Manila Standard - 2020 September 12 - Saturday

Rody signs P165-b Bayanihan 2 New law provides for cash-for -work scheme, farm loans, subsidy to poor BAYANIHAN 2.

President Rodrigo Duterte signs into law the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act (Bayanihan 2) during a ceremony at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacanang on Spt. 11, 2020. The newly signed law complements Bayanihan 1, both seeking to stop the virus infection while helping pump -prime the economy. Presidential photo

By Willie Casas

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday signed into law the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) which provides for a P165 billion COVID-19 relief package.

The bulk of the relief measure covers a P140 billion aid package for industries negatively impacted by the pandemic.

A standby fund of P25.52 billion may be tapped by the government for additional COVID-related expenses before the 2021 budget takes effect.

The measure includes cash for work and involuntary separation pay (P13 billion), loans for farmers (P24 billion), funding for government financial institutions that will extend soft loans to affected sectors (P39.47 billion), and funding for health-related response (P13.5 billion), among others.

The law also provides for an emergency subsidy of P5,000 to P8,000 for qualified low-income households in areas under granular lockdown as well as households of displaced overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated to the country.

Last week, an opposition lawmaker criticized Duterte for sitting on the enactment of the Bayanihan 2.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the enrolled copy of the bill was received by the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office on Aug. 27 for transmittal to the President.

More riders allowed in public transportation The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved Next page

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 190 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

COVID-19 PH AT A GLANCE

(AS OF 4 PM SEPTEMBER 12)

252,964 TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES

4,040 62,250 NEW

ACTIVE

4,108

42

186,606

566

DEATHS

RECOVERIES

NEW

NEW

DOH: No deal in Pemberton case; DFA, DOH junk Roque’s trade-off talk THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said the presidential pardon given to US marine convicted of killing a Filipino transgender woman was not a condition to gaining access to a US-developed COVID-19 vaccine.

The Health department statement came a day after presidential spokesman Harry Roque suggested that President Rodrigo Duterte pardoned US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton so that the Philippines would receive a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by American companies.

Pemberton, who strangled Jennifer Laude, a Filipino transgender woman, to Next page

Cure for virus at hand? Health dep’t draws up roadmap for vaccine purchase

By Willie Casas

of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Duque, during a Senate hearing last HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque month, said the Philippines was in close III on Friday assured the public the collaboration and negotiation with sevDepartment of health would provide a eral international pharmaceutical comNext page detailed roadmap for the procurement

FREE AGAIN. US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton (L) poses for a photo during the turnover of his papers from the Bureau of Corrections to the Bureau of Immigration at a cell inside the military headquarters in Quezon City. The handout photo was taken on Sept.

11, 2020 and released by the Bucor. AFP

Task force taps FB to trace quarantine violators THE Joint Task Force COVID Shield on Friday created a Facebook account where netizens could directly report blatant violations of quarantine protocols.

In a statement, JTF COVID Shield head Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said

the move was part of efforts to empower the people not only to help the government in enforcing quarantine rules but also in protecting themselves and their community from people who defy the health safety protocols.

Eleazar said the official Facebook account of the JTF COVID Shield under the account name COVID Shield is an additional avenue for the public to report quarantine violations they would Next page

Lawyer seeks quo warranto to remove another SC justice

By Rey E. Requejo and Maricel Cruz

EASING THE TENSION. This handout photo taken on September 11, 2020 and released by the Department of National Defense shows Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (L) and his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe during their bilateral meeting in Manila. AFP

WILL Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Victor “Marvic” Leonen suffer the same fate as that of Maria Lourdes Sereno who was removed from her post as Chief Justice through quo warranto proceedings in 2018?

This developed after lawyer Larry Gadon on Friday expressed

PH, China agree to settle spat over code of conduct

PAGASA warns: Brace for La Niña rain in Dec.

By Francisco Tuyay

disputed South China Sea. Lorenzana met with General Wei DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Fenghe in Camp Aguinaldo where both and his visiting Chinese counterpart discussed several bilateral issues.

“Today marks the most recent visit of agreed on Friday to resolve their differences amicably on issues affecting the Next page

Next page

By Rio N. Araja

THE weather bureau on Friday warned people to brace for a possible “La Niña” in the quarter to December, saying abovenormal rainfall could prevail especially in the Visayas and Next page

AGAINST ATA. Anti-torture advocates and child rights groups file a petition for certiorari and prohibition against the Anti-Terrorism Act at the Supreme Court on Friday, September 11, 2020. Theirs become the 31st petition against the recently enacted law. Norman Cruz (Story on A2)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Labor budget’s marginal hike hit

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE 2021 national budget should finance the priority sectors to sustain economic recovery and create more employment, Senator Joel Villanueva said Friday.

Citing the 2021 national expenditure program, Villanueva raised concerns over the marginal increase in the budget of the Labor department, the lead agency in easing the impact of unemployment for domestic and foreignbased workers.

Villanueva, head of the Senate labor committee, said the emergency employment programs might not be enough to tide over the needs of displaced workers.

“Our resource persons earlier men-

tioned that among the challenges faced by the Build, Build, Build program is the job-skills mismatch because most of our workers who have the experience and the skills we need are working overseas,” Villanueva said.

“Now that most of them have returned home, we should find a way to tap this available resource.”

Villanueva made his statement eve4n as Rep. Edgar Sarmiento of Samar filed a bill that would require the automatic appropriation of at least 10 percent of all

DOH:...

From A1

Rody...

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death after dunking her head in a toilet bowl in an Olongapo motel in 2014, was convicted of homicide and had served only five years of his six- to 10-year term when a court ruled he could be released early for good conduct.

When the Laude family challenged the ruling, the President abruptly granted Pemberton an absolute pardon, making any further legal moves moot.

“We did not receive this kind of a condition based on the discussions we have had from the [drug] manufacturers from the US,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a mix of English and Filipino Friday.

Two other Cabinet members cast doubt on Roque’s suggestion of a pardon-for-vaccine deal.

Foreig Secretary Teodoro Locsin denied there was a deal between Manila and Washington for Pemberton’s release.

“I already said it was the President’s unilateral decision. What is it about ‘I already said’ that’s so hard to understand? I was with the President. Just me and Secretary (Menardo) Guevarra and ES (Salvador Medialdea) and Senator Bong Go,” he said in a Twitter post.

“There is no exchange. I clinched that purely on my charm with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. I insisted that it (vaccine procurement) be a private sector venture,” Locsin wrote in an earlier tweet. “It is what it was: the President’s sense of fairness in a particular case.

And it’s impeccable law and morals.”

The pardon has been widely criticized, but Duterte said he believed Pemberton was not treated fairly because his good conduct time allowance (GCTA) credits were not recorded by Philippine authorities.

The pardon extinguished the issue of whether or not Pemberton was entitled to GCTA. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra declined to support Roque’s suggestion.

“I cannot speculate on the President’s motives. He has explained his reason for granting pardon to Mr. Pemberton. For me that’s the end of the story. Let’s move on,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters.

Guevarra earlier said Duterte consulted him before making the decision, which reportedly surprised even US Ambassador Sung Kim who went to Malacanang for a farewell visit.

Asked if the pardon was unfair to the Laude family, Guevarra again refused to comment, saying he considered the matter closed.

“My sentiments are irrelevant. I defer to the personal judgment of the President on matters within his constitutional prerogative,” he said.

Pemberton remains detained at Camp Aguinaldo even after he was released from the custody of the Bureau of Corrections. The Bureau of Immigration its completing its deportation proceedings against him.

Vito Barcelo and Rey E. Requejo

the proposal to increase the number of riders allowed in public transportation by optimizing or reducing the physical distance between commuters.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Economic Development Cluster (EDC) and department’s proposal got the approval and support of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19, led by National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. and the IATF. “There is a need to safely optimize the carrying capacity of the various public transport modes as Metro Manila and its adjacent areas continue with the transition towards the ‘new normal’ where more workers are expected to return to their re-opened workplaces and more businesses are expected to resume operations that were stopped during the enforcement of strict quarantine measures,” Tugade said.

PAGASA...

From A1 Mindanao.

“La Niña” is characterized by below-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean near the equator.

“There could be an increase in tropical cyclone activity by the last quarter this year and the first quarter next year,” said Ariel Rojas, a weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

He says there is a 70-percent chance of a “La Niña” episode this year.

The weather bureau described a sustained cooling of sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, and that the atmospheric indicator was now at the “La Niña” threshold.

funds allotted for infrastructure projects to provide employment to the Filipinos who lost their livelihood because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sarmiento, head of the committee on transportation, filed House Bill 7591, or the Employment Generation Through Infrastructure Investment Program.

“The bill aims to address two pressing concerns: First, it will address unemployment. Second, it will benefit the community as the infrastructure projects are communal,” Sarmiento said.

Meanwhile, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte has endorsed a much bigger outlay for the Department of Agrarian Reform in 2021 to establish “mega farms” in a bid to energize agriculture and achieve food security.

Villafuerte moved for an increase of

P3 billion to P5 billion in the department’s total outlay so it could carry out its Mega Farms and Food Security Program in 2021.

“If there is one thing that the ongoing global health crisis has taught us, it is the primacy of self-sufficiency as countries isolate themselves and shutter their businesses in a frantic bid to prevent the spread of a highly infectious pathogen,” Villafuerte said.

Villanueva says he will continue to look into the optimal funding requirement for TESDA to reach more beneficiaries, especially displaced workers.

Under the 2021 NEP, TESDA is to be allotted P2.9 billion to finance the TVET scholarship of some 21,233 trainees, and P200 million for about 8,333 trainees in private TVET institutions.

under the “specialized programs” of the Department of Tourism as the Philippines restarts domestic travel.

The government’s pandemic task force has expanded allowed guests in hotels to include “markets of specialized programs” of the tourism department according to a Sept. 10 resolution.

What those programs are and how many guests will be accommodated were not specified.

Since the lockdowns started in March, hotels were limited to accepting health workers, overseas Filipino workers, stranded foreigners, and guests with long-term bookings.

The department also announced 566 new recoveries, bringing to 186,606 the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease.

There are now 62,250 active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine, of which 88.8 percent are mild, 8.4 percent are asymptomatic, 1.1 percent are severe, and 1.7 percent are in critical condition.

4,040 new COVID-19 cases logged

The Philippines recorded 4,040 more COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally of cases to 252,964, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.

Most of the new cases reported came from the National Capital Region with 1,813, followed by Cavite with 435, Rizal with 218, Bulacan with 195, and Laguna with 171.

The DOH reported 42 new fatalities, Hotels can take in more bringing the total death toll from COVguests Hotels can now accept more guests ID-19 to 4,108.

Cure...

From A1 panies that are currently frontrunners in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

The IATF also approved in its Resolution 68 the creation of a separate subTechnical Working Group on Vaccine Procurement that will be headed by the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service. DOH, as a member of the sub-TWG, will determine the appropriate vaccine deployment program including the vaccine to be procured and the required number of doses.

Prior to the rollout, the country will participate in clinical trials of advanced COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

“The FDA, the DOST and the IATFSub-Technical Working Group on Vaccine Development are closely monitoring foreign pharmaceutical companies who will conduct local clinical trials here in the country to ensure the vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy,” Duque explained.

Lawyer...

From A1 optimism that Solicitor General Jose Calida would act favorably on his letter-request for the SolGen’s office to file a quo warranto petition that would lead to the ouster of Leonen from his post allegedly for non-submission of his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

Gadon recalled that it was Calida’s petition for quo warranto that nullified the appointment of Sereno as Chief Justice for six years, also for non-filing of her SALN. “I am confident that Solicitor General Calida will grant my request,” Gadon said.

PH,...

From A1 China’s Minister of National Defense to the Philippines following similar visits in 2002, 2007, 2011 and 2017,” Lorenzana said.

The defense department has not provided specific details on the meeting between Lorenzana and Wei particularly on how to ease tension in the West Philippine Sea following Beijing’s aggressive positioning, presence and military transformation of disputed areas in the South China Sea. But in a statement, the defense insti-

New home quarantine rules coming

The government will release a new home quarantine policy possibly by next week, the DOH said on Friday.

Government officials said home quarantine has contributed to the spread of COVID-19 in communities.

“Maybe next week we’ll have a more accurate and more complete decision including the policy on home quarantine,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a virtual briefing.

Vergeire said the country already has existing protocols, but these are being reviewed.

She added that the observations about the failure of home quarantine in certain cases are valid.

Rights advocates file 31st petition against terror law

By Rey E. Requejo THE people against torture and the families of enforced disappearances on Friday joined the calls for the Supreme Court to declare as unconstitutional several provisions of Republic Act 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

The United Against Torture Coalition says RA 11479 should be rejected because it violates basic rights and hurts legitimate dissent and advocacy.

The UATC, a network of human rights groups and people working to prevent torture in the Philippines, says many of the main provisions of the anti-terror law contravene the 1987 Constitution and the anti-torture law.

The group cited, for instance, the ATA’s provision on the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days before they have to be charged in court, claiming that is “conducive” to torture, coercion into an involuntary confession, forced disappearance or even summary execution.

“Considering the widespread use of torture in counter-terrorism, the prolonged detention authorized under the ATA is unjustified and unsubstantiated,” the group said.

It says the detention period provided by the law is much longer than the three-day detention allowed by the Constitution, and even in times when the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended.

The petitioners also oppose the law’s “vague, amorphous and overbroad” definition of terrorism and its related crimes.

“Over-all, the lack of fundamental fairness and safeguards, taking into consideration the totality of the intersecting provisions of ATA, indicate a strong, clear and present danger of widespread torture and ill-treatment of suspects under the prolonged custody of law enforcement authorities,” the group said.

Aside from independent vaccine trials, the Philippines will also participate in the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Trial for Vaccines, a global effort to rapidly develop and evaluate possible candidate vaccines against the COVID-19.

Once a viable vaccine for procurement is identified, the Department will provide a detailed roadmap for its procurement and rollout.

The details would include its budget, financing scheme, pricing schemes, interim reimbursements of vaccines, clinical trial insurance for side effects, participation fees for volunteers to the testing, and other specific guidelines.

To expedite procurement, DOH, as supported by the Health Technology Assessment Council, Food and Drug Administration, and the Philippine Medical Association, also proposed to waive the required Phase IV clinical trials, specifically for COVID-19 vaccines and medications in the Bayanihan II (Bayanihan to Recover as One Act).

The bill, including the proposed provision, has passed the Congress and is President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature.

“We acknowledge the limitations of the law in meeting the urgent needs to address a pandemic given the severity posed by the SARS-COV-2 virus, particularly in immediate access to muchneeded vaccines. Rest assured that DOH, together with the rest of government and its partners, will act swiftly given the evolving study of the virus and the uncertain development of the situation,” Duque said.

Meanwhile, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the World Health Organization’s solidarity trial for COVID-19 vaccines might start in the Philippines by the end of October.

Vergeire said health authorities would first coordinate with local government leaders and stakeholders to inform them of the advantages and risks of the vaccine trial.

By the third week of October, the initial roll-out of the WHO solidarity trial for COVID-19 vaccines might start in selected areas.

The Department of Science and Technology said that around eight vaccines would be included in the WHO trial.

While vaccine developers are negoti-

The Manila Standard sent Calida a text message seeking his reaction but he didn’t reply. Sought for comment through the SC Public Information Office chief, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka said: “Justice Leonen has no comment on this matter.”

The law, Republic Act No. 6713 of 1989 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires all state officials and employees to file their SALNs yearly.

Gadon already sent a September 7 letter to Calida requesting the Solicitor General to file a quo warranto petition against Leonen, just like what he did in the case of Sereno.

“If Sereno was ousted from the Supreme Court due to lack of integrity as

exemplified by her non-filing of SALNs in UP (University of the Philippines) for many years, then there is no reason why the same standard should not be applied to AJ Leonen,” Gadon wrote in his letter-request. “I therefore respectfully urge and request the Office of the Solicitor General to institute Quo Warranto proceedings against AJ Leonen.”

Manila Times columnist Rigoberto “Bobi” D. Tiglao earlier revealed in his column that Leonen allegedly did not submit his SALN for 15 years.

Tiglao claimed that Leonen allegedly “failed to file his SALN for 15 years from the time he joined the University of the Philippines (UP) faculty from 1989 to 2003 and for the years 2008 to 2009.”

monitor in the social media, aside from the existing Facebook accounts of local police stations and other police units.

“We in the JTF COVID Shield believe that most of our netizens have already come across with total disregard of quarantine violations in their accounts through the uploaded photos and videos of their Facebook friends,” said Eleazar.

Eleazar said the account would serve as a platform for reporting blatant violations of quarantine rules such as engaging in drinking sessions, large parties and celebrations, and even illegal gambling in public places.

“All they need to do is to send us the photos and videos and we will take care of the rest,” he added.

Eleazar said those who want to report quarantine violations in social media could either tag the JTF COVID Shield or send the photos and videos through Messenger.

The photos and videos that would be sent will be used as a basis in the verification of the police in coordination with the Local Government Units concerned, particularly the barangay officials.

Earlier on, the Philippine National Police said it would now “regularly monitor” social media platforms to hunt down violators of community quarantine protocols.

“The social media are full of photos and evidence of hardheaded people deliberately violating the quarantine protocols. These can be used as pieces of evidence to warn, to fine and to summon the people concerned in coordination with the barangay officials concerned,” said Eleazar in a statement.

tution said Lorenzana and Wei agreed that peace and stability in the SCS should be maintained.

The visit of Chinese defense minister came four months after the Department of Foreign Affairs lodged diplomatic protest against China for illegal seizures of “payaw” or fish-aggregating devices of Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc last May. The statement, short on details, said during the meeting Lorenzana and Wei tackled the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the SCS. Both defense leaders also exchanged best practices in responding to the COVIDA-19 pandemic.

Lorenzana and Wei also agreed to continue working on revisiting the 2004 Philippines-China Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation that would be more responsive to current situations.

The bilateral meeting between Lorenzana and Wei was highlighted by the signing of the Implementing Guidelines for the implementation of a 130M-renminbi grant that China is giving to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the form of equipment, especially for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

Both have expressed the desire to continue this form of dialogue in the

future.

The DND, in its statement, also said Lorenzana and Wei discussed how misunderstanding could be avoided when it came to territorial issues, noting that differences must be resolved “amicably.”

During the meeting, the officials also signed the implementing guidelines for the implementation of a 130 million Renminbi grant that China is giving to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the form of equipment, especially for human and disaster response.

Meanwhile, the removal of the Philippine Navy’s Naval Base Cavite Complex in Sangley Point for the construc-

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

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Palace respects NTC’s recall of ABS’ frequencies

By Vito Barcelo

M

ALACAÑANG on Friday said it respects the decision of the National Telecommunications Commission to recall the television and radio frequencies assigned to ABSCBN Corp, two months after the House of Representatives panel denied its franchise application.

TGIF. Devotees of the Black Nazarene hear mass broadcast through a wide screen monitor (left upper corner) from the Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Friday September 11, 2020. The Basilica has been allowed to accommodate only 10 % of its seating capacity as per instruction from the IATF to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

NSA chief says Police buy-busts yield four drug dealers in ‘Munti’ program fund no pork barrel

By Joel E. Zurbano

By Francisco Tuyay NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon slammed Bayan Muna Rep. Ferdinand Gaite for suspecting as pork barrel the P16.1 billion budget sought by the National Task ForceEnding Local Communist Armed Conflict intended for barangay development programs.

“I am amused, as much as I am dismayed by Bayan Muna Representative Ferdinand Gaite’s statement alleging that the NTF-ELCAC has sought funds that are intended to be pork barrel,” Esperon said.

He also questioned Gaite’s motive in objecting to the proposed budget for the program, which Esperon described as a tool to empower and develop vulnerable communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Esperon said the program intends to address the economic deprivation brought by the infiltration and influence of the New People’s Army in the countryside.

“Why are you against community development and empowerment, which is exactly the mandate of the Task Force created by this administration? Who stands to benefit from the continued stunting and underdevelopment of our communities but those who feed on strife, want, and despair?” Esperon asked.

The Task Force has already identified 1432 barangays which have been cleared of NPA influence and are ripe for government intervention, while 2,379 villages have yet to be cleared of the influence by the communist terrorist group.

“These are communities whose growth and progress have been stunted by the presence and influence of the Communist Terrorist Group,” Esperon said.

POLICE arrested four suspected members of a drug syndicate operating in Muntinlupa City and seized more than half a million worth of shabu during three separate buy-bust operations Thursday night in Barangay Putatan.

The police operations, according to Southern Police District director Brig.

Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, is part of the continuing crackdown on drug dealing in Metro Manila.

Arrested were Herbert Ignacio, alias Tammy, 40, a resident of of Blk 1 Lot 22 Midland Subdivision, and Ramel Opague, alias Bato, 28, of Blk 23 Lot 5 Freewill Subdivision, both of Barangay Putatan; Martin Antazo, 35, of Blk 9 Lot 3 Ridgeview Subdivision, Paliparan II, Dasmarinas Cavite, and Florencio Romano, 31, of Wawa, Taguig City.

First to be arrested were Ignacio and Opague around 9:15 p.m. at Block 1 Lot 22 inside Midland Subdivision where the police recovered 54 grams of shabu

worth P367,200 and the marked money used in the entrapment.

Around 9:45 p.m., members of the Muntinlupa Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit conducted another operation in the same area where they arrested Romano and confiscated three grams of shabu worth P20,400 and the buy-bust money.

After one hour, the authorities nabbed Antazo in Bayfair, also in Barangay Putatan, and recovered P129,200 worth of shabu from his possession and the money used in the police operation.

“We respect the NTC’s decision as a quasi-judicial body,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

The NTC has ordered to recall all frequencies and channels assigned to the ABS CBN network.

In an eight-page decision dated Sept.

9, the NTC said that “all assigned frequencies/channels assigned to ABS-CBN are hereby recalled” due to the absence of a valid legislative franchise.

“The denial of respondent’s franchise renewal application by Congress coupled with the denial of the respondent’s petition by the Supreme Court lead to no other conclusion except that the respondent had already lost the privilege of installing, operating and maintaining redo broadcasting in the country,” the NTC said.

Consequently, absent a valid franchise, the recall of frequencies assigned to the Respondent is warranted,” the NTC said.

Congress has denied ABS-CBN’s application for legislative franchise on July 10, 2020.The NTC on May 5 ordered ABS-CBN to stop operating its various television and radio broadcasting stations nationwide, “absent a valid congressional franchise as required by law.”

ABS-CBN Convergence’s franchise expired on March 17, 2020, while ABSCBN Corp.’s franchise ended on May 4, 2020.

‘Rescind deal on cell sites inside camps’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana should rescind the deal that allows China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp. to build cell sites inside Philippine military camps, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said on Friday.

“The secretary should rescind the deal as it compromises the security of our citizens and our country as whole, especially security of our data, which is the currency of this century,” Pangilinan said.

He noted that countries more technologically- advanced have actually banned or reconsidered business deals with China’s largest telco and phone manufacturer Huawei Technologies just two months ago due to possible spying.

“That should have been an eye-opener for us. Dapat matuto rin tayo sa karanasan nila,” he added.

Pangilinan was referring to a Reuters July 16, 2020 report, which said that the US and British foreign ministers agreed to promote the development of “additional trusted 5G solutions,” quoting the US State Department two days after Britain decided to purge Huawei equipment from its 5G network by 2027.

BUDGET TALKS. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep Martin Romualdez (left) talks with Secretary William Dar (right) of the Department of Agriculture during a short meeting at the Majority Leader’s office in the House of Representatives after the successful Budget Briefing of the 2021 Budget of the Department. Ver Noveno

2 Ilonggos hit for misrepresentation ‘BGC-Ortigas project A CONSUMER group in Iloilo City expressed disgust over two Ilonggo personalities who continue to misrepresent an SECregistered organization to advance their self-interests and personal gains by deliberately attempting to score points in favor of PECO, the disgraced utility distributor in this southern metropolis.

Halley Alcarde, president of Koalisyon Bantay Kuryente (KBK), Inc. with SEC Registration No. CN202069462, has called on Jose Allen Aquino and Ruperto Supena to stop using KBK in their campaign to attack MORE Power, the new power distributor, “because not only are they misrepresenting our organization, they are

misleading the public in telling the Manila press that their sentiment is the sentiment of the Iloilo consumers.”

“They have used KBK and its identity without permission. We did not give them that mandate,” he said, adding, “For the record, these two are not in any way connected with the KBK and cannot speak on behalf of our thousands of members.”

Aquino and Supena conducted a virtual press conference with members of the Manila media on Friday purportedly after “KBK” filed a complaint with the Energy Regulatory Commission to demand compensation from MORE Power for what they claimed were “systems loss charges”.

Villar says farm schools help farmers

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DISINFECTION. A man wearing a personal protective suit disinfects the covered court of Delfin Geralde Elementary School on Salvia Street Pasong Putik, Novaliches Greater Fairview in Quezon City on Friday, September 11, 2020. The Department of Education has reset the opening of classes from August 24 to October 5. PNA Photo

SENATOR Cynthia Villar, who chairs the Senate agriculture and food committee, said the Villar Farm Schools help cultivate modern Filipino farmers.

“Our farm schools have a special role in our objective to make our farmers and fisherfolk competitive and profitable through training programs that will help them produce more and earn more with the help of modern technology,” Villar said.

The first Villar SIPAG Farm School, which opened in September 2015, is located within the boundary of Las Piñas

City and Bacoor City. The second farm school, which opened in October 2016, is at San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

The Las Pinas Farm school caters to farmers from the National Capital Region, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon and Bicol Region while the Bulacan Farm caters to farmers in Northern and Central Luzon and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

At present, there are 2,367 accredited farm schools all over the country that serve as learning sites for farmers and plant enthusiasts who are given the opportunity to train for free on the ways of modern farming.

almost complete’

THE Department of Public Works and Highways said that the Sta. MonicaLawton Main Bridge, which is a major component of the BGC-Ortigas Road Link Project, is almost complete and will be open to traffic on the first quarter of 2021.

“We have completed the final pouring activities at the mid span. The 210-meter main superstructure that will connect across Pasig River the Lawton Avenue in Makati City and Sta. Monica Street in Pasig City is already completed”, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

“The BGC Ortigas Link Bridge Project is only one of 22 projects aimed at decongesting EDSA and C5. The year 2021 will be a game changer,” Villar said.

The bridge which is part of the EDSA Decongestion program will also include a bicycle lane.

“This is the first walk through from BGC to Ortigas. We are confident that we will finish the entire structure by the first quarter of 2021,” Villar noted.

The project, under the Build, Build, Build program, will cut to 12 minutes the one-hour-long drive between the Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas business districts.

LGUs

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

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Tingog plans EV hospital dev’t roadmap

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY—Eastern Visayasbased Tingog party-list has pushed for the development of healthcare services in partnership with other lawmakers from the region.

“Ensuring access to affordable quality hospital services to all parts of Eastern Visayas is one of Tingog’s top priorities,” the group said as it envisioned the hospital development roadmap in the region.

“We are happy to report that Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, in partnership with our district representatives in the region, have filed several house bills aimed to resolve the existing gap in hospital bed capacity and to upgrade the service capability of key healthcare facilities in the region,” it added.

In line with the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, Tingog is also finalizing a draft on the Rural Hospital Modernization Bill, which aims to finance the modernization of district and local government hospitals in Eastern Visayas.

Earlier, Tingog’s House Bill 1153, which seeks the creation of the Samar Island Medical Center, has been approved at the committee level and is awaiting plenary approval.

According to the party-list group, two referral tertiary hospitals will be also strengthened: Schistosomiasis Hospital in Leyte, which will be converted into a general hospital, and the proposed Samar Island Medical Center.

The proposed Eastern Visayas Medical Center is intended to become the region’s apex hospital with subspecialty units.

HAPPY GARDEN. SM City Dasmariñas brings patrons closer to the world of ‘Plantitos’ and ‘Plantitas’ through its recently launched garden escapade dubbed as ‘Cavite’s Happy Garden’ (inset). Norman Cruz

Makati begins columbarium work

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Makati City government on Friday announced it will begin next month the construction work on the public columbarium at the old site of the city’s Catholic Cemetery.

The columbarium, according to Mayor Abigail Binay, will offer free cremation and inurnment services to city residents.

She said the new project is intended to relieve the bereaved family of the burden of costly funeral expenses and, at the same time, provide an innovative solution to the shortage of interment space in Makati.

“Through this project, the bereaved family of Makatizens need not worry anymore about expensive funeral ser-

vices, and we will adequately address the need for more burial space within the city,” Binay said.

“By offering free cremation and inurnment services at the Columbarium, we will ensure that all Makatizens, regardless of economic stature, will have a dignified burial,” she added.

The city chief executive assured residents that the facility will have peoplefriendly and environment-friendly features which promote safety, convenience and sustainability.

According to the site development plan from the city engineering department, the columbarium will initially consist of two buildings that will house a chapel, viewing areas, cremation area, and 14,784 urn vaults.

The facility will occupy the 4,000-square meter property along Kalayaan Avenue where the municipal cemetery used to be.

Earlier, the city government has published notices to families of those still buried in the cemetery to coordinate with the Makati Health Department (MHD) for the transfer of the remains of their loved ones.

They may call MHD at telephone number: 8870-1609 or 8870-1610, Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm.

IN BRIEF

Team Energy aids provincial schools TEAM Energy Foundation (TEFI) is pursuing efforts to help public schools in its host communities prepare for the start of the new school year this coming October, while grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.

In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and different local government units in Quezon and Pangasinan, TEFI donated various learning and hygiene materials that will help teachers and students adjust to the new normal once classes begin, in support of the DepEd’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan.

“We realize the importance of sustaining the learning process for students in a safe and effective manner, while addressing the challenges brought about by this global pandemic,” said Greggy Romualdez, Head of External Affairs, TeaM Energy.

TEFI donated 650 reams of bond paper and more than 200 ink cartridges to DepEd Quezon Division. These materials will be used to print learning modules for the teachers and students in Quezon. Additionally, TEFI also partnered with DepEd Quezon to facilitate the airing of learning programs over Quezon local radio.

Even when face to face classes are suspended this school year, TEFI still managed to participate in this year’s Brigada Eskwela by donating essential learning tools, as well as hygiene and disinfection packages to schools in Quezon and Pangasinan.

SNAP-Magat helps host areas in north TEACHERS in Sto. Domingo Elementary School, Ifugao receive medical and school supplies from SNAP-Magat officials to equip them against COVID-19 as they start their distance learning program on October 5.

Ten schools in Benguet, Ifugao, and Isabela received medical and school supplies from renewable energy solutions provider SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Group as they prepare for another school year in the time of COVID-19.

SNAP-Magat, through assistant vicepresident and plant manager Wilhelmino Ferrer and plant support services sr. manager Veronica Adsuara, distributed the aid package consisting of paper and ink supplies as well as alcohol, bleach, and face masks to six host schools on August 22 and August 24.

The beneficiaries are Ambatali Elementary School, Villa Marcos Elementary School, and Gen. Aguinaldo Elementary School Main and Annex, all in Ramon, Isabela; and the main and annex branches of Sto. Domingo Elementary School in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.

AID FOR MARAWI. Bangsamoro Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos explains Proposed Resolution 130, calling for the Bangsamoro government to provide financial assistance to Marawi siege survivors from ground zero for the reconstruction and/or repair of their damaged houses and appropriate funds for it.

BTA measure seeks to aid Marawi rehabilitation THE Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, during its 2nd Regular Session held on August 27, approved and adopted Committee Report No. 35 presented by the Special Committee on Marawi (SCM).

Constituted in September 2019, the SCM serves as “BTA’s mechanism for data gathering and monitoring on status of the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts planned and/

or implemented for Marawi City and offering recommendations for the Bangsamoro Government’s appropriate action in relation there.”

The committee is composed of 29 members, with Deputy Chief Minister Aleem Ali Solaiman as Chairperson and Members of Parliament (MPs) lawyer Anna Tarhata Basman, Dr. Hamid Aminoddin Barra, and Abdullah “Commander Bravo” Macapaar,

as Vice-Chairpersons.

Proposed Resolution No. 130, “A Resolution calling for the Bangsamoro Government to provide financial assistance to Marawi Siege Survivors From Ground Zero for the reconstruction and/or repair of their damaged houses and appropriate funds therefore,” has been included as part of the recommendations in the report.

#MyAPEC2020 expo unwraps, plays virtually TAKING the leap toward conducting business in the new normal, the Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) through its trade agency, Malaysia External Trade Development Corp. (MATRADE) is currently hosting the #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition virtually from September 1 to December 31, 2020. #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition is held in conjunction with Malaysia’s hosting of APEC 2020. This initiative aims to provide a conducive online platform, with state-of-the-art technology for companies from Malaysia and other APEC economies to meet digitally with potential business partners from all over the world.

The official Technology Partner is Fusionex - a home grown Malaysia’s multi-award-winning data technology provider specializing in Analytics, Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

According to Ms. Siti Azlina, the Malaysian Trade Commissioner based in Manila: “This inaugural initiative by MATRADE is an important catalyst to keep the business momentum going up despite the pandemic.

“We see the urgent need for the business community to take digitalization seriously and there is no better time to adopt digitalization as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way people do business, and led to more e-commerce transactions among buyers too.”

She added that #MyAPEC2020 Exhibition provides not only business opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), but offer a great learning experience for these companies in terms of adopting and adapting to virtual engagements. #MyAPEC2020 will showcase products and services by over 300 exhibitors from Malaysia and 21 APEC Member Economies, including the Philippines.

Digital drives mushroom snack biz

MUSHROOM BROS. Ted and Bong Quemado want to spread the word about

e-commerce to fellow farmers and attest to their Mushroom City bestsellers, the new ‘pasalubong ng bayan.’

CHILDREN who grow up in a farm are said to learn responsibility and develop good work ethic early, and also become good friends.

Brothers Ted and Bong Quemado were raised on a farm in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. They love the land and are determined to continue cultivating it, with the aid of technology from Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).

The brothers, both in their twenties, are behind the successful social enterprise Mushroom City, makers of the healthy, guilt-free chicharon made from oyster mushrooms grown naturally in the highlands of Bukidnon.

Ted is a graduate of plant pathol-

ogy (cum laude), while the older Bong’s background is marketing. The tandem recently opened the business to resellers, wholesalers and retailers not only in the Philippines but also around the world, thanks to the Internet.

While completing his studies at Central Mindanao University, Ted worked as an apprentice in a mushroom processing center in Malaybalay. He learned that the cool climate and the humidity level in the highlands of Barangay Kalasungay, where their family lives, were suitable to growing mushrooms.

“This inspired me and my family to start our mushroom farm and business after I graduated,” he says.

Opinion ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO Part I SHOULD Health Secretary Francisco Duque go scot-free amid the major corruption scandals PhilHealth is in? In his most recent public appearance, President Rodrigo Duterte again said that he still fully trusts the Secretary and asked him to not

The secretary said he would do some soul-searching. resign despite public clamor for Duque to do so. For his part, Duque said he was hurt by accusations that he is also to blame for the mess the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is embroiled in. He said that he would clear his name. Earlier, Duque also said that he would go soul-searching amid the mounting calls for his resignation because of his failure to effectively address the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues in PhilHealth.

Both Houses of Congress have looked into the alleged corrupt practices of PhilHealth officials and employees. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is doing its own investigation on the matter. The Senate has already released its report and has recommended the filing of malversation and graft charges against Duque and other officials over the alleged illegal release of Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) funds. Duque called the Senate findings baseless.

The House of Representatives (HOR) has also finished its hearings and will soon release its report.

As one who closely followed the hearings on PhilHealth and studied official documents that reached me, I believe there is no question that a “mafia” of corrupt officials and employees has made the health insurance corporation their milking cow. Several modus operandi have been uncovered. Besides the IRM, there is also the misuse of the “case rate” system where health care institutions (HCIs) are paid the maximum case rate even when what was actually spent for treating a patient is way less than the maximum amount set.

Several corrupt practices were found out involving the Information and Technology (IT) Sector. Based on the Internal Audit Report of former PhilHealth official-turned-whistle-blower Thorrsson Montes Keith, there were major discrepancies and questionable budget items in the sector’s representations.

It turns out that all IT-related procurements are limited by the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s (DICT)-approved Information System Strategic Plan (ISSP). PhilHealth is not allowed to procure items and services outside of the ISSP. However, there were items in the IT

sector’s budget that were not included in the ISSP amounting to P173,859,500.00.

There were items that were overpriced compared with DICT’s approved costs.

The sector requested P154 million for products and services that only cost P65.468 million per DICT. Unscrupulous IT officials overpriced their request

by PhP88.532 million. Moreover, there were other anomalous budget requests listed only as laptops and three unspecified projects that cost P217.713 million.

PhilHealth also procured IT items from a supplier that it has blacklisted at a time when the said supplier was still suspended. This is a clear violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act. The Commission on Audit (COA), in its Audit Query Memorandum (AQM No. 2020-003 HO) dated January 31, 2020 also flagged two questionable procurement transactions of PhilHealth totaling P29.618 million. The COA observed that the technical specifications of the delivered items were non-compliant with what was required by the agency.

This happened because PhilHealth only gave vague requirements.

COA also noted that seven units of the 20 units purchased transreceivers were missing at the time of inspection. Several other observations on negligence and inefficiency on the part of PhilHealth were also included in this AQM. The HOR hearings also touched on the issues concerning remittances and claims of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Under Article IV, Section 6 of RA 7875 as amended by RA 10606, one of PhilHealth’s functions is, “u) To establish an office, or where it is not feasible, designate a focal person in every Philippine Consular Office in all countries where there are Filipino citizens. The office or the focal person shall, among others, process, review and pay the claims of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).”

This provision of the law is for PhilHealth to be able to serve our OFWs in an efficient and timely manner. Clearly, PhilHealth is mandated to have the means to serve our OFWs in the country where they are located.

When asked how the agency is serving our OFWs, resource persons for PhilHealth said that they have Accredited Collecting Agents (ACAs) mostly in the country and some abroad that are authorized to receive payment of premiums of OFWs. These are then remitted to the PhilHealth office. When OFWs have claims, these are processed and paid here in the Philippines.

This scheme clearly defeats the purpose of providing assistance to OFWs at a time when they need it and in the country where they are. Because PhilHealth is notorious for being extremely late in paying claims, OFWs need to wait for a long time before they are helped.

Most importantly, PhilHealth is in violation of its mandate under the law as quoted above. This particular violation was not expounded on during the HOR hearings.

More next week. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

A self-serving threat NAKED THOUGHT CHARLIE V. MANALO A RANKING member of the House of Representatives branded as self-serving former Iloilo distribution utility Panay Electric Co.’s pronouncement that a Supreme Court decision favoring new distribution utility More Electric and Power Corp. will set a “bad precedent” for businesses in the country.

According to Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, there is no legal basis for the allegation of PECO lead counsel lawyer Estella Elamparo that a judicial ruling in favor of More Power will legitimize hostile takeovers of companies and franchises from interested parties without showing their technical capacity.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

B1

EDITORIAL

The PhilHealth mess: Is Duque accountable?

POWER POINT

Adelle Chua, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Pimentel said Congress did not renew PECO's service as the power distributor of Iloilo to favor a new company, so there is no truth to a hostile takeover. PECO was removed because consumers finally stood up and rejected them due to poor service.

Pimentel claims the opinion of PECO is self-serving because they still want to operate the electric utility “when the truth of the matter is that it is the consumers who have been clamoring for another utility company because for several decades PECO has a very poor service and they have several pending cases because of complaints from the customers.”

Pimentel avers Congress rejected PECO due to the numerous complaints from consumers which ranged from over-billing, poor service, among many others, which were used as basis why its legislative franchise was not renewed.

Honoring the Filipino teacher F ROM September 5 to October 5, we join the world in acknowledging the efforts of teachers in what has been known since 1994 as the World Teachers Day. We honor teachers and recognize their contributions to education and development.

in partnership with UNICEF, the International Labor Organization and Education International, gives us the opportunity to mark the progress and reflect on ways to counter the remaining challenges for the promotion of the teaching profession.

The blended learning set-up is also new to them, even if they have been teaching for decades.

For the first time since then, the celebration will be virtual, given the protocols and restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic which has, since the lockdown in this country on March 17, infected and killed thousands, including frontliners who have stood up against this deadly virus.

This year, the World Teachers Day theme—Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future—is well-timed, considering the present health crisis, although the celebration will be online.

But that does not stop us from saluting the teachers who continue to be the molders of young minds, young generations who will someday be effective followers and leaders of their communities or, on the main, this country.

The World Teachers Day, co-convened

While we are in this, we honor the nearly 900,000 Department of Education public school teachers and the perhaps as many private school teachers who continue to burn the midnight oil to teach the young Filipinos to become worthy holders of good manners and right conduct.

This is the time to take stock of achievements and draw attention to the voices of teachers who are at the heart of efforts to achieve global education target of leaving no one behind—with or without pandemic.

Verily, the COVID-19 pandemic has

consequentially added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world.

More than ever, we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic which put this world at the crossroads.

We agree with education authorities the issue of teacher leadership in relation to crisis responses is not just timely, but critical in terms of the contributions teachers have made to provide remote learning, support vulnerable populations, re-open schools, and ensure that learning gaps have been mitigated.

As we inch closer to the opening of classes in the Philippines on October 5, the discussions surrounding World Teachers Day will also address the role of teachers in building resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching profession.

Despite the constraints raised by the pandemic, we raise straight away our appreciation for the efforts of teachers from Tawi Tawi to as far north as Batanes who bring into play their best efforts despite the pandemic and think about how to upgrade their learning modules for their students.

Robredo should be kicked out Part I LENI Robredo’s route to national politics is by windfall after the death of her husband.

What happened to Noynoy’s cabinet member Jesse Robredo on August 19, 2012 was an unwanted accident which the opposition wasted no time to exploit. Jesse Robredo’s death instantly became the most coveted price that could pave the way for the widow to capture political power.

In the tradition of cashing in on the grief for the bereaved, political hustlers have to convert the occasion to politically advance in what is termed as “stiff game of power competition.” Perhaps, this is the only country where the remains of the dead are made into political capital, not for his idealism or patriotism, but to bequeath the grotesque practice of political succession.

Leni’s ascent to power was a macabre way of exploiting misplaced public adulation.

Immediately, the widow was fielded as the Liberal Party’s candidate in the 2013 election for the third district of Camarines Sur which includes Naga city where her husband served as mayor.

Mar Roxas chose her as running mate to capture additional votes. It was not her qualification why she was taken in but a plain gimmick to people whom the opposition treats as politically dumb. Besides, she stands to galvanize the political brokers who see her as one who talks more of the heavenly platitudes than of the hard realities of life.

In that capacity, Robredo was elected congresswoman with no visible and distinctive achievement except being the widow of the mayor. It was expected that by 2016, she would be chosen as the running mate by a candidate bruited to lose in that presidential election. Like the widow of the slain opposition they catapulted as redeemer of our freedom and democracy, Robredo was picked, knowing that politics in this country is more of a big joke than a serious business. Succession by accidental death is more than enough to enthrone her to power.

Pimentel maintains there is nothing wrong with doing business in the country especially if there are other companies who cannot provide reliable and world-class services needed by consumers. He added that he was always present during the hearings of the renewal of their franchise. Thus, he has a thorough knowledge of “PECO’s poor performance and several violations with the Energy Regulatory Commission.”

Would a decision favoring More Power really set a bad precedent?

He insists the Ilonggos deserves a better utility company than PECO who can really serve the needs of the people.

Nonetheless, Pimentel says he is hopeful the Supreme Court will respect and recognize the decision of Congress to give the legislative franchise to a deserving company since it has the juris-

BACKBENCHER

ROD P. KAPUNAN With Christian Filipinos having an utterly mangled moral fiber, it is easy for a demagogue to castigate the Duterte administration without recollection she once served as congresswoman whom one can rightly classify as a political loafer whose vision is honed to disparage her political enemies.

It’s succession by accidental death.

The yellow horde truly capitalized the orgy generated by the fanfare of mortuary service to turn it to a political circus. That circumstance landed her as phony vice president.

The election of Duterte threatened the political ideology firmed up by US imperialism.

The decision to field Robredo was not based on her qualification but as a stopgap solution to save a crumbling empire and its local vested interest class. It is for this reason why the Filipino people now demand that she be kicked out of office. She is not entitled to impeachment because that belongs to one duly elected by the people or has violated any of the specific impeachable offenses.

Alas, she can no longer invoke the constitutional provision because it is clear that those justices are making a travesty of our Constitution. Others even suspect they are unwittingly serving as her counsel, not to release it until such time that their decision shall have become stale or in Latin, has become functus officio.

The refusal of those justices appointed by that abominable predecessor of the President to come out a decision has now ripened to

diction over the grant of the franchise.

But in the event the SC rules against More Power, Pimentel says PECO cannot consider it a victory because they still cannot operate.

I am inclined to support the solon’s position on this as the House of Representatives already denied the franchise including their request for reconsideration so even if the High court rules in PECO’s favor, they still cannot operate if they do not have a franchise .

After its franchise was revoked, PECO sought relief from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 29 where it received a favorable decision.

Mandaluyong RTC Branch 29 Judge Monique Ignacio declared unconstitutional Sec. 10 of Section 7 of Republic Act 11212, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte which granted the franchise and eminent domain to More Power.

The SC, however, stopped the implementation of the Mandaluyong RTC decision and issued a Temporary Restraining Order in favor of More Power.

So the question is, if the Supreme Court upholds Mandaluyong RTC

evidence of electoral fraud. The justices are openly making a mockery out of our judicial system. Their malicious delay is creating political instability coupled by the unfounded rumor that the President is sick.

People clearly see the agenda of this demagogue which is to overthrow the government by taking advantage of the constitutional process earned by her cheated title and to persistently discredit the legitimately elected President.

Without the President knowing it, had Bong Bong Marcos not filed a petition for a recount, the political enemies of Duterte led by the US imperialist, the Church, the oligarchy and the new accomplice of the CIA led by the terroristic left, they could have started rocking the boat by accusing him of committing electoral fraud like what they did to oust Marcos and many leaders they targeted for regime change.

The petition filed by Bong Bong against the phony vice president pre-empted them from using that alibi against the President.

The opposition was placed on the defensive and the two justices namely Marvic Leonen and Diosdado Peralta are now desperately serving as her legal muggers.

This demagogue would always make it a point to slant and distort every issue to assure her American handlers that the President would only bequeath hatred as legacy to the Filipino people. The latest of her antics is to discredit the project to beautify Manila Bay. This phony vice president should be reminded that after Cory, nothing has been done to clean Manila Bay of filth. Today, the government is not only cleaning the bay but is carrying out an unprecedented rehabilitation.

The government took the initiative by putting white sand (dolomite) on the whole stretch of Roxas Boulevard to encourage people to promenade and also for them to take a dip if they wish.

Full version at www.manilastandard.net

Branch 29’s decision revoking More Power’s franchise, who will then serve as Iloilo’s distribution utility given both More and PECO will be without franchise?

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California battles largest fire, 15 killed C

ALIFORNIA firefighters battled the state’s largest ever inferno as tens of thousands of people fled blazes up and down the US West Coast and officials warned the death toll could shoot up in coming days.

SMALL WORLD. Miniature model artist Chen Shih-jen poses for a photograph with his work during an interview at FM Dioramas in Taoyuan, northern Taiwan. From a bucolic rural grocery shop to fictional battlefields and robot warrior bases, Taiwanese artisans are meticulously hand-crafting miniature worlds that fuse reality and fantasy. AFP

Russian police ‘Nokor issues shoot-to-kill orders to prevent virus’ seek to question Alexei Navalny RUSSIAN police said on Friday they would ask Germany to allow their officers to question opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is being treated in Berlin for poisoning.

The 44-year-old Kremlin critic and anti-corruption campaigner became ill after boarding a plane in Siberia and was hospitalised there before being flown to Berlin.

Germany claims there is “unequivocal evidence” that he was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent but Russia says its doctors found no trace of any poison.

The Siberian transport police, who have been retracing Navalny’s movements, said in a statement that Russia would be preparing a request for its officers and an “expert” to shadow German investigators.

The police said following reports that Navalny had emerged from a coma, officers could “ask clarifying and additional questions” and be present as “German colleagues carry out investigative activities with Navalny, medics and experts”.

The case has prompted international calls for Russia to carry out a transparent investigation or risk sanctions, but the country has not opened a criminal investigation because it says its medics did not find evidence of poison in tests.

Siberian transport police have been conducting a “check” into what happened and on Friday published some findings on Navalny’s activities.

They said they had identified where Navalny stayed and ate and that he drank “wine and an alcoholic cockN O T I C E tail.” They confirmed that he Notice is hereby given visited the “Vithat the estate of the late Erlinda Laro enna CoffeeEspiritu, consisting of house” at the bank deposits under airport of the BDO account number 0084-5015-8724. Has city of Tomsk been extra-judicially where supportsettled among her ers suspect he only heir Cen Jamir was poisoned E. Baltao, before the Notary Public atty with a cup of Leonardo S. Godinez” tea. AFP

NORTH Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

The impoverished North – whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak – has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North’s key ally.

Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamina-

“They’ve got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ...

Strike forces, they’ve got shoot-to-kill orders in place.”

The border closure had effectively “accelerated the effects” of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent.

The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated. AFP

China, India to disengage at disputed border

MASS GRAVE. Workers wearing protective suits bury a coffin at a burial site for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in Jakarta on September 11, 2020. Jakarta plans to re-impose a partial lockdown as early as September 14 over fears that surging coronavirus cases could “collapse” its underpressure hospitals, the sprawling city’s governor said. AFP

Mauritius oil spill ship operator to pay $9.4m

THE Japanese operator of a ship that leaked oil off the Mauritius coast pledged Friday to pay at least $9.4 million to help restore areas affected by the spill.

Mitsui OSK Lines said in a statement that it planned “to contribute a total fund of about one billion Japanese yen over several years to support measures” to restore the marine environment.

The measures include running mangrove and coral protection projects in partnership with experts and N OTICE local NGOs, and setting up an enviNotice is hereby given that Radiant Hotel, Events,

(MS-AUG. 29, SEPT. 5 & 12, 2020)

Theaters and Treats Incorporated Doing business under the name/s and style/s of Rendezvous Hotels and Events with office address at Lot 860, Dadison Street, Sagkahan, Tacloban City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Tourist Accommodation Facility under the Special Laws – Tourism – Hotel (Radiant Hotel and Events Place) with a capacity of 15 rooms on a Non-Pioneer status, with project site located at Lot 860, Dadison St., Sagkahan, Tacloban City.

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-SEPT. 12, 2020)

tion, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level.

US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene.

The North introduced a new “buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border,” Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday.

At least 15 people have been confirmed dead in the past 24 hours across California, Oregon and Washington, but officials said some areas are still impossible to reach, meaning the number is likely to rise.

Half a million people have been evacuated in Oregon.

The August Complex Fire became the biggest recorded blaze in Californian history on Thursday, after multiple fires in the state’s northwest combined amid high temperatures and winds to rip through 470,000 acres of dry vegetation.

In neighboring Oregon, where at least five towns have been “substantially destroyed” and up to 40,000 people evacuated, governor Kate Brown said twice the state’s annual average had burned in just the past 72 hours.

“We have never seen this amount of uncontained fire across our state,” she told a press conference.

“We know that there are fire related fatalities. And as soon as we are able to provide confirmed information, we will do so.”

Local Oregon officials have confirmed two deaths in the Santiam Canyon region, 95 kilometers south of Portland, and another was recorded in the Ashland area, near the California border.

In the city of Molalla, police went door to door to make sure that residents were evacuating, marking their driveways with spray paint to show they had left.

“It’s one thing to leave your house, it’s another thing being told that you have to leave,” said Denise Pentz, a resident of Molalla for 11 years who was loading her family belongings into a camping trailer.

“It’s just material, which truly, truly it is, but it’s awful. This is home ... But the most important thing is my babies, my husband, my dog, my cat, and that all my neighbors have gotten out safely.” AFP

ronment recovery fund, it said.

The company operates the MV Wakashio, which ran aground on July 25 off the coast of Mauritius, carrying 4,000 tons of fuel that began seeping into the island nation’s pristine, coral-filled waters.

After the boat split in two, the larger piece was towed out to sea and sunk, but the smaller section remains stranded on the reef.

More than 1,000 tons of oil is believed to have leaked from the ship, with the rest siphoned out before it spilled.

The oil has affected mangroved areas that are complicated to clean.

Both the operator and the vessel’s owner Nagashiki Shipping have apologised for the spill. Nagashiki last month pledged to “sincerely” respond to requests for compensation.

It was not immediately clear if the funds promised by Mitsui would satisfy demands from the Mauritius government for compensation from the companies for “all losses and damages” caused by the spill and clean-up costs. AFP

INDIA and China have agreed to “disengage as soon as possible” after troops engaged in a series of clashes at their disputed Himalayan border, according to a joint statement from the two countries.

The nuclear-armed neighbors accused each other this week of firing shots across the flashpoint border – intensifying a months-long standoff that has already claimed at least 20 lives.

Tens of thousands of troops from both sides have been deployed to the border, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters.

After a meeting Thursday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Moscow, a joint statement said the two sides had agreed to de-escalate. “(The) border defense forces of both countries should continue dialogue, disengage as soon as possible, maintain the necessary distance, and ease the situation on the ground,” the statement said.

The two also agreed to “avoid actions that may escalate the situation.”

Throughout the dispute, China and India have issued similar statements calling for restraint and to ease tensions.

The frontier between the two countries has never been properly demarcated.

The countries fought a brief border war in 1962, but officially no shots have been fired in the area since 1975 when four Indian troops were killed in an ambush. AFP

#CancelNetflix campaign heats up over French film

THOUSANDS of people launched a call to boycott Netflix on Thursday over the French film “Mignonnes” – known as “Cuties” in English – angry that its young stars were portrayed in a sexualized way.

The film is directed by French-Senegalese director Maimouna Doucoure, and started streaming September 9. More than 200,000 tweets with the hashtag “#CancelNetflix” became the top trending topic one day later.

A first wave of criticism, in August, led Netflix to with-

draw “inappropriate” artwork used to promote the film, which was released in theaters that month in France.

Netflix also said it apologized for having used “inappropriate” images.

But on Thursday, broader opposition to some of the imagery came from across the political spectrum in the United States.

DeAnna Lorraine, a former Republican candidate for Congress from California, tweeted that “Child

pornography is illegal in America.”

“As the mother of an 8-year old girl, I STRONGLY support #CancelNetflix,” added Beatrice Cardenas, another California Republican.

The film, which received a director’s award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, tells the story of Amy, an 11-year-old Parisian, who must juggle the strict rules of her Senegalese family and social media’s emphasis on appearance. AFP CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Business PSEi September 11, 2020

TOP GAINERS

Stock market rises; PNB, SM Investments advance

T

HE stock market bounced back Friday on bargain hunting, ignoring another techled rout on Wall Street overnight.

TOP LOSERS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 || extrastory2000@gmail.com

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 65.57 points, or 1.1 percent, to 5,967.96 on a value turnover of P4.2 billion. Losers, however, edged gainers, 92 to 90, with 51 issues unchanged.

Philippine National Bank, the fifthbiggest lender inters of assets, climbed 4.4 percent to P23.90, while SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group advanced 2.8 percent to P905.

PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications firm, increased 2.6 percent to P1,485, while Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, added 1.9 percent to P144.90.

The rest of Asia markets were mixed Friday, while the failure of US lawmak-

ers to reach agreement on a much needed stimulus weighed on sentiment.

The pound struggled to fight its way out of a trough as sparring between Britain and the European Union raised the prospect they will not reach a trade agreement.

A day after Wednesday’s healthy bounce, New York’s three main indexes went into reverse again led by global tech titans including Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, and that spread into other sectors leading analysts to warn of more such volatility.

Large tech firms have soared during the pandemic thanks to a surge in demand for digital services, streaming and e-commerce but there is a growing concern that the “work from home” trade may have been overblown.

“Ahead of the (November) US election we have been highlighting the potential for markets to become unsettled over September and October with many known unknowns entering crucial stag-

es,” said National Australia Bank’s Rodrigo Catril.

“Brexit is back in focus... hopes of a new US fiscal stimulus have faded even more alongside an uptick in jobless claims, meanwhile the EU has surpassed the US in new COVID-19 cases.

All of this against a backdrop of elevated equity prices.”

Despite the US sell-off, Asian investors pushed some local markets higher, with Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai, Mumbai and Seoul all up. Jakarta surged more than two percent a day after losing five percent on news of fresh containment measures in the city.

But Sydney, Taipei, Singapore, Wellington and Bangkok fell.

There was more disappointment from Washington after a $500 billion relief package—aimed at the most pressing areas—failed to pass the Republican-led Senate, making the chances of a second round of much needed help for Americans unlikely any time soon. With AFP

MOST ACTIVE

BREXIT TALKS. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (second from right) arrives at a conference center in central London on September 10, 2020 for trade talks with UK officials. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused of presiding over a “rogue state” as his government introduced legislation that intentionally breaches its EU withdrawal treaty in the messy countdown to a full Brexit divorce. An emergency meeting between the EU and Britain was organided for Thursday to discuss the bill. AFP

ECB holds fire, monitors euro’s climb vs. dollar FRANKFURT AM MAIN—The European Central Bank is carefully monitoring the euro’s recent rise, president Christine Lagarde said Thursday, as she warned that the eurozone’s recovery remained mired in uncertainty over the pandemic.

The euro area economy shrank by a record 11.8 percent in the second quarter of the year but Lagarde said the latest data suggested “a strong rebound” in the third quarter as lockdowns eased.

But fears are mounting about a fresh uptick in coronavirus cases across Europe that could trigger renewed restrictions in hard-hit countries like France and Spain.

The jump “in coronavirus infection rates during the summer months constitutes headwinds to the short-term outlook,” Lagarde told an online press conference in Frankfurt.

Grilled by reporters about the euro’s rise against the dollar, the ECB chief acknowledged concerns that the currency’s upward surge could brake price growth and keep the ECB’s inflation target further out of reach.

The issue was “extensively discussed,” Lagarde said.

The euro last week touched $1.20 for the first time since 2018, from $1.06 in March.

Although Lagarde stressed that the ECB does not target the euro-dollar exchange rate, the mandate of the bank is to maintain “price stability and clearly to that extent appreciation of the euro is something to be monitored carefully.”

ING bank analyst Carsten Brzeski said Lagarde’s comments suggest the ECB was “concerned about the stronger euro but not too concerned just yet.”

A stronger euro hurts the competitiveness of eurozone exporters and makes imports cheaper, driving down consumer prices.

It adds another headache to a complicated economic picture for the ECB, which has launched unprecedented stimulus measures to nurse the virusstricken economy back to health. AFP

Kuwait expels thousands of workers amid crude slump KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait—After more than 45 years washing cars in Kuwait to make ends meet, Egyptian Marzouq Mohammed will soon be kicked out of the country as economic woes and coronavirus stoke anti-foreigner sentiment.

The 65-year-old is among tens of thousands who will be forced to leave the oil-rich emirate, hard hit by collapsing crude prices.

The cash-strapped government said last month that from January it will no longer renew work permits for expatriates over the age of 60 without university degrees.

“Now they tell us this? Now they say ‘he’s 65, he must leave’. Leave where and to do what? We spent a lifetime here,” Mohammed told AFP. Like its Gulf neighbors, Kuwait depends heavily on cheap foreign labor, mainly Middle Eastern and Asian workers.

Many arrive as young adults to work in blue-collar jobs, occupations most Kuwaitis shun in favor of high-paying government positions.

But collapsing oil revenues, a vital source of state funds, are forcing a rethink.

Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khaled AlSabah has said the number of non-Kuwaitis should be capped at 30 percent of the 4.8 million population, down from 70 percent currently, to “resolve the demographic imbalance.”

The country must rely more on Kuwaitis “to work in all professions” as it seeks to diversify its economy, he said.

But for Iranian Hasan Ali, also among the more than 68,000 people whose visas will not be renewed, leaving a country where he has spent more than half his 67 years will be heartbreaking.

“I got married here, I had my children here, I lived my life here,” Ali, a greengrocer at the Al-Mubarakiya souq in Kuwait City, told AFP. “It’s difficult that I have to leave ‘just like that’ after all these years.”

Business sense?

The coronavirus pandemic, which disproportionately hit migrant workers living in crowded lodgings, spotlighted the presence of a community increasingly seen as a burden—particularly as the downturn snuffed out their jobs. AFP

Singapore Airlines cuts 4,300 jobs, says ‘recovery fraught with uncertainty’ SINGPORE—Singapore Airlines said Thursday it was cutting about 4,300 jobs—around 20 percent of its workforce—due to the coronavirus, and warned any recovery would be “long and fraught with uncertainty.”

SIA is the latest airline to announce massive layoffs as the global aviation industry faces its greatest-ever crisis due to travel restrictions to fight the spread of the pandemic.

The city-state’s flag carrier said about 1,900 positions had already been eliminated in recent months due to a recruitment freeze, natural attrition and voluntary departures, reducing further expected job cuts to around 2,400.

Positions are being cut across fullservice Singapore Airlines, regional carrier SilkAir and budget airline Scoot in Singapore and overseas.

“The future remains extremely challenging,” said Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong.

“Given the expectation that the road to recovery will be long and fraught with uncertainty, it has come to the point where we have to make the painfully difficult decision to implement involuntary staff reduction measures.”

He said Singapore Airlines was more vulnerable than other major carriers around the world, as it did not have a domestic market and is wholly dependent on international routes.

The carrier, which reported a net loss of more than US$800 million in the first quarter, is only operating at eight percent of pre-pandemic capacity.

While this is expected to increase, the airline said it is still likely to be operating at less than 50 percent of its pre-virus capacity by the end of the current financial year in March next year.

The cuts come despite the airline group raising a total Sg$11 billion in fresh funds to help it weather the crisis—including Sg$8.8-billion from a rights issue backed by its majority shareholder, state investment fund Temasek.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said the airline had “delayed this workforce reduction as long as they can but with air travel decimated by Covid-19, this has unfortunately become inevitable.”

He added the government would strive to help impacted workers.

Industry body the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region stand to lose a combined $27.8 billion this year.

IATA forecast in July that global air traffic is unlikely to return to pre-coronavirus levels until at least 2024—a year later than previously projected.

AFP

Citigroup’s Jane Fraser is first woman to break Wall Street’s glass ceiling

By John Biers NBEW YORK—Citigroup’s Jane Fraser will become the first woman to lead a major Wall Street firm after the banking giant on Thursday picked her as its next chief executive.

Fraser is set to take over the top job in February, replacing Michael Corbat who will retire.

Her appointment was touted on social media for shattering Wall Street’s glass ceiling and comes amid intensifying focus on the need to diversify American corporate leadership in the aftermath of the “Me Too” movement on workplace equity and mass protests in the US for racial justice.

“Jane Fraser’s appointment is an historic moment for women,” Texas Democratic Representative Al Green said on Twitter. “But we still have a way to go to achieve diversity & inclusion that captures the whole of our nation.”

In April 2019, Green pressed Corbat and six other Wall Street CEOs at a congressional hearing, asking the seven white men if they foresaw a successor who was a woman or a person of color—none raised his hand.

Fraser, who has served as president and CEO of Citigroup’s global consumer banking since 2019, will join the board of directors immediately, the bank said. She has held prior roles for Citi in Latin America and in investment banking.

“I am honored by the Board’s decision and grateful to Mike for his leadership and support,” Fraser, 53, said in a press release.

“Our balance sheet is strong and our commitment to serving our clients and communities is even stronger. I will do everything I can to make all our stakeholders proud of our firm as we continue to build a better bank and improve our returns.”

The move comes as Citi pivots to a more challenging operating environment as large banks set aside billions of dollars to cover the potential for bad loans due to the coronavirus.

‘Humanized’ banker Other women have become CEOs of big financial com-

panies or in related industries, such as Abigail Johnson at Fidelity Investments and Julie Sweet at Accenture. But in taking the helm of the fourth-biggest US bank by assets, Fraser joins a group of Wall Street CEOs that until now has been exclusively led by white men.

Her appointment to the top job had been telegraphed from her prior promotion in October 2019 to president and head of global consumer banking. Senior women at JPMorgan Chase also are in line to potentially succeed Jamie Dimon, who is expected to retire in the coming years.

The Scottish-born Fraser joined Citi in 2004 after earlier roles at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company. She has spoken openly about being a working mother in finance, recounting in 2016 how she worked part-time at McKinsey.

Having children “humanized me,” Fraser said in the 2016 appearance at the Americas Society. “There is nothing like having children to help you understand where your priorities are.”

Fraser also pursued sometimes unorthodox career moves, such as exiting as head of the private bank in London in 2013 to oversee a turnaround of the mortgage business from St. Louis, Missouri in the US Midwest.

“Everyone thought I was completely nuts,” she said. “I knew I would grow. I knew I would a learn a completely different skill set.”

Industry faces headwinds After stumbling badly during the subprime mortgage crisis, Citigroup recovered in the ensuing decade after the 2008 financial crisis.

From 2012 to 2019, the banking giant saw net income rise from $7 billion to $20 billion, Corbat said in the press release.

“We went from returning hardly any capital to returning nearly $80 billion in capital to our shareholders over the last six years,” he said.

The improvement coincided with a post-2008 US economic expansion that ended abruptly with the coronavirus outbreak. AFP

This August 23, 2019 photo courtesy of Citigroup shows Jane Fraser, currently Citi’s president and the head of its global consumer banking business. Citigroup named Jane Fraser as its next chief executive on September 10, 2020, tapping a woman to lead a giant Wall Street bank for the first time. She will take over the top job in February, replacing Michael Corbat who will retire. AFP

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

B4

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

Business

57 persons probed in Wirecard mess IN BRIEF Security Bank expects online banking growth SECURITY Bank Corp., the seventh-largest lender in terms of assets, said it expects more digital transactions in the coming months amid the health crisis.

Security Bank executive vice president and head of transaction banking group John Ong said that from March 17 to Aug. 31, the bank saw a 170-percent increase in online banking with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.

“We have seen a surge in the number of people transacting via Security Bank Online with transactions growing steadily month-onmonth. We’ve also noticed that a huge chunk of transactions come from online bills payment. This has been one of the main drivers of our electronic channel growth with a 48-percent increase versus the previous year,” Ong said.

Online money transfer recorded a 312-percent increase in 2020 versus 2019. The said activities include InstaPay which allows hasslefree Inter-bank fund transfers and eGiveCash, the bank’s remittance service which allows clients to send money online and recipients to withdraw the funds at any Security Bank ATM. Julito G. Rada

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Anti-Money Laundering Council said Friday it is investigating 57 persons of interest who were possibly involved in the Wirecard controversy that stirred the domestic financial system recently.

AMLC executive director Mel Georgie Racela said in an online press briefing Friday these persons included locals and foreign nationals, especially Germans.

“Included in the investigations are the bank officials who forged the documents, [some] government officials and German nationals. So far, we have not coordinated with other jurisdictions [aside from Germany],” Racela said.

Racela said based on the agency’s investigations, no amount of money connected with Wirecard entered the domestic financial system.

“We are now coordinating with lawenforcement agencies in building up the case against those individuals who violated AMLA. We are in that level right

now,” Racela said.

He said AMLC shared the information with their German counterparts and “it is now up to them to further investigate the incident.”

Racela said that “no local companies were connected” to the alleged fraudulent Wirecard activities.

He said AMLC’s any recommendation to file charges against those involved “will be based on the evidence we gathered.”

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said none of the missing $2.1 billion of German payments company Wirecard entered the domestic financial system.

Diokno said the international financial

scandal just used the names of two Philippines banks—BDO Unibank Inc. and Bank of the Philippine Islands—in an attempt to cover the perpetrators’ tracks.

He said both BDO and BPI had already stated that the German firm was not their client nor did they have any business relationship with the company.

Diokno said both banks also informed Ernst & Young, the external auditor, that the documents that attested to the presence of the supposed funds were spurious.

Racela said that as the investigations found that no money entered the two banks’ accounts, “there is no reason to investigate the banks themselves. Maybe there was lack of internal controls in the said banks. This thing is being tackled by the BSP.” On the issue of the recent UCPB cyber heist that reportedly cost the bank around P167 million through massive ATM withdrawals and fund transfers in June, Racela said investigations were ongoing and AMLC was in close coordination with the BSP and law enforcement agencies, particularly the National Bureau of Investigation.

Port of Subic topped August collection goal PORT of Subic, the 17th district collection unit of the Bureau of Customs, again surpassed its revenue target for August despite the mass testing of container terminal workers for possible contamination during the period.

The port reported P2.508 billion in revenue collection in August, higher than the target set

by Aduana at P2.051 billion. The figure translated into a P500-million gain over the target.

Port of Subic under the stewardship of district collector Maritess Martin, still untouched by the recent reshuffle of top BOC officials, improved collection efficiency and generated P17.786 billion over the last eight months despite the pandemic.

The district achieved record collection prior to the coronavirus when it registered P2 billion in average monthly revenues in the first quarter. This declined at the height of the lockdown period in April and May by almost 40 percent of revenues.

Instead of despair, the agency and Team Subic upgraded its marketing and customer relations services by extending working hours and quick completion of transaction and cargo release from the port terminals in one day. Revenues then rebounded in June until August.

House okays Salceda’s Bulacan airport perks THE House of Representatives recently approved on third and final reading House Bill 7507, granting San Miguel Aerocity Inc. a franchise to establish a domestic and international airport in Bulakan, Bulacan and develop an adjacent airport city. SMAI is a subsidiary of San Miguel Corp.

The bill adopts a “financial re-engineering” provision formulated by House Ways and Means Committee chair Joey Sarte Salceda, one of its leading authors, to ensure that the 50-year franchise and contract for the proposed New Manila International Airport would be “fairer to both the grantee and the Filipino people.”

“This is an exceptional investment, but I had several issues with the initial HB No. 7241 draft. I made a set of recommendations with the House leadership that financially reengineered its tax provisions to make them more fiscally sustainable,” said Salceda, who thanked the House leadership for adopting his proposal.

The NMIA will be built in a coastal area in the coastal town of Bulakan, some 30 kilometers north of Metro Manila. The project is expected to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and support countryside growth and development in Central Luzon.

THE Board of Investments said it supports the proposal to reduce the paidup capital requirement for incoming foreign retail investors.

Elyjean Pordoza of the Board of Investments said in a webinar Friday the Department of Trade and Industry and the BOI were backing any move to lower capitalization and ease the entry of retail investors into the country.

“We have come to an agreement with the Senate to lower the minimum paidup requirement to $300,000 from the current $2.5 million. We want foreign retailers to come in but at the same time we have businesses to protect.

So we agreed to that to cover for small medium enterprises,” she said in the webinar organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

The BOI proposed several amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Law, such as the inclusion of retail e-commerce; reduction of the minimum paid-up capital requirement from $2.5 million to $300,000; retention of reciprocity requirement; removal

65.57 PTS. 5,967.96

TOTAL VOLUME TOTAL TRADES TOTAL VALUE ADVANCES DECLINES UNCHANGED

1,111,602,778 68,640 4,176,031,102.16 90 92 51

F oreign e xchange r ate Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

48.5790

Japan

Yen

0.009422

0.4577

UK

Pound

1.280800

62.2200

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.129031

6.2682

Switzerland

Franc

1.098901

53.3835

Canada

Dollar

0.758323

36.8386

Singapore

Dollar

0.730087

35.4669

Australia

Dollar

0.725400

35.2392

Bahrain

Dinar

2.652238

128.843

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266624

12.9523

Brunei

Dollar

0.727431

35.3379

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000067

0.0033

Thailand

Baht

0.031949

1.5521

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

13.2267

Euro

Euro

1.182400

57.4398

Korea

Won

0.000842

0.0409

China

Yuan

0.146331

7.1086

India

Rupee

0.013618

0.6615

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.240269

11.6720

New Zealand

Dollar

0.664400

32.2759

Taiwan

Dollar

0.034171

1.6600 Source: BSP

FDC raises $200m from international bond offering

By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST Development Corp., the holding company of the Gotianun family, said it raised $200 million from the sale of overseas bonds.

FDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the $200-million US dollardenominated Reg-S 5-year senior unsecured notes were priced at a yield of 4.25 percent or 25 basis points tighter than the initial price guidance.

This represents the lowest coupon ever for FDC in the international bond markets. The bonds offering also marked the return of FDC in the offshore debt market after seven years.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the successful issuance which confirms the confidence and strength of FDC’s name and track record in the Philippines. This bond issuance will further optimize our capital structure, as well as position us to pursue new investments in infrastructure and sustainable solutions such as solar energy, water and waste water,” said FDC president and chief executive Josephine Gotianun Yap. The company said the net proceeds from the fund-raising activity would be used to finance capital expenditure in digitalization, water, desalination, waste water and renewable energy projects, the district cooling system joint venture and other infrastructure projects. It will also refinance maturing loans and general corporate purposes.

FDC said the bond offering would enable it to diversify funding sources, partially refinance existing debt and provide flexibility in managing its maturity profile.

“The issuance allows us to diversify our funding sources, partially refinance existing debt and gives us flexibility in managing our maturity profile,” said FDC chief financial officer Nelson Bona.

“The tremendous market response to our bond offering is beyond what we expected after such a long absence. This overwhelming support only serves to validate FDC’s record of resiliency and financial discipline over the years,” FDC chairman Jonathan Gotianun said.

2 1600 PERA LAUNCH. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno (left) and Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier sign separate agreements with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Trust Officer Association of the Philippines during the virtual launch of the Digital Personal Equity and Retirement Account.

Business activities began to pick up in third quarter, says BSP BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday economic and business activities started to pick up in the third quarter following the easing of quarantine restrictions implemented by the government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diokno made the statement in reaction to the latest Social Weather Stations survey showing 40 percent of Filipinos believed the economy would worsen in the next 12 months.

“The SWS survey is based on perception of 2,000 adults. I cannot imagine how the economy will be worse off 12 months from now, coming from a record-breaking contraction in the second quarter of 2020, owing to the total lockdown in March, April and May,” Diokno said in a message to reporters.

He said the government gradually

opened the economy in the third quarter, allowing some business activities to resume and more public transportation to operate.

“I expect that the economy will be more open in the fourth quarter than in the third quarter, more open in the first quarter of 2021 than in the fourth quarter of 2020, and so on. So it boggles my mind how the economy will be worse 12 months from now,” he said.

Diokno said the virus infection rate had started to flatten, with virus reproduction now below 1 and the government shifted from general lockdown to granular or localized lockdowns.

“We are in better shape now than we were three months ago. Based on available information, I truly believe that [the] worst is behind us,” Diokno said.

He said the survey was based on per-

ception by a limited number of adults “with limited information.”

“Let me assure everyone that based on immediate past, nowcast and forecast data, the Philippines is now on its way to recovery. Hence, the economy would be in a better—not worse—shape 12 months from now,” Diokno said.

The pandemic triggered a 16.5-percent gross domestic product contraction in the second quarter following a 0.7-percent decline in the first quarter.

This brought the first-half GDP performance to a decline of 9 percent, which meant the country entered a technical recession.

Economic managers predicted a 5.5-percent contraction for the whole year, deeper than their earlier projection of a 2-percent to 3.4-percent contraction for 2020. Julito G. Rada

INVESTMENT FORUM.

BOI supporting proposal to reduce required capital for foreign retailers

By Othel V. Campos

PSE INDEX

Thursday, September 11, 2020

of pre-qualification requirement; and employment requirement of at least 50 percent local employees.

It also supports the proposed reduction of minimum investment requirement per store/branch from $830,000 to $150,000 and the review of the minimum paid-up capital requirement every five years by the DTI, the Securities Exchange Commission and the National Economic Development Authority.

“The objective of the bill is to allow the entry of more retail investors.

Amendments to the bill also promote the ease of doing business making it easier for foreign retailers to come in,” Pordoza explained.

The BOI said it would try to manage challenges with the possible influx of foreign retail companies, including the capability of local retailers to face foreign competition.

Balancing the production of highquality goods and competitive pricing and the high level competition are additional challenges not only for the country’s MSME but also for new players who might find it initially discouraging, it said.

The Philippine delegation to the China Investment Fair for Investment and Trade 2020 presents valuable investment projects and potential partnerships for Chinese and foreign investors at the Philippine Investment Forum on the first day of CIFIT 2020 in Xiamen, China.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez thanked the organizing committee of CIFIT for making the Philippines its partner in CIFIT 2020 and 2021, giving the country the distinct accolade of being the guest country of honor for two consecutive years.

Groups urge ADB to jumpstart Asia’s transition to clean energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores CIVIL society groups urged the Asian Development Bank to jumpstart Asia’s energy transition by decarbonizing its energy investments portfolio ahead of the ADB Annual Governors’ Meeting.

The call was made in a webinar and publication launch on Friday, where the groups said “leaving behind ADB’s dirty energy legacy” should begin with a formal ban on coal investments.”

“Thanks to the lenient energy policy it ad-

opted in 2009, ADB is guilty of having shaped Asia’s energy sector into its carbon-intensive state today. No amount of renewable energy investments could cover up the bank’s role in advancing the myth of clean coal and the fact that half of the total installed capacity of power generation projects it funded the past decade are from fossil fuels,” Gerry Arances, executive director of the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development said in a statement.

Arances said that with the worsening climate crisis, deteriorating air quality, increasing viability of renewable energy and

environmental and economic imperatives highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic on the need for a green recovery, the imperative to decarbonize is clear.

“The critical reflections we from civil society offer today mirror what the bank’s Independent Evaluation Department reported: that ADB needs a new energy policy that accurately responds to the region’s needs. In doing so it must live up to its role in global energy transformation, which it can begin by completely leaving coal in its dirty past,” Arances said.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

Lakers put Rockets on brink of elimination

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball against Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference Second Round. AFP

6 hopefuls apply to become UST coach A DECISION to assemble a coaching staff that will handle the University of Santo Tomas basketball program is expected to be made by next week.

Sources said officials of the university’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics will have to make up their minds quickly in order to rebuild their basketball program.

Six coaches are applying for UST’s head coaching job and submitted their resumes to new IPEA head, Fr. Ermito de Sagon.

Among the six coaches, who applied is Chris Gavina, the first nonalumnus to seek the position left by Aldin Ayo. He has joined the ranks of alumni members, which include Siot Tanquingcen, Estong Ballesteros, Chris Cantonjos, Gilbert Lao and Ed Cordero.

Gavina is known for steering Kia to the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs.

Also coming forward is former UST captain Jeric Fortuna, who has expressed his intention to be part of the Growling Tigers’ staff as an assistant coach.

He was joined by Kim Lo, a teammate from 2010 to 2012.

Ayo was suspended by the league this week for holding training activities in Sorsogon without getting the proper go-signal from concerned authorities.

Since the submission of the UST report last week, Ayo had already stepped down from post, along with assistant coaches McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala.

Since the controversy surrounding UST began, five players have quit the team.

The university’s Institute of Physical Education and Athletics head Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P., resigned and was immediately replaced by Fr. Ermito de Sagon Six-foot-two small forward Ferdinand Asuncion Jr. was the last to go and is said to have joined the Mapua Cardinals. Peter Atencio

Tall Fil-Am guard Koon joins Tab’s Blue Eagles

By Peter Atencio

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HRISTOPHER Acosta Koon, a talented 6’5” FilAmerican guard gave Ateneo a big surprise this week when he finally accepted its offer to come aboard and join the Blue Eagles’ program for the next six years.

The 19-year-old Koon said he finally made up his mind to suit up for the Blue Eagles after giving it a long hard look over the weekend.

“It happened real quick, just a few days ago. It’s been in my mind for a while,” said Koon in an online web conference following talks with Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin, manager Epok Quimpo, and Koon’s contact, Moncho Manaloto.

Last year, Baldwin already forgot about Koon when he was recruited to play and study for Cal Poly Pomona in Los Angeles, California.

They have been asking him to come over the Blue Eagles after playing four years in Rolling Hills Preparatory in high school.

Koon, whose mother is from Novaliches, said the big opportunities that he will have while playing collegiate bas-

ketball in the Philippines excites him.

“On top of that, it’s the exposure that I will get when I come there, the international scene. And that’s the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association), or maybe somewhere else,” added Koon, who will have five playing years with Ateneo once he completes a yearlong residency period.

The Blue Eagles’ culture and environment attracted him, when Koon came over to the Philippines and paid the Blue Eagles’ camp a visit last year.

“It was the culture. It was the coaches and coach Tab. I could feel being part of a family when I was there,” Koon continued.

In high school, the Toranse, California-born Koon averaged 16.0 points, 6.6 boards and 4.0 assists per game, leading Rolling Hills Prep to three straight Southern Section championships in the

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California Interscholastic Federation and a CIF state title.

Baldwin, in looking at Koon’s credentials back in high school, believes that Koon will be able to blend well with the team, after observing his growth in high school.

“At 6’4” or 6’5”, he can go for a variety of positions. He has a variety of skills, and probably his greatest attribute is his basketball IQ. His transition to the program will be seamless and won’t require a lot of adjustment and adaptability,” said Baldwin.

Koon’s colorful achievements in high school attracted him to the Blue Eagles, as he is a two-time John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year awardee, CIF-SS Division 5AA Player of the Year, Coastal League MVP, and MaxPreps All-State Division 5 First Team.

“It started three years, when he started visiting the Philippines while in high school. Now, he got bigger. But we kept in touch since then,” said Quimpo.

While playing, Koon maintained a 4.5 GPA in his academics. Koon, though, red-shirted his freshman year in Cal Poly Pomona in 2019.

ORLANDO—Anthony Davis had 29 points and 12 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Houston Rockets 110-100 to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference series on Thursday.

The Rockets were no match for the Lakers’ intensity and skill as Los Angeles outscored them 62-24 in the paint and 19-2 in fast break points in the quarantine bubble at the Disney resort in Orlando, Florida.

“We played defence. We did a good job of defending the three,” said Davis. “For the most part we executed our game plan.”

The Lakers didn’t need a big offensive night from LeBron James in their wire-to-wire victory. James finished with just 16 points, but grabbed 14 defensive rebounds and had nine assists for the Lakers, who are trying to reach their first Western Conference finals since the 2009-10 season when they were led

by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

“We had our game plan and we executed it. If you are going to execute your game plan for that long you are going to come out victorious,” said James.

James Harden had an uninspiring performance with 21 points and Russell Westbrook finished with 25 for the Rockets in the loss. Harden went two-of-11 from beyond the arc and committed three fouls.

“Just a lack of spirit,” said Houston coach Mike D’Antoni. “We got down and lost our way a little bit.”

Los Angeles dominated in almost every aspect of offence and defence and look poised to advance to the NBA final four if they can win in game five on Saturday.

“Elimination games are always the toughest. We got to come out with a killer mindset,” said Davis.

The Lakers capped their win in style as James had a Showtime dunk and guard Alex Caruso nailed a three-point dagger on their final two possessions of the contest.

Harden hit two free throws with 58 seconds left to get the Rockets within five at 105-100, but Caruso drilled a three-pointer with 34 seconds left. Caruso came off the bench to score 16 points.

Rajon Rondo and James combined on the dunk with Rondo driving to the basket, and then bouncing the ball off the backboard to a soaring James for the rim-rattling slam. AFP

Solon appeals for Olympic campaign support “WE have not won an Olympic gold in our lifetime, and this is our best chance.”

This was the message conveyed by staunch supporter of the country’s Olympic campaign and House of Representatives Committee on Youth and Sports Development Chairman Eric Martinez during the recent budget defense meeting of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Martinez expressed confidence that the country will finally, win its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2021, and sought support for our athletes’ campaign.

“Could I ask the PAGCOR for its commitment with regards to the support for PSC for these athletes and for this Olympics, so we could nail down that Olympic gold,” said Rep. Martinez.

The Congressman of the 2nd District of Valenzuela is referring to four (4) To-

kyo Olympics qualifiers namely Ernest Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Eumir Marcial, and Irish Magno including aspiring weightlifting Olympian Hidilyn Diaz, a silver medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympiad and a handful who show big chances of qualifying.

Rep. Martinez believes that Obiena, who recently won gold in the 59th Ostrava Golden Strike Tournament in Czech Republic has a strong chance of winning a medal and upset the world’s best, same prediction he has with Filipino artistic gymnast and reigning world champion in men’s floor exercise Yulo, Diaz, and boxers Marcial and Magno saying “we all know that by tradition boxing is our strength in Olympic gaming.”

“This is now the critical time that we push and channel all our resources for their training [with] one year to go,” said Rep. Martinez.

Martinez proposed for direct coordination between the two agencies, “I think PAGCOR should sit down seriously with PSC and our committee is more than willing to help also for this Olympics alone. Let’s do it for our Olympians and for our Filipino athletes.”

PAGCOR Vice President Jimmy Bondoc responded positively on Martinez’s request, saying that “we share your dream of finally obtaining that gold for our country. That is possible and I will definitely propose it to the Board.”

PAGCOR’s remittances to PSC significantly reduced as these are dependent on their income, which was heavily hit by the implemented lockdown.

In the past committee regular meeting attended by PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta, the Congress

Rep. Eric Martinez

committee promised to back the agency’s request for the return of the P182-million budget for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.

Dance Theatre Arts videos make Canaan finals The Dance Theatre Arts continues the training of their ballet students via Zoom classes for solo coaching and group classes.

MEMBERS of the Dance Theatre Arts, managed by choreographer and ballet guru Pamela Ortiz-Bondoc, wowed the international community as their video entries made it to the finals among 100 competitors in the Stars of Canaan Dance International Competition recently.

Making it as finalists were (PA1 ages 7 to 9 yrs old) Nica Jayne Delos Reyes (8 yrs old), Chloe ZiQian Chen (9yrs old) and Tifanny Jocelyn Ong (9 yrs old); (Pa2 ages 10-12) Soluna Arcamo (10 yrs old), and Bianca Denise Magbatoc (10 yrs old); (Duo) Bianca Denise Magbatoc and Tiffany Jocelyn Ong and Sophia Lucito and Herbie Amber Bobier.

The Dance Theatre Arts, a performing arts school located at the 5th f loor of Waltermart Center Makati At Chino Roces Avenue, continues the training of their ballet students despite the lockdown since March 15, 2020 as zoom classes were conducted for solo coaching and group classes.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

rumallari@thestandard.com.ph

Tech & Gadgets

Taiwan Excellence sets sights on future with product launch

F

OUR Taiwan Excellence Award winners from the ophthalmic medical equipment industry in Taiwan demonstrated their most innovative products during an online product launch held recently.

The event was jointly organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council, the foremost trade promotion body in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade.

According to estimates from IEK Consulting of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the global ophthalmic medical equipment market is estimated to reach US$ 58.4 billion by 2023.

The three major areas of this market are vision care, surgery, and diagnosis and monitoring. Bulk products of significance are optical lenses, contact lenses and “fundus” cameras, a complex optical system designed for imaging of the eye’s retina.

Revenue from Taiwan's ophthalmic medical equipment industry has grown steadily in recent years, with a turnover of approximately US $7 billion.

The auxiliary and remedial category, which constitutes the “contact lens industry,” has the most outstanding performance.

The export ratio of this “invisible champion” accounts for 1.53% of global sales. Taiwan’s ophthalmology industry accounts for approximately 0.3% of global sales, where it combines technologies that include optics, electronics, MEGAWORLD Lifestyle Malls is expanding further its digital capabilities with the launch of a brand new mobile application designed to improve customer connection and enhance shopping and dining experience.

The new Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is currently available for download on Google Playstore for Android users and on the App Store for iOS users with basic functionalities, with more innovative features coming in the next updates.

Aiming to empower shoppers by providing convenience, connectivity and safety right at their fingertips through its customer-friendly features, the new app includes a virtual shopping directory, which gives users access to a complete list of shopping, dining, entertainment and service partners in all 20 Megaworld Lifestyle Malls across the country.

The directory contains store locations and merchants’ contact details, which can come in handy for users looking to place advance orders for pickup or delivery.

The new app also sports an indoor navigation feature designed to help mall guests in quickly and safely finding their way around the mall from the parking area to the store or restaurant they intend to visit.

The new Megaworld Lifestyle Malls app will also keep users in the loop on the latest happenings at their favorite Megaworld Lifestyle Mall through real-time updates on events, store promos and the latest movie schedule at Megaworld Cinemas.

Kick off school year with Smart University

Shown here are (from left) Johnson Chang, Sales Manager, Medimaging Integrated Solution Inc.; William Wang, Co-Founder and President, Crystalvue Medical Corporation; Mark Wu, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing Department, TAITRA; Pandora Yang, International Sales Manager, BenQ Materials Corp.; Eric Chu, Co-Founder, In-Trust Technology Co., Ltd.; and Vivian Chen, Manager, IEP Healthcare Section of Strategic Marketing Department, TAITRA.

motors, and big data calculations.

Taiwan is highly proficient in ICT technology, and with this significant advantage, the ophthalmology industry has demonstrated great potential.

As a trusted world partner, Taiwan Excellence upholds the spirit of innovation by selecting products that best represent the image of Taiwan's industries.

On this occasion, the companies awarded were Crystalvue’s Non-Mydriatic Auto Fundus Camera that uses

automatic 3D tracking, reduces human diagnostic error and is sold in over 50 countries worldwide; Medimaging’s Digital Portable Tonometer (DPT 100), which uses air-jet pressure detection to avoid contact with disease and infection; BenQ’s Miacare CONFIDENCE Color Contact Lens, which adopts silicone hydrogel technology and provides contact lens wearers with all-day comfort; and In-Trust’s Aurai Hot & Cool Eye Massager, the first in the world to use water circulation and water wave

massage to reduce intraocular pressure without risk of any harm.

Taiwan Excellence award-winning products showcase the best of Taiwan’s industries, which provide smart solutions for consumers’ daily lives.

According to TAITRA, more events focusing on medical products, including dentistry and assistance devices for the elderly, will be held in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit: https:// Hyoutu.be/0WdW4wXpM9w.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls launches mobile app for enhanced shopping experience More exciting conveniences and features coming soon More exciting updates designed to bring added convenience and enhance the mall experience are coming to the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls App soon, giving users more reasons to download the new app.

These include gamification features, which will soon enable users to participate in in-app challenges, games and trivias where they can win exclusive freebies and promo vouchers that can be redeemed instantly at participating stores.

An innovative customer rewards program is also currently being developed to make the shopping experience even more worthwhile for app users.

Pet owners can also enjoy a more convenient and safer way of securing a pass for their furry companions on their next visit through the app’s Digital Pet Pass feature.

The new app will also make life easier for movie-goers upon the reopening of Megaworld Cinemas via a direct link to www.blockbusterseats. com, where users can conveniently purchase movie tickets online.

Traveling to and from any Megaworld Lifestyle Mall will also be a lot easier and hassle-free via the app’s direct links to various transportation apps and options.

“The Megaworld Lifestyle Malls app is one of our many pursuits to strengthen connectivity with our valued shoppers, especially during this time. The next updates will make the app even more exciting and helpful as we look to bring forward enhanced digital capabilities that will further bring the customer experience to a whole new level,” says Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls has 20 lifestyle malls across the country including Eastwood Mall, Eastwood Citywalk and The Clubhouse at Temple Drive in Quezon City; Arcovia Parade in Pasig City; Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila; Uptown Bonifacio, Forbes Town, McKinley West and Venice Grand Canal in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City; Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City; Three Central Mall, Paseo Center and San Lorenzo Place Mall in Convenience, connectivity and safety Makati City; California Garden make up the core of Megaworld Lifestyle Square in Mandaluyong City; Malls’ latest digitization effort.

The Village Square Alabang and Walk Mall in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Alabang West Parade in Las PiFor more information and details, ñas City, Twin Lakes Shopping Village in Laurel, Batangas; Southwoods Mall visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or in Binan, Laguna; Mactan Alfresco in call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls hotLapu-Lapu City, Cebu; and Festive line at 8-462-8888.

TO OFFICIALLY ring in the school year and assist students in adapting to new ways of learning in these unprecedented times, mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. has launched Smart University at smartuniversity2020.com; a virtual campus that offers exciting and engaging activities that are especially designed for students who don't want to miss out on an enriching school experience.

Exclusive to Smart subscribers, Smart University features a virtual campus where students can learn, interact, and engage with each other, educational talks by experts from Google and Microsoft, quiz shows with exciting prizes, and other activities worth hanging around for.

The highlight of the unique program will be streamed live on Smart's Facebook page and smartuniversity2020.com: Episode 1—THE PEP RALLY, to be held on Sept. 12, features movers in the tech industry including Yvette Watson, Microsoft Modern Workplace Business Group Lead and Victor Lam, Google for Education Lead, Southeast Asia.

Episode 2—MIDTERMS, on Sept.

26, features YouTube educreator and motivational speaker Lyqa Maravilla who will join the fun with some quiz show and e-games.

Episode 3—FINALS, on Oct. 10, the culminating event, features more quiz shows, a special performance from pop alternative band “Over October”, and the awarding of class topnotchers.

Earn points for a cause

Aside from learning, students may also participate in the activities in every episode to earn and accumulate points to be part of the Smart University Leaderboard.

Upon reaching 30,000 points at the end of the third episode, the whole class will be able to donate 3 School-in-a-Bag units, which each consists of 1 laptop, 1 Pocket WiFi and 20 tablets to PLDTSmart Foundation's beneficiary schools.

This way, participants are empowered to uplift and help the less fortunate students. Special prizes await class topnotchers, too!

The Smart University Virtual Campus 2020 is in line with the thrust of the mobile services provider to champion the youth—from helping bridge the learning gap the new normal has brought to aiding students with the knowledge and tools to realize their academic potentials. Recently, Smart introduced Giga Study, a data pack that enables subscribers to access a host of learning and productivity apps. Smart has also partnered with Edukasyon.PH, an education technology start-up that provides a series of programs and software apps to enable Filipino students reach their academic goals.

Visit the Smart University Virtual Campus at smartuniversity2020.com to join the fun, and follow Smart's official accounts on Facebook www.fb.com/ SmartCommunications, Twitter, and Instagram (@LiveSmart) for updates.

Durex’s digital campaign focuses on HIV protection, preparedness education

SM CINEMA DRIVE-IN. SM Cinema comes back to the big screen with a new movie experience at the recent launch of their latest offering, SM Cinema Drive-In: Movies By The Bay at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds Block 16. Members of the Diplomatic corps, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and media guests enjoyed #SafeAndFunMovieWatching from the comfort of their own cars during the launch. Every Wednesdays-Sundays, movie goers can enjoy watching movies under the stars. Its opening film Peninsula, the much-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit Korean zombie movie “Train to Busan”, was shown on a 20 meter by 8.5 meters larger than life outdoor screen and raised 5 feet above the ground to ensure guests have an optimal viewing experience. Simply visit www.smtickets.com to book and buy your tickets.

IN light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of HIV and the dangers it brings seems to have taken a backseat amidst everything that the whole world is experiencing right now.

Yet, what people don’t seem to realize is that HIV is equally threatening as COVID-19. In the same way that we are told to wear masks and face shields, being properly educated, prepared, and protected against HIV is likewise critical in today’s times.

With this in mind, Durex launches its latest digital campaign dubbed as “Protection & Preparedness Education” or PPE in short. This timely initiative aims to heighten HIV awareness, stressing the constant relevance of safe sex and “Always Coming Prepared”—and that we must never let our guards down. Whether for singles or stay-at-home couples, using protection—which can provide necessary safeguards without limiting pleasure—is crucial, as health and wellness concerns continue to take front and center, during the ongoing pandemic.

Toward this end, Durex has lined-up a series of online events, headlined by the crew of Boys Night Out (BNO)—TonyToni, Slick Rick, and Sam YG—

the campaign’s main ambassadors.

“With all that is happening during these trying times, we must not lose sight of the fact that HIV remains to be a serious concern, one that is as lifethreatening as COVID-19,” says Durex Philippines. “The Always Come Prepared campaign of Durex therefore continues, made just as relevant and timely—in keeping with the situation by going online. We will keep on with our goal of educating the public about HIV Prevention, and that being prepared is always a must.”Among the exciting and relevant activities to watch out for include an online staging of the University Townhall series featuring speakers from the medical field, psychology, HIV, and LGBTQIA+ awareness and advocacy; the launch of HIV Awareness E-Learning Videos that’s well suited for the shift towards online learning; and Vlog collabs with influencers and celebrities focused on fun, health and wellness activities.

Stay tuned for more details by subscribing to Durex Philippines’ YouTube Channel (https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / c h a n n e l / U C P p Q W B E JD0W0_rX2VGPZZKQ).

Tech & Gadgets

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

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Questions over Russia vaccine study inconsistencies PARIS—The Lancet medical journal said Thursday it had asked authors of a study on a potential Russian COVID-19 vaccine for clarifications after their research came under scrutiny.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.

Russian researchers published their trial findings last week in the Lancet, meaning their research had undergone review from a selection of their peers.

It said that the vaccine had proven to be "safe and well-tolerated" among a few dozen volunteers.

However an open letter signed this week by more than 30 Europebased experts cast doubt on the findings, pointing towards "potential data inconsistencies".

The researchers identified what they said appeared to be a number of duplications in figures presented and concluded that the data within the study was "highly unlikely" to be correct.

The lead study author was quoted Thursday by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency saying he rejected the letter's claims.

A spokeswoman for The Lancet told AFP that they were aware of the open letter.

"We have shared the letter directly with the authors and encouraged them to engage in the scientific discussion," she said.

The spokeswoman added that the research had been reviewed by independent experts before publication.

The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

Pharma giant AstraZeneca said this week it was halting Phase 3 trials of its candidate vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, after one volunteer fell ill. AFP

The TU8000 Crystal UHD TV delivers a captivatingly real 4K UHD resolution for a powerful picture quality courtesy of an ultra-fast crystal processor 4K. Picture quality is so real, it's like people or things shown on your screen are there, just within your reach.

SAMSUNG’S TU8000 CRYSTAL UHD TV

A smart TV just got smarter

By Jessica Luna

S

MART televisions are becoming smarter.

And leading the pack is Samsung, which recently introduced its latest smart TV, the feature-packed Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD TV. With majority of Filipinos staying put at the comfort of their homes, they find themselves spending time watching their favorite Netflix shows, youtube programs and Facebook videos.

Now if you want to enjoy streaming these videos, the smart move is to get an intelligent television.

Enter Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD TV, with our review unit being the 55-inch model.

A leading TV manufacturer for 14 years, Samsung uses is its advancements in technology from its other scientific interests in producing feature-packed television to give families supreme enjoyment

when gathered together to watch their favorite shows.

Gone are the days when you have to “break the bank” just to get yourselves a hold of that stunning Smart TV that offers 4K UHD Screen providing colors for a more vivid and crisp pictures.

Now, that can be within reach with Samsung's TU8000 Crystal UHD TV. The TU8000 Crystal UHD is now available at Samsung's authorized dealer stores nationwide, with the 43-inch model having an a suggested retail prize of P27,999. The 50-inch is sold at P33,999, while the 55-inch model can be had at P41,999. Dis-

Globe offers discounts on 5G Devices FOR as low as P1,299 a month, more customers can revolutionize the way they work, learn, play and stay connected w/ Globe Postpaid 5G device plans. With the growing demand for data, customers can now equip themselves with 5G devices that will fit their lifestyles’ needs.

Enjoy the benefits of 5G’s powerful speeds by upgrading to a 5G-enabled device now! There’s so much you can do: from streaming movies and TV shows at the highest quality; to playing immersive online games with fewer lags; to providing the clearest resolution for video chats . 5G allows you to stay on top of things that matter to you.

Globe Postpaid lets you take the first step towards better than ever connectivity through its selection of the latest 5G phones that you can get at much lower prices with ThePLAN. The introductory price and discounts applied to these mobile phones are available until September 30, 2020.

“We are thrilled to introduce a wide range of 5G devices that are available at discounted cash outs over various postpaid plans.” said Angie Po, Head of Globe Postpaid. “These trailblazing devices, made more accessible with Globe Postpaid’s ThePLAN, combined with Globe’s pioneering mobile 5G network, allows more customers to access endless possibilities that are now closer than ever.”

So whether it's for gaming, entertainment, productivity, or online learning, there is a 5G device that is fit for your needs. in Makati, Rockwell Center, Gen. To avail these offers, visit https:// Currently, 5G service is already available in ar- Malvar in Ortigas, and strategic shop.globe.com.ph/devices/5geas in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Valero Street areas along EDSA and C5. mobile-phones.

counts are available for cash and straight card transactions.

The TU8000 Crystal UHD TV delivers a captivatingly real 4K UHD resolution for a powerful picture quality courtesy of an ultra-fast crystal processor 4K. Picture quality is so real, it's like people or things shown on your screen are there, just within your reach.

But the 4K UHD screen isn't just the lSamsung's latest smart TV offers one of the most convenient viewing experiences with its Tap View, Bixby Voice Assistant and Ambient Mode, for crystal-clear entertainment with the entire family.

With the Tap View, one can easily mirror images and videos from their smartphones with the rest of the family by simply tapping their phone on the smart TV. A Bixby Voice Assistant function lets the family “talk” directly to the smart TV, enabling it to perform specific tasks through simple voice

commands. This makes for a more enhanced entertainment experience as time spent navigating through menus is greatly minimized.

The slim, 3 side bezel-less design also maximizes the viewing experience.

Meanwhile, the Crystal UHD TV’s adaptive Ambient mode enables the smart TV to seamlessly blend in with the surroundings and be a beautiful display when not in use. Ambient mode enables the family to add color and personality to their living space, even showcasing their favorite family photos as wallpaper.

For the gamer in you, the Crystal UHD TV also features an auto game mode which readily optimizes the screen and minimizes input lag, giving dad and the kids a smooth gaming experience, and the best reasons to enjoy their favorite online games.

The Samsung TU8000 Crystal UHD TV is now available at leading appliance stores nationwide.

Harvard scientist wins $3M for work on parenting instinct WASHINGTON—Harvard neurobiologist Catherine Dulac had always been fascinated by the parenting urge that is hard-wired into brains across the animal kingdom.

The 57-year-old Frenchwoman was on Thursday honored for her work uncovering the neural circuitry in the mouse brain responsible for this instinct, laying the foundation for further investigation into other mammals like humans.

She was one of seven scientists from the life sciences, mathematics and fundamental physics to receive the 2021 Breakthrough Prize, founded by Silicon Valley luminaries to recognize groundbreaking discoveries.

Each winner receives $3 million, or three times the amount given by the Nobel Prize.

Dulac, a professor at Harvard who also works at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, was investigating why female mice instinctively nurture mice pups, while male mice tend to attack them, depending on the circumstances (this behavior is typically seen in virgin males).

What Dulac showed was that the neural circuits responsible for these behaviors are present in both sexes.

Hormonal changes can flip the switch— but in either direction.

That's why previously infanticidal males lovingly tend to their offspring when they become fathers, or why, under the right stressors, a mother mouse can kill her own children.

"We think what we have found can extend to other species" including humans, Dulac told AFP. "This is an instinct, and instinct is a function of these neurons, which are, I bet, in the brains of all mammals, and tell the animal, when they are in the presence of newborns, 'You have to take care of them,'" added the scientist, who moved to the US from France 25 years ago.

Human gender applicability Dulac is keen to emphasize her work is specific to mice.

However, it is also fundamental research and therefore is of obvious interest for people working on transgender issues since, as the professor says, "male" and "female" wiring exists in everyone (at least in mice!).

Families and allies of transgender people reach out to her often to thank her. AFP

It starts on TikTok: Content revolution disrupts creative economy, pop culture TIKTOK launches in the Philippines its latest campaign, “it starts on TikTok”, to celebrate the creators, community and culture on the platform that brought positivity and joy to life.

The campaign is part of TikTok’s largest-ever global branding campaign that kicked off on August 18, 2020.

Since TikTok’s launch, the platform has revolutionized content creation, laying the foundations for the rise of a new generation of creators that impacted pop culture and drove the country’s creative economy.

“Everyone is a creator. Everyday, we create moments and shared experiences. These little moments are the ripples that are now making waves to our culture today. TikTok is a platform to capture, amplify,

and magnify the unique and creative you,” says John Castro, User and Content Operations Manager, TikTok Philippines.

Behind every viral video and top trend is a creator who brought a creation to life. As an idea catches on, so too does its impact across borders, cultures, languages, and communities. What begins as seconds of authentic creativity often turns into much more: careers blossom, memes develop, hobbies flourish, communities coalesce, and viral songs climb to the top of music charts. TikTok is a platform that brings joy and enriches your life.

TikTok’s content, creativity, and creator-centric model, places every TikToker on a level playing field. Every-

one has a chance to go viral as seen in the case of Tala that made TikTok a platform where the turning point to virality starts and happens.

Charting the Origin of Tala Who would have thought a song that was released in January 2016 would make a comeback to become the Philippines’ 2020 pop culture anthem?

Since the launch of Sarah Geronimo’s Tala, the song has been building up its momentum over the years. With its catchy lyrics and danceable choreography, it has always been a part of Filipino pop culture, especially in the LGBTIQ+ community. But come November 2019, the dance covers spread like wildfire until it saw the resurgence as the nation's newest dance craze.

One of the earliest uploads of the

song on TikTok is from user Glyds Soriano on November 26, 2019, which was basically a snippet from the original music video. Since then, TikTokers have been using the song for their own #talachallenge dance covers.

Joining the challenge on December 27, 2019 , teen celebrity Vivoree also uploaded her own edit of the song which was eventually used by phenomenal star Maine Mendoza and commendable actor Arjo Atayde in the video that truly cemented Tala’s virality. To date, Maine and Arjo’s video remains as the top viewed content for the #talachallenge at 12.4M views.

Tala—Sarah Geronimo officially became part of TikTok’s music library in January 2020.

Joining the challenge on December 27, 2019 , teen celebrity Vivoree also uploaded her own edit of the song which was eventually used by phenomenal star Maine Mendoza and commendable actor Arjo Atayde in the video that truly cemented Tala’s virality. To date, Maine and Arjo’s video remains as the top viewed content for the #talachallenge at 12.4M views.

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2020

DEALS AND DISCOUNTS S

GALORE IN SEPTEMBER

EPTEMBER is fast emerging as the month of deals and discounts. At least, that’s the case with several automakers who trying to fire up lethargic sales spawned by the virus pandemic that has led to economic slump. It could be just the prelude to a bigger and better things to happen in December as carmakers go all-out to attract buyers and meet targets.

of PHP380,000 or at 0% interest up to 36 months at 20% downpayment. On the other hand, the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL with Bucket Seats and Expedition 4x4 Limited EL both come with a generous cash discount of PHP613,000 or at 0% interest up to 36 months at 20% down-

payment, with an all-in downpayment option of PHP88,000 for the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL. The Ford Ranger 2.2L XLS 4x2 MT is still available with a cash discount of PHP89,000, bringing down its starting retail price to PHP943,000. It can also be

purchased through options of a PHP9,999 low monthly amortization or 0% interest up to 24 months. Meanwhile, all Ranger 2.2L FX4 variants are still available with a cash discount of PHP90,000 or via a financing promo of 0% interest for up to 18 months at 20% downpayment.

ous level with the addition of a third-row built with a slide function. Rear seats slide, recline and fold virtually flat in a 60/40 split, while storage compartments are conveniently spread throughout the interior. The exterior also features stylized brake lamps, LED headlights, and illuminated door handles.

The Lexus RX 450h (SRP 5,178,000) is powered by a V6 3.5-liter direct-injection engine with front and rear electric motors that enhance fuel economy. The hybrid drive is mated to an innovative CVT that lets you feel even closer to the road with responsive acceleration and assertive torque while maximizing fuel efficiency.

It also features an EV drive mode for low speeds.

The Lexus NX 300 (SRP Php 3,208,000) delivers 235hp and 350Nm of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline

4-cylinder direct-injection engine. For a more engaging driving experience, the NX 300 features a gravity ball sensor that detects when the car is braking, accelerating, or cornering, and finds and holds the right gear.

The Lexus NX 300h (SRP 3,678,000) features a Hybrid System Indicator that displays real-time information about the hybrid system’s output and regeneration, encouraging you to adopt an eco-friendly drive. This variant features Lexus Hybrid Drive which draws power from both electric and petrol motors, resulting in instant torque and rapid acceleration.

The Lexus NX 300 F Sport (SRP 3,708,000) has a front grille that uses an F-mesh pattern with the same jet-black plating used on the RC F. The F Sport seats feature integrated foaming technology to keep you firmly in place even during aggressive driving. Plus, the cabin features dimpled leather with an exclusive perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob. If you are in need of interior legroom, the distance between the NX’s front and rear seats is a class-leading 962mm.

Toyota’s take

Ranger Raptor package unwrapped AT FORD Philippines for instance, the company is extending its Ranger Raptor Premium Care Program and special deals on its SUVs, pickups, and Transit van until end of the month. New deals are also offered to customers getting the Ford Everest Trend or Everest Sport this September.

“We continue to make the Ford ownership experience easier and more convenient for our customers with the extension of our special deals for almost all our Ford vehicles, with the inclusion of better cash discount offers for two Ford Everest variants,” shares PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines. “This month is also the best time to get a Ranger Raptor with the Ranger Raptor Premium Care package still available for all customers.”

With the Ranger Raptor Premium Care program, customers purchasing a Ranger Raptor until September 30, 2020 will receive free 5-year scheduled service maintenance package (SSP), a 5-year vehicle warranty (additional 2-year extended warranty to the standard 3-year warranty), and 5-year emergency roadside assistance. The worry-free ownership package is valued at PHP100,000.

Customers can avail of new and better deals for the Ford Everest this month.

The Everest 2.2L Trend AT is now available with a cash discount of PHP100,000 while the Everest 2.0L Sport 4x2 AT now comes with a PHP50,000 cash discount.

Great deals are also up for grabs for Ford’s bigger SUVs. The Explorer 3.5L Sport is available with a cash discount

Amazing deals at Lexus

4,378,000) midsize luxury SUV is a technological showcase. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity allow you to use dedicated smartphone functions via the dashboard touchscreen display. How’s that for modern-day convenience? Because it is the pioneer in the luxury SUV segment and is one of the most popular SUVs in the Philippines, the RX is available in three other variants.

The Lexus RX 350 F Sport (SRP 4,938,000) will satisfy the enthusiast driver who is also looking for a practical crossover for the family. Its 20-inch twinspoke aluminum wheels; F Sport dials; dimpled leather seats; perforated finish on the steering wheel and shift knob; and aluminum pedals are just a few of the features that set the RX F Sport models apart from its siblings.

The Lexus RX 350L (SRP 4,858,000) variant takes practicality to a whole new and luxuri-

LEXUS Manila has embarked on a promotional blitz offering ‘amazing deals’ on select models in its lineup.

Available only this September the offers cover the Lexus ES 350; Lexus IS 350; Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 350L, RX 450h; Lexus NX 300, NX 300h, NX300 F Sport; Lexus UX 200 and the Lexus UX F Sport.The participating models with a 30% downpayment, 24-month term, at 0% interest are listed below.

The Lexus ES 350 (SRP 4,478,000) midsize sedan, most popular model in the Lexus lineup, showcases a humancentered cabin; a coupe-like silhouette; advanced passive and active driver-safety technologies; and an innovative infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display and 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System. Its wheels are 18-inch noise-reducing alloy wheels finished in a hyper chrome metallic coating.

The Lexus IS 350 (SRP 2,948,000) compact sedan delivers the pinnacle of control thanks to its drive-mode selection and paddle shifters behind the wheel. Electric power steering offers precision and feel, while under the hood, the IS 350’s 312hp 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with the 8-speed sport direct-transmission will bring a smile to your face.

The Lexus RX 350 (SRP Php

TOYOTA Motor Philippines is offering a wide range of flexible deals, discounts, and freebies to make car ownership and maintenance easier and more fulfilling for everyone dreaming of getting their brand new car.

TMP’s “Take on New Roads” promo runs f until September 30, and can be availed at all 70 authorized Toyota dealerships nationwide.

Under its Pay Low, Pay Light, or Savings scheme, Toyota customers can bring home the latest version of the Vios at a low down payment of P112,950 (XE CVT), drive the new Wigo at affordable monthly payment of P5,981 (1.0 E M/T), or enjoy huge discounts of up to P120,000.00 for Fortuner (G Dsl AT), and P130,000.00 for Hilux (4X4 G AT).

“We acknowledge the increasing need for safe and efficient mobility. Since financial situation is tough, it’s a must to spend wisely and get the best value out of your money. We help our customers achieve this not just through affordable and flexible financing deals, but also through our products that are easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, and will last a lifetime. Only Toyota can offer this sure advantage,” said Sherwin Chualim, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations.

Formula One Flashback: The best seat in the house

By Ramon L. Tomeldan IN THE glamorous, high-hat world of Formula One, there is no such thing as ringside or front-row seats during race day. That’s because the sheer speed of the F1 super cars and the thunderous, ear-ripping roar of the engines make it extremely hazardous and risky for the audience to get very near the lightning-fast cars. As they say, speed kills, sometimes. Not a few race drivers and spectators have died as a result of hig-speed crashes.

There is however a special viewing room where VIPs, team officials and guests can enjoy the action within the comfort and safety of this exclusive enclave. It is called the F1 Paddock which has among other modern things a set of four CCTVs in all four corners, each set

tracking strategic bends and curves and showing where the action is. A dedicated set of CCTVs provides watchers with F1 racing statistics . In the Paddock, food abounds: Atlantic lobsters for breakfast; lamb chops for lunch, not to mention the aperitif . Wine, champagne and beer flowing freely as if coming from a wellspring.

It’s the best seat in the house.

In March, 2000, Manila Standard was accorded with the privilege of joining the then BMW-Williams F1 Team on the second round of the F1 season at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. The perks included a stay in the Paddock where the team had Manila Standard savoring the life of luxury in the fast lane even if only in three fleeting days.

Below the BMW-Williams Paddock was a work station leading to the pit stop, where F1 cars did their racing routines

such as tire change, fuel refill and quick repairs. It was in this area that the Standard chanced upon the Williams founder, Sir Frank Williams on a Saturday around 7 a.m . just before the F1 teams’ practice run. The knighted one was singularly focused on his computer. After the usual greetings, he set about what he was doing.

These memories of F1 came to the fore in light of the news that the famous marquee, beset by budget limitations, had ended its association with Formula One in favor of a white knight, the US-based investor Dorilton Capital.

For the last race, William’s daughter waved off the 2 team drivers from the garage in a ceremonial farewell.

On the change of ownership, Agence France Press had this take from Formula

One managing director Ross Brawn, who started his career with Williams. “In Williams, we are losing a family who has been part of Formula One for so long, but on the other hand it shows the trust and support for F1 that there is new investment coming in,” Brawn was quoted by AFP as saying on Sunday during the Italian Grand Prix.

One of the team’s drivers vowed “to keep driving like hell” to honor the Williams ‘ marquee, the last in F1 under British ownership.

Described in F1 circles as a serial winner, Williams notched up 114 victories,128 pole positions and 16 championhip titles in 740 races during his 43-year participation in the pinnacle of motorsport.

With a spectacular feat like that, Williams no doubt has immortalized himself in the annals of F1 history.

SIR FRANK WILLIAMS