Manila Standard - 2020 July 25 - Saturday

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New cases still rising; 4th hospital urges patients to seek care elsewhere

By Willie Casas and Maricel V. Cruz province, 107 were from Laguna, 83 were

Rody sets PhilHealth graft probe

HEALTH officials reported 2,103 additional COVID-19 cases Friday, as a fourth major Metro Manila hospital, Asian Hospital, said its emergency room was at full capacity and advised patients to seek medical care elsewhere.

Friday’s tally brought total COVID-19 infections in the country to 76,444, with 50,063 still active and undergoing treatment or quarantine.

Of the total additional cases, 1,029 were “fresh cases” that were reported within the last three days, and 1,074 were “late” or those whose results were released four days or more ago.

Of the 2,103 cases, 1,272 were from the National Capital Region, 291 were from Cebu

from Rizal and 53 were from Cavite.

Since the easing of quarantine measures and the gradual opening up of the economy, new COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila have steadily increased, while Cebu island was identified as an emerging hotspot for COVID-19 cases. Region 4A or Calabarzon, which is near NCR, also saw an increase in cases.

The data comes from 78 out of 90 current operational laboratories.

During a televised briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 144 patients had recovered from COVID-19, bringing total recoveries to 24,502.

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VOL. XXXIV • NO. 151 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Agency’s anti-fraud exec quits over ‘widespread corruption’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas HE Office of the President will conduct its own investigation into allegations of corruption that continue to hound the state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth), a Palace spokesman said Friday.

T

“We listened to all the complaints and the conclusion was to conduct a deeper investigation into the alleged irregularities,” Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in Filipino on GMA7’s Unang Hirit program.

This developed following reports that at least one official resigned over the corruption allegations after a heated argument during PhilHealth’s executive meeting.

Roque confirmed that the Palace has

received the resignation of Thorsson Montes Keith, the anti-legal fraud officer of the agency, in which he cites “widespread corruption” at PhilHealth.

Roque encouraged Keith to cooperate with Duterte’s office by substantiating claims about the supposedly rampant corruption within the state insurance agency.

“Now that there is a formal investigation, I am encouraging him to cooperate

ILL-FATED. Thick, black smoke belches from MV Filipinas Dinagat,

a Philippine-registered passenger ship which caught fire in the waters off Binongkalan Point, Cebu around 10:45 p.m Thursday night (July 23, 2020) . The Coast Guard battled the fire and rescued all 45 crewmen of the ill-fated vessel bound for Leyte. It remained ablaze until early morning of July 24, 2020 Friday, Coast Guard said. two tugboats towed the burning ship owned by Cokaliong Shipping Lines to the nearest port. Inset shows three of the survivors giving details of the mishap to the coastguards. Benjamin Chavez

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MMDA men gird for SONA, heavy traffic

LOCAL ROUNDUP

PH takes part in WHO-led vaccine trials

By Joel E. Zurbano, Willie Casas, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz, Joel Zurbano and Othel V. Campos THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has approved the country’s participation in a global initiative that guarantees access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

“The members of the IATF approved the participation of the Philippines in the Gavi COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, including the corresponding allocation of funds,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

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THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is gearing up for the 5th State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday – preparing to send at least 1,000 personnel to manage traffic and road obstructions.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim, who ordered the distribution of raincoats in case there would be rains, said Friday the personnel would be men from the Road Emergency Group, Motorcycle Next page

HEALTHY PLEA. Several members of the UP Workers’ Union demand payment of their

hazard pay and the release of their uniform allowance during a protest action at the Atrium of the Philippine General Hospital. They also ask the government to ensure the safety and well-being of health workers amid the rising cases of coronavirus infections.

Bill Gates: No hand in COVID-19 outbreak

Silent scream IT MIGHT be the unlikeliest instructional video ever, but footage of two Japanese amusement park executives demonstrating how to “scream inside your heart” to avoid spreading COVID-19 while on a rollercoaster has been a roaring success.

“Now our customers stay silent while riding on roller coasters,” a spokeswoman for amusement park Next page

BILLIONAIRE philanthropist Bill Gates on Thursday pushed back against some of the conspiracy theories spreading online accusing him of creating the coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s a bad combination of pandemic and social media and people looking for a very simple explanation,” the Next page

19 PETITIONS. Church workers and members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and the Sisters’ Association in Mindanao on Friday, July 24, 2020 file a petition challenging the validity of the anti-terrorism law before the Supreme Court. Their petition becomes the 19th of such pleading before the SC.

19th petition vs. anti-terror law

leaders from various churches, a coalition of women’s organizations, and a lawyers’ group seeking to strike down THE Supreme Court on Friday re- Republic Act No. 11479, or the AntiNext page ceived three more petitions filed by

By Rey Requejo and Francisco Tuyay

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News

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Isko scoffs at Charter change

By Willie Casas

M

ANILA City Mayor Francisco Domogoso on Friday urged government officials to give priority to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic instead of pushing for Charter change.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines has submitted a resolution to the Interior department pointing to two constitutional amendments that they support: institutionalizing the Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling and the lifting of the restrictions on foreign investment in the industries that are restricted to Filipinos.

The league says these will help them attain economic and social progress in their localities.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan

Malaya has said the resolution will be forwarded to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and House committee on constitutional amendments chairman Rufus Rodriguez.

Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla had earlier questioned the timing of the moves to amend the 1987 Constitution given the health crisis.

The Interior department said over the weekend that 1,488 municipal mayors had expressed support for the two constitutional reforms.

He says he supports development in the Constitution, but the focus for now should be in preventing the spread of the disease.

“I agree in any given development at any given time in a normal situation,”

Domogoso told ANC. “That’s why we elect congressmen and senators to change laws. In this case, if it can help later on, why not? But for now, please... let’s just focus first on COVID-19.”

New cases...

From A1

Four killed in Air Force chopper crash in Isabela

There were also 15 additional COVID-related deaths, bringing total fatalities to 1,879.

Of the 15 deaths, 11 (73 percent) were in July, three (20 percent) were in June, and one (7 percent) was in April.

The deaths were from Region 7 (13 or 87 percent), Region 3 (one or 7 percent) and Region 6 (one or 7 percent).

Vergeire said this brings the Philippine case fatality rate to 2.36 percent.

The DOH said it removed 49 duplicate cases, including two deaths, from the previous tally.

On Thursday night, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center announced that its emergency room had reached full capacity due to the number of patients being admitted.

“We have reached full capacity at our emergency room as of 6:00 p.m. today, July 23, 2020,” the Ayala Alabang hospital said in a statement.

“As much as we would like to accommodate all patients, our quality of care may be compromised. Thus, we are advising our patients to seek urgent care in other institutions in the meantime,” the advisory read.

“We will give constant updates as soon as our resources permit us to provide the quality care everyone deserves.”

“We will continue to admit emergency cases, or those requiring immediate and life threatening medical care.”

It was not clear if the patients in its emergency room were COVID-19 cases.

This month, three major hospitals in Metro Manila declared they reached full capacity for treating COVID-19.

St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig had urged the public to bring suspected cases to alternative medical centers.

The Philippine General Hospital also confirmed it could no longer accept critically ill COVID-19 patients from other health facilities because it was almost out of beds.

Deputy Majority Leader and Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo, meanwhile, called on the Department of Health (DOH) to explain the figures it has been posting on its website, which he said caused confusion over the exact number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

He said “the DOH is posting so many figures in its website which people, outside of those involved in its data gathering and presentation, including this representation, cannot understand.”

In its website, Arroyo noted, the DOH clearly stated that of the total COVID-19 cases in the country as of July 21, at least 45,646 were still active.

“However, if you will let the computer cursor hover above the entry for Positivity Rate, which stands at 8.6 percent, a figure stating there are already 94,919 positive individuals will appear,” Arroyo said.

FOUR airmen of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on training died when their helicopter crashed shortly after liftoff in Cauayan City in Isabela Thursday night, the Air Force said Friday.

In a statement, PAF expressed mourning for the air officers who perished, the identities of whom are still being verified and pending notifica-

tion of their next of kin and had sent an investigation team to the area to determine the cause of the accident..

Those who died included two pilots, one other officer, and one of two aircrew from PAF’s Tactical Operations Group 2.

The other aircrew who survived is undergoing treatment for injuries.

“The PAF and the AFP (Armed Forc-

es of the Philippines) as a whole share the grief and extend the sympathy to the bereaved families and colleagues of the airmen who perished in this air operations mishap,” it said.

AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the airmen were “conducting proficiency training for night flying when the accident happened.”

Rody...

From A1

“That such corruption occurred amid the COVID-19 crisis makes it more disgusting and abominable,” Lacson said.

“The Senate has to act on the matter immediately as part of its oversight mandate,” he added.

Senate health committee chairperson Senator Christopher Go called on PhilHealth officers to “shape up or ship out.”

“Enough is enough. I call on the PhilHealth leadership to put a stop to these... anomalies,” Go said.

Senator Sonny Angara said the Commission on Audit should do a special audit of the state insurance company.

He said the Senate can also revive its inquiry in aid of legislation from a year ago on the finances of PhilHealth.

“A big chunk of taxpayer money goes to Philhealth every year to be directed for the people’s health and the implementation of Universal Health Care. As it is funds are hardly sufficient and corruption would make this worse and is really criminal,” Angara said.

Senator Joel Villanueva added: “We cannot ignore the stench of corruption especially during the pandemic. If the allegations are true, this is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust. I support any move to investigate Philhealth.”

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III also expressed his support to a Senate probe, saying that he wants to know why PhilHealth funds are depleted so fast.

“And why are there at the same time so many complaints from hospitals that they are not being reimbursed promptly? And many more questions,” said Pimentel.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said allegations of widespread corruption within the health insurance agency cannot be swept under the rug.

“The high degree of corruption within PhilHealth must be stopped. It has

reached a level akin to a state of emergency,” Drilon said.

“The administration cannot just sweep it in under the rug. This should be immediately investigated,” he said, adding that the Senate should prioritize the investigation when it resumes session next week.

Drilon said that he is no longer surprised by the allegations given the history of PhilHealth, citing the scandals of “ghost dialysis patients” and “ghost cataract patients.”

Senator Francis Pangilinan said Keith’s exposé of corruption within PhilHealth should spur the government to immediately fire, charge with plunder and jail all those involved in anomalies.

In his resignation letter, Keith said he opposed making overseas Filipino workers pay for their PhilHealth contributions.

“I believe there is a widespread corruption in PhilHealth,” Keith said.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, assured the public that it would look into the allegations of corruption in PhilHealth.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was waiting for a report from PhilHealth.

“We will wait for PhilHealth to issue their statement,” she said.

After a copy of Keith’s resignation letter surfaced on Thursday night, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that PhilHealth officials are being investigated for the alleged overpriced purchase of an IT system worth over P2 billion.

Morales denied the allegations of corruption, saying Keith was on a vendetta after being refused a promotion.

PhilHealth spokesperson Gigi Domingo, meanwhile, said that their office has yet to officially receive Keith’s resignation letter.

Microsoft founder said during a CNN Town Hall interview.

Doctored photos and fabricated news articles crafted by conspiracy theorists – shared thousands of times on social media platforms and messaging apps, in various languages – targeting Gates have gained traction online since the start of the pandemic.

A video accusing Gates of wanting

“to eliminate 15 percent of the population” through vaccination and electronic microchips has racked up millions of views on YouTube.

“Our foundation has given more money to buy vaccines to save lives than any group,” Gates said, referring to his eponymous foundation.

He has pledged $250 million in efforts to fight the pandemic, and his foundation has spent billions of dollars improving health care in developing countries over the past 20 years.

“So you just turn that around. You

say, ok, we’re making money and we’re trying to kill people with vaccines or by inventing something,” Gates continued.

“And at least it’s true, we’re associated with vaccines, but you actually have sort of flipped the connection,” he said, adding he hopes the conspiracies don’t generate “vaccine hesitancy.”

Since the start of the crisis, AFP Fact Check has debunked dozens of antiGates rumors circulating on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram in languages including English, French, Spanish, Polish and Czech. AFP

19th petition...

From A1

19 as of July 24. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the ATA into law on July 3.

The new petitions were filed even as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday expressed hope that the high court would resolve the legal challenges on the validity of the ATA on the merits of the suits and not on the personalities behind the petitions.

“All these petitions, no matter how many they are, will boil down to a common set of constitutional issues,” Gue-

varra told reporters.

“The Supreme Court will resolve these issues on the merits of the arguments advanced by the parties concerned, and not on the basis of their number or personal or professional stature.”

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., meanwhile, praised the arrest of the fugitive Felomino Salazar Jr. on 15 counts of murder in connection with his alleged role as an executioner during the

internal purges conducted by the communist New People’s Army.

Salazar, then executive committee member of the NPA’s Southern Leyte Front, was arrested by the members of the Joint Task Force “Tandaya” over his alleged involvement in the bloody NPA purge “Oplan Venereal Disease,” in which 300 residents of Leyte were said to have been murdered by the NPA in its internal cleansing operations.

Terrorism Act of 2020 or ATA, for being unconstitutional.

The petitioners also asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order against the law that took effect on July 18.

The new petitions brought the total number of petitions against the ATA to

Silent...

From A1 operator Fujikyuko told AFP, after the video on riding etiquette for the coronavirus era went viral.

The video features the executives, one in a full suit and tie, the other in a shirt and bowtie, sitting stiff-backed and straightfaced in silence, with only the only sounds coming from the whipping of the wind and the grinding of the rollercoaster.

As they plunge downwards, one executive serenely readjusts his hair, and his facemask, but both otherwise remain stoically silent, even as they sway violently in the coaster car.

to once and for all stop the corruption in PhilHealth,” he said.

Roque has repeatedly expressed disappointment over the alleged failure of PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Ricardo Morales to address the supposed irregularities plaguing the state insurer.

In his latest remarks, he said he believed that some of PhilHealth’s top officials are involved in corrupt activities.

“My conclusion is there is really a syndicate there and top career executives of PhilHeath are part of it. But I’m not saying that all of them are involved,” Roque said.

Earlier reports said three PhilHealth officials had resigned over the corruption allegations, but the agency on Friday said head executive assistant Etrobal Laborte had resigned in mid-July to “go back to taking his PhD.” PhilHealth also said corporate legal counsel Roberto Labe Jr. “vehemently denied” reports about his supposed resignation.

The Senate, meanwhile, said it would investigate almost P1 billion worth of questionable transactions, including an overprice of P98 million that triggered a shouting match in a recent virtual conference between Morales and some board members.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said he is now drafting a resolution calling for a Senate Committee of the Whole to launch an inquiry into the unabated corruption and mismanagement of PhilHealth funds. He said Senate President Vicente Sotto III had informed him the inquiry would be one of top items on the Senate’s agenda after session resumes on Monday.

Bill Gates:...

From A1

At the end of the ride, one man lifts his hands off the seat handles, visibly trembling. A black screen follows featuring advice that some social media users have dubbed a slogan for 2020: “scream inside your heart.”

The video was first posted last month, as coronavirus restrictions eased and reopening theme parks asked visitors to avoid screaming and keep social distance.

“Even though the amusement park association’s guidelines ask you to ‘refrain from speaking loudly’ we have received complaints it is ‘difficult’ or ‘impossible’, so Fujikyu Highland offers a good example,” the operator said on its website with the video. AFP

MMDA...

From A1 Patrol Units and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group.

“The MMDA is in close coordination with the Presidential Security Group, Quezon City Police District and Department of Public Order and Safety to ensure a peaceful and orderly SONA. All assigned personnel to report to their designated post as early as 4:30 am,” said Lim. Meanwhile, motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid expected heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and the vicinity of Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Northbound (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview): From Elliptical Road (QMC), take North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino Highway, Commonwealth Avenue to destination Southbound (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle): From Elliptical Road (QMC), take Commonwealth Avenue, Quirino Highway, Mindanao Avenue, North Avenue to destination.

Light vehicles may also opt to take: (Northbound: QMC to Fairview) via Marikina -From Elliptical Road (QMC), turn right Maharlika, turn left Mayaman, turn right Maginhawa, turn left C.P. Garcia, turn right Katipunan Ave., turn left A. Bonifacio Ave., straight to Gen. Luna

‘Drug lords disappeared like bubbles’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Win Gatchalian said it is hard to believe that all the convicted high-profile drug lords “disappeared like bubbles” while detained at the New Bilibid Prison after Bureau of Corrections officials reported they died of the coronavirus and were cremated.

“It’s doubtful because not only one but many drug lords died. They cannot be traced,” Gatchalian said on Friday.

“He should practice transparency and there should be a public disclosure,” Gatchalian said, referring to Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gerald Bantag.

He said Bantag “should have exercised transparency” in his disclosure of information on the deaths of the inmates.

He said he knew Bantag as a “straight, no-nonsense guy,” having worked with him when he was Valenzuela City jail warden and he was mayor.

“I am quite disappointed that this happened—because you can address your issues with COVID-19 and be transparent,” Gatchalian said.

“You have to practice extra transparency to show that you’re doing the right thing. You can employ extra transparency measures so the public will know who really died. We don’t want a cloud of doubt.”

Instead of invoking the Data Privacy Act that has nothing to do with the deaths, Gatchalian said Bantag should have been more forthright.

“This is still unfolding and I haven’t seen transparency,” Gatchalian said, adding Bantag should welcome the investigation on the matter and clear his name.

Senator Leila de Lima said the rather unusual reaction of the wife of Jaybee Sebastian, which included threats to kill all the prison officials and personnel responsible for Sebastian’s death, speaks volume on the circumstances surrounding it.

Local...

From A1 The COVAX Facility is a mechanism designed to ensure rapid, fair, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for every country in the world, rich or poor, to make rapid progress towards slowing the pandemic, the World Health Organization said in a statement.

The COVAX, co-led by WHO, Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, aims to step up the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines by getting the support of developed and developing country vaccine manufacturers.

Motorcycle barriers

The deadline for the installation of motorcycle barriers has been extended once more until July 31, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo said Friday.

“In effect, motorcycle riders were given a three-week grace period to comply with this requirement. This will be the most that the government, through our NTF Against COVID-19, could give for our motorcycle riders to comply in order for them to be allowed to back-ride their spouses or live-in partners,” Eleazar said in a press statement.

Eleazar explained that another extension of the deadline was given due to mounting requests from motorcycle riders to give them more time to comply with the number one requirement of back-riding.

Eleazar said motorcycle dealers nationwide had been advised as to where motorcycle riders could avail themselves of the approved barrier design.

The barriers will also be made available in popular online stores.

2 women nabbed

Authorities arrested two women for selling falsified COVID-19) test results at a computer shop in Caloocan City on Thursday.

Ave., turn right Kambal Road, turn left GSIS Road, turn left Jones St., turn right Gen. Luna Ave., straight to A. Mabini St., turn left Rodriguez Highway, turn left Payatas Road to destination (Southbound: Fairview to QMC) -From Elliptical Road (QMC), turn right Luzon Ave., turn right Tandang Sora Ave., turn right to Central Ave. to destination (QMC to Fairview) -From Elliptical Road (QMC), Turn right University Ave. turn right C.P. Garcia Ave. turn right and U-turn to Katipunan Ave. turn right Commonwealth Ave, Turn right Maharlika, turn left Masaya, turn right Maginhawa, turn left Magiting, turn right C.P. Garcia Ave. then U- turn and turn right Commonwealth Ave.

News

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A3

Cigarette smugglers face heftier penalties

By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS on Friday backed the proposal of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez to impose heftier penalties for cigarette smugglers, with one of them proposing that tobacco smuggling/counterfeiting be made a non-bailable offense.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte said restrictive and deterrent provisions against cigarette smuggling must be introduced, such as making it a non-bailable offense, imposing higher monetary fines and much longer jail time.

“We should impose stiffer penalties on this illicit practice of counterfeiting and charge them with economic sabotage and tax evasion. It is stealing from government coffers by not paying the right taxes or evading paying such. Congress should make this a non-bailable offense and if I had my way, in my opinion, let’s impose a capital punishment,” said Barbers, the chairman of the House committee on dangerous drugs.

Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda of Albay, the chairman of the House committee on ways and means, vowed to Dominguez that his panel will deliberate soon on the latter’s request once a formal bill is filed before the House of Representatives.

Dominguez has said his agency would want heftier penalties against unscrupulous traders of illicit cigarettes, who took advantage of higher excise taxes and a dwindling supply of tax-paid sticks at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“If you recall, when the law increasing the excise taxes on tobacco products was passed, we warned of a possible increase in illicit trade,” Dominguez said, referring to Republic Act (RA) 11346 or the Tobacco Tax Law of 2019, under which cigarette excise tax increased to P45 per pack effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Under Section 263 of the National Internal Revenue Code, persons or companies caught in possession of cigarette products that did not pay excise taxes face an imprisonment of 10 years to 12 years.

LINING UP. Despite the bad weather, hundreds of individuals spent the night inside their vehicles and under tents as they queued for the free COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila before dawn Friday. Some started lining up as early as 7:30 p.m. on Thursday even though the testing started at 8 a.m. yesterday. As of July 23, 2020, the Manila Health Department reported a total of 4,132 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city. Norman Cruz

Case vs. Koko up for resolution P

ROSECUTOR-GENERAL Benedicto Malcontento on Friday said the case against Senator Aquilino Pimentel III for alleged violation of quarantine protocols is up for resolution by prosecutors after the parties completed the submission of their respective pleadings.

In a message to reporters, Malcontento confirmed that the complainant in the case, lawyer Rico Quicho, has also filed his reply to Pimentel’s counter-affidavit. In turn, the senator has also filed a rejoinder to Quicho’s reply.

“The case is now submitted for resolution (by prosecutors),” Malcontento said.

In his counter-affidavit filed through e-mail last week, Pimentel said the complaint against him “is fatally defective.”

“It is based principally on news reports. Considering (complainant) Atty.

(Rico) Quicho’s lack of personal knowledge, I am being charged based on mere hearsay,” the lawmaker added, referring to the copies of online news reports attached by Quicho in his complaint.

The Department of Justice is evaluating the complaint filed by Quicho against Pimentel for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and three Department of Health issuances, namely Memoran-

dum Circular No. 2020-0090, Advisory No. 2 and DOH Circular No. 20200080, concerning quarantine measures implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The case stemmed from an incident in March when the Makati Medical Center said Pimentel breached its infection and containment protocols when he went to the hospital with his wife who was to give birth through cesarean section.

The hospital said Pimentel’s visit “unduly exposed healthcare workers to possible infection” after it was found out that he tested positive for COVID-19.

Taiwan’s visa-free PRC attains 73% vaccination goal entry extended By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rey E. Requejo and Othel Campos

HEALTH INSPECTION. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory BoardRegion 10 enforcement team in Northern Mindanao conducted an inspection at the integrated terminals in Cagayan de Oro City to ensure that health and safety protocols, as well as regular and thorough disinfection procedures are stringently practiced and implemented inside the public vehicles and at the terminal’s premises.

Housing seeks ‘ease of doing business’

By Rio N. Araja HOUSING czar Eduardo del Rosario wants the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development to become a frontrunner in championing ease of doing business.

“As the youngest department in the whole bureaucracy, we would like DHSUD to champion the ease of doing business and I think this is the right time for us. We are just a year-and-a-half old and the best thing to do is start right and follow the ease of doing business,” he said.

In support of the initiative, which is in line with the government’s national effort on the harmonization of efficiency measures of interrelated agencies program, he vowed that homeowners’ associations could no longer impede the setting up of common towers.

“The HOA consent will not delay the implementation and construction of shared telecom tower infrastructure because this will serve as a hindrance for the progress of our desire to fast-track the putting up of thousands of towers nationwide,” he said.

TAIWAN has extended its visa-free entry for travelers from selected countries, including the Philippines, until July 2021.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the decision in a bid to promote its New Southbound Policy which allows visa-free entry to foreign nationals from the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei and Russia.

This means that Filipinos and nationals from these countries can continue to enjoy traveling to Taiwan without visa for one year starting August 1, 2020 until July 31, 2021.

In a statement, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines stressed that the extension is intended to strengthen Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, an initiative that aims to enhance ties and exchanges with countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Australasia.

“The agencies participating in the meeting, having evaluated the status and outcomes of the measures so far, jointly made the following decisions: From August 1, 2020, trial visa-free entry for nationals from Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, and Russia will be extended for one year until July 31, 2021,” TECO said.

But TECO clarified that since the MOFA has announced entry regulations amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, such extensions do not take precedence over current border control rules geared at avoiding local coronavirus transmissions in Taiwan.

THE Philippine Red Cross on Friday said that it has accomplished 73% of its target, or 58,655 out of 80,000 children to be vaccinated for the fourth round of the vaccination program.

Senator Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO said there should be no letup in the regular vaccination program or those covered under the DOH’s (Department of Health) Expanded Immunization Program amid the on-going pandemic.

“We would not want to be dealing with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases while we are still fighting in this World War C,” he said.

Amid the UNICEF warning that the COVID-19 pandemic may trigger an outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, the Philippine Red Cross has ensured that at least another close to 59,000 Filipino children would be saved, three days into the resumption of the Sa-

bayang Patak Kontra Polio program.

PRC’s vaccination program drew support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Data from the PRC’s Health Services showed that some 17,994 children in Mindanao were vaccinated on July 20; 21,335 on July 21; and 19,326 on July 22.

The DOH has announced that the fourth phase of the Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio program will run from July 20 to August 2.

“For this round, we have mobilized 608 volunteers and 43 staff and reached 160 communities in 36 cities/municipalities in Mindanao. Our chapters in Mindanao, 17 of them, participated in this endeavor. And I commend our chapters, volunteers and staff who put their fears aside to go house to house and be able to vaccinate these children,” Gordon said.

PCUP to help victims of demolition

By Rio N. Araja DESPITE the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor said it will continue to assist residents whose houses were demolished along a railway in Laguna.

PCUP chairperson and chief executive officer Alvin Feliciano said he would write the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Railway, Philippine National Police and Laguna’s Cabuyao City government to inform them about the “illegal” demolition that is contrary to Memorandum Circular No. 2020- 068.

Last July 23, the agency reached out to 25 families that had been displaced by the

demolition in Barangay Dos, Philippine National Railway Southrail in Cabuyao to extend legal support.

The PCUP is determined to enforce Memorandum Circular No. 2020-068 stating that no demolition should proceed during a national state of emergency issued by the DILG. It added that they would request a formal dialogue with all the agencies involved in the demolition in order to formulate and come up with plans and other initiatives.

Feliciano said any demolition should be in accordance with the law, and must have a legal basis.

“No relocation, no demolition,” the agency said, referring to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte.

NDF chief peace negotiator Agcaoili dies FIDEL Agcaoili, the chairperson of the National Democratic Front’s peace negotiating panel, passed away on Thursday.

Agcaoili, 75, succumbed to pulmonary arterial rapture, the NDF said in a statement posted on the Facebook account of the self-exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.

Agcaoili died Thursday afternoon in Utrecht, The Netherlands where he was in self-exile.

“According to the doctor, the cause of his death was pulmonary arterial rupture which caused massive internal bleeding. It was not COVID-19 related,” the NDF said.

Agcaoili was supposed to turn 76 on August 8, the NDF said.

The NDF added that Agcaoili’s remains will be flown to the Philippines following the wishes of his family.

Agcaoili took over as NDF chief peace negotiator in 2016 when Luis Jalandoni resigned.

Peace talks between the government peace panel and the NDF, political arm of CPP, were terminated by Duterte in November 2017, following the series of attacks staged by the communists’ armed wing, the New People’s Army, against the government troops and civilians.

BARRIERS. The IATF has given motorcycle users to buy barriers up to July 31, 2020. The barriers will be used mainly by their back-riding spouses during their travels. JR Josue

LGUs

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

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

Velasco lays out Marinduque roadmap for ‘21 BOAC—Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. delivered his State of the Province Address (SOPA) for the citizens of Marinduque on Thursday, citing the accomplishments and plans of the provincial government in the past year.

In his speech, Velasco recalls assuming the position a year ago where the province was ranked 4th class.

“Our province suffered from lack of reliable and clean potable water, erratic energy supply and sporadic brownouts, inadequate irrigation water due to lack of dams and water impounding facilities, lack of jobs, lack of promotion and weak development of tourism areas, poor hospital system, minuscule revenues and a 90% IRA depended on budget,” he said.

Intending to reclaim “the golden era of Marinduque,” the governor laid out his plans and “made innovative changes and dramatic reforms” throughout the province.

The government is set to open Marinduque Export Zone or MAREZ, which will go hand in hand with building an International Port in Balogo pier.

Velasco also cited how the pandemic has paralyzed not only the businesses and citizens around the world. He acknowledges the loss of the majority of jobs in the province such as in manufacturing, farming, and fishing. But with the help of the Public Employment Service Office or PESO, the province was able to minimize its unemployment rate.

CDC to cultivate 1.5-ha Arayat lot for food security

GUV’S ‘SOPA’. Marinduque Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr. delivers his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Boac on Thursday.

Manila’s free virus tests reach 5,000 in first week

By Willie Casas

A

BOUT 5,000 persons have been tested by the Manila City government's free drive thru and walk-in COVID-19 testing centers in its first week of operations, Mayor Francisco "Isko" Domagoso said on Friday.

Drive thru testing sites catered to around 4,000 patients while walk-in testing sites catered to more than 1,000 patients, Domagoso said in an interview on ANC's Headstart.

The Manila City government currently has two drive thru testing sites,

one each at the Kartilya ng Katipunan and Quirino Grandstand, while it also has two walk-in testing centers at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center (GABMMC) and Ospital ng Sampaloc (OsSam).

"It only proves that people will volun-

tarily submit him or herself to test, as long as it is accessible and as much as possible affordable or free," Domagoso said.

"So if that’s how the people feel, I think we should give in to it, because we don’t need to look for them anymore to test them, because they will come to us on their own," he added.

With the city government's drive thru centers, Domagoso said 667 tested positive after their blood samples were processed using the serology testing machines.

By Jess Malabanan ARAYAT, Pampanga—Clark Development Corporation, in cooperation with other government agencies including the Philippine National Police, will soon cultivate a 1.5-hectare idle lot adjacent to the Arayat National Park and plant vegetables and high-value crops as part of the government programs to ensure food security amid tight supply due to pandemic.

This after the CDC and line agencies including PNP, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture and the provincial government of Pampanga forged a memorandum of agreement on "Kaligkasan Food Security Project" aimed at helping residents in surrounding communities affected by strict quarantine measures.

The project will also support the "Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa" program which aims to ensure food security for families and communities in the province amid the pandemic.

CDC President Noel Manankil said the initiative also aims to promote a clean and healthy environment for all that exemplifies eco-tourism, environmental protection, and food security.

“We are very happy to partner with the Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Province of Pampanga for this undertaking and we really have to work together to make it very successful,” Manankil said.

LOLA GRADUATE.

Violeta Mendoza, 69, poses in her toga as part of the Class of 2020 of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education major in Special Education.

Mendoza, now a ‘lola’ or grandmother, is also a scholar of the Muntinlupa city government under the Iskolar ng Bayan program.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi lauded Mendoza’s hard work and perseverance and hoped residents will look at her as an inspiration to overcome challenges in life.

DOH SARANGANI OFFICE. The Department of Health and Center for Health Development recently opened the Sarangani

Provincial DOH Office and Integrated Provincial Health Office in Alabel town. The P25-million PDOHO-PHO building is part of the P100million Sarangani Health Care Facility (SHCF) and was funded through the efforts of Sen. Emmanuel Pacquiao and Rep. Rogelio Pacquiao.

Leading the inaugural ceremony are (from left) provincial health officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro, DOH-CHD XII regional director Dr. Aristides Tan, Sarangani Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, Sen. Pacquiao, and Atty. Ryan Ramos, chief of staff of Rep. Pacquiao.

Searca, Shell arm ink agri training, research pact

By Brenda Jocson LOS BANOS—To institutionalize their mutual desire to partner on areas of common interest such as education, training and research, an agreement was forged between Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc,. in a virtual ceremony.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on July 20 by SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio and PSFI Executive Director Sebastian C. Quinones Jr. and witnessed by officers and staff from both institutions.

Dr. Gregorio stressed that SEARCA gives high priority to fostering stronger academe-industry-government interconnectivity as part of its 11th Five-Year Plan (2020-2025) and that this partnership with PSFI and other private sector groups is an important step in this direction.

Sebastian said SEARCA's focus on ATTAIN (accelerating transformation through agricultural innovation) resonates with PSFI, especially SEARCA's commitment to elevate the quality of life of agricultural families through sustainable livelihoods and access to modern networks and innovative markets.

Dr. Gregorio said SEARCA shares PSFI's commitment to alleviate the standard of living of our fellow countrymen by enabling them to be selfsufficient.

For Joselito G. Florendo, SEARCA Deputy Director for Administration, he said through the MOU, PSFI will now join the roster of their many institutional partners in the region and around the globe whom they rely on to expand their reach and amplify the impacts of their programs.

SM leads way in disaster preparedness despite prevailing pandemic IN OBSERVANCE of National Disaster Consciousness Month this July, SM Supermalls reminds communities and citizens to remain alert when it comes to calamities and emergencies, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness especially amid the ongoing

fight against COVID-19.

“As we remain embattled by the COVID-19 pandemic, let us not forget that we also need to be prepared for natural disasters given how often our country experiences them,” said Engr.

Liza B. Silerio, SM’s Vice President

for Corporate Compliance and head of ARISE Philippines.

“Whether these are typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions, disasters can strike at any moment, and being unprepared during these challenging times can make our current situation

even worse.” Silerio added.

ARISE Philippines, a UNDRR-led program, is the country’s network of private sector organizations that are united in the cause of promoting disaster resilience. SM Prime Holdings is the country’s secretariat.

Starpay helps 16.5k waitlisted Pasigeños get ‘ayuda’ PASIG CITY—Approximately 16,500 or around 80 percent of the waitlisted beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in Pasig have already successfully claimed their “ayuda.”

The disbursement of the benefits was coursed through Starpay, one of the Financial Service Providers entrusted by the DSWD to ensure the quick, speedy, and secure disbursement of the second tranche of SAP, including those of the waitlisted beneficiaries from the first tranche.

“We understand the state of the beneficiaries and know that the delivery

of their ayuda at the soonest is critical, which is why we’ve worked to coordinate with the DSWD Field Office as well as with the barangay to ensure a well-coordinated scheduled payout,” emphasizes Starpay Chief Operating Officer Richard Rosettes.

Disbursement began in the second week of July with Pasig City having over 20,000 beneficiaries counted as waitlisted. Starpay has committed to completing the distribution to all the beneficiaries by the month's end.

Through a web portal provided by Starpay, beneficiaries were able to validate and schedule themselves for their payout. After keying in the required

details, the portal issues a unique reference number and schedule for when the beneficiaries can claim their ayuda.

The disbursement was done in close partnership with the DSWD Field Office in Pasig and with M. Lhuillier, Starpay's payout partner. The waitlisted beneficiaries nationwide total to about 5 million individuals, with several providers including Starpay already tasked to prepare for the distribution of the benefits.

Starpay is also a partner of the DSWD with its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, targeting to disburse to over 20,000 beneficiaries of the project.

Opinion ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO AS OF July 23, there were a total of 74,390 confirmed COVID-19 cases (2,200 recorded for the same day); 24,383 total recoveries; and 1,871 fatalities. The pandemic is not waning in the Philippines despite the fact that Metro Manila and other parts of the country have been under various degrees of quarantine for more than four months now.

It better be good.

People are quite anxious, scared, and angry because government efforts have not been significantly successful in controlling the spread of this deadly virus.

There has been a deluge of cases after Metro Manila opened a bit more under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Government officials have been clear that the easing of restrictions in Metro Manila was because of the sagging economy. The easing up of restrictions was NOT because the country has already flattened the curve of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, government should have been better prepared. The huge increase in cases proves that we are far from winning this war. Recently, a good number of big Metro Manila hospitals have announced that they could no longer accept any more cases because they have surpassed their capacity.

Recent pronouncements of our officials, however, are not encouraging.

Several Cabinet members intimated that now, it is already up to the people to protect themselves from COVID-19.

The president himself, in his last address to the nation seemed to have given up saying the people’s sufferings should instead be offered to God. Add to this, Duterte even advised the people to disinfect their face masks using gasoline! This, of course elicited tons of criticisms from netizens because of the possibility that some gullible “fans” of Duterte might actually do it. As expected, the Presidential Spokesperson made light of the situation and said that his boss was, as, usual, joking. Seriously though, how can one joke about something that can harm, if not kill people?

Add to this is the “plan” of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to use community gossipmongers to trace suspected COVID+ persons! We should really be laughing if only we were watching a comedy show.

People have been demanding the three Ts -- test, trace, and treat approach since the start of the pandemic. The clamor for mass testing has never stopped but this continues to fall on deaf ears. Instead of focusing on police and military solutions like arresting people, government should give more attention to med-

ical and social solutions to COVID-19.

We have spent four months in quarantine without flattening the curve. When are we going to learn?

Testing people for the virus is crucial.

But ordinary people cannot get themselves tested because it is expensive. A recent conversation on Twitter centered on how expensive getting tested is and even those in to the middle class were complaining. For instance, these costs for COVID-19 tests were mentioned: Asian Hospital, P8,150.00; Cardinal Santos Med. Center, P8,000.00; Chinese General Hospital, P5,500.00; and Makati Medical Center, P8,150.00.

The cheapest that was mentioned was P3,800.00 done by the Philippine General Hospital.

No poor person can afford these testing costs. And most definitely, we will not be able to contain the virus without testing those who are vulnerable. ONLY government can do this. Outside of the many donations received, the Department of Health was reported to have purchased over a million testing kits in the past months. It will be interesting to find out how DOH has distributed those.

Beyond testing, it is VERY expensive to undergo COVID-19 treatment. Reports say that patients’ bills in private hospitals range from P1.1 million to P3.1 million depending on the severity of the case. Included in the billing are laboratory tests, doctors’ professional fees, intubation, ventilator, confinement, emergency room use, etc. The personal protective equipment used by health practitioners are paid for by the patient.

From February 1 to April 14, PhilHealth covered in full COVID-19 expenses. But this is no longer the case.

Since April 15, PhilHealth has been using these new case rates: mild pneumonia P43, 997; moderate pneumonia P143,267; severe pneumonia P333,519; and critical pneumonia P786,384. If it takes millions of pesos for a COVID-19 case to be treated, poor patients’ families will surely have huge financial problems. How then are they going to cope especially for those cases when the only option available is to seek treatment from a private hospital?

Just thinking of the financial consequences of getting COVID-19 especially during this time of joblessness is enough for people to feel desperate.

While it is true that the virus does not discriminate whether one is rich or poor, it is beyond obvious that the poor have less chances of getting tested for it, and getting treated when they have it.

On Monday, July 27, President Duterte will give his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). Some say that he will “unveil” the country’s program against COVID-19 after four months of quarantine. For the people’s sake, I really hope that this is true and that such plan is truly responsive to people’s needs during this pandemic. Better late than never but it better be a good plan. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

What’s the real score?

NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO I JUST can’t understand why the Department of Health has to complicate its presentation of the figures concerning the COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. So many numbers when all the people would want to know is how many are infected, how many have been tested, how many have recovered, how many have died, and maybe how many hospital beds and rooms are still available for any anticipated infections.

If one visits the DOH COVID Tracker site, one would easily get confused not only with the abundance of figures but also with the terminologies used—as if the DOH doesn’t real want us to understand how they are presenting the information. To further complicate matters, some figures are hidden from plain view. In fact, unless you tinker with your computer, you will not be able to discover these figures which are crucial to monitoring the status of the pandemic.

This manner of presentation has prompted Deputy Majority Leader, Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel Arroyo, to call on the DOH to explain these figures which the solon claims gives rise

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

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EDITORIAL

A plan, at last?

POWER POINT

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

to confusion on the exact numbers of COVID-19 cases in the country.

In its, website, Arroyo noted that that the DOH clearly stated that the total active COVID-19 cases in the country as of July 21, stands at 70,764, the active cases at 45,646 as there have been 23,81 recoveries and 1,837 deaths to date.

However, Arroyo said that if you will let the computer cursor hover above the entry for Positivity Rate which stand at 8.6 percent, a

Just give us the actual picture, please. figure stating there are already 94,919 positive individuals will appear. And I have personally checked on that to validate Arroyo’s claim.

And what does that figure represent?

“Clearly it states positive individuals and not positive tests,” the lawmaker stressed.

While before the DOH explained that they are reporting a higher number of positive tests, it was due to the fact there were double or multiple tests conducted on some individuals to validate is either they are really positive, negative or have already been cured.

But the caption “positive individuals,” according to the Pampanga solon, would clearly

T

Addressing hunger

HE recently released survey by the Social Weather Stations, which suggested at least 5.2 million of the 110 million population of the country had experienced hunger once in the past three months, should be a portent of things to come in these difficult times.

went through it “often or always.”

SWS said 15.8 percent or an estimated 3.9 million families experienced “Moderate Hunger,” while 5.1 percent or an estimated 1.3 million families experienced “Severe Hunger,” with SWS saying Moderate Hunger rose from 13.9 percent in May 2020 to 15.8 percent in July 2020— the highest since the 17.6 percent or an estimated 3.8 million families registered in September 2014.

Words of fellowship, while they can somehow assuage the memory of experienced hunger—officially called involuntary hunger—cannot put the image of an alleviating full plate soon enough on the dining table.

The SWS survey, done from July 3 to 6 involving 1,555 respondents, showed hunger increasing by 4.2 points, or from 16.7 in May 2020 and 12.1 points from 8.8 percent in December 2019, the rate recorded being the highest since the 4.8 million families registered in September 2014.

The 20.9-percent rate in early July represented Moderate to Severe Hunger, the Moderate Hunger defined by SWS as pangs “only once or a few times” in the last three months, while those who experienced Severe Hunger

Are these bleak numbers still a portent of things to come?

The Visayas posted the highest hunger rate with an estimated 27.2 percent or 1.3 million families suffering from a lack of food, while Mindanao had 24.2 percent and Luzon 17.8 percent.

We note the sadness expressed by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, who argued that several factors contributed to

the respondents' answers that they experienced hunger, with emphasis by him in the Visayas where the hunger incidence was highest, given that the province of Cebu was under enhanced community quarantine, the highest restriction level placed by the national government.

Responding to SWS' strong suggestion to open the economy and provide livelihood opportunities to Filipinos, Roque called on citizens that, to save the economy and people's jobs, “we first have to save lives by ramping up testing for COVID-19 and observing the minimum public health standards by wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a safe distance.”

That's a body-swerve, as it were, and does not address head on the raised idea that businesses, for instance, be allowed to reopen fast in Metro Manila and nearby Calabarzon region—the government-imposed protocols to be strictly implemented by the authorities—which together submit 67 percent of the domestic economy.

We feel the government has its mind and heart for those who must feed their families. Involuntary or severe hunger should never, ever, catch up with the still skilled but now unwaged or jobless Filipinos.

ABS-CBN’s silly idea THE idea of people’s initiative is a political hypocrisy that originated with people power.

This was the result in what they call God’s wrath against the “dictator” by the combine forces of the imperialist, the oligarchy, the Church, by the free-loading communists and their middle-of-the-roader sympathizers. They generated an orgy to restore our freedom and democracy by creating a mutated ideology called “people’s initiative.”

The somnambulism of “people power” is now venerated by a leader that was catapulted to power by means of coup d’ etat heightened by the traitorous agitation of the CPP and its front organizations. Their brand of democracy was chiseled out an ideology made up of the thoughts of the globalists, oligarchy, clerics, feudal lords, and now by the mercenary communists. Thus, when the zealots conceived of People’s Initiative, nobody entertained the thought it was in fact a secret weapon they would use against the restiveness of the people they liberated from the “dictatorship.”

Section 2, Article XVII of the Cory Constitution provided the framework in what the owners of ABS-CBN would now use as their magic bullet against the decision by Congress that put to rest the oligarchy’s instrument as political kingmaker. To quote: “Amendments to this Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the people through initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters therein.

No amendment under this section shall be authorized within five years following the ratification of this Constitution nor oftener than once every five years thereafter.”

Cory Aquino approved on August 4, 1989 R.A. No. 6735 or a law to implement “people’s initiative.” Reading the law one

negate the DOH’s explanation.

Also in question is the low recovery rate for COVID-19 patients Figures cited by the DOH would show the Philippines has one of the lowest recovery rate for COVID-19 patients.

However, the DOH said more than 90 percent of the Covid-19 patients only have mild infection with most of them being asymptomatic.

The DOH added that mild cases of COVID-19 infection usually takes two to three weeks at the most to recover.

But at the rate the DOH is presenting the number of recoveries, it seems they are taking one to two months to recover, Arroyo noted.

And this, according to the solon, is taking toll not only on the patient’s personal finances but also on the government funds for as long as the patient has not yet recovered, PhilHealth will have to shoulder a portion of their bills.

According to Arroyo, the DOH has to give the people the true picture of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“Whatever it takes. Even if would tell us we already have already more than 100,000 cases, so be it. It would give the government, most especially the people, in deciding how to deal with the situation,” Arroyo said.

Rightly said. Why does the DOH need to hide the total numbers of COVID-19 patients?

We have long braced ourselves for the worst. In fact, admitting the real score might even help in flattening the curve for of it is indeed true were nearing the 100,000 mark, the government or the IATF for that matter, would have to be obliged to put up some drastic measures to help

BACKBENCHER

ROD P. KAPUNAN could see the concept is to legalize or de-legalize what Congress has enacted. Its duty is to purposely check Congress but given a sound bite by calling it “People’s Initiative.”

The People’s Initiative is a political mechanism intended to directly substitute the acts of Congress. It was drafted by the

The People’s Initiative will not fly. oligarchy in collaboration with their foreign monopoly capitalists and handed as originating from the people. R.A. No. 6735 cited three forms of initiative, and are as follows: 1) an initiative to amend the constitution or to get away with the constitutional process of amending the charter; 2) an initiative to introduce legislation or usurp the very function of Congress; and 3) an initiative that would introduce ordinances and resolutions intended to substitute local government laws.

The question, can the grant of franchise to ABS-CBN which was already rejected by Congress be introduced in the form of a referendum? We must not forget that a franchise is a legislation to grant to the private owner the right to operate radio and television station nationwide. It is a private contract between the State and the owner, it being the sole beneficiary of that privilege.

arrest the rise of infection, and that people who have gotten complacent in recent weeks, would have to get serious again in heeding quarantine protocols.

Just give us the real picture. *** I got a call the other night from Camarines Sur-based friend Jerold Peña who relayed to me how frontliners are being treated over at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.

According to Jerold, frontliners service at the NKTI were never given any housing facility they could avail of while dealing with the pandemic, so as to avoid possibly infecting their families if they ever catch the virus.

Because of this, Jerold said his friend was forced to share a dormitory with another friend.

Unfortunately, the other girl tested positive for the virus forcing Jerold’s friend to vacate the dorm. Lucky for her, a doctor volunteered her condominium unit as no one was using it anyway.

However, when the result of her swab test came out last Wednesday, it came out positive.

So, she decided to return to her dormitory and join her flatmate since they were both infected anyway. The sad thing is NKTI cannot provide her any means of transportation. And responsible as she is, she opted not to take public transportation so as not to infect others. In the late of the night, she walked from the condominium unit to her dormitory.

This is no way to treat our new breed of heroes. I hope the IATF can look into this.

I pray that Jerold’s friend and her colleague recover soon. We really need you!

Congress rejected by 70 to 11 with two abstentions and two absences the application for franchise by ABS-CBN. Congress has the right to investigate the background of the owners whether they have the capacity to operate and provide service to our people.

The government is under an obligation to inquire about the citizenship of the applicant it being a requirement for ownership in mass media. It turned out that Gabby Lopez is not a Filipino citizen when he joined ABS-CBN. His defense of having become a dual citizen in 2003 cannot retroact to quash his violation of the prohibition.

The difficulty is that the owners seeking to operate radio and television stations has a business closely related to mass media or the dissemination of news and information.

It is this hairline distinction that owners mix to exploit the idea of press freedom with their economic interest. A great majority of its business pertains to entertainment and television series which in fact is the bulk of its income.

There was also discrepancy in the payment of tax. The tax paid by ABS-CBN in 2017 to 2019 was only ₱563.01 million while its main rival, GMA 7 for the same period paid ₱3.13 billion despite the obvious disparity in size, frequency, channels and revenue from advertisers.

ABS-CBN applied the illegal practice of corporate tax layering by putting up offices in Hungary, Luxembourg, Cayman Islands, and domestically inside PEZA to minimize if not avail of tax exemption. They put up front company known as the Big Dipper Corp., and took advantage of the tax incentives offered through PEZA through the mere export of digitalized movies and shows the company itself produced.

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Tit-for-tat: China orders US consulate shut C HINA on Friday ordered the US consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu to close in retaliation for one of its missions in the United States being shuttered, capping a furious week of Cold Warstyle diplomacy.

The announcement of the closure followed a torrent of warnings from top American officials about the “tyranny” of China, and Chinese nationals being indicted in the United States on various charges.

Ordering the Chengdu consulate to cease operation was a “legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable measures by the United States,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The current situation in China-US relations is not what China desires to see, and the US is responsible for all this.”

The ministry emphasized the closure was directly in response to the United States on Tuesday ordering the Chinese consulate in Houston to shut down.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this week the Houston mission was a “hub of spying and intellectual property theft.”

Republican Senator Marco Rubio called the consulate the “central node of the Communist Manila

SCN FORM NO. 1 Standard (R.A. NO. 9139)

nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

TODAY

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ ------- x

PETITION Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN , but I have also been known since childhood as N/A or I have been N/A . judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) 2. My present place of residence is Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, City/Municipality of Manila Province of N/A , and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 2006-2015 Room 409, NCC Building, 1185 G. Masangkay St., Sta. Cruz, Manila 1997-2006 Unit 8, 62 Don Vicente, Don Antonio Heights, Diliman, Quezon City 3. I was born on October 27, 1997 in Manila, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of China.

4. My father's name is WeiPing Chen aka Danny Tan and he was born on July 19, 1965, in Jiangsu, China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother's name is Fely Chin Chen and she was born on January 9, 1964 in Manila, Philippines. She is a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is Finance and Accounting Associate Manager and from which I derive an average annual income of P930,000.00, inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of N/A (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A, (2) name of school: N/A and (3) years graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single, I was married on N/A My wife's/ husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on N/A. She/ he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A. 8. I have 0 child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Name N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

Residence

Name of School

Place of School

St. Stephen’s High School

Manila, Philippines Manila, Philippines N/A

N/A

2004-2010 Grade 6 Elementary School N/A N/A

11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

N/A

14. My character witnesses are Francis Shernyn, Jan Koengchiat Lao and Royce Cavin Chan Chang both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 712 Madrid St., San Nicolas, Binondo, Manila and 48 A Apo St., Quezon City respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box): [ /] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ /] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [/ ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [/ ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [/ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [/ ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years 16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: I-Card Certificate, Spiral Group, Inc. Certificate of Employment, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA (ROHQ) Certificate of Employment PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 12 day of January, 2020.

BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, Manila Telephone Number: (02) 85180168 / (0917) 8503452

Dates Highest Grade of Completed Study 2010-2014 4th Year High School

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines:N/A

Name of Child

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to China of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

St. Stephen’s High School

Party’s vast network of spies and influence operations in the United States.”

China described the allegations as “malicious slander.”

The order on Houston came a day after the US Justice Department unveiled the indictment of two Chinese nationals for allegedly hacking hundreds of companies and attempting to steal coronavirus vaccine research.

The Justice Department then announced Thursday indictments of four Chinese researchers it said lied about their ties to the People’s Liberation Army, with one escaping arrest by taking refuge in China’s San Francisco consulate.

Pompeo has led President Donald Trump’s new offensive against China, which many observers have said is part of a Republican strategy to win votes in the November elections.

“Today, China is increasingly authoritarian at home, and more aggressive in its hostility to freedom everywhere else,” Pompeo said on Thursday, as he spoke in detail about the Communist Party’s ideology.

“The free world must triumph over this new tyranny.”

In its statement on Friday, China urged the US again to backtrack and “create the necessary conditions for bilateral relations to return to normal.”

The United States has an embassy in Beijing as well as five consulates in mainland China, plus one in Hong Kong. AFP

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF______) S.S. of legal age and a I, BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN resident of Unit 18A, Lee Tower, 921 S. Padilla St., Binondo, Manila after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

BRIAN CHRISTIAN CHIN CHEN Name and Signature of Petitioner SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at CITY OF MANILA, this 23 JAN 2020.

(MS-JULY 18, 25 & AUG. 1, 2020)

NEW NORMAL? People walk on a street in Tokyo on July 24, 2020. Some 260 new cases COVID-19 infections were recorded in the Japanese capital, which has seen triple-digit single-day new infections on all but two days in July. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Trump could lose reelection in 100 days DONALD Trump has 100 days from Sunday to save his presidency, while America tries to avoid a collective nervous breakdown ahead of one of the most divisive, tension-filled elections in US history.

Coronavirus is ravaging the economy, adding steadily to a death toll already over 140,000, while undermining national trust in government institutions at every level.

Add explosive protests against racism and police brutality, leftist-led riots, flourishing right-wing conspiracy theories, and the specter of Russian meddling – and you have a country more on edge than at any time since the cataclysmic 1960s.

At the center is real estate magnate and surprise 2016 presidential victor Trump, a man who boasts he never

tires of “winning” yet faces possibile humiliation on November 3.

His Democratic challenger Joe Biden, whom Trump derides as “weak,” “sleepy” and mentally incompetent, leads by double digits in some polls.

Trump is 74, Biden 77 – a matchup of two elderly white men seemingly out of step with 2020’s uprisings against racism and sexism.

One is a billionaire born into extreme privilege, while the other, with three decades in the Senate and two terms as vice president under Barack Obama, is the epitome of the professional politician.

Yet Trump vs Biden will deliver all the upheaval a confused and bitter US electorate can stomach.

Trump’s pitch boils down to claim-

Charges dropped vs. Red Bull heir over cop’s death CHARGES against the heir to the Red Bull billions, accused of killing a Thai police officer when he crashed his Ferrari in a 2012 hit-and-run, have been dropped, officials said Friday, without explanation.

Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya fled to Singapore on his private jet in 2017, days before an arrest warrant was issued over the incident, stirring outrage among the Thai public over the culture of impunity enjoyed by the kingdom’s rich.

The warrant came five years after he allegedly knocked over and killed the policeman near his compound in Bangkok’s most exclusive neighbourhood.

Several charges against “Boss” expired during the time between the incident and his arrest warrant being issued, a period that saw the heir continue to lead a lavish, jet-setting lifestyle with frequent stops in the kingdom.

On Friday, Thai police said the remaining charges – including one for reckless driving, which can carry up to a decade in jail – had been dropped, several years before the statute of limitations were set to expire.

“In June this year we received a letter from the attorney-general’s office saying it had decided to drop charges of reckless driving causing death,” Krissana Pattanacharoen, police spokesman told reporters.

“Police agreed with the attorney-general,” he said, adding the next steps would be to formally withdraw arrest warrants through the courts and an Interpol notice through the foreign ministry.

“At this moment, we don’t know where he (Boss) is,” he said, without explaining why the case had been dropped.

Eight years after the incident, chief police spokesman Lieutenant-General Piya Uthayo said “the case could be reopened if there is new evidence.”

It was not immediately clear where “Boss” currently was. But in the years since the incident, he has been photographed living a glamorous life in London, among other places, as well as being spotted on Bangkok’s party scene.

His case, which saw a family employee initially take the blame for driving the car before media scrutiny forced police to review their investigation, has become symbolic of Thailand’s culture of impunity. AFP

ing Biden will have Americans “cowering to radical left-wing mobs.”

And Biden, no less apocalyptic, says he’s fighting for “the soul of America.”

On Thursday, Trump canceled the traditional, big Republican convention planned in Florida next month due to coronavirus concerns. The Democrats scrapped their version weeks ago.

“It’s a different world,” Trump said.

It is.

Polls give Biden an advantage nationally, strong leads in swing states, and even a shot at Republican strongholds like Texas. Congressional Democrats, who already control the House, are eying recapture of the Senate. AFP

IN BRIEF Vietnam suspends wildlife trade

VIETNAM, one of Asia’s biggest consumers of wildlife products, has suspended all imports of wild animal species “dead or alive” and vowed to “eliminate” illegal markets across the country.

The directive signed by the leader of the Communist country follows an international scandal over the sale of wildlife, which has been blamed as the origin of the coronavirus pandemic in neighboring China.

It is a major victory for conservation groups who have in the past accused Vietnamese authorities of turning a blind eye to the rampant trade in endangered species inside and across its borders.

“The prime minister orders the suspension of imports of wildlife – dead or alive – their eggs... parts or derivatives,” said the order released Thursday on the government website.

“All citizens, especially officials... must not participate in illegal poaching, buying, selling, transporting... of illegal wildlife.”

Among the most frequently smuggled animal goods are tiger parts, rhino horn and pangolins used in traditional medicine.

Despite the high prices they command – with ingredients trafficked from as far as Africa – there is no scientific evidence of their health benefits in humans. AFP

Harry, Meghan sue paparazzis

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle filed a lawsuit Thursday in Los Angeles against one or more paparazzi whom they accuse of taking pictures of their son without permission, their lawyer told AFP. “The couple recently learned that someone is shopping photographs of their 14-month-old son, Archie, falsely claiming to have taken them on a ‘recent’ public outing ‘in Malibu,’” the complaint, filed for invasion of privacy, said.

“But Archie has not been in public, let alone in Malibu, since the family arrived” in California, the lawsuit said, noting that the snapshots were actually taken during “activities in the backyard of the residence, unbeknownst” to the couple.

The complaint, which targets unidentified individuals, is based on a California law that prohibits taking images of anyone in their home, even from outside the property.

“No drones, helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right,” the couple’s lawyer, Michael J Kump, said in a statement to AFP. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son’s right to privacy... and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions.”

Meghan and Harry quit frontline royal duties earlier this year and now live in Los Angeles, Meghan’s hometown.

Since stepping back from the royal front lines, Harry and Meghan have waged an increasingly bitter war with the media, particularly the British tabloid press.

Harry, 35, has likened what he said was a “ruthless campaign” against his wife to the treatment of his mother, Diana, princess of Wales. AFP

HK couple acquitted of riot charges

A HONG KONG couple were found not guilty of rioting during last year’s pro-democracy protests on Friday in a ruling that could see hundreds of others avoid jail time.

More than 9,000 people were arrested during months of massive and sometimes violent demonstrations in the financial hub, initially sparked by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland.

Henry Tong and Elaine To were charged with rioting and faced up to seven years in prison after they were detained by police last July.

But the district court found there was no evidence to prove the pair were participating in that day’s protest.

Presiding Judge Anthony Kwok said it was unreasonable to assume the defendants had joined the demonstration just because they were wearing dark outfits similar to those sported by the protesters.

“As for black clothing, that’s the day-to-day outfit of many residents,” he said.

Supporters applauded and the couple burst into tears when the verdict was read.

“We won’t celebrate because there are many people yet to have a fair verdict. We hope to celebrate with everyone else when all of us have got a fair ruling,” Tong told the media outside the court. AFP

Business PSEi July 24, 2020 TOP GAINERS

Stocks fall for 4 straight day as ABS-CBN plummets th

T TOP LOSERS

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

HE stock market fell for the fourth straight day Friday on rising China-US tensions, while a worse-than-forecast US jobs report and stalled stimulus talks in Washington fueled fears about the economic recovery.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 25.75 points, or 0.4 percent, to 6,003.26, capping its losses on last-minute buying by investors. Value turnover was thin at P2.9 billion. Losers edged gainers, 93 to 91, with 46 issues unchanged.

ABS-CBN Corp., the broadcasting company of the Lopez Group, plunged 26.2 percent to P7.64, but MerryMart Consumer Corp., the newly-listed supermarket chain owned by businessman

Edgar Sia II, rallied 7.3 percent P2.35.

Nickel Asia Corp., the biggest nickel ore miner, advanced 4.6 percent to P2.25, while Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, rose 1.9 percent to P122.

The rest of Asian equities took a beating Friday.

The losses come at the end of another tough week for markets, which have shown signs of stuttering after a months-long rally from their March trough.

Shanghai and Hong Kong led the sell-off Friday as relations between the world’s two superpowers took another bad turn when China ordered the closure of the US consulate in Chengdu in retaliation for America shuttering Beijing’s diplomatic mission in Houston this week.

The Dow and S&P 500 both lost more than one percent and the Nasdaq, which has been hitting regular records of late, dropped more than two percent.

And Asia took up the baton, with Hong Kong tumbling 2.2 percent and Shanghai losing 3.9 percent, while Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok retreated more than one percent.

Mumbai eased 0.6 percent and Seoul was 0.7 percent off, while there were also losses in Taipei and Wellington.

The standoff is the latest in a string of issues—including Hong Kong, coronavirus and Huawei—that have plunged relations between the superpowers into crisis.

On Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ramped up his rhetoric, calling on “free nations” to triumph over the threat of what he said was a “new tyranny” from China, and said President Xi Jinping was a “true believer” in the “bankrupt” totalitarian Marxist-Leninist ideology.

But, while the move spooked investors, former Chinese diplomat Wang Yiwei said it was not as bad as it could have been. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

NANJING AUTO EXPO. People take photos of models during the Nanjing International Auto Expo in Nanjing in China’s eastern Jiangu province on July 24, 2020. AFP

Twitter expands user base amid US airlines post losses as latest virus spike mars outlook infection, unrest WASHINGTON―Twitter showed strong gains in its user base with more people turning to the short-message social network during the pandemic and civil unrest, according to a quarterly update Thursday that offered positive signs despite a big drop in ad revenues.

The short-message social network reported a net loss of $1.2 billion in the quarter, most of that coming from setting aside funds for income taxes.

Revenue slumped 19 percent from a year ago to $683 million. Despite some modest rebound from the pandemic-induced economic slump, Twitter said that “many brands slowed or paused spend in reaction to US civil unrest” in May and June.

Twitter said ad revenue declined 15 percent over the last three weeks of June, but appeared to have rebounded since then.

A key metric for Twitter, the number of “monetizable” daily active users, hit 186 million in the second quarter for a jump of 34 percent from last year.

Chief executive Jack Dorsey said the user gains showed “the highest quarterly year-over-year growth rate we’ve delivered” using this measure.

“People continue to come to Twitter to learn about and participate in conversations focused on systemic racism, Black Lives Matters, COVID-19 and the reopening and re-closing of economies all around the world,” Dorsey told analysts on a conference call.

Twitter shares rallied to gain four percent on Wall Street following the results.

The earnings report comes a week after Twitter suffered a hack that affected high-profile accounts and raised fears about security of the service which has become a key element of political conversation.

Dorsey apologized for the incident and added that Twitter “moved quickly to address what happened,” and had taken additional steps “to improve resiliency.”

Twitter acknowledged late Wednesday that in 36 of the 130 accounts that were compromised, hackers were able to access direct messages intended to be private, adding to the severity of the incident.

Those affected included one unidentified elected official in the Netherlands.AFP

NEW YORK―American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both reported quarterly losses Thursday as the industry reins in spending and reduces flights amid a shaky demand environment further weakened by the latest spike in US coronavirus cases.

Executives described volatile appetite for flying as consumers veer between the desire to escape cabin fever after lockdowns and unease as coronavirus cases rise and authorities and companies impose quarantines or other restrictions.

American Airlines, which moved more aggressively than other carriers this spring to add flights amid a brief spurt in consumer interest, expects to trim capacity back somewhat in August and September.

Vasu Raja, chief revenue officer at American, said there had been a “marked” weakening of demand in July compared to May and June, and that the company was taking a “flexible” approach to scheduling.

“You’ll see us taking down Q3 (capacity) more,” Raja said on a conference call.

Southwest described a similar dynamic, with chief executive Gary Kelly saying bookings “recently stalled in July with the rise in COVID-19” cases.

“We expect air travel demand to remain depressed until a vaccine or therapeutics are available to combat the infection and spread of COVID-19,” Kelly said.

Kelly’s comments came after United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby said Wednesday that he expects revenue to plateau at around 50 percent of pre-coronavirus levels until there is a vaccine.

“It needs to be a vaccine that’s been tested, found to be effective, manufactured, distributed and given to a wide percentage of the population,” Kirby said, adding the carrier is planning for that to happen by late next year.

Like American, United has warned of potentially deep layoffs later this fall,

depending on how the evolving coronavirus outbreak affects demand and whether enough workers step forward to accept voluntary exit programs.

A key juncture will be October 1. US carriers that received government aid under the CARES Act cannot lay off workers until after September 30.

American suffered a $2.1-billion loss in the quarter ending June 30 as revenues plunged 86.4 percent to $1.6 billion.

Southwest reported a $915-million loss as revenues dove 82.9 percent to $1 billion.

But the bottom line is not the most important thing to airline investors right now. With both carriers expected to report losses, investors are much more focused on liquidity and cash burn.

American has been seen as the most vulnerable of the large carriers to bankruptcy because it has higher debt than rivals such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. AFP

Jobless claims in US up again as lawmakers argue over aid WASHINGTON―Newly unemployed Americans filed nearly 1.42 million claims for jobless benefits last week, reversing recent months of decline as the world’s largest economy grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases.

The worse-than-expected Labor Department data comes as lawmakers in Washington debate whether to extend additional weekly payments made to unemployed people provided under the $2.2-trillion CARES Act passed in March as businesses shut down to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Those closures prompted a spike in new weekly jobless benefit claims, which peaked at 6.9 million in late March but declined to 1.3 million earlier this month―a figure nonetheless more than twice any single week of the global financial crisis 12 years ago.

But the coronavirus is surging again nationwide with nearly 64,000 new cases reported in the 24 hours to Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University, and some areas are pausing or rolling back reopening measures.

The rise in claims in the week ended July 18, together with the reported 974,999 people who applied for benefits under a program for workers who would not normally be eligible, adds to fears that the United States’ tentative recovery from the downturn is stalling.

“The overall message is that an economy able to recover well is stalling due to health concerns,” Mohamed A. El-Erian, chief economic advisor at Allianz, said on Twitter.

Benefit battle The Labor Department survey also contained evidence that some of the jobless were returning to work.

In the week ended June 11, the insured unemployment rate indicating people actually receiving benefits declined 0.7 points to 11.1 percent. In total, more than 31.8 million people were receiving benefits in the week ended July 4, the report said.

White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow pointed to the drop in insured unemployment as well as a slight decline in the four-week moving average of claims as evidence that the economy was on the mend.

“I don’t see any breaking of the downward trend for unemployment and the upward trend for job creation. We’re reasonably optimistic about July,” Kudlow told Fox Business Network.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers are meanwhile negotiating over the fate of the $600 weekly payment the CARES Act provides to the unemployed, which is in addition to benefits from their state of residence.

Those payments will expire at the end of July. Democrats controlling the House of Representatives in May passed a measure extending the payments through the end of the year but the Republican-led Senate must agree, and it has shown no such inclination.

In an interview with CNBC on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said President Donald Trump’s administration was opposed to extending the payments beyond the end of the month.

“We’re not going to continue it in its current form because we’re not going to pay people more money to stay at home than work,” Mnuchin said. “But we want to make sure that the people that are out there that can’t find jobs do get a reasonable wage replacement.”

AFP

Starved of foreign tourists, Paris counts on Parisians to pull through

By Rebecca Frasquet PARIS, France―Stephane Manigold’s bistro in western Paris is bustling this summer despite the coronavirus crisis that has emptied the capital of foreigners―largely thanks to locals taking advantage of his newly created outdoor dining area.

“Without the terrasse we’d be dead,” Manigold said this week as diners finished off a palate of Koreanspiced octopus at tables spread across five parallel parking spaces outside his Bistrot d’a Cote Flaubert.

Restaurants, museums and other tourist draws across France were hammered by the two-month COVID-19 lockdown, and Paris in particular is still void of the millions of foreign visitors that are the lifeblood of its economy.

But while hotels remain mostly empty, many Paris cafes and restaurants are pulling through the crucial summer season despite strict social distancing rules.

City officials have helped by easing outdoor seating limits and clearing cars from parking spots to make space for additional tables, since many

People walk on the banks of the river Seine on the second day of the 19th edition of the “Paris-Plages” (Paris Beaches) summer event on July 19, 2020, in Paris. The “Paris-Plages” city beach event runs from July 18 to August 30, 2020, offering events and activities on the banks of the river Seine and the Bassin de la Villette. This year’s edition has been adapted for safety measures over the coronavirus outbreak. AFP

people are wary of contagion risk indoors.

“We can serve 36 people outside. Inside, with social distancing, we were down to 10 or 15. We couldn’t have opened,” said Manigold, who also runs the two-star Maison Rostang just around the corner.

“The terrasse allowed us to hire every-

one back and even to take on an additional kitchen assistant and waiter,” he said.

Manigold made headlines in May after successfully suing his insurer, French multinational Axa, to compensate his losses during the lockdown, a rare victory for restaurants which were told that most policies excluded such coverage.

To attract neighborhood diners, he has set a midday set menu of 24 euros ($27), and he estimates this month’s takings will be 70 to 80 percent of a usual July.

But his terrasse, encircled by an elegant white ironwork barrier, required an investment of 15,000 euros.

Many other restaurants are making do with plywood platforms and protecting them with painted wood pallets.

‘Lots of families’ Last year, the greater Paris region chalked up 50 million visitors, a number officials do not expect to see again anytime soon.

“For the French, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy Paris and its hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and amusement parks without the crowds of foreign tourists,” said Vangeulis Panayotis, president of MKG, a tourism consulting group.

But even with COVID-19 fears keeping many French at home for the summer holidays, those who do venture out mostly head for beaches or mountains rather than the capital.

Occupancy rates at Paris hotels were just 18 percent in June and 30 percent during the first two weeks of July―“It’s unheard of,” Panayotis said. AFP

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

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

Business

CebuPac sends planes to Aussie storage IN BRIEF

CLI obtains DENR nod on Cebu reclamation

CEBU Landmasters Inc. said its 100-hectare Cebu reclamation project obtained an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after a two-year review.

CLI said the issuance of ECC was one of the major prerequisites for the reclamation project, and the next stage would be the approval from the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

“We hope to achieve the best balance among economic, social and sustainability goals and are pleased that our plans, which have been aligned to that ideal, passed the test of public hearings and DENR’s stringent review process,” CLI chairman and chief executive Jose Soberano III said.

The project called Ming-Mori Techno Business Park is a joint venture among the local government of Minglanilla, Cebu and private consortium partners of Ming-Mori Development Corp. of CLI. The project is envisioned to be a world-class estate that will generate over 75,000 jobs in the municipality and its environs while meeting sound environmental guidelines. Jenniffer B. Austria

By Darwin G. Amojelar

B

UDGET carrier Cebu Pacific sent at least nine of its aircraft to a desert storage facility in Australia to reduce costs as it faces uncertainties and operates just a tenth of its normal capacity amid the pandemic.

Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said the airline should fly at least 50 percent of its aircraft to sustain operations for a longer period.

“As of July 23, we fly 23 domestic destinations and one international which is Dubai. Before the lockdown, we were flying to 37 domestic destinations. It looks like a lot but we used to fly 62 destinations in total but the big difference here is the frequencies,” Iyog said.

“We are still flying less than 10 percent of our original network and around 40 to 50 flights a day. We used to average 450 to 500 flights a day. So, it’s really a fraction of what we used to fly.

Things remain uncertain up to now,”

she said.

Iyog said the reduced network was due to the changing regulations of local government units, limited number of flights per province and different requirements. She said Cebu Pacific had been operating for nearly two months on agile scheduling.

She said flying to about 10 percent of Cebu Pacific’s network was not enough to sustain the business. “We need at least 50 percent to be sustainable for longer term. Ten percent is really a sample,” she said.

Iyog said Cebu Pacific sent nine aircraft for indefinite storage at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage in Alice Springs, Australia as part of cost mitigation measures. These include seven Airbus A321 CEOs and two A330s.

“CEB is looking to put more aircraft on indefinite storage, but this is still under study given the volatility in market demand and travel restrictions,” she said.

“We need to make sure that they are stored in a facility that will minimize damage and once the demand comes back, we can easily bring the aircraft back to the line,” she said.

Cebu Pacific reported a net loss of P1.18 billion in the January to March period, a reversal of the P3.35-billion income in the same period last year.

Revenues tumbled 24.9 percent in the first quarter to P15.91 billion from P21.77 billion a year ago as passenger revenues decreased by 27.4 percent to P11.38 billion from P15.679 billion.

Eagle Cement posted P1.2-b net profit in Q1

EAGLE Cement Corp. said balance sheet improved in the first quarter, providing the publicly-listed cement manufacturer the financial muscle to ride out the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our strong financial position will allow us to weather this health crisis battering the economy without giving up major components of our expansion plans, which will secure our future growth,” said Eagle president and chief executive Paul Ang. Eagle ended the first quarter with total assets growing by 2 percent to P49.9 billion from P49.1 billion in end-2019 while total liabilities declined to P11.4 billion from P11.7 billion. Its stockholders’ equity rose by 3 percent to P38.5 billion.

The company’s current gearing gives it flexibility to continue pursuing investment plans moving forward, with debt-to-equity ratio at 0.30x and financial debt to equity ratio registering at 0.18x. This is still well below Eagle’s loan covenant requirements.

Net profit declined to P1.2 billion in the first quarter from P1.6 billion a year ago, reflecting the impact of the imposition of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Pag-IBIG loan releases rise as economy reopens

Pag-IBIG home loan releases increased over the last two months as officials cited the continued enhancements to the agency’s loan programs while making services more accessible to members amid the pandemic.

“We fully support the administration’s efforts, led by President [Rodrigo] Duterte, in helping our fellow Filipinos achieve their dream of homeownership even during these challenging times. And, with our recent offering of promo rates on our housing loan, we expect even more members to secure their own homes in the coming months. This also plays a major part in our country’s road to recovery because as more members secure homes, the more jobs it would generate for our fellow Filipinos,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who heads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees.

Pag-IBIG Fund started the year on a high note with home loan releases reaching P5.5 billion in January, then rising further to P6.5 billion in February, exceeding the amount released for the same months last year by 17 percent. With such accomplishments in the first two months of 2020, Pag-IBIG was on track to release P100 billion in home loans by the end of the year.

With the rise of the Covid-19 infection in March and the implementation of strict quarantine measures imposed in Metro Manila and other parts of the country for national safety, home loan releases dipped to P3.8 billion in March and P.88 billion in April.

In May, as quarantines were either eased or lifted, the numbers started to improve when home loan releases increased to P1.2 billion in May and jumped even further to P2.9 billion in June.

ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the circular to implement the Green Energy Tariff Program, which includes contracting of supply from qualified renewable energy projects under a competitive process.

“The policy was signed July 14 and was [for] publication. Basically, the policy just lays down the framework for the auction,” Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola said during a webinar organized by the Clean Energy Investment Accelerator in coordination with the National Renewable Energy Board and the National Electrification Administration.

Delola said the department would draft rules governing the auction.

“That is something that we will work on with distribution utilities especially because the DUs are the mandated participants,” he said.

A previous draft circular stated that RE developers could supply a specified volume of electricity generated by their facilities at prices pursuant to the program. It aimed to facilitate contracting by qualified RE projects through a competitive process or bidding called the green energy

Friday, July 24, 2020

25.75 points 6,003.26

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,312,354,258 62,279 2,944,263,835.11 91 93 46

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.4110

Japan

Yen

0.009362

0.4626

UK

Pound

1.274100

62.9546

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129017

6.3749

Switzerland

Franc

1.080731

53.4000

Canada

Dollar

0.746046

36.8629

Singapore

Dollar

0.721449

35.6475

Australia

Dollar

0.709400

35.0522

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655267

131.199

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266702

13.1780

Brunei

Dollar

0.718856

35.5194

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031536

1.5582

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.4532

Euro

Euro

1.159700

57.3019

Korea

Won

0.000833

0.0412

China

Yuan

0.142776

7.0547

India

Rupee

0.013367

0.6605

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234962

11.6097

New Zealand

Dollar

0.663100

32.7644

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033985

1.6792 Source: BSP

Peso climbs to 44-month high of 49.33 vs. US dollar

By Julito G. Rada THE peso climbed to a 44-month high of 49.33 against the US dollar on Friday, boosted by net foreign buying in the local stock exchange.

Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed the local currency strengthened to 49.33 per greenback on Friday from 49.365 on Thursday. It was its strongest closing since it settled at 49.17 per US dollar on Nov. 15, 2016. Total volume reached $472.5 million on Friday, slightly down from $481.2 million on Thursday. “[The] peso enjoyed additional strengthening bias with foreign investors returning to the local stock market as net foreign buying was noted in the PSE [Philippine Stock Exchange] after 15 straight sessions of outflows,” ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa told the Manila Standard via e-mail.

He said the peso might continue to enjoy the strengthening bias as the greenback remained relatively weak given the global central bank easing.

“BSP [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] will continue to make its presence felt in the spot market, although a breach of the 49 level may happen if import demand continues to fall rapidly and remittances bounce back to expansion,” Mapa said.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that imports fell 40.6 percent in May to $5.85 billion, the second highest annual drop since decreases were observed beginning May 2019. In the previous month, the decline was higher at 65.3 percent.

Cash remittances also contracted by 16.2 percent in April to $2.046 billion from a year ago, the widest drop since the 33.5-percent contraction in January 2001. The BSP expects remittances to contract by 5 percent this year.

The Department of Finance said the peso remained one of the most stable Asian currencies despite the risks heightened by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted global financial markets since the early part of the year.

Finance Undersecretary and chief economist Gil Beltran said in an economic bulletin that as of July 8, 2020, the peso ranked first this year among the four currencies in Asia that maintained their value against the US dollar.

2 1600 STANDARD CHARTERED DONATION. Standard Chartered Bank continues to donate PPE sets to various hospitals in Luzon. SCB corporate affairs, brand and marketing head Mai Sangalang (sixth from left) leads the delivery of the much-needed PPEs to San Juan Medical Center this week. She is joined by SJMC medical director Dr. Joseph Acosta and other bank officers.

Security Bank, two other firms raise billions from bonds SECURITY Bank Corp., one of the largest private domestic universal banks, raised P13.5 billion from the issuance of fixed-rate bonds amid strong demand from investors.

Manila Water Co. Inc. also raised $500 million from its maiden offshore bond offering, while property developer Megaworld Corp. sold $350 million worth of bonds overseas.

Security Bank said in a statement Friday the final issue size represented a significant increase from the initial issue size of P5 billion. Given strong investor demand, Security Bank closed the offer period early.

The two-year bonds carry a fixed interest rate of 3.125 percent per annum.

Minimum denominations were set for P1,000,000 and increments of P100,000 thereafter.

“We want to thank our investors and clients for the unwavering trust and support despite volatile times. Our bonds

Cusi signs green energy tariff program

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PSE INDEX CLOSING

auction.

Qualified suppliers can offer to supply a specific volume of electricity generated by their facilities to be covered by green power supply agreements at prices under the program.

“This [circular] will look into the requirement of the system moving forward…Initially, we’re looking at everybody to participating in the program,” Delola said.

He said the department would consolidate all of the requirements and make it as a single requirement.

“The capacity will be dispatched to the market. The energy will be settled through a mechanism within the market. So that’s how we’re looking at implementing the green energy tariff program that will satisfy the requirements of RPS [renewable energy portfolio standards] and supply-demand requirement of DUs,” Delola said.

National Renewable Energy Board chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said DUs wanted greater involvement in crafting the rules of the auction.

“That’s part of the exercise because there will be specific auction rules that will be issued per auction. The DUs will definitely be part of that process,” Dimalanta said.

were met with strong demand and we had to increase our original issue size by 2.7x to accommodate the orders,” SCB executive vice president and treasurer Raul Martin Pedro said.

Meanwhile, Manila Water said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it issued five-year sustainability notes with fixed coupon rate of 4.375 percent per annum.

The offering is the single largest green, social or sustainability bond issued by a listed private water utility in Asia and the first ASEAN Sustainability Bond by a corporate issuer out of the Philippines.

It said with orders of nearly $1.96 billion at its peak, the notes successfully attracted active subscription from 85 quality institutional investors.

“As a member of the Ayala Group of Companies, we are very grateful for the strong market response which reflects the investors’ confidence in Manila Wa-

ter’s fundamental strength and stability as a leading Asian player in the water and wastewater industry. The issuance of this sustainability bond is fully aligned with our commitment to create shared value towards achieving the targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 6 which focuses on clean water and sanitation,” said Manila Water president Jose Rene Almendras.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it issued $350-million senior, unsecured fixed-rate notes with a seven-year tenor and a coupon rate of 4.125 percent per annum. The notes will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

“Proceeds from the issuance of the notes are intended for general corporate purposes, which include, among others, financing capital expenditure, land banking and refinancing of loans,” the property developer said. Julito G. Rada

MAIDEN CALL.

Pakistan International Container Terminal Services welcomes the newly-launched UAEIndian SubcontinentGulf service (UIG), with an inaugural call at the Port of Karachi in July.

With the new service, PICT’s customers will have additional direct port coverage for their cargo between Bahrain and Kandla. PICT is a subsidiary of Manilabased International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Diokno warns of headwinds on the way to economic recovery BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno warned of potential headwinds on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diokno said in a presentation before the House committee on economic affairs that these headwinds might include slower growth in trade, longer-than-expected lockdowns, rising inequality, weak balance sheets and geopolitical tensions.

“Asia is heavily dependent on global supply chains and cannot grow while the

whole world is suffering. Asia’s trade is expected to contract significantly due to weaker external demand...,” Diokno said.

He said total trade—exports plus imports—was projected to decline by about 20 percent this year in Japan, India and the Philippines.

Diokno said that when lockdown measures were fully relaxed, economic activity was not likely to return to full capacity because of changes in consumer behavior and measures put in place to maintain

physical distancing and reduce contagion.

He noted the rising inequality in Asia.

Citing a research, Diokno said past pandemics led to higher income inequality and hurt employment prospects of those with limited education.

He said weakened household and corporate balance sheets in many Asian countries could weigh negatively on investor sentiment and amplify the effect of increasing uncertainties associated with geopolitical tensions. Julito G. Rada

Sports

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

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

Taulava thinking of retirement

Asi Taulava is raring to get back with the young guys of the NLEX Road Warriors.

Lhuillier, Pinoy Tennis Trainers continue advocacy PINOY Tennis Trainers, a nationwide train-the-trainer program, has launched PTT Serve, an online workshop that ensures the continuity of the endeavor amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

An advocacy program of rising tennis prodigy Sebastien Lhuillier, Pinoy Tennis Trainers empowers Filipino tennis trainers with knowledge, skills and techniques to improve their tennis coaching skills and provide them with better earning opportunities.

With PTT Serve, the usual 2-day seminars have been converted into a 1-day online workshop composed of two-hour morning and afternoon sessions facilitated by coach Roland Kraut via online video calls. He is the first and only International Tennis Federation level 3 coach in the country.

“Pinoy Tennis Trainers has always been for the improvement of Filipino tennis trainers and with the need for social distancing, it has become a challenge for us to reach our stakeholders. This is why we moved our advocacy online, with the help of coach Roland Kraut,” said Lhuillier.

The workshop tackles ways on how trainers can adopt innovative approaches in coaching tennis. On-court skills training is replaced by demos that the trainers can follow in their own homes.

Financial assistance is also provided to workshop participants through their Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings accounts.

To date, the program has conducted 17 sessions nationwide and produced 820 graduates.

The next PTT Serve session is scheduled for July 29, 2020.

POC board rejects all amendments, except 1

By Peter Atencio

T

HERE won’t be much in changes in the Philippine Olympic Committee’s constitution and bylaws.

That’s because two key amendments that were proposed for inclusion were strongly opposed.

Only the bid to disallow officials from holding positions in more than one national sports association was approved.

And this was ratified during a special, five-hour online meeting of the Executive Board of the POC yesterday morning.

“Since we could not come to an agreement, the constitution stays as is,” said POC president Abraham Tolentino.

Board members could not come to an agreement on the proposal, which sets

an age limit of 70 for POC positions.

There’s no word yet on the issue requiring an NSA to be recognized by its International Federation first for it to become a part of the POC family.

The committee, chaired by past POC president Ricky Vargas, also tackled the proposal removing the position of chairman.

But this did not pass approval, even after it was stated that many National Olympic Committees all over the world does not have such a position.

The majority also forwarded a proposal on their own amendment which would remove an immediate past president from the board.

Tolentino said that the many board members decided to draw political lines, with a faction calling themselves “The Group of Seven.”

“I appealed to all to act as one and not as protagonists in a political encounter.

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Abraham Tolentino

Unfortunately, reforms were blocked using the tyranny of numbers. Dating gawi tayo,”added Tolentino.

Members of the POC are seeking approval to implement the age limit of 70, which the International Olympic Committee imposed since 2016.

AFTER four decades of playing, FilTongan cager Asi Taulava is thinking of retirement.

It may happen anytime and the 2020 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup could be his last.

The ongoing lockdown and the long break that resulted afterwards have made the 47-year-old Taulava think things over.

“With this break we had, this long four or five months straight, I gave my body a chance to rest. I feel fresh again, ready to get back to the gym and start working again, but you know it’s baby steps now,” said Taulava in podcast that was hosted by Marjon Magoo.

Taulava, who is currently playing for the NLEX Road Warriors, said that he has made an effort to stay active during the four months of inactivity in playing.

“We have to figure out a way how to beat this virus and not to spread it anymore, but the best thing for me right now at my age is to stay in shape, stay active and keep working out and have a goal,” said Taulava, who started playing in the Philippines with the Blu Detergent team in the Philippine Basketball League from 1997 to 1999.

Whe he turned pro, the 6’9” Taulava, was directly hired by the Mobiline Phone Pals to boost up their frontline.

He stayed with the Phone Pals from 1999 to 2002, but it was on his last year that Mobiline finished runner-up in the Commissioner’s Cup. “I guess the biggest goal for me right now is to be the first player to play four decades and that’s my motivation and my drive now with all my workouts,” said Taulava.

How the season will restart with him around will now depend how coach Yeng Guiao will utilize him on the floor.

“You don’t know when the season is going to begin but [you just] got to stay in shape and be ready and especially when you’re playing for coach Yeng, you always gotta be on your toes, there ain’t no excuses to say we have five months break, you gotta get in there and help the guys,” said Taulava.

The Road Warriors have yet to play a single game since the lockdowns began last March.

And Taulava is itching to get on the floor for his final games.

“We were having a great preseason going into the All-Filipino [Cup], before all this started so I’m excited to get back and roll with the young guys again,” said Taulava. Peter Atencio

Abelardo tries to rebound from setback to Worthen MARK “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo plans to take a page from his previous opponent’s playbook when he returns to the ONE Championship Circle next Friday.

Abelardo battles the debuting Fabrício “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE: No Surrender on July 31 in Bangkok, Thailand, where he looks to bounce back from his previous setback.

The 28-year-old lost to “Pretty Boy” Troy Worthen in February at ONE: King of the Jungle, but instead of sulking, he plans to do to Andrade what Worthen did to him.

“Troy was very good. His game plan was to utilize his wrestling well and that’s something I look to improve. I don’t want to be put on the fence like I did in that fight,” he said.

“I want to be the one doing that, and this time, I want to be the one putting more pressure and looking to finish as usual.”

Facing an All-American wrestler in

Worthen, Abelardo experienced firsthand what it is like to be controlled inside the Circle by a more imposing opponent.

Now that he has worked on his shortcomings, the Filipino-Kiwi bantamweight plans to show those improvements against Andrade, who’s known for his striking.

“I’ll be looking to mix it all up, both standing and on the ground, just pressure him everywhere and just look to break him,” Abelardo said.

“I want to utilize a lot of my wrestling, take him down when the opportunity comes, and just wear him out and look from the finish from there.

“I want to look for a finish like I always do. Wear him down, put some pressure on him, and look to finish him in the second or if not, the third.”

With the match just a few days away, Abelardo hopes nothing but the best for his opponent, but he also sent “Wonder Boy” a warning.

“I wish him all the best and for him

Mark “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo in action

to keep safe during training camp, because when the fight comes, I am going to bring it—so I hope [he’s] ready.”

ONE Championship returns to live action for the first time in nearly five

months with ONE: NO SURRENDER, a closed-door, audience-free card set for Friday, 31 July, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Catch the event live and for free by downloading the ONE Super App.

PSC conducts training protocol meetings with NSAs

Marc Velasco

THE Philippine Sports Commission, not losing sight on its “golden dreams” has been meeting with the National Sports Associations since Monday to discuss training resumption guidelines for Tokyo 2021 Summer Olympic Games hopefuls and qualifiers.

Health professionals from the PSC-MSAS (Medical Scientific Athletes Services) unit started meeting NSAs last July 21 to discuss updated protocol and minimum health standards of training venues with each concerned NSA. The meetings are scheduled until July 29.

“The PSC recognizes that our Olympic hopefuls need to maintain momentum and they do that by going back to focused training,” explained National Training Director Marc Velasco.

Secretary-General Attorney Edwin Gastanes represented the Philippine Olympic Committee during the meetings with Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines Secretary-General Ed

Picson, Philippine Fencing Association President Richard Gomez, and Secretary-General Jercyl Lerin from the Philippine Rowing Association.

NSA officials from World Archery Philippines, Inc represented by Secretary-General Rosendo Sombrio, Atty. Billy Sumagui - Sec-General of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines, Director for Operations Butch Antonio and Coach Jong Uichico of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas were all in the July 22 discussion.

Meeting with Philippine Judo Federation President Dave Carter and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion-Norton on July 23 followed.

Headed by MSAS’ Dr. Randolph Molo, meetings with NSA officials from the National Association of Golf Philippines and Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation, Inc. are set on July 24, Triathlon and Skateboarding will take place on July 27, Table Tennis, and Taekwondo on July 28, and Canoe Kayak,

Weightlifting, and Wrestling on July 29.

“This is to brief them on how they will formulate their updated protocol. This is also for submission to the IATF to allow Olympic qualifying sports to start training,” said Velasco.

The PSC-MSAS will consolidate proposals from the sports bodies concerning training resumption, especially for Olympic sports, and submit a recommendation to the Inter-Agency Task Force for approval.

Velasco underscored that “the IATF is always the last say and that these will just be recommendations.”

PSC-MSAS, headed by Dr. Molo (Orthopedic), is composed of health professionals Dr. Janis Ann Espino-De Vera (Orthopedic), Dr. Charles Martin Corpuz (Family Medicine), Dr. Joji Quintos (Orthopedic) Dr. Pilar Elena Villanueva (Family Medicine), Dr. Victor Gaddi (Orthopedic), Dr. Arsenio Lantin (Family Medicine), Dr. William Occidental (Family Medicine), Dr. Raul Alcantara (Family Medicine) and Abigail Rivera.

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

S

Tech & Gadgets

Sony introduces wireless WH-CH710N headphones

ONY Philippines recently confirmed the local availability of its latest wireless noisecancelling headphones— the WH-CH710N—for a hassle-free listening experience.

Sarah Geronimo

In search of TikTok Sarah idols

“We are proud to deliver Sony’s latest audio innovations, created with our great customers in mind,” said Mr. Yukihiro Kitajima, General Manager, Video & Sound Division, Consumer Business Group, Sony Electronics Asia Pacific.

“This new model offers more ways to experience Sony’s noise cancelling technology.”

Cancel Out the World with WH-CH710N

Hear more music and less background noise with the WH-CH710N noise cancelling headphones. The Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancellation (AINC) constantly analyzes environmental ambient sound components, and automatically selects the most effective noise cancelling that will help you focus at work and enjoy your go-to playlist. Additionally, dual microphones feeding forwards and backwards mean the WHCH710N headphones catch more ambient sounds than ever before.

Near Field Communication (NFC™) lets users start streaming

Hear more music and less background noise with the WH-CH710N noise cancelling headphones.

their music with just one touch while a built-in Li-ion battery allows for up to 35 hours of audio on a single charge. Plus, with quick charging, customers get 60 minutes of playback from just 10 minutes of charging.

With an adjustable metal slider, users can make their headphones the perfect size, while soft, oval-shaped

earpads mean they’ll never need entertainment company with a solid to take a break from their favorite foundation of technology. From game music. and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors Availability and Pricing and financial services—Sony's purWH-CH710N is now available in pose is to fill the world with emotion the Philippines for P7,999.00 in all through the power of creativity and Sony Centres and dealers nationwide. technology. For more information, Sony Corporation is a creative visit: http://www.sony.net/

Beko promotes good health habits THE COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed people and the way they live. Consumer attitudes, behavior and purchasing patterns are reflecting these changes.

Simply put—consumers are now looking into ways on how to live health-

ier and improve their overall wellbeing.

While staying at home is a priority, people nowadays are exploring means to eat good food and improve their daily routines to adapt to the “new normal.”

This also means they are looking for appliances that could fulfill their needs

With its EverFresh+ technology, Beko refrigerators can keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to three times longer and ensure it last longer in fridges, thanks to its crisper drawer innovation. This means consumers are saving money, time, and reducing food waste with Beko refrigerators.

to become healthier. With limited access to the outside world, it is best to have a storage of supplies that would make food last longer and keep its freshness.

Beko’s world-class refrigerators are the perfect fit for this job.

With its EverFresh+ technology, Beko refrigerators can keep fruits and vegetables fresh for up to three times longer and ensure it last longer in fridges, thanks to its crisper drawer innovation.

This means consumers are saving money, time, and reducing food waste with Beko refrigerators.

"At Beko, we believe in making products and technologies that help improve the wellbeing of today’s consumers. As an appliance brand, we are committed to doing all we can to make consumers' lives more convenient and healthier," said Gürhan Günal, Country Manager of Beko Pilipinas Corporation.

For instance, Beko’s GN163123P sideby-side has innovative features, such as the NeoFrostTM Dual Cooling technology that maintains ideal airflow and optimal temperatures with a high level of humidity. This enables food to stay fresher for longer with no frost building up and no odor transferring. It also has the Active Fresh Blue LightTM technology that allows continuous photosynthesis in the

Zuitt Coding Bootcamp wins at Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards ZUITT Coding Bootcamp was named the winner of a Silver Stevie® Award in the Innovation Technology Development category in the 7th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards last July 13.

True to its entry entitled ‘Tomohisa Kato, Your Lifelong Career Partner,’ Zuitt highlighted how the company was started by its Japanese founder and CEO Tomohisa Kato empowering his vision to give Filipinos a chance in learning coding with affordable and quality education as they become professional full stack web developers.

In just three years, Zuitt is now known to be a Philippine-based startup offering web development coding boot camps in Metro Manila. Its rapid growth has now helped over a thousand Filipinos to learn web development.

Adding to this is the organization’s goal to help its students be equipped with job-hunting skills to be able to land a software engineering job. The partnership with the students does not end after the training, but the company stayed true to its mission to help the bootcampers not only in gaining knowledge but also empowering them

and assisting in their employability. A lifelong career partner indeed.

The company also presented how the effect of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has hit them positively in terms of handling its employees and students. The opportunity gave birth to a new program for individuals with non-software engineering career paths. This same situation also paved the way for online live instructions boot camp, which is something that the company has not tried before.

To date, the company offers two new programs that are open for all -- the Developer Career Program and Pi-Shaped Career Program.

The Developer Career Program caters to career shifters, fresh graduates, IT graduates, and professionals who aim to go full-on and fine-tune their web development skills to stay competitive at what they do. This course is inclusive of in-depth modules on Static applications, Stand-alone Dynamic applications, and Integrated applications covering the key concepts on all things Full Stack such as Front End Development, Languages & Algorithms, Database-driven website development.

crisper, therefore retaining the natural flavors of fruits and vegetables.

Beko’s GN163123P is also equipped with the longlasting IonGuardTM that neutralizes bacteria, viruses and particles in the refrigerator using negative ions, allowing air inside to circulate and stay clean. This means that contamination will not occur and food can be stored twice longer. It also has a LED Illumination that provides full lighting all throughout the fridge for clear and worry-free finding.

With the Beko ProSmartTM Inverter Compressor, the fridge is four times quieter, more durable and energy-efficient as the technology adapts to temperature variations to provide faster cooling with less energy.

Beko, a new subsidiary of Europe’s No. 1 home appliances brand, is a market leader in the white goods space and empowers new generations to live healthier lives.

Beko is available at select SM Appliance Centers, Robinsons Appliances, and Asian Home Appliance center in Cebu. The brand is looking forward to be available in more stores nationwide.

You may also shop for products at the Beko Facebook page, https://www. facebook.com/bekoph/.

IF YOU are a certified Popster who can sing like Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo, this TikTok challenge might just be for you.

Telco service provider TNT and Sarah G. have teamed up for TNT TikTok Idols, a search for talented TNT subscribers who can sing their hearts out and perform the hit song ‘Tala’ on TikTok. To qualify, simply follow TNTph on TikTok and share Sarah’s #TNTSingLikeSarah TikTok video to Facebook.

Then, do your own cover of ‘Tala’ and upload it on TikTok using the official hashtag #TNTSingLikeSarah. After all this, you may submit your entry at bit.ly/tktkregs.

No less than Sarah G. herself will choose 20 winners based on fun, creativity, confidence, and clarity. Sarah G. will personally announce the winners on TNTph’s official TikTok account for the whole world to see!

Apart from having the opportunity to showcase their inner Sarah G., winners will win TNT Giga Stories 499, which comes with 30 GB (1 GB/Day) of TikTok and other social media apps plus 8 GB open access data for 30 days.

Enjoy your TikTok experience and all the fun and crazy content available on the app smoothly and seamlessly on TNT’s mobile internet, which is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile data network as affirmed by global internet testing firms Ookla and Opensignal.

Join the fun and watch #TNTSingLikeSarah entries with Free Stories For All! For Php 99, you can enjoy 14 GB (2 GB/Day) of TikTok and other social apps plus 2 GB open access for 7 days.

For more info and updates on TNT and its promos, follow TNT on Facebook at fb.com/TNTph, at @tntph on Twitter and Instagram, or visit tntph.com.

SM Southmall Presents South Flix: The 1st online channel for southies

On the other hand, a Pi-shaped Career Program is for individuals who are in need to learn to code so they can understand developers but do not necessarily need a career shift. With a beginner-friendly curriculum, this program contains the Static Applications module, Stand-alone Dynamic Applications module, and NoCode Dynamic Applications module.

The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region. The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in programs such as The International Business Awards® for 18 years.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the winners will be celebrated during a virtual (online) awards ceremony on Tuesday, 22 September.

SOUTH Flix by SM Shopping Stories is the Southies’ new, localized content to watch out for bimonthly, with special guests, homegrown influencers, newest trends in food, style and more being featured.

See your favorite players battle it out online with our Inka Magnaye gaming livestream; see the best reviews for the gadgets that you need; learn how to unbox your favorite take home kits and find out what is the best type of chicken or milk tea for your mood; let your kids unwind while watching unboxing videos of their favorite toys or have them catch a new type of toon.

South Flix is also going to be more personal and connected with the community in the sense that viewers also have a voice as they can suggest content or a personality they wish to see next.

With more people encouraged to stay home, the mall wanted to create an on-ground to online malling experience. SM Southmall also aims to make shopping safe, convenient, and engaging for its shoppers.

With South Flix, customers can just as easily click and call the mall if they see a product featured that they liked through their PasaBuy program or pick-up the item directly at the store counter.

Catch South Flix every first and third Wednesday of the month. Watch their appetizing pilot episode with Inka Magnaye, influencer and voice of Philippine Airlines, here.

For further inquiries or updates, follow @SMSouthmall on Facebook and Instagram.

Join their Viber Community for exclusive promos: bit.ly/SMSouthmallCommunity. #SouthFlix #SeeYouDownSouth

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

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Take flawless selfies anytime of day with vivo V19 Neo HAVE you ever been in a situation wherein you’re “dressed to the nines” and fully made up for an epic night only to be disappointed because you can’t seem to capture a stunning selfie due to the lack of lighting? It’s a frustrating scenario to be in, especially now when you just want to look and feel good despite being stuck at home—that is unless you have proper lighting setups installed.

Luckily, with the vivo V19 Neo, you need not worry about proper lighting and perfect timing to capture the best version of yourself.

With the midrange smartphone’s super night selfie, AI Makeup, and Pose master features, anytime is the perfect time to take a selfie.

Super Night mode

For the latest addition to their “V” series, leading global technology company, vivo, added a super night selfie mode which contains advanced noise reduction technology that helps maximize its high definition 32MP selfie camera in low-light settings.

With the super night selfie mode, users can capture every detail to produce photos that fully embody their beauty, even when it’s already dark.

AI Makeup and Pose master

If the v19 Neo can produce magnificent photos in low-light, what more if you decide to shoot with sunlight.

Throw in the smartphone’s AI Makeup feature and you’re bound to look as if you’ve diligently been doing the “10 step Korean skin care routine” since the quarantine started.

And if you’re out of ideas, you can “pose easy” knowing that the smartphone’s AI Pose Master has got your back. The built-in camera feature helps you think of creative ways to take selfies and further highlight your style.

So what are you waiting for? Schedule your own private photoshoot any time of the day with the vivo V19 Neo, available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways for only P17,999 at authorized vivo stores nationwide. To learn more, visit vivoglobal.ph

With the midrange smartphone’s super night selfie, AI Makeup, and Pose master features, anytime is the perfect time to take a selfie, as proven in these selfies by Chie Filomeno.

PLDT, Smart promote digital payment channels for customers P LDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc (Smart) are encouraging their subscribers to use their expanded digital payment channels and online billing services, not only because these are more convenient and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because these processes are more environment-friendly.

The shift to paperless transactions is already underway as customer payments via digital channels have jumped three-fold compared to last year, particularly after many parts of the country were placed under quarantine in mid-March of this year.

“The health and safety of our customers are our priority. By using our online payment channels, our customers do not have to physically go to our stores to pay their bill. It saves them time, money, and at the same time, protects them from possible exposure to COVID-19,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

“There’s a bonus. Online payments are greener,” she added.

their bills at the safety of their homes by simply clicking the unique Smart Pay Express Link in the monthly billing SMS that they receive on their smartphones.

They can also log on to www.my.smart. com.ph using their My Smart account to pay their phone bills.

Meanwhile, PLDT customers can also go to https://pldthome.com/paymentcenters and click on the PLDT Pay Express Link for their transactions.

For customers with credit cards, they can enroll their postpaid account in their credit card’s auto-debit feature.

For the more tech-savvy subscribers, they can download and use digital payments app PayMaya to pay their Smart Enhanced digital channels Postpaid bill or buy load for their devices.

Smart Postpaid customers can settle PayMaya is currently offering a P50 re-

Globe teams up with Bataan to streamline SAP processing THE general community quarantine still follows the same guidelines from the enhanced community quarantine: go out only when necessary, practice social distancing, and wear masks at all times. To help maintain these guidelines, the Bataan local government unit (LGU) has tapped Globe to streamline the processing and approval of its Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for constituents.

Globe via its innovative developer arm, Globe Labs, and Bataan LGU harnessed technology through Amber, the telco’s SMS blasting tool that allows businesses and organizations to send branded and customizable messages to engage their target audience.

Through the service, information about the SAP was disseminated to constituents safely and effectively. Since reports about the subsidy were circulated via text message, it helped minimize overcrowding in public spaces, thus curtailing and elimi-

bate for PLDT, Smart and Sun postpaid accounts until July 31.

Customers can also purchase call, text, and data credits online via the Smart Online Store, and official platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, Grab, and others.

Moreover, they can also use the bills payment services of banks—such as those of Asia United Bank, BancNet, BDO, BPI, EastWest, Landbank, Maybank, Metrobank, PNB, PSBank, Robinsons Bank, Security Bank, UCPB, and Union Bank—via their respective mobile apps, internet or phone banking services.

MVP Rewards App users can also redeem bill credits, which can be used to settle their Smart postpaid bill.

On the other hand, customers may also drop by the nearest accredited partner establishments, like 7-Eleven, The SM Store, Robinsons, Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, ECPay, and others, to pay their monthly subscription bills.

Going green

Customers are also encouraged to enroll to electronic statements for a more convenient and environment-friendly lifestyle.

“We also hope that by shifting to digital payments, we can help promote more paperless transactions, and lesser carbon footprint among our subscribers,” said Basas.

PLDT and Smart are committed to become carbon neutral before 2030 by conducting business more responsibly and resiliently. The Group aims to do this by progressively improving operational efficiencies, turning to green technologies and processes and pursuing the use of renewable energy in its facilities.

This is on top of the various climate change mitigation programs to help protect and conserve rainforests, mangroves, and marine life—all leveraging on digital technology and the data networks of PLDT and Smart.

For more information, visit smrt. ph/apc.

MediaTek bares newest 5G chip: Dimensity 720

nating the spread of COVID-19.

“As they say, modern challenges require modern solutions. Given that our national government mandated most of us to stay in our homes, some LGUs may find it difficult to share information about the SAP cash aid,” shares Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal. “This is especially true for provinces who have limited access to social media. Amber allows LGUs to be prepared in responding to their constituents’ needs through connectivity and communication.”

Under the partnership, Bataan authorities received one million incoming SMS credits and 500,000 outgoing credits.

“We were pleased with the results of our partnership with Globe and Amber. Almost 170,000 households in Bataan participated in providing us with the information we needed to allocate and identify the recipients of

food packs," says Joet Garcia, 2nd District Congressman of Bataan. "Instead of requesting people to fill up a form and submit their basic data to a representative, we asked our residents to send their details via text response, making our process accessible and centralized."

Amber is Globe Labs’ all-in-one SMS solution. Clients can develop campaigns in minutes and send out thousands of messages at once. They can also track their communications in real-time to ensure that recipients get access to information on time, all the time.

Streamline communications to your customers with Amber! Send bulk text messages, create a custom sender ID, and broadcast updates using your Globe number. To learn more, visit our website or talk to your Globe Business Account Manager.

HSINCHU, Taiwan—MediaTek recently announced the Dimensity 720, its latest 5G SoC that will give consumers access to premium 5G experiences on mid-tier smartphones.

The Dimensity 720, is part of MediaTek’s 5G chipset family that includes range of chipsets from Dimensity 1000 for flagship 5G smartphones to the Dimensity 800 and 700 series for more accessible 5G mid-tier devices.

“The Dimensity 720 sets a new standard, delivering feature-packed 5G experiences and technology to devices that are more accessible to mass market consumers,” said Dr. Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager, Wireless Communications Business Unit, MediaTek. “This chip is highly power-efficient, has impressive performance and advanced display and imaging technologies. All of that combined will help brands usher in differentiated 5G devices for consumers around the globe.”

The 7nm Dimensity 720 SoC is integrated with the most power-efficient 5G modem in its class. It’s built with MediaTek 5G UltraSave technology which uses both network and content

awareness intelligence to manage the modem's operating mode in real-time to extend battery life. The chipset also integrates impressive multimedia, connectivity and imaging features for an overall better user experience.

The Dimensity 720 is geared to provide a premium experience at 5G speeds for mid-tier devices with features that include: Supports 90Hz high frame-rate displays for fast, smooth gaming and streaming.

Enhances video streaming capabilities with MiraVision HDR10+ video playback. MiraVision HDR10+ supports a variety of video features including dynamic range remapping.

Flexible camera configuration options with support for up to 64MP or 20+16MP dual cameras, plus a range of AI-camera enhancements powered by MediaTek’s integrated APU (AI Processing Unit).

Integrated Voice Wakeup (VoW) to minimize power consumption of always-on voice assistants, and dual mic noise suppression so voice assistants can hear users more clearly even in noisy environments.

FOSI, FMA, Netflix champion online safety, digital parenting LEADING international advocates for digital literacy the Family Online Safety Institute, the Philippines’ Foundation for Media Alternatives and global internet entertainment service Netflix came together today to host a virtual workshop titled “Good Digital Parenting in an Open Internet.”

The workshop brought together close to 100 representatives from the digital industry, civil society, academic, and the public sector in a vibrant discussion of topics on online safety, digital citizenship, and the many opportunities and challenges that digital technology presents to children and families.

Delivering the keynote, FOSI Founder and CEO Stephen Balkam said, “It is important to take a multi-faceted approach when considering how best to respond to the many online safety issues and challenges that are facing ourselves and our children . We believe in the need to create a Culture of Responsi-

bility online; one that involves different, but overlapping areas of responsibility across society, as well as involving the kids themselves.” Balkam described the unique roles of parents, governments and companies in engaging children, becoming good digital role models, and encouraging the use of parental control features more effectively.

FOSI’s research underscored the importance of online safety and smart digital parenting: 57% of parents are much more likely to think that technology has made communication among their family better than worse, with top benefits for children being the development of technology skills, the ability to research and find information, and for their future, career and life skills.

FMA Executive Director Liza S. Garcia said, “Being a parent is not easy, and in the digital age, there are many challenges that parents have to hurdle, such as keeping up with technology and

being familiar with the applications that their children use. As parents we want to keep our children, however old they are, safe and secure at all times. But how do we make the world safe for our children? How do we respond to the challenges and opportunities that digital technology provides to our families and our children?”

Shanta Arul, Strategy & Development, Netflix Asia Pacific said, “We know many families love Netflix which is why we continue to have no ads on our service, and we are always continuing to strengthen our parental controls based on member feedback.

We understand choice and control are important for our members, especially parents, and hope these additional controls will help parents make informed choices on what their families watch.”

The online safety webinar also brought experts from different sectors to discuss the challenges and opportunities of technology, and how it af-

Jane Uymatiao, Sheila Estabillo, Shanta Arul and Rina Siongco

fects children and their families. Panelists include Ms. Sheila Estabillo, a Cyber Safespaces Project Manager from Plan International Philippines, Shanta Arul Strategy and Development from Netflix, and Rina Siongco, Director at Globe Telecom. Jane Uymatiao, a Blogger, advocate and digital mom, is the moderator of the workshop.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

Motoring Indy 500 draws up

safety plan

M

ANDATORY masks and temperature screenings will be among the COVID-19 safety measures at next month’s Indianapolis 500, expected to draw the largest US sports crowd since the pandemic began.

Social distancing requirements cutting capacity to 87,500 spectators were also among measures announced Wednesday, a day after officials cut attendance limits from 50% capacity to 25% capacity for the August 23 race.

The crowd for the 104th Indy 500 would be the smallest at the annual oval classic in the famed 2 1/2-mile (4km) Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 83,000 attended the sixth Indy 500 in 1916.

With COVID-19 outbreaks still rising in much of the United States, the gathering would still be the largest event since most major American sports shut down in March.

“We think it’s important to welcome

race fans to the 500 and to demonstrate that America, Indiana and Indianapolis do not need to shut down,” said Mark Miles, president and chief executive officer of Penske Entertainment Corporation, owners of the Speedway.

“We can and will operate with every precaution we can think of as we welcome fans to the race. We will continue to work with our local and state health officials to ensure we’re doing whatever is necessary to protect our fans.”

France’s Simon Pagenaud will try and become the first racer to win back-to-back Indy 500s since Brazil’s Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 at the signature IndyCar event, which was postponed

from May due to the pandemic.

An 88-page safety plan unveiled Wednesday was developed over the past four months alongside national health experts and the Marion County Department of Public Health.

“The IMS plan... reflects the current best practices and mitigating steps outdoor venues should have in place to host public events,” county public health department director Virginia Caine said.

Seating will be scattered across the huge grandstands to meet social separation requirements with masks required indoors and outside. Anyone whose temperature exceeds 100.4 degrees F will be prohibited from entering the Speedway.

Drinking fountains and misting stations will be removed and food available at concession stands will be mostly pre-packaged items. Extra events such as concerts and a downtown parade have been canceled. AFP

FASTLANE

Phoenix offers car treatment MOTORISTS can now avail of free antibacterial car treatment at participating Phoenix stations as the company reinforces its thrust for safer and more convenient drives amid the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. For every P1,000 worth of fuel purchase using its recently launched contactless payment option, the customer gets one complimentary antibacterial car treatment e-voucher via the Limitless app where Phoenix is one of the partner merchants.

“As some members of the community are compelled to go out despite the risks, we are finding more ways to adapt to the new normal and assist our customers in going about their day in a safer and more convenient manner.

With this complimentary antibacterial treatment, we urge our customers to make use of the contactless payment facility in our retail stations as it offers more safety and convenience, and remind everyone to remain cautious,” said Phoenix Petroleumpresident COO Henry “Bong” Fadullon.

Available in 150 of its retail stations nationwide, Phoenix recently launched its contactless payment option, which allows customers to pay using Alipay, GCash, GrabPay, and WeChat through QR code scanning during transactions. Meanwhile, Limitless is a loyalty program that offers members rewards for valid purchases at partner merchants including Phoenix.

Hyundai Reina: Back to basics and more MORE than boosting your status quotient, investing in your own car has become a necessity in these uncertain times.

It comes in handy for quick or unplanned trips, most specially, emergencies and saves you on time since you run on your own schedule.

The New Normal lifestyle poses new day-to-day challenges and expenses that urge you to think thrice (or more) before making that big spend. Yes, you know what you want… but can you afford it?

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles doesn’t want you to make tough compromises. There’s always one in its model lineup that will give you better journeys.

The Hyundai Reina fits the bill for firsttime car buyers.

This subcompact stunner is bang for your buck, being counted among the country’s top vehicle choices below the million-peso price tag that doesn’t compromise on style, space, safety, and power.

Fashioned with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design, its urban elegance is

reminiscent of the Hyundai Modern Premium pedigree.

It’s spacious and can seat as many as five people. The ample 2,570mm wheelbase gives driver and passengers the right room for comfort, while the generous trunk space can store up to 475 liters of cargo.

Under the hood is a 1.4L gasoline engine with dynamic power of 95ps for quicker maneuverability in and around the city. It’s mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, offering a more versatile and convenient driving experience.

And it has important safety features such as dual airbags that provide significant occupant protection for the driver and front passenger and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that gives you better control on slippery roads, now that the rains are here.

What’s more, the Reina is one of Hyundai’s first offerings on LazMall and on HARI’s very own Hyundai Online Market Experience (HOME). Both options have received positive reviews for the promise of a safe, convenient, and secure shopping experience from the comfort of home.

Redesigned Nissan logo: What’s the story behind?

WE ARE more connected than ever before. People are growing up with the access to knowledge and the potential for interaction that the internet offers. Our lives are as much digital as they are physical. Hence strong brands need to have effective touchpoints in both realms.

For the past 20 years, Nissan’s outgoing logo has been a beacon on its vehicles and so much more. It has served as an identity, a business card, a handshake and the first greeting between customers and the driving excitement that Nissan vehicles provide. For decades more, Nissan’s logo has stayed true to a belief held by its founder Yoshisuke Aikawa, “Shisei tenjitsu o tsuranuku,” which he interpreted to mean, “If you have a strong belief, it penetrates even the sun.”

While keeping this essence alive, Nissan’s new “calling card” reflects the significant changes in society over the last two decades. It is a reimagination of the iconic Nissan brand logo for a new chapter.

Nissan’s new logo comes alive as it pivots to the future while staying proudly connected to its rich heritage, and tradition of innovation. The company name remains at the center of the logo, communicating an instantly recognizable brand that evokes past milestones and memories while also conveying evolution.

The design process The journey began in the summer of 2017, when Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design, began to study potential changes to Nissan’s logo and brand identity. He set up a design team led

by Tsutomu Matsuo, deputy general manager of Nissan’s advanced design department, to study everything from a subtle evolution to a complete reinvention. Albaisa offered the keywords “thin, light and flexible,” and set Matsuo and his team on their journey.

“Inspiration was drawn from breakthroughs in science, technology and connectivity. How these have brought fundamental changes to our customers,” said Albaisa. “As you can imagine, visions of digitalization started swirling in our heads.”

Over the next two years, the team sketched and plotted several iterations, always keeping Aikawa’s directive words in mind: “be passionate, be an innovator, be a challenger.”

The team needed to consider several variables, including an early decision for the logo to be illuminated on upcoming all-electric models. This presented technical challenges, such as gauging the thickness of the logo’s

outline to ensure a crisp impression when lit, and of course compliance with government regulations for illuminated elements on cars. The logo also needed to make a strong impression when not illuminated, such as when it appeared digitally or on paper.

No matter the medium, this new logo needed to unequivocally stand for Nissan, and do so with impact.

After countless sketches and several mock-ups, the result was a logo with a two- dimensional impression. Looking more designed than manufactured, it has the flexibility to live in multiple worlds. The process started in 3-D and then developed in 2-D - the illuminated brand badge was drafted first, pulling the illuminated area out to represent the brand in 2-D form.

The overall effect of the redesign is a transition from a hard-edged, industrial feel to a refined, familiar and digital-friendly look. It signals the evolution of Nissan as not only a traditional vehicle manufacturer to a provider of mobility and services.

“The new Nissan logo communicates our guiding message, carried over from past iterations: If you have a strong, determined belief, it can even penetrate the sun,” said Matsuo. “At Nissan, this strong belief in the power of achievement has never wavered and can be seen in our pioneering efforts in electrification, driver assistance and digital connectivity. Our logo has to convey all of this in just a glance, to show our commitment to our customers, employees and society.”

Reaching customers with an impactful presence The new logo will begin appearing in July, both in digital and physical forms. Nissan’s electric vehicles will feature an exclusive illuminated logo lit by 20 LEDs (corresponding to the number of years between logo redesigns), a prominent visual reminder that Nissan is driving towards an electrified future.

This will be followed by the new logo being incorporated across mediums; from letterhead and dealership signs to social media and digital advertising. One of four iterations will allow the new logo to flexibly accommodate varying communication points.

Notably, in certain digital and video applications the logo will actually “come alive” as it shifts and pulsates against a variety of backgrounds, allowing the logo to reflect today’s ever-changing environment and the flexibility needed to remain exciting, relevant and intriguing.