and the decline in overseas remittance, already pointed to a deeper slump compared with a 0.2-percent contraction in the first quarter. Two consecutive quarters of contraction will put the economy into recession. The last time the Philippine economy went into a recession was in 1998. “This rhetoric may not be new to markets but history has shown how funds can be more prone to knee-jerk reactions, volatility to the downside may be there to stay,” the online brokerage company said. In the face of a possible break from the critical 6,000-point support level, 2TradeAsia said investors should be more prudent with their trades. It placed the index support at at 6,000 and the resistance at 6,400. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week dropped 1.7 percent to 6,088.75, while the broader All Shares Index declined 2 percent to 3,579.60 as the market showed sign of losing steam. All sub-indices ended in the red led by
mining and oil, which fell 4.2 percent, industrial which dropped 3.2 percent and financials which declined 1.9 percent. Holding firms, property and services also decreased 1.0percent, 1.35 percent and 1.26 percent, respectively. Foreign investors were net sellers last week by P3.72 billion while the average daily value traded stood at P5.1 billion. Weekly top price gainers included Emperador Inc., which rose 7.2 percent to P8.98, Filinvest Development Corp., which climbed 5.8 percent to P9, and 8990 Holdings which added 3.8 percent to P9.45. Weekly top price losers were Cirtek Holdings Philippines, which dipped 11.6 percent to P6.57, Lopez Holdings which decreased 8.6 percent to P2.43 and GMA Network Inc., which fell 8.3 percent to P5.53. Meanwhile, Europe’s main stock markets moved in mixed directions on Friday as traders watched EU leaders hunker down to try to thrash out the terms of a huge post-coronavirus economic rescue plan. AFP A staff member works on November 15, 2019 at “ReTunal” a shopping center dedicated to secondhand objects, in Eskilstuna, Sweden. In Eskilstuna, a Swedish industrial town undergoing ecological reconversion, the recycling of secondhand products takes on another dimension with an entire shopping centre dedicated to second-hand objects, consisting of thirteen shops. AFP
In Sweden, a ‘second-hand’ mall is drawing big crowds By Helene Dauschy ESKILSTUNA, Sweden—Not content with the average neighborhood thrift store, a city in Sweden has opened a whole shopping mall dedicated to giving pre-owned items new life. The mall, located an hour’s train ride west of Stockholm in the city of Eskilstuna, consists of 13 stores and covers 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet), employing between 50 and 65 people. It has been named ReTuna, a play on Eskilstuna, which began an effort to reinvent itself as an ecological city in the 1990s. “We are traditionally an industrial town, we have had our difficulties and we thought we have to find some things that can build confidence and where we can take responsibility,” the city’s mayor Jimmy Jansson told AFP, adding that city leaders were now trying to develop it “into a modern industrial town.” ReTuna, inaugurated in 2015, was named
“the world’s first shopping mall designated for repaired, recycled and restored items” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2020. Some way from the giant shopping malls of major cities, the complex still attracts some 250,000 to 300,000 visitors a year, according to Anna Bergstrom, who was in charge of ReTuna until early 2020. Spread across two floors the boutiques sell used tech gadgets, books, children’s toys and home goods, as well as a slew of other products. “You can basically do all kinds of shopping here that you do in regular stores: furniture, clothes, flowers, sports articles, building materials, almost everything,” Bergstrom said. The mall, where a slight hint of the signature smell of second-hand clothing reigns, also offers a one-year course in the design of recycled products. ‘Kopskam’ Buying second-hand has seen a surge in Sweden, where “kopskam” (buying shame)
Boost your immune system A lot of us think only of the safety measures to avoid catching Covid-19; like wearing a face mask, washing hands properly, avoiding crowds and following social distancing protocols. We fail to realize the importance of keeping our body strong to fight the invisible enemy. We need to support our immune system through a healthy lifestyle. At this point, when we are all susceptible to catch the virus, we must remember to eat, drink, sleep and live healthy lives. In those few days cooped up at the office, my cousin forgot to eat a good meal. The immune systems need constant energy to make new immune cells. To generate this energy, we need to eat to meet all the requirements of our body, including the required vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The amino acids in protein are the building blocks of the cells that operate the immune system. They help create protective white blood cells and antibodies that can block invading pathogens. Being dedicated to our job is commendable behavior. However, we must remember to pause and check on our work-life balance. By not getting enough sleep, my cousin’s defense mechanisms went down. Rest is an essential contributor to improving our immunity system. Studies show that people who get eight hours of sleep had higher levels of T cells. T cells are a type of immune cells that fight against intracellular pathogens like the Covid-19 virus. It is only when we sleep that our body produces cytokines, a type of protein that aids in improving our immunity response. Mental and physical stress can take
its toll on the body too. It is essential to recognize the cause of stress and eliminate it. My cousin, having created her stringent deadlines, placed herself under too much stress. A little pressure is good, but chronic stress can cause the body to produce stress hormones that can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system. That is why she became susceptible to infections and caught the virus. Practicing good habits to strengthen our health means not only following the safety guidelines but also boosting our immune system. Building a sound immune system is an ongoing process. We need to develop a robust immune system by building an excellent nutritional foundation: eating healthy food, drinking enough water, getting the right amount of sleep, going out to get some sun, and working out. The body’s first line of defense is the immune system. In this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to make a conscious effort to live a healthy life and give our immune system the boost it needs to protect our body. Be safe and well! Regina C. Dy, PhD. is a consultant at Euro-Med Laboratories Phils. Inc. and a senior partner at Amdy Management Consultancy Inc. She is a part-time faculty of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. She can be reached at reginacdy@yahoo.com. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
PSEi July 17, 2020 TOP GAINERS
TOP LOSERS
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and “flygskam” (flight shame) are weighing on the consciences of Swedes. Sweden is aiming to be an ecological leader by becoming carbon neutral by 2045. By then Eskilstuna wants to capture more CO2 than it emits and be independent of fossil fuels. Equipped with a state-of-the-art wastesorting center, the city already recycles or transforms most of its waste into energy. But the green image has some blemishes. Cars fill the city’s streets and car parks, including the ReTuna car park. Although the buses in the city center already run on biogas, “there is still a lot to be done to reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” Jansson, the city’s social democratic mayor for the last 10 years, admitted. Eskilstuna—home to Volvo’s construction equipment division and stainless steel giant Outokumpu of Finland—adopted a “Climate Plan 2020” in 2012 to become greenhouse gas neutral by the end of the decade. AFP
Bikes wedge their way into heavy Paris traffic
A picture taken in Paris, on July 9, 2020, shows cyclists at Place de la Bastille in Paris. AFP
By Phineas Rueckert PARIS, France—Stein van Oosteren was cycling along the Avenue Denfert Rochereau in Paris when, to his surprise, he found himself in a “caravan” of bikes. “Not too long ago, I was all alone on that street,” he said. An avid cyclist and spokesman for the community-led biking advocacy organization Collectif Velo Ile-de-France, van Oosteren has plenty of company these days. Since France emerged from its twomonth lockdown in May, the number of cyclists in Paris has skyrocketed, increasing by more than 50 percent, according to the city council. Videos on social media of packs of cyclists along the Rue de Rivoli—a historic, bustling thoroughfare that cuts across central Paris—elicited astonished reactions online. Fifty kilometers (about 30 miles) of temporary bike lanes were set up during the lockdown within the ring road, and another 100 km in the surrounding suburbs. However, the two-wheel boom, experts and advocates say, is not a happy accident but the result of years of planning to cut polluting traffic on choked roads accelerated by several crises. “The great thing about Paris is not so much that they made some pop-up bike lanes, that’s just the tip of the iceberg,”
said Stefan Bendiks, director of Artgineering, a Brussels-based mobility design firm. “They worked for years on a consistent strategy for improving the city and having a good narrative about it.” A tale of two crises During a massive, weeks-long transport strike in December and January, the number of cyclists on some streets more than doubled, said van Oosteren, a dual Dutch-French citizen. That happened again in the weeks after the virus lockdown eased, he added. More than 15,000 riders took out an annual subscription for Velib’, the Paris public bike share system, in the first week of May. Many Parisians have also dusted off their old bikes, taking advantage of a state-funded nationwide scheme that offers 50 euros ($57) towards bike repairs. The initiative, launched on May 11, cost an estimated 20 million euros. It aimed for 300,000 repairs by year’s end but nearly reached that figure within a month and a half, said Olivier Schneider, head of the Federation des Usagers de la Bicyclette, an umbrella organization of 365 cycling advocacy groups across France. Bike repair shops contacted by AFP had waiting times of between one and a half and three months, even for the simplest fix. AFP
Entertainment Entertainment
Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com monday, july 20, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020 ||
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Quest musicaltalents talents Questfor forgreat greatFilipino Filipino musical For the first time in its 47 years of existence, the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) – the country’s foremost music competition, in partnership with National Commission for Culture and the Arts – is going online. This dramatic move signifies NAMCYA’s efforts to reach out to more Filipino music talents from all over the country who have become so adept in using the digital platform to showcase their musical talents. The decision to go online is part of NAMCYA’s initiatives to harness technology to search for and discover outstanding young Filipino musical artists wherever they may be in the Philippines. With over 79 million active internet users in the country, the majority of which belongs to the youth sector,
the move promises to open the competition arena to more young artists. Established in 1973, NAMCYA has proven to be an effective springboard in launching the careers of numerous young Filipino artists in various areas of musical performance, such as choral singing, piano, chamber music, family ensemble, and indigenous instruments. Past NAMCYA winners that have gained both national and international acclaim include such brilliant performers as rowena Arrieta, Coke Bolipata, Andion Fernandez, rachelle Gerodias among others. “The decision to conduct the competition online expresses NAMCYA’s effort to find resonance with today’s young Filipino mu-
sical artists who are increasingly turning to digital technology to find a venue for their talents. Like the art of music itself, NAMCYA is constantly evolving to stay steadfast to its commitment in helping develop outstanding young Filipino musical artists,” says Dr. Renato Lucas, NAMCYA’s current president. For more information about NAMCYA, you can visit their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @namcyaph. You can also check out their videos through their YouTube channel @namcyapasaycity. NAMCYA has served as springboard in launching the careers of numerous young Filipino artists in various areas of musical performance.
Why watching the news
matters
ABS-CBN Foundation stressed that it will remain faithful to its mission whatever it takes, for as long as it can.
ABS-CBN to ABS-CBNFoundation Foundationcommits commits to continue publicservice serviceprograms programs continue itsitspublic ThE management committee of ABSCBN Foundation issued a statement of commitment on July 16 that it will continue to deliver public service to the Filipino people despite the pandemic and the shutdown of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network. Bantay Bata 163 will keep its hotline open for children in distress and for reports on cases of child abuse. It will continue to counsel children needing psycho-social support and psychological first-aid. The Bantay Bata Children’s Village together with its partners will continue to care for the abandoned and street children in its custody and it shall continue to extend support to all Bantay Edukasyon scholars this school year. Bantay Kalikasan will continue to protect, enrich and manage operations of the La Mesa Watershed and La Mesa Ecopark. It remains committed to the completion of ongoing community and area development projects that it has already started. Environmental ad-
vocacy being more relevant now will continue through the various digital platforms of the foundation. Sagip Kapamilya will continue to be at the forefront of “Pantawid ng Pagibig,” which as of July 13 has benefitted 840,000 families or over 4.2 million Filipinos. It will continue to distribute relief and food packs for those unable to work due to the ongoing quarantine. “The ABS-CBN Foundation remains faithful to its mission. We will continue to serve whatever it takes, for as long as we can,” the statement said. “To all our partners and donors, we thank you for your valuing our work for over three decades. Together we have made a difference in the lives of millions. We find comfort in your words of support, and strength in your continued trust. Be assured that the ABS-CBN Foundation will remain as the foundation of the people and shall remain in the service of the Filipino,” the statement concluded.
Villain and Vixen
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hE pandemic has affected our mobility, our sense of time, our emotions, and even the way we think and make decisions. It has completely changed our lives.
The feeling of being stuck in the present, combined with the inability to plan ahead, has made people to just Prof. Winnie Monsod with husband and former COMELEC Chairman Christian Monsod. look for entertainment and completely “Not false information, but information turn off their notification on everything which is based on data. And this is what that’s news. There’s nothing wrong I’m trying to do in this show. We talk with that, but sometimes, it helps that to the experts, the ones who know the we are informed. subjects better. In an interview with Prof. Winnie From life hacks, money tips, family Monsod, she underscored the imbonding ideas, inspirational stories, and portance of watching or reading the burning issues that need discussion— news. While she entertains herself by “New Normal: The Survival Guide” watching Netflix, she never misses a aims to help Filipinos navigate the new day to stay informed. way of living. “You know I watch Netflix, but you This latest GMA Public Affairs ofhave to watch the news, you have to keep informed, because how are you going to Mareng Winnie gamely joins the TikTok craze. fering is bannered by award-winning hosts like Kara David (for Bright make decisions when you don’t know the correct information? That’s the one cococoon sila or you know, what you Side), Susan Enriquez (Pera Parthing I mean I think that’s why they put call the bird, that ostrich. Do you know aan), Rovilson Fernandez and Tonime on Monday,” Monsod said referring that ostrich theory of self-preservation, pet Gaba (Home Work), and Drew to Newsmaker, a program where she tack- if you don’t know about that it’s not Arellano (Family Time), who feature a les the most controversial issues, discuss- there that’s crazy. That’s the one thing different aspect of coping with the new ing them with the biggest newsmakers via we should not do as Filipino people,” normal every night. “New Normal: The Survival Guide she affirmed. online video conference. Prof. Monsod’s show is one of the is the country’s first daily magazine “You know, you try to give as much information as you can, and with that programs under the umbrella title “New program entirely conceptualized with information are you not trying to con- Normal: The Survival Guide” with five the ‘new normal’ in mind,” said Kavince them of something? We’re just different shows airing weeknights be- ren Lumbo, program manager of ‘Bright Side.’ giving them enough information so that ginning tonight on GMA News TV. “New Normal: The Survival Guide” “In the new normal, it is even more they can make a rational decision. They need and if they don’t do that trying to important that we have the proper in- airs on GMA News TV, Monday to Frijust hide themselves, yung parang na- formation,” explained Prof. Monsod. day, 8:30 p.m. after the 24 Oras simulcast.
‘Gameboys’cast members (clockwise) Kokoy de Santos, Adrianna So, Kyle Velino, and Elijah Canlas.
CurrENTLY on top of the Filipino Boys Love (BL) entertainment pyramid is Ivan Andrew Payawal’s Gameboys produced by the Idea First Company. Since its first episode up to is latest, the budding romance of Gavreel and Cairo, portrayed with so much authenticity and emotional commitment by its leads, Kokoy De Santos and Elijah Canlas, beguiled its target market. Praises are aplenty as well for its story arcs, how they come alive on screen, and the emotional rollercoaster they offer, the fans and supporters dig it, and they always crave and want for more. Apart from De Santos and Canlas, it helps Adrianna So and Kyle Velino are major contributors to the YouTube series’ sizzle and spice. Adrianna gives life to Pearl, ex-lady love of Gavreel who becomes his best friend and Cai’s ally. Kyle, is the glutathione capsules popping and scheming cono Terrence, the former flame of Gav. “She is the unbothered queen in a healthy way. her enthusiasm in life is
infectious. She focuses her energies on the positive things, and to that, I can very much relate. Also, she keeps it real all the time and is protective of the people she considers dear,” So said of her character. Velino, on being Terrence, shared that portraying the role is very challenging. he felt the pressure of playing the role because his first appearance was in the fourth episode where people have already fell in love with the other characters in the drama. “I was nervous and pressured at the same time. You know, it is my biggest break so far, and I›m glad that I am able to showcase what I›ve got. And I›m so blessed to see how people react to the role I portray.” The resident vixen So and in-house villain Velino promise that more exciting things are about to happen in Gameboys. They are also grateful to the subscribers and viewers for the love and support. “None of this would be possible if not for all of them. They are our inspiration that is why we always make sure that we do our best in every episode,” the two actors concluded.
Kara David hosts ‘Bright Side’ while Susan Enriquez anchors ‘Pera Paraan.’
Award-winning public affairs shows move to primetime Beginning tonight GMA Public Affairs’ internationally-awarded documentary programs add more prestige to GMA News TV with its “Power Block,” which brings together Front Row, Alisto, Tunay na Buhay, Reporter’s Notebook, and I-Witness, which used to air on GMA 7›s “Late Night strip.” Kicking-off the line-up of eye-opening shows is documentary program Front Row. Airing every Monday, Front row features stories told from a first-person point of view, a departure from the usual host-driven documentaries usually seen on television. Every Tuesday, Arnold Clavio leads the public service show, Alisto. It features stories from actual videos of people faced with life-threatening situations as well as the latest modus operandi and stories on crime and safety. Promoting safety, the show aims to remind viewers to be always alert. Meanwhile, airing on Wednesday is Tunay na Buhay hosted by Pia Arcangel. The show celebrates the triumphs of the human spirit through the inspiring stories of people from all walks of life. Taking the Thursday slot is investigative program, Reporter’s Notebook, hosted by Maki Pulido and Jun Veneracion. over the years, Reporter’s Notebook has brought significant issues to the attention of the public, with many
stories given more attention by the authorities after being tackled on the show. rounding off the line-up of “Power Block” is the country’s longest-running documentary program I-Witness. Every Friday, I-Witness hosts — led by Howie Severino, Sandra Aguinaldo, Atom Araullo and Kara David — share lifechanging stories through the documentary format. Each documentary features Filipino values, culture, current events, and the human condition. “Power Block” is on air Monday to Friday after New Normal: The Survival Guide on GMA News TV.
Life
Bernadette Lunas, Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE
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FOOD
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2020
Lockdown loaves
Isla Sugbu’s Seafood Kare-Kare and Shrimp Gambas.
Isla Sugbu Seafood City reopens Taguig branch
People turn to baking while in quarantine
KEEP CALM AND BAKE ON. Many quarantined individuals find peace and comfort in baking, a therapeutic activity that relieves stress. By Monica Sanchez
J
ESSICA, an accountant, has learned that she can finish her daily tasks in a few hours less when working at home and that she can bake bread.
In the first few weeks of the government’s stay-at-home mandate, many people—some have no prior baking experience—turned to making bread and pastries. Simply browse through your social media newsfeed and you’ll see a number of baked goods your friends are making and/or selling. “Baking was never on my list of skills,” revealed Jessica. “I just saw a recipe video on the Internet, and since I have more time to spare, I bought the ingredients, fired up the oven, and baked away. My family seems to be loving the results, thankfully!”
Around the world, Google searches for bread recipes and baking tips are increasing, driving up demand for baking supplies. Baker and author Dan Lepard, in an interview with Euronews, offered an explanation as to why homebound folks turned to baking. “Baking bread potentially offers stress relief if you start simply and continue to bake to the point of success. It offers a glimpse into the workings of cognitive behavior therapy that strengthens your problem-solving skills in a somewhat manageable way,” said Lepard.
In times of uncertainty, as is today, baking seems to be providing a sense of comfort and certainty. According to culinary school The Maya Kitchen, even before the pandemic, baking has proven to be a therapeutic way of managing our fears and anxieties. “Baking involves all our senses and our full attention, forcing us to focus on the recipe and quiet down our own inner dialogues. It gives us a semblance of control in times of uncertainty, not only during times such as these, but throughout all challenges in life.” Baking, it added, is not only meditative, but also unleashes our creativity, allowing us to express ourselves, experiment with substitutes, and troubleshoot baking problems right in the moment. Want to give it a go? The Maya Kitchen shares three recipes beginners can easily do at home.
THE seafood restaurant famous for its paluto-all-you-can recently announced the reopening of its Metro Manila branch at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City. First launched in Cebu, Isla Sugbu Seafood City is home to mouthwatering treats from the sea and beyond, including Crispy Calamares, Mixed Seafood Kare-Kare, Shrimp with Salted Egg, and the new Chicken Inasal. As it resumes dine-in and takeout operations, strict safety measures in compliance with the government are in place such as wearing of face masks, observance of social distanc- Salt and Pepper Calamari ing, checking of temperature, and placement of alcohol dispensers inside sure safe handling of food. Diners who prefer to have their seathe restaurant. Its employees are also required to food dishes delivered can order via undergo all necessary sanitation to en- www.centraldelivery.ph.
Pandesal Yields: 2-3 dozens Ingredients: 2 tsp. yeast 1 ½ cups warm water 2 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. shortening 4 ½ - 5 cups sifted MAYA All-Purpose Flour breadcrumbs, as needed Procedure: 1. Dissolve yeast in ¼ cup of water. 2. In a bowl, combine the remaining water, sugar, salt, and shortening. Add 4 cups of the flour and the yeast mixture. Mix well then transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. 3. Use the remaining flour for dusting the table and your hands if the dough gets sticky. 4. Place dough on a greased bowl, cover and let it rise until double in bulk. 5. Preheat oven to 350-degree Fahrenheit or 177-degree Celsius. 6. Place risen dough on a floured surface. Flatten with your hands to form a rectangle about 16x3 inches.
The new Starbucks Rewards makes it easier for members to earn Stars and redeem treats.
More rewards in every cup 7. Starting at one end, roll up the dough with the right hand while sealing with the left hand to form a cylindrical strip of dough. Roll in bread crumbs. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. 8. Cut dough into pieces about 1 ½-inch thick. Place in baking sheet cut side up. Let the dough pieces rise until light, for approximately 1 hour. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Coffee Hotcakes Cooking time: 20 mins. | Yields: 5-6 hotcakes Ingredients: 1 pack MAYA Fluffy n’ Tasty Original Hotcake Mix 200g. 1 pc. egg 2 tbsp. oil ½ cup brewed coffee, cooled (or dissolve 1-2 tbsp. instant coffee powder in ½ cup water) unsalted butter and maple syrup, as needed Procedure: 1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until slightly lumpy (do not over mix). 2. Pour ¼ cup hotcake batter mix onto pre-heated, lightly greased pan or flat skillet. 3. Cook until bubbly then turn to cook the other side. 4. Serve with butter and syrup.
COFFEEHOUSE chain Starbucks gives customer more of what they love with its new rewards program. The new Starbucks Rewards, launched on July 17, offers members faster and easier way to collect Stars and redeem rewards. First, members can now get one Star with every P25 spent on any item bought in stores using their registered card or app. Getting rewards is easier as well, as customers with 100 Stars can redeem any handcrafted beverage, pastry, or cake. Members can get twice as many Stars on their purchases on the first
seven days after joining the program, as well as on Double Star Days—different days every month. Members also get a free beverage or food on their birthday. The new program is exclusive for registered members only. To join, new customers will need to activate and register a Starbucks Card to Starbucks Rewards. Previous members of the My Starbucks Rewards simply need to update their old password and add a new Starbucks Card to their account through the website or the latest app available on Google Play or App Store.
BITES Fan Fave Blizzard Treats (from left) Milk Tea Brownie Latte, Sweet Corn Crunch, and Caramel Almond Cluster.
Caramel Choco Fudge Brownies Yields: 16 bars Ingredients: 1 pack MAYA Chocolate Fudge Brownies Caramel layer: ½ cup butter 1 cup light brown sugar ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk ½ cup light corn syrup 1 pinch salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract Chocolate ganache: ½ cup heavy cream ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped assorted nuts and chocolate chips, for topping Procedure: 1. Bake brownies according to package directions. Set aside. 2. In a non-stick pan, heat up caramel ingredients until thick (Softball stage 200-220°C). Pour this over the prepared brownie. 3. In a microwavable bowl, heat up cream for about 30 seconds. Add in chocolate. Microwave in 20 second bursts until chocolate is melted and ganache is smooth. 4. Spread top caramel layer. Top with desired nuts, chocolate chips, and other toppings. 5. Set aside to set. Cut into bars. Serve.
DQ serves milk tea Blizzard in Ice Cream Month IN CELEBRATION of Ice Cream Month this July, Dairy Queen relaunches fan favorite Blizzard flavors, Milk Tea Brownie Latte, Caramel Almond Cluster, and Sweet Corn Crunch. Aside from three Fan Fave Blizzard Treats, DQ has also released two new Blizzard Cakes: Sweet Corn Crunch Blizzard and Milk Tea Blizzard Cake,
available in 8” and 6” sizes. As an exclusive treat to GrabFood users, customers get P100 off on their 8” Milk Tea Blizzard Cake when they order through the app today until July 23. Dairy Queen’s sweet offerings are available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery through 8911-1111 or GrabFood, foodpanda, and LalaFood.