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NCR in GCQ till Sept. 30

4 other areas in lengthened quarantine status; curfew reset: 10pm - 5am

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 179• 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

By Jimbo Gulle, Othel V. Campos, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Vito Barcelo

ETRO Manila will stay under a General Community Quarantine (GCQ) for the whole of September, but the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recommended placing Iligan City under a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). President Rodrigo Duterte approved the IATF recommendation on Monday night, enforcing a month-long quarantine in the National Capital Region instead of the fortnightly extensions imposed in previous months, in a meeting with members of the task force in Malacanang. The provinces of Bulacan and Batangas and the cities of Next page

PRESIDENT'S RESPECTS. President Rodrigo Duterte kisses the ground (top inset) at Barangay Walled City in Jolo, Sulu, the site of the twin terrorist bombings that claimed 15 lives last week. Duterte also led a candlelighting and an offering of flowers (above inset) on Sunday. Presidential Photos

Du30: Fighting only way to peace in Mindanao Rody names former NBI chief Gierran new PhilHealth prexy

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte admitted Monday that ending the long-running armed conflict in Mindanao, his home region, remains an “impossible dream,” saying that fighting seemed to be the best option to pave the way for peace for now. In a taped speech aired yesterday, Duterte appeared before government troops to honor their comrades who died in the twin blasts that rocked Jolo, Sulu

last week, urging them to “think about peace” even as they continue fighting against terrorists. This developed as an analyst warned that security measures in Zamboanga City must be enhanced following the information that Abu Sayyaf commander Mundi Sawadjaan and other terrorists were "sent out for a mission to sow terror in Zamboanga Peninsula."

The military had tagged Sawadjaan as the brains of the Jolo blasts, carried out by two female suicide bombers who were widows of Abu Sayyaf fighters. "Zamboanga City is under continuing threat, considering it is also composed of a Christian population, which is what the violent extremists of ISIS really want," Dr. Rommel Banlaoi said in a forum Monday. Next page

AFP chief opts for diplomacy in resolving sea claims issue COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM AUGUST 31)

220,819 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

3,466 59,699 NEW

ACTIVE

3,558

157,562

165

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

ARMED Forces Chief Gilbert Gapay said Monday the issues in the West Philippine Sea should be dealt with peacefully. He told reporters that security forces would follow the national government policy of diplomacy despite the increasing tensions in the region. "Maybe people are seeing that we are not very aggressive in claiming what's ours, but it doesn’t mean we’re abandoning our claims. They’re still there, and right now we follow the government policy of diplomacy and settling the issue in a peaceful way," Gapay said. "Perhaps soon we will have the code of conduct being ratified by every member and every claimant in the area, so our 3effort is to maintain our naval presence in the area and monitor those places that have been occupied.” Next page

By Willie Casas and Macon Ramos-Araneta AGHAST at the "sorry state" of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), lawyer Dante Gierran—its new president and chief executive officer—said Monday night he would not back out of a mission to rid the state health in- Dante Gierran

WREATH FOR THE FALLEN. AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay offers flowers at the Libingan ng mga Bayani's Tomb of the Unknown Hero in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City during the celebration of National Heroes' Day on Monday. PNA/Avito Dalan

Duterte hails all frontliners as heroes By Vito Barcelo, Rio N. Araja and Rey E. Requejo

ARTIST'S DEMO. Nick Rodis, the former resident portrait artist of Josephine's Restaurant in Tagaytay City, paints along the Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite on Monday. Rodis, who lost his job due to the coronavirus outbreak last March, hopes to attract work and earn an income to support his family. JR Josue

surer of corruption. That's the mandate Gierran, the former director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), received from President Rodrigo Duterte, who also ordered him to remove all of PhilHealth's regional vice presidents and reshuffle the officials in the scandal-hit agency's regional Next page offices.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte honored all frontliners here and abroad as modern day heroes who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic, as the nation marked National Heroes Day on Monday. “Today, we honor not only the valor of our forebears who fought for our motherland’s freedom but also the heroism of those who risked their lives fighting a different kind of enemy,” the President said.

“Present day challenges posed by the current public health crisis have given rise to modern day heroes: the countless Filipino frontliners here and abroad who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duterte said. He also expressed hope that Filipinos will draw inspiration from the modernday heroes to overcome all challenges that they may face. “I hope that the bravery of our Filipino heroes, past and present, will inspire us all to face and overcome even the most unfavorable situations,” he said. Next page

Five hospitals listed for virus vaccine trials THE Department of Health (DOH) is now eyeing five hospitals for the Phase 3 of the clinical trials of anti-COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by China-based Sinovac Biotech, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Next page Monday.

News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

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Army denies destroying school Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, commanding officer of the Army’s 89th Infantry Battalion, said they had no part in the incident involving a group of armed men who, witnesses said, destroyed an elementary school in Sitio Laburon in Barangay Mapute. The school, the group Save Our Schools Network or SOS said, was owned by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. According to witnesses, the incident

happened around 7:15 a.m. on Aug. 26 as two teachers who were on campus were tending their farm. That was when one of the students alerted them, and the teachers saw the armed men destroying the school buildings and tearing textbooks. “The teachers were about to take photos of the incident when they were threatened by Lito Gambay, who told them to leave as President Duterte would know about this,” SOS said on a Facebook post.

Witnesses said Gambay, a leader of the “bagani” group, was responsible. SOS said Gambay was identified by the tribal community as a member of the paramilitary under the command of the 89IB. Trasmontero said Gambay was not under him and that he did not order the demolition of the school. Gambay, Trasmontero said, was a former New People’s Army fighter who surrendered to his battalion last year. He said Gambay was a member of the “bagani” or tribal warrior tasked to defend his community, but the latter was not under the command of the 89IB. “He [Gambay] is not part of our battalion. He has no 89IB identification card or a gun issued by the Army,” Trasmontero said.

NCR...

He also announced a P1 billion cash aid for the college education of students whose OFW parents either lost their jobs or succumbed to COVID-19. It would give P30,000 each to 33,000 students from OFW families through the Commission on Higher Education. • The President wants Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo "Jagger" Guerrero to be more aggressive in stopping the flow of illegal drugs into the country, urging him to not rely on the "old hands" inside the agency and promising his support. Earlier, the IATF recommended to the President that the quarantine status be lengthened from every two weeks to a month. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the longer period would provide the stability needed to reopen the economy. Since a lockdown was imposed in Luzon in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the President has been announcing quarantine qualifications for different parts of the country every two weeks. If the new recommendation is accepted, this process would happen only every month. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases surged to 220,819 Monday after the Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,446 new infections. This was the sixth consecutive day in which more than 3,000 new cases were reported. The DOH also reported 38 new fatalities, bringing the total death toll due to COVID-19 to 3,558. Health officials reported 165 more recoveries, bringing to 157,562 the number of patients who have recovered from the disease. There were 59,699 active cases in

which patients were being treated or under quarantine. The new cases Monday were based on reports submitted by 97 of the 110 operating testing labs. The Philippines has been logging 2,000 to almost 7,000 additional COVID-19 cases since late July, following the easing of quarantine measures and the gradual opening up of the economy. Lopez said the use of face masks and shields, frequent hand washing, physical distancing and contact tracing would be sustained, regardless of the quarantine level. “We will continue to exercise these precautionary measures until there is a more permanent solution,” he added. In the past, the transition to different levels of quarantine slowed down economic recovery because business operations oscillate every 14 days. Lopez said at present, 75 percent of businesses are open and as other sectors reopen, the figure would go up to 94 percent. Lopez said gyms and personal care centers will be allowed to resume limited operations on Tuesday, Sept. 1, as new community quarantine classifications are set to take effect. Review, testing, and tutorial centers will also be allowed to resume operations in Metro Manila and other general community quarantine (GCQ) areas up to 30 percent capacity, he said. Gyms and internet cafes will work with local government units on the specific guidelines "as to extent of operations and more specific health protocol requirements." None of the 17 mayors of Metro Manila recommended an easing of quarantine restrictions but batted for shorter curfew hours, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Oli-

varez, current chairman of the Metro Manila Mayors' Council. said Monday. From Sept. 1, curfew hours will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., instead of starting at 8 p.m., he said. Lockdowns would be limited to COVID-19-stricken buildings, streets or sitios, instead of entire barangays, he added. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday said strict community quarantine measures cannot be maintained in the long run. “There had been studies, even experts are saying that we cannot maintain these strict quarantine measures being implemented in the country,” Vergeire said in an interview on CNN Philippines. “Our economic managers are already saying if we continue to have these strict community quarantine measures, there would be a lot who are going to be hungry and other diseases will become evident,” she added. Vergeire made the statement when asked about the possibility of having more relaxed quarantine measures in the country starting September. Vergeire said following minimum health standards is still one of the most effective interventions that can prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Saturday also said the Philippines can no longer sustain stricter forms of lockdown as this can have adverse long-term effects on the economy. “We can no longer afford to revert to a higher quarantine status of MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) or ECQ because that will irreversibly injure if not damage the economy beyond repair,” Duque said during the ceremonial launching of “Mask Para sa Masa” initiative in Quezon City.

whose lives were “snuffed out” by the twin blasts, the President said. “If we cannot really agree, then we fight and we fight hard hanggang magkaubusan na (we finish everyone off). Maybe by that time, kung ubos na ang lahat, wala ng giyera (when no one is left, there won’t be war)," the President said. In the meantime, Duterte said the best option they had was to fight. “But if in the God’s time, maybe— kailan ‘yon (when is that)?—we will have a time to talk and to ponder about peace.” The President, who had served as mayor of Davao City—considered the region's premier metropolis—for over two decades, vowed continued support for soldiers/

But also admitted that it would be difficult to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. “I have two years left, I don’t know what I can really do. But you know when you're into fighting there’s really anger. It will be difficult to resolve because there’s bitterness in their hearts," he said. Duterte said it would “take more than a generation” to solve the decades-long insurgency in Mindanao, and expressed hope that future leaders would be able to achieve. “I hope that anyone of my children would become a politician even if he is just a barangay captain that he’d be able also to do something about this problem of the Moro and the Christians,” he said.

The twin bombings will only boost state forces’ resolve to address terrorism in Mindanao, Duterte said. He told government troops that the only way to honor the “ultimate sacrifice” of their fallen comrades is to continue their fight against terrorism. He said the troops should “never be complacent" when it comes to terrorism, even amid the prevailing coronavirus pandemic. “The recent bombings that took the lives of several civilians including those of your fellow soldiers will only further strengthen our resolve to crush the lawless elements behind this cowardly act,” he said. Vito Barcelo

tion; who spoke truth to power and braved death or persecution; who exhibited courage, and in so doing, helped chart our destiny as a people,” she said in a statement. “May the courage of our heroes continue to inspire us, as we once again face difficult times. A relevant and reflective National Heroes Day to everyone,” she said. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Monday extolled the heroism of judges and those in the legal profession who died because they had been faithful to their profession and even as their deaths remain unsolved. Marking the country’s celebration of the National Heroes Day, IBP national president Domingo Egon Cayosa said that while they salute the medical frontline workers who have been working tirelessly and risking their lives throughout the five-month old pandemic, the mandatory lawyers’ organization also wants to give recognition to those in the legal profession who died for upholding the law. With PNA

Rody...

from the NBI, and about a year after he led a team that investigated the state firm's "ghost dialysis" scandal in June 2019. That probe uncovered fraudulent claims made by over 2,000 health providers that cost the government millions of pesos -- even as PhilHealth is currently being grilled by Congress over losing billions of pesos to corruption in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Also a certified public accountant, Gierran was Duterte's first appointee to the NBI and served from 2016 until his retirement from the agency last February. His appointment came just days after the PhilHealth board tabbed Arnel F. De Jesus, its Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as Officer-inCharge to temporarily replace Morales, who revealed he was being treated for cancer. A Davao native like the President, Gierran rose from the ranks at the NBI and also served at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Before joining the government, he was a credit investigator for a bank and a part-time professor at a university, both in Davao City. Gierran earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Mindanao's International Harvardian University, Davao City, in 1993. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao in 1978, and holds some Masters in Business Administration units from the University of Southern Philippines. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee of the Whole's investigation report on alleged PhilHealth anomalies is already being routed among the senators for their signatures, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Monday.

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The military on Sunday denied it had a hand in the destruction of a tribal school in a village in San Fernando town in Bukidnon.

From A1

Tacloban and Bacolod are also under GCQ from Sept. 1 to 30, while the rest of the country will be under Modified GCQ, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in the same meeting televised nationwide. Duterte also introduced the new president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Dante Gierran, who attended the late night meeting just six months after he was plucked from retirement as the director of the National Bureau of Investigation (see story below -Editors). Iligan, the city in Lanao del Norte, saw a 136-percent spike in coronavirus cases over the last two weeks. More than 20 members of its local COVID-19 response team were exposed to persons who tested positive for the deadly disease, as its tally surged to 246 from just 104 cases last Aug. 12. Zamboanga City, like Iligan also in Mindanao, also saw a surge in cases owing to locally-stranded individuals (LSIs) coming home, COVID-19 National Task Force Chief Secretary Carlito Galvez reported. In other developments during the meeting: • Medical frontliners evicted from their homes by fearful landlords or neighbors can call Galvez directly to have them billeted in hotels at the government's expense, the President assured them, while praising them as modern heroes on National Heroes Day. • Duterte lauded the "consistent" effort to bring home overseas Filipino workers displaced by the pandemic, with over 170,000 repatriated as of August.

Du30:... From A1

"There is basis for that anxiety. I think Zamboanga City has to boost its security preparation in order to prevent any untoward incident to happen," he added. On Sunday afternoon, Duterte visited the blast site in Jolo, Sulu, and offered flowers in honor of the slain soldiers. It was the first time he left his hometown of Davao City in a month, in part to isolate himself against the coronavirus pandemic. He was also pictured kneeling and kissing the ground of the blast site to honor the soldiers, police officers, and others

Duterte... From A1

“Together, let us become everyday heroes as we pursue a better future for everyone,” he added. “Th COVID-19 pandemic demands a new kind of expression of heroism from Filipinos—the same kind of selflessness exhibited by Filipino frontliners,” he said. “In honor of our heroes, let us strengthen our resolve in overcoming the challenges ahead guided by the virtues and standards set by the stalwarts of our nation,” Duterte said. Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, called on the Filipino people to fight and “not shrink from struggle or sacrifice.” She also paid tribute to the country’s heroes, including frontliners against the COVID-19 pandemic. “We honor today the many heroes who struggled, fought, sacrificed for our na-

AFP... From A1

Gapay made his statement even as Akbayan Chairman Emeritus Etta Rosales on Monday called on the Duterte administration to disclose and audit all the loan agreements it signed with the Chinese government after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. recommended the termination of the government contracts with the Chinese companies involved in the artificial island building in the West Philippine Sea. "To fully protect our national interest, a comprehensive debt audit of all Chinese loans is necessary to determine if these loan agreements are legitimate and don't carry unjust conditions that could undermine our country's sovereignty, territory,

economy and security," Rosales said. Gapay assured the public that the military was constantly monitoring the disputed areas and securing the Filipinos fishing there. China had earlier urged the Philippines to stop its alleged illegal provocations in the West Philippine Sea. It made the statement after the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against China for its "continuing illicit issuances of radio challenges [against] Philippine aircraft conducting legitimate regular maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea." Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hit back, saying the Chinese forces were the ones making provocations in the resource-rich region, including its illegal occupation of the areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

From A1

"Maghanap tayo ng makulong natin (Let's find someone to throw into prison)," Duterte told Gierran, as he introduced his fellow Davao native to the public through his televised meeting with members of the country's coronavirus task force. Earlier, Gierran himself confirmed to Sunshine Media Network Inc. in a text message that Duterte appointed him to lead the government health firm and succeed former Army general Ricardo Morales, who cited health reasons in quitting amid a congressional probe on PhilHealth. "Corruption is here and there (at PhilHealth). I did not apply for the position, it's a tough job. But just like a good soldier, I'm not one to back out of a mission, and this is a mission," said Gierran in response to the President asking him directly what he would do to corrupt officials of the agency. Senator Christopher Go, Duterte's longtime aide, earlier hinted that the President would appoint a “silent worker” who has zero tolerance against corrupt practices. “He knows accounting. He has experience in investigating. We’re hoping he will exhibit his political will to clean the agency and hold responsible those who have committed violations,” said Go, without revealing Gierran's identity. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who has oversight over PhilHealth as the agency's board chairman, later confirmed Gierran's appointment during the COVID-19 task force meeting. Gierran takes the reins of PhilHealth about six months after he stepped down

He said he had no paramilitary in his area of responsibility, only the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit. He said 89IB had no hand in the demolition of the school buildings since it was initiated by the tribal community themselves. Trasmontero said 89IB had assisted government agencies in building schools for the indigenous communities in at least seven tribal communities in San Fernando and Kitatao towns in Bukidnon. The MISFI schools operating in the area, he said, had already been vacated when the new Education departmentapproved elementary schools were finished, and the students had enrolled in these government-sanctioned learning facilities. Willie Casas

Slight raises, cuts in pump prices today By Alena Mae S. Flores THE country's oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.10 per liter but cut the price of kerosene and diesel by P0.10 per liter effective 6am Tuesday to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market. "Please see fuel price adjustments of Shell effective 6AM, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020. Gasoline, P0.10 per liter increase. Kerosene, P0.10 per liter decrease. Diesel, P0.10 per liter decrease," Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said in its advisory. PTT Philippines, PetroGazz, Cleanfuel and Seaoil Philippines issued separate advisories of their latest oil price adjustments. Over the weekend, Unioil Philippines said consumers can "expect fuel prices to have mix movement" for the week September 1 to September 7. "Diesel should have no price change or could go down by P0.10 per liter. Gasoline should increase by P0.10 per liter," Unioil said. The oil companies also raised the price of gasoline by P0.15 per liter last August 25 but cut the price of diesel and kerosene have decreased by P0.15-P0.20 per liter and P0.20-P0.25 per liter, respectively.

Pay ’bill shock’ and move on, Meralco told By Maricel V. Cruz A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Monday appealed to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) “to set an example for other distribution utilities, behave like a responsible corporate citizen,” and just pay the P19 million “bill shock” penalty earlier imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). “The P19-million fine is really nothing much, considering Meralco’s robust earnings. The action of paying the fine is far more important, because it signifies readiness to comply,” Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said. “In other countries—especially in the United States—private corporations tend to promptly pay regulatory fines or penalties without necessarily acknowledging any wrongdoing,” Pimentel said. “Of course, there are also corporations in America that choose to pay fines right away just to avoid further scrutiny,” he said. The ERC penalized Meralco for neglecting to clearly explain to consumers that their monthly bills during the COVID-19 quarantine period were merely estimated, owing to the power distributor’s inability to send out meter readers.

Five... From A1

Vergeire identified the five proposed sites as the Philippine General Hospita, San Lazaro Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Vicente Sotto Medical Center. Yhe government is in talks with 16 other vaccine manufacturers around the world for access to an anti-COVID-19 vaccine. China has approved Sinovac's coronavirus vaccine candidate CoronaVac for emergency use as part of a program initiated in July to vaccinate high-risk groups such as medical staff, a person familiar with the matter said. Hospitals less congested – DOH The Department of Health (DOH) said it has observed an improvement in the bed occupancy rate in hospitals in Metro Manila, which could mean less congestion in these hospitals. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said hospitals in the Metro Manila were decongesting “gradually” after the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) was imposed from Aug.4 to 18. “As the days go by, as we do our analysis, we can see the effect of the two weeks of MECQ,” she said. Blood in short supply Blood banks, especially in Metro Manila, are experiencing a shortage of blood supply, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday. In a report on “24 Oras Weekend”, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said people were afraid of going to hospitals to donate blood due to the “We have a shortage of blood products, especially within the National Capital Region,” Vergeire said. The DOH is asking for blood products from regions where there were few to no cases of COVID-19. Vergeire assured the public, however, that it was still safe to donate blood he pandemic. Willie Casas

News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Senate mulls ‘designated survivor’ bill

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

TO AVERT a potential constitutional crisis and leadership vacuum, the process to pass a “designated survivor” measure guaranteeing the continuity and stability of operations in government should be started immediately, Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Monday. Lacson said recent events involving “exceptional circumstances” such as terrorism illustrate the need to address soonest the limitations of the 1987 Constitution’s current provision on the line of succession. “Because of the failure of Congress to pass the necessary legislation in extending the line of succession beyond the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a constitutional crisis is possible if all four top elected officials, God forbid, die in one event such as the SONA due to a terrorist attack in the Batasang Pambansa, or any occasion where the President and all three officials in the line of constitutional succession are present,” Lacson said. “If such a tragedy occurs, who will act as President until the next election of the President and Vice President, since the constitutional line of succession to the President stops at the House Speaker?” he added.

Herrera calls for swift okay of ‘21 budget By Maricel V. Cruz and Willie Casas A CONGRESSIONAL leader on Monday urged fellow legislators to support the swift passage of the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021, which is focused on reviving the coronavirus-hit economy. “We need to act fast, scrutinize carefully and make the necessary improvements to what would probably be one of the most important national budgets in the country’s recent history,” Deputy Majority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera said in response to the commitment of the House leadership to pass the money measure on final reading by end of September. Herrera also cited the need for House members to actively participate in the budget deliberations, which will begin on September 4 at the committee level. “Now, more than ever, Congress must diligently, effectively and expeditiously do its most basic job: pass a budget and fund the government,” Herrera said.

TRAPPED. Authorities use a backhoe in the retrieval operations for four men who were trapped after a 60-foot tunnel

collapsed in Sto. Tomas town, Davao del Norte. The four men, three 18 years old and one 23-year old who were believed to be treasure hunting, were trapped underground after the tunnel collapsed Sunday morning. The men trapped in the collapsed tunnel in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte were identified as Kayl Castaneres, 18, Gerick Marquez, 23, Dindo Panares, 18, and Rustom Rancho, 18. They were buried under a 60-foot tunnel after the soil softened and caused it to collapse and are presumed dead, according to Sto. Tomas LGU on Monday. Municipal Gov’t of Sto. Tomas Davao del Norte Facebook

‘ABS’ regional stations shut down A NCHOR Dhobie de Guzman has been the face of a popular news show in the northern Philippines for more than a decade. Now the closure of his regional station—and dozens of others countrywide—has left him out of work.

He is among hundreds of journalists to lose their jobs at ABS-CBN as the broadcasting giant -- a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte -- slashes its operations after advertising revenues were ravaged by the loss of its free-to-air license in May.

The closure of 53 regional television and radio stations that broadcast in six languages will deprive millions of Filipinos of their main source of local news and entertainment. “It’s painful,” de Guzman, 43, told AFP

last Friday after presenting the final “TV Patrol North Luzon” in a studio 240 kilometres (150 miles) from the capital Manila. “You do your job responsibly, you do your share to change the life of ordinary people, then at the end of the day you lose your platform to do that.” Congress last month rejected ABSCBN’s application for a new 25-year franchise and a Supreme Court petition over the issue was dismissed. ABS-CBN, which is owned by the wealthy Lopez family, has broadcast continuously since 1953 except between 1972 and

Bills addressing mental health filed By Maricel V. Cruz

IN BRIEF

Farmers group to supply agri products to hospitals AMID the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, the Department of Agrarian Reform has tapped a farmers’ group to supply agricultural produce to the biggest government hospital in Eastern Visayas. Secretary John Castriciones said the agency has partnered with MAALSADAFarmer Irrigators Service Cooperative, chaired by Reynaldo Peja, in linking the farmers’ organization as the food supplier for Eastern Visayas Medical Center. The farmers would be supplying 150 sacks of milled rice every month and 150 kilos of assorted vegetables daily for the daily meal of the hospital patients. MAALSADA-FISCO would also supply milled rice and vegetables to Schistosomiasis Research Hospital in Palo, and the Department of Health-Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Dulag. Castriciones said another agrarian reform beneficiaries organization in Leyte, the Paglaum Farmers Association (PFA), also benefited from the marketing contract facilitated by DAR under the enhanced partnership against hunger and poverty program of the government. Rio N. Araja

House bill okays Feb. 21 ‘Araw Ng Marinduque’ MARINDQUE Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has welcomed the approval at the committee level of a bill declaring every February 21 as “Araw ng Marinduque,” calling it a recognition of the colorful history of the province and its people. House Bill 6552, which Velasco authored, mandates the commemoration of the founding anniversary of the Province of Mariduque, considered the “Heart of the Philippines” and home of the Moriones festival. The House of Representatives’Committee on Local Government approved the bill last week. Under the bill, Araw ng Marinduque will be a special nonworking holiday in the province to allow the Marinduquenos to celebrate the occasion. Maricel V. Cruz

1986 when it was seized by dictator Ferdinand Marcos -- who Duterte admires. Duterte has a history of clashing with media outlets critical of his policies, including his controversial drug war that has killed thousands of people. While he has denied any involvement in Congress’s decision to reject ABSCBN’s application, he had previously pledged to block its license renewal. In the months since losing its free-toair permit, ABS-CBN has kept showing many of its popular news and drama programs on cable TV and online. AFP

PHOTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES. In this photo taken on August 28, 2020, ABS-CBN employees pose for photographs during their

last day of work at the regional studio in Baguio, north of Manila. The closure of 53 regional television and radio stations that broadcast in six languages will deprive millions of Filipinos of their main source of local news and entertainment. It comes after Congress last month rejected ABS-CBN’s application for a new 25-year franchise and a Supreme Court petition over the issue was dismissed. AFP Photo

Smuggled fake cigarettes seized in Manila, Cebu ports By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Customs seized smuggled counterfeit cigarettes worth at least P157 million in two separate operations in Port of Manila and Port of Subic. The seized fake cigarettes in Manila were found in a 40-footer container which arrived on August 25 and was declared as cable connectors but suspected

to contain undeclared tobacco. The P36 million shipment consigned to Trendlink Home Source, Inc. was physically examined and yielded misdeclaration of goods. Approximately 800 master cases of fake Fortune and Marlboro branded cigarettes were found and seized. District Collector Michael Angelo Vargas ordered the issuance of Warrant of Seizure

The second shipment of smuggled fake cigarettes estimated to be worth P121 million arrived at the Port of Subic last August 22, 2020 from China and Hong Kong and said to contain Frozen Cinnamon Bread, Frozen Pineapple Pocket Bread, Snake and Ladder Board Games, Dominos Board Games and Rubber Strips but found to contain various cigarette brands.

LAWMAKERS on Monday warned the government and their colleagues in Congress against an increase in mental problems among Filipinos due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This as Reps. Alfred Delos Santos of Probinsyano party-list group, Fidel Nograles of Rizal and Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro filed separate measures that will help the public cope with mental health issues. In House Bill 7210, De los Santos seeks to create a national call center for mental health issues as well as deploy mental health workers in every barangay in order to make the services more accessible in the grassroots level across the country. Delos Santos, a deputy majority leader, cited the importance of a nationwide government-run mental health emergency hotline is aimed at providing telephone and mobile numbers which are accessible to the public for immediate assistance and medical intervention. “The proposed measure seeks to further strengthen the Mental Health Act of 2018 and the constitutional provision on the State’s responsibility to ‘protect and promote the right to health of the people’,” said Delos Santos. “It is in furtherance of these policies and commitments that this bill is proposed,” Delos Santos explained. The proposed Accessible Mental Health Services Act, Delos Santos said that a devoted hotline manned by mental health workers should be made available to the public 24/7 nationwide for consultation and emergency psychological response

Bulacan gov contracts coronavirus By Orlan L. Mauricio CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and at least 7 security aides and three others were reported to have tested positive of Covid-19. It was, however, still not known whether the four Capitol employees have been transferred to the quarantine center of the provincial government at the Bulacan Medical Center or were told to go on a self-imposed quarantine in their respective residences. Dr. Joy Gomez, Bulacan provincial health officer, told Manila Standard that the governor is positive asymptomatic, which means that Fernando is not mani-

festing symptoms like cold, coughs or fever. Gomez said Fernando is now on a self-imposed quarantine at the Governor’s Official Residence at the provincial Capitol compound, while his five closein security aides are quarantined at the make-shift isolation rooms at the Governance Center at the back of the Hiyas Pavilion. Gomez added that swab testing for all other staff at the governor’s office including department heads who have been in close contact with Gov. Fernando the last two weeks have already started last Saturday will continue this week based on the contact-tracing that is being done.

NEW RIDES. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, checks the new

motorcycles donated by Shin Lian Association,Inc. to be used by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau enforcers, during a simple turnover ceremony held after the regular Monday flag raising in Manila, on 31 August 2020. Norman Cruz

W p fo T T it m ti

o p st

LGUs

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Binan holds ceremonial flag burning BINAN City, Laguna – Mayor Arman Dimaguila paid tribute to the new heroes of the country – the doctors and nurses and others on the frontlines fighting the pandemic – which has heavily impacted on the domestic economy and infected and killed thousands nationwide. His call coincided with the ceremonial burning of the old and faded Philippine flag during the celebration of national Heroes Day – seen as the first local flag burning ceremony. According to Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, “a flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration.” Dimaguila said: “Thank you so FLAG BURNING. Binan City Mayor Arman Dimaguila (center), with City Councilors and DILG Representatives, officer Bj Tandingco Borja of the Binan City Culture History Arts & Tourism much for joining us this morning es- Office, and Miss Binan 2019 Aubrey Ambas (left) during the ceremonial burning of the faded and old tricolors in Celebration of National Heroes Day. Roy Tomandao pecially for all those with us on Facebook Live,and media friends. “Let us continue to remember our heroes, let us continue to be proud of our country. Today there are new heroes there are the front liners now to serve the country to fight the corona virus. The event was graced by a brass band which played the requiem “Inang Bayan” as the flag bearers entered, with Miss Binan 2019 Aubrey Ambas. The burnt flag was buried in front of the old town hall. Roy Tomandao By Macon Ramos-Araneta

BOC Subic foils smuggle of cigarettes THE Bureau of Customs Port of Subic intercepted on August 22 4x40’ containers of cigarettes estimated to be worth P121 million in market value. The 4x40’ containers arrived at the Port of Subic last August 22 from China and Hong Kong and said to contain Frozen Cinnamon Bread, Frozen Pineapple Pocket Bread, Snake and Ladder Board Games, Dominos Board Games and Rubber Strips but found to contain various cigarette brands. According to District Collector Marites Martin, this latest apprehension of the Port of Subic was the result of the continuous intelligence and investigative work of the Port. “Also, adopting and catching up to the modus operandi of unscrupulous stakeholders played a big role in this apprehension for this is the first time that the BOC has seized cigarettes concealed in a refrigerated container van,” Martin explained. It is popularly known that cigarettes cannot be stored in high moisture containers like reefer vans, yet the smugglers found their means on how to use this kind of transportation. A 100 percent physical examination is still being conducted by the assigned Customs Examiner to identify if there are other items concealed in the said shipments, the Port of Subic said in a statement.

Makati renews call to heed health rules

By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Makati City government has reminded business establishments and residents of the health and safety protocols being enforced in the city to help the national government in its campaign to stop the spread of coronavirus disease in the country. “Makatizens, as well as workers and visitors, are required to wear face masks or other protective gear while outdoors since the city is dealing with a public health emergency,” the city’s public information office stated in its advisory Monday. Under City Ordinance 2020-089, residents, workers, and visitors may also use protective equipment such as face shields, ear-loop masks, cloth masks, handkerchiefs, scarfs, indigenous, reusable or do-

it-yourself masks and other similar gear to protect the wearer and to prevent the spread of infection or illness. As of Sunday, the Makati Health Department recorded 1,234 active COVID-19 cases 2,196 recoveries. The department listed a total of 3,584 cases. Mayor Abigail Binay asked residents to stay at home and follow the health and safety protocols. The city government also reminded

that all persons living and working in Makati are prohibited from spreading false information or the identity of individuals who are infected, under investigation or monitoring due to an infectious or communicable disease in traditional and digital media. City ordinance 2020-087 also did not allow imposing restrictions on housing or lodging such as unilateral termination of lease contracts and forced ejectment. It also prohibited rejecting job applications, terminating, or imposing discriminatory policies in hiring, provision of employment, and other related benefits, promotion or assignment of an individual even though such he or she obtained clearance of being physically fit to work from health officials.

CONTRABAND SEIZED.

The Bureau of Customs Port of Subic intercepted on August 22 4x40’ containers of cigarettes estimated to be worth P121 million in market value. According to District Collector Marites Martin, this latest apprehension of the Port of Subic was the result of the continuous intelligence and investigative work of the Port.

Pandemic doesn’t deter Taguig from holding Youth Convention By Joel E. Zurbano THE COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the city government of Taguig from holding its traditional Youth Convention. “Over the pandemic, we’ve pushed ourselves to explore possibilities in the new normal scenario. This annual convention going to the virtual world is us pushing the envelope once more, for the

welfare of a sector that has always been dear to Taguig,” said Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano. This year’s YouthCon themed ‘Youth Engagement for Global Action” was completely held online between August 24 and 29 and was participated in by celebrities, influencers and political leaders. “Last year’s Youthcon was a success we were determined to continue even

when most cancelled or did not celebrate the youth week. In this trailblazing event, Taguig organized a massive digital youth convention. It is an expressions of the city’s inclusive governance – a leadership that listens to, cares for and trains young people,” said Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation chair Beng Maximo. On the first day of the event, the SK

leaders launched the “Infodemic” campaign, which raised media literacy in response to the proliferation of mis- and disinformation during the pandemic. Team Ebs duo Angel Yap and Flow G led the Vlogging 101 webinar on August 25. The next day, athlete Rachel Daquis discussed fitness and confidence. Lazada’s Petrus Carbonell followed with a discussion on e-commerce.

DOH-QC telemedicine online By Willie Casas and Rio N Araja

BATANGAS ECO-HUB. Starboard Foundation Inc. Chief Executive Officer Manuel Gorobat Jr. leads the opening of the first ‘Barter Store and Recycling Eco-Hub’ in Mabini, Batangas. Other attendees were Municipal Administrator Jinky Luisto and Barangay Captain Arnel Matuloy. The “May Balik sa Plastic” hub aims to give grocery items to their constituents, fisherman in exchange for plastic waste that will be recycled and turned into hollow blocks brick. The first Eco-Hub was put up in Barangay Talaga East. Norman Cruz

THE Department of Health partnered with the Quezon City government to deploy the country’s first end-to-end telemedicine project, which will strengthen the local government units’ ability to provide patients access to medical consultation. Quezon City is the first LGU in NCR and CALABARZON to roll out telemedicine that connects to the national COVID-19 surveillance system. The telemedicine project seeks to bolster the provision of primary care services to not only give patients quicker and more efficient access to medical consultation, but also to allow secondary and tertiary health care providers to focus on more serious cases that only

they are capable of addressing. The DOH sees telemedicine as an enabler for health facility referral where patients no longer need to transfer from one health facility to another due to unavailability of doctors or services. Once a doctor sees the patient via telemedicine, the patient’s data is stored in an electronic medical record capable of transmitting the information to other facilities. “We are deploying this telemedicine project (to) one LGU at a time to support their delivery of primary care services, and we enjoin more LGUs to adopt this program so we can have a nationwide end-to-end system,” said Director Enrique Tayag of the DOH Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service.

Bichara lauds Villar agri aid to Albayanos

ALBAY Gov. Al Francis Bichara recognized Sen. Cynthia Villar’s contribution to the province’s agricultural development which helped improved the lives of the Albayano food producers through entrepreneurship and farm enterprise capacity-building. “Today, many people have labelled the last three years 2017-2019 the start of the agricultural transformation of Albay. This is partly because of Villar’s strong passion and determination which revolutionized agricultural development and improved the farmers and fisherfolks’ way of life,” stressed Bichara. In 2017, Bichara said Villar brought him along with other government officials to tour the best and most modern and state-of-the-art agricultural farm technologies in Israel. Bichara said the trip inspired him “to innovate and adapt, to think global yet local.” He said Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village Farm Schools and Assessment Center in Camalig, Albay was patterned after Israeli ingenuity but Filipino designed.

IN BRIEF

Sorsogon’s baywalk open to motorists THE Department of Public Works and Highways said the Sorsogon City’s baywalk in Barangay Balogo, was now open to motorists which would provide road travellers a pleasant view of the Sorsogon coastline. Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the 5.52-km long four-lane Sorsogon City Coastal Road might be considered among the grandest “Build, Build, Build” projects in Bicol Region undertaken by DPWH Regional Office 5 and Sorsogon First District Engineering Office. Senior Undersecretary for Luzon Operations Rafael Yabut said that other than decongesting the heavy traffic in the main thoroughfare of Sorsogon City, this road was built to provide protection to the surrounding areas from storm surge especially that Bicol Region is among the most frequent path of typhoons entering the Philippine area of responsibility. Vito Barcelo

Manila launches E-skwela Hub THE Manila City government on Monday led the launch of an “E-skwela Hub” at Barangay 585 to assist students, teachers and parents cope with the blended distance learning mode amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was created in partnership with Frontrow Philippines, Barangay 585 and Ang Probinsyano Partylist. Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said the e-learning hub was opened to promote quality and accessible education as the city’s public education system had shifted to the blended system learning while face-to-face classes remained prohibited. As part of its public health protocols, the government halted all face-to-face classes to protect educational institutions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Willie Casas

Opinion The future of sustainable energy

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

EDITORIAL

law. She is right. It is also bad policy in terms of its outcomes on energy development, consumer rights, competition, and foreign direct investment outcomes. According to Elamparo, and I also echo her on this, “If the MORE position is affirmed by the courts, it will be followed by others who are not THE purpose of expropriation, like its qualified and are not deserving to be grantcounterparts police power and power of ed a franchise by Congress. A company taxation, is to serve the public interest and with zero experience and capabilities and promote public welfare. Eminent domain just wants to make money will just look for is important to public utility franchises, a franchise that is about to expire, and then for example broadcast companies, tele- lobby to be given the right to take over the communication, or energy companies, that franchisee’s assets as well as its franchise need land to build facilities that would be rights.” good for the public. Such power is usually As reported by Alithea De Jesus of Philnot given to authorize companies to take ippine Business and News, the KBK comover existing facilities, as that would be plained about the performance of MORE in anti-competitive as well as a violation of delivering electricity to Iloilo. According the constitutional right of the company that to Allen Aquino, KBK coordinator, “Iloilo owns the said facilihas suffered more than ties. And of course, 400 hours of a power the expectation is failure that plunged This is just the tip of us into darkness since that expropriation is the last resort and February up to June. the iceberg. that there must be a Very recently, another serious attempt to series of brownouts, negotiate mutually lasting a total of 678 acceptable terms. minutes from August 7-11 alone, plunged It is in this context that one can under- our city into darkness yet again.” KBK stand the controversy between MORE Chairman Ruperto Supena questioned Electric and Power Corporation (MORE) MORE’s billing system: “MORE should and Panay Electric Company (PECO) that have been conducting the necessary proI have written about previously. I have fol- cesses that would have caused systems loss lowed this dispute because of its enormous reduction such as systems review and evalsignificance to the jurisprudence on the uation, system load balancing, managepower of eminent domain, the limits on the ment of thermal scanning, and equipment terms of franchises granted by Congress load, among others. Instead, what we are which should be consistent with constitu- experiencing are overbilling that charge an tional rights, and its practical implications unjustifiable increase of almost double the on public utilities. ERC-approved systems loss.” One must understand that this is a battle On my part, in the same press conferis between a veteran with no franchise but ence, I attributed the power failures and with all its power facilities and assets al- overbilling to Congress granting a franready in place and ready for use as against chise to a company that has no experience an upstart with a franchise. Should MORE in delivering electricity and in including be allowed to expropriate assets of PECO unconstitutional terms in that franchise. which are already used for public purpose? That is what created the problem for Iloilo. Will the taking by MORE redound to pubI pointed out that similar takeovers by lic or private benefit? unqualified, inexperienced companies of In addition, where the expropriation is franchises and enterprises in other indusexercised for the benefit of a private indi- tries—and not just power—can prove disvidual or private entity, it will be at war astrous to the nation. If companies can get with the constitutional mandate for public Congress to grant them a franchise, and exuse. The practical reason behind the pro- propriate competitors’ facilities and equipscription of taking for private benefit is ment, without building their own—-that because a private beneficiary has a more would allow monopolistic behavior and powerful incentive to concentrate benefit allow control of vital economic sectors to or private aggrandizement and subvert the a few conglomerates or families. This will eminent domain process which may not be make the situation for investors, especially the case where the taking is primarily for in the utilities industry like water and powthe general public. er, uncertain. In a virtual press conference held last I fear that the MORE-PECO fight is just August 22 by Koalisyon Bantay Kuryente the tip of the iceberg and the next targets (KBK), a consumer advocacy group in Il- will be electricity cooperatives and other oilo, PECO’s legal counsel Atty. Estrella politically vulnerable franchises. What is Elamparo asserted that MORE’s hostile at stake is the future of sustainable energy takeover of PECO’s assets is unconstitu- in our islands. tional and illegal for violating the constitutional rights of the latter not to be deprived Website: tonylavina.com Facebook: of their property without due process of deantonylavs Twitter: tonylavs

EVERYMAN

Making a killing By JV Arcena

Adelle Chua, Editor

so-called PhilHealth “mafia” stole the funds through fraudulent schemes such as the Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM). CORRUPTION within the bureaucracy has Keith likened the massive anomalous transbeen a scourge that all past presidents had to actions in the agency to a pandemic, calling battle with—some winning more than the it the “crime of the year.” And this was just others, but none emerging truly victorious. It in 2019 alone. remains a social menace that President RodIn fact, in June last year, no less than Presirigo Duterte has been trying to address since dent Duterte disclosed in a public address that Day One of his administration, and will con- the insurance company lost as much as P154 tinue to be a headache for future leaders long billion over the years to various types of fraud, after the next presidential elections in 2022. including reimbursements for ghost dialysis paCorruption is not a novel disease, unlike tients, overpayments, and upcasing. the coronavirus that is besetting the country. “For the sheer amount that was lost, I have It is a deeply-rooted sickness, the systemic to reorganize your entity, change maybe all kind, such that, without fail, politicians run of you and install a more (efficient) systems on an anti-corruption platform every three of accounting and accountability,” the Presyears—either trying to make a genuine im- ident said. “As of last count, it (losses) was pact or trying to make their bank accounts all about 154 something, if I’m not mistaken, the fatter. billion.” But perhaps Back then, the Presthere is no worse ident said PhilHealth Let the chips fall form of corruption probably needs a “miliwhere they may, than one that feeds tary man” to cleanse its off public funds ranks. regardless of political for health servicPresident Duterte said color or affiliation. es, and especially he “does not have the at a time when slightest doubt about the the government integrity and honesty” of is scrambling for then PhilHealth CEO Roy every available peso to sustain its COVID-19 Ferrer, but eventually replaced the latter with response and recovery program. Morales, a retired Army general, a few days afThe allegations of corruption hounding ter disclosing the massive losses of the agency. the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. are That there are questionable transactions damning, to say the least. No less than its re- in PhilHealth is nothing new. But that these signed CEO, Ricardo Morales, admitted dur- anomalies would continue even during the ing a Senate hearing that about P10.2 billion pandemic is truly one for the books. of the state insurer’s budget were “potentially According to the House Committees on lost” to fraudulent transactions and schemes Public Accounts and on Good Government, in 2019. there were irregularities in the distribution of Resigned anti-fraud officer Thorsson at least P14 billion in IRM funds to hospitals Keith put the figure at P15 billion. He said the and clinics dealing with COVID-19 patients

Show some spine

HOULD a person do business with a company that helps a third party encroach on his or her property? If a farmer found that on the fringes of his property, a neighbor had built a wall to lay claim to land that was not his, would it make sense for the farmer to do business with the company that built that wall?

enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels,” it said. President Rodrigo Duterte, who came to power shortly before the decision was released, has chosen to shelve the tribunal’s decision in favor of friendlier ties to—and more investments from—China. He said this pivot toward Beijing was a part of his new

Anger at Chinese incursions into our territory should not be seen as a proWashington stance.

The answers to these questions seem self-evident. Yet, there is still disagreement when applied to our foreign policy. The neighbor in question, of course, is China, our giant neighbor to the north, and the property in question are areas of the West Philippine Sea that clearly belong to us. We are not the only ones saying this. The Permanent Court of Arbitration, a United Nations tribunal, said as much in 2016. In that landmark decision, the tribunal clearly stated that China had violated Philippine sovereign rights. “Having found that certain areas are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, the tribunal found that China had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone by (a) interfering with Philippine fishing and petroleum exploration, (b) constructing artificial islands and (c) failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone,” the tribunal statement said. “The tribunal further held that Chinese law

“independent” foreign policy that moved the Philippines out of its diplomatic lockstep with Washington. But how has this “independence” paid off for Filipinos? Chinese investments have most prominently been in real estate and online gambling, neither of which has benefited low-income or middle-class Filipinos. For example, Chinese real estate investments have taken away office spaces from the business process outsourcing or BPO sector, which took 65 percent of office space in Manila in 2016. When Chinese investors started buying up these spaces the following year, the BPO share shrank to 39 percent. Unlike BPOs, which provide jobs to the English-speaking Filipino workforce, the Chinese online gambling companies do not

generate the same kind of employment for Filipinos. These companies import Mandarin-speaking Chinese back-office workers to cater to offshore Chinese clientele. Some Filipino women find employment hosting gambling tables and Filipino companies also provide third-party cleaning or other maintenance service to these offices, but that’s about it. As of March this year, some 80 percent of workers in these online gambling outfits were Chinese nationals. In the meantime, the Chinese have continued to encroach on territories that we own, building artificial islands and installing surface-to-air missiles on them, breaking their own commitment not to militarize the South China Sea. Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin now recommends that we cancel contracts with Chinese companies that have helped in this buildup. It is a reasonable suggestion, and one that has won over some members of Congress. Still, others say this goes against the President’s stated independent foreign policy and accuse Locsin of being in bed with the Americans. One pro-administration senator has, in fact, urged caution, saying we should “just put up with China’s activities for now until we have other solutions.” But anger at Chinese incursions into our territory should not be seen as a pro-Washington stance, simply because the occupant of the White House happens to be at odds with Beijing. To paint with this “amboy” brush is an intellectually lazy way to dismiss the valid arguments that Locsin brings to the table. Being “independent” should never come to mean “spineless.”

Noriega NO, THIS piece isn’t about the notorious Panamanian dictator whose country was invaded in 1989 by the U.S. just to kick him out of power and jail him for various offenses. We’re writing here instead about the much more benign, but infinitely more talented, Bienvenido “Boy” Noriega. Boy was a veritable Renaissance man whose 26th death anniversary is being observed this month, even as he’s also being nominated to be the country’s newest National Artist in the field of theater. The National Artist awards were established in 1972 to honor the country’s best and brightest across different areas of artistic endeavor, from music to film to literature. Today they’re jointly administered by the Cultural Center and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The very first National Artist was no less than the painter Fernando Amorsolo. Since that time, the awardees in Noriega’s field of Theatre alone have included such luminaries as Lamberto Avellana, “Atang” de la Rama, Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero, Rolando Tinio, and Amelia Lapena Bonifacio. It’s the kind of distinguished company that I think Boy would fit right into, having been lauded on several occasions as “the best playwright of his generation.” But let me talk first about his non-artistic achievements, which frame a compelling study of contrasts in this multi-talented man. *** Born in 1952 in Isabela, Boy Noriega was an academic over-achiever right from the get-go. He completed his AB Economics in UP in only three years, graduating at the top of his class. He finished his master’s degree there two years later, again at the top. While at UP, he was elected to the Student Council and edited the “Philippinensian,” in those days the annual yearbook of new graduates. From there, Noriega took his MPA degree at Harvard University’s Kennedy as of May. PhilHealth allegedly released funds even to healthcare institutions that did not handle coronavirus cases, such as maternity and dialysis centers. Of the total amount released, only P1 billion has been accounted for. The President has since formed a task force to get to the bottom of PhilHealth’s massive web of corruption. He has empowered the task force to conduct lifestyle checks on key personnel and officials, as well as file administrative and anti-graft cases and order preventive suspension as may be warranted. “I will end you, believe me... If you managed to give other presidents the slip, under my administration I will run you aground,” President Duterte said. Let the chips fall where they may, regardless of the political color or affiliation of the neck that needs to be severed. Stealing public funds, especially public funds for health services, with impunity should be the exception

School (again at the top of his class), followed by an executive MBA at Columbia. Perhaps unknown to others, though, Boy also audited classes in modern drama, Shakespeare, comedy and film theory at those schools. As a trained economist, Noriega spent his entire career as a government technocrat. He was appointed a NEDA director at the age of 21—the youngest ever—where he managed their policy and coordination staff from 19711981. From there he moved to PNB, where

He is being nominated to be the country’s newest National Artist in the field of theater. he served as an EVP—again the youngest ever—responsible for corporate services. He was also president of PNB Investments and a director of PNB Securities. Of course, you don’t get to be nominated as National Artist for your skill in pushing numbers. Boy also led a double life, as an acclaimed playwright who sought—according to the Tanglaw ng Lahi award that he posthumously received from Ateneo de Manila—“to put form to the Filipinos’ search for a sense of place in his works”. *** Over a relatively short period of two decades, Boy produced a body of work that received nearly two dozen major writing awards, including six from the Cultural Center, 13 Carlos Palanca awards for literature, four National Book awards from the Manila Critics Circle, and one each from PETA, ECP, and Palihang Aurelio Tolentino. Posthumously, aside from Ateneo’s Tanglaw ng Lahi in 1995, Boy was also awarded the Centennial Honors for the Arts in Theatre from the Cultural Center and the Philippine Centennial Commission in 1999. He also put in time on the teaching faculties of Ateneo, UP, De la Salle, Assumption, and UE. and not the norm. According to Morales, who has since resigned for health reasons, not even Superman could solve the systemic corruption in PhilHealth. The reverse is also true. It does not take super villains to be corrupt. All it takes are greedy ordinary people willing to bleed public coffers dry and make a killing in the midst of a health crisis, and the complicit silence of good men and women who choose to look the other way. V Arcena is the Assistant Secretary for Global Media and Public Affairs of PCOO. Prior to joining the Philippine government, he previously worked for the U.S. Department of State’s Asia-Pacific Regional Media Hub. A former journalist and Palace reporter of TV5, JV covered politics, elections, global and regional issues, calamities, the judiciary, among others.

“Boy Noriega, the finest playwright of his generation.”

According to the Ateneo award, “by presenting characters who are out of place and at the same time, refusing an easy way out for their dilemma, Noriega ennobles the plight and struggle of the Filipino”. “He takes an insider’s point of view to depict outsiders’ lives, and thus is able to confront, even satirize, every facet of Filipino life without despair nor disdain… This creative freedom, far from simple experimentation, was based on his insight into the dynamics of insider and outsider; it enabled him to use styles and techniques wherever he found them without being afraid of being derivative. He always knew where he was writing from.” According to the late UP Dean Rogelio Sicat in 1995, Noriega was, quite simply, “the best Filipino playwright today as evidenced by his output, books published, national awards, stagings in prestigious venues (including presentations abroad) and consistent recognition by peers and critics….In Noriega, Filipino playwriting finally hurdled being tentative to become the full-blown and lively genre that it is now.” *** Yesterday we celebrated National Heroes Day, when we recognize all those figures from our past in whom we find the fullest flowering of what is best in our race— courage, love of country, self-sacrifice. It’s a pantheon where Boy Noriega—who died of cancer at the young age of 42—would, again, be not at all out of place. Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

CESAR BARRIQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Trump hails Abe as best-ever Japan PM WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised outgoing Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as Japan’s best head of government ever. In a late night tweet Trump said he had just spoken with Abe, who is resigning for health reasons. “Shinzo will soon be recognized as the greatest Prime Minister in the history of Japan, whose relationship with the USA is the best it has ever been. Special man,” Trump tweeted. Abe announced last week he was ending his record-breaking tenure, kicking off a leadership race in the world’s thirdlargest economy. He said he was 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. He and Trump have met several times during the US president’s term, and staffers have hailed the “unprecedented” relationship between Trump and his “golf buddy.” Trump announced in September last year that the two allies had taken a major step towards sealing a new trade deal, after a year of negotiations between the global economic powers. AFP

Lebanon to decide on prime minister BEIRUT—Lebanon was to start consultations Monday to name a new premier, with the envoy to Berlin emerging as a front-runner, as French President Emmanuel Macron was to visit the disaster-hit country. Adib, a relatively unknown 48-yearold diplomat and close aide to former prime minister Najib Mikati, has received backing from the country’s Sunni Muslim political heavyweights, including the Future Movement party headed by former premier Saad Hariri. Adib still needs to be formally endorsed during Monday’s consultations, but President Michel Aoun and Lebanon’s Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement have both vowed to agree on any nominee supported by the country’s top Sunni political ﬁgures. Under multi-confessional Lebanon’s political system, the premier must be a Sunni, the presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian and the post of parliamentary speaker goes to a Shiite. Consultations to name a new prime minister were set to start at 0600 GMT in the presidential palace in Baabda near Beirut, with a meeting between the president and former premier Mikati, who was expected to name Adib. AFP

First Israel-UAE direct flight takes off TEL AVIV—The ﬁrst direct commercial ﬂight from Israel to the United Arab Emirates took off Monday from Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, AFP journalists on the ground reported. Flight 971 of Israel’s national carrier El Al was carrying a joint US-Israeli delegation led on the American side by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s sonin-law and White House advisor. It was due to land Monday afternoon in Abu Dhabi, marking the Israel-UAE agreement to normalise ties. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

NO TO VACCINE. Hundreds of people of mixed political views, religions and cultures protest a mandate from the Massachusetts Governor requiring all children, age K-12, to receive an influenza (flu) vaccine/shot to attend school for the 2020/2021 year outside the Massachusetts State House in Boston on August 30. AFP

US nears 6 million cases, but people protest ‘shots’ W ASHINGTON―The United States neared six million coronavirus cases on Sunday, nearly a quarter of the planet’s total, as nations around the world battle to contain the raging pandemic.

However, hundreds of people demonstrated Sunday in the US city of Boston against a new state rule mandating flu shots for students, a measure intended to ease the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The northeastern state of Massachusetts became on August 19 the first in the United States to add seasonal flu shots to a list of mandatory vaccines for students, though exemptions are granted for religious or health reasons. Around 70 percent of the state’s school districts plan to bring students back at least partially in the fall, months after classrooms were shuttered due to the pandemic. Demonstrators opposed to the new rule, who gathered peacefully Sunday outside the State House, denounced what they called an assault on their individual rights.

four million, the tracker said. The virus has hobbled the US economy, the world’s largest, and cast a shadow over President Donald Trump’s once-promising re-election prospects. As Trump faces enormous pressure to curb the contagion, the head of the US The protesters included many parents Food and Drug Administration, Stephen with their children, and representatives Hahn, raised the possibility that a stillof paramedical professions such as Carla elusive vaccine might be given emergency Leclerc, a chiropractor. approval before the end of trials designed Global coronavirus infections soared to ensure its safety and effectiveness. past 25 million, as countries tightened The virus has proven a tenacious foe restrictions to halt the health crisis that even in nations such as New Zealand has upended life for most of humanity. and South Korea, which had previously A million additional cases have been brought their outbreaks largely under condetected globally roughly every four days trol but are now battling new clusters of since mid-July, according to an AFP tally, infections. with India on Sunday setting the record On the other side of the world, Latin for the highest single-day rise in cases America—the worst-hit region—is still with 78,761. struggling with its ﬁrst wave, with CoThe world’s hardest hit country, the vid-19 deaths in Brazil crossing 120,000, United States, had recorded 5.99 mil- second only to the United States. lion cases of infection as of 0030 GMT Nearly 855,000 people have died of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins Covid-19 globally, and with no vaccine or University’s tracker. And the death toll effective treatment available yet, governis just over 183,000. ments have been forced to resort to some The US hit ﬁve million cases three form of social distancing and lockdowns to weeks ago, just 17 days after reaching stop the spread of the virus. AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 225-QUEZON CITY JIMMY BONDOC VIRAY, Petitioner, -versus-

Civil Case No. R-QZN-20-00537 For: Judicial Recognition of Foreign Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage

LYDIA SARIBAY BERZABAL, LOCAL CITY CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY, CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY AND OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, Respondents, x----------------------------------------------------------x

ORDER A verified petition was filed on January 10, 2020 by petitioner through counsel praying that judgment be rendered: 1) granting judicial recognition of the judgment for dissolution of marriage dated February 9, 2017 issued in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division, Illinois, USA in Case No. 2017 D 230037, dissolving the marriage between petitioner Jimmy Bondoc Viray and Lydia Saribay Berzabal; and 2) ordering the Office of the Local Civil Registry of Quezon City, and the Philippine Statistics Authority, to record and register the Decision rendered by the Honorable Court in the proper Books of the Civil Registries and to cancel the registration of the marriage of Jimmy Bondoc Viray and Lydia Saribay Berzabal solemnized on May 2, 2007 in Quezon City.

POLL REJOICING.

Opposition supporters celebrate on the streets after the general elections in Podgorica, early hours on August 31. Montenegro’s ruling party was a hair ahead of the main pro-Serb opposition alliance in a hotlyfought election on August 30 that left both sides without a full majority, a preliminary exit poll showed, portending uncertain coalition talks for the Adriatic nation. AFP

Let copies of this Order be posted by the Branch Sheriff thirty (30) days before the hearing date at the following place at the expense of petitioner. 1. at the main entrance of the City Hall Building Quezon City 2. on the Bulletin Board of the Court, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City 3. at the Barangay Hall of the barangay where the petitioner resided. Let copy of this Order be furnished the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the Consulate General of United States of America, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Philippine Statistics Authority. Further, petitioner through counsel is ordered to furnish respondent Lydia Saribay Berzabal with a copy of this Order together with the petition and its annexes at her given address and to show proof of compliance before the hearing date. SO ORDERED. June 22, 2020, Quezon City, Metro Manila. (Sgd.) MARIA LUISA LESLEG GONZALES-BETIC Presiding Judge

Copy furnished:

Atty. Geraldine Grace F. Tibigar-Rabago – Rm. 207 ACRE Bldg., 137 Malakas St., Quezon City Jimmy Bondoc Viray c/o Atty. Geraldine Grace F. Tibigar-Rabago – Rm. 207 ACRE Bldg., 137 Malakas St., Quezon City Office of the Solicitor General, Makati City Office of the City Prosecutor, Quezon City Office of the Local Civil Registrar, Quezon City Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly NSO) – Vibal Bldg., Quezon Avenue, Quezon City Embassy of United States of America – 1201 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City (MStandard - Sep. 1, 8 & 15, 2020)

Opposition camps challenge Montenegro ruling party PODGORICA, Montenegro—Montenegro’s pro-West party could be knocked from power for the ﬁrst time in three decades after a tight election gave a slight edge to opposition camps, results showed on Monday. The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) led by President Milo Djukanovic is still the biggest party after winning just over third of the vote, according to ofﬁcial results, but it was their worst performance since independence. If their main pro-Serb rivals join forces with two other opposition blocs, DPS could be ousted in what would be a political earthquake for the small Adriatic nation of 620,000 people. The DPS has never lost an election, with Djukanovic leading Montenegro since the collapse of Yugoslavia in the 1990s to independence from Serbia and more recently into NATO and towards the EU. But this year the party faced a stiff challenge from an emboldened right-

PORTLAND—President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Joe Biden traded pre-election barbs Sunday as violent clashes continued to roil the US city of Portland following the fatal shooting of a protestor. While the US leader tried to characterize Biden as weak on crime, his opponent accused Trump of fanning the ﬂames of violence in a polarized and tense nation. Saturday’s shooting during a proTrump rally in the Oregon city followed a week of country-wide protests—including the cancellation of numerous sporting events—over the police shooting in Kenosha, Wisconsin of African American Jacob Blake. The violence in Portland erupted during a rally involving hundreds of vehicles “caravaning throughout downtown Portland,” police said. OregonLive reported “clashes” and “tense moments” between demonstrators and counter-protestors. Photographs from the scene showed the victim wearing a hat with a logo for “Patriot Prayer,” described by local media as a far-right group at the center of multiple Portland demonstrations that have ended in violence. By 10 pm Sunday, about 100 to 150 anti-racism protestors had gathered outside a police building to the east of the city centre, waving signs and occasionally throwing projectiles. Police declared the gathering an illegal assembly and in a tweet ordered people to leave the scene, warning of arrests and the use of tear gas. Videos posted online showed about 20 ofﬁcers rushing from the building to clear the area, and arresting a handful or protestors. AFP

India accuses China of new provocations

Finding the verified petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the Court gives due course thereto. WHEREFORE, let the copy of this Order be Published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks at petitioner’s expense, upon coordination with the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court Quezon City. Hearing on the verified petition is hereby set on October 1, 2020 at 10:30 o’clock in the morning at the Hall of Justice annex Building, Quezon City, at which time and place, any person having an interest in the petition may appear.

Trump presses law and order tack vs. Biden

wing and pro-Serb camp that wants closer links with Belgrade and Moscow. Seat projections by election monitor CeMI gave the three main opposition parties 41 seats in the 81-member assembly. A period of intense and competitive coalition talks are expected to follow, with Djukanovic, in his role as president, responsible for handing down the ﬁrst mandate. In addition to long-running frustrations at a government accused of graft and state capture, analysts attributed DPS’s weak showing to a law that sparked intense controversy with the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and has dominated political debate for months. Passed in late 2019, the religion law opened a path for hundreds of SPC-run monasteries in Montenegro to become state property. This ignited huge anti-government protests, led by priests and backed by the pro-Serb opposition who accuse Djukanovic of trying to erase their heritage.

While Montenegro declared independence from Serbia in 2006, a third of its population identify as Serb and the SPC remains its largest religious institution, making debates around identity highly sensitive. ‘Regime has fallen’ Throughout the Church row, Djukanovic has sought to present himself as the guardian of Montenegrin nationhood, saying it was threatened by Serb nationalist forces. Speaking at the party’s headquarters late on Sunday, he underlined that DPS had the “strongest” ﬁnish in the poll and that the “struggle for the majority is still on”. But Zdravko Krivokapic, the leader of the main pro-Serb alliance, announced triumphantly that “the regime has fallen”. Supporters celebrated Sunday night in the streets of Podgorica, circling with cars, setting off ﬁreworks and gathering in front of the main Orthodox church in the capital. AFP

NEW DELHI—The Indian military on Monday accused China of carrying out “provocative” movements on their contested Himalayan border near where 20 Indian troops were killed in a battle in June. A defence ministry statement said the incidents happened in eastern Ladakh on Saturday night but did not indicate whether there was a new clash. Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops “carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo” at the border, it said. It added the two sides were holding military talks on Monday. On June 15, troops from the two sides fought hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian troops were killed. China also acknowledged casualties but did not give numbers. New Delhi and Beijing have blamed each other for the latest frontier tensions between the two sides who fought a border war in 1962 and have been involved in regular showdowns since. The Chinese and Indian militaries have poured tens of thousands of troops into the region since the June ﬁghting. But their military and diplomatic talks on easing tensions are in an apparent stalemate. The Indian statement said Chinese troops “violated the consensus” to ease border tensions. AFP

Business

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 ||

extrastory2000@gmail.com

Qatar increases monthly wage to $275 OHA, Qatar—Qatar on Sunday introduced a $275 monthly minimum wage and simpliﬁed the process for changing employers, the labor ministry said, following criticism of its treatment of foreign laborers.

It comes a week after a stinging Human Rights Watch (HRW) report highlighted the shortcomings of past efforts to improve conditions for the migrant laborers who make up almost 90 percent of the population. (An estimated 260,000 Filipinos, including engineers, health practitioners, teachers, airline and hotel staff, construction workers and household service workers, were employed in Qatar as of last year.) The new rules, which were announced last October 16 but have only now been signed into law, abolish the requirement that workers obtain a “no objection” certiﬁcate from their employer to change jobs. They require all workers, including do-

mestic staff, be paid at least 1,000 riyals ($275) for a month of full-time work— equivalent to around $1.30 an hour. Employers are also required to either provide bed and board, or an additional 800 riyal a month allowance for food and accommodation and will have six months to implement the new minimum wage. Previously, the temporary minimum wage was set at 750 riyals ($206) a month. “The labor ministry has today taken a major step forward in its labour reform program by introducing a non-discriminatory minimum wage and removing the noobjection certiﬁcate requirement,” it said in a statement. The ministry said the changes would “boost investment in the local economy

and drive economic growth.” World Cup milestone Qatar has made a series of reforms to its employment regulations since being selected to host the 2022 World Cup, which has required a vast program of construction dependent on foreign workers. “Qatar is the ﬁrst country in the Middle East to have a minimum wage for all workers without discrimination, whether domestic workers or private sector workers,” Qatar’s assistant under-secretary for labor affairs, Mohammed Hassan al-Obaidly, told AFP. Rights groups have long said Qatar’s system—the same one used across the Gulf—of private companies rather than the state sponsoring individual workers fuels abuses. Amnesty International said the requirement to have an employer’s agreement before changing jobs had “left migrant workers in Qatar at the mercy of abusive employers.” “We welcome the enactment of these laws, and now call on the Qatari authorities

to ensure they are swiftly and properly implemented,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty’s head of economic and social justice. Vani Sarasawthi, director of projects at the Migrant Rights non-governmental group, said she had already received a ﬂurry of messages about the changes from workers. HRW said last week that some workers in Qatar were struggling to eat because employers were illegally withholding salaries as economic conditions worsen amid the coronavirus crisis. The government insisted HRW’s survey of 93 migrant workers at 60 companies or employers was not representative and that “nearly all individuals who come to Qatar for employment never experience any form of wage abuse.” Qatar said on Sunday that penalties for non-payment of wages had been increased. The UN International Labor Organization welcomed the package of reforms, calling them a “historic move.” AFP

PSEi August 28, 2020 TOP GAINERS

TOP LOSERS

Asian stock marts reverse morning rally; Tokyo climbs HONG KONG, China—Asian markets fell Monday as investors struggled to maintain their early momentum following another record lead from Wall Street. Profit-taking kicked in after last week’s Federal Reserve-induced surge. The US central bank’s pledge of trillions of dollars in support to keep financial markets going has been key to a surge in equities from their March troughs, with the tech-rich Nasdaq almost doubling in that time as people stay home. And boss Jerome Powell’s speech Thursday, marking a shift in the Fed’s inflation policy, hammered home that promise, helping fire the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to more record highs. The Dow also advanced to erase all its losses for the year to date. “With a low, neutral Fed funds rate, a de-emphasis of inflation overshoots and a focus on employment, monetary policy will be highly stimulative for a long, long time. Indeed, music to the stock market’s ears,” said Stephen Innes at AxiCorp. He said during the financial crisis, the bank began cutting interest rates in mid2007 and did not lift them until more than eight years later, and it could take just as long to see them lifted again. But Monday’s early promise came to nothing in Asian business. Hong Kong and Shanghai both fell 0.2 percent after jumping more than one percent, while Seoul and Taipei all shed more than one percent Sydney, Mumbai, Jakarta and Singapore were also in the red. Tokyo rose more than one percent, though, after losing more than one percent Friday in reaction to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s resignation. While the news fanned fears of uncertainty in the country, analysts said no major confusion is expected with reports saying his right-hand man Yoshihide Suga is set to stand as his successor. Trading houses were the big winners after US investment legend Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway said it has bought slightly more than five percent stakes in each of Japan’s big five companies. AFP

MOST ACTIVE

A pedestrian walks past an electronic quotation board displaying share prices of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (left) and foreign exchange rate against the US dollar (right) in Tokyo on August 31. Tokyo shares ended higher August 31 helped by rallies on Wall Street with a stronger yen against the dollar capping the upside. Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

China eyes new probe into Aussie wine BEIJING, China—Beijing said Monday it had launched another probe into Australian wine imports, accusing Canberra of using subsidies to give ﬁrms “an edge” over local rivals, in the latest salvo as trade and diplomatic relations between the two deteriorate. Tensions have been ramped up between the countries in recent months after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison joined US calls for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic, which was ﬁrst detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan last year. China’s wine industry lobby has complained Australia offered different subsidy programs that give its wines an advantage over Chinese products, the commerce ministry said in a statement. It added that the application by the wine lobby group said “there are a total of 40 subsidy programs that may offer an edge to the Australian wine industry”. The probe will look into subsidies received by Australian winemakers throughout 2019 and could lead to countervailing duties on imports, it said. Beijing has already conducted preliminary discussions with Canberra on the inquiry, according to the statement.

In response, Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said “we strongly refute claims” that government programs supporting research and development amounted to a subsidy of the country’s wine exports. “The government will work with our internationally-renowned wine industry to mount the strongest possible case against these claims,” he said in a statement. The news comes two weeks after the ministry of commerce said it would investigate dumping— when a country sells goods in a country for less than it costs at home—throughout 2019. Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.25 billion (US$900 million) last year, according to Australian government data, making it the biggest market by value for the product. China—Australia’s biggest trade partner—has threatened economic blowback on a range of Australian goods since Canberra called for the virus inquiry. In May, China suspended imports of beef from four Australian slaughterhouses and imposed 80 percent tariffs on Australian barley imports. Beijing has also warned people not to visit Australia for study or tourism, alleging antiAsian racism in the wake of the pandemic. AFP

Eight candidates vying to become the next WTO leader By Robin Millard GENEVA, Switzerland―As Roberto Azevedo steps down Monday as head of the World Trade Organization, here are pen pictures of the eight candidates running to become the next WTO director-general: Liam Fox (Britain) Fox, 58, spent three years as Britain’s ﬁrst post-Brexit international trade minister. A former family doctor, the Scot twice ran for the Conservative Party leadership. Fox was the defense minister during the latter years of Britain’s engagement in Afghanistan. The lawmaker is the only elected politician running. He has vowed to appoint women to at least half of the WTO senior leadership. ―“Free trade must never mean a freefor-all.” Abdel Hamid Mamdouh (Egypt) A WTO veteran, he came to its predecessor GATT in 1985 as a negotiator for Egypt, before joining the secretariat in 1990. He ran the WTO’s trade in services division from 2001 to 2017. Also a Swiss national, Mamdouh, 67, has the African Union’s backing. He pitches himself as an honest broker who wants to diagnose the WTO’s problems, and then reform and rebuild the institution. ―“Africa never held that position before

In this file photo taken on July 23, 2020 Outgoing World Trade Organization director-general Roberto Azevedo gives his last press conference after a two-day general council to decide on an interim chief in Geneva. Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, 62, leaves as the head of the WTO on August 31, 2020, ending his second term 12 months early for personal reasons, and departing an institution in crisis. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP

and it’s time because all other regions have occupied that position.” Amina Mohamed (Kenya) The former Kenyan foreign minister, 58, is well-known at the WTO, having already chaired the organization’s most important bodies: the Ministerial Conference, the General Council, the Dispute Settlement Body and the Trade Policy Review Body.

The current sports minister ran for the WTO leadership in 2013 and her vision this time is “reform, recovery, renewal.” ―“We need to break the cycle of despair and enter into a new phase of hope and realism.” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) Her country’s first female finance and foreign minister, the 66-year-old had a 25-year career as a development economist at the World Bank, eventually becoming its number two. She chairs Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is on the Twitter board of directors, and is a special envoy for the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 fight. ―“If the right washes the left hand, and the left hand washes the right hand, then both become clean. This is a call for collective action.” Jesus Seade (Mexico) A former WTO deputy director-general, Seade, like Mamdouh, reckons an old hand is needed to fix the organization’s problems. At 73, the Mexican-Lebanese dual national is the oldest candidate. A former World Bank chief economist and International Monetary Fund assistant director, he was recently Mexico’s lead in North American trade talks. ―“The WTO is like a bicycle that fell over from lack of momentum. It has to be fully repaired, which requires a mechanic who... was at the heart of the design.”AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING Please be informed that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of HARBOR STAR SHIPPING SERVICES, INC. (“HSSSI”) will be held and conducted virtually via secure online meeting platform on 23 September 2020, 9:30 a.m. for the following purposes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9. 10.

Call to Order Certification of Notice and Quorum Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 29 May 2019 Management Report Approval of Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2019 Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in ordinary course of business since the 29 May 2019 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting up to 23 September 2020 Election of Directors Appointment of External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment

The record date for stockholders entitled to notice and vote at the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting is set on 20 August 2020 (“Stockholders of Record”). In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of HSSSI will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit http://www.harborstar.com. ph/ and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy”. Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting via remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to asm-2020@harborstar.com.ph or fill up the registration form at www.harborstar.com.ph/asm2020registrationform on or before 08 September 2020. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can then cast their votes in absentia on or before 14 September 2020 through the Company’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation. The Corporation is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to asm-2020@harborstar.com.ph, not later than on or before 08 September 2020. Stockholders of record may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to asm-2020@harborstar.com.ph on or before 15 September 2020. The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/voting (via remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at http://www. harborstar.com.ph/investors/pse_disclosures. Very truly yours, Original Signed IGNATIUS A. RODRIGUEZ Corporate Secretary (MS-AUG. 31, SEPT. 1, 2020)

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

IN BRIEF Church wants end to new coal projects THE Diocese of Lucena on Monday called for an end to new coal projects in Quezon province, claiming they would add to the environmental degradation caused by similar power plants. “We call upon these corporations and their power subsidiaries to listen to the cry of the Earth and cancel their plans to set up this dirty, deadly, and costly source of energy. We appeal to the local and national government and their respective agencies to listen to the cry of the people of Quezon and disallow these projects and any further coal plants in our beloved province,” the group said in a statement, which was signed by over 100 members of the clergy. Municipalities under the Diocese of Lucena are already home to an installed coal capacity of at least 1,644 megawatts. Proposed projects in Quezon are expected to add 3,330 MW. “Already, the people of Quezon have suffered respiratory and skin diseases associated with toxic coal plant emissions,” the statement read. Alena Mae S. Flores

2 provinces support cashless toll deals THE local governments of Bulacan and Pampanga encouraged the public to go for cashless toll payments at North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway to prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. NLEX Corp., in dialogs with local government units, discussed the company’s transition to contactless transactions through radio frequency identiﬁcation or RFID platform in line with the Department of Transportation’s digitalization drive. RFID is a small, paper-thin and batteryless sticker that is directly mounted onto the vehicle’s windshield or headlight. “We are overwhelmed by the support of our stakeholders in our RFID migration campaign. The RFID eliminates queuing at toll plazas and would help motorists travel with ease. Rest assured that you can count on us to help provide safe, seamless, and efﬁcient expressway services to the public,” said NLEX president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista. Bautista reminded motorists that batterypowered Easytrip tags in use since 2005 at NLEX and SCTEX would be phased out by Sept. 30 as part of the transition to RFID. Darwin G. Amojelar

AirAsia plans more commercial flights AIRASIA Philippines said more commercial flights are being arranged as it gradually restores domestic and international networks. “Updated routes are based on new developments following coordination with our partners in the government, including local government units,” Air Asia said. Available flights in September include Manila to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Purerto Princesa, Bacolod, Kalibo, Caticlan, Tagbilaran and Clark and Davao, as well as Cebu to Davao. The airline is also flying between Manila to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. Air Asia advised guests to check the latest travel restrictions and advice of respective local and national governments before travelling, as policies may change frequently. The budget airline reported a net loss of P2.31 billion in the second quarter, a reversal of the P353-million net income in the same period last year. Air Asia Philippines recorded total revenues of P129 million from April to June, down from P7.51 billion in the same period last year. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business Trade contradicts DA’s ban on Brazilian poultry exports By Othel V. Campos

HE Department of Trade and Industry asked the Department of Agriculture to lift the ban on mechanically deboned meat from Brazil in anticipation of possible price hikes and shortage of canned meat products in the country.

“We support the position of meat processors. There is no scientiﬁc basis that MDM from Brazil are infected by the COVID-19 virus,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday. The DTI said with only less than a month inventory of the raw material, a disruption in the supply of basic canned meat products with manufacturers would eventually lead to higher retail prices. The import ban might threaten food security, as locally manufactured processed meat holds a bigger share of the food category that most Filipino families buy, according to the department. Brazil is the source of cheaper MDM

used by local meat processors. MDM is the main ingredient used in the production of processed meats, like luncheon meat, hotdogs and sausages. “It is important that to sustain the supply chain to avoid the impact on prices. But be assured that we will not automatically give in to processors. We still have to determine the cost impact” Lopez said. The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. asked the DA to reconsider the ban on poultry imports, including mechanically deboned meat, from Brazil. PAMPI president Felix Tiukinhoy Jr., in a letter to the DA, asked for a recon-

sideration of the department’s decision to include MDM among banned poultry products from Brazil. PAMPI was referring to Memorandum Order No. 39 issued by the department on Aug. 14 which imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry meat originating from Brazil, following reports that SARS-COV 2—the causative agent of Covid-19—was detected in a surface sampling conducted in chicken meat imported from Brazil to China. PAMPI described the blanket ban as both questionable and speculative. “As far as we know, the Duterte administration does not issue policies or regulations that have no basis in law,” PAMPI said in the letter. “The memo which imposes a blanket ban on poultry products from Brazil as a ‘precautionary measure’ supposedly under Section 10 of RA 10611—Food Safety Act of 2013—cannot be supported in law and science. Hence, it is deemed invalid and unimplementable,” PAMPI said.

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Monday it will virtually launch next week the Digital Personal Equity and Retirement Account to enable more Filipinos to invest in retirement-saving products through the use of mobile phones and other devices. PERA is a voluntary retirement account that can be a supplementary source of retirement benefits in addition to state-sponsored retirement programs implemented by the Social Security System or Government Service Insurance System. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno, who will lead the event in partnership with the Trust Officer Association of the Philippines, said the digital PERA would allow Filipinos to invest in investment products anytime, anywhere using only their gadgets. “This is firmly in line with the BSP’s thrust to foster digitalization in the financial system and to bring the BSP closer to the people,” Diokno said. PERA is structured to encourage Filipinos to invest in long-term retirement saving products while enjoying certain tax incentives. Diokno said the digitalization of

37.37 PTS. 5,884.18

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

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

Pound

1.321000

64.2283

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129031

6.2736

Switzerland

Franc

1.100110

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Canada

Dollar

0.762137

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Singapore

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Dollar

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Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000068

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Thailand

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0.032031

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Euro

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China

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India

Rupee

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1.6567 Source: BSP

Finance rejects Indo-Phil’s refund, tax credit claims By Julito G. Rada THE Department of Finance withheld the grant of a P57-million refund and another P262 million in tax credits claimed by Indo-Phil Group, a Bulacan-based textile manufacturer, following a special investigation by the Commission on Audit on “irregular” tax credit certificates issued during the past administrations. The DOF, through its One-Stop Inter-agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center, informed the Department of Labor and Employment of the decision to put on hold the request of the Indo-Phil Group, a Filipino-Indian joint venture based in Marilao, Bulacan, pending the final results of the COA special audit on TCCs issued from 2008 to 2014. “We highlight that Indo Phil Acrylic Manufacturing Corp., Indo Phil Cotton Mills Inc. and Indo Phil Textile Mills Inc. are covered by the COA SAO [Special Audits Office] Report 201806, with findings of irregularities on the TCCs issued to each company for years 2008-2014,” OSS executive director Emee Macabeles said in a letter to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Macabales sent a letter to Bello in response to the Labor chief’s earlier referral of the request of Indo Phil Group president Shanti Sipani to have the firm’s P57-million tax refund and TCCs amounting to P262 million processed by the OSS. Copies of Macabales’ letter were also sent to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, who heads the DOF’s Revenue Operations Group. Sipani claimed in his request to Bello that Indo Phil’s tax refunds of P30.6 million for 2016 and P26.4 million for 2017 were already approved by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, but that the Bureau of Customs had withheld payment because of the COA audit findings. Indo Phil said the DOF put on hold TCCs totaling P262 million, including P69 million for IPTMI, another P91 million for IPCMI and P102 million more for IPAMC because of the COA audit report. Sipani said Indo Phil “just followed the government direction” in applying for the TCCs. Macabales said in her letter that the COA started issuing notices of disallowance to the companies for TCCs that were found to be “tainted with irregularities” and against the involved OSS officials and personnel for their participation in their issuance. “Due to these developments and the enormity of the amount involved, the Department of Finance and OSS Center [are] taking precautions before any request for TCCs, tax debit memos or duty drawbacks are acted upon,” Macabales said. Macabales assured Bello that the OSS would update his office “on any developments in the circumstances of the OSS Center.” Created under Administrative Order No. 266 issued in 1992 to process TCCs and duty drawback applications, the OSS is a composite body managed by the DOF, BIR, BOC and the Board of Investments.

2 1600 FOOD DELIVERY. As the country continues to adapt to new behavior, foodpanda, the on-demand food delivery service in the Philippines, spreads good vibes by ensuring the safety and well-being of delivery riders who many people now consider as modern-day heroes during the pandemic. The demand for food deliveries skyrocketed, along with a steady rise in order cancellations and no-show customers. However, foodpanda riders are never expected to shell out any money as the company itself shoulders these expenses.

City of Dreams Manila prepares reopening By Jenniffer B. Austria INTEGRATED resorts and casino City of Dreams Manila is preparing to reopen its gaming facility with a 30-percent capacity this month. Shareholder Melco International Development Ltd. said Monday in a disclosure to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. allowed licensed casino operators in areas covered by the so-called general community quarantine to resume limited operations. “On 24 August 2020, the Philippine government allowed PAGCOR-licensed casinos in areas covered by the general

community quarantine to operate at 30-percent operational capacity,” Melco International said. “City of Dreams Manila is preparing for the resumption of its normal operations in accordance with the terms and conditions of this new guideline,” it said. City of Dreams Manila and other PAGCOR-licensed casino operators suspended their operations after the government placed Metro Manila and other parts of the country under enhanced community quarantine in mid-March to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. City of Dreams Manila said in July it was allowed by PAGCOR to undertake a dry run/trial run of its gaming and hospi-

tality operations for a limited period and with only a limited number of participants strictly adhering to the new guidelines on social distancing, hygiene and sanitation procedures imposed by the government. City of Dreams Manila said total operating revenues amounted to $7.2 million in the second quarter, a steep 95-percent drop from $176.1 million recorded in the same period last year. Revenues from mass market table games decreased to $7.5 million in the second quarter of 2020 from $192.8 million in the second quarter of 2019. Revenues from gaming machines also declined to $30.4 million from $945.1 million a year ago.

Bangko Sentral to launch digital retirement account By Julito G. Rada

PSE INDEX

Friday, August 28, 2020

PERA would enable accredited banks and financial institutions to provide convenient and affordable retirement saving products. The BSP initiative, in collaboration with the Trust Officer Association of the Philippines, is themed, “Convenient and Affordable Retirement Savings through Digital PERA” or “#PERACares”. The event will be broadcast live via the BSP’s Facebook page on Sept. 8. The Capital Market Development Council chaired by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said it was considering reforms in the corporate pension system, notably the recommendation by the Fund Managers Association of the Philippines to require the partial or full funding requirement of retirement plans for workers in the private sector. Dominguez said the council consulted the Department of Labor and Employment regarding the recommendation. He said the recommendation would help in providing sufficient funds for the pension or retirement plans of private sector workers while boosting the demand side for investments that could contribute to the growth of the Philippine capital market.

LANDBANK LOANS. Land Bank of the Philippines says it released P583.35 million in the first half to support agrarian reform beneficiaries and small farmers. About P12.05 million in fund assistance was also released under the Expanded Assistance to Restore and Install Sustainable Enterprises for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and Small Farm Holders loan program that targets beneficiaries and small farmers, whose livelihood was adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

PH taps over $10-b worth of ODA loans so far THE country availed of $10.94 billion worth of ofﬁcial development assistance, or low-interest loans, from multilateral lenders and foreign agencies this year mainly to augment the government’s COVID-19 response. Data from the National Economic and Development Authority showed ODA loans and grants (16 loans and 3 grants) amounting to $10.94 billion that as of Aug. 5, 19 were added to the country’s total ODA portfolio in support of the government’s efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic

and mitigate its economic impact. “These will enable us to provide more support to the people and will also help cover budget priorities in 2020 and 2021 to help address the health crisis,” said acting NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua. Chua said the government needed to borrow more in 2020 to help fund emergency response, social protection programs and other related expenditures that would provide immediate relief to Filipinos affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. NEDA conducts the annual ODA portfo-

lio review pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 8182, also known as the ODA Act of 1996, as amended by RA 8555. NEDA said the ODA portfolio reached $21.62 billion as of end-2019, with Japan retaining its position as the top provider of such assistance last year. Citing the recently-released ODA Portfolio Review 2019 report, NEDA said the portfolio consisted of 84 loans worth $19.98 billion (92 percent of the total portfolio) and 268 grants worth $1.64 billion (8 percent of the total portfolio). Julito G. Rada

Clippers eliminate Mavericks; Celtics win MIAMI—Kawhi Leonard finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs with a 111-97 victory over the injury-hampered Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Leonard, last year’s NBA Finals Most Valuable Player while with the Toronto Raptors, also had seven assists and five steals for the Clippers, who clinched the series four games to two. “Just got to my spots and put up the shot with confidence and it went in,” Leonard said after his fifth 30-point game in a row. “Just kept giving it to me and it went in with confidence.” The Clippers will face either Utah or the Jamal Murray-led Denver Nuggets, who forced a winner-take-all game seven on Tuesday night by beating the Jazz 119-107. Luka Doncic scored 38 points in a losing cause in the spectator-free quarantine bubble at Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. The Clippers opened the second half with a 20-3 run for a 77-54 edge, and saw the lead trimmed to 88-82 early in the fourth in a Doncic-led fightback only to pull away again down the stretch. Dallas was sorely missing starting centre Kristaps Porzingis, who was out with a knee injury. “Momentum, it can switch real easily,” Leonard said. “You have to keep fighting when you’re up and when you’re down stay focused.” Clippers forward Marcus Morris was ejected late in the first quarter after being whistled for a flagrant foul on the 21-year-old Doncic. Morris grabbed then hit Doncic with a forearm slam on the head as the Slovenian star drove to the bucket with the ball. “It was a terrible play,” said Doncic. In the Eastern Conference, Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart each scored 21 points to lead the Boston Celtics over defending champion Raptors 112-94 in the opening game of their second-round series. Kemba Walker added 18 points and 10 assists for the Celtics, who also had 17 points from Jaylen Brown plus 13 points and 15 rebounds from Daniel Theis. “Marcus today was unbelievable on both ends,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “All our guys played with great purpose, great enthusiasm. We just have to clean some stuff up.” Game two of the best-of-seven series comes Tuesday. Boston frustrated Toronto shooters, as the Raptors went 31-of-84 from the floor and 10-of-40 from 3-point range -- the most 3-point misses ever by Toronto in a playoff contest. “We just didn’t play well enough to win,” said guard Kyle Lowry, who led Toronto with 17 points despite a sore left ankle. “We’ve got to do our coverages harder, execute better.” AFP

Sports

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

Social distancing. Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers speaks to Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN a few feet apart after the game against the Dallas Mavericks for Game 6 of the first round of the 2020 Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. AFP

Fil-Am Knott nearing Olympic qualifying time F By Peter Atencio

IL-AMERICAN sprinter Kristina Marie Knott is close and can make the qualifying times for the Tokyo Olympics in two events.

Knott’s coach Rohsaan Griffin believes so after the Fil-Am competed against two superstars, broke the Philippine national record and earned the silver medal in the women’s 100-meter run last Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa in the United States. “Very promising performances (from Knott), given the current situational crisis the world is dealing with,” said Griffin in an online interview with the Manila Standard. Griffin talked about his observations at the end of the sprint races of the star-studded Drake Blue Oval Showcase Presented by Mediacom at Drake Stadium in de Moines, Iowa. As US national indoor champion Kayla White came close to the Olympic qualifying

time with her 11.18-second clocking, the 5’6” Knott cruised to second place at a national record-smashing 11.27 seconds, with a tailwind of 1.5 meters per second blowing in her favor. With her performance, the Florida-based Knott shattered one of Philippine track legend Lydia de Vega-Mercado’s two remaining national records. The national mark of 11.28 seconds stood for 33 years since De Vega-Mercado claimed the gold in the 1987 Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta. Griffin believes that Knott is close to the 11.15-second qualification time for the Olympics. “Comparatively, 11.27 definitely puts her on track to go below the 22.80 Olympic

Qualifying mark for 200 meters as well as in reach of the 11.15 mark for 100 meters as well,” added Griffin. The presence of White, currently no. 7 in the world, and Olympic 4x100 meter relay gold medallist and Rio Olympics long jump champion Kristina Knott Tianna Bartoletta provided Knott a chance to compete against the world’s best. “So the work this month was focused on those specific technical aspects of rhythm, timing and confidence at intense practice speeds. So no matter what distance she was competing in 100 or 200, she’s ready to run fast,” explained Griffin, who feels that Knott needs to join more races, since she still not yet at peak.

Alaphilippe dedicates Tour stage win to father NICE—A year after thrilling his him in his wild dash from home nation for a fortnight on distance, by just four seclast year’s Tour de France, a tearonds. ful Julian Alaphilippe produced The main overall conan almost carbon-copy capture tenders are 17 seconds of a stage win Sunday to claim adrift. the overall leader’s yellow jersey “I just wanted to dedicate once again. this victory to my dad. It On the day’s final climb, Alawas important to me,” said philippe launched a blistering a tearful Alaphilippe whose attack to clinch bonus seconds father Jo passed away in at the summit before a white- Julian Alaphilippe June. knuckle descent to the finish line in Nice Former soldier Alaphilippe began also gave him bonus time. punching towards the sky as he turned to Alaphilippe, described by former win- see just how close behind him the onrushner Geraint Thomas during last year’s ing peloton was to overtaking his escaping rampage as the “darling of France”, leads trio on the Promenade des Anglais finish Britain’s Adam Yates, who accompanied line. AFP

PBA TRAINING. Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon and Mark Barroca do their workouts to keep themselves in tip-top shape, just in case the Philippine Basketball Association resumes its games soon. PBA teams started their training after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases officially approved last week the joint administrative order guidelines submitted by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Games and Amusements Board and the Department of Health.

Paraiso left UST due to possible suspension BRENT Paraiso, the second cager to leave University of Santo Tomas, expressed his fears of the team getting sanctioned and suspended as the big reason why he left the school. The 22-year-old Paraiso talked about his decision in a statement to the University paper, Varsitarian, a few days before the tripartite group of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Games and Amusement Board resumes its inquiry on the Growling Tigers. “‘Pag nag-stay ako, tapos na-suspend ang UST, sayang ang last playing year ko. Kung ‘di na-suspend, mas okay, pero wala namang kasiguraduhan,”said the 6’2” Paraiso following his departure from the team last Friday. Paraiso said he made up his mind to pack his bags after Growling Tigers’ coach Aldin Ayo gave him no assurances that the team will not be sanctioned following their alleged training bubble in Capuy, Sorsogon. CJ Cansino was the first Tiger to leave, transferring to the University of the Philippines. No decisions will be handed down when the internal probe into the Growling Tigers’ training activities in Sorsogon resumes today, with the CHED expected to have a big say in the online proceedings. The tripartite body will just continue looking into health and safety protocol violations that may have taken place during the training camp. UST officials, through the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, have done an internal investigation and forwarded their findings to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines. A member of UST’s fact-finding committee will submit the report and attend a meeting of the tripartite group. Officials of National University have also been invited to the meeting, over allegations that the women’s volleyball team also went into a training bubble in Calamba, Laguna recently. Peter Atencio

Birdie bomb lifts Rahm to BMW win Jon Rahm of Spain celebrates his 66-foot putt to defeat Dustin Johnson (not pictured) of the United States during a sudden death playoff on the 18th hole of the final round of the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Golf Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. AFP

WASHINGTON—Jon Rahm drained a swinging 60-foot birdie putt at the first playoff hole Sunday to win the US PGA Tour BMW Championship over world number one Dustin Johnson. Spain’s Rahm, ranked second in the world behind Johnson, was in the right rough off the tee at the first playoff hole, the 18th at Olympia Fields near Chicago. His second shot rolled to the back of the green, leaving him what could have been a tough two-putt for par. “Never did I think I’d be making another 50-, 60-footer -- couple of breaks in there, too -- to end up winning it,” said Rahm, who gave a roaring fist pump as the putt dropped. Johnson’s tee shot was also off course,

but ricocheted off a tree to settle in the fairway. The American found the middle of the green, but after Rahm’s miraculous birdie effort, Johnson’s birdie attempt settled inches from the cup. Johnson had snaked in a 43-foot birdie at the same hole to force the playoff, joining Rahm on four-under par 276 in the second event of the US tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs. Rahm had powered to the top of the leaderboard with six birdies in an impressive six-under par 64 -- the lowest round of the week. “I still can’t believe what just happened, what happened the last hour of play,” Rahm said. “That stretch of waiting for DJ, him making the putt, going in the playoff, me making the putt, then trying

to stay mentally in it just in case he made the last putt -- it’s been a roller coaster but so much fun.” Johnson, seeking a second straight win and 23rd tour title, started the day tied for the lead with Hideki Matsuyama with Rahm three adrift. He birdied three of his first four holes, but bogeys at eight and 10 saw him fall out of the lead before he picked up strokes at 15 and 18 to sign for a three-under 67. Johnson’s solo second place means he’ll stay atop the rankings. Rahm was tied for sixth starting the day after a third round marred by a bad mistake at the fifth hole, where he absentmindedly picked up his ball on the green without marking it and was assessed a penalty.

Sports

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Djokovic starts quest for 18th ‘slam’ N

EW YORK—Overwhelming favorite Novak Djokovic begins his quest for an 18th Grand Slam title on Monday as a unique, spectator-free 2020 US Open gets underway in a COVID-19 quarantine bubble at Flushing Meadows.

The world number one headlines the opening day of a tennis major that promises to be unlike any other and which is missing several top players due to coronavirus fears. Djokovic takes on unheralded Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia-Herzegovina in a round-one evening match at an Arthur Ashe Stadium that in normal years buzzes with 23,000 screaming fans.

But due to strict measures aimed at keeping COVID-19 out of the US National Tennis Center, only players, officials and a handful of media will be watching in-person this year. “It is strange to see,” said Djokovic, crediting his love of playing on the New York hardcourts to Ashe, which he described as “the most dynamic and explosive court” in the game.

“The circumstances are very unusual but we have to deal with it and try to embrace it,” the Serbian superstar added. The US Open marks the first Grand Slam of the coronavirus era, and the first since the Australian Open in January and February, after the global pandemic wiped out much of the season, including Wimbledon. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 88, QUEZON CITY TENSEI PHILIPPINES, INC. REPRESENTED BY ITS CORPORATE SECRETARY MS. JOANA MARIE B. DELA PENA, Plaintiff, -v e r s u s“AMENDED ALIAS SUMMONS” CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-04797-CV NRCM CONSTRUCTION, REPRESENTED BY ITS GENERAL MANAGER MR. NEIL RYAN C. MANORENA, Defendant. x------------------------------------------------x To: NRCM CONSTRUCTION, REPRESENTED BY ITS GENERAL MANAGER MR. NEIL RYAN C.MANORENA Unit 3 Lot 1B, Camella Street Cainta Greenpark Village Cainta, Rizal GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within sixty (60) days after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provisions in the IBP-OCA Memorandum of Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the complaint. WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 20th day of July 2020. (Sgd.) STEPHANIE MICHELLE C. TAN Branch Clerk of Court

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 88, QUEZON CITY TENSEI PHILIPPINES, INC. Represented by its Corporate Secretary MS. JOANA MARIE B. DELA PENA, Plaintiff, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-04797-CV -v e r s u sNRCM CONSTRUCTION, Represented by its General Manager MR. NEIL RYAN C. MANORENA, Defendant. x----------------------------------------------------x

ORDER

9. The deadline of the project’s completion arrived but Defendant did not finish the office space’s construction. Worse, it only made a minimal portion of the supposed works and did not even reach half of the agreed project completion. Again, the materials used and the minimal portion made were all of substandard and inferior quality.

12. Because of the violations and breaches committed by Defendant under the Construction Agreement. Plaintiff is hereby constrained to rescind its contract with Defendant. 13. Further, for such breaches committed by Defendant. Plaintiff has suffered the following losses and damages: A. Incurred rental expenses in the amount of Three Hundred Four Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four Pesos (P304,164.00), as Plaintiff was obligated to pay its rentals on the subject premises without Plaintiff having able to utilize the said premises as a functioning office unit:

Copy Furnished:

ANNEX “C1”

B. Revenue losses in the amount of Six Million Seven Thousand Three Hundred Forty Five Pesos and Eighty Centavos (P6,057,345.80) as due to the failure of Defendant to complete the construction of the subject office premises on the agreed time. Plaintiff was not able to do its works and projects; C. Expenses incurred in putting up the required and necessary equipments for the operation of Plaintiff’s business, as the same were not being used in the specified time as required in the contract, in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Three Pesos And Sixty Six Centavos (P256,593.66);

ANNEX “D”

F. Moreover, due to Defendant’s repeated breach of contract. Plaintiff was constrained to enter into a new contract with another contractor to repair and finish the construction of its office space to prevent incurring further company losses amounting to Two Million Nine Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Pesos and Thirty One Centavos (P2,969,750.31). Copy of the receipt Plaintiff paid is hereby attached as ANNEX “H”;

ANNEX “E”

G. Because Defendant intentionally evaded and breached its obligations under the contract. Plaintiff is entitled to exemplary damages in the amount of Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P400,000.00) to set an example for public good; H. Lastly, as Plaintiff was constrained to seek the assistance of counsel in order to protect its interest under the contract, it incurred expenses by way of Attorney’s Fees in the amount of Two Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Pesos (P285,000.00) as acceptance fees and Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) as appearance fees per court hearing.

ANNEX “F”

PRAYER PREMISES CONSIDERED, It is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court to: 1.

Atty. Jennifer Arlene J. Reyes Counsel for the plaintiff ].A. Reyes Law Office Unit 2 3rd Floor AAP Tower 683 Aurora Boulevard Brgy. Mariana, New Manila Quezon City

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH Quezon City TENSEI PHILIPPINES, INC. represented by its Corporate Secretary MS. JOANA MARIE B. DELA PENA, Plaintiff, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-04797-CV For: Rescission of Contract and Damages -v e r s u sNRCM CONSTRUCTION, represented by its general manager MR. NEIL RYAN C. MANORENA, Defendants. x--------------------------------------------------x COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF Tensei Philippines, Inc. by undersigned counsel and to this Honorable Court most respectfully states that: 1. Plaintiff is a domestic corporation duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office at Unit 4, 9th Floor, AAP Tower 683 Aurora Boulevard, Barangay Marana, New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines. It is represented by the affiant signatory to the Verification and Certification who has been appointed by the Board of Directors as its duly authorized representative to file this case and to represent it in all court proceedings. Hereto attached as Annex “A” is the Secretary’s Certificate incorporating the Board Resolution passed to that effect. 2. Defendant NRCM Construction represented by its General Manager Defendant Neil Ryan C. Manorena, who is a Filipino citizen and of legal age, is with office address at Unit 3 Lot 1B, Camella Street, Cainta Greenpark Village, Cainta, Rizal where it may be served summons and other legal processes. 3. Plaintiff is leasing a 249-square meter office space at the Mezzanine of AAP Tower, 683 Aurora Boulevard, Barangay Mariana, New Manila, Quezon City. It searched for a construction company to build its BPO Office/Training Rooms at the said office space. Two of Plaintiff’s employees Mr. Richard Solis and Mr. Rommel Catapang referred Defendant to Plaintiff as a valid and qualified construction company and a licensed contractor to perform the project. 4. Because of such referral and guaranty, Plaintiff, represented by its Owner, Mr. Masaharu Matsuura, entered into a Construction Agreement with Defendant for the construction, renovation and fit out of Plaintiff’s BPO Office/Training Rooms at the above mentioned office space for a total contract price of Four Million One Hundred Sixteen Pesos and Twenty Five Centavos (P4,000,116.25). Copy of the Construction Agreement is attached herewith as ANNEX “B”. 5. Due to Defendant’s request for Plaintiff to pay one third (1/3) of the total contract price as downpayment before the construction work, Plaintiff gave a downpayment of One Million Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,300,000.00) in cash on July 31, 2017, as evidenced by an Acknowledgment Receipt issued and signed by Defendant Neil Ryan C. Manorena and an Acknowledgment Receipt issued by Plaintiff, also signed by Defendant, both dated July 31, 2017, and herein attached as ANNEX “C-1” and “C-2” respectively. 6. During the early stages of the construction phase, Plaintiff consistently pointed out the substandard and poor quality of Defendant’s ongoing work and quality of the materials utilized by Defendant, and demanded that the latter take the necessary actions to rectify its works, replace the substandard materials used and replace their workers with qualified and skilled ones. Defendant agreed to such requests yet the execution of the same have repeatedly ignored by the latter. All of these in violation of Article 6 of the Construction Agreement, to wit: “(Defective Work and Materials): Defective work shall be made good and unsuitable materials shall be rejected notwithstanding that such work and materials have been overlooked by Mr. Masaharu Matsuura and the Contractor and accepted or estimated for payment. If the work or any part thereof shall be found to be not

Order the the rescission of the Construction Contract with Defendant; 2. To order Defendant to return the amount of Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Pesos (P2,700,000.00) representing the total downpayment made by Plaintiff to Defendant; 3. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Three Hundred Four Thousand One Hundred Sixty Four (P304,164.00) representing incurred rental expenses; 4. To order Defendants to pay the amount of Six Million Fifty Seven Thousand Three Hundred Forty Five Pesos and Eighty Centavos (P6,057,345.80) representing revenue losses; 5. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Three Pesos And Sixty Six Centavos (P256,593.66) representing expenses incurred in putting up the required and necessary equipments for the operation of Plaintiff’s business; 6. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Sixty One Thousand One Hundred Forty One Pesos and Seventy Eight Centavos (P61,141.78) representing expenses incurred or disbursements by Tensei employees Rommel Catapang and Richard Solis for negotiation meetings; 7. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Thirty Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Nine Pesos (P30,379.00) representing expenses incurred for client visits and representations; 8. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Two Million Nine Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Pesos and Thirty One Centavos (P2,969,750.31) representing the expenses incurred by Plaintiff for the repair and completion of the office space with a new contractor; 9. To order Defendant to pay the amount of Four Hundred Thousand pesos (P400,000.00) as exemplary damages to set an example for public good; 10. To order Defendant to pay Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Hundred Eighty Five Thousand Pesos (P285,000.00) as acceptance fees and Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) as appearance fees per court hearing. 11. To order Defendant to pay costs of litigation.

ANNEX “G”

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for. Quezon City, Philippines, this 2nd day of May, 2018. (Sgd.) ATTY. JENNIFER ARLENE J. REYES Counsel for the Plaintiff Roll of Attorney’s No. 68255/May 26, 2017/Manila PTR No. 6187095/March 23, 2018/Quezon City MCLE Compliance: Admitted (May 26, 2017) IBP Lifetime No. 016311/May 8, 2017/Quezon City Chapter Office Address: J.A. Reyes Law Office located at Unit 2, 3rd Floor, AAP Tower, 683 Aurora Boulevard, Barangay Mariana, New Manila, Quezon City Telephone Number (02) 635-9724 Email: jareyeslaw@gmail.com SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me in Quezon City on this 2nd day of May 2018, affiant exhibiting before me his/her valid proof of identity ____________ issued on ____________ at ___________, Doc No. 349 Page No. 70 Book No. XXXVI Series of 2018 VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION AGAINST FORUM SHOPPING I, MS. JOANA MARIE B. DELA PEÑA, of legal age, do hereby state that: I am the Corporate Secretary of Tensei Philippines, Inc. and in such capacity, caused this Complaint to be prepared; I have read its content and affirm that they are true and correct to the best of my personal knowledge; I hereby certify that there is no other case commenced or pending before any court involving the same parties and the same issues and that, should I learn of such a case, I shall notify the court within five (5) days from my notice.

ANNEX “H”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this instrument on May 02, 2018 (Sgd.) MS. JOANA MARIE B. DELA PEÑA SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me in Quezon City on this day of 2nd day of May 2018, affiant exhibiting before me his/her valid proof of identity issued on ________________ at_________________; Doc No. 350; Page No. 70; Book No. XXXVI; Series of 2018;

Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves to Milos Raonic of Canada in the men’s singles final of the Western & Southern Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the Queens borough of New York City. AFP

PSA Forum webcast to tackle PH football

11. This new deadline arrived again and once more, Defendant failed to finish the construction of the Mezzanine office space. Upon checking, Plaintiff discovered that there was no substantial improvement as to the construction compared to the minimal portion Defendant made as of September 16, 2017. Plaintiff tried to communicate with Defendant several times yet the latter just ignored and evaded the same. Photographic evidence of the worksite are attached herewith as ANNEX “G”;

E. Expenses incurred in the amount of Thirty Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Nine Pesos (P30,379.00) representing client visits and representations.

(Sgd.) ROSANNA FE ROMERO-MAGLAYA Presiding Judge

ANNEX “B”

10. On September 25, 2017, in another meeting between Plaintiff and Defendant. Defendant assured Plaintiff that it can finish the construction by October 6, 2017 but Plaintiff, unconvinced that Defendant can finish it on that date, gave the latter another extension to finish the Mezzanine construction until October 20, 2017. Moreover, Defendant Neil Ryan Manorena himself admitted during this meeting the poor quality of work they made and also admitted that it was unsatisfactory. Copy of the Minutes of the Meeting on the said date is attached herewith as ANNEX “F”.

WHEREFORE, as prayed for and upon leave of court, plaintiff is hereby allowed to effect service of Summons and copy of the complaint with annexes upon the defendant by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the country, and by registered mail sent to the defendant at its last known address at Unit 3, Lot 1B, Camella Street, Cainta Greenpark Village, Cainta, Rizal, at the expense of the plaintiff.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

TODAY

8. On September 5, 2017, Plaintiff paid another installment amounting to One Million Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,400,000.00) as per Defendant’s request that the said amount shall be used for the purchase of materials. Said payment by Plaintiff is evidenced by an Acknowledgment Receipt dated September 5, 2017 issued and signed again by Defendant Neil Ryan C. Manorena, attached herewith as ANNEX “E”;

D.Expenses incurred in the amount of Sixty One Thousand One Hundred Forty One Pesos and Seventy Eight Centavos (P61,141.78) representing disbursements by Plaintiff’s employees Rommel Catapang and Richard Solis for negotiation meetings;

July 13, 2020, in Quezon City, Philippines.

ANNEX “A”

7. The parties agreed that Defendant shall finish the construction on August 22, 2017. The original deadline was extended to August 28, 2017, and for the third time, it was moved to September 3, 2017. Anew, on August 31, 2017, in a meeting held at Plaintiff’s office at Unit 4, 9th Floor of AAP Tower, Plaintiff gave another extension to Defendant and it was agreed upon that the Mezzanine office completion shall be on September 16, 2017. The Minutes of the Meeting is attached herewith as ANNEX “D”;

Acting on the Urgent Ex-Parte Motion for Clarification dated July 10, 2020 filed by the plaintiff through counsel, and finding the grounds in the motion to be tenable, the motion is hereby GRANTED.

Further, let an amended Alias Summons be issued ordering defendant NCRM Construction represented by its general manager Mr. Neil Ryan C Manorena, to file its Answer within sixty (60) days from receipt of notice. The Court reiterates its directive to the plaintiff to file before the Court, by way of Manifestation, of its compliance within five (5) days from the date of publication and service by registered mail, in accordance with Section 22 Rule 14 of the 2019 Proposed Amendments to the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.

Standard Manila

in conformity with the agreed specifications, the Contractor shall forwith remove such materials from the vicinity of the project and any materials furnished or improper installation by the Contractor, his agents or employees, shall be made good and replaced at prejudice to Article 1723 of the Civil Code of the Philipines which is hereby incorporated as part of this Contract.”

(MStandard-Sept. 1, 2020)

PHILIPPINE Football Federation president Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta together with Philippine Football League commissioner Coco Torre serve as special guests in the webcast edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday (Sept. 1). Araneta will discuss Philippine football in general, while Torre is expected to talk on the start of PFL team workouts and the planned bubble the league will be adopting to finally kick off its tournament. The Forum starts at 10 a.m. Presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the public sports program is powered by Smart and with Upstream Media as webcast partner. The weekly session is being aired live via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

Emulator WE Filipinos—citizens of a basketball-crazy nation this side of the planet—have always shown a great inclination towards imitating the NBA and its players. The Filipino basketball culture takes its cue from the NBA, and why not? The NBA is the gold standard when it comes to basketball. We emulate NBA players. We try to look like them and play like them. We hope to mimic their physical appearance, so much so that when the NBA transitioned from the now-throwback slim fit jerseys and super short shorts to 90s baggy basketball outfit and back again, Filipino ballers dressed the same way. And we are not far behind when it comes to sporting the additional accouterment—at least those which are fashionable as of the moment. You name it, and if it is a prominent part of an NBA player’s ensemble, Filipino basketball players will wear it - headband, wristband, arm sleeve, compression pants, ankle support, knee pads, and the most important of all, basketball shoes. Nothing says imitating the NBA more than wearing basketball shoes endorsed by NBA players, especially since not everyone digs, can afford, and can get away with having cornrows. Looking the part is easy. Imitating how NBA players play is difficult, but it does not deter Pinoy hoopsters from trying. The longdistance shooting of Steph Curry and Damian Lillard explains why Filipino basketball players are now practicing shooting a few feet away from the three-point arc, while how they dribble is influenced by the crafty, agile, and artistic styles of Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul and other NBA players renowned for their handles. When NBA big men started shooting threes, Filipino bigs followed suit and extended their range, with mixed reactions from their coaches. Without question, it is safe to say we religiously follow every NBA trend. We imitate how they play and how they look because it is popular and the norm. Uso kasi, as we casually say in vernacular. Recently, I find myself wondering if there is anything NBA that we won’t try to emulate, in light of what is happening in the league right now. The NBA, which has long prided itself on fulfilling its duties as a responsible citizen through programs that help the community, has elevated itself to become a platform that plays an active role in addressing serious and pressing social issues. With the issues of racism, inequality, and police brutality (among others) front and center in the US today, the NBA has supported its players who are becoming more vocal about their sentiments regarding social justice and demanding change. Will Philippine basketball—and more importantly, Philippine sports in general—follow the same path? Unlike switching jersey sizes or learning the Euro step, imitating this particular facet of the NBA—fusing sports and social justice—is something different. This is not just merely following some current, hip trend. It is not something you do or get involved in because you want to look good or feel good or get fans. It is a mission grounded on civic and moral duty, and it is important to start with that mindset because this is a difficult and daunting task, and it will be divisive. Some NBA fans are demanding the separation of sports and social justice issues, and there will be Filipino basketball fans screaming this same sentiment, and they will seek to trivialize the efforts to duplicate here in the Philippines what the NBA is doing in the US. “Gaya-gaya” lang naman kayo sa NBA. Ang hilig niyo talagang makiuso! People say these with derision because our tendency to imitate the NBA is oftentimes superficial: we just want to look current and not outdated. It may be true. But I always believe that our being “gaya-gaya” also presents the opportunity to take something American/foreign and make it our own and use it to build our own identity. We should remember that it is important that our relationship with the NBA does not start and end with imitation alone. It is important for imitation to evolve into inspiration, that we imitate knowing in imitation is where we find what can make us better human beings, and not just better basketball players. If we are indeed that—mahilig makiuso—then let’s do it the right way. Let’s make it matter.

Entertainment

tuesday, september 1, 2020

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Entertainment goes online P

ortable devices and on-demand entertainment created a new culture that has given new opportunities for the television industry and audiences.

With millions of people placed in lockdown, artists, musicians, screen stars, media outfits, and film companies are using the internet to bring entertainment to people at home. In this respect, GMA Artist Center aims to take advantage of the demand of this “now dominant culture” by further strengthening its online presence with its recently launched YouTube channel. GMA Artist Center recently proved its social media dominance when digital marketing company Socialbakers released its statistics for the first half of the year and named GMA Artist Center as the most engaging brand on Instagram and the fifth most engaging brand on Facebook in the country.

UMPIL recognizes ABS-CBN’s efforts in cinema appreciation through its ABS-CBN Film Restoration unit.

Kapamilya network honored at Gawad Pedro Bucaneg

‘Hangout’ with Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.

With this in mind, the network’s talent arm promises to continuously connect netizens with the artists through meaningful virtual interaction while creating a wide range of fresh,

original, and exciting content for their YouTube channel. In a statement sent to Manila Standard Entertainment, GMA Artist Center shared that its launching new video series In The Limelight, where viewers can get to know Kapuso stars better; Hangout, which is a weekly live fan meet; and Cool Hub -- hosted by Yasser Marta, Myrtle Sarrosa, Manolo Pedrosa, and Ayra Mariano -- which features the different collections of the stars. Already on their second season are the talk show Just In, hosted by Paolo Contis and Vaness del Moral; game show Quiz Beh!, hosted by Betong Sumaya; and online dating show E-Date Mo Si Idol, which will now be hosted by comedian Pekto Nacua.

Fans can get update from these digital shows by subscribing to the GMA Artist Center YouTube channel and following their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.

‘Just In’ hosted by Paolo Contis and Vaness del Moral.

DIGITAL MEDIA

PH notches ‘impressive improvements’ in 4G availability, download speeds Mobile network experience in the Philippines has had “impressive improvements” since 2017 as Filipinos spent more time on 4G/LTE, according to the latest analysis by independent mobile analytics firm Opensignal. The analysis, which is available on Opensignal’s website, found that between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2020, 4G Availability in the Philippines increased by nearly 20 percentage points. For customers of PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), 4G Availability—defined as the proportion of time 4G users spend connected to 4G or LTE—increased by as much as 27.8 points, from 59.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 86.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020. Meanwhile, Download Speed Experience in the country also increased by around 80 percent between the fourth quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2020, with Smart consistently in the lead over the last two years. “Our users in the Philippines have also seen at least 10 consecutive quarters of improvement in the proportion of time that they spend connected to 4G,” Opensignal said. Opensignal also cited their recent report, “The State of Mobile Network Experience 2020: One year into the 5G Era”, where the Philippines ranked 67th out of 100 countries for 4G Availability. “This means that the Philippines had a higher score than a third of all the countries cov-

ered in the report for this measure of the mobile experience.” Opensignal stressed the importance of network investments in improving overall network experience. “4G Availability rises as operators invest in their 4G networks and it is very sensitive in this regard, as the most common dead zones users struggle with occur indoors and this is where most of our availability data is collected. Given that 4G speeds far exceed those typically seen on 3G, an increase in 4G Availability is typically associated with a rise in average download speeds,” Opensignal said. To date, Smart’s 4G/LTE service, when combined with its 3G service, now provides high-speed mobile internet service to over 93 percent of the country’s cities and municipalities and 95 percent of the population. “The results of these speed tests over the past several years show the impact of our sustained network investments, particularly in LTE, in delivering progressively better internet services to our customers. We are continuing that investment effort as we further expand the reach of our LTE service and as we start rolling out 5G,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have continued our network expansion program, which includes steadily extending the reach and increasing capacity of our 4G/ LTE network. We have done this by combining the rollout of our physical installations with software systems upgrades that can be done remotely. Moreover, we have also been able to

ramp-up our network activities as our operations adjust to the ‘new normal’,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering. Smart has also been deploying LTEAdvanced and carrier aggregation (CA) technology to improve the mobile internet experience of its customers. A key feature of LTE-A, CA allows the combination of two or more radio frequency bands in order to deliver much faster data speeds to mobile phone users. In addition to network upgrades, Smart is also partnering with popular smartphone manufacturers in getting more affordable LTE- and LTE-A-capable handsets out in the market. As of June 2020, over 60 percent of handsets on Smart’s network are already on LTE. PLDT and Smart’s sustained investments in their network have totaled some P260 billion from 2015 to 2019. In the first half of 2020, Smart further increased the number of its LTE base stations by 10 percent compared to end-2019. In April, it also increased the capacity of its LTE network by reallocating its assigned 1800 Mhz frequency from 2G to 4G/LTE. As a result, 3,785 Smart base stations are now providing additional capacity for its LTE network. Moreover, in its ongoing LTE and LTEAdvanced roll-out, Smart has been installing 5G-capable equipment which will enable Smart to deploy 5G easier and faster. Smart’s mobile network is supported by PLDT’s fiber infrastructure, which provides high-capacity links to LTE base stations and is now nearly 360,000 kilometers nationwide.

Certified Popster In the recent digital press conference of her new TV5 talk show, Chika, Besh, host Pauleen Luna couldn’t hide her being a big fan of Sarah Geronimo. She picked the Pop Star Royalty as the artist she wants to interview in their show if given the chance. “I’m a certified Popster!” she averred. “I really want to interview Sarah especially now that she’s married to Matteo (Guidicelli). It would be nice to ask her how she is, how her married life is doing plus all her plans. I’m sure it will be one exciting interview.” The TV host also had the same answer when asked if there’s an artist from other networks that she would like to work with. “Still, it’s Sarah G. My Popster heart. Sarah Geronimo,” she exclaimed. As proof of her being a Sarah fanatic, Pauleen shared that she even greeted her idol and Matteo when they got married last February. “When Matteo posted his wedding toast with Sarah on Instagram, I dropped my greeting. I wrote, ‘Congratulations neighbor!’ In my posts, it’s also evident that I’m a Sarah

The Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) or the Writers Union of the Philippines recently honored ABS-CBN with the Gawad Pedro Bucaneg for the network’s exceptional contributions in cultivating literary education, literary culture, and appreciation of Philippine cinema. The largest organization of Filipino writers in the country acknowledged ABS-CBN’s innovations in educational TV with programs such as Sines’kwela, Mathtinik, Hiraya Manawari, Bayani, and Pahina. It also recognized the Kapamilya network’s promotion of Filipino culture in its topnotch TV and film productions, and its efforts to archive, digitalize and restore Filipino films through the ABS-CBN Film Archives and ABS-CBN Film Restoration. “Tinatanggap ng ABS-CBN ang gawad na ito at gagamiting inspirasyon para bumangon, gaano man kahirap,” said ABSCBN’s senior writer Jerry Gracio, who received the award for the network in the virtual ceremony held yesterday (Aug. 29) on the UMPIL Facebook page. This award came at the heels of the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal last July 10 and the earlier shutdown of its broadcast operations on May 5. Despite the challenges, ABS-CBN remains committed to its efforts in education, culture, and film. It has brought back its

iconic educational programs and resumed the production of new content during this pandemic for airing on cable and satellite TV via Kapamilya Channel and online on iWant and Kapamilya Online Live. ABS-CBN continues its commitment to assist in educating the Filipino youth via Knowledge Channel. Recently, Knowledge Channel introduced its “School At Home” programming, which airs educational shows that aim to support the government’s alternative distance learning efforts amid the health crisis. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Film Restoration, which has digitally-restored 190 timeless Filipino films, will release more preserved classics available for the public to view soon. The network’s movie preservation unit also recently held a free webinar on film restoration last Aug. 29, in partnership with studentorganization PILAK. Apart from the ABS-CBN, which received the award named after the great Ilokano epic poet, UMPIL also feted this year several remarkable Filipino writers with the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Francisco Balagtas (for literary arts) and the Gawad Paz Marquez Benitez (for literary education). The group usually hands the said awards during the National Literature Month festivities of April, but with the pandemic, the writers’ union instead held a virtual ceremony.

Heart encourages Filipinas to elevate standard of self-love

Maintaining one’s own physical, a compassionate philanthropist has proven mental, and spiritual health can be a strug- to be an inspiration to women who congle with more overwhelming conditions tinuously seek development for themselves happening here and abroad. Kotex under- and society. Heart embodies the modernstands women’s hesitations in confidently day Filipino woman who is not defined and loving themselves during hard times and hindered by challenges that come her way, but is instead empowered as a brand that champions by them. women’s progress amidst “I believe in the brand’s challenges, it stands values in supporting proalongside Filipinas – engressive women to face couraging them to never obstacles head-on, withhold back and elevate the out being hindered by culway they love themselves tural, physical, or societal despite the odds. limitations,” the screen this, Kotex With star shares. launches its “Love YourHeart has recently been self a Little More” cammaking the most of her paign headlined by a TV time in Sorsogon by letcommercial that features ting her creative juices various women who pracflow, extending care for tice acts of service whethher friends and family, er for themselves or for and coming up with ways people around them. to marry her passion for The campaign chal- Heart Evangelista is the face the arts and her undenilenges Filipinas to rethink of ‘Love Yourself a Little More’ able influence to help lotheir self-worth and em- campaign. cal communities thrive. powers them to take care Heart has taken it upon of themselves especially on times that they need it the most - such herself to evolve her manner of self-love – being unapologetic for how she internally as times wherein they have their period. “We believe that while our consum- practices it and extending this to everyone ers already value themselves, taking this around her. “Tough times have definitely heightened a notch above through overflowing selflove is an important factor in conquering the need to keep ourselves well because adversities, achieving our full potential, when we, as individuals, are fearlessly and extending love for others,” says Kotex happy and healthy, then we can better supPhilippines brand manager Ann Avellane- port one another and offer the best of us, da. “This insight moved us to create this not what’s left of us,” says Heart. Watch out for upcoming activities from campaign and empower Filipinas to not be guilty of loving themselves a little more Kotex Luxe, such as the 7-Day Self-Love because they deserve and need it in order Instagram Challenge starting this month and “Love Yourself Live: How Self-Love to better give love to others.” Kotex also welcomes back Heart Evan- Can Save You,” a Facebook Live event gelista as its ambassador to headline the on Oct. 10, 7:00 p.m., tackling self-love campaign. Her evolution from being an practices during hard times with Heart actress to a sought-after endorser, sold-out Evangelista and special guests. For more visual artist, beauty and fashion icon, and details, visit facebook.com/KotexPH.

***

Pauleen Luna reveals that she is a big fan of Sarah G (inset).

fan. Like last January, when I posted my video with Baeby Baste while we’re dancing to the tune of Sarah’s hit song, ‘Tala,’’’ she related. Meanwhile, the actress-host shared her thoughts on their program being compared with other shows in the same format. “I guess, we should look inwards instead of outwards. I think we’re already successful if we know that we are able to help and give inspiration, joy, and smile to our viewers,” she said. Apart from Chika, Besh, Pauleen is also busy co-hosting Eat Bulaga! with husband Vic Sotto. “It’s a perk since you are able to work and yet, you’re with your family. That’s my major adjustment. I tape twice a week for Chika, Besh. But I’m very happy that Vic is supportive of me. He lets me do what I want to do,” she ended.

The 43rd Gawad Urian Awards has already released its official list of nominees and both Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards were cited for their performances in the movie Hello, Love, Goodbye. Alden is nominated for Best Actor where he will lock horns with Jansen Magpusao (John Denver Trending), Elijah Canlas (Kalel), Gold Azeron (Metamorphosis), Louise Abuel (Edward), Royce Cabrera (Fuccbois), Gio Gahol (Sila-Sila), Oliver Aquino (Jino to Mari), film director Joel Lamangan (Ang Hupa) and Raymond Bagatsing (Quezon’s Game). Meanwhile, Kathryn will face stiff competition from Nadine Lustre (Ulan), Ruby Ruiz (Iska), Angie Ferro (Lola Igna), Maxine Eigenmann (Verdict), Alessandra de Rossi (Lucia), Jean Garcia (Watch Me Kill), Janine Gutierrez (Babae at Baril), Bela Padilla (Mañanita), Sue

Kathryn and Alden in ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye.’

Prado (Alma-ata), and the late Anita Linda (Circa). Many people wonder if the two mainstream stars can pull off wins for their performances.

Life

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

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020

MENTAL WELLNESS

How to bounce back in life like a PBA star

WINNING MINDSET. Barangay Ginebra members, coach Tim Cone, assistant coach

Richard del Rosario, and L.A. Tenorio talk about the winning mindset that helps them bounce back from challenges in a bid to help Filipinos cope and recover from the current situation.

NE of the great sources of inspiration for Filipinos is sports. Seeing athletes beat time, defy odds, turn the tables, and win Be disciplined and work hard For five-time PBA champion and threethe game sparks hope that anything is possible—even if the time PBA Finals Most Valuable Player home court is saddled with pandemic and the opponent is a virus. Tenorio, preparation is the key to success.

“The pandemic has not only brought many of us physical and financial challenges, but has also tested our mental strength and well-being,” said Melissa Henson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Manulife Philippines. To inspire Filipinos to “embrace a winning mindset” amid the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the insurer recently hosted a webinar featuring members of the Philippine Basketball Association team Barangay Ginebra: Tim Cone, L.A. Tenorio, and Richard del Rosario. “We partnered with members of the Barangay Ginebra team, one of the most storied teams in Philippine basketball history, because we believe in the power of sports and its ability to teach us meaningful lessons about dealing with failure and challenges, getting back up again, improving yourself, and collaborating with others,” explained Henson.

Be open to change What many are calling “new normal” is composed of changes in the way we live. Changes that Del Rosario, two-time PBA champion and lead assistant coach, said we must be willing to accept. “There will be a lot of disruptions in your life but what can help you adjust is having the right attitude to deal with these situations. It’s not what happens to

you, but what happens in you,” he said. Del Rosario considers this mindset as being porous. “Being porous means being open to change and accepting that these changes will enter your life.”

Be accountable Cone, the winningest coach in PBA history with 22 titles, including two Grand Slams, emphasized the value of being responsible for one’s self and for the people that depend on them. “As a coach, I am accountable for 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. Further explaining his methods, he shared, “I say this to all first practices that ‘I want you to hate me now and love me later,’ and what I mean by that is ‘I want you to understand that I’m gonna have to push you, and that I have to be a strong leader and make you disciplined and make you do all these things’.” Cone has learned that leaders must encourage themselves and the people around them to stay motivated, be consistent, and develop that “never say die” spirit to achieve their goals. At the webinar, he also emphasized the price one must pay to succeed, and that the journey exacts discipline and accountability.

He underscored the importance of hard work and everyday grind, of not hiding behind excuses or special treatment. He believes that even if you feel that you’re already at the top of your game, determination, discipline, and humility still matter. He also spoke of importance of teamwork and putting someone else first 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.

Be physically active and mentally positive Certified life coach Carelle Magaliag-Herrera seconded the PBA stars’ insights, further adding the value of being physically and mentally healthy in order to become emotionally resilient—vital in time of crisis. “You should be physically active and mentally positive. To do this, we should practice creating good stories in order to change our state and create strategies that would lead us to success,” she said. “Also, being more compassionate and kinder to yourself allows you to extend these values to others, which creates a positive effect on our wellbeing.” Harvey Villena

NBA coach talks about the best game plan FOR NBA G League coach Brian Shaw, staying prepared is the best game plan, be it in life or any sports game. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” he said. “If you call yourself a professional, whether you’re a lawyer, a doctor, an actor, there’s a certain responsibility to that. You have to put in your time and work. So, if you shortcut anything as a professional, there will come a time where the game will shortcut you because you didn’t do everything,” added Shaw. Shaw, together with NBA G League player Jalen Green and NBA Champion Glen Rice, were the featured guests in

Axa Philippines’ NBA Republika Playoffs Party. Hosted by Nikko Ramos and Tin “Suzy” Gamboa, the virtual event featured video segments including the Republika Dunk Off, Playoffs Predictions, and an engaging discussion with a panel of powerhouse coaches on their basketball career highlights, coaching experiences, and how to bounce back from adversity with the right game plan. Joining Shaw during the NBA Republika Playoffs Party were ABL head coach Jimmy Alapag and PBA head coach Tim Cone.

The recent NBA Republika Playoffs Party featured a virtual talk with NBA G League coach Brian Shaw, PBA head coach Tim Cone, and ABL head coach Jimmy Alapag.

Bobby Joseph lives up to ‘environmentalist’ tag “THERE is no Planet B. We have only one planet, and so we must all care for Mother Earth.” Bobby Joseph stands by his words as he makes notable contributions to safeguard the environment while promoting tourism.

Sustainable farm tourism Inspired by his advocacies for sustainable tourism and helping people, he worked with Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto and established Paraiso Village Farm two years ago. Paraiso is a sustainable farm in San Jose, Batangas which aims to support the farmers and their families in the community. The farmers grow fruit-bearing trees, vegetables, and root crops, which support the community especially during the quarantine. “We also give the families free housing, water, and lights,” shared Joseph. His family also built a chapel dedicated to his son Richard who passed away in 2017. They are also constructing a multi-purpose hall in the village farm which can be used for seminars and events. They have started building toilets as well. “We are expanding the farm and growing more trees and vegetables. The farmers are marketing and distributing the farm produce weekly. We also support other farmers to distribute their harvest, helping them sell in subdivisions without middlemen getting involved in the transactions.” According to Joseph, they also teach the farmers values, skills, and positive at-

Manila Yacht Club Commodore Bobby Joseph, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim, and DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu inspect the Manila Yacht Club compound as part of the Save Manila Bay project. titude, and show them opportunities to rise and shine.

Save Manila Bay When Joseph was appointed Commodore of the Manila Yacht Club in November 2018, he strongly pursued his advocacy to

save and restore Manila Bay’s lost glory. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu took on the challenge in December 2018. And in January 2019, Joseph, together with Sec. Cimatu, launched the Save Manila Bay project in collaboration with the Rotary Club of

Manila (RCM) where he formerly served as director and now president. On July 30 this year, Sec. Cimatu and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim invited Rotarian IPP Jack Rodriguez and Joseph to the inauguration and blessing of the solar-powered sewage treatment plant (STP). The 500,000-liter daily capacity treatment plant, which is now fully operational, is located in front of the Manila Yacht Club (MYC). The STP connects three major drainage outflows between the US Embassy and the MYC. To prevent overwhelming the STP, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno promised to install STPs at Manila Zoo and Ospital ng Maynila. Other establishments in the area will also have to comply with the order. Sec. Cimatu advised two to three more solar STPs will be constructed in Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Cavite to sustain the cleanliness of the Bay. “Today, we are supporting the cleanup that would take six years in the making because Manila Bay is connected with Metro Manila, Cavite, Zambales, Laguna, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Bataan,” said Joseph. “We have started meetings with the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu and the Rotary Club of Cebu. Our program is to encourage Rotary Clubs in the country to conduct seminars on waste management in every barangay with the support of DENR and DILG. We can reduce waste through segregation and composting. We shall adopt the

training program for barangays with the help of DENR and Atty. Tony Oposa, a wellrenowned environmentalist.”

International School of Sustainable Tourism Joseph also serves as vice chairman of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST), with former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor as chairman. ISST is the first sustainable tourism school in the Asia-Pacific region educating a new generation of leaders. It organizes three webinars monthly on farm tourism and events management. In July, it organized a series of webinars on “Sustainable Tourism Opportunities for Entrepreneurship” in partnership with Global Ecotourism Network and Asian Ecotourism Network, and in cooperation with Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines.

Rotary Club of Manila Tree Planting “We Rotarians are catalysts of change and we strive for a better Philippines,” said Joseph. One of the club’s commitments is carrying out projects targeted at fostering environmental protection. One noteworthy project of RCM is the national tree planting chaired by Jackie Rodriguez, with a mission to help solve the country’s ecological and environmental problems. The club aspires to help raise awareness of the importance of planting trees.