Manila Standard - 2020 August 29 - Saturday

JAPAN PM QUITS OVER HEALTH WOES, SETS OFF LEADERSHIP RACE JAPAN’S Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Friday he will resign, ending his record-breaking tenure in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership race in the world’s thirdlargest economy.

Abe said he is suffering a recurrence of the ulcerative colitis that forced him

to cut short a first term in office, and that he no longer felt able to continue as prime minister.

“Now that I am not able to fulfill the mandate from the people with confidence, I have decided that I should no longer occupy the position of the prime minister.”

While speculation about Abe’s politi-

cal future has grown in recent weeks, after he twice visited hospital for unspecified health checks, the resignation nonetheless came as a surprise.

Even as recently as Friday morning, the government’s spokesman had appeared to dismiss concerns about Abe’s health and suggested he would stay on.

Shinzo Abe

But Abe made clear that would not be possible, apologizing for once again cutting short his tenure.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the people of Japan for leaving my post with one year left in my term of office, and amid the coronavirus woes,” Next page

‘Scrap China deals in PH’

Locsin follows US lead on Sino firms engaged in SCS buildup

DISPutED DOt. An aerial shot of a reef in the disputed Spratly islands taken

on April 21, 2017. The United States announced sanctions and restrictions on 24 Chinese companies and associated officials on August 26, 2020 for taking part in building artificial islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea. AFP Vol. xxxIV • No. 176 • 3 SectIoNS 12 pageS • p18 • Saturday, auguSt 29, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

F

OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said he would recommend the cancellation of any contracts with Chinese companies involved in China’s massive islandbuilding spree in the disputed South China Sea, and warned Beijing not to allow its military exercises to spill over into Philippine waters or it can “expect the worst.”

“If I find that any of those companies are doing business with us then I would strongly recommend we terminate that relationship with that company,” Locsin said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Washington on Wednesday identified at least 24 state-owned Chinese companies, including subsidiaries of the China Communications Construc-

tion Company (CCCC), that participated in the construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. The US said these Chinese firms must be held responsible and that individuals connected to these firms, including their immediate family members, will be barred from entering the Next page

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM AuguSt 28)

209,544 tOtAL NuMBER OF CASES

3,999 71,745

lOcal rOUndUp

• Use of saliva for virus tests in the works

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91

134,474

510

NEW

NEW

UP team sees Sept. 30 tally at 375,000

By Willie Casas and Rio N. Araja

ILLOgICAL LIMIt. Devotees hear mass at the Plaza Miranda in front of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila,

during the last Friday mass for August. Archdiocese of Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo has urged authorities to ease the ten- percent limit to the number of people that can attend mass, noting that some businesses have been allowed a bigger capacity while churches are much bigger than restaurants hence the limit “does not sound logical.” NORMAN CRUZ

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta

for legal sector Rodolfo del Rosario Jr. “We are maintaining our innocence,” congressional inquiries coupled with on Friday has maintained his innocence Del Rosario said in an interview on the preventive suspension slapped by amid allegations of corruption and irregu- Dobol B sa News TV. the Office of the Ombudsman.

On Wednesday, Del Rosario rePhilHealth has been under multiple RESIGNED Philippine Health Insurance larities in the state insurer, saying there is signed, citing “trial by publicity” by Corp. (PhilHealth) senior vice president no “mafia” in the agency.

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tELCO tROIKA.

3,325 RECOVERIES

PhilHealth’s ex-legal chief rips into Senate ‘trial by publicity’ Technicians sort out telecommunication wires in Dasmariñas, Cavite Thursday August 27, 2020.

The House of Representatives recently approved the grant of a 25-year franchise to Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company (Mislatel) also known as DITO Telecom Corporation controlled by businessman Dennis Uy. Mislatel/DITO becomes the third telco to operate after PLDT/Smart and Globe Telecom. Pond News Asia

ACtIVE

DEAtHS

By Willie Casas, Maricel V. Cruz and Joel E. Zurbano THE Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) is studying the use of saliva test for COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Friday.

“As soon as RITM (can) have initial results of this study, we will be sharing it to (sic) everybody because this is something worth pursuing..and if feasible for testing here in the country,” Vergeire said in an online press briefing.

On Thursday, Project Antibody Rapid Test Kit, the private-sector-led

NEW

• WHO changes rules on ‘pandemic’ • US to produce vaccine by year-end THE WHO said The World Thursday it was Health Organizasetting up a comtion declared a mittee to consider public health emerchanging the rules gency of internaon declaring an international health tional concern or PHEIC over the new emergency, following criticism of its coronavirus on Jan. 30—at which time Next page Covid-19 pandemic response.

WOrld rOUndUp

RESEARCHERS from the University of the Philippines say COVID-19 cases may reach 375,000 by the end of September.

In their Aug. 27 forecast, the UPOCTA team of consultants said the reproduction number of COVID-19 and the number of new cases per day have both decreased near the end of August.

The reproduction number, which indicates the average number of people who may contract COVID-19 from an infected person, is at 1.03 from Aug. 20 to 26, they said.

The UP-OCTA group said the ideal reproduction number is less than one, in which each existing infection causes fewer than one new infection and means “the disease will decline and eventually die out.”

They also said that the average number of daily new cases was 4,073 from Aug.19 to 25, lower than 4,300 in the previous week.

This trend is also true for the National Capital Region, where there was a surge last July, they said.

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Health, Education get budget’s lion’s share

By Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz the P4.506 trillion national budget for adoption of flexible and blended learning.

2021 recently submitted to Congress.

In his message to Congress, Duterte and Macon Ramos-Araneta

The government allows the Depart- said the proposed 2021 budget was also PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte gave ment of Education, which will get the aimed at sustaining government efforts priority to education and health under biggest budget at P606.5 billion, for the Next page

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News

saturday, august 29, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

3 short-listed for next PNP chief T

hree names are on the shortlist of candidates for the next chief of the Philippine National Police, Interior Secretary eduardo Año said on Friday.

“I have submitted a list to PrrD [President rodrigo r. Duterte], three names,”

deputy chief for administration and head of the Administrative Support to Covid-19 Operations Task Force (ASCOTF); Lt. Gen. Guillermo eleazar, deputy chief for operations and commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield; and Lt. Gen. Cesar hawthorne Binag, chief of the PNP directorial staff.

Cascolan, Gamboa’s batchmate in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, will retire upon turning 56 in November.

Binag and eleazar, both from the PMA Class of 1987, will retire in April and November 2021, respectively.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesman Brig.

Gen. Bernard Banac said they had been preparing the retirement honors for Gamboa.

“The PNP is now preparing to render retirement honors to General Archie Gamboa and for a possible change-ofcommand ceremony,” Banac said.

“It will be held at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center on September 2, subject to the availability of President rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker.”

Banac said all invited officials would join the ceremony via video teleconferencing due to quarantine restrictions.

“All health standards and safety will be strictly observed,” he said.

Gamboa took over the PNP as officer in charge in October 2019, replacing Gen. Oscar Albayalde who stepped down after a controversial anti-drug operation during his stint as Pampanga Police chief in 2013.

Año told the Philippine News Agency.

“The President’s health cannot be compromised, so while I am at the hospital, and besides we have the technology right now, I submitted it [via e-mail] around Friday last week.”

Año did not name the candidates on the shortlist. he is now recovering after again testing positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 last week. he said all PNP officers with a star rank could be considered for the post to be vacated by Gen. Archie Gamboa, who

will retire upon turning 56 on Sept. 2.

Asked about the possibility of Gamboa’s term being extended, Año said this was a prerogative of the President.

“It is within his power because we are in a pandemic. It is allowed by law,” Año said.

“The term of the Chief PNP can be extended based on the situation. But I think [the President] had somebody in mind for the post even before.”

Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan,

Local...

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Typhoon ‘Julian’ intensifies, won’t hit land—PagaSa

initiative that aims to boost the country’s capacity to identify and contain COVID-19, said it was working to bring this game-changer “antigen saliva test” to the Philippines for faster and cheaper detection of the coronavirus.

Vergeire said one of the advantages of this saliva test was that specimens were easier to collect compared to PCr test which involved swabbing.

To get an accurate yield, the specimen must be of the right amount.

By Rio N. Araja

Agreement with Russia

The Philippine government has yet to sign an agreement with russia to get hold of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trial results of COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, Vergeire also said.

“We are still trying to accomplish this legal document that is needed for us to be able to obtain or be granted with this request for these documents on their Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials,” Vergeire said. results of the first two phases of Sputnik V’s clinical trials will be carefully reviewed by the Philippines’ vaccine experts panel before Phase 3 could start, Vergeire said.

Malacañang said President rodrigo Duterte could be vaccinated with the russian-made vaccine as early as May 2021.

‘Regulate drugs’

A female legislator on Friday urged concerned government agencies to regulate prices of COVID-19 therapeutic drugs.

Assistant Majority Leader and Quezon City rep. Precious hipolito Castelo said the Department of health and the Department of Trade and Industry should intervene to bring down the cost of medicines doctors are using to treat patients afflicted with new coronavirus disease in the absence of a proven cure and a vaccine.

She said these medications include remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, and ivermectin.

Japan PM...

From A1 he said, bowing deeply.

Abe said he would “firmly execute my duty to the end,” and until the next prime minister is appointed, possibly through a leadership election involving ruling party lawmakers and members.

The resignation shocked the markets, with Tokyo stocks plunging more than two percent towards the end of after-

uP team...

From A1 The UP-OCTA researh Team said the average number of daily new cases in Metro Manila was at 2,192 from Aug. 21 to 27, down from 2,684 in the previous week.

The reproduction number there has fallen below one at 0.95, they said.

The positivity rate has also decreased from 16 percent to 14 percent in the last two weeks. hospital bed and ICU occupancy rates in Metro Manila have also decreased, but the researchers said at least nine cities are still at critical level.

The researchers projected 180,000 to 210,000 COVID-19 cases in the NCr

by Sept. 30.

The Philippines has logged a total of 209,544 confirmed COVID-19 cases as the Department of health (DOh) reported 3,999 more infections on Friday.

Most of the additional cases, culled from data from 101 out of 110 laboratories, were from National Capital region (2,097 cases).

With 510 additional recovered pa-

Clamor mounts for probe into rights violations

By Willie Casas The United Nations human rights Council should establish an independent international investigation on the extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations in the Philippines, human rights Watch said on Friday.

The group joined dozens of other human rights and civil society groups worldwide in calling for the probe.

The UN human rights Council will convene its 45th session on Sept. 14, 2020.

On Aug. 27, 62 human rights and civil society groups sent a letter to the UN member and observer countries at the human rights Council to express their “continued grave concern over the ongoing extrajudicial executions and other serious human rights violations” in the Philippines.

More than 30 groups from the Philippines signed the letter, representing much of the country’s human rights and civil society movement.

“The several dozen Philippine and international groups calling for an investigation into the Philippines is a remarkable show of solidarity that members of the UN human rights Council should not ignore,” said Laila Matar, deputy Geneva director at human rights Watch.

“The extrajudicial killings and other severe rights abuses in the Philippines continue unabated, and the groups endorsing this letter are saying enough is enough.”

The four-page letter and its sixpage annex outline the “grave concern over the ongoing extrajudicial executions and other serious human rights violations in the context of the ‘war on drugs’ in the Philippines, fueled by incitement to violence and discrimination by the highest levels of government with near-total impunity.”

said the tropical depression had already intensified into a tropical storm.

The storm was forecast to move west to west-northwest on Friday night, to move north today, Saturday, and then northwest on Sunday.

The tropical cyclone is expected to stay over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period, but “far from the landmass.”

The storm is forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility on Aug. 31. It was upgraded to tropical storm at 2 p.m. on Friday The tropical cyclone will intensify throughout the forecast period, and is forecast to reach severe tropical storm category

by Saturday and typhoon category by Sunday morning, the weather bureau said.

United States.

“If they were in any way involved in the reclamation then it becomes consistent on our part to terminate any contract with them,” Locsin said.

Locsin acknowledged, however, that these companies may sue the Philippines if a contract has already been signed.

China, which claims almost the entire South China Sea as part of its territory, has sped up its reclamation activities in disputed areas and transformed previously submerged features into artificial islands with multi-level buildings and runways. Beijing also installed surfaceto-air missile systems in these areas, raising concerns from the US, Japan and Australia.

These man-made islands have enabled Beijing to rapidly send civilian and military assets in the waters, where Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims, to assert its control and ward off incursions in areas the Chinese say are within their territory.

Locsin said China’s firing of ballistic missiles during its recent military exercises did not take place in Philippine territory.

“I immediately consulted the map and it was clear the naval exercises did not take place in the coordinates of our Philippine territory. however, I warned, and this kind of irritated Beijing, should these exercises spill over to my territory then they must expect the worst,” Locsin told CNN Philippines.

“I have a specific territory outline and I will not brook any violation of my

territory,” he warned.

Chinese military forces launched four missile tests off the Paracels a day after the United States announced that it was enforcing sanctions against China’s state firms involved in the massive construction of artificial islands housing military facilities in the disputed waters.

The US denounced the firing of missiles as provocative and said it further destabilizes the situation in the South China Sea. Locsin cited the Philippines’ 69-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the US that binds America to defend its Asian ally. recently, Washington rejected China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line claim, saying it will not allow China to rule and control the South China Sea. China has told the US to stop meddling in the South China Seaand to avoid stoking tensions in the region.

The US Defense Department said Thursday that Chinese test launches of ballistic missiles in the South China Sea were threatening peace and security in the region.

Confirming reports that Beijing’s forces launched as many as four ballistic missiles during military exercises around the Paracel islands, the Pentagon said the move called into question China’s 2002 commitment to avoiding provocative activities.

China’s “actions, including missile tests, further destabilize the situation in the South China Sea,” the Pentagon said in a statement.

“Such exercises also violate PrC commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to avoid activities that would compli-

cate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability,” it said, referring to China by the initials of its official name, the People’s republic of China.

Over the past decade China has built up military installations on several disputed reefs and outcroppings in the South China Sea to assert its sovereignty over much of the region against territorial claims by Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia.

The Pentagon said the Chinese military’s Aug. 23-29 military exercises near the Paracels -- which it calls Xisha -- were “the latest in a long string of PrC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbors.”

It said the United States had urged China in July to reduce its “militarization and coercion” in the region.

Instead, “the PrC chose to escalate its exercise activities by firing ballistic missiles,” it said. earlier Thursday Beijing blasted Washington over its blacklisting of two dozen state-owned Chinese companies involved in building and supplying China’s South China Sea bases.

“The US’s words grossly interfere in China’s internal affairs... it is wholly tyrannical logic and power politics,” said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

“China will take firm measures to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals,” he said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson supported Locsin’s recommendation to cancel contracts with any Chinese companies involved in Beijing’s military buildup in the South China Sea.

noon trade when reports of Abe’s decision first emerged.

“It was a big surprise”, said Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo. “his resignation comes at a time when Japan is facing tough issues, including measures against the coronavirus,” Nishikawa said.

“There may be political confusion.”

Abe had been expected to stay in office until the end of his term as LDP leader in September 2021, and the jock-

eying for position to succeed him was still in its early stages.

Still, some potential successors have already emerged, among them Finance Minister Taro Aso, chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba and LDP policy chief Fumio Kishida.

Kishida is rumored to be Abe’s personal choice, while Aso commands one of the strongest blocs within the ruling party.

Most of the potential successors are seen as unlikely to break significantly

with Abe’s policies.

Abe declined to be drawn on who he would like to see take the top job, saying he had “no intention” of influencing the election, and that those often floated as candidates were all “highly capable.” experts said the election process was likely to happen in coming weeks, with a new parliamentary session possible by October.

Abe’s decision to step down will be bitterly familiar for the man who was forced to leave office just one year after becoming the country’s youngest-ever prime minister. AFP

investigations over its release of P15 billion advance payments to hospitals and health care institutions amid COVID-19, of which only P1 billion was accounted for; alleged overpriced IT projects; overpayments of reimbursements to hospitals, among others. resigned anti-fraud officer Thorsson Montes Keith claimed the Philhealth “mafia,” which he said was composed of the executive committee, stole some P15 billion through fraudulent schemes such as the interim reimbursement mechanism.

Philhealth has since denied such claims and has since suspended the IrM. Del rosario also maintained that in his own observation there was no syndicate inside Philhealth.

Del rosario, however, said his tenure in the executive committee was limited since he only joined it in 2018.

Nevertheless, he reiterated that his resignation was personal and at the same time due to health reasons, adding he was a hypertensive diabetic and had a stroke or transient ischemic attack as well as ischemia.

Meanwhile, Sen. Christopher Go said President rodrigo Duterte would decide on Monday the replacement of Morales.

“I just talked to the President early this morning and there’s already on his radar (a possible replacement) -- he’s just thoroughly thinking about it… he will decide

by Monday if he will choose him.”

P606.5 billion, followed by the Commission on higher education with P50.9 billion, and the Technical education and Skills Development Authority with P13.7 billion.

Under the proposed 2021 budget, Duterte said the government’s priorities for the education had been “reshaped — even reset“ to allow the adoption of flexible and blended learning by expanding and institutionalizing flexible and multimodal learning and teaching options with P15.2 billion; and funding the expansion of Deped’s Computeriza-

tion Program with P9 billion. he said a total of P4.1 billion under the proposed national budget would be allocated to fast-track the implementation of the national ID system.

“The allocation will help the government “clean up” its registries of beneficiaries of its social protection programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps,” he said.

The President also said he saw “brighter days” ahead beyond the bleak times brought by the “virulent” onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic.

A LOW-PreSSUre area east of Isabela has developed into a tropical depression called “Julian” on Friday, and is the 10th tropical cyclone to form this year.

In its 5 p.m. cyclone alert, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

‘scrap...

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tients and 91 additional COVID-related deaths, there are now 71,745 active cases in the country. Active cases refer to patients who are still infected with COVID-19 and are staying either in hospital or under home quarantine.

It is the third day that additional COVID-19 deaths are just below 100.

The total number of recoveries, meanwhile, is at 134,474 with 510 new recoveries logged.

The COVID-19 death toll rose to 3,325, with 91 new fatalities.

The Philippines has been logging record-high numbers in terms of new COVID-19 cases since late July, following the easing of quarantine measures and the gradual reopening of the economy.

At the same time, health Undersecretary Maria rosario Vergeire said Filipinos should not expect cases to go down due to the imposition of a stricter twoweek modified enhanced community quarantine (MeCQ) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces earlier this month.

The shift from looser general quarantine was made following appeals from exhausted health care workers for a time out.

Health,...

From A1 towards effectively responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President said the budget would focus on the government’s spending on improving the country’s healthcare systems, ensuring food security, increasing investments in public and digital infrastructure, and helping communities cope and prevail in these trying times.

The education department will get

World...

From A1 the respiratory disease had infected fewer than 100 people outside China, and claimed no lives beyond its borders.

But under the current International health regulations governing preparedness and response for health emergencies, there are no lower, intermediate levels of alarm beneath a full PheIC, either on a

global or regional scale.

PhilHeath’s...

From A1

crush the virus.”

Trump will announce on Thursday a Pledge to crush the pandemic deal for 150-million rapid COVID-19 US President Donald Trump on tests as he eyes a return to normal life Thursday pledged to “crush” the coro- ahead of the November’s elections, navirus pandemic with a vaccine by the White house officials told AFP. end of the year, as he accepted the republican nomination for a second term.

Japan to lift re-entry ban “We are marshaling America’s sciJapan will lift a re-entry ban on forentific genius to produce a vaccine in eigners from next month, Prime Minisrecord time,” Trump said. ter Shinzo Abe said Friday, as the coun“We will have a safe and effective try looks to rebuild an economy hit by vaccine this year and together we will the coronavirus pandemic. AFP

News

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Construction of P7.3b Panguil Bay bridge starts 2021

By Vito Barcelo THE construction of the P7.3 billion Panguil Bay Bridge in Mindanao is expected to start on the first quarter of 2021, as final details on the design of the mega project will be completed in by December this year, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.

When completed, the Panguil Bay Bridge would become the longest bridge in the country, overtaking the San Juanico Bridge in Visayas region, according to Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

The P3.375 billion mega-bridge project is included in the flagship infrastructure projects of President Rodrigo Duterte administration and is also expected to employ thousands of workers once civil works starts, he said.

Villar said that Panguil Bay Bridge is a realization of the president’s promise to make Filipinos even more connected by building a mega bridge that will provide convenient inter-island travel in the archipelagic topography of Northern Mindanao.

“DPWH Unified Project Management Office Operations is fast-tracking the conduct of geotechnical investigation to acquire necessary data for the design of the bridge that will connect Tangub City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte,” Villlar said.

He said about 23 borehole test analysis out of the 45 geotechnical tests are needed to be undertaken to ensure reliable reference for the final design of Panguil Bay Bridge.

The Panguil Bay Bridge has a distance of 3.7-kilometer, overtaking the current longest San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas which spans 2.164 kilometers.

The project is funded by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippine and Korean Export Import Bank with DPWH UPMO Project Manager Teresita Bauzon in-charge of this project.

IN BRIEF BOC operatives seize fake cigarettes in Bulacan THE Bureau of Customs seized hundreds of boxes of fake cigarettes worth more than P15 million in a raid of a warehouse in Bcaue, Bulacan.

The raid was conducted after customs authorities received intelligence reports that a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan was being used to store hundreds of boxes of counterfeit Marlboro, Astro, D&B, Two Moon and Union Cigarette brands.

Armed with a Letter of Authority (LOA) signed by BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, members of ESS-QRT and Bocaue PNP inspected the subject warehouse on August 25, 2020.

The inspection resulted to the discovery of 246 master cases of suspected smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes.

The apprehended goods are currently undergoing further investigation and inventory.

Vito Barcelo

Poe urges BIR, DOF to put act together SENATOR Grace Poe has called out the Executive department for its lack of cooperation on its own priority bill, the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer, which aims to allow banks to offload their soured loans and free up more funds to fuel the economy.

At the hearing of the Senate committee on banks, bureaus under the Department of Finance, specifically the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Treasury took opposite sides on the issue, with the BTr expressing full support for FIST and the BIR expressing strong opposition to it.

With the economy experiencing its biggest fall in eight decades, the Executive, the Finance department in particular, should heed its own call for unity.

“I’d like to note also that this is a priority measure, and yet it’s disappointing to see that the heads of agencies didn’t really attend,” Poe said.

“They’re the ones saying that the economy needs it now. So, how will we know for sure that the economy needs it now if we don’t even have a commitment, an actual presence from those heads explaining to us in detail what their commitments are also and the safeguards they’re willing to accept.”

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Gov’t urged to provide affordable housing SENATOR Francis Tolentino underscored the immediate need to provide affordable homes to Filipinos, saying that homes serve as frontline defense against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“When we say lockdown , stay at home, we’re talking about home. When we say quarantine, we’re talking about home,” said Tolentino during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement, which he chairs, on Senate Bill No. 1174 and No. 203.

Tolentino cited a UN report stating that “housing has become the frontline defense against coronavirus. Owning homes now are more of a life or death situation.”

Tolentino said that putting premium on housing sector-focused initiative will help prevent the spread of the virus. Macon Ramos-Araneta

VENTILATORS. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea receives one of the 100 units of Vyaire LTV2 2200 ventilators from US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim during the ceremonial turnover at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañan Palace on August 28, 2020. The ventilators will help boost the capacity of Philippine public hospitals and facilities in providing treatment for COVID-19 patients. This partnership forms a key component of the Philippines-US special relationship. Presidential Photo

25 Pinoys infected by polio—DOH T

By Willie Casas

HE Department of Health said on Friday that there are now 25 polio infections recorded in the Philippines since the disease re-emerged in September 2019.

According to DOH immunization program manager Dr. Wilda Silva, 16 of these cases, recorded until June 3, 2020, have experienced permanent disability.

“These are already patients with permanent disability. Ito po yung nagkaroon na ng pagkaparalisa ng lower extremities secondary to the poliovirus,” she said in an online forum.

Meanwhile, the nine others did not suffer from disability but were detected to be

shedding poliovirus.

The age of the children who contracted polio infection ranged from one to nine years and most of them came from Mindanao.

Silva explained that the polio present in the Philippines is caused by the vaccinederived poliovirus.

The Philippines just saw a re-emergence of polio in September last year after 19 years of being declared free from the disease. The first confirmed case of polio

in 2019 was recorded in Lanao Del Sur. Since August last year, Silva said the DOH has been able to conduct nine successful immunization campaigns in the National Capital Region and all regions of Mindanao using “a type-specific vaccine to type-specific outbreak.”

She added that Round 3 of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio in Mindanao was conducted from July 20, 2020 to August 2, 2020, covering 3.4 million children or 98.1 percent of the target.

Silva acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected polio immunization in the first semester of the year, especially in areas where the transmission of coronavirus is prevalent.

“NCR as well as Region IV-A are not performing very well. They have men-

tioned that because of the COVID-19 situation, their areas being the epicenter of COVID-19, is really hindering their performance or giving routine immunization services,” she said.

Some areas in Laguna such as Calamba City and Pakil town decided to postpone the Round 1 Phase 1 of Sabayang Patak Kontra Polio on August 3, she said.

The DOH targets to vaccinate 1.1 million children in Calabarzon and 1.3 million in Central Luzon. New rounds of polio immunizations are scheduled in the regions in September.

Meanwhile, polio immunization efforts in Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region are faring well despite the pandemic, Silva said.

SC resolves 825 cases since March

By Rey E. Requejo MEASURES implemented by the Supreme Court during the public health emergency arising from the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in the release of 60,532 persons deprived of liberty (PDLS), as of August, 2020, Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said on Friday.

“The wheels of justice continue grinding despite COVID-19 pandemic,” Peralta said, even as he disclosed that the 15-member bench has resolved 825 cases since the start of the lockdowns last March.

In the trial courts, Peralta said there have been 67,481 hearings through video conferencing on criminal cases involving 45,336 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

According to Peralta, the hearings, either through in-court or via video conferencing paved the way for the release of 60,532 PDLs as of August 21.

“This is a most-welcome development considering that our jails are congested and that stricter measures are being implemented especially with the present health crisis,” Peralta said.

“This is also proof that the Judiciary never wavered even during the almost sixmonth government lockdown in dispensing its constitutional duty to adjudicate cases,” he added.

Citing records from the Office of the Clerk of Court En Banc, there were 821 new cases filed before the SC from March 16, 2020 to August 7, 2020.

With 821 new cases, pending cases in the SC increased to 9,492 as of August 7.

However, Peralta said the resolution of 825 cases by the SC as of August 7 “provided a clearance rate of a little more than 100 per cent.”

LAUNCHING. Photo shows (from left) Imus Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi and DepEd Regional Director Dr. Wilfredo Cabral and other DepEd official while looking on at some computer units to be used by students in Imus public schools powered by internet provider Converge ICT Solution Inc. during the launch of Bida I-konek Mo, Bayanihan Imuseño, Damayang Areglado!, Imus, Konektado Sa Edukasyong Makabago! Jr Josue

Bill to help college students of parents who lost jobs pushed

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta A LEGISLATOR on Saturday pushed for the passage of a bill allowing college students who suddenly lost means to continue their education because their parents were laid off due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Assistant Majority Leader and Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas filed House Bill 7446 or the proposed Sagip Kolehiyo Act that proposes to expand the coverage of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Law by including

students whose breadwinners were directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic.

Under the bill, college students whose parents or heads or households fall into the following categories will be eligible for a scholarship: No work, no pay workers; Jeepney and tricycle drivers; employees who used to be regularly employed but have been laid off due to business closure or retrenchment; hospitalized or have died due to COVID-19; and overseas Filipino workers who could not find local employment immediately.

“Each eligible college student will

be entitled to a maximum assistance of P50,000 per semester that he or she is enrolled in a college, university or TESDAaccredited institution,” Vargas said.

Vargas, a member of the House committee on youth and sports development, said the bill will benefit middle class families whose financial standing has been affected by the pandemic.

“This bill will be of great help to parents who lost their jobs due to Covid-19. crisis. This health crisis should not prevent them from sending their children to school and pursue their dreams,” Vargas said.

Mining firms donate cash to quake-hit town FILMINERA Resources Corporation and PhilGold Processing & Refining Corporation turned over P5.29 million in cash plus 100 sacks of rice and 50 folding beds to the Municipality of Cataingan, following an earthquake in Masbate.

The donations were received by Cataingan Mayor Felipe Cabatana, Vice-Mayor Thelma Ang, and Sangguniang Bayan members.

Also, Filminera and PGPRC donated one million peso worth of relief goods and building materials to adjoining Masbate municipalities whose communities and households

were severely affected by the earthquake.

Cataingan was hardest-hit by the quake, 6.6 on the Richter scale, last August 18th, which shook the entire Masbate province.

The earthquake’s epicenter is seven kilometers off Cataingan. The Filminera mine site in Aroroy is 150 kilometers away from Cataingan.

As a post-earthquake response, a team from Filminera and PGPRC joined Cataingan’s Mayor Cabatana and the Municipal Engineer and the Municipal Administrator, to inspect and assess the damaged public structures in the municipality.

In a recent weekend inspection, environmental experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) visited Filminera’s mine site in Aroroy, and reported in an exit conference that there were no cases of damage to property or injury to people at the mine site.

Community stakeholders, the local government units, and Filminera and PGPRC representatives attended the conference.

Filminera President Cris Acosta pointed out that inspection results simply confirmed the earlier findings of in-house tech-

nical experts and third-party international consultant GHD that there was no damage to structures and equipment.

GHD has been an advisor of the Masbate Gold Project since 2007. GHD was initially engaged to carry out the detailed design of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF), and has been providing detailed design and construction supervision services for the TSF development. GHD also provides geotechnical assessments, deposition modelling, embankment design and analysis, mine site water balance modelling, and design of the water treatment plant.

A4

LGUs

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Makati shutters 2 biz for violations

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

Brigadier General Bernabe Balba, director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Eastern Visayas

HE Makati City government has shut down two more businesses in the city for operating without a permit and for violating the general community quarantine guidelines.

1,202 ‘wanted’ persons nabbed in Eastern Visayas

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—A total of 1,202 wanted persons were arrested in various police operations in Eastern Visayas from March 18 to August 23, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-8 based in Palo, Leyte.

“This has been a noteworthy accomplishment for all of us in this PRO. The police personnel regionwide have exerted their best effort in chasing these offenders, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, police regional director.

“I am truly proud of our Waraynon warriors for their dedication in the name of public service. I am commending everyone for these accomplishments under my watch,” said Balba, who assumed his post last March.

Out of the 1, 202 arrested persons, 145 are “most wanted” and 1,057 are other wanted persons.

Among the top crimes committed in the region are murder, rape, frustrated murder, attempted murder, statutory rape, and violation of Republic Act 9165, or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) posted the highest number of arrests with 380 wanted persons, followed by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) with 204.

Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) nabbed 158; Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), 137; Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), 119; Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO), 113; Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), 53; and Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO), 38.

QUARANTINE CENTER. National Action Plan Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (second from left) and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez (second from right) lead the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon after they inspect the 14 40-footer container units converted into COVID-19 isolation facilities inside the Paranaque City College in Brgy. San Dionisio on Friday. Joseph Muego

Trading post for Pampanga agri products pushed

By Jess Malabanan CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—A trading post for agricultural products is being pushed by the provincial government to help local farmers recover from losses due to high production costs and restricted mobilization caused by localized lockdowns to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections.

Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda wants to use existing government infra-

structures such as the Transport Terminal and Salilungan Center and convert it into a Central Trading Post of agricultural products from different places in the province, citing its accessibility.

“Farmers, including fishpond operators, are extremely affected in terms of mobilization of their produce to different markets. This prompted the provincial government to find ways and pushes for setting up a trading post for them,” said Pineda.

The Transport Terminal and Salilungan Center are located along Jose Abad Santos Avenue (formerly Gapan-Olongapo Road) at Barangay San Juan. It has been idle for a long time, even before the start of the quarantine, as bus terminals have transferred to the busy intersection at Bgy. Dolores here.

“Farmers can sell their crops and other produce at wholesale and retail prices at the Trading Post starting September,” said Pineda.

Personnel from city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) padlocked Casa Bambu in Barangay Poblacion for failure to secure a business or mayor’s permit and for failure to comply with health and safety protocols.

Another closure order was posted at SMD Laundry Shop in Barangay San Isidro for violating Section 4A of the Revised Makati Revenue Code or City Ordinance No. 2004-A-025.

The closure order against the establishments was made upon the recommendation of the Makati police station.

Mayor Abigail Binay said the BPLO is conducting routine inspections on businesses to ensure compliance amid the pandemic.

The local government recently shutdown Skye Bar and Restaurant where a celebrity TV host and at least 113 other individuals were arrested, also for violating health protocols.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila under general community quarantine, with restaurants only allowed to operate at 30 percent of its regular capacity.

Bars are still prohibited from reopening.

The city government of Makati is also implementing a new policy regulating dine-in services at commercial food establishments whenever the city is under a state of calamity, public health emergency or similar emergency declarations.

Under the ordinance, dine-in services are strictly prohibited when the city is placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine. For Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, a maximum of 30 percent of the dine-in services will be allowed subject to strict compliance with the minimum public health standards and social distancing protocols.

Solons bring aid to Binan, Tanauan

By Roy Tomandao BINAN CITY—Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano vowed to sustain the House of Representatives’ COVID-19 response and work with local government units (LGUs) in providing food and other supplies to critically affected areas.

This as two simultaneous handover ceremonies were held Friday in Biñan City, Laguna and Tanauan City, Batangas.

Rep. Marlyn Alonte led the ceremony in Biñan City, handing over packs of halalcertified cream dory, vegetables, and vitamin C to Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte.

The beneficiaries included 330 vendors, 96 barangay health workers, 41 barangay nutrition scholars, 240 tricycle operators and drivers, and 293 members of the Federated Parent-Teachers’ Association.

In Tanauan City, Rep. Maria Theresa Collantes of the 3rd District and Rep. Raneo “Ranie” Abu of the 2nd District of Batangas handed over the donations to several barangay chairpersons from Tanauan City and Sto. Tomas City.

The 18th Congress has been working closely with LGUs in providing food supplies and supplements to underserved communities.

In one such activity on August 25, Cayetano personally handed over donations to beneficiaries in the cities of Sta. Rosa and San Pedro in Laguna. He was joined

by Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Rep. Dan Fernandez of the 1st District of Laguna.

In a statement, Cayetano said the House will “keep listening” to its constituents to give them what they need and come up with solutions to their problems.

FOOD AID. The City of Biñan receives truckloads of fresh produce, frozen fish, and multivitamins sent by the House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday. These were distributed to about 2,500 households in the city. Representing Cayetano is Biñan Rep. Len Alonte-Naguiat (left), who turned over the donation to Vice Mayor Gel Alonte, representing Biñan Mayor Arman Dimaguila Jr. Roy Tomanda

New rules in Navotas for delivery, food takeout beyond curfew hours

By Jun David THE City Government of Navotas has established new policies for commercial food establishments and the use of the home quarantine pass.

Mayor Toby Tiangco has allowed the delivery, take-out, and drive-thru services of restaurants, eateries, coffee and tea shops, bakeries, and other similar establishments beyond the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. citywide curfew.

It also required markets, grocery stores, and convenience stores to check for home quarantine passes from their customers.

Executive Order No. 044 allowed food establishments to operate beyond curfew hours to provide delivery services in and out of the city, and take-out and drivethru services only for authorized persons outside of residence (APOR).

The EO also covered food establishments located inside grocery stores

and supermarkets that offer delivery services.

However, dine-in beyond curfew is strictly prohibited. Non-APORs are also banned from buying food via take-out and drive-thru from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

“There is still demand for food services during curfew hours from those who work at night. These include doctors, nurses, other health personnel, ambulance drivers, call center agents, security guards and workers at Navotas Fish Port Complex,” Tiangco said.

Food establishments need to strictly implement social distancing and other safety protocols, as well as conduct thorough and regular sanitation and disinfection during operation.

On the other hand, Executive Order No. 043 stated that markets, groceries, and convenience stores should require customers to present their home quarantine pass upon entry.

Owner of hit-and-run car says she didn’t kill male nurse in Manila

By Willie Casas THE owner of the vehicle in the hit-and-run incident that killed a male nurse in Manila on Thursday surrendered to the Manila Police District (MPD) but claimed someone else has been using her vehicle for the past two weeks.

MPD spokesman Police Lt. Col. Carlo Magno Manuel on Thursday said the owner of the vehicle, identified as Saudah Bacaye, is willing to cooperate in the investigation over the death of 23-year-old Renz Jayson Perez.

Bacaye, female, 30 years old, was placed under the custody of the MPD. “Nasa kustodiya na ng Manila Police District ‘yung may-ari ng sasakyan at actually dinedeny naman nila, ang ano willing silang magcooperate, bayaran o ano pa man ‘yung danyos na nagawa ay puwede nilang i-settle.

Nageestablish pa tayo ng witnesses to pinpoint,” Manuel said.

NEW SCHOLARS. SNAP’s newest batch of scholars with their parents present the

signed MOAs during the face-to-face formalization of partnership and orientation held in Itogon, Benguet. They are (from left) Rosemarie and Jezryll Hulog; Teresa and Anniebel Agmaliw; and Jandy and Mauro Marcelino.

SNAP adds 12 ‘BRIGHTS’ scholars

By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO CITY—True to its commitment to support education among its host communities, renewable energy company SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) has confirmed its pledge as it welcomed 12 incoming college freshmen students to their scholarship program.

SNAP President and CEO Joseph S. Yu said these scholarships are specifically important since COVID-19 has made it even more difficult for students to pursue their educational goals.

“We believe that education is a key

component to powering positive change, so we continue to partner with parents and educators in helping our scholars realize their dreams,” Yu stressed.

Following the COVID-19 restrictions, 78 applicants have undergone via a virtual screening in July, the most since the Bridging Gaps in Higher Education through Tertiary Scholarships (BRIGHTS) program was launched in 2017.

The students hail from SNAP’s direct host municipalities of Bokod and Itogon in Benguet; Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; and Ramon, Isabela, where their hydro power generation facilities are located.

EDITORIAL

uinaldo on Bonifacio in Cavite

A revolting labe

Talang Buhay, however, forces us to examine events from the military angle in which Bonifacio becomes complicit in the deaths of Edilberto Evangelista and Crispulo Aguinaldo. This is not a question of good versus evil, ELIZABETH but the grave consequences of the decisions to the Philippines, Province of China”—af- that any act to ANGSIOCO T IS only right that four that leaders make in the fog of war (underAdelle Chua, Editor eignty must be ter Manila won an arbitration case against scoring mine).” stores which sold Chinese mst.daydesk@gmail.com We note that Beijing in the Permanent Court Arbitration In his foreword, Dr. Ileto tells students of Conclusion beauty products with labels ed the Nationa in The Hague in 2016. history to not forget the CONTEXT within probe the oper Earlier on, President Rodrigo Duterte, in which things happened during the revoluthat tagged Manila as a Province week, in commemoration of History SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 22, 2020 tion.

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Many made it to the book and outthe of and place in theTranscribing company of Tita Gilda. cially they were face bigbut contingents ward, butaswearing both as the required—not cted author historian Dr.we Rey Ilare beneficial if someone cannot wear wearing atwhen the of thetofighting, would dence and ten manuscript was a roller-coaster ride for forefront associated with the tag “province of China.” of the Philippine capital as “nonsense” and Domagoso wasWhile on theit right track when be blacklisted, as soonand as angered, legally permitted. lion people, who are irritated dent must be investigated at the very least, Easy as that. be inconthe rest is history. of ofbetter-armed better-trained Spanish one ormanufacturer the other—displays the decent untilmerecent nown of Aguinaldo readily feeling scared time he wasjust a mask.

If notwithstanding. someone coughs 18mislabeinches he said the erroneous labelsmay me. It struck that he was most the time admit thatto itand was not the first each time the country the presidential joke and the and importer should The “Philippines province of China” geadd up to misWe stress the obvious that this oms critic weenjoy. now venient to a pluralityPOWER of those goingTalang out, Buhay, ho GCF thewould natural knack of bringing the forefront of the fighting, butand would his had troops face the “province enemy.

It of the wearer for the next per-Domagoso forces. associated with the tag of is China.” demeanor was while on the right track when be blacklisted, as soon as legally permitted.

Dr. Ileto mentioned atreadily how Aguinaldo from you you are wearing a face otag appeared on social media and earned inethe events from th representation and can be the basis for ling cannot just be dismissed as a simple eradmit to feeling scared each people time he together. honestly very hard to imagine the kind of life wearing a face mask and a face shield Outside of organized The “Philippines province of China” gehe said the erroneous labels add up to misWe stress the obvious that this mislabeBonifacio become son, even from a rightful physical disPOINT He was not a proud man as portrayed by shield, the immediate viral exposure is stantly inThus, theHave forefront of the battles tongue-lashing from Filipinos online earliand his troops would face the enemy.

It is establishments’ automatic closure. ror, high in the persuasion the Chinese manthat ourlike revolutionaries led.

Edilberto Evangel fun up there, otag appearedand on her social and earned ling cannot just be dismissed as a simple er- representation and can be the basis for the the bookhonestly is a firsthand account of the events birthdays artmedia exhibits, demonstrates arest person’s unselfish decency very hard to imagine the kind ofDespite life tance of six feet. many. being rejected, he humbled reduced by 96 percent. er this year, only two years after tarpaulins do.

This is not a qu We join the of our countrymen in beufacturer might have done this could have the Spaniards.

He explained some ELIZABETH Aguinaldo was always preoccupied with tongue-lashing Filipinos ror, high in the persuasion the Chinese man- establishments’ automatic closure. events inofCavite from 1897 ourDecember revolutionaries led.when I received invitations tofrom go see her inonline her earli-screamed s a firsthand account the that in promoting and protecting the health but as the grave cons Tita Gilda.

Following the protocols can be a great in foot bridges of Manila “Welcome ing revolted by this loathsome misbranding. been intentional.We agree with legal minds If the person remains coughing and himself several times to ask help from the ANGSIOCO er this year, only two years after tarpaulins the revolution and focused on the struggle We join the rest of our countrymen in beufacturer might have done this could have differences between Bonifacio and The decision OUR country’s interest to build a naval base the Supremo arrived and until the last week Aguinaldo was always preoccupied withhome, and one time, even in Cuthat leaders make om December 1897 when artsy other people in one’s community. screamed in foot bridges of Manila “Welcome ing revolted by this loathsome misbranding. been agree with legal minds the tointentional.We the authorities in flattening scoring mine).” for independence.

He never went tobecause battle the revolution and focused of the April when the Supremo wason ar-the struggle ed andespecially until last in week talking with you for 30 minutes, then well ofBACKSupremo in She facing Spanish forces hehelp do, as1898 revolutionary leadvert a portion in Fuga Island is not to deter China.

Rathbao Ex. would not tell you why, just In his forewordo Conclusion He never went towithout battle first strategizing with his officers. He when the Supremo was ar- for independence. rested by Aguinaldo’s troops. history to not forg believed that the would stronger strategists. without first strategizing with his officers. o’s troops. I extensively quoted come.

And of revolution course does notbe say no is to pre-empt er, that decision is to keep the area open to BENCHER was He able to inspire ourone revolutionaries espethe Foreword written which things hap LAST week, in commemoration of History was able tothe inspire our revolutionaries espeoted the Foreword written Magdiwang andyou Magdalo were united. week’s ended with death tion.

Without und cially when were to face Month, I wrote about the recent publication THE Titathey Gilda, justbig go,contingents as I did. bypiece respected author and historian Dr. Rey if Il-theto area, in light o international navigation, while converting r and historian Dr. Rey Il- cially when they were to face big contingents of the National Historical Commission of the that time, it becom of Before better-armed and better-trained Spanish teary-eyed theare part when he Aguinaldo recent eto, a known critic of naldo’s elder brother, Gen. Crispulo you know it,atyou already Witty, wacky, sharp, irreverent, ani- I became of better-armed anduntil better-trained Spanish of Aguinaldo until recent based on our own Philippines the “Talang Buhay ng Supremo between the U the Cagayan Export Processing Zone to a ROD P. forces.people. years.

Dr. Ileto forces. mentioned how Aguinaldo Ileto’s parting w And. Bonifacio sa Kabite”. This book makes mentioned howbattlefields Aguinaldo and Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo with Some you know, said otherstheir you last mated, creative, trailblazing and radical do, in the of Pasong Santo first-han public the manuscript in the handwriting of turning Hebywas not a proud man as portrayed by He was not a proud as portrayed was forefront of theman battles the forefront of constantly the battles in the value of Fuga shoppers’ paradise and tourist destination. do not, and still others, you only hear or goodbyes.

The younger Aguinaldo at last are just some of the words used to lovto reassess a centu General and first President Emilio AguinalKAPUNAN many. Despite being rejected, ards. He explained someSpaniards. many. Despite being rejected, he humbled against the He explained somehe humbled Aguinaldo that ha do narrating his experience and perspectives warships and su Fuga Island is one of several islets interread about.

Youcountry’s will findhelp out that she describe asseveral a person. was himself times She to ask help from the between ingly Bonifacio and GCF agreed to go back to then Tejeros to accept theOUR country’s interest to build a naval base Theitsdecision of President DuterteThe to conOUR to build a naval further said, “Crispulo Aguinaldo himself several times to interest ask from the base misguided ideology. entire spec- larity the ofPresident.

This opportunistic major differences between Bonifacio and The decision of President Duterte negative light. By on of the days Supremo Andres Bonifacio in to aconBACKSupremo in facing Spanish forces because he ally as revolutionary leadvert a portion of the island to a naval base in Fuga Island is not to deter China.

RathBuhay present just wanted to be with you all.

One time, these, and much more.

Oceanust Strait, an international Supremo in facing Spanish he Aguinaldo, of especially asthat revolutionary leadpresidency byforces the because Convention. trum in the opposition isBACKorchestrated by fraud addressed people to d the command the frontlines as a would vert Cavite. a unilaterally portion of the island tothe a Pacific naval base in Fugasecting Island is the not toBashi deter China.

Rathbelieved the revolution be stronger aser,decided of the Aguinaldo is to pre-empt the US from coveting the thatrevolution decision iswould to keepbethe area open to BENCHER believed that the stronger she had an agenda.

She wanted to learn Tita Gilda has left this world to party ers and strategists. ing to conduct underwater exploration for the US. remind them that asinthe conMagdiwang and Magdalo were united. promised is to pre-empt the she US stands from coveting the decision is to for keep ships the areatraversing open to is, after all, Aguin Australia, Gu Crispulo Emilio that the enemyer, that waterway ece ended death if the ment forwith histheyounger brother, Emilarea, in the light ofSouth the deterioratingBENCHER relations international navigation, while converting if theheMagdiwang and Magdalo were united. that he had lived Lastangels. week’sThey piece endedbe with theat death I became teary-eyed thefor part when more about sexual orientation and gender must rejoicing der brother,with Gen. Crispulo The issue of succession has become Initial stitutional successor, as though Duterte area, findings in light of the deteriorating relations navigation, while converting Let usindicated remember between theItUS and China.

The strategic the Cagayan Export Processing Zone to a international would only win over his dead body, and this, mineral resources. had finally relented to appeals that of war.

Bashi S ROD P. China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. is the torical document, I became teary-eyed at the part when he and Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo said their last battlefieldswherever of Aguinaldo’s Pasong Sanof brother, Crispulo or shoppers’ expression (SOGIE).

O, didestination. ba, GCF elder goes, fun The andGen. laughter folespecially now thatP. the Pres- were on death’s throes.

However, when between the and China.

The strategic the Cagayan Export Processing Zone to value a primordial spots. But after re of Fuga Island is to choke Chinese paradise and tourist that inUSour blood ROD goodbyes. younger Aguinaldo athappened. last sadly,identity and Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo said their last n to Tejeros to take up his office as that the area contains polymetallic sulfides KAPUNAN Aguinaldo, in the battlefields of Pasong Sanchannel will se waterway that divides the Philippines and Buhay… none bu warships andhas submarines moving out toan theillness that Fuga one ofSOGIE? several islets inter- shoppers’ paradise and tourist destination.

GCF toIsland learn isabout She low (good food, too,tobut do tonot know ident admitted having she it Island was a is propaganda floated valuenoticed of Fuga to choke Chinese agreed go Iback Tejeros to accept thewanted id, “Crispulo run the greatness goodbyes.

The younger Aguinaldo atinternational lastbook or partisan reader tol. Aguinaldo Not a few of those who have read the KAPUNAN president.

(The election referred Pacific Ocean to possibly “attack” US bases and three or more metals of commercial secting the Bashi Strait, an presidency as decided by the Convention. navigating thro Taiwan.

Specifically, Fuga Island is located mand of theiffrontlines as a could develop to cancer.

Had the Supreme by Malacanang, she backtracked to always full of to surprises. they eat in thesaid, heavens).

Surely, she is was warships andvalor submarines moving out toquestioningly the the M Fuga Island is one of several islets interagreed back toThey acceptsaid theSouth Ileto further “Crispulo Aguinaldo and of coyly those ing to conduct underwater exploration for in Australia, Guan and Hawaii in the event waterway forTejeros ships traversing the Crispulo promised Emilio that theme enemy told thattoitgo is an eye-opener. thatAS brother, Emil- jokes main protagonists eis younger Tejeros Convention where Gen. Court not been remiss in its duty, the un- such explain she are only wanted to remind them Always, “meetings” were fun, Pacific Ocean to possibly “attack” US bases quantities.

Among metals gold, silsecting the Bashi Strait, international now trading stories (perhaps The US can presidency asher decided by the Convention.

ONE could see, it an is the Duterte north of the Balintang Channel.

The strait’s of the frontlines a and is referring to the m wouldand only win over his deadasbody, this, mineral resources.

Initial findings indicated y relentedassumed to appealsthe thatcommand of war.

Bashi Strait or alternately Balintang China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

It is the who fought for our their educational, perspectives of Emilio Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo doto was won against theinEmilingwill to serve underwater exploration forzinc, solicited advice made by the US iron, stooge of her to succeed. in Australia, Guan Hawaii inharass the event Transcribing G waterway forcontains ships traversing the Crispulo promised thatthethe enemy and enriching onPhilippines many and administration them as she did life) replacement hisdown younger brother, thatwas is dividing the rul-channel sadly, happened. os take even upelected his jotting office and asfor that the area polymetallic ver, copper, andright lead.

As and falling to compress ships while waterway that divides China’sw boundary signedsulfides inSouth the Treaty ofconduct Paris and ten manuscript Not awent few ofahead those who read book changed and that they now have a better unwould only win over his dead body, and this, mineral resources.

Initial findings indicated would have naturally subsided.

It is the her ranting the administraelection referred io, who had finally relented to appeals that o (The despite his being absent—ECA) of All war.independence Bashi Straitagainst or alternately Balintang China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

It is the and three or more metals of commercial levels.

This is just one of the many with her friends who of have her.

I the ing bloc by consenting to the Supreme navigating through the Strait.

Taiwan. Specifically, Fuga Island is located me.

It struckto me tht within our EEZ, no county can intrude and Silk Road on December 10, 1898 between Spain and told me that it isup anhis eye-opener.

They said that the freedoms we now Convention where Gen. sadly, happened. he return to Tejeros to take office as that the area contains polymetallic sulfides quantities.

Among such metals are gold, sildelay in deciding the case that allowed tion is given media channel will serve to mileage compressbecause ships while north ofimportant the Gilda Balintang Channel.

The at she the forefront o waterway that in divides the Philippines derstanding theTita hap-Court’s delay deciding the petitionand of The US can also use the Fuga Island to ulo and hadn’t taken place, reasons of why isevents loved that andstrait’s would notthe be his surprised if Emilio they readied a Aguinaldo their perspectives of Gen. Emilio ected won against readily admit to fe Not a few of those who have read the book ver, copper, iron, zinc, and lead.

As Robredo. falling enjoy. elected president.

(Theandelection referred exploit mineral resources in such harassterritories China’s itsvice maritime boundary was signed in the Treaty of Paris Bongbong and or metals oftocommercial as Indone the US, encompassing all the ofmore her tothree donextension the titleofoccupy of president even thestands as through our vicethepresident no matter navigating Strait.

Taiwan.

Specifically, Fuga Island is located Marcos against Leni pened in when Supremo Bonifacio respected by so many. changed that they nowthere have a better un- Cavite “Welcome Ka Universe!” banner up his being absent—ECA) have been the one shot dead.

And and his troops wo told me that it is an eye-opener.

They said that within our EEZ, no county can intrude and to is the Tejeros Convention where Gen. Silk Road to the South Pacific countries on December 10, 1898 between Spain and quantities.

Among such metals are gold, silif the vast majority of the people know her how it may be.Fuga TheMarianas situation derstanding of the important events that hap- to Theunpalatable US already can also use the Island to very honestly hard norththe ofthe the Republic Balintang Channel.

The strait’s t taken hisfor place, theGuinea, area.theThe Philippines has made unjustified in and of the Philippines.

True form, GCF and or- of For theirEmilio reunion. wasBonifacio there.

Their to more seriously stheresponsible for Talang occupy to exploit theprocrastination mineral resources in the their perspectives of Gen. planned Emilio such title as Indonesia, Papua the US,desire encompassing allAguinaldo the territories Aguinaldo wasthis? elected won against the thatof our revolution Thus, the book is a firsthand account of the pened The inand Cavite when Supremo one shot dead. And ver, copper, iron, New zinc, and lead.

As falling that is fraudulent. is aggravated because ofis the tardiness harass China’s extension of1897its maritime boundary was signed in phony thealready Treaty ofpresiParis case, we now have a vice ganized her own “lamay” while she was GCF was KA Universe to Odette AlAguinaldo was the area.

The Philippines has made strong declaration Philippines Rise events in Cavite from December when Marianas and onward to South America. changed and that they now have a better unthe Republic of the Philippines.

The US could u On the other hand, the area off the coast study our history is rekindled.

Supremo despite his being absent—ECA) was there.

Their desire to more seriously ible Theprior Talangto the tragic debaellsforusthis? that within EEZ,Island no county intrude and the Court deciding the the petiSilk Supreme Road to arrived the South Pacific countries revolution and onstrong December 10, 1898 between Spainiscoland the Supremo andinuntil the last week courtesy of the and actively declaration thatUS Philippines Rise The US could our use Fuga to block can ships theimportant other hand, the area the coast dent, studytaken ouras history is rekindled. derstanding ofOn the events thatoffhapt prior toSantol, the tragic debahere, and could enjoy the company cantara’s KA World they protested If Crispulo hadn’t his place, Emilio In still the afterword of the book, Sen. Sonny partly within its territorial waters, and is for independence. asong Bonifacio and Ricarte of April in 1898 when the Supremo was arcoming from C isyellow a shallow body ofChina water. occupy to exploit the tomineral resources in tion.

ForIndonesia, that, thePapua demagogue nowwithout desuchrested as New Guinea, the first strate thepartly US,east encompassing all waters, the territories In theone afterword the book, Sonny within itsCagayan territorial and oppois of ol, Bonifacio and Ricarte coming from and exiting the Pacifbyof the traitorous east offriends Cagayan is a shallow body of water. laborated pened in Cavite when Supremo Bonifacio would have been the shot of dead.

And Sen.of

by Aguinaldo’s troops. her dearest and family.

Who during the Marcos dictatorship.

Yes, The High Court said, “Napakalaki ang magiging am-sition.

Angara said, “Napakalaki angAngara magiging amcked Magdiwang contingents that gdiwang contingents that considered off limits to any exploration for considered off limits to the anyhas exploration fortheir the area.

The Philippines has already made mands that theonward people should respect the ic Ocean.

ItTheir is partdesire of the country’s continental shelf, ic Ocean. was able to inspir Marianas and to South America. the Republic of the Philippines.

It is part of country’s continental shelf, I extensively quoted the Foreword written was there. to more seriously The High Court become who was responsible for this?

The Talang would up with something like GildaThewasbag also an activist and she ng talang ito para maunawaan mga come aid ofto theTita Magdalo. cially they w author andcosts; historian Dr. Il- ships oil natural gas. a military standpoint, no country being contiguous to the Philippine archipelbagnating ng talang ito para maunawaan nating mgaunwitting strong declaration that Philippines Rise is Constitution at all otherwise shewhen ing the aid ofthis Magdalo.

The The by USrespected could use Fuga Island toRey block Onand the other hand, the areatooffthe thePhilippine coast From study our history is rekindled.

Buhay tells usthe that thenangyari tragic debatool.contiguous oil and natural gas. has become an From a milia being archipelof better-armed Pilipino angtomga noong Aguinaldo until recent eto, a known critic of Aguinaldo, and even that this but Tita Gilda?

She chose how she expressed inprior creative ways.

She, rebolusyon except the US needs Fuga Island as base. ago.

This large body of water stretching off In the afterword of the book, Sen. Sonny partly within its territorial waters, and is will be technically eased out. cle at Pasong Bonifacio and Ricarte forces. coming from China and exiting to the Pacifeast of Cagayan is a for shallow body of water. mgacoast nangyari noong rebolusyon years.

Dr. Ileto mentioned how Aguinaldo paraand ating kasarinlan…

ThisPilipino publicationang is This is obvious, many of of our peo-Fugastretching Crispulo Aguinaldo, even that gelista before him, could Santol, Island is sufficient to converttool. a portion of Cagayan to theamboundary except US saythegoodbye and besouth celebrated ago.

This large body water offlimits Odette aMagdiwang fewsaothers Hethe was not ap unwitting was must constantly in the of thethose battles Angara said, “Napakalaki ang magiging important forcontingents us collaborated Filipinos, asthat it giveswould insight had blocked considered off to any exploration for ic Ocean. d had Bonifacio notand been before One bear inforefront mind that justicIt isnow part see of the country’s continental shelf, ple a half-derailed train with all para sa ating kasarinlan…

This publication is berto Evangelista him, could many. Despite be of it to an airfield and has a deep shoreline of Quezon and Bicol provinces are mostly against the Spaniards.

He explained some by loveditoones. to mount atofashion depicted intoaid theshow challenges faced by one bagher ng talang para maunawaan nating mga about refusing to send were going the of the that Magdalo.

Theof Philippine Fuga Island is the coast of Cagayan south to the boundary oil and natural gas.

The enemies economic es From who as members ofBonifacio the PET arehimself the several tis adifferences military standpoint, noandcountry being contiguous to the galvanized Philippine archipelmajorsit between political on theto accommodate naval ships. The sounding within the 200-mile limit demarcated by the its important us Filipinos, as itrebolusyon gives insight history’s figures.” en avoided had Bonifacio notconsequential been aguered Magdalo defendPilipino ang mga nangyari noong I feltfor very sad upon learning that she Supremo in facing the state ofAguinaldo, the most nation then. deathsorry of Crispulo and evenThis that Aguinaldo, especially aspresumption revolutionary lead-as ones giving her the as vice except the US needs Fuga Island base. ago.

This large body of water stretching off of it to anthat airfie of US interest for Fuga Island is meant to of Quezon and Bicol provinces are mostly United Nations Convention on the Law of issue of succession.

The US is definitely As we celebrate History Month, let us challenges repotential of Fuga gle-minded mine).” of Edilberto believed the re ers and strategists. into the faced by one of Philippine para sa ating kasarinlan…

This publication is about refusing to send Evangelista before him, could had passed, but only for a short while. was one of the stories she told us while The economic Had the Supreme Court decided the pre-empt the “creeping invasion” by China the Sea (UNCLOS) and partly within our entrenched, president, contrary to the belief of the ifmathe Magdiwang Fuga Island is sufficient to convert a portion the coast of Cagayan south to the boundary ued, “…My introductory member that in our blood run the greatness Last week’s piece ended with the death and that role is being played to accommodat within the 200-mile limit demarcated by the important for us Filipinos, as it gives insight have been avoided had Bonifacio not been Island is enormous. history’s most consequential figures.”

I became teary and valor of those who fought for our indeo the beleaguered Magdalo defendof Aguinaldo’s elder brother, Gen. Crispulo on me that Tita Gilda would brainstorming for a book project on It dawned territorial nded mainly to flag some that it couldthe see the inflowabout of Chinese sea demarcated in the Treaty of to cloak her integrity jority electorate. thisSangapand that of itAguinaldo, toofanthe airfield and hasIt aisdeep shoreline of the Quezon Bicolpolitical provinces are mostly hilt and by the operators ofmuchpetition, into challenges faced by one of Philippine Gen. Crispulo in the battlefields of Pasongof so the single-minded aboutand refusing to send pendence the we freedoms we now enjoy. ht be missed, most cruUS interest United Nations Convention onand thehonesty Law investments which could nothave otherwise Paris.

Theitofeconomic Asprefer wethecelebrate History Month, to be celebrated.

I figures.” am luckylet thatus re-Robredo. women’s empowerment that had the potential Fuga derscoring mine).” would been debased of hovers headships. that creates a divigoodbyes. The y to accommodate The sounding within the 200-mile limitthe demarcated by the tol. above ournaval Lambasting administration consequential Remember and give respect to our history’s heroes. mostThis to the beleaguered Magdalo defendme contextabuloy of the political compete. area, east of the Philippine archipelagreed go back Ileto further said, “Crispulo Aguinaldo I have few of her artworks and books guts to rivalry consult hermine).” on. “c Sea (UNCLOS) and within our member in our blood run the greatness asprompted equallyPresident fraudulent.

Itto is for this that sion among ourforpeople. of US interest Fuga Island ispre-empt meant to tothe eto with continued, “…My introductory United Nations Convention Law of This We owe them big time. ation political Asthat wea celebrate Month, us rethe dual purpose ofondiscrediting potential of Island Fuga ers” (underscoring On the the other hand, Fuga Island isthe part of partly Duterte order ago, is a History continental shelf let known as Phil- achieves assumed the command of the frontlines as a presidency as dec is enormous. ce has overly focused our to remember her by and continue to learn She was a feminist though she did not the hypocrisy of wanting to safeguard Many believe decision for it Crispulo promise pre-empt the “creeping invasion”

by China thethePresident Sea (UNCLOS) and partly within memberofthat in our blood run the greatness and valor those who fought for our indereplacement for hisayounger brother,whether EmilDr. Ileto mainly continued, “…My introductory the while serving to reinforce Babuyan chain of islands.

Despite its our nts are intended to flag some much that cou territorial sea demarcated in the Treaty of the establishment of a naval base as it apippine (Benham) Rise.

The area is partly @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth and valor of those who fought for our indecomplicitywear of Aguinaldo would only win ov Island is system enormous. io,that who it had finally relented appeals thatChinese democratic from her wisdom. or against the petition is toinflow not forthcoming. the label.

A few times during the proximity to the province ofof it is comments are intended to flag some much could see the of territorial sea demarcated inBatanes, thevice Treaty of pearsour it is the US that is coveting thereveals area for the truth within 200-kilometer of the her fraudulent usurpation the prespendence and the the freedoms we coastline now enjoy. es that beThe missed, themainly most cruAngsioco on Facebook he return to Tejeros to take up his office as sadly, happened. ndres andmight Bonifacio. investments wh Paris. pendence and the freedoms we now enjoy. attached to the province of Cagayan.

Fuga key issues that might be missed, the most cruits own use, especially after State Departarchipelago.

A great portion of the Philipthat it is the High Court that is responExternal is working tooth and Not a few of tho It is anand honor to have knowntoyou, GCF. investments which(The it could otherwise Paris. She remains in that position stylfight for context the passage of the reproductive elected pressure president. election not referred idency.

Remember give respect our heroes. g the wartime of the political told me that it is an Island has an area of 70 square kilometres compete.

This area, east of the Philippine archipelRemember and give respect to our heroes. to is the Tejeros Convention where Gen. ment sible secretary Pompeo announced Rise,lessons, and overlapping the boundary to ingThis cial being wartime of the political for Mike the erosion of the democratic nail to keep this country under the thumb compete. area,aseast thein Philippine archipelThank youpines for the the friendship, health bill,thenow law, context we discussed the inherself theof next line.

Aguinaldo was elected and won against the their perspectives We owe them big time. and a population of 2,015 inhabitants. The his determination preoccupation with political rivalry We owe them big time. is demarcated in the Treaty of ago, to wage a Cold War with the coastline crisis.

A preoccupation with political rivalry On the other hand, Fuga Island is part of On the other hand, Fuga Island is part of system.

Those justices like Diosdado of This the US. Adespite divided country wouldThis prompte is a iscontinental shelf changed and that t prompted President Duterte togreatorder is ago, a continental shelf as Phil-known as PhilSupremo his being absent—ECA) that freely gave.

I love law People transigence of the Catholic bishops about and the love opposed toNaguilian the known administration principal settlement village on China.

Paris, andyou is recognized by international and social difference has overly focused our of the If Crispulo taken place, Emilio al difference has overly the US Babuyan chain the of islands.

Despite its of Peralta and Marvic Leonen, for all chain their ly the hadn’t opposition.

PET isAnd likely to in Cavite thefavor establishment of a his naval base as establishme itderstanding apippine (Benham) Rise. area partly naturally cash inThe on the new gos- Some Babuyan islands.

Despite its and will always you. birth control.

Hercomplicity lastfocused words of to our me on this you, ippine (Benham) Rise.

The area is partly the southern coast; has an elevation ofis191 pened naval experts believe that for as part ofTwitter our celebrate territorial sea.

The area within would would have been the one shot dead.the @bethangsioco on Elizabeth attention on the Aguinaldo @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth n on the complicity of Aguinaldo proximity to the province of Batanes, it is pretensions, are guilty who succumb toBatanes, pressure, for Talang that would was there. Their pearswho it of iswasthe US that is it coveting the area within the coastline of the responsible for this? The meters, and200-kilometer a maximum length of 35.4 km. preached bythe this200-kilometer demagogue; more the US navy toofpour in itsas entire fleet as intothose 200-mile is ourTita exclusive econom- pel Be freer and soar limit higher Gilda! were, “BastaofBeth, kayong The pa- Angsioco ontheFacebook in the deaths Andreshuwag and Bonifacio. proximity to the province pears itfor is Ui within coastline the study ourthe history Buhay tells us that prior to theistragic debaAngsioco attached the of Cagayan. Fuga residually committed theisprovince fraud. benefit the usual groups led by The isletsmuch are Barit and Mabag. its own use, especially after State Departeaths ofpayag Andres and Bonifacio.

The She archipelago. great portion of the PhilipChinatoSea a very dangerous ic zoneupdefined thatneighboring she isAgiven attention by thethe South Enjoyon theFacebook party there.by UNCLOS and ratified so na walang family planning.”

In the afterword cle at Pasong Santol, Bonifacio and Ricarte attached to the province of Cagayan.

Fuga (www.manilastandard.net) its own use, es archipelago.

A great portion of the PhilipBeing a part of the Philippine archipelago, proposition.

It is like being trapped in a liby the Philippines in 1978. Although there US-controlled Island has an area of 70 square kilometres The President is now being goaded the the Church, andannounced the comAngara said, “Nap mentoligarchy, Mike Pompeo pines Rise, andmedia overlapping boundary to to hadsecretary blocked Magdiwang contingents that to lendthecredibility even wrote about this in her column. bag ng talang ito p country has sovereign rightinover them. were going to kilometres the aid of the Magdalo.

The on’s den.

Its warships could be hitof with least could be no effective legal acquisition of the thethecoastline and a population of 2,015 inhabitants.

The by an unheard group politicians callIsland has an area of 70 square munist rebels. his determination to wage a Cold War with is demarcated the Treaty of ment secretary pines Rise, and overlapping the boundary to her downright charlatanism. @bethangsioco Twitter Elizabeth I vividly remember all the times spent death of Crispulo Aguinaldo, and even that Pilipino ang mga n Because of its strategic location, the US time for them to intercept because of the dearea as parton of our territory, it being a subprincipal is Naguilian village onof 2,015 NAKED ing upon settlement him to declare revolutionary Should PET abandon itshim, duty make para sa ating kasar China.

Paris, and is coastline recognized by of Edilberto Evangelista before could now, weisland have the and a apopulation inhabitants.

The histodeterminatio the is demarcated in the Treaty of has been eyeing the forinternational futuretraditional military law Angsioco on Facebook with GCF. I have read several of her books velopment of hypersonic missiles. merged body of water, the Philippines none- Right for us F have been avoided had Bonifacio not been THOUGHT the southern coast; an elevation of 191 Their has sudden splash into the a decision mandated bybelieve the ConstituSome USas naval experts thatimportant as use parttoof our territorial sea.

The area within government. from the Liberal Party acting serve as sentry base for ships traversFirst, a franchise theless considers that area within its EEZ. politicians intofor the challenges so single-minded about refusing to send principal settlement is Naguilian village on China.

Paris, and is recognized by international law meters, and a maximum length of 35.4 km. came after they got wind of the tion, it should atpour least give the petitioner the US navy inMagdalo its entire fleethistory’s into most con theing 200-mile limit our exclusive econom-Full media abuloy to theto beleaguered defendin and outforeign of theisSouth China Sea. CHARLIE V. proxy for interest, a deliriousversion at www.manilastandard.net For this reason, countries have been rac- as As we celebrate ers” elevation (underscoring mine).” the coast; of is191 Some US na part of sea. ThePresident area within MANALO The neighboring islets aresouthern Barit and Mabag. admitting his illness.

That then has the an courtesy of returning bond.

OtherSouth China Sea athe very dangerous ic bigoted zoneasdefined byour UNCLOS ly Church thatterritorial servesand as ratified vicars Dr. Ileto continued, “…My introductory member that in ou (www.manilastandard.net) Being a part of the Philippine archipelago, roused the demagogue to pitch hop- wise, it willare appear extorted and valor of those proposition.

Itof is 35.4 like they being inUS a liby the Philippines in 1978.

Although meters, and in, a maximum length km.merely comments intended mainly totrapped flag the some navy to for the the elite, the greedy oligarchy who 200-mile limit is our there exclusive econompendence and the key issues might bethose missed, the cruthe country hasfinally sovereign right over them. sheratified might be neighboring catapulted to the the petitioner with nonchaon’s den.

Itsthat warships couldjustices bemost hitthe with least Chin could beicto nozone effective legal acquisition of the are fast accuse our public servants as ing The islets are Mabag.

Remember and g cialBarit being theand wartime context of the political South defined by UNCLOS and its way through España, Quiapo (the crowds corrupt Ko and ofterritory, struggle.

We were all both virulent diseases kill.

Because of its strategic location, the US lantly presidency bythat accident. that they maderivalry aofmonkey owe them big timecrisis. forignoring them to intercept because theWedearea as other part of it being a subA preoccupation with political but hymns areourready to influence and NAKED (www.manilastandard.net) Being afuture part ofconthe Philippine archipelago, It by the Philippines in na!”

1978. there and judicial socialof difference has overly focusedproposition. our there were the thickest), and Luneta. It was merged chanting: “Tama Sobra Palitan August is a sad month the for nation. hasBefore been eyeing the island military that, thefor strategy of this of our system. velopment hypersonic missiles. body of na! water, thena!

Philippines none-Although bribe them to keep intact their wealth @bethangsioco on attention on the complicity of Aguinaldo THOUGHT people from all walks of life, poor and rich, We shouted to Ninoy and his family and to Cory also died during this month, on Authe country has sovereign right over them. use to serve as sentry base for ships traverson’s den.

Its wa ceited demagogue could beand noarea effective legal acquisition of the is to discredit the adFirst,men, a franchise theless considers that within its EEZ. in the deaths of Andres and Bonifacio. The Angsioco on Face and privileges, the prostituted Left women, and children, more than two each other: “Hindi ka nag-iisa!” gust 1, 2009.

On August 27, Senator Leiing in and outto of erode the South Sea. popuCHARLIE V. Pacamarra and Senior State Prosecutor ministration the China towering Fullversion versionatatwww.manilastandard.net www.manilastandard.net Full For this reason, countries have been rac- Debeing grabs opportunity to time for them to area part of our territory, a subWhen we every gotas to Roxas Boulevard, theadvance rain la it Lima would have spent Because her fourth of its strategic location, the US their return: “What happened to us after million of them. It would go on for another who NAKED MANALO Richard three Anthony Fadullon. hours, arriving only at 9PM at Manila stopped and I imagined seeing a rainbow (or birthday in jail, unjustly detained.

These Ninoy's death was completely unexpected. has been eyeing the island for future military velopment of h merged body of water, the Philippines noneEAGLE EYES In todismissing the the three state THOUGHT Park case, in Parañaque. it could have been the colors of the majestic past days alone, two great Filipinos, human She said it was a surprise for her family use to serve as sentry base for ships traversFirst, aMemorial franchise considers thatomen, area within EEZ. stated in a document obtained Manila theless Bay sunset).

That was a good rights andits peace workers—Randy Echanis see on the night of their arrival theprosecutors crowds TONY ing out of all the South Chinadiseases Sea. that kill. Full version at CHARLIE V. I thought. and Zara Alvarez—were killed byin eviland men that had lined up outside their house.

“And For this reason, countries have been racby Iloilo News that they found all the retems, thehymns management and mainteits way through España, Quiapo (the crowds Ko and or other of struggle.

We were both virulent LA VIÑA (www.manilastandard.ne the Aquino assassination, the re- who want the country and its poor permato thinkMANALO it was even raining that night,” she I pray it would spondents not liable to that the charges noting there Before nance of the distribution facility and to were the thickest), and Luneta.

It was chanting: “Tama na!

Sobra na!

Palitan na!”

August is a sad month for the nation. sistance movement against the dictatorship nently oppressed. added. “it is clear wash as the day that the continuously improve its It appears to poor be away therespondents evil member August 21, 1983. people allgrowing. walks of life, andacrich, I We to Ninoy andRobredo’s his facilities family andand to Cory also died during this month, NAKED on Auwas from already Aquino’s murder echoshouted Vice-President Leni Cory described people lining up Mac Arnot falsify any hearts document.”

THOUGHT e days following employ the latest technology and innoPANAYNinoy Electric Co. has already men, women, and children, more than two each other: “Hindi ka nag-iisa!” gust 1, 2009.

On August 27, Senator Leicelerated that process and the funeral saw words about the significance of August 21: thur highway from Tarlac (when did Ninoy’s First, a fra in the of men, losing itsIt battle even in at the airport: theto long The DOJ officials also notedtothat CHARLIE V. fourth vations that efficiency and ceased be Iloilo’s distribuorganized and emergent out “In Ninoy’s wepromote began to realize how the body was power brought there) to Pampanga toreturn: of them. would groups go on come for another Whendeath, we got to Roxas Boulevard, rainis la De Lima would have spent her their “What happened us lawafter million comfort and heal the MANALO Aquino residence, later at Bulacan: “I knew that a great change Alim andwas Nava, who were Iloilo three the legal of hours, the tofront. join millions more who we are all bound more other tightwas beneficial to consumers. tion utility after Congress refused to yers itsshadows way through Quiapo (the crowds Ko seeing and hymns struggle.

We were alldetained. both These virulent dis arriving only atEspaña, 9PM at Manila stopped andtogether—even I imagined a rainbow (or ofbirthday in jail, unjustly Ninoy's death completely unexpected.

EAGLE EYES urch; the dignity of Cory, taking place. grieving and suffering, were unaffiliated, demanding: “Justice for ly during times of oppression, suffering, and . .

It took us more than ten City councilors during that time, did Elated with thethe DoJ’s Alim, its the franchise and instead grant a She said it was a surprise for her family to Memorial Parkwere in Parañaque. it could have been colorsdecision, of “Tama the majestic past days alone, two great Filipinos, human is a there the thickest), and Luneta.

It was chanting: na!

Sobra na!

Palitan na!”

August a Aurora,extend the mother; Aquino, Justice for all” (embedded in an crisis. In this realization, we found solidarity; hours from Tarlac to Santo Domingo, beviolate anymake Annation who is Bay nowsunset). a full-time advocate after tak- rights and peace workers—Randy Echanis congressional to More Power. not Manila That was a good omen, see on the and night of provision their this arrivalof thethe crowds haken, trying to pacify an franchise iconic streamer with of Ninoy, Edfoundand the strength to take theshouted first steps to Ninoy and cause eagerTONY crowds would stop us, as they people from all walks ofbilling life, we poor rich, from We his family and to Cory also died (www.manilastandard.net) sumers on issues ofimages overbilling, ti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA ing a breather politics, said that “jusPECO has refused to accept ve all, theHowever, funeral march I thought. and Zara Alvarez—were killed by evil men that had lined up outside their house.

“And kind and happy again. gar Jopson, Macling Dulag, Juan Escandor, towards a freer, fairer, more humane society; wanted toLA touchVIÑA the hearse carrying Ninoy's without reading, inefficient services, inmen, women, and children, more than two each other: “Hindi ka nag-iisa!” gustperma1, 2009. O 3019) accused them of by PECO. ssassination. tice has prevailed.” defeat and has embarked on a legal batBefore the the Aquino the re- who want the country and its poor to think and Bobby de lathat Paz). That the we found hope, and courageassassination, to stake our body...it took us 11 hours to reach Ma- it was even raining that night,” she I abuses pray it transformed would cluding andthem. arrogance of em-lives onferencetle upon arriv- thenila Recall that“What PECO charged the respondents their return: “Wh For his part, said thewe victory was to her regain right to distribute Aquino assassination as not about oneits mango on thatanother hope, just asNava he against did.”

Memorial Park frompowSanto Domingo sistance movement dictatorship nently oppressed. the rain million of It would on for When got to Roxas Boulevard, added. la De Lima wo their return: happened to us after ugust 24, MANY three daysof after Ninoy's death wa ployees, among others. wash away the evil us remember EAGLELeni EYES Robredo’s thedescribed consumer’ manifesto which Midway people to Luneta fromupSto. Domingo, but about the many who were killed and torI welcome the rains of August.

I prayasthat Church.” August 21, 1983. over not only theirs but a victory well for “all er in Iloilo. was already growing.

Aquino’s murder acI echo Vice-President Cory lining Mac Arthree hours, arriving at 9PM atwash Manila stopped and seeing a rainbow (or birthday init was jail Ninoy's death wasHard. completely unexpected.

She said a killed, Cory was defiant: EAGLE EYES it rained.

Leo and I were soaked, their Gonzales andonly Javellana tured by thepart, dictatorship. it would away the evil in and the hearts of I imagined joined that funeral march, walking WeUnfortunately remember theIfor days following Ninoy circulated against PECO, theNinoy’s same wet For consumers who fought hard against thesaw op- words about the significance PECO, it appears celerated that process the funeral Augustsee21: thur highway from Tarlac (when in the hearts of men, on the night o ie in vain. He was right with TONYofpast fromwhich shoes up.was But this did her not make us runwere Cory and the Aquino family personified with a men, comfort and heal the it grieving andhave suf- been the colors of the majestic Dr. Leovino Garcia, my mentor andit was Memorial Park in Parañaque. could days alone, She said a surprise for family to charged for allegedly conspiring Aquino’s murder at the airport: the long manifesto submitted in had lined up pressive PECO.” to be battle even in the legal organized emergent groups “In Ninoy’s death, we LA began to realize that how bodyofwasforbrought there) Pampanga to ck here. God willlosing be the itschairman VIÑA cover. Nor did ittoscare or drive people country oppressed and heal the dignity and cour-thatfering, and make and this nation kind and happy come out the Philosophy and toand think it peac was ev thecomfort two lawyers and made itthe appear linesknows first in Aquino atresidence, laterDepartment at on Congress was bidding forbigger the Bay sunset). was a good omen, rights the of itharder their arrival the crowds Javellana, who is now the Presidential front.

This was Department stice; He alone thethe ofThe therainbow shadows to Manila join millions more who That we are all bound together—even more tightBulacan: “Iwhile knew that a itgreat change was TONY away.

The rained, the the age they displayed became a mirror of what again. of liberation always folthe after Ateneothe de Manila, aftersee attending the night added. the 27,000 signatories to the petition were Sto. Domingo Church; the dignity of Cory, renewal of its franchise. ll give meof justice.”

MANY of us remember August 21, 1983.

Consultant for Western Visayas, said that Justice dismissed the charges it had grieving and suffering, were unaffiliated, demanding: “Justice for ly during times of oppression, suffering, and taking place. . .

It took us more than ten multitudes grew.

Cory described we could do with courage, faith, and unity. lows the rain. funeral mass at 9AM officiated the late I thought. and Zara Alvare thatby had lined up outside their house. “And A wrong approach We remember the days following Ninoy thur highway fro ter, in a speech during an legitimate, PECO ascov“ficti- Aquino, LA VIÑA the wife, and Doña Aurora, the mother; the from PECO claimed the manifesto, which It Tarlac felt liketo theSanto rain was sent by God We needwhich this again todayclaimed as darkness PECO’s Justice chargesfor were aimed not only to crisis. filed against the group behind thewalked “No Cardinal Jaime Sin. We San- from all” (embedded in an In thismurder realization, we found solidarity; hours Domingo, be-who Aquino’s atthe the airport: thewho long and make this nation Before the Aquino assassination, rewant c to think it was even raining that night,” she emoration,dictator, Cory recalled body wasthe brough untruthful.”

I pray that it would pale andtoshaken, trying to pacify an for criedcrowds with us would as we mourned theasdeath ersand the land because a coronavirus pandemic Website: tonylavina.com was signed by 27,000 persons, was fal- of atious Domingo to Roxas Boulevard eight humiliate but to harass them. to PECO Franchise Renewal.” the pandemic iconic streamer with images of Ninoy, Edwe found the to take the linesto first in strength the Aquino residence, laterfirst at steps cause eager stop us, they Bulacan: “I knew amily wasangry surprised upon above hero.

People were singing in the rain Bayan is coinciding with a terrible authoritarianism, Facebook: deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs hours as the funeral hearse slowly wound sistance movement against the dictatorship PECO used to operate the city’s nently oppresse added. people; all, the funeral march Sto. Domingo dignity of Cory,society; was the used in favor of another kind and happy again. already been deposed as towards In a decision recently penned by DOJ sified garPECO Jopson,has Macling Dulag, Juan Escandor, taking place. . . a freer, Church; fairer, the more humane wantedand to touch hearse carrying Ninoy's wash the wife, and Doña Aurora, the mother; the hours from Tarla of us Prosecutor remember August 21, 1983. distribution systemaway for morethe than evil 90 and 10 days afterGeneral the assassination. applicant referring to hours More Power. wasThat already growing.

Aquino’s murder ac- to pacify Iloilo’s power and we could I echo Benedicto Malcon- Cory described lining up Mac Bobby de la distributor Paz). transformed the we found and the trying courage to an stake our Vice body...it took uspeople 11 to reach Ma- Ardictator,hope, pale and shaken, cause eager crow years, but its franchise expired last During the press her arriv- nila The former power also membertento, the charges days following Ninoy Rolando G. Estabillo onlyPublisher expect it to exhaust legal means of conference conspiracyupon and falsificaangry people; above all,pandemics thehe funeral march wanted Aquino assassination as notall about one man lives onthe that hope, just as did.”

Memorial Park fromdistributor Santo Domingo Fighting two celerated that process and funeral saw words about the thur highway from Tarlac (when Ninoy’s to touch th in the hearts of men, Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser But while its application for a al in of Manila, August 24, three days afterFormer 10 days afterthe the rains assassination. charged can be accessed at:PECO toHonor regain it.Cabie The Night DoJ decision be tion documents filed by Blanco Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor Midway to Luneta from Sto. Domingo, but about the many whoEditor were killedmight and torI welcome of August. I praybody...it that took us Church.”lawyers Alim and Nava for vio- year. s murder at public the onairport: the long manilastandard.net organized and emergent groups come out During the press conference upon her arriv“In Ninoy’s dea body was brought there) to Pampanga to Anita“because F. Grefal Treasury ONLINE franchise wasand by Congress, herStandard husband was was killed, Cory wasfor defiant: lating nila of Memorial Pa Jimboby Owen Gulle City Chin Wong/Ray S.denied Eñano Associate Editors RA3019 theyManager were both new only one forEditor those who are op- it would against its critics “dismissed it rained.

Hard.

Leo I and were soaked, wet the QU Dongyu, Directory by Philippine Manila tured thevictory dictatorship. wash away the24,evil in the hearts I joined that funeral march, walking comfort heal alBy in Manila, on August three days after st in the Aquino residence, later at utter Church.”

Baldwin R.being Felipe aincumbent Head—Ad Solutions al Re Building, 106 Paseo de Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Power Pañares the Newsfranchise Editor it granted MORE MEMBER “Ninoy did not die in vain.

He was right of the shadows to join millions more who we are all bound Bulacan: “I knew that great change was public officers, memposing PECO. There is still the petition lack of merit” clearing the respondents her husband was killed, Cory was defiant: from shoes up.

But this did not make us run Cory and the Aquino family personified a men, comfort and heal the grieving and sufwith Dr. Leovino Garcia, my mentor and pi Village, Makati City. Telephone I joined that Philippine Press Institute Adelle Chua Opinion Editor to Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager at mingo Church; the dignity of Cory, General Food to operate the distribution system 56, 832-5558 (connecting all coming “Ninoy did“Justice not of die the in vain.

He wasand right with Dr. Leovino about back here.

God will beand the bers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod The National Association grieving and suffering, filed by PECO pending before the Sucomposed of lawyers Joshua Alim were unaffiliated, demanding: for for cover.

Nor did it scare or drive people ly during times country oppressed and the dignity and courfering, and make this nation kind and happy taking place. . .

It took us more than ten chairman at the Philosophy Department of -5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. of Philippine Newspapers about coming back here. God will be the chairman at the P continuous and one towww. give meIIjustice; He alone knows the that st Manila.

Website: time.” de Manila, after attending the ensure , Office, and Doña Aurora, the preme Court. for PECO’s opposiPlaridel Nava alongmother; with Dr. the Marigold Emil P.uninterrupted Jurado Chairman Editorial BoardBut away. The harder it rained, the bigger the Emeritus, age they displayed became a mirror of what again.

The rainbow ofin liberation always folAteneo one to give me justice; He alone the ofthe Agriculture Organization Aquino, Justice for all” (embedded an knows crisis.

In this derea hourstheThe from Tarlac to Santo Domingo, beAteneo M supply of electricity in the city. truth.

He alone will give me justice.” and make this nation duo, in 9AM theirofficiated counter by affidavit, He alone will give me justice.” tors, a victory still spells and lows truth.

Gonzales andtrying Jane Javellana. we could do with courage, faith,victory and unity. the rain. mass at the late multitudes grew. pale and shaken, to pacify an causefuneral funeral mass at 9 iconic streamer with images of Ninoy, Edwe found the st eager crowds would stop us, as they The franchise mandated MORE PowFifteen years later, in a speech during an Fifteen years later, in a speech during an said that their action against PECO was the United Nations Cardinal Jaime S never sweeter they seecovthe The dismissal is contained in a joint Cardinal Jaime Sin. We walked from SanIt felt like the rain was sent by God who could We need thisbe again today as darkness August 21 commemoration, Cory recalled to Domingo to R eople; resolution above all,signed the funeral march kind and happy again. towith modify, improve, and August 21 commemoration, Cory recalled in their role carrying as public of- er Jopson, Macling Juan Escandor, wanted to behest touchtoof the hearse Ninoy's total the former power Dulag,

by Malcontento along cried us as we mournedupgrade, the death of a ers theend landnearing becausegar afor coronavirus pandemic Website: tonylavina.com to the Domingo Roxas Boulevard for eight how she and her family was surprisedtowards upon hoursaasfreer, the fune change the were distribution sys- is after the howassassination. she and her family was surprised ficials to the actus on 11 complaints by con- Madistribution utility. with DOJ State Prosecutor Gilmarieupon Fe hero. People singing infacilities, the rain Bayan coinciding with a and terrible authoritarianism, deantonylavsthe Twitter:we tonylavs hours took as funeral hearse wound Bobby de la Paz).Facebook: That transformed found hope, body...it hoursslowly to the reach the press conference upon her arriv- nila Memorial Park from Santo Domingo Aquino assassination as not about one man lives on that hop anila, on August 24, three days after Church.” can be acc Rolandowho G. Estabillo Midway to Luneta from Sto. Domingo, but about the many werePublisher killed and torI ONLINE welcome the manilasta Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno band was killed, Cory was defiant: ManilaStandard ManilaStandard be at: MEMBER wash a Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Managing Editor can be accessed accessed at: it rained.

Hard.

Leo and I were soaked, wet tured by the dictatorship. it would I joined can that funeral march, walking Philippine Press manilastandard.net Anita F. Grefal Treasury Manager ONLINE manilastandard.net Jimbo Owen Gulle City Editor Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Associate Editors did notPublished die Monday in vain.

He was right The National As to from shoes up.

But this did not make us run Published Monday to Sunday Sunday by

by Philippine Philippine Manila Manila Standard Standard Cory and the Aquino family personified a men, comfort with Dr. Leovino Garcia, my mentor and PPI of Philippinean Ne Baldwin R. Felipe Head—Ad Solutions Publishing at Re 106 Paseo de Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer Joyce Pangco Pañares News Editor Publishing Inc. Inc. at 6/F 6/F Universal Universal Re Building, Building, 106 Paseothe de MEMBER MEMBER oming back here.

God will be Roxas, for cover.

Nor did it scare or drive people country oppressed and the dignity and courfering, and mak Roxas, corner corner Perea Perea St., St., Legaspi Legaspi Village, Village, Makati Makati City.

City. Telephone Telephone chairman at the Philosophy Department of Philippine Press Institute Adelle Chua Opinion Editor Philippine Press Institute Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all The ive me numbers justice; He alone knows the The National National Association Association departments), away. The harder it rained, the bigger the age they displayed became a mirror of what again. The rainb de Manila, departments), (Editorial) (Editorial) 832-5554, 832-5554, (Advertising) (Advertising) 832-5550.

832-5550. P.O. P.O. the Ateneo of Newspapers of Philippine Philippine Newspapersafter attending the 2933, Manila Offi ce, Manila.

Box 2933,give Manila Central Central Post Office, Manila. Website: Website: www. www.

Emil P. Jurado Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board e alone Box will mePost justice.” manilastandard.net we could do with courage, faith, and unity. lows the rain. funeral mass at 9AM officiated by the late multitudes grew. manilastandard.net n years later, in a speech during an Cardinal Jaime Sin. We walked from SanIt felt like the rain was sent by God who We need this again today as darkness cov21 commemoration, Cory recalled to Domingo to Roxas Boulevard for eight cried with us as we mourned the death of a ers the land because a coronavirus pandemic Website: tonylav and her family was surprised upon hours as the funeral hearse slowly wound hero. People were singing in the rain Bayan is coinciding with a terrible authoritarianism, Facebook: dean

POWER POINT

Opinion I

Opinion

Soaronhigher, GCF!in Cavite Aguinaldo Bonifacio

B1

EDITORIAL

Masks and shields A revolting label

EDITORIAL

aldo on Bonifacio in Cavite

P I A revolting label

I

Op

Aguinaldo on Bonifacio

US is the greatest threat to Fuga

USthreat is the threat tolegacy Fuga Island US is the greatest togreatest Fuga Island Duterte’s unfinished

ORE OPINION ONLINE

MORE OPINION ONLINE

MORE OPINION ONLINE The end is near for PECO The rains of August

The rains of August

The rains of August

MORE OPINION O

MORE OPINION ONLINE The rains of Aug

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Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Trump rips rival Biden P

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE OVER/ UNDER RECOVERIES BASED ON THE FORMULA FOR THE VARIOUS AUTOMATIC COST ADJUSTMENTS AND TRUE-UP MECHANISMS COVERING THE PERIOD 2017 TO 2019 AND CORRESPONDING CONFIRMATION PROCESS PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16, SERIES OF 2009 AS AMENDED

BY RESOLUTION NO. 21, SERIES OF 2010, AND ERC RESOLUTION NO. 23, SERIES OF 2010,

RESIDENT Donald Trump tore into his election challenger Joe Biden as a threat to the “American Dream” in a bruising speech Thursday accepting the Republican nomination for a second term against a backdrop of racial tensions and the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

ERC CASE No. ___________ CF MARINDUQUE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (MARELCO)

Donald Trump

The former celebrity real estate developer spoke at a grandiose event staged at the White House—the first time a president has ever held a party convention at the executive mansion—and followed up with a vast fireworks display on the National Mall.

In his 70-minute address, Trump went after Biden as hard as he could, attacking him by name dozens of times in an attempt to define the veteran centrist former vice president, who leads in polls ahead of the November 3 election, as a radical leftist. AFP

Applicant, X- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - X

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

APPLICATION

COMES NOW, applicant MARINDUQUE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (MARELCO), by and through the undersigned counsel, and unto this Honorable Commission, most respectfully states: 1. That applicant is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with the principal office at Brgy. Ihatub, Boac, Marinduque where it may be served with summons and other legal processes, represented in this instance by its General Manager, ENGR. GAUDENCIO M. SOL, JR., of legal age, Filipino, married and with office address also located at Brgy. Ihatub, Boac, Marinduque; 2. Herein applicant is the exclusive franchise holder issued by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to operate an electric light and power services in the municipalities of Boac, Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, Torrijos, Buenavistan, and Gasan all in the Province of Marinduque; 3. That pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009 , as amended by Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010, and ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010, Luzon Distribution Utilities (DUs) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) are required to file their respective consolidated application for the approval of their confirmation filing on the Calculation of the Over or Under recovery in the implementation of various adjustment calculations covering the period from January 2017 to December 2019, as follows Folder 1. a. Application b. Supplier and Transmission Data Sheet 2017-2019 c. Statistical Data Sheet 2017-2019 d. URR Addendum/DSL Data 2017-2019 e. Actual Implemented Rates Sheet 2017-2019 f.

Lifeline Discount Sheet 2017-2019 g. Senior Citizen Discount Sheet 2017-2019 h. Summary of O/U recoveries computation per charges for the entire period in yearly presentation i.

Proposed scheme of refund/collect using the latest kwh sales Folder 2. Supplier and Transmission Data a. Power bills from suppliers ( Power bill – Proof of Payment – Debit or Credit Memo ) Folder 3. Statistical Data a. Summary of Pilferage Cost recoveries/Manifestation 2017-2019 b. Summary of Implemented Orders/Decisions c. MFSR – Sections B and E Folder 4. Actual Implemented Rates Data a. Consumer bills per customer class (non-lifeliner) b. Consumer bill per Lifeline Bracket (lifeliner) c. Senior citizen consumer bill Folder 5. Other Docs b. Submitted Monthly URR 2017-2019 c. Submitted monthly URR Addendum 2018-2019 d. Single Line Diagram 4. That in applying the various formulae in the determination of the adjustments and the recovery or refund of Over or Under Recoveries herein applicant hereby adopts the respective formula as provided for in ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009, as amended by Resolution No. 21 S. 2010, and ERC Resolution No. 23, Series of 2010 together with the specific definitions and sub-formula for each item thereof; 5. That in support of this application has hereby submitted and attached to this application the other requirements, as follows: SUMMARY COMPUTATION OF OVER-UNDERE RECOVERY 2017-2019 (Over)/Under Allowable Cost Actual Revenue Recovery Generation Rate 813,755,753.42 816,268,225.57 (2,512,472.15) System Loss Rate 101,089,998.21 107,557,987.55 (6,467,989.34) Subsidy Discount Lifeline Rate 5,583,450.66 (5,272,346.45) (311,104.20) Senior Citizen Rate 95,352.38 (137,609.98) 42,257.60 TOTAL (9,249,308.09) PROPOSED (REFUND)/COLLECT SCHEME 2017-2019 No. of (Over)/ Under Recoveries Particulars Php Php/kWh Mos. Generation Rate 12 (2,512,472.15) (0.0276) System Loss Rate 12 (6,467,989.34) (0.0711) Lifeline Rate 6 (311,104.20) (0.0122) Senior Citizen Rate 1 42,257.60 0.0140 TOTAL (9,249,308.09) (0.0970) PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that the submitted calculations and computations prepared by applicant be approved; that upon receipt of the Order of approval, herein applicant be allowed to propose the scheme of refund/recovery as the case may be; Other relief/s just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

Quezon City for Pasig City this 25TH day of August, 2020.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR CONFIRMATION AND APPROVAL OF CALCULATIONS OF OVER OR UNDER-RECOVERIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AUTOMATIC COST ADJUSTMENTS AND TRUE-UP MECHANISMS FOR THE PERIOD 2017 TO 2019, PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16, SERIES OF 2009 AS AMENDED BY RESOLUTION NO. 21, SERIES OF 2010, AND ERC RESOLUTION 23, SERIES OF 2010.

ERC CASE No. ___________ CF TICAO ISLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (TISELCO) Applicant, x------------------------------------------------x

APPLICATION COMES NOW, applicant TICAO ISLAND ELECTRIC COOPERTIVE, INC. (TISELCO), by and through the undersigned counsel, and unto this Honorable Commission, most respectfully states: 1.

That applicant is an electric cooperative duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Philippines, with the principal office at Barsaga Street, San Jacinto, Masbate, where it may be served with summons and other legal processes, represented in this instance by its General Manager, Ricardo P. Largo, of legal age, Filipino, married and with office address also located at Barsaga Street, District 4, San Jacinto, Masbate;

2.

Herein applicant is the exclusive franchise holder issued by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to operate an electric light and power services in the (4) municipalities, namely the municipalities of San Jacinto, San Fernando, Monreal and Batuan all in the province of Masbate;

3.

That pursuant to ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009 and ERC Resolution No. 21, Series of 2010, Luzon Distribution Utilities (DUs) and Electric Cooperatives (ECs) are required to file their respective consolidated application for the approval of their confirmation filing on the Calculation of the Over or Under recovery in the implementation of various adjustment calculations covering the period from November 2014 to December 2016, as follows: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.

Power Supplier Data Sheet; Statistical data Sheet; Implemented Rates Data Sheet; Power Bills of Power Suppliers; Officials Receipts issued by Power Suppliers; Breakdown of Payment with OR., if payment is staggered; Debit/Credit Memo of Power Suppliers; NPC Invoices; MFSR (Sections B and E) Consumer Bills of Lifeliners per level and Non-lifeliners per customer class;

4.

That in applying the various formulae in the determination of the adjustments and the recovery or refund of Over or Under Recoveries herein applicant hereby adopts the respective formula as provided for in ERC Resolution No. 16 Series of 2009 and ERC Resolution No. 21 S. 2010 together with the specific definitions and sub-formula for each item thereof;

5.

That in support of this application, applicant has hereby submitted and attached to this application the other requirements, as follows: Pass Through Cost (Php)

Generation Rate (GR) System Loss Rate (SLR) Lifeline Rate (LR) Senior Citizen Subsidy Net Results

Actual Revenue (Php)

(Over)/Under Recovery (Php)

134,551,524.89

138,194,814.87

(3,643,289.98)

16,381,572.14 2,531,750.38 100,939.93

20,917,403.01 2,745,137.95 85,930.09

(4,535,830.87) 213,387.57 (13,591.88) (7,979,325.15)

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that the submitted calculations and computations prepared by applicant be approved; That upon receipt of the Order of approval, herein applicant be allowed to refund/recovery as the case may be; Other relief/s just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

Quezon City for Pasig City this 27TH day of August, 2020.

ZENON S. SUAREZ Counsel for Applicant No. 19 Bulacan Street, 10th Avenue, West Grace Park, Caloocan City PTR No. 1118707 1/28/20 Caloocan City IBP LRN 01592 6/24/99 Pasig City Attorney Roll No. 25041 MCLE COMPLIANCE No. VI-0020252 3/22/19 CP No. (0961)-2820935 Email Add: suarezzenon_412@yahoo.com

ZENON S. SUAREZ Counsel for Applicant No. 19 Bulacan Street, 10th Avenue, West Grace Park, Caloocan City PTR No. 1118707 1/28/2020 Caloocan City IBP LRN 01592 6/24/99 Pasig City Attorney Roll No. 25041 MCLE COMPLIANCE No. VI-0020252 Valid Until April 14, 2022CP No. (0961)-2820935 Email Add: suarezzenon_412@yahoo.com

VERIFICATION/CERTIFICATION REPUBLIC Of THE PHILIPPINES) QUEZON CITY

)SS.

That I. RICARDO P. LARGO, of legal age. Filipino, married and with office address located at Baraga Street. Dist 4, San Jacinto. Masbate after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law hereby depose and says 1.

That I am the General Manager of Ticao Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (TISELCO) duly authorized to represent the cooperative in the filing of the Approval of the OVER/UNDER RECOVERIES BASED ON THE FORMULA for the VARIOUS AUTOMATIC COST ADJUSTMENTS AND TRUE-UP MECHANISMS AND CORRESPONDING CONFIRMATION PROCESS PURSUANT TO ERC RESOLUTION NO. 16 SERIES OF 2009 AS AMMENDED BY RESOLUTION 21 SERIES OF 2010;

2.

That I have caused the preparation and filing of the said Application;

3.

That I have read and know the contents and allegations thereof as true and correct to the best of my own knowledge based on authentic documents;

4.

That I hereby certify that I have not therefore commenced by any other action or proceeding involving the same in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency;

5.

That to the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency;

6.

That If there is such action or proceedings which is either pending or may have been terminated, we must state the status thereof;

7.

That should I thereafter learn that similar action or proceedings has been filed or pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency . we will undertake to report that fact within five (5) days there from to the Court or agency wherein the original pleading has been filed;

IN WITNESS WHEREOF. I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of August 2020

RICARDO P. LARGO Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at Quezon City this 28th day of August, 2020, by Ricardo P. Lagro with SSS No. 06-0936014-1 Doc. No. 368; Page No. 74; Book No. V; Series of 2020 M. Standard – Aug. 29, 2020

M. STANDARD – August 29, 2020

The silhouette of Andrew Jackson’s statue is seen as fireworks paint the sky above the obelisk of the Washington Monument while demonstrators, protesting the nomination of Donald Trump, watch at Black Lives Matter plaza across from the White House on August 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. AFP

Chinese to boycott Apple if US bans WeChat app CHINESE consumers could boycott Apple if the United States bans WeChat, China’s foreign ministry spokesman warned Friday, as the clock ticks down on a US order to block the popular social app.

US President Donald Trump this month announced a ban from midSeptember on WeChat and another Chinese-owned app, TikTok, accusing them of threatening national security, further stoking tensions between Beijing and Washington.

But foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian tweeted Friday that “If WeChat is banned, then there will be no reason why Chinese shall keep iPhone and apple products.”

Zhao had already on Thursday said “many Chinese people are saying they may stop using iPhones if WeChat is banned in the US”, and accused the US of “systematic economic bullying of non-US companies” by targeting the Chinese app.

The comments mark a rare direct reference by Beijing to boycotting an American product and come as the superpowers spar on multiple fronts including military activity in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and blame for the coronavirus.

Chinese social media users on Friday responded with mixed feelings to Zhao’s warning on Twitter, which is blocked in China but accessible through virtual private network software.

“I use Apple, but I also love my country,” one user on the Twitterlike Weibo platform. “It’s not a conflict.”

Thousands nabbed in China for ‘virus-related crimes’ NEARLY 5,800 people suspected of killing health workers, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history have been arrested in China for epidemic-related crimes since January, the state prosecutor’s office said.

One case involved a shopper who beat another customer to death for not wearing a mask in a supermarket.

Other cases included a person who deliberately mowed down medical workers with a car, and another was arrested for stabbing a health inspector with a dagger when monitoring temperatures.

Some have also been accused of embezzling money collected from fundraisers to help coronavirus patients, selling defective medical equipment and lying about their travel history or health condition.

“From January to July, 5,797 people were arrested and 6,755 were prosecuted,” the Supreme People’s Procuratorate said in a statement Thursday.

The statement did not specify how many people were still in detention or whether some had already been sentenced.

China has largely brought the spread of the novel coronavirus under control – since it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December 2019 – with strict lockdowns, aggressive contact tracing and close monitoring of neighborhoods.

The country has also deployed a range of smartphone apps to track the whereabouts of people to quickly identify possible cases.

Wearing a mask is mandatory in supermarkets, cinemas or on public transport, and many choose to wear one while outdoors as well, as a safeguard against the virus.

China has not reported any locally transmitted infections in recent days. AFP

3 dead as storms lash Australia A FIERCE storm in Australia’s southeast killed three people, including a four-year-old boy and left emergency crews working to restore power and drinking water to thousands of homes Friday.

High winds sent trees crashing into homes and crushing cars near Melbourne, state premier Daniel Andrews said Friday.

A four-year-old was struck by a tree while reportedly walking with his father on Thursday night in the southeast of the city. The child was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

“This will be just a terrible time for them and our hearts are with you,” Andrews said, offering condolences to the families of those killed in the storm.

The cleanup is expected to take days, with emergency services reporting 2,000 calls for help, the majority concerning downed trees, Andrews added.

A power outage hit a local water reservoir, causing health authorities to warn residents in some suburbs to boil tap water before drinking it.

One resident in the hard-hit suburb of Belgrave told The Age newspaper that the storm hit with such a sudden intensity that tree falls sounded like explosions. AFP

Business PSEi August 28, 2020 TOP GAINERS

Most Asian stocks climb on low Fed interest rates H ONG KONG, China—Expectations that US interest rates will stay ultra low for as long as needed helped lift most Asian equities on Friday but Tokyo tumbled on reports that Japan’s prime minister was set to resign for health reasons.

TOP LOSERS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell said it would be in no rush to reel in inflation, even if it overshoots the central bank’s two percent target, instead opting for an average that took into account periods of weak price rises.

Powell said policymakers would stick with the new framework “for some time,” indicating that the era of cheap borrowing is here for the foreseeable future.

He also said the Fed would now work towards a goal of “maximum employment” as its policy of achieving low unemployment had failed to spur inflation, adding that the bank was prepared to use “our full range of tools to support the economy.”

While the move had been widely expected, the news was welcomed in New York with the Dow ending within a whisker of wiping out its 2020 losses, while the S&P 500 notched a fifth straight record.

The speech overshadowed news that US jobless claims came in higher than expected last week.

“In the absence of fresh positive economic news recently, this statement should cheer investor sentiment,” said JP Morgan Asset Management analyst Tai Hui. “Monetary policy is likely to stay accommodative for even longer. Not only will the Fed need to provide sufficient support to help the economy through the pandemic fallout, but also policy rates

should be kept low beyond that to generate sufficient inflationary pressure.

“The search for income for Asian investors will continue—this should be supportive of risk assets such as equities, corporate bonds and emergingmarket fixed-income.”

However, Stephen Innes of AxiCorp said there was some disappointment.

“First, the average inflation-targeting framework remains vague and unspecific. Second, Powell gave no hints on how the statement change would translate into concrete policy action,” he said in a note.

“The question now is what the September 16 (policy board) meeting will bring.”

Shanghai and Singapore rose more than one percent while Hong Kong added 0.6 percent, Mumbai jumped 0.8 percent and Seoul put on 0.4 percent with Jakarta and Bangkok also higher.

Wellington edged up as it reopened after being hit early on by a cyberattack for a fourth straight day. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

BACK IN BUSINESS. This photo taken on August 27, 2020 shows people visiting a night market in Wuhan in China’s central

Hubei province. AFP

EU trade chief resignation stirs successor race DUBLIN, IRELAND—Ireland on Thursday scrambled to assemble potential candidates to succeed EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan after his resignation for breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Hogan, one of the bloc’s most senior officials and a powerful force in Brexit talks, quit on Wednesday after a week-long stream of revelations caused rising public anger.

European Commission executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis of Latvia has stepped up to take over temporarily.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who spoke to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin by phone, asked Dublin to submit one man and one woman as candidates to succeed Hogan.

Her spokesman said she wanted a replacement “rapidly.”

Von der Leyen, meanwhile, issued a stern warning to other commissioners to comply with Covid-19 rules.

As “Europeans make sacrifices and accept painful restrictions, I expect the members... to be particularly vigilant about compliance with applicable national or regional rules or recommendations,” she said in a statement.

Martin told Ireland’s state broadcaster RTE on Thursday that he would meet his government coalition partners to discuss Hogan’s replacement.

He refused to be drawn on specific names, even as rumors swirled linking past prime ministers, current cabinet ministers and European parliamentary officials to the job.

But he added: “It’s fair to say that at this stage our shared objective will be that a person of very, very high calibre will be nominated by the Irish government.”

Yet there is no guarantee Ireland will retain the trade portfolio, which is regarded as a key asset protecting the Republic’s interests during Brexit trade talks with Britain.

Among those touted in the Irish media as potential successors are former prime minister Leo Varadkar, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

SoftBank set to sell $12.5-b worth of shares in telecom unit TOKYO, Japan—SoftBank Group said Friday it will sell shares of its Japan telecoms unit SoftBank Group Corp worth approximately $12.5 billion as it pushes to boost its cash reserves.

The sale, which was announced after Friday’s trading close, is expected to take place in late September and involves more than 927 million shares in the Japanese telecoms unit. SoftBank Group Corp ended Friday’s session at 1,431.5 yen.

The stock sale comes as part of a massive fundraising program by SoftBank Group that was initially expected to raise 4.5 trillion yen ($41 billion), and also intended to reduce the firm’s debts and increase cash reserves.

In a statement, SoftBank Group cited “the ongoing uncertainty in the market environment due to concerns about a potential second or even third wave of COVID-19.”

In light of those fears it said it was “necessary to expand cash reserves beyond the JPY 4.5 Trillion Program to ensure flexible options to respond to changes in the market environment.”

It said the offering did not change its relationship with SoftBank Group Corp and that the firm’s “strategic importance to the entire SoftBank Group remains unchanged.”

The sale will reduce SoftBank Group’s stake in the telecoms firm from 62.1 percent to 40.4 percent, according to the statement.

The stock offering will be divided between Japanese and international offerings, it added.

Earlier this month SoftBank Group reported a $12-billion quarterly net profit to June, an 11.9-percent rise that put it back in the black after a turbulent financial year.

The results were regarded as a boost for founder and for chief Masayoshi Son, who faced an drumbeat of criticism after recent record losses for the firm.

Son transformed what began as a telecoms company into an investment and tech behemoth with stakes in some of Silicon Valley’s hottest start-ups through its $100-billion Vision Fund. AFP

Federal Reserve unveils major policy shift to maximize employment growth WASHINGTON—The US central bank rolled out a major policy change on Thursday that gives greater weight to its mission of maximizing employment for the benefit of lower income families, while ratcheting back its emphasis on fighting inflation.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the aim is to correct the “shortfalls” in achieving the Fed’s full employment goal while recognizing that with changes in the global economy, a tight job market does not necessarily drive prices higher.

In practice, the change has no impact in the nearterm but will keep borrowing rates low for much longer than in prior economic expansions—something President Donald Trump has loudly demanded, though for more political reasons.

“This change reflects our appreciation for the benefits of a strong labor market, particularly for many in low- and moderate-income communities,” Powell said in a speech unveiling the policy.

The new policy makes it clear the central bank will allow inflation to stay above its 2.0-percent target “for

some time” before raising interest rates.

The shift, though telegraphed in recent statements, is significant for the Fed, as inflation for decades has been an economic villain to be stamped out at every turn. It also represented a defeat for inflation hawks, though the change was approved unanimously.

Powell, in his speech to the annual Jackson Hole monetary policy conference, said the 10 years since the 2008 global financial crisis—when US inflation remained stubbornly below the 2.0 percent target— has shown that warnings about low unemployment causing price hikes were exaggerated.

“This change may appear subtle, but it reflects our view that a robust job market can be sustained without causing an outbreak of inflation,” he told the virtual conference.

Powell said the goal now is “to achieve inflation that averages two percent over time,” although he stressed that would not be tied “to a particular mathematical formula.”

Adam Posen, former policymaker at the Bank of England, called the update “superb” and long overdue.

Powell “did a great job of stressing that this is a reaction to the changing economy was not a change in the goals of the Fed,” Posen, head of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told reporters.

But Kathy Bostjancic of Oxford Economics said the move “largely just codifies” current Fed policy.

“Fed officials have been very concerned about the severe damage to the labor market and the desire to swiftly return the unemployment rate back to its pre-COVID level,” she said in an analysis.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the US unemployment rate had hovered near 50-year lows at 3.5 percent, which brought many people back into the workforce as firms struggled to fill open positions.

The Fed chief grew passionate as he described hearing low-income workers explain the dramatic impact of more jobs.

“It was just riveting... to hear them talking about what a tight labor market means in their communities,” he said of one of the many “Fed Listens” outreach events. AFP

Fabric of success: How ‘lotus silk’ is weaving its way into Vietnam

By Alice Philipson HANOI, Vietnam―Vietnamese weaver Phan Thi Thuan hitches up her trousers as she wades into a lotus paddy to gather the stems needed to make a rare and highly sought-after thread.

Her great-aunt made and sold traditional silk to the French during colonial rule, passing the technique on to Thuan, who started weaving when she was six in her village on the outskirts of Hanoi.

But three years ago Thuan spotted a new opportunity in the lotus stems left to rot in nearby fields after the seeds had been harvested for food.

She began extracting the fiber found in the stems to make “lotus silk,” an exclusive fabric highly sought by fashion designers.

“I was the first in Vietnam,” the 65-year-old told AFP proudly.

“I started all by myself, then I trained those already in my workshop,” she added.

Farmers often toil for hours to clear lotus paddies of rotting stems, which ruin the soil and bring unwanted insects.

But thanks to her vision, Thuan today leads a team of about 20 mostly female workers who snap off the stems in the paddies, before they tease out the fragile fiber and roll them into thread.

Dressed head-to-toe in brown silk and wearing a pearl necklace―the same outfit she dons as she picks through the lotus

This photograph taken on August 26, 2020 shows Vietnamese weaver, Phan Thi Thuan collecting lotus stems as source of natural raw materials for silk, at a pond in Hanoi.

Vietnamese weaver Phan Thi Thuan hitches up her trousers as she wades into a lotus paddy to gather the stems needed to make a rare and highly sought-after thread. Three years ago Thuan spotted a new opportunity in the lotus stems left to rot in nearby fields after the seeds had been harvested for food. NHAC NGUYEN/AFP

paddies―Thuan describes her work.

It’s a painstaking process―a large scarf requires the thread of around 9,200 stems and would take one worker around two months to complete―but

Thuan insists it’s worth it.

“I see this as my task now, to generate jobs, and to do my bit for the environment,” she said, adding that during busy periods, she employs hundreds

to weave from home.

The profits are another reason to persevere.

While a regular silk scarf might go for $20, even a smaller lotus version―popular with pre-coronavirus tourists―fetches more than 10 times that.

Although lotus silk is made in a handful of countries―including Myanmar and Cambodia―Thuan is seen as an innovator in Vietnam.

She has been supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, which kickstarted a three-year nationallevel project to further develop the harvesting technique.

Thuan also runs training sessions during the school holidays, hoping to show children there is space for dynamism even in this ancient profession.

Nguyen Thi Xoa, 40, was N O T I C E taught by Thuan Notice is hereby given in 2017 and she that the estate of now wants her the late Erlinda Laro consisting of children to fol- Espiritu, bank deposits under low in her thread. BDO account number “At the begin- 0084-5015-8724. Has ning it was very been extra-judicially among her difficult, but now settled only heir Cen Jamir I love doing it,” E. Baltao, before the she said. “It’s a Notary Public atty stable job and I’m Leonardo S. Godinez” proud of it.” AFP (MS-AUG. 29, SEPT. 5 & 12, 2020)

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

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

Business

Gov’t support to farmers hits P34b IN BRIEF Peso climbs further to 48.48 vs. US dollar THE peso appreciated further to a new 45-month high against the greenback on Friday, inching closer to the 47-per-dollar boundary on the continued weakness of imports.

The peso settled at 48.485 a dollar on Friday, up from 48.63 on Thursday. It was its strongest finish since closing at 48.48 a dollar on Nov. 4, 2016. Total volume reached $1.191 billion, up from $776.07 million on the previous trading day.

“The Philippine peso strengthens further as import demand remains tepid amidst the ongoing economic recession. PHP is also on an appreciation bias with the USD likely subdued in the medium term with Fed Powell signaling rates could remain lower for longer,” ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa told Manila Standard in an emailed message.

Mapa said the possible reasons for a reversal might be selling in the local equity and bond market with data releases on inflation and unemployment the potential triggers.

The local currency has appreciated by more than 4 percent against the US dollar this year. Julito G. Rada

ABS-CBN closes retail businesses ABS-CBN Corp. said it is shutting down the operations of its experience and retail businesses by Aug. 31 after the denial of its broadcasting franchise by the House of Representatives.

The broadcast unit of the Lopez Group said Studio Tours, ABS-CBN Store, Hado Pilipinas, Heroes Burger and ABS-CBN Studio Experience would be permanently shut down by end of the month.

An in-demand service inside the ABSCBN compound since 1997, Studio Tours is shutting down its operations that welcomed local and foreign audiences and conducted educational tours inside the network studios where visitors got to see behind-the-scenes exclusives in the production of various programs.

The ABS-CBN Store, which delighted fans through the years with its huge assortment of program, celebrity and network merchandise, including the widely popular Christmas SID Shirts, will also stop operations.

ABS-CBN Studio Experience, a pioneer studio city at TriNoma, is closing down after two years of housing physical attractions and digital innovations.

Darwin G. Amojelar

By Othel V. Campos

T

HE Department of Agriculture said fiscal and technical support to rice farmers amounted to P34 billion in the first half, on top of free irrigation services provided by the National Irrigation Administration.

Agriculture Secretary Willian Dar said consumers also saved P72 billion because of lower retail prices of rice, following the lifting of import restrictions on the grain.

Dar said Farmers benefited from free seeds and fertilizers, farm machinery, credit assistance and trainings under the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

The agency also provided P8.5 billion under the Rice Resiliency Program, P7 billion under the National Rice Program, more than P2.5 billion in credit and P6 billion as amelioration under the rice farmers’ financial

assistance and financial subsidy for rice farmers.

“This alone indicates the importance and priority given to rice farmers, and this is just for the first year of RTL alone. We are striving for a bigger allocation for the rice sector in 2021,” Dar said.

He said the amount was equivalent to more than half of the department’s approved budget of P64 billion in 2020.

Dar said the government invested into the rice industry sector to ease the “birth pains” from the influx of imported rice resulting from the Rice Tariffication Law.

Computations made by the Department of Finance and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies showed that initial losses in the sector could reach between P36 billion and P39 billion.

The shortfall was calculated using data from 2015 to 2017, and excluding the 2018 “abnormal” year when “artificial shortage of the commodity caused rice prices to skyrocket.”

The entry of imported rice also resulted in the reduction of consumer prices for regular milled rice, from a high of P45 per kilo to P37.

Dar said the P72 billion in savings gained by ordinary consumers enabled them to buy other basic food commodities and necessities.

The stability of rice prices, one of the major components of the food basket, contributed to the decline in inflation rate from 6 percent to 2 percent.

He said that despite the effect of the health crisis on the economy, rice supply and prices remained stable under the Rice Tariffication Law.

PLASTIC CONVERSION.

Nestlé Philippines and Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. sign a partnership agreement to divert plastic waste laminates away from landfills in Cebu province by collecting and co-processing them into cement kilns. Signing the agreement are Nestlé Philippines chairman and chief executive Kais Marzouki (left) and Cemex Holdings Philippines president and chief executive Ignacio Mijares Elizondo.

Filinvest Land plans to raise P30b from sale of retail bonds

By Jenniffer B. Austria PROPERTY developer Filinvest Land Inc. said Friday it plans to raise up to P30 billion from the issuance of fixedrate retail bonds.

FLI said Friday in a disclosure to the stock exchange filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a P30-billion bond registration program to be issued in tranches over a threeyear period.

It said that for the initial tranche, it would issue P6.75 billion in fixed-rate bonds with an oversubscription option of up to P2.25 billion. The bonds will have tenors of three years due 2023 and five years and six months due 2026.

FLI tapped BDO Capital & Investment Corp., BPI Capital Corp., China Bank Capital Corp., East West Banking Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp. as the joint lead underwriters and book runners for the offering and First Metro Investment Corp. as a co-lead underwriter.

The bonds will be listed with the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.

The bonds were assigned a rating of PRS Aaa by Philippine Rating Services Corp. PRS Aaa is assigned to long-term debt securities of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. It is the highest credit rating on PhilRatings’ long-term credit rating scale.

FLI reported a 23-percent decline

in net income to P952 million in the second quarter from P1.24 billion in the same period last year as disruptions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic weighed on earnings.

Second-quarter sales reached P3.66 billion, down 32.4 percent from P5.42 billion a year ago.

Real estate sales from April to June declined by 55.7 percent to P1.46 billion, while rental revenues were flat at P1.6 billion.

FLI did not launch any residential project in the first half but plans to launch P11.3 billion worth of residential projects for the remainder of the year.

The share price of FLI rose 2.2 percent to close at P0.94 Friday.

EDC moves to integrated reporting as part of sustainability performance

By Alena Mae S. Flores GEOTHERMAL energy producer Energy Development Corp. shifted to integrated reporting as part of a move toward sustainability and a “decarbonized and regenerative future” for energy.

EDC released its first IR with 2019 financial and non-financial performance to measure the value that the company contributes to the ecosystem.

“This shift toward an integrated reporting practice reflects EDC’s proactive approach to the long-term growth of the company. We have focused on improving and reporting on our sustainability performance for almost a decade.

Today, we understand that sustainability was only the first step in our journey.

Now, we shift our focus to regeneration, in the hopes that we can restore the environment we share and create a better future for all Filipinos,” the report stated.

EDC has for the past nine years reported on sustainability performance utilizing the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, which primarily covers the “triple bottom line” or impact on people, planet and profit.

EDC’s new report enhances the discus-

sion and presentation of material issues and disclosures guided by GRI standards with the framework set forth by the International Integrated Reporting Council.

The IIRC framework measures the performance and value that businesses have created based on six forms of capital including financial capital; manufacturing capital; human capital; social and relationship capital; intellectual capital; and natural capital.

EDC said the integrated reporting is an essential tool in regenerative development, a globally emerging business principle centered on holistic processes among these various types of capital, building support systems for future growth, and enabling renewal of resources.

It goes beyond sustainability and organizational impact on citizens, the economy and the environment, and extends to how the company intends to create value in the short to medium and long term.

EDC chairman and chief executive Federico Lopez said the move is part of a renewed mission for the company and the entire First Philippine Holdings conglomerate “to forge collaborative pathways for a decarbonized and regenerative future.”

37.37 PTS.

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

5,884.18

3,728,783,061 105,798 8,263,716,907.47 87 102 56

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.6210

Japan

Yen

0.009388

0.4565

UK

Pound

1.321000

64.2283

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129031

6.2736

Switzerland

Franc

1.100110

53.4884

Canada

Dollar

0.762137

37.0559

Singapore

Dollar

0.731797

35.5807

Australia

Dollar

0.725800

35.2891

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652731

128.9780

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266667

12.9656

Brunei

Dollar

0.729129

35.4510

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.032031

1.5574

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2381

Euro

Euro

1.182300

57.4846

Korea

Won

0.000842

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.145041

7.0520

India

Rupee

0.013533

0.6580

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239808

11.6597

New Zealand

Dollar

0.664200

32.2941

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034074

1.6567 Source: BSP

BSP says August inflation likely rose to as high as 3.3%

By Julito G. Rada THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said inflation in August likely picked up to as high as 3.3 percent from 2.7 percent in July on the back of higher fuel prices.

The BSP Department of Economic Research said in a statement the August inflation might have settled within a range of 2.5 percent to 3.3 percent.

“Higher domestic prices of gasoline and LPG [liquefied petroleum gas] provide upward price pressure during the month,” the DER said.

“These could be offset in part by the continued decline in Meralco power rates and the sustained appreciation of the peso along with broadly stable food prices,” it said.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno on Thursday said the strong peso helped stabilize inflation this year.

The peso remains among the bestperforming currencies in the Asian region amid the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diokno said the local currency appreciated against the US dollar by 4.2 percent as of Aug. 19 relative to its end-December 2019 level.

It also performed better than other Asian currencies such as the Chinese yuan, Taiwanese dollar and the Japanese yen.

The benign inflation environment prompted the Monetary Board on Aug. 20 to maintain the record-low benchmark interest rates at 2.25 percent.

Diokno said that while the latest baseline forecasts rose slightly on higher-than-expected inflation in July (2.7 percent) and recent increases in global crude oil prices, the future inflation path remained firmly within the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent.

The board also revised the inflation forecasts made during the previous meeting for 2020, 2021 and 2020. For 2020, the inflation forecast was revised upwards to 2.6 percent from 2.3 percent while for 2021, it was raised to 3 percent from 2.6 percent. For 2021; the forecast was adjusted to 3.1 percent from 3 percent.

2 1600

Energy approves oil drilling of Palawan55 THE Department of Energy approved the work program, which includes the drilling of an appraisal well, and the budget of Palawan55 Exploration & Production Corp., a subsidiary of listed ACE Enexor Inc. for Service Contract 55 in southwest Palawan.

"Please be advised that that the company’s subsidiary Palawan55 received today a letter from the DOE approving SC 55’s appraisal period work program and budget with the firm amount of $1,702,020. Further, the DOE stated that it expects the submission of the proposed budget for the drilling of one well after the drilling proposal has been approved by the DOE," ACE Exenor said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Friday.

Palawan55 earlier received a letter from the DOE confirming the entry of SC 55, a deep-water block located in the southwest Palawan Basin, covering an area of 9,880 square kilometers into the appraisal period effective April 26.

The SC 55 consortium is composed of Palawan 55 (75 percent) and Pryce Gases Inc. (25 percent), with Palawan 55 as the operator. Alena Mae S. Flores

PSE INDEX

Friday, August 28, 2020

CO-LIVING.

Co-living becomes an essential, safe and a unique form of dignified affordable accommodation, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study by INSEAD, a leading global business school that researched co-living in times of coronavirus with MyTown, the co-living brand under Philippines Urban Living Solutions, PeoplePods, a Philippine dormitory for migrant workers and industry experts.

Two House committees pass e-cigarette and heated tobacco bill TWO standing House committees approved on Thursday a substitute bill regulating the manufacture, sale and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

Entitled as the proposed “Non Combustible Nicotine Delivery System Regulation Act of 2020,” the measure was approved by the joint House Committees on Trade and Industry and on Health.

Voting 88-10 with two abstentions, the joint committees declared as a matter policy for the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill

health consciousness among them.

“Given that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the country, the sheer number of those affected by smoking combustible cigarettes raises grave concern. Thus, in the interest of public welfare, it is imperative that the State address this health issue urgently and effectively,” said Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of one of the original bills.

Section 6 of the bill provides that the minimum allowable age for the purchase, sale and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco

products shall be 18 years old. Retailers shall verify the age of all buyers by requiring the presentation of any valid government-issued identification card exhibiting the buyer’s photograph and age or date of birth.

All manufacturers, importers and distributors of these products are required to place health warnings on the principal display surface with the text: “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. It is not recommended for use by non-smokers”; or “This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.”

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Banking on TECHNOLOGY in the NEW NORMAL Connecting lives with tech

By Peter Paul Duran

T

ECHNOLOGY has played a vital role in each of our lives.

The convenience of a smartphone, the power of AI, and the efficiency of automation make our everyday activities easier for us to enjoy.

But the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has put to a screeching halt our fast-paced existence.

World economies, established strongholds of financial stability as well as emerging markets have been brought to their knees. It’s the middle of summer in some places but the sight and feel of leisure we have been used to in the past all seem to be a distant memory.

We now live in the “new normal” that is far different from what we were used to.

Things might seem to be so bleak with our current situation, but that doesn’t mean we have to accept it as such.

They say science and technology is a catalyst of change. It could never ring more true at the time of COVID-19.

S&T in healthcare "COVID is an amplifier,” said Kaveh Safavi, Senior Managing Director—

Global Health for Accenture.

If technology is a catalyst for change, Big data, artificial intelligence or AI, as well as 5G technology then COVID-19 has really jumpstarted have been utilized to see a lot of innovation especially when it trends and predict possible comes to healthcare. scenarios we may face in "It accelerates what was historically the ongoing fight against done as a matter of convenience, which COVID-19. is now a matter of necessity—to free up resources and give clinicians the time to work on the things that only clinicians can do,” Safavi added in a podcast.

"AI and other information technology will have a transformative role in scaling our human resources and making the care experience more personal,” he said.

Moreover, research and development for drugs and vaccines have kicked into high gear with governments and various private big pharma have been racing against the clock to find the eventual cure for the novel coronavirus of 2019.

Indeed, the pandemic has reshaped how we approach healthcare, there is an exponential growth regarding the use of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, virtual collaborations among health experts, and the aggressive use of data Big data, artificial intelligence or AI, tracking not only to help quell the as well as 5G technology have been utispread of COVID-19, but to find ways lized to see trends and predict possible to provide better service to patients well scenarios we may face in the ongoing beyond this pandemic. fight against COVID-19.

Data has played a huge role in our Robots, Apps, and Data

Globe’s 5G service now available to Prepaid and TM Subscribers

C2

everyday lives during our lockdown.

Everyday we see the surge in cases, but also the silver lining in the increasing number of recoveries.

Time and again, researchers have given us estimates on the number of

Smart launches GIGA Pro with bigger and better data for the new normal

C4

possible cases we may hit as we near a certain period of time under a certain lockdown restriction.

More so, mobile applications have also been made for better contract tracTurn to C2

Shopee: Helping businesses of all sizes to digitize, recover, succeed

"HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED"

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Banking on TECHNOLOGY in the NEW NORMAL

Banking transitioning smoothly to mobile, online platforms

Connecting...

From C1

ing to help governments easily track possible persons infected with the virus.

Robots have also been deployed to disinfect hospitals, tend to patients, as well as other tasks, making life easier for hardworking medical frontliners, who will have more time saving the lives of critically-ill COVID-19 patients.

Going cashless and new ways to earn This pandemic has taught us to keep our hands clean and never touch our face, nose or eyes. Going cashless indeed has its unequivocal benefits in this time of the pandemic.

Establishments, some even before this whole ordeal, have put up cashless and contactless modes of payments. In the food and beverage industry for example, the use of cash apps is highly preferred.

Meanwhile, it is common knowledge that countless sectors have felt the brunt of the pandemic. Businesses have been forced to shut down, corporations are left with no choice but to retrench employees, and mom's and pop's resources have dwindled. Indeed, the pandemic has affected us all.

But there is an emerging movement especially among social media platforms where online selling is a fad. Hitherto inactive friends on Facebook are now selling frozen siomai or live streaming to earn that extra buck through pre-loved clothing.

“Kung dati siguro mahihiya pa ako magbenta, pero ngayon lahat naman tayo affected, mas mahalaga kumita ngayon ng extra. (Back then, I was shy to sell anything online. But now, we are all affected, it’s more important to earn a little extra),” said Alex San Juan from Bulacan as he sells and markets food products ranging from pastries to dumplings on Facebook.

Tech to continue education The opening of classes been moved to October this year from the initial August 24 date issued by the Department of Education. We can see the

A

By Charles Dantes

Engineering professors work on the version two prototype of the IIUM Medibot medical robot, being developed for health workers to treat patients without risking infection from the COVID-19 coronavirus, at the International Islamic University Malaysia in Gombak, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. AFP initiatives of the agency, local government units, as well as parents and students themselves, to procure gadgets and other technical requirements in order for the upcoming school year to continue.

E-learning and distance learning methodologies have been put forth for learners. There may be some hurdles for some, but students are still eager to learn and continue their education despite the challenges.

This coming academic year, as well as the next ones, we may see Zoom meetings and Google classroom sessions as a regular fixture in the education system.

Tech as a means to connect

amid the pandemic Perhaps, this point deserves to be the last one to be mentioned.

Technology has helped us cope, in one way or another, with this pandemic.

Thanks to social media platforms and other video messaging apps, we got closer even in the confides of our isolation.

During the early days of the government-imposed lockdowns, we weren’t sure of where we were headed. But thanks to technology, we had each other to comfort one another.

It goes without saying that tech may have shown its true potential, and true purpose, in connecting us even if we are miles apart.

THE coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the way we live our everyday lives.

Staying-at-home has been the theme for the past couple of months as lockdowns have been imposed from all parts of the country as a preventive measure in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

With the "new normal' of social distancing and contact-less engagement, the world has become digital overnight.

Despite the unprecedented disruption brought by the pandemic, banking smoothly transitioned to mobile and online platforms, with the big help from modern technology.

With the strong performance of e-commerce, banks in the country promise to continue weathering the challenges of transacting with people at home, while mobile banking applications are modified and upgraded to cater to the needs of their customers and depositors.

In mid-May, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas released a report on the decline of ATM transactions in Luzon by 25%, while the value decreased by 30%. At the same time, there was a spike in the use of ep ay m e nt services a n d on-

line banking portals.

A report by Philippine Payments Management Inc.—the BSP-designated payment system management body —revealed that 8.8M InstaPay fund transfers were processed in April, representing an increase of 2.2M, or 32%, over the previous month. The growth figure from February to March is represented at 10 percent.

The best example for this rise in digital banking is the UnionBank of the Philippines, which reported a 160% increase in daily signups in its online and mobile banking platforms for the month of March.

Turn to C3

Globe’s 5G service now available to Prepaid and TM Subscribers

S MORE Filipinos embrace doing things digitally, from the way they learn to the way they make a living, the clamour for better internet connectivity is stronger than ever. The desire to serve this need is what propels Globe to bring internet connectivity, particularly the latest 5G technology, to more Filipinos.

Back in February, Globe introduced 5G to its most elite set of customers, Globe Platinum. Shortly after, the said technology was extended to all Globe Postpaid customers. And, starting Au-

gust 24, Globe Prepaid and TM customers are now able to access Globe’s 5G network in areas like Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Makati CBD, Rockwell Center, Ortigas CBD, and strategic

areas along EDSA and C5. All these customers need to do is to ensure they are on a Globe LTE or TM LTE sim and have a 5G-enabled mobile phone. No additional fees will be charged to enjoy this lightning-fast connection.

“As the Philippines is largely a Prepaid market, we are thrilled to be the first telecom to expand the 5G service to them. With the vision of bringing the next generation of connectivity to all, Globe Prepaid and TM customers have now been enabled to enjoy the

5G service. And, with the goal of making high speed internet accessible to as many Filipinos as possible, we will continue to broaden our 5G coverage and make 5G-enabled devices more accessible,” says Globe VP for Strategic Platforms and Partnerships Coco Domingo.

“We envision a world of impossibilities made possible by Globe 5G.” 5G is the next generation of wireless internet connectivity. With the technology, users can stream movies and TV shows at the highest-quality; play im-

mersive online games with fewer lags; and provide the clearest resolution for video chats.

In 2019, Globe became the first telco in Southeast Asia to launch 5G when it introduced it’s AirFiber broadband for Globe at Home subscribers. Shortly after, Globe unveiled the first 5G service for mobile and introduced the first 5G device in the country, followed by more affordable 5G-capable phones.

For more information, visit the website at https://www.globe.com.ph/5g.

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Banking...

From C2

The Ayala-led Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) booked a 25 percent jump in its retail digital transactions, including money transfers, interbank transfers, transactions with e-commerce partners and bills payment during the enhanced modified community quarantine.

As the country is still nowhere near returning back to its old ways, internet banking is expected to grow stronger even in the post-pandemic era.

For the meantime, Filipinos should embrace the much safer, hassle-free and convenient online banking to avoid exposing themselves to the coronavirus and the elements outside.

Buying a car during the pandemic

By Jessica Luna

A

LOT of Filipinos felt no need to buy a car during pre-pandemic times. But when the world was held hostage by the coronavirus, many are now considering to get one.

Mobility when there's no transport available has been one of the main concerns of many. And to those who are used to riding buses, the train or any other means of public transport, sharing a ride with strangers, seems unsafe, what will all the social-distancing protocols being enforced by the government.

Gone are the days when cars are used just to transport people from point A to point B. Thanks to technology, a car these days has to protect its drivers and passengers, keep him entertained and make decisions for him on the road.

Working with major tech companies, the automotive industry has continued to churn out the most advanced, safest and most comfortable vehicles out there, transport machines, which boast of smart devices, emergency braking capabilities, autonomous driving and better fuel ef efficiency, among others.

But it doesn't end here. In the future,

a driver and his car will be more intertwined to create the safest and more enjoyable driving convenience for all, during or even post-pandemic times.

Here are s o m e

a d vanced technologies that have made

their way into our everyday rides, tech wonders that buyers may consider.

1) Fuel-Efficient Drives Buyers look at many factors when getting their vehicles. Some look for the car's looks, others for the quality of the drive, and still others for fuel economy.

A lot of vehicles today offer impressive fuel economy. At the forefront fuel efficiency is Tesla, which has released an array of electric and hybrid vehicles that can take you for hundreds of miles with a single charge. In 2019, 2.2 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide, led by Tesla, with big car brands Volkswagen, General Motors and Volvo following suit and even the likes of Toyota, Hyundai, Suzuki, Kia and Toyota unveiling hybrid cars that are more affordable.

2. Better Entertainment Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto lead the way in car infotainment systems because they are user friendly. Just plug in your smartphone and voila, you're all set. What you get is a simplified set up to access your music,

maps, and your phone’s built-in voice-

control features. Almost all manufacturers promised support for at least one or both Apple and Google’s systems, but not all trim levels will support them. Make sure your car has the right options to match your mobile devices.

3. Safe Vehicles A lot of vehicles offer safety features that are very useful. Examples are the Adaptive Cruise Control, which matches the speed of the car in front of you, meaning you don’t need to constantly hit the gas and brake in highway traffic; the Lane Departure Warning, where systems use cameras to deter-

sual or audible notification (or even a vibration through the seat or steering wheel) that you’ve moved too far out of your lane; the Automatic Emergency Braking, which uses a variety of sensors to determine if a forward collision crash is imminent and automatically applies the brakes to diminish the severity or avoid a crash entirely; and the 360-Degree Camera, showing a car's virtual top-down view of your surroundings, and even the sides of your garage, providing an assistance while parallel parking.

4) Smart Cars Predictive capabilities through Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming more prevalent in cars, thereby personalizing the driving experience.

Now, cars have become an integral part of the Internet of Things as they are able to connect to sm a r t phone s and take voice commands.

Predictive t e c h n ol o g y come into the fore via sensors within a car, telling the owner what servicing mine if a car has drifted his car needs from a meacross a marked lane line, giving a vichanic.

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Banking on TECHNOLOGY in the NEW NORMAL

Rise of communication platforms in time of pandemic

By Angelica Villanueva WHEN President Rodrigo Duterte announced the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on March 15, 2020, most of the businesses in Metro Manila and nearby provinces also started to impose a work-from-home system with their employees.

Ever since the lockdown started, private businesses and even the government have been looking for all possible ways to continue their

tasks and duties without risking their health and safety.

This signalled the rise of various online communication platforms that can help people resume their meetings, events and even sessions in Congress while staying at home.

Zoom One of the pioneering softwares that was first used by employees working at home is the Zoom app.

The application offers a free version and a pro version. For the free

version, the basic video calling for one-on-one is unlimited and free, while group calling is limited for 40 minutes. Direct and team messaging capabilities with Zoom Chat are also unlimited.

Meanwhile, the pro version has more special features to offer such as having enhanced admin controls on your meetings. More features are available depending on the plan and pricing you will avail of.

Both versions allow users to record the video meeting.

Google Meet Like Zoom, Google Meet also offers video meeting features that can be used for free, but just for 60 minutes. It also offers free and paid versions.

However, the thing about Google Meet is that, unlike Zoom, recording of the video conference is not allowed for free users in the coming days.

G-Suite Enterprise members can record, but G-Suite members can avail this free feature until Septemconferences, and even events. ber 30, 2020.

Developed by Facebook, Messenger Room allows you to create a Microsoft Teams This platform is also a commu- "room" at your fingertips.

It offers an unlimited time of video nication platform used by a "team," to start a meeting that members can callings with a limit of 50 persons in have a workplace chat, "file storage a room. And just like the video call (including collaboration on files), and feature we use in our Messenger, you can edit your backgrounds, add filapplication integration."

To join a meeting, the administra- ters to your camera, and chat while tor or owner will only forward a spe- on a video call.

Note also that anyone can join your cific link to the team where his memroom even that person does not have bers can join.

Microsoft Team is commonly used, a Facebook account. He or she can specially during this pandemic, by join the video call through a specific schools and universities through its URL that the creator will send.

Teams for Education in setting up Streamyards online classes and programs joined Unlike the mentioned software by teams including students, school above, Streamyard offers free broadstaff, teachers, and professors. casting of your browser through social networks with its free, basic, and Messenger Room Messenger Room is the latest one professional plans.

Included in the free version is that to join the online software that can be used in business meetings, video Turn to D1

Smart launches GIGA Pro with bigger and better data for the new normal are providing our subscribers with bigger data to address their evolving needs at work, school, and everything in between,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

MOBILE services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has unveiled GIGA Pro, a much bigger and better data pack that makes it simpler for subscribers to deal with their growing mobile data needs in the new normal.

Available to all Smart Bro Prepaid and Smart Prepaid subscribers, GIGA Pro offers a generous combination of 3 GB per day of any GIGA offer—whether it’s Video, Study, Work, Games, or Stories—plus open access data allocation to cover all their online activities.

For example, the primary offer, GIGA Pro 199, comes with a total of 27 GB data valid for 7 days. This is inclusive of 3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 7 days plus 6 GB open access data, which subscribers can use to upload work presentations on the go, attend online classes, stream videos, connect on social media, or play mobile games, among others.

GIGA Pro also comes in higher denominations with even bigger

data: GIGA Pro 599 offers a total of 57 GB valid for 15 days (3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 15 days plus 12 GB open access data), and GIGA Pro 999 offers a total of 114 GB valid for 30 days (3 GB per day of any GIGA offer for 30 days plus 24 GB open access data).

A simpler way of loading up GIGA Pro is exclusively available on the Smart App, which is downloadable on Google Play Store and the App Store.

The Smart App provides an easier way for subscribers to load up the Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi with a few taps on their smartphone—a far cry from the old hassles of having to connect to a complicated online dashboard or needing to transfer the Pocket WiFi SIM to a handset.

Now, to avail of GIGA Pro, Smart Bro Prepaid subscribers only have to first connect their smartphone to their Pocket WiFi and then log in to

the Smart App, which will automatically detect their account number.

After that, subscribers just need to tap the GIGA Pro offer they want to get going.

On the other hand, Smart Prepaid subscribers can just open the Smart App on their phone and select the GIGA Pro offer of their choice.

Simple, Smart Ako “This convenient way of loading up via the Smart App is consistent with our ‘Simple, Smart Ako’ approach to streamline the access to our digital solutions so more Filipinos can benefit from them. Our subscribers can definitely expect more as we continuously look for ways to improve their experience with our services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.

“Mobile data has become an even more important resource now that we have brought many aspects of our life online. With GIGA Pro, we

Go with GIGA Pro GIGA Pro’s supercharged data inclusions make it ideal for Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi subscribers who juggle various online activities on the go.

Professionals can gear up for greater work productivity while students can clock in more online learning sessions with GIGA Work Pro and GIGA Study Pro, respectively, which each comes with open access data plus daily access to online productivity tools and learning apps.

On the other hand, entertainment junkies can binge-watch more of their favorite series on the go with GIGA Video Pro or level up more gaming sessions with GIGA Games Pro. Moreover, those who need their daily dose of social media content and updates can get more with GIGA Stories Pro. Connect to the country’s fastest mobile data network The Smart Bro Prepaid Pocket WiFi is powered by Smart LTE, the country’s fastest mobile data network as

affirmed by international third-party mobile analytics firms such as Ookla and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, recently named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the first half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 18.33, with average speeds of 15.94 Mbps for download, and 7.57 Mbps for upload, based on 2,810,963 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.

On the other hand, Opensignal, an independent mobile analytics firm, reported in its April 2020 Mobile Network Experience Report* for the Philippines that Smart remained ahead of the competition in terms of Video Experience, Upload and Download Speed Experience, Voice App Experience, Games Experience, and 4G Availability.

To learn more about GIGA Pro, visit http://smrt.ph/gigapro and follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook at www.fb.com/SmartCommunications, Twitter, and Instagram at @ LiveSmart. *Opensignal Awards—Philippines: Mobile Network Experience Report April 2020, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period Nov 1—Jan 29, 2020 © 2020 Opensignal Inc.

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Monitoring devices to keep health in check

By Charles Dantes AS THE government imposed a nationwide lockdown due to the pandemic, Filipinos' usual routines have been put in disarray.

People tend to feel safer while inside their homes to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, but they still find ways to stay fit and active until we are ready to return back to "normal".

The best way to remain on track with our lifestyle is to do home exercises, have a proper diet, keep our body in check and monitor our progress.

Luckily, we prepared a list of the different health monitoring devices to match your lifestyle.

1. Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor As we are bound inside our home, we often eat excessively and this usually harms the body.

To keep our body monitored, we need to routinely check our blood pressure.

OMRON HEM-7156 allows the user to effortlessly observe their blood pres-

sure regardless of how the cuff is worn with pin-point accuracy from IntelliWrap™ 360° 2. Smart Air Purifier In a report from the World Health Organization, breathing cleaner air reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases.

In this time of the pandemic where the virus is widely considered as an airborne disease, having an air purifier would be the smart choice.

Mi Air Purifier 3H delivers 6,330 liters of purified air per minute. It also boasts of an AI smart voice control with Google assistant to easily access and adjust your purifier.

3. Painless Glucose Monitoring Device Tired of pricking your finger every once in a while to know your glucose count? Prick no more with the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System.

In just a second, you can get the result of your blood sugar count by putting the small circular sensor under your skin, using the handheld reader to measure your glucose level.

4. Smart watches The Huawei GT 2e is slight variation of their popular GT 2 watch, with the “e” meaning electric or energy.

What makes this watch different from other smart watches is its pulse-oximeter, capable of an accurate

Shopee: Helping businesses of all sizes to digitize, recover, succeed

SpO2 measurement.

The usual features include sleep tracking, heartrate monitoring, stress tests and the SpO2 measurement, together with 85 workout modes.

"HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED"

By Jessica Luna

“S

ALAMAT Shopee” isn't just a soundbite uttered by many of its satisfied customers. It is also a validation of Shopee's continued commitment to growing its brands' and sellers' businesses, accelerate their digitalization efforts, and future-proof their operations.

Rise...

From C4

the user is allowed to broadcast 20 hours/month for free. However, the user does not have controls in customizing his screen with his own logo.

But if you opted for the basic or the professional plan, your own branding feature is available and you can stream in two and five different platforms, respectively.

There are still a lot more platforms that offer free video calling that private businesses can use so that their employees can still perform their tasks and reach their customers. The question here is: How accessible and convenient are these for both end—employees and customers?

With the world coming to grips with the coronavirus pandemic, Shopee has employed a supercharged recovery plan of action for sellers and brands by helping them maximize sales growth in the new normal with e-commerce.

To aid this movement, Shopee introduced an array of support initiatives like the P200-million Seller Support Package and the Seller Loan Program with Bill Ease to help SMEs and sellers tide through this period.

The Philippines' leading e-commerce platform ramped up Shopee University classes. It was a program it first introduced in 2017, to share lessons for sellers on growing and boosting their sales on the platform. The class mainly teaches sellers how to run and increase sales in a successful online business, join campaigns, and be a Preferred Seller.

Shopee also launched the Seller Master class, wherein sellers learn tips and tricks on how to use Shopee Live to effectively sell their products.

The government is also a partner of Shopee in many of its endeavors, like being a constant speaker to various Department of Trade and Industry webinars that help to assist MSME's go digital.

Only last July, the DTI, in partnership with Shopee, provided online seminars or

webinars to help micro, small, medium enterprises bounce back to business.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez explained that over 500,000 have participated in the webinars conducted to help MSMEs. Shopee also partnered with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) and, Facebook Philippines. The initiative will provide to support women sellers, transforming Filipina entrepreneurs into digital-savvy and active e-commerce practitioners, as they launched a milestone project entitled Connecting Women Entrepreneurs to the Digital Economy.

The project aims to equip and expand Filipina entrepreneurs’ markets through an integrated digital marketing training on online storefronts, implementing digital marketing promotions, and leveraging digital payments to become effective online sellers.

Shopee has also joined forces with Visa as part of the Where You Shop Matters campaign to help support thousands of local small businesses selling on the online platform. Visa and Shopee will be creating campaigns to enable Visa cardholders to enjoy discounts when they shop at these local merchants.

Last April, Shopee introduced its Seller Support Package for sellers and SMEs, to cushion the pandemic’s impact by lowering costs, offering capital support, and boosting sales. Shopee also simplified e-commerce for SMEs and sellers by upgrading its Seller Center, including a new Marketing Center that lets sellers customize store campaigns and product promotions more conveniently.

Local and international brands in the region are likewise turning to Shopee to grow their online businesses, with 70% more new brands opening Official Stores on Shopee Mall in 2020. Shopee has stepped up its efforts to help local and regional brands grow their online presence, highlighted by the launch of Google Ads with Shopee in partnership with Google. It is a first-of-its-kind marketing solution for brands to create, manage seamlessly, and monitor Google ads campaigns for their Official Stores on Shopee Mall.

On September 9, 2020, Shopee holds its 9.9 Super Shopping Day—a significant milestone for sellers and brands, as they will receive increased customer traffic and visibility on Shopee. They can build on this momentum by tapping on exclusive engagement tools such as Shopee Live and Shopee Feed to further attract users and boost sales, creating a springboard for continued growth.

The 9.9 Super Shopping Day kicks off the year-end peak shopping season in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It is the highlight of Shopee’s efforts to help businesses of all sizes to digitalize, recover, and succeed in the long run with e-commerce.

4th Tech and Gadgets’ Anniversary Issue D2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

advertise@manilastandard.net

Banking on TECHNOLOGY in the NEW NORMAL

Adapting to online classes

By Angelica Villanueva

W

ITH the continuously rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, the Department of Education recently announced that the opening of classes for grade school and high school is moved from August 24 to October 5, 2020.

Knowing that it is impossible for students to have face-to-face classes, some leading universities have adapted to the new normal—virtual classes.

Some have already started their online classes, while other universities are soon to open the first semester in the coming months.

To help our college students cope in the new normal, Manila Standard Tech gathered some basic tips to help them in their online class setup.

1. A good laptop equals convenient studying Having a good laptop or desktop with top specifications and features will help a student feel at ease studying, especially if the course requires a bigger size of RAM and storage for software for his/ her assignments and projects. This could be the biggest problem of students, since good laptops and desktops require a lot of money.

The good news is more laptop and computer brands with good specs like Lenovo and ASUS offer student-friendly prices.

Lenovo also identifies the perfect laptop for you and your course—from architecture to liberal arts. Check them here https://www.lenovo.com/ph/en/ faqs/laptop-faqs/student-laptop-college/ 2. Smartphones as an alternative Since most laptops are expensive, some students can choose to buy a new phone, instead.

Like laptops and computers, smartphones are now more developed and have high specs that can store lots of apps and data.

Smartphones like vivo, Samsung, Nokia and realme have recently released phones with large memory and storage, also at affordable prices. Such phones can run online communication apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for online classes. Microsoft Office Tools are also available on App Store and Play Store that you can use for your school works.

3. A stable Internet connection means a good connection to your class Of course, virtual classes require an internet connection and it must be a stable and good one. You don't want lags and choppy discussions, right?

Since most of the lessons and exams this school year will done online, a student must have fast internet connection.

Don't worry, because telecommuni-

cations companies Smart and Globe have lots of various promos that will fit your budget. Check their services here globe.com.ph and smart.com.ph.

4. Buying school supplies and other equipment right at your fingertips You're doing those online classes because you need to protect your health and safety, so you're not going to your favorite bookstore to buy your school supplies.

E-commerce platform Shopee got your back! What you need to do is download its app and start adding your

school supplies to your cart and pay them electronically via credit card or via other payment platforms like Paymaya or GCash, or commit to pay them upon check out if the chosen payment method is Cash on Delivery.

You can also look for the official store of your trusted brand on the platform. They also offer cashless payment by registering your card or by

cashing in from your online wallet.

You can also track your orders in the app.

5. Licensed software and you're good to go We know you're already familiar with the Microsoft Office, Zoom, Photoshop, and the like. These are some software you need in accomplishing some of your school works.

Some software offers free versions which you can download on their official website.

We suggest, though, that if possible, please download legal and licensed software to avoid viruses and cyberthreats.

But still, don't forget to download anti-virus or cybersecurity software like Kasperksy and Fortinet to secure not just your files, but also you and your personal information.

So there you go. These are some of the basic needs when you set up your online schooling.

It will be tough and hard for everyone. But we need to somehow accept this option rather than risk our health by being exposed to the virus.

What we need to do is to remain hoping and look forward to that day when everything will back to the way it was.

CYAN

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Afternoons made better

Samsung Crystal UHD TV: An Affordable Premium Smart TV Here’s why the Samsung Crystal UHD TV might be the greatest deal you can score this year.

Samsung has been leading the TV market for 14 years now, and the release of the Crystal UHD TV (2020) TU8000 series only proves why the brand remains on top. Imagine having a 55-inch premiumlooking Smart TV with 4K image quality with an SRP of PHP 41,999 and retailing at PHP 31,999 if you pay in cash. That’s the Samsung Crystal UHD TV. Here are the three features that make the TV an excellent deal.

Perfect for a Smart Home The Samsung Crystal UHD TV is a Smart TV made even smarter this year.

The top specs that prove this are: Tap view - A simple tap from the phone to the TV makes screencasting easier and faster.

Digital Butler - This is Samsung’s version of Ironman’s Jarvis that connects all Samsung smart devices and home appliances.

Bixby Voice Assistant - An intelligent home assistant to help

you manage your TV. Clean and bezel-less design The Samsung Crystal UHD TV features a boundless and slim depth design that gives anyone an immersive viewing experience free from distractions. The 3 Side Bezel Less design plus the Clean Cable solution combined in this premium TV makes it any living space’s center of attention.

Crystal-clear picture quality The TV also comes with a brand new Crystal Display (LED) with UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution. Thanks to its Crystal Processor 4K, all content flashed on the TV appears with optimized colors, contrast ratio, and HDR. Overall, the Samsung Crystal UHD TV is a great buy. The TV packs a punch without breaking the bank. It’s sleek, it’s smart, it’s affordable -- and it’s now available in Samsung’s authorized dealers, online and offline, nationwide.

ALL work and no play makes for dull days. PenserQ introduces Affogato Afternoons, a series of lifestyle events and workshops that is meant to bring joy, fun, and inspiration to various aspects of life and interests.

Spark passion With so many things going on, how does one maintain a sense of “balance”? Just as the saying goes, “whatever you fo-

beans and speciality syrups but as well as coffee brewing equipment and accessories, Conlins Coffee takes its coffee appreciation to a higher level with the introduction of Coffee Lab. More than just a cozy cafe, it’s also a one-stop shop for every coffee lover’s needs.

Blending together For its first event this year, held before the pandemic, Af-

cus on, grows” hence, one must not only seek whatever brings joy or sparks passion but actually make time for it.

This is why multimedia and events agency, PenserQ has come up with an event series catering to “awakening passions” through engaging conversations and interesting discoveries. Having put up a variety of events for both local and international brands, PenserQ has been a consistent frontrunner when it comes to recognizing and adapting marketing trends to better communicate its clients’ messaging. Hence, it has made it is mission to go beyond the usual marketing led events and also put importance to making time for personal development and fulfillment.

Taking inspiration from the popular Italian dessert, the affogato, “Affogato Afternoons” is a series of talks/workshops featuring inspiring individuals/ companies that will generously share their personal experiences and expertise to help others find/ follow their own bliss in life.

Just like the dessert, Affogato Afternoons is the perfect “pick me up” for those who are looking for inspiration or are eager to try something new.

Affogato Afternoons at Coffee Lab Partnering with Coffee Lab

by Conlins Coffee as its event partner, Affogato Afternoons not only has a cozy location for its participants, they can also expect excellent coffee and treats for a more delightful afternoon.

As one of the leading distributors not just of premium coffee

fogato Afternoons collaborate with Lakan Lubi. A proudly local company which offers organic wellness products, Lakan Lubi has an interesting range of locally crafted, all natural products made from Virgin Coconut Oil. Lakan Lubi’s Kei Sison was the guest speaker for the event and shared how her parents initially put up Lakan Lubi in 2003 to help combat the SARS epidemic. The company also serves as Kei’s father’s advocacy in helping coconut farmers by teaching them how to produce cold processed VCO and helping them market it. Kei’s father passed away in 2009 and her mother took over the business.

Kei then took over in 2018 and formally named the business Lakan Lubi, which means “Coconut Emperor”, inspired by her father. Even though she took over in 2018, they only started with the Lakan Lubi brand in May 2019. They now create different all natural, organic wellness products and continue to spread awareness on the benefits of VCO both locally and globally.

After the talk, guests were taught how to make their own perfect blend using all natural ingredients.

The Perfect Blend certainly made for a welcome start to the Affogato Afternoons event series as it brought some much needed “calm” to a very hectic start of the year. Watch out for the next Affogato Afternoons event for more inspiring talks and fun workshops in the company of good people.

Visit Coffee Lab at Bonifacio High Street.

M

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

D3

GR SUPRA GT CUP REVS UP RACING ACTION THE racing action continues this weekend as Toyota Motor Philippines mounts the second round of its e-motorsport tournament – the GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines.

Streaming this Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 PM via TMP’s official accounts www.facebook.com/toyotamotorphilippines and www.youtube. com/toyotamotorphilippines , the virtual GR Supra races will feature some of the country’s top Gran Turismo Sport gamers tackling the Autopolis International Racing Course for a chance to earn the most points from the second round.

The broadcast will be hosted by DJ and gamer Gino Quillamor, and a familiar face from Toyota’s Vios Racing Festival Apple David. Prizes are at stake for viewers who will participate in the games. Details on how to contribute to the donation drive to help frontliners on the road will also be announced.

The first round races of the GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines were

held last July with Luis Moreno, Mark Voltaire Elman, and Corban Guerrero finishing first, second, and third respectively at the sporting class. The promotional class meanwhile was led by first placer Gab Señires, second placer Lance Padilla, and third placer Lance Guballa.

The third and last round will be held in September. These final races will determine the overall champions - the players from each category who accumulated the most points - who will then represent the Philippines in the Asia regional round.

The GR Supra GT Cup Asia Philippines is TMP’s online racing tournament under Toyota’s global Toyota Gazoo Racing program. It aims to bring the racing experience to more people, allowing PlayStation racing simulator gamers to race Toyota’s GR Supra on various racing circuits all over the world, while finding and honing the country’s best e-racing talents.

‘Flying taxi’ design unveiled

● Set to be in the skies by 2024, VA-1X will be the world’s first certified winged all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft ● Certified to commercial airline safety standards, the emissionfree aircraft will carry up to five people ● Leverages Formula One technology to reach cruise speeds of 150 mph, bypassing road congestion ● Powered by lithium-ion batteries

B

RISTOL, UK—In a major boon for British aviation, Vertical Aerospace, the Bristolbased company pioneering affordable electric aviation, on Thursday announced plans for a revolutionary ‘flying taxi’, the VA-1X.

Capable of carrying up to five people (four passengers and a pilot), the VA-1X is set to be the world’s first certified winged all-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and is on course to start commercial flights in 2024. Build will begin shortly, with manufacturing taking place in the UK. It is said that the VA-1X will boast cruise speeds of 150 mph with a useable range of up to 100 miles, meaning passengers could travel from London to Brighton in approximately half an hour, compared to two hours driving, or an hour by train.

The aircraft will bypass road congestion, and will be certified to the same safety standards as commercial airlines. Its eVTOL technology ensures the VA-1X will be completely emission-free.

Vertical Aerospace says its ultimate aim

Hyundai Accent is front liner’s choice

is to make the VA-1X significantly cheaper than helicopter flights, removing one of the major barriers to environmentally friendly air travel. Prices for air taxi services are initially expected to be between a helicopter flight and a private car, and will decrease as adoption grows.

World-class companies are participating in the initiative. These include Honeywell, which is supplying flight controls and control laws, and has signed a letter of intent to provide a vehicle management system for the prototype.

As demand for sustainable travel surges, eVTOL technology has gained rapid momentum, with the autonomous aircraft market predicted to reach $1.5 trillion by 2040 according to findings from Morgan Stanley Research. Since its creation in 2016 by OVO Founder, Stephen Fitz-

Raquel Evaristo gets her dream car and gives it a first-time spin.

patrick, Vertical Aerospace has quickly established itself as a leader in eVTOL technology. It is one of only seven companies in the world to have successfully flown multiple full-scale eVTOL prototypes, undertaking two trials with UK Civil Aviation Authority approval, and is the first company to introduce F1 technology to eVTOL aircraft.

The combination of F1’s pace and agility with aerospace rigour and discipline is central to the company’s vision, with Vertical Aerospace establishing bases in Bristol, one of the top three aerospace hubs in the world, and in the F1 cluster in Oxfordshire. “eVTOL technology will revolutionise travel, combining the safety of commercial airlines with the disruptive environmental and cost benefits of the electrification of flight” said Michael Cervenka, CEO, Vertical Aerospace. “With the launch of the VA-1X, we’re proud to be taking eVTOL one step closer to massmarket adoption, and supporting the next era of aviation. At Vertical Aerospace we believe that people should be able to quickly and affordably get from A to B without sacrificing the planet - with the VA-1X, this vision will start to be realised in under five years.”

“We are proud to be contributing to Vertical Aerospace’s aircraft. The VA1X is a beautiful vehicle and an important technical milestone for the urban air mobility industry,” said Stephane Fymat, Honeywell’s vice president and general manager of urban air mobility and unmanned aerial systems.

THE threat of COVID-19 is not abating any time soon, but she needs to go about her home and professional duties. The pressure is even greater because Raquel Evaristo is a medical social worker in a government hospital in Pampanga.

It was time to get herself an affordable subcompact sedan for her daily drive to and from work. Suddenly, for many like Raquel, a private vehicle has become a necessity.

“Now that more people going out, I want to feel safe when I go (to work or buy essentials), without the risk of getting infected.”

For a newbie to car shopping, she had to get things right. A hefty investment

Geely Coolray sets new record EVEN as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the global automotive market, Geely Philippines has achieved another impressive feat in terms of sales.

Based on CAMPI and AVID July sales data, the Geely Coolray remains a topseller among the 5-seater sub-compact crossovers in July with 292 units sold, beating its own highest sales record in June. The Geely Coolray first earned the top-selling record for its segment in June after it sold 154 units.

Meanwhile, almost a year after Geely’ entered the Philippine automotive market, it has already surpassed its 1,000th Coolray releases mark in July. Last month also had Geely making the top 9 ranking in passenger vehicle sales with a total of 292 sales for a 1.3 percent market share.

Sojitz G Auto Philippines ) President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama said, “This shows that more Filipinos are beginning to trust the Geely brand and what it could offer. The numbers speak for itself. As the Coolray sets good vehicle quality and standards, we are confident that the good market reception that we’re getting for Coolray will also transcend to the other models like the Azkarra and the others that will be introduced after it.”

“Dominating the sub-compact SUV crossover market with a good number of sales amid the crisis is a significant step in gaining more people’s trust in the Geely brand”, Takayama added.

Geely again in the Fortune Global 500 for 9th consecutive year.

Globally, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) has been making its presence felt after being listed once again in the Fortune Global 500 for the 9th consecutive year this 2020. Geely Holding bagged the 243rd spot out of the top 500 corporations worldwide in terms of revenue after reaching a total revenue of US$47.886 billion in 2019.

The key to Geely Holding’s success in globalization has always been “integrated development” which is best showcased by the Group’s acquisition of Volvo in 2010. Over the past decade, the Geely Volvo partnership has gone from being questioned to admired, from being revitalized to becoming a leader. beThe collaboration be tween Geely and Volvo has become a fundamental case study for top business schools around the world including Harvard, CEIBS, Lyon, Peking, Tsinghua, Zhejiang, Fudan, and others.

Caltex raises the bar for two-wheel engine oils ASIA-PACIFIC accounts for 83% of the global two-wheel population, or 524.2 million units. This number is only set to grow, fueled by rising urbanization in growing economies of the APAC region and increasing demand for transport in small cities.

In 2019, the two-wheeler market in the Philippines hit the 8th all-time record in a row and 5th largest in the world.

Against this background, Caltex Havoline, marketed by Chevron Philippines Inc. on Thursday unveiled a new generation of four-stroke motorcycle and scooter engine oils that maximizes engine performance and delivers smooth engine operation on all road conditions.

The new product line for motorcycles

dong Dantes is a motorbike enthusiast.

and scooters includes fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral products formulated with Havoline’s signature C.O.R.E Technology, and ZOOMTECH. All Havoline Super 4T and SuperMatic 4T four-stroke motorcycle and scooter engine oils now come with the upgraded C.O.R.E.+ Technology, Caltex’s most advanced and best-performing formulation.

C.O.R.E.+ Technology is an improvement over the previous C.O.R.E. Technology and further addresses key concerns especially in stressful city traffic conditions.

These engine oils deliver a more enjoyable riding experience with enhanced engine performance and cleaning properties.

Apart from an upgrade in product technology, the entire Havoline Super 4T and SuperMatic 4T range also meets American Petroleum Institute (API) SN, one of the latest specifications in the industry. Previously, Havoline Super 4T semi-synthetic and mineral products were only meeting API SL specifications. Now, meeting API SN specifications ensures that all Havoline Super 4T and SuperMatic 4T fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral engine oils offer increased high temperature deposits protection for pistons, better wear control, and improved sludge control in urban, stop-and-go riding conditions. Most motorcycle and scooter engine oil brands in the region are only offering a mix of API SJ, SL and SN products.

can’t be left to chance. “I did my research.

I considered my budget. Owning a car does not end with the down payment and monthly amortization. It is important to determine the kind of vehicle you need and can afford…. I am careful about online dealings and only transact on reliable sites. Shopping online has empowered customers, providing almost all the information needed by a buyer but it is also a platform for scammers.”

Which was why Raquel was skeptical at first about buying a car online. Sure, she goes online once or twice a month to buy small gift items but… a car? Still, she end-

ed up making a reservation for a Hyundai Accent because she considers Lazada “a fair and reliable site.” She was also in touch with a sales consultant of Hyundai E. Rodriguez who walked her through the benefits of owning an Accent.

“I was told that the Hyundai Accent usually sells fast. I wanted to get the car as soon as I got a bank loan approval and not wait for new units from the manufacturer, so I decided to pay the reservation fee thru Lazada.”

She was looking at other brands but the Accent fit the bill in terms of budget and the features that she wanted from a car: good fuel economy and a standout sporty look.

ROLE MODEL: Movie-TV actor Ding-

Sports

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

D4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

Nike teamed up with ARAL Cru, a local graffiti trio from the community, to dedicate two murals around Metro Manila celebrating Kobe Bryant, his legacy and Mamba Mentality.

Local artists dedicate murals to late Bryant NIKE Philippines honored the legacy of Kobe Bryant (1978–2020) with Mamba Week from August 23 by bringing together athletes, communities, inspiration and innovation which commemorated his enduring legacy and transcendent Mamba Mentality.

In another chapter of the Mamba Week tribute, Nike teamed up with ARAL Cru, a local graffiti trio from the community, to dedicate two murals around Metro Manila celebrating Kobe Bryant, his legacy and Mamba Mentality.

Marking the Black Mamba’s Last Historic Visit (in Araneta City) The first mural that ARAL Cru created directly faces the historic Araneta Coliseum, the venue where Kobe Bryant made his last appearance in Manila.

The portrait of Kobe on the right side of the artwork is derived from a photo of him smiling during his last visit to the coliseum. This mural depicts imagery of fearlessness and focus, and a color scheme that resembles a sunset, which sets a tone of thankfulness for a good Kobe day that had passed.

ARAL Cru relocated to Makati City to paint the second mural a few hours later. Symbolizing the sunrise and the beginning of a new day, this mural uses the same colors as the first but moving towards the opposite direction.

The mural depicts Kobe wearing his two iconic jersey numbers, 8 and 24, shooting crumpled pieces of paper into a trash bin. An optimistic way of showing the moment when we are reminded to be a little better each time the sun rises, just like Kobe. Throughout his career he evolved both as a person and as an athlete, he was always the one you could reliably turn to when the game is on the line.

Changes expected in POC constitution

By Peter Atencio

E

FFORTS to introduce changes in the Philippine Olympic Committee constitution and bylaws are making progress.

An age limit of 78 has been imposed for leaders of national sports associations running for elective positions.

Board members who are elected will be limited to just two straight terms.

After that, anyone running for a post can do so after resting for one, 4-year Olympic cycle.

The alterations in the charter will take effect in the coming November elections.

All these after expected to be implemented in three months' time after the executive board of the POC came to an agreement during a virtual meeting last Wednesday.

More amendments are expected to be finalized following another executive board meeting in the first week of September.

The board is still discussing if leaders of non-Olympic sports bodies and are regular board members can join the executive board.

They are still resolving issues concerning heads of non-Olympic sports organizations if they can also be allowed to seek the POC presidency or any position in the board.

The agreement to make adjustments in the POC canon came a month after key amendments on age eligibility and term limits came under strong opposition.

The committee, which forwarded proposals for change, was chaired by Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines president Ricky Vargas.

Still unresolved is the proposal to remove the position of chairman.

This Saturday, the revisions done won't be part of the agenda of a scheduled virtual meeting of the POC General Assembly.

The GA will tackle the membership status of karatedo and dancesports in the Philippine Olympic Committee this month.

Recent change in the leadership of karatedo, and the introduction of break dancing in the Tokyo Olympics will be discussed.

Karate Pilipinas, through its president Richard Lim, is set to take the place of the Philippine Karatedo Federation as the recognized regular member.

This will be done after Karate Pilipinas got the recognition of the international federation.

The PKF lost recognition of the POC after cases of malversation were filed against its leaders back in 2018, and a new body eventually took over in handling the situation concerning the national team and its affair.

ARTIFICIAL FANS. A general view of artificial fans is shown during the fifth inning of the second game of a double header between the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. Several sporting leagues across the nation are resuming their schedules after player walkouts done in protest over the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police. AFP

Gello-ani: Gibbons is rightful Casimero handler

WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero (left) with MP Promotions' president Sean Gibbons.

PROMOTER and manager Sammy Gello-ani insists that MP Promotions is the only rightful authority to handle the career of reigning World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero.

Although he has stopped promoting and managing boxers for the past two years, Gello-ani said that he still has a promotional contract with Casimero, but he gave MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons the blanket authority to negotiate and work for him.

Gello-Ani also downplayed the legal claim of Fil-Am Morris East as Casimero’s rightful manager, saying that when he signed up the Ormoc City native two years ago for a managerial contract, he did not have a managerial or a promoter license during that time.

“In reality and legality, Sean (Gibbons) as MP [Promotions] President is the only authorized person to handle Casimero, because I gave them the full authority.

They are the only entity that I authorized. I gave them

Casimero because I wanted him to be active,” said Gello-ani.

Gello-ani of SGG Sports and Promotions Services has been promoting Casimero since 2009.

East has a standing lawsuit early this year against Casimero for a breach of contract and Gibbons and MP Promotions of Senator Manny Pacquiao for interfering into a live contract. But Gello-ani believes that East’s lawsuit filed at the Clark County Court in Las Vegas will not prosper.

“He (East) misrepresented himself by signing Casimero into a managerial contract, when he wasn’t a legitimate manager but a trainer during that time. He did not have a license. At the same time, I just found out that he had been luring Casimero to sign with new promoter Greg Cohen,” he explained.

Casimero did not sign the Greg Cohen promotional contract, according to Gello-ani.

Growling Tigers back in Manila MEMBERS of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers have returned to Manila after allegedly undergoing months of training in Sorsogon.

They arrived in Manila just as university officials wrapped up their internal probe amidst allegations that members of the men's varsity basketball team were not properly nourished in Sorsogon.

The reported training camp, known as the “Sorsogon bubble,” has been stopped a week after former Growling Tigers' team captain CJ Cansino was taken off the team.

Cansino eventually transferred to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons' side.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines executive director Rebo Saguisag said the results of the investigation are now in the hands of the UST Rector's Office.

“A member of the committee will be asked to submit the report and attend a meeting with the Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Health and Games and Amusement Board,” said Saguisag following an interview with the Manila Standard.

UST coach Aldin Ayo has instructed members of the team to pack up last Tuesday, according to sources.

Concerns were raised by members of the team about the training camp's food qualify. There were also reports that some players got sick at the time as mentioned by ex-team member Cansino, Brent Paraiso, Bismarck Lina, and Ira Bataller in their recent posts on social media.

“The UAAP is committed to protecting the health and safety of each of its student-athletes. We firmly adhere to government policies and directives that require our collective commitment to manage the challenges of the pandemic. We have reminded our members regarding the proper conduct of sports activities at this time,” added Saguisag.

Officials of National University have also been invited to the meeting, over allegations that its women's volleyball team also went into a training bubble in Calamba, Laguna recently.

Peter Atencio

Cone shares philosophies in webinar COACHES are accountable to the well-being of their teams and must be encouraging and motivating to their players.

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said this after sharing his philosophies coaching winning teams during a webinar hosted by insurance company Manulife last Wednesday "As a coach, I am accountable to all that happens in my team. My role is to make sure that I am clear about our goals and help my players build habits to achieve these,” said Cone.

Speaking from the experience he gained from coaching numerous Philippine Basketball Association teams, Cone was one of the main speakers in the webinar entitled,“The Champion Within.”

The webinar was to held to inspire Filipinos in having a winning mindset amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assistant coach Richard del Rosario and LA Tenorio, the Gin Kings' point guard, joined Cone in the session.

Cone, who has been involved in 22 title wins in the PBA since 1989, said that leadership needs to develop a “never die spirit,” “Leaders need to learn to encourage themselves and the people around them to stay motivated, be consistent, and develop that ‘never say die’ spirit to achieve their goals," stated Cone.

On the other hand, Del Rosario talked about openness, accepting change that happens along the way.

“Being porous means being open to change and accepting that these changes will enter your life,” said Del Rosario.

Tenorio stressed the importance of teamwork and respecting others.

“As a leader and as a player, it is important to remain humble and see the value of each of our team members, so we can stay focused and motivated on our goals,” said Tenorio.

Melissa Henson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer of Manulife Philippines, said sports can teach people meaningful lessons about dealing with failure and challenges.

Peter Atencio