Manila Standard - 2020 August 24 - Monday

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PhilHealth execs face raps Senators press for graft, malversation, perjury charges

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja

S

ENATORS have recommended the filing of graft charges against Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

(PhilHealth) president and CEO Ricardo Morales and other top officials that Senator Panfilo Lacson described as a “mafia” operating inside the state insurance agency.

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Other officials to be charged are Fund Management Sector senior vice president Renato Limsiaco Jr., senior vice president and chief information officer Jovita Aragona, and senior ICT officer Calixto Gabuya.

Lacson said the Senate Committee of the Whole recommended charges for malversation, perjury and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. In an interview over radio dzBB, Lacson said Morales admitted to having authorized and approved the release of funds.

Lacson said he hoped Senate President Vicente Sotto III would issue the committee report on the Senate hearings

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BIKE LANE. Way is cleared for bicycle riders as maintenance men of the Department of Public Works and Highways install blue-colored barriers designating bike lanes along Taft Avenue in Manila on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. Bikes lanes have also been set up in major roads such as Quirino Avenue, UN Ave. and Roxas Boulevard for the use and safety of bike riders who pedal their way to and from their homes and offices. Norman Cruz

Philhealth Corp. chief Ricardo Morales

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM AUGUST 23)

189,601 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

2,378 55,236 NEW

ACTIVE

2,998

32

DEATHS

NEW

131,367 16,459 RECOVERIES

NEW

Lowest single-day tally since Aug. 1 but cases near 190,000

By Willie Casas THE country posted its lowest singleday tally of new infections since Aug. 1 at 2,378 cases on Sunday. This brought the total number of COVID-19 cases to 189,601 since the pandemic started.

At the same time, the Department of Health reported 32 new deaths, bringing total fatalities from COVID-19 to 2,998.

Recoveries surged to 131,367 with 16,459 new cases of recovery.

The country recorded the most number of new cases this month, with 93,354 infections from Aug. 1 to 23, or almost half of the total volume since the first COVID-19 positive patients were reported in March.

Sunday marked the first time in 11 days that the number of new cases fell

below 3,000.

The country has tested 2,150,514 individuals for COVID-19 as of Aug. 22.

The National Capital Region had the most number of new cases at 1,022. It was followed by Cavite with 132 cases, Laguna with 128, Rizal with 115 and Cebu with 96.

The Philippines still has the highest number of total and active cases in Southeast Asia.

There are 55,236 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine. Of these, 91.5 percent are mild, 6.1 percent are asymptomatic, 1 percent are severe, and 1.4 percent are in critical condition.

The DOH on Sunday clarified that the omnibus guidelines on C O VID-19 testing Next page

House to ratify Bayanihan 2 bill —Romualdez

By Maricel V. Cruz, Rio N. Araja and Macon RamosAraneta THE House of Representatives is expected to ratify the Bayanihan 2 bill Monday, Aug. 24, and will make sure that emergency cash assistance to low-income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is distributed quickly and efficiently.

"We are set to ratify the Bayanihan 2 bill when we resume session tomorrow.

But this time, we made sure that certain provisions are set in place for a strict implementation of the law," said House Next page

BARRIERS AND BOLLARDS. After a series of mishaps along the Edsa Busway, the Metro Manila Development Authority on Sunday, Aug. 23, begins erecting steel bollards – as many as 6,000 pieces – to replace the concrete barriers in certain areas and fence off other vehicles. Traffic chief Bong Nebrija says the move is meant to maximize use of the alloted space on Edsa including underpasses and overpasses. CNN

Palace, IBP junk call for 'rev govt' MALACAÑANG on Sunday distanced itself from the efforts of a pro-Duterte group to establish a revolutionary government, saying the administration’s focus remained on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the call to establish a revolutionary government came from a private group and not from the government.

He said the government was too busy finding ways to cushion the socioeconomic impact of the lockdowns arising from the pandemic.

“The organizers are free to publicly express their opinion,” Roque said in a

statement.

“The focus, however, of the administration is addressing Covid-19 and mitigating its socioeconomic impact.”

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo also rejected the group’s call, saying any such call would only matter if it came from the public.

He said the call for a revolutionary government “must come from the people and not from a single organization or an individual.

“It must be an overwhelming call, and there is no perceptible people clamor for such,” Panelo said.

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‘Citizens may reject swab tests’

By Rey Requejo and Rio Araja

WATCH AND LEARN. Suiting up for a new role under the blended learning system, a public school teacher on Sunday, Aug. 23, tries out her acting skills assisted by a local production crew in a video lesson production for the upcoming blended learning system for Dagat-Dagatan Elementary School iin Navotas City. Public schools open on Oct. 5, 2020, according to the Departmentof Education. DZRH News

Hard of hearing? Try transparent masks TRANSPARENT face masks and shields are costly compared with classic counterparts but could prove a boon for the deaf and hard of hearing battling to communicate in the coronavirus era.

The concept has started to take off, aided not least by Youtube tutorials or the likes of American football coach Nic Saban, who makes a point of Next page wearing his pitchside.

From vampire role to Batman ROBERT Pattinson showcased "The Batman" footage and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hyped up his new antihero movie "Black Adam" as Hollywood A-listers and their comic-book alter-egos hosted a sprawling online event Saturday.

The virtual "DC FanDome" from Warner Bros comes after real-world Next page

JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Sunday said citizens could not be compelled to undergo polymerase chain reaction or PCR swab tests, and even if those were given free unless they showed symptoms of coronavirus infection.

“As a general rule, a person cannot be compelled to take a swab test, even if it’s for free, if said person has not been

LOCAL ROUNDUP exposed to a COVID-positive person and does not exhibit any symptoms of the disease,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

“However, a person who has been so exposed and exhibits clear manifestations of the disease may be compelled, in the interest of public health, to undergo swab Next page

China hits back, deems PH acts in WPS provocative CHINA on Saturday urged the Philippines to stop its allegedly "illegal provocations" in the West Philippine Sea, claiming it was intruding into China’s security and Sovereignty.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian issued the Next page

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Global death toll soars to 800k HE pandemic has killed more than 800,000 people globally, and continues to unleash destruction with areas such as Western Europe detecting spikes in infections not seen for many months, while South Korea ramped up coronavirus restrictions on Sunday to try to contain a growing outbreak.

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WORLD ROUNDUP

people who are not showing symptoms, the Italian capital's health official Alessio D'Amato said, warning them to stay at home.

"Don't feel invincible," he urged them.

In Germany, a university has launched a series of pop concerts under coronavirus conditions, hoping the mass experiment with 2,000 people can determine whether large events can safely resume.

But with no vaccine yet, economies in hard-hit regions like Latin America are struggling to contain the staggering costs of the pandemic—with a rise not only in poverty but political turmoil and crime too.

US election crisis The United States remains the worsthit country in the world, with nearly 5.7 million infections and deaths approaching 180,000. AFP

Infections have soared past 23 million globally, and some countries are still facing their first waves – such as India, which crossed three million cases on Sunday.

South Korea, which had largely brought its outbreak under control, tightened curbs to try to contain a new, growing cluster of cases.

"The situation is very grave and serious as we are on the brink of a nationwide

pandemic," warned Jung Eun-kyeong, chief of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nightclubs, karaoke bars and beaches have been closed, with tight restrictions on large gatherings and religious services, after hundreds of infections were linked to Protestant churches.

Face masks will be mandatory in the capital Seoul's public areas from midnight.

3 million cases India, which imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns, has relaxed it over recent weeks to help ease the pressure on its reeling economy.

But that has also led to a sharp rise in cases, taking its total past three million.

"We are seeing the virus spread across India," said K. Srinath Reddy from the NGO Public Health Foundation of India.

'Don't feel invincible' Italy – once the European epicenter of the virus – said Saturday it had registered more than 1,000 new infections in the past 24 hours, the highest level since the end of a punishing lockdown in May. Most of those infected are young

PhilHealth...

Senator Christopher Go, meanwhile, sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to protect PhilHealth documents and preserve the integrity of the investigation.

He also urged the NBI and the other authorities to arrest those attempting to hide or destroy evidence on the alleged widespread corruption in PhilHealth.

Go, who serves as chairman of the Senate committee on health and demography, said the investigation must lead to the prosecution of those responsible in order to fully reform PhilHealth.

Senator Francis Pangilinan noted that the destruction of documents in PhilHealth regional office was a blatant insult to the ongoing Senate investigation.

"Their destruction [of evidence] is another set of crimes," Pangilinan said, referring to reports that “a leaky roof” had destroyed records and damaged computers in a regional PhilHealth office.

"We call on Health Secretary Duque, who is chairman of the PhilHealth

board, to show leadership now and order to secure the documents. We call as well on the other Cabinet secretaries on the PhilHealth board to act now and ensure that the documents are intact," Pangilinan said.

PhilHealth on Sunday assured the public that members can continue to obtain their health insurance benefits as usual through PhilHealth-accredited facilities, despite the ongoing probe.

“We also wish to clarify that the preventive suspension orders recently issued by the Ombudsman to some of its current and former officers is not in any way connected with the on-going hearings in both houses of Congress regarding the above-mentioned alleged corruption,” said PhilHealth in a statement.

The Ombudsman order stemmed from the complaints of “grave misconduct, oppression and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service” filed by some regional officers in connection to the administrative cases filed against

them between 2017 to 2019, the agency said.

Meanwhile, Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo said she believes the government could have lost as much as P15 billion in fake pneumonia claim benefits with PhilHealth.

Interviewed over Dobol B sa News TV, Quimbo, a former Philippine Competition Commission head and University of the Philippines economics professor, said she used the data from PhilHealth itself and from the Department of Health that P4 billion was lost due to bogus pneumonia cases in 2019 alone.

“We still have not looked at the fraud involving cataracts, say for example, or dialysis. We have just seen one illness, pneumonia, amounting to P4 billion a year,” she said.

"And in the last five years, what I saw was almost P15 billion was lost due to fraudulent claims for pneumonia alone," she added.

Lowest...

testing be mandatorily quarantined, and be medically treated to prevent the further spread of the disease.”

Guevarra made his statement after Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said some of his constituents were refusing to take free PCR swab tests.

Five more lift inbound restrictions Five more countries have lifted inbound restrictions on Filipino travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

The department said the countries that had lifted their inbound restrictions, subject to “medical protocols such as proof of purchase of health insurance, institutional or home quarantine and presentation of negative COVID-19 test results,” included Brazil, Kiribati, the United Kingdom, Benin and Chad.

The department said Chad also opened its outbound borders, but subject to flight availability and other special arrange-

ments mandated by its government.

Canada, Armenia, Kuwait and the Slovak Republic still do not allow general entry, but they have imposed stricter medical protocols similar to those required by the five countries.

Review urged on case reporting system Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday urged the Department of Health to review its case reporting system, saying the lack of information was blocking their contact-tracing efforts on many COVID-19 patients.

She made the call after a COVID19-positive patient told social media about the lack of contact-tracing efforts from the city on her and her family.

The post went viral and the patient blamed the city government for lack of action.

Records showed that the patient never self-reported to the local government unit and relied solely on the Health department, “which in turn did not have data on the patient’s contact details,” the city government said.

Fund, said the trials would be a “randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled” type.

“That will be a very important trial, that will be parallel with the vaccination of risk groups,” Dmitriev said.

Dmitriev said that Moscow was willing to send 1,000 doses of Sputnik V to the country as long as the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the results of the phases one and two trials that they have submitted to the Russian embassy.

DoST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya and FDA Director General Dr. Rolando Enrique Domingo agreed that Russia should present the results of its trials to Philippine authorities before the vaccine could be tested here.

“We will not accept a phase three trial here in the country if [the manufacturer] cannot prove in the phase one and phase two trials the safety and some level of efficacy of a vaccine,” Domingo said.

China...

From...

characters including Superman are interconnected, with shared storylines and crossover cameos.

Saturday's all-day event premiered footage and panels for follow-ups to blockbusters "Wonder Woman," "Suicide Squad" and "Shazam!"—despite uncertainty over release dates, with many US theaters closed.

Johnson—the world's top-paid movie star who is now making his first foray into the superhero "universe"—teased next year's "Black Adam," in which he will play a 5,000-year-old rebel slave determined to mete out ruthless justice.

"Things will never be the same. Because the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe is about to change," the former wrestler warned rival stars in typically bombastic style.

Details for "The Flash" movie—in which Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck are both set to reprise their former roles as Batman—were kept under wraps, except that its young hero will hop through time and space in the so-called "multiverse." AFP

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into the irregularities at PhilHealth that resulted in the loss of billions of pesos.

Lacson said he was convinced that those who manipulated the release of funds were officials in the executive committee.

It is the executive committee at the central office that prepares the master list of health care institutions that would be first to receive funds under the controversial interim reimbursement mechanism (IRM), Lacson said.

Resigned PhilHealth anti-fraud officer Thorsson Montes Keith testified before the Senate that the PhilHealth "mafia," composed of the executive committee members, stole some P15 billion through fraudulent schemes, including those involving the IRM. PhilHealth has denied Keith's allegations.

‘Citizens...

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statement after the Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China for what it said was China’s “continuing illicit issuances of radio challenges [against] Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea.” The Philippines had sent military planes over the air space of the disputed Spratly Group of Islands, where most of the Philippine claims in the West Philippine Sea are located.

But China, which claims allegedly historic rights to the islands, said sending the planes was an intrusion on its security and sovereignty.

In its diplomatic protest, the Philippines also slammed the Chinese Coast Guard's confiscation of fish- aggregating devices installed by Filipino fishermen.

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest against China following the confiscation of the devices in a shoal off Zambales.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it sent a diplomatic protest to China on Thursday over the incident that took place in May 2020 in the Philippine-claimed Bajo de Masinloc.

“The DFA lodged a diplomatic protest to China over the illegal confiscation by the Chinese Coast Guard of fish-aggregating devices or payaos of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc,” the department said in a statement.

The agency made its statement even as Malacañang on Friday expressed confidence the Philippines’ latest filing of a diplomatic protest against China would not affect the ties between the two countries.

“The filing of the diplomatic protest would not affect the very good relations between our country and China,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque told the state-run PTV-4.

The Philippines also “resolutely objected to China’s continuing illicit issuance of radio challenges to Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea,” Foreign Affairs said.

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extravaganzas beloved by comic-book fans—such as Comic-Con—were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Headline billing went to "The Batman," a dark, detective-style mystery take on the Caped Crusader which star Pattinson said had to shut down midway through production in March due to COVID-19.

Director Matt Reeves said his version —still due next year—is inspired by classic noirs like "Chinatown" and "Taxi Driver," and will meet a "very human and very flawed" Bruce Wayne in his second year as Batman, trying to solve a series of crimes.

First-ever footage from the much-hyped movie left fans drooling online, with a mysterious villain leaving notes for Batman at crime scenes across Gotham—and the film's hero pummeling a street thug before growling: "I'm vengeance."

Like the rival, record-breaking Marvel films, several movies featuring DC

Hard...

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Other proponents include French secretary of state for people with disabilities Sophie Cluzel, who donned a mask with a see-through section to speak in parliament, and a sign-language interpreter at a Portsmouth hospital in southern England.

As Cluzel pointed out, the transparent window facilitates communication by permitting lip-reading and showing facial expressions.

"Lip reading is a plus for me," says Vivien Laplane, born deaf and author of the French blog "Appendre à écouter" (learn to listen).

"You can imagine—or not—that with masks it's tougher" to understand others and make oneself understood.

A deaf Indonesian couple working as tailors on the isle of Sulawesi, have been selling transparent masks since April.

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have not yet been finalized or approved, nor have they been signed and issued for implementation.

Moreover, while there are antigen kits approved for commercial use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), DOH does not endorse specific brands or distributors.

The ‪DOH called on the public to be vigilant when it comes to information, and to verify everything through the DOH’s official website and social media pages.

Clinical trials on the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) involving 40,000 volunteers start soon in Russia, a development that health authorities in the Philippines, which hopes to be one of the first beneficiaries of the serum, will be closely monitoring.

Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive officer of the Russia Direct Investment

Without them "it is impossible for a lip-reading deaf person to understand what others are saying," says Faizah Badaruddin who, along with her husband, turns out around two dozen a day.

Such efforts are boosting communication during the COVID-19 pandemic not least for the deaf and the hard of hearing who number 70 million globally, according to the World Federation of the Deaf.

The French federation of speech therapists says that classic facemasks mean "patients find themselves deprived of the main source of the oral message: the mouth and facial expressions."

Teachers say they too like the transparent model.

Rory Burnham Pickett, a professor based in Sapporo in northern Japan, says "I know it is frustrating that my pupils don't see my mouth or facial expression.

I made my own transparent mask as they are difficult to find." AFP

Palace...

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The Integrated Bar of the Philippines also rejected the group’s call and said it should be denounced, adding such an idea was “repugnant to constitutionalism” and there were other ways to effect social change.

“A revolutionary government is repugnant to constitutionalism.

It should be discouraged and denounced, as we do now,” IBP National President Domingo Cayosa said in a statement.

“There is no legal, factual, practical or moral basis for a revolutionary government under the present circumstances.”

Roque said the COVID-19 pandemic required the government’s “full attention”.

“The most pressing and most urgent concern, which requires the Executive's full attention, is the gradual opening of the economy while safeguarding the people who are working/ going back to work amid the pandemic,” he said.

The Department of Health reported 4,933 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the Philippines’ total infections to 187,249.

Twenty-six more fatalities were reported, bringing the country's total death toll to 2,966 while another 436 were reported to have recovered, increasing the total recoveries to 114,921.

On Saturday, the People’s National Coalition for a Revolutionary Government and Charter Change assembled at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga to present a resolution to establish a revolutionary government and adopt a new federal constitution.

Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa confirmed that he received an invitation from the group on Aug. 17.

Pump price cut minimal, says Unioil

By Alena Mae S. Flores CONSUMERS can expect mixed but minimal movements in pump prices this week due to the movement of prices in the world oil market, a distributor said on Sunday.

Unioil Philippines said diesel prices should go down by P0.20 per liter while gasoline should increase by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter.

On Aug. 18, the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P0.60 per liter and diesel by P0.10 per liter, but did not touch kerosene prices as the global results in the first half showed better recovery for China (May and June), India (June) and Western Europe.

However, the Department of Energy said in its monitoring report that the growth in the second half would be slower as both China and India, the engines of growth in Asia, had demonstrated a demand decline in July over June.

According to the department’s latest monitoring report, global oil demand is expected to contract by 8.2 million barrels per day in 2020, to 94.3 million bpd from 102.5 million bpd in 2019 due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to the global economies.

The total year-to-date adjustments in petroleum prices stand at a net decrease of P4.17 per liter of gasoline, P8.69 per liter of diesel and P13.04 per liter of kerosene.

House...

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Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez on Sunday.

"From Day One of the implementation of law, the House of Representatives will closely monitor how government agencies disburse the budget allocated to them. Delays in disbursing funds to the needy are no longer acceptable," Romualdez said, alluding to the confusion and delays that attended the distribution of cash assistance under the first Bayanihan law.

The Senate approved the consolidated version of the bill last week.

Once signed by President Duterte, the measure provides an emergency subsidy of P5,000 to P8,000 to affected low income households in areas under granular lockdown and to households with recently returned overseas Filipino sorkers.

The amount will be computed based on prevailing regional minimum wage rates.

This time, however, Congress mandated that the "vetting and validation of beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), and the related liquidation report thereto shall be simplified to expedite the distribution of the subsidy."

Romualdez also noted that the law now mandates all government agencies concerned to submit to Congress a definitive and actual list of SAP beneficiaries.

"This will allow Congress to exercise its oversight function more efficiently in monitoring how these funds are disbursed to the beneficiaries. We do not want a repeat of Bayanihan 1 where absence of database resulted in confusion in distribution of funds," Romualdez said.

The P5,000 to P8,000 subsidy will also cover unemployment or involuntary separation assistance for displaced workers or employees due to COVID-19, including probationary, project, seasonal, contractual and casual employees.

Other major items included in the P160 billion Bangon Fund of Bayanihan 2 include: • A capital infusion of P39.47 billion in government banks; • P24 billion to boost agriculture and provide assistance to farmers and fishermen; • P13.5 billion for benefits and hiring of more health care workers; • P13 billion for a cash-for-work program; • P9.5 billion for assistance to public utility drivers and other programs of Department of Transportation; • P6 billion for "individuals in crisis" and other programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; • P5 billion for hiring of contract tracers; • P4.5 billion for the construction of temporary medical isolation and quarantine facilities, and for expansion of government hospital capacity; • P4.5 billion for isolation facilities, hotel accommodation, food and transportation of COVID19 patients; • P4 billion for the tourism industry; • P4 billion for Department of Education's implementation of digital learning; • P3 billion for procurement of personal protective equipment, face masks, face shields; • P3 billion for development of smart campuses; • P2 billion subsidy for local government units paying interest on loans secured from government banks; • P1.5 billion assistance to local government units; • P1 billion for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholarships; • P820 million for assistance to overseas Filipino workers.

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Zubiri slammed Release reports on activists’ killings, Karapatan asks PNP for ‘disparaging’ By Willie Casas remarks vs solons

By Rio N. Araja KABAYAN party-list Rep. Ron Salo on Sunday asked Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to refrain from saying one thing and mean something else while claiming no ill will toward Congress contingent to the bicameral conference panel.

He said Zubiri’s remarks had disparaged his peers in the bigger chamber and the consolidated version of the Bayanihan to Recover as One bill Bayanihan 2.

He rejected Zubiri’s defense that the senator-panelist comment was “pure advocacy” and “no personal motives” in the bicam talks.

“Zubiri must be in dreamland during the Senate’s Thursday plenary when he unabashedly claims now that he didn’t have any disparaging remarks about the Senate’s House counterparts in the bicam panel and had even defended the congressmen because there was a howl of protest from Senator Pia Cayetano who didn’t find funny the comments made by Zubiri and certain other senators about their peers in the House,” he said.

Cayetano called the attention of her colleagues for insinuating that the House had an ulterior motive in proposing the P10-billion infrastructure fund for the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority in the Bayanihan 2 bill.

“So what in heaven’s name did Senator Cayetano gripe about if Senator Zubiri’s rebuttal that he didn’t denigrate the House panelists in the bicam committee—and had in fact even defended them—were true as he now claims?” he asked.

“Given the high multiplier impact of infrastructure investments on the economy, infrastructure spending would immediately stimulate growth, create jobs and therefore boost consumer confidence, leading to a rebound in household consumption, which has largely fueled the Philippine economy” he said.

“What the industry needs right now are jobs for many of the 5.7 million tourism industry workers who have lost their jobs temporarily or permanently because of the global economic slump wrought by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. And such a myriad of instant jobs would come only from infrastructure investments,” he added.

HUMAN rights group Karapatan has called on the Philippine National Police to release investigation reports on activist and rights defender killings.

Both Malacanang and the PNP earlier denied that President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered the withholding of such reports

from the Commission on Human Rights after CHR Commissioner Leah Tanodra-Armamento alleged on ANC that “there is an order from the President himself not to give the Commission on Human Rights the data.”

Karapatan, however, doubted government denials, arguing that “if what (Presidential Spokesperson) Harry Roque and the PNP say is true, then where is PNP’s own

report on the investigations to ‘unmask those behind these brazen killings’?”

“Why hasn’t it been submitted to the CHR and why is the PNP insistent on refusing to cooperate with the CHR in their investigations?

Did they submit this report to the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet?” Karapatan asked.

“Why haven’t they made public the

contents of this report? What are the salient points of the report? Have they prosecuted or convicted anyone who conducted these killings? If they had this report, why are there no developments in the cases of killings? Why don’t they submit this report to UN Special Rapporteurs who haven’t received their replies for years on communications regarding these killings?” it further asked.

SC ruling on people’s rights hailed V

By Rey E. Requejo

ARIOUS business groups on Sunday lauded the recent decision of the Supreme Court admonishing law enforcers to respect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people in implementing the government all-out war against illegal drugs.

They also urged all sectors of the government and individuals to be vigilant and “to help ensure that constitutional rights are always protected.”

“We join the voices of several groups

who commended the Supreme Court in a landmark decision upholding the primacy and inviolability of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” the business groups said in a statement.

“We thank the Court for delivering a message that no citizen should be deprived of his personal liberty based on unlawfully obtained evidence, such as in illegal search or a warrantless determination to uphold the rule of law over the rule of men,” they added.

The statement was issued by the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Institute for Solidarity in Asia, Investment Houses Association of the Philippines, Judicial Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Shareholders Association of the

‘Abolish 3% OFWs Philhealth premium’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

QUARANTINE HUB. The Department of Public Works and Highways turned the Carmona Evacuation Center into a quarantine hub for COVID-19 patients in Cavite.

Isko seeks probe into firm selling products with ‘Province of China’ tag

By Willie Casas MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the operations of business firm, Elegant Fumes Beauty Products Inc., which he recently ordered closed for selling beauty products with a label stating its Manila address as “province” of China.

“We are requesting that an investiga-

tion be conducted on the business operations of EFPBI and if warranted, cause the filing of criminal complaints against the corporation and its officers and/or incorporation,” said Domagoso in a letter addressed to NBI director Eric Distor dated August 20.

“We are looking forward to your prompt response on this matter. We are willing to submit relevant documents in our possession which may aid your

office in the investigation,” Domagoso added.

Domagoso said the company was selling a hair care product, “Ashley Shine Keratin Treatment Deep Repair,” with a label saying that its address in Binondo is a “province of the People’s Republic of China.”

Domagoso said that the packaging of the said product is “an affront to the sovereignty of the Philippines and an insult to

Reintegrate displaced OFWs— Senate body

By Macon R. Araneta

DIVISORIA STALLS. Buyers fail to observe physical distancing along the stretch of

Ylaya Street in Divisoria, Manila where new vending stalls were built amid the pandemic.

Gov’t pushes for new rice substitute WITH thousands of Filipinos struggling to feed their families amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the government is looking for ways to introduce a new substitute for rice to help make more parts of the country hunger-free.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the government is pushing for the planting of ‘adlai,’ a gluten-free grain, to ensure food security and fight against hunger and poverty.

“We will push for the planting of adlai in the Caraga region as part of the residents’ staple food and as a source of livelihood for farmers, indigenous peoples, rebel returnees as well as those located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to ensure we have food security and to continue the

Philippines, American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

In a decision released last week, the SC reversed and set aside the ruling of Court of Appeals which affirmed the regional trial court’s decision convicting a certain Jerry Sapla on charges of transportation of illegal drugs.

Sapla was caught by policemen in January 2014 with four bricks or almost 4, 000 grams of marijuana while on board a jeepney in Tabuk City, Kalinga province.

fight against hunger and poverty,” Nograles said in a statement.

Nograles, chair of the Zero Hunger Task Force, described adlai as a “great potential” to be a key food and livelihood source for the region.

“Adlai is more nutritious than corn and brown and white rice. Its propagation is appropriate for upland and highland areas in Mindanao where there is a higher incidence of poverty and hunger,” he said.

He said his office is closely coordinating with the Department of Agriculture for assistance in propagating adlai and in allocating additional funds to buy seedlings that will be distributed to farmers and other beneficiaries in Caraga and in other areas in Mindanao.

REINTEGRATION programs for displaced overseas Filipino workers and the prospects of their deployment are among the topics that the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development will be tackling in its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

Villanueva, who chairs the committee, said he would like to know the plan of Department of Labor and Employment its plans to help OFWs reintegrate in the domestic labor market as demand for workers overseas continue to plummet over the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that while the repatriation of OFWs continue, reintegration strategies should be simultaneously implemented so they have alternative means of livelihood.

Just recently, OWWA has been granted an additional P5 billion budget to ensure that repatriation efforts and assistance are uninterrupted.

The lawmaker also intends to ask the IATF, DOH and DOLE on their plans to assist OFWs whose deployments were suspended.

its duly constituted authorities.”

He said the firm allegedly violated some provisions of the Consumer Act of the Philippines and the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 as well as engaging in online selling without the needed permits.

Domagoso also warned sellers in retail platforms Shopee and Lazada that they could also be held liable if they sell the firm’s product.

SENATOR Imee Marcos on Sunday challenged Health secretary Francisco Duque to make good his word to support a measure which seeks to permanently abolish the 3% premium that overseas Filipino workers pay Philhealth.

“It’s been said that if you want something done, you’ll find many ways to get to it; if you don’t, you’ll find many excuses). Let’s stand by our OFWs and finally get this done,” Marcos said.

Duque had expressed his support to Marcos’s proposed bill in last week’s Senate inquiry into the state health care insurer’s fund anomalies.

Marcos had said that Philhealth can help unburden OFWs of the 3% premium deducted from their salaries, by recovering billions lost to leakages in its funds.

Marcos cited as example of a fund leakage the ‘overpayment’ of hospital reimbursements for exaggerated illnesses, known as “upcasing,” ghost patients, and board and room charges padded on outpatient cases which she said could amount to more than what Philhealth would collect from the OFW premium.

“With thousands upon thousands of OFWs losing their jobs and facing repatriation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, plus the charges of corruption hounding Philhealth, the 3% premium should no longer be reimposed,” Marcos said.

President Duterte suspended the collection of the 3% premium last May and made it voluntary, after OFWs expressed surprise over the increase from the previous 2.75% rate.

Collection of the OFW premium is provided for in the implementing rules and regulations of the Universal Health Care Act.

‘SEC ruling endangers COVID-19 response’ ALREADY beset with full capacity for COVID patients, a shortage of healthcare workers, and a delay in being paid bills now worth a staggering P750 Million by PhilHealth, The Medical City (TMC) now faces an additional challenge to its operations imposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Our healthcare workers continue to deliver world-class healthcare to the Filipino public during this time of COVID, even as we work to ensure that our nation-wide operations are not disrupted due to the glaring errors in the SEC decision,” said Jose Xavier ‘Eckie’ Gonzales, Chairman of TMC. “For example, where in the law, or even in any other case, can you see the SEC telling a private corporation how to classify shares, how these shares should be sold, and when these shares can be paid? It’s almost as if they were preparing the way for a favored party to buy shares of TMC.” “While there is never a good time to get decisions on shareholder disputes, the SEC decision comes at a really bad time,” says Dr. Eugenio Jose F. Ramos, Chief Executive Officer of TMC. “The last thing our staff needs right now is even more uncertainty –it’s hard enough to face patients who may or may not have COVID. It’s hard enough for them to come home

worrying that they might be exposing their family to COVID. Now they also have to worry about what is going to happen to their hospital.”

Releasing its decision last week, the SEC effectively asked TMC to go back to its ownership structure in 2013, and return the money to investors who had infused capital into the then ailing hospital. Based on corporate records for 2013, the major shareholders then were Lombard (a San Francisco-based fund), the Jesuits, the Religious of the Virgin Mary, and Mr. Gonzales, who was already, at that time, the largest individual shareholder. Dr. Alran Bengzon had, and still only has, one-tenth of 1 percent of TMC shares.

The SEC decision will not increase his shares as he had declined to participate in putting in money for the capital calls. Rulings from the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals have already pointed out that Dr Bengzon cannot expect to exercise control of a company in which he owns less than 1 percent of shares. Lawyers have also pointed out the SEC has no jurisdiction to determine fraud. Unlike court decisions, which have trials and opposing counsels that allow judges to fully understand the information presented, the SEC decides a case based only on select interviews and paperwork

BIG FISH.

Japhet Cardona, 32, shows off a 25-kilo tuna fish he bought from Malabon Fish Port which he sells in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon Ciity on Sunday, August 23. Cardona is a tricycle driver turned fish vendor since the start of the lockdown in Quezon City.

PonD News Asia

LGUs

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

A4

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

El Nido reopens for tourism, resorts ready

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TOURIST SIGHTS.

A sea turtle roams the corals near El Nido island, one of the features tourists can look forward to, as resorts like Miniloc Island Resorts (inset) open their doors once more amid the coronavirus pandemic.

IN BRIEF Vargas launches ‘PWeDe!’ program QUEZON City Rep. Alfred Vargas has launched PWeDe!, a program for persons with disabilities (PWDs) designed to support livelihood centers offering capital programs and providing wheelchairs and hearing aids to those with special needs.

Senior graduating students with disabilities could also be granted financial aid through Vargas’ “Pantawid Graduation” program, while skills development and leadership trainings for both youth and the adults would be organized, he said.

“It’s time to empower PWDs who have long suffered from neglect through the help of PWeDe! We would want to the PWDs the opportunities to reach their dreams, to gainfully work, to finish their studies and to have a better life. Because in the end, PWEDE! naman talaga kung magtutulungan lang tayo,” he said. Rio N. Araja

DENR Bataan disinfects office

QC sets quarantine village center rules

By Rio N. Araja

T

O HELP mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in communities, the Quezon City government has released guidelines for its 142 villages on how to properly establish and operate their own quarantine facilities.

In an Aug. 21 memorandum, Mayor Joy Belmonte cited the importance of barangay-based isolation facilities in the fight against the deadly virus.

“These facilities enable immediate isolation of asymptomatic or mild cases, or suspect and probable cases,” she said.

“Also, the barangay quarantine facilities will help free up hospital beds for

moderate, critical or severe cases,” Belmonte added.

According to Dr. Rolly Cruz, head of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, barangays that are interested in putting up their own isolation facilities may coordinate with the city’s health department through telephones 87032723 or 8703-8794 for proper guidance.

“It would be best if they coordinate with us so we can teach them how to properly establish and effectively run an isolation facility,” he said.

Based on the guidelines, the facility must be enclosed with windows and doors and should be adequately lit and well-ventilated, with barangays providing at least an electric fan, appropriate furniture and beds, uninterrupted power supply, running water, and access to laundry service.

The facility must have access to the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team and other government and health authorities that shall be responsible for monitoring patients admitted into the facility.

WINNING TEACHER.

PILAR, Bataan—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bataan employed a weeklong work-from-home scheme to give way to the disinfection of their office here following the exposure of two employees to a suspected COVID-19 positive individual.

PENRO Raul Mamac underscored there was need for an immediate disinfection and sanitation of their offices to ensure safety of both the transacting public and their personnel.

Mamac said there was continuity of their operation by putting in place a system that saw their personnel providing services to the public while working from their homes. Butch Gunio

Elementary teacher Jejomar Villacorte shows his talent in the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding’s (APCEIU) Challenge for 2020 Sharing Stories on Asia Pacific Education Movement (SSAEM) Online Conference.

Tacloban teacher wins award from Asia-Pacific Challenge body

By Ronald O. Reyes

TACLOBAN CITY—A public elementary school teacher from the Tacloban City division bagged first place in a recent global conference of educators from the Asia-Pacific region.

Jejomar Villacorte of Rizal Central School in Tacloban won the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International

Understanding’s (APCEIU) Challenge for 2020 Sharing Stories on Asia Pacific Education Movement (SSAEM) Online Conference, earning plaudits from Department of Education (DepEd) regional director Dr. Ramir Uytico.

“Having won in this international competition, Villacorte has proven that Region 8 is great,” said Uytico.

“He has now reaped successes from

his hard work and determination.

Aside from his achievement of being the only one from the region who passed the rigorous screening for the Philippines-Korea Teacher Exchange Programme, he has surpassed my expectations,” he added.

The director said he hoped that all teachers in Region 8 “would also find ways to give honor to the Department.”

The SSAEM is an annual gathering of various stakeholders and the general public. The event is organized to promote the upcoming 2020 Online SSAEM Conference and provide alumni with a broader range of opportunities to participate in the event and to produce a video for the opening ceremony and create valuable educational materials.

Security Bank, website help bridge education gap COVID-19 is not just a health crisis, it has since affected many sectors including education, ultimately changing the way we provide and receive schooling. Conversations have now shifted from class suspensions to the adoption of e-learning. But a common challenge is making e-learning inclusive considering the socio-economic background of Filipino students.

To help address the problem, Security Bank Foundation pursued a partnership with Edukasyon.ph, one of the country’s top online education platforms, to provide e-learning access to displaced students.

The Foundation is no stranger to education initiatives, having spearheaded major projects such as the construction of school buildings, conducting training programs, and providing scholarships to deserving college students.

The partnership allowed Security Bank Foundation to automate its scholarship application process and extend Edukasyon. ph online education platform to its external college scholars.

SBFI promoted Edukasyon.ph’s online education platform

through the Bank’s various channels as well as through communications to its scholars.

Ivie Azor, a student from the University of the Philippines Diliman, complimented the program. “The Edukasyon.ph online courses are comparable with the free courses offered by Harvard. They tackled the discussions in senior high school already, so it was more of digging deeper and giving complex examples,” she said.

Security Bank Cards also partnered with Edukasyon.ph to offer Security Bank Cardholders access to their paid courses through its platform.

Senior high school and college students of cardholders can access the free specialized e-learning course from online institutions such as Udemy, Kadenze, and Google Garage.

ONLINE SCHOLARS. Janina Alparo and Jay-Ar Guyena (inset) are some of the students benefiting from Security Bank and Edukasyon.ph’s program to provide e-learning access to displaced students.

PALAWAN, voted World’s Best Island in 2020 by Travel + Leisure magazine, awaits visitors once more as it reopens its doors to tourism.

Now under a modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), and with the support of the Department of Tourism and the municipal government, luxury chain El Nido Resorts is the first to receive the DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate in the town after complying with the guidelines to accept leisure guests at a 50% capacity.

Under the “travel bubble” setup, guests will have to undergo RT-PCR testing 72 hours prior to their departure and fill out health and travel declaration forms upon reservation.

According to El Nido Mayor Edna Gacot-Lim, the resort town is happy to be among the first domestic tourism destinations to be given by the DOT to reopen.

Miniloc Island Resort, which is now on its 40 years of service, is the first to open its doors to guests coming from outside Palawan.

A maiden flight in mid-July and a follow through will be conducted in coordination with their partner airline, AirSwift.

With satisfactory results and positive feedback from guests and the LGU, it will continue to service guests through scheduled flights from Manila for a three-night vacation from Sept. 11-14.

An eco-discovery island resort, it offers guests with a back-to-basics Filipino coastal rustic village vibe.

Guests can swim, snorkel or dive with the huge jackfish and a variety of marine species at its house reef, or explore the Big and Small Lagoons, Snake Island, and other attractions around Bacuit Bay. Huni Resort, located at Lio Tourism Estate at the mainland, is already accepting bookings from Palawan-based residents.

Lim said that the archipelagic resort town is been blessed with a high biodiversity area, and thus exercises stewardship over the environment, stressing the importance of preserving nature to all stakeholders.

Situated in the northernmost part of mainland Palawan, it is part of the UNESCO declaration as a “Man and Biosphere Reserve.”

El Nido was declared a Managed Resource Protected Area by the government in 1998, and currently has 13 community-managed Marine Protected Areas.

It boasts of 2,645 hectares of mangrove forests, 114 bird species, 447 coral species, 888 fish species, vast tracts of tropical rainforest, and five endemic mammal species, including the dugong (seacow), the world’s rarest marine mammal.

Isko launches vending stalls along Ylaya

By Willie Casas MANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso on Saturday led the official launching of the newly renovated vending stalls along Ylaya Street in the city’s commercial district.

Domagoso joined City Engineer Armand Andres, City Electrician Engr.

Randy Sadac, and other local officials during the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A total of 100 vending stalls with a variety of products are being offered along the stretch of Ylaya in Divisoria, Manila.

Vendors would only pay P40 per day to the city government for their new stalls—P20 in the morning, and P20 in the afternoon.

This, Domagoso said, would end the issue on organizers extorting a higher amount against vendors.

The placing of 100 Ylaya Vending Stalls aims to help vendors to have a higher dignity for themselves. It is part of the local government’s Build Build Manila program.

Opinion Winds of change THE four-day Democratic Party convention in the US of A was devoid of the usual hoopla that characterized previous presidential nominations, no thanks to the COVID pandemic that has razed the most powerful nation on earth.

The climactic point was not in the convention proper; Joseph Biden was a shoo-in when everybody else folded their political tents long before last week. It was the selection of California senator Kamala Harris, the feisty daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother.

What Obama started 12 years ago, when the first African American won the party

Will there be stability over chaos? nomination and went on to become America’s first colored president, lives on with the choice of Harris as running mate of Joe Biden. She could well be the first colored American woman to become vice president.

Obama earlier asked Americans to vote incumbent President Trump out, describing him as simply incapable of the office he mistakenly won in 2016.

“I did hope, for the sake of the country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously; that he might come to feel the weight of the office, and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care.

But he never did,” Obama said.

Democrats have chosen a very senior citizen, Joe Biden, veteran legislator and Obama’s trusted vice-president for two terms, all of 77 years, who once elected would be the oldest man to occupy the Oval Office.

But times define the leader, and a sane, sensible, mature gentleman who will heal the wounds inflicted by probably the most atypical American to lead what the “land of the free” calls the “greatest democracy on earth,” is Joe Biden.

“Here and now I give you my word…I will draw on the best of us, not the worst.

I will be an ally of the light, not the darkness,” he said.

Pete Buttigieg, the young former mayor of South Bend, Indiana who was one of the early frontrunners for the Democratic nomination, chimed in: “Joe Biden is right, this is a contest for the soul of the nation.

That contest is not between good Americans and evil Americans. It’s the struggle to call out what is good for every American.”

Come November 3 of this horrible year, the likes of which we have never before experienced in our lifetime, we will know whether Americans will vote for stability versus chaos, whether America can be a trusted ally or persist as a user whose word does not match action, and whether its institutions of freedom and democracy will continue to weaken and its global leadership permanently damaged. ***

Matters of faith and fate THE FIFTH GOSPEL JUDE ACIDRE IF AT the start of this year we already knew the disasters, calamities and crises that were to happen in 2020, I wonder: Would we have greeted each other “Happy New Year”?

It is already August—and I have both good and bad news for everyone. The good news is we are already past half the year, four more months to go, and then 2020 will be over. The bad news is—it is already past half the year, and in four months, 2020 will be over.

In January, we all hoped for the best.

We never expected any of the problems and pandemic that later on happened.

The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, verse 1 puts it beautifully—“Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see.” This is faith. The confidence in what we hope for. The certainty of things unknown.

Fast forward to August 2020, this realization is even more powerful as it did at the beginning of the year.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

B1

EDITORIAL

Elsewhere in the world, the winds of change are likewise happening.

In impoverished Mali, a landlocked African nation whose gold mines were ravished by its French colonizers followed by corrupt changes in leadership, the military overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar’s troubled regime, as thousands cheered them in the capital, Bamako.

The European community expressed alarm about the coup that deposed a democratically elected leader, even as the military junta announced that theirs will be a mere transition towards better civilian rule.

Poor as it has always been, Mali has been wracked by conflict, with Islamic extremists controlling portions of this fourth largest territory in the African continent.

A friend who retired as a World Bank official and was once assigned to Mali, Niger and Chad, among other poverty-stricken nations, once described to me how difficult its populations strive just to survive. Despite all our present economic problems, we are still very lucky compared to the citizens of many such African nations, caught in the grip of chaotic politics and seemingly unending tribal conflicts. *** Continuing demonstrations led by labor leaders and factory workers threaten to destabilize the 26-year reign of President Alexander Lukashenko in another landlocked country, Belarus, which is bounded by Russia, Ukraine and Poland. They are demanding Lukashenko’s resignation after a supposedly rigged, umpteenth re-election, on top of his mishandling of the coronavirus plague.

Lukashenko has threatened strong-arm tactics to quell the opposition, but at the end of the day, it is Russia, and Vladimir Putin, who will decide on the fate of Belarus. Its economy is dependent on Moscow, where more than half of its agricultural and manufactured exports go, and where it imports most of its consumption needs.

This is a case where it is not popular decision, or the call of the times, which will define the leader, but a neighboring strongman. *** In our region, we are unnerved by the continuing threats of a Chinese “invasion” of what it claims to be its province, Taiwan.

Week after week here in the capital, Taipei, we learn of naval movements and air force fly-bys almost to the point of being ho-hum. But the martial cadence has been louder of late.

Over the weekend, soldiers stationed in Xiamen, the province closest to Taiwan, have been directed by their superiors to write “goodbye” letters to their spouses, sparking fears that the PLA might invade the island sooner than later.

Through the last three years, intensifying after President Tsai Ing-wen’s re-election early this year, the threats from the mainland have grown louder and more frequent. In Tagalog, the “panduduro” and the “giri-an” have been escalating.

At the end of the day, a lot will depend on how American politics, heating up towards a November 3 election, and a long transition between then and the presidential inauguration on January 20 next year, will shape up.

The repercussions upon the region, and especially our country, which is nearest the potential arena of conflict, are quite worrisome.

SO I SEE LITO BANAYO

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Seeing the pandemic and the poverty, the destruction and the depression around us, perhaps many of us have asked ourselves again and again, “Why is this happening?”

Perhaps many of us believe life will never be the same again. Maybe they are right: After this pandemic, we will never be the same again.

The question is—will we remain strong in our faith, or will we resign ourselves to our fate? What difference will keeping the faith, or mindlessly accepting our fate, even make?

Ignatius of Loyola taught us about the two forces in our lives: The one that brings us closer to God, and the one that turns us away from him. One that brings out the better in us, or the one that makes us the worse version of ourselves.

That is exactly what makes keeping the faith different from mindlessly accepting our fate.

Faith is to believe things will be better. Fate is to let things be as they are.

Faith is trusting that the good will endure, and this crisis, like all things, will come to pass. Fate is worrying what would be left of us, when all these things come to pass.

Reverence for the law, not for any one person

T

The chief of the Philippine National Police, General Archie Gamboa, admitted to receiving an invitation from the group that wants to overthrow the current government and replace its leader with, well, the current leader.

HE exuberance of President Rodrigo Duterte’s rabid supporters does nothing to calm a population already anxious and rudderless amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposal to establish a revolutionary government is plain absurd.

We learned with much consternation that some 300 individuals had converged at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga on Saturday to express their support of a revolutionary government.

The event was organized by the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte—National Executive Coordinating Committee.

The group’s spokesperson said the MRRD-NECC was “an aggrupation of civil society, non-government, political, patriotic organizations and freedom loving citizens all over the country.”

These “freedom-loving” citizens want President Duterte to “head the said revolutionary government under a revolutionary constitution to last until Dec. 31, 2021, after which elections shall be held under the newly amended constitution… in a federal form of government.”

No less than the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said, immediately, that there was no legal, factual, practical or moral basis for a revolutionary government. Such a proposal is repugnant to constitutionalism and must be discouraged and denounced, said the IBP national president Domingo Egon.

We would leave the experts to debate on the soundness of the proposal from a legal standpoint. We are sure that there would be no dearth of arguments that the Constitution

does not contemplate a wanton interpretation of its letter. We place our faith on those whose fidelity lies with the law, rather than with any one person.

The proposal gets zero points, as well, on practical and moral grounds. In ordinary times, this idea will not fly; the absurdity is magnified many times over if we consider that this is being raised at a time when the pandemic continues to hurt our people, physically, mentally and economically. Meanwhile, the solutions we are offered are not based on science, and largely consist of waiting for a vaccine that would supposedly come from either of our benevolent friends—the Chinese or the Russians.

Meanwhile, too, hospitals continue to be overwhelmed, the public is clueless about the true extent of the contagion, and joblessness is at its worst.

The only instance these so-called patriots should imagine the future is when they are thinking of a day when the pandemic has been placed under control, and that Filipinos can realistically ponder prosperity, equity, and reverence for the law instead of any one individual.

Economic frontliners OPEN THOUGHTS ORLANDO OXALES AFTER over five months of lockdown, the government has announced that we have no choice, and I would agree, but to gradually open up the economy and we must all learn to live with the Wuhan virus until a vaccine is available for mass inoculation. Much hype, mostly from the President and his Russian counterpart, has been broadcast about the fast progress of a Russian vaccine still undergoing trials. But according to WHO tracking, there are more vaccine developers in advanced stages with more conservative timelines.

When full lockdown restrictions started in March, the most essential necessities that came to mind, aside from food and medicine, were electricity, water, mobile, and broadband services. Being consumers, we are the first to feel the fallout of every disaster that strikes, and we continue to cope with this multi-dimensional crisis.

For a change, here are more positive thoughts on the top of my mind.

For the fourth straight month, Meralco recently announced another power rate cut this August. Compared to last year’s rate, this is significantly lower. Cited were less power plant outages that from experience, raises spot market prices that Meralco and other distribution utilities will be forced to purchase to ensure uninterrupted services. The dip in power demand in lockdown areas was also a factor that averted a looming power shortage during the summer months because of overdue building of power plants which by the way are still delayed. Something that the DOE should continue to focus on to meet a resurgence in demand as our economy recovers.

Also, allowing Meralco’s meter readers to

These uncertain days, it is difficult not to be afraid or scared of what is happening, much more of what is bound to happen. It is easy to be paranoid, or worried about getting sick or infected. It is easy to doubt others, ourselves, even God. In the height of the pandemic in Italy, Pope Francis invited the whole world to prayer. He stood alone in the middle of an empty St Peter’s Square. The familiar crowds of pilgrims were nowhere to be found.

This, too, shall pass.

That was a very powerful image of faith. The darkness spoke of the uncertainty that has overtaken our lives. The rain, our pain. The silence, our grief.

But the Pope stood there unperturbed, and the world prayed with him. It was a strong reminder that no matter how rich or poor you are, or what language you spoke or the color of your skin—we are all part of a human family united in prayer—and in faith.

The same things may be said about our lives now. There is uncertainty, pain and grief.

We have become so used to living secure lives, being certain about what is

go about their rounds during lockdowns instead of that problematic estimated bill policy of ERC solves the main cause of the bill shock confusion. The installment scheme, lenient no-disconnection policy, and one-onone resolution of complaints, is the best approach for each paying customer.

Next are the ongoing waves of support and cooperation from so many individuals, and private companies. This impressive mobilization and cross-industry, cross sectoral cooperation has been crucial in averting what could have been a scary breakdown in peace and order if the millions of displaced families who suddenly lost their means of livelihood were not given immediate relief during the first lockdown months when government response was expectedly stuck in bureaucratic delays.

When the big industries start kicking in, the rest of the ecosystem will follow quickly.

Among the most notable are: Project Ugnayan, Tulong Kapatid, Kaagapay, Frontline Stays, Project Pag-Asa, eSakay, and what I would consider with most strategic urgency is the test, trace, treat mission of TASK FORCE T3, heavily supported by the Asian Development Bank, Ayala Group’s AC Health, Metro Pacific (MPIC) Hospital Group, Unilab, the Philippine National Red Cross, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation and other big business groups. From a few labs the project has produced more than a hundred and counting that has so far peaked at 37,000 test a day and will hopefully soon hit 50,000 with enough personnel and test kits.

Interventions extend to all fronts in the war

going to happen tomorrow, having these comforts in our homes, taking away from us every inconvenience. We are used to being in a rush, thinking of how to succeed—to earn more, to win more, to gain more. All of a sudden, the winning, the rushing, the certainty and convenience are no more.

The opening of classes, supposedly scheduled to happen this month, has been moved to October. But even then we will not be meeting friends and teachers in our schools. We will be learning from our homes.

Teachers know all too well, what it means to have faith in others. For every child who comes to school, a teacher sees only possibilities of what he or she can do, potentials of what he or she can be. All a teacher thinks about is what a child can achieve, despite knowing that out there, there will be life-changing challenges, difficulties, and influences.

Teachers choose to put faith, to place their faith in us—instead of leaving us to whatever fate life would bring us.

But we ask ourselves, what does it really mean to face the reality of our fate, or be comforted by the certainty of our faith? Faith is to see better. To know better. What matters more. What matters most.

against the pandemic with business groups mobilizing resources and manpower where their expertise are most useful particularly in quickly ramping up the capacities of our health care system to treat the still rising number of COVID 19 cases.

As of this writing, 48 percent of the 1,700 intensive care unit beds allocated for COVID 19 patients and 12,600 beds in isolation facilities are already occupied, while 31 percent of about 2,200 mechanical ventilators are now in use. The speed and efficiency of our testing, tracing, and adequacy of COVID 19 treatment centers, and how as individuals practice anti-virus behavior, will determine how aggressive we can be in restarting economic activities.

Infections are still spreading in our most productive economic regions where continuing lockdowns has plunged our economy into recession and unemployment spiking to a record high of 45 percent or an estimated 27.3 million Filipinos displaced by this crisis, based on last month’s survey results of the Social Weather Stations.

When it comes to creating jobs and driving the economy, it is the private sector that, with or without help from the government, will be our economic front liners. This is a fact not just in government statistics but it is also what four out five Filipinos believe, agreeing that they believe that private sector investments in infrastructure development and delivery of public services are helping to alleviate poverty by creating jobs and livelihood opportunities (Pulse Asia, September 2019).

Re-accelerating economic momentum will not be possible without a stable and conducive regulatory environment that motivates the mobilization of big investments in private ventures, infrastructure development and delivery of public services. All our capital resources, our human resources, and our mineral resources must be harnessed and maximized to their full potential. When the big industries start kicking in, the rest of the ecosystem will follow quickly.

MORE OPINION ONLINE (www.manilastandard.net) TO THE POINT

EMIL JURADO

Watching the President’s health CROSSROADS

J.A. DELA CRUZ

Protect the republic NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO

The people’s interest matters

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Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

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World

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

CESAR BARRIQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Canada conservatives electing new leader to take on Trudeau CANADIAN conservatives will reveal Sunday their pick for a new leader and main contender to challenge liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in possible snap elections.

Four candidates vied to replace outgoing Andrew Scheer, including two former ministers, the first Seventh-day Adventist ever to be elected to parliament, and an outsider seeking to become the first black woman to lead a major federal political party in Canada.

Frontrunner Peter MacKay, 54, was looking to mark his triumphant return to politics following a five-year hiatus.

After leading Canada’s foreign, defense and justice departments in the last Tory administration from 2006 to 2015, he ducked the limelight.

He has faced a strong challenge for the party leadership from former air-force navigator and former veterans affairs minister Erin O’Toole, 47, who ran twice previously for the job.

FLUID MOVEMENTS.

In this photograph taken on August 22, 2020, a Sri Lankan traditional dancer performs in front of the Bellanwila Temple as she takes part in a procession during the Esala Perahera festival in Colombo. The festival, which usually draws thousands of spectators every year, took place with no spectator insight due to the restrictions amid COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. AFP

Both have touted a need for the party to broaden its appeal to progressive voters, with a focus on jobs and the economy, but also to pitch a clear climate plan, which has been lacking from the Tories.

“I will be Canada’s jobs prime minister,” MacKay told public broadcaster CBC, promising “a real environmental plan.”

He also pledged if he becomes prime minister to ban China’s Huawei from Canada’s 5G networks, and a tax overhaul.

The coronavirus pandemic made campaigning for the Tory leadership a challenge, preventing the usual gladhanding and engaging with stakeholders.

Balloting by mail replaced the spectacle of a leadership convention with balloons and streamers, and Canadians have shown little interest as they contended with the virus.

Forcing snap elections to challenge the Liberals would be an equally hard sell in the midst of the worst economic crisis since World War II. AFP

Sister calls Trump ‘cruel,’ ‘liar’ D

over his immigration policy that saw children separated from their parents at the border and sent to detention centers.

“All he wants to do is appeal to his base,” she said in recordings obtained by the Washington Post. “He has no principles. None.”

“His goddamned tweet and lying, oh my God.” The recordings were secretly made It was the latest unflattering insider ac- by the president’s niece Mary Trump, count to target the president, only instead who published last month a bombof a jilted aide or business associate, it shell memoir of the “toxic family” was from one of his closest relatives. that produced him.

Maryanne Trump Barry, a former The president’s younger brother Robfederal judge, slammed her brother ert, who died last week, went to court to try to REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES block its In this case the source of co-ownership among REGIONAL TRIAL COURT the heirs was intestate succession. Where publicaNATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION there are two or more heirs, the whole estate tion—arof the decedent is, before its partition, owned in BRANCH 80, QUEZON CITY common by such heirs subject to the payment guing that METROPOLITAN BANK & of debts of the deceased. In a co-ownership, Mary was TRUST COMPANY, INC., the undivided thing or right belong to different Plaintiff, persons, with each of them holding the property violating pro indiviso and exercising her rights over the

ONALD Trump’s older sister described the US president as cruel and a liar whose lack of principles meant he could not be trusted, according to secretly made recordings published Saturday.

17

-versusCIV. CASE NO. R-QZN-17-10674-CV HEIRS OF THE LATE ONOFRE PALMA, etc., Defendants. x--------------------------------------------------x

DECISION

Before this Court is an Amended Complaint1 dated November 10, 2017 for partition filed

by Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, Inc. (Metrobank for brevity) against the heirs of Onofre F. Palma (Onofre for brevity), namely heirs of Rayda L. Palma, Emma F. Palma-Manuyag, Oliver F. Palma, Nella Palma-Mangubat, Aldwin F. Palma, Glenn F. Palma and Samuel F. Palma (the Palmas for brevity).

The land involved is located at No. 59 Yale Street, Brgy. E. Rodriguez, Cubao, Quezon City and currently covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. 004-2015008728. In its complaint, Metrobank alleges that in 1996, defendant Emma Manuyag (Emma for brevity), her spouse Raymundo, and defendant Rayda Palma (Rayda for brevity), obtained a loan from the bank in the amount of P1,200,000.00. As security thereof, the three executed a real estate mortgage in favor of Metrobank over the subject lot, which was then covered by TCT No. RT-86833 (340723).

Metrobank further alleges that the aforesaid mortgagors defaulted in their obligation as a result of which, the same was extrajudicially foreclosed and was sold at a public auction where the bank emerged as the highest bidder thereof. According to the plaintiff, the Palmas did not redeem the property within the one-year redemption period, thus, it pursued the consolidation of its ownership over the lot and the same was eventually titled in the names of Onofre and of the bank.

Allegedly, Metrobank notified the Palmas of its desire to partition the property, but they refused to accede to the same. Hence the present action where the bank prays for the Court to partition the property, such that one-half thereof pertains to the bank and the remaining 50% to the defendants.

Despite service to them of summons, the Palmas failed to file their answer to the complaint.

Thus, on December 10, 2018, upon plaintiff’s motion, the Court declared the defendants in default and allowed the bank to present its evidence ex parte.2

Evidence for the Plaintiff On February 27, 2019, Metrobank presented its lone witness Ferdinand Leones (Leones for brevity), a paralegal officer from its Special Accounts Management Group, Remedial & Litigation Division. Leones identified TCT No. 004-2015008728 (Exhibit A) and the Real Estate Mortgage (Exhibit B) executed by the Spouses Manuyag and defendant Rayda Palma on July 29, 1996. As further proof of the execution of said mortgage, Leones identified TCT No. RT-86833 (340723),3 and the tax declarations covering the land4 and improvement.5 To prove that Metrobank was the highest bidder during the foreclosure sale, the witness identified the Certificate6 of Sale issued in favor of the bank on April 17, 2002. In connection with the bank’s bid to consolidate ownership over the property, Leones identified the bank’s Affidavit of Consolidation of Ownership7 and the Resolutions dated February 16, 20108 and January 27, 20149 of the Land Registration Authority. Finally, as proof that demand for partition was sent by the bank to the Palmas, the witness identified the demand letter10 prepared by the bank’s external counsel on October 7, 2015, and the registry return card.11 After Leones’ testimony was completed, Metrobank formally offered its documentary evidence, which was admitted by the Court on May 21, 2019.12

The Court’s Ruling In a complaint for partition, the plaintiff seeks, first, a declaration that he is a co-owner of the subject properties; and second, the conveyance of his lawful shares. An action for partition is at once an action for declaration of co-ownership and for segregation and conveyance of a determinate portion of the properties involved.13 The first stage of partition, therefore, relates to the determination of the rights of the parties to the property held in common. 14 In this regard, the evidence on record shows that the subject piece of land was registered under TCT No. RT-86833 (340723) in the name of Onofre Palma who died in 1993 and was survived by the Palmas.15 Three (3) years later, two of the heirs (Rayda Palma and Emma Manuyag) mortgaged the entire lot and the house erected therein in favor of Metrobank. It also appears that the residential house therein16 was included in the mortgage.

whole property. Each co-owner may use and enjoy the property with no other limitation than that he shall not injure the interests of his coowners.18 Pursuant to the foregoing, it has been held that before the partition of a land or thing held in common, no individual or co-owner can claim title to any definite portion thereof. All that the co-owner has is an ideal or abstract quota proportionate share in the entire land or thing.

Should a co-owner alienate or mortgage the coowned property itself, the alienation or mortgage shall remain valid but only to the extent of the portion which may be allotted to him in the division upon the termination of the co-ownership.

In case of foreclosure, a sale would result in the transmission only of whatever rights the seller had over of the thing sold.19 In view thereof, Metrobank as the winning bidder in the public auction of the subject house and lot cannot claim ownership over the entire thing, notwithstanding the rule that the purchaser in an extrajudicial foreclosure of real property becomes the absolute owner of the property if no redemption is made within one year from the registration of the certificate of sale by those entitled to redeem.20 While defendants Rayda Palma and Emma Manuyag constituted the mortgage over the entire subject property, it is clear that it was made before termination of the co-ownership through partition. They may have the right, under Article 493 of the new Civil Code, to freely mortgage their undivided interest in the disputed property, but they could not dispose of or mortgage the entire property without the consent of the other defendants-heirs.

During trial, Metrobank did not attempt to show that the other heirs consented to the mortgage made by Emma and Rayda over the entire property. Consequently, these other heirs cannot be deemed to have lost their share as a consequence of the subsequent foreclosure and sale of the co-owned property. To repeat, Emma’s and Rayda’s rights in the subject property is limited only to their share in the coowned property. Metrobank’s right as mortgagee is limited only to the portion which may be allotted to Emma and Rayda in the event of a division and liquidation of the subject property.21 Accordingly, when the subject property was sold to and consolidated in the name of the bank, the latter merely held the subject property in trust22 for the other heirs. More precisely, as the vendee, Metrobank steps into the shoes of the vendor as co-owner and acquires a proportionate abstract share in the property held in common.23 WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered, as follows: 1. Declaring the lot covered by TCT No. 004-2015008728, and the residential house therein, as commonly owned by plaintiff and the defendants: 2. Ordering the partition of the aforesaid house and lot among Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, Inc., heirs of Rayda L. Palma, Emma F. Palma-Manuyag, Oliver F. Palma, Nella Palma-Mangubat, Aldwin F. Palma, Glenn F. Palma and Samuel F. Palma; 3. Ordering the parties to submit, within thirty (30) days from finality of this judgment, their partition agreement for the confirmation of the court, failing which partition shall be done for them by the court in accordance with Rule 69 of the Rules of Court.

No pronouncement as to costs.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, July 25, 2019.

(Sgd.) GAY MARIE F. LUBIGAN-RAFAEL Acting Presiding Judge 1

Record, pp..38, 72 2 Id. at 91 3 Exhibit C 4 Exhibit D 5 Exhibit E 6 Exhibit F 7 Exhibit G 8 Exhibit H 9 Exhibit I 10 Exhibit J 11 Exhibit J-1 12 Record, p. 170 13 Bagayas v. Bagayas, 718 Phil. 91 (2013) 14 Oribello v. CA, G.R. No. 163504, August 05, 2015 15 Record, p.3 16 Among the properties subject of the real estate mortgage (Exhibit B) is the land covered by TCT No. RT-86833 (340723) “including all improvements now and hereafter existing therein,”. Notably the tax declaration (Exhibit E) covering the house indicates Onofre Palma as the owner thereof. See Record, pp. 14, 18 17 Noceda v. CA, 313 SCRA 504 (1999) 18 Quijono v. Amante, 745 Phil. 40 (2014) 19 Sps. Inalvez v. Nool, 781 Phil. 653 (2016) 20 Sps. Gallent v. Velasquez, 784 Phil. 44 (2016) 21 PNB v. Garcia, 721 SCRA 280 (2014) 22 Sps. Inalvez v. Nool, supra 23 Torres v. Lapinid, 748 Phil. 587 (2014)

(MStandard - Aug. 24, 2020)

a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather’s estate, but to no avail.

Some 950,000 copies were sold the day of the memoir’s release, with the White House calling it a “book of falsehoods.”

At one point in the recordings, Barry said to her niece: “It’s the phoniness of it all. It’s the phoniness and this cruelty.

Donald is cruel.”

The recordings also shed light on the source of an embarrassing claim in the memoir that the president paid someone to take a college entrance exam for him.

“He got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams,” Barry said, adding she even remembered the man’s name.

In response, the White House released a statement to US media from Trump that said: “Every day it’s something else, who cares. I miss my brother, and I’ll

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 225, QUEZON CITY IN THE MATTER OF CORRECTION OF ENTRIES CORRESPONDING TO THE BIRTH RECORD OF CLINTON REY SARMIENTO SUPE AS TO THE SURNAME FROM CLINTON REY SARMIENTO TO CLINTON REY SARMIENTO SUPE, Petitioner, -versus-

SP PROC NO. R-QZN-20-03203

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY Through the Administrator MS. LISA GRACE S. BERSALES, PHD.; CRISTINA FRIAS SUPE, TRISTAN FRIAS SUPE; RAYAN FRIAS SUPE AND ALL PERSONS WHO HAVE CLAIM ANY INTEREST WHICH WOULD BE AFFECTED THEREBY, Respondents. x-------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER A verified petition was filed on March 12, 2020 praying that a judgment be accordingly rendered allowing petitioner herein to use the surname of his father pursuant to the above-quoted pertinent provisions of Executive Order No. 209, which is otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines, as amended.

Finding the verified petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the Court gives due course thereto.

Considering that the National Capital Region (NCR) has been declared under General Community Quarantine, the verified petition is set for hearing on October 8, 2020 at 10:00 o’ clock to 10:30 o’clock in the morning.

WHEREFORE, let copy of this Order be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at petitioner’s expense, upon coordination with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regiona1 Trial Court, Quezon City. Hearing on the verified petition is hereby set on October 8, 2020 at 10:00 o’clock to 10:30 o’clock in the morning at Hall of Justice Annex Building, Quezon City, at which time and place, any person having interest in the petition may appear.

Let copies of this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff/Process Server thirty (30) days before the hearing date at the following places at the expense of petitioner: 1. At the main entrance of the City Hall Building of Quezon City; 2. On the Bulettin Board of the Court, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City; and 3 . At the Barangay Hall of the barangay where the property is located.

Petitioner through counsel is ordered to coordinate with the Branch Sheriff/ Process Server of this Court. as to the service of this Order and copy of his verified petition together with its annexes to the Office of the Solicitor General.

IN BRIEF TikTok to sue over US crackdown

Donald Trump and his older sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, in 2008. AFP

continue to work hard for the American people.

“Not everyone agrees, but the results are obvious. Our country will soon be stronger than ever before!” AFP

VIDEO app TikTok said it will challenge in court a Trump administration crackdown on the popular Chinese-owned platform, which Washington accuses of being a national security threat.

As tensions soar between the world’s two biggest economies, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6 giving Americans 45 days to stop doing business with TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance – effectively setting a deadline for a potential pressured sale of the app to a US company.

“To ensure that the rule of law is not discarded and that our company and users are treated fairly, we have no choice but to challenge the executive order through the judicial system,” TikTok said in a statement.

“Even though we strongly disagree with the administration’s concerns, for nearly a year we have sought to engage in good faith to provide a constructive solution,” it said.

“What we encountered instead was a lack of due process as the administration paid no attention to facts and tried to insert itself into negotiations between private businesses.” AFP

Party goes on for French ravers

Reporter’s killer jailed for 50 years A MEXICAN judge has sentenced the man convicted of ordering the 2017 murder of prominent journalist Miroslava Breach to 50 years imprisonment, a singular judgment in one of the deadliest countries globally for media.

The sentence of Juan Carlos Moreno, also known as “El Larry,” was announced by the state prosecutor’s office Saturday.

He had been convicted of being the “intellectual author” of Breach’s murder, one of the few such media killings to be solved in the country.

Mexico is regularly rated by journalism watchdog Reporters Without Borders as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.

Breach, who covered the country’s drug war, was one of 11 journalists murdered in 2017. More than 100 have killed since 2000, but 90 percent of the murders remain unresolved.

Prosecutors said in a statement that the 50-year sentence set a precedent in cases involving crimes against free expression, adding it was the longest sentence to date for such crimes.

Propuesta Civica, a non-governmental organization that advocates for human rights and free expression, said Moreno’s sentence “represents an important precedent in the fight against impunity for crimes against journalists in this, the most violent country for the press.” AFP

SUMMER time is rave time in France but this year battle lines have been drawn between authorities alarmed at the risk of coronavirus and serious party-goers determined to dance on.

Ravers, called “teufeurs” in French back slang, speak of “resistance” against a crackdown by security forces encouraged by locals to restore order.

“The more they stop us from partying, the more we party,” said teufeur and activist Gregoire aka Pontu, who uses an alias to protect himself against the authorities.

France’s “free party” movement has since the 1990s brought together techno music lovers who follow a nomadic lifestyle, often living in small communities with a libertarian or anarchist ideology.

“Because of the pandemic there have been fewer events this year than previous years,” free party organiser Robin told AFP, asking not to use his full name.

“But a lot of attention has been focused on those events and the crackdown has been much tougher.”

He works for the Sound Fund, an association that offers legal support for rave organisers who face fines or have equipment confiscated by the police.

The association has been called on to help in 22 confiscation cases this year, including four over the August 15 bank holiday weekend. The number is twice as high as in 2019, Robin noted. AFP

The Branch Sheriff/Process Server of this Court is directed to submit his Return showing’ proof of compliance and at least two (2) weeks before the hearing date.

Let copy of this Order be furnished the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, and the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Counsel’s are directed to provide this Court with their electronic mail addresses and cellphone numbers. Orders and other court processes shall be sent through electronic mail rather than registered or private courier.

Should the parties opt that this case be heard via videoconferencing, a motion must be filed by their respective counsels through electronic mail stating the reason/s therein. Once the motion is granted, the parties will have to submit to this Court their documentary exhibit/s one (1) week prior to the scheduled hearing for prior disinfection of the documents.

A woman and her dogs pose next to the Olympic Rings in Tokyo on August 23, 2020. AFP

Please take note of the safety protocol to be followed before an individual is allowed to enter the courtroom: Parties and their respective counsels including witnesses are directed to arrive on time for their court appearance, as each case shall be called one at a time and will be heard only within the period allotted. In the event that a witness would arrive after the period given for the case where he/she is set to testify, his or her testimony shall be considered waived.

Only the counsel, litigant and witness/s are allowed to enter the courtroom, individuals who have no business to be in court shall not be allowed to enter the courtroom nor loiter along the hallway.

Upon entering the Annex Hall of Justice Building, all parties including their counsels and witness/s are required to accomplish and submit their respective Declaration Forms to the guard on duty. Before entering the courtroom, each individual must subject their person to the thermal temperature scanner located at the entrance of the courtroom.

Every individual who shall enter the courtroom must properly wear the necessary protective gear i.e. face mask and/ or gloves and shall observe social distancing at all times. Anyone found to be not wearing the protective gear properly or observing social distancing shall be immediately sent out of the courtroom and sanctioned accordingly.

SO ORDERED. June 22, 2020, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

(Sgd.) MARIA LUISA LESLE G. GONZALES-BETIC Presiding Judge Copy furnished: Office of the City Prosecutor - Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General - Makati City Philippine Statistics Authority - 3/F Vibal Bldg., Times St., cor. DSA, West Triangle, Quezon City Office of the Local Civil Registrar .- Quezon City Civil Registrar General Ms. Lisa Grace Bersales, PHD --c/o Philippine Statistics Authority, PSA Complex, East Avenue, Diliman. Quezon City Atty. Cayetano Ramos - Alafriz Domingo Bartolome Lachica Agpaoa Calvan & Cantil (ADBLACC) Law Office - 4--1 Future Point Condominium III, 111 Panay Ave., Quezon City Clinton Rey Sarmiento Supe - South 17, Father Martinez St., Barangay Obrero, Quezon City Cristina F. Supe - 176 5th Street, Area 4, Veterans Village , Pasong Tamo, Quezon City Tristan F. Supe - 176 5th Street, Area 4, Veterans Village, Pasong Tamo, Quezon City Rayan F. Supe - South 17, Father Martinez St., Barangay Obrero, Quezon City (MStandard - Aug, 24, 31 & Sep. 7, 2020)

‘Blue Homeland’ worries Europe TURKEY’S big push into the Mediterranean featuring controversial gas drilling, tough rhetoric and warships is rooted in a grand vision of a “Blue Homeland” that takes over waters claimed

by EU neighbors.

Fearful of being denied a fair share of the region’s bountiful natural gas wealth, Turkey sent a research vessel and a small navy armada into seas Greece views as its own, dramatically escalating tensions last week.

In a sign of the growing importance he assigns energy independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday announced that Turkey had made its biggest-ever discovery of natural gas in the Black Sea.

“My Lord has opened the door to unprecedented wealth for us,” he enthused to applause from a hall filled with supportive officials.

But the new find has done little to abate Turkey’s desire to expand ever deeper into the Mediterranean Sea, which has won Erdogan political points at home but infuriated Greece and drawn repeated warnings from the European Union.

France, already at odds with Turkey over Libya and parts of the Middle East, sent in its own ships into the region to help out Greece, prompting Erdogan to warn he would retaliate against any attack.

The issue was not just about “fighting for rights but for Turkey’s future,” Erdogan said. AFP

Business PSEi August 20, 2020 TOP GAINERS

Market investors looking Extreme poverty may rise for100m, catalysts lift stocks by WBtochief warns

By Jenniffer B. Austria

By Heather Scott

payments, Malpass said in an interview with AFP. HARE prices are expected to continue Even so, more trading countries within will be ASHINTON― obliged to restructure their debt. a narrow range, with investors opting to stay on the The coronavirus “The debt vulnerabilities are high, and sidelines on themay lack of catalysts. the imperative of getting light at the end of pandemic the tunnel so that new investors can come BDOdriven Unibank as Inc.many chief investment third-quarter financial performance have as 100 better in not is substantial,” Malpass said. strategist Jonathan Ravelas said traders is unreasonable million people back into Advancedthere economies in of thelife, Group of and investors were awaiting for more “Overall, are signs albeit 20 already have committed to suspendconcrete measures to further restart the not the grand and uniform recovery invesextreme poverty, World ing debt payments from the poorest naeconomy before actively participating in tors would have envisioned,” the brokerBank President tionsfirm through the equities market. David age said. the end of the year, and growing Stock support for extending Measures that could boost investor con- there TheisPhilippine Exchange Index Malpass warned Thursday. fidence on the market includedevelopment the stimulus last slipped 1.2 to 6,005.40 that week moratorium intopercent next year amid a The Washington-based packagepreviously or the passage of key measures to points, while the broader Shares Index pandemic that’s killed All nearly 800,000 lender estimated that 60 support government revenues.

0.6 percent to 3,573.06. people and sickened more than 25 milmillion people would fall into extreme fell The Congress last week approved the lion Four of the six sectoral indices ended in worldwide. poverty due to COVID-19, but the new Bayanihanputs 2 bill P165atbillion red, Malpass namely mining and oil, said that will(-3.2 notperbe estimate theearmarking deterioration 70 to theBut to a million, stimulus and package to support the re- cent), financials (-2.7 percent),downturn property enough, since the economic 100 he said “that number coverygo of higher” distressed micro and small and (-2.1 percent) industrialwhich (-2.1percent). means those and countries, already could if the pandemic worsmedium enterprises. roseto0.7 percenta while areServices struggling provide safetyholding net for ens or drags on.

Whilesituation second quarter showed fi rms citizens, added 0.03 percent. their will not be in a better poThe makes earnings it “imperative” significant declines in profits for most Foreign investors were net sellers for that creditors reduce the amount of debt sition to deal with the payments. listed companies, online brokerage firm the week by P1.9 billion, while the averRecession or depression? held by poor countries at risk, goingofbe-a age daily 2TradeAsia.com said expectations value traded declined to P5.3 The amount of debt reduction needyond the commitment to suspend debt

S W TOP LOSERS

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SATURDAY, MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 24, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

billion from the previous week’s average ed will depend of P10.7 billion. on the situation in each country, said, butgainers the policy Weeklyhetop prize were“makes Macay aHoldings lot of sense.”

Inc., which jumped 20.6 percent to “So AREIT I think Inc., the awareness of this P8.79; which increased 7.5will perbe and more apparent” centgradually, to P25.90;more and Alliance Global Group especially “for the 5.6 countries the Inc., which advanced percent towith P6.20. highest vulnerability to were the debt situaWeekly top price losers Emperador tion.”

Inc., which declined 8 percent to P10.10; TheLand World Bank hasdropped committed to deAyala Inc., which 5.8 percent to P31.35; and billion Metro Pacifi c Investments ploying $160 in funding to 100 Corp., which fell 4.2June percent to P3.21. countries through 2021 in an effort theimmediate euro, which hit twoto Meanwhile, addresses the emergency, yearabout highs$21 against thehad dollar week, and billion beenthis released fell Friday data through theasend ofshowed June. eurozone economic activity Augustdefined against But even so, slowing extremeinpoverty, a backdrop of rising coronavirus cases. as earning less than $1.90 a day, continpound also fell against the dollar uesThe to rise. asMalpass the EU and traded blame for said Britain the deterioration is due the lack of progress after the latest round to a combination of the destruction of of post-Brexit trade talks, with Brussels jobs during the pandemic as well as supwarning that a deal looked unlikely. plySterling issues thatismake access to food more being punished “by difficult.

Brexit talks which seem to be going “All of this contributes to pushing peonowhere,” said Neil Wilson, analyst at ple back into extreme poverty the longer Markets.com.

With AFP the economic crisis persists.” AFP

MOST ACTIVE

COLORFUL FACEMASKS. Facemasks, one themed in the colors of the Union flag, are displayed for sale in the window of a shop in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England on August 20, 2020. Oldham, as of has one of the highest rates of File photo taken on May 22, 2020 of annorthwest aerial view of Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood, south ofThursday, Bogota, amid the COVID-19 coronavirus new COVID-19 infections, and after coulditbe subject to an imposed lockdown to prevent death the spread of the novel250,000 coronavirus. pandemic.

Almost six months was first detected in Latinlocal America, the coronavirus toll has reached and AFP exacerbated the problems of poverty and inequality, threatening to undo a decade of slow social progress. RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP

Vaccine Europe,hopes US lift stocks bareAsian surprise but new cases trade accord draw concerns on lobsters

HONG KONG, China—Hopes for a vaccine helpedBelgium—US push Asian equities BRUSSELS, lobster exportsFriday will enter Europeanother tariff-free, as higher following techWashington and on Brussels inspired record Wall announced Street, witha limited trade deal on that will investors brushing offFriday a surprisingly be seen a first resultthough in efforts to deweak USasjobs report, optimism escalate trade tensions. remains checked by the spreading vijointUSannouncement

by US rusThe and the stimulus stalemate.

Trade Representative Robert LighWhile vast central bank support has thizer and EU Trade Commissioner helped fan a surge in equities globally, Phil Hogan as surprise with titans such ascame Amazon and Apple havea number of trade feuds still brewing been major winners as the pandemic between both sides. confines billions to their homes, push“We intend for this package of tariff ing the Nasdaq to numerous records. reductions to mark just the beginning advances came news ofThe a process that will leaddespite to additional that 1.1 million Americans made agreements that create more free, new fair, claims for unemployment benefits last and reciprocal transatlantic trade,” week, reinforcing concerns about the they said in a statement. world’s biggest economy.

Transatlantic trade tensions exHowever, observers the reading ploded in 2017 when said President Doncould give warring lawmakers Washald Trump followed throughinon his ington the kick-start need to tariffs agree protectionist agenda,they slapping aonnew rescue failed to steel and package, aluminumhaving exports from Europe and other after partners. reach a consensus two weeks.

Matters only week grew worse from there, But a tough for regional marwith looked a decades-long battle subsikets set to end on over a positive dies for Airbus and Boeing note, with optimism lifting also afterleading Pfizer to tit-for-tat tariff and BioNTech SEexchanges. said a vaccine they campaign

by European areAworking on could be up fornations regulato apply a digital tax tory review by October. on US tech giants threats of duIf all has goesalso well,drawn a treatment could be ties on European exports including ready to roll out as soon as November.

French Whilewine. massive financial support But the biggest fear was that Trump from central banks and governments would deliver on his threats to slap has been to helping economies, tariffs oncrucial European car exports, most anotable vaccinefrom for Germany, a disease that the has EU’skilled bignearly 800,000 people and infected gest economy. more is step seen in asde-espara“Wethan see 22 thismillion as a first mount. calation of ongoing EU-US disagreeThe news raised some expectaments,” said“has an EU source. tion... life announced around the world could The that deal on Friday return normal insooner is verytolimited scopethan and expectwould ed”, saidapply AxiCorp’s Stephen mainly to US lobsterInnes. exports “Thiswould is not only conwhich nowgood landforinmarket European dinnerthis plates tariffs. anxious cerns, is a with worldzero desperately tariffs on an USend lobster forEU a cure to put to thehad mostbeen seeightglobal percent, and exports the EU vere recession since theto1930s. were about 2017. it’s “From a $111 stock million marketinconcern, In return, the EU would see tariffs great for growth assets as planes will slashed by half on a series of indusitems fly, the oil will flow, and laggard worthwill an average trade value of tries emerge annual from the COVID-19 $160and million. fog, their stocks will soar. Indeed, These included prepared with a vaccine cure, acertain trip to your local meals, crystal glass, as well as cigaclinic could be the one-stop recession rette lighters. AFP plugger before the year is out.” AFP

Airbnb Airlines barestoplan to reduce service to 15 smaller airports in US IN imposes BRIEF American COVID-19 threatens undo a decade of progress in S. America worldwide party Italian wine exports ban amidbyvirus withered COVID-19 NEW YORK―Citing public ROME, ITALY—Exports of health Italian wine areamid drying as the coronavirus concerns theup coronavirus, homebatterscompany demand on a levelonnot seen for sharing Airbnb Thursday 30 years, the agricultural trade imposed a worldwide party ban union at its Coldiretti said on Friday. rentalExports properties and capped occupanhave slumped 4.0 percycent at larger homes to 16.after the virus so far this year The bantheonclosure partiesofand events will forced restaurants in and elsewhere, dobeItaly “in effect indefinitely leaving until further mesticthe producers and notice,” companyon saidtheonrack its webexporters alsoguests hit badly. site, adding that “may be legally Consumption of Italian wine pursued

by Airbnb if they violate our in China, where the virus first policy.” emerged in December, nosedived Airbnb began cracking last 44 percent in the perioddown between year as rowdy parties causing January and May, datawere compiled by the national statistics institute Istat problems with neighbors in some comshowed. munities.

France, it dropped 14 percent and In In November, the company banned in Britain—where uncertainty over “party houses” after aadeadly Brexit also played role—itshooting fell 12 at percent. a Halloween party with more than 100 guests rental.

Wine at is a California Italy's main agriculAirbnb said Thursday that 73 percent tural earner in the US, with exports 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 of amounting its global tolistings already banned billion) annually.

AFP parties and unauthorized festivities were always prohibited. The company has historically allowedsalmon hosts to perNorwegian mit guests to host smaller gatherings producer penalized such as birthday parties.

After the coronavirus was declared SANTIAGO, Chile—Chile's environa mental global protection pandemic,service Airbnbsaid removed Friday “event-friendly” its $6.6 search and it had slapped afrom record million required to adhere to local refine on users a Norwegian salmon producer for the 2018 escape of 690,000 strictions on gatherings in light antibiof sootic-fed fish. protocols. cial distancing The fine, officials handed have to cracked salmon But as local farming company Mowi, formerly down on bars and social clubs, some known as Marina Harvest, was the activities migrated to Airbnb largest have ever for an environmenhomes, the platform tal offense in thesaid.

South American “We think such conduct is incredicountry.

The charge of 5.3 pesos bly irresponsible―we dobillion not want that ($6.6 million) was in response to type of business and anyone engaged "irreparable environmental in the or allowing that behavior does not damage produced by the mass esbelong platform,” company cape on of our salmon" fromthethe Punta said.

Redonda farm in Chile's Los Lagos Airbnb said it kilometers had seen region, recently around 1,000 bookings begin to “bounce back” and (620 miles) south of the capital Santiago. unveiled an initiative to promote shortservice handed the comrangeThe travel amidalso a broad slowdown in pany an additional 2.7 million peso tourism. fine "for not having adequate faciliAmid signsofofdead an fiuptick ties to the dispose sh." in demand, the company on Wednesday The escape poses an environmental said it has confidentially filed US risk because the fish are an with invasive and predatory AFP stock ofregulators for anspecies. initial public fering. AFP

NEW YORK―American Airlines American has said relies it could off from Unions representing workDaily visits to US back airbut now on lay handouts an NGO to feed herairline as Peru, Argentina and passenger Venezuela—have rolled

By Lucia Lacurcia announced Thursday it will elimi- as many as 25,000 workers. ers are campaigning for Congress to ports are up from April lows of unthree children. on the easing of confinement measures and pledged nate service to 15 smaller US marThe group of cities that will lose extend federal support for industry der 100,000 people nationwide, but She told AFP she knows people that died of support for the poorest sectors of society, although it’s MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay—Almost six months after and “many are infected.” often been meagre or failed to reach those it wasasficash-strapped rst detected in carriers Latin America, coronavikets down- theAA service COVID-19 includes New Haven,thatjobs. remain exceptionally low.that need it.

Priscila Tomas da Silva, her husband and sixefforts children Chile and PeruTuesday’s allowed people rus death has reached 250,000 and exacerbated size theirtoll operations to cope with the Connecticut; Springfield, Illinois; While those have garnered counttoofwithdraw 773,319money voyhad toCarolina; leave the home they were renting and build their from their funds,about providing much-needed poverty and inequality, threatening to undo a decadeSouth ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Florence, and Rosignificant support on Capitol Hill, pension agers was 70 percent below own makeshift accommodation from wood and plastic in immediate financial relief. ofThe slowcuts, socialwhich progress. will affect small- swell, New Mexico. the prospects for additionalBut aid some re- the year-ago experts warnlevel. those measures could Among the 620 million people in the region, 6.4 mil- a parking lot for trucks on the outskirts of Sao Paulo. er airports in most regions of the Airports in Texas, Iowa, North main clouded by partisan debate Another large US carrier, SouthWithin a few weeks, 700 such shacks sprung up in weaken already fragile social protection systems. lion have been infected.

United States, will take effect on Carolina, West Virginia, Missouri, over a broader relief package. west Airlines, said this week it had “The quarantine and pandemic are exposing In marginalized neighborhoods the virus has the parking area, creating a new favela.

October 7―after the expiration of Michigan, Louisiana, New York, Air travel has been one of the most experienced a “modest improveSet back 10 years deep realities: structural injustice is becoming more spread alongside financial desperation due to the America represents percent of the world’s priest Lorenzo de Vedia,leisure from the sprawleconomic meltdown caused by that lockdown mea- andLatin requirements under legislation Oklahoma Pennsylvania are nine battered sectors since thevisible,” coronaviment in close-in passenger but has providedrus 40 percent of COVID-19 ing year.

Villa 21 demand” neighborhood of Buenos Aires, told sures, with of billions families offacing stark population provided USthousands airlines with alsoaaffected by the move. crisis erupted earlier this in August. deaths the last two “There’s “However, not enough year-over-year State presence revenue and it’s choice between shielding the virus dollars of federal support.themselves from“The airline willincontinue to months. reAmericans seeking AFP. to travel That “shows us how big the impact has been,” Luis disorganized,” he added. and trying to fi ll their stomachs.

US carriers have already signaled assess plans for these and other mar- abroad―or even within theThroughout US to declines remain pasthe region, peoplesignificant, have set upand commuIn the worst cases, they’ve been unable to do either. Felipe Lopez-Calva, Latin American director for the potentially deep job cuts from Octokets as an extension of the Payroll certain states―face restrictions such senger demand and booking trends nal kitchens to help those worst affected.

“Because of this pandemic I was left unemployed. There UN Development Program (UNDP) told AFP. ber 1 once staffing un-Maia, Support Program remains underpolitical de- asreaction, mandatory upon ar- remain inconsistent,” Southwest Without effective “at aquarantines regional Yet anger is widespread.

Chile saw violent are days when we don’trequirements eat,” said Milena who lives der the federal CARES Act expire. liberation,” the company said. rival. said in a securities filing.

AFP level we can talk about a regression of up to 10 years protests a few weeks ago with road blocks and in a modest home in Heliopolis, which with 200,000 peoin the levels of multidimensional poverty,” he added. looting, while in Bolivia people marched deple is one of the largest favelas in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Faced with surging cases, many governments—such manding government solutions. AFP The 36-year-old single mother worked as a cleaner

On burrowed time: hunting with Ireland’s last traditional rabbit catcher

By Joe Stenson

South Africa retailers feel pain from virus pandemic

CARNDONAGH, Ireland―Steven McGonigal crosses a pockmarked field

By Michelle Gumeded in the north of Ireland with a box of unruly ferrets while his dog,Africa― Fudge, JOHANNESBURG, South sniffs rabbitretail warrens.

South out Africa’s industry is feeling thefrom lurcher his work, McGotheAspain thedoes coronavirus pandemic nigal covers the openings with nets beon two fronts―store closures during lockdown and athe sharply reduced fore releasing single ferret down purthe chasing power households. hole to flush outofthe occupants inside.

Southfive Africa, the continent’s most For minutes, the ferret races industrialized economy,tunnels, went pokinto around the underground strictitslockdown at dotted the endholes of March, ing head out of like a with people only allowed to shop for whack-a-mole. essential itemslooks such on as food, medicine McGonigal in twitchy anand winter clothing. ticipation.

It is also African country thatgrey has Then, in athesplit-second blur of been hardest hit by COVID-19, with fur, a rabbit emerges tangled in a net. more than 600,000 cases and at least McGonigal sprints over, grasps it by 2,500 deaths. theRestrictions legs and neck dispatches it haveandbeen gradually with deft tug. rolleda back since June. Alcohol and to“It’ssales thewere traditional the bacco allowed to way,” resume this 37-year-old former accountant told week and, generally, business is now alAFP in a field outside Carndonagh at most back to normal. theNevertheless, northern edge of Ireland. retailers are reeling from “We don’t damage themonths ground, the economic effects of of we’re suffonot laying poisons, we give the rabbits cating restrictions. a quick cleanMassmart―majoritydeath―and that’s South and Africa’s most ownedimportant.”

by US giant Walmart―said on Thursday thatUnique it expected half-year lossappeal es McGonigal to widen by as as a is much said as to42bepercent Ireland’s resulttraditional of the nationwide lockdown. last rabbit catcher, preferMassmart was already dire straits ring ferrets, dogs, spadesinand nets inbeforeof the pandemic and closed a stead modern guns and poison.

23-store electronic cute retail and chain and 11 Rabbits―fluffy, doe-eyed

Professional rabbit catcher Steven McGonigal poses for a photograph with his dog Fudge, and a ‘dispatched’ or caught rabbit, as he hunts for rabbits in County Donegal, northwest Ireland, on August 18, 2020. McGonigal is said to be Ireland’s last traditional rabbit catcher, preferring ferrets, dogs, spades and nets instead of modern guns and poison. AFP Atocustomer buyskept alcohol at a liquor shop in Melville, Johannesburg, on August many, and as household pets― from his former accounting job.18, 2020.

South Africa moved into level two of a fi ve-tier lockdown on August 18, 2020,lookto are considered pests in the countryside.

“I was getting to where I was continue efforts to curb the spreadofofvegethe COVID-19 coronavirus.

Under two,starting liquor They are greedy consumers ing forward to going out,level I was and tobacco sales will resume. LUCA SOLA/AFP

tation, their warrens compromise buildings, and their breeding canthe quickly wholesale outlets shortlyrate before lockinflate numbers. down came into effect.

“Retailers were already taking As well asthat gardeners and farmers, the strain” has in an economy that was McGonigal built up a client list contracting even before schools, the outbreak for his services including golf have found vulnerable to the courses and themselves oil refineries. virus fallout,” said Treurnicht, Becoming the Casperus last rabbit catcherportin folio manager at Gryphon Asset Management.

Ireland’s emerald outdoors is a far cry

to dread going back in,” he said of his previous number-crunching profession.

‘Can we survive?’

After childhood spent owning fer-to SouthaAfrican shoppers have had get used to wearing a mask, having rets, fishing and shooting, taking their the temperature at the doorcatcher and using career leap totaken full-time rabbit in hand was sanitizers.

2013 a natural step, he said.

Andhe even as the economy shops But admitted that thereopens, sometimes will continue to enforce such rabbits measuresbyin grisly demands of killing orderistonot protect staff and customers. hand for both everyone.

“It doesn’t appeal to a lot of people,” he conceded.

Environmental impact The practice analyst of rabbit catching with Investment Lulama Qongqo ferrets datesthat backcustomers centuries.were likely suggested Anfavor illustration in thevisible 14th-century to stores with hygiene manuscript, measures. the Taymouth Hours, depicts“Retailers a lady sending a dog signal or a ferret who cannot that down a warren a rabbit out it’s safe to shoptoindrive their locations are into a net. going to lose, and perhaps probably McGonigal thatlikely whileto the those are thebelieves ones more be plagued by the question: surancient hands-on method ‘Can may we be disvive?’,”toQongqo AFP. the best tasteful some, ittold remains the measures wayBut to cull numbers.come at a cost.

Since the startis of lockdown,people South “The problem nowadays...

Africa’s second-largest supermarket are building houses further and further chain Pick nand Paythey’re has had to budget and further, encroaching forthe protective equipment, a voluntary into countryside every day,” he said. severance taken by 1,400beof As humanprogram and animal kingdoms its 9,000 employees and bonuses for come increasingly intertwined, less refront-line workers. fined methods of hunting have become The company, which has a market popular―and damaging. capitalization of over $1.2 billion, Lead shot gunstscan taintfithe soil warned thatfrom its profi in the rst half and poisons can be indiscriminate, leaving could be halved as a result of the fallanimal corpses underground with no indiout from coronavirus. cationCash-strapped of how many have killed. butbeen tech-savvy McGonigal’s leaves no Faced with technique rising unemployment trace allows him precisely meaand and uncertainty abouttothe future, South sure the number of rabbits has reAfrican households are he tightening moved from strings. the landscape, which he their purse And that, in turn, believes keeps the ecosystem food makes it difficult for retailersand to draw chain better calibrated. in customers.

The central bankrabbits has slashed “Nobody loves morelending than rateshebysaid.

300 “But basis we points since January me,” have to keep the to boost spending, but economists fear balance―the countryside is always it willthe notbalance.” be enough.

AFP about AFP

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

B4

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

IN BRIEF SMC unit to complete energy storage systems SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. expects to complete several battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatt-hours by next year.

The company said around 470-MW projects would be completed this year until the first quarter of 2021, while the remaining 530-MW projects will be finished by the second to fourth quarter next year.

“We see an opportunity to contract more than 2,200 MW in capacity across the Philippines representing uncontracted ASPA [ancillary service procurement agreement] requirements and non-firm ASPA contracts,” SMC Global Power said in a presentation to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The company said that because of aging plants and large renewable capacity (1,100 MW installed capacity of solar and wind as of 2019), there was a need to maintain grid reliability and stability and prevent load dropping and blackouts.

Alena Mae S. Flores

GCash strengthens security measures

GCASH, the mobile wallet of Globe Telecom Inc., said it strengthened its security measures to safeguard users from fraudsters and cybercriminals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“As the fight against the coronavirus ensues, we’re also waging a war against unscrupulous individuals who are taking advantage of this pandemic to defraud Filipinos,” said Martha Sazon, GCash president and chief executive.

“We want to ensure that GCash users who are dependent on our services have trust and confidence in our app, which is why we are doing everything we can to improve our own programs that promote cybersecurity awareness,” she said.

GCash users receive SMS, in-app and social media advisories against fraudulent pages, including fake donation drives and fake financial aid offers under the government’s social amelioration program. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business Gov’t mulls over three-year extension of CARS program

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE government is willing to extend by three years the timeline for compliance with the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program to give automotive assemblers sufficient time to comply with the volume requirements amid the pandemic.

Board of Investments managing director Ceferino Rodolfo said the pandemic had made it very difficult for participants in the CARS program to meet the volume requirements because of the health crisis.

“We know that they are operating at a very difficult economic environment now.

That’s why we are willing to take a look at their proposals. If they have specific proposals on the volume requirement, on the timeline for the volume compliance requirement, we are willing take a look at it,” Rodolfo said over the weekend.

Rodolfo said the government was

considering a longer period for the CARS participants to comply with the volume requirement without adjusting the volume.

Under the CARS program, participantcompanies Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. are required to produce 200,000 units each of their enrolled models, which are the Vios and the Mirage.

The two companies invested more than P9.5 billion on machineries and parts manufacturing.

“Now is the time for them to submit specific recommendations backed up by

data. What’s happening, in particular, on enrolled units compared to the overall sales this pandemic will be considered,” Rodolfo said.

The BOI will also reconvene the inter-agency committee on CARS to determine if there are applications for variable incentives, which should kick in if and when participants sold their first or first few units, according to Rodolfo.

The committee earlier tapped a thirdparty auditor that checked the companies’ investments in machineries such as metal press machines and dyeing facilities and determine if they are qualified to gain incentives.

Rodolfo said the IAC would help the companies comply with the program, “but at the same time making sure that we are able to maximize the benefits from the CARS program given the current context.”

He said the BOI was also looking at “probably” allowing participants to migrate to another model that is also locally-manufactured.

Citicore Power eyes more solar projects

CITICORE Power Inc. said wholly-owned subsidiary Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. plans to roll out a robust pipeline of solar projects with a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatts over the next five years.

Citicore said it would start the construction of a new solar plant in Central Luzon with a capacity of up to 75 MW

by November this year.

“Citicore is excited with this partnership.

We will continue to invest in the country’s clean energy future. For the past four years of our existence, Citicore has contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by more than 600 thousand metric tons, light around four million households and created jobs in the communities we operate, and we’d like to do more,” said Citicore president Oliver Tan. Alena Mae S. Flores

DENR files charges vs. Zobel personnel

ENVIRONMENT officials filed charges before the Department of Justice against the farm manager of billionaire Beatriz Zobel de Ayala in Palawan province for alleged cutting of a native tree and unlawful occupation of forest lands within the Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office filed the charges against farm manager Stephen John Zaragosa and three others who were manning the structures built by the group of Zobel de Ayala in Sitio Maypa, Barangay Pancol, Taytay, Palawan.

Zaragosa, along with Cirilo Ledesma, Nicasio Ledesma and Mario Caahay were named in the complaint for alleged violation of Sections 77 and 78 of Presidential Decree No. 705, as amended, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines.

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group led by Undersecretary Ruth Castelo conducts spot-check monitoring activity on the prices and supply of face shields in Bambang, Manila. This is in line with the government’s order requiring commuters and customers of commercial establishments to wear face shields aside from face masks.

Airline industry expects 3-year recovery from crisis

By Darwin G Amojelar THE Air Carriers Association of the Philippines expects the recovery of the aviation industry from the COVID-19 pandemic to take two to three years as travel demand remains weak.

“It is generally estimated that it will take two to thee years before the airline industry gets back to 2019 traffic levels which has all but disappeared with the global pandemic,” Robert Lim, vice president and executive director of ACAP, said in a text message.

ACAP members include Philippine Airlines Inc., Air Philippines Corp., Cebgo Inc., Cebu Air Inc. and Philippines Air Asia.

Data from Civil Aeronautics Board

showed that domestic passenger volume rose 8 percent to 29.53 million in 2019 from 27.28 million in 2018. Intentional passengers increased 13.6 percent to 30.52 million in 2019 from 27.28 million international passengers in 2018.

Carmelo Arcilla, executive director of CAB, said the outlook for the airline industry was still “quite bleak” because of the health crisis.

Arcilla said there were only 800 flights out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport from June 1 to July 31, down from 47,227 flights in the same period last year.

Lim said passenger travel demand would slowly come back once passengers gained confidence that it is safe to travel.

“Domestic air travel will lead the way and it is important that the LGUs [local government units] adopt a unified and consistent policy and approach aligned with IATF in processing travelers from Manila,” he said.

“Aviation is a catalyst for economic development and it can not play that role if there are too many restrictions to travel even on essential ones like business and non leisure purposes,” Lim said.

An official of Philippine Airlines said the flag carrier was operating 15 percent of its normal number of pre-COVID daily flights.

“If restrictions are further eased by LGUs and foreign governments, flights will increase,” she said.

DPWH seeking to accelerate approval of Tagaytay toll road THE Department of Public Works and Highways expressed optimism the National Economic and Development Authority will approve the P22.4billion Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway project within the year.

“It’s one of our priority projects. I think I’m confident we can get it [approved] soon, definitely within this year,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

Villar said he was in direct coordination with NEDA Secretary Karl Chua to speed up the approval process for the CTBEx project.

Once it approved by the NEDA board, the proposed CTBex project will undergo Swiss Challenge.

CTBEX is a 50.4-kilometer expressway that will connect Cavite and Batangas, with a spur road to Tagaytay City and ultimately terminating in Nasugbu, and another spur road to Tuy, Batangas.

The government granted the original proponent status for CTBEX to Metro Pacific Tollways South Corp. in July 2018.

CTBEX is seen to decongest about 23,000 vehicles daily from the road of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas.

The project will start at Silang East Interchange of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway. The alignment will traverse the towns of Silang, Amadeo, Mendez, Alfonso and Tagaytay in Cavite and Nasugbu in Batangas.

MPCALA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of MPTC, is also constructing the P35-billion Cavite-Laguna Expressway―a four-lane, 47-kilometer closed-system toll expressway connecting Cavitex and South Luzon Expressway.

The expressway will start from Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite and end at SLEX-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.

MPCALA Holdings opened to the public the Laguna segment of the Cavite Laguna Expressway in October 2019.

The MPIC Group operates North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Tarlac Expressway and Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway. Darwin G Amojelar

PSE INDEX

Thursday, August 20, 2020

36.72 PTS. 6,005.40

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,500,785,310 72,419 4,045,807,857.00 64 131 46

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.5610

Japan

Yen

0.009431

0.4580

UK

Pound

1.311500

63.6878

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129031

6.2659

Switzerland

Franc

1.093733

53.1128

Canada

Dollar

0.757117

36.7664

Singapore

Dollar

0.729714

35.4356

Australia

Dollar

0.718200

34.8765

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

128.819

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266638

12.9482

Brunei

Dollar

0.727061

35.3068

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.032020

1.5549

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2218

Euro

Euro

1.184500

57.5205

Korea

Won

0.000846

0.0411

China

Yuan

0.144523

7.0182

India

Rupee

0.013361

0.6488

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239808

11.6453

New Zealand

Dollar

0.655800

31.8463

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034016

1.6519 Source: BSP

JG Summit cuts down 2020 capex to P53b

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE JG Summit Holdings Inc. said it reduced its 2020 capital expenditures to P53.3 billion from P58 billion amid the challenging business environment brought about by the pandemic.

JG Summit said in a presentation during a recent analysts’ briefing that while it raised capital spending for real estate and food manufacturing, it reduced investments for transportation and petrochemical businesses.

Based on the group’s latest spending plan, the capex of Universal Robina Corp. would increase to P8.3 billion from P6.4 billion after the food manufacturing unit delivered positive results in the first half.

The capital spending of property development unit Robinsons Land Corp. was raised to P17.1 billion from P16.3 billion after the company raised P15 billion from a recent bond offering.

The capital expenditures of airline unit Cebu Air Inc. was reduced to P8 billion from P13.3 billion, as the aviation sector was affected by travel restrictions.

It said the capital spending for petrochemical business under JG Summit Petrochemicals would be trimmed to P19.2 billion from P20.8 billion as volumes and selling prices remained weak.

JG Summit said it invested P18.2 billion in the first half, representing 35 percent of adjusted programmed spending for the year.

JG Summit earlier said it suffered a net loss of P720.2 million in the first six months, a turnaround from the P17.39-billion net income in the same period last year.

First-half revenues fell 26 percent to P116.5 billion as the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine starting mid-March severely impacted the operations of airline, petrochemical, mall and hotel businesses.

JG Summit said it would continue to accelerate digital transformation and embed customer-centricity across the group.

The conglomerate in July raised $600 million from the issuance of 10-year bonds priced at 4.125 per annum. Net proceeds from the fundraising activities will be used for general corporate purposes.

BUNKER FUEL. Aboitiz

Group’s integrated agribusiness and food unit Pilmico Foods Corp. uses the by-products of rice husks as an alternative to bunker fuel in its feeds manufacturing plant in Tarlac province.

By extending the by-product’s purpose, the company is able to implement additional cost efficiency measures in its operations.

Dominguez pushes for reforms in corporate pension system

By Julito G. Rada THE Capital Market Development Council chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is considering reforms in the corporate pension system, including the recommendation by the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines to require the partial or full funding requirement of retirement plans for private sector workers.

Dominguez said over the weekend the council consulted the Department

of Labor and Employment on FMAP’s recommendation.

He said the recommendation would help provide sufficient funds for the pension or retirement plans of private sector workers while boosting the demand for investments that could contribute to the growth of the Philippine capital market.

“This is to reduce fiscal risk in the system as country ages over the longer term and also as an ancillary measure to make pensions more portable. As a fully-funded and portable product, encouraging the adoption

of PERA [Personal Equity and Retirement Account] accounts helps increase funding levels, but increased funding over the broader pension system [similar to the popularity of the 401K product in the US] is similarly desirable,’ Dominguez said.

“Promoting the more widespread adoption of PERA beyond their use as a tool to satisfy the Retirement Pay Law [RA7641] is also meant to augment average retirement incomes in the Philippines, which are currently insufficient to replace worker incomes,” he said.

Sports

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

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

James, Davis power Lakers past Blazers

LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Gary Trent Jr. (2) of the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half in Game Three of the first round of the playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers at the AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. AFP

Edgar ekes out split victory over Munhoz at UFC Apex

UST-IPEA conducts internal investigation

By Reuel Vidal

By Peter Atencio

FORMER Ultimate Fighting Championship Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar turned back the hands of time to eke out a hard-earned split decision victory over Pedro Munhoz at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas yesterday morning.

Edgar, fighting for the first time at Bantamweight after losing three of his last four fights at Featherweight, bucked the odds to post the electrifying victory.

“It’s good to be on the winning side. It was a hell of a fight against a real stud. A lot of MFs were saying that I’m old. I’m slow. This should prove all (of) that wrong. I still got some fight in this tank baby and we need to run at 135,” said Edgar.

The 38-year-old veteran was a heavy underdog against the number 5 ranked Munhoz.

“He was number five and that (win) might put me right on the top five I’m sure I can still fight the best at 38 years old. I’d love to remain fighting. I don’t want to hear nothing from anybody,” Edgar said in the post-fight interview.

Edgar won the UFC Lightweight title a decade ago when he beat BJ Penn at UFC 112 April 20, 2010. He dropped down to Featherweight but lost a title shot to Jose Aldo at UFC 156 on February 2, 2013.

Edgar said he felt good fighting at Bantamweight because he didn’t have to carry the heavier weight of a Featherweight or Lightweight.

Before fighting Munhoz Edgar said he didn’t come down to bantamweight to “take part.” He wanted to make a run at the championship.

The win against a top contender should push him into the top 10 in the division.

“It’s got my feet wet. I think the sky’s the limit for myself. I didn’t look slow in there. Pedro is a top dog. And that (win) put me in the top dogs. TR baby (Edgar was born in Toms River, New Jersey). TR! We back,” said Edgar.

PPROPRIATE action is expected to be taken by the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) as it launches an internal investigation concerning its varsity men’s basketball team which allegedly conducted practices under a “training bubble” in Sorsogon, recently.

A

IPEA is the physical education department of the University of Santo Tomas, IPEA officials, led by Fr. Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P., said in a statement that it will respond promptly following a meeting between University Athletic Association of the Philippines commissioner Rebo Saguisag and members of a joint task force composed of officials of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusement Board and the Department of Health.

“We wish to assure you that the university does not tolerate any form of viola-

tion of government regulations, and it responds promptly by taking the appropriate action,” said the university in an official statement released online.

Saguisag got the nod of the joint task force formed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusement Board, and the Department of Health to let an internal probe take place.

“While we adhere to the belief that physical activity can have a profoundly positive impact on the students’ physical and mental health, we believe that the

MIAMI, United States—Toronto Raptors’ Nick Nurse was named NBA Coach of the Year for the 2019-20 season on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) with his club still defending the crown.

Nurse, a 53-year-old American, won the award for the first time in his second season guiding the Raptors, who went 53-19 in this COVID-19 disrupted campaign, the secondbest record in the league.

“Really humbled to receive the award,” Nurse said. “It’s something.

“It was quite amazing to lift up that (championship) trophy last year with those guys. That means the most. But this is cool.”

The Raptors own a 3-0 lead over Brooklyn in a best-of-seven first round NBA playoff series inside a quarantine bubble at Disney

undertaking should be done in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government,” the statement went on.

UST declined to meet with the group when they met Saturday via Zoom.

The University asked the coaching staff of the Growling Tigers, headed by Aldin Ayo, to forward their explanation to the IPEA. From there, they will turn over their findings to the league, which is now under Season 83 host de La Salle University.

The group will meet with UAAP officials on Wednesday, and make decisions afterwards.

The joint body is verifying reports that the Growling Tigers conducted team practices early in the Bicol Region.

The practices, known as a training bubble, reportedly started last June.

Under a Joint Administrative Order, only professional leagues in basketball, football and boxing are allowed to resume training under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Andy Murray of Great Britain returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during their Men’s Singles First Round match against Frances Tiafoe of the United States on day three of the 2020 Western & Southern Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

Defending NBA champion Raptors’ Nurse named NBA Coach of the Year World in Orlando, Florida, and can complete a sweep into round two by winning Sunday.

Kyle Lowry, a member of last year’s championship squad, delivered the trophy to Nurse while he was on TV learning about the honor.

“Those guys are as smart and tough and competitive as it comes,” Nurse said of his players.

“You don’t do it without those kind of guys.”

Nurse received 90 first-place votes and 470 total points in a media panel vote. Two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Budenholzer of Milwaukee was second with 147 points and five first-place votes while Oklahoma City’s Billy Donovan was third on 134 with four firstplace votes.

Games played after the March 11 COVID-19 shutdown were not counted for purposes of NBA post-season awards. AFP

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MIAMI, United States—LeBron James finished with 38 points as the Los Angeles Lakers outplayed the Portland Trail Blazers at both ends of the floor Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) for a 116-108 win in game three of their Western Conference playoff series.

James also had 12 rebounds and eight assists while Anthony Davis scored 23 of his 29 points in the second half as the Lakers grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven first round series in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 13 points and Alex Caruso added 10 points and seven assists for the Lakers.

Game four is scheduled for Monday.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks looked more like the team with the best record in the NBA as they rolled to a 121-107 victory over Orlando to take a 2-1 lead in their playoff series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – in the running for a second straight NBA Most Valuable Player Award – scored 35 points and pulled down 11 rebounds as the Bucks edged ahead in the best-of-seven East series that saw them stunned by the Magic in game one.

Antetokounmpo was a model of efficiency in 30 minutes on the court, connecting on 12 of 14 shots from the field, including two of three from three-point range. AFP

Murray starts ATP comeback at Western and Southern Open NEW YORK, United States—Britain’s Andy Murray made a triumphant ATP comeback Saturday (Sunday Philippine time), defeating Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-1 in his first match of 2020 at the Western and Southern Open.

The 33-year-old Scotsman advanced in hot and humid conditions to a second-round date with German fifth seed Alexander Zverev at the COVID-19 quarantine bubble that will also be used for the US Open, which starts on August 31.

Murray won the 2012 US Open as well as the 2013 and 2016 Wimbledon titles plus the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medals.

Former world number one Murray, now ranked 129th, suffered a pelvic injury at the Davis Cup last November and that, combined with the pandemic shutdown, kept him out of competition until he faced 22-year-old Tiafoe in a meeting of wildcard entrants.

“I thought I moved well today,” Murray said. “That was probably the thing I was most happy with and probably the thing I was most apprehensive about going into the match.

“My tennis could have been better.

I did some things well at the end, but I could definitely improve in terms of my game.”

Murray broke Tiafoe for a 2-0 lead in the third set when the American missed a volley, broke again to 5-1 with a backhand return winner and held at love to finish matters after two hours and 28 minutes. AFP

Stars smother Avalanche to win opening NHL game LOS ANGELES, United States—Alexander Radulov scored two goals as the Dallas Stars continued to ride the momentum of a historic comeback, beating the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 in the opening game of their NHL playoff series Saturday (Sunday Philippine time).

The Stars were coming off an electrifying rally in the final game of their previous series, by spotting the Calgary Flames three goals then scoring seven straight to win 7-3 and advance to the Western Conference semi-finals against Colorado.

On Saturday, the Stars got an early lead and held on as Tyler Sequin, Blake Comeau and Roope Hintz scored singles and goaltender Anton Khudobin made 28 saves.

Climbing out of deficits is nothing new this season for the Stars, who won eight regular-season games in which they trailed by at least two goals. They also fell behind the Flames in the series 2-1.

Their comeback from three goals down against Calgary on Thursday was also the biggest for the franchise since the 1985 postseason.

Radulov added an assist, while captain Jamie Benn had three assists for Dallas, who finished 2-0-2 against Colorado during the regular season.

Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and an assist, and Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and an assist in what may have been a costly defeat for Colorado.

Starting goalie Philipp Grubauer left the contest with an injury 3:06 into the second period.

After lunging to the right, Grubauer, of Germany, slumped to the ice and remained face down for several minutes while the team trainer attended to him. He was favoring his left leg while being helped off the ice.

Backup Pavel Francouz stopped 18 of the 20 shots.

Both teams are in the conference semi-finals for the second straight season. Each was eliminated in seven games last year -- Colorado by the San Jose Sharks and Dallas by the eventual Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues, who were eliminated from this postseason on Friday by the Vancouver Canucks. AFP

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Sports

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Long break from PBA benefits Newsome THE long break because of the Covid-19 has been a tremendous burden for almost everybody but may prove to be a blessing in disguise for Meralco Bolts guard Chris Newsome.

Newsome is using the time to good use by resting and recovering from aches, pains and minor injuries suffered through years of tough competition in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“I just try to get to know my body and uses this time to recover and make sure that I can function properly and heal some of those injuries that I had,” said Newsome in a published report.

“Those aches and pains and find out the root problem of that and take the therapy approach to this.”

The Bolts had an extended third conference last year after advancing to the Finals of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup against eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

Newsome also had to face the added burden of practicing and playing for the Gilas men’s 3X3 basketball team that won the gold in last year’s Southeast Asian Games held here in the Philippines.

Newsome is staying in shape by keeping in constant touch with his teammates as they work out together through the Internet.

At the moment his biggest concern is watching his diet so that he doesn’t gain unwanted pounds because of the restrictions imposed by quarantine meant to limit the spread of Covid-19.

“I’m just trying to watch what I eat so I don’t gain too much weight. I just try to get in shape the best way I can,” said Newsome.

The Meralco guard joined the PBA when he was selected fourth overall in the 2015 PBA Draft by the Bolts. He had an outstanding season to eventually win the Rookie of the Year award.

He says he is looking forward to the resumption of the PBA season which he hopes will be soon

Johnson soars to five-stroke lead at US PGA NEW YORK, United States—Dustin Johnson curled in a 40-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to seize a five-stroke lead after Saturday’s (Sunday Philippine time) third round of the US PGA Northern Trust tournament.

The 36-year-old American fired a seven-under par 64 to follow up his stunning 60 on Friday and stand on 22-under 191 after 54 holes at TPC Boston.

“I was just worried about shooting as low as I could again,” Johnson said. “It was good. I played solid all around. I gave myself a lot of opportunities.

“I hit a lot of quality iron shots. I was swinging really good. I hit it in the fairway. It’s nice when everything matches up.”

Johnson grabbed the largest 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour this season with Scottie Scheffler, coming off a 59 on Friday, and Harris English sharing second on 196. South African Louis Oosthuizen was fourth on 198.

“We’re on a golf course where you can shoot really low,” Johnson said. “I’m going to have to go out and shoot a really low round if I want to win tomorrow.

“I’m in a good position. I’m going to go out and see what I can do.”

Fourth-ranked Johnson would return to the world number one spot with a win if Spain’s top-ranked Jon Rahm and US world number two Justin Thomas finish worse than a three-way share of second.

Rahm shared 19th on 203 while Thomas was level 34th on 206.

Johnson, who matched a PGA record with a 27 on the front nine Friday, settled for only four birdies Saturday— a tap-in putt at the par-5 second, a sixfooter at the fifth, an eight-footer at the par-5 seventh and a 20-footer at the par3 eighth.

Despite a 50-minute weather delay just before Johnson made the turn, he stayed strong, putting his approach inches from the cup at the par-4 12th and tapping in to reach 20-under.

Johnson made bogey at 13, finding a greenside bunker and missing an 11-foot par putt, but answered with an 18-foot birdie putt at 17.

On the par-5 18th, Johnson reached the green in two with a 40-foot eagle putt, angled the ball over a ridge and left of the cup then watched it roll back into the hole. AFP

Tennis gears up for US Open without crowds

Meralco Bolts guard Chris Newsome (11) tries to dribble past Barangay Ginebra defender Scottie Thompson even as Meralco teammate Allen Durham sets a pick in this file photo of a PBA game between the Bolts and Ginebra. PBA Media

National athletes’ training pushed back to November

By Peter Atencio

P

LANS for national athletes to resume training have been pushed back to the first week of November.

Officials of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association are making adjustments to make this happen by the first week of November.

Patafa president Philip Ella Juico said they are now making arrangements to bring members of the national squad back to Manila by the end of October.

Juico said in an Zoom web confer-

ence last Friday that there were plans to have a restart in the second week of August.

But their preparations were delayed when Metro Manila went back Modified Enhanced Quarantine Community protocols last August 3.

“What we are trying to do is bring back the athletes by the end of October, so they can have at least a month training,” said Juico.

Private venues have been tapped to hold training sessions. The choices include De La Salle University-Canlubang in Laguna, and Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

Juico added that the training sessions will get the national team ready for competition in the National Open, which they plan to hold starting Dec. 4

at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Bases Conversion Development Authority Vice President Arrey Perez have confirmed to Juico the availability of the NCC facilities last Friday.

The Patafa chief said the NCC Stadium is currently being utilized as a quarantine facility for coronavirus patients.

And it will soon be disinfected to give way to the preparations that will be done for the staging of the National Open.

Juico said they are now coordinating with government agencies to make this possible.

Discussions have been done with the Philippine Sports Commission, the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Department of Health over the Patafa’s plans.

NEW YORK, United States— For her or against her, former world number one Victoria Azarenka says fans in the stands are a key part of the tennis experience.

“I feel like they create an energy,” Azarenka said Saturday (Sunday Philippine time), after beating Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match of the Western & Southern Open campaign on an eerily empty Grandstand court at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

“Those kind of magical moments always happen when there is a crowd, and it can swing each way,” Azarenka said. “I love that energy I feel like you can feed off.

“Sometimes you have the whole stadium against you and you kind of feed off of that, as well.”

Players are having to adjust, however, as tennis returns amid the COVID-19 pandemic that brought the sport to a halt in March.

ATP players are back in action this week for the first time since play was halted back in March.

The WTA resumed earlier this month with tournaments in Prague and Lexington, Kentucky, neither of which boast the massive courts of the tennis center where the US Open will start on August 31.

The center’s biggest courts, the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums, aren’t in use this week, and Azarenka hopes the US Tennis Association won’t try to fill them with virtual fans when the Open begins.

“I hope they don’t put fake people, because that’s going to be super weird,” she said.

“To me it looks creepy” she said of the “virtual fans” displayed electronically at NBA games in that league’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida. “So I hope that’s not going to happen.”

AFP

Kulabdam ready for ONE final showdown

Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai (left) connects with a left to the face of Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort in the Semifinal of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament. Kulabdam knocked out Sangmanee to advance to the finals of the tournament. ONE Championship

AFTER a spectacular knockout victory over Sangmanee Klong SuanPluResort in the Semifinal of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Tournament Kulabdam Sor. Jor. Piek Uthai is looking forward to the next stage of the tournament.

Kulabdam faces Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in the title match. Kulabdam is confident that he will also prevail and then go on to a showdown against ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.

Kulabdam beat Sangmanee at ONE: No Surrender III held closed door at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand last Friday, August 21.

The Thai pair, both southpaws, fought on even terms early in the round.

Kulabdam relied on superior striking with his fists. Sangmanee was the busier fighter with his short chopping kicks.

Sangmanee made the mistake of trying to box against Kulabdam late in the round. The two traded blows in the middle of the ring and as Sangmanee tried to backpedal Kulabdam unloaded a right uppercut which missed. He followed that with a cracking left straight which hit Sangmanee flush on the face.

Sangmanee fell backward into the

canvas senseless and the referee waved off the fight awarding the victory to Kulabdam.

The winner of the match was supposed to fight Saemapetch Fairtex in the finals who was replaced due to injuries.

In the ONE Super Series flyweight Muay Thai contest, Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Mongkolpetch Petchyindee Academy of Thailand beat an aggressive but outclassed Kun Khmer World Champion Sok Thy of Cambodia.

Meanwhile two-time Thailand Muay Thai Champion Wondergirl Fairtex relied on speed and power to overwhelm WBC Oceania Muay Thai Champion Brooke Farrell of Australia in her ONE Super Series debut.

In the ONE Super Series atomweight Muay Thai contest, Estonian Marie Ruumet made an impressive debut by beating overmatched Little Tiger of Japan in three rounds.

Finally, UKFC Featherweight Champion Ben Royle of the United Kingdom scored the first knockout of his career with a TKO victory over 28-year-old Quitin Thomas of the United States to make a spectacular debut at ONE Championship.

Miami Heat posts 3-0 lead over Indiana Pacers MIAMI, United States—The Miami Heat pushed Indiana to the brink of elimination, withstanding a furious Pacers rally for a 124-115 victory Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) in game three of their Western Conference playoff series.

Jimmy Butler scored 27 points for the Heat, Goran Dragic finished with 24, including five baskets from beyond the arc, and Bam Adebayo had 22 points and 11 rebounds as Miami took a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Miami forced several turnovers down the stretch to prevent Indiana from leveling the score.

The Heat led by 20 in the first half and by as many as 18 in the third quarter, but the Pacers pulled within two points twice in the final

period.

But after the Pacers made it a one-basket game with four minutes remaining, the Heat closed with a 13-6 scoring run to clinch the victory.

Malcolm Brogdon finished with 34 points and 14 assists for the Pacers.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chris Paul drained a three-pointer as part of a 12-0 run to begin overtime as his team edged the Houston Rockets 119-107 after being locked 104104 at the end of regulation.

The Rockets lead the series 2-1.

Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said the status of Luka Doncic for Sunday’s (Monday Philippine time) NBA playoff game against the Los An-

geles Clippers is uncertain.

The 21-year-old Slovenian star suffered a sprained left ankle in a painful game-three defeat on Friday that sees the Mavs trailing the Clippers 2-1 in the best-of-seven series in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida.

On Saturday, Carlisle said it was too soon to say if Doncic would be able to play on Sunday afternoon.

“I believe that this is going to be most likely a game-time decision type of situation,” Carlisle said.

“We’re uncertain as to his status.

We do not have the diagnostic test results yet, the MRI results, so that will certainly have something to do with it, and mostly it’ll have to do with how he’s feeling. AFP

T.J. Warren (1) of the Indiana Pacers tries to steal the ball from Jimmy Butler (22) of the Miami Heat during the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at AdventHealth Arena in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. AFP

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

Fashion for all ARIAS

ALWYN IGNACIO LIKE the mythical King Midas, everything RS Francisco touches turns into gold.

In the field of dramatic arts, many can still remember the Philippine revival of M. Butterfly, which even had a national tour. In entrepreneurship, we all know that his multi-billion health and wellness business continues to grow and give employment to many industrious Filipinos.

Even during this pandemic, Francisco’s inspiration soars. His dream line of fun and colorful apparel, while adding a functional twist to keep us safe and protected from the virus, is now a reality. Say hello to RS Luxxe Wear.

“Those who know me personally would know that I love streetwear.

It has been a dream to have a line of comfy shirts wherein I can express my design concepts. Yung tipong RS na RS,” he starts.

“Part of that dream was to share these designs with those who are clos-

est to my heart, like my Frontrow family. That said, RS Luxxe Wear is something that my team and I have been working on for quite a while now,” he carries on.

For Francisco, the whole quarantine season became a blessiwng in disguise.

“When we were in ECQ, I had more time at home to think of what I can do with the fashion line. And I became more inspired when I shifted its purpose as fundraising for my charity projects.”

RS made sure of the quality of his ready-to-wear line with three main designs that are synonymous with his endeavor to touch the lives of people.

“It was accompanied with the purpose of donating our proceeds para sa ating mga kababayan at frontliners na in need of assistance right now. I’m the one personally packing and spritzing my staple scent sa mga shirt orders.

Ganun talaga sya ka meaningful at work of love for me,” RS says.

The shirts and masks are all white, red, and black—which are the official hues of his health and wellness business.

“For the design, it is a close collaboration between me and one of our in-house visual artists, Paul Vito. Paul was also our visual artist when we recently did M. Butterfly,” adds RS. Francisco says that some of his fashion must-haves are incorporated in the Luxxe wear collection.

“My everyday look consists of printed shirt, jacket, cap, and sneakers.

Then of course now, because of COVID, mask, and face shield. I added masks to the line so I could push my advocacy for staying safe,” he concludes.

The RS Luxxe Wear shirts sell for P888 and re-usable masks sell for P168.

Francine Garcia for RS's Luxxe Wear

‘TGIS’ reunion, Pokwang’s birthday featured in ‘Bawal Na Game Show’ and ‘Fill in the Bank’ Comedienne and 'Fill in the Blank' host Pokwang celebrates her birthday on the set of new TV5 show.

ORGANIZING reunions and birthday parties are what we sorely miss these days. With this in mind, viewers are up for a double celebration as TV5 treats them with game show host Pokwang’s birthday bash in Fill in the Bank and the most-anticipated TGIS cast reunion in Bawal na Game Show.

Hosted by “Manedyer” Jose Manalo and Pokwang as Madam Poky, Fill in the Bank will have fellow comedians Ketchup Eusebio and Archie Alemania as contenders in its upcoming episode tonight at 7:30. Next episode on Wednesday, Aug. 26, will have celebrities Ria Atayde and Jane Oineza vying for the jackpot money of as much as P150,000.

A special birthday episode is up on Friday, Aug. 28, for Fill in the Bank host Pokwang as she is surprised by guests Sunshine Garcia and Saicy Aguila, friends from former shows Banana Sunday and Wowowin. Not to be missed is Madam Poky’s touching message about being grateful to Archangel Media and TV5 for her blessings, including having projects during this time of pandemic, and her birthday wish for everyone to stay healthy and strong in facing this crisis.

Every week, two players will compete and get to play the fun and innovative Ayuda Teh! Machine (ATM) and Panghakot na Papremyo Equipment (PPE).

They also get to compete in these exciting rounds: Enter your Pin Code, Cheque or X, Coin Rush and Huli Cash that allow players to earn more money and advance to the final round. Fill in the Bank airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 p.m..

Meanwhile, Ghorl Twins Wally Bayola as Bebe Ghorl and Paolo Ballesteros as Barby Ghorl are back in the hilarious

‘Eat Bulaga' host Vic Sotto in Dubai with dabarkads Maine Mendoza, Alden Richards, and Paolo Ballesteros.

15 years of bringing Filipinos all over the world closer to home F

OR one-and-a-half decades, GMA Network’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV has relentlessly provided viewers abroad the best of Filipino programming and, at the same time, continues to help Pinoys connect with their roots wherever they are.

“This August, GMA Network celebrates 15 years of GMA Pinoy TV, our first international channel. It is our hope to continue bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home through our award-winning news and public affairs programs as well as our topnotch entertainment shows that are proudly Filipino. We, at GMA, remain steadfast in delivering Serbisyong Totoo to our Kapuso abroad especially during these challenging times,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

The Kapuso Network’s flagship international channel was initially launched in Guam, Japan, and USA in 2005. GMA Pinoy TV’s launch was a tremendous success especially in Northern California that partner-carrier Comcast recorded the highest call volume within 48 hours of its launch and generated the most customer sales in its first 30 days of launch in the San Francisco Bay Area.

At about the same time, GMA Pinoy TV was launched nationwide in the US Mainlaind and Hawaii by DirecTV and opened the door for millions of FilipinoAmericans to subscribe to GMA programming.

The successful debut in those three key areas has paved the way for GMA Pinoy TV to reach more Filipinos. Extending GMA’s global presence even further,

the flagship channel was launched in the Middle East and Europe, respectively, via partner-carrier Orbit (now OSN) in 2008. In the same year, GMA also introduced its second international channel, GMA Life TV, and a third one, GMA News TV International in 2011.

Fifteen years later, GMA Pinoy TV, along with its two additional international channels, is now available in 104 countries across different territories.

GMA Pinoy TV was instrumental in bringing Filipino communities closer together through its exciting events that allowed Pinoys to bond with the biggest Kapuso stars from their favorite shows.

Year after year, various Kapuso artists brought cheer to Pinoys in different countries and they were all-out whether it be in singing or dancing, comedy or drama, playing basketball, or even feasting on well-loved Filipino dishes.

Some of the sought-after Kapuso artists who added excitement to events abroad were the Eat Bulaga dabarkads, the phenomenal tandem of AlDub, the Encantadia cast, Willie Revillame and the Wowowin gang, and many more talented Kapuso personalities.

In addition to GMA Pinoy TV’s strong line-up of programming and events, it has also produced innovative content and creative marketing cam-

paigns that have earned the nod of various award-giving bodies over the years. Aside from bagging four silver awards at the 20th Communicator Awards in 2014, GMA Pinoy TV consistently reaped awards from the New York-based National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Excellence in Multicultural Marketing Awards (EMMA), and was the only Philippine network inducted in NAMIC’s first-ever EMMA Wall of Distinction in 2018 and was included anew in 2019.

GMA Network First Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia expressed his gratitude to the GMA Pinoy TV team and to all the Kapuso abroad who supported them through and through.

“We are very much blessed to be celebrating our 15th anniversary with the Filipinos all over the world. Without the unwavering support of our subscribers, partners, and carriers, and the entire team’s effort and dedication, we would have not reached this far.

Amidst everything that is happening around, we assure that GMA Pinoy TV will be with you, our Kapuso abroad, especially as most of you stay safe at home,” said Francia.

GMA Pinoy TV continues to provide the biggest and latest Philippine news through its top-notch newscasts and airs topnotch public affairs and entertainment shows as well as re-runs of all-time favorite Kapuso programs.

For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

Liza Soberano, Yassi Pressman come into full bloom A throwback pose with 'TGIS' cast members Bernadette Allison, Michael Flores, Angelu De Leon, and Bobby Andrews.

Bawal na Game Show with intense challenges in its upcoming episodes that will test the new batch of “pasaways.”

Get hot this rainy season as Viva Hot Babes Gwen Garci, Sheree Andrea Del Rosario, and Zara Lopez sizzle in the Aug. 25 episode.

From sexy to sporty, basketball stars Joe Devance, Chris Newsome, Sol Mercado, and Ryan Arana will act as the “pasaways” competing in the Aug. 27 episode. Watch how good they are in following rules off the court with challenges like “Bawal Ma-Fall,” “Bawal ang Da Moves,” “Bawal ang Sablay,” “Bawal ang Sumuko,” and the bonus round “Bawal na Roleta.”

Bawal na Game Show also brings a “kilig” reunion episode as the cast of popular ‘90s barkada TV series TGIS reunite while aiming for the cash prize of as much as P100,000.00.

In this episode airing on Aug. 29, viewers will see the comeback of ‘90s TV teen stars Angelu De Leon, Bernadette Allison, Bobby Andrews, and Michael Flores.

Bawal na Game Show airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., only on TV5.

FOR celebrities Liza Soberano and Yassi Pressman, in protecting our skin, it isn’t enough to be vigilant, we also have to be wise in choosing the products we use.

“I realized how important it is to balance out our lifestyle by eating the right food, drinking a lot of water, getting enough sleep, and even exercising. It’s also good that we have a good support system that can help take care of our skin at the same time,” said Liza during a recently held online event for Nivea.

The 22-year-old screen star underscored that nothing good happens overnight, and good skin needs a good attitude to go with it.

“When you try to listen to the women around you and how they grew into themselves, it’s inspiring because lahat tayo nagbabago hindi lang sa panlabas na anyo kundi with our responsibilities or the way we look at life,” Yassi explained.

“As long as you keep surrounding yourself with positivity and people who want to make you better, you find it easier to open yourself to that. Blooming is a

Nivea girls Liza Soberano and Yassi Pressman (left)

process and we’ll all grow together,” Yassi added.

As Nivea girls, both Liza and Yassi join Raiza Contawi in promoting the importance of taking care of our skin especially this trying time.

“Nivea puts caring as its utmost priority. We know that healthy, naturally beau-

tiful skin is something we really need to have to make sure that we are comfortable and worry-free to do other things. Hence, the Nivea Blooming Pink Range was born—for healthy, beautiful, glowing skin you can easily achieve at home,” shared Beiersdorf Philippines Inc. Marketing Director Jamie Sanico-Sy Ching.

Life

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

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BITES

FOOD

MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020

COOKING WITH HER LOLA.

Isabelle Daza recreates her grandmother’s recipes, Philippine culinary icon Nora Daza, to inspire newbie home cooks like her.

The new Cloud 9 Peanut Butter features the wellloved chocolate and peanut butter combination.

Peanut butter in chocolate bar

Isabelle Daza recreates

her lola Nora’s recipes

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ODEL and television host Isabelle Daza follows in her grandmother’s footsteps, Philippine culinary legend Nora Daza, as she navigates the kitchen as an amateur cook.

“Cooking has always been a huge part of my family, and now that I have my own, I want to bring the same joy and wonderful memories that I’ve associated with cooking into my home,” shares the 32-year-old celebrity mom.

Daza, through her four-part online video series “Cooking with my Lola,” aims to inspire a new breed of home cooks with the help of her grandma’s recipes chronicled in the influential cookbook Let’s Cook with Nora.

“I thought since I’m a beginner cook, sharing my experiences would encourage others to learn with me,” she enthuses.

Daza continues, “I also think that the art of Filipino home cooking that my lola has carefully and lovingly documented in her book is a bit lost to the younger generation. I want to help change that, and get more people to love home cooking again.”

In the first episode of “Cooking with my Lola,” Daza enlists the help of another family member, her tita—cook, writer, and editor—Nina DazaPuyat in making Nora Daza’s Beef Stroganoff.

The second episode features Classic Pancakes and Lumpia.

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria now accepts pre-orders for its mooncakes.

Hong Kong MX Mooncakes are available at SM Mall of Asia pop-up store.

Isabelle enlists the help of her aunt, Nina Daza-Puyat, in making Beef Stroganoff in the first episode of the web series ‘Cooking with my Lola.’

Daza is also assisted by Maya and culinary school The Maya Kitchen, which both had been part of her grandmother’s illustrious career.

Nora Daza hosted The Great Maya Cookfest which ran from 1976 to 1990 and helped launch the careers of a new generation of chefs.

The Filipino culinary icon was also the first ambassador of The Maya Kitchen (then known as Maya Bakeshop) and Maya products, during which

she hosted cooking demos all over the country.

Some of the episodes of her show, “Cooking It Up with Nora,” were also shot at The Maya Kitchen.

“I was really happy to have Maya come in and help me learn to cook, especially since they worked so closely with my lola before, and she used the products in her recipes,” says Daza.

The first two episodes of “Cooking with my Lola” series are now live on Isabelle Daza’s YouTube channel.

Veega’s plant-based variants (from left) include meat-free balls, nuggets, and giniling.

San Miguel launches meat-free giniling, nuggets AFTER three years of developing the “perfect formula” for Filipino palate-approved plantbased protein, San Miguel Foods finally rolls out its vegetarian line.

Veega consists of five plant-based, alreadycooked variants, including giniling (P99), nuggets (P115), meat-free balls (P99), burger patty (99), and sausage (P120).

Produced locally, San Miguel Foods’ first vegetarian line uses wheat, soy, mushroom, and egg as meat substitutes. No preservatives

LOCAL snack brand Jack ‘n Jill is riding the chocolate-peanut butter train as it launches Cloud 9 Peanut Butter.

The new variant features the popular combination with added caramel, crushed pretzels, and peanuts for a more delightful and energizing treat.

Jack ‘n Jill Cloud 9 Peanut Butter is now available in all leading groceries, supermarkets, and convenience stores nationwide.

are added, the company said.

Veega products are now available in select branches of leading supermarkets nationwide: SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Rustans Supermarket, Puregold Price Club, All Day Supermarket, and Metro Gaisano Supermarket, among others.

Go to homefoodie.com or @VeegaMeatFree on Facebook and Instagram for more San Miguel Foods’ vegetarian line includes already-cooked, plantbased giniling, nuggets, meat-free balls, burger patty, and sausage. information.

Where to pre-order mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival

IN ANTICIPATION of this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival on October 1, mooncakes are now available for pre-order.

Hong Kong MX Mooncakes’ bestselling mooncakes and new products are once again available here in the country for a limited period.

Double Down Import and Export, Inc. is bringing the Mooncake Set and more to its pop-up store at SM Mall of Asia on August 30 until October 4.

Hong Kong MX’s products are also available on Double Down’s social media and e-commerce platforms: - Facebook ( fb.com/HongkongMXMooncakesPhilippines) - Instagram (@hkmxproductsph) - Lazada and Shopee (DD Hong Kong MX Products) - GrabMart (Double Down PH – Cabatuan) - Foodpanda’s PandaMart (Double Down Import and Export, Inc.) Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria is currently offering pre-order of its mooncakes today until August 31.

The Ortigas-based hotel’s box of four large or six mini lotus cream and red bean mooncakes starts at P1,488, while a box of four large mooncakes with two egg yolks is priced at P1,688. Individual orders start at P280 per large piece and P170 per mini piece.

Orders placed until August 31 get up to 25 percent discount. Redemption of mooncakes is from September 27 to October 15.

Check out the brochure at https://bit. ly/30aHRpu. Go to Crowne Plaza Manila’s Facebook page @crowneplazamanilagalleria for more information.

FOOD NEWS ROUNDUP:

The new Jollibee App provides an easy way to order from the fast food chain.

Jollibee introduces new app, Popeyes now on GrabFood FAST food giant Jollibee introduces a user-friendly app for faster and more convenient delivery ordering process.

Customers with Android or iOS devices can download the Jollibee App for free, create an account, and input and save their address for future deliveries.

The app also features a store locator to help users conveniently find the outlet nearest them. The restaurant’s full menu as well as promo coupons are also available in the app.

Customers can also schedule deliveries in advance. Payment options include cash on delivery and online via PesoPay portal.

A 10 percent delivery charge will be added per order.

Further, senior citizen and PWD discounts are honored when ordering through the app. * * * The day Popeyes’ fans have been waiting for has finally arrived as the chain now offers delivery via GrabFood.

Customers in Metro Manila and nearby municipalities can use the platform to order Popeyes’ Cajun-inspired fried chicken, buttery honey biscuits, spaghetti, and more.

As a welcome treat, Popeyes offers free delivery for orders worth P550 and up today until September 19, use the code GRABPOPEYES.

Customers can now order Popeyes’ Cajuninspired fried chicken and more on GrabFood.