Manila Standard - 2020 July 28 - Tuesday

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VOL. XXXIV • NO. 154• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody rips Drilon, oligarchs Claims senator defending the Lopezes, warns telcos of shutdown

By Joyce Pañares, Jimbo Gulle, Vito Barcelo and Darwin Amojelar

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte dove straight into attacking his critics within the first 10 minutes of his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), hitting Senator Franklin Drilon and the Lopez-owned ABS-CBN, while warning telecommunications companies that he would shut them down if they did not improve their service by December.

“It is sad that while the government battles the Duterte said Drilon “arrogantly” mentioned that coronavirus, there are those who take advantage of oligarchs need not be rich and used the Dutertes as a preoccupied government. One of them is Senator an example of why his bill to ban political dynasFranklin Drilon,” the President said. ties is important.

Next page Next page

’I prioritize life above all else in fighting virus’

By Joyce Pañares and Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte defended his government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he prioritized saving lives above other considerations amid criticisms that the country's lockdown— the longest in the world—has failed to flatten the curve as positive cases continue to Next page surge.

Duterte bats for death penalty for drug crimes

By Joyce Pañares, Macon RamosAraneta and Maricel Cruz PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has pushed for the reimposition of the death penalty for drugrelated charges as he bared 12 priority measures for Congress to work on, including bills related to the government's COVID-19 response and recovery program.

“I reiterate the swift passage of the law reviving the death penalty by lethal injection for crimes specified under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” the President said in his penultimate State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.

Duterte first made a pitch for the revival of the death penalty, which was abolished in 2006, Next page in his SONA last year.

Du30 steps back, admits being 'inutile' on sea issue

By Vito Barcelo

5TH SONA. President Rodrigo Duterte (inset) addresses the sparse audience of lawmakers and government officials handpicked to attend his fifth State of the Nation Address, owing to coronavirus concerns, on Monday at the House of Representatives in Quezon City. Standing behind Duterte are Senate President Vicente Sotto III and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano. AFP

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he is “inutile” when it comes to China's nine-dash-line claim over the entire South China Sea, including territories that are also being claimed by the Philippines.

“I am inutile, and I am willing to admit it. I am really inutile. I cannot do anything,” the President said in his fifth State of the Nation Address Monday.

"China is claiming it, we are claiming it. China has the arms. We do not have it so it’s simple as that. They are in possession of the property, so what can we do? We have to go to war, and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other President can, but I cannot," he added.

In July 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration delivered a sweeping victory to the Philippines on the case it filed against China and declared as illegal Beijing's excessive claim over nearly the entire South China Sea. Next page

Frank riposte: It's about free press, job losses, not lawyering for ABS

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz and Rio N. Araja SENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday resented President Rodrigo Duterte's accusations during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that he was lawyering for the Lopezes, owners of the media giant ABS-CBN, which shut down its broadcast operations after failing to get a renewal of its 25-year franchise from Congress.

In taking the cudgels for ABS-CBN, Drilon stressed his "primordial concern" was the freedom of the press and the thousands of employees of the media gi-

ant who would lost their jobs.

“The issue was freedom of the press.

The Lopezes was just incidental. And the issue was that nobody will lost their job—the 11,000 employees of the ABS-CBN. That was what I had fought for,” said Drilon.

A lawyer by profession, the opposition senator also said he had no debt of gratitude to the Lopezes.

He also stressed he was no longer a part of the team from the law firm ACCRA, which helped an Ayala-owned firm win a water concession contract with the government.

"I would like to ask Drilon, were you a part of ACCRA when this contract of Ayala water was being drafted?" Duterte Next page

UP sees cases surging to 90,000 end-July as total tally tops 82k

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz, Macon RamosAraneta THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported 1,657 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 82,040 cases in the Philippines.

This developed as an expert from the University of the Philippines said on Monday the country could record up to 90,000 COVID-19 cases by

the end of July and even reach up to 140,000 COVID-19 cases by the end of August.

Mathematics professor Guido David, a member of the UP OCTA Research group, said they had to adjust their earlier projection of 85,000 cases by endJuly as the number of new COVID-19 patients continued to rise, particularly in the National Capital Region.

Hitting the 85,000 level would trigger the government to declare Next page

DETERMINED THRONG. Protesters carry placards and murals with slogans as they march toward the state university grounds for a rally in Quezon City on Monday, ahead of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address in Congress. (See more photos on A4). AFP

Mental health center chief, driver shot dead in QC

By Rio N. Araja and Willie Casas POLICE are looking into the killing of Roland Cortez, the director of the National Center for Mental Health, who was shot dead at 7 a.m. in Quezon City on Monday.

The Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit said Cortez’s driver, Ernesto dela Cruz, was also killed during the incident.

The two were aboard a Toyota car and were cruising Cassanova Drive and Tandang Sora Avenue in Barangay Culiat when two men on a motorcycle appeared

from behind and shot them before fleeing.

The Health department issued a statement saying it was “shocked and alarmed” at the news of the killing of Cortez and his driver.

“The DOH [Department of Health] family extends its deepest condolences Next page

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

LTFRB opens 17 jeep routes

By Darwin G Amojelar

The agency said traditional jeepneys with routes indicated in its Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-029 can ply their existing routes with no special permit necessary beginning Wednesday.

In lieu of the Special Permit, a corresponding QR Code shall be issued to the operator prior to operation, which must be

printed on an 8.5” x 11” paper (short bond paper size) and displayed in the PUJ. The operator may secure their QR Code by downloading it from the LTFRB website starting tomorrow, July 28, at 3 p.m.

The existing fare matrix of P9 for the first four kilometers and P1.50 for succeeding kilometer(s) shall be followed.

Operators are reminded that no fare adjustment shall be applied unless approved by the Board.

As part of the requirements to operate, traditional PUJs should also be currently registered roadworthy with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and with valid Personal Passenger Insurance Policy.

Operators are also required to comply with safety measures prescribed by the Inter-Agency Task for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) before, during, and after operations, such as checking of body temperature, wearing of face mask or shield and gloves at all times, and operating at a maximum of 50 percent capacity.

Only the following routes will be

Rody...

they continued providing poor service to Filipino people.

“If you cannot really improve your service… I might as well close you, “ Duterte said, referring to PLDT-Smart Communications of Manuel V. Pangilinan and Globe Telecom of the Ayala Group.

“I still have two more years in office, and if you will not improve your service, I will expropriate you. I will give until December to improve,” Duterte warned.

The President expressed frustration over the "less than ideal" services provided by local telcos and warned them he would take away their frequencies and use them for distance learning for public schools.

"Don't make us wait 10 years for services other countries are enjoying. Go and look for capital; if you are not ready to improve, (I) might just as well close all of you,” he said.

"We are a republic sovereign country, bear (that) in mind. The patience of the Filipino people is reaching its limit. I am

articulating the anger of Filipinos," he said.

He said by December, telecommunications services would be improved to the point that he should be able to “call Jesus at Bethlehem.”

Globe vice president for corporate communications, Yolanda Crisanto, said the company would heed the President's call to improve telco services.

Crisanto said service performance and increased consumer demand for data are the key reasons the company has been investing billions of dollars to upgrade and improve the company’s network.

“This year Globe has earmarked $1.2 billion in capex, majority of which goes to network and capacity builds. These substantial investments are paying off as we experience marked service improvements, she said.

“Today, the Globe network is running at 4G/LTE. Last year, we launched 5G for Globe At Home and soon we will be launching mobile 5G services in the country. Globally, we are being cited for having improved internet experience,” Crisanto added.

Only recently, independent mobile analytics Open Signal ranked the Philippines as the 4th most improved country in mobile video experience. The ranking was included in its State of Mobile Network Experience in 2020 report.

“Although we have seen marked improvements, the industry is not without its challenges,” Crisanto said, adding that the long drawn permitting process across local government unit, home owners associations, and national agencies including the Department of Health and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have hampered cell site builds and laying down of fiber to homes.

PLDT, on the other, hand, declined to comment.

PLDT earlier announced that it will be spending over P60 billion this year to fund its network expansion.

Globe and PLDT’s network roll out activities have been constrained by the reduced mobility of its network teams since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed for over two months.

duct 1.4 million tests by the end of July,” the President said.

Duterte also thanked local government units and members of the Inter Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the National Task Force against COVID-19 for their service.

“I know exactly the difficulties you are undergoing. I pray that the officials of each LGU would set aside partisan politics and selfish interest to do what is right and good for all...I thank the men and women of the IATF and the National Task Force against COVID-19 for all the countless hours spent to keep the pandemic in check and all efforts made to ensure the safety of our people,” the

President said.

In an off-script part of his speech, the President appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping to prioritize and extend credit to the Philippines once a vaccine for the novel coronavirus becomes available.

“Four days ago, I made a plea to President Xi Jinping – if they have a vaccine can they allow us to be one of the first, or if needed, if we have to buy it, that we be granted credit so we can normalize as fast as possible,” the President said.

Duterte did not give other details on his conversation with his Chinese counterpart.China earlier promised to give the Philippines priority access to a vaccine it is developing.

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

Duterte reiterated his position that there would be no face-to-face classes until a vaccine is available, possibly in January.

“I will not risk the health of teachers and students,” he said.

In his speech, Duterte said he supports the Department of Education's push for "blended" or distance learning so classes can resume despite the pandemic. With PNA

with partners to discuss global perils, and to ramp up cooperation for peace, progress, and prosperity,” Duterte added.

Last year, the President blamed former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for maritime disputes between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, through which some $3.4 trillion in trade passes each year.

He cited the US-brokered deal to end a maritime standoff between Manila and Beijing over ownership of Panatag Shoal in 2012 where the Philippines withdrew its vessels but China did not.

The Chinese government has refused to recognize the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Duterte...

which cuts the corporate income levy from the current 30 to 25 percent and gives government flexibility to grant a combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, among others; - the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer or FIST Act which will set up mechanisms allowing banks and other financial institutions to dispose of and transfer non-performing assets and loans to asset management companies similar to Special Purpose Vehicles; - the National Land Use Act which will pave the way for the equitable use of national resources; - the creation of a Department for overseas Filipino workers; - the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience which will pave the way for the building of an evacuation center in each local government unit; - the creation of a National Disease Management Authority; - the Advanced Nursing Education Act and the measure instituting a medical reserve corps; - the creation of a Boracay Island Development Authority to build on the gains of the rehabilitation of the popular tourist destination; - the rental subsidy bill “to allow Filipinos to live in decent homes;” and - amendments to the Continuing Professional Development Act of 2016. “The rules are burdensome and not realistic amid pandemic. There are professions requiring them to come to Manila to retrain for another round of expenses,” the President said.

Mental...

TeleRadyo, David said while Cebu has seen a decline in cases, Metro Manila and the Calabarzon region continued to see a spike in their cases.

David said the decision to return Cebu to an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) could explain the decrease in COVID-19 cases in their area.

A proposal to return to a modified ECQ could be a last resort, David noted, if local government measures to contain the virus spread fail. He warned that hospitals could be overwhelmed if the government fails to arrest the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque earlier said Metro Manila may revert to a much stricter MECQ lockdown if the number of confirmed virus infections rises to 85,000 by July 31.

Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, the country’s case fatality rate (CFR) shows a decreasing trend, the DOH said.

Both numbers also indicate that the

death rate might be reaching a point of stability. These findings, presented by epidemiologist Dr. DJ Darwin Bandoy on Monday’s Beat COVID-19 virtual press conference, present a more encouraging outlook of the Philippines’ fight against COVID-19.

Health OIC-Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said data analysis is an important part of a pandemic response. It is a weapon that will enable the government, private and public sectors to make informed decisions and be better prepared for any issues that may arise.

Bandoy’s data analysis presentation showed that the number of deaths is reaching equilibrium, while the Philippines’ CFR is steadily decreasing.

He attributed the steady decrease in the CFR to increased testing capacity, compliance with the overall improved health system capacity, and improvement in treatment protocols.

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HE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday opened 17 new Metro Manila routes for 1,943 traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) starting July 29.

From A1

The President's daughter, Sara Duterte is Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte while his son, Paolo is a congressman representing Davao City.

The President said Drilon was “obviously defending the Lopezes” since he made such a remark after a House committee junked the franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. “I am a casualty of the Lopezes in the 2016 elections...Media is a powerful tool in the hands of the oligarchs like the Lopezes who use it for their battles with political figures,” the President added.

Going off script toward the end of his speech, Duterte again attacked Drilon.

“I know this is SONA, but this is also the time to be heard by the public,” Duterte said, just minutes after closing his remarks.

The President also warned the two giant telecommunications firms, Globe and Smart, that he would shut them down if

‘I prioritize...

From A1

“When the pandemic struck, I decided to prioritize life over other considerations according to experts,” the President said in his fifth State of the Nation Address.“Buhay muna, (Life first)” Duterte said.

“The interventions in place prevented 1.3 to 3.5 million COVID-19 infections.”

As of 4 p.m. Monday, the country recorded 1,657 new cases, bringing the total to 82,040.

“We have now 93 accredited laboratories nationwide. We are aiming to con-

Du30...

From A1

Duterte said the Philippines is “not a pawn to anyone” when it comes to maritime disputes, hinting at the friction between the two superpowers – United States and China – over the latter's territorial incursions in the area.

“We work without fail to protect our rights in the South China Sea, neither beholden, nor a pawn to anyone,” he said.

“I have nothing against America. I have nothing against China...We will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy. We will continue to work

Frank...

From A1

asked during the SONA."I have no debt with them. They are my provincemates, but other than that, we have not been together," said Drilon, who like the Lopez clain hails from Iloilo.

The senator was squarely in Duterte's glare, even as the annual protesters of the President's SONA changed the way they demonstrated in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Authorities said it was the first time that militant groups ended their protest actions early, at around 12:30 p.m., as they were largely limited to the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City. An afternoon thunderstorm eventually led the protesters to disperse and seek shelter.

The National Capital Region Police Office said it monitored a total of just 34 arrests on the day of Duterte's 5th SONA. At a press briefing, NCRPO chief Police MGen. Debold Sinas said four, who were onboard a jeepney with a red PISTON flag, were arrested in Quezon City, while 24 passengers and a driver on board a commuter van were nabbed in Marikina City.

At the Batasang Pambansa, the SONA drew mixed reviews from congressmen, with his allies praising his accomplishments and promising to support his plans and his critics demanding more action and expressing disappointment for his performance the past year.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez said President Duerte expounded on his short-term priorities as expected.

“As I see it, his mission is three-

fold—first, to protect the Filipino nation from hunger and poverty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; second, to save precious human lives and minimize the number of people infected by the virus; and third, to ramp up budgetary measures needed to fully implement a responsive and sustainable recovery plan. In short: Kabuhayan, Kaligtasan, and Kaunlaran,” Romualdez said.

“There is no doubt that the country is at war against COVID-19, an unseen enemy. President Duterte, our commanderin-chief, clearly laid out the battle plan for us to emerge victorious in the end. In this fight of our lifetime, each of us are given specific theaters of war to attend to. Everyone is being called to be part of the whole of government response to combat the pandemic,” the Leyte solon added.

As the Second Regular Session of 18th Congress opened ahead of the SONA, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano called for national sacrifice owing to the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The enormity the challenges and severity of the crisis we face require much faith, sacrifice and hard work. Not just from our leaders but from each and everyone of us," Cayetano said.

At the Senate, 17 senators were physically present inside the Session Hall, with six senators attending through digital platforms, as Senate President Vicente Sotto III called on the chamber to "continue to work toward saving lives and easing our common anxiety" amid the COVID-19 crisis.

“This truth is unavoidable,” added Sotto, who noted that the Senate worked for the approval of COVID-related legislations that are now being implemented by various government agencies.

From A1

“Drug syndicates continue to operate – just like the countries of Colombia, Mexico – and it is being played inside the national penitentiaries. Talagang binababoy tayo. This law will not only help us deter criminality but also save our children from the dangers posed by illegal and dangerous drugs,” he added.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he sees “better chances” for the revival of capital punishment even as Senator Panfilo Lacson said the measure will face “very rough sailing” in the Upper Chamber.

The bill implementing death penalty for drug-related crimes was passed by the House of Representatives in the 17th Congress, but it failed to hurdle the Senate.

The President also called on Congress to pass the Bayanihan 2 (We Recover As One) Law to boost the government's recovery plan from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measure builds on the first Bayanihan to Heal as One Act which expired on June 24 and will “supplement funds for recovery and response against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The other priority measures enumerated by the President are as follows: - the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act

UP...

From A1

a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), one step higher than the current general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila and other areas.

The new cases reported Monday were based on the total test results done by 59 out of 90 current operational labs.

The DOH reported 16 new fatalities, bringing the total death toll from COVID-19 to 1,945.

Health officials also reported 359 recoveries, bringing the total number of patients who recovered from the disease to 26,446.

The DOH said there are 53,649 total active cases in the country, net of COVID-19 deaths and recoveries.

Sixty-five duplicates were removed from the total case count.

In an interview on ABS-CBN

operational: MCU - Sangandaan; Novaliches - Rizal Ave. via A. Bonifacio; Tandang Sora - Visayas Ave. via Quezon City Hall; Monumento - Paco, Obando via M.H. Del Pilar; Quirino Highway - Sta. Lucia; Crame Cubao via Murphy; Crame - Q. Mart via P. Tuazon, E. Garcia; SSS Village, Marikina - Cubao, Quezon City; Parang, Marikina - Marikina (TP) via Fortune; Guadalupe (ABC) - Taguig via Tipas; Calumpang Cubao via P. Tuazon; Ayala - Guadalupe (Ibabaw) via JP Rizal; Libertad, Pasay - Pasay Rd.; Paco - Sta.Mesa Rotonda via Nagtahan; Pier South - Sta. Ana via P. Faura; Navotas - Recto via Heroes Del 96; and Gate 5 - Greenhills Shopping Center Loop.

LSIs at Rizal stadium a bad plan—DOH THE government’s plan to gather stranded individuals at the Rizal Memorial Sports Stadium violated social distancing protocols and put people at risk of being infected with COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said Monday.

“It’s sad that this happened. We have relayed the protocols to the specific agencies, the reminder that mass gatherings are prohibited, but it still happened,” Vergeire said at a virtual press briefing.

She says they have relayed the incident to the Interior department and other government agencies.

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said Monday he wanted the Hatid Tulong program organizer fired over the stranded people’s condition at the Rizal Sports Complex, where they are packed.

He told Dobol B sa News TV that he wrote an open letter urging President Rodrigo Duterte to fire whoever organized the program for “incompetence, insensitivity and disregard of public health.”

Nine stranded individuals who gathered at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila over the weekend have tested positive for COVID-19 following rapid tests, a government official said Monday. Willie Casas

Diokno: BSP already helping virus-hit SMEs

By Julito G. Rada and Othel V. Campos BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno on Monday said it has already provided micro, small and medium enterprises hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic with regulatory relief.

Diokno was reacting the President Rodrigo Duterte's call during his Stateof-the-Nation Address for the BSP and banks to provide such relief to small businesses and allow payment extensions without charges.

“The BSP has already provided lots of regulatory relief measures to MSMEs. The payment extensions are up to the discretion of banks,” Diokno told the Manila Standard.

“The list [of relief measures] is very long. The most recent is the 100 basis points cut in reserve requirements for thrift and rural banksm which released P10 billion for additional lending to MSMEs,” Diokno said.

In May, the policy-setting Monetary Board of the BSP approved measures to assist MSMEs to carry on with their businesses amid the pandemic, and to hasten their recovery in the post-crisis period.

MSMEs account for 99.5 percent of all businesses in the country and generated 5.7 million jobs, equivalent to 63.2 percent of the country’s total employment.

Moreover, the MSME sector contributed 35.7 percent in terms of value added and accounted for 25 percent of the country's total export revenue.

From A1

to the families of Dr. Roland and Mr. Ernesto, and vows to pursue justice for their untimely deaths,” the department said.

“Dr. Cortez was a respected leader who sought to treat clients with utmost dignity. The DOH is coordinating with authorities and the PNP-CIDU to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

On July 15, 2019, Cortez, a former director of East Avenue Medical Center, filed graft charges against Clarita Avila, a doctor, in her capacity as chief administrative officer for her alleged involvement in a fraudulent contract

News Go: Duterte trusts Philhealth chief

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Willie Casas SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday said President Rodrigo Duterte still trusts PhilHealth president and CEO Ricardo Morales despite being suspected by a resigned anti-fraud official of the agency as “the coddler or maybe the new leader of the syndicate in Philhealth.”

“As of now, the President told me he still has big trust on the integrity of Gen. Morales... But it is possible, that those under him, they should be investigated and let’s wait for the results of the investigation,” said Go in a virtual oress conference after the second regular session of the 18th Congress opened on Monday.

However, Go said the President will not hesitate to fire Morales should investigations prove his involvement in the alleged irregularities within Philhealth.

Duterte has already ordered an investigation into the alleged irregularities within the agency.

This was confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., who said that the Palace is investigating PhilHealth officials over the agency’s alleged overpriced purchase of an information technology system worth over P2 billion.

Roque said the investigation will be headed by Undersecretary Jesus Melchor Quitain of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President.

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

A3

Defense drops ‘aircon CR’ work “In response to the findings, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered the discontinuance of the renovation project and the HE Defense department has ordered the “discontinuance” removal from the comfort rooms of the of a project involving the installation of air-conditioning air-conditioning units in question, which will instead be used in other approved faunits in the comfort rooms of the department’s main cilities,” department spokesman Arsenio building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, an official said Andolong said in a statement.

Monday.

He says the department took note of the commission’s findings on the matter, The department gave the order after the to explain its P6.4-million expenditure to which it presented and discussed in FebCommission on Audit called the spending renovate and remodel its comfort rooms, ruary. for the project unnecessary. complete with six air-conditioning units In a separate statement, Lorenzana said The commission wants the department and nine sets of hot and cold showers. he respected the audit body’s mandate to

By Rio N. Araja

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ensure that government funds were spent properly.

“The COA is the body that evaluates if the people’s money is spent wisely,” Lorenzana said.

“It does not mean that if a project has been approved by Congress, the COA can no longer audit it according to its mandate.

It can disallow it or it can raise a red flag that the money has not been used properly.”

The commission earlier said the remodeling and renovation of the comfort rooms violated the procurement law.

72% Pinoys got SAP from gov’t—SWS

By Vito Barcelo AROUND 72 percent of Filipinos received financial cash aids from the government during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic, according to a recent Social Weather Station survey.

In late March, Duterte was empowered by congress to reallocate the national budget and spend some P200 billion pesos to subsidize 18 million impoverished households. These are eligible for monthly cash assistance of 5,000 to 8,000 pesos for two months.

The SWS survey data said that families who received financial help from the government were highest in Metro Manila (85%), followed by the rest of Luzon (75%), Mindanao (65%), and the Visayas (64%).

The survey noted that the proportion of those saying their families received financial assistance from government was higher among non-elementary graduates (71%), elementary graduates (75%), junior high school graduates (77%), and those with some college (71%), compared to college graduates (58%).

The survey was conducted from July 3 to 6 among 1,555 respondents using mobile phone and computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) of 1,555 with sampling error margins of ±2% for national percentages.

PROTESTS. Manila Police Director Brig.Gen. Rolando Miranda told his men to ‘arrest at once’ rallyists who will try to stage protest gatherings in Mendiola Manila, on Monday July 27, 2020. In nearby Quiapo, police seized protest materials from a group of rallyists while a mass was going on at Quiapo Church, a few minutes before President Rodrigo Duterte’s 5th State of the Nation Address. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who was among those who attended the mass, sought an explanation from the Manila Police District. She said the placards were not used or raised during the mass. “I am hoping for feedback. They were not holding a rally inside the church,” Hontiveros said. Norman Cruz/ Bart Guingona

Oil firms hike gasoline, kerosene prices by Tuesday

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country’s oil firms raised gasoline and kerosene prices by P0.30 per liter and P0.25 per liter for diesel effective 6am Tuesday.

“Petron Corp. will implement the following price increases effective 6 a.m. on July 28: P0.30/li for gasoline; P0.25/li for diesel; and P0.30/li for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” the company said in its advisory.

Aside from Petron, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., PTT Philippines, Seaoil Philippines, PetroGazz and Cleanfuel also raised pump prices while others are expected to follow suit.

Over the weekend, Unioil Philippines said diesel prices may go up by P0.20 per liter but gasoline prices may not move.

On July 21, the oil firms cut the price of gasoline by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter but increased the price of kerosene by P0.15 per liter for kerosene. There was no movement on the price of diesel.

Global oil price sentiments have been mixed in recent weeks as countries try to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Prior to the latest oil price hike, year-todate adjustments stand at a net decrease of P5.07 per liter for gasoline and P12.84 per liter for kerosene. Diesel remained at a net decrease of P8.54 per liter.

Meanwhile, the Energy Department, in its latest report, said it continuously ensure that the Minimum Inventory Requirement for refiners (30 days supply of combined crude oil and finished products), bulk oil importers (15 days supply of finished products), as well as LPG importers without refining capacities (7 days supply) is met, especially during this time of pandemic.

In December 2019, the country’s inventory of crude oil and petroleum products stood at 51 days, equivalent to 24,263 thousand barrels (MB) or 3,857 million liters. The inventory consisted of 45 days of in-country stocks and 6 days of crude oil and petroleum products still in-transit.

DOJ panel to probe Jolo shooting case

By Rey E. Requejo

HEALTH CONCERN. In conjunction with the President’s SONA, health workers of the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City staged a protest to inform the government and the public of the real situation and condition of health workers. Benjamin Chavez

NBI has vital evidence in ambush of Manila prosecutor

By Rey E. Requejo THE National Bureau of Investigation has gathered vital pieces of information that can help the bureau in its investigation into the ambush of Manila City-Office of the City Prosecutor Inquest Division chief Prosecutor Jovencio Senadors, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Monday.

In its initial report, Guevarra said the NBI has already gathered information and evidence from the Philippine National Police that is also conducting a separate probe into the death of the 62-year-old Senados.

“As of last Friday, the NBI had gathered and examined CCTV footages showing that the victim had been tailed all the way from Laguna, and that the plate number attached to the suspects’ vehicle was a fake plate number,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

“The NBI also obtained copies of various reports and photographs from the PNP such as the spot report, firearms verification report, memorandum report, and unspecified photographs,” he added.

Guevarra said he expects the NBI-National Capital Region to submit a follow-up report on the progress of its investigation.

“I expect another progress report from

the NBI within the week,” he said.

Last July 7, Senados was ambushed while on board his car along Quirino Highway corner Anakbayan Street, Paco, Manila City at around 11:05 a.m.

A red Toyota Innova vehicle reportedly cut into his lane, forcing the victim to decelerate his car’s speed while passing along Quirino Highway. It was at this juncture when the driver of a black sports utility vehicle positioned their vehicle alongside the victim’s car and fired shots at the prosecutor’s car.

Guevarra denounced what he described as a “horrible murder” of Senados, saying was “shocked” by the news of his death.

THE Department of Justice has created a panel of prosecutors tasked to conduct the preliminary investigation the criminal complaint filed against police officers implicated in the June 29 Jolo, Sulu shooting incident that resulted to the death of four Army intelligence officers.

National Prosecution Service Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said on Monday that they formed a panel composed of four prosecutors who would conduct the preliminary investigation into the four counts of murder and planting of evidence charges filed against nine policemen allegedly responsible for the death of the four Army soldiers.

The DOJ panel is headed by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Gilmarie Fe Pacamarra and Assistant State Prosecutors (ASPs) Consuelo Corazon Pazziuagan and Alejandro Daguiso and Public Attorney Gino Angelo Yanga, as members.

Malcontento said the prosecutor panel will soon issue subpoenas to the nine respondents, all members of the Philippine National Police, to appear before the preliminary investigation hearing and to submit their counter-affidavits to the complaint filed against them.

The NBI earlier filed the criminal complaints against Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Abelzhimar Padjiri, Police Master Sergeant (PMSg) Hannie Baddiri, Police Staff Sergeants (PSSg) Iskandar Susulan and Erniskar Sappal, Police Corporal (PCpl) Sulki Andaki, and Patrolman (Pat) Moh Nur Pasani all of Jolo Municipal Police Station (MPS); and PSSg Almudzrin Hadjaruddin, Pat Alkajal Mandangan and Pat Rajiv Putalan of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU)-Sulu.

IN BRIEF

ABS backers want House plenary vote

PROPONENTS of the ABS-CBN franchise renewal bill on Monday expressed hope that the leadership of the House of Representatives will heed their clamor for an extensive debate and discussion on the resolution and report of the legislative franchises committee rejecting the network’s renewal application.

This as Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza said the denial of the ABS CBN application for franchise renewal was a “predetermined” decision reached even before the legislative franchises committee could complete its marathon hearings.

“It was a clear case of railroading,” said Rep. Lito Atienza of Buhay in an online forum as who questioned the legality of the report.

Atienza’s statement came as Congress opens Monday its second regular session.

According to Atienza, it is impossible to put together overnight a 40-page document that summarizes 12 days of hearings and the testimonies of many witnesses. This, he said, not to mentoon an extra day of summation.

Maricel V. Cruz

DAR to adopt online filing of ‘agri’ cases THE Department of Agrarian Reform has put into place online filing and processing of agrarian-related cases amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In compliance with health protocols under the new normal and as an urgent measure to mitigate the effects of the dreaded virus, Secretary John Castriciones said the agency is already accepting electronic filing, processing and completion of legal proceedings in cases under agrarian law implementation.

DAR clients can now file all their original petitions, applications and protests with supporting evidence, and subsequent submission of pleadings, motions, documents, or evidence involving agrarian law implementation cases through electronic transmission, he said.

“We are now processing agrarian-related cases online as a precautionary measure to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Documents can now be sent as an email attachment in portable document format (PDF) and addressed to the official email accounts of the DAR regional directors or provincial agrarian reform program officers concerned,” he said.

The submission of the original copies or certified true copies of the documents shall be required to establish the authenticity of the files submitted.

The DAR chief said that all cases involving conversions and exclusions, or those under the jurisdiction of the land use cases committee or regional land use committee through the agrarian assistance division of the regional office, may be filed electronically and addressed to the official email account of the Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance at director.bala@dar.gov.ph. Rio Araja

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News

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

SONA Scenes

COLORFUL SCENARIOS. (Clockwise from upper right) Majority Leader Martin Romualdez addresses his colleagues as the House of Representatives formally opens the Second Regular Session of the 18th Congress.

Romualdez later stands with fellow solons at the Main Session Hall, which was arranged to accommodate only 50 lawmakers as a precaution against the coronavirus ahead of the President's State of the Nation Address. At the UP campus in Diliman, Quezon City, various protesters—students, militants and medical frontliners—expressed their sentiments, and performer Mae Paner dressed up as Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque swimming with the dolphins. Finally, Senate President Vicente Sotto III prepares his seat as staff make finishing touches to the chamber ahead of their own opening of the Second Regular Session. Ver Noveno, JR Josue, Lino Santos and AFP

P186m in fake Gamboa: Cops can’t tag documents as ‘subversive’ PDEA agents cigarettes seized get rewards GOVERNMENT agents have impounded seven container vans of smuggled cigarettes worth P186 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The shipments of 6,249 master cases of Two Moon, Mighty, Marvel, and D&B brands of cigarettes came from China.

Based on documents, the shipments were misdeclared as "towels, school bags, bed sheets, non-woven bags and fabrics."

The seizure marked the biggest apprehension of smuggled cigarettes by MICP, which now has a total of P219.6 million in seizures.

The importers of these shipments will be charged with violation of Section 117 in relation to Section 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other relative National Tobacco Administration (NTA) and Bureau of Internal revenue (BIR) rules and regulations. Joel E. Zurbano

P

OLICEMEN cannot use the Anti-Terror Law to brand documents as subversive, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Monday.

Gamboa noted there are no implementing rules yet published for the Anti-Terror Law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte this month despite strong opposition from several sectors.

The PNP chief said the repeal of Republic Act 1700, the Anti-Subversion Law of 1957, means documents can no longer be tagged as "subversive."

"Now, on the context of the AntiTerrorism Act, that cannot still be used as of now, to call it anti-government or whatever, because there are no implementing rules and regulations yet," Gamboa said.

Policemen on Sunday seized documents including copies of Pinoy Weekly magazine from the office of

Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Pandi, Bulacan.

A Facebook post from Pinoy Weekly said the police claimed the publication "is illegal and teaches people to fight the government.

This police operation follows the arrest of a local leader of Kadamay in the same area."

Gamboa said he reminded Central Luzon Police Regional Director BGen. Rhodel Sermonia about the repeal of the law before filing any charges.

In a statement, Sermonia said there was no raid of underground printing house, but instead the Kadamay group surrendered volumes of printed materials to the Pandi, Bulacan police station.

"Kadamay requested Pandi police to receive volume of printed materials left at the model house of Villa Louis situated at Barangay Siling Bata that town," said Sermonia, as he clarified an earlier report on social media.

Kadamay-Bulacan, led by Lea Maralit and members Marilou Iligan, Jeselyn Jasadon Beth Guerrero, Carmie de la Cruz, Niel Villamor and Gina Peyil told the police of their fear that the printed materials would eb distributed ahead of Presi ent Duterte's State of the Nation Address (SONA), said Sermonia.

He said the Kadamay group in Bulacan has already pledged support to the government’s programs as they vowed to help the government in its peace and order campaign. Jess Malabanan

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday granted monetary rewards of nearly P6 million to its six operating units for their meritorious anti-drug operations.

PDEA Director General Wilkins Villanueva personally handed the rewards to the Intelligence and Investigation Service, Special Enforcement Service, National Capital Region, Regional Office V, Regional Office VII and Regional Office VIII in simple rites at the agency's national headquarters in Quezon City.

“These PDEA operating units received cash rewards under PDEA Operation: Lawmen, an incentive program for law enforcers or members of the antiillegal drug units/teams or task forces, including the support unit/s after the conduct of laudable anti-drug operations,” he said. Rio N. Araja

Opinion Expropriation in energy disputes EAGLE EYES

TONY LA VIÑA LAST week, I wrote about a big energy fight in Iloilo over who has the right to distribute electricity there. On one hand, this looks like a narrow dispute between Panay Electric Company (PECO) and MORE Power Electric Corp over who should be holding a franchise. A deeper analysis however yields the conclusion that critical policy issues are at stake here. This come from two sections of R.A. 11212, Section 10, that delegate the power of eminent domain to MORE with respect to its power generation operations in Iloilo. Section 17 likewise allows MORE to take over by expropriation the existing distribution system in Iloilo City.

At the heart of any energy fight must be public interest and welfare.

The policy issue is: May the distribution assets of the company whose franchise has expired, be acquired by a new distribution facility with the new franchise, through expropriation, to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted service in the area?

According to reports, MORE argues that the power distribution in Iloilo City is a public utility asset designed and intended to serve only the community and end users in Iloilo. Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), that only public utilities with a franchise can operate the Iloilo power distribution system, which the Panay Electric Company, Inc. (PECO) could no longer do since it has no franchise. MORE argues that Congress granted MORE express authority under secs. 10 and 17 of R.A. 11212 to expropriate the assets which form part of the distribution system of Iloilo.

MORE denies that it was given unwarranted benefits by the franchise law as against other distribution utilities because it was given authority to expropriate the assets of PECO; this provision for take-over is the solution by Congress to ensure the continued and uninterrupted supply of electricity in the service area.

PECO’s main counter-argument hinges on the theory that R.A. 11212 is a franchise that enables a mining corporation— with absolutely no experience in power distribution and zero assets and infrastructure to distribute electricity—to be the sole power distribution utility in Iloilo

City. With no experience or expertise, to render public service, MORE relies solely on another’s merit—PECO’s assets, business, and century’s worth of experience and hard work.

First, PECO’s rights to property, due process and against unlawful taking exist independently of any franchise that may be granted by Congress. Indeed, PECO needs no franchise to demand the protection of its rights. It must be noted that more than half year after having been given a franchise, MORE has yet to install a single electric pole; but instead, it is devoting much of its time, not to build, but to take over the facilities owned by PECO. Second, PECO, citing its own support in jurisprudence, insists that taking private property for the same public purpose is not the taking contemplated by the Constitution that would warrant the exercise of eminent domain. In its petition, MORE fails to address the lack of public use to satisfy the constitutional due process requirement for a valid expropriation. In principle, no private property for public use can be expropriated for the same use because no public use or necessity could be served by such taking.

Third, the property to be expropriated

by MORE will be used to serve the same public purpose and therefore it will serve no public necessity. What it will do is to serve a private purpose by benefiting MORE in forcing the transfer of PECO’s assets.

Fourth, sections 10 and 17 violate PECO’s right to substantive due process. In essence, the franchise law is a piece of legislation that grants MORE the right to take over PECO’s business by seizing its assets under the veil of expropriation.

Fifth, the grant of power in section 10, R.A. 11212, is patently overly-broad and confiscatory. The grant of authority to expropriate is unusual compared to other franchises of other distribution utilities. It contains inclusions not usually found in other franchises of the same class. Indeed, there is violation of substantial due process when private property in taken from one private person to give to another person for the latter’s benefit.

I do not take a position between these two private companies. That is their business.

But as a scholar and policy expert on energy, my concern is that of energy security and access and good electricity governance.

At the heart of any energy fight must be upholding public interest and public welfare, in this case what is good for the people of Iloilo City. Allowing MORE, a company with little experience and competence, to take over the assets of a utility that has fulfilled its mandate for decades certainly does not benefit the public. That is why PECO retains the loyalty and support of Ilonggos.

Website:tonylavina.com Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

The right to peaceful assembly We support the stand of the NUPL that the DILG prohibition "threatens the exercise of the people’s fundamental right to assemble, to express their sentiments, and to demand accountability from the government at a time when accountability is needed most.”

ABOUT TOWN

ERNESTO M. HILARIO THE Department of Justice is correct in affirming the right to peaceably assemble for redress of grievances enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

It is true, as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra pointed out, that government must “uphold and defend” this right.

“The right of the people to peacefully assemble for redress of grievances is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution...

Its lawful exercise, however, with respect to the time and place where it may be carried out, is subject to reasonable regulation by authorities in the interest of public order, health and safety.”

This after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), led by former Gen. Eduardo Año, signed an unnumbered advisory on July 23 directing local governments to refrain from issuing permits for demonstrations during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Following the DILG directive, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte withdrew the permit she had signed allowing a protest action by various groups along Commonwealth Avenue leading to the Batasang Pambansa.

But we agree with the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) that the Public Assembly Act, or Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, mandates law enforcers to allow the holding of peaceful public assemblies.

That law also states that “no public assembly with a permit shall be dispersed,” and even without a permit, “no person can be punished or held criminally liable for participating in or attending an otherwise peaceful assembly.”

The DILG and the Philippine National Police should be reminded that they would be infringing on fundamental constitutional rights if they insist on prohibiting peaceful protests.

Prohibiting peaceful protests is an infringement on fundamental constitutional rights.

Suspicious charter change initiative With the nation preoccupied with the public health crisis from COVID-19, any move to change the 1987 Constitution at this time can only be driven by ulterior motives.

The proposal of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) for Congress to push through with charter change, ostensibly to lift restrictions on foreign investments, is insensitive and out of turn.

The LMP proposal for charter change has been made in all likelihood upon the prodding of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). This department has been pushing for the shift to a federal system of government to replace the current unitary and presidential system.

As I see it, a federal system will not work if entrenched political families are still able to wield both political and economic power.

The 1987 Constitution expressly prohibits political dynasties, but left it to Congress to craft an enabling law.

We cannot expect Congress to pass an enabling law prohibiting political dynasties because it is packed with members of political families who want to hold on to political and economic power for as long as they can.

The LMP resolution to resume debate on charter change is motivated by self-interest as these local executives merely want to lift current term limits and to retain their power

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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EDITORIAL

Jackboots in Bulacan

W

HAT gave police in Pandi, Bulacan, the right to storm into local office of an urban poor rights group and confiscate thousands of copies of Pinoy Weekly, a decidedly leftist news magazine that is critical of the government?

Perhaps emboldened by the recently passed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, about eight officers from the Pandi police station went to the office of the urban poor rights group Kadamay and seized the copies of Pinoy Weekly, stacking them into the back of their vehicle and driving off.

The magazine’s editor, Kenneth Roland Guda, said they asked for a search warrant, but were told the Pandi police chief, Capt.

Jun Alejandro, that the magazines were “illegal” because they “teach people to fight the government.” Witnesses also heard the police chief warn Kadamay members to surrender the copies of the magazine “or something would happen.”

Guda said the police were "grossly ignorant of the law," as the copies were the property of the residents of the Pandi housing project and the members of Kadamay-Pandi.

"Seizing these copies without warrant or seizure order may constitute robbery. What PCpt Alejandrino and his men did was illegal... Either the police chief is ignorant of the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of the press and freedom of expression, or he chooses to trample upon it. Either way, he and his

SOMETHING peculiar seems to be going on with the Panay Electric Corporation (PECO), which supplies power to the citizens of Iloilo.

It may be recalled that rural electrical coops like PECO, together with other power distribution utilities, can operate only under a congressional franchise. Once granted, these franchisees are regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which ensures that these utilities comply with the law and their mandate to provide consumers with fairly priced, continuous, safe and reliable supply of electric power.

Unfortunately for PECO, its franchise wasn’t renewed prior to its expiry in January last year. Instead, Congress decided to grant the franchise to another company, More Electric and Power Corp (MORE Power).

PECO thereupon challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, citing, among others, its long history of distributing power in Iloilo City for nearly a century.

Its fate was similar to what happened to ABS-CBN, the crown jewel of the Lopez family, and here is where the irony begins.

The majority of PECO is owned by the Cacho family, one of the richest families in Iloilo where the Lopezes also hail from. But a substantial minority, 30 percent, is also owned by the Lopez family, in exchange for the Cachos acquiring shares of ABS-CBN. Longevity in business, as well as market dominance, have been cited by both families as a good policy reason for keeping their respective franchises. Whether this reasoning is proper is what the Supreme Court must now rule upon. *** The latest twist in the PECO tale involves a feisty Ilonggo lawyer, Atty Zafiro Lauron, who’s now looking into a tip from another columnist (not in this paper) that the Cacho family—as well as PECO itself-- put up three paper companies in the Bahamas, where the world’s rich stash their money in tax havens like the British Virgin Islands.

men are committing a crime," Guda said in a statement.

Kadamay also sent out a statement condemning the arrest of one of their leaders in Pandi, Rose Fortaleza, Saturday night.

What happened in Pandi is a direct assault on press freedom and must be condemned as such.

"The cops entered Fortaleza’s home, arrested her and confiscated the group’s fliers along with issues of the alternative news publication, Pinoy Weekly," the statement said. Kadamay said Fortaleza remains detained at the Pandi police station without any formal charges.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines denounced Sunday’s raid.

"It is totally ludicrous for the police to justify what, to our mind, constitutes armed robbery by claiming, falsely, that Pinoy Weekly is illegal and teaches people to fight the government... Pinoy Weekly is a perfectly legal and legitimate news organization, just as are all the outfits that belong to the alternative media," they said.

NUJP said the incident was a "very clear example" of what the country could face from the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, adding that its "vague provisions grants too much leeway for interpretation by agents of the state who mistakenly believe their mission

is to stifle criticism and dissent, not protect these as part of the people's basic rights."

The group called on the Philippine National Police to look into the matter and asked all policemen to review the law, especially the Bill of Rights.

Sunday’s raid is the first in recent history that agents of the law have confiscated copies of a publication that it deems is a threat to the government.

It is a direct assault on press freedom and must be condemned as such.

It would be wrong for those who do not share the leftist bent of Pinoy Weekly or Kadamay, to look the other way and to tell themselves that this was a legitimate action against rabble-rousers or a front for communist rebels.

Those who would do so should recall the poem based on the post-war confessional of an anti-communist German pastor, who stood silent as the Nazis rose to power and began to purge their chosen targets, group by group.

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Indifference and cowardice are not options in the face of creeping tyranny. We must condemn the police actions in Pandi—before we hear jackboots on the streets of Metro Manila.

‘PECO-liar’ FORMATION

GARY OLIVAR The three paper companies were named Costa Group Investments Ltd (registered in April 2000), Prime Rose Technology (September 2000), and Mega International Services (Oct 2000). All of them have post office box addresses in the British Virgin Islands.

May the truth be outed, wherever it may lead.

This information was discovered among a trove of documents unearthed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), an international body that—in another twist of irony—includes anti-Duterte muckrakers like Malou Mangahas, Ellen Tordesillas, and the now-famous Maria Ressa.

The documents were stored in a computer drive that reached the ICIJ headquarters in London in 2013. Dubbed the “Offshore Leaks Papers,” the drive provided details on over 122,000 offshore companies or trusts, nearly 12,000 intermediaries (agents or “introducers”), and some 130,000 records on the people and agents who run, own, benefit from, or hide behind these offshore companies.

Expectedly, the Cachos and PECO have vehemently denied these charges, with Lauron himself being threatened with disbarment by their lawyers for taking the charges public. But Lauron, a San Beda law school graduate, insists that because a Congres-

sional franchise is involved, “the case is imbued which public interest which I have to follow up as my civic duty.”

The presence of personalities like Maria Ressa in ICIJ ought to give us comfort that the truth will be outed wherever it may lead.

That is, after all, her claim to fame. *** I’m writing this piece too early to catch the President’s penultimate SONA yesterday. But let me just weigh in with a couple of attributes that I hope his speech will display: Be Sensitive. Amidst the pervasive sentiment of gloom and doom brought about by an intractable virus and the economic costs of keeping it at bay, the Ama ng Bayan’s duty first of all is to comfort and reassure the public. Assuaging the pain and the hurt, even if only for a while, is what an otherwise helpless public wants from him. This is something he can do from the heart, in his own gruff way.

Be Decisive. But that doesn’t mean going weak in the knees, especially with all the anti-Duterte groups trying to close ranks in their bid for 2022. Nobody questions his toughness, even in his sentimental moments. What they want is paternal strictness, especially with his cut-outs and subordinates, many of whom appear to be getting away with gross mistakes for which it’s the President who ultimately pays.

Be Aspirational. In the gathering dark clouds, it’s the Ama ng Bayan’s duty to point out the silver lining, the rainbow at the end which can be difficult to discern.

Restoring hope means looking beyond what can’t be done today, to what we can prepare today to accomplish tomorrow. Here I can’t resist yet another plug for constitutional reforms, which will fortify us against the inevitable resurgence of this virus or any other future threats.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

MORE OPINION ONLINE

and influence over and above the limits set by the 1987 Constitution.

Free mass testing The Manila city government headed by Mayor Francisco Domagoso, also known as Isko Moreno, deserves commendation for initiating free mass testing for the coronavirus.

This is a laudable project that should be emulated by other cities because it follows the World Health Organization's three-pronged formula for containing Covid-19, which is "test, trace, treat."

If Manila City Hall can conduct the tests for free, why can't other cities do the same?

While at this, we ask: why doesn't the Department of Health also conduct free mass testing? After all, they bear the main responsibility for addressing the public health crisis that has already seen the consistent rise of coronavirus cases to more than 80,000, and still rising with every passing day.

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Chinese take over US consulate in Chengdu C

HENGDU—Chinese authorities took over the United States consulate in Chengdu on Monday, the foreign ministry said, days after Beijing ordered it to close in retaliation for the shuttering of its mission in Houston.

Earlier in the morning state broadcaster CCTV showed footage of the American flag being lowered, after diplomatic tensions soared between the two powers with both alleging the other had endangered national security.

Beijing later confirmed the consulate had closed at 10am (0200 GMT).

“Afterwards, Chinese authorities entered through the front entrance and took it over,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Relations deteriorated in recent weeks in a Cold War-style standoff, with the Chengdu mission Friday ordered to shut in retaliation for the forced closure of Beijing’s consulate in Houston, Texas.

Both consulates closed 72 hours after the original order was made.

The road leading to the Chengdu mission was closed on Monday, with police and cordons blocking the way.

State media reported that staff members had left the compound at around 6 am Monday morning.

Over the weekend, removal trucks entered the site and cleaners were seen carting large black rubbish bags from the consulate, and on Saturday AFP reporters saw workers removing the US insignia from the front of the building.

A constant stream of onlookers in the city of 16.5 million flowed past the building over the weekend, many taking photos.

The US consulate in the city covered China’s southwest, including Tibet. Many Tibetans accuse the central government of religious repression and eroding their culture.

Beijing says closing the consulate was a “legitimate and necessary response to the unreasonable measures by the United States”, and has alleged that staff at the diplomatic mission endangered China’s security and interests. AFP

CONSULATE CLOSED. People stand on a road leading to the US Consulate in Chengdu, southwestern China’s Sichuan province on July 27. The American flag was lowered at the United States consulate in Chengdu, days after Beijing ordered it to close in retaliation for the shuttering of the Chinese consulate in Houston. AFP

Singaporean guilty of working for Chinese intel Trump’s card: CORRECTION—Singaporean pleads guilty in US to working for Chinese intelligence A Singaporean pleaded guilty Friday to using his political consultancy in the United States as a front to collect information for Chinese intelligence, the US Justice Department announced.

Jun Wei Yeo, also known as Dickson Yeo, entered his plea in federal court in Washington to one charge of operating illegally as a foreign agent.

In the plea, Yeo admitted to working between 2015 and 2019 for Chinese intelligence “to spot and assess Americans with access to valuable non-public information, including US military and govern-

ment employees with high-level security clearances.”

It said Yeo paid some of those individuals to write reports that were ostensibly for his clients in Asia, but sent instead to the Chinese government.

The guilty plea was announced days after the US ordered China to close its consulate in Houston, labelling it a hub of spying and operations to steal US technology and intellectual property.

The US has also arrested four Chinese academics in recent weeks, charging them with lying on visa applications about their ties to the People’s Liberation Army.

In a “statement of facts” submitted to the court and signed by Yeo, he admitted

China records surge in virus

ARMISTICE ANNIVERSARY. Korean War veterans

salute during a UN Forces Participation Day event marking the anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice agreement, in Seoul on July 27. North and South Korea marked 67 years since the armistice that brought hostilities to an end in the Korean War, in separate and contrasting ceremonies. AFP

Volunteer Rwandan confesses to French cathedral fire RENNES, France—A volunteer church assistant has confessed to setting the fire that severely damaged a Gothic cathedral in the western French city of Nantes, his lawyer said Sunday, though his motives remain a mystery.

The 39-year-old, an asylum-seeker from Rwanda who has lived in France for several years, was arrested Saturday after laboratory analysis determined that arson was the likely cause of the blaze, the local prosecutor’s office said.

“My client is cooperating,” lawyer Quentin Chabert said at a news conference in Nantes, without speculating what

he was fully aware he was working for Chinese intelligence, meeting agents dozens of times and being given special treatment when he traveled to China.

The plea announcement came five weeks after an indictment of Yeo was unsealed, cryptically accusing him of acting illegally as an agent of an unspecified foreign government.

He had been arrested after flying to the United States in November 2019.

Yeo was recruited by Chinese intelligence while a PhD student at the National University of Singapore.

He had researched and written about China’s “Belt and Road” initiative to expand its global commercial networks. AFP

prompted the attempt to burn down the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

“Obviously it was a relief for him to show, as he would say, his repentance. As a believer, it’s important for him to show this effort,” he said.

Nantes’s public prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP on Sunday that the volunteer had been notified in November 2019 of an order to leave the country, after officials refused to grant him residency.

But so far “he has not elaborated in detail on his motivations” for setting the blaze, Sennes said, adding that a psychiat-

ric evaluation has been ordered.

“What he did ... is dramatic for everyone,” said Father Hubert Champenoishe, the rector of the cathedral, on Sunday.

He said the volunteer, who had been “at the service of the cathedral” for four years, had “certainly been marked by the events which marked his country”.

“When someone cracks up, it is to everyone’s astonishment.”

Prosecutors opened an arson inquiry into the early morning fire on July 18 after finding that it broke out in three different places in the church, which the volunteer had locked up the night before. AFP

BEIJING—China recorded 61 new coronavirus cases on Monday—the highest daily figure since April—propelled by clusters in three separate regions that have sparked fears of a fresh wave.

The bulk of 57 new domestic cases were found in the far northwestern Xinjiang region, according to the National Health Commission, where a sudden outbreak in the regional capital of Urumqi occurred in mid-July.

Fourteen domestic cases were also recorded in the northeastern province of Liaoning where a fresh cluster broke out in the city of Dalian last week.

Two more local cases were found in the neighbouring province of Jilin near the North Korean border -- the first since late May. The last four infections confirmed on Monday were imported from overseas.

It is the highest daily tally of new virus cases since April 14, when 89 cases, mostly imported, were recorded.

Chinese authorities have rolled out mass testing for hundreds of thousands of people in the port city of Dalian.

A second wave of mass testing was also launched in Xinjiang’s Urumqi on Sunday to detect residents who had previously tested false negative, reported the state-run Global Times, following a mass testing effort earlier this month.

More than 2.3 million people in the city of 3.5 million have been tested so far, according to a local press conference Friday.

The outbreaks come as the Chinese Super League football tournament kicked off its much-delayed season on Saturday. AFP

Golden Age Hollywood star de Havilland dies at 104 LOS ANGELES―Olivia de Havilland, a two-time Oscar winner and one of the last links to Hollywood’s Golden Age, died Sunday at the age of 104.

The actress, who starred in blockbusters like “Gone With the Wind” and played opposite such dashing leading men as Errol Flynn, personified the glamour and elegance of a bygone age of moviemaking.

In a statement, her publicist Lisa Goldberg said de Havilland “died peacefully from natural causes” at

her home in Paris, France, where she had lived for years.

“She was a queen of Hollywood, and will go down in cinematic history as such,” Thierry Fremaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, told AFP. “There aren’t many who deserve to be called a ‘legend,’” tweeted Hollywood columnist Scott Feinberg, “but Olivia de Havilland... certainly was one.”

And a Twitter account run by

screen legend Humphrey Bogart’s son said, “We have lost a true Classic Hollywood icon.”

De Havilland, who built a reputation for being a bankable star for any genre, starred in 49 movies from 1935 to 2009.

She was also known for her colorful off-screen life, including a landmark legal battle against Warner Bros. and a secret and bitter feud with sister and fellow actress Joan Fontaine. AFP

Silent majority WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump mounted a strident defense Sunday of his wavering reelection bid with 100 days to go in a campaign that has seen him underwater in the polls -- and banking on the “silent majority” he vowed will bring him victory.

The 74-year-old Republican has struggled on numerous fronts, facing mounting criticism over his handling of the coronavirus outbreak and the resulting economic pain, and failing to land punches on his opponent, Joe Biden.

In the latest blow to his hopes of returning to the White House after November 3, polls released Sunday showed his support cratering in three critical battleground states.

“The Trump Campaign has more ENTHUSIASM, according to many, than any campaign in the history of our great Country—Even more than 2016,” Trump thundered on Twitter.

“Biden has NONE! The Silent Majority will speak on NOVEMBER THIRD!!!

Fake Suppression Polls & Fake News will not save the Radical Left.”

Trump’s 77-year-old Democratic rival Biden, who says he is fighting for “the soul of America,” implored voters to make Trump a one-term president.

“In 100 days, we have the chance to set our nation on a new path. One where we finally live up to our highest ideals and everyone has a fair shot at success,” he tweeted. AFP

IN BRIEF Solemn crossing for Lewis’ body SELMA, Alabama—In a deeply symbolic tribute, a lone caisson drawn by two black horses on Sunday slowly carried the body of John Lewis across the Alabama bridge where in 1965 a policeman fractured his skull during a protest that helped forge his reputation as a fearless civil rights leader.

The procession across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the city of Selma came on the second of six days of solemn commemorations for the revered rights activist and 17-term Georgia congressman, who died of cancer on July 17 at age 80.

It also came in a year when “Black Lives Matter” protests against police brutality have brought thousands onto US streets, underscoring the still-raw depths of the country’s racial history.

Haitian Protestants blast ‘immoral’ code PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—Several thousand members of Protestant churches demonstrated Sunday in Port-au-Prince against the country’s new criminal code, which they consider “immoral” because it penalizes discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“If a pastor doesn’t want to marry two men together or two women, he will be arrested and at risk for one to three years in prison,” Pastor Wismond Jeune said, incorrectly, during the protest in the Haitian capital.

He wore a mask printed with the march’s slogan: “No to immorality, long live the family.”

The new criminal code does not change the content of the Haitian civil code, which codifies marriage and only allows the union of a man and a woman. AFP

Business

B3

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Australian economy likely fell 7% in Q2 SYDNEY, Australia―Australia warned on Thursday that its economy will shrink at its fastest pace in history during the second quarter, while the budget deficit will be the biggest since the Second World War as the country battles to contain the impact of the coronavirus.

The government has stumped up tens of billions of dollars to fight the pandemic, which has ravaged global trade and forced the shutdown of much of the country earlier in the year, crippling the economy.

The reimposition of a six-week lockdown on five million people in Melbourne, the second-biggest city, has added to the struggles for a country already reeling from a prolonged drought and massive bushfires before the disease struck.

Officials said gross domestic product would contract seven percent in April-June, pushing the economy into recession for the first time in nearly three decades.

A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction and the economy shrank 0.3 percent in the previous three months.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg also said the budget deficit would blow out to Aus$185 (US$132) billion―almost a tenth of GDP―in the year to June 30, 2021, having hit Aus$86 billion in the previous 12 months.

“These harsh numbers reflect the harsh reality we face,” Frydenberg said. “The economic outlook remains very uncertain.”

Much of the forecast deficit comes from massive stimulus spending designed to keep the economy afloat and prevent a fullblown economic depression.

The government has rolled out around Aus$289 billion in economic stimulus to cushion the country from the virus fallout, Frydenberg said, including support for workers, businesses and retirees.

Unemployment―currently at a twodecade high of 7.4 percent―is expected to peak at 9.3 percent in December.

The Australian dollar dipped 0.3 percent Thursday, while shares on the S&P/ASX 200 were flat. AFP

PSEi July 27, 2020 TOP GAINERS

PROTECTED BEAUTY.

People enjoy the sea on a beach of the small island of Chrysi, south of Crete on July 26, 2020. Chrissi is protected as an “area of intense natural beauty.” The island has the largest naturally formed Juniperus macrocarpa forest in Europe. AFP

Stocks drop below 6,000; gold soars to record high T HE stock market plunged Monday, with the benchmark index falling below 6,000 points, but gold hit a record high as investors rushed into the safe-haven on concerns about China-US tensions, a spike in virus infections around the world and a lack of progress on a new stimulus bill in Washington.

The Philippines Stock Exchange Index sank 142.32 points, or 2.4 percent, to 5,860.94 on a value turnover of P3.9 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 123 to 72, with 48 issues unchanged.

Banks led losers with Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, slumping 6.5 percent to P65.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest bank, dropped 4.8 percent to P34.30, while Security Bank Corp., the sixth-biggest bank, declined 4.8 percent to P93.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. fell 4.3 percent to P710.

The rest of Asian stock markets were mixed as investors fret over the impact of the virus on the economy.

Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai and Wellington were all in the

red, while Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul and Jakarta were higher.

The tech-rich Taipei market ended at a record high thanks to a 10 percent surge in heavyweight Taiwan Semiconductor Manufactuirng Company, which has been riding a rally in the sector thanks to people working from home during the virus.

After months of healthy rallies across equity markets―fueled by trillions of dollars in government and central bank support―traders are beginning to step back as they weigh the long-term economic impact of the coronavirus.

With vast monetary easing measures put in place by the Federal Reserve pushing the dollar lower against most other currencies, gold is flying, hitting an all-time high of $1,944.71, well above its previous record of $1,921.18

US doubles investment on potential virus vaccine to $1b WASHINGTON―The United States has doubled its investment―to nearly $1 billion―to expedite development of a potential COVID-19 vaccine by American firm Moderna, which on Monday begins the decisive final phase of clinical trials.

The government now plans to spend up to $472 million on top of the previously announced $483 million, the Moderna biotechnology company announced Sunday.

Moderna said the added investment was justified by its decision, in conjunction with the government, to “significantly” expand a Phase Three clinical trial of a candidate vaccine to include 30,000 participants.

In a small, initial trial, Moderna’s experimental vaccine produced coronavirus antibodies―which should help fend off the disease―in the bodies of all 45 participants.

In the expanded trial starting Monday, half the 30,000 participants will receive a 100-microgram dose of the vaccine, while the rest will be given a placebo.

The United States has suffered more than 146,000 coronavirus deaths, leading the world in that grim category, even as the number of new cases has continued to surge.

It has announced massive investments in a huge effort to expedite vaccine development and get millions of Americans vaccinated by early next year.

On Wednesday, the American-German BioNTech/Pfizer pharmaceutical alliance announced that the US government had committed $1.95 billion to procure 100 million doses of its eventual vaccine.

With laboratories around the world in a furious race to develop a first effective vaccine, Moderna seems to hold the lead as it enters a final round of clinical trials―a decisive step in determining whether a vaccine is both effective and safe. AFP

seen in 2011. It later pulled back slightly.

Eyes are on the Fed’s next policy meeting this week, with some predicting further measures to boost the economy―possibly negative interest rates― that could put more pressure on the dollar and send bullion above $2,000.

There are also concerns that a worsethan-forecast reading on second-quarter US gross domestic product could spark another dollar sell-off.

While the weak dollar has been a key catalyst for the metal’s advance, gold has also been boosted by its attractiveness as a haven in times of turmoil with China-US relations souring by the day.

“Strong gains are inevitable as we enter a period much like the post-global financial crisis environment, where gold prices soared to record levels as a result of copious amounts of Fed money being pumped into the financial system,” said Gavin Wendt, senior resource analyst at MineLife.

The greenback was down against most other currencies, with the euro at its highest since September 2018, while higher-yielding units such as the South Korean won and Indonesian rupiah were also up. AFP

Workers of a production complex of a snail farm sort snails for shipment abroad in Poltava on July 7, 2020.

Ex-Soviet Ukraine’s fledgling snail industry now boasts some 400 farms which have found eager buyers in European countries like Italy and Spain.

But sweeping coronavirus restrictions that plunged the global food service industry into an unprecedented crisis have threatened to wipe out the fledgling farms in one of Europe’s poorest countries. AFP

Ukraine’s snail farmers fear collapse over Europe lockdowns

By Olga Shylenko VOYNIVKA, Ukraine―When the first snail farm in Ukraine opened five years ago, local villagers couldn’t hide their curiosity.

Residents of Voynivka south of the capital Kiev would peek over the fence of the old dairy farm where manager Yulia Koretska kept the snails to ask if people really ate them.

“They called me the snail mother,” she laughed, surrounded by wooden boxes of snails in a green field under the blazing summer sun.

Ex-Soviet Ukraine’s budding snail industry now boasts some 400 farms which have found eager buyers in European countries like Italy and Spain.

But sweeping coronavirus restrictions that plunged the global food service industry into an unprecedented crisis have threatened to wipe out the fledgling farms in one of Europe’s poorest countries.

Most snail farmers in Ukraine― where the delicacy has yet to catch on― rely heavily on sales to restaurants in Europe where economies are still struggling to recover to pre-pandemic levels after months-long lockdowns.

“Last year everything was great. This year is the exact opposite,” says Sergiy Danileyko who owns the Ravlik-2016 farm in Voynivka and runs a warehouse in Spain.

Lost orders from European Union countries have already cost Danileyko 55,000 euros ($63,748), he said, while snails meant for delivery are perishing in refrigerators.

Pre-virus boom Yuliya Nastasivna, director of Ravlykova Khata farm in the Zhytomyr region west of Kiev, has also struggled to shift stock.

She concedes that domestic sales will probably not make up for losses from Europe, since snails are too expensive for most Ukrainians and are still a culinary curiosity.

“If there is no export, then I’m afraid all farmers will collapse,” she says.

Nastasivna worries the outlook will be especially bleak if France and Spain go into lockdown again later in the year if there is a surge in infections.

“We must survive,” Koretska told AFP at the Voynivka farm. “We can’t give up all this.”

Before the pandemic, Ukraine’s snail

industry was booming.

Producers last year delivered nearly 250 tons to Europe―up from just 93 in 2018―according to data from Ukraine’s consumer watchdog.

A national association of producers said it expected farmers to yield 1,000 tons this year compared to 200-300 tons in 2019.

Ukraine’s snails are in such high demand because they are cheap and of good quality, says Nastasivna.

The exports include garden sails― which Nastasivna prefers and wild snails that she says “smell of soil” “Many foreigners don’t even believe there are snail farms Ukraine. When they find out, they want to know more and more.”

‘Escargot, puffs, burgers’ The country’s main competitor, Poland, has the added advantage of being part of the EU, she said, and Ukrainian farmers are working to woo European clients by undercutting prices by around 10 percent.

The strategy saw her secure sales in France for the first time this year and before the pandemic she was in talks with buyers in Italy. AFP

TOP LOSERS

MOST ACTIVE

Trump advisor forecasts 20% GDP growth in Q3 and Q4 WASHINGTON―The US economy will grow on the order of 20 percent in the third and fourth quarters, a top White House economic adviser predicted Sunday, despite reopening setbacks linked to a coronavirus resurgence.

“I don’t deny that some of these hotspot states moderate that recovery, but on the whole the picture is very positive,” Larry Kudlow said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“And I still think the V-shaped recovery is in place, and I still think there’s going to be a 20-percent growth rate in the third and fourth quarters,” he said.

The administration on Thursday is due to make public its first estimate of GDP in the second quarter, a period that saw the economy shut down in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The International Monetary Fund has estimated that during the April through June period, US GDP contracted 37 percent compared to the same period last year.

Kudlow acknowledged that the pace of the recovery was subject to debate, but he pointed to economic indicators that he said signaled a takeoff, citing in particular a jump in retail sales in May and June as well as a strong rebound in the automotive sector.

The Federal Reserve has been more cautious about the prospects of a comeback in the second half of the year.

For 2020, it expects the GDP to contract 6.5 percent.

Economic relief The United States entered into recession in February 2020. To soften the shock of the health crisis, the Congress at the end of March approved a massive $2.2-trillion relief package called the Cares Act. It included direct checks to Americans and $349 billion in funds to support small and medium-sized businesses.

A second relief package totaling nearly $500 million was completed in April.

Unemployment benefits were increased by $600 a week as part of the effort to protect individuals during the crisis. But that measure expires on Friday. AFP

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

B4

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

IN BRIEF UnionBank booked P4.5-b income in H1

UNION Bank of the Philippines, the eighthlargest lender in terms of assets, said Monday net income fell 6 percent in the first half to P4.5 billion from a year ago amid the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UnionBank said in a statement provisions for loan losses amounted to P7 billion in the six-month period.

“The bank deemed it prudent to add reserves ahead of the potential impact of the COVID-19 crisis on its credit portfolio,” it said.

The first semester net profit translated into a return on equity of 9.2 percent, lower than the 11.1 percent last year.

As of June 30, 2020, total assets stood at P751.5 billion, up 7 percent compared to last year, while total deposits increased by 19 percent on year to P510.4 billion. Revenues increased 55 percent to P22.1 billion, driven by the sustained increase in net interest income and higher trading gains.

Julito G. Rada

Pryce’s earnings decrease to P759m

LISTED Pryce Corp. said net income declined 15.2 percent in the first half to P759.25 million from P895.57 million in the same period last year on inventory losses during the second quarter.

“The big drop in global crude and LPG prices, which started in the middle of March, was reflected in our April and May operations thereby resulting in appreciable inventory losses,” Pryce said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

“This is the main reason why the secondquarter financial results were weaker than the first quarter’s,” it said.

Revenues increased 10.9 percent in the first half to P5.90 billion from last year’s P5.32 billion. Sales of liquefied petroleum gas and LPG-related products accounted for 95.10 percent of the group’s revenues, while sales of industrial gases, real estate and pharmaceutical products accounted for the balance.

LPG sales volume increased by 15.63 percent in the first half to 118,290 metric tons from 10,300 MT in the same period last year. Alena Mae S. Flores

Contractors advised to outsource services

THE Department of Trade and Industry asked contractors and developers to indulge in overseas projects and engineering service outsourcing to help drive growth in the Philippine construction industry.

“Construction services sector is one of the major revenue-generating sectors of the country whether local or foreign. Despite a major decrease in the number of Philippine construction services exporters from over a hundred in the 1980s to 37 at present, the overseas construction industry contributed $116 million to the economy,” said Trade Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman.

“Construction is set to rebound after the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Norman Macapagal, executive vice president of EEI Corp. and president of EEI Limited Inc. during the webinar “Seizing Construction Opportunities Under the New Normal”.

Macapagal said business owners should prepare by accelerating their business transformation and exploring opportunities to work on foreign projects. “In our company, we have been talking about changing our procedures, because they are too long, with too many signatures involved. When the pandemic came in, and we were on lockdown, the procedures that we were discussing for over a year were suddenly simplified. We were forced to look at new construction techniques and methods because of the need to survive,” said Macapagal. Othel V. Campos

Business

Meralco’s electricity sales decreased 7% in first half P

By Alena Mae S. Flores

ower retailer Manila Electric Co. said Monday consolidated core net income dropped 14 percent in the first half to P10.6 billion from P12.3 billion a year ago, pulled down by a 7-percent decline in energy sales amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“While our first-half results provide some encouragement, uncertainty remains as the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact the nation. We are moving with caution but remain positive that a recovery is in the offing. While it is difficult to give a firm indication of 2020 performance, based on our outlook for the rest of the year, we expect our full year 2020 CCNI to be in the area of P21 billion,” Meralco chairman

Manuel Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan said Meralco posted a consolidated core net income of P23.8 billion in 2019 and that “we will be down by about 10 percent, no more than 12 percent for the year vs. 2019.”

“Compared to other corporates, we’re not as badly hit as other corporates,” he said.

Meralco’s consolidated reported net income also fell 43 percent in the first

half to P6.8 billion from P12 billion a year earier with the recognition of the company’s share in the impairment of an equity investment of P2.7 billion in the first quarter.

The company’s energy sales slowed down 7 percent in the six-month period to 21,139 gigawatt-hours from the same period in 2019, with only residential sales growing by 14 percent.

Commercial and industrial sales went down by 17 percent. Meralco said commercial volumes were expected to recover as more businesses were allowed to operate and restrictions of mobility were eased.

Industrial sales volumes are also expected to gradually rise, specifically among export-oriented companies, mainly semiconductor and electrical machinery.

Monday, July 27, 2020

142.32 points

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES

3,100,729,107 81,088

TOTAL VALUE 3,937,107,835.31 ADVANCES 72

5,860.94

DECLINES 123 UNCHANGED 48

F oreign E xchange R ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

49.3500

Japan

Yen

0.009430

0.4654

UK

Pound

1.279600

63.1483

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129006

6.3664

Switzerland

Franc

1.085423

53.5656

Canada

Dollar

0.745212

36.7762

Singapore

Dollar

0.723118

35.6859

Australia

Dollar

0.709600

35.0188

Bahrain

Dinar

2.655267

131.037

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266631

13.1582

Brunei

Dollar

0.720513

35.5573

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0034

Thailand

Baht

0.031566

1.5578

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.4366

Euro

Euro

1.164600

57.4730

Korea

Won

0.000832

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.142511

7.0329

India

Rupee

0.013376

0.6601

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.234742

11.5845

New Zealand

Dollar

0.663500

32.7437

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033955

1.6757 Source: BSP

BDO’s income down 78.6% on huge bad debt provisions

By Julito G. Rada

APEC VIRTUAL MEETING.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez participates in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Virtual Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting on COVID-19 on July 25, 2020. This is the first time in APEC history that a ministerial level meeting was held virtually with all 21 APEC member economies present from eight time zones.

SEC cancels accreditation of KLSA as external auditor

By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission said Monday it barred KL Siy & Associates from securing accreditation as external auditor for gross negligence over a scheme that resulted in the collapse of the 50-year-old brokerage R&L Investments Inc. SEC’s Office of the General Accountant, in an order issued on July 21, effectively disqualified KLSA, along with managing partner Kathleen Mary Siy and partner Arturo Sabino, from acting as external auditor of entities regulated by the SEC. It said Siy’s accreditation was deemed cancelled, which would have remained effective until Sept. 6, with the expiration of

KLSA’s conditional accreditation.

R&L was reportedly forced to stop operating in November 2019 after stocks worth more than P700 million were allegedly stolen by a rogue employee.

The SEC accredited KLSA under Group A, allowing the firm to serve as external auditor of issuers of registered securities, public companies, clearing agencies, exchanges and other self-regulatory organizations, among others.

Siy, the signing partner for the audited financial statements of R&L Investments, secured a Group B accreditation that allowed her to audit entities such as investment houses, brokers and dealers of securities, government securities eligible dealers and investment company advisers.

Aside from the disqualification, SEC

also ordered KLSA to pay P314,570.65 as penalty for material disclosure deficiencies and misstatements and for violation of independence rules.

The OGA issued the order after finding that KLSA failed to comply with the auditing standards and other rules adopted by the SEC under the Securities Regulation Code Rule 68, resulting in gross negligence in the audit of R&L Investments’ financial statements for the year 2018.

“The failure to flag the misappropriation of securities through the conduct of appropriate audit procedures contributed to the continuation of the illegal acts which resulted to the massive loss of securities in the total amount of P606,641,351 as of December 31, 2018 belonging to numerous number of investors,” the OGA said.

BIR requires POGOs to pay 5% franchise tax before reopening THE Bureau of Internal Revenue on Monday said Philippine offshore gaming operators should pay the 5-percent franchise tax before they can resume operations, as clearly stated in a memorandum circular issued by the agency in 2017.

BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said the imposition of the 5-percent franchise tax on POGO licensees was “not a new imposition nor is it being imposed retroactively.”

“From the beginning, our bureau has maintained the position that the said tax applies to all POGO licensees and operators and there was no change of rules midstream,” Dulay said in his comment to the memorandum sent by the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp. to the Office of the President regarding the franchise tax imposed on POGOs. A copy of the BIR’s comment was furnished to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. PAGCOR said in its memo to the OP that the 5-percent franchise tax was not previously imposed by the BIR, citing as basis an opinion issued by the Office of the Solicitor General on Dec. 19, 2018.

Dulay, however, cited Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 102-2017 dated Dec. 27 2017 on the “Taxation of Taxpayers Engaged in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations” as the BIR’s basis for imposing the franchise tax.

RMC 102-2017 states that “the entire gross gaming receipts/earnings or the agreed or pre-determined minimum monthly revenues/income from gaming operations under existing rules, whichev-

PSE INDEX CLOSING

er is higher, shall be subject to a franchise tax of five percent in lieu of all kinds of taxes, levies, fees or assessments of any kind, nature or description”.

Dulay said that on April 26, he sent a letter to the OSG reiterating the BIR’s stand and basis for the applicability of the 5 percent franchise tax to offshore-based licenses and operators.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Dominguez and PAGCOR chairperson Andrea Domingo.

The BIR chief SAID the legal opinion issued by the OSG on the issue “is not binding” because under “Section 4 of the NIRC [National Internal Revenue Code] as amended, the power to interpret provisions of the Tax Code and other tax laws shall be under the exclusive and original jurisdiction of the BIR commissioner subject to review by the Secretary of Finance.”

Dulay also corrected the erroneous claim that POGO operators were being assessed and paying their corporate income taxes and value added tax.

He said POGO licensees or operators were not being assessed nor paying income tax and other taxes because the BIR’s RMC 102-2017 clearly states that in lieu of such taxes, they are only subject to the franchise tax.

“Only POGO service providers are subject to the regular taxes, such as income and VAT. However, both POGO operators and service providers whose employees earn compensation income need to withhold and remit the taxes due FROM them,” Dulay said.

CDC APPRECIATION. The Angeles City Council recognizes the invaluable contributions and service of three former vice presidents of Clark Development Corp. in the development of Clark Freeport Zone and Metro Clark communities including Angeles City. Former CDC vice presidents Evangeline Tejada (third row, fourth from left), Alveen Tabag (fifth from left) and representative of Perlita Sagmit receive a plaque of appreciation from Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. and Vice Mayor Vicky VegaCabigting.

BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender in terms of assets controlled by the Sy family, said Monday net income dropped 78.6 percent in the first half to P4.3 billion from P20.1 billion a year ago, as the bank allotted P22.4 billion in provisions for potential delinquencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BDO said in a statement the provisions were anticipatory in nature and meant to safeguard the balance sheet. The bank said it remained optimistic of its growth outlook in the months to come.

“By recognizing the provisions upfront, the bank can now focus on growing its business as restrictions under ECQ/GCQ are gradually relaxed. Core businesses held up well amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with pre-provision operating income up 17 percent,” the bank said.

Net interest income went up by 17 percent. Customer loans rose 11 percent to P2.3 trillion, while total deposits went up by 9 percent to P2.6 trillion, driven by the 19-percent expansion in current account/savings account or CASA deposits which now represent 77 percent of total deposits.

BDO said that as of end-June 2020, branch operations fully restored from only 45 percent at the start of the enhanced community quarantine in mid-March 2020.

Non-interest income settled at P24.8 billion, led by fee-based income with P13.4 billion and insurance premiums with P7 billion.

Operating expenses dropped 1 percent to P56 billion on lower volume-related expenses, and despite the additional costs and operational adjustments to adapt to the “new normal” to ensure the security, health and safety of BDO employees and clients.

Gross non-performing loan ratio increased to 1.95 percent while NPL cover settled at 139.4 percent.

Total capital base reached P367.5 billion, with capital adequacy ratio and common equity Tier 1 ratio at 13.8 percent and 12.7 percent, respectively, despite the upfront provisions.

“These ratios are well above regulatory minimum and deemed sufficient to support the bank’s anticipated asset growth as well as regular quarterly dividends,” it said.

“Going forward, BDO believes that its solid balance sheet, sustained business growth and dedicated team effort will allow the bank to weather the COVID-19 crisis and sustain its long-term performance post-pandemic,” it said.

BDO is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services.

These services include traditional loan and deposit products, as well as treasury, trust and investments, investment banking, private banking, rural banking, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, insurance, retail cash cards, credit card services and stock brokerage services.

International sales boosted Emperador’s Q2 profit by 24% to P1.9b LIQOUR producer Emperador Inc. said Monday net income attributable to owners of the parent company surged 24 percent in the second quarter to P1.9 billion from a year ago, boosted by the robust growth in international sales.

Emperador said in a disclosure to the stock exchange second-quarter revenues also increased 4 percent to P11 billion from the same period last year despite the major impact of coronavirus pandemic on the spirits industry, particularly the liquor bans implemented across the Philippines.

“Indeed, this is a very positive development during a complex year where external factors put huge pressure on some aspects of our business and open opportu-

nity for others. On one side, consumption of spirits has been restricted in countries with liquor bans, with closure of on-trade channels [such as bars, restaurants, hotels] and a slump in global air travel,” Emperador president Winston Co said.

“On another, business has been resilient in countries without liquor restrictions as consumers sought out our brands in the off-premise and e-commerce channels.

By taking advantage of the buoyant grocery and convenience markets, our international business has delivered betterthan-expected performance,” Co said.

Emperador’s first half core net income increased by 2 percent to P3.3 billion as revenues reached P21.5 billion.

Co said that aside from strong interna-

tional sales, the cost management measures implemented by the company helped boost its second-quarter bottom-line.

“The company is mitigating risks and capturing opportunities. We are continuing to grow internationally while fighting to widen our leadership in the Philippines.

Although, we are in good shape, we need to keep pushing as we continue to face unprecedented and very challenging times.

Emperador remains strong and resilient, and our global footprint will allow us to emerge stronger and better from this experience,” Co said.

Emperador owns Emperador Distillers, Inc., Scotch whisky maker Whyte and Mackay Group and Bodegas Fundador in Spain. Jenniffer B. Austria

Sports

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

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

C1

Janine Lara-Dy

PH taekwondo community mourns death of 3rd member FUNDS are now being raised for the family of former taekwondo champion Janine Lara-Dy, who passed away due to kidney and heart failure.

Her former coach, ASEAN Taekwondo Federation president Monsour del Rosario is leading the way after learning of what happened to Lara-Dy on Sunday evening at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa.

“Janine’s family signed a promissory note to the hospital to be able to release her remains. Any donations would be greatly appreciated,” said Del Rosario.

Last week, the taekwondo community had their second casualty in Merlita Tasic, an instructor, 45, who expired at the same hospital, but due to COVID-19.

The Philippine Taekwondo Association is also mourning the death of one of their pioneers in Elmer Pato.

Pato, an architect by profession, passed away last July 16 due to the coronavirus. He was 66.

Lara-Dy had memorable finishes when she was still a member of the national team, having earned a bronze medal in the 43-kg division in the 1993 Southeast Asian Games.

She is survived by her husband Robin and their three children.

She also had an unforgettable stint in the 1993 world championships in New York when Lara-Dy reached the finals and finished runner-up to Rahmi Kurnia of Indonesia.

Turn to C2

PBA players like JuneMar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo of San Miguel Beer and Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra may start their conditioning regimen on Monday.

Romasanta: Timing’s not right to amend POC laws

By Peter Atencio

T

HE timing to effect changes in the Philippine Olympic Committee’s constitution and bylaws is not right.

If any revisions are to take effect, it should be next year.

POC first vice president Joey Romasanta said this after last week’s executive board meeting ended in a stalemate.

Speaking during an online press conference via Zoom on Monday, Romasanta said the plan to set an age limit of 70 for POC positions can still be possible.

But this has to happen at the right moment.

“I was an against an age cap. But not really because I was against it. Puwede naman iyan. But the problem is mali ang timing,” said Romasanta.

Romasanta believes that this amendment should not take effect when an election is supposed to happen in the coming months.

“Mag-eeleksiyon tapos Many of those who atmagdi-disqualify ng puwetended the online condeng maging kandidato,” ference said they were observed Romasanta. wrongly branded as memHe believes that any bers of the “Group of 7.” amendments at this time, They said it was a mislawhen an election takes place belling of the officials of the

by November, should be covmeeting since not everyone ered by transitory provisions. in the “Group of 7” were not “It should be effective in in agreement in many prothe next election and not visions that were tackled. now,” he went on.

Aranas said that poliFor the meantime, talks tics should not be the reaon changes in the Philipson for rejecting a senior Joey Romasanta pine Olympic Committee’s board member’s bid to constitution and bylaws continue. seek post in the POC. And before any amendments can be “Ayoko ng age cap kasi, this should be taken up in the General Assembly, all the about mental capacity, competence and inproposals that were rejected will have to be tegrity, and not politics,” explained Aranas. brought before the International Olympic The president of World Archery PhilipCommittee, according to board member pines again cited their national sports asRobert Mananquil. sociation as an example.

POC board member Clint Aranas of arHe said that they have a senior citizen on chery and auditor Jonee Go of canoe-kayak the board like Jun Sevilla, whom they put in were around with wushu’s Julian Cama- their board out of respect and his capabilities. cho, Charlie Ho and Robert Bachmann of It is his belief that senior citizens should squash during the online discussion. not be discriminated upon in the POC family.

Fil-Kiwi stud Mark Abelardo eyes sensational performance vs Andrade MARK “Tyson” Fairtex Abelardo vows to leave no stones unturned when he returns to the ONE Championship stage this friday.

The Filipino-Kiwi sensation takes on the debuting Fabrício “Wonder Boy” Andrade at ONE: NO SURRENDER on 31 July in Bangkok, Thailand in a 67-kilogram catchweight.

“It’s amazing, it’s good to be back, especially with competing,” Abelardo said.

“When ONE said they were going to come back and they announced the show, it was perfect. I wanted to get on it and I was like, let’s do it.”

Abelardo knows that this match is pretty crucial for him, especially since his last outing did not turn out the way he wanted to.

The 28-year-old lost to “Pretty Boy” Troy Worthen last February at ONE: KING OF THE JUNGLE where he got dominated from bell to bell owing to the American’s top notch wrestling.

While losing to Worthen halted his momentum, Abelardo understands that such setbacks are part of the sport he is in, and the only thing he can do now is learn from it and bounce back.

“It’s just like a small

William Ramirez

bump in the journey,” he stated.

“You know you can’t win them all, you just got to get better, prove yourself and put on a better performance in the next fight and that’s what I plan to do.”

Now he plans to take a page out of Worthen’s book and do what the American did to him in that match.

Given that Worthen’s wrestling and high motor gave him problems all night long, Abelardo has worked tirelessly since that loss to improve on those things.

Then he plans to vent his ire on the Brazilian hard-hitter.

“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 shared.

“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 drawing closer and closer, Abelardo sent a fair warning to his opponent - urging him to be Mark Abelardo ready come event night as he plans to bring the action during training camp because when the fight comes I am the moment the Circle door closes.

“I wish him all the best and for him to keep safe gonna bring it so I hope [he’s] ready.”

PBA starts practice sessions on Monday

By Jessica Luna PHILIPPINE Basketball Association teams can soon start their training after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases officially approved on Monday the joi nt ad mi nist rative order (JAO) g uideli nes submitted by the Philippi ne Sports Commission, the Games and Amusements Board and the Department of Health.

But PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said they will begin the resumption of physical activities starting Monday after the swab testing of all the players, staff and coaches. He said they all need first to fill up the medical forms before the Makati Medical Center encodes it.

But training will be limited only to conditioning and without plays, contact or scrimmages.

“I am very thankful to the government for allowing us [to practice],” said Marcial.

The JAO guidelines and protocols for professional and non-professional sports were formulated to avoid the spread of the deadly pulmonary disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The IATF last July 3 gave professional sports the green light to practice, but the PBA and other sports bodies decided to wait for the formally signed JAO guidelines before commencing the training and conditioning.

Aside from professional basketball and football, boxing, mixed martial arts, muay thai, among others, can also resume their training sessions provided that the provisions of the JAO are met.

The JAO contains a penalty clause, fines and legal action that will be imposed against violators of its provisions.

Guidelines issued on conduct of sports, physical activities A JOINT Administrative Order between the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusement Board and the Department of Health was released Monday providing a guideline on the conduct of physical and sports activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez expressed relief that the JAO has been finalized after over a month of collaboration with both agencies.

“We all recognize the importance sport plays in building one’s strong immune system, what we just wanted to ensure was that they keep safe and away from the virus while they are doing it,” explained the sports chief.

Ramirez, signed the joint issuance along with GAB Chairman Abraham

Mitra and DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III. It covers non-professional sports under the jurisdiction of the PSC, professional sports under the GAB, professional and non-professional persons in sports like athletes, coaches, trainors, promoters and other parties involved in the conduct of sports like venue management, local government units, schools and workplaces.

Conditions and requirements for the conduct of sports are given for f ive risk severit y rat i ngs we now obser ve f rom high r isk (en ha n c e d c om mu n it y q u a r a nt i ne or E CQ ) t o areas considered low risk or those classified under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

PSC National Training Director Marc

Velasco, the agency’s technical working group lead to this tripartite partnership said that while all parties worked towards getting the guidelines f inetuned, they expect to update these guidelines as developments happen in this volatile health crisis in our hands.

“It is a work in progress, but we are happy that we finally have an official issuance which recognizes the i mpor t ance of spor t i n this pandem ic. This will help hasten our moving forward.”

Presently, the PSC is mid-way its online consultations with the different national sports associations (NSAs) to help them craft a guideline this time for the return of training of the national team, specifically those who are gunning for, or have qualified for the Olympics.

Sports

C2

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Ronaldo lifts Juventus to 9th straight Serie A title Mike Cojuangco

PSA holds 2-part session of Forum IT’S going to be a special two-part session of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (July 28) as newly-elected International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Southeast Asian Games gold medal winner Jamie Lim join the webcast edition of the weekly program.

Cojuangco-Jaworski, who is also the IOC representative to the Philippines, will talk about the impact to Philippine sports of her recent selection as board member of the Olympic body.

Lim, daughter of basketball great Avelino ‘Samboy’ Lim, is going to be joined by Lester Castillo, Assistant Vice President, Nestle PhilippinesMILO, and Richard Lim of the Association for the Advancement of Karatedo to discuss about the MILO Home Court, an online sports program for the young ones.

The special session presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and powered by Smart with Upstream Media as webcast partner, starts at 10 a.m.

The Forum will be shown live via the PSA Facebook page f b.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and likewise to be shared on Radyo Pilipinas 2 facebook page.

Michael Thompson of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota. AFP

Thompson snaps 7-year US PGA win drought at 3M Open W ASHINGTON—American Michael Thompson snapped a seven-year US PGA title drought on Sunday, making birdies on two of the last three holes to win the 3M Open by two strokes.

Thompson, the 2012 US Open runner-up, rolled an impressive bunker shot within three feet of the cup at the par-4 16th and holed a 15-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th to secure his first tour triumph since the 2013 Honda Classic.

“I don’t know what to say. This is so exciting,” Thompson said, his voice cracking with emotion as he fought back tears.

“I played such good golf today. I stayed within myself. I played within myself. This means so much to me.”

Thompson fired a four-under par 67 in the final round to finish on 19-under 265 to defeat compatriot Adam Long by two shots after 72 holes at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota.

World number 218 Thompson, who said his family could not be with him

to celebrate due to the coronavirus pandemic, last won 166 starts ago.

His breakthrough booked the 35-yearold into next week’s WGC Memphis event, next month’s PGA Championship, the US Open in September and the Masters in November.

“It has been a long time,” Thompson said. “To know I have security for two more years, to get in all those tournaments, it’s just so exciting.”

Level with Long at the tee on the reachable par-4 16th, Thompson smacked his tee shot into a greenside bunker, then blasted out of the sand to inside three feet and made his birdie putt to seize the lead alone.

After missing a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th, Thompson dropped his third shot just inside 15 feet and sank the putt for the victory.

Long, who made the cut on the number, went 63-64 on the weekend, with his career-best 16 birdies in the last two rounds giving him a share of the lead with Thompson in the clubhouse.

“Ball-striking was a lot cleaner,” Long said of his weekend. “I had more birdie opportunities. I just tried to keep the pedal down and make as many birdies as I could.

“The way scoring is around here, I knew I would have to keep making birdies.”

Long, ranked 110th, won his only PGA title in January 2019 at the Desert Classic as a rookie. He shared second last November at the Mayakoba Classic.

A third-place pack on 268 included 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa, Sweden’s Alex Noren, Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and Americans Robby Shelton, Charles Howell, Max Homa, Cameron Tringale, Tony Finau and Richy Werenski. AFP

Jamie Lim

Cignal, Smart to broadcast NBA games

PH taekwondo...

From C1

“Janine has been into taekwondo since she was 7. And I was her coach back then,” said Del Rosario, who is also seeking assistance from the Philippine taekwondo community on her family’s plight.

Del Rosario and his friends from the Taekwondo Blackbelt Brotherhood plan to raise around P1 million.

“If TKD can put together some funds and donate it as a whole, that would be a very helpful. For donations, the choices are to coordinate with the son Nico or deposit to Asian Hospital,” added del Rosario.

So far, three members of the Philippine taekwondo community have fallen victims to COVID-19.

The PTA has hailed Pato as a major contributor in the growth of the sport and the organization.

“His astute ability in management provided the essential element in propagating taekwondo in the different regions of the country,” a statement on Facebook said.

The community is also doing fundraising activities for Pato family as Elmer’s wife, Maria Janela, and son Francisco, are reportedly in the intensive care unit after also testing positive of the deadly virus.

A former member of the national team, Pato claimed the bronze medal in the 1976 Asian Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

He was also an instructor and coach, before he became the PTA Chairman for Regional Affairs, as well as Secretary General and then Vice President of the Philippine Taekwondo Foundation. Peter Atencio

GOOD news to Filipino NBA fans.

The National Basketball Association today announced a multiyear partnership with leading media network Cignal TV, Inc. and a multiyear partnership expansion with digital services provider Smart Communications Inc. to deliver NBA games and programming to fans in the Philippines through free-to-air, satellite television and over-the- top streaming.

Beginning Friday, July 31 with the 2019-20 NBA season restart, national free-to-air channels TV5 and ONE Sports will broadcast live NBA games for the first time, including four games every week. TV5 and ONE Sports will air select “seeding games” and playoff games through the first and second rounds, while the Conference Finals will be televised in its entirety between the two channels. The 2020 NBA Finals will be broadcast exclusively on TV5.

Through this partnership, pay TV provider Cignal will also launch NBA TV Philippines, a localized version of NBA TV—the league’s dedicated 24/7 channel—which will feature live games and original programming in high definition. As an expansion of its existing partnership with the NBA to distribute NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, leading digital services provider Smart will livestream NBA

TV Philippines through its new over-the-top service, which will be available exclusively to the network’s paid subscribers.

“The NBA restart is set against a uniquely challenging moment in time for our fans in the Philippines, who are among the most passionate and dedicated NBA supporters in the world,” said NBA Asia Managing Director Scott Levy. “We are excited to partner with Cignal and

FREE THROW SHOOTER NATHANIEL DELA CRUZ

is sensible because for one, he is the best player in the team in terms of passing. We see him orchestrating plays most of the time; a half-court point center if you will.

FROM stretch five to point center— He is a good dribbler and a good shooter, indeed, the evolution of basketball too. Most importantly, he displays a high players and their roles continue, shaping basketball IQ, has a good court vision, and reshaping the strategic design of and a willing passer.

We have this belief that if you are very offense and defense.

The next chapter is transitioning from tall you are not supposed to be at point, a mere half-court playmaker to a full- but if Jokić possesses all the necessary fledged point center. Nicola Jokić has qualities, I think we can flip the script been a willing beta tester ever since he and instead look at his being tall as an joined the Denver Nuggets, and come asset which makes him better equipped at the NBA restart, it seems that Denver handling point.

Here is the upside: Jokić is pulling the is ready to roll out their new product: a starting unit comprised of a backcourt tallest defender of the opposing team plus three 7-footers, two to protect the outside of the paint, and that defender can’t afford to sag and cheat the zone because paint and one to call the plays.

This is unorthodox but not shocking; Jokić is a shooter, too. No coach will put a in fact, this makes sense for Denver shorter defender on Jokić because it will considering what Jokić can do (and make passing and shooting easier for the most importantly, what he wants to do, athletic Serbian.

This poses a challenge on centers which is to pass the ball—very rare among centers who are used to receiving set to defend Jokić. They will have to the ball and are expected to attack and improve on their footwork if they want score). Jokić converting to point center to close the driving lane once Jokić

MILAN—Cristiano Ronaldo powered Juventus to their ninth straight Serie A title on Sunday in a 2-0 win over Sampdoria that put them over the line with two matches to spare.

Ronaldo opened the scoring deep into first half stoppage time in Turin and then had a hand in Federico Bernardeschi netting the second after 66 minutes.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed a late penalty but Maurizio Sarri’s side moved seven points ahead of second-placed Inter Milan to seal a 36th ‘Scudetto’.

The title is Sarri’s first and extends a record run which Antonio Conte started with three titles from 2012 and Massimiliano Allegri continued with the following five.

Sarri’s team had missed the chance to wrap up the title on Thursday when the ‘Old Lady’ of Italian football fell to a 2-1 defeat at Udinese.

But they made no mistake at the Allianz Stadium despite being pushed hard by Claudio Ranieri’s Sampdoria, one of the most in-form teams since the return of Serie A from the three-month coronavirus lockdown.

“It is the most beautiful success, even the most difficult because we wanted it and suffered,” said defender Leonardo Bonucci.

“We started on a new path with a lot of scepticism around us, we gave everything, despite some slip-ups.

“It was a complicated year for everyone in the world, it was difficult to return after so many months not playing.”

Ronaldo ‘delight’ Despite his 35 years Ronaldo shrugged off the quick succession of matches played in hot summer weather after the lockdown, bringing his tally to 31 this season.

The Portuguese striker has scored 10 goals since football returned in Italy on June 20, more than any other player in Europe.

He also matched former Italy World Cup winner Felice Borel, who was the last player to score 31 goals for Juventus in the 1933-34 season. AFP

Smart to bring NBA games to a nationwide audience, and we hope to play a role in lifting the spirits of Filipinos by bringing our fans together through their shared love of the game.”

“We at Cignal TV are extremely thrilled to bring the world’s biggest basketball league back to every Filipino home,” said Cignal TV President and CEO Robert Galang. “Our partnership with the NBA is a huge milestone in our mission to bring the best content to our viewers and subscribers. With three channels broadcasting the games, Filipinos now have the chance to experience the NBA live on free TV channels TV5 and ONE Sports, and on Cignal TV’s NBA TV Philippines in high definition. The game we all love is now truly home.”

“As some of the world’s biggest basketball fans, the hunger for live basketball action is in our DNA,” said Smart President and CEO Alfredo Panlilio. “This is why we at Smart could not contain our excitement as we partner with the NBA to bring the world’s premier basketball league to the fingertips of Filipinos. This reinforces our commitment to bring amazing experiences through technology made simple by Smart.”

Additionally, Smart will relaunch NBA.com/Philippines, the league’s official digital destination in the country, later this year. NBA.com/Philippines will provide fans with access to game highlights, stats, standings, scores and schedules, as well as features and analysis from its roster of sports journalists.

Tall order puts his head down and attacks the rim off the dribble. Wing defenders will always have to choose between putting a body on the driving center or staying connected to outside shooters to remove kick out options.

There is a downside, too. First, playing point removes the Serbian from the paint, which will impact his average of 10 rebounds per game. But if Denver sticks to their strategy of fielding three 7-footers all at once, offensive rebounding will not be a problem considering the length of the Nuggets forwards on the floor.

Another problem is Jokić falling in love with outside shooting. Coaches bemoan seeing their bigs abandoning post play. Outside shooting is addictive and once you have confined your game there long enough, it will eat away your offensive instincts in the 2-point field goal department until you are a onedimensional player. You will be slower in your pivot, and when you attack the interior defense, it is often awkward or mistimed, even indecisive—all because these motions are seldom used and your

muscle memory is compromised. What was once your go-to move now becomes an unfamiliar territory for you.

Another downside I think is lost opportunity for point guards, two guards or combo guards in the active roster.

Sure, those at the top of the pecking order will still get their minutes, but guards in the third (or even second) unit will have extended stay on the bench.

For all the things we’ve heard about how the NBA restart is not going to be exciting, I think finding out for ourselves whether this experiment of the Denver Nuggets will work or not is one good reason to watch the games starting July 31.

Call it a new normal at a micro level —but not for long though. If Denver’s experiment lands them the Larry O’Brien trophy, does this mean the end of the small-ball era? I won’t be surprised if teams adopt the same approach, and with the NBA’s style of play influencing basketball practices inside as well as outside of the United States, it won’t be long before coaches institute the point center paradigm in their programs too.

Entertainment Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com nickie.standard@gmail.com

C3 MONDAY, JULY 28, 2020 || C3

Streamof of consciousness consciousness Stream B

IG, familiar words? Well, the phrase was first introduced

by William James in his Principles of Psychology (1890).

The country’s biggest indie film event, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, transitions to digital on its 16th edition.

Atienza bow Atienza warns NTC not to bow to pressure tocongressmen’s pressure to close SKYCable

Buhay Partylist’s Rep. Lito Atienza

REP. Lito Atienza warned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) not to cave in to the pressure by some lawmakers at the House of Representatives to shut down SKYcable, citing cable TV companies do not need to secure a legislative franchise in order to operate.

“Hindi dumadaan sa prangkisa yung cable at SKYcable, NTC yan. So I’m also warning NTC, huwag kayong padadala sa mga pananakot nitong ilang congressmen,” Atienza said in an online public discussion on the ABS-CBN franchise.

Atienza was reacting to Rep. Rodante Marcoleta’s revelation that NTC Com-

missioner Gamaliel Cordoba is seeking the advice of Solicitor General Jose Calida on legal strategy to halt the operations of SKYcable.

Marcoleta earlier threatened to cite Cordoba with contempt for upholding Executive Order 205, which was signed by former Pres. Cory Aquino allowing cable operators to exist without the need to seek a legislative franchise but only permits and licenses from the NTC. Apart from calling on the NTC to remain firm on upholding the validity of EO 205, Atienza also assailed the lawmakers for the pushing for the closure of SKYcable, which is not within its jurisdiction.

“You are going to use the power that you will perceive is yours. ‘Pag inalis pa ninyo ang SKYcable, baka hindi na maintindihan ng lahat ‘yan. Maniniwala na sila na wala nang pupuntahan ito,” he added.

Meanwhile, a nationwide group of cable TV operators has also voiced concern over government’s moves questioning the legality of EO 205 in order to close SKYcable.

“Kapag may mangyari sa SKYcable malamang mangyayari na rin sa aming lahat,” said Philippine Cable Telecommunications Association (PCTA) president Joel Dabao in a TV interview,.

Dabao warned that such move would not be beneficial for the consuming public, who rely on cable TV for information, entertainment, and education. He confirmed that there are over 1,000 cable operators in the country, 300 of which are members of the PCTA.

In literature, it is a writing style in which a character’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions are depicted in a continuous flow uninterrupted by objective description or conventional dialogue. James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and Marcel Proust are some of the literary icons who were among its notable early exponents.

Are we ready to see this style of writing and storytelling in the digital edition of Cinemalaya 2020? Yes, the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, considered as the most prestigious film festival for independently produced motion pictures, is set to sail with its digital edition slated on Aug. 7 to 16.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 16th year of the country’s biggest independent film festival will be screened

Sarah Sarah GG speaks up speaks up IN HER recent Instagram post, singer and actress Sarah Geronimo expressed her support to ABS-CBN after Congress junked its application for franchise renewal.

According to the 32-year-old pop star, ABS-CBN is the network that gambled on her several times. It has supported her on her journey as a movie star and performer.

“They embraced me and took very good care of me as if I’m their own daughter or homegrown talent. I owe this network a lot and I will forever be grateful to them for all the big breaks and opportunities and the trust that they’ve continuously given me,” Sarah said in her social media post.

It’s no secret that even if she’s already done several projects for the Kapamilya, Sarah’s career is still being managed by Viva Artists Agency. But there’s no denying that it is with her tenure with ABS-CBN where she got really honed as a singer, actress, host, and singing coach, which catapulted her as a showbiz royalty.

“I love my ABS-CBN family. Each of their employees who are presently in pain due to losing their jobs is very important to me. I am one with them in their appeal to bring the station back

Celebrities’refreshing refreshing choice Celebrities’ choice DINGDONG DANTES, JC de Vera, LJ Reyes, and Antoinette Taus are just some of the local celebrities who have become loyal customers of Pure Jus, a brand that started six years ago and is now a fruitful business. Recently, when Ang Probinsyano resumed taping, some of the cast members had Pure Jus to help boost their immune system while on the set.

In mid-2014, the Founder and CEO of Pure Jus, Kristal Hierco-Reyes made a personal effort to lead a healthier and more nourishing life through exercising and juicing. She lost weight, her skin became visibly clearer, she had brighter eyes, and felt even more energetic.

The cast of ‘Ang Probinsyano’

“I’m a health enthusiast. I am committed to finding natural ways to detoxify the body and share this experience with other people,” Hierco-Reyes said.

Until now, Pure Jus continues to promote healthy lifestyle choices by offering nutritious and delicious juices. It offers a wide range of products where each blend is personally tried and tested by Hierco-Reyes herself to ensure the very best results for her customers.

The juices are then bottled, sealed, and shipped fresh to the customers daily.

For more details, follow @pure_ jus_kristal_ph on Instagram or visit its website, www.pure-jus.com.

on Vimeo. Co-produced by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc., this year’s film festival main attraction are the Short Films in Competition.

Out of 244 entries submitted, 10 short films were selected and will vie for the Best Film award.

The roster of short films are: Ang Gasgas Na Plaka ni Lolo Bert (The Broken Vinyl Record) by Janina Gacosta and Cheska Marfori; Ang Pagpakalma Sa Unos (To Calm The Pig Inside)

by Joanna Vasquez Arong; Excuse Me Miss, Miss, Miss by Sonny Calvento; Fatigued by James Robin Mayo; Living Things by Martika Ramirez Escobar; Pabasa Kan Pasyon by Hubert Tibi; Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under The Sun) by Reeden Fajardo; The

Slums by Jan Andrei Cobey; TOKWIFI by Carla Pulido Ocampo; and Utwas (Arise) by Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay.

Apart from the main competition, a specially-curated Short Films in Exhibition is also showing.

Adding more film flavor and variety are films from the Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, which also continue its run this year and Visions of Asia, one of the major components of the film festival, will screen award-winning indie films from Asia.

Cinemalaya gives honor and tribute to director Peque Gallaga and actress Anita Linda. Screenwriter living legend Ricky Lee, will conduct a scriptwriting masterclass. There will also be a virtual reunion of his writing workshop alumni.

Indeed, it is still an exciting and entertaining Cinemalaya 2020. For more updates, visit the CCP and Cinemalaya websites. Follow the official CCP and Cinemalaya social media accounts.

Maymay Entrata

Sarah G recently celebrated her birthday with her husband Matteo Guidicelli in a private resort in Palawan.

so they can also be back to work and continue to give service to their respective families and the whole nation in general,” Sarah carried on.

The singer-actress’s plea was full of diplomacy. She explained that she may not know the full detail why ABS-CBN wasn’t granted the franchise renewal, or may not understand everything, but she would like to salute the pillars of her home network for the decent fight and humility they’ve shown all this time.

“It’s really painful to be rejected but we continue to pray for our desire for ABS-

***** Television darling Maymay Entrata is proud that she’s able to save in the early part of her career. It’s clear that the showbiz industry is hardly hit by the current pandemic and due to the fact that shootings or tapings are not yet in full swing, a great number of actors are affected.

In a recent virtual press conference, the Star Magic talent was thankful that she can manage the present situation.

“Perhaps, it helps that I think ahead. I always think of the possible things that might happen in the future. If there would be emergencies. I get paranoid. I always want to be ready,” she told the press in the virtual event.

“That’s why I’m grateful that during this

CBN to be given another chance. A chance to make up if it has past misgivings and the chance to serve the Filipino people the best way it can,” she stressed out.

For her parting message, Sarah asked for unity.

“I appeal for the continued unity of everybody especially now that the county is facing lots of challenges. I am Sarah Geronimo, not just a star but a Filipino citizen who feels and understands the situation of all who got affected by the pandemic COVID-19,” Sarah ended.

pandemic, I’m okay. I was able to save before and I’m still able to provide for my family. It’s really very important to have savings and become a practical spender,” she added.

It’s been three years since she clinched the grand prize in ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7 and since then, she’s become more practical in handling her finances.

“I learned how to budget and save for the needs of my family. My mindset changed since I started to assume the role of a breadwinner. I think majority of my earnings was put into good use. The money I spent was a product of my collective showbiz work--movies, TV shows, endorsements, recording album plus international fashion shows.”

MYX Awards 2020 dominated Twitter with 4 million Tweets globally

TWITTER partnered once again with MYX Philippines to bring back the power of Original Filipino Music (OPM) to every Filipinos’ home with its first-ever virtual celebration of the most-awaited MYX Awards 2020. The event, which went live on Twitter, garnered over 4 million Tweets globally.

Last year, netizens joined in the celebration by watching the livestream of the red carpet event and getting real-time updates on Twitter. But since we are all encouraged to stay at home, MYX Philippines continued to recognize the outstanding achievements in the local music scene by doing a special livestream of the whole awards show for music fans to watch and enjoy safely at home.

Prior to the event, fans and music enthusiasts were given a chance to cast their votes both on the website and Twitter by Liking or Retweeting official Tweets from MYX Philippines. Fans also showed their support by Tweeting their sentiments along with the official hashtag, #MYXAwards2020.

Just like the previous years, the ex-

SB19 was the most talked-about local act on Twitter during the recently concluded Myx Award 2020.

perience would not be complete without the exclusive Twitter emoji especially released for awards show.

The award ceremony’s official hashtag dominated Twitter Philippine trends throughout the night. Constant streams of Tweets were about fans gushing about

their favorites and showing that they were tuned in as every moment unfolded.

The event also highlighted the best and brightest local acts and music, and the most mentioned artists were BTS, SB19, Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber, and Halsey.

Life

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

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TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2020

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HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Managing menopause

Menopause can also be an empowering experience that offers benefits that far outweigh the discomfort of hot flashes.

Menopause is a natural biological process that happens in middle-aged women.

toms of menopause. “HRT (hormone replacement therapy) helps restore hormonal levels, thus relieving a woman of the symptoms,” says Dr. Bravo.

HRT comes in tablet, patch, implant, and gel form. It’s recommended to discuss with one’s doctor the pros and cons of taking HRT. Bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, mood swings, nausea, and vaginal bleeding are among its side effects. HRT is also not advised for women who have had cancer, stroke, blood clots, heart or liver disease, and heart attack.

Keeping one’s cool is also important especially since hot flashes come unannounced.

“Wear clothes made of light, breathable fabrics or dress in layers that you can remove and put on again,” advises Dr. Bravo. She adds to bring a tumbler of iced water when going out, try to stay in well-ventilated places, and avoid hot and spicy food.

Further, an hour of moderate exercise daily targets many of menopause’s symptoms. “It keeps your weight down, releases endorphins or happy hormones to elevate your mood, makes you sleep better, and strengthens your bones, which are prone to becoming brittle due to lower levels of estrogen,” Dr. Bravo points out.

The expert recommends including Kegel exercises in the routine. Otherwise known as pelvic floor exercises, Kegel strengthens the muscles that sup-

KEEP YOUR COOL DURING HOT FLASHES. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Arlene Ricarte-Bravo shares expert tips on managing menopause to help women live their best life.

T

HERE’S a good reason why menopause is referred to as “puberty’s evil older sister,” an obstetriciangynecologist explains.

If girls have to deal with unsightly acne, painful menstrual cramps, and uncontrollable mood swings in their teens, middle-aged women endure years of hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, incontinence, memory problems, and weight gain from a slower metabolism.

“But menopause can also be an empowering experience that offers benefits

that far outweigh the discomfort of hot flashes,” says Arlene Ricarte-Bravo, MD, of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Makati Medical Center.

According to Dr. Bravo, menopause is a natural biological process that occurs after perimenopause, or the stage where shifting levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone results in irregular periods, heavier or lighter flows,

insomnia, and weight gain.

“Perimenopause happens in the 40s and lasts from months to years until menopause,” she explains. “Menopause period varies from woman to woman, but the average age is 51.”

Symptoms may vary as well. Some experience the whole nine yards; others just one or two. And while these symptoms may last for years, they are only temporary and can be addressed with lifestyle changes and home remedies, depending on the doctor’s advice.

Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone cause the dreaded symp-

port the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum—thereby lessening risks of accidentally peeing or passing gas.

How do you know you’re doing Kegels right? “When you sit on the toilet, to pee, hold the flow for a few seconds by contracting your muscles, feeling a ‘lift’ inside your vagina, then release,” says Dr. Bravo.

Eating balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, as well as giving up bad habits such as smoking help in managing menopause symptoms, as well.

Finally, Dr. Bravo recommends keeping a positive attitude and looking at the silver lining.

“Many of my patients are thrilled to be free of their monthly periods—no more sanitary napkins, tampons, and dysmenorrhea,” shares Dr. Bravo. “Others admit that intimacy with their partner has gotten better because they no longer worry about getting pregnant.”

However, older women should also watch out for signs of vaginal atrophy (or the drying and inflammation of vaginal walls due to the lack of estrogen) which may cause dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse.

“I find that women in their 50s have achieved a quiet confidence,” concludes Dr. Bravo. “They’re self-assured and don’t sweat the small stuff like menopause symptoms, which they have come to accept as a part of life and temporary inconvenience.”

HEALTH BULLETIN

Health and beauty store Watsons carries essentials and others needed to stay protected and beautiful.

Watsons offers tips on staying strong and beautiful

AS PEOPLE adjust to a new way of life, wellness and beauty store Watsons offers recommendations on how to stay strong and stay beautiful during uncertain and different times.

of our skin. Watsons says it helps keep emotional well-being in check and is a great way to enjoy some self-care and motivate one to reach a personal goal.

Brands such as Belo, Ponds, Celeteque, Neutrogena, and Dermaction Plus by Stay protected Watsons have products that can help More important than face masks and keep skin nourished and glowing. face shields is keeping our body clean and protected and our immune system Stay gorgeous strong. Products from Safeguard and With current restrictions placed on saDove not only protect but also pam- lons, many have tried to give themselves per skin—especially since frequent DIY hair make-overs. While not neceshand washing and sanitizing can dry sarily an essential, a little change can out skin—while Listerine, Oral-B, and help boost self-esteem, too, said Watsons.

Himalaya take care of oral health. Vi- L’Oreal Excellence, Beautylabo, and tamins and supplements from brands Naturtint offer hair coloring products, such as Enervon, Stresstabs, and Wat- while Pantene and Naturals by Watsons sons Generics take care of protecting take care of maintaining hair health. from the inside.

Stay prepared Stocking up on over-the-counter medicines is essential to staying ready during these times. It reduces the instances of going out to buy what’s needed at the last minute. As a safe alternative, Watsons recommends shopping online.

Always have a relief for common sicknesses like cough, colds, and fever at the ready, like Strepsils, Sinecod Forte, Vicks, Solmux, and Biogesic.

Stay glowing Staying at home means more time to take on projects such as taking care

Stay dapper

“For men, think of self-care as a way to level up your game even during these times, may it be about fitness or grooming,” said Watsons. Following a simple skin care routine is a great way to start.

Adidas, Old Spice, and Gillette—available at the wellness and beauty store— offer men’s products to help with skin care and grooming needs at home.

As a special treat to its Watsons Card and Elite members, Watsons is giving free 100 bonus points for a minimum P1000 purchase of participating products on select weekends from July 31 to August 1 and August 14 to 15.

THE stress and anxiety brought by the COVID-19 pandemic worsens migraine attacks of those who suffer from the condition, experts reveal.

Dr. Corina Maria Socorro A. Macalintal, consultant neurologist at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, said during “TAMA NA: Iwas Migraine, New Normal” that migraine sufferers may grow anxious due to the overlap of migraine and coronavirus disease symptoms.

Around 12 million Filipinos suffer from migraine, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. The Speak Your Migraine PH online survey conducted by Novartis among Filipino migraine sufferers revealed that stress and anxiety can trigger migraine attacks.

“Migraine attacks may be more common these days because of stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic,” said Dr. Macalintal during the virtual media briefing organized by Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

Since headache may be a manifestation of COVID-19, Dr. Macalintal emphasized, “It is important for migraine patients to consult a neurologist as migraine management is individualized, depending on the patient’s other health concerns and different reactions to medications.”

Migraine is a type of neurological disorder that involves recurrent attacks of moderate to severe head pain that is typically throbbing, often on one side of the head and associated with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

“It’s very difficult to be a migraine sufferer. My worst migraine attacks last three days,” shared TV host and model Bianca Gonzalez who was diagnosed with migraine when she was a child.

“Stress, lack of sleep, strong odors, and certain foods are some of the common triggers of migraine. To help

Pandemic-induced stress worsens migraine—experts

Migraine is a neurological disorder that involves recurrent attacks of moderate to severe head pain, often on one side of the head.

manage migraine, patients are encouraged to identify their triggers and try to avoid them,” said Dr. Macalintal.

Gonzalez related, “Whenever I had to host shows and events, there were bright lights and loud sounds which are all migraine triggers. I have to take a strong medicine and take a nap backstage before show time, so I could ease my migraine and be able to perform my role as host.”

Thus Dr. Macalintal advised, “Migraine patients and their neurologists should discuss treatment goals, which should not be limited to stopping the headache attack but to prevent recurrence. Newer treatment options on preventive management address recurrence and other limitations of oral medications.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosalina Espiritu-Picar, president of the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA), encourages migraine patients “who are stable and do not require acute emergency care to utilize telemedicine tools so that they can stay connected with their doctors.”

To find a neurologist anywhere in The ‘TAMA NA: Iwas Migraine, New Normal’ virtual media briefing explains how the COVID-19 pandemic worsens migraine attacks of those the country who suffer from the condition. and for a list

of neurologists accepting telemedicine consultations, patients are encouraged to visit www.philippineneurologicalassociation.com or call the trunk line of the hospital nearest them to ask for a neurologist. Telemedicine tools are a practical alternative to enable doctorpatient interaction while maintaining social distancing and complying with community quarantine protocols.

Gonzalez seconded, urging those who suffer terrible headaches and suspect migraine to consult a doctor. “You can consult a doctor online during this community quarantine. Your doctor will determine the right treatment for you.”

In line with its commitment to redefining migraine care, Novartis has developed erenumab, the first of its kind to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, EMA, Swissmedic, and Australian TGA for the prevention of migraine.

In the Philippines, erenumab is approved for the prevention of migraine in adults.

“Erenumab specifically targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide or CGRP receptor, which plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine. It has been shown to safely and effectively reduce migraine frequency, allowing patients to have more migraine-free days. This innovative anti-migraine medicine is self-administered once monthly via a pre-filled syringe,” said Dr. Giovell Barangan, chief scientific officer of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.